STAMPlorations cas cards challenge april

Welcome to the April STAMPlorations CAS Cards challenge and that ain't no joke ;)

As always the challenge is to create any CAS card but we always give you an optional color twist. This month's colors are blue and purple.

Must have been the flowers in the inspo that took me down a sympathy card route. And it seems I'm always needing them :(

Blossom Overture stamp

Tag 1 nesting die

gold embossing powder

Got those perfect little rectangles cut from stash backgrounds using the tiniest tag die. Gold embossed and fussy cut the rose and mounted it over the tags. Voila!

CAS card tip: I ignored the sweet spot rule here but I think putting all the design items in the middle third of the card works too .

I'm looking forward to your CAS card creations this month! Your project might be chosen as one of the prize winners. Check out how the DT was inspired by this month's photo here. And don't forget about my STAMPlorations discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA for 20% off should I ever inspire you to do some shopping ;)  Thanks for stopping over today. See you over at the gallery.  

cas cards challenge june reminder

Welcome to our reminder about the STAMPlorations June CAS Cards challenge, folks!

As always the challenge is to create any CAS card, with an optional color twist - this month the twist is light blue and cream.

As I mentioned with my first card this month, those colors would normally take me down the baby card road, but alas I needed several sympathy cards. Here's my second card.

With Sympathy phrase die

Leaf prints stencil

Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle die

alcohol markers

For this clean card I die cut and dry embossed (with the stencil) a rectangle of cream cardstock and adhered that to my cardbase. I colored strips of cardstock in blue tones with my alcohol markers and die cut the sentiment. Stacked the die cuts offset and adhered them to the card.

CAS card tip: Add interest with some dry embossing. Adds no extra color, just a little bit of pattern/texture.

For more inspiration with this die check out this post. 

I'm looking forward to your CAS card creations! Your project might be chosen as one of the prize winners. Check out how the DT was inspired by this month's photo here.

And don't forget about my STAMPlorations discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA for 20% off should I ever inspire you to do some shopping ;)  Thanks for stopping over today. See you in the gallery.  

I'm going over to the gallery at:

Just Us Girls - #588

Happy Little Stampers - AG with Dies

playing with pinkfresh dainty blossoms

Hello there peeps! Needing a birthday and sympathy card, I pulled out the Dainty Blossoms from Pinkfresh. I'm joining the January challenge which is basically 2020 in review! There is a link in the post to a larger version of this photo if you want to see what strikes your fancy.

What struck mine? Well lots. But a few things remained in my head as I headed to my craft room. Rainbows and die cuts. June and September. Nathalie's creation for the challenge post totally blew me away too. I'm working on two cards inspired by it. I'll share those later.

I love the stylized illustrations in some of the Pinkfresh stamp sets. Dainty. So I combined some B/W stamping with pastel rainbow die cuts for my cards.

Birthday...

Pinkfresh Dainty Blooms die

Pinkfresh Aviary stamp

distress inks, gold CS

Sympathy...

Pinkfresh Dainty Blooms die

Pinkfresh Aviary stamp

Pinkfresh Up in the Clouds PP

Die cut the blossoms from leftover DI scraps (#1) and PP (#2). Stamped the images. Adhered the die cuts. Stamped the sentiment. Easy peasy CAS squeezy.

Hope you and yours are staying healthy and happy. I'm ready for the gray days in Germany to skidaddle. But I'm lucky to be able to spend lots of time in my craft room. Thanks for visiting.

SSS Wednesday Challenge - Layer it Up
Time Out - You (one thing about me... I mop up all my leftovers and then save those scraps. At least sometimes I use them too!)

STAMPlorations inspiration #300

Welcome to another Tuesday inspiration post from the STAMPlorations inspiration team. Just so happens it's the 300th! Is that incredible or what?

Hope your Christmas was lovely, even under the circumstances. Nice of you to take time out of your day to visit my blog.

Well, I had this idea for a card design. "Get rid of 2020." I think I succeeded (and even ended up with a bit of a Grinch-y feel too, which is a win in my book!!)

Gift Builder 1 die

Numbers Plate die

When you see my card for the January CAS Cards Challenge, you'll know where today's card was born ;) I cut apart the negative piece from the die cut numbers and adhered them getting pushed off the bottom of the card by a nice big and sparkly Christmas present. Nuff said!

Because this is our 300th inspiration post, Shery is being extra generous. You could win yourself a $25 prize code to the store by leaving a comment on this month's inspiration posts! Check out today's post over at STAMPlorations.

