Altenew Wild Daisies Press Plate w/ TECHNIQUE Video | @Altenew Dec. Inspiration Challenge

Hello Friends,

Today I am excited to share a post that includes a lot of fun inspiration, including a 2 for 1 tutorial!  I am playing with a bunch of NEW Altenew products today over in my craft room and am inviting you over to my YouTube channel for a dual tutorial video where we will be doing some BetterPress techniques along with water coloring to complete today's card. 

I am also excited to be entering this card into the Altenew Monthly Inspirational Challenge over on the Altenew blog.

 

 

The prompt of this month's challenge is to draw inspiration from ANY of the previous Inspiration Challenge photographs in this challenge, channeling the colors, themes, compositions, or anything else that inspires your creative creativity. Below are the challenge inspiration photos from January-November 2023 that I drew my inspiration from. 

The image I choose my direct inspiration from was by Mindy Eggen's Photo below....

And is here is my project being entered....

Now for the FUN PART...... the VIDEO...... Let's jump into the craft room and create together.....  If you are in need of a list of products used please see video description for direct links or SHOP Altenew by clicking HERE. Thank you my friends for following my work.

Altenew BLACK FRIDAY & CYBER Monday 2023 MEGA Haul @Altenew

Hi Friends,

I am sorry I have not posted in a while. I have been starting to change over my blog to coordinate with my YouTube channel as my focus has changed to YouTube i 2023 and will be continuing that direction in 2024. I have been eagerly growing my YouTube channel to try and reach my end of the year goals and I have surpassed my goal which I am really proud of. So in 2024 I will begin trying to post my videos over here as well. If you haven't already I would love for you to pop on over and begin following me on YouTube, Thanks friends!

 

Today I have a Black Friday/Cyber Monday crafty haul video to share with all of you. I went a little over board with the sales but I couldn't help it. The prices were so wonderful. Did you know Altenew now carried BetterPress plates? I am so excited by this. Also if you haven't heardn't heard I now run two facebook groups. See links below...

Heartfelt Card Making With Spellbinders & More

BetterPress Babes

Now lets watch the Altenew Haul Video.... All Affiliate Links are below the video if you see anything you might be interested in.... I am affiliated with numerous companies and using those links will help me earn a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my efforts!

 

 BetterPress Items: https://shrsl.com/4c8tj

STAMP & DIE FOR BP Sentiments: https://shrsl.com/4c8u9 

Artists Watercolor Pan 24: https://shrsl.com/4c8tn 

Watercolor Metallic Pan 14: https://shrsl.com/4c8tp 

Watercolor Papers: https://shrsl.com/4c8tt 

Paint Brushes: https://shrsl.com/4c8tq 

Elegant Sayings: https://shrsl.com/4c8ud 

Versatile Greetings: https://shrsl.com/4c8ue 

Crafty Life: https://shrsl.com/4c8uf 

Create-A-Flower Tulip: https://shrsl.com/4c8ug 

Create A Flower Stargazer Lily: https://shrsl.com/4c8uj 

Build a Garden Grand Carnation: https://shrsl.com/4c8um 

Golden Days: https://shrsl.com/4c8uq 

Garden Trellis Cover Plate: https://shrsl.com/4c8uu 

Mix and Match Frames: https://shrsl.com/4c8uw 

Featured Sentiment Dies: https://shrsl.com/4c8ux 

Mandala Stencil: https://shrsl.com/4c8vn 

Flower Bunch Stencil: https://shrsl.com/4c8vp 

Narrow Brick Stencil: https://shrsl.com/4c8vq 

Frame Mask Stencil: https://shrsl.com/4c8vu 

Ribbon Waves 3D Embossing Folder: https://shrsl.com/4c8vv 

Daisy Bed 3D Embossing Folder: https://shrsl.com/4c8vx 

Altenew Metallic Foil Papers: https://shrsl.com/4c8vz 

Altenew Adhesives: https://shrsl.com/4c8w0 Tools: https://shrsl.com/4c8w2

Thank you again for following my work and crafting life with me. Melanie

Dancin' Halloween Collection By Spellbinders

Hi Friends,

 

Today I have some fun interactive cards along with a quick and easy embossing technique. These cards will be perfect for those who LOVE HALLOWEEN. These Cute Day of the Dead characters are fun with their bright colors and I decided to have them celebrating rather than being scary. 

 

Here is a close up photo.... 

I had a lot of fun choosing the colors for these. inks to all my supply list can be found in the description of the YouTube video for your convenience. The video is below. Thanks so much for stopping by and for supporting my crafting adventure.

Melanie 

Hope you enjoy the video! https://youtu.be/JxPF_DOOZDA

 

Create A Flower Tutorial | Spellbinders Poinsettia | Susan Tierney Cockb...

Hi Friends,

Today we will share with you Susan Tierney Cockburn's flower making dies for the first time.  I have designed a fall themed Poinsettia and in this video below I walk you through each step of the process. I hope you will take a moment to join me as we craft life together. Just click below.

Melanie

Join My New Facebook Group ~ Heartfelt Card Making With Spellbinders and More

Hi Friends,

Today I am sharing a special video on a card I created for the Heartfelt Design Team about a 6 weeks ago. A special friend from the Official Heartfelt Creations Facebook Page, Mrs Marla Owens, Requested a start to finish style video of this card. If anyone knows me they know I love my Heartfelt Family so I added it to my video list and here it is. Marla, I hope you find this video handy and I hope you share your inspired version in the Official group as well as in our NEW GROUP

Heartfelt Card Making With Spellbinders and MORE. 

