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.
Love your pretty cards! Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway! I've got my fingers crossed!
Posted by: Donna Whitten | February 24, 2015 at 12:28 PM
Nice cards, I really love the flower one, it is so pretty!
Posted by: Colleen B. | February 24, 2015 at 12:44 PM
This is a really cute set.
Posted by: So Howard | February 24, 2015 at 12:47 PM
Oh Kittie, just love your Little Birdie card, so charming. Thanks for sharing your creative talent.
Posted by: KimC | February 24, 2015 at 01:28 PM
it's hard to top that first card. the roses are pretty but they pale when compared to the work for the hippo card. I'll be trying to replicate that card. It is so cute.
thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mary Holshouser | February 24, 2015 at 02:00 PM
Great cards! I love the window die--makes the card so much fun.
Posted by: Marty H | February 24, 2015 at 02:12 PM
I think my favorite card was the "Oh happy day"! It is so simple, yet so pretty. Perfect for Mother's Day!
Posted by: Ginny | February 24, 2015 at 02:21 PM
Your cards are beautiful and clever! I think the products here are fabulous!
Posted by: Jeanne Jordan | February 24, 2015 at 02:23 PM
Great cards! It's fun to see all of the designers interpretations of the same products. Great inspiration.
Posted by: Pam | February 24, 2015 at 02:25 PM
Lovely cards, Kittie. Thanks for showing us part of the new release.
Posted by: Angie Hall | February 24, 2015 at 02:26 PM
Your cards so elegant ! Great cards !
And thanks for the inspiration, and the chance to win.
Posted by: Halina | February 24, 2015 at 03:12 PM
Both cards are gorgeous.
Posted by: tlcamp656@yahoo.com | February 24, 2015 at 03:29 PM
I love the "off the edge" elements in your cards, Kittie! I can see so many possibilities for using the peek-a-boo window dies.
Posted by: Carol MJS | February 24, 2015 at 03:45 PM
Love hippos and these window dies are brilliant!
Posted by: Karen O'Reilly | February 24, 2015 at 03:47 PM
Love the colors in your flower card!! The ballons looks fantastic in the hippo birdie card!!
Posted by: Marcia Harrington | February 24, 2015 at 03:49 PM
I love how you used the window die as a smaller layer popped up on the card base and that hippo looking back when the window is opened is sooo cute. Great cards!
Posted by: Mary | February 24, 2015 at 04:01 PM
Absolutely love your Bold Blooms card! The mini window dies are really cute.
Posted by: Pamela Burke | February 24, 2015 at 04:47 PM
the hippo in the window is too cute.
Posted by: julie m | February 24, 2015 at 04:57 PM
love the cards, the flower one is beautiful
Posted by: Jennifer Smith | February 24, 2015 at 05:42 PM
Swoon, those bold blooms are terrific.
Posted by: Cat C | February 24, 2015 at 06:25 PM
Fabulous cards! Love the hippo in the window!
Posted by: Mary Ann C. | February 24, 2015 at 06:29 PM
Beautiful fun cards. Thanks for sharing and the opportunity to win.
Posted by: Mitzi | February 24, 2015 at 06:41 PM
I am in love with the window dies! So awesome! And I love the sentiments that can be used for balloon strings .... who doesn't love balloons??? !!!
Posted by: Ann K | February 24, 2015 at 07:00 PM
Great cards. Love the frame and bold blossoms.
Posted by: Carol Mc | February 24, 2015 at 08:11 PM
What a fun stamp set!
Posted by: Kirsten B in MN | February 24, 2015 at 08:20 PM
Thanks for the inspiration. Love the hippo stamp and the window dies.
Posted by: Linda K | February 24, 2015 at 08:49 PM
Kittie - another beauty of a card!!! I love this new release! Thanks for the opportunity of winning!! Woo-Hoo!!!
Posted by: Lorraine Frost | February 24, 2015 at 09:00 PM
I really love the bright colors you used on your lovely cards!
Posted by: Kelly Massman | February 24, 2015 at 09:28 PM
So much cuteness
Posted by: Bonnie Ditto | February 24, 2015 at 09:28 PM
Fantastic cards- love your Hippo card and that beautiful flower card, that would make an awesome wall hanging :)
Posted by: Heather Warner-Ferguson | February 24, 2015 at 09:39 PM
Love the flower stamps and dies! Those windows are so cute!
Posted by: Kathi | February 24, 2015 at 09:42 PM
That first card is pure fun. Thanks for a chance to win.
Posted by: Pat McCleary | February 24, 2015 at 10:54 PM
Wonderful cards! I really like those window dies!
Posted by: KT Fit Kitty | February 24, 2015 at 10:58 PM
Love your cards! And love that hippo.
