Sweet Watermelon and Watercolor Poinsettia

I have spent many, many hours in my art studio today.  I've had a few failures (which happens once in a while, but thankfully not too often) ... and I've had a couple of successes.  I made two cards for the Dare To Get Dirty challenges for fan club members at SCS.  The first one is for stampertammy's challenge and I used a Lisa Lara Digi "What a melon" for this fun, shaped card.  Hope you like.

"Sweet Watermelon"

Stamps:  What a melon (Lisa's Doodley Doos - Clear Dollar Stamps); Amy R Sweet Sentiments
Paper:  Whisper White, Garden Green, Melon Mambo polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  Black
Accessories & Tools:  computer printer, hole punch, Peapod twine (The Twinery), small sponge, glue, and dimensionals

I printed the watermelon image four times (whisper white, garden green (x 2), melon mambo polka-dot dp).  I cut out the white as a card base, scoring along the top of the watermelon, folding the cardstock and then cutting out the shape.  I cut a full watemelon shape from the melon mambo and mounted it on front of the card base.  I cut out just the rind from garden green, added a little sponging along the lines and glued it on top of the polka-dot dp.  I cut a second full watermelon from garden green, turned it over and mounted it on the back of the card base to add extra stability.

I used my black marker to color in the seeds and stamp the sentiment.  I added the twine to the sentiment and mounted it to the card front, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

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The second card is for DTGD challenge by BAR.  I used the new Watercolor Winter set from SU! and "watercolored" the image with ink and a blender pen.  The sentiment reads "Wishing you" ... and on the inside "a very Merry Christmas".  Hope you like.

"Watercolor Poinsettia"

Stamps:  Watercolor Winter (SU!); Merry and Bright (Amy R)
Paper:  Riding Hood Red, Whisper White (SU!)
Ink:  Stazon black, Riding Hood Red, Garden Green, Daffodil Delight (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  blender pen, silver stitched white ribbon (unknown), Stamp-a-ma-jig, glue dot, and sticky strips

I stamped the poinsettia in Stazon black and colored with ink and blender pen.  I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to positon my sentiments and stamped in black.

I wrapped the ribbon around the top and tied a bow.  I secured the back of the bow to the card front with a rolled glue dot.  I mounted the card front onto the Riding Hood Red card base.

The inside panel has a partial image of the poinsettia, watercolored the same as the main image.

For Lisa

Sorry about the second post today ... but there are tons of challenges going on this week at SCS for the Fan Club members and I'm working my way through them ... lots more to come! ... just not today :)

This afternoon's card is for the Dare to Get Dirty Challenge by Lisa Lara.  I love Lisa's fun and whimsical style ... and the colors that she uses - so bright and cheerful.  To honor Lisa, I made a card with those same elements.  Thanks Lisa for a fun challenge!!  Hope you like.

"For Lisa"

Stamps:  Happy You (SU!)
Paper:  Tempting Turquoise (SU!); Bazzill White, Hello Sunshine DP (Bo Bunny)
Ink:  Stazon Black, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Pumpkin Pie button, Lemondrop twine (The Twinery), glue, adhesives and dimensionals

I stamped the image in Stazon black ink and colored using my Stampin' Write markers.  I mounted the image on a Tempting Turquoise frame.  I cut out the other four pieces of DP and mounted each of them on the same-sized squares of white cardstock (three layers in total for each square all glued together), just to make them stand out more and give them some weight.  All the squares were mounted on dimensionals to give the card lots of depth.  I added the button and twine for some fun!

Fun card to make ... just love this designer paper from Bo Bunny - fabulous colors!!

Sail Away with Me

The title above seems appropriate for the card, but it's definitely not me!! :)  For those of you who know me, I have a major case of motion sickness anytime I get on a boat (or planes, trains or automobiles).  Unfortunate, especially since I live on the westcoast and water is a big part of our lives.  Hubby and I do vacation often on the Gulf Islands (which means a short ferry ride) --- I have to take Gravol just to do that - I know, I'm a whimp.  I would love to be one of those people out on the water, enjoying the sunshine with the wind in my hair.  But instead, I would be laying on the deck with my head over the side - it's not a pretty sight!  So for now, I will just have to live the ocean life through my cards.  I love this stamp from SU! and have used it a LOT since getting it.  I never tire of it and it was perfect for two challenges ... CAS-ual Fridays (CFC63- lime, aqua and navy) and Dare to Get Dirty (DTGD12Twinshappy) from Stacy at SCS (you need to be a fan club member to join in the DTGD challenges).  Hope you like.

"Sail Away with Me"

Stamps:  Sail Away, Sincere Salutations (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Midnight Muse (SU!); Hello Sunshine (Bo Bunny)
Ink:  Midnight Muse, Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Sponge dauber, glue and adhesives

I inked the stamp with Stampin' Write markers and stamped onto Whisper White card front.  I stamped the image a second time onto the lime DP and cut out the sails.  I glued the sails onto my main image (paper piecing) and used a sponge dauber to add just a little color to the water.

I stamped the sentiment in Midnight Muse and layered the cardstock at the top and also added the same size layers to the inside bottom panel.  The card front and inside panel were mounted on a card base of Midnight Muse for stability.

