The Amy Doodle Of It All . . .

Gel Press Backgrounds

You ever have one of those days where you want to craft, but you aren't sure what to do? I get those from time to time and I find the most cathartic activity is creating Gel Press Backgrounds. What is that you say? Gel Press plates are these amazing Printing Plates have the look and feel of a gelatin plate – but they are completely gelatin free! Each plate is transparent and has a flexible, receptive surface perfect for printing. With them you can create one-of-a-kind backgrounds for card making or scrapbooking.

Why use them when you can just use pattern paper?
Because you can create one-of-a-kind elements as well as it being incredibly relaxing! I love taking a couple hours to just keep making background after background. Gel press printing is like magic for crafters – it's messy, unpredictable, and utterly delightful. Start by slapping some gel onto your press; the squishier, the better. Spread it around like you're Picasso on a paint-spattered rampage. Just creating for the sake of making something beautiful that not only is relaxing but also can provide you with a huge stash of creative backgrounds!

I love having a stack of these ready to go. They make backdrops, but you can also use them with die cuts to create really interesting paper pieced graphics. 

Your cards will have something no other card makers have...
a little piece of your own creative genius!

Tips for Gel Press Success:

1. Embrace the Mess: A messy workspace is a sign of a creative mind at work – let your cheekiness shine through the chaos.

2. Mix Patterns Fearlessly: Polka dots with stripes? Why not! Cheekiness thrives on unpredictability.

3. Experiment with Colors: Be bold, be bright, and let your colors pop like confetti at a surprise party.

4. Let Imperfections Reign: Perfection is overrated. Embrace the quirks and let your cheeky creation be gloriously imperfect.

So, there you have it – gel press printing with a cheeky twist! Unleash your inner rebel, have a laugh, and create backgrounds for cardmaking that are one-of-a-kind and uniquely all you!

Inks
Gel Press

Expressing Love Through Handmade Cards

 

 

Stamping and card making are great ways to express your creativity while also showing someone how much you care. With the right techniques, you can create beautiful, unique cards that will make your loved ones feel special. In this article, we'll focus on stencil techniques that are affordable and easy to use, and we'll discuss the advantages of making cards as a way to express love. I know my family and friends always feel really grateful that I have taken the time to make something that is unique to them and the things they like.

Stencil Techniques for Unique Cards

When it comes to making cards, stencils can be a great way to add unique designs and patterns to your creations. With stencils, you don't have to worry about drawing or painting the design yourself, and you can use the same stencil to create multiple cards, making it an affordable option.
You can also see a few more techniques in this stencil video HERE
Here are a few stencil techniques that can help you create unique cards:

1. Ink blending: With this technique, you can use stencils to create a gradient effect on your cards. Simply place the stencil over the card, then use a blending tool to apply ink over the stencil, blending it from light to dark or from one color to another. You can create a simple inked background or something with more texture.  Here I used blues and greens going from dark to light and added glitter paste in a coordinating color over a stencil for added interest.
   
   
   
   

2. Embossing: Embossing stencils allow you to add texture and dimension to your cards. Simply place the stencil over the card, then use an embossing tool (or run it through an die cutting machine. I like to lightly mist paper with water to take the design better) to create a raised design. You can then add ink or paint to the raised design for an extra pop of color.
   
   
   
   
   

3. Glitter and paste: Stencils can also be used to create designs with glitter or paste. Apply the paste or glitter over the stencil, then remove the stencil to reveal a unique design that sparkles and shines.
   
   
   
   
   You can also use adhesive paste to use with foil to create a background that really pops!
   
   
   
   
   

Big Results for Little Money

One of the best things about using stencils for card making is that it's an affordable option that can still yield big results. Stencils can be reused multiple times, so you don't have to keep buying new ones for each card. And with the variety of stencils available, you can create a wide range of designs and patterns without breaking the bank.

