Feeling Slightly Crabby

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I haven't posted in quite awhile - lots going on (most of it good!).

I just finished a project that is simply too cute

not to share. A group of us (we call ourselves the Crusty Crab Club) gets together every year to attend a crab feed and this year I made some favors and the centerpieces.


These little treat bags, which contain 4 Hershey's Nuggets, were fun to make and pretty easy. I love the results. I used an adorable Elizabeth Craft die and some beautiful Stamping Up Designer Series Papers. The result is just too dang cute!

As it turns out, these were completed just in time for the current challenge at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog which is all about treat bags and boxes. You've got plenty of time to play along.

Thanks for the visit! Have a super-great week,

Fusin' Fun

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

So, have you tried the Fuse Tool yet? I thought I had no more interest in shaker cards (after they became "old news" a few years ago) until I discovered the Fuse Tool. And, it is good for other applications as well I even use it to make custom packets for odd-sized stamp sets). It allows for much flatter shakers, which is a good thing.

I haven't done a challenge in some time, so I thought I'd play along with the current one at Paper Smooches which is "Anything Goes". You know I am a sucker for their adorable critters, so I decided to pair one (Chubby Chums) up with some sparkly sequins and use my Fuse Tool for a fun shaker.

I colored this guy with Copics and added some white dots on his tummy. The balloon is an older Hero Arts "Stamp and Cut" set. The stars are from an unmarked wood-mounted set that I got at a used stamp sale.

Using the Fuse Tool to create the shaker, I was able to make it a "see through" version. Kind of fun, eh?

Hope you are having a good weekend - for those in the USA, it is a holiday one! Thanks for the visit,



SaveSave

Neck 'N Neck

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

You may remember this card that I posted a while ago using our friend's cute photo of a giraffe. She loved the set I made her so much that she asked if she could pay me to do some more. Well, I explained that I really don't sell my cards - I prefer to share them with those who enjoy and appreciate them. Also, I really don't like to mass-produce.

But I told her that if I could do them at a leisurely pace (no deadlines - I'm retired!) and if I could mix them up a little, it would be a fun challenge.

Over several weeks I produced two each of four designs featuring her cute giraffe photo.

I used Graphic 45 paper, vellum, some camera paper, a stencil (My Favorite Things) and some additional stash finds.

It was a fun project and I was more than happy to do it for a very dear lady.

Thanks for the visit and have a great day!

Uninspired

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

Yep, that is how I've been feeling lately. When that happens I try to pull out some easy things, such as using  some backgrounds that I previously prepared or coloring up some some ready-made images.

Here are some cards that I recently made using Suzy's Sizzling Series Watercolor Paintable Prints from Simon Says Stamp. I used my trusty Zig Clean Color Markers (I so love them!).

I took some real liberties with the one on the right side. I removed the bottom sentiment (it just wasn't "me") and added a mermaid (from Clear Art Stamps, 2010) for a focal point of interest.

Lots of Wink of Stella, Wink of Luna and Stickles here, also!

The photos is a bit blurry because I used my phone (uninspired again).

Hope you've been having a great August. Thanks for the kind visit,

Foxy Friends

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I almost NEVER see a project on YouTube (or anywhere else) and follow the instructions to make the project. I'd rather view the technique or the idea and make a project of my own; with my own tweeks and reflective of my own style.

But when I saw these adorable little guys (they hold Hershey's Kisses!), I just couldn't help myself and I put them together just as the video showed. I was only going to make the fox, but when I got started....well. They are so stinkin' cute I can hardly stand it.

I bought the "Foxy Friends" Bundle from my friend and Stampin' Up Demonstrator, Dottie Macken. I used Calypso Coral paper and ink on the fox, Memento Fog on the raccoon and Versa Mark Onyx Black on the skunk.

These guys do take a little time and there are lots of tiny pieces, but I think they are so worth it. They could quite easily be mass-produced for a party (maybe I need to host one!).

Have a great weekend and thanks so much for your visit,

Aloha Spirit

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

It is so hat here that I decided a little bit of Aloha - and I've been wanting to play with the new Hero Arts Pineapple Layering Stampset. To be honest, it takes a little bit of creativity to figure out the best way to die-cut the images since the tops and bottoms of the pineapple are stamped separately. There are several different approaches. I chose to stamp and cut the 2 pieces independently and then put them together.

For this card I was inspired by one by this one by Nichol Spohr. I used a "smooshed" background (as per the amazing Laura Bassen) and I "grounded" the fruit with a "Geo-Graphic" border by Paper Smooches. I added some bling and decided not to add a sentiment.

