25 Days of Christmas Tags with Casual Fridays Stamps

Today, CAS-ual Fridays Stamps are sponsoring Tracey McNeely's wonderful event, 25 Days of Tags!

The Ink Squad have been busy creating their own holiday themed makes and we're celebrating with some fantastic offers - as well as a new Short & Sweet Mini Set - Most Wonderful. It's such a cute, little set and, between November 20th - 26th it's free if you spend $50 (including shipping!) at the Casual Fridays Store. As if that's not incentive enough to head on over, all of the Hanukkah and Christmas stamps and dies are on sale!

So, here's my make for the celebration. I wanted to keep it fairly simple, and used some non-holiday sets to make a little shaker. I've used the Heartboard Fri-die, Mistletoe Fri-die and Fun-fetti Fri-dies!

CAS-ual Fridays New Releases: Pear Tree Fri-Dies

It's time for the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps - and I'm so excited to share them! Over the last week, we've shared all of the new releases over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, along with some amazing projects from the Ink Squad!

The last of the new releases is the fantastic set of Pear Tree Fri-Dies, which co-ordinates with the Partridge In A Pear Tree Stamp Set.

To start, I embossed the main illustration in black, then hefted out my watercolours. I used a combination of colours on the tree, then used a silver colour to fill in that adorable little birdie! 

I had a little leftover section of watercolour, with a blue and silver splatter, and decided to make the most of it by turning it into a cute little tag. I used the main die to cut the water-coloured illustration, then moved it around on the base until I decided on where I liked it best. 

As it's a fairly small 'canvas' I didn't have a lot of room to add a sentiment, so I sectioned off one of the sentiments to read 'with love' and added it to the corner. 

You can see that I only used smaller sections of the sets, but I love that it almost feels like a different set! 

If you can't handle the excitement, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases. 

CAS-ual Fridays New Releases: Naughty'isms Stamp Set & Naughty Fri-Dies

It's time for the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps - and I'm so excited to share them! You can see more projects from the Ink Squad over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog.

Can we have a little chat about how cute the Naughty'isms Stamp Set & Naughty Fri-Dies are? I love them so much. Just a little bit of snark :)

I wanted to make a nice, but neutral card, so started with a white card base and black ink. In the test run, it looked a little flat, so in this version, I added some scored lines - and I love the subtle effect. I used a combination of the sentiments from the Naughty'isms Stamp Set, then added some twine - with a cute, little bell! A few, little white sparkles finish off the card nicely! 

If you can't handle the excitement, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases. 

CAS-ual Fridays New Releases: Merry Christmas Fri-Dies & Happy Hanukkah Fri-Dies

It's time for more of the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps. If you haven't been to visit the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, then you are missing out on some inspirational projects - and some amazing prizes!

Next in the fantastic new releases are the Merry Christmas Fri-Dies & Happy Hanukkah Fri-Dies. I love the font on these dies. It's so pretty and the sentiments turn even the most basic cards into something really special!

For the first of my cards, I've used the Merry Christmas Fri-Dies to create a cut-out sentiment in some cardstock (it reminds me a little bit of a blizzard!) and then backed it with some Rinea Gold Foiled Paper. It so shiny!

I left a little strip of the Gold Foil on show at the top edge, then layered some more cardstock behind it, to add some colour. Finally, I added some cute little heart stickers that have been in my stash *forever* and I'm so happy that I waited for that one 'Perfect Project' to use them on!

My second card shows how fantastic the dies look with even the most basic techniques! I used some matt black cardstock, backed with Rinea Gold Foiled Paper to set off the Happy Hanukkah die, then mounted it onto a white card base. The addition of some black, shiny sequins and a few little sparkly dots finished it off wonderfully!

If you can't handle the excitement, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases. 

CAS-ual Fridays New Releases: Mistletoe Fri-Dies

It's Day 3 of the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps. Over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, we're sharing all of the new releases, along with some inspirational projects from the Ink Squad!

Our next release is the Mistletoe Fri-Dies, which co-ordinate with the 'old favourite', Mistletoe & Holly Stamp Set.

