CASEing Colleen

Hi everyone.  Today I'm CASEing a card made by my sweet friend, Colleen (One Smile Lifts a Spirit). 

Colleen tried out a new technique and I when I saw her cards on her blog, I had to give it a try.  This is a fun and easy technique of sponging a card front with Distress Oxide inks, heat embossing a design, and then lifting colour using a water brush.  I used mixed media paper which allowed me to remove colour three times, lightening the image each time.  To finish, I still wanted more contrast, so used Colleen's idea of adding white with a watercolour pencil.  Thanks for the inspiration Colleen!!

Here's a close-up ...

Stamps:  Cosmos (Stampendous); Sentiment - Watching Bloom (Memory Box)
Paper:  Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 series); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Cracked Pistachio, Peacock Feathers (Tim Holtz); Delicata Silver (Tsuikineko)
Accessories & Tools:  sponges, silver embossing powder, heat tool, water brush, white watercolour pencil (Derwent)

Peace and Joy

Hi everyone.  I've having fun creating right now.  Have been busy making lots of cards - YAY! :)  Today I'm sharing a card for the Merry Monday #279 challenge - Poinsettia.

I do love this stamp set and it has matching dies, which is something I rarely buy, but well worth it with this set as fussy-cutting would be a challenge. :)  I stamped the images in Archival black ink and then watercoloured using Stampin' Up! reinkers.  I die-cut the images and then arranged them on my card base, stamping the sentiment as well.  I just taped down the single poinsettia and the double poinsettia spray in the middle of the back only so that the edges are loose.  I was hoping it would give it a little dimension.  I think it worked. :)

Here's a close-up ...

I hope to make some more of these in the coming days while I still have this wonderful stamp set on my work table.

Hope you'll check out the Merry Monday #279 Challenge and see all the beautiful cards from the Design Team.  And then join in JoAnne's challenge - poinsettia.  The challenge is open until Sunday.

Stamps:  Holiday Bouquet (Avery Elle)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series
Ink:  Re-inkers:  Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight (SU!); Archival Black (Ranger); Black (Memento - for sentiment)
Accessories & Tools:  water brush, matching dies (Avery Elle), white gel pen

Challenges:
Merry Monday #279 - Poinsettia

February Rudolph Days

Hi everyone.  First I want to apologize for being absent with commenting.  Every once in a while I get super busy and the next thing I know, I'm so far behind on my reader's list that there's no chance for me to catch up.  I regret missing all the wonderful cards posted over the past week by the talented people I follow ... I hope to keep up better in the future!

Today I'm playing along with Rudolph Days.  This monthly challenge runs from the 25th to the end of the month.  Maureen (scrappymo!) is the host and every challenge is Anything Goes Christmas.  It's a great way to build your Christmas card stash throughout the year.

I had a small scrap of paper towel transfer leftover so I used it for the background.  I used just the deers cut from a die (AliExpress), along with a tree die (Impression Obsession) and snow hill die (My Favorite Things).  The sentiment is stamped in Wilted Violet distress ink and I also sponged around the outside edge of the background with the same purple ink.  I do love these blues and purples together.  And the design from the quilted paper towel really shows well on this piece to add some interest and visual texture.

Here's a close-up ...

Come play along!

Stamps:  Snowman Sayings - retired (Amy R)
Paper:  Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Wilted Violet Distress Ink (Tim Holtz
Accessories & Tools:  Paper towel, Reindeer die (AliExpress), Fir Tree die (Impression Obsession), Snowdrift die (MFT)

Challenges:
February Rudolph Days

Magical Heart

Hi everyone.  I did more of a mixed media CAS card for today.  I sprinkled Lindy's magical powders (autumn crimson) on a piece of mixed media paper and spritzed with water.  Once dry, I die-cut the heart of hearts die.  I then took a second piece of mixed media paper and used acetate smooshing to add the same colour of magical powders to the background, along with gold perfect pearls.  I love this combination.  I took some leftover gold perfect pearls and added bits to the heart as well.  The sentiment is stamped in Delicata Gold which is the same shade of yellow gold.

I die-cut two foam pieces of the heart of hearts die and layered them together with the coloured one on top to give my die-cut some dimension.

Here's a close-up ...

One last card for the CAS Watercolour February Challenge - Heart.  The challenge is open for a few more days.  Come play along!

