Good Monday morning and welcome to the Winter 2015 Essentials by Ellen Release Hop! My projects today will be showcasing Bold Blooms, Wish Big, Bold Blossoms Stand Alone Dies, Bold Blooms Matching Dies and Mini Window Dies.
I am excited that I get to give the new Wish Big stamp set as blog candy to a lucky someone! Please leave a comment on this post to enter my giveaway!
There is also a Grand Giveaway in the CLASSroom! To enter, be sure to leave a comment there, and at every stop along the hop by March 2nd; winners will be announced March 4th! I know you are going to enjoy seeing all the wonderful designs along the hop. Have fun!!!
HOPPERS:
- The CLASSroom
- Sandy Allnock
- Teri Anderson
- Laurel Beard
- Heather Campbell
- Kittie Caracciolo (you are here)
- Sharon Harnist
- Broni Holcombe
- Nichol Magouirk
- Jean Manis
- Jennifer McGuire
- Donna Mikasa-see link to Donna’s blog below
- Chari Moss
- Catherine Pooler
- Miriam Prantner
- Julia Stainton
- Carissa Wiley
My first project was made using the Wish Big stamp set and the Mini Window Dies. If you love making window cards as much as I do then the mini window dies are going to be a must on your wish list. Julie has outdone herself by including several different mini window variations in the set. I thought the hippo would look precious set in a see thru window made with double shutter window die.
I stamped the bird once and hippo image twice on white cardstock with black versafine and heat embossed with black embossing powder. I stamped the balloons and party hat on colored cardstock with black versafine and embossed. I colored the bird and hippo images with copic markers and fussy cut them out with my snips. I cut the head off of one hippo off of the second image and popped it up on the body with rolled glue dots. I cut the party hat and balloons out, applied versa and clear embossing powder, embossed and then cut them out. I attached the hat to the bird with rolled glue dots.
I used the cut window as a template to draw cutting lines on the card base and then used my craft knife to cut the opening for the see thru window. I used my Teflon bone folder to get a crisp fold on the shutters and then applied mounting tape to the back of the window and attached over the opening of the card base. I attached the hippo’s feet on the inside opening of the window with drops of glossy accents. I then added a couple thin strips of cardstock to create braces that would hold the hippo straight and attached them to the hippo and window base with double stick tape. I cut a second window in white and cut off the shutters with my craft knife. I attached the window to the inside opening with double stick tape to cover the hand cut lines and to create a neat finish for the inside.
I arranged the balloons and attached them to the card base and frame with mounting tape. I attached a couple thin strings to the front balloons with drops of glossy accents. I then attached the strings to the back of the bird with a glue dot and attached the bird to the card base with mounting tape. I added the cut sentiment for the finishing touch.
Card size: 5.50” x 4.25”
For my second project I cut the blooms and foliage out using the Bold Blossoms Stand Alone Dies and Bold Blooms Matching Dies and attached the pieces together with rolled up double stick tape.
I stamped the sentiment from the Bold Blooms set on the card base with versa and embossed with gold embossing powder. I created a double matted frame using Nesting Squares, attached them together with ATG adhesive, applied mounting tape on the back and attached it over the sentiment.
I arranged the leaves for my flower embellishment and attached them with glossy accents. The large flower was attached to the frame with mounting tape for a bold finishing touch.
Card size: 5.25” square
Thanks for stopping today and I hope you have fun hopping along to see the other hopper’s projects.
Great cards- love the hippo!
Posted by: Barb Chmura | February 23, 2015 at 09:22 AM
Love the window idea. I am so excited to try the new rose die. Thanks Kittie for your inspiration.
Posted by: Desi | February 23, 2015 at 09:25 AM
always love your cards!!!
Posted by: Debbie M | February 23, 2015 at 09:26 AM
I just can't get over the little window...fabulous. Your hippo card is so full of scrumptious color.
Love the flower card. So beautiful. Very nicely done! TFS
Posted by: Lynn Gauthier - Michigan | February 23, 2015 at 09:27 AM
Beautiful cards! Thanks for the chance to win this great stamp set! I also love window cards so this die is going to be the greatest! Thanks for sharing and have a great day everyone! Ciao :)
Posted by: Debbie Baker | February 23, 2015 at 09:27 AM
I really like how the flower accents the frame on the card
Posted by: Jan G | February 23, 2015 at 09:29 AM
Kittie, wasn't sure how you would handle this release. Just didn't really look like "you", but alas you knocked it out of the park. Of course. Thanks.
