The Rose

Today I'm participating in the CAS-ual Friday's challenge (CFC46) - Name that Tune (be inspired by a song title or lyrics).

I chose "The Rose" by Bette Middler.  I do love making roses ... and used the paper tole technique to build a very simple rose from the Embrace Life stamp set by Stampin' Up!  Hope you like.

"The Rose"

Stamps:  Embrace Life, En Francais, Precious Butterflies - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White (SU!)
Ink:  Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  sponges, Stamp-a-ma-jig, three mini half pearls, Tombow glue, glue dots, adhesives and dimensionals

I inked the En Francais Stamp with Sahara Sand  and stamped onto Whisper White cardstock.  I inked the stamp with Old Olive and Regal Rose Stampin' Write markers and stamped over top of the script.

I sponged a scrap of Whisper White cardstock with Pretty in Pink ink for a soft color.  I stamped the rose flower head three times overtop in Regal Rose ink.  I cut out one of the whole flower heads and sponged Regal Rose ink around the outside edges with a small, eye-makeup wand.  I glued the flower head on top of my main panel.

I cut out the second flower head, this time just cutting the two center pieces (cutting off the three outside petals).  I sponged Regal Rose ink around the outer edges and then mounted it on top of my first flower head, adding Tombow glue at the base and a rolled glue dot at the tip (giving the rose dimension).

I finally added the third flower head, this time just cutting the one main center piece, sponging Regal Rose around the outer edges and mounting it on top of the other two layers, again adding Tombow glue at the base and a rolled glue dot at the tip.

I sponged Old Olive around the outer edges of the main panel and then mounted onto a frame of Old Olive cardstock.

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the sentiment in Old Olive ink onto my Whisper white card front.  I added three mini half pearls under the sentiment.

I mounted the main panel to the card front, popping it up with dimensionals.  I mounted the card front onto a card base of Old Olive.

Blue Delphiniums

I had a lot of fun yesterday with the sketch challenge (SC378) so I used it again for today's card.  Hope you like.

"Blue Delphiniums"

Stamps:  Echoes of Kindness, Vintage Labels (SU!)
Paper:  Old Olive, Night of Navy, Everyday Enchantment DP, watercolor paper (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn black, Baja Blue, Tempting Turquoise, Night of Navy, Elegant Eggplant; Old Olive Re-inker (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Martha Stewart Arch Lattice Border punch, small oval punch, medium oval punch, artist's brush, blender pen, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

First I created a "wash" on the watercolor paper, using old olive re-inker and water (both main panel and scrap paper for sentiment).  I used a small artist's brush and swiped it back and forth across the paper.  I left the paper to dry before proceeding.

I stamped the delphinium in Stazon black ink.  Using a blender pen, I swiped it across the Baja Breeze stamp pad to pick up color.  I colored in the flowers, covering most of the area ... but leaving just a little white space on each flower.  I repeated this again with Baja Breeze to intensify the color.  I used the blender pen again, swiping across the stamps pads and adding colors to the flowers in this order:  Tempting Turquoise, Night of Navy, Elegant Eggplant.  With each additional darker color, I added less to each flower ... mainly at the base or center of the flowers.

I mounted the panels of DP as per the sketch outline, adding a border on the bottom horizontal panel for interest.

I mounted the main panel, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.  I stamped the sentiment in Night of Navy ink on the scrap piece of "washed" watercolor paper, punched out a small oval and framed it with a medium oval of Night of Navy cardstock.

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Yesterday I was in the kitchen with Jeremy.  I've mentioned before that Jer is a TOC (teacher-on-call ... or substitute teacher we used to call them).  His degree is in Art with a minor in English, but he can be called to sub for any subject.  Well, the week before spring break, he was asked by a principal of a local high school, if he'd consider filling in for the Cooking teacher.  He said yes, even though he doesn't have much experience.  He made it through the week, but found out recently that he is scheduled for another week when school resumes (next week).   One of the classes he'll be teaching is "Cake Technique", and he wanted to do something fun for the kids with an Easter theme.  So yesterday, I showed him how to make these little beauties ...

Simply Soft Birthday

Couple of things to share with you today.  Last night we had a family dinner to celebrate Nikki's birthday (future DIL).  I asked Nikki a few weeks ago, what she wanted for her birthday dinner and one of things she picked was my Dark Chocolate Ganache Torte for dessert.  I've been making this for several years now.  I had a similar dessert at Milestones (a chain of restaurants in the Vancouver area) ... and I thought, "I can make this".  So I developed this recipe and it's been my favorite "go to" dessert for guests.  It's easy to make and delicious.  I'm including a picture of a slice of torte from last night (drizzled with Caramel Sauce) and I've added the recipe to my Baking section of this blog.  Hope you'll give it a try!

