Chibitronics ~ Whoo's Party is Lit?

Today I’m excited to share a fun and interactive card featuring Chibitronics Craft Effect Stickers! For this project, I used the "Blink" sticker to add a magical, blinking light effect to the little owl's eyes.

To build the circuit, I also used Chibitronics Conductive Fabric Tape and 2 Orange LED Light Stickers—making it super simple and quick to bring the card to life!

The adorable digital owl image is from Whimsy Stamps' "Nerdy Bird". I paired it with some sweet trees and cupcake cookie images from Sweet November Stamps' "Horizon Lines: Spring in Bloom" and "Birthday Cookies - Set #1". All the images were colored using Copic Markers for a bright and cheerful finish.

I love how adding tiny blinking lights makes the card extra special—perfect for birthdays and celebrations! 🦉🧁🎉  When you press the switch, it lights up the owl's eyes and the eyes begin to blink!!

If you’ve never tried interactive lights on your cards before, I highly recommend checking out Chibitronics for some amazing crafty possibilities!

I hope you have a great week! 

~ Ally ~

Crafty Meraki ~ Best Wishes Hummer

Hello, crafty friends!  Happy Monday!

I’m so excited to share this vibrant and cheerful card I created using the Songbird Serenade press-plate, stencil, and coordinating die set from Crafty Meraki. This stunning hummingbird is full of grace and movement—perfect for sending a warm and heartfelt “Best Wishes”!

To bring this beauty to life, I started with the Songbird Serenade Press Plate. I colored and shaded all the details with Copic markers, and added finishing touches using Polychromos pencils to really make those feathers and petals pop.

The gorgeous floral cluster and dynamic pose of the hummingbird make this design truly sing. I framed the entire scene using the elegant Timeless Frame Dies, which add just the right amount of delicate interest to balance out the bold colors.

Whether you're a fan of birds, florals, or just love mixing coloring mediums like I do, this set is an absolute joy to create with!

Thanks so much for fluttering by—wishing you a day filled with creativity and color! 🌸✨

Hugs,

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Get the Cluck Out of Here!

Hey crafty friends!  Happy Saturday all!

I’m back with another card that totally cracks me up—this time featuring the egg-cellent Bountiful Blessings: Good Egg clear stamp set from Sweet November Stamps. 🐣🐓

I absolutely love this set—not just for the charming farmer girl and her feathery friends, but for the hilarious and heartwarming sentiments included. I mean, how could I resist using “Get the cluck out of here!”? 😂 It’s perfect for anyone who needs a little chuckle in their day!

For this card, I stamped out the full barnyard scene, including the red coop, chickens, chicks, and the star of the show—our hardworking farm girl with her egg basket in hand. Everything was colored with Copic markers, and I had a blast layering shades to give those chickens real personality. The rustic background came together with warm tones and a little playfulness, making it feel like a sunny morning on the farm.

If you’re looking for a versatile set full of character (and characters), Bountiful Blessings: Good Egg is a must-have. Whether you want to make someone laugh or just send a little country charm, this stamp set does it all.

Thanks for stopping by and clucking around with me today! 🥚🐔

Big hugs,

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Today You Shine!

Hello crafty friends and Happy Hump Day!

I’m excited to share a magical new card today featuring some adorable goodies from Sweet November Stamps. This project was such a joy to create—especially with the star of the show: the May Emerald Dragon from the new monthly Dragon stamp series!

This sweet little red dragon has found a dazzling treasure, and I wanted to create a cozy cave scene for him to call home. I used the Cave Dwellings Background Builder clear stamp set to build out the cave entrance, which opens up to a peaceful view of a river and lush trees in the background. The perspective and detail in these stamps made it easy (and fun!) to bring this scene to life.

To color everything, I reached for my trusty Copic markers. I had so much fun adding shading and highlights to make the dragon pop—especially that shimmering gem he's holding! I love how vibrant and cheerful he turned out.

The sentiment, “Today, you shine.”, is included with the May Emerald Dragon set, and it felt like the perfect finishing touch. Not only does it fit the theme of the sparkling diamond, but it’s also a sweet reminder that we all have our own unique sparkle.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this little dragon brings a smile to your face like he did to mine.

Until next time, happy crafting!

