Tag Archives: Blending Brushes

COLOUR INKSPIRATION 213 – ON THE BEACH WITH ROLLING WAVES

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Time for another color challenge – I’ve missed the last couple of Colour INKspiration challenges. CI#213 is BOLD, my friends: Strawberry Slush, Timid Tiger, and Secret Sea. I chose a beach theme using the Rolling Waves dies.

This reminds me of the color scheme of the local diner when I was in high school, and let’s just say that was the Flower Power Era. I struggled for a bit with those bold, bright colors, but decided a beach umbrella seemed like the perfect image.

There are Rolling Waves dies to make a solid umbrella as well as a set of concentric shapes that coordinate with it. I alternated the shapes as well as the base colors of the umbrella.

Our 12×12 Water and Dotted Line masks made perfect, subtle backgrounds for this bright card. I find myself reaching for them a LOT – expect to see them again!

Colour INKspirations is a Facebook based color challenge group. Take a minute to check out the CI#213 entries as well as previous color challenges – there are some very talented crafters participating in this group!

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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: JULY 2026 CUTEST CREW

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Welcome to DIY Calendars! Thanks for joining us this month – and every month – as we share our creative ideas. I’m back with one of my very most favorite current stamp sets: Cutest Crew!

I love these birdies 💕 The Cutest Crew dies include individual dies for each bird, so I cut out a little flock. In the process I discovered that the dies cut out their wings!! The bodies are colored in the light tone of Stampin’ Blends, and the wings are in the dark tones.

As much as I love our new Glimmer Pens, I am still a huge Wink of Stella fan. I used it on the Rolling Wave sea foam die cut and used a Blending Brush to add a little color underneath. I also spattered a little Cloud Cover tinted water for texture. There’s a little bit of Lemon Lolly brushed across the top as well. I find the secret to good Blending Brushing is patience. Take your time and don’t rush it.

Click the button to travel through the Blog Hop and see what Sharon and Cheryl have created this month. We’re so glad you’ve joined us!

Don’t miss the July Product of the Month! Begonia Belle is available with a qualifying order while supplies last. Shop early!!

Would you like to make your own DIY Calendars? The template is just $6. Visit my secure page to make your purchase. (You can also find the page on the banner across the top of my home page.) You’ll receive links to download the templates in an email after you’ve paid. You’ll need to cut and paste those links into your browser. (You may need to check your spam folder to find that email.)

You are only purchasing a template, which you can download and print for your personal use. I hope you’ll enjoy it!

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COLOUR INKSPIRATION #210: GUEST DESIGNER!

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Today I’m quite pleased to be a Guest Designer for Colour* INKspiration Challenge #210. This one is really fun, as it’s all about the 2026-2028 In Color Palette from Stampin’ Up!

It took me a while to decide where to start as I love all five 26-28 In Colours. I ultimately chose to begin with Crisp Cantaloupe, as it’s a returning colour from the 2013-2015 Palette. Anyone else who has been around that long??

The background paper isn’t DSP. It’s our new(ish) Water and Dotted Lines Decorative Masks, colored with a Blending Brush. They’re quite large – 12″ x 12″ – so you could cover an entire page for a scrapbook layout or a 3D project. I’m quite smitten 💕

Flowers Fair can be used so many ways. Here I’ve coloured it, then cut it with one of the arch dies. Stampin’ Blends are my favorite way to colour these images, but you could use Watercolour Pencils, Blending Brushes, Watercolour, or even daubers to fill in the colour.

I decided to emboss the greeting with White Embossing Powder on a Peaceful Pine panel. I’m happy with the way the embossing makes the greeting “pop” on the card front.

Take a look at what the Design Team has created for this great colour challenge. If you’ve never played along, I hope you’ll give it a try! You can’t go wrong with such a gorgeous set of colours.

*Although I’m in the US and the standard spelling is “COLOR”, I’ve chosen to use the alternative spelling of “COLOUR” in recognition of the group identity. I’m sure you can make the translation. 😆

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THE CUTEST CREW BIRDIES: SO GLAD WE’RE FRIENDS

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I can’t seem to let go of Cutest Crew! It’s perfect for so many types of cards. Though it’s quite well suited to cards for children, I think it’s also smashing for adults. Who wouldn’t love to get this in the mail??

  • Stamps: Cutest Crew
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Pretty in Pink, Pool Party, Lemon Lime Twist, Darling Duckling
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Cutest Crew dies, Everyday Arches dies, Blending Brushes, Stampin’ Blends, Stripes and Dots DSP (Demo Exclusive), Dear Dots (retired), Ink Refill, Paintbrush and Bone Folder, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I resisted the Everyday Arches dies for much too long. They are GLORIOUS and I wish I’d taken the leap earlier – there was a sort of stubbornness about not having bought them right away. Sometimes my purchasing decisions are based on rather ridiculous ideas!!! But never mind, I have them now and I love them. In fact, I highly recommend them!.

