CAS Challenges March Reminder

Welcome to a reminder post for both CAS Mix Up and CAS Christmas. 

First up, CAS Mix Up ... hosted by our wonderfully talented Bonnie (Stamping with Klass).  Bonnie wants us to use die-cuts to make prints on our cards.  Such a fun technique.  Thanks for the great challenge Bonnie!

Bonnie is our host.

I die-cut the Magical Butterfly (Alexadra Renke - retired) twice and watercoloured both the same.  I used one to make the prints in the background, spritzing the watercoloured die-cut, turning it over and pressing it lightly only my main card panel.  I then die-cut a border using the Hemstitch Frames from Spellbinders.  I popped up the panel onto my card base and added the second die-cut butterfly and also stamped the sentiment Many Everyday Messages from Hero Arts.

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I'm hosting this month!

Today's card was inspired by a card I saw a couple of years ago, made by Janet (Swanlady Impressions).  I just loved this beautiful poinsettia image that Janet used and how she added brown sponging ove top of the flowers to tie it into the kraft paper on her card.  I immediately bought that image from Magenta (Berry and Blossom).  Then the stamp got filed away and I forgot about it until this challenge.  I dug it out and used the same brown sponging as Janet, but changed up the design.  I really love how this turned out.  Thanks for the inspiration Janet!!

Poinsettias are stamped multiple times and heat embossed in Princess Gold embossing powder.  Flowers are watercoloured in a mix of distress inks Fired Brick and Festive Berries.  I used Gathered Twigs ink to sponge over the flower before adding a piece of kraft paper at the top, along with an 1/8" thin satin red ribbon.  To finish, I stamped the sentiment (Christmas Sentiments - Penny Black), heat embossing in white and also rounded the top corners.

Close-up ...

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I hope you'll check out the challenge blogs to see the amazing cards from our Designers, Guest Designers, and participants.  If you haven't had time to play along, there's over a week left before both challenges close on 24th at midnight PST.  Come join us!

Card #1 - 
Stamps:  Many Everyday Messages (Hero Arts)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.);  White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Picked Raspberry (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Magical Butterfly (Alexandra Renke), water mister, Hemstitch Rectangles (Spellbinders)

Card #2 - Poinsettia Peace
Stamps:  Berry & Blossom (Magenta); Christmas Moments (Penny Black)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Kraft
Ink:  Versamark; Distress Inks:  Fired Brick, Festive Berries, Gathered Twigs (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Princess Gold embossing powde (Ranger), heat tool; waterbrush, sponge, white embossing powder (Ranger), 1/8" red satin ribbon, Corner Rounder

Challenges:
CAS Mix Up March Challenge - Print Making with Dies
CAS Christmas March Challenge - Kraft, Red, and White

Joy and Berries

Hi everyone.  I'm sharing two more Perfect Pearls cards that I started on last month's zoom call.  The Holday Floral Trio (Magenta) is stamped in Versamark and heat embossed in Liquid Platinum.  The small images were watercoloured using a mix of distress inks with pearl coloured Perfect Pearls.  The watercolouring really shimmers.

I wanted to try them in a different layout so cut apart the three squares (they stamp in a horizonal row). I stamped "joy" (Christmas Sentiments - Penny Black) in the blank space to balance the design (it's also heat embossed in Liquid Platinum).  The squares are popped up on foam to add dimension.

Close-up ... you can see the pearl shimmer in this photo ...

The second card uses the same ink colours mixed with pearl Perfect Pearls, along with Liquid Platinum embossing.

All the Trimings (Penny Black) was used, along with Season's Gifts (Penny Black) for the sentiment.  Fun and easy way to bring shimmer to your holiday cards!

Close-up ...

My Christmas stash of cards has been growing a lot lately! :)  Still more to make - YAY!  I do love making Christmas cards! :)

Card #1:  Joy

Stamps:  Holiday Floral Trio (Magenta); Christmas Sentiments (Penny Black)
Paper:   Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Peeled Paint, Mustard Seed (Tim Holtz); Real Red ink (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories:   Liquid Platinum embossing powder (Ranger); heat tool, water brush, Pearl coloured Perfect Pearls

Card #2:  

Stamps:  All the Trimmings (Penny Black); Season's Gifts (Penny Black)
Paper:   Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Peeled Paint, Mustard Seed (Tim Holtz); Real Red ink (Stampin' Up!)
Accessories:   Liquid Platinum embossing powder (Ranger); heat tool, water brush, Pearl coloured Perfect Pearls

Guest Designer at Magenta

Hi everyone.  I'm excited today to be Guest Designer for Magenta.  Thanks to Helene for inviting me!  I love their stamps and stencils!

Today's card uses a beautiful daisy stamp from Magenta.  The stamp is called Daisy - Small and it measures approx. 2.75" x 2.75".  There's also a larger version, Daisy - Large which is approx. 3.75" x 3.75".