Anyone reading this who may be interested is welcome to join as we are encouraging the use of our  favorite Heartfelt products but for people like me who craft with other products as well, those brands are welcome too. The main focus is keeping friends together and CRAFTING LIFE TOGETHER! Hope you will come join us! Here is the link... Heartfelt Card Making With Spellbinders and MORE

 

A Sweet Farewell To Heartfelt Creations, as a Design Team Member, You Will Be Missed!

Hi Friends,

Today is the end of a season in my life, one which has helped me process the death of my mother. When I tried out for Heartfelt Creations Design Team, I was dealing with my moms Estate and hadn't quite processed what had happened over the past few years with her Alzheimer's diagnosis and later her death. When your dealing with a loved one in such a state, and caring for them daily, you do what you have to do to care for them and THAT is your number one priority especially when that person is your best friend. Thankfully I had the support of my husband and daughter who helped me through that period of my life. They will never fully realize how grateful I am for them.

So when I decided to try out for the next design team call, I devoted myself to that decision 100% as I do anything I put my mind to. I studied, I practiced, and I developed my skills for almost a year before leading up to the try tryouts. Then it happened, my 3rd time trying out for the team, and I earned my way onto the Heartfelt Creations Creative team. I know mama had something to do with that. She would of been so excited to follow the journey. So with each flower I felt like I was healing a little bit more and now as I say goodbye to the team as well as the company I can fully say I feel like a completely different person thanks to this amazing company. So thank you Heartfelt for having me as part of your family and for giving me this amazing opportunity to grow and thrive as a individual and as a designer in this business. This card is a THANK YOU to you to commemorate my time with all of you! I wish you the very best in this next season of your life. Much Love, Melanie

For anyone interested in following my card making journey I have started my own group on facebook titled "Heartfelt Card Making with Spellbinders & More" All of you are welcome to join! Thank you friends for your ongoing support for my love of papercrafting.

 Directions:

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 11 x 7 1/2” and score at 5 1/2” for a top folding landscape card base. Cut a piece of purple card stock to 5 1/2 x 71/2 ” and ink the edges using the HCDA1-449 Stack and Store Daubers along with Deep Purple Archival Ink. Adhere to the front of the card base. Now Cut a piece of Luxe Silver Card Stock to 5 1/4 x 7 1/4” and attach; followed by a piece from Sheet 6A from the HCDP1-2138 Decorative Dragonfly Paper Collection. Before attaching the Dragonfly paper, ink the edges with Night Sky Archival Ink. Next using the HCD2-7424 Rectangle Filigree Frame Dies Using the largest die cut it 3x, first from white card stock, second from Luxe Silver Card Stock, and lastly from Sheet 5A. (From sheet 5A only the inner die cut piece will be used) With the second smallest frame set cut 2x from both white and silver, and from the inside frame outline die cut from sheet 3A. Ink edges of the Dragonfly papers with link colors. (Deep Purple, Night Sky, Leaf Green) Layer as shown in the photos making sure to offset the silver layers behind the white layers and using foam tape behind the inside frame. For the sentiment layer use the HCD2-7351 Iron Work Sentiment Dies and cut 3x, Once from Luxe Silver, once from white card stock, and once from sheet 5A. Ink the 5A layer a little with Deep Purple ink to darken it a little. Layer the sentiments so that the purple and white layers are exactly on top of each other and the silver is slightly on top. (Designers Note: The dates added below the Thank You sentiment are the years the designer has actually been on the Heartfelt Creations Design Team, and this card is to commemorate that. “Thank You Heartfelt for a beautiful journey”)

Stamp out 8 medium and 2 large Climbing Clematis Flowers onto HCPP1-475 Deluxe Flower Shaping Paper using the HCPC-3954 Climbing Clematis Cling Stamp Set using Distress Oxide Wilted Violet Ink. Color using a blending brush and Majestic Violet Archival Ink. Die cut with coordinating dies and run through the coordinating 3D mold. Using the HCST1-401 Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit press the centers of the flowers and pierce the centers to add HCS1-459-4 Rock Candy Stamen. Secure with a glue gun. Now stamp the HCPC-3816 Lush Lilacs Cling Stamp Set 1x onto Deluxe Flower Shaping Paper with Night Sky Archival Ink. Color using French Ultramarine Archival Ink and ice cut using the coordinating die. Ink the tips of the flowers with Night sky before running the flowers through the coordinating 3D flower mold. Now using the Flower Shaping Kit press the centers with the smaller ball tools. Using a small golf tool pierce a tiny hole into the center of each flower and thread thru 1/2 of a pastel pearl stamen small and secure to the back with a drop of glue.  To finish the flowers simply add Nida Tanner’s Magic Glitter Powder by adhering it with Dries Clear Glue and a Hydra Sponge. Lastly for the leaves create these by stamping the HCPC-3835 Leafy Accents in Olive Archival Ink and coloring it in with Leaf Green. Die cut with the coordinating dies. Before running the leaves through the 3D mold ink the edges of the leaves with Olive ink. Once the leaves are shaped all there is left to do is to arrange the beautiful corner arrangements. Cut a piece of coordinating paper from the Decorative Dragonfly Collection to complete the inside of the card.

