New Cutest Crew Birds

Hello again!  Glad you're back for the latest installment.  Have I got a cute little card for you today.  I'm usually not into cutesy all that much.  But when I saw the Cutest Crew stamp and die bundle that is coming March 3rd to the Online Exclusives lineup, I was totally hooked!  I don't know what it is about the darling dogs and cats and those adorable little birds especially, but I just had to have them.  They finally arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to put some of my ideas together.  Today I'm sharing the first of what I hope will be many cards using the Cutest Crew bundle.

Here's a cute and simple card that's sure to bring a smile.  There's texture, color, and lots of fun going on here.  Don't you just love these little feathered friends?  Yeah, I know.  They're not at all realistic, but definitely fun.  Wouldn't they be perfect for a child's birthday card?  But why save all the fun for the kids?  I want to send this to a friend just to make her smile!

To make this card, I started with the birds.  They are stamped on a 1" x 2 1/2" scrap of Basic White cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Then they're colored with Stampin' Blends in primary colors.

Left bird - Real Red Light & Dark

Middle bird - Azure Afternoon Light & Dark

Right bird - Daffodil Delight Light & Dark

Beaks - Darling Duckling - Light

Grass - Granny Apple Green Light

After coloring they were die-cut with the matching die from the set.

Then two Stylish Shapes circles were die-cut.  The 2nd largest from Basic White and the largest circle cut from Azure Afternoon to frame it.

The white circle looked too plain to just add the birds.  So, color was added with Blending Brushes and Balmy Blue and Granny Apple Green inks keeping it quite light.  This added the grass and sky to the circle.  

This circle was attached to the Azure Afternoon circle using adhesive.  The birds were attached across the center of the circles using some Mini Dimensionals.

The sentiment is from the same set.  It's stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Then it's die-cut with the smaller label die in the Stylish Shapes die set.  I love all the stitching dots this set adds to the die cut pieces.  The sentiment was attached to the circles with Dimensionals.

Since I used Azure Afternoon for the circular frame, it was also used for the card base.  It measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  It's scored at 4 1/4" and folded in half.

There are two pieces of Basic White cut for the card that measure 5 1/4" x 4".  One was embossed with the Dashing Designs 3D Embossing Folder.  This is a retired embossing folder that came and went so quickly I didn't realize it wasn't current anymore.  So, if you don't own this one, pick one you like to match the design.

The embossed layer was attached to the card base using Tombow MultiPurpose Liquid Glue to ensure a good seal.  Attach the circular focal images to the card front using Dimensionals.

With that 2nd piece of Basic White you cut, a series of bird "foot" prints were stamped randomly across the bottom edge.  Smoky Slate ink was used for this so it wouldn't be too dark.

Since there are also three small dies in the set for single birds, I die-cut one each from Azure Afternoon, Daffodil Delight, and Real Red.  These are attached along the bottom edge to bring the design inside the card.

Now I have a question for you.  I did not add any bling to this design.  Do you think it needs it?  And if so, what would you recommend?  I kind of like letting the design stand on its own.  But I've also thought of primary color dots to coordinate.  Maybe even adding speckles or spattering on the white layer before embossing it next time.  Hmmm.. What do you think?  Any way I go, I know I love these cutesy birds and I'm going to be creating with them again real soon!

Just two very quick reminders for you.  Don't forget to redeem your Bonus Days coupons.  Final day to do this is February 28th.     Keep your eyes peeled for the many new Online Exclusive items and new Kits that will be available starting March 3rd.  There's everything from richly elegant to just plain fun.  You won't want to miss any of these.

Thanks for stopping by for a look at what's new.  This is a clean and simple card that is also very quick to put together.  I found myself smiling while creating it, so I hope it will bring a smile to my friend also.

Happy stamping and creating,

Sharon