Day 5 ~ Growing in Unity!

you are not alone… The people of Ukraine… my inspiration for this week. Sunflowers, blue and yellow, hope and love. My card for today is the flower of Ukraine and the colors of their flag.

To create this card I stamped the sunflower with Ink on 3, fadeout ink on watercolor paper. This ink is used for no-line water coloring. Next I painted the sunflower. Beginning with the center, I made circles of ground espresso, walnut stain, tea dye, rusty hinge and spiced marmalade. I used mustard seed for the petals. I dotted ground espresso on the center for detail. Then I stamped the same image on a white card base in three areas for the background. I used Versamark ink. A light grey was the result because my ink pad was stained from previous use. Finally, I stamped the sentiment with Hero Arts blue Hawaii ink on a thin strip. I adhered an extra strip to make it stronger and raised.

**A few close-ups.The sunflower has a muted effect. A little whimsy, contemporary feel.** **A bright pop of blue for the sentiment stands out.**

**I often place sentiments off-center. I feel it makes a more interesting card design. It also provides balance on this card with the two background stamps on the left, and only one on the right.**

**August 2018 SMAK kit by Unity Stamp Company**

Another look. Stickles glitter glue, sequins, drops, burlap string are a few embellishments that could be added. There are always so many possibilities!

Thank you for spending this week with me. I have enjoyed it! I hope you saw a few techniques and designs you might like to try. I appreciate all of your comments and let me know if you have any questions about how I make my cards. I love talking about stamping and cardmaking.

A million thanks to Unity Stamp Company for giving me the opportunity to share my cards this week. You are a fantastic company with an endless amount of amazing images to create so many wonderful projects. I love the community of friends here that support and inspire!

As I go about my day, I will keep the people of Ukraine in my heart. World peace is what we need and I believe it can happen.

Until next time, take care, stay safe and healthy.

Rachel

Visit me on Instagram and TikTok for fun videos @cardartbyrachel

**These are a few more cards I made in support of the people of Ukraine. I ran out of days so I thought I would include them anyway!**

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” van Gogh

Day 4 ~Growing in Unity!

Today I am sharing a card depicting a person who I imagine living in a place of freedom. I am reminded every day how grateful I am to be this person. My heart is with the people of Ukraine.

To create this card I stamped the image on white cardstock. Next I ink blended Squeezed Lemonade oxide ink around the girl to become the background. I painted the dress usingPrize Ribbon and Blueprint sketch distress inks. And a combination of reds and browns for her hair.Then I stamped the sentiment in black Versafine Ink. I die cut a scalloped frame by Gina Marie designs and glued it to the front. Finally I added a tiny jewel embellishment next to the sentiment for balance and a little extra something!

**Loose watercoloring, yet bold and strong.**

**It is fun to add splotches of color to dream up any pattern on her clothing. I gave the dress a tie-dye appearance!**

**A sentiment to express care and thoughts to those in need.**

“**What Will Be… Will Be” by Angie Blom for Unity Stamp Company**

A background can be filled in right up to the image, or left with empty space around like this card. Both styles are fantastic and each give a different distinct look.

Thank you for stopping by. I love to hear your thoughts and comments.

That which brings you joy, may your day be filled with an abundance of it.

Rachel

For short videos of cardmaking, please follow me on Instagram and TikTok @cardartbyrachel

A beautiful view I captured outside my window this week.

A beautiful view I captured outside my window this week.

Day 3 ~ Growing in Unity!

With each new day, I wake up hoping for peace. Today I share another card with thoughts of the people in Ukraine and all over the world during these times of social unrest and atrocities. Sending love, peace, strength and hope….

To create this card, I began by stamping the mixed-media style stamp with grey distress ink on the right side of the panel. Next I stamped the large floral image with Versafine ink. I embossed it with clear powder. Using Prize ribbon, I water colored the background adding blotches of color. Next I painted the blossoms with Mustard seed. Then I stamped the sentiment in Versafine ink and the paint splatter **image in three areas for balance and grounding. Finally, I used Stickles glitter glue to add that extra special touch!**

**To add depth to this card, I repeatedly added dark areas in specific areas under the blossoms. I also did the same with the petals, layers of yellow closest to the center.**

LIfe is better with friends. I am actually getting together with friends today for coffee. It’s been two years of little social interaction and I want to connect with friends again. It is so good for the soul and helps keep everything in perspective!