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Hot Foiling Heartfelt Creations Dies

 Hi Friends,

I was challenged by a post in the Official Heartfelt Creations group when someone asked the curious question; "Is it possible to hot foil Heartfelt Creations dies?" Well since it is my last month as a designer for the company I thought I would step up to the challenge and get my beautiful dies out and have a play with them along with My Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil Machine. Lets take a look, then make sure to follow the link over to the video below....

In the photo below you can see the outer decorative oval hot foiled in silver hot foil. The die cut lines foil onto the paper rather than cutting the paper. Also if you look closely there is a nice little detail around the Merry Christmas as well. I foiled them before actually creating the sentiment. 

In this photo below you can see the foiling around the words even better. When experimenting I was surprised that the foiling still showed.

Now that you have seen close ups head on over to My YouTube Channel to check it out. Also just so everyone knows I have started to NEW facebook group called "Heartfelt Card Making with Spellbinders and More" I would love it if you would all join. Looking forward to crafting life together! Melanie

Holiday Ornament Collection by Heartfelt Creations ~ Our Last Release

Hi Friends,

Thank you so much for all the warm comments and for those who reached out to me last week. Your words of encouragement and support for the new Heartfelt Card Making with Spellbinders and More facebook group has been overwhelming.  Make sure to keep spreading the word.

Today I am sharing my second card featuring the Holiday Ornament Collection. I went super basic here for a clean and classic mail-able card. I hope you enjoy it.

Directions: 

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 7 x 10” and score at 5” for a side folding card base. Cut a piece a red mirror card stock to 5 x 7” and adhere to the front of the card base. Now from the HCDP1-2153 Holiday Ornament Paper Collection cut a piece measuring 4 7/8 x 6 7/8” from sheet 4B and before gluing it attach a piece of 1” red ribbon around it and secure it to the back. Now attach this plaid piece of paper to the card front. 

Next cut a piece of red mirror card stock to 4x6” and cut a piece of white card stock to 4 7/8 x 5 5/8” Using a stamp positioner, stamp the small ornaments from the HCPC-31031 Noel Holiday Ornaments Cling Stamp Set and HCPC-31030 Sparkling Holiday Ornaments Cling Stamp Set onto the white card stock in Sunflower, Emerald Green, Olive Green, and Red Geranium Archival Inks. Then run this paper through a 2D embossing folder for a fun textured look. Once embossed glue it to the red mirror card stock and attach the layers to the card base using 3D foam tape along the top half and bottom half of the card leaving room for the 1” ribbon to run along the center behind the panel.

Next stamp the “Merry Christmas” Sentiment from the HCPC-3995 Starry Holiday Greetings Cling Stamp Set onto Luxe Gold Card stock using Versamark Ink, and heat emboss using Gold Embossing Powder. Die cut it with the coordinating dies. Also cut 3x from white card stock.  Stack and glue together with the gold on top. This gives the card front dimension all while still keeping the card clean and simple and easy for mailing. Lastly add mini rhinestones to assorted ornaments to give the card a little extra shine. Finish the inside as desired.

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Heartfelt Creations Last Release and My Honest Thoughts

Hi Fellow Crafters,

Well today is THE day for the final collection release with Heartfelt Creations. I know this is a sad day for everyone but we will we will always have our memories with this wonderful company.  I will be honest with all of you, I struggled designing with this collection so you will see my cards are a lot more basic than usual. When I received this collection 3 months back I had just been notified about the upcoming closure of the company and my little heart was broken. So designing on a deadline was difficult for me. This week and next weeks cards are rather basic and I hope everyone understands, and bares with me. 

After receiving the news I went through a world of emotions as if I was going through a type of real grief. I worried the most about all of the customers and how you all were going to deal with this news. I struggled with this for quite some time as I could not really talk to anyone about the situation. I knew how I was feeling being on the team and losing the team in yet some of you have been following the company for a lot longer than me. Well then I had to push those feelings aside so I could figure out how to cope and that is when I decided it was time to pick myself up and dust myself off and decide "What's Next for Melanie?" 

I have been a designer in this business for over a decade, and Heartfelt Creations was my dream position. So deciding what to do next was a BIG step for me. I had already begun considering making more YouTube videos but with the schedule of the full time Heartfelt position, there just wasn't a lot of free time due to  the extensive amount of time I put into each and every project, plus the team requirements as well. So I decided to begin reaching out to different companies, being PROACTIVE and POSITIVE. Seeing who might be interested in teaming up with me? Rather than waiting around to see what would happen next. A few companies made offers and Spellbinders seemed like a good fit. They had a wide variety of quality products, they have a flower making line, but they also have a more well balanced product line that will attract a wider base of followers for YouTube and will allow me to stay engaged and creative doing different things all the time. This appealed to me as I know a lot of people do not want to always make large 3D cards that are difficult to mail but would rather make classy cards or even quick and easy cards that are affordable to mail. So I felt like I was getting an opportunity to spread my wings, so to speak, and reach even more people with my card making journey. 

