Elle's Studio: Throwback Thursday Inspiration & Video!

 

Hey Crafty Friends!

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio inspiration!

Today I am sharing a super fun Throwback Thursday project with you! Infact, I had so much fun creating today's layout there's even a process video for you at the end of this post! Yay!

For today's edition of 'Throwback Thursday', I'm being inspired by this amazing layout created in April 2020 by our incredibly talented, Suzanna Lee! 

Told you it's amazing!!! Such a clever design, and one that instantly had my crafty fingers itching to make! That said, I didn't want to scraplift this layout, only use it as a starting point for my own variation.

So without further ado, here's my fun interpretation on the original...

"XO" - 12 x 12 Scrapbook Layout

Elle's Studio Supplies Featured: April 2021 Kit, Smile Cardstock Die Cuts, Springtime Stickers, Puffy Adventure Label Stickers, Acetate Heart Stickers, Cork Hearts, Love This Smile Stamp, & Celebrate 6x8.5inch Paper Stack. 

Other Supplies: Smooth Bazzill Cardstock - Coconut Swirl, Permanent Black Crisp Dye Ink, & Machine Stitching. 

Wow! That's quite a twist on Suzanna's design! 

I really loved her original, so it was important for me to maintain the integrity of her design, but also create something true to my own style! 

I personally love vertically aligned designs, so the first of my ideas was to rotate the original. I was also clearly inspired by Suzanna's large pattern paper cross over feature, which I interpreted as the letter X. One thing led to another, and my paper cross became a giant XO and formed my page title! To add more detail, and texture to my XO title, I machine stitched it into place. Such simple interpretations, but very noticeable differences!

Let's take a closer look at this sweet page...

I loved how Suzanna incorporated the 3x4inch pocket cards from the April Kit into her 12x12inch scrapbook page. I wanted to maintain this feature, but in a way that would emphasize my photograph, and fit well on the page. I opted to create a photo stack, with layered 3x4inch cards, and a couple of the Smile Cardstock Die Cuts. I foam mounted this stack for added dimension, and then embellished it with one of the Cork Hearts, and some Acetate Heart Stickers. 

It's no secret how much I love Elle's Studio stamps, so needless to say that my version had to include the Love This Smile Stamp! It prints so crisp & clear that it looks like I used stickers! Gotta love that! 

In keeping with Suzanna's page, I added a small embellishment cluster to the top left of my page. I also featured labels and journaling, as well as a heart (or two) to maintain the likeness of the design. However, where Suzanna had featured handwritten journaling, I simply scattered a few more Acetate Heart Stickers. To build up this section, I also tore the edge of the cardstock and added some pattern paper and a Springtime Sticker label behind it. This dramatized the edge of my page, but also aligned with my photograph to make my overall design more visually appealing. 

Lastly, I created another smaller embellishment cluster towards the bottom right of my page. This was not only similar to the original page, but also added balance to my design. 

And there you have it! The original was amazing, but I really do love how this variation reflects my signature style! If you'd like to know more, please watch my process video HERE.

Thanks so much for watching! I really hope you enjoyed my process video for Throwback Thursday, and feel inspired to get making! 

A huge thanks to Suzanna Lee for the amazing inspiration too! 

til next time,

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Altenew Paint-A-Flower: Tulips Outline Stamp Set & More Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

 

Hi Friends! 

Welcome to the Happy Arty Days blog! 

I am so thrilled to be participating in today's fabulous 

Altenew Paint-A-Flower: Tulips Outline Stamp Set

& More Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

If you've just arrived here from the amazing  Tenia Nelson's blog, then you're in the right place! If not, or you're feeling a lil unsure, here's the full blog hop line up for you....

Start here ---> Altenew Card Blog

Norine Borys

LauraJane

Nathalie DeSousa

Dana Joy

Erum Tasneem

Mindy Eggen

Virginia Lu

Tenia Nelson

You are here ---> Amanda Baldwin

Jenny Colacicco

Colleen Balija

Terri Koszler

Kelly Griglione

Teresa Litchfield

Amy Hill

Kari VanNoy

Such a fantastic array of crafters & artists!

Like all good blog hops, Altenew have some amazing giveaways and offers happening...

Like $200 in total prizes!

Yes, you read correctly, $200 in total prizes - YAY!!!!

To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 1 lucky winner and a $15 gift certificate to 10 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list featured above by 12/28/2020 for a chance to win. 

