Happy Birthday Bouquet

Today I spent some time with Scott, my technical support person for my blog ... he is a friend of my son, Jeremy ... and has spent several hours helping me to set up my website ... and then set up my blog.  I so appreciate his help.  Thank you Scott!!!  Today he showed me a few new ways to improve my blog, so I'll be working on that over the next few months.

Today's CAS challenge is a color challenge (CAS168 - chocolate, green and white or ivory).  This is such a classic color combination and I had lots of ideas for cards, but settled on one using my owl punch from SU!  Hope you like.

"Happy Birthday Bouquet"

Stamp:  Happy Moments - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi, Just Add Cake DP (SU!)
Ink:  Early Espresso (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Wildflower Patch die-cut (Poppy Stamps), 2-Step Owl Punch, Early Espersso twine, mat pack, stylus, white gel pen, Tombow glue, glue dots, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I started with the owl.  I punched him out with Early Espresso and Whisper White cardstocks and punched out the vest with the Wild Wasabi polka-dot DP from Just Add Cake DP.  I punched out an extra owl body and cut out one of the "feet" to be used for an arm and hand to hold the bouquet.  I glued all the parts together and glued the tip of the arm to the back of the owl's body.

Next I ran the Wildflower Patch die-cut through my Big Shot with both Wild Wasabi cardstock and Whisper White cardstock.  I cut the heads of three of the white flowers and glued them on top of the matching green flowers with stems.  I cut off three small heads from green flowers and used my mat pack and stylus to shape the flower heads into a cup shape.  I glued these to the center of my three flowers.  I used the white gel pen to add a dot in the very center of each flower.  I gathered the flowers together and tied a bow around them using Early Espresso twine.

I added a 1" strip of Wild Wasabi polka-dot DP to the top of my Whisper White card front.  I wrapped more Early Espresso twine around and tied a bow and then used sticky strips to mount the card front onto a card base of Early Espresso (for stability).

I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink and then mounted the owl just above, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.  I added three rolled up glue dots to the bouquet (one behind the bow, and one on each of the back two flowers) and then secured the bouquet to the owl's "hand".

For the inside of the card, I added a 1" strip of Wild Wasabi polka-dot DP to the top of a Whisper White card panel.

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Today I'm adding a new recipe to the "Baking" tab of this blog.  I usually only add sweet treats, but I posted a picture of the Spanakopita Rolls that I made the other day and had a request from Marcia to include the recipe.  This is for your Marcia!!  Hope you have fun making these for your church tea!

Spanakopita Rolls



Spring flowers

Today I'm posting a card for the CAS-ual Fridays challenge (CFC50 - Spring is here).  Immediately I knew that I wanted to create a card with orange flowers ... to me, it's one of the happiest flower colors and you know when you see orange flowers in a garden - spring is here!  I used all SU! products for this Clean and Simple (CAS) card.  Hope you like.

"Spring Flowers"

Stamp:  Up in the Air (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie polka-dot DP, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Ink:  Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Pencil, eraser, Stamp-a-ma-jig, blender pen, 1/4" Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, corner rounder, glue dot, and sticky strips

First I cut a strip of Pumpkin Pie polka-dot DP for the bottom of the card front (2 1/4" wide).  I then dry-fit it onto a Whisper White card front and made a light pencil mark onto the card front, just below where the top of the DP would be.  (This is to make sure the flower stems at just slightly below the top of the DP).

I inked the stems and flowers using Stampin' Write markers Cajun Craze and Old Olive.  I stamped the image onto a Whisper White card front, making sure the stems were just below the pencil mark.  I picked up Pumpkin Pie ink with my blender pen and colored in the flower heads.  I scribbled the blender pen onto a scrap piece of paper until there was no more color and then picked up Old Olive ink and colored in the leaves.  I erased the pencil mark.

I stamped my sentiment in Old Olive ink, using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.

I mounted the polka-dot DP onto the bottom of the card front and rounded the bottom corners with the punch.  I wrapped the Old Olive ribbon around the card front at the top of the DP, and tied a knot.  I moved the ribbon around until I was happy with the placement of the knot and secured it with a glue dot.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Pumpkin Pie cardstock (for stability) and then rounded the bottom corners of the card front.

For the inside panel, I added a strip of polka DP at the bottom of the Whisper White panel (this time I only used 1 1/4" strip of DP).  I wrapped a piece of Old Olive ribbon around the top of the DP and secured it to the back of the inside panel (no knot this time).  I mounted the panel to the inside of the card base and then rounded the bottom corners.

White Rose

Busy day ... I'm trialing some new ideas for an upcoming High Tea I'm hosting on May 5th.  I just joined Pinterest a few days ago ... I can't believe all the fabulous pictures and ideas.  I have been collecting pins for the past few days on two of my hobbies ... cards and food.  More on the food from today lower down in this post.

On to the card for today.  I'm happy with how this card looks in real life ... unfortunately, the picture just doesn't do it justice.  I tried several times and this was the best picture I could come up with ...

This combines the challenge from today "Ways To Use It" (WT372 - monochromatic masterpieces - one color and a neutral) and last week's CAS challenge, which I missed because I was away (CAS166 - fabulous sketch by stampercamper).  Hope you like.

"White Rose"

Stamp:  On the Grow (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Wild Wasabi DP, Garden Green (SU!)
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Amana Circle die-cut (Memory Box), Rolling Rose die-cut (C.C. Designs), Leaves die-cut (C.C. Designs), 1/4" Garden Green grosgrain ribbon, white embossing powder, heat tool, stickles, corner rounder, adhesives, glue dots, tombow glue, sticky strips, and dimensionals

With my Big Shot, I cut out a whisper white amana circle and rolled rose ... as well as two stems of leaves from garden green cardstock.

I rolled up the rose and secured it in place with Tombow glue.  I added clear stickles around the outside of each petal and left it to dry (can't see them in the picture but they add some sparkle).

I rounded the right corners of the card base (Garden Green cardstock), card front (Whisper White cardstock) and background (Wild Wasabi striped DP).  I stamped the sentiment onto the striped DP in Versamark and embossed in white.  I mounted the Garden Green ribbon in place, securing it with sticky strips.  I mounted the background paper onto the Whisper White card front. and then added the die-cut circle using glue dots.

