Hang in there

While I was caring for my dying husband, a friend used to send me Hang in there cards.  Now, I find that sending cards like this are appropriate for others going through difficult times.  Since I have friends and family going through trying times, I decided to make this card.  I may make several more of these for others.

I stamped the image in black ink, then masked it and did some ink blending around it for the sky.  I then colored the hummingbird and mouse with colored pencils.  Finally, I added some Nuvo Glitter Gloss over the hummingbird.  I cut out the image with stitched rectangle die and added a framing layer with pearlescent cardstock.  All was mounted on a white card base, with the sentiment stamped inside the card.

I decided to make another card, but framed it in an oval, so I could add a sentiment on the front of the card.

Bird birthday card

I always enjoy making cards more when I'm making them for a specific person.  This one is for a special female relative.

I've had this cling mounted rubber stamp from Our Daily Bread for quite a while, but don't think I've used it before.  I used the Misti and stamped it several times to get a good image.  I then colored it with Prismacolor pencils.  I rarely use them any more, so it took a while and certainly isn't perfect.  I don't even attempt shading.

The inside of this card is a shadowbox.  The background is watercolored with the use of Art Impressions rubber stamps for the birdbath, birds, grass and branch.  The opening of the green layer was cut with a die from Simon Says Stamp, called Everglade Collage.  The sentiment is from Our Daily Bread.

Sentiment dies

I've been browsing and buying different brands of sentiment dies.  This is my newest set and it surprised me.  I was just looking for dies of words.  This is what I received.

When I cut out the sentiments, I realized they were double.  When cut in 2 different colors, you can make unique layered sentiments.  The single line can be used without the shadow die, but they cut together.  The outer double layer is difficult to read without the inner single layer.

The words can be stacked or combined single parts.  The hello diecut is shown with single and double.  The hugs and thanks are just layered on top (not glued yet).  The hi has the parts separated and laid flat against each other.  The other 2 pieces are shown on this card.

This card is made with an alcohol ink background, with flowers from watercolor paper that were cut with Tim Holtz dies.  I showed how I made them here.

Birthday card

Since I'm getting older, I tend to forget some things.  I remembered today that my adult grandson is having a birthday very soon.  He loves computers and his dogs, so I made him this card.