Happy Summer to you

 Hello crafty friends! I'm stopping in to post a quick share on this hot summer day. It's good to be back after a busy holiday week. I have another week busy with family visiting and there's nothing I'd rather do than spend time with loved ones. 

The first card I posted (HERE) using the Eclectic Garden dies (Concord & 9th) was a CASE. Today's card is my original design.

Instead of die cutting the florals from colored card stock, I used white and sponged on color using Distress Inks to create a softer look. I will really enjoy using these florals.

An embossed layer was also inked lightly for the background. The sentiment is formed by the Happy Edger Die and the text from Penny Black. It makes a bold statement. Finishing the card off only needed a few pearls for embellishment. 

 I'm playing in the Tic Tac Toe challenge using the left vertical row: Foliage, Layers, Flowers, or the middle horizontal row: Layers, Free, Summer Colors. I really love the options in the grid challenges!

Also adding to SSS Weekly challenge: Sending Flowers

That's all for today! I'll keep staying cool. Take care. See you soon. 

Be yourself

         Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Color Hues #93 Super Bright Birthday!

 Hi friends, and welcome. Here we are again with a new challenge at Color Hues! Tracey gives us Orange and Yellow for our combo, a happy bright and super fun choice! 

I thought these colors were just right for making my own background. First, I 'll show you my card, and then I'll let you know how I did it. See what I mean? So bright, it could be neon! 

The technique is one I stumbled upon as I went. I really like how the colors came out without cancelling each other out. 

I began with Mixed Media paper from Vicky Boutin, and a stencil of the 3-pack of hers called Arts Layered Stencils. Sponging lightly with Altenew Citrus Burst Ink, I got this. 

My next step involved using the 3D EF from Sizzix adding medallions and texture. I added more sponging to the raised area of the large medallions with Distress Ink in Carved Pumpkin. 

Hmmm, how to get a blend of these colors while still retaining some white space? I inked the debossed side of the folder with the yellow ink and ran it through the machine again. 

Once I added the large sentiment, it took on a different look! It's my first time using the sentiment dies from from Heffy Doodle.  

Nuvo Gel (on the heart) and enamel gems added a bit of sparkle. Now it's your turn! What will you make using Orange and Yellow? Please join us for this fun challenge. The team's inspiration is amazing!

Thanks for your visit, it means so much that you come by! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Embossing Fun for a Sweet Birthday

 Hello every one! I hope that your long weekend was fabulous. We had lots of rain and no plans but to relax a bit. For me that meant catching up on some photo edits and blog posts. Popping in for a quick share today of a sweet card for another granddaughter birthday.

Did you know that Jennifer and Kristina gave a new card class recently on Embossing folders? It was informative, and so fun to pull those folders out to play. 

For this card, I used a 'diffuser' so that I could leave an area without embossing for my images. I've had it forever but never used it. The stamps are also new. These adorable bunnies are from Penny Black transparent set called "Cuteness."

After embossing the outer part of the panel, I stamped the focal point  in the off-center circle and colored with Copics very simply. Then, I used masking to ink the embossed part, using light blended strokes. I was going for a pastel look but got a bit too heavy handed in the top left corner. I know my sweetie will not mind. She's two! 

I loved using this technique and will try it again soon as it makes it easy to dress up a one layer card. 

Thanks for visiting, have a great day!

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Supplies: PB Carefree wishes, Dashed Design EF, Distress Oxide inks

Playing in these challenges:

PBSC Penny Black Saturday Challenge 

NBUS 

Color Hues #83 Cream and Blue

 It's time to play again at Color Hues! We have Cream and Blue as our pairing. What comes to your mind with these colors? I came back to layered flowers, delicate embossed texture and neutral shades for my vintage style card on cream card stock.

.

 

Beginning with the Airbrushed Flowers stamps and dies, new to me from Altnew, I stamped in shades of blue Distress Oxides inks and pale browns. I stamped trailing vine and flowers using the solid stamp included with Altenew Craft Your Life Project Kit: Meadow Breeze. The sentiment is also part of this kit. 

After stamping the main panel, I embossed it with a beautiful folder from Anna Griffin (Lattice Ornamental ) and added sponging in the bottom right corner. I wanted to add pearls or lace, but the metallic pearls were just right as the flower centers. 

Thanks for your visit today. I look forward to using these supplies again! I hope you will pull out your favorite supplies and join us in the challenge! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

BE Square with The Flower Challenge

 Hello Friends of the Flower Challenge! Our March challenge is still going on and we'd like for you to create a square card and of course, one that includes flowers! I'm here with another square card to inspire you to join our gallery before the challenge ends on March 25. 

I was thumbing through my dies and with the square die was included a background that I'd made previously. Using that as a frame  helped me get off to a great start! 

