Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Altenew Crafty Friends Blog Hop + Giveaway



Hello friends! I'm excited to be part of Altenew's 2-Day Crafty Friends Blog Hop + Giveaway. If you're already hopping with us, you'll have arrived here by way of Galina Filippenko. If not, be sure to head over to the Altenew Card Blog to begin! And when you're finished here, you'll visit Papercraft Magazines next (I'll link again at the end).

Today's hop is all about celebrating our unique community and all that it means to us! We have lots of sponsors and prizes and special offers, so stay tuned for that in a bit.

I can still remember seeing a hand-stamped card for the very first time. A friend of mine came in to the Little Gym class our kids were attending waving it around saying "I MADE this." (That was at least 15 years ago, only because the preschooler I was taking to the gym class is now 17!) I really do believe I was hooked on card making that instant. That magic never gets old! Little did I know then that the real blessing would be the online (and sometimes in-person) community that has built up around this hobby. I was shy and very slow to put myself out there in the online community. It actually took me four years to work up the courage to post a card of my own. Now I realize that every day I chose to watch instead of participate was just another day I missed out on the joy, support, and camaraderie of our community! 

I've put together two projects for today, both featuring the Fantasy Floral Die Set and the More Than Words stamp set. 


As soon as I saw the Fantasy Floral Die Set I wanted to watercolor those die-cuts! That layered effect of the flower dies is gorgeous.



 I die-cut these from watercolor paper, used used Zigs to color, and added some splatter after everything had dried.



For the background, I spritzed the watercolor paper with water, then scribbled Zigs on an acrylic block and smooshed to the watercolor paper. After I let that dry, I lightly splattered with a metallic gold mist. Last, I stamped one of the More Than Words sentiments in black.



This next card was a bit of an accident. I had stamped the beautiful Charmed image onto watercolor paper, intending to watercolor that image. But when I happened to lay the watercolored Fantasy Floral  die-cuts down on top, I ended up really liking the simple black-and-white Charmed line art as a background pattern. 


I added a strip of black and white striped paper along the right, the More Than Words sentiment, and some clear sequins to finish.


And now for some special offers, prizes, and a giveaway:


Special Offer
FREE U.S. shipping with code CRAFTY or $5 OFF international shipping with code FRIENDS at checkout. Offer valid from October 17th at 12:01 am EDT through October 19th at 11:59 pm EDT. Not valid on prior purchases. Cannot be combined with other promo codes.




Prizes
Altenew is giving away a $100 Altenew prize pack to FIVE lucky winners. There are also 13 awesome companies/magazines who are offering the following prizes:

Jennifer McGuire Ink: 1 prize pack of three Altenew stamp sets
Online Card Classes: 3 class spots
Create and Craft TV: £50 gift certificate
My Sweet Petunia: Mini MISTI
Ellen Hutson LLC: $30 gift certificate
Pretty Pink Posh: $30 gift certificate
Simon Says Stamp: $30 gift certificate
Chameleon Pens: 1 pack of 5 Chameleon pens
Tombow USA: 1 pack of 10 dual brush pens
WOW! Embossing Powder: $25 gift certificate
Butterfly Reflections Ink: $25 gift certificate
Freckled Fawn: $20 gift certificate
Papercraft Magazines: One copy of each of the latest issues of four magazines
Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine: 1-year subscription


Be sure to leave comments by Friday, October 27th, 2017 at 11:59 PM EDT for a chance to win! 21 WINNERS will be chosen at random from the comments left on all of these blogs listed below and will be announced on the Altenew Card Blog and Altenew Scrapbook Blog on October 28th, 2017



Giveaway:
And last, leave a comment here on my blog by 11:59 Eastern Time on Thursday, October 26 for a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Altenew. I will post the winner here on Friday, October 27. Good luck!

For more Crafty Friends inspiration, visit all the stops on the hop:


Thanks so much for visiting today, and thank you Altenew for having me!


412 comments:

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Kelli C said...

wow! I love this! definitely going to have to try that out!

Grace said...

Love the watercoloring of the layers! I'm going to try this.

Terri Koszler said...

So pretty, I love your style

LauraJ said...

Beautiful watercoloring!

stamp500 said...

Those floral dies are a "must have".

Mary Jo Stew said...

I love both of your cards. I have that die but have not had time to use it yet. Thanks for giving me great ideas.

Debbie Rumpza said...

BEAUTIFUL! I love the dimension!

Laura L said...

Gorgeous! Amazing color work and so fresh! Love this card!