Posted by: Ashely | February 24, 2015 at 11:06 PM
Both cards are just fantastic! And both of these sets will be coming to live at my house, for sure!
Posted by: Eileen M | February 24, 2015 at 11:45 PM
Your Hippo card so cute, but I absolutely love the second card. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
Posted by: Julie Brusman | February 25, 2015 at 12:21 AM
Great cards & color combo...such happy colors!!!
Posted by: Marty | February 25, 2015 at 12:53 AM
Wonderful cards--I love the critters and balloons on the first one and the beautiful flower and sentiment on the second! Agreed--Great release!!
Posted by: Shauna M. | February 25, 2015 at 03:08 AM
Beautiful cards, thanks for showing these ideas. Fab new release!
Posted by: Monique | February 25, 2015 at 03:28 AM
As always, your cards are lovely! The flower decorated frame card is Spring! The hippo and window die card is so whimsical! Creative release Ellen.
Posted by: Cynthia Berquist | February 25, 2015 at 04:57 AM
What fantastic cards! I love those gorgeous blooms!
Posted by: Celeste Goff | February 25, 2015 at 06:56 AM
Both your cards are fabulous! I'm loving the peek-a-boo windows!
Posted by: Birgit | February 25, 2015 at 07:39 AM
Love both your cards. But the hippo one....just too cute and colourful!!!
Posted by: karine boivin | February 25, 2015 at 08:00 AM
I like your use of really bold colors - - it must be time for spring. I need to break out of my greys and blues!
Posted by: Laura Miller | February 25, 2015 at 08:55 AM
This cards looks so beautiful and sweet! Love it!
Posted by: Amante del Papel | February 25, 2015 at 09:01 AM
I just love Julie's new release, and both if these sets you used in particular! That Hippo is just the bomb! And the window dies are also coming to my house. Am so glad Julie thought those up!!
Posted by: Steph Hilt | February 25, 2015 at 09:38 AM
love the hippo-birdie card!
Posted by: Cynthia J. Miller | February 25, 2015 at 10:52 AM
Thanks for sharing your adorable hippo card and very pretty floral card! Neat stamp sets.
Posted by: Sheri K | February 25, 2015 at 12:44 PM
i love the cards and the stamp set .. very inspiring and wants me go make some cards.. thanks and would love to win the giveaway!
Posted by: nafi | February 25, 2015 at 12:51 PM
Fun Hippo card and beautiful floral one!
Posted by: Janet L. | February 25, 2015 at 01:01 PM
What a sweet card using the hippo and balloons. And that flower card is simply gorgeous. Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Judy | February 25, 2015 at 06:10 PM
I just love this release.. thanks for showing so many options.
Posted by: LesLee Stone-Rasmus | February 25, 2015 at 06:27 PM
Thanks for the inspiration! Love the fun birthday card and the elegant second one.TFS
Posted by: Loly Borda | February 25, 2015 at 06:37 PM
awesome cards great stamps love the hippo gotta have him
Posted by: Donna Northcott | February 25, 2015 at 08:02 PM
the 'Happy Day' card is my favorite!
Posted by: Michelle A | February 25, 2015 at 08:28 PM
Kitties, Thank you for sharing those tips. I love the hippo and especially her roses cheeks. Pretty cheerful blooms!
Posted by: Sharon Klumph | February 25, 2015 at 09:06 PM
I absolutely love the balloons and hippo. They are so vibrant.
Posted by: Beckers | February 25, 2015 at 10:03 PM
Fab cards! Love the cute window card with that adorable hippo, and the gorgeous set of flower stamps and dies! Awesome release with lots of 'gotta have it' items on my list!
Posted by: Denise Bryant | February 25, 2015 at 10:30 PM
I like both cards but think I like the hippo the best. Purple is my favorite color, so perhaps that's why.
I must say I have been enjoying your cards for sometime. Your window cards are amazing! Thanks for the inspiration
Posted by: Lynn | February 25, 2015 at 10:30 PM
I just love the Hippo Birdie set so cute. I love the bright green color of your other card.
Posted by: suzanne Witter | February 25, 2015 at 10:39 PM
I love your "Oh Happy Day" card
Posted by: Tracy. Brown | February 25, 2015 at 11:32 PM
I am loving all the new releases by Ellen. Way to go!!
Posted by: Natalie Godfrey | February 25, 2015 at 11:40 PM
Great cards! Love the hippo!
Posted by: Donna | February 26, 2015 at 12:09 AM
Those mini window dies are dropping into my cart...lovely cards!
Posted by: Kris | February 26, 2015 at 12:06 PM
You are the queen of bringing cards to life. The hippo window card is darling. Love it. Cheers!
Posted by: Maye M.L. | February 26, 2015 at 12:28 PM
Just loving that flower die!!
