Lottie Love ~ Sweet November Stamps

Today I’m sharing a sweet and simple card featuring the absolutely adorable “Lottie Love” clear stamp from Sweet November Stamps. Isn’t she just the cutest with her big bright eyes and that oversized heart sweater? She completely steals the show!

I colored Lottie with my Copic markers, keeping the palette fun and cheerful with bold reds and bright greens. I love how her vibrant outfit pops against the softer pink heart background. Her rosy cheeks and shiny auburn hair really bring her to life — she just looks like she’s ready to deliver a little love and happiness.

For the background, I decided to create my own patterned paper directly on the card base using the “Year Round Post Marks” stamp set. I stamped the postmarks in a mix of fun, colorful inks to coordinate with Lottie’s outfit. I love how the layered hearts and postal details add movement and interest without overwhelming the focal image. It’s such an easy way to customize your background and make it perfectly match your card design!

Behind Lottie, I layered a heart-patterned panel to anchor the design and keep the Valentine vibe going strong. To finish things off, I chose a sentiment from the “SN Guy and Gal: Eric & Nadine” stamp set. The simple “I smile because of you” fits Lottie perfectly and pairs beautifully with the large stitched heart die cut.

This card would be perfect for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a sweet “thinking of you” surprise. Sometimes a handmade card is the best way to tell someone they make you smile.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this card inspires you to mix and match your Sweet November Stamps sets and create your own custom backgrounds.

Happy stamping! 💕

~ Ally ~ 

Postage Pals: My Valentine 💌💕 ~ Sweet November Stamps

Today I’m sharing the sweetest little Valentine card featuring the brand new “Postage Pals: My Valentine” stamp set from Sweet November Stamps — and oh my goodness, these tiny cherubs completely stole my heart!

This set is full of adorable little cupids along with the cutest love-bugs, making it perfect for Valentine’s Day cards for anyone you love.

Postage-Style Layout

I decided to use my postage stamp die from Waffle Flower to create that fun multi-window layout. I love how it divides the card into little “mini scenes,” almost like a sheet of stamps ready to be mailed. It’s such a great way to showcase multiple images from one stamp set!

I mixed and matched several of the sweet cherubs along with the adorable love-bugs to create a playful Valentine collage.

Quick & Easy Backgrounds

To add soft color behind each image, I used my Copic Airbrush system. Once everything was masked off, it was so quick and easy to spray in that beautiful blue sky for each little window. I love how the airbrushed backgrounds make the images pop while keeping the overall design clean and cohesive.

Each image was colored with Copics, keeping the palette soft and classic for Valentine’s Day — pinks, reds and warm neutrals with touches of minty green for the wings.

Sent with Love

This card was extra special because I sent it to my sister and her family for Valentine’s Day this year. I love creating handmade cards for family — especially when they feature sweet little characters like these cherubs spreading love everywhere they go. 💕

The Postage Pals: My Valentine set is such a darling addition to the Postage Pals collection, and it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or just sending a little love anytime.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 💌 Let me know — which cherub is your favorite?

~ Ally ~ 

Sweet November ~ Love You Forever!

There is just something so heart-melting about this sweet couple from the “Love You Forever” stamp set from Sweet November Stamps. Their gentle smiles and hand-holding moment instantly tell a story of a lifetime of love — and I couldn’t resist creating a cozy little scene around them.

To set the stage, I paired them with the “Spring Windows” stamp set to create that charming brick wall and window backdrop. I love how this set makes it so easy to build an environment that feels warm and lived-in. I added a flower box full of blooms and even a curious little kitty peeking out the window for an extra touch of personality!

For the background, I reached for my Copic Airbrush System to quickly blend in smooth color. It’s such a fast and effective way to build depth and atmosphere without overworking the paper. The soft sky tones in the window and the warm brick wall really help the sweet couple stand out as the focal point.

Everything was colored with Copic Markers, and I had so much fun adding little details like rosy cheeks, subtle shading in their clothing, and a bit of grass texture beneath the bench to ground the scene. That tiny blue bird perched nearby just finishes the card perfectly — a sweet symbol of happiness and companionship.

The sentiment says it all:

“I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow.”

Isn’t that just the most beautiful way to describe a lifelong love?