So for any of you who may be reading this, I want you to know that I have just formed a Facebook Group for ALL OF THE ABOVE! It is called Heartfelt Card Making With Spellbinders and More and I would love for all of you to join me over on facebook as we move forward living life together one card at a time. I encourage all of you to continue using your Heartfelt Creations products and mix them with other products from your stash and design to your hearts content. This is a community where all is welcome. Love, Melanie

 

Directions:

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 7 3/8 x 10 3/4” and score at 5 3/8” for a side folding card base. Cut a piece a red mirror card stock to 7 3/8 x 5 3/8” and adhere to the front of the card base. Now from the HCDP1-2153 Holiday Ornament Paper Collection cut a piece measuring 5 1/4 x 7 1/4” from sheet 10B (dark green) and glue it to the card front. Now take the HCD2-7426 Oval Filigree Frame Die and using the largest die cut 2x, once from Luxe Gold Card Stock and once from white card stock. Adhere these together so that the white is slightly offset on top of the gold and the gold peaks out behind the white. Now cut the large oval die from the same die set, cutting it 2x from sheet 7B from the same paper pack. Attach the frame and one green oval to the front of the card and the other green oval to the inside of the card.

Using HCPC-31029 Large Holiday Ornament Cling Stamp Set Stamp put the large ornament with gold metallic ink onto white card stock and heat emboss with gold embossing powder. Do this once more but only stamping the center star. Using Copic markers carefully color the top and bottom of the ornament using reds and greens. Now using the coordinating dies cut out the large ornament with both the outer and the inlay piece. Also cut the individual star that was stamped and embossed. Using just the large outer die, cut 4x, once from Red Mirror Card Stock, and 3x from 110lb heavy weight card stock. (Deluxe Flower Shaping Paper was used in sample). Adhere all the ornament layers together with colored ornament layer on top followed by Mirror card and 3 white layers. Color the edges of card stock with matching red Copic marker. Glue the chipboard like Large Ornament to the card front and place the gold star in the center. Add gold gems to the Large Ornament and in the center of top star.  

Stamp a sentiment from the HCPC-31028 Christmas Holly Accents Cling Stamp Set with Red Geranium Archival Ink and die cut with the coordinating ink. Attach to the inside of the card to complete your project.

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Fancy Butterfly Blooms

Hi Friends,

Today I have the beautiful Large Floral Butterfly back in action in this card. This is my all time favorite collection and the one which helped me reach the dream of getting onto the Design Team.   I hope you all enjoy this card created with love for all of you.

Instructions:

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 5 1/2 x 8 and score at 7” creating a 1” flap at the top of the card base. Using the largest die from the HCD2-7384 Fancy Classic Rectangle Frame Dies cut through both layers with the top portion of the die hanging over the top fold of the flap. Cut a second piece of white card stock with the same die and adhere it to the back of the hinge creating the back of the top folded shaped card base. Using the same die, cut 2 more pieces, One from sheet 6A and another from piece 11B From the HCDP1-2138 Decorative Dragonfly Paper Collection. Adhere sheet 6A to the front of the card and 11B to the inside of the card. (NOTE: by adding the piece inside the card this will cover the seam where the card base was pieced together making the inside of the card finished. A small piece may need to be trimmed from the top to make it fit perfectly). Next using the second largest die from the same die set cut 2x, once from white card stock and once from Luxe Silver Card Stock. Layer the white on top of the silver and glue together slightly offset so that the silver peeks out from behind the white. Adhere this to the card front. 

Stamp the HCPC-3951 Large Floral Butterfly Cling Stamp Set onto white card stock using Versacolor White Embossing ink. Heat emboss with white embossing powder. Using two soft dye based ink colors with blender brushes lightly blend the colors over the heat embossing on the left wing to create a soft blended look. Using the HCD2-7352 Large Butterfly Die set, die cut the butterfly out and fussy cut around the body so that only the body and the left wing remains. Stamp a second body for the butterfly in the same manner and fussy cut the body out. Using Vellum die cut the decorative die from the butterfly set and lightly ink that as well before gluing the body to the body of the butterfly. Cover the glued vellum area with the fussy cut butterfly body. Small glue dots can tack the vellum down to the background and be covered by gems on the butterfly wings if desired. Glue to butterfly to the card front. 

Using the HCFB1-5005 Magnolia Cling Stamp Set, stamp out the medium bloom image two times using French Ultramarine Archival Ink. Also stamp out 5 leaves with Leaf Green Archival Ink. Before die cutting, color using the HCDA1-449 Stack and Store Daubers. Color the centers of the flowers using Viridian Archival Ink and the outer edges with the French Ultramarine ink. Color the leaves with Leaf Green. Die cut with the coordinating dies. Deepen the edges of the flowers with the French Ultramarine ink and the leaves with Leaf Green, before running them in the coordinating 3D Mold. Using the HCST1-401 Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit press the centers of each flower and pierce a hole in the center of each before adding the HCS1-457-1 Pastel Pearl Stamens - Small in Green to the centers. Finish both with a dusting of Nida Tanner’s Magic Glitter Powder by adhering it with Dries Clear Glue and a Hydra Sponge.

For background flowers and leaves stamp the floral stamp from the HCPC-3985 Dragonfly Florals Cling Stamp Set using Olive Archival Ink. Using English Ivy Archival ink stamp the leaves from the HCPC-3912 Cascading Wisteria Cling Stamp Set. Color the flowers in using Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers and the leaves with Leaf Green ink. Die cut with coordinating dies. Ink the edges of the leaves with English Ivy ink.

Now arrange the flowers and leaves in the bottom right hand corner to complete the card. 

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Shaker Window Christmas Scene With Poinsettias

 Hi Friends,

Today I have a really special card that I created with the amazing Festive Christmas collection. This collection has been a joy to create with, I really hope you have been able to add it to your collection. Lets take a look...

