Mosaic Friend

I love challenges! (I guess that is pretty obvious!) But I especially love a challenge where I can win FREE stamps! Well, ISC has kicked into high gear and has been issuing challenges and offering some free stamps. Well, here is the ISC challenge #3. It is a sketch challenge and this is what I came up with:

I used the TJ technique Mosaic Magic (must be a member to access this link.) I have done this technique before, but it was over a year ago. The technique was in the August 2006 issue.

I used one of SCS color challenges (SCSCC61) which is to use Cameo Coral, Certainly Celery, Basic Black and the option of Apricot Appeal. Those are the colors used for the mosaic, however when I embossed that layer it darkened the cardstock colors. You can see this in comparing the green layer under the mosaic, which is Wild Wasabi, it looks like the Certainly Celery in the mosaic.

Stamps: Friendship & Flair of Summer (sentiment) (ISC); Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, VersaMark; Paper: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi, Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral; Accessories: Xyron, pewter HPH, Silver Pearl Ex, Clear EP, Ribbon (SU).

BEElieve

Well, I fussed and fussed with this card and I think I finally got it to a point where I like it. I started with the Technique Junkies' Mesh Direct background. When I was making it, it reminded me of a beehive, but after I was finished I was thinking giraffe. I wanted to use the Technostamper's Sketch Card Challenge #19. The size of my giraffe just wasn't working with the sketch so I switched to this lovely bee from ArtfulInkables. I really like the size of this bee, it isn't so small that it gets lost on your card.

Well, I haven't used my few Stickles very much so this seemed like as good of time as any so I used a yellow and Diamond on my bee. Well, that had to dry so I moved on the the More Mustard layer and decided that my bee needed some flowers so I used my CB flower folder.

Now for those three circle's in MJ's sketch. . . . Well, "BEE" just jumped out at me so that part was simple but figuring out the size was another. I ended up using my Rummage magnetic stamp alphabet from Making Memories that I've had, er, well. . . . for too long and hadn't used yet. After that I tried using the set for "LIEVE" to finish off the BEE, but I really didn't like it (I used the word window punch.) In the meanwhile I decided my BEE needed some attention. I decided to make the white circles smaller, then decided I didn't want to use my Build A Brad (which has yet to be used as well) so I used Crystal Effects (CA) on top to give it some shine. I pulled out my Euphoria Alphabet (SU retired) and used my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to stamp the "HAPPY" and then punched out with the small oval and layering onto a More Mustard large Oval.

I have always liked when I see ribbon used as loops, not sure why and I hadn't thought it add them to any other cards, but it helped to add some balance here. I carefully assembled the card, which wasn't too easy because the CA still isn't dry but I'm too impatient to wait until tomorrow to scan and post this card!

I plan on giving this card to a friend that recently accepted the challenging volunteer position as president of our local Officer Wives Club Association. So here is to Lori! May she bee happy this next year as our president!!

Stamps: Bee (Artful Inkables) Rummage Alphabet (Making Memories), Euphoria Alphabet & Numbers (SU); Ink: Summer Sun, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black; Paper: Summer Sun, More Mustard, Whisper White, Shimmery White (bee), Basic Black; Accessories: mesh, brayer, Ribbons (SU), large & small oval punches, CB folder, 1/2" circle punch (SU) Stickles, Crystal Effects, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.

Challenge X2

I do seem to get motivated by challenges. This card was born from the drive to complete two challenges. The first is Allison's Clear Challenge and the second is ISC's color challenge.

Allson, of Stampin' When I Can, has been posting some challenges for a while, but this will be my first attempt to participate. Here challenge is to be "clear or mostly clear." So I used a TJ technique called Floating Sentiments, which uses acetate. I sure hope that qualifies for her "clear" requirement! :)

The second challenge was ISC' second card challenge, this one is a color challenge. So, from this:

I came up with this:

I have tried to take on Michelle's unique stamping style of using her VersaMarker pen and brayer before and, well, I didn't even try to make a card with it. (My DS did love it and asked for it before I threw it away! What a darling he is!!)

I randomly stamped the ISC images using StazOn Timber Brown, then used my Aquapen with SU ink pads to color the images. I did have some smearing when coloring and then some more when I used the VersaMark to emboss. As you can see, I need some more (okay, a lot more) practice! After I colored then embossed all the images I used my brayer to put a layer of color over then entire piece. It definitely shows where I over-wrote with the VersaMarker.

I placed the acetate layer over the top and added the silver brads, then added this to a brown folded layer. Ta-da!

Stamps: Friendship, Flair of Summer (ISC); Ink: StazOn Timber Brown & Olive Green, So Saffron, Bordering Blue, Certainly Celery, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa; Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White; Accessories: acetate, Snow White Paint Dauber, AquaPainter, 1/16th hole punch, silver brads, brayer, VersaMarker, Clear Emboss powder.

