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.

Father & Son & 50% Off Promotion Code

I just had to use one of my brand new stamp sets. Here is Father & Son from Artful Inkables. This set is currently 50% off! Kristin has a number of other stamp sets for 50% off until the end of the month. Run, do not walk to her website and check out her awesome sell!! (Not affiliated just an extremely satisfied friend/customer!) Just make sure to use the promotion code: 50% off to get the discount.

This card combines SCS color challenge CC202 and Techno Stamper's sketch challenge #54. I just realized as I was typing up the recipe that I forgot the Regal Rose for the color challenge. Oops! Well, I'll leave it since I'm pretty sure that if DH thought purple wasn't masculine he'll think even less of Regal Rose. LOL!

Stamps: Father & Son (AI), Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Bravo Burgundy; Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive, Whisper White; Accessories: CB & Folder, sponge, Large Oval, Large Scallop Oval, Label One Nesties.

My Little Fox

I haven't done one of MJ's Monday Lunchtime sketches in ages, but I wanted to get back in the swing of things, it just took me a little longer than I expected to finish this card. Ever have have a couple of "it has to be this way" parts to your card that seem to hinder putting it together? That was this card.

I knew I wanted to use Foxy (isn't he just darling?) that I bought from Tree House Stamps. He was from their $1 spot and is about 2.75 x 2.75 inches! My maiden name is Fox so I just have a soft spot for foxes. :) I decided to send this card to my Dad for his birthday later this month, so I wanted a masculine card.


I also knew I wanted to use MJ's sketch #51. It looked like fun, so the challenge was on! I received the Labels One from my wonderful MIL as a Christmas present so I HAD to use that as well. I thought it would work so well as the focal point in this sketch. I knew that this Ginger Blossom (SU) would coordinate beautifully, so that was a must-have.

It was that layer beneath the fox that I struggled with for two days! This warm chocolate ribbon finally called loud enough for me to find him! LOL! I wanted teh fox layer up a bit but not as much as a pop dot, so I double layered my mini glue dots. I added the buttons to finish off the sketch and whew! Finally! :D

Stamps: Foxy (Treehouse); Ink: Tuxedo Black (Momento), various COPIC Markers; Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Ginger Blossom DP (SU); Accessories: buttons (SU), Labels One Nestabilities, Paper Piercer (SU), ribbon (American Crafts).

ISC Tag

ISCC16 is to alter a tag using a Tim Holtz technique. Tim is sooo incredible talented and creative that I am always a bit intimidated to try one of his techniques. David is out of town for a couple of days so I charged ahead to distract myself. I decided to use this technique. He doesn't name his techniques so he just labels it July Technique Challenge. I know I've seen versions of this technique around, it is basically a resist technique. It is the first time that I have used my craft iron and melted the embossing powder from my c/s. I also used some grunge board! Orginally, I used the Ranger Archival ink BUT I just don't care for how it turned out so I used my SAMJ and restamped in Onxy Black and embossed to help the writing to stand out more. Much better! Without further adu:
Stamps: Natures Sillhouette I, Friendship, Marvels of Nature (ISC); Ink: VersaMark, Onxy Black (VersaFine); Paper: Whisper White; Accessories: Black Detail EP, packing paper (to use to lift the heated EP), grunge board, crackle paint; Color Wash: Eggplant, Bottle, Cranberry.

I wanted to try MJ's TechnoStamper's card sketch #40 and decided that my tag would be a perfect fit. I did make this card larger than my usual A2 to fit my tag. For the embellishment I used my CB and cut a butterfly from acetate and used one of the butterfly folder to emboss the butterfly. Then I colored the acetate with alcohol inks to match the colorwash sprays I used on the tag. I used a mini black brad to attach it to the tag. This type of work is so outside of my comfort zone. Now the question is, who do I send this to? :)

Stamps: Natures Sillhouette I, Friendship, Marvels of Nature (ISC); Ink: VersaMark, Onxy Black (VersaFine); Paper: Handsome Hunter, Wild Asperagus DP, Whisper White; Accessories: Black Detail EP, packing paper (to use to lift the heated EP), grunge board, crackle paint; Color Wash: Eggplant, Bottle, Cranberry, CB Butterfly die & folder, acetate, alcohol ink: Stream, Bottle, Wild Plum, mini black brad.

