Let's Make Lemonade!

Today's "Free For All" Challenge (F4A75) is "CAS-tastic Summer!" - clean and simple!  What's better on a hot, sunny summer day than a cold class of delicious LEMONADE!! :)   Hope you like.

"Let's Make Lemonade!"

 

 

 

Stamps:  Lemon Blossoms (Wax Fruit Company digital stamps); Chill-ax (Taylored Expressions)

Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Basic Black (SU!)

Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Garden Green, More Mustard (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Sharpie black markers, sponge, post-it notes for masking, sticky strips and dimensionals

 

* * * * *

I printed out the digital stamp of the lemon blossoms on Whisper White cardstock and then outlined it with a Sharpie black marker (I only have an ink-jet printer and the ink runs if I don't do this first).  I used Stampin' Write markers to color in the leaves and stamens of the blossoms.  I masked around the lemon and sponged on Daffodil Delight ink and then added a touch of More Mustard ink to add depth.

I inked the sentiment in Garden Green and stamped onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used my Stampin' Write Basic Black marker to outline the sentiment (in hindsight I should have mounted it on a frame of Basic Black cardstock - which is what I did for the main image panel and the background panel.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture, popping up the framed main image and also popping up the image and sentiment (so double pop-up for those!).   :)

 

 

Stretched Vases

Today's "Ways to Use it" challenge from SCS is "Altered Ribbon" (WT333) and I decided to fray my ribbon to add a whimsical touch.  I've had this stamp set for a few years now (I think it's retired), but this is the first time inking it!!  Everything used on this card is from Stampin' Up!

I also combined the challenge with yesterday's sketch challenge  (SC343) ...(see yesterday for the sketch layout), and here's the result ...

"Stretched Vases"

 

 

Stamps:  It's a Stretch (SU!)

Paper:  Pacific Point, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Basic Black; Stampin' Write markers: Real Red, Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Daffodil Delight (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Pacific Point striped ribbon, Real Red button, corner rounder, sticky strips, Tombow glue and glue dots

 

* * * * *

I stamped the flower and vase four times onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used the Stampin' Write markers to color in the flowers, vase and leaves.  I cut the vases out individually and used the corner rounder on the bottom edges only.  I attached the strips to a piece of Pacific Point cardstock (front only).

I cut two pieces of Pacific Point striped ribbon and then cut along both long edges of the ribbon, pulling several threads off to fray the edges.  I attached the ends of the two pieces to the back of the front panel and tied a knot across the front, slightly off center.  I used a glue dot to hold the center of the knot in place.  I trimmed the ribbon to size, cutting both ends on an angle and then I ran a small bead of Tombow glue along those angled edges only (to keep the ribbon from fraying any more).

When I frayed the ribbon, I had several long threads of Pacific Point and I used five or six of them to thread through the red button, tying a knot and trimming off the excess.  I attached the button to the front of the knot using a glue dot.  I used sticky strips to attach the completed front panel to a card base of Pacific Point.

 

In the Studio with Heather and Leslie

Fun day!!  Heather and Leslie joined me in the art studio and I showed them both the "Re-inker spread technique" ... Leslie made two cards and Heather one with this technique.  I also showed Leslie how to do reverse masking and she made the main panel of a card before her and Heather headed off.  It was a lot of fun and I hope that they come back soon!!

Today is the sketch challenge and it's one that I didn't want to miss ... so after a little rest and some dinner, I headed back to the studio.  Here's my version of today's sketch ...I'm not completely sure about the band in the middle (I was hoping it looked like a fence, but it was too plain just being white, so I added the red ribbon) ... and I KNOW that hummingbirds aren't black, but decided to use my creative license :)  Hope you like.

"Elements of Style"

 

 

 

Stamps:  Elements of Style (SU!)

Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink:  Basic Black, Versamark; Stampin' Write markers: Real Red, Old Olive, Basic Black

Accessories & Tools:  Martha Stewart border punch, 5/8" Real Red satin ribbon, black embossing powder, Sizzix Square Lattice embossing folder, heat tool, sticky strips and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the flower image with Basic Black ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used the Stampin' Write markers to color the flowers Real Red and the leaves Old Olive.  I outlined the flowers and leaves again using a Basic Black marker (I should have embossed the image and then I wouldn't have had to outline it to enhance the black).  I then cut the image into four 3/4" wide strips and mounted them on the card base of Basic Black cardstock.

I ran a piece of Whisper White cardstock through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder.  I used the Martha Stewart punch to add a border to one side and then trimmed it to size.  I attached the red ribbon around the white strip and then adhered it over the main image using sticky strips.

I stamped the hummingbird in Versamark onto Whisper White cardstock and then heat embossed it in black.  I cut it out and attached it on top of the ribbon, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.
 

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Here's a second card for yesterday's color challenge (CC333 - island indigo, tangerine tango, daffodil delight).  As I mentioned below, I don't have island indigo so I subbed my closest color - Pacific Point.

