A Happy Hello with LDRS Creative

| marialrussell

Hello everyone. It’s been awhile since I posted on this blog. Hubby and I are settling really well back home in Florida and have been really busy with home renovations! I didn’t realize retirement life can be super busy!

For today’s post, I wanted to create a simple but elegant card, mixing and matching old and new LDRS Creative products and I really love how this card turned out.

I started by my positioning the card stock on my BetterPress and stamped the Arches Hello Impress-ion die with Raven Hybrid ink.  I used the Arches Die Set and the Happy Hello Sentiment Die to die-cut the components and set them all aside while I worked on the background pieces.

I stamped the Joyful Blooms stamp set on some white card stock with Raven Hybrid Ink.  I used the coordinating Joyful Blooms Layering Stencils to color the image.  For reference I used Hybrid Inks in La-la Lavender, Grape Ape, Pink Tutu, Lipstick Jungle, Key Lime Pie, Olive Branch and Evergreen.  I used the coordinating Joyful Blooms Die Set to die cut the image.

Now that I have all the card components, I am ready to assemble the card.  I am using a lime green card stock as my card base.  I die-cut the white arch using the Arches Die Set and foam-mounted this piece onto my card base.  I adhered the big floral image using some glue.

I also foam-mounted my focal panel and adhered the pink flower, followed by using pop dots to elevate the “a happy hello” sentiment to finish the card design.  Easy peasy!  Here’s another look:

I hope you like this card today and got inspired.  The supplies I used have been linked within the context of this blog post.  Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!

A Few Hocus Pocus Projects Plus Other Halloween DIY Decor

| marialrussell

It’s almost the weekend and I have been busy creating a few DIYs to decorate my home for Halloween. It has also been awhile since I filmed a YouTube video so I figured this is the best time to share these projects with you.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I have always loved decorating my home. Now that I ventured into the Cricut world, the possibilities of creating some amazing DIYs have become endless! It took me awhile to get used to it, and I am still a beginner when it comes to my Cricut machine but I am loving it so far! I will also be sharing a few YouTube Creators here that I regularly watch if you are interested.

If you love Hocus Pocus, here are a few projects that you can make using your Cricut or Silhouette machine. The YouTube process video is linked down below.

Aren’t they cute?! I love this HOCUS POCUS WOOD ROUND that I paired with the Witch’s broom (see video).

The vinyl I LOVE and use on most of my project comes from TeckWrap Craft Vinyl. They are one of the best in my opinion. I have tested out a few and TeckWrap is my number one choice so far. Use coupon code TECKWRAP10 for 10% off your order valid only until October 13th. If you pass this date, you can use code MARIARUSSELL for 5% off your order.

Here’s another one that I made using a frame from Ikea and SVG from Creative Fabrica. Later on, I made some DIY black candles using paper towel rolls and black acrylic paint (coming soon on the blog!).

The Moon SVG below is from one of my favorite YouTuber and her name is Whitney from Whiskey and Whit. The other SVGs I used on my video were downloaded from Creative Fabrica. This is an amazing website to download SVGS, PNGs and clipart with commercial license! I have made my own Tote Bags, T-Shirts, Mugs, Libbey Glass Cans, Wedding Sign (for my son’s wedding) and a lot more!

I hope you all got inspired to create some beautiful Halloween DIY projects. The supplies I used are highlighted and linked within the context of this blog post. Please also consider subscribing to my YouTube channel if you haven’t yet. Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!

Cute & Simple Halloween Card with LDRS Creative

| marialrussell

It has been quite awhile since I wrote a blog post. I was traveling back and forth for a few weeks organizing our upcoming move back to our home in the United States. Yay! I hope everyone’s been looking forward to create a few Halloween, Fall and Christmas related projects! If you are, stick around and I will be posting a lot of projects soon, along with photos of how I decorated my home for the holidays!

Today’s card features a mix of some newly-released stamp set and dies, with some of my old favorites from LDRS Creative.  For the project below, I am showcasing the Kringle Numbers Jumbo Dies with the adorable Wicked Stamp Set, along with the Trick or Treat Paper Pack, Delicate Stitches Scalloped Rectangle and Delicate Stitches Scalloped Oval.

I started by adhering the Scalloped background that was die-cut using the biggest die from the Delicate Stitches Scalloped Rectangle die set.  I stamped the four corners of the background using the spiderweb from the Wicked Stamp Set.

Simplicity is just really what I had in mind and die-cutting the scalloped rectangles using the Delicate Stitches Scalloped Oval on black and purple card stock were the perfect pieces to layer to create a beautiful pattern border for my card.

