Happy Arty Days

Altenew Mini Delight Polar Bear Instagram Hop

Hi Friends!

Today I’m joining in on a fun Instagram Hop with Altenew to celebrate the release of

Altenew’s Mini Delight: Polar Bear Stamp & Die Set!

Isn't this the sweetest?!

Did you know that Altenew have an exclusive Mini Delight Club?

Never suffer FOMO again! This subscription saves you 20% off, too! #winning!

Join the Mini Delight Club HERE

This Mini Delight set is so super cute that I just had to create a couple of cards to share with you!

Here's what I came up with....

Sigh! Such sweet cards!

Altenew Supplies: Mini Delight Polar Bear, Mountain Scene Stencil, Crisp Dye Inks, Ink Blending Tool-Small, 2 in 1 Precision Glue.

Let's take a better look at each individual card...

Isn't this just divine?!

I know it's a Polar Bear set, but I really wanted to showcase how versatile this lil stamp and die set could be! I just adore the Great Outdoors vibes that this card evokes! Kinda has me dreaming of the Canadian Rockies!

You'll spy that I used the new Altenew Blending Tool with the Mountain Scene Stencil to create that awesome wilderness background. I also mixed the Crisp Dye Inks with a bit of water on an acrylic stamping block, and painted that very pretty skyline. Just gorgeous!

Beary sweet, indeed!

The use of both light and dark Kraft cardstock really enhanced the warmer tones, and nature feels of this card! LOVE it!

My second card is more predictable, but just as lovely....

Winter Wonderland perfection!

Aren't those Polar Bears errrrrything?!

To give a more Arctic feel, I created a very subtle Northern Lights sky using the Crisp Dye Inks and my watercolor brushes. I altered the Mountain Scene Stencil so that it appeared more like a glacier and frozen lake too. Simple, and yet so effective!

I think you'll agree that this really is the sweetest mini stamp & die set around!

You can shop this amazing Mini Delight HERE

Looking for more inspiration, or wanting to join in on the prizes, giveaways & instagram hop fun?!

Start the Instagram hop over at @altenewllc

What are you waiting for? Gorgeous project inspiration and fun prizes await you!

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Elle's Studio: Document December Album Preparation

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio inspiration!

Can you believe it's already November?! Where has this year gone?

Time to start prepping our Elle's Studio Document December albums!

Last year I used this super cute 4 x 4inch album which I really loved,

Except, sometimes I found myself wanting just a bit more space to document the story.

So, this year I'm opting for a larger 6.5 x 9inch album (Citrus Twist Kits: Life Crafted Album) so that I can have a mix of pockets, TN pages and even mini scrapbook pages!

To help me prepare for the upcoming Season, I have already downloaded and printed the

Elle's Studio: Document December Prompts Printable

and placed it inside my album cover to help keep me inspired!

This is such a helpful lil printable, and best of all, you can get pick one up in the Document December section of the shop for FREE here!

I've also printed a few of the Merry November 2020 Printables to include in this year's album too! Having printed a few note cards and base pages will really help me to save time in putting my album together during the Festive season!

SO cute already! Love it!

And because I just couldn't resist putting a few pretties together,

here's a sneaky peek at my opening page too...

LOVE!!!

You'll spy that I'm really channeling the pink and red again this year, so needless to say my album preparation has also included color sorting my supplies! It's bound to save me time, right?

I hope my sneaky peek has inspired you to get thinking and preparing your DD 2020 album!

Haven't got your supplies organized yet?

***Shop ALL the Document December awesomeness HERE***

Thanks so much for visiting,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Elle's Studio: More November Kit Love!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio inspiration!

Today I am sharing some memory keeping love with the gorgeous November Kit and new release items! It's true, I'm a biased fan of all thing Elle's Studio, but let me tell you why....

Every month, regardless of the season or any holiday theme, there's always plenty of products to document your everyday stories. Elle's Studio products are so varied and non-specific that they appeal to me for all types of creating; scrapbooking, card making, pocket pages, mini albums, and off the page items, & most importantly, they are non-gender specific. I am able to tell everyone's stories with Elle's Studio monthly kit - YAY!

Why is that important?

