~July 2026 - Friends of Unity Blog Hop ~ Color Challenge

Hello and welcome to the Friends of Unity July 2026 Blog Hop! 

We have a color theme this month! Where I live, Florida USA, we are marking the 250th birthday of the USA! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

I did NOT want to make only "4th of July" cards, so I created a mix!

My first card features a ink smooshed background (colors are Distress Oxides in stormy sky, faded jeans and speckled egg. Next I die cut that panel using the scallops and rectangle nesting dies. The boots are from the April 2022 Kit of the Month - True Colors which I colored with KingArt Alcohol Markers and then fussy cut out (cutter bee scissors are the best)! The sentiment is from Joy & Brighter Days. 

I then popped the image and sentiment up with foam adhesive and adorned with clear dew drops, thought they looked like rain.

Next up is a celebration card featuring lovely red flowers against a blue wood-look background.

The floral image and sentiment are from the July 2020 Front & Center Sentiment kit called ...aging gorgeously. I die cut it and the blue wood-look background paper (which is from rustic wood paper pack) using the scallops and rectangles nesting dies. I created a tag with the sentiment and attached it using some natural twine from Timeless Twine.

I added some Nuvo Aqua Shimmer in Glitter Gloss to the petals of the flowers. It was a little difficult to photograph, but it's there! :) I also added some enamel dots from Gina Marie Designs too!

Next up is a card that utilizes one of the amazing backgrounds of the month! 

I grabbed ...assorted blooms (BOM 2/2023), stamped it onto white cardstock with VersaFine Clair, colored with KingArt Alcohol Markers and then die cut with the scallops and rectangles nesting dies. Coordinating red polkadot paper was in with my scraps. The sentiment is from a grab bag I received, but the kit is Well Hello There, which I die cut by manipulating the scallops and banners nesting dies to accommodate the size I needed. I added some natural burlap twine from May arts designs and multiple colors of enamel dots and pearls from Gina Marie Designs.

And last but not least, what is red, white and blue without a cow!?!? I just felt the need to add a cow! LOL

I took some inspiration from the examples on the Unity website, created by Tammy Hawes and Shilo Miles. The postage stamp nesting dies are what makes this card! I grabbed the Barnyard Blowout paper pack, which has OOOOODLES of Red, White and Blue! Die cut the red gingham, then took the bandana page and cut it to fit. The cutest cow set..thinking of moo, was the set of choice! Such a sweet face!

The Friends of Unity are sponsoring a challenge on the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group! This same color palette! Let's see what YOU can create! Link to the album is here!

If you came here from Von Marie, but want to start at the beginning, Crystal's blog is here. To continue to the next, please visit my friend Rachel's blog here.

Thanks for the visit! Please leave me some love in the comments! 🩷🩷

~ June 2026 - Friends of Unity Blog Hop ~ Food & Drink

Hello friends! Welcome to June! The Friends of Unity are hoping this month with a super fun prompt....Food & Drink! I had a giant list of stamps at my disposal! Could only choose a few!

First card has to be a birthday cupcake....right?!?!? I started with the January 2023 Kit of the Month {bloom and evolve}, the sentiment is from Gotta Love Sentiments. I have always been inspired by Tenia's designs so this one pays homage to her style! :)

Patterned paper is from Oh Hey! It's Your Day! After I stamped the image (with Versafine Clair) using my Misti....I die cut it with one of the tags from the Make a Tag Nesting Die set. I used my KingArt Alcohol Markers to color the yummy cupcake to coordinate with the polka dots on the paper. I added a scrap from the same paper pack, some red twine, some foam tape and a heart paperclip! 

Next up a big squeeze!

I created this background a few months ago and it's been sitting here waiting for the perfect chance to shine! Today is the day! I used the Slices of Summer layering stencil but used yellow ink to create lemons! I used cookie dough lunar paste to make the seeds! Die cut with the scallops and rectangle nesting dies!

I decided to add a refreshing lemonade to this for a summer "chill" card! The itty-bitty is called chillin'.  Stamped with VersaFine Clair, fussy cut with cutter bee scissors and added using foam tape! 

I was scrolling through my photos the other day....looking for something and I came across a screen-shot I took 12 years ago! :| 12 years ago?!? Are you kidding me?!?! Realized that it was a card posted by Heather Hoffman that inspired me to find this sweet citrus set! Obviously I had to make something with the need a squeeze itty bitty, sadly now retired. Just as the newest Tawny Owl Paperie sketch was released....seemed like the perfect timing!

I started with a sunburst stencil which was in the August 2023 Whit Kit. I used twisted citron, dried marigold and scattered straw for the burst. I die cut the circle with the scallops and circles nesting dies. I used the leftover ink on the blending brushes to shade in the citrus. Next colored with KingArt Art Markers. Printed the sentiment from the computer. Added some coordinating buttons from my stash for a little extra dimension!

