Friday, October 26, 2018

Tribute to Sweet Melissa-Rest In Peace

by her STAMPlorations Friends.


On October 2, Melissa (Honey Bee Lane) sadly and unexpectantly passed away. 
Melissa was a very talented, creative, loving friend to so many of us in the stamping community.

I first met Melissa when she and her husband Chris and 4 children were still in Germany. 
Melissa often spoke of their military life and all their moves. 
Melissa not only followed Chris on all his US Air Force moves, but home schooled
their children too.  She was Amazing!

Recently all the family were thrilled to begin their new life on their gorgeous 
"Maine Promise Land Farm"! 

Now Melissa has joined our Heavenly Father as an Angel looking out for her precious 
husband Chris, four children, extended family and friends.
We all miss you sweet friend. Hugs...

My card in Memory of Melissa with much love to Chris and their 4 beautiful children.

I used Melissa's favorite color, Red for the CUTplorations Butterfly Cover Plate 
and one of her favorite colorful mixed media products, Brushos Pigment Inks.

I shook the Brushos powders thru the cover plate onto mixed media paper and 
then spritzed with water.  Removed plate and blotted with paper towel.

Next I die cut the cover plate with the SU Real Red cardstock,  
removed all the tiny pieces
and glued to the Brushos layer.  Then stamped the sentiment.

Please know Chris and family how much we all loved Melissa and are wishing
our love for her and you will help you thru this very difficult time.

With much Love, Hugs and Prayers,  Nancy

If you would like to join the tribute in Melissa's honor and mail your card to her family,
here is the link to the STAMPlortions post.


Here is a message from Melissa's husband, Chris. He posted this as a comment on Melissa's blog but he gave Shery permission to pass it on in any way, that it can reach a wider audience.

"Hello everyone. This is Chris, Melissa’s husband. I have been blessed by the outpouring of so many people. I know it is difficult to mourn from long distance. If you’d like join the community going through this together, please go to our farm Facebook page @Mainepromisedlandfarm. Gardening and planting flowers were Melissa’s other creative passions and she had worked hard to get our farm to where it is today in just a short period of time. Please read along as my family and I walk through this trial and be able to encourage us as we encourage you with what God is doing to get us through. Blessings, grace and Peace.
Chris

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Twofer Card Challenge #10 Harvest

Edited Note: I just realized I did not follow the rules.
I forgot you have to use either a Stamp or Die for the theme.
I used a Stencil for my Harvest Theme.
I love my cards, but next time will follow the rules!

I am getting just in under the wire to play along with the


I am always bummed if I miss this really fun challenge, but got home from 
our 3 week camping/hiking trip just in time:-)

My Harvest Cards

I made these stencil monoprint backgrounds while on vacation.  
Just added the die cutting when I got home.

Card #1

This is my DH Denny's card celebrating our 53rd Anniversary on the 29th!
I loved the monochromatic earth tone colors.

Very simple technique.  
Placed Sanna ARTplorations Barley Stencil over mixed media paper.  
Then stamped Distress Ink, Walnut Stain over stencil and spritzed with water.

Next removed stencil and turned over onto another piece of mixed media and pressed
down with a paper towel, which gave me the negative monoprint.
I will save the positive 1st print for a future project.

Die Cut the piece with MB Stitched Rectangle. 
Die cut Early Espresso CS with same die.

Die Cut Crumb Cake CS with CUTplorations Double Running Stitch Rectangle 
Nesting Dies and attached to Crumb Cake card base.

Added Sentiment on the smallest MB Stitched Rectangle
and sponged with Walnut Stain DI.
I popped up the main image and sentiment tag and Done!

Card #2

Again,  backgrounds I designed on our vacation.

I had taken several pre-die cut tags with me.
I love this set of 6 tag dies. My tag was the 3rd largest tag.

Again,  used the same stencil as my 1st card and the stencil monoprint technique.
I used Distress Inks, Fossilized Amber,  Spiced Marmalade and Ripe Persimmon
for the negative background image.

Then used the same colors, but with more of the bright colors for the smooshed
background on my tag.  
Placed a small section of the ARTplorations Sanna Barley stencil over tag
background and sponged  on DI Walnut stain for get the positive  Barley image.

When home I die cut the background negative monoprint with the CUTplorations
Die.  Stamped, heat embossed and fussy cut the sentiment and popped up.

Added Seam Binding and layers to SU Thick Whisper White CS.

Hope you like my cards.  I was very pleased with how different they turned out 
and I always love how I get Twofer cards when done!

Thank you, Dolly for another fun Challenge.  Hugs..

Adding to STAMPlorations Anything Goes





Supplies:
Card #1:
Stamps:SSS Bouquet of Thanks
Paper: Strathmore Mixed Media, SU Crumbcake and Early Espresso
Inks: DI Walnut Stain
Accessories: ARTplorations Sanna "Barley" Stencil. Memory Box Stitched Rectangle Dies. TH Spritzer. Dimensionals. CUTplorations Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Dies.

Card #2
Stamps: same
Paper: SU Whisper White Thick and MM
Inks: Distress Inks:Fossilized Amber, Walnut Stain, Spiced Marmalade, and Ripe Persimmon.
Accessories: Same stencil.  CUTplorations Stitched Tags Nesting Dies and Running Stitch Die.
SU retired Seam Binding.  Dimensionals.




Monday, October 22, 2018

CAS Watercolour Card October Challenge

Bonnie is hosting the CAS Watercolour Color Challenge:
Orange, Green and Brown.  Beautiful Fall Colors!



My card using Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers and water brush for watercoloring.

I used my NBUS Penny Black stamp, "Sparkler".  It is an open design,
so perfect for watercoloring with my Zigs and waterbrush.

I used my MISTI to stamp my image with versamark and then removed
and heat embossed with SU black Embossing Powder.

Now the fun coloring began...

I used Zigs yellow, then light orange and red waterbased inks,
moving and blending inks with my water brush.
Next I colored the leaf and stem with 2 shades of green.

Then I die cut my image with Penny Black Antique Frames Die.
Die cut a piece of orange fun foam with same die.
I was pleased how the fun foam gave a orange shadow effect to the main image.

Originally I meant this card to be a poinsettia Christmas card.
The image to me is a pretty generic looking flower that could fit many occasions.
I decided on a thinking of you occasion and sentiment.
Added Copper Stickles to the center of the flower and stamped sentiment.

I was very happy with the blending of the colors using Zigs and a water brush:-)

Whoops..I forgot to add brown,
so cut a small piece of heavy brown designer paper using the
Antique Frame die and grounded the flower in a pot.
Now my card follows all the challenge rules:-)

You have until the 24th to play along in the challenge.  Be sure and check out
all the gorgeous cards  by the DT and GD.  Hugs


Supplies:
Stamps: Penny Black "Sparkles" and "Happy Snippets".
Paper: Strathmore Mixed Media. SU Whisper White Thick card base.
Inks: Versamark.   Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers: Yellow, Bright Yellow, Scarlet Red, Pale Green and Light Green.  Coloring light to dark blending one petal at a time with water brush.
Accessories: Penny Black Antique Frame Die.  Fun Foam. Stickles Copper. SU water brush. 


Friday, October 19, 2018

STAMPlorations October CAS Challenge Extra

STAMPlorations October-Extra Projects for all the October Challenges.
I made an extra CAS Challenge card without the optional color twist: Black.

You have until the end of the month to play along at CAS Card Challenge.:-)




I used Sanna's new Barley Stencil for this Fall colored Stencil Monoprint image.
I securely taped down the stencil over Mixed Media paper 
and sponged with Distress Oxides,  spritzing with water.

Colors used: Antique Linen, Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey, Spiced Marmalade 
and Ripe Persimmon.

Removed stencil and blotted with paper towel to remove excess puddles.
Loved the results!

Next die cut  the border and placed in MISTI to stamp sentiment 
with Distress Oxide,  Peeled Paint and heat embossed with clear eb powder.

Attached to card base and done!
Wishing you all a Thankful Holiday season.

If you use my STAMPGIRLNANCY discount code you will receive 20% off 
all orders:-)  Hugs..

  



  • Players can link up to 3 CAS cards.
  • Players can enter a CAS card with or without the optional color twist.
  • Non-STAMPlorations products are OK
  • To qualify for the prize, players must display challenge graphic and link back to the challenge post (blogs only)
  • Prizes: $15 GC for the winner (voted by the team); $5 GC to three (3) randomly picked players







Monday, October 15, 2018

CAS Mix Up Metal Reminder

CAS Mix Up Metal Reminder cards hosted by 
The very talented Mac (The Sweetest of Peas). Be sure and check out
the amazingly creative cards by our DT and talented GD, Pat (Colourful Card Creations).

There are also several videos showing metal techniques to inspire you.



Using Alcohol Ink on tin foil + Stamping + die cutting and Bisters Stencil Monoprint.

I have been saving my tin foil I have used for Alcohol Ink smooshing.
I made this card in February 2018 using a scrap of foil and then
dry embossed after seeing my friend Christine use this cool technique.


I had planned to use the same technique on my Metal Reminder card,  but decided
I really liked the crinkles on the folded up foil in my stash.

I found in my stash this cool "Dots All Over" ARTplorations Stencil Monoprint
Background from our CMU August monoprint challenge:-)
I die cut the background.

I then die cut several leaves from the Alcohol Ink stained foil.  Chose the oak leaf
 and then die cut all the leaves with Black CS.  Saved the extras for a future project.

Attached the foil leaf to the black leaf using Tombow Glue
and weighted down with an acrylic block to dry.

I stamped the sentiment and die cut,  then popped the leaf image up on dimensionals
and added the sentiment layer.

Attached main image to SU Whisper White  CS and Done!

Sharing a close up so you can see all the gorgeous shine and dimension of the leaf!

I am so happy with my foil leaf card.  Thank you so much Mac for an awesome Challenge!

Hope you all get to join the fun too. You have until the 24th to play along!
 Hugs..


Supplies"
Stamps: STAMPlorations "Bloom Happy"
Paper: SU Whisper White Thick.  Strathmore Mixed Media. SU Basic Black.
Inks: T.H. Alcohol Inks: 
         Bisters pigment inks: Black, Red, Orange, Yellow, Natural
Accessories: MB Stitched Rectangle Dies.  SU Spellbinders Bigz Autumn Accent Die. Tombow glue. Kaiser Aluminum Foil.  Alcohol ink Blending Fluid. ARTplorations Dots all Over Stencil.

ARTplorations Stencil Hop-Part 2-October 15

with fabulously  creative project designs by the Design Team using 
Sanna's 14 New Release Stencils.

You can find all of Sanna's stencils at Sanna Lippert Designs .

To find Click on the STAMPlorations home page button "Shop for Stamps."
Look under "Categories" for Sanna Lippert Designs or Artplorations Stencils and Masks.

Here is ARTplorations Stencil Hop-Part 1 for more Sanna Stencil samples.

Back to Artplorations Stencil Hop-Part 2
preview-barley

My 1st project..a Fall Tag. Using Sanna's New Barley Stencil.

ARTplorations Barley StencilCUTplorations Stitched Tags Nesting Dies,
and STAMPlorations Typografia Thankful-Full of Thanksgiving.


I used the Stencil Monoprint technique to make a background using Sanna's new
"Barley" Stencil with  Bisters Pigment Powders.

I used Bisters: Yellow, Mahogany, Natural, Orange and Red Powders.

Sprinkled light amounts of powder thru the stencil that was taped to Mixed Media
paper and then spritzed with water.  Removed stencil and set aside the background to dry.

Next I die cut the background using the 2nd to largest nesting tag die.
Placed tag in MISTI and stamped the sentiment using Archval black ink.
I stamped several times to get good coverage.
Removed and let dry,  then spritzed with Shimmer Spray.

Added retired SU ribbon and twine and done.
I am really pleased with the results.

My 2nd Stencil Project
preview-cornflower

My 2nd project, a Feel Better Soon card using Sanna's New Cornflower Stencil.

ARTplorations Cornflower Stencil by Sanna,
CUTplorations Feel Better Soon Phrase Die and
 CUTplorations  Crazy Double Running Stitch Retangle Nesting Dies.


I had so much fun watercoloring this new Cornflower Stencil with my Zigs Markers.
I used 3M masking tape to secure the stencil to Strathmore Mixed Media paper.

Then added layers of Zig watercolors using an aqua painter to help move the ink.
When done I die cut the stenciled background and set aside.

Die cut the "Feel Better Soon Phrase" with 2 layers of white CS and 2 layers black CS
and attached layers with SU Fine Tip Glue Pen and weighted down with
large acrylic block until dry. Added to stenciled background.

Attached card front to card base and added copper stickles to each flower. Then Done!

Hope you enjoyed my projects.
Be sure to check out All the DT's creations using Sanna's gorgeous Stencils!


If you leave a comment on my blog you have a chance to win one of 4 prizes.
For Part 1 and Part 2  Hops there will be one winner of a $20 gift certificate,
one winner of a $10 gift certificate and
 2 winners of their choice of three (3) Sanna Lippert Designs stencils.

Commenting closes October 21.  Winners announced on November 10 in the October
Winners post.

From October 8 to 21,  all stencils are 15% off-no coupon needed.  The discount is
automatically applied in the shopping cart.

You can get an extra 20% off if you use my STAMPGIRLNANCY discount code!

Happy Stenciling, my friends. Hugs

Monday, October 8, 2018

CAS Watercolor October Orange, Green and Brown

Gorgeous Color Combo for the October CAS Watercolor Challenge 2nd Birthday!
Hosted by Bonnie.

Happy 2nd Birthday!

The Theme!


Time to Celebrate!

I never tire of using this beautiful "Joyful Sunflower" stencil by TCW!
I received this awesome stencil from Bonnie several years ago and I think it is
perfect for the CAS Watercolour 2nd Birthday color challenge.

I secured my stencil with masking tape over a piece of Strathmore 
 Mixed Media paper.  I find Mixed Media paper works best for blending Zigs.

I used Zigs and aqua painter to watercolor my Sunflower thru the stencil.
It is important to secure your stencil so you do not get
ink flowing under the stencil.
Do not use too much water either from the aqua painter when blending colors.

I used Zig markers: Yellow, Bright Yellow, Orange, Scarlet Red, 
Pale Green, Light Green, Light Brown and Dark Oatmeal.

I removed stencil, let dry then die cut image with
CUTplorations Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Die.
Placed image in MISTI,  stamped the sentiment and done!

I hope you are enjoying an Indian Summer with a few more sunny days!

Happy 2nd Birthday again, Bonnie, Loll and all the DT girls and
followers of this fabulously Inspiring Challenge:-)

Adding to STAMPlorations Never Ending Anything Goes Challenge.




Supplies:
Stamps: STAMPlorations: Bloom Happy sentiment.
Paper: Strathmore Mixed Media.  SU Whisper White Thick CS for card base.
Inks: Archival Jet Black.  Zigs markers: Yellow, Bright Yellow, Orange, Scarlet Red, Pale Green, Light Green, Light Brown and Dark Oatmeal.
Accessories: CUTplorations: Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Die.  MISTI, SU Aqua Brush, TCW "Joyful Sunflower" Stencil.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

STAMPlorations CAS Card Challenge Optional Color Twist: Black

I am so excited!
This is my 1st card as a new Design Team Member
for STAMPlorations CAS Card Challenge:-)



My October CAS card including the optional color twist: Black


Close up of heat embossed shine and black CS shadow!



