Sending You Love and Joy to the World cards

Another busy day.  Hubby and I went grocery shopping this morning, stopped for lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant (our first time there and the food was delicious!!) and then headed home.  I quickly made today's card and now need to head to the kitchen.  Tuesday is the day I make dinner for the three of us, plus extra for Evan and Nikki.  I am going to make a Spice Cake for dessert ... haven't done one of these for ages!!  This is one of the cakes that my Mom made when I was growing up.  I'm also making meatloaf & gravy, home fries and roasted vegetables for dinner - totally a comfort food dinner! 

Today I'm sharing two cards with you.  The first one is for this week's CAS Challenge (CAS146 - sketch by resqbarbie) and also covers today's Color Challenge (kraft, white, pear pizzazz ... or the closest colors I had), including the dessert (dots of any kind). It's was so much fun to make.  I love the CAS (clean & simple) style!!  I used paper-piecing on this card, which is another of my recent favorite techniques.  This card is made with all SU! products.  Hope you like.

"Sending You Love"

Stamps:  Easy Events (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Old Olive polka-dot DP, Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso

Accessories & Tools:  corner rounder, Mistletoe ribbon, Sizzix polka-dot embossing folder, sticky strips, glue dot, Tombow glue, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I cut out a 2 1/2" square of Crumb Cake and rounded the corners.  I cut a 1/2" strip of Old Olive polka-dot DP and rounded two of the corners, lined it up on the Crumb Cake square and adhered.

I stamped the main image in Early Espresso ink onto the Crumb Cake square and also stamped it onto the Old Olive polka-dot DP.  I cut the top of the tree from the polka dot paper and set it aside.

I stamped the image again onto Cherry Cobber cardstock and cut out the heart and set it aside.

I wrapped the ribbon around the Crumb Cake square and tied a knot, positioning the ribbon over the join between the edge of the polka-dot DP and the Crumb Cake.  I used a glue dot to secure the knot in place.

I glued the polka-dot tree top onto the main image.  I glued the heart on top of the polka-dot tree top.

I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the Sizzix polka-dot embossing folder.  Using sticky strips, I mounted the embossed cardstock onto a card base of Old Olive.

I mounted the main image on the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

____________________ 

The second card for today was one that I made for the CAS DT Winter Challenge (see yesterday's post).  I made two cards for the final challenge and agonized over which one to enter.  I finally decided to enter yesterday's card because I felt the use of the twine was something new and different.  This card was a CLOSE second ... it uses an adorable digi stamp that I got from Bugaboo ..."Joy".  I printed it off from my computer and added the sentiment below "to the world".  Hope you like!

"Joy to the World"

Stamps:  Joy (Bugaboo); computer-generated sentiment

Paper:  Whisper White, Garden Green (SU!); green polka-dot DP (unknown)

Ink:  Real Red, Garden Green (SU!)

Accessories & Tools: green glitter glue, clear glitter glue, small paint brush, silver pen, corner rounder, maraschino baker's twine (The Twinery), sticky strips, and Tombow glue 

* * * * *

I printed off the digi stamp along with the words "to the world" from my computer onto Whisper White cardstock and then cut the paper to 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (card front).  I printed the digi stamp again onto green polka-dot DP and cut out the "J" and "Y"; I set them aside.

I colored the ribbon and stripes on the stocking with a Real Red Stampin' Write marker and the ornament using a Garden Green Stampin' Write marker.  I used a silver pen to color in the top of the ornament.  Using a small paint brush, I added green glitter glue on to the ornament and I added clear glitter glue for the cuff of the stocking.  I glued the cut-out polka-dot letters onto the main image and then rounded the bottom corners of the card front.

I wrapped Maraschino twine around the top of the card front three times, tying a knot just off center.  Using sticky strips, I mounted the card front onto a card base of Garden Green cardstock.

Celebrate

Here is my card for the CAS Design Team Winter 2011 Final Challenge (Round #3).  Round #3 Challenge is a photo inspiration.  I loved the green & white and the red & white striped candy in the photo and used that for my card below.  I stamped a tree image onto green cardstock and then pierced holes along both sides of the tree.  I zigzag stitched green & white twine down the tree, using every other hole.  I repeated by zigzag stitching red & white twine down the tree, using the alternate pierced holes.  I love how it turned out ... hope you like it too!

Photo Inspiration:

"Celebrate"

Stamps:  Holiday Cheer (Hero Arts); Season of Joy (SU!)

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Garden Green (SU!)

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Maraschino & Peapod Twine from the Twinery, paper-piercing tool, embroidery needle,  Sizzix die-cut, Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig, mini jingle bell, corner rounder, adhesives, glue dot and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped the tree in Garden Green ink onto Garden Green cardstock (subtle).  Using a paper-piercing tool, I pierced holes along both sides of the tree, 1/8" apart.