So many choices....I had to do at least one more! :)

This sweet itty bitty has been in my collection for sooooo long! It's called berry sweet moments, since been retired but I still love it!

Stamped with VersaFine Clair Nocturne, colored with King Art Alcohol Markers. Die cut with the make a tag nesting dies. The background paper is from Rustic Farmhouse, the red plaid is from Barnyard Blowout. The polkadot is actually Christmas paper! LOL

I added some burlap and red twine from May Arts Ribbon and some clear flat sequins. As well as some foam adhesive. 

I felt that it needed "something" but wasn't sure what to do. Since I colored with Alcohol markers, I thought I'd try to move it around some. I grabbed some isopropyl alcohol....without a plan! :/  I added a few drops to see what would happen and this is the result! :/ I sprinkled some lumberjack plaid on as well......not sure if I've ruined it or not, but this is the result. I may need to adjust it again. 

I left this on the blog post to show that you could always try something new and see what happens. I almost took this whole part off, but sometimes things work and sometimes they don't exactly, but in the end its still art and you created it! :)

Thanks for visiting and following along! I'd love to hear your feedback!!

If you'd like to start over at the beginning, Crystal's blog is the place to be! If you are ready to move on, Toni is your girl! :)

p.s.  apologies….I just now realized that the majority of my cards feature stamps that have been retired! :/

 

~ May 2026 - Friends of Unity Blog Hop ~ Farmhouse

Hello and welcome to the May 2026 Friends of Unity Blog Hop! Our theme this month is Farmhouse. Hope you enjoy the hop!

To be honest, I had a few ideas about this theme a few weeks before I got started, but when I sat down to create something, I was stumped! LOL I hope that I have sufficiently captured the theme of Farmhouse! :)

For those that "know" me....know that I am an avid (or should I say RABID) crocheter! I crochet A LOT!  I created the scalloped piece from some very fine yarn and attached it with some tear tape. Seemed like the most secure way to attach it! I used some Kraft cardstock and a piece of the Pastel Gingham Collection (Whit Kit 3/2024). The stamps used are from the December 2022 KOM {a new chapter}. I stamped the flower and sentiment with VersaFine Clair Nocturne, the distressed words with Antique Linen Distress Oxide. Colored the flower with Kingart Art Markers. Die cut with the smallest scallops and rectangle nesting dies and then tore the left side off....as well as tearing off the left side of the gingham panel too! Some foam tape, twine from May Arts and some enamel dots from Gina Marie Designs and she's finished! :)

I know this may be a shocker, but this next card features some scraps that were left from the Country Lovin' paper pack and a few from Barnyard Blowout. They went together perfectly! With the scraps I had in front of me, I went on the hunt for a good sketch! Tawny Owl Paperie to the rescue! I found the perfect sketch from May 2025, Sketch 33 is pictured below.

What is more "Farm"house than a sweet cow! This cutie is from ...thinking of moo (12/2024 Uniquely Unity and the sentiment is from (one of my favorites) Gotta Love Sentiments. Stamped with versafine clair nocturne, die cut with the postage stamp nesting dies and colored with KingArt Art Markers. I added a teeny bit of distressing around the edges with Walnut Stain Distress Ink. I also used the scallops and banners nesting dies. I then added some twine from May Arts and some red enamel dots from Gina Marie designs and a cute little heart paperclip.

I have one last card to share. When I heard "farmhouse" thoughts of the super strong women who ran the whole thing popped into my head! 

I pulled out the Wallpaper & Warmth paper pack from the January 2025 Whit Kit and it just reminded me of the calico dresses and aprons that you see in old photos. I also grabbed another favorite set of mine, Difficult Roads. I absolutely love the detail in the mason jar vase with the cotton flowers. I found a picture on Pinterest that is not on the website, created by Karen Maldonado, and used it as inspiration! I stamped the image and the sentiment onto kraft cardstock. I then used my Tombow ABT Brush Markers to color. It created a softer color gradient that I was looking for. After coloring I trimmed the panel down a bit. For the backer, I used a piece of cardboard packing and ran it through the embossing machine with a woodgrain folder! I distressed both pieces with the Tim Holtz distressing tool and added some walnut stain distress ink to the edges. Even though you cannot see it, I did add some thicker burlap twine under the image. To that I tied a piece of seam binding from My Scrap Cabin in the color sea mist. 

The sentiment was a whole other project! LOL I cut it down two or three times and ended with the round top and bottom and squared sides. I felt it needed a little something more. I die cut a tag topper and attached it to the very tippy top edge. Tied on some natural twine and added it to the front! A few flat sequins and some Nuvo Aqua Shimmer in Glitter Gloss to finish!

