Hello!

It's already Wednesday and Day 3 of my Growing in Unity (GUI) Week! This has been so much fun and I couldn't wait to share today's card with you!

I've used the Mystical Mermaid stamp set from Unity with Daniel Smith's Watercolor Confetti palette. I absolutely love the subtle shimmer of the of the iridescent, pearlescent and duochrome colors. For this card, I used Strathmore Cold Press Watercolor Paper. The 3 colors I used are Iridescent Electric Blue, Duochrome Cabo Blue and Duochrome Emerald. They came together beautifully to create the background for the Mystical Mermaid image. Take a look!

Here's a closeup of the shimmer...

I've never used the Daniel Smith colors before and I'm quite pleased with the results. I sprayed the color palette and my paper with water and began swiping the colors across the paper. I added more color until I was satisfied with the look and then waited for it to dry. I then stamped the image and sentiment using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink.

I hand cut the wavy pattern around the mermaid to create interest and popped it up on foam dots. I used my trimmer for the sentiment since I can't a straight EVEN WITH a trimmer! LOL Can you cut a straight line? That has got to be one of the hardest craft maneuvers on the planet! 

Lastly, I added confetti sequins in an iridescent blue. These will be available soon at Scrapsalot. 

Anywho...I hope you love this card as much as I do. Leave me a comment below or on the FB post for your chance to win one of two store credits from Unity! That's right - simply leave a comment and I'll pick winners at the end of my week of GUI.

Thanks for stopping by and as always, Keep it Crafty!

xx Crafty Deb

Hello Friends,

For my Day 2 of Growing in Unity (GUI), I'm using the stamp set, Strength in Wisdom. This beautiful mason jar of flowers is just the perfect size for an A2 card. It comes with a sprig of leaves and 2 sentiments that both are great positive messages. 

In the world today, it's more important than ever to spread kindness and positivity - at least in my opinion. :) We often find ourselves surrounded by less than positive energy. Can you just imagine how much this would brighten your day when you find it in your mailbox for no reason at all? A positive message or reinforcement is just what we need on any given day.

Take a look at what I created to send just that - a positive message - and don't forget to comment for your chance at winning one of two store credits from Unity!

Here are the supplies I used:

• Strength in Wisdom image & sentiment stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on Neenah classic Crest, 80lb card stock
• Navy card base from my stash
• Sparkly gems from stash

I decided to be adventurous today and use the Ohuhu alcohol markers I have been hoarding. The colors I used are: 0, 4, 7, 8, 9, 42, 67, 68, 77, 99, BG1, CG1, GG1. 

Have you used these markers or others before? I typically use Copic markers, and will occasionally use another alcohol marker brand with them. Using all Ohuhu interesting to say the least. I feel like it took more time to blend the colors. I'm happy with how it turned out, but having only bullet nibs make blending a lot of extra work. LOL

Annnnnnd Day 2 of GUI is a wrap! Stay tuned for a new creation each day as part of my GUI Week. Until next time...

Keep it Crafty,

xx Crafty Deb

Hi Crafty Friends!

It's Monday and guess what??!! I'm featured this week on the Growing in Unity (GUI) Facebook Group! I'm so excited to be a part of this and I hope you enjoy my posts this week. I'll provide the link below to the Unity groups so you follow me all week and see all of the other wonderful creators that have posted.

Before we get started, I want to let you know that if you comment below, you will have a chance to win one of two store credits from Unity! How exciting is that?!?! Pssst...it's how I got my very first Unity stamp and I absolutely LOVE them!

Now, on to the card for today...I went a vintage look.

Here's a closer look...

