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.
What beautiful cards. I LOVE the window with the hippo and birdie. The second card is so striking with the colors you chose. Really beautiful design.
Posted by: Nora | February 23, 2015 at 06:57 PM
What great card ideas, the hippo card is so original. I love your take on the blossom card, just so clean and elegant. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jill Taylor | February 23, 2015 at 07:12 PM
So happy cards! Love those rainbow balloons!
Posted by: Yoonsun Hur | February 23, 2015 at 07:18 PM
I was thinking I might want the flower dies, but your card sealed the deal... gorgeous!
Love the detail you created with the hippo set.
Posted by: Melissa McFaddin | February 23, 2015 at 07:20 PM
Stunning cards! Thanks for sharing your talent - and for the awesome giveaway.
Posted by: mrembold@ gmail.com | February 23, 2015 at 07:23 PM
What a great release! Love your hippo and birdie.
Posted by: MaryBeth | February 23, 2015 at 07:26 PM
Kittie - great inspiration pieces of the new release! I know this is probably a little out of your comfort zone, but you've done an amazing job! I've been following your work in The Classroom at Ellen Hutson's and I'm always speechless at the beautiful works of art you make to inspire us!
Thanks for all you do -
Posted by: Gini K | February 23, 2015 at 07:27 PM
I really like the bold frame you used with your bold floral card! So pretty!
Posted by: Amanda C. | February 23, 2015 at 07:34 PM
Love the birdie on that birthday card!
Posted by: DLJackson | February 23, 2015 at 07:38 PM
Love that flower!! So bold and pretty!
Posted by: Megan | February 23, 2015 at 07:41 PM
FUN cards!!! I love those window dies and those beautiful bold blooms!!!!
Posted by: Lisa Petrella | February 23, 2015 at 07:49 PM
The window dies and the Wish Big stamp set are fabulous. I love the entire new release. Your cards are so nice, Kitty!
Posted by: joy meadows | February 23, 2015 at 07:58 PM
So adorable, that hippo!! Fun card with the window. Love the script font in the set!
Posted by: ConnieG | February 23, 2015 at 08:05 PM
Your "OH Happy Day" frame card is stunning!
Posted by: Cathy M | February 23, 2015 at 08:09 PM
This is my favorite set. Love what u have done with it! Thanks for the chance to win
Posted by: jona | February 23, 2015 at 08:20 PM
That hippo is so darn cute and the flower card is very pretty! Great cards both!
Posted by: ColleenK | February 23, 2015 at 08:22 PM
Nobody can do die-cutting and cards like you do, Kittie! Beautiful cards, and thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Linda S. in NE | February 23, 2015 at 08:25 PM
Love these cards! Beautiful!
Posted by: Shelly | February 23, 2015 at 08:29 PM
Great great idea for the hippo loved the colors you used.
Posted by: kathy | February 23, 2015 at 08:32 PM
Looking at your "Oh, Happy Day" card makes me happy.
Posted by: Sandy | February 23, 2015 at 08:39 PM
Love both cards! The colors are great!
Posted by: Gail A | February 23, 2015 at 08:40 PM
OMG . . . love them both. That floral card is fabulous.
Posted by: Debbie Bonczek | February 23, 2015 at 08:46 PM
The cards are so beautiful!I just love the bold blossom dies. They add so much to the card. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Irasema | February 23, 2015 at 08:50 PM
Someone left a comment and said the more they hop they are convinced that they need to purchase the entire release..... I concur this release is just amazing.
Posted by: Felicita | February 23, 2015 at 08:51 PM
So cute!!!! Love your cards!
Posted by: tricia b | February 23, 2015 at 09:04 PM
Nice and bright. How could anyone not be happy if received one of these colourful cards
Posted by: net | February 23, 2015 at 09:18 PM
Very nice cards. I really love the hippo.
Posted by: Iris López | February 23, 2015 at 09:19 PM
Such cute cards! Lovin the Hippo!
Posted by: Nancee Purdum | February 23, 2015 at 09:24 PM
What very nice cards that you have made! Love the stamp set that you will be giving away!
Posted by: Stephanie Z | February 23, 2015 at 09:29 PM
How much is that hippo in the window? Sorry, couldn't resist... FAB cards... especially the hippo!
Posted by: D.AnnC | February 23, 2015 at 09:39 PM
LOVE your cards and this new release:)
Posted by: Carolee McCaslin | February 23, 2015 at 09:40 PM
Adorable hippo window card and lovely floral card.
