whole lot of happy...

Welcome to the Day 18 of the 25 Days of Inspiration with Clear and Simple Stamps! Today, I wanted to share a card and coordinating envelope that I created for a dear, sweet co-worker of mine. She just loves birds and I knew creating a bird-themed gift would be a nice gesture to show her some appreciation. 

I had so much fun mixing up a few of my favorite Clear and Simple Stamps sets. I created a tree branch by masking the straight line found in the Tweet Notes set, followed by leaves using Fall Studio. For color, I stamped pretty pink blooms from Flowers. 

See the little bird nest tucked between the branches? How could I resist? Of course, a happy little birdhouse was added with the help of Triangle Trinkets. 

Did you know that Clear and Simple Stamps has an amazing selection of envelopes in a variety of colors? There is even an envelope liner die that comes in two possible sizes. My envelope is the A2 size, which will fit a 4.25" x 5.5" card. 

I stamped the outside of the envelope flap with a simple flower bloom. I think it is such a sweet little detail. 

Open the envelope and you can see the coordinating liner I stamped using the same bloom from Flowers. So simple, but such a great detail it adds. Don't you think?

And the sentiment couldn't get any better! I just love the font from the Build-A-Flower stamp set. Happy, indeed!

To see the coordinating gift I made, check it out on the Clear and Simple Stamps Daily App for the iPhone. There's a new project featured daily with supplies and instructions. You can also save your favorite projects with just one touch or browse any of the previously featured projects any time.

10 Minute Craft Dash Challenge

Have you heard of the 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge over at Pretty Pink Posh? Well over at Paulina's blog, she has been putting on these really fun challenges where you gather your supplies and only allow 10 minutes to complete your project. 

This is the first time I am playing along. And guess what...I failed! My project took 11.26 minutes to complete. Maybe I should blame it on the dull scissors I was using? 

Well, whatever my excuse for not completed my project in under 10 minutes, 11.26 minutes is still a record time for me. I am a slooooow card maker!

Not only do you have to create something fast, but there is a color palette to follow along with. The challenge  called for lavender, green, and yellow. After gathering up my supplies and the newest stamp set "Little One" from Precious Remembrance Stamps...I took a deep breath and started the timer.

Notice the purple floral fabric tucked between the green papers?

No? Me either!

That's because I was racing the clock and placed the top layer of green paper almost right on top of the fabric! Yes...I failed big time [shakes head in shame].

And just look at the huge mess I made. I took before and after photos to show you how organized I tried to be. On the left are all the supplies I gathered before starting my project. On the right is after I completed my card. The supplies ended up everywhere!

If you haven't played along with the 10 Minute Craft Dash, I suggest you give it a try. This really was super fun and I had a great laugh showing my card to my family after I was done. I can't wait to give this challenge another try. I am determined to beat the clock!

By the way, Precious Remembrance is sponsoring the craft dash challenge. Play along this week and you could win this stamp set...yay!

Seaside Monogram | 25 Days of CSS Inspiration

So I have a little story for you about where my inspiration came from for my project today. Bare with me. 

My mom's initials are S.S. My mom loves the ocean.

When I was little, my mom used to write me handwritten letters and would draw little sailboats in the corner. On the boat she would autograph it "S.S.Mom". I guess this was her own little nickname she created after the Gilligan's Island boat, the "S.S. Minnow."

Growing up, my sister and I would always write notes back to our mom. We would always address them to "S.S.Mom."

With that idea in mind...this set of monogrammed cards are for my mom. 

Living in California, it's no wonder my mom is drawn to the ocean, the beach, and wearing sandals year-round. For this card set, I heat embossed a variety of seaside images from two stamp sets from Clear and Simple Stamps - Sea Life and Seashells.

To create the monogram, I die cut white cardstock using the medium size Toppers die, then die cut the "S" from the Uppercase dies collection.

To package this card set, I included envelopes and fit everything into a large glassine bag and topped it off with a die cut bow.

I can't wait to give this card set to my mom. I only hope she adds her signature little sailboat to these cards when she signs her name. {Hi, mom!}

There is a coordinating gift for my mom up on the CSS Daily App today too. I hope you'll check it out, but shhh...please don't tell her what it is!

A Bundle of Joy...

Good morning! Or is it good afternoon? Evening? Well, where ever you are in the world right now or what ever time it is - it's all good, right?

I am blogging today at the Precious Remembrance blog with a Tuesday Ideas creation featuring the newest stamp to arrive at the PR shop. Little One is such a darling stamp set full of adorable sentiments and images for baby.

To me, a newborn baby girl has the prettiest color palette in her wardrobe. Soft pastels, pretty pinks, buttery yellows. Those colors just make me happy. For my project today, I've created a gift set for baby using the same soft color palette. How could I resist?