No less an authority than the New York Times (Well Newsletter) is advocating hand written letters. A letter increases engagement and connection, and can provide comfort to the recipient. I won’t argue with that!

I recently learned a spritz-tip – sorry, it was late-night doom-scrolling and I can’t acknowledge the brilliant crafter. When you load up a paintbrush with diluted Stampin’ Up! ink refill, tap it on a bone folder instead of your finger for more satisfying speckles. Try it, it works!!

Shop the Online Store and create a memory you can send through the post.

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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: APRIL 2026 – CUTEST CREW

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Welcome back to DIY Calendars for another month of hand-made desk top calendars. The crew has some beautiful spring designs for your pleasure and inspiration. My choice this month is the delightful Cutest Crew bundle.

  • Stamps: Cutest Crew
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Peach Pie, Smoky Slate, Granny Apple Green, Lost Lagoon
  • Accessories: DIY Calendar Template, Stamp Cut and Emboss Machine , Cutest Crew dies, Stampin’ Blends, Blending Brushes, Wink of Stella, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I gave the kittens a bit of a wash so they had a nice place to roll, and I added a little Wink of Stella because, well, Wink of Stella. I made the butterflies the same colors as the wash (Granny Apple Green and Lost Lagoon) so it would look properly planned.

5 kittens were a little long for the calendar page, so I trimmed off the leading feline and popped it under the month. I couldn’t leave it off altogether now, could I?

Click the button to travel through the Blog Hop and see what Sharon and Cheryl have created this month. We’re so glad you’ve joined us!

Would you like to make your own DIY Calendars? The template is just $6. Visit my secure page to make your purchase. (You can also find the page on the banner across the top of my home page.) You’ll receive links to download the templates in an email after you’ve paid. You’ll need to cut and paste those links into your browser. (You may need to check your spam folder to find that email.)

You are only purchasing a template, which you can download and print for your personal use. I hope you’ll enjoy it!

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CAN YOU CAPTION THIS? FRIENDLY SEAGULLS

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If you’ve ever spent much time at the seashore, you’ve more than likely seen – and heard – the raucous chattering of seagulls. They’re bossy, they’re bullies, they’re thieves, and they’re a lot of fun to watch. I pulled out Friendly Seagulls and had some fun with these characters!

  • Stamps: Friendly Seagulls
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Daffodil Delight, Smoky Slate, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Stylish Shapes dies, 2 3/8″ Circle Punch, Toadstool Builder Punch, Stampin’ Write Markers, Blending Brush, Masking Paper

I began by stamping all three gulls, then masking them so I could use the Blending Brushes to create a background. I used the Toadstool Builder Punch to create a mask for some mounds in the sand. I colored the gulls with Stampin’ Write Markers (I’m sorry to see them discontinued!)

This card begs for a sassier, gull-like sentiment, but I couldn’t find anything in my stash. I’m going to hand letter one, but I’m open to suggestions. How would you caption this??

Friendly Seagulls is a 2025 Sale-a-bration exclusive making a final appearance on Last Chance. when it’s gone, it’s gone!

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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: June 2025

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Welcome to the June DIY Calendar Blog Hop. I took a look at the last few months and decided it was time I focus on something other than FLOWERS. Almost everyone loves them, but I think there can be too much of a good thing! My June calendar is definitely different:

  • Stamps: Along These Lines, Elements of Text
  • Color Palette: Memento Black, Basic White, Secret Sea, Misty Moonlight, Azure Afternoon, Crumb Cake, Smoky Slate
  • Accessories: DIY Calendar Template, Stampin’ Blends, Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I was inspired by Jay Soriano’s blended ocean background. He does a masterful job of creating a smooth transition in his colors. I chose a slightly different palette from Jay, but I followed his technique and was very pleased with the outcome.

If you don’t have Elements of Text, consider adding it to your next order. It’s my GO-TO set whenever I need a little extra something. Well. On a card, anyway. 😉

I fussy cut the dolphin so they would really stand out. I considered masking them, but I was afraid the movement of the brushes might dislodge the masks. They’re small and simple, and fussy cutting allowed me to put one of them up on a dimensional.

Please take a moment to follow along on our hop and see what Malia, Cheryl and Sharon have created for the month of June. We’re very glad you chose to join us!

DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP

Would you like to make your own DIY Calendars? The template is just $5 – let me know that’s what you want and I’ll send you an invoice. Please tell me you’re a real being in the message box – I’m getting increasing amounts of spam. Everything is done digitally, so you’ll have it quickly.

