Saturday, January 13, 2018

Simon Says Stamp Friend's Release Blog Hop!

Hey guys!

Welcome to the last stop of the Friends release blog hop, day 2, with Simon Says Stamp! 


If you missed day 1, you can start at Simon's blog. You should have arrived here from the amazing Anna-Karin's blog. Today's hop started here, if you'd like to go back to the beginning.

I'm excited to share my cards with you - there are lots of them because, well . . . . . . it's an amazing release and I couldn't stop playing with all the goodies! 

Before I get started, you should know that Simon is giving away one $25.00 gift certificate at each stop on the hop! They'll randomly select the winners from the comment sections, so be sure to leave a comment on every stop along the way, for a better chance of winning!

Okay, on with my cards! The first two were created awhile ago and shared on Instagram but I thought I should share them again, in case you didn't see them.

Are those critters the cutest, or what?!! Just a simple design using Copics to color the images from Simon's, "Best Friends" stamp set.
 

 Two more critters from the same set and another simple design. 


I love all those paws! Such a fun image! Of course I had to color a couple of them to look like my sweet, Murphy's pink paws! ♥ This time I used Zig Markers for an easy watercolor design, with the, "Paws-itivity" stamp set.

Bring on the glitter paper!
You guys, this new paper from Simon is amazing! Ya know how in the past, you would buy glitter paper and it was great because, unlike years before, the glitter didn't rub off? You loved that but then when ya tried to die-cut an image from it, it would not cut! Well, this stuff cuts like butter!!! I'm not kidding - it is soooo easy to cut using any die with any machine - it really is! And it comes in a ton of different colors too! It was revealed in Simon's DieCember release and I've been using it lots on my cards lately. I also used the gorgeous, "Mum Flower Frame" die and the sentiment is from the, "Stained Glass Love" stamp and die set.

Next up is another beautiful die and more glitter paper.
I wish glitter was easier to photograph. This die, like in the previous card, cuts out a frame surrounding the flower - so cool! It's called, "Rose Flower Frame." All I did was quickly color the image with Copics, adhered the frame to some white glitter paper and added the sentiment from two sets - the HAPPY die-cut is from the "Happy Birthday" die set and the stamped BIRTHDAY is from an older set. Very quick and simple.

The next two cards were created using Alcohol Inks. These inks have been makin' a comeback recently and man, oh, man was it fun to get them out and play with them again! 
I again used Simon's, "Stained Glass Love" stamp and die set on this card (and on the next too.) I adore this set - there are so many different ways to use it! I left all mine just black and white but you could color them, or cut the outline portion from any colored cardstock and then white emboss the matching sentiment on top. So many possibilities!


Love the results from the Alcohol inks on both cards! And I didn't use any specialty paper - just good old Neenah Solar White. I used the Alcohol Ink Marbling technique that Jennifer McGuire shared here. So fun!

I know this is a long post but I really want to give you guys more than just an example or two of the new products. That way you have a much better idea of different ways to use them. Here's the last card, I promise.

And let's end with a cutie!
Included in the Friends release was more of Simon's Picture Book dies. If you don't own any of these, you really should! They are so adorable and very easy to use! You can cut them from white cardstock and color them, or do as I did on this card and cut them from colored cardstock. I added scored lines to the white background but they're a bit difficult to see in the photo. That sweet, little sentiment is from the, "Handwritten Love set." There are a bunch of wonderful sentiments in this set, for all the special people in your life.

That's it - whew! If you'd like to see the entire Friends release, you can click HERE. Otherwise, I do share the individual products I used on my cards, in the affiliate links below, at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for stopping by! We all really loved working with these awesome products! We hope you enjoyed the hop and are excited and inspired by this release!

Hugs ♥





263 comments:

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Karthikha said...

Adorable and beautiful creations :) Thanks for sharing your inspirations with us! :)

Marge said...

Oh my, Barb!! You did amazing. You've showcased the most products from this release. I'm in awe of your creativity.
Your coloring on the paws are so cute, I will try pink too! I really love how you copic colored on the rose frame. Such a creative way to extend the use of frame die set. Love glitter background too. And your background inking in other cards are always awesome! Thanks for the inspiration.

