Friend to Friend

Today I wanted to participate in SCS Sketch Challenge (SC374).  I haven't been taking the time to play in the art studio as much lately, so decided that I was going to have some fun this morning!  I tried to make this sketch into a CAS card ... which I believe worked, but the trouble is that the scoring (which represents the four sections on the sketch), doesn't show up very well in my photographs.  I took several different shots, and hopefully you'll be able to see the scoring (albeit faintly).  This card also qualifies for this week's Clean & Simple Challenge (CAS159) - white and razzleberry.  Hope you like.

Here's the SCS Sketch 374:

"Friend to friend"

Stamps:  Of the Earth, Pocket Silhouettes (SU!)

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Stampin' Write markers: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Nestabilities Label Two (Spellbinders), Big Shot, Word Window punch, bone folder / scoring tool, adhesives and dimensionals

I colored the stamp using Stampin' Write markers and stamped onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock.  Ran the image through my Big Shot, cutting it out with the Labels Two die-cut.

The sentiment is stamped in Rich Razzleberry ink onto Whisper White cardstock and punched out with the Word Window punch.

The front of the card base was scored at the mid-point both vertically and horizontally.

The main image was mounted onto the front of the card, just above center, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

The sentiment was also popped up for added dimension.

My last sample cards for CAS Winter Design Team

Today is my last week as Design Team member of the CAS Winter Challenge DT for SCS.  The past three months have gone by so quickly and I'm sad to see my time on the team come to an end.  It has been a wonderful experience and I hope that I have made cards that inspired others to join in the challenges.

The next Design Team search is currently underway, with two of the three challenges completed.  Tonight the Finalists will be revealed and the last challenge posted.  The new Spring Design Team will be announced on March. 1st.  It's going to be so exciting!  All the entrants are so talented and have created fabulous cards for this competition.  I know that the new CAS Spring Design Team will be amazing!

On to my final Design Team cards ...  I have made two for this week's Challenge (CAS159 - color challenge - white and razzleberry).  I have a hard time just making one :)  Both cards are basically the same layout.  Hope you like!

"You're 'tea'rific"

Stamps:  Tea Shoppe; sentiment is mix of words from stamps sets Morning Cup and Field Flowers (SU!)

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry striped DP, silver (SU!)

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Adorning Accents die-cut (scalloped edge) (Sizzix), half-pearls, 1/4" Rich Razzleberry grosgrain ribbon, white Baker's twine, Crystal Effects, Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1/8" hole punch, adhesives, sticky strips and glue dots

I inked the tea cups in Rich Razzleberry ink and stamped at the bottom of Whisper White cardstock.  I mounted a wide strip of striped Rich Razzleberry DP at the top.  I ran a thinner strip of Rich Razzleberry cardstock through my Big Shot with the scalloped edge die-cut and mounted it on top of the bottom of the striped DP.  I wrapped the ribbon around the card front and tied a 1/2 knot off-center.  I mounted the card front onto a card base of Rich Razzleberry using sticky strips.

I made a "tea cup charm" by stamping the tea cup from Morning Cup stamp set in Basic Black ink onto silver cardstock.  I cut the cup out and covered it with Crystal Effects and let it dry for about an hour.  I punched a hole through the "handle" of the cup.

I stamped the You're in Rich Razzleberry ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and stamped 'tea'rific in Rich Razzleberry underneath.  I cut the cardstock into the shape of a small tag.  I punched a hole at the top.

I used a glue dot to adhere the silver cup on top of the tag (lining up the hole punches, but making sure not to cover up the sentiment).  I threaded white Baker's twine through the top of the tag, trimmed the ends and adhered the ends under the knot.

I placed a half-pearl on each scallop.

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The second card is all about the buttons.  This card also qualifies for this week's Ways to Use It Challenge - Bring on the buttons!.  Hope you like.

"Button Flowers For You"

Stamps:  A Word for You (SU!); vase and leaf sprig (unknown)

Paper:  Whisper white, Rich Razzleberry (SU!)

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Wild Wasabi (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Sizzix Polka-dot embossing folder, 1/2" Rich Razzleberry polka-dot ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, post-it note, corner rounder, Rich Razzleberry buttons, white Baker's twine, sticky strips, and glue dots

I stamped the vase in Rich Razzleberry ink.  I placed a post-it note to mask the top of the vase and then stamped the leaf sprig three times in Wild Wasabi ink; I removed the mask.

I ran the card front through my Big Shot with the polka-dot embossing folder just at the top.  I wrapped the ribbon around the top of the card and tied a 1/2 knot off-center and placed a glue dot under the knot to hold it in place.  I rounded the bottom corners of the card front and card base of Rich Razzleberry cardstock.  I mounted the card front onto the base for stability.

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the sentiment in Rich Razzleberry ink.

I threaded white Baker's twine through each of the three buttons, tying a knot and trimming the ends.  I secured the buttons to the card front using glue dots.

Buttons and Bird House

Today is our 33rd wedding anniversary.  Hubby and I went out for dinner to celebrate earlier in the week (on Wednesday).  The Vancouver Canucks are on a road trip right now and they had a game yesterday (against Detroit) and a game tonight (against New Jersey) and we are huge Canucks fans and didn't want to miss a game, so we celebrated our anniversary early.  BTW, Canucks won both games!! whoo hoooo!!

