Bits of This and That

Today's "Free For All" Challenge is "Patterned Legos" - use patterned pieces of paper for color blocks.  A great look ... and a great way to use up scraps of paper.  I made three cards for this challenge.  The first one is a Christmas card using scraps of leftover DP from last year's Merry Moments (SU!).  The other two are a CASED layout of a card by Arielle Hemp-Gordon.  I love the way her card uses small bits of paper for big impact!  I made two cards using different DP ... these cards will be used in an upcoming class I'm holding for friends.  Hope you like.

"Merry Moments"  

Stamps:  Bells & Boughs (SU!)

Paper:  Garden Green, Whisper White, Merry Moments DP (retired) - (SU!)

Ink:  Stampin' Write markers:  Real Red, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Nestabilities Ovals die-cuts, adhesives, Tombow glue and dimensionals

* * * * *

I cut the four different DP pieces and mounted them onto a card base of Garden Green cardstock.  I stamped the poinsettias in Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White cardstock and used the Stampin' Write markers to color them in.  I cut out the image.

I cut an oval from Whisper White cardstock as well as an oval frame from Garden Green cardstock using the Nestabilities ovals die-cut.  I glued the green frame on top of the white oval using Tombow Glue.  I mounted the main image onto the oval using dimensionals to add depth.

I mounted the framed oval image onto the card base using dimensionals to add even more depth.

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Second card for today uses very small scraps of the Cottage Wall DP.

"Bits of Cottage Wall"

Stamps:  Cottage Garden; Silhouette Sentiments (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Cottage Wall DP (retired) - (SU!)

Ink:  Stampin' Write markers: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive; Re-inker:  Rich Razzleberry (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, hemp twine, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I took a long length of hemp twine and died it using the Rich Razzleberry re-inker; set aside to dry.

I cut out scraps of Cottage Wall DP to create my layout, making sure to balance the colors in the design.

I used Stampin' Write markers to ink the flower and stem from the Cottage Garden stamp set and stamped onto Whisper White cardstock.  I cut the cardstock to size and then used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get the correct placement before inking the sentiment in Rich Razzleberry and stamping below the flower.  I framed the stamped image with Rich Razzleberry cardstock.

I used a ruler to line up all my pieces on the Whisper White panel and mounted them using adhesives.  I tied two pieces of the died hemp twine around the panel and tied a knot.  I added the framed stamped image on top of the twine, popping it up with dimensionals.

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Third card for today uses the same layout as above, just changing up the designer papers.

"Bits of Haiku"

Stamps:  Cottage Garden; Silhouette Sentiments (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango, Haiku DP (retired) - (SU!)

Ink:  Stampin' Write markers: Tangerine Tango, Old Olive (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1/4" Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, adhesives, glue dot and dimensionals

* * * * *

I cut out scraps of Haiku DP to create my layout, making sure to balance the colors in the design.

I used Stampin' Write markers to ink the flower and stem from the Cottage Garden stamp set and stamped onto Whisper White cardstock.  I cut the cardstock to size and then used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get the correct placement before inking the sentiment in Tangerine Tango and stamping below the flower.  I framed the stamped image with Tangerine Tango cardstock.

I used a ruler to line up all my pieces on the Whisper White panel and mounted them using adhesives.  I wrapped a piece of Old Olive grosgrain ribbon around the panel and tied a knot.  I used a glue dot to hold the knot in place.  I added the framed stamped image on top of the ribbon, popping it up with dimensionals.

Christmas Bag and Tag

Today I'm playing with ideas for decorating plain gift bags to use for Christmas.  I want to use plain brown bags and dress them up with stamping, die-cuts, embellishments, etc. and also make a matching tag.  Here's my first attempt - hope you like.

"Christmas Bag & Tag"

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White (SU!); Christmas tissue paper (Costco - last year)

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix Christmas Tree #2 die-cut, Big Shot, iris fold template, glue stick, red & white polka-dot sheer ribbon, hole punch, mini clothespin, adhesives and sticky strips

* * * * *

I cut strips of tissue paper, folded them in half, opened them up, added glue and then pressed them in half again.  I used the strips and followed the iris template to make the iris fold center for the Christmas tree cut-out.

I used my Big Shot and the Sizzix Christmas Tree #2 die-cut to cut out a tree, centered on a large piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I mounted the cut-out on top of the iris fold add glued it down.  I mounted the image on a frame of Cherry Cobbler cardstock.

I added glue all over another piece of Whisper White cardstock and then placed a piece of the Christmas tissue paper on top and pressed down to smooth it out.  I ran this through my Big Shot with the die-cut and then cut the patterned tree down to a smaller size to use as an embellishment on my tag.