I threaded a length of the Peapod Twine onto the embroidery needle and stitched in a zigzag down the tree, using every other hole.  I threaded a length of Maraschino Twine onto the embroidery needle and stitched in a zigzag down the tree, using the holes that were left earlier.

I ran the cardstock through my Big Shot with the matching die-cut tree from Sizzix (Holiday Cheer).

I dry-fit the tree on my front card panel of Whisper White to determine where the sentiment should go.  I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and inked the stamp with Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green Stampin' Write markers.

I rounded the top right-hand corner of the card front and adhered it to a card base of Cherry Cobbler (also top right-hand corner rounded).

I mounted the stitched tree to the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals.  I threaded a piece of Maraschino twine through the mini jingle bell and tied a bow.  I mounted it to the top of the tree using a rolled glue dot.

Jump for Joy!

I'm posting late tonight ... I spent the afternoon watching The Grey Cup ... and our BC Lions won!!!  Woohoo!!  I'm actually not a big football fan, but always watch the Grey Cup every year.  Today's game was sooooo exciting!!

That wasn't the only excitement today ... I found out late last night that I made it into the final round for the CAS Design Team Winter Challenge!  I'm so excited that the judges liked my cards enough to advance me into the finals!!  There are seven other finalists (a VERY talented group of crafters) that will be making cards for the final challenge which is due this coming Wednesday.  I had trouble sleeping last night, with design ideas floating around in my head ... I just couldn't rest.  Hopefully I can get some rest tonight and get a fresh start tomorrow on my next entry for the contest.  

I made this card yesterday for the SCS November Fan Club - this month's theme is "Child's Play".  I made a CAS card that highlights one of my favorite toys when I was growing up.  The sentiment was computer-generated.  Hope you like.

"Jump For Joy"

Stamps:  none (sentiment is computer-generated)

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake (SU!)

Ink:  none

Accessories:  Maraschino Twine from the Twinery, two ball-chain key chains, corner rounder, Tombow glue, adhesives and glue dots

* * * * *

I ran a full sheet of Crumb Cake cardstock through my printer to add the sentiment.  I cut the cardstock to size and rounded the top right-hand corner.  I mounted it on a card base of Cherry Cobbler cardstock (also with the top right-hand corners rounded).

I took the end off of each key chain and threaded twine through the ends.  I tied a knot and then pulled it tight to hold it in place - voila, a skipping rope.

I added a rolled up glue dot onto each handle of the skipping rope and secured it to the card front.  I used three or four tiny drops of Tombow glue to attached the rope to the card.

Lone Winter Tree

I haven't made a brayered card for a while ... so yesterday afternoon I went surfing the 'net for inspiration.  There are wonderful photography sites that have hundreds of pictures of nature scenes, some of which would translate nicely into a brayered card.  I found a picture of a lone winter tree in a snow-covered field.  The coloring of the sky turned out very close to the picture ... and definitely conveys a cold, winter day.  Stampscapes has incredible stamps and I used two for the card below (Leafless Limb & Old Fence).  Hope you like.

"Lone Winter Tree"

Stamps:  Leafless Limb, Old Fence (Stampscapes)

Paper:  Basic Gray, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Sahara Sand, Basic Gray, River Rock, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Speedball Rubber Brayer, post-it notes for masking, sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig, and adhesives

* * * * *

I ripped a mask from the post-it note and used it to cover the snow area.  I inked my brayer with Sahara Sand and brayered from the post-it note edge, upwards ... creating a gray haze above the snowline.

Next I brayered in River Rock, starting at the top of the sky and moving downwards until it reached the gray area.  I used a small sponge dauber to add Basic Gray ink along the horizon line.

I removed the mask (keep for later use) and stamped the leafless limb tree in Basic Gray ink just off-center.

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I inked the Old Fence stamp in Basic Black and stamped it a couple of times.

I placed the post-it note mask from earlier along the bottom of the fence and sponged more Basic Gray ink to create a shadow under the fence.  I also sponged a little at the bottom of the tree.

To finish, I sponged more Basic Gray ink along the bottom, top and sides of my main panel.  I mounted the panel onto a card base of Basic Gray cardstock.

Woven Ribbon Ornament

Yesterday I spent some time outside, potting up a huge whack of bulbs that I bought about a month ago.  It's getting late in the year and I should have had them done by now ... but I am a procrastinator!!  Anyways, I was determined to get them done yesterday ... and I did!  Happy with myself ... but I know that I really overdid it for my back.  Not much sleep last night and lots of pain today ... makes for one grumpy girl!!  Hubby is heading out to spend the day with his mom and I think he's thankful to have an excuse to get out of the house :)  If only I could get away from myself ... :)

Today's "Ways to Use It" challenge is a fun one!!  The challenge is to use ribbon in a new way ... no bows ... no straight lines of ribbon.  I decided to weave two different Christmas ribbons together to make an ornament.  Hope you like.

"Woven Ribbon Ornament"

Stamps:  Season of Joy (SU!)

