Sweet November Stamps ~ Sprinkler Fun is Here!

Is there anything more nostalgic than running through a sprinkler on a hot summer day? ☀️💦

Today I’m sharing a playful new card featuring the Wet & Wild digital stamp collection from Sweet November Stamps. For this scene, I combined three of the charming character images — the little boy and girl from "Wet & Wild: Soaked" and the adorable jumping gal from "Wet & Wild: Sprinkler Fun."

I imagined a warm, dusky afternoon and created a glowing sky with my Copic Markers. The background and shadows help give that golden-hour summer vibe, while the kiddos bring the energy and joy of splashing in the sprinkler. 🌈

Everything is colored with Copic Markers, including the grassy stripes made by the sprinkler spray — so much fun to add those playful details!

Whether you're reminiscing about your own childhood or just embracing the joy of summer, this card is sure to bring a smile.

Stay cool and crafty,

~ Ally ~ 

Sweet November Stamps ~ Celebrating with Mermaids

Today I’m sharing a whimsical underwater birthday card I created featuring some sweet stamp sets from Sweet November Stamps and inspired by the latest episode of Craft Roulette — Episode #271!

For this challenge, the parameters were:

• Project: Matchbook Card

• Colors: Park Colors - I used a waterpark as inspiration!

• Element: Key(s) - I interpreted this as a “key” – a low-lying tropical island!

• Random: Curved and Straight - curvy waves and straight horizon line

I brought this scene to life using the adorable “Mer Friends” stamp set from Sweet November Stamps. These darling mermaids are playfully peeking out from behind rocks, which I built using elements from the “Dock on the Bay” stamp set. The bright and breezy tropical waters felt like the perfect interpretation of those "park colors" with a splash of mermaid magic!

The sentiment comes from the “Birthdays Are the Best” stamp set, and I finished off the design with a pop of bright pink ink using images from the “Year Round Post Marks” sets. I love how the curved waves, straight rock edges, and fun sentiment border hit those “curved and straight” notes from the challenge perfectly!

Thanks for stopping by today—don't forget to check out the fun over at Craft Roulette and grab these fabulous stamps from Sweet November Stamps to start making your own underwater scenes!

Happy crafting,

~ Ally ~ 

Catherine Pooler ~ Let's Make a Splash

This week’s Weekend Challenge over at StampNation is all about water-themed fun, and I dove right in with this playful shaker card!

I used the adorable “Poolside Pets” stamp and die set from Catherine Pooler Designs to bring these pool-loving critters to life. The centerpiece of the card is the “Take a Dip Shaker Die”, which I turned into a mini pool scene complete with a slide and sparkling water.

For the watery backdrop, I blended the soft and fresh Pistachio ink onto the card base to give it a cool summer vibe. Inside the shaker pool, I added a splash of sparkle using the Saint-Tropez sequin mix — perfect for a festive pool party look!

The sentiment, “Have a Chill Birthday,” was stamped and die cut using the versatile Tickets & Tape Dies, and I couldn’t resist tucking that chill kitty right on top for a fun and relaxed birthday message.

This card is full of motion, shimmer, and summer spirit — perfect for the Let's Make a Splash theme! I hope it inspires you to jump into this weekend’s challenge too!

Hope you'll join us over at StampNation where you can play along!  Come create and share!

~ Ally ~ 

Sweet November Stamps ~ Sending You Oceans of Love

Today I'm sharing a serene underwater scene featuring the graceful SN Gal Merielle from Sweet November Stamps. This enchanting mermaid is diving through a lush kelp forest, bringing a message of love from beneath the sea.

To create the underwater background, I used the Background Builder: Kelp Bed stamp set to layer a forest of swaying seaweed. The smooth, vibrant ocean hues were achieved with my Copic Airbrush System, giving a dreamy gradient to the entire scene. To add that magical underwater touch, I used my Copic Blender Marker to create soft, diffused bubbles.

Merielle herself was colored with Copic Markers, and I just love how her pink and purple tones pop against the cool blues and greens of the ocean. The sentiment “Sending you oceans of love” adds the perfect finishing touch for a card meant to brighten someone’s day.

