Stamping Bella Release Preview - Two New CHICKS Stamps!

Greetings Crafters! Only one more sleep until the Stamping Bella release! Do you have your wish list yet? I definitely do! These will all be available for purchase TOMORROW Thursday, March 30th at the Stamping Bella shop. Today I'm sharing two new Chick stamps. The first one is called Wedding Cake CHICKS and it's super cute!

I stamped the image with Simon Says Intense black ink onto my go to Copic paper, X-press it blending card. I kept the coloring pretty simple using a limited color palette. I knew I wanted to add some sparkle so I choose to cover the cake with Spectrum Noir clear sparkle pen and I added pink and blue stickles the ribbons, hearts and various other elements. One of my favorite things to add to the chicks is a bit of glossy accents on their beaks. It just gives them a little more dimension. Lastly, I used a clear Copic Spica pen to add some highlights to the confetti. It just gave it a little bit extra. 

Here's a closer look at the details and also what Copic colors I used:

I bought this great DCWV Wedding Stack that's white paper with a white pearl printed design on it. It gives this beautiful soft shimmer that's perfect for wedding cards. I selected a piece with a heart pattern because it matched the fun of the image. I cut it down to size and adhered it to a square card base. I then cut a stitched scalloped frame from a piece of blue card stock and trimmed the image piece to fit into the frame. I popped this up with foam tape so that it stood just a little higher than the frame. I really like this look and plus it adds dimension to the design. For the last bit of embellishment, I grabbed a few blue enamel hearts and scattered them around the scene. Here's a closer look at the card:

My final sneak peek card is one of my favorites! It uses a stamp called Mother's Day Chicks. Isn't that the sweetest image? They are so cuddly and you can almost feel the love between them. 

I started by, you guessed it, coloring the image with my Copics, lol! The ink is Simon Says Stamp intense black and the paper is X-press it blending card. For embellishment, I used a tiny bit of stickles on the mom's flower and applied glossy accents to their beaks. 

Here's a closer look at the details and colors I chose:

For the layout, I decided to cut the image using a stitched circle die. I then cut a piece of purple card stock using a fun die from Lil' Inkers called Fringe Scalloped Circles. It makes this neat cut that allows you to pop up the fringes which makes such a neat design element. I adhered these two pieces together and then selected a beautiful pattern paper from Pebbles called Tealightful. I cut it using a stitched rectangle die to match the circle stitching and added it to a card base that I made from Neenah Desert Storm Paper. I liked how the neutral color went with the patterned paper. The finishing touch was adding the sentiment so I stamped it on a piece of peach card stock which I trimmed down to a strip and cut flag ends to create a fun little double ended banner. Here's a better look at the card:

Be sure to check out the Stamping Bella blog today for one last sneak peek leading up to the big release TOMORROW Thursday, March 30th! Today's peeks include more Chicks and some super unique Danielle Donaldson images. And don't forget to get your shopping list ready!

Stamping Bella Release Preview - Squidgy Cowboy, Cowgirl and Cactus

Howdy Crafters! The Stamping Bella New Release preview continues today with a wonderful collection of western Squidgy stamps. These will all be available for purchase on Thursday, March 30th at the Stamping Bella shop. The first stamp is a handsome Cowboy Squidgy. 

I colored the image with my Copic markers using Simon Says Stamp Intense Black ink and X-press it blending paper. I chose to use some browns in different shades to mimic the look of leather. My hat got a little over saturated but in the end I could live with the color. Next, I fussy cut the image leaving a little white border around him. Good news, this image has a coordinating Cut It Out die so you wouldn't have to fussy cut if you didn't want to! Here's a look at the colors I used:

This little cowboy reminded me of Woody from Toy Story so I wanted to use this fun red bandanna paper from the Imaginisce Heartland Farm Collection for the background. I felt he needed something to ground him in the scene so I cut a frame from white card stock using MFT's Stitched Rounded Square Frames. I popped it up using foam tape and fit the little cowboy into the corner.

For the sentiment, I stamped it onto a piece of solid white card stock and adhered it across the bottom of the card. To finish everything off, I added glossy accents to the sheriff badge on his hat and his little buttons. I thought his buckle was missing something so I added a blue star confetti peice to the center.

Here's a closer look at the details:

Now every Cowboy needs a gal so up next is the adorable Cowgirl Squidgy. She is just so precious and I couldn't wait to color her up in pink!

