Cards of Thanks

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing a few thank you cards that I made for my surgeon and nurses who cared for me during my recent hospital stay.

I'm still recovering and will be for a few more months.  In the meantime, my mojo is gone missing ... hopefully temporarily. :)  I decided it would be best if I CASED some of my previous cards, although I tried to add some changes to each of them.

The card above is for my surgeon that performed my heart valve replacement.  And below are a few more cards I made for some of the nurses that looked after me during my week stay at the hospital.  The rest of the cards I sent were from my stash.

... and ... this was a card I made for a playday with my friends Susan and Christine, that we had to postpone.  Smooshed distress inks and gesso with prints made from die-cuts.  LOVE these colours! :)

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The Flower Challenge #61

Hi everyone.  Welcome to the start of The Flower Challenge #61.  This is a special month as we are celebrating 5 years at The Flower Challenge.  Please check out the challenge blog to see the amazing cards from our Designers and Guest Designer, Emily (Sixth Street Sundries).  As well, check out the prizes which are part of our celebration!

This month, the challenge is to use a shape.  I used a piece from my stash that is distress inks with embossing folder stamping, Diamond in the Rough (Cuttlebug).  Love the soft shades of purple and blue ink!  I die-cut it with a Point Street tag die (Poppy Stamps).  It was the perfect shape and size for the lovely flower on top that is watercoloured with distress inks.  The flower die-cut was a gift from a sweet friend so I don't know the name or brand.  (Butterfly Kisses - Mama Elephant ... thanks Colleen!)  The flower is popped up on top of the tag background, which is popped up on top of the card base.  

Please help us celebrate our 5th birthday.  Hope you'll come play along!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

please fill out the subscription form in the upper right sidebar.

It is also important to add sw1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

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Stamps:  Brushed Wishes (Stampendous - retired); Butterfly Kisses (Mama Elephant)

Paper:   Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Black (Memento); Distress Inks:  Wilted Violet, Salty Ocean, Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Diamond in the Rough (Cuttlebug - retired) embossing folder, water mister, Point Street tag die (Poppy Stamps - retired), Watercolour paint brushes, white Posca pen

Challenges:

The Flower Challenge #61 - Use a Shape

The Flower Challenge #56

Hi everyone.  Today is the start of The Flower Challenge #56.  The challenge is to use your 

favourite flower.  That can be a tough one.  I love lots of flowers, but my most favourite is the Stargazer Lily.  The image above is a Tiger Lily (Penny Black), but I watercoloured it in the Stargazer colours.  I love the shades of bright pink and the fragrance is amazing. 

I stamped the lily in black ink, clear heat embossed and watercoloured with distress inks and zig markers.  I then fussy-cut.  

I used a embossing folder stamping background from my stash.  This was done with a woodgrain embossing folder (Sizzix - retired) and Distress Inks Picked Raspberry and Gathered Twigs.  I die-cut a square aperture (My Favorite Things - retired) on the card front and secured my lily with the bottom stem inside the aperture, with the rest of the flower outside.  A simple sentiment (Trust Me Builder - Penny Bloom) was stamped in black to finish the card.

Close-up ...

We are excited to have BozenA (ArtCardBox) as our Guest Designer this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see the beautiful flower cards from our Designers, and wonderful Guest Designer BozenA.

Our challenge is open until April 25th.  Come play along!

Product Links

Tiger Lily (Penny Black)

Trust Me Builder (Penny Black)

Stamps:  Tiger Lily, Trust Me Builder (both from Penny Black)

Paper:   Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Picked Raspberry, Gathered Twigs, Kitsch Flamingo, Candied Apple (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:   Woodgrain embossing folder (Sizzix - retired), water mister, clear embossing powder, heat tool, waterbrush, Stitched Square die (MFT - retired)

Challenges:

The Flower Challenge #56 - Favourite Flower

Full Bloom - Love & Cuddles

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing two cards made from the same stamp and dies (love & cuddles 30-556), and (love and cuddles cut out 51-542). These adorable stamps and dies are part of the new Full Bloom release. I just love this sweet image showing mom and baby cuddling and the super cute bears.  I also used the matching die for cutting out the images on both cards   So easy! :)

I started by pulling out a paper towel transfer background my from stash.  I keep many of my mop-up paper towels and then transfer the colour (and quilted pattern) onto mixed media paper.

I stamped the image in black ink and clear heat embossed.  This is watercoloured with zigs, with a little black soot distress ink used for shading.  I die-cut using the matching die and also cut out the same from a piece of mounting foam.  They were glued together and this is popped up on top of the sentiment banner, which is the negative from a love die-cut (dreams ... cut out 51-529).

Here's a close-up ...

For my second card, I used the same stamp and die set as I mentioned above.  This time it's two sweet bears.

