Birthday Wishes Bamboo Panda

Today I’m sharing a fun and cheerful handmade birthday card featuring the cutest little panda! 

Card Details

For the focal, I used Bamboo Panda from Conie Fong Art & Design.

This little cutie is 1 of 12 included in a bundle.

 I colored him up with Prismacolor pencils, keeping his fur soft and fluffy while adding bright pops of green to the bamboo leaves. The bold green against the black-and-white panda really makes him stand out.

             I layered the panda inside a stitched circle die cut, framed with a black border for contrast.               Behind it, I embossed the background with a bamboo-like texture to give extra dimension.

A few black sequins were sprinkled in for a playful touch.

To finish the card, I added the die cut sentiment “Birthday Wishes” across the bottom in a lovely script font. The whole panel was then mounted on a green card base to tie in with the bamboo leaves.

Inspiration

This card makes me smile because pandas are such a symbol of happiness and peace. I thought it was the perfect design for a birthday, sending a little joy along with warm wishes.

I love how this card came together—it’s simple but full of personality. Perfect for anyone who adores animals or just needs a little panda cheer on their birthday!

You're the Sweetest

It's time to share some inspiration for this month's

Polkadoodles Craft & Cardmaking Challenge!

Challenge Theme: ANYTHING GOES

This week's inspiration project is a card created using autumn colours.

 I used Cuppa Tea Bee Time Buzzy Gnome as my focal. 

This cute digi was coloured with Prismacolor Pencils and fussy cut.

The background is comprised of a patterned paper

Bee Buzzy Polka Dots Printable Paper.

 I finished the design with one of the sentiments from 

Bee Buzzy Message/Sentiments/Quotes Printables.

Won't you join in?

We'd love to see what you create!

 

Merry Woofmas Card

 The holidays are all about joy, laughter, and a little bit of whimsy – and this fun card brings all three together! Hey there, it's Judy V here with my latest project, a Merry Woofmas Card, created for Pajama Crafter Stamps.

For this design, I used the Wienerful Christmas Stamps. I couldn’t resist featuring this adorable dachshund which was stamped, colored with Prismacolor pencils and fussy cut. As were the ornaments and gifts, adding some extra festive charm.

The background is one of the Christmas Wishes Flashcards. The snowflakes were foiled. I added shimmery snowbanks by hand cutting glitter card stock. These details add a magical holiday sparkle without overwhelming the playful theme. The sentiment “Merry Woofmas” is one of the sentiments included in the stamp set. It ties everything together perfectly for a lighthearted and dog-loving twist on the season.

This Merry Woofmas card would be perfect for friends, family, or anyone who loves pups and appreciates a handmade holiday greeting that makes them smile.

Do you send out handmade cards for Christmas? If so, do you go for cute and playful, or more classic and elegant? I’d love to hear! Let me know in the comments.

*********************************

Linking up to:

Creative Fingers - ATG

Krafty Chicks Challenge - Christmas

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday Challenge - ATG

Addicted to Stamps and More - Make Your Mark

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge - ATG Christmas 

A Place to Start - playing ATG

Dream Valley Challenge - 2 or More Layers

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Crafts Galore Encore - ATG

Crafty Animals - ATG w/animals

Critter Crazy Challenge - ATG w/featured critter

Love to Craft Challenge - ATG

Love to Scrap Challenge - ATG

Merry Little Christmas Challenge - ATG Christmas

613 Avenue Create - playing ATG

Little Patch of Crafty Friends - ATG

Crafty Gals Corner Fall Colors

We have a new challenge up at 

Crafty Gals Corner!

The theme for this challenge is: 

~ Fill in the blank -  Fall _____ ~

(leaves, florals, harvest, colours, activity, etc.)

  Our sponsors for this challenge are: 

Fred, She Said Digital Designs

Prize ~ $10 Gift Certificate

Fred She Said Designs offers a wide variety of digital products with a floral flair and cute characters too - Digi's, Pre-colored images, Papers, Sets, Fred's Flower Kits, and even digital cutting files.  Have some fun with Fred!

* * * * * * * * * *

LeAnn's World 101

Prize ~ 3 Digital Images

* * * * * * * * * *

Polkadoodles

Prize ~ 3 Digital Images

*******************************************

My DT card was created with

 Pumpkin Bouquet

Fred She Said

For this design, I layered a soft peach and brown polka-dotted background 

with a deep chocolate die-cut to add depth and texture. 

The focal point is s pumpkin bouquet filled with 

bright red blooms, cheerful sunflowers, and vibrant autumn leaves,

colored with Prismacolor pencils.

 A sweet little butterfly adds the finishing touch, 

bringing movement and whimsy to the card.

This card would be perfect to send as a thank you, Thanksgiving greeting, or simply a note to brighten someone’s day during the fall season.

 Cardmaking Tips:

When working with bold fall colors like red, orange, and yellow, 

balance them with earthy tones such as brown or muted peach.

Layering patterned and solid cardstock helps create dimension 

without overwhelming the focal image.

Adding a small accent (like the butterfly) can bring life and movement to your design.

Handmade cards are such a heartfelt way to share joy, and 

I hope this little autumn creation inspires you 

to bring seasonal colors into your own craft projects.

 Do you enjoy making seasonal cards, or 

do you like creating designs that work year-round?

