Hooray for Hollyhocks

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

Another card today using Brushos. These backgrounds are such fun and so versatile. On this one I added some hollyhocks with a slight off-set back shadow. Die is from Obsession Impression - an old favorite.

The  sentiment is "Block Out" by Little B, such a great set for a fun look.

Keeping it short today - a busy and fun weekend ahead. Have a great one and thanks for the visit,

TuTu To You!

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

In a recent blog post (check it out!), my talented pal Nancy (who I met in card-making classes) reminded me of a really fun "Tutu Toad" stamp by Stampendous. I had to dig her out and color her up. Even though I'm working to eliminate wood-mounted stamps, there are some that are just too special!

This stamp makes me giggle and I'm so glad to see her again. I took a fun twist with her and put her together with some amazing patterned paper and an adorable sentiment from Reverse Confetti ("Shine from Within") for this inspirational and super-shiny card. I just want to dance with her!

Other supplies used: Stitched rectangle dies, Nuvo Drops, Stickles, Black Pearl Pen, Copic pens.

I haven't played in a Retro Rubber Challenge in some time. The challenge is "Anything Goes" and since this stamp is from 2012, she qualifies!

Thanks for the visit and thanks to Nancy for the inspiration!

Pineapple Chin?!

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

So, the other day one of my very favorite exercise instructors was leading us in an exercise and she said to imagine a pineapple under our chins! Well, I've just had that image in my head ever since! I decided to thank her for doing that to me - ha!

I made this card with the Hero Arts Layering Pineapple die which is a little tricky to use. I doesn't cut out the shape of the pineapple, but rather the textural elements. A bit of a challenge. In fact, if I had realized this when I purchased it (I love all things tropical) I probably would not have.

I die cut the image and colored it up, using a mask, with Distress Inks and some finger daubers. It went well.

The sentiment is from "Many Thanks" by Paper Smooches and the sequins are from Simon Says Stamp "Sunshine Mix". I splattered the background with my gold and black Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolors. The cardstock is Essentials by Ellen's "Desert Storm".

The nifty Stickles edging on the left side is a little trick I learned from the amazing Julie Ebersole when I took a class from her at the Paper Garden Boutique. My hand isn't quite as steady as hers, but I love the look.

Thanks for the visit and think tropical,

Somewhere over the Brusho Rainbow

Hello, Bloggin' Buddies!

I've been sharing some cards I made from backgrounds I made with my crafty friend Shirley using Brushos. Here is another.

Shirley showed us how to make a rainbow and the results are so striking. I'm still struggling with the lack of control with this medium, but I love the joyful results.

I just added some die-cut words and a bit of twine from my stash to complete this festive card. Fun!

Thanks for the visit,