Sweet Easter Bunnies

In a recent shopping trip at Dies R Us I concentrated on Easter.  I did three searches – Easter, bunny, and bunnies.  All kinds of things came up.  I combined two of my new Easter dies with some previously purchased dies, and utter sweetness came out of it:

Here’s the die list:

• Poppystamps Thicket Frame (don’t bunnies live in thickets?)
• Memory Box Oval Master Frame
• Cheery Lynn Bunnies
• Die-namites Delicate Egg
• Sue Wilson String Flowers

Now, the thing is, only the fancy egg is exclusive to Easter.  The bunnies could be used on garden cards and baby cards, and the flowers and frames have many uses.  But isn’t that egg pretty?  I tell you, I’ve got a thing for those Die-namites dies!

I didn’t do one bit of coloring or shading or sponging.  It’s all clean, sweet pink and white.  So easy and I just love it!  The string flowers were cut from pink vellum and finished off with pearls.  I applied Stickles Stardust glitter glue to some of the open leaf spaces in the Thicket Frame.  Oh, and the bunnies have chocolate brown card stock scraps behind their eyes.  The Hero Arts sentiment was stamped in Versamark and white embossed.

I want to be sure and mention that the frames I used are sized to fit flush on an A2 card (4 1/4” x 5 1/2”), but I like a bit of a border, so I made my card 4 1/2” x 5 3/4”.  I also made a matching envelope with my envelope punch board.  You can see the envie peeking out behind the card in the photo below.

Can you believe it’s the last day of February already?  That means a new challenge starts tomorrow on the Dies R Us Challenge Blog, so be sure to get in on that and maybe win a gift voucher to the store.  I’ll be back to visit with you again soon.  Have a happy day!

~~ Leslie ~~

Butterflies in Flight

Hello Everyone ...

Darlene here to share another inspiration sample with you today!

Can you believe it's the end of February already?

It won't be long now before we see butterflies again ... well a couple of months maybe.  But you can always make them come to life on your cards with all the amazing dies available at our Dies R Us Store!  Just go to the search block and type in BUTTERFLIES and you will see ALL the gorgeous dies available to purchase.

I have a lot of scrapbook paper that I know I will never use (don't do much scrapbooking since the grandkids have grown up) so, today I've taken THIS piece of design paper, cut it into strips

and created my own background to die cut my beautiful Memory Box 'Drifting Butterfly Frame' #99343 from.  You can pop over to my personal blog to see how it was done if you'd like.

What do you think??

Isn't this die cut beautiful!!!

A simple sentiment and my card is complete!

VIOLA!!

And, it could be used for a variety of occasions!

Here's a little closer view . . .

I have so many other ideas for this beautiful frame so be sure to pop back soon for another fun idea using just this ONE frame die!   Of course, be sure to stop back each day for new inspiration from each of the talented ladies on this team.  

Have you checked out the Dies R Us Challenge Blog?  There's a new challenge theme posted on the 1st and 15th of each month and one lucky random winner will win some Dies R Us Store $$$.  That winner could be YOU ... but you have to play to win!

Hope to see you there!

Till next time . . .

Sail Away

I have been making lots of hearts and flower cards lately

and 'don't get me wrong, I love those' but decided to

switch it up a bit and make a fun shaker card.

This is the time of year (at least here in Michigan)

where people are thinking of maybe 'warming up'

and take a fun trip 'south!

So my card today went a bit 'south".

I used Darice Embossing Folder Shell Corner

for the base of my card.

Next Memory Box Open Studio Stitched Circle Layers

were cut for a window for my shaker.

I used the same die  (one size larger) to cut the window from clear card stock

and also the back piece, which was sponged with 

Distress Ink Salty Ocean.

I added tiny star sequins to shake,

then cut two Impression Obsession Sailboats,

one from white and one from red card stocks.

I  added a sparkly sun using Impression Obsession Sun and Moon die. 

I tied a twine bow to finish!

Visit us here Monday-Friday for more wonderful inspiration

using different dies carried in the store.

Visit our 'sister' Dies R Us Challenge Blog for even more inspiration and

a chance to win a gift certificate to the store!

