Hello! I have a fun watercolor card to share today for this month's PTI Blog Hop. This inspiration photo was all it took for me to make sure I absolutely participated in the blog hop this month! Isn't it just gorgeous?! Those colors are so ME! I was so excited to have this as my inspiration ;)

So, I wanted to basically replicate the look above. The hexagon cover plate popped into mind, and I randomly water colored the background layer using the same colors. I'm still relatively new to this water coloring thing, so it was kinda experimental!! I really LOVE the look though.

The sentiment is from Fancy That and is stamped with True Black ink on vellum. A few sequins add a finishing touch!

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy the rest of the hop!

Supplies: 
Stamps: PTI - Fancy That
Paper: PTI - White; Strathmore - Watercolor; Vellum
Die: PTI - Hexagon Cover Plate
Other: Watercolor Paints - Hobby Lobby, Sequins

New Spring Dies from Top Dog Dies Blog Hop!

**Please make sure to read to the end of this post where you can find out details on how to WIN some amazing products from Top Dog Dies!**

If you're hopping along in order, then you should have arrived here from Natalie's blog.

Hi crafty friends! I'm here today for a VERY exciting post. Top Dog Dies has released 10 new exclusive dies! The design team is having a blog hop to showcase all these fabulous new dies, so I highly encourage you to visit their blogs to see all the MASSIVE creativity that this team has up their sleeves!!! I'm so impressed by all my teammies and their amazing work, you don't want to miss this fun hop! So what are we waiting for?! See below for all the NEW dies!

Decorated Eggs Die Set

Cross Die Set

Typewriter Numbers & Symbols Die

Typewriter Lowercase Die

Typewriter Uppercase Die

Rabbits Die Set

Feathered Friends Die Set

Sheep Die Set

Easter Die Set

Grass Die Set

Now it's time to show you my creations! Hope I inspire you ;)

I am entering this into the current Fusion Challenge. I chose to use just the sketch. I'm loving those sun rays in the background on the card base. I wanted to make it a little more subtle, so I layered a full piece of vellum over the card base (it's hard to see in the pic).

I am entering this in the current Runway Inspired Challenge RIC #78 DKNY. I love those angled stripes on the model's top, and thought it was time to try out my new v-shaped stencil!

I hope you enjoy my cards using the new stuff! Your next stop on the hop is the super cool and talented, Piali Biswas! Make sure to visit her and leave her some love ;) If you want to start at the beginning, just visit the Top Dog Dies blog for the full DT blog list.

If you are looking for even more inspiration, make sure to check out the Idea Gallery on the TDD website!

Ok I promised to tell you how you can have an opportunity to WIN this ENTIRE new release of dies from TDD! They are giving away these 10 new dies I introduced above, which is $122 value! You have until March 6th to enter for a chance to win. Please visit the TDD Blog to enter!

Uniko Studio Challenge #18 - Birthday

Hi! Welcome to the next Uniko Studio Challenge! As I mentioned in the last challenge post, we've revamped the challenges to bring more variety and make it possible for everyone to participate. Yay! Here's the deets:

• Challenges will run for 2 weeks only and will begin on the 3rd Friday of each month
• You can use ANY stamps in the challenges
• You can enter as many times as you want and enter as many other challenges as you want combined with ours!

We are happy to have a very creative Guest Designer joining us for this challenge! Please check out Tracey's McNeely's blog if you aren't familiar with her work, and to see her project for this challenge!

THEME: BIRTHDAY!

This month's theme is Birthday. Perfect for those of you who have purchased some of the new release sets this month!

I definitely need to have more masculine birthday cards on hand, so here's what I came up with. I used a few different sets (links below in supply list), and kept it pretty CAS.

~TIP~ Did you notice the balloon strings?? Wondering where it came from?? Well, I took the straight balloon string from Balloon Bash and positioned it in a curved, wavy line on the acrylic block before inking it up.

You have until Friday, March 6th, 2:00am CST, to link your card up on the Uniko Blog. 

How to WIN some Uniko gift vouchers!!

