Squirrel!!

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

My card today is inspired by the current challenge "Artful Architect".  What is better than a treehouse?  Well, I can think of alot of other houses I'd rather live in, but these cute little critters are happiest in their treehouse.

I made this as a shape card by using the tree die and partial cutting only the right edge of the card front.  After cutting only the right edge, I used my scissors to cut from the top down to meet the first cut of the tree and did the same on the bottom.  Depending on how far in from the right side that you make your partial die cut, you may need to cut in between to get a continual cut all the way down the right side.  I hope that makes sense.

I stamped the images onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below.   I then cut each of them with the coordinating dies included with the stamp set.

I adhered some of the images into the windows and doors before adhering the colored tree onto the partial cut right edge.   The bunny and the birds were popped up with foam dots. 

The Squirrel! sentiment was die cut using the tag die from the #5718 - Mini Journal Template.  I glued only the right edge down so that this tag could latch onto the front for a nice closure.  See video below.

That's it for me today!  I hope you enjoyed my card and it gives you inspiration to enter our current blog challenge for a chance to win a free stamp set.

Have a great day and keep creating!

Copics used:  C00, C0, C1, C2      R20

E30, E31, E33, E35, E55, E57

Y13, Y15, Y17    G40, G43, G46 

B000, B12, B14, B21, B23, B24

Bunny Birthday card

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

The color yellow is the theme for the current blog challenge, and honestly, it’s hard not to smile when working with such a bright, happy shade.  I decided to turn that sunshine into a birthday greeting, by using the #4886K - Easter Blessings stamp set.  Even though it’s themed for Easter, it’s wonderfully versatile and perfect for spreading a little extra joy.

                                          

I started by stamping the image onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I used the #5061- Square Double Stitched die to frame the image and matted it onto a yellow piece of cardstock.  The pattern paper background is from the #6205 - Floral Shop PP.  This paper pack has the most beautiful colors and patterns.  I used the #5132 - Tag Stitched die and partial cut the sentiment.  To finish the card, I tied a yellow ribbon around the matted frame and adhered it to the A2 card base.

Pretty simple card for today but so bright and cheery!  

 Keep creating and make sure to enter the blog challenge for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice.

Hope you have a nice day! 

Copics used:  N0, N1,   R20,   B000

 Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17

G40, G43, G46

Bunny in Flower bendy card

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

I recently purchased the Bunny set #4886K – Easter Blessings, and I’ve already made so many cards with it. It’s not just for Easter either! I’ve used it for birthdays, spring cards, thinking‑of‑you cards, and more. The images in this set are adorable and so versatile.

I love making fun‑fold cards, and this design works perfectly on a bendy card. It’s simple to put together, lays flat for mailing and the recipient enjoys how it stands on display.

I began by stamping this cute little image onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I die cut with one of the dies from the #6045 Scallop Nested Circle die set and then matted on pink cardstock cut with the #5726 Nested Circle die.  

To make card base - Cut a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4" piece of heavy cardstock.  Score and fold in half (valley fold) at 2 3/4".

Also cut a piece of white cardstock using the #6155 Margin die.  I cut the straight edge to make the margin die approx. 1 1/4" wide (high) and then cut a bit off of each side evenly to make it 6" in length with the heart being in the middle.  I trimmed a piece of pink cardstock and glued behind the heart cutouts.  I then scored at 1/4" along each side of this 6" panel.  Fold the 1/4" tabs under and glue to the front side of the card base.  

  Cut two panels of designer paper to fit each half of the card base (2 5/8" x 4 1/8").  Glue one of these to each side of the card base, in between the margin die panel and the card base, covering the tabs of the margin die panel.

For the bendy portion of the card - Cut a piece of pink cardstock at 5" x 4".  Score and mountain fold each at 1/4" and 2" from both sides of the 5" length.  Place liquid glue on each of the 1/4" tabs only and glue to the designer paper (under the margin die panel) centering this onto the base card.  I cut designer paper panels to fit each of the bendy folds leaving a slight border.  

