Hey, all! As my blog and following has been growing, so has my need to be more involved in the blogging world. I have made the decision to move my blog over to a new site. I will still be checking in here from time to time, but all my new posting will be at my new site, 
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Thank you so much for following me so far in my crafty blogging adventures. I hope to see you over at my new online home! 



































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Have you guys checked out KINDRED STAMPS yet? If not, you are missing out! This company has some amazing and unique stamp sets that your SciFi and Pop Culture lover will adore! 

I am so excited that I am able to participate in the new release from Kindred Stamps! If you are following along on the hop, welcome! If you aren't following the hop and would like to jump in, just follow the links at the end of the post. 

KINDRED STAMPS is releasing a number of stamp sets, and I got to work with two of them- ROYAL THRONE and HEIRS TO THE THRONE

​Take a look! 

Now that you've seen the images, you can see why I was so excited to work with them! I made a number of projects with this release. I'll show you what I've been working on! 

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First up is this fun shaker card I created by first coloring in the images with my STYLEFILE alcohol markers. Then, I fussy cut them out. 

To create the background I used a birch tree die that I cut out with white cardstock. I again cut the die out of some craft foam so I could pop it up perfectly and then fill in the gaps with some glitter. The purpley-blue sky in the background is Distress Ink that I blended together to make it look like a cold, SNOW-y day. Get it? ;) 
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This next card I wanted to look a little more cutesy. It would be a great Valentine's card for a guy OR gal! I ink blended a galaxy sky behind our characters, and then popped them up on foam adhesive in front of it. For the sentiment, I curved the stamps around the sky using my MISTI and then stamped them in RAVEN BLACK ink and embossed them with clear embossing powder. 

Lastly, I added the dragon on an action wobbler. I think its so fun to see him flying above our characters! 
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This next card is such an epic birthday card! Wouldn't you or someone you know just love to receive this in the mail? 

I stamped out the throne and again colored it in with my STYLEFILE MARKERS. Then, I fussy cut it out. I took a piece of black cardstock, cut it down to size, and then blended on some WHITE PIGMENT INK behind where the throne would be adhered. That just gave it the look of fog behind and also made the throne stand out a bit from the background. Lastly, I stamped and embossed the sentiment and added a few sequins. Pretty simple, but I could totally seeing this being the perfect masculine birthday card!
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This last card for today is another shaker and perhaps my favorite of the bunch! I knew I just HAD to do a fire-y dragon with this gorgeous shaker mix, so I cut out a circle frame from my dies, and then cut out two more frames with some red craft foam. I stacked and glued them over the background that I created using a background stamp from Brutus Monroe and some RAVEN EMBOSSING POWDER. I love the tone-on-tone texture going on!

I then filled the foam circle with the shaker bits and sealed it up with some acetate. In the front, I added the dragon, an egg, and some gold leaves that are meant to look like fire. I left a sentiment off since I'm not sure if I want to use it as a birthday card, a thank you card, or something else yet. Sometimes I just love to create, and then I add a sentiment right before I send it out. This way, it gives me a little more freedom when choosing a card to mail. 
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There you have it! Several cards using the new stamps from KINDRED STAMPS.

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NOW FOR MORE INFO ON OUR BLOG HOP, AND A WORD FROM KINDRED STAMPS:

Thank you for joining us in celebrating this month's release! We know a lot of you have been hoping for sets inspired from times when dragons wandered the earth freely and dire wolves once again moved amongst this land. We brought that to you, and then some. We brought spooky things from the deepest depths of the oceans, and we captured the night sky for you. All you need to do now is to let your inspiration reign! Where will these stories take your crafting?

Before your craft table takes you to the many planets of our solar system, let us take you to the blogs for our Creative Team Members and that of our Guest Designer. Everyone is excited to provide you with a sample of their work and to talk about some of the products they used as well as their thought process.

On your journey, if you comment on each person's blog post, you will be eligible to win store credit for a future purchase! You must comment on each person's blog, as well as the blog post for Kindred Stamps. The winner will be chosen Friday night, 1-12-18, around 9 pm EST.

We thank you so much for your enthusiasm! We can't wait to see what you're inspired by, but remember, if you are inspired by something pop culture related, please refer to our stamp set names on social media and avoid using the actual show or character names. It is very important that we do not step on copyright toes! Thank you ever so much!



Now, for the hop! Follow these links!

Kindred Stamps

Marie Nicole Designs (YOU ARE HERE)

R. Winn Creates

Dagg Designs Blog

Fanciful Spaces

The Frolicking Fairy

My baby girl just turned 6 mo! I did a quick 5 minute momtographer photo shoot with her and loved how the photos turned out, so I decided to dedicate a photo page to her cute, chubby face. I kept it simple by just using several colors and only a few photos. Sometimes, less is more!

I also wanted to use the new inks and stamp set that I received from PINK AND MAIN. These inks are the same formulation as BRUTUS MONROE SURFACE INKS, but in Pink and Main colors! The colors are so vibrant and I LOVE the hues! 

