Copper Christmas

Hi everyone.  Still working on Christmas cards :)  Tomorrow I'll have something a little different for you.

Today's card is for the Splitcoaststampers (SCS) CAS challenge (CAS#244 - tearing / distressing).  I've layered two torn banks of snow.  I usually just tear my card stock once and then use both sides ... the contrast of the hills works well.  I sponged a little Smoky Slate ink along the tops to give them more definition and also added dazzling diamonds along the torn edges ... and I popped the layers up with dimensionals for even more depth.

The tree is an old die that I've had for several years ... you know the ones ... they are very thick and are run through the Big Shot with only the cutting plates (no platform required).  These seem to work the best for cutting copper as the cutting blades are quite deep.  I heated the copper tree with my mini torch until it changed colors and then glued it together with two other trees that I die-cut from white card stock.  As you already know, I commonly use three layers of die-cuts to create nice thick elements.  This worked really well with the copper and had the added bonus of eliminating the sharp edges that I sometimes get from the cut copper.  A simple sentiment and the card was done.

Here's a close-up:

Stamps:  Snowman Sayings (Amy R)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs)
Ink:  Early Espresso, Smoky Slate (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Pine Tree die (Sizzix), copper metal sheet .005 thickenss (K&S Precision Metals), mini torch, glue, dazzling diamonds, sponge, adhesives and dimensionals

I'm also going to enter this into:
Muse #41 (Janet Ribet)
Rudolph Day
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra
Pixie's Snippets Playground #96  - I used snippets to die cut my white tree layers

Let's Be Merry!

Hi everyone.  It's Monday again and time for a new Merry Monday Challenge (#81).  Is it me ... or are the weeks going by faster and faster as we approach Christmas?? :)  Thankfully I have quite a stash of cards made now ... but still have time to make more - yay!!

This week's challenge is a theme ...

I didn't have any Santa stamps ... when I told my hubby, he was actually shocked!! :)  I have a room full of supplies, and he knows that Christmas cards are my favorite, so he thought I'd have several Santa stamps to choose from ... but, sadly no.  So, I checked out a few of my favorite digi stamp stores and found the adorable Santa that's on my card ... the name is actually "Cute Santa with present".  Cute is right.  I had a lot of fun coloring him with copics.  I paper pieced the gift and stocking and then added stickles to the ribbon and stocking cuff to make them glittery.  I love Paper Smooches sentiments ... they are perfect for whimsical cards, and it definitely fit this image.  A little more patterned paper at the top and a knot of twine and I was done.  Easy, peasy and so much fun!!

Here's a close-up:

Stamps:  Cute Santa with present (Digi Stamp Boutique); Christmas Sampler (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White, Be of Good Cheer DP - retired (SU!)
Ink:  Basic Black, Silver metallic, Copics:  Coo, E01, R20, R29
Accessories & Tools:  clear stickles, Maraschino Twine (The Twinery)

I hope you'll check out the other fabulous DT cards on Lesley's blog (Always Playing with Paper).  So much inspiration to get your creative juices flowing.  And ... I hope you'll join our fun challenge! :)

Autumn Colors

Hi everyone.  Time for a new challenge at ATCAS.  We had so many wonderful entries for our last challenge (code word:  Transparent) ... and were amazed at the different interpretations - so much fun!! :)

This time, our fearless leader Kylie of Kylie is Addicted to Stamps (and now Butterflies), has picked this fun and challenging :) ... code word:

This challenge is being sponsored by:

Prize:  CAS Perfectionist gets to choose 5 of their wonderful images

(please follow the rules to be eligible to win)

I let the colors of the season inspire me to make this card.  I masked the card front using post-it notes and then randomly sponged yellow, green and coral.  I stamped the oak leaf outline image a few different times, using my Stamp-a-ma-jig to help with the placement.  I removed the masks and then stamped a simple sentiment.

Here's a close-up:

Stamps:  Gently Falling (SU!); Friends Sentiments (Amy R)
Paper:  White
Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Calypso Coral (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  sponges, Stamp-a-ma-jig

I hope you'll come and join in the fun at ATCAS - code word:  One-Layer.  Drop by the challenge blog to see the rest of the fabulous creations from the Design Team.

Pink Flowers of Kindness

Hi everyone.  Over at the MUSE (#40) challenge this week ... the guest designer is my friend Darnell.  Congrats Darnell!!  She made a gorgeous card in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Please click here to read Darnell's post - you'll be glad you did.

Here's Darnell's card for inspiration.

I really focused on the flowers and the colors of Darnell's card, changing up the layout a bit.  I used an old set from SU! called Echoes of Kindness (hence the name of this post).  It's such a beautiful set of flower stamps ... I never get tired of them.

