Origami Dragonfly

Hi everyone.  I wanted to share a card today using anther NBUS stamp.  I have a huge stash of NBUS and I'm determined to ink them all up this year! :)

I love this artsy dragonfly stamp and had to get it.  This image is called "Libellule Origami" which means "Origami Dragonfly.

I made this card specifically to enter the Craft Stamper - Take It, Make It January Challenge.  This challenge is embraces all things mixed media.

I started with a paper towel background from my stash ... bright blue and a little purple.  I stamped the image in black and clear heat embossed.  The design is intricate, so using the black ink gives me all the details.  Heat embossing in clear sets the design.  If I used Versamark and black embossing powder, I would loose some of the detail.

I painted the image with metallic acrylic paints (green, light blue).  I used a water brush to dilute the paint as it was being added.  I stamped the image on my card front as well as on a second piece of mixed media paper.  Both were painted with the acrylics and then I used a damp paper towel to lightly swipe over top to enhance the black heat embossed lines.  The separate dragonfly was fussy-cut ... just the top wings and body.  I then added crystal glaze to the body and let it dry before adhering on top of my card front dragonfly. :)  Hope that makes sense.  You'll see in the close-up below, the two sets of wings which add a lot of dimension to this otherwise one layer card.

I finished by stamping the dream sentiment in black and heat embossing in clear so that it matches the dragonfly image.

Here's a close-up of the shimmer from the pearlescent paints ...

Stamps:  Libellule Origami (Carabelle Studio); Dream (AliExpress)
Paper:  Bristol (Strathmore  2-ply 400 Series)
Ink:  Black (Memento); Pumice Stone Distress Ink (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  clear embossing powder, heat tool; Pearl Emerald Green and Pearl Turquoise acrylic paints (Lumiere), water brush, Crystal Glaze (Nuvo)

Challenges:
Craft Stamper Take It Make It January Challenge

Happy Birthday Dragonfly

Hi everyone.  My dear friend Christine (It's a Card Day's Night) is celebrating her birthday today.  Happy Birthday sweet friend!!

I wanted to make a mixed media card for Christine as that is her style.  And I made sure to include lots of blue, her favourite colour.  :)

I started by smooshing Distress Inks:  Salty Ocean and Wilted Violet.  I then stamped the Libellule Origami (or Origami Dragonfly in English) from Carabelle Studio (retired).  I stamped it in black and heat embossed with clear.  I masked the dragonfly before stamping the Different Dreams background (Unity Stamp Co.) in Versamark.  I heat embossed the background in clear as well.  After removing the dragonfly mask, I pressed more salty ocean and wilted violet inks into my mat with a spritz of water, and smooshed again to make the colours deeper.  Once dry, I watercoloured the dragonfly in the same two colours of ink.

I cut the panel down and added a white embossed sentiment (Simply Sentiments from Lawn Fawn) on a black card stock strip at the bottom.  The panel is popped up for added dimension.

Close-up ...

I'm so pleased with this card and I hope Christine likes it too!  If you have a time, please drop by Christine's blog to wish her a Happy Birthday!

I'm sending this over to the Seize the Birthday Challenge #244 ... no topping for me this time. :)

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Stamps:  Libellule Origami - retired (Carabelle Studio); Different Dreams (Unity Stamp Co.); Simply Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black card stock (SU!)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet; Black (Memento), White Pigment (Hero Arts Unicorn), Versamark
Accessories:   water mister, Clear embossing powder (Ranger), heat tool

Challenges:

Seize the Birthday Challenge #244 - Anything Birthday Goes

CAS Mix Up May Challenge

Hi everyone.  It's the start of a new challenge at CAS Mix Up.  Our talented DT Susan is hosting this month's challenge, and she wants to see rainbows.  This is a STENCIL challenge so please make sure to use a stencil!

