Monday, July 29, 2024

Cookie Challenge No. 194 | Aloha | Palm Tree Paradise | Technique Junkies

Hey everyone.  Just popping in today to show a card I made for Cookie Challenge No. 194 on the If You Give a Crafter A Cookie Challenge Blog.  The theme is "Aloha" and the inspirational graphic is below.  I used to be on their Design Team but it's been a long time since I uploaded a card for one of their challenges.    

When I think of the word Aloha, I think of Hawaii, palm trees, drinks in coconuts, blue skies, and hibiscus flowers.  And Palm Tree Paradise from Technique Junkies is perfect for this card.

  • I made an A2 card to which I adhered a piece of "wood/beach" scrapbook paper. 
  • I stamped Palm Tree Paradise on light blue cardstock using black ink, die-cut it using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die, and then blended in some clouds using my DIY cloud stencil, a blending brush, and Blue Ribbon Dye Ink from Ranger.  Then I adhered a piece of fun foam behind the image and then to the card front.

  • Lastly, I glued Scrabble Tiles to the front spelling out ALOHA.

Done!  Hope I am picked as a top-pick winner.  If you love the Palm Tree Paradise stamp I used on this card, and decide to go shopping on the Technique Junkies website, don't forget to use my code to get 10% off your whole purchase.  




Thanks for stopping by the blog today and, until next time...

Hugs from Brasil.

~Michael

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Crafty Elves Countdown to Christmas | July 2024 Edition | 2 Cards 1 Stamp

 


Hello everyone!  I'm playing along this month with my friends Debra and Lisa for the July 2024 Edition of The Crafty Elves Countdown to Christmas, which happens on the 25th of each month, in hopes that our ideas inspire you guys to start to make or help you in your Christmas card making fun.  

Today I have 2 cards for you using the same stamp.  The other day I was cleaning out a box and I came across a stamp that I must be 12-15 years old but it had yet to be inked up - Birds on Gifts from American Art Stamp.  American Art Stamp went out of biz years ago but, believe it or not, I found a site in Germany that still has 1 in stock.  Go figure!  

It's the perfect little stamp for a Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa card, even, a winter birthday.  So I made two. 

Card No. 1 - Hanukkah

  • I made a top-folding A2 card using white cardstock.
  • I adhered a piece of plaid paper with tones of blue to the card front.
  • I die-cut a piece of white cardstock using a 3.75" x 5" stitched rectangle die, stamped Birds on Gifts towards to the top, colored it using Hanukkah colors, adhered it to a piece of dark blue cardstock, and then to the card front.
  • I die-cut the Happy Hanukkah Script Die from Pretty Pink Posh 3 times using the same plaid paper, glued them together, and then adhered to the card front.
  • Lastly, I adhered small crystals to the image near the birds. 
Card No. 2 - Christmas 


  • I made a top-folding A2 card using white cardstock and adhered a piece of red paper to the card front.
  • I die-cut a piece of white cardstock using a 3.75" x 5" stitched rectangle die from Pink & Main, stamped Birds on Gifts towards the top, colored it using Christmas colors, adhered a piece of fun foam to the back, and then to the card front.
  • I die-cut the Merry Christmas sentiment from Memory Box using red cardstock and adhered it to the card front.
  • Lastly, I adhered small crystals to the image near the birds. 
I hope you have enjoyed this card and I really hope you will find time to visit the other Crafty Elves and see what they made.  All of our social media links are below.  

Michael - World of Michael Trent

Debra - Meticulosity

Lisa - Life of a BZ Scrapper

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today and, until next time - 

Hugs from Brasil.

~Michael

Monday, July 22, 2024

Retro Rubber Challenge No. 235 | When Life Hands You Lemons | Technique Junkies Stamps

 

Hello everyone.  It's been a long time since I have played along with the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog but when I saw their latest challenge - Challenge No. 235 - I knew I had to make a card or two.    

