Countdown to the new mini catalog #6

Hey Y'all... number 6....

Snailed it! Have you seen these adorable snails floating around out there? This little snail was part of On Stage. He would travel across the screen. I missed him with On Stage was over. This set is part of the Snail Mail suite. The suite has the stamp set, dies, embellishments (ADORABLE little resin hearts!), and DSP. Swoon!!!

Y'all there is a die that cuts out MINI envelopes... you have to excuse my use of all caps. I am literally screaming as I type. There are so many cute ideas already bouncing around in cyberspace. I'm adding my ideas on Instagram today. So let's dive in and see all the things I have made.

Details for today's card

Here are my cards. It is getting harder and harder to stop creating. My goal was 3ish cards to share... I'm creating SO many more! 

See those dots??? They are made with the center piece from the speech bubble.  I used the Light Real Red Stampin' Blend to line my sentiment circle. 

The DSP in this suite is AMAZING! It's really a stand alone kind of paper pack. A few layers of cardstock and bam... beautiful cards!

Although I pulled my color scheme directly from the DSP pack, I am loving Bermuda Bay with Real Red. Such a fun combo that I'm sure I would have never picked myself. I can promise you that you will see more of it from me!

This card was so fun. I used the dies to make the speech bubbles by layering the heart inside the speech bubble and letting painters tape hold it in place. See the Daffodil Delight paper at the top? That tiny dot pattern I made by using one of our stencils and running it through the Stamp and Emboss machine.

I saved my favorite card for last. I love how the Stitched So Sweetly dies mimic the look of a postage stamp. This set does have a square postage stamp shape and there is a punch in the Annual Catalog, but nothing this big.

Make sure you are following me on Instagram and YouTube. Each has it's own special feature... for example I am recording bonus videos with stamp sets I couldn't feature. And Instagram will have all the images in one place. 

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Countdown to the new mini #7

Hey y'all! 

The weather man is calling for rain here and lots of snow across the US. I wish we would get snow but our reality is cold (temps around 35) and rain. It's just miserable... unless you are able to hole up in your craft room and create! Then it's a perfect kind of day. 

Countdown #7- Enjoy the Moment

I mentioned in one of the Instagram posts for today that 1. I didn't love this set when we got it at On Stage; 2. today's posts were going to be a he said she said kind of thing. So as we dive into these cards, notice how this set can be used with different color schemes. 

Details for today's card

These first 2 cards are the "she said" versions.  The color pallet is Rococo Rose, Blushing Bride, and Sahara Sand. I'm mixing something old and something new in these cards- new stamp set with annual catalog DSP. I know I get all excited about the new things in the catalog. I want to create with stamps and papers that I haven't played with before. I'm guessing you feel that too. Forgetting what we already have in our stash and adding it to our new projects gives new life to something old. And you already had to have it!

These cards are my "he said" version. These are the cards that I feel are more masculine. Not that any "she" in your life wouldn't like them too. These also feel a bit more natural and earthy to me. I really am starting to fall in love with this set added to the In Good Taste paper (that to be very transparent- I had to have because it's amazing but have struggled to use).

So there we are! 5 beautiful cards to inspire you to use the Enjoy the Moment stamp set. 

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Countdown #8, and a The Spot sketch challenge

Hey y'all! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We had our oldest and her kitten home for a few days before she jetted off to her apartment and back to work. It was so nice having the house full, but it's also nice having an empty house. The boys are hunting and will be back sometime later today, so that empty house will go away lol. Today is number 8 in my Top 10 favorite new things from the January to June Mini Catalog. Today is also the day we, The Spot design team, release the challenge for the week. When I was planning for today's post, I specifically picked this set to share for today's sketch.

Let's look at the sketch. Here is what jumped out at me... the large circle could be ANY shape. There is a die in the Hippo and Friends set that I use all the time that would be perfect for this sketch. The second thing that jumped out at me was how versatile the background is going to be on this sketch. The lighter gray strip could be ribbon, DSP, or even something you stamped. There are several dies that cut an "edge" that would look great in this spot on the card. I also see adding matting layers to give extra dimension. I'm a gal who LOVES a good layered card.

Details for today's card

OM geez! This stamp set is so cute. It's punny and I love that. Think dad jokes but better. It has phrases like "oh snap" and "after a while.... crocodile". For this card I used Bermuda Bay cardstock for the main layer and stamped the little fish in the areas when the sketch showed those tiny circles. I used a paper that you can pick from the Sale-a-bration flyer called Oh So Ombre in two places on this card. The first is the alligator himself. Then I used the Bermuda Bay one for the strip down the left side. This paper is very simple but adds a lot of punch.

Let's take a look at this card. In this version I changed the sketch direction and the shape from a circle to a square. I used paper from the Whale of a Good Time suite from the Annual catalog. My alligator is stamped in Memento ink and colored with Stampin' Blends. I used dimentionals to pop up the bird and added Sequins for a finishing touch. 

I love a good sketch that really can be a jumping off point for cards. This one is definitely one of those. I hope that you are inspired to join our challenge. Click on the image below to see how to enter and what the other design team members came up with. 

