forgotten but not gone (1)

Continuing with my summer programming even though it's September ;) I've got a few cards to share this month that seem to have been forgotten in my photo file. Oops.

Let's start with purple, shall we?

A closeup of that golden die cut cuz it's just so pretty combined with the splatters of gold ink.

STAMPlorations coffee stamp and sentiment die

Distress Inks

Simon Says Stamp Picked Just for You watercolor cards

Zig watercolor brushes

sewing machine, pearls

Happy weekend! 

update on STAMPlorations

Howdy friends! It's been awhile since I've shown my face around here although I think lots of card peeps have left the blog world and now reside in the Instagram world. If you're still here - WELCOME. I maintaining both the blog and IG for the time being...

Even in my less prolific days you could still count on me for my weekly inspiration posts using STAMPlorations products. I've been blessed to support Shery and the store since the beginning. Things have gotten quieter around here lately. And that's why I want to share the following with you today.

You may or may not have seen the post over at STAMP regarding Shery's hiatus. "The energizer bunny," as I've always lovingly called her, has been forced to slow down. She has cancer and is going into battle to kick its butt. 

Basically, the store is closed for the time being since Shery needs all her energy for herself and her family. But she wouldn't be Shery without keeping a couple options open. Afterall, the store provides a portion of her family's income. 

First, digi stamps are still available since they require little physical effort to send to customers. Second, Shery has, as energy allows, created some product bundles at fabulous prices which she can pack up when she's feeling up to it and then just pop in the mail when people buy them. And third, she's offering mystery bundles at an amazing discount. If you'd like to check it out, here's a link to the store and the bundles.

I'm going to revisit a few projects from the past in case they might inspire you to pick up a couple digi stamps from STAMPlorations.

How about coffee - quite a popular theme for cardmakers. Here's the Bloomdala Coffee Cup to Go as tags - colored with colored pencils or watercolors. For details check out my original blog post.

Or fussy cut to add to a card front. I actually colored this one with distress inks. Here's the post.

I'll be back with some floral digi images next. Thanks for looking.

STAMPlorations inspiration #350

Welcome to 2022! Hope your holidays were wonderful. Mine were spent quietly, with family.

It's time for our first Tuesday inspiration post from the STAMPlorations inspiration team girls for you this year! Here's my card.

Coffee Cup Silhouette die

Just Caffeinate clear stickers

washi

 

On a mission to use up some backgrounds I've created over time, I pulled out a die, die cut it from three backgrounds and added a sticker sentiment. Easy peasy. Chose backgrounds with some shine (thanks to metallic watercolors and Perfect Pearls mist) to pep the design a bit.

As always, you could win yourself a $15 prize code to the store by leaving a comment on this month's inspiration posts! Check out today's post over at STAMPlorations. And if I should ever inspire you to order something from the store, if you use my STAMPGIRLMARIA discount code you receive an additional 20% off your order.  Have a great day! And let's all have a great year!    

STAMPlorations inspiration #323

Welcome to another Tuesday inspiration post from the STAMPlorations inspiration team girls. 

I'm still playing with some Decotime Twinmarkers alcohol markers I picked up at the local "dollar store" and practicing my coloring. I colored another digi image today. I love this one. And since I'm always in need of a belated birthday card...

Bloomdala Coffee Cup to Go digi stamp

Oh Frap die

Stained Glass stencil

alcohol markers, Distress Ink

I colored and fussy cut the image. Die cut and stacked the sentiment. Before adhering the cup to my card I sponged some Antique Linen DI through a stencil onto my cardbase.

As always, you could win yourself a $15 prize code to the store by leaving a comment on this month's inspiration posts! Check out today's post over at STAMPlorations. And if I should ever inspire you to order something from the store, I'd appreciate it if you used my STAMPGIRLMARIA discount code for an additional 20% off your order. 

STAMPlorations introducing spring coffee kit

There's a new product in town. Over at the STAMPlorations shop. Have you seen it? Shery is putting together kits at a great price point.

