Friday, April 24, 2020

SSS Sunny Days Ahead Blog Hop Day 1!

Hey guys!

How are you doing? I hope you're all healthy and safe and continuing to create beautiful projects.


Welcome to my stop on the Simon Says Stamp, Sunny Days Ahead blog hop! I'm so happy and excited to share my cards with you today! You can start at the beginning of the hop by heading to Simon's blog here.


FREE GIFT:
As you can see from the banner above, Simon is giving away an Intense Black Ink pad with any purchase, if you shop during the blog hop! Use code SSSINK at checkout. Code will expire on 4/26, at 11:59pm EDT. This ink is awesome and it's one I use all the time, whether I'm coloring with Copics or watercolors, or even just stamping a sentiment. It's my go-to ink, for sure!

GIVEAWAY:
Simon is also giving away a $25 gift certificate at every stop along the hop, from the comment sections! Be sure to leave a comment below for a chance to win. Simon will announce the winners on their blog, on Wednesday, April 29.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Did you know Simon has been given the go-ahead to start shipping again? So exciting and just in time to order some new release products - yay! Here's the announcement from Heidi with more info. 
  
SIMON GALLERIES:
Did you know Simon has card galleries for each of their releases and their card kits, and even a video gallery? It's true and you can add your very own cards and projects to these galleries! Here's a link to all the Simon Brand Galleries and here's the link to the Sunny Days Ahead gallery. There is so much inspiration to see! I encourage you to check them out and add your own cards/projects. 


MY CARDS:
Okay, let's get to my cards. I have to admit, since this whole Coronavirus thing happened, I have struggled to want to create. I know that's probably strange sounding to many of you but for some reason, I just could not get myself to make cards. I did do some coloring every once in awhile but that was it. So, when we were given the notice that the release was coming and there would be a blog hop, I was so glad to have that push I needed. Once I sat down with the wonderful products I was sent, the creativity started to flow and it was so nice to finally feel crafty! Needless to say, I ended up with fairly simple cards but sometimes that's just what is needed.

This first card is from a pack of 12 coloring cards from Suzy P. and I love them! They are pre-printed and you can color them with any medium you want. I used Copic markers for this one. The sentiment is from an older set but is so appropriate for right now.




My next two cards use the gorgeous Tulip Background Cling stamp. I knew everyone would be coloring the tulips, so I wanted to do something a bit different. I inked up the stamp, spritzed it with water, then took a piece of cardstock and laid it down over the stamp. I love the effect! The first one has softer colors and the second looks more intense. Which one do you like better?




Both sentiments are from the Reverse Sentiment Strips Grad pack.

My next card uses the beautiful, Stylized Tulip Die. I colored the pieces after cutting them out, then layered them, using the inlaid diecutting technique, onto a piece of black, embossed cardstock. The sentiment is from the, Mom (Word Mix 2) stamp set.



Here's my last card. I used the gorgeous, Rose Trio Stencil with another sentiment from the, Mom (Word Mix 2) stamp set.


That's all from me. I hope I've given you some ideas for using a few of the awesome products from this fabulous new release!

Thank you so much for visiting me today! Don't forget to stop by the Simon blog tomorrow for day 2 of the hop! 

HOP ORDER: 
Simon Says Stamp Blog   

NEW RELEASE PRODUCTS AND OTHER PRODUCTS USED: (Affiliate links used at no cost to you)

138 comments:

Ava Gavloski said...

Thanks for sharing the technique of inking and spritzing the stamp. I will give this one a try soon.

Jody V said...

Love your cards. Thanks for sharing all the techniques. Great release.

sharon g said...

The Tulips are just gorgeous! The die is an easy way to get the look, also. GORGEOUS

Nox said...

A beautiful set of floral cards! I especially love your tulip cards - that intricate tulip die against the black background is so elegant, and I love that soft watery coloured stamping of the tulips in the background. Very subtle, and lovely.

Trish said...

