Bark the Halls

July 30, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

It’s never too early to start your Christmas cards! For this design, I used Sparkle Blends in a different way besides making a shaker. I thought this die cut wreath was the perfect base to use the Holly Berry mix to create a Christmas wreathe. There are so many different pieces, it really brought the wreathe to life.

I used the holly leaves and then built on top of that with all the different reds to make berry clusters. The rhinestones and beads added even more interest.

The wreathe die is from Tim Holtz’s “Wreath & Die” Thinlets by Sizzix. The banner is from Kindred Stamps. The dog stamp, die and plaid paper are from one of my favorite Collections by Photoplay titled “Muttcracker.

Creating designs with Sparkle Blends is a great way to add pop to a card. Visit the store to get inspired!

How Sweet It Is

July 25, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

So sweet it makes my tooth hurt! How adorable are these two cuties sitting at the ice cream parlor? Looks like they are waiting for some sweet treats, maybe some Neopolitan Ice Cream. If you take a close look in the window, that’s exactly what you’ll see. Neopolitan Sparkle Blends from Doodles Paper Playground make this card a giant scoop of fabulous.

Look close and you will see all the deliciousness this blend has to offer. From sprinkles, clay pieces, shimmers and sparkles to gold outlined ice cream cones and sundaes, this blend hits all the sweet spots. The color pallet of pinks, browns and white are reminiscent of the strawberry, chocolate and vanilla of Neapolitan ice cream. So many shapes and sizes make this blend delicious!

This cute couple is from the “Sweet Valentine” stamp set from Brutus Monroe. I stamped it in Raven Detail ink and colored with Copics. The sentiment is from Brutus Monroe’s Conversation Clippings. This set was the perfect match for Neapolitan Sparkle Blends. This blend is a previous release so supplies are limited. Head to the shop to grab yours before the sweetness runs out!

A Flamazing Pig

July 9, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

I’m tickled pink over this new Sparkle Blend from Doodles Paper Playground. “You’re Flamazing” is a bright pink blend that can be used in many ways.

For this project, I wanted to a pink pig so I removed the flamingos from the blend. But, as you can see I was still able to use one as a lawn ornament. I also created a flower cluster with different elements from the blend.

To create this scene, I used the Penny the Pig Roundimal stamp and die set from Brutus Monroe. I used the die to cut the pig shape out of a piece of cardstock. Then I stamped the pig on a piece of acetate using Staz-On. The shaker is backed with pink paper. I created the scene repeating a fence stamp from “Hog Heaven” by MFT. That’s also where the stencil came from. I colored the fence and grass with Copics. For the sky I used the cloud stencil from MFT with Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide ink and blending brush.

So the moral of this story – don’t shy away from a blend just becuase it may have an element that you don’t think you will use. You can always pick apart blends and tailor them to your needs. Head over to the shop to see all the amazing possibilities.

To Dive For

June 30, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

This blue haired mermaid is swimming along in a sea of beautiful shells, pearls, sequins and so much more.

The underwater scene came to life with the “Mermaid Kisses” stamp and die set from Brutus Monroe. Everything was colored with Copics and mounted atop a background from Catherine Pooler’s 6X6 Seaside patterned paper pack. The sentiment was stamped in the coordinating Sea Glass ink.

But the real stars under this sea are all the thingamabobs in the the “Just Keep Swimming” Sparkle Blends from Doodles Paper Playground. This underwater mix is just to dive for. It’s got gadgets and gizmos aplenty.

Look close and you will find all sorts of under water creatures including various types of fish, seashells, sparkle discs, bubbles…the list goes on. And the color palette leaves so many options for coordinating patterned papers. I used pieces from Just Keep Swimming to decorate the outside of the card as well.

The pink starfish in the mermaid’s hair are one of the many different clay pieces that include 3 different types of fish. I used various discs and sequins to create bubbles. And of course, the clear colored bubbles to complete this scene. If you love this blend as much as I do, swim on over to the shop and grab yours!

Tastes like summer

June 15, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

What tastes more like summer than a Rocket Pop? This new tasty Sparkle Blend from Doodles Paper Playground makes me want throw on my sandals and chase the ice cream man down the street. It will bring you right back to your childhood on a warm Summer day.

Whether it’s fireworks, ice pops or a bright starry sky you’re reminiscing about–this blend has it all. From bright, bold stars to tiny twinkles this blend is perfect for a 4th of July or Summer themed project. There are plenty of glitter and holographic discs in red, blue and silver.

