Inky Paws Challenge #237 ~ Sketch Challenge {Week 1}

Hello there crafty friend!

Who's up for a new challenge?! It's time to get our paws inky with a fun SKETCH challenge! I'm always up for a good sketch and this one is so fun with all the layers! You have until Friday, February 28th to get your entries in for the #237 Sketch Challenge and a chance to win a $20 store credit to Newton's Nook Designs!

Inky Paws Challenge #237 - Sketch Challenge

Aren't those layers fun?! So many possibilities!

I wanted to make a St. Paddy's Day card so I went looking through my stamps and found the adorable Lucky Dog Stamp Set. I stamped him with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored him up with my Copic markers. I die cut the pup using the coordinating Lucky Dog Die Set.

Here's a quick list of the Copic markers I used for the kitty and heart:

Dog: N0, N1, N2, N3, N6, C00, C1, C3

Hat: N0, N1, N2,N3, N6, YG11, G14, G07, Y11, Y15, Y28

Shamrock: YG11, G14, G07

I went looking through my paper pads for green papers and found the Bright Basics 6x6 Paper Pad that has four different green patterns. Score! Check out my video link below for the measurements. The banner with heart polka dots paper was die cut using a die from the Frames & Flags Die Set. I also used a flag die from the set for the sentiment on white card stock.

I wanted the pup to pop a bit more on the card so I die cut an oval using a die from the Oval Frames Die Set and die cut a vellum oval. It helps to bring the pup forward in the card so he doesn't get lost in all the green patterns.

You can check out my process video here... St. Paddy's Day Monochromatic Card | Inky Paws Challenge 237 | Newton's Nook Designs.

Now it's your turn to get your paws inky with your Newton's Nook Designs products and create a project using this awesome sketch. Be sure to link up to the Inky Paws Challenge! Can't wait to see your projects!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

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Peek-a-Boo Chicken Card ~ Clucks & Chaos ~ Unity Stamp Co.

Hello there crafty friend! 

I'm back today to share a fun chicken card using the awesome Clucks & Chaos stamps from Unity's release. Such a funny bird!

I stamped the chicken on a panel measuring 4-1/4 x 5-1/2". I colored it up with my Copic markers and adhered the panel inside the card.

Here's a quick list of the Copic markers I used:

Feathers: E21, E23, E25 Eyes: C00, C1 Beak / Feet: YR21, YR27 Waddle: R20, R14 Mouth: R00, R20

Background: BG10, BG0000

Ground: E50, E53, E55

Once I was happy with the coloring, I used a circle die from the Scallops & Circles {nesting dies} to create the peek-a-boo element on the card. I die cut the pattern paper and then die cut the front panel of the white A2 top fold card base.

You can check out my process video for the funny card here... Peek-a-Boo Chicken Card | Clucks & Chaos | Unity Stamp Co.

I paired up the fun chicken with the pretty Cluck & Bloom {paper pack}. I can't get enough of the chickens in these papers!! So cute! Haha... and then that chicken face popping out. This card cracks me up!

Here's a photo of the inside of the card. I added a strip of the pattern paper inside to finish off the card.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky hugs,

Crystal

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~ Friends of Unity February 2025 Blog Hop ~

Hello there crafty friend!

It's time for our Friends of Unity Blog Hop!! This month's cue is super fun!

It's Monochromatic. I love this cue! 

We've done it once or twice now and I love seeing the variation in creations.

First up, I'm sharing the ATCs that I made for last month's Unity Lovers ATC swap. I ink smooshed 14 ATC panels of Stampers Select White card stock from Papertrey Ink measuring 2-1/2 x 3-1/2" using Black Soot Distress Ink leaving some white space. I then spattered the panel with Apple Barrel Black Acrylic Paint thinned with just a spritz or two of water. Once the panels were all dry, I die cut them using a fun ATC Layers die from Waffle Flower.

I stamped the adorable owl from the Cozy Vibes Owl stamps multiple times in my Stamp Platform with Black Amalgam ink. I didn't color them at all, just left them black and white. These stamps have so much detail you really don't need to color them. I fussy cut them leaving a tiny border around the edges. I adhered all of my layers to a 2-1/2 x 3-1/2" ATC panel of True Black card stock from Papertrey Ink. These took some time because of how many there were to make, but I really love how they turned out. 

You may have seen the cards I shared last Wednesday for Membership Wednesday using the Damask Grunge Background of the Month stamp from January 2025 along with the December 2024 Faded Roses BOM. I was on a roll and couldn't stop so I also stamped the background using Lost Shadow Distress Ink with the Damask Grunge BOM and Black Soot Distress Ink with the Faded Roses BOM. The sentiment is from the Extended Celebration {Front & Center Stamps}. I heat embossed it with white pigment ink, white embossing powder, and melted it with a heat tool. The background panels were die cut using the largest die from the Scallops & Rectangles {nesting dies}.

