Hi All!
When I saw this die set by Paper Smooches, I thought it was the coolest set ever. I get excited when a new and different product comes on the market. However, when I got it, I was overwhelmed by the possibilities. Similar to the builder stamp sets, you don’t even know where to start. I must admit that there is quite a bit of thinking involved, which I guess can be a good thing if you’re looking for a challenge. But if not, I’ve done the thinking for you. 🙂
I could have created many more animals, but I had to stop because I just didn’t have any more time! I actually really wanted to make a raccoon. And a beaver with big teeth. And a bear, by rounding out the ears. And maybe a mouse. It’s kind of like Facebook. Your have to just force yourself to stop. So… I’m hoping you can help!
I’ve created an upload at the end of this post, just like the challenges. Share the cards you have created with this die set so we can all get even more great ideas.
The video is HERE, if you want to go straight to it. Otherwise, enjoy the photos and see the video at the end. A complete list of supplies is also located at the end HERE.
The pig was created in a very straightforward way:
Here are the pieces. I used a 2″ oval punch for her nose:
Next up is the fox. In the video, I talked about researching large circle dies. I found THESE and they are awesome – 21 circles in the set! Unfortunately I think they may be retiring, so if you are looking for some larger, card-size circle dies, you might want to jump on these because it’s a great price!
The fox has dog ears, but I cut two cat ears to create the white parts of his face:
Here is the dog. The card base is the shape of the dog ears:
I used the tongue die to create extra spots behind his eyes. Here are the pieces:
Next is the cat, my favorite. I experimented with adding some color behind the cat, but I ended up just going monochrome:
I dry embossed the brick wall and used some white ink to make it a little more realistic. The paws are the dog nose die:
Here is the frog. I love this cute little guy:
I used the dog tongue to create his big eyes, and I used another circle die for the card shape:
Finally, the owl:
I used the cat ears, but then I trimmed the sides to make it look more like an owl shape. I used my 1 1/4″ circle punch to add another bigger shape to his eyes:
There’s a lot to cover in the video, so I run through the steps pretty quickly. It’s mostly cutting and assembling, but there a few good tips for each animal. I look forward to seeing your animal cards!!
Supplies used in multiple cards:
![]() Cat and Dog Dies S.COM|EH |
![]() Avery Elle Custom Panels EH|SSS |
![]() Nesting Circle Dies S.COM|BLSY |
![]() Neenah Cardstock EH|SSS |
![]() Black Cardstock |
![]() Hero Hues Black EH|SSS |
![]() Sizzix Big Shot S.COM|JOA |
![]() Mini MISTI |
![]() Mini Scoreboard EH|SSS |
![]() Tweezers EH|SSS |
![]() Glue Pen |
![]() ATG Tape Runner EH|SSS |
Supplies for Pig Card:
![]() 2 in Oval Punch |
![]() Avery Elle 6×6 Brights |
![]() Blushing Bride Cardstock |
![]() Pink Pirouette Cardstock |
![]() The Whole Herd EH|SSS |
Supplies for Fox Card:
![]() Cajun Craze Cardstock |
![]() Always Artichoke Cardstock |
![]() Sketchy Letters EH|SSS |
![]() Versamark Ink EH|SSS |
![]() Hero Arts White Embossing Powder EH|SSS |
![]() Heat Tool |
Supplies for Dog Card:
![]() Grassy Fields EH|SSS |
![]() Early Espresso Cardstock |
![]() Wild Wasabi Cardstock |
![]() Garden Green Cardstock |
![]() You Make My Tail Wag EH|SSS |
Supplies for Cat Card:
![]() Stampin’ Up! Brick Embossing Folder |
![]() Smoky Slate Cardstock |
![]() Basic Gray Cardstock |
![]() Stampin’ Up! White Ink |
![]() White Gel Pen EH|SSS |
![]() MFT Cool Cat EH|SSS |
Supplies for Frog Card:
![]() Avery Elle 6×6 Neutral EH|SSS |
![]() Wild Wasabi Cardstock |
![]() Happy and Smile |
Supplies for Owl Card:
![]() 1 1/4 in Circle Punch |
![]() Fiskars Trimmer S.COM|JA |
![]() Lawn Fawn Let’s Polka EH|SSS |
![]() Chocolate Chip Cardstock |
![]() Crumb Cake Cardstock |
![]() Pumpkin Pie Cardstock |
![]() Early Espresso Ink |
![]() Paper Smooches Chubby Chums EH|SSS |
![]() Corner Chomper EH|SSS |
Connie
Let me be the first to congratulate you on coming up with such cute cards. I simply love them all and can’t imagine anyone – young or old – not loving to receive one. Well, I’ve already bought this die set directly from Paper Smooches because their postage is always the best at AU$4.50. It was love at first sight. I plan to CASE your cards first though. Then I’ll have to try to come up with something creative myself. Thanks so much for this. It was a great ending to our Good Friday in Australia!
Glenismaree
They are very cute cards but there is no way I would have the patience to make ONE card let alone SIX of them. I will have to rely on Connie sending me one!!! haha
swimbikerunat60
WOW!! Darlene, how sweet and fun are this cards?!! you can have a set cut up and then just assemble them in very little time. Love them all.
Hmm.. Ii will have to be creative and maybe make one with punches or dies to participate.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Hugs.
Maria.
trish665
These are so adorable. As I am not very creative I am going to be happy in duplicating Darlene’s fine examples.
Shirley H
Thank you, Darlene, for sharing your exceptionally cute cards. I appreciate pics of the die components used for each card since I don’t have the ability to visualize all the possibilities you created!
Floralinda
Thanks Darlene, you’ve always been great with animal and bird cards, and these are no exception. You have jump-started my imagination!
stampinspicer
Wow you did a great job!!!
Andrea
Great job on the cards, Darlene! Love the kitty one especially (go figure, right?). Thank you for the inspiration! 🙂 ~ Andrea
Caly
These are adorable and so much fun, Darlene!