Prairie Paper & Ink

Easy Faux Foiled Congrats Cards | Distress Oxides and Nuvo Glacier Paste

Hey everyone!! So today's post is to accompany a video hop to celebrate Ardyth, Kathya and Jenny each passing 5000 subscribers on their YouTube channels!! They asked me (and a bunch of other awesome designers) to participate in a video hop to celebrate. You can click on their names above to be taken to their blog posts with more info, links, and there are giveaways too!

I get asked a lot about starting a YouTube channel/blog/etc and whether I think the market is "too saturated". Honestly? Go for it. I think there's room for everyone. Each person has their own unique style and way of doing things and I say the more the merrier. If you love making cards (or whatever it is you do or create) and want to start blogging it or doing videos then jump in. You learn as you go!

So - since this is a hop to celebrate everyone is making celebration-themed cards. I decided to go with a "congrats" theme as it seemed fitting:

I decided to use several graduation-themed products from Simon Says Stamp's Sunny Days Ahead release - and rather than make them into graduation cards I made these into just Congratulation cards (tho these would still work as grad cards too - as-is or you could add the grad caps over the balloons).

I started with the Graduation Celebration Layering Set of stencils. There are 3 stencils in the set - a balloon background, confetti, and grad caps. I used the balloon stencil and several Distress Oxide inks (specific colors are listed in the supplies below) to create rainbow balloon backgrounds.

Then over the balloons I used the confetti stencil from the set and applied Nuvo Glacier Paste in Golden Era. When that paste dries it looks almost foiled (and you get a better look at it in the video) - hence me calling it "faux foiling" - no machines etc needed! 

I used the Extra Large Congrats wafer die from CZ Design on all of the cards. I die cut the outline from the backgrounds and popped it up with some of Simon's Big Momma Foam Tape. I then die cut the Congrats word from gold glitter paper. The companion sentiments are from the Reverse Grad Sentiment strips - check out the video for a easy trick to hide the white edges after cutting them.

I kept the inside of the cards simple and fun by just applying the same Distress Oxide inks over the confetti stencil. When it comes to dark card bases like this I like to use a gel pen to write to my recipients - I linked to some of my favourites with the rest of the supplies!

You can see how my cards came together in my video below:

You can also watch in HD over on YouTube HERE <---------click! In the video description box (you can only see that when watching my videos ON YouTube) I have a link to the next stop on the video hop - click HERE to check that out!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube! You can also consider supporting me on my Patreon!

I get asked a lot about where to purchase the supplies I use in my videos and blog posts. I list all the supplies I use at the end of my posts (below) or in the description box directly below my video on YouTube.

Compensated affiliate links used when possible at no extra cost to you. Affiliate linking is what keeps my blog and YouTube channel up and running and enables me to work from home and provide for my children! I appreciate your support more than words can say! I occasionally receive product for free from stores/manufacturer with no obligation on my part to use/review - I only use and share what I personally love. Everything else I purchase myself! 

SSS Sitewide SALE

YAY!!!! Shop Simon Says Stamp <--------click! and save 15% site wide with the code CRFT898 from now till 5/25 at 11:59pm EST!! One code per order, cannot be combined with other codes and not valid on previous purchases, card kits or card kit subscriptions.

Also if you didn't see me RAVING about the NEW Distress color on my Facebook and Instagram pages (lol) - you can find that HERE <-------click! I am SO excited for this bundle to arrive and to play with a new color!

EASY Watercolor w Distress Oxide Sprays | Sketch Tulip Bouquet Take 5

Hello everyone! Last week ended up being totally crazy so my editing for this card and video got pushed to this week. The card was originally meant for last week's Color Throwdown Challenge (which you can still check out HERE and be inspired by!). There's a new challenge going up tomorrow so I'm going to be scrambling to get caught up as usual lol!

Anywho - I'm still just LOVING making slimline cards. I've made a few recently and there will be more. I set up a dedicated category for them here on my blog (all the categories are listed in the right hand side bar - you just need to scroll down to check them all out) and will continue adding to it as I get them made and posted.

This is a 3.5 x 8.5" card.

I pulled out the Simon Says Stamp Sketch Tulip Bouquet set again for this card. I've done a few videos on this one already - it's definitely a favorite of mine!

I stamped the tulips onto Ranger watercolor paper with Nocturne ink, then used Distress Oxide Sprays and a watercolor brush to color them in. Of course I added a TON of splatter to them, let it all dry then die cut them all with the coordinating wafer die.