 For my last card I ink smooshed the right side of a Stampers Select White card front panel measuring 4-1/4 x 5-1/2" with Peacock Feathers Distress Ink. The left side of the card is white {though in the photo it has a blue tinge - no clue}.

I dried the panel completely with my heat tool. And then I stamped the gorgeous butterfly from the February 2024 Kit of the Month called Grace and More Grace using Mermaid Lagoon and Peacock Feathers Distress Inks. I stamped it twice with Mermaid Lagoon for nice coverage and then one time with Peacock Feathers to give it a bit of that teal look more than a dark blue.

I did the same thing with the fun sentiment from the January 2025 Kit of the Month called Kinda Made for Each Other. I trimmed the panel cutting 1/16" off each side so the butterfly would stay center so now it measures 4-1/8 x 5-3/8". I adhered it to a white A2 top fold card base. I finished off the card with a few raindrop embellishments from my stash. I love how this one turned out! I'm determined to send out more cards this year. I always have good intentions but time seems to slip by and I forget about it. No more! I'm going to send out those paper hugs! And this will be one of them. It was such a super quick card too!

Now before we get to the hopping, I chose a lucky winner from the comments on last month's hop to win a fun prize and the lucky winner is...

... Linda Abel!! Congratulations, Linda!!

Please email me at crystalominkler@gmail.com to claim your prize. 

Please claim the prize before February 26th, 2025. 

Well, that's it for me this time! Please hop along and enjoy some more inspiration from the Friends of Unity! I can't wait to see how our friends were inspired by this month's cue. I wonder how many went with black & white or if we'll see more colors! I will be doing another fun giveaway this month!! Be sure to hop along and comment for a chance to win. {When you comment please leave your name just in case it posts as anonymous.} I'll announce the winner next month! 

Let's get to the hopping...

Crystal <--- you're here

up next ---> Kari

Jenni

April

Toni

Rachel

 Amber

Dawn

Doreen

Joyce

Thanks so very much for supporting our little hop!

We appreciate you so much!!

See ya next time.

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

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{BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 54 ~ Gnome for Christmas ~ Club Scrap

Hello there crafty friend!

It's time for a new sketch challenge over in the Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers Facebook group! Today I'm sharing a sweet Christmas card featuring fun papers from our wonderful BRAND NEW sponsor, Club Scrap! Club Scrap has generously offered up a $25 gift certificate as a prize for the {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 54 this month! So fabulous!!

For my first card this month, I used papers and a cut apart sheet that I got on clearance over at Club Scrap last year. It's actually called Gnome for Christmas Maze Book in a Box, but I used it for a sweet holiday card. Though I did get instructions on how to create the awesome book in a box and I think I'm going to attempt to make it with other products since I've cut into these papers already.

Before I get into all the measurements I used... can you see that texture in the card stock?! Isn't it amazing! I don't often use textured card stock like this so it was so fun to play with. Okay, so my top four papers all measure 1 x 3-1/4" per the measurements on the sketch. The green paper on the bottom measures 4 x 2". And then the bottom layer of brown paper measures 4-1/4 x 5-1/2" and it's adhered to a white A2 top fold card base.

I cut the long strip of cut apart paper using my large Tonic Guillotine. I trimmed the cute gnome paper and popped it up on the card with a bunch of foam tape. And then finished off the card with a few red enamel dots from the Winter Berry Branch enamel dots from Gina Marie Designs.

Here's a look at {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 54 for the month of February. If you're interested in seeing a bit more inspiration for this sketch, check out the amazing inspiration from the design team over on the {BYSH} Cardmakers blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky hugs,

Crystal

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Sending Joy Card ~ Tulip Symphony ~ Unity Stamp Co.

Hello there crafty friend! 

Today I'm sharing a pretty card using the gorgeous Tulip Symphony stamps from Unity's latest release. I absolutely love the detail in these tulips!

I stamped the pretty tulips using Black Amalgam ink and Copic colored them.

Here's a quick list of the Copic markers I used:

Tulips: R000, R81, R43

Stems / Leaves: G12, G24, G17

I die cut the tulips and a pink mat using dies from the Deckle & Stitches Nesting Die Set.

I stamped the sentiment, trimmed it up and then popped it up with foam tape. I adhered the panel to a black A2 top fold card base. I love how this one turned out!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky hugs,

Crystal

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{BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 53 ~ Snowball Fight ~ Not 2 Shabby

Hello there crafty friend!