Heart to Heart Thanks

I'm pretty sure everyone that is into paper craft blogs as seen Cammie's blog candy. Wow! Truly an amazing blog candy at that, $1,000 worth of crafting goodies! I think what Cammie is doing to honor her grandmother is such an incredible testament to her love for her grandmother.

Ever have one of those cards where you think you are all finished but when you see the card on your screen to upload somewhere you notice just how it isn't quite finished? Well, that was this card for me. Just to show you, here is the first scan.


That long layer is just polished stone technique. I hadn't done it in so long that I thought I'd use it here. Also, this is MJ's Techno Stamper's Sketch #36 for this week. What a great sketch! I just bought that CB folder at Hobby Lobby a week ago and was dying to use it. So as you can see, it is just okay. Nothing jumps out at you about this card.

First I added another layer of Not Quite Navy under the main layer, that helped a good bit. But that Polished layer still needed something. So I started looking through my silhouette stamps and came upon this one from ISC's Nature's Silhouette I. Because of the glossy cardstock I didn't get a perfect image (some of the silver showed through and I didn't like it that way) I used my Copic black marker and colored it in. Without further adu:


Stamps: Nature's Silhouette (ISC) So Many Sayings (SU); Ink: Black Staz-On, Basic Black Marker (sentiment), Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Encoure Silver Refills; Paper: Not Quite Navy, Soft Sky, Glossy; Accessories: Large Oval Punch (SU), Birds & Swirls CB Folder.

Cowboy Howdy!

Wow, two posts in one day! Something must be wrong with me! ;)

I have a nephew's birthday coming up soon and my DS has a birthday party to go to this week-end. So I need two little boy birthday cards. I have been wanting to use my Lizzie Anne Designs blog candy I won awhile back from Rose Ann. This cute little cowboy and this sentiment are just perfect for those boy cards that I struggle with!

It has been quite awhile since I have participated in one of MJ's TechnoStamper's sketch challenge, but here is my submission for #34.

There really isn't much mystery here. The designer paper is some old SU! Outlaw paper. I used my SU markers to color in the little guy. I used my SU distresser on the edges and sponged with Creamy Caramel. The strip under the sentiment is a "faux" ribbon, so in other words it is just a strip of Chocolate Chip cardstock cut about the width of SU grosgrain ribbon. I was afraid that real ribbon wouldn't look boyish enough. *eyeroll* The scallop rectangle is one of my Marvy punches that is soooo hard to punch I litterally have to step on it.

So overall it was pretty simple, but I like it. I need to work abit on my coloring. It has been sooo long since I've really colored anything. I did try to ground him a little and there is some shading on his hat . . . . .

Stamps: Cowboy, Howdy (both Lizzie Anne Designs); Ink: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel; Paper: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Outlaw DP; Accessories: SU Markers, rectagle scallop punch (Marvy), distresser (SU).

Why Am I Stamping Instead of Packing?

Yes, you read that right! My DS and I fly in the morning and I haven't finished packing yet! BUT. . . . today I received my FREE Innovative Stamp Creations stamp that I won on their blog and I looked at it longingly, thinking I wouldn't be able to play until I returned. Well, I HAD to have a Father's Day Card to take with me since we will be with DH all next week, vacationing in the beautiful State of Virginia (okay, its a commonweath, whatever that means! LOL!). That led me to stamping instead of packing.

I remembered the Techno Stamper's Sketch Challenge #21 and decided to use it to make DH's card. I also remembered ISC's color challenge AND I had two stamp sets I wanted to use. One from Artistic Outpost, My Knight and the other my brand spanking new Nature's Silhouette I from ISC. So, TWO cards were born!

First is DH's card using the knight.

This is just a quick card with no real embellishments. I did use my brand new Nestabilities rectangles that I bought at the Gateway Rubber Stamp Getaway this past week-end. Since this is going to a man and I know his appreciation level of hand made cards I didn't feel pressure to dress it up any more than I did.

Stamps: My Knight (Artistic Outpost); Ink: Onyx Black (VersaFine), Basic Black Marker (SU), VersaMarker; Paper: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Basic Black and Cool Caribbean; Accessories: Nestabilities Large Rectangle, Cuttlebug, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.

Now for my next card using the Nature's Silhouette I I used the same sketch just changed up the stamps and used a larger Nestabilities rectangle, added some pearls (bought at Archivers) and distressed some of the edges. I did increase the size of the middle layers slightly, which allowed me to use the larger rectangle.