• The DT will choose a winner who will get a £20 Gift Voucher for Uniko Studio plus be invited to be a Guest Designer for our next challenge
• Our DT will also choose a top 3 and they will each get a £5 Gift Voucher
• If you do use a Uniko product we will do a random selected prize to win a £10 gift voucher

Supplies:
Stamps: Uniko Studio - Balloon Bash, Simply Said Birthday, Background Builders: Squared
Cardstock: PTI - Rustic Cream; SU - Kraft
Ink: PTI -True Black; SU - Real Red
Other: Foam Tape, Corner Rounder

Top Dog Dies Chevron Card Tutorial

Hey there! My latest tutorial for Top Dog Dies has now gone live on the TDD blog. Make sure to check it out. If you like CAS, graphic cards, I think you will love the tutorial!

Here's a peek....

Uniko Studio February Release!

Hello and welcome to this exciting day over at Uniko Studio! Today they are celebrating their 3rd birthday! What an accomplishment! It would mean so much to Bev over at Uniko if you stopped by the blog today and wished her and Uniko a very happy birthday! :D

To celebrate, they are releasing FOUR new stamp sets today. All the sets are now available to purchase here. If you see a favorite, I highly suggest snatching it up quickly because I think this could be a very popular release!

As you may have seen over the last few days, I have shared some sneak peek projects with you leading up to this release. I have had such a blast creating with these new sets.

Now you can see the full sets below...

BALLOON BASH

CLASSIC NUMBERS

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS II

SIMPLY SAID BIRTHDAY

Aren't they amazing?!?!

Now I have to share with you what I created using my FAVORITE set from this release...Beautiful Blooms II (and also Simply Said Birthday)

I'm a big fan of the watercolor look, but I haven't used it a lot lately, so I thought it was about time I did. This card was very simple to do! I started with a trimmed down piece of watercolor paper. Then, I just brushed on the four different colors, one at a time and let it dry. Next, I stamped the sentiment. The flower was stamped twice, the second time I used the masking technique to achieve this look. Then a thin piece of twine was wrapped around the watercolor paper, and then attached to the card base. I hope I've inspired you today!

I am entering this in the CAS-ual Fridays CFC136 Challenge: Must love watercolor.

Would you LOVE to win the entire release?! For a chance to win, make sure to stop by Uniko Studio and all the design team's blogs and leave a comment! One lucky winner WILL win the entire release!!! Good luck! (If you have already purchased any or all of the release, a refund will be given). Since it is Uniko's 3rd Birthday, they will also be giving away TWO more prizes of £10 eGift Certificates. You have until Wed, Feb 18th to enter.

Beverley (Uniko Studio)
Amber
Deborah

Gillian

Nicki  ----> THAT'S ME!

Sandie

Sarah

Supplies:
Stamps: Uniko Studio - Beautiful Blooms II, Simply Said Birthday
Cardstock: PTI - True Black; Stampin' Up! - Watercolor cardstock
Ink: PTI - True Black
Other: Watercolor paints, Twine

Uniko Studio: Introducing Simply Said - Birthday

Good morning! I'm VERY excited to share with you a project using Uniko Studio's new stamp set called "Simply Said: Birthday". Beginning February 11th, 2015, you will be able to purchase this set HERE along with all the other new sets being released this month!!

In case you missed it a couple days ago, here is the Sneak Peek photo of the stamp set.

As you can see, my card is super CAS! There are a couple sentiments in this set that I am just DROOLING over! The font choices are FANTASTIC!!

One of my favs is the one I've used on this card. I thought is was such an elegant and fun font at the same time, and I really wanted to showcase it. Using a rainbow color scheme, all I did was stamp the sentiment repeatedly down a vertical piece of cardstock! To give it a little extra 'punch', I cut a scalloped border die (from Top Dog Dies) and also used a rainbow color scheme, inks, and a foam ink blending tool to apply the ink to the card stock. The scalloped border is attached to the back side of the sentiment panel, and it's all adhered using foam tape. I just love this :D

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to visit all the design team members and Beverley's blog to see more gorgeous creations using this set!

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY! BE SURE TO STOP BACK HERE AND THE UNIKO BLOG TO SEE THE FULL REVEAL OF THE STAMP SETS AND MORE AWESOME INSPIRATION FROM BEV AND THE DESIGN TEAM!!

Beverley (Uniko Studio)
Deborah

Gillian

Nicki  ----> THAT'S ME!

Sandie

Sarah

Below I have outlined the release schedule and as for previous releases there are prizes up for grabs :)

Sneak Peeks - February 5th and 6th These little teasers give you hints at what is in store!