This card would be perfect for an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or even just a special reminder to someone you love. Sweet November Stamps always has a way of capturing heartfelt moments so perfectly.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 💕

~ Ally ~ 

Sweet November Stamps ~ Scrappy & Sulky in Love

This card had me smiling the entire time I was creating it—and honestly, that’s exactly what the new Scrappy and Sulky Valentine digital release from Sweet November Stamps is all about.

As Amy perfectly described it, this release leans a little more tongue-in-cheek, featuring the hilarious dynamic of a grumpy cat paired with his wildly enthusiastic puppy sidekick. The three scenes—Heart Attack, Kisses, and Snuggle Time—each tell their own mini story, and I couldn’t resist showcasing more than one of them on a single card.

I designed this card like a set of postage-style panels, letting each scene shine on its own while still feeling cohesive as a whole. The puppy’s over-the-top affection paired with the cat’s less-than-impressed reactions cracks me up every time I look at it. Whether it’s surprise kisses, forced snuggles, or an explosion of love, these images are guaranteed to bring a smile to whoever receives your card.

All of the images were colored with Copic markers, keeping the focus on the expressive faces and playful body language. I added a soft glow around each scene to help them pop against the clean white background, and finished everything off with a bold purple frame for a fun Valentine-ready touch.

The simple sentiment, “love you friend!”, felt like the perfect fit—sweet, casual, and ideal for celebrating friendships (especially the kind that lovingly tolerate a little chaos).

If you’re looking for Valentine images that are cute, funny, and full of personality, the Scrappy and Sulky Valentine digital stamps are an absolute must-have. They’re perfect for friendship cards, lighthearted love notes, and anyone who appreciates humor with their hearts.

~ 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 ~ 

Scrap'N Stamp ~ My Favorite Technique Hop *PRIZE*

Welcome to the Scrap 'N Stamp My Favorite Technique Blog Hop!  Today's hop is all about sharing our very favorite techniques for card making.

My very favorite technique as most of you can guess... is Copic Marker coloring.

Today's card features the adorable pair of kitties from My Favorite Things stamp set, "Hugs Make Everything Better".

I started by stamping my kitty image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. This is my favorite black ink to use with Copic Markers.

The Copic colors I used include:

• Orange Fur: YR20, YR21, YR24
• Grey Fur: W3, W4, W6, W9
• Ears: R22

I kept my coloring very simple today! 

Next I die cut some black cardstock scalloped frames.  I included a die cut rectangle from the Prism Studio "Nested Stitched Rectangles" inside the smaller frame.

I die cut a vellum heart and glued it to the back of my kitties.

To create my background, I used the Lawn Fawn "Lots of Hearts" stencil.  There are 2 separate pieces to this background stencil.  I took the first panel and blended the pink Oxides from top to bottom; Picked raspberry Oxide to Festive Berries Oxide.  I took the second panel and blended the Mustard Seed Oxide into the Spiced Marmalade Oxide ink. 

Then I took some Worn Lipstick Oxide and blended a light application from all 4 edges of my panel to a few inches towards the centre.

I used some bright gold paint from the Altenew Metallic Watercolor palette to splatter across the heart panel plus some black acrylic paint too.  To finish off the panel, I stamped a few of the mini stars from the My Favorite Things stamp set, "Hugs Make Everything Better" all across the panel.

NOW... check out all the other projects that our design team has to share!! 

We're also having a SALE...

Offer valid Feb. 6 to Feb. 15 2025.

Here's our hop list...

Scrap'n Stamp
Meghan
Allison
Kate -- go here!
Tara
Deepa

Now for the GIVEAWAY...

 GIVEAWAY DETAILS!!

1.  Hop along and LEAVE A COMMENT on each designers blog post.
2.  One lucky WINNER will be chosen to receive a $50 gift certificate to the store.
   
3.  Winners will posted on the Scrap 'N Stamp blog sometime in mid to late February.  Good luck!

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy hopping and GOOD LUCK!

~ Ally ~ 

Scrap 'N Stamp ~ My Punny Valentine's Hop **PRIZE**

Welcome to the Scrap 'N Stamp My Punny Valentine's Blog Hop!

Today's hop is all about sharing some punny Valentine's Day projects!

Today's card features the cool "Feelin' Fizzy" stamp set by Catherine Pooler.  This fun stamp set features some cool soda pop bottle shapes, liquid images to fill each bottle and some fun retro sentiments and shapes!

I started by die cutting my popped up panel using the Prism Studio "Nesting Stitched Rectangle" dies for the outside and then the "Nesting Stitched Circles" dies for the inner circle.

