Letterpress Snowflake

Hi everyone.   Our Zoom crafty group met earlier this week and we tried Chrissie Stoke's Easy Letterpress technique (click on link to view video).

We had varying degrees of success.  One of the biggest problems was figuring out the right "sandwich" to use in our die-cutting machines (we all have different ones).  Using a magnet in the sandwich to keep your inked die from moving also helped a lot. 

Once I did a few tries, I did figure it out, but can't remember what it as now. :)  It did a lovely emboss of my large snowflake die and added colour to the background.  I added a white die-cut snowflake on top to complete.  This technique is limited as the dies need to be symmetrical in order to use both the back and front of the dies (you'll see in the video).

In the photo above, you can see the raised design from embossing the die.  It does add some wonderful texture and dimension. :)

This is the first time I used my new Sophie Snowflake die from Simon Says Stamp, so I'm sending this card over to NBUS Challenge #45.

Thanks for stopping by!

If you would like to subscribe by email,

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

Make sure to add "subscribe" to the message.

It is also important to add SWL1subscribers@gmail.com to your contact list

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

To unsubscribe, please use the same form making sure to add

"unsubscribe" to the message.

Thank you.

Stamps:  Holiday Sprigs - sentiment (Simon Says Stamp)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb.)
Ink:   Salty Ocean distress ink (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:   Sophie Snowflake die (Simon Says Stamp)

Challenges:

NBUS Challenge #45

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

so Google recognizes the address and delivers the updates.

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

Belleek Christmas Ornament

Hi everyone.  Today's card is very CAS ... but it has the added texture from the Belleek technique ... and by leaving it very CAS, the Belleek ornament really stands out.  Here's how to do this technique ... you ink the inside of an embossing folder with a very light color, place white card stock into the folder and then run it through your machine (in my case, Big Shot).  The ink transfers onto the back of the design, and the raised portion remains white ... love this technique and don't use it enough!!  I believe it is also called Faux Letterpress ... but the Belleek version is special in that you use very light colors so that it looks like china.

This card is for a few challenges.  First, this week the Queen for the Day challenge is the card-makers choice ... to CASE (copy and share everything) from a previous Queen with the Initials J - L.  I choose to honor Charlene Merrick (LilLuvsStampin on SCS).  I met Charlene while on the CAS design team at SCS back in 2011.  She is so talented and I love her style of cards.  Here's the card that inspired me today.  I made it even more CAS than Charlene's version by leaving off the frame.

This card is also for two more of the Dare To Get Dirty Challenges from this week (DTGD13Kittie747B - Belleek; and DTGD13bfinlay - CAS green).

Here's a close-up:

Stamps:  Handy Christmas Greetings (Amy R); Tree Trimmings (SU!)
Paper:  White (Neenah); Whisper White (SU!)
Ink:  Pear Pizzazz (SU!); silver
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Musical Flourish embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Rubber Brayer (Speedball), Ornament punch (SU!), Stamp-a-ma-jig, adhesives, glue and dimensionals

I punched out three layers of the ornament (one with Belleek technique, two plain white) and glued them together to form a thick embellishment for the card.

There are lots more former QFTD that I'd like to honor ... so hopefully you'll be seeing many more cards from me in the next while that are inspired by some of the very talented crafters from SCS.

Meadow Leaves

Hi everyone.  Just catching up on some challenges and wanted to participate in last week's color challenge at SCS (CC412 - Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Crumb Cake). Love these colors together and thought it would make for a wonderful masculine card.

Also used the sketch from this week's challenge at CAS[E] this Sketch Challenge #14.  Here's the sketch:

Stamps:  Just Believe (SU!)
Paper:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Comfort Cafe DP (SU!)
Ink:  Basic Black, Soft Suede (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Meadow Leaf die (Poppy Stamps), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinder)Brick embossing folder (Tim Holtz / Sizzix), Brayer, Stamp-a-ma-jig, adhesives, glue, glue dots, and dimensionals

To create the brick insert, I used my brayer to ink the inside of the embossing folder with Soft Suede ink, added a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and ran it through my Big Shot (faux letterpress technique).  Cut the piece down to size and mounted it on my black card front.  Added a piece of DP popped up on top (with a circle die-cut) and two Meadow Leaf dies in black to balance it all out.  Small sentiment in black finishes the card.


Here's a close-up of the main image:

Stained Glass Window

Today's "Ways to Use It" Challenge from SCS (WT380) is windows and doors ... include a window, door (or both) on your card.  I just love the window die from Poppy Stamps ... so versatile and there are so many things you can do with it.  Today I created (hopefully) what looks like a stained glass window ... reminds me of all the wonderful houses in New Westminster, where I used to live.  I added to the old style of the card by adding some wallpaper and a chair rail.  Hope you like.