Below is the inspirational graphic for this challenge - to use at least four colors in the graphic and the stamps have to be at least a year old.  The lemon theme is optional but, I have 3 "lemon" stamps, all more than a year old, that are perfect to use on the cards - Make Lemonade Background, Call the Girls, and Lemons - all from Technique Junkies.

As much as I love the Make Lemonade Background stamp, the thought of coloring the whole image was too much for me to think about this week.  So I stamped the image twice on scrapbook paper and die-cut them using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die.  

Here is the horizontal card I made using Lemons as the sentiment and yellow enamel dots as some accents on the card front.


For the vertical card, I used Call The Girls as my sentiment, added glossy accents to the glass because once dry, it looks like glass, and some yellow enamel dots as accents. 

Now I am off to enter these in the challenge.  Do you have a fav?  If you love any of these stamps, you can pick them up from Technique Junkies.  Use my code at checkout - TJ10Michael - to save 10% on your order.


Enjoy the rest of your day and week.  If you enter a card, let me know!  Until next time...

Hugs from Brasil.

~Michael

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Technique Junkies | July Stamp Release | Day 7 Costco Shopping Cart

 


Hello everyone and welcome to Day 7 of the July 2024 New Stamp Release with Technique Junkies.  For the first 8 days of every new release, the new stamps are 15% off and I wanted to showcase a different card on the first 7 days and a recap on the 8th day.   

For today's card, Day 7, I made a tall slimline card using the new Costco Shopping Cart stamp on the front of the card, and a birthday sentiment from Another Year, Set of 5 on the inside - both from Technique Junkies.  I have to admit that I miss Costco.  We don't have it here.  What I don't miss is how much money we spent there and how long the receipt used to be.  LOL.  I have a friend who LOVES Costco and sometimes she will call me and allow me to visit via video with her.  Hence this birthday card.  

To make this card: 

  • I made a top-folding slimline card A2 card using white cardstock and adhered some colorful striped paper to the front.  
  • I printed a Costco receipt image I found online.  Then I die-cut it using a stitched slimline die, adhered it to a piece of black cardstock, adhered a piece of fun foam to the back, and then to the card front.  
  • I stamped Costco Shopping Cart, die-cut using a stitched banner die, layered it on black, and then to the card front across the receipt.    
  • Lastly, I stamped the Happy Birthday sentiment from Another Year, Set of 5, die-cut with a banner die, layered it on black, and then to the inside of the card.     


I hope this gets a chuckle when it's received.  :-) 

Costco Shopping Cart is part of the new release and is 15% off through July 23rd (no code needed) - and, you can take 10% off Another Year - Set of 5, and EVERYTHING else on the Technique Junkies website by using my code at checkout - TJ10Michael.  

Below are the stamps in the July New Stamp Release, And, if you love all the stamps, you should get the Gotta Have It All Bundle and save $25.



Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  Until next time...

Hugs from Brasil.

~Michael

Yes, It's A Holiday - Happy National Ice Cream Day!

 


Hello everyone and welcome to a new Yes, It's a Holiday Collaboration.  Today, my Instagram friend Lori and I are helping to celebrate National Ice Cream Day, which is celebrated on the third Sunday in July - in the United States

According to Holidays Calendar, in July of 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared the third week of July to be National Ice Cream Month by signing Proclamation 5219. In this proclamation, the president called ice cream the perfect dessert and snack food and stated that over 90 percent of Americans enjoy it on a regular basis..  

To read more about today's holiday, just click HERE

To help celebrate, I made today's card using a really old stamp I recently found in my stash.  

