Rainbow Edges

 

I needed a quick and easy card for my son to give a neighbor as a thank you card. I used the Technique Junkies Rainbow Edges technique in the Dec 12/ Jan 13 issue. I pretty much CASED Holly Brown's artwork from the issue since I loved the simple elegance. 

Stamps: Inkadinkadoo's Thankful for Everything; Ink: Memento's Bambo Leaves, Ranger's Faded Jeans, Shabby Shutter, Spiced Marmalade, Scattered Straw; paper: SU's Old Olive, Neevah's Classic Nateral White, Accessories: Spellbinder's Labels Four Small and Gold Labels Four, CB's Swiss Dots embossing folder. 

Nature Silhouette

Here is a card that I made using a new technique from the Technique Junkies Newsletter called Pulled Glimmers. It is so difficult to show the shimmer on this.

The stamp is by Innovative Stamp Creations from the Nature Silhouette I set. I used the CPS card sketch #170. I probably should have trimmed down the top layer, but I just couldn't bare to trim it at all.

Stamps: Nature Silhouette I (ISC), Ink: Jet Black (Ranger); Paper: Lavender Lace, Basic Black Whisper White, So Saffron, Eggplant Envy; Accessories: Glimmer Mist; Scallop Punch.

If I had a flower

Here is a card I made for a friend to say "thank you." She is one of the best hostesses I have ever met and I love to join whatever event she is hosting. (Shhhh Michelle, don't tell her about this card!)

Now on to the card! I used a sentiment from PMS called If I Had A Flower. The sentiment reads: "If I had a flower for every time you made me smile, I would walk in a garden." Isn't that just beautiful? I used a Technique Junkie (TJ) technique called Wisped Frames (Feb 2010) and Desert Sand ink, but the color wasn't right for the copper background so I added Potter's Clay. Ahhh, much better!


Now speaking of the copper background, this is another TJ technique called Double Embossed Metal (Feb 2010). This is actually a think craft sheet of copper metal. This second picture shows the metal sheet and it's technique a little better. I used my Copic markers to color on the metal sheet. (LOVE those Copic markers!)

I used oval and scalloped oval Nestabilities for the sentiment layer. The ribbon is two different widths of organdy blue ribbon.

Stamps: If I Had A Flower (PMS); Ink: Desert Sand & Potter's Clay (Memento); Paper: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa & Very Vanilla (SU); Accessories: Light & Dark blue organdy ribbon, Copic Markers, large sponge daubers, CB & folders: Bird & Swirls and Victoria.

For Michelle

I'm dedicating this posting to my friend Michelle H. . . . . . blah, blah, blah. . . . (can you believe she finds my postings boring???? LOL! Love ya Michelle!

Now onto serious business! I think my loss of mojo isn't actually lost mojo but rather over whelming stimulus because there is so much inspiration that I become unable to decide which sketches and stamps and colors and. . . . . Well, I'm taking the first steps to wade through and craft again.

Here is a close up of the butterfly.


I started with sketch #47 from 2Sketches4You and decided to make a butterfly my central image. I chose a butterfly from IBFS Things With Wings. Copics Color Challenge #53 provided the colors for the butterfly; Y17, YG03 & C7 (I added YG00.) I sprayed Shimmerz Spritz Babys Breath to give it some shimmer.

Here is the complete card.


The background layer uses the Rainbow Double TJ technique. (You have to be a TJ member to have access to this technique.) The stamps used with this layer are from Sweet N Sassy Stamps called Dream Silhouettes and is a retired clear stamp set. I'm not sure if Korin offers it as a digi.

Stamps: (IBFS), Dream Silhouettes (SNSS); Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), VersaMarker, Certainly Celery; Whisper White Craft (SU); Paper: Wild Wasabi, glossy, So Saffron, Solar White (Neenah); Accessories: Doily Lace boarder Punch (Martha Stewart), Night of Navy Grosgrain ribbon, white embossing powder, pearl dew drops (generic).

Frog Valentine

I first wanted to show you a picture of my Valentine. Before I even got out of bed this morning I had TWO Valentines from my little guy! He used his cardstock but my glitter pens (asking afterward if it was okay! Hahah!)