Thank you for stopping by today!

~~~Diane~~~

The Easter Artist

Hello, friends!

I hope you are having a fantastic week and I hope I can make it even better for you!  By now, you are probably working on your Easter cards.  For those of you who send out a lot of them, that can be a daunting task!  I have a really easy and cute card for you today.  I have used just one stamp (Inky Antics) and just one die..Sue Wilson Italian Collection - Umbria.  I know for many of us, buying ALL the dies we want would leave us bankrupt, so we have to choose just those we really love to begin with & add to our collection slowly.  This is one of my favorite dies & one I use again & again.  When you check it out at the store, you will see it actually contains 3 separate dies, (all of them beautiful) which can be combined into a lot of gorgeous combinations.  I have only used the outside die on this card & look how beautiful it is!

Instead of coloring the egg on this cute stamp, I decided to cut it out & allow the background paper to show through.

Be sure you check out the Dies R Us Challenge Blog too! We began a new challenge on the 15th so there is still time to enter and win a great gift voucher to our amazing store!

Have a fun week, everyone!  Try to spend at least some time doing something creative!  It's the best stress reliever there is!

See you next Wednesday!
Sherri

It's A Boy (wait) and a Girl!!

Hello and Happy Tuesday Everyone!

  Darlene with you today. I just received a new order of dies from the Dies R Us Store 

and couldn't wait to play with a couple of cuties!! 

How cute is this card for a 'little tyke' ...

I've used some VERY OLD Stampin' Up 'Print Pack' designer paper for my background and then came the fun of playing with my dies.

The dies I've playing with today are:

Frantic Stamper 'Toy Train' #DIE-9784

Frantic Stamper 'Cute Dino' #DIE-9782

Cheery Lynn Designs 'It's a Boy' #B250

Cheery Lynn Designs 'Horizon Fishtail Banner' #DL278

Memory Box 'Dump Truck' #98746

And for the inside . . .

 I've used another scrap of Stampin' Up 'Print Pack' design paper

and the dies I've used are:

Memory Box 'Bulldozer' #98751

Cheery Lynn Designs 'Congratulations' #B289

This was so much fun to create.  I die cut Dino from white card stock

then colored him using my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers (DG4, TB1, TB2).

And, we can't forget about those adorable baby girls ...

I've used the same basic design, using the same paper pack but have added a pretty ribbon panel and switched up the die cuts a bit to give it a little more 'feminine' touch.  Here's a list of the dies I've used:
Memory Box 'Baby Carriage'
Frantic Stamper 'Baby Elephant'
 Cheery Lynn Designs 'Horizon Fishtail Banner' #DL278
Cheery Lynn Designs 'It's a Boy/Girl' #B250

Inside:

Don't forget to come join in the fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog. Our current challenge runs through Feb. 28th and the theme is:  Use the color RED   A fun new challenge is offered on the 1st and 15th of each month with a PRIZE VOUCHER offered to one lucky winner each challenge.  

That winner could be YOU!

Hope to see you there!

Till next time . . .

Unique as a Seashell

Hello, and happy Monday Dies R Us friends!  I have a beachy card to share today, with beachy stamps and some nice beachy dies to go with them.  I reached far, far into the past for a stamp set that hasn’t seen the light of day for a while.  It’s a Lizzie Anne set called “Shore Thoughts”.  I don’t think Lizzie Anne stamps are even made anymore.  I went all pastel and light and airy right down to the pink seashells.  When you’re making it yourself you can do that, right?  The gauzy background is an old Stampin’ Up! background stamp called “Cheesecloth”.  It’s good to get the old stuff out now and then, isn’t it?

I framed the pretty seashell stamp with Memory Box Stitched Scalloped Circles.  To soften the background so it wouldn’t compete with the focal image I placed a vellum circle inside the frame.  My fantasy-pink seashell die cuts which embellish the corner are Impression Obsession Shell Set.  There’s more inside with Impression Obsession Mini Shell Set:

Very beachy!  Can’t you just feel those summer breezes?  Don’t forget to join the fun at our Challenge Blog.  We're seeing "Red" this week and we'd love to see your red, too.  Have a happy day!

~~ Leslie ~~

Do Something That Makes Your Heart Sing . . .

Hello and welcome back!

Darlene with you today sharing a fun creation that is 

sure to bring a smile.

At the end of last year I was over joyed to have been the Grand Prize Winner at Sprinkle and Sparkle!  So today's card utilizes one of the adorable stamp sets I won.  Mind you, I'm not a big animal lover, but I do know a cute image when I see it!  LOL

This was a quick & easy design and if you'd like to see 

more detail on how I've created the background, please feel free

to pop over to my blog post HERE.

Dies I've used on today creation are:

Memory Box 'Cross Stitched Frame Borders' #99124

Cheery Lynn Designs'Kitty Kitty Meow Meow'

Sue Wilson Finishing Touches'Laurel Leaves'

I think this 'Every single day do something that makes your heart sing' is a wonderful sentiment and words to live by!  I hope you do something today that makes your heart sing!  I just did!!

Please be sure to pop on over and play along in the current challenge at our Dies R Us Challenge Blog.

The theme is:  USE THE COLOR RED

Just wait until you see what the DT has created to inspire you ... fantastic!!

Till then . . .

Wishing You Brighter Days

Isn't it amazing all the beautiful dies we have to choose from?

Some are so intricate but yet take minutes to cut

and put together for a handmade card.

I think handmade cards are the best don't you?

I had just received a new pad of paper all in lavenders

and couldn't wait to use it.

I also had just received an order from Dies R Us

with a new Sue Wilson 

Frames & Tags Delicate Garden Frame die.

There are 6 pieces in this set and I have used two,

the butterfly and the frame.

The frame was cut from purple card stock and

the butterflies from a glitter paper.

The center piece was cut also with a Sue Wilson die

Expressions-Ornate Frame-Brighter Days.

I love how the dies can be inner mixed!

A few yellow Roses were added from my supplies

along with a few greens using Cheery Lynn Designs Wreath Strip

(this is another die I can recommend having, 

as you will use it over and over)!

I can think of several people this card could go to in my life

right now...including me..maybe I will just keep it...lol!

Visit here Monday-Friday for more beautiful inspiration and

to see the dies in use!

Join us at our 'sister' blog "Dies R Us Challenge blog"

for even more inspiration and a chance to win a gift certificate

to the Dies R Us online store!

Thank you for visiting with me today!!