Should I ever inspire you to order something from the store, I'd really appreciate it if you used my STAMPGIRLMARIA discount code for an additional 20% off your order - at no extra cost to you, just with perks for me ;)

Thanks for stopping over today. Let's get 2020 outta here. Happy New Year!

I'm hooking up at Inspired By cuz they're happy to get rid of 2020 too! And at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday where it's about Sparkle and Shine.

CAS valentine for son

A quick post today to share the Valentine I made for DS. I was inspired by the challenge over at Poppystamps. I went to my dies and found a NBUS beaut which fit the animal challenge and my desire for a CAS Valentine.

Memory Box Bird and Branch die

STAMPlorations Balloons and Banners stamp

Inkystamp Winzige Grusse stamp

Altenew ink

So hard to photograph on a crappy weather day. Here's a closeup for you.

Are you doing anything special for Valentine's Day? I remember being in Myrtle Beach with my snowbird parents and being amazed at how Valentine's crazy the folks were! Germans poo poo the holiday as American commercialism ;) I think we'll be going out to dinner. And I bought myself red tulips for the table ;) A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, ya know?!? Hope the day includes lots of hugs for you!

I'm playing over at:
Poppystamps - Animal Menagerie

The Card Concept - Be Mine Valentine

The Paper Players - Red, Pink, B/W

CAS cards challenge december reminder

Just in case you're in a pinch for some easy Christmas cards... I've got another easy peasy idea for you inspired by our December CAS Cards challenge. You can find more ideas from the DT. Here's our inspiration.

As always it's anything goes. This month the optional twist is Christmas colors. I went with red.

STAMPlorations Christmas Flower stamp
STAMPlorations Homespun Christmas stamp

white embossing powder
Nuvo drops

Self explanatory me thinks. I just added a few Nuvo drops to the center of the poinsettia for a little more interest. Still mailable ;)

CAS card tip: Stamp off the edge!. Add Nuvo drops to the flower center! Round a corner! All ideas  for more interest on CAS cards.

Enjoying your CAS card creations this Christmas month! Your project might be chosen as the winner of a GC to the shop. Check out how the DT was inspired by this month's photo here. 

I really appreciate it when you use my discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA to get yourself an additional 20% off when you shop the STAMP store ;)  Thanks for stopping by. And have yourself a merry little Christmas...

CAS cards challenge december

Hello there! Wasn't it just Halloween??? And now it's all about Christmas already! Hope you're in better shape than I am with your preparations. Though we did cut our tree this weekend.

Just in case you're still in the market for some easy Christmas cards. Today we're introducing our December CAS Cards challenge and you could get some ideas from the DT. Here's the inspiration.

As always it's anything goes. This month the optional twist is Christmas colors so my first card this month pairs those (in the form of poinsettia PP) with a new-to-me die that does all the work for me. Can't beat that, right?

STAMPlorations Holiday Words Plate die

patterned paper

Self explanatory me thinks.

CAS card tip: Add a bit of oomph by stacking the PP die cut for dimension. Trust me, you just want to keep running your fingers over the words. It feels like a puzzle piece ;)

I cannot wait to see what inspires you and your CAS card creations this Christmas-y month! Your project might be chosen as the winner of a GC to the shop. Check out how the DT was inspired by this month's photo here.

And don't forget about my STAMPlorations discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA for 20% off should you find yourself shopping ;)  Thanks for stopping over. See you in the gallery.

CAS cards challenge november reminder

Hello there! Did you join us for the STAMPlorations the CAS Cards challenge in October? Check the winners post on the 10th to see if you were a winner. Today I've another make for our November CAS Cards challenge and here's the inspiration.

So the brown twist is purely optional, but I chose to go with kraft this month and doesn't kraft work well with autumn designs? How about a Thanksgiving card.

STAMPlorations Many Blessings stamp

washi tape, button

Polychromo colored pencils

I stamped the image with Antique Linen Distress Ink and then did some no-line coloring with my Polychromos. Not art, but relaxing.

CAS card tip: Add a bit of interest to your CAS design by including a spot of washi tape or a button (or both) as an unexpected addition to your CAS card.

Looking forward to more of your CAS card creations this month! 

Hope you join us! Your project might be chosen as the winner of a GC to the shop. Check out how the CAS Cards DT was inspired by this month's photo here.

And don't forget about my STAMPlorations discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA for 20% off should you find yourself shopping ;)  Thanks for stopping over. See you in the gallery.