Stencil Challenge

I followed the video tutorial by Eileen Godwin that's included in the CAS Mix Up May Challenge post.  First, a 1" mask was added on all four sides of the card front (regular card stock).  I created my own mask/stencil by cutting a piece of acetate.  Then I randomly sponged using blending brushes, along the curves with colours of the rainbow (or overlapping colours that add to the rainbow colours) - Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Worn Lipstick, Salty Ocean, Dusty Concord.

Once I was happy with the design, I removed the masked border and stamped my dragonfly image (Origami Dragonfly - Carabelle Studio) in black ink and clear heat embossed.  I did the same for my sentiment (Essential Sentiments - Maker's Movement).  To finish, I added two coats of Clear Wink of Stella to the whole dragonfly image to add some shimmer.

Close-up ...

It wasn't until I see these pictures posted that I realize the yellow is so much stronger than the other colours.  Next time I'll be a little lighter with yellow ink. :)

We are thrilled to have Michele (I Card Everyone) as our Guest Designer this month.  Please check out the challenge blog to see the beautiful, stenciled rainbow cards from our DT and Guest Designer, Michele!

See you in the gallery!

Product Links

Origami Dragonfly - Carabelle Studio

Essential Sentiments - Maker's Movement

Stamps:  Origami Dragonfly (Carabelle Studio); Essential Sentiments (Maker's Movement)

Paper:   White card stock (Neenah 110 lb.)
Ink:   Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Worn Lipstick, Salty Ocean, Dusty Concord (Tim Holtz); Black (Memento)
Accessories:  Masking tape, acetate sheet, blending brushes, clear embossing powder, heat tool, Clear Wink of Stella

  
Challenges:
CAS Mix Up May Challenge - Rainbow Ink Blending

Bloomin' Marvelous

Hi everyone.  Just had to make a second card with the colors of the SCS Color Challenge from yesterday (CC413 - tangerine tango, lucky limeade, whisper white).  This time I used a lovely stamp that was sent to me by my good friend Peggy.  Love this image and thought it would work perfectly with the watercolor spritz technique - turned out soft and feminine - just the look I was wanting.  I used my new SU! Bloomin' Marvelous sentiment stamp that I just got (for free) during the Sale-a-bration event.  I do love getting things for free!! :)

Normally I would just stamped the flower and sentiment and been finished, but today I decided to use some sheer thin ribbon that I've had for a while to add some interest to the top.  And I attached a lime green dragonfly charm that I've had for AGES.  Hope you like.

Stamps:  Floral 496-12 (Rubbernecker Stamps); Bloomin' Marvelous (SU!)
Paper:  White (card base); Watercolor
Ink:  Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango (SU!)
Accessories & Tools:  water mister, 1/8" Tangerine Tango sheer ribbon, dragonfly charm (unknown), removable tape, glue, glue dots, and dimensionals

I masked the blooms with removable tape and inked the rest of the stamp with Kiwi Kiss ink (I don't have a Kiwi Kiss or Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write marker or I would have used that instead).  I removed the tape and inked the blooms with my Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write marker.  I misted the stamp five times and stamped onto the watercolor paper card front.  I inked the sentiment and misted three times before stamping it on the card front.  I added the ribbons and charm and then popped the card front up on my card base to give added dimension.


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

Loads of Love

Hi everyone.  Time for the next challenge at Addicted to CAS.  Today's challenge is being run by the wonderfully talented Karen (serendipity dragonfly).  She chose this code word:

This challenge is being sponsored by:

Prize:  5 digital images

Lots of scope with this code word.  I used a sweet image from Penny Black that was gifted to me by my good friend Debbie.  Love the hedgies!! :)  I colored the image with Copics.  Simple, easy and fun card.

It's the start of a new month, so I'm happy to announce that Karen (Snippets) will be joining us at ATCAS as Guest Designer for June.  Please check out her blog ... she has lots of beautiful creations for you to see.