I was going to post a picture of his Valentines to me, but Blogger won't allow me up upload another picture right now. I will note that the first Valentine's card opened backwards, or perhaps his heart was just upside down! ;)

Before I show you the card I made my DS I wanted to send out a "Thank You!" I actually WON a new set illustrated by Theresa Momber from GinaK's sneak peek last week called Hang In There. Theresa is terrifically talented! I just love seeing her artwork and tutorials. She definitely inspired my card, not just because I used her set. You see, the night I saw on Gina's blog that I had won, my DS came downstairs to get me and I was so excited I showed him the set and a couple of DT samples before I took him back up to bed. Well, he commented that perhaps I could make him a Valentine's card using the cute frogs (he's ALL boy! LOL!) I told him I would if the set arrived in time, (I definitely wasn't expecting it that soon you know, there's always hope.) Imagine my surprise when a package arrived in my mailbox Friday! YES!! It was here and without further ado here is the card I made for him.


I had to take several pictures to get a good shot of this. This card uses the Double Embossed Metal TJ Technique. I was at Hobby Lobby several months ago in the framing section (not usually in that section of HL) and found this roll of soft aluminum on sale so I bought it. I KNEW I'd be able to use it for something! Thanks so much Pat for the inspiration!

The layout is from today's CPS card sketch #154. They actually posted it a bit early (last night) to their Facebook page so I immediately started to use it for this card.

Can you see Theresa's influence on this card? After I colored this cute little guy using my Copic Markers I masked him and sponged all around him. I really like how this turned out!

The DP was embossed with the Leafy Branch folder and brayered Bamboo Leaves (Memento) over to highlight the embossing.

Thanks for reading this far!! Happy Valentine's Day!

Stamps: Hang in There (GinaK); Ink: Memento: Bamboo Leaves, New Sprout, Dandelion & Cantaloupe, SU Basic Black Marker (sentiment); Paper: Wild Wasabi, Neenah Solar White, DCWV Old World textured mat; Accessories: Cuttlebug & Leafy Branch EB folder, Soft Aluminum sheet, Heart punch (Emagination), Large Sponges, Copic Markers: G02, G09, G28, E43, E44, E49, YG00, YG03, YG63.

Kip

I won this little guy in one of the challenges over at PMS forums. During their monthly release they post a couple of challenges and you have a week to complete the challenge. So I won a challenge and since my DS loves all sports I just HAD to get Kip! Well, my nephew (9 months older than Troy) also LOVES baseball so I inked Kip up for my nephew's birthday. I used one of the challenges at the PMS forum for this card. The challenge was a card sketch with some additions (sparkle, button, layers & PINK: see those cheeks and mouth? LOL!) I hope his card arrives in time and that he can recognize that Kip is wearing a NY Yankee's uniform! Well, I did my best with that part! Anyway, my nephew is living with my brother in S. Korea and tomorrow is his birthday so "Happy birthday Gabe!"


I tried using a gray marker for the pin stripes but it was too dark and I didn't want to start over so I stamped Kip two more times and used a pencil for the stripes. I cut out his new uniform out and from the second image I cut just the mitt so Kip has a bit of paper tole going on.

I wanted the brown layer to have a leather feel to it so I misted some water onto it and wrinkled it and spread it back out. When it was dry I did direct to paper with some Close to Cocoa to help it look worn.

I used Just For Fun's Grass stamp for the grass at Kip's feet in two different greens to add depth. I used a VersaMarker over the image of Kip and clear embossed him before I sponged the green and blue background.

Thanks for taking a look! Have a fabulous day!
Melissa

Stamps: Kip (PMS) Grass (Just For Fun), Ink: Tuxedo Black, Bamboo Leaves & New Sprout (Memento); Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Ballet Blue & Green Galore (SU); Paper: Night of Navy, Chocolate Chip, Polar White (Neenah), Accessories: CB, Nestabilities, clear EP, VersaMark Pen, Clear Spica pen, neutral button (SU) and blue hemp cord, pencil, various Copic markers and multiliner .03.

ISC Harlequin

I have been working on this card all week-end! I used a sketch challenge, Copic challenge, TJ technique (I can't remember which one it is!), and a SCS tutorial that I saw on someone's blog that has been stuck in my brain for a month or so now! Whew!

I started with the Week-end Sketch challenge (WSC89) and decided to add the Copic Creations Challenge #8, which was to use botanicals with your Copics. I chose to use this stamp from ISC's Harlequin Flowers (I trimmed off the stem & grasses to fit better in my frame.) I colored on shimmery white (SU) cardstock. This close up shows some of the sparkle. I rolled the leaves before I attached it to the frame.

