Aloe Sweet Friend Card

Aloe Sweet Friend Card - Birthday card with a cactus planter on it
Aloe Sweet Friend Card

Hello Crafty Friends! It’s Laurie here! I am sharing my Aloe Sweet Friend Card as my Design Team Inspiration Card for Conie Fong Art & Design using the Succulent and Cactus Bundle.

This purchase includes 12 Images:

  • Echeveria In Pot
  • Echeveria In Pot Kawaii
  • Cactus Family
  • Bunny Ears Cactus
  • Bunny Ears Cactus Kawaii
  • Jade In Pot
  • Hoya Kerri Succulent
  • Potted Echeveria
  • Aloe Vera In Pot
  • Cactus Succulent Arrangement
  • Cactus Succulent Arrangement Kawaii
  • Aloe Sweet Friend Sentiment

The Details of My Aloe Sweet Friend Card

I just loved these cute Kawaiis with the eyes that I decided to colour the Cactus Succulent Arrangement Kawaii twice in different colours. One was for a friend’s birthday who loves succulents and the other was for a colour challenge at Kendra’s Card Challenges.

My Colouring of the Cactus Succulent Arrangement Kawaii
My Colouring of the Cactus Succulent Arrangement Kawaii

For the colour challenge card, I used Copic marker combos that would be like the colours listed below. Kendra had succulent and cactus digital papers that you could download with the colours for the challenge, but in the end, I decided to use Flowering Cactus Designer Series Paper instead. 

Kendra's Card Challenge - Color Challenge
Kendra’s Card Challenge – Color Challenge

The Potted Succulent Dies had a beautiful detailed outline die that covered the whole card front. So, I decided to use it with the DSP peeking out from under it. Since this piece was so detailed, I didn’t add a lot to my card, other than the focal point and the sentiments.

I used the largest Stylish Shaped circle die to add a circle from the DSP and placed it behind my image to anchor it. The sentiments were also die cut from the Stylish Shaped Dies. I added Calypso Coral frames from the Potted Succulents Dies to the sentiments to help distinguish them from the background.

Don’t you just love the pun of the sentiment, “Aloe Sweet Friend” which comes with the Bundle. For the other sentiment, I typed it on my computer, printed it and die cut it out.

Finally, the finishing touch was a scattering of Calypso Coral sequins around my focal point.

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Copic Markers:

Cactus: YG99/YG97/YG95/YG93/YG91
Flower on Cactus: R05/R20/R02
Succulent: R05/R22/R20/R11/R02/R00
Pot: E18/E15/E13/E11 
Aloe: BG96/BG93/BG90

Close Up of the Cactus Succulent Arrangement
Close Up of the Cactus Succulent Arrangement Kawaii

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Card Recipe for My Aloe Sweet Friend Card:

Succulent and Cactus Bundle, Conie Fong Art & Design
Paper Basics – Stamper’s Select White Cardstock, Papertrey Ink
Flowering Cactus 6” x 6” Designer Series Paper, Stampin’ Up!
Potted Succulent Dies, Stampin’ Up!
Stylish Shapes Dies, Stampin’ Up!
Calypso Coral Sequins, Stampin’ Up!
Calypso Coral and Basic White Card Stock, Stampin’ Up!

Finished card size: 5 ½” x 4 ¼”

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To view my other Conie Fong Art & Design projects, please click here.

Hope you like my Design Team Inspiration Card using Succulent and Cactus Bundle for Conie Fong Art & Design!

Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,
Laurie

Time for Cake Alternative Cards 

Time for Cake Alternative Cards - 3 birthday cards
Time for Cake Alternative Cards

Hello Crafty Friends! Laurie here again! I am sharing my Time for Cake Alternative Cards using the August Time for Cake Paper Pumpkin Kit by Stampin’ Up! I created three alternative cards using the Kit. Two fun folds and a regular card. But, first, here are the three cards that the kit makes. Perfect for those birthday cards that everyone needs!

3 birthday cards using the Kit
Cards from the August Time for Cake Paper Pumpkin Kit

The Details of My Time for Cake Alternative Cards

Make a Wish Card

A birthday card with candles on it
Make a Wish Card

For my first alternative card, I decided to create a Thick Basic White card base with the floral Night of Navy card base adhered to it. I trimmed down the candles DSP to fit on my card front and added a Pretty in Pink mat to one side.

Close Up of Front of card
Close Up of Focal Point

I couldn’t resist cutting apart one of the Pretty in Pink envelopes to use as a strip on my card! I turned the tag over to stamp on the white side and added a candle over the hole to hide it. The other sentiment was stamped on the Pretty in Pink piece from the cake card. Finally, I added some Rhinestone Jewels to the candle flames for sparkle.

