Hello crafters, It's Kelly here with my very first blog post!
I'm so excited! But not like Jesse in Saved by the Bell excited because well I can't sing and that was a bit scary :/ I do want to say thank you to Dawn, Kara, Maureen and Joni for the warm welcome, but also to you guys! There was such an outpouring of love on my blog on Monday. There are no words to tell you how grateful I am.
Alright we're here for cards right? Right!
I'm going to be sharing a few cards using Party Animal with you today. Are these not the cutest Giraffes ever?! Seriously adorable. I was smitten with them immediately. They beg to be stamped into a scene don't they? Yeah, I thought so too.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy27WDWwfwQcjLq-iFXM5aj3jjT-pe7qGwmvJwwUWOvjPxcdNzbiFwYK7sFKR4fxbrVYdW23t4d3JSEk7cIGdoN1xV1Jqx72_radepi0B39Ha6d2mjRnYauVrOhdAkkQO0_Za5XQFaTukh/s1600/wplus9_partyAnimal_KellyLet1B.jpg)
I really wanted these little cutie patooties to take center stage. I stamped them in Memento Tuxedo Black, because it's copic friendly, and then started coloring. I usually do my background first so that's where I started. After googling giraffes habitat I quickly realized there isn't much going on in the Serengeti. Definitely not a place where you want to book your kid's next birthday party, unless your kid is into dirt, sand, and very few trees.
I drew in my horizon line with my lightest color and brought that all the way to the front of my card. I added various shades of brown getting darker towards the horizon line. Anything darker automatically falls to the back which helps create a 3D look. I added a few sprigs of grass just to break up the brown along with some random dots to create the illusion of a sandy texture. The trees were simply sketched in as there isn't much to them.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFcPcgdurzUmdKfowRFdLiMY5bAsO1KqYo6Gue74Eq1mM2438cv4lN6aPZFabnGzGCXUXkpPPUrWYkY-LoB5n9OIbTzpyrfi36CesvykHuTAUBmk6ixk5VQxX13DxCoKmlvb65YU_56sP/s1600/wplus9_partyAnimal_kellyLet2B.jpg)
Those sweet little giraffes were shaded with warm browns and warm grays. I used the same browns from the background on the giraffes. It helps create a continuity within the card. To ground them, I created their shadows by going a shade or two darker than the ground.
Isn't that sentiment just too cute! It's perfect for all kinds of congratulations cards, not just birthdays!
So you know this set has companion dies right? That big beautiful balloon has a die. Can you say shaker?!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhtAkyNuKY10iC20xI-fJrmKy88w8k_CtA0RXkSKZ6yeAmrGy-fv0axsCJnmX4xJFVymXg8saDIWtsUgzgNswraPF8dr8kbvFNNIMCLpIAm4p9e1Yb5qi0MAU5Rjsn0QEALSouPUzG9ey/s1600/wplus9_partyAnimal_KellyLet3B.jpg)
I started by adhering orange cardstock straight to my cardbase. I die cut the balloon out of a white card panel and then stamped my cute little giraffe. I used my copics again and shaded him the same way as I did for the giraffes in my previous card. I shaded a delightful little patch of grass for him to sit on, complete with flowers. To create the flowers, I used an orange gel pen to help tie in the orange card base.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0gr5th729PIdzFKPLCA4wWPuQH3XYtE0sELEYEzTfeYaEpENrWe03G_BzqMot9nPensPQhLE5OFIKmx8aU3Dd1t1KJQYwdftbfxlKIh5WrfcRZ8eNHdDsKvUjswS4VBqv5Y_b7J91qJZ/s1600/wplus9_partyAnimal_kellyLet4B.jpg)
Let's talk about the sentiment shall we? I did all this, and then as I was stamping the sentiment, it slipped. Argh!! After a few choice words like gee golly darn, I'm lying - I didn't say gee golly darn - I hope we can still be friends. A friend (thank you!) suggested I try adding a shadow to it. BAM! WHAT?! It totally worked. So why am I telling you this? Because it's important to know no one is perfect AND even if you think it's too far gone almost anything can be saved. Don't can it as pretty trash right away. :)
For the shaker part, I created an acetate pocket like Jennifer did here. There is no bulk - which is lovely. I wanted the continuation of the black line so I used my Misti stamping tool to stamp the balloon right onto the acetate. I continued the balloon string to tie in a bow on my giraffe's tail. I added some gold and orange sequins into my pocket and adhered it to the back of my stamped panel, and finally, onto the card base.
