Embossed Maple Leaf

Happy Halloween!!  Looks like it's going to be great weather here on the Westcoast for the 'trick or treaters".  I hope everyone on the Eastcoast is safe and warm today after yesterday's early winter storm.

Today's CAS challenge from SCS (CAS142) is Ivory, Chocolate and Red.  What an awesome color combination!!  I used the Emboss Resist Technique for this card, stamping the leaf in VersaMark onto Very Vanilla cardstock and embossing it with clear.  I then sponged all around the leaf with Chocolate Chip ink to give it a subtle muted brown tone.  This card uses all SU! products.  Hope you like.

"Embossed Maple Leaf"

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Happy Moments (SU!)

Paper:  Real Red, Very Vanilla (SU!)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, VersaMark (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  clear embossing powder, heat tool, 1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, sponge, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the leaf in VersaMark onto Very Vanilla cardstock and quickly heat embossed with clear.  I sponged Chocolate Chip ink around the leaf, making it darker around the edges of the cardstock.  I took a paper towel and wiped off Chocolate Chip ink that was sitting on top of the embossed area.  I framed the image with Real Red cardstock and then wrapped the ribbon around the bottom, tying a knot just off center.

I dry fit the main image onto the background of Very Vanilla so that I could see where I wanted the sentiment to be.  I stamped the sentiment (from the Happy Moments stamp set) in Chocolate Chip ink.  I mounted the background cardstock onto the card base of Real Red.

I mounted the main image, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Distressed Tiger Lily

Today I'm on a mission to make my last two batches of Raspberry Jelly.  I had set a goal for myself to have all my preserves, that I give for Christmas, done by the end of October ... nothing like being down to the wire! :)

My next goal is to have all my Christmas cards done by the end of November.  I'm getting there ... I only need another half dozen cards.

This morning I spent some time in the art studio making another distressed or vintage-style card.  I love this style and hadn't used it for a while until yesterday.  This is the first time I've cracked open my Wild Wasabi stamp and paper pad.  I made my own background DP with Wild Wasabi cardstock, randomly stamped with the same color ink and the large stamp from the "Bliss" set.  I then sponged the edges and randomly over the cardstock with Always Artichoke to give it an aged look and tone down the brightness of the Wild Wasabi cardstock.  I wanted a pop of color for the card, so added a bright orange Tiger Lily from the Stampin' Up! Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set.  Hope you like.

"Tiger Lily"

Stamps:  Fifth Avenue Floral, Bliss (SU!)

Paper:  Always Artichoke, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Always Artichoke, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Cajun Craze, VersaMark; Stampin' Write marker Cajun Craze (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Black embossing powder, heat tool, Nestabilities Classic Ovals (Spellbinders), Sizzix Square Lattice embossing folder, Sizzlits "Little Leaves" die-cut, sponges, three bronze half-pearls ($1 store), eye-makeup applicator wand (small sponge), adhesives, glue, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I randomly stamped the large Bliss stamp on the Wild Wasabi cardstock with Wild Wasabi ink.  I sponged Always Artichoke lightly over top of the stamping and also around the edges of the cardstock.

I ran the Nestabilities Ovals die-cuts through my Big Shot to cut out an oval frame from Always Artichoke cardstock.  I sponged Always Artichoke ink around the outside and inside edges of the oval to give it an aged look.

I ran a Nestabilities Oval die-cut through my Big Shot with Whisper White cardstock to cut out an oval to fit in the frame I just cut.  I lightly sponged the oval with Wild Wasabi ink and then ran it through my Big Shot again with the Sizzix Square Lattice embossing folder.  I sponged more Wild Wasabi ink on top, pressing harder to make it darker and highlight the embossing.  I glued the embossed oval in-behind the frame.

I ran the Little Leaves die-cut through my Big Shot three times with Always Artichoke cardstock.  I sponged the edges of the leaves and stem with Always Artichoke ink to give them more depth and also slightly curled the leaves with my fingers.

I stamped the Lily in VersaMark onto Whisper White cardstock and heat embossed in black.  I sponged over the entire lily with Pumpkin Pie ink, but found it didn't give me enough color, so went over it again with Tangerine Tango.  I cut the flower out.  Using a small eye-makeup applicator wand, I lightly sponged down the center of each petal of the lily with Cajun Craze ink to give the flower character.  I used the Cajun Craze Stampin' Write marker to add dots of color to each petal, more towards the center of the flower and less at the tips of the petals.

For assembly, I mounted the stamped and sponged background paper onto a card base of Always Artichoke.  I mounted the oval onto the front of the card, slightly above center to give it more weight, and popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I laid the three leaf sprigs with the stem ends all meeting in the middle and glued them together.  I glued the sprigs onto the bottom left-hand side of the oval.  I added the Tiger Lily on top of the sprigs, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth and finished the card by placing three bronze half-pearls in the top right corner.