"Stained Glass Window"

Stamps:  Fresh Vintage (SU!); Leaf Sprig (Kittie Kits - Rubbernecker); Tranquil (sentiment) from ISC
Paper:  Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Certainly Celery striped DP, Vellum Paper, Watercolor paper (SU!)
Ink:  Stazon Black, Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink, Bashful Blue (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Small Madison Window die (Poppy Stamps), Textile embossing folder (Cuttlebug), brayer, sponges, mini pewter brad, black sharpie, glue, adhesives, sticky strips and dimensionals

I stamped the design in Stazon Black ink onto vellum paper and colored using Stampin' Write markers.  I used my Sharpie to add some lines at the top and bottom of the design.  I cut the design to fit inside the top portion of my window, sandwiching the vellum between two window die cuts from watercolor paper (I find that the watercolor paper is stiff and holds it's shape).

I sponged Bashful Blue ink very lightly onto Whisper white, added some Certainly Celery leaf sprigs at the bottom, and mounted the "outside" behind my window, adding dimensionals in-between.

I created the bottom wallpaper by using my brayer to add Certainly Celery ink to the inside of my embossing folder, adding a Whisper White panel and then running it through my Big Shot ... this is called "Faux Letterpress" or "Belleek Inspired" technique - just love the look!

I mounted all the other pieces as shown in the photo to create an old-fashioned looking house.  I sponged around the edges of the sentiment, added a pewter mini brad, curled it for added interest and mounted with it popped up on a dimensional to add depth.

Flower Box Window

Today is the Color Challenge from SCS (CC370 - Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight) ... with the dessert being spring flowers.

I used my new Shutter die-cut from Poppy Stamps today.  I've had it about a week, but just found time today to play with it ... thought it would add some interest to my window card.

Also, had a request to include the inside panel of my card, so I'm including a small picture of the flower "spray" I added to the bottom right-hand corner of my inside panel.  Hopefully next time I'll remember to take a picture of the inside before mounting it to the card base :)  Hope you like.

"Flower Box Window"

and here's the small die-cuts that I added to the inside ...

Stamps:  none
Paper:  Natural White, Soft Suede, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive striped DP(SU!)
Ink:  Soft Suede (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Die-cuts:  Small Madison Window, Small Madison Window Shutter, Small Flower Box, Wildflower Patch (Poppy Stamps), Leafy Branch die-cut (C.C. Designs), Brick embossing folder (Tim Holtz), Itty Bitty flower punch, rubber brayer, mat pack, stylus, mini mister, mini half-pearls, Tombow glue, sticky strips, adhesives, and dimensionals

I started by cutting out my dies using my Big Shot.  The window and flower box are cut from Natural White cardstock.  I used my Soft Suede Stampin' Write marker to draw in the crease lines on the window and box; and also sponged a little Soft Suede ink around the edges of both ... to add some character.  I cut out two of the Wildflower Patch ... one in Old Olive and one in Tangerine Tango ... and of course, two Soft Suede shutters.  I cut out six branches from Old Olive and punched five Daffodil Delight flower heads with the Itty Bitty Flower punch - I set everything aside.

With the rubber brayer, I added Soft Suede ink to the inside of my embossing folder, added the Natural White cardstock and ran it through my Big Shot (faux letterpress technique).  I mounted the embossed brick card front onto a card base of Soft Suede cardstock.

I mounted the striped Old Olive DP in behind the window die, popping up the window with dimensionals ... I'm hoping this looks like wallpaper :)  I mounted the window onto the card front with sticky strips.

Next I added some dimension to my flowers by misting the paper with a little water and then using my stylus and mat pack to push on the centers of the flowers - both orange and yellow (watched a video tutorial of this technique by Pam Sparks - Expressions with Heart --- thanks Pam!!).  I cut the Tangerine Tango heads off the stems and glued them onto the green stems.  I cut off some of the lower stems of the Leafy Branch to make it smaller and added three along the bottom of the window.  I mounted the Tangerine Tango flowers and the Daffodil Delight flower heads (with mini half pearl centers) on top of the branches.

I glued a few small stems of leaves to the front of the window box and then mounted it under the window, just covering the bottom of the flowers ... the box is popped up at the top with dimensionals, but glued flush at the bottom.

I added the shutters by glueing the edges near the window flush to the card front, and popping up the outer edges with dimensionals.

I thought about adding a sentiment, but didn't want to take away from the focal point of the flowers.

This Old House ...

OK, so I've "borrowed" the title from a show that my hubby used to watch :)  But it definitely fits the card!