Here is the card:


I found this cardstock I'd used a TJ technique and squirreled away (several pieces actually) and decided to use it up. The sad thing is that I didn't write the name of the technique on the back and now (m-o-n-t-h-s) later I can't remember which one it is. Choosing this piece, then the designer paper (retired SU) pretty much picked my colors for me. :)

The last piece of the "puzzle" was the wooden frame. I used this SCS tutorial for Faux Wood to make this frame. I thought it would be interesting to mix the scallop octogon with the straight edge. I used Tempting Turquoise as the base for the frame. Hindsite: I would do this again, but I wouldn't use the octogon nesties! A square would have been much easier than putting this puzzle piece together! I didn't use brads as the tutorial suggests, I just used a marker to make faux nails. ;)

Stamps: Harlequin Flowers (ISC); Ink: Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue, Brillian Blue; Paper: Taken with Teal, Designer paper (SU - retired), Tempting Turgquiose, Shimmery White (SU), Whisper white; Accessories: Copics, Nestabilities: large scallop & octogon, sponges Tim Holtz ruler, hobby blade, blue adhesive backed ribbon (Darice).

Sharing the Love

I recent bought this set from Archiver's with one of their 30% off coupons; Bubbles from Our Craft Lounge (OCL). I fell in love with this set when they did their blog hop.

Pat from Technque Junkies recently had a sell on the TJ CD's and I took her up on it and purchased the 5 I did not already have. I love that I can open the CD and have a year's worth of techniques PLUS 10 bonus techniques and I don't have to have internet connection, (if for some reason that goes down.) Anyway, this technique is a bonus from CD #6 called Metalic Stone.

Remember that blog candy I won from Pat's Technique Trail blog? The silver layers are from that stash and called Vintage Silver Lustre text. I love the swirl design and thought it would work with this underwater card.

I used my Copic markers to color this image. I wasn't able to blend, the ink soaks in pretty quickly, but didn't really blend. That is okay with this card. My color inspiration came Kimm's Copic Color challenge to use YG67, B23, and E47. Well I don't own any of those so I approximated with YG45, B24 and E44. I added B29 and E49 as well.

I used the July sketch challenge at Rubber Stamp Chat for the card's design. The sentiment is stamped onto the vellum layer. I didn't want to cover all that beautiful Metalic Stone technique but was afraid that the sentiment wouldn't stamp well on the texture. Here's my card:


Stamps: Bubbles (OCL); Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento); Paper: Ballet Blue, Garden Green, Whisper White, vellum, Vintage Silver Lustre; Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch (SU), Copic markers.

PMS Challenge #2

PMS just released some new images. Their release this month was all in digi form. I had to have several of the sentiments. This particular one I won from Kim's blog candy. Thanks so much Kim!

When I saw it I immediately knew who I wanted to make this card for. My BFF Dawn! We are soul sisters I'm sure! Love you Dawn!


I made this for the PMS challenge #2, which was to CASE one of Katie's cards from her gallery at SCS. I CASEd this card. I changed the sentiment, instead of designer paper the background is actually the TJ Bandanna technique and I changed the button embellishment to a filligree.

Thanks Katie for wonderful release party and for this great digi sentiment!

Stamps: Baroque Motifs (SU), Like Branches On A Tree (PMS: Digi); Ink: Onyx Black (Versafine), Distress Inks: Broken China, Faded Jeans & Pine Needles, printer ink; Paper: Rose Red, Certainly Celery, White; Accessories: Filligree (TPC Signature Collection), scallop edge punch (SU).

For My MIL

My MIL's birthday was a couple of days ago. I was working on a card for her and in the back (or not so back) of my mind I was thinking I also needed to make her Mother's Day card. Wouldn't you know it, when I was making the sentiment for her card I used a 'Happy Mother's Day' sentiment! So then I had to rush to make another card for her birthday! (Please tell me I'm not the only one to do something like this!)

That being said, I'll show you her birthday card first even though it was my second card. It is difficult to tell, but this card actually has a white base layer. I used some of GinaK's 120 lb. heavy weight c/s. This cardstock really is awesome to work with! Problem is that it doesn't show up to well on a white background. The black "lacy" cardstock goes to the edge of the card so there isn't much of a white border. The lacy border was made using my Sunburst Boarder punch by Fiskars. (NOTE: punch both edges of a 1.25" strip of paper to make a nice flower strip!)

