Urban Garden Fern

Today's challenge from SCS is "Ways To Use It" - WT377 - Let's get Negative! ... use a negative die-cut.  I choose this beautiful fern die-cut from Cheery Lynn.  I just love this die-cut - so pretty ... and I used up some old designer paper from a few years back - Urban Garden ... featuring the color Kiwi Kiss (I really miss Kiwi Kiss!).  Unfortunately, the beautiful design of the paper doesn't really show through in the photo below ... it's better in real life.  Hope you like this quick and easy CAS card.

"Urban Garden Fern"

Stamp:  A Word for You (SU!)
Paper:  White cardstock (C.C. Designs); Urban Garden DP (SU!)
Ink:  Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Fern die-cut (Cheery Lynn), adhesives, and dimensionals

Pretty straight-forward ... I just assembled the pieces as shown in the photo above, popping up the fern die-cut.  The sentiment is double-stamped (sorry, hard to tell in the photo) - with Kiwi Kiss and Basic Black - gives a shadow effect, which I love.

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Another quick project.  I found a video tutorial on youtube on how to make pansies from the butterfly punch ... it's actually a couple of years old - I am waaayyy behind!  I've looked at a lot of videos on making pansies, but I think this is my favorite so far.  Thanks to Darlene Plotinksi (itsaninkinstampede.wordpress.com) for her wonderful tutorial.

Here's my pansy:

Relaxin' on the Beach

Today I wanted to make a card for the challenge at Simplicity - One Layer Wednesday Challenge #90 - Dudes Rule (make a one layer masculine card).  One layer cards are definitely a challenge for me ... but I think I'm getting the hang of it.  I have learned so much recently from participating in the Featured Stamper Challenge at SCS ... two of the recent featured stampers are experts at one layer cards (Heather Telford, Susan Bridgman).  I have learned a lot from looking through their galleries on SCS.

I also wanted to participate in the Color Throwdown Challenge (CTD194 - crumb cake, poppy parade, very vanilla and soft sky - or colors as close as possible).  This is only my second time entering this challenge - last week I made a very involved (for me) card with lots of layers and die-cuts.  This time, I'm entering the same one layer card as above - and it is the opposite from my entry last week.  :)

Hope you like.

"Relaxin' on the Beach"

Stamps:  Umbrella Beach, Feel the Sand (Stampendous)
Paper:  Watercolor
Ink:  Stazon Black, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Baja Breeze (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Blender pen, Stamp-a-ma-jig, post-it notes for masking, sponge

I stamped the image in Stazon Black and then colored in the scene with my Stampin' Write markers and a blender pen.  I masked around the outline and then sponged Baja Breeze for the sky.

I stamped the sentiment using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for positioning.

Pink Blossom Birthday

Today's Color Challenge from SCS (CC377) is Soft Suede, Certainly Celery and Blushing Bride ... or similar colors (med brown, soft green, soft pink).  A great color combo!!  I whipped up this card in no time - thanks to a fun punch and die-cut ... and a little flower that I used for the center of the blossom that I picked up from my local Dollar Store.  Hope you like.

"Pink Blossom Birthday"

Stamp:  Happiest Birthday Wishes (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Pink Pirouette polka-dot DP, Certainly Celery polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  Soft Suede (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, 5 Petal Flower punch, Little Leaves die-cut (Sizzix), bone folder, flower from $1 store, glue, and adhesives

Punched out two 5-Petal Flowers (one from plain Pink Pirouette, one from the polka-dot Pink Pirouette).  Used my bone folder to curl up the petal ends and then adhered the two layers together.  Add a flower from the $1 store for the middle of the flower.

Stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede ink onto Whisper White card front.  Layered the rest of the pieces as per photo shown above, adding a same size bottom layer of Certainly Celery polka-dot and Pink Pirouette to the inside Whisper White panel.

Easy and fun card to make ... just love these soft colors together!

Love is in Bloom

Today's CAS Challenge from SCS (CAS172) is a theme challenge - LOVE.  Everyone is welcome to join in the fun of the challenge, so come play along with us!

I have a few Fiskars stamp sets that I bought from one of my local Dollar Stores ... they were $3 each and have at least a dozen clear stamps in each set - what a bargain!!  Anyways, there is one set called "Love Bug" and I wanted to use the lettering from that set for my sentiment / main focal point.  I paper pieced the LOVE word in Melon Mambo polka-dot DP --- love it!!  It needed something more, so I pulled out a set from SU! from a couple of years back called Valentine Defined.  I just love the heart stems from this set and thought they would make a perfect backdrop for my sentiment.  Hope you like.

"Love is in Bloom"

Stamps:  Love Bug (Fiskars); Valentine Defined (SU!)
Paper:  White cardstock (C.C. Designs)
Ink:  Basic Black; Stampin' Write markers: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  glue, and dimensionals

Colored the heart stems with Stampin' Write markers and stamped twice onto my white card front.  Stamped the sentiment onto Melon Mambo polka-dot DP and cut it out.  Stamped it a second time onto white cardstock, cut out the center heart and glued it on top of the polka-dot DP.  Placed the sentiment overtop of the ends of the stems, popping it up with dimensionals.  Added one set of heart stems to the inside.  Easy and fun card to make!

Honoring Susan

Susan Bridgman is the Featured Stamper this week on SCS.  She has an amazing gallery full of beautiful cards ... many CAS, which I LOVE!  I have CASE'd (copy and share everything) two of Susan's wonderful cards for today.  Thanks Susan for all the inspiration.  Thank you also for all your wonderful comments and support - it is truly appreciated.