Marge said...

I'm so glad that I can see your alcohol ink background. Those waves and patterns are amazing. I can't even imagine how you could do that. Thanks for sharing your alcohol inks works.

Jackie said...

Wow! You certainly went above and beyond with this post! I love every one of them, especially the alcohol ink backgrounds.

Nandini said...

Very inspiring cards. Love this entire release.

Lynn said...

These are all really fabulous - but the squad one is so stinking cute!!

Daniela May said...

So many beautiful cards - somebody had lots of fun :) - great work

Joy said...

Wow! Great use of so many of the items from the SSS collection. Beautiful cards!

Andrea Hastilow said...

Wow, so many stunning cards from this release, I can't pick a favourite as they are all so stunning. The colours you've bended are gorgeous together and those critters are just soooooo cute individually or together.

Cardsbymaaike said...

fabulous work, I love the alcohol ink backgrounds, and they seem to be all the rage right now

CinnamonSally said...

Oh my goodness Barb you have been busy, love all of your cards. I have just got my first picture book die and am inspired to have a go!!

Laurie said...

So much color in all your cards - love it!

Silly... 'Ma said...

Loving the animals! So cute. So many ways to use them.

Debbie Rumpza said...

I love the Best Friends stamp set and your cards highlight the stamps perfectly! And those paws! Crack me up!

Evelyn said...

Sure do like the glitter background! It really adds to the card. The little critters are so cute and you have sure given them a shout with your colors!!

Lagene said...

Great release! I love all your CUTE critter cards, and the flower cards are GORGEOUS!

lynneatw said...

I love your cards. They are absolutely fantastic!

Betty said...

from cute to gorgeous - what a wonderful array of cards - love those new flower frame dies from this release and your mum is so pretty in the glitter paper!

Susan White said...

Such a great assortment of cards. I am loving the picture book animals and must add some to my collection soon!!

Stanlee Runner said...

So many amazing cards. Thanks for sharing.

Holyscrapp! said...

All of these cards are great! Happy to see so many examples.

A.Rose said...

You were sure busy!! These cards are amazing!!!

Oliev said...

Great cards!

Teresa Doyle said...

Thanks for sharing all of these beautiful cards Barb. It IS nice to see many different ways to use new products and thanks to you, now I know that I "NEED" a pack of that glitter paper on my next order!

Connie H. said...

I loved your cards. Very nice!

Elle Kay said...

Beautiful cards! I love the animal themed stamps that were released!

SLMPetersen said...

All great cards, but I just love those Alcohol Ink background!

Cynthia Cole said...

Fabulous cards, you've been very busy!

Donna said...

You did some serious creating here but more eye candy for us. Love them all. Those little critters stole my heart! The glitter paper is definitely on my list. Can't wait to get some of that! Thanks for all the inspiration.

Joy Meadows said...

Love each one of your cards, Barb! It's great to see your take on so many of the products from this release. I especially love the alcohol ink backgrounds.

Sonja said...

So pretty & so much inspiration~ thanks!!!!

Jean said...

Your cards are wonderful! I love the colors you chose and the softness of the flower die cards. And the critters are so cute! Thank you for all of the inspiration your gave us!

Deborah said...

I liked all of your cards but the Paw prints was my favorite.

Lori said...

Such great cards and inspiration!

aggie said...

I just love these!

Lindar C said...

Your cards are awesome! I am getting the Flower Frame dies! I can't wait!

Unknown said...

Great cards. My favorites are "I love my squad" and "Pawsome!"

Tracey Magner said...

WOW, you made a lot of beautiful cards my favorite ones are the 2nd and 3rd ones wow they are stunning. Thanks for sharing. Tracey Magner

Patty said...

Well Barb....you are one amazing cardmaker!! I LOVE every one of the cards you created & I love that you give so many examples!! I'm not a very creative person by nature & your post, as well as everyone's on the hop gives me great ideas that I often would never think of! I'm grateful for all your fabulous ideas!!

pamboe said...

I really like your Pawsome card. It would be perfect for our pet sitter.

Nora Noll said...

What fun cards!! You sure made a TON!! I love your alcohol ink backgrounds. So funny that they have come back again all of a sudden. Dug mine out to play with today!! Thank you for sharing!!

bev p said...