I stamped out some of the arrows and then fussy cut them out. I also stamped the skinny arrows in some EMBOSSING INK and GILDED EMBOSSING POWDER to add a little shine. I adhered these arrows to the outside of the plastic pocket page, while the photo is safely tucked inside. This way, I don't actually have to glue anything onto my photo! 

I also made the top left pocket a shaker pocket by filling it with sequins and glitter, and then sealing it up using my FUSE tool. I have LOVED my fuse tool for creating pocket pages and shakers. As long as you give it enough time to warm up before using it, sealing up your pockets is quick and easy! 

Also, I adhered a little note card that you can flip open to the outside of the shaker pocket. I wrote in a few memories on the card about my chunk-a-muffin's current milestones. 

I also matted my photos using a little GILDED RINEA FOIL from Brutus Monroe. It worked beautifully with my color choices and just tied the whole page together! This foil is beautiful as-is, but can also be die cut and stamped on. 

I added some last touches with some ribbon and cardstock stickers and then placed this page into my planner!

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you've been inspired in your own crafting. 

Until next time, 
Marie Nicole 
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BRUTUS MONROE has a monthly INSPIRATION BOX SUBSCRIPTION and this month's box is a Steampunk themed box! I have always loved the look of Steampunk, so I was very excited to get my hands on this box! I just knew I wanted to punk out a little paper top hat! 

I started by browsing the web for a template for a top hat. I found THIS ONE from Craftaholics Anonymous. They have a FREE PDF download or SVG. I grabbed the PDF, printed it, and used the template to build the hat out of some CANVAS CORP KRAFT PAPER. 

After the hat was assembled, I spritzed it with some GLIMMER MIST to give it a vintage, worn look. I used the colors, VINTAGE BRASS, TATTERED LEATHER, and BLACK. 

Then, I grabbed all the lovely embellishments from the Brutus Monroe Inspiration Box. They included some brass gears, chain, flat back pearls, paper bags, and a fun gears die. 

I used the die with some PENNY RINEA FOIL to cut out some shiny gears. I ran the foil gears through my Xyron sticker maker so I could adhere the detailed die cut easily.

Then, I added the metal gears and different bits here and there. I also added some twine and a few hanadcrafted playing cards for some finishing touches. This turned out to be a super fun project that is way out of the norm for me! I usually do simple and pretty cards, but after making a load of Christmas cards, I needed to change it up a bit! 

Even after I finished this project, I had a good amount of supplies left from the Inspiration Box, so I went ahead and created a few ATCs, as well!

I used the same colors of Glimmer Mists on some of the paper in the box. Then, I ran some EMBOSSING INK and PENNY EMBOSSING POWDER around the edges to add some metallic shine. 

After adding more die cut gears, I also sewed around the edges. I love how it almost looks like a scrap of leather! 

Since the little paper bags in the box were just the right size for ATCs, I wanted to decorate them to match so I could tuck the ATCs inside. I sprayed them with Glimmer Mist as well, and then stamped on them with a new, not-yet-released stamp set from Brutus Monroe! This set will be available December 30th, so keep an eye out for it! 

A few eyelets on top and some scraps of twine, and these ATCs were finished! I also have a handful of embellishments left from the INSPIRATION BOX, as well as papers, layering pieces, and of course, the 6x8 stamp set that is full of fun gears images and a full steampunk style alphabet! 

This box was such a fantastic value! Please check out the INSPIRATION BOX SUBSCRIPTION over at Brutus Monroe if you are interested in getting future boxes! 

Thanks for stopping by, and happy crafting!

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I recently opened up my mailbox and discovered a fun pink mailing envelope from PINK AND MAIN! I was so excited to open it up and see what was in there. They sent me these GORGEOUS colors of ink that are the same formulation as the BRUTUS MONROE SURFACE INKS, but in Pink and Main colors. How cool is that? Just take a look at these fabulous hues! 
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Definitely a color palatte right up my alley. So I decided to do a little ink blending with these colors and see what happens. They blend like butter, people! Just like Brutus Monroe inks do! I created a frosty sky background and layered a birch tree die over the top. 
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To add the snowflakes, I die cut some RINEA FOIL and glued them on over the trees. Then, I die cut some Thermoweb foam adhesive with the word, "thanks", and foiled that to layer over the snowflakes. I finished off the card with a bit of twine tied into a bow. 

It is a pretty simple card, but the colors in the background just makes it pop, don't you think? I opted for a thank you card because usually after the holidays we try to send thank yous to all who were generous and gave us Christmas gifts. 

Thanks for stopping by! Please check out a few of the items I used. 

I'm so excited to announce the winner of the Holiday Stocking Kit Giveaway, so let's not waste time. Our winner is...
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Congrats, Mary! If you would please contact me, we can get your prize out to you right away! 


Now, since I appreciate all the interaction I received from each commenter, I decided it would be fun to pick TWO ADDITIONAL WINNERS. These winners will not be receiving the Holiday Kit from Canvas Corp, BUT I am personally going to mail each winner one of the stockings I decorated and I just might include a fun little stocking stuffer inside the stockings, as well. 