~~~Diane~~~

You are somebunny special!

Hi again friends, and Happy Wednesday!

Are you all still eating that chocolate left over from Valentine's Day?  I DO love a holiday that revolves around chocolate, don't you?  Lol

Well, now that Valentine's Day is over, it's time to start thinking about those cute Easter cards you have to make!  I think I can help you out with something perfect for that "somebunny" special on YOUR list! I fell in love with this Sassy Cheryl image and immediately knew it would be the basis for a lot of my Easter cards this year.  By adding just 2 dies, you can make this into something really special!  I used Poppy Stamps Clara Corner and Lawn Fawn Large Stitched Oval Stackables for this card.  Just wait until you see the gorgeous embossed detail of the Clara Corner! WOW!  It looks just like expensive cut work.  I included a close up so you could see for yourself!

Here is the closeup and you can imagine how gorgeous this will be on YOUR card! There is no end to the possibilities with this new die.  Use it for one corner, 2 corners or go wild & use it for all 4 corners!

A new challenge just began at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog on Monday.  Be sure to check it out! And don't forget a visit to the store while you are browsing!

Until next week, have a great week!  And try to find some time to create something!  It's the best stress reliever there is!

Sherri

Will You Be Mine?

Hello Friends!

 Darlene with you today ...
How's your week going so far?

Did you have a 'sweet' Valentine's Day?
I've often wondered how many young couples get engaged (or married) on Valentine's Day?
I bet it's more than I would guess!
Anyways, that's what I was thinking about when I created today's card.

Isn't this vintage image adorable?

And this Sue Wilson 'Frames & Tags - Grace'  #CED4313 die set showcases it beautifully!

There are actually SEVEN dies in this one set and I've only

used the outer four dies on this particular creation.

I love the versatility of these die sets.
You can mix and match them to create AMAZING works of art!
From the simplistic to the layer upon layer ...
You can let your creativity go crazy!!!