There's just so much to love here, but my hand's down favorites are the flower frame cards. Yumm! Your alcohol ink backgrounds are beautiful--I don't know how you managed to stop playing! Thanks for SO much inspiration.

Nancy said...

Beautiful cards, Barb! As a canine lover, I think I need that PAWS-itivity set!!!

pcm said...

THey are all wonderful! I am really loving those flower frames!

SeekHim1 said...

Thanks for the ideas! I really like this release!

Barb said...

Your cards are amazing, Barb. Love them all, especially the critters.

Julie Ann said...

Awesome cards thanks for sharing.

Stef Perry said...

So many amazing cards, you have given us a plethora of wonderful inspiration! Love critter cards, especially the bff one with the windows. So sweet!

Unknown said...

Such a variety of ideas! The bff one is so sweet and I just love the pawsome card. Thanks for the lovely inspiration! xoxo ~Jenifer

dolphinlover said...

Love the Mum die with SSS Stained Glass Love stamp set card. I’m really loving the Stained Glass Lettering stamps and dies. If I win a Gift Card, I’m ordering immediately:)

Dana M said...

Fabulously fun and happy cards! The paws card is just too cute!

Mirella said...

WOW, Barb, so much inspiration, I love all of them! So many cool different ideas and techniques, and so many of these lovely new products used! Thanks so much for your fantastic inspiration :-)

Mrsfish02 said...

You really did give examples of so much. Love each of your cards. I have my eye on the heart cut out and also the flower frame ups... Nicely done

Debbie B said...

Fantastic projects! Good to know about the SSS glitter paper cutting like butter! Always struggled with that! Your coloring is fantastic! Love these floral dies. So happy SSS decided to do this blog hop now! I'm loving it!

Dee Earnshaw said...

wow - I love your gorgeous projects today - they are so creative and fun:)

Barbara said...

Wow! You closed this blog hop with a bang!!! From cute to beautiful, you covered it all and I thank you for the inspiration!

sharon g said...

Just when I think that I have enough animal stamps and dies, you come along and make me fall in love with these new ones...SO CUTE!!!

Connie said...

These are really great cards. The alcohol ink backgrounds were eye catching. My favorite card uses the rose frame die.

C Aguirre said...

Great ideas! Love your coloring!

Good Kardma by Jules said...

Love all your cards! I love glitter paper so those were right up my alley. And I love how you colored in the images. Very pretty!

cghundley said...

How adorable your
cards are! Love
the critters.
Carla from Utah

Janet D. said...

Awesome cards, you were busy!!

Stacy said...

I love your first card (copic coloured) the most :) So clean and simple and flat! Love that :D

Sue D said...

Fabulous cards. I really like the ones with the cute critters.

Jean and Jan said...

Love all of your cards. Amazing work!

Geri S said...

Wow! you made a lot of fantastic cards! Thanks for all the ideas!

hernandez.monica077@gmail.com said...

Love the marbles backgrounds you created. Tfs

Jeanne Beam said...

Great cards. Love the animals and their sentiments. Thanks so much for sharing..

Jennifer said...

Awesome cards! Thanks for using the other flower die - I was curious how it would look and think you showcased it so well with the coloring!!

Anna-Karin said...

Wow Barb, you made so many cards and they are all fantastic!! I love the colouring, all the cute animals and those cool alcohol ink background.

Lisa from TX said...

Great cards! I really love the Rose die cut. You made some great backgrounds too.

ericastwilight said...

I love all these cards. You really showcased this fantastic release,I can't decide which is my favorite.TFS!

Joyce Erb said...

Wonderful collection of such fun cards! Love your critters and backgrounds

Angela R. said...

All these cards are lovely! You did a great job thanks for sharing!

DGolly said...

Thanks for all the wonderful samples. They are adorable.

Louise Thériault said...

Thank's, gorgeous cards, I love the one with the Frame flowers!

Unknown said...

What a great collection of cards! Thanks!

abhoneyab said...

Awesome cards! Thanks for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

Great cards!! My fave is "I love my Squad" but they are all great!!

Unknown said...

Super cute cards, thanks for sharing!

