Hot Summer Days!

Growing up in Arizona, I have a thing for cactus. So when June's Simon Says Stamp card kit arrived, I couldn't wait to get stamping with this fun cactus. I couldn't decide on a background, so I created two!

I've been on a real watercolor kick lately, trying out the many types I have collected in my stash. This time around I used my Gansai Tambi set, and they never fail to do a great job. The colors are so saturated and buttery.

I also attempted my own envelope, made from watercolor paper as well. I used the guides on my envelope punch board and created this to accompany the blue background card.



I'm sharing this as part of SSS Monday challenge, so I'd love for you to leave a comment! Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to see more of my work, hop on over to Instagram to see where I post pictures more regularly @CraftyAmber

Dreamy watercolor and sailboats.... a perfect summer combination!

Living just a few blocks from Flathead Lake here in NW Montana, I enjoy seeing sailboats often. I was inspired by the lake to create this watercolor background and die cut sailboats for these tags.

I love the nautical feel, and they take me back two when my husband and I first got married. We sailed together on a sailboat racing team in San Diego. My husband has had years of experience, while I was a compete newbie. It was a fun time in those early years!

Crafting Workshop

I was so excited to host a group of ladies for a craft workshop! My love of teaching combined with my love of crafting makes me a force to be reckoned with, that's for sure. The group gathered for an evening of crafting, during which we laughed, visited and oh yeah, made five projects!



I wanted to focus on some techniques and also give them some inspiration for projects they could easily recreate on their own. This cute cactus watercolor card was probably my favorite project. Simple stamping and watercolor with Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers. The treat bag was an example of adding a special touch to store bought favor bags... really making them your own. The ladies were brainstorming lots of occasions they could make these for!



Then, I showed them a "hack" for hand lettering. I preprinted the "hello" on patterned paper and showed them how to add gold watercolor paint over the top to look hand written. Next, who doesn't need a gift card holder, right? Using various patterned paper and one simple stamp, we made this tag that also serves as a gift card holder because it has a pocket on the back side. Finally, they loved seeing the texture that can be added by using an embossing folder. This simple card got a lot of "oohs" and "ahs".

The evening was a lot of fun and I enjoy having a table full of crafty ladies! I will be planning the late Fall edition of the workshop soon.

You're a Lifesaver!

I'm sharing a quick "how to" for this little treat bag. I think this is a simple way to jazz up a gift card or cash gift, and put your own "handmade" spin on it. Check out the CutCardStock blog for the details...