Blue on Blue

Blue on Blue
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

I'm ending the week with this monochromatic card. The colors and the graph background stamp remind me of the blueprints I had to make of all the building plans I drew in college. Those were the days!

The flags are from a new Hero Arts set. They are all separate little flags, so they are very flexible - a world of choices! I can't wait to play more with this set. Hero Arts stamps: CL475, CL489, S5435

Big road trip this weekend! Hope your weekend is fabulous.

Artsy

This is an older card that I found the other day. My style has certainly changed (and my techniques have improved). I do love this stamp - American Goddess by Paul Best for American Art Stamps. It is such fun to color! And it looks so different every time I use it because there are so many ways to color it.

For coloring this card I used a technique I don't often use much anymore. I used colored pencils (a brand that has a high wax content, such as Prisma, works best) and Gamsol. Gamsol is 100% pure orderless mineral spirits. I colored a small area and then blended it with a paper blender pencil which was dipped in Gamsol. This technique takes some time, but the blending is wonderful.


The background texture is done with an embossing folder in the Cuttlebug and the sentiment is Stampin' Up, but I will probably redo it before sending this card. 

It is funny to look at my older productions - they look so dated to me!

Heart Flower

Sending Hugs
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

This is a card that was initially was going to be a Valentine, but I needed a sympathy card that wasn't too sappy, so that is what it became. This uses Hero Arts stamps - in this case, clear stamps (CL140, CL500 and (on the inside) CL4676.

The flower's heart petals were textured with an embossing folder in the Cuttlebug. The rest is pretty simple. The buttons and twine are from my stash.

A short and simple post today - I need to go practice my ukulele!

Beep Beep

Here is a fun card I made for our grand-nephew who is currently really into robots. Lots of action on this one! I started with orange (a color I don't often use) cardstock and some robot designer paper. Next, I ran some aluminum foil with an embossing folder through my Cuttlebug to make the "electrical panel" - cool, eh?

The robot is actually from a Hero Arts Christmas Set ("Far Out Holiday") - he had Christmas tree antennae that I cut off and replaced with green pearls. I colored him with Copic pens and matted him with 2 layers (one of which I punched with a square and a circle punch) of cardstock.

I bet you've guessed what the mechanical part is that I added to the card with some stiff metallic ribbon. Finally, the sentiment is made with my trusty old Dymo label maker. Life's too short not to have fun!

The God Squad!

I bought this stamp several years ago and never got it to the ink. When I found it the other day it still made me laugh. It is from American Art Stamp, the Emerson line. This gal reminds me somewhat of my Mom; I'm sure she had several frank discussions with God when she got to heaven. Miss her every day.


The details are that I used a new tapestry background stamp (in black) from Hero Arts, some designer paper from my scrap box, Distress Inks, colored with Copic pens and the flower and the silver pearls from my stash.

Have a great week.

Large Blossom

Large Blossom
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

I think that this is probably my most favorite of all the cards I have recently made. The new Hero Arts Large Blossom stamp (CG271) was used, heat embossed in white on white paper. Then I added layers of Distress Inks using dauber. The excess can be wiped right off of the embossed area, so you don't have to stay within the lines!

Finally, I misted it all with a mixture of Perfect Pearls and water to give it a special shimmer. Love it. I matted it with Hero Hues cardstock and added a greeting from another Hero Arts set (CL371).

I really didn't want to give this one away, but it went to my most appreciative recipient, my Aunt Barbara. Happy Birthday, dear one. And, special thanks to Carina and Julie for the inspiration.

Hooty Thanks

Hooty Thanks
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

Here is a card similar to one I shared with you a couple of weeks ago. I can't keep my hands off of these googly eyes! This time it is a cute owl all tied up with a bright ribbon. Stamps are Hero Arts and I love that Tim Holtz border die. Thanks for checking in.

Lady Bug, Lady Bug....Fly Away Home!

Eliz Crafts Lady Bug
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

Do you remember that song we sang when we were kids? Now it seems too horrible for kids to even think about (Your house is on fire and your children will burn!). What were we thinking?

Well, my pals I went on a bike ride this weekend (maybe last week's card inspired me). I didn't see any lady bugs, but it sure felt like spring. The nice weather here gave us a chance to dry out a bit and get outside to play over the 3-day weekend.

This bright card uses Elizabeth Crafts Outline Stickers, lots of super-fine glitter with is colored with glaze pens and some Heidi Swapp designer paper. The fancy shapes are cut in my Cuttlebug with Nestibilities dies and the border is a Martha Stewart punch.

Thanks for checking in and have a great day!

Pedal Pushing

pedal pushing
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

I am so ready for a bike ride! I shouldn't complain about our weather because so many around the world are really suffering with bad weather, but.....

This bright and happy card (I needed that!) was made with Hero Arts stamp F5293, a Fiscarks border punch, Nestibilities dies, and some vintage buttons and ribbon from my stash. The sentiment is printed from my computer, the bike is colored with Copic pens, the background was chalked (while the image was still in the die to make a nice white border) and that's a basket full of a great product called Flower Soft. It adds a touch of texture and dimension.

Think sunny days....

Speaking of sunny, check out the blog candy being offered by my HeroArts blogging buddy, Joy. All these goodies, including one of her amazing hand-made cards to celebrate her blog's anniversaary. Just follow the link to her blog to check it out. Joy is a great source of inspiration, so visit her frequently. Thanks, Joy!