**Supplies I used**. **Clear embossing powder highlights the image and also permanently sets the color. If you choose to water-color the background, it will not run.**

**“better with friends” by Jolande van Oosterhout and Marleen van Meerendonk for Unity Stamp Company**

Thank you visiting, I appreciate all of your comments. I hope you get a chance to craft and create today. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Rachel

I am also on Instagram and TikTok @cardartbyrachel. I post short process videos on these sites for fun and a little extra information on how I make my cards.

“We uplift the world through kindness, through creativity, through Light, through Love.

Laura Jaworski

Day 2 ~ Growing in Unity!

Hello! Today I am sharing a soft and delicate card. An elegant wreath with fine lines and tiny blossoms. Blue and yellow have often been a favorite combination of mine. Not only do these colors remind me of van Gogh, but now the country of Ukraine. When I look at this beautiful image, it is calming and brings some sort of comfort.

To create this card I stamped the image in Stampin’ Up Sahara Sand ink. Next I die cut the image with a Gina Marie stitched border. Then I colored the leaves and blossoms with Copic markers. I wrapped embroidery thread around the front panel along with a sheer organza bow. Finally I added another slightly larger cardstock for a thin border before adhering it to the cream card base.

**I didn’t add any embellishments other than the bow, but glitter on the flowers would be an extra touch. Sequins or paint splatters would be awesome too!**

**A close-up view of the bow. For some reason I have noticed I don’t often center things. I** **like to set things askew for interest.**

**The font is so fancy and free flowing. I love how it goes perfectly with the image.**

Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate it so much. I hope you find a bit of time to create and fill your day with everything that brings you joy.

See you tomorrow!

Rachel

I am also on Instagram and TikTok @cardartbyrachel with short process videos of how I make my cards.

may we allow peace to infiltrate our lives. may we hold on tight to hope. and, take on faith as our armor for everyday living. Lindsey Eryn

Day 1~Growing In Unity!

Hi my name is Rachel! I’m a mom of three young adults and two dogs. I have enjoyed stamping for over 20 years. While looking at card ideas on Pinterest, I discovered Unity Stamp Company. Their unique, wide variety of images are refreshing and beautiful! The community of friends built around Unity is inspiring and supportive. Cardmaking is my escape as I enjoy creating daily. I find this craft relaxing and exhilarating. Thank you for letting me share my cards with you this week!

My heart is heavy for the people of Ukraine. I am choosing this week to share cards that express my support for them. My thoughts of safety, comfort and peace for these people as they go through each day of unimaginable bravery and strength.

**To create this card, I die cut a fancy square shape from watercolor paper**. Next I stamped the image again on patterned paper and fussy cut out the dress. Then I water-colored the image with distress inks and blended a bit of color around the edges using yellow on the top left for the light source to go with the sentiment. I die cut a scalloped rectangle on patterned paper. I stamped the sentiment on another die cut and blended coordinating inks around the edges in blues and yellows. Finally I added burlap string on the lower half of the card before adhering it to the pale blue card base.

**This image is a favorite as the wind in her hair shows movement and she is looking up toward the sky with love and hope**.

**Supplies I used**. **Subtle colors of blue and yellow.**

**…sun upon your face by Phyllis Harris for Unity Stamp Company.**

This sentiment seems fitting during a time when it is hard to find the right words.

Have a wonderful day and thank you for visiting. Hope to see you tomorrow!

Rachel

Please visit me on Instagram and TikTok for short fun cardmaking, gardening and videos of my two sweet dogs @cardartbyrachel

The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace. Mahatma Ghandi

The Friends of Unity Blog Hop ~ March 2022

Hi and welcome! I am excited to share my cards with you this month. I was challenged with this theme of kraft, black and white. Limited to a “colorless” card made me want to use color! I had to think about technique and design. I love black and white because of the sharp contrast, but adding kraft threw me a bit of a curve ball…. and the funny part is that I love kraft too!