Coneflowers and Pine Branches cards

Today I made a couple of cards.  The first one has a distressed look to it - which I love.  I used a distressing tool to rough up the edges of the background DP (which was made by me using two different background stamps (En Francais and Baroque Motifs).  This card now qualifies for the TLC346 Challenge (Try a New Technique - Stack up the Background).   The sponging around the edges reinforces the distressed look as well as the brown sponging on the petals of the flowers.  The flowers are done with the Paper Tole technique which adds a lot of depth and interest by layering the petals of the flowers.  When using the distressing tool, it breaks down the cardstock, ripping tiny pieces from the edge that are sort of a "fluff".  I distressed pieces of Early Espresso cardstock so I could use the "fluff" for the centers of the coneflowers - giving them even more texture and depth.  Hope you like.

 "Coneflowers"

Stamps:  Inspired by Nature, En Francais, Baroque Motifs, Precious Butterflies (sentiment) - all SU!

Paper:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Rose Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, distressing tool, sponges, 3/8" Soft Suede Taffeta ribbon, glue, glue dots, sticky strips and dimensionals

* * * * *

I inked the two coneflowers with Rose Red, Early Espresso and Old Olive and stamped onto Whisper White cardstock.  I cut them out.  I used a small sponge to add Always Artichoke to the stems and leaves.  I used another small sponge to add Rose Red over top of the petals to make them quite dark and then sponged the edges with Soft Suede.  

I stamped the two coneflowers again, this time just the flower heads.  I cut out the petals only (splitting the large flower into four sections of petals and the small flower into three).  I sponged over the petals with Rose Red to darken them and then I sponged Soft Suede around the edges of each piece.

I used rolled up glue dots to mount the individual petals on top of the complete flowers, making them raised at the tips of the petals and add glue to the part closest to the center of the flower so it was fairly flush.  After all the petals were added, I covered the center of the flowers with glue and pressed Early Espresso "fluff" (made with the distressing tool) over the glue and pressed down.

I stamped En Frances in Soft Suede ink onto Crumb Cake cardstock.  I inked the large Baroque Motifs stamp with Early Espresso and stamped on top of the En Francais, off to the right hand side.  I then used a distressing tool on the edges.  I sponged the distressed edges with Soft Suede ink to enhance them.

I wrapped Soft Suede ribbon around the bottom of the background paper and tied a knot off to one side.  I mounted the background onto a card base of Early Espresso.

I mounted the flowers on top of the background, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.

I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink onto Crumb Cake cardstock and sponged Soft Suede ink around the edges.  I sponged a piece of Whisper White cardstock with Rose Red ink and then sponged the edges with Soft Suede ink and used this as a frame for the sentiment - this way it matched the same color as the flowers.  I added a final frame of Early Espresso cardstock and mounted the sentiment to the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals.

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The second card for today is another Christmas card using this week's sketch challenge (this is such a great CAS Sketch!!).  I used the pine branch as the focal point of the three squares, but I also added it all over the background Early Espresso panel, stamping it in Early Espresso ink so it is very subtle.  I love the look!  Unfortunately, subtle details are hard to see in my photos right now.  I didn't have any problems during the summer, but now that the sun isn't shining as brightly, the details on my cards aren't coming through in the photos :(   I need to find a better way to light my photos.  Anyways, here it is ... hope you like.

"Pine Branches"

Stamps:  Autumn Days, Christmas Greetings (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Early Espresso (SU!); Green Glitter paper ($1 Store)

Ink:  Early Espresso; Stampin' Write markers:  Old Olive, Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  1 1/4" square punch, bronze stickles, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sticky strips, adhesives, glue dots and dimensionals

* * * * *

I used the Stampin' Write markers to ink the pine branch and stamped it onto Whisper White cardstock.  I repeated this twice more.  I used the square punch to punch them out and then added bronze colored stickles to the pine cones.  I set them aside to dry.

I stamped the pine branch randomly with Early Espresso ink, covering the piece of Early Espresso cardstock and then mounted the panel onto a frame of Old Olive cardstock.  I mounted the framed panel onto the card front of Whisper White cardstock.

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, and stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink at the bottom right corner.  I mounted the front card panel onto a card base of Old Olive cardstock.

I cut out three 1 1/2" squares of green glitter paper.  I used sticky strips to mount the stamped pine branch squares on top, but found the sticky strips didn't hold onto the glitter paper, so added a glue dot in each of the four corners to make it secure.

I mounted the three framed pine branch squares onto the front of the card, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.

Joyful Christmas Tree

Today's "Free for All" Challenge from SCS is just that - Free for All.  Meaning, make any card you like - no rules.  I had some beautiful green glitter paper that I've been wanting to use, and today is the day!  I ran the green glitter paper through my Big Shot with the Cuttlebug "Birds & Swirls" embossing folder, but it's hard to tell in the picture - it is so much better in real life!  The embossed images really add to the glamour of this card.  This is a CAS (clean and simple) card.  Hope you like.

"Joyful Christmas Tree"

Stamps:  Joy (Michael's $1.50 bin - gotta' love it!!)

