{BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 69 ~ Snowfall ~ Newton's Nook Designs

Hello there crafty friend!

I'm sharing one last card for the {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 69 hosted in the Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers Facebook group! A fun no stamping card!

I had lots of fun making this card! I used gorgeous snowflake dies from the Snowfall Die Set to create my background. I die cut several snowflakes from kraft and white card stock and then adhered them to my layers giving a faux embossed look to my background.

The fabulous sentiment die is from the Let it Snow Die Set. I die cut it twice from white card stock and then adhered them together for a bit more dimension. I die cut a scalloped and stitched circle using a die from the Circle Frames Die Set to mat my sentiment helping it to pop on the card.

And then I finished off the card with a single snowflake and I die cut the shadow using another die from the Snowfall Die Set. I really like how this one turned out!

Here's a look at {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 69 for the month of May. There's still time to enter the challenge! If you're interested in seeing a bit more inspiration for this sketch, check out the amazing inspiration from the design team over on the {BYSH} Cardmakers blog! I'm always blown away by the creations from the DT... they are amazingly talented cardmakers!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Inky hugs,

Crystal

{BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 66 ~ Bear Hugs ~ Creative Worship Stamps

Hello there crafty friend!

It's time for a new sketch challenge over in the Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers Facebook group! Today I'm sharing a sweet Christmas card featuring an adorable stamp from our wonderful Sponsor Creative Worship Stamps! This month's prize is a $20 gift code to Creative Worship Stamps! Yay!

As I often do, I started with my background. I don't currently have papers from Creative Worship Stamps but I did see some pretty plaid papers on their website that I've added to my wishlist. I did find a pretty snowflake pattern paper in my stash that I thought would work well with the cute bear stamp. I used the Say Cheese Classic Mouse Christmas 6x8 Paper Pad from Simple Stories. I cut it down to 3-3/4 x 5".

I went searching through my card stock to find one that coordinated with the color of these pattern papers. I settled on Mint Macaron from Stampin' Up. I cut my mat to 4 x 5-1/4". I adhered the layers and then adhered them to a white A2 top fold card base. I die cut a piece of the Mint Macaron card stock using the Christmas Ornament & Bulb Tag Die Set from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps {now Creative Worship Stamps}. I ran the die cut ornament through my Big Shot using the Silent Snowfall Embossing Folder from Unity {no longer available}. The top of the ornament was die cut from a Silver Foil card stock from Stampin' Up that's been in my stash forever. And I finished it off with a little iridescent organdy bow.

The star of the card is the adorable bear in a snowflake mug from the retired Bear Hugs stamp set from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps {now Creative Worship Stamps}. I stamped it and colored it with Copic markers. I fussy cut it leaving a white border around the image. I used a hole punch to start fussy cutting the handle on the mug. I decided to cut that on the line and I colored the edges with a black marker. I popped up the ornament on the card and also popped up the bear to finish off the card.

Here's a look at {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 66 for the month of February. If you're interested in seeing a bunch more inspiration for this sketch, check out the amazing inspiration from the design team over on the {BYSH} Cardmakers blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Inky hugs,

Crystal

Tawny Owl Paperie Inky Inspiration Sketch 37 ~ Honk for the Holidays ~ Unity Stamp Co.

 Hello there crafty friend!

Today I'm sharing a fun set of holiday cards for the Tawny Owl Paperie Inky Inspiration Sketch Challenge 37 in the Tawny Owl Paperie Inky Inspiration Facebook group. I started cutting my papers and thought... why not make a set? So I did!

First I cut my papers to 1-1/4 x 5-1/4". I used three fun pattern papers from the beautiful Vintage Polka Dot & Stripes Christmas Colors {paper pack}. I adhered them to the Kraft A2 top fold card bases. I wanted to add a little something to the card so I die cut snowflakes using the Small Snowflakes die from Gina Marie Designs.

I adhered the three snowflakes on each card base and then I set the cards aside. I stamped the super cute geese and the fun sentiment from Honk for the Holidays. 

Copic markers used for the Christmas Lights Goose: C0, C2, YR20, YR21, YR15, G000, G24, R20, and R14.

Here's a look at the fun sketch for Tawny Owl Paperie Inky Inspiration Sketch Challenge 37. The sketch, as always, is meant to inspire not require. So let the sketch lead in your design, but don't feel limited by it. I'm having so much fun with this sketch!

I colored up the geese with my Copic markers and fussy cut each of them leaving a white border around the edges.