Linda said...

They are all pawsome!

Karen H said...

Beautiful cards, it's difficult to choose a favorite from this release. Love those Picture Book animals and the Pawsome stamps. The Flower dies with the glitter paper backgrounds are stunning. Thanks for the ideas and your participation in the Hop.

Shazallo52 said...

Gorgeous cards, love the Story Book dies! The whole SSS release is Pawesome hard to choose!

Anonymous said...

Wow I think you nailed it. What fantastic cards/and ideas you came up with.

Janelle said...

What a great collection! Darling animals, Glitter and swirling backgrounds. All lovely.

TLady said...

WOW! A little bit of EVERYTHING on your post, Barb! EACH CARD IS FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE those Alcohol Inks!!! ;) SUPER JOB!!! ;)

Anonymous said...

Too cute - your cards are so nice. Thanks, Denise

Gloria said...

All the cards are fantastic love the pawsome card.

Paper Therapy Ponderings said...

lots of fun projects. I do want to try that marbling technique with alcohol inks. I need more time.
thanks for sharing your creativity

Barb Housner

goksmurf said...

So beautiful!

Jodi Warren said...

Those were terrific ideas for this release. Such wonderful cards. Definitely will be trying to replicate some of these or at least carry the ideas presented forward. Thanks for blog hop.

Cindy Thick said...

All of your cards are adorable. Thanks for sharing all the different types.

Cyndi said...


Wonderful cards. Love your coloring and your style. Thanks for sharing.

Windy said...

Wow! So many amazing projects! I’m going to have to try that glitter paper, too!

MS Dee said...

AAAWWWWW how cute! You had me from the very beginning. Love these little animals, especially the paws!

Nana Griffin said...

These were all adorable. Just wanted to keep seeing more.

Stacey L. Palmer said...

Great cards! So much inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

bzyPTmom said...

Absolutely gorgeous creations. Thanks for sharing--love the "paws" and animal cards. So fun!

Candy said...

Really great variety of cards. Thank you for sharing.

Nox said...

A fantastic set of cards - so inspiring. I especially love the glittery background behind the die cut flower and the Pawsome card is so cute!

Unknown said...

Such a large variety of cards. Thanks for the inspirations.

Super Stick Chick said...

Fabulous cards, love your creative designs and beautiful colors!

Debbie said...

You went above and beyond. So many ideas. Thank you

Pink Bunkadoo said...

I’m loving those alcohol ink backgrounds!

Susie Sonnier said...

So many great card designs. Love this release

Unknown said...

Love your cards! Thanks for the inspiration!

Angela said...

Beautiful cards!!!

Isabel Z said...


You are such a talented artist!

Lee said...

You WERE on a roll! Wonderful cards. Love the first two critter cards with adorable little guys. The ethereal ones were lovely. Such range and variety. Lucky you. : )

KT Fit Kitty said...

All of your cards are adorable! I especially love the animals! This is another great release!

mom2five said...

I love all your cards. I am especially in love with the flower die cut windows.

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

You are a brilliant designer, so versatile, every one of these look fantastic!

Berina RGA said...

Such adorable cards!! These tiny animals are so cute. All these cards are lovely.

Unknown said...

Fabulous cards!!!

Brittany said...

beautiful... thank you for the inspiration!

Debbie J said...

I love the shimmery backgrounds! AWESOME!

SherriC. said...

Wow!!! You were busy!!! These are all great...TFS!!!

Unknown said...

Oh my! You closed out the hop with a HUGE bang! Your work is amazing and I enjoyed each and every card - although I have to say, my favorite was the animal squad at the very beginning. Those animals are just too cute for words! And your coloring is amazing!

Unknown said...

I love the flower with the glitter paper it is elegant and makes the flower stand out great job. Love the marbling that is really a great technique to know gives you lots of choices on backgrounds. Also love the baby animals they are a great one too they are so cute great job. I am glad to see you made several cards wonderful work. Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us.

JmB said...

So many great cards. So many fun stamps and dies. Thank you for sharing.

Johanna said...

Such creativity and gorgeous results. Thanks for sharing.

Paula H. said...

I love the clean crisp look to your cards and of course, the glitter!!