I used glue dots to add leaves in-behind the rose, curling the leaves upwards to give them depth.  I secured the rose and leaves to the middle of the Amana Circle, popping it up with a dimensional to add more depth.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Garden Green (for stability).

For the inside, I added a Whisper White panel with the right corners rounded and a 1 1/4" strip of the striped Wild Wasabi DP at the bottom of the white panel (again, rounding the bottom right corner).

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More on my day in the kitchen ... I wanted to trial Spanakopita rolls - an idea I saw from Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa).  I didn't use her filling recipe because I'm happy with the one I already have - but I did use her idea to make a long roll and score at 1" intervals before baking and then cutting all the way through once they were baked.  So much faster and easier than the traditional triangles which I find take so long to make.   I'm happy with how they turned out and will definitely be adding them to the menu for next week.  I'm thinking that I might sit them on end (like the closest one in the picture) and then add a small dollop of tzatziki sauce on top and sprinkle with some chopped dill.  Yep, this is a keeper - here's the picture ...

Next I tried making Bite-Sized Banana Cream Pies ... this is something I saw on Pinterest and thought they were so adorable.  Mine look a lot different than the picture I saw, but I'm still happy with them and will make them next week for the High Tea.  I used my "cheater" banana cream pie recipe (Jello Instant Vanilla pudding powder, mixed with part milk and part whipped cream - so easy!!).  My recipe is on this blog - click the "Baking" tab.  Today I used less whipped cream in the custard mix because I wanted the filling to be quite stiff and be able to hold it's own ... 1 pkg vanilla pudding mix, 1 c. milk, 1/2 c. whipped cream.

The plan was to make scalloped squares of pastry to go under the cream filling, banana slice and whipped cream topping, but I didn't have a cookie cutter that was the right size, so I made small "pie-crusts" using my mini muffin pan (plus I did make some very small flat scalloped circles that were way, way too small).  I must admit that the flat circle bottoms look better than the pastry cups, but the cups are so much easier to eat with your hands, so I'm sticking with them.  And I found the color a little boring, so added some shaved chocolate for looks.  Here's the picture ...

Sit Awhile

Today is the color challenge from SCS (CC372 - Pool Party, More Mustard, Early Espresso) with the Dessert being DP (make you own or use some in your stash).  I decided to make my own DP and used it for the wing chair.  I'm so happy with how this turned out!!  Love my new Hero Arts stamps set!  Hope you like too.

"Sit Awhile"

Stamps:  Wish You Were Here (Hero Arts); Sprinkles (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, More Mustard (SU!)
Ink:  Early Espresso, More Mustard, Baja Breeze (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder (Sizzix), Stamp-a-ma-jig, Early Espresso quilted ribbon, sticky strips, masking tape, adhesives, and dimensionals

I masked the inside of the back of the wing chair to cover up the "tufting" on the stamp ... just thought it was too busy and would clutter the pattern.  Inked the stamp with Early Espresso, removed the mask and stamped onto Whisper White card front.

Stamped the flowers from the Sprinkles stamp set onto my Stamp-a-ma-jig and used it to add flowers to the chair (I tried to create a fairly even pattern ... stamping the whole stamp a couple of times and then inking just one flower to add for filling in blank areas).  I used Stampin' Write markers More Mustard and Baja Breeze to color in the flowers, stems and dots.  I cut the chair out.

I ran a piece of More Mustard cardstock through my Big Shot with the embossing folder and then cut out a long, thin oval by hand.

I dry fit the rug, chair and ribbon onto the card front to determine where I wanted the sentiment to be to balance the card.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again to get the correct positioning and stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink.

I wrapped a piece of quilted Early Espresso ribbon around the top of the card front and tied a knot off to one side (opposite side of the sentiment ... again, for balance).

I mounted the rug onto the card front and then added the chair on top, popping up the chair with dimensionals to add depth.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of More Mustard for stability.

For the inside, I stamped only one flower in the bottom right-hand corner onto Whisper White cardstock and colored it in.  I added a straight piece of quilted ribbon around the top of the inside panel at the same height as the one on the card front (about 3/4" from the top) and then mounted the inside panel to the card base.

Delphiniums and Bamboo

I will be holding a workshop with my Crafty Girls in the next few weeks, to show them how to use blender pens ... even though I'm just a beginner :)  I have already made a few cards with these pens using pinks and oranges, but wanted to have more colors for them to try, so made two more using blues and greens.

I know there are lots of different ways to use blender pens, but I'm fairly new to this product and have only tried two so far.  One technique is marker layering (tutorial on SCS here).  Ink is added to watercolor paper using Stampin' Write markers and then blended with the pens to create layers of shading.  Another I've tried is using ink from the stamp pads and the blender pen to add to watercolor paper ... more subtle look than marker layering.  The first card uses a combination of both of those techniques and I experimented by using Whisper White cardstock instead of watercolor paper.  It turned out great and I will probably experiment with other papers to see how they work.  The watercolor paper is the best, though and I will definitely use it the most often.

"Blue Delphiniums"

Stamps:  Echoes of Kindness, Field Flowers (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Certainly Celery (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn black, Marina Mist, Pacific Point, Certainly Celery, Basic Black (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  blender pen, white gel pen, Stamp-a-ma-jig, post-it note for masking, adhesives, and dimensionals

I stamped a stem of delphiniums in the center of my card front with StazOn black ink.  I stamped the image again onto a post-it note, cut around the outline of the flowers (generally - not to picky) and then used the post-it note to mask my first stamping.  I stamped the image twice more, one on either side of the first stamping.  I removed the post-it note.

I "squished" the Marina Mist stamp pad and then opened it (this leaves some ink on the lid).  I used my blender pen to pick up the ink and color in the flowers.  I did a second coating to intensify the color (deeper color in the middle of the flower and lighter towards the edges).  I alway try to leave a little white space on the flower - it makes it see more realistic.  Next I used my Pacific Point Stampin' Write marker to add color to the centers of the flowers (or base depending on how the flower is facing) and then used the blender pen to blend the color outwards.