Two daisies

I'm still playing "catch-up" for this week's challenges.  Today's card is for Friday's "Free For All" Challenge at SCS - F4A127 - seeing double - include two of something on your card.  I chose to use the new "Reason to Smile" set from SU!  Just love those gerbera daisies!  I used the marker layering technique for the flowers and then simply framed it with Spellbinder's Postage Stamp nestie.  Hope you like.

"Daisy Thanks"

Stamps:  Reason to Smile, Sincere Salutations (SU!)
Paper:  White, Bella Rose DP (retired) (SU!)
Ink:  Staz-on Black, Old Olive, Ruby Red, Real Red (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  blender pen, Nestabilities Postage Stamp (Spellbinders), glue, and dimensionals

I stamped the daisy twice in Staz-on Black ink onto Whisper white cardstock.  I used my blender pen and inks to color in the flowers (for instructions on marker layering, click the link on the Techniques Page).  I stamped the sentiment in black ink.

I ran my main image through my Big Shot with the second largest postage stamp nestie.  I die-cut two more of the same size from the white cardstock and then glued the three layers together, with the stamped image on top (to give the die some weight).  I did the same with the largest postage stamp nestie, die-cutting one layer from the Bella Rose DP and two from white and gluing them together.  Both panels are popped up with dimensionals.

I stamped one daisy image on the inside panel and colored it in the same way as the main image.

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Today is the start of the "Dare to get Dirty" challenges for SCS fan club members.  I'm hoping to join in the fun this weekend.  If you are a fan club member at SCS, check out the challenges here.

With you ...

I haven't been in the art studio much the past couple of days ... and the time I was there, I had other things on my mind and the creativity just was not flowing.  My mom is scheduled for open heart surgery next month, and it's been waying on all of us.  Other than her heart, she is in excellent health, so I know that the surgery will go well and she will make a full recovery.  The hard part is the waiting, and worrying about her health leading up to the surgery.  It's getting close now (as long as there isn't a cancellation and delay, which has already happened once), so we just need the next few weeks to hurry by.  Yesterday was the pre-admission clinic ... severals hours at the hospital with tests and loads of information.  It was good to know what's going to be happening and the timelines, but another stressful day for my mom (and therefore, for me).  I'm glad it's over ... it's the last hurdle before the surgery.  I slept really well last night ... and it's been a while since that has happened.  I'm sure my mom slept well too.

On to the card for today.  Having had a good sleep, I was ready to create!  I used the SCS Sketch Challenge (SC395) for today's card, along with the colorful Summer Smooches designer paper.  This is from the adorable SU! stamps set "For the Birds".  Sweet images, but not very big, so I'll include a close-up of my main image.  They are fabulous on cards, just a little difficult to capture all the details in a photo.

I was inspired by my good friend, Nancy ... who posted her card for this sketch in the SCS gallery last night.  So sweet - I just LOVE her hand-made button!!  Thanks, Nancy ... for always inspiring me!  Hope you like.

SCS Sketch Challenge SC395:

"With you ..." 



Stamps:  For the birds (SU!)

Paper:  White, Summer Smooches (SU!)

Ink:  Basic Black; Stampin' Write markers:  Real Red, Sahara Sand, Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  adhesives

Here's a close-up of the main panel:

I stamped the image and sentiment in Basic Black onto Whisper White cardstock.  I colored in the image with my Stampin' Write markers.

I adhered the main image to my card base and then added strips of the Summer Smooches designer paper to the top and bottom.

I added a strip of designer paper to the bottom of the inside panel for interest.

Easy and quick card!

Sweet "Loll"-i-pops

Busy day in the kitchen ... making dinner for the family.  Just finished the Rhubarb Pie, the chicken is roasting in the oven and I have my potatoes and eggs ready to go to make the salad.  Veggie tray and then some cornbread and I'm finished - whew!!  Lots of work, but it's going to be delicious!!  I know that Evan will LOVE the cornbread - I made it especially for you, sweetie!!

On to the card for today ...  OK, so one more card for this CAS sketch from Darsie (SCS CAS Challenge - CAS180 - sketch by Darsie) ... and then I promise to move on to other layouts!! :)  This also is for today's SCS Color Challenge - CC385 - real red, wisteria wonder and island indigo.  I don't have wisteria wonder or island indigo inks ... so used some close colors in twine for my card.

Note:  For those of you who read my blog via email, click on the title of this blog post to go directly to my blog and see the second card I made with this sketch yesterday (no notification went out by email because it was an update to yesterday's post).

I used my new (just got them in the mail this morning!!) Amy R Stamps - Sweet Sentiments ... and my new C.C. Designs "Lolli" die.  Had to have that die!!  Hope you like.

"Sweet 'Loll'-i-pops"

Stamps:  Sweet Sentiments (Amy R Stamps)
Paper:  White
Ink:  Real Red (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Lolli die (C.C. Designs); twine colors Denim, Maraschino, and Lilac (The Twinery), paper piercing tools, adhesives, glue and dimensionals

I die-cut four Lolli dies (one is on the inside of the card).  I wrapped twine around each "pop", using glue to hold it in place.