This stamp is one from Innovative Stamp Creations set Nature's Sihouette I. I stamped it on a background of Rainbow Brilliance (TJ technique April/May 2008). I've had this peice of b/g for awhile so I don't remember everything I used for it. I didn't want to cover the picture with the sentiment so I punched a square scallop from vellum, cut off two corners and stamped the sentiment (SU). Added black eyelets and some fringe I've had for several years. I'm so afraid of fringe and don't really feel comfortable using it, but I needed something soft that wouldn't take from the flowers. Ta-dah! Fringe to the rescue! ;D I added three flat-back pearls to flower centers (saw someone do that recently on their blog, sorry I can't remember who.)

Stamps: Nature's Silhouette I (ISC), Hugs & Wishes (SU); Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento); Paper: White Heavy weight (GinaK), Basic Black, glossy white, Tempting Turquiose, Vellum paper; Accessories: black eyelets (SU), fringe, Sunburst Border punch (Fiskars).

Here is the original card that became a Mother's Day card. There is a lot of shimmer to this card. The butterflies are from Take Flight by GinaK, and were stamped on shimmery c/s (SU) then colored with Copics, after which I colored over them with my clear atyou Spica pen. I cut them out cutting off the antennea. The sentiment layer was stamped (SU retired, All Year Cheer ?#?) then I stippled on Green Galore and Lovely Lilac, then smooshed Platinum Planet (Brilliance) over the top. Oh, I edged the Label One with my black marker (SU) before smooshing and realized too late that the Platinum Planet would lift the black marker so I had to be very careful! I added some flat-back pearls and adhered the label to the stamped background (Canvas, SU) and stamped the butterflies again. I used glue dots to attach the butterflies over the stamped plain butterflies on the body only and left the wings free.


Stamps: Take Flight (GinaK), All Year Cheer & Canvas (SU); Ink: London Fog, Tuxedo Black (Memento), Platinum Planet (Brilliance), Green Galore, Lovely Lilac, various Copic Markers, Clear atyou Spica (Copic), Basic Black Marker; Paper: Basic Black, Sky Blue, Whisper White, Shimmery White; Accessories: pearls, Label One (Nestabilities), stipple brush.

Jack

I have actually had him colored and sitting on my desk for about a week now. I just wasn't sure what to do with him. He is colored using my Copics. I just love those markers!

The background uses a Technique Junkies technique called Dragged Madras. Goodness it has been awhile since I used a TJ technique. It was actually a little more difficult than I imagined. I was able to cover some boo-boos under the main image. Speaking of images, meet Jack. He is a fairy from PMS (Paper Makeup Stamps). Having only a little boy I find myself looking for images that relate to boy things and Jack fits the bill!

This card is for two challenges, one is the sketch is from CPS. I love the simpleness of this sketch. Makes for a easy card. :)

clipped from cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com

Also, OCC's challenge this week is to use your favorite color combo! Having a boy I have grown to love blue and green. This card uses plenty of those two colors. :)

This card will go into Troy's lunch for a mid-day surprise. He has seen the image on my desk (and wanted it immediately) and has been waiting for me to give it to him.

Well, I have another image I have colored and just need to make a card of it. Must make a bday card for my MIL too. So I'd better get busy. :)

Stamps: Jack Fairy (PMS); Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento), Broken China & Peeled Paint (Distress Ink), Chocolate Chip Marker (edge of Label layer); Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White; Accesories: various Copic markers, Label Three, Scallop Edge punch (SU), White gel pen, sponge.

Artistic Outpost's Knight

I wanted to use this knight again from Artistic Outpost and I wanted to do the card sketch at CPS. This is what I came up with.


Yes, it looks like the scanner cut off the left edge but that truly is the sketch design! What I wish you could see better is the embossed white layer. I used a version of the Cuttlebug Highlights (a TJ technique) and used Brilliance Platinum Planet which adds a shimmery white color to the white (almost cream color.) I think it really dresses up the white space.

I really need to replenish my black brads because you can see I had difficulty coloring with my black Copic marker. They kept smudging and I marked up the lower left corner. I am thinking about tearing off this layer and redoing it, however my little sis' probably won't mind! She is deploying in April so I thought this apropriate since I think she deplays courage being a soldier!