And of course, the star of this blend, there are Rocket Pops! These clay discs are so cute and make the blend sparkly and fun. Grab yours today and get in the mood for Summer.

Cut it out

June 12, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

Gnome pun intended, this new Sparkle Blend from Doodles Paper Playground makes the cut. “You Make the Cut” is full of so many gorgeous elements, it will never be cut. The metallic scissors alone are enough to make this a truly unique blend. I instantly thought scrapbooking and paper crafting, but this blend could be used for a hair dresser, seamstress, or anyone you want to let know they made the cut.

When you take a close look, you find so many surprises not noticed at first glance. This blend has an iridescent glow that makes it shine from within. The various sequins, pastel pearls and discs and even the pale green shards make this mix shine. The color palette is not to be missed. I used Photoplay’s “Crafting with my Gnomies” stamp set to create this crafty themed card. The background was made with a Photoplay stencil from the same line. I inked it in Alabaster ink from Brutus Monroe.

If you want to make the cut, head over to the shop and grab yours today!

Birds of a Feather

June 7, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

You know how it goes. Birds of a feather and all that. Well this stunning new Sparkle Blend called Twilight Meadow from Doodles Paper Playground definitely gives new meaning to that saying. All the different elements in this blend definitely flock together.

Take a close look and you will see some amazing, unexpected pieces in this blend. The deep color palette is so rich that you would never expect to see bright pink gemstones or pale green owls. Yet all those different pieces come together to make this an exquisite blend of feathery delight. My favorite part of this blend is definitely the feathers. So naturally I chose to use a bird stamp. However, I wanted to keep it fun since there are pops of bright colors in this blend. That is reflected in the Copics I chose to color the birds. I tried to match all the bright bolds.

Twilight Meadow is definitely a blend you do not want to miss out on. This blend will enhance any paper craft project and bring it to the next level. Grab yours today and check out some amazing new products in the shop including Sparkle Sticks, Sequin Trays and Bling Butterflies.

You’re the sunflower

May 30, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

I think I love these Sparkle Blends too much. And if anyone actually gets that song reference, leave a comment and I will send you a free gift.

I created this card for someone very special to me, who’s friendship is a bright ray in my life. She’s that friend that feels it with me. She loves fiercely just like I do. She rages with me when I’m angry. And we love and protect each other’s hearts – and children – as if they were our own. Maureen is a force in my life and I am so very blessed to have her as my friend. Happy Birthday Mo!

I wanted to convey something radiant. And since I am in love with this Layering Sunflower stencil from Photoplay, I thought it was the perfect match for the “Sunflower” Sparkle Blend s from Doodles Paper Playground. This blend is filled with warm golden tones but has brown shimmer pieces that really make it glow. The clay slices give it a very organic feel and the small discs really balance out the colors. I loved that I was able to use the different elements on the outside of the card to accentuate different parts of my stamped image. This adorable girl and flower pot are part of “Bloom Stamp” from Sassy and Crafty. They have a very diverse, amazing selection of stamps. I used an Echo Park stencil to lightly make a background pattern with the new Salvaged Patina Distress Oxide Ink. The girl and flower were colored with Copics. The sentiment strips are Brutus Monroe’s Conversation Clippings.

I really enjoyed creating this card for a very special person. The card needed a little something extra and Sparkle Blends always do the trick!

Jurassic Party

May 16, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

The life of this party is the Sparkle Blends “It’s A Party”, a great blend for any celebration. Take a close look and you will see all the fun this sequin mix provides. The shimmery base of the blend is black and white sequins. What really brings this blend to life though, is the colorful mix of party hats, cakes and streamers. The various colors make this a versatile blend that will liven up any party. Head over the shop and get the party started today!

I definitely had an epic time creating this card. It was such a fun, simple design to create thanks to Brutus Monroe card panels and Doodles Paper Playground Sparkle Blends. This background came in the April Inspiration box. I foiled it with Green Deco Foil. To make the shaker window, I used an exacto knife to cut around the leaves. The cute dinosaur and cake are from the “Prehistoric Party,” stamp set also in the April box. I colored those with Copics. The final touch is from the Prehistoric Conversation Clippings, an easy way to finish off a card with a great sentiment.

Unfrogettable

May 9, 2021 | Sweet Inkspiration by Gina C.

That’s what this Sparkle Blend is! Wouldn’t you kiss a frog to get a cute card like this? “Kiss A Lot Of Frogs” has everything you need for a perfect fairytale.

From the frog to the crown, and even the kiss—this story will definitely have a happy ending. Throw in all the different shaped sparkles and your frog will get his kiss.