I stamped the sentiment in Real Red ink and added a little paper piercing underneath.  The main panel and lollipops are popped up with dimensionals.  The lollipop on the inside panel is adhered flush.

Fun and easy card to make.

Darsie's Sketch

Had to make a second card with this fun sketch (CAS Challenge CAS180 - sketch by Darsie).  This time I used an Aqua Painter pen to add re-inker to some very wet watercolor paper to create a background for my die.  I mounted the watercolor paper in-behind the die-cut card front (negative die-cut) ... just love how it turned out.

"Watercolor Birthday"

Stamps:  Happiest Birthday Wishes (SU!)
Paper:  White, watercolor
Ink:  Old Olive; Re-inkers:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Regal Rose
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Lorelai Outline Leaf die (Poppy Stamps), Aqua Painter, water mister, sticky strips and dimensionals

I misted my watercolor paper with lots of water and then used my Aqua Painter to add the three colors of re-inkers.  Once dry, I adhered the watercolored paper to my card base, and mounted the card front (which had been die-cut and stamped with sentiment), popping it up with dimensionals.

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Yesterday, I held a workshop with my crafty friends and showed them the 'watercoloring with blender pen technique'.  Such an easy technique, but fun to do and oh-so beautiful.  The girls each went home with four gorgeous cards and their blender pens, ready to make some more.  We also managed to find time to head out for lunch (belated birthday for me) ... it was a fun afternoon!  Thanks Frances, Deb and Kelly!

On to the card for today ... the CAS Challenge at SCS is CAS180 - sketch by Darsie.  Just love Darsie's CAS style and her sketch was fun to work with.  It's been pouring rain, windy and cold here today ... so a fall-type card seems appropriate :(  Hope the sun comes back soon!!

"Oak Leaves For You"

Stamps:  Gently Falling, A Word for You (SU!)
Paper:  White, watercolor
Ink:  Soft Suede, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, Stamp-a-ma-jig, hemp twine, glue, adhesives and dimensionals

I randomly inked the "inside" oak leaf stamp using Stampin' Write markers:  Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede.  I misted the stamp with water a few times and then stamped onto watercolor paper.  Once dry, I stamped the matching outline stamp in Soft Suede ink, using my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.  I repeated to complete two leaves, cut them out and sponged around the outside of the leaves with more Soft Suede ink.

I stamped the sentiment in Soft Suede ink onto a card front, mounted it onto the card base using dimensionals.  I mounted the two oak leaves (dimensional at the top and small adhesive at the base of each leaf).  I tied a knot in a small piece of hemp twine and glued it on top of the stems.

Easy, fun and quick card to make!

Christmas Poinsettia

I've been playing with my "Blossom Petals Builder" punch from Stampin' Up! the past couple of days.  I've had the punch for a long time ... this is the first time experimenting with it using tips from McGill website and a flower book that I bought recently, Paper Bouquet --- to create a Christmas Poinsettia from punches.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  I want to do a little tweaking to how I made it and then hope to post a tutorial in the next while.  In addition to the punch, you need to have the shaping tools (mat, large stylus and tweezers) to make this flower.  I used a small sun punch, filled with gold micro beads for the center, but you could substitute other items to mimic the stamens for the poinsettia.  The metallic DP is from my local $1 store ... just love this paper and plan to go back and buy more!  Hope you like.

"Christmas Poinsettia"

Stamps:  Christmas Greetings (SU!)
Paper:  White, Riding Hood Red, Gumball Green (SU!); Metallic DP (unknown)
Ink:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Nestabilities Lacy Squares (Spellbinders), Blossom Petals Builder punch, small snowflake punch, small sun punch (Punch Bunch), gold micro beads, glue, sponge, and adhesives

Here's a close-up of the poinsettia:

I punched six large and five small same-shaped petals from Riding Hood Red cardstock.  I trimmed 1/4" from the bottom of each large petal ... and 1/8" from the bottom of each small petal.  I shaped the petals with my mat and stylus and then sponged Cherry Cobbler ink around all edges.

I punched two small snowflakes from Gumball Green cardstock (these are the bases for the petals - one for each layer) and a small sun for the center.  I shaped the first snowflake and then glued one large petal to each "arm" of the snowflake.  I shaped the second snowflake and then glued the five small petals, spacing them evenly.  I glued the small layer on top of the large layer.

I shaped the sun with my mat and stylus, filled it with glue and then poured in the gold micro beads.  Once dry, I glued the center to the flower.

I made a card base from heavy white cardstock using the Lacy Squares Nestabilities (positioning the fold just below the top of the die).  I made a separate card front (full front), attached a strip of metallic DP to the bottom and the flower on top.  I added a small strip of metallic DP to the bottom of the inside panel.

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Thought I'd share my latest organizing system that I've set up for my dies.  I thought about getting those magnetic folders ... but they don't seem to be sold anywhere around here and the online price is $13 per folder (plus about the same for shipping - ughhhh!).  I figured that I'd need at least six folders (to start), so it was just going to be too much money ... I'd much rather come up with something a little cheaper and use the "leftover" money to buy more dies!