I blended Faded Jeans Distress Oxide ink onto another piece of watercolor paper, and splattered that too of course! For the sentiment I white heat embossed a phrase from the Luck and Hugs stamp set onto a strip of black card stock. I added some bling from the Strawberry Shortcake sequin pack just because 😉🤩.

I finished off the inside of the card with a couple more clusters of the tulips. I then stamped the large Hugs sentiment from the Luck and Hugs set with the Faded Jeans Distress Oxide ink. The envelope was made with the Trinity Stamps Slimline Envelope Builder wafer die set that I bought a few weeks ago (and is the reason I keep making and will keep making slimline cards lol! Having a cute envelope to put them in is key). I used some Doodlebug patterned paper from my stash to make it and that was it!

To see how this card came together check out my video below:

Or watch in HD over on YouTube HERE <-------click!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube! You can also consider supporting me on my Patreon!

I get asked a lot about where to purchase the supplies I use in my videos and blog posts. I list all the supplies I use at the end of my posts (below) or in the description box directly below my video on YouTube.

Compensated affiliate links used when possible at no extra cost to you. Affiliate linking is what keeps my blog and YouTube channel up and running and enables me to work from home and provide for my children! I appreciate your support more than words can say! I occasionally receive product for free from stores/manufacturer with no obligation on my part to use/review - I only use and share what I personally love. Everything else I purchase myself! 

April 2020 Happy Mail Haul | Cards from You!!

Hey everyone! I hope you all have been having a good weekend so far. I was able to get the April Happy Mail Haul filmed/edited/uploaded so here it is!

You can watch in HD over on YouTube HERE <------click!

And now for the rest of the info:

My Patreon page<------click! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube!

If you'd like to mail a card to be featured in an upcoming Happy Mail Haul video here's my mailing address:

Amy Rysavy

Box 1041 MARTENSVILLE PO

Martensville, SK

S0K 2T0

Canada

May Theme: Flowers 

June Theme: Masculine Cards/Nature

July Theme: Leaves/Greenery

(((a note about the themes - if you have ideas/suggestions for future themes feel free to post them in the comments below!)))

(A repost of some important info!!)

Like I mention in all the Happy Mail Haul videos - I am not strict with the themes. The post can be notoriously slow sometimes especially getting to me here in Canada, so I like to share everything that shows up in my PO Box the previous month regardless! If you ever want to check out previous months Happy Mail Haul videos you can find them all here:

RAK/Happy Mail Hauls

If you want to send ahead and mail cards for multiple themes in the same package I am totally OK with that. It helps if you add a sticky note or something to mark what month each card is for. Please do not send more than 2 cards for each theme (so there are the 3 upcoming months therefore 6 cards in total). I cannot accept large packages/boxes of cards. I don't have anywhere to store large amounts plus it takes up a lot of my time to film/edit/upload these videos and limiting the submissions to 2 per person ensures it's fair for everyone. Thank you for understanding!

If you are interested in donating your cards there are MANY charities and organizations out there. You would need to do your own research to find a cause/group/organization that works for you and what you want to do! Everything from local nursing homes/palliative care units/Ronald McDonald Houses to charities to cards for troops is out there - LOTS to choose from!

Also if you haven't sent in a card before but want to go ahead! I love seeing what y'all are making, and being able to share it with the rest of my audience. We all have to start somewhere ;). Also again there's no need to send gifts or anything like that. I more than appreciate the thought, and I read all the letters I receive (I can't respond to them but I read and keep all of them!). 

For those reading/watching - I would love if you'd take the time to leave comments/questions/etc for those that sent in something in the comments below and I know those that sent in would love to read them!

Studio Katia Artsy Trimmings | Rainbow Slimline Card

Hey everyone!! I'm still SO into slimline cards - and there will be more. They're fun to make - if you've missed any of my more recent ones here's links to those posts:

Easy Messy Watercolor w MFT Main Squeeze Stamps | Slimline Card

Let the Good Times Roll Slimline Card with Custom Envelope | Trinity Stamps

Slimline Card Using Honey Bee Stamps Up, Up and Away Stamp Set 

For today's slimline card I pulled out some Studio Katia stamps and dies:

This slimline card is 3.5 x 8.5"

I stamped one of the images from Studio Katia's Artsy Trimmings stamp set onto Ranger watercolor paper with Nocturne ink. I then used Prima's Classics watercolor palette to watercolor in all the images. I added a TON of splatter with Ranger Perfect Pearl powder and water and white ink.