Posted by: Beverly Parkison aka Lateblooming Designs | February 23, 2015 at 09:30 AM
LOVE the 'peek behind the window' ... too cute! Thanks for all your amazing inspiration Kitty! What a fun hop this is!
Posted by: Darlene Pavlick | February 23, 2015 at 09:40 AM
I am loving those bold blooms and the die cut windows. Cute hippo, too. This release is perfect for so many fun cards.
Posted by: Dottie J | February 23, 2015 at 09:42 AM
The hippo is adorable, but I love the simplistic flower design on the other card! This would be a great stamp set to own.
Posted by: Kristine Vencel | February 23, 2015 at 09:43 AM
Very cute window card! & I love your red and white rose!
Posted by: Amber P | February 23, 2015 at 09:44 AM
Kittie I love how you colored the hippo!
Posted by: Michele F | February 23, 2015 at 09:45 AM
Awesome cards, love the Happy day one bestest though :D TFS!
Dolly
Posted by: Dolly/ scrapthat | February 23, 2015 at 09:46 AM
Love your creativity, thx for the inspiration
Posted by: Jo | February 23, 2015 at 09:46 AM
Great cards! I especially like how you colored the cute hippo on the first card and the gold sentiment on the second card. Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Renee M | February 23, 2015 at 09:55 AM
Such pretty cards! Love the way you used the bold flower dies!
Posted by: Nancy Ward | February 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM
These are just fabulous! I love the purple hippo :-)
Posted by: Jackie | February 23, 2015 at 10:01 AM
Cute hippo.
Posted by: Edy | February 23, 2015 at 10:03 AM
Love the window card especially!
Posted by: Leslie Brown | February 23, 2015 at 10:03 AM
These cards are beautiful. The first very funny, colorful and energetic. Though other colors used are quite bold, the card is very elegant.
Beautiful candy, each of them dreams. Thank you for having fun together.
Regards,
Bozena
Posted by: BożenA | February 23, 2015 at 10:04 AM
I like your EH samples. Lovin' that hippo with blushing cheeks...what a hoot.
Posted by: Parker O | February 23, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Love the window cards you made, can't wait to get those window dies! The Wish Big hippo and scripty sentiments are fabulous - really awesome cards.
Posted by: Melissa friedrich | February 23, 2015 at 10:06 AM
Love this release, what more can I say? AWESOME
Posted by: Joy | February 23, 2015 at 10:11 AM
The Bold Blooms stamp and dies are fabulous!
Posted by: Glorie Alvarez | February 23, 2015 at 10:12 AM
Very, very cute!
Posted by: Kathleen Kennedy | February 23, 2015 at 10:13 AM
I am really excited about the new products! The bold blooms set and window dies look like such fun! Can't wait to try them myself.
Posted by: Regina Furman | February 23, 2015 at 10:14 AM
I was already loving the window dies, but what you did with them just made me want them even more.
Posted by: Tami B | February 23, 2015 at 10:17 AM
Fun, whimsical and elegant! Would love to win the stamp set!
Posted by: Donna | February 23, 2015 at 10:17 AM
The more I advance in this blog hop, the more I am convinced that I need to get the whole release!
Posted by: Kim | February 23, 2015 at 10:17 AM
Fabulous samples. Been a fan of yours for a very long time.
Posted by: SueB | February 23, 2015 at 10:17 AM
Love the window dies ... you've made such a sweet bright card. And the roses are a must have too!
Posted by: Janet Swanlady21 | February 23, 2015 at 10:20 AM
This release is just awesome - the cake and hippo and bold blooms and hearts - love it all!
Posted by: Jennifer K | February 23, 2015 at 10:20 AM
As always your cards are awesome. Love the hippo!
Posted by: Bev H | February 23, 2015 at 10:22 AM
Your Hippo card is so fun! LOVe the window! The Blooms card is very pretty and would be a treat to receive! TFS!
Posted by: barb macaskill | February 23, 2015 at 10:29 AM
Your projects are gorgeous.. I love the Hippo one so cute!
Posted by: Holly Endress | February 23, 2015 at 10:31 AM
Classy & Fun, Kittie! I love them both! Such a fantastic release!
Posted by: Michele Clay | February 23, 2015 at 10:33 AM
Hip, hip, hooray! Love that hippo! Thank you for sharing. Blessings, Lsia
Posted by: Lisa Duggin | February 23, 2015 at 10:38 AM
OMGosh, your hippo card is just adorable.