This is my first time using a digi stamp.  There are some limitations for me because I have an ink-jet printer ... time to consider getting a laser printer :)  ... but it worked pretty well.  I know the "dessert" for the challenge was felt, but I cheated a bit because I added a sea shell to my card  :o

"At the Beach"

 

 

 

Stamps:  At the Beach (Wax Fruit Company - digital stamp); sentiment is computer-generated

Paper:  Pacific Point, Whisper White (SU!)Ink:  Daffodil Delight; Stampin' Write markers:  Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Sharpie Black marker, white gel pen, sea shell, sponge, Tombow glue, adhesives & dimensionals

* * * * *

I re-sized the image to fit my card and printed onto Whisper White cardstock.  I went over the outline image with a Sharpie black marker so that it wouldn't run when I colored with the Stampin' Write markers.  I colored in the sand, surf and umbrellas and then lightly sponged Daffodil Delight in the sky.  I cut out the image and framed it with Pacific Point cardstock.

I ran a piece of Whisper White cardstock through my printer and added the sentiment.  I cut the background cardstock to size and mounted it onto the Pacific Point card base.  I mounted the framed main image on top, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I used Tombow glue to adhere the shell at the edge of the main image.
 

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Here's the latest addition to the "Baking with Loll" section (click on link in left-hand column to look at all my recipes).

Blueberry Glazed Pie - yum, yum, yum!  When I first got married, I asked my MIL for her glazed pie recipes.  She makes the best!!  I've been making them every summer since.  It's blueberry season in the Lower Mainland, so I know this will be the first of many pies I make this summer!  (For those of you who are from around here, this is as good as the pies at White Spot!)

Blueberry Glazed Pie

Butterfly in Flight

Today's color challenge at SCS (CC333) is "island tango delight", meaning the three colors are island indigo, tangerine tango and daffodil delight.  Unfortunately, I don't have island indigo, but I found by taking my closest color (Pacific Point blue) and sponging lightly with Garden Green ink, the color turned out really close!!

This is my first time inking my butterfly stamp from Inkadinkado ... it's so pretty!  I wanted it to look like it was in flight, so I made it two layers --- unfortunately it doesn't show up on the photo :(    Hope you like.

"Butterfly in Flight"

 

 

Stamps:  Butterfly Cling (Inkadinkado)

Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Pacific Point (sponged) (SU!)

Ink:   Garden Green, Versamark; Stampin' Write markers:Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Black embossing powder, heat tool, Tombow glue, bone folder, 1/4" Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon, adhesives, glue dots and dimensionals

* * * * *

 

I stamped the butterfly twice using Versamark onto Whisper White cardstock.  I embossed  both images in black.  I used my Stampin' Write markers to color in the wings of the two butterflies.  I cut both of them out, but only kept the head, tail and antenna on the butterfly that would be used for the top layer.  I ran my Basic Black Stampin' Write marker along the cut edge of both butterflies.

I took the background piece of Pacific Point and sponged it lightly with Garden Green ink ... the color is amazing similar to Island Indigo - love it!!  I attached the background paper to the card base of Daffodil Delight.

I mounted a piece of Whisper White cardstock onto a thin frame of Daffodil Delight cardstock and tied two ribbons around the bottom, knotting both.  I added a glue dot under each knot to hold it in place.

I adhered the bottom butterfly above the ribbons.  I bent the wings upwards for the top butterfly and then used my bone folder to curl back the edges of the wings.  I added Tombow glue along the body only and placed it on top of the first butterfly.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, popping up the main panel with dimensionals to add depth.

Re-inker Spread Technique

I'm really looking forward to having Heather and Leslie join me in the art studio this Wednesday!!  Heather has been here a couple of times in the past few months ... once to learn how to brayer and another time when she made a beautiful Mother's Day card.  She is very artistic and loves to experiment on her own.  Her plan is to come over and just play with my stamp collection and have lots of laughs!!  This will be Leslie's first time here and I wasn't exactly sure what she'd like to learn, so I came up with a couple of cards using the "Re-inker spread technique" developed by Dawn Olchefske (click here to see Dawn's video tutorial).  It's such a beautiful way of water coloring flowers, etc.  The only change I made from Dawn's instructions, was using watercolor paper instead of the glossy paper from SU! (which means less water is needed - just lightly mist, no need to saturate paper with water or have water pooling).  The great thing about using water color paper is I find it more forgiving.  You can let it dry and then mist and re-ink again to add more color, etc.  I find if you play with the glossy paper too much, it becomes dull and the ink colors aren't true.

I came up with two cards to make with Leslie using the above technique.  The first one uses the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set from SU!.  I used the technique on the rose and also on the leaf sprigs.

"Fifth Avenue Rose"

 

 

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The second card also uses the "Re-inker spread technique" with the Fabulous Florets stamps set from SU!  This is a copy of a card I saw done by Beth (bobkitten at SCS) - click here to see Beth's card.  I love everything about Beth's card, only changing up the background paper so that I can show Leslie how to make her own sponged background paper that always matches her inks. 