Kailash said...

Beautiful card designs!!!

pamboe said...

Your card is exceptional. Now I know I must have yet another Altenew flower!

Andrea S. said...

Love!

StampinLouie said...

Your card certainly is s "charmer". So beautiful!

Cindi Hall said...

Gorgeous cards, lovely coloring! I think we all remember the day we decided to start making cards. I am obsessed with it and can't buy enough supplies!

Marilynn said...

Got to love those Zigs for bright color. Beautiful card.

Unknown said...

I love the colors!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful water-coloring! And I just love your serendipitous 2nd card.

JanetB said...

Your cards are beautiful!

CinnamonSally said...

WOW what a stunning and elegant card. love the soft watercolour look.

Annette:) said...

LOVELY!! I like the idea of cutting out the watercolored piece. The dimension is yummy!

gardener said...

Your cards are beautiful. The second card "accident" really works. Love that effect.

Basiljen said...

These are both lovely!

Anila Dikay said...

Amazing coloring...

Cindy Beach said...

Amy,
I've followed your art for many of those 15 years, and I am so happy you got over being shy because you've been an inspiration to so many!
The rich colors and soft lines of color on these die cuts are gorgeous. Love the cards!

Angelica Conrad said...

Beautiful!! Love your Zig smooshing technique. I’m going to try it out.

Pöydän kulmalla näpertelijä said...

Wow! These are stunning! Beautifully coloured!

Foodista88 said...

Beautiful ombre! The simplicity and beauty of the card is striking!

Lagene said...

Beautifully colored card! I love the die cuts placed over the simple black stamped images. I've been making cards since 2006 and love finding friends on crafting blogs.

Mary W said...

The leaves on the first card are just awesome. Got to get this die. And the happy accident was really beautiful on the second card. Accidents usually do invite new ways to think resulting in unexpected pleasure.

JW Designs said...

Gorgeous creation! You have a beautiful talent! Thank you so much for sharing!! Hugs

Jackie said...

Beautiful! I love the look of the watercolors.

Barbara M. said...

Beautiful Card!

Renuka said...

Both cards are Gorgeous..I loved the splatter on first card and line art as background on second card..

Anonymous said...

I love all of these cards! I really like the idea of the black outline behind the colored flowers - I'll have to try that technique, I love it. Thanks for sharing.

Mel said...

Such a beautiful card. I love watercolor and this is a perfect application for it!

Unknown said...

Beautiful cards I don't own any good water based markers would love to give altenew a try and I love tombow products would love to give them a try as well

Unknown said...

Beautiful cards I don't own any good water based markers would love to give altenew a try and I love tombow products would love to give them a try as well

Marian Flores said...

Love the color combo! I need to try it.

Christie Brooks said...

The beautiful flower jumps off the card! Love the soft green background with the faux stitched border.

Carol (HB) said...

Amy, both cards are just stunning!

Teresa Selby said...

Wonderful card! I really get inspired by all the cards I have seen on this blog hop! Thank you for sharing! Love your card!

Maureen Reiss said...

Beautiful cards!!

Olive M said...

I have to say I love your 'accident' card. So striking with the black and white. Thank you for sharing.

Mirella said...

What stunning creations, wow! Absolutely love your style!

Ann K said...

Beautiful watercoloring - gorgeous card.

Pennie said...

Beautiful cards, so beautiful!

sentsue said...

Awesome cards! Watercoloring is perfect. Thank you for sharing your talent.

LeAnne said...

My favorite card so far in this hop. Love it.

Diane said...

so pretty

barbara macaskill said...

Both of your cards are beautiful! I especially love the first one! Your watercolored Flower is stunning against the lovely background! TFS!

Mechele Dunlap said...

Beautiful, you are very talented

KimberlyRae said...

GORGEOUS and Clssy cards!

Cheri said...

Wow!!!! This is amazing!!!! I never thought to use the die cuts that way.

Lindah said...

Lovely card.

Trina P. said...

Gorgeous cards. Beautiful colours and colouring. Love both designs too.

jenconrad2000 said...

Love a happy and beautiful accident! Both cards are just gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Simple, yet elegant! :)

Littlefeet's Card's said...

Great udea...thank you!

Haris said...

Beautiful water-coloring!

dligon said...

lovely cards with beautiful colors

Nikki said...

Awesome cards love the backgrounds.

Dee Earnshaw said...

love both of your cards. Your eye for color is amazing:)

diane p said...

Omg...I absolutely love both of these cards! So beautiful...