This next card is literaly a 15 minute card. Every time I start to think about selling my Dreams & Dragons stamp set I seem to need a young girl card and use it. I used shimmery white and stamped in StazOn Black. I used some stickles to add even more shine and colored with SU markers. Truly a quicky card! Thank goodness she is just turning 4 and won't look at it critically!

Stamps: Dreams & Dragons; Ink: StazOn Black, Ballet Blue, various SU Markers; Paper: Regal Rose, Certainly Celery, Shimmery White; Accessories: Crop-a-dile, SU eyelets, Stickles.

Teacher Thanks & TSSC 18

Today was "Fun Day" at my son's pre-school class. I didn't even have any thank you gift started until two days ago! I just couldn't 1st) believe that the school year was over and 2nd) think of what to give the best Pre-school Teacher and Assistant! Then it hit me to use up some of the coasters that I couldn't live without ahem, well over a year ago! I remembered the Coaster Boxes that were all the rage not too long ago on SCS and an idea was born.

I made two coaster boxes, just like the directions on SCS (Resources section) state. (I'm not usually one to change up the "ingredients" of a recipe!) The Island Blossom box is for Mrs. Sandy (the Assistant) and the Petals & Paisleys box is for Ms. Ross (the Teacher). Here is a picture of the finished boxes.

This picture is of the cards in the boxes. I coordinated the cards to the box. I'll talk more about the cards a little further down.

Here are the boxes filled with their gifts. Since Ms. Sandy is trying to stay away from the sweets I thought I'd give her a green plant instead. A little birdie told me that Ms. Ross likes Twix; at least I thought she said Twix and not something else!

I also wanted to show my DS's card he made (and designed) for his teacher. He also made one for Ms. Sandy, but I forgot to get a picture of him holding it. Ms. Sandy's card is the same color scheme, just different writing. The writing is SUPPOSED to read: "[from] Troy Dear To Ms Ross". We're still working on writing things out and English IS a bit difficult to write phonetically. And did I mention that he turns 5 next month? :) But I am so very proud of him!

Okay, here is the card for Ms. Ross. The idea of this (and Ms. Sandy's) card came from Techno Stamper's Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge #18.

I actually started working on these cards Thursday night, but Friday morning I had an epiphany and changed up things a little bit. The circles reminded me of a winning ribbon so I removed the flowers from the top circle layer and switched to "Best Teacher" and "Best Assistant" as well as adding the ribbons. I designed the scallop layer with a bar pin on the back of the "ribbon" so that it detaches from the card and can be worn. I hope that makes sense since the cards are now given to their owners and I can't take a picture!

I took this picture before I added the sentiment, but you can see it on the next picture. The sentiment keeps it in line with the sketch.


Here is the Best Assistant card. Ms. Sandy actually wore hers while we were enjoying Fun Day. I do want to point out that the "Best Teacher" and "Best Assistant" are computer generated.


I didn't realize it until after I finished, but all these projects are Stampin' Up! only.

Stamps: Define Your Life; Ink: Basic Black; Paper: Regal Rose, Shimmery White, Island Blossom Petals & Paisleys (both are retired); coasters, grosgrain ribbons, Lt. Pink organdy ribbon, Giga scallop circle punch (Marvy), stapler (ribbon to giga circle layer), pin backs, Crop-A-Dile, SU Stamper's Tool Kit.

Acetate Butterflies

Innovative Stamp Creations (ISC) is hosting their first challenge ISCC1. A winner will be selected at random and will win some FREE stamps! Being a bit addicted to rubber (especially FREE) I had to give this a try! The challenge was to make a tag.

This is actually an acetate card. It is almost 2am and my DS has soccer in the morning so I'm not going to rescan this so please don't notice the blemishes in the picture. Looks like it is time to clean the scanner. *blushes* Heck, why clean when you can stamp??? ;D

The inside has a Bashful Blue tag that has the ISC sentiment "A friend is one that knows you as you are." It just seemed appropriate with butterflies and a flower! ;D

There are no special techniques here, just stamping on acetate. I know, all my Junkie friends will be disappointed!

Stamps: Friendship (ISC); Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, StazOn Ultramarine, COPIC: YG06 (Yellowish Green), Y15 (Cadmium Yellow), Y17 (Golden Yellow); Paper: Bashful Blue, Shimmy White; Accessories: acetate, rhinestone brad (SU), Cuttlebug tag dies.

Penciled Twinks Frog

I had this partially finished frog sitting on my desk for probably a couple of months. I'm just not really good at watercoloring. But Kathy at Kathat Stamps issued a bit of a challenge to color something so I went back to this poor frog. (BTW, she is offering up some blog candy!)

