Friday, January 30, 2015

Class Day 5 and Spellbinding Stamps

I created several projects today and was quite busy!  First on the list were new inking techniques in today's Onlinecardclasses.com.  I tried the DIY Inkpad technique by Laura Bassen with some beautiful inks in shades of lavender, light blue and turquoise.  Since it's heart and love season, I used a heart border from one of my stamp sets.


The sentiment is from a stamp set found at Orientaltrading.com.  The embellishments were gifts and unfortunately I'm not sure where they came from.

Another card I created using a gorgeous stamp by Nikki Burnette.  Her artwork is simply stunning and you must view her work!  I don't think her Facebook page gets as much love as it deserves, so I will be helping to color one of her images she posts each month this year.  So jealous of your talent Nikki!  (and keep up the wonderful work!)    :)


Supplies used: 
  • 65lb card stock by Pacon Creative Products 
  • Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann 
  • Recollections Gold Embossing Powder 
  • I heart you stamp set from American Crafts
  • Stackable ink squares from Tuesday Morning
  • foam tape from Orientaltrading.com
  • Thank you stamp set from Orientaltrading.com 
  • Staz On jet black ink
  • Embellishments

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Faux Embossing

I have never heard of faux embossing...until today!  Watching Yana Smakula do this clean and simple technique really inspired me.  I dug through my die stash and found some beautiful ones to create my own faux embossed background using die cuts.



I used a little maroon card stock to add some color along with the gold embossing powder.  Sweet and simple!

Supplies I used:
  • Spellbinders Shapeabilities Butterflies
  • Stampabilities gold ink
  • Spellbinders Shapeabilities "Damask Accents"
  • 65lb card stock by Pacon Creative Products
  • Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann
  • Embellishments are tiny nail art sequins  
  • Hello Gorgeous stamp found in Michael's clearance section 
  • Recollections Gold Embossing Powder 

Last Chance: Buy 3 Get 1 Free AND Free Shipping!

Last chance to order Jamberry nail wraps from my party! 

There is currently a special: All Buy 3 Get 1 Free orders ship FREE! 

Party will close Sunday Feb 1st. Click the link below to visit the party page. Shopping link is at the top of page description. Have fun! 
Facebook event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1398135773817676/


Go directly to shopping link for Annie's Party:  You are invited to Annie's Party

Enjoy and thank you for your support!  :)  <3


Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Velveteen Stamping

Karolyn Loncon uses this technique by combining white pigment ink with beautiful colored dye inks to create a patterned resist effect on her stamped images.  I was so inspired watching her latest creation and had to try it myself!  I used white pigment ink on the background with brown Distress Ink on top for the images.


I love the way this turned out even though I only used one color of ink.  (My supply is very limited living in only 400 square feet...and was able to use supplies I had on hand.) This would look amazing with different colored dye inks on top!

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:  -Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge--In the Clouds,  -The Crafter's Cafe Challenge
-Crafting for All SeasonsCrafty Gal's Corner,
-Double Click- and check out her store's cute embellishments called Double Click Skittles! (winner chosen Feb 7th)
-Fresh Brewed Designs
-Inspiration Destination 
-Miriam's Crafting
**Mod Squad Challenge **
-Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge 
-Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge  
Simon Says Stamp Official Blog Work it Wednesday
-Kraftin' Kimmy Stamps

Supplies used:
  •  I heart you stamp set from American Crafts
  • My Minds Eye Fine and dandy True Blue stamp set
  • Heidi Swapp background stamp from Michael's
  • 65lb card stock by Pacon Creative Products
  • Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo
  • Colored pigment ink squares from Tuesday Morning
  • foam tape from Orientaltrading.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Playing with a border die

Day 2 of my online card classes and I'm playing with border dies!  Well actually... I only own one at the moment, which I found in my Spellbinders Shapeabilities Damask Accents package.  I first painted a 4x6" piece of 140lb watercolor paper with red and yellow watercolors.  I love how it blends in the middle for a slight touch of orange!