I found some magnetic sheets from my local $1 store (6"x9") - they are meant to make fridge magnets, so are not thick.  Jer had some leftover mat board (he frames all his own art) and so he cut me pieces to size.  I mounted the sheets on top (they come with one sticky side - so just perfect) and each "magnetic board" that I created holds several small dies ... or two sets of Spellbinders Nestabilities.  Awesome!!  I was so tired of taking them out of their packages each time I wanted to use a die ... this way they are at my fingertips.  I placed the magnetic boards in a basket near my Big Shot - so handy!!  Here's a picture:

Two Challenge Cards

I've spent the whole day in my art studio today ... nothing else got done except I did manage to water my poor pots of flowers that were crying out for water.  Even hubby is making dinner tonight ... I'm so blessed that he pitches in whenever I'm having low-energy days.  I was productive in the studio, though.  Managed to get two cards made ... plus worked on creating a poinsettia from punches that I will share at a later date once I'm made it into a card.

The first challenge is SCS "Ways To Use It" (WT384 - Hit the Beach).  There's actually no "beach" on my card, but it's implied :)  A very CAS card using my new wave die from My Favorite Things and a sweet digi - Lisa's Doodley Doos "Splash" from Clear Dollar Stamps.

I have also entered this into CASology Challenge #2 - cue word "Happy".    Hope you like.

"Jump for Joy" 

Stamps:  Splash (Lisa's Doodley Doos - Clear Dollar Stamps); sentiment is computer generated
Paper:  Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point (SU!)
Ink:  Stampin' Write markers:  Basic Black, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Catch a Wave die (My Favorite Things), sticky strips and dimensionals

I printed out the fish digi and colored it with Stampin' Write markers.  I printed out the sentiment onto my Whisper White card front.  I cut the wave die from both Tempting Turqoise and Pacific Point cardstocks.  The splash of water drops is hand-drawn in black and colored with Tempting Turquoise ink.

I mounted the fish and waves to the card front, popping them up with dimensionals to add depth.  The card front is mounted onto a heavy white card base for stability.

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The second challenge is this week's Color Throwdown (CTD201 - riding hood red, so saffron, gumball green, more mustard).  I am loving the colors that these ladies choose for the challenges - so much fun to work with ... and also I'm using colors that tend to sit in my cupboards, collecting dust.  This week's combination is just beautiful and I hope to find time to make another card with these colors.

"Daisy Flourish"

  
Paper:  Gumball Green, So Saffron, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red polka-dot DP (SU!); Bazzill white, heavy white cardstock (C.C. Designs)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Fanciful Flourish (Cheery Lynn); Giant Daisy, medium sun, small sun, mini sun punches (Punch Bunch), mat, stylus, glue, and adhesives

I ran the flourish through the Big Shot with Gumball Green cardstock.

I punched the following pieces for the flowers:

Large Daisy - 3 giant daisies from Bazzill white, 3 medium suns from So Saffron, 3 small suns from More Mustard, 3 mini suns from More Mustard

Medium Daisies (makes two) - 6 large daises from Bazzill white, 6 small suns from So Saffron, 6 mini suns from More Mustard

I used my mat and stylus to add shape to the flowers (cupping, pinching), glued all the layers together and mounted the flourish and flowers onto the card base with the polka-dot panel.

Holly Jolly Christmas

Today's Color Challenge from SCS (CC384) is very vanilla, cherry cobbler and gumball green ... with the dessert being "Christmas in July".  It was fun to make a CAS (clean and simple) Christmas card in July with the traditional red and green - thanks Mary, for the great color challenge!  I used my new stamp set from SU! "Watercolor Winter" and colored with Stampin' Write markers and a blender pen (marker layering technique).  Hope you like.

"Holly Jolly Christmas"

Stamps:  Watercolor Winter (SU!); Snowman Sayings and Handy Christmas Greetings (Amy R Stamps)
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler (SU!)
Ink:  Stazon black, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories & Tools:  blender pen, Cherry Cobbler quilted satin ribbon, white gel pen, sticky strips and adhesives

I stamped the holly branch in Stazon Black ink and colored using Stampin' Write markers and a blender pen.  I added little white dots to the berries for highlights, using a white gel pen.  I stamped the sentiment and wrapped the ribbon around the top, tying a knot off center.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Cherry Cobbler cardstock for stability.

On the inside panel, I stamped just one holly sprig, colored it ... and then added a sentiment "Have a holly jolly Christmas".

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I am updating my labels and have now separated them into four different search categories on the blog:  Occasion / Subject; Technique; SU! Stamp sets; Other Stamp Manufacturers.  I hope that you find the new search lists helpful.  Thanks again for all the feedback I received on this!!

When I'm with you ...

I'm having fun with my new stamp set from SU! "For the Birds".  Such cute images and lots of different stamps to use for lots of different occassions.  Today's card uses the colors from this week's Color Throwdown Challenge (CTD200) - pink passion, chocolate chip, pumpkin pie, tempting turquoise, certainly celery.  I used my blender pen and Stampin' Write markers to color the image and then added some DP banners and twine at the top to balance the card.  This card is made with all SU! products (plus a little Twinery twine).  Hope you like.