Dark Chocolate Ganache Torte

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On to the card for today ... this is for today's Sketch Challenge (SC378) from SCS.  I went outside of my comfort zone and added more pattern than I'm used to.  I see wonderful cards on SCS with lots of mixes of patterns and they are amazing.  For some reason, when I mix patterns, they just look ridiculous ... how does that happen??!!  Anyways, I gave it another try today and I'm happy with how it turned out.  Hope you like.

Sketch Challenge SCS378:

"Simply Soft Birthday"

Stamps:  Simply Soft, Vintage Labels (SU!); clay pot (Rubber-Art Stamps)
Paper:  Soft Suede, watercolor, Autumn Traditions DP (retired), Everyday Enchantment DP (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Old Olive; Basic Black Stampin' Write marker
Accessories & Tools:  Blender Pen, white gel pen, post-it note for masking, small oval punch, medium oval punch, sponge, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I started by stamping my clay pot in Stazon Black ink onto watercolor paper.  I stamped the clay pot again onto a post-it note with the top of the pot on the sticky part of the note.  I cut out the post-it note pot and used it as a mask.  I stamped the flower branch from Simply Soft stamp set above the pot in StazOn Black ink and then removed the mask.  I used my Black marker to add in the rim of the pot behind the flower branch.

Next I colored the flower branch using my blender pen and swiping it across my stamp pads.  I used Pumpkin Pie for all the blossoms, adding two coats to intensify the color (making sure the paper was dry before adding the second coat).  I then added Tangerine Tango ink in the same way, using the blender pen and adding two coats to the base of the blossoms.  I used Old Olive for the branches and leaves.  I used the white gel pen to add a few dots of white to the blossoms to lighten them.

I colored the pot in the same way with my blender pen and Soft Suede ink.

I mounted all the layers of cardstock and DP as per the sketch, sponging Soft Suede ink around the outer edges of the Soft Suede card base and Soft Suede frame on the main panel and sentiment.  This just gives more depth to the card.

The main panel and sentiment are popped up on dimensionals to add even more depth.

Friend and Just For You cards

Today is my final posting as a Guest Designer for March for the Color Combo Challenge Team.  I have had fun the past month, creating cards with fabulous colors choosen by the Challenge Hostesses.  This week's colors were picked by Vicki Dutchr (Elegant Eggplant, Concord Crush and Melon Mambo).  And the dessert (optional) this week is Stripes!

I don't have Concord Crush, so I tried adding VersaMark to my Elegant Eggplant to intensify the color, hoping it would be close to the Concord Crush, but there was only a subtle color difference ... so I used the two different purples I have (Elegant Eggplant and Perfect Plum) along with the Melon Mambo.  Very bright and intense colors - and a lot of fun to work with.  I made two cards, hope you like.

"Friend"

Stamps:  Simple Soft (SU!); Garden Oasis - sentiment (Fiskars)
Paper:  Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant striped DP (SU!)
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, VersaMark (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Flower soft, Tombow Glue, clear and white embossing powders, heat tool, 1/8" hot pink ribbon, and adhesives

I inked the Simply Soft stamp with Stampin' Write markers Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive, stamped onto the Whisper White cardfront and quickly embossed with clear using my heat tool.

I added Tombow glue to the "flower heads" and covered them with Flower soft.  Once dry, I added a small piece of hot pink ribbon with a half knot.

I cut a strip of the striped Elegant Eggplant DP, stamped the sentiment in VersaMark and quickly embossed with white using my heat tool.  I mounted the strip onto the card front.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Elegant Eggplant.

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I used the Bordering on Romance stamp set for the second card I made for this week's color challenge --- first time using my new set!  I used the marker layering technique (tutorial is on SCS website).  Hope you like.

"Just for You"

Stamps:  Bordering on Romance, The Tea Shoppe (SU!)
Paper:  Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Watercolor, Elegant Eggplant striped DP (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn Black, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, River Rock, VersaMark (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Blender pen, small oval punch, medium oval punch, Textile embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Big Shot, adhesives, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I stamped the flowers in StazOn ink onto watercolor paper.  Using the Marker Layering Technique, I added Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant inks to the large flowers, spreading the ink with the blender pen.  I repeated the same technique to color in the rest of the flowers and leaves.  I cut the main panel to size, mounted onto a thin frame of Elegant Eggplant cardstock and then mounted the framed image onto a larger frame of Perfect Plum, popping up with dimensionals to add depth.

I ran a large piece of Elegant Eggplant cardstock through my Big Shot with the Textile embossing folder, which had been inked on the inside with VersaMark (faux letterpress technique).  I mounted the embossed panel onto a card base of Perfect Plum.  I added a 3" piece of Elegant Eggplant striped DP on top fo the embossed card front.  I mounted the main panel on top, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I stamped the sentiment in Elegant Eggplant ink onto watercolor paper, punched out the small oval, and then mounted it onto a medium oval of Perfect Plum cardstock.  I added the sentiment to the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals for more depth.