Stamps:  Thoughtful Messages (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series)
Ink:  Delicata Gold (Tsukineko)
Accessories & Tools:  Heart of Hearts die (AliExpress), Lindy's Magicals (Autumn Crimson), Gold Perfect Pearls, water mister, paint brush, acetate for smooshing

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour February Challenge - Heart

Magical Cork

Hi everyone.  No, this cork isn't magical as the title of my post implies. :)  But the cork does look good with the die-cut which has been coloured with Lindy's Magicals (Cattail Copper Brown).  I love that these little pots of powder are filled with goodness.  They are similar to Brushos in that each colour is actually made up of several different colours.  The great thing about Magicals ... they shimmer.  I have added a close-up photo below and hopefully you can see a bit of shimmer.

This is for the CAS Mix Up February Challenge - Felt, Cork, or Canvas.  I have already posted felt and canvas cards and couldn't miss out on the cork. :)

This cork is a gift from a sweet friend, and I had fun die-cutting it with my new-to-me leaf die that I HAD to have after seeing my Teamie Joanna use it.  Isn't is awesome.  This card is for my hubby's birthday in April.  He will love it!

Sprinkled magicals onto an acetate sheet, spritzed with a little water and smooshed the colour onto a regular piece of card stock.  Die-cut the leaf in frame and glued it on top of a cork background.  Added a stamped and heat embossed (in copper) sentiment.

Here's a close up ...

Since I had the negative pieces from the die-cut leaf sitting on my desk, I decided to make another card, this time inlaying the pieces into a white die-cut leaf frame.  Always great when you can use up those pretty bits and pieces.

... and here's the close-up ...

There's still a few days left before the CAS Mix Up Challenge closes at midnight (PST) Feb. 24th.  Hope you'll join us!

Stamps:  Fun Birthday Sentiments (Happy Little Stampers); Bouquet of Thanks (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Lindy's Magicals (Autumn) - Cattail Copper Brown; Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Framed Fern die (Penny Black), water mister, acetate, copper embossing powder, heat tool

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up February Challenge - Felt, Cork, or Canvas

You Are Loved

Hi everyone.  It's time for the reminder about CAS Watercolour February Challenge - Heart.  The challenge is being hosted by the very talented Bonnie.

I didn't know where I was going with this card ... it just evolved and turned into something completely different than what I had in mind at the start.  The background is cold press watercolour paper.  I had created a background a while ago with orange and pink re-inkers and cling wrap.  I cut the flower heart from white for the front of my card and was going to just place it over top, but I wanted something with more umph! This means the original background wasn't going to show at all. :)  But the colour does add to the depth of the zig watercolouring I did on top.

First I used the card front as a template and outlined the image onto my watercolour panel using a metallic gold pen.  I used my zigs to watercolour the flowers in deeper colours.  Placed the die-cut panel over top and was happy with the results.  Stamped and heat embossed the sentiment in gold to match ... this is a great sentiment set that was gifted to me by a sweet friend.

I hope you'll check out the challenge blog to see the reminder cards from our wonderful Guest Designer, Sue (Sue's Card Craft) and our talented designers.  Then come join us!

Stamps:  Simply Said: You (Avery Elle)
Paper:  Watercolour Paper (Arches 140 lb. cold press); White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Zigs
Accessories & Tools:  Flower Heart die (Simon Says Stamp); Gold metallic pen, paint brush, gold embossing powder, heat tool

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour February Challenge - Heart

Love and Hearts

Hi everyone.  It's half way through February and time for a reminder about the CAS Mix Up February Challenge - Felt, Cork, or Canvas.  This fun challenge is being hosted by our talented Design Team member, Joanna.

For the reminder, I'm using felt this time.  Felt is easy to die-cut and dry emboss, but it is best to glue it to a thin piece of card stock first so that it holds it shape.  That always helps it cut cleanly.  I used a Love die from AliExpress.

Stamping is a small row of hearts in silver.  I used the same silver (Delicata) and red ink to splatter the background.  The Love die is popped up on foam for lots of dimension.

I hope you'll check out the challenge blog reminder post with new inspiring designs from our Guest Designer, Marianne (Marianne's cards 'n stuff) and our team.  Then come and play along!

I'm adding this card to:  AAA #108 - All you need is LOVE

* * * * *

Bonnie and I are excited to announce the launch of a new challenge!

CAS Christmas Card Challenge

 We are thrilled to have a very talented group of Designers joining our team.

Check out the new challenge HERE.

* * * * *

Stamps:  Small hearts from Thoughtful Messages (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  White (Neenah  110 lb. for card base; 65 lb. for adhering to felt)
Ink:  Delicata Silver (Tsukineko); Real Red (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories & Tools:  Red felt ($1 store), Love die (AliExpress), paint brush for splattering, foam

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up February Challenge - Felt, Cork, or Canvas
AAA #108 - All you need is Love

Twofer Card Challenge #2

Welcome to Twofer Card Challenge #2.  Thanks to all that played along with our first challenge last month.  The gallery was filled is beautiful feather cards!