"When I'm with you"

Stamps:  For the birds (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie striped DP, Tempting Turquoise polka-dot DP, Certainly Celery words DP (SU!)
Ink:  Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Mambo Melon, Pumpkin Pie, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Pink Sorbet Twine (The Twinery), blender pen, square punch, adhesives and dimensionals

Here's a close-up of the main image:

I stamped the image in Basic Black ink and colored using SWM and blender pen.  I cut the strips of DP for the banners and used the square punch to get the "<" at the end of each piece.

I attached the banners to the card front, wrapped twine around and tied a knot to one side and then mounted the card front onto a white card base, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Fun and easy card to make!

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Thank you to everyone who took the time to give me feedback about my idea to make changes to my labels (search function) on my blog.  So appreciated!!  I am working at coming up with a solution using your input.



Birthday Banners

Today I'm playing in the art studio, and not doing much of anything else.  I'm so lucky to have a choice!  Was a busy day yesterday, and so today I just want to take it easy.  I received my latest SU! order yesterday and am having fun playing with some of my new things.  I'm still going through my birthday order from Simon Says as well ... lots of fun toys.  Today's card uses my new "For The Birds" set from SU! long with my latest die from My Favorite Things ... mini wavy pennants.  Pennants are so popular on cards right now, and I couldn't resist giving it a try.

This card is for today's CAS-ual Fridays Challenge (CFC61 - strips of color or patterned paper).  The pennants worked perfectly for the challenge.  Hope you like.

"Birthday Banners"

Stamp:  For the Birds (SU!)
Paper:  Whisper White, Just Add Cake DP (SU!); White heavy cardstock (C.C. Designs)
Ink:  Stazon Black, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Mini Wavy Pennants (MFT), Mandarin Twine (The Twinery), Black Fine-Point Sharpie, glue, glue dots, and sticky strips

I stamped the bird image in Stazon Black and colored with Stampin' Write Markers.

I cut out several small pennants from the Just Add Cake DP, cut them to size, added the lettering with the black sharpie, and glued them to pieces of twine.

I added the banners to the card front, adding a rolled glue dot to the back of each pennant and wrapping the ends of the twine to the back to secure.

I mounted the card front onto a heavy white cardbase for stability.



Happy Birthday To You

Today I'm making a card for the Color Throwdown Challenge (CTD200 - pink passion, chocolate chip, certainly celery, pumpkin pie, tempting turquoise).  Whew!! ... five beautiful colors that really scream "summer".  I thought about making an ice cream cone card ... but settled on making a birthday card with lots of gifts, all pretty with their ribbons and bows.  This is an old, retired set from SU! called "Something to Celebrate".  Hope you like.

"Happy Birthday To You"

Stamps:  Something to Celebrate (SU!); Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs); Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  Stazon Black, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  corner rounder, adhesives

I stamped the gifts in Stazon Black ink onto a Whisper White card front.  I used Stampin' Write markers to color the gifts and I stamped the sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink.  I mounted the Tempting Turquoise strip to the top of the card and then used my Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker to add faux stitching all around the card.  I mounted the card front onto a heavy white cardbase (for stability).

I added one gift to the bottom right-hand corner of the inside panel and colored it.  I added a strip of Tempting Turquoise polka-dot DP to the top inside panel and then added the faux stitching to the inside of the card as well.

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I am thinking of re-vamping my labels (again!).  They just don't seem to make sense to me anymore ... and they are such a huge list that I'm sure it isn't helpful when trying to find something on my blog.  So, my plan is to actually take off all the stamps sets that I list in the labels, and add labels by subject (example:  baby, christmas, masculine, winter, etc.) and by technique (example:  technique - paper piecing; technique - watercoloring, etc.).  I think it will make it easier when searching my blog for a particular card.

I would really appreciate feedback on this if you have time.  Thank you!!!

If Friends were Flowers ...

Another beautiful day on the Westcoast.  Had a long a leisurely cup of coffee out on our back deck this morning.  Hubby and I usually start of the day out there ... but today was exceptionally relaxing and quiet, so sat there for a long time ... just listening to the birds.  Ahhhh, life is good!

Weatherman is predicting some warmer weather as the week wears on (up to 30 degrees C ... or 86 degrees F).  So did a little prep work in the kitchen this morning, roasting veggies to make Quesadillas later in the week.  Headed over to my mom's for lunch and a visit (and dropped off roasted veggies, tortillas shells and grated cheese for her dinner tonight).

Once back home, I worked on my card for this week's Color Challenge at SCS (CC383 - raspberry ripple, pink pirouette, crumb cake).  The layout of this card is from Dawn Easton (TreasureOiler on SCS).  Just love the colors this week ... that new Raspberry Ripple is such a beautiful, saturated color.  Looks incredible with the Crumb Cake.  The inside of the card reads "I'd pick you". 

