I was inspired to die cut windows from some awesome wood paper after seeing a card my fab friend Kathy Racoosin did at a retreat a couple weeks ago. (Be sure to go see her card HERE – it is very clever! She is the master of looking at products differently and creatively. She turned this die and wood paper combo into a cruise ship!) These windows are quick to do with the three-square die from Simon Says Stamp. (This is so much faster than trying to line up individual dies or punching them!) That wood paper is awesome…

I then added some wood embellishments that I colored with markers. Theses wood icons are from Prima and the sets are incredible – lots of variety for a good price. Must haves.

The greeting is from one of my favorite Hero Arts sets. Love the look of white on that wood paper.

Again, be sure to head over to Kathy’s blog to see what she created. It is fabulous, just like her!

Simon Says Stamp Tri Square Die	Hero Arts Thanks a Bunch Clear Set	Prima Leaves & Flowers Wood Icons	Prima Birds & Owls Wood Icons	SSS Cherry Wood Paper 12 Pack
SSS Cherry Wood Paper 6 Pack	SSS Birch Wood Paper 12 Pack	SSS Birch Wood Paper 6 Pack	FAVORITE THING: Sizzix Vagabond Die Cut Machine	FAVORITE THING: Sizzix Vagabond Wafer Thing Die Adapter Plate
FAVORITE THING: Hero Arts Milwaukee Heat Gun	Versamark	FAVORITE THING: Hero Arts White Embossing Powder	Scotch Post It White Tape	Copic Markers
BasicGrey Camdy Buttons	Hero Arts Snow Notecards	Best Creation 3-D Foam Adhesive	Glossy Accents

In the past I have done several videos using Inktense Pencils. (You can find one HERE, HERE and HERE. These unique pencils are amazing.) I also wanted to show how you can use them to create fun backgrounds. Here’s a video…

These pencils are such fun to use. And I love these button stamps – buttons without the bulk…

That woodgrain paper is amazing. Such a great way to take plain white up a notch…

See you soon!

Simon Says Stamp Very Special Stamp Set	Simon Says Stamp January Card Kit	FAVORITE THING: Inktense Pencils	FAVORITE THING: Ranger Detailer Water Brush	Hero Arts Pale Tomato Mid Tone Shadow Ink
Hero Arts Orange Soda Mid-Tone Shadow Ink	Hero Arts Butter Bar Mid Tone Shadow Ink	Hero Arts Green Hills Mid Tone Shadow Ink	Hero Arts Tide Pool Mid Tone Shadow Ink	Hero Arts Cornflower Mid Tone Shadow Ink
FAVORITE THING: Hero Arts White Embossing Powder	FAVORITE THING: VersaMark Ink	FAVORITE THING: SSS Watercolor Paper	White Woodgrain Cardstock	FAVORITE THING: White Uniball Signo Pen
Hero Arts Medium Pearls	Hero Arts Small Pearls

This one is a bit bold and crazy…

I love how you can get vivid, crisp, mutli-colored images with DIY ink pads. You can get multi-colored images with markers, but not this crisp…

This one isn’t as crazy. You really can use any colors together…

Love doing small black DIY embellishments when I use bold colors…

Simple, eh? In the video I show how to create your own ink pads with baby wipes. However, I normally like to create my own with a product from Ranger called Felt Cut n Dry. This allows you to create a more “real” ink pad that you can leave stored in a ziploc bag and use again and again. It really is a great product. (I show how to use this product in Stretch Your Stamps and Clean and Simple 2.)

For DIY ink pads, I like to use Distress Ink Reinkers or Hero Arts Reinkers. But you can use many other types too. Just give it a try!

See you soon.

Hero Arts Studio Calico Frame and Feathers Stamp Set	Hero Arts XO Stamp Set	Hero Arts It’s Your Day Stamp Set	Ranger Cut N Dry Felt Stamp Pad	Hero Arts Neon Pink Reinker
Hero Arts Raspberry Jam Reinker	Hero Arts Orange Soda Reinker	Hero Arts Neon Green Reinker	Hero Arts Neon Blue Reinker	Hero Arts Tide Pool Reinker
Hero Arts Soft Granite Reinker	FAVORITE THING: Hero Arts Black Dye Ink	FAVORITE THING: Large Ranger Glossy Accents

Today I am happy to be joining a group of great artists who will all be using the Simon Says Stamp March Card Kit – Friendship Flowers. This kit screams spring… something I am SO very ready for!

I used the kit to create a colorful masked card… and have a video sharing the steps…

Bright, eh? I love bright. I love the Hero Arts Mid-Tone Shadow Inks. I love masking. And I love rainbowy cards. (Clearly, as I have been making them a lot lately.)