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Real Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Christmas ribbon, silver cord, ornament punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sticky strips, and glue dot

* * * * *

I cut several pieces of ribbon and wove them together.  I mounted the woven ribbons onto a scrap piece of cardstock using lots of sticky strips to keep everything secure.

I punched an ornament from a piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink.  I took a piece of silver cording and tied a knot at one end to create a loop.  I secured the loop with a rolled up glue dot onto the front panel of my card, above the ornament cut-out.  I fed the ends through the cut-out and secured them at the back with sticky strips.

I dry fit the woven ribbons behind the cut-out until I was happy with the placement.  I used more sticky strips to secure the two pieces together.

I mounted the front panel onto a card base of Real Red cardstock.

'tis the Season

I made it into round #2 of the 2011 Winter Design Team Search at Splitcoaststampers.  I'm so excited!  The second challenge is to design a CAS card that includes at least one gift.  I used the "Something to Celebrate" stamp set.  It is the first stamp set I bought from Stampin' Up! several years ago ... long before I became a dedicated (obsessed!) stamper.  Hope you like.

"tis the Season"

Stamps:  Something to Celebrate (retired), Season of Joy (SU!)

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso; Stampin' Write markers: Real Red, Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, River Rock, Early Espresso

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, clear embossing powder, heat tool, corner rounder, Red double-stitched 3/8" ribbon (Michael's), sticky strips

* * * * *

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the row of gifts in Early Espresso ink and embossed in clear.  I used the Stampin' Write markers to color in the gifts.

I determined where I wanted the ribbon to be at the top, and then used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again for placement of the sentiment.  I used masking tape to cover the areas on the stamp above and below 'tis the season and then used the Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker to color in the words.  I removed the masking tape and stamped the sentiment onto my front panel.

I used the corner rounder to round the bottom corners of the main panel and a card base of Real Red cardstock.

I wrapped the ribbon around the top of the main panel and tied a knot, securing the ends of the ribbon to the back of the panel.  I used sticky strips to mount the main panel onto the card base.

Let's Make it Snow!

Today I made a card that covers three different challenges from SCS ... TLC350 - No Stamping Allowed, TLC352 - Let's Make It Snow, and CAS145 - Christmas / Winter Themed card.  My brushed the dust off my Sizzix snowflake die-cut and used it today along with a new small Sizzix snowflake die-cut that I bought last week.  Hope you like.

"Let's Make it Snow"

Stamps:  none

Paper:  Night of Navy (card base - doesn't show), Whisper White (SU!); Blue glitter and Silver glitter paper ($1 Store)

Ink:  none

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix snowflake die-cuts (two), Big Shot, Cuttlebug "Snowflakes" embossing folder, sticky strips, glue dots and dimensionals

* * * * *

I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the Snowflakes embossing folder and then cut it to size.  I mounted it on a large piece of blue glitter paper and then mounted the embossed panel onto a card base of Night of Navy cardstock.

I ran the large snowflake and small snowflake die-cuts through my Big Shot with silver glitter paper.  I mounted the small snowflake on top of the large one, using a glue dot.  I used another glue dot to secure the layered snowflakes to a square of blue glitter paper.  I mounted the main panel onto the embossed background, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Peace

Friday was the start of a challenge from SCS for a new winter Design Team for the CAS Challenges.  There are so many talented people who will participate and I'm sure the judges will have lots of fabulous entries ... it will be difficult to narrow down the field to the required number of spots.  I thought I'd play along with the challenge.  The first one is to use ribbon and designer paper on your card.  I'm still in the Christmas card-making mood, so decided to go with that.  I made a card that is the furthest away from the red and green of Christmas as you can get ... it's definitely a different color palette for Christmas - hope you like.

"Peace"

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

Paper: Soft Suede, Whisper White, Elegant Soiree (SU!)

Ink:  Soft Suede, VersaMark; Stampin' Write marker Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  ice embossing powder, heat tool, 3/8" Soft Suede Taffeta ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Nestabilities Label Two (Spellbinders), Big Shot, sticky strips, adhesives and glue dots. 

* * * * *

I used the Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker to outline the dove and stamped it onto Whisper White cardstock.  I repeated so that I had two doves.  I swiped my VersaMark pad over the doves, covered them with ice embossing powder and then used the heat tool to melt the embossing powder.  I cut the two doves out.

I ran a piece of Soft Suede cardstock through my Big Shot with the small Nestabilities Label Two die-cut (large enough to fit the dove inside and leave room for ribbon.  I ran a piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the next largest Nestabilities Label Two die-cut.  I mounted the two panels together ... this created a frame for my dove.  I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and stamped the Peace sentiment in Soft Suede ink onto the front Whisper White panel.

I cut a piece of Elegant Soiree designer paper to size and framed it with Soft Suede cardstock (this was to just reinforce the designer paper so that it was strong enough to tie the ribbon around it).  I wrapped the ribbon around the bottom of the designer paper and tied a knot in the center.  I dry fit all the pieces together to see where the background DP panel should sit on the Soft Suede card base and then used sticky strips to secure it in place.  I mounted the double-framed die-cut panels on top.