I mounted all the pieces shown in the picture above, adding a ribbon on the tag and using a mini clothespin to hold it to the bag.

Autumn Trees

I've been getting ready the past couple of days for a possible workshop on Sunday.  Possible because it was sort of a last minute thing.  I had some friends that were coming that needed to cancel ... but the one friend that was still available, has some friends that would like to come if their calendars are free.  I'll find out tomorrow if it's a go ... or if it's just going to be a small number and, therefore, more casual and less structured.  The good thing is that I'm ready with a new class of cards for these ladies when their schedules gel (if not this Sunday).

Here's one of the cards we'll be making.  I have done a similar card before (see June 14), but I changed up the colors and details a bit so it looks brand-spanking new :)

All materials for this card are from SU!  Hope you like.

"Autumn Lovely as a Tree"

Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree (SU!)

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

Ink:  Soft Suede, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight; Stampin' Write markers:  Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, More Mustard

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, post-it note for masking, sponges, corner rounder, 1/4" Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon, sticky strips, glue dot, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the trees in Soft Suede ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I stamped the image again onto a post-it note to use for a mask.  I cut out the post-it note along the "hills" and masked the sky.  I added fallen leaves on the ground at the bottom of the tree trunks, using Stampin' Write markers.  I sponged the rest of the grassy area with Old Olive and then removed the mask.  I added leaves to the trees, again with the Stampin' Write markers.  I sponged the sky with Daffodil Delight and then used the corner rounder to round off the top right-hand corner.

I mounted the main image onto a frame of Soft Suede that was 1" longer (also with the top right-hand corner rounded).  I wrapped the Early Espresso ribbon around that extra margin of Soft Suede and tied a knot.  I secured the knot in place with a glue dot.

I mounted the main image panel onto the card base of Early Espresso, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Haiku Leaf Sprig

Today's CAS (clean & simple) card challenge from Splitcoaststampers is "Paper Piecing".  Doing my first iris fold card this past Saturday (see below), I was thinking of other possibilities for that technique and thought I could adapt it for today's challenge.  I love the Haiku papers from SU! from a couple of years ago.  Such beautiful designs and colors.  My first card uses those papers to give the card an Asian feel.  Of course, I'm a little obsessed with making Christmas cards right now, so I had to make one of those as well and it's the second card for today, using the same paper piecing idea.  The wonderful side benefit to paper piecing is that I use up some of the paper scraps that I've been collecting :)  Hope you like.

"Haiku Leaf Sprig"

Stamps:  Fabulous Florets, Just Believe (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Haiku DP (retired) (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive

Accessories & Tools:  Nestabilities Labels Two (Spellbinders), Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sticky strips and dimensionals

* * * * *

I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the Labels Two die-cut.  I placed sticky strips on the back, outlining the die-cut.  I cut the Haiku DP into 1/2" strips and starting at the top, layered them down the die-cut, overlapping them slightly.  I trimmed the main panel to size.  Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the sentiment in Old Olive ink.

I inked the leaf stamp from Fabulous Florets in Old Olive ink, stamped onto Whisper White cardstock and then cut it out.  I used a sponge to add more ink to darken the main image.

I mounted the paper pieced main panel onto a card base of Old Olive and added the leaf image, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

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Second card for today's paper piecing challenge from SCS.  Hope you like.

"Christmas Stocking"

Stamps:  Merriment (SU!)

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Merry Moments DP (retired) (SU!)

Ink:  Real Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix Christmas stocking die-cut, Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, sticky strips and glue dot

* * * * *

I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the stocking die-cut.  I placed sticky strips on the back, outlining the die-cut.  I cut the Merry Moments DP into 1/2" strips and starting at the top on an angle, layered them down the die-cut, overlapping them slightly.  I trimmed the main panel to size.  Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink.

I tied the Real Red ribbon around the top of the main panel, adding a knot slightly off-center.  I used a glue dot to secure the knot in place.

Using the corner rounder, I rounded the bottom of both the main panel and the Real Red card base.  I used sticky strips to adhere the main panel to the card base.

Christmas Card using Iris Fold Technique

Today I wanted to try the Iris Fold technique.  I had come across a webstore for rubber stamps and there was also a blog by the owner.  He had made a Christmas tree using the iris fold and it was beautiful.  So I watched the tutorial at SCS and gave it a try.  This time I started small and made one big enough for a Christmas ornament, using leftover Christmas wrapping paper from last year.  Looking forward to using this technique again - it's so beautiful.  The only regret is that even though my three Christmas papers matched, they may have matched too well and there isn't a lot of contrast.

