Bells and Pinecones

This feels like the weekend because my hubby started vacation today and will be off through the New Year. We plan an out of town day trip soon and look forward to enjoying each other's company for a while.

My card was made for yesterday's Splitcoaststampers CAS challenge #303. The challenge was Holiday Sparkle. That is why I used the sequins.  It should have been very quick but after several stamping mishaps, it took forever. Can you believe it? Sometimes, nothing goes as should in the craft room. -:)

I didn't have a die for the bells and had to fussy cut them. I colored with Copics. The sentiment and some red sequins were added and that was it...another card ready for mailing.

My card also fit the Fan Club Christmas Challenge/SCSCCNOV14. It was an inspiration piece. You are to be inspired by a wreath, brown and white, or pinecones.

Recipe:
Stamps-MFP Stamp Shop/Seasonal Poinsettias (sentiment), MFP Stamp Shop/New Pines, Inspired by Stamping/Elegant Christmas (bells)
Paper-PTI white cardstock, SU Chocolate Chip
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-Red sequins, Copics R35-R37-R39 (berries), Y23-Y28 (bells), E70 (pinecones), YG61-YG63 (fir and holly), B00-B000 (bow)

Jingle Bells

I hope you're having a great Sunday. It is a cloudy day here and I'm longing for the hot days of summer and lots of sunshine. I guess I'll be waiting for quite a while. 

This is a card I made last week for the CAS302 challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge was The First Noel....add music to your cards.

I used a Martha Stewart punch to do the jingle bells. They are hanging on strips of cardstock. I have later added bows made with musical cardstock...placed at the top of the jingle bells. I just didn't want to do another photo so you have to imagine this in your mind's eye. :-) Anyway, I think I like it better this way.

Recipe:
Stamps-Stampabilities/Jingle Bells
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill rock candy cs, Stampin'Up! Old Olive and Cherry Cobbler cs
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Martha Stewart jingle bell punch

Joy and Happiness

 I'm not keeping up very well with visits these days. Are you as stressed and blah as I am? I certainly hope not. I need a lot of pep and cheer as Christmas is my favorite time. Where is my Christmas spirit???? I'm looking for it and maybe it will arrive soon. Goodness, I haven't even made one snowman card this season and they are my favorite.

My card was made for two challenges: The monthly Fan Club Christmas Spirit challenge on Splitcoaststampers and the Sketch Challenge/SC518. The Christmas Spirit challenge is an inspiration picture of a pine cone wreath. You were to be inspired by the pine cones, brown and white, or the wreath.

I stamped the pinecones on Kraft paper using a stamp from Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/New Pines. The sentiment is from the same company/Greetings of the Season (retired, I believe). My image on the small top panel is from Prickley Pear/Pinecone. A couple of the pinecones were popped up. I added dots for interest from Stamps by Judith. The panel was sponged with Tim Holtz Stormy Sky Distress Ink and Stampin'Up! Apricot Appeal.

I added a red grosgrain ribbon from Offray and that finished it.

'Tis the Season

My card was for CAS301, the Clean and simple challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge was Lovely as a Tree-add a tree.

This was a very simple card to make. The birds and trees were made with punches and I've used corrugated paper on two of the trees.

Recipe:
Stamps-Stampendous/Tis the Season stamp set (sentiment)
Paper-PTI white cardstock, DCWV mat stack-corrugate, DCWV-printed corrugate stack
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-EK Success lg. Christmas tree punch, Martha Stewart bird punch

Country Christmas

Yep, I know it has been a while since I've been here. Life happened and I had other things to deal with. I had my little grandkids over the weekend....just two of them. I will see the other one at Christmas. I didn't get to see all of them as I had planned  when I did my last card. Ugh!

I did make some cards for Splitcoaststampers that I'll be posting ( five of them). I'll do one today and post some more later. 

Isn't that a beautiful bird? I think by now everyone knows I love a bird.  I thought I would just let him perch in the bough. 

This card was for the color challenge on Splitcoaststampers/CC507. The colors to use were Stampin'Up! Early Expresso, Garden Green, and Cherry Cobbler. I didn't have all of the colors but listed what I had in the my recipe below. I had to add a bit of yellow for light in my cabin.

Recipe:
Stamps-Mark's Finest Paper & Stamps/Christmas in the Country set (sentiment), Impression Obsession/Winter View (bough), Heartfelt Creations Cardinal Family stamp and matching die, Stampendous/Tis the Season/holly 
Paper- PTI white cs, SU Always Artichoke, The Paper Studio/red and white gingham, DCWV/Corrugate mat stack, unknown yellow 
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-Frantic Stamper precision die/Tall pine trees, Dazzling Diamonds, Heartfelt Creations die/Cardinal, Impression Obsession/Brickhouse die, Copics

 

Snowflake Wreath

This card was made for the challenge on Splitcoaststampers,  CAS299. The challenge was Simply Snowflakes. I do have two snowflakes placed in my arrangement.  

I'm using this wonderful Sarasota Stamps Vine Wreath that was found on Amazon. The company is now out of business. Someone told me they found it online at Wal-Mart, also. 

The berries are painted on with the small end of my round stylus and some Americana acrylic paint...just dabbing it on.

I added the sentiment and all was finished with this one layer card.

I'll probably not be around for a week or so. My son is visiting and his wife and child, along with the other two grandchildren will be here starting this weekend. So, I'll be a busy bee for a while. 

I did put up my two Christmas trees today and I'm so happy that is finished. What a job!!!

Recipe:
Stamps-Sarasota Stamps/Vine Wreath
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill London Fog cardstock, Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler cardstock
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-Tim Holtz paper string, Tim Holtz Sizzix Holiday Words die-Script, Martha Stewart snowflake punches, Martha Stewart fir punch, clear gemstone, stylus, Americana acrylic paint/Napa Red

Vine Sympathy

Unfortunately, I need a sympathy card for a very sad occasion. I hope this card can somehow give some comfort to the family receiving it. 

I also made this card to fit the Featured Stamper challenge on Splitcoaststampers/FS406. The featured stamper was Audrie aka girlgeek101 and I cased (loosely) this card.

It was simple...just cut the dies and sponged inside the smallest with the three inks, added the sentiment, and then the flourish vine.

Recipe:
Stamps-Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/Oopsy Daisy set
Paper-PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Distress Inks/Victorian Velvet-Dried Marigold-Stormy Sky
Accessories-Spellbinders/Lattice Rectangle die, Cheery Lynn Designs die/Fanciful Flourish

Snowman With Red Polka Dots

Today's Splitcoaststampers Inspiration challenge/IC467 is to use inspiration from the website, Harry and David. I found this wonderful photo.  Isn't that yummy looking. Actually, it was the snowmen that inspired me, though I could certainly eat those wonderful looking chocolate dipped strawberries. 

I had also found this card I wanted to case. I found it on Pinterest and traced it back to Splitcoaststampers. I just love it. Mine is a little more simple than hers but I still like it. 

My snowman head was cut with a Spellbinders circle nestabilitie and then trimmed off about 1/4 at the bottom. It was then placed  under the ribbon. 

I hand cut the nose, embossed, and added some glitter. 

I made three of these for my grandchildren in different colors, twines,  and ribbons. I hope they love them.

Recipe:
Stamps-Stampabilities/Handwritten Merry Christmas
Paper-Stampin'Up! Crumb Cake cardstock, PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-Red Polka dot grosgrain ribbon, silver metallic twine, star button, small black buttons for eyes, Cuttlebug embossing folder/scalloped edge, Spellbinders circle nestabilitie

Remembered

I'm playing in the CT1014 /Dirty Dozen Fan Club Challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge is Hopelessly Devoted and there are many choices. My hubby is a veteran so this card is for him. He is totally devoted to the military and its men and women, retired and active. I know he will be remembering the many sacrifices made by so many today as we are celebrating Veterans Day. 

To what I am hopelessly devoted to in my crafting ( and, there are so many) and that I used on this card would be something you can't see...dimensionals/pop dots. I use them all the time. My white cardstock is popped up today on my base card.

This was an easy peasy card.  I used acrylic paint for the red stripes and die cut the star. Added a sentiment,  brad,  and twine and it was finished. 

Recipe:
Stamps-None
Paper-Bazzill/Whirlypop cardstock,  Georgia Pacific white cardstock
Accessories-Americana acrylic paint/Napa Red, twine, silver brad, Momenta Cut & Emboss die/Star, Tim Holtz Idea-ology/Chitchat 

Non-Traditional Christmas

Another weekend is quickly gone. We're going to turn around and it will be Christmas. Today, the CAS297 challenge on Splitcoaststampers is to make a Christmas card using a non-traditionl image or non-traditional colors. This was certainly an easy and quick card to make, just cutting a couple of die cuts and adding some enamel dots. I stamped a sentiment and it was all finished. 

I found the idea for this design here on Pinterest. Isn't that a beautiful card?

I'm entering my card into these challenges:
 Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge-Anything Goes
Addicted to Stamps Challenge Blog- #119-CAS

Recipe:
Stamps-Stampabilities/Handwritten Merry Christmas
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill Candy Necklace cardstock, unknown purple glitter paper
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Joy Crafts/Ribbon and Bows die, Spellbinders Shapeabilities Nested Pennants die, Recollection white enamel dots

HYCCT Mix

I am posting the last of my Hope You Can Cling To cards for the cancer drive on Splitcoaststampers. I certainly did not do all the challenges but got twelve made, I believe. I'll just post the names of the stamps.

I thought some of the patients may want to send out Halloween cards so I made one. HYCCT1417-All That Binds Us-Bind the spine of your card/album in honor of the strength such binding gives to breast cancer patients. You may mimic a book spine which I did by using my Sew Easy to represent machine stitching.

Mix90-Use Halloween colors and two types of mediums.

Stamps-High Hopes/Ghost Trio

HYCCT1428-Make a card using pretty pink balloons. I tried to make mine pretty by using Washi tape on two of them and a stamp on the other. 

Stamps-Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/Daffodil Greetings (sentiment), unknown flower stamp for one of the balloons

HYCCT1427-Thank x 2-express thanks using a minimum of two mediums. I used acrylic paints and embossing.
CT1014-Hopelessly Devoted-My interpretation was devoted pairs/moon and stars

Stamps-Sweet 'n Sassy/Poppies and Greetings (sentiment)

Happy Halloween to all and have a great weekend.

Hope You Can Cling To cards

Today, I thought I would post some of the cards I've been making for the Hope You Can Cling To and CAS challenges on Splitcoaststampers. I think I may have already posted a few of them. I'll post a few more on Friday and I think that will be it. 

Holly Berry House/Lg Teddy Bear, Impression Obsession-Alesha Baker Designs/Hugs, Stamps by Judith/heart--------CAS293-A Touch of Pink, HYCCT1406 - Use a teddy bear on your card

 HYCCT1415-Soft and Cozy (may use felt) Stamps: Diffusion Art Stamps/Sratch Pattern, Inspired by Stamping/Big Hope

 CAS295-Use pink and orange, HYCCT1419-Spread it Around - use embossing paste...(my arrow) Stamps: Technique Tuesday/Hopeful Hibiscus

HYCCT1404-Holding it Together-
The only place we could use adhesive was for a full card front..the size of the base card so that we put attach our brads, stitching, staples or whatever we used to hold everything together. I put my card together with a purple brad and two gold brads

Stamps: Memory Box/Winter Collage, Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/Peaceful Nuthatch set (sentiment)

 

 

Fall Scene

Good Morning! The weekend was so beautiful here...plenty of sunshine and high 80's. It really put me in a Fall mood. Unfortunately, I have a very scratchy throat and am sneezing a lot. I'm afraid I know what that means.....my usual allergy problems starting. Ugh!

I've been wanting to try the Layered Autumn Trees tutorial on Splitcoaststampers all week. It can be found under Tutorials. I finally got to it yesterday afternoon and also entered it into the Featured Stamper challenge, FS403. The featured stamper was Annette Allen aka Clever Creations. This is the card I cased just for the layout which was a base and two layers.

I loved making the tree. After stamping the tree, I sponged with Memento Dandelion and Tangelo. I used my Stamps by Judith dot peg stamp to make the red dots with Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler.  I really wish I had made more dots and will next time. As you can see, I made a pile of leaves on the ground and have some falling and some blowing in the breeze. 

The grass was sponged with Memento Bamboo leaves and I stamped a shadow of the branches. The sky was sponged with Tim Holtz Distress Ink/Stormy Sky. I stamped a flock of birds and colored, cut out, and popped up a few pumpkins.

Stamps- All Night Media/Old Tree, Stamps by Judith/dots, Art Impressions/Flying Ducks, Rubber Stampede/Prairie Grass, Stampabilities/Whimsical Pumpkin Border (cut apart)

Copics-YR02, YR14, YR18, YG03, E71

I'm entering the challenge at Stampin' Royalty-#251-Anything Goes
 


O.K., on to other important business. The winner of my Spellbinders Die D-Lites/Garden Gate giveaway, posted 10/22  is............Maria at Maria's Merry Makings.
Maria, please use my email address under my profile to send me your address and I'll get the die in the mail.

Framed Snowman

You all know by now how much I love a snowman. So, Christmas cards will be so enjoyable for me to make. You'll probably see several here. 

I made my card for the HYCCT1415 challenge on Splitcoaststampers: Soft and Cozy  One of the soft things you could use was felt so I added a glittery piece at the top and stamped it with my sentiment, Peace and Love. 

My snowman today is a digital image from Dearie Dolls called Berry Crown. I colored him with Copics, cut him out, and popped him inside my frame. The sentiment is from Hot off the Press/Christmas Words.

I found this corrugated paper pad either at Jo-Ann Stores or Hobby Lobby. I just love it and had to use it for this card. It is from DCWV/Printed Corrugated Stack. The frame was cut with a Spellbinders die and popped up with dimensionals. I added falling snow with Winsor and Newton water color in Chinese White. It comes in a tube and came from the craft section in Hobby Lobby.

I used a Martha Stewart holly punch and an Impression Obsession pine branch die. The berries are covered with Glossy Accents. The crown of berries is covered with Xmas Red Stickles.

That's it for me today. Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. The weather here should be beautiful. We'll probably get in some outside things before the winter weather arrives. 

Three Leaves and More

After making snowbanks on my last card, I decided to back up the season a bit from winter to Fall.  I've made another card for the Hope You Can Cling To challenges on Splitcoaststampers-HYCCT1422. The challenge is: SHOW ME THE LOVE--Create a project showing the love without putting the sentiment "I Love You" on the front cover. Most, but not all, crafters showed a cute couple--some people or animals or just whatever, (I probably should have) hearts, etc. on their card but I went with Thanksgiving which is a wonderful time to show that you love someone.  At least, I think of this as a Thanksgiving card and the sentiment does show love and thankfulness for someone.

I made the card 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 because the stamp was rather large.

I will enter this card into the challenge at Party Time Tuesdays challenge PTT #186-Anything Goes.

Also, entering here: Addicted to Stamps and More-Challenge #118/Holiday 

Another wonderful challenge to enter: Stampin' Royalty-Anything Goes-#251

Recipe:
Stamps-Heartfelt Creations/Swirly Autumn Leaves
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories-Recollection enamel dots, Copics Y17, Y18, Y23-YR14, YR18-R29, R39-B21, B23, B26-YG63

For my faithful readers, would you like to win this die cut from Spellbinders? It is called Garden Gate.  It's one of Spellbinders Die D-Lites. I haven't used one but Hobby Lobby sells them now so I'm sure I will be purchasing them. I'll pick a random winner from the comments on Monday, 10/27/14 and post the winner. 

.

Snowbanks

I'm finally returning from my two week absence. I thought I would be away for a week or a bit more. The little grands came and we had a great time. Wow! You really need to eat your Wheaties or Spinach to keep up with them.

When my grandchildren left, I made several cards for the breast cancer drive on Splitcoaststampers.  I'll share one today and some more later. We are to make cards that you can send to the patients or cards for them to use to send out. 

 For a while, I've wanted to try to make snowbanks like the ones in the card above. I finally tried it and guess I was a bit successful. I'll sure try it again. My card is for the HYCCT1401B challenge (Lori aka stamp_momma): Shine On--create a card that uses light to convey courage and hope. My star is the light.

Stamps-All Night Media/Holiday Snowglobe set/snowman, Mark's Finest Papers and Stamps/Ice and Snow (sentiment), Memory Box/Huckleberry Branch
Paper-Stampin'Up! Night of Navy cardstock, PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Stormy Sky and Victorian Velvet
Accessories-Taylored Expressions/Build a Scene Rolling Hills, Winsor & Newton water colour/Chinese White (falling snow), Copics, unknown star sticker

 

Two by Two, Side by Side

This may be my last card for a week or so. My four and six year old grandchildren will be coming for a visit this week (without parents) so I'll be a busy bee keeping them entertained. Their mom told me they had the best time on their last visit and talked about it from the time they got home until she made them go to sleep that night. I'm so happy to hear that and hope it will be the same this time. She also thanked us for being wonderful grandparents. How super is that!

I've made this card for the Hope You Can Cling To challenges going on this month at Splitcoaststampers.  This challenge, HYCCT1405, is Two by Two, Side by Side. Use some element/s in twos. Mine are the two hydrangea images. They aren't side by side but I think they will be o.k.

The card is supposed to use pink and purple. I did the alcohol marker marbling technique to show inside the window. But, as it turned out, the purple hardly shows. I think you can see just a touch of it. I added some purple gemstones so I could sneak into the challenge. :-)

Recipe:
Stamps-Inspired by Stamping/Graceful Hydrangea, Inkadinkado/Calligraphy Expressions
Paper-PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa
Accessories-purple gemstones, Copics for marbling-RV14 and V15, Copics for hydrangeas-RV63 and G20, Spellbinders classic circle die

Hope You Can Cling To-Paper Tole

Over on Splitcoaststampers,  it is the month for the Hope You Can Cling To 2014 drive. Splitcoaststampers partner with UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. It is our time to make cards to benefit those affected with breast cancer. What a great cause and a great reason to make cards. Thousands will be mailed.

This is a card I made for Lydia/UnderstandBlue's challenge:Raise Me Up-the challenge is Paper Tole. I LOVE doing this technique. 
The tutorial can be on Splitcoaststampers. 

This is how I did it for those who haven't tried this technique: I stamped the image twice. On one of the images, you color and  cut out pieces you want to make 3D. I did the star, snowmen, and glove. Next, you will use a stylus on a foam pad and round your pieces. Afterward, you put your Glossy Accents on all the pieces. Let dry and then place the cut out pieces on top of the other image you stamped. It's easy, just a bit time consuming. I would do it again, that's for sure. 

The background sky was made by doing the Alcohol Marker Marbling Technique. It is also found on Splitcoaststampers under Tutorials.  It is really easy and fun. 

Recipe:
Stamps-The Peddler's Pack Stampworks/Fenced in Snowman
Paper-Bazzill cardstock/Icy Mint, Georgia Pacific white cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Stylus, foam pad, Paper Shapers star punch, clear Wink of Stella, plastic bag for marbling, Copics-E55, E59, C1, YR02 and for background, B24 and BV08

 

A Day for a Bicycle Ride

Good Monday Morning!  I had a fun weekend with my little grandchildren. My husband and I took them to the Children's Museum, a pumpkin patch, the park (twice), and to see some lions. Yep, they kept us busy, busy. But, it was fun, fun.

I loved this image the first time I saw it and still do. It is from Prickley Pear and called Country Bicycle. I had to have it.  I decided to color it in Fall colors using Copics. The sentiment is from Creative Imaginations and is from the Thankful set. 

The corrugated paper is from DCWV's Mat Stack called Corrugate.

I made the button with a Marianne Creatables Tags & Buttons die. The raffia color is rust.

My card was entered into the Sept. Fan Club Gallery: If You Leave Me Now--Travel/Transport and also fits the inspiration, leaves or a Fall scene, any theme.

I'll enter the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes
 

Frame It!

Guess who is back? At least, for a little bit. Until after the middle of October, I will be in and out. Life has been very busy. My sister came for a visit, I've been doing some re-decorating, and so many other things. I made three cards Wednesday and Thursday for Splitcoaststampers. So, I'll try to get them uploaded here.

Does my font size look large to you? Sure does to me. If I choose normal, it is really small so I have it on large. I think it is larger than it should be. 

I made my card using the Darice Easy Frames which will let you leave an unembossed area when embossing with an embossing folder. Do I love those things! I wish I had defined my image more and there is a way to do that. Maybe next time I can remember to do it.  I used a mask for my image as it was larger than the area I had allowed using this particular frame. The set comes with seven wonderful frames. I guess they have been around a while but I didn't have them....found these at my Hobby Lobby or Jo Ann Stores. I think the latter.

If you are not familiar with these frames, here is a tutorial. It is so easy.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9hMzWBMcWU

I added a bow and sentiment and that was it. 

I'll enter my card into the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge-Anything Goes

Recipe:
Stamps-Heartfelt Creations/Snowy Window Scene, Hero Arts CL722 (sentiment)
Paper-Bazzill black cardstock, PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler seam binding, Darice Easy Frames, Darice Snowflake Swirl, Stampin'Up! Dazzling Diamonds

Duh! Why did I put my blog as @ instead of  dot on my card? Crazy me.

Vine Wreath-Sympathy

 

I saw this stamp, Vine Wreath, used on a card and wanted it so much. I discovered the company that made it, Sarasota Stamps, had gone out of business. I went on a search and found it on Amazon. It was rather pricey when you included shipping. Guess what, my sis knew I wanted it and bought it for me as a "happy" and it did make me happy. :-) Is she great or what? I saw a company this morning on Pinterest that I think may have it...and cheaper....sorry, sis.  Though, sometimes, when I have found it at different places and opened it up, it said "sold out" so don't know if that was the case there or not as I didn't investigate. That company was Artist Supply Source. I've never ordered from there so I can't tell you anything about it.

The sentiment is Stampin'Up! Thoughts and Prayers.

I stamped on PTI vintage cream cardstock with Memento Rich Cocoa, added three brown pearls, and scored with my Scor-Pal and now I have a one layer, sympathy card. I can imagine many kinds of cards I can make with this stamp. 

Have a fabulous day!

Mr. Owl Wishes You a Merry Christmas

My card is for the Merry Monday challenge #125-Transportation. You are to make a Christmas card and use some type of vehicle or transportation on your card.

My image is a digital stamp from Louby Loo/Hooty Occupations set). It is colored with Copics and I added some Glossy Accents on the windshield, headlights, and tire wheels. Of course, it isn't showing. :-)

I made my clouds with a Judikins-Kite stencil called Puffy clouds. I inked the clouds with Memento Tangelo, Sweet Plum, and Aegean VersaMagic chalk ink.

I colored the car, scarf, and owl with Copics. The highway is a piece of Bazzill cardstock which I drew lines on with a Sharpie. Then, I also cut out a snow bank and edged with blue ink.

The die cut trees are from Frantic Stamper, Inc./Tall Pine Trees.

My sentiment is from Hero Arts/clear stamp set CL722.

The ribbon is Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler. I added a punched star and large gemstone in green. The twine is from The Twinery/Carribean.

Glittered Poinsettia

Welcome to the weekend! I kind of feel like my weekend started yesterday. Hubby took off work and we had a little road trip. Got to see the munchkins and what is better than that? Not much. :-)

The SCSCCSept14 Fan Club Challenge challenge (Christmas) is going on and I need to get on making some Christmas cards so this is my entry. The challenge is BINGO. I love that kind of challenge so you can choose the one you want to create. I chose red, image,  and sentiment. I am counting my poinsettia as my image.

I am using Elizabeth Craft silk microfine glitter in True Red on Elizabeth Craft transparent double sided adhesive paper.  I love both those items and the glitter is not coming off and getting everywhere. Plus, you wouldn't believe the sparkle irl. There are videos out there to show you how to use it. I was shown when I went to one of the scrapbook stores in Atlanta. Other than that, I just added a piece of designer paper, a large gem, and a sentiment. The dp is MME Christmas paper pad and the sentiment is from the JustRite Merry & Bright set. I'm using a Sizzix Bigz Tim Holtz Tattered Poinsettia die.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Colored Dry Embossing

Over the holiday weekend, I found time to do the latest tutorial on Splitcoaststampers, Colored Dry Embossing. It is a tutorial by Jeanne Jachna and a video by Dina. It can be found here.

You are to dry emboss a piece of cardstock and color the raised areas. I'm using The Paper Studio's embossing folder called floral. Mine is a bit different as I decided I wanted to use acrylic paint for putting down the color instead of inks or pan pastels.

I used a very small brush and my acrylic paints. Yes, this did take a while but was easier than I thought because the raised areas were nice and high.

Recipe:
Stamps-None
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill Paper Basics/Black, Coredinations/fireside cardstock
Accessories-The Paper Studio embossing folder/floral, Americana Acrylic Paint/ Georgia Clay, Hauser lt. green, Hauser medium green, Margarita, white ribbon, The Paper Studio/black/cream lg bling adhesive sticker

Birdhouses and Morning Glories

I am doing the Inspiration Challenge, IC456 that was listed Saturday on Splitcoaststampers. I am using the colors here for my inspiration.

I colored with Copics and used a die cut frame for placing my image. Then, I added two die cut branches and a sprig of ivy.

Recipe:
Stamps-Northwoods/Three Birdhouses with Morning Glories and Birdhouses
Paper-Stampin'Up! Baja Breeze and Sage Shadow cardstock, PTI white cardstock, unknown brown cs
Ink -Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Spellbinders lattice rectangle die, Marianne Design Creatables/Bird, ivy, vine, birdhouse die set, Memory Box/Woodland Branch die

3 x 3 Canvas-Wintry, Christmas Scene

I decided to do something different this week for the Mix83 challenge on Splitcoaststampers.  I have been wanting to use some 3 x 3 canvas blocks I purchased at Jo Ann Stores. The challenge is: Naturally Elements, to choose a color element from fire, water earth, or air. I chose water (aqua, turquoise, gray, silver). O.K., I used Viva Stamp Paint in lime green metallic to cover the canvas. But, I think it looks aqua or turquoise. Maybe I'm wrong...sure won't be the first time.

My canvas was also for the QFTD225-Jenn aka Fattire7. She will be taking over the Queen for the Day challenges, too. I cased these small blocks of hers: Aren't they cute as everything? I kind of cased them, at least, by making them Christmas and making something besides a card.

I thought some of these would be so cute for my little grandkids to put on the window sills, dressers, or wherever they want. Christmas is so magic for them. I'll make more with different scenes.

I cut out the tall pines with a die cut (listed below) and made the snowman with circle punches.  I used a Copic marker for the snowman's eyes and mouth and cut out a carrot nose (very tiny).

Recipe:
Stamps-Hot off the Press/Christmas Words
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Georgia Pacific white cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-White canvas block, Viva 3D Stamp Paint in lime green metallic, Frantic Stamper, Inc. die/FRA-DIE-09177-Tall Pine Trees, SU owl punch, Recollections 5/8" circle punch, Copics

'Tis the Season

I made this card for the August 2014 Christmas Challenge/Christmas Renovation on Splitcoaststampers. You should take a past Christmas card and freshen it up with new paper, stamps, colors, etc. This is a card I made in 2011 and thought I would give it a makeover. I may have gone a little too far with the change. :-) I thought I would die cut a few snowflakes and dangle them down the left side, ending with the sentiment.

   
    Recipe: 

    Stamps-Hot off the Press/Christmas Words

    Paper-PTI white cardstock, unknown dp

    Ink-Stampin'Up! Cherry Cobbler

    Accessories-Darice Snowflake Swirl embossing folder, Momenta Cut & Emboss/largest

    snowflake die cut, Spellbinders Poseabilities/Snowflake Wonder die cut, Big Lots ribbon/no
    name, red gemstone, Flower Soft gold peel off sticker (chain)

Gerbera Daisies

 

I made this card earlier in the week for the CAS287 challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge is to do coloring. So, I got out my Copics and went to work. This isn't quite as CAS as I usually do but the challenge police did not come after me. :-)

Now, I think I'll enter this card into the Power Poppy Peep of the Week challenge.  Gosh, Power Poppy has the most beautiful stamps!!!

Recipe:

Stamps-Power Poppy/Glads and Gerberas stamp set

Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill Paper Basics/blk, Coredinations/Little Blue Small Dot

Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories-Copics

This card went out into the mail to my sister very fast. Some hang around here for a long time. I did get seventy-six cards mailed off recently to a friend who takes them to a hospital...good cause. 

My next card to post will be a Christmas card. I'm ready to get started on those and get some snowmen made.

Have a wonderful day.

Rose Vine

I decided to do a watercolored piece today. The color challenge, CC493, on Splitcoaststampers is to use Stampin'Up!'s Old Olive, Calypso Coral, and Lost Lagoon. I didn't have any of those colors but they don't mind if you just come close as you can. I did use SU Cameo Coral for the base card.

My image is a digital from Fitztown called Valentine 2. I didn't make a valentine but it sure would make a pretty one. It could also be a pretty anniversary card. The sentiment is from Inspired by Stamping/Big Wishes II.

I used watercolor paper, a brush, water, and markers to color.

Cut Out Panel

 

I wanted to try Maile Bailes Papertrey Ink design team tip for the week. It is cut out panels and can be found here.  It really isn't hard to do when you find just the right stamp. I just happened to have a large butterfly which worked really well. It is stamped on white cardstock and the butterfly is cut out only on the inside panel so you can use dp, glitter, or just emboss in the cut out section. The rest of the butterfly is only stamped.

The back panel is done with Elizabeth Craft double sided adhesive and silk microfine glitter. 

Recipe-

Stamps-Close to my Heart/Butterfly Wings

Paper-PTI white cardstock

Ink-SU Bermuda Bay

Accessories-Elizabeth Craft double-sided adhesive paper, Elizabeth Craft silk microfine glitter/Peony Pink, Teal, Spring Peridot, Lavender, Desert Gold

I'm entering this card to the Addicted to Stamps challenge #109-CAS 

Stamp Etching-Fall Sunflower

I'm back today with a card using a new technique, for me, at least. The technique is stamp etching and can be found here on Splitcoaststampers. The idea is to use a fine tip marker to make lines within the image (petals here) with a flicking motion so that they are finer at the end than the beginning. Then, you can use your marker for heavier shading if you like.  I tried to accomplish those things. This technique gives a lot of depth to the card.

See the stamp before I used the technique:

It is a beautiful stamp either way...but really different. It is really easy and fun. I'm quite sure I'll do this again.

My image is from Inspired by Stamping/French Country. I colored the image with Copics and used a black sharpie for the technique.

Copics-YR12, 18, 24--Y28--YG0000, YG03, YG61

I'm entering my card into the Inspired by Stamping Customer Gallery Contest here.
Also, Addicted to Stamps is having challenge #109 CAS so I'll enter there.

Pumpkin Patch

Good Monday morning. Hope your weekend was great. I can't say mine was but that is a long story and you don't want to hear it.

I'm here with a card for the CAS286 challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge is to use a stencil.  I used a burlap stencil but I want it to look like a brick wall behind my scene. I inked it in red and brown inks. Hmmmmmmmm....I guess the jury is out on whether it looks like a brick wall. :-)

My tree is really a branch from A Muse Artstamps. The pumpkins are a border punch but I cut the pumpkins out and made a couple of them smaller by cutting with my scissors.

I'm not really ready for summer to go away but kind of getting in the mood for making a few Fall season cards.

Recipe:
Stamps-A Muse Artstamps/branch, Inkadinkado/pumpkin patch mini
Paper-PTI white cardstock, green and orange scrap cardstock
Ink-Memento Rich Cocoa, Tim Holtz Distress Ink/barn door
Accessories-Copics, brown and white gingham ribbon, Tim Holtz layering stencil/burlap, EK Tools large edger punch/pumpkin patch, Martha Stewart grass edge punch, handmade banner

Grapes and an ATC

This is it!!!!!!! This will be the last post of my Dare to Get Dirty cards. I love this stamp by Serendipity Stamps/Grapes. I stamped it in teal and watercolored the grapes, vine, leaves and added some watercolor to the background . It has been a few years since I have watercolored. It is still fun to do.

 My card is for DTGD14CassieT, DTGD14IlinaCrouse, CAS284.

Recipe:
Stamps-Serendipity Stamps/Grapes, Sweet 'n Sassy/Spring Tulips set
Paper-Bazzill Paper Basics/Black, Canson watercolor paper #140 lb.
Stazon-Teal Blue
Accessories-Tombow markers, water, and paint brush

My second card is an ATC card (Artist Trading Card)....the first time I've ever made one. They are really sweet. It is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2. I don't think I'll be getting into swaps but it would be an interesting hobby.

To show how small it is, I placed the back of the card posted above behind it. The one above is an A2 (4 1/4 x 5 1/2) size.
This card was also watercolored.

This card was for:  DTGD14diniB, DTGD14Paperpunchscissors, DTGD14IlinaCrouse

Recipe:
Stamps-Art Impressions/M-3312
Paper-PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento/Rich Cocoa
Accessories-orange rhinestones, paint brush, water, and markers

I'm kind of taking a rest from stamping for a few days and trying to get some other things done. Not sure if I'll post anything else this week but I'm quite sure you'll see me posting early next week, if not.

A Stencil and Stamps

Another card today for the DTGD challenges on Splitcoaststampers. It was made for these challenges:
DTGD14ChristineCreations, DTGD14bfinlay, DTGD14cathymac, DTGDvdutchr. I did this card using a new technique for me, pointillism. The tutorial can be found here on SCS.  It was my first time to try it and I LOVE it.

Recipe:
Stamps-Flourishes/Butterflies & Blossoms, Inspired by Stamping/Big Wishes II
Paper-PTI white cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMagic chalk ink/Spring Pansy
Accessories-Dylusions Stencil/Chequered Dots, scissors for fussy cutting image

Three Fir Trees

Here I am again with another DTGD challenge card. This is for DTGD14UnderstandBlue and DTGD14kittie747 challenges. Of course, I can't tell you what the challenges are because it is for Fan Club members only. This is over on Splitcoaststampers. It would be great if you would join this fun place, that is, if you're not already a member.

I wanted to get at least one Christmas card made during these challenges so I did this one. Now, I know some of you may not like these colors for Christmas (and I understand) but I sometimes like to do non traditional colors.

As you can see, I cut out a window for my sentiment and added the trees, ribbon, and star. Finished!
I'm entering my card in this challenge: Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge-Anything Goes with non-traditional colors

Here's my recipe:
Stamps-Inspired by Stamping/Elegant Christmas
Paper-PTI white cardstock, Bazzill Paper Basics/Licorice Twist, unknown gray cardstock
Ink-Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories-Impression Obsession Fir Trees set, black and white gingham ribbon, EK Success Paper Shapers star punch, Spellbinders rectangle die

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.

On the Beach

Friday has finally arrived and I'm happy to see it. I know I'm posting a lot of cards. As I've told you, the Dare to Get Dirty challenges for Fan Club members is going on over on Splitcoaststampers and I've made a lot of cards. I made this card for the challenge I gave. We're supposed to be a tease and not give away what the challenges are so I'll just give the recipe of what items I've used.

Recipe:
Stamps-Make an Impression/palm tree, umbrella, beach chair, Studio 112/Relax lighthouse set (sailboat), Inkadinkado/Coastal Maritime set (sun ), A muse Artstamps/clouds?

Paper- PTI white cardstock, SU Old Olive and Bermuda Bay cs, unknown dp for sand
Ink- Memento/Rich Cocoa and Gray Flannel, SU Tempting Turquoise, Not Quite Navy, and Cherry Cobbler
Accessories- SU Dazzling Diamonds, MS fine tip glue pen, Punch Bunch punches 14 and 30 fern punch for palm tree leaves, Copics, Taylored Expressions/Build a Scene-Rolling Hills

Peony and Snow

 

I have a couple of cards that I'm showing today. I've made several cards for the Dare to Get Dirty challenges on Splitcoaststampers. These are challenges for Fan Club members only and so much fun with wonderful prizes to be given away. You should go over and join if you're not already a member.

The first card is a handmade peony. I used a Susan's Garden/Susan Tierney-Cockburn die. It was so much fun. I've really gotten into making flowers. The background is stamped with an image from Deep Red/Houndstooth.  My card is for challenges given by whippetgirl and ~Fee~. 

The next card is for a challenge given by UnderstandBlue. 

 This was a really fun card to make. For the snow, I used white mulberry paper cut with a Taylored Expression die/Build A Scene-Rolling Hills. The stamps are A Muse Artstamps/Birch Forest with Leaves and Stamps by Judith/dots. The falling snow is made with Winsor and Newton profession water colour in Chinese White. This is in a tube. An Impression Obsession die cut set was used for the birds/Birch Tree set. The circle was made with a circle punch and cut in half. The water is made with Tim Holtz Distress Paint/Broken China.

That's it for today. See you soon.

Sunny Day Rooster

 

Cock-a-doodle-do......here I am with a big rooster head enjoying the sunbeams. I made this card for the Dare to Get Dirty challenge on Splitcoaststampers. It was a sample for Angela Bode's challenge. 

If you're a fan club member and I hope you are, you can come over and play. There's lots of fun and prizes. 

As you can see, I have made a card with distressed edges and several layers. 

I have a short post so I'll just get to the recipe:

Stamps-Impression Obsession/Rooster

Paper-Stampin'Up! Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler, Graphic 45/French Country

Ink-Stampin'Up! Soft Suede

Accessories-Copics E95 and G12  

Ribbon Heart

I have so much going on today but just had to get this card posted early. I am issuing a challenge today in the Dare to Get Dirty event going on at Splitcoaststampers so it will be a busy, busy day/week.

I made this card last Monday for the CAS283 challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge was to use little scraps of ribbon. All of my ribbon is from Stampin'Up! I cut the die cut heart out and taped all my ribbon on it. I cut off the edges after it was all taped down. Next, I used the cut out piece to tape over the ribbon. You really should cut out a smaller heart for the top, making it much easier to cover the edges of the ribbon. I didn't on this card but made another one and it was much easier. I hope all my instructions were clear as a bell. LOL

The "Thanks"  from Taylored Expressions was added. I think it was a freebie I received.

I want to take time to announce the winner of my embossing folder found here:  http://benzistampz.blogspot.com/2014/07/im-back-and-with-beach-card.html

It is Carol L. Congrats, Carol. I'll get your folder in the mail right away. I know you'll do something really adorable with it.

Recipe:

Stamps-None

Paper- PTI white cardstock, SU Bermuda Bay 

Accessories- Stampin'Up! Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry,  Bermuda Bay,  Soft Suede,  Rich Razzleberry,  Spellbinders Classic Heart (Next to largest size), scissors for top of card, Taylored Expressions freebie/THANKS die cut