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Friends of Unity Blog Hop + Giveaways + Sympathy Cards

8/1/2020

Hi! Welcome to our August Friends of Unity Blog Hop
where several amazing designer friends & myself share
our love (and obsessions) of Unity Stamps!!!

Scroll down for new tutorials, enter our many GIVEAWAYS, &
get hopping to the next blog for more amazing inspiration!!!
***
But Before I get started...check our ==> July Blog Hops to see if you are one of the many Winners and claim your prizes!!!
Our Winner here at My Kraft Kloset, for July 2020 is...

Lacey W.

Congratulations!!!
***

Our theme for August is... Sympathy!
This is a hard theme to create for, but very meaningful and it's easier to have some made in advance. Some of you know, I lost my little sister to breast cancer, almost 3yrs ago. It was devastating to my family, but the thoughtful cards we received really touched our hearts and I still have them. Thank you!
Because I care, I urge you to get a mammogram early! No matter how old you are, get a base line. And don't wait for October either. Just do it now! It could save your life! xoxo

Sympathy cards are hard to make, at times, but they don't have to be the traditional black, white, or gray, even though those are very elegant. I chose to design three different styles with non-traditional colors to give you some ideas that don't take a lot of time or supplies to send your condolences.

Let's get started!
Card #1 has a traditional sentiment on vellum and a pretty light blue lacy embossed panel with some simple embellishments.

Click the pictures below for a complete step by step tutorial...

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5x11” piece of kraft cardstock, cut in half, which makes two A2 cards. I took one half and folded to make an A2 card base. I started by stamping and heat embossing just the kraft card base, but thought it was too dark for this theme and I wanted to keep it soft and light. So I’ll save that piece for another day. I took the other A2 kraft half I already cut and that will be our card base. I cut and trimmed a light blue piece of cardstock ¼” smaller than our card base. Click or hover on each picture below for more directions…

Card #2 uses a thoughtful heat embossed sentiment among this beautiful floral on pretty shades of blue papers and coordinating embellishments.

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5x11” piece of turquoise cardstock, cut in half, which makes two A2 cards. I took one half and folded to make an A2 card base. Because using color on Sympathy cards is ok...really! I personally don’t make them bright, but some color is ok. It’s the thought that counts! Next I cut a piece of plaid patterned paper 3x5.5” and using a die cutting machine, and an edge die, I cut the right side and adhered to the card base. Using my original MISTI, white cardstock, and Memento tuxedo black ink, an alcohol marker friendly ink/cardstock, I stamped this gorgeous floral stamp twice to get a good impression. It’s one of my all time favorite flower stamps. Click or hover on each picture below for more directions…

Card #3 uses pretty coordinating papers and colors in a non-traditional way, with a gorgeous center floral, a heat embossed sentiment, with simple embellishments too!

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5x11” piece of green cardstock, cut in half, which makes two A2 cards. I took one half and folded to make an A2 card base. Next I cut two pieces of coordinating Unity patterned paper 3.75x5.5” and adhered to the card base. Using my original MISTI, white cardstock, and Memento tuxedo black ink, an alcohol marker friendly ink/cardstock, I stamped another beautiful floral stamp twice to get a good impression. It’s another favorite flower stamp. Click or hover on each picture below for more directions…

Here's another peak at them...all using the same sentiment kit.

I hope I've inspired you to play with your stamps, pretty patterned papers, and see where it takes you!
The possibilities are endless!

And if you use Unity stamps and any of our themes,
please share your creations with us by using the hashtags: #friendsofunity #unitystampco

Pssst! Are you still with me???
Enter this GIVEAWAY using the Rafflecopter box below.
The more boxes you check the greater your chances.
One winner will be selected randomly at each giveaway, & contacted via email or private messaging, and announced in our next Blog Hop on Sept. 5, 2020
Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

==> The HOP starts below <==
go back to the beginning & Hop with ALL of these talented
Friends of Unity Designers
click on their names below & leave a comment to win!

Crystal O. Minkler <= go back to start
Eileen Mathys
Amber Trubiak
Dawn Fields
Dawn Bryson
Kim Klinkovsky <= you are here
Bobbie Sue McConathy
Robyn Jordan
Alaine Turner
Jeanie Hays

Disclaimer: We designers on the Friends of Unity team appreciate every single comment we get. We use our own stash every month for a giveaway. We are NOT paid or sponsored by Unity Stamp Co., but they do approve of our hop, and that makes us all very happy! We started this hop because we love Unity Stamps. That's it. This hop is our way of showcasing our Unity cards to inspire others along the way!

Thank You for stopping by!
Have a safe & crafty weekend!
~Kim

*
Click the pink button below to follow along & never miss a NEW post, Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Tutorials,
New Releases, & so much more!
*
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies:
Card #1:
Unity Stamp Company: Brutus Monroe Lace background stamp, Abundant Blessings sentiment kit, and Purple Tape; Brutus Monroe Lunchbag cardstock; Papertrey light blue cardstock and vellum; MISTI stamping tool; Versamark clear ink; Ranger Ink clear and Tanzanite embossing powder; Marvy Heat Tool; Fiskars Large Squeeze Corner Round Punch; Gray satin ribbon; My Minds Eye enamel dots; mini glue dots; and ½” Scor-tape.

Card #2:
Unity Stamp Company: You Are Forever Beautiful, Hug stamp set (script), and Abundant Blessings sentiment kit; Papertrey turquoise and black cardstock; X-Press It white cardstock; a scrap of navy/turquoise plaid paper from a 6x6 Teresa Collins-Every Day Moments pad; Big Shot machine; Simon Says edge die set; MISTI stamping tool; Memento Tuxedo black ink; Versamark clear ink; Ranger Ink Seafoam white embossing powder; Marvy Heat Tool; Spectrum Noir alcohol markers; Ranger Ink Distress Oxide Ink: faded jeans and Distress Ink: antique linen; Ranger Diamond Stickles glitter glue; Picket Fence Life Changing Blender Brush; AC ric rac ribbon; Tombow Mono multi liquid glue; My Minds Eye enamel dots; and ½” Scor-tape

Card #3:
Unity Stamp Company: Abundant Blessings sentiment kit and (2) different pattern papers from Unity Pink/Blue Watercolored paper pack; Papertrey green and blue cardstock; X-Press It white cardstock; Big Shot machine; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle die set and No Frills Plain Slimline die cuts; MISTI stamping tool; Memento Tuxedo black ink; Versamark clear ink; WOW white pearl embossing powder; Marvy Heat Tool; Vicki Boutin mixed media water color brushes; H2O Brush; Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and clear sparkle pen; AC blue ribbon; Gina Marie Designs frosted green enamel dots; and ½” Scor-tape

{Click pics to Shop affiliate supplies below, at no extra cost to you}

Craft Challenges:
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper August 2020 Challenge-(card #3)
Repeat Impressions Anything Goes Challenge ~ JL2220-(card #3)

WWC282 - Fifth Week Anything Goes Challenge-(card #2)
KCC #518 - ANYTHING GOES! -(card #2)
LTCCB #49 - August Anything Goes-(card #2)

Lil Red Wagon Challenge #560 - Give Us Your Background!-(card #1 heat embossed lace background)
MIUCB #40 Anything Goes + Embossing-(card #1: heat embossed background)
Retro Rubber Challenge 140 | Tic+Tac+Toe-(card #1: used a corner punch, rectangle panel, sympathy sentiment) using a sentiment stamp from 2017 and background lace stamp is 1-2yrs old

24 Comments

Christmas in July Blog Hop + Linky Party + Giveaways

7/25/2020

18 Comments

Merry Christmas on July 25th!!! I know it's Summer, but as card makers we are always thinking ahead and don't want to wait until December to make our holiday cards. Because it takes planning, creating, and inspiration. And the holidays will be here before we know it and we only have 4 months!!!

So if you're tired of being stressed out, rushing around trying to make cards, or guilty for not sending out any. Then this Holiday Hop is the perfect inspiration to get those creative juices flowing to help you build your stash. Which means, if you start now, make a few cards a day, you'll have so many cards done and ready to mail. So you can enjoy the holiday season!

Grab a refreshing beverage, sit back and enjoy the holiday inspiration ALL week on FB, IG, and blog hopping!!! And the best part...you can "link up" and play along too! Click "here" for more details or click the pic below...

For today's project I used two amazing digital stamp sets to create this darling scene using some of my favorite things.

Let's get started...

Tutorial: I started with an piece of black 12x12 cardstock, cut in half, folded and cut for a 7.5 x 6.25" card base. I made this bigger to frame and hang in my kitchen at my coffee station during the holidays. But you can totally make this any size and I'll tell you how below. Then I cut a piece of plaid holiday patterned paper 7x6" adhered to the card base.

Let's work on the image. The wonderful thing about these digital stamps is you can resize them and mix and match to create whatever scene you want. So, if you make A2 cards or larger, you can. I use this FREE WPS Office document program to copy and paste digital images to be able to layer, move images around, and resize them. It's a really easy program for pc's and macs and more. I love layering and creating new, fun scenes, like this one. See pictures below to continue the tutorial…

I copied and pasted the coffee mug and sentiment from one Christmas set. And the mice, cinnamon sticks, and beans from a Fall set. And lined them up, flipped one of the mice so their facing each other, resized them all on the same 8.5x11" layout. Once I had the images where I wanted them, I grouped them as one piece, saved, and renamed as a “new” document in the same file as my original stamp set, to use again for future use.

Then I printed my image on my HP inkjet printer using the thin brand of HL white cardstock, and colored it with Distress Ink colors shown above, water color pencils, and an H2O brush. Just lightly with very little water, as to keep the color vibrant, and not warp the paper.

Next I trimmed out the image down to 6.5x 5.5" , cut the corners with a corner rounder punch, added a few brown distress dots inked to the edges like coffee stains, and adhered to the card. Added just a touch of bling with a gold glitter pen around the rim of the cup and center of the poinsettia's. And adhered a holiday ribbon on to two opposite corners to keep this card flat for mailing. Or fame it for the holidays, like I plan to do!

Tip: You can certainly make these smaller, A2 size (5.5x4.25") for instance, and group 4 images on one sheet of 8.5x11" white card stock and print four images at a time for mass producing your holiday cards.

Here's another look...

I hope I've inspired you to try digital stamps and mix
different sets and get started on your holiday cards.
The possibilities are endless and oh so fun!

I used these Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamp Sets:
Merry Little Coffee and Pumpkin Spice Mice

All Christmas & Winter sets are 50% off and all other sets are 35% off
AND
this NEW digital paper set, Peppermint Wishes is FREE this week ONLY thru Aug 1st too! That coordinates with this digi set for 50% off.

Hop for more inspiration and link up any of your new holiday projects Click ==> "here" for more details!

Here are a few more holiday cards I made this week for:
#buildyourstashholidayhop #byshhchristmasinjuly2020 #buildyourstashholidaycardmakers
#getcrackingonchristmas

Thanks for stopping by!
May you be safe, happy, crafty, inspired,
& prepared for the holidays!
~Kim

*
Click the pink button below to follow NEW posts, Blog Hops, Announcements, Challenges, Giveaways, Tutorials,
New Releases, & so much more!
*
For more inspiration follow these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies: Polka Dot Orchard digital stamps: Merry Little Coffee and Pumpkin Spice Mice digital stamp sets; Papertrey Ink black cardstock; HL thin white cardstock; Echo Park Paper: A Perfect Christmas Kit (patterned paper); Ranger Distress Inks: Pine Needles, Candied Apple, and Antique Linen; American Crafts 1Canoe2 colored pencils; H2O brush; Fiskars Large Squeeze Corner Rounder punch; AC ribbon; (Copic) Atyou Spica glitter pen-gold; and 1/2" Scor-tape adhesive.

{Shop supplies by clicking affiliate pics below, at no extra cost to you}

Craft Challenges:
ABC Christmas Challenge - N & O are for? - O is for Over the top
The Holly&Ivy Christmas Challenge #75 - Anything Christmas Goes
MLCCB #24 - July Anything Christmas Goes
CHNC challenge 500 + optional theme: I used Ribbon

Double Trouble Challenge #62 "Christmas in July" with Heart2Heart "Favorite Tool"-(Corner Rounder Punch & Colored Pencils in Thing 1 and Thing 2)
Heart2Heart-Your Favorite(Crafting)Tool-(Corner Rounder Punch & Colored Pencils)

KCC #517 ALL OCCASIONS!
The Paper Girls Challenge #204 - Christmas in July!
Repeat Impressions Anything Goes Challenge ~ JL2220

The Card Concept #138b {Christmas in July}-(I was inspired by the colors red, green, and brown on my clean and layered card)

18 Comments

Special Delivery Baby Card with Seashells and Mermaids

7/20/2020

4 Comments

Hi everybody! After receiving an overwhelming response on social media about this unique baby card I made and several requests, I created a tutorial below on how to make this special card. I am truly moved by your sweet comments supporting my creations. It was very heartwarming and I thank you for your kindness! And if this is your first time seeing this card or visiting my Blog...Welcome and I hope you stay awhile & follow along!

I made this special card for some friends of ours that were married on a beach a few years ago and are expecting their first child next month. So, I knew I wanted a beachy theme with blue for a boy and these Unity stamps delivered! What do you think?!?

Let's get started...

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5x11" piece of turquoise 110lb card stock, cut in half, and folded for an A2 (5.5" x 4.25") card base. Next I took out my MISTI original stamping tool, a half sheet of 8.5x11" white cardstock, and stamped this amazing seashell background stamp with clear ink 2-3 times to get good ink coverage. Removed the image from the MISTI, sprinkled with gold embossing powder, and heat set. And trimmed down the seashells image to 5" x 3.75."

Then using the Distress Oxide inks shown above (and listed below in supplies) and a blending brush, I added browns to the bottom half of the seashell image and blues to the top half. And using a speckled stencil, added brown and blue Distress Oxide inks in the darker colors with a blending brush. It added little dots to the top like bubbles and specks to the bottom like sand. And adhered the seashell image to black cardstock cut 5.25" x 3.5" to matte/frame the image and adhered the whole piece to the card base.

Next using the MISTI stamping tool again and the other half of white card stock, I stamped this amazing mermaid tail and sentiment together with clear ink twice to get a good ink coverage. Removed from the MISTI, sprinkled with gold embossing powder, and heat set. Just look at all that shimmer!!!

Then I cut out the mermaid tail image out using a die cutting machine and a stitched oval die. And using the same ink blending process as the seashells above, I added blues and browns to the oval and stenciled only some darker blue speckles for bubbles. I know it's hard to see, but I also added some clear sparkle to the mermaid tail, just on the tips. I couldn't resist, it needed some bling. And adhered the image to the card base.

