Hydrangea Chickadee from Art Impressions

Hello and happy Friday!

This is something I've been wanting to try for a while now.

I stamped some images and then shaded them with a simple #2 pencil to create depth.

My card was created for the Art Impressions You're a Gem challenge.

This GORGEOUS new bow is a new release from Art Impressions.

All Ai products are linked below except for the sweet chickadee because he's a retired freebie.

Art Impressions Freebie Frenzy!

 Hello Ai fans!

Today I'm sharing several cards that I made using some of the Ai Freebies.

What's a Freebie you ask?
Well,  every time you spend $30 or more at Art Impressions, you get to choose one of the current free stamps they are offering.  How fun is that!

My first 4 cards were made using the Spring 2022 images.



These two cards were traded to my neighbors little girls in exchange for two dozen farm fresh eggs.
I love living in the country!

During the school year I usually buy them an ice cream at the school cafeteria but during the summer they asked for cards to send to friends.  The frame is from the new 5543 – Journal Template Die Set.

The next two were made for friends.

I used the Hello die from the 5408 – ShadowBox Window Die

These are the current freebies being offered.  Be sure to get yours while they're available. These have become highly collectable.

I also FINALLY tried my hand at Watercoloring the Art Impressions Way with one of the new freebies!

It was so fun.  I have tons to learn but I'm pretty happy with this!

The grass was made using the Exclusive 2022 WC0922-WC Grass Line. The tree was made using 4964 – WC Branches Set and the leaves/flowers are from the Exclusive 5707 WC Wilderness Set.

Copics used on plaid beaver cards:

BG10, BG32, Y23, Y32, E23, E30, E37, R83

Tombows used on frog card:

126, 173, 177, 228, 526, 565, 636, 679, 703
Marvy 45 Sepia

Brushes: 0,1,4

Twintone: Sky Blue

Hey there! Thanks a Bushel!

Hello Ai fans!

Today I'm sharing a first with you.  I've 

made plenty of easel cards through the years but

never a sideways easel card.

I've used one of the Critter Cubbies on my card.

This one is called 5180 – Barnyard Animal Cubbies.

I used 5064 – Circle Double Stitched Dies

to mount my main image.

The verse is stamped on 5133 – Flag Double Stitched Dies.

The above photo is when the card is closed and the photo below is what it

looks like when it's opened.  The large cow by the door is a fun freebie!

Just order $30 or more and one of the sweet farm animals will be on their way to you!

Though I didn't use them, this set comes with some fun dies that cut open the door and window so the critters can peek out of them!  How fun is that?

Copics used:

RV93, Y26, YG17, N1,
N4, W3, E33, E81, E93

Art Impressions Sparkle and Shine Seahorse!

Hello Ai fans!

There's a challenge going on over at Art Impressions right now that I'm pretty sure is the most perfect challenge EVER for me!!

Sparkle and Shine!!

Bling!!!

I decided to make a shaker card using one of the Ai Freebies.

I used the piece that was cut out of the front to place behind the seahorse.

Next I added some Stickles to the coral and I tried something new.  I didn't wait for it to dry.  I added my beads and gave it a shake.  I wanted to have sparkle all over my card. Some of them stuck and some still shake when you jiggle the card.
I used Antique Frame - Penny Black Die for the frame and the circles were cut using Frantic Stamper Precision Die - Bubble Oval and Frantic Stamper Precision Die - Coral And Seaweed Oval.  The darker purple right behind the sea horse in the negative area that was cut out of the coral frame.  I turned it upside down so some coral would hang down behind him.  Then I cut and "popped up" the front frame with the bubble oval and some foam tape.  I used some acetate from packaging to form the front of the shaker so the beads wouldn't fall out.

I never seem to be able to get glitter to photograph well but in person it's very pretty.  There's also some Wink of Stella on the seahorse.

Beachy Shadowbox Card Tutorial

Hello Ai fans!

Today I'm sharing a fun shadow card that I made using most of the ocean freebies from Art Impressions.

These shadowbox cards are one of my favorite to make.

I love how much dimension and how many images you can get onto them.

I started by cutting an 8"x8" piece of paper in half to make 2 pieces each measuring 8"x4".

Next I scored them at 1" and 1 3/8"...flipped the paper over and scored the other side at 1" and 1 3/8". 

Next I cut a window in the front panel using one of the 5063 – Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Die.

After cutting the window I creased the score lines on both sides to form the top/front panel.

Here's all my critters colored up.  They all have Wink of Stella on them though it's tough to see in the picture.  I wanted it to look like water glistening on them.  The seahorse went onto another card.

I wanted to leave a space on the back of my card to send a personal note.  I glued these pieces on before starting any of the inside of the card.

After creasing the front panel and decorating the back of the card I did the back panel in the opposite direction so they could fit together to form a "box."

Next focus on the part of the card you'll see.

After your front and back panels are prepped you need to decorate the back panel completely.  (you can't really decorate once they're glued together...it's too difficult to attach images and die cuts) Once your back panel is decorated you need to cut two strips of paper that will connect from side to side.  The width is really up to you.  I didn't want mine to show so I made them 3/8" x 6". 

I used clear acetate to attach the turtle so he would hang down and look like he was swimming.  The coral is just glued to the strip.  

Once they were in place I glued the top and bottom strips on and added some waves and more coral.

I decorated the front panel next.  The dolphin is also hanging from a clear acetate piece so he could swim.

Once your front panel is all decorated the way you want it you're ready to glue them together.

You can see that you get 3 layers with strips (which you can eliminate if you only want a simple shadowbox. 

Aren't these the cutest little animals EVER??

I have some examples of other shadowbox cards I've done here...

Southwest Christmas

Happy Trails

I tried to be clear in my instructions but I'm not great at tutorials.  If you have any questions about anything that I didn't make clear please feel to ask.