I used the Penciled Twinks (from the Technique Junkies Feb 2008 newsletter) technique to watercolor this darling from Artful Inkables. *sigh* If only I could color as well as Kristin! Oh well! When I was adding some water to move the Twinks around I smeared the red so I used my white Signo gel pen to help cover up what I couldn't get up with a towel.

I used gold brads and heated with my heat tool then dipped in embossing powder to get this nice green, then reheated from the bottom so that the EP crowns nicely on top. This EP is from PK Glitz, a vendor I found while visiting the Scrapbook Expo about a month ago. They've got some gorgeous colors with matching glitter!

I plan on sending this to my DH who is away attending a military school for another four weeks. (He's been gone for nearly six weeks now.) I'll have to add some kooky frog sentiment to the inside to let him know I miss him! ;)


Stamps: Artful Inkables; Ink: StazOn Black; Paper: Wild Wasabi, Night of Navy, Watercolor paper (SU); Accessories: Twinkling H2Os, Watercolor Pencils (SU), Paint brush (SU), Cuttlebug with folder, brads (SU), China Jade EP, Signo Gel pen.

Distressed Knight

I recently received some blog candy! Woo-hoo! Lisa was celebrating and I was able to join in and win this sheet from Artistic Outpost!

Well, I just received this sheet and needed a Thank You card. Since I really wanted to use this new rubber and I just love this image I picked it first. Then I decided to use TechnoStamper's Sketch Challenge #17 . I also thought this image would compliment the TJ Distressed Edges Technique.

I wanted to add some hardware, but with the size of the knight layer, it just didn't seem to fit very well.

Of course I didn't realize until after I scanned it that the sentiment was crooked! *sigh* At least I realized it before I sent it off to a wonderful woman who has been leading a couple of the coffee groups that I participate in. (Coffee groups are groups within a specific military organization. I attend both the J3 Spouses and Army Spouses Coffee Groups.) It may seem strange to view this as a Thank You card, but keeping in mind that it is going to a very special military spouse (and Veteran herself) it just seemed fitting.

Stamps: My Knight (AO); Ink: StazOn Black, various Tim Holtz Distress Inks; Paper: Chocolate Chip, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Old World Mat Stack (DCWV); Accessories: Cut N Dry (Ranger), Oval Punches (SU), Distress Tool (SU), Stampin' Dimensionals (under sentiment).

Mother's Opalite Flair

Here is the card I made for my MIL for Mother's Day. I must admit I really like this card! Perhaps I can keep it for myself??? LOL! This stamp is from a set from Innovative Stamp Creations called Flair of Summer. I bought this set specifically because of this stamp!

The layout was inspired by Mary Jo's Techo Stampers' Sketch #15.

You can't see the soft shimmer on this card, but I used the Opalite Color Infusion from the TJ newsletter Feb 2008. I really love this technique, it creates some beautiful artwork.

I sponged some Lavender Lace on the oval edges then sponged some Glacier Blue Opalite over it. Well, it sort of lost the nice sponging along the edge, but I really didn't want to redo the sentiment, which I stamped a word at a time to fit it within the oval. (I actually punched an oval and sponged around the edges onto the Whisper White to have an idea of my oval size, then stamped the sentiment, and finally punched out the sentiment.)

Stamps: Flair Of Summer (ISC); Ink: Lavender Lace, Purely Pomegranate, Pumpkin Pie, YoYo Yellow, StazOn Black, Basic Black, Glacier Blue Opalite; Paper: Lavender Lace, Basic Black, Glossy White, Whisper White; Accessories: Jumbo Scallop Oval (pink) punch, Super Jumbo (blue) Oval punch, Crafter's Tool Kit (SU) (for brad placement), Ticket Corner Punch.

Boy's Birthday

My backyard neighbor's son just celebrated his 3rd birthday. I used Mary Jo's Techno Stamper's Monday Sketch #15 for inspiration for the layout. I did change the center from an oval to a square, it just worked better for this. Technically, this is my second card using her sketch, but the first was for a friend's daughter's fourth birthday and I forgot to take a picture. I was disapointed since I thought it was cute. I don't often have the opportunity to use my Dreams & Dragons stamp set!

I used my SU ink pad lids and Aqua Painter to watercolor the toys. I should have used my SAMJ for the happy birthday since I was using the omitting technique, but I was in a hurry. Oh well, I doubt he'll care since he can't even read yet! LOL! NOTE: I believe I used It's Your Birthday stamp set for the sentiment, but at this time I can't find it to verify.

Stamps: Toy Box (retired), Sentiment (SU); Ink: StazOn Black, Basic Black, VersaMark, Watercoloring: Real Red, YoYo Yellow, Glorious Green, Brilliant Blue, Going Gray; Paper: Brilliant Blue, Really Rust, Green Galore, Whisper White; Accessories: Aqua Painter.