Lynne in NI said...

Ooooh I NEED that glitter paper, it looks amazing! Gorgeous cards :)

Liisa said...

I'm not usually one who likes to make cards with critters, but I just love your critter cards from this release. Thanks for sharing your inspiration!!

Mimi's Craftroom said...

Great cards. This is a great release.

Rosemary said...

what an amazing set of cards, barb! you really made this release shine!!

Nancy Fleming said...

All your cards are fabulous! I can't choose which one I like best

Debby Winters said...

Love! Love! Love your cards. Those little critters are so cute

Helen said...

Barb, you definitely succeeded in showing how versatile this friends release is. Your creativity is awesome! Thanks to for the link to Jennifer's marbling video--so helpful. Your marbled cards are my favorites. Thanks for sharing everything!

sotama14 said...

All your cards are fantastic !!

Greta said...

Your cute cards are great, but oh wow--I absolutely LOVE the floral cards! The glitter paper & those dies are on my wishlist up at the top!

Megan said...

I've been wanting to try the glitter paper. Because yes - I have wrestled some other glitter paper trying to die cut it!

KathyMcc said...

WOW...your cards are amazing, beautiful, and super cute! You showcased the products so beautifully and made me want to buy them all! You are so very talented and creative!!

Linnea S said...

omgosh, you did have fun! the critters and paws and beautiful backgrounds! wonderful!!

Unknown said...

Thank you for the beautiful inspiration ! The critters are too cute!

Heather King said...

Thanks for sharing and the opportunity! These are super awesome and creative

Deb Selby said...

What anamzing selection of cards.

Valerie said...

Great cards...the first and last ones are my favorites!

laurissa said...

Lovely cards! I really really love the best friends animal set and I love how you colored everything!

Unknown said...

love your pawsome card! my fur family approves :)

Christi said...

such adorable cards! Thank you for having me!

Ashlyn said...

Every single one of these cards is spectacular. Those little paws! You are pawsome!:)

Sheila H said...

Wonderful cards! The alcohol backgrounds are amazing.

Annette Gordon said...

You go from cute to classy and elegant. Such versatility in your beautiful cards.

Andrea Shell said...

Wow, you've been busy! All of your creations are wonderful, but being partial to critters, the first three are my favorite! Fab coloring!

Christine J said...

All of these cards are awesome - especially love the stained glass stamps and background colors!

Dawn J said...

What a great assortment of ideas! I love the colors and the fun they all look.

cma21317 said...

your cards are wonderful, this release is killing me I want it all!!!

NatQuebec said...

Such great ideas, thanks to share.

Unknown said...

Oh my goshness, you made so many great cards!

María Alba Negrón said...

Pretty cards!!

Silvergranny said...

Love, love, so adorable.

Denise F. said...

Such a great group of cards! Love the Paws card!!!

Kim Potts said...

Wow, so many great cards! I don't own any alcohol inks, but I sure love the beautiful backgrounds!

Linda M said...

Wow, what a fabulous assortment of cards! Thanks for all the great ideas!

MMA said...

Amazing cards! So many ideas and options to use so many of the items in this release! Great job! I'm in awe! It's difficult to pick a favourite. I will revisit your blog when I begin creating with my new purchases. Thanks so much.

Unknown said...

Just love these cards. The animals are soooo cute!!!

Vikki H said...

Oh, your post was so much fun and totally enabling on buying more stuff!

Xen - Xènia Crafts said...

There is so many inspiration in your cards!!!!

Aunt Denise said...

It's so hard to pick a favorite! The backgounds are dreamy, the glitter paper sounds & looks amazing & the dies are so intricate & fun! Thank you so much!

Prentzess said...

Such a great variety of card ideas!

Eileen said...

WOW, you have a lot of inspiration packed in this post! Love all of it. :)

Lorraine said...

Lots of great uses for a lot of the release, thanks for sharing so much

Crazy Lady said...

So many great ideas!

Linda Westfall said...

Your card using the best friends stamp Set is so cute, thanks.

beachgirl0323 said...

The animals trying to escape out the window is so cute. The Blue glitter flower is beautiful.

Memories by Manda said...

Wow! You created a lot of cards for the new release! Each card is special. I love all the cute critters.