I mounted one dove onto the background DP panel and then added rolled up glue dots to the back of the second dove, adding it on top to create some depth (paper tole technique).

Little Penguin Winter

Last night we got our first snowfall of the year ... it's really early for Vancouver to have snow.  Not sure if this is a sign of things to come for this winter ... or just a fluke.  Either way, it was only about an 1" or so ... just enough to cover the trees and ground and make everything sparkly and beautiful!  I love snow ... but it's a recent love affair.  Of course, when I was working and had to commute to work during snow, I felt differently.  It's all on perspective.  Being able to stay at home and see if falling, you appreciate the beauty of it.  I was thankful that it was only a light snow and that the roads were clear by morning for everyone that had to be out and about.

On to the card for today.  Yesterday I purchased my first digi stamp from Bugaboo ... and when I did, they offered me a free stamp in the same series.  So today I'm using the Little Penguin Winter stamp to make a card with the same layout as yesterday, just changing up the colors and technique.  Today's card uses paper tole ... layering of some of the elements of the image to give them lots of depth.  I have two layers on the nose, boots, and toque, with a third layer on the cuff and pompom of the toque.  I used more of the twine I recently purchased on-line from the Twinery.

"Little Penguin Winter"



Stamp:  Little Penguin Winter (Bugaboo digi)

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White (SU!); designer paper (unknown)

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  computer printer, sponge, Lemondrop baker's twine, Baja Breeze button, adhesives, glue dots and dimensionals

* * * * *

I printed three of the images onto Whisper White cardstock.  I cut one to size for the main panel and used the other two for layering (paper tole).  I printed another image onto scrap paper and cut it out to mask the penguin and snow.  I sponged Baja Breeze ink all around the sky area of the image and then removed the mask.

I used Stampin' Write markers to color in the main image and also colored in extra layers of the nose, boots and toque (including a third layer for the cuff of the toque and the pompom).  I cut out all the extra layering and used rolled glue dots to add them on top of my main image.  I mounted the main image onto a thin frame of Daffodil Delight cardstock and then a second frame of Baja Breeze cardstock.  I wrapped the baker's twine around the bottom three times and tied a knot just off center.  I threaded the Baja Breeze button through the ends and tied a knot to hold the button in place.  I also added rolled glue dots under the button so it was secured.

I mounted the background paper onto a card base of Baja Breeze and then placed the main panel on top, popping it up with dimensionals.

Santa Penguin

Had a great day!!  My nieces, Adrienne and Sarah, came over for a day of Christmas baking.  It was so wonderful to be able to spend some time with them!  They went home with lots of delicious treats ... some will make it into the freezer, so may not! :)

Thank you Adrienne and Sarah for coming over!!!

After they left, I worked on a card for today's "Ways to Use It" Challenge (WT349) - Baby's it's cold outside ... make a winter-themed card.  I saw this card done last week by thecraftysister on SCS.  I love her cute penguin stamp from Bugaboo, so went on-line and purchased the digital stamp "Poppi Xmas" for my card below.  There are so many adorable digi stamps at Bugaboo!  I used clear glitter glue on the snowballs and snow on the ground, but it didn't come through in the photo ... they are very sparkly and add a lot to the card.

"Santa Penguin"

Stamps:  Poppi Xmas (Bugaboo); Snowflake (Hero Arts)

Paper:  Pacific Point, Whisper White (SU!); Blue Swirl designer paper (unknown)

Ink:  Real Red, Old Olive, Garden Green, More Mustard, Basic Gray, Cherry Cobbler, Pacific Point, Baja Breeze (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  computer printer, Sizzix tag die-cut, Sizzix snowflake die-cut, Big Shot, red glitter glue, clear glitter glue, small paint brush, denim baker's twine (The Twinery), sponge, temporary adhesive, adhesives, Tombow glue, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I printed out the image onto Whisper White cardstock.  I printed out a second image onto scrap paper and cut it out to use as a mask.  I used temporary adhesive to secure the cutout in place over the main image and then sponged all around the penguin (sky) with Baja Breeze ink.

I colored the image using Stampin' Write markers.  Using a small paint brush, I "painted" glitter glue onto the image - red for the holly berries, clear for the snowballs and snow on the ground.  Once the glitter glue was dry, I framed the image with Pacific Point cardstock.

Denim twine was wrapped around the bottom of the framed image three times and tied in a knot just off-center.  A small tag was die-cut out and I used my Pacific Point Stampin' Write marker to write the sentiment "Let it Snow!"  I threaded the tag through the end of the twine and tied a knot to secure it in place.