Hope you like this CAS (clean & simple) card.

"Iris Fold Christmas Ornament"

Stamps:  Christmas Greetings, Tree Trimmings (SU!)

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White (SU!); Three different Christmas wrapping paper scraps

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  iris fold template, ornament punch, stamp-a-ma-jig, removable tape, glue stick, sticky strips and dimensionals

* * * * *

I cut a large piece of Whisper White cardstock and punched an ornament; I set it aside.

I placed the iris template on my work surface.  I cut a piece of Whisper White and using scissors, cut a window in the center that was larger than the ornament punch.  I placed the cut-out over the iris template, centering the design.  I used removable tape to hold the cardstock to my work surface.  I placed sticky strips framing the cut-out window (no adhesives go on the template - it just sits in-behind as a guide and can be used again and again).  I cut strips of wrapping paper, covered them with the glue from the glue stick, folded them in half lengthwise and pressed down.  I started adding the strips, rotating the three designs, and once I had four down to complete the first layer, I added sticky strips again.  I repeated the process, layering strips of paper and adding sticky strips once a row was completed until the template was completely covered.  I removed the cardstock from my work surface and trimmed it to size.  I added sticky strips to the back and adhered the iris fold to the card base of Cherry Cobbler (making sure the placement was correct for my punched out ornament.

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the Christmas greeting in Cherry Cobbler ink onto the Whisper White cardstock with the ornament punch-out.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again to line up the hanger for the ornament, again stamping in Cherry Cobbler ink.  I adhered the panel to the front of the card base, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Cottage Wall Thank You

Today's "Free for all" Challenge from SCS is Acknowledgement ... make a 'thank you' card in appreciation for someone that went out of their way to help you this week.  I decided to try to use up some of my ever-growing stash of scraps ... and I used a stamp set that I've had for a long time, but haven't used very much at all - Cottage Garden.  Two years ago SU! had a paper series called Cottage Wall ... it is still my favorite set of DP that I have.  At the time, I bought several packages because I knew I would never grow tired of using it - there's something about that beautiful Rich Razzleberry color that just pops off the page.  This card is made with SU! products only.  Hope you like.

"Cottage Wall Thank You"

Stamps:  Cottage Garden, Silhouette Sentiments (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White; Retired DP (Cottage Wall, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry) (SU!)

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive,

Accessories & Tools:  1 1/4" square punch, 1/4" Rich Razzleberry grosgrain ribbon, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I punched nine squares of different DP that have either Old Olive or Rich Razzleberry (or both).  I stamped the flower and sentiment on the lightest colored square and then cut it down by 1/8" and framed it with Rich Razzleberry cardstock.

I mounted all nine squares onto Whisper White cardstock as shown in the picture above, popping up the center square only to highlight.  Make sure to balance the colors.

I added Rich Razzleberry ribbon at the bottom, tied in a knot.  I mounted the whole panel onto a card base of Old Olive.

Angel Silhouette Card

I headed over to Michael's this morning, looking for some "snow" textured paint and a few other items.  I ended up buying a clear stamp set from Inkadinkado called "Christmas Silhouettes".  Such beautiful images.  Couldn't wait to get home and make a card!  This is actually a very fast and easy card, except for cleaning up the glitter :(  The image is very ornate, so I just went with it and only added a piece of ribbon for accent.  It's all about the angel.  Hope you like.

"Angel Silhouette"

Stamps:  Christmas Silhouettes (Inkadinkado)

Paper:  Gold, Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black (SU!)

Ink:  VersaMark

Accessories & Tools:  gold embossing powder, heat tool, Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon, sticky strips and dimensionals

* * * * *

I inked the stamp with VersaMark and stamped onto Basic Black cardstock.  I embossing the image with gold using the heat tool.

I framed the main image with Cherry Cobbler cardstock and wrapped Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon around the bottom, tying it in a knot.  I mounted the main image onto the card base of gold cardstock, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth. 

Scenic Christmas

Today I spent some time with my Mom.  She had a dentist appt. at 12 noon, so I headed to her place just after breakfast and we had a cup of tea before heading to the appointment.  Everything went extremely well.  She had a great checkup and doesn't need any work done - yah!!  Afterwards we headed to a farmer's market to do a little shopping.  Langley Farm Market (which is actually in Burnaby), has wonderful, fresh veggies and also a great deli counter and bakery section.  Besides veggies, cold cuts and cheese, I managed to pick up some Coconut Buns (one of my favorites!).  We headed back to my mom's and she made me lunch before I headed home.  I wish I could have stayed longer, but I try to avoid rush hour bridge traffic so that meant I had to get going.