I used the Certainly Celery Stampin' Write marker to outline the stems and around the outside of each flower.

I added some white dots in the flower centers using the gel pen.

I stamped the sentiment in Basic Black ink using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for positioning.

I mounted all the layers, popping up the main framed panel with dimensionals.  I also added one stem of delphiniums to the inside of the card, using the same process as above to color in the flowers.

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This card is a CASE of one from shellied at SCS (click here).  I just love the design and layout she used to create a wonderful asian-style card.  I changed only a few small things, but basically this is totally shellied's card.  Hope you like.

"Bamboo For You"

Stamps:  Embrace Life (SU!); For You (Rubber-Art Stamps)
Paper:  River Rock, Early Espresso (SU!); watercolor paper, green mulberry paper ($1 store!)
Ink:  StazOn black, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, River Rock (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  blender pen, Big Shot, Floral Screen embossing folder (Cuttlebug), rubber brayer, medium oval punch, scalloped oval punch, adhesives, and dimensionals

I stamped the image onto watercolor paper using StazOn black ink.  I "squished" my Old Olive ink pad (leaving ink in the lid) and then used the blender pen to pick up the ink and color in the leaves of the bamboo.  I repeated this with the Always Artichoke ink, adding the color mostly at the base of the leaves.  I used the Sahara Sand Stampin' Write marker to outline the stems and leaves.

I used my rubber brayer to add River Rock ink to the inside of my embossing folder, added a piece of River Rock cardstock, and ran it through the Big Shot (faux letterpress technique).  I framed all the pieces for the card with Early Espresso cardstock.

I mounted all the layers as shown in the photo above, popping up the main framed image with dimensionals as well as the sentiment.

For the inside of the card, I added another piece of the green mulberry paper (framed in Early Espresso) to the bottom of the card.

Happy Mother's Day card

I've been away for a few days and am so happy to be back making cards!!  Today's SCS Challenge "Free For All" (F4A113) is "Mix 'n Match" - use at least two different patterned papers.  I struggle a bit with using a lot of pattern, so I have been looking to SCS to provide guidance ... there are so many crafters that are experts at combining different patterns and whose cards I admire.  I've got a long way to go, but I'm happy with my effort today.  I used three different patterns to create a Mother's Day card for my MIL.  I'm sure she will love this card - her favorite color is red, so I used a deep shade today for the roses (bravo burgundy).  Hope you like.

"Happy Mother's Day Dear Marie"

Stamp:  sentiment (unknown)
Paper:  Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla (SU!); Generations DP (Simple Stories)
Ink:  Early Espresso; Bravo Burgundy Stampin' Write marker (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Nestabilities Ovals (Spellbinders), Rolled Roses die-cut (C.C. Designs), Leafy Branch die-cut (C.C. Designs), MS 3-in-1 hydrangea punch, mini half pearls, Stamp-a-ma-jig, glue, mat pat, stylus, glue dots, adhesives, and dimensionals

I started with the background, combining two of the Generations papers, with a 1/8" strip of Bravo Burgundy cardstock to divide them.  I mounted it to the card front.

I ran the oval die-cut through my Big Shot with Bravo Burgundy, creating a thin frame.  I ran the oval through the Big Shot again with the third DP (this is for the sentiment).  Once the oval was cut, I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the sentiment in the middle.  I mounted the frame of Burgundy on top of my oval sentiment.

I ran the leafy branch die-cut through my Big Shot with Always Artichoke cardstock, twice; set aside.  I die-cut the rolled rose from Bravo Burgundy cardstock and took off the outer layer of the scallop (to make the rose small).  I rolled the rose up and used glue to hold it together.  Once dry, I added a half pearl to the center.

I punched a large and small hydrangea layer from Bravo Burgundy cardstock and used my mat pack and stylus to shaped the petals.  I glued the smalled layer on top of the larger and added a mini half pearl to the center.

I punched seven of the small hydrangea layers from Very Vanilla cardstock.  I used the Bravo Burgundy Stampin' Write marker to add some lines to each petal and a dot for the center.  I then used the mat pack and stylus to shape the flower heads.

Next I glued the leaves and flowers onto the oval and then adhered the main panel onto the card front, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

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Here's a few pictures from our trip to Galiano Island.  We had a few 1/2 days of sunshine, but it was mostly overcast while we were there, so the pictures are a bit dark.

I took a picture of the view from our deck (looking across at Mayne Island).  I also have a picture of a ferry passing by the channel marker where the land is a bit higher and the seals beach themselves every day (look closely and you'll see the lazy seals sprawled out around the marker).  We have been vacationing at this "cottage" (it's actually a house) for several years and have been fortunate to see whales heading down the pass several times over the years, but we didn't see them this time :(

Spring Flowers

I'm catching up on some challenges from earlier this week ... so today's card is for this week's Free For All Challenge at SCS (F4A112 - Inchies and Twinchies) and for this week's CAS-ual Friday's (CFC48 - Opposites Attract).

I didn't really know what an inchie was, so looked through the SCS challenge gallery to see.  I thought this stamp from SU! would qualify!  I used two opposite colors from the color wheel (hot pink and soft green).  Quick and easy card made with all SU! products.  Hope you like.

"Spring Flowers"

Stamps:  A Flower for All Seasons, Happy Moments - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery polka-dot DP, watercolor (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn black, Melon Mambo, Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  small artist's paint brushes, corner rounder, adhesives, and dimensionals

I stamped the image in StazOn black ink onto watercolor paper.  I mixed some re-inkers with a little water and used the brushes to watercolor my main image.  I went over some of the softer colors with Stampin' Write markers to intensify the colors.  I mounted the main image onto a thin frame of Melon Mambo cardstock.

I rounded the top right corner of each piece before assembling all the layers (as shown in the picture above), popping up between the layers of white and also the main panel for depth.

Lattice Card

Today I'm trying out a new type of card that was created by Valita (check out her website here).  Valita has amazing creativity and uses punches and dies in new ways to get the most out of her supplies.  She has lots and lots of free videos and instructions on creating flowers, etc. and also has some that you can purchase.  This lattice card is one of her free instructions and I had a lot of fun making it.  In the end, I changed it up from Valita's original, adding a backing piece to the front so that the inside is completely open for writing  - different from Valita's card which was open to the inside.  Now that I've made the card, I would recommend doing a few things differently.  Next time I would stamp the vine background on the card front and then make the lattice a pop-up on top of the card front.  I think this would make a great Mother's Day card.  Hope you like.