Stamps: Natures Silhouette I (ISC); Ink: Onyx Black (VersaFine), Basic Black Marker (SU); Paper: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Basic Black and Cool Caribbean; Accessories: Nestabilities Large Rectangle, Cuttlebug, Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, distresser (SU), Pearls.

Now off to pack I go!

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.

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.

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.

Flourish Fairy

I recently found a stamp company, Stamp Francisco, and NEEDED to purchase a few stamps. I needed a Thank you card and decided to use some of the stamps that arrived today with Technostamper's Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge #13 and used SCS's Color Challenge #162. To add to all that, I used two TJ techniques, Cracked Glass and Aged Tiles. Whew!

I don't think you can see it, but I added a sprinkle of Iridescent Ice EP to the "Cracked Glass" to give some sparkle.

This looks so pink! Ack! The colors are Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom and Basic Gray. Just looking at it now, I think it needs some more embellishments, perhaps some pearly thingies in the lower right???? Maybe??? I'll take a look at it again in the morning, perhaps it will look better to me after a few hours of sleep. :) Hopefully, we won't have another earthquake to wake me up at 4:30 in the morning again!

Stamps: Flourish B/g, Fairy Blowing Kiss (Stamp Francisco) Define Your Life (SU); Ink: Blush Blossom, Groovy Guava, Basic Gray; Paper: Blush Blossom, Groovy Guava, Basic Gray; Accessories: Tag punch, Clear Embossing Powder, (sprinkle of) Iridescent Ice, sponge dauber.

Walnut Birthday

I decided to mix the Technostamper's Challenge #11 with the TJ Walnut Ink Resist technique to make a birthday card for DH. Although his birthday isn't for another week, he leaves for 10 weeks on Saturday so we are celebrating tomorrow.

I meant to stamp the bottom "happy birthday" right side up, but oops! LOL! I sure hope this is masculine enough for him! *eyeroll* This is for the guy that thinks purple isn't masculine. I don't think I could have used any more masculine colors than this! Tip: I stamped and embossed the leaves then punched them out. So much easier to do it this way then try to center the leaf after your card stock is punched.

Stamps: Weathered B/G, It's Your Birthday, With Gratitude; Ink: CRAFT Very Vanilla, VersaMark, Walnut Ink; Paper: Really Rust, Basic Black, Very Vanilla; Accessories: Spiral punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" square punches, Vanilla EP.

March Class Projects

Well, it has been one of those week's and I've not had any chance to stamp for just me! I did complete two cards for my class this week and here they are.

This first one was born from my desire to use Technostampers' sketch challenge #8 and I wanted to use a new stamp set from the Occasion's Mini. I think that this is one of my favorite stamp sets! I love the elegance of it! The sentiment is a little amiss because it is a single line stamp and I used my marker to color one part at a time per line and use my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to line it up. After I stamped, then I punched! ;) The center image is black embossed with detail black EP and I forgot to use my embossing buddy and you can really tell. That Afternoon Tea DS paper is just so yummy!

I was inspired by girl3boys0 on SCS, here. As you can see, I used the same layout, just changed up the colors and stamped image. I used Porcelain Prints DS paper for the top layer, I find myself using this DS paper frequently as I really like the soft elegance. I showcased the SAB rub-ons. They are soooo very easy to use and are so sharp on both the DS paper and the textured c/s.

The bottom panel is some paper from my Pallet O'Prints. I am still using that up! You can earn some similar paper by hosting a workshop (or placing an order) that qualifies for a level one hostess item. The Prints Pack designer Series Paper (111827) is on page 19 of the Spring-Summer Collection 2008 catalog.

1st Card: Stamps: Essence of Love; Ink: CRAFT & Marker Basic Black; Paper: Basic Black, Groovy Guava, Afternoon Tea DS Paper; Accessories: Detail Black Emboss Powder, small & large oval punches.

2nd Card: Stamps: Friendship Blooms; Ink: Basic Black, Almost Artichoke (sponging); Paper: Almost Artichoke (base and Textured for the strip across the middle), Pallet O'Prints, Porcelain Prints DS Paper; Accessories: Rub-Ons, ExactO knife and cutting mat, sponge.