Today a few of my teamies and I are sharing our makes with the new Spring Coffee Kit. Ready?

The kit contains an image stamp, sentiment stamps and stencils (2 patterns each in large and mini). All you have to decide is...

Do you want to color? Then go for it. Color and fussy cut the image and pop it up on a background created by randomly stamping one of the sentiments.

Spring Coffee Kit

alcohol markers, washi tape

In case you're interested, I watched this video before coloring my coffee (yes I was intimidated by that big expanse of brown!) Easy peasy.

If you're not into coloring, use the mini stencil and a circle mask to "color" the coffee. I added some blue touches with alcohol markers but you wouldn't even have to. I heat embossed one of the kit sentiments in blue but didn't like it so I then stamped over it in black and clear embossed it.

Spring Coffee Kit

circle die, Distress Inks, alcohol markers, embossing powder

And then there's this method for getting color onto a B/W stamped image. Check out this post for the deets. Basically it involves stamping, applying embossing paste and then sponging ink.

Spring Coffee Kit

Just Caffeinate clear stickers

clear embossing paste, Distress Inks, enamel dots

So, that's a wrap. Are you a fan of kits? Be sure to check out all the DT's creations over at the STAMP blog. And be sure to leave a comment, Shery's giving away a kit.

Please remember to use my STAMPGIRLMARIA code if I inspire you to place an order. You'll get an extra 20% off!

Appreciate your visit. Have a great day. I'm hooking up card #1 over at SSS Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes.

spring/summer coffee lovers hop

It's that time of year. You know what time. Coffee time.

Today's project is for the Spring Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. STAMPlorations is a super sponsor and in addition to the STAMP prizes being given away on the hop, you could win a prize for leaving a comment over at the STAMP blog today too.

I know the tones of the graphic are kinda muted (more towards the neutrals ruling the world of decor presently) but I had to use some brighter colors for a spring/summer card.

All Blooms stencil
All you need is Coffee stamp

Just Caffeinate stickers

distress inks, vellum, Glossy Accents

Masked off the edges of my cardbase. Inked through the stencil. Added some Perfect Pearls splatters. Fussy cut the stamped coffee cup and mounted it on a circle of printed vellum. Added a sticker sentiment and a shot of shine to the cup with Glossy Accents.

Get hopping! But don't forget to stop by STAMPlorations to leave a comment.

I'm joining the fun at:
Spring Summer Coffee Lovers Hop

Crazy 4 Challenges - C4C575 Stencil

Hero Arts Stay Crafty - Bring on Spring

Happy Little Stampers - March Stencil AG

STAMPlorations inspiration #305

Welcome to a new month of Tuesday inspiration posts from the STAMPlorations inspiration team girls. 

I'm concentrating on shaker cards this month. Are you already a fan? If not, perhaps I can inspire you to try one of these versions.

My first is inspired by Jennifer M. You can watch her video here. I went with a coffee theme. I chose the rectangular coffee cup silhouette die since it made for a nice large window from the front to the inside of the card where the die cut is actually adhered.

 Dots and Beans stencil

 Coffee Cup Silhouette die

Just Caffeinate clear stickers

Hero Arts inks, sequins, recycled packaging

See that second photo. I'll describe the layers of the shaker bottom up as they are in the photo.

Stenciled card front, cellophane, fun foam 2x, sequins, cellophane, creme cardstock. All trimmed smaller than the card, TIP: especially near the top/hinge of the card so that when closing the card there's not too much bulk and it closes flat.

In the photo you also see the second sticker sentiment, which is hidden behind the first on the card front, so it reads "rise and grind caffeine queen".

You could win yourself a $15 prize code to the store by leaving a comment on this month's inspiration posts! Check out today's post over at STAMPlorations. And if 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 ;)

Appreciate your stopping by. Have a good week.

I'm stopping by:

Seize the Birthday - Transparency or Vellum

SSS Wednesday - AG

Cut it Up - Point of View (considering the window to focus your view to the die cut inside)

cas cards challenge june reminder

Hello there peeps! It's time to remind you to play along with us at STAMPlorations CAS card challenge for June if you haven't yet.

