And here is my card. I was afraid that you would have been tired of my nautical cards lately so I did a space themed card instead. They are both associated with ships, right? haha!

This is my last challenge with PS Sparks as a design team member. I wanted to take the chance to thank Kim, the owner, and Sav, the design team coordinator, for having me. It was pure pleasure “working” you two! The challenges are fun and I really enjoyed the experience. Thank you!

Click on over to see what the amazing DT girls have for you this week! Can’t wait to see your take! Happy crafting!

Ashley Marcu
Jessica Davis
Lori Tecler
Savannah O’Gwynn

You might be interested in:

1. PS Sparks – You Anchor Me Card
2. PS Sparks – Trend Watch – You Are Unique Card
3. PS Sparks – Cool Shades Challenge – Happy Spring Card
4. PS Sparks – Trend Watch – Enjoy This Day Card

There are various star sizes in the Sparkle and Shine stamp set – perfect for creating a confetti look. I used 3 ink colors and tried to stamp them in triangles for a random look.

Then cut a slot to insert the craft pin:

Bling it up with some sequins from Neat and Tangled store: Mermaid Tale

You don’t need to create new projects or on a design team to apply for the Little Tangles team. There will only be two assignments for each month. Why not give it a try? Detail here!

Thank you for stopping by! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. Hello Beautiful
2. N&T – Kindness Matters Card
3. N&T – March Release – On the Strip 2
4. N&T – Let’s Celebrate Card

Another encouragement card for today: Rain or shine, I’m here!

And the winner to the Paper Crafts Magazine 350 Cards & Gifts Blog Hop is:

Congrats Katie! You’ve won a copy of the awesome 350 Cards & Gifts magazine! I will email you shortly! And thank everyone for commenting and joining the giveaway! Have a great day!

You might be interested in:

1. Winner Winner + A Card
2. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!
3. The PaperCut September Issue + A Winner!
4. Ink Color Chart Templates + A Winner!

This is a great all year round sentiment set with a fun play with words:

I created the scene with leaves from Petals & Stems and monkey from Funky Monkey.

Don’t forget to check out Donna’s Blog for her projects using The Man and Chevron Die today! Thank you for stopping by! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. Avery Elle – April Shower Card
2. Find Joy Everyday Card – Avery Elle & ABNH Week
3. Avery Elle – April Release Blog Hop
4. Avery Elle – Diamond Thank You Card

I hope that you’ve enjoyed the inspiration over on Paper Crafts blog and Moxie Fab World over the week? I love shopping for gifts and packaging them. I would like to share a simple gift wrapping idea I use a lot in real life, using recycled paper sack and packing paper.

HOW-TO
Make your own 3D flower bow from packing paper: Stack 8-12 layers of paper together and run the stack through a die cut machine with a scalloped circled die; poke a hole in the middle and secure the stack with a brad; crackle the paper (I used a shimmer spray to wet the paper first) and divide the layers to form the flower. Alternatively, hand cut circles from paper instead of die cut shapes. There is no need to be perfect.

My sentiment was cut from Vellum using Silhouette and backed with another piece of sack paper. You can also use paint and stencils for added texture and interest.

What is a blog hop without a prize? ;) Paper Crafts is providing a copy of the 350 Cards & Gifts Volume 2 to giveaway on each of our blogs. Your next stop is super talented Alice Wertz.

Chan Vuong
Heather Campbell
Kimberly Crawford
Amanda Coleman
Kelly Griglione
Nina Yang <– You’re Here!
Alice Wertz
Emily Branch
Jocelyn Olson
Kalyn Kepner
Lori Tecler
Meghan McMillan
Piali Biswas
Vanessa Menhorn

Just leave a comment to this post telling me what is your favorite gift to give. Gift cards? :) You have until midnight Tuesday, May 14th to enter! Good luck and happy hopping!

You might be interested in:

1. Criss Cross Gift Wrapping Tutorial – Teacher Gifts Blog Hop & Giveaway
2. Wish You Were Here Cards
3. First Pub in CARDS!
4. 5 Cards for $5 Challenge

Supplies: All paper from Pure Bliss 6×6 pad #2031; pink ribbon brad from Pure Bliss Brads #2034; pink arrow and green strips stickers from Pure Bliss Labels #2033. Stamp: (silhouette and sentiment from Pretty Momma Set) Paper Smooches.