Stamps: My Knight (Artistic Outpost), Ink: Craft Basic Black, Platinum Planet (Brilliance), Real Red, Clear Star gelly pen (Sukura); Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red; Accessories: CB & Folder, silver brads, sponge.

Copic Junkies Challenge

I recently joined a new Yahoo group called SNSS CopicJunkies. In a nutshell, this group is into Copics and places a Copic order each month. Our fearless leader, Korin of Sweet N Sassy Stamps, issued a challenge of posting some Copic projects this week-end. I was thus challenged to use this new stamp from Spiral Whisper called Wizard Dan. I bought this stamp after I saw Frances' card here.

First thing I want to point out about this card is that after my frustration of trying to blend my Copics on Very Vanilla yesterday I pulled out some of my pure luxury 120 lbs. card stock from GinaK. When I opened it up and pulled out a sheet (from the back) I immediately had to pull out a second sheet because it was sooooo think I thought the sheet was one of those cardboard sheets they put in to help the paper not bend. Well, the second sheet was just as thick!! It was also very smooth so I was a bit aprehensive about the ability to blend my Copics. Let me tell you this card stock was just awesome! I love my SU card stock, but I may never go back to Whisper White if I will be using my Copics! *gasp*

I am a bit disappointed that my scanner didn't catch all the subtle shading I did, but you can see some of it in his hat. If I were to name this card it would have to be something like Zindorf meets Copics! LOL! After I colored Dan I Zindorfed him (used my VersaMarker and clear embossed him). Then I used a couple of post-it notes to mask off the sky and brayered on Gable Green, then Green Galore, then added a bit of Glorious Green. I had an obvious Glorious Green line so I was able to hid it by sponging on the Glorious Green. I then masked the grass and started to brayer the sky Bashful Blue, then Ballet Blue (which also had a horrible line) and finally Night of Navy at the top. I went back and tried to sponge away the line like I had the green, but as you can see it really didn't go away. I toned it down well enough, but it is still there.

Oh, I used Basic Gray to add some shadow under Dan. I'm hoping Michelle (Zindorf) would be proud of me! LOL! You can definately see where I VersaMarked outside my lines. I need to slow down and be more careful. I thought about adding some Faith Dots around the Night of Navy layer but decided to paper pierce instead for a more subtle touch.

After I colored Dan I was scrolling through my 'card sketch' category in my Google Reader and came to MJ's technostamp card sketch #54. I had played along when this was the current sketch and really liked it and thought it would showcase Dan nicely so I used it for this card.

I used my Label One Nestie. The Bashful layer uses the Faux Felt from the latest Technique Junkies newsletter. I love how easy the technique is and adds such wonderful texture to my card. Since I will give this card to my own little Wizard I figured he will like the feel of the card. :) Five year-old boys do notice those types of things whereas 40-something men don't. ;)

Stamps: Wizard Dan (Spiral Whisper) Simple Sayings II (SU); Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Gable Green, Green Galore, Glorious Green, Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue, Night of Navy, Basic Gray, various Copic markers; Paper: Gable Green, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy; Pure Luxury (GinaK); Accessories: Label One Nestie, CB, sponge daubers, VersaMarker, Clear Detail Emboss Powder (SU), Crafter's Tool Kit (SU), heatgun, crimper.

CPS Challege

I really do enjoy being challenged. I decided to go for this week's CPS card challenge. I knew that I wanted to use my new Sweet N Sassy Stamp set Be Still. I needed a jumping off point in choosing my colors so I turned to SCS's color challenge: Old Olive, Creamy Caramel & Cameo Coral. Yes, Cameo Coral!! So two challenges in one card. I will share that while I was making this I was thinking about a boy in my DS's Kindergarten class that lost his father this week to an apparent heart attack. How heart breaking for this family.


The Creamy Caramel layer uses the faux felt technique from Technique Junkies. I did distress the edges a bit to also help soften that layer. I thought that it added a nice soft feel overall to the card. I tried to tone down the Cameo Coral by sponging Creamy Caramel around it. I used my new Rich Cocoa (Memento) ink to stamp both the sentiment and the deer. You've got to love 40% Hobby Lobby coupons! ;D

I colored the deer using my Copic markers on Very Vanilla c/s. Boy, I finally understand why Marianne doesn't recommend SU coated cardstock! It really didn't want to blend at all! I really worked on that bly sky. I used my Colorless Blender to make the spots on the deer's back.