I thought I was finished, until I saw the newest sketch from Tawny Owl Papiere! :)

I started with the paper choices, then moved onto the stamp set. I have to say that I switched multiple times in the search process! It's not always cut and dry! Sometimes it takes some tweaking and switching things around to get the result you are looking for! Ended up with the I'd Go Anywhere set along with the sentiment from Sing the Lord's Praise. Stamped both with VersaFine Clair Nocturne. Die cut the main image with the scallops and squares nesting dies. My paper choices were Rustic Farmhouse (11/2020 Whit Kit) and Simply Spring (5/2021 Whit Kit). I liked how Crystal tore the paper to make the diagonal....so that's what I did as well.

Lastly I colored with my Tombow ABT markers for better control of the color again. Added some natural bakers twine and enamel dots from Gina Marie Designs! While it was unexpected, I'm glad I took the time to create it! :)

If you would like to start over at the beginning, Crystal's blog is the place to start! If you are ready to move on....Rachel is your next stop! Enjoy the rest of the hop!

I would love to hear your thoughts! Please leave me some love! :) <3

~ April 2026 - Friends of Unity Blog Hop ~ Earth Day/Recycle

 Hello and welcome to April! The Friends of Unity are hopping today with some wonderful inspiration! April is a month of rebirth. Spring should be "springing" up all around you with flowers blooming, skies clearing....in Florida that typically means *pollen* but let's not talk about *sneeze* that yet! LOL

I have been saving all kinds of stuff for a few months in anticipation of this month's theme! Typically I am a scrap hoarder anyway, but let's just say my scrap pile is bursting at the seams!

First up is a shaker card that I created with a previously created background, a stamped image that has been hanging around for "just the right color" and some plastic wrapping that I will be using to make the actual shaker part! 

I started with an amazing and super colorful background that I created some time ago....I made an entire sheet and this is one of the quarters! Packaging from an online purchase was the perfect size for this A2-ish panel. I cut the plastic bag to remove the edges, then used some tear tape to attach the plastic to the card panel, being sure to leave the top edge open to load up the shaker bits. These bits are from several sources, Unity clear flat sequins (that got a bit out of hand while going into the bag), some tiny yellow star bits and cupcake confetti both from Twiddler's Nook, as well as a few dots of scrap paper that were paper punched! I attached the completed shaker panel to a piece of black on my card base. To that I added the Happy Birthday! It's from the Unity set called Many More Birthdays along with the coordinating die. I had made this quite some time ago, but it just never coordinated with anything until now! I attached it with more tear tape, right smack in the center! It was stamped with Versafine Clair Nocturne and heat embossed with some clear embossing powder (p.s. Unity also has clear embossing powder, I just don't have it yet!)

I just love a shaker card sound!

Next up is another birthday card, but a little less "loud!" 

I saved the box that held my kitchen trash bags. I loved the color combo on it! 

Dark pink, light pink, lime green and wood grain. I maneuvered the smallest of the scallops and banners dies, as well as another banner die set that was in a Whit Kit, to get as many cuts as I could! Next I grabbed a roll of natural color burlap ribbon that I saved from a gift basket that was sent to my family. I have two different sizes of this actually from two different gifts! The green ribbon has been in my ribbon box forever! There wasn't enough lime green on the box to get one more strip, so I utilized my Unity paper stash! Rainbow Alcohol Ink Papers from the April 2023 Whit Kit to the rescue! I see now from the picture that some are not exactly straight but I can fix it later! The sentiment is from ...aging gorgeously, enamel dots (my favorite) from Gina Marie Designs.

I have so many recycled things and ideas that I just need to keep going! This is just a good reminder that there are so many items in everyday life that can be recycled for other uses! Between the two elements above that I've rescued from the landfill, I also have at the ready.....bread bag clip, used dryer sheets, plastic packaging from a container of blueberries and another box that the entire inside is pink! :) 

Ok, I digress....onto the next one!

A used dryer sheet sprayed with Plain Jane ink spray by My Tattered Angels in Tiger Lilly, glued to a piece of cardstock with elmers glue! After spraying the dryer sheet with the ink, I found some old elmer's glue (from the slime making days IYKYK) and spread it all over the cardstock and sort of "smooshed" it around to give some texture. This took forever to dry! 

In the meantime, I die cut another piece of cardstock with the deckle & stitches nesting dies to make a frame. I had the white embossed moth (Nocturnal Nature) from a previous project. I stamped a birthday wish (...aging gorgeously) and attached it to the frame. Foam tape on both the frame and the moth which both were attached directly over the dryer sheet/glue/cardstock panel.

This is likely my last one.....but its a cute one!

The box from the "scrub mommy" I just brought home had this beautiful hot pink on the inside of the box! The other elements on this one are also "recycled" in a way! The white piece cut from the frame above was used on this one.....as well as the sentiment which is so old....I don't even remember when I stamped it! 