Once home, I couldn't wait to make a card with today's sketch challenge from SCS.  I really admired a card by done by LaLatty at SCS (click here) and used her idea of having the moon creating a halo-effect on the trees for my card below.  Hope you like.

SCS Sketch351 for today:

My version:

"Scenic Christmas"

Stamps:  Scenic Season (SU!)

Paper:  Night of Navy, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Barely Banana, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy, VersaMark (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, masking tape, post-it note for masking, 1 1/4" circle punch, sponges, Cuttlebug "Mesh" embossing folder, Big Shot, white embossing powder, heat tool, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals 

* * * * *

I used masking tape to cover the sentiment and bird on the stamp before inking with Old Olive; I removed the masking tape.  I took an Always Artichoke Stampin' Write marker and "thumped" along the edges of the trees and random spots before stamping onto Whisper White cardstock.  I stamped the image again (not re-inking) onto a post-it note to use for a mask.  I cut along the "hills" of the post-it note and placed it covering the snow before sponging.  I punched the circle from another post-it note and used the outside to place on my card, exposing the middle circle.  I sponged the moon with Barely Banana ink, removed the mask, let it dry for a minute and then placed the cut-out circle to cover the moon.  I sponged more Barely Banana around the trees.  I followed by sponging the sky, starting with the lightest color (Baja Breeze) closest to the trees and yellow sponging and adding Not Quite Navy ink further out and lastly, Night of Navy just around the outside edges of the sky.  I removed the moon mask.

I cut the main image into three equal rectangles and framed each of them with a thin (1/16") border of Night of Navy cardstock.

I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the Mesh embossing folder and cut it down to size.

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the sentiment in VersaMark onto the card base at the bottom and embossed it in white.

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

Watercolor Spritz'd Gently Falling Leaves

Today I made two cards using the same technique as yesterday - watercolor spritz.  And both cards are also made with the leaf stamps from the same set as yesterday - Gently Falling.  I love this new set and know that I'll be using it again and again!!  I haven't participated in the SUO Challenges yet, but this week it's "Fall Colors" - SUO Challenge #28 so I'm going to try to enter both of the cards below for their challenge (and yesterday's card too!).

The first card for today is also for SCS Color Challenge #341 (Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive).  All three are beautiful, strong colors which were muted when used with the watercolor spritz technique (leaves) and the sponged background.  The Pumpkin Pie mini brads really give the card a punch of color.  Hope you like.

"Gently Falling Oak Leaves"

Stamps:  Gently Falling (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, watercolor, Old Olive DP (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, water mister, sponges, three Pumpkin Pie mini brads, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

Using Stampin' Write markers, I randomly inked the inside oak leaf stamp with Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive - trying not to overlap the colors.  I misted the stamp with water three times and stamped onto watercolor paper.  I repeated the process until I had three oak leaves.  After they were dry, I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the outline stamp, inked it in Early Espresso and stamped over the watercoloring.  I cut the leaves out.

Using a wide strip of Whisper White cardstock, I randomly sponged the same three colors (Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive) until the inks blended and I was happy with the look of it.

On a card front of Old Olive cardstock, I added three mini brads in the bottom right-hand side of the card.  I mounted the background sponged paper, Old Olive DP and watercolored oak leaves as shown in the picture above, popping up the oak leaves with dimensionals to add depth.  I adhered the card front to a card base of Old Olive (I put the extra layer of Old Olive in place to hide the back of the brads).

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Second card for today ... using same technique, same stamp set and same colors (minus Pumpkin Pie) as above.  Hope you like.

"Gently Falling Leaves"

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Just Believe (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, watercolor (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Always Artichoke (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, water mister, 1 1/4" square punch, Tombow glue, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

Using Stampin' Write markers, I randomly inked the inside leaf stamp with Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive - trying not to overlap the colors.  I misted the stamp with water three times and stamped onto watercolor paper.  I repeated the process until I had four leaves.  After they were dry, I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the outline stamp, inked it in Always Artichoke and stamped over the watercoloring.  I cut the leaves out.

Using a square piece of Tempting Turquoise cardstock, I punched out four squares to create a frame for the leaves.  I used Tombow glue to adhere the frame to the Whisper White background paper.

I stamped the sentiment in Old Olive ink just below the frame and to the right.  I mounted the whole panel onto a card base of Old Olive.

I mounted the four leaves in the middle of the squares, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.

