613 Avenue Create Challenge Blog Inspirational Post
September Inspirational Post
August Inspirational Post
July Inspirational Post
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I am sharing this month's inspirational post as part of the the 613 Avenue Create DT. This month's theme is "Me, Myself, and I". I choose to feature products from @tonicstudios, @ranger_ink, @ginakdesigns, @heroarts, and @mftstamps to create this self-care scene.
Self-care is a vital practice that allows us to pause, breathe, and nurture our well-being amidst the daily rush. It's about taking the time to engage in activities that bring us peace and comfort, like soaking in a warm, bubble-filled bath where we can let go of stress and unwind. The quiet companionship of a pet nearby, like a cat curled up on a soft bath mat, adds to this sense of calm and comfort, while a favorite drink can be the perfect indulgence to enhance the experience. Self-care is not just about treating ourselves but also about recognizing our need for rest and rejuvenation, reminding us to cherish these moments of tranquility as essential parts of our routine.
Each of the cards were created in the same fashion just with the different colors schemes you see above. The main focal image was crafted using the Bubble bath stamp set from Hero Arts. I also added some Tonic Studios Nuvo Jewel Drops and Nuvo Glitter Accents to create the shimmer effect that light has on real bubbles.
To create the background panel I combined several different pieces. The floor was created by using the Grid stencil from My Favorite Things, the wallpaper from a stamp in my collection, and the wood trim for the sentiment by using the Hero Arts Wood Frames die set. The ink for all of these were from a combination of Distress Oxide Vintage Photo, and Gina K inks in Innocent Pink, Sea Glass, Lovely Lavender, and Powder Blue.
The individual pieces were adhered to their respectively colored background panels with liquid glue and then the composite was adhered to a white A2 card base with more liquid glue. With that, I called these cards complete.
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I present to you my July 2024 contribution post as part of the 613 Avenue Create design team. I'm super excited to be working alongside these talented crafters to bring you some fun challenges and creative prompts that will spark your imagination. This month’s challenge inspiration is “Floral Delight”.
To start creating my handmade greeting card, I begin by making the background panel. To do this I used a piece of white card stock, a mixed media stencil from Brutus Monroe called Flower Burst and Polishes (Luster and Gilding) from creative expressions. Key tip: when using polishes be very careful when lifting the stencil to prevent smears.
Once the background panel was completely dry I used a Hero Arts Oval nesting die to trim it to its final size. I then decided to use a larger die and and gray cardstock to create a contrasting mat for added interest. These were adhered together with Bearly Arts liquid glue and then the composite was adhered to a pink card base. As a
finishing touch to the card base, I used a corner punch from my collection to add a decorative corner cut.
The next step was to add the sentiment. Using a slightly dark hued pink than the card base and the Garden Favorites Sentiments stamp set from Spellbinders, I stamped on the sentiment. I then used a circle die to cut out the sentiment and adhered in the center of my background panel.
Lastly, for visual interest I used some flat back sequence from Little Things for my flower centers and for a pop of dimension on the sentiment. With that, I called the card complete.
June Inspirational Post
May Inspirational Post
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I present to you my May 2024 contribution post as part of the 613 Avenue Create design team. I'm super excited to be working alongside these talented crafters to bring you some fun challenges and creative prompts that will spark your imagination. This month’s challenge inspiration is “For The Kids”. I am also sharing another design using digi art from this month’s sponsor.
The first step to creating this this card was using the My Favorite Things Mini Cloud edge stencil and some light blue Distress Oxide to create the background. Next, using the Picket Fence Studio Layered Grass stencil and some green Distress Oxide I created the foreground.
For the main element I chose to use black ink and the Picket Fence Studios Play is Good stamp set with its super cool treehouse stamp. I aligned my background panel in my Misti stamping tool and then aligned, inked and stamped the image. Color was then applied with colored pencil.
The sentiment was then applied in the same manner as the main image and was from the same stamp set. I felt that it was very appropriate for this theme.
The last steps were to use my Hero Arts rectangular nesting dies and my Gemini to cut the background panel and a coordinating black mat down to their final dimensions. These were then adhered together with Bearly Arts liquid glue followed by being adhered to a white card base in the same manner. For added interest I added some clear flat-back “dew” drops from my collection. With that, I called this card complete.
April Inspirational Post
from the Hero Arts Oval die set which I cut using my Gemini die cutting machine. While I was using the Gemini , I also took the time to use a slimline scallop die from my collection to cut down the background panel and to create a black mat for extra visual appeal.
Lastly, I used Bearly Art liquid glue to adhere the background panel to the mat and then the composite to a light blue slimline card base. With that, I called this card complete and moved on to the first of my bonus cards.
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I present to you my July 2024 contribution post as part of the 613 Avenue Create design team. I'm super excited to be working alongside these talented crafters to bring you some fun challenges and creative prompts that will spark your imagination. This month’s challenge inspiration is “Easy Living”.