~ Ally ~

Crafty Meraki ~ Best Friends FUR-ever!

Hey crafty friends!  Happy Monday!

Today I’m swinging by to share a bright and playful card made with some of the newest releases from Crafty Meraki—the "Timeless Frames Dies" and the absolutely a-peel-ing "True Chimpion" stamp set and coordinating dies! 🐵

I had such a blast creating this layered jungle scene. I used several of the Timeless Frames to build up a fun and dimensional background in a tropical mix of vibrant greens. These dies are so versatile and nest beautifully for a clean but detailed look!

The adorable monkeys from the True Chimpion set were colored with Copic Markers, and I couldn’t resist scattering them around the card—some hanging, some sitting, and all being their cheeky little selves! I added a bit of jungle flair with bananas, leaves, and a palm tree to tie it all together.

The background was blended using Ranger Distress Oxide inks, then finished off with a subtle splatter of metallic gold ink for a touch of sparkle and shine.

And of course, I had to include that punny sentiment—“Best friends FUR-EVER”—because these monkeys definitely bring the smiles! 🥰

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this card brings a little sunshine and mischief to your day!

Big hugs,

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Birthday Wishes from the Park

Hi crafty friends!  Hope you're having a great weekend so far!

Today I’m excited to share a mini slimline card that features the absolutely adorable "SN Gals: Deb and Digby" stamp set from Sweet November Stamps. 

I paired this sweet duo with the "Background Builder: At the Park" clear stamp set to create a peaceful riverside stroll that’s perfect for a birthday greeting!

Deb is all dressed up in cozy athleisure wear, taking her happy golden retriever, Digby, for a walk on a sunny day. I had so much fun coloring them both with Copic Markers, giving special attention to Digby’s fluffy fur and Deb’s stylish outfit.

To bring the background to life, I used the "At the Park" builder to create a serene scene with water, trees, and a winding path. For some added interest, I used a textured piece of cloth and Copic Blender Solution to give the paved path a realistic grainy texture—such a simple technique, but it adds so much depth!

To finish it off, I stamped a birthday sentiment from the "Birthdays Are the Best" stamp set—it's such a versatile set, and this elegant script was the perfect touch for this cheerful card.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this card inspires you to take your stamps for a walk in the park too. 🐾

Have a great week!

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ You're a Ray of Light!

Hello crafty friends!  Happy Wednesday!

I’m so excited to share this bright and whimsical card featuring the brand new “Take Flight” clear stamp set from Sweet November Stamps! If you’re a fan of cute critters and interactive cards, this one’s going to flutter right into your heart. 🦋

The star of the show is this sweet little butterfly—colored with Copic Markers in a rainbow of happy hues. To bring it to life, I attached it to the card with a Mini Action Wobbler, so it wiggles and bounces just like it’s taking off in flight! It adds such a fun and playful touch to the design—perfect for making someone smile.

The background was built with a softly inked forest scene from the new "Cave Dwelling: Background Builder" stamp set, giving that magical feel of being deep in nature, while the striped rainbow panel adds a pop of bold, cheerful color. I framed the whole scene in a rounded rectangle die to keep everything soft and flowing.

To finish it off, I stamped the sentiment “You’re a ray of light” sentiment also from the "Cave Dwelling: Background Builder" stamp set right onto the background—because this little butterfly totally is! 🥰

Whether you're sending encouragement, joy, or just a bit of handmade sunshine, this card is sure to brighten someone's day.

Thanks so much for fluttering by!
Hugs,

~ Ally ~

Crafty Meraki ~ A Tweet-Worthy Congrats Card!

Hello, crafty friends!

Today I’m sharing a card that’s bursting with springtime joy and delicate detail—perfect for celebrating life’s special moments. I had so much fun creating this elegant "Congratulations" card using the gorgeous new Crafty Meraki "Songbird Serenade" stamp, stencil, and die set, along with the newly released "Timeless Frames Dies". Doesn’t that sweet hummingbird just make your heart flutter?

To set the stage, I created a beautifully subtle background using the "Parisienne Die"—a perfect touch of texture that adds interest without stealing the spotlight. The frame was cut using the elegant "Timeless Frames Dies", which perfectly complements the scene and adds a refined, polished look.