"Rose Lattice"

Stamps:  Short and Sweet (sentiment); vine wheel (SU!)
Paper:  Watercolor, Wild Wasabi (SU!); rust mulberry
Ink:  Cajun Craze, Wild Wasabi
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Labels Ten die-cuts (Nestabilities), Little Leaves die-cut (Sizzix), Leafy Branch die-cut (C.C. Designs), Rolled Rose die-cut (C.C. Designs), Boho Blossoms punch (SU!), Mat Pack (SU!), stylus, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Tombow glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

I started by making the roses with Mulberry paper ... it makes a beautiful and delicate flower!  The large one is the Rolled Rose die-cut that I ran through my Big Shot with the Rust Mulberry paper.  I rolled it up, let it unwind a little, and then glued it to the base.  The smaller rose is the smallest bloom on the punch.  I punched it out of the Rust Mulberry paper, made a small cut with my scissors every second scallop, and then rolled it on my mat pack with the stylus, pushing down quite far into the foam (but not hard enough to rip the paper).  I ran the Little Leaves and Leafy Branch die-cuts through the Big Shot with Wild Wasabi paper.  I set everything aside.

For making the lattice card, check out Valita's instruction video here.

I cut a card panel from watercolor paper and ran the vine wheel over top twice with Wild Wasabi ink.  I mounted the vine panel behind the finished lattice, popping it up with dimensionals.

I added the leaves and flowers to the front of the card, mounting them with small dabs of glue.

For the inside of the card, I cut a strip of watercolor paper 5 1/2" x 1 1/2", ran the vine wheel with Wild Wasabi ink over top and then added it to the inside of the card at the bottom.

Poppies in a Stone Vase

Today I had my uncle over for lunch to celebrate his 80th birthday.  Even though it was lunch time, I actually made a full dinner, just had it early in the day so that he could avoid driving home in the dark or in rush hour.  My mom came too and we had a wonderful afternoon.  Happy Belated Birthday G.Roy!!  Love you!

On to the card for today.  I was really happy with my crackled vase that I made a few days ago with the cherry blossoms.  I have been using the ornament punch a lot lately for vases for flowers and wanted to find different ways to finish the vase.  Today's vase uses metallic gold paint and alcohol ink pounced onto card stock.  I haven't done this before, so wasn't sure how it would turn out ... I LOVE IT!!  I didn't have the acrylic finishing spray, so used my Crystal Effects to seal the metallic paint - I just love the finish and it looks like a real glass vase!  I'm on a mission now to come up with new finishes for vases ... and also new vases - hopefully using some of my existing punches and die-cuts with a few alterations.

I also used my Poppy stamp from Stampendous.  I've had this for quite some time, and have played around with it, but was never happy with how it turned out ... until today.  I used the marker layering technique (Stampin' Write markers and blender pen) to color the poppies.  I wanted the poppies and vase to be the focal points of this card, so I didn't add anything else except a sentiment - very CAS.  Hope you like.

"Poppies in a Stone Vase"

Stamps:  Poppy Stems (Stampendous); Thoughts of You (Rubber-Art Stamps)
Paper:  River Rock, watercolor paper, glossy white (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn Black, Pumpkin Pie, Metallic Gold; Stampin' Write markers:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze; Re-inkers:  Cajun Craze, Old Olive
Accessories & Tools:  Blender pen, ornament punch, rubbing alcohol, cotton ball, Crystal Effects, sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sticky strips, glue, removeable tape, and dimensionals

I started by making the vase.  Using glossy white cardstock, I sponged on small bits of Metallic Gold ink.  I wet a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and then added a couple of drops of both Cajun Craze re-inker and Old Olive re-inker to the ball.  I dabbed the wet cotton ball all round the glossy paper, going overtop of the metallic gold ink and then finished by sponging in a circular motion to blend the inks.  Once dry, I punched out the vase and then covered it with Crystal Effects.  I left it to dry overnight.

Using watercolor paper, I stamped the poppy stems with StazOn black ink, twice (once for the front of the card and then used just one poppy for the inside of the card).  I used the Stampin' Write markers and blender pen to color in the poppies and stems (marker layering technique - check out tutorial on SCS here). 

I cut out the poppies and then moved them around until I was happy with how they looked together as a bouquet.  I used a small piece of removeable tape to secure them together at the bottom of the stems.  I find this is easiest to have them bound together so that I can try the poppies and vase on different cardstock colors and different layouts until I decided how I'm going to finish the card.  In the end, I decided to go with a simple, CAS card to highlight the pretty poppies and stone vase.

Once I knew where I wanted to place the poppies and vase on the card front, I moved them aside and added the sentiment using the Stamp-a-ma-jig and black ink.  I then secured the poppies to the card front, just tacking them with a small piece of sticky strip near the bottom of the stems (below where the top of the vase would be).  I added the stone vase on top, popping it up with dimensionals.

Flower Box Window

Today is the Color Challenge from SCS (CC370 - Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight) ... with the dessert being spring flowers.

I used my new Shutter die-cut from Poppy Stamps today.  I've had it about a week, but just found time today to play with it ... thought it would add some interest to my window card.

Also, had a request to include the inside panel of my card, so I'm including a small picture of the flower "spray" I added to the bottom right-hand corner of my inside panel.  Hopefully next time I'll remember to take a picture of the inside before mounting it to the card base :)  Hope you like.

"Flower Box Window"

and here's the small die-cuts that I added to the inside ...

