Axios!

Last month our new parish priest graduated from seminary and our bishop also made Fr. Gregory's appointment to our parish permanent!  Everyone was very happy and in honor of the occasion, I made a special card for Father Gregory and Matushka Kathy.

I used all dies on the card and "Axios" was computer generated.  I really like the beautiful cross die by Die Versions.

By the way, the meaning of the Greek word Axios is an acclamation of faith. Adopted by the early Eastern Orthodox church, it is made by the faithful at the ordination of bishops, priests and deacons.


Supplies Used:
Dies:   Cross - Die Versions, Cherry Blossoms - Cheery Lynn, Stem flourish and Pretty oval - Marianne Creatables, Large square lattice - Nellie Snellen
Punches:   Mini flower/butterfly set - Nellie Snellen
Other:  Peel off circle ruby gems, Viva Decor pearl pen and Stickles

Thank you so much for stopping by,
                 ~Anna

Love those Hummingbirds

I love to sit out on my back deck and watch the hummingbirds find their way to my feeder.  It always amazes me that these tiny birds know where the food is and find it within a day of hanging the sweet nectar after a long winter!  Just think, not being around for all those months and yet they find the feeder within a day or two!!!  Truly amazing!  And the sound the wings make - I remember the first time I heard it, I thought a huge bee was buzzing around!  Beautiful Mother Nature!

You can see pictures I was able to capture of these beautiful birds HERE.

Therefore, once I saw this new flower sprig die from Leane Creatief, I knew I could use it with the pretty small hummingbird from Dee!  And I have to say I love the way it came out -- such a happy card, full of spring and color (after this long and very cold winter).

I used mulberry paper for the wings to give it a light and feathery look.  I know you all have at least one or two huge sheets of mulberry paper stashed away from days ago and now you can pull it out and use it for bird feathers!  Love it when we use our old stash!

The overall size of the card is approximately 6 inches round and by using the envelope punch board, you can make a nice, one of a kind envelope for this special card.

Supplies Used:
Dies:  Dee's Distinctively Small hummingbird left,  
           Leane Creatief Lea'bilities flower sprig,
           Marianne Craftables Passe partout - oval, 
          Spellbinders Grand decorative circles and classic nesting circles
Embossing folder:  8 1/4" X 12" dots embossing folder
Other:  Viva Decor pearl pen, Stickles


Thanks so much for stopping by!
               ~Anna

Anja Large Oval Die and Two Cards

Happy Day Everyone!

Today I want to share with you two cards I made recently using the same Anja background die.  One card was an anniversary card for Maria & Gary (Can you believe that the kids celebrated their One Year Anniversary already?!?  Sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday we were all celebrating in sunny Barbados.  Would have loved to have been there this horrendous winter.)  OK, I guess I'm going off on a tangent -- so back to the cards --- The second card was a card for a baby shower that a friend had asked me to make for her.  And so here are the cards...

The layouts are pretty much self explanatory and I have to say the cards look very elegant.  Also, you can see I used Dee's "Love" die on both cards.

Supplies used:
Dies:   Anja's Large Oval, Dee's "Love" word die, Marianne's Baby carriage and baby pins, Impression Obsession Tags
Stamps:   Impression Obsession "On Your Anniversary", Stampin' Up "Happy Hour"
Punches:  Nellie Snellen flower punch and embosser, Marvy heart punch
Embossing folder:  Tattered Lace Itsy bitsy embossing folder
Other:  Viva Decor pearl pens, Stick on crystals for bling

Hope you're enjoying the wonderful spring weather!
And thanks so much for "stamping" by,
                     ~Anna

One Die, Two Looks

Happy Sunday!  And it is finally sunny and quite warm (high 30's) after being in the negative digits!!!  As I say each day, we're ONE day closer to spring!!!

Today I want to show you two cards I completed with the same border die.

This card was inspired by Kittie Caracciolo.  You can see the card she made HERE.  I just love her work and when I saw the card she made with this border die (Sue Wilson's French collection border and tag set), I just had to get the die set!

I tried several flowers and they just didn't work.  Then I came across this Cheery Lynn Frangipani flower die, and I imagined that it should work.  I also love this flower because it reminds me of my many happy times in Barbados!  After I finished the card and looked on line at the flower again, I realized that I should have curled it a bit differently.  I will try improving the look of this flower in the next card I make.  But all in all, I like the look of this card - it just makes me smile and feel happy!  Hope it does that for you too.