Gently Falling

Today's CAS (clean and simple) challenge is "Leaves".  I recently bought the Gently Falling stamp set from SU!  It's a two-part stamp set and perfect for watercoloring.  I used the watercolor spritz technique for this card.  Hope you like.

"Gently Falling"

Stamps:  Gently Falling; Vintage Labels (SU!)

Paper:  Watercolor, Soft Suede (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Soft Suede; Stampin' Write markers: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze (SU!)

Accessories:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, Big Shot, Cuttlebug "Forest Branches" embossing folder, hemp twine, sponges, beads, embroidery floss, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I randomly colored the inside stamp with markers: Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Cajun Craze.  I misted with water and stamped onto watercolor paper.  After it dried, I stamped the matching outline stamp (lining up with the Stamp-a-ma-jig) in Early Espresso ink.  I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink, cut the main image to size and set it aside.

I ran a large piece of Soft Suede cardstock through the Big Shot with the Forest Branches embossing folder.  I sponged over top with Soft Suede ink to highlight the embossing and then cut the cardstock to size.  I wrapped hemp twine around the bottom of the embossed cardstock three times and tied a knot at the front.  I strung two beads (from the $1 Store) onto a piece of embroidery floss and tied it to the hemp twine.  I used sticky strips to attached the embossed panel to a front panel of watercolor paper.

I mounted the embossed panel onto a card base of Soft Suede and added the main image, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

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Kelly dropped in to make a few cards today.  I just love having company in the art studio!!  She stayed for a couple of hours and made four cards (two the same as her last visit only in different colors, and two new cards).  It was fun!!

Bells and Boughs

Yesterday I had a workshop with six lovely ladies, showing them everything from stamping, heat embossing, dry embossing, sponging and coloring stamps with markers.  They all seemed to enjoy themselves and each went home with four beautiful cards.  This was the biggest workshop I've had so far and it went fairly smoothly.  I managed to learn a few things too which I'll use for future workshops.  Thanks to Frances, Melinda, Aileen, Stephanie, Lonnie and Barb for joining me in the art studio!!

Today I wanted to make a Christmas card similar to one I had seen on SCS last year.  I bought the Bells and Boughs stamp set about a year ago but didn't use it last Christmas.  I just love the holly stamp - so pretty.  Only SU! products used for this card (plus a tiny bit of stickles).

Hope you like.

"Bells & Boughs"

Stamps:  Bells & Boughs, Christmas Greetings (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Always Artichoke; Re-inkers Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler; VersaMark (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, Aqua Painter, Rubber Brayer, rubber bands, gold embossing powder, heat tool, Mistletoe ribbon originals, ornament punch, sticky strips, glue dot and dimensionals

* * * * *

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamped the holly in Always Artichoke ink, three times across the top of the Whisper White cardstock and then heat set the ink.  I used Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler re-inkers and the Aqua Painter to color in the leaves and berries.  I added stickles to the berries to give them some sparkle.

Using the rubber brayer, I wound four elastic bands around the barrel and then inked the brayer with VersaMark.  I ran the brayer over Cherry Cobbler cardstock, in one direction only, and embossed with gold embossing powder and the heat tool.  After the cardstock cooled, I re-inked the brayer and ran it over the Cherry Cobbler cardstock in the other direction and embossed in gold.  I used this cardstock to punch out the ornament.

I stamped the sentiment in VersaMark onto a large piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock and then embossed in gold.

I mounted the main image (holly) onto the large Cherry Cobbler cardstock and tied a knot with the Mistletoe Ribbon Originals.  I used a glue dot to hold the knot in place at the front of the card

.

I mounted the ornament onto the main image using dimensionals to add depth and then mounted the main image onto the card base of Old Olive.

Mostly Blue Peace

First of all, I wanted to apologize to anyone who came to look at some images only to find the picture links broken.  I did a large update to my website, changing locations of a lot of files, and didn't realize that a lot of the links were broken to the archived months.  Hopefully now everything is working fine.  :)

I've been busy the past couple of days getting ready for a workshop I'm giving.  I'll have six ladies joining me in the studio on Saturday ... it's going to be "cozy".  These ladies are all from the dragon boat team that my good friend, Frances, belongs to.  Some have stamped a little, some not at all.  It's going to be a lot of fun showing them the basics ... the cards we'll be making are fairly simple, but at the same time ... beautiful!  I really excited about tomorrow!! :)

I made time this morning to participate in Friday's "Free for All" challenge on SCS - today it's "Mostly blue".   Here is a link to Holly's gorgeous card that I used for my inspiration (click here).