I then stamped my die cut elements; the soda pop image, the straw and arrow.  I used Catherine Pooler inks; Be Mine and Party Dress inks.  I used Onyx Black ink from Versafine for the black outlines.  I used the corresponding dies to die cut those 3 items.

Next I positioned my sentiment within the circular window and stamped it using the black ink.

Then I used some CP Twilight ink and added some of the fun bubbles across the top panel.  I also added some cool star shapes from the "Feelin' Fizzy" stamp set across the panel and inside the circular window.  I used some Cotton Candy and Be Mine inks. 

Next I adhered all of the die cut images.  I had to use some 3D foam to add some of the items through the window.

We also have a fun sale on right now...

Now through January 15th we have our Punny Valentine Sale - 20% off!

NOW... check out all the other projects that our design team has to share!!

Here's our hop list...

Scrap'n Stamp
Meghan
Allison
Kate - go here!
Tara
Deepa

Now for the GIVEAWAY...

 GIVEAWAY DETAILS!!

1.  Hop along and LEAVE A COMMENT on each designers blog post.
2.  One lucky WINNER will be chosen to receive a $50 gift certificate to the store.
   
3.  Winners will posted on the Scrap 'N Stamp blog sometime in mid to late January.  Good luck!

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy hopping and GOOD LUCK!

~ Ally ~

Catherine Pooler ~ Airmail is Here!

A new Catherine Pooler Designs exclusive BOX is being released on Wednesday!  Meet the AIRMAIL BOX!

If you sign up on the WAITLIST, you will get an email TODAY to shop this afternoon after 4pm EST!  Orders will be shipped in order that then arrive in the CP Shop.  Orders begin to ship tomorrow!

This box contains an amazing amount of products.. including a brand new ink color!

One of the particular stamps that I love in the box is this postcard stamp/address line stamp in the "Postcards from the Heart" stamp set.  It sets you up to create some faux postcards. I started my card front by stamping that image first using Juniper Mist ink.

Then with my color palette of Juniper Mist, Blue Raspberry, Bellini and Creamsicle I used a variety of stamps and dies from the "Sent With Love" and "Air Mail" to create a collage of images for my postcard.

I loved layering all of the sweet stamps along with other ephemera.

 So many fun elements on this card!

GET ON THE WAITLIST TODAY! 

CLICK HERE!

• This box has a limited supply.  When it's gone, it's gone!
• Everything in this box is EXCLUSIVE to this box and won't be sold separately... except the new ink color!
• You can purchase additional packs of the patterned paper if needed! 
• There is also a small bundle of sequins if you wish to purchase that, that matches the colors of the box.
  
• Get on the waitlist to be able to SHOP EARLY!  You can shop TODAY!
• The box goes on sale to everyone on Wednesday December 11th... so get on that waitlist now!

You won't be disappointed!

Have a wonderful week!

~ Ally ~

Catherine Pooler Designs ~ S.W.A.K.

A new Catherine Pooler Designs exclusive BOX is being released on Wednesday!  Meet the AIRMAIL BOX!

If you sign up on the WAITLIST, you will get an email TOMORROW to shop TOMORROW!

This box contains an amazing amount of products!

The Airmail Box has everything you need to create heartfelt Valentine’s cards, scrapbook pages, postcards, love notes, and more! Just add inks and cardstock. We already got you started with a NEW INK COLOR mini & refill. This ink is a special delivery exclusive to the Airmail box but will be released in the CP Shop in 2025.

Today's card features the "SWAK Word Die", the "Signed Sealed and Delivered" patterned papers, the "Airmail" stamp & coordinating dies plus our new ink color, Blue Raspberry!

The ink colors that I used on my stamped images include: Cotton Candy, Rockin' Red, Something Borrowed, Minted, Mardi Gras and our new ink color, Blue Raspberry.

Here's a little close up of my stamp & die cluster...

GET ON THE WAITLIST TODAY!

• This box has a limited supply.  When it's gone, it's gone!
• Everything in this box is EXCLUSIVE to this box and won't be sold separately... except the new ink color!
• You can purchase additional packs of the patterned paper if needed!
  
• Get on the waitlist to be able to SHOP EARLY!  You can shop TOMORROW!
• The box goes on sale to everyone on Wednesday December 11th... so get on that waitlist now!