Card #1 ~ Good Times

This card reminds me of a dance party where these two are getting to know each other. I thought it might be fun to use the 2nd generation technique where an image is inked once and stamped repeatedly without reinking.
**To create this card I stamped the man and woman silhouette images with Hero Hues unicorn kraft ink. Next the images can be stamped immediately on the base without reinking. (For this card,** I actually reinked the images and stamped on a separate scrap once to throw out the darkest. I did this because I wanted to place the original images exactly where I wanted them and inadvertently cleaned off the ink to do this.) Then I stamped the sentiment, cut it into two, and added a very thin border of kraft. I glued them at an angle to create a sense of movement. Finally I added iridescent sequins.

**A thin accent of kraft bordering the sentiment.**

**“Your My Happy” Layers of Life by Unity Stamp Company**

**The second man is tilted forward a bit. This was unplanned and I was going to start over but decided it adds interest and breaks up the repeated lines!**

Card #2 ~ A Beautiful Birthday

**This card is traditional. A beautiful floral image does not need a whole lot. I love that it is a corner image and so large as if it is blooming in front of our eyes!**
To create this card I stamped the floral image on white cardstock. Next I framed it on black paper. Then I adhered it to the kraft card base. I embossed the sentiment in white on black and popped it up with dimensionals. Finally I tied a bow with two lengths of burlap string and added a clear jewel embellishment.

**A close-up**. I love the detail of this floral image.

**“Wildflower” Corner by Unity Stamp Company**

**Black and white cards are sharp and bold with the contrast. Kraft adds a touch of an organic natural element.**

Card #3 ~ Those were the days!

**This card is inspired by vintage photographs. I took a summer scene and turned it into a cloudy evening for something different, unique and interesting!**
**To create this** card I stamped the image in Versamark Ink and heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. Next I ink blended Hero Hues unicorn kraft ink over the top. Then I die cut the image to give it a torn look and framed it up with white and kraft. **Finally I used one layer of burlap string and placed the bow on the lower portion of the card for balance.** **I also went over the figures with a black marker to make the images stand out.**

**“Good Day Sun Shine” by Authentique Paper for Unity Stamp Company**

**A look at the children close up. It was fun experimenting with how much white ink to leave or to wipe away.**

**A mix of past and present. I love this sentiment with two fonts**, **I only used half because the other part reads “sun shine” and I didn’t feel this card displayed that kind of a day. We can leave that up to the viewer to decide!**

Card #4 ~ Typewritten love and friendship

**This typewriter is amazing and has so many possibilities. I love the size and the detailed lines.**
To create this card I stamped the image with Versafine ink on kraft. Next I stamped the sentiment in the middle of the card with Versamark ink. Then I sprinkled white embossing powder over the sentiment and let it go over onto the image. Versafine ink can **be used for embossing, I often forget! I might have forgotten on this card….happy accident! Then I ink blended black soot around the edge of the card and painted a shadow for the typewriter.** **Finally I stamped the sentiment at the top in black and saved the last word for the lower right corner. I also added a clear bubble embellishment to finish the card.**

**“Our Blooming Story” by Angie Blom for Unity Stamp Company**

**This sentiment might be difficult to read. I love the effect! I separated the sentiment and stamped at top and bottom in black.**

**This image is really large and I just love the flowers popping out of the top of the vintage typewriter!**

**Supplies I used. I put them all together in one frame because the items I used to create overlapped and repeated for most of the cards.**

**My cards for this month. Kraft, Black and White.**

I hope you found some new and fun ideas to try out with this color scheme. Please comment below and hop along with our Friends of Unity! I will choose one person to receive a thank you prize for joining us! The winner will be announced at next month’s hop.

Crystal

Eileen

Rachel (me)

April

Colleen

Dawn F.

Amber

Kim

Joyce

Dawn B.

Alaine

Robyn

And now to announce the winner for February, Amanda Rhodes! Congratulations Amanda! Please message me your mailing address and I will get your prize in the mail! Thank you so much for participating, we appreciate you!

As this hop comes to a close, our hearts are heavy with the atrocities taking place in Ukraine. There are no words to express the sadness I am feeling. This card is to show I stand with Ukraine. Please stay strong, I hope for peace…

Thanks for hopping! See you next month. Keep creating beautiful pieces of art.

Rachel

Please check out my short videos on Instagram and TikTok @cardartbyrachel.

The Friends of Unity Blog Hop • February 2022!