Again I used my go to Copic combo of Simon Says Stamp Intense Black Ink and X-press it blending paper. I wanted her to be a rhinestone cowgirl so I created a jean vest, pink dotted skirt and super sparkly accents with her scarf, boots and hats.

Here's a closer look at the details and colors I used.

I cut the image down to size and matted it with a piece of plaid paper. To give the card base a little more texture, I decided to do tone on tone stamping with a denim background stamp. I love how this helped tie in the western theme a bit more.

I absolutely love this sentiment and I wanted to feature it on the front of the card. Because it was a bit big I had to figure out a creative way to incorporate it. I stamped it onto a strip of white card stock and adhered it across the bottom of the card. 

I added the matted image by popping it up with some foam tape. That allowed me to be able to slip some Pretty Pink Posh Sparkling Clear sequins under the edge and use them to highlight the sentiment. Here's a closer look at the card:

The last card I'm sharing today uses the Cactus Squidgy stamp. I knew when I saw this one that I wanted to create a dessert sunset and make it reminiscent of an old postcard. To do this I grabbed a few different colors of distress ink, blending tools and a piece of distress watercolor paper. This is my absolute favorite paper for ink blending because the blends end up so smooth. For the sand, I used a few different light brown Copics and did the dot technique to create some sand like texture.

Next up was the Cactus. I colored it was several different greens and then gave it a nice coating of Spectrum Noir clear sparkle. I wanted to fussy cut it without leaving a white line but in doing so I'd lose the little spiky bits. To get both, I fussy cut the cactus and used a black marker to trace around the image so that no white edges would be seen. I next stamped the image onto the background piece and popped up the colored cactus using some foam tape right over the flat stamped image. What this does is give dimension and you will still be able to see the spiky bits. 

I next chose a piece of striped paper that corresponded with the southwestern color scheme I was going for and adhered cut pieces to the top and bottom of my card base. For the final touches I added a few yellow and orange sequins to highlight the simple sentiment of "Howdy." Here's a better look at how sparkly the cactus is. I just love that!

The great thing about all three of these sets is that they come with a large and small image along with the sentiment. They also have "Cut it Out" dies available and to save money you can get them in bundles. 

Be sure to check out the Stamping Bella blog everyday this week for more sneak peeks leading up to the big release on Thursday, March 30th! Today's preview features even more adorable Squidgys! I just can't get enough of them. 

I'll be back Wednesday with TWO more sneak peeks to share! 

Stamping Bella Release Preview - The Chick Who Was A Lamb

Hello Crafters! The Stamping Bella release date is almost here! As I mentioned yesterday this release is full of beautiful spring images that will all be available for purchase on Thursday, March 30th at the Stamping Bella shop. Today's image is a hilarious Chicks image called "The Chick Who Was A Lamb." He must not have gotten the message! I just love the Chicks line and this one is so fun!

I colored the image with my Copic markers using Simon Says Stamp Intense Black ink and X-press it blending paper. Next, I fussy cut the image leaving a little white border around the chicks. Let me tell you, this one was a bit challenging but worth it! Good news, this image has a coordinating Cut It Out die so you wouldn't have to fussy cut if you didn't want to! Here's a look at the colors I used:

Next I cut a A2 size card base and instead of using patterned paper, I decided to do a little ink blending as a highlight. I grabbed Broken China Distress Ink, a dot stencil and my Claritystamp Stencil Brushes. I really like using these brushes as they give a softer look than a blending tool. I first stenciled on the dots and then removed the stencil. I went over the area lightly with my brush to add a haze of blue to mimic the look of sky. I really liked how it turned out. It's a subtle effect that has high impact. 

I popped up the chicks with some foam tape and applied them to the edge of the card. For the sentiment, I stamped it onto a piece of coordinating blue card stock, cut a banner edge and wrapped it around the card base. For the finishing touches, I added stickles to the bunny ears and tail and then a bit of glossy accents to the chicks little beaks. Here's a closer peek at the details:

Be sure to check out the Stamping Bella blog everyday this week for more sneak peeks leading up to the big release on Thursday, March 30th! Today's stamps features lots of precious Easter images. Those Squidgys! OMG! 

I'll be back tomorrow with THREE sneak peeks for you! So excited so share!

