A while ago, Laura from Lil’ Inker asked if I would be interested in doing some design work for her company that she had just started. Her stuff is way cute and she’s a doll, so I jumped on the opportunity. I have loved seeing her company grow and I must admit that it’s pretty cool to be a part of it, too! Again, last month LID came out some great stuff including some new Valentine’s sweets! I am such a sucker for heart dies, so you can imagine how my own heart went a flutter when this stitched die set came to me {swoon}…

How about this for super clean and simple?…

Detail shot…

This card was not a CAS from the start, but then when I set some of the pieces aside I saw something that I liked and I went with it. It reminds me of the first card that I ever had published. I’ll be using this die set a lot, and I definitely have something more elaborate up my sleeve, so stay tuned.

Now, keep on hop, hop, hopping along to the Lil’ Inker store! Happy stamping!

Happy TCP Tuesday! Leigh is your Hipster Hostess with the Mostess this week and she has such a fabby sketch for everyone. Whatcha think?…

I had so much fun with this sketch! I have to say that I was inspired by the cool winter air when I chose to work with this cutie patootie skating bunny from DEEP BREATH from The Cat’s Pajamas {sentiment from Like You a Latte}…

Detail of the banner, dressed up with the snowflakes from the Snowflake Doily CutUps die {round panel} and pink rhinestones…

Lots of layers and bling! I added a layer of snow by covering a piece of white cardstock with Diamond Stickles. His paper pieced hat has a fuzzy rim created with Diamond Stickles and white Flower Soft…

The heart with button and Peppermint Divine Twine was a last minute addition that I just love. The heart is cut from the Heart Trio CutUps die and I cannot get enough of that twine…good thing I got an entire spool of it!

Want to play along with this challenge? Be sure to check out all the details, including upload information, on Alma’s blog. Happy stamping and good luck!

My card for this week’s TCP Tuesday challenge {TCP stamp + CutUps die with a hearts on it} using this month’s SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY, which just happens to be sponsored {Thanks, Alma!} by The Cat’s Pajamas…

Created from this sketch..

Stinkin’ Cute from the LOVE STINKS set…

Love this CutUps die {Heart Rosette}…

In order to avoid what could turn into the most lengthy {and slightly redundant} post ever, I’m going to provide links for all pertinent information…

Those playing along with the TCP Tuesday challenge, you may find all details and upload information HERE on The Cat’s Pajamas blog.

Those playing along with this month’s SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY, you may find all details, including the sketch and upload information HERE on the SFYTT post from the 1st Saturday of the month.

Why not combine them for 2x the fun Happy stamping and good luck!

As for me, I want to share with you my textured filled card using Anika from Holland…

Lots of layers!!…

She was FUN to color!…

Simple embellishment with sentiment…

Ok, so let’s chat TEXTURE!

Merriam-Webster defines TEXTURE as the visual or tactile surface characteristics and appearance of something.

By this definition and in the terms of card making…it’s how a card looks and feels. Texture can be lacking and it can also be way overdone. So, how did I incorporate it into my card?

1. Distressed edges
2. Sewn panel
3. Embossed panel
4. Punch panel
5. Ribbon and twine
6. Layers

You can see that I did not distress, sew on and emboss every layer. This would send this card into texture overload, especially since the focal point is a large colored image. If the main image panel was a sentiment, distressing, sewing and embossing on multiple panels could look good. I probably could have gotten away with sewing on the red dot panel, but it was nap time and I try not to make too much noise that might wake the beast. I know you moms know what I mean!
The small eyelet lace punched panel atop the embossed kraft panel also adds texture, as will as visual appeal by tying in the white from the main image panel and card base.
Embellishments, such as the ribbon and twine I used, are super simple ways to add texture to a card. You can play around with the placement and how to tie/knot it so that it fits the style of your creation.
I contemplated whether or not to add “Layers” as part of this “dissertation” on texture and then I thought to myself that it is the most basic part of the texture of this card. I find myself running my fingers over the layers and realizing how much different this card would be if it was all flat. So remember, dimension makes a difference!

What’s your favorite way to add texture to your creations?

The butterfly is cut twice from the new All Aflutter die set and is stamped with the grid from the Making a Statement set {same set as sentiment}…

There is a whole bunch of patterns and textures going on with this card and I love the way that they come together. I get asked {a lot} how I choose my papers. I honestly don’t put a lot of thought into it, especially when they come from the same paper line {Authentique}. Many times, I just pick up a few scraps that happen to have fallen next to each other. Is that dumb luck or an eye for design? Six to one, half a dozen to the other, I guess I try to vary the size and white/neutral space of my patterns. Also, you can see that I tied the blue in several places, making it dominant without even having a lot of it on the card. In addition to the pattern papers, I try to add texture. The white textured panel {Sizzix embossing folder} creates a pop of {un}color and sets off the blue butterfly. I don’t know that I have actually explained anything about my paper choices here. It seems like I have really just discussed what I notice when I look at this card. Anyways, for those that want to know my thoughts on paper choices, this is a start. I will try to revisit this subject a few more times, as I pay more attention to the “why” in my choices.

Have a beautiful day!