 

"Fabulous Florets"

 

 

Copper Vase

When I was making yesterday's "Heavy Metal" challenge card, I made an additional piece of heated copper and used the ornament punch from SU! to punch out a "vase" (just left off the very tip of the punch).  Below is a clean and simple card using the vase, which is the main focal piece of the card.  No stamping on this card, just embossing folder, punch and die-cut.  Hope you like.

"Copper Vase"

 

 

 

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, River Rock Designer Series Paper (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  copper sheet, butane torch, ornament punch, Sizzix "Little Leaves" die-cut, Cuttlebug "Mesh" embossing folder, sticky strips, glue dots and dimensionals

 

* * * * *

 

Using a piece of copper sheeting,  I punched out the shape of the vase using the ornament punch.  With a butane torch (mini creme brulee torch), I heated the copper until it started to turn color. 
I ran a piece of Old Olive cardstock through the Big Shot with the Little Leaves die-cut.  And I ran a piece of Whisper White cardstock through the Big Shot with the Mesh embossing folder.

I attached the leaves to the white embossed background using glue dots and attached the copper vase using sticky strips (needed for the strength).

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, popping up the middle panel with dimensionals to add depth.

Silhouette Grass

Yesterday hubby and I went to Emma Lea Farms on Westham Island and picked up 20 lbs. of raspberries.  I make homemade preserves to give to friends and family at Christmas time.  Besides making Sweet Relish and Red Pepper Jelly, I also make Raspberry Jelly.  It took me several, several hours to process the berries but I ended up with over 20 cups of juice!  Whew!!  I froze the juice and will make the jelly another day.  It was a lot of standing yesterday, so today I'm sitting in the art studio, taking it easy.  Lots of time to play so I am actually posting two new cards for today ... I'm on a roll :)

The first one is another card using the same beautifully textured Bazzill White cardstock as yesterday's card.  I love how the texture of the paper is enhanced even further when it is sponged.

You might think the card below looks familiar :)  Definitely I am crazy about yesterday's card enough to use the same layout (albeit a little different dimensions) and mostly a neutral palette as well.  I did sponge the background lightly with Baja Breeze and Garden Green inks (which combined created a beautiful pale turquoise!!).  This combination of colors along with Chocolate Chip is also the color challenge from earlier this week at SCS.  I wanted to add some twine but the natural color of the hemp twine was lost on the image ... so I used my re-inker to dye the twine Chocolate Chip.  I definitely will be doing this again and experimenting with other colors of ink.  Hope you like.

"Silhouette Grass"

 

 

 

Stamps:  Silhouette Grass (Hero Arts)

Paper:  Chocolate Chip (SU!); Bazzill White

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Garden Green (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  sponges, hemp twine, Chocolate Chip re-inker, adhesives and dimensionals

 

* * * * *

 

I lightly sponged the main panel with Baja Breeze and Garden Green inks.  I stamped the grass on top in Chocolate Chip ink and then sponged the same ink around the outside edges, making the sponging wider at the bottom.

I framed the main panel with Chocolate Chip cardstock and then wrapped hemp twine around the panel three times.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, popping up the main panel with dimensionals to add depth.

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The second card for today is for the "Ways to Use It" challenge on SCS - (Heavy Metal).  I really love the copper sheets that I heat with a small butane torch - the colors are amazing.  Today, after heating the metal, I ran it through one of my new embossing folders "Tiny Mosiacs".  It is just awesome!!  I didn't want to add too much else to the card as I wanted the beautiful copper to be the focal point.  But I found there was too much contrast on my first attempt of mounting it on plain white cardstock.  So I sponged a background panel for my card using inks that matched the colors in the copper.  It turned out pretty well except it was dull and the metal is really shiny, so I lightly sponged gold ink on top of the background sponging and it really made it some alive.  Unfortunately, the photo didn't pick up on the gold highlights.   Hope you like.

"Inspired Copper Mosiac"

 

 

Stamps:  Inspired by Nature (SU!)

Paper:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Versamark (SU!); Metallic Gold

Accessories & Tools:  Copper metal sheet .005 thickness (K&S Precision Metals), butane torch, Cuttlebug "Tiny Mosiac" embossing folder, three Early Espresso brads, paper-piercing tool, sticky strips, glue dots and dimensionals

 

* * * * *

 

I heated the copper until it turned color.  Once cooled, I ran it through the Big Shot with the embossing folder and then framed the panel in Early Espresso cardstock.

I stamped the cone flower image on Early Espresso cardstock using Versamark ink.  I cut it out and attached it to the main panel using two clear glue dots.

Using Crumb Cake cardstock for the background, I randomly sponged with Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie and Early Espresso.  I lightly sponged metallic gold ink on top to add shimmer to the paper.  I  pierced three holes and threaded through the Early Espresso brads.