Please be sure to take a minute and check out all the fabulous background dies available at the Dies R Us Store!  AND, don't forget we have a Dies R Us Challenge Blog too!

A fun new challenge is offered on the 1st and 15th of each month with a PRIZE VOUCHER offered to one lucky winner each challenge.  It could be YOU!

Till next time ... thanks for stopping by!

Ladybug Hello

Hello, friends, and welcome to Monday.  Today I'm sharing a quick and fun card made for the Dies R Us Challenge which starts today.  Our theme for the next two weeks is “Red”.  During the Valentine season we saw lots of red, but it happens to be one of my favorite colors, so I’m pleased to keep right on using it.

I’ve used Ladybug Hello digital stamp from Bugaboo with a die cut Poppystamps Petal Ribbon.  This die is such a pretty swoosh of floral fun which can be turned every which way, colored or left plain.  I like the way it suggests a rolling landscape with this image.  I colored the die cut with Copic markers.  Inside I accented the corner with a die cut ladybug from the Frantic Stamper Ladybug & Bee set.

Head over to the DRU Challenge Blog and play along for a chance to win some Dies R Us dollars.  All you need to do is follow the “Red” theme, use a die cut and then link it up.  Keep an eye on Dies R Us for new arrivals and special offers.  When you sign up for the newsletter you won't miss a thing.  It’s worth it if you’re a die-loving kind of crafter.  Start a wish list.  A girl can dream, can't she?  Have a happy day!

Winter's Beauty

Happy Friday Everyone!

Darlene with you again today and I have a card created with the beautiful  die set by Sue Wilson called 'Catherdral Background' #CED7101 (4 die set).  Also, the sentiment was stamped onto a banner from the Cheery Lynn Designs 'Horizon Fishtail Banners' #DL278 set.  I wanted to use the larger banner but didn't want it quite so long so after die cutting I simply moved the end down on my cut piece and cutting again.  Viola!  A banner just the length I needed.

I wanted to showcase not only this beautiful

Graphic45 design paper but various dies from this gorgeous set.

The 'center' die to this set is just beautiful on it's own

but I was wanting to share how you could use this set to showcase a

photo, a hand colored image or as I have done,

a panel of some of the beautiful design paper available on the market today!

This has turned into such a cold winter this year that

I thought a pretty 'thinking of you' card was in order for a friend

who really HATES the cold temperatures!

Hopefully it will make her smile!

Please be sure to take a minute and check out all the fabulous background dies available at the Dies R Us Store!  AND, don't forget we have a Dies R Us Challenge Blog too!

A fun new challenge is offered on the 1st and 15th of each month with a PRIZE VOUCHER offered to one lucky winner each challenge.  It could be YOU!

Till next time ... thanks for stopping by!

Pretty Layering

Hi there!

I have a card to share today that has both a

little bit of layering and a little bit of ombre!

I started with a basic 110# white card stock

that I layered an ombre die cut using 

Spellbinders Decorative Labels Eight.

If you look you can see where the die cut is lighter

on top and getting darker as it goes down the card.

The next two layers are cut from

Sue Wilson New York Collection Union Square.

I absolutely LOVE her dies and this one is no exception!

Look how pretty it is and the detail on the die cut in white...

gorgeous!

The sentiment underneath is actually one like I had used

on my card last week and was laying on my desk

begging to be used!

I added a few tiny Roses with leaves underneath

die cut using Cheery Lynn Designs Flourish Leaf Strip.

This is a 'must have' die as it comes in so handy

over and over and cuts five flourishes at one time!

Don't forget to visit here Monday-Friday for daily inspiration

where you can see many of the dies in use.

Visit our 'sister' Dies R Us challenge blog for a chance to win

a gift certificate to the Dies R Us store!