That's it for me, but I do have one other card I'm sharing on my blog. It's completely different but I love it just the same. I do hope you'll stop over and take a peek, as well as check out the rest of the Design Team.
Design Team Inspiration
Giveaway Alert
Would you like to win a $25 store credit to wplus9.com? Just leave a comment below by 10:00 a.m. EST on 06/04/15 to enter and we will select one random winner from all comments. Winner will be posted on our Release Winners page by noon on 06/04/15.
Thanks for visiting! Be sure to come back tomorrow, Dawn will be here with more inspiration and of course, more giveaways!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqvXF3xI3UQS9m2o0_EuCsyBX26M0k4YsAAXqjf1voaXjpG5VRznYRq1ZDa5FYlAvGsgJHgWAu8CWwtWu_OHFCiCE6dBLzRT1MOuql27cGezyD2vKxHywtixm76N_AWnmQZ24Heydn8me/s1600/kelly_signature.gif)
Wow, bravo Kelly, c'est trop joli, je suis fan.
ReplyDeleteAwesome creations, Kelly! Those giraffes are absolutely adorable, and I love the sentiments too!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! and these are adorable giraffes! Nice work
ReplyDeleteLove the cards Kelly! The giraffe is so adorable and the background on the first card is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love, love this set.It is going to be a hot seller. Love giraffes!! Beautiful cards!
ReplyDeleteso totally cute.. awesome designing..
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card, love it!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! You knocked it out of the park on your first effort. Amazing work, Kelly!
ReplyDeleteThese cards are adorable! Thanks for sharing your process!
ReplyDeleteBoth your cards are so amazing Kelly..totally love them !!
ReplyDeleteBoth your cards are so amazing Kelly..totally love them !!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your Serengeti background is stunning, just perfect! And the sentiment is so hilarious :D it totally matches the scene!
ReplyDeleteFor the giraffes only two words: Cuteness overload!
After the elephant release I didn't think y'all could top that....but ya did! The giraffes are absolutely perfection! Love your cards Kelly, welcome to the WPlus9 family!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! the background in the first one is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteKelly, your cards are amazing, love them. x
ReplyDeleteLovely cards, Kelly! Your copic skills are amazing. Thanks too for the tip on fixing mistakes, great idea. These giraffes are adorable!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh I remember that episode, LOL! I love what you did with these adorable giraffes - the scene you created is perfect and I love the design of that sparkly shaker card too!
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards!! I too am smitten with these giraffes!!
ReplyDeleteI just adore those sweet giraffes! Love your darling cards! Who wouldn't love a shaker card, especially with that big fun balloon as the shaker!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely adorable! Love giraffes!!!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are too cute! Now I need the giraffe as well as the bear...thanks for the enabling!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this card! Too cute. I really need to learn how to color. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteEach one of your cards is cuter than the other!!
ReplyDeleteOMG! These are so stinkin' cute!! LOVE them!
ReplyDeleteOMGosh!!! I love the giraffes! Can't wait to see the full set.
ReplyDeleteWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!! AWESOME!! I already LOVED this set and you've made me LOVE it EVEN MORE!! =) THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your mistake with us. It's nice to know I am not the only one that happens to. But both cards are amazing and great, you have talent and I am glad to see you as part of this great team.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are absolutely AMAZING! LOVE!!! All the instructions will be such a help and I can't wait to order this set!
ReplyDeleteBoth of your cards are just gorgeous. I can't wait to get my hands on these lovely stamps!
ReplyDeleteLove all three of your cards--those giraffes are so cute!
ReplyDeleteChris L.
oooooooow I'm SO in love!!!!!!!! These little cuties just have to come live with my little elephants from UNFORGETTABLE in Australia :) :)
ReplyDeleteLove the baby giraffes, and the sequin card is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteWelcome! What a great first post and to say those little giraffes were awesome would be an understatement.
ReplyDeleteI think these are so cute!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. I love the cute giraffe x x
ReplyDeleteThis is the most adorable giraffe!!! Agh!!
ReplyDeleteThese cards are amazing! I can't wait to get those stamps! :)
ReplyDeleteFirst~ you have me giggling at the SBTB line. But, then Jesse's singing entered my brain....
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards!!
Love how you've used those adorable giraffes.
ReplyDeleteI am totally in love with this wee giraffe. Must have!!
ReplyDeleteLove the giraffe. I've been excited seeing the sneak peeks and he's more gorgeous than I realised. Definitely need a giraffe in my stamps collection xxx
ReplyDeleteSuch cute animals and cards.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get those adorable giraffes in my hand and I really love your cards using them.