I ran the top and bottom of the watercolor piece through my Cuttlebug and adhered the pieces to white cardstock, but spaced out a little bit. The two fine detail pieces are attached to the cardstock using a Zig 2 way glue pen and the two larger pieces have foam tape behind them to make them pop!


Items I used for this project:
  • Spellbinders Shapeabilities "Damask Accents"
  • Simply Art 36 Watercolor Set from Joanne's
  • I heart you stamp set from American Crafts
  • Red Glitter gel pen from American Crafts
  • Zig 2 way glue pen
  • foam tape from Orientaltrading.com
  • Master's Touch Fine Art Studio 140lb watercolor paper
  • Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann
I'm entering this card into these challenges:  -Crafty Sentiments Design
-Just Inspirational 
-Papertake Weekly = Warm colors theme
-Through the Craft Room Door

Monday, January 26, 2015

Learning From Mistakes

Today I started a wonderful online class at OnlineCardClasses.com  The new technique I was trying to accomplish was a background in different colors using gold (one of my favorite colors!) and silver embossing powder.  I was supposed to use stamping masking tape (they recommend Inkadinkado's version) but I didn't have any.  I tried using decorative tape from the dollar store, and...


 needless to say, it didn't work very well!  You can see where the cardstock tore in the center and applying distress ink over the top did not help to cover it at all lol.   (next 2 photos below...I messed up big-time on this one)



So that is what NOT to do!  

To remedy, I used washi tape (bought directly from Japan) on black cardstock.  The actual washi tape did not tear the card stock; however, it did leave a little sticky residue. You can see it where I masked off the silver portion.  



To be honest, it didn't come out half bad though!  (The second attempt anyway!) I love these 2 colors on black card stock. I used a silver glitter pen with a ruler to make lines above and below the sentiment.  Inked the edges of the black card stock with gold ink and applied foam tape to give a little dimension against the maroon card base.  My goal was a gender neutral Valentine's Day card and I love the way this turned out! Perfect for a guy or girl!


I am entering this card into the following challenges: 
 -Blessings Ink
-Penny Black and More Challenge 
-That Craft Place 
My Sheri Crafts 
-Art Impressions Stamps
-Red Rubber Inspirationals 
-Scrap and Craft Inspiration
-Time Out Challenge
-Card Mania Challenges
-Crafts Galore Encore 
Country View Challenge
-Crafting Musketeers 
-Natalie and Amy
-Noor! Design 
-Seema Crafts
Sparkles Forum Challenges
-Sisters of Craft
**Scrapbook Place-SBP Challenge Blog**
-One Sweet Challenge 
-Pile It On Challenge 
-Cheerful Stamp Pad Challenge 
-Sentimental Sundays 
Laurelcraft Dragonfly Dreams Challenge 
-Crafty Gals Corner Challenge
-Inspiration Destination 
-Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge 
-Scrapper's Delights Challenge 
-Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge 
Simon Says Stamp Work it Wednesday January 2015
-Fresh Brewed Designs


Items I used today include:
  • Foam tape from Orientaltrading.com
  • Versamark embossing ink
  • Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann
  • Fiskars Latte Love clear stamp set
  • Heidi Swapp 5.5" x 5.5" background stamp bought at Michael's
  • Silver glitter pen by American Crafts
  • Stampabilities gold ink
 

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Valentine's Card #1 - 2015

I enjoy making card's for Valentine's Day and here is the first one for 2015!  The background was made with red acrylic paint on white cardstock.  I have some 12x12 Die-cut pages for scrapbooking by Martha Stewart and decided to use one as a stencil. The 2nd layer was embossed with my Cuttlebug. The top pink layer was stamped and embossed using some red glittery embossing tinsel!