Here's the June CAS Cards challenge inspiration.

As always the challenge is anything CAS goes with an optional color twist - this month is purple.

I personally love to create with purple. How about with four purples????

Wooded stamp
Sweet Kindness stamp
Altenew inks

So easy, folks. Grab a solid stamp. (or the reverse of a nearly solid stamp like this wood slice stamp) Stamp four of 'em. Stamp and fussy cut a B/W image and adhere it over your stamped "mat".

CAS card tip: After you've stamped, spritz the solid stamped areas 2-3 with a mini mister (from a distance) to soften the ink impressions a little bit.

For more inspiration with this stamp check out this post.

Have you played with us? 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.

spring summer coffee lovers hop

Know how I've been playing with fantasy watercoloring this month? I kinda carried on with that inspiration for today's projects which are a part of the Spring Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. STAMPlorations is a sponsor and in addition to the four STAMP prizes being given away on the hop, you could win a prize for leaving a comment over at the STAMP blog today too.

For my first project I used the new set, Sweet Kindness. This set arrived just in time as that floral spray (not coffee related, I know) was perfect for a tag to accompany a birthday present!

 Sweet Kindness stamp

Lowercase Alpha Plate dies
Tag #1 Nesting dies

Gansai Tambi watercolors

Watercolor paper.  Tag die cut. Water. Watercolors. Dabbing and voila! I love how those little half-embossed alphas fit perfectly to personalize the tag for my friend. Here's the tag in action ;)

And then I went all "fantasy watercolor" again. Made this next card with Bloomin Coffee and You.

Bloomin Coffee and You stamp
Just Caffeinate clear stickers

Gansai Tambi watercolors

I printed a digi version of the stamp (cuz my postman hasn't delivered this set to me yet) onto watercolor paper. FYI, my image is larger than the stamp in the set. But if you're interested in digi stamps, this collection of digi stamps has a similar image and many more.

So. Fantasy watercolor. Wet-on-wet technique. I wouldn't call it "sloshed" cuz only Shirley can do that. And it's sure not realistic. It's kinda dabbed. Kinda pushed around. But I stuck to a more limited color palette and even kept the coffee brown!

I fussy cut the image and adhered it to a cream colored cardbase since my watercolor paper is creamy. A sticker sentiment tops off the cup.

Hope you're enjoying the hop with a nice cuppa. Thanks for stopping over today. Have a great week and remember to "Be kind, be calm and be safe."

I'm joining the fun at:
Spring Summer Coffee Lovers Hop
I pulled my colors from ATSAM - Photo Inspiration

STAMPlorations inspiration #268 - new coffee stamps

Welcome to another Tuesday inspiration post of the month from the STAMPlorations inspiration team! Today we have something special for you, an introduction to two new coffee stamp sets available in the store. Just in time for the upcoming Coffee Lovers Blog Hop too!

Know how I've been playing with fantasy watercoloring this month? I kinda carried on with that inspiration for today's projects.

Meet #1. I've used the new set, Sweet Kindness.

 Sweet Kindness stamp
5 Love Words dies
Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle dies

Gansai Tambi watercolors

Watercolor paper. Water. Watercolors. Dabbing and tipping. Voila! Doesn't that graphic image make for a great focal point?

And then #2. Made with Bloomin Coffee and You.

Bloomin Coffee and You stamp
5 Coffee Phrase dies

Gansai Tambi watercolors

Again, watercolor paper. Onto which I printed a digi version of the stamp cuz my postman hasn't delivered this set to me yet. FYI, my tag is actually somewhat larger than the stamp itself. I chose to dab watercolors onto the background, leaving the image uncolored. I did add some grays to the bloom however. I think the die cut sentiment works well over the image.

I hope you are doing well in these crazy Corona times. As the health officer in British Columbia says, "Be kind, be calm and be safe."