I have been a fan of Shery's STAMPloration products from the beginning..5+ years ago!
I have always been impressed with the quality and wonderful customer service:-)

Thank you again, Shery for inviting me to join your friendly
 and talented Design Team Family:-)

Now back to my For the Birds Card Design...

I sprinkled Bisters pigment powders onto mixed media paper and spritzed with water.
I used Black, Blue,  and Yellow Bisters.
Let dry and then die cut my For the Birds.

Next covered the birds with Versamark clear ink and heat embossed with
clear embossing powder.  It gave a beautiful shine to the birds and branch.

I also die cut the birds a 2nd time with black CS and attached a little off set
for a black shadow effect.

Next used Strathmore Cold Press paper and die cut the framing. 
Then added the stenciled background 
with green Bisters and placed in MISTI to add the sentiment and attached the birds!

 I do hope you will join us at STAMPlorations CAS Card Challenge.
You have until the end of the month to play along.  Hugs...


FYI:

  • Players can link up to 3 CAS cards.
  • Players can enter a CAS card with or without the optional color twist.
  • Non-STAMPlorations products are OK
  • To qualify for the prize, players must display challenge graphic and link back to the challenge post (blogs only)
  • Prizes: $15 GC for the winner (voted by the team); $5 GC to three (3) randomly picked players

Monday, October 1, 2018

CAS Mix Up Metal + Stamping + Your choice

Time for our CAS Mix Up October Challenge 
hosted by our very talented Design Team Member,  Mac (The Sweetest of Peas).

We are happy to have Pat (Colourful Card Creations) as our talented Guest Designer.

More wonderful news...we are welcoming Susan (Cat's Ink Corporate) to our
 CAS Mix Up family.  She is extremely talented.  You will be so inspired by her
Gorgeous creations.  Do visit her lovely blog.



You are going to be "Wowed" by all the DT and our very talented GD
sample cards!  Be sure and check out their cards and the numerous videos 
for your inspiration.

Here is my card using Die cut Heated Copper + Stamping + Die Cuts

Close Up showing shine and blue tone from heated copper!

A couple years ago Loll and I played with the Heated Copper technique.
Loll made an awesome You Tube video of the technique for Splitcoaststampers.

As soon as I saw Mac had chosen "Metal" as our challenge,  I knew I wanted to 
play with some of my Heated Copper stash for my DT card.

If you go to Loll's video you will see the blow torch technique.
I did basically the same thing except used the top of of our woodstove 
to heat my copper.
I heated long enough to get some blue color tones on the copper.  So pretty!

For my new card I die cut the leaf image with a leaf plate.
Then die cut the leaf image with a partial stitched circle.
Then set my image aside.

Next Die Cut the left corner with a corner die.
Die cut the partial circle in card front and Inlayed copper piece.

Next placed card front in MISTI and stamped sentiment.
Removed and attached card front to SU Copper Foil CS.

My card did not seem balanced,  so I added Cinnamon Stickles and Done!

I was very pleased with my heated copper card and hope you like it too!

Thank you Mac for a really fun and inspiring challenge:-)  Hugs...


Supplies:
Stamps: Penny Black "Happy Snippets"
Paper: SU Whisper White Thick. Strathmore Mixed Media
Inks: Archival Jet Black
Accessories: K & S Precision Metals "Soft Copper" #6020 size 12" x 30" roll of copper. Can order directly from the company. Stickles. MISTI
Three dies from Ali-Express.  The corner die (set of 4) and leaf plate were gifts from my dear friend, Christine. Thank you again my friend.