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:
Amy Sheffer (you are here)
Thanks so much for visiting today, and thank you Altenew for having me!
411 comments:
1 – 200 of 411 Newer› Newest»wow! I love this! definitely going to have to try that out!
Love the watercoloring of the layers! I'm going to try this.
So pretty, I love your style
Beautiful watercoloring!
Those floral dies are a "must have".
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.
BEAUTIFUL! I love the dimension!
Gorgeous! Amazing color work and so fresh! Love this card!
Beautiful card designs!!!
Your card is exceptional. Now I know I must have yet another Altenew flower!
Love!
Your card certainly is s "charmer". So beautiful!
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!
Got to love those Zigs for bright color. Beautiful card.
I love the colors!
Beautiful water-coloring! And I just love your serendipitous 2nd card.
Your cards are beautiful!
WOW what a stunning and elegant card. love the soft watercolour look.
LOVELY!! I like the idea of cutting out the watercolored piece. The dimension is yummy!
Your cards are beautiful. The second card "accident" really works. Love that effect.
These are both lovely!
Amazing coloring...
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!
Beautiful!! Love your Zig smooshing technique. I’m going to try it out.
Wow! These are stunning! Beautifully coloured!
Beautiful ombre! The simplicity and beauty of the card is striking!
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.
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.
Gorgeous creation! You have a beautiful talent! Thank you so much for sharing!! Hugs
Beautiful! I love the look of the watercolors.
Beautiful Card!
Both cards are Gorgeous..I loved the splatter on first card and line art as background on second card..
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.
Such a beautiful card. I love watercolor and this is a perfect application for it!
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
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
Love the color combo! I need to try it.
The beautiful flower jumps off the card! Love the soft green background with the faux stitched border.
Amy, both cards are just stunning!
Wonderful card! I really get inspired by all the cards I have seen on this blog hop! Thank you for sharing! Love your card!
Beautiful cards!!
I have to say I love your 'accident' card. So striking with the black and white. Thank you for sharing.
What stunning creations, wow! Absolutely love your style!
Beautiful watercoloring - gorgeous card.
Beautiful cards, so beautiful!
Awesome cards! Watercoloring is perfect. Thank you for sharing your talent.
My favorite card so far in this hop. Love it.
so pretty
Both of your cards are beautiful! I especially love the first one! Your watercolored Flower is stunning against the lovely background! TFS!
Beautiful, you are very talented
GORGEOUS and Clssy cards!
Wow!!!! This is amazing!!!! I never thought to use the die cuts that way.
Lovely card.
Gorgeous cards. Beautiful colours and colouring. Love both designs too.
Love a happy and beautiful accident! Both cards are just gorgeous!
Simple, yet elegant! :)
Great udea...thank you!
Beautiful water-coloring!
lovely cards with beautiful colors
Awesome cards love the backgrounds.
love both of your cards. Your eye for color is amazing:)
Omg...I absolutely love both of these cards! So beautiful...
Really ...this is a piece of art!
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.
Absolutely stunning card, love love love it.
Great card!
Wow!! Amazing Card!! The watercolor effect you have created with Zig markers is brilliant!
The black and white in the background is quite lovely. I love the inspiration with this blog hop.
I love the way you used this die. So inspiring
WHOA, Amy, these are just spectacular! Oh how I love Altenew's floral's.... They are ALWAYS beautiful!
Oh my goodness! Stunning! Love, love.
Lovely card!
Beautiful cards and coloring. I'm so grateful for the amazing crafty friends.
Both cards are gorgeous!!! I just love that Fantasy Floral die <3
Both cards are stunning!!
Love your card. Just beautiful!
Obsessed with your watercoloring (and that layered die!) and the pop of black and white! I LOVE IT!
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!!
Your card is gorgeous and love your die cutting and coloring technique. Altenew makes such beautiful stamps.
I loved the smooching technique with the Zig watercolor marker and the black outline of the flowers. Great card.
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!
Your inspiration is wonderful. Love the watercolor, so wish I could do the same the way you have. Great job.
What a lovely technique! I love these flowers. So creative.
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
Beautiful card
Very pretty card. Love how soft it looks. Thank you for sharing your talent. Hugs
both cards are Stunning! I'm off to purchase the fantasy set, thanks!
Great card, love that die!
Such elegant and lovely cards! Gorgeous color choices too!
both your cards are beautiful
Thanks for sharing your creativity with the world.
Barb Housner
Love the black line around your flower. Striking and a wonderful contrast.
LOVE how you colored this floral die cut! Just gorgeous.
What an excellent artistic approach and the soft watercolors are perfect!
Love your creative use of die cuts. Plus the black outline really makes the card pop!
Such a pretty floral design, I love the bright pink & green combo!