Welcome! This month’s cue is a sketch. I love this exercise because it gives me an awesome starting point whether I am wrapped up in everyday business, feeling less motivated or maybe having a bit of a “creative block”. This is so helpful to get a jump start on cardmaking! I hope you get a chance to try this sketch out.

Card #1- A surprise special effect that’s out of this world!

**Glow-in-the-dark embossing powder!!! What will they come up with next?! I was over the moon when I got this product and it’s my first time using it.**
These are the steps to create this card. 1. I masked the balloon with tape. 2. Next I stamped the image with Versafine black ink on watercolor paper. I heat embossed it with clear powder. This set the image. 3. Then I stamped and embossed the balloon with Lawn Fawn Glow in the dark powder! **I can’t say enough about how much fun this effect is! 4.** **With metallic paints, I colored the space alien and then regular green for the cute monster. Metallic paints really add a space-like touch!** **5. Then I loosely blended distress oxide inks for the sky and planet. 6. I die cut the scene with a Gina Marie die. 7. I added a white strip of card** **stock with coordinating washi tape 8. Finally I stamped the sentiment right on the tape.** **A little crooked, I decided to keep it and add white dots as if it was supposed to be that way! (tip-the ink smeared a bit so next time I will try stazon ink and heat set it).**
**Actually the final step is holding the balloon up to a light. Then take it to a dark room to see the glow! Awesome!**

**“Other Worldly Greetings”** **by Unity Stamp Company**

**Metallic watercolor on the alien’s suit!** **It really looks awesome in person** **and not so** **messy.** :**) Also I used vellum to extend the sentiment strip so that you could see the image underneath it.**

**Glow in the dark powder in action!** **This is a game changer for sure.**

**I stamped the top sentiment directly on the washi tape. It isn’t straight but I liked it and added white dots to take on a wavy look. Also I would use Stazon ink next time so it doesn’t smudge.**

Card #2 – An elegant thinking of you

**I love this floral and the hardest part was deciding what color my irises were going to be. I decided on my favorite color blue!**
**1. I die cut the watercolor paper with a beautiful Gina Marie Die.** 2. Next I stamped the image with Versafine ink and painted it with blueprint sketch distress inks. 3. Then I used a larger matching die and using one side of it, I cut a strip for the top of the card. 4. I stamped the sentiment on a piece of white paper, I watercolored prize ribbon over it and also mounted it on white. 5. Finally I tied ivory burlap string on the strip of paper and blended it with the same blue ink. I glued down just the top portion to give it a valance-like feel!

**This reminds me of an eyelet valance!**

**“Care and Hope Iris” by Sandya Iyer** **for Unity Stamp Company**

**A card to send to almost anyone anytime when they need that little pick-me-up!**

Card #3 – A sentimental Valentine’s Day card

**A vintage kind of feel. I used two sets to make this card. 1. I tore the cardstock in a rectangular shape and stamped the envelope image on it. 2.**
Next I ink blended the edges with distress ink. 3. I stamped the quill pen in Versafine ink and embossed it with sparkly black glitter! 4. I die cut out an area at the top for interest and added red paper underneath. This step may have been skipped as it is hard to see. 5. Then I heat embossed the “your story” sentiment in maroon. **6. Using vellum I stamped the “Love”** sentiment and heat embossed it with gold. Three layers for thickness, I wrapped it around the edges and taped it to the back. 7. I added washi tape for interest and also to keep the vellum in place. 8. A cut out heart from a scrap of silver glitter foam added a sparkling final accent.

**The feather pen embossed with sparkly black glitter powder.**

**Gold embossed love sentiment on vellum and a silver glitter heart cut from foam.**

**“All the Stories” and a layers of life kit by Unity** **Stamp Company**

**A take on Valentine’s day or great for any lovely occasion!**

Card #4 – A worldy illusion

**Maybe this is a window into the world?! A color palette with a very earthy natural feel.**
**1. First I taped the stencil on a white card base and blended oxide ink over the sphere. I used shabby shutters oxide ink on the remaining areas. This stencil is amazing and offers a 3D illusion.** 2. Next I stamped the world image in vintage photo and embossed it with clear powder. 3. I die cut a woodgrain frame by Hero Arts. It was a scrap with splattered white acrylic paint on it. 4. With gray washi tape, I covered a strip of white card stock and tied an olive organza ribbon on to soften the card. 5. Finally I stamped the sentiment and die cut a curvy edge. I blended coordinating colors around the edges.