You could win yourself a $15 GC to the store OR one of the new sets by leaving a comment on the inspiration girls' posts and over at the STAMP blog! Check out today's post over at STAMPlorations. And if 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. Have a great week. I'm stopping over at:
Stamping Sensations - Flowers
Happy Little Stampers - May Watercolor

STAMPlorations inspiration #232

Though we're technically still on summer break, I've moved into a more fall color scheme for this month's Tuesday inspiration from the STAMPlorations inspiration team.

Did someone say coffee-to-go?

STAMPlorations Caffeinated Zen #1 stamp
STAMPlorations Leaf Prints stencil

STAMPlorations Birthday Bash stamp

Action Twinmarkers
Distress inks

Ready for some fun and brainless coloring? Shery's Zen designs are perfect for that.

I started by stamping the cup. Then I made two masks. Cut the solid cup area out of one and used the negative to apply Shabby Shutters and Peeled Paint Distress inks with a makeup brush. Removed that mask and did my alcohol ink coloring. Then I put down the other mask and laid the stencil over it and added some ombre inking to add interest to the background. I thought the sentiment from the birthday set fit the bill perfectly.

For other ideas on using this stencil check out this card. Or this one.

And now to announce the winner of my giveaway... EDITED TO ADD: SHartl
I will contact you for the deets! I agree that the cupcake is great for birthday cards 🧁

You could win yourself a $10 GC to the store by leaving a comment on this month's inspiration posts! Check out today's post here. Thanks so much for coming by.

STAMPlorations inspiration #215

Welcome to this Tuesday inspiration from the STAMPlorations inspiration team. Are you joining the fun over at the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop? STAMPlorations is one of the super sponsors. The inspiration DT has created some coffee projects for your enjoyment today...
  

From May 3 to May 17, products in the Coffee Tea Lovers section of the store will be 20% off instantly + with my STAMPGIRLMARIA code you can get up to 40% off! You should check out the section if you haven't. Shery has tons of  fabulous coffee-themed products.

STAMPlorations Zen Coffee Cup die 

cardstock scraps

Have you ever dreamed of designing your own coffee cup? Well this set of dies let's you do just that. I admit, I was a bit intimidated at first. My spatial thinking leaves a lot to be desired. But I chose a Spring-y color palette, did some die cutting using the dryer sheet trick and then just started inlaying pieces.

I started with the decision to use royal blue for the mug and coral on those two "blooms". Then I decided I'd use the lighter pink for the top portions of the "blooms". A little bit of white here and there adds to the interest. Even if you (like me) can't see it at first, as you go along, the pattern you want to emphasize becomes apparent. Trust me ;) 

I cut an additional solid piece, scored it on the left edge and attached it to the inlaid piece, creating this sweet little shaped card. Yep, it took awhile. And yep, it makes me happy ;)

This is the first time I've used this die, but if you're interested in inlaid die cutting, you might like this project. It was a bit easier.

You could win yourself a $10 GC to the store by leaving a comment on today's inspiration posts. Check out today's post here. Thanks for visiting. Grab a cuppa and get creating!

I'm joining the fun over at the whopper 2019 Spring Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. Are you?

CUTplorations march

Helau folks! It's the culmination of Fastnacht here in my 'hood. And it's time again for a new challenge over at STAMPlorations CUTplorations! Here's the inspiration for March. I chose the photo in a nod to the late Kate Spade, but love that it's also got some yummy cake and coffee in it too!

image source: Kate Spade NY

I hope there is something in this photo to inspire you to join us. I saw polka dots and coffee. Nuff said. Oh, and a chance to use up some of my newly organized PP from my stash! 

 STAMPlorations Tag o Coffee die

STAMPlorations Set of 5 Coffee Phrases die

In my craft room organization I had a cover left over from a pad of cardstock that I tore apart for my new way of organizing colored cardstock. I knew I could use the little patches of CS from the cover. So I cut the coffee cups from four of the colors. And the rectangles from some PP. And the sentiment from some gold CS and voila!

TIP: To define the edges of die cuts a bit better, add some ink with a dauber.