I'm heading to the gallery at:
SSS Wednesday Challenge - Thanks/Thanksgiving
Inkspirational - One Layer (hope buttons don't count!)
ATSAM - Make your Mark

CAS cards challenge november

Hello there! Hope your Halloween was a good one. We got about 20 trick-or-treaters at our house. Happy to take part in this US tradition here in Germany. I give out full size candy bars ;)

So, did someone say cards. Did you join us for the STAMPlorations the CAS Cards challenge in October? Watch for the winners post on the 10th to see if you were a winner. Today we're introducing our November CAS Cards challenge and here's the inspiration.

So the brown twist is purely optional, but I chose to go with kraft this month and created this CAS get well card.

STAMPlorations Healing Herbs stamp

Altenew inks

colored pencils

I stamped the crate and masked it. Stamped the herbs in various green shades. Colored the crate with a white pencil and finished the card off with a punny sentiment.

CAS card tip: Add a bit of interest to your CAS design by using a bit of colored pencil with your stamping. Adds some texture to your CAS card.

I cannot wait to see what inspires you and your CAS card creations this month! Your project might be chosen as the winner of a GC to the shop. Check out how the CAS Cards DT was inspired by this month's photo here.

And don't forget about my STAMPlorations discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA for 20% off should you find yourself shopping ;)  Thanks for stopping over. See you in the gallery.

I'm heading to the gallery at:
SSS Wednesday - Anything Goes
Papercraft - Get Well

CAS cards challenge october reminder

Howdy friends! Have you had a chance to check out the three new monthly challenges over at STAMPlorations? I'm designing for the new CAS Cards challenge! Here's the inspiration for the month of October.

So the orange twist is purely optional, but I stuck with it and reached for some Thanksgiving place cards that were waiting to be recycled - the colors were perfect - and this happened...

STAMPlorations Trendy Leaves stamp

STAMPlorations Love Words die

distress inks

embossing powder

square punch

I punched the most interesting area out of the place cards and aligned them down the right third of the card front. For a sentiment I die cut a brown "XOXO" thinking it supported the cozy, fall feel of my design.

Don't you love how the shine of the embossing powder adds interest to this CAS design? What's your favorite trick for adding a little pizazz to your CAS designs?

Loving your CAS card creations this month! If you play with us your project might be chosen as the winner of a GC to the shop. Check out today's post over at the STAMP blog to see more cards from the DTs for all three of this month's challenges. There's lots of eye candy to be had.

And don't forget about my STAMPlorations discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA for 20% off should you find yourself shopping ;)  Thanks for stopping over. See you in the gallery.

CAS cards challenge october

Howdy friends! Things are getting back up to speed over at STAMPlorations and there are now three monthly challenges for you to play. I'm happy to be designing for the new CAS Cards challenge! I love the challenge of CAS cards. Hope you'll play along with us.  Here's the inspiration for the month of October.

The twists are always optional, so the orange twist is purely optional, but I picked up on the graphic feel of the inspiration and that led me to this...

STAMPlorations Beautiful You stamp

distress inks

embossing powder

I masked the triangle to create my vase (yes, that is supposed to be a flower in a vase not a carrot!) and inked with Dried Marigold, Wild Honey and Spiced Marmelade. While it was still masked I spritzed with a mini mister and sprinkled on a bit of bronze glitter embossing powder.

CAS TIP: Want to give your inked area extra punch? Add a bit of embossing powder for texture or shine. Use embossing ink or mist water and then sprinkle on the powder. Heat from underneath.

I cannot wait to see what inspires you and your CAS card creations this month!

Heads up - Prizes have been revamped: there will be a $15 gift certificate for the winner and $10 for the runner up (both chosen by a DT member) and a $5 gift certificate each to three randomly drawn players. STAMPlorations products are not required, but appreciated ;)  Check out how the talented CAS Cards DT was inspired by this month's photo here.

And please don't forget about my STAMPlorations discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA for 20% off your order should you find yourself shopping ;)  Thanks for stopping over. See you in the gallery.

I'm heading to the gallery at:
Stamping Sensations - Anything with Flowers
Always Fun - Anything Goes
Creative Friday - Autumn
AAA Cards - One layer and option of autumn

STAMPlorations inspiration #171

Back for a Tuesday inspiration from the STAMPlorations inspiration team where the team members feature stamps from one of our talented stamp designers.

We're showcasing Dee's Artsy Impressions stamps. If you haven't been to the store lately, all non-retiring products in the store are 10% off automatically from now through April (with an extra 20% off when you use my discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA).

STAMPlorations Kathryn's Big Wishes stamp
STAMPlorations Beautiful Ride stamp

Copic Markers

Had to pull out lovely little Kathryn to take a "beautiful ride" with her big balloon. Decided to keep everything B/W with the exception of those striped tights (they are probably the #1 reason I love this image so much!!!)

If you're looking for more inspiration with this sweet girl and coffee, check out this card. 

