NBUS #7 Challenge and Something New!

Can you Find Three New Images on My Blog?  I'm so Excited!  Loll (Stamping with Loll) gave my Blog a new Face Lift!

Loll needs to include "Graphic Artist" amongst her creative Talents :-)

I LOVE my new bright and cheerful Header using one of my Alcohol Ink Backgrounds!

Also Loll redesigned my Signature and Watermark using the beautiful Tree and Font :-)

Thank you again my very Sweet Creative friend.

Hugs,  

Since Darnell is such a close friend of Loll's I thought it would be the perfect time to announce my New Blog Make Over with a NBUS #7 (Never Before Used Schtuff) Challenge Card.  Anything Goes is the Challenge,  but you must use Never Before Used new or old products.  This has been a very fun and popular challenge and already so many cards have been entered by Darnell's Fan's :-)

I have never used the SU DSP from last Christmas (ret), or this Sizzix Tim Holtz " Mini Bird Crazy & Things" Stamp and Dies.  I have only used one bird out of the set and none of the accessories. There are 51 stamps and Dies in the sets.  Stamps and Dies are sold separately.  So happy I got them both :-)

Also it was my 1st time to use my STAMPlorations "Oh, Christmas Tree" sentiment.  Thanks for the push Darnell.  So happy to get another card for my Christmas stash too.

I stamped my bird and hat onto Strathmore Mixed Media paper using Archival Jet Black ink,  then Die Cut and watercolored with my Zig Clean Color Brush Markers.  I added Dazzling Diamond Glitter to his hat and NUVO Crystal Drops to the snowflakes on the designer paper background.  I am really pleased with my 4 1/4" Square Christmas card.

Enjoy...and thank you for visiting and especially for your much appreciated comments.  Again a Very Special Thank You Loll for your beautiful graphic designs :-) Hugs...

STAMPlortions August CAS Anything Goes Challenge

I am entering my card into the STAMPlortions August CAS Anything Goes Challenge.  Not adding the Twist (Gold) this month.  I could not find my Gold sequins...I looked high and low!

Also entering in STAMPlorations Never Ending Anything Goes.  I used CUTplorations Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Dies, STAMPlorations Fond Expressions2 by Shery and Winged Things by Shirley of  Bees Knees :-)

I made my background using the Floating Alcohol Ink Technique.  I am sharing a video using the technique.   I did mine a bit differently.  I added just Adirondack Lemonade AI drops to water and placed my Yupo paper into water.  Removed let dry and then did the same thing adding Sunset Orange AI drops to clean water.  When I pulled it out there were little bubbles.  I popped with my fingers and the yellow showed up as droplets all over the piece...really cool effect!

I then die cut the piece with my CUTplorations thinlit.  Using my MISTI I Stamped Shirley's "Winged Things" Dragonflies using Archival jet black ink (must use Archival on AI).  Making sure dry by blotting carefully and then added my Fond Expressions 2 sentiment by Shery using same technique.

I popped up my main image on Die Cut SU Whisper White Thick Cardstock.  Added Lily White sequins by Doodle Bug after searching for gold sequins.  My room was neater after my search :-)

Thank You for visiting my blog and especially for your very appreciated comments. Hugs!

Floating Alcohol Inks by Andy Skinner (4:05)- technique

The Mixed Media Card Challenge #26 Rainbow

Just under the wire,  but finally had a chance to make my "Mixed Media Card Challenge #26"... Rainbow with optional Dragonflies Card :-)  Also added my card to STAMPlorations Never Ending Anything Goes Challenge

I already had my Alcohol Ink background that I made recently using Rainbow colors.  I knew I wanted to add dragonflies or in this case..a dragonfly from STAMPlorations stamp set "Winged Things" designed by Shirley of "Bees Knees".  I LOVE this set! You get a total of 12 different sized butterflies and dragonflies :-)

I used "7" Adirondack Alcohol Inks for my background: Watermelon, Sunset Orange, Lemonade, Citrus, Stream, Sailboat Blue and Wild Plum.  I used the rectangle Tim Holtz Blending Tool with a felt pad on the tool.  Dropped one drop of each color (not touching) and then pounced quickly my colors onto a piece of Yupo paper until I got the results I liked.  Loved the results!