I mounted the background paper onto a card base of Pacific Point.  I mounted the framed main image on top of the background paper, leaving a large margin at the bottom, and popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I stamped the snowflake twice in Pacific Point ink onto Whisper White cardstock and then ran it through the Big Shot with the Sizzix matching die-cut.  I glued one snowflake at the tip of the tag (which is popped up with dimensionals) and glued the second snowflake in the top left-hand corner of the main panel.

Pinecones and Branches

Today I'm staying home and playing in the art studio as much as possible! :)  It's been a busy few days of running around and I decided that I needed to just stay in today.  Besides, the rain has come and it's cold outside.  I am heading out for dinner tonight, though.  My SIL has invited hubby and I over for dinner and to watch the Canucks play hockey.  She is planning on making Paella ... I'm so excited to try it!

Today's sketch challenge from SCS is really a fun one.  I had so many ideas floating through my head when I saw the sketch ... so I decided I would make more than just one!  Both cards are for Christmas (I LOVE making Christmas cards!!).

SCS Sketch Challenge 359:

The first card is a CAS (clean & simple) design with a bit of bling.  I love the Old Olive and Early Espresso color combination - so elegant.  This is made with all SU! products, plus a little green glitter paper and bronze stickles.  I used this glitter paper on an earlier card and got a response back from Katie-J at SCS.  She was looking at making a card similar to my earlier one, but didn't have green glitter paper.  So she improvised by using silver glitter paper that she sponged with green ink.  What a fabulous idea!! Way to think outside the box Katie!!

"Pinecones and Branches"

Stamps:  Autumn Days, Season of Joy (SU!)

Paper:  Early Espresso, Whisper White (SU!); Green glitter

Ink:  Old Olive, Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Bronze stickles, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sticky strips, and dimensionals

* * * * *

To create my bough of pinecones:  Using Stampin' Write markers Early Espresso and Old Olive, I inked just one pinecone and one pine sprig and stamped it about 1/2" up from the bottom of my Whisper White cardstock.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to find the best position for my next stamping ... only one pinecone and two pine sprigs, above and to the right of the first stamping.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again and did my final stamping, this time inking the whole stamp (two pinecones and three pine sprigs).  I added bronze stickles over top of the pinecones to give them some sparkle.  Once the stickles were dry, I framed the stamped image with green glitter paper.

I stamped "JOY" from the Season of Joy set, inking only one letter at a time in Old Olive ink and stamping onto Whisper White cardstock.  I cut the letters out and framed them with green glitter paper.

On the strip of Early Espresso cardstock, I stamped the pine branch and cones in Early Espresso ink (very subtle but adds a lot to the overall look of the card ... unfortunately, it's doesn't show up in the photo).  I framed the Early Espresso strip with green glitter paper.

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

____________________

The second card uses lots of layers and has a whimsical theme.  I love the Merry Moments DP from a few years back and still have a few pieces to work with.  Hope you like.

"Jingle Bells"

Stamps:  Holiday Cheer (Hero Arts); Merry & Bright (SU!)

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

Ink:  Real Red, Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix "Holiday Cheer" die-cut (matches Hero Arts stamp), Big Shot, three mini jingle bells, red baker's twine, adhesives, glue dots and dimensionals

* * * * *

I cut out all the pieces of designer paper and mounted them on thin frames of Real Red cardstock.

I inked the reindeer with Stampin' Write markers Early Espresso and Real Red and stamped on to Very Vanilla cardstock.  I ran the stamped image through my Big Shot with the matching reindeer die-cut from Sizzix.

I stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock and framed it with Real Red cardstock.

I threaded red baker's twine through the top of the jingle bells and tied a bow on each one.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the picture above, popping up the sentiment and reindeer with dimensionals.  A rolled up glue dot was used at the back of the bows to secure them to the squares and make sure that they wouldn't come undone.

The Sky's the Limit

Today is the color challenge from Splitcoaststampers (CC349 - Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Baja Breeze).  I don't have all the colors, so substituted ones that were the closest I had ... Plus I used the CAS Challenge from last week - (CAS143 - sketch by stagccva).

I used the same technique as yesterday's card to sponge the sky.  This is my first time inking my Up, Up & Away stamp set ... it's so cute.  This card is made with all SU! products.  Hope you like.

"The Sky's the Limit"

Stamps:  Up, Up & Away (SU!)

Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss (retired), Baja Breeze, Early Espresso (SU!)

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

* * * * *

I made a "cloud" template by hand-drawing a row of different sized scallops on a large piece of scrap cardstock and cutting them out.  I placed the template at different angles on a large piece of Whisper White cardstock and sponged along the top of the scallops with Baja Breeze ink.  I kept moving the template down the page and changing the angle as I went, sponging until the whole piece was covered.

I inked the balloon stamps with Tangerine Tango ink and stamped them onto Whisper White cardstock.  I sponged Kiwi Kiss ink over top to fill in the white areas.  I took my Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write marker and colored over the Tangerine Tango stamped sections on the balloons to make them darker.  On the dotted balloon, which is mostly Tangerine Tango, I sponged more ink over top to darken the orange.  I cut the balloons out.

