diecutting - Right as Rain

Stampendous Hugs Collection at Spellbinders

Hello! Today I am delighted to share two cards created with products in the just-released Stampendous Hugs Collection at Spellbinders. From a charming die-cut dog proudly holding a trophy to another adorable pup clutching a present, this collection can be used to easily create cards for a variety of occasions. The Stampendous Puppy Hugs set, which I used on both cards, is designed to work with the collection’s Puppy Hugs Faces and Sentiments (not shown).

With the sentiment “Time to Celebrate,” the first card can commemorate special moments or victories, such as a grade school graduation or a trip to the Little League All Stars, to name a few.

- Cut dog body from Beeswax cardstock with die in the Stampendous Puppy Hugs set. Cut eyes from Onyx cardstock and cheeks and nose from pink cardstock. Cut trophy from gold foil cardstock. Assemble.
- Create background by dry-embossing light blue cardstock with the Stargazer embossing folder.
- Glimmer foil in gold a sentiment in the More Sentiments set on dark gray cardstock. Trim and add to background; attach to A2-size card base.
- Embellish with additional stars cut with dies in the Stampendous Puppy Hugs set.

The second card, with a feminine color palette, was designed with a girl’s birthday in mind.

- Cut dog from flocked white cardstock with die in the Stampendous Puppy Hugs set. Cut eyes from Onyx cardstock and cheeks and nose from Pink Sand cardstock.
- Cut hair ribbons and package pieces with dies in the Stampendous Hugs Accessories set from Pink Sand and Waterfall cardstock. Note: The package is designed to be folded or partially folded; I cut the package piece on the score lines so it would lie flat.
- Create background by dry-embossing light blue cardstock with the Puff Dotty embossing folder.
- Glimmer foil in gold a sentiment in the Birthday Unboxing set on light gray cardstock. Trim and add to background; attach to A2-size card base.
- Add dog to card, folding one arm over as if to hold the package. Note: both of the arms can be folded inwards.
- Embellish with Gold Mix Gems.

Friendship Blooms in Miniature | Art Impressions Matchbook Garden Shed

Hello! Today, I am sharing a project created with the Art Impressions matchbook set – Garden. I enjoyed watercoloring a scene straight out of a gardener’s paradise – a dedicated gardening shed! Continue reading to learn how I created the card.

The Art Impressions Matchbook series has many different options. You can see an intro video here. For more inspiration, see my other matchbook creations here and here.

- Stamp Garden images in VersaFine ink on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper; heat set.
- Watercolor the images with watercolor markers using the No. 4 and No. 1 brushes and palette. I used a combination of Tombow markers, Zig markers, and Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils. You can read more about watercoloring stamped images here.
- Once dry, cut the images with the coordinating dies included with the Garden set.
- Cut matchbook from patterned paper with the MB Template. Add watercolored Garden elements.
- Stamp Garden sentiment on white cardstock, trim, and add to scene.

It just so happens that there is currently a challenge at Art Impressions called Fabulous Flowers, in which I am entering the project.

Sending Hugs from the Sea | Spellbinders Small Die Kit Club

Hello! Today I am sharing a mini-slimline, underwater scene card created with the Spellbinders June 2023 Small Die Kit Club – “Dancin’ Octopus & Friends”- with which I paired the sentiment of “Hey” (included in the kit) and “Sending Hugs.” Octopuses are visually interesting creatures with their distinctive and otherworldly appearance, tentacles, and vibrant coloration. This card would work for a number of occasions, whether to connect with a friend, brighten the day of someone feeling under the weather, or “just because.” Keep reading to learn how I created the card.

- Create background by applying Distress inks – Salty Ocean, Mermaid Lagoon, and Blueprint Sketch – on Distress Watercolor cardstock. Trim to mini-slimline size of 6 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches and add to card base.
- Glimmer foil the Sending Hugs sentiment from the Mini Sincere Sentiments set in black on Snowdrift cardstock. Trim.
- Cut June 2023 Small Die Kit Club pieces – octopuses and jellyfish – from light gray cardstock and cardstock to which Distress Oxide inks have been applied. Assemble. Note: The bottom layers of the octopus and jellyfish can move, hence the name “Dancin’ Octopus & Friends.” For my design, I did not leave that layer free to move.

- Add octopuses to card, trim edges as necessary. Add jellyfish and sentiment.

Head to the Spellbinders blog for a tutorial with the Small Die Kit Club – “Dancin’ Octopus & Friends.”

Art Impressions | Charming Birdhouse Neighborhood

Hello! Today, I am excited to share a card featuring the charming Art Impressions Birdhouse Neighborhood stamp set, which happens to be on sale at the moment. This “Hello” card is sure to brighten its recipient’s day. Keep reading to learn how I created the card.

- Stamp Birdhouse Neighborhood with VersaFine ink on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper; heat set.
- Color image with watercolor markers (Tobow and Zig) using the watercolor palette, No. 4, and No. 1 brushes. Set aside to dry. You can read more about watercoloring stamped images HERE.
- Cut a 4 x 5 1/4 inch cardstock panel (I used a now-retired My Favorite Things die). Use a square die to cut a window in the panel. Add foam to panel and attach to watercolored image. Add assembly to A2-size card base.
- Die-cut “Hello” letters with Journal Letter Die Set from textured white cardstock. Cut letters again from foam. Glue foam to back of letters. Add letters to card front.

Penny Black | Happy Campers

Hello! Today I am sharing a card that features the adorable Penny Black stamp set – Happy Camper. I’ve brought to life a scene showing two furry friends sitting at a cozy campsite and roasting hot dogs. The Happy Camper stamp set was part of the Stamping with Scooter collection, introduced in 2021. As I have previously mentioned, I did not play enough with these products when they were introduced, and I am making up for that now.

I am a big fan of camping-themed cards, especially around this time of year. For me, camping symbolizes a sense of adventure and nostalgia.

- Stamp image from Happy Camper set in VersaFine on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper; heat set. Color with watercolor mediums. Once dry, fussy cut.
- With the Tall Trees die set, cut trees from Arches Cold Press watercolor paper; color with watercolor mediums. For additional color, add Distress inks to trees once they are dry.
- Stamp sentiment from Happy Camper set on cloud cut with Silver Linings die. Cut additional cloud.
- Create frame from white cardstock with the largest die in the MFT Rectangle Frame set.
- To create background, add Wild Honey and Blueprint Sketch Oxide ink to white cardstock panel.
- Add Rustic Wildnerness ink to cardstock and cut with the Rolling Hills die.
- Add Chipped Sapphire ink to cardstock and cut with the hill die in the Festive Family die set.
- Attach the two hill sections to back of frame and add to the background panel. Add to A2-size card base.
- Add image with dogs to center of card with foam adhesive. Place trees into scene with dot and foam adhesive.
- Add sentiment cloud with foam adhesive and additional cloud with dot adhesive.

You can see more Stamping with Scooter inspiration on the Penny Black blog HERE and view the catalog HERE.