I had a lot of fun making this card ... it reminds me of my friend Liz's house in New Westminster.  I used the Belleek Pottery technique (a version of faux letterpress) for the "wallpaper" on the upper half of the card.  I made a simple scene out the window by sponging a little blue for the sky and then using one of my new favorite stamps (Kittie Kit's leaf sprig) for adding bushes and tree branches.

To add some color and fun to the card, I made a vase of flowers using a small circle punch for the vase (cutting of a small bit from the top and bottom), and adding a little sprig of leaves and three Itty Bitty flowers with half-pearl centers.  Hope you like.

"This Old House"

Stamp:  Kittie Kits Cause a Scene - Master #1 (Rubbernecker)
Paper:  River Rock, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink, River Rock striped DP (SU!)
Ink:  Barely Banana, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Regal Rose, River Rock (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Small Window die (Poppy Stamps), Textile Embossing folder (Cuttlebug), rubber brayer, 3/4" circle punch, Itty Bitty flower punch, Leafy Branch die (C.C. Designs), mini half pearls, mat pack, stylus, sponges, adhesives, glue, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I ran the small window die through my Big Shot with River Rock cardstock.  I used the River Rock Stampin' Write marker to darken the horizontal lines on the window to give it more character and also sponged River Rock ink around the outside edges to give it an aged look.

I cut a small piece of Whisper White cardstock to fit the window and then sponged the top with Baja Breeze ink, fading out to white. Leaf sprigs are added all along the bottom and a partial branch near the top, using Old Olive ink and first and second generation stamping.  I mounted the scene behind the window.

I inked the embossing folder with Barely Banana ink using my rubber brayer, added Whisper White cardstock and then ran it through my Big Shot.  I just love the look of the Belleek Pottery technique!!!

I mounted a piece of embossed cardstock to the top portion of my River Rock card base.  Added the River Rock striped DP to the bottom and then a thin strip of River Rock cardstock between the two to represent a chair rail (I sponged the chair rail with River Rock ink to give it an aged look).  I mounted the window to the card base, popping it up with dimensionals.

I made the vase of flowers by punching a small circle from Early Espresso cardstock and trimming off a small portion at the top and bottom.  I ran a scrap of Wild Wasabi cardstock through my Big Shot with the Leafy Branch die  and mounted it to the back of the "vase" with glue.  I punched out three Itty Bitty flowers from Pretty in Pink cardstock, sponged Regal Rose ink around the outer edges and used my mat pack and stylus to form into flower shapes.  I glued the flowers on to of the branch, adding a half-pearl to the center of each.  I mounted the vase of flowers onto the window sill, popping it up with dimensionals.

___________________

I wanted to mention that I've added a search feature to the blog using labels.  You will see the labels listed on the right hand side at the bottom.  I know the list is HUGE and maybe seems a bit daunting, but I have a method to my madness :)

• You can search by stamp manufacturer (e.g. Hero Arts, Stampendous, etc.) - the SU! stamps are listed separately by stamp set at the top of the list (alphabetically)!
• You can also search by technique (e.g. paper tole, paper piecing, etc.).
• And I have added in a few other labels (CAS, baby, Christmas, etc.).

I hope you'll find this search feature useful!

Friend and Just For You cards

Today is my final posting as a Guest Designer for March for the Color Combo Challenge Team.  I have had fun the past month, creating cards with fabulous colors choosen by the Challenge Hostesses.  This week's colors were picked by Vicki Dutchr (Elegant Eggplant, Concord Crush and Melon Mambo).  And the dessert (optional) this week is Stripes!

I don't have Concord Crush, so I tried adding VersaMark to my Elegant Eggplant to intensify the color, hoping it would be close to the Concord Crush, but there was only a subtle color difference ... so I used the two different purples I have (Elegant Eggplant and Perfect Plum) along with the Melon Mambo.  Very bright and intense colors - and a lot of fun to work with.  I made two cards, hope you like.

"Friend"

Stamps:  Simple Soft (SU!); Garden Oasis - sentiment (Fiskars)
Paper:  Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant striped DP (SU!)
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, VersaMark (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Flower soft, Tombow Glue, clear and white embossing powders, heat tool, 1/8" hot pink ribbon, and adhesives

I inked the Simply Soft stamp with Stampin' Write markers Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive, stamped onto the Whisper White cardfront and quickly embossed with clear using my heat tool.

I added Tombow glue to the "flower heads" and covered them with Flower soft.  Once dry, I added a small piece of hot pink ribbon with a half knot.