Well, take today's project and the somewhat Christmassy vibe of the November Kit (and new releases) and you'll understand exactly what I'm talkin' 'bout....

Elle's Studio Supplies: November 2020 Kit, Currently Label Stickers, Holiday Foodie Stickers, Jane Tile Alphabet Cardstock Stickers-White, Acrylic Christmas Trees, Very Merry Chipboard Stickers, Jewel Polka Dot 6 x 8.5inch Paper Stack, Fa La La 6 x 8.5 inch Paper Stack & Dark Green Puffy Alphabet Stickers.

Other Supplies: Bazzill Cardstock-Avalanche, & sequins.

This is awesome!

Not a Christmas layout, no pink to be seen and yet I used the very same November Kit and new release items that I also created these 2 very pretty in pink Christmas pages with...

Wow, talk about versatility! See why I LOVE all things Elle's Studio?! It's all about balance, beautiful colors & patterns, high quality, varied products and a chance to document my stories, my way!

Speaking of documenting stories, let's chat about today's layout!

First up, I had quite a long title that I wanted to feature on my page. The solution? I wrapped my title around my photo cluster to create more space for all the words. I also mixed my alphas for 3 key reasons; 1. So I had enough of each letter/numeral required, 2. So the words would all fit (the smaller Jane Tile Alphabet Stickers were perfect for the Show's long name) & 3. To create interest and keep you reading!

I love how effective that long, circular title looks!

Secondly, at the time of creating this page, I only had the one small photograph to work with. With such a big title, my photo was bound to get lost. The solution? I created a large base of mixed 3 x 4inch notecards from the November Kit, and Fa La La papers to mount my photo onto. To make my photograph appear 'bigger', I cut the 3 x 4" cards into half, and fanned them out behind my photo. This not only created a point of interest, but also widened my image.

For my layout color scheme, I chose colors that featured in my photograph. This created a more cohesive look and unified all the different elements throughout the page.

Those Acrylic Christmas Trees were the perfect adornment to my photo cluster. You'll spy that trees are featured in my photo background, the Show name is all about forest life, the trees coordinated with my color scheme and they aided in the widening of the cluster's appearance. Awesome!

Did I mention that I love the versatility of Elle's Studio embellishments?! I also used a Holiday Foodie Sticker, and the Very Merry Chipboard Stickers to emphasize my photo cluster despite having no relevance to food or Christmas! See what I mean about every month being so varied and suitable for all kinds of creating and story telling? Love it!

The Currently Labels happened to feature 'watching, listening and singing' and yes, you guessed it, worked with my color scheme. Needless to say I just had to use them, but to make them stand out that tiny bit more, I foam mounted them all for good measure!

The tiny yellow stars are from the Acrylic Christmas Trees, & I couldn't resist sprinkling them around my title. If you look closely, there's a pop of yellow in my photo background, and those tiny stars really enhanced this! Simple, well considered placement of embellishments makes all the difference!

And there you have it!

Another handful of reasons as to why I think Elle's Studio products are the very best,

and another fabulous layout to add to my sweet son's album!

Wasn't he cute as 'Ratty'?

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

I hope I have inspired you!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Elle's Studio: November Kit & New Releases Inspiration!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Elle's Studio amazingness!

I say it every month, but truly, you're going to swoon when you see how fabulous this month's exclusive Kit and new releases are! Check them out...

November Kit

Oh my stars! Told you it was good!!!

& the new releases are just as spectacular...

W.O.W!!!

& let's not forget the awesome monthly digitals!

LOVE!!!

Yep, it's another month of creative bliss at Elle's Studio!

***Shop ALL the Elle's Studio new products HERE***

Now for a couple of projects to inspire you with...

First up, a super cute & playful 12 x 12" Christmas page,

"Merry & Bright"

So.much.fun!!!

Elle's Studio Supplies: November Kit, Jane Tile Alphabet Stickers-White, Very Merry Chipboard Stickers, Merry & Bright Wood Veneer, Acrylic Christmas Light Bulbs, & Fa La La 6 x 8.5inch Paper Stack.

Other Supplies: Bazzill Cardstock - Avalanche, Spiegelmom Scraps Sequins & baker's twine.