When dry I die cut with my CUTplorations "Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Die"

I used my MISTI to stamp my dragonfly with Archival Jet Black ink, drying with my SU heat tool that has two heat setting.  I used the lower setting.  You can warp the Yupo paper if you are not careful.  I also always blot my stamped black images carefully to make sure completely dry.  Even the Archival ink will smear on Yupo.  You MUST use Archival ink on Yupo.  I then stamped my STAMPlorations sentiment "Big Hugs" from the "Fond Expression" set.  Again heat setting carefully and blotting.  Both the dragonfly and sentiment were stamped more than once using my MISTI.  I masked off the "for you"from the Big Hugs.

My only embellishment...NUVO Crystal Drops...White Blizzard glitter.  Cool glittery drops.  I love how you can make any size you want.  I just drop onto my craft mat and let dry...can take an hour or more, so I do a bunch in different sizes.

I popped up my main image with foam tape....and done!  I was very happy with the results.  Hope you like it too.  Enjoy and thank you for visiting my blog and expecially for commenting.  Hugs....

CAS Mix Up August Reminder Card: Sprays

It is the 15th of August and time again for the CAS Mix UP Design Team to share our CMU August REMINDER Cards :-)

I used Stamping + Glimmer Sprays + Die Cuts and Zig marker watercoloring

I recently had my SU Hostess Club party and my hostess was sharing a really cute Owl stamp set and Die Cut.  I just had to stamp and die cut a few for future cards.  Could not wait long...within a couple of days I had made this really fun card.  My DH Denny LOVES owls,  so this card will be saved for him when he needs a...Lift!

I sprayed the die cut layer with retired SU Smooch Spritz over my Tim Holtz Faded Dots Stencil. Then popped up my watercolored with Zig markers owls,  which I had sprayed already with Shimmery Mist I had made using Frost White paint and alcohol.   Fussy cut the sentiment and popped it up.  That was it!  I quick cute card for my stash.

Click HERE to see the rest of the amazing cards from the Design Team and our Guest Designer Joanne.  You will be Inspired by their CAS designs using Mixed Media ;-)

  We would love to have your join the fun!

You still have until August 24th at Midnight PDT to play in the Challenge.

Card Recipe

Stamps: Heartfelt Creations "You're a Hoot"

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Strathmore Mixed Media

Inks: SU archival Basic Gray, Zig markers, Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Big Shot, Heartfelt "Sugar Hollow Bungalow Die and Memory Box Stitched Rectangles Die,  papersnips, dimensionals, Sprays

Techniques: CAS, Die Cuts, watercoloring Sprays

Sunflower Stencil using Embossing Paste & Zigs

A very different and more traditionally colored TCW "Joyful Sunflower" Stencil Image :-)  Hope you do not mind all my cards using this awesome stencil?  It just keeps popping onto my desk :-)

My girlfriends Bonnie, Stamping with Klass and Loll, Stamping with Loll got me hooked on this beautiful and versatile stencil, especially after Bonnie gifted me my stencil.  I have since bought several for gifts :-)  Bonnie and Loll have many gorgeous samples on their blogs using this stencil.  I got the idea from Loll to use Embossing paste on my stencil and then watercolor while the paste is still wet.  I used my Zig watercolor markers to color my sunflower. Then I removed my stencil.  I am sharing a close up so you can really see the texture.

A couple of tips..use your palette knife to add your EB paste and to scrap off excess paste from stencil.  As soon as you finish watercoloring your image remove your stencil and soak in warm soapy water to remove remaining paste.

I will add a sentiment on the inside in the future when I send my card.  Here is my close up...

Card Recipe
Stamps: None
Paper: SU Whisper White Thick, Strathmore 100# Smooth Surface
Accessories: TCW "Joyful Sunflower" Stencil, Golden's Molding Paste, palette knife, Zig Markers, Craft mat
Techniques: Stenciling with Embossing Paste, Watercoloring

Enjoy and Thank you for Looking and especially Commenting.  Hugs...

Another Stenciling with Alcohol Ink Card

I played around a few days ago with Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks and TCW "Joyful Sunflower" Stencil. This is the 2nd card I made using my samples.  Here is my 1st Stenciling with Alcohol Ink card that I posted on August 9th.  I included very detailed step by step instructions on this post so I will not repeat the details on this new card.