Click here to see Susan's card I used for inspiration.

"Cherry Blossoms for Susan"

Stamps:  Embrace Life (SU!); sentiment (unknown)
Paper:  White cardstock (C.C. Designs); watercolor paper
Ink:  Soft Suede, StazOn Black, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Sahara Sand (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Clear Acrylic Block, water mister, blender pen, and glue dots

I inked a small, clear acrylic block with Soft Suede ink, misted it with water and stamped onto the card front (color blocking).

I stamped the cherry blossoms in StazOn black onto watercolor paper and used the marker layering technique to color in the blossoms.  I cut them out.

I mounted the cherry blossoms over the color block, using rolled glue dots to add a small bit of dimension.

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Not only does Susan make amazing CAS cards, but she also makes several that are one layer cards.  I admire that!  I have a difficult time keeping my cards to one layer and I am learning so much looking through Susan's gallery on SCS.

Click here to see Susan's second card that I used for inspiration - I changed it to a spring card and also flipped it.   I just loved Susan's doodled border and tried to replicate ... I definitely need more practise! :)

"Just For You, Susan"

Stamps:  Bordering on Romance, Precious Butterflies (SU!)

Paper:  Watercolor

Ink:  StazOn black, Cameo Coral, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Marina Mist, So Saffron (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  pencil, eraser, blender pen, post-it note for masking, sponge

I used a pencil to mark a light rectangle 3/4" in from all four edges of the card front.  I stamped my flowers in StazOn Black ink, making sure part of the image is outside the pencil border.  I colored in the flowers using the marker layering technique.

I stamped my sentiment and then used my Black Stampin' Write marker to doodle two lines around the border, using the pencil marks as guidelines.  I left it to dry and then erased the pencil marks.

I placed a post-it note mask in the center and sponged So Saffron around the outside edges, making it darker at the edge and lighter as it reaches the doodled border.

Falling Leaves For You

Today's card is for CAS-ual Fridays' Challenge (CFC54 - masculine card using designer paper) and Simon Say's CAS Challenge - Father's Day / Special Male Friend card.  I used my new Comfort Cafe DP from SU! for this card ... along with two oak leaves done with the watercolor spritz technique.  Hope you like.

"Falling Leaves For You"

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Vintage Labels (SU!)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Comfort Cafe DP, watercolor paper (SU!)
Ink:  Stampin' Write markers:  Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, River Rock (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Tiny Mosiac embossing folder (Cuttlebug), water mister, sponge, Stamp-a-ma-jig, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I colored the inside stamp randomly with Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze and River Rock markers.  I misted the stamp three or four times with water and stamped onto watercolor paper.  Once dry, I stamped the outline stamp with Chocolate Chip ink, using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for lining up the images.  I cut the leaves out and sponged Chocolate Chip ink around the edges.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the photo above, popping up the top leaf with dimensionals to add depth.  The sentiment was stamped in Chocolate Chip ink, using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.

For inside the card, I framed a 1 1/2" strip of the DP with Chocolate Chip cardstock and attached it to the bottom of the Very Vanilla inside panel.

Two Birgittas

OK, so I stumbled across Pam Spark's blog (Expressions with Heart), several months ago.  I am in awe of her talent.  She is amazing at putting together fabulous elements and creating a piece-of-art-in-a-card.  Please take a few minutes to check out her website ... you'll be glad you did.  Pam is a designer for All That Scraps, and I just received my latest order yesterday ... I purchased figure stamps.  I never thought I would ever try these, but Pam's creations are so wonderful and she freely shares her tips and tricks, so I made the plunge.  I actually bought four figures all together and today I'm posting two cards I made with "Cute Birgitta" ... she's an adorable member of the Swiss Pixies.  I also purchased a few Promarkers and this is my first attempt at coloring faces - so please don't look to closely :)

The first card is done with layers of designer paper, some die-cuts and embellishments (Birgitta's jumper is paper-pieced).  I used Pam's cards for inspiration ... this is really out of my comfort zone, but I had fun ... although I spent HOURS making this card.  I'm happy with how it turned out ... and it is for the Color Throwdown Challenge (CTD193 - Marvelous Magenta, Garden Green, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie).  I had to sub for the Marvelous Magenta (Rich Razzleberry), and for Summer Sun (Daffodil Delight).  Hope you like.

"Birgitta Says Hello"

Stamps:  Cute Birgitta, Spring Bench (C.C. Designs); Friendly Flowers - sentiment (Fiskars)

Paper:  Ruby Red, Watercolor, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Garden Green, Rich Razzleberry DP, Very Vanilla (SU); Indie Chic "Ginger" (My Mind's Eye)

Ink:  Basic Black, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Garden Green, So Saffron, More Mustard, Rich Razzleberry, Baja Breeze (SU!); Ivory and Vanilla Promarkers (Letraset)

Accessories & Tools:  Aqua Painter, Blender Pen, clear embossing powder, heat tool, Nesties Squares (Spellbinders), Grass die-cut (C.C. Designs), Flower Border die-cut (C.C. Designs), mini Ruby Red brad, sponges, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

Here's a close-up of Birgitta:

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The second card for today uses the same images but is Clean and Simple (CAS) ... and definitely more in my comfort zone.  It's for SCS Free For All Challenge (F4A118 - Feeling hot, hot, hot - use hot pink on your card).  I also used the sketch Challenge from Clean & Simple (FTL192).  Hope you like.