The layering on the set was such fun, especially with my Misti!

I tried using my phone for the photo - not quite as good as my camera, but lots easier!

I am submitting this to Simon Says Stamp "Work it Wednesday" Blog. There is plenty of time for you to join in.

Wishing you a sunny day and thanks for the visit,

Celebrating Diversity

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I've got a blast from the past today with an old, but still very dear, Hero Arts set (Sweet Owls, CL415). While I attempt to avoid being political here, I believe it represents a poignant and important message. I just wanted to celebrate our diversity.

I was lucky enough to attend a very diverse high school, where I had friends of all types. Such an enriching experience during my formative years.

This is a great one-layer card on some kraft which was embossed with Hero Arts Woodgrain stamp (one of the few wood stamps I will never get rid of). Simple and sweet.

This is headed  to join hundreds in the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge "Anything Goes".

Thanks for the visit! Have a great weekend and stay cool and healthy,

SaveSave

Easy Does It!

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I haven't been feeling up to par for a couple of weeks and we have been busy with family activities. It is just these kind of times when I reach for my Zig Watercolor Markers and some Simon Says Stamp Suzy's Sizzling Series Water Color Paintable Prints.

After the first one I realized that I needed to do more than just mount the print on a card base. I played around with some ideas, wanting to keep it simple so as not to detract from the watercoloring. I like the second one better.

I added sequins to these after the photos were taken (I had to hurry to catch the natural light!).

Coloring these is fun and relaxing and it is something you can pick up and set down and return to later. I am not fond of all of the designs in the package, but I can just turn those over and use them for regular watercolor panels.

Take good care and have a great week! Thanks for the kind visit,

SaveSave

Mermaid

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

I am back after a short vacation where I got to spend time at the ocean. Today's card is reflective of that great time.

I love this little mermaid set from Newton's Nook, "Mermaid Crossing". I did some Distress Ink "smooching" with some Perfect Pearls for the background, added some texture with a Tim Holtz stencil, colored the adorable gal with Copic pens and added some coral (Stampendouss Cling Coral Tree).

I am adding this to the current challenge at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog.

Thanks for the visit - hope your week is going swimmingly!

Picnic Blankets

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

I know. I don't think I have ever blogged so frequently. Lots going on right now and card making keeps me grounded. Plus, I am completing a packet of coffee-themed cards for a friend and I've been playing along with the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop.

My inspiration for this card was summer picnics and the colorful blankets and tablecloths that are so often used.

All supplies are from Paper Smooches and the card is self-explanatory - very simple. Unfortunately for my recipient, it is not a flat card. Some pop was needed!

Thanks for the visit - I can see the weekend from here. Have a good one,

Cool Summer Colors

and yummy hot coffee!

Hi, Blogging Buddies!

My caffeine kick continues as I make a little packet of cards for a coffee-loving friend. When I make cards for others to give I try to keep them single-layer for easy mailing.

Today I decided to go with a Distress Ink blending technique (with fun summer colors) over embossed images. I used Spiced Marmalade, Pickled Raspberry and Abandoned Coral. I splashed some water droplets everywhere and added my cute sentiment panel.

Simple, bright and fun.

I broke out most of my coffee-themed stamps for this one: Simon Says Stamp "Choose Happy", Hero Arts "What's Perking", and Paper Smooches "Cyber Cafe".

This is headed to the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop - there is still time for you to play along!

Have a cool day - thanks for the visit!

Caffine Craziness!

Hello Bloggin' Buddies!

Happy First Day of Summer~

I have long been a fan of what I call "Collage Cards" - cards with lots of layers and pieces. I just haven't been too good at making them.

The current challenge at the Paper Smooches Blog is "Layers" - it inspired me to give it a go. As you can see, I dug out LOTS of my Paper Smooches products ("Cyber Cafe" stamps and "Stitched Flourishes", "Birthday Words", "Coffee & Tea", "Notebook Basic", "Band Aids" and "Space" Wise Dies) to produce the layers on this coffee-themed card. Plus, there is washi tape (Stamping' Up), vellum, gold foil paper, a vintage doily and some funky gold cord from my stash.

This is also headed to the Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. After all it IS the first day of summer today. I have been inspired by this blog but have never played along.

Okay, I did go a little crazy, but that is what caffeine does to me!

Thanks for the visit,

SaveSave

Rainbow

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies:

The past couple of weeks have been tough, eh? So much sadness in our country's news.

I made this card as a small tribute to those who were lost in the Orlando massacre (and for a couple of dear friends).