I've been so wrapped up working on my new blog that I haven't had much time to create cards.  So I took some time this afternoon and combined two of the SCS challenges from this week ... Wednesday's Sketch Challenge (SC373) and Thursday's Ways To Use It (WT363 - Bring on the Buttons!).  I find working with buttons a real challenge ... other crafter's add them to their cards and they look fantastic!!  I add buttons and they usually look, well, stupid is the only word that comes to mind :( ... but hopefully not today.  All SU! products used for this card.  Hope you like.

SCS Sketch 373:

"Buttons and Bird House"

Stamps:  Up in the Air (SU!)

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Just Add Cake DP, So Saffron striped DP (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Brights Collection buttons, white Baker's twine, 5/8" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, paper piercing tool, adhesives and glue dots

I stamped the image in Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White cardstock and used the Stampin' Write markers to color.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and stamped the sentiment in Wild Wasabi ink.

I mounted the main panel on top of the orange polka-dot DP and then mounted onto a frame of Real Red cardstock.  I mounted the framed main panel onto a full card front panel of striped So Saffron DP.  I wrapped the ribbon around and tied a 1/2 knot off center.  I secured the center of the knot with a glue dot to hold it in place.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Real Red (for stability).

I threaded white Baker's twine through each button and tied a knot at the back and trimmed the twine.  I mounted the buttons onto the front of the card, using glue dots to hold them in place.

After I finished making the card I took a picture and that's when I realized that the top of the card looked too plain.  So I added some paper piercing detail to the two top corners.

Cold Winter Day

I am in the process of transferring my website (stampingwithloll.com) to this blog - stay tuned and thank you for your patience.

I am posting the odd day in order to enter my cards into the Craft A Scene challenge (requires a blog to enter) so that's why today's post is on this blog as well as on my website.  Hopefully soon the transfer will be complete and I'll only have to post in one spot  :) 

Two cards to share with you today.  First one is for today's Color Challenge for SCS (CC363 - basic gray, pretty in pink and pink pirouette) ... and I'm entering this into the "Craft A Scene" Challenge - Round #2 - create a winter scene.  I used the brayering technique for this card.

Both cards for today are made with SU! products (plus the Cuttlebug embossing folder for the first card).  Hope you like.

"Cold Winter Day"

Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree (SU)

Paper:  Basic Gray, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Basic Gray (SU)

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Cuttlebug "Snowflakes" embossing folder, brayer, post-it notes for masking, Stamp-a-ma-jig, white gel pen, sponges, removeable tape, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I ripped a post-it note and used to mask the snow area of my card.  I brayered from the top in this order:  Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink and a little Basic Gray just at the top.  I lightly sponged gray along the snow line and then removed the mask.

On the tree stamp, I masked off the bottom of the trees and hill lines of the stamp using removable tape (or masking tape would have worked too).  I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to figure out the placement for the trees then I inked the stamp in gray, removed the tape and stamped.  I used the gray Stampin' Write marker to draw down the trunks of the trees that were missing and also sponged a little gray at the base of each tree.  I used the white gel pen to add some snow in the trees.  I trimmed my image to size and then framed it with Basic Gray cardstock.

I ran a large piece  of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the Snowflakes embossing folder.  I mounted the embossed background onto a card base of Basic Gray.  I mounted the framed main image onto the card front, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth. 

 

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The second card I made last night just before the start of the CAS 2012 Spring Design Team Challenge - Round #1 (make an encouragement card with a nature theme).  I'm hoping my card inspires others to participate.  I used the Watercolor Spritz technique on this card.

"Watercolored Daisies"

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  mini mister, toothbrush, Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1/4" Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, small artist's brush, sticky strips and glue dot

I inked my daisy stamp using Stampin' Write markers:  Old Olive for the stems, Pumpkin Pie for the daisies, and Cajun Craze along the tips of all the daisies.  I misted the stamp with water and then stamped onto watercolor paper.

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I inked the sentiment in Old Olive ink, misted it with water and stamped onto my card front.  I didn't get enough water on the stamp, so went over the sentiment with the slightly wet, small artist's brush.

I added a small amount of water to a toothbrush, swiped it across the Pumpkin Pie ink pad several times, smooshed ...yes, that's a technical term :) ... it into some paper towel to mix the water and ink and then pulled my thumb across the bristles, splattering the ink onto my card front.  I repeated this process using Old Olive ink.

I sponged more Old Olive ink around the outside edges of the card front.  I wrapped the Pumpkin Pie ribbon around the bottom and tied a 1/2 knot off center, securing it in place with a glue dot.

I used sticky strips to mount the card front onto a card base of Old Olive cardstock.

Masculine Birthday card and another CAS Challenge card ...

Yesterday I spent the afternoon in the studio with Heather.  We had a lot of fun making cards ... I made a birthday card for my hubby (even though his birthday isn't until April, I had an idea and wanted to use some new DP I just purchased called "Well Worn" from SU!), and Heather made a beautiful card for her mom's birthday, which is this Wednesday.  I forgot to take a picture of Heather's card, but will ask her to send one to me and will post later ... she has such a fun sense of style and her card is very creative.