Rania K. said...

Really ...this is a piece of art!

Corina Dickey said...

Beautiful card! I really the the black outline behind the colored die cut. Will have to try it out. Thank you for sharing your talent.

Rachel Vass said...

Absolutely stunning card, love love love it.

Abby said...

Great card!

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

Wow!! Amazing Card!! The watercolor effect you have created with Zig markers is brilliant!

Unknown said...

The black and white in the background is quite lovely. I love the inspiration with this blog hop.

Jean McCurry said...

I love the way you used this die. So inspiring

Teresa Doyle said...

WHOA, Amy, these are just spectacular! Oh how I love Altenew's floral's.... They are ALWAYS beautiful!

Barbara said...

Oh my goodness! Stunning! Love, love.

solarj said...

Lovely card!

Heather M said...

Beautiful cards and coloring. I'm so grateful for the amazing crafty friends.

_michelleomurray said...

Both cards are gorgeous!!! I just love that Fantasy Floral die <3

Purple Princess said...

Both cards are stunning!!

Jennifer said...

Love your card. Just beautiful!

Linzi Conners said...

Obsessed with your watercoloring (and that layered die!) and the pop of black and white! I LOVE IT!

Aimee LaCroix-Slocum said...

These cards are amazing!! I love them both...the water coloring and and the black & white on the second one....so beautiful! I am very inspired, thanks so much for sharing!!

Karen H said...

Your card is gorgeous and love your die cutting and coloring technique. Altenew makes such beautiful stamps.

Nicki said...

I loved the smooching technique with the Zig watercolor marker and the black outline of the flowers. Great card.

Shreya said...

I absolutely love how you’ve used dies and watercolors to give dimension to the card! That black and white striped piece is genius! Love it!

Jnett said...

Your inspiration is wonderful. Love the watercolor, so wish I could do the same the way you have. Great job.

Deborah R said...

What a lovely technique! I love these flowers. So creative.

Shan Mckee said...

Your card is so very pretty. I would have never thought to use the die cuts in that way. Thank you for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful week.
Hugs shan

Starr said...

Beautiful card

Rose Mary Smalley said...

Very pretty card. Love how soft it looks. Thank you for sharing your talent. Hugs

Tammy B said...

both cards are Stunning! I'm off to purchase the fantasy set, thanks!

Diana Johnson said...

Great card, love that die!

Marcia said...

Such elegant and lovely cards! Gorgeous color choices too!

Paper Therapy Ponderings said...

both your cards are beautiful
Thanks for sharing your creativity with the world.
Barb Housner

Lee said...

Love the black line around your flower. Striking and a wonderful contrast.

Robyn said...

LOVE how you colored this floral die cut! Just gorgeous.

Dori Valdes said...

What an excellent artistic approach and the soft watercolors are perfect!

donatelloh said...

Love your creative use of die cuts. Plus the black outline really makes the card pop!

Irishtiger06 said...

Such a pretty floral design, I love the bright pink & green combo!

dannyscotland said...

Thanks for being part of the blog hop. I love the beautiful rose cards you designed. Absolutely stunning!

Unknown said...

I love these cards. I started out very shy at online ustreams and even used an alias on Face book because my crafty friends wanted me to join. It became so funny that it has stuck after all these years. My real name is Martha.

Janet said...

Amy this is the most beautiful card I have seen made with those die cuts. I have purchased them and can't wait to get to work with them with you as my inspiration.

Corliss said...

I never thought about water coloring layers, beautiful cards!

Marisa said...

Two beauties, Amy!! Gorgeous flower!!

Patt H. said...

Love the gorgeous layers on your card. The colors are beautiful, especially with the added black accents. I need to go look at that die again as I had passed it by.

Melinda B said...

That is crazy and interesting how time flies and you can pin point a big change in one moment. I hope that can be me with not only card making but really with watercoloring. I really like the mistake card too hahaha, mistakes sometimes make great things!

Isabelle said...

Fantastic cards !

Lindar C said...

Such a beautiful card, love the water coloring, amazing!

Daria Z. said...

I totally agree that the real blessing of this hobby is the community! That, and the enabling - after seeing your two gorgeous cards, I "need" to buy that die.

luvtosew said...

Your cards are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

Sandy M said...

I love, love, love your card. The colors are beautiful.

Judie said...

Wow amazing card and colouring! I love the card with the black and white against the coloured flower!

Janet D. said...

Gorgeous cards, love your coloring!

Unknown said...