**I clear embossed the world to set the image and bring texture so it doesn’t disappear behind the frame.**

**“Love brings you home” by Erin Schreiner for Unity Stamp Company**

**I love the sphere stencil! It is an optical illusion (Op Art) of a sphere with a strong 3D quality. You can reach out and grab it!**

Thank you for hopping along with us, this was a fun sketch! Please hop to the next friend below to see tons of creativity and amazing ideas. Comment to win a “thank you” prize, the winner will be announced at next month’s hop.

Crystal

Eileen

Bobbie Sue

April

Dawn F.

Colleen

Rachel(me)

Kim

Joyce

Amber

Robyn

And now for the winner of last month’s hop…….Shelley Middleton! Thank you so much for hopping! Congratulations!!! Please message me you mailing address and I will get your prize sent out to you!

Until March brings us back together, may you stay safe and healthy while creating tons of amazing and beautiful cards. I am so very hopeful for all that comes with thoughts of spring and the beautiful blue skies that surround.

Please visit me on Instagram and TikTok @cardartbyrachel for fun short process videos of how I made these cards.

Happy crafting my friends!

Rachel

The Friends of Unity Blog Hop January 2022 ~ Happy New Year!

Hello and Happy New Year! I hope you bid a fine farewell to 2021 as we look straight ahead to 2022. The cue this month is CAS which stands for “clean and simple.” The best part about this cue, less is more. Most cards in this category I have found to be quick and easy to complete. A few guidelines when making my cards I followed were…leave a large amount of blank space, few layers, and little to no embellishments. Believe you me, it was not easy. I may just have to sneak a few burlap string and glitter on some of these cards when no one is looking!

Card #1

**When I met my husband years ago, a new celebration important to his family became part of our tradition.** **Looking ahead to the Lunar New Year**, **I thought immediately of this stamp I won from Unity a few years back!**
1. I stamped the image on heavy white card stock with Versafine ink. To create dimension, I unevenly applied ink to the stamp.(darker on the sides of each lantern) 2. Next I die cut the image at an angle on a square dotted die. 3. Then I cut a square to create a fine red border. 4. I stamped the sentiment on a strip of black cardstock and heat embossed it with Ranger gold embossing powder. 5. Finally I glued it all together to complete the card.

Card #1 (b)

**This card is less bright and dramatic, but I love the rich gold image and red ink on grey.**
**1. I heat embossed the image with Ranger gold embossing powder. 2. Next I die cut it out with a Gina Marie dotted rectangular** **die**. **3. I glued the die on the center of the card in landscape orientation. 4. Finally I stamped the sentiment in** **red ink.**

Card #1 (c)

**This card is mostly white with accents of black, gold and red.**
1. I stamped the image directly on the cardbase making sure the ends of the image go off the page. 2. Next I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink and heat embossed it with Stampstruck gold sparkly embossing powder. 3. I die cut the sentiment with the square dotted die and cut a fine layer border of red to go under it. 4. Finally I adhered the pieces together and that was it!

Card #2

I love this tiny image with a huge message! Colored pencils on kraft are pure magic. The colors seem to glow and illuminate on contact.
1. I die cut the stitched circle border on kraft. 2. Next I lightly penciled in where the circle will be placed on the card base. 3. Then I stamped the image with Versafine Ink and colored it with Berol Prismacolor pencils. Erase the pencil marking. 4. Finally I stamped the sentiment on the front and adhered it to the base.

**Supplies I used. The little bear is an eraser!**

**Prismacolor pencils glow on kraft cardstock**

Card #3

**This card was mostly an experiment. I almost didn’t share it because I am unsure if I like it! I hope you find something about it appealing. I can picture many other color combinations.**
1. First I attached the image to my Misti platform. Using four colors, I inked various parts of the image and repeatedly stamped the image. 2. Next I stamped the sentiment three times with different inks and the third I embossed with silver powder allowing the powder to also adhere to part of the heart image. 3. I added a splatter stamp on the top left and bottom of the image. 4. Finally I mounted the image on a white card base.