Welcome Baby

Today the SCS CAS Challenge (CAS163) is an inspiration photo of a cake tier full of cupcakes, frosted in soft pastels.  I choose to focus on the colors of the photo challenge.  (Sorry for the poor photo, you can barely see the sentiment - but it says "Welcome baby".)  I used all SU! products for this card.  Hope you like.

"Welcome Baby"

Stamps:  Slice of Life, Short & Sweet (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn black; Stampin' Write markers:  So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette, Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink
Accessories & Tools:  Soft Green Twine, two mini clothespins, glue dots, adhesives, and dimensionals

I stamped the baby jumper three times in StazOn black.  I used Stampin' Write markers to color in the So Saffron and Certainly Celery.  I don't have a pale purple or mauve marker, so I colored the third one with Pink Pirouette and then went over it in Bashful Blue - turned out pretty well!  I used the Pretty in Pink marker to color in the hearts.  I cut the jumpers out.

I added the "clothesline" using twine and clothespins and mounting it to the card front using glue dots.  I added the jumpers, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.

Finally, I stamped the sentiment in Certainly Celery.

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I spent lots of time outside this weekend.  Beautiful, bright, sunny and warm for both days - what a treat!!  Saturday, I washed off our deck and set up our La-Z-boy recliners which had been packed away for the winter (yes, they make an outside recliner - decadent, huh??!!).  Hubby and I started our day on Sunday, on the deck with a nice cuppa' joe.  We have a portable propane heater (a smaller version of the ones you see on outside patios at some restaurants) ... but we didn't need it.  It was warm enough to be out there, enjoying the start to the day without having the heater on - fabulous!!

Sunday, I worked on my greenhouse.  I took everything out, washed it off and then put everything back.  Placed all the pots of blooming flowers around our deck and some on the front porch.  Gave the rest of the plants a little TLC and placed them back in the greenhouse - they'll come out when they are blooming.  Anyways, lots of work this weekend and I'm tired and sore ...  plan on spending a quiet day in the studio today.

Here's a picture of a few of my pots ... they are just starting to bloom and will look better in a week or two ...

Welcome to my new Blog!!

This is the official start of my blog.  I have spent the past few months transferring all the data from my website - whew!! ... I'm so glad that part is over.  Lots of work, but in the long run, I think the blog format will be much, much better.

Now I can get emails and comments easier and respond faster ... that's what the blog is all about - sharing information and how to's for those interested.

I hope you like the new format!

Loll :)

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On to the card for today.  This is for the Friday's SCS "Free For All Challenge" (F4A109 - 3 or more!) ... and ... CAS-ual Friday's Challenge (CFC45 - pastels and black).  This card is made with all SU! products.  Hope you like.

"Rubber Duckies"

Stamps:  Easy Events, Short & Sweet - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Polka-dot DPS in Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Baja Breeze and Pretty in Pink (SU!)
Ink:  Basic Black (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tombow glue, black mini brad, hole punch, square punch, pencil, ruler, eraser, and adhesives

I  drew a pencil line 1 3/4" from the top of my Whisper White cardfront.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the image three times along the line, spacing them evenly.  I erased the pencil line once my ink was dry.

I stamped the duck image again onto So Saffron polka-dot DP three times and cut them out.  I glued them on top of my main panel.

I stamped the umbrella three times, once on each of the three different pastel DP and cut them out.  I mounted them onto the my card front, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.

I added a strip of Certainly Celery polka-dot DP and Basic Black cardstock to the front of the card.  I stamped the sentiment in Basic Black ink onto So Saffron DP and cut it out.  I added a brad at one end and then used my square punch to add the cut-out "V" at the other end (the punch cuts the end of the banner perfectly every time!).

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

Set of Spring Flower Box cards

I have a few things to share with you today.  First of all, I had a workshop yesterday with my two good friends, Lili and Natasha.  These girls are so much fun!!!  They had picked out four different cards from my gallery that they wanted to do ... so we covered off faux letterpress technique, second generation stamping, rolled roses, sprays, and crystal effects.  They both went home with several lovely cards.  Here's a picture of our finished cards from yesterday.  Thank you, Lili and Natasha, for hanging out with me ... and thank you for the lovely Mango Mist tea and pretty yellow mums!!  You are so sweet!

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Next up, I'm going to share a quick and easy dessert that I made last night.  I didn't take pictures ... didn't think about it until after we gobbled it up!  This is so fast and so delicious that you won't believe it!!  I'll add this to the recipe section the next time I make it and take pictures.