For my card, I used Little One to stamp a row of pink stars onto pale pink cardstock. Then I stamped borders in turquoise onto coordinating cardstock. The bear? Yes, she is paper pieced. I started by stamping her in pink patterned paper. Next, I stamped her belly onto a floral pattern paper, cut it out, then adhered it directly over the pink paper. I repeated this process for her bow tie and mouth.

I just love paper piecing! It’s such a great way to really customize your stamping to coordinate your projects (especially if you don’t have a large marker selection in your stash, like me).

To accompany my card is a small glassine bag that’s the perfect size for a tiny gift. Small socks, a onesie, how about some cotton balls, or baby powder. Just dress up the packaging with a paper doily and ribbon, add a sentiment from Little One and complete it with a mini wooden clothespin.

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s creation and have fun adding a little paper piecing onto your projects!

Thanks so much for visiting!

Introducing "Little One" | Precious Remembrance Stamps

Hello! I hope you're enjoying the start of a great weekend so far. There's something new today over at the Precious Remembrance Stamps shop. Yes, a new sweet and adorable stamp set is available. 

Introducing..."Little One."

This stamp set is all about the babies...those small bundles of cuteness in our lives that just melt our hearts. I decided to create a neutral card that would work well with either a boy or a girl. I chose a simple color palette in soft golden tones to compliment the cute bear image.

I used a glassine bag, filled with a tag that I wrapped with washi tapes. This would be a perfect spot for adding a gift card or some money for a baby gift. I added some simple pearls accents and a "congratulations" sentiment. I just love the star used to dot the i. Isn't that a sweet detail?

To complete my card, I stamped a row of hearts and dashes across the bottom. I think it helped to keep the bear grounded to the card without making look like he was hovering. Don't you think?

To see more samples and for the full reveal of the new Little One stamp set, have a look at the Precious Remembrance Stamps blog.

Enjoy the weekend!

Mini Card Set | 25 Days of CSS Inspiration

It's been three years since the Clear and Simple Stamps Daily App first made an appearance on the crafting scene. Each day the app features a brand new project complete with instructions and photos. You can save to your favorites for quick reference and search through previous months for even more inspiration.

In celebration of the CSS Daily App, we have 25 days of inspiration. Each day the design team will feature fun projects and for an added bonus, we have coordinating projects on the app! How fun!

Whenever my family (especially my mom and sister) come over to my house, they love going through my collection of cards that I've created to pick through and take for themselves. Often times, I try to create a coordinating card set they can take away to save and use for that rainy day.

That's what today's project is all about...it's a miniature card set that's perfect for that rainy day when you just need to send a quick note.

I've used the Party Favor 8 die cut box to to hold a set of four cards inside. Each card measures just 3" square. And even though they are small in size, their fun and whimsical design makes a big statement.

For the inside of the box, I used the Shapes: Squares dies to create a cut out and lined it with acetate on the inside. Peek-a-boo!

I stamped each critter and colored them with Copic markers, then tucked them onto the card behind the Grass Border die. I also die cut puffy little Clouds using Simple Felt. I just love felt! Oh yeah.

Ready for more inspiration? I have a coordinating project being featured today on the Daily App. Have a look!

P.S. "Ok mom, you may now come raid my craft room, but leave my candy alone!"

Tuesday Ideas {colorful layers}

Hello again! I'm back already with my second project for today. If you are here for the Clear and Simple Stamps Faves project, scroll down or click here if you're reading this from your email. 

Today, I am blogging over at the Precious Remembrance blog with another "Tuesday Ideas" feature. And today, it's all about layers.

I just love adding layers to my cards. In fact, sometimes it’s difficult for me to stop adding layers. Although I understand that this style can be intimidating to some, I will share with you my method for piling on the layers without going overboard.

With spring in the air, our family has started going on bike rides again. It feels so good to be outside when the weather has started to warm up. With that idea in mind, I found inspiration for my card today.

I started with a three-part color theme in blue, red, and yellow. For me, choosing my color theme first helps me to stay focused when gathering coordinating ribbons, trims, and buttons. With color in mind, I can quickly scan my craft room for matching embellishments and avoid any supplies that are not in my color theme.

After putting all my layers together, I completed my card by adding the “enjoy” sentiment from the Calendar Stamp set, “fun times” from the Friend Stamp set, and the yellow polka-dot heart from the Love Stamp set. Each perfect for a spring time card!

So…even though there are many layers on my card, it all came together rather quickly because I had a color theme in mind. I hope you’ll try this method out next time you’re feeling a bit crafty.

For more inspiration, visit the Precious Remembrance blog.

Thanks for joining me today!

My Faves from Clear and Simple Stamps

Today I am joining the Clear and Simple Stamps (CSS) design team as we share projects using our most favorite CSS products. To narrow down my favorites (yes, it was a tough decision), I thought about the products that would work year-round and I could use for multiple occasions. 