This stamp set is one of my absolute favorites! It's called Take Care of You and it can found HERE. t, I I started out by stamping the full image in Desert Sand ink. I then went back in with Tuxedo Black ink in a sort of highlight manner on the stamp. I added Gold ink mostly to just the flower and stem - it's really hard to see in the photos, but it's a subtle hint of gold in person. I tore the edges around the image - don't freak out! It's only paper! Then I inked the torn edges with all 3 Memento inks listed below. I also lightly swiped the Desert Sand and the Rich Cocoa across the image. Next, I used a glue stick to adhere the tissue like collage paper to the card base. I added the image to the dark brown card stock and wrapped it with dark brown twine from my stash. The sentiment is heat embossed with  Gold Embossing Powder. I tried to the make the piece look vintage by crinkling it, rolling the ends, and adding ink to the edges and surface. I popped it up with foam squares to create more dimension. Here are some of the supplies I used:

• Take Care of You stamp set from Unity.
• Neenah Classic Crest White 80lb was used for the card base and the piece the image is stamped on.
• Collage Paper from TH's Idea-ology line 
• The dark brown card stock as well the cream piece the sentiment is on are from my stash and likely Recollections 65lb.
• Inks: Memento Desert Sand, Memento Rich Cocoa, Memento Tuxedo Black and ColorBox Color POP Mini in Gold
• Versamark Embossing Ink
• Gold Embossing Powder from Ranger

I had fun creating this vintage look/style card. Let me know your thoughts below too! I'd love to hear from you. :) 

Remember to follow me all week on the GUI Facebook Group - you can find it HERE. I can also be found in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook Group - join me HERE. And don't forget - when you comment below, you'll have a chance to win one of two store credits from Unity!!

Keep it Crafty,

xx Crafty Deb

Hi Friends,

We made it to Friday!!! Whoop whoop! Hope you are able to squeeze in some crafting time this weekend for yourself. It's a great way to relax and destress from the week. I hope to do the same! Even though I am still working on the never ending destash and organization of my craft cave. LOL Anyone else? Yeah, I see you out there...let's do it! I'll report back on Monday how far I got. You can share your progress with me too!

I did manage to get in some card making this week and here's what I've got to share with you today.

This was so much fun to make! If you know me, you know how much I love color! I swiped the ink pads for a fun and different look. Here are the supplies I used:

• CC Designs, Happy Cat Day Stamp Set
• Stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
• The banner was cut with the Papercut Party Banners Die from Waffle Flower.
• The mirror silver cardstock is called Chrome and it's Mirror Cardstock from Craft Perfect.
• The blue background paper is a scrap from my stash cut to 4.25"x5.5" - it's likely Recollections 65lb cardstock.
• The white layer is also from my stash and honestly not sure which brand that one is. 
• The enamel dots are from my stash - I believe it was a set from Echo Park, but the packaging is long gone.
• The ink pads I used for swiping are from Hero Arts mini ink cubes and one Mini Archival Distress ink pad. They are:
• Hero Arts: Key Lime Fizz, Grape Slush, Butter Bar, and Pink Grapefruit.
• Mini Archival Distress: Salvaged Patina.

I believe that covers everything. I would love to hear from you - let me know in the comments below if you like ink swiping. 

As always, the links (if provided) are to my online shop, Scrapsalot. We carry many of the items above and they may or may not be available online. If you are ever looking for something and you don't see it - please don't hesitate to contact me and ask. We may have it in stock and it just hasn't been added online. Soooo many products...soooo little time! LOL

Thanks for taking time to swing by and comment!

Keep it Crafty!

xx Crafty Deb

Hi Everyone!

Happy Thursday to all! I hope everyone is having a fantabulous week so far. I know I am! Today I decided to share a throwback card that I just love. I had so much fun making these - you will see below while they are essentially the same, they are just a little bit different. I made these for our two adult boys. LOL They love them by the way! 

Now, if you look closely...you can see the flock on the chicks! I used a Cricut Cut file I purchased for the chicks and their eggs. The clouds were made using dies from stash. I've had the dies a long time and back in the beginning, I didn't keep packaging. The banner is part of the cut file. Although, I did change the words from being cut to printed! I added little gems from my stash on either side of the banner too. All of the papers used are Bazzill. The chicks bottom layer with the wings is cut from Bazzill Shimmer Cardstock. I used the same black gems for the chick's eyes. 

I almost forgot the chicks body was cut out on card stock covered with double sided Scor-Tape sheets. Once cut, I peeled back the protective layer and placed it on the Sunshine Yellow Flock Sheets from Thermoweb. I burnished them with my fingers and when i peeled it back, it was fuzzy all over! Then, I glued them to the back layer of the chick. There are different ways to use the flock but this worked best for me on this project.