I mounted all the pieces as per the picture above, popping up the main panel with dimensionals to add depth

Silhouette Sprig

The other day I picked up a package of Bazzill white cardstock.  I love the texture and finish of the paper ... it almost looks like canvas.  And I've found when I sponge on top, I get a very subtle version of the ink I'm using.  I keep almost all my scraps and use them to experiment on.  Today I was just playing around with a small strip of Bazzill and came up with this reverse masking design.  I love my Fabulous Florets stamp set that I just purchased.  I can see myself using it a lot - especially the silhouette leaf sprig used here.  Hope you like.

"Silhouette Sprig"

 

 

Stamps:  Fabulous Florets (SU!)

Paper:  Soft Suede, Whisper White (SU!); Bazzill White

Ink:  Sahara Sand, River Rock, Soft Suede, Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  1 1/4" square punch, clear acetate, sponges, hemp twine, "Bloom" embellishment, Tombow glue, adhesives and dimensionals

 

* * * * *

 

I made a mask for sponging using the clear acetate and the 1 1/4" square punch.  I find the acetate works well because you can see everything underneath and it's easier to line things up.  I sponged the top square with Sahara Sand ink, the middle square with River Rock ink and the bottom square with Soft Suede ink.  I stamped the leaf spring onto Whisper White cardstock in Early Espresso ink and then cut it out.  I glued the sprig on top of the sponged squares with Tombow glue.

I cut a frame of Soft Suede cardstock for the main image and sponged around the edges with the same color ink to highlight the edge.  I also sponged around the outside edges of the card base.  I mounted the main image onto the frame, wrapped hemp twine around the bottom four or five times, and added the "Bloom" embellishment.  I mounted a background panel of Bazzill white onto the card base and added the framed main image, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Three Trees

Another fun and busy day planned.  I HAD to participate in today's SCS Color Challenge - it's my favorite and I can't wait until Tuesday rolls around each week!! (see below)

I'm heading out for lunch with my sister-in-law for a belated birthday lunch ... my choice and I'm thinking Earl's.  They have the most delicious Grilled Prawn Tacos - yum, yum!!  And I'm making dinner tonight for my son and his girlfriend.  I have been doing this for the past four months (always on Thursday), but Nikki has changed locations with her job and she now is off quite often on Thursday.  It made more sense for me to make dinner for them on a night when they are both working.  Tonight's menu:  Sweet Tomato Chicken, Rice, and Coleslaw.  I don't have anything baked for dessert and I'll be out this afternoon, so if I have time later I might make something easy like Rice Krispie squares  ... otherwise, the dinner will be sans dessert.

On to the card for today.  Today's color challenge is Pool Party, Wild Wasabi and Chocolate Chip.  Unfortunately I don't have Pool Party or Wild Wasabi :( ... but the challenge always states that if you don't have the exact colors, use whatever you have that is closest to them.  So my card today is Baja Breeze, Garden Green and Chocolate Chip.  Another clean and simple card.  I'm happy that I got to use my "Pendant Park" stamp that I've had for a while but have found difficulty fitting into my cards.  Today I used the leafy tree from that set to "kiss" the tree tops of my card (another new technique for me - haven't tried it before).  I definitely will be using this technique again ... looking through all my stamps sets, the possibilities are endless!  That's part of the reason I love to make cards, I'm always learning new and fun things!  All supplies for this card are SU!  Hope you like.

"Three Trees"  

 

 

Stamps:  Playful Pieces, Pendant Park, Happy Moments (sentiment) - SU!

Paper:  Garden Green, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1" double-stitched Baja Breeze ribbon, sticky strips and dimensionals

 

* * * * *

 

I made a light pencil line along the bottom of my main image panel, about 1/4" from the bottom.  I then made a small mark for the center and one of each side of center (about 1 1/14") so that I could line up my trees.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and stamped the three tree trunks in Chocolate Chip ink.  After the ink was dry, I erased the pencil lines.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to also determine where I wanted the tree tops to sit on the trunks.  I inked my tree top stamp in Baja Breeze and inked the leafy stamp from the Pendant Park set in Garden Green.  I then "kissed" the leafy stamp on top of the tree top stamp (pressing lightly) and then stamped onto the main panel.  I repeated for the three tree tops.  I love the look!!

I mounted all the pieces for the card as shown in the picture above, adding the ribbon across the middle under the main panel.  I popped up the main panel with dimensionals to add some depth and added the sentiment in the bottom right corner.  Easy, peasy card!
 

Blocked Field Flowers

Another challenge from SCS for today is "Try a New Technique - Color Blocking" - (TLC334).  I haven't tried the acrylic block color blocking technique before ... it's so much fun!!  The only problem I had was making sure my blocks were straight on the page.  After a few tries and having crooked lines, it finally dawned on me to use my Stamp-a-ma-jig --- success!! :)  Here's another clean and simple (CAS) card using today's technique.