Here's the sketch for today:

"Thinking of You Birgitta"

Stamps:  Cute Birgitta, Spring Bench (C.C. Designs); Wish you were here (Hero Arts)

Paper:  White Cardstock (All That Scraps), Watercolor paper, Melon Mambo polka-dot DP

Ink:  Basic Black, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, So Saffron, Cameo Coral, More Mustard (SU!); Ivory and Vanilla Promarkers (Letraset)

Accessories & Tools:  Aqua Painter, Blender pen, white gel pen, black sharpie, sponges, clear embossing powder, heat tool, pink twine (The Twinery), glue dots, sticky strips, glue, and dimensionals

Both cards were done very similarly.  I stamped the image onto watercolor paper and embossed in clear.  I colored the face, hand and legs with the Promarkers.  I used Stampin' Write markers to color the rest of the image, blending the ink with the blender pen.  I sponged Cameo Coral on the cheeks of the second Birgitta and blended with the promarkers (the first Birgitta, I used a Promarker for the cheeks and had trouble blending it).  Birgitta's jumper and top are paper pieced.

The sky for the first Birgitta was sponged in Baja Breeze ink using a hand-cut template of randomly-sized scallops.

The border for the second Birgitta was hand-drawn using a fine tip black sharpie.

Trendy Green Trees

Yesterday I had a workshop with Lili and Natasha and showed them the marker layering technique (watercoloring with blender pens).  They both enjoyed the new technique and it's always good to find another way to use the Stampin' Write markers and ink pads.  Thank you, Lili and Natasha, for spending the afternoon playing ... and thank you for the beautiful orange gerberas!

On to the card for today.  I'm participating in SCS's "Ways To Use It" Challenge (WT376 - make a card that focuses on green).  I love the Trendy Trees set from SU! and used it today, making three trees all in different shades of green.  Hope you like.

"Trendy Green Trees"

Stamps:  Trendy Trees (SU!); Daisy thanks - sentiment (Stampendous)
Paper:  Whisper White, Certainly Celery polka-dot DP, Certainly Celery, scrap cardstock (SU!)
Ink:  Soft Suede, Certainly Celery, Gumball Green, Garden Green (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1 1/4" square punch, 1/4" Garden Green grosgrain ribbon, temporary adhesive, pencil, eraser, sticky strips, adhesives, glue dot, and dimensionals

I punched three 1 1/4" squares in bright, scrap cardstock and added temporary adhesive to the backs.  I made a light pencil line 3/4" from the bottom of my Whisper White cardstock and then lined up the squares, spacing them evenly across the page.  I lined up my square punch with the bright squares and then punched through my card front.  I erased the pencil line.

I added the Certainly Celery polka dot strip at the top, stamped the sentiment in Garden Green ink and wrapped the Garden Green ribbon around, tying a knot off center.  I used a glue dot to hold the knot in place.  

On a second piece of Whisper White cardstock, using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, I stamped all the trunks with Soft Suede ink and then added the tree tops, starting with the lightest color on the left (Certainly Celery), Gumball Green for the middle, and ending with the darkest on the right (Garden Green).

I mounted the tree stamped card front to a card base of Certainly Celery (for stability).  I mounted the punched card front on top of the stamped one, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

The inside panel is Whisper White with the same polka-dot DP strip at the top and a piece of Garden Green ribbon wrapped around (no knot this time).  I stamped a tree in the bottom right-hand corner.

Rose for a Friend

Today I'm prepping for a workshop I'm holding tomorrow with Lili and Natasha.  I'm going to be showing them how to do the marker layering technique (coloring with a blender pen).  I just love this technique and have used it a LOT since I watched Karen Barber's video tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers.

Besides prepping for the workshop, I wanted to participate in today's color challenge from SCS (CC376) - use at least three of the five retiring 2010 In-Colors from Stampin' Up!  I actually don't have inks or papers for any of these colors, so I decided to do another card with the marker layering technique, mixing colors and trying to get as close to the retiring colors as possible.  Hopefully I succeeded :)

I used a larger image than normal for this technique and I learned a few things along the way.  First of all, I found it easiest to actually use a wash for the first layer of color (or use a very pale colored cardstock if you have it).   With today's rose, I mixed Pumpkin Pie re-inker with water and then used a paint brush to add a "wash" as my first layer.

And, I found the blending worked better if, after adding the darkest color and blending (I used three colors in total), I went back and added more of the medium shade to blend out the dark edges.  At least, that's what worked best for me.  Hope you like.

"Rose for a Friend"

Stamps:  Garden Oasis set (Fiskars)
Paper:  Whisper White, watercolor, Old Olive (card base) - (SU!)
Ink:  Stazon Black, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Real Red, Certainly Celery, Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  blender pen, paint brush, adhesives, and dimensionals

Using StazOn Black ink, I stamped the rose onto watercolor paper, and the sentiment onto my Whisper White card front.  I used Certainly Celery and Old Olive Stampin' Write markers to color in the leaves, blending the ink with the blender pen.

I added a bit of water to Pumpkin Pie re-inker and then used a paint brush to "wash" the rose.  I used Tangerine Tango and Real Red Stampin' Write markers to add layers of color to the rose petals, blending them with the blender pen.  I went back and added more Tangerine Tango to blend out the sharpness of the Real Red ink.  **NOTE:**  When adding Real Red, I used the fine tip of the SWM to add only a little ink so the red didn't overwhelm the image.  I cut the image out.