I could have added more bling to this card with pearls or rhinestones or maybe a ribbon, because I LOVE those things and it's kinda my style...but it's a baby card. So I didn't want any type of choking hazard on the card, just in case. It really didn't need anything else ...it's pretty shiny just the way it is. So special for a new mom to welcome a baby boy, birthday, or any occasion. I just love how it turned out, don't you?

Here is another look...

I hope I've inspired you to mix and match your stamps, maybe try new products, and see what you can create.
The possibilities are endless!

I used these Unity Stamp Sets:
She Sells Sea Shells (border backgrounds), She Mermaid (tail), and the sentiment is from Love in the Air.

Click pic below & check out the Birthday SALE too!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Have a safe, happy, & crafty week!
~Kim

*
Click the pink button below to follow NEW posts, Blog Hops, Announcements, Challenges, Giveaways, Tutorials,
New Releases, & so much more!
*
For more inspiration follow these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies: Unity Stamp Company stamps: She Sells Sea Shells (border backgrounds), She Mermaid (tail), and Love in the Air (sentiment); Papertrey Ink 110lb turquoise cardstock card base; American Crafts black 4x6 cardstock pack; HL thin White cardstock; MISTI original stamping tool; Versamark clear ink; Ranger Ink Super Fine Gold Embossing Powder; Marvy Heat tool; Ranger Ink/Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks: Mermaid Lagoon, Faded Jeans, Brushed Corduroy, and Walnut Stain; Tim Holtz Speckled Stencil; Picket Fence Studios-Life Changing Blending Brush (small); Big Shot Machine; Gina Marie Designs-Stitched Oval die set; Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen-Clear; and 1/2" Scor-Tape adhesive.

{Shop supplies by clicking affiliate pics below, at no extra cost to you}

Craft Challenges:
LTCCB #48 - July Anything Goes
LTSCB #135 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Mon Challenge: A Day At The Beach
Simon Says Wed Challenge: For A Child (baby boy card)
Lil Red Wagon Challenge # 558 - Fantasy (mermaid)
WWC280 - Kath's Challenge: Anything Goes With a Masculine Twist (baby boy card)
Color Throwdown #602

4 Comments

Polka Dot Orchard + Birthday Cupcake Card

7/17/2020

4 Comments

Hi everybody! TGIF! I'm celebrating Summer with these fun cupcakes I created using digital stamps from ==> Polka Dot Orchard!!! They have many wonderful stamps to choose from and they're ALL ON SALE for 35% off for a limited time!!!

For today's project I knew I wanted to use these fantastic cupcakes, because we all like variety. Right?!? Of course we do! So I combined these three digital stamp sets: Love And A Fabulous Cupcake, Younger Than Tomorrow, and Happy Star (cupcake and sentiment)! And they are yummy enough to eat!

Let's get started...

Tutorial: I started with an piece of blue 12x12 cardstock, cut in half, and folded for a 6x6" card base. And cut a piece of gingham patterned paper 4x 5.5," then used a border punch down the left side, and adhered to the card base.

Let's work on the image. The beauty of these digital stamps is you can resize them. So, if you make A2 cards or larger, you can. I use a FREE WPS Office document program to copy and paste digital images to be able to layer, move images around, and resize them. I love layering and creating scenes. And it’s so fun and easy to do with digital stamps and this free program. See pictures below to continue the tutorial…

Next I copied and pasted the 3 different cupcakes from each set, lined them up, resized them, and copied and pasted the sentiment all on the same 8.5x11" sheet. Once I had the images where I wanted them, I grouped them as one piece, saved, and renamed as a “new” document in the same file as my original stamp set, to use again for future use.

Then I printed my image on my HP inkjet printer using the thin brand of HL white cardstock, because I'm coloring with colored pencils and gamsol for blending today.

Once I finished coloring and blending, I took out my die cutting machine and cut out the cupcake image with a stitched rectangle die. And trimmed out the sentiment and cut the right end into a banner with scissors. Using distress inks, a speckled stencil, and a blending brush, I added some "birthday confetti" to the sentiment and above the cupcakes.

Next I adhered a piece of blue ric rac ribbon down the left side of the card with liquid glue. Then adhered the sentiment and the cupcake image to the card. And added a few adhesive rhinestones to the center cupcake to finish this yummy-licious card!

Here is another look...

I hope I've inspired you to try digital stamps and mix
different sets to see what you can create.
The possibilities are endless and so fun!

I used these Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamp Sets:
Love And A Fabulous Cupcake, Younger Than Tomorrow, and
Happy Star (cupcake & sentiment)

Click pic below & check out the SALE too!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
May you be safe, happy, & crafty!
~Kim

*
Click the pink button below to follow NEW posts, Blog Hops, Announcements, Challenges, Giveaways, Tutorials,
New Releases, & so much more!
*
For more inspiration follow these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies: Polka Dot Orchard digital stamps: Love And A Fabulous Cupcake, Younger Than Tomorrow, and Happy Star (cupcake & sentiment); 12x12 blue SU cardstock; Echo Park Paper-Spring Collection Kit (pink gingham patterned paper); HL thin White cardstock; Prismacolor pencils; Gamsol Kit; Ranger Distress Inks: candied apple, mustard, carved pumpkin, mowed lawn, and mermaid lagoon; Tim Holtz Speckled Stencil; Picket Fence Studios-Life Changing Blending Brush (small); Big Shot Machine; Gina Marie Designs-Stitched Rectangle die set; Atyou Spica glitter pen-clear; American Crafts ric rac ribbon; Fiskars Scallop Dot border punch; Recollections adhesive rhinestones; Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue; and 1/2" Scor-Tape adhesive.

{Shop supplies by clicking affiliate pics below, at no extra cost to you}

Craft Challenges:
Simon Says Wed Challenge: For A Child (Birthday cupcakes)
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper July 2020
LTCCB #48 - July Anything Goes
LTSCB #135 - Anything Goes
Creative Embellishments July Challenge-(inspiration + Birthday theme)-I was inspired by the colors, the birthday cake, and the theme.

4 Comments

Friends of Unity Blog Hop + Paper Piecing + Giveaways

7/4/2020

36 Comments

Hi everybody! Happy 4th of July USA!
Thank you for joining our July Friends of Unity Blog Hop
where several amazing designer friends & myself share
our love (and obsessions) of Unity Stamps!!!

Scroll down for new tutorials, enter our many GIVEAWAYS, &
get hopping to the next blog for more amazing inspiration!!!

***
Before I get started...check our ==> June Blog Hop to see if you are one of the many Winners and claim your prizes!!!
Linda D.
is our Winner here at My Kraft Kloset, for June 2020!
Congratulations!!!
***

Theme for July is...
Paper Piecing!
It's SO fun! But if you don't know what it is, it is stamping on patterned paper or a great use for scraps. Then cutting the pieces out and adhering them to your card, page, or onto another stamped image to "piece it" together. Kind of reminds me of paper dolls, when I was a kid, which is great on Angiegirls or guys and clothing. But you can use it on other images too! Like I did on my 'glamping' project below...

When I think of July, it reminds me of our summer vacations, family fun, and the many adventures we've had. I decided I wanted to use up some patterned paper scraps in some fun colors and created a 'glamping' scene with a few favorite stamps and a galaxy background technique too! We have totally traveled this way many times in our 25 years together to see some amazing National Parks and Monuments across our beautiful USA and I can't wait to hit the road again for more family adventures.

Let's get started!
Click the pictures below for a complete step by step tutorial...

Tutorial: I started this project a little backwards, as I started with a bunch of polka dot scraps already cut in strips from these two 6x6 paper pads shown above. I took a blue polka dot strip, not teal, but I’d say a medium regular blue to create a galaxy background. I wasn’t sure if this would even work, as it was patterned paper, but I was game to try and see what happens. Using a blending brush and distress oxide inks, I began blending some color onto the blue strip. Starting with these colors above from lightest to darkest in random spots and darkest around the edges until I liked it. Then I took an H2O brush and black soot distress oxide ink and flicked some ink spatters. And did the same with white pigment ink for even more splatters. I didn’t like the depth just yet, so I sprayed on some glimmer mist, which had bigger ink splatters that even created a little moon and other spots, and has mica in it for an all over sparkle effect. And I set it aside to dry. Once it was dry I rubbed a dab of micro glaze over the whole strip with a paper towel and it brought it to life. It brightened up the colors, revealed the depth, and sealed it too. I love how it turned out. Cool, right? Click or hover on each picture below for more directions…

Here's another peek at this 6" x 5.5" vintage 'glamping' adventure card!

I hope I've inspired you to play with your stamps, pretty patterned papers, or scraps to try some new things, and see where it takes you! The possibilities are endless!

And if you use Unity stamps and any of our themes,
please share your creations with us by using the hashtags: #friendsofunity #unitystampco

Pssst! Are you still with me???
Enter this GIVEAWAY using the Rafflecopter box below.
The more boxes you check the greater your chances.
One winner will be selected randomly at each giveaway, & contacted via email or private messaging, and announced in our next Blog Hop on August 1, 2020
Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

==> The HOP starts below <==
go back to the beginning & Hop with ALL of these talented
Friends of Unity Designers
click on their names below & leave a comment to win!

Crystal O. Minkler <= go back to start
Kim Klinkovsky <= you are here
Eileen Mathys
Robyn Jordan
Dawn Fields
Jeanie Hays
Alaine Turner
Joyce Verdon

Disclaimer: We designers on the Friends of Unity design team appreciate every single comment we get. That's why we use our own stash every month for a giveaway. We are NOT paid or sponsored by Unity Stamp Co., but they do approve of our hop, and that makes us all very happy. We started this hop because we love Unity Stamps. That's it. This hop is our way of showcasing our cards made with our favorite Unity Stamps and to inspire others along the way!

Thank You for stopping by!
Have a safe & crafty 4th of July weekend!
~Kim

*
Click the pink button below to follow and never miss a NEW post, Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Tutorials,
New Releases, & so much more!
*
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies:
Unity Stamp Company: One Happy Camper, Old Traditions (truck), & Warm and Cozy {kom 8/19} for the trees; stamped all in Versafine Onyx black ink; MISTI Stamping tool; Scraps from BoBunny 6x6 Double Dots pads in Bold & Bright and Soft Shades; Random scrap of light teal polka dot distressed patterned paper for the bottom "road" layer, sorry I don't know the name, it's a scrap. Brutus Monroe 110lb lunchbag (kraft) card stock base (not shown).
Galaxy Background: Distress Oxide Ink colors: Mermaid Lagoon, Faded Jeans, Wilted Violet, and Black Soot; Gina K Designs pigment white ink (ink splatters); Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist-Snow White (mica sparkle and white splatters); with Ranger Distress Micro Glaze; H2O Brush; Picket Fence Life Changing Blending Brushes.
Versamark clear ink; Ranger Seafoam white embossing powder; Marvy Heat Tool; Atyou Spica glitter pens in red and gold; Gellyroll Pens in clear star (sparkle) and white; adhesive Rhinestone pearl gems (blue) at Michaels; razor blade pen item #60828 from Harbor Freight or hardware store; Tombow mono multi liquid glue; Zig two way glue pen; and 1/4" and 1/2" Scor-tape adhesive.

{Shop supplies by clicking affiliate pics below, at no extra cost to you}

Craft Challenges:
Retro Rubber Challenge 138 | Anything Goes! (this vintage truck stamp is circa 2015, the camper is a few years old, and the trees will be 1yr in Aug)
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Bright and Cheerful (one happy camper :)
Little Red Wagon Challenge #556 - Summertime Fun: (reminds me of family fun in the camper on roadtrips)
KRAFTY CHICKS CHALLENGE #514 STAMP ACT (I used 4 stamps)
Time Out Challenge #165: Days gone by + embellishments: (I used a vintage truck with a vintage camper + rhinestone pearl embellishments)
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper July 2020
LTCCB #48 - July Anything Goes
LTSCB #135 - Anything Goes

36 Comments

Polka Dot Orchard Digital Sale + Gnome Patriotic Card

6/19/2020

2 Comments

TGIF!!! It's almost officially summer in a couple days and Independence Day in the USA is right around the corner. So I'm celebrating early with this Patriotic slimline cutie I created with digital stamps from ==> Polka Dot Orchard!!! So many wonderful stamps to choose from and they are ALL ON SALE for 35% off right now too!!!

Slimline cards are all the rage these days. You may have seen these tall, long cards, but didn't know they had a name. And many companies, including Polka Dot Orchard are coming out with long "slimline" stamps and some have dies now too! They are long narrow cards that allow for more details on a card and they fit in a #10 business envelope, which measures
4 ⅛ ” x 9 ½." And requires just ONE first class stamp and no extra postage, if not heavy or bulky! Mine of course, would probably take two stamps, because of all that ribbon and some rhinestones! That's worth it for all this wonderfully fun creative space!

Let's get started...

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5” x 11” piece of blue 110lb cardstock, folded long ways for our card base, and trimmed down to 4 1/8" x 9 3/4." Using a fireworks stencil, distress oxide inks, and a blending brush I added several fireworks and yellow stars to the blue card base. And set aside for a moment.
Let's work on the image. I use a WPS Free Office document program to copy and paste digital images to be able to layer, move images around, and resize them. I love layering and creating scenes. And it’s so fun and easy to do with digital stamps and this free program. See pictures below to continue the tutorial…

For today's project I copied 3 girl gnomes and placed them in a pyramid to create my own slimline card. Added and resized the sentiment to fit under the gnomes and added 3 mushrooms in different sizes to create our scene. Once I had the images where I wanted them, I grouped them as one piece, saved, and renamed as a “new” document in the same file as my original stamp set, to use again for future use. I printed my image on my HP printer using X-Press It white cardstock, because it's alcohol marker friendly paper. I was inspired by Independence Day and colored the images with the Spectrum Noir alcohol marker colors shown above.

I thought the gnomie girls would be cute in gray sweatsuit outfits, like we wore at cheer camp (many years ago). Aren’t they cute? I just love them for many occasions! It’s hard to see, but I added a bit of sparkle to their coffee cups and bows with a clear glitter pen and red sparkle on their lips too. Added a touch of white accents on their cheeks and bows with a white distress maker-picket fence (white). Then highlighted some of the sentiment with a coordinating green marker to make it stand out.

I trimmed down the image and decorated the top and bottom with a border punch. Next I used a handmade cloud stencil I created from a border die in my stash, a blending brush, and distress oxide ink to create clouds and a darkening sky for nighttime. But it looked too stark. So I grabbed a speckled stencil, blending brush, and distress oxide ink to add some random green dots to resemble grass. Dug into my bag of ribbon scraps and pulled out red, white, and blue patterned ribbons, trimmed them down and adhered to the back of the image panel. Then adhered the whole piece to the card base. Added a few clear adhesive stars that I colored with a yellow marker to complete this patriotic cutie.

Here's another look...

I hope I've inspired you to try digital stamps and slimline cards to see what you can create. The possibilities are endless!

