Outside the Box

Last week Stampendous & Dreamweavers collaborated & the results were really incredible! Most of the projects were completely out of my league, but I loved seeing them.  

I was inspired to make my failed water splats piece using watercolor paper into a card.  I began by spraying it with Delusions Turquoise & Tattered Angels Green. Then I dry embossed it & die cut the Memory Box poppies.  I inlaid the poppies I die cut from gold cardstock.  The background is made with a Dreamweavers stencil, modeling paste & gold embossing powder on a scrap of black textured cardstock.  I mounted the poppies panel with foam tape before wrapping with 2 gold ribbons. Finished off with Authentique letter stickers. May be hard to tell, but Wendy's card did 

Wendy's Card

inspire me.  My first time to enter a Dreamweavers challenge.  I'm also linking up at Pixies Snippets Playground. Sometimes it's good to try something you're not so sure about.  This isn't something I'd do every day, but I am pleased with how it turned out. Thanks so much for all the encouragement--it means a lot to me.
  

Another Shaker Card

Decided to make another sequin shaker card for the Pretty Pink Posh Blog Hop--this one very CAS.  I tried to use the Dynamic Duos color combo as I didn't want to miss their final challenge. My substitute for Pool
Party may be too far off, but I'll let them decide. 

Since I used the PTI die with 3 windows, I'll also enter over at CAS-ual Fridays. The stamps are PTI Quilled Elegance & Tag-Its 3.  I'm also entering the challenge at SSS Wednesday.


I used my other sequins--white ones from Michael's. 
Hopefully this will brighten someone's day when they open it. Thanks for taking time to come by.

JOY

Last minute entry for the current Merry Monday challenge to decorate each letter of a Christmas word.  Couldn't pass this one up as I have a lot of decorative letter stamps & a few Christmas word stamps.  Since the challenge is about to close, I kept it simple using this beautiful Flourishes stamp which I brown embossed & colored with markers. Just added shimmer with my Wink of Stella pen & a couple dark red gems.  I love these intricate Spellbinder dies & discovered that using a 3 sheet shim makes a huge difference in how they cut, plus they emboss at the same time.  The inner frame was embossed first.  I made the off-white card first & then tried it with the green.  Actually I like the first one best, so will enter that version in the challenge. The stamped piece was a scrap, so also entering at Pixies Snippets Playground.  I'm not sure if a stamp with 3 letters qualifies, but I also used 3 dies--2 cut & 1 embossed, so I'll enter over at CAS-ual Fridays, just in case.  Since I believe the first one meets the requirements for CAS, I'll also add it at SSS Wednesday.  Thanks so much for your visit.  

Sequin Shaker

I was determined not to miss another MFT sketch challenge & when I saw the Pretty Pink Posh Blog Hop an idea was born!  I have a variety package of sequins I bought over 15 years ago & wanted to use up as many as I could so I can justify getting some of the beautiful ones from PPP!  My idea was to make an all white card, except for the sequins. I made a stencil from a MFT Framed Flourishes die & used my molding paste on heavy weight white cardstock that had been die cut with a Spellbinders rectangle. I sprayed it with Tattered Angels pearl mist. I laid the sequins on the card front & was about to attach the window piece when I realized I had forgotten the acetate!  Next problem was that my bag of recycled acetate pieces is no where to be found! Always happens when I straighten up my supplies--argh!  I did have a couple packages from my Big Shot plates that weren't in the sack & saved the day.  I like double layers of vellum, so cut the 2 smallest Fishtail Flags & made 3 felt Rolled Roses. Love this swirly sheer
ribbon & was glad to finally be able to use it on a card. This will probably go to a blogging friend 
along with a Random Acts of Kindness gift. Hope you're enjoying the weekend--wet & windy here, so maybe I can get some more cards made in between play time with puppy Fritz!

PTI Blog Hop

I had thoughts of making some French Knots on my card for the PTI Embroidered Inspiration Blog Hop, but that didn't work out.  I ended up with a simple circle card using the sweet flowers from Tag-It's 3, being inspired by the flowers in the upper left box of the inspiration photo.  The sentiment is from Flower Fusion 8.  I die cut cardstock & cross stitch fabric with the Spellbinder circle for the card front. The purple paper was a scrap, so I'm also entering Pixie's Snippets Playground.  I thought the butterfly punch was a little too big, but vellum for the top layer made it work.  

This will be another card to go in one of my Random Acts of Kindness packages.  Gotta work today, but I'll be checking the hop when I get home.  TGIF!

Let It Snow--not right now--LOL!