The bears are watercoloured with Distress Inks, then die-cut from the matching die (love & cuddles cut out 51-542).  Mounting foam was also die-cut for each bear and adhered to add thickness.  I wanted something different for the background, so went with embossing folder stamping using the same inks used on the bears (brown, pink, yellow) with a woodgrain embossing folder.

A wonderful birthday sentiment (special sentiments 30-574) was stamped in black ink and then the bears were popped up on top.  Added just a little sparkle with clear wink of stella on the flower and frosting, plus crystal glaze to give shine to the heart decoration on the cupcake.

Here's a close-up ...

Penny Black Products:

love & cuddles stamp set (30-556)

love & cuddles cut out (51-542)

dreams ... cut out (51-529)

special sentiments (30-574)

Card #1 - Love & Cuddles
Stamps:  love & cuddles (Penny Black)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black (SU!)
Ink:  Black (Memento); Zigs (Kuretake); Black Soot Distress Ink (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, waterbrush, negative from love die (dreams cut out - Penny Black)

Card #2 - Happy Birthday
Stamps:  love & cuddles (Penny Black); special sentiments (Penny Black)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Black (Memento); Distress Inks:  Brushed Corduroy, Gathered Twigs, Picked Raspberry, Festive Berry, Mustard Seed (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, waterbrush, woodgrain embossing folder (Sizzix), Clear Wink of Stella, Crystal Glaze (Nuvo)

CAS Mix Up November Challenge

Hi everyone.  Today is the start of November, which means a new challenge for CAS Mix Up.  This month's challenge is being hosted by Bonnie (Stamping with Klass), and she chose ...

I do use embossing folders for dry embossing quite often, but every once in a while I will use them for making prints.  Very easy to do.  For the card above, I used a brick embossing folder from Tim Holtz.  I opened the embossing folder and on the inside, with raised design (usually the inside top), I sprinkled just a little Brushos (turquoise and dark brown).  I spritzed with water until the crystals started to dissolve.  I laid a piece of mixed media paper on top of the wet Brushos and embossing folder, closed the folder and pressed with my hands to transfer the design.  This gives a very artsy design with a subtle look of the bricks.

I mounted the piece onto my card base, topped with a black piece of card stock which has been die-cut with Loon Lake.  A Happy Birthday sentiment is heat embossed in copper.

Here's a close-up ...

I still had a bit of wet ink on my embossing folder, so I took a second print with a new piece of mixed media paper.  The design is softer, but very interesting.  I used a stencil, sponging in brown over top to add a partial clock face.  A simple sentiment was stamped in the same brown ink to finish the card.

Here's the close-up ...

There are lots of ways to use an embossing folder.  I hope you'll try a few out and come join the challenge.  We excited to have Cornelia (Stempel Spass) as our Guest Designer this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see the lovely embossing folder cards from our talented Designers and Guest Designer, Cornelia.

Just a quick reminder that my Twelve Tags of Christmas starts on Nov. 5th.  I hope you'll play along.

Card 1:
Stamps:  Many Everyday Sentiments (Hero Arts)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series);White card base (Neenah 110 lb.); Black (SU!)
Ink:  Brushos:  Turquoise, Dark Brown; Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Brick embossing folder (Tim Holtz), Loon Lake die (Gina Marie Designs), water mister, copper embossing powder, heat tool

Card 2:
Stamps:  A Little Sentiment (Clearly Besotted)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb. 400 Series);White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Brushos:  Turquoise, Dark Brown; Distress Ink:  Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Brick embossing folder (Tim Holtz), water mister, Clockwise stencil (Tim Holtz), sponges

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up November Challenge - Embossing Folder

Embedded Brushos Technique

Hi everyone.

Before I tell you about today's card, wanted to mention that for the past couple of weeks I haven't been receiving all the comments that are made on my blog posts.  I don't know if it's a problem with blogger for with gmail.  In the meantime, I'm checking my posts regularly and thanks to all that leave me comments.  I appreciate the time you take ... you are all so encouraging!  Thank you!


Made the background for the above card at the retreat using a technique that I led (we all took turns leading techniques).  Before we talk about the one above, I need to start at the beginning since the card is made with the third (and final) pull of the colours, which is always the lightest version.

Click HERE to see the video that inspired this card (first 6:50 min)  Brenda in IN --- you should definitely give this a try! :)

I will explain how it was done.  First, picked out an embossing folder ... the one I used is script.  Opened the folder up and placed a small panel of hot press watercolour paper inside.  Sprinkled with Brushos (I believe I used leaf green, lime, turquolise, ultra marine blue --- just a little of the ultra marine).  Next, I closed the top of the embossing folder and ran it through my Big Shot.  At this point everything is still dry.

The embossing folder dry embossed the hot press watercolour paper, embedding the Brushos into the paper.  I removed the w/c paper and spritzed with water.  By embedding the Brushos, they don't move as much once water is added.