This card will be entered in contests by -Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge,
-Penny Black and more challenge,
-Hiding in my Craft Room 
My Sheri Crafts 
-Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge 
We Do Doobadoo
Bunny Zoe's Crafts 
-Craft-Dee BowZ 
-Crafting from the Heart 
-Craft Your Passion 
-Crafty Boots Challenge
-Eureka Stamps 
-Not Just Cards
-The Crazy Challenge
-The Pink Elephant
Inky Chicks 
-Penny's Paper-Crafty  
DL Art 
D.R.S. Designs Rubber Stamps 
-Time Out Challenge


Items I used:
  •  Foam tape from Orientaltrading.com
  •  Staz on Jet Black Ink
  • Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann
  • Martha Stewart 12x12 Die-cut pages used as a stencil
  • Americana Acrylic in Calico Red
  • Cuttlebug folder = Paper Lace 2
  • Stampabilities gold ink
  • PDX Design Red Embossing Tinsel
  • Heidi Swapp stamps from Michaels
  • My favorite things stamps = large wood-print heart
  • Spellbinders Shapeabilities Butterflies
  • Holiday Ribbon from Hobby Lobby
  • Embellishments and red glittery gel pen by American Crafts

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Tea Staining on Lace and Birthday KISS card

 Made another KISS card today.  KISS = Keep It Simple Stamper.  A set of owl stamps from Hampton Art are one of my favorite sets.  The images looked cute stamped in colored pigment ink squares I found at Tuesday Morning!  This card is to help Bugaboo celebrate their 5th birthday!  Todays challenge was a color scheme. I liked the way these 2 shades of green paired with the pink ink hearts.



I also spent today dying some white/cream lace that I want to use for a future project.  The lace on the left seemed to have a protective layer and would not take the tea color (I soaked it for 30 minutes.)  Instead, I then put 8 drops of red food coloring and 5 drops of blue into 2 cups of warm water to make the shade of purple on the left.


I LOVE the color shade of the white lace I tea dyed on the right!  The tea I used: Lipton Green Tea Cranberry Pomegranate flavored.  I also soaked this one for 30 minutes and it came out beautifully! Now to decide which to use on my project featuring purple/pink roses....tough choice!  I will post pictures of my project when it is complete.
Items I used for card:

  •  Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann
  •  Hampton Art Owl Stamps (SC0191
  • Colored Pigment Ink Squares from Tuesday Morning 
  •  6"x6" Designer Paper Pad by Colorbox bought at WalMart

Monday, January 19, 2015

Birthday Card and My First KISS Card

Today was my first try at making a KISS card.  KISS stands for Keep It Simple Stamper!  I did just that with both of my cards today!


I found this lovely birthday cake image on Melly Moo's Papercrafting blog (link below) and thought it was perfect for a simple birthday card to help Bugaboo celebrate their 5th birthday! It was colored using inexpensive colored pencils and outlined in a blue glitter gel pen by American Crafts.  

I really enjoyed making the KISS card!  The small pigment ink squares from Tuesday Morning were perfect for this project with their vibrant colors. I used a permanent tape runner diagonally across the card and pressed some nail art glitter into it. Found the chunky glitter in the nail section of Dollar Tree! 8 beautiful colors were each in their own little plastic bottle and they fit nicely into the small drawers of an art cabinet on my work area. This card is also being entered into: -The Crafter's Cafe,  
-Simon Says Stamp Monday ChallengeWinter Stamping
-Craft Your Passion
-Through the Craft Room Door (TTCRD)
-Dream Valley Challenges 
-Sparkle N Sprinkle 
-Little Miss Muffet Challenge 

Other items I used for birthday card: (and winter sparkle card)
  •  Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann
  •  Deco Art Craft Twinkles Winter Glitter Paint Writter
  •  Hampton Art Owl Stamps (SC0191) birthday balloon
  •  Melly Moo Papercrafting Image (birthday cake) 
  • Colored Pigment Ink Squares from Tuesday Morning 
  • I used the above paper and ink for the Winter Sparkle card, along with a stamp set from OrientalTrading.com, some large glitter flakes I found in the nail decor section at my local Dollar Tree, and some tiny embellishments that were given as a gift.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

New Technique and New Baby Card

Tried another new technique this week.  I have an A4 size embossing folder (by Darice I believe) that looks like a tree trunk.  After embossing the paper I wanted to use Versamark ink on top of the emboss finished with gold embossing powder.

