Sweet November Stamps ~ Pearl-fect, Just the Way You Are!

Say hello to our charming little friend, the June Pearl Dragon from Sweet November Stamps! This snoozy cutie is curled up in a peaceful forest setting, lovingly cradling his prized pearl — and reminding us all that we’re perfect just the way we are.

To create the lush forest floor scene, I used the leafy elements from the brand new "Background Builder: Kelp Bed" stamp set. Even though it’s intended for underwater scenes, it doubles beautifully as whimsical forest foliage!

The entire image was brought to life using Copic Markers, and I added that soft green glow to the background with my Copic Air Brush System — it really makes the scene feel magical and serene.


This card was an absolute joy to make, and I hope it inspires you to play with your backgrounds and mix unexpected elements in your designs!

Thanks for stopping by and spending a little time with this sweet dragon and me today!

Happy crafting,

~ Ally ~

Chibitronics ~ Wishing You a Rainbow of Happiness!

I'm back with another magical light-up creation using my favorite interactive crafting products from Chibitronics! This time, I’ve brought a cheerful gnome to life with a glowing rainbow and some sweet floral accents.


For this card, I used the delightful “Rainbow Gnome” stamp from Woodware Crafts and colored the entire scene with Copic Markers. To give it that extra interactive wow factor, I incorporated Chibitronics Red LED Light Stickers in the centers of the flowers and in the little heart on the gnome’s beard.

To make the rainbow shine with whimsy and charm, I added five Animating Rainbow Fade LED Light Stickers along the arch. These LEDs gradually shift through a beautiful spectrum of color, giving the whole rainbow a magical, moving glow.

 

The circuit was completed using Conductive Fabric Tape and one of our handy Battery Holders, making it easy to hide the electronics behind the panel while keeping the card nice and flat.

I love how this bright and cheerful design turned out—it’s the perfect card to send a little light and happiness someone’s way!

 💡 Want to craft your own light-up card? Visit Chibitronics to explore the full line of LED stickers, circuit templates, and more.

Happy crafting and keep shining bright!

~Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Shimmer & Shine!

Today I’m diving deep into the magical underwater world of Sweet November Stamps with this enchanting card featuring the "Shimmer and Shine" clear stamp set from the new Tails of the Sea collection! 🧜‍♀️💫


This sweet mermaid is perched on a clam shell bed that I hand drew just for her! The entire scene was brought to life using Copic Markers, adding depth and vibrancy to this dreamy oceanic background. I absolutely loved playing with the soft waves and glowing water effect surrounding her.

 

Don’t forget! The "Tails of the Sea" Instagram Hop is still going strong! Swim over to my Instagram to start hopping and be sure to leave comments along the way for a chance to WIN the ENTIRE clear stamp release!

For my Intsagram post, I used one of the Mermees from the "Lovely Mermees" stamp set.  I knew I had to set her a glow on the dock.  I used the post from the "Dock of the Bay" stamp set to set the scene. 

And the fun doesn’t stop there—there’s also a fabulous YouTube Hop happening right now. Begin the journey with Amy Gould over on her channel: CraftyPurpleFrog9085

PLUS… when you spend $75 USD or more at Sweet November Stamps, you’ll receive the exclusive “SN Gal Merielle” clear stamp as a free gift. You won’t want to miss out on her!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this little mermaid inspires you to shimmer, shine, and get crafty!

~ Ally ~

StampNation ~ A Beary Fun Weekend Challenge!

It’s time for a brand new Weekend Challenge over at StampNation—and this one is beary fun! 🐾

Our theme this weekend is “Critters & Creatures”—so whether you're inspired by furry friends, feathery pals, or magical beings like mermaids and unicorns, we want to see your imagination run wild! Pets, woodland animals, birds, sea creatures, or mythical critters are all fair game.


For my challenge inspiration card, I reached for the adorable "Bear Hugs" stamp and coordinating die set from Catherine Pooler Designs. I couldn’t resist this sweet bear holding his honey pot! He’s popped into a hexagon-shaped window I created using the Nested Hexagon Dies—perfect for giving a nod to all things honeybee!

The little honeybee bear features two of the brand new CP ink colorsHoneycomb and Amber. These rich, golden yellows are just right for a warm and cheerful card base. I also brought in Quartz, Seafoam, and Sea Glass to color the bear’s shirt and little bees—such a happy springy combo!

A few sparkly embellishments and a punny sentiment, “I can BEAR-ly contain my excitement,” tie it all together for a card that’s sure to bring a smile!


💡Now it’s your turn!
Join us in the challenge and share your own Critters & Creatures card creation. We can’t wait to see what you make!

Happy stamping and happy creating...

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Life Takes Your Breath Away

Today I’m thrilled to share a card I created using the stunning "Aura" digital stamp from Sweet November Stamps. This whimsical mermaid, with her flowing hair and gentle sea friend, absolutely stole my heart—and I just knew she’d be perfect for my Sweet November Stamps PenPal card for the month of May!