Posted by: Sue D | February 23, 2015 at 09:45 PM
Lovely cards made! The hippo and birdie are too cute!
Posted by: Lydine Arriola | February 23, 2015 at 09:58 PM
super fun cards!! Such a fun release!
Posted by: Chera | February 23, 2015 at 09:59 PM
Love all your cards, but the Hippo is my favorite...fun stuff...
Posted by: Sherry T | February 23, 2015 at 10:06 PM
Loving all the color!
Posted by: Amy A. | February 23, 2015 at 10:19 PM
Love both your cards, but I especially love the hippo birdie card because of the windows die. What a great release from Ellen and Julie! Just when you think there could be nothing new, there is! :)
Posted by: barbara lassiter | February 23, 2015 at 10:21 PM
That hippo is growing on me! Think the window die is my favorite.
Posted by: Mary | February 23, 2015 at 10:24 PM
Great cards, I love the way you used the windows.
Posted by: Linda Mc | February 23, 2015 at 10:27 PM
Great work! I especially like the flower card :-)
Posted by: Jeanie | February 23, 2015 at 10:44 PM
Super beautiful cards!! Thanks for sharing-cant wait to try the new products!!!
Posted by: Laurie Brown | February 23, 2015 at 10:45 PM
Beautiful cards! Love the hippo.
Posted by: Sue McW | February 23, 2015 at 10:51 PM
So love both these cards....they make my happy. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Josie Lombardi | February 23, 2015 at 10:52 PM
Really cute cards! Who wouldn't love that hippo...too much! Thanks for the inspiration
Posted by: Tina A | February 23, 2015 at 11:11 PM
I love your bold colors on the hippo card! Who would not want that cheerful card in their mailbox??
Posted by: Julie | February 23, 2015 at 11:14 PM
Fabulous window card with the adorable hippo peaking through!!! You so such fabulous work, and love your choice of bold colors!!! The images seem to pop off the page!! Great job!
Posted by: Beverly Jordan | February 23, 2015 at 11:19 PM
Wonderful cards!!!
Posted by: Lynda | February 23, 2015 at 11:20 PM
So cute! That window is just DARLING!!!
Posted by: Heather - housesbuiltofcards | February 23, 2015 at 11:27 PM
Oh my gosh this is a wonderful card and such a cute design!!
Posted by: karenladd | February 23, 2015 at 11:27 PM
Cute cards! The peek-a-boo card is fun!
Posted by: Amy Cooley | February 23, 2015 at 11:35 PM
As always, Kittie, your cards are wonderful. You have used such bright, happy looking colors on them both. I like the bold flower dies.
Posted by: Sue | February 23, 2015 at 11:40 PM
Love your Happy Day card, the bold blooms are amazing!
Posted by: Kristina Beagle | February 23, 2015 at 11:42 PM
what a great window card - big wishes!
Posted by: Carol K | February 23, 2015 at 11:48 PM
Soooooo beautiful!!!!
Posted by: Tere Azua | February 23, 2015 at 11:51 PM
Great cards! Super cute hippo card and beautiful blossom card! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: AJ | February 24, 2015 at 12:21 AM
The first card is so cute and a fantastic design! The second card is so classy!
Posted by: Jenny Martin | February 24, 2015 at 12:40 AM
Great cards! That hippo has stolen my heart! I also am flipping for the dies, love the windows!
Posted by: Charity Chamberlain | February 24, 2015 at 01:09 AM
That hippo stamp is just too cute for words!
Posted by: Mimi R | February 24, 2015 at 01:15 AM
Love those chunky leaves and the gold embossing. So pretty!
Posted by: Lesley | February 24, 2015 at 01:15 AM
gorgeous cards~ such a fun stamp set~ :)
Posted by: haejin | February 24, 2015 at 01:19 AM
I love balloons on birthday cards! That hippo and bird are just darling!
Posted by: Kris in Alaska | February 24, 2015 at 01:23 AM
I love your cards. they showcase the new release so perfectly!!!
Posted by: Barb Mc | February 24, 2015 at 01:27 AM
how cute is this stamp set?
Posted by: Carmen | February 24, 2015 at 01:33 AM
Hi Kittie,
Two great cards...so different from each other...but still "so Kittie!" Julie's new release is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your creations!
Posted by: Starqueen | February 24, 2015 at 01:34 AM
Love your cards! I am a fan of creations!
Posted by: Tess L | February 24, 2015 at 01:42 AM
Such creative and inspiring cards! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Candy B | February 24, 2015 at 01:45 AM
Beautiful cards. I loved the window hippo card and the rose card is so elegant.