I'm so happy I ordered the tulip die! I can't wait to try this technique!

MadeByMeghanK said...

I love your floral backgrounds and that tulip die is stunning!

Brenda in IN said...

Gorgeous spring flowers. I love the background stamp in soft blue and the pink and yellow. Just stunning.

Kailash said...

Love your coloring, beautiful card designs!

I Card Everyone said...

Barb, I really relate to your issue with getting crafty during this time... it's not unusual for me to be home - it's my favorite place to be - but all this worry has definitely warped my sense of well-being, and therefore my creative side has suffered.
So happy to see you crafting again!
Every project is a charmer, but I have to say the tulips in pink/yellow have really won my heart today!
Take card, my friend! big hugs...
=]

Joanne Hoffmann said...

I totally get where you are coming from! Me, too...I have tons of ideas in my head but when it comes to sitting down and creating- NO MOJO-BUT your MOJO is back! These are stunningly beautiful!! Gorgeous cards!

Nina Houghton said...

I especially love the blue tulip card. And since I just ordered that stamp, I am very excited to try your technique! Thank you for sharing.

Karen said...

An amazing set of cards! I like both of your inked tulip cards---couldn't choose a favorite. Love the Copic coloring on the first card, too.

Carol H. said...

Barb, I'm so glad you are feeling crafty again! I love all of your cards and I think the pink/yellow tulips card is my favorite! Simon's release is really awesome! Take care and sending you hugs my friend!

Crafty_ma_am said...

with all these wonderful dies and stamps a person could go broke. they are awesome. May have to get a couple and try the techniques presented in this blog hop.

Thanks for sharing your video.

Robin said...

Beautiful cards! Looks like your creativity is making it's way back:>) Great release!

Wanda R. said...

Wow - your cards are beautiful. I love Suzy's watercolor cards and I love that tulip die.

Shraddha said...

So pretty, Barb! My fave has to be the first one, but they are all amazing!!!

Holly's Handmade Card said...

Gorgeous cards, Barb!! Thanks for the inspirations and love your coloring and designs!

Miesje Flach said...

These are beautiful! I love the tulip on black and the tulip soft background.

K.E. said...

Love the roses. Beautiful colors!

Teri S. said...

Barb, each of your cards are so lovely! You colouring is superb & I like the tip of applying ink to a background stamp, spritzing & laying paper over it. The light blue one won my heart, as did your blue roses. Thanks.

Deb L said...

Such a pretty tulip die.

Jennifer Sears said...

I too have struggled to create with the looming doom of the virus. It seems you have been inspired in a lovely way to create these many cards. I especially like your stenciled roses card. Thank you for sharing!

Barbara said...

These are beautiful cards and I am so glad you're wanting to create again. I had the same feeling as you and couldn't come up with card designs, so I stamped and cut out lots of sentiments to use on cards instead. Now I need to make some cards to go with them. Lol! This hop should help!

Wanda said...

Love the soft colors of the mother's day card. TFS

KimK said...

All of your cards are beautiful. I especially like the 2 where you used the background stamp, spritzing with water. Gorgeous!

Evelyn said...

Beautiful coloring and cards.

btarayao said...

Barb, I am just in awe of your cards! So beautiful! Card making is my therapy and had gotten me through some very tough times. God bless.

Melissa Leftrick said...

These are gorgeous!!!!

Michelle A said...

beautiful cards and my favorites are the tulip cards!!

Gloria said...

I am also had time doing anything during this time, it’s kinda funny because I stay ho e most of the time, but when told to stay home....lost my mojo...I love your cards, let me get off my butt and start creating.

Chandhini said...

The first card is so gorgeous, beautiful coloring. Love the sentiment.

Betty McDougal said...

OMG, each card is better than the last card. Thanks.

Nandini said...

Beautiful cards. I love the pretty colors. The new release is great, especially the gorgeous dies.

La Rae said...