ReplyDeleteKelly, I absolutely love what you did with these adorable little giraffes!!! I cannot wai tto get my hands on this set!
ReplyDeleteAdorable giraffes! Loving this release!
ReplyDeleteThe giraffes are so cute, and that shaker card is just perfect!
ReplyDeleteSuch inspiration, I love these cute giraffes and their little scene so much!
ReplyDeleteWelcome!!!! These are SO CUTE!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the team and thank for such great inspiration...your cards are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThose little giraffes are just so adorable.
ReplyDeleteYour coloring is fantastic Kelly! Love those giraffes!
ReplyDeleteThe giraffes are adorable!!! I love the scene you created, and the balloon with sequins just made me smile. Great release! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKelly, these are beautiful! I'm stunned by your ability to create that beautiful background and now I feel challenged to try something similar myself! You're just so amazingly talented!
ReplyDeleteSweet Baby Jebus, these giraffes are soooooooooooooo cute!!!!
ReplyDeleteSweet Baby Jebus, these giraffes are soooooooooooooo cute!!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning cards!
ReplyDeleteWay cute giraffes! Welcome to the team!
ReplyDeleteOh how I love this set. My foster daughter is in love with giraffes and I could see her coloring these like crazy :)
ReplyDeleteOMG! The giraffes are so adorable and I can imagine using them for baby cards too! Beautiful bg, Kelly!
ReplyDeleteI am in love! I can't believe this! I bought the elephant stamp set thinking nothing could be cuter and now this?! I can't wait to get my hand this one and combine them.
ReplyDeleteLovely cards!
Those little giraffes are so cute and what a wonderful job showcasing them.
ReplyDeleteI NEED these cuties for my next project for sure. Have been waiting for them since the peeks :)
ReplyDeleteEEEEK! Those giraffes are to die for! LOVE both cards! Fantastic coloring on the first (and second) and the second....oh what a yummie shaker!!! ♥
ReplyDeleteThose little guys are the cutest! Love the new releases!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Too stinkin' cute!
ReplyDeleteLove everything Wplus9 - - - bring on the store credit prizes ❤️
What a fabulous desert scene, Kelly! The Giraffe's are so darn adorable, but your freehand touches on both cards are absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteThose giraffes are so adorable! I absolutely love the balloon shaker window. That is such an awesome way to make a shaker card!
ReplyDeletecutest thing since the Unforgettable elephants!
ReplyDeleteYour coloring is amazing! These giraffes are sooo adorable!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards. I just received the Love Showers set and am having so much fun making cards for my FB friends!
ReplyDeleteGreat projects!! and yes, the giraffes are adorable!
ReplyDeleteKelly, excellent job showcasing these cuddly little giraffes!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I love that giraffe stamp!
ReplyDeleteSo, so cute! Is it weird that I need this set to make cards for my husband? He loves giraffes. lol
ReplyDeleteI love those giraffe. I had to smile when I saw that first card and they are sitting there looking out at you.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing some darling cards.
Could these be any cute!! Wow! Adorable! & what a gorgeous scene created!
ReplyDeleteAwe love this little guy! And love the no bulk shaker card!
ReplyDeleteCute cards! The little giraffe is adorable
ReplyDeleteThis is so funny! When I saw the sentiment on the balloon card I thought, that looks cool, how did she do that? If you hadn't said it was a mistake I never would have known. Be like a cat, " I ment to do that!"
ReplyDeleteYour cards are so cute. I love the backgrounds you created. That tiny patch of grass with the orange flowers ties in perfectly!
Awesomely cute and totally adorable stamps, love them! 100% buying them :) *does happy dance*
ReplyDeleteI am so in love with these cute giraffes! I will be getting the set as well! :-)
ReplyDeleteSuper cute. Can't wait until the 5th.
ReplyDeleteSuper cute. Can't wait until the 5th.
ReplyDeleteThese are such sweet cards! You made the cutest little scenes, so nice!
ReplyDeleteAmazing cards! I love the shaker balloon.
ReplyDeleteThose giraffes are adorable! Thanks for the tip on shadowing smudged images!
ReplyDeleteThese are soooo cute!!! LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteDawn, you have a stellar DT. Each one of them brings so much talent to the table, and so do you. Amazing release, amazing samples.
ReplyDeleteDawn, you have a stellar DT. Each one of them brings so much talent to the table, and so do you. Amazing release, amazing samples.