For this particular card, I began with a background panel made from leftover mica sprays that had remained on my glass mat after a different project. Instead of wiping them away, I spritzed the mat with water and pressed a piece of white cardstock onto it to absorb the excess color. This not only minimizes waste but also results in captivating backgrounds that add character to your handmade cards. Adopting this technique of recycling materials not only makes cleanup more efficient but also ensures you always have intriguing, ready-made elements for your future projects.
The next step in the process was to create the main focal image. For this I used the Altenew Wooden Rowboat die
set. To create the boat, I used a combination of gray and brown cardstock, which I carefully cut out and adhered together. To enhance the texture of the brown cardstock, I applied a touch of Gina K's Kraft ink, adding depth and dimension. This same ink was also used to highlight the oars, giving them a more realistic appearance.
Assembly was the next step. I positioned and adhered the rowboat into place on the background panel. Then using an Emboss It pen from Ranger and some WoW! white embossing I created some ripples around the boat by heat setting the embossing powder into place. Using a black ink and a sentiment from my collection, I then stamped the sentiment. Lastly, I trimmed the background panel and mat down to size using the Hero Arts Rounded Corner Infinity Die set followed by adhering everything together with Bearly Arts liquid glue. With that, I called the card complete.
March Inspirational Post
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I present to you my June 2024 contribution post as part of the 613 Avenue Create design team. I'm super excited to be working alongside these talented crafters to bring you some fun challenges and creative prompts that will spark your imagination. This month’s challenge inspiration is “For The Guys”.
To start creating my handmade greeting card, I begin by making the background panel. On white cardstock, I use Distress Oxides in Shaded Lilac, Rustic Wilderness, and Cracked Pistachio, blending them in a random yet fun pattern. Once done, I set the background panel aside.
Next, I take the Hero Arts Hello Fungi stamp set and stamp my focal images onto another piece of white cardstock using black ink. I use the ink smoosh technique with a water brush and Distress Oxides in Mowed Lawn, Gathered Twigs, Lumberjack Plaid, and Ripe Persimmon, along with the previously used colors, to color in the images. Once dry, I use the coordinating die and my Gemini die-cutting machine to cut out the image.
With the background panel in hand along with the foreground image, I next decide on the best placement, which could change depending on your personal preference. Then using a liquid glue, I like Bearly Arts brand, adhere the focal image into place and allow to dry. In the meantime stamp the sentiment into place using a black ink. This one came from the same stamp set.
Once everything was dry I place the completed panel into the Spellbinders Dazzling Dots embossing folder and ran it through my Gemini a couple of times to get a clean image transfer. After that was completed I used my Hero Arts rectangular nesting dies and my Gemini to cut the background panel and a coordinating black mat down to their final dimensions. These were then adhered together with Bearly Arts liquid glue followed by being adhered to a white card base in the same manner. With that, I called this card complete.
My bonus card for the month is based on a piece of digi art from this month’s sponsor. This cute little patchwork snail just screamed baby card to me so that became my theme.
The first step to creating this this card was to print out the digi onto white cardstock and then add color. I did this using Copic markers, a black superfine tip pen, and a white gel pen to accent the eyes. I then cut the image out and set it aside.
The next step was to use the Hero Arts Tree Stump die and my Gemini to cut out the stump. This was done on white cardstock which had been colored using Distress Oxide in the colors Brushed Corduroy and Gathered Twigs. I then cut out the grass which had been colored with left over green ink from my green ink-blending brush. I then set these aside.
The sentiment was created next using the Tonic Studios New Baby die set. After it was cut out, it was colored with Copic markers and then set aside to dry.
The background panel was created using some pale blue green cardstock and an embossing folder from Park Lane called Triangle Pattern. I first cut the cardstock to its final dimensions then misted the back with water to soften the paper fibers. I then placed the cardstock into the embossing folder and ran it through my Gemini a couple of time to ensure a crisp transfer. I then set it aside to allow it to dry.
The last stage was to assemble the card. All of the components were adhered into place with Bearly Arts liquid glue and then the composite was adhered to a white card base. With that, I called the card complete.
Note: To support the creation of more content like this, I've included affiliate links for some of the featured supplies. Utilizing these links won't incur any additional costs for you, but it does provide a small benefit to me, allowing me to continue sharing my work with you.
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I present to you my March 2024 contribution post as part of the 613 Avenue Create design team. I'm super excited to be working alongside these talented crafters to bring you some fun challenges and creative prompts that will spark your imagination. This month’s challenge inspiration is to create a card using the theme of Diamonds and Pearls. The DT is also utilizing a sponsored digi print from Mirtillamente. If my work inspires you then head on over to the challenge blog and join us. You can find the link under the headline banner. I hope you enjoy.
To create this card, I first began with the sponsor-provided digi print, which I printed on white cardstock with my laser printer. Using my Copic markers, I then carefully colored, shaded, and highlighted the image. I then fussy cut out the image and set it aside.
The next step was to create the background panel. I did this by first misting the back of a piece of pink cardstock to soften the paper fibers and then using my Gemini die-cutting machine and an embossing folder called
Diamonds from Love Nicole. I ran the folder through a couple of times without opening the folder to ensure I had a crisp image transfer. Once satisfied with the embossing, I removed the cardstock and set it aside to dry.