I'm posting the birthday card I made yesterday and also another card for this week's CAS Challenge (CAS158) - stitching or faux stitching.  I'm not sure that this card is considered CAS ... I got a little carried away :)  Both cards are made with all SU! products.  Hope you like.

"Happy Birthday Gord"

Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree, Bitty Birthday (SU!)

Ink:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, River Rock; Stampin' Write markers:  Early Espresso, Cajun Craze (SU!)

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

Accessories & Tools:  sponge dauber, Aqua Painter, sponges, distressing tool, Cogs punch, 3/8" Early Espresso quilted ribbon, adhesives, glue, and dimensionals

I used the sponge dauber to add River Rock ink to my watercolor paper.  I used the Aqua Painter to add lots of water to create a wash with the sponged River Rock.  I let the piece dry thoroughly.  I randomly inked the Oak Tree stamp with Early Espresso and Cajun Craze inks; I stamped on top of the dried River Rock wash.  I used the Aqua Painter to add a little water to the stamped image and then let it dry thoroughly.  I lightly sponged Early Espresso ink around the outside edges of the main image and then framed it with Early Espresso cardstock.

I punched out the cogs from Soft Suede cardstock and sponged around the edges with Soft Suede ink to give them depth.  I also sponged around the card base of Soft Suede.

I cut two panels from the Well Worn DP.  I used the distressing tool to rough up the edges.  I wrapped the Early Espresso quilted ribbon around the bottom of the large piece and then mounted both strips to the card base.  I mounted the framed, main panel to the card front, popping it up with dimensionals.  I added the two cogs, also popping them up with dimensionals.

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to placement and stamped my sentiment in Early Espresso ink on the bottom right-hand corner.

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Another card for this week's CAS Challenge (CAS158 - Stitching or Faux Stitching).  This one has a little more to it ... not sure if it's CAS - but I'm hoping it will pass :)  Another paper pieced card using the fabulous DP "Just Add Cake" - such fun colors!  Made with all SU! products plus a tiny piece of Peapod twine (The Twinery).  Hope you like.

"Stitched Birthday Gifts"

Stamps:  Happy Moments; Bitty Birthday (SU!)

Paper:  Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi polka-dot DP, Just Add Cake DP (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Sizzix Large Scalloped Circle die-cut, Sizzix Large Circle Die-cut, 1 3/4" circle punch, Peapod twine (The Twinery), 1/4" Garden Green grosgrain ribbon, 1/8" hole punch, adhesives, sticky strips, glue dot, and dimensionals

Made a card base from Wild Wasabi cardstock with the large scalloped circle die-cut (cut two pieces, score 1/2" from top of back piece and fold to use as a hinge; line pieces up and secure with sticky strip along 1/2" folded top).  Cut another large scalloped circle die-cut from the Wild Wasabi polka-dot DP; mounted it to card front.

Ran a piece of orange-dotted DP and yellow-striped DP (both from Just Add Cake DP package) through Big Shot with the large circle die-cut.  Cut yellow circle in half and mounted on top of orange circle.  Used Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker to add faux stitching lines around circle.  Wrapped Garden Green ribbon around circle and tied a knot on one side.  Secured the knot in place with a glue dot.  Mounted the circle on top of the scalloped circle, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Stamped the stack of gifts in Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  Stamped the gifts again onto three different DPs.  Cut out of the gifts from the DP and mounted onto the Whisper White card front, using Tombow glue to adhere.  Used the 1 3/4" punch to punch out the stack of gifts.  Added faux stitching around circle with Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker.  Mounted the main image onto the card front, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Stamped sentiment with Wild Wasabi ink onto Whisper White cardstock and cut out as a tag.  Added faux stitching on tag with Early Espresso Stampin' Write marker.  Used hole punch to add small hole at top of tag.  Tied small piece of Peapod twine into a bow, securing it through the top of the tag.  Mounted bow and tag onto card front using rolled glue dot.

Two Birthday Cards - It's your Day and Flower Tag

Here are my two sample cards for this week's CAS Challenge (CAS158 - Stitching or Faux Stitching).  I made one of each.  It was a real challenge for me to sew with my machine.  I wanted a different colored thread than what was in the machine, so I changed it myself (first time by myself) ... and I think I did something wrong, because the tension is definitely not right :(  But, I'm going to post it anyways.  Hopefully no one will notice the mistakes :)

"It's Your Day"

Stamps:  Outlined Occasions (SU!)

Paper:  Garden Green, Whisper White, Just Add Cake DP (SU!)

Ink:  Garden Green (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  sewing machine, dark gold thread, Big Shot, Balloon die-cuts (C.C. Designs), 1/4" Garden Green grosgrain ribbon, Peapod twine, Tangerine twine, Lemon Drop twine (The Twinery), Crystal Effects, adhesives, and dimensionals

I ran the balloons die-cut through my Big Shot using the Just Add Cake DP.  I covered three of them with Crystal Effects and left them to dry for a couple of hours.  Once dry, I added a piece of twine to each balloon.