I just knew I couldn't live without All Occasions 1, Hearts Plus, and Well Preserved Jars. My faves! 

Of course, classic black ink and cotton twine are used on nearly all of my projects. I am so glad CSS has my favorite essentials all in one place. 

For my project today, this card is perfect for so many occasions. I love keeping these types of projects on hand to use for that last-minute quick gift. Be it a birthday gift, thoughtful note, or just to say thank you, the variety of sentiments in All Occasions 1 make it my go-to stamp set. 

And who can resist a charming mason jar? I've been crushing on adorable mason jars for many, many years. I love keeping them around the house full of little trinkets or in my craft room full of buttons. It's no wonder I love to stamp mason jars on so many of my creations!

This little gable box sure wasn't going to miss the chance to be on my favorites list! Party Favor 5 is my fav-or-ite die from CSS. I adore the small size, the fun shape, and even the way it opens up on the top. After all, opening a package is half the fun! 

The rest of the design team is sharing their CSS faves too! Be sure to visit their blogs to see their picks...

Audrey | Lori | Tracy | Laura | Jennifer | Elena | Amber | Stephany | CSS Blog

So glad you stopped by!

Stamps

Well Preserved Jars Large | Hearts Plus | All Occasions 1

Dies

Well Preserved Jars Large | Shapes Hearts Combo | Party Favor 5

Cardstock

Creme de la Creme | Kraft Like a Rockstar Cream

Ink

Perfect Little Black Dress | I'm a Princess Pink | Coral Necklace

Embellishments

Natural Cotton Twine | Designer Mix Buttons

Well, I Do Declare! | Precious Remembrance Stamps

Hello! I am blogging over at the Precious Remembrance Stamps blog today, sharing a card using the new Mom & Dad stamp set. 

Now based on the title of this blog post, you can tell I had Scarlett O'Hara on my mind. After choosing this color theme for my card, I can only see Scarlett's velvet green dress she made from the curtains on her windows. Can I get a "fiddle dee dee!" out there? 

Actually, the real reason I chose green for my card is because it's my mom's favorite color. I used a little pop of turquoise ink and peach colored flowers to break the monotony. But my favorite part? The contrasting color of the white paper doilies against the green. Ooh, I love it!

The collage-style stamping all came from the Mom & Dad set. Such a great set that can be used year-round for birthdays, anniversaries, or just to send a little love.

For more ideas using stamps from the Precious Remembrance family, follow their blog to see daily inspiration.

Have a great day!

Waltzingmouse Release Day Blog Waltz

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz party! Today all the new stamp sets we've been previewing over the last few days are finally available in the shop. You can now see the full reveal of My Kind of Guy, Man of the Hour, and Nordic Baby over at the Waltzingmouse blog.

To celebrate, we invite you to hop along the design team blogs and comment along the way. Claire is giving away a stamp set of choice to those who participate. 

So let's get started...

You should have arrived on my blog from Karin's blog. If not, you can start the hop from the beginning so you don't miss a thing!

My card today features the new stamp, My Kind of Guy. Since this stamp set is primarily masculine, I decided to add a feminine twist to show the versatility of this set. Because Claire is so clever, she created each sentiment to be a separate stamp. That way you can mix and match to create something unique. 

I also used the lace border for the top of my card and the pretty brogue-style frame. Both images are easily going to be used over and over again at my house. Secretly? They might be my favorite images from this release. But shh...don't tell the other stamps.

I am so happy you stopped by my blog today. Please leave a comment below, then continue on the Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz party to see more projects from the design team.

Your next stop on the hop is Renee Lynch!

New Waltzingmouse Stamps | Day 2 Preview

Are you ready for another sneak preview of the new stamps coming to Waltzingmouse? I know I was so excited when these new sets arrived at my front door. They are packed full with classic fonts in the subway art style. I just know you're going to love them!

Three new sets will be available for sale on April 18: My Kind of Guy, Nordic Baby, and previewing today...Man of the Hour.

Now let me just tell you that the sentiments and quotes in the set are absolutely heartwarming. Like the quote used on my card today. How can it be any sweeter? When I first read it, my eyes may or may not have watered up (but only just a little).

Since this card was created for the best-dad-ever, I stuck with classic neutral tones to keep the focus on the quote in the center of my card. I really wanted it to be noticed, since the quote is so true. For added detail, I included flourishes on the upper and lower corners. After all, dads need those fancy details too!

Ready to see more? Have a look at design team blogs below for more previews of Man of the Hour. And join us tomorrow at the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog as we celebrate the new release with a little blog waltz party. There will be prizes and everyone is invited to join!