Caramelized Bananas with Ice Cream

2 T. water

2 T. butter

1/4 c. brown sugar

2 ripe bananas, sliced

Vanilla ice cream

Add the water, butter and brown sugar to a saucepan.  Heat over medium and stir until everything is mixed together and starts to bubble.  Add in the sliced bananas and cook for about 5 minutes, making sure the slices are coated with the caramel.  Heat until the bananas start to soften.  Divide mixture and spoon over bowls of vanilla ice cream.  Makes enough for 4 people.  Yum, yum!

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Last (but not least), where's my cards for today.  I made a card similar to the third one, last month (Feb. 3 - click here to see instructions) - just using different colors for the tulips.  I made the pink one yesterday with Lili and Natasha.  This card worked so well for our workshop, that I'm going to use it again for an upcoming workshop I have on April 1st.  Today, I made a couple for versions of the card - all with the same layout, die-cut, technique ... just changing up the flower stamp and the colors.  I love how these turned out!  I'm going to let the girls coming on April 1st, pick the one they want to make.  Hope you like.

"Spring Flower Boxes"



Click here to see the instructions for the first Spring flower box card I made on Feb. 3rd.

I have listed below the different flower stamps and colors from the original:

First card - Silhouette Sentiments stamp set - Real Red ink

Second card - Pocket Silhouettes stamp set - Elegant Eggplant ink
Third card - same flower stamp as Feb. 3 (Pocket Silhouettes) - Regal Rose and Rose Red inks

Fourth card - Silhouette Sentiments stamp set - Pumpkin Pie and Tangerine Tango inks

Two masculine cards ...

It's been crazy busy the past couple of days.  I've finally got all my chores, running around, etc. done and can spend some quiet, relaxing time in the studio.  I have a workshop with Lili and Natasha tomorrow, so I will spend some time this afternoon prepping for that.

On to the cards for today.  I made another card for this week's color challenge (CC367 - Chocolate Chip, River Rock and Baja Breeze).    Made with all SU! products ... hope you like.

"Sailing Away"

Stamps:  Sail Away, Vintage Labels - sentiment (SU!)

Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Baja Breeze striped DP (SU!)

Ink:  Baja Breeze, River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze re-inker (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  1" double-stitched Baja Breeze ribbon, post-it notes for masking, sponges, small oval punch, medium oval punch, hole punch, anchor charm, white Baker's twine, Tombow glue, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I masked the sky area on a small piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I sponged Baja Breeze ink below the mask, making it a bit darker at the bottom and lighter towards the masked line

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I removed the mask and placed it covering the water.  I sponged River Rock ink over the center area, and sponged Baja Breeze ink all around the rest of the cardstock.  I removed the mask.

I stamped the sail boat in Chocolate Chip ink, making sure the "waves" were below the horizon line.  I stamped the image again onto a scrap piece of Whisper White cardstock and cut out the white sails.  I glued the white sail on top of the main stamped image.

I mounted the main panel onto a frame of Chocolate Chip cardstock.

I added Baja Breeze striped DP to the bottom of my Whisper White card front.  I attached the ribbon around the middle, secured it at the back and then mounted the card front onto a card base of Chocolate Chip cardstock.

I mounted the main panel on top, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I stamped the sentiment, punched out the small oval and framed it with a medium oval of Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I punch a small hole and threaded through a piece of baker's twine (which I had dyed with Baja Breeze re-inker) and attached the anchor charm.

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The second card today is a CASE of a card by Colleen Dietrich (Smoatsmom on SCS) ... click here to see her card.  I just love the layout of this card - so perfectly CAS.  I used all SU! products for this card. 

Here's my version ...

"Happy Birthday, Man"

Stamp:  Four Square (SU!)

Paper:  River Rock, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, Well Worn DP (SU!)

Ink:  Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  1 1/4" square punch, copper brad, adhesives, and dimensionals

I cut 1 1/8" squares from three of the Well Worn DP.  I mounted the squares onto coordinating colored cardstock punched with the 1 1/4" square punch.  I added a brad to one of the squares.

I stamped the "Happy Birthday" in Early Espresso ink onto a square of River Rock cardstock.  I mounted the three Well Worn squares around the stamped square, popping each one up with dimensionals.

I mounted the square of River Rock onto a card base of River Rock, popping it up with dimensionals to add even more depth.

Four cards for today .....

I have three CAS (clean and simple) cards to share with you today (plus a bonus card by Jer).   As I mentioned before, I'm a Guest Designer this month for the Color Combo Challenge Team on SCS and I hope my cards will inspire others to join in the challenge.  This week's colors are:  Chocolate Chip, River Rock and Baja Breeze (CC367).  Three fabulous colors.

I hope you'll find time to join in the fun.  The challenge is posted on the home page of Splitcoast Stampers website (check out the right-hand column near the bottom - Tuesday is color challenge day).  You need to join the site in order to post your cards (membership is free!! - just sign up).  Everyone is welcome to participate.