I mounted the yellow-striped DP on the top of the card front, added the green ribbon, rounded the bottom edges and then sewed on my machine about 1/8" in from the edge, all around the card.

I stamped the sentiment in Garden Green ink.  I dry-fit the balloons, making sure I was happy with the placement and then carefully gathered the twine together and made a half knot.  I mounted the balloons to the front of the card, popping each one up with dimensionals to add depth.

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The second card for the CAS Challenge uses Faux Stitching and is paper-pieced.  Hope you like.

"Flower Tag"

Stamps:  Friendly Flowers and Garden Oasis (Fiskars); Bitty Birthday (SU!)

Paper:  Real Red, Whisper White, Real Red polka-dot DP, Old Olive DP (SU!); white with red squares (unknown)

Ink:  Garden Green, Real Red, Early Espresso; Garden Green Stampin' Write marker (SU!)

Accessories & Tools: white gel pen, Real Red button, white Baker's twine, double-striped red ribbon, paper piercing tool, slot punch, adhesives, glue dots, Tombow glue, and dimensionals

  

Stamped the leaf sprig in Garden Green ink onto Whisper White card front.  Stamped the sprig again onto the Old Olive DP and cut out the leaves.  Adhered the DP leaves to the main image using Tombow glue.  Trimmed the card front to the shape of a tag, approx. 2 1/4" x 3 1/2".  Used the Garden Green Stampin' write marker to add faux stitching round the edges of the tag.  Stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink.  Punched slot at top of tag and threaded through red ribbon; trimmed ribbon to size.

Stamped the flower in Early Espresso ink onto the Real Red polka-dot DP.  Cut the flower out.  Stamped the flower again onto the White and Red square DP and cut out the center of the flower.  Mounted the center onto the base using Tombow glue.  Using the paper piercing tool, I pierced two holes in the center of the flower, approx. width between was the same as the button.  Using white Baker's twine, sewed the button onto the flower and tied a 1/2 knot on top - trimmed the twine.  Mounted the completed flower onto the tag using glue dots.  

Mounted a large piece of Real Red polka-dot DP onto a card base of Real Red cardstock.  Mounted the tag on to the card base, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

My first sewed card ...

Today I headed to Cherish The Thought Scrapbooking store in Coquitlam.  They just got in their shipment of Memory Box die-cuts and were holding a few for me.  I picked up the Elegant Scroll and Madera Corner.  Talked briefly to the owner, as she was in the middle of teaching a class ... she mentioned that their stock is already half gone even though they got the product yesterday.  More is the the way, so she told me to let them know if I wanted anything in particular and they would hold it for me when they get new stock.  Great customer service!!

I wanted to try sewing on a card and so went on You Tube to find out how to load my bobbin with thread and then load the bobbin into the machine :) ... I'm such an amateur when it comes to sewing.  With all the crafts that I have done over the years ... and there has been LOTS, you'd think I would be able to sew.  Just don't have the patience, which is really weird, because I can spend hours just making one card :)  Anyways, I'm pretty happy with how my sewing turned out and I've had the background done for almost a week now.  Just couldn't figure out what I wanted to put on top of it.  I ended up using a darker green for the Elegant Scroll die-cut (just bought it today) and then also used the same designer paper to make a rolled flower using my new C.C. Designs Rolled Rose die-cut.  Hope you like.

"Enchanted Rose"

Stamps:  A Word for You - sentiment (SU!)

Paper:  Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment DP (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Sewing machine, green thread, Big Shot, Elegant Scroll die-cut (Memory Box), Rolled Rose die-cut (C.C. Designs), glue, adhesives, glue dots, and dimensionals

I cut three strips from three different DPs and adhered them to a Very Vanilla base.  Using my sewing machine, I sewed a straight stitch around the outside and sewed zigzag stitch between the different DPs.  I mounted the stitched background onto a larger piece of DP and then mounted the whole thing onto a card base of Old Olive cardstock.

I ran the Elegant Scroll die-cut through my Big Shot with Old Olive cardstock and attached to the card front with a little glue.

I ran the same DP used for the background, through my Big Shot with the Rolled Rose die-cut.  I rolled the cut circle into a rose and used glue to hold it together.  I attached the rose on top of the scroll with glue dots.

I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink onto a piece of DP, trimmed it to size and then tucked the end just under the rose to secure it in place.

New Window Die

Had a busy day yesterday.  Made dinner for Nikki & Evan and dropped it off at their place.  While we were out that way, we stopped at Clipper Street Scrapbooking because they just got in their shipment of Memory Box dies.  Oh, I love these dies!!  I have a few already that I ordered on-line from Simon Says.  After checking the prices, I decided I was better off ordering them on-line ... even though these dies were being shipped from the US to Canada, they were still a lot cheaper to buy on-line and have them delivered right to my door.  So I bought just one, the small Madison window, that has been out of stock at Simon Says for quite some time.  Then we stopped at Opus (Art supplies) because Jer wanted to pick up a 3'x4' canvas and some paint.  Now that he has an art space to work in ... he's ready to get creative! :)

Just a quick note about dinner last night.  I made the same dinner for all of us, but a different dessert for Evan and Nikki because of Nikki's diet of gluten-free and dairy-free.  Dinner was:  Raspberry-Balsamic Chicken, Wild Rice, and Caesar Salad.  Dessert for the kids:  Flourless Chocolate Cake with Coconut Sorbet and Raspberry Sauce ... dessert for us, Caramel Brownies.  I don't make brownies from scratch anymore ... Costco sells the best brownie mix from Ghiradelli ... so I used that, but I placed a layer of soft caramel in the center of the brownies.  I had to bake the brownies longer than the directions called for, but they were incredibly delicious and decadent.  