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White (SU!); green glitter paper

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, pencil, ruler, eraser, ice embossing powder, heat tool, Cuttlebug "Birds & Swirls" embossing folder, Big Shot, and sticky strips

* * * * *

I drew a triangle onto a scrap piece of paper until I was happy with the proportion and then cut it out and used it as a template for cutting my green glitter paper.

I placed the green triangle on top of a Whisper White card front and traced the outline in pencil.  Next I stamped the sentiment onto my Stamp-a-ma-jig and determined where I wanted it to be on the card front.  I inked the stamp with Cherry Cobbler, stamped it in place and quickly embossed with ice embossing powder.  Next I drew a vertical pencil line just above and just below the sentiment (about 1/8").  I used those pencil lines and the triangle outline to determine where to cut slits for the triangle to be woven through.  It sounds a bit complicated - but is really very simple.  Once the slits where cut, I erased all the pencil lines.

I ran the green triangle through my Big Shot with the embossing folder and then wove it through the Whisper White front card panel, using sticky strips to secure it in place.

I mounted the front card panel onto a card base of Cherry Cobbler cardstock.  

Two Cards ...

Today's "Ways to Use It" Challenge is Leaves (WT346).  Have leaves somewhere on your card ... a little or a lot.  I choose a little.  I made another Christmas card, stamping the border (so this qualifies for "Try a New Technique Challenge TLC348 - Stamp the border") which has a small leaf on each stem.  I also used the sketch layout from last week (SC355) with a slight modification.  I used all SU! products for this card.  Hope you like.

"Patterned Christmas Pine Trees"

Stamps:  Patterned Pines, Autumn Days (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Garden Green, Real Red (SU!)

Ink:  Garden Green; Stampin' Write markers: Real Red, Garden Green (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix "Square Lattice" embossing folder, Big Shot, 1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, sticky strips, adhesives, glue dot, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the main image in Garden Green ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I mounted the image on a thin frame of Real Red cardstock.  I wrapped Real Red ribbon around the image near the bottom, and tied a knot in the center.

I inked the berry branch with Stampin' Write markers Garden Green and Real Red and stamped along the edge of a Whisper White piece of cardstock.  I kept re-inking and stamping until the border was full.  I mounted the background stamped panel onto a thin frame of Real Red cardstock.

I ran a large piece of Garden Green cardstock through my Big Shot with the embossing folder and then mounted it onto a larger panel of Whisper White (card front).

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, popping up the main panel with dimensionals to add depth.  The whole front panel was mounted onto a card base of Garden Green cardstock.

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I made the following card for my SIL for her birthday (which is today! - Happy Birthday Moe!!).  I used a digital image from Beccy's Place.  Beccy is an artist who shares her drawings for free - you just download them from her blog.  Thanks Beccy!!

Moe loves orchids and I bought her one for her birthday and wanted to also put one on her card.  I printed from Beccy's file right onto my watercolor paper and then added the color with watered-down re-inkers and a paint brush.  It was a lot of fun!  Hope you like.

"Happy Birthday Moe"

Stamps:  Digital Stamp (Beccy's Place); Happiest Birthday Wishes (SU!)

Paper:  Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Elegant Eggplant; Re-inkers:  Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White; Stampin' Write markers:  Early Espresso, More Mustard, Perfect Plum (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Computer / Printer, small paint brush, water, palette, sponge,  1/4" Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I printed the image onto watercolor paper.  I put a couple of drops of Elegant Eggplant re-inker onto my palette and added some water.  I dipped my brush in the ink, took off the excess on a paper towel and then filled in the petals of the flowers, leaving some white spaces on the petals to make them appear more realistic.  After all the flowers were watercolored, I used my Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker to fill in the stems and branches.  I used the More Mustard Stampin' Write marker to fill in the centers of the flowers.  I used the Perfect Plum Stampin' Write marker to fill in the two small petals on either side of the center and make them dark.  Then I added dots onto the petals with the Perfect Plum marker, adding mostly near the center of the flowers.

I placed a couple of drops of Whisper White re-inker onto a toothbrush, added lots of water and pushed the bristles into a piece of paper towel to mix the ink and water.  I pulled my thumb along the bristles and sprayed drops of white paint over the flowers (hard to tell in the photo, but it adds something!).

To finish the image, I lightly sponged Old Olive ink around the outside of the orchid branch.  I took a very wet brush and diluted the ink to create a wash.

I framed the image on Elegant Eggplant cardstock and wrapped Old Olive ribbon around the bottom of the main image, tying a knot off center.

I stamped the sentiment in Elegant Eggplant ink onto a card base of Perfect Plum.  I mounted the framed main image, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Falling Maple Leaves

Spent about an hour or so out on the deck this morning having my coffee.  It's a little cold and windy here today with a little rain coming down.  I love sitting on my deck looking at the beautiful vine maple with the leaves turning color.  I decided that was what I wanted to do for my card today.  It's sketch challenge day at SCS and today's is a fun one!!  It's a wonderful CAS (clean & simple) sketch and I do love CAS!    I used the Watercolor Spritz technique for the maple leaves.  This card is made with all SU! products.  Hope you like.