And check out her sweet card for the above challenge, along with the cards from the rest of the DT here.  The challenge is open for two full weeks, so lots of time to play along with us! :)

Stamps:  Loads of Love (Penny Black)
Paper:  110 lb. white (Neenah)
Ink:  Copics:  E0000, E000, RV00, Y21, Y32, YR24, E44, W4, V25, V09, R29, R39, 0 (colorless blender)
Accessories & Tools:  Clear Wink of Stella Pen

You are in my Thoughts

Hi everyone.  Yesterday my dear sweet blogging friend, Karen of Serendipity Dragonfly, passed away.  We met about four years ago when we both joined the design team for the newly formed Addicted to CAS challenge.  Even after Karen left the team a few years ago, we always stayed in touch.

Karen was a very generous, caring, loving individual who always had something positive to say.  Even during her illness, her emails were always upbeat.  The news of her passing was a shock to me.

I made this card to send to her family.  Grief is such a personal experience and so I rarely post sympathy cards that I've made.  But since I knew Karen through on-line card making and know that several of you are also feeling the loss, I thought I'd share my card.

My heart goes out to her husband and family, including her dear sister, Val.  My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved Karen.

You are in my thoughts, dear my friend.  xx

Stamps:  Full Bloom (Penny Black); Thinking of You (Happy Little Stampers)
Paper:  White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock); Mixed Media paper (Strathmore 400 series)
Ink:  Stampin'write markers:  Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Wisteria Wonder, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories & Tools:  water mister

Day One ... Twelve Tags of Christmas

Hi everyone.  Welcome to the start of the Twelve Tags of Christmas 2015.  I had such a fun time last year, that I'm back with another tag event for this year! :)

Over the next twelve days, I'll be sharing one Mixed Media Christmas tag each day that I've made, plus two Guest Designer tags.  All twelve of my wonderful guest designers from last year will be here again,  as well as thirteen new friends.  Each of them has a unique and creative style that I'm sure will inspire you.

Come play along and join the fun.  Any style is welcome, as long as you link a * Mixed Media Christmas Tag.  The linky will be open until November 22, so there's lots of time to play along.

* For this event, Mixed Media is defined as stamps + ink, plus two other elements which add texture and/or dimension

Loll

Smooshed Inka gold and peacock feathers distress ink background (click HERE for my video tutorial on this technique).  Script stamped background.  Stenciled mesh design with Inka Gold and die-cut trees also covered with Inka gold and embossed with flourish design.  Clear glitter glue dots were added for sparkle.

* * * * *

Guest Designers

Here's a tag from the multi-talented Shirley (shirley-bee's stamping stuff).

Not only does Shirley have an amazing CAS Mixed Media style, but she also has her own line of fantastic stamps call "The Bees Knees" which are available through STAMPlorations.  Drop by Shirley's blog to see the full details on how she made this gorgeous tag below.

Shirley

This tag is so beautiful, elegant and dreamy looking with the soft colours.

Thank you so much Shirley! xx

* * * * *


Here is a stunning creation by my friend Karen (Serendipity Dragonfly).  Karen makes the most beautiful, elegant cards I have ever seen.  She has a talent for layering die-cut elements into works of art ... as you can see from her tag below.  Please stop by her blog to find out how she made this beautiful tag.

Karen B.

Love the icy blue background which is perfect paired with all the sparkle from the silver elements.  Amazing tag Karen!  Thank you so much!  xx

____________________

Prizes

  $40 STAMPlorations gift certificate for Winning Tag
$20 STAMPlorations gift certificate for each of the Top Three Tags
$20 Happy Little Stampers gift certificate - random prize draw
Dee's Arsty Impressions Christmas Bell Medley stamp set - random prize draw

Random prizes donated by:

          

    Happy Little Stampers                       Dee's Arsty Impressions

Everyone who enters a mixed media Christmas tag(s) is eligible to win. The winners of the prizes above will be picked by an independent judge.

* * * * *

Here's how to play ...

• Make a Mixed Media* Christmas tag (any size, any style)
• Upload to your blog or favorite gallery (Splitcoast Stampers, Pinterest, Flickr, etc.)
• Include a link to this post on your blog or gallery
• Add the link to your post (not your blog) to join the event
• Enter as many times as you'd like --- new creations only please (no backlinking)

The event is open until the November 22, so there's lots of time to play along.