 I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Embossed Masculine Birthday Cards

 When it comes to handmade birthday cards, sometimes it’s nice to step away from florals and bright colors. It can be fun to create something with a more masculine edge. Hey there, It’s Judy here sharing my latest project for CutCardStock. I am creating two embossed birthday cards that feature metallic highlights, bold textures, and clean designs—perfect for the men in your life.

Supplies 

• Lessebo Colors NAVY BLUE 83lb Cardstock
• Stardream Metallic COPPER 105lb Cardstock
• Stardream Metallic SILVER 105 lb Cardstock
• Embossing folders (gears & clocks)
• Die-cut & stamped sentiments (embossing ink & powder for stamped sentiment)
• Enamel dots
• Ink and gilding wax for highlighting embossed textures

Embossing for Striking Backgrounds

Both of my cards start with embossing panels. Using gear and clock embossing folders, I created dimensional backgrounds that really pop when highlighted with metallic cardstock and ink. Embossing is such a simple technique, yet it adds instant texture and interest.

• Card One (Left): I used a gears embossing folder on Lessebo Navy Blue Cardstock and lightly rubbed on silver gilding wax to enhance the raised details. The sentiment is cut from Stardream Metallic Silver Cardstock and layered with a bold “birthday” die cut. “happy” was stamped and heat embossed. 3 silver, glitter enamel dots finished off the design.

• Card Two (Right): For this version, I embossed clocks onto Lessebo Navy Blue Cardstock. I applied silver metallic ink onto the embossing folder to give the cardstock an aged or patinated look. Then lightly apply bronze gilding wax with a finger. Layering the embossed panel with Stardream Metallic Copper Cardstockgave it a warm, industrial look. The “Happy Birthday” sentiment is die cut to match, tying the whole design together.

Why I Love These Cards

These cards are a great reminder that masculine cards don’t have to be plain or boring. The combination of texture, metallic shine, and strong contrasts creates an eye-catching look that works for birthdays and beyond. Plus, backgrounds with embossing are quick to make and they are easy to adapt with different color schemes or sentiments.

Final Thoughts

Embossing is one of my go-to techniques when I want to make cards that look polished with minimal effort. These masculine birthday cards came together quickly, yet the results are bold and striking. Whether you’re making a card for your dad, brother, husband, or a friend, this style is sure to impress!

Join us over on the CutCardStock Facebook Page and the Facebook Group Creating with CutCardStock for more inspiration.

 And even more inspiration can be found on the CutCardStock Creative Blog.

DIY Music Themed Decor

 If you love music and paper crafting like I do, this project is the perfect blend of both! 

 Today I’m sharing a fun and meaningful décor piece that features one of my favorite quotes: “Where words fail, music speaks.” With bold colors, glittery accents, and playful music notes, this project makes a beautiful display for your craft room, music studio, or as a gift for the music lover in your life.

Supplies Used:

• Clear Scraps 8 x 8  Acrylic Book Stand  
• Clear Scraps Treble Clef Chipboard Embellishments
• Clear Scraps Music Notes Chipboard Embellishments
• 
  
  
  
  
• Patterned papers
• Black glitter cardstock, black glitter vinyl
• Quote/title cut file 
• Adhesives (double sided tape, liquid glue)
• Scissors, paper trimmer

Step 1: Cut the Quote

Cut or print your chosen quote—“Where words fail, music speaks.” I used black glitter vinyl to make the words stand out against the colorful background. 

Step 2: Apply Quote to Book Stand

Apply quote to the front side of the book stand. I’m only using the words from the cut file.

Step 3: Add Pattern Paper

Start by selecting bold patterned papers that will make your project pop. 

Trim the paper down slightly smaller than the backside of book stand. Add double sided tape to edges on front side of the paper.

Adhere

Cut 4 strips of black glitter cardstock about 1/4’ wide for a border. Adhere to front side of book stand.

Step 3: Embellish with Music Notes

Nothing says “music” like music notes! I used the chipboard embellishments, colored them with a black sparkle pen. Place them around the quote and project is complete.

Final Thoughts

I love how this project turned out—playful, bold, and full of meaning. Whether you’re gifting it to a music teacher, decorating a studio, or making something for yourself,  this project is sure to hit the right note! 🎶

Be sure and check out more Clear Scraps inspiration by following on social media

Clear Scraps Blog

Clear Scraps Facebook

Clear Scraps Instagram

Clear Scraps Pinterest   

Morgan's ArtWorld September

 Well, here we are, at the beginning of another month.

That always brings on a new challenge at

Morgan's ArtWorld!

My inspiration card is created with

Wedding 3.

I colored the image with prismacolor pencils and fussy cut.

I happened to have a card base sitting near my work space

left from a project I had started but went a different direction with.

The top half of the card was die cut with the bottom open to the inside.

I decided to turn the card with the die cut portion on the left.

I backed with a silver foiled card stock.

A patterned paper from a pile of scraps near my desk served well 

for the right side of the the inside of the card.

I placed white card stock on the left of the inside for a personal message.

The fussy cut image was adhered to the edge of the front.

I die cut the sentiment and adhered to a die cut rectangle.

The flower bouquet below the sentiment is a sticker from my stash.

I hope you'll join in the challenge this month.

It's always ANYTHING GOES and you cab

enter with projects using images from any company.

*******************************************

Linking up to:

A Perfect Time to Craft - ATG

Ally's Angels - ATG

Love to Craft - ATG

Love to Scrap - ATG

A Cut Above - ATG with a die cut

A Place to Start - playing ATG

613 Avenue Create - playing ATG

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - ATG