I mounted everything as shown in the photo, popping up the sentiment panel and also popping up the rose to give it lots of depth.  The card front was mounted onto an Old Olive card base for stability.

Blue Hydrangea

It's a dreary day here ... cold and wet.  Where did the sunshine go??!!  Oh well, just means that I need to stay inside today and have more time to play in my studio.  I am participating in today's Mojo Monday sketch challenge (Mojo242).  I had a lot of fun making this card ... and I also challenged myself to use some beautiful patterned paper from Memory Box that I've had for about three months and hadn't even opened!  Love the soft hues of this paper and thought it went perfectly with a watercolor hydrangea.  Hope you like.

Today's Mojo sketch (Mojo242)

Here's my version:

"Blue Hydrangea"

Stamps:  Because I care, En Francais (SU!)
Paper:  Marina Mist, Watercolor (SU!); Brioche DP (Memory Box)
Ink:  Stazon Black, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Old Olive, Sahara Sand (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Blender pen, white gel pen, Martha Stewart Arched Lattice border punch, sheer white ribbon, Embosslits Beautiful Wings (Sizzix), sponges, two small pale blue half-pearls, sticky strips, adhesives, glue dots, and dimensionals

I stamped the hydrangea in Stazon Black ink onto watercolor paper. I colored the image using a blender pen and ink.  I stamped the hydrangea a second time onto a post-it note, roughly cut it out and used it as a mask.  I stamped the background script in Crumb Cake.  In hindsight, I could have stamped the background first and then the hydrangea because the background is so light.  It would have saved me the trouble of making a mask, etc. - but now that I have the mask, I will keep it in the "Because I Care" case to use again if I need it.

I used a Sahara Sand Stampin' Write marker to outline the whole image to give it depth (hard to see in the photo, but in real life it looks 3D).  I sponged Marina Mist ink randomly along the edge and inside the main panel (also hard to see in the photo - but gives some interest to the script background.

I assembled all the layers as shown in the photo above, popping up the main image panel with dimensionals to add depth.

The butterfly was embossed and cut with the pale yellow paper and then I sponged Marina Mist around the edges so that it didn't fade into the background.  I added two half pearls on the butterfly for interest.

The inside panel is watercolor paper with a 1 1/2" strip fo the blue DP at the bottom and a piece of Marina Mist punched with the arched border (same punch as front of the card).

Hello Birdie

Today I have the house to myself!  Now, this doesn't happen very often, so I plan on enjoying the freedom to do whatever I want.  So, of course, I'm starting the day with a card (no surprise there) and then plan on playing with my new flowers and then .... hmmmm, another card??!!  Probably!

Today I wanted to honor SCS "Queen for the Day" - Mary Marsh.  Mary has a gallery full of beautiful and inspiring cards.  I decided to CASE a Christmas card that she made last fall (click the link to see), using the same layout, design and punches.  I only changed the colors and a few small details to make this into a spring card.  Hope you like ... and hope Mary likes it too!  Congrats Mary ... enjoy your reign!

"Hello Birdie"

Stamp:  Pendant Park - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Comfort Cafe DP (SU!)
Ink:  Cajun Craze (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  2-Step Bird punch, MS lattice border punch, 3/8" Soft Suede Taffeta ribbon, Everyday Enchantment brad, Stamp-a-ma-jig, paper piercing tool, sticky strips, glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

I cut out all the pieces, punched the bird and border and then assembled the card.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement of the sentiment.

The large main panel and the bird's wing, are popped up to add depth.  I used the paper piercing tool to make the hole for the brad (and bow) to thread through - my hole punch just wouldn't go through the ribbon.  Easy and fun card to make - just love this new DP from SU!

Complementary with Love

Yesterday we celebrated Jer's 25th birthday ... can't believe my baby is 25!!  We had a very casual dinner with the four of us and will be having a larger family dinner on Monday - both menus picked by Jer.  He always manages to celebrate his birthday over several weeks and we now call it his "birthday month"  :)

It was great that Evan could join us for dinner last night and we had a nice evening spending time together.

Today I met up with my SIL, Moe and we headed to the local nurseries to pick up some more plants.  I'm thinking this might be my last trip, but I'll have to see how many pots I get done with my purchases from today.  Looking forward to spending the day outside tomorrow, potting up flowers.  We also stopped for lunch and a latte on our way home - thanks Moe!

On to the card for today ... I managed to fit three challenges into this one card.  That' unusual for me, because I get so caught up with images whirling around my head, that I usually need to focus on just one challenge at a time.  This card is for this week's "Ways to Use it" Challenge at Splitcoast Stampers - WT375 - Colorful Complements - use complementary colors from the color wheel (hence the name of the card) ... and it also fits CAS-ual Friday's challenge (CFC53 - punches or dies) and Clean & Simple's Sketch Challenge (FTL191).  Whew!  I had a lot of fun making this card and used my new Summer Smooches paper from SU! ... I LOVE this paper!!  Hope you like.

Here's the sketch I used from Clean & Simple (FTL191):

"Complementary with Love"

Stamp:  Field Flowers - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Summer Smooches DP (SU!)
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Polka-dot embossing folder (Sizzix), Rose Creations dies (Spellbinders), white embossing powder, Summer Smooches Designer Fabric Brad, sticky strips, glue dots, and dimensionals

I cut out the two sizes of rose dies after embossing the Daffodil Delight cardstock with the polka-dot embossing folder.  I used a glue dot to hold the layers together and then threaded through the brad.  I stamped the sentiment in Versamark and then embossed in white.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the photo, popping up the flower with dimensionals to add depth.

