Manly Thank You Box

Not too long ago I shared with you some cards I created with the guys in mind. The cards were masculine and would be great for a husband, brother or father. Shortly after my man themed card workshop, I was preparing for my nephew's graduation. I'm not a fan of just giving cash, although it is always well received,  I like to give a little gift that was handmade by me.

I decided to make a box full of some Thank You cards for my nephew to give to those in attendance at his graduation party or gave him a graduation gift. He could also use them to write a note to a teacher or mentor that was a great influence to him through his schooling years. Either way, I felt the cards needed to be simple and masculine.

The cards and box were decorated with the Urban paper collection. I used a couple of distressing techniques and adorned the box with some triangle studs. What's more manly than diamond plate and messy ink blots?!

Since I decorated a box to hold the cards I am entering this project in Heart 2 Heart's 3D challenge this week. The studs and chipboard "J" are also 3D on the cover of the box. {The J is for my nephew's name. He can store other trinkets in the box when all the cards have been mailed out.}

The card itself is a simple design with the center focus on a Cricut cut "thanks". I used just a bit of decoration on the envelope as well.

The Urban papers are essential for those manly cards or projects. Be sure to get them before they retire at the end of July!

Calypso Popsicle

Today I am playing along with the sketch at Freshly Made Sketches. The side layers in this sketch were just calling for the fun colors and patterns of Calypso papers. Adding a popsicle with sprinkles as the focus made it extra yummy! What says summer more than that!

 Where is this cute popsicle from? It is actually one of the stickers included in the Calypso Complements. It doesn't get more simple than splashing a few stamps on the background and popping a popsicle in the center! Whether it's ice cream or fabulous scrapbooking products..."too much of a good thing can be {and is} wonderful".

Order the Calypso collection of papers and complements online today!

Hello Little Lovely Flower Jar

I have been fascinated for quite some time with mason jar crafts. From food gifts to home lighting, even scrapbook projects, these jars have endless possibility! You can imagine how happy I was to see a mason jar with flowers on the new Artistry cartridge. It is just adorable and so easy to size and cut out.

For this card I was inspired by some colors I saw recently on a shopping excursion. I'm especially fascinated with the hints of gold with these coral and mint colors. Many of us have also found an interest in painting, particularly a spray or splat of paint on our projects. For this card though I practically cheated on the splats as I used the nifty Ink Blot {D1660} stamp set found in the new Annual Inspirations book. I am entering this card on Heart 2 Heart Challenges this week for their "Splat" theme!

Close up of the splats! 

There's that awesome "hello" sentiment again! Don't forget that you can get the amazing National Stamping Month sets at a discounted price when you buy all three. They will only be available this month, special ends September 30th.

More Watercolors and Ink Blots

I was playing with some more watercolors, this time blending them together on my card base. I also incorporated some ink blots the easy way! No messy splattering required! I simply inked up the brand new Ink Blot My Acrylix stamp with various colors and stamped it over the watercolors. What an addictive and fun stamp! Once all the paints were dry I used the Hello, Life! stamp set to add a sentiment and also added some sparkly bling.

(D1660) Ink Blot $17.95

Don't miss out on this month's special, it is National Stamping Month after all!