I started by stamping the daisy several times onto my card front using Antique Linen distress ink.  It makes for a subtle but interesting background.

I stamped the daisy twice more in Brushed Corduroy ink (a bit darker) and heat embossed first in clear, then in UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel), which gives lots of shine.  I watercoloured both daisies with distress inks and fussy-cut.  I cut down the petals for one daisy (top layer), just about to the center.  This makes it easier to shape with my stylus and mat.  I then adhered the two layers together with glue (just in the center).

I stamped the sentiment and heat embossed in Ancient Amber Baked Texture embossing powder because I thought it was similar to the colour of the flower.  That was done on a strip of black card stock which was adhered to my card front.  The layered daisy was popped up on top.

Close-up ...

I had a lot of fun playing with my Magenta Daisy stamp!

Stamps:  Daisy - Small (Magenta); Smile sentiment (AliExpress)
Paper:  White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy, Abandoned Coral, Aged Mahogany (Tim Holtz); Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Clear embossing powder, UTEE, Ancient Amber Baked Texture embossing powder, heat tool

Collage Birthday

Hi everyone.  Today I've used a beautiful floral collage stamp to create a birthday card.  I stamped the image in Versamark and heat embossed in silver onto a light smooshed background.  I then watercolouring the flowers with distress inks so they stood out.  I added a 2-sided thin frame from perfect plum card stock and stamped the sentiment in a couple of shades of purple to get the right colour.  The main image is popped up on foam for added dimension.

This was a quick CAS card to make (QACAS ... ala Darnell).  I sent it to a friend for their birthday which was yesterday, but with the mail to Australia being super slow from Canada, it most likely won't get there in time. :(

Close-up ...

I'm adding this to the Seize the Birthday Challenge #183 - Show me your White Space.  I'm all about white space. :)

Thanks for coming by for a visit!

Stamps:  Floral Collage (Magenta)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Perfect plum card stock (SU!)
Ink:  Distress inks
Accessories & Tools:  Silver embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, water brush

Challenges:
Seize the Birthday #183 - show me your white space

Playing with Gouache

Hi everyone.  A few months back I had a play day with Christine, Susan, and Trina.  Christine had purchased some gouache (pronounced gwash) paints and we had a play with them.  They are highly pigmented watercolour paints that can be used on any colour of card stock.  They can be used full strength (opaque) or be watered down (translucent).  Very versatile colouring medium.

Above is the first card I made with these paints.  The colours are opaque and look really nice with this wonderful image from Magenta.

Close-up ...

Below, I used the paints (with lots of water) to smoosh the background before stamping and painting the flower over top.  White gouache is especially good to have.  It's wonderful to have a white that will cover everything ... and also create wonderful splatters for Christmas cards. :)

I got a set of 24 colours and 12 metallics as an early Christmas present.  Hope to be sharing more cards with you soon.

Thanks for visiting!

Card #1 - Floral Collage
Stamps:  Floral Collage (Magenta); Sentiment (unknown)
Paper:  Mixed media (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card base (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Black (Versafine); Gouache paints
Accessories & Tools:  paint brushes

Card #2 - Creative Chaos
Stamps:  Creative Chaos (Visible Image); Noteworthy (STAMPlorations)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb).
Ink:  Black (Versafine); Gouache paints
Accessories & Tools:  Water mister, paint brushes

CAS Stencil September Challenge

Hi everyone.  It's the start of the CAS Stencil September Challenge.  This month is hosted by the amazingly talented, Julia (Create with Me).  Julia wants us to use a Baby Wipe with Stenciling for this month's challenge

This is actualy the second version of this design.  I first made a similar design, using a different stamps for a special birthday card.  It turned out really well but wasn't CAS enough for the challenge (not enough white space), so I made a second version.  The card sbove has lots of white space to balance my mixed media panel.

I stamped an image from Magenta and heat embossed in white.  I then sponged over top of the white embossing with Distress inks (Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmon, Wilted Violet).  I placed a new-to-me stencil over top and used a baby wipe to remove some of the colour.  The design is subtle, but you can definitely see the leaf design (especially in the close-up below).  A simple stamped sentiment in black finishes the card.

Close-up ...

We are also excited to welcome Sarah (Funky Fossil Designs) as our Guest Designer.  Welcome Sarah!  Please check out the challenge blog to see the baby wipe through stencil cards from Sarah and our amazing Designers.  Then come join us!

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I'll also share the first version of this card using a different stamped image.  I'm so happy with how this turned out.  Very artsy, colourful and fun.  This is a birthday card for my SIL, Alex that he received on Aug. 24th.

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Jessie

Wanting to sleep but someone was taking pictures! :)

Stamps:  Floral Collage (Magenta); Happy Messages (Stampendous); Tree Poem (Stampendous)
Paper:  Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb.); White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:  Versamark; Distress inks:  Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmon, Wilted Violet (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories & Tools:  White embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, Wander & Find Stencil (Carta Bella), sponges, baby wipe

Challenges:
CAS Stencil September Challenge - Baby Wipes

Christmas Trio

Hi everyone.  Today's card is a reminder for the CAS Christmas Challenge - Glitter, which is hosted by me this month.

I do love to add a bit of sparkle to some of my Christmas cards.  I recently bought this beautiful stamp and this is the first time inking it up.  I stamped onto mixed media paper with Versamark and heat embossed in liquid platinum.  I watercoloured the images with dye inks and then went over them with the corresponding colour in glitter glue.  It's an easy way to add lots of sparkle to your images.  I just used a paint brush, making sure to wash it out thoroughly when I was done.

Here's a close-up ...

Kept it simple by adding a very small sentiment, which is heat embossed in white.

I have another card with the same image (this was the first one I made).  I used red card stock for the base and watercoloured in lighter colours, adding the glitter glue on top.  The image and sentiment are both heat embossed in liquid platinum.  I like my second version better (card at the top).  Shows you that making a few small changes made a big impact on the design.

I hope you'll find time to check out the challenge blog to see the wonderful and glittery reminder ards from our Designers, and special Guest Designer, Michelle.

There's still a week left to play along.  Come join us and build your stash of Christmas cards so you'll have them ready to be written and mailed when the time comes.  Won't be long now!

Stamps:  Floral Holiday Trio (Magenta); Snowglobe Sentiments (My Favorite Things)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.); Real Red (Stampin' Up!)
Ink:  Versamark; Distress Inks:  Twisted Citron, Candied Apple (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Liquid Platinum embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool, water brush, green glitter glue, red glitter glue, paint brush

Challenges:
CAS Christmas August Challenge - Glitter

In the Studio with Fran and Deb

Hi everyone  Had a wonderful day in the studio a couple of weeks ago with two of my dear friends that I have know for over 30 years.  We used to work together and we've always crafted together. :)

Fran and Deb came for a day of making pretty cards as well as lunch out to celebrate birthdays.  It was a lot of fun.  They started by creating three sponged cards.  Above is the sample card I made for them.  It uses a new-to-me stencil from Magenta that I HAD to HAVE after seeing my dear friend, Christine, use it on this amazing card!

Isn't this stencil fun and cheerful??  I used my new blending brushes and they worked perfectly for this.  Trina gave a set of these amazing brushes to each of us at the retreat. Thanks again Trina!

Before heading out for lunch, lots of card fronts were made by smooshing Lindy's magicals.  Once back, we made them into simple cards, using white die-cuts as the embellishment (similar to the cards made HERE).

Fran went home with eleven completed cards, Deb with nine!  Very successful (and fun!) day in the studio! :)

Here's a close-up of my stenciled sunflowers ...

I'm entering this into the CAS on Friday challenge #162 - Use a Stencil.

Stamps:  Happy Messages (Stampendous)
Paper:  Mixed Media (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:  Distress Inks: Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint, Squeezed Lemonade, Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade  (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories & Tools:  Three Sunflowers Stencil (Magenta), blending brushes, fine black marker

Challenges:
CAS on Friday #162 - Use a Stencil

CAS Christmas August Challenge

Hi everyone.  Welcome to the start of the CAS Christmas August Challenge - Glitter.  This month I'm hosting and I want to see the gallery filled with sparkle!! :)

We also have a wonderful Guest Designer joining us this month.  Welcome Michelle (Seashell Creations)!

I find that glitter pastes are one of the sparkliest products.  And then I discovered the sparkliest of sparkle with the paste used on the above card.  It's made by Cosmic Shimmer and is called "Silver Chrome".  Not only is it filled with glitter, but it has chunky glitter as well that reflects light to make it extra special.  Love it!

I used it through a new stencil I bought from Magenta.  This is such a beautiful branch and berry image and looks spectacular with the chunky glitter paste on black card stock.

I stamped my sentiment in Versamark, heat embossed in silver and then stamped and heat embossed again over top with Silver Tinsel embossing paste.  Hard to see in the photo, but the sentiment has lots of sparkle as well. :)

Here's a close-up ...

I hope you'll play along with our challenge.  It will be Christmas before you know it!

Stamps:  Art Deco Celebrate Christmas (Poppy Stamps)
Paper:  Black card stock (Stampin' Up!)
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories & Tools: Silver Chrome glitter paste (Cosmic Shimmer); Berry Branch stencil (Magenta); palette knife, silver embossing powder, silver tinsel embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool

Challenges:
CAS Christmas August Challenge - Glitter