February's challenge is ...

I used the same die for the two cards above.  This is the Stacking Hearts Die from Simon Says Stamp.

Both cards have the same background technique.  This is were I take one of my "mop up" paper towels, place it over top of a piece of watercolour paper or mixed media paper, spritz with water and then press firmly with my fingers to transfer the ink.  The colours are always soft and delicate.  I keep these backgrounds in my stash for when I want a softer looking card (or cards!).  Today is the day.

I die-cut the stacking hearts from white card stock, removed all the center hearts (which are already part of the die-cut) and I'm left with a frame of hearts.  I added a simple sentiment with white embossing on black card for the "sending" and black die-cut hugs (cut from black card stock and black foam as well and layered with the foam underneath for added dimension).  I used my clear wink of stella to add a bit of shimmer to the hugs.  For the finishing touch, I added some translucent blue and clear sequins for more sparkle.

Here's a close-up ...

The card above uses the hearts outline of the die, the card below uses the centers.

I sponged white card stock with worn lipstick and cut out the hearts.  I didn't worry about the sponging being perfect.  I like that the hearts have colour variation on each one.  The background matches with the paper towel transfer of ink in worn lipstick and mustard seed.  I stamped the sentiment in Delicata Gold ink.

Here's a close-up ...

There you have it ... two different card designs for two different occasions using the same die.  It's lots of fun.

Check out the challenge blog to see the amazing "Hearts" cards from the rest of our talented Design Team.  And then come play along.  The challenge is open for two weeks, closing on Feb. 24th.  Hope to see you in the gallery!

I'm sending the first card (Sending Hugs) to the Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - It Must be Love and AAA Cards #108 - All You Need is Love.

I'm sending the second card (Heartfelt Thanks) to CAS on Sunday #126 - Dies and to CAS Watercolour February Challenge - Heart.  :)

Card 1:
Stamps:
Paper:  Mixed Media card stock (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:  Left over distress ink from earlier project - mopped up with paper towel; Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Stacking Hearts die (Simon Says Stamp), water mister, hugs die (?), clear wink of stella, white embossing powder, heat tool, sequins

Card 2:
Stamps:  Heartfelt (Penny Black)
Paper:  Watercolour paper (Arches Hot Press 140 lb.);
Ink:  Leftover ink from earlier project (Worn Lipstick, Mustard Seed) - mopped up with paper towel; Delicata Gold (Tsukineko)
Accessories & Tools:  Water mister, sponge

Challenges:
Twofer Challenge #2 - Hearts
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - It Must be Love
AAA Cards #108 - All You Need is Love
CAS on Sunday #126 - Dies
CAS Watercolour February Challenge - Heart

Mums

Hi everyone.  I'm sharing two cards that I made a while ago, but haven't had a chance to blog until now.

I LOVE this beautiful mum bouquet stamp from WPlus9 that I received as a gift from a sweet friend.  I stamped and embossed it with liquid platinum embossing powder.  Then I watercoloured using my Zigs.

Here's a close up ...

I really enjoy watercolouring of any kind, but find the zigs to be so easy.  This time I used hot press watercolour paper and it worked like a charm with these inks.

I made a second card, but had a senior's moment when adding a stencil to the background.  For some reason I used purple and it was way too dark and took away from the image.  Didn't want to loose the pretty flowers, so fussy-cut the image and popped it up on a card base which had been die-cut with a circle edging (one of a set of four dies from AliExpress).  A heat embossed sentiment finished the card.

Stamps:  Beautiful Bouquet Mums (WPlus9); Lots of Thanks (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Arches (140 lb. hot press - top card); Mixed media (Strathmore 140 lb. - second card); Elegant Eggplant (SU!)
Ink:  Versamark; zigs
Accessories & Tools:  Liquid platinum embossing powder (card 1), silver embossing powder (card 2), heat tool, water brush, Mini Tiny Circles stencil (The Crafter's Workshop); Circle-edged die (AliExpress)

Pastel Christmas

Hi everyone.  Today I'm playing long with Merry Monday Challenge #275 (Pastels).

I rarely use pastel colours, so this was a bit out of my comfort zone.  It did give me a change to use some long neglected distress inks! :)

I started by sponging a piece of mixed media paper.  Not sure why I used mm paper ... regular card stock would have done, but I wasn't sure where I was going with this design.