"Peace"

Stamps:  Gifts of Christmas, En Francais (SU!); Peace (Anita's)

Paper:  Night of Navy, Whisper White, Old Olive (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, Night of Navy, VersaMark; Stampin' Write marker Night of Navy  (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, sponges, Sizzix "Little Leaves" die-cut, Big Shot, Ice embossing Powder, heat tool, Cuttlebug "D'vine Swirls" embossing folder, sticky strips, adhesives, Tombow glue and dimensionals

* * * * *

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for positioning, I stamped "Peace" in Night of Navy in the middle of a small piece of Whisper White cardstock (4"x2 3/4").  I inked the En Francais stamp with Old Olive and stamped overtop of the whole piece.  Starting in the middle, I sponged Old Olive ink in a circular motion around and over the Peace stamp.  Next I sponged Not Quite Navy, blending into the edges of the Old Olive ink and going further away from the middle.  Lastly I sponged Night of Navy around the edges of the cardstock.  I mounted the main image onto a frame of Night of Navy cardstock.

I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the "D'vine Swirls" embossing folder and then cut it to size.  Using sticky strips, I mounted the embossed background panel onto a card base of Night of Navy cardstock.

I mounted the main image on top of the embossed white background, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I ran the "Little Leaves" die-cut through my Big Shot with Old Olive cardstock and then sponged the edges of the leaves with Old Olive ink to give them interest.  I found the leafy branch to be a little too big for what I wanted, so I cut off two leaves and the end of the stem.  I glued the branch in place at the edge of the main image.

I inked just the dove from the Gifts of Christmas stamp with the Night of Navy Stampin' Write marker and stamped onto a small piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I swiped my VersaMark pad across the dove and then embossed the image with Ice embossing powder to give the dove some sparkle.  I cut the dove out and glued it sitting on the branch on top of the main image.

Gifts of Christmas

Today's sketch challenge at SCS (SC350) was a lot of fun!  I'm not usually very good at using angles in my cards, so I really enjoy pushing myself ... and that's what these challenges are all about.  I'm learning so much from them!

This is a very quick and easy card that is made with only SU! products.

SCS Sketch 350:

... and here's my card.  I added a couple of extra layers for some color.  Hope you like.

"Gifts of Christmas"

Stamps:  Gifts of Christmas (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Real Red, Christmas DP (retired) (SU!)

Ink:  Stampin' Write markers:  Old Olive, Real Red, Early Espresoo

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, adhesives and dimensionals

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I inked the stamp with the Stampin' Write markers and stamped onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  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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This afternoon Kelly stopped by to hang with me in the art studio for a couple of hours.  She needed to make birthday cards for both her MIL and FIL.  She used the same layout for both cards, but they are totally different.  Nice job Kel!!

Two new recipes ...

Today I'm adding a couple of recipes to the Baking section of this website (see left-hand column for link).  These are sweets I made for the "High Tea" I hosted for my girlfriends yesterday.  There were lots of leftovers from yesterday, much to the delight of my husband and son ... but after them both having their fill yesterday, my youngest son taking some to a friend's place last night and more to work today, and including some with the dinner I'm making tonight for my oldest son and his girlfriend, things are almost gone.  Everyone in the family is happy when I have a High Tea for my girlfriends because they all benefit :)  

Lemon Loaf

Strawberry Mousse Tartlets

High Tea pictures and Sail Away card

I haven't been spending as much time making cards the past couple of days.  I've been preparing for a "High Tea" I was holding for three of my good friends.  Today Liz, Tammy and Patt came over and the four of us had a great afternoon ... lots of fun, laughs, and of course, lots of delicious food!  The four of us all worked together years ago and we've kept in touch.  Such great friends!

Here's a couple of pictures of the food I made for our High Tea:

Here are the savory:

Sesame Chicken Croissants with Red Pepper Jelly

Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Crostini with Herb Cream Cheese

Egg & Chive sandwiches

Here are the sweets:

Lower:  Orange Scones (served with Devon Cream and Blackberry Jelly), Lemon Loaf

Upper:  Brownie with Hazelnut Ganache, Toasted Coconut Cake, Strawberry Mousse Shortbread Tartlettes

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Today's CAS (clean & simple) Challenge (CAS135) at SCS is a sketch by Miss Boo.  This was a quick and easy card - so much fun! 