Additionally, card making is a great way to show someone you care without spending a lot of money. A handmade card can be just as meaningful, if not more so, than a store-bought card. By taking the time to create something unique and personalized, you're showing the recipient that you value and appreciate them. Expressing Love Through Handmade Cards  can also be a powerful way to express love and affection for another person. By creating a card with your own hands, you're putting time, effort, and thought into something that's meant to make someone else happy. It's a tangible way to show that you care, and it's a gift that can be cherished for years to come.

So the next time you need a card for a special occasion, consider making one yourself and see how much joy it can bring to you and the recipient.

EDS Blog Hop

Welcome! I am so glad you made it to my blog for the blog hop! 

A small blurb about . . . EDS. You might be asking yourself . . . "What is it?"
Simply put, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of thirteen individual genetic conditions, all of which affect the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue keeps everything in place and provides support, like the mortar between bricks. Our bodies create faulty collagen (the stuff that makes your ligaments into snappy rubber bands) so for people with EDS we have no snap back in those ligaments making it impossible to keep our joints in place.



We can dislocate just about all of our bones on a regular basis as well as many other symptoms. OUCH! EDS is often an invisible disability. Symptoms commonly include, but are not limited to, long-term pain, chronic fatigue, dizziness, palpitations and digestive disorders. If you're wondering why the zebra is associated with EDS it's because in medical school doctors are taught "When you hear hooves think horses not zebras" In other words, it's very unlikely you will come across a rare disease so think of the more common diseases.

I have lived with this disorder my whole life and because it is not widely known, not even in the medical field, I was only diagnosed 6 years ago, and I am 50! It's been a long brutal road and I still struggle to understand how to care for my body daily because depending on what I dislocate it changes daily. So, you guessed it . . . I am a walking ragdoll! LOL It's a serious disorder that my family and I have chosen to approach with a certain amount of humor, to keep from going crazy! When I found out about this blog hop, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it and help spread the word about EDS. With that said, let's get crafty!


I used an old stamp set that I created for a stamp company I was once a part of, and it is near and dear to my heart. It features this adorable little zebra tucked in bed. I really wanted my zebra to stand out so I thought I would stencil the inside of the card and cut a circle out of the front of the card and cover it in transparency sheet. Then cut a smaller circle and glued it in the center of the larger circle, where I place my zebra!




First step was to stencil the inside using a zebra print stencil and Catherine Pooler inks in Something borrowed and Flirty Fuchsia. 
I stamped my sentiment on a circle I cut from white cardstock and adhered it, but the same thing could be achieved by laying down a circle mask inside the card before you stencil.

First, I glued down black cardstock to my card front, and then I cut a large circle out of the front of the card and covered the inside with a transparency sheet. (You could also use a sheet of clear plastic that comes on the back of most stamps). I adhered a smaller black cardstock circle to the center of the large circle. Next, I stamped my image and colored my little zebra using Copic Markers.

Zebra's face and hair - C1/C2/C3/C7/100
Flowers - B000/B00/B05 (center flowers - B66/V04/FV2/B05)
Pillow - B000/B00/0
Blanket - B66/B05/FV2



I used foam tape to adhere my little zebra to the center circle and added a sentiment and some stamped flowers as little embellishments. I also added Crystal Stickles to the center of each flower for some sparkle. To finish it off I thought it needed a small silver glitter sticker border.

Please be sure to check out everyone's videos for lots of inspiration and there is also a giveaway! Alison and Michele will be offering giveaways on their channels. Winners will be chosen by Alison and Michele on 2/11/22. Comments will close on 2/8/22 at 12 pm EST. In order to be qualified to win, you must comment on each of the ten videos and be subscribed.

You can find the videos for the other designers Here:

 

Michele from Scrap Secrets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbuNZp89wlE

Amy from Amy's Wares:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqa2PZyeUo4

 

Lauren from Lauren Taylor Made:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVK3qBU3tGs

 

Marie from Marie's Vermont Creations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuDNyE6sSmQ

 

Candice from Candoodle:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPKsMuGsNpI

 

Mary Polanco:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5qz8dbxa5U

 

Amy Hurley Purdie:

You are Here!