I arranged the balloons on the sponged sky background until I was happy with the layout.  I then used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to add the baskets for each balloon, stamped in Early Espresso ink.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again to decide the placement of my sentiment, which I stamped in Tangerine Tango ink.

I used my bone folder to round over the edges of each balloon and then mounted them onto the sponged sky, lining them up with the baskets and popping them up with a dimensional to add depth.

I mounted the main image onto a card base of Tangerine Tango cardstock.

New Sizzix / Hero Arts combo sets

Lots and lots of cooking today.  I'm making dinner ahead for tomorrow for seven of us (beef stew) and while I was at it, I thought I'd roast extra veggies to have on hand in the fridge for later in the week.  Whew!

I did find some time to relax and play in the art studio ... it's so great to have a place to take a break from cooking.  Last week I bought a few of the new sets from Sizzix / Hero Arts and today I'm using the Holiday Cheer set.  It's a combination of stamps from Hero Arts and matching die-cuts from Sizzix.  It's an adorable set with reindeer wearing sweaters - how cute is that!!  Hope you like.

"Holiday Cheer"

Stamps:  Holiday Cheer (Hero Arts); Easy Events (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Real Red, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix die-cuts (Holiday Cheer), Big Shot, sponges, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped two of the larger trees in Always Artichoke ink onto a large piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I stamped another large tree on a scrap piece of Whisper White and cut it out with the matching die-cut in my Big Shot.  I inked a smaller tree with Old Olive ink and then "kissed" it with a small snowflake stamp inked in Always Artichoke.  I inked a second small tree the same way and then cut both of them out with the matching die-cut in my Big Shot.  I then inked the reindeer stamp with Early Espresso for the outline and Real Red for the sweater and nose.  I ran it through my Big Shot with the matching Sizzix die-cut.  I then colored in the reindeer with Crumb Cake ink.

I made a "cloud" template by hand-drawing a row of different sized scallops on a large piece of scrap cardstock and cutting them out.  I placed the template at different angles on the tree-stamped background and sponged along the top of the scallops with Bashful Blue ink.  I kept moving the template down the page and changing the angle as I went, sponging until it was near the bottom of the trees.  I then sponged blue over the bottom of the cardstock.

I ripped two pieces of Whisper White cardstock to make the hills of snow.  I sponged Bashful Blue along the edges to highlight them.  I adhered the two hills of snow at the bottom of my sponged background paper and then stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink.  I added the die-cut trees and reindeer, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.

Happy Birthday Evan!

My son Evan is turning 28 tomorrow and today we're having a family dinner to celebrate his birthday.  I'm really looking forward to having everyone over!  I can't believe how quickly the years have gone by ...

Here's the card I made for Evan.  He is an automotive mechanic so I think he'll appreciate the card.  I used a sketch challenge from SCS from a couple of weeks ago (SC356).  Hope you like.

"Happy Birthday Evan!"

Stamps:  Totally Tool (SU!)

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Silver (SU!); plaid DP

Ink:  Basic Black, Chocolate Chip (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Cuttlebug "Diamond Plate" embossing folder, Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sponge, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I mounted a piece of plaid designer paper onto a frame of Chocolate Chip cardstock and then mounted the panel onto a card base of Crumb Cake.

I ran a strip of Chocolate Chip cardstock through my Big Shot with the Diamond Plate embossing folder.  I sponged Chocolate Chip ink on top of the embossing to highlight.  I used sticky strips to mount the strip on top of the plaid DP.

I stamped the tools in Basic Black ink onto silver cardstock and cut them out.  I mounted them on top of the embossed strip, using dimensionals to add depth.

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for positioning, and stamped the sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink.

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The second card for today uses the Season of Joy stamp set from Stampin' Up!  Actually the whole card only uses SU! products.  I made the tree 3-D for the "Ways To Use It" Challenge - Space (create a 3D object).  Hope you like.

"Season of Joy"

Stamps:  Season of Joy (SU!)

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

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

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, Mistletoe ribbon, adhesives Tombow glue, and dimensionals

* * * * *

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the background stamp four times to cover the front panel of the card.  The stamp was inked with Stampin' Write markers Real Red and Old Olive for each stamping.  I mounted the front panel onto a card base of Old Olive cardstock.

I used the Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker to outline the tree stamp and stamped it onto the Old Olive patterned paper three times.  I cut out each layer of the tree individually (as well as the tree trunk).

I cut out a piece of Real Red cardstock and mounted it onto a frame of Old Olive cardstock.  I wrapped the Mistletoe ribbon around the bottom and tied a knot in the center.

I mounted the tree above the ribbon, gluing the trunk down flat and then, starting with the bottom layer of the tree, adding each layer by gluing the top of it to the red cardstock and having the scalloped bottom edge popped up with dimensionals.  I repeated this each time, layering the middle and top of the tree.  This gives the tree a lot of dimension.