  • I made a top-folding A2 card using white cardstock.
  • Then I die-cut a piece of Kraft cardstock using a 4.25" x 5.5" stitched rectangle die from Pink & Main, embossed it with a retired Sizzix embossing folder, and adhered it to the card front.  I do not remember the name of this folder, nor could I find it online, but it reminded me of the pattern on an ice cream cone. 
  • I die-cut a piece of white cardstock using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die.  
  • I stamped the ice cream cone all over the white cardstock.  This is a stamp that I found in my stash, from 2012, and one of Imaginisce Snag 'em Stamps.  Although it's long retired, you might have a stamp like this that you can use.  After stamping them I colored them with markers in my stash.
  • I measured 2.5" down from the top, and trimmed it, glued a piece of fun foam to the back, and adhered it to my card front at the top.  Then, I cut the bottom part measuring 1 3/8" up from the bottom, glued a piece of fun foam to the back, and then to the card front - leaving room for the sentiment. 

    • I die-cut the Sweet Word Die from Sunny Studio - once using white glittered fun foam, and 3 times using plain white fun foam.  I adhered them together with white glue, and set it aside to dry.  Once dry, I adhered it to the center part of the card front.  
    • Lastly, I added red Stickles to the cherries. 


    I had so much fun making this card.  I hope you love it as much as I do.  If you have Instagram, it would be awesome if you could stop by Lori's page, check out the card that she made, and show her some love.  Links to both of our Instagram pages are below.


    Thanks for stopping by my blog today and don't forget to go enjoy some ice cream.  Until next time...

    Hugs from Brasil.

    ~Michael

    Saturday, July 20, 2024

    Technique Junkies | July Stamp Release | Day 6 Swirly Snails Birthday Card

     


    Hello everyone and welcome to Day 6 of the July 2024 New Stamp Release with Technique Junkies.  For the first 8 days of every new release, the new stamps are 15% off and I wanted to showcase a different card on the first 7 days and a recap on the 8th day.   

    For today, Day 6, I made a fun birthday card for the snail lover in your life.  We all have one.  Don't we?  For this card, I used the Swirly Snails stamp on the front of the card, and a birthday sentiment from Grand Greetings on the inside of the card, which I also paired with the balloon from Let it Go - all from Technique Junkies.    

    To make this card: 

    • I made a top-folding A2 card using black cardstock.
    • I stamped Swirly Snails on white cardstock, die-cut using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die, and adhered it to the card front.  
    • I glued tiny googly eyes to the snails and I added a Tim Holtz quote that would work for a birthday.  
    • Lastly, I die-cut a piece of white cardstock using the 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die, stamped the birthday greeting from Grand Greetings and the balloon from Let it Go, and adhered it to the inside of the card.   
     
    So, what do you think of this card idea?  Swirly Snails is part of the new release and is 15% off through July 23rd (no code needed) - and, you can take 10% off the Grand Greetings stamps, the Let it Go stamp, and EVERYTHING else on the Technique Junkies website by using my code at checkout - TJ10Michael.  

    Below are the stamps in the July New Stamp Release, And, if you love all the stamps, you should get the Gotta Have It All Bundle and save $25.



    Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  Until next time...

    Hugs from Brasil.

    ~Michael

    Friday, July 19, 2024

    Technique Junkies | July Stamp Release | Day 5 Life on Fire

     


    Hello everyone and welcome to Day 5 of the July 2024 New Stamp Release with Technique Junkies.  For the first 8 days of every new release, the new stamps are 15% off and I wanted to showcase a different card on the first 7 days and a recap on the 8th day.   

    For today, Day 5, I made this card using the Life on Fire stamp and the Burst Background stamp - both from Technique Junkies.  I think this would be a great card to give to someone heading off to college or, maybe, to someone getting back into the dating scene.  