The second card was inspired by Sue Wilson herself.  I watched a video where she demonstrated using not only the border but the card stock that is left behind.  I liked the look and tried it out here.  I added micro fine "cool highlights" glitter to the background of the card and it truly gives it a nice sparkle.  I even created a border by piercing the layered card stock; also a favorite detail of Sue Wilson. 

Supplies Used:
Dies:  Creative Expressions Sue Wilson French Collection border, corner and tag die set and Vinery Petite set,  Cheery Lynn Frangipani flower set, baby's breath set and Chrysanthemums, Dee's Distinctively With Love words, Marianne's open flower and leaf
Other:  Micro glitter ritz in cool highlights, Viva Decor pearl pen, Copic markers

Spring is on it's way and we can even see it in our card creations!
Have a wonderful day!
          ~Anna

A Simple Christmas Card

Happy Saturday!   Today I wanted to post a simple card I made using the Tattered Lace Kensington Corner die; and by placing it not in a corner, you get a nice, different look.

The deer is an Impression Obsession die and then I used Nellie's punches for the pine and flower for the deer's neck.  The finishing touch were some pearl dots made with a Viva Decor pearl pen.  It's simple so you can mass produce this one for Christmas!

Supplies used:

Stamps:  Merry Christmas (unknown) and heat embossed in white

Dies:      Tattered Lace Kensington corner, Impression Obsession large deer set

Punches: Nellie Snellen mini flower & butterfly set, pine branch

Other:     Viva Decor pearl pen

Thanks for "stamping" by,

               ~Anna

The Elegant Chantilly Bow

Happy Holiday Weekend!

Hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend.  I celebrated the 4th by setting aside some time for myself to play with the chantilly bow die from Tattered Lace.  I have been wanting to create with this die for quite some time but time seems to keep getting away from me!

I had a layout in mind and even the color scheme of white on white with teal as the accent.  Teal is becoming my new go to color this summer.  I even picked up a few new kitchen towels with teal in them!  I think because it reminds me so much of the beautiful Caribbean sea and how much I love sitting on my favorite beach in Barbados and taking in the stunning scenery.  I am so grateful that I was there just a few months ago for Maria and Gary's wedding.  So many wonderful memories and..........dreaming of my next visit.

OK, now back to reality and my card ------

I cut the pretty bow die twice - once in teal (Hero Arts pool card stock set) and once in white.   I cut the white bow in order to layer it differently underneath the teal one.  I also used the new 5 X 7 embossing folder (delicate hearts).  I picked a white rose that I had already made previously and added it to the center of the bow.  I am so pleased with the outcome. It is so pretty and really can be used for so many occasions.  And it was a QUICK card!  I only fussed with the bow - curling it a bit and raising it when adhered it to the card.  The finishing touch was made with a Viva Decor pearl pen.

Here is a side view so that you can see the layers, depth and detail of this card ---

Now, onto my next creation.  Well, actually, it's off to work soon!  But, hopefully I will have some more time this week to create some new cards for your inspiration.

Supplies used:
Stamp:  Hero Arts
Dies: Tattered Lace chantilly bow, Cheery Lynn cuties 2
Embossing folder:  Delicate hearts
Ink:  Brilliance pearlescent jade
Other:  Viva Decor pearl pen


Thanks so much for "stamping" by
    and have a wonderful Sunday!
                    ~Anna

Elegant Birthday Card

Happy Wednesday!

Just a quick share of an elegant birthday card I created for a friend recently.  It is a simple design with the new Anja border die set; cut twice, once on top and then on the bottom. 

This is a really pretty die and can be used lots of ways.  I am sure you will also find it versatile.

Supplies used:
Dies:  Marianne Creatbles Anja Border die set, Spellbinders Labels 4
Stamps:  Serendipity
Other:  Viva Decor pearl pens

Thanks so much for "stamping" by
      and have a wonderful day!
               ~Anna

Single Layer Valentine!

Surprise - this is the second post for the day!  I wanted to get another idea out for you!

This was another very quick card, yet I have to say it looks very pretty in real life since it sparkles  oh so much. 

Again, I used one of the latest dies from Impression Obsession and added several flowers to the flourishes, stamped the saying and added stickles to the center of the heart and along the flourishes.  The stickles really makes it pop and you forget that it is all on one layer.  Quick and easy and you get your card done in a reasonable amount of time (the little flowers slow you up a bit!)