SCS Sketch Challenge 356:

 "Falling Maple Leaves"

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Always Thankful (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Soft Suede, Watercolor paper, Soft Suede DP (SU!)

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

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ja-jig, water mister, small eye make-up sponge, hemp twine, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

This is a two-part stamp (inside and outline).  I randomly inked the inside stamp with Stampin' Write markers Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Cajun Craze.  I misted the stamp lightly so it was wet (but not too much - you don't want the water running down the stamp) and stamped onto a piece of watercolor paper.  I cleaned the stamp and repeated the process two more times until I had three leaves.  I left them to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

I inked the outline stamp with Early Espresso ink and using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for positioning, stamped on top of the watercolored leaves.  I cut the leaves out and sponged Soft Suede ink around the outside edges of the leaves using a small eye make-up wand.  I buy these at the $1 store and find that they can get into tight spots for sponging easier than using the large sponges.

I cut the Soft Suede DP to size (it's hard to tell in the photo but it is actually has a small dot pattern on the paper).  I sponged Soft Suede ink around the edges of the DP and then mounted it to a card front of Whisper White cardstock.

I tied three strands of hemp twine around the top of the card front, tying a knot just a little off center and securing the ends to the back of the cardstock.  Using sticky strips, I mounted the card front onto the card base of Soft Suede cardstock.  I inked the sentiment in Soft Suede ink and stamped onto the lower right-hand corner.

I mounted the three maple leaves onto the front of the card, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.

You're "tea"rific

Today's Color Challenge from SCS (CC346) is Rich Island Breeze (Rich Razzleberry, Island Indigo, Baja Breeze).  I don't have Island Indigo so I used Not Quite Navy instead.  These were fun colors and I managed to use another one of my new stamp sets - Morning Cup.  I also used a sketch challenge from a couple of months ago (SC340) and the paper piecing technique (just can't get enough of this technique!).  I used all SU! products for this card.  Hope you like.

"You're tea-rific"

Stamps:  Morning Cup, Whimsical Words (SU!)

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, assorted DP (SU!)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Rich Razzleberry (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, Rich Razzleberry Polka-dot ribbon, large white brad, small oval punch, medium oval punch, Sizzix Polka-Dot embossing folder, Big Shot, sticky strips, adhesives, glue dot and dimensionals

* * * * *

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to align the stamp and stamped it twice, stacked, on Whisper White cardstock with Chocolate Chip ink.

I stamped the tea cups again onto a variety of DP and then cut out the individual cups.  Once I had all the tea cups cut out, I matched them up with the main image and used Stampin' write markers to color in the handles.  I glued the tea cups in place.

I mounted the main image onto a larger piece of Not Quite Navy, offsetting it so 1/4" of Not Quite Navy showed on one side.  I wrapped the polka-dot ribbon about the framed panel and attached at the back with sticky strips.  I added the large white brad and then cut the ends of the ribbon to size.  I added a glue dot between the pieces of the ends of the ribbon so that they would stay in place.  I attached the main panel a card front of Baja Breeze that was dry embossed with polka-dots, popping up the main panel with dimensionals to add depth.

I used sticky strips to attached the front panel to the card base of Baja Breeze.  I stamped the sentiment in Not Quite Navy ink (using the "you're" from the Whimsical Words stamp set and "tea-rific" from the Morning Cup stamp set.  I punch out the sentiment with a small oval punch and mounted it on a frame of Not Quite Navy cardstock which was punched out with a medium oval punch.  I mounted the sentiment using dimensionals to give it depth.

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I have added a few recipes from my last High Tea (Oct. 16) to the Baking Section of this website (special thanks to Vi for encouraging me to update my recipes!!).  I've added Scones, Devon Cream, and Banana Streusel Muffin recipes ... I didn't have any pictures of them individually, so I cropped pictures from my High Tea - next time I make these items I will take better pictures and upload them onto the website.  Happy Baking!!

Two Christmas Wreath Cards ...

After I posted my wreath card yesterday, I spent a few more hours in the art studio making more wreath cards.  I'm crazy about Christmas cards right now :).  I just bought the Autumn Days stamp set (even though it's been around for a long time).  I love the different leaves, stems and berries in this set.

I saw a card posted this weekend on SCS that used the branch with berries to make a wreath - how ingenious!!  It reminds me of the pepper berry wreaths that are available during the holidays.  Click here to see Diane's beautiful card that inspired my card below.  I love the airiness of the branches and so used Cherry Cobbler seam binding to continue the light feeling for this card.  Hope you like this clean and simple version.  This card is made with all SU! products.

"Pepper Berry Wreath"

Stamps:  Autumn Days, Easy Events (SU!)