Here's the first color challenge card.  I used the watercolor spritz technique for the oak leaf ...

"Oak Leaf for a Friend"

Stamps:  Gently falling, Pocket Silhouettes - sentiment (SU!)

Paper:  River Rock, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, River Rock (SU)

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix Square Lattice embossing folder, Big Shot, mini mister, sponge, dark brown suede strip, Stamp-a-ma-jig, and dimensionals

Gently Falling is a 2-part stamp set (leaf and outline).  I inked the leaf stamp randomly with Stampin' Write markers --- about half River Rock, the other half Baja Breeze ... and then added just little dabs of Chocolate chip.  I held the stamp at arm's length (just so I didn't get too much water) and lightly misted three times with water.  I immediately stamped onto watercolor paper.  (I made several stamping and then used the one I liked the best for my card.)

Once the leaf was dry, I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for lining up the images, inked the outline stamp in Chocolate Chip ink and misted lightly with water (only once or twice) and stamped on top of the leaf image.  Once it was dry, I cut the leaf out and sponged more Chocolate Chip ink around the outside edges.

I ran a small piece of River Rock cardstock through my Big Shot with the embossing folder.  I placed it on top of my River Rock card base to get an idea of where I wanted it to be and then used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again to figure out the best placement for the sentiment.  I removed the embossed piece and stamped my sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink.

I mounted the embossed River Rock cardstock onto the card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I tied a small piece of brown suede in a half knot at the bottom of the leaf and then mounted the leaf on the embossed background, popping it up with dimensionals to add even more depth.

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Second card for color challenge (CC367) ... this time I used die-cuts and punches to make a baby pram and used my computer to print the sentiment ...

"... and baby makes three"

Stamps:  none (sentiment is computer-generated)

Paper:  River Rock, Whisper White, River Rock DP, Baja Breeze DP (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Nestabilities Circles die-cut (Spellbinders), Big Shot, Itty Bitty flower punch, 20 gauge wire, needle-nose pliers, tin snips, white Baker's twine, River Rock re-inker, Crystal Effects, paper piercing tool, 1/8" Baja Breeze taffeta ribbon, Tombow glue, adhesives, glue dots, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I used my computer to print the sentiment onto Whisper White cardstock.  I mounted  a strip of Baja Breeze DP to the top of the card, wrapped the ribbon around and secured it at the back.

I ran the River Rock DP (and also plain River Rock cardstock), through my Big Shot with the circle die-cut.  I adhered the two circle together (for stability).  I cut a notch from the circle and added ribbon using Tombow glue.

I cut a length of wire and used the pliers to curl one end of the wire to form the handle for the pram.  I cut a shorter second piece and crossed the two pieces at the bottom, securing the wire to the back of the pram with sticky strips.

Two Itty Bitty flowers were punch from Baja Breeze cardstock, pierced two holes on each flower so it looked like a button and then covered them with Crystal Effects.  Once dry, I re-pierced the holes.

The white Baker's twine was dyed with River Rock re-inker and once dry, threaded it through my flower "buttons", tied a half knot and trimmed the ends on both.

The pram is popped up with dimensionals for added depth.  I added rolled glue dots to the backs of the "buttons" and added them to the bottom of the wires.

The card front onto a card base of River Rock. 

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Here's the third card for today ... and it's for the CAS Challenge - CAS162 - Sketch by Arizona Maine (Angela).  I love this sketch and had a lot of fun making this card.  Hope you like.

"Tulips for Angela" 

Stamp:  Garden Oasis - sentiment (Fiskars)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose (SU!)

Ink:  River Rock, Old Olive, Regal Rose, Rose Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Dancing Tulips and Tulip Petals die-cuts (Memory Box), Textile embossing folder (Cuttlebug), sponges, Big Shot, rubber brayer, Tombow glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

I ran the Dancing Tulips die-cut through my Big Shot twice with Old Olive cardstock (these will be the base for the tulips).  I ran the Tulip Petals through three times (twice with Pretty in Pink cardstock and once with Regal Rose cardstock).  I only used the first two layers of the Tulip Petals for this card (there are four layers to the Tulip Petals die-cuts).

I sponged the edges of the Pretty in Pink flower heads with Regal Rose ink.  I sponged the edges of the Regal Rose flower heads with Rose Red ink.

I used Tombow glue to glue the flower heads onto the Old Olive bases.  I sponged the edges of one tulip leaf and cut one down to a smaller size and then sponged the edges.

I mounted the smaller Whisper White rectangle on top of the larger one with dimensionals.  I mounted the framed rectangle onto the card base.

I stamped the sentiment in Old Olive ink so that it would be very subtle.

I layered the tulips and leaves until I was happy with them and then glued them together at the base only, leaving the tulips "free flowing" at the top.  I secured the flowers to the rectangle with more glue (again, only securing it at the base).

