CardMaker Blog

Happy Friday, everyone!

Just a quick note to let you know that I am posting over on the CardMaker Blog today. I am sharing some photos of my creative space. I always love to see where other crafters work, so if you'd like to check out my little corner and some of my storage solutions, be sure to head over there for today's post.

Have a great day!

CardMaker and Flower Soft Blog Hop

Hi there!

Today the CardMaker Magazine Blog Team is teaming up with Flower Soft for a fun blog hop. Each of the CM blog team members and Flower Soft DT have made an animal themed card and combined it with Flower Soft products. You should have arrived here from the Flower Soft Blog. Jennifer Buck will be your next stop along the hop.

I used this adorable tiger stamp to create a fun card for a little boy.

:) Isn't he the cutest?

I started by stamping the tiger image onto a rectangle of cream cardstock. I went in with a fine tip glue pen and added glue to the tiger's stripes. Then I applied Black Flower Soft to the glue. After that dried, I used a two-way glue pen (with a fatter tip) and applied glue to the tiger's body. There, I added a mix of the Bright Orange and Nut Brown Flower Soft. He looks so soft and fuzzy!

The sentiment is from the Half Pint Heroes set from WMS.

Please be sure to check out the Flower Soft Website and Blog. Jennifer is going to be your next stop on the hop!

I also want to give a special shout out to my fabulous CardMaker Blog Teammates. This is our last hop together, as most of our terms are ending this month. These ladies are the best, and I have been so grateful for the opportunity to work with them! I also must mention how wonderful it has been to work more closely with Tanya and Brooke, the editorial team from CardMaker Magazine. These gals are just the best!

Anya Schrier - You are here!
Carolyn King
Colleen Schaan
Glenda Wyatt
Jennie Harper
Kimberly Crawford
Trudy Sjolander

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!


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Recipe
STAMPS: Jungle - TPC Studio; Half Pint Heroes - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Black - Wplus9; Vintage Cream - PTI
PATTERNED PAPER: Bitty Box Basics - PTI
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Antique Linen, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Black, Bright Orange, Nut Brown Flower Soft; Corner Chomper - We R Memory Keepers; Standard Circle Large - Spellbinders Paper Arts; Button - PTI

CardMaker Blog Team Hop - Holiday Yummies

Hi there!

Today is blog hop day for the CardMaker Magazine Blog Team, and this month our theme is Holiday Yummies. We were challenged to create packaging for holiday treats along with a coordinating tag or card. I had the perfect idea for cookie packaging while I was trying to fall asleep one night and it actually worked out! ;)

How FUN, right?

I created a cut file using the Silhouette Studio software of this little tree box that folds up to hold some yummy (peanut butter chocolate chip) cookies!

Here's how it started..this is one side of the box cut from patterned paper. You will need two of these pieces to create the box.

A few score lines at the base of the trees, and some adhesive to adhere the two squares together and that's it! Here is what the box looks like assembled before its folded up. There is room for a few cookies or other treat inside. I added a square piece of cardstock to the very bottom of mine to give it a little extra sturdiness.

I wrapped some metallic elastic thread around the trees to keep the box closed - it also doubles as a garland. :)

So, I thought maybe you'd like to the cut file, too? Yeah? You can download it here. You are welcome to use it as you see fit, but just for personal use only, please.  A little shout out is always nice, too! :)

And finally, a little card to go along with it.

I used some of the same patterned paper as the box along with dies from Wplus9. So there you have it! Quick treat packaging and a simple card to share the holiday spirit.

Speaking of sharing, here are links to my fabulous CardMaker Blog Teammates!

Anya Schrier - You are here!
Carolyn King
Colleen Schaan
Glenda Wyatt
Jennie Harper
Kimberly Crawford
Trudy Sjolander

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!


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Recipe
Card
STAMPS: Vintage Christmas Backgrounder - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Pretty Patches: Tree - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: Kraft - Wplus9; Rustic White - PTI; Real Red - SU!
PATTERNED PAPER: Project Life Turquoise Collection - Becky Higgins; Season's Greetings - Echo Park Paper Co.
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Whisper White - SU!
OTHER: Pretty Patches: Tree Die, Simple Snowflake Die - Wplus9

Tree Box
PATTERNED PAPER: Project Life Turquoise Collection - Becky Higgins
OTHER: Silver Elastic Thread - SU!; Silhouette Cameo Electronic Cutting Machine

November Cloud9 and CardMaker Blog Hop Mash Up

Hello Wplus9 fans!