Lastly, adhere the circle image panel to the middle fold of the bendy panel only, otherwise the card will not bend.

Add hearts, ribbon and the word "loved" (from the margin die set) for accents and dimension.

I hope you enjoyed my card today!  Thanks for joining me!

Have a wonderful day and keep creating!

Copics used:  E50, E51, E53,     B000

R20, R22, R81, R83, R85

G20, G21, G24

Pop Up Easter Easel Box

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

I found this cute little easel box on youtube and thought I would create one for Easter.  Have you ever fallen down the rabbit hole (no pun intended) when viewing youtube videos or even pinterest?  I love seeing all the creative ideas out there but, man, I get hooked and then away I go.

One of my favorites sites and where I found this box is The Paper Pixie.  If you click on that link, it will take you to her box instructions.  Box measures 3" x 3".  

Here's my version using Art Impressions #5742 - Easter PP and the #5870 - Peeking Bunny set.

When you pull on the ribbon, the box opens and the easel pops up.  I wanted to grab some easter candies and fill the box before I took the picture, but I went to the store and forgot the candy.  😬

I just LOVE the easel on the box top and how it pops up.  Sooo fun!

Thanks for joining me today!  Hope you have a fantastic day!

Keep creating!

Copics used:  E50, E51, E53, E55, E95

N0, N1,       R20, R81, R83

B12, B14       V12, V15

G40, G43         YR20, YR23

Easter Pop Up card

 Hello AI Friends!

I'm soooo excited!  I drew the lucky straw when I was picked to be the feature for this challenge.  I love making interactive/fun fold cards so when they said "3D", I said "Oh Yeah".  I decided to make an Easter Pop-up card.  What I love about this type of card, is you get to add soooo many images all on one card.   I used the #6008 - Bunny Hugs and the #5870 - Peeking Bunny sets.  So many of Art Impressions stamp sets go together so it's great to mix and match.  Makes for endless design possibilities!

Here is my finished card but follow below for more pics and instructions on how I created it.

I began by stamping several images onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below.  Once all of these images were colored, I cut each of them out with their corresponding dies that are included in the stamp sets.  

Remember decorating Easter eggs when you were little?  Trying to decide what design to paint was always problematic for me.  It seems that dilema has carried into my adult years.  😬  However, it is still just as fun but not nearly as messy.  LOL!

To create this standing pop up card, I cut four panels (staggered heights) of heavy weight green cardstock.  Each panel is 7 3/4" long.  I then scored, along the long side, at 1/2, 1, 1 1/2 and 2 from both sides.   I used a few different grassy dies from my stash and cut each panel so that you have varied heights.  I then folded and burnished each of the score lines.  I cut the grass part off on each panel to the third score line on each side.  Leave the last score section in place so, when folded, that section will wrap around the side.

This picture shows how each layer will overlap the one behind.  If any seem too high for you, trim off the bottom of that panel.  

I made four layers, but when I did a test assemble, I decided to omit the front layer and cut off the scored sections.  I adhered it directly to the second layer leaving the grassy part unglued so that I could tuck in the chicks. This is a matter of your preference.  You could include more layers or reduce, like I ended up doing.

Now we are going to wrap the sides creating a little box shape on either side of each panel.  

Turn the panel upside down and fold two of the score sections upwards.  Place glue on the end section (see below - Pic 1) and fold over to meet the last score line (Pic 2) creating the box shape (see Pic 3).

                                         Pic 1                                        Pic 2

   Pic 3

Do that last step for each of the green panels.  They should look like this when standing together.

I added a few extra grassy panels so I could tuck eggs and such into them like a pocket.   

 If you choose to do like I did, die cut a few grassy flat panels that are 3 3/4" wide.  These should fit perfectly on the front of any of these sections.  I adhered one of the extra grassy pieces to the second panel.  Glue that piece directly to the panel, but leave the grassy tips unglued so you have room to tuck. 