**Silver embossing powder for the sentiment**

Card #4

I love this image! When I asked my daughter for her opinion about the card she said “it took me a second to tell what the picture is.” Maybe that’s ok. It encourages the viewer to take a moment longer to see it! Embossed in white this reminds me of Mark Tobey, an artist noted for his “white writing” style.
1. I stamped the image with Versafine ink and heat embossed it with Brutus Monroe alabaster powder. 2. Next I painted it with distress ink. I painted over it many times to keep the dark color on the edges. This is to define the lines and add contrast. 3. Then I stamped the sentiment with Stampin’ Up basic gray ink. 4. Finally I mounted it on a white card base.

**White embossing powder and a charcoal grey sentiment.**

Card #5

**A burst of bright yellow to say I forgot and hoping to make up for the shortcoming! This was fun to make. I love how bold the white lightbulb is on the card.**
1. I stamped the lightbulb on white cardstock with Versafine Ink. 2. Next I fussy-cut it out and sponged a bit of yellow ink on the filament of the bulb. 3. Then I stenciled the sun rays in with the same yellow ink. It had a bit of orange still left on the sponge from past blending! 4. After that, I masked off part of the sentiment, arranged it on the Misti and stamped it down. I repeated this step with the lower half of the sentiment. 5. Finally I adhered the lightbulb to the card!

**“Lightbulb Moment” by Lisa Arana for Unity Stamp Company**

**A close-up**. I used one sentiment and stamped it in two separate areas **by taping off one line at a time.**

**I love a card base in yellow. It just screams energy and excitement!**

Here is the list of the Friends of Unity blog links. Just click on the next person and it will take you right to their blog.

Crystal

Eileen

Dawn B.

Dawn F.

April

Rachel(me)

Bobbie Sue

Kim

Alaine

Amber

Joyce

Robin

Thank you so much for hopping with us! Please don’t forget to leave a comment. I will draw a random person from the comments to receive a “thank you” prize. The winner will be announced on next month’s post.

Now to announce the winner from December….Jenni Shamblin! Congratulations Jenni, please message me your mailing address!

I so enjoyed the clean and simple cue. It’s refreshing getting back to basics and nice when wanting to make multiple cards. Also a true time saver with most of these cards too. Please let me know your thoughts and which one is your favorite. It would be fun to hear your least favorite too!

Please visit me on Instagram and TikTok @cardartbyrachel for short, fun process videos.

**One stamp used for 3 different cards**

Have a wonderful start to the new year. May you be safe and healthy as we navigate through these winter months!

Rachel

The Friends of Unity Blog Hop~ December 2021

The cue this month is Retro/Vintage! There is something to be said about timeless treasures and memories from the past. A feeling of nostalgia and sentimentality is mostly heartwarming and beautiful.

Card #1~Remaining brave and confident

**This image is thought provoking and inspirational. The bold contrast of the light hitting the image symbolizes hope through the shadowy darkness.**
I stamped the image in Versafine black ink on white cardstock, die cut out with a wonky stitched die. I heat embossed with clear powder to make it permanent as I wasn’t sure what my plans were for this card. **Next I brushed distress ink on her face and the dress but left the areas where the light first meets her face.** **Then I brushed on ink around the edges and darkest areas on the left side of her face where it was the most shaded.** **I stamped the sentiment in black and then applied versamark ink on the lower half of the sentiment. I embossed this part with silver powder.** Finally I used a dot stencil around the edges and a paintbrush dipped in water to add light specks around the image. I framed the image on a fine white border and distressed it with a scissor’s blade.

**“You Will” by Jake Wangen & Joselyn Nielson for Unity Stamp Company**

**Ranger liquid pearls could be added to the necklace and a few embellishments in the lower left hand corner such as a paper flower or a crystal.**

Card #2~A letterpress inspired creation

I recently went to a letterpress class. I created this card to remind me of the simplicity and the little color used on a letterpress machine. Changing ink color requires cleaning rollers with a solvent and quite a bit of time.
**I stamped this awesome image of ornaments hanging on a tree with black Versafine ink. Next I stamped the sentiment on heavy cardstock and cut it out with a stitched square die.** **I framed it with a thin black border.** **Finally I adhered the image to a white card base.** **I could add an embellishment in the lower right corner but in keeping with the letterpress vision, I love it just the way it is!**