I did exactly the same on this sunflower image just angled my sunflower so I could use an angled cut on a finished card.  These colors reminded me of Thanksgiving.  I used an old favorite SU Thanksgiving wood stamp from "Holidays and Wishes" (ret).  I loved how it turned out.

Enjoy and Thank you for Looking and especially commenting.  Hugs...

Stenciling with Alcohol Ink

I was so happy to receive The Crafters Workshop (TCW) "Joyful Sunflower" from my girlfriend Bonnie and knew immediately I wanted to try it with Alcohol Inks.  I was blown away by the results and ended up making 3 pieces with Yupo paper!  All using the same technique,  but different results.

You will never end up with 2 Alcohol Blended Samples alike.  The trick..let the ink create its own "flow"!  A very simple technique actually.

Step 1: I put on disposable gloves then laid a piece of scratch copy paper down onto my craft mat. Remember Alcohol inks Stain!  Placed my 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of Yupo paper on top of scratch paper and covered with my stencil. I then taped down stencil using 3M post-it-note masking tape.

Step 2: I chose my Adirondack Alcohol Inks: Lemonade, Sunset Orange, Pebble, Teakwood, Citrus and Pesto.  Also Jacquard Pinata "Rich Gold" Metallic alcohol ink.

Step 3: Started with the center of flower.  Adding light (Pebble) and then dark (Teakwood) browns.  Leaving some seeds uncolored.  Then added Metallic Rich Gold on a few of seeds.

Step 4:  I colored my leaves with Citrus and then Pesto greens.  Then petals with Lemonade and tips of petals with Sunset Orange.  I did go back and add a bit more color to petals and leaves until I got the look I wanted.

My technique for adding the inks: Place tip of bottle thru stencil onto area inking and add a little bit of ink moving onto next area letting ink do its own flow.  DON'T tip bottle up or squeeze bottle or you will have ink EVERY...where!  You can always add ink again if you want more while stencil is still taped down.  The ink does flow under the stencil,  but gives an interesting background.

Step 5: Remove Stencil carefully and wash in warm soapy water...your stencil will be permanently stained and look well loved!

Step 6:  Let piece dry..can use heat tool, but not too close.  I turn over and blot on scratch paper to make sure completely dry.  Then burnish with paper towel to increase shine.

Step 7: You MUST use Archival Ink if you want to stamp a sentiment...MISTI is a must if you want good coverage or you can add sentiment by stamping on a piece of cardstock and adding to piece.

Sorry about long description..it is a really quick process once you know the steps. You get a gold star if you read every step,  I would love if you shared with me your samples and/or cards :-)

Enjoy and Happy "Alcohol Ink Blending Stenciling" my friends.  Hugs,  Nancy

Card Recipe

Stamps: STAMPloratons Bold Sentiments.."ART Is"
Paper: Yupo paper, SU Whisper White Card Base
Inks: Adirondack Alcohol inks..listed in description.  Archival Jet Black
Accessories: TCW "Joyful Sunflower" Stencil, paper towels, 3M post-it-note masking tape, disposable gloves,,,I did restamp INSTINCT on WW Cardstock in black ink to cover smudged stamped word.
Techniques: Alcohol Ink Blended Stenciling

Thank you for Looking and especially for Commenting.  Your comments are so appreciated.

CAS Mix UP August Sprays and DTGD16

If only you could see all the Shimmer on the stenciled background and Crazy Bird...oh my!

Here is a Close Up,  but much prettier IRL...

My card is for the CAS Mix UP August "Sprays" + Stamping + your choice..mine die cuts, watercoloring, stenciling and doodling.

I already had the TCW "Aspen Trees stenciled background in  my stash.  I had sponged SU Old Olive, Pool Party and Dapper Denim onto Whisper White thick CS and die cut with my MB stitched rectangles die.  I just marker watercolored my stamped and Die Cut Crazy Bird using the same colors and popped up.  I used the next size up Stitched Rectangle Die to trace lightly with pencil a frame. Then used my art pen to doodle free hand the border.  Worked Great!

My card was also made for this weeks SCS Dare to Get Dirty 2016 Challenges.  They end tomorrow night the 8th at 11:59 P.M.  Here is the link to My SCS Gallery and this card with all the Deets.

Enjoy and Happy Stamping my friends.  