 

Instructions:

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 8 1/2 x 6” and score at 4 1/4” to create a side folding card base.  Using the largest die from the HCPC-31016 Ornate Window Die set to cut through both layers of the card base making sure that the left side of the die hangs over the left side some to preserve some of the fold line. This will form a shaped card base. Now cut a piece of white card stock with the same die and glue straight on top of the card base to give that fold line side a finished look. Using this same die cut once from Sheet 11A from the HCDP1-2152 Festive Christmas Paper Collection (reserve this one for the inside). From the HCDP1-2130 Home for the Holidays Paper Collection using the inside window die cut a scene from sheet 1B for inside the window. Using this shape and size as a guideline also cut a piece of clear acetate slightly larger than this piece. Set both of these aside until the assembly process.

Stamp the HCPC-31016 Ornate Window Cling Stamp Set 3x onto red Card Stock with Versamark Ink after treating first with an anti static tool. Heat emboss using Gold Embossing Powder. Die cut just the top arch from one and the entire window from the other two using the coordinating dies. Attach one full window to the card front. Using a razor blade style knife and a cutting mat, cut the window opening down the center, across the bottom, and down from the top center till the first hinge along both sides. Score gently along the sides from hinge to hinge to open the window. Sit the window pieces aside.

Next stamp the Birdies on the Branch stamp from the HCPC-31027 Festive Berry & Birdies Cling Stamp Set 2x with Black archival ink onto white card stock. Color using the Stack and Store daubers using French Ultramarine and Poppy Inks for the birds and Emerald Green and Vivid Chartreuse for the leaves. For the finer details of the branches and tiny leaves use Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers. Now with the same colors Stamp the leaf and berry branch out from the HCPC-31026 Christmas Lantern Cling Stamp Set and color in the same manner. Die cut with the coordinating dies. (Note: for one of the birdie branches trim off the birdies as just the branch will be used for foliage at the top of the window.)

Next stamp out 6 poinsettias from the HCPC-3881 Christmas Poinsettia and Holly Cling Stamp Set in Red Geranium Archival ink onto Deluxe Flower Shaping Paper. Color with the same. Die cut with the coordinating dies then using Stack and Store Daubers darken the edges of each petal. Glaze each flower using 3D Crystal Lacquer with a paint brush. Allow to dry. Then shape using the Deluxe Flower Shaping Mold and glue Gold Micro Beads to the centers.

Now to assemble the window shaker card; Taking the open window piece and carefully attach the two birdie pieces to the window glueing to the backside of the window. These will be on the outside of the acetate but made to look as they are outside the window in perspective. Turn the window face down and glue the acetate down to the back of the window attaching all the way around and also directly to the back of the birdie and branches you just attached. Give this a little time to dry. Now add two layers of 3D foam tape around the window opening making sure to seal in the opening completely so that the shaker bits do not fall out. Treat this inner well area with an anti static tool. Now add in the shaker bits (sequins and micro beads were added to this sample). Remove the foam tape backers and cover the well with the scene cut from the Home For the Holidays Paper Collections. Then Glue the entire front window to the back window to complete the shaker unit. 

To finish the front of the window add the embossed top detail using 3D foam dots. Then using a glue gun attach the leaf and berry sprig to the top left of the window along with 2 of the poinsettias. Lastly add the last poinsettia to the bottom right. For the inside of the card trim down the patterned paper previously cut so that it fits inside nicely, then simply cut an arched piece of white card stock using the Ornate Window die set to add to the inside for a written message.

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Love, Melanie

3D Embossing Folder Techniques Using the Mandala Blooms 3D Folder By Spellbinders

Hi Friends,

Today I come to you with a really fun embossing folder technique that I played around with using a new folder by Spellbinders.  I really liked the way it turned out. It is simple inking technique with really fun results. Experiment with the inks you own like I did and see what looks you come up with. Then try out different markers and just have FUN enjoying the process!!!! I have a full tutorial below but make sure to check out the close up photos as well. Enjoy!

 

                          

         

 

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. For a full list of supplies please visit my YouTube Video or to Shop Spellbinders Directly Click Here. Thank you for supporting my work. 

 

Melanie

 

Disclaimer: I use affiliate links whenever possible. This means that links, when clicked on and shopped thru support me by allowing me to receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Thank you for supporting me and my work.

 

Heartfelt Creations ~ Lantern Archway

Hi Friends,

I think the more I work with this collection the more I fall in love with it. It mixes so well with all of my other collections. I just love it. Today I am mixing it with a couple of different dies as well as an older poinsettia collection. Everything is mentioned below in my instructions. Now lets take a look.....

Instructions:

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 10 x 7.5”  and score at 5” to create a side folding card base. Using the largest die from the HCD2-7337 Teardrop Lattice Gateway Die Set to cut through both layers of the card base making sure that the left side of the die hangs over the left side some to preserve some of the fold line. This will form a shaped card base. Now cut a piece of white card stock with the same die and glue straight on top of the card base to give that fold line side a finished look. Using this same die, cut once from Sheet 7B (dark blue) from the HCDP1-2152 Festive Christmas Paper Collection. Next using the largest die with the second largest die cut it 3x, twice from sheet 5B (light blue) and lastly from Luxe Silver Card Stock. (reserve one light blue piece for the inside of the card). Using Night Sky Archival Ink along with the Stack and Store Daubers ink the edges of the Light Blue pieces. Glue the light blue piece on top of the silver one, offsetting it as little so it peeks out from behind the blue for a drop shadow effect. Glue this double layer to the card front. Using the third largest die from the HCD2-7426 Elegant Filigree Frame Die Set cut 2x, once from white card stock and once from Luxe Silver Card Stock. Layer these so that the silver is slightly offset behind the white like in the previous step. Attach this double layer to the card base using foam tape for added dimension. 