Copic markers used for the Santa Goose: C0, C2, YR20, YR21, YR15, R20, R14, N0, N2, N4, Y11, Y15, and Y28.

I trimmed the sentiments and popped them up on each of the cards with foam tape. 

Copic markers used for the Reindeer Goose: C0, C2, YR20, YR21, YR15, E21, and E25.

I also popped up each of the geese on the cards with foam tape.

Copic markers used for the Tree Goose: C0, C2, YR20, YR21, YR15, G000, G24, R20, R14, Y11, Y15, and Y28.

These fun geese are also available in the November 2025 Whit Kit also called Honk for the Holidays. I just love how these cards turned out! So much fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

More Quick Holiday Cards ~ Frosted Lace ~ Unity Stamp Co.

Hello there crafty friend! 

Today I'm sharing four super quick holiday cards that I made using the gorgeous new Frosted Lace stamps from Unity. Loving this big, beautiful snowflake!! So pretty!

So I filled a whole sheet of card stock with blue snowflakes. I just couldn't stop! I figured why not make four cards!

Once I had them all stamped, I die cut the sheet using the second largest die from the Scallops & Rectangles {nesting dies} to die cut each of my panels for the cards.

I also die cut mats from white card stock using the largest die from the same die set. I adhered each of my panels together and then adhered them to white A2 top fold card bases.

I stamped the sentiments using the same blue ink and die cut them using dies from the Scalloped & Stitched Sentiment Nesting Dies.

I popped up the sentiments on the four cards and BAM! Four cards for my holiday stash! Woohoo!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Inky hugs,

Crystal

~ Friends of Unity August 2025 Blog Hop ~

Hello there crafty friend!

It's time for our Friends of Unity Blog Hop!! This month's cue is a lot of fun! 

Technique is such a broad scope for a cue... it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to make. I decided to play with my Distress Crayons again. It's been awhile.

I masked my 4-1/4 x 5-1/2" panels with iCraft Removable Pixie Tape from Therm O Web. And then I colored the masked off area with three distress crayons. For my first card, I chose Fossilized Amber, Mustard Seed, and Spiced Marmalade. I used a baby wipe to blend those colors and then removed the tape. I swiped my white pigment ink pad across the raised part just to add a touch of white.

I wanted to add some texture to my panels so I ran this one through my Big Shot with the Dot Matrix embossing folder from Tim Holtz/Sizzix. I paired up this fun background with an adorable bee from the  July 2025 Uniquely Unity Bee-Hold stamps. The die cut hexagons are cut out using the Hexagon Frames from Newton's Nook Designs.

Copic markers used: Y11, Y15, B000, C0, C2

I masked off my second panel at a diagonal. For this one I used Picked Raspberry, Spun Sugar, and Kitsch Flamingo distress crayons. I blended them with a baby wipe and then ran this one through my Big Shot with the Tattered Poinsettia embossing folder also from Tim Holtz/Sizzix.

I paired up my second panel with the beautiful Seasons of Life stamp. The sentiment is from Deck the Halls. I fussy cut the girl and adhered her and the sentiment to the card.

Copic markers used for this card:

Skin: E000, E00, E11

Hair: Y11, E43, E44

Hat / Scarf / Mittens: G000, G82, C0, C2

Coat: E21, E33, E25, R20, R22

I've kinda been on a roll with the Christmas cards so... I made another! For this one I masked the paper horizontally and I used Peacock Feathers, Salvaged Patina, and Mermaid Lagoon distress crayons. And I used a snowflake embossing folder that I believe is Tim Holtz but there's no brand name on it so I'm not sure.

I paired up this fun wintry background with the awesome Sending Christmas Smiles stamps. I adore this snowman! I fussy cut him and adhered him to the card. 

Here's a quick list of the Copic markers I used:

Snowman: C0, C2

Nose: Y11, YR20, YR15, YR68

Arm: E00, E59

Hat: N2, N4, N6

Scarf / Hat Band: R20, R14, R27

Now before we get to the hopping, I chose a lucky winner from the comments on last month's hop to win a fun prize and the lucky winner is...

... Becca Yahrling!! Congratulations, Becca!!

Please email me at crystalominkler@gmail.com to claim your prize. 

Please claim the prize before September 3rd, 2025. 

Well, that's it for me this time! It's a short hop this month with just six of us sharing our makes. Be sure to hop along and enjoy some more inspiration! I can't wait to see how our friends were inspired by this month's cue. I will be doing another fun giveaway this month!! Be sure to hop along and comment for a chance to win. {When you comment please leave your name just in case it posts as anonymous.} I'll announce the winner next month! 