Here we are already at the November Cloud9 Blog Hop! I am also piggybacking on a CardMaker Blog Team Hop today as well. Ready for all the details?

Here is this month's Cloud9 inspiration picture. I know I say it every time, but Suzanne picks the best photos!

The things that popped out at me were the stack of books on the right hand side, and the brightly decorated white trees. Here's the card that I created with that inspiration in mind.

Bright and happy isn't it?

Now here is where the CardMaker Blog Team Hop comes in. Xyron was fabulous enough to send the CardMaker Blog Team a box full of goodies. I used some of the products they sent on this card and they were wonderful! Time savers for sure!

I started by using the permanent adhesive option in the Creative Station to apply adhesive over the entire surface of a 4 x 5-1/4 piece of cardstock. I used this piece as a base to adhere all the colored stripes. Having one piece of card all sticky made this step a breeze! I didn't have to apply adhesive to each strip, and the coverage was perfect to keep these all in place. Can't wait to try the magnet and laminating features of this little machine!

After I adhered the colored strips, I stamped and embossed the tree from Iconic Christmas on Kraft cardstock.

Then I experimented with a little confetti (1/8-inch hole punch) and the create-a-sticker maker. I was so happy that this worked out.. I just fed a bit of confetti in the sticker maker at a time and it came out with the adhesive applied! I just peeled the confetti off the backer and stuck it down on my tree. This was so much easier that anything else I could have used! I also tried out the Mega Runner when assembling the rest of my card. If you don't have a tape runner, I highly recommend this one! Super strong adhesive and very easy to use. I'm a big fan!

A sentiment and a some Stickles finishes it off. Really loving it!

Before you go, I have lots of links to share with you. First, be sure to visit the rest of the Cloud9 Inspiration Team:

Suzanne Dahlberg
Gayatri Murali
Christina MacLaren
and this month's special guest, Erin Taylor!

Then head back to the Cloud9 Blog to link up your creation.  You have until 10 am on November 12th to link up with us.  

Then please join me in visiting the fabulous gals on the CardMaker Blog Team:

Carolyn King

Colleen Schaan

Glenda Wyatt

Jennie Harper

Trudy Sjolander

And don't forget to visit the Xyron Website and Xyron Blog. Inspiration abounds!

So glad to see you today - TGIF!


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Recipe
STAMPS: Iconic Christmas - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal, Kraft - Wplus9; Hawaiian Shores, New Leaf - PTI; Real Red, Pear Pizzazz - SU!
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: 1/8" hole punch - Fiskars; Detail White Embossing Powder - Stampendous; Star Dust Stickles - Ranger; Creative Station, create-a-sticker maker, Mega Runner - Xyron

Hi there!

Today I am posting over on the CardMaker Magazine Blog. If you have a few minutes, go check it out!

Have a great day!

CardMaker Blog Team Hop - Metallic

Hi there!

Today is blog hop day for the CardMaker Magazine Blog Team, and this month our theme is 'metallic inspirations'. Create a card that is shiny and sparkly, Brooke says!

I hope I didn't go overboard! ;)

I combined shimmer ink, glimmer mist, sparkly paper and then even more glitter for this blinged up Halloween card. Its always so easy to go a little over-the-top for Halloween, but it works!

I'm so glad you've stopped by today, please make sure you hop on over to visit the other Blog Team members! I can't wait to check out what these outstanding ladies have come up with!

Anya Schrier - You are here!

Carolyn King

Colleen Schaan

Glenda Wyatt

Jennie Harper

Kimberly Crawford

Trudy Sjolander

Have a great day!


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Recipe
STAMPS: Hocus Pocus, Text It, Dainty Doilies Large - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Black, Oatmeal - Wplus9; Kiwi Kiss, Glimmer Paper Silver - SU!
PATTERNED PAPER: Chillingsworth Manor - Echo Park Paper Company
INK: Starlite Black Brilliance, Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: Fire Opal, Onyx Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Banner Trio Die - Wplus9; Paper Rosette - Tim Holtz; Large Pinking Circles - Spellbinders Paper Arts

CardMaker Blog Team Hop - Graceful Leaves

Hi there!

Things are sloooowly getting back to normal for me, I seem to be finding a bit of a balance again. I've been so flaky for the past few weeks, but am trying to get myself under control. :)

Today is blog hop day for the CardMaker Magazine Blog Team, and I am here to share my fall-themed creation. Our theme was 'graceful leaves', focusing on leaves and autumn colors. I pulled out one of my all-time-favorite autumn sets, Season of Thanks from Wplus9 to create my card.

Sigh. Don't you just love fall colors?