 

Terra from Mayhem Crafty Cards:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ7uoIbgO08

 

Alison Heikkila:

https://youtu.be/UHm5oqw1w2c

I would like to leave you with a final note. Anyone with a rare disease or chronic pain disorder will tell you that support from caring friends and family is everything.
If you aren't sure what you can do, try these simple things:

Ask them what they need,

listen and believe them,

love them as they are,

be flexible with plans,

and send cards!

We all love getting a handmade card, but chronic pain and rare disorders can be crippling and leave you feeling isolated and alone. A card really can make all the difference and make you feel like you aren't battling your disease alone. Reach out and give someone battling this horrible disease, or a chronic pain illness your love and support. You won't believe what a difference you will make.

 

To learn more go to:
Home - The Ehlers Danlos Society : The Ehlers Danlos Society (ehlers-danlos.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scrappy Boy Christmas Cards!

I know I know it's not  Christmas yet, but you HAVE TO SEE these adorable Christmas stamps!

Trust me you are going to want a set. If you are anything like me you love to watch all those amazing PBS Victorian shows, and this stamp takes me right back to all the pretty Victorian themed clothes and Christmas baubles!
It's the set Victorian Christmas! This cute 6x8 stamp set has 27 image stamps & 5 sentiment stamps. 
You can find it here: Victorian Christmas and they have dies to match!


For my first card I had this idea in my mind of the front being outside the Victorian house, and when you open the card you would be inside of it. There are so many little scene stamp pieces it's just begging for you to create a scene!

Here is the outside of the card. I used an old house stamp I had from Artist Impressions.
I thought the little boy would be adorable on the outside just welcoming you into his home. I used some of the smaller element stamps to decorate the house, and I used the tree stamp to create my background.

Doesn't he have the cutest little face!


Next for the inside of the card I stamped all the things and used the handy cutting dies to cut all out. I used some patterned paper for the wall and floors, and I just glues white cardstock rectangles and squares together to get that wood panel look.

I used foam tape on some elements to raise them up and give them dimension.
What a perfect little Victorian Christmas scene, and I think this would be a fun card to display on the mantel at Christmas.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!
Before you go I want to share a bonus card. I know there are peeps out there that really love the blue/purple Christmas color combo so I decided to make a sweet and simple wreath card. I used a 3 window cutting die, and Catherine Pooler inks in Something Borrowed, and Flirty Fuchsia to create my little colorful squares for the wreath to sit on.


I used a "Family" cutting die from Honey Bee Stamps to coordinate with the stamp sentiment from ours to yours, and I was so to add a ton of glitter paper and bling!

I hope this inspires you to create some of your own fun Christmas scenes, and if you haven't already . . .
You are going to want to check out Scrappy Boy Stamps!


I will leave you with 2 other sets that I adore to check out.

Tomb Town, and Future Family
GO SEE HOW CUTE!!

Sequin mixes and sparkles oh my!

My latest obsession has been sequin mixes for crafting, card making and scrapbooking. To be honest I have loved all things sparkly forever and now with the surge of companies selling sequin mixes it has really become my new favorite thing! I love testing myself to see just how many different ways I can use these sparkly blends. 

I started off with just a couple and really resisted the urge to buy one of those organizers until my BFF just happen to have an extra one. Then the race to fill it was on! LOL 




Even harder than filling my new sparkly container was how to use these bits so I felt like I was getting my money's worth out of them. (Although in all honesty some I won't use because I just want to look at them LOL). So let me share with you what I have come up with. This isn't me re-inventing the wheel because these techniques have been around awhile, but this post is rather an easy way to find many techniques in one spot!

First up The classic Shaker card. It shakes, it wiggles, and it's so sparkly! So satisfying to shake that card!
I created this one with one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE mixes by Doodle's Paper Playground called "I love the 80's"


(Stamps by Stamp Annie thing 80's box & MFT Trendy Triangles)

Another take on a shaker card is creating a see through window. I created a shaker with clear transparency on both sides so when you open the card you can see through it! I used a tropical must have from Doodle's Paper Playground called "Pineapple Garden"

(Stamps from MFT BB Polynesian Paradise)

How about taking the concept of a shaker card and creating 3 windows! For this one I took sequins & sparkles from multiple mixes to create my own custom blend!

