Coffee Smiles

 

In contrast to the card I shared yesterday, today's card didn't turn out the way I imagined it at all. In the past, that would be something that would frustrate me to no end - especially when I had a very clear idea of what I wanted to do. I've been trying to relax my expectations a little lately, though, and still share things that are imperfect.

I think I will revisit this idea again in the future. Even if it didn't turn out the way that I expected, it might work with a different set of supplies. Sometimes a different execution can make the idea become a better fit.

Big Shark Smile

 

There's something about a big toothy smile that is perfect to include on a happy card. It's one of the reasons why I absolutely love this shark stamp set and why it's fun to pair up with any smile or birthday stamp. 

I'm still working through my colored images and organizing them to use on cards. Another thing I'm contemplating is using some card sketches to try out different layouts and to make use of my (many) pieces of patterned paper.

Keep Smiling!

In tough times, it's always important to keep smiling.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Otterly Smiles

I thought I'd pull out some stencils and play around with creating my own background. It was fun, even if it's not exactly how I thought this background would turn out. Still, experimenting is a great thing and now I've got a few other ideas I want to play around with on the next project.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Minty Smile

Avery Elle - Woodland Wonders

I love creating encouragement cards. Not only are they full of fun and brightness, but they really do bring an unexpected smile to the recipient's face. 

For today's card, I used a little cut-apart from Pinkfresh Studio and a couple of sweet critters from Avery Elle's Woodland Wonders (hint: you will see many cards with this stamp in the near future). I went for cool, minty tones for a fantasy bunny and owl, and set them against a fun patterned paper.

Thanks for taking a look!
~Elle~ 

Forest Smiles

Another nature/camping card today! This time, I paired a fun forest paper with a couple of adorable critters from Your Next Stamp and a sticker I found in my stash. It's a really simple design, but I think it turned out pretty cute.

Thanks for reading,
~Elle~

Happy Moms' Day!

Happy Mothers day to all you moms out there!

Today's card isn't strictly for mothers' day, but I think it would bring a smile to any mother's face. After all, there's nothing better than giggles and belly laughs with our children.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Mer-May Smiles

Happy Mer-May, everyone!

A bunch of crafters and artists I follow are taking part in Mer-May -- a month-long celebration of mermaids. I've been seeing so many inspirational videos and blog posts featuring gorgeous mermaids that I just had to play along and make yet another mermaid card.

I kept this card really simple, adding a few puffy stickers for the sentiment and embellishment. I also gave the mermaid a two-tone tail, which turned out rather pretty.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~

Otter Smiles

 Lawn Fawn - Winter Otter stamp, Lawn Fawn - Into the Woods stamp

For today's card, I decided to play around with the layered look I so love to see. I paired the cutie from Lawn Fawn's Winter Otter mini stamp set with a sentiment from Into The Woods. For the rest of the elements, I dug into my die-cut/ephemera box and pulled out some panels and foliage.

I like how it turned out, but I definitely need to practice this style some more.

Thanks for reading.
~Elle~

Floral Smiles

Continuing on with another ephemera-inspired card! This time around, I used a bunch of ephemera from Dear Lizzy collections, along with florals and a "Smile" die-cut by Echo Park. I used a palette of teals and yellows for a fresh and crisp feeling.

Thanks for reading!
~Elle~