This is such a lovely little illustration and, happily, it's really easy to combine the stamp and the die, so no need for fussy-cutting! Fussy cutting really is not my favourite! 

First I embossed the mistletoe onto some white cardstock, then coloured it with some of my favourite watercolours. It's a new technique for me, but I am starting to enjoy the way that the colours combine. Whilst the mistletoe dried, I used the same watercolours to create a wash, then used that to back a section of my teeny, tiny card.

Inside the card, I've stamped the 'Merry Kiss-Mas' sentiment.

Finally, I mounted the mistletoe to the front of the card and added some little sequins!

If you can't handle the excitement, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases. 

CAS-ual Fridays New Releases: Dashing Stamp Set & Snow Fri-Dies

The second of the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps. Over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, we're sharing all of the new releases, along with some inspirational projects from the Ink Squad!

Next up, the new Dashing Stamps and coordinated Snow Fri-Dies. I know that I'll have lots of fun with these sets - I love how the sentiments in the stamp set combine - and can't wait to use them in my December Daily album!

Inspired by the idea of falling snow, I used a few different shades of blue watercolours, to create a splattered effect on some cardstock. Then, once the watercolours had dried, I added an embossed sentiment in a silver tone, to create a little shine! 

If you can't handle the excitement, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases. 

CAS-ual Fridays New Releases: Big Hope Fri-Die

It's time for the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps - and I'm so excited to share them! Over the next few days, we'll share all of the new releases over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, along with some amazing projects from the Ink Squad!

The first of the New Releases is the Big Hope Fri-Die. I love this die so, so much. It's such a beautiful sentiment that I wanted to make sure that it was the focus of my card, so I went with a classic colour combination and a 'chilled out' easy, layered look. 

To make the sentiment stand out a little more, I cut the die three times, then layered it to create a bit of extra dimension. A few little sequins finished off the card nicely!

If you can't handle the excitement, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases. 

Washi Storage Ring Tutorial

I'm back on the Casual Fridays Blog today, with a tutorial for all of those washi hoarders! It can't only be me, can it? 

I have a lot of washi and, to make matters worse, I like to swap washi samples with all of my 'Happy Mail' friends! I love that I have such a wide selection to choose from when I sit down to create. But, I've not been happy with how I store all of those mis-matched samples, so I decided to make my Bubble Box Fri-dies work a little bit harder. Why limit yourself to cards, eh? 

Head on over to the Casual Fridays Blog for the tutorial and remember that you can use my code, CLAIRSENTME, in the Casual Fridays Store, for 15% off anything in store at any time.

Little Love Card

Hello! Hello! I'm back with a 'Little Love Card' for CAS-ual Fridays Stamps. At the end of each craft session, I like to make sure that my desk is clean and today (I know, I know!) and ready for the next session. But, isn't it more fun to use all of those little leftovers, than to sort them and stash them away?

I like to use them on smaller, 3x3 sized cards, and often use this basic idea to make several cards in advance - stamping, and adding, the sentiment, whenever I need a quick card. Here I've used Tin Roof* as a base, then I've added little sections of cardstock in a similar colour scheme to the bottom of the card. Then, I added a bit of machine stitching for some texture. It's like my signature move ;)

For my sentiment, I used a favourite from Bushy Tailed. I love little sentiments that are suitable for several occasions - and this set is so versatile. To finish, I added one of my beloved enamel dots. All done!

* Tin Roof and a some of our other, older sets are soon to retire. Head on over to see the Retiring Sets and buy them before stocks run out. You can use the code CLAIRSENTME at any time, for a 15% discount! 

'Last Minute' Cards & Process Video

Hello lovelies! I'm on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog today with a tutorial for an easy way to make last minute cards, without too much time, effort or mess!

You can make these in a few minutes and it's easy to 'batch make' the bases (so all that's needed later on is the sentiment.) Use different colours and/or sentiments to vary the look! The tutorial covers basic blends and my method for 'sectioning off' areas of the card base!