I'm back with one last card for the {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 53 hosted in the Build Your Stash Holiday Cardmakers Facebook group! Today I'm sharing a sweet holiday card using the adorable Snowball Fight stamp set from our wonderful sponsor, Not 2 Shabby.

I stamped two of the cute kiddos from the Snowball Fight stamp set using Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I colored them up with my Copic markers and then I fussy cut them on the line and colored the edges with a Memento Tuxedo Black marker.

Here's a quick list of the Copic markers I used:

Skin: E000, E00, E11

Hair: Y21, Y02, E55

Red & White Scarf / Hat/ Glove: R00, R14, C00, C2

White Shirt: C00, C2

Green & White Scarf / Hat/ Gloves: YG11, G24, G46, BG75, C00, C2

Red Sweater: R20, R14, R27

Gray Pants: N2, N4

Black Shoes: N2, N4, N6

Snowballs:B000, B00

I paired up the cute kids with the A Shabby Christmas 6x6 Paper Pad. I wanted to build a little scene behind the kids and this paper was perfect.

I used the measurements from the sketch for my card. And I just eyeballed the corner piece.

Here's a look at {BYSHC} Sketch Challenge 53 for the month of January. Today is the last day to enter this challenge! If you're interested in seeing a bit more inspiration for this sketch, check out the amazing inspiration from the design team over on the {BYSH} Cardmakers blog! I'm always blown away by the creations from the DT... they are amazingly talented cardmakers!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky hugs,

Crystal

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Clean & Simple One-Layer Card ~ Rainy Day Doxie ~ Newton's Nook Designs

Hello there crafty friend! 

Today I'm sharing a sweet rainy day Clean & Simple {CAS} card. It's so easy peasy to create a quick scene for a CAS card directly on the card base. I used the adorable Rainy Day Doxie Stamp Set from Newton's Nook Designs plus a couple of fun stencils.

I ink blended Stormy Sky Distress Ink over the Clouds Stencil directly on the front of a white A2 top fold card base. I ink blended Old Paper Distress Ink over the Hills & Grass Stencil underneath the clouds. The key to this technique was keeping the blending very light and lightening my touch on the edges of the card.

I stamped the adorable pup from the Rainy Day Doxie Stamp Set with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Colored it up with my Copic markers and then I die cut it using the coordinating Rainy Day Doxie Die Set.

Here's a quick list of the Copic markers I used:

Umbrella: Y11, Y06, Y38, N2, N3, N6 Jacket: V000, V12, V15, RV10, RV11, RV14 Doxie: N2, N6, E21, E23, E27 Puddle / Splash: BG10, BG01

I adhered the puddle, splash and pup directly to the card base. 

You can check out my process video here... Clean & Simple One-Layer Card | Rainy Day Doxie | Newton's Nook Designs.

I stamped the sentiment directly onto the card base to finish it off. So easy peasy and I think it turned out pretty cute!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky hugs,

Crystal

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Membership Wednesday ~ Dec. 2024 and Jan. 2025 Background of the Month ~ Unity Stamp Co.

Hello there crafty friend!

Happy Membership Wednesday! Today I'm sharing a trio of cards featuring not one, but TWO fabulous Background of the Month stamps from Unity. I used the January 2025 Background of the Month and the December 2024 Background of the Month.

I seriously love the Faded Roses background stamp from last month's BOM. They are stunning! I was curious to see how they would look with this month's Damask Grunge background stamp. I love the texture this month's BOM gives to the roses!

I stamped the Damask Grunge with Lost Shadow Distress Ink on Stampers Select White card stock from Papertrey Ink. I stamped the Faded Roses with Mermaid Lagoon and Villainous Potion Distress Inks. I also stamped the sentiment for this one using the same two inks.

I was also curious to see how these colors would look on Kraft card stock from Papertrey Ink. I love it! All the same colors for this one. The only difference is the sentiment is heat embossed with white pigment ink and white embossing powder on kraft card stock. The sentiment is from the Extended Celebration {Front & Center Stamps}.

I also wanted to see how Festive Berries Distress Ink would look with the Lost Shadow Distress Ink on Kraft card stock. It was a fun inky time of experimenting!! LOL! And I got three cards out of it. All of the background panels were die cut using the largest die from the Scallops & Rectangles {nesting dies}.

Here's a look at the Faded Roses background stamp.

And a look at this month's Background of the Month membership! Love them both!

Well, that's it for me today! I hope you've been inspired to play with your membership stamps! 

Have an inkredible day!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

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Hugs & Smiles On The Way ~ Anya Delivers ~ The Greeting Farm

 Hello there crafty friend!

Today I'm sharing a sweet paper hug that I hope will make you smile.