"If Friends Were Flowers"

Stamps:  Watering Can Logos (C.C. Designs)
Paper:  White cardstock (C.C. Designs); Raspberry Ripple, Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake polka-dot DP (SU!)
Ink:  Basic Black (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Punch Bunch punches (giant daisy, medium sun, small sun, mini sun); corner rounder, square punch, mat, stylus, Stamp-a-ma-jig, glue, glue dots, adhesives, and dimensionals

To make the daisy, I punched three flowers from Raspberry Ripple cardstock, pinched the petals, shaped the flowers with my mat and stylus and then glued the layers together, offsetting the petals slightly.  For the center of the flower, I punched three medium suns from Pink Pirouette cardstock, three small suns and three mini suns from Raspberry Ripple cardstock.  For the medium and small sun punches, I cut each ray in half to create a spikey edge.  I shaped the three medium suns with my mat and stylus and then glued the layers together.  I repeated shaping and gluing the layers for the small suns and mini suns ... and then glued the different-sized layers together.

I used my square punch to create the banner ends.   I stamped the sentiment using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.  I then mounted everthing together as shown in the photo above, popping up the banner layer.

I stamped the inside sentiment and added a smaller version of the Raspberry Rippled-framed Crumb Cake polka-dot strip.

Sweet Summer

So we've had a few days of wonderful weather now ... summer is here to stay.  The sun is shining, the temperature is a comfortable, and there's a nice breeze blowing.  More more could I ask for??  Watermelon!!  One of the sweetest treats during summer.  What better way to enjoy it, than the adorable digi stamps from Lisa's Doodley Doos (available at Clear Dollar Stamps).  I have long admired Lisa Lara's fun style of cards.  Happy and bright, they always put a smile on my face.  I only learned a short while ago that she creates digital stamps ... and I have already purchased three sets.  Love them all!  Today's set is no exception.  Hope you'll join me for some sweet watermelon treats ... Lisa-style!

"Sweet Summer"

Stamps:  What a Melon digital stamp set (Lisa's Doodley Doos - Clear Dollar Stamps)

Paper:  White (C.C. Designs); Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo polka-dot DP (SU!)

Ink:  Sentiment - computer generated in black; basic black, melon mambo (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Pink Sorbet and Peapod Twine (The Twinery); glue, glue dot, and sticky strips

Super easy and CAS card using paper piecing technique.  Set up the sentiment and image on my computer to size and printed onto Whisper White cardstock.  Printed the image again onto Wild Wasabi cardstock ... and a third time onto Melon Mambo polka dot DP.  Cut out the colored images and glued them to my Whisper White card front.  Colored in the seeds and juicy drops with my Stampin' Write markers - basic black and melon mambo.

Added a twine bow to the card front, secured with a glue dot under the knot.  Mounted the card front onto my card base of heavy white cardstock.  I also created an inside panel with a paper-pieced slice of watermelon in the bottom right hand corner (see below) - so adorable!

Quick and easy card ... and so much fun to make!

Me and You Forever

This card is for two challenges ... first, CAS-ual Friday's CFC60 - use text --- and also for SCS Featured Stamper (FS283 - swldebbie).  Debbie has a lovely clean and classic style and I really enjoyed looking through her gallery.  I chose this card of Debbie's to CASE in her honor, using several different elements from Debbie's card, but achieving (I hope) the same overall romantic and vintage look.  Hope you like ... and hope Debbie likes too!!

"Me and You Forever"

Stamps:  Me & You (Heidi Grace); forever (Fiskars)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs); Generations DP (Simple Stories)
Ink:  Early Espresso, River Rock (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Lacy Squares Nestabilities die-cut (Spellbinders), sponge, adhesives

I ran the largest Lacy Squares die-cut through the Big Shot with the card base, making sure the fold at the top of the card was below the top cuts.  I ran it through again with another piece of white cardstock (this will be the card front).

I stamped the two sentiments onto the patterned paper, coloring in the Me & You stamp with a River Rock Stampin' Write marker.  I lightly sponged Early Espresso ink around the edges and then adhered it to the card front.

Quick and easy card ... the beautiful designer paper from Simple Stories did most of the work! :)

____________________

One other thing ...one of my cards made it into the "Crafty Picks" for this week on Tiffany Bauer's "My Crafty World" Blog.  Thank you, Tiffany!!

New Digs

So I just received a belated birthday gift from my hubby ... he did some on-line shopping at Simon Says (they have a "Wish List" option that I fill out whenever I can ... takes the guess work out for DH).  It came the other day and I finally got a chance late yesterday to make a card.  I just love my new Paper Smooches stamp sets ... these are the first that I own.

I debated whether or not I should post this card because it's for my youngest, Jeremy.  He's planning on moving out in the next few months and I couldn't resist using the Vogue Abode set to make a card for his "new digs".   I don't think he actually looks at my blog ... why would he?? ... he's still living at home and looks at all my cards in real life, so no need to check out the blog - at least I hope.  I don't want him to see this card until he gets it IRL :)

If you know Jeremy, you will appreciate that this card is truly meant for him.  It's his style, his colors ... and I was gleefully squealing when I added the art piece above the couch.  Jer just bought three canvasses (rectangles, not hexagons) to paint a  graphical, abstract art piece for his new place.  And his colors ... green and blue (of course).

This card is also to honor Angela (Arizona Maine on SCS) as Queen for the Day (QFTD120).  Angela has an amazing style ... I just love her cards.  I wanted to honor her by CASE'ing this beauty.  Hope you like.