Beautiful card. Love the colors you picked. I'm thinking I need to use my zigs more often. Breathtaking.

Jo Ann U. said...

Both cards are beautiful. Your watercoloring skills are fantastic! Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us and for the opportunity to win such wonderful prizes!

DGolly said...

What beautiful cards. Altenew has the best florals. Thanks for sharing.

jcamp2020 said...

Like that die cut a lot. Would not have thought to use watercolor paper and then color it. Very pretty the way yours turned out. Especially like the second card with the black stamp underneath. It's my favorite! Thanks for showing us this. Learning all the time.

LauraJane:) said...

LOVE the second card with CHARMING peeking out from behind the Fantasy Bloom!

Rema DeLeeuw said...

Such beautiful cards!

Alicia Nichols said...

I love the watercoloring "look". I just need to practice it more.

Unknown said...

Love these layers! I can't wait to try this technique!

Sabine said...

Beautiful card!

Unknown said...

Lovely card! I like the layered pieces for the flowers

Unknown said...

Lovely card! I like the layered pieces for the flowers

Becca Yahrling said...

Your cards are so pretty and I love the dimension.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards. So artistic.

Kathy M. said...

Beautiful cards you posted for altenew - love their stamps!

Barbara said...

Your cards are so amazingly beautiful and the very reason I ordered this Floral Fantasy die recently. Great inspiration! :)

bev p said...

Gotta love the happy accident! It is lovely on its own, and stunning over the line art in black and white, especially with the strip alongside. I tend to paint then die cut. I don't know why it hasn't occurred to me to reverse the process! Thank you so much. More ideas to fall out of my brain!!

kathi korn said...

beautiful card. i love how you thought outside the box and used the die cuts in a most beautiful and unique way.

Kym Maxwell said...

I love adding black and white to my floral images. Something about that is just gorgeous to me. Both of these cards as beautiful!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

Angela V said...

AWESOME card Amy! The black and white really set off the beautiful colors and I love how you popped all the layers up for great dimension! LOVE this! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us.

Marsha said...

Just gorgeous. Love the die set! and the pretty colors you used.

lritchie said...

Both cards are gorgeous and so soft looking!

Good Kardma by Jules said...

Your cards are SO pretty! Love the watercoloring and the splatters on the background.

Judy Tuck said...

Your watercolour flowers are simply amazing. Beautiful cards!

debnlaptop said...

Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us! I love the community friendship our craft has inspired! Love your pretty cards!

Unknown said...

I have missed seeing your work! I have been away from blogs for awhile! But yours has always been one of my favorites! Beautiful work!

Donna Nuce said...

Beautiful cards. Love that black line drawing behind the die cuts. Thanks for a chance to win.

Julie from NZ said...

Wow, what a gorgeous design. I love the colours used on the die cuts. I might have to use your design for my own creations. Thank you for the inspiration.

DJ said...

That die set is stunning! Beautiful coloring job! TFS!

María Alba Negrón said...

LOVELY CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joanne Faysal said...

Wow! Love the mix of watercolor background and layered stamps!

Tina said...

I love this flower die set, and your cards are so beautiful

Stef Perry said...

Love both of your cards, Amy! The vibrant Zig colors turn out such dreamy results. I remember finding your blog soon after I started making cards and was always so amazed by your gorgeous creations. To me , it's been a blessing to have such a wonderful creative outlet and meet some wonderful people who share that passion.

Linda Kunsman said...

really beautiful cards and i do love those stamps too!

Andre M. said...

Love the style of your cards and the colour palette. Thanks for the inspiration.

Lynne in NI said...

Woweee, gorgeous cards, such a beautiful flower!

Martha Herrera said...

What a delightful card! I love everything about it.

MelissaF said...

Pretty water colored die cuts, love the size of these florals too and the floral outline is so pretty as a background to the pretty pink flowers. Great sentiments and placement too, something I struggle with so thank you for your inspiration and ideas.

gabriella said...

I just love the soft watercolor look

Tracy said...

This is such a cool effect! Love it!

Michelle H said...

These are really gorgeous cards. I know what you mean about getting excited about a card. My poor husband must get tired of me dragging him into my craft room to show him something that I've created. It's like opening a present for me.

Teri Wilson said...

The dies are amazing! Beautiful cards!

Leannduff@Yahoo.com said...

Beautiful cards! I like the splatter on the first one.

Anonymous said...

sharon clark says: Beautiful cards. Very creative backgrounds for the die cuts.

Unknown said...