I used the brayer to add River Rock ink to the inside of my embossing folder, placed Whisper White cardstock inside and ran through my Big Shot.  I cut out a piece of the "Belleek Pottery" embossed cardstock for the vase and mounted it on top of the tulips, popping the vase up with dimensionals.

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BONUS card!!  When I showed my son, Jeremy, the colors for the challenge this week, he wanted to make a card too!  So here's Jer's CAS card - very modern and creative - just like him!!  Notice how just two of the tiles are popped up for interest.  Also love the rounded corners on all the tiles, with the rounding being repeated on the left-hand side of the card base!  Great card Jer!!

"Lined Tiles"

Every Day's an Adventure

Today I CASE'd a card on SCS by Bridget Finlay.  She is an incredibly talented crafter and I love her style!  She made this card and I just fell in love with it and decided I wanted to make the same card.  I only made slight modifications.  Hope you like.

"Every Day's an Adventure"

Stamps:  On the grow (SU!)
Paper:  Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Garden Green, Crumb Cake (SU!)
Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Soft Suede (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Die-namics tree and leaves (My Favorite Things), Sizzix circle die-cut, Big Shot, post-it notes for masking, clouds die-cut (Memory Box), Nestabilities circles, adhesives, Tombow glue, sponges and dimensionals

I cut out the large circle from a scrap piece of paper and used the reverse (the opening) as my mask ... this is called "reverse masking".  I covered the background with the mask, leaving the circle open.  I did the same by masking off all areas of the circle except for the bottom hill.  I sponged Wild Wasabi ink for the first hill.  Then I repeated this by masking all areas except one and moving my way up from the bottom, sponging as I went along.  For the sky, I used the cloud die-cut as my mask to create the randomly shaped scallops.

I ran a large piece of Whisper White cardstock through my Big Shot with the circle die-cut, this time making sure it was on the right hand side of the page and centered top to bottom ... this will be my card front.  I dry-fit the sponged image underneath until I was happy with the placement and mounted it onto a card base of Wild Wasabi.  I added dimensionals to the card front and placed it on top of my sponged image.

I ran the tree die-cut through my Big Shot with Crumb Cake cardstock.  I sponged the tree with Soft Suede ink, so that the embossing showed.  I ran several trio of leaves through the Big Shot with both Wild Wasabi and Garden Green cardstock.  I used small dots of glue to add the leaves to the tree.

I mounted the tree onto the card front.  I stamped the sentiment in Wild Wasabi ink, and mounted it onto a frame of Wild Wasabi.  I mounted the sentiment to the front of the card.

Daisies for Harriet

Today I woke up to SNOW!!  Can you believe it?? .. it's almost the middle of March.  This is very, very late for Vancouver to get snow.  I just love the look of fresh snow ... so pretty on the trees.  Makes everything look fresh and clean and tranquil.  But, unfortunately, only for a very short time as the rain has come and now we have a slushy mess.  Not that we got a lot of snow, but enough that it was sticking to the side roads around our house.  I'm sure by tomorrow, it will all be washed away.  As much as I like the snow, I'm looking forward to spring.  My crocus' are up and blooming on my deck and the grape hyacinths are just ready to bloom.  Makes me want to get out in the garden so hopefully it will warm up soon!

On to the card for today.  I have made a card to honor the Featured Stamper for this week on Splitcoast Stampers - hskelly (Harriet).  She has a fabulous CAS style.  I focused on this card in her lovely gallery to CASE in her honor ... hope you like.  This card is made with all SU! products. 

"Daisies for Harriet"

Stamps:  Fifth Avenue Floral, Cottage Garden (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi

Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, eye make-up sponge applicator, adhesives

Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped the daisy three times in Daffodil Delight and four times in Melon Mambo.

I used the small sponge to add more Daffodil Delight and Melon Mambo ink to the flowers.  I stamped the sentiment in Wild Wasabi ink and used the Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write marker to add the dots for the middle of the flowers.

Spring is Here and Three Little Butterflies cards

Today I met my SIL for lunch at our local Sushi Restaurant (Minori's).  It was great to spend time with her, albeit only a short time, as lunch was over in about an hour and we headed our separate ways.  I got some take-out to bring home to hubby who is still recovering from a "cold" that just won't go away.  He calls it a cold, but I think it's a virus and that's why he's had it for over two weeks now.  Lots of coughing and choking with this nasty bug!  He's getting better, but still needs a little more rest time.