Measurements:

  • Basic White Card Base:
    • 8 ½” x 4 ¼”
  • Pretty In Pink Mat:
    • 2” x 4”
  • Candle DSP:
    • 3” x 3 ¾”
  • Envelope DSP:
    • 2” x 4 ½”
  • Other Pieces from Kit:
    • Floral Night of Navy
    • Tag
    • Pretty in Pink Sentiment Strip
    • Candle

Triple Fold Bridge Card

For my second alternative card using the Time for Cake August 2024 Paper Pumpkin, I made a triple fold bridge card! Love the free stamp set with the numbers! Perfect for those special milestone birthdays!

80th Birthday Card
Triple Fold Bridge Card

I took the Petal Pink card base and cut 1” on either side up to the card fold to create three panels.

For the front, I used part of the candle DSP and stamped 80th on it from the free stamp set. This was matted with Night of Navy and then a strip of Pretty in Pink was added to make sure that this bridge was securely in place.

Close Up of Front of Card
Close Up of Focal Point

Next, I stamped the Happy birthday sentiment on the banner. To make the banner stand out from the white in the background, I sponged Pretty in Pink onto the edges. The Hooray was die cut from some Rose Gold Foil that I had from another project. The finishing touch was some Rhinestone Jewels to the candle flames for sparkle.

Inside Panel of Card
Inside Panel of Card

Now that the front was decorated, it was time to decorate the inside panel. I used half of the balloon DSP from the Kit and matted it with Night of Navy. Since the balloons had a white space in the centre, it was the perfect place to add my sentiment. I love that the sides of inside layer of the card can be seen before you open it!

Inside of Card
Inside of Card

For the inside of the card, I used strips of the envelope DSP from the previous card to add borders to a Basic White piece. These were both matted with Night of Navy. The sentiment was stamped, and a candle added. 

Measurements:

  • Card Base:
    • From Kit
  • Pretty In Pink Mat:
    • 3 ¼” x 4 ½”
  • Night of Navy Mats:
    • 4” x 3 ¾” (Front)
    • 3 ½” x 2 ½” (Balloon Piece)
    • 4”x 5 ¼” (Inside)
  • Candle DSP:
    • 3 ¾” x 3 ½”
  • Balloon DSP:
    • 3 ¼” x 2 ¼”
  • Envelope DSP (2):
    • 3 5/8” x ¾”
  • Basic White (Inside):
    • 3 ¾” x 5”
  • Other Pieces from Kit:
    • Banner
    • Pretty in Pink Sentiment Strip
    • Candle

Pop-up Box Card

Here is my last alternative card using the Time for Cake August 2024 Paper Pumpkin, I made a fun pop-up box card that is sure to impress!

Pop-up Box Card
Pop-up Box Card

For my card, I thought it would be fun to have the balloons suspended over a box! To make my card, I used a lot of bits from the different cards and envelopes, but it was well worth it!

So, I created the box according to the measurements below and added the tabs for the balloons on the inside. Note: adhere the tabs to one side of box. Then, adhere to the other side of tabs and box tab. Fold flat and tuck in the tabs so that they adhere to the other side of box.

I used the Candle DSP to decorate the top flaps. For the front flap, I added the banner and two candles. Unfortunately, the banner does stick out when the card is folded down. So, I had to use a larger envelope for it.

View of the Balloons
View of the Balloons

Next, I used pieces of an envelope to decorate the outside of the box. You could decorate the top outside flaps too, but I decided not to since I didn’t want to use another envelope.

The balloon DSP was left over from the other card, and I trimmed it down to fit.

Top View
Top View

For the balloons, I used a thin strip of Window Sheet that I adhered to the balloons and to the tabs. I made sure to hold them in place while the glue set. I placed the larger balloon at the back with the smaller ones at a slight angle in front of it. Note: make sure that when the card is closed that the balloons do not extend above the card top or sides.

Back View
Back View

The final piece was the stamped Basic White piece for the message.