I colored Aura using Copic Markers, bringing her vibrant tail and playful expression to life. I added soft underwater background details to give her a dreamy oceanic setting, and I love how the subtle water swirls frame the scene. The sentiment, “Live so deep, life takes your breath away,” felt like the perfect touch to finish this serene seascape and it's from the "Mermees Are Back" clear stamp set.


For the subtle script and bubbles, I used the Catherine Pooler Designs "Scripted Thoughts" clear stamp set.

This card was sent off with a splash of love to my SNS PenPal, and I hope it brings a big smile when it arrives in their mailbox!

Thanks so much for swimming by today—see you soon with more Sweet November Stamps magic!

Hugs,

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Tails from the Sea is Coming!

Get ready to make a splash! Sweet November Stamps has an all-new clear stamp release coming your way—"Tails from the Sea"—and it’s packed with magical mermaid fun just in time for MerMay!


I’m so excited to share a sneak peek of one of the enchanting stamp sets from the “Shimmer and Shine” clear stamp set! This fin-tastic set is filled with whimsy and charm, and I had the best time coloring up this sweet underwater beauty.

✨ You can catch all the sneak peeks leading up to release day over on Instagram—just follow along with @sweetnovemberstamps and don’t forget to check out my coloring at @i_card_so_hard!

📅 The full “Tails from the Sea” release goes live at midnight EDT on Saturday, May 24th at www.sweetnovemberstamps.com

Dive into the fun and let the countdown to splashdown begin! 🌊🐚

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Hey Gull-Friend!

The sea is calling... and so is the newest whimsical release from Sweet November Stamps! Get ready to make a splash with the brand new Love to Sea You Mermaids digital collection—featuring four gorgeous new mermaid stamps to add to your underwater adventures.

For my card today, I used the delightful “Gull Friends” digital stamp. Isn’t she a beauty? With her flowing green hair, perched on a rocky shore, she's watching her feathered gull-friends soaring above. I colored this scene using Copic Markers, bringing the bright sky, sparkling waves, and mischievous gulls to life.

This playful card is perfect for sending a little ocean-side cheer to your favorite gull-friend!

The “Love to Sea You Mermaids” collection is available now in the Sweet November Stamps shop. Don’t miss the chance to scoop up these enchanting images and dive into some magical cardmaking!

Happy coloring and happy crafting!

~ Ally ~

Scrap'N Stamp ~ Foiled'N Fabulous Insta Hop *PRIZE*


Welcome to the Foiled’N Fabulous Instagram Hop with Scrap’N Stamp Canada! We're so excited to bring you a rainbow of inspiration today as we celebrate the beauty of all things FOIL—from hot foil to toner foil to gilding flakes and beyond!

For my project, I decided to bring a little garden magic to life using the adorable “Garden Buddies” die set by Spellbinders. These sweet little gnomes are nestled among shiny blooms, all beautifully enhanced with Lisa Horton’s Gilding Flakes for that luxurious foiled finish. 🌸🧙‍♂️

The shimmer and texture of the gilding flakes add a playful yet elegant touch to the flowers and their cute little outfits. These cards are perfect for birthdays or just to bring a smile to someone’s face!


🌟 Hop Details:

Join the hop starting at @scrapnstampcanada and be sure to comment along the way for your chance to WIN a $50 Gift Certificate to the Scrap’N Stamp shop! 💸

Don’t miss all the foiled inspiration from these fabulous creators:

Thanks for stopping by—and happy hopping! 💖

~ Ally ~

Chibitronics ~ Life is Better At the Beach!

Today I’m excited to share a magical light-up card that brings the beauty and power of the sea to life — complete with lightning strikes and a glowing lighthouse, thanks to the help of some incredible products from Chibitronics!

This scene features two clear stamp sets from Sweet November Stamps:
🧜‍♀️ "Mermees are Back" — the lovely mermaid gazing at the ocean.
🌊 "Coastal Getaway" — the rocky cliffs, and charming lighthouse.

I colored the entire image using Copic Markers, blending soft beach tones with moody stormy skies for a dramatic effect. But the real wow-factor is the lighting:

  • 3 Animating White Blink LED Stickers simulate flashes of lightning in the sky.

  • 1 Animating White Fade LED Sticker gives a realistic glow from the lighthouse beacon.

  • All connected using Conductive Fabric Tape for easy circuit construction.

To activate the lights, you simply press the sentiment — “Life is better at the…” — and the entire sky comes alive! It’s an interactive surprise that adds depth and excitement to the serene scene.

Chibitronics products make it easy to elevate your cardmaking and storytelling by literally shining a light on the magic. Whether you're new to paper circuits or a seasoned pro, adding LEDs opens a whole new world of creative potential.

Head on over to my Instagram channel and see this card in ACTION!  Click here.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Happy crafting — and may your creativity always shine bright! ✨

~ Ally ~ 

Catherine Pooler ~ I Can Bear-ly Contain My Excitement!


It’s time to party with the newest release from Catherine Pooler DesignsHey There Honey! I had so much fun creating this playful card featuring the new Bear Hugs stamp and coordinating die set. These sweet, honey-loving bears bring so much character and charm to any design!