I have to tell you, both boys giggled when they realized the chicks were fuzzy! LOL They were 23 and 30 and this was from last year in 2022.

Well, that’s it for my throwback. I hope you like this card as much as I do. Remember, links are to my online store - they are not affiliate links. Shopping with me is supporting a small business that is owned and operated by me. Thank you all for looking and for your support. 

Keep it Crafty Peeps!

xx Crafty Deb

Hi Crafty Friends!

It's been a hot minute since my last blog post - and I DO MEAN H O T!! I'm in West Central Florida and this heat is no joke! 94 degrees and feels like 108 degrees is pretty much our daily right now - some days higher, not many lower. I know this crazy heat wave has been hitting all over the US and other countries too. I hope everyone stays cool and hydrated - remember hydrating is more than just water! You need to replenish electrolytes and sodium as well! Be safe out there!

At an rate, I'm happy to be back and posting here again! Now, on to the cards for today :) 

Today's cards use the stamp set, Raccoon Hugs from Ink on 3. I created 2 different color ways for the background and I love them both! Let me know which is your fave in the comments. Here they are:

I used grey cardstock from my stash with a layer of Bazzill Shimmer (Rosebud) cardstock on the first one. On the second, I used a white base and a layer of Bazzill Shimmer (Desert Sand) cardstock in a different color for the background.

I used Memento Tuxedo Black Ink to stamp both images. Copics used were: 100, W7, W5, C2, C0, N1. N2, N3, R20, R22, R24.

I used the Floral Heart w/Frame Die Set from Hero Arts to cut the large heart around the image. I attached the heart flat to the card for mailing, but it could easily be popped up with foam tape. The glue I used for this is Art Glitter Glue. I prefer liquid glue most often since it gives a minute to arrange things before it dries. Do you have a preference when it comes to building your cards or other projects?

Just a reminder that links provided will take you my store, Scrapsalot. These are not affiliate links. I appreciate you checking out the store and supporting my small business.

That's it for today - thanks for stopping by! I look forward to reading your comments and I'll be back tomorrow with more inspiration to share. Until tomorrow friends...

Keep it Crafty!

Crafty Deb

Spooky Times

Hi Everyone!

How's your week and craftiness coming along? I'm over here pretending to organize LOL no, really, I am attempting to put away something, find a home for something, or purge something at least once a day. It's going good, but slooooooowwwwww. In the process, however, I am running across things I have forgotten about or have been wanting to use. So here are...a couple of fun Halloween Cards. Hero Arts HeroScape stamp sets make creating cards like this pretty quick and easy. Here are the two I made:

Supplies Used for Blue Sky Card:

• Hero Arts Graveyard HeroScape stamp set (CM478).
• Images and sentiment were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. 
• The sky was ink blended using Distress Oxide Inks in Uncharted Mariner and Black Soot. I left the blending somewhat splotchy, you could say, but that was intentional - I believe it adds to the 'creepy' graveyard look.
• The ground was stamped with the layering stamps from the set using Hero Arts Caramel Mini Ink Cube, Hero Arts Reactive Rootbeer Mini Ink Cube and Hero Arts Creamsicle Mini Ink Cube.

Supplies Used for Purple Sky Card:

• Hero Arts Graveyard HeroScape stamp set (CM478).
•  With the exception of the tree, stamped with Archival, Wendi Vecchi Potting Soil Mini Ink Pad and the the mood stamped with Hero Arts Creamsicle; the rest of the images and sentiment were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.
• The sky was ink blended using Distress Oxide Inks in Villainous Potion and Black Soot. I also left the blending somewhat splotchy on this one too and even lightly went over the moon so it wasn't quit so bright.
• The ground was stamped with the same items as listed above with the addition of using Light Onyx Dye Ink from The Ton for the pathway.
• The teeny ghosts and bats are from the Stranger Things Sprinkletz pack and I glued them on the from using my Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive. They are the perfect size for this stamp set! 