Stamping Bella Release Preview - Daisy Squidgy

Hello Crafters! Guess what time it is...Stamping Bella New Release Week! So excited to be able to share a little sneaky peek with you. This release is full of beautiful spring images that will all be available for purchase on Thursday, March 30th at the Stamping Bella shop. The first image I get to share is the adorable Daisy Squidgy! This set comes with three stamps: one large and one small image plus a sentiment. I'm absolutely loving the Squidgy line of stamps and so glad that there are more with this release!

I colored the image with my Copic markers using Simon Says Stamp Intense Black ink and X-press it blending paper. Next, I fussy cut the image leaving a little white border around her. Good news, this image has a coordinating Cut It Out die so you wouldn't have to fussy cut if you didn't want to! Here's a look at the colors I used:

Next, I focused on the background of my card. I choose a beautiful patterned paper from Crate Paper's Cute Girl collection as my inspiration. I decided to use My Favorite Things Stitched Scallop Basic Edges 2 to give it a little bit of interest. For the card itself, I chose a piece of Simon Says Stamp Surf Blue card stock. It looked a little plain so I decided to grab a background stamp from My Favorite Things called Swiss Dots and do tone on tone stamping with Simon Says Stamp Surf Blue ink. It's a subtle effect that adds a little bit extra to the design.

For the sentiment, I die cut a banner from Avery Elle's Pierced Banner Layered Dies and stamped the sentiment in black ink. I next popped up the patterned paper piece with foam tape to add some dimension. I adhered the banner using foam tape on the half that wasn't on the flower piece so that it would lay flat. Lastly, I adhered the little Squidgy and added some Spectrum Noir Clear Sparkle to the daisy and Stickles to the edge of her dress. Here's a closer look at some of the details:

Be sure to check out the Stamping Bella blog everyday this week for more sneak peeks leading up to the big release on Thursday, March 30th! Today features another round of those gorgeous garden girls. I can't wait to get my hands on those!

I'll be back tomorrow with another fun sneak peek for you!

Bellarific Friday Challenge - Just Add Glitter

Hello Crafters! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I'm a couple days behind because we've been super busy at work but I finally got a few free moments to post this week's card for the Bellarific Friday challenge which was to use glitter and sparkle! I decided to use this great Stamping Bella Closeups stamp called "I Do."

I stamped the image in Simon Says Stamp Intense Black ink onto a piece of X-press it blending paper and colored it with my Copics. I cut it down to size and mounted it onto a piece of striped glitter sparkle paper. For my background, I cut a piece of this gorgeous white pearlescent patterned paper and wrapped three pieces of solid sheer white ribbon around it. I mounted the matted image to this piece and then adhered everything down to a solid white card base. 

Now it was time to add the sparkle and shine! I choose to use Spectrum Noir clear sparkle on her dress and a good amount of Crystal Stickles on her bow and trim. I used tiny little pearls on her buttons to give them a bit more dimension. Lastly, I added Glossy accents to his buttons and the little heart. Here's a better look at the details:

Hop over to the Stamping Bella blog and see how the rest of the Bellas incorporated glittery goodness in their designs.  Also, if you would like to participate in Bellariffic Fridays for a chance to be entered into a monthly drawing to win some Bella Bucks click on the link below for more details.

Next week's Bellariffic Friday challenge is the great photo board below. Hope you join along and create something with us! Have a wonderful day and I'll be back soon! 

Bellarific Friday - MojoBella Sketch

Happy Bellarific Friday! I hope everyone has had a great week and that you have time this weekend for crafty things. This week's challenge was the clean and simple MojoBella sketch below. I decided to pull out an older Stamping Bella stamp called Stuffy Stuffie. I just love coloring this line of critters, especially the little bears.

To begin, I used my go to Copic coloring combo of Simon Says Stamp Intense black ink and X-press it blending paper. For my color scheme I chose to go a bit more masculine and used the plaid paper as an inspiration. To achieve the fluffy look of the little bear, I used the dot technique for coloring. I layered several different tones of brown over each other by using little dots. It takes a little bit of time but the results are worth it. Here's a peek of the colors I used for this little guy.

I wanted to go simple with the design and let the little bear be the star. I started by cutting the piece of plaid paper down to an A2 card size. I decided how large my image panel needed to be and trimmed it down. I then adhered this to the plaid panel. I had this burlap ribbon in my stash and since I was going more masculine with the design I felt this worked better than regular ribbon. I cut it to size and wrapped it around the whole panel securing it in place with some tape on the back. 