Stamps: Be Still (SNSS); Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento), various Copic markers, Creamy Caramel; Paper: Old Olive, Creamy Caramel, Cameo Coral, Very Vanilla; Accessories: Label One Nestie, Oive grosgrain ribbon (SU), antique brass frame (SU), crimper.

Another CPS Submission

When I first uploaded my AI Duck I didn't realize I was entering it into the CPS contest. Well, since you can upload two cards I decided to try my hand at this sketch again. This time I wanted to try a new TJ technique called Background Burst. Only thing is that I didn't do it as a background. Oops! Sorry Pat! ;D The technique is actually the heart itself. Well, it was until I needed it to stand out more and I clear embossed the heart. I actually did a good bit of tinkering with this card. Here is the first rendition.


I used the heart from Gentler Times (SU retired). Now I don't have a fancy scallop heart punch. I actually used a trick to add the scallops around the edge. (I would LOVE to give credit, but now I can't find the source, if you know please let me know so I can include proper credit!) Basically you punch a scallop circle and then punch the inside out so you are left with a thin scallop border. Clip the scallop border and now you can add the scallops around any shape you want. Probably clear as mud! I've got to find that tutorial!

The flowers were painted with Shimmerz! I have seen this done several times and I love the look IRL. In fact, I think I prefer the flowers painted over painting an image! You can visit Shimmerz here. I added little pearl (generic) drew drops to the center of the flowers using my Mono Multi.

The base Old Olive has another stamp from the Gentler Times VersaMarked to add some depth and interest to that layer. The first card also uses VersaMark on the Lavendar Lace layer as it just needed "something". Famous last words, I know! You guessed it, I really wasn't happy with this card so I removed the Lavendar Lace layer and replaced it with Lavendar Lace with Swiss Dots embossed and swiped with Craft White for interest and texture. Please let me know what you think of this new card! This is the final version and what I have uploaded to the CPS contest.
Stamps: Gentler Times (SU, retired); Ink: Craft White, VersaMark; Paper: Old Olive, Lavender Lace, Elegant Eggplant; Accessories: Prima Flowers, Shimmerz: Cleery, Lilac & Opal; Scallop circle punch (SU), Colozzle circle (to cut out the center of scallop punch), Swiss Lace folder, CB, pearl dew drops, chalks (SU).

The Fairy and the Butterfly

I'm sure you've all heard of Jen de Muro's blog tart (if not just click on the link.) Well, I've been thinkin' and thinkin' (feelin' like Whinny the Poo here) about the card to send. I'm sure it shouldn't have been this difficult! LOL! I wanted to use this new stamp set I bought from Treehouse Stamps called Beautiful Fairies (Inkadinkado). (To see Ashley's Fairy go here.)

I just love fairies, butterflies and unicorns. I guess the idea of being able to fly freely and the touch of the magical intrigue me. Anyway, about the card. The blue and green background was a Technique Junkie background called Color Pop (Dec 08- Jan 09 issue) that I had lying around and I loved the colors (Bashful Blue & Sage Shaddow.) I didn't want to use white so I went with Blush Blossom and stamped my fairy with Tuxedo Black (Momento) and heat set (because my COPIC started to smudge the ink.) The wings have two different Stickles colors. I used my largest scallop oval and sponged around using both Bashful Blue and Sage Shaddow. The the butterfly was punched with my Martha Stewart butterfly punch, then I used three colors of Stickles, (two were Distress stickles.) I rolled up a mini glue dot and placed it under the body of the butterfly to adhere it to the card, but still allow the wings to be free.



I really like how this turned out. I am keeping it sentiment-less so that the University can use it however they need to.

Stamps: Beautiful Fairies (inkadinkado); Ink: Tuxedo Black (Momento), various COPICs, Sage Shaddow, Bashful Blue; Paper: Blush Blossom, glossy, vellum; Accessories: corner rounder (SU), glue, reinkers, sponge, Stickles, butterfly punch, Scallop oval nestiblilites, CB.