On to the cards for today ... yes, cards!!  I made two for this week's Color Challenge at SCS (CC366 - Daffodil Party Parade - Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Poppy Parade).  I don't have Pool Party and Poppy Parade inks or cardstock so I used the closest colors I had (Baja Breeze and Tangerine Tango).  The dessert option this week is ribbon and I made one card with dessert and one without :)

"Spring is Here"

Stamps:  none

Paper:  Whisper White, Early Espresso; Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade DP (SU!); Bazzil White

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, River Rock (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Small Grand Madison Window, Grove Branch, and Wildflower Patch die-cuts (Poppy Stamps), Brick Wall embossing folder (Tim Holtz), Big Shot, Itty Bitty flower punch, mat pack, stylus, sponges, rubber brayer, Tombow glue, adhesives and dimensionals

I used the rubber brayer to add Sahara Sand ink to the inside of the embossing folder.  I placed a large piece of Whisper White cardstock inside and ran through my Big Shot.

I ran the Window die-cut through my Big Shot with another piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I sponged around the outside edges of the window with River Rock to give some definition to the window.

I ran the Grove Branch die-cut through my Big Shot with Early Espresso cardstock.  I ran the Wildflower Patch die-cut through with Daffodil Delight cardstock.  I cut the flower heads off to use as the centers of my blossoms.

I punch three small flowers from Poppy Parade DP.  I used the mat pack and a stylus to shape the flowers.  I did the same with the Daffodil Delight center and then glued them on top of the Poppy Parade.

I sponge a piece of Whisper White cardstock with Baja Breeze.  I placed the branch on top of the sponging and added the flowers with Tombow Glue.

Now for assembly.  I cut the center out of the embossed brick wall.  I mounted branch and flowers panel onto a card base of Bazzil White, making sure the positioning lined up with the cut-out.  I mounted the window onto the embossed brick wall using Tombow Glue.

I placed the card front on top of the card base, popping it up with dimensionals.

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Here's the second card for this week's Color Challenge (CC366 - Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Poppy Parade).  This one has the dessert option - ribbon.  Again, I used the closest colors I had to the challenge, substituting in Baja Breeze and Tangerine Tango.

"Three Little Butterflies"

Stamps:  Happy Moments (SU!); butterfly (unknown)

Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango polka-dot DP (SU!)

Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Clear embossing powder, heat tool, Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1/4" Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon, glue dots, sticky strips and adhesives

I stamped the three butterflies onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock and stamped the sentiment above in Tangerine Tango ink.  I mounted the stamped panel onto a frame of Tangerine Tango cardstock.  I wrapped the Daffodil Delight ribbon around the panel and tied a 1/2 knot in the center.  I secured the knot in place with a glue dot.

I mounted the polka-dot DP onto a card base of Tangerine Tango and then mounted the framed main panel at the top of the card.

I stamped the three butterflies a second time on scrap WW cardstock, this time embossing each one with clear embossing powder.  I cut out the embossed butterflies and bent them into shape.

I mounted the three embossed butterflies on top of the stamped butterflies, using a rolled glue dot down the center to hold them in place.

Spring Wreath and You Suit Me to a Tea cards

Update ... after seeing the CAS Challenge for tomorrow ... I just couldn't wait.  So here's my card for CAS161 - White with shades of blue.  Hope you like.

 "You Suit Me to a Tea"

 

Stamps:  The Tea Shoppe (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Marina Mist striped DP, Bashful Blue (SU!)

Ink:  Marina Mist (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Small tag die (Memory Box), Big Shot, white Baker's twine, Marina Mist re-inker, 5/8" Marina Mist satin ribbon, White and silver ribbon (unknown), white pearl pin, paper piercing tool and template, sticky strips, adhesives, glue dot and dimensionals

I stamped the large teacup in Marina Mist ink onto Bashful Blue cardstock.  I cut the cup out and then sponged more Marina Mist onto the cup to darken it.

I mounted the striped DP onto the Whisper White cardstock and wrapped the satin ribbon around, tying a knot just above center.  I secured the knot in place with a glue dot.  I paper pierced the top right corner of the card front and then mounted it to a card base of Marina Mist cardstock.

I tied another bow from the White and silver ribbon and placed it on top of the blue knot, holding it in place with the pearl pin.

I ran the tag die through my Big Shot with a small piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I stamped the sentiment on the tag and added three small pearls below.

I cut a piece of white Baker's twine and dyed it using the Marina Mist re-inker.  Once it was dry I looped it through the tag and secured it to the back of the tea cup.  I mounted the teacup onto the front of the card using dimensionals to add depth.

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Today I'm in the studio with the Crafty Girls.  We had a great time creating, chatting, laughing ... and, of course, eating.  Fran brought Samosas for lunch and Deb brought Coconut buns for dessert - delicious - thanks to both of you!

I didn't organize a workshop for them today ... it was more just find cards that I've made the you like, and make your own version.  It was fun, relaxed and, in the end, they all went home with three lovely cards each.  We had fun experimenting with some more of my new Memory Box die-cuts.

Here's my card from today, using the Breezy Wreath die-cut ... decorated with flowers made from the Wildflower Patch die-cut and the Itty Bitty flower punch.  Hope you like.