Aged Gratitude

We will be busy this week-end. We have two promotion parties to attend and a wedding. So there goes the entire week-end! The promotion parties are Friday and Saturday evenings. So I volunteered to make congrats cards for the men getting promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Here is the card for the first one. I used the Shimmery Metallic Background Technique (aka: Faux Aged Metal) found on the Artistic Outpost website. I also used Technostamper's Sketch Challenge #7.
I used alcohol inks on the background, trying to use colors close to SCS Color Combo Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate and So Saffron. In the end they kind of muddied up so there is some brownish color to it. I did like this because it gives it a coppery feel.

Even though it is a bit of work (not difficult at all) I think the Faux Aged Metal is totally worth it. I think it lends masculinity to this card so that even though it has ribbon on it, it isn't a feminine card. I did a second piece of Faux Aged Metal for the second card so I'll work on that tomorrow. Today was another Snow Day so hopefully Troy will go back to pre-school tomorrow and I'll have some time to sit down UNINTERRUPTED and finished the second piece! LOL!

Stamps: With Gratitude, Weathered; Ink: Adirondack: Butterscotch, Bottle, Raisin, Silver, CRAFT Basic Black, StazOn, Classic Basic Black; Paper: Really Rust, Mellow Moss (the Weathered layer), Basic Black; Accessories: misc. c/s to back aluminum foil, acetate,
1/16th punch, brads, black grosgrain ribbon, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" square punches, Black Detail EP, Cuttlebug folder.

Technostamper Sketch #6

It is funny how the creative process can work sometimes. Last night I was working on a technique from the latest TJ newsletter. I was working with Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery and Brocade Blue for the Pouncing technique. Today I decided to make a card for the Technostamper Sketch #6 and somehow the Wild Wassbi and Certainly Celery cardstock I had been planning on using for the pouncing card mossied over when I started working on this sketch. I think my early intention was to use the pouncing pieces I had done with this sketch, but that never happened. Instead, this is what I ended up with.

I stamped the flower using Basic Grey because I didn't want the outline to be as bold as it would be if I used Black, I wanted a more subtle line plus I wanted something that wouldn't run when I water colored it. I used the Giga scallop circle to punch out around the flower as well as a Basic Black to layer under the white. I like how the black just shows because it is "off centered" and adds some subtle dimension to the white layer.

I used CRAFT White for the sentiment so that the flower wasn't the only white on the card, which would make it too bright. (I may even use my white gel pen to color in the word "friends" to add some more bold white.)

I layered the two ribbons together, using a line of adhesive on the double stitched Wasabi to stick to the wide grograin. I then snipped the ends to have two "tails" (is there an official name for this?)

I have seen several people use a 1/8" circle punch to punch out the little circles inside the flower and I really liked the idea so I did that here. I only did the white layer so the black shows through. With the very center circle I punched through both layers so the Wasabi shows through. I think I shouldn't have gone through both, I think that black would have looked better. Oh well. You can't win them all! LOL!

Stamps: Time Well Spent; Ink: Basic Grey, So Saffron, More Mustard, CRAFT White; Paper: Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, Whisper White, Pallet O'Prints; Accessories: Aquapainter, Giga Scallop Circle, Certainly Celery Wide Grosgrain, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched ribbon, 1/8" circle punch.

Techostamper's Card Sketch #5

Tuesday night I attending our Army Spouse's monthly coffee. Although we are stationed here at Scott Air Force Base we have a nice size group of Army spouses and our monthly get-togethers are always so much fun! This month the two gals hostessing treated us to a spa night. I painted my nails, ate some yummy food and walked away with some Amish Friendship Bread (I think the name of it is anyway). I'm not familiar with this bread so I'm following the directions carefully! LOL!

I say all that because I needed a couple of thank you cards for these two gals. Of course I could go to my extra card storage box, but what fun would that be? Those should only be used for emergency use only! I decided to use MJ's Monday Lunch Sketch. I went to SCS to look for some color inspiration and picked CC127. This color challenge uses Blue Bayou, Chocolate Chip and Sahara Sand. I also decided to use a TJ technique. Well, in trying to come up with something meeting all these criteria I lost the Sahara Sand because I decided to use the Rainbow Double technique that requires glossy cardstock. *sigh* I guess you can't win them all! LOL!