I stamped the image in staz-on black ink and color using a blender pen and ink onto Whisper White card stock (marker layering).  I outlined the image with my Certainly Celery Stampin' write marker to give it a shadow effect.

Stamps:  Echoes of Kindness (SU!); Sunny Sentiments (Amy R)
Paper:  White; Whisper White (SU!)
Ink:  Staz-on black, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Certainly Celery (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon, blender pen, adhesives, and dimensionals

Here's a close-up of my card so you can see more details:

I'm finding that now I have new shelving, it blocks the light where I always have taken my photos of cards.  Isn't that always the way?? ... change one thing for the positive, and it has negative effects somewhere else :)  It probably doesn't help that this time of year, the light coming in the window from outside is dull --- my pictures seemed much better during the summer.

I have been thinking for a while now about making a light box for taking photos ... this is hopefully going to push me to do it sooner rather than later :)  I found instructions on-line and now I just need to talk hubby into helping me build it.  It's not going to be on his priority list  ... but if I start mucking with the tools in his shop, he'll probably take over so that I don't damage anything :)  We'll see if that works :)

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Card Candy Giveaway # 8 - Winner

Thanks to everyone that commented on my latest Card Candy Giveaway - #8 (Windows & more).  I used the True Random Number Generator to pick the winner of the Card Candy:

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 52 

... and the winner is ...

Jeanne (Reba Li Creates)

Congrats Jeanne ... please email your mailing address to me (click on the "Email Me" in the right-hand column near the top), and I'll send you the Card Candy. :)

Jolly Holly

Hi everyone.  Fun, easy, CAS card for you today.  This is for the Color Challenge at SCS (CC449 - cherry cobbler, old olive, sahara sand).  I used a small strip of SU!'s Christmas DP called Season of Style.  I love this cherry red tartan.  It doesn't have Sahara Sand, but does have Crumb Cake ... so hope that's OK.

Here's a close-up:

I added some sponging around the outside edges of the holly leaves and then shaped the leaves and berry with my stylus and mat.  I added a small white dot on the berry for interest.

I had an email the other day from Marilyn (thanks Marilyn!!), asking about the inside of my cards.  You can see just a little peek inside on the top picture ... it's another strip of the tartan DP that I used on the front.  If I use DP on a card, I always include a strip near the bottom of the inside for interest.  If I hadn't included a strip of DP on this card, then I would have added a holly leaf and berry to the inside.  I think it's a nice detail to add something on the inside if possible.

Stamps:  Christmas Sampler (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs); Season of Style DP (SU!)
Ink:  Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Holly & Berry die (C.C. Designs), white gel pen, glue, stylus and mat, glue dot, adhesives, and dimensionals

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I received the cutest Halloween card in the mail yesterday from my friend Karen.  I love the sweet little kitty poking it's head out of the pumpkin - so adorable!!  Thank you Karen ... this made me smile! :)  It has a place of honor on the shelf above my work table.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas ...

Hi everyone.  Time for a new challenge for Merry Monday (#80) .... this time it's a theme challenge.

When I was little, I watched Christmas cartoons every December ... one was Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, where Burl Ives sang "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" ... and every time I see the sentiment I used on my card today, I can hear him singing it :)

I thought a holly wreath would be perfect to go with the sentiment.  I wanted it to be more of a whimsical card, so I used felt to die-cut the holly leaves.  I love the bright green of this felt - so fun!

I've used this layout a few times before ... I just love it.  I divided some musical note paper into four equal squares, glued some extra layers of card stock to make them sturdy, and popped them onto my card front.  The wreath is also popped up for added dimension.

Here's a close-up:

Stamps:  Handy Christmas Greetings (Amy R)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs; Modern Medley DP (SU!)
Ink:  Real Red (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Holly Leaves die (C.C. Designs), red half-pearls, Maraschino twine (The Twinery), Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1 1/4" square punch, glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

I hope you'll join us for the fun challenge.  Check out Lesley's blog (Always Playing with Paper) for the challenge and to see the amazing cards from the rest of the Design Team.



I'm entering this into Festive Friday's challenge - (FFC#19 - Whimsical)

and Crafty Snippets Playground #95 (lots of snippets used on this card!).

Happy Birthday, my sweet friend

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing a birthday card I made for my sweet friend Frances.  We've known each other for over 20 years and we have spent lots of time over those years crafting together.  In fact, yesterday I hosted a card workshop for Fran and a few of her friends from her Dragon Boat team.  We had lots of fun making Christmas cards ... and we had a birthday cake to celebrate as well.  We have gone out for dinners and lunches several times over those years of friendship ... and occasionally we went for high tea.  Our favorite place is the Secret Garden in Kerrisdale - yummy sandwiches, cakes and tea.  This sweet digi image made me think of the fun times we've had at those high teas ... and I hope it reminds Fran as well.  Happy Birthday Frances!


