Caardvarks + CSS Blog Hop

Hey there! I hope everyone enjoyed your weekend! Today, is a Caardvarks day! We are doing a blog hop along with Clear and Simple Stamps! So, feel free to jump right in and start hopping along! Check out Caardvarks blog (linked below) for full blog hop details!

Caardvarks
Clear & Simple Stamps Blog
Jenyfur Pohl
Lori Tecler
Heidi VanLaar
Beth Matson
Tanis Giesbrecht
Sarah Martina
Kim Howard
Ashley Newell *you are here*
Savitri Wilder
Kelly Rasmussen
Sue-Ann Tibly
Amy Crockett
Sue Berker
Michelle Giraud
Robyn Weatherspoon
Lucy Abrams
Jen Tapler
Eva Doblias
Simone Pursiful
Peet Roeven

Thanks to those who gave me some great feedback yesterday regarding my new photo. I really do appreciate it all! Your recommendations were well received. Some of the elements you would like to see highlighted more, I felt could deserve more explanation in my instructions, rather than depicted in a photo. It's hard to photograph how something is adhered, but easier to say it is adhere with tacky glue. Regarding the sentiment, the cardstock is crumpled, then inked with a blending tool using dye inks. As far as the sizes of the thumbnails, I personally do not like a lot of pictures of one project, unless it's a detailed altered item, so I was trying to minimize the sizes of them. Again, this is just my opinion of how I want my blog to look, not to say that others who take multiple detailed photographs is 'wrong.' I just like to keep my blog postings as clean and simple and possible. But, to address the thumbnail sizing issues, I'll try to zoom a little better in the future to highlight some of the design elements used, which was my initial reasoning for trying this new photo showcase with you all. I plan to enhance my "Instructions" section a bit more. I think I was assuming some of you all knew how to do certain things, so I'm glad that was pointed out! I'm also adding a "Tips and Tricks" section if I have something extra to share about how to do something in the project showcased. Thanks again for your feedback. It was really helpful! :) So, here's how I created today's card...in more detail!

Instructions

1. Trim rustic cream cardstock to create an A2 card base and ink.
   
2. Trim green with envy cardstock to 3.75" x 5" and ink, then adhere to card front.
   
3. Trim rustic cream cardstock to about 3" x 4," then stamp background pattern, ink and adhere to card front.
4. Punch tag from green with envy cardstock, stamp stars background with cream ink, then ink edges.
5. Add twill tape ribbon treatment through tag hole and add button with twine (using tacky glue).
6. Pop tag off card front center.
7. Stamp horse rocker on rustic cream cardstock, then color with Copic markers. Stamp star background with antique linen ink.
   
8. Stamp star background with antique linen ink, then ink edges and pop off tag.
9. Add rhinestone to horse rocker eye.
10. Stamp label border and sentiment on curly die cut.
11. Ink the die cut and pop off card front.

Tips & Tricks

• Using Distress Inks - Use a light inks, such as Ranger brands or other light dye inks and apply with a foam tool or even cosmetic wedge applicators. Rub on edges and blend throughout the cardstock as desired. Start with a little because you can always add more, but never take away!
• Foam Adhesive - Sometimes, one layer is not enough. Double, triple, or even quadruple the foam layers to get the desired height.
  

Supplies

Stamps :: Clear and Simple Stamps - rock-a-bye, wall flower
Ink :: Ranger - antique linen, tea dye; SU! - chocolate chip; Copic markers
Cardstock :: Clear and Simple Stamps - green with envy; PTI - rustic cream
Embellishments :: Clear and Simple Stamps - green with envy button, curly label die cut; PTI - twine; Technique Tuesday - twill tape
Tools :: Ranger - blending tool with foam applicator