Harlequin Thanks

I posted this card to the TJ yahoo group but forgot to post it here. I needed a thank you card to a luncheon I attended hosted by my Husband's senior rater. This gal is so very sweet so I wanted something nice AND I wanted to use my new Harlequin Flowers set.

I used an Alcohol Ink technique from Technique Junkies and came up with this. I liked it but I thought it needed something I just couldn't figure out what. BTW, I colored silver brads with a Copic marker to get the color.

After I sent out a distress call to the TJ group I went with the suggestion of adding a sentiment. The brads are holding a sheet of acetate in place and the "Tender Thoughts" is stamped on top.

Well, what do you think? Is it the right finishing touch?

Stamps: Harlequin Flowers, Natures Silhouette I (ISC), Ink: Staz-On Black, various alcohol inks (Ranger), Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Whisper White; Accessories: acetate, paint brush, brads, 1/16th hole punch, Copic marker to color brads.

I haven't stamped in ages until this week-end, and that really because I had to. I've been bogged down with finishing a project for the volunteer position for my Officer Spouses' Club. I'm nearly finished so I hope to be back stamping soon. I will post the quick little projects I worked on this week-end, (one of which is my son's work.)

Camo Knight

A quick note. I received my Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad from Pez-A-Doodle and had to try it out. I used it on both of these cards. Result? No smearing while I was using my COPIC markers! I like the blackness (as apposed to the purple tinge of some blacks.) and the coverage was really good, not splotchy or light. It worked great! This may just become my favorite black ink pad, replacing my Black Onxy by VersaFine. Now, on to the cards!

I really like this Camouflage technique! Troy was invited to a dual birthday party on Saturday. The party was for a boy and a girl, both live in our neighborhood. So I needed two cards. Since I had already this finished Camo background I used it with this new knight stamp set I have from Sweet & Sassy Stamps.

Stamps: Knight in Shining Armor (S&SS); Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Paper: Old Olive, Sahara Sand, Going Gray; Accessories: brads (SU), COPIC markers, bleach, cotton ball.

For the girl's card I reached for my Dreams & Dragons (SU). It is quick and simple. I love being able to use my Nestabilities to make quick layers.

Stamps: Dreams & Dragons (SU), Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento); Paper: Pixie Pink, Whisper White; Accessories: Nestabilities, COPIC markers.

I just thought I'd take a moment to show a picture of my son today. He stayed home from school because his stomach hurt. Good thing I decided to go ahead and keep him home, he was sick. He very rarely ever gets sick like this. He asked to take a nap, but didn't want to go up to his room so I put the blanket over him, leaving a peeking hole so he could continue to watch TV. He didn't last too long before he was out. Hopefully, he'll be feeling a lot better in the morning.

TJ Just One Shimmer Resist

I had made this for a TJ Just One swap. My partner has received her card so I thought I'd go ahead and post it. I really love this technique, it always seems to come out so elegant. Since it has been awhile (and I didn't write down the recipe) I'll have to try to remember everything. :)

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Baroque Motifs (SU); Ink: Groovy Guava, CRAFT White, Onxy Black (VersaFine); Paper: Goovy Guava, Basic Black, Appricot Appeal; Accessories: Perfect Pearls, spray bottle, pearls, Nestabilities, Ticket Courner punch (SU), Organdy & Grosgrain ribbons.

So Far Away Camo

I have had in mind to try this new TJ technique (called Camouflage) with this new stamp set So Far Away from Firecracker Designs by Pamela (FDP).  I saw this stamp and just fell in love with it.  The set has some wonderful sentiments that allow you to tailor your card many different ways.  Pamela is a Junkie as well and offers a special discount to TJ members, so I jumped on the wagon and bought this set.  Thanks Pamela!

The easy part was doing the technique and embossing the soldier stamp on the c/s.  I decided to layer onto Basic Black and again on Chocolate Chip.  Then was stumped.  Then I decided to go with the flow of the stamped image and round the corners at the top and I put the brass brads at the bottom corners.  Then I was really stumped because it just didn't look finished.  I decided to add the brass eyelets and then leave it alone! 

I have a friend who's husband recently left for a six month deployment.  I think I'll send this to him.

Stamps: So Far Away (FCD); Ink: CRAFT Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip; Paper: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Handsome Hunter; Accessories: bleach, Basic Black MARKER, CAD, 1/16th hole punch, brads, eyelets, Detail Black EP, heat gun, corner rounder (SU).