Green Swirls

As promised, another 4-Bar card! I'm seriously digging this new size and style!

This time, swirls are used as the focus. 

As mentioned yesterday, the size of this card is 3.5" x 5" and the base of this card is a Luxe White color. The front edge has a soft rounded curve complete with a row of mini scallops. The front is also embossed with a random swirl pattern and the embossed swirls have been inked with various green colors. Coordinating green and white ribbons wrap around the front of the card and are visible when the card is open. 

The inside of this card features a panel [that covers the base of the card] in a green color. When the card is closed the color is visible around the curve. 

Once again, this card can be used vertically or horizontally. 

Be sure to visit the listing here and to come back and visit again tomorrow! 

Thanks for looking! 

Pink Dots

Today I'm showcasing a card in a new size! It's called a 4-Bar and the measurements are 3.5" x 5". Perfect for a little note to a friend...for any occasion!

The base of this card is a Luxe White color [similar to an ivory or cream]. The front edge has a soft rounded curve complete with a row of mini scallops. The front is embossed with a small swiss dot pattern and the embossed dots have been inked with a pink color. The edges of the card are inked in the same color. A coordinating pink ribbon wraps around the front of the card and is visible when the card is open. 

The inside of this card features a fun half-circle of pink polka-dotted paper. When the card is closed the color is hidden. It's light enough in color that your personal message or sentiment will show up on top of the pattern. 

The inside of this card is essentially blank, but a stamped sentiment or phrase could always be added. I like the versatility of being able to use it for anything!

As an added bonus, this card can be used vertically or horizontally. 

Be sure to check out the listing over at Etsy. 

Tomorrow and the next few days will be focusing on more cards in this same size and style. I love the flexibility of all the elements: the size, the direction, the "theme", the color! So many options and choices! I can't wait to share more with you!

just for you

This card was designed "just for you"!

This card is A2 size, measuring 4.25" x 5.5". It is folded along the left hand side and opens from the right. The edges are inked in brown.  

The card base is a heavy-weight cardstock in an almond color and is the same color on the inside. On the front, a layer of green cardstock lies under a strip of patterned paper along with a 3-D pear shape. The pear is stamped and accented with watercolor detail and is raised off of the card base with the use of pop dots. The sentiment is stamped in a dark brown. 

All four corners of this card are rounded with a 1/4" curve. 

I've recently become a fan of stamping either on patterned paper or on a solid and then cutting out the image. I think it definitely adds to the overall design of the card. Here, the pear is the example of this technique. 

Be sure to get more details about this card, and all my other cre8ive things here. 

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to come back tomorrow!

best friends

This adorable toaster and piece of toast combo is sure to make anyone smile from ear to ear! 

This card has a great retro feel with the subtle colors and vintage look of the toaster. 

It's an A2 size card, measuring 4.25" x 5.5". It is folded on the left side and opens from the right. The inside is blank with plenty of room for your personal sentiment or message. The outer edges of the card are inked in a soft brown. The upper and lower right corners are rounded with a 1/2" curve. 

The patterned paper and chipboard elements are from Cosmo Cricket's Early Bird line. 

The piece of toast and toaster are raised off of the kraft card base with the use of pop dots. 

The patterned paper at the top of the card features a row of small flowers above toasters and pieces of toast that match the chipboard elements. In between the images is the wording: "best friends". 

There's just something about this toaster and piece of toast that get to me every time I see them. I mean, they are smiling. How can that NOT make your day? I mean seriously. 

To purchase this card, or to get more details, visit my Etsy Shop. 

Thanks for stopping by!

just because

Who needs a reason to send mail? Or get mail for that matter?  

This card is A2 size, measuring 4.25" x 5.5". It is folded at the top and opens from the bottom. The edges are inked in a soft black that ties into the design on the patterned paper. The inside is blank. The stamped message says: "just because" and is raised off of the card base with the help of pop dots. The patterned paper and stamps are from Basic Grey. The card base is a heavy-weight cardstock in an olive green color and is the same color on the inside. The edges of the blue block [with the stamped message] are distressed with a torn-edge look.

As I've mentioned before, I'm a firm believer in the power of snail mail and making people happy. I think whoever gets this card will feel the same way.

For additional details, check out the listing here.

Thanks for stopping by!

thank you

Saying thank you never gets old.


