Mens cards #2 DIY tools!

My 2nd mens cards mentioned in my last blog post was a little easier to plan. I knew I wanted to use the Stampin up "Nailed It" stamp set and co-ordinating "Build It" dies set. This this birthday boy is a DIY enthusiast! it was easieras I have used this set a few times now so I found it less challenging than card #1

I am entering this 2nd mens card into some challenges 

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge  (LINK)  

"Anything Goes"

Die Cutting Divas Challenge (LINK)  

"Anything Goes"

I had some fun making these little tools, they are very easy to do too. Each of the tools were stamped then cut out using the dies but can you see that ruler? the little screws and nuts? too cute! I just used silver metallic card for the metal bits and coloured card for the handles, (cutting each tool twice!) after stamping I coloured the handles then trimmed them to paper piece the handles onto the metallic die cuts. it was quite quick to do. 

The cream coloured card base is square, measuring just under 6"X6" That wood like background is created using craft card stamped with the hardwood background stamp. 

The side panel is created using the stamps in the "Nail It." stamp set, I used white card for this piece but really wish I had used cream card instead! If only we had hindsight in the beginning!  I am pleased with how it turned out this time and I know the birthday boy will like it

spotlighted Hugs challenge card

I had some creative fun today therefore am entering more challenges with this hugs floral spotlight card...

Here's the challenges I am entering this creation into.....

1. The Flower Challenge #16 (LINK)   Flowers and Spotlight Stamping 

1. Cute Card Thursday Challenge #512 (LINK)  Something New

A spotlight card is defined as an area within a pattern or image where some of the image is left plain or without colour while another area is coloured,

bringing a highlighted focus to that point which is therefore "spotlighted!"

I used Ranger Jet Black Archival ink to stamp 2 large flower stamps from the  "Flower Shop" stamp set and a small flower stamp from 

the "Petite Petals" stamp set. Both sets are from Stampin' Up. 

I used my awesome new Tim Holtz Stamping Platform 

(I love this tool its fabulous)

I stamped identical floral patterns onto 2 sheets of white card.  

I then trimmed them to size required. The smaller piece was coloured with another new Christmas gift...my Zig Clean Colour Real Brush Pens (another wow)

Once matted with black card the smaller piece was layered on top of the other, lining up the flowers on both layers. That top layer really popped!

Using the same pens I coloured the top layer of the 

Honey Bee stamps "Hugs" die cut with an ombre effect using water 

to easily blend yellow and orange colours

I Finished the card with a circular stamped sentiment 

(an old S U set!) some red gems  and some sparkle 

from my Wink of Stella Glitter brush pen

oh what fun I have had today, my heart sings!  

I love my new crafty Christmas gifts

Many Thanks to my Hubby Kev xx