I used this Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamp Set On Sale at:
Gnome Matter What

Thanks for stopping by!
May you be safe, happy, & crafty!
~Kim

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Click to Follow Blog

Supplies: Polka Dot Orchard: Gnome Matter What digital stamp set; Papertrey Ink 110lb blue Cardstock; X-Press It white cardstock (alcohol marker friendly); Spectrum Noir alcohol markers; Atyou Spica glitter pens: clear and red; Ranger Distress Marker-picket fence (white); Ranger Distress Oxide Inks: Faded Jeans, Peeled Paint, and Fossilised Amber; Picket Fence Studios-Life Changing Blender Brushes; Trinity Stamps Stencil: Fireworks; American Crafts ribbons; Fiskars border punch; Recollections clear adhesive stars; clouds are a handmade edge stencil I made from a MFT-Dinamics cloud border die; and 1/2" Scor-Tape adhesive.

Shop supplies from these Affiliates, at no extra cost to you:

Challenges:
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Summer Fun (fireworks, cheer camp, and hanging or chillin with your gnomeys)
FUSION - Butterfly or Sketch (I used the sketch as my inspiration)
LTCCB #47 - June Anything Goes

2 Comments

Friends of Unity Blog Hop + Wings + Giveaways

6/6/2020

34 Comments

Hello everybody! Happy June! How are you doing?
I hope this finds you all healthy and safe as our hearts and prayers
go out to all of you. Hang in there!
Because we're in this together!!!

Thank you for joining our June Friends of Unity Blog Hop
where several amazing designer friends & myself share
our love (and obsessions) of Unity Stamps!!!

Scroll down for new tutorials, enter our many GIVEAWAYS, &
get hopping to the next blog for more amazing inspiration!!!

Theme for June is... Wings!
Well, that could be many different things, so be prepared to be amazed. As usual, it was really hard to choose just one. Which is why I have (4) fabulous things with wings to share with you today!

So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, relax, and
enjoy the hop...

***
Before I get started...check our ==> May Blog Hop to see if you are one of the many Winners and claim your prizes!!!
Natasha Vacca
is our Winner here at My Kraft Kloset, for May 2020!
Congratulations!!!
***

Card #1 is 'Feel the Freedom' stamp kit in Patriotic colors in honor of our upcoming US Independence Day. I wanted to create a card that added color without any actual coloring. As many people struggle with coloring. For this card I used ink splatters and two stencils to achieve this festive fireworks celebration. A wonderful stamp for many occasions and I can't wait to color it up too! So fun!

Click the pictures for tutorials!

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5” x 11” red 110lb cardstock, folded in half, for the card base. I’ve been making a lot of “not quite” square cards lately, but larger than the usual A2. So I leave them folded until I have everything else adhered in place, then I trim it down. So, this base will be 5.5” wide. Next I chose two 6x6 pattern papers from the same pad, that I thought resembled a vintage flag, cut them on the diagonal, and trimmed off ¼” from the inside angles to fit, and adhered to the card base. Cut a piece of blue ric rac ribbon and adhered on an angle across the card using liquid glue. Click or hover on pictures below for more directions...

Card #2 is 'Scattered Pieces' stamp kit in bright and cheerful colors using an ''ink smooshing technique" and some glitter pens. That's it! Another great technique using colored inks, but no actual coloring. And I really love the variety of feather stamps and beautiful sentiments that speak to your soul. This one is so uplifting and encouraging to send to friends/family. It's one of my 'new' favorites!

Tutorial: I started with 8.5” x 11” white 110lb cardstock, folded in half, and cut in half, so the top folds down and opens from the bottom, but still an A2 size card base. And set aside for a bit. Using a MISTI stamping tool, I lined up the feather and sentiment on a piece of white watercolor cardstock. And inked them up with Gina K amalgam black ink, because remember it’s a friendly ink with any coloring medium. Then took the stamp out of the MISTI and put it on an acrylic block, inked it up again, and stamped the feather two more times. Then I used a die cutting machine and a stitched rectangle die to cut out the image. Click or hover on the pictures below for more directions...

Card #3 is 'Beauty Beyond Words' and it is a beauty. I can't believe I've never inked it up until now. It just screams "color me," but would be pretty black/white or on kraft too! I'll have to try that next while I still have it out on my craft table. Just wonderful for many occasions and all kinds of coloring mediums too!

Tutorial: I started with 8.5” x 11” light gray 110lb cardstock I had leftover that was cut as an A2 size card base. I love notebook paper, so I cut this light blue piece the same size as the card base, inked the edges with distress oxide ink in faded jeans and blended a bit more around the edges with a blending brush and adhered to the card base. And set aside for a bit. Using a MISTI stamping tool, I lined up the jar and sentiment on a piece of white alcohol marker friendly cardstock. And inked them up with Gina K amalgam black ink again, because it won’t bleed when you color with alcohol markers. Click or hover on the pictures below for more directions...

Card #4 is last, but not least using this fabulous 'Migration of Beauty' border backgrounds stamp two different ways. Along with 'All Smiles' itty bitty stamp inside with the other sentiment from the 'Beauty Beyond Words' set to create this amazing Gate Fold card. Click "here" for more folded card ideas. Here is the front...

And when you untie the bow, slip off the belly band, the card opens like a gate, and the inside is revealed...

Tutorial: Click or hover on the pictures below for a complete step by step directions...

I hope I've inspired you to play with your winged stamps, or get a few new ones, to color or not color, try some new things, and see where it takes you! The possibilities are endless!

And if you use Unity stamps...share your creations with us by using the hashtags: #friendsofunity #unitystampco

Pssst! Are you still with me???
Enter this GIVEAWAY using the Rafflecopter box below.
The more boxes you check the greater your chances.
One winner will be selected randomly at each giveaway, & contacted via email or private messaging, and announced in our next Blog Hop on July 4, 2020
Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

==> The HOP starts below <==
go back to the beginning & Hop with ALL of these talented
Friends of Unity Designers
click on their names below & leave a comment to win!

Crystal O. Minkler <= go back to start
Eileen Mathys
Dawn Bryson
Kim Klinkovsky <= you are here
Robyn Jordan
Dawn Fields
Amber Trubiak
Joyce Verdon

Thank You for stopping by!
Have a safe & crafty weekend!
And don't forget Fathers Day is Sunday, June 21st too!
~Kim

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Click the pink button below to follow and never miss a NEW post, Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Tutorials,
New Releases, & so much more!
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See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies mentioned in tutorials and below for all cards:
Unity Stamp Company: click for ALL stamps used; Purple Tape; Spectrum Noir markers and Spectrum Noir clear Sparkle marker/brush; Spica Atyou clear and red glitter pens; Spectrum Noir White cardstock, Copic white cardstock or X-Press It white cardstock (for alcohol marker coloring are my favorites); Ranger Tim Holtz watercolor cardstock; Distress Oxide inks-faded jeans, candied apple, wilted violet, and mermaid lagoon; MISTI stamping tool; Papertrey Ink 110lb cardstock for card bases; Picket Fence Studios-Life Changing Blending Brushes; Trinity Stamps-Fireworks double Stencil; Tim Holtz Stencil-Speckles; Versamark clear ink; Ranger clear embossing powder; Marvy heat tool; Gina K Amalgam black ink; Big Shot die cutting machine; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Rectangle die set; EK Success edge border punch; Fiskars large squeeze corner rounder; Authentique 6x6 patterned paper-Anchored; American Crafts (AC) solid colored cardstock (for mattes), AC Mayberry 6x6 blue notebook patterned paper, AC ric rac ribbon, and AC bakers twine; Polka Dot Orchard-purple crinkle ribbon; enamel dots and gems from my stash (probably from Michaels or HL); Craft Fantastic-Angel wing charm; Tombow mono multi liquid glue; and 1/2" Scor-tape adhesive.

{Shop supplies by clicking affiliate pics below, at no extra cost to you}

Challenges:
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Masculine - Card #1
Lil Red Wagon Challenge #552 - Patterned Paper - Card #1
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper June 2020 challenge - Card #1
RRCB136 Challenge 136 | Summer Time!- Card #1: "Feel the Freedom" feather stamp was made in 2018 and I had never used it until now. And we love to see the firework shows every Friday night on the river here and on the 4th of July in the summer time.

Simon Says Mon Challenge: Make Your Own Background - Card #2
HLS June Watercolour Challenge - Anything Goes + Layers - Card #2
TTTC067 – Featured Designer- Card #2 (ink blending, 3 of a kind-feathers, heart-many hearts within the feathers)

Addicted to Stamps Challenge #392 - Make Your Mark - Card #3 (colored with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and sparkle brush pen)
KRAFTY CHICKS CHALLENGE #510 WEEK 1 (STAMP ACT) - Card #3

WWC274 - Dawn's Challenge: Anything Goes w/ Feminine Twist - Card #4 (is a gate fold card, with feminine butterflies and ribbon on the outside and feminine beauty on the inside)
LTCCB #47 - June Anything Goes - Card #4

34 Comments

Growing in Unity Blog Hop 2020 + (2) Giveaways!!!

5/31/2020

23 Comments

<< UPDATED 6/3/2020: (2) Winners announced below in comments! >>

Hi everybody! Thanks for joining us for the Growing in Unity Blog Hop! If you followed my GIU week back in April 20-25, 2020, then you know I LOVE many Unity flower stamps. And if you didn't, you can catch up and see my whole week: (click here for details).
For today's project I chose to carry on that floral theme with a lovely sunflower stamp set and a few of my favorite things to share with you. I'm still figuring out what I like to color with and played around and combined a few products for this look.
Sit back, relax, grab your favorite beverage, and hop along with us today for some amazing inspiration from these talented ladies! I promise...this Hop is short and sweet and SO worth it!

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5x11” piece of 110lb white cardstock, folded in half, as my card base (not shown). Cut a piece of red/white checkered patterned paper 6x5 ¾” and adhered to the card base.Trimmed down the top of the white card base to 6.” I took out a bin of scraps and used them on this card too. I took a brown scrap piece of cardstock and trimmed it down to 2x5 ¾” and adhered to the card. Took a scrap piece of yellow polka dot patterned paper and die cut a wavy scalloped edge using a die cutting machine, trimmed to fit, and adhered to the brown cardstock. Using a MISTI stamping tool, I stamped the sunflower five times, in Versafine Sepia brown ink, on white cardstock to resemble a pretty field of blooms. And stamped the sentiment from the same stamp kit, using the same ink too! Click the pictures below or hover over for more directions...

Thank You SO much for joining us today!
I hope I've inspired you to mix and match your products
and see what you can create! The possibilities are endless!

Be sure to leave a comment on this post and on all the ladies links listed below, for more chances to win one of
(2) Big Unity Stamp prize packs!!!
Winners will be announced here in June, as well as
on the Unity Show and Tell Facebook page.

==> The HOP starts below <==
go back to the beginning & hop with ALL of these talented
Growing in Unity gals
for more Inspiration & click on their
names & leave a comment to win!

Tenia
Miwa
Kathryn
You are here => Kim <= click for Unity inspiration
Jessica
Stephanie

Thank you for stopping by!
Be sure to check out the Unity Sale
going on now too!

Have a happy & crafty week! ~Kim
#unitystampco #mykraftkloset
#sharehandmadekindness #cardmakingsuperpower

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Click the pink button below to follow and never miss an Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Tutorials,
New Releases, & so much more!
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Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies: Unity Stamp Co: Turn Toward The Light stamp set; MISTI stamping tool; Versafine Sepia Ink (good for water coloring); Distress Ink: Fossilized Amber and Peeled Paint; Distress Crayon: Tarnished Brass, metallic set; H2O brush; Prismacolor pencils; Gamsol blending kit (simon says stamp online); White and brown Cardstock; Papertrey Ink 110lb white card stock (card base) and Papertrey Ink scallop edge die; Big Shot die cutting machine; Bobunny double dot brights-yellow polka dot patterned paper; AC red/white checkered patterned paper and ribbon; buttons; mini glue dots; light green glitter enamel adhesive dots; and Scor-tape adhesive.

Shop for many Supplies from these Affiliates, at no extra cost to you!

23 Comments

CAS-ual Fridays Stamps New Product + Coffee Lovers Blog Hop + Giveaways

5/23/2020

13 Comments

Welcome to the Spring/Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop!
This is a HUGE Hop that goes through Friday, May 29, 2020
and is a whole week dedicated to
Coffee, Tea, Cider, and Cocoa Loving Papercrafters!

There are many Super Sponsors with approx 75 crafty prizes to be won
from many of your favorite craft companies or some new ones too!
Scroll down and enter our Giveaway too!
CAS-ual Fridays Stamps, is a proud Super Sponsor
that I am representing today!

You Crafters can play along too!!!
Create a caffeinated (coffee, tea, cider, or coco) project like cards, tags, home decor, jewelry, paper crafts, ect...and enter it at the linky party, see below for all the details click ==> "here" or click the coffee picture below!

*Super Sponsor* CAS-ual Fridays Stamps
Check out the NEW "Coffee Chips" chipboard elements!!!
You can heat emboss them (like I did), paint, stain, and ink them too!

All Coffee & Tea products are on SALE too!
Use my special discount code below and SAVE an EXTRA 15%

Click to Shop at ==> CAS-ual Fridays Stamps, Dies, & more

NEW Release: Coffee Coffee Chipboard Elements. Includes coffee words, coffee mugs, and hearts too!

Tutorial: I started with an A2 kraft card base that folds down from the top. Using a die cutting machine and a stitched scalloped die to cut out a piece of multi-colored striped patterned paper and adhered to the card base. Got out a piece of white cardstock, taped down the coffee bean stencil with purple tape. Blended over the stencil with two brown Distress Oxide inks and a small blending brush, great for stenciling. Using a die cutting machine and a rectangle die to cut out stenciled image. Save the leftover stencil piece for another card (see espresso card on IG later this week). And inked the edges with brown Distress Oxide ink and adhered to the card. Adhered a scrap piece of dark wood patterned paper across the center panel. Took a scrap piece of “snap book” notebook looking patterned paper and stamped the sentiment in brown Distress ink, but it was too light, so I went over it with a brown LePen. Inked the edges with brown Distress ink. Click next picture to complete this tutorial...

Next I took out one of the NEW “Latte” chipboard words from the package, colored it with a Versamarker clear embossing pen, sprinkled with brown embossing powder, and heat set. See that shine in the above picture? It's awesome! Adhered it to the sentiment paper with Beacon 3 to 1 liquid glue, because it’s strong bonding. Added some coffee splatters and adhered to the card. And this caffeinated cutie is finished.

Enter this discount code at checkout and SAVE EXTRA 15% off on all your CAS-ual Fridays purchases!