Beautiful cards. I really like the tulips in blues/greens. Thank you for the wonderful ideas.

Mirella said...

Beautiful, Barb, love them all!

Barbara said...

Your cards are so pretty, the watercolour tulip background in blues/greens, that one is my favourite. Thanks for sharing.

Ruby said...

The cards are stunning. Love the stamp. Time for real SPRING

Susanbcards said...

Throughout this blog hop my favorites have been the tulip die and stamp. I love the way you used the background stamp, so pretty and delicate.

Karen M said...

Beautiful examples of this new SSS release.

Becca Yahrling said...

So much pretty! I love the blue & purple roses; a pretty color combo.

Maria said...

Beautiful cards! The rose card is my favorite. I love the image, the coloring and the colors! Great release from Simon. I’ve already placed my order!

Tami said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful cards. Loving this release.

Barb Martin said...

I love your cards, but especially the backgrounds! Beautiful!

Christine said...

Your cards are beautiful and an inspiration to get creative.

Dee Earnshaw said...

These cards are just gorgeous - love them all :)

Unknown said...

Love the tulip background stamp! Especially the softer, blue one. Awesome idea!

Susan Carlson said...

These cards give me inspiration! Love them all. Really! Change the sentiments & could be used for so many occasions. Thank you for sharing.

cathysstar said...

Beautiful cards, I can't wait to get shopping!

Cyndi said...

Gorgeous cards. The Rose Trio stencil and the Stylized Tulip die are definitely two of my favorites from this fantastic release.

Joy Meadows said...

Each one of your cards is so pretty, Barb! I love the pink and yellow tulip background one the best. Thanks for the inspiration.

Karyn said...

Such a beautiful set Simon has out out. I love your stenciled blue rose blue best!

jeanneragan said...

Wow! Beautiful cards. I loved that you used so many different techniques. This is a very nice release!

Sue Smith said...

Oh my gosh!!! Such fantastic cards. I especially love the 2 tulip cards you inked up and then sprintzed.

Kathy J in Ellicott City said...

Love the cards!

Melanie said...

Very pretty cards! I love the softer tulips the most, but both are very pretty, and so are your other cards! Also thanks for mentioning the galleries on the blog! As many times as I have been to that blog, I never realized the galleries were for us to share our cards. I had just assumed it was the design team, so that is good to know!

Unknown said...

Absolutely stunning cards you made!! I love the techniques you chose to use with these gorgeous products also!!!!!!! Roses, tulips, all of it! 💜🌷😍👏

Maureen Reiss said...

Super Pretty cards!!! Love the watery tulip cards!!!

lynne said...

love the red roses, so dramatic

Nancy R. said...

I love how you colored and then inlaid the tulips. Beautiful and striking against the dark gray.

Lauryne Cunningham said...

Beautiful cards! I love the tulips on the black background!

Daria Z. said...

Wow, Barb, this blog hop really did give you a push!
Five cards and they are all fabulous!! I know how you felt because I felt the same way and right now I'm still only creating cards that I need to send, not any just for fun.
Hugs, Daria

cheryl l. said...

Love those cards! Pretty!!

Janet D. said...

These are so pretty! I,too, have struggled to create and am just now starting to want to MAKE again! lol Stay safe!

Phyllis Freese said...

Your cards are all beautiful. I think I like the more intense look on the tulip background stamp, but the subtle one is also pretty. You color so well and your flowers look dimensional.

Karen Williams said...

They may be 'simple' cards as you say, but no less effective and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Debbie said...

such pretty cards! lots of inspiration for a wonderful release!

NancyR said...

Oh my...…..I absolutely love the spritzed tulip background. Don't have a favorite as they are both wonderful.

Carol Wortman said...

Not a watercolorer, so thanks, definitely a paperpiecer and Love that pieced tulip! Not sure but think I like the blue beauty! Thanks and please be healthy!

Bunny said...