Altenew will draw 11 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 12/30/2020.

And how's this for a special offer,

The Paint-A-Flower Monthly Subscription Plan

When signed up, you are guaranteed a spot in Altenew's monthly Paint-A-Flower releases and will receive a set each month at a specially discounted price!

Wow! Not only do you save money, but you'll never suffer FOMO again!

But enough chatter, it's time to take a look at what I have created with this beautiful 

Paint-A-Flower Tulips Outline Stamp Set

Sigh! Such beautiful cards!

Altenew Supplies: Paint-A-Flower Tulips Outline Stamp Set, Watercolor 36 Pan Set, Permanent Black Crisp Ink, 2in1 Precision Glue Pen, & Celebrate Scrapbook Collection. 

Let's take a closer look at these beauties...

Gosh, they're such pretty blooms! 

I inked mine with Altenew's Permanent Black Crisp Ink & hand painted with the Watercolor 36 Pan Set. Simple, and yet so elegant!

 I fussy cut out the painted tulips, & foam mounted them onto one of the Celebrate Scrapbook Collection papers. For added dimension & interest, I also foam mounted the pattern papers onto my white card bases.

 So gorgeous!

This one is my personal favorite....

Those colors are errrything! 

Just Stunning! 

But maybe you prefer this brighter and bolder version? 

That purple is really oppulent!

Love! 

Which one was your favorite? Please let me know in the comments below.

Before I send you hopping along, here are a few more amazing Altenew products being released today...

Oh, hello Retractable Eraser!!!

Altenew Supplies: Stamp Conditioning Eraser Set, Retractable Eraser, & Retractable Eraser Refills. 

These new products are totally making my arty heart happy!

Awesome!

 I hope my projects have inspired you today! 

***Please remember to leave a comment on this post to enter the giveaway***

Time to send you hopping over to the amazing Jenny Colacicco's blog - she has something beautiful to share with you!

Thanks so much for visiting,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Altenew July 2020 Stencils/Enamel Dots/Creative Cutouts/Decals Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Hi Friends! 

Welcome to the Happy Arty Days blog! 

I am so super excited to be participating in today's amazing 

Altenew July 2020 Stencils/Enamel Dots/Creative Cutouts/Decals Release Blog Hop + Giveaway!

Yay! So many fabulous new products to share our creativity with! 

You should have arrived here from the amazingly talented, Amber Rain Davis's blog, but if not, don't despair as I've got a full blog hop list below. 

But first, here are the giveaway details:

To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 6 lucky winners!

Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog or/and Altenew Mixed Media Blog by 7/23/2020 for a chance to win.

Altenew will also draw a winner to receive a $15 gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog on the blog hop list below. All winners will be announced on the Altenew Winners Page on 07/26/2020.

Blog Hop List:

Start here---> Altenew Card Blog

Vicky Papaioannou

Amber Rain Davis

You are here---> Amanda Baldwin

Therese Calvird

Kelly Janes

Laurie Willison

LauraJane

Norine Borys

Mindy Eggen

Ashlea Cornell

The Hedgehog Hollow

Altenew Mixed Media Blog

Elsie Robinson

Virgninia Lu

Terri Koszler

Lydia Evans

Audrey Yeager

Tania Ahmed

Amy Hill

Nikki Kehr

With the formalities out of the way, let's take a look at what I've created for this release!

First up is this 8.5" x 11" scrapbook page of my darling girl...

Sigh, so super pretty! 

Altenew Supplies: Shades of Purple Enamel Dots, Creative Cut Outs: Nested Wreath, Teal Shadow Washi Tape, Summer Garden 6 x 6 Paper Pack, Watercolor 36 Pan Set. 

Let's take a closer look at this gorgeous & girly page....

Those Creative Cut Outs: Nested Wreath pieces are errrrrything!!! SO good!

I couldn't resist hand coloring some of them with my Altenew Watercolor 36 Pan Set. 

I used shades of blue & teal to coordinate with the Altenew Teal Shadow Washi Tape, and to compliment the background colors in my sweet girl's photograph. I used the smallest wreath as a frame for my photo, which I then backed with a fussy cut floral from the Summer Garden 6 x 6 Paper Pack. I cut apart one of the larger wreath pieces to create the appearance of a vine, travelling down my page. For finishing touches I added a sprinkling of the Shades of Purple Enamel Dots - so pretty!

Ga, ga, gor-jus!!!