I added the numbers 3 and 1 using the Kringle Numbers Jumbo Dies in the center and stamped the month “October” from the Wicked Stamp Set with Raven Hybrid Ink. 

Lastly, I wanted to add this cute image of a dog trick-or-treating that I fussy-cut from the Trick or Treat Paper Pack.  This was foam-mounted onto the card for added dimension.  Here’s another look:

I hope you like this card and got inspired!  The supplies I used are highlighted and linked within the context of this blog post. Thanks for stopping by and happy October!!!!

A Bittersweet “Goodbye” For Now with Newton’s Nook Designs

| marialrussell

I am a bit sad to write this post but rest assured this is not a “Goodbye Forever” kind of thing! Hubby and I are going to be packing our household stuff soon and will finally be retiring from overseas life. In this regard, I have to say goodbye for now to the Newton’s Nook Design Team. I have thoroughly enjoyed being on the team for 8+ years! Thank you to Jennifer & Jeff Jackson for having me. A huge thank you to Samantha Mann for being the best DT Manager and thank you to the rest of the talented girls on the team.

While packing is a lot of work, I am also very excited to come home and take care of the house we left while working overseas. There will be lots of projects to come both on this blog and my YouTube channel, as well as GIVEAWAYS so please stay tuned!

I have created two cards today for my final post, featuring the latest release. For the first project, I am showcasing the Newton’s Harvest Time Stamp Set + coordinating dies, along with a few of my favorite older dies.

Here’s how I made this card:

  • die-cut some fall leaves using the Autumn Leaves Die Set. Adhere the same on the card..
  • die-cut the scallop circle using the Circle Frames Die Set and foam-mount this piece for added dimension.
  • adhere the focal image on the card.
  • add some enamel dots to compliment the colors for added interest,
  • finish the card design by stamping the sentiment.

For my next card, I am showcasing the Autumn Apples Stamp Set + coordinating dies, along with the Fancy Edges Tag Die Set and Framework Die Set.

I die-cut the Autumn Paper using the biggest die from the Framework Die Set and adhered this panel to some A2-size notecard. I also used the Fancy Edges Tag Die Set to die-cut the piece three times and adhered them on the card with glue.

The images were stamped on some Neenah Solar White Card Stock and die-cut with the coordinating dies. I layered the apples with liquid glue and foam-mounted the center piece for added dimension. I finished the card design by adding some twine on the tag and stamped the sentiment with black ink. Here’s another look:

I hope you like these cards today and got inspired. The supplies I used are highlighted and linked within the context of this blog post. Where available, I use compensated affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me to keep bringing you new projects and inspiration. Thank you for stopping by, and have an amazing day!

LDRS Creative Summer Collection Inspiration Day 2 + MEGA INVENTORY SALE!

| marialrussell

Hello my crafty friends! This is Day 2 of the Summer Collection Inspiration Post. Please don’t forget to check out the HUGE SALE by LDRS Creative and stock up on those stamp sets, dies and stencils you’ve been eyeing on! This sale is only valid until August 13th!

For Day 2, I am featuring the Big Word Dies – Birthday along with the Zig-Zag Slimline Background Strips die.

Here’s how I made this card:

  • die-cut the Big Word Dies – Birthday on some white and black card stock.
  • adhere the Big Word Dies – Birthday die-cut onto the focal panel with foam-adhesive for added dimension.
  • finish the design by die-cutting the word happy on some pink card stock and adhere to the card.

I hope you like this card today and got inspired. Check out the LDRS Creative Blog for more inspiration from the design team.  The supplies I used are highlighted and linked within the context of this blog post. Where available, I use compensated affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me to keep bringing you new projects and inspiration. Thank you for stopping by, and have an amazing day!

LDRS Creative Summer Collection Inspiration Day 1 + MEGA INVENTORY SALE!

| marialrussell

Hello my crafty friends! Before I share my inspiration post, I want you all to know that LDRS Creative is having a HUGE SALE (see details below). There is no code needed and you may want to stock up on those stamp sets, dies and stencils you’ve been eyeing on!

My card today features the Down on the Farm Stamp Set + coordinating dies, along with the Delicate Stitches Scalloped Rectangle Dies.

Here’s how I made this card:

  • die-cut the Delicate Stitches Scalloped Rectangle Dies and foam-mount this panel on some A2-size notecard.
  • adhere the focal images on the card with foam and liquid adhesive.
  • adhere the sun and cloud using dies from your stash. Unfortunately the ones I used are no longer available at the shop.
  • finish the design by stamping the sentiment onto the card.

I hope you like this card today and got inspired. Check out the LDRS Creative Blog for more inspiration from the design team.  The supplies I used are highlighted and linked within the context of this blog post. Where available, I use compensated affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me to keep bringing you new projects and inspiration. Thank you for stopping by, and have an amazing day!