If you are just joining me today as I countdown to the new catalog, I hope that you will come back each day at 3pm central time to see the new item that I am featuring. Don't forget to check out both Instagram (@alittlekinder) and YouTube for all the projects.

Are you in the United States? I would LOVE to be your Stampin'Up! Demonstrator!

If you are in the United States and not currently working with a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, you can order supplies in my online store, here.

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Beyond the Box, December Paper Pumpkin

Hey Y'all! I hope that all is well in your corner of the world. It's peaceful here today. The sun is out and the air is cool. One of my two chick-a-dees is home for the holidays, the other is only going to have a few days here. Life is very different feeling right now. I love a home that is full of noise and laughter, and I love my home when it's quiet. Each is so different and brings a different feeling. This time of year I like a mixture of both, it helps in my reflective process. I don't know about you but in the quiet of the night, under the lights of a Christmas tree I see to be drawn to reflection. This year is no different. It's a comforting feeling, and one I look forward to each year. 

So how on earth does that apply to what I am sharing today? It's all about the comforting feeling. This month's Paper Pumpkin kit is adorable and meant to pass on comfort to others. Also I have been thinking a lot about connections... the people we normally would see but don't due to lock downs, or shelter at home orders. I think that the cards I'm creating with the stamp set from this month's Paper Pumpkin Kit are perfect for connecting with our loved ones. I mean, who doesn't LOVE a bear hug? 

I made 3 alternatives for this kit, I also made a video that will be on my YouTube channel. Let's take a look at the cards.

Details for today's card

Soft Sea Foam

Pretty Peacock

Rich Razzleberry

For each of today's card I used the color pallet of Soft Sea Foam, Pretty Peacock, and Rich Razzleberry. 

I did add two stamps from the upcoming You Are Amazing stamp set. 

This first card uses Soft Sea Foam as a base. I added a banner in Pretty Peacock and stamped the word Hooray in Soft Sea Foam. The word congrats and the background stamp comes from the new You Are Amazing stamp set.

This card uses the Pretty Peacock cardstock that I stamped with the adorable bear from the Paper Pumpkin kit. The flag is Soft Sea Foam and the scalloped rectangle comes from the Stitched So Sweetly dies. I love how the bear fits inside the next to largest rectangle. I colored the bear using Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends.

And our last card adds some fun DSP from the Pattern Play 6"x 6" paper pack. 

Watch this month's Beyond the Box:

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Countdown to the new Mini! 10....

Hey y'all!

I am so excited!! Today we are starting a countdown to the new mini catalog. Today is our first day and uses one of the CUTEST stamp sets! We are going on a shark hunt with the Shark Frenzy stamp set.

Details for today's card

Our first card showcases using the stamps to create our own background papers. This is the reason that I started stamping... the ability to make my own pattern papers. I used one of the dies to make a stencil that I used to create the "bubbles" on the scalloped  rectangle. 

This set is packed with goodness!! I love that this set is cheeky. I used several of the words to make the greeting on this card. Check out the mustache on the shark!!! It's like a dad joke in a single image. The DSP is from the Annual Catalog... it's the Whale of a Time pattern paper. 

Oh my geez!!! Y'all these cards just get better and better. Here is a grandpa shark. He has the top hat and cane and that adorable red bow tie! Take a quick peak at his eye... yep that is a gold monocle!It's stamped and then heat embossed with gold powder.  I am using sequins from the Whale of a Time suite. There is a "swish" in the dies but I had already cut this piece of DSP with the Curvy Celebrations die so I used that instead of cutting a new piece. I also added a circle of vellum cardstock and some sheer ribbon to finish off this card. 

You know I couldn't leave the momma shark out! We make this card in the video for today. I really wanted to share this stencil technique and blending brushes. Again we have a cheeky card with pink lips and eyelashes on this mommy shark! Check out the video....

No this set isn't just for kids. I love the feel and cheekiness that just makes me smile. I know you will be seeing more of this set in the coming weeks and months. It's just too cute!

Thank you for joining me for number 10 in my count down. 

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If you are in the United States and not currently working with a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, you can order supplies in my online store, here.

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Are you mad for Magenta Madness yet?

Hey Y'all!

Today I'm sharing with the team from The Spot for this weeks challenge. I have been looking forward to sharing this card for WEEKS! 

We are playing with Black, White, and a Pop of color. The second I saw this challenge, I knew my pop of color- Magenta Madness. 

Details for today's card

This card is exactly what I imagined it would be! I started with a card base made from Magenta Madness cardstock. 

I added two layers, one of Whisper white and the other is the black and white plaid from Plaid Tidings in the August to December Mini Catalog. The stamp set I picked was the Zany Zebras from the Annual Catalog. I also used the little half circle stamp from the Pattern Play stamp set. Oh and that "It's your  Birthday" stamp is coming during Sale-a-bration (Next week I start my count down to Sale-a-bration). I added two more layers, one of Magenta Madness cardstock and the other is the Whisper White layer I stamped on. 

I used a scrap of Whisper White to stamp and cut out my zebra and the light Seaside Spray Stampin' Blend to give it a little pop. I layered a vellum cardstock heart and added some rhinestones to finish my card.