    To make this card: 

    • I made a top-folding A2 card using black cardstock.
    • I stamped Burst on scrapbook paper in my stash that looked like the sun exploding in the background.  Then I die-cut it using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die, adhered a piece of black fun foam to the back, and adhered it to the card front.
    • I stamped Life on Fire on white cardstock, layered it on a piece of black, die-cut it using the same 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die so that the stitching would match up, and adhered it to the center of the card.  
    • Lastly, I die-cut a piece of white cardstock using the 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die and adhered it to the inside for a message.  
    I hope you enjoyed this quick card idea.  The Life on File stamp is part of the new release and is 15% off through July 23rd (no code needed) - and, you can take 10% off the Burst stamp and EVERYTHING else on the Technique Junkies website by using my code at checkout - TJ10Michael.  

    Below are the stamps in the July New Stamp Release, And, if you love all the stamps, you should get the Gotta Have It All Bundle and save $25.



    Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  Until next time...

    Hugs from Brasil.

    ~Michael

    Thursday, July 18, 2024

    Technique Junkies | July Stamp Release | Day 4 It's Okay to Not Be Okay


    Hello everyone and welcome to Day 4 of the July 2024 New Stamp Release with Technique Junkies.  For the first 8 days of every new release, the new stamps are 15% off and I wanted to showcase a different card on the first 7 days and a recap on the 8th day.   

    For today, Day 4, I made this card using Abstract Florals on the front of the card and It's Okay on the inside.  There is a lot of talk about mental health and the fact that so many of us struggle to stay sane in an insane world.  Just remember that the phrase "It's Okay not to be Okay" is used to remind us that it's normal to feel sad, overwhelmed, or anxious at times.  It's a reminder that it's okay to not always feel okay and that it's important to take care of yourself and seek help if needed.  

    If anyone ever needs or wants to talk, I am here for you.  Just reach out and send me a message.  Really!

    To make this card: 

    • I made a top-folding A2 card using black cardstock.
    • I stamped Abstract Florals on a piece of green cardstock with a leaf pattern in the background, and die-cut it using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die.
    • I used 2 circle dies to cut an opening on the front of the card and the larger circle die on the Abstract Florals piece, which I then adhered to the card front.
    • I die-cut a piece of white cardstock using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die, adhered it to the inside, and then stamped It's Okay on it.
    • Lastly, I added some black enamel dots to the card front.  
    When you look at the card it seems as if the It's Okay sentiment is on the front of the card.  But when you open the card, the sentiment is actually on the inside shown through by the circle cutout.



    I hope you enjoyed this quick card idea.  Both stamps are part of the new release and are 15% off through July 23rd (no code needed) - and, you can take 10% off EVERYTHING else on the Technique Junkies website by using my code at checkout - TJ10Michael.  

    Below are the stamps in the July New Stamp Release, And, if you love all the stamps, you should get the Gotta Have It All Bundle and save $25.


    Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  Until next time...

    Hugs from Brasil.

    ~Michael


    Wednesday, July 17, 2024

    Technique Junkies | July Stamp Release | Day 3 Have A Flamazing Day

     

    Hello everyone and welcome to Day 3 of the July 2024 New Stamp Release with Technique Junkies.  During every new release, the new stamps are 15% off through the 8th day of the release and I wanted to showcase a different card on each of the 8 days.  

    For today, Day 3, I made this fun summer card using the Flamazing Day stamp on the front of the card and the Flamingo Flock stamp on the inside.  Both stamps are part of the new release and are 15% off through July 23rd (no code needed) - and, you can take 10% off EVERTYTHING else on the Technique Junkies website by using my code at checkout - TJ10Michael.  

    To make this card: 

    • I made a top-folding A2 card using green cardstock.
    • Then I searched through my stash for flamingo scrapbook paper.  I found a sheet from a Brasilian paper company and die-cut a piece using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die, adhered a piece of fun foam to the back, and adhered it to the card front.
    • I stamped Flamazing Day on white cardstock, die-cut it using a stitched banner die, layered it on the same green cardstock, and adhered it to the card front. 
    Lastly, 
    • I die-cut a piece of white cardstock using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die, stamped Flamingo Flock, colored them with Tombow markers, glued a tiny googly eye to each flamingo, and adhered it to the inside of the card leaving space for a message.