Posted by: Farley Cross | February 23, 2015 at 10:41 AM
That hippo is too stinkin cute! The flower card is beautiful!
Posted by: Pam | February 23, 2015 at 10:41 AM
Your cards are so BRIGHT and CHEERFUL :) :)
Grand release!
Posted by: Debbie Lou | February 23, 2015 at 10:41 AM
Your cards are so cute! I love the adorable hippo and birdie set. The flower set is so versatile!
Posted by: Kim A. | February 23, 2015 at 10:46 AM
I really love how rich and vibrant your bird and hippo ended up. That was beautiful. Also loved your floral card. Thanks for the chance to win that adorable stamp set
Posted by: Carolyn S | February 23, 2015 at 10:48 AM
I love the hippo behind the window. What a wonderful stamp set.
Posted by: Carol | February 23, 2015 at 10:48 AM
The new winter release if full of possibilities! Can't wait! Love what you did with the Bold Blossoms set especially.
Posted by: Donna Gourley | February 23, 2015 at 10:50 AM
These sets are all great. But the Hippo has my heart. Nice work.
Posted by: Susan | February 23, 2015 at 10:54 AM
That window treatment is the bomb. Love this stamp and die set.
Posted by: GingerJ | February 23, 2015 at 10:55 AM
Great cards! That hippo is a hoot. Love the Bold Blossoms, great focal point for a card.
Posted by: Vivian C. | February 23, 2015 at 10:55 AM
Two beautiful cards with amazing color and detail..... LOVE!
Posted by: Michelle Leone | February 23, 2015 at 11:02 AM
Love these cards! That hippo in the heart is so cute!
Posted by: doris | February 23, 2015 at 11:02 AM
Thanks for the inspiration. I love your hippo window card. Thanks for the chance to win my favorite stamp set in this release.
Posted by: Barbara | February 23, 2015 at 11:04 AM
Love your hippo card, the window die is so versatile!
Posted by: Janet | February 23, 2015 at 11:05 AM
Such pretty cards Kittie. Love the rich colors on the cute images on the first one... and oh, that bloom card... beautiful.
Posted by: Monika Davis | February 23, 2015 at 11:07 AM
Lovely Creations such a fun release!!
Posted by: kellybooth | February 23, 2015 at 11:10 AM
beautiful cards!! :)
Posted by: francesca | February 23, 2015 at 11:12 AM
Lovely designs with the new releases!
Posted by: Kathy | February 23, 2015 at 11:13 AM
Great cards for birthdays. The hippo is so cute.
Posted by: Liz D | February 23, 2015 at 11:13 AM
Cute cards I especially like the flower one but then I'm really anxious for spring!!
Posted by: Vicki | February 23, 2015 at 11:15 AM
A wonderful blog hop...great seeing all of the artists' ideas come to life. A Little Birdie Told Me is so cute!
Posted by: Diane Hanson | February 23, 2015 at 11:18 AM
the window dies are fantastic and i'm in love with the bold blooms - your card is gorgeous!
Posted by: Betty | February 23, 2015 at 11:18 AM
Such cute cards. Have to admit that my favorite is the window dies and Im not waiting to order this time and missing the boat. I can see so many cute cards with this set of dies and cant wait to see what others you create with them.
Love the Big Wish stamp set with that cute Hippo too, love how you colored him or her lol.
Posted by: Eileen Lucas | February 23, 2015 at 11:19 AM
Love your cards and how you used the window dies.
Posted by: Dorothy C. | February 23, 2015 at 11:23 AM
Great cards, wonderful ideas
Posted by: Carolyn Picken | February 23, 2015 at 11:24 AM
A cute and a pretty one. Both are wonderful. Love the simple flower Happy Day card. Thanks so much.
Posted by: BeverlyBL | February 23, 2015 at 11:28 AM
what wonderful cards. thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Cheryl | February 23, 2015 at 11:29 AM
Love your cards so much! You are always so wonderful!
Posted by: Robin L | February 23, 2015 at 11:32 AM
Oh wow - the hippo is adorable and the flower card is just stunning!
Posted by: Jennifer L. | February 23, 2015 at 11:36 AM
Just adorable thanks for sharing with us
Posted by: Cindi Atkins | February 23, 2015 at 11:38 AM
Your cards (and this collection) are fabulous!