"Blocked Field Flowers"

 

 

Stamps:  Field Flowers (SU!)

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  square and rectangle acrylic blocks, water mister, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Aqua Painter, heat tool, and sticky strips

 

* * * * *

 

I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up for my first block stamping.  I inked the block with Certainly Celery ink, misted lightly with water and then stamped onto Whisper White cardstock.  I repeated the process, stamping three more times with different sized blocks.  I used my heat tool to dry the paper.

I inked the stem with Always Artichoke and stamped on top of the color blocks.  I then used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the two different flower heads and stamped both in Cherry Cobbler.

I used the Aqua Painter to add a small amount of water to the flower heads and stems to soften the look.  I used the heat tool to dry the image again and then mounted it with sticky strips onto a card base of Cherry Cobbler.
 

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Today's Clean & Simple challenge is an inspiration photo chaallenge (refreshing, summery cocktail called Pink Hurricane).  I have a stamp set from Taylored Expressions that's perfect for this challenge and I haven't used it very much, so I'm happy to be inking it up!  Hope you like.

"Pink Hurricane"

 

 

Stamps:  Plant Hope (SU!); Chillax (Taylored Expressions)

Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White (SU!); Bazzill White

Ink:  Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Always Artichoke, Old Olive, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Daffodil Delight (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  post-it notes for masking, sponges, white gel pen, Nestabilities oval

 

* * * * *

 

I started by placing a mask for the horizon line of the water and then adding a ripped mask for the sand.  I sponged Tempting Turquoise for the water, removed both masks and placed a mask over the water before sponging Sahara Sand for the sand.  I removed the mask and then lightly sponged more Tempting Turquoise for the sky.  I inked the palm tree stamp with Stampin' Write markers and stamped onto the sponged background.

I cut the top white cardstock (Bazzill) to size and then positioned the oval die cut to one side and ran it through the Big Shot.  I used sticky strips to mount the main image in-behind the cut-out oval.  I inked the sentiment in Early Espresso and stamped at the bottom of the card.  I mounted the main panel onto the card base of Tempting Turquoise.

I inked the drink stamp in Early Espresso and stamped onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used the Stampin' Write markers to color in the image (Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Tempting Turquoise and Daffodil Delight).  I cut out the drink and then adhered to the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals.

Copper Mosiac

The other day I received my on-line order from "Cherish the Thought" - four different Cuttlebug embossing folders.  Today I got a chance to use the "Tiny Mosiac" folder with the "Free for All Challenge - Twine!" from SCS.  I love the look of this embossing folder!  Hope you like.

"Copper Mosiac"

Stamps:  Of the Earth (SU!)

Paper:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Soft Suede, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Cuttlebug "Tiny Mosiac" embossing folder, hemp twine, three small copper brads, paper piercing tool, sticky strips and dimensionals

 

* * * * *

I stamped the flower onto Whisper White cardstock and cut to size.  I framed it with a thin frame of Early Espresso cardstock (1/16").  I ran Soft Suede cardstock through the Big Shot with the embossing folder.  I then cut it to size and sponged all over with Soft Suede ink to enhance the embossing.  I framed the embossed cardstock with a thin frame of Early Espresso cardstock (1/16").

I mounted the main framed panel onto the embossed panel with sticky strips and wrapped twine around five times, tying a knot at the front.  I sponged the edges of Soft Suede card base with the same color ink and then mounted the image panel, popping up with dimensionals to add depth.

I used my paper piercing tool to add three holes and threaded the brads in place.

Elements of Collage

Busy, busy day!  First "have to" this morning was to participate in today's SCS Challenge (below).  Then headed to Costco to pick up a belated birthday gift to me, an XBox 360 Kinect gaming system - hubby is setting it up right now so I know what I'll be doing this afternoon!:)  The bundle came with Kinect Adventures (the Kinect part of the XBox 360 system is a sensor that uses your body as the controller ... so you have hands free to play the games).  We also picked up Kinect Sports game which has bowling, basketball, soccer, table tennis and volleyball.  The plan is to have something fun that will get us up and moving (off of the couch!!).

It's also Thursday which means I'll be making "take out" dinner for my oldest son and his girlfriend.  I'm hoping that this gives them a break from working all day and then having to come home and make dinner.  It's the least I can do.  Tonight's menu, Spaghetti with Roasted Veggies and Meat Sauce, Garlic Bread, Caesar Salad and Dark Chocolate brownies for dessert - yum, yum!!

Today's "Ways to Use It" Challenge from SCS is "Crazy Collage" (WT331), using at least four different stamps.  This is a real challenge for me so I struggled a little before coming up with the card below.  I'm not completely happy with the card ... I wish I had some sheer ribbon that was more in the brown tones than gold ... but I felt it needed some embellishment so I used what I had.  Hope you like.

"Elements of Collage"

 

 

Stamps:  Elements of Style, En Francais (SU!)