You could win yourself a $10 GC to the store by leaving a comment on the April inspiration posts. Check out today's post for more inspiration here. Appreciate that you stopped by :)

I'm joining the fun at:
Addicted to Stamps - Balloons/Bunting/Presents - Happy 7th!!!
Creative with Stamps - CAS + sentiment - Happy 2nd!!!
Mod Squad - Simply Clean

CAS for CASe this Sketch

Quick. One post. Three cards. Thanks to a new die and a cool sketch!

Charlie und Paulchen Alles Liebe die

Charlie und Paulchen Summer Trio die

Paper Smooches Get Well die

Little B Words die

Basic Grey PP

sequins

Happy Monday! I'm playing at:
CASe this Sketch - #260

AAA Cards Challenge - Die Cuts Only

STAMPlorations Release - Christmas in August Day 3

It's Christmas stamp release time at STAMPlorations! Every day this week, the STAMPlorations girls and I will be sharing projects we created featuring the new products. Be sure to hop along!

FIVE (5) lucky hoppers randomly drawn from the comments on the blogs will win a gift certificate to the STAMPlorations store or one of the new products. And there are prizes on Facebook and Instagram too! You have until the end of the day August 21 to comment here and on my fellow designers' posts for a chance to win. Winners will be announced on the STAMPlorations blog on August 24.

Today, we're putting the spotlight on the stamp sets designed by Shirley. I've used a great set called Three Kings. 

Here's what I did. (You've probably noticed that all my creations this week are extreme CAS. Come back by my blog next week to see more creations using the new products. I created a card inspired by a Pinterest photo that you should also see.)

I used the secondary images in the set for this platinum embossed CAS card. I love the starry sky!

I won't keep you any longer. Thanks for stopping by today. You can see the other gals' creations here if you'd like.

STAMPlorations Release - Christmas in August Day 2

It's Christmas stamp release time at STAMPlorations! Every day this week, the STAMPlorations girls and I will be sharing projects we created featuring the new products. Be sure to hop along!

FIVE (5) lucky hoppers randomly drawn from the comments on the blogs will win a gift certificate to the STAMPlorations store or one of the new products. And there are prizes on Facebook and Instagram too! You have until the end of the day August 21 to comment here and on my fellow designers' posts for a chance to win. Winners will be announced on the STAMPlorations blog on August 24.

Today, we're putting the spotlight on the stamp set designed by Dee, Yuletide Deer.

Here's what I did. I should mention all my creations this week are extreme CAS. Come back by my blog next week to see more creations - not so extreme - with the new products.

This one's pretty self-explanatory I think! Just added a red heat embossed nose with a small circle stamp and the fun sentiment from Joyful.

Thanks for coming by today. You can start the hop here if you'd like.

extreme cas baby card

Ready for an extreme CAS baby card? Don't blink or you might miss it.

Went with the trendy, block of letters style and used a fantastic alpha stamp, Emmett from Studio Calico. Neon pigment ink. And a rubber ducky from Klartext Karten.

See ya tomorrow!

anniversary a la lil inker designs

Had a request for an anniversary card. So I made one , a couple, many. And you get to see them all.

Today's was inspired by a brilliant anniversary stamp set It's Today Right? from Lil Inker. I'd love to hear about anniversary sets you have, especially funny ones. Please leave me a comment if you have one to suggest.

Here's my card. And BTW,  it's one of the ones my girlfriend selected, another CAS design!

White cardstock. Black ink. A tiny red heart over the happy couple. And I put the "has it been that long?" sentiment on the inside.

Only a couple more variations on anniversary to go, I promise.

I'm joining the challenges at:
CASology - Diamond (it might be a stretch but there's surely a diamond on her finger!)
Double D - B/W with a pop of color
Addicted to Stamps and More - Anything Goes

anniversary a la moi

Had a request for an anniversary card. So I made one , a couple, many. And you get to see them all.

Today's was inspired by me! The gal who requested the card is the wife of the guy who got one of these birthday cards. So I figured a card similar to the one she'd liked so much couldn't hurt. (Yep, it's one of the ones she selected!)

Here's my card.

I used STAMPlorations Parfumerie and Newyweds extras from The Bee's Knees line along with a sentiment from The Birds and the Blooms. Added some red and blue hearts from Winnie and Walter So Tweet.

Hope you're enjoying all these variations on anniversary. I'm joining the challenges at:

Cards and More Shop -  Anything Goes with Summer (red white and blue are definitely maritime summer colors for me!)

Challenge up your Life - Colors

Let's Create and Craft -  Red, white and blue
Double D - B/W with a pop of color