  Now, adhere each layer together by placing glue to the back of the box shape only and make sure to line up the sides nicely with the next panel. 

  For the very back panel, I cut a piece of 3 3/4" x 5 of white heavy cardstock and adhered a piece of 3 x 3 3/4" of the cloud pattern paper from the #5873 - Mini Birthday PP to the top.  I then cut a piece of heavy green cardstock with the grassy die and adhered to the back panel leaving the top grassy tips unglued, again for tucking.  I also added one of the extra grassy pieces to this layer.  

Now, for the really fun part - decorating!  Place your images on/in the layers, tucking as you choose.  Make sure to glue them down unless you want the recipient to be able to rearrange the eggs.  

This card will lay flat and fit an A2 size envelope.  Also, the back has plenty of room for your sentiment.  

Thanks for joining me today!  I hope you will enter your "3D" creation in this challenge for a chance to win a free stamp set of your choice.  We love seeing your creations!

Have a wonderful day and keep creating!

Copics used:  E50, E51, E53, E55, E95

N0, N1     R11, R20, R81, R83

Y00, Y23      YR20, YR12, YR31

RV42      G40, G43

V12, V15    B0000, B00, B12, B14

Hello Sunshine

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

Have you seen the newest AI release?  This one is fantastic!  I know, I probably say that about every one of them, but let's be real - they ALL are fantastic!  This is definitely a fave of mine!

Two new stamp sets were released - #6103 - Baby Keepsake and #6106 - Spring Keepsake, which is the one I used for my pop out card.

I stamped the images onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I cut each of them out with the corresponding dies that are included in the set.  Love it when dies are included, don't you?  Adds so much dimension!  Check out this cute little frog!  He is definitely my favorite, however, the bunny and duck are just as adorable.  

I created a pop out card so that I could layer each of these cute little images.  I added a few images from other sets, like the flowers in the water can (#5935 Fairytale Houses), the Easter basket (#5869 - Easter Bunny Puppet) and the bird (#5100 - Woodland Tree cubbies).  The sun was from my stash.

I used the #6009 - Basic Green PP for the grass and the #5873 - Mini Birthday PP for the cloud background.

That's it for me today!  Make sure to check out the new release!   It includes some beautiful valentine papers and a new scalloped rectangle die set.  Great bundle!

Hope you have a wonderful day!  Keep creating!

Copics used:  N0, N1, N2, B000

G20, G21, G24      V12, V15

R02, R05, R08, R20

B12, B14           YR12, YR16

Y11, Y13, Y17, Y19, Y32, Y35, Y38

Sweet Baby Girl and more Easter treats

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

I have a couple of projects for you today.  The first one was inspired by the current blog challenge - ABC, 123 and then a few more Easter treat containers for the holiday.  I got carried away and was having too much fun so I just had to share!

When I think ABC, 123, I think baby and block letters.  So, guess what I created for this challenge?  Yep, a baby card with block letters on the inside.  ;)

 My card features the #5904 So Sweet Armful Elephant as well as the #5911 Large Numbers and #5912 Large Alphabet dies.  I also used the paper packs - #5742 Easter PP and #5940 Journal Cover Plaid PP.  I started with the inside of the card by cutting an A2 card base, folding in half and placing two 4 1/8" x 5 3/8" pieces of pink cardstock onto each inner side.  Depending on the number of letters, measure an even space between each and allow 3/4" for each letter.  So, for four letters, I marked, on the folded white side, at 1/2", 1 1/4", 1 3/4", 2 1/4", and so on adding 1/2" then 3/4" along the remaining fold.  Cut, away from the fold, 1" on each of the marks.  See diagram below.

Open the card and fold the 3/4" tabs to the inside so that they pop up.  Add the dot pattern paper to the inside right and left sides.  Die cut the letters from heavy cardstock and pattern paper.  Glue together and mount onto the scallop frame and then onto the left and right sides of the 3/4" tabs.  The inside of the card is finished.