 

(stamp from SSS Narwhal Friends)

 

Of course you can always pick out your favorite elements from a mix and just add a few bobbles on your card to add small touches. I picked some white stars from a mix just to add a little something to finish the look.

(Stamps by Stamp Annie thing 80's box)

 

One of my FAVORITE ways to use mixes is to build backgrounds! I love how it looks.
For this card I used double sided adhesive on the front of my card. I placed the "Light in the forest" mix down by hand choosing the pieces I wanted. I cut out the outline of the word  "Hugs" and backed it with clear transparency, then I glued the word "Hug" to the front of the transparency so you could see the mix of sequins glued down on the background. I love the way it shows of the sequin mixes and I find it relaxing to place all those little goodies!

(Word Die by Honeybee Stamps "Hugs" word dies)


Here I have done the exact same technique but instead I left the sequins exposed and used it as a small background to frame my image!

(Stamp from SSS Tumbling Shell Background & Darcie's Fin-tastic)

I hope me sharing some of my favorite ways to use sequins inspires you to got out and get some of your own sparkle blends, and if I have started you down the path to total sparkle obsession? . . . What can I say, at least we are in it together!

 

Favorite sequin blends:
Sparkle Blends Shop

Gel Press Fun!

Recently I watched a couple of video's about the Gel Press. Now I have played with it before but I am one of those people that sometimes needs to really play with a new product before I get the hang of it. I must say that I highly recommend playing with the Gel Press for an entire weekend to try it out. I guarantee once you start you won't be able to stop! I LOVE my GEL PRESS! 




It is so satisfying to play with it and create one of a kind backgrounds that in turn create clean and simple cards! I am always in need of clean and simple cards. Not only for my own stash, but also for the family members that are always wanting a stash of handmade cards of their own. Here are a few I made using just some blending techniques with Distress Oxide inks and a couple stencils.

 

I also did a project recently where I made 52 Valentines for a local Senior Center. You would think that's a lot of backgrounds but to be honest I couldn't stop myself...LOL. Once I got creating I just kept experimenting and playing with different stencils and Inks, and the project went by so fast! I used a combination of Distress Inks & Distress Oxide inks. (I like to buy mine HERE)






I intend to make a video on my Gel Press but for now it's just in the works. If you are looking for somewhere to get started I HIGHLY recommend Jennifer McGuire's Gel Plate video series. You will get lots of helpful tips and tons of inspiration!

Jennifer McGuire Gel Press Video

Be sure to check out my channel and be on the watch for new content coming!

Amy Hurley Purdie YouTube Channel

Sassy & Crafty November Release

While I am no longer a part of Sassy & Crafty I will be making a few samples for the November and December release. They are the last 2 months that I designed product for and I would like to still make a  card or two to celebrate my time with the company. With that said . . .Let the sample extravaganza begin! (okay . . . it's more like 8 cards so not really an extravaganza, but still fun LOL)

First up Merry Mouse-Mas

I wanted to make this fun inside/outside card and I envisioned a light-up feature, so Pear Blossom EZ Lights were perfect to make it happen!




My second Merry Mouse-mas card I paired it with Cooler than you stamp set to create a snow-bear!


I am OBSESSED with the Cooler than you stamp set! It's my fav because of all the adorable little polar animals.

Here's my first card. I used 2 of the new stencils from Sassy & Crafty called Swirls and snowfall.


This by far is my favorite card I have made this release! It's a tag card featuring every animal on the stamp set!







Last I have Be Jolly, By Golly stamp set featuring this adorable snowman! I put him in a clear shaker card for something a little different!


If you liked any of the cute images be sure to pop on over to 

Sassy & Crafty

to see the rest of their release!