Stamps:  none
Paper:  Natural White, Soft Suede, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive striped DP(SU!)
Ink:  Soft Suede (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Die-cuts:  Small Madison Window, Small Madison Window Shutter, Small Flower Box, Wildflower Patch (Poppy Stamps), Leafy Branch die-cut (C.C. Designs), Brick embossing folder (Tim Holtz), Itty Bitty flower punch, rubber brayer, mat pack, stylus, mini mister, mini half-pearls, Tombow glue, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I started by cutting out my dies using my Big Shot.  The window and flower box are cut from Natural White cardstock.  I used my Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker to draw in the crease lines on the window and box; and also sponged a little Soft Suede ink around the edges of both ... to add some character.  I cut out two of the Wildflower Patch ... one in Old Olive and one in Tangerine Tango ... and of course, two Soft Suede shutters.  I cut out six branches from Old Olive and punched five Daffodil Delight flower heads with the Itty Bitty Flower punch - I set everything aside.

With the rubber brayer, I added Soft Suede ink to the inside of my embossing folder, added the Natural White cardstock and ran it through my Big Shot (faux letterpress technique).  I mounted the embossed brick card front onto a card base of Soft Suede cardstock.

I mounted the striped Old Olive DP in behind the window die, popping up the window with dimensionals ... I'm hoping this looks like wallpaper :)  I mounted the window onto the card front with sticky strips.

Next I added some dimension to my flowers by misting the paper with a little water and then using my stylus and mat pack to push on the centers of the flowers - both orange and yellow (watched a video tutorial of this technique by Pam Sparks - Expressions with Heart --- thanks Pam!!).  I cut the Tangerine Tango heads off the stems and glued them onto the green stems.  I cut off some of the lower stems of the Leafy Branch to make it smaller and added three along the bottom of the window.  I mounted the Tangerine Tango flowers and the Daffodil Delight flower heads (with mini half pearl centers) on top of the branches.

I glued a few small stems of leaves to the front of the window box and then mounted it under the window, just covering the bottom of the flowers ... the box is popped up at the top with dimensionals, but glued flush at the bottom.

I added the shutters by glueing the edges near the window flush to the card front, and popping up the outer edges with dimensionals.

I thought about adding a sentiment, but didn't want to take away from the focal point of the flowers.

Happy Sunflower For You

Today is the CAS Challenge at SCS (CAS165 - Scallops).  I used a free digital stamp from Melonheadz after seeing Karen Dunbrook's blog ... thanks Karen!!

This happy sunflower is so sweet!  I paper-pieced him (yes, I've decided it is a "he"), and used the paper tole technique to give him layers.  On the second layer of the petals, I used my mat pack and stylus to gently push around the edges of the center so that the petal tips bent forwards.  I love how the sunflower turned out ... he has to much dimension.  Unfortunately, that's hard to capture in a photo - so it's definitely better in real life.   I also added a scalloped layer to the rim of the pot, a twine bow and a tag.  Hope you like.

"Happy Sunflower For You"

Stamps:  Happy Flower (Melonheadz Digital Stamps); Happy Moments - sentiment (SU!)

Paper:  Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie DP (SU!); Yellow gingham (unknown)

Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Basic Black

Accessories & Tools: Big Shot,  Large Scallop Circle die-cut (Sizzix), Circle die-cut (Spellbinders),Scallop shaped scissors,  Lemondrop Twine (the Twinery), hole punch, white gel pen, Tombow glue, sticky strips, adhesives, and glue dots

I printed off the image from Melonheadz Blog onto Whisper White cardstock.  I ran it through my Big Shot with the Circle die-cut.  I sponged Daffodil Delight ink around the edges before removing the die-cut ... this leaves a thin border of the original color (Whisper White).

I printed the image twice more, this time attaching pieces of  DP and colored cardstock with tape to printer paper before running it through the printer.  I cut the colored and patterned pieces out (two of each).

I glued one set the pieces onto the main image on the Whisper White cardstock.  With the second flower head, I used my mat pack and stylus to gently push around the edges of the center of the flower until the petals bent forward.  I added three evenly spaced rolled glue dots to the back of the flower head, at the base of the petals ... and added more glue to the center of the flower and mounted it on top of the main image.

I glued the orange center onto the middle of the flower and then added another layer of the orange center, popping it up with rolled glue dots.

I added the second set of leaves to the main image (not the stem), adding a rolled glue dot at the tip of each leaf and a dab of glue at the base.

For the pot, I used my shaped scissors to add a scallop at the bottom of the rim and then outlined it with my black marker.  I wrapped twine around the rim and tied a small bow, securing it with a dab of glue.

I stamped the sentiment in Basic Black ink onto the yellow gingham DP and then cut it out in a "tag" shape, adding a hole punch to the top.  I secured it to the rim of the pot, just under the twine, popping it up with a rolled glue dot to add dimension.

Finally, using a gel pen, I added a white dot in the center of each scallop.

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Quick note:  I was contacted by Lura at Poppy Stamps (an offshoot from Memory Box).  She mentioned that some of the die-cuts that I listed as Memory Box, were actually Poppy Stamps dies.  Just wanted you to know in case you have had trouble finding the die cuts I have listed in my "recipes", that may be the problem.  When I bought them, they were all listed under "Memory Box" from Simon Says - so I thought they were all the same.  Now I know why some of the die cuts came in blue envelopes and some came in green :)

  

Cherry Blossoms Thank You

Happy Easter everyone!

OK, so I just had to make another card for Friday's "Free For All" Challenge (F4A111 - Celebrate the Dragon - make an asian-themed card).  I just loved making the cherry blossoms card yesterday using the marker layering technique, so I made some more and just changed up the layout.  Hope you like this CAS card ...

"Cherry Blossoms Thank You"

Stamps:  Embrace Life, Short & Sweet (SU!)
Paper:  Watercolor paper, Soft Suede striped DP (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn black, Soft Suede, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Sahara Sand (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Nestabilities Square die-cuts, blender pen, sponge, white gel pen, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I stamped the cherry blossom branch three times in StazOn black ink onto watercolor paper.  I used the marker layering technique to add the Regal Rose and Rose Red inks to the blossoms, using the blender pen.  I went over the stems with Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker and then used my Sahara Sand marker to add a shadow all around the stems and blossoms.  I added dots of white gel pen to the blossoms.

I ran the images through my Big Shot with a 1 1/2" square die-cut.  Leaving the cut-out in the die, I sponged Soft Suede ink around the edges (this leaves the very outside edges the original color to create a frame).