I cut a strip of the striped Elegant Eggplant DP, stamped the sentiment in VersaMark and quickly embossed with white using my heat tool.  I mounted the strip onto the card front.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Elegant Eggplant.

____________________

I used the Bordering on Romance stamp set for the second card I made for this week's color challenge --- first time using my new set!  I used the marker layering technique (tutorial is on SCS website).  Hope you like.

"Just for You"

Stamps:  Bordering on Romance, The Tea Shoppe (SU!)
Paper:  Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Watercolor, Elegant Eggplant striped DP (SU!)
Ink:  StazOn Black, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, River Rock, VersaMark (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  Blender pen, small oval punch, medium oval punch, Textile embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Big Shot, adhesives, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I stamped the flowers in StazOn ink onto watercolor paper.  Using the Marker Layering Technique, I added Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant inks to the large flowers, spreading the ink with the blender pen.  I repeated the same technique to color in the rest of the flowers and leaves.  I cut the main panel to size, mounted onto a thin frame of Elegant Eggplant cardstock and then mounted the framed image onto a larger frame of Perfect Plum, popping up with dimensionals to add depth.

I ran a large piece of Elegant Eggplant cardstock through my Big Shot with the Textile embossing folder, which had been inked on the inside with VersaMark (faux letterpress technique).  I mounted the embossed panel onto a card base of Perfect Plum.  I added a 3" piece of Elegant Eggplant striped DP on top fo the embossed card front.  I mounted the main panel on top, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I stamped the sentiment in Elegant Eggplant ink onto watercolor paper, punched out the small oval, and then mounted it onto a medium oval of Perfect Plum cardstock.  I added the sentiment to the front of the card, popping it up with dimensionals for more depth.

Four cards for today .....

I have three CAS (clean and simple) cards to share with you today (plus a bonus card by Jer).   As I mentioned before, I'm a Guest Designer this month for the Color Combo Challenge Team on SCS and I hope my cards will inspire others to join in the challenge.  This week's colors are:  Chocolate Chip, River Rock and Baja Breeze (CC367).  Three fabulous colors.

I hope you'll find time to join in the fun.  The challenge is posted on the home page of Splitcoast Stampers website (check out the right-hand column near the bottom - Tuesday is color challenge day).  You need to join the site in order to post your cards (membership is free!! - just sign up).  Everyone is welcome to participate.

Here's the first color challenge card.  I used the watercolor spritz technique for the oak leaf ...

"Oak Leaf for a Friend"

Stamps:  Gently falling, Pocket Silhouettes - sentiment (SU!)

Paper:  River Rock, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, River Rock (SU)

Accessories & Tools:  Sizzix Square Lattice embossing folder, Big Shot, mini mister, sponge, dark brown suede strip, Stamp-a-ma-jig, and dimensionals

Gently Falling is a 2-part stamp set (leaf and outline).  I inked the leaf stamp randomly with Stampin' Write markers --- about half River Rock, the other half Baja Breeze ... and then added just little dabs of Chocolate chip.  I held the stamp at arm's length (just so I didn't get too much water) and lightly misted three times with water.  I immediately stamped onto watercolor paper.  (I made several stamping and then used the one I liked the best for my card.)

Once the leaf was dry, I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig for lining up the images, inked the outline stamp in Chocolate Chip ink and misted lightly with water (only once or twice) and stamped on top of the leaf image.  Once it was dry, I cut the leaf out and sponged more Chocolate Chip ink around the outside edges.

I ran a small piece of River Rock cardstock through my Big Shot with the embossing folder.  I placed it on top of my River Rock card base to get an idea of where I wanted it to be and then used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again to figure out the best placement for the sentiment.  I removed the embossed piece and stamped my sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink.

I mounted the embossed River Rock cardstock onto the card, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I tied a small piece of brown suede in a half knot at the bottom of the leaf and then mounted the leaf on the embossed background, popping it up with dimensionals to add even more depth.

____________________ 

Second card for color challenge (CC367) ... this time I used die-cuts and punches to make a baby pram and used my computer to print the sentiment ...

"... and baby makes three"

Stamps:  none (sentiment is computer-generated)

Paper:  River Rock, Whisper White, River Rock DP, Baja Breeze DP (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Nestabilities Circles die-cut (Spellbinders), Big Shot, Itty Bitty flower punch, 20 gauge wire, needle-nose pliers, tin snips, white Baker's twine, River Rock re-inker, Crystal Effects, paper piercing tool, 1/8" Baja Breeze taffeta ribbon, Tombow glue, adhesives, glue dots, sticky strips, and dimensionals

I used my computer to print the sentiment onto Whisper White cardstock.  I mounted  a strip of Baja Breeze DP to the top of the card, wrapped the ribbon around and secured it at the back.

