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Easter Cards: Easy Gel Press Backgrounds

By KariV on March 18, 2021 in Easter, Holidays, Paper Crafting

Hello! Have you ever used a gel press? Today I’m going to show you some fast and easy backgrounds for Easter cards using the Gel Press. These are so fun to make (and you can make a lot of them in just one sitting)!

I had such a great time making these, and I think the easiest way to show you how, is with a video! So watch my instructional video below or in HD on YouTube:

I think you get such a smooth, easy transition of colors with the gel press that you really can’t get any other way! All you need is a Gel Press, a brayer, and some of your favorite Distress Oxide colors.

If you have never used a gel press before, don’t worry: this is just perfect for a beginner! And if you have used one before, I also share some ways to get a more interesting and detailed result!

But be careful: these techniques can get very addicting! Be sure to watch the video for all the details. Happy Easter!

I’m often asked what supplies I use to make my cards and projects, so I’ve put together a list using affiliate links when possible. If you make a purchase with these links I may receive a small commission. These help me to keep up with blog costs and continue bringing you fun projects. Thank you so much for your support!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Shamrock Stencil

By KariV on March 16, 2021 in Holidays, St. Patrick's Day

Hello! Today I have a fun Shamrock Stencil to share, along with a bunch of cards using it. I’m creating with foil, glitter, and ink blending (oh my)! Not to mention, I share the fastest, easiest watercolor technique.

It’s all in the video below, or watch it in HD on YouTube:

I loved creating with this stencil. Lately, I’ve just been making so many cards with the same supplies. If you’ve been watching my videos, you might have noticed that trend: lots of cards in every video! But I love creating cards, and trying to make many ideas with one set of tools.

I think this glittered background is my favorite of the bunch…I love glittery, shiny cards. 🙂

But this one is a close second! I love the look of Kaleidoscope Powder on a dark background. Look how shiny and shimmery they are! This one uses two colors: Neptune and Limewired. I show you how to use it in my video.

Of course, I love an ink blended background and this Perfect Blend paper makes it SO easy!

A little foiled sentiment is always welcome, too! Or even a foiled background, like in the next two cards:

How cute is that little mouse? All these images are watercolored with Zigs, and I share how easy it is in my video, too.

I hope you enjoyed these bright, rainbow, glittery, and inked cards today! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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Stencil Ideas you Might Not Think of

By KariV on March 13, 2021 in Paper Crafting

Hello! Today I have a video sharing Five Stencil Ideas you Might Not Think of. I’m sharing some new stencils from Miss Ink Stamps that are so beautiful and delicate.

Normally, with stencils like this, I would recommend using Pixie Spray. But I found a new tool that I LOVE for holding stencils in place. I’m sharing all the details and the stencil techniques in my video below:

This Alice card might be my favorite paired with the Heirloom Blooms stencil. I used a selective stenciling technique and added a little sparkle!

For this card, I doubled up on the stencils: using Basket Case as the base and added some Heirloom Blooms. This is easy and fun…and I share it all in the video!

A picture doesn’t do this one justice! I used the new Kaleidoscope Stencil with sticky embossing powder and added glitter! The Dazzle Dust changes from a pink glitter to iridescent and it is beautiful.

I love this Lucky Duck! I used a technique I like to call “Patchwork Stenciling” with two different colors of ink.

And this one is a radiating inking with added gemstones. So pretty! This is the Latte Love stencil and it’s a favorite!

I hope you enjoyed! Thanks for stopping by!

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Hummingbird Card for Mom

By KariV on March 12, 2021 in Holidays, Mother's Day, Paper Crafting

Hello! Today I have a card to share with the brand new March release from Scrappy Tails Crafts. I fell in love with these hummingbirds right away and knew I wanted to make a card for Mom (her favorite birds!)

I also used the new Layered Daisy dies, which I just made into one layer for this card, but I think they layer up even more for so much drama!

I colored all the images and the die cuts with Copic Markers. I attached some with foam tape and some I adhered directly to the card so a dimensional look.

There are so many beautiful products in this release! I got the birdhouse pop-up set and I can’t WAIT to show you some fun projects with that. And, they are having a promotion (see photo above)! Go check it out.

Scrappy Tails Crafts is a new stamp company, I think this might be their third release! Sabrina, the owner, is so kind and talented and I think her products are high quality. Definitely worth a look if you love supporting small businesses!

Hope you enjoyed!

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Five Cards with 1 Stamp Set: Stretch Your Stamps

By KariV on March 11, 2021 in Holidays, Paper Crafting, St. Patrick's Day

Hello! Today I am happy to share a fun stamp set that I just couldn’t stop creating with! This is the Shamrock Truck from Maker Forte, and I just love it. I knew that there was more ways to use this cute image…not just for St. Patrick’s Day!

I made five cards, and share lots of fun techniques in the video below, or watch in HD on YouTube:

I really hope you find that you love this truck as much as I do. Hear what my husband had to say after I made three cards…and why I was compelled to keep creating! (Lol) I must say, that he heard me when I was doing the voiceover for this video and it made me laugh. He is such a great support, but he does tell it like it is!