Posted by: Efrat | February 24, 2015 at 01:55 AM
Both of your cards are great, gotta love the hippo!
Posted by: Lin F | February 24, 2015 at 02:21 AM
Pretty cool hippo birdie card!
Posted by: Sandy Small | February 24, 2015 at 02:59 AM
The window card is so fun! And absolutely love the Bold Blooms card!
Posted by: Nandini | February 24, 2015 at 03:28 AM
Super fun and cute purple hippo card! I absolutely love that set, it's a must have for sure!
Posted by: Shaughn Woodruff | February 24, 2015 at 03:32 AM
Awesome looking cards!
Posted by: Audrey | February 24, 2015 at 03:44 AM
Just lovin that hippo and the window die would be so handy. Your floral card is crisp and gorgeous too. Love it all!!
Posted by: Shona Chambers | February 24, 2015 at 03:53 AM
Great cards.
Posted by: Irene Grau | February 24, 2015 at 04:09 AM
The hippo is so cute and the rose card is just lovely.
Posted by: Claire Cerami | February 24, 2015 at 05:23 AM
Your colors are so pretty and love the flower card!
Posted by: Key | February 24, 2015 at 06:07 AM
These are fantastic in your wonderful style! I really like that hippo card, so fun.
Posted by: Sue VanDeVusse | February 24, 2015 at 06:20 AM
Lovely coloring on the hippo! The card looks so fun and going the extra mile to make it a see thru card is brilliant.
Posted by: Kai Ramos | February 24, 2015 at 06:50 AM
Both cards are unique and wonderful...I love them :)
Posted by: Maja | February 24, 2015 at 07:12 AM
Rose card is lovely - must try this !
Posted by: kathryn D | February 24, 2015 at 07:24 AM
That hippo is just so cute.
Posted by: Fe | February 24, 2015 at 07:46 AM
Think I need that hippo for future cards. Love your ideas!
Posted by: Sue Bryant | February 24, 2015 at 07:47 AM
Augh…so nice
Posted by: Susieq | February 24, 2015 at 08:18 AM
WOW -- your first card is awesomely fun and so playful!!! Love the color and the gloss!! Your second card is heart-stutteringly gorgeous!!! Way to go - I am just so in love with your cards!!!!
Posted by: Taunya Butler | February 24, 2015 at 08:44 AM
Fantastic release. Love your designs and use of products.
Posted by: Debs | February 24, 2015 at 09:10 AM
Great cards. Love the floral die.
Posted by: Susan P | February 24, 2015 at 09:16 AM
I really LOVE the way you used the Bold Blooms. Your creations are always the BEST!! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: lewistruth | February 24, 2015 at 09:34 AM
I love the frame you made with the die cut flower. What a great idea! Thanks.
Posted by: Karen Martens | February 24, 2015 at 09:48 AM
I Adore all your cards!! Super cute set!!
Posted by: Maureen Reiss | February 24, 2015 at 10:25 AM
What an adorable animal stamp set!
Posted by: Terri E. | February 24, 2015 at 10:28 AM
Hi Kittie! I love both cards. Wish Big has so many possibilities, love that bird and hippo! Bold Blooms/Blossoms are wonderful, love how those layer together, I was curious if they would, looks like we need all 3 sets!
Posted by: Paulette S. | February 24, 2015 at 10:29 AM
Love the windows!
Posted by: Lucinde | February 24, 2015 at 11:04 AM
Your cards are beautiful. Love the flower card, and your hippo card is just too cute.
Posted by: Cheryl Hauber | February 24, 2015 at 11:04 AM
The hippo is colored such a pretty shade of purple!!! And the Oh Happy Day card is so pretty, love what you did with Bold Blooms!
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | February 24, 2015 at 11:11 AM
Beautiful colors. What magic! Hiding a hippo in a window! LOL
Posted by: Pam Cain | February 24, 2015 at 11:15 AM
Great cards! I love that hippo! He's so cute!
Posted by: Jennifer S. | February 24, 2015 at 11:50 AM
this release and your cards are so fun!
Posted by: Pai | February 24, 2015 at 11:58 AM
Every card that I have seen so far I call my favorite....very cute!!
Posted by: Julie | February 24, 2015 at 12:04 PM
I'm huge fan so anything you do I love, lol. The window is a great idea, I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing your uber talent.
Posted by: Lisaerica | February 24, 2015 at 12:08 PM
Fun and pretty cards!
Posted by: Robyn I | February 24, 2015 at 12:20 PM