For the inside of the card, I added a 1 1/2 strip of Rich Razzleberry cardstock on the left-hand side of a Whisper White panel, topped with a 1 1/4" strip of the Summer Smooches DP.

Daisy Mojo

OK, so I took the plunge today and entered the Mojo Sketch Challenge (Mojo241).  I have looked at this site before but have been a little afraid to enter :)  The sketches are more involved then what I'm used to making ... and it definitely is a challenge for me to put together so many layers.  I have done a few cards like this in the past, but it's definitely out of my comfort zone.  Hope you like what I came up with.

Here's the sketch:

And here's my version of the sketch:

"Spring Daisies"

Stamp:  Daisy Thanks (Stampendous)
Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Certainly Celery polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  Stazon Black, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Summer Sun, Certainly Celery (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Blender pen, Circle Nesties (Spellbinders), sponge, 5/8" Old Olive Satin ribbon, Large Pearl brad (Kaiser), Square Lattice embossing folder (Sizzix), sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I used the marker layering technique to watercolor the daisies.  I cut them out with a circle die-cut, but left the image in the die-cut, sponging the inside with Certainly Celery ink before removing it.

I mounted all the layers as shown above, popping up the embossed panel to add depth.

For the inside, I used a Whisper White panel with a 1 1/2" strip of Certainly Celery DP at the bottom.

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You may have noticed that the Search Engine I put on the website is now gone :(

It didn't work ... I was so hopeful that it would!  I think I need to get one of the "Blogs for Dummies" books or something :)

Anyways, it's back to the long list of labels on the sidebar.  At least you can use the labels to search if you're looking for something in particular.  I have the Stampin' Up stamp sets listed first ... followed by everything else in alphabetical order.

Get Well Soon

Today is one of those boring days ... you know, housework - uggghhh!  But before starting that, I need to make a card - priorities, ya know! :)

Today's Color Challenge from SCS (CC375) is Night of Navy, Bashful Blue and Pumpkin Pie - a fabulous color combo!!  The dessert is Father's Day, but I decided to skip dessert today.  I used one of my "go-to" layouts ... clean and simple.  Hope you like this paper-pieced CAS card made from all SU! products.

"Get Well Soon"

Here's a close-up of the paper-pieced umbrella:

Stamp:  Ain't Love Grand (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie polka-dot DP, Night of Navy polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  Basic Black, Night of Navy; Stampin' Write markers: Basic Gray, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Scalloped border punch, 1/4" Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, sponge, glue, sticky strips and adhesives

I stamped the image three times; once onto Whisper White card front, once onto Pumpkin Pie polka-dot DP, and once onto a scrap of white (for cutting out the raindrops for on top of the umbrella).

I colored in the water puddles with my Bashful Blue Stampin' Write markers and the handle with Gray and Pumpkin Pie.  I cut out the top of the umbrella from the polka-dot DP and glued it onto my card front.  I colored the raindrops (from the scrap white), cut them out and mounted them on top of the umbrella.

I punched the scalloped border from the Night of Navy polka-dot DP.  Tip:  when punching borders, especially with darker colored patterned paper, I find that the cut edges show white - so I sponge them with the corresponding ink color - here I sponged the edge with Night of Navy to give it a cleaner look.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the photo above onto the card front and then mounted the whole thing onto a card base of Night of Navy for stability (this also ensures that the ribbon is glued between the card front and base to hold it securely.

For the inside I used a Whisper White panel, adding the scalloped Night of Navy polka-dot border (same depth as the front), but mounted it at the bottom of the panel, adding a straight piece of Pumpkin Pie ribbon (no knot).

Simply Soft Panels and Splash the Fish cards

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!  I had a very relaxed Mother's Day yesterday.  Hubby and son made me breakfast in the morning and then I sat out on the deck enjoying the sunshine for a while.  I made a card (which I'm posting today) and then headed to oldest son's for dinner.  So great to spend time with the family!

Today I'm heading out to the nursery to pick up some more annuals for my pots.  But before going, I wanted to particpate in today's Clean & Simple challenge (CAS170 - three panel technique) at SCS.  I have always loved triptych cards, so this was an easy challenge for me.  I'm also posting the card I made yesterday using my digital stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps - Splash! which was designed by the very talented Lisa Lara.  Hope you like the cards for today!

Oh, quick note ... you may have noticed that I've added a "Search" feature to the blog.  I have removed the long and cumbersome list of labels and replaced it with the much "user-friendly" search engine.

Oh, oh ... one other thing ...  I LOVE this stamp set ... and I was looking at my pots of bulbs today and realized that I have one that must have been used as inspiration for one of the stamps below.  Here is a picture of one of my alliums.

Allium

"Simply Soft Triptych"

Stamps:  Simply Soft, A Word For You (SU!)
Paper:  Watercolor paper
Ink:  StazOn Black, Old Olive, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun (retired) (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  blender pen, white gel pen, and dimensionals

I stamped the images and then cut the panel to 4 1/2" x 2 1/2".  I colored in the flowers using ink and blender pen (marker layering technique).  I stamped the sentiment and mounted the panels onto the card base, popping them up with dimensionals.  I wanted the images to stand on their own (they are so pretty), so I didn't add any frames or other color of cardstock.

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Here's another fun and easy card using an adorable stamp from Lisa Lara.  I added stickles to the "scales" and the reeds, but it's hard to see in the photo.  They add a lot of glittery bling!