"New Digs for Jeremy" 

Stamps:  Vogue Abode (Paper Smooches)

Paper:  White cardstock (C.C. Designs); Early Espresso Striped DP (SU!); Turquoise DP (unknown)

Ink:  Early Espresso, River Rock, Tempting Turquoise, Crumb Cake (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  silver pen, glue, and dimensionals

I stamped the rug, couch, bookcase, art piece and finally the sentiment - all in Early Espresso ink.  I colored in the vases and books on the bookcase using Stampin' Write markers.  I stamped the couch a second time onto Early Espresso Striped DP, cut it out, and glued it on top of my stamped image (paper piecing).  I stamped the couch image again onto the Turquoise DP, making sure the pillow was in a solid piece of Turquoise.  I cut it out, colored in the button and tassles with a silver pen, and added it on top of the couch, popping it up with dimensionals.  I colored in the frame of the couch with a silver pen.  I stamped the art piece a second time onto the Turquoise DP, cut it out and glued it on top of my stamped image.

I added a piece of Turquoise DP to the top and one to the bottom inside panel.

Such a fun and easy card to make.  I love paper piecing!!  And I think Jer will love this card ...



Red, White & Blue

I'ts another glorious day here on the Westcoast.  Sun is shining and it's warm with a nice breeze.  Perfect day for being outside ... so why am I in my art studio??!!  I didn't have any time in the studio yesterday, and I just HAD to be here today.  :)

When I saw the challenge from SCS today - Free for All (F4A124 - Wood you like a challenge? ... include wood on your card), I immediately decided to make another window and flower box card, using my recent purchase of balsa wood.  I really struggled with this card.  Not sure why ... just sometimes things take a while to come together.  This card, for some strange reason, took me 2 1/2 hours to make ... not that cards don't take me that long or longer sometimes ... but I've made these window cards before, so it should have gone a lot faster.  I blame the curtains.  I do not sew!! ... but  I had to hand-stitch this ribbon so that the ends wouldn't fray ... and then do a gathering stitch (good thing I still remember my grade eight sewing class - the only year I took any instruction on sewing).  Then I fiddled and faddled with the curtains and the flowers for ages.  In the end, it looks pretty much the way it had an hour earlier when I first attached everything.  This card is also for the Color Throwdown Challenge (CTD199 - Tempting Turquoise, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Night of Navy) ... hopefully no one will notice I subbed Baja Breeze for the Tempting Turquoise ... and the window and box were Crumb Cake colored before I sponged them with white ...  :)

"Red, White and Blue"

Stamps:  Wish You Were Here (Hero Arts)

Paper:  Night of Navy, Baja Breeze striped DP, Certainly Celery, Real Red (SU!)

Ink:  Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot; Poppy Stamps dies (window, window box, wildflower patch), Leafy Branch die (C.C. Designs), 1" stitched Baja Breeze ribbon, crystal effects, mat, stylus, scoring tool, stamp-a-ma-jig, glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

Die-cut the window and box from balsa wood and then sponged with Whisper White ink.  Stamped the table and lamp onto the striped DP and then covered the lamp base with crystal effects.  Sewed the ends of the ribbon (to stop fraying) and then used a gathering stitch to gather the pleats.  Attached the curtain "topper" to the top inside fo the window.

Attached pieces of branches to the window box.  Die-cut the flowers in red, cut off the heads, shaped them with my stylus on a foam mat and glued them to the branches.

Used my Scor-Pal to add scoring every 1/2" on the Night of Navy card front ... to represent siding (sorry, doesn't show well in the photo).  Mounted all the pieces together, adding dimensionals between the striped DP and window frame.

Antique Blossom

Happy 4th of July to all my American friends!!  Hope you all have a wonderful celebration today!

Today I'm playing "catch-up" on a challenge from last Friday ... SCS - Queen for the Day (QTFD119 - stampercamper).  I wanted to honor Mary Brown (stampercamper) by CASE'ing (copy and share everything) this card of Mary's.  Just love the design of Mary's card ... which I kept.  I also loved the doily designer paper she used at the top of her card and managed to find some in my stash, albeit a totally different color.  Other than changing the color, I used a few less layers ... but it is basically the same card.  I love Mary's style - so clean and fresh!  I have long admired her paper piercing designs on her cards (I am paper-piercing challenged!!) ... she has been doing it for a long time --- well before the new line of templates from SU! (I'm sure they got the idea from Mary!!!).  Congrats, Mary ... for being Queen for the Day - I hope you enjoyed your reign!

"Antique Blossom" 

Stamp:   A Word for You (SU!)

Paper:  Very Vanilla, Early Espresso (SU!); Generations DP (Simple Stories)

Ink:  Early Espresso (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Lace border punch (Martha Stewart), 1/4" Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon, antique brad, Rose Creations die-cuts (Spellbinders), mat, stylus, adhesives, sticky strips, and dimensionals

All layers were mounted onto Very Vanilla cardstock, which was mounted onto an Early Espresso cardbase (for stability).

The flower was shaped using the largest ball stylus and mat, pushing in a circular motion in the center of each flower (pattern side up), and then turning it over to the back and pushing in a circular motion in the center of each petal. 