Paper:  Basic Black, Soft Suede (SU!); Arches 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper "Natural White"

Ink:  Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso; Re-inkers:  More Mustard, Soft Suede

Accessories & Tools:  Artist's paintbrush & palette, sponges, matches, gold sheer ribbon, heat tool and sticky strips

 

* * * * *

 

I started by cutting the watercolor paper to just larger than the finished size I wanted.  I combined the re-inkers in my palette and added water to create a "tea" colored stain.  I sprayed my watercolor paper with water and then "washed" it with the stain using my paintbrush.  The paper was quite wet, so I used my heat tool to dry it before continuing with the next steps.

I used matches to burn the edge of the paper and give it an aged and distressed look.  Afterwards, I lightly wiped the sides with a damp paper towel to remove any soot that was left behind.  I stamped the stained watercolor paper with the En Francais background stamp in Soft Suede ink.  I stamped the flower stem and hummingbird in Cajun Craze ink ... because of the texture of the watercolor paper, the stampings have a faded look - LOVE IT!! :)  I stamped the swirly flower in the top right and bottom left corners in Early Espresso ink.

I cut a frame for the main panel out of Soft Suede cardstock and sponged the edges with the same color ink.  I mounted the main panel on top and then added a double bow made from sheer gold ribbon.  The main panel was then mounted onto a card base of Basic Black.

Vintage Sunflowers

I love the sketch challenge for today!  I don't usually add many layers to my cards, so this encourages me to go outside my comfort zone.  That's why I enjoy these challenges every week!

"Vintage Sunflowers"

 

 

SCS Sketch 341:

Stamps:  Daisy Thanks (Stampendous)

Paper:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Autumn Traditions Designer Series (retired), Neutrals Designer Series (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand; Stampin' Write marker Daffodil Delight, Old Olive

Accessories & Tools:  sponges, four Early Espresso brads, sticky strips and dimensionals

 

* * * * *

 

I stamped the sunflowers in Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used the Stampin' Write markers to color in the flower petals and stems.  I used a small eye make-up sponge to add the Soft Suede ink to the flower centers.  I lightly sponged Sahara Sand ink all over the image and sponged the edges with Soft Suede to give the image a "vintage" look.  I also sponged the edges of the Designer Series papers and the card base with Soft Suede  ink.

I added the brads to the corners of the main panel and then mounted all the pieces as per the picture above, popping up the middle panel with dimensionals to add depth.

Simply Soft Vase of Flowers

Today's challenge for Trying a new Technique is Reverse Masking.  I made and posted a card on June 20th using this technique ... but didn't know there was a name for it!! :)

Just received my SU! order today and couldn't wait to use the ornament punch I bought ... makes the most beautiful vase!!  Another clean and simple card which seems to be the majority of my cards.  Everything used for this card is from Stampin' Up!  Hope you like.

"Simply Soft Vase of Flowers"

 

 

Stamps:  Simply Soft (SU!)

Paper:  Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler; Stampin' write marker: Crumb Cake (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Ornament punch, scrap paper for masking, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sponge, temporary adhesive, and permanent adhesives

 

* * * * *

 

I punched the ornament onto a scrap piece of paper, cutting off the tip to make a flat bottom for the vase.  I used the mask to cover my main panel and then sponged Soft Suede ink to fill in the vase (I made the middle a little lighter and the edges darker to give the impression there is depth to the vase).

I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to position and stamp the two sprigs of flowers (outline in Soft Suede and centers of flowers in Cherry Cobbler - this is a two part stamp).  I used the Crumb Cake Stampin' write marker to fill in the leaves.

I mounted the main panel onto a frame of Cherry Cobbler cardstock and then mounted the whole thing onto the Soft Suede card base.  Quick and easy card!
 

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Saturday I had a workshop on Watercolor Spritz technique with the crafty girls.  Unfortunately, Deb was sick and couldn't make it - we really missed you Deb!! and hope you're feeling better!

So it was just me, Fran and Kelly.  Since we had the whole day set aside, we decided it would be great to make two of each card (one for them to give away and one for them to keep).  So we started with the workshop and made two of the three cards that I had planned.  They were comfortable with the technique (it's pretty straight forward), so we agreed that we would just have a "make what card you want" for the rest of the day.  Both Fran and Kelly had lots of birthdays, etc. coming up and so they were able to make specific cards for their family and friends.  We had a lot of fun and even found time to take a break in the afternoon for some delicious Mango Mist tea and cake (we ALWAYS find time for good food!).  Here's a picture of some of the nine cards each they were able to make. 

Summer Swing

This card is for Friday's (yesterday) Free for All Challenge - F4A72 - "good ole summer time".  I just got this Stampendous stamp the other day from Country Lane Crafts in Cloverdale.  It's so adorable and reminds me of summer days at Cariboo Park when I was little.  I loved the swings ... and I also remember a game of spinning, spinning, spinning and then falling to the ground and watching the clouds roll by.  Hope you like.