For more inspiration check out the CAS-ual Fridays Pinterest and Instagram @casfridays

Enter our GIVEAWAY using the Rafflecopter box below.
The more boxes you check the greater your chances.
One winner will be selected randomly, contacted via email or private messaging, and announced here on the blog by the end of the month.
Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Updated 5/24: Here is my Espresso card using the leftover scrap of the bean stencil from the above picture, that I used to make a second card! Click picture for more details on my Instagram channel.

Thank you so much for hopping along with us today and supporting Small Business Owners! They need us!
And I hope you’ve been inspired to try new products or techniques, and see what you can create. The possibilities are endless!

Have a happy & crafty weekend! ~Kim
Be sure to follow us all week long on our social media channels for more caffeinated fun!!!

Sit back and relax with your favorite brew and hop along in the
~ Coffee Lovers Blog Hop ~

If you join us or make something with Sponsor products, tag us:
#springsummer2020clh
#casfridays
#casualfridaysstamps
#sharehandmadekindness
#cardmakingsuperpower

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Click the pink button below and be sure to follow us, so you never miss an Announcement, Craft Tutorials, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways & so much more!
*
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies (affiliate links):
CAS-ual Fridays Stamps Products: By The Beans Stencil, Coffee’isms Stamp, Coffee Chip Chipboad word ‘Latte’; Kraft Cardstock, Brutus Monroe; Simple Stories: Snap Life 6x6 patterned paper pad; My Minds Eye: Necessities/Wood 6x6 patterned paper; American Crafts White cardstock; Distress Oxide Ink: Rusty Hinge and Walnut Stain; Distress Ink: Vintage Photo; Picket Fence Studios: Life Changing Blending Brushes; Big Shot die cutting machine; Gina Marie Designs: Stitched Rectangle Scallop Die and Stitched Rectangle Die; Versamarker clear ink pen; Ranger Brown Embossing Powder; Marvy Heat Tool; LePen-brown; Purple Tape; Beacon 3 in 1 liquid glue; and ½” Scor-Tape

13 Comments

Coffee Lovers Blog Hop + Polka Dot Orchard + Giveaways

5/22/2020

9 Comments

Welcome to the Spring & Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop!
This is a HUGE Hop that starts today through Friday, May 29, 2020 at 11:55pm Pacific Time USA. It's a whole week dedicated to
Coffee, Tea, Cider, and Cocoa Loving Papercrafters!

There are SO many Sponsors that generously donated many crafty prizes waiting to be won by you, from many favorite craft companies!
Scroll down and enter my Giveaway too!
And Polka Dot Orchard, is a proud Super Sponsor
that I am representing today!

You Crafters can play along too!!!
Create a caffeinated (coffee, tea, cider, or coco) project like cards, tags, home decor, jewelry, paper crafts, ect...and enter it at the linky party, see below for all the details click ==> "here" or click the coffee picture below!

*Sponsor* Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamps
Click to Shop, Hop, & Blog!
And check out what my Design Teammates made on the PDO Blog here ==> Polka Dot Orchard

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5x11” piece of kraft cardstock, folded in half (not seen in photo). Adhered a piece of 6x6 vintage looking patterned paper to card base. I cut a teal piece of patterned paper from the same paper pack about 3x6” and adhered to the card. Next I layered and re-sized these digital stamp images from two coffee sets, printed on X-Press It white cardstock using an HP Deskjet printer. Colored the images with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, mostly browns, grays, and a pop of teal. Using a die cutting machine and a postage die to cut out the image. Then blended around the edges with distress oxide ink with a blending brush. And adhered to a dark piece of wood patterned paper and adhered to the card. Trimmed down the card to about 5x6” and added a few metallic gem pearls. And added a touch of sparkle to the silver metal pieces on the “old timey” coffee bean grinder with a clear sparkle pen to complete this beauty.

Enter my GIVEAWAY using the Rafflecopter box below.
The more boxes you check the greater your chances.
One winner will be selected randomly, contacted via email or private messaging, and announced here on the blog by the end of the month.
Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for hopping along with us today and for supporting Small Business Owners! They need us!
I hope you’ve been inspired to try new products
or techniques, and see what you can create.
The possibilities are endless!

Have a happy & crafty weekend! ~Kim
Be sure to follow us all week long on our social media channels for more caffeinated fun!!!

Sit back and relax with your favorite brew and hop along in the
~ Coffee Lovers Blog Hop ~

If you join us or make something with Sponsor products, tag us & them:
#springsummer2020clh
#polkadotorchard
#sharehandmadekindness
#cardmakingsuperpower
*
Click the pink button below and follow us, so you never miss an Announcement, Craft Tutorials, Blog Hops, Challenges,
Giveaways & so much more!
*
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies(affiliate links):
Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamps: He Said Coffee and Sack Of Beans; Kraft Cardstock, Brutus Monroe; My Minds Eye: 6x6 "Remarkable" pattern papers and 6x6 Necessities "Wood" patterned paper; X-Press It white cardstock @Ellen Hutson LLC; Spectrum Noir alcohol markers; Big Shot die cutting machine; Kat Scrapiness: Postage Die set; Distress Oxide Ink: Scattered Straw; Picket Fence Studios: Life Changing Blending Brushes; Graphic 45: adhesive metallic gem pearls; Atyou Spica glitter pen-clear, Blick Art; and 1/2" Scor-Tape adhesive.

9 Comments

Friends of Unity Blog Hop + Favorites + Giveaways

5/2/2020

43 Comments

Hello everybody! Happy May! How are you doing?
I hope this finds you all healthy and safe as our hearts and prayers go out to all of you, as we figure out our new normal. I hope you're keeping busy and getting your mind off things, Hang in there!
Because we're still in this together!!!

***
Now for a wonderful distraction today...
Welcome to our May Friends of Unity Blog Hop where
several amazing designer friends & myself share our
love (and obsessions) of Unity Stamps!!!
Happy 12th Birthday, Unity!!!
Scroll down for new tutorials, enter GIVEAWAYS, & get hopping to the next blog for some amazing inspiration!!!

***
Before I get started...check our ==> April Blog Hop to see if you are one of the many Winners and claim your prizes!!!

JoAnne Ferguson
is our Winner here at My Kraft Kloset, for April 2020!
Congratulations!!!
***

Theme for May is... our Favorite Angiegirl or guy!
What does that mean? If you are a fan of Unity, you already know. But if you don't know, it's a wonderful line of stamps called Angiegirls or guys by Unity. And it's really hard to choose just one. That's why I've got (3) of my favorites to share with you! Hahaha! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the hop...

Card #1 is Wakely Girl. She's a confident girl on the move, with books in her bag, and a planner in hand to stay organized or jot down her thoughts. Isn't she stylish? I was inspired by my crafty hop friend, Bobbie Sue, as she did a wonderful monochromatic card "click here" using shades of brown. And I just loved it and really wanted to try it! Here is my version...OH! Don't you just love her boots!?!

Tutorial: I started with a 6x6” plaid patterned paper, trimmed down to about 5x6” and adhered to a kraft card base (not shown). Cut a maroon piece of patterned paper 4x6” and adhere to the card. And cut a piece of rusty brown card stock 2x6” and punched out both long sides with a notebook border punch, cut in half, and adhered to the maroon card panel. Using a MISTI stamping tool I stamped Wakely girl onto white cardstock (alcohol marker friendly) with Versafine Sepia ink and let it dry overnight, but you could heat set it or emboss it too. It’s not usually an alcohol friendly ink, but I find if you let it “cure” overnight or for a few days, it’s been ok to color with and doesn’t bleed or smear. But my Versafine black has smeared. So be careful. Normally I use Gina K Designs Amalgam ink or Catherine Poolers midnight black for any kind of coloring, but I didn’t have those in brown. Use what you’ve got, right? And next I masked the girl using the back paper cover to her stamp and taped it down with purple tape, while using Wakely again, inked up just the text words with Sepia ink, and stamped a few more times down the left side. Using a die cutting machine and a stitched die to cut out the image. Scroll over or click the pictures below for more step by step directions…

Card #2 is Margaret Girl. She has her favorite party dress on and is ready for any kind of festive occasion! I just love how versatile she is. You will have fun coloring her with many mediums or paper piecing her dress with patterned paper and the balloons too! I was inspired by spring colors, flowers, this pretty Unity paper, and I'm using the ribbon punch again from last weeks GIU card too!

Tutorial: I started with a white piece of 110 cardstock folded in half as our card base (not shown). Cut two pieces of coordinating Unity patterned paper 2x6” and adhered to each end. Cut a piece of blue cardstock 2x6” and cut out with the ribbon border punch. Laced a piece of pink satin ribbon through the blue cardstock, cut the ends and adhered on the back and attached to the card, as shown. Scroll over or click the pictures below for more step by step directions…

Card #3 is Violet Girl. She reminds me of my beautiful daughter. And she is colored in pretty spring colors using colored pencils and one of my favorite rose ribbons. Isn't she pretty?

Tutorial: I started with an A2 (4.25x5.5") 110lb purple cardstock base. And using a die cutting machine, I cut a banner from a banner/fishtale die in this lovely green patterned paper and adhered to the card base. Using my MISTI stamp tool I positioned and centered the sentiment right where I wanted it. Inked the sentiment with Versamark clear ink, sprinkled with white embossing powder, and heat set. It's from one of my favorite sentiment stamp kits listed below. Scroll over or click the pictures below for more step by step directions…

I hope I've inspired you to check out the Angiegirls and guys, play with your products, color, try some new things, and see where it takes you! The possibilities are endless!
And if you use Unity stamps...share your creations with us by using the hashtags: #friendsofunity #unitystampco

Pssst! Are you still with me???
Enter this GIVEAWAY using the Rafflecopter box below.
The more boxes you check the greater your chances.
One winner will be selected randomly at each giveaway, contacted via email or private messaging, and announced in our next Blog Hop on June 6, 2020
Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

==> The HOP starts below <==
go back to the beginning & hop with ALL of these talented
Friends of Unity Designers
for more Inspiration, more Giveaways, and
click on their names below & leave a comment to win!

Crystal O. Minkler <= go back to start
Eileen Mathys
Amber Trubiak
Bobbie Sue McConathy
Kim Klinkovsky <= you are here
Dawn Fields
Joyce Verdon
Dawn Bryson
Robyn Jordan
Jeanie M. Hays
Alaine Tanner

Thank You for stopping by!
Have a safe & crafty weekend!
Enjoy NSD weekend deals @ My Kraft Kloset on FB & Happy (almost) Mother's Day (5/10)! ~Kim

*
Click the pink button below to follow and see New Posts first.
Never miss an Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges,
Giveaways, Tutorials, New Releases, & so much more!
*
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

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Supplies {affils}:
(Card #1): Unity Stamp Company Products: Wakely Girl Stamp Set and Purple Tape; Spectrum Noir white cardstock; AC 4x6 neutral cardstock pack; Graphic 45-6x6 Steampunk Spells maroon patterned paper; Lawn Fawn 6x6 Perfectly Plaid patterned paper; MISTI stamping tool; Versafine Sepia ink; Ranger Ink Distress Oxide Ink-Walnut Stain; Ranger Ink Anti-Static Pouch; Marvy Uchida heat tool; Picket Fence Studios-Life Changing Blending Brushes; Big Shot machine; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Rectangle die set; EK Success notebook/binding edge border punch; Spectrum Noir Markers: FS6-EB1-FS2-TN2-TN3-TN5; AC natural twine; and 1/2" Scor-tape adhesive.

(Card #2): Unity Stamp Company Products: Margaret Girl Stamp Set, Fabulous Girl Stamp Set (sentiment), and Pink and Blue Watercolored patterned paper pack; Spectrum Noir white cardstock; AC 4x6 tropical cardstock pack (blue) and AC Black cardstock; MISTI stamping tool; Versafine Onyx black ink; Ranger Ink Distress Oxide Ink-Walnut Stain; Distress Ink-Spun Sugar; Ranger Ink Anti-Static Pouch; Marvy Uchida heat tool; Picket Fence Studios-Life Changing Blending Brushes; Big Shot machine; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Rectangle die set; Fiskars ribbon border punch; Spectrum Noir Markers: TB1-FS2-FS6-EB1-GG1 (to highlight image); Atyou Spica glitter pen-clear; AC pink satin ribbon; pink; HL pink rose ribbon (May Arts has one similar); pink adhesive gems; and 1/2" Scor-tape adhesive.

(Card #3): Unity Stamps & Products: Violet Girl stamp set, Rectangle Scallop Border Stamp, Abundant Blessings sentiment kit, and Gina K Designs Amalgam black ink; MISTI Stamping Tool; Papertrey Ink purple cardstock base; Ranger Ink Water Color cardstock; Ranger Ink Seafoam White embossing powder; Marvy Uchida heat tool; Reverse Confetti green pattern paper; American Crafts 1Canoe2 colored pencils; Sizzix Big Shot Machine; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Banner/Fishtail Dies; Adhesive gems @Michaels; HL purple rose ribbon (May Arts has rose ribbon too); and Scor-Tape ½".

Challenges:
Addicted to Stamps Challenge #387 - Make Your Mark-Wakely card #1-markers
LTCCB #46 - May Anything Goes-Wakely card #1
KRAFTY CHICKS CHALLENGE #505 - ANYTHING GOES-Wakely card #1
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Anything Goes- Wakely card #1

LTSCB #133 - Anything Goes-Margaret card #2
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper May 2020 challenge-Margaret #2
The Paper Girls CHALLENGE #198 - GIRL TIME!-Margaret card #2

WWC269 - Fifth Week Anything Goes Challenge-Violet card #3
HLS May Watercolour Challenge + optional emboss- Violet card #3 is colored with watercolor pencils, H2O brush, and heat embossed sentiment.

43 Comments

Growing in Unity Day 5 + Gift Card Holder + Masculine Birthday Card

4/24/2020

34 Comments

Check out Day 1 "here"
Check out Day 2 "here"
Check out Day 3 "here"
Check out Day 4 "here"

Hi everybody! Welcome back for Day 5 as my Growing in Unity Week comes to a close at Unity Stamp Company! I hope you've had a fun week seeing all kinds of folds and some of my favorite things. I know, I sure have! You've inspired me with your kindness and projects. And I hope I've inspired you to try something old and make it fresh and new again!

So it wouldn't be my final day if I didn't share one more oldie, but also a goodie...Do you remember Gift Card Holders...made from upcycled toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls? Because I know you have some in your recycle bins, as we've all been hoarding the TP for weeks! (lol).

And I'm sure some of you are like "EWE," nope, not going to use those. And that's fine. I get it, my little sister was like that too (lol). You can actually buy brand new rolls, just the rolls. Really! No kidding, at Michael's or online. Or just use a paper towel roll and cut it at 6" for todays project. Or cut it at 5 1/2" (in half) and you can get two smaller gift card holders from one paper towel roll too! We are up-cycling, re-purposing, and saving the planet today!