Let's get to the hopping...

Crystal <--- you're here

up next ---> Jenni

Toni

Rachel

Dawn

Joyce

Thanks so very much for supporting our little hop!

We appreciate you so much!!

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

{BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 58 ~ Snowflake Net with Cozy Knit ~ A Colorful Life Designs

Hello there crafty friend!

I'm back with a little inspiration for the {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 58 hosted in the Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers Facebook group! Today I'm sharing a really cool holiday card featuring an awesome stencil from our fabulous Sponsor, A Colorful Life Designs.

I thought it would be fun to combine a couple of stencils for my second card so I grabbed the Snowflake Net Stencil and the Cozy Knit Stencil. I love the use blues and purples for snowflake cards. Love those cool colors! 

I laid the Snowflake Net Stencil on my white card front measuring 4-1/4 x 5-1/2". I used a strip of iCraft Removable Pixie Tape to mask the left bottom area of the card front and I blended some Salty Ocean and Wilted Violet Distress Inks over the stencil until I was happy with the blends. I replaced the stencil with the Cozy Knit Stencil. I used that same strip of pixie tape and blended the other side of the card front. 

I die cut the panel using the largest die from the Deckle & Stitches Nesting Die Set from Unity. I adhered the panel to a white A2 top fold card base. I sentiment is from Arctic Joyride from Unity. I die cut the sentiment using a die from the Scallops & Banners {nesting dies}, also from Unity. I finished off the card with a bunch of confetti from the White Glossy Card Bling from A Colorful Life Designs.

Here's a look at {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 58 for the month of June. If you're interested in seeing a bit more inspiration for this sketch, check out the amazing inspiration from the design team over on the {BYSH} Cardmakers blog! The design team, as always, rocked this sketch!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky hugs,

Crystal

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Unity Advent Calendar 2024 Day 14 ~ Unity Stamp Co.

Hello there crafty friend!

It's Day 14 of the 2024 Advent Calendar from Unity!! I'm back with another holiday card. I've been loving all the holiday stamps in this year's Advent Calendar.

Today's stamp is a beautiful snowflake. Love it! I stamped it with Black Amalgam ink and colored it up with Copic markers: B0000, B000

You can check out my video revealing the Advent Calendar Day 14 stamp and my process in making this card here... Unity Advent Calendar 2024 Day 14 | Unity Stamp Co.

Inspiration for my card came from the {BYSHC} Sketch 25! I love how this card design kind of looks like a present!

I die cut the snowflake using a die from the Scallops & Circles{nesting dies}. Popped it up on the card using foam tape.

I paired up the deer with the Snowflake Elegance {paper pack}. I finished up the card with a fun sentiment from the Cherished Holly {Front & Center Stamps}. Love it!

I'll be back tomorrow for Day 15 of the 2024 Advent Calendar from Unity!

Have an ink-tastic day!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

 

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

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{BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 52 ~ Joy of the Season ~ Gina K. Designs

Hello there crafty friend!

I'm back with a little inspiration for the {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 52 hosted in the Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers Facebook group! Today I'm sharing a lovely Christmas card featuring a wonderful die and stamp set from our amazing sponsor, Gina K. Designs, called Joy of the Season! 

Unfortunately, the Joy of the Season stamp set was an exclusive set in collaboration with Simon Says Stamp for STAMPtember maybe a couple of years ago now, so it's no longer available. I sure do love it though! I stamped the gorgeous deer using Sea Glass and Tranquil Teal inks from Gina K. Designs. I fussy cut the deer leaving a white border.

I die cut Sea Glass card stock from Gina K. Designs using the gorgeous Snowflake Cover Plate die. I then trimmed a piece of white card stock to fit behind the cover plate die. I adhered a 1-3/4" wide piece of Sea Glass card stock across the front of a white A2 card base.

I heat embossed the beautiful sentiment using my go to mix of products: TE Anti-Static Powder Tool, Sugar Cube Pigment Ink, Alabaster White Embossing Powder and a Wagner Precision Heat Tool. I trimmed the sentiment and mat it with white card stock. I adhered all of the layers to the card using Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue and popped up the deer using Scrapbook Adhesive Crafty Foam Tape. And I finished off the card with pretty Frosty Rhinestones from Gina Marie Designs. 