Christmas Wreath

I had time to play some more in the art studio this afternoon so decided to participate in this week's "Ways To Use It" (WT348) Challenge - Space (create a 3-D object).  I love the wreath that Ann Fitzgerald created on her website and used her instructions for my 3-D wreath card below.  This is made with all SU! products (plus a few red half-pearls from the $1 Store).  Hope you like.

"Christmas Wreath"

Stamps:  Short & Sweet (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Real Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  2-Part Bird punch, scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, Tombow glue, sponge, red half-pearls, Stamp-a-ma-jig, adhesives, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I punched a 1 3/8" circle from a piece of Old Olive cardstock.  I placed the scallop circle punch centered over the hole and punched, creating a scalloped frame to make the wreath.  I punched out twelve branches from Old Olive cardstock using the 2-part bird punch.  I trimmed the tails on all the branches and sponged Old Olive ink on the leaves to give them some depth.  I used a bone folder to curl the leaves and then glued just the tails around the scalloped frame, spacing the leaf sprigs evenly.  I placed a few red half-pearls on the wreath to represent the berries.

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig, I stamped my sentiment in Real Red ink in the center of a large piece of Whisper White cardstock, just below where I wanted the wreath to be.  I mounted the front panel onto a card base of Old Olive cardstock and then mounted the wreath in place, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

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Today we celebrate Remembrance Day in Canada, in gratitude to the brave men and women that fought for the freedoms we have today ... lest we forget.

On to the card for today ...

Today's SCS challenge "Free for All" (F4A90) is a thank you card, using a favorite embellishment.  My "go to" embellishment is ribbon.  This is a CAS (clean and simple) and monochromatic card that was quick and easy to do.  Hope you like.

"Ribbons and Ferns"

Stamps:  Fern (Sizzix / Hero Arts Framelits); Silhouette Sentiments (SU!)

Paper:  Kiwi Kiss (retired); Whisper White; Urban Garden DP (retired) (SU!)

Ink:  Kiwi Kiss; Stampin' Write marker: Always Artichoke (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  3/8" Kiwi Kiss two-sided ribbon, sticky strips

* * * * *

I inked the stamp with Kiwi Kiss and "thumped" the edges of the leaves with Always Artichoke to give them some depth.  I stamped onto a large piece of Whisper White cardstock and then added the sentiment in Kiwi Kiss ink at the bottom right.

I attached a strip of Urban Garden DP on the left-hand side of the Whisper White cardstock.  I wrapped two pieces of Kiwi Kiss satin ribbon around the DP, tying a knot with each (offset from one another).  I mounted the main panel onto a card base of Kiwi Kiss.

Hero Arts / Sizzix combo sets

Another beautiful fall day here on the Westcoast.  The sun is shining and it's cool and crisp out.  I should be out raking leaves, but I bought some new play things from Cherish The Thought yesterday and had to try them out. :)

I purchased the new Sizzix / Hero Arts set of stamp and matching embossing folder called "Artistic Fern".  It's a beautiful stamp and decided that it might look really good done with the Watercolor Spritz technique.  Not only is it a beautiful stamp, but once it is run through with the matching embossing folder, the results are fabulous!!  I so loved the look of this stamp that I saw another Sizzix / Hero Arts combo called Framelits that had the same stamp only in a smaller version (along with matching die-cut).  I bought that as well and used the smaller stamp for the inside of my card.  Hope you like.

"Artistic Fern"

Stamps:  Artistic Fern (Hero Arts); For You (Rubber-Art Stamps)

Paper:  Early Espresso, Autumn Traditions (retired), watercolor (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso; Stampin' Write markers:  Early Espresso, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze

Accessories & Tools:  Water mister, Sizzix "Artistic Fern" embossing folder, Big Shot, dark brown suede strips ($1 Store), sticky strips and dimensionals

* * * * *

I inked the stamp using Stampin' Write markers; randomly on the leaves - More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze; Early Espresso for the branches.  I misted the stamped with water and stamped onto a large piece of watercolor paper.  I let it dry thoroughly and then ran it through my Big Shot with the matching Sizzix embossing folder.  I cut the stamped and embossed image to size and mounted it on a frame of Early Espresso cardstock.  I wrapped two pieces of dark brown suede strips around the bottom, tying one with a knot just off center.

I mounted the background Autumn Traditions DP onto a card base of Early Espresso cardstock.  I mounted the framed main panel on top, popping it up with dimensionals.

I inked the sentiment in Early Espresso ink, misted with water, and stamped onto a small piece of watercolor paper.  Once dry, I cut it to size and framed it with a thin frame of Early Espresso cardstock.  I added it on top of the suede strips, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Vintage Poppies

Today I managed to get out to Coquitlam and visit a wonderful scrapbooking / card-making shop called Cherish The Thought.  I spoke to the owner for a little while today and she is so much fun!!  She makes the most beautiful cards and is currently working on a written and video tutorial for SCS on her fabulous technique - Glitter Painting.  The tutorial will hopefully be up on the SCS website next week - watch for it!! 

