Notable Nest: November 2020

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Altenew Paint-A-Flower: Spider Mums & Craft Your Life Apron Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Hi Friends! So glad you've stopped by to check out the newest Paint-a-Flower set from Altenew, and a brand new item!

You may have come from the blog of Keisha Charles, but if not feel free to start at the beginning with the Altenew Card Blog.

Paint-a-Flower: Spider Mums

The Paint-a-Flower set this month is very detailed so I thought it would be a great candidate for some no-line coloring, and could end up making me look like I have amazing drawing skills!

So that's pretty much what I did. My strategy for this one was to stick to one color for the petals

I loaded up my brush with watercolor, started at the center, and flicked to to the end of the petal. Then I worked my way around the center, skipping a petal or two each time, doing the same thing until I needed to add more paint. That seemed to be a good way to get different shades of color for each petal and not having them all clustered next to each other.

Once the petals were done, I used a darker color purple in the middle to make the budding part of the flower stand out more. Then added color for the leaves, spattered some gold on, and stamped a sentiment from this set. This illustration reminds me of a botanic print - very classic and beautiful.

Craft Your Life Apron

In addition to the Spider Mum set, Altenew also has a new crafting apron available for purchase! I think this would be great to wear if you're hosting any sort of crafting classes online or perhaps in person at some point. Not only does it have gorgeous signature florals, but the fun "Craft your Life" tag line is prominently displayed. You just feel artsy wearing it!

If you've been enjoying the Paint-a-Flower series, you may want to consider getting a subscription so you don't have to worry about ordering in time, and you save a bit of money as well.

Giveaway Prizes:

To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog by 11/28/2020 for a chance to win. We’ll also draw a winner to receive a $15 gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog in the blog hop. All winners will be announced on the Altenew Winners Page on 11/30/2020.

Your next stop on this hop is the blog of Victoria Calvin, where I'm sure you'll find something wonderful!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
- Kelly

Supplies Used (affiliate links used, thanks so much for your support!)

Paint-a-Flower: Spider Mums

Friday, November 20, 2020

Pinkfresh Studio November 2020 Essentials Die Release Blog Hop

Hi Friends! I'm so excited to be a part of the Pinkfresh November release blog hop, and can't wait to share five different ways to use the new Fillable Gift Card Holder die!! It's truly a must-have from this release!

But first, you may have come from the blog of Keia Shipp-Smith, if not feel free to start at the beginning with the Pinkfresh blog.

Fillable Gift Card Holder

I was anxious to get the Fillable Gift Card Die because I knew there were going to be a large amount of different uses for it. This die cuts the tabs to hold your gift card in place, with an adorable border of holes framing your gift card. It also scores and cuts an additional piece to fold over and cover your gift card. There are three "bonus" dies that allow you to add some details.

Let's take a look at no less than FIVE ways you can use this easy die:

1. Gift Card Holder

We might as well start with the obvious (and potentially main) use for this die - giving gift cards! The iTunes gift card fits perfectly in the tabs and within the dotted frame. Pure happiness! The gold sparkle leaf detail under the "Bravo!" (from Scripted Bold Sentiments 2) is one of three adorable detail dies that come with this set. I think it adds a lot of personality. Did you notice how the die cut shape matches the leaf on the iTunes gift card?! It was meant to be!!

The front of this card is decorated with another new die in this release, the smallest frame from the Stitched Scalloped Rectangles set. It's one of four frames that will get so much use for all types of cards, and I'm thrilled to have it in my toolbox. The middles of the stamped flowers from Pop Out Hexagons are the Essentials Crystals which are new to me. So in love with the brilliance of these!

Hot Tip: If you'd like to create a custom envelope for your gift card holder, and have an envelope punch board, I have the exact measurements you're going to want to use. These allow for a bit of thickness from the gift card. You'll want to cut a 6 3/16" square piece of paper, and score at the 2 9/16" mark. It's a perfect fit! You can also stamp the paper before making your custom envelope, like I did with the Rubber Stamp Enchanted Blooms.

2. Gift Card Holder Inside a Greeting Card

Many times when I'm giving a gift card I'm also giving a standard-sized A2 greeting card. A gift card holder like the one I just shared would be a little bulky and over kill to put inside the greeting card, plus it would slide all over. So I have a solution!

Cut the top flap off of the die cut, and adhere the tabbed half of the die directly to the inside of your card. Your card stays put and is immediately viewable when your recipient opens the card!

If you want to go for a little extra credit, be sure to stamp a surprise message under where the gift card will be. When they remove the card, they will get another little message.

Did you notice the scallop frames on the bottom portion of the inside of this card? These are two larger frames from the Stitched Scalloped Rectangles set.