I mounted a 1 1/4" strip of Soft Suede Striped DP onto my watercolor paper card front.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, and stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede ink.  I took the Sahara Sand marker and went over the sentiment to create a shadow so it matched the cherry blossoms.

I mounted the three panels onto the strip, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.  I mounted the card front onto a card base of Soft Suede.

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Using the digital image I purchased from Whimsie Doodles a couple of days ago, I made bag toppers for treat bags.  The bag in the middle is for my grand-doggie Penny ... doggie cookies shaped like ducks - they are so adorable!

Oh, and here's the latest picture of Penny ... sorry for the poor quality, my son used his phone camera.  She's got it pretty soft!  :)

Cherry Blossoms for you ...

Today I made a second card for yesterday's "Free For All" Challenge (F4A111 - Celebrate the Dragon - make an asian-themed card).  I was inspired by this card from the challenge gallery, posted yesterday by Lois (Clownmom on SCS).  I used the Marker Layering technique for the cherry blossoms.  Hope you like this CAS card.

"Cherry Blossoms for You" 

Stamps:  Embrace Life (SU!), For You (Rubber-Art Stamps)
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Basic Black, watercolor paper (SU!)
Ink:  Soft Suede, Always Artichoke, StazOn black, Regal Rose, Rose Red (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big shot, Ornament punch, Crackle embossing paste (Dreamweaver), palette knife, Grove branch die-cut (Memory Box), blender pen, Tombow glue, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sponge, glue dots, and dimensionals

I started by making the "vase" last night.  I punched out the ornament from Basic Black cardstock and trimmed off the bottom to make a vase shape.  I spread an even layer of crackle embossing paste on top using the palette knife ... or as even as I could get :)  I let it dry overnight - it probably only takes a couple of hours to set, but it was late so I decided to finish the card today.

Once the vase was dry, I sponged Soft Sued ink over top, adding more to the outer edges to darken them (I got a little carried away and got it too dark so I tried to remove some of the ink with the blender pen ... I guess the paste doesn't like whatever is in the blender pen, because it went a little white (right hand side of the vase).  Anyways, it just gives it more character, right??!! :)

I stamped a vine onto the vase with Always Artichoke ink (sorry, don't know the name of the stamp).  I went over the stamping with my Always Artichoke Stampin' Write marker to darken it.

I ran the branch die-cut through my Big Shot with Soft Suede cardstock, and then sponged more Soft Suede ink on top to darken the branch a little.  I trimmed the ends of the branch so that it was proportional to the vase and then glued the base of the branch to the front of my Sahara Sand card base.

I used the Cherry Blossoms from embrace life and stamped them in StazOn black onto watercolor paper.  Used the marker layering technique (click to see tutorial here) to color the blossoms in Regal Rose and Rose Red.  I cut out the blossoms.

I used rolled glue dots to attached the blossoms to the branch which gives them dimension.

I added the vase at the base of the branch, popping it up with dimensionals to add more depth.

Asian-themed and Easter-themed cards

Today I made two cards for two different challenges and they couldn't be more different ...

The first one is for CAS-ual Friday's Challenge (CFC47 - "Let the Hunt Begin" - something you'd find in an Easter Basket).  I used a digital stamp from Whimsie Doodles for the card below and had a lot of fun paper piecing the "peeps".  Hope you like.

"Hangin' with my peeps"

Stamps:  "Hangin with my peeps" (Whimsie Doodles Digital Stamps)
Paper:  Bashful Blue, Whisper White (SU!);  assorted pastel patterned paper ($1 Store)
Ink:  Pink Pirouette Stampin' Write marker (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Tombow glue, 1/8" Certainly Celery Tafetta ribbon, 1/8" Baja Breeze Tafetta ribbon, glue dot, sticky strips, and adhesives

I printed the digital stamp onto Whisper White cardstock.  I ran it through again, printing four copies onto copy paper.  I then taped pieces of different colored patterned paper over each image and ran it through the printer again.

I cut out the chicks and glued them onto the Whisper White card front.  I used the Pink Piroutte Stampin' Write marker to color in the hearts in the sentiment.

I wrapped the two thin ribbons around the top of the card front and secured them at the back.  I took a small piece of each ribbon and tied them together around the bands of ribbon that I had added to the card front; tying a half knot.  I added a glue dot under the knot to hold it in place.

I mounted the card front onto the card base of Bashful Blue cardstock.

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For the second card, I made an asian-themed card for today's "Free For All" Challenge at SCS (F4A111 - Celebrate the Dragon).  I used a retired stamp set from Stampin' Up! (sorry don't know the name), lent to me by my friend Frances.  Hope you like.

"Symbol of Love"

Stamps:  Name unknown (SU!)
Paper:  Basic Black, Gold, Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler (SU!)
Ink:  Soft Suede, Basic Black (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder (Sizzix), Foral Screen embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Nestabilities Circles die-cuts, rubber brayer, adhesives, sticky strips, glue, and dimensionals

I used the rubber brayer to add Soft Suede ink to the inside of the Floral Screen embossing folder, added a piece of Soft Suede cardstock and ran it through the Big Shot ... this is called faux letterpress technique.  I cut out the embossed cardstock with my Nestabilities circle die-cut.  I also cut out a circle frame from Basic Black cardstock.

I ran the gold cardstock through my Big Shot with the Square Lattice embossing folder, then trimmed it to size.  I cut two 1/8" strips of black cardstock and glued them on top of the gold embossed cardstock, trimming off any excess.  I cut two more 1/8" strips of black cardstock and glued them to the front of the embossed circle, trimming off any excess.  I mounted the black circle frame on top of the embossed circle.

I mounted the gold embossed cardstock to the Basic Black card base.  I mounted the framed circle to the card front, popping it up with dimensionals.

I stamped the Japanese symbol for Love in Basic Black ink onto Cherry Cobbler cardstock and trimmed to small square.  I mounted the symbol onto a thin frame of gold cardstock and then added to the card front, popping it up with dimensionals.

Daisies with Love

Today is the SCS "Ways To Use It" Challenge (WT369 - Crazy for Coloring).  I colored my daisies with stamp pads and a blender pen ... such an easy way to "watercolor"!  I am organizing a workshop to show this technique to my Crafty Girls, so will be making more cards using this technique over the next while.  Hope you like.