Let's take a closer look at this Festive page!

Fa La La, this page literally sings Holiday Cheer!

With such a fun & silly Christmas photograph, it seemed only fitting to create a really playful page!

Need I mention, those Acrylic Christmas Light Bulbs?!

Could they get any cuter?! So adorable for December documenting!

The crisp candy cane and peppermint color scheme really enhances the layout, and with so many cool embellishments to decorate with - well, it was as much fun to make as it looks!

I offset the freshness of this design with that divine Merry & Bright Wood Veneer title.

The warmth & richness of this veneer creates both balance and interest to the eye!

Another of my 'must-have' items this month!

All these pretty embellishments teamed with the November Kit and that cute candy cane pattern Fa La La paper make this page perfection!

My second page is an 8.5 x 11" number, and is also Christmas themed....

"Oh What Fun!"

Oh what fun, indeed!

Elle's Studio Supplies: November Kit, Holiday Foodie Stickers, Very Merry Chipboard Stickers, Holiday Baking Stamp, Christmas Tabs Stamp, Fa La La 6 x 8.5 inch Paper Stack, & Christmas Basics 6 x 8.5 inch Paper Stack.

Other Supplies: Bazzill Cardstock - Avalanche, Black, Pink & Red stamping ink, sewing machine, & sequins.

Here's a better look at this pretty in pink Christmas tree page...

Sigh! This is just divine!

One of my daughter's favorite Christmas gifts last year was that tiny blush pink Christmas tree. She really loves pink, and I wanted to document this for her personal album.

Her tree inspired me to fussy cut my own from the pink polka dot Christmas Basics pattern paper. I machine stitched it into place and decorated it with my photo, sequin baubles, Very Merry Christmas Chipboard Stickers and the Christmas Baking Stamp sprinkles - so effective!

That striking red title, 'Oh, what fun!' is one of the November Kit 3 x 4" note cards that I trimmed up & stitched into place. So cool!

This really is a magical page!

I'm thinking a smaller version would look terrific in this years DD album!

SO fun!

***You can shop ALL the Elle's Studio new products HERE***

I hope my projects have inspired you!

Please visit the Elle's Studio blog tomorrow for more of my inspirational ideas with the November Kit!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Hip Kit Club: October Hip Kit Inspiration!

Hi Friends!

Welcome back for more Hip Kit Club inspiration!

Today I am sharing a mood board inspired page, and boy oh boy is November's mood board a spectacular one! Created by the very talented Emilie Chamel, it's bound to give you all the cozy Fall feels!

Here's what the November mood board looks like...

Sigh! Such a seasonal beauty!

From the acorns to the wreath of leaves, those pumpkins and that kindness matters image - this is one very inspirational board!

But enough chatter, here's what it encouraged me to create with our stunning October 2020 Hip Kits!

Oh my heart! This is truly one for the love of Fall! Let's take a better look...

All.the.Fall.feels! Love this! This season always makes my creative heart so happy - from the rich colors to the thankful sentiments, I am in my element! To enhance the warmth of this Autumn page, I decided to use a Kraft cardstock (October 2020 Cardstock Kit) as my base instead of my usual go-to white. White cardstock is so fresh and crisp, but Kraft is warm and cozy - perfect for Fall!

With my base in place, it was time to pick my papers, and I just couldn't go past the B side of Amy Tangerine's Late Afternoon - Warm and Cozy. That burgundy color is just divine, and the diagonal leaf pattern inspired me to 'cut along the line' dictating my overall page design. I also couldn't go past that fussy cutter's dream paper - Simple Stories' Cozy Days - Harvest Wishes. Those fussy cut, falling leaves are errrrrything! They really create such flow and movement in my page. I tucked a bunch of them under my diagonal cuts, and arranged them so they looked like they were falling across my page. The golden leaves from The Avenue Puffy Stickers, courtesy of the October Embellishment Kit, really enhanced this look. They also added extra dimension and more warmth too!

To complete these two focal points on my page, I embellished with the Simple Stories Cozy Days Chipboard Stickers from the October 2020 Main Kit. Those falling acorns are my faves!