Here's the front of this card. You guys are going to think I just love everything, but I have to say this die is going to be another staple very near to my desk. The Essentials: Stitches die gives a TON of texture to your cards and I can't wait to explore this one further. For now, I cut out a section of the Rubber Stamp Lemon Lush and adhered that on top.

3. Ticket

Another fun idea doesn't even involve the die cut holding anything. If you take the tabbed half of the die and cut straight through the border of holes, you get a ticket!

What a great thing to do for Valentine's Day - make your own tickets for a night out, a home cooked meal, or in this case some good old fashioned hugs and kisses!

The background on this card is from multiple impressions (3) of the
Rubber Stamp Diamond Tiles that I explored in this post when it was released.

4. Desktop Frame for School Photos

Eeep! I'm so excited about this one, as I'm always giving loose school photos to grandparents and relatives. Now, with one easy pass of the gift card die, you have a perfectly sized frame for your kids' school wallet photos! All grandma needs to do it open it and set it right on the counter. You can decorate the inside like I did here with the Rubber Stamp Abstract Cube, and even write the school year dates on the two tabs.

For your convenience, the measurements for the photo to fit in this holder is 2 1/8" x 3 3/8". If you're on the receiving end of these photos now you'll have somewhere to display them. So quick, easy, and inexpensive!

5. Reusable and Recyclable Greetings

Another idea I'm going to be using on all my cards going forward is this gift card holder to insert my greetings on the inside of the card. Then, when the recipient is done displaying the card for awhile, she can remove my greeting, and send the card to someone else!! The gift that keeps on giving!

The background on this card is also from multiple impressions (four) of the
Rubber Stamp Diamond Tiles that I explored in this post when it was released.

If you want you can even stamp an extra insert and slide it behind your greeting so all your recipient needs to do is grab a pen. Your recipient will most likely really appreciate being able to use your card for one of their needs.

Well, there you have it ... FIVE different reasons why you need the new
Fillable Gift Card Holder. Have I convinced you?! : ) I'm sure there are even more uses (how fun would this be in a scrapbook page?!) Let me know in the comments if you can think of any and I'll add them to my list! [Edited to add: Nicki B has a fantastic idea, use these for your holiday cards and put your family/pet/holiday photo here!]

Another thing I appreciate about this die is that it measures exactly 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" so you get 4 gift card holders from a single sheet of paper, with no wasted paper! It really is an awesome supply worth taking a serious look at.

Shopping Promotion!
Pinkfresh is offering free US or discounted international shipping on all orders
$50+ from November 20th to November 25th. You can find the codes
above based on your location.

There will also be a free Hey Gorgeous die for all orders over $50!

Prizes!
Excited to say you can win a $25 gift card to Pinkfresh just by following my blog,
and leaving a comment below! You can be entered for more chances by commenting
on the other wonderful posts in this hop. All winners will be posted on
November 30, 2020 on the Pinkfresh GIVEAWAY PAGE. Be sure to check that
page & claim your prize within 2 weeks. Good luck!

I'm now happy to send you to the wonderful blog of Kelly Lunceford who has some beautiful projects to share with you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
-Kelly

Supplies Used (affiliate links, thanks for your support!)

Fillable Gift Card Holder

Essentials: Stitches

Stitched Scalloped Rectangles

Rubber Stamp Enchanted Blooms

Rubber Stamp Lemon Lush

Rubber Stamp Diamond Tiles

Pop Out Hexagons

Rubber Stamp Abstract Cube

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Altenew + The Daily Marker Watercolor Therapy Blog Hop & Giveaway

Hello Friends! I'm very excited to be part of the Watercolor Therapy Blog Hop with Altenew and the ridiculously talented and kind Kathy Racoosin from The Daily Marker. Kathy is celebrating her 18th Coloring Challenge which goes until 11/22/2020. You are encouraged to participate in this daily challenge by coloring something and sharing it on your social media using the hashtag #thedailymarker30day. This challenge is a good excuse to find some YOU time and lose yourself in the beautiful world of watercolors. Here's more information on the challenge if you're interested.

You may have come from the blog of Dana Joy, but if not feel free to start at the beginning with the Altenew Card Blog.

I hadn't been able to ink up the recent Kind Reminders Stamp Set yet, so I was really looking forward to trying these out! The blooms on these flowers are very open, leaving lots of room for you to play with color. Perfect for watercoloring!

The blooms are also large, so you can quickly fill a tall slimline card like this one.

Instead of masking the flowers I just fussy cut the middle flower close to the lines and adhered it on top of the other two flowers. The bold sentiment is from the same Kind Remembrance stamp set that the flowers are from.

I'm such a lover of gold on everything! Gold embossed sentiment, gold thread around the sentiment, gold spatters, and those wonderful satin gold sequins.