Gorgeous cards. Glad you got your mojo back. There are sunny days ahead. [Bunny]

Lonya said...

beautiful cards. Thank you for sharing. I think that tulip die is calling my name.

Jen H said...

I love how you created the more intense tulip background, it gives it so much of a pop of color! Thanks for sharing!

Jeanne Beam said...

Beautiful cards!
Thanks so much for sharing.

viv said...

This is a difficult time for many. Thanks for sharing your lovely cards.

Lindsey NY said...

I think my favorite was the lightly spritzed blue/teal tulip card. It has something ephemeral about it.

Priya said...

beautiful cards and love the water spritzed tulips

Denise Bryant said...

Lovely floral cards! Love each one!

Debby Green said...

Love all your cards! Beautiful!

Helen said...

A great set of cards, Barb! Both your spritzed tulip backgrounds a super effective, but my favourite is the first with its soft shades of blue! Thanks so mcuh for the great inspiration! Stay safe! :)

Bev Page said...

So glad you got your "push" from SSS. Loved each and every one of your cards. When you go, you really go. Hope you're feeling better now that you've started back creating your gorgeous cards. Am loving the new products from SSS, so beautiful and inspiring and they just make you "need" them all. Thanks so much for sharing. Hope you and yours are staying safe and well in these terrible times. Regards, Bev from Sydney Australia.

Dawn T said...

What stunning cards Barb. I fell in love with the first one... it's incredible.

Christy Designs said...

Thanks for sharing beautiful cards, love it !

Ms. Tamp said...

I like the look of the barely there tulips.

Cheriese said...

wow I love your "ink & sptriz* technique such a cool effect!

Anushree Vaish said...

Love your coloring on these flowers! Just beautiful!

Judy Inukai said...

Amazing projects. The tulip is really striking against the black card stock.

Dana M said...

Oh what a beautiful collection of cards! Lovely coloring and such pretty designs.

Cori in W. Texas said...

Beautifully detailed and simple at the same time. Lovely work.

Cindy C. said...

Hi Barb, I hope you're staying healthy and well. I love seeing your beautiful projects!!

Patty said...

Wow! These are all so pretty! I'm so excited to hear Simon is shipping again!

Paper Therapy Ponderings said...

beautiful cards, thanks for the idea of inking and spritzing a floral background stamp (now I wonder where that stamp is that I want to use)
thanks for sharing

Barb Housner

Mary Holshouser said...

Of the two versions of the second
card, I like the blue (first)
best. It is subtle but great.
Not sure I liked the colors
that came out in the second
version - too stark. All
of the cards are marvelous.
thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

Tanya C said...

Your cards are beautiful!

Lisa A said...

Love the cards with the tulip backgrounds. So beautiful.

Lisa Byers said...

I know what you mean about having the motivation to create during this virus. Now I can organize like crazy!! I love Suzy's cards! I have already ordered these. They are so pretty! Your cards are fabulous!! So glad you created this beautiful cards to inspire us!!

Gracie said...

Gorgeous cards!

Carolee McCaslin said...

LOVE all your pretty cards!!!

Vicki R. said...

Loved the tulip the most. Never thought of cutting out the flower pieces and then coloring them. I'm using that idea on my next card.

DebbieC said...

All your cards are so pretty. Thanks for sharing so many techniques.

Lagene said...

Awesome Sunny Days Ahead Release! Awesome creations! I especially love the blue stenciled roses card!

Lina Pena said...

You did a great job on these cards. I love the ones with the tulips. you are so talented.

laurazark@gmail.com said...

These are amazing! I love each of them and am pea green with envy of your talent. Bravo!

Unknown said...

Black paper backed sentiment strips on the cards really stand out beautifully

Sam B said...

Beautiful cards and coloring. I love that pink & yellow tulip card!

Sweet Sarah said...

Those are all such beautiful cards!

Kentucky Daisy said...