Let’s talk color! I reached for my favorite Catherine Pooler Designs inks to bring this dreamy scene to life:

• Matcha, Succulent, and Sage gave the leaves their vibrant, earthy tones.

• Wintergreen, Hot Tub, Skylight, and Sixteen Candles added that soft, ethereal glow to the hummingbird.

• Glam was the star for those deep purple blooms, and a touch of Over Coffee grounded the branches and details.

Everything was die-cut for a dimensional layered look, giving the entire card a dynamic, almost storybook quality.

I finished it off with a crisp, clean “Congratulations” sentiment to let the design shine while sending a joyful message.

If you’re looking to create an elegant card that’s full of color, texture, and charm—Songbird Serenade is an absolute must-have!

Happy crafting and inky hugs,

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Swing into Spring *PRIZE*

It’s time to hop into some magical fun with Sweet November Stamps’ Swing Into Spring Insta-Hop! 

I’m so excited to share my card featuring the absolutely adorable May Emerald Dragon from the brand new clear stamp release! 🐉💚

To create this whimsical scene, I paired our little dragon friend with the Horizon Lines: Spring in Bloom set and added a royal touch using the castle from Horizon Lines: Seaside Cliffs. Everything came to life with my beloved Copic markers!

💬 Don’t forget — this hop includes a giveaway for the entire release! Be sure to: ✔️ Like ✔️ Comment ✔️ Follow each participant

📅 The fun runs from Saturday, April 12th through Tuesday, April 15th — so don’t miss your chance to win!

🕗 Hop starts at: 8 AM PDT | 9 AM MDT | 10 AM CDT | 11 AM EDT | 4 PM BST | 5 PM CEST

Check out all the inspiration and join the hop over on Instagram! 💖

START HERE:
@i_card_so_hard

Hope you'll come and hop along!

~ Ally ~

Chibitronics ~ Shine Bright!

Hello crafty friends! Today I’m excited to share a super fun interactive card featuring one of my favorite crafty combinations: Chibitronics LED stickers and Sweet November Stamps! There’s just something extra magical about bringing a scene to life with light, and this hopeful little caterpillar deserved to shine.

🦋 The Inspiration

The sentiment "Shine Bright! Your wings are coming!" really inspired the theme of transformation and hope. I knew right away that I wanted the chrysalis and caterpillar to glow—hinting at the magical metamorphosis to come.

💡 Lighting It Up

I used two kinds of Chibitronics Animating LED stickers for this card:

• Animating White Fade stickers for the caterpillar’s glowing body spots

• Animating Rainbow Fade sticker for the chrysalis, adding a dreamy effect as it shifts colors

The lights are activated by pressing the word "Shine" as part of the sentiment —easy to use and such a wow factor! I used Chibitronics' conductive fabric tape to build the simple circuit underneath the card panel. If you haven’t tried light-up cards before, Chibitronics makes it beginner-friendly and so rewarding.

🖌️ The Stamps

These adorable images are from Sweet November Stamps.  The caterpillar and chrysalis are from the new "Take Flight" stamp to be released tomorrow.  The bushes are from the "Horizon Lines: Spring in Bloom" stamp set.  I colored them using Copic markers, giving the caterpillar a cheerful teal-blue body with vibrant details to match the glowing LEDs. The background was kept soft and whimsical with fluffy bushes and a bright blue sky.

✂️ Assembly Tips

• I used foam tape to lift the front panel, giving room for the battery and LED circuit.

• Make sure to map your circuit before you tape anything down—dry fitting is your best friend here!

• A simple push button (marked with the sentiment) activates the light—so it’s interactive and intentional!

Whether you're cheering someone on or just looking to brighten their day, a glowing sentiment and a smiling caterpillar can go a long way. 🥰

If you want to see this card in action, visit my Instagram page today: HERE.

If you’ve never tried making a light-up card before, I highly recommend giving it a go. It’s easier than it looks—and the results are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!

Thanks for stopping by, and until next time… keep shining!

~ Ally ~

Scrap'N Stamp ~ The HOP Hop *PRIZE*

Hi crafty friends! It’s time to celebrate all things spring, Easter, and of course—bunnies! I’m so excited to be hopping along with Scrap ‘N Stamp for their HOP Hop Blog Hop! 🐇🌸

Today I’m sharing a bright and playful card featuring the absolutely adorable “Somebunny” stamp set from My Favorite Things. These sweet little bunnies were just begging to be colored up in vibrant Easter-inspired hues!