For today's project I'm making a Masculine Gift Card Holder and a matching Masculine Birthday Card for my eldest son, who turns 21yr next week! It's all about the boys today! Along with some of my favorite things, like, motorcycles, sports cars, glitter pens, plaid, and tags!
I have 3 sons, so cars are all the rage at my house. But I bet you didn't know I spent a 2 week honeymoon on the back of a motorcycle touring Canada and their ferry system to the islands! Fun times!
Okay...enough talk...Let's get started on some projects...

Tutorial-Gift Card Holder: Lets get our supplies together. You will need a 6" roll, MISTI stamping tool, glitter pens in red and clear; Versafine Onyx black ink; ribbon, and our two big stamps. Click or hover over pictures below for more directions.

Here is a close up...it's hard to see the sparkle on the windows and the body of the car, but it's there. Not too much though, it is for a boy! And shhhhh it's our little secret...nobody has to know we upcycled a toilet paper roll and made a gift card holder!

Next I used Unity's April Sketch Challenge to make a matching Birthday card to go along with the gift card holder!

Tutorial-Card: I started with an 8.5x11" gray piece of 110lb cardstock as our card base. Cut in half to make an A2 sized card. Cut a piece of chalky black piece of patterned paper from the MME paper pad A2-4 1/4x 5 1/2" and adhered to the card base. Cut 2 strips of patterned paper from the same MME paper pad and adhered like shown above. Click or hover over pictures below for more directions.

Here's another peek...what do you think?

Thank You SO much for joining me for Day 5 and all week for my Growing in Unity week. It's been very heartwarming!
I hope I've inspired you to upcycle and make
"Gift card holders," or give Unity Challenges and
Masculine projects a try too!
And if you do, share them! I'd love to see them!

Be sure to leave a comment on this post and go back to the previous 1-4 days to comment, for more chances to win one
of (2) Big Unity Stamp Grab Bag prizes!!!
Winners will be posted next week on this blog, as well as
on the Unity Stamp Company Facebook pages.

Have a happy & crafty weekend! ~Kim
#spreadjoynotgerms

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Click to Follow Blog

Click pic for more Unity inspiration from the "Friends of Unity" Monthly Blog Hop Team!

Supplies (affil): (Gift Card Holder): Unity Stamp Company Products: Buffalo Plaid Stamp Set and Vroom Stamp Set; (1) toilet roll holder or a paper towel roll; Bone Folder; HL thin white cardstock; AC red cardstock 4x6 and grey satin ribbon; MISTI stamping tool; Versafine Onyx black ink; Atyou Spica glitter pens: red and clear; My Minds Eye 6x6 paper pad-All Things Chalk for the "21;" a Staple colored with Spectrum Noir Marker #True Black; Flat craft Glue Dots; 1/8" and 1/4" Scor-Tape adhesive

Supplies (affil): (Masculine Birthday Card): Unity Stamp Company Products: Ride It Out Stamp Set; Papertrey Ink white and gray(card base) 110lb cardstock; AC 4x6 red cardstock; My Minds Eye-6x6 paper pad-All Things Chalk (paper strips and "21;" Versafine Onyx black ink; Distress Oxide Ink-Black Soot; Tim Holtz Speckles Stencil; Picket Fence-Life Changing Blending Brush in small; Misti Stamping Tool; Distress Crayon Metallics-Brushed Pewter; H2O Brush; Atyou Spica glitter pens: Red, Black, Gold, and Clear; Big Shot Machine; Sizzix Framelits Tim Holtz Tag Collection #658784; Artskills/Crafters Closet white buttons; Polka Dot Orchard white crinkle ribbon; Flat craft Glue Dots; 3D foam dots; and 1/2" Scor-Tape adhesive.

Challenges:
Repeat Impressions Anything Goes Challenge ~ A2220
WWC268 - Dawn's Challenge: All About Occasions-Birthday
KCC #504 {ALL OCCASIONS} - Birthday
TTTC061- Featured Designer Laurie- I used Diagonal: Markers, Designer Paper, and Red.
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper April 2020 challenge
LTCCB #45 - April Anything Goes
Addicted To Stamps Challenge #386 - Anything Goes

34 Comments

Growing in Unity Day 4 + Floral Gate Fold Card

4/23/2020

36 Comments

Check out Day 1 "here"
Check out Day 2 "here"
Check out Day 3 "here"
Check out Day 5 "here"

Hi everybody! Welcome back to Day 4 of my Growing in Unity Week at Unity Stamp Company. It's been fun digging into my stamps and supplies to see what I haven't used in a really long time and make it new again. I hope I've inspired you to see what you can find in your craft rooms too! Because here is another oldie, but also a goodie...Do you remember Gate Fold Cards? They're usually popular with wedding cards, graduation, or all kinds of announcements. But I think they are pretty awesome for all occasions, any time of the year too! They have that something special on the outside, with a surprise inside.

For today's project I'm making a Gate Fold Card from one sheet of 8.5" x 11" cardstock, along with some of my favorite things, like, lots of color, flowers, coloring with colored pencils, and LOTS of sparkle! I know another floral, but hey, Unity has gorgeous florals, so I can't help myself. Plus, I'm surrounded by 3 sons and a hubby here...so I'm coloring in my craft corner and making girly projects! (lol) So, let's get started...

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5" x 11" piece of yellow 110lb cardstock, cut the length and width to the dimensions shown in the diagram below. Click or hover over pictures below for more step by step instructions.

Next lets add some sparkle. And Unity has this Folkart Extreme Glitter acrylic paint that is so shimmery and awesome! It comes out white, like glue, but dries clear and sparkly, with teeny tiny specs of colors. It's really pretty. I just squeeze a drop onto scrap paper and apply with a Q-tip to both sides of the bloom image. You can brush it on with a paint brush, but you'll need to wash it in water right away or it won't come off and you've ruined your brush. Plus you might see the brush strokes too, which is fine if you're going for that look. But a Q-tip works great ya'll. A little goes a long way, so nice and thin layers is enough. And it's dry in less than 5 minutes. Click or hover over pictures below for more step by step instructions.

I could have called it done here, but I wanted to do a little something on the inside and maybe a little more bling to the front. What do you think? Follow along and see what I did...

Here is a close up of what I've done so far on the front. And I also went around the edges of the bloom on both sides with a Spectrum Noir marker IG1 (a very light grey) to highlight the bloom. I could have been done there and that would have been fine. But I thought it needed something else. Click or hover over pictures below for more step by step instructions.

Here is a close up of my finished card. What do you think? Speckles and bling or none, like above? I like either one, but if you know me...it's going to have more bling!

Thanks for joining me today for Day 4 of my
Growing in Unity Week.
I hope I've inspired you to try making a "Gate Fold Card."
And if you do, share them! I'd love to see them!

Check out a BONUS Gate Fold Card I made for Fall too!
Click the pic below or ==> "here"
it's super cute and graced the pages of CardMaker Magazine
Issue Winter 2017, if you've still got it, check it out!

Be sure to leave a comment on this post and come back
every day this week, for a chance to win one of
(2) Big Unity Stamp Grab Bag prizes!!!
Winners will be posted next week on this blog, as well as
on the Unity Stamp Company Facebook pages.

Have a happy & crafty week! ~Kim
#spreadjoynotgerms

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Click the pink button below and be the first to see a new post
at 9am EST. You'll never miss an Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Tutorials, New Release, & so much more!
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See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Click pic for more Unity inspiration from the "Friends of Unity" Monthly Blog Hop Team!

Supplies (affil): Unity Stamp Company Products: Keep it Simple Stamp Set and Folkart Extreme Glitter paint at Unity; Papertrey Ink white and yellow 110lb cardstock; AC 4x6 Tropicals cardstock (teal); Versafine Onyx black ink; Prismacolor pencils in Botanical Garden Set; Gamsol refill is at Blick Art, but the Gamsol Kit I recommend is at SimonSaysStamp.com Shop; Spectrum Noir Marker #IG1; Petalooo Mulberry Paper Flowers; Flat craft Glue Dots; Distress Oxide Ink-Black Soot; Tim Holtz Speckles Stencil; Picket Fence-Life Changing Blending Brush in small; Misti Stamping Tool; Graphic45 black adhesive gems; and 1/2" Scor-Tape adhesive.

Challenges:
Repeat Impressions Anything Goes Challenge ~ A2220
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Flower Power
The Paper Girls CHALLENGE #198 - GIRL TIME!-Feminine girly card
WWC268 - Dawn's Challenge: All About Occasions-Birthday
KCC #504 {ALL OCCASIONS}-Birthday
The Card Concept #133 {Hello Spring}- I was inspired by the Spring flowers and colors on my clean and layered card.
LTCCB #45 - April Anything Goes
LTSCB #132 - For The Girls
Addicted To Stamps Challenge #386 - Anything Goes

36 Comments

Growing in Unity Day 3 + Autumn Z-Fold Card

4/22/2020

38 Comments

Check out Day 1 "here"
Check out Day 2 "here"
Check out Day 4 "here"
Check out Day 5 "here"

Hi everybody! Welcome back to Day 3 of my Growing in Unity Week at Unity Stamp Company. We've made it to the halfway mark and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading all your wonderful comments. Thank you for your kindness, it's really touched my heart! I hope I've inspired you to dust off your tools, use something old, and make it new again! Because today is another oldie, but also a goodie...Do you remember Z-Fold Cards? AKA Tri-folds, Double Z, or Tall Z-Fold. you get the idea.

For today's project I'm making an Autumn themed Tall Z-Fold card from one sheet of 8.5" x 11" cardstock. Yay! Why? Because Autumn is my favorite time of year and why not!?! We're cooped up inside, let's dig deep in our craft rooms and play with our stuff! I used some of my favorite things, like, pretty papers, punches, alcohol markers, Autumn stamps, and an Autumn Angiegirl too! Fun, right? Let's get started...

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5" x 11" piece of kraft cardstock, cut the length and width to the dimensions shown in the diagram below. Click or hover over pictures below for more step by step instructions.

Here is a close up of the Angiegirl, November Girl. Isn't she sweet?

I cut and trimmed a Unity patterned paper in woodgrain and adhered to the card base. And punched out a pumpkin border from an orange scrap and adhered to the bottom. Here is a close up of the Angiegirl I colored with Spectrum Noir markers listed below. And adhered her to the card panel and tucked her just behind the pumpkin border. And added a touch of zig glue to the pumpkin border to adhere the tops to the card panel.

Here is a close up of all 3 panels of the Z-Fold Card. What do you think? You can do so much more with this card. Remember there is a whole backside to decorate too. And I only covered one of those panels! The possibilities are endless! Pretty fun, right???

Thanks again for joining me today for Day 3 of my
Growing in Unity Week. As I shared my love of Autumn.
I hope I've inspired you to cut up your pretty paper, get those punches out, color with alcohol markers, and try making
a "Z-Fold" card.
And if you do, share them! I'd love to see them!

This updated version reminds me of those new slimline cards and will fit in a #10 envelope, but probably needs
extra postage.

Be sure to leave a comment on this post and come back
every day this week, for a chance to win one of
(2) Big Unity Stamp Grab Bag prizes!!!
Winners will be posted next week on this blog, as well as
on the Unity Stamp Company Facebook pages.

Have a happy & crafty week! ~Kim
#spreadjoynotgerms

*
Click the pink button below and be sure to follow us, so you never miss an Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Craft Tutorials, & so much more!
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See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Click pic for more Unity inspiration from the "Friends of Unity" Monthly Blog Hop Team!

Supplies (affil): Unity Stamp Company Products: Warm and Cozy (KOM 8/19) stamp set, November Girl stamp and sentiment set, Unity Autumn Dream paper pack, Unity Pink and Blue Watercolored paper pack; MISTI Stamping Tool; Distress Oxide Ink: Walnut Stain; Picket Fence Studios: Life Changing Blending Brushes; Catherine Pooler midnight ink (alcohol marker friendly); EK Success Pumpkin Patch border punch; Brutus Monroe Lunchbag (kraft) cardstock and white cardstock; Cutter Bee Scissors; Big Shot Machine: Gina Marie Designs Stitched Rectangle Die; Clear-Wink of Stella; pink adhesive rhinestones; 1/2" Scor-Tape adhesive; Spectrum Noir Markers used: Front Leaf: GB3-CT4-CG2, Flowers: LV1-FS6; Center Barrel of Pumpkins: GB3-CT4-CB3-OR1-TN3-TN5; Angiegirl-Pumpkins: CT4-GB3-OR1, Leaves: CT4-CG2-CB3, Hair: CT4-TN2-TN5; and to hightlight around all 3 images: GG1

Challenges:
Simon Says Mon Challenge: Create A Scene
Repeat Impressions Anything Goes Challenge ~ A2220
The Paper Girls CHALLENGE #198 - GIRL TIME!-Feminine girly card
WWC268 - Dawn's Challenge: All About Occasions-Miss you, thinking of you, or Birthday
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper April 2020 challenge
LTCCB #45 - April Anything Goes
LTSCB #132 - For The Girls
Addicted To Stamps Challenge #386 - Anything Goes

38 Comments

Growing in Unity Day 2 + Floral A2 Screen Card

4/21/2020

43 Comments

Check out Day 1 "here"
Check out Day 3 "here"
Check out Day 4 "here"
Check out Day 5 "here"

Hi everybody! Welcome back to Day 2 of my Growing in Unity Week, that will be filled with Unity projects, and some of my favorite things, or look what I found in my craft room, because I had time to clean it! (lol)
Today is another oldie, but also a goodie...Do you remember Screen Cards? AKA Screen Dividers, Dividing Screen cards, or Tri-folds, you get the idea. They used to be big too, from a 12x12 piece of cardstock.

For today's project I'm making a Screen card, but as an A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2"), so smaller than years past and uses less cardstock. Yay! And I found a large label punch in my stash of tools, which we all probably have, but haven't used in years. And I bet you have one too! Along with a few of my favorites, like tulips, distress oxides, water coloring, tools, and some bling! So, lets make some something ya'll!

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5" x 11" piece of purple 110lb cardstock and cut it in half on the shortest side. Click the pictures below for a step by step on how to make this card...

Now we're ready to decorate our Screen!

I really tried NOT to color today...but this image just screamed for some color! Using a MISTI stamping tool, I had already stamped the imagine and sentiment on regular white cardstock with Versafine Onyx Black ink (water color friendly ink), but forgot to use watercolor cardstock for todays project. So we're just going for it. You can make it work, if you don't use much water. I used Distress Oxide inks in the colors shown (plus Squeezed Lemonade Reg. Distress Ink and their listed below), with a quick and light watercoloring technique, kind of like flicking, so I wouldn't warp my cardstock. I patted dry with a paper towel and dried between coloring with a heat tool, so I could layer on more color for depth and dimension. The cardstock buckled up a little bit and I just put a big heavy book on it for a couple hours to flatten it out. An iron on a low setting would work too.