"Daisies with Love"

Stamps:  Daisy Thanks (Stampendous); Field Flowers - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Daffodil Delight, Old Olive polka-dot DP, watercolor paper (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn black, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  blender pen, Stamp-a-ma-jig, yellow double-stitched 3/8" ribbon (Michael's), adhesives, sticky strips, glue dot, and dimensionals

I stamped the daisies in StazOn black ink onto watercolor paper.  I swiped my blender pen across the Pumpkin Pie stamp pad and colored onto the petals of the daisies, making sure to leave a little white space on the petals (tip from my son the artist ... always leave a little white!).  Once dry, I went over it a second time with Pumpkin Pie ink to intensify the color.  Then I added Tangerine Tango with the blender pen to the centers of the petals.  I colored the center of the daisies the same way, first coloring with Daffodil Delight (twice) and then adding More Mustard to the darker areas.  Lastly I colored the stems with the blender pen and Old Olive ink.

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, and stamped the sentiment in Basic Black ink in the bottom left corner.  I mounted the finished main panel on to a very thin frame of Daffodil Delight cardstock.

I mounted the Old Olive polka-dot background onto a card front of Daffodil Delight, again leaving a very thin frame (1/16" all the way around).  I wrapped the ribbon around and tied a knot, securing the ribbon to the back of the card front and adding a glue dot under the knot to hold it in place.  I used sticky strips to adhere the card front onto a card base of Daffodil Delight, sandwiching the ribbon in-between the layers for a more finished look.

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

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Yesterday was Gord's birthday.  Here's a picture of him blowing out the candles on his cake.  Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!

This Old House ...

OK, so I've "borrowed" the title from a show that my hubby used to watch :)  But it definitely fits the card!

I had a lot of fun making this card ... it reminds me of my friend Liz's house in New Westminster.  I used the Belleek Pottery technique (a version of faux letterpress) for the "wallpaper" on the upper half of the card.  I made a simple scene out the window by sponging a little blue for the sky and then using one of my new favorite stamps (Kittie Kit's leaf sprig) for adding bushes and tree branches.

To add some color and fun to the card, I made a vase of flowers using a small circle punch for the vase (cutting of a small bit from the top and bottom), and adding a little sprig of leaves and three Itty Bitty flowers with half-pearl centers.  Hope you like.

"This Old House"

Stamp:  Kittie Kits Cause a Scene - Master #1 (Rubbernecker)
Paper:  River Rock, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink, River Rock striped DP (SU!)
Ink:  Barely Banana, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Regal Rose, River Rock (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Small Window die (Poppy Stamps), Textile Embossing folder (Cuttlebug), rubber brayer, 3/4" circle punch, Itty Bitty flower punch, Leafy Branch die (C.C. Designs), mini half pearls, mat pack, stylus, sponges, adhesives, glue, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I ran the small window die through my Big Shot with River Rock cardstock.  I used the River Rock Stampin' Write marker to darken the horizontal lines on the window to give it more character and also sponged River Rock ink around the outside edges to give it an aged look.

I cut a small piece of Whisper White cardstock to fit the window and then sponged the top with Baja Breeze ink and added leaf sprigs all along the bottom and a partial branch near the top, using Old Olive ink and first and second generation stamping.  I mounted the scene behind the window.

I inked the embossing folder with Barely Banana ink using my rubber brayer, added Whisper White cardstock and then ran it through my Big Shot.  I just love the look of the Belleek Pottery technique!!!

I mounted a piece of embossed cardstock to the top portion of my River Rock card base.  Added the River Rock striped DP to the bottom and then a thin strip of River Rock cardstock between the two to represent a chair rail (I sponged the chair rail with River Rock ink to give it an aged look).  I mounted the window to the card base, popping it up with dimensionals.

I made the vase of flowers by punching a small circle from Early Espresso cardstock and trimming off a small portion at the top and bottom.  I ran a scrap of Wild Wasabi cardstock through my Big Shot with the Leafy Branch die  and mounted it to the back of the "vase" with glue.  I punched out three Itty Bitty flowers from Pretty in Pink cardstock, sponged Regal Rose ink around the outer edges and used my mat pack and stylus to form into flower shapes.  I glued the flowers on to of the branch, adding a half-pearl to the center of each.  I mounted the vase of flowers onto the window sill, popping it up with dimensionals.

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I wanted to mention that I've added a search feature to the blog using labels.  You will see the labels listed on the right hand side at the bottom.  I know the list is HUGE and maybe seems a bit daunting, but I have a method to my madness :)

• You can search by stamp manufacturer (e.g. Hero Arts, Stampendous, etc.) - the SU! stamps are listed separately by stamp set at the top of the list (alphabetically)!
• You can also search by technique (e.g. paper tole, paper piecing, etc.).
• And I have added in a few other labels (CAS, baby, Christmas, etc.).

I hope you'll find this search feature useful!

Oh Happy Day!

OK, I got a little carried away with the color challenge from SCS for today.  I already posted my card "Flower for a Friend" ... and then wanted to try a totally different type of card using my Kittie Kits - Cause a Scene stamps.  I had so much fun making this!!  I love these stamps - they are so versatile and can be used on so many projects.  I have used the leaf sprig A LOT since I got the set ... that was the stamp I used on my four Spring Flower Boxes.  It's used again for the leaf branches on the tree of the card below.

Again, the colors for today are Peach Parfait, Lucky Limeade and Pool Party ... or you can substitute the closest colors you have - which I did with Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Baja Breeze (all SU! ink colors).

I'm also entering this for last week's CAS-ual Friday's CFC46 challenge - Name that tune (be inspired by a song title or lyrics).  Hope you like.

"Oh Happy Day"

Stamps:  Kittie Kits - Cause a Scene - Master #1 (Rubbernecker); Thanks a bunch - sentiment (Stampendous)
Paper:  Whisper White (SU!)
Ink:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  post-it note for masking, sponges, and adhesives

I masked the bottom 1 1/2" and masked the top 1 1/4" of my Whisper White card front, using post-it notes.  I stamped the tree trunk first in Soft Suede ink and then cut out a mask for the tree before sponging Old Olive at the bottom and Baja Breeze at the top.