Simple Colorful Cards

My Mom absolutely adores simple colorful cards. It is always her number one request when she asks me to please restock her supply of handmade cards. I love making them because sometimes you want to make a few quick and simple cards that allow you to play with color and technique. Stencils are perfect for that! You can break out the inks, a bunch of stencils, and your favorite sentiment stamps and you've got yourself a set of great cards!

I used some of my favorites to create a few simple colorful cards using just those basic supplies I listed above.

I wanted them to be bold and bright without being a ton of work. For this first card I used a brayer on a Gel plate and Distress Inks in Mustard Seed, Abandon Coral, and Seedless Preserves over my Sassy & Crafty Droplet Stencil to create my background. I used Sassy & Crafty Happy Everything sentiment to complete the card.

 

My most favorite stencil recently is this Awesome Stars stencil! It's so versatile!!! You can make so much with it. (I even did a 3 part cardmaking video series with it and you can find Video 1 on my channel here)
I used Distress inks in Twisted Citrone, Peacock Feathers, Salty Ocean, and Wilted Violet to blend over my stencil and then cut it at an angle for my background. I paired it with a purple tone on tone paper and a Happy Birthday sentiment from CTMH.



So I am a rainbow fanatic and I think a rainbow card would make anyone smile, right? I lightly blended Distress Inks in Picked Raspberry, Carved Pumpkin, Mustard Seed, Twisted Citron, Salty Ocean, and Wilted Violet on my white cardstock. Next, I used my Alte New Bubble Wrap stencil and heavily re-applied the inks to create my pattern. I used Sassy & Crafty A Huge Thanks sentiment stamp set for my sentiment.

Since I had a strip leftover from my rainbow paper I thought I would use it to make this darker card using the same Alte New Bubble Wrap stencil. I loved how it turned out! I used Hero Art white pigment ink over the stencil onto black paper and then lined up my rainbow strip so it matched. 

I used Sassy & Crafty Happy Everything sentiment for my Happy Birthday! I had so much fun making them and the best part is with just a few elements, you can use these same supplies to create multiple cards. I know Mom will love them and will be asking for more in about another week. That's what happens when you are your family's personal Hallmark store! LOL

 

Halloween Cards!

You know it's my favorite time of year and I am SO OBSESSED with Halloween!
I just wanted to share some of my favorites that I have made over the last 2 weeks getting ready for the September Release launch!

PRODUCT IS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AT 9PM PST Tonight or 12AM EST tomorrow morning!

My favorite Witch Cards!

Wicked Good Friends

Let's Dress Up

Sassy Girls - Witchy

These are my Favorite Ghost Cards!

All About the Boo's





My favorite Halloween Themed cards!

Wicked Good Friends

Let's Dress Up


Spider Stencil


Sassy Girl - Spooky

And finally my all-time favorite for any occasion . . . 
MONSTERS!

Monster Hugs




Hope you enjoyed my Halloween themed cards and I hope they inspire you as well!
Be sure to check out the store and our company blog for lots more spooky inspiration!

Kindred Stamps Arabian Nights

I am so loving this stamp Arabian Nights from Kindred Stamps. BUT . . . I can't think of one stamp set from Kindred Stamps I DIDN'T LIKE!!! This set has 6 characters to play with so the card possibilities are endless, but I thought why not do a card with all of them! You know me, I am from the "more is more" camp!

 

For my card I thought it would be fun to attach a scroll that has a very long Arabian Nights scene!

 

To create my background I found free coloring book images to trace and create my background and then I used the stamps to add my characters to the scene. Granted this did take a long time to color, but coloring while I watch TV is my favorite way to relax. I used Copics to color everything and I used a brown and black Prismacolor pencil for shading in some spots.

I glued the first part of the card to the inside of my card base, and hot glued the end to a pencil and rolled it up tight. I glued some ribbon to the back of my card and tied the scroll in place by wrapping the ribbon around the card, tucking the scroll in the back of the card and then tieing a ribbon to the front. 

 

I love how deceptively long the card actually is, and it makes such a fun storyline as it unfolds.

For more Kindred Stamp inspiration
(because let's face it, I'm obsessed!)

GO HERE

OR HERE

WHY NOT HERE