Stamp the Lantern image 2x from the HCPC-31026 Christmas Lantern Cling Stamp Set onto Copic X Press It paper using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. Also stamp the Holly Berry Stamp from 2x from the HCPC-31028 Christmas Holly Accents Cling Stamp Set and color all of these images with Copic Markers. (TIP: One lantern image is colored entirely, the other image on the area that gets die cut by the inner lantern die that will layer on top). Stamp one tree branch with birdies in Archival Black onto white card stock from the HCPC-31027 Festive Berry & Birdies Cling Stamp Set. Only color the birds using stack and store daubers along with French Ultramarine and Poppy Archival inks, then use just the bird dies when die cutting. Stamp out the sentiment from the Christmas Lantern Stamp Set using Night Sky ink onto white card stock. Lastly stamp out 6 poinsettias from the HCPC-3881 Christmas Poinsettia and Holly Cling Stamp Set in Vermillion Archival ink onto Deluxe Flower Shaping Paper. Color with the same. Now die cut all images using their coordinating dies. For the sentiment die cut an extra die from Luxe Silver Card Stock to add as a drop shadow. 

To complete the flowers shape using the coordinating Flower Shaping Mold and glue multicolor yellow pearls to the centers. Add Nida Tanner’s Magic Glitter Powder for a sparkling finish. 

Arrange the Lantern and flowers on the front of the card in a pleasing way. Attach the second focal lantern to the center of the image using 3D foam dots. Add the birdies with foam dots. Glue down the leaves and berry branches and lastly hot glue the poinsettias into place. Off set the sentiment for a finishing touch. For the inside simply trim down the light blue layer set aside earlier, and cut a white layer from a smaller die from the same Teardrop Lattice Gateway Die Set for a place to leave a personal message.

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Love, Melanie

Spellbinders BRAND NEW Summer Collection of House Mouse Stamps / Copic Coloring Tutorial

Hi Friends,

Today I have a brand new Copic coloring video to share with you. This is from the NEW release over at Spellbinders. I am using the House Mouse Spring Stamp Collection by Stampendous.  It is an adorable collection and each stamp even comes with its own set of sentiments which go perfectly with the stamps. These stamps are PERFECT for the beginning colorist and in my video I show you exactly how the stamp itself helps you learn to color. Make sure to scroll down below the video to see a few of my finished samples before heading to YouTube...

 

 

 

This is the stamp we are coloring today in the video.....You can color just like this...Grab the stamp HERE and let me walk you through it one step at a time.

This one I have colored a little more advanced using more colors in the flowers but the techniques are the same and in my future video I will make sure to use more colors so you can step up your coloring so feel free to grab more of the collection because we will be coloring more one of the other three in a future video. 

I hope you have enjoyed a close up look at my flower coloring. I do love to color flowers and these house mouse stamps are such a joy to color as the artist makes them so easy to do so. Thank you for stopping by today and for supporting me. Please visit my YouTube Channel for weekly inspiration and I hope to connect with you soon.

Melanie

Heartfelt Creations ~ Festive Christmas Collection

 Hi Friends,

Today Heartfelt Creations kicks off their New Release titled Festive Christmas Collection. This lovely holiday collection features a beautifully sized lantern with numerous greenery options with decorative birdies to design your holiday scenes. It will surely please all your friends and family this holiday season when they receive your handmade cards. Lets take a look...

Instructions:

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 8 x 10” and score at 4” to create a side folding card base.  Using the largest die from the HCD3-7431 Slim Eyelet Rectangle die set cut through both layers of the card base making sure that the left side of the die hangs over the left side just barely to preserve the fold line. This will form a shaped card base. Now cut a piece of white card stock with the same die and glue straight on top of the card base to give that fold line side a finished look. Next using the HCDP1-2152 Festive Christmas Paper Collection use sheet 9B (red) to cut 1x with the same exact die and adhere to the card front. From the same paper pack cut sheet 6B (Dk Green) 2x using the largest die from the HCD3-7432 Slim Basic Rectangles Die Set (one piece will be set aside for the inside of the card). Now use the 2nd largest die to cut a piece from sheet 4B (Lt green). Also from this paper cut another piece for the inside using the 5th largest die and sit it aside for later use. Adhere the dark green piece to the card front. Now cut the HCD3-7433 Slim Lattice Die Set 2x, once in white card stock and once in Luxe Gold card stock. Adhere these together using Dries Clear adhesive with the metal tip so that the white card stock is slightly offset and the gold is peeking out from behind the white. Now adhere that layer to the Lt green layer previously cut and attach to the card front with 3D foam tape.