Hope I don't bring winter weather back to those of you just finally getting Spring!  Had to play along with the PTI MIM water splats challenge. Have you seen all the great cards people have posted? I'm hoping my colors are close enough for the new Colour Me challenge.  I used Distress Inks faded jeans, broken china, salty ocean & peacock feathers.  I tried 3 different papers with a big difference in results.  My regular weight cardstock
took the ink the best, but I wasn't happy with my stamping & I thought heavier would tolerate the water better. It did, but must have a coating so the inks didn't soak in as much. However, the result was still beautiful--don't you think?  The watercolor paper didn't work well--the water spots turned into big splotches, but I can probably save it with some dry embossing & more ink.  I used Snowflake Flurries--one of my all-time favorite sets. In the close up you can see the larger
image stamped in white & the smaller one in the center is done in the Distress Ink.  The sentiment is white embossed & I added tiny dots of Stickles before tying on the white sparkle ribbon. The dies are my much loved Lil' Inkers rectangles. Good technique to use when you aren't feeling very creative--simple with really stunning results & lots of possibilities.  Your visit & comments really make my day--thank you so much.

  

Hello

Really having trouble with my mojo these days. Apparently I do better crafting every day which isn't possible right now.  Missed the last couple MFT sketch challenges, but last night I did put together this card for their color challenge.  I really wanted to use the Page Banner Strip die I  got in clearance & hadn't opened.  I cut it & the Hibiscus flower (another clearance buy) using Razzle Berry & Blu Raspberry felt.  I don't have the right green felt, but thought this cardstock was close. The sentiment is from Peaceful Wildflowers & is stamped in Versafine Vintage Sepia.  Lucked out with the sparkle sticker dot being the right color. Simple card, but it will work to send a note to a friend.

Our puppy is recovering well from his surgery--doesn't have to wear the cone any longer, thank goodness! The weather isn't cooperating, but need to get back walking him up & down the street to get him more comfortable with his world. He's a sweetie who loves to be scratched.  Thought you might enjoy this picture of "Daddy time" before bed.  Enjoy your day & thanks so much for stopping by my blog.

Smile

Hope you had a lovely Easter Sunday.  I was finally able to get the PTI MIM video to play. I have no idea what the problem was earlier in the week--need my own I.T. guy--LOL!  Erin had some great tips I'd never thought of, so made a quick mini card to try them out. The dies & stamps are PTI. Haven't played along at Colour Me! for awhile & love the color combo, so that's what I used.  This will be perfect to include with one of my "Random Acts of Kindness" gifts--see Joy's post HERE. 

First time I've mounted the bloom at a slight angle & I really like it better.  Wishing you a great week & thank you for checking my blog.

Happy Easter

He is not here, for he has risen, just as he said. Matthew 28:6

Hope you're having a lovely Easter.  I've gotten behind on making cards & reading blogs, but did manage to finish a card for hubby.  It's been ages since I used this gorgeous Magenta stamp.  I'm never quite sure what to do, so this time I decided to let it pretty much stand alone.  I inked it with Distress Ink bundled sage & sponged the edges with frayed burlap which was also used on the card front & the back of the vellum strip. A metallic gold Gelato was mixed with water & splattered over the image with a paintbrush.  I colored the Candi embellishments with the bundled sage ink--love how that works.  The sentiment is by Inkadinkado.  I'll enter the Magenta challenge,  SSS Wednesday & Pixies Snippets Playground (the vellum was cut from a scrap).  

Fritz is learning quickly--most things--LOL!  This week is challenging since he was neutered & we're supposed to keep him quiet & he has to wear the dreaded Elizabethan collar when he's in his crate. Poor guy feels fine & has no idea why we won't play. It's part of the reason my crafting & blog reading is behind, but I'll catch up eventually. Happy Easter!

Easter Eggs

No matter how early I start I end up in a rush before each holiday. Fortunately, this one doesn't have too far to go & should make it in time. I really wanted to use my Memory Box egg dies for at least one card & decided they'd work great for the current challenges at Dynamic Duos & SSS Wednesday. The soft purple & yellow papers were in my scrap boxes--always nice to use some of them & it qualifies my card for Pixies Snippets Playground.  I die cut the MFT wreath in yellow felt for added texture & used my Wink of Stella pen on the bow & intricate egg layers.  I also added some yellow Stickles to the eggs & an enamel dot to the bow.  The large scalloped circle is a Spellbinder & I stamped it with Impression Obsession Spatter using Versamark. Fun card going to a house with kids, so hopefully it will be enjoyed.  Thanks so much for visiting my blog.

DeNami Design Blog Hop

Easter is almost here, so I made a couple cards for friends.  The Easter greeting will be inside. For the first one I used one of my old & favorite DeNami stamps--the 3 tulips.  I colored the blooms with a Crystal Lacquer Pearl Pen & the leaves with markers & then used my Wink of Stella pen.  The sentiment is also by DeNami & is black embossed.  The stitched dies are by Lil' Inkers.  