I used the pink box for the background on this one. The yellow polka dot paper was laying on the desktop so I tore it up and added some washi tape and a staple and it looks like a Tenia card! LOL Stamped the girl from Echo of Kindness with Versafine Clair Nocturne, colored her with KingArt Alcohol Markers. I then added some foam tape to both the colored image and the sentiment along with enamel dots to finish it off! 

I do love ALL of these recycled cards! I definitely had to think outside the box on a few, but Pinterest is one of my favorite sources for ideas!

With all the goodies I have saved, I am sure there will be more cards to come!

Thank you for visiting and don't forget that April 22 is Earth Day, but you can make a difference EVERY day! To start the hop at the beginning, visit Crystal's blog. If you are ready to move on...Toni is your next stop!

~ March 2026 - Friends of Unity Blog Hop ~ Sketch

 Hello and welcome to March! The Friends of Unity are hopping right into this new sketch! Be sure to follow along for ooodles of inspiration!

It's no secret that I am a HUGE fan of sketches! I am a visual person....I can see the sketch, how it's laid out, how layers are placed, all that's left is the creativity!

I have had this idea for a "welcome to your new home" card but wasn't sure how to execute it. I think this is perfect! I used a Unity Background that's no longer available (beautiful day in the neighborhood) but there is another that it really similar...it's called Village Patchwork. As you can see I used a couple of the nesting die sets too! Scallops and rectangles as well as scallops and arches. I stamped the background with Versafine Clair in Nocturne, then colored just one house with KingArt Alcohol Markers. The sentiment was printed on my computer and cut to fit. Instead of a circle, I found a heart shaped button that I felt worked well! Popped up with some foam tape and then tied with some burlap twine and a bow!

When I say you can find inspiration in the strangest places....this is what I'm talking about. As I sat down to my computer to type up this post, a facebook post caught my eye. It's from a group called "Dorm Room Mama's." My daughter started college last fall and this was my go-to site for all things dorm room inspiration! Well the post today was all about care packages! This is the picture that I saw....do you see it.....the rainbow card?!? BAAMMM! Genius!!!

Here's my take on it!

I love it when a plan comes together! :) I grabbed the April 2022 Whit Kit, Rainbow Wishes along with the coordinating stencil. Stamped everything in multiple colors and then die cut the piece with the scallops and arches nesting dies. I added some foam adhesive, stash flowers, dew drops....its sweet!

Thanks for visiting! Please visit Joyce, her blog post is here, to proceed along with the hop. If you'd like to start at the beginning....Crystal's blog link is here.

~ February 2026 Friends of Unity Blog Hop ~ Sassy :)

 

Hello and welcome to FEBRUARY! My Birthday month! :) The prompt this month is "Sassy!" I normally don't make sassy cards so this was a little difficult to find sassy, but not toooo sassy! :)

First up is a birthday card which hits close to my heart! I will be 58 this month so the grey hair and "teeth" joke are hitting hard! Paper from Unity Stamp Co. Oh Hey! It's Your Day! Image from KOM January 2024 {all the love}, yes I did cut off the gentleman.....I wanted a sassy birthday card for a woman! The sentiment is from a grab bag. If you know where it's from, go ahead and let me know! Die cut the circles with the scallops and circles nesting dies, sentiment is die cut with spellbinders (circa 2014) A2 curved matting basics B. I followed a sketch from {BYSHC}. I love to follow sketches and {BYSHC} has tonnnnns! I will place sketch 11 below! *Did you see the sparkly streaks in her grey hair?!?!*

Next up is another birthday card which also hits home! LOL Hot Flashes!! Am I right?!?! Ugh, the worst!

When I found the sentiment going through all my stamps to get this months cards started, I knew this was the one! And if I'm going to have hot flashes....I will definitely be having wine! :) I went then to the Unity website and searched for the planner girl: winderful set to see how others have used it! I love to go and look for inspiration on the Unity website! it's an amazing wealth of talent! Julissa's card jumped out at me! I know last month was the "CASEd" prompt, but I totally CASEd this card! :) and sentiment from grab bag.

And last but not least.....grad season will be here before you know it! My daughter graduated last year, but a bunch of friends are getting ready to graduate this year too! I figured I should start early! :)

 Again, I'm not the best for sassy or snarky sentiments, but I did get the snarky graduation set strictly for the grad hat and die! So the sentiments were a bonus! LOL  I paired the graduation gnome with a couple of the snarky sentiments. I also loved Shilo's card layout so I tried to go off of her example! Grad paper is from Echo Park, the kraft sheet was embossed with a grad hat embossing folder. I die cut the rectangles with scallops and rectangles nesting dies. I didn't have black photo corners, but I did have kraft! I colored mine black and viola! 

Thanks for stopping by on your way through the hop! I truly appreciate it!! To start at the beginning again, you can visit Crystal's blog. If you are ready to move on to the next.....Rachel!