I removed the mask on the tree trunk and used my Crumb Cake Stampin' Write marker to fill in the trunk.  I also added a few little "branches" with the Soft Suede marker in the tree top area.

Using the leaf sprig stamp, I inked it with Old Olive and stamped several times to fill in the tree top area ... using first, second and third generation stamping.

I inked the grass stamp with Old Olive and stamped around the base of the tree.  I stamped the flower patch with Old Olive and added Pumpkin Pie for the blossoms.  I stamped more of the Old Olive grass around the base of the flower patch.

I removed the masks and then added a few more leaf sprigs at the top of the tree so that they went beyond the top of the masked area.

I stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede ink and then mounted the card front onto a card base of Old Olive cardstock (for thickness and stability).

Flower for a Friend

Today has been a day for grocery shopping.  Out to White Rock to pick up shrimp, fresh veggies and bread from the bakery ... then on to the grocery store to pick up the rest of the items I'll need for tomorrow's family dinner.  We're getting together tomorrow night to celebrate my hubby's birthday.  The kids are coming over (along with grand-doggie, Penny).  And the special guest for the dinner is Gord's Mom ... I'm so glad that she's able to join us for the fun!

I still managed to find time to play in my studio and make a card for today's color challenge at SCS (CC369 - Peach Parfait, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party) ... along with neutral of choice (white, vanilla or brown) and the dessert is border punches or border dies.  I don't have any of the main colors in cardstock or ink, so I used some DP that has the green and blue ... along with sponging some white cardstock with my Pumpkin Pie ink which is fairly close to the Peach Parfait color.  Hope you like.

"Flower for a Friend"

Stamp:  Just Believe - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Everyday Enchantment DP (SU!)
Ink:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, 5-Petal flower punch, bone folder, Leaves die-cut (C.C. Designs), Adorning Accents Edgelits (Sizzix), Itty Bitty flower punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, white gel pen, mat pack, stylus, small sponge, adhesives, glue, and dimensionals

I started by cutting two pieces of scalloped border using the edgelits and running it through my Big Shot with Baja Breeze cardstock.  I cut them to size and mounted them on the edges of a strip cut from the Everyday Enchantment DP.  I used a white gel pen to add dots in each of the scallops.  I mounted the strip near the bottom of the Whisper White card front.

I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement and stamped the sentiment in Old Olive ink at the bottom right of my card front.

I sponged a small scrap of Whisper White cardstock with Pumpkin Pie ink.  I punched out two 5-Petal flowers and used a small sponge to add more Pumpkin Pie ink around the edges of each petal.  I used my bone folder to curl the ends of the petals to the back to give them dimension.  I also placed each flower in the middle of my mat pack and used a stylus to push down gentle on the centers of the flowers, adding even more dimension.  I punched a small flower from the Itty Bitty punch in Whisper White cardstock and also used the mat pack and stylus to push in the center to give dimension.  I adhered the two 5-Petal flowers together, offsetting them and then added the itty bitty flower to the center with a dot of glue.

I ran Old Olive cardstock through my Big Shot with the Leaves die-cut.  I mounted three of the leaf sprigs together (forming a triangle shape) and then add the flower to the center, popping it up with dimensionals.  I mounted the leaf and flower to the card front and then mounted the whole thing onto a card base of Old Olive (to add extra thickness and stability).

Spotlighted Rose and Just Because for Sylvia

Here's my card for today's Clean and Simple Challenge (CAS164 - Spotlighting).  It's my first time trying this technique.  I wanted to use a black, white and red theme ... and I thought my Elements of Style stamp set would work really well for this technique.  This is made with all SU! products - hope you like.

"Spotlighted Rose"

Stamps:  Elements of Style, Short & Sweet - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Basic Black, watercolor paper (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn black, Real Red; Re-inkers:  Real Red, Old Olive
Accessories & Tools:  Small artist's brush, Circle punch, square punch, mini black brad, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I stamped the rose branch in StazOn black onto two pieces of watercolor paper.  One was mounted onto the card base of Basic Black, and the other I watercolored using re-inkers diluted with a little water and my small brush.

I punched out the circle from the watercolored rose branch and mounted it on top of my card front, lining up the image, and popping it up to add depth.

I stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink onto watercolor paper.  I used the square punch and punched the end of the strip on the diagonal to created the "V" for the banner.  I repeated this with the Basic Black frame for the banner and then mounted the sentiment on top.  I punched a hole and added a mini black brad to the sentiment, then mounted it to the card front, popping it up with dimensionals.

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Last week was busy and I'm a little behind, so today I'm posting my card to honor Sylvia (sillyfilly on SCS) for her reign as "Queen for the Day" last week.  Congrats Sylvia!!  She has a gallery full of beautiful cards and she is always so supportive with her comments to others ... this is a well deserved honor!!

I chose this card of Sylvia's to CASE in her honor.  I only changed up the colors and the main image ... leaving the overall design and layout the same.  Hope you like.

"Just Because for Sylvia"

Stamps:  Silhouette Spray (Hero Arts), Vintage Labels (SU!)
Paper:  Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, Sahara Sand striped DP (SU!)
Ink:  Early Espresso (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Soft Suede seam binding, antique brad, hole punch, adhesives, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I stamped the Silhouette Spray in Early Espresso ink onto Sahara Sand cardstock.  I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso as well.  I cut the image to size and mounted it on a thin frame of Early Espresso cardstock.

On the card front of Early Espresso, I mounted the striped Sahara Sand DP to the bottom, punched a hole on the right hand side for the brad at the top of the DP,  and wrapped the seam binding around and secured it at the back with sticky strips.  I added the brad over the ribbon and threaded it through the hole.

I mounted the card front onto the card base of Early Espresso so that the ribbon would be secured between the two layers.

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

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Finally, I'm posting a picture of the cards made at a workshop I held yesterday.  Everyone had a good time and left with four lovely cards each.  Thanks to Aileen, Stephanie, Sally and Fran for joining me in the studio yesterday!!  And thank you girls for the wonderful treats you brought for us to enjoy - you are so sweet!!