Introducing... February 7th - 10th - Here you'll get to see the soon to be released products in action. The design team and guest designers will be joining in on the introductions and you won't want to miss a second!

Release Day! Wednesday, February 11th you will get to see all the products in their entirety and purchase them HERE on the website! As tradition holds there will be a Design Team Blog Hop with a chance for a lucky person to win the ENTIRE release!

Now, you won't want to miss out on any of the fun from February 5th - 10th as Bev from Uniko will be drawing totally random winners for mystery prizes. She's not giving any hints as to the prizes or their value, you'll just have to join in on the fun!

Places to join in on the fun and have a chance to win a prize are by commenting along the way on the Uniko Studio Blog, Design Team and Guest Design Team Blogs, liking the Uniko Studio Facebook Page, following on Twitter and on Pinterest!


Supplies: 
Stamps: Uniko Studio - Simply Said: Birthday
Cardstock: PTI - White
Ink: Stampin' Up, PTI, ColorBox
Die: Top Dog Dies - Dotted Borders Die Set

Uniko Studio: Introducing Beautiful Blooms II

Good morning! I'm VERY excited to share with you a project using Uniko Studio's new stamp set called "Beautiful Blooms II". Beginning February 11th, 2015, you will be able to purchase this set HERE along with all the other new sets being released this month!!

In case you missed it a couple days ago, here is the Sneak Peek photo of the stamp set.

You guys. This stamp set is a MUST. HAVE. Seriously. It is sooooooo pretty! I just love the different ways you can use the flowers, whether it's all three steps, or just one, it is just so beautiful! Not to mention the awesome leaves...

The flowers on the top part of my card are stamped with a light grey ink, and those little dots are one of the accent stamps from Balloon Bash (LOVE those little accents!). I added Glossy Accents to all the dots. I felt like it just needed something, and I think that was it ;)

The sentiment is embossed with white EP on the black card stock strip. Isn't that patterned paper on the bottom so fun?! Finally, I stamped the main flowers and leaves on white card stock, fussy cut them, and attached to the card with foam tape for some dimension. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! What do you think?!

I am entering this in the current Runway Inspired Challenge #77 - Jenny Packham. Isn't that dress gorgeous?! I was very inspired by the colors and flowers ;)

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to visit all the design team members and Beverley's blog to see more gorgeous creations using this set! COME BACK TOMORROW FOR MORE!!

Beverley (Uniko Studio)
Deborah

Gillian

Nicki  ----> THAT'S ME!

Sandie

Sarah

Below I have outlined the release schedule and as for previous releases there are prizes up for grabs :)

Sneak Peeks - February 5th and 6th These little teasers give you hints at what is in store!

Introducing... February 7th - 10th - Here you'll get to see the soon to be released products in action. The design team and guest designers will be joining in on the introductions and you won't want to miss a second!

Release Day! Wednesday, February 11th you will get to see all the products in their entirety and purchase them HERE on the website! As tradition holds there will be a Design Team Blog Hop with a chance for a lucky person to win the ENTIRE release!

Now, you won't want to miss out on any of the fun from February 5th - 10th as Bev from Uniko will be drawing totally random winners for mystery prizes. She's not giving any hints as to the prizes or their value, you'll just have to join in on the fun!

Places to join in on the fun and have a chance to win a prize are by commenting along the way on the Uniko Studio Blog, Design Team and Guest Design Team Blogs, liking the Uniko Studio Facebook Page, following on Twitter and on Pinterest!


Supplies: 
Stamps: Uniko Studio - Beautiful Blooms II, Balloon Bash
Cardstock: PTI - White, True Black
Ink: Stampin' Up, PTI
Other: Glossy Accents, White Embossing Powder, Amy Tangerine PP - Plus One

Uniko Studio: Introducing Classic Numbers

Good morning! I'm excited to share with you a project using Uniko Studio's new stamp set called "Classic Numbers". Beginning February 11th, 2015, you will be able to purchase this set HERE along with all the other new sets being released this month!!

In case you missed it a couple days ago, here is the Sneak Peek photo of the stamp set.

My sister-in-law is turning 30 soon, so I thought this set would be great for a 30th birthday card. Although it is not really my typical CAS style, I'm really happy with how this turned out. I'm slowly starting to use my washi tape. I've had the hardest time knowing what the heck to do with it!