Card #3~Let there be laughter and beautiful memories

**I’m always looking to try something different. I thought a scene might be creative with a close-up image inside a wall papered room. A window view looks outside to a lighted Christmas tree.**
I die cut the mini slimline with a Gina Marie die from patterned paper. I stamped the image right over the top. Next I used an Arts Impressions window die. I used distress ink to darken the window panes. On the cardstock I stamped the tree and star being careful to keep the colors separate. I blended distress ink in the background. Using brown and black distress ink I also blended ink around the edges of the card base, the patterned paper and eventually the sentiment strip. Finally I added Stickles to the tree and star and burlap string to complete the card. I didn’t plan for the flower in the woman’s hair but it was a nice surprise!

**“Lawd have mercy” by Joselyn Nielson for Unity Stamp Company**

**Loving the** **cheerful anticipation of the holiday festivities!**

Card #4~A warm, homemade hello

**Memories of fresh baked Holiday cookies made by my mom every Christmas is what I think** **of when I see this image.**
I die cut the kraft cardstock with a scalloped Gina Marie die. I stamped it with Versamark ink and embossed with Ranger gold powder. I colored the gingerbread with Prismacolor pencils and embellished it with Ranger liquid pearls for the buttons, Stickles for the bow tie and glitter glue for the eyes. I wasn’t able to color this in to my liking because the pencil was hard to get in the crevices of the embossed areas. I stamped the sentiment in brown Momento ink and embossed it with clear powder. Organza red ribbon adds the final touch!

**Organza ribbon, sheer and beautiful!**

**“Christmas Cookies” by Lisa Arana for Unity Stamp Co**

**A homemade cookie does wonders for the heart, not just the tummy!** **For some reason I love gingerbread cookie images, I can’t seem to get enough of them!**

Hope you find a little bit of inspiration in my vintage cards. Please visit my friends on the hop for so much more creativity and retro ideas! Don’t forget to comment on each friend to be entered to win a prize! Alaine is your next stop!

Crystal

Eileen

Amber

April

Dawn F.

Colleen

Rachel(me)

Alaine

Robyn

And now for the winner of November’s blog hop is Sunshine Honey bee-Melissa!!!…….Congratulations!!! Please message me with you mailing address and I will get your “thank you” prize in the mail!

**Friends of Unity Blog Hop ~ December 2021**

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and taking the time to see my creations. It is always a pleasure to share a bit of what I love to do. May you find joy and peace during the holiday season as I know it evokes a range of emotions in all of us. See you next month, stay safe and healthy!

Rachel

Please follow me on Instagram and Tik Tok for super short videos of how I made these cards @cardartbyrachel

“whatever is beautiful. whatever is meaningful. whatever brings you happiness. may it be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year.”

The Friends of Unity Blog Hop – November 2021

The cue for this month is “anything but a card” and being that 99% of my stamping ends up as a card, I was excited and ready for the challenge! There are so many projects I think about trying and this really pushed me to explore new territories.

Project #1 – Travertine coaster

Super easy and fun to create, I love how they turned out! 1. I purchased travertine tiles from local home improvement store 2. Next I stamped the image with StazOn ink. It is permanent so once it is stamped it will not come off. A little scary but if it doesn’t come out there are always ways to work around it! **3. Then I painted the image with colored ink** and stamped on splatters for extra interest. 4. Finally I “scrubbed” on a tiny thin layer of varnish with a stiff bristle brush. It is so thin you can’t see any brush strokes.

**Ink might stain the stamps. StazOn ink cleaner is available, but it is not meant for clear stamps.**

.A beautiful floral image with purple StazOn ink. This is how it appears without the varnish. It has a matte look and I am experimenting to see how the ink holds up over time.

**Die cut** **foam circles glued to the back to prevent scratching surfaces.** **Cork or felt pads are great too.**

**Stazon ink and a bit of blue distress ink. I also painted with orange but it disappeared when I applied the varnish.**

Project #2 – Decorative notebook

This is another super fast project. I kept it one layered, clean and simple! 1. I cut a thick piece of patterned paper to fit the notebook. 2. Next I stamped the girl with brown and red ink, the grass I used green. 3. Then I chose two sentiments and stamped one vertically down the left side and the other across the top. 4. Finally I glued the paper onto the notebook.