🖍 Copic Colors Used:

• Yellows: Y06, Y08

• Pinks: RV04, RV09

• Oranges: YR04, YR07

• Reds: R35, R37

• Greens: G03, G07

For the sky background, I blended Distress Oxide Inks in:

• Tumbled Glass

• Salty Ocean

I love how the soft sky adds that breezy spring feel, and the postage stamp-style layout makes it look like little snapshots of bunny cuteness! 🐰💌

Here's our hop list...

Scrap'n Stamp
Meghan
Allison
Kate << GO HERE!
Tara
Deepa

🎉 Hop Rules:

• Hop along each stop and leave a comment for a chance to WIN a Scrap ‘N Stamp gift card!

• The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!

• One lucky winner will be announced on the Scrap ‘N Stamp blog after the hop ends.

So keep hopping, get inspired, and maybe even pick up a few new goodies for your spring stash!

I hope this sweet and simple bunny card brings a smile to your face. 🐣💛
Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy hopping!

Crafty hugs,

~ Ally ~

Catherine Pooler & Pear Blossom Press ~ Hop Along with Us! *PRIZE*

Today I'm thrilled to share a card that truly lights up the celebration!  I had the best time combining Pear Blossom Press’ EZ-Lights with some of my favorite crafty goodies from Catherine Pooler Designs for this fun and interactive design. Whether you're celebrating a big win or just want to cheer someone on, this card brings the sparkle and the wow!

💡 Let There Be (EZ) Light!

I used EZ-Lights from Pear Blossom Press to illuminate the gold-embossed fireworks from the Up Above stamp set. These lights are so easy to install, and they instantly bring your scene to life with a simple press! I placed the LEDs behind the night sky panel to highlight the fireworks and create that magical glow. The effect is SO satisfying!

The sweet images, including the clouds and fireworks, are from Catherine Pooler Designs' Up Above stamp and die set. I paired that with the Just Right Duos Sentiments for the "Way to go, Superstar!" message—perfect for the celebratory theme.

Other CP goodies featured:

• Scallops & Dots Dies (for the layered panel)

• Sentiment Banner Dies (for the greeting)

• Charismatic Patterned Paper (for that bold diagonal background)

  

✂️ Card Details

• I heat embossed the fireworks and clouds with gold embossing powder for extra shine.

• The EZ-Lights are hidden behind the panel, and the button is activated at the bottom right corner (where the lowest cloud sits).

• A layered, clean design lets the lighting be the star of the show—literally!

This card was such a joy to make, and I love how perfectly the whimsical charm of CP's stamps pairs with the interactive magic of Pear Blossom's lighting systems. Whether you're a seasoned cardmaker or trying out interactive elements for the first time, EZ-Lights make it a breeze to add that extra dazzle.

We're having a HOP and you can participate... CLICK HERE!

Thanks so much for checking out this glowing collaboration—be sure to shine bright and keep creating!

~ Ally ~

Crafty Merkai ~ A Songbird Serenade & an Instagram Hop *PRIZE*

The latest release from Crafty Meraki is here, and it’s bursting with beauty, elegance, and song!  I’m so excited to share a card I created using the brand new Songbird Serenade stamp, stencil, and die set—part of the Meraki Melody collection, already in the shop!

This delicate hummingbird is the star of the show, surrounded by blooming florals and soft greenery. I used Catherine Pooler Designs inks to bring the bird and blossoms to life with soft, layered blends and a touch of splatter for sparkle. 💙💛💜

The coordinating stencil made it a breeze to color in the flowers and leaves, while the matching die set allowed me to pop up each element with beautiful dimension on a slimline card layout. The soft ivory background and gently deckled edges let all that color shine!

 What I Used:

• Crafty Meraki – Songbird Serenade stamp, stencil & die

• Catherine Pooler Inks – for vibrant, blendable color

• Metallic sparkly splatter – for finishing touches

• “Thank You” sentiment – from the stamp set, for that elegant final touch

🎉 Join the Hop on Instagram!