Thank you for visiting with me today!

~~~Diane~~~

A Heart Full of Love!

Hello, again!

Can you believe Valentine's Day is only 4 short days away?  Time to get out your best dies & papers & come up with a beautiful card for all those sweethearts on YOUR list!  For my card today, I pulled out some of my favorite dies and came up with this card for someone on my list! The dies I used were Spellbinders Ribbon Banner Labels, Memory Box Ferrand Heart, Cheery Lynn Victorian Garden Doily Frame and Memory Box Heart Chain Border (which is currently out of stock).  You could easily substitute the Cheery Lynn Heart Chain Border too.

I just had to include a closeup of the Ferrand Heart die so you could see the beautiful embossing!

If you have already finished all of your Valentines, you may want to start working on your Easter cards! If you haven't checked out the awesome Easter & spring dies that the Dies R Us Store carries, you need to head there right now!  The selection is unbelievable!!  And getting larger every day!

Catch you again next week!  Happy crafting until then!

Sherri

Some Friendships last a Lifetime

Darlene with you today!
Hello and Happy Tuesday!

It's amazing how quickly a beautiful card can come together by simply using one of the fabulous background dies available at the Dies R Us Store.
For instance, the Cheery Lynn Designs Daisy Lace Frame Die (#FRM118) that I've used on today's creation.

How pretty is this card and it literally took me 15 minutes start to finish!

Please be sure to take a minute and check out all the fabulous background dies available at the Dies R Us Store!  AND, don't forget we have a Dies R Us Challenge Blog too!

A fun new challenge is offered on the 1st and 15th of each month with a PRIZE VOUCHER offered to one lucky winner each challenge.  It could be YOU!

Till next time ... thanks for stopping by!

Swirling Butterflies

Hello, and welcome!  I sure do love a clean and simple card when I don’t have a spare hour or three to color, so that’s what I’ve made today.  It’s part of a set which I have yet to finish and probably wouldn’t in a month of Sundays if I was going to do a lot of my pokey-slow coloring.  This butterfly just begs for pearls, doesn’t it?  I would love to add them, but I don’t want to burden the “giftee” with concerns about extra postage and cards that may arrive all bent and torn if proper care is not taken when mailing.  So clean and simple and pearl-less it is.

(Click for larger view)

I’ve used two butterfly dies on the card front:  Memory Box Sorona Butterfly (solid base) and Memory Box Lydia Butterfly (fancy overlay).  Even though Dies R Us clearly states the size, I didn’t picture such a large butterfly.  Pretty, though!  The swirly flight trail is part of a Frantic Stamper set called Trio of Swirls.

On the lower right corner of the inside I used an Impression Obsession Medium Butterflies die and another of the Frantic Stamper swirls.

(Click for larger view)

The card base is a very sturdy 110 lb Neenah Classic White.  Sentiment is by Whipper Snapper.  All done with time to spare!  Hey, maybe I’ll go color something now!


Join us on the Dies R Us Challenge Blog where we’ve always got a challenge up and a chance to win.  And visit us here for fresh inspiration every week day.  I’ll see you again next Monday.  Have a wonderful day!

~~ Leslie ~~

Fluttering By to say Hello!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Darlene with you today!
Since I was in need of some Easy, Peasy note cards, I thought
butterflies would lift anyone's spirits during these cold winter months.
I recently purchased a couple new butterfly dies
from our Dies R Us Store so thought I'd see what I could create quickly.

I was thrown a bit when I die cut these butterflies and saw that
the stitching remained on the portion that would typically be thrown away!
Well, you can't have that!  Right!
So I attached a panel of matching design paper behind my die cut and reinserted the butterflies with just a dab of white glue in the middle of the bodies.  This left the wings able to be lifted up a bit.

Here are the dies I've used today:

Sue Wilson Configurations 'Graceful Lace Trim' #CED6403

Technique Tuesday - Say It - Hello #DIY0383

Memory Box 'Calais Butterflies' #99333

Memory Box 'Beloved Butterflies' #99136

Something I realized (after the fact) and wanted to share with you is this!

These awesome Technique Tuesday 'Say It' dies are 2 part ... the solid background die and the word die.  

I could have saved myself even more time today if I had simply die cut the word from the background panel versus die cutting a separate word and gluing it to the background.  DUH!!

Please be sure to take a minute and check out all the fabulous dies available at the Dies R Us Store!  AND, don't forget we have a Dies R Us Challenge Blog too! A fun new challenge is offered on the 1st and 15th of each month with a PRIZE VOUCHER offered to one lucky winner each challenge.  It could be YOU!

Till next time ... thanks for stopping by!

Just Because

I am happy February is here, how about you?

We are getting closer and closer to Spring

which brings us to bright and happy colors!

We don't get lots of sun here in Michigan in the winter

so I have to make my own sunshine by creating pretty

Spring cards!

I started with a white card stock base,

that I embossed lines about 1/4" all around each side.

I used Memory Box Open Studio Stitched Squares on a bright yellow design paper.

A heart was cut from Cheery Lynn Designs Heart To Heart Doily.

(Don't you just love that hearts can be used year round?)

For the flowers, I used my Color Bursts,

then cut them out with PoppyStamps Marcelle Flower.

This die reminded me a lot of a Crocus.

I glittered the stamens yellow.

I finished with a glittered Crafters Companion Fluttering Butterfly. 

Added a ribbon bow and a sentiment of "Just Because".

Don't forget to visit our 'sister blog' Dies R Us Challenge

and enter your card for a chance to win a 'gift' to spend at the store!

Thank you for visiting with me today!