Thanks for swimming by today! Let me know in the comments how you like to build your ocean scenes.

Happy crafting!

~ Ally ~ 

Sweet November Stamps ~ The Pod Squad

Today I'm sharing a whimsical bird's eye underwater scene using the adorable The Pod Squad stamp set from Sweet November Stamps! This sweet set brings together a magical mix of porpoises and mermaids, and I had so much fun creating the illusion of them swimming just beneath the ocean’s surface.

To achieve this semi-submerged effect, I used Copic Markers to blend a sea of tranquil aqua hues, layering strokes to mimic the movement of water and the wave action on the ocean floor. The mermaids and porpoises were colored with rich tones and shimmery highlights to help them stand out beneath the "surface." A bit of white gel pen added subtle bubble trails and glimmer to the water for that extra splash of magic.

The sentiment "Just Keep Swimming" felt like the perfect encouragement to float alongside this playful pod.

Thanks for stopping by—hope this card inspires you to dive into your next ocean-inspired scene!

Have a great weekend! 

~ Ally ~ 

Scrap'n Stamp ~ Summer Fun Instagram Hop

Today we're celebrating all things summer over at Scrap'n Stamp — from sunshine and sandy toes to sunsets and sweet treats! ☀️🌴

For this hop, I embraced the vibrant colors of summer and created a card that’s all about chill vibes and beachy dreams. I used the Altenew “Spectacular Adventures” stamp set and built my card around a colorful sunset scene reflected in some stylish shades. 😎

To set the stage, I created a bold and bright rectangle panel using a rainbow of Catherine Pooler Inks: Glitz, Tiki Torch, Tutti Frutti, Samba, Oh Boy!, Fiesta Blue, All That Jazz and Aquatini.

These inked panels were die cut using one of my favorite dies—Prism Studio’s “Nesting Stitched Rectangles”—to give it that crisp and finished look.

For the background behind the sunglasses, I added a bit of sparkle and texture using a deckled rectangle cut from glitter-embossed cardstock. That was made using the Aall & Create “Polaroid Pop #089” die set, which added just the right amount of interest without overpowering the focal point.

To tie it all together, I colored the sunglass lenses with Copic Markers, echoing the same dreamy sunset tones from my inked panel. As a final pop of dimension and detail, I added a few Spellbinders “Tone on Tone Teal” Dimensional Dots.

The sentiment “you’re too cool for the summer” captures the whole mood—laid-back, colorful, and cool.

PLUS... we're having a SALE!  Make sure to check out the SHOP for all the summer fun!

☀️ Be sure to hop along with us over on Instagram for more sun-soaked inspiration from the team, and don’t forget to leave comments along the way for your chance to win!

HEAD ON OVER TO THE SCRAP'N STAMP INSTAGRAM PAGE TO GET A CHANCE TO WIN! 

See you over there!

~ Ally ~

Catherine Pooler ~ Time to Catch The Rays!

It’s time to dive into summer fun with the brand-new Big Splash release from Catherine Pooler Designs! My latest card is all about sunshine, poolside vibes, and pops of bright color—perfect for catching those summer rays!

For this card, I used the adorable Poolside Pets stamp and coordinating dies. That chill pup soaking up the sun just makes me smile! I created the pool window using the Take a Dip Shaker Die—such a fun and versatile die that makes your scenes come to life.

The playful background is a mix of patterns from the new Big Splash Patterned Paper Pack, including a layer of cheerful umbrellas. I die cut that section with the Dots & Scallops Die for some added texture and interest. A sprinkle of the vibrant Saint-Tropez Sequins finishes the design with a splash of sparkle.

And how about that sentiment? “Let’s Catch Some Rays” is stamped in the fresh new Pistachio ink—perfect for this beachy vibe!

☀️ This whole release is packed with summer fun and is live in the shop now for all shoppers. Don’t miss your chance to grab these goodies while they’re hot!

Happy crafting and sunny wishes!

~ Ally ~ 

Catherine Pooler ~ Have a Chill Birthday with Poolside Pets

Summer is officially splashing in with this playful birthday card featuring some of the coolest critters from Catherine Pooler Designs! 🐾☀️

For today’s card, I had a blast using the adorable Poolside Pets stamp and die set. These fun-loving animals are ready to make a splash! I paired them with bold patterns from the Big Splash patterned paper pack to set the scene for a sunny poolside party.