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Real Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  circle template, pencil & eraser, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Bow Easy, sticky strips and glue dots

* * * * *

Using my circle template and a pencil, I drew a 2" circle onto a large piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I used the circle as a guideline when stamping the berry branches.  I inked the stamp with Old Olive and Real Red Stampin' Write markers and stamped around the circle, cleaning my stamp and re-inking with each new stamping.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the sentiment and stamped it in Real Red ink.  I used the Real Red ink as I liked the lighter color for the berries and originally had planned on using Real Red cardstock to match ... but it turned out the wreath looked better backed with Cherry Cobbler cardstock.  I made sure that all the ink was dry before erasing the circle I had drawn in pencil.

I added a ribbon and bow made from Cherry Cobbler seam binding near the bottom of the cardstock, securing the ends at the back with sticky strips.  I placed a glue dot under the bow and both tails to hold them in place.  I mounted the main panel onto a card base of Cherry Cobbler cardstock.

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After making the above card, I was looking at the rest of the stamps from the Autumn Days set and thought the pine branch & cone stamp might made a nice wreath too.  I love how this turned out!  Again, this card is made with all SU! products.

"Pine Wreath"

Stamps:  Autumn Days, Christmas Greetings (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Early Espresso, VersaMark (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  circle template, pencil & eraser, white embossing powder, heat tool, Mistletoe ribbon, sticky strips and adhesives

* * * * *

Using my circle template and a pencil, I drew a 1" circle onto a large piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I used the circle as a guideline when stamping the pine branches.  I inked the stamp with Old Olive and Early Espresso Stampin' Write markers and stamped around the circle, cleaning my stamp and re-inking with each new stamping.  After I stamped around the whole circle, I cleaned my stamp and this time just inked one branch of pine needles and stamped to fill in any gaps around the wreath.  I made sure that all the ink was dry before erasing the circle I had drawn in pencil.

I stamped the sentiment in VersaMark onto the bottom of an Old Olive card front and quickly embossed it with white.  I mounted the main stamped image above the sentiment, leaving a little Old Olive cardstock showing at the top.  I added the two pieces of ribbon bordering the main image, tying a knot on the bottom ribbon and secured them both at the back of the cardstock.  I used sticky strips to mount the card front onto a card base of Old Olive (this allows me to hide the back of the ribbon in-between the layers of cardstock.  

Silver Wreath

Today I made another Christmas card.  I am now up 20 cards, two-thirds of my goal for what I send out to family and friends at Christmas.  I saw a beautiful ornament made by Sharon Field (click here to see her ornament made from an oak leaf die-cut).  I made one of her ornaments, hoping that I'd be able to put it on a card, but I found it a little big.  So I used her idea and made my own wreath using a smaller leaf die-cut that I bought from Cheery Lynn Designs.  I'm happy with how it turned out!  For the berries, I cut off a strip of mini glue dots and taped down both ends to hold the strip flat.  I then squeezed red glitter glue over top of each of the glue dots.  Once they were dry, I had beautiful red glitter dots with a glue dot backing that could be added anywhere.  Hope you like.

"Silver Wreath"

Stamps:  Season of Joy (SU!)

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White (SU!); silver glitter paper

Ink:  Versamark

Accessories & Tools:  Small Leaf #2 die-cut from Cheery Lynn, glue dots, Cuttlebug "Snowflakes" embossing folder, Big Shot, 1" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, sticky strips, Tombow glue, white embossing powder, heat tool, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I punched out a 1" circle from a scrap piece of cardstock.  I centered the 1" hole in my 1 3/8" circle punch and punched out a ring that I used as backing for mounting the leaves.

I die-cut 10 silver leaves and bent each of them to add depth.  I placed Tombow glue around the ring and added the leaves on top, overlapping them as I went.  While the glue was still wet, I was able to move the leaves around a little until I was happy with the way they looked; I set the wreath aside to dry.

I took a strip of glue dots still on their backing paper and secured the backing paper to my work surface to hold it flat.  I squeezed red glitter glue over top of each glue dot; I set them aside to dry.

When everything was dry and ready to use, I continued with my card.  I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the Snowflake embossing folder.

I cut a piece of Real Red cardstock large enough to hold the wreath, but made it longer to add the sentiment.  I stamped the sentiment in VersaMark and heat embossed in white.

I cut two thin strips of the silver glitter paper and added them to the main panel above and below of the sentiment.

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

In the Studio with Lili and Natasha

I had so much fun today!!  Lili and Natasha joined me in the art studio and they each made four beautiful cards!  They learned some new techniques (paper piecing, watercolor spritz, sponged backgrounds ... plus more).  I always have a great time with these crazy girls!!  Thanks again, Lili and Natasha, for hanging out with me and thanks for the fabulous snowflakes embossing folder and copper sheets - how did you know??!!

After they left, I took a short break and then headed back to the studio and made the card below.  This uses the technique I found on Art Impressions website.  You ink a line stamp and stamp onto watercolor paper.  Then you go over the image with a damp paintbrush to soften the lines.  Result - a main image that looks hand-drawn and watercolored.  This was made with all SU! products.  Hope you like.