Thank you for stopping by! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. Warm Thoughts!
2. PS Sparks – Cool Shades Challenge – Happy Spring Card
3. RIC #31 – You Light Up My Life Card
4. PS Sparks – You Anchor Me Card

Hello everyone! Welcome to Neat and Tangled May Release. Today is for Across the Card set.

Across the Card is a stamp set with simple and elegant sentiments that can be stamped across a card both vertically and horizontally. I had a play with it to stamp on favor boxes:

Love the texture the strips add to a project.

Click on over to Neat and Tangled blog for more inspiration from the amazing DT girls!

Thank you for stopping by! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. N&T May Release – Sunburst
2. N&T – Jan 2013 Release – On the Strip
3. N&T – March Release – On the Strip 2
4. N&T – March Release – Sketchy Cupcakes

I was inspired by the strip and dot patterns as well as the pop of pink and yellow green. I also liked the shining dots on her scarf so I used sequins on my card.

Seeing colored rustic twine on Cristina’s card here reminded me to use mine on this card. I left the cord longer than usual like what she did. The label maker I used to make the sentiment is only $2.75 at 2Ps right now (linked below). I used a die for the leaves but you can just use your punches or hand cut them.

I had so fun playing with this week’s challenge, I hope that you can join us too! There is no product requirements, just be inspired and play! Click on over to see what other ladies on the DT have come up with for you:

Runway Inspired (Challenge Details)
Aga
Jennifer
Laura
Pamela
Tasnim
Virginia
Wida

Thank you for stopping by! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. RIC #33 – Wish You Were Here Card
2. RIC #34 – Hello There Card
3. RIC #31 – You Light Up My Life Card
4. RIC #29 – Hello Beautiful Card

Sunburst makes me happy! I combined it with the big and beautiful diamond stamp from Sparkle and Shine stamp set (featured yesterday). And just used “SHINE” from the “SHINE BRIGHT” sentiment. Can’t finish a card saying “shine” without some sequins, right? :)

Click on over to Neat and Tangled Blog for more inspiration from the amazing DT girls! Thank you for stopping by! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. N&T – Jan 2013 Release – On the Strip
2. N&T – March Release – On the Strip 2
3. N&T – March Release – Sketchy Cupcakes
4. N&T – Jan 2013 Release – A Lot to Say

Hello everyone! Welcome to the blog hop celebrating the release of Heidi Sonboul Book in the Signature Series. I’ve gone through the digital version and loved it so much that I ordered my print copy. The book is full of clever ideas and beautiful details. Every project is different but sure to inspire. Heidi shares layouts in her book but all the tips, techniques and sketches can be easily adapted to card making and any other paper projects. It is my favorite in the whole series.

I’m sharing a card today using one of Heidi’s newest collection, Special Delivery. I adore this hip and fun boy/male collection, especially the Mr. Sonboul’s glasses. I cut out an owl using Silhouette and gave him the glasses and bow I cut out from the paper – cuteness up 200%!

All paper from Special Delivery 6×6 pad.

Don’t forget to head over to the brand new Heidi Sonboul site for a chance to win the newest tool from Fiskars and Heidi’s two newest collections, Special Delivery and SunKissed.
And here is the list of participating blogs for today. Many of the girls are offering extra prizes. Happy hopping!

GCD Studios
Alicia Thelin
Amanda Coleman
Angi Barrs
Audrey Yeager
Christina Collins
Christine Meyer
Grace Tolman
Heidi Van Laar 
Jennifer Chapin
Julie Tucker-Wolek
Katrina Hunt
Kelly Holbrook
Lalo IK
Megan Klauer
Nina Yang
Pam Callaghan
Rae Barthel
Rochelle Spears
Sara Zenger
Suzanna Lee
Teri Anderson
Wida Miller

You might be interested in:

1. Signature Series – Heidi Sonboul Book
2. The Paper Cut March 2013 Issue
3. GCD – Special Delivery Cards
4. [Blog Hop] Fawning Over You – PI & Lawn Fawn

I bent the arrow in the set so it can point to the right direction:

I created my own tag shape by punching two holes for the hemp cord:

Thank you for stopping by! Don’t forget to check out Donna‘s blogs for more Avery Elle inspiration! I love the card Donna made for today! Happy stamping!

You might be interested in:

1. Avery Elle – May Release Blog Hop
2. Avery Elle – April Shower Card
3. [Guest Design] What’s Up Card for Avery Elle
4. [Blog Hop] Avery Elle February Release + Giveaway

I love the current Nautical trend! Blue/red/white color combo, anchor, strip and brass/gold accent? Swoon! And here is my take using the Wicked Nauticool set by Paper Smooches.