Supplies:
Dies:  Impression Obsession heart flourish,  Impression Obsession hydrangea die set (for the little flowers)
Stamp:  Hero Arts
Other:  Stickles (diamond), Viva Decor pearl pen

Thanks for "stamping" by,
       ~Anna

Another Nature Themed Christmas Card

Good Morning Everyone!
This year it seems like everyone is using forests and deer in creating beautiful scenes for Christmas.  I did create a tag with birch trees and deer and you can see it HERE.  This time I used tiny cardinals and Dee's snow covered tree die to create the following scene:

I have to say, I really like the way it turned out and am truly enjoying creating these scenes.  It is so relaxing to play with the pieces and watch the scene develop.

And don't forget to decorate the inside of your card!

With this unusual Arctic cold snap with snow showers we are having, this card is just perfect!

Supplies used:
Dies:  Dee's Large snow covered tree, garland and mini stars
          Impression Obsession Birch trees and Merry Tree
Embossing folder:  Sizzix
Copic markers:  Cool grays, black, reds

Thank you for stopping by and keep warm!
                ~Anna

A Sympathy Card

Impression Obsession has a very nice saying stamp for sympathy cards and I used that stamp as the starting point for my card that I recently had to make for a fellow parishioner who lost her young husband. 

I made a frame with the Spellbinders Labels Two and stamped the saying inside of it.  I layered it on card stock that I embossed with the new embossing folder from Crafts-Too and then decorated around the frame with flowers and leaves.  The last touch was the Cheery Lynn butterfly and of course a bit of stickles strategically placed.  Oh yes, I also used Viva Decor pearl pens to make pearls for the centers of the flowers and the body of the butterfly.

You may be surprised that this is a sympathy card, but not all sympathy cards have to be of a dark color palette.  Dark colors sometimes make the card look a bit too sad and most of the time I try to stay away from them.  Hope this gives you some inspiration for these sometimes difficult cards to make.

Thanks for stopping by,
            and
Have a wonderful day
         ~Anna

Red Tulips in a Basket

I have been waiting patiently for these tulip dies and they arrived today, (yay!) with a bunch of other goodies (double yay!).  After doing the boring duties that had to get done, I got to sit and play! I've been thinking what color combination I was going to use and decided on red tulips.  They always look so rich.  I also decided to keep it simple with only cream and white for the background and the basket.

The background is a new embossing folder by Crafts Too called lattice.  I added the Cheery Lynn "Dancing Doily Lace" for accents below and above the basket.  And the sentiment was stamped on an Impression Obsession Tag Die.  (The tulips are by Marianne Creatables.)

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 Here you can see a close up of the different layers and the texture created by the embossing folder.

And for the finishing touches, I added red stickles to the tulips and a bit of crystal stickles to the leaves and stems.

I must say, I am really pleased with the results!  The card is just so darn cute!

Stuck on what to make; check out these and other new dies and embossing folders at the Creative Corner.  Or sign up for the "Spring Flower Class" on Saturday.  Call and reserve your seat today.  You'll go home with lots of inspiration and flowers to give away for just about any occasion.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!
               ~Anna

Pretty Pink Hydrangea

After completing the blue green hydrangea, I wanted to make a pink one.  This time I used Copic re-inkers to make my background paper.  (Copics are alcohol based and therefore you can use them just like other alcohol inks,)  I used RV10 and V12 and squirted a few drops on my felt covered block and decorated my glossy white card stock.

I used the Impression Obsession Hydrangea die set again, but this time I made a white on white card with only pink for the flowers and the bow.

I think everyone knows that I love flowers!  They just make me smile and feel great and therefore, I truly enjoy making paper flowers.  I hope you get inspired and try some flowers for your cards.  They make such a beautiful statement!

Thanks for stopping by,
      ~Anna

Another Card with the Anja Corner Die

Even though we still have snow on the ground, I keep dreaming of spring flowers!  I also love the Anja dies and therefore went for the corner die to make another card with flowers, of course.

This time I used a peach and cream color scheme.  I used the Cheery Lynn cherry blossom dies and a few Nellie Snellen punches.  I added a sentiment, but this can easily be a card for any occasion!

Thanks for stopping by,
        ~Anna

Spring is in the Air!

The sun is out, the temperatures are creeping upwards and therefore it is time to create a new "house" card with spring as it's theme.

Back in December I created a "Christmas House" card.  (You can see it HERE)  In January, I made a "Valentine" bird house and you can see that one HERE.  Now was the time to change the colors, add grass and flowers for a new and updated look!