I started by stamping the small maple leaf in each different color and then cutting them out. I set these aside while I worked on the rest of my card, embossing the background and stamping the strip that is adhered along the bottom.

When I went to create my wreath shape, I started by die-cutting a circle shape from the same cardstock as the background (Oatmeal - Wplus9). I stamped my sentiment in the center (from Happy Harvest, another fab fall set) and then adhered this to my card. I used the outer edge of the circle as a guide for adhering my leaves. This helped me to keep things straight and even, in addition to having a nice flat place to stamp my sentiment.

The combination of the checkered border and leaf images along the bottom is something I have shamelessly stolen from Dawn W.  I think it looks so fabulous together, and I have been just waiting for a chance to use it on a card. A little stitching across the bottom and a simple twine bow finish it off.

The change of seasons may be just what I need to get back into gear. I just love creating with these images and colors! How about you? Is fall your favorite season?

I'm so glad you've stopped by today, please make sure you hop on over to visit the other Blog Team members! I can't wait to check out what these outstanding ladies have come up with! We have also welcomed two new ladies to the team, be sure to say hello to Glenda and Jennie on their first team blog hop!

Anya Schrier - You are here!

Carolyn King

Colleen Schaan

Glenda Wyatt

Jennie Harper

Kimberly Crawford

Trudy Sjolander

Have a great day!


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Recipe
STAMPS: Season of Thanks, Happy Harvest, Country Charm - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: Night of Navy - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Bravo Burgundy, Cranberry Crisp, Ruby Red, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, More Mustard, So Saffron, Close to Cocoa, Early Espresso, Night of Navy - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Woodgrain Impression Plate - PTI; Natural Button Twine Trim - WMS; Sewing Machine - Janome

Posting on the CardMaker Blog

Good morning sweeties!
Today I am posting over on the CardMaker Magazine Blog. Pop on over there to see what I'm loving right now!

And speaking of things I love, tomorrow is the Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH. My Mom and I have gone together for the past few years, and I am looking forward to heading out early tomorrow for our annual visit.

AND Monday the 17th is the monthly Waltzingmouse Blog Party. This month's theme is FALL. All your details are here!

Thanks for stopping in - have a lovely day!

With Thanks .. CardMaker Magazine Post

Good morning, friends!

Today I am posting over on the CardMaker Magazine Blog - if you have a few minutes, I would love for you to go check it out!

I hope you have a good day, I've been enjoying a little laziness for the past few days, but need to get on my to-do list today!

Later!

CardMaker Blog Team Hop

Hi there!

Today is blog hop day for the CardMaker Magazine Blog Team. Our assignment for today's hop was to create something that was outside of our comfort zone. For me, that was easy - I am terrified of clean and simple cards!

So here is the card that I made: a one layer, clean and simple card with lots of white space. I even used white cardstock (which I also tend to shy away from) - feeling a little withdrawal from my favorite Oatmeal color!

My scarecrow was created using images from the Happy Harvest set from Wplus9. As a final touch, I added one of the crows from the WMS Hocus Pocus set. He looks like he was meant to sit just there!

So tell me what you think! I am not used to this style at all - but I will say, start to finish was only about 10 minutes! It was fun to experiment, though!

I'm so glad you've stopped by today, please make sure you hop on over to visit the other Blog Team members! I can't wait to check out what these outstanding ladies have come up with!

Kimberly Crawford

Carolyn King

Colleen Schaan

Anya Schrier - You are here!

Trudy Sjolander

Have a great day!


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Recipe
STAMPS: Happy Harvest - Wplus9; Hocus Pocus - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: White - PTI
INK: Buckaroo Blue, Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede - SU!; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko

Creating Sunset Backgrounds

Good morning, sweeties!

Today I have posted a video over on the CardMaker blog about how to create a sunset background by blending Distress Inks. I hope you will head over there and check it out!

I created two backgrounds as part of my video, one you see above on my Aloha card, and another spooky one you'll need to visit CardMaker to check out.

And, to celebrate that after approximately 24 takes I finally got a video where the dogs didn't bark, the phone didn't ring, or I didn't bump the camera, I also have a little giveaway!

One randomly chosen comment from my blog will win a selection of Distress Ink pads (Scattered Straw, Broken China, and Dusty Concord) and an Ink Blending Tool. Everything you need to get started creating your own sunset backgrounds!

Feel free to share your thoughts about my video, your favorite Distress Ink color, or anything you feel like chatting about! I look forward to hearing from you. I will leave the contest open for the week and announce the winner over the weekend.

Have a great day!