The paper I used was 65lb cardstock, but seemed fragile after running it through the Cuttlebug. Not sure if I used enough foam tape to support it. (lol!)



Items I used include:
  • Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann
  • Staz on Jet Black Ink
  •  Tim Holtz Distress Markers 
  •  Master's Touch Fine Art Studio 140lb watercolor paper
  •  Deco Art Craft Twinkles Winter Glitter Paint Writter
  •  Embellishments from Michael's--Heart sequins by Art Minds
  • Bic Mark It permanent marker in Woodsy Brown
  • My Mind's Eye True Blue Stamp Set (so sweet sentiment)
  • Hampton Art Owl Stamps (SC0191) 
  • Foam tape from Orientaltrading.com
  • Gold Embossing Powder by Recollections





This card was entered into challenges by -Sentimental Sundays,  -Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge, (both new beginnings) -Digi Design (Sparkle), -Natalie and Amy's Challenge, and -Polkadoodles (Case It).  I am casing my design off of Cindy Messer's adorable mouse birthday card.  She used 2 basic colors, pink and grey, and I love how it turned out!  I chose pink and brown.  I'm also participating in -Bugaboo Stamps 5th Birthday Bash. Bugaboo's challenge was to copy the following sketch (or layout) when making a card.






I did make a few mistakes on this card...but hopefully not noticeable!  If anyone has any tips/tricks for using this embossing technique, I am open to suggestions.  Learning and loving papercrafting! :)

Friday, January 16, 2015

It's a Guy Thing

This post from -Simon Says Stamp (my entry is #123) Wednesday Challenge gives me the perfect opportunity to share with you the card I created for my dad's birthday!  I found this stamp for only .99 cents at Scrapbook Clearance Outlet near Gatlinburg, TN. (and yes, it was a fun shopping trip!)  I also like the papers in The Latte Stack paper pad from Jo-Anns.  This cute gecko was colored using Distress Markers.


I have also entered this card into -Little Miss Muffet Challenges: Entry #21 Anything goes. 

Here are the supplies I used for this card:
  • Inkadinkado Rubber Stamps (the cute gecko/lizard)
  • TPC Studio Rubber Stamps
  • Tim Holtz Distress Markers
  • Master's Touch Fine Art Studio 140lb watercolor paper
  • The Latte Stack paper pad 6"x6" from Jo-Ann
  • Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann
  • Staz on Jet Black Ink
  • Stampabilities Gold Ink
  • Embellishments from Michael's

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Inky Background Card

Today I was inspired by a challenge I found on -Simon Says Stamp, which is...Challenge: Inky background. (my entry is #72!) This technique was achieved by putting Distress Inks on parchment paper and misting with water, followed by dipping a piece of watercolor paper into the ink. Love the effect!  Then used Distress markers directly on my flower image to stamp on top. 

This is a new technique for me (new stamp set as well!).  I have watched many YouTube videos of this technique and finally decided to try it for myself.  Love Distress Markers...I messed up in the corner, but used extra water to create grass and cover up my mistake. 
Also entered this card into -Fab 'n' Funky Challenges:  Entry #85  Something New. -The Crafter's Cafe: KISS Card (Keep It Simple Stamper) Entry #31

Items used include:
  • TPC Studio Rubber Stamps
  • Inkadinkado Rubber Stamps
  • Tim Holtz Distress Markers and Distress Ink pad squares
  • Brown Pigment ink pad squares from Tuesday Morning
  • Master's Touch Fine Art Studio 140lb watercolor paper
  • Core'dinations 65lb cardstock from Jo-Ann
  • Embellishments given as a gift, origin unknown.

  I also included images of the card inside as well as the stamp I include on the back of all my card creations. Hope you enjoyed this crafty inspiration! :)

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Winter Thank You Card

 My inspiration for this project was Winter Thank You cards.  January is when I send out all my Thank You cards for Christmas gifts.

I also discovered some new blogs who are hosting challenges!  This is the first time I'm entering one of my cards in an online challenge.