I ran the River Rock DP (and also plain River Rock cardstock), through my Big Shot with the circle die-cut.  I adhered the two circle together (for stability).  I cut a notch from the circle and added ribbon using Tombow glue.

I cut a length of wire and used the pliers to curl one end of the wire to form the handle for the pram.  I cut a shorter second piece and crossed the two pieces at the bottom, securing the wire to the back of the pram with sticky strips.

Two Itty Bitty flowers were punch from Baja Breeze cardstock, pierced two holes on each flower so it looked like a button and then covered them with Crystal Effects.  Once dry, I re-pierced the holes.

The white Baker's twine was dyed with River Rock re-inker and once dry, threaded it through my flower "buttons", tied a half knot and trimmed the ends on both.

The pram is popped up with dimensionals for added depth.  I added rolled glue dots to the backs of the "buttons" and added them to the bottom of the wires.

The card front onto a card base of River Rock. 

____________________ 

   

Here's the third card for today ... and it's for the CAS Challenge - CAS162 - Sketch by Arizona Maine (Angela).  I love this sketch and had a lot of fun making this card.  Hope you like.

"Tulips for Angela" 

Stamp:  Garden Oasis - sentiment (Fiskars)

Paper:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose (SU!)

Ink:  River Rock, Old Olive, Regal Rose, Rose Red (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Dancing Tulips and Tulip Petals die-cuts (Memory Box), Textile embossing folder (Cuttlebug), sponges, Big Shot, rubber brayer, Tombow glue, adhesives, and dimensionals

I ran the Dancing Tulips die-cut through my Big Shot twice with Old Olive cardstock (these will be the base for the tulips).  I ran the Tulip Petals through three times (twice with Pretty in Pink cardstock and once with Regal Rose cardstock).  I only used the first two layers of the Tulip Petals for this card (there are four layers to the Tulip Petals die-cuts).

I sponged the edges of the Pretty in Pink flower heads with Regal Rose ink.  I sponged the edges of the Regal Rose flower heads with Rose Red ink.

I used Tombow glue to glue the flower heads onto the Old Olive bases.  I sponged the edges of one tulip leaf and cut one down to a smaller size and then sponged the edges.

I mounted the smaller Whisper White rectangle on top of the larger one with dimensionals.  I mounted the framed rectangle onto the card base.

I stamped the sentiment in Old Olive ink so that it would be very subtle.

I layered the tulips and leaves until I was happy with them and then glued them together at the base only, leaving the tulips "free flowing" at the top.  I secured the flowers to the rectangle with more glue (again, only securing it at the base).

I used the brayer to add River Rock ink to the inside of my embossing folder, placed Whisper White cardstock inside and ran through my Big Shot.  I cut out a piece of the "Belleek Pottery" embossed cardstock for the vase and mounted it on top of the tulips, popping the vase up with dimensionals.

____________________

BONUS card!!  When I showed my son, Jeremy, the colors for the challenge this week, he wanted to make a card too!  So here's Jer's CAS card - very modern and creative - just like him!!  Notice how just two of the tiles are popped up for interest.  Also love the rounded corners on all the tiles, with the rounding being repeated on the left-hand side of the card base!  Great card Jer!!

"Lined Tiles"

Spring is Here and Three Little Butterflies cards

Today I met my SIL for lunch at our local Sushi Restaurant (Minori's).  It was great to spend time with her, albeit only a short time, as lunch was over in about an hour and we headed our separate ways.  I got some take-out to bring home to hubby who is still recovering from a "cold" that just won't go away.  He calls it a cold, but I think it's a virus and that's why he's had it for over two weeks now.  Lots of coughing and choking with this nasty bug!  He's getting better, but still needs a little more rest time.

On to the cards for today ... yes, cards!!  I made two for this week's Color Challenge at SCS (CC366 - Daffodil Party Parade - Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Poppy Parade).  I don't have Pool Party and Poppy Parade inks or cardstock so I used the closest colors I had (Baja Breeze and Tangerine Tango).  The dessert option this week is ribbon and I made one card with dessert and one without :)

"Spring is Here"

Stamps:  none

Paper:  Whisper White, Early Espresso; Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade DP (SU!); Bazzil White

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, River Rock (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Small Grand Madison Window, Grove Branch, and Wildflower Patch die-cuts (Poppy Stamps), Brick Wall embossing folder (Tim Holtz), Big Shot, Itty Bitty flower punch, mat pack, stylus, sponges, rubber brayer, Tombow glue, adhesives and dimensionals

I used the rubber brayer to add Sahara Sand ink to the inside of the embossing folder.  I placed a large piece of Whisper White cardstock inside and ran through my Big Shot.