For the front of the card, cut a piece of plaid cover paper 5 1/2" x 8 1/2+" (slightly larger to allow for the fold).  Adhere to the outside A2 card base and trim off any excess.  Adhere the corner edges to the plaid paper.  Your card will be thick so to create a nice closure, place a piece of ribbon around the card and adhere under the front frame.  Decorate with the elephant, number and sentiment.

For the Easter Treat envelope and basket:

I used the #5869 Easter Bunny Puppet for both of these Easter projects as well as several of the Easter paper packs.  

The envelope above was created with a piece of 6 x 6 paper.  Fold one corner across to the other creating a triangle.  Take the left point and fold over the front to the middle.  Take the right point and fold to the left point.  Adhere both of these down.  Lastly, take the front piece of the top triangle, leaving the back, and fold down over the front.  Adhere down and glue your bunny over the top.  Fill the pouch with easter goodies.

The basket was also created with a 6 x 6 piece of paper.  This is the same fold as the box from last week's post except you don't bring the sides all the way up creating a basket vs. a box.  Score at 2" and 4", turn and score again at 2" and 4".   On one side, cut the two score lines to the first fold.  On the opposite side, cut the two score lines to that first fold.  You should have three connected squares on the left of the first cut score line and three on the right of the second cut score line.  Fold in the middle pieces and then fold in the sides until the two top points, on each side, come together.  Adhere down.  For strength, I cut three 2" x 2" pieces of heavy cardstock and glued one to the bottom of the basket and one to left and right inside ends.  Using the #5804 Decorative Belly Bands, I die cut a decorative band from pattern paper and also from heavy cardstock.  Layered them together and adhered the ends to the inside of the basket.  I adhered the bunny and filled the basket with treats.

I hope you enjoyed my projects today!  Thanks for joining me!  

Make sure to enter the blog challenge for a chance to win a free stamp set.

Have a wonderful day and a very blessed Easter weekend!

Easter Card and Treat Containers

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

Today I have a couple of fun Easter items for you.  I was having too much fun and got carried away which is so easy to do with all of the fun Art impressions Easter stamps sets.

  Let's start with my Easter card using the #5401 - Easter Chicks set.  The images, sentiment and the little Easter accessories come with this set as well as the dies.  The interactive slider was created using the Lawn Fawn Magic Picture Changer die.  The pattern papers are from the #5892 - Easter S2 and the #6012 - Basic Yellow Paper packs.  

 For the other Easter project, I got carried away with the #5872 - Bunny GCH set and the #5742 - Easter Journal Paper Pack.  I decided to make treat containers and this was sooo much fun.  One I made as a box for treats and the other is a shaker, but I used small jelly beans to fill it.  It opens so the candy can be eaten.  However, you could use shaker bits and glue it shut.

For the treat box, I cut a 6" x 6" piece of heavy cardstock.  I scored it at 2" and 4" then turned 1/4 turn and scored again at 2" and 4".  On one side, cut the two score lines to the first fold.  On the opposite side, cut the two score lines to that first fold.  You should have three connected squares on the left of first cut score line and three on the right of the second cut score line.   Fold in the middle pieces and then fold in the sides and glue down each flap.  Your open box is ready.  I then cut a panel of pattern paper to cover the sides as well as a belly band using the #5804 - Decorative Belly Bands die.  For the back side of the bunny, I cut two extra paws for the back feet.  I used the eye die to cut the bottom of the paw and a hole punch for the toes of the paw and glued a solid pink paw to the bottom.  I also used a small white pom pom for the bunny tail.

For the second treat container, I used a round container from the Dollar Tree (or you can use condiment cups).  I cut the bunny face from a nested circle die vs. the square die included in the #5872 - Bunny GCH die set.  I also altered the headband to fit the circle face.  I adhered the top of the container to the back of the bunny face with strong adhesive.  I decorated the bottom of the container with the paws and tail prepared the same as above.  I filled the cup with the desired candies and sealed the lid to close.  The candy cup is complete and ready for your little one.