To create that fun wavy water edge, I reached for the versatile Scallops & Dots Dies—the perfect way to mimic rolling water waves. I layered them over the vibrant red polka dot paper to give the illusion of a playful pool floaty.

I used the brand-new Sweetheart Ink—a soft, fresh pink that pairs beautifully with all the summer tones in this card to color in all the pink elements of my animals and floatie, including the water splashes.

And for a fun interactive element, I popped one of the little puppies on a mini wobbler—so he joyfully jiggles right off the card like he’s leaping from a diving board. It’s such a fun surprise for the recipient!

💌 StampNation Members – Don’t forget, the shop is open early just for you! Be sure to log in and grab your favorites before the full release goes live!

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope this card inspires you to create something splashy and fun. 💦

~ Ally ~ 

 

Catherine Pooler ~ Let's Catch Some Rays!

Summer fun is officially here with the Big Splash release from Catherine Pooler Designs! Today I’m sharing a bright and playful card featuring the adorable “Poolside Pets” stamp and coordinating die set — and let me tell you, these critters are soaking up the sun in style!

I paired the pup with the watermelon floatie image with a bold layout made from the Big Splash 6x6 Patterned Paper pack. I used the green checkered paper for the lower half and that cheerful yellow sunburst paper at the top. These prints totally scream summer!

The sentiment, “Let’s Catch Some Rays,” is from the same stamp set and was stamped in Sweetheart ink — one of two brand new ink colors in this release. I die cut the sentiment using the Tickets & Tapes Dies, then added some fun detail stitching across the center with pink thread for extra flair. The whole panel is framed with the Scallops & Dots Dies, giving the card a clean, polished look.

🌊 Want to win the new Sweetheart and Pistachio inks (plus matching refills and side labels)?

Hop over to the Catherine Pooler Instagram page and join the Big Splash release hop for your chance!

✨ Grab your summer must-haves now at Catherine Pooler Designs using my affiliate link:
                    👉 https://shop.catherinepooler.com?aff=49

 

 

Stay cool and crafty!

~ Ally ~ 

Catherine Pooler Designs ~ Making a Splash with the Big Splash Release!

 

Today I’m sharing a playful and vibrant card featuring the brand-new Poolside Pets stamp set from the Big Splash release by Catherine Pooler Designs. These whimsical floaties bring a joyful summer vibe to any project—and I had a blast bringing them to life!

To create the soft poolside background, I tried something new: I made a homemade dauber using Press'N Seal! With it, I gently dabbed on the new Pistachio ink color through masked areas where the floaties were stamped. It added a subtle, splashy texture that’s perfect for a lighthearted scene.

All the floaties were stamped directly onto the card front and colored using Copic Markers. I went for bold, juicy colors to really make them pop against the Pistachio background.  Isn't that watermelon floatie adorable?

To finish it off, I added a fun sentiment—“Party Time!”—curved across a die cut from the "Take a Dip Shaker Die" (it's the slide!!!) and adding a playful touch that makes this card perfect for birthdays or summer celebrations.

I hope this card inspires you to play with your supplies in new ways! Whether you’re diving into new techniques or just floating along with your creativity, the Big Splash release is packed with possibilities.

The Big Splash release will be available in the Catherine Pooler shop on Wednesday June 11th at 9am EST.  But for StampNation members, they get to shop EARLY!  Sign into the shop as a StampNation member and you can shop at noon on Tuesday June 10th.

Off to enjoy the woods today!

~ Ally ~

 

The Big Splash release will be available June 11th... 

Sweet November Stamps ~ Making a Splash with the Merwee Gabby Guppies

Today I’m sharing a playful underwater-themed birthday card featuring the adorable Merwee Gabby Guppies clear stamp set from Sweet November Stamps!

For this card, I used the darling mermaid draped over the rock along with her sweet little octopus friend from the Merwee Gabby Guppies set. To tie it all together, I chose a sentiment from The Guppies clear stamp set—“A wish, a splash, a birthday bash!”—which fit the whimsical underwater vibe perfectly.