You can use my discount code CLAIRSENTME in the CAS-ual Fridays Store at anytime, for a 15% discount! Enjoy!

You Are Wonderful Layout {Killing Kits Series}

Hello lovelies! It's Clair with the latest video in the Killing Kits Series and I'm thrilled, because in this video, I combined the leftovers from two kits to make one, fantastic layout!

Both of my Wild Hare Kits from August 2017 and September 2017 featured the Carousel Collection from Crate Paper (as well as lots of co-ordiated loveliness) but I was left with a selection of cardstock that featured bold colours, carnival/animal cut-outs and some embellishments!

I've been asked a lot, since I started the Killing Kits Series, what I do with leftover items that feature bold colours, cute animals, and otherwise 'awkward' to use bits and bobs! So, in this video, I show how I 'reduce' the awkwardness - and reduce my leftovers!

I used the Heart Board Fri-Die from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps to die-cut all of the cardstock that remained from both kits into a selection of hearts in different sizes. Then added them in 'stacks' to a white 8x5 x 11 sheet.

Please feel free to leave comments here, on YouTube, or find me over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. I would love to hear from you!

Learn Something New Every Day - Mini Album

Today, I want to share a lovely, little mini-album. It's been some time since I last did Learn Something New Every Day. So, over the course of a weekend and with a little bit of time to create, I hauled out my basket of shame (it's where I keep my scraps!) and one of the smaller dies from the Bubble Box Fri-Die Set from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps. I made a little mini ready for class! I love it!

That rub-on was already on the cardstock (so that shows how old it was) so all I needed to do was add a little title and it was done. I'll share the finished album at the end of the month!

CAS-ual Fridays: ATC Vellum Shaker Card Tutorial

Hello lovelies! I have a video tutorial on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog today, with an overview of how to make these ATC (Artist Trading Card) sized shakers!

I've used a wide selection of CAS-ual Fridays stamps and dies to make a little set, so head on over for more details! 

Casual Fridays August Releases: Nate & Friday

So, it's the last day of the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps, where we have been sharing all of the new releases over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog. If you *still* haven't visited, then you are missing out on some amazing projects from the Ink Squad!

Last, but not least, we're sharing the adorable 'Nate & Friday' stamp set, which makes me smile every time I look at it! It's so lovely - and it's full of the cutest little sentiments!

Now, one of the comments (or concerns) that I hear most often when I share cards or layouts featuring stamps, is that colour is intimidating. Honestly, I hear you. Colouring is not my favourite (because I'm a perfectionist and I find it frustrating!) and I am nowhere near as skilled as some of the other ladies on the Ink Squad when it comes to colour. But ... the beauty of the stamp sets from CAS-ual Fridays is that they look amazing in the simplest of styles!

To make the card for today, I kept it really simple and I still have a card on hand that will suit most folks!

To start, I added two of my favourite washis to the base of the card. Then, with the help of my We Are Memory Keepers Precision Press, I lined up both the Nate & Friday stamps - and a little sentiment. I then added some Momento Ink in Tuxedo Black to all of the stamps, and stamped firmly onto my card base. I needed to stamp more than once, because I didn't apply an even pressure, but the Precision Press makes this really easy.

I did consider a few extra embellishments, but I like having a card to hand that could suit anyone - and I can easily add the odd sequin or enamel dot another time, if I need to!

If you can't handle the anticipation, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases

Casual Fridays August Releases: Bushy Tailed and Fox Banner Fri-Dies

It's the third day of the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and we have been sharing all of the new releases over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, along with some amazing projects from the Ink Squad! If you haven't visited, then you are missing out!

The next in our series of New Releases is the super cute 'Bushy Tailed' stamp set and matching 'Fox Banner Fri-Dies'. Aren't they adorable?

I loved the bushies, but decided that I wanted to show off how versatile the sets are - and ended up with a card that doesn't use the cute, little foxes at all!

To make this little 'congratulations' style card, I used several inks with the banner stamp, then cut each of them out with the coordinating die. Several of the sentiments work well as a theme, so I stamped those into the banners, then used the smaller heart and stars stamps on the remaining banners.

