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!

Wild Hare Kits: September 2018 Kit Reveal

It's kit reveal day at The Wild Hare Kits and I love it! I've loved all the craftiness that I've created with it so far and, because it's a Deluxe Kit, I still have a fair amount to work with! Yay!

Please check out the kit reveals from the rest of the Wild Hare Kits DT and, of course, if you would like to request your own custom kit, just complete the Style Profile. There's no monthly commitment, so it won't hurt to try!

Wild Hare Kits: September Kit Sneak Peek

It's almost time to reveal my new kit from The Wild Hare Kits (tomorrow, tomorrow, we love you tomorrow ...)  

In the meantime, here's a sneak, at what may be my favourite layout from this month's kit! Make sure to follow me on Instragram and YouTube for more details! 

Hidden Journalling {Killing Kits Series}

Hello lovelies! It's Clair with the latest video in the Killing Kits Series for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge and this time around, I wanted to share a layout that I made with the last little bits of my Planning For Perfection Kit from January 2016. I can't believe that I've finally killed that kit!

Today's layout is small in size, but it's so easy to scale the methods I've used to suit 8x11 or 12x12 - and with minimal effort. Really. It took me more time to edit and voice-over the video, than it took to make the layout!

I've also added a 'hidden' section for some journalling. If, like me, you find it difficult to add your stories to a layout once it's finished (or you simply want to keep some of it a little more private) then I hope this idea will be useful.

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

Wild Hare Kits: Gifts For Jess-Claire

Hello. I'm over at the Wild Hare Kits today, with a little look at some of my favourite handmade embellishments, a little  box, and the short story of how Jess Claire and I met, in real life!

Jess and I 'met' on Instagram well before we both ended up on the Wild Hare DT. I noticed that Jess' bookshelves included some similar favourites and commented that we *had* to be friends. Luckily, she decided I wasn't insane - and now I have a crafty bestie ❤

 

We've swapped a few letters, bits of happy mail and had a little chat via our mobiles, but we've not met before. So, I decided that I couldn't meet her empty handed and made a little set of my favourite handmade embellishments to take with me (as well as a few other bits and bobs that I thought may make her smile.)

Normally, I would make these embellishments from my leftovers, but I decided to dive into my latest Wild Hare Kit and chose some of the beautiful new collections from Pinkfresh Studios that were included in my kit. I used some 6x6 sheets from 'A Case of The Blahs' and lots of the latest release, Simple & Sweet. They co-ordinate so well - and the colours are so fresh! I've added some small sentiments and enamel dots from my own stash (but they actually came in one of my earlier Wild Hare Kits!) I like to add a little bit of stitching, to add some texture and I left them 'messy' this time around as I know Jess loves the mixed media look!

You can see an earlier video, on my YouTube Channel, if you are interested in seeing exactly how I make these little embellishments!

Now, of course, I couldn't hand these over without a lovely box! So, I went back to my beautiful kit and, after a little think, decided to die-cut a small Pillow Box from the Pinkfresh Studios 12x12 sheets that I received. I do love having a mix of sizes to work with, it makes my kit so versatile! While I had my die-cut machine out, I made a doily from one of my 6x6 sheets and added it to the front of my Pillow Box. I used a sentiment from the 12x12 'cut apart sheet' and decorated with some twine from my kit - and a few little sparklies from my own stash. 

I *think* Jess liked her little bits (and we had such a lovely lunch) but I do still owe her a letter ... so until next month! 

Wild Hare Kits: Happy Together Layout

I'm back with my second take on the August 2018 Sketch from the Wild Hare Kits. It's a little less literal, but no less lovely.

Thanks to the beautiful selection from of Pinkfresh Studios stash that I received in this month's Wild Hare Kit, I've been inspired to work on some older stories - and I am so happy to have this little story documented.

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. 