The bold sentiment was built using the Party Word Die, which makes a fabulous focal point. I layered it with the darling new Spring Gingham patterned papers and gave the card some extra flair using the Ruffles & Dashes Dies for the scalloped background.


To bring the whole scene to life, I stamped and colored my bears using a mix of Catherine Pooler’s fresh ink colors: Amber and Honeycomb (part of the new release!), along with Whipped Honey, Seafoam, Sea Glass, and a touch of Quartz.

The finished result? A card full of whimsy, fun, and bear hugs galore — perfect for anyone who deserves a little handmade celebration!

Be sure to check out the full Hey There Honey release here and let these sweet new products inspire your next crafty creation!

~ Ally ~

Catherine Pooler ~ Here's a Bear Hug!

The Hey There Honey release from Catherine Pooler Designs is bursting with sweetness — and today I’m sharing a fun shaker card that brings the buzz to life!


This card features the oh-so-charming new Bear Hugs stamp set and coordinating dies. I created two shaker windows with playful bear scenes, each filled with sparkly Valencia sequins, teeny bee images, and a whole lot of love.

🎨 Inks Used:

  • Amber and Honeycomb (our brand new shades!)

  • Clay Mask for some warm tone balance


🧡 The background patterned paper is from the now-retired Painted Butterflies paper pack — the dainty daisies were perfect for a springtime vibe!

🛠️ Dies Featured:

  • Scallops & Dots Dies and Dots & Scallops Dies for layered framing

  • Nested Stitched Heart Dies for the sweet central sentiment: "Here's a Big Bear Hug"


This card is not only adorable but interactive too — shake it up for a flutter of sequins and bees that will make anyone smile!

🐝 The Hey There Honey release is full of warm, whimsical energy — perfect for sending happy thoughts and hugs.

🛍️ Grab your honey-loving goodies now at Catherine Pooler Designs!

Hope you have a crafty rest of the week!

~ Ally ~

Catherine Pooler ~ You're the Bee's Knees!

Today I’m buzzing with excitement to share a sweet card featuring goodies from the brand new Hey There Honey release from Catherine Pooler Designs! 🐻🍯

This card highlights the charming Bear Hugs stamp and coordinating die set—how adorable are those playful little bears?! I used the Nested Hexagon Dies to create a fun, honeycomb-inspired layout, layering them over a panel from the Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice patterned paper pack.

For the coloring, I reached for a warm palette using Catherine Pooler inks—some of which are brand new! I used Amber and Honeycomb (hello, beautiful golden tones!), along with Whipped Honey, Sand Castle, Over Coffee, and Quartz to bring the scene to life.

Whether you're a fan of sweet sentiments, punny wordplay, or just love crafting with cuddly critters, this release is definitely for you.

🛍️ StampNation members shop EARLY – they shop TODAY! Don’t miss out on these bear-y sweet new products!

Happy crafting! 💛🐝

~ Ally ~

Catherine Pooler ~ Hey There Honey - A Sweet New Release is Coming!

There’s something extra sweet buzzing around with the newest Catherine Pooler Designs release — Hey There Honey

I’m thrilled to share a card I created to celebrate this cheerful new collection, featuring our two deliciously warm new ink colors: Amber and Honeycomb. These golden tones are perfect for all things sunny, floral, and of course — full of honey!

🐻 Card Details:
For this playful scene, I used the adorable new Bear Hugs stamp set and coordinating dies. Aren’t these honey-loving bears just the cutest? They paired perfectly with the softly stencilled background created using the Floral Fancy Layered Stencil set. To bring it all to life, I blended the following Catherine Pooler inks:

  • Honeycomb & Amber – for the golden yellows

  • Quartz & Rose Petals – for the soft florals

  • Seafoam & Sea Glass – for the greenery and leaves

  • Sand Castle & Over Coffee – for the brown bear

The finishing touches were added using die sets:

  • Scallops & Dots Dies for the base panel

  • Hearts-n-Tags Dies and Sentiment Banner Dies to showcase the sentiment: You're the Bee’s Knees! 🐝

This card truly captures the whimsy and warmth of spring — I had such a blast putting it together.


💛 Whether you're crafting bee-autiful cards or sending bear hugs through the mail, the Hey There Honey collection is the perfect way to add sunshine to your projects.

Happy stamping, friends!

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ It's Your Day to Twirl!

Get ready to dance into some magical fun! Today I’m sharing a playful and whimsical card featuring the brand new “Fairwee Twirl” clear stamp set from Sweet November Stamps.


These adorable little fairwees are full of energy and charm, and I just had to give them a bright and joyful setting to twirl in! Each of the fairies is colored with Copic Markers, bringing out their sweet expressions and fluttery wings with bold, vibrant tones.


To set the stage, I used the fabulous Waffleflower “Postage Collage A2 Die & Stencil” combo. It gave me the perfect mini-framed layout to spotlight each little fairy and a space for that fun sentiment — “It’s your day to twirl!” Each section feels like its own tiny scene, bursting with color and flowers!

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a big milestone, or just want to send some smiles, these fairwees are sure to make someone’s day magical.

💫 Happy stamping, and don’t forget to twirl!

~ Ally ~

 
09 10