I inked up the adorable Anya Delivers stamp set. Isn't she just too cute with her little Vespa?! And that basket on the back is just so fun! 

I stamped Anya with Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored her up with Copic Markers. 

Here's a quick list of the Copic markers I used:

Skin: E000, E00, E11, R00, R20

Hair: E70, E71, E74

Hat: BG10, BG01, BG45

Vest / Boots / Basket / Light / Reflectors: Y11, Y15, Y38

Dress: RV10, RV11, RV14

Vespa: YG11, G14, YG05, N1, N3, N5

I ink blended a sweet scene using the Clouds stencil and Hills & Grass stencil from Newton's Nook Designs along with Black Soot and Tumbled Glass Distress Inks. I die cut a cute sun and clouds using the Sky Scene Builder Die Set, and some grass using the Land Borders Die Set, both also from Newton's Nook Designs. 

I fussy cut Anya and colored the edges of my cutting with a Memento Tuxedo Black marker. I adhered the clouds and popped up the sun. And then I adhered Anya to the road and lastly adhered the grass layers. Trimmed up the edges to 4 x 5-1/4" and adhered the panel to a black A2 card base. I hope I've inspired you to get inky today!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

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Tawny Owl Paperie Inky Inspiration Sketch 29 ~ Birthday Cats ~ The Greeting Farm

 Hello there crafty friend!

It's time for a brand new sketch challenge! Woohoo! Today I'm sharing my first card for the Tawny Owl Paperie Inky Inspiration Sketch Challenge 29 in the Tawny Owl Paperie Inky Inspiration Facebook group. I inked up a super cute stamp from the adorable Birthday Cats from The Greeting Farm.

Aren't those kitties just the cutest?! I love the cute hats that are included in the stamp set! I stamped the kitty trio and the hats with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored them up with a bunch of Copic Markers.

Here's a list of the Copic Markers I used:

White Cat: C00, C1, C3 R00, R20

Gray Cat: N0, N1, N3, N5, R00, R20

Tabby Cat: YR21, YR15, YR27, R00, R20

Cupcake: BG10, BG01, BG45, YG11, G14, YG05

Gift: RV10, RV11, RV14, BG10, BG01, BG45

Hats: C00, C1, C3, BG10, BG01, BG45, RV10, RV11, RV14

Here's a look at the fun sketch for Tawny Owl Paperie Inky Inspiration Sketch Challenge 29. The sketch, as always, is meant to inspire not require. So let the sketch lead in your design, but don't feel limited by it. 

The fun sentiment is also from the Birthday Cats stamp set. I trimmed it up and adhered it to the card. I fussy cut the kitties leaving a nice border around the image. I added foam tape to the back and popped them up on the card.

Unfortunately, I can't seem to find Birthday Cats on the website. But if you'd like to add them to your collection, you can check out the Farmers Market and submit a request via email... maybe they'll be available for the next Farmers Market. I think this will be a really fun sketch to play with for the next four weeks! I hope you can find time to play along. I can't wait to see what you create. Have an ink-tastic week!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

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Inky Paws Challenge #236 ~ Color Challenge {Week 4}

Hello there crafty friend!

 There's just a few more days to play along with the Inky Paws Challenge #236 - Color Challenge! You have until this coming Friday, January 31st to get your entries in for the challenge and a chance to win a $20 store credit to Newton's Nook Designs!

Inky Paws Challenge #236 - Color Challenge

I hope you're having fun with this color combo... Cherry Red, Dreamy Turquoise, Buttery Brown, and White!! I couldn't help but make another love day card!

For my last bit of inspiration for the Color Challenge, I've made a sweet Valentine for my youngest son using the Puppy Heart Stamp Set. I die cut the sweet pup that I had colored with my Copic markers using the coordinating Puppy Heart Die Set. 

Here's a quick list of the Copic markers I used:

Pup: C00, C1, N0, N1, N3, N5, N7

Heart: R20, R14, R27

I paired up the puppy with the wonderful papers from the Love & Woofs 6x6 Paper Pad. Those pups in the background are just too cute!

The background pup panel is die cut using a die from the Basic Frames Die Set. The polka dot paper is cut with a small scalloped die from the Circle Frames Die Set. The sweet sentiment is die cut using another die from the Basic Frames Die Set. All the layers are adhered to a white A2 top fold card base. The pup and the sentiment are popped up with foam tape.

Now it's your turn to get your paws inky with your Newton's Nook Designs products and create a project using the color combo of Cherry Red, Dreamy Turquoise, Buttery Brown, and White. Be sure to link up to the Inky Paws Challenge! Can't wait to see your projects!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

See ya next time.

Inky Hugs,

Crystal

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