CZ Design

Simple painted rainbow swashes for your cards (+ a blog hop!)

Simple painted rainbow swashes for your cards (+ a blog hop!)

Hello friends and welcome to the Day 1 Blog Hop for the Hello Beautiful release! You should have arrived here from the one and only Jennifer McGuire’s blog! So… Welcome! (Pun intended, as that is my theme today!

I have two card projects to share featuring super simple rainbow swashes! Here’s a look at the inside of one of the cards:

And here’s a simple emboss resist technique:

Here’s my video tutorial showing how I created these simple designs:

Now onto the blog hop fun!

BLOG HOP SPECIAL: Use the code RSE42 to get this gorgeous stencil for FREE during the Hello Beautiful Blog hop! Offer valid while supplies last or until 2/28 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Leave a comment below to be entered for a chance to win at $25 gift certificate to the Simon Says Stamp store! Leave a comment on every blog in the hop to increase your chances of winning!

NEXT UP: Your next stop on the hop is the talented and adorable Nina-Marie Trapani!

Here is the full list:

Simon Says Stamp Blog   

Jennifer McGuire

Cathy Zielske

Nina-Marie Trapani

Caly Person

Nichol Spohr

Amy Rysavy

Yana Smakula

Heather Ruwe

Lisa Addesa

Suzy Plantamura

Sidnie Des Jardins

Cheiron Brandon

Barb Engler

Lea Lawson

Kathy Racoosin

Jo Nevill

SUPPLIES:

Affiliate links are used in this post and below at no additional cost to you. I receive a small percent of compensation when you click through and shop using the provided links. This helps me to continue building my YouTube channel and my small business. Thank you!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tammy I says

    So cute, Cathy! Love the cleanness of your cards. The sentiments in that Welcoming stamp set are fan-freaking-tastic!

  3. KimberlyO. says

    I love the simple rainbow! I’m going to make a batch of these this weekend to have on hand. I guess I should make a batch of stacked words too. 🙂

  4. Cindy Lou says

    Great cards and just my style – simple yet beautiful! Always gain something new tip or technique from you as well as humor, thanks!

  6. Donna Griffin says

    Loved the way you showed how you can stretch the use “welcome” to other facets of our lives! Such an awesome set! Thanks for taking the time to share such awesome creations, Cathy! So appreciate all you do!!

  8. Judith M Arri says

    Love this card Cathy! Simple, but so pretty. Can’t wait to try it. I’m just starting to try out my watercoloring!

  18. Linda says

    I just saw this on Instagram and commented on how I love your clean and simple cards. Sometimes I can get overwhelmed by ‘busy’ designs and then end up creating nothing.
    Thank you for sharing your talents and humor!!

  27. Barbara-Jean says

    That rainbow technique is very attractive and so simple, it seems! The little sentiments in that Welcome die set have a great variety of sentiments! some charming, some hysterical!

  33. Christine Kiehl says

    Delightful card for the neighbor! Such a nice way to be welcomed to the hood! Or even a “friend” next door! Happy Friday!

  36. barbara lassiter says

    Love these simple designs and the look you create with them. That rainbow background would be suitable for so many occasions!

  38. Angie D Cammack says

    Oh, Cathy, you keep me smiling!!! I would love to be your neighbor!!! Both of these are cards anyone would LOVE to receive. 🙂

  44. Paula Haller says

    Love these! The clean design with a dash of color against the white is my kind of card. Love the stamp set with all the fun phrases.

  45. Tami B says

    I decided to do this hop a little differently & am clicking on the thumbnails in the newsletter pictures to go to the projects that I really like first instead of just going down the list of designers. This card tied for first place. (Oh, and I love the welcome die you designed too!)

  46. Nancy K Rodeberg says

    As always, fresh and beautiful cards Cathy! I love your CZ Welcome set. A lot of very useful sentiments!

  47. Sheri Kempke says

    Great cards Cathy, love the simple water coloring, it’s so effective! I love the liquor cabinet sentiment, would be great home dec project or card to put in y our guest room for your guests! Thanks for all you do.

  51. Patricia Wilson says

    Liked those welcome cards. I have to do some water coloring. Thank you for your tips and videos.

  54. Pam P says

    Love this simple but beautiful design, Cathy! Will have to try this painting technique…am not a good colorer or painter, but this looks like even I can do a decent job with it. Thanks for sharing!