I hope you'll join us for some die cutting fun over at the CUTplorations challenge.  Create a project based on the inspiration using at least one die cut and at least one STAMPlorations product. Your project might be chosen as the winner of a $15 GC to the shop. Check out how the CUTplorations 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 coming by. See you in the gallery.

I'm headed to the gallery at:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes
Die Cut Divas - Anything Goes

STAMPlorations inspiration #205

Welcome to another Tuesday inspiration from the STAMPlorations inspiration team where the team members feature stamps from one of our talented stamp designers.

Today we're showcasing Shery Russ stamps. Shery's designs are 10% off this week (with an extra 20% off when you use my discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA).

So this month I've challenged myself to incorporate stamps, dies and stencils on CAS cards. I'm also shooting for monochromatic. Well I didn't achieve the CAS today, but the rest. May I introduce my card? Think maybe I was on a caffeine high?!?

 STAMPlorations Tag O Coffee die

STAMPlorations Framed Coffee Word Art stamp

STAMPlorations Set of 5 Coffee Phrase die

STAMPlorations Art Splatters stencil

embossing paste

distress ink

I started by stamping the Word Art stamp four times on my cardbase. Then I added some embossing paste through three splatters with the stencil. I added some distress ink around those splatters to better define them, wiping most of it off the dried paste with a baby wipe. 

I die cut the coffee mug/steam four times from a background I'd created with shaving cream. Added a bit of shadow to them with a W3 Copic before adhering them with foam adhesive. Then I die cut and adhered the sentiment. A hot mess, eh?

For more inspiration with this versatile coffee die set, see this card.

You could win yourself a $10 GC to the store by leaving a comment on the February inspiration posts. Check out today's post here. So happy you stopped by :) Hope you've enjoyed this month's series where I incorporated stamps, dies and stencils on my designs.

fall/winter coffee lovers blog hop

Our temps in Germany right now don't suggest winter so it's a good thing we can count on the amazing Amy T. and Chaitali N. to keep us on track. Yep, it's winter. And time for the Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop!

I had to play along since this is such an epic event. And since I loved that graphic from the get go. AND since I saw a card by the oh-so-talented Debby H. that I couldn't get outta my mind. Here's my card... does it remind you of one of hers? I don't have marshmallows, but I gave it my best shot with three lines of sparkly steam rising from the mug.

STAMPlorations Winter Mug

STAMPlorations Joyful

Altenew watercolors

Twinkling H2Os

white embossing powder

vellum

Lousy photos (lousy light here these days), sorry. I used my Altenew Watercolors and patience. A  light layer, let it dry, repeat... Enjoyed the practice. Added a subtle sentiment embossed on vellum. I love the sentiments in the Joyful stamp set - the font and size. Perfect every time.

I'm heading to these fun challenges too:
Cards in Envy - Spirit of Christmas
Inkspirational - Anything Christmas

and I used the violet and gray from Addicted to Stamps and More

STAMPlorations inspiration #192

Welcome to another Tuesday inspiration from the STAMPlorations inspiration team where the team members feature stamps from one of our talented stamp designers. Today's an anything goes bonus day and I've used one of Shirley's stamps. It's not new, but it's new to me!

This card was my inspiration for today's card. Had to try those watercolor stripes. Added some splatters too.

STAMPlorations And Coffee stamp

watercolors

I love the technique. I kept my repeated washes a bit lighter than Miriam's. I love the result. You should try it. And doesn't it pair well with the typewriter font?!?

You could win yourself a $10 GC to the store by leaving a comment on the October inspiration posts. Check out today's post here. And I'd love it if to get an extra 20% off your next order, you use my discount code STAMPGIRLMARIA.

Have a great day :)

I'm playing at:
Happy Little Stampers - October Watercolor

coffee lovers winter blog hop

Made a coffee card while I was in my "inspired by Pinkfresh" mode last month.

STAMPlorations Coffee Cup Row and Christmas Cookies and Cheer.

I'm joining the fun at the Coffee Lovers Winter blog hop.

And:
CAS on Friday - Christmas
Penny Black and More - December CAS
Happy Little Stampers - December Christmas