CardMaker and CardSwaps Blog Hop

Hi there!

Today the CardMaker Blog Team is participating in the CardSwaps Blog Hop. You should have arrived at my blog from Marlene. Angelina will be your next stop. If you just happened to pop in and you'd like to start the hop from the beginning, head over to the CardMaker Blog to see what Brooke has created today.

The theme of today's hop is 'treat yourself' and we're focusing on the different ways we're nice to ourselves. Taking the time to do things that you enjoy is a nice thing (and sometimes a treat), wouldn't you say? And if you know me, you know I love to bird watch.

Here is the card that I made, incorporating some fancy birds into my design.

(Navy is my new favorite color right now. I have a feeling it will be making an appearance often in my future creations!) 

Feeding and watching the birds is just one of those things that makes me really happy. I love to see all the different kinds that visit my feeders and I often spend free moments watching them out my kitchen window.

This little girl has been a regular this summer...

I keep hoping she'll bring her man so I can see him in all his ruby-throated glory, but I will settle for the fact that she's brought her babies. So cool!

In addition to all the eye candy, there is an unscramble game as part of the blog hop. For those of you playing along, my letter is I. Your next stop is Angelina! Make sure to hop all the way through and collect all the letters, and Lora will take you to the CardSwaps Forum and give you more information about playing along with the challenges and games that coincide with the hop.

Have a great day!

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Recipe:
STAMPS: Birds of a Feather - Papertrey Ink; Very Vintage Labels No. 18 - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Baja Breeze, Night of Navy - Stampin' Up!; Oatmeal - Wplus9 Design Studio
PATTERNED PAPER: Peppy Pinwheel (Sweet Day Collection) - Echo Park Paper Co.
INK: Baja Breeze, Night of Navy - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Script Embossing Folder - ProvoCraft; Labels 18 - Spellbinders Paper Arts; Sewing Machine - Janome

CardMaker Post

Good morning, everyone!

I hope you had a great weekend. I am posting over on the CardMaker Blog today, sharing some papercrafting tips. Pop over there and check it out if you have a chance!

See you tomorrow!

Anya

Summertime Blog Hop

Happy Friday!

Today the CardMaker Blog Team is joining the fabulous ladies from Really Reasonable Ribbon for a summertime blog hop!

You should have arrived here from Linda's blog. The CardMaker Blog is the start of the hop if you're just stopping in. After me, your next stop is Judy.

Bonnie from RRR sent us the July Ribbon Club Assortment to use for today's hop. It is a beautiful combination of green and yellow ribbons, and you have a chance to win one just by leaving a comment!

Here is what I created..

How's that for summery?

I always struggle with ribbon - I feel like I can't tie a bow to save my life, so I wanted to try and use the ribbon a little differently. For this card, I cut some different length strips of the green ribbons and stitched them across the top of my card. I added a big juicy strawberry and a coordinating sentiment (from Big Berries - Strawberry) to the card front.

I made a second card, this time using some of the yellow ribbons.

I lined two of the ribbons up and stitched them to my card front. See, I can do this ribbon thing! ;) I combined them with images from my Playful Pinwheels set. Don't you love them?

Thanks for sticking with me - be sure to visit Judy, the next stop along the hop!

Anya

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Recipe
Thanks Berry Much
STAMPS: Big Berries - Strawberry - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Poppy Parade, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: July Ribbon Club Assortment - Really Reasonable Ribbon; Houndstooth Embossing Folder - Provocraft


Go For a Spin
STAMPS: Playful Pinwheels - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Wisteria Wonder, Crumb Cake - Stampin' Up!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: So Saffron, Wisteria Wonder, Groovy Guava, Crumb Cake - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: July Ribbon Club Assortment - Really Reasonable Ribbon; Corner Chomper - We R Memory Keepers; Sewing Machine - Janome

CardMaker Blog Team Hop

Hi there!

Today is blog hop day for the CardMaker Magazine Blog Team. Our theme for today is 'Summer Dreams' and we are sharing projects inspired by the ice cream truck.

When I was a kid, our neighborhood ice cream truck used to come around 8:00. It had a bell that it rang as it went around (not like the ones now that have really annoying songs). So my Mom had me convinced that this was the bedtime bell. When I heard it, it was time for bed. That worked on me for years, and I had no idea I was missing out on the ice cream truck!

Here is the card I made for today's hop:

I used the Silhouette Design Software to create a popsicle shaped card, then using my Cameo, cut it out of Regal Rose cardstock. I stamped the front of the card with the small houndstooth pattern from Heirloom Patterns in white ink. A houndstooth patterned popsicle sounds just fabulously delicious! ;)

The sentiment is from the Fresh Picked set from Wplus9 and has a coordinating sentiment inside.