I added each of the banners to a card base, then to finish found some enamels that coordinate with the colours of the banners. I'm really happy with the overall effect - and that I was able to 'stretch' the set a little too!

If you can't handle the anticipation, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases.

Casual Fridays August Releases: Foxy

It's the second day of the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps. We're sharing all of the new releases over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, along with some amazing projects from the Ink Squad! Have you been to visit?

The second of our New Releases is the rather stunning 'Foxy' stamp set. I can see how lovely this set will be in autumnal colours - it's fantastic for the coming season, as it features a 'Thank You' sentiment too!

But, I have to be a little bit different, don't I? So, instead of autumnal colours, I was inspired by the idea of a 'Silver Fox' (hands up everyone that's now thinking of George Clooney) and heat embossed the main stamp and one of the sentiments onto some cream cardstock.

I used some Rinea Silver Foiled Paper, behind the cream cardstock, then added the full stack onto a cream card base. It shimmers a lot more than our miserable weather lets me show!

If you can't handle the anticipation, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases. 

Casual Fridays August Releases: Be A Unicorn & Unicorn Fri-Die

It's time for the brand new releases from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps - and I'm so excited. Over the next four days, we'll share all of the new releases over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, along with some amazing projects from the Ink Squad!

The first of the New Releases is the beautiful 'Be A Unicorn' Stamp Set and matching 'Unicorn Fri-Die'. It's so lovely, that I felt a little swoon coming on when I first received my set!

To make my soft, dreamy little card, I heat embossed a unicorn (swoon) then used the coordinating die to cut it out. Setting that to one side, I then heat embossed one of the sentiments to a little vellum.

I used the vellum to create a 'Pocket' and filled it with a selection of sequins, before stitching around the outside. Once the sequins were secured, I added the unicorn die (stitching once more to make sure it was secure) and, et voila! One cute little unicorn tag to add to a Pocket Letter or Gift.

I'll share a full video tutorial for these little vellum 'Pockets' later in the month, so be sure to follow the CAS-ual Fridays Blog or subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Obstinate Pursuit.

If you can't handle the excitment, you don't have to wait until the end of the week to see all of the new sets. Head on over to CAS-ual Fridays Stamps and have a little sneak at the New Releases. 

CAS-ual Fridays: Thinking Of You Card

Hello lovelies! I'm over on the CAS-ual Fridays Blog, with a little card for all occasions. I love to have some cheerful cards on hand, in case I need to send a friend a little note to let them know that I'm thinking of them; or to offer some encouragement when times are tough! 

To make this floral themed card, I've used the  beautiful Peaceful Garden and Garden Fri-dies sets, both available from CAS-ual Fridays Stamps. Head on over to see more details!

You're welcome to use the code CLAIRSENTME to save 15% on all stamps and dies - at all times!!!

CAS-ual Fridays: 'Two For One' Cards

The first of my video tutorials for the CAS-ual Fridays Ink Squad is live today and I'm excited to share an easy (and very economical) way to make what I refer to as 'Two For One Cards'.

For more details, head on over to the CAS-ual Fridays Blog. Remember to check us out on Instagram and Pinterest, and share your CAS-ual Friday creations with us (@casfridays and #casfridays) we love seeing what you have created! 

Have a lovely day!

I Made The Ink Squad {Cas-ual Fridays Stamps}

It's been difficult to keep this a secret but, finally, I'm able to share that I'll be joining the amazing Ink Squad DT at CAS-ual Fridays Stamps! I'm so excited! I'll be creating for the main CAS-ual Fridays Stamps Blog, where we'll share our makes; our tips and techniques; and the occasional sale! 

There's also a CAS-ual Fridays Stamps Challenge Blog, where the Inspiration Squad share their makes based on a theme. There's $25 to spend at CAS-ual Fridays Stamps for the winner, but if you use CAS-ual Fridays Stamps or Dies then that doubles! So much incentive to play along!