Although both cards are nearly identical there is one obvious difference. On one I used black velvet ric-rac and the other I used Blue Bayou tabs using the word window punch. Here is the first one, using the velvet ric-rac.
I love the feel of the velvet ric-rac! (I bought some from here at All That Scraps! Shhh, any order of $10 or more gets FREE shipping! Yikes, once she realizes what a great deal that is she may up the order amount! LOL!) I thought that the ric-rac (lovely as it is) distracts from the rest of the card. On the second card I tried to coordinate that lower right corner and decided to add these tabs of Blue Bayou, but they needed something. Brads and eyelets did not feel right so I decided to (finally) mount my All In A Row stamp set so I could use that row that looks like stitching. Both cards scanned a little crooked and the spectrum pad is a bit darker, so they do look better IRL.

I'm not sure that I am satisfied with this card either, but I need to get these out the door to thank the two gals for the wonderful evening we had.

Stamps: Both: Priceless, 2nd also uses All In A Row; Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black, Pumpkin Patch Spectrum pad; Paper: Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Glossy; Accessories: Detail Black EP, heat gun, grid cutting mat & hobby blade, 1st card: black ric-rac, 2nd card: Word Window Punch and Stamp-A-ma-jig.

Happy Valentine's Day

I was thinking this morning about wrapping up Troy's gifts for his teacher and her assistant. I like to match the wrapping paper with the gift so I thought I'd show what I did for them. I used two layers of tissue paper, but only wheeled one. (If I only sued one layer of tissue it would be a little too thin and you can see through.)


I prefer to use wheels because they are so QUICK and EASY! If you aren't familiar with stamping wheels here is a picture of a handle, ink cartridge and the wheel itself.

All you do is place the cartridge into the handle ensuring that you push it down until it snaps into place. Next place the wheel into the top of the handle. Make sure you snap it all the way in so it will spin easily. Now push the cartridge up so that it just touches the wheel and inks the wheel while it turns. Then wheel away! I normally wheel on a diagonal because the eye is less likely to notice any mistakes like lines that aren't perfectly straight. Stampin' Up! does sell a wheel guide which really helps keep you rolling straight.

Now if I can brag a little and show a picture of Troy and his pre-school teacher. She is just a great teacher and handles the children (all 20 of them) superbly! Troy and I found a "Hoppy Valentines' Day" t-shirt at The Children's Store and of course he had to have it! Why they would make or market a t-shirt for Valentines day when it is cold outside is beyond me!


Here is a picture of my Valentine's card for DH. I love this stamp by Stampin' Up! and have used for numerous anniversary and Valentine's day cards! Yes, these are non-traditional colors for Valentine's Day but I chose them because they coordinated with the colors I used in the couple layer. The couple layer uses the Opalite Color Infusion technique in the current Technique Junkies Newsletter. This card looks so much better IRL where you can see the shimmer. I used the layout for this week's Technostamper's sketch. I used a retired background stamp On The Spot because I think if you use a little imagination it can look like fireworks going off! Isn't that what every couple needs is some fireworks! ;)


Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day! Give the ones you love an extra big hug!

Stamps: On The Spot, Weathered, Summer By The Sea; Ink: Staz-On Black, various Classic SU, Opalite: Artic Emerald & Winter Rust, White gel pen; Paper: More Mustard, Garden Green, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: sponges, Crafters' Tool kit (paper piercer & mat, template).

Opalite Merci

Here is a card I did this afternoon. Let me tell you, using a sketch is soooo helpful! It probably took me half the time that I normally would need to compete this card. It started when I saw Pat's card and decided I wanted to play along with technostampers' sketch challenge. Mary Jo has started these sketch challenges on Monday. You can see this week's sketch on her blog here.

After I saw Pat's card and decided to jump on board I also wanted to use some of my new Stampin' Up! designer paper Porcelain Prints, I wanted to use my new Sale-A-Bration (SAB) stamp set Merci, AND I wanted to use a technique from the newest Technique Junkies Newsletter. Whew! Here is what I came up with.


Yes, the "merci" is stamped a little crooked, but I really didn't feel like redoing it. I think it adds some personality to the card, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! It is probably hard to tell, but the layers with the bee has the Opalite Color Infusion. I like the shimmer that it creates! If I were to do this card again, I think I'd stamp the canvas on the Bashful Blue layer.

Stamps: Merci, Ink: Staz-On Black, Basic Black CRAFT, Summer Sun (bee) and Blue Bayou (wings), Arctic Emerald Opalite; Paper: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, River Rock and Porcelain Prints DP; Accessories: Slit punch (scallop top), scallop punch, Black EP, Black eyelets.