Now stamp out the two lower birdie images in Archival Black ink onto Deluxe Flower Shaping Paper from the HCPC-31027 Festive Berry & Birdies Cling Stamp Set and a second from the HCPC-31028 Christmas Holly Accents Cling Stamp Set as your focal images as seen in the photos. From the Festive Berry & Birdies Cling Stamp Set, also stamp the top image out 2x in Emerald Green Archival ink. Die cut out using the coordinating dies. With the two branch stamps stamped in green, trim off the birdies and discard the birds. Now using color pencils color in all of the images. Shape from the back side gently using the Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit. 

Next stamp out 16 small poinsettias (the stamp 2x) from the HCPC-3822 Poinsettia & Holly Clusters Cling Stamp Set in Red Geranium Archival ink onto Deluxe Flower Shaping Paper. Color with the same. Die cut with the coordinating dies then using Stack and Store Daubers darken the edges of each petal. Glaze each flower using 3D Crystal Lacquer with a paint brush. Allow to dry. Then shape using the Deluxe Flower Shaping Mold and glue Gold Micro Beads to the centers. Do this exact same process with the focal poinsettia only using the HCPC-3881 Christmas Poinsettia and Holly Cling Stamp Set. 

Begin arranging all the items on the card front using a combination of Hot Glue and 3D foam dots to give extra dimension. Using the sentiment from the HCPC-31028 Christmas Holly Accents Cling Stamp Set, stamp out the sentiment in Red Geranium and die cut with the coordinating die. Use adhesive foam strips to adhere this to the card. To finish off the inside of the card adhere the dark green and light green papers, previously set aside, on the inside of your card for a coordinating look.

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Love, Melanie

 

 

 

 

 

Heartfelt Creations ~ Elaborate Wrinkled Roses

Hi Friends,

Today I have a card that I am excited to say actually was featured in the Heartfelt Creations marketing email. I know that seems silly to talk about but all the time I have been with the HC Team my work has never been featured in the email marketing. They have used it numerous times within Social Media Marketing but never in email marketing so this was a first for me.  

When I tried out for the HC team I created a card using my Wrinkled Roses and it must of attracted their attention then as well. That it the style of Wile Rose I have created in this project as well. Lets take a look.

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 10 x 7” and score at 5” to create a side folding 5 x 7” card base.  Using the largest die from the HCD2-7309 Elaborate Oval Frames to cut through both layers of the card base making sure that the left side of the die hangs over the left side some to preserve some of the fold line. This will form a shaped card base. Now cut a piece of white card stock with the same die and glue straight on top of the card base to give that fold line side a finished look. Using this same die cut 3 more times, 2x (one reserved for inside) from Sheet 3B and 1x from sheet 12B, from the HCDP1-2139 Wild Poppy Paper Collection. Cut the red paper horizontally threw the middle and attach it to the back of the plaid paper so that it forms a drop shadow at the top and bottom of the plaid paper. Then glue this to the card front. (see photo) Next using the second largest die from the Elaborate Oval Set cut it 2x, once from white card stock and once from Luxe Gold card stock. Using the HCPC-3845 Just For You Sentiments Cling Stamps, stamp the sentiment on the white layer 
off set to the right to leave room for the flowers which will be added later. Layer the Lux Gold behind the white so that the gold peeks out. Add foam tape to the back and attach to the card front. Lastly using the HCD1-7202 Album Tags and Accent Die Set, use the 2 coordinating dies together to cut a Luxe Gold frame to accent the focal die cut nicely.

Stamp the 2nd and 3rd smallest roses from the HCPC-3906 Small Wild Rose Cling Stamp Set out 3x each using Red Geranium Archival Ink onto Deluxe Flower Shaping Paper. Using a Blender Brush color before die cutting out using Rose Madder Archival Ink. Die cut with the coordinating dies. Using Stack and Store Daubers Darken the edges of the flowers with Red Geranium and spray with water and hand crinkle. When almost dry use the Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit to complete the shaping. Add lots of beautiful Bridal Stamens to the centers, and finish off this classy look by applying clear glue using a Hydra Sponge and Sprinkle with  Nida Tanweer Magic Glitter Powder. Next Stamp the small HCPC-3999 Hollyhock Petals and Leaves Cling Stamp Set onto Rajni Chawla’s Vellum Paper with Versa Color White Pigment Ink making sure to treat it with an anti static tool first. Heat emboss with white embossing powder. Color on the back with Squeezed Lemonade Distress Oxide Ink. Die cut with the coordinating dies and shape with the Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit. Hot glue one single white pearl from the HCS1-457-1 Pastel Pearl Stamen Small pack to the center of each flower. Now stamp out two leaf branches from the HCPC-3835 Leafy Accents Cling Stamp Set with Olive Archival Ink and with a blender brush, color with Leaf Green Archival Ink. Die cut and darken the edges some with the Olive Green. Now shape using the Coordinating 3D Shaping Mold. 

Now simply arrange the leaves and florals so that they hug the left side of the card allowing the gorgeous die to speak for itself along the right side. For the inside of the card, simply trim the left side of the plaid panel cut previously. Then use the small label die from the Elaborate Oval Die Set to create a white card stock panel for the inside of the card. Glue this in place. This will make for a beautiful coordinated inside to finish off the design.

 I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Love, Melanie

 

 

 

 

 

Heartfelt Creations ~ Soft Hues

Hi Friends,

Today I have a soft pastel card for all of you and this time the card actually measures 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" (A2). This was a super fun shaker card to create using the Decorative Dragonfly Paper pad for my color inspiration and using the Floral Sentiment Cling Stamps and Coordinating dies to create the shaker with. Lets take a more in depth look.....