I'm also playing along with Happy Little Stampers November Christmas Challenge - Tag.  How perfect is that??  I'll be entering my tags for each day of the event.  Come join in the fun there too!

See you tomorrow with another Mixed Media Christmas Tag and special Guest Designers!

An InLinkz Link-up

Snowy Christmas

Hi everyone.  Not only is it time for the next ATCAS Challenge (#52) ... but we're celebrating 2 years at ATCAS.  Happy Birthday to us!! :)  And congrats to Kylie and the team on this happy milestone ... can't believe how quickly the two years have flown by! :)

The challenge this time is picked by the wonderful and talented Karen (Serendipity Dragonfly).  She has chosen ...

I think this is the first sketch challenge we've had at ATCAS.  I hope you'll play along!!

This challenge is sponsored by

Prize:  3 images

I followed the sketch fairly closely :)  I had a heck of a time photographing this card ... this was the best I could get after many, many tries :)

The card front is stamped with a large snowflake background and heat embossed in "Ice" embossing powder.  You can just make out all the sparkle in the photo, but it's hard to see the snowflake shapes ... so pretty in real life! :)

For the main panel, I used a snowflake stencil (cut with my Cameo), and sprayed it with my own mix (mini mister with few drops of Tempting Turquoise re-inker, few drops of Frost White paint, and then filled up with rubbing alcohol).  It gives a love soft turquoise colour with a bit of shimmer.  I was channeling my friend Karen (Snippets), when I designed this card, using my new stitched mat die and stitched snowflake die from Lil' Inkers (bought because I love Karen's series of cards with similar dies).  I added some silver cording and a clear rhinestone to the center of the snowflake for even more sparkle.  I stamped the sentiment onto a banner (second generation stamping so the colour matches the sprayed background).  Fun card to make!

We have Linda L as our guest designer this month ... and she's done an amazing job with this sketch!!  I hope you'll check out Linda's card, along with the rest of the talented Design Team cards ... click HERE.

As always, there's two weeks to play along, so lots of time.  Hope to see you in the gallery!

Stamps:  Snowflake Background (Hero Arts); Snowman Sayings (Amy R)
Paper:  White (Neenah), Silver foil (SU!)
Ink:  Tempting Turquoise, Versamark
Accessories & Tools:  Ice embossing powder, heat tool, snowflake background cut file, silhouette cameo for cutting stencil, Stitched Mat die and Stitched Snowflake die (Lil' Inkers), silver cording, clear rhinestone, frost paint, mini mister, rubbing alcohol

____________________

Just a reminder that even though my tag event is over ... the linky is still open  --- until Nov. 16, for those that still want to enter.  Click HERE to enter.

Prizes for 10 year Blog Celebration

Hi everyone.  Last month I celebrated my 10 years of blogging and I am so appreciative of everyone who follows my blog or leaves me comments of support!

As I mentioned in my post, I have a few prizes that I'd like to share so asked anyone who wanted to be in the prize draw to leave a comment on my blog post before the end of February.

Here's are the prize draws ...

1) Sue N - Radiant Stamp (Penny Black)

2) Ina G - Birch Tree Background die (Gina Marie Designs)

3) Darnell - Jumbo Leaves Stamp set (Stampendous)

4) Hideko - 2 STAMPlorations stencils (Peeking Dahlias and Dragonfly Waltz)

5)TK - Flower Background (Magenta)

6) Martha Robbins - Cup of Blooms stamp (STAMPlorations)

7) Lyn - Spring Bouquet Stamp Set (Avery Elle)

8) Christine Alexander - How Fragile (Visible Image)

9) Carol L - Sweet Pea Stem die (Poppy Stamps)

10) Sue - Springtime Tulips die (Memory Box)

Congratulations!!

Please contact me (using email form on sidebar) before

March 15th to claim your prize.

Thank you again!!

Life is ART, Paint your DREAMS

Hi everyone.  Time for a new challenge at Addicted to CAS.

This challenge is being hosted by the very talented Ksenija (Sweet Kobylkin). She chose this fabulous code word ...