~~~Diane~~~

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hi, everyone!

Are you all busy working on Valentine cards for that someone special in your life?  There is nothing like a handmade card to really show someone how much you love them, is there?  I used the following dies on this card:  Memory Box Heart Ribbon, Memory Box Stitched Heart Layers, Cheery Lynn Anastasia Border, & Impression Obsession Cupids.

Don't forget to check out our latest challenge at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  It just started the first of the month & you could win a fantastic gift voucher!

Enjoy the rest of your week & don't forget to check out the Dies R Us Store!  There is no better shopping place anywhere! I call it my "happy" place!  ha ha You will too!

Sherri

Butterflies in Flight!

Hello friends!
Darlene with you today and my mind is on warmer temperatures,
pretty outdoor colors and butterflies!
(Can you tell it's COLD in OHIO?~!) lol

I recently purchased this beautiful butterfly collage from our
Dies R Us Store and couldn't wait to play with it.

This card was really very easy to create but I think it packs a beautiful punch!

The first thing I did was die cut my Poppystamp 'Bellina Butterfly Collage' #1396 die onto a piece of black card stock that was 1/4" smaller than my card base.

Next, I cut a piece of white card stock 1/4" smaller than the black butterfly panel.  By randomly sponging various Tim Holtz distress inks, I've created my 'colorful' butterflies.

After 'doodling' around the outer edge of my black panel, I adhered dimensional tape between the sponged panel and the overlay butterfly panel. A couple pretty sequins and this adorable Technique Tuesday - Say It 'Hugs'  #DIY098 sentiment and my card is ready to write a note on the inside and mail.  I think it's sure to bring an immediate smile to the recipient!

Please be sure to take a minute and check out all the fabulous dies available at the Dies R Us Store!  AND, don't forget we have a Dies R Us Challenge Blog too!

A fun new challenge is offered on the 1st and 15th of each month with a PRIZE VOUCHER offered to one lucky winner each challenge.  It could be YOU!

Till next time ... thanks for stopping by!

Framed Asters

Well, here we are at Monday again and my turn for a little Dies R Us inspiration.  Today I’m sharing a card using Heartfelt Creations Delicate Asters and a Hero Arts sentiment.

I love the way the image curves in the oval.  I chose it specifically so I could use my new Memory Box Thicket Frame which I absolutely adore for floral or nature images.  Under the frame I created an oval mat with the smallest of my Spellbinders Grand Ovals.  I’ve only just realized that Memory Box makes an Oval Master Frame to coordinate with all of their A2 frames, so it’s on my wish list.  It could be used very nicely on it’s own, too.  In the corner I’ve added an aster-like Prima flower with a Flower Soft center and two of my Frantic Stamper Trio of Swirls cut in bright blue.

I made the card from 140 lb cold press watercolor paper and colored directly onto the card base with Prismacolor Pencils and odorless mineral spirits.  I’m not sure I’ll use this particular paper with my Prismacolor pencils and a detailed image again.  There was much toil and trouble trying to get it to look passable.  Live and learn.  The shadowy look around the sentiment is actually dots of glitter.

Well, there you have it, friends!  Don’t forget to check the Dies R Us Challenge Blog to see what's up.  Today starts a new challenge and a chance to win.  The theme is “Love (use hearts)”.  Enjoy your day!

~~ Leslie ~~