I hope you enjoyed checking out these two spooky cards. :) As a reminder, the links provided are to my online papercrafting business, Scrapsalot. These are not affiliate links, but you are supporting a small business when you shop with me. I appreciate you. Thanks for stopping by. 

~*~Keep it Crafty~*~
xx Crafty Deb

Challenges Entered:

• TBA

Quilted Fun!

Hi Crafters!

I've been on a mission for...well, quite some time...to clean, organize and purge my crafty haven of treasures. How many of you feel like it's a never-ending process?? I am beginning to accept just that - it's an on-going, never-ending task of cleaning, organizing AND purging in or crafty spaces. Regardless of how big or small your space is - we all have to do these 3 things from time to time or constantly. LOL

Well, this time around I focused on card kits. I used to belong to a few monthly clubs and had to stop them. Not because I didn't love them, but because I was being over-run by monthly kits! I had them for cards, stamp/die ones and a couple for scrapbooking. YIKES! Can we say 'SLOW DOWN'!?!? I didn't want to miss a kit of crafty goodness, but quickly became engulfed in kits of all sorts. So, I cancelled by subs and let the kits sit safely in my craft room. LOL It's been a couple...ok, several years LOL but I'm working my way through them. I also have left over bits in kits that have been sitting. I'm trying to work through those as well. Either, making something fabulous or passing on some here and there in happy mail. 

The cards today were made using a kit from a club that I loved being part of. The cards are simple enough to make with minimal supplies and challenging enough to make you think just a little bit. They are from Annie's Card Kit of the Month. The kit today is called Quilted in Friendship and some of you may even have this one too. I plan to save the instruction booklet for this kit to use with other papers, even scraps from my stash. Here's a look at the cards I made using the kit.

The best part about these kits is there are no special dies or complicated tools needed. I like to pull these kind of kits out when I'm struggling to feel creative too - they help me get the juices flowing.

The only extra tools I needed for these cards was my trusty liquid glue (currently using the Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive until we can get Art Glitter Glue restocked - these are my two favorites :)  ) and my Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad. 

If you're interested in cut sizes and such, let me know - I'm happy to add the instructions here too. All of my cards were made as standard A2 cards - 4.25x5.5".

Thanks for dropping in - until next time...Keep it Crafty!

xx Crafty Deb

Challenges Entered:

• TBA

Shaker-Topia

Hiya (Hi) Crafty Friends!

I have 7, yes SEVEN, shaker cards to share with you today! Say whaaaa? Yep, and you are probably thinking 'She's crazy! Shakers are such a pain!'. Well, wait until you see these super quick and easy makes! You'll be pulling out your supplies and shopping for more in no time! LOL

I love shaker cards to pieces! And what's better than a full front shaker?!?! Well, maybe a lot of things, but I still love these! LOL I've been making these since way back in 2017! I even have a YouTube video where I made one to show how easy peasy they are. 

Anywho, I made these really simple to show you can use things you already have (most likely). I'll provide links where available just in case you need to add to you supplies. :) For these examples, I used 6.6 paper pads and sequins - aside from the card base and the shaker bag. That's it - it's that easy! Lets Take a look (description is above the photo)...

On this first one, I used the Wedding 6x6 paper pad from Echo Park and the Melon Dream Confetti Sequins. 

For this one, I used the Fall Fever 6x6 paper pad from Echo Park and Gold Confetti Sequins.

Next up, I used the Welcome Fall 6x6 paper pad from Carta Bella and Fall Spice Confetti Sequins.

This is my fave - I used the Fun on the Farm 6x6 paper pad from Echo Park and Buttercup Confetti Sequins.

Oh, and I had to make a mer-mazing one! This one is from the Mermaid Dreams 6x6 paper pad from Echo Park with sequins from my stash.

I'm always ready for a 'mouse' inspired card! So for this one, I used the Magical Adventures 2 6x6 paper pad from Echo Park and some fun sequins from my stash.

Last but not least, one for the Grad. I used the Graduation 6x6 paper pad from Echo Park and gold sequins from my stash.