I ran the Window die-cut through my Big Shot with another piece of Whisper White cardstock.  I sponged around the outside edges of the window with River Rock to give some definition to the window.

I ran the Grove Branch die-cut through my Big Shot with Early Espresso cardstock.  I ran the Wildflower Patch die-cut through with Daffodil Delight cardstock.  I cut the flower heads off to use as the centers of my blossoms.

I punch three small flowers from Poppy Parade DP.  I used the mat pack and a stylus to shape the flowers.  I did the same with the Daffodil Delight center and then glued them on top of the Poppy Parade.

I sponge a piece of Whisper White cardstock with Baja Breeze.  I placed the branch on top of the sponging and added the flowers with Tombow Glue.

Now for assembly.  I cut the center out of the embossed brick wall.  I mounted branch and flowers panel onto a card base of Bazzil White, making sure the positioning lined up with the cut-out.  I mounted the window onto the embossed brick wall using Tombow Glue.

I placed the card front on top of the card base, popping it up with dimensionals.

____________________ 

Here's the second card for this week's Color Challenge (CC366 - Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, Poppy Parade).  This one has the dessert option - ribbon.  Again, I used the closest colors I had to the challenge, substituting in Baja Breeze and Tangerine Tango.

"Three Little Butterflies"

Stamps:  Happy Moments (SU!); butterfly (unknown)

Paper:  Tangerine Tango, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango polka-dot DP (SU!)

Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Clear embossing powder, heat tool, Stamp-a-ma-jig, 1/4" Daffodil Delight grosgrain ribbon, glue dots, sticky strips and adhesives

I stamped the three butterflies onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock and stamped the sentiment above in Tangerine Tango ink.  I mounted the stamped panel onto a frame of Tangerine Tango cardstock.  I wrapped the Daffodil Delight ribbon around the panel and tied a 1/2 knot in the center.  I secured the knot in place with a glue dot.

I mounted the polka-dot DP onto a card base of Tangerine Tango and then mounted the framed main panel at the top of the card.

I stamped the three butterflies a second time on scrap WW cardstock, this time embossing each one with clear embossing powder.  I cut out the embossed butterflies and bent them into shape.

I mounted the three embossed butterflies on top of the stamped butterflies, using a rolled glue dot down the center to hold them in place.

Belleek Rose

I'm in the studio with Heather today.  We're having lots of fun, laughs ... and of course, delicious home-made treats!!  Heather is not only a card-making enthusiast like me, but also loves to bake (like me!).  She frequently stops by with treats for us to enjoy - we are so lucky!  This morning I made Lemon Loaf before she came ... the recipe is in the baking section of this website.  Heather showed up with brownies with oreo cookie centers ... and chocolate and coconut mini cupcakes - yum, yum!

On to the card for today ... it's Sketch Challenge day at SCS (SC375) and I made a card that is a little different for me.  Used the same die-cuts as I did for my card on Mar. 5th (Blushing Rose), plus more die-cuts and embossing folder.  Used the Faux Letterpress Technique, with a twist ... the Belleek Pottery look that Judy challenged us to a couple of weeks back on the Ways To Use It Challenge.  Absolutely love this look ... I used some Barely Banana with White cardstock for a very subtle look.  I also used the same embossed Belleek cardstock to make the rose

Unfortunately the texture and color doesn't show up in the photo very well.  I've tried several times to get a good photo and finally decided to just go with what I had.  The rose if a very soft, delicate yellow, but it looks white in the photo and you can't really see the texture either.

SCS Sketch 375:

Here's my take on the sketch ... hope you like.

"Belleek Rose"

Stamp:  On the Grow - sentiment (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Certainly Celery (SU!)

Ink:  Barely Banana, Certainly Celery (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Cuttlebug "Textiles" embossing folder, rubber brayer, Big shot, Rolled Rose die-cut (C.C. Designs), Leaves die-cut (C.C. Designs), Savannah border die-cut (Memory Box), Madera corner die-cut (Memory Box), sponge, small oval punch, medium oval punch, Tombow glue, sticky strips, adhesives and dimensionals

I inked my rubber brayer with Barely Banana ink and rolled over the inside of the embossing folder.  I placed a large piece of Whisper White cardstock inside and ran through my Big Shot.  This inks the recessed areas of the cardstock, leaving the embossed (or raised) parts the original cardstock color.  I actually made two pieces like this and then used the second piece to die-cut the rolled rose.

I rolled the rose and secured it together with Tombow glue.

I die-cut two Savannah borders from Certainly Celery cardstock, sponged them with more Certainly Celery ink and then glued them to the embossed card front (I cut some off of both pieces to make them shorter).

I die cut three "Leaves" from Certainly Celery, sponged the edges with more of the same color ink and then placed them where the two borders intersected - creating a triangle with the three leaf sprigs.

I die-cut the Madera corner with Certainly Celery and then cut off three "stems".  I place a dot of glue at the base of each stem and added them on top of the larger leaves, also using three and creating a triangle shape (but offset from the triangle of the larger leaves).  Hope that makes sense.  

I added the rolled rose on top, popping it up with dimensionals to add more depth.

I stamped the sentiment with Certainly Celery ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I sponged around the edges with Barely Banana ink.  I punch the sentiment with the small oval punch and then framed it with a medium-sized oval of Certainly Celery cardstock.  I mounted the framed sentiment onto the card front, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.

I mounted the card front onto a full card front of Whisper White cardstock.  I mounted the complete card front onto a card base of Certainly Celery cardstock (for stability).

Pink Vellum Rose

Woke up to a bit of snow today.  Forecaster said we were going to have rain, rain, rain for the next week ... but I guess it was a little colder overnight than they expected and we got just a dusting of snow.  Enough to cover the ground and make everything look pretty and bright.  Sadly, the rain has just started, so the snow will be gone shortly.  Good day to stay inside and play in the art studio - at least for the morning.  The skills competition for the NHL is this afternoon and hubby and I will be watching that ... along with the All-Star game tomorrow - we LOVE hockey!

On to the card for today.  I just loved the Technique Lover's Challenge this week - (TLC361 - Inspired by Belleek Pottery)  ... that I had to make one more card using this technique of inking an embossing folder with a very subtle color.  I was inspired by Roxie's card (Rox71) on SCS this week.  She used vellum layers to make a delicate flower and I used her idea to create the rose for my card.  See Roxie's gorgeous card by clicking here.

"Pink Vellum Rose"

Stamps:  Happiest Birthday Wishes (sentiment) (SU!)

Paper:  Whisper White, Wild Wasabi (SU!); pink and green vellum

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Regal Rose, Garden Green (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Spellbinder's Rose Creations die-cut, Sizzix Little Leaves die-cut, Cuttlebug "Textile" embossing folder, Big Shot, 5/8" Sheer White ribbon, small brad, Crystal Effects, sponges, bone folder, brayer, sticky strips, glue dots and adhesives

* * * * *

I started with the rose ... I cut out several layers of pink vellum in varying sizes.  I sponged all around the outside of the petals and also in the very middle of the flowers with Regal Rose ink.  I used my bone folder to curl the edges of each petal downward (with the exception of the smallest flower to be used for the center).  I layered all the flowers together and threaded a brad through and secured the flower together.  I bent the petals from the top (smallest) flower up, overlapping them and used a few drops of Crystal Effects to hold them together (center bud of flower).  I they bent each flower upwards and then moved the layers around until I was happy with how it looked.

I used the Little Leaves die-cut with the green vellum to cut out two sprigs.  I sponged the edges of the leaves and up the stem with Garden Green ink.

I used my brayer to add a light layer of Crumb Cake ink to the inside of my embossing folder, added a layer of Whisper White cardstock and ran it through my Big Shot.  I trimmed it to size and then wrapped the sheer ribbon around the top, making a bow at the top, and off to one side (opposite side that the rose will be on).

I stamped the sentiment in Crumb Cake ink onto Whisper White cardstock and trimmed to size.  I wanted the sentiment to be very subtle and not take away from the rose focal point of the card.

I assembled all the layers onto a Whisper White card front, using glue dots to secure the rose and leaf sprigs.

I mounted the card front onto a card base of Wild Wasabi (doesn't show when looking at the front of the card - just for stability).

Luck of the Irish and Irish Rose cards

Quick update ... I received an email that the link to the paper tole tutorial included with the rose card from yesterday, wasn't working.  Sorry about that ... I have now fixed the problem and the link is working.  Thanks Susan for letting me know ... I appreciate you taking the time to email me!!

Also I had to make another card for TLC361 - Inspired by Belleek Pottery :)

I used the same technique as the card earlier today for creating the "Belleek" background.  I've included in the photo below, the two lovely Belleek vases that my SIL has given me over the years (she's originally from Ireland), along with the card they inspired.  Hope you like.  

"Luck of the Irish"

Stamps:  Sincere Salutations (SU!)

Paper:  Garden Green, River Rock, watercolor (SU!)