The font in the stamp set in this kit is divine…

Complete supplies are below. But you also need to check this out - Simon Say Stamp and Kelly Purkey just released some awesome new stamps and dies. You must check them out HERE! LOVE them! Take a peek…

Thanks for visiting! The next stop in the Simon Says Stamp March 2013 Card Kit Blog Hop is my favorite friend Kristina Werner. (You can also go back to the beginning of the hop for links to everyone who is playing.)

And now to the giveaway!  Leave a comment on this blog post and one lucky winner from my blog will receive a $50 E-Card to shop at Simon Says Stamp.  We will draw a random winner on at 9:00 AM EST on Saturday, 3/9/13 so be sure to leave your comment by then.

SSS Flower Friend Stamp Set	SSS March Card Kit	My Favorite Things Heart Stax Dies	FAVORITE THING: Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine	FAVORITE THING: Fiskars Stamp Press
Martha Stewart Small Footed Stamp Mount	FAVORITE THING: Eclipse Art Masking Tape Sheets	FAVORITE THING: Ranger Craft Sheet	T-Ruler	FAVORITE THING: White Uniball Signo Pen
FAVORITE THING: Hero Arts Black Dye Ink	Hero Arts Pale Tomato Mid Tone Shadow Ink	Hero Arts Soft Cantaloupe Shadow Ink	Hero Arts Butter Bar Mid Tone Shadow Ink	Hero Arts Green Hills Mid Tone Shadow Ink
Hero Arts Tide Pool Mid Tone Shadow Ink	FAVORITE THING: Neenah Classic White Cardstock 250 Sheets	FAVORITE THING: Neenah Classic White Cardstock 25 Sheets

It is an honor to join several of my friends and fellow crafters in creating cards of gratitude for this blog hop. After all – I am so very thankful for the people I have met through cardmaking. And a big thanks to Simon Says Stamp for hosting and supporting it!

Here is video of my card creation. I love making holiday thank you cards…

It features an stamped acetate window that shows through to the inside…

And a message could be added to the snow bank inside…

All of the supplies are listed in the thumbnails below. My favorites? The fluff background stamp, the diagonal lines embossing folder and the thank you greeting stamp set…

How about a discount for shopping? This Friday, Simon Says Stamp will offer a Black Friday discount code to its customers for 35% off selected items in the store. But you can get the code early here! Just head HERE to see the items that are included in the sale and use the promotion code “SIMONBF35” for the 35% off discount. Gotta love some good crafty deals! Want to see some of my favorite things on sale?

• THESE or THESE useful stamps.
• My favorite holiday stamp set HERE.
• THIS great background.
• THIS technique DVD with videos from me.
• Kelly Purkey’s great stamp HERE.
• THIS – the perfect stamp for the back of a handmade card.
• Scroll down HERE for lots of awesome My Mind’s Eye 6×6 paper pads.
• Scroll down HERE for many intricate SSS exclusive dies.
• And Seasonal Distress Inks? Yes, please – HERE, HERE and HERE.
• Oh, and there are lots of Hero Arts stamps on sale on page 6 – go HERE and scroll to the bottom and click “6.”

I have TWO giveaways. The first is one that I think is the best kind ever. Simon Says Stamp will be giving away a $50 donation to the charity of a commentator’s choice. Just leave a comment with what you are most grateful for and you will be entered in the drawing. After the winner is chosen, Simon Says Stamp will be in touch with you to find out the charity you have chosen. A winner will be picked at 11:59pmEST on 11/28. Good luck!

Also, I have some extra goodies that need a good home. So another lucky winner will receive these presents…

There’s more! The next stop in the Simon Says Stamp Gratitude Blog Hop is my sweet friend Sarah Moerman. (You can always head to the Simon Says Stamp blog to start the hop again.) Be sure to stop everywhere along the hop. Each person will be giving the $50 for a charity!

Simon Says Stamp Lots of Thanks Stamp Set	Hero Arts Designer Snowflakes Stamp Set	Hero Arts Bring On the Merry Stamp Set	Impression Obsession Fluff Background Stamp	Memory Box Poppy Stamps Grand Madison Window Die
Simon Says Stamp Christmas Trees Dies	Lifestyle Crafts Linear Embossing Folders	Crafters Companion Petite Dot 6×6 Embossing Folder	Vagabond Die Cutting Machine	Sizzix Thin Die Plate
Heart Border Punch	Heat Gun	Favorite Fiskars Trimmer	Small Fiskars Trimmer	Ink Blending Tool
White Embossing Powder	Versamark	White Staz On Ink	Antique Linen Distress Ink	Copic Marker C00 Cool Gray
Hero Arts Acetate Notecards	Neenah Desert Storm Kraft Cardstock	Neenah White Cardstock 25 Sheets	Neenah White Cardstock 250 Sheets	Mini Glossy Accents
Tombow Stamp Runner Adhesive

So here is a closer look. It has my dog Roxie (in the back), Kathy’s dog Max (on the left) and Kristina’s cat named Mannie. Cute, aren’t they? It was so fun to sit next to Kristina as she created it. I admire her tremendously.