Here is a close up of the front of the Screen Card. What do you think?

Then did a bit more ink smooshing and used the ink splat stamp again, and ink splatters in picked raspberry and wilted violet around the edges of the image, which seems to be a favorite. I like the effect. Once dry, used a corner rounder punch to cut the corners. And went around the edges of the image with picked raspberry ink. Added a bit of red sparkle glitter pen to all the hearts and clear glitter pen to the circles for a bit of bling! Adhered the image to the front of our Screen card. And added a few light pink glitter enamel adhesive dots for more sparkle. Click the pictures below for more step by step directions for the inside of the Screen card.

For the "Angiegirl" in the center of our Screen card, using a MISTI stamping tool, I stamped her on white cardstock, in Versafine Onyx black ink (a watercolor friendly ink). And water colored her the same way I colored the flowers on the front of the card. But I used a few more colors on our lovely girl. She reminds me of my daughter, so I colored her that way. Using Distress Oxide Inks-Hair: Scattered Straw, Rusty Hinge and Walnut Stain; Hoodie: Wilted Violet; Skin: Dried Marigold watered down, and a touch of Picked Raspberry for her lips; and the Butterfly: Regular Distress ink in Squeezed Lemonade and Dried Marigold in Oxide. And colored around the entire Angiegirl with a Spectrum Noir Marker in a light gray #GG1 to highlight her and give her some depth. Click the pictures below for more step by step directions to finish the inside of the Screen card.

Here's another peak...What do you think? Are you going to give Screen Cards a try?

Thank You SO much for your kinds words and support yesterday. It was very heartwarming to read all your comments. And just like the front sentiment says,
"Friends really do become our chosen family"
and you all are like family.

Thanks again for joining me today for Day 2 of my
Growing in Unity Week. I hope I've inspired you to cut up
your cardstock, get those punches out, play with watercoloring, and try making "screen" cards.
And if you do, share them! I'd love to see them!

Be sure to leave a comment on this post, and come back every day this week, for a chance to win one of (2) Big
Unity Stamp Grab Bag prizes!!!
Winners will be posted next week on this blog, as well as on the Unity Stamp Company Facebook pages.

Have a happy & crafty week! ~Kim
#spreadjoynotgerms

*
Click the pink button below and be sure to follow us, so you never miss an Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Craft Tutorials, & so much more!
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See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Click pic for more Unity inspiration from the "Friends of Unity" Monthly Blog Hop Team!

Supplies (affil): Unity Stamp Company Products: Have A Little Faith, Never Far-Angiegirl, Better With Friends (splat stamp and inside sentiment), Say It With Love (hugs sentiment); Misti Stamping Tool; Distress Oxide Inks: Mermaid Lagoon, Picked Raspberry, Wilted Violet, Peeled Paint, Pine Needles, Mowed Lawn, Scattered Straw, Rusty Hinge, Walnut Stain, Dried Marigold; Regular Distress Ink: Squeezed Lemonade; Versafine Onyx Black ink; Fiskars large squeeze corner rounder punch; SU large label punch; Papertrey Ink white and purple cardstock; Bobunny 6x6 Soft Shades Double Dot patterned paper; Spectrum Noir Marker #GG1, Atyou Spica red and clear glitter pens; Clear-Wink of Stella; Big Shot Machine: Spellbinders-Nestabilities-Label One; light pink glitter enamel adhesive dots; 1/2" Scor-Tape adhesive.

Challenges:
Repeat Impressions Anything Goes Challenge ~ A2220
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Flower Power
The Paper Girls CHALLENGE #198 - GIRL TIME!-Feminine girly card
WWC268 - Dawn's Challenge: All About Occasions-Thinking of you
TTTC061- Featured Designer Laurie- I used Blooms (front), Designer Paper (inside), and Layers.
HLS April Watercolour Challenge
The Card Concept #133 {Hello Spring}- I was inspired by the Spring flowers and colors on my clean and simple card.
LTCCB #45 - April Anything Goes
LTSCB #132 - For The Girls

43 Comments

Growing in Unity Day 1 + Floral Inchie Card

4/20/2020

53 Comments

Check out Day 2 "here"
Check out Day 3 "here"
Check out Day 4 "here"
Check out Day 5 "here"

Hi everybody! I'm Kim Klinkovsky, welcome to Day 1 of my Growing in Unity (GIU) week at my Blog...My Kraft Kloset for a fun filled week of inspiration. It's my happy place, where I share all my crafty adventures, usually fueled by coffee, sweet tea, and probably some chocolate or wine too! I’m a Published Card Maker, Blogger, Social Media Administrator for a couple craft companies, occasional Scrapbooker, Jewelry Maker, Wife to an US Army Veteran for 24yrs, and Mom to 4 kids, one daughter and three sons, including a set of twins. I love all kinds of stamps, pretty paper, tools, getting inky, heat embossing, and sparkle, to name a few things! I’m honored to be a (GIU) Growing in Unity gal this week and I can’t wait to share some of my favorite things with you! Follow along and let’s get crafty!

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5” x 11” light blue 110lb cardstock, folded in half, and trimmed down to 7” x 5.” Then I cut two strips of yellow check patterned papers 3” x 5.” Using a ribbon border punch, cut across both strips, threaded a blue satin ribbon, trimmed, and adhered it on the back. And adhered to the top and bottom of the card base. Using a MISTI stamping tool, I stamped one of my favorite Unity flower stamps, in Distress Oxide Ink-Faded Jeans on white cardstock, sprinkled with clear embossing powder, and heat set. Then stamping with an acrylic block and a splatter stamp, added ink splatters in Distress Oxide inks-Fossilized Amber and Broken China. And added a few more splatters with a paint brush. Heat set to dry or set aside for an hour. Click smaller pics for step by step tutorial...

For today's project I'm bringing back an oldie, but a goodie. Do you remember "inchie" cards? If not, it's where you punch out inch squares of your image and then lay them back down in a grid pattern, as shown above and below. You can use any square, and I used an 1.5" square punch, so my last column was only half a square. But I don't care. It wouldn't have been a complete picture without it. Which made it kind of unique and different. What do you think?

Click on pic's below for a step by step tutorial:

Recently I read a post on the Unity Show and Tell Facebook page that made me sad. One of our members said she wasn’t doing so well at coloring, and she wanted to give up, but that we really inspire her. She sounded a little down, maybe due to what's going on in the world, I’m not sure. I hope she’s okay and doing better. If she’s reading this or if this sounds like any of you: Please know, this isolation and sheltering can be daunting, but you are not alone, and you can talk to me or any of us, anytime! Or Call the National Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255 if you need to talk to somebody or you can text the Crisis Text Line (741741)

But you Unies stepped up and encouraged her not to give up, and to keep on coloring, and creating. It just warmed my heart! And I hope it cheered her up too! You Unies are so inspiring, encouraging, kind, and supportive of one another. I just love it! It's such a happy place!

And this post inspired me to make a card with NO coloring, just for her! And I encourage you all to "not color" too and see what you can make! I'd love to see it! I love to color, but I’m no expert, and I’m still learning too! And believe me, I’ve had my share of ugly projects that I will NOT be sharing this week. HA! Sorry. Not sorry! (lol). But I do suggest you practice to improve your skills or move onto other mediums and try something new. When this sheltering in place is all over and we can be out and about again, take some classes. Or watch craft videos to learn and practice from too!

Okay...back to today's project...inchie card with ink and tools

Then adhered the whole image panel to another light blue cardstock 4 ¼” x 5” and adhere to the card base. Click on pic's below for continued step by step tutorial...

Added a touch of sparkle to the center of the flowers with a clear glitter pen. And added blue glitter enamel adhesive dots to complete this “no coloring” project! What do you think? Pretty right? Love Love Love this flower stamp for so many occasions! Now let's see what you can make!

Thank You for joining me today for Day 1 of my Growing in Unity Week. I hope I've inspired you to "not color" or try making "inchie" cards. And if you do, share them!

Be sure to leave a comment on this post, and come back every day this week, for a chance to win one of (2)
Unity Stamp Grab Bag prizes!!!
Winners will be posted next week on this blog, as well as on the Unity Stamp Company Facebook pages.

Have a happy & crafty week! ~Kim
#spreadjoynotgerms

*
Click the pink button below and be sure to follow us, so you never miss an Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Craft Tutorials, & so much more!
*
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

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Click pic for more Unity inspiration from the "Friends of Unity" Monthly Blog Hop Team!

Supplies: Unity Stamp Company Products: You Are Forever Beautiful stamp set, Better With Friends (splat stamp), and sentiment from Say It Big (May 2019 sentiment kit); Distress Oxide Inks: Faded Jeans, Fossilized Amber, Broken China; Ranger Clear and Seafoam White embossing powder; Versamark clear ink; Fiskars ribbon border punch; Marvy Uchida 1.5" square punch; Papertrey Ink white, navy, light blue cardstock; AC ribbon and Mayberry-6x6 yellow check patterned paper

Challenges:
Repeat Impressions Anything Goes Challenge ~ A2220
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Flower Power
The Paper Girls CHALLENGE #198 - GIRL TIME!-Feminine girly card
WWC268 - Dawn's Challenge: All About Occasions-Mothers Day or Birthday
KCC #504 {ALL OCCASIONS}-Mother's Day or Birthday
TTTC061- Featured Designer Laurie- I used Stitching, Designer Paper, and Ribbon.
HLS April Watercolour Challenge
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper April 2020 challenge
The Card Concept #133 {Hello Spring}- I was inspired by the Spring flowers and colors on my clean and layered card.
LTCCB #45 - April Anything Goes
LTSCB #132 - For The Girls
Allsorts Challenge Week 569 - Add a Bow

53 Comments

#spreadjoynotgerms Blog Hop + Huge Giveaways

4/17/2020

212 Comments

Hi everybody!!! I'm so excited to invite you to a HUGE Blog Hop coordinated by Catherine Pooler and Hedgehog Hollow. To spread joy and inspiration across the world and to support Small Business Owners! Yay!
I hope this finds you healthy, as we've all been sheltering in place, keeping busy, and sharing our creative gifts with one another. I've seen many wonderful projects across all social media channels and it's been amazing to have this time to follow new crafters and create! So kick back and relax, as we distract you with a parade of fabulously talented designers sharing happiness and craftiness from around the globe! This is HUGE ya'll!!!

We have over 150 fabulously talented Bloggers and Craft Company Sponsors Blog Hopping today, sharing inspiration, and giving way LOTS of amazing prizes too!!! WOW!!! Take a look, hop a long, get inspired, follow your favorite blogger, and support Small Businesses at this unprecedented time. We're all in this together! And we hope you join us in spreading joy not germs! As we wish you all good health!

For today’s distraction...I am sharing (3) cards, from (3) fantastic Sponsors, LOTS of giveaway prizes, and a giveaway from My Kraft Kloset too!!! I was inspired by the better days ahead, with rainbows, flowers, and sunshine. From our amazing Sponsors with wonderful products for any occasion to share with friends and family, near and far! Mail Snail Mail and show you care! Click the links, check things out, and have fun!!!

*Sponsor* CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and more:
has donated their *NEW* Spring Release - over $80 value

Click to Shop here ==> CAS-ual Fridays Stamps, Dies, & more

Supplies: CAS-ual Fridays Stamps: Terrific Flowers Stamps, sentiment from Heart Ribbon Stamps, and Tin Roof Stencil; Catherine Pooler midnight black ink; MISTI stamping tool; Vicki Boutin Mixed Media watercolors; Ranger Tim Holtz water color paper; Ranger Distress Oxide-Scattered Straw; Picket Fence Studios-Life Changing Blending Brushes; Gina Marie Designs stitched die; Papertrey Ink colored cardstock; Atyou spica clear glitter pen; pink glitter adhesive gems.

Enter this discount code at checkout and SAVE on all your CAS-ual Fridays purchases!

*NEW* products will be available Sunday, April 19, 2020

*Sponsor* Unity Stamp Company:
has donated two $25 Gift Certificates

Click to Shop here ==> Unity Stamp Company

Supplies: Unity Stamp Company: Iris stamp from (KOM 3/2020) Spring & Things and sentiment from You Are Forever Beautiful; Catherine Pooler Gray ink; MISTI stamping tool; Vicki Boutin mixed media watercolors; Ranger Tim Holtz water color paper; Ranger Distress Oxide Ink-Pine Needles; Ranger Clear embossing powder; Marvy Uchida Heat Tool; Gina Marie stitched oval die; Simon Says Stamps stitched scallop edge die; BoBunny double dot patterned paper; Papertrey Ink Cardstock; Folkart Extreme glitter paint; and AC ribbon.

*Sponsor* Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamps:
has donated a $20 gift certificate

Check out our Design Team projects too, click ==> "here"

Supplies: Polka Dot Orchard: Welcome to the Neighborhood and sentiment from Spring Blessings digital stamp sets; Papertrey Ink white, green, yellow cardstock; Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink: Candied Apple, Carved Pumpkin, Fossilized Amber; Lucky Clover, Faded Jeans, Wilted Violet and Salty Ocean for the sky; Picket Fence Studios-Life Changing Blending Brushes; Spectrum Noir alcohol markers on the windows and doors; Folkart Extreme Glitter Paint in the clouds; Atyou spica clear glitter pen in the windows; Xyron 1.5" sticker maker for ribbon; and AC ribbon.

ALL Polka Dot Orchard Digital Sets are ON SALE. Stock up and save! Grab ALL your favorites at this fantastic deal!! They’ve made it easy...just click, download instantly, print, color, and enjoy!

Click here or the pic below to Shop ==> Polka Dot Orchard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You have until April 24, 2020, one week, to comment on ALL the Blog Hop stops to enter for the Sponsor prizes. Our 'My Kraft Kloset' winner will be posted here and ALL the Winners will be announced on Monday, April 27, 2020 over on the ==> Catherine Poolers Blog

Thank you so much for hopping along with us today and supporting Small Business Owners! They need us!
And I hope you’ve been inspired to try new products, new techniques, mix and match, and see what you can create.
The possibilities are endless!

Have a happy & crafty weekend! ~Kim
#spreadjoynotgerms

*
Click the pink button below and be sure to follow us, so you never miss an Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Craft Tutorials, & so much more!
*
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow this Blog

==>Now hop onto to the next Blog Hopper...the talented ==> Christine Burillo-Kirch <==

If you get lost along the hop, you can go back to the beginning here ==> Catherine Pooler Blog Hop

Supplies from these Affiliates:

Challenges:
The Card Concept #133 {Hello Spring}-(#1 card)-the colors and flowers inspired me to create this clean and layered spring card
KRAFTY CHICKS CHALLENGE #503, CLEAN AND SIMPLE (#1)
Time Out Challenge #159-Words-(#1)
HLS April Watercolour Challenge + optional stars (#1)-(watercolored rainbow flowers and background. Star like stencil on card base)
Allsorts Challenge Week 568 - Flowers and/or Showers (#1)

The Paper Girls CHALLENGE /#197 - Florals (#2 card)
Little Red Wagon Challenge #555 - Maaama! (#2)
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper April 2020 challenge (#2)
LTSCB #132 - For The Girls (#2)
The Flower Challenge #43 'Spring/Autumn' (#2)

LTCCB #45 - April Anything Goes (#3 card)

212 Comments

Friends of Unity April Blog Hop + Giveaways

4/4/2020

44 Comments

Hello everybody! How are you doing? I hope this finds you all healthy
and safe in place, as our hearts and prayers go out to all of you, during
this unprecedented time. I'm sure you're keeping busy and
getting your mind off things, even for a little while.