"Summer Swing"

 

 

Stamps:  Tree Swing (Stampendous)

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Baja Breeze; Stampin' Write markers: Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Old Olive, So Saffron

Accessories & Tools: sponges, cardstock for mask

 

* * * * *

 

I inked the stamp with Stampin' write markers:  Early Espresso for tree trunk and branches, Old Olive for leaves and Soft Suede for the swing.  I used the Soft Suede to fill in the tree trunk and branches, So Saffron to fill in the leaves and Sahara Sand to fill in the swing.  I sponged Old Olive at the bottom of the tree and lightly sponged Baja Breeze for the sky at the top.

I created the background "cloud" paper by making a mask from cardstock.  I used a pencil to draw a line of random-sized "bumps".  I then cut it out and used it as a mask, lightly sponging with Baja Breeze.  I moved the mask around and changed the angles so the clouds are random.  I mounted the background paper onto the card base of Baja Breeze.

I mounted the main image onto a frame of Baja Breeze and adhered it to the card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

River Rocks and Grass

Today I picked up two stamps that I ordered from Country Lane Crafts in Cloverdale.  I had gone through a couple of stamp manufacturer's websites (Hero Arts and Stampendous) and then phoned Country Lane and they ordered the stamps in for me.  Awesome!!  No expensive shipping fees for me :)

I just couldn't wait to get home and try out my new Silhouette Grasses stamp from Hero Arts.  I have seen a few cards made with it on SCS and had long admired it.  I used the sketch from yesterday's challenge - so much fun!!  This is another clean and simple design.  Hope you like.

"River Rocks and Grass"

Stamps:  Silhouette Grasses (Hero Arts); Whimsical Words (SU!)

Paper:  River Rock, Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  River Rock, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Black hemp twine, two buttons, sticky strips and dimensionals

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I stamped the grasses in River Rock ink onto the Whisper White cardstock and used sticky strips to adhere three strands of black hemp twine around the image.  I tied the two buttons onto pieces of twine and then tied them onto the main panel, using glue dots to hold the buttons in place.

I mounted the main panel onto a frame of Basic Black cardstock (with only 1/4" of black showing on the left hand side only).  I mounted the framed panel onto the card base of River Rock cardstock (bottom corners rounded), popping up the panel to give it more depth.

I stamped the sentiment in Basic Black onto River Rock cardstock, rounded the edges and adhered it to the front of the card.  Quick and easy card!
 

Single Coneflower

I didn't think I had time to participate in today's SCS sketch challenge ... but it turns out, I did!! :)

When Lili and Natasha came for a workshop last Sunday, I had made a few different colored cone flowers for the card we were going to make just so they could pick their favorite.  I decided I would use my "extra" flower for today's sketch.  It's a clean and simple card and only took a short time to make since my focal point (cone flower) was already done :)  Hope you like.

"Single Coneflower"

 

 

SCS Sketch 340:

 

Stamps:  Inspired by Nature, Whimsical Words (SU!)

Paper:  Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Autumn Traditions Designer Series paper (retired) (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Soft Suede, Rose Red, Versamark (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Corner rounder, white embossing powder, heat tool, Kaiser Pearl Brad, glue dots, Tombow glue, dimensionals

 

* * * * *

 

I inked the flower with Soft Suede, Rose Red and Old Olive and stamped onto Crumb Cake cardstock and then cut the flower out.  I did a second stamping of just the petals and then cut them out.  I sponged around the edge of the flower and extra petals with Soft Suede to give the flower an aged look.  I used rolled up glue dots to layer the petals on top of the base flower to give them dimension.

I inked the sentiment with Versamark and white embossed using the heat tool.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, popping up the main panel with dimensionals to give it depth. 
 

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I'm prepping for my next workshop I'm holding this coming Saturday.  Haven't had the crafty girls over for a while so I'm very excited about them coming!!  We are doing a "Watercolor Spritz" class and I designed three cards back in May.  I always make the cards two or three times before a class, just to make sure everything will go as smoothly as possible once my "students" are here.  I like to be prepared!!  Anyways, I decided to ditch one of the original cards I was going to have them make and came up with a different card that will allow them to try two other techniques.  Along with Watercolor Spritz-ing the main image and sentiment, they will also create a wash in-behind using sponges and the Aqua Painter from SU!  So easy to do, but so effective as a backdrop to the main image.  And, they will be distressing embossed, patterned paper.  This is done by sponging ink over patterned paper, running it through the Big Shot with an embossing folder, and then sponging on top of the embossing to highlight it further.  This card is similar to one I made several months ago except I changed the layout and added a sentiment.  I think the crafty girls will like making this card.  Hope you like.

