I look at cards as mini canvases – a blank space to create and have fun with! Sure, cards are usually used to send a message, but I love making something unique on that blank piece of cardstock! And seeing that I’ve picked up some really fun items lately, I figured offering to make some handmade cards for a raffle at my church would be a great reason to put some of these goodies to work!

I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a sunburst stemplate (stencil, template, mask – whatever you call it!) and found the new Heidi Swapp one at Michael’s. I used it on the background of the card, alternating between two Tim Holtz Distress Ink colors on each card. The Jenni Bowlin pinwheel punch is a new item I decided to play with on this card, too! I have a box of about 1000 frilly toothpicks, so what a wonderful way to be repurposed – just removing (pealing off) the cellophane frill and voila, pinwheel sticks!

For the washi banner, let me introduce you to my friend and Washi tape superhero – Monica Bradford over at Scrap Inspired. She makes the most amazing stuff with the magical little rolls of Washi! I’ve picked up quite a few tips from her webinars: Washi Wahoooo! and Washi Wahoo Too! I can’t remember which class she showed how to make the washi banners, but regardless, I love making them! (and I TOTALLY recommend both classes – each is loaded with tons of creative washi goodness!)

The birthday sentiment is a stamp from Purple Onion. I embossed it to give it a little more pop, as well as adding a little Michael’s $1 bin bling for some sparkle on the card : ) Here’s the second color combo I made using my same design.

Hope you’ve enjoyed! What kind of cards have you made recently? Link up in the comments, I’d love to check ’em out!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a joyful, creative, blessing filled day!
Live creatively!
xoxo,
/c