 

"Sail Away"

Stamps:  Sail Away, Just Believe (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Early Espresso (SU!); Soft Garden Plaid (Chatterbox)

Ink:  Early Espresso

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig 

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I stamped the sail boat in Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I mounted pieces of the Soft Garden Plaid DP on the bottom and top of the sailboat image.  I mounted the main image onto a piece of Early Espresso cardstock.  The whole main image was then mounted onto Whisper White cardstock and the sentiment was stamped in Early Espresso ink.

Silhouette Mum

Today I have two cards to share with you ...

I had a mishap with the first one so I had to improvise and trim the paper smaller than what I wanted.

I was inspired by Stephanie Parkes' blended inks cards (click here to see one of Stephanie's beautiful cards!).  Since I don't know how to do the blended inks, I decided to sponge the background area instead ... everything went really well - I was happy with the colors and how everything looked ... until the very end when I noticed a brown smudge on my white background :(  Thankfully it was near the bottom so I cut it off and mounted the main image onto a brown background.  But I really wanted it to be a totally white background, so I'll have to try again.

Both cards for today are made with only SU! products.

"Silhouette Mum"

Stamps:  Kind & Caring Thoughts, Short & Sweet (SU!)

Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  post-it notes for masking, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sponges, adhesives

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Using Whisper White cardstock, I masked off the area for the main image with post-it notes.  I randomly sponged Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Cajun Craze (in a circular motion) over the blocked area.  I went back and added more ink using more pressure to blend the inks together.  I removed the masks and then masked off the area for the sentiment and repeated the steps above for sponging.

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement of the mum and sentiment and stamped both in Early Espresso ink.

I mounted the main panel on a card base of Early Espresso.

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The second card for today used some of the same color inks for the sponged background and main image.  This is the sketch challenge this week from SCS (SC349) - I'm having fun with this layout!

 "Butterflies & Daisies"

Stamps:  Upsy-Daisy (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight DP (SU!)

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

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, sponges, Stamp-a-ma-jig, 5/8" Old Olive satin ribbon, Sizzix Embosslits "Beautiful Wings", sticky strips, adhesives and glue dots

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Using Whisper White cardstock, I randomly sponged the background paper with Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive inks.  I went over the cardstock several times, adding layers of color in order for them to blend well.  I adhered the sponged background cardstock onto a card base of Old Olive.

For the main image, using Whisper White cardstock, I inked my Upsy-Daisy stamp with Stampin' Write markers: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive and stamped the image twice before re-inking (once in the foreground, once in the background - this is called "second generation" stamping).  I inked the stamp again and repeated the above, stamping twice before re-inking a third time to add one last stamping.

I mounted the main panel on a thin frame of Old Olive cardstock.  I added a knot to the satin ribbon and adhered it to the main panel with the knot off to one side.  I mounted the main image onto the background paper, popping up with dimensionals to add depth.

I used my Big Shot and the Embosslits "Beautiful Wings" to cut out butterflies from Pumpkin Pie cardstock and Daffodil Delight DP.  I place a rolled glue dot in the center of both of the Pumpkin Pie butterflies and added the smaller Daffodil Delight butterfly on top.  I adhered both butterflies to the main panel with glue dots.

Day at the Beach

Yesterday I picked up four Stampdenous stamps that I ordered through Country Lane Crafts in Cloverdale.  They took a while to get them in because of a computer glitch with the distributor, but I wasn't in a hurry so it didn't really matter.  If you are in the Lower Mainland and haven't been to Country Lane yet, it's worth a trip!!  They have a huge selection of scrapbooking and card making supplies, their prices are excellent and the staff is really friendly!

So last night I had to make a card with my new stamps --- notice "had to" - it's not like someone was holding a gun to my head!! :)  Anyways, these stamps are awesome.  I had a lot of fun coloring this beach scene.  I rarely put sentiments on my cards, but two of the stamps I bought were sentiments that are specific to the other stamps I bought ... they just go together.  Hope you like.

"Day at the Beach"

Stamps:  Umbrella Beach, Feel Sand

Paper:  Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)

Ink:  Bashful Blue, Tempting Turquoise, Sahara Sand; Stampin' Write markers:  Early Espresso, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand

Accessories & Tools:  Cuttlebug "Tiny Bubbles" embossing folder, Big Shot, sponges, white gel pen, post-it notes for masking, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

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I ran a large piece of Tempting Turquoise through the Big Shot with the Tiny Bubbles embossing folder.  I cut it to size (always cut the paper to size AFTER embossing as the added texture from the embossing will change the original size of your cardstock!).  I lightly sponged Tempting Turquoise ink over the embossing to highlight it.  I attached the embossed background to the Whisper White card base and set aside.