On to the card for today ... I used my new Madison window die.  I followed the directions from "sleepyinseattle" at SCS on how she "stained" the window to look like aged wood - love the look!  Hope you like.

"Just for You"

Stamps:  Just Believe - sentiment (SU!); unknown (lamp)

Paper:  Natural White, Whisper White, Old Olive, So Saffron, Pink Pirouette DP (SU!)

Ink:  So Saffron, Sahara Sand, More Mustard, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Regal Rose, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Small Madison window die (Memory Box), Little Leaves die (Sizzix), Big Shot, Itty Bitty punch, stylus, mat pad, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sponges, half pearls, glue, and dimensionals

I ran the window die through my Big Shot with Whisper White cardstock.  I swiped my ink pads across the die (in one direction like woodgrain), first Sahara Sand, then More Mustard and finally with Early Espresso.  I dry-fit the window onto the card front so I could figure out the placement for the sentiment.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to help position the sentiment and stamped it in Early Espresso ink.  I set the window aside.

I lightly sponged So Saffron covering another small piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I stamped the lamp in Basic Black ink (I used the stem of a martini glass for the base and an up-side down clay pot for the shade).  I stamped the "shade" onto a small piece of So Saffron cardstock in black ink and cut it out.  I glued the shade on to lamp stamping.  I positioned the lamp background behind the window and glued it in place.

I ran the Little Leaves die through my Big Shot twice with Old Olive cardstock.  I sponged the edges and stem of the leaves with more Old Olive ink to give the leaves depth.  I attached them to the bottom of the window.

I punch the small flower six times from Pink Pirouette DP.  I sponged the edges with Regal Rose ink to give the flower some depth.  I placed one flower at a time on top of my soft sponge mat and used the stylus to gently pushing around the middle of the flower so that it formed a cup-shape.  I repeated with each flower and placed a half-pearl in each flower center.  I glued the flowers onto the leaf sprigs.

I mounted the finished window onto a card base of Natural White cardstock, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Silhouette Grass

Busy day.  Went grocery shopping and picked up everything for tomorrow night's special dinner (more on that later).  And I wanted to participate in SCS Technique Lover's Challenge (TLC364 - Wrinkle Free Distress / or Smooshing).  I love this technique!! and had a lot of fun playing in the art studio trying out different versions.  I settled on this color combination ... I actually made two pieces of background paper and they turned out totally different.  I used the soft, mixed one for the side of the card with the sentiment ... and used the more spotted one for the main image.  Hope you like.

"Silhouette Grass"

Stamps:  Silhouette Grass (Hero Arts); Field Flowers - sentiment (SU!)

Paper:  Always Artichoke, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  mini mister, heat tool, dark olive green suede strip ($1 store), sticky strips and dimensionals

I used my cutting mat as the non-porous surface for this technique.  I swiped my Stampin' Spots across my mat (old olive, more mustard, pumpkin pie).  I used the mini mister filled with water and sprayed the ink until it started to bubble.  I placed my watercolor card front on top of the wet ink, pressed lightly, removed it and used the heat tool to dry.  I wiped off my cutting mat and repeated the process making sure the paper was completely dry before proceeding.  

I stamped the Silhouette Grass in Old Olive ink onto one of my pieces of watercolor paper.  Originally I had the card front vertical, but I changed my mind and decided I wanted the image to be horizontal, so I cut my card front to 4" x 4".  Then I needed a second piece for the side where I stamped the sentiment.  So I made a second piece, using the same technique and adding the watercolor paper to the wet ink two times, drying in-between.  This time the paper turned out totally different, but I liked that and decided I would use it.  I stamped the sentiment in Old Olive ink and then mounted the two pieces together using sticky strips and adding a dark, olive green suede strip between the two different pieces.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Always Artichoke, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Butterflies in Flight

Today I'm posting two cards for tomorrow's CAS Challenge (CAS157) - Sketch by Nancy Littrell.  I had a lot of fun working with Nancy's fabulous sketch!!  With the first card I used the latest tutorial on SCS by Karen Barber - Marker Layering.  Nancy had made a card yesterday using this technique and sent me the link ... I just loved the way her images turned out, so checked out Karen's wonderful video tutorial and tried it out for myself (click here to see the tutorial).  I definitely need some practice, but it was fun and I like the way my butterflies look like stained glass!  Hope you like.

Nancy's original sketch:

Here's my version of the sketch:

"Butterflies in Flight"

Stamps:  Butterflies Cling (Inkadinkado); On the Grow - sentiment (SU!)  