The balloons are stamped on white cardstock and fussy cut. I added some liquid glue to the back of each balloon and attached the silver thread to the back and it just hangs there, so when you pick up the card, the thread swings a little bit. A fun little touch!

The background pattern was stamped using a little flower cluster stamp from Balloon Bash. The dark grey panel was attached to the card base using the striped washi tape. The balloons are attached with some foam tape, and a few sequins were added for some extra sparkle ;)

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to visit all the design team members and Beverley's blog to see more gorgeous creations using this set! COME BACK TOMORROW FOR MORE!!

Beverley (Uniko Studio)
Deborah

Gillian

Nicki  ----> THAT'S ME!

Sandie

Sarah

Below I have outlined the release schedule and as for previous releases there are prizes up for grabs :)

Sneak Peeks - February 5th and 6th These little teasers give you hints at what is in store!

Introducing... February 7th - 10th - Here you'll get to see the soon to be released products in action. The design team and guest designers will be joining in on the introductions and you won't want to miss a second!

Release Day! Wednesday, February 11th you will get to see all the products in their entirety and purchase them HERE on the website! As tradition holds there will be a Design Team Blog Hop with a chance for a lucky person to win the ENTIRE release!

Now, you won't want to miss out on any of the fun from February 5th - 10th as Bev from Uniko will be drawing totally random winners for mystery prizes. She's not giving any hints as to the prizes or their value, you'll just have to join in on the fun!

Places to join in on the fun and have a chance to win a prize are by commenting along the way on the Uniko Studio Blog, Design Team and Guest Design Team Blogs, liking the Uniko Studio Facebook Page, following on Twitter and on Pinterest!


Supplies: 
Stamps: Uniko Studio - Classic Numbers, Balloon Bash
Cardstock: PTI - White, Smokey Shadow
Inks: Hero Arts, PTI, Sweet Stamps
Other: Washi Tape - The Paper Studio, Sequins, Silver Thread

Uniko Studio: Introducing Balloon Bash

Good morning! I'm excited that today I can finally share with you my first project using Uniko Studio's new stamp set called "Balloon Bash". Beginning February 11th, 2015, you will be able to purchase this set HERE along with all the other new sets being released this month!!

In case you missed it a couple days ago, here is the Sneak Peek photo of the stamp set.

As I was brainstorming ideas for this set, I remembered a technique that I had seen that I wanted to try. I'm so glad I did because I just LOVE LOVE how this turned out! Check out the video by one of my paper crafting idols, Jennifer McGuire. She shows how to use two colors to achieve a more realistic looking balloon. It took me a little practice, but once I got the hang of it, I was soooo happy with the results!

I love the subtle stamped stars in the background. It's a little difficult to see in the photo, but they really give a fun, special finishing touch to this card. You MUST get this set!

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to visit all the design team members and Beverley's blog to see more gorgeous creations using this fun set! COME BACK TOMORROW FOR MORE!!

Beverley (Uniko Studio)
Deborah

Gillian

Nicki  ----> THAT'S ME!

Sandie

Sarah

Below I have outlined the release schedule and as for previous releases there are prizes up for grabs :)

Sneak Peeks - February 5th and 6th These little teasers give you hints at what is in store!

Introducing... February 7th - 10th - Here you'll get to see the soon to be released products in action. The design team and guest designers will be joining in on the introductions and you won't want to miss a second!

Release Day! Wednesday, February 11th you will get to see all the products in their entirety and purchase them HERE on the website! As tradition holds there will be a Design Team Blog Hop with a chance for a lucky person to win the ENTIRE release!

Now, you won't want to miss out on any of the fun from February 5th - 10th as Bev from Uniko will be drawing totally random winners for mystery prizes. She's not giving any hints as to the prizes or their value, you'll just have to join in on the fun!

Places to join in on the fun and have a chance to win a prize are by commenting along the way on the Uniko Studio Blog, Design Team and Guest Design Team Blogs, liking the Uniko Studio Facebook Page, following on Twitter and on Pinterest!