I hope you enjoyed my projects today.  Have a great day and keep creating!!

Copics used on card:  T0, T2, R30

YR12, YR14, YR18

Y13, Y15, Y17

G40, G43, G46

B000, B00, B01

Easter Bunnies MB

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

The new matchbooks are here, the new matchbooks are here!!   If you haven't seen them yet, they were released last week and there are four new ones.  Bonnie outdid herself again!  Today, I have the #6014 Easter Bunnies matchbook set to show you.  These are sooo fun to color and create.  A little card in a little package, who can resist?

I stamped the panels onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below.  This one I colored with lots of bright fun colors.  Who doesn't love Easter and all the bright beautiful colors?

I die cut the panels with the corresponding dies and adhered it all together using pattern paper from the new paper pack #6010 Basic Pink PP.  You will need the #5317 Matchbook template die to assemble these little cards but the die works for all of the matchbook sets.  If you don't know how these go together, check out Bonnie's tutorial - Matchbook tutorial - Bonnie Krebs 

These little matchbook sets then fit into this little MB envelope #5318.  Soooo cute!

I hope you enjoyed my card for today and you try out these fun little miniature cards.  There are over 30 different matchbook sets.  You are sure to find one that fits for your perfect someone.

Have a great day and happy creating!!

Copics used:  C00, C0, C1, C2

E30, E33, E35

R20, R81, R83, R85

B0000, B00, B12, B14

V01, V12, V15

Y11, Y32, Y35

YR01, YR02, YR04

G20, G21, G24

Easter Fun Fold

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

Today I have a couple Fun Fold Easter cards using the #5274 Easter Bunnies, the #5870 Peeking Bunny, and the #5504 Happy Spring sets.  These Easter sets have the cutest little bunnies.  OMGosh sooooo cute!!  Add these images to this fun fold style card and you'll find yourself addicted.  I could have created all night.  I will definitely be making more.

To create these fun folds, I choose the largest circle from the #5064 Double Stitch circle die set for the card on the left and the 4th largest #5062 Rounded Rectangle A2 Double Stitch die for the smaller card.  The following instructions will be for the circle card.  The rectangle card is basically made the same just a different size and shape.  

I cut four circles from white lightweight (80 lb. or less) cardstock and scored each in half.  I then formed the fun fold by overlapping the circles as shown below (the right half over the previous circle right half).  Continue overlapping the circles until all are together.  Make sure to gather them together and square them up tightly.  Place a dab of glue on the back side where they overlap.  Then flip to the front side and dab glue under these overlaps.  Now your fun fold is formed.   

Cut four circles from pattern paper.  I cut two with the largest circle and two with the next size circle.      Cut each of these four circles in half and cut just a tad off the straight side of the larger circles.  The smaller circles are for the front and will recreate a 2-layer look (see below).  Glue the smaller circles to the front (or top) folds, centering up to leave a nice white border.  Glue the larger circles to the inside folds, leaving no border.  

I stamped my one-layer scene onto copic friendly paper with Memento black ink and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I then cut the scene to fit inside the fun fold card (3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches). Adhere this image to the inside of the card.  Place a ribbon or belly band around the back side and adhere down to the back.  Wrap around and tie or clasp into place.  I added a basket with the bunny bottom for decoration.  Lastly, I glued a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 top fold card to the back for your sentiment and also to finish off the back side of the card so that the ribbon or belly band will be covered.  This also adds as a nice stand to display your card.

Hope you enjoyed my cards today and I especially hope you'll give this one a try.  Trust me, you will want to create more with different shapes and sizes.  It's addictive! 

Happy creating!!

Copics used:  N0, N1, E21, E23, R20

YR01, YR02, Y13, Y15, Y17

V12, V15, G40, G43, G46

B000, B00, B12, B14

R81, R83, E51, E53, E55