**“…substance of things” by Phyllis Harris for Unity Stamp Company**

I love how this turned out. It can definitely be embellished but sometimes it’s nice to keep things simple. I imagine taking it in and out of a tote bag, one layer makes it easy without anything falling off.

Project #3 – Memorydex file

**I discovered the Memorydex about a year ago and love the possibilities it brings! I decided mine is going to be a fun file of sentiments, occasions, holidays, favorite stamp images and on and on!** **1. I die cut the shape of file I wanted to use. (There are 4** **shapes to choose from) 2. Next I stamped the turkey and the piece of paper image on the file. I** colored them with Copic markers. 3. Then on a separate paper, I stamped the turkey, colored, cut out, and popped up the main body to give the file dimension. 4. Finally I stamped the sentiment on a patterned paper die cut and glued it on.

**“Turns out better” by Lisa Glanz for Unity Stamp Company** **and a piece of paper stamp**

**Wouldn’t it be fun to trade Memorydex cards?! I see people trading ATC cards all the time. With file cards, they already have a home on the Memorydex holder!**

Project #4 – Rolodex file

The Rolodex has been around for a very long time but for some reason I have always kept an address book. Now I am thrilled to change it up. 1. Keeping it simple because the area is so tiny, I chose a few stamps that will form a border. I chose an outdoorsy feel. 2. Next I blended distress ink around the perimeter as a base color. 3. Then I stamped the pine needles and the pinecone. 4. Finally I used my splatter stamp adding bits of color for interest.

The Rolodex file is for addresses. It comes with very thin files. I would love to find a punch or die so I could make my own. The most important tip I have is to leave enough blank space in the middle to fit the contact information. Also you can use the front and back, I had to be careful so that the ink doesn’t show on the other side.

**“Winter Blessings” by Graciellie Designs, KOTM, and “Barn Wall” by Brutus Monroe for Unity Stamp Company**

Project #5 – Gift Tag

**A holiday gift tag is useful and a special touch attached to a present.**
**1. First I die cut the tags with thick white cardstock. I die cut an additional tag out of patterned paper** **for the top of the larger tag.** 2. Next I ink blended the background with distress inks. 3. I stamped the tree and the images directly over the background. 4. I loosely watercolored them not worrying about the background showing through. 5.After that, I heat embossed a sparkly copper sentiment.
6. Then I embellished the ornament, the hat and the bird with Stickles glitter glue. 7. Finally I added a bakers twine bow to the front of the small tag and thread burlap string through both tags for the finish. **I left the small die unglued so it would have movement.**

**Another angle** **to show the sparkles**

**“Woodland Festivities” by Lisa Glanz for Unity Stamp Company**

**A gift tag can also be used to adorn a bottle of wine for a dinner engagement**

Project #5 – Gift Tag (part 2)

Another gift tag with a vintage feel. 1. I die cut the two tags. 2. Next I watercolored a wash of red in the area I was planning to stamp the truck. 3. I stamped the image over the paint. 4. Then I embossed the sentiment in silver on a strip of black cardstock. 5. I glued the sentiment on the small tag and wrapped copper wire around it for interest. 6. Finally I popped up the sentiment and attached charcoal string to complete the tag.

**“Good Tidings” by Tierra Jackson for Unity Stamp Company**

**A handmade tag is a great conversation piece!**

**My projects for “anything but a card”** **was a great change of pace. I can’t wait to make more and even think of other non-card projects! Which one is your favorite and which project might you choose to make?**

Thanks so much for hopping, please visit the next friend on the list for so many fun project ideas. Don’t forget to comment and you will be entered to win a prize! And now for the winner of last month’s hop is…. Mary Moisan! Congratulations Mary! Please PM me your mailing address and I will get your prize sent to you! Yay!

Crystal

Eileen

April

Rachel (me)

Dawn F.

Colleen

Kim

Alaine

Joyce

Robyn

As we enter the holiday season, may you all be safe and healthy. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

See you next month!

Rachel

Please visit me on Instagram @cardartbyrachel and TikTok @cardartbyrachel for videos of how I made these projects!

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way, things I had no words for.”

Georgia O’Keeffe