Supplies: 
Stamps: Uniko Studio - Balloon Bash
Cardstock: PTI - White
Inks: used some PTI & Stampin' Up

Uniko Studio February Sneak Peeks Day 2

I'm back for more Sneak Peeks of the Uniko Studio 3rd Birthday countdown!! The new release is Wednesday, February 11th. I would LOVE it if you would keep checking back here for more festivities from now until the 11th! Fun stuff to share! ;)

Sneak number 3 is of a new mini floral set and the next in a series of florals which was started a while back. With the three step stamping options and the size of the flower, I think this will be a very well loved stamp set ;)

Following on in the Simply Said series, this next and last mini set for the February Release is going to be a useful sentiment for all your birthday themed cards! YAY! I can't wait for you to see it...there are some AWESOME fonts used in this one!

What do you think?! Those flowers are my favorite set of this release. MAKE SURE to come back tomorrow - Bev and I and the DT will have projects to show you using some of the new stuff!!

Below I have outlined the release schedule and as for previous releases there are prizes up for grabs :)

Sneak Peeks Yesterday and Today (February 5th and 6th) These little teasers give you hints at what is in store!

Introducing... February 7th - 10th - Here you'll get to see the soon to be released products in action. The design team and guest designers will be joining in on the introductions and you won't want to miss a second!

Release Day! Wednesday, February 11th you will get to see all the products in their entirety and purchase them HERE on the website! As tradition holds there will be a Design Team Blog Hop with a chance for a lucky person to win the ENTIRE release!

Now, you won't want to miss out on any of the fun from February 5th - 10th as Bev from Uniko will be drawing totally random winners for mystery prizes. She's not giving any hints as to the prizes or their value, you'll just have to join in on the fun!

Places to join in on the fun and have a chance to win a prize are by commenting along the way on the Uniko Studio Blog, Design Team and Guest Design Team Blogs, liking the Uniko Studio Facebook Page, following on Twitter and on Pinterest!

Top Dog Dies Elephant Birthday

Welcome back to another Top Dog Dies Thursday! Today I'm sharing a really cute card that's perfect for a little girl's birthday ;)

I am loving the new dies that were just released, and this card features a few of them.

You really can't go wrong with the Elephant Die Set. The two elephant sizes (with ears), the balloons, and even a flower and heart are included.

Two of the balloons and the elephant are die cut using patterned papers, and they are all attached to the card base using foam tape. The sentiment is stamped using two shades of pink, and the balloon strings are also stamped, using a dark brown ink. The Dotted Borders Die Set is attached to the top panel of card stock at the bottom. A fun finishing touch!

Supplies:
Stamps: Uniko Studio - A Gift for You; Label Love: Birthday
Dies: Top Dog Dies - Elephants Die Set, Dotted Borders Die Set
Patterned Paper: Lawn Fawn - Let's Polka

Uniko Studio February Sneak Peeks Day 1

Hey there! Welcome to the Uniko Studio 3rd Birthday countdown!! I'm so honored to still be a part of this Design Team! I have loved watching Beverley's stamp and die designs evolve and progress over the last couple years. It's so fun to be one of the first people to use their new stamps on release months, and I am excited to share my projects with you for this release! You'll have to wait a few more days though. See the schedule of the release festivities at the end of this post.

Now, you can't have a birthday celebration without some balloons and confetti! This mini stamp set is sure to be one that you reach for over and over again for lots of celebrations and occasions.

The next sneak peek is one of those basic but essential mini sets that will provide you with all the numbers and sentiments to customize your creations. It coordinates size wise with the previously released Classic Alphabet.

Below I have outlined the release schedule and as for previous releases there are prizes up for grabs :)

Sneak Peeks Today and Tomorrow (February 5th and 6th) These little teasers give you hints at what is in store!

Introducing... February 7th - 10th - Here you'll get to see the soon to be released products in action. The design team and guest designers will be joining in on the introductions and you won't want to miss a second!

Release Day! Wednesday, February 11th you will get to see all the products in their entirety and purchase them HERE on the website! As tradition holds there will be a Design Team Blog Hop with a chance for a lucky person to win the ENTIRE release!

Now, you won't want to miss out on any of the fun from February 5th - 10th as Bev from Uniko will be drawing totally random winners for mystery prizes. She's not giving any hints as to the prizes or their value, you'll just have to join in on the fun!

Places to join in on the fun and have a chance to win a prize are by commenting along the way on the Uniko Studio Blog, Design Team and Guest Design Team Blogs, liking the Uniko Studio Facebook Page, following on Twitter and on Pinterest!