Wild Hare Kits: Hey Card

Remember the August 2018 Sketch for the Wild Hare Kits that I shared a little earlier this month? Well, this is my first, and more literal, take on that sketch and it features lots of beautiful Pinkfresh Studios stash from my kit. I love the pop of yellow!

Oh, and, I did say first? I have at least one more take on the sketch coming up later in the month!!!

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!!!

Wild Hare Kits: August 2018 Sketch

Each month at The Wild Hare Kits I release a new sketch that the DT often use sketch for their own cards and layouts. (Check out the Wild Hare Kits: Sketches Pinterest Board.)

Whilst I normally share my own projects based on the sketch towards the end of the month, I wanted to share the August 2018 Sketch a little earlier so you can use it to inspire your own makes!

Remember to tag us with #wildharekits if you use it. We'd love to see what you're making!

Wild Hare Kits: August 2018 Kit Reveal

Yay! It's kit reveal day at The Wild Hare Kits and my new kit is exactly what I need to make a start on some new ideas! Once more, I'm in love with every last bit of it!

Please check out the kit reveals from the rest of the Wild Hare Kits DT, as the new additions to the The Wild Hare Kits DT start with us this month. I'm so excited to see what each of them asked for and how their kits have been curated. Of course, if you would like to request your own custom kit, just complete the Style Profile. There's no monthly commitment, so it won't hurt to try!

Ten Minute Cards

Hello. Today, I have two little 'ten-minute' cards to share, inspired by the latest challenge at Inkspirational. I love cards that are easy to make (and easy to re-make) because there are times when I want to create, but without too much effort! Obviously, it takes a little bit of effort to make it work the first time, but then it's a doddle to make all of the details the same (or a wee bit different) the next time.

To start the first card, I created a section to one side with some old, not often used washi; then I blended in some Distress Inks (Mermaid Lagoon and Cracked Pistachio.) I then removed the old washi and added some much loved, and often used, washi (!) on one side of the inked area. To finish, I found a small sentiment sticker from Pinkfresh Studios to add to the centre and a small enamel from One Canoe Two, which adds a little texture!

The second card, started in a similar way, as I used the washi to create a central section of blended inks. I decided not to over-decorate, so once I removed the washi, I chose a little sentiment from the New Beginning Stamp Set by Studio Forty and added it to the centre of the card with some Tuxedo  Black Ink from Momento. Isn't the sentiment cute?

I can't wait to re-make these cards with different colours, washis and sentiments for a whole new look!

Killing Kits: Quick Cards

It's time for me to share the next video in the Killing Kits Series and this time, I dived into the leftovers of my 'Field Notes' Counterfeit Kit from September 2017. I loved the colours of this kit - it seemed like the ideal transition between summer and autumn, and it had a lovely botanical feel.

I've made two cards, both based on a card that I made for The Wild Hare Kits back in May (see that card here) with some of the leftovers from an earlier mini-album. I adored that card because it looked fantastic, but it took me less than ten minutes to make it! In the video for today, I've used the same basic materials - a white card base; cardstock leftovers; die-cut sentiments and little jewels - to recreate that card.

Different colours and textures make the cards look so different - seasonal almost - and, because this method would be so easy to 'batch' for multiple cards, I'll definitely be making more of these come winter!

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

Wild Hare Kits: 'Life Is Made of Moments Like These' Card

Hello! Hello! Today, I'm over on the Wild Hare Kits Blog sharing one of my favourite ways to use up those scraps at the end of a kit. Yes. You know it. I made a card! I mean, really, why would you spend ten minutes cleaning your desk at the end of a scrapping session, when you could use those ten minutes to make something instead?

I cut fours sections of cardstock to add to each corner of my card base, then added a strip of the most amazing washi to enter my household (!) to each section. I then played around with a few different ideas for the sentiment, but eventually settled on one from the Patio Party 'Cut Apart Sheet' that was included in my kit.

A few little enamel dots, that were also already out on my desk, finish of the card nicely. I love this clean and simple look!

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!