The backgrounds are from the paper pads - I just picked a print I liked and cut it to 4.25x5.5". Then I picked out a cut-a-part from the 6x6 paper pad to add on the outside of the shaker window. You can see on the wedding card that I die cut the cut-a-part from the pad with a fancy die from my stash and inked up the edges. I didn't, but you could also mount the cut-a-parts or use foam tape to make them stand out a bit more. 

Most of the sequins used are BRAND NEW Confetti Style Sequins from a Crafty Life by Scrapsalot. It's our NEW in house brand and we are soooooo excited to be able to share them with you! More colors are being added to the site - it's a slowwwww process unfortunately. Here's a link to sequin mixes available: CLICK HERE If you're looking for the Crafty Life Confetti Sequins and they have not yet been added to the site - send me a message and let me know which ones you are looking for. They are all available as of the time of this post and as mentioned, are being added to the site beginning 5/9/23.

I used Neenah 80# card stock for the card bases. I used Scor-Tape to hold the shaker element securely closed and to adhere to the front of the card. The shaker bags are card sleeves for 5x7 cards I had in my stash.

I know it's quite a few cards to look through, but these were so fun & easy I didn't want to stop making them! LOL Let me know if you have tried this method to make a shaker card in the comments below.

Links provided are to my online papercrafting store, Scrapsalot. I appreciate you stopping in and reading my blog and also for checking out my links. 

Until next time...Keep it Crafty!

xx Crafty Deb

Challenges Entered:

• TBA

Enjoy the Ride!

Happy Monday Crafty Friends!!

I'm sharing a fun image from Stamping Bella today. My friend, Pam and I shared stamps at a retreat we recently went to. This cutie is one of them! In case you'd like to one of your own, you can search for her as 'Uptown Girl Vienna on her Vespa'. Now, this is my first time adding folds in my coloring to a skirt - so, please be kind. And naturally, I pick one of the toughest color combos to start with!! PURPLE! UGH, but I think it turned out ok and with practice, it can only get better, right??

I started by stamping on some Hammermill Premium Color Copy, 110# card stock. I stamp the image and the sentiment with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I'll list the Copic Markers I used down below.

I also used a scrap piece Bazzill Yellow and another scrap of silver from scrap bin to create the offset background. The yellow card stock plays on the yellow stripes in her top. ;) I used a stitched square die from my stash to cut the image out. The sentiment background was cut using Nesting Curved Rectangles by Darice. I used Neenah, 80# for the 5.5"x5.5" card base - yep, I actually made a square card! I know, I shocked too! LOL Oh and one more thing I almost forgot! I used a Marvy/Uchide paint pen in silver for the accents and handle bar controls on the scooter.

This was such a cute image - I may have to pick up this stamp to add to my collection since Pam is about 9 hours from me and I can't just pop over and stamp another one. Good excuse, right??

Here's a list of the Copics used:

• Vienna's Skin: E0000, E0, E41, Cheeks - RV10
• Vienna's Hair: E21, E25, E27
• Shirt: Y06, C1
• Skirt: BV000, BV00, BV11, V25
• Vespa / Scooter: RV02, RV10, RV13, RV21
• Vespa / Scooter Steering: BV23, BV5, C1
• Tires: C5, C9, 100
• Seat & Foot Pad: C2, C5, C9
• Flowers: RV10, RV32, V01, V04, B60

I think that covers it. Let me know if you have questions or tips for me. I always welcome constructive advice. Leave a comment below and let me know if you like Vienna as much as I do! She's so cute with her hot pink Vespa!

Thanks for stopping in and until tomorrow...Keep it Crafty!

xx Crafty Deb

P.S. - The link to Memento above is a link to my online business, Scrapsalot. I appreciate your support in checking it out too!

Challenges Entered:

• Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Anything Goes Challenge #2318
• Dream Valley Challenges - Challenge #293 ~ Make it Female
• A Place to Start - May 2023 Anything Goes w/Optional Twist

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Hey Crafty Friends!

Thanks for taking time to drop by! I'm so excited to share a card I made to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. I also looked it up to understand exactly what the celebration is. It turns out it was originally a celebration to commemorate the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Since that time, it became an annual celebration and is now more popular in the USA than in Mexico. The date has also transformed into a celebration of Mexican-American culture. For more info about the history of events leading to this day of celebration, check out Wikipedia.