"Splash Says Hi"

Stamps:  Splash (Clear Dollar Digi Stamp - created by Lisa Lara, Lisa's Doodley Doos)
Paper:  Pacific Point, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi (SU!)
Ink:  Garden Green, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point; Stampin' Write markers:  Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Daffodil Delight
Accessories & Tools:  Grass die-cut (Cheery Lynn), Green stickles, clear stickles, Crystal Effects, sponges, Tiny Bubbles embossing folder (Cuttlebug), glue, adhesives, sticky strips, and dimensional

I sponged my main panel (garden green, tempting turquoise, pacific point) and then dropped water on top and absorbed the excess with a paper towel .... I love this effect and saw it done on a few cards by Karen Dunbrook.

I die-cut the grass and added green stickles.  I colored the fish and then coated his scales with clear stickles and his tail and head with Crystal effects and left it to dry for a few hours.

Then I just mounted everything together as per the photo, popping up the fish with dimensionals to add depth.

Tranquility

Today's card is for two challenges - Inspiration Challenge at SCS (IC336 - Website:  Hard to Find), and Clean & Simple's Sketch Challenge (FTL190).

The "Hard to Find" website has amazing products and it was hard to pick just one ... but this beautiful "Emerald Dreams Pendant" necklace really caught my eye.

And here's the sketch from Clean & Simple (FTL190):

Here's my card for both challenges ... this is a little busy for the Clean & Simple challenge, but I saw the example from the designer, and I think it's about the same as her's ... so I should be ok  :)

"Tranquility"



Stamps:  Oak Branch (Stampscapes); Tranquility stamp - retired from SU!

Paper:  Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Whisper White (SU!)

Ink:  Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Basic Black (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Floral Screen embossing folder (Cuttlebug), sponges

I cut out an oval from Whisper white cardstock and sponged the top with Certainly Celery ink, the bottom with Always Artichoke ink and then stamped part of the tree branch in Basic Black ... adding a little sponged black at the bottom and top.  I framed it with an oval of Basic Black cardstock.

Ran Certainly Celery cardstock through my Big Shot with the embossing folder and then sponged over top with Certainly Celery ink to highlight the embossing.

Mounted all the pieces as shown in the photo above, popping up the oval with dimensionals to add depth.

The inside panel is Certainly Celery cardstock with a 1 1/4" strip of embossed cardstock on the left-hand side, framed with black.

Love Bird

Another fabulous and sunny day here!  Heading out to spend the day with my mom ... but before leaving, had to particpate in CAS-ual Fridays challenge today - birds.  Since it's the same challenge as yesterday's SCS - Ways to Use it ... I'm going to enter this card for both challenges.  Hope you like.

"Love Bird"

Stamps:  Love Bug (Fiskars)
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn black; Stampin' Write markers: Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Certainly Celery (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  1/4" Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon, heart punches, adhesives, and sticky strips

Simple and easy card that didn't take very long to make.  Stamped the image with Staz-On black - just love the crispness of this ink.  Colored the image with Stampin' Write markers and outlined the stem with Certainly Celery.  Added the polka-dot strip, ribbon and hearts punched from Real Red cardstock.  The inside panel is Whisper White with a matching strip of polka-dot DP at the bottom and Daffodil Delight wrapped around (without the knot).

Beautiful Bird

Another beautiful day here on the westcoast.  The sun is shining, it's fairly warm and there's a nice breeze - the perfect spring day.  I'm heading out to my greenhouse to pot up the flowers I bought yesterday.  But before heading outside, I wanted to participate in today's "Ways To Use It" challenge at SCS (WT374 - For the birds!!).  I don't make many cards with birds ... don't know why ... just don't.  So it was a little bit of a challenge for me.  I used a stamp set that I bought around Christmas time last year.  It's actually a Christmas stamp set called "Beautiful Season" and I used just the bird from the set (hence the name of today's card - Beautiful Bird).  I wasn't implying that my bird was beautiful, just that's the name of the stamp :)

I'm pretty happy with how the bird turned out, but not sure that it shows up enough on the background I've chosen.  I used the plaid paper that was still sitting on my work table from yesterday - I just love this DP ... but the bird seems to get a little lost.  I tried to make him stand out more by adding depth to the leaves he's sitting on and also popping him up with dimensionals.  Hope you like.

"Beautiful Bird"

Stamps:  Beautiful Season, Just Believe - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Confetti Cream, watercolor paper (SU!); Generations DP (Simple Stories)
Ink:  StazOn Black, Sahara Sand, River Rock, Always Artichoke (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Blender pen, Little Leaves die-cut (Sizzix), mat pack, stylus, Square Lattice embossing folder (Sizzix), Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, pewter brads, glue, adhesives, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I stamped the bird onto watercolor paper and colored with Stampin' Write markers and a blender pen and then cut it out.  I ran the Little Leaves die-cut through my Big Shot twice with Always Artichoke cardstock.  I then sponged more Always Artichoke ink over the leaves and used my mat pack and stylus to form the leaves, pushing the stylus along the center of each leaf (to create a "vein" and rounding the leaves).

I cut a small piece of Confetti Cream cardstock, sponged with Always Artichoke ink, embossed with the square lattice folder and then framed with Chocolate Chip cardstock.  I used a scrap of the same paper for the sentiment, also sponged the edges and mounted onto a Chocolate Chip modern label, adding a pewter brad at each end.