  58. Carol Lewis says

    Love your cards Cathy. It is so fun to watch your videos and it is great how you take us step by step so we can learn how to make that type of card. I have recently started leaning to watercolor with my stamps thanks to your videos!

  61. Liz says

    I watched your video and made 4 cards immediately with the ink watercolor. Thanks for your inspiring simplicity!

  64. Laurel says

    Thank you for this welcoming idea. I really love the rainbow watercolor effect. I will try this idea.

  67. Roxanne Tellini says

    Ding-Dong-Ditch lol. Seriously though, I like this. It is a fast and easy idea with great results.

  69. Carol E. Wortman says

    Ms. CZ thanks for creating this set. Gosh, I sure enjoy your videos and have a brand new next door neighbor, uhmmm guess what I’m doing later on. (Darn, wishing I had a cabinet).. thanks again from the perfect hermit too so thinkin drop and go too. Tee hee

  72. Cathy B says

    From one Cathy to another – beautiful cards. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent.
    God’s blessings

  73. Susan Simons says

    Thank you for such wonderful simple ideas. They are great for mass producing or when you need a card quickly.

  74. Mary Holshouser says

    Love the pastel wash of colors.
    Delicate and so pretty. Great card.
    thanks for sharing
    txmll(at)yahoo(dot)com

  82. April Davis says

    Love the soft watercolor background. It makes for a lovely clean and simple card. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

  83. Daria Zender says

    Love the simplicity of this beautiful card! And I love the sentiments in that new stamp set!!

  87. Joan Pilote says

    Ah Cathy, you make me smile every time I watch one of your videos but this time you made me laugh out loud not once but twice!! I couldn’t help myself with your comment about making a Welcome card to your husband and he said that you don’t talk to anyone!! Then the ‘Ding Dong Ditch!!! That was too funny!!! And I am totally with you and fully understand. Absolutely wonderful cards!! Love it this WELCOME stamp and dies!!

  88. Nancy Landauer says

    I really enjoyed this video and learned so much about the techniques, products ,and information . Just love the products in the new release and wi be purchasing some of them. You are excellent in your presentation of the material ! Thank you

  89. Judy Andresen says

    What a wonderful way to welcome a new neighbor! Who wouldn’t like to be welcomed this way!

  91. Ginger says

    Any one new to the neighborhood would feel so welcome upon receiving this card. I absolutely love this card, it’s simple yet perfect for so many occasions from welcome to the neighborhood to welcoming a new baby.

  94. Denise soloko says

    I love your card and I could change the wording and it would be perfect for what I do.
    I always welcome people that move into the neighborhood.
    I make a handmade card and include my phone number.
    I also list some of the local good restaurants with their phone # and other local important numbers.

  95. Susan Babcock says

    I watched the video and loved it, what an easy yet impactful way to make a card! I love the welcome die!

  99. Hanh says

    Sooo pretty! I just love your beautiful CAS style! So excited to see more word dies added to your collection! Please continue to design more!!!

  101. Phyllis Freese says

    I love your sense of humor with the sentiments that go along with the “Welcome” stamp set. Great simplicity with the use of color to create these beautiful cards.

  102. Candace Koelker says

    Wow! This is my first time visiting your blog. I have Distress Inks that I’ve never used before. I’m excited to try the painting techniques in your video.

  103. Denise F. says

    Love this procedure. I want to try it with Christmas colors and SSS Merry Christmas dies. Cathy, your sentiments are just like you, very very funny😀

  108. Patty A Eifert says

    OMG!! I LOVE all your sassy/punny stamp sets!! If your going to send some of those cards off…you better stock your liquor cabinet with a lot of wine!! That seems to be the drink of choice most days!!!

  112. Cynthia Koop says

    You seem so welcoming. Can I please come over and raid your crafting cabinets? Only kidding, but I do love your card creations and think you would make a very fun crafty neighbor! Thanks.

  113. Cynthia Koop says

    You seem so welcoming! Can I stop by and raid your crafting cabinets? Only kidding, but I do love your welcoming and pretty card creations and I do think you would be such a fun neighbor to craft with!!! Thanks for all the terrific inspiration.