"Watercolor Tree"

 

 

 

Stamps:  Leafless Limb (Stampscapes); For You (Rubber-Art Stamps)

Paper:  Soft Suede, River Rock Polka-dot designer paper, watercolor paper

Ink:  Soft Suede, Old Olive, River Rock, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories & Tools:  sponges, mini mister, Cuttlebug "Birds & Swirls" embossing folder, sticky strips and dimensionals

 

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I randomly sponged the River Rock polka-dot designer paper with River Rock, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Soft Suede ink.  I then ran it through the Big Shot with the embossing folder.  I sponged Soft Suede ink over the embossing to highlight it, as well as along the edges.  I sponged the edges of the card base of Soft Suede cardstock with the same color ink and mounted the embossed background paper on top.

I lightly sponged bands of Old Olive, River Rock and Pumpkin Pie ink on the watercolor paper and used the Aqua Painter to add water and create a wash.  Once the paper was dry, I inked the tree stamp with Soft Suede and misted it about five times before stamping it on top of the "washed" watercolor paper.  It really looks like the tree was done by hand!  I ripped the main image to size and then sponged the edges with Soft Suede ink to add a distressed look.  I mounted it on a frame of Soft Suede cardstock (also sponged along the edges).

I repeated the same procedure as above for the sentiment, creating a wash with River Rock, inking the stamp with Soft Suede and only misting twice (otherwise the words will blur), stamping on the dried wash background, sponging the edges with Soft Suede and mounting on a frame of Soft Suede which has been sponged.

I mounted the main image onto the embossed background, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth and doing the same with the sentiment.
 

Inspired Sunset

Today's Splitcoaststamper's color challenge is just that ... a challenge.  Three very strong and vibrant colors (Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry).  Hot pink, bright orange and bright purple.  I don't have a couple of the colors, so I used the closest colors I had on hand.  I had fun with the challenge and came up with two completely different types of cards.

Here's a picture and the details of the first card  - finished size is the standard 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  Hope you like.

"Inspired Sunset"

 

 

Stamps:  Inspired by Nature (SU!); Gulls (Stampscapes)

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Glossy White (SU!)

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Speedball rubber brayer, sponge, sticky strips

 

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I started by brayering Pumpkin Pie ink from the bottom of the page about 1/2 way up the page.  I then brayered Regal Rose from the top down until it met the Pumpkin Pie.  I brayered Rich Razzleberry over top of the Regal Rose, making sure to not completely cover the pink.

I stamped the grass image and gulls in Basic Black ink and then sponged the same ink along the bottom of the card.

I mounted the brayered image onto a frame of Basic Black and then mounted the whole panel onto the card base of Rich Razzleberry.

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Here's a picture and the details of the second card  - finished size is the standard 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  Hope you like.

"Colorful Cakes"

 

 

Stamps:  Birthday Bakery, Happy Moments (SU!)

Paper:  Regal Rose, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Stampin' Write markers:  Regal Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry; Versamark, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Clear embossing powder, heat tool, 1/4" Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, sticky strips and dimensionals

 

* * * * *

 

I stamped the cakes in Basic Black ink onto Whisper White cardstock and clear embossed.  I used the Stampin' Write markers to color in the cakes and add the sentiment.

I tied a knot of Pumpkin Pie ribbon around the main image and mounted it onto a frame of Regal Rose cardstock.

I mounted a background of Whisper White cardstock onto the card base of Regal Rose.  I mounted the main image panel onto the card using dimensionals to pop it up and add depth.
 

Embossed Daisies

What a beautiful day here in North Delta.  The sun is shining and it's a warm, breezy day.  I met my friend Tammy for lunch at the Earl's restaurant in Burnaby.  We hadn't seen each other since January, so had such a great time catching up.  Lots of laughs!!  We decided to share our dishes so that we could get a taste of a few things.  Delicious Grilled Prawn Tacos, Chicken and Brie Panini with fries and for dessert ... Chocolate and Toffee Sticky pudding --- yu-um!!  What a great start to the week!

Once back at home, I headed into the art studio for about an hour.  I saw a card on SCS that had flowers stamped and then it was run through an embossing folder.  I loved the look of it so used that idea today (sorry, can't remember who's card it was to give them a shout out).  I love the Upsy Daisy stamp set ... so pretty and cheerful with the yellow and orange.  Hope you like.

"Embossed Daisies"

 

 

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy (SU!)

Ink:  Stampin' Write markers:  Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!); yellow polka-dot

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix Square Lattice embossing folder, 1/4" Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, sticky strips

 

* * * * *

 

I inked the daisy stamp with the Stampin' Write markers, making the flowers Daffodil Delight and "thumping" Pumpkin Pie around the edges.  I stamped the image and then stamped again (without re-inking) a little higher up and to the right (second generation stamping), which gives the illusion there are daisies in the background.  I ran the stamped cardstock through my Big Shot with the embossing folder.  I then ripped the top edge on an angle and mounted it on a frame of Old Olive cardstock.

I adhered the ribbon onto the yellow polka-dot background paper and tied a knot on one side.  I used sticky strips to mount it onto the card base of Old Olive.  I then used sticky strips to mount the main image on top of the yellow polka-dot paper.  Done!