Sized A2 [measuring 4.25" x 5.5"] this card is folded at the top and opens from the bottom. The upper left and lower right corners are rounded, not only on the card base, but on all the card elements as well.

The base is a bright yellow, heavy-weight cardstock layered under Basic Grey patterned paper and a block featuring the stamped sentiment: "thank you". The sentiment is embossed in a poppy [red-orange] color for added dimension. The white block with the sentiment is also raised off of the card base with the use of pop dots. 

While it's somewhat simple, I love the style of this card.


For more information about it, or my other items, be sure to visit my store at etsy. Thanks for looking! 

miss you

[Please forgive the photos for this post. I use natural light whenever possible when I photograph my work, and the color of the card was reflecting every which way. The first photo is from the scan, so is most true to life.]

Nothing says "I miss you" like a card in the mail! This is the perfect solution!

Designed as an A2 card [measuring 4.25" x 5.5"] this card is folded along the top and opens from the bottom. The inside is blank. 

The ferns were stamped using a Hero Arts stamp along with various shades of Tim Holtz's Distress Inks [such a favorite product of mine!], including Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Vintage Photo and Scattered Straw. They were then misted with water before being stamped, helping to create the watercolor effect on the light green background. 

The outer edges of the card were inked in brown. The sentiment is stamped in a dark brown so it is easy to read. 

For the complete product information, be sure to visit my Etsy Shop. Here you'll find additional information about this card, as well as all of my other products. 

Thanks for looking! 

hey, Friend!

Tell someone that you're thinking about them by sending this friendly card! The stamped sentiment reads: "hey, Friend!" 

The card is A2 size, measuring 4.25" x 5.5" and is folded at the top, opening from the bottom. The inside of the card is blank with plenty of room for your personal message or sentiment. The edges are inked in a soft brown. 

The scallop shape is pop-dotted off of the surface of the card, adding dimension. The twine is wrapped around the front of the card several times and is visible on the inside when the card is open. 

This features products from Basic Grey, Jenni Bowlin, and EK Success. 

I'm a firm believer in snail-mail and getting nice surprises in the mail instead of just junk and bills. Make some one's day by sending this card just to say, "hey!"

You can see the complete listing [and purchase this card] at my Etsy Shop. 

Thanks for stopping by. Tomorrow I'll be featuring some of my favorite companies on one card! Here's a hint: a little Tim, a little Hero and a lot of fun!

Celebrate The Day

Celebrate the day with this simple, yet sophisticated card! 

Brightly colored stripes in various shades of green, blue, orange, red, and brown keep this card fun! The sentiment, "celebrate the day" is embossed in a vibrant orange color and adds a shiny finish. 

The card is A2 size, measuring 4.25" x 5.5". It is folded at the top and opens from the bottom. 

The edges are inked in brown and the brown rectangle is raised up off the striped paper with the help of pop dots. 

For additional information, check out the listing at my Etsy Shop. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Don't Look Back

The stamped sentiment on this inspirational card reads: "don't look back because you might fall over what is in front of you." It's perfect for encouragement or just for general advice. 

The sentiment is embossed with white powder, which shows up brilliantly on the dark black background. The embossing also provides some texture. In addition, the black rectangular piece is raised off the card base with the help of pop-dots. 

As usual, it's an A2 size card which measures 4.25" x 5.5". It is folded on the left and opens from the right. The corners have been cut with a stub cut and the outer edges of the card have been inked in black for added visual interest. 

To see the complete listing, please visit my Etsy Shop. 

Don't forget, if there's something you are looking for or have in mind, please feel free to contact me. You can send requests or comments to 1cre8ivemess@gmail.com or use the contact link via Etsy. 

Come back tomorrow and see a new piece of cre8ive art!

Sew what's new?

Another card with a vintage feel. I love this little sewing machine! 

Similar in style to yesterday's card, this one also features product from Cosmo Cricket and Hero Arts. 

This would be perfect for sending to a friend you haven't talked with in a while, or as a general "thinking of you" type card. 

The sewing machine is popped up so it has a 3-D feel to it and the twine around the top of the card is the perfect accent! 

For more details, be sure to look at the listing [as well as all my other cre8ive things!] here. 

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful weekend! 

You're Sew Nice

Today I feature a new card with a vintage type feel to it. I love the retro dress form that is raised up to be 3-d that matches the patterned paper. 