Paper:  Basic Black, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Stazon Black, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Blending tool, sticky strips, glue dots and dimensionals

I stamped the butterfly image onto watercolor paper three times with Stazon Black ink (two are only partial images).  I stamped two extra butterflies on watercolor paper scraps.  I used my Stampin' Write markers and the blending tool to color in the butterflies with the Marker Layering Technique (click here for the tutorial on SCS).  I cut out both of the extra butterflies (one is for the inside of the card and the other was layered on top of the main butterfly on the card front).  The top butterfly was mounted using rolled glue dots and dimensionals to give it depth.

I stamped the sentiment in Basic Black ink onto watercolor paper, framed it in Basic Black cardstock and mounted it to the card front using sticky strips.

I mounted the card front onto a Basic Black card base.

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Here's the second card using Nancy's sketch.  This time I sponged a stencil I made using "Pair of Ferns" die-cut from Cheery Lynn.  I originally stamped the sentiment in Kiwi Kiss ink, but it was too light and didn't photograph very well, so I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and stamped over in Black ink.  I can't believe how perfectly they lined up ... you can just see a hint of the Kiwi Kiss in the background (doesn't show in the photo).  Hope you like.

"Ferns"

  

Stamps:  A Word for you (sentiment) (SU!)

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

Ink:  Kiwi Kiss (retired), Old Olive, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Pair of Ferns die-cut (Cheery Lynn), sponge, small eye make-up sponge, removable tape, Stamp-a-ma-jig, and adhesives  

I ran both fern die-cuts (left and right) through my Big Shot with large scrap pieces of cardstock.  I removed the die-cuts and kept them to be used at a later time.  I used the cut-out as a stencil.  I positioned it on my Whisper White cardstock and secured it in place with removable tape.  I sponged the whole image in Kiwi Kiss ink.  I used a small make-up sponge and Old Olive ink to add more color down the stem and at the base of each leaf.  I removed the stencil.  I repeated this process using the other stencil (opposite angle), sponging only a partial image twice.  I removed the mask.

I stamped the sentiment in Kiwi Kiss ink and then over-stamped in basic black.

I mounted the main image onto a frame of Urban Garden DP and then onto a card front of Whisper White. 

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Kiwi Kiss (for stability).

Happy Day

Today's "Free for All" challenge (F4A103) from Splitcoaststampers is Rainbows.  I made a card mostly of die-cuts ... just the background sky is sponged and the sentiment is stamped.  Hope you like.

"Happy Day"

Stamps:  Daisy Thanks (sentiment) - Stampendous

Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Wild Wasabi polka-dot DP (SU!)

Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Nestabilities Classic Ovals die-cuts (Spellbinders), Clouds die-cuts (Memory Box), Grass die-cut (Cheery Lynn), sponges, adhesives, Tombow glue, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I made a template for sponging the background sky by cutting a long scrap of paper with randomly sized scallops.  I placed the template on my card front and sponged Tempting Turquoise ink along the scallops.  I moved the template down and angled it and kept sponging until I reached the bottom of the page.

I used the largest oval die-cut and cut out a piece of each of the colors for the rainbow.  I mounted them one on top of the other, ending with the thin piece of Pacific Point blue.  I used Tombow glue to hold all the strips together.

I cut out two ovals from the Wild Wasabi polka-dot DP and sponged Wild Wasabi and then Garden Green along the top edge.

I dry-fit the "hills" and the rainbow to get the best placement and then secured the rainbow onto the card front with sticky strips.  I placed the first oval on the right side, making sure the edge of the rainbow was underneath.  I secured the "hill" with sticky strips and then cut off the excess oval at the side and bottom.  I mounted the second "hill" with sticky strips and cut off the excess oval at the right side and bottom.

I stamped the sentiment in Wild Wasabi ink.

I cut out two large clouds and sponged Tempting Turquoise ink around the edges.  I mounted them onto the front of the card, popping them up with dimensionals.

 

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I had to share a picture of my mom wearing the scarf I knit her for her birthday.  She just turned 83 ... isn't she beautiful!!  We had a wonderful celebration with our family on Wednesday evening ... great food, great conversation, lots of laughs and lots of love!  Happy Birthday Mom!

Snowy Cabin

It's my mom's birthday today and we're having a family dinner tonight at my place.  Love you Mom!!  Hope you are having a wonderful day and looking forward to spending the evening with you!

I have made her something for her birthday and will share it with the next post, because I know that she'll be reading this and I want it to be a surprise!

On to the card.  I wanted to focus on making a card with my new stamps sets that I got from Rubbernecker (Kittie Kits).  I decided to make a winter scene and will enter it for the "Craft a Scene" challenge for February ... check out this challenge blog here.  I've never done this type of link because it's not possible on my website ... so I am starting up a blog and will be posting today's card on both. 

I had a lot of fun making the main image for this card.  My new stamps are fun to work with and I love the way the brayered sky turned out.  The tough part was figuring out a backdrop for the main image.  After trying several different ideas, I decided on a forest of trees that are hand-stamped onto Whisper White cardstock using the Large Pine Tree stamp from Stampscapes (their stamps are awesome!).  Hope you like.

"Snowy Cabin"

Stamps:  Kittie Kits - Outdoor Master, Moose Is Loose (Rubberneck); Large Pine Tree (Stampscapes)

Paper:  Not Quite Navy, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy; Stampin' Write markers:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, So Saffron, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Basic Gray; Whisper White Re-inker (SU!)