You won't be disappointed!

Have a wonderful week!

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Tiny Hearts Mice

Happy Saturday!  Today I'm sharing another fun card using the brand new recent clear stamp "Tiny Hearts" from Sweet November Stamps.

To begin today's card I stamped the little mouse on his belly and masked him off.  Then I stamped the little mouse holding his heart candy up high and masked him off.  Next I stamped the little mouse that's seated and removed all the masks.  I also stamped the sentiment.

Next I took a pencil and drew in the base board and wall details.  I even added a little candy heart inside the wall.

Next I colored up my entire card using Copic Markers.  I tried to make the inside of the wall a little darker.

Once everything was colored, then I took my dark pink ink and stamped all the candy heart greetings and heart embellishments.

I love how this whole card ended up!  Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Ally ~

 

Sweet November Stamps ~ You're So Dog-Gone Cute!

Happy Weekend!  Today I'm sharing another fun card using the brand new digital "Dog Park 3" release from Sweet November Stamps.

Today's card features the adorable new digital "Scout the Border Collie".

I actually used this card as a Valentine's Day card for my hubby this year.

To build my scene, I used the pine tree from the "North Pole Friends: Background Builder".  I sized the tree in 3 different sizes to create a layered scene.

To add a little snow and snowy effect, I used a Sharpie paint pen to add some glitter.

Make sure to check all the new puppies!

~ Ally ~

Craft Roulette ~ BEE My Valentine?

Happy Sunday!!  Hope you're having a great weekend!  Today's card is this past week's entry for Craft Roulette.  This will be my 58th submission.

The four parameters that the wheel gave us this week were:

• Project: Easel Card
• Colors: Quiet (lots of soft, subtle colors)
  
• Element: Sweets (bee is holding a chocolate box)
  
• Random: Bokeh (there's hexagon & circle bokeh in the background)
  

So this week's card features the adorable little bear bee from Purple Onion Designs called "Love, Brownie Bear".

I began my card by stamping my bee bear in Rich Cocoa Memento ink.  I used some softer Copic Marker colors to color in my little critter's image.  Then I fussy cut him out.

I used the Honey Bee stamps (how appropriate!) die "Hexagon CP: Top Layer" and cut out a piece of cardstock to use as a stencil.  I used it with some CP Pink Champagne ink to add that to my card front panel.  Then I took the Studio Katia "Confetti Stencil" to add some additional circle images using the same pink ink to the front.

To finish off my card I die cut out 2 sizes of "Sentiment Banner Die" from CP for the outside and the inside of my easel card.  I used 2 fun sentiments from the "Love Sentiments" from Purple Onion Designs.

Plus a few pink "Scranton Sequins" as a shiny, final touch!

Make sure to check out Craft Roulette over on YouTube and join us every Friday at 6:30pm CT for a brand new episode! Hope you'll join us tomorrow evening!

Hope you have a great week!

~ Ally ~

Craft Roulette ~ Little Mousey Hugs

Howdy!!  Hope you're having a great week!  Today's card is this past week's entry for Craft Roulette.  This will be my 57th submission.

The four parameters that the wheel gave us this week were:

• Project: Kid's Card (super cute animals)
  
• Colors: Brrr! (lots of blues!!)
  
• Element: Comic/Cartoon (my mice are cartoonish)
  
• Random: Buttons (the mouse has buttons on his tuxedo shirt)
  

So this week's card features an adorable stamp set from Purple Onion Designs.  The stamp is called "Micey Smooches" and it's adorable!

 I also used a simple sentiment on my card front.  I figured it could be a hello card, a birthday card or even a Valentine's Day card.

Are those mice adorable!?!

Make sure to check out Craft Roulette over on YouTube and join us every Friday at 6:30pm CT for a brand new episode! Hope you'll join us tomorrow evening!

~ Ally ~

Sweet November Stamps ~ Love Notes YouTube Hop **PRIZE**

 

Howdy all!  Back again today to share another fun way to check out the latest Sweet November Stamps release, Love Notes.

We having a YouTube hop to celebrate this new release and this is the card I'm sharing today for the hop.  It features the beautiful new "SN Gal Val" stamp set.

On my video I share how I color up this cutie and how I make my simple background too!

Come and join in the fun and begin the hop... HERE!

Come and watch, subscribe and comment for a chance to WIN the entire Love Notes release!

Happy hopping!

~ Ally ~