Here's a close-up of Fran's card:

I stamped the image onto white card stock and colored in with Stampin' Write markers and fussy-cut.  I added dazzling diamonds to the cake "frostings" and crystal effects to the cake plate, two hearts and cherry for some shine.  I popped the cake plate up on a piece of ruby red grid paper.  A simple knot of red ribbon and sentiment finishes the card.

Stamps:  Tea Time (DigiStamp Boutique); Sweet Sentiments (Amy R)
Paper:  White, Ruby Red DSP (SU!)
Ink:  Pretty in pink, Wild Wasabi, Pink Pirouette, So Saffron, Real Red (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Dazzling diamonds, crystal effects, 1/4" Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig, glue, adhesives and dimensionals

This is one of my favorite layouts right now.  Can't get enough of it. :)

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My wonderful son, Evan ... came by the other day and put up some more shelves for me in my art studio.  He had set up shelves for me over my work desk a few months back and somehow I managed to fill the space and I was again running out of room - wonder how that happened?? :)  Anyways, I now have more storage on the opposite wall ... I'm so happy! :)  Thank you Evan!!  Love you!!

Still have lots of space to add more containers too! :)  This is not typically how my studio looks ... but I did a big clean up and started rearranging things for the new shelves and wanted to get a picture while it still looked clean! :)  I'm now heading to Simon Says to see what I can buy to fill in those blank spots :)

Fall Leaves

Hi everyone.  The latest challenge at Bugaboo's Catch the Bug Challenge blog is Bingo.  I just love this time of year with all the falling leaves ... had so much fun coloring this adorable fall image.

I used the bottom horizontal line, subbing die-cut for the punch (hope that's ok).  I used the marker layering techique (Player's Choice) and the image came with it's own sentiment (Leaves). :)


Here's a close-up:

Stamps:  AKV-Fall Leaves (Bugaboo)
Paper:  Watercolor; White; Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight (SU!)
Ink:  Crushed Curry, Bashful Blue, Crumb Cake, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Smoky Slate, Basic Gray, Blush Blossom, Blushing Bride (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Grass Border die (Cheery Lynn), Puffy Clouds Dies (Memory Box), Small Sun die (Lil' Inkers), blender pen, sponges, glue, glue dot, adhesives, and dimensionals

I hope you'll join us for this fun challenge!  Click here to check out the wonderful cards from the rest of the design team.

Card Candy Giveaway #8

Hi everyone.  Time for my next card candy give-away.  Today it's all about creating a scene.  I have included two small arched window frames, two small window frames with two matching sets of shutters, and four window boxes.

Each piece is three layers thick (glued together) to create nice thick die-cuts.  I've used temporary adhesive to attach the pieces to my card candy backing and also to stack the pieces on top of each other (a little rubbing with your finger removes the temporary adhesive).

Would you like some of the card candy above??

I'm offering the above to one person that leaves a comment on this posting before Oct. 23.  I will use the "True Random Number Generator" to determine which comment will receive the candy.

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One quick technical update.  There is maintenance being done on the server that hosts my blog today ... so the blog will be unavailable starting at 5 p.m. (PST) for approx. 5 hours.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

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And one other bit of happy news ... I have been chosen to be one of the Dirty Dozen at Splitcoaststampers.com.  It was announced yesterday and I am so honored to be joining this amazing group of talented crafters for the next six months!! :)

I'm so excited!!!!

For those of you that are members of Splitcoaststamper's Fan Club, I hope you'll check out the Fan Club Monthly challenges and play along.

Holly Branch

Hi everyone.  This card is for the current challenge on my friend, Nonni's blog (Korttikarkuri) ... "Let's Get Inky - Stamp a Happy Christmas".  We would love to see more entries ... come and join in the fun!! :)

I stamped this beautiful holly branch in Staz-on Black ink and colored it with my inks and blender pen.  I added glitter glue on top for some sparkle (hard to see in the photo) ... and a tiny bit of detailing on the berries with my white gel pen.


Here's a close-up:

Stamps:  Watercolor Winter (SU!); Handy Christmas Greetings (Amy R)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs)
Ink:  Black Staz-on, Gumball Green, Real Red (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Stamp-a-ma-jig, blender pen, red glitter, green glitter, paint brush, white gel pen, Maraschino Twine (The Twinery), adhesives and dimensionals

Hope you'll join us!

Doggie in the Window

Hi everyone.  Yesterday we had our Thanksgiving Family dinner ... traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings - yum!!  So after all my hard work for the past two days ... and Gord's as well :) ... we decided it would be a day of rest.  So, for me, that's having fun in my studio - yay!