Here's another memory keeper's delight featuring the new Celebrate scrapbook collection...

Oh how beautiful!

Altenew Supplies: Creative Cut Outs: Nested Wreath, The Alphabet Stencil, Warm & Cozy Enamel Dots, Tropical Forest Enamel Dots, & Celebrate Scrapbook Collection.

Let's take a closer look....

Those fussy cut florals combined with the Nested Wreath pieces are just too lovely for words!!! 

I used The Alphabet Stencil & a white gel pen to create those sweet XO's - so simple, & so effective!

The Warm & Cozy Enamel Dots adorn the wreaths beautifully, and I used the Tropical Forest Enamel Dots to accent my treasured photo! Perfect!

Time to share a couple clean & simple cards! 

First is this soft and sweet number....

So delicate and divine! 

Altenew Supplies: Creative Cut Outs: Nested Wreath, Geometric Landscape Stencil, Shades of Purple Enamel Dots, Celebrate Scrapbook Collection. 

Beautiful card creating made super quick & easy with the Geometric Landscape Stencil! 

My second card is a lil inky fun....

La la LOVE this!!!

Altenew Supplies: Creative Cut Outs: Nested Wreath, Trellis Stencil, Warm & Cozy Enamel Dots, & Deep Blue Seas Mini Ink Cube Set.  

That Trellis Stencil is just superb! I inked mine up with the Deep Blue Seas Mini Ink Cubes to create a striking background for my card. So stunning!

And there you have it! 

Beautiful creating with the fabulous new releases from Altenew! 

***Shop ALL the Altenew July 2020 new release products HERE***

Thanks so much for visiting, I really hope my creations inspired you! 

Please remember to leave a comment to go in the draw to win a $15 Altenew Gift Certificate!

Time to send you hopping over to the incredibly inspirational Therese Calvird's blog - click here

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Elle's Studio: Celebrate Stamp & Shaker Card Sets

Hi Friends! 

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio inspiration! 

For today's post I am sharing two super sweet card sets that feature our new 

Celebrate Stamp & Celebrate Journaling Tags 

from our August Kit & new releases!

Aren't these fun?!! 

You can see why I just fell in love with the Celebrate Stamp! With icons, sentiments, border trims & even a 'build your own tassel balloon' - this stamp has it all! 

I start with simple white cardstock 4" x 6" card bases, the Shine 6 x 6 Paper Stack and choose a Celebrate Journaling Card (or two) for each card.

Here's a look at the simple stamped his 'n' hers birthday card set.....

Nothing says birthday celebrations more than cake & balloons! 

For this card, I trim the rainbow stripe paper from the Shine 6 x 6 Paper Stack to 3 3/4" x 5 3/4" and adhere to the front of the card. I stamp the pink cake Celebrate Journaling Card with tiny yellow stars, and layer it onto the pink card. I foam mount these layered cards, and attach to the card front. Using a die cut tag from the Exclusive August Kit, I stamp the 'make a wish' sentiment & foam mount this sentiment beneath the cake image. Next, I stamp the balloon & tassels in permanent pink ink. I stamp the string in black ink, and then fussy cut each piece. I give the balloon and tassel a light watercoloring, before attaching to the string. Once dry, glue the balloon to the card, and use sequins and dimensional paint for finishing touches. 

Super sweet!

I use similar techniques with my masculine card, opting for a different color scheme, & using a 'real' tassel over the stamped one for a little interest. Instead of stamping a sentiment beneath the cake, I use the scallop trim stamp in teal ink. 

Simple stamped cards, but oh so effective! 

For my next set of cards, you'll need to use the glassine (cellophane) bags that the Elle's Studio Wood Veneers come in! Never throw these bags in the bin again, they're the perfect size for shaker cards and pockets!

Don't these cards scream party fun!?!!

To create the 'shaker', trim the top of the clear bags, so that the top is as short as it can be without being cut open. Stamp the Celebrate Journaling Cards (I added the Let's Party sentiment & stars to the balloon card), insert into the bag & add sequins. 

Trim any excess off the base of the bag, and then seal the bag (shaker pocket) at the back of the card with a small piece of tape. To hide the edges, use super sticky, double sided tape, and embellish with pom pom trim. 

Pom poms are perfect for parties, and give your pockets a super fun element that also provides a very polished look!

Love it! 

Birthday Cards that are SO much fun! 

I hope I have inspired you to try simple stamping and sequin shakers for your card making! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo