Thursday, August 31, 2017

Sketch and Feathers Birthday!

My card is for two challenges!



And

Less is More: #343: A Real Object!  I chose 2 blue jay feathers from my stash:-)



I chose my feathers then had the challenge of attaching to my one layer CAS card.  I die cut 2 CUTplorations "happy" word die twice out of SU Thick Whisper White for extra thickness attaching with SU Fine Tip Glue Pen.  Then arranged feathers and added Tombow liquid glue to happy and placed over feathers and used a large acrylic block as a paper weight to attach feathers and die cut sentiment and used block again to weight down the layers.  I then die cut one more happy for 3 layers for added dimension and to cover up some glue on the happy.

Next used a stamped with SU Whisper White pigment ink birthday on basic black cardstock from my stash for my stamped sentiment.

More stray glue...sequins covered up nicely!

That was it for a fun CAS design with the help of 2 favorite Challenges.  Thank you Less is More and CAS(E) this Sketch!  All the samples by your talented Design Teams really made me want to play!


Supplies: 
Stamps: STAMPlorations "Happy"
Papers: SU Whisper White Thick and Basic Black
Inks: SU Whisper White Pigment Ink
Accessories: CUTplorations "Happy Word Die", Blue Jay feathers, SU Fine Tip Glue Pen and Tombow liquid glue, sequins from stash

More Challenges:

STAMPlorations Anything Goes:


STAMPplorations: Summer CAS Anything CAS:


Simon Says Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes



Wednesday, August 30, 2017

STAMPlorations Bloomtangled Blog Hop with Love

On August 5th I entered STAMPlorations National Coloring Book Day Challenge.

Here is my page I colored using the digi sample Shery shared.
I printed on heavy copy paper and colored with Zig Markers.


Lucky me..I won the new "Bloomtangled" coloring book by random pick and we all received a surprise gift...your choice of a 3" x 5" stamp set:-)  Our sweet Shery is always sooo generous!

Today is the start of the Bloomtangled  Blog Hop with beautiful creative projects by the Design Team on each day of the Hop.  Ends on Sept. 5th !



Here is my card using my page sample above!



I used my CUTplorations ATC Builder Die to cut down my Bloomtangled sample.  Next I attached to another die cut piece of white cardstock to give the copy paper sample thickness.  Then used my CUTplorations Trendy Spring Blooms Dies to die cut 3 flowers with SU Whisper White cardstock and attached to the 3 Zig markers colored flowers to add dimension and interest.

I decided to go with a subtle "With Love" sentiment,  since the main image was busy with colored flower and leaves.  I used Archival Black ink for sentiment.

Added a Memory Box Stitched Rectangle and CUTplorations Crazy Running Stitch Rectangle from my stash to frame my popped up main image.  I popped up my  main image and MB stitched layer with fun foam,

I loved how my colored Bloomtangled image turned out and can't wait to play with my "real" coloring book with different coloring medium.  I will be taking on our next camping trip too:-)

Thanks again Shery for another fun Blog Hop and to you and all your DT for the fabulous samples.

Supplies:
Stamps: SU Field Flowers sentiment (ret)
Paper: Copy Paper. SU Whisper White.
Inks: Zig Markers. Archival Jet Black Ink.
Accessories: STAMPlorations Bloomtangled Coloring Book Digi sample.  CUTplorations Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Dies, ATC Tag Builder Dies and Trency Spring Blooms Dies.  Memory Box Stitched Rectangles. SU Fine Tip Glue Pen, Tombow liquid glue.  Fun Foam

More Challenges:

STAMPlorations Never Ending Anything Goes:


STAMPlorations CAS Summer Vacation..Anything Goes


Monday, August 28, 2017

CASE'ing Featured Stamper Christine!

I was so excited to see that my close friend, Christine (It's a Card Days Night) was honored this week at Splitcoaststampers as their Featured Stamper.  Christine's SCS Gallery is filled with her Gorgeous CAS style of cards.    

I chose a Christmas Card from her SCS Gallery..member name Calex! Be sure and check out the links for her Blog and her SCS Gallery.  You will be Inspired!



Here is Christine's Beauty!



Christine used watercolor paints and salt for her background.  I used Brushos powder on Arches Hot Press paper for mine and spritzed liberally with water.  Then added Himalayan Pink salt, Sea Salt and Table salt on my 9" x 9" watercolor piece of paper.  I was able to make 7 finished Christmas Cards with my gorgeous watercolor salted backgrounds :-)  Thank you so much Christine for the Inspiration!!!

I did splatter snow on my dried background using diluted white acrylic paint and a flat paint brush.

I then die cut seven 2 1/4" x 3 1/4" watercolored backgrounds and seven 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" pieces of SU Whisper White cardstock using Memory Box Stitched Rectangles Dies from my large background:-)

The larger pieces I dry embossed with SU Softly Falling EB Folder.  I had already die cut the Impressions Obsessions "Fir Trees" with my brand new set.  There are 3 trees.  I used the 2 smaller trees die cutting with SU Whisper White CS.

Next I used my CUTplorations "Stitched Snow Hills" Die.  There are 3 dies in the set.  I used just one.  I discovered it was easiest to stamp my SU Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment on SU WW scraps and then die cut the snow hills.

It was fun putting all the pieces together.  I used dimensionals to pop up the larger tree, snow hill and the finished main image.  I added the rhinestone for a bit of bling.

Thank you again, Christine.  I loved how my cards turned out for my Christmas stash...all because of you my friend.  A Big Hug!


Supplies:
Stamps: SU Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment
Paper: SU Thick Whisper White for card base and Whisper White for other pieces.
Inks: Brushos Powder: Ultramarine, Purple and Turquoise.  SU Pacific Point for sentiment
Accessories: Dies: IO Fir Trees, MB Stitched Rectangles, CUTplorations Stitched Snow Hills.  SU Softly Falling EB Folder, Rhinestone, dimensionals

Challenges: 
SCS FS551 Featured Stamper...Christine (Calex)

August Rudolph Days Challenge: Anything Christmas.

Sunday, August 27, 2017

CAS-Usual Fridays CFC181-Kraft and White

I am playing in the CFC181 Color Challenge-Kraft and White!
I love this color combo and was thinking Christmas,  but needed more thinking of you cards for my stash..

Here is my sepia colored rose "So Sorry" Card 


I stamped my STAMPlorations "Framed Solitary Rose" onto mixed media paper using Vintage Photo Distress Ink and then watercolored with paint brush and Distress Inks. Next I die cut my main image and die cut 2 more framing layers.

All the SU Kraft cardstock layers were sponged with SU Crumb Cake to give the paper a suede look.

The kraft die cut layer was inlaid into the die cut white frame and the main image was popped up using foam tape.  I masked off the "for your loss" from my PB sentiment that was from the "Heartfelt Thanks" stamp set, which I LOVE!  I added Wink of Stella to the rose.  Wish you could see.

Enjoy and Happy Stamping my friends.  Hugs...

Adding to STAMPlorations Summer CAS Card Challenge:


STAMPlorations Never Ending Anything Goes:


STAMPlorations Summer Theme and Sketch:





Supplies: 
Stamps: STAMPlorations "Framed Solitary Rose". Penny Black "Heartfelt Thanks".
Paper:  SU Kraft and Thick Whisper White.  Strathmore Mixed Media.
Inks: Archival Black.  T.H. Distress Inks: Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain.
Accessories: Memory Box Stitched Rectangles Dies, Wink of Stella, foam tape, sponge dauber.




Saturday, August 19, 2017

CAS Mix Up August Alcohol Inks...Again!

Can you tell...I LOVE Alcohol Ink Techniques?

Here is another card for our CAS Mix Up August Alcohol Inks Challenge.


Using Stamping, Alcohol Inks Dropped on Yupo and Inlaid Die Cut!

Background Sample of Ranger Alcohol Inks dropped on Yupo for my Die Cut Background.

My card is for a very special friend whose darling daughter has been ill.  With much support from family and friends she should recover completely:-)  I love this quote for difficult times in our lives.

I used Loll's (Stamping with Loll) Alcohol Inks with Yupo 5:48 You Tube video for a wonderful example of dropping Alcohol Inks directly onto Yupo.  A few drops I blew lightly with a straw also. There is a smooshing of Alcohol Inks technique on the video also.

More from Loll...I borrowed her Simon Says Stamps "Stacked Hearts" Die Cut when we had our Retreat in May.  I inlaid the hearts negative and popped out all the hearts (boy, do I now have a nice stash of hearts).  Next tapped my Alcohol Ink background from my stash to show thru the open hearts.  I results were so beautiful.

Thank you Loll for being so generous with your supplies and especially your talents:-)

I framed my stamped SU sentiment with a piece of the background and popped up on card front.  I attached my card front to my card base using fun foam.

Enjoy and hope you get to play along with our wonderful DT and GD, Trina (My Crafting Closet). You have until the 24th to join in the fun.  Happy Stamping.  Hugs..

Adding to:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Add a sentiment!



Supplies: 
Stamps: SU Vintage Vogue (ret)
Paper: SU Thick Whisper White. Yupo Paper
Inks: Ranger Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks: My piece is from my stash..sorry do not have all the names.
Accessories: Background: Alcohol Inks, straw.  Card: Big Shot, SSS "Stacked Hearts" Die Cut, scotch tape, fun foam, dimensionals.


Wednesday, August 16, 2017

CAS Watercolour August Salt Reminder

Time for our CAS Watercolour Reminder Salt Techniques Cards.  So many Gorgeous cards by our talented DT and Guest Designer Ros (Mikey's Mom)



Here is my favorite salt card and I am pleased to have another Christmas Card for my stash.


I just ordered 4 Christmas Die Cuts from Poppy Stamps.  I had not planned it,  but I was able to use all 4 dies for my card :-)  How fun!

My alcohol ink on acrylic tissue paper background is from my stash.  I made several using Christmas colors.  Here is a link to a card of mine with all the detailed steps.  The best part...you will get a stack of beautiful backgrounds when you are done:-)

First I made a watercolor wash using Gansai Tambi watercolors on Strathmore 140# cold press paper. I used a flat paint brush and liberally added water to my paper then painted with my paints.  While paint was wet I sprinkled with Himalayan pink rock salt, then sea salt and next table salt.  Let dry (takes time) and brushed off salts.

Photo of salt samples used for poinsettia, bird and leaves!


Next I die cut my Holiday Poinsettia (4 dies),  Holiday Holly leaves (1 die-3 leaves) and Cheery Cardinals (1 die-5 cardinals).  I shaped with my bone folder and attached with Tomboy liquid glue. Then added a Nuvo Bright Gold Drop to the center of flower.

Then I die cut 2 layers of  my Merry Christmas die for extra thickness.  So fun attaching all to my tissue paper background.  I popped up my poinsettia with dimensionals.  Added the sentiment and cardinal using fine tip glue pen. Weighted down with my acrylic block until dry.  Added a pearl to the Christmas die cut.

I attached all to white CS using liquid glue and popped up on card front using fun foam.  The shine from the acrylic layer and all the textures really catch your eye!  This Christmas card is definitely going to be a favorite this year.  I hope you like it too.

Be sure and check out all the CAS Watercolour Salt cards.  You will be impressed and inspired!  You still have until midnight (PST) the 24th to play along.  Hugs..

Supplies: 
Stamps: None
Paper: SU Thick Whisper White.  Strathmore 140# Cold Press.
Inks: Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks for tissue background.  Gambai Tambi Watercolor Paints
Accessories: Poppy Stamps Dies: Holiday Poinsettia, Holiday Holly, Old Fashioned Merry Christmas and Cheery Cardinals.  Tombow liquid glue, SU fine tip glue pen, fun foam, dimensionals, Nuvo Bright Gold Drops, SU pearl.....Tissue Paper background supplies in Link.


Tuesday, August 15, 2017

CAS Mix Up August Alcohol Ink Reminder

Thank you everyone for your inspiring and gorgeous alcohol ink cards for our CAS Mix Up August Challenge!  I am thrilled to see so much enthusiasm for all the techniques. It has been so much fun hosting the challenge this month :-)


 Stamping + Ranger Alcohol Inks + Inlaid Die Cuts 

Reminder Card!

I went through my Tim Holtz Alcohol ink background stash and found this beautiful piece.  Perfect for a Christmas card design.  I used my new Poppystamps "Scribble Snowflake Circle" Die and older Memory Box "Merry Christmas" Die.

First I did all my die cutting on my card front and attached the pieces with scotch tape on the back side. Then attached the background piece and what a pleasant surprise.....look at the cool river, mountains and cloudy sky scene behind the wreath! Alcohol ink is always providing surprises, which makes it so creative and fun!  You can Never duplicate a piece!

I used the Drip and Smash (or Smoosh) technique.  I followed This video..Eclectic Drip and Smash. 2:42.  I did not add any metallic inks on my piece,  but it can be a gorgeous addition.

After finishing my card I realized I had not used stamping.  I just added the stamped "& Bright" and now my card follows the rules:-)

Enjoy my CAS Mix Up Reminder card and be sure and check out all the samples from the DT and our GD, Trina.  So many amazing cards to inspire you.  Happy Stamping my friends.  Hugs.

Merry Monday Christmas Challenge: 2nd Annual Summer Link Up..I chose



Supplies: 
Stamps: SU Holly Jolly Greetings (& Bright)
Inks: Tim Holtz: Watermelon, Pink Sherbet and Citrus alcohol inks.  SU Watermelon Wonder (sentiment).
Paper: SU Thick Whisper White card base.  Coated card stock from my friend Christine for card front. Yupo Paper for alcohol ink background.
Accessories: craft mat, Ranger Blending Solution, Poppystamps Scribble Snowflake Die, Memory Box Merry Christmas Die, scotch tape, SU rhinestones.

Friday, August 11, 2017

CAS Mix Up Alcohol Inks Be Very Merry!

The CAS Mix UP August Challenge is Alcohol Inks.  So many beauties already by the DT , our GD and in the Gallery!



Here is my "Alcohol Inks on Acetate" Christmas Card!


Close Up!



Alcohol Inks on Acetate with Tissue Paper Background is one of my favorite Alcohol Ink techniques.

Here is the link to my 1st card in my blog using this technique.  I am going to condense the steps in this post.

Step1: cut piece of aluminum foil approximately 8" x11" and lay on craft sheet.

Step 2: drizzle alcohol ink onto foil and spritz with Blending Solution or 90% rubbing alcohol. 

Step 3: pre-cut acrylic sheets..I used 4" x 4" and 6" x 6" squares.  Smoosh onto spritzed alcohol inks until you are happy with results.  You can spritz with solutions more if inks dry too quickly. Lay aside piece to dry with alcohol side UP.   Can add more ink to foil to make more backgrounds.  

Do not throw away foil.  Can be used for another technique that I will share in a future post that I learned from my friend Christine :-)

Step 4: When piece dries use foam brush to Paint ON Alcohol Ink Side the  Gel Medium or Modge Podge  (optional..pinch of Dazzling Diamonds or fine glitter to lightly sprinkle onto wet glue) then scrunch up a pre-cut (6x6 or 8x8) White tissue paper and open tissue leaving the scrunched wrinkles and place over wet glue. Rub with your hands for good contact.  Turn over piece onto clean paper towel and press more with hands.  Carefully add more glue on edges if necessary.  If glue smudges appear on the acrylic side remove using paper towel and 90% rubbing alcohol.

Step 5: Set aside and let glue dry.  Then trim tissue with your scissors.  Check for more glue smudges and remove with alcohol.  Then you can stamp images or sentiments, etc using Stazon ink.  Other permanent inks smear.


I actually made my background for the trees in this card at our Retreat in BC and borrowed the tree dies from Loll.  Thank you again Loll for sharing.  The dies set is on my wishlist!

I finished my card at home using CUTplorations Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Die for the popped up layer frame.  Then scrunched up a piece of tissue and glued to a CUTplorations ATC Tag builder Die.

I glued on my larger tree to the tissue 1st then popped up my small tree.  Added a stamped sentiment and done.  I LOVE how the trees have a shiny stained glass look:-)

I am so pleased with the CAS design and plan to make duplicates using alcohol backgrounds from my stash:-)  You can never make just one background using this technique!  You still have until the 24th to play along in our August CAS Mix Up Challenge.