I made a card for two challenges.  First, this is for last week's challenge at SCS - Featured Stamper # 348 - Darlene DeVries.  Darlene is so talented and she makes a video each week for the "how-to" on making her cards ... such a lot of work, but helpful to so many.  You can check out Darlene's blog here.  Thank you Darlene for sharing your talents so freely!!!  I decided to CASE this fun card by Darlene.  I just changed up the species :) ... and made it more clean and simple by eliminating the embossing and a few layers.  I had so much fun using this adorable image from Bugaboo.  It's just part of the original image, which is a dog with a balloon tied to his tail.  That's the great thing about stamping ... whether you are using digital images or rubber stamps ... by just printing (or inking) part of the image, you end up with something completely different.

This also works for today's challenge at SCS - CAS #242 - use a pet on your card.

I colored the dog with copic markers, fussy-cut and popped him up in the window.  I did add a second layer for his head which is glued flush at the top (ears) and is raised at the bottom (mouth) using rolled glue dots.  I wanted to fit in the twine with the tag so it looked like it was part of his collar - hope it worked! :)

Here's a close-up:

He is so cute that I couldn't help but smile the whole time I was coloring him! :)  And, I was humming "how much is that doggie in the window" ... now I can't get that tune out of my head :)

Stamps:  Puppy Love - Balloon (Bugaboo); Word Salad (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White (C.C. Designs); Sweater Weather DSP (SU!)
Ink:  Regal Rose, Tangerine Tango (SU!); Copics:  YR24, E44, E49
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Mini wavy pennants die (My Favorite Things), Rectangle Nestability (Spellbinders), Mandarin Twine (The Twinery),  glue, glue dots, adhesives, and dimensionals

Snowflake Wreath

Hi everyone.  Another week has gone by (time is passing so quickly these days!) ... and it's time for the next Merry Monday challenge (#79).  This week it's a theme and color challenge combined.  Take a look ...

I love all the sections of the inspiration photo above ... and I hope you are inspired to join us for the challenge!

I started by cutting an Island Indigo card base ... I know, it's way outside my norm :)  I just love this shade of blue and I thought it would make a wonderful background for a snowflake wreath.

My friend Susan posted this card in her gallery on SCS a couple of months ago with a snowflake wreath and I just loved it ... so I made one for myself today - thanks for the inspiration Susan!  First I created a white ring of card stock for my base (cut with two sizes of circle nesties).  I die-cut several small and medium sized snowflakes and then layered them onto the ring with a little glue.  To add a little shine to the wreath, I scattered silver glimmer stars randomly on the snowflakes.  I splattered white ink onto my card front and cut out a square so that my wreath could be recessed.  I embossed the sentiment in white.

Here's a close-up:

It's hard to see the stars on the wreath, so I took another photo from a different angle.  I think you can see them better below.

Stamps:  Christmas Greetings (SU!)
Paper:  White (Neenah); Island Indigo (SU!)
Ink:  Whisper White, Versamark (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Small Snowflakes (Impression Obsession), Circle and Square  Nesties (Spellbinders), Holiday shapes die (Simon Says), toothbrush, glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

I hope you'll join us for the latest Merry Monday challenge.  Pop by Lesley's blog (Always Playing with Paper) for the details and to see the gorgeous cards made by the rest of the Design Team.

Pot of Pink Flowers

Hi everyone.  Time for another Saturday Challenge at Bugaboo's Catch the Bug Challenge Blog.  Today it's a Theme challenge ...

Think Pink

I used both paper piecing and paper tole for this adorable image.  I wanted to add twine around the pot, but because it was such a light pink, it seemed to disappear ... so I took three strands of the pink twine and braided them together to make a thick "rope", looped it around the rim of the pot and added a pearl to dress it up - love how it turned out.  :)    I added a fun sentiment from Paper Smooches to finish.

Here's a close-up:

... and here's another angle so you can see the depth from the paper tole technique.

Stamps:  Flower Pot 1 (Bugaboo); Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  White, Yellow Gingham; Regal Rose, Regal Rose polka-dot, Pear Pizzazz (SU!)
Ink:  Basic Black, Regal Rose, Pear Pizzazz (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Pink Sorbet Twine (The Twinery), pink half pearl, stylus and mat, sponges, glue, glue dots, adhesives, and dimensionals

I used both paper piecing and paper tole techniques for this card.  Links to tutorials of these techniques can be found on my "Techniques Page".

For the flower pot, I used my Regal Rose Stampin' Write marker to add pink dots in the centers of all the squares.

I hope you'll join us for this fun challenge.  Please check out Catch the Bug Challenge Blog for the challenge details and see the Design Team's fabulous creations for "Think Pink". :)