The frame used a technique of inking a large panel, and embossing a background over top. Then using a damp paint brush, I blotted some of the color out to produce a lighter color and add texture on the blooms and leaves.

A simple image was watercolored and die cut for the focal panel. This card measures 5-1/2" square. I loved making it and I'm pleased with how it turned out. 

The floral vase, butterflies, vellum spiral die cut and sentiment are from Penny Black. I'm adding this to the following challenges:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge. 

SSS A bit 'o green

I'm so very glad that you stopped in today. Let's visit again soon! How does tomorrow sound? Hope your day is going fabulously! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Leafy Layers for you

 Hello again, and welcome to my blog. I made a card for the challenge at Freshly Made Sketches and I'm writing a quick post tonight to enter it before the deadline tomorrow!

I thought the Leafy Layered Dies would make a great fall card. Inking backgrounds is one of my favorite things to do lately. I began by running white card stock through the embossing folder, and then lightly adding layers of ink to color for an ombre effect. 

Cutting a strip of this panel for the card front, I also die cut the leafy layers, adding some sponging for shading and a few gold leaves. 

Assembling the elements according to the sketch, I took a literal approach. 

I hope you are enjoying these fall days. It will be "official" in a couple of days. I appreciate your spending some time with me here on the blog today. Let's do it again soon!

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Supplies: Concord & 9th - card stock and inks in Buttercup, Spiced Cider, and Cayenne. 

Spellbinders: Embossing folder (ret) and foiled sentiments

Combining Stencils

 I am popping in with a card for the Tic Tac Toe Challenge, even though it's near the deadline, I just had to play along. You may have noticed my obsession with stencils lately. It continues! I learned so many ideas from the Stenciled 2 Online Card Class, that I pulled all my stencils out, and ordered a few more as well. 

I just couldn't wait to use this new stencil from Gina K designs, called Bold Bouquet. 

Beginning with pale blue card stock, I blended Oxide inks in layers using Salvaged Patina, Peacock Feathers, and just a bit of Shabby Shutters. 

For the next step, I inked the Stitched Quilt Stencil  (Frantic Stamper) over the entire card front. This simple layer brought cohesiveness to the design. Wanting to add texture, I used the Dot Fade stencil (Tim Holtz) and randomly daubed white craft ink in a few areas. 

I had a blast making this card and I was really pleased with how it turned out. I am eyeing all my stencils differently now that I realize how many ways they can be used. 

The Tic Tac Toe challenge had great options! I went with the top row suggesting Flowers, Word Die and Matching Envelope. 

It was easy to add a stenciled flower diagonally across the envelope with some design on the back and upper left front.  

ETA:  I didn't make it in time to enter at Tic Tac Toe. Next time!

I will also add this to NBUS, SSS Wednesday Challenge, and a new to me challenge at 

 I hope this encourages you today. Get those stencils out to play! I am grateful for your kind visit, thanks so much! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Stretch Your Stamps Birthday Blooms

It's me again! This time I'm inspired with the sentiments from the Birthday Blooms set (The Greetery) and I've stretched my stamps to create two cards for you today! 

For the first, I used a panel of white card stock that I had prepared with gold foiled circles. Having this pre-prepped made the rest of the card easy. 

I think a wishing on a star theme is unique for a winter birthday. I die cut the star of white card stock 6 times for added dimension. Gluing those together to form one star, I adhered it to a kraft base. I corrugated the kraft card stock with the paper crimper, again, to add interest and dimension. 

The greenery and bow were achieved using sponges to color with DOX inks, gold glitter paper, and Glossy Accents to make the berries shine. 

The second card combines the same elements - the star decorated with greenery, the textured kraft card stock, the sentiment and gold accents. 

This time I changed the layout to a vertical card, and added a tag and a smidgeon of plaid  paper. The top layer of the large star is cut of Shimmery White card stock (Stampin' Up!) which has a pearly shine.

The elements of my Clean and Simple Multi Media card were totally inspired by the challenge at The Card Concept, specifically the colors, greenery and stars. 

I hope you've been inspired today to find different ways to use your stamps. I was delighted to make two cards for winter birthdays that are a bit outside the box for me. 

I will add the second card to The Paper Players challenge this week. 

Thanks for visiting! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Supplies used: 
Stamps: The Greetery - Birthday Blooms
Ink: Versamark, Black, DOX inks
Accessories - gold foil and gold glitter card stocks. Dies - for greenery and bow are from WPlus9 and Spellbinders 

True Colors

 Hello! It's cooling off for us and the weather has been gorgeous and so lovely! We were able to boat yesterday, and aim to do that more often now that it's not so very hot! There's nothing better than relaxing in the sunshine on the water. 

Still there's this stamping hobby. Thank goodness I'm enjoying some extra mojo as I play with new stuff. Here's a second take on the new set, Just Breathe, from WPlus9. I wanted to do a bit more traditional style and achieve a cleaner look to the coloring. 