You are only purchasing a template, which you can download and print for your personal use.

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DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP: PRETTY FLORALS FOR MAY 2025

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HAPPY MAY DAY! Welcome back to DIY Calendars! We’re so glad you’ve joined us today for a little May Day inspiration. I’m featuring a new bundle from the soon-to-be-released 2025-2026 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog. I think you’ll love Pretty Florals!

  • Stamps: Pretty Florals
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Lost Lagoon, Pool Party, Bubble Bath, Highland Heather, Fresh Freesia
  • Accessories: DIY Calendar Template, Stamp Cut + Emboss Machine, Pretty Florals dies, Blending Brushes, Stampin’ Write markers

I struggled a bit, thinking this was too plain, but ultimately decided I could let go and be happy with simple. The background is lightly brushed with Highland Heather, Fresh Freesia, Bubble Bath, Pool Party and Lost Lagoon to create an ombrè style gradation, and I added a few Stampin’ Write marker flicks.

There aren’t any other embellishments – you could easily add some bling or even another set or two of flowers, but I held back. I’d love to hear what you think.

DIY CALENDAR BLOG HOP

Click the button to travel through the Blog Hop and see what Sharon, Cheryl and Malia have created in May. We’re so glad you’ve joined us!

Would you like to make your own DIY Calendars? The template is just $5 – let me know that’s what you want and I’ll send you an invoice. Please tell me you’re a real being in the message box – I’m getting increasing amounts of spam. Everything is done digitally, so you’ll have it quickly.

You are only purchasing a template, which you can download and print for your personal use.

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LAST CHANCE/LAST DANCE FOR BIRD’S EYE VIEW

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Welcome back to my April Last Dance/Last Chance series! Bird’s Eye View was an early choice for me back in 2023, and I was delighted to have it in the catalog for a second year. But it’s time to make room for new birdies.

  • Stamps: Bird’s Eye View, Ice Cream Swirl, Attention Shoppers (all Last Chance)
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Timid Tiger (25-27 IC), Darling Duckling (25-27 IC), Strawberry Slush (25-27 IC), Balmy Blue, Memento Black
  • Accessories: Stamp Cut & Emboss Machine, Circle dies (I used the retired Layered Circles), Window Sheets, Blending Brushes, Masking Paper, Stampin’ Write Markers, Paper Snips, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I started by stamping each of the birds on Masking Paper and cut each one out with my snips. After stamping each bird on the card front panel I covered it with its masked image. I created a mask by using a circle die and a window sheet (I tried to punch it, but it was too thick and I was unhappy with the results). I used washi tape to secure the mask over each bird, then created a “color halo” with a Blending Brush. The Balmy Blue Stampin’ Blends added a touch color to the wing on each bird.

I also stamped the “Make A Wish” sentiment from Ice Cream Swirl three times and cut out each word. I could probably have done it with one image, but I’m lazy and didn’t want to pay that much attention to my fussy cutting. There’s a few flicks from the Stampin’ Write marker around behind the sentiments.

I used the birthday cake image and sentiment from Attention Shoppers on the inside. And sharp eyes will notice that the front panel is on Stampin’ Dimensionals. I don’t remember the last time I made a card without them!

Timid Tiger, Darling Duckling and Strawberry Slush are 25-27 In Colors and will be available on May 7th. In the meantime, skit-skat-skoodle-doot* off to the store to pick up Bird’s Eye View, Attention Shoppers, and Ice Cream Swirl before they disappear for good!

*Any Chicka Chicka Boom Boom fans out there??

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SEAGULL FRIENDS: Connie Babbert CASE

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Today’s card is a pretty close CASE of Connie Babbert’s card. My purpose was to recreate it without having to fussy cut all 3 of those seagulls 🤣. I fussy cut one for Wednesday’s card, and that was plenty!

  • Stamps: Friendly Seagulls (SAB 2025)
  • Color Palette: Basic White, Memento Black, Wild Wheat, Smoky Slate, Azure Afternoon
  • Accessories: Stripes & Florals Mix & Match Cards & Envelopes, Stampin’ Blends, Linen Thread, Country Woods DSP, Masking Paper, Blending Brushes, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Don’t miss the Stripes & Florals Mix & Match Cards & Envelopes from the January – April 2025 Mini Catalog – they’re beautiful and they add a polished look to your projects. You’ll thank yourself, trust me.

Time is running out to add these Sassy Seagulls to your crafty bag o’ tricks! (the birds, bubbles and fishies are all from this same set). Grab some coordinated cards and envelopes and a pack of DSP and add the Friendly Seagulls to your order for FREE in the Online Store.

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