Card number 2 also uses an old DeNami stamp--the solid egg.  I inked it with Brilliance Coral (it's actually pink--no idea why it has that name!) & then stamped it with the Solid Leaf Sprig inked with VersaMagic Aloe Vera.  I had to use an applicator to add more of the green ink to the leaves before using my Wink of Stella pen.  The design would have been better using an egg die, but I had to make do with an oval & I still like it. Memento Gray Flannel was used for the sentiment & was sponged on the dry embossed piece. The beautiful pink & green twine was used by Lisa on the blog candy I won & worked perfectly here.  


The Verve challenge color combo inspired me & I'm entering SSS Wednesday.

If you didn't get here by way of Deb & Leah, be sure to check out what they have for us today--always a great stop on the hops!  If you're going in order, next up is Linda's Blog & I know you'll enjoy what she's made. The entire participant list & details on the prizes are on the DeNami Design Blog.  Have a great Sunday & enjoy the hop!  I'll catch up with you when I get home from work.

Vine Cross

Tomorrow is a work day, so while puppy took a nap I made an Easter card for the ODBD challenge to use water or aqua.  I brown embossed the Vine Cross & die cut it with the Spellbinder. Then I used Gelatos (2 greens, gold & brown) for the color by scribbling, spritzing & rubbing.  I sprayed it & the other layers with Tsukineko Gold Shimmer Spritz--really beautiful in person.  The only embellishments are
tiny Class A' Peel gold stickers--finally opened the package I bought ages ago. The layers are mounted
with foam tape, but it's still pretty flat for mailing. SSS Wednesday has an Easter challenge, so I'll enter there, too.
Hope you're enjoying the weekend.  Our weather has been gorgeous, so we took the puppy for a day trip--running errands & showing him more of the world.  Seems he was 
pretty sheltered for the first 9 months of his life. 

Thought you might enjoy another picture of my cutie after he got his hair cut.

Edited to add: Thanks to the info from Lai-Yoke I'm also entering the Stamping Sensations challenge.

Joy, Peace, Love

I love snowmen, so couldn't miss the Merry Monday challenge this week.  As soon as I saw the sketch at FMS, I knew which snowman stamp I was going to use. It's an old one by Hero Arts that I bought many years ago to make bookmarks, but think I only ended up making one. Decided to try paper piecing it with my favorite pad by MME (should have bought 2).  I use every bit of each sheet & discovered the best way to line up a scrap: 
1)Lay the inked stamp face up 
2)Lay the scrap over the area you want
3)Cover with scrap paper 
4)Use an acrylic block to apply even pressure.  
I added Stardust Stickles to the birdie & Frosted Lace to the snowman and spread Glossy Accents with a toothpick on the carrot nose.  I used my stamp positioner to be sure the Amuse Artstamps sentiment would look right & to get it in the right spot as this is my last sheet of those dots.  
Tim Holtz snowflakes were embossed in opposite corners on the card front.  I'm adding it to Pixies Snippets Playground.  This is one of those cards 
that was just plain fun to put together & I hope it will bring a smile to the recipient & maybe to you!  Enjoy your weekend.

Light

The current challenge at Impression Obsession is You are my Sunshine.  I didn't have this card in mind, but as I went through my stamps I saw this one from Follow Your Heart, CL407 & I don't think I've ever used it. The design popped into my head & so I went with it.  I punched a circle in the watercolor paper & drew the rays with 2 watercolor crayons (yes, they're still on my table!) blending with a water brush.  When it dried I added the yellow Stickles & attached the panel to the card front with the verse stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black.  This is just the beginning of Matthew 5:16 which says "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."  Always good to do a little self evaluation--actions do speak louder than words.

First day of work tomorrow.  Hopefully I can remember what to do--LOL!  Sure glad I'm part time. Thanks so much for stopping by.   

Watercolor Crayons Again!

My friend Alexandra had a great tutorial on Sunday using a product like watercolor crayons, as near as I could tell. Since mine are still on the table (after being buried for years!) thought I'd use one of her techniques as a background for the pretty flowers from MFT Peaceful Wildflowers. I used the

current Dynamic Duos colors & the MFT Wednesday sketch, turned on it's side.  The sentiment is from Inkadinkado. I added Stickles to the blossoms for some pretty sparkle. 
Today Fritz had a play day.  My good friend brought her sweet big boy over to meet Fritz.  Oh what a happy puppy to have a doggy to play with! You could almost see him smiling & he should really sleep tonight!