  115. Geri Lynn says

    I’m new to your blog and your video made me chuckle a few times. I love the simplicity of the design and beautiful cards you made. I look forward to giving this technique a try and exploring your other blog posts and videos.

  118. Vicki Fedor says

    The color combination is so beautiful! I have mostly distress oxides. Maybe I should use a background other than white? Thanks for the inspiration!

  123. Mary Ann Reilly says

    Just lovely! I’m fairly new to card making and am just building my supply of dies but already have several of your word dies because they are the best! Your videos are delightful too! Thank you for all the inspiration.

  125. Lori Spitzer says

    I haven’t thought of DingDongDitch in a lonnnng time. That made me chuckle. If we were neighbors, you’d be welcome to raid my liquor cabinet or papercraft supplies.

    Love your videos and thanks for the reminder that cards do not have to be complicated to turn out great! I also appreciate the thoughts on how to use “welcome” for situations other than new neighbors.

    Your fan,
    Lori S in PA

  134. Helen F says

    What a delightful card, Cathy! I love the soft rainbow to show case the die cut! These new die cuts are wonderful!! Thanks so much for the great inspiration and helpful video! Stay safe!

  137. Judy Inukai says

    Great cards. Love the rainbow backgrounds. It was so fun to watch Welcome appear on the emboss resist technique as you painted over the letters.

  139. Penny L Avenengo says

    Love how you use many colors, but the card is still very simple and striking. Thats stamp set is very versatile!

  140. Julie Quandt says

    Very cute (and funny) card 🙂 I appreciate the simplicity of your cards, thank you for the video tutorial.

  150. Mary Doak says

    So creative! I love your card ideas. Thanks for sharing your talent and taking the time to make a video.

  153. Kim Lundstrom says

    I need this stamp set and dies! I just love everything you design. Also, I ordered my Olive & June kit after watching your video. Can’t wait to try it! By the way, we’re practically neighbors! I live in Marin on the St Croix which is between Stillwater and Forest Lake.

  165. diane kohl says

    I love your clean crisp style. Super classy. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to find out on my birthday if I’m one of the lucky ones!

  168. robin chance says

    ive have never watched one of your videos before. i loved it i will definetly suscribe to your channel now the card ideas were great and i will surely try them myself. thank you

  169. Michele W says

    Love these clean and simple cards. They’re so bright and cheerful and very modern. I’m anxious to try this idea with some of your other dies, such as hello and thanks. Thanks for the inspiration!

  176. Joy Meadows says

    These cards are so pretty and so simple, Cathy! I love the Welcome dies and the stamp set, too.

  184. Janie W says

    Simple, but beautiful cards, Cathy. I like the way you demonstrate and explain your process. Thanks for the inspiration!

  187. Dawn Tooley says

    Thanks Cathy for your videos and your ideas! I found your blog at the beginning of the Covid shutdown and appreciate your style of cards and ideas.

  190. Peggy Dprentzess says

    I love how your cards are easy to make, yet so nice looking. And I enjoy your sense of humor!

  191. Cathy Lillie says

    So much versatility with the Welcome stamp set. Your cards are colorful yet clean. This looks like a project I should try.

  195. Cherry Robinson says

    Love your cheeky sentiments Cathy. I always get a chuckle when I watch your videos and you definitely made me smile when I saw this one. Thank you!

  202. Denise Ward says

    Love the row of color as a contrast to the white word die, and how easily this design came together!

  203. Colleen in Santa Fe says

    I adore all of your stamp set designs in this release, but I particularly enjoy the sentiments you’ve included in your Welcoming Stamp set. Keep giving us those wicked funny options! Hahaha!

    Additionally, I really like the simplicity and cheerfulness of the watercolor rainbow behind a single word die (or the stamped resist technique) you’ve used here. Easy peasy! I need to do more cards like this when I’m having trouble “thinking” of design options. 🙂

  205. Denise K says

    I simply adore your chunky dies and your puns. Your videos are so helpful and informative to newcomers like me! Love this card!!!

  209. Judi Knecht says

    You used great colors. This card is perfect for the novice, like me. Thank you for sharing.

  211. Giselaine Ellison says

    Loved your simple but beautiful Welcome cards Cathy. Terrific stamp set and dies. Thanks for the video.

  213. Lisascreativeniche says

    Bwahahaha this card is awesome! I love the sentiment on the front and inside… it’s perfect!