Measurements:

  • Card Base:
    • 5 ½” x 8 ½”:
      • Score at 2”, 4” 6” 8” along 8 ½” side
      • Score down middle at 2 ¾” of 5 ½” side
      • Cut each score mark until reach middle score mark (2 ¾”)
      • Cut off the narrow tab at 2 ¾” and trim at angle the remaining piece
    • Tabs (2):
      • ¾” x 3 ¼”
      • Score at 5/8” on both sides
  • Candle DSP:
    • 2 ½” x 1-7/8” (3 pieces)
  • Envelope DSP:
    • 2 ½” x 1-7/8” (3 pieces)
  • Balloon DSP:
    • 3 ¼” x 1-7/8”
  • Basic White (Sentiment):
    • 5 ¼” x 1 ¾”
  • Window Sheet: 1 ½” X ½” (3 pieces)
  • Other Pieces from Kit:
    • Banner
    • Candle
    • Hooray
    • Balloons

More Information on My Time for Cake Alternative Cards

For more of my Stampin’ Up! Paper Pumpkin cards, please click here.

You will find the items listed above in my online store.

My Festive Christmas Cards 

My Festive Christmas Cards - 15 Christmas cards using a sketch
My Festive Christmas Cards

Hello Crafty Friends! It’s Laurie here! I am sharing My Festive Christmas Cards using the beautiful Christmas, in Red & Green Collection – Mostly Reds Patterned Paper Set and the matching Christmas, in Red & Green Collection – Topper Set from Constantly Carding for Kendra’s Card Challenge #15.

This challenge is still going on until the end of September. So, if you want to join, there is still time. 

The Details of My Festive Christmas Cards

For my cards, I won the digital papers from another challenge at A Perfect Time To Craft Open Challenge for June, #6-2024. It came with 12 sheets of different papers all in tones of mostly reds and some greens. I was given the matching toppers to make some cards with the sets. I love the vintage feel of the toppers! You get 12 toppers, and I used 11 of them on my cards.

This is my first time doing one of these sketch challenges and I really enjoyed it! It consists of using 6” x 6” paper cut according to a recipe that Kendra provided. I used the digital paper that came in a different size but made sure I only used 6” x 6” pieces. Now, I have 15 Christmas cards ready for mailing! Yay!

Kendra’s Card Challenge #15 - Sketches for the 15 cards
Kendra’s Card Challenge #15

For My Festive Christmas Cards, I decided to keep them simple and just added some glimmer snowflakes and red jewels, along with some ribbon on two cards, to decorate them.

For a few cards, I changed the orientation of the card to suit the papers since they have a direction to them. Didn’t want my nutcrackers to be on their side. Lol! Note: for next time try to find papers that do not have a direction.

The sentiments I used on all my cards were from a free July Christmas Sentiments download on Kendra’s Patreon Page.

Card 1 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I kept the design the same as the sketch. I used a stitched square die for my focal point with a matching red mat. Don’t you just love the pretty snow globe! Since this was my first card, I was able to use the snowmen paper to match the snow globe. I added the snowflakes, red rhinestones and the sentiment which I die cut using the Stylish Shaped Dies.

Card 1 with Sketch
Card 1 with Sketch

Card 2 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I decided to add a large snowflake behind the sentiment to add some sparkle. I used a 1 ¾” punch for the sentiment a 2” for the red mat. A few rhinestones were scattered around the sentiment.

Card 2 with Sketch
Card 2 with Sketch

Card 3 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I did not have an oval large enough. So, I used a stitched rectangle instead and changed the orientation of my card to match my focal point’s direction. I thought the sentiment was perfect for the envelope on my card. Again, I added some snowflakes and rhinestones to add sparkle.

Card 3 with Sketch
Card 3 with Sketch

Card 4 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I decided to change the orientation of my card to suit the beautiful bells in my focal point and on the background paper. The sketch called for a slim piece of card stock down the centre, but I decided to add ribbon instead for a variation.

The “Noel” sentiment created a generic seasonal greeting card that would be great for those that do not celebrate Christmas. A larger snowflake behind the sentiment gave it more body. A finishing touch were a scattering of rhinestones in the opposite corner from the sentiment.

Card 4 with Sketch
Card 4 with Sketch

Card 5 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I decided to change it up a bit. I wanted the beautiful fireplace to be seen and not covered up by the strip of poinsettia paper. But I did add the sentiment on top with a few snowflakes to make it stand out. Since I had the strip of the poinsettia paper behind the fireplace, I only had room for one of the flags on the right side.

I was pleased that the stockings hung on the fireplace were mirrored with the stockings on the flag. To balance out my card, I added rhinestones in one corner and a large snowflake in the other corner.

Card 5 with Sketch
Card 5 with Sketch

Card 6 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I decided to go with all poinsettias on all my pieces. I did a lot of planning at the beginning to make sure that my paper made sense, and this card was the result. Since this card was mainly red, I decided not to add any snowflakes, but I did add the rhinestones. The sentiment was trimmed into flags with my paper snips.