"Wheat"

Stamps:  Always Thankful, Vintage Labels (SU!)

Paper:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Soft Suede DP, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  More Mustard, Early Espresso Old Olive (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  small paintbrush, small oval punch, medium oval punch, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I inked the stamp using Stampin' Write markers and stamped onto watercolor paper.  I wet a small paint brush, squeezed most of the water off and then ran it along the image, softening the lines of the stamp.  I framed it with Early Espresso cardstock.

I cut a piece of Soft Suede DP about an inch larger than the framed main image and also framed it with Early Espresso.  I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink onto watercolor paper and punched it out with a small oval punch.  I framed the sentiment with a medium oval punched from Early Espresso cardstock.

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

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This morning hubby and I started our day by having coffee on the deck (as usual).  It's starting to get a little cooler, so it's nice to have the propane deck heater to keep us warm.  With the cooler weather, the leaves have begun changing color on the vine maples that we have in our backyard.  The colors are stunning so I had to take a picture.  As always, things are even better in real life, but the trees still look awesome in the picture.  If only the leaves would pick themselves up and put themselves in the compost - wouldn't that be nice!!

Snowy Pink Sunset

What a great day!  It started out cool this morning with light rain but by the afternoon it was sunny and bright.  I spent the morning with my Mom.  We went grocery shopping and then headed back to her place for some lunch.  I took over dinner for her for tonight so that she'd have a break from cooking.  I always have a good day when I get to spend time with my mom!!

Today's "Ways to Use It" Challenge from SCS is "Faux Tile - in the Pink".  I read up on the instructions on the suggested way to do faux tile, but didn't have the supplies necessary, so I just stamped my main image and then cut it into small squares.  To me it looks more like a window frame, looking out at the trees and the pretty pink sunset - oh well.

I sponged the background gray cardstock with Whisper White ink to give it a "cloudy" look which actually turned out pretty cool - just doesn't come across in the photo :(   I haven't brayered for a while, so I had a lot of fun making this card.  I used all SU! products for this card.

"Snowy Pink Sunset"

Stamps:  Lovely As A Tree (SU!)

Paper:  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Glossy White (SU!)

Ink:  Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Whisper White (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  post-it note for masking "snow", Speedball rubber brayer, temporary adhesive (optional), white gel pen, toothbrush, water mister, sponge dauber, 1/4" Basic Black grosgrain ribbon, adhesives, sticky strips and dimensionals

* * * * *

I ripped a mask from the post-it note and placed it covering the bottom of the glossy white cardstock.  I used temporary adhesive to attached my Glossy White cardstock onto a large piece of scratch paper (optional).  I brayered the sky in this order:  Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red.  I inked the tree stamp with Basic Black ink and stamped over top of the sky and mask, making sure the lines on the stamp that represent hills are below the post-it note mask and don't end up on top of the snow.  I removed the mask.

I used a Basic Black Stampin' Write marker to extend the trunks that were cut off by the mask.  I used the white gel pen to add snow in the trees.

I ripped a second mask and used it to add snow drifts by sponging along the top with Sahara Sand ink (sorry, hard to see in the photo).

I added Whisper White ink to a toothbrush, misted it with lots of water and then pulled my thumb along the bristles, spraying ink over the brayered image to make it appear as if it is snowing.

I cut the image into squares and mounted them onto a background of black cardstock.

I used a sponge dauber and more Whisper White ink and randomly sponged over the Basic Gray cardstock.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, adding a ribbon tied with a knot at center and popping up the main image with dimensionals to add depth.

Trio of Christmas Trees

It's been a busy couple of days.  Yesterday, hubby and I went to Garden Works, a nursery in Burnaby, and picked up soil and lots of bulbs.  My plan is to hopefully have lots of pots of flowers come spring.  But first, we needed to get the garden ready for the winter, cutting down the perennials, emptying the summer flower pots and raking leaves.  We worked in the garden in the afternoon for a couple of hours before calling it quits for the day.  The weather here has been a beautiful for the past couple of days ... sunny and bright, cool and dry.

  

Then last night, our youngest took us and our oldest son to dinner at Earl's.  We were celebrating Jer's first pay cheque from his new teaching job.  We had such a great time!  Thanks again Jer for treating us!  Love you!

Today I was back out in the yard.  The weatherman is predicting rain by tomorrow, so wanted to take advantage of the dry weather.  Managed to pot up 50 King Alfred Daffodil bulbs.  I also finished off emptying out all my summer flower pots - it was a big job!  Still more bulbs to pot up ... another day.

Spent the afternoon in the art studio working on today's sketch challenge.  It's a fun one!!  Here's my take on the sketch - hope you like.  Everything used in the card below is from SU!

SCS Sketch Challenge 355:

"Trio of Christmas Trees"

Stamps:  Season of Joy, Short & Sweet (SU!)