Posted by: jan metcalf | February 26, 2015 at 02:16 PM
Julie has outdone herself! I love how you have used her products. That hippo is so cute!
Posted by: Sheri Elmont | February 26, 2015 at 03:16 PM
I like what you did with the hippo. The card just has to make ya smile with it's bright colors.
Posted by: Karen | February 26, 2015 at 04:40 PM
Just love that peek a boo hippo! This whole die set it awesome!
Posted by: Janette Kausen | February 26, 2015 at 05:53 PM
Such wonderful cards to show off the fun new products!!! Thanks for your great ideas!
Posted by: Cheryl Sampson-Dutro | February 26, 2015 at 06:11 PM
I always love your cards! Great job and you are such an inspiration.
Posted by: Robin | February 26, 2015 at 06:48 PM
Hippo Card with Balloons - Sooooo CUTE & Colorful
Flower Card - So S W E E T
Posted by: Linda Chidster | February 26, 2015 at 08:32 PM
I just love the hippo stamp! Your card is wonderful -- bright colors, fun techniques and those window are fabulous!
Posted by: Denise Gutshall | February 26, 2015 at 10:05 PM
Oh, that hippo card is gorgeous!
Posted by: Jo R. | February 27, 2015 at 12:27 AM
Your cards are stunning! So creative! I love the stamp sets too. The Big Wish set is too cute for words!
Posted by: Sandra Jensen | February 27, 2015 at 02:45 AM
Your floral card is just to sweet and pretty. I love it.
Posted by: Nicole | February 27, 2015 at 08:56 AM
I love the hippo and the birdie!
Posted by: Lee | February 27, 2015 at 11:07 AM
Love your cute hippo card!
The Bold Blooms card is lovely.
Posted by: Lucy Evans | February 27, 2015 at 01:06 PM
Great cards! Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by: Memoriesbymanda | February 27, 2015 at 05:55 PM
Great cards!! Very creative and pretty!
Posted by: Natalie H | February 27, 2015 at 06:58 PM
Ah, those bold Blooms are just gorgeous, love your square card!
Posted by: Beatrice Lawson | February 27, 2015 at 09:35 PM
What fun new stamps and dies from Ellen. Bet you had fun with them.
Posted by: Bobbie Bluegill | February 28, 2015 at 12:27 AM
oh my gosh! I love the purple hippo! all of your cards are delightful! thanks so much for sharing them with us! love your techniques.
Posted by: katrine (treen) | February 28, 2015 at 01:06 AM
LOVE the new stamps and dies
Posted by: Dyna L. | February 28, 2015 at 02:01 AM
lovely cards, love the colours you have used on the hippo. Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win.
Posted by: Sarah JS | February 28, 2015 at 07:24 AM
Stunning cards, as usual! Great release of new product!
Posted by: Leslee | February 28, 2015 at 08:54 AM
Fabulous cards. The bird and hippo are just adorable. I love your card design and great colouring on the hippo especially.
Posted by: Linda F | February 28, 2015 at 09:09 AM
Love the use of the windows!!!
Posted by: Michele Dileto | February 28, 2015 at 11:36 AM
Very cute window card!
Posted by: Daria Z. | February 28, 2015 at 01:52 PM
Love all the stamps and dies on this release, love your coloring!
Posted by: Ria Montefalcon | February 28, 2015 at 02:12 PM
I really like the cute bird and hippo!
Posted by: Sandy Small | February 28, 2015 at 05:02 PM
Such lovely creations! I love the hippo so much! I wish I could stamp him right now! Haha :p
Posted by: Hayley Quarmby | February 28, 2015 at 08:42 PM
I like the use of the flower and the frame that accents the sentiment. Very clean card. I love it!
Posted by: Carla Finklea | February 28, 2015 at 09:48 PM
Love the floral cards!
Posted by: Farhana S | February 28, 2015 at 10:40 PM
I am I live with the Wish Big hippo set. I am wishing BIG I win this. Very fun cards.
Posted by: Stacy s | March 01, 2015 at 12:34 AM
Your cards are gorgeous Kittie! That hippo is hilarious 😄
Posted by: Ange B | March 01, 2015 at 06:45 AM
I love all of the new goodies in this release and your cards are amazing!
Posted by: Jackie | March 01, 2015 at 10:18 AM
Just got my scribble flowers in the mail, thanks for all the inspiration.
Posted by: sharri reeves | March 01, 2015 at 02:02 PM
Oh goodness, what's not to love about gallons. My favorite birthday stamp.
Posted by: Laurie | March 01, 2015 at 02:04 PM
What sweet cards, great for kids.
Posted by: Lin Cherry | March 01, 2015 at 04:14 PM