Thanks for being part of the blog hop. I love the beautiful rose cards you designed. Absolutely stunning!
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.
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.
I never thought about water coloring layers, beautiful cards!
Two beauties, Amy!! Gorgeous flower!!
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.
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!
Fantastic cards !
Such a beautiful card, love the water coloring, amazing!
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.
Your cards are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your creativity.
I love, love, love your card. The colors are beautiful.
Wow amazing card and colouring! I love the card with the black and white against the coloured flower!
Gorgeous cards, love your coloring!
Beautiful card. Love the colors you picked. I'm thinking I need to use my zigs more often. Breathtaking.
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!
What beautiful cards. Altenew has the best florals. Thanks for sharing.
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.
LOVE the second card with CHARMING peeking out from behind the Fantasy Bloom!
Such beautiful cards!
I love the watercoloring "look". I just need to practice it more.
Love these layers! I can't wait to try this technique!
Beautiful card!
Lovely card! I like the layered pieces for the flowers
Lovely card! I like the layered pieces for the flowers
Your cards are so pretty and I love the dimension.
Beautiful cards. So artistic.
Beautiful cards you posted for altenew - love their stamps!
Your cards are so amazingly beautiful and the very reason I ordered this Floral Fantasy die recently. Great inspiration! :)
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!!
beautiful card. i love how you thought outside the box and used the die cuts in a most beautiful and unique way.
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!!
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.
Just gorgeous. Love the die set! and the pretty colors you used.
Both cards are gorgeous and so soft looking!
Your cards are SO pretty! Love the watercoloring and the splatters on the background.
Your watercolour flowers are simply amazing. Beautiful cards!
Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us! I love the community friendship our craft has inspired! Love your pretty cards!
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!
Beautiful cards. Love that black line drawing behind the die cuts. Thanks for a chance to win.
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.
That die set is stunning! Beautiful coloring job! TFS!
LOVELY CARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow! Love the mix of watercolor background and layered stamps!
I love this flower die set, and your cards are so beautiful
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.
really beautiful cards and i do love those stamps too!
Love the style of your cards and the colour palette. Thanks for the inspiration.
Woweee, gorgeous cards, such a beautiful flower!
What a delightful card! I love everything about it.
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.
I just love the soft watercolor look
This is such a cool effect! Love it!
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.
The dies are amazing! Beautiful cards!
Beautiful cards! I like the splatter on the first one.
sharon clark says: Beautiful cards. Very creative backgrounds for the die cuts.
Love this, I'm am loving all the watercolor.
two gorgeous card, Amy - just bought those dies and think i'll just start out using them by doing a CASE of your cards!!
Great rose die cards and beautiful coloring.
Your watercoloring is beautiful!
Love the softness of this card!
Wow, these are stunning!! The colors are absolutely amazing!! I love them!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
The cards are GORGEOUS!! I Love the die cut watercolor paper. :)
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!
Your watercoloring is beautiful!!
These are beautiful cards. The layouts and colors are just gorgeous.
Gorgeous cards!! I love watercoloring on cards.
Beautiful! The colors are so bright and cheerful and I love the layouts of your cards too.
Beautiful cards! You're right - the black line background is perfect!
I would love to frame this and look at it all year... sending it to myself.
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 :)
Beautiful card with neat ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Wow - so very pretty!
Really cool cards. LOVE watercolor.
Lovely card. The watercoloring with the soft colors is so pretty!
Very pretty colors and I like your watercoloring.
Oooooo--love the card with the black stamped and striped background. Thanks forsharing.
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.
Oh my, just gorgeous!
Such glorious coloura and love the effect you've achieved.
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.
Beautiful card. I love the idea of coloring the die cuts.
Amy your designs are simply gorgeous! Love the watercolor background and flowers, thanks for sharing!
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.
I love the watercolor background in your first card. It's soft and beautiful and ties the whole card together!
OOOHHHH... these are Just LOVELY! Very creative use of watercoloring and die cuts.
Love your watercoloring on your cards.
Your card layouts are beautiful and so is your coloring. Lovely cards, thanks for the inspiration!
Thank goodness for happy accidents then. Gorgeous design and cards
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.
I never thought of water coloring a die cut! Cool
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
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!
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
I love your watercolor style and can't wait to try to copy it with some of my dies. Thank you for sharing.
The coloring on the roses makes them look extra dimensional and beautiful!
What an elite group of Crafters
Liz schaefer aka javagirl
Stunning, simply stunning.
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.
Fabulous card. I really love the technique.
Your watercolouring is beautiful. I love these flowers.
A really pretty card. Thanks for the bonus giveaway too.
Such a beautiful card!!!
Really pretty cards!
Love the colors & layering!
Flower is black out is great accident!
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