So, let's pick our next two winners...
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Congrats, Lynne and Rachel! Please contact me!

Thank you all for participating in this fun giveaway! 
Happy crafting! 

Welcome! I have been working with CANVAS CORP BRANDS to put together a kit with a few of my favorite holiday items from the Canvas Corp store. 

This little kit has several blank canvas stockings along with some fun Christmas themed items that you can use to embellish your stocking with, making it your own! I have decorated on already as an example of how fun and easy it is to customize these. 
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What I love about these stockings is that you can create one for each family member if you'd like, but they are also just the right size for decorating with or filling with gifts to give to a friend or a teacher. You could even include a dry baking mix with a recipe inside to share your favorite Christmas cookie recipe with friends! 

The items I selected follow a theme of green and red- traditional Christmas colors. You could add in your own embellishments that you have on hand already, or just stick to whats in the kit. The items in this kit are about a $40 value but CCB is selling it for just $24.99! 

The kit includes:
Canvas Corp Canvas Stocking Blanks
Canvas Corp Canvas Ticking Fringe
Canvas Corp Cords - Red and Natural
Canvas Corp Holiday Mini Clothespins 
Canvas Corp Handmade Flowers - Red and Green
Tattered Angels High Impact Paint - Red and Green

If you are interested in ordering your own kit, you can see it in the store HERE. 
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***GIVEAWAY***
Here's the exciting news... I am able to GIVE AWAY one of these kits to a lucky follower! 

To Enter:
Just leave a comment below telling me how you would use this kit!
(sharing this post isn't necessary for winning, but appreciated)

​I will announce a winner on Monday, November 20th. 
Good luck! 

I have been trying to re-visit some of my favorite supplies that haven't gotten enough love from me. This card is made with a fabulous background stamp by BRUTUS MONROE. 

I just love the pattern on this stamp, so I wanted to really let it shine on its own. I grabbed some black cardstock from CANVAS CORP, embossed the image in PENNY EMBOSSING POWDER, and then colored it in with Prismacolor pencils. 
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After I had my coloring done, most of the card was already finished. I did add another strip of the same black cardstock to the left side, which I ran my EMBOSSING INK along the side and embossed again. This just gave a little more of a defined edge to the stamped pattern. 

I then stamped and embossed a sentiment on the side. The floral panel is popped up on some kids craft foam, as well. 
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Brutus Monroe's embossing powders have quickly become my absolute favorites. They have no wax fillers, so they shine so nicely! Of course, the black background really makes it stand out, too!

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you love the card and will take the time to check out a few of the products I used! 

Happy Crafting!
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You may remember my last post that I shared using this stamp set from THE GREETING FARM. This set was designed exclusively to be sold in SIMON SAYS STAMP'S STORE for STAMPtember! 

I loved the look of the FIRST CARD so much that I decided to go ahead and use the other girl from the set in a similar card style. 
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I fussy cut this little girl after I stamped her out with BRUTUS MONROE'S DETAIL INK and colored her in with my STYLEFILE ALCOHOL MARKERS. 

Then, I die cut a number of STITCHED LEAVES from Lawn Fawn from vellum. I ran the edges of the leaves across my EMBOSSING INK PAD, and then embossed with BRUTUS MONROE'S GILDED EMBOSSING INK. 

Next, I arranged all the leaves where I wanted them to go, glued them down, and then adhered my little autumn character over a cluster of the leaves with some foam adhesive. 

I used my MISTI to position the sentiment and stamp it several times. I then mounted the front panel onto some kids craft foam, and adhered that down to an A2 sized kraft card base. 

As you can see, the two cards I made are both very similar, but they each still have their own look. I love how clean and simple they are but they still offer quite a bit of visual interest! 
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Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed the card. If you are interested in any of the items I used, I have links included below, as well as some other recent posts you might like to see. 

Happy crafting! 
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I'm so excited to let you all know that this year for the holidays, I have teamed up with CANVAS CORP BRANDS to bring you this fun stocking decorating kit! CCB asked a few of us on the Crew to pick some of our favorite things to group together and offer it at a discounted price. 

This box is valued at $40, but Canvas Corp is able to offer it at about $25. That's a huge discount! 

I selected these items with the theme of red and green DIY stockings in mind. There are two plain canvas stockings along with burlap flowers, ticking fringe, two colors of cord, a package of mini clothespins in Christmas colors, and two bottles of Tattered Angels' High Impact paint in red and green. Everything you might need to create some stunning stockings with!

I will be doing my best to decorate a few samples of these stockings and posting them here on the blog as inspiration for what you might want to do with your stockings, as well. These are fantastic blanks to stencil, write, iron-on, applique, sew on, and much more! I think they would make fabulous gifts, too, if you filled them with goodies to give away. 

So please, take a look at this kit in the CANVAS CORP BRANDS STORE!

***GIVEAWAY ALERT!***
Canvas Corp has also been so generous they are letting me GIVE AWAY ONE of these kits to one of my lucky followers! I will be working on the best way to go about a giveaway and I'll be posting it soon, so keep an eye on my social media for your chance to win! 

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Crafting!