I used one of the panels from Simon Says Stamp Suzy's watercolor paintable prints. I watercolored it with Zig Clean Color Markers, Wink of Stella and glitter pens. The colors are much more vibrant in person!

This is the first time I have played with Decco Foil and, NO, I do not have a laminating machine or a laser printer!

I simply used Score Tape and sandwiched the strip in a couple layers of typing paper and ran it through my die cutter (with a new, unscratched top plate). It worked beautifully and it added just the rainbow kick I sought.

I raised the panel with Fun Foam.

Wishing that your dreams do come true, especially those for love, peace and understanding.

Thanks for the visit,

Mix It Up Monday!

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I made this card for the current "Mix It Up" Challenge at Essentials by Ellen's "the Classroom". We are to use products by Essentials by Ellen and Technique Tuesday. So, I broke out my all-tame favorite Mondo Magnolia stamp and matching dies.

As an aside, I was having such difficulty aligning the flower center die onto my image - it was so frustrating! When I recently took a class from the super-amazing Julie Ebersole (who designed this set and many others for Ellen), I mentioned it to her. She suggested die-cutting first, then stamping the center onto it. By gosh, it worked like a dream and I am a happy gal. Yay, Julie!

I used watercolor paper and Wink of Luna. The center is heat embossed and embellished with some "Prims" (sounds very British! - something I felt I had to buy when I tried them in a class and they haven't been used). I kind of curled the flower.

The background is spattered with some Heidi Swapp gold to go with the amazing foiled paper I used for the sentiment. The sentiment is "Missing You" by Technique Tuesday.

I love the elegance of this card! Thanks for the sweet visit and have a wonderful week!

A "Challenging" Monday

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I had the chance this weekend to look over some current challenges - it has been awhile. I decided on the one at Art Impressions, one of my favorite stamp companies. Have you seen all the videos and new lines of products they have been producing?!

But, as much as I love the new things, I continue to reach for my old favorites! And I've done it again. You've seen him here before, and you more than likely will again - one of my all-time favorites, the sneering old buzzard!

The Challenge is "Layer it On Me" and while I don't (yet) have the Mini Trifolds and the Clasp Keepers that are featured on the blog, I decided to go with what I have and what I love.

I used Copics to color the big guy, used a Pico Embellisher for his eye, and splattered him with some watercolor. I cut out this layer with a stitched dye and edged the shape with some Distress Embossing Powder. This is a technique that I've been wanting to try and it seemed perfect for this card.

Then I laid on the layers. First is the amazing woodgrain paper that I frequently use, then some torn vellum, and finally some wood patterned paper. I tied it all up with some dark twine which I attached with Tim's Mini Attacher.

You have until June 8th to play along. Thanks for the visit - have a grand week!

Foxy Fun!

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I recently played with one of my old favorite Hero Arts stamps - "Fox".  I have been getting rid of many of my wood stamps, but I just couldn't think of eliminating this from my stash. I stamped him on the inside of the card, colored him  with Copics and added some shiny eyes with Irrestible Pico Embellisher.

Since the unofficial start of summer is right around the corner, I figured that I'd better get this card finished and in the mail pronto!

This uses some of the amazing woodgrain cardstock (from which I cut a diecut hole for peeking out) that I get from my LSS, the Paper Garden Boutique in Sacramento. Also Stamping' Up's "Petite Petals" stamps and punch, Simon Says Stamp "Abby's Spring Showers" and "Talk Bubbles" Wise Dies.

Hope all is well with you all and thanks for the visit!

Fun Photo Card

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

I was introduced to the idea of using photos on cards by my friend, and president of our local card-making group, Shirley. She showed me how to have photos printed "4 up" to result in a size that is perfect for adding to cards.

My hubby's friend from his hiking group took this amazing photo on a recent hike (which went right past a zoo). I made her a packet of cards using her photo.

Dies used are "Massa Leaf Background" from Memory Box and "Hello Words" from Paper Smooches (I secured the cardstock to some fun foam and diecut the word for some "pop"). The Cuttlebug embossing folder is an old one, as is the cute little Hero Arts stamp that I used on the inside and the envelope.

Thanks for the visit - have a great week!

Clear and Sheer

Hi, Bloggin' Buddies!

I just completed the "Online Card Class" called "Clear and Sheer". The class shares how to make cards using clear and sheer products, such as vellum (scary stuff!) and acetate. It is taught by some grand ladies of card making - Kristina Werner, Jennifer McGuire, and Debby Hughes.