I next assembled the background panel by trimming the embossed cardstock down to fit half of my card base. I then used a blue glitter cardstock that was trimmed to fit the other half of the card base. To hide the seam between the two colors I opted to use a thin strip of silver cardstock. This had the added benefit of appearing to be a wall baseboard, which was even further reinforced when I next adhered the digi print into place. This gave off a “Red Carpet” or “Movie Premier” vibe to me.
Lastly, using the Shine Bright Word Die set from Catherine Pooler and a pink glitter cardstock, I cut out the sentiment. This was then adhered to the background panel with Bearly Art liquid glue. With that, I called this card complete.
Note: To support the creation of more content like this, I've included affiliate links for some of the featured supplies. Utilizing these links won't incur any additional costs for you, but it does provide a small benefit to me, allowing me to continue sharing my work with you.
March Inspirational Post
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I present to you my March 2024 contribution post as part of the 613 Avenue Create design team. I'm super excited to be working alongside these talented crafters to bring you some fun challenges and creative prompts that will spark your imagination. This month’s challenge inspiration is to create a card with the sentiment as the focal point. If my work inspires you then head on over to the challenge blog and join us. You can find the link under the headline banner. I hope you enjoy.
To create this simple card I decided to use some materials that were in the back of my stash from Love Nicole and Fun Stampers Journey that I have not used in a very long time. I began with my Gemini, a nested set of dies sized for the card base, a black mat, and a white background panel. On the background panel, I used leftover inks from my blue ink blending brush and highlighted the edges. I then adhered everything together with Bearly Art liquid glue. To finish the card off, I stamped my focal sentiment from Love Nicole and added a flat-back gem
from FSJ. With that, I called this card complete. Sometimes the message is the only message you need! Remember Crafting is Happiness!
February Inspirational Post
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I present to you my April 2024 contribution post as part of the 613 Avenue Create design team. I'm super excited to be working alongside these talented crafters to bring you some fun challenges and creative prompts that will spark your imagination. This month’s challenge inspiration is “Splash of Color” as well as two bonus cards with digi art from our sponsor for April - Polkadoodles.
This card was created using a stencil from my collection that when viewed in full could be used as either crashing waves or for strong gusty winds. I think with a cropped view though it looks like a cartoon depiction of a flaming comet. To the stencil I added Creative Expressions gilding polishes in the colors Mediterranean Blue, Rich Red, Bahama Blue, and Lavender Blue Opal using a small pallet knife and then scrapped the excess with a scrapper.
I next created the sentiment with Honey Bee Stamps Seas the Day stamp set and black ink. The sentiment label was
This is the first of my bonus cards with the digi art provided to us by Polkadoodles. I first printed out the digital file and then used colored pencils to apply the color.
Once that was completed I opted to use patterned paper from one of the paper packs in my stash for the background panel. Then using the Honey Bee Stamps Honey Cuts die, I cut out the image as well as the frame around it. These I adhered to the background panel with liquid glue.
I next chose to use the Polly stamp set from Impression Obsessions for my sentiment. For this I used VersaMark watermark ink and white WoW! embossing powder, which I set with my heat gun.
With that, I called this card complete but since I was having so much fun creating I decided to create just one more using another of the digital images we were provided.
Just as with the last card, I first printed out the digital file and then used colored pencils to apply the color.
Once that was completed I opted to use patterned paper from one of the paper packs in my stash for the background panel. This would be the red and black checkered paper. I felt this resembled a classic picnic blanket. Using square dies from my collection I cut out the background panel and a black mat which I adhered with liquid glue. I then cut down the center black strip with a stitched rectangle die from my collection, which was also adhered to the background panel. This composite was then adhered to a square white card base.
I next cut out the image with the same Honey Bee Stamps Honey Cuts die as the last card and used the same stamp and method to create the sentiment.
With that, I called all the cards for this month’s inspiration post complete.
To create the background for this card, I began by sorting out my color pallet and my materials. This card is meant to have the sentiment stand out as the main design feature, but as it is supposed to be a Valentine’s Day card I chose the traditional pink and red color scheme for the cardstock. I next employed the Gina K Heart Cover Plate, featured left, and my Gemini die-cutting machine to cut the pink cardstock to size. Next, I used a die from the Hero Arts rectangular die set to cut a backer panel to size. Using some Bearly Art liquid glue, I then adhered the panels together. Once that had dried I adhered the composite background panel to a white card base.
For the next step, using the same pink and red cardstock colors, I used my Gemini and the Words-25 die set from Scrapbooking.com website to cut out the sentiment and its corresponding shadow mat. I really like the detail of this die set. It is a clean and simple font but the tiny little hearts give it great detail that is perfect for the application for which I used it. The sentiment was then adhered to the background panel with some liquid glue.
For the finishing touch, I applied some red heart-shaped flat-backs from Kat Scrappiness. Not only did this give it some visual appeal but it helped to tie the background into the foreground. With that, I called the card complete.
Note: To support the creation of more content like this, I've included affiliate links for some of the featured supplies. Utilizing these links won't incur any additional costs for you, but it does provide a small benefit to me, allowing me to continue sharing my work with you.