Card 6 with Sketch
Card 6 with Sketch

Card 7 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I decided to change the orientation since the nutcrackers and bells were going vertically. The candle was punched out and a matching scallop punch was used for the mat. The addition of glittery snowflakes really added to the “Stay Cozy” feel of my card. The finishing touch was the rhinestones for sparkle.

Card 7 with Sketch
Card 7 with Sketch

Card 8 of My Festive Christmas Cards

This was my favourite card of the series! I just loved those cute nutcrackers! For my card, I used the Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing Folder for subtle snowflakes on the Mossy Meadow card base. Since I didn’t want to cover up the beautiful scene, I again decided to place the papers underneath my focal point.

The flags including the sentiment were trimmed with my paper snips. I decided not to include glittery snowflakes since there was already a lot going on in my card, but I did add the rhinestones.

Card 8 with Sketch
Card 8 with Sketch

Card 9 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I went through my topper pieces to find the perfect focal point and decided on the front door. It allowed me to add the flags over it without covering up too much of the image. The flags were trimmed with my paper snips. Again, there was a lot going on in my card, So, for embellishments, I only added the three rhinestones in a line at the base of the card.

Card 9 with Sketch
Card 9 with Sketch

Card 10 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I decided to use the skates even though the background papers didn’t match. Since you cut papers according to a recipe, you may not get papers to match. However, my card still had the red on all my pieces and that tied my card together.

For something different, I decided to add ribbon instead of the thin strip of card stock. Of course, you must have glittery snowflakes if you go skating!! Lol! The finishing touch was some rhinestones added in the opposite corner from the sentiment.

Card 10 with Sketch
Card 10 with Sketch

Card 11 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I decided to use the stockings which lead me to change the orientation of the card to suit them. Since I had lots of white space at the top of them, I added a sentiment and a larger snowflake to fill in the space.

Card 11 with Sketch
Card 11 with Sketch

Card 12 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I decided to make it simple with just a few larger snowflakes and rhinestones for sparkle. I was pleased that my background papers were all orientated properly!

Card 12 with Sketch
Card 12 with Sketch

Card 13 of My Festive Christmas Cards

I decided to change the orientation since I wanted the nutcrackers to be standing up. So, I changed the orientation of the sentiment and added a larger snowflake behind it to give the appearance that the sentiment is larger. The finishing touch was a scattering of rhinestones around the sentiment for sparkle.

Card 13 with Sketch
Card 13 with Sketch

Card 14 of My Festive Christmas Cards

There were a lot of pieces left from all the cuttings from the recipes which were used for Card 14. I decided to add the largest snowflake and the bauble to my card for some interest. Rhinestones were added around the sentiment for sparkle.

Card 14 with Sketch
Card 14 with Sketch

Card 15 of My Festive Christmas Cards

Don’t you just love those nutcrackers on that Christmas sweater! This was the card that I really wanted to show them off! For buttons, I decided to use glittery snowflakes. The red rhinestones made the perfect necklace with a larger glittery snowflake as the pendant.

Card 15 with Sketch
Card 15 with Sketch

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Card Recipe for My Festive Christmas Cards:

Christmas, in Red & Green Collection – Mostly Reds Patterned Paper Set and Christmas, in Red & Green Collection – Topper Set, Constantly Carding
Kendra’s Card Challenge #15
Christmas Sentiments, Kendra’s Card Challenges
Circle, Square and Rectangle Stitched Layering Dies, Memory Box
Circles Collection Framelits Dies, Stampin’ Up!
Stylish Shapes Dies, Stampin’ Up!
Thick Basic White Card Stock, Stampin’ Up!
Balmy Blue Glimmer Paper, Stampin’ Up!
Snowfall Thinlits Dies, Stampin’ Up!
Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing Folder, Stampin’ Up!
2” Circle Punch, Stampin’ Up!
1 ¾” Circle Punch, Stampin’ Up!
Scallop Circle Punch, Stampin’ Up!
Scallop Border Punch, EK Success
Red Rhinestones Basic Jewels, Stampin’ Up!
Real Red Grosgrain Stitched Ribbon
Paper Snips, Stampin’ Up!
Multipurpose Adhesive Glue, Stampin’ Up!

Mossy Meadow, Real Red and Basic White Card Stock, Stampin’ Up!

Finished card sizes: 4 ¼” x 5 ½”

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Hope you like My Festive Christmas Cards using Kendra’s Card Challenge #15! Since this was my first time entering this challenge, I found it hard and made my brain hurt at times! Lol! I had to do a lot of thinking ahead of time to get the papers that I wanted in the correct orientation I wanted.

For more of my Christmas cards, please click here.

Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,
Laurie