Your Kindness Is Appreciated with LDRS Creative

| marialrussell

Hello everyone, back here today sharing another floral card featuring the beautiful Poppy Posy Impression Dies, A2 Diagonal Stitched Layered Card Toppers Die Set and the You’re Simply the You’re Simply The Best stamp set with the matching Wave Ribbon Stack Die Set.

I started by die-cutting the pattern papers from the Lovely Watercolor 6×6 Paper Pack with the Pastel Patterns Pad using the A2 Diagonal Stitched Layered Card Toppers Die Set.  Starting by adhering the green pattern paper first onto some A2-size notecard, followed by some gold card stock, then the Lovely watercolor as the background.

I wanted to get more texture to the flowers so I used the Pastel Patterns Pad to die-cut the pink flowers, followed by the green and gold card stock using the Poppy Posy Impression Dies.  Putting this together was kind of like a puzzle, adding some foam-adhesive on the back layer for added dimension and adhered onto the background.

The last step was to add the sentiment.  This was done by stamping the You’re Simply the You’re Simply The Best stamp set with Watermark Embossing Ink on some black card stock and heat-set with the heating tool with White Embossing Powder.  Die-cutting the sentiment strips using the Wave Ribbon Stack Die Set and adhered onto the card with glue.  Easy, peasy!  Here’s another look at the card:

 I hope you all like this card and got inspired!  The supplies I used are highlighted and linked within the context of this blog post. Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!

Bright Birthday Wishes Card with Newton’s Nook Designs

| marialrussell

I have been building up my stash of birthday cards and today’s project features the recently released Newton’s Birthday Delights Stamp Set + Coordinating Dies along with the Bright Sentiments Hot Foil Plate and Banner Duo Die Set by Newton’s Nook Designs.

Here’s how I made this card:

  • die-cut some pattern paper that compliments the color of the stamp images using the smaller scallop die from the Circle Frames Die Set. Adhere the scallops on the notecard with tape runner.
  • die-cut the rectangle frame using the small reverse scallop frame from the Framework Die Set and add some vellum to diffuse the busy pattern behind. Use sequins for the shaker element and foam-mount this panel on the foreground.
  • adhere the image on the card with foam adhesive for added dimension.
  • adhere the sentiment with foam and liquid adhesive.
  • finish the design by adding some yellow enamel dots.

I hope you like this card today and got inspired. The supplies I used are highlighted and linked within the context of this blog post. Where available, I use compensated affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me to keep bringing you new projects and inspiration. Thank you for stopping by, and have an amazing day!

NND July Release Day 3 – Confetti, Paw Prints & Birthday Sentiments Hot Foil Plates + Giveaway

| marialrussell

Hello and Welcome to the Newton’s Nook July Release Day 3. I hope you were able to join us since Monday.  You also have a chance to win the stamp set being revealed each day so please read through ’til the end of the blog post to find out more info.  [Just a little important note:  I know some of you had difficulties finding the comments section.  If you would like to leave a comment to participate in the giveaway, the “comments section” will only be ever visible when a single post on Word Press is being viewed. Please click on this particular blog post and you will be able to leave a comment below.  Thank you!]  

For Day 3, we are showcasing the following Hot Foil Plates –> Confetti, Paw Prints and Birthday Sentiments.

I opted for a cute mini slimline card to showcase the Confetti Hot Foil Plate. My Gemini Foil Press Machine gave up on me so I was only able to make one card, boohoo!

After hot foiling the background, I adhered some gold and black card stock behind to give it more dimension. I also used the same gold card stock to trim two strips and adhered both pieces on the foreground with liquid glue.

Next, adhering the focal panel on a mini slimline card base with liquid glue; and used some gold gel pen to add some lines and dots for added interest.

I finished the card design by adding the sentiment that I foiled using the Birthday Sentiments Hot Foil Plate and foam-mounting it onto the card for added dimension.

Would you like to win the “Paw Print Hot Foil Plate”?  This stamp set will be given away to ONE lucky winner!

Here’s how to win: Comment on the NND blog and Design Team blogs (see list below)!  The winner will be chosen at random from the collective reveal posts. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win.  You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Wednesday July 19th at 9pm ET to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Thursday, July 18th. 

Check out all the awesome Design Team Blogs below to enter:

Newton’s Nook Designs

Donna Idlet

Ellen Haxelmans

Tina Herbeck

Larissa Heskett

Samantha Mann

Diane Morales

Maria Russell

Farhana Sarker

Tatiana Trafimovich

Amanda Wilcox