I mounted all the pieces as shown in the photo, popping up the main panel and bird on dimensionals to add depth.

For the inside, I used a Confetti Cream panel with a small strip of Chocolate Chip-framed plaid at the bottom.

Masked Grasses and Vintage Simply Soft

Had a busy day ... picking up gifts for my mom and MIL for this coming Sunday.  My mother had her deck rebuilt a couple of years ago, but hasn't used it much because it is so open.  A few days ago, she spotted some lovely, potted narrow cedars and mentioned them to me this morning.  Gord and I were planning on heading to the nursery to pick up hanging baskets for both moms, but we decided to go and pick up the cedars for my mom ... she now has a small, natural screen on her deck so she can enjoy sitting outside without feeling like she's on display.  After dropping off the cedars, we headed to the nursery and picked up a pretty hanging basket for my MIL ... and some geraniums, bacopa and lobelia for my pots for my back deck.  I'm sure I'll be making a few more trips to the nursery, but I have a few things now to keep me occupied for the next few days.  I just love this time of year ... and really enjoy sitting on the deck surrounded by flowers.

On to the cards for today ... there are two!

Today I made a card to honor the Featured Stamper at SCS this week - Heather Telford.  Heather has amazing talent and I have admired her cards since seeing her creations a few months ago.  Here is a link to Heather's blog  ... please check out her fabulous cards - you'll be glad you did!  I CASE'd this card of Heather's to honor her, changing up the colors and image.  Hope you like.

"Masked Grasses for Heather T"

Stamps:  Pocket Silhouettes (SU!); Thoughts of you (Rubber-Art Stamps)
Paper:  Whisper White, Pacific Point (SU!)
Ink:  Certainly Celery, Pacific Point (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Post-it notes for masking, Speedball rubber brayer, Stamp-a-ma-jig, and adhesives

After masking the card front with post-it notes, I brayered Certainly Celery from the bottom up and Pacific Point from the top down.  I removed the top mask only and stamped the image several times across the page, stamping a second time up higher and to the side (second generation stamping), creating a lighter image in the background ... before re-inking and repeating.  Stamped the sentiment in Pacific Point ink and mounted onto a card base of Pacific Point cardstock for stability.

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The second card today is for SCS's Sketch Challenge (SC384).  I love this sketch!! and am sure I will use this again and again.

Here's my take:

"Vintage Simply Soft"

Stamps:  Simply soft, En Francais (SU!)
Paper:  Bravo Burgundy, River Rock (SU!); Generations DP (Simple Stories)
Ink:  StazOn Black, Bravo Burgundy, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Blender pen, sponge, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I stamped the image twice in StazOn Black ink onto River Rock cardstock.  I inked the En Francais stamp with Early Espresso, stamped off once on scrap paper and then stamped over top of the images.  I colored in the images with ink and blender pen.  I sponged Bravo Burgundy ink around the edges and added more over one corner.  I mounted all the pieces as shown in the photo above, popping up the main panel with dimensionals for depth.

Mittens & Warm Wishes

Today's Color Challenge from SCS (CC374) is Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery and Pacific Point - with the "dessert" being  - make a winter or Christmas-themed card.  I had fun making this quick and easy card.  Hope you like.

"Mittens and Warm Wishes"

Stamps:  sentiment is computer generated
Paper:  Whisper White, Pacific Point, Certainly Celery (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Mittens die-cut (Sizzix), Square Lattice embossing folder (Sizzix), Denim and Honeydew Twine (The Twinery), glue, glue dot, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I followed the advice of Pam Sparks (Expressions with Heart) and die-cut three sets of the mittens from Pacific Point cardstock.  I ran one set through my Big Shot with the embossing folder.  I then glued the three layers together with the embossed layer on top ... this makes the die-cut thick (more like the thickness of chipboard) so that it really stands out.

I cut another set of mittens from Certainly Celery cardstock and then cut off the cuff from each one.  I added glue to the cuffs and then wound Honeydew twine around and secured the ends at the back.  I mounted the cuffs on top of my mittens using sticky strips to hold them securely.

I printed the sentiment from my computer onto Whisper White cardstock, cut it to size and then mounted a piece of Denim twine to the card front using a glue dot to secure underneath the knot at the top.  I mounted the mittens on top of the twine, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.

Fun and easy card to make!

Tres Chic

Today's CAS (Clean and Simple) Challenge at SCS is - CAS169 - It's time to be Chic!!

I watched a video by the talented Valita on how to make this hat (I improvised a little because I didn't have the exact punches she did).  I then just "winged" it to figure out the punch art stand.  Really happy with how this turned out and think it is very "tres chic"!!  Hope you like.

"Tres Chic"

Stamp:  Sentiment is computer generated
Paper:  Soft Suede, Whisper White, Basic Black (SU!)
Ink:  Soft Suede (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  medium oval punch, small oval punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1/8" Early Espresso ribbon, Boho Blossom punch (smallest flower), bronze half-pearl, sponge, glue, sticky strips, glue dots, and dimensionals

I punched out the hat as per the instructions on Valita's video (click here).  I then punched out the hat stand with Basic Black cardstock, using a small oval punch for the bottom, a medium oval punch for the top (cutting off a bit at the top so it fits inside the hat rim), and for the piece in-between, I punched two medium ovals quite close to each other and then used the shape in-between them for the post.