In the video I show how to use Inktense Colored Pencils…

These Inktense Pencils are unique – much like watercolor pencils, but with a firmer texture that allows them to be more intense in color… much like a paint or ink. Thanks to their intense pigment, you can even use it like watercolor on a colored cardstock, such as kraft. I find using them on watercolor paper or white cardstock so wonderful… so much easier than traditional watercolor pencils and with much more vibrant results. However, you can use many of the tips I mentioned in the video above with normal watercolor pencils.

By the way, if you are looking for something to put on your holiday wish list… these pencils would be a treat.

And here is the Furry Christmas stamp set. So cute…

For the background, I used this awesome set from WPlus9. It is great for building awesome backgrounds. I love the look of white pigment ink on the kraft cardstock.

Oh, and this is what Roxie looks like. She is a Vizsla and just rocks.

Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to also visit my friends – Kristina, Jana and Kathy. They all used this same stamp set today.

Enjoy!

Simon Says Stamp Furry Christmas Stamp Set	Wplus9 Knit Background Builders Stamp Set	Impression Obsession Textural Dots Background Stamp	Inktense Watercolor Pencils	Ranger Waterbrush
Fiskars Stamp Press	Heat Gun	Clear Embossing Powder	Hero Arts Unicorn White Pigment Ink	Versafine Black Ink
Hero Arts Black Dye Ink	Hero Arts Pool Shadow Ink	Rock Candy Stickles	Black and White Enamel Accents	Best Watercolor Paper
Neenah Desert Storm Kraft Cardstock	Neenah White Cardstock 250 Sheets	Neenah White Cardstock 25 Sheets	Tombow Stamp Runner Adhesive

I am posting over on the Paper Crafts blog today and have a video to go with my projects. (Be sure to head THERE for the main post and more info.)

The video shows three ways to create your own “metal” accents – 3 different ones…

Here is a look at the cards featured…

I used THIS fabulous stamp set…

… and the Memory Box Candy and Apothecary Jar dies…

Again, be sure to head to the Paper Crafts blog for more info… and a giveaway of the metal goodies I used.

Enjoy!

Below are the supplies used for this card. To find them at Simon Says Stamp, click on the SSS below the thumbnails. For Ellen Hutson, click on EH…

Metallic Brushed Pewter Distress Stain (SSS|EH)	Ranger Foil Tape Sheets (SSS|EH)	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Mirrored Sheets (SSS|EH)	Simon Says Stamp Always and Forever Stamp Set	Impression Obsession Random Lines Background Stamp (SSS|EH)
Memory Box Candy Jar Die (SSS|EH)	Memory Box Apothecary Jar Die (SSS|EH)	Fiskars Stamp Press (SSS|EH)	Corner Chomper (SSS|EH)	Copic Markers (SSS|EH)
Hero Arts Red Royal Shadow Ink (SSS|EH)	Hero Arts Black Dye Ink (SSS|EH)	Mid Tone Shadow Ink Bundle	Memento Black Ink (SSS|EH)	Hero Hues Cards etc
Neenah White Cardstock 25 Sheets (SSS|EH)	Clear Foam Adhesive	Glossy Accents (SSS|EH)

I did this video on a reverse masking technique for Studio Calico using their April Kit. (For more information, click HERE.)

Have a good one! See you soon…

Vintage Doily Mask	Distress Inks	Versamark	White Embossing Powder
Mister Hueys Classic Shine	Heat Gun

Just sharing a video I did awhile go for Hero Arts. In it, I show how to get more from your dies by letting the edge of the die hang off the cutting plates. Sounds confusing but it is simple…

Now you may be saying, “Use a longer die!” Well, I didn’t have one! And there are many ways you can do this “hang off the edge” technique to get more from your dies. Shaped cards, etc. Start playing – you will have fun with it. (If you took Holiday Card Boot Camp, you saw on Day 1 another use for this technique.)

Simple is sometimes the best way to go…

Here is the die I used…

Here is another option for creating a zig zag border – a fun EK Success punch. (Mine is currently MIA. Need to find it!)

Off to rest. Had Colin’s 6th birthday party today. I am wiped out. Night!

Oh, and I decided to do a random giveaway to a random comment left last week on my blog. The lucky winner is Betty M and she won this great stamp set from Hero Arts and Studio Calico…

Just logging in from many miles above – I love inflight wifi.

Wanted to share my technique video using the new Studio Calico Kits. In it, I create misted flowers from trim, and stamped an alphabet background…

Here are the cards…

You can find out more about these cards HERE. And you can get the kits HERE.

I am on my way to CHA and will try to share photos on Twitter. (You can follow me HERE. I am not much of a Facebook person – prefer Twitter.)

Happy weekend.

(And thank you so much for the happy messages yesterday about our big news. We are thrilled and thankfully the baby is doing well!)