Coral Rose

It was pouring rain overnight, but the weatherman has forecasted sun for this afternoon - what a shock!!!  There just hasn't been much sun around here lately.  And, not only sun for this afternoon, but the rest of the week too.  I guess summer has finally arrived here in the Lower Mainland.  My pots of flowers will be so happy!! ... and me too! :)

On to the card for today - SCS Color Challenge (CC382 - Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral).  I wanted to try something I had seen on Darlene's blog (Darlene.Design.com) ... marker layering on top of DP.  Darlene used copics, which is probably a lot better on DP, but I don't have any coral copics yet, so used my Stampin' Write marker and a blender pen.  Had to be careful to blend with just the lightest pressure, otherwise the DP starts to disintegrate.  SWM's are much, much better to use with SU!'s Whisper White cardstock or watercolor paper.  Anyways, not only did I try Darlene's idea, but I used the same stamp she did.  Now, I didn't think this through much before starting --- I was just thinking about the color challenge and using DP with the right colors.  I stamped the rose onto a square of crumb cake and white DP, thinking I would mount the square once I was finished and my card would be done.  The rustic look of the plaid DP just didn't go with the pretty coral rose.  I was about to start over when I decided to cut the rose out and see if it looked better.  Good enough!!  You can still see the plaid DP through the markers (which is the whole idea of this technique), but it doesn't look wrong --- cutting away the excess plaid made a huge difference.  Hope you like.

"Coral Rose"

Stamps:  Fifth Avenue Floral, Short & Sweet (SU!)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs); Parisian Breeze Specialty DP (retired), Crumb Cake striped DP (SU!)
Ink:  Cameo Coral, Versamark (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  White embossing powder, heat tool, blender pen, 1/2" Crumb Cake seam binding, Stamp-a-ma-jig, adhesives, glue dot, and dimensionals

I stamped the rose in Versamark onto the plaid DP and embossed with white.  I used Cameo Coral ink with blender pen, and a Cameo Coral Stampin' Write marker to color in the rose.  I cut it out.  I stamped the sentiment using my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.

I mounted all the elements onto the card base, popping up the rose with dimensionals to add depth.  I added a strip of striped Crumb Cake DP to the inside of the card as well.

Bulrushes

First of all, I forgot to wish everyone a Happy Canada Day, yesterday!!  There were so many things happening yesterday, that it completely slipped my mind.  But, it's never to late ... hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

I had a fantastic day.  First, exciting news with being picked Featured Stamper on SCS this week.  In the afternoon, Gord and I met up with friends we hadn't seen for quite a while and enjoyed a leisurely latte at the local Esquires.  Then, dinner with the family and later, out to a local high school in North Delta to watch fireworks.  It was our first time attending the Canada Day fireworks in Delta and we were amazed at how wonderful it was!  Years ago we used to go down to Vancouver ... the fireworks there is so spectacular.  But, not really up for fighting the crowds and the long commute any more, so stayed near home instead.  The great thing about it being in a field of one of the schools, is that the spectators get to be very close to the action.  We could smell the gunpowder from where we were sitting!  :)

On to the card for today ... I made another card for this week's CAS Challenge (CAS177 - navy, old olive and white) --- just love this color combination!  This card is very CAS.   Two simple stamps, a little sponging and that's it.  I'm really loving the white-on-white layered cards, so did that again with this card.  Hope you like.

"Bulrushes"

Stamps:  Be Thankful (ISC); Vintage Labels (SU!)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs)
Ink:  Old Olive, Night of Navy (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  post-it note for masking, sponge dauber, and dimensionals

Easy and quick card.  Just colored the image with Stampin' Write markers, stamped onto card front, masked water line and sponged more Night of Navy ink below post-it note.  Added sentiment and mounted the card front onto cardbase, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

Easy, peasy!!

Happy News ...

Today I was picked for the Featured Stamper at SCS (FS282).  I am so thrilled!!  Thank you to Judy (StampingQueenJAR) for choosing me.  And thank you so much to everyone that has joined in the challenge by CASE'ing one of my cards ... I am so honored!!

Today I'm joining in on the CAS Challenge (CAS177) as an Alumni Spotlight Guest Designer - thank you Jen (Miss Boo) for inviting me!!  Today's CAS challenge is a color challenge - navy, old olive and white.  What a fabulous color combination.  Hope you like this CAS card.

"Madera Stamp"

Stamp:  For You (Rubber-Art Stamps)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs); White (Bazzill - texture for the flowers); Old Olive, Night of Navy (SU!)
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Madera Corner die (Memory Box), Postage Stamp Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Hydrangea punch (Martha Stewart), mat, stylus, green glitter glue, white embossing powder, heat tool, glue dots, glue, and dimensionals

I die-cut the medium-sized postage stamp three times (two white and one navy) and glued them together with the navy layer on top.  This adds to the depth of the die-cut, making it stand out more.

I die-cut the madera corner from Old Olive cardstock.  I added green glitter to all the "dots" on the die (not the leaves).

I punched out several of the Hydrangea blossoms.  I shaped them using my mat and stylus and then added green glitter centers.

I stamped the sentiment in Versamark, and then embossed in white.

I mounted all the layers as shown in the photo above, popping up the postage stamp panel with dimensionals to add depth.