When designing the shape for the front of the card, I also included a scaled down version to line the inside. I searched high and low for one stinkin' popsicle stick I could use for the card, but came up empty handed. An emery board sufficed as a stand-in!

I'm so glad you've stopped by today, please make sure you hop on over to visit the other Blog Team members! I can't wait to check out what these outstanding ladies have come up with!

Kimberly Crawford

Carolyn King

Colleen Schaan

Anya Schrier - You are here!

Trudy Sjolander

Michelle Woerner

Have a great day!

Anya

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Recipe:
STAMPS: Heirloom Patterns - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Fresh Picked - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: Regal Rose - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
INK: Regal Rose, Whisper White - Stampin' Up!
OTHER: Dazzling Diamonds Glitter - Stampin' Up!; Pink Sorbet Twine - The Twinery; Silhouette Cameo & Designer Edition Software - Silhouette America; Emery board

Friday Favorite

Hi there!

I am posting over on the CardMaker Blog today - sharing one of my new favorite tools.



I hope you'll head over there and check it out!

Anya

CardMaker Blog Team Hop

Hi there!

Today is blog hop day for the CardMaker Magazine Blog Team. Our theme for today 'He's all that' - we are sharing masculine cards! Perfect timing, too, with the upcoming Father's Day weekend.

Here is the card that I made, using the new Fish More set from Wplus9 (which totally fills a niche for me - my die-hard fisherman brother will be getting cards with this set here on out!)



Eek! I just love it! I inset my die cut shapes back into the cardstock they were cut from, a technique I shared on the CardMaker blog last week (certainly not thought up by me, but I just love the look!).

I die cut a banner shape and stamped it repeatedly with the word 'Dad'. Then I added the sentiment across the bottom, aren't the punny sentiments great?



I'm so glad you've stopped by today, please make sure you hop on over to visit the other Blog Team members! I can't wait to check out what these outstanding ladies have come up with!

Kimberly Crawford

Carolyn King

Colleen Schaan

Anya Schrier - You are here!

Trudy Sjolander

Michelle Woerner

Have a great day!

Anya

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Recipe
STAMPS: Fish More - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze - Stampin' Up!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Ruby Red, Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Fish More Die, Banner Trio Die - Wplus9

CardMaker Magazine Blog

Hi there!

Today I have a post over on the CardMaker Magazine Blog. I am sharing a fun technique I've seen popping up in blog land.



I hope you'll head over there to check it out!

See you soon,

Anya

CardSwaps Blog Hop

Hi there!

Today the CardMaker Blog Team is participating in the CardSwaps Blog Hop. You should have arrived at my blog from Ashley. Golda will be your next stop. If you'd like to start from the beginning, head over to the CardMaker Blog to see what our fearless leader Brooke has created.

The theme of today's hop is 'time to shine' and we're focusing on shiny and shimmery elements in coordination with a 'time to shine' event.

Here is the card that I made, which I think would work out great as a graduation card:

I had this idea in my head to stamp the stars from Super Star in rainbow colors, and I love how this turned out. I paired the starburst up with some images from the So 80's set - they really work well together!

In the center of each star, I added a coordinating rhinestone. I also used a glue pen to add glitter along the bursting part of the starbursts. :) Fun, isn't it?

This time of year always makes me think about my own graduation. One of the traditions at Chatham (where I earned my undergraduate degree) was to wear a hat that you made to show what your senior research was about. I studied wetland ecosystems, and I remember decorating my hat with fake frogs, bugs, and cattails. The cattails stuck up about an extra two feet or so, and I remember feeling so off balance! I was pretty proud of that hat. Ah - good times!

There is an unscramble game as part of the blog hop. For those of you playing along, my letter is E. Keep hopping along and you'll end with Lora who will take you to the CardSwaps Forum and give you more information about playing along with the challenges and games that coincide with the hop. Your next stop is Golda!

Glad to see you today!

Anya

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Recipe
STAMPS: Super Star, So 80's - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: White - Papertrey Ink; Going Gray - Stampin' Up!
INK: Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz, Marina Mist, Going Gray - Stampin' Up!; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Pumice Stone Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Adhesive rhinestones - Recollections; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter - Stampin' Up!

CardMaker Magazine Blog

Good morning!

Today I am posting over on the CardMaker Magazine Blog. I am sharing some tips for one of my favorite techniques: background stamping!

I hope you'll head over and check it out!

Anya