Accessories:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, post-it notes for masking, Dreamweaver Embossing Paste, small paint brush, Rubber Brayer, toothbrush, sponge, adhesives and dimensionals

I inked the cabin stamp with Stampin' Write markers and stamped onto my Whisper White card front.  I then stamped all the different sized trees by inking the stamps with Old Olive ink and then adding random swipes of Always Artichoke on top using a Stampin' Write marker.  I masked the cabin and tree with post-it notes and brayered the sky ... first with Baja Breeze, then with Sahara Sand (I wanted it to have a bit more gray in the sky so it appears to be a cold day) and lastly with Not Quite Navy.  I removed the two masks and then used the tree mask a second time to mask the tree at the bottom right corner.  I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for positioning, and stamped the fence posts in Soft Suede ink across my card front.  With masking the tree, it appears the fence is in-behind the tree.  I removed the mask.

I mixed some Dreamweaver Embossing Paste with Whisper White re-inker (to thin out the paste) and added it (snow) to the main image using a small paint brush.  I took a damp toothbrush and "smushed" it into another pool of Whisper White re-inker.  I ran my thumb across the wet bristles and sprayed white paint all over the main image so it looks like it's snowing.

I mounted the main image onto a frame of Not Quite Navy cardstock.

For the background I inked the Large Pine Tree with Old Olive ink, added random swipes of Always Artichoke on top (Stampin' Write marker) and stamped onto the Whisper White cardstock, I stamped again (without re-inking) and litter higher and off to one side from the first stamping (second generation stamping).  I repeated the inking, stamping, stamping across the page until it was full.  I mounted the background paper onto a card base of Not Quite Navy cardstock.

  

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

Three "heart" cards

I'm posting three cards for this week's CAS Challenge (CAS156) - Theme - Hearts.  The first one uses a couple of clear stamps that I got as a gift a few years ago.  I have a tip for using clear stamps as I find some of them (not all) do not take an even coating of ink and I end up with partial images.  Ink clear stamp with VersaMark first (this makes it a bit "sticky") and then the colored ink will coat the stamp better - at least it works for me.  Hope it works for you too.

"Love, Love, Love"

Stamps:  I {heart} Hearts (SU!); pots and stems (unknown)

Paper:  Real Red, Naturals White, Real Red DP (SU!)

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

Accessories & Tools:  3/8" stitched red ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sticky strips, glue dot and adhesives 

I cut a strip of Naturals White cardstock (2 1/4" x 4 1/4").  I made a light pencil line at the mid point (2 1/8") and a light pencil mark 1/4" from the bottom.  I inked my three pot stamp (with VersaMark first) with Early Espresso and stamped along the bottom line, making sure it was centered.  I inked the stem stamp with Old Olive and stamped it three times (re-inking each time).  I inked the smallest heart stamp from the I {heart} Hearts stamp set and used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, stamping it at the top of each stem.  I framed the strip with Real Red cardstock.

I mounted a full card front of Real Red DP (polka-dot) onto a card front of Real Red cardstock.  I wrapped the stitched ribbon around the top and tied a knot off to one side.  I used a glue dot to secure the knot in place.  I mounted the card front onto a card base of Real Red cardstock.  The reason I mounted the DP on a card front instead of a card base was I wanted the ribbon to be secured between the layers, but you could certainly just mount onto a card base and then the ribbon would also be on the inside of your card.

I mounted the framed main image onto the bottom of the card.

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The second card uses the paper piecing technique (I do love this technique!).  Borrowed a stamp from my friend Kelly ... perfect for this technique.  And I used some retired Valentine's Day paper called "Sending Love" - just love the dark brown and pink combination!  Hope you like.

"Hearts on a Ribbon"

Stamps:  Hearts on a Ribbon (Kathy Davis Collection - Inkadinkado); Short & Sweet (SU!)

Paper:  Early Espresso, Whisper White, Sending Love DP (retired) (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso (SU!)

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

I stamped the image in Early Espresso ink onto a card front of Whisper White.  I stamped the image again onto two different Sending Love DPs.  I cut out the hearts from the DPs and glued them onto my card front.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and stamped my sentiment in Early Espresso ink.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Early Espresso.

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One more ... I know, I know - I'm a little obsessed :)

This one has very little stamping - just the sentiment.  I'm giving this card to my hubby for our upcoming anniversary (33 years!).  Hope you like.

"Happy Anniversary"

Stamps:  Short & Sweet (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Black (SU!)

Ink:  VersaMark (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  20 gauge wire, needle-nose pliers, tin snips, white embossing powder, heat tool, Tombow glue, and adhesives

I cut two  six" pieces of wire.  I used my needle-nose pliers to bend the wire into a heart and cut off the excess with the tin snips.  I repeated and made a second heart.  I dry-fit the hearts onto the Basic Black card front just to decide where they would be and determine the placement for my sentiment.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the sentiment in VersaMark.  I embossed the sentiment in white.

I mounted the card front onto a full card front of Whisper White and then mounted the whole thing onto a card base of Basic Black (the black card base is for stability - I find the Whisper White cardstock isn't sturdy enough for a card base).