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

Ink:  Old Olive, Real Red

Accessories & Tools:  1" double-stitched red ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, masking tape, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I masked off the star at the top of the stamp with a small piece of masking tape, inked the stamp with Old Olive, removed the masking tape and colored the star with my Real Red Stampin' Write marker.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the tree 3/4" from the left side of my cardstock.  I repeated the process, stamping the tree 3/4" from the right side of my cardstock.  I repeated a third time, stamping the tree in the middle.  I framed the main image with Real Red cardstock.

I dry fit all the pieces of cardstock, ribbon and DP and then made pencil marks on the background piece of Very Vanilla cardstock, marking where the main image would fit on the piece.  This gave me the margins for stamping the sentiment.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placing the sentiments on the sides and top of the background Very Vanilla cardstock and stamped the sentiments in Real Red ink.  I framed the background piece with Real Red cardstock.

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

Frosted Cupcake

Today's color challenge from SCS (CC345) is "Blushing Rose Limeade" - meaning colors Blushing Bride, Regal Rose, Lucky Limeade.  I used Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose and Kiwi Kiss as these are the closest colors I had to the challenge colors.  I love this combination of colors - so bright and cheerful.

I couldn't decide which image from the Easy Events stamp set I wanted to use for this challenge (they are both so adorable!), so I did two cards the same, just changing up the stamp.  The first one also qualifies for yesterday's SCS Clean & Simple Challenge (CAS140) - "Cupcakes!".  Both cards are made with only SU! products.  Hope you like.

"Frosted Cupcake"

"Sorry I'm Late!"

Stamps:  Easy Events (SU!)

Paper:  Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  water mister, toothbrush, clear glitter glue, corner rounder, and adhesives

* * * * *

The two cards are done exactly the same, except for the cupcake card having glitter glue added to the frosting and rounding the corners.

I created some interest on the Kiwi Kiss cardstock by loading a toothbrush with Whisper White ink and water and pulling my thumb across the bristles to make a white paint splatter on the Kiwi Kiss.  I let it dry before continuing.

I stamped the main image in Regal Rose ink onto a large piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I stamped the image again onto my paint splattered Kiwi Kiss cardstock.  I cut out the cupcake paper and adhered it on top of my main stamped image.  I used Pink Pirouette Stampin' Write marker to color in the frosting of the cupcake.  I added clear glitter glue on the frosting to make it sparkle.

I rounded the bottom corners of the card front on the cupcake card and also the bottom corners of the card base of Kiwi Kiss.

I mounted the front panel onto the card base.



Sail the Ocean Blue

Today I created a tutorial on the Paper Tole Technique.  Click here to take a look.

This technique adds a lot of depth to images (although it is hard to see in the picture below).  I find that rolled up mini glue dots work really well to add the dimension between layers and they are so small that they can be placed  on almost any piece.

My friend Kelly gave me the Navy Striped paper that I used on the card below.  It is really beautiful and is perfect for a nautical-themed card.  I added a sailor's knot (click here to see a tutorial by Barbara Anders).  The knot really adds to the theme of the card and also is the SCS Challenge by the Dirty Dozen for October "Weather or Knot".  I only had baker's twine to use for the knot, which is very thin, so I added several strands together to add thickness.  Hope you like.

"Sail the Ocean Blue"

Stamps:  Sail Away, Vintage Labels (SU!)

Paper:  Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White (SU!); Navy Double-striped (Making Memories)

Ink:  Night of Navy, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, VersaMark (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  post-it notes for masking, sponges, red & white baker's twine, white embossing powder, heat tool, small oval punch, sticky strips, and glue dots

* * * * *

I stamped the image in Night of Navy ink onto Whisper White cardstock three times (one main image; two sails only).  I stamped the image onto a post-it note and cut out the sails from the post-it note to use as a mask.  I placed the mask on the main image and also added another post-it note to mask the horizon (covering the sky).  I sponged the water with Pacific Point ink.  I removed the horizon line mask and turned it upside-down (now covering the water area) and sponged the sky in Baja Breeze ink.  I removed all the masks.  I cut out the sails from one of the extra stamped images and added it on top of my main image, using rolled mini glue dots as dimensionals.  I cut out the turned back parts of the sails from the last extra stamped image and added them on top of the second layer of sails, again using rolled glue dots as dimensionals.

I mounted the main image onto a frame of Night of Navy cardstock and placed this on a larger frame of Cherry Cobbler.

I added the Navy double-striped DP to the bottom of a large piece of Night of Navy cardstock.  I used four strands of Red & White Baker's twine for each piece for making the knot.  I followed the instructions from Barbara Anders on how to tie the sailor's knot (click here).  I attached the knot on top of the Navy double-striped DP and adhered it to the back.  I mounted the front panel onto a card base of Cherry Cobbler.

I added the framed main panel to the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.  I stamped the sentiment in VersaMark onto Cherry Cobbler cardstock and embossed with white.  I punched out the sentiment with the small oval punch and mounted on the main panel.

