Simple Stories + Top Dog Dies

Hello!  I'm trying to play catch-up on my blogging and I wanted to start

 with a couple of sweet summer-themed cards using the brand new 

"Summer Vibes" Collection  from 

SIMPLE STORIES

and adorable dies from Top Dog Dies!

First up is a "Fun Summertime" card featuring the cutest hippo:

I've used the Top Dog Dies Hippo Die Set TC112 and the grey woodgrain paper found in the 6X6 paper pad to create the hippo. 

I chalked around the edge of the face and body with a darker grey and black chalk.  For the feet I used a black watercolor pencil.  The cheeks were also given blush with pink chalk.  I cut one of the "O" sticker letters in half to make the mouth.  And the chipboard sunglasses are a perfect fit!

I made the card a 5X7 size to accommodate the large die-cut title.  The sides of the title were embellished with die-cut and chipboard flowers with enamel dot centers.

Next up is a layered card featuring waves and sand using Top Dog Dies Water Die Set:

At the top of the card I used the sunburst clear overlay and placed it on top of the multi dot paper.  The waves were die cut from the blue floral and bits of solid blue paper that I found throughout the 6X6 paper pad. 

All of the layers were pieces together to form a 5" square so that it could be added to the 5.5" yellow woodgrain mat.  One of the Top Dog Dies Mini Tags TC044 was cut from a solid paper and a clear sticker attached to the center.

Foam adhesive was placed just along the top edge of each layer, with the bottom edge simply glued in place.  I finished the card by embellishing with enamel dots and Bradz.

Simple Stories Products:

Summer Vibes-

6302 Fundamentals Cardstock Stickers

6303 Expressions Cardstock Stickers

6322 6x6 pad

6327 Bradz

6328 6x12 Chipboard

6329 Bits & Pieces

6331 Enamel Dots

6333 Photo Stickers

Top Dog Dies:

TC113 Water Die Set

TC112 Hippo Dit Set

TC044 Mini Tags Die Set

Hope you're having a wonderful Summer so far!