ReplyDeleteThose little giraffes are adorable!!!! Still loving the watercolor anemones as well:)
ReplyDeleteAmazing coloring Kelly!...love that the balloon is tied to the baby giraffe's tail:)
ReplyDeleteWhat sweet and adorable giraffes...the projects and colouring are amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love these giraffes. Amazing coloring and it's great to know that everyone can slip sometimes and make a great sentiment out of it.
ReplyDeleteThis giraffe set is so different and adorable, love it.
ReplyDeleteI want this Giraffe set so badly!! Cutest set ever! <3
ReplyDeleteThis release is so amazing and this giraffe is just perfect. I adore.
ReplyDeleteLove love love your style! Can't wait to see more
ReplyDeleteThese giraffes are just so so cute!! Love it!! ^_^
ReplyDeleteFantastic card, and I loved how you saved it: Thanks for the info, which I'm sure will come in handy one day!! :-) Hugs, H in Healdsburg
ReplyDeleteThese giraffes become my "must have" =)
ReplyDeleteThese giraffes become my "must have" =)
ReplyDeleteWelcome Kelly!
ReplyDeleteLove these darling giraffes!
The sitting giraffe reminds me of how my Frenchie sits - very cute. Your coloring is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah! This set I was looking forward!!))
ReplyDeleteKelly did a great job with the giraffe set. Very cute!
ReplyDeleteFabulous 'wild' scene, Kelly ... and how awesome is that shaker balloon ... amazing! Anita :)
ReplyDeleteLove that giraffe and Kelly totally rocked these two cards!
ReplyDeleteGreat cards, Kelly! Love the scene you created.
ReplyDeleteThis party animal set is sooo adorable. Love these cards especially the sequin one.
ReplyDeleteMust have the giraffe! So cute!!
ReplyDeleteSo love the giraffe! Must have! Super adorbs!
ReplyDeleteReally cute card
ReplyDeleteCute giraffe cards--love the scene you created on the first one.
ReplyDeleteLove your cards. The giraffes are darling.
ReplyDeleteOMG they are so cute
ReplyDeleteThis is the sweetest card!!! It's adorable!!😎
ReplyDeleteKelly, your coloring skills are fabulous! Great cards. The new florals are so gorgeous! More WPLUS9 I want badly.
ReplyDeleteTOO CUTE!!!! Great "ground"
ReplyDeleteAdorable giraffe cards! I must add this set to my wish list!
ReplyDeleteThese are too cute, Kelly! My wishlist grows.........
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I absolutely love the giraffe. The cards made with it are so cute also. Thanks for sharing your work, looking forward to more.
ReplyDeleteI can't take the cuteness involved here! Love all the hand drawn extras!
ReplyDeletei need these stamps! Great job with the coloring. I always have a hard time picking colors for giraffes, your choices were perfect!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Kelly! love your savannah scene and your tip for fixing the sentiment! Beautiful cards, including the rainbow balloons!
ReplyDeleteAdorable giraffes, adorable cards :))) thank you for the inspiration :)))
ReplyDeleteCutest giraffes ever. And your coloring is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNice first blog post Kelly! Those giraffes are so cute and love your shaker balloon card!
ReplyDeleteGreat first post and those giraffes are more than adorable :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so full of inspiration ! Wonderful card !
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Mayra
"Cutie Patootie" is definitely the way I would describe these giraffes, especially the way you've designed these cards! Love them!
ReplyDeleteSimply adorable!
ReplyDeleteHow SUPER fun! Love that even you make mistakes ;)
ReplyDeleteLove these cards. The giraffes are adorable and your coloring is amazing!
ReplyDeleteLove these cards! So cute
ReplyDeleteLovely estampa set and card!
ReplyDeleteKelly, I love these! I actually NEED these for a friend's birthday 'week' next month! Can you tell me when these stamps/dies will become available for purchase? Thanks for sharing - what fun!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Patti! The whole release we be available for purchase June 5th. I know Dawn has lots of shipping options so hopefully you can get them in time for your friend's birthday!
DeleteOMG!! How cute are those little giraffes!!! I think they're gorgeous......
ReplyDeleteThe giraffes are too too cute. I must have these.
ReplyDeleteAwesome cards Kelly!
ReplyDeleteBoth these cards r supe fantastic love these giraffes and you creativity spectacular
ReplyDeleteWhat delightful critters! These have to be the cutest giraffes ever! The projects are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteGreat save! You can't even tell! I dropped an open ink pad on a finished card last week and had to do some creative card "surgery." :)
ReplyDeleteHow CUTE!!! Love your ideas.
ReplyDeleteAdorable cards and coloring.
ReplyDeleteSo excited your part of the team as I'm a huge fan. Love these cards too, the giraffe is so adorable!!