While I was at Cherish The Thought, I bought one of the new combined sets from Sizzix / Hero Arts which is a stamp with matching embossing folder.  Can't wait to try it out ... but I had already started two cards before leaving the art studio to do some shopping, so I finished those up and will start experimenting with my new toys tomorrow. :)

For the first card today, I went to one of my favorite styles - vintage.  I'm actually not sure if this would be considered vintage as it doesn't have a lot of embellishments like some of the beautiful vintage cards you see ... it is more of a distressed / aged look.  This card is made with all Stampin' Up! products.  Hope you like.

"Vintage Poppies"

Stamps:  Fabulous Florets, En Francais (SU!)

Paper:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  sponges, four mini copper brads, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped En Francais in Soft Suede ink onto Crumb Cake cardstock.  I ripped the edges and then randomly sponged Soft Suede ink over the words and all along each ripped edge.

I ripped the edge of a larger piece of Soft Suede cardstock and also sponged all along the edges with Soft Suede ink.  I mounted the stamped piece onto the larger frame of Soft Suede and then added a mini copper brad in each corner.

I inked the leaf with Always Artichoke and stamped overtop of the words.  I cleaned the stamp and then inked just the top two branches and stamped them above the first leaf sprig to make the sprig longer and able to hold more flowers.

I stamped the main flower and two of the smaller flowers in Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I sponged the flowers first with Tangerine Tango and then Pumpkin Pie (to lighten).  I took a small eye-makeup applicator sponge and sponged the centers of the flowers with Cajun Craze ink.  I cut the flowers out.  I then sponged along all the edges of the petals of the flowers with Cajun Craze.  I found the Early Espresso centers of the flowers had dulled with the sponging on top, so I went back with my Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker and went over lines to make them darker.

I used my bone folder to curl the edges of the flowers to give them more depth.  I then mounted the flowers onto the main panel, popping them up with dimensionals.

I stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede ink onto Crumb Cake cardstock, sponged the edges and then mounted it on a frame of Soft Suede cardstock.  I attached the sentiment to the card, curving the middle to give it some interest.

I mounted the main panel onto a card base of Soft Suede cardstock.

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The second card is for Christmas.  This time I used the Season of Joy stamp set from Stampin' Up!  This card is made with all SU! products, plus a little red glitter glue that I purchased at Michael's.  Hope you like.

"Poinsettia Flourish"

Stamps:  Season of Joy (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Real Red, Old Olive (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, red glitter glue, small paint brush, adhesives and dimensionals

* * * * *

I stamped two Poinsettias in Real Red ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used a small paint brush and "painted" glitter glue onto the centers of all the petals (it's hard to tell in the photo, but the glitter on the petals really adds a lot of bling!).  Once the glitter glue was dry, I cut the flowers out.

I stamped the flourish in Old Olive ink five times, in the lower left corner of a large piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I randomly added a few small flowers in Real Red ink and the Merry Christmas sentiment.  I mounted the large poinsettias over the middle of the flourish, using dimensionals to add depth.  I mounted the panel onto a card base of Old Olive.

Elegant Christmas Ornament

Today's CAS challenge is a sketch by one of the SCS CAS Design Team.  I love the simplicity of the sketch and took the opportunity to made another Christmas card.  It's a little difficult to photograph silver, so the card really looks better in real life.  Hope you like.

 "Elegant Christmas Ornament"

Stamps:  Baroque Motifs; Short & Sweet (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Silver (card base - doesn't show) (SU!); red foil

Ink:  Silver

Accessories & Tools:  Ornament punch, Cuttlebug "Birds & Swirls" embossing folder, Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig, glue stick, and sticky strips

* * * * *

I mounted red foil onto Whisper White cardstock using a glue stick.  This was to make the foil stiff so it would hold it's shape.

I ran a large piece of the red foil through my Big Shot with the Birds & Swirls embossing folder.  I punched out an ornament from the red foil and ran it through my Big Shot with the same embossing folder.

I stamped a part of the large Baroque Motifs stamp in silver ink, at the top and bottom of the Whisper White cardstock.  I dry fit the ornament to figure out the placement for the sentiment and then stamped the sentiment in silver ink.

I mounted the stamped Whisper White cardstock on to the embossed red foil and then mounted the whole panel onto a card base of Silver cardstock.

I mounted the ornament on the front of the card.

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Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Frances, Aileen, Sally and Lonnie.  I showed them how to sponge, emboss, paper piece and watercolor spritz!  It was so much fun!  Everyone brought goodies and we had a mid-afternoon break with some delicious home-made sweets!  Thank you to all the ladies for joining me in the studio and thank you also for bringing a tasty treat for us to enjoy!  Here's a picture of Aileen and Sally's cards ...