Mistletoe

Here's another Christmas card using my new stamp set from SU! "Easy Events".  This is a really fun set to use.  I popped up only the middle square with dimensionals to add depth, but it's hard to tell in the photo.  Hope you like.

"Mistletoe"

Stamps:  Easy Events, Christmas Greetings (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Real Red, Old Olive (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Green & Red glitter glue (Studio G from Michael's), Mistletoe ribbon (SU!), Ice embossing powder, heat tool, sticky strips and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the image onto three small pieces of Whisper White cardstock.  I filled in the leaves and berries with glitter glue and left the pieces to dry overnight.

I attached a piece of Mistletoe ribbon around the two outside panels, securing it at the back.  On the middle panel, I wrapped the ribbon around and tied a knot in the center.

I stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink onto Whisper White cardstock and then heat embossed with "Ice".

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture onto a card base of Old Olive, popping up the middle panel only to add depth.

____________________

Today was High Tea for my Crafty girlfriends.  We had lots of laughs and stuffed ourselves silly!! :)  We enjoyed the food along with pots of Black Currant tea and Mango Mist tea - delicious!!

Here's a couple of pictures of the food I made for today:

Here are the savory:
Turkey Croissants with Red Pepper Jelly & Lettuce
Egg and Chive Sandwiches
Black Forest Ham & Creamy Havarti on Herbed Turkish Bread

Here are the sweets:
Brownies with Dark Belgian Chocolate Ganache topping
Coconut & Raspberry Macaroon Bars
Pumpkin Spice Mousse & Gingerbread Tartletts
Cranberry Scones (served with Homemade Blackberry Jelly and Devon cream)
Banana Streusel Loaf

I will add some of the recipes to the Baking section of this website in the next couple of days.

Autumn Maple Tree

Busy day ... out and about this morning picking up the final groceries for tomorrow's High Tea with my friends, baking, baking and more baking ... and a little housework - whew!  Still, I somehow managed to find time to play in my art studio :)

Here's my card for this week's sketch challenge (I'm a couple of days behind).  I had done the tree a few weeks back for another card (using Watercolor Spritz Technique) ... but it just didn't work with what I was making.  I never throw anything out ... I stashed it away and it just jumped out at me today so I used it.  Everything on this card is SU!  Hope you like.

SCS Sketch Challenge 354:

"Autumn Maple Tree"

Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree (SU!)

Paper:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Autumn Traditions DP (retired), watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  water mister, sponges, Aqua Painter (or substitute small paint brush and water), Big Shot, Sizzix "Square Lattice" embossing folder, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I inked the oak tree stamp using Stampin' Write markers:  Early Espresso for the trunk and branches; random patches of Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Cajun Craze for the leaves.  I lightly misted the stamp with water and stamped onto watercolor paper. (I find if you hold it on the paper for about 20-30 seconds, the ink and water absorb into the paper better.)  Once it was dry, I colored in the tree trunk with Crumb Cake and also sponged Old Olive for grass below the tree.  I took my Aqua Painter (but a small paint brush and water will work just as well) and added water to the "grass" to blend it into the watercolor paper.  I let everything dry before continuing.

I cut the acorn paper (from the Autumn Traditions DP) to size and added a frame of Early Espresso cardstock  I cut a piece of Soft Suede and ran it through my Big Shot with the embossing folder.  I cut it to size and added a frame of Early Espresso cardstock.  I also added a frame of Early Espresso cardstock to my main image.

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

It's All About the Icing

Yesterday afternoon my latest SU! order arrived ... so exciting!!  I bought six new stamps sets and spent a little time mounting them and getting them ready to use.  Couldn't wait to try out the adorable set "Easy Events" with today's card - I know I'm going to get a lot of use out of the set!  This is another challenge card for yesterday's "Ways To Use It - Pink, pink, pink!" (use pink somewhere on your card).    This card is definitely better in real life ... the icing (or frosting) is the focal point and has texture and depth.  As with any cupcake, it's the icing that's the best part (in my opinion).    This was a fun, easy and quick card to make.  Hope you like.

"It's All About the Icing"

Stamps:  Easy Events (SU)

Paper:  Pretty in Pink, Whisper White (SU!); scrap of DP for cupcake paper liner

Ink:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  MS Sparkle Texture effect, pink glitter, Big Shot, Cuttlebug "Happy Birthday" embossing folder, glue, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the image onto a small piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I colored the cake plate with Early Espresso and Crumb Cake Stampin' Write markers.  I stamped the image again onto a scrap piece of DP and cut out the paper liner for the cupcake.  I glued the piece on top of the stamped image using Tombow glue.  I added Sparkle texture to cover the top of the cupcake and sprinkled with pink glitter while it was still wet.  I left it to dry before continuing.

I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the Happy Birthday embossing folder.  I mounted the embossed background onto a card base of Pretty in Pink cardstock.

I adhered the stamped image onto a frame of Pretty in Pink cardstock and then mounted the framed image onto the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.