Also of note is the card itself - I trimmed the front to be a little shorter, and then adhered some patterned paper on the inside of the card so it would show through. I think it adds a little zippy fun to the frilly florals!

I really enjoyed taking some time to play with watercolors on this card. Practice, practice, practice is what I tell myself.

Prizes:

Altenew and Kathy from The Daily Maker are giving away over $350 prizes to 17 lucky winners.

1 Altenew Artists’ Watercolor 24 Pan Set
1 Watercolor Essential 12 Pan Set
3 x $15 Altenew Gift Certificate
12 x Collapsible Marker Bag

Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and each designer’s blog on the blog hop for a chance to win by 11/24/2020. All winners will be announced on the Altenew Winners Page on 11/30/2020.

Special Offer

Receive a FREE brand NEW Butterfly Kisses Stamp Set ($4.99 value) with every order from 11/18/2020 at 12:01 am EST until 11/19/2020 at 11:59 pm EST or while supplies last. The free gift will be added to cart automatically. Shop here -> https://altenew.com/collections/all-altenew-products *Not valid on online class, workshop, print media orders.

I am now pleased to send you to the blog of Jessie Banks who has a beautiful project waiting for you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
-Kelly

Supply List (affiliate links, thanks so much for your support!)

Kind Reminders

Satin Gold Sequins

Watercolor Pan Set

Monday, November 16, 2020

Die Cutting Tip: Don't Forget about Felt! Altenew Mini Delight Polar Bear Stamp and Die Set

Hi Friends! If you're looking for a way to spice up your cards, might I suggest die cutting materials other than cardstock, including felt. Especially if you have a die for an adorable furry polar bear!

Mini Delight: Polar Bear Stamp and Die Set

Today I'm part of an Altenew Instagram hop to showcase this new Mini Delight: Polar Bear stamp and die set! We'd love to have you stop by and follow along for all the inspiration, and of course prizes.

When you have a nice focal point like this fuzzy bear, you don't need a lot of other items on your card. For this one I used the Striped Circle Stamp to make the sharp background, and some star dies from the Layered Star die set (on sale now!)

The snow drift is easily cut by hand, and is a convenient spot to stamp one of the sentiments that comes with this set. I stamped the facial features onto the felt bear to get an idea of where they should be, and then I went in with a felt tipped black pen and darkened those lines up.

Similar formula here, only this time I used a stencil to make a pattern resembling a cold, whipping, winter wind. Of course the polar bear is "staying cozy" due to his warm coat of fur.

To emphasize the cozy felt polar bear even further, I die cut a few additional layers of polar bears and adhered them underneath the felt. He's so fun to touch!

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to stop by the IG hop as well!
-Kelly

Supplies used: (affiliate links, thanks so much for your support!)

Mini Delight: Polar Bear Stamp and Die Set

Striped Circle Stamp Set

Saturday, November 7, 2020

Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Poppy Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Hi Friends! I'm happy to be joining a blog hop celebrating the release of another gorgeous Craft-a-Flower die set, the Poppy!

You may have come from the blog of Amy Hill, but if not feel free to start at the beginning with the Altenew Card Blog.

This set comes with two different flower heads, three different leaves, and one stem. Having two different flowers really helps with expanding your design potential.

Can you tell how I colored these flowers?

Ink smooshing! Here's a look at my process. I smooshed a few areas for each color and lined my dies up accordingly. I love how this method always results in a surprise when you put everything together. You never know what you're going to get, aside from the fact that it will be wonderfully unique.

Let's also chat about the new glue pen! I have to be honest, initially I was really bummed because the glue is really sticky and has a fine tip (which is perfect for adhering these small pieces) so I wanted to love it, but I had a hard time getting the glue to flow consistently. After awhile of playing with it, I learned the trick is that you need to be pressing down on the paper at the same time you're lightly squeezing the barrel. Then it worked perfectly! And I'm so in love!!

The layers come together so well. I especially appreciate the small thin dies to make the dark shadow areas.

Typically I'd pick a really dark red for those sections, but I do like how using the purple turned out.

The rest of the card is finished off with some sequins and gold-embossed stripes from the new Striped Circle stamp set.

Special Offer: Get 25% off ALL Washi Tapes and receive a FREE Gift (Crafting 101 - Washi Tapes class) from 11/07/2020 at 12:01 AM EST until 11/08/2020 at 11:59 PM EST. Shop HERE>>https://altenew.com/collections/washi-tape Not valid on previous orders. Free gift will be added to cart automatically. Excludes November 2020 release products.

Giveaway Prizes

To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog by 11/12/2020 for a chance to win.

Altenew will also draw a winner to receive a $15 gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog on the blog hop list below. All winners will be announced on the Altenew Winners Page on 11/16/2020.

Blog Hop Order