I used sponge daubers to ink the stamp in Distress Oxide inks - Saltwater Taffy, Wild Honey, and Peeled Paint. Spritzing very lightly with water gave more definition as I stamped the images. I scribbled a damp brush in spots, then fussy cut them.

Layering with The Postal Frames dies and some patterned paper gave a more simple vibe to this card. I didn't start out trying to use the papers, but this sheet from Honey Bee's pack Summer Stems seemed to set the images off nicely. 

I don't like this card as well as the ones I CASEd for my post HERE, but it's a beginning. I think I'll often enjoy using these stamps! I LOVE the sentiments.

Thanks so much for your visit today. I am wishing you lots of good things and happy moments. 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful! 

 

CASEing my Favorite Artist

 Hello there! If you've been visiting my blog for awhile you may know that I love the work of Dawn Woleslagle at WPlus9.  She's my favorite artist and the best teacher! I love that her goal is to show us how to use the supplies she creates in multiple ways to stretch not only our stamps but our creativity! 

Inspired by her release of a wonderful new stamp set called Just Breathe, I'm giving no fail watercolor a try.

I think the inks used were Wild Honey, Worn Lipstick and Rustic Wilderness.  I was in high creative mode and made three cards in one sitting.

Creating the background panel with inks, I added a length of canvas ribbon. 

For the second card, I changed the colors and went for a vintage look. 

Beginning with a white watercolor panel, I added the bird and flowers. This time using shades of Peacock Feathers and Faded Jeans.  I really like the card just that way but you know what happens when you just keep adding elements and ink! It was playtime and a girl has to have some fun, right! It's all about experimenting and trying new things. 

If you'd like you will find all the information and instruction from Dawn at her video HERE, as well as the gorgeous samples I have CASEd.  

I will enter this at NBUS as well.  I have one more that I will share tomorrow!

Thanks so much for visiting today. I want you to know that I really love sharing with you. I hope your day is going to be great! 

Be yourself.

     Find delight in your craft.  
          Make something beautiful! 

Three Cards for You

  Cards for encouraging friends are so important. Awhile back I was sent a lovely set of stamps and dies and asked to be a Guest Designer for Technique Tuesday. I created three projects with the lovely Bowl Bouquet stamps and dies. 

All the images were colored with Zig markers. 

For the first card, after stamping and coloring the image, I used a mask over the bouquet and around the card edges and inked a rectangular background. 

The second card involved partial die cutting, so that I could create texture and slip in a pale aqua panel of DSP behind the vase.

The third card is more traditional, using a tag and die cut sentiment. A white rectangle was inked in pale pink and assembled onto a pale gray card front. Easy to color and with beautiful sentiments, this is a fabulous set. You can see my cards and find the supplies on the Technique Tuesday site HERE. 

I'd sure love to know if you have a favorite! My first card was my favorite but then I made the second and it holds the title. 

I really appreciate your visit to my blog today! Thanks so much! I plan to be back tomorrow posting just a few thoughts to round out the week. 

Be yourself.

     Find delight in your craft.

             Make something beautiful! 

 

The Color Hues #45 with Altenew Fragrant Florals

Hello, hope you're having a happy Saturday. After a few cards without florals, I think it's time to bring some flowers back! I'm using my new  Craft Your Life Fragrant Florals Kit from Altenew, and it has endless possibilities which I hope to explore in future posts. 

Today's card features our challenge at The Color Hues to use Peach and Gray. I stamped the image in dark gray ink, and used the layering stencils to sponge in warm gray and peachy hues with a hint of coral. I made the berries a bit darker and added shine and detail with a dab of Glossy Accents. 

A simple card with sweet colors! I hope you will check out all the fab DT cards for inspiration and join us! 

I will be entering this card at NBUS - never been used Schtuff, where we're encouraged to use what we buy!

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!  

Supplies used: 
Stamps: Altenew - Craft Your Life Project Kit; includes, stamps, stencils, dies and 3D EF
Ink: Altenew - Warm Gray, Tea Party, Peach Perfect

Ink Lifting with Spring Card Camp 2022

   Hello! Another quick post to share the technique of ink lifting that Jennifer showed on day one of the newest Online Card Class.  This is the second version of her technique, spritzing an inked embossed background and then using pressure to transfer the ink to another blank card stock panel. 

This is the softer panel where the colors are more subtle. I used Distress Oxide inks, and added stamped and layered die cut images for a focal point in finishing off the card. 

I really love these colors and the results of all the inking. I'm happy to have used images from The Greetery as it is their third anniversary of opening the store. I'm delighted to help them celebrate! Hope you've enjoyed seeing this, have a great day! 

Be yourself

          Have delight in your craft 

               Make something beautiful!