Here's a look at {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 52 for the month of December. I decided to do an A2 card instead of the mini slimline design in the sketch. If you're not a fan of mini slimline cards, feel free to alter the design for an A2 card like I did or even an A7 card. Whatever works for you. If you're interested in seeing a bit more inspiration for this sketch, check out the amazing inspiration from the design team over on the {BYSH} Cardmakers blog! The design team, as always, rocked this sketch!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky hugs,

Crystal

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~ Friends of Unity December 2024 Blog Hop ~

Hello there crafty friend!

It's time for our Friends of Unity Blog Hop!! This month's cue is super fun! I hope you'll hop along with us and enjoy some wonderful inspiration from our friends! But today is not just a regular monthly blog hop... it's our 7th Anniversary of hopping!! How amazing is that?! 7 years has gone by in a flash!! The FOU has shared so many wonderful cards and projects over the last 7 years and we've added and sadly, said goodbye to some of our friends. I'm so very grateful to my friends that help make this hop amazing each month and I'm also very grateful to the friends that come and hop along with us each month. All your love and comments each month means so much to us. Thank you all so much! We appreciate each of you!

This month's cue is Winter Wonderland! 

For me winter wonderland means snowflakes. I love snowflake stamps! And one of my first snowflake stamps from Unity was the Magical {bliss and wonder} Layers of Life stamps. Still a favorite of mine!

I ink smooshed the Kraft card stock using Stormy Sky, Chipped Sapphire and Picket Fence Distress Inks. I dried the background completely with a Wagner Precision Heat Tool. And then I prepped the card stock for heat embossing with the TE Anti-Static Powder Tool. I stamped the snowflakes and sentiment using Picket Fence Distress Ink and then I sprinkled the wet ink with Alabaster White Embossing Powder. I melted the powder with the heat tool.  

I die cut the background and a piece of Kraft card stock using dies from the BIG Scallops & Rectangles {nesting dies}. I adhered all my layers onto a white A2 top fold card base that I turned on the side for a landscape card. I finished off the card with some confetti from the White Glossy Card Bling from A Colorful Life Designs.

I love the magic and wonder of snow! It's so beautiful and I love to watch it when it just starts snowing. I tried to bring that magic and wonder through my second card. Not sure if I succeeded, but I definitely like how it turned out. To start I traced the inner circle of the Moon {layering stencil} on a piece of {Easy Peel} Masking Paper from Unity with a pencil. I cut out the circle mask, pulled off the backing and placed it on my white card front.

 Commence the inky fun... heehee... I ink smooshed the panel with Stormy Sky, Pine Needles, and Chipped Sapphire Distress Inks. I then blended some Tumbled Glass and Stormy Sky Distress Inks over the white areas of the panel. I distressed the edges of the panel with Black Soot Distress Ink and I ink smooshed just a little Picket Fence Distress Ink too to finish it off. It was a whole bunch of inky fun!

I dried the background completely with a heat tool. And then I added some white acrylic paint spatters. I removed the mask from the 'moon' and blended very lightly over the crater shadows stencil from the Moon {layering stencil} with my black blending brush. I didn't add any ink to the brush though and I kept it very light. In fact, I cleaned off my brush by wiping it off on a microfiber cloth to make sure it wasn't saturated with ink. I used the moon stencil to add just a tiny bit of yellow around the edges of the moon. Again, not adding any ink to my yellow brush. 

Once I was happy with the moon, I stamped the beautiful trees and the sentiment from the Search for those Moments stamps. This is another lovely Layers of Life stamp. I love it! I stamped both of these with VersaFine Onyx Black Ink. Love how this turned out!

Now before we get to the hopping, I chose a lucky winner from the comments on last month's hop to win a fun prize and the lucky winner is...

... Laurie Black!! Congratulations, Laurie!!

Please email me at crystalominkler@gmail.com to claim your prize. 

Please claim the prize before January 1st, 2025. 

Well, that's it for me this time! Please hop along and enjoy some more inspiration from the Friends of Unity! I can't wait to see how our friends were inspired by this month's cue. I will be doing another fun giveaway this month!! Be sure to hop along and comment for a chance to win. {When you comment please leave your name just in case it posts as anonymous.} I'll announce the winner next month! 

Let's get to the hopping...

Crystal <--- you're here

up next ---> Amber

Kari

Toni

Jenni

Rachel

Joyce

Dawn

Thanks so very much for supporting our little hop!

We appreciate you so much!!

See ya next time.

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

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