I found there was still ink left inside my embossing folder, so I placed a second clean piece of hot press watercolour paper, spritzed the inside top of the folder, closed the lid and ran it through the Big Shot.  It picked up the left-over colour and dry embossed the panel at the same time.  Still had left over wet ink inside my folder so placed a third panel of clean hot press watercolour inside and pressed down on the lid, just using my hands as pressure (embossing folder stamping technique).  That have me the print I used on the card's background above.  Some of the girls only got one impression, some two ... but I was lucky enough to get three. :)

Once the other two panels were dry, I used a brayer to ink lightly over both panels to highlight the dry embossed areas.  Here's a photo of the two other pieces that I will make into cards in the future.
                             First pull                                            Second pull

Sorry for the long winded message.  Hope you'll give this fun and easy technique a try.

To finish off the card at the top of the post, I placed a small tulip stencil over top of my muted background and sponged with peacock feathers distress ink.  I then added a layer of glass bead gel over top.  The tulips are very sparkly! :)

Stamps:  Everyday Sentiments (AliExpress - Current link:  https://www.aliexpress.com/item/English-words-Transparent-Clear-Silicone-Stamps-for-DIY-Scrapbooking-Card-Making-Kids-Christmas-Fun-Decoration-Supplies/32851757043.html?spm=2114.13010708.0.0.3efd4c4d1JJmOc)
Paper:   Watercolour paper (Arches Hot Press 140 lb.); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Brushos:  Leaf Green, Lime, Turquoise, a litttle Ultra Marine); Peacock Distress Ink (Tim Holtz); Delicata Gold (Tsukineko)
Accessories & Tools:  Script embossing folder (Sizzix for Stampin' Up!); water mister, brayer,  acetate sheet, cut file for tulips from Silhouette America, Silhouette Cameo cutting machine, sponge, Glass Bead Gel (Goldent), palette knife

CAS Watercolour February Challenge

Hi everyone.  Welcome to the start of the CAS Watercolour February Challenge.  This month is being hosted by Bonnie and she has picked the perfect theme!

I started by sprinkling a heart embossing folder (SU!) with Magicals.  I just can't get enough of playing with these beautiful powders! :)

I lightly spritzed with shimmer mist and then used the folder to "stamp" onto a piece of regular white card stock.  Because there wasn't too much spray, it worked well and I got a very dark impression.  There was still ink on my folder, so spritzed again and pulled a second print.  The third print was pulled without adding more spray ... that's the background I used above.  I love the softness and randomness of the design.

I die-cut the Love from a piece of scrap which I had sponged with Picked Raspberry distress ink.  After die-cutting, I used my ink pad directly to the sentiment to add just small strokes of deeper pink.  I then sprayed with shimmer mist to add sparkle.

I tacked down the Love die-cut with glue just in random places so that some of the pieces were left free, giving added dimension.

I added several clear sequins for even more sparkle.

We are thrilled to have Sue (Sue's Card Craft) as our Guest Designer this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see Sue's Heart card, along with the amazing designs from the other team members.  Then come join us!  Remember to include watercolouring on your CAS (clean and simple) designs.

Paper:  White (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink:  Lindy Magicals (autumn maple crimson); Picked Raspberry Distress Ink (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Happy Heart embossing folder (Sizzix for SU!), Love die (Simon Says Stamp), water mister, clear sequins, shimmer spray (Dick Blick)

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour February Challenge - Heart

Timely Thanks

Hi everyone.  I struggle making one layer cards, but had a LOT of fun making this one ... and it even has a couple of mixed media techniques and products. :)

I started with a very fun and loose background using Brushos (dark brown, turquoise) sprinkled onto a brick embossing folder.  I sprayed with water and then pressed my card stock over top.  I love how the colours of Brushos flow.  I used my heat tool to dry, and then sponged over top with the clock stencil from Tim Holtz using Vintage Photo ink.  I stamped the sentiment in black so it would stand out over the dark brown stenciling.

This is a very easy card to make using just a few simple techniques.  And it's a great card I can use for one of the men in my life (I have several!). :)  Actually Jer saw this already and claimed it for himself. :)

I'm enter this into the CAS on Sunday Challenge #79 and AAA Cards Challenge #61, they are both looking for cards with Stenciling.

Thanks for dropping by for a visit!

Stamps:  Thinking of You (Happy Little Stampers)

Paper:  White (Neenah)

Ink:  Brusho Colour Crystals (Dark Brown, Turquoise); Vintage Photo distress ink (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)

Accessories & Tools:  Brick embossing folder (Tim Holtz), water mister, Clockwork Stencil (Tim Holtz), sponge

Challenges:
CAS on Sunday #79 - Stenciling
AAA Cards #61 - Stenciling

Embossing Folder Stamping

Hi everyone.  Another post where I'm using a wonderful technique that I first saw done a couple of years ago by my good friend Karen (Snippets)  She has perfected this technique.  Check out her amazing cards done with embossing folder stamping here, here, and here. It's a fun and easy way to create a beautiful watercoloured background for cards using embossing folders in a whole new way.