I inked the stamp using Stampin' Write markers - Old Olive for the palm fronds, Early Espresso for everything else.  I stamped onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I masked off the outline of the image and sponged Bashful Blue and Tempting Turquoise for the sky.  I removed the masks and used the Stampin' Write markers to color in the rest of the image (adding Always Artichoke to the palm fronds to give them interest).  I used the white gel pen to add ripples in the water.

I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock and then sponged Tempting Turquoise ink at the top and Sahara Sand ink at the bottom.

I framed both the main image and sentiment with Pumpkin Pie cardstock.  I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, popping up both the main image and sentiment with dimensionals.

Lilies and Leaves

Today is the Sketch Challenge (SC349) from SCS.  I love this one!!  I can see myself using this layout over and over again ... so much fun!  I don't know about you, but when I make a card, lots of times I end up with an embellishment or background paper that's just not quite right for the card I'm making at the time.  There's nothing wrong with it, maybe it's just the wrong shade of color or not the right size ... so I have a large Ziploc box that I shove these things into with the intention of using them on another card.  Well, I rarely go back to the box and pick out things to use.  I just seem to keep adding to it and now, it's full.  So I challenged myself to use SOMETHING from that box.  Back in April, I made a Stargazer Lily card.  Usually when I'm embossing images, I make a couple of extra ones.  Sometimes things can go wrong and you need an extra image and I don't want to have to drag out my embossing powders, heat tool and then have to clean up afterwards again  - so it's really a case of laziness :)  When I made the card in April, I made two extra lily images and I used them for the card today - perfect!  The card below is made with all SU! products.   Hope you like.

"Lilies and Leaves"

Stamps:  Fifth Avenue Floral, Precious Butterflies (SU!)

Paper:  Always Artichoke, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, VersaMark; Stampin' Write marker: Rose Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  white embossing powder, heat tool, Sizzix "Little Leaves" die-cut, Sizzix "Square Lattice" embossing folder, Big Shot, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

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The lilies where made as follows:  on Whisper White cardstock, I stamped two lilies with VersaMark ink and embossed in white.  I colored in the stem and stamens with a Rose Red Stampin' Write marker .  I sponged the lilies with Pretty in Pink ink and then using a small eye make-up sponge, added Rose Red ink to the centers of each petal.  I used the Rose Red Stampin' Write marker (thick end) to add dots to each petal.  I then cut the flowers out and set aside.

For the background:  on Whisper White cardstock, I randomly sponged Certainly Celery, Old Olive and a little Always Artichoke ink.  I went over the piece again with Certainly Celery to blend the inks.  I cut off a 7/8" x 4 7/8" strip to be used for the sentiment which was stamped in Always Artichoke ink.  I ran a scrap piece of cardstock through my Big Shot with the Sizzix Little Leaves die-cut.  I used this as a stencil and sponged it several times on the background paper

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I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder and then cut to size.

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

Watercoloured Fall Tree

Today started out badly ... my son Evan called to say he was in a car accident on his way to work ... not far from our house.  Thankfully he was fine but I felt so bad for him - it's an awful way to start the day!  Luckily, hubby has no plans to use his truck in the next couple of weeks, so Evan can use it while he works on repairing his vehicle.

Tuesday is the day I make dinner for Evan and Nikki and tonight's menu is: Roasted Vegetable Quesadillas, Tortilla Chips with Guacamole and Apple Tart for dessert.  I managed to get the dessert and roasted vegetables done this morning before it got hot ... that way the house will be cooler around dinner time because I only have to heat up the Panini grill - no stove tonight!! :)

I wanted to find time to participate in today's color challenge from SCS (CC339) - Always Artichoke, So Saffron and Cajun Craze.  I LOVE this color combination!   I watercolored a fall tree using the watercolor spritz technique.  Hope you like.

"Fall Tree"

Stamps:  Tree (Rubber-Art Stamps)

Paper:  Always Artichoke, Autumn Traditions DP, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  So Saffron, Always Artichoke; Stampin' Write markers:  Cajun Craze, Soft Suede (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Aqua Painter, sponge, mini mister, adhesives & dimensionals

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I sponged So Saffron lightly over the watercolor paper.  I used an Aqua Painter to add water and create a "wash".  I let the paper dry thoroughly

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I inked the stamp with Soft Suede and Cajun Craze Stampin' Write markers.  I used the mini mister, filled with water, to spritz the stamp three or four times.  I immediately stamped onto the watercolor paper. 

I lightly sponged Always Artichoke along the bottom of the tree to create a "hill".  I used the Aqua Painter to add lots of water.  I let the image dry thoroughly.

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