I was inspired by the photo to use white woodgrain paper, straight score lines and a circled focal. The sentiment is just perfect for a nautical theme!

Click on over to see what the amazing DT girls have for you this week! Can’t wait to see your take! The deadline for this challenge is Sunday, May 12 at 10:59 EST.

Ashley Marcu
Jessica Davis
Lori Tecler
Savannah O’Gwynn

Thank you for stopping by! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. PS Sparks – Trend Watch – You Are Unique Card
2. PS Sparks – Trend Watch – Purrrfect Day
3. PS Sparks – Trend Watch – Enjoy This Day Card
4. PS Sparks – Trend Watch – Smiles

First of all, I want to welcome the fabulous Donna Mikasa to the Avery Elle team! I am a fan of Donna’s clean and fresh style. Her use of color is always brillliant! Welcome, Donna! Look forward to seeing more of your Avery Elle creations!

I have two cards today using the cute Cupcakes Stamps and Coordinating Dies.

I love that we have three different icings to use with the cake. I picked the simple one to make the gorgeous flowers shine on my first card.

I created the random background by placing both flowers on the acrylic block and rotating the block while stamping.

The best part is that I can just stamp and die cut the cupcakes and flowers with the coordinating dies! No masking or fussy cutting.

I went with a simple black and white color combo on my second card.

cut two slots where the flag goes in and tuck the icing die under to keep them on one layer. I like how easy the die aligns with the stamped image.

The black and gray sequins are from the new Midnight Blend pack.

To celebrate our May Release Blog Hop, Avery Elle is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to one winner.

You have until midnight Sunday, May 5th to enter. The winner will be announced on the Avery Elle Blog on Monday, May 6th. All products are now available for purchase in the Avery Elle store.

To increase your chances of winning:

1. Comment on any of the design team’s posts and the Avery Elle blog
2. Tweet the contest (we are @averyellestamps)
3. Share with your friends on Facebook (we are www.facebook.com/AveryElle) and make sure they tell us you sent them
4. Pin one of the March Release projects from the Avery Elle blog or the design team blogs to Pinterest
5. Like us on Facebook (comment on the Avery Elle blog if you like us or already like us)
6. Become a blog follower at the Avery Elle blog (comment on the Avery Elle blog if you become  a follower or are already a follower)
7. Join our Flickr group (comment on the Avery Elle blog if you join or are already a member)

Your next stop is the very talented Heather Campbell! Don’t forget to stop by our guest designer Amy’s blog, she’s showcasing Cupcakes set too! Happy blog hopping!

Avery Elle / Jamie
Chunyuan Wu
Nina Yang <– You’re Here!
Heather Campbell
JJ Bolton
Amy Kolling
Donna Mikasa
Kasia Curry

You might be interested in:

1. Avery Elle – April Release Blog Hop
2. [Blog Hop] Avery Elle February Release + Giveaway
3. [Guest Design] What’s Up Card for Avery Elle
4. Avery Elle – April Shower Card

As seen in Paper Crafts Magazine May/June, 2013 (Digital Version Only)

Jo-Ann’s just passed me a new 15% off Total Purchase coupon and I was allowed to share it with my readers! Yay! Valid in-store from Thursday, May 2 through Saturday, May 4 for regular, sale and clearance items! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. New Pubs + A Jo-Ann Contest + A Coupon
2. No-Sew Fabric Inspiration Board – HGTV HOME at Jo-Ann Stores with Extra Savings Coupon
3. New Pubs in Create Stamping Feb 2013
4. Free Valentine Gift Card Holder (Heart Top Box) Templates (PDF & .studio)

Here is the inspiration photo:

Jen picked it and said that it “seems to be the kind of cute yet sweet yet classy outfit I imagine Aga would put her daughter in!” Totally Agreed! Here is my card:

Nothing fancy, Just a bow cut from patterned paper and a sentiment stamped. The card front was diecut with circle dies and stamped with a dot pattern stamp.

I had so much creating for Aga this week. I hope that you can join us too!

Runway Inspired (Challenge Details)
Jennifer
Laura
Pamela
Tasnim
Virginia
Wida

And, Congratulations, Aga! ♥

You might be interested in:

1. [Guest Design] Baby Shower Gift Set for Lifestyle Crafts
2. Avery Elle – April Shower Card
3. RIC #31 – You Light Up My Life Card
4. Love (Inspired by Madagascar the Movie)

The book release blog party takes place on May 6  and we will share projects using her two new paper lines: Sunkissed and Special Delivery.