I sponged Spun Sugar ink on the top half of my main panel.  Next I sponged Milled Lavender ink about 2/3 way down the spun sugar sponging.  And last I sponged Tumbled Glass ink on the top 1/3.  I sent over the blended inks a few times with all three colours to smooth the transition of one colour to the next.  Then I spritzed with water and blotted with a paper towel to add just a slight texture.  I diluted white acrylic paint and splattered over the sky.

I cut the tree and deer die from white, adding glue to the trees and along the top of the snow line.  Sprinkled with iridescent glitter ... love the sparkle, tapping off excess.  It stuck to the glue, but still would flake off, so I took an old small paint brush and brushed on a thin later of glossy accents.  It worked!  To finish I stamped the sentiment in Delicata silver ink.

Here's a close-up of the sparkle ...

Stamps:  Snowglobe Sentiments (My Favorite Things)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Spun Sugar, Milled Lavender, Tumbled Glass (Tim Holtz); Delicata Silver (Tsukineko)
Accessories & Tools:  sponges, water mister, tree & deer die (AliExpress), glue, iridescent glitter, glossy accents

Challenges:
Merry Monday #275 - Pastels

CAS Watercolour February Challenge

Hi everyone.  Welcome to the start of the CAS Watercolour February Challenge.  This month is being hosted by Bonnie and she has picked the perfect theme!

I started by sprinkling a heart embossing folder (SU!) with Magicals.  I just can't get enough of playing with these beautiful powders! :)

I lightly spritzed with shimmer mist and then used the folder to "stamp" onto a piece of regular white card stock.  Because there wasn't too much spray, it worked well and I got a very dark impression.  There was still ink on my folder, so spritzed again and pulled a second print.  The third print was pulled without adding more spray ... that's the background I used above.  I love the softness and randomness of the design.

I die-cut the Love from a piece of scrap which I had sponged with Picked Raspberry distress ink.  After die-cutting, I used my ink pad directly to the sentiment to add just small strokes of deeper pink.  I then sprayed with shimmer mist to add sparkle.

I tacked down the Love die-cut with glue just in random places so that some of the pieces were left free, giving added dimension.

I added several clear sequins for even more sparkle.

We are thrilled to have Sue (Sue's Card Craft) as our Guest Designer this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see Sue's Heart card, along with the amazing designs from the other team members.  Then come join us!  Remember to include watercolouring on your CAS (clean and simple) designs.

Paper:  White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Lindy Magicals (autumn maple crimson); Picked Raspberry Distress Ink (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Happy Heart embossing folder (Sizzix for SU!), Love die (Simon Says Stamp), water mister, clear sequins, shimmer spray (Dick Blick)

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour February Challenge - Heart

CAS Mix Up February Challenge

Hi everyone.  Today is the start of the CAS Mix Up February Challenge.  This month's challenge is being hosted by our very talented and creative Design Team member, Joanna.

Lots of scope as you are welcome to use Felt, Cork, OR Canvas along with stamping and one item from the *Your Choice list on the challenge blog sidebar.

I started off the challenge using a piece of canvas that was gifted to me by Bonnie.  Thanks Bonnie!  The only canvas I have worked on before was framed. :)  To see my dirty pour canvases from last year, click HERE and HERE.  I was inspired to make a small version for a card after seeing a card made with leftovers from a dirty pour done by Cathy (Cathy's Card Spot).

I created a mini canvas with a 2" x 2 1/4" piece of canvas.  First I coated the canvas with gesso and let it dry thoroughly.  I thinned out four colours of acrylic paint with water, poured them randomly into a small cup and poured it over the canvas piece (dirty pour).  The canvas was tilted so the paint flowed to cover it completely, with the excess paint pouring over the sides.  Once dry, this is what I ended up with.  LOVE IT! :)  I wouldn't mind having a large one like this to hang on the wall. :)

I finished by stamping a sentiment from STAMPlorations in black ink.  Just perfect for my card.

Here's a close-up of just the painting.  You can see the texture of the canvas.

We are excited to have Marianne (Marianne's cards 'n stuff) as our Guest Designer this month.  Welcome Marianne!!

Check out the challenge blog to see Marianne's card, along with the amazing cards from our talented design team.  And then come play along!

Stamps:  Art Builders (STAMPlorations)
Paper:  Canvas; White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Black (Memento)
Accessories & Tools:  Gesso, sponge brush, Acrylic Paints in Crimson Red, Violet, and Titanium White (Liquitex), Dark Turquoise Acrylic paint (DecoArts), water, small plastic mixing cups

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up February Challenge - Felt, Cork, or Canvas