I have done this on plain card stock, although you could also use watercolour paper or mixed media paper and get spectacular results.  The only trick is to get comfortable with how much water to spray ... a bit of practice and you'll have it figured out.

For this I took two distress ink and pressed them randomly onto the inside of my honeycomb embossing folder (on the raised side of the pattern).  I sprayed with a little water, turned my embossing folder over, and used it to "stamp" onto my white card stock.  I love how the pattern is random and the ink flows with the water.

I stamped a butterfly onto more white card stock, embossing it with liquid platinum embossing powder.  Then I coloured it in using the same inks I used for the background, but added a few coats so that the colour was more saturated.  I fussy cut the butterfly and popped it on top of my background.  The sentiment is also heat embossed in liquid platinum to tie it all together.

I hope you'll give this easy and fun technique a try.  :)

Thanks for dropping by for a visit!

Stamps:  Butterfly Birthday, Thinking of You (Happy Little Stampers)
Paper:  White (Neenah)
Ink: Distress Inks:  Ripe Persimmon, Picked Raspberry (Tim Holtz); Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Honeycomb embossing folder (Sizzix), water mister, liquid platinum embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, waterbrush

Happy Birthday Evan!

Hi everyone.  Today I'm sharing the birthday card I made for my oldest son, Evan.  It was his birthday a few days ago, and the family met at his place last night.  We ordered in dinner from a restaurant and enjoyed spending the evening together.  It was great to see everyone, and with being at Cooper's house, he was able to get to bed at his regular time --- which is always good for little ones. :)

I've been having some fun playing with the embossing folder technique on regular card stock.  For this background, I used Peacock Feathers and Vintage Photo distress inks and a woodgrain folder.   Spritzed with a little water and "stamped" my folder onto white card stock.  I'm really happy with how it turned out.

For the leaf sprig, I die-cut it from watercolour paper and then dragged it through the same colours of distress inks.  It didn't give me the depth of colour I was looking for ... and I was being impatient :) ... so I dried it with my heat tool and then sponged over top with Tempting Turquoise and Baked Brown Sugar dye inks from Stampin' Up.  I'm happy how the colours worked together.  I added a frame and a simple birthday sentiment stamped in black.

That's it for me today.  Just been playing around with a few different techniques and having fun. :)

Stamps:  Mix Mash (Happy Little Stampers)

Paper:  White (Neenah); Watercolour (Arches 140 lb. cold press)
Ink:  Peacock Feathers, Vintage Photo (Distress Inks from Tim Holtz); Tempting Turquoise, Baked Brown Sugar (SU!); Black (Memento)
Accessories & Tools:  Woodgrain embossing folder (Sizzix for SU!), water mister, Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinder), Little Leaves die (Sizzix)

Embossing Folder Technique

While I was playing around with new techniques recent, I finally tried the Embossing Folder Stamping technique that I have seen done expertly for a long time by my good friend, Karen (Snippets).  She is the master at this technique.  Not only was I trying something new, but I used coloured card stock ... something I rarely use for card fronts. :)  LOVE the results.  For those that have not tried this, you ink up the raised design side on the inside of  an embossing folder.  Spritz with a little water, place your card stock inside and close it.  Press down with your hands a little, then remove card stock and let it dry. Easy, peasy and oh-so beautiful!!  Can't wait to try it again with different coloured inks on white card stock.

The background looks like watercolouring to me.  I love the randomness and flow of it. :)

This is not CAS so I won't be adding it to the HLS June CAS Challenge (Sprays / Mists), but wanted to share with you this water misting technique. :)  I also included a daisy (shaped a little differently than yesterday's card). :)

I'm heading to the Snippets Playground with this card.  Used lots of snippets for the flower. :)

* * * * *

A little housekeeping ... I have changed my comments settings so that everyone may comment (including anonymous users), but will need to review the comments before they are posted.  This means that your comments won't be published right away, but not long after you leave them.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to view my blog.  I love hearing from you.

UPDATE:  What was I thinking??  :)  I've only opened up my Anonymous commenting for a couple of hours and have already been inundated with spam messages, so I'm going back to the registered users.  If you would like to leave me a message, please join my site, otherwise send me an email.  Thanks!

Stamps:  A Little Sentimental (Clearly Besotted)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah); Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Ink:  Black (Memento); Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Water mister, Musical Flourish emobssing folder (Cuttlebug), Snow drifts die (My Favorite Things), medium daisy punch (punch bunch), small sun punch (punch bunch), Flourish #6 die (Crafty Ann), sponges

Challenges:
Snippets Playground Week #180