  

Watercolor Crayons

I bought these crayons many years ago & hardly ever use them.  Decided to try them for one more card to enter the PTI MIM challenge.  I colored directly on the Turning a New Leaf stamp with 2 shades of green & blended with a fairly dry waterbrush & repeated 2 more times, stamping on watercolor paper.  I stamped the Inkadinkado sentiment in Memento Rich Cocoa & then added texture with the Linen/Canvas impression plate. 
Not a typical Easter card, but sometimes it's fun to do something different.  Since the watercolor panel is a snippet, I'll add this to Pixies Snippets Playground. Thanks for stopping by.

Watercolor with Gelatos

Heather's sample cards

I love the PTI MIM challenges, but I don't have many PTI solid floral images.  I pulled out Snowflake Flurries since it has solid images & thought I'd play with creating a totally different look than I've used it for in the past.  I'm drawn to the current trend with stencils & distressed images & splotches.  I used Blueberry & Mint metallic Gelatos & rubbed them directly onto the stamps, then spritzed with water.  Took some practice since you have to be very light handed with the water. Wish you could see the gorgeous shimmery effect you get with metallic Gelatos.  I used watercolor paper & lightly distressed the edges before tying on the sheer gray ribbon & mounting with foam tape to a shimmery gray panel. 

The sentiment from Floral Foliage is stamped in Memento Gray Flannel.  Not sure the clear dot stickers were the best embellishment, but I don't have clear sequins so they'll have to do.  The end of this piece of ribbon & almost the end of the gray paper, so I'll enter at Pixies Snippets Playground. We're continuing to expose Puppy Fritz to more of his new world & he does seem to be less startled. Hope you're enjoying the weekend.  Your visit to my blog is greatly appreciated. 

Mistletoe

I didn't want to miss another Merry Monday challenge so I searched all my papers, stamps & stickers but couldn't find any mistletoe.  Decided to see if I could print an image from the internet & make that work.  I hadn't paid attention to the challenge picture, but you may find that hard to believe as they're so similar.  I colored with markers over the bow to get a richer look, sprayed with Glimmer Mist & added pearls to the berries.  My sentiment is from Penny Black's "yuletide greetings" & is heat embossed & popped up. This turned out to be
a fun project & an end result I like. Several snippets, so I'll enter this over at Pixies Crafty Workshop.
Puppy Fritz is adjusting to his new life & acts like we've always been his mom & dad. He's a real sweetie & all the work involved is worth it!  
Thought you might enjoy this picture of him with 
his big stuffed toy. He's about 32 pounds & has a lot of growing to do.
I'm slowly catching up on your blogs, so don't give up on me.  Enjoy the weekend.  

Pink & Green

Simple card, but feels good to just make one again!  My inspiration came from 3 challenges: ODBD, Dynamic Duos (not posted in time) & Freshly Made Sketches. Since I used snippets, I'm also adding this to the gallery at Pixies Crafty Workshop. Love my Lil' Inkers stitched dies (more on my wishlist!) & in case you don't know, the die used on the card front does only the stitching--no cutting. The stamps are all ODBD as that's the  
theme for the final challenge celebrating their 6th anniversary. "Each Minute" is inked with Versafine Vintage Sepia & heat embossed.  The 2 smallest blossoms from "Sweet William--Small" are die cut with the matching Spellbinders, stamped in VersaMagic Pink Grapefruit & covered with Wink of Stella. Only embellishments are the brown enamel dot & brown grosgrain ribbon tab.  All the elements are mounted with foam tape.
Forgot to tell you, Debbie (Flickr friend) is home from the hospital & currently doing better.  I know she appreciates your prayers & kind thoughts.

I'm a Puppy Momma!

Seems like a year since I made a card or wrote a blog post!  We ended up taking a very long road trip & bringing home our new family member--9 month old Fritz. Debated about whether or not we could use the name we'd chosen & in the end we both felt this is our Fritz.  We've had some issues to deal with--nothing that is the puppy's fault--just the involved people--won't go into that. He's a doll & was already housebroken.  He doesn't know his name is Fritz, so we're working on that. He's also quite the jumper (turned my back & he jumped onto the counter next to the sink!), so can't run loose in the house.  Life is not back to normal & today is my first time to turn on the computer, but I wanted you to know I'm still here.  I made this wall hanging using a kraft bag as therapy after we lost Keesha.  I didn't post it then, so thought I'd share it now.  This wonderful stamp is by JudiKins--hope you can read some of the quotes.  I brushed the
edges with Gesso & embellished with die cut leaves, felt & cork die cut flowers & this cute felt bone sticker.  
I'm anxious to see what you've all been up to, but my time will still be pretty limited for awhile.  Good thing I have some more days off before hubby has puppy duty alone--LOL!
Edited to add:  Thank you, Carol, for the info on the new challenge at Eileen Hull & I'll enter my wall hanging there.