I used the Crafty word die that comes in the Artsy Trimmings coordinating wafer die set to create my sentiment. To make it into a sentiment I white heat embossed words from the Paws for Kindness set and trimmed them down before adhering them.

I stamped the image from the Artsy Trimmings set again onto the inside of the card, this time with Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide ink. I made an envelope for the card from some Lawn Fawn patterned paper in my stash using the Trinity Stamps Slimline Envelope Builder Die set and that was it!

To see how this card came together check out my video below:

Or watch in HD over on YouTube HERE <-----click!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube! You can also consider supporting me on my Patreon!

I get asked a lot about where to purchase the supplies I use in my videos and blog posts. I list all the supplies I use at the end of my posts (below) or in the description box directly below my video on YouTube.

Compensated affiliate links used when possible at no extra cost to you. Affiliate linking is what keeps my blog and YouTube channel up and running and enables me to work from home and provide for my children! I appreciate your support more than words can say! I occasionally receive product for free from stores/manufacturer with no obligation on my part to use/review - I only use and share what I personally love. Everything else I purchase myself! 

Double Stamped and EASY Watercolor Card | SSS Beautiful Flowers Take 13

Hello everyone! I am late with my card for last week's Color Throwdown Challenge:

You can still check out what the rest of the team created with these colors HERE <-----click! plus there's a ton of inspiration from everyone who participated (on time 🤪) with it as well! There will be a new Color Throwdown Challenge up Wednesday morning so stay tuned!

I still wanted to create with these colors and I just loved them together - so here's what I made:

I pulled out my oh-so-loved SSS Beautiful Flowers stamp set and gold heat embossed it twice onto Distress Watercolor paper. I used my Prima Currents watercolor palette to color in the blooms, then added a bunch of splatter.

I used the A2 Thin Frames wafer die set and die cut the main panel, then when I adhered it to the card base I inlaid a frame I'd die cut from Smoke grey card stock. I used the Thank You Script wafer die set for my main sentiment, and added a sentiment strip from the All Things Happy sentiment strips pack.

OF COURSE I had to add some bling lol - I added some Studio Katia Golden Crystals and Ocean Wave Crystals. I also added some Nuvo Jewel Drops in Sea Breeze.

On the inside of the card I stamped the Beautiful Flowers image again - this time with Smoke ink. I then adhered the thin frame left over from die cutting the front panel and that was it!

To see how this card came together check out my video below:

Or watch in HD over on YouTube HERE <---------click!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube!

I get asked a lot about where to purchase the supplies I use in my videos and blog posts. I list all the supplies I use at the end of my posts (below) or in the description box directly below my video on YouTube.

Compensated affiliate links used when possible at no extra cost to you. Affiliate linking is what keeps my blog and YouTube channel up and running and enables me to work from home and provide for my children! I appreciate your support more than words can say! I occasionally receive product for free from stores/manufacturer with no obligation on my part to use/review - I only use and share what I personally love. Everything else I purchase myself! 

Simon Says Stamp Steals & Deals!

Hey everyone!! Simon Says Stamp has a BUNCH of products on for amazing prices - click HERE <----------click! to check them all out while supplies last!

ALSO - code HP2T9 will get you $5 off your order of $5 or more!

Honey Bee Stamps 5th Birthday Release & Review!

Hey everyone! I hope y'all are having a good weekend so far :).

I kept saying I was waiting on the rest of the products from this release and they arrived this week. I can't even begin to imagine how insane it is for the postal service and all the different shipping carriers etc etc right now with EVERYTHING being so disrupted. I am SO thankful and grateful for every order I receive and every package that shows up from companies that send me products. I was before but so much more so now!

Anywho - Honey Bee Stamps had an AMAZING 5th Anniversary release last month. You can check out the release HERE <------ click! plus I'll have links to everything below!

So for those that like the longer videos you'll enjoy this one LOL! It's nearly 40 minutes long (and I wasn't THAT chatty in it - still chatty and ideas rolling but I powered through showing y'all everything b/c it's a LOT) and while I thought the upload would melt my laptop it's still working so we're good to go:

You can watch in HD over on YouTube HERE <-----click!

If you missed the previous cards I've made so far that I showed in the video you can find the posts below:

Galaxy Background with PinkFresh Liquid Watercolors & HoneyBee Stamps and Dies

Honey Bee Stamps Farm Fresh Flowers | Prima Watercolors

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube!

I get asked a lot about where to purchase the supplies I use in my videos and blog posts. I list all the supplies I use at the end of my posts (below) or in the description box directly below my video on YouTube.