I stamped the house with Impression Obsession's Cover a Card background stamp and then die cut it out, also with an I/O die.  The grass is a Cheery Lynn die as well as the tiny flowers on the windows.  The other purple flowers are from one of my most used punches from Nellie Snellen; the tiny twin punch, flower and butterfly.  The doily affect is a border die, also from Nellie Snellen,

Now, just stamping a saying on the inside of the card seems so boring.  We have so many dies and stamps that I decided to decorate the inside too. 

I used the doily die to tie it in with the front curtains and roof line; a small butterfly was an added sweet touch.  I  also added the grass and flowers and still left room for a personal note.

These house cards are so sweet and fun to make............try your hand at it.  You are going to enjoy making them as well as giving them.  Let me know if you need any of the supplies listed and I'll get them to you in no time!

Looking forward to seeing what you create!
               ~Anna

The Lovely Anja Corner Die

As promised, I got to play with the Anja corner die and come up with this card.

I used the corner die in the two opposite corners and I used the Cheery Lynn Cherry Blossoms for the main flowers.  I have been using these cherry blossoms a lot lately;  they are a great size and I really like their shape.  The leaves are Marianne (LR0156) and they give the card an airy feel because they are open, skeleton type leaves. All in all I think it's a great card to welcome spring!

That's about it for today!
Thanks for stopping by,
          ~Anna

Pretty Egg Shaped Easter Cards

Cold and dreary February is coming to an end and Easter is just a month away!  We already see that the days are longer and hopefully the snowy weather will also end very soon.

I have been working on some new, egg shaped Easter cards and I am pleased with the results.

I used the Cheery Lynn nesting egg dies just as I did last year.  (You can click HERE to see last year's card.)  This time I decided to make several cards, all with a flower theme.  I looked through my dies and pulled out two different flourishes from Cheery Lynn, as well as several of their flower dies.

Here are close ups of each of the eggs:

These eggs were a lot of fun to make and now, sitting back and looking at them, makes me feel that spring is truly just around the corner!

Thanks for "stamping" by and
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
              ~Anna

The Beautiful Anja Border Die

 I love these beautiful "Anja" dies by Marianne and this is my latest creation with the Anja border die.

I have always liked the white on white color scheme and have enjoyed creating with it.  Lately  though, I have been very attracted to the white on cream color scheme and this is my interpretation of it.

Besides the Marianne Anja border, I used Marianne Creatable leaves (LR0192), Cheery Lynn Cherry Blossom and Darling Daisy dies, and a Nelle Snellen punch for the tiny flowers.

There is an Anja corner die and I can't wait to complete and post that project for you!

Thanks for "stamping" by,
        ~Anna

White on White with a bit of Pink

I got this new "Square Frame" die from Joy Crafts and had to make a new card.  The frame is beautiful with all the detail, a bit of lattice work and the dry embossing.  And since I love the white on white look, I started the new project with that theme in mind and am very pleased with the results.  I ended up making a birthday card, but this easily lends itself to a pretty wedding or anniversary card.

Here is another view of the card,  Hopefully you can see all of the dimension. (Of course the card looks so much better in real life.)

I used Cheery Lynn dies for the butterfly and the flowers.  (The flowers were the Cherry Blossom dies).  I added the leafy flourish from Marianne and used the Nellie Snellen punches for the 3-D leaves. 

Let me know if you want the new Square Frame.  I can mail it out to you in no time!  You are going to love it!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
              ~Anna
Remember, if you click on the picture, you will see a larger and close up version of the card.

Clean & Simple Card Making 2

I so enjoyed last year's Clean & Simple On line Class, that I had to sign up again this year!  Yesterday was the first day and with it came some great ideas and layouts.  For "homework", it was suggested to work with one of the layouts.

This is the card that I came up with:

I only used 3 stamps from 3 different companies; the car from Hero Arts, the great background stamp from StacyStamps and the saying from Impression Obsession.  I added a few pearls with the Viva Decor Pearl Pen and that was it.  Pretty simple!  This makes a really quick masculine birthday card.

This layout is nice, simple and quick.  Try it out!  See what you come up with and post it on our Facebook page.  We'd love to see your art!

See you soon,
     ~Anna

A Clean & Simple Valentine Card

Here's a very simple Valentine card.  I have to say I love these simple cards; they're quick yet very pretty and if need be, you can make several in no time!

Be safe today.  It's a good day to stay home and make some cards!
            ~Anna