If you haven't seen the other projects that the team made, you need to click on the image below and check them out! 

Products Used:

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If you are in the United States and not currently working with a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, you can order supplies in my online store, here.

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Last Minute Holiday Gifts The Spot Challenge

Hey y'all!!

Are you done with you holiday shopping? Not started yet? Or somewhere in the middle? I'm stuck somewhere in the middle. This time of year can be very overwhelming for me. The early darkness really gives me the blahs. I reach a point of overwhelmed lack of motivation.  I've found over the years that the best thing is for me to knock out all the school related things (parents gifts, students gifts, planning the end of semester celebration). I put up our tree with lights on it. When the kids were little we would decorate together, now that they are grown I decorate it slowly. Right now it's got lights and the super cute Menagerie Mix Up boxes I made a couple of weeks ago. They make me smile. I add a few other ornaments here and there.

But my biggest blah basher is crafting!! This week I'm sharing all kinds of Blue and Silver based projects, I hope you head over to see them. I'm actually going to share a couple of things with you today. The first fits into my IG theme for the week, and it lead to my official projects for this week's Challenge. Let's take a look at the IG project first.

This is a cash wallet that I made for my daughter's Christmas gift. These are SUPER easy to make (see the video below). There was a time when I spent hours wrapping the latest toy or doll or outfit, but now that my children are both in college they both ask for help with paying bills or getting gift cards to their favorite place. And honestly, I totally get it! I love a gift card to my favorite place. Some of my favorite gift cards are to Sonic and the massage therapist  I use. So I can't blame the kids for wanting that same excitement- getting the gift and then the fun of going to use the gift. 

So drawing on that inspiration, I created a gift card and matching cash wallet for today's challenge. Let's dive into today's projects.

Details for today's card

Here they are! This combination is a cash wallet and a gift card holder. Both of these items were made with the Heartfelt Hugs DSP. 

The cash wallet is made from a 7" by 7 1/2" sheet of DSP. You score it on the 7 1/2" side at 2 1/4 and  5 2/4". Fold in and use tear and tape to make a pocket on one side. You will also need to make a belly band from a 1 1/2" x 6 1/2" strip of DSP. I used 2 different size circle punches and the Four Season Floral stamp set and Stampin' Blends to finish the belly band.

This is my gift card holder. This one was also super easy to make. 

And here they are together and with some cash/ gift cards. I think my kiddos are going to be happy this summer. I hope that you are inspired to create something for this week's Challenge. Check out the other design team members projects by clicking the image below.

How to make the Cash wallet/ envelope:

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Warm and Cozy with New at SU!

Hey Y’all! 

Today I’m hopping with the New at SU! team. Our theme this month is warm and cozy and boy do I have a cute card for you!!! 

What speaks warm and cozy to you? For me it’s fuzzy bear slipper from my childhood and hot cocoa in our family room that is lit only by the Christmas tree lights. 

Details for today's card

I love how this card turned out. The Heartfelt Hugs DSP is perfect for this card. The combination of patterns just feels like home at the holidays to me. I love the Mossy Meadow with the Pear Pizzaz and the Real Red color pallet. I added in some of my adorable Menagerie Mix Up animals from the North Polo (of course). And here is a warm and cozy card.

I hope that you have enjoyed my take on Warm and Cozy and that you will hop on to see what Diane Browning created. Just a quick click on the image below and away you go!

May your holidays be warm and cozy!

December 2020 Warm & Cozy New at SU! Hop
Tricia’s Stamping Creations - Freezin' Fun
Carterie Plus - Coming Home
Stampin’ Xime - Nothing Better Than
Stamping Flair - Wrapped in Christmas
Stamping with the Copper Cropper - Lots to Celebrate
As the Ink Dries - Fireside Trimmings
Stampin’ Mak - Warm Hugs
Creative Juice by Loni - Wildly Happy
Terrific Cards - Heartwarming Hugs
A Little Kinder - Menagerie Mix Up ** you are here***
247Inkspiration - Press On

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Going Bright and Bold with The Spot Creative Challenge

Hey Y'all!

Today I'm hopping with The Spot Creative Challenge. Our theme is Over the Top Holiday cards. 

I really struggled with this idea. I asked everyone I could think of what they thought "Over the top Holiday cards" meant. In the end I went with what spoke to me. LAYERS! I love a layered card.  This one with the bright and bold colors is perfect.

Don't forget that you too can play along with the challenges. I hope that you will join us with your projects. Now let's dive into this weeks card!

Details for today's card

For today’s card I used a new January to June Mini Catalog stamp set called Boarders to Backgrounds to stamp the dots on my card base. Then I layered a piece of Magenta Madness DSP from the 6x6 paper stack. Then I use 1x3” strips to layer at diagonals across the word DSP. I added the stamped word “Joy” and “ to the world”. My finishing touch was adding some Pool Party rhinestones. 

I love how this card turned out. I hope that you will join us this week and make an over the top Holiday card! 

Are you in the United States? I would LOVE to be your Stampin'Up! Demonstrator!

If you are in the United States and not currently working with a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, you can order supplies in my online store, here.

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