Ink:  River Rock, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Cuttlebug "Floral Screen" embossing folder, Big Shot, brayer, water mister, sponges, heart-to-heart punch, 2-step bird punch, Aqua Painter, 1/4" Garden Green grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" hole punch, sticky strips, glue dots, Tombow glue, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I made my background paper by lightly misting watercolor paper with water, wiping off excess (leaving paper damp) and placing it in the embossing folder that was inked on one side with River Rock ink (using the brayer to get it even).

I punched several small hearts from watercolor paper, misted with water and added Wild Wasabi re-inker with my Aqua Painter so that the ink "bled" into the paper.  Once dry, I sponged all the edges with more Wild Wasabi ink and used the Stampin' Write marker to add the details.

I punch the leaf sprig from the 2-step owl punch three times from River Rock cardstock.  I cut off all the leaves to make the "stem" as long as possible.  I also punched three 1/4" circles and glued them onto the tips of the stems (used as a base to glue on the hearts).  I glued three hearts onto each stem and let them dry.

I inked the sentiment in Garden Green ink and misted lightly with water before stamping onto watercolor paper.  I trimmed to size, sponged the edges with River Rock ink and then mounted on a River Rock frame (also with the edges sponged with more River Rock ink).

I wrapped two pieces of Garden Green grosgrain ribbon around the embossed panel and tied knots (offsetting them).  I used sticky strips to adhere the embossed panel to the card base of Garden Green cardstock. 

I added the shamrocks (adhering them with glue dots) and the sentiment (popped up with dimensionals) to the front of the card.

____________________

Today is the Technique Lover's Challenge (TLC361) - Inspired by Belleek Pottery.  Besides being inspired by the pottery itself, there is another part of the challenge, that is to make your background of your card look by porcelain by inking an embossing folder with a very subtle color and running it through with white cardstock.  Not sure what the name is for that particular technique ... but love the results I got using my new Cuttlebug "Textiles" embossing folder that I got for Christmas from my dear friend, Kelly.  It's hard to tell in the photo, but the background is a soft version of Crumb Cake and really makes the white raised embossing stand out.

  

I was inspired by the colors of the Belleek roses that were shown in the examples for the challenge, so I used my Spellbinder's Rose Creation die-cut and Razzleberry ink to make a purple rose.  I actually have two pieces of Belleek, given to me by my dear SIL, Moe ... I may have to make another card using them for inspiration.

"Irish Rose"



Stamps:  On the Grow (sentiment) (SU!)

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, watercolor paper (SU!)

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Certainly Celery (SU!)

Accessories & Tools:  Cuttlebug "Textiles" embossing folder, Big Shot, brayer, water mister, ornament punch, sponges, Spellbinder's Rose Creation Die-cut, Sizzix Little Leaves die-cut, small oval punch, medium oval punch, 1/4" Rich Razzleberry grosgrain ribbon, Scor-Pal, stylus, clear stickles, brad, sticky strips, glue dots, Tombow glue, and dimensionals

* * * * *

I used watercolor paper for the background.  Just had an idea that if I used damp watercolor paper, the ink color for the background would be very soft ... it worked.  I misted the watercolor paper with water, used a brayer to add ink to the front inside panel of my embossing paper, wiped the excess water off the paper (leaving it damp, not wet) and then ran it through with the folder in my Big Shot ...I just love the look!).

I took a second piece of watercolor paper and used my Scor-Pal to create a grid.  I punched out an ornament and trimmed off the bottom.  I added just a little drop of stickle at each intersection of the grid to give the vase bling.  I sponged the edges with Crumb Cake ink so that it would stand out from the background.  I used the leftover grid cardstock for the sentiment and also sponged the edges of the small oval with Crumb Cake ink.  I mounted it on a medium oval frame of Rich Razzleberry cardstock.

I sponged Whisper White cardstock with Razzleberry ink and then die-cut four of the smallest roses from the Rose Creation Nestabilities.  I sponged more Rich Razzleberry around each petal of the four roses ... for the one I used in the middle, I sponged the underside just in case some if it would show.  I used my stylus to curl the petals on each flower and then layered them together and secured them with a brad (doesn't show).  I gathered up the first layer and pinched it together to created the middle of the flower, using Tombow glue to secure.  I then moved the other petals around until I was happy with the look.

I cut out the Little Leaves from Certainly Celery cardstock and then sponged the edges with more Certainly Celery ink to give them dimension.

I assembled the card front, adding 1/4" grosgrain ribbon about 3/4" from the bottom of the edge and tying a knot off center.  I used the ribbon as if it were a ledge to hold my vase.  I added the vase, popping it up with dimensionals to add depth.  I attached the leaf sprig and rose using glue dots.

I mounted the card front onto the card base of Rich Razzleberry and also attached the sentiment with sticky strips.