Compensated affiliate links used when possible at no extra cost to you. Affiliate linking is what keeps my blog and YouTube channel up and running and enables me to work from home and provide for my children! I appreciate your support more than words can say! I occasionally receive product for free from stores/manufacturer with no obligation on my part to use/review - I only use and share what I personally love. Everything else I purchase myself! 

Easy Messy Watercolor w MFT Main Squeeze Stamps | Slimline Card

Happy Friday everyone!

My Favorite Things had an amazing May release - you can check it all out HERE <------click!

So many fun new products - but I couldn't resist inking up the new Main Squeeze stamp set. Since I'm on a slimline card kick I decided to make another one:

This is a slimline card measuring 3.5 x 8.5"

I stamped all the images from the Main Squeeze set onto Distress watercolor paper with Nocturne ink. I then did some REALLY easy messy watercolor using the Prima Classics and Prima Pastel Dreams watercolor palettes.

I used Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and a SK Blending Brush to create the background, and then I splattered on Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide Spray over it. I trimmed down some (of my all-time favorite lol) MFT Black & White Stripes patterned paper, and then glued it together to make a strip long enough to fit on the front of the card.

I finished off the inside of the card with the leftover piece of the Black & White Stripes paper and a few more of the images from the Main Squeeze set.

I made another envelope using the Slimline Envelope Builder wafer die set and some patterned paper from my stash and that was it!

To see how this card came together check out my video below:

Or watch in HD over on YouTube HERE <-------click!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube!

I get asked a lot about where to purchase the supplies I use in my videos and blog posts. I list all the supplies I use at the end of my posts (below) or in the description box directly below my video on YouTube.

Compensated affiliate links used when possible at no extra cost to you. Affiliate linking is what keeps my blog and YouTube channel up and running and enables me to work from home and provide for my children! I appreciate your support more than words can say! I occasionally receive product for free from stores/manufacturer with no obligation on my part to use/review - I only use and share what I personally love. Everything else I purchase myself! 

Let the Good Times Roll Slimline Card with Custom Envelope | Trinity Stamps

Hello everyone! So this took a bit longer to get posted as it's another nearly 20 minute long video lol! If you missed my previous video where I shared all the new-to-me Trinity Stamps products I got you can check that out here:

NEW-to-me Trinity Stamps Release & Review!

And now on to the card:

This is a Slimline Card measuring 3.5 x 8.5"

Not gonna lie - this was a fun card to make. I started with the rainbow background - I just blended a bunch of Hero Hues Reactive inks (specific colors used are linked below) onto some Bristol Smooth card stock with the Trinity Blending Buddy brushes. I ended up die cutting the rainbow background with one of the Scenic Borders Slimline dies - to create a "trail" of sorts.

I stamped the images from the Let the Good Times Roll stamp set onto more Bristol Smooth card stock using Nocturne ink. To color them all in I used the same Hero Hues Reactive inks and a Tonic Aqua Shimmer Pen so all the images sparkle. I white heat embossed the sentiments from the set onto black card stock and used the coordinating wafer die set to die cut all the images and sentiments.

I used the scallop frame die from the Slimline Series Envelop Builder die set on some black glitter card stock before sticking it onto the card with black foam tape. I also added a bunch of Cocktail Ring Opal Confetti to add to the bling LOL!

Of course I made an envelop to go with this card. I used the Slimline Series Envelop Builder die set along with some rainbow 12x12 patterned paper that I've had sitting in my stash for a while now. The envelope was REALLY easy to put together. Now that I have this die set and I have a stack of 12x12 papers sitting here that I've collected over the years.... I can start using those papers and make more slimline cards now that I have a way better envelope option than the flimsy business ones I have. FYI - Simon Says Stamp does have high quality #10 (business) envelopes now <------click! It's definitely a good option for those not wanting to get a die set etc etc. Me - I bought the die set and I'm probably going to order some of the SSS envelopes too lol. I like having options.

Anywho - to see how my card and envelope came together check out my video below:

Or watch in HD over on YouTube HERE <-------click!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube!

I get asked a lot about where to purchase the supplies I use in my videos and blog posts. I list all the supplies I use at the end of my posts (below) or in the description box directly below my video on YouTube.

Compensated affiliate links used when possible at no extra cost to you. Affiliate linking is what keeps my blog and YouTube channel up and running and enables me to work from home and provide for my children! I appreciate your support more than words can say! I occasionally receive product for free from stores/manufacturer with no obligation on my part to use/review - I only use and share what I personally love. Everything else I purchase myself!