I'm afraid I'm like you and have found it difficult to craft during these sad, troubling days. Really, that is when we MOST NEED the fun of creating . Using fun images and pretty colors can brighten our mood!! So, like you, I'm extra thankful SSS has this new release! It's been so enjoyable to see beautiful cards like yours!! Each design you've shared here is really fantastic and I thank you for sharing them. (I am especially fond of those tulips, too!)

The Owl and The Bug said...

I'm glad you found the push you needed to get crafty, creating is something that always makes me feel better.
i love your tulips background and the idea of spraying some water on the inked stamp, I'll give it a try!

CatherineD said...

What beautiful projects you have created. I like the bolder background stamped image but that is just because I prefer bold color. The softer look one actually uses colors that are more in my favorite palette. They are all beautiful though!

Amy C. said...

Thanks for showing off these beautiful new products!

Teri Terrific said...

Lovely cards! I like BOTH spritzed backgrounds equally, depending on the purpose of the card. My favorite is the tulip; the embossed black mat adds a nice touch. Thank you.

Kathy Raker said...

Beautiful Cards, I'm glad you were 'pushed' into creating and sharing your talent.

Gab said...

Really pretty cards ... the tulip is gorgeous

Carol McCready said...

Your cards are very pretty. I love that tulip die from the new release.

Ro said...

Lovely cards. Tulips are my absolute favorite!!
Beautiful work!!

Cardogram said...

Barb, I totally feel what you are feeling right now.. I am experiencing the same.. But I really draw inspiration from you that you could have a come back with these lovelies for sure.. Your card is soothing.. Wishing that everything is back to normal.. Your yellow /orange tulips are stunner.. 😊

Heike said...

Such pretty cards!

Elaine Clark said...

So pretty!! Thanks for sharing your gift. They’re lovely!!

Annette Gordon said...

So many cards and so much inspiration! The first card was my absolute favourite. It was coloured so beautifully! But I also loved the light wash of that floral background die, and the tulip die. Especially the one on black. Really they are all lovely, and I have so much ideas I now want to try out!

Izabela Wr. said...

Lovely cards !! Thank you for sharing. There is so much inspiration!!

Larissa Heskett said...

SWOON!! These are BEAUTIFUL!! I LOVE the AMAZING Colors!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEK!!

DorothyA said...

All are so beautiful! I like the multicolor tulip stamp card and the 3rose stencil card. Just into the watercolor look right now! And flowers!

Denise Mlady said...

All your cards are so pretty!! I especially love how you used the tulip stamp. I am going to give this a try. Glad you are back to creating!

Sue D said...

I like your pretty floral cards.

Heather DePasquale said...

I like the more vibrant tulip effect, but both are beautiful. I love the rose stencil. Looks like water color. Gorgeous cards...I'm actually making more cards as I don't have to work my regular job. It goes in spurts, but I do have a list of people to write.

karenajo said...

Beautiful cards - especially love the pink roses! Thanks for the wonderful inpiration!

Anne Lee said...

Such pretty tulips! I love the soft subtle blue

Kris in Alaska said...

Those tulips are just lovely!

Annette Reed said...

These are lovely. The flowers on your first card are stunning. Of the next two I like the blue one best. The coloring of your inlaid tulip is also lovely.

Donna K. said...

For someone who had difficulty getting inspired, you certainly got your mojo back. All five cards are great and show off the potential of the new release.

Karthikha said...

Super beautiful set of cards! The first one is my fav, awesome coloring! :)

Mary-Anne V said...

Such pretty cards. I love the second tulip stamped card that you made the best.

Kathy Dippner said...

Beautiful cards! I love the second tulip background card with the warm colors.

hilhashi said...

Gorgeous cards! The tulip die cut is my favorite one!

Marianne said...

Wonderful cards. Love the watercolour stamping.

JMN said...

Love your cards. Thanks for sharing your techniques. Awsome release.

Ana Korban said...

Such pretty cards!! I love that floral doodle background.

Michele K. Henderson said...

I love your beautiful floral designs!

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