I was able to find a set of Hero Arts acetate cards (the last one!) at my LSS, the Stamp Art Shoppe. I've been wanting to give this technique a try, so since I was awake at 1:30 AM, I decided I may as well stop thinking about it and get up and give it a try. Crazy, eh?

For this card I used a Sizzix embossing folder on the card. I colored the raised stars with Copic pens. Then I die-cut four stars from white and silver cardstock (Lifestyle Craft die set). Two stars sandwich the acetate (using Score Tape) to create a solid panel on the front and the back.

The front sentiment is cut from glitter paper (DCWV) with a Spellbinders script die. I applied it to cardstock and ran it through the Xyron Machine and it adhered well. There were the typical little "glue buggers" that one gets with the Xyron, but I was able to remove them from the acetate with an alcohol swab (but carefully, as it will also remove the Copic coloring!).

My inside sentiment, "America the beautiful" is from an old Cornish Heritage Farms set by Kim Hughes (now of Paper Smooches fame). 

I lined the envelope with some coordinating paper using the Hero Arts Envelope Template and stamped some stamped on stars with an old PTI set.

This was a learning process and I will make some minor changes the next time. It is a fun technique with lots of possibilities. I urge you to consider the class - it is full of great ideas.

At least I'm ready for the Fourth of July! And I bet there is a nap in my future later today.

Thanks for the visit - hope you are having a star-studded week, 

Show it Off!

Hi, bloggin' Buddies!

I love Art Impressions stamps! If you are also crazy about the gals and guys they have, you MUST watch the great videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMO-KODUbW4 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIhQllryQSc) done by Bonnie Krebs for coloring their characters. I have been studying them for days.

I have always used Copics to color Ai characters, but Bonnie shows us how to use inexpensive water-based markers as a water color medium - with so many tricks to keep the images animated and the process simple. I am honestly amazed!

I decided to try these methods with a new stamp set that is available at Michaels, Spare Me SC0680. My friends and I have a long-standing joke about bowling, so this set is perfect.

Now, this is only my first try, so I have lots more practicing to do, but I love the results and the process was pretty quick and lots of fun.

I kept the card design simple so as not to detract from the fun image. I just used some bowling-themed patterned paper from my stash, some great glitter paper and some twine. And that is our fun vintage bowling pin ashtray in the background.

The current challenge on the Ai blog is to "Show off your Stamp" by including it in your photo, so I've done that. 

I urge you to watch the videos and give it a try - I bet you'll be as blown away as I am. I can't wait to try it on some of their larger images.

Thanks for the visit,

Color Burst

Howdy, Bloggin' Buddies!

I've been playing with my long-neglected Color Bursts. They are very intense watercolor powders that almost explode with vibrant colors when wet. I used them on some wet watercolor paper, sprinkling the color on very lightly, to make some fun backgrounds. The color pack I used is called Caribbean Brights. And bright they are!

I added some sprinkles of Heidi Swapp Gold Color Shine and a shiny gold die cut which I made using the Poppystamps "Mod Flower Border" die. I believe it may be retired, but I was able to find one.

The gold-embossed (Hero Arts Powder) sentiment is from the Simon Says Stamp set called "Banner Sayings". It is paired with a banner die which I did not use today.

The beautiful gold cardstock is one that I got at my LSS in Sacramento, Paper Garden Boutique. A delightful place!

This is a fun technique with a great product, but shellack of control is a little difficult for me. I guess I need to work on that!

I hope you are having a great week - I see the weekend from here. Thanks for the visit.

Smooching

Hello, Bogging Buddies!

Last week I did a demonstration of the Smooching Technique (with appropriate homage to the amazing Laura Bassen!) for a card-making group of which I am a member. It all went well and everyone seem to enjoy it.


I made the background of this card as one of the samples for the demonstration. I used Perfect Pearls as a final spray to give it a pearlized effect and to blend the colors. When it was dry I also sprinkled it with some water droplets and blotted them to remove some of the ink.

The design of this card (including the slanted cut and the black fun foam die-cuts) was inspired by a card I did in a recent class I took taught by the ever-inspiring Julie Ebersole. That is one of her floral dies ("Wild Garden") from the Essentials by Ellen line. The cute script is a Wise Die from Paper Smooches called "Thanks Word". The fun foam cuts like butter and adds great dimension.

I just can't seem to get enough of this technique, in all its variations. I usually prep for 4 or 5 card bases when I want to do this technique. The backgrounds can be used in so many different ways and styles.

I hope you will give it a try, and if you've already done it - well, try it again with a new twist.

Thanks for the visit - have a happy and creative week!