Now on to my creations for today...

I used my Copic Markers to color the image. I printed them on Neenah Exact Index 110# card stock.

Here's a list of the Copic Markers used:

Hat: E21, E30, E31, E34, E35 - I added E21 and E35 after the first run through of the other colors. Hey, it happens, right?? LOL

Hat Band: Y08, YG09, G09,

Cinco de Mayo: Y06, R05, R08, R22,YG09, G09, G19

I also outlined the imaged with E21 - you can barely see it, but it helped blend out where I went out of the lines (YIKES!!) with that yellow one!! 

The images are free coloring pages shared by a friend. You can find the same or similar ones through a Google search.

Thanks for stopping and if you are celebrating Cinco de Mayo, stay safe! Until next time ~ Keep it Crafty!

xx Crafty Deb

Challenges Entered:

• TBA

Weather Forecast: Friends

Hello Crafty Friends!

I'm bringing you this CAS (Clean and Simple) Umbrella Card today. I used dies, stamps and an embossing folder to make this fun one. I'll list the supplies below for you. Remember, my links are NOT affiliate links, but they are links to my online craft store, Scrapsalot. I appreciate you taking a look at my card and my links. :)

How cute did this turn out? I love the simple design of this one. I'll definitely be using these crafty items again and again!

I chose to make my umbrella solid red, but there are so many options! I could have used different colors on all of the sections, or added polka dots with the dies included. Such a fun set to have!

Supplies Used:

• The card base is Neenah 80#.
• The colored card stock used are 65# card stock from stash, and are most likely Recollections Brand.
• The silver used for the handle and tip of the umbrella is from my scrap bin - no telling where that came from. LOL
• The background was created using the Raindrops 3D Embossing Folder from Spellbinders.
• The Clouds and the Umbrella are from the Rain or Shine Etched Dies set from Spellbinders.
• The sentiment is from the I've Got You Covered Stamp and Die set from Spellbinders. It was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.

I should mention that the Spellbinders line is making it's way to our online store. If you don't see what you're looking for, just send me a message anytime. :) The products above are available in limited     quantties. Thanks for stopping by and checking out today's card. Until we meet again...Keep it Crafty!

xx Crafty Deb

Challenged Entered:

• A Place to Start - May 2023 Anything Goes w/Optional Twist

Uplifting Critters

Hi Crafters!

I'm so happy you're here! Check out this Window Slider Tech card I made for a card swap I participated in. This was a fun technique to try out annnnnd this was only my second version. LOL Sometimes, these card techs twist my brain and it takes me several tries to get it right. I'm sure some of you can relate! This one was pretty straight forward and no special dies were needed. I did not make a video, however, there are some available on YouTube to walk you through the steps if you'd like to give it a try. Just search for 'Window Slider Tech Card'. If you would like me to create a video of the process, let me know in the comments.

I've included a list of products below and here's a look at the Window Slider Card.

Supplies used:

• Light blue 65# card stock is from my stash and is likely Recollections brand.
• The Cloud Print patterned paper is from an Echo Park 6x6 paper pad, Away We Go.
• The stamp and die set is called Caped Cuties from Clearly Besotted.
• I colored in the building stamp with a sharpie from my stash.
• The images are colored with Copic Markers using 2 colors on the bear and the rabbit and then 3 colors on the turtle plus a 4th one grey tone for his copter.
• The critters and the sentiments are stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.
• I used a small oval die from my stash to cut out the pull spot for the slider - really techy terms there...LOL 

And that's really it! It is a standard A2 size card, but I'm sure the technique can be modified to make any size you prefer. It was fun to try a new technique :) I hope you'll give a try too!

Links above are to my crafty online store, Scrapsalot. Other products may be found online in various place.

Thanks again for stopping by ~ I appreciate your time and your support in my crafty endeavors. Until next time, Keep it Crafty!

xx Crafty Deb

Challenges Entered:

• Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge #545 - Anything Goes
• Crafty Addicts - Challenge #1, Anything Goes