Charlsie said...

Oh i love the critters. So cute thank you

mary said...

just love all of the critters! Really cute!

Bonnie said...

As the wife of a taxidermist, I loved the animals. The flowers really took my fancy.

Rea' said...

Yes ... I love your squad :) That stamp set is the cutest ! You certainly were busy... all your product samples were great. I think after the Hop I'm inclined to be like you and try several of the products and techniques ! Those mums and cosmos flowers are gorgeous I think I need those and I'll have to add a wrap die, and some storybook animals to my list as well :)

Denise Bryant said...

What awesome cards! Love those adorable critters and your pretty coloring! Delightful! And I think the paws card is just fabulous.... have to get that stamp set!

Janie W said...

I love, love, love your cards. So simple and sweet. Beautifully done! I also love glitter paper. I'll have to try SSS new paper. I've been hearing great things about it.

Nikki said...

What an amazing collection of cards!

Heather M said...

Love your critters and your coloring!! Oh, my the glitter paper is AMAZING! I cannot wait to play with mine. The Stained Glass love sentiments are so pretty! I love your backgrounds with them!

MJ said...

Wow! So many adorable cards! Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing.

Cathy Lillie said...

Thank you for providing a nice wrap up here at the end! I enjoyed seeing all the different cards you created. The little giraffe is so cute!

Bev Chapman said...

Great ideas. Thanks for the inspiration.

Ro said...

These cards are so creAtive ! Love what u have done!!

Kris in Alaska said...

That pawsome set is just to fun!

Ann K said...

What an outstanding release from SSS - and you showcased so many of the goodies. Love it all ... happy crafting to you!

Kati C said...

Oh my goodness!!! You really gave me so much inspiration!! I love those cute little animal characters. They are just adorable and you have given me some cute ideas for using them!!

Those paws are just the cutest!!! Such a clean and simple card, but so effective!!

The mum flower frame is just gorgeous!!

And the rose flower frame is just beyond!!! I love how you colored it.

The alcohol ink cards look so ethereal -- just gorgeous with the stained glass words.

And finally the picture book dies -- so cute with those cute little animals peeking from the holes in the card!!

Thanks for sharing all your ideas!!!

Dee Turcotte said...

Beautiful cards, I love all the different backgrounds you created! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

I love all the different ideas you put up here! So many ways to go with these products and I love every single one! I appreciate the versatility that you showed us in your crafting. Thanks for participating in this blog hop!

Linsey R said...

Wow!! What an incredible showcase of all these new products!! I'm super inspired by them ALL!!! Thank you!!

Gab said...

Oh wow, you've really outdone yourself!! So many great projects! Thanks for the inspiration!

Dar said...

Wow! What a great showcase of the new release. Thanks so much for the all the inspiration. :)

Julie from NZ said...

Like everyone else, all I can say is wow! I love your designs! So inspirational.

Arianna Barbara said...

Wow! Your cards are really adorable!!! Your colouring is amazing!!!

Irene said...

Barb...so much inspiration! Awesome selection of cards!

Ellen Fisher said...

Tried to choose my favorite but couldn't. Love them all. Thanks for sharing, Barb!

Lisa T said...

Wht a treasure trove of loveliness Barb! I just love this release (no surprise there), i think the flower frame and wrap dies are amazing. And the best friends stamp set is the cutest!!! You made so many gorgeous cards, all so different, and all inspiring, Lisa xx

Rhonda R said...

Love everyone of you cards.

Unknown said...

What a wonderful collection of sweet and beautiful cards!

Sallyann said...

Oh my...what super cute cards! Love the alcohol ink ones so much. I've had the ink and supplies to do this for several years after watching videos on how to do it but just haven't made the time for it but now I really want to dig those out. As always
SSS stamp and dies are so creative!

richndebmarb@gmail.com said...

These are adorable. Love the colors.

Jenny said...

Wow, so many great cards, love all the products and techniques used. Thanks for sharing

CandyraeT said...

Love all of these, but the rose flower frame is my favorite die!

Stefanie White said...

Your cards are fabulous! You are so talented!

golfergal said...

Such cute products for animal lovers. Great cards.

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