Casablanca Lily

Today I visited Valita's website (Valita's Fresh Folds) and watched her video on how to make a 3-D Lily.  After watching the video, I had to give it a try.  I used some pearl "stamens" that I purchased from Cherish the Thought in Coquitlam, rather than making the stamens in the video.  I also added a few Cajun Craze dots at the center of the flower so that it looks just like my Casablance Lilies that I grow each year.  This was fun and easy to make and would be a beautiful embellishment on a gift.  Hope you like.

"Casablanca Lily"



Paper:  Whisper White

Ink:  Certainly Celery, So Saffron; Cajun Craze Stampin' Write marker

Accessories:  Medium Oval punch, pearls stems, sponges, bone folder, glue, and sticky strips

I followed Valita's instructions on how to make the 3-D lily - click here to view.

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Yesterday I had two friends, Liz and Patt, over for a "High Tea".  We enjoyed tasty treats and had a wonderful visit.  Thanks Liz and Patt for coming over - it was so much fun!!

Here's a few pictures I took of our High Tea.

Savory:  Chicken Croissants with Honey Mustard Sauce, Spanakopita Rolls with Tzatziki Sauce, Egg & Chive Sandwiches



Sweet:  Mini Pavlovas with Strawberries & Kiwi, Brownies with Hazelnut Ganache, Bite-Size Banana Cream Pie, Lemon Scones, Date & Pecan Loaf

Polka-dot Sunflower

Today I've made a card for two challenges - CAS-ual Fridays (CFC51 - Happy Birthday) and Clean & Simple Sketch (FTL 189).  I used the Melonheadz free digital stamp of a sunflower, printed onto Daffodil Delight polka-dot DP and cut out the flower head.  Added a button and some twine and voila ... a quick and easy card.  Hope you like.

"Polka-dot Sunflower"

Stamps:  Sunflower (Melonheadz Digital Stamp); Happy Moments - sentiment (SU!)
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  Basic Black (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Button (SU!), Lemon drop twine (The Twinery), corner rounder, glue dot, adhesives, and dimensionals

I printed off the digital image onto polka DP and cut out the flower head.  I threaded twine through the button holes, tied a knot and secured the button to the middle of the sunflower with two glue dots.

I cut out a 2 1/4" square piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I cut a 7/8" strip of Daffodil Delight polka-dot DP and adhered it to the one side.  I used the corner rounder to round all the corners ... as well as the four corners of the Crumb Cake card base.

I stamped the sentiment in Basic Black ink onto the square panel.  I wrapped two strands of twine around the panel and tied a bow, securing the bow in place with a glue dot.

I mounted the square panel onto the card base, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.  I added the flower on top, also popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Birthday Bulrushes

Today is the "Ways To Use It" challenge at SCS (WT373 - Don't stress, Distress!).  I haven't made a distressed card for ages - it was fun!  I used a stamp that I've had for a while, but not inked yet ... there are several of those in my art studio :)  This is a beautiful stamp from Innovative Samp Creations which features bulrushes growing up out of the water.  I decided to watercolor the image using the watercolor spritz technique.  I'm really happy with how it turned out and have decided this will make a perfect birthday card for Jeremy ... I know he'll appreciate the watercolor which is one of his favorite mediums to work with.  Hope you like.

"Birthday Bulrushes"

Stamps:  Be Thankful (ISC); Wonderfully Worn, Happy Moments (SU!)
Paper:  Early Espresso, Confetti Cream, Well Worn DP, watercolor paper (SU!)
Ink:  Early Espresso, River Rock; Stampin' Write markers Old Olive, Early Espresso, Certainly Celery; Re-inkers Baja Breeze, So Saffron (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Large brush, mini mister, sponges, Making Memories distressing tool, small oval punch, medium oval punch, adhesives, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I started by making the main panel.  I added water to Baja Breeze re-inker and did a wash (using the large brush) on the bottom and very top of my watercolor paper.  I added water to So Saffron re-inker and did a wash in the middle.

Once the wash was dry, I inked the stamp with Stampin' Write markers, Early Espresso, Old Olive, and used Certainly Celery for the "reflection" as I wanted it to be lighter.  I lightly misted my stamp with water and then stamped onto the watercolor paper, lining up the horizon line of the stamp and wash.  Once my image was dry, I want back with a little watered down Baja Breeze re-inker and added more color just over top of the reflection.  Once everything was dry, I sponged Early Espresso ink around the edges to give the image an "aged" look.  I mounted the panel onto a frame of Early Espresso cardstock.

I used Confetti Cream cardstock for the background and stamped the Wonderfully Worn stamp in River Rock ink.  I used a sponge and River Rock ink to add more "aging" to the edges.  I mounted the background to a card base of Early Espresso.

I took two strips of the Well Worn DP and distressed the edges using the Making Memories distressing tool.  The roughed edges where white and I thought too stark, so I sponged all the distressed edges of the two pieces with Early Espresso ink.  I mounted the two strips on top of the background paper, one horizontally, one vertically.

I stamped the sentiment from Happy Moments Stamp Set onto a small scrap of Confetti Cream paper and punched out a small oval.  I then sponged River Rock ink around the edges and mounted the oval onto a medium oval of Early Espresso cardstock.

I placed the main panel in the center of my card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.  I mounted the framed sentiment at the bottom corner of the main panel.

For the inside, I stamped the Wonderfully Worn stamp in River Rock ink onto Confetti Cream cardstock and then sponged more River Rock ink around the edges (just like the front background panel).  I added one distressed and sponged strip of the same Well Worn DP to the left side of the inside panel and then mounted it to the inside of the card base.