Card Recipe

Stamps: Tim Holtz Crazy Birds, SU Occasional Quotes (ret)

Paper: SU Whisper White Thick and Strathmore Bristol 100# Smooth Surface for bird

Inks: SU Old Olive, Pool Party and Dapper Denim ink pads and markers. Archival jet black

Accessories: Big Shot, TCW Aspen Trees Stencil, Crazy Bird Dies, MB Stitched Rectangles, liquid pearls, dimensionals, art pen

Thanks for Looking and especially for your comments.  Hugs......

STAMPlorations Color Blooms Sampler Challenge

Here is my STAMPlorations Color Blooms sampler for Shery's National Coloring Day Linky Party !

Party ends Sunday night, the7th.  I downloaded the page Shery provided and colored my 5" x 7" piece printed on Whisper White cardstock with my Zig Markers.  I picked up the ink off my craft mat with a damp watercolor brush being careful not to add too much water.  The ink does not spread as well as with mixed media paper,  but I think it is ok.  If  I do another I will use different paper.

This coloring book will be perfect for our trailer camping trips through out the year.  I can color and save to make finished cards when I get home :-)

Thank you again Shery for your fun party and so much inspiration from you and your amazing Design Team.

My card is also for the STAMPlorations Spotlight Showcase...Showcasing Shery's Color Blooms!

Enjoy and Thanks for Looking and especially commenting.  Hugs.....

DTGD16nancylittrell Challenge Day 7

It is Dare to Get Dirty time at SCS, sure hope you can join us for the week long challenge, inspiration, and chatting fun! My card was a sampler for My DTGD16nancylittrell Challenge that starts today. You have to be a SCS Fan Club Member to join the challenge.  This Annual Challenge is a perk for being a paid member of SCS,  which helps with all their expenses. 

There are 5+ challenges a day from past and present Dirty Girls and runs through Saturday August 6th.  

This was my 1st attempt of making an entire card front using my Tim Holtz Distress Crayons.  Here is the Scrap Time Videos on How to use Tim Holtz Distress Crayons.  I followed the instructions exactly!  Lot so smudging fun on this card.

I recently received this TCW Joyful Sunflower Stencil from my girlfriend Bonnie Klass...thank you again Bonnie :-)  It was really fun with the crayons.  I have more ideas using this awesome stencil.  Stay tuned....

Please check out My SCS Gallery for all the rest of the details on this card. Happy stamping my SCS friends :-)

DTGD16texasgrammy Challenge Day 5

It is Dare to Get Dirty time at SCS, sure hope you can join us for the week long challenge, inspiration, and chatting fun! My card was a sampler for Bev's DTGD16texasgrammy Challenge today. You have to be a SCS Fan Club Member to join the challenge.  This Annual Challenge is a perk for being a paid member of SCS,  which helps with all their expenses. 

There are 5+ challenges a day from past and present Dirty Girls and runs through Saturday August 6th.  

I had so much fun making this watercolored background using all "5" of the new SU In Colors.  I stamped the image with my STAMPlorations "Live Love Laugh" stamp,  which included the DREAM stamp.

Please check out My SCS Gallery for all the rest of the details on this card. Happy stamping my SCS friends :-)

CAS MIX UP August Challenge

It is time already for the next CAS Mix Up August Challenge Stamping + Sprays + Your Choice.   My Choice:  Stenciling with water and Modeling Paste, Markers and Die Cuts.

My card began with an ATC background I had in my background stash, which  I had used a swiping technique with Zig Marker brown tones onto Mixed Media paper and stamped with my Tim Holtz "Wild Flowers" stamp set using Archival Jet Black ink.

 Now the fun finishing touches.  I  placed my Tim Holtz "Faded Dots" stencil over my piece, "Sprayed" with water and blotted with a paper towel to lift the color.  I  Die Cut my ATC with my Memory Box Stitched Rectangle and added a Sizzix Die Cut Wildflower for added dimension.

I wanted more interest in the background so I masked the center of my die cut white layer and placed my Faded Dot Stencil over the mask and covered areas of the stencil with my Golden's Modeling Paste.  Let dry and added my main image with dimensionals.  One last touch.. Washi tape stamped with the sentiment.. just for you!

I love the brown tones and dimension on my CAS Mix Up August Challenge...Hope you can play along too.  You have until August 24th to join in the fun!  Happy Stamping....