Posted by: Terri (Blindstamper) | February 23, 2015 at 11:41 AM
Love the window dies, and Julie's bird is so adorable, loved him from the 12 days set.
Posted by: Lynda | February 23, 2015 at 11:41 AM
That hippo just delights me. You have made him so festve in his little window.
Posted by: conil | February 23, 2015 at 11:43 AM
Gorgeous! LOVE the window dies!!!
Posted by: Kristie G. | February 23, 2015 at 11:45 AM
nicely done! Love your pair of cards for the hop! So many wonderful peek-a-boo projects this time around! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Chistine Kiehl | February 23, 2015 at 11:48 AM
Love your cards as always. The window is just wonderful!
Posted by: Barbara M. | February 23, 2015 at 11:51 AM
Super cute cards!! I love the flower set with the matching dies!!
Posted by: Dana W | February 23, 2015 at 11:55 AM
Love your super fun cards. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Patty | February 23, 2015 at 11:56 AM
Oh my, super super fun. And the colors and great too.
Posted by: Ann | February 23, 2015 at 11:57 AM
As always your cards are so awesome. The little bird holding the balloons.. precious!
Posted by: Mary Gray Whitcomb | February 23, 2015 at 11:57 AM
Your window card is lovely. So many possibilities with those window dies.
Posted by: Krissie | February 23, 2015 at 11:57 AM
Awesome cards. Love your creativity. Thanks for a chance to win.
Posted by: Pat from sd | February 23, 2015 at 11:58 AM
All of your cards are wonderful but that hippo card just put a huge smile on my face. Thanks so much for sharing :)
Posted by: Beau | February 23, 2015 at 12:04 PM
That Hippo is a star.
Posted by: Kathy Stacy | February 23, 2015 at 12:06 PM
Goodness Kittie, Love your Hippo/Birdie duo card with the embossed balloons and your floral card is so elegant and perfect. ~ Carol W.
Posted by: Carol W. | February 23, 2015 at 12:09 PM
Love the expression on the hippo!!! Such a fun release!
Posted by: Terry | February 23, 2015 at 12:10 PM
How fun your cut out window
card is! Great stamps in it.
Love the flowers on the
second card, so pretty.
Carla from Utah
Posted by: Carla Hundley | February 23, 2015 at 12:21 PM
Your cards are beautiful, as always. I really like the square one with the die cut flowers.
Posted by: Amy McCue | February 23, 2015 at 12:26 PM
I love your cards and the big window card is cute but the flower is pretty there is a lot to this release lol love it:-)
Posted by: lillian meyer | February 23, 2015 at 12:30 PM
Fantastic cards, both of them. The rose card is my favorite, because it seems a lot simpler to put together.
Posted by: Diana N. | February 23, 2015 at 12:34 PM
super cute the window one like all your work
Posted by: Helene Prevost | February 23, 2015 at 12:35 PM
Clever use of the window dies. Loved the idea of attaching the hippo to the window rather than to the card base. And your flower card is so simple yet really beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Michele W | February 23, 2015 at 12:37 PM
These little windows are so clever, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Helen K | February 23, 2015 at 12:39 PM
Big Wish is now on my wish list. Great cards!
Posted by: Barbara | February 23, 2015 at 12:40 PM
I just think these window dies are the best. They are inspiring some great ideas and cards. I don't think I'm going to be able to pass up buying them!
Posted by: Denise Terry | February 23, 2015 at 12:41 PM
Fantastic cards. Kittie you always are able to put your personal style to any image. I admire that! Thanks for the great blog.
Posted by: Kate Bell | February 23, 2015 at 12:42 PM
Totally love the hippo card. So cute great job.
Posted by: Susie Draper | February 23, 2015 at 12:44 PM
Absolutely great cards!!
Posted by: Debbie | February 23, 2015 at 12:47 PM
Fun, fun, fun hippo card and the rose is a pure delight. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Maureen Morton | February 23, 2015 at 12:55 PM
Love the cards. Hippo adorable.
Posted by: Debbie Myers | February 23, 2015 at 12:57 PM
Love your cards as always! Such a great release!
Posted by: Tami | February 23, 2015 at 12:59 PM
Your cards are fantastic! Such talent. Love the stamp sets in this release! Ellen has great service!
Posted by: susan h. | February 23, 2015 at 01:00 PM
FUN hippo card and such a lovely flower card! Thank you for sharing ♥
Posted by: Brandi R | February 23, 2015 at 01:01 PM