ReplyDeleteThese cards are FANTASTIC!! I love these giraffes!!
ReplyDeleteLove the coloring on those sweet little giraffes! Just adorable!
ReplyDeleteAwww the giraffes are so cute. Love the sweet cards.
ReplyDeleteFantastic, Kelly!!! Do you do videos? I'd love to see these come to life!
ReplyDelete=] M
Thanks Michele! I'm working on getting started in videos so stay tuned :)
DeleteThese little giraffes are so charming. Their faces seem to be saying, "hug me, please."
ReplyDeleteMy granddaughter would melt. Fantastic cards, Kelly!
Charming and cheerful, I can see many uses for this stamp.
ReplyDeleteReally cute cards Kelly. The wee giraffe is adorable.
ReplyDeleteThose giraffes are so cute! Your work is always so amazing and your colouring skills just blow me away every time!
ReplyDeleteSo adorable! The cards are colored beautifully!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards! Love these adorable giraffes.
ReplyDeleteSUPER cute! Love the giraffes!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - these are such adorable cards! Such cute and sweet sets! I can't wait to add them to my collection.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your first blog post, very cute card!
ReplyDeleteOh my those giraffes are so cute. Congrats on your first blog post, also.
ReplyDeleteThey are adorable! Love your cards!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Super cute cards! And the shading on the sentiment looks intentional!! Amazing job!!
ReplyDeleteThose giraffes are so cute! Love the coloring!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being part of the DT! You're card is soooooo cute!!!!
ReplyDeletegreat first post! those giraffes are so cute!
ReplyDeleteWow! Another artist in the WPlus9 family! Gorgeous coloring here on the ADORABLE giraffes & backgrounds & sweet balloons on Kelly's blog, too! Love this release!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blog post. Absolutely adorable cards! Love the giraffes.
ReplyDeleteSo cute =]
ReplyDeleteThat is the cutest giraffe! Love the party animal!
ReplyDeleteLove the giraffes and balloons! The balloons are so versatile, can use them on many types of cards. Love that!
ReplyDeleteThose Giraffes are begging to be put on a card and sent to Australia. A friend there absolutely loves giraffes and she would frame the image and at last, my art work will be forever saved, all thanks to W Plus 9 for creating the most awesome, versatile, stamp and dies ever.
ReplyDeleteSoooo CUTE!! Need this stamp set!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely want this cutie in my hands... Such an adorable cards!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly! They are both so much fun. Love these cute little giraffes! Awesome copic coloring skills. I love how you explained everything quickly. Thanks, Paulette S.
ReplyDeletecraftqueen417 at yahoo dot com
http://paulettesprettypapercrafts dot wordpress dot com
Wow so adorable! I love these cards. This stamp looks like it's so much fun to color.
ReplyDeleteGosh, those giraffes are so stinking cute!
ReplyDeleteLove your work! I can see I will be ordering some giraffe stamps and dies soon! lol
ReplyDeleteThese are adorable!!! Love the cards and thanks for sharing the story behind the shading, I'm looking at my "yikes, I can't believe I just did that" pile
ReplyDeleteThe giraffe duo scene is adorable but have to say my fave is the shaker card! So perfect for a birthday! Can't wait to see this whole release!
ReplyDeletethis stamp set is super über cute!!!
ReplyDeleteadorable!
ReplyDeletethat little giraffe is the cutest!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend that loves giraffes. I've got to get this set. It's too stinkin cute! Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteOMGeeee!! These are the cutest giraffes I've ever seen. Love your cards especially the shaker card. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteMistakes can be beautiful! I love the shadowed sentiment!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card Kelly and great tips!
ReplyDeleteAmazing cards. love the sentiment :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip~ love the way the cards turned out!
ReplyDeleteAdorable. Simply adorable.
ReplyDeleteAdorable card, my wish list is huge by now .)
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous and sweet!
ReplyDeleteThose giraffes are most definitely the cutest ever.
ReplyDeleteThese cards are fantastic Kelly!
ReplyDeletebeautiful!!
ReplyDeleteI love giraffes, such improbable animals. This is a gorgeous stamp and the first giraffe that's met my aaaah rating. So glad we will be able to get these in the UK.
ReplyDeleteEeeps! This is just darling!! I love those sweet little giraffes and you've colored them perfectly!
ReplyDeleteAwesome creations! Those giraffes are too, too, TOO adorable, and I love the sentiments too!
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous.... Love the distinct coloring on the giraffes!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for this release. Congrats on the first post!
ReplyDelete