I used Tombow glue to add a few tiny dots of glue to the backs of the wire hearts and then mounted them onto the card front.  

Spring Flower Box

I've had a busy week.  On Wednesday, I had my "techie" (Scott) come to help me to set up a blog.  I have a website and the problem is that it's not possible for viewers to make comments, and I have never been able to figure out how to link my email address either.  As well, it takes a lot longer to upload my website every day with changes than it does to post a single day's entry on a blog.  It will save me a lot of time (except for all the work of moving my entries over from the website).  I'm going to give it a try and see how it goes.  More update on the move, hopefully, soon.

Then yesterday Kelly joined me in the art studio ... well, we didn't actually make any cards, but that was the original plan.  Kelly wanted to make the same cupcake card I made in January ... one for each of her two sons, for Valentine's Day along with baking some Banana muffins (their favorite).  Instead, Kelly worked on a confirmation invitation for her nephew.  We did manage to get a batch of Banana Chocolate Chip muffins baked and we quickly made some valentine's picks for the muffins before she left - so adorable!  Thanks for coming over Kel, it was fun!

On to the card for today ... this card is for this week's Ways To Use It Challenge (WT360) - Groundhog Day (make a card with repeat images).  Yesterday I received my order from Rubbernecker ... three Kittie Kits.  I used the leafy branch from one of the kits for today's card along with my new Memory Box die-cut from Simon Says that I received in the mail today!  It's been a great week for getting new toys in the mail!!  Hope you like.

"Spring Flower Box"

Stamps:  Pocket Silhouettes, Whimsical words (sentiment) (SU!); leafy branch (Kittie Kits - Outdoor Master) (Rubberneck)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Natural White (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive; Stampin' Write markers Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Real Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Grand Flower Box (Poppy Stamps), Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig, post-it note for masking, sponge, adhesives

I used my Big Shot to cut out the window box from Naturals White cardstock.  I used my Crumb Cake Stampin' Write marker to draw along the crease lines on the window box to give it more definition.  I sponged more Crumb Cake ink around the outside edges of the window box.

I inked the leafy branch with the Old Olive stamp pad and stamped a few times on the window box.  I inked the leafy branch with the Old Olive Stampin' Write marker and added some more leafy sprigs to the front of the window box (these are slightly darker).

On the card front of Whisper White, I used a post-it note to mask where the top edge of the window box will be and below.  I placed the die-cut on top of the post-it note to mark the width of the box ... I removed the box.  I inked the leafy branch with the Old Olive stamp pad and stamped along the top of the box and then stamped a second time (without re-inking), off to one side and higher than the first leaf stamp.  I repeated this across the box (second generation stamping).

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement of the flower sprays, inking the stamp with Stampin' Write markers Old Olive, Daffodil Delight and Real Red (tips of the flowers only).  I did this five times, starting in the middle (the highest flower spray) and adding lower flower sprays as I moved to the sides.  To finish, I inked the leaf branch with Old Olive Stampin' Write marker and added a few branches of the darker green leaves.  I removed the mask.

I mounted the window box into place and stamped the sentiment in Old Olive ink.  I mounted the card front onto a thin frame of Old Olive and then onto a full card front of Whisper White.  The whole card was mounted onto a card base of Old Olive cardstock (for stability).

Happy Birthday to You!

Today it's the Sketch Challenge at SCS (SC370).  I try to participate in this as much as possible to get me away from my typical CAS style.  I had a lot of fun with this sketch and used the "Just Add Cake" DP from SU! that I recently purchased.  Except for a small piece of Peapod Twine from the Twinery, everything used on the card below is from SU!  I decided to go with the flap option rather than the pocket (both options were available for this fun sketch).  Hope you like.

SCS Sketch 370:

Here's my version of the sketch:

"Happy Birthday to You"

Stamps:  Up, Up & Away (SU!)

Paper:  Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Just Add Cake DP (SU!)

Ink:  Wild Wasabi

Accessories & Tools:  2-step owl punch, 2 mini silver brads, Peapod Twine (The Twinery), toothpick, hole punch, Tombow glue, adhesives, sticky strips and dimensionals

I made the owl first, cutting an extra body and using one of the legs for the owl's hand to hold the sign.  I used Tombow glue to glue all the pieces onto the owl's base as I find it easier to move the pieces while the glue is still wet.  I stamped the sentiment in Wild Wasabi ink onto Whisper White cardstock and framed it with the thin frame of the DP.  I adhered the toothpick to the back of the sign using sticky strips.

I layered all the pieces of DP for the background onto a card back of Wild Wasabi cardstock and set aside.

I added a brad to the top corners of the front DP panel and thread through the brads with the twine.  I mounted the front panel onto a frame of Wild Wasabi cardstock, 4 3/4" x 2 1/2" (the backs of the brads are now hidden between the two layers).  I scored 1/2" in from the edge so when folded, the card front would be 4 1/4" wide.  I used sticky strips to adhere the 1/2" scored portion to the back of the card back.

I cut five triangles (pendants) and attached them to the twine with dimensionals to add depth.

I mounted the owl using adhesives and mounted the sign, popping it up with dimensionals for more depth.