Next up was the sentiment. I had to do some stamp surgery to get the sentiment to fit my card design. Don't be afraid to cut your stamps to fit your needs. They can always be placed by together on a stamp block. After stamping the sentiment in Versafine black ink and heat setting it with clear embossing powder, I adhered the entire panel to my card base. 

In the sketch there is a little circle element and I went back and forth with what to use. I tried buttons, die cuts and enamel dots and nothing seemed to look right. So I decided to grab some natural twine and tie a little bow onto the burlap ribbon. This was simple and neat. Perfect for my card design. 

To finish off the card, I grabbed some glossy accents to add to the thermometer and the bear's nose. I also couldn't help myself and added some Spectrum Noir clear glitter pen to the little water bottle on his head.  

Here's a better look as some of the details:

Hop over to the Stamping Bella blog and see what the rest of the Bellas did with this fabulous sketch. Also, if you would like to participate in Bellariffic Fridays for a chance to be entered into a monthly drawing to win some Bella Bucks click on the link below for more details.

Next week's Bellariffic Friday challenge is near and dear to my heart: ADD GLITTER TO YOUR CARD. Gotta love the sparkle and shine! Hope you join along and create something with us! Have a wonderful day and I'll be back soon! 

Bellarific Friday - March Stamp of the Month

Hello Crafters! Where is this year going? I cannot believe it's March already. Well the good news is that a new month brings a new Stamp of the Month over at Stamping Bella. This month's stamp is one of my favorites called UPTOWN GIRLS BELINDA AND BERNADETTE BENCH BUDDIES. It's just the sweetest friendship stamp and I really enjoyed coloring it for this week's Bellarific Friday challenge. And remember it's 20% off all month long! Click the link below for more information. 

This week's challenge was "free form" so I decided to just dive right in and start coloring with no plan other than that! I stamped the image onto X-Press Copic paper with some Simon Says Intense black ink. I used quite a few different markers for this image. I wanted to make the two girls standout from one another in both skin and hair color. 

For the clothing, I decided to do a little paper piecing for the girl on the right. I selected a bluish purple polka dotted paper and stamped the image onto it. I then fussy cut the shirt being careful to stay on top of the black ink line. This ensures when you adhere it to your image that it blends into the original image smoothly. Once adhered in place, I took a corresponding Copic marker to make some shadows and pleats on her shirt. This is an easy way to give a paper pieced item a bit of dimension.

For the scenery, I chose a handful of greens for the grass. I just kept layering swipes of colors over each other to give it a wispy look. For the sky, I decided to use my Copic airbrush. First I created a mask to cover the two girls and the bench. Once that was in place, I chose B91 for my sky color. I lightly airbrushed around the image and made sure that I had both light and dark areas so that it gave the illusion of soft clouds. I'm still getting use to airbrushing and I'm having fun experimenting! It's no longer just my "cloud" machine as my boyfriend calls it since that's all I was creating with it, lol!

Here's a peek at all of the colors I used in this image:

After the coloring was complete, I cut a scalloped frame from a piece of silver foil cardstock. I then cut the image down to fit within the frame. For the base, I used a piece of white heavy weight cardstock cut to a top folding A2 size and adhered a piece of pattern paper that coordinating with my image. When I adhered down the image and frame, I decided to off set them a little bit to the right. I liked the way this looked versus smack dab in the middle. A little extra interest for the eye!

I love the sentiment that comes with this set but it was not the right shape for my card design so I had to get creative. I decided to stamp it out in Versafine black ink and heat emboss it with clear detail embossing powder. I then carefully snipped the sentiment into four separate pieces so that I could layer them over the image. This is a great way to get more out of your stamps. As you know I can't resist adding sparkle so this time I was restrained and only used a little bit of stickles on the girls hair clip and the little flowers. Here's a closer look of the details:

Hop over to the Stamping Bella blog and see what the rest of the BellaBabes created with this month's Stamp of the Month. It's so fun to see what all of us come up with for the same stamp. Also, if you would like to participate in Bellariffic Fridays for a chance to be entered into a monthly drawing to win some Bella Bucks click on the link below for more details.

Next week's Bellariffic Friday challenge is the fabulous (MOJO)bella sketch below! Hope you join along and create something with us! Have a wonderful day and I'll be back soon!