What's Cooking, Good Looking?

what's cooking vintage
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

I think these Hero Arts stamps stamps (CL333 & CL346) are great with clips from my collection of vintage cookbooks. Love those googley eyes, as you all know! I embossed the potholder to represent the stitching and popped-up the chef's hat and spoon so he is ready for some serious cookin'!

I love cookbooks, but hate to cook - go figure!

Merci!

Merci
Originally uploaded by mkmermaid (Maureen)

A dear friend brought me some goodies from her recent trip to Paris, including the paper map she used (she said, "I bet you can do something with it!"). So, I made her this thank you card.

The flower is made from the Paris map with lots of distress inks. I used my Cuttlebug embossing folder for the background (I sanded it to show some of the white core in the paper) and added Michael's ribbon, Creative Imagination letters. The stamps are Hero Arts CG139, CL325 and H2141.

Tres chic, n'est pas?

kiss + tell

Today I am departing from the norm to share with you an amazing company that I found. It is an Etsy company called "kiss + tell". Karissa makes the most wonderful custom stamps and lovely wedding imitations, among many other great things.

Here is the rubber stamp she made for me with all my critical information and lots of flair. I use this on the backs of most my cards. Her prices are very reasonable (this was only about $20!), she is very professional, and a real doll to work with. It even came in this very cool little burlap drawstring bag!

I have never done this on my blog before, but I urge you to check it out and support this wonderful company.

PS: Although I am an avid Etsy shopper, I first hear about this from my blogging buddy, Britta Swiderski. Check out her fun blog for more great inspiration.

Moxie Fab World - Winter White

Cath's Tuesday Trigger this week is this amazingly beautiful 3-tiered white-on-white wedding cake. Not only Moxie Fab, but scrump-delish, Don't ya think? Come and play along!

So, first I made a 100% white card and just wasn't happy with it. It needed a little something - like a dash of soft color. I sure hope this isn't breaking the rules!

I don't think I have ever used so many elements or products on one little card. I used my Cuttlebug for the embossed background and for cutting the little heart out of chipboard. The heart was painted with a Snow Cap Ranger Acrylic Dabber, covered with glue and doused in Martha Stewart Coarse Glitter. The little doily was misted with Perfect Pearls and water for some perfect glimmer. The lace, silk ribbon, vintage button and vintage flowers all came from my extensive stash (yes, honey...I really am de-stashing!). The pearl is from Hero Arts and the papers are from BasicGrey's "basics white" paper pad. It is all distressed with Ranger's Antique Linen Distress Ink.

I'll tell you what, this has waaay more of a "shabby-chic" look than I am comfortable with. Just not my style. But without the Distress ink, the white just didn't pop. And, love can be kind of Distressing, can't it? [Note: Not for me - it rocks!]

I am such a crazy girl that I am even going to show you the all-white card that I don't think quite makes it. What do you think? I plan to re-work it someday.

But, now I'm off to have a lovely White Russian........thanks for looking!

Ruling the Roost

For this card I used some supplies which were given to me by a dear pal. She loves to keep me challenged and knows I love a French country look. The base of the card is a dotted clear transparency in a slight shade of green. Eeeek! When transparencies are used, you must layer a piece of cardstock on the back of each piece so that the adhesives are hidden.  Are you following?

I used this cute rooster stamp and a Hero Arts background stamp (S1832) for the front image. I distressed the edges and adhered it to the front of the transparent card. On the inside (left side) I adhered a piece of cardstock the exact same size over the back of this piece to cover the adhesive. Then, on the inside (right side) of the card I adhered another piece the exact same size and in the same location on the page for the sentiment, and on the back of the card I adhered a final piece of the same size to cover the adhesive of the sentiment piece. Wow, I'm getting dizzy.

A few final embellishments to jazz it up. A different look and worth the extra complications. Thanks, Antoinette for the fun supplies.

Vintage Goodness

Here is a very vintage-looking card that I recently made for a dear friend. I love the richness with all the shades of brown and tan and the square format is fun for a change.

The ribbon actually came from the holiday aisle at Michaels (seriously?!). The face stamp (colored with Copic pens) is also from there and I used the Magical Background (CG211) and Message Bubbles (CL394) from Hero Arts. Lots of Distress Inks and some vintage buttons and brown and white baker's twine from my stash complete the look.

I can't help but wonder what this gal is thinking about.....maybe birthdays past? Love you, Josie!

Sweet Little One

Today I have a new baby card to share with you. The parents of this new baby are kind of urban yuppies - very professional - and I wanted my card to reflect that - no little lambs, lace or cutie-pie embellishments for them! I used this cool vintage buggy and lots of texture and vintage distressing . Do you have a paper crimper? When I remember to use it, I love it.

Another hint for the paper crimper -  I keep some scraps of cardstock that I have put through the crimper and I use it to "pad" cards with embellishments when I mail them. Great protection (but extra postage is required).

Welcome to our world, baby Tate!

Happy New Year!

Here is a thank you card I made for the Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger Challenge, Strictly Stripes. The "trigger" is this set of mittens. I never really liked mittens - I need my fingers to move!

My friend loves giraffes, so I had to use this adorable one from Hero Arts for her card. And, what is a giraffe without googley eyes? And, those of you who know me know that there has to be sparkle! Lots of it.

Stamps used are Hero Arts LP114 & CL155, colored with Copic Markers, the edge is made with a Tim Holtz die and it's all tied up with some Michael's ribbon.

Thanks again, Kathleen. Hope you got a giggle out of this!