What are you doing to keep busy?
Many of us crafters have been sharing many ideas for card making, scrapbooking, journaling, organizing, using supplies, and so much more!

Because we're in this together!!!
Pray for the world - stay home if you can - wash often - practice social distancing & #dontbeaspreader or a carrier of the virus!
It will save others & yourself!

***
Now for a wonderful distraction today...
I welcome you to our April Friends of Unity Blog Hop where several amazing designer friends & myself share our love (and obsessions) of Unity Stamps!!!
Each month we create handmade cards or projects
with a new theme to stretch our imaginations and
we GIVE-A-WAY Unity Stamp prizes too!!!
Scroll down for new tutorials, enter giveaways, & get hopping
for some amazing inspiration!!!

***
Before I get started...check our ==> March Blog Hop to see if you are one of the many Winners and claim your prizes!!!
Shelly S.
is our Winner here at My Kraft Kloset, for March 2020!
Congratulations!!!
***

Our theme for April is...
a Sketch!
That's right...we're all creating with <== this same sketch to show you several different possibilities. And having a sketch really gives you a good starting point, especially when you're stumped for a design.

My card today is a lovely Spring card, great for Easter Sun, April 12th. But also a Spring Birthday, Hello, Thinking of You, and many more. I knew I wanted to use this bunny stamp set, because I hadn't used it before. Shocking, right!?! And I paired it with some of my favs: Graphic 45 patterned paper, heat embossing, sparkle, and this gorgeous purple rose ribbon.

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5x11” piece of green Papertrey Ink 110lb cardstock, folded in half, and trimmed down to 6 x 4¾” as my card base. Then cut a 6 x 4½” gorgeous piece of Graphic 45-Place In Time-March patterned paper, which shows two patterns on the one panel, and sprayed with both glimmer mist colors in a splat box. Set aside to dry. It's hard to photograph the shimmer, but it's there. Once dry, adhered to the card base. Click pictures below to get the step by step tutorial for this card...

Ok. Let’s assemble our card. I put adhesive on the back of the purple circle and adhered the purple rose ribbon around the circle. Gave the roses a little fluff around the edges. Popped the bunny up with 3D foam tape, adhered to the purple circle, and adhered the whole piece to the card panel. And adhered the sentiment with 3D form tape to the card to complete this sparkly spring beauty.

I hope I've inspired you to try this sketch design, mix and match your stamps or products, try some new things, and
see where it takes you! The possibilities are endless!
And if you do...share your creations with us by using the hashtags: #friendsofunity #unitystampco #SSSUnitedWeCraft

Pssst! Are you still with me???
Enter this GIVEAWAY using the Rafflecopter box below.
The more boxes you check the greater your chances.
One winner will be selected randomly at each giveaway, contacted via email or private messaging, and announced in our next Blog Hop on May 2, 2020
Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

==> The HOP starts below <==
go back to the beginning & hop with ALL of these talented
Friends of Unity Designers
for more Inspiration, more Giveaways, & click on their
names below & leave a comment to win!

Crystal O. Minkler <= go back to start
Eileen Mathys
Dawn Bryson
Amber Trubiak
Kim Klinkovsky <= you are here
Dawn Fields
Robyn Jordan
Jeanie M. Hays
Alaine Tanner
Bobbie Sue McConathy

Thank You for stopping by!
Have a safe & crafty weekend!
Happy (almost) Easter! ~Kim & family

*
Click the pink button below and be sure to follow us so you never miss an Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Craft Tutorials, & so much more!
*
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies {affils}:
(Card #1): Unity Stamp Company Products: Woodland Bunny stamp set and sentiment from the Circle Scalloped (border stamps); Papertrey Ink green 110lb cardstock; AC purple cardstock; Graphic 45-Place in Time, patterned paper; MISTI stamping tool; Ranger Ink Distress Ink-Weathered Wood and Pine Needles; Ranger Ink Clear Embossing Powder; Ranger Ink Anti-Static Pouch; Marvy Uchida heat tool; Tim Holtz Splat Box (for spraying); Big Shot machine; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle die set & Stitched Rectangle die set; Spectrum Noir Markers; Tattered Angels-Glimmer Mist: Brass Bell and Snow White; Purple Rose Ribbon from HL (May Arts has similar); Spica Purple glitter pen; 3D Foam tape; and 1/2" Scor-tape adhesive.

(Card #2): Unity Stamp Company Products: She Mermaid stamp set, sentiment from Say It With Love (Jan. 2020 sentiment kit), & Gina K Design-White pigment ink (splatters); Papertrey Ink light blue cardstock; HL white cardstock; Echo Park Paper-Under the Sea-patterned paper; MISTI stamping tool; Ranger Ink Distress Oxide Ink-Faded Jeans, Salty Ocean, and Broken China; Ranger Ink Distress Ink-Chipped Sapphire (sentiment); Ranger Ink Gold and Clear Embossing Powder; Ranger Ink Anti-Static Pouch; Marvy Uchida heat tool; Tim Holtz Splat Box; Big Shot machine; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle die set; Spectrum Noir Markers; Spica Clear glitter pen; water brush (for splatters); and 1/2" Scor-tape adhesive.

<<The "leftover" mermaid card tutorial that was here, has been temporarily taken down. And it will return Sept. 1, 2020. Stay tuned. Thank you!>>

Challenges:
LTSCB #132 - For The Girls - feminine (bunny card)
Repeat Impressions DCC A120 ~ April Showers (Something Wet)- (heat embossing, ocean patterned paper, and a mermaid)
Simon Says Mon Challenge: Spring Mood Board (bunny card)
WWC265 - Marsha's Challenge: Anything Goes w/Feminine Twist-bunny
Little Red Wagon Challenge-Blue (mermaid card)
KRAFTY CHICKS CHALLENGE #501 WEEK 1 (STAMP ACT)-(mermaid)
TTTC058 – Featured Designer Felicita Johnson - (vibrant, ribbon, heat embossing-bunny card)
Time Out Challenges #158 (bunny card)
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper April 2020 challenge (bunny card)
LTCCB #45 - April Anything Goes (mermaid)
Addicted to Stamps Challenge #383 - Holiday-Easter

44 Comments

Polka Dot Orchard + Easter Egg Wreath Card

4/3/2020

8 Comments

Hi everybody! My heart and prayers go out to you all during this unprecedented time. I hope you have lots of things to keep you and your family busy while we shelter in place to keep others and ourselves safe! What are you doing to keep busy?
My family has been watching movies together and having more dinners together. I have been organizing, baking, stamping, printing, and coloring
lots of things!
Hang in there...we will get through this together!
🙏- stay home - wash often - social distancing 👍 and #dontbeaspreader or a carrier of the virus!

Now for a little distraction today....an Easter Egg Wreath Tutorial!
Easter is next Sunday, April 12th ya'll...but don't fret! You still have time to make Easter cards and get them mailed with these easy peasy digital stamps in the ==> Polka Dot Orchard Shop!!! So many to choose from and they are ON SALE too!!!

Tutorial: I use a WPS Free Office document program to copy and paste Polka Dot Orchard digital images into, to layer, move images around, and resize them. For today's project I cropped and erased the bunny chick off the eggs, and then copied and pasted that image six times. And arranged the eggs in a circle or wreath. I copied, pasted, and centered a sentiment inside the wreath. Once I had the images where I wanted them, I grouped them as one piece, saved, and renamed as a “new” document in the same file as my original stamp set, to use again for future use. I printed my image on my HP printer using the "thin" brand of white cardstock from HL.

I was inspired by those bright colored Easter egg dye kits we all used as a kid or still may use. And colored the image with these Spectrum Noir alcohol marker colors shown above. I used IB2 around the petals of the daisies to highlight them. Using a Picket Fence blending brush I added a touch of Distress Oxide ink to the inside of the wreath, to highlight the sentiment.

I fussy cut the wreath out with scissors. Adhered a piece of green satin ribbon behind the wreath and adhered wreath to a 6x6” piece of Unity Stamps wood grain patterned paper. Which I thought resembled a door. Then adhered the whole piece to an 8.5x11” 100lb piece of Brutus Monroe Lunchbag kraft cardstock, folded in half, and trimmed down to 6x6,” not shown. Which will take extra postage, because it's square (sorry). And added a touch of clear sparkle pen to the teeny tiny little ladybugs that are on a few of the eggs to finish this wonderful card. I kept this card fairly simple and flat for mailing, but colorful for Easter!

Here's another peek...

I hope I've inspired you to try digital stamps and see what you can create. The possibilities are endless!

I used this Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamp Set today:
EGGS-tra Special Easter

Thanks for stopping by!
May you be safe, happy, & crafty!
Happy Easter! ~Kim & family

Check these digi's out and more...
Shop here ==> Polka Dot Orchard digital stamps

For more inspiration follow these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow this Blog

Supplies from these Affiliates:

Challenges:
Simon Says Mon Challenge: Spring Mood Board
WWC265 - Marsha's Challenge: Anything Goes With a Feminine Twist
Little Red Wagon Challenge-Blue
KRAFTY CHICKS CHALLENGE #501 WEEK 1 (STAMP ACT)
TTTC058 – Featured Designer Felicita Johnson - (vibrant, circle, stripes-wood slats in background)
Time Out Challenges #158
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper April 2020 challenge
LTCCB #45 - April Anything Goes
Addicted to Stamps Challenge #383 - Holiday

8 Comments

CAS-ual Fridays Stamps NEW Spring Release

3/29/2020

0 Comments

Hi everybody!!! It's time to reveal an amazing *NEW* Spring Release from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps
who are debuting (4) *NEW* clear photopolymer stamp sets all designed in Colorado and made in the USA!!! Yay!!! Be sure to check out the amazing projects on their Blog all week, maybe catch a GIVEAWAY, and find more inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest to pin all your favorites! Because these are sure to inspire you for your upcoming projects like: New moms, new baby, hot mama's, Mothers Day, Friendship, Girlfriends, Thinking of you, Just because, all occasion, Birthday, hope, encouragement, support, love and so much more!!!

And guess what???
These are ALL available to buy right NOW in the
CAS-ual Fridays Stamp Shop...click => "here"

And be sure to enter my special code
"KIMSENTME"
at checkout to save an extra 15% off
ALL your purchases!!!

Enter this discount code at check out and SAVE on all your CAS-ual Fridays purchases!

For more inspiration check out the CAS-ual Fridays Pinterest and Instagram @casfridays

Happy Shopping at CAS-ual Fridays Stamps
click => "here"

Thanks for stopping by, stay safe, busy & creative! ~Kim

***
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

0 Comments

Extended: International Womens Day Linky Party + Giveaways + Angel Flower Card

3/27/2020

8 Comments

<<<UPDATED 3/20: Linky Party EXTENDED until March 31st @ 12pm Indian standard time (12.5hrs ahead of EDT USA). So join us, create and submit your cards or crafts with keeping with our theme. Details below. Happy Crafting!!!>>>

Hi everybody! Kim here, and I hope this finds you all doing well and being inspired by all the crafters posting many creations these past few weeks to entertain and inspire us. On behalf of CAS-ual Fridays Stamps we are celebrating and Sponsoring 'International Women's Day' all month long. Their Blog Hop, a Linky Party, and an Instagram Hop has been EXTENDED until March 31, 2020 IST. And the fun part is...you can play along and join us too! LOT'S of Giveaways up for grabs!!! Details below...

March 8th is a day aimed to help nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women, but as not to leave our guys out...International Men's Day is also celebrated on November 19 each year. But today and all month is to honor and celebrate our wonderful women, women empowerment and sisterhood all around the world!

The idea behind this hop started last year with 10 amazing women card makers who wanted to encourage other women through their crafts. Just a small word of encouragement from fellow women goes a long way and can do wonders. So let us come together and empower our sisters all around the world. Because we're in this together! Wow! Pretty awesome, right? We look forward to building a positive environment with your support.

For today's project: I was inspired by the beauty, spirituality, and sisterhood of our amazing CFS 'Flower Angel' and 'Angel Hugs' stamp sets to create this precious project with water colors, distress inks, die cuts, heat embossing, and some sparkle.

Tutorial: I started with an 8.5x11” yellow 100lb Papertrey Ink cardstock, folded in half, because I’ll trim it down at the end. I cut the left edge off a 4x6” turquoise panel from AC Tropical cardstock, using my die cutting machine with a stitched curvy scallop die from SimonSaysStamp and adhered to the card base. As I was cleaning up my craft desk, I came across some random pieces I had saved from previous projects, as we all do, that got me thinking I could incorporate some of them into this new project. I had a yellow die cut circle and a white cardstock panel that was sprayed with iridescent glimmer mist. So, using a PF blender brush I inked up the yellow circle with some fossilized amber distress oxide ink to make it a little darker and give it some interest. And using my die cutting machine again, I cut a smaller circle, from Gina Marie Designs, in the upper right corner of the white panel, that is smaller than the yellow circle. And using a water brush I added ink splatters in peacock feathers distress ink and fossilized amber oxide ink to match our project. Once dry, adhered the yellow circle to the outside of the panel with Tombow Multi liquid glue to move it in place. And set aside, do NOT attach yet. Click on the photos below to get the step by step tutorial for this card...

You can read the story of the Angel stamps...click => "here"

To Celebrate all women and our sisterhood around the world, CAS-ual Fridays Stamps is giving away a $25 prize package!!!

Click the links below, Hop & Comment, and join us by linking up your amazing projects based on our
'women empowerment theme' to be entered for the many awesome prizes donated by several generous craft company's!!!

*Blog Hop & Linky Party- (the linkytool expired, but this Link Party & Giveaways is still going on!!! It has been EXTENDED thru March 31, 2020.
Click "Blog Hop & Linky Party" title I have highlighted above in purple, it will take you to the Blog Hop Post, leave your name and link address to your project in comments. And your name will be manually added to random.org for the giveaways-Thank you!)
*Facebook
*Instagram: @women.beyoutifully.you

Check out & Shop ==> CAS-ual Fridays Stamps & Fri-Dies
use my special savings code below at checkout
and save 15% off your purchase!
This applies to the Retired Sets too! Yay!
Happy Shopping!