Happy Alcohol Ink stamping my friends.  Hugs..

Adding to STAMPlorations Never Ending Anything Goes Challenge.



CUTplorations Summer Vacation Anything Goes Challenge




Supplies:
Stamps: SU Be Very Merry (ret)
Paper: SU Thick Whisper White and Reg. W.W.  White Tissue Paper
Inks: Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks and Pinata Gold Alcohol Ink.  Archival Black Ink.
Accessories: Impression Obsession Fir Trees Die, CUTplorations ATC Tag Builder and Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangles Dies.  Acetate Sheet, Tombow liquid glue, dimensionals.

Monday, August 7, 2017

CAS Salt Get Well

My 2nd card for this months CAS Watercolour Challenge: Salt Techniques



Watercoloring and different types of salt go so well together.  I used Himalayan Pink Salt (chunky), course Sea Salt and table salt on my card.  I loved the textured effect.


First I made a watercolor wash on my Arches Cold Press paper using Kuretake Gamsai Tambi Watercolor paints.  Wetting my paper with a flat wet paint brush then adding 1st the blue, then turquoise and then green paints.  I then sprinkled on my salts starting with the Himalayan, then sea salt and then table salt.  Set aside to dry completely.  Takes time so put in a safe place.  Brush off salt when completely dry.  Can use the edge of a plastic gift card to get off all the salt.

Next I found this Memory Box Dragonfly Stems Left Corner Die in my treasures from our May Retreat from sweet Loll.  I attached to my Dry watercolored salted background with my Fine Tip Glue Pen.

I then popped up my image using fun foam onto my die cut card front.  I felt my image needed something to bring it all together,  so doodled a black border.  I liked that effect.

I chose a sentiment from a favorite STAMPlorations set by Shirley Bee...Birds of Paradise.  Stamped and popped up with dimensions.  One more little touch..a few sequins for a bit of bling.

I was very happy with how my main image popped and the texture I achieved with the salt :-)

The evening I finished my card I found out about my dear forever girlfriend,  Anna being in a head on collision by an underage drinker.  It was a miracle no one was killed and Anna was taken by helicopter to an excellent hospital and Neuro Surgeon  for neck surgery.  She is home and starting the long healing process,  but should have a complete recovery.  Anna's Guardian Angel was certainly by her side along with "4" airbags!  Take care Anna and hope your card brings you a smile:-)  A big soft hug from Denny and I!  Anna I know would appreciate any of you adding her to your prayers.

My card is also for my dear friend Karen's (Snippets) Splitcoaststampers Technique Lovers' Challenge TLC649...Add a Pinch of Salt!

Also for STAMPlorations Anything Goes Challenge


And STAMPlorations Stamps and Anything Goes Summer Vacation


STAMPlorations CAS Summer Vacation



Supplies: 
Stamps: STAMPlorations Birds of Paradise.
Paper: Arches 140# Cold Press.  SU Thick and Regular Whisper White and Basic Black CS
Inks: Kuretake watercolor paints.  Archival Jet Black
Accessories: Memory Box Dragonfly Stems Left Corner Die (gifted by Loll), CUTplorations Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Die,  Staedler black pen for doodling, sequins, SU Fine tip glue pen, fun foam.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

STAMPloration's Celebrating National Coloring Book Day

STAMPlorations has a new Coloring Book soon to be released.  Just in time to celebrate National Coloring Book Day:-)


My Bloomtangled Sample



I have STAMPlorations 1st coloring book, "Color Blooms".  That book is safe and sound in our camp trailer.  It is so fun and relaxing to sit and color when on vacation:-)

Shery provided a download with one 5" x 7" page of the book to print, color and then enter into her challenge.  I printed the coloring page on heavy copy paper and watercolored with my Zig markers.  I left the outer edges uncolored.  I have an idea for a finished card for Shery's next challenge.  The winner gets a copy of the new coloring book:-)

The challenge ends tomorrow night,  so just getting under the wire.  Enjoy...I sure enjoyed my relaxing few minutes of coloring.  Hugs..