    I hope you enjoyed this quick card idea.  Many companies have flamingo papers out for the summer and I know these 2 stamps will be perfect with them.  

    Below are the stamps in the July New Stamp Release, which are 15% off through July 23rd.  If you love all the stamps get the Gotta Have It All Bundle and save $25.





    Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  Enjoy the rest of your day.  Until next time...

    Hugs from Brasil.

    ~Michael 

    Tuesday, July 16, 2024

    Technique Junkies | July Stamp Release | Day 2 Life Was Meant For A Great Adventure

     


    Hello everyone and welcome to Day 2 of the July 2024 New Stamp Release with Technique Junkies.  During every new release, the new stamps are 15% off through the 8th day of the release and I wanted to showcase a different card on each of the 8 days.  

    For today, Day 2, I made a quick card for someone about to go on an amazing European vacation.  Why?  Because life was meant for a great adventure.  This card uses the Adventure stamp, which is part of the new release (and 15% off), and the Passport Stamps stamp, which is not part of the new release but you can save 10% on the stamp by using my code at checkout - TJ10Michael.

    • I made a top-folding A2 card using black cardstock.
    • I die-cut a piece of white cardstock using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die and adhered it to the inside of the card where a message can be written.
    • I stamped Passport Stamps using Jet Black Archival Ink from Ranger on a piece of Kraft cardstock, die-cut it using the 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die, adhered a piece of fun foam to the back, adhered it to a piece of red cardstock, and then to the card front.
    • I stamped Adventure on white cardstock and used my Scan N Cut from Brother to cut the image out with a .4 border.  Then I cut a piece of black cardstock with the Scan N Cut with a .8 border, adhered them together, and then to the card front. 
    • Lastly, I added a Tim Holtz quote above the word Adventure. 
    All I need to do is to write my message and give it to my friend.  I hope she loves it.  

    Below are the stamps in the July New Stamp Release and are discounted 15% off through July 23rd.  If you love all the stamps get the Gotta Have It All Bundle and save $25.  


    Thanks for stopping by the blog today.  Enjoy the rest of your day.  Until next time...

    Hugs from Brasil.

    ~Michael

    Monday, July 15, 2024

    Technique Junkies | July Stamp Release | Day 1 | Crabby Crabs


    Hello everyone and welcome to the July 2024 New Stamp Release with Technique Junkies.  This month there are 12 new really fun stamps.  All the new stamps in the release are 15% off through Tuesday, July 23rd.  And, if you use my code - TJ10Michael - you can take 10% off everything else on the website.


    If you love and want ALL the new stamps, grab the Gotta Have It All Bundle, for only $77.97.  These stamps would normally cost $103.95. You save $25.98 by buying the bundle.  It's a great deal and it's as if you're getting a few stamps for free.


    To help celebrate the new release, I made this fun and fast card using the new Crazy Crabs stamp.  The moment I saw this image I knew they needed googly eyes and I really wanted to make it in black and white.  
        

    Here is a quick rundown on how I made this card if you would like to make it.  

    • I made a top-folding A2 card base using white cardstock.  
    • I adhered a piece of red cardstock to the card front.  
    • I stamped Crazy Crabs on white cardstock using black ink.  Then I die-cut it using a 4" x 5.25" stitched rectangle die.  
    • I die-cut the Hello die from the Hey Hello Hi Word Dies from Photo Play using red and white cardstock and adhered it to the card front using foam squares.
    • Lastly, I adhered small googly eyes to each of the Crazy Crabs.  
    Below are links to Design Team blogs and I hope you will find the time to go check out what each of them has made to kick off the July release.    


    Hugs from Brasil.

    ~Michael 

    Draped Ornaments Slimline Christmas Card | Technique Junkies | BIG SALE!

      Hello everyone.  I hope y'all are doing well this holiday season.  I've been busy giving some album classes to photography clubs a...