Instructions:

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 11” x 4 1/4” and score at 5 1/2 to create a top folding card base. From sheet 1B cut a piece that measures 4 1/4 x 5 1/2” from the HCDP1-2138 Decorative Dragonfly Paper Collection. Glue this piece onto the card base. Now cut a piece from sheet 3A and a piece from sheet 11B both to measure 3 3/4 x 5”.  Set aside.

Using HCPC-31024 Friend Floral Sentiment Cling Stamp Set Stamp out the large stamp onto Copic X Press It paper using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. Color in with Copic markers then die cut using both the outer and inner coordinating dies. Once die cut, place the frame on top of the previously cut piece of sheet 3A (green) paper and line up the center die and tape in place. Run this through a die cut machine to form a window. Take a piece of acetate and glue to the back of this opening. Add foam tape all around the opening and the back of this piece. Now using Deep Purple Archival Ink stamp the large sentiment again onto the piece of 11B that was previously cut. This piece will be glued down to the card front and sequins  are to be sat on top of the sentiment. Lightly dust the inside of the back side of the window before removing the backing of all the foam tape to prevent static. Then place down on top of the sequins to trap them inside the shaker window. 

Next Glue the Copic colored frame to the front of the window making sure to line up all the edges. Stamp out the larger stamp from the HCPC-31017 Feathery Florals Cling Stamp Set in Library Green Archival Ink onto Deluxe Flower Shaping Paper. Color the green leaves using Stack and Store Daubers along with Viridian and Library Green inks. Shape a little from the back using the Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit. Cut off all the foliage from this floral spray to be used under our flowers on this card.

Stamp the Roses 3x in Deep Purple Archival Ink from HCPC-3906 Small Wild Rose Cling Stamp Set. 3 medium and 4 small flowers will be needed to complete the card. With a makeup sponge applicator brush, ink the centers lightly with Tea Rose Archival Ink and then cut with coordinating dies. Using the Stack and Store Daubers ink the edges of each petal with Blue Violet Archival ink and run through the coordinating 3D Mold. Using the Deluxe Flower Shaping Kit use a circular motion with the stylus tool and press down into the center of each petal center. Lastly poke a hole in the center of each flower using the Grooved Golf Tools. For the Large Flower alternate 3 petals and use the Medium Pastel Stamen in the center. Using hot glue, glue in place. For the smaller flowers alternate 2 petals and use the Small Pastel Stamens and also secure in place with hot glue.

Now simply arrange the florals and foliage at opposite corners to finish up the card. Finish off the inside with a beautiful piece of paper from the Decorative Dragonfly Paper Collection for a gorgeous coordinating look.

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Love, Melanie

 

Always Grateful ~ Dedicated to My Heartfelt Family

Hi Friends,

Wow when I made this card I had no idea that Heartfelt Creations would be closing it's doors by the end of the year. I sure am grateful for my time on the design team. I have learned and grown so much as an artist and team member. HC is the most organized and diligent company I have ever worked for. They have amazing customer service and strive to be better versions of themselves each and every day. I am proud to be a part of the HC Family and look forward to serving out my term and supporting them to the very end of their reign. May Linda and the family enjoy their retirement and future endeavors as the strong family unit as they are and may we always stay friends and keep in touch. 💗💗💗

Instructions:

Cut a piece of white card stock measuring 10” x 7” and score in half at 5” to form a 5” x 7” card base. Cut a piece from sheet 2B from the HCDP1-2151 Floral Sentiments Paper Collection, measuring 5” x 7” and glue this to the card base. Now cut a piece of Luxe silver measuring 4 3/4” x 6 3/4” and Cut a piece from sheet 8B measuring 4 5/8 x 6 5/8. Using a decorative corner punch, punch the corners of this paper. Adhere these together with Dries Clear Adhesive and attach to the card base. Now using the HCD1-7229 Diamonds and Lace Die set cut the largest die 2x, once from white and once from Luxe Silver Card Stock. Layer and glue these together with the white on top and the silver slightly off set so that the silver is peeking out from behind the white. Attach to the card front using 3D foam tape. 

Using the HCPC-31025 Grateful Floral Sentiment Cling Stamp Set, stamp out the large sentiment stamp using Archival Pigment Brilliance Ink in Crimson Copper and heat emboss using clear embossing powder. (For a similar look Light House Archival Ink could also be used) Using detail brushes and HCDA1-449 Stack and Store Daubers, color in the frame using Vibrant Fuchsia, Pink Peony, Vivid Chartreuse, Leaf Green, Buttercup, and Periwinkle Archival Inks. Die cut using the coordinating outer die. Stamp the word Grateful out using Vibrant Fuchsia and die cut using the coordinating die. Using that same die, cut 2x more in white card stock and glue all 3 layers together to add height to the sentiment. Glue to the front as shown to give the full sentiment a pop of color. Glue the entire floral sentiment to the Diamonds and Lace die cut using 3D Foam adhesive.  Lastly add Stickles to the butterflies for a bit of sparkle. To complete the inside of the card simply use a piece of the gorgeous paper from the Floral Sentiments Paper Collection.

 

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I enjoyed creating it for each of you! Check out my personal project in the Heartfelt Creations Gallery to find out what products I used for this project.

Also, please be sure to visit the Heartfelt Creations Blog to see all of the gorgeous projects created by the other amazing design team members.

Love, Melanie