We’re celebrating the Meraki Melody release with an Instagram Hop and you’re invited! There’s a ton of inspiration waiting for you—and maybe even some prizes! 😉

✨ Head to @crafty_meraki to start hopping and see the full release lineup!
✨ You’ll find my post over at @i_card_so_hard along the way!

This release is singing with joy and I can’t wait to see what you all create with it. Thanks so much for stopping by—and don’t forget to hop along!

💗 Stay crafty,

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Swing into Spring is Coming!

Spring is in the air, and so is excitement over Sweet November Stamps' upcoming "Swing Into Spring" Clear Stamp Release—and I’m thrilled to share a sneak peek of one of the sets: “Take Flight”! 🐛💚

How adorable is this little caterpillar? With those bright eyes and charming smile, he's ready to wiggle his way into your heart and onto your crafty creations. I had the absolute joy of coloring him up for this release, and let me tell you—he’s a total blast to bring to life with your favorite coloring mediums. 🌈🖌️

🗓️ Mark your calendars: The full clear stamp release is coming Saturday, April 12th, and you won’t want to miss it!

While we’re floating on spring vibes, I wanted to share a sweet little friendship card featuring two of my favorite digital stamp sets from Sweet November: “Cupid and the Dove” and “Cupid’s Arrow”. 🎯💕

These cherubs are full of mischief and charm, and they made the perfect pair for this lighthearted "Hey Girl Hey" card. I created a dreamy pastel background with soft rainbow clouds and tiny golden hearts to give it a whimsical feel. Perfect for a gal pal, a sister, or anyone who needs a little extra love in their day. 💌🌸

Both the upcoming "Take Flight" clear stamp and the Cupid digital sets can be found at Sweet November Stamps! Be sure to follow along on social media for more sneak peeks, inspiration, and coloring fun.

👉 Follow me on Instagram: @i_card_so_hard
👉 And of course, check out Sweet November’s official page for updates!

Thanks for stopping by, crafty friends! Stay sweet and keep creating! 💕

~ Ally ~ 

Crafty Meraki ~ Sneak Peek for April!

🌸✨ Sneak Peek Time! ✨🌸

Say hello to the breathtakingly beautiful new "Songbird Serenade" collection from Crafty Meraki — a symphony of creativity featuring a press plate, stamps, stencils, AND coordinating dies! 🎶💐

We’re totally in love with the dreamy florals and the sweet hummingbird that’s perfect for spring cardmaking and beyond. 💜💚

Designed to let your creativity soar, this set is a must-have for all crafty songbirds out there! 🐦

🛍️ Available in the Crafty Meraki shop on April 7th — mark your calendars! 📅

~ Ally ~

Crafty Meraki ~ Blooming Birthday Wishes

Hey crafty friends!

Today I’m sharing a soft and elegant birthday card that brings all the spring vibes, featuring some favorite products from Crafty Meraki. This card showcases the gorgeous Whimsical Magnolias Press Plate and coordinating dies, all beautifully colored with Copic Markers, layered over a dreamy die-cut background.

Let’s Talk Florals

The star of the show is the Whimsical Magnolias — these blooms are a floral dream! I used the Press Plate for crisp, letterpress-style detailing, then colored the magnolias in rich pinks with a pop of deep magenta and violet, using my trusty Copic Markers. The coordinating die made it a breeze to cut them out cleanly and arrange them around the sentiment.

Soft & Sophisticated Background

To add texture and dimension without overwhelming the florals, I die-cut the background using the Fern Lattice die in a soft blush cardstock. The stitched leaf-like pattern brings a subtle, elegant texture that pairs beautifully with the organic shapes of the flowers.

To ground the sentiment, I used the Background A2 Frame dies to create a horizontal band across the card. This helps draw your eye to the “Happy Birthday” greeting and adds a lovely layered touch.

Final Details

The sentiment itself is stamped on a smooth oval and popped up slightly for dimension. A little foam adhesive goes a long way to give that finishing touch! I kept embellishments minimal so the flowers could take center stage.

A Perfect Birthday Bloom

This design would work beautifully for a variety of occasions—just swap the sentiment and you’ve got a card for weddings, anniversaries, or even a thinking-of-you moment. The combination of crisp floral details and soft, textured background makes this card truly timeless.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this project inspires you to pull out your Crafty Meraki goodies and get creative with your floral cards.

Until next time,

~ Ally ~