This challenge is sponsored by

I thought an "artsy" design was fitting for this large sentiment which is the main focal point of the card.  I sponged light blue over a mesh stencil for the background, and then used two different splat stamps to add more interest in lime green and bright blue.  Then I stamped the sentiment in the same bright blue to finish the card.  Easy and quick card to make.

This month, we are excited to have Dawn (Designs by Dragonfly) as our Guest Designer.  Please click HERE to see Dawn's amazing Dream card ... and the cards from the rest of the very talented Design Team.  I know you'll be inspired to join in.

Come join in the fun!  Make a CAS (clean and simple) card that shows your interpretation of "Dream" and link to our challenge.  Hope to see you in the gallery.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:  Life is Art (Stampendous); Gorgeous Grunge (SU!)

Paper:  White (Neenah)
Ink:  Distress Inks:  Broken China, Twisted Citron, Mermaid Lagoon (Tim Holtz)
Accessories & Tools:  Textured Mesh stencil (Memory Box)

Challenges:

ATCAS #73 - Dream

Snowy Bird

Hi everyone.  Today is the last challenge of the year for Addicted to CAS.  Thanks to all who joined in and helped to make our challenges so successful.  We had a lot of fun this past year and enjoyed all the cards that were entered.

Today's challenge is being run by the very talented Karen B (Serendipity Dragonfly).  She chose the code word which is perfect for this time of year ...

This challenge is being sponsored by

Prize:  5 free digis

(please follow the rules to be eligible to win)

I punched my bird from watercolor paper and randomly sponged with four shades of blue ink.  I then misted with water until the inks started to run into each other.  Once dry, I sponged on a little more dark blue ink along the edges and added a dot for the eye.

The bird is sitting on a partial snowflake border die-cut that has been covered with dazzling diamonds (hopefully you can see the glitter!).  This is mounted over the small circle aperture that is lined with white woodgrain.  I stamped the sentiment in dark blue.

Here's a close-up:

Stamps:  Peace (Anita's)
Paper:  white, watercolor
Ink:  Pool Party, Tempting Turquoise, Bermuda Bay, Island Indigo
Accessories & Tools:  Big Shot, Frosty border (Memory Box), 2-part bird punch (SU!), woodgrain embossing folder (Sizzix), dazzling diamonds, sponges, water mister, Stamp-a-ma-jig, glue, adhesives and dimensionals

I hope you'll join us for this final challenge of the year at ATCAS.  Check out the details for the ATCAS - code word:  Snowflakes challenge and see all the fabulous cards by the rest of the Design Team.  We are taking a break and will be back with the next exciting challenge on Jan. 4, 2014!


ETA:  I'm entering this into the latest challenge at Keep It Simple #28 (thanks Christine!!) :) .. where the word for the challenge is "snow".

Sending you Love

Hi everyone.  A reminder for the CAS Watercolour September Challenge - Silhouette.

My card starts with the Inka Gold background.  I smooshed Rose Inka Gold along with Brushed Corduroy re-inker.  It's a different colour combination for me, but I love how it turned out.  I then stamped script randomly over the background for some more interest.  I used a corner die-cut with dragonflies, cut from black to be my silhouette.  I framed it in white and stamped a sentiment.

We are already over half way through the month.  There's still just over a week to play along with our challenge before it closes.  There are AMAZING entries in our gallery.  Come check them out and see the reminder cards from the Design Team and our wonderful Guest Designer, Birgit.

Stamps:  Script (Penny Black); Many Everyday Messages (Hero Arts)
Paper:  White card base & frame (Neenah 110 lb.); Mixed media paper (Strathmore 140 lb.); Black (SU!)
Ink:  Distress Ink & Re-inker:  Brushed Corduroy
Accessories & Tools:  Inka Gold Rose (Viva Decor), water mister, palette knife, Dragonfly Stems Left Corner die (Memory Box), Rectangle Nestability (Spellbinder)

Challenges:
CAS Watercolour September Challenge - Silhouette