-Addicted to Stamps Challenge Blog:  MAKE YOUR MARK! Use anything you feel will make your mark on your project - Markers, pencils, chalks, paints, brushes, sponges, etc.
-ArtByMiran Challenge:  Entry #92  Anything goes
-Corrosive Challenge: CORROSIVE215  Entry # 66
-Crafting from the Heart Challenge Blog:  Entry #160  Anything goes!
-Crafts Galore Encore Challenge:  Entry #240  Anything goes!  
Crafty Calender Challenge:  Entry #157 Something new 
-Crafty Creations Challenges:  Winter Blues 
-Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper: A challenge that is always about using Patterned Papers on cards
-Creative Craft Cottage:  Entry #73 Anything goes!  
-Digi Design Challenge:  Entry #62  Winter Challenge  
-Eureka Stamps:  Entry #37  Baby it's cold outside  
House of Cards:  Entry #48 Glittery blue color scheme
-Inky Chicks:  Entry #79  Anything goes! 
-Melonheadz Friends:  Entry #28  Include a Snowflake 
-Mema's Crafts:  ANYTHING GOES! (ATG)
-Paper Creator's Crafts:  Entry #108  Anything goes!  
-Papertake Weekly:  Entry #160  Something New 
-Party Time Tuesday:  Entry #202 Anything goes! 
-PDE Linky Party:  Entry #21  Blue and White
-Polkadoodles Challenge:  Entry #97 Sentiment, Image, DieCut  
-Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog:  Entry #2  Winter Wonderland 
-Sentimental Sundays This week's challenge is: Winter Sparkle  (plus a sentiment)
-Stampotique Designers Challenge:  Entry #20-New Year's Resolution
-The Paper Girls Challenge:  Entry #30  Sparkle and Shine  
-Through the Craft Room Door:  Entry #122  Anything goes!  
-Wags 'n Whiskers:  Entry #84  Anything goes! 





Items used for this project:
  • Winter Wonder Page Kit by the Paper Studio
  • Staz On Jet Black Ink
  • Latte Kiki La Rue by C.C. Designs Rubber Stamps
  • Tim Holtz Distress Markers
  • Deco Art Craft Twinkles Winter Glitter Paint Writter
  • Fiskars Latte Love Stamp Set (for sentiments)
  • Embellishments from Michael's (*found in the dollar bins)
*Side Note: I have found some of the best crafting supplies in Michael's dollar bins as well as dollar stores! Amazingly Dollar Tree carried 10yard (30 feet!) rolls of cute Christmas washi tape. Needless to say, I stocked up on each pattern. :) 

I adore the Kiki La Rue stamps from C.C. Designs and this is my first one I added to my stamp collection.  Would love to get more in the future!

Live Jamberry Party Wednesday Night at 9:00pm EST!

For the LIVE portion of the party on Wednesday night at 9:00 PM EST, we will be playing a quick game of BINGO! Our LIVE Party will take place right here, Online! Mark your calendar - I hope to see LOTS of you all here that night!

Right now you can play Name that Disney Character.  First person to answer correctly gets their name added to the raffle to win a Mani/Pedi!

Click here to visit the Facebook party and participate! 

Sunday, January 11, 2015

First blog post...and Jamberry Nail Wraps!

  I decided to start a blog here on blogger.  I had a .com but the cost per year was a little too high for me.  Perhaps in the future I can work back towards that goal.  Please share my page with your online family and friends, I would really appreciate it!  Now for my latest find...

I have recently discovered Jamberry Nail Wraps...and am in love! <3 



 Basically they are vinyl-like stickers easy to apply to your nails using a heat source like your blow dryer!  If you are curious too, here is a demonstration video on how to apply Jamberries: Official Jamberry Application Video

I'm also having a party on Facebook!  The first 25 people to click JOIN or MAYBE will be entered to win a FREE Mani Pedi at the end of the party!
Join me:  http://on.fb.me/1ABaPLY
There will also be a live game Wednesday night (January 14th) for a chance to win wraps! Hope to see you there.  You can't win if you don't play, right? So take a few minutes to check it out.