More Valentine Love

Good morning!  WOW!  Have we seen some awesome creations this week, or what?  Our design team has provided us with some wonderful inspiration, and I hope I can keep that momentum going.  I have two cards to share today, and I used the same layout for both cards.  I simply couldn't decide between the Puppy with Valentine die, or the Kitty in Envelope die, so I threw caution to the wind and did them both!  I know, living dangerously, right?  LOL!!!  Since returning home from CHA, it's taken me a while to find my routine again, but I was totally inspired to use these adorable dies that arrived right before I left.

 While at CHA, I was blessed to be working beside the very talented Barry who is also a designer for The Scrapping Cottage, and I have to say that Barry is one of the most knowledgeable people I've met in this industry.  Barry knows so much about so many areas of this business, and it was truly a wonderful experience getting to know him, and watching him work.  One of the tips that Barry shared during his demonstration was how to add a beautiful little pop of sparkle with the glitter Gelly Roll pens.  Instead of trying to color in an entire area on your die cut, Barry recommends that you place a little line of color down with your pen, then take your finger and blend the area to spread the sparkle around.  I have used this so much since returning home.  It's so much easier than getting out the glitter and glue pen, and it is such a pretty effect!  I've sparkled up the edges of my puppy, kitty, and the conversation hearts using Barry's technique, and I think you can see what I mean about how effective it is.  I wish it would photograph better, because it's really beautiful!!  

In addition to the Kitty and Puppy dies, I used the Conversation Heart Mini die.  I love that these dies emboss the I *heart* U sentiment, because it allows you to fill in with a gel pen in any color you want.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I hope you have a warm and wonderful weekend!  Happy Crafting!!!