Don’t forget to check back! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. Heidi Sonboul Signature Series Blog Hop
2. Mini Book with Lifestyle Crafts It Kits
3. A Gift Box for Mom and A Coupon for You
4. GCD – Special Delivery Cards

And here is my card:

Stamps: dinos, heart from Cuteasaurus, bows from Sunnyside Up, rose from Vogue Abode;
Metal Die: Duo Die 2.

I cracked myself up making this card. I came up with the sentiment and printed it on cardstock to use. The label layers were made using different parts cut from the same frame die (The same die I used for the 1 Die 3 Ways post here.)

Every week, I find more and more amazing entries in the Sparks challenge. Can’t wait to see your takes this time! Click on over to find more inspiration from the awesome DT girls:

SUPPLIES

You might be interested in:

1. PS Sparks – A Cup of Thanks – Anything Goes
2. PS Sparks – Trend Watch – Enjoy This Day Card
3. PS Sparks – Cool Shades Challenge – Happy Spring Card
4. PS Sparks – Trend Watch – You Are Unique Card

Is it too early to share a summer card? I was inspired by Moxie Fab World The Wonder of Watercolor Challenge to create my background panel with watercoloring.

I brushed on the sand color first and brought in a very light blue in a circular motion from left to right and then added in a deeper blue to create some depth. But to be honest, I really didn’t know what I was doing – the watercolor fixed itself when dried! Keep the paper wet while coloring – the best tip I’ve ever had. Had so much fun!

All stamps from Flipping Out by PTI. The flip flops were cut with the die and then stamped.

Thank you for stopping! Happy crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. PS Sparks – Trend Watch – Enjoy This Day Card
2. RIC #30 – Ombre Watercolored Birthday Card
3. A Tag & A Card for Christmas Using Seasonal Distress Inks
4. Distressed Tags

Hello everyone! I have some happy news to share today! I am one of the 15 winners of Paper Crafts Magazine Stamping Royalty 2013 Contest. My winner card is in the Hello/Thinking of You category as announced here.

My craft journey started with Stamp It! Cards 2010 issue by Paper Crafts magazine. I was looking for my regular Photoshop magazine and thought I could use the inspiration. A few months later, I bought my first photopolymer stamp set which was featured on the cover. I started my blog to enter online challenges in mid 2011 and the rest is history. I am so grateful of all the things I’ve learned from reading the magazine and submitting for publication. This is a dream come true.

While I can’t share the winner card right now, I have a simple thank you card to share for this special occasion.  I made it at the same time I made this card but submitted it to the SR contest. Thank you, Paper Crafts! Thank you, my readers, for all your support and encouragement over the years.

A huge prize box will be sent to me in a few weeks and it is certain that I will share it with you! I’ve noticed several stamp sets already in my stash. Stay tuned~

Hugs, Nina

You might be interested in:

1. New Pubs in Create Stamping Feb 2013
2. Avery Elle – Stamping with Paint
3. New Pubs + A Jo-Ann Contest + A Coupon
4. A Gift Box for Mom and A Coupon for You

Some of my craft friends were looking for a real mint green ink. I don’t know any but when I saw the “Beach Glass Satin” paint by Martha Stewart, I knew I need to try it. I masked the card front with 1″ masking tape and brushed on 3 coats of paint to make the solid background strips. The macrons were also stamped with the paint. I practiced 30+ times to get the two in the photo, haha! Here are some things I’ve learned about stamping with paint:
1. Brush paint on lightly with a thin layer for a crisp image;
2. Act quickly – once the paint starts to dry on the stamp, that part of paint will not transfer to paper no matter how hard you press;
3. Wash right away, especially your acrylic block (ask me how I know lol).

I then stamped the outlined macron image with Galaxy Gold Brilliance ink and cut them out with the coordinating die. Here is a preview of the full Bonjour set:

I used to think Hot Pink is not for me. But ever since I started using it, I can’t have enough lol The matching Raspberry cardstock and ribbon are also from Avery Elle Store.

Thank you for stopping by! Happy Crafting!

You might be interested in:

1. [Guest Design] What’s Up Card for Avery Elle
2. Avery Elle – Diamond Thank You Card
3. [Blog Hop] Avery Elle February Release + Giveaway
4. Avery Elle – April Release Blog Hop