Using supplies from two great companies, Cosmo Cricket and Hero Arts, you just can't go wrong with this one. 

The play on words makes me happy too. You're Sew Nice. Sew the dress. Get it? It's clever. 

The card base is using another one of my favorite products, kraft cardstock. It's so natural and earthy, I can't get enough! 

To get more information about this card, or to purchase it, please check out the listing at my Etsy shop, here. 

Thanks for looking!

Sending Warm Wishes

Have I mentioned that I love color? Nothing says color like this card which also screams "sending warm wishes" with the bright, fun, sunshine element. 

It once again features product from Bo-Bunny's Sun Kissed line as well as Hero Arts stamps. 

The card is the standard A2 size, measuring 4.25" x 5.5"

I love the minor details, like the small triangular elements under the stamped sentiment being raised up via the use of pop-dots. Such small things that make a big impact. 

Tomorrow I'll feature one more card in this mini series so be sure to come back and visit! For more details and photos of this card, head over to my Etsy Shop. 

Hello Friend

As I mentioned yesterday, today's posting is the first in a mini series of brightly colored cards featuring product from the Bo-Bunny Sun Kissed line. I love the way that this card [as well as those coming in the next few days] scream summer with the bright colors and fun, playful patterns. I'm a huge fan of combining stamping and layering papers and that's what these cards will feature!

This card is the A2 size, measuring 4.25" x 5.5" and opens from the bottom with the fold at the top. The inside is the same aqua color as the base on the front. 

It's a somewhat simple design, but it packs a powerful message. It's perfect for making some one's day!

The listing is shown here and gives slightly more detail. 

As you might have noticed in the first seven days of posting, I'm trying to spend a few days on similar styles of cards [and soon to be other paper projects]. This way, if you like what you see, you can check back for similar styles. 

Coming up in the next few days: more brightly colored fun featuring Bo Bunny Paper and Hero Arts Stamps, some "sew" cute cards [hint! hint!], and perhaps something inspired by nature. 

Be sure to check back often. Don't forget, if there's something you'd like to see, feel free to comment and/or send me a request at the storefront.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by! 

Colorful Mess

This is one of my latest & greatest colorful messes! Rightfully titled so, this colorful mess comes in the form of an A2 size card. It measures 4.25" x 5.5" and while I meant for it to fold at the top as a portrait-style card, it can easily be converted into a landscape card, opening on the left side. 

As for the technique, it's more from Tim Holtz! [Who would've thought, right?] Once again playing with alcohol inks, I randomly dropped colors in a mish-mosh pattern before blending them together. I was working on a smooth, metallic paper which holds the inks brilliantly. I then ran them through one of Tim's embossing folders with a great circular, almost gear-like pattern. Under the embossed, metallic paper lies a heavy, white card stock card base that's blank inside with plenty of room for your personal message. I love that this card can be used for any occasion, from thinking of you to congrats!

For more details, be sure to check out the listing in my Etsy Shop.

Tomorrow's posting will be featuring some more colorful products...only in a slightly different way! Be sure to come back and check out the details! 

Thanks for looking!  

Happy Everything!

Today's card is another from a series I created using more Tim Holtz goodness in the form of Alcohol Inks. Only a few more in this style [for now]...then it's onto a new technique utilizing more amazing product. 

This card is called Happy Everything! It's in the standard A2 size, measuring 4.25" x 5.5" and opens at the top. 

The sentiment is stamped on a background that's been dyed with various colors of alcohol ink to resemble a tye-dye effect. Several strands of twine accent this card by being tied in a simple knot near the top of the card. The inked surface is layered on top of the kraft card base.

This is a fantastic-ly fun technique that I'm still adapting to and playing with. No two creations are ever the same and that's one characteristic that I love. 

For more details on this card, [or to purchase it], check out the listing at my Etsy Shop here. 

Tomorrow will bring a combination card featuring several of my favorite things. Be sure to check it out!

Just because

Just because...

I cannot express enough how very much I love Tim Holtz and all his products. One of my favorite things to play with are his alcohol inks. So many pretty colors that just blend flawlessly. 

Here I paired some on a circle before stamping the sentiment "just because" and embossing it with black powder. I then [purposely] placed it off center on the black circle before putting both on the white cardstock. The card folds at the top, opening on the bottom. The edges are inked in black. 

Check out the listing on Etsy here. 

Come back tomorrow for some more alcohol ink fun.