Busy Hands Crafting Blog

I have had this piece in my head for awhile. I really wanted to make it for the boys, but I was incredibly intimidated by even just sketching it. I finally took the plunge and decided to at least try. After I was satisfied with the sketch, I wavered on whether I should be brave and color it. I am definitely not confident when it comes to coloring. I was really dismayed to know that I had accidentally sketched my image on watercolor paper. My only color option was watercolor, which I'm REALLY not confident working in. But my husband encouraged me to try, so I dove in. Although it's no where near perfect, I feel like I learned a lot and achieved my goal: to make an original piece for my boys to hang on their wall. As I wrote on the pack of the piece, "I love you more than Pikachu loves his ketchup." <3

I finally finished my Distress Ink Mini collection! Pretty happy about that. To celebrate, I wanted to make an ink blended card. Conveniently, I also needed a masculine thank you card. So, I chose a combo I liked from Kristina Werner's Distress Ink Combos ,ink blended a simple stripe down the middle, and then heat embossed the feather and sentiment. Very simple card. Products Used: Hero Arts Feathers Stamp Set SSS Thanks Stamp Set Distress Inks VersaMark Ink WOW Embossing Powder

I had ordered the correct shaped dies for this Sketch, but unfortunately they didn't ship in time. So, I had to improvise. No biggie. Still worked out. I'm still loving these new-to-me toads I picked up this week. Too cute! Products Used: MFT Toad-ally Awesome MFT Stitched Scallop Basic Edges Die-namics MFT Skinny Strips Die-namics MFT Calm & Cozy Chevron 6x6 Paper Pack Copic Sketch Markers MFT Premium Dye Inks MFT Extreme Black Ink VersaFine Ink

I instantly fell in love with this vintage flower stamp. I just adore it. I made these super simple thank you cards in using one color for each card. They were supposed to be identical, but I accidentally turned the flower panel around on one of them. Oops? I can't wait to play with this set some more in the future. Products Used: Concord & 9th Vintage Flower MFT From All of Us MFT Blueprints MFT Premium Dye Inks VersaMark Ink WOW Embossing Powder

I made this card for my dear, crafty friend, who I finally got to meet in person for the first time last week! It was a sweet time and I really wish we lived closer to each other. Hopefully our paths will meet again someday. Products Used: MFT Greetings & Salutations Concord & 9th Dahlia Turnabout MFT Itsy Bitsy Polka Dots Background MFT Button Quartet Die-namics MFT Stitched Ric Rac Die-namics MFT Blueprints VersaFine Ink VersaMark Ink WOW Embossing Powder

It's been a really rough day, but I wanted to make an encouragement card for a friend who is having a much harder time than me right now. Products Used: MFT Flutter of Butterflies Solid Die-namics MFT Flutter of Butterflies Lace Die-namics MFT Oval STAX Die-namics MFT Blueprints MFT Peaceful Wildflowers MFT Watercolor Wash Brights 6x6 Paper Pack VersaFine Ink Aqua Shimmer Pen

This llama set wasn't my favorite when it first came out. But I snagged it during MFT's retirement sale and decided to use it for this week's Sketch -- I'm in love! SO adorable! Products Used: MFT Llama Love MFT Speech Bubbles Die-namics MFT Fishtail Banner STAX Die-namics  MFT Trail Mix 6x6 Paper Pack Pinkfresh Studio Enamel Dots Copic Sketch Markers MFT Extreme Black Ink VersaFine Ink

Final Mother's Day card is done, just before we're about to go on vacation -- whew! Since this card is for my MIL, I took input from my husband. I have to say, the man has good taste. I mean, he married me, after all. Ha! Right! Anyway. I love the way this card turned out. I love its fun, whimsical feel and modern colors. Hope it goes over well. Products Used: MFT Sketchy Flowers MFT Purrfect Friends Spellbinders Freebie MFT Bold Diagonal Stripes Background MFT Stitched Scallop Basic Edges Die-namics MFT Premium Dye Inks VersaFine Ink

Mother's Day is here and of course I had to make a card for my mama! I mainly purchased the main stamp set used on this card because of the sentiment. It's too perfect. See, my mama isn't my birth mother. She's actually my aunt. But my birth mother abandoned me and died a few years ago. My aunt pretty much raised me from the start. Now that my birth mother is completely gone from my life, my aunt is officially my mama and forever will be. I'd be so lost without her. Not only is she my boss, but she's also my best friend. I thank God for blessing me with her. <3 Products Used: WPlus9 My Whole Life MFT Well Connected Alphabet MFT Oval STAX Set 2 Die-namics MFT Premium Dye Inks VersaFine Ink Pinkfresh Studio Enamel Dots

While in the midst of making Mother's Day cards, I snuck in a Sketch card, too. Multitasking, my friends. I really adore how this turned out. Made it a landscape instead of portrait card so everything would fit. The pretty, sparkly vellum butterflies are my favorite! I'm pretty sure the recipient will be pleased. :) Products Used: MFT Flutter of Butterflies - Solid Die-namics MFT Blueprints Die-namics MFT More Essential Sentiments MFT Bundles of Blossoms Pastels 6x6 Paper Pack MFT Silver Sparkle Card Stock MFT Heavyweight Translucent Vellum VersaMark Ink WOW Embossing Powder EK Success Tools 1" Corner Rounder Aqua Shimmer Pen

Roadtrip project. I like to at least start them, so I have time to memorize the pattern before actually getting in the car. Plus, I just couldn't wait to get started. I have way too may WIPs right now, but I just couldn't resist this crochet blanket. Pattern: Centaur Mandala Afghan by Jennifer Pionk Yarn: Lion Brand Mandala, Genie