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

 

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! :)

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!