Enter this code at Checkout and SAVE on all your CAS-ual Fridays purchases!

For more inspiration check out CAS-ual Fridays on Pinterest and Instagram @casfridays

Thanks for stopping by!
Have a happy & crafty day! ~Kim

See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow this Blog

Challenges:
International Women's day bloghop or enter on FB
HLS March Watercolour Challenge
Little Red Wagon Challenge # 542 - Leftovers -(Leftovers used: white panel, yellow circle die cut, and yellow floral patterned paper)
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Anything Goes
Repeat Impressions Anything Goes Challenge ~ M2520
LTCCB #44 - March Anything Goes
LTSCB #131 - Anything Goes
Addicted to Stamps Challenge #382 - Make Your Mark - (I used water color paints, alcohol markers, and several different inks)

8 Comments

Polka Dot Orchard + Irish Friendship Card

3/13/2020

5 Comments

Happy (almost) St. Patrick's Day & it's Friday the 13th too!!! Eeek! Are you superstitious? I'm not really, but I think I have a bit of 'Luck o' the Irish' with me today. Because I'm sharing this sweet card full of spring colors, plaid, and childhood memories from this darling "Lollipop Love" set by Polka Dot Orchard digital stamps. It's not just for Valentines Day. It's versatile for other occasions too! Isn't this cheery and fun??? Love it!!!

Reminds of those brightly colored sucker pops I used to get from the candy store across the street from my Grandma's house. OH! You heard me right! A kids dream! Am I right? Oh yeah...a sweet little mom and pop general store, but we always called it the "candy store," where all our pennies were spent when we came to visit! And these suckers took me right back to those days! Such sweet memories of me and my little sister filling our small brown paper bags full of 1 cent candies. Oh! Those were the days!

Tutorial on how I made this card:
I folded an 8.5x11" Papertrey Ink shamrock green cardstock in half for my card base. It's one of my favorite brands, because it's a good, quality, sturdy 100-110lb cover cardstcok. Great for a base. Next I selected this lovely Irish looking plaid patterned paper, trimmed ¼” smaller than our base and adhered to the card base. And trimmed off the top of the cardstock. As I've been making larger cards lately. While A2 sized cards seem too small lately and an A7 card seem too big. This card is in between at about 6x5 3/4," which is just a smidge smaller than a perfect square.

My color palette was inspired by those suckers I remember from my childhood and a wee bit of Irish influence. I use WPS Free Office document program to copy and paste Polka Dot Orchard digital images, to layer, move images around, and allows you to resize them. For today's project I resized the suckers, copied, and pasted that image three times. And arranged them to form a 4-leaf clover. Once I had the images where I wanted them, I grouped them as one piece, saved, and renamed, as a “new” document in the same file as my original stamp set, for future use.

I printed my image on my HP printer using the thin brand of white cardstock from HL. And colored the image with alcohol markers. I originally had 4 sets of suckers to color, but while I was coloring my last grouping of suckers, my red marker bled really badly outside the lines and into the other suckers. It looked so ugly, I just wanted to cry. But we all make mistakes. And life goes on and then I went into recovery mode. So now I have a 3-leaf clover and still feeling pretty lucky. I’m all about problem solving and salvaging a project. Which in the end did save me a lot of time and resources, instead of just tossing it and starting over.

Using a die cutting machine I cut the image out with a stitched square die and turned for a diamond shape. And cut out our sentiment with a stitched oval die. Using a Picket Fence blending brush, added some yellow lemonade distress ink to highlight our image and sentiment. Then cut out a larger stitched oval from the same shamrock green cardstock and adhered to back of sentiment. Next adhered our image, ugly ‘mistake’ suckers pointing down (lol) to the card. Then adhered the sentiment to card, covering up the “ugly” suckers on the bottom. Voila! See...can’t even tell I messed up. Shhhhhhh...it’s our little secret. Nobody will ever know. (lol)

Added some clear glitter pen sparkle to the ‘pop’ letters on the center suckers. Added some coordinating buttons, and some festive bakers twine. And there you have a wee bit o' luck on this Irish beauty ready for it’s snail mail journey.

Here's a closer look...with a wee bit o' sparkle too!

I hope I've inspired you to try digital stamps and see what you can create. The possibilities are endless!

I used this Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamp Set today:
Lollipop Love

Thanks for stopping by!
May the 'Luck o' the Irish' be with you
this Friday 13th and all month long.
Happy (almost) St. Patrick's Day! ~Kim

Check them out...
Shop here ==> Polka Dot Orchard digital stamps

For more inspiration follow these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow this Blog

Supplies from these Affiliates:

Challenges:
Lil Red Wagon Challenge #540 - Etc, Etc, Etc (3 groups of 3 Lollipops and 3 pink buttons)
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Use Some Green
Simon Says Mon Challenge: A Bit O’ Green
HLS March Anything Goes with Dies Challenge
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper March 2020 challenge
LTCCB #44 - March Anything Goes
LTSCB #131 - Anything Goes

5 Comments

CAS-ual Fridays Stamps + International Womens Day Blog Hop + Giveaways

3/8/2020

7 Comments

<<<UPDATED 3/20: Linky Party EXTENDED until 31st March 12pm Indian standard time (12.5hrs ahead of EDT USA). So join us, create and submit your cards or crafts with keeping with our theme. Details below. Happy Crafting!!!>>>

Hi everybody! Kim here, for CAS-ual Fridays Stamps to celebrate and Sponsor 'International Women's Day' which is kicking off today with a Blog Hop, a Linky Party, and an Instagram Hop from March 8-31, 2020 IST. And the fun part is...you can join us too! Details below...

March 8th is a day aimed to help nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women, but as not to leave our guys out...International Men's Day is also celebrated on November 19 each year. But today is ALL about our wonderful women!

The idea behind this hop started last year with 10 amazing women card makers who wanted to encourage other women through their crafts. Just a small word of encouragement from fellow women goes a long way and can do wonders. So let us come together again and empower our sisters all around the world. Wow! Pretty awesome, right? We look forward to building a positive environment with your support.

For today's project: I was inspired by the beauty and strength of our fabulous CFS 'Be A Unicorn' stamp set, with coordinating 'Unicorn Fri-Die' to create this amazing project with distress inks, heat embossing, and some metallic sparkle.

Tutorial: I started with an A2 white card base and a gray/white star patterned paper ½” smaller and adhered to the card. To make the unicorn I used an “ink smooshing” technique on watercolor cardstock using distress inks, details in my ‘categories’ in the right side bar. Once dry, stamp the unicorn with Versamark clear ink, sprinkled with silver embossing powder, and heat set. Using a die cutting machine, cut out the unicorn with coordinating die cut. And adhere to the card. I love how detailed it is. Isn’t she beautiful? Then I stamped this meaningful sentiment with distress oxide ink, because it’s thick, sprinkled with clear embossing powder, and heat set. And it shows the color beautifully. Using a die cut from my stash and blue metallic cardstock, I cut out the flourish piece and all the stars, and adhered to the card with liquid glue to complete this sparkly beauty.

Here is a close up of all that beauty and sparkle...I hope I've inspired you to support women everywhere through our crafts and our kindness.

To Celebrate all women and our sisterhood, CAS-ual Fridays Stamps is giving away a $25 prize package.

This Link Party is open to all crafty women globally for 2 weeks.

Click the links below, Hop & Comment, and join us by linking up your amazing projects based on our
'women empowerment theme'
to be entered for the many awesome prizes donated by several generous craft company's.

*Blog Hop & Linky Party
*Instagram: @women.beyoutifully.you
*Facebook

Also, be sure to Shop ==> CAS-ual Fridays Stamps & Fri-Dies,
where you can use my special savings code below
to save 15% off your total purchase too!
This applies to the Retired Sets too! Yay!
Happy Shopping!

SAVE more with this discount code on all your CAS-ual Fridays purchases every time!

For more inspiration check out CAS-ual Fridays Stamps on Pinterest and Instagram!

Thanks for stopping by!
Have a happy & crafty day! ~Kim

See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow this Blog

Challenges:
International Women's day bloghop
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Something Feminine
KRAFTY CHICKS CHALLENGE #497, WEEK 1 STAMP ACT
HLS March Anything Goes with Dies Challenge (unicorn stamp & die cut)
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper March 2020 challenge
LTCCB #44 - March Anything Goes
LTSCB #131 - Anything Goes
Creative Embellishments March Challenge-(I was inspired by the colors and the silver sparkle)

7 Comments

Friends of Unity Blog Hop + Designers Choice + Giveaways

3/7/2020

32 Comments

Welcome to our March Friends of Unity Blog Hop where several of my amazing designer friends and myself share our love
(and obsessions) of all things Unity Stamps!!!
Each month we create handmade cards, paper crafts, or projects
with a new theme to stretch our imaginations and we
GIVE AWAY lots of Unity Stamp prizes too!!!
So, scroll down for new tutorials, enter giveaways & get hopping
for some amazing inspiration!!!

***
But before I get started...check here ==> February Blog Hops to see if you are one of the many Winners and claim your prizes!!!

Elizabeth R.
is our Winner here at My Kraft Kloset, for February 2020!
Congratulations!!!
***

Our theme for this months Blog Hop is...Designers Choice!
Well, let me tell you...having free reign to create anything isn't easy either. So many ideas running through my head was kind of overwhelming.
But I narrowed it down to a stamp set I hadn't used before and
combined that with a few of my favorite things.
Can you guess what those might be???

Well, if you follow me, you may know what they are. But if you don't yet...click the pink "follow me" button below or to the right sidebar, and follow us, so you don't miss our monthly hops and giveaways!

Anyhooo...I'll tell ya...I LOVE to heat emboss in all kinds of different ways, which I'll share in more detail next month, I LOVE die cuts, and I LOVE bling and sparkle. Because what girl doesn't, right?

Today I'm sharing this magical beauty using some of my favorite things: gold/clear heat embossing, die cuts, distress oxide inks, and sparkle to complete this mystical shaker card.

For a complete step by step tutorial...hover over the pictures below or click on them for details. Scroll down to bottom for a complete supply list.

I hope I've inspired you to "shake shake shake" and make shaker cards. Also, see how fun it is to mix and match your stamps and techniques, try some new things, and see where it takes you!
The possibilities are endless!

Thank You for stopping by!
Have a happy crafty weekend! ~Kim

Pssst! Are you still with me???
Enter this GIVEAWAY using the
Rafflecopter box below.
The more boxes you check the greater your chances.
One winner will be selected randomly at each giveaway, contacted via email or private messaging, And announced in our next Blog Hop on April 4, 2020
Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

==> The HOP starts below <==
go back to the beginning & hop with ALL of these talented
Friends of Unity Designers
for more Inspiration, more Giveaways, & be sure to click on their names below & leave some love in comments to win!

Crystal O. Minkler <= go back here
Eileen Mathys
Amber Trubiak
Kim Klinkovsky <= you are here
Dawn Bryson
Robyn Jordan
Dawn Fields
Alaine Tanner
Jeanie M. Hays
Joyce Verdon

*
Click the pink button below and be sure to follow us so you never miss an Announcement, Blog Hops, Challenges, Giveaways, Craft Tutorials, & so much more!
*
See more inspiration on these social media networks:
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Bloglovin

Click to Follow Blog

Supplies {affils}: Unity Stamp Company Products: She Mermaid stamp set, Circle Scalloped (border stamps), Pink & Blue Watercolored Paper Pack (patterned paper), Cinderella Sequins, and FolkArt Extreme Glitter Paint; Papertrey Ink Navy Cardstock; HL "thin" White Cardstock; MISTI stamping tool; Ranger Distress Oxide Ink- Salty Ocean, Mermaid Lagoon, and Faded Jeans; Versamark Clear Ink; Ranger Gold Embossing Powder and Clear Embossing Powder; Ranger Ink Anti-Static Pouch; Marvy Uchida heat tool; Big Shot machine; Picket Fence Studios-Life Changing Blending Brushes; Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Border Die (to create waves in water); Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die and Stitched Rectangle Die; Tim Holtz Speckled Stencil; Clear pouch; 3D Foam tape; 1/4" and 1/2" Scor-tape adhesive.

Challenges:
International Women's day bloghop
Simon Says Wed Challenge: Something Feminine
KRAFTY CHICKS CHALLENGE #497, WEEK 1 STAMP ACT
HLS March Anything Goes with Dies Challenge (circle die cut shaker card)
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper March 2020 challenge
LTCCB #44 - March Anything Goes
LTSCB #131 - Anything Goes
Creative Embellishments March Challenge- (I was inspired by all the blue and aqua colors and the sparkle)

32 Comments

Polka Dot Orchard + Happy Birthday Gnome Card

2/29/2020

6 Comments

Happy Leap Year Birthday Gnomies!!! Kim here from My Kraft Kloset sharing a darling gnome card for this special occasion, that only happens every 4yrs! Today I used these cute "Caroling Gnomes" set for our main image with some paper piecing. And a sentiment from the "Birthday Chick" set by Polka Dot Orchard digital stamps. I love mixing and matching sets and finding the versatility in my products to use all year long. As you would think this gnome set is mainly for the holidays, but you will see they are adorable for birthdays too!

I use WPS Free Office document program to copy and paste Polka Dot Orchard digital images, to layer, move them around, and resize them to fit on my card. Once I have the images where I want them, I usually group them as one piece and save as a “new” document in the same file as my original stamp set, for future use. Then I printed on my HP printer using white cardstock from HL, using the thin brand. And printed another three more times on 6x6 patterned papers too!

Next I fussy cut two different hats, a beard, and a mustache from the patterned papers and adhered to our image on white cardstock using Tombow Multi liquid glue. This is called paper piecing. And it's so fun to use up your scraps or favorite pattern papers.

I colored the rest of the images with alcohol markers. And brushed Distress Inks around the edges with a blending brush to give it an outdoorsy look.

Then using a die cutting machine, I cut out the the image panel with a stitched circle die. And cut out a musical banner from Papertrey Ink patterned paper with a stitched banner die too!

Now let's put the card together...
I started with a sturdy quality gray cardstock 8.5-x11,” I like Papertrey Ink cardstock, folded in half, and trimmed down to 4.5x6.” And adhered a piece of 4x6” AC textured black cardstock to the card base.

Wrap bakers twine around the musical banner and tie in a knot and adhere to the black panel. And adhere the circle image to black panel. Added little adhesive heart gems to the card. And added a touch more sparkle to the music notes at the top of our image with a clear glitter pen to complete this darling birthday card your gnomie is going to love!

I used these Polka Dot Orchard Digital Stamp Sets today:
Caroling Gnomes and a sentiment from Birthday Chick sets

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Love & Friendship Month! ~Kim

I hope I've inspired you to try digital stamps, paper piecing, and see what you can create.
The possibilities are endless!

Check them out...
Shop here ==> Polka Dot Orchard digital stamps