Love this, I'm am loving all the watercolor.

Betty said...

two gorgeous card, Amy - just bought those dies and think i'll just start out using them by doing a CASE of your cards!!

Lynne said...

Great rose die cards and beautiful coloring.

PatQ's Cards said...

Your watercoloring is beautiful!

TerryZouzounis said...

Love the softness of this card!

Lisa said...

Wow, these are stunning!! The colors are absolutely amazing!! I love them!! Thanks for the inspiration!!

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

JPScraps said...

The cards are GORGEOUS!! I Love the die cut watercolor paper. :)

Janet said...

These are beautiful cards. I love the card with the black and white line design as the background. What a great idea, even though it was discovered by accident!

Betty Sue said...

Your watercoloring is beautiful!!

Jen said...

These are beautiful cards. The layouts and colors are just gorgeous.

A Crafty Person said...

Gorgeous cards!! I love watercoloring on cards.

April Z said...

Beautiful! The colors are so bright and cheerful and I love the layouts of your cards too.

Margaret said...

Beautiful cards! You're right - the black line background is perfect!

Irene said...

I would love to frame this and look at it all year... sending it to myself.

Sophie Farah said...

Absolutely STUNNING card. So cheerful and just really uplifting and inspiring. Your soft colors just make this card so elegant. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful card with neat ideas. Thanks for sharing!

Jean said...

Wow - so very pretty!

Kelley H. said...

Really cool cards. LOVE watercolor.

Larajc said...

Lovely card. The watercoloring with the soft colors is so pretty!

Sue D said...

Very pretty colors and I like your watercoloring.

juliebrus said...

Oooooo--love the card with the black stamped and striped background. Thanks forsharing.

Ruth said...

So excited to see your post. I followed you years ago but then life threw me a curved ball and I had to step away from the blog world... or following it, I should say. Your talent remains. So glad I found you and can follow you again! Love Altenew florals and what you have done with this lovely card.

Beth said...

Oh my, just gorgeous!

Linda Langes said...

Such glorious coloura and love the effect you've achieved.

Karen said...

As always, your work is gorgeous! I especially love the second card. Like you, I still remember the magic of the first card I saw. I've been making cards now for nearly 20 years, and still love everything about it.

Becky R said...

Beautiful card. I love the idea of coloring the die cuts.

Liz O. said...

Amy your designs are simply gorgeous! Love the watercolor background and flowers, thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

What incredibly rich colors! That's why I love reading blogs - I learn so many creative things I never would have discovered on my own.

Nicole B said...

I love the watercolor background in your first card. It's soft and beautiful and ties the whole card together!

Janelle said...

OOOHHHH... these are Just LOVELY! Very creative use of watercoloring and die cuts.

Lindarub 25 said...

Love your watercoloring on your cards.

Shirley N said...

Your card layouts are beautiful and so is your coloring. Lovely cards, thanks for the inspiration!

Kim Faucher said...

Thank goodness for happy accidents then. Gorgeous design and cards

cathsamum said...

Both cards are beautiful - but my favourite would have to be the first - I just love the way the watercolours turned out so vibrant - just gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

Mika said...

I never thought of water coloring a die cut! Cool

Mawsi said...

Scrolling through the blog hop - very impressed with what I have seen and then I come to your blog. Your first card with the sentiments "It doesn't get any better than this" is very appropriate. Thank you for sharing

Unknown said...

The 2nd card is beautiful and dramatic, but ooh, the 1st stole my heart...LOVE the soft subtle watercolor of the floral dies - GORGEOUS card!

Maryam said...

So happy to see these cards.. I am waiting for this die cut for a while and I can't wait to get inspired with your cards..thanks for inspiration

cantsitstill said...

I love your watercolor style and can't wait to try to copy it with some of my dies. Thank you for sharing.

eliza said...

The coloring on the roses makes them look extra dimensional and beautiful!

Anonymous said...

What an elite group of Crafters
Liz schaefer aka javagirl

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Stunning, simply stunning.

Deborah Kaye said...

Both your cards are beautiful. I really like how the second one turned out with just the black and white image of the stamp behind the rose.

Mimi's Craftroom said...

Fabulous card. I really love the technique.

Christine said...

Your watercolouring is beautiful. I love these flowers.

Anonymous said...

A really pretty card. Thanks for the bonus giveaway too.

Carolee McCaslin said...

Such a beautiful card!!!

byAnnette said...

Really pretty cards!
Love the colors & layering!
Flower is black out is great accident!

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