Anya Schrier Becca Feeken Belinda Chang Langner Claire Brennan Clare Buswell Edna Morrisedie Iwona Palamountain Jean Martin Jeanne Jachna Jennifer Cuthbertson Jennifer Holmes Julia Aston Karin Akesdotter Kelly Schirmer Laurie Schmidlin Lynn Mercurio Renee Lynch Sandie Dunne Sarah Martina Parker Teresa Kline Tosha Leyendekker

Nordic Baby | New Stamps At Waltzingmouse

So you know how I just adore using ribbon on my cards, right? Well I thought the newest stamp set at Waltzingmouse was another perfect excuse to pile on the ribbon. Today, the design team is sharing the new stamp set that will be available in just a few days. It's a follow up to the popular nordic patterns.

Intoducing, Nordic Baby!

This small set is packed with charming nordic-style images for baby. Small, sweet, and perfectly delicate. Yes, I am in love with this set! 

Here I've stamped a custom pattern using the large circle shaped background stamps, then outlining the edges using the smallest size circle. I think it gives it the appearance of a soft, lace trim.

For the focal point, I created a faux embroidery hoop to stamp a welcoming sentiment for baby. I just love the mix of fonts that replicate the look of embroidery stitching. Especially since I don't get much opportunity to cross-stitch. Hey, I should find time to cross-stitch soon (adding to my to-do list).

Join the rest of the design team below to see their preview creations of Nordic Baby. And be sure to follow the Waltzingmouse Blog for all the details of the newest stamps being released this month.


Anya Schrier Becca Feeken Belinda Chang Langner Claire Brennan Clare Buswell Edna Morrisedie Iwona Palamountain Jean Martin Jeanne Jachna Jennifer Cuthbertson Jennifer Holmes Julia Aston Karin Akesdotter Kelly Schirmer Laurie Schmidlin Lynn Mercurio Renee Lynch Sandie Dunne Sarah Martina Parker Teresa Kline Tosha Leyendekker

Berry Sweet | Clear and Simple Stamps Party Hop

Today, I have a party project idea for the Clear and Simple Stamps Party Hop. It's strawberry season here at home and if you ever buy strawberries, there's a pretty good chance they came from my hometown, the strawberry capital. 

I just love stopping by a local produce stand on my way home from work. Picking up a flat of fresh local strawberries. Oh my! It makes my mouth water just thinking about how fresh they taste!

For my party, I created some strawberry dirt cups. The kids just love 'em! A little chocolate pudding, a layer of oreo cookie crumble, and topped with a fresh strawberry. 

I decorated them using the circle die cuts from Clear and Simple Stamps, stamped them with red plaid, and added a berry sweet sentiment. 

To dress up the party, I folded paper doilies in half and hung them on cotton twine, and finished them with the Bow Trio dies cut from red cardstock.

To drink, cold strawberry milk in a mason jar. A little fabric and a paper straw is all it needs to make it festive. For some fun, I decorated bottles of bubbles using the Plaid stamp set. My trick for applying them to the bottles...score the cardstock first before adhering them onto the bottle. (I learned that the hard way.)


Oh...and I almost forgot!

I wanted to add a quick note about my photos. I recently purchased a new camera and I have been adjusting to the new settings. Definitely a new toy that I am so excited to learn. I need to thank the design team from Clear and Simple Stamps for all their photography advise behind the scenes. Those ladies are just the best!

Speaking of the girls...hop over to their blogs and check out their pretty parties!

Audrey | Elena | Jennifer | Laura | Lori | Tracy | CSS Blog

Plaid Stamp | Perfect Harvest Fillers Stamp | Shapes: Circles Dies 

Bow Trio Mini Dies | Natural Cotton Twine

Burlap & Bows | Gift Packaging

Oh, packaging! How I love dressing you up! This week, the Clear and Simple Stamps design team is reviewing the latest release and today it's all about packaging. 

Using the new Burlap Bags and Bow Trio Dies, I could just squeal with delight over how much I am loving these. I started this project inspired by the natural burlap fibers. I wanted to create a gift set that felt soothing, calm and had natural elements. Lavender seems like the perfect fit.

The Bow Trio die is just amazing! It creates a perfect bow with just one single cut. Yes, that's just one piece of paper. Talk about a smart idea!

The clear pillow box has been filled with scented lavender. I just loved the scent that filled my craft room as I made this set.

Dressing up an ordinary bottle of hand soap makes this gift extra special, especially when put on display near the sink. I used the "soap" stamp from Au Naturel and the Mini Label Tags die to dress up the bottle.

The burlap bags are new in the shop too and the quality is amazing. Simply decorated with layers of ribbon, twine, and lace trimming. So easy to do, but makes a big statement.

So glad you stopped by today! Be sure to visit the other designers to see their pretty packaging projects (how's that for a tongue twister?): Elena | Lori | Clear and Simple Stamps Blog

Burlap Bags | Clear Pillow Box | Bow Trio Dies (Large) | Mini Label Tags

Au Naturel | Designer Mix Buttons