Speaking of Simple Stories chippies, those Chipboard Frames were outta the packet and on my photo before I could even consider it! So adorable, and as my photo is a color one, it really helps to make it stand out and not get lost amongst all the Fall pretties! With so many warm and rich colors, I decided to adorn my frame with a couple of the soft pink Simple Stories Foam Stickers (October Embellishment Kit). The use of pink cuts through all the richness, balances the page & like the chippie frame, draws your eye into my photo first. Perfect!

The Simple Stories Chipboard Stickers worked beautifully for my title, and Jen Hadfield's The Avenue sticker book stickers were great for adding snip-its of my story!

You can see why fall is my favorite season to document! So beauti-Fall!

I hope my project has inspired you to get creating with your October 2020 Hip Kits today!

Please be sure to share your lovely creations with us in the Hip Kit Club Facebook Group HERE!

We really do love seeing what everyone creates with the fabulous Hip Kits!

Thanks for stopping by today!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Poppy Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Hi Altenew Friends!

Welcome to the Happy Arty Days blog!

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

Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Poppy Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Yippee! This Craft A Flower release is simply gorgeous, & will have you swooning!

If you just arrived here from the super inspiring Tania Ahmed's blog then you're in the right place! If not, or you're feeling a lil unsure, here's the full blog hop list for you:

Start here ---> Altenew Card Blog

You are here ---> Amanda Baldwin

Wow, that's quite the line up! So many gorgeous projects to inspire you!

Like all good blog hops there are some amazing prizes and giveaways happening....

To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners!

Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog by 11/12/2020 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 featured above.

All winners will be announced on the Altenew Winners Page on 11/16/2020.

PLUS

Altenew has a few fabulous special offers....

Get 25% off ALL Washi Tapes and receive a FREE Gift (Crafting 101 - Washi Tapes class) from 11/07/2020 at 12:01 AM EST until 11/08/2020 at 11:59 PM EST. Shop HERE

Not valid on previous orders. Free gift will be added to cart automatically. Excludes November 2020 release products.

Purchase the Craft-A-Flower: Poppy Layering Die Set & Gradient Cardstock Bundle HERE and receive a 5% discount

OR, if you're wanting a much better discount why not join the exclusive Craft-A-Flower Club today!

When signed up, you are guaranteed a spot in the Altenew monthly Craft-A-Flower releases and will receive a set each month - at a specially discounted price! ($35.99 →$29.99) - Yay! Shop HERE

With the formalities taken care of, here's what I created with this beautiful release...

"Blossom & Grow"

Sigh! Such a pretty scrapbook page!

Altenew Supplies: Craft-A-Flower: Poppy Layering Die Set, Enjoy The Ride Scrapbook Collection Ink Blending Tool-Small, 2 in 1 Precision Glue, Enamel Dots: Tropical Forest, & Classy Stripes Stencil.

Let's take a better look...

Oh.my.heart! This is beyond words - those poppies are errrything!

So much layered goodness to these sweet blooms!

I have used the Craft-A-Flower Poppy to create a floral bed for my sweet girl's photograph. This cluster really draws you in, and by gosh, is it pretty!

Such stunning details!

To enhance my layout, I also featured the beautiful Altenew Enjoy The Ride Scrapbook collection which coordinates perfectly with the poppies!

Like all Altenew dies, the Craft-A-Flower: Poppy cut with precision and ease every.single.time! I can't get over how intricate and fancy the flowers look despite being so easy to assemble and create. Love it!

Absolutely stunning!

I hope my layout has showcased the versatility of this Craft-A-Flower release, and inspired you to create more than just pretty cards!

***Don't forget to leave a comment on this post to go in the giveaway***

Time to send you hopping over to the amazingly talented Erum Tasneem's blog HERE

Thanks so much for stopping by today,

Good Luck!

til next time,

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo

Pages

Altenew Mini Delight Polar Bear Instagram Hop

Elle's Studio: Document December Album Preparation

Elle's Studio: More November Kit Love!

Elle's Studio: November Kit & New Releases Inspiration!

Hip Kit Club: October Hip Kit Inspiration!

Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Poppy Release Blog Hop + Giveaway