"Spring Wreath"

Stamp:  A Word For You (SU!)

Paper:  Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi DP, Poppy Parade DP, Daffodil Delight (SU!)

Ink:  Wild Wasabi

Accessories & Tools:  Breezy Wreath and Wildflower Patch die-cuts (Poppy Stamps), Big Shot, Itty Bitty flower punch (SU!), mat pat, stylus, Tombow glue, adhesives and dimensionals

I ran the Wild Wasabi DP (polka-dot) through my Big Shot with the Breezy Wreath die-cut twice.  I used one as my base and cut the other into individual leaf sprigs.

I punched three itty bitty flowers from the Poppy Parade DP and shaped them using the mat pack and stylus; I set them aside.

I ran the Wildflower Patch die-cut through my Big Shot three times, twice with Daffodil Delight cardstock and once with Tangerine Tango cardstock (I would have used Poppy Parade cardstock but didn't have any).  I cut the flower heads from the stems of the wildflowers and shaped them using the mat pat and stylus.  I used three of the small flowers as centers for the Itty Bitty flowers.

I then just randomly glued the flowers and leaf sprigs around the wreath until I felt it was balanced.

I dry-fit the wreath onto my Whisper White card front to determine the placement for the sentiment.  I removed the wreath and stamped the sentiment in Wild Wasabi ink.  I mounted the card front onto a card base of Wild Wasabi cardstock.

I cut a dimensional into small pieces and added them to the back of the wreath and then mounted the wreath onto the card front.  

Layered Poppies

Today I'm in the studio playing with a few of my new Memory Box die-cuts.  My latest order arrived from Simon Says a week or so ago and I've been going through them slowly - just taking my time to figure out what I wanted to do.  I bought 22 new die-cut --- yes, I went a bit crazy, but I liked so many and couldn't just order a few.  Today's card uses the "Prim Poppy" die-cut.  It's so pretty!  When I pulled it out today and looked at it, I knew right away that I wanted to try it with the paper tole technique (click here to see my tutorial).  I used DP from the Everyday Enchantment series for the poppies and for the frame ... just a beautiful Poppy Parade pattern, but it's hard to tell in the photo.  Hope you like.

"Layered Poppies"

Stamp:  Field Flowers - sentiment (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Poppy Parade DP (Everyday Enchantment) (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Real Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Prim Poppy die-cut (Memory Box), Speedball rubber brayer, Stamp-a-ma-jig, small eye make-up applicator sponge, Tombow Glue, and adhesives

I ran Old Olive cardstock with the Prim Poppy die-cut through my Big Shot.  I ran the die-cut through two more times with the Poppy Parade DP.

I cut the heads from the DP poppies and sponged around the outside of the flower heads with Real Red ink to give them depth.

I placed the first layer of poppies heads directly on top of the Old Olive base, attaching the flower heads with small dots of glue.  For the second layer (again using flower heads that are sponged with Real Red ink), I placed two rolled glue dots on each side of the flower, near the top and a small amount of glue at the base of the flower head.  I placed them on top of the base.

I brayered the Whisper White card front on the diagonal with Daffodil Delight ink.  I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement of the sentiment and stamped it in Old Olive ink.

I used more Tombow glue (just a little) to mount the layered poppies onto the card front.  I mounted the main panel onto a frame of Poppy Parade DP and then mounted the whole card front onto a base of White.

Bamboo

Headed off to get groceries this morning without Hubby.  He's still not feeling great - 12 days and counting!  Bad cold, but the worst part is the coughing and so not much sleep which, I'm sure, is the reason this illness is been hanging on for so long.  Hopefully he'll be able to get some more sleep soon!

On to the card for today.  Quick and easy Asian-themed CAS card today!  Wanted to use my new bamboo stamp from Rubbernecker Stamps (KK Original Stamps).  Added some texture to the card by using the Square Lattice embossing folder for the dark green background of the square die-cuts.  Used the "thumping" technique to add some interest to the stamped image.  Hope you like.

"Bamboo"

Stamp:  Bamboo (KK Original Stamps - Rubbernecker)

Paper:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Always Artichoke (SU!)

Ink:  Old Olive; Stampin' Write marker Always Artichoke (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Corner die-cut (Cuttlebug), Square Lattice embossing folder (Sizzix), Tombow glue, adhesives and dimensionals

Inked the stamp with Old Olive and then used the Always Artichoke marker to "thump" some color along each of the leaves and along the indented part of the stalks - stamped onto Whisper White card front.

Ran the corner die-cut through my Big Shot with Old Olive cardstock three times.  Ran a piece of Always Artichoke cardstock through my Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder.  Cut the embossed cardstock to size and then used Tombow glue to add the square Old Olive die-cuts on top.

Add the embossed strip to the card front, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Mounted the card front onto a card base of Old Olive.