To add a mixed media feel, I reached for a wild and colorful background paper from Aall & Create. I love how it adds so much energy and movement, like a bustling coral reef. I framed my mini scenes using the funky hexagon frames from Catherine Pooler Designs, giving the layout a modern, dynamic touch. I also added a few teal enamel dots for extra pop of texture and color.

Everything was colored using Copic Markers, and I love how those bold colors stand out against the artsy background!

Thanks for swimming by today—hope this card inspires you to dive into your next crafty project!

~ Ally ~

Catherine Pooler ~ Big Splash Instagram Hop **PRIZE**

We’re diving into summer fun with a splash of color and cuteness, and I’m so excited to share my card for this fabulous event with Catherine Pooler Designs!

For my card, I created a playful poolside scene using the brand new "Sweetheart" ink. I blended it through a wavy stencil to mimic rippling pool water—it makes the perfect backdrop for our summer-loving critters!

Those adorable floating animals? They’re from the "Poolside Pets" stamp and coordinating die set. But here’s the best part: each one of the critters rotates on the card front! I turned this into a fun interactive card, making it feel like these cuties are really spinning around in their floaties.

We’re not done making waves yet! There’s another new ink color joining the party—"Pistachio"—a refreshing green that pairs beautifully with Sweetheart and will make your summer crafting pop.

💦 Be sure to hop along over on Instagram for your chance to win both Sweetheart and Pistachio ink pads, refills, and side labels! Just follow the steps in the graphic to enter.

Let me know what you think of this summery creation—and don’t forget to follow along for more sunny inspiration!

~ Ally ~ 

 

Items become available on Wednesday June 11th...

Chibitronics ~ Light-Up Rainbow Birthday Greetings

What’s a birthday without a little extra sparkle and surprise? Today, I’m sharing a super fun and vibrant light-up birthday card featuring Chibitronics LED stickers and the Lawn Fawn's "Giant Outlined Happy Birthday: Portrait" die!

To create this bold and playful card, I started by backing the die-cut panel letters with some colorful patterned papers from Sunny Studio—the perfect way to bring that festive rainbow feel to life. Then, for an added wow-factor, I layered a funky cat’s eye semi-transparent plastic behind the whole die cut. This cool material helps diffuse the light and gives it a dreamy glow when lit up!

Of course, the magic happens when the card lights up! I used:

• 3 Animating Rainbow Fade LED Light Stickers to create a soft, color-shifting glow across the panel.

• 5 solid LED stickers in green, orange, yellow, pink, and red to brighten up specific letters and details.

All the lights were connected using Chibitronics Conductive Fabric Tape, and a simple battery mechanism powers the card with a press of the finger!

Whether you’re new to paper circuits or a light-up card pro, this project is a blast to make and guaranteed to bring smiles. Perfect for birthdays and celebrations where you want to stand out!

Check out Chibitronics to grab your own LEDs and get crafting! 💡

~ Ally ~

Craft Roulette ~ Birthday Magic in the Clouds

It’s Craft Roulette time again, and I’m so excited to share my 110th contribution to this fun and unpredictable weekly card challenge!

For Episode #269, the parameters were:

• Project: Square Card

• Colors: Butterfly(ies)

• Element: Cloud(s)/Cloudy

• Random: Tied

I created a cheerful square card that brings a bit of birthday magic to the sky! I featured the adorable “Posy” and “Millie” fairies from Sweet November Stamps for a whimsical, uplifting scene. To fit the challenge prompts, I included fluffy clouds from the “Scene Builder: Spooky Full Moon” set and added tied balloons from the “Daphne’s Balloons” digi set — all colored using Copic Markers in bright, happy hues.

To check off the color parameter, both fairies are sporting butterfly wings, bringing that delicate and magical touch to the card. The entire scene floats above a soft green field with a breezy, sky-blue background that ties everything together perfectly.

I love how this card turned out — playful, colorful, and full of birthday cheer!

✨ Want to join in on the crafty fun? Visit www.CraftRoulette.live for all the details on how to participate in the weekly challenge.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy crafting! 🧚‍♀️🎈

~ Ally ~