Thursday, July 30, 2015

Shades of Gray on Mt. Rushmore

Over on the Spectrum Noir Blog I have a tutorial on coloring with gray Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils. Check it out HERE.

I made 2 samples of the same card. Can you tell what the difference is?

 


Get all the details on the Spectrum Noir Blog,


Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils
Spectrum Noir Ultrasmooth Premium White Cardstock
Art-Kure US Landmark Collection – Mt. Rushmore Rubber Stamp
Paper Smooches Slang Gang Stamp Set
Word Bubble Dies from Paper Smooches
Black Ink
Embossing Ink
White Embossing Powder
Misc Cardstocks
Foam Adhesive
Heat Embossing Gun
Diecut Machine

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Crafter's Companion Flights of Fantasy

Hello my crafty friends,

GREAT NEWS! The NEW Morgan Fitzsimons Flights of Fantasy CD is now available at Crafter's Companion USA.
 

Because the images are digi, I was able position the images on my computer exactly how I wanted them for printing. The woman is a separate image from the frame. The digi background paper and sentiment tag are also printed from the CD.


I thought the berries on the woman image match perfectly with the Sheena Perfect Partners Brambles Stamp and Die Set. I think everything came together beautifully! Actually, I kind of amazed myself with this one. On several of the "gold" areas, I painted over with Tsukineko Gold Sheer Shimmer Spritz. What a difference it makes! Gives a rich gold shimmer on top of the marker coloring like NO OTHER!

I colored with Spectrum Noir Markers:
  • Skin - TN3, TN2, FS4, CR3
  • Hair - IG10, IG8, IG4, HB1
  • Golden Colored areas - GB10, GB7 GB6, CT3, GB1
  • Berries and Floral - HB3, LV3, LV2, HB1
  • Greens - DG3, CG2, DG2, LG1, JG1
  • Shadows - GG1, Blender


I added 3D Crystal Lacquer on top of the berries and then sprinkled some Ultra Fine Lavender Glitter on top. I also added a few gold crystal gems on the headpiece and armband on the woman. Even though the sentiment label is a printed digi element, I was able to emboss the letters by using a VersaMark Marker to trace over each letter, add clear embossing powder and heat set.

Click HERE to see the card I posted a few days ago using another digi image from this new CD.

To see more great design samples made from this NEW CDROM, visit these links:
https://www.facebook.com/CraftersCompanionUSA/timelineDon't forget to visit our FACEBOOK PAGE to keep up with all the latest news.


Thanks for stopping by!


Supplies:
Morgan Fitzsimons Flight of Fantasy CDROM
Sheena Perfect Partners Brambles Stamp Set
Sheena Perfect Partners Brambles Die Set
Spectrum Noir Markers

Sheer Shimmer Spritz - Gold
Cut'N'Boss Die Cuting macine
3D Crystal Lacquer
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock

Bazzill Black Cardstock
Ultra Fine Lavendar Glitter
Gold Crystal Gems
VersaMark Marker
Clear Embossing Powder
Heat Embossing Tool

Glue Pen
Dimensional Foam Adhesive

Saturday, July 25, 2015

For A Friend Like Gnome One Else

Here's a happy card that any friend would love to receive:


This card is so full of fun and happy! The stamps and dies are from My Favorite Things. The images are colored with Spectrum Noir Markers:

  • Oranges - OR3, OR2, GB2, BG5
  • Blues - TB4, TB1, GB5
  •  Browns - EB7, EB2, EB1, BG2, Blender
  •  Skin - FS2, FS3
  •  Beard - IG1

Check out this video over on the Spectrum Noir Blog that shows how to color a cylinder shaped object to give it shape and dimension. You can find the video HERE.


Having the cut-out circle makes it even more fun! The sentiment is stamped and heat embossed in white.

The Spectrum Noir Blog has so many tutorials to help with your coloring.


Have a creative and colorful day!

Friday, July 24, 2015

Flights of Fantasy Sneak Peek

Hello crafty friends!

Today, Crafter's Companion USA is starting to give sneak peeks of a fabulous NEW Papercrafting CD that will be available VERY SOON! This CD is packed FULL of amazing images and paper crafting elements. All the artwork is from British artist Morgan Fitzsimons. If you are a fantasy fan, you will LOVE this!

Here's a card I made using one of the images along with some of the digi papers and elements available on the CD:
 

The image was so fun to color. I used Spectrum Noir Markers to color, then added crystal glitter.

Marker Colors:
  • Skin - TN2, FS3, FS2, CR3
  • Lips - FS8
  • Hair - GB8, GB6, GB2, GB1, GB10
  • Wings - GB1, GB6
  • Greens - CG4, CG3, CG1
  • Blues - IB3, IB1, TB1, Blender
  • Shading and Shadows - BGR1, TB1, Blender


I used my new Crafter's Companion Edge'abilities Floral Dance Die and added glitter and blue rhinestones accents. The sentiment is one of the digi elements that comes on the CD. I printed it twice, cut out and layered pieces for dimension. I did absolutely zero stamping on this card.

By the way. If you are ever questioning whether you can color printed digi images without your SN markers smearing the ink, just give it a try. I have an HP inkjet printer and I have not problems at all. To be extra sure, just zap the printed images with a heat gun. That should usually set in the ink on the paper good enough.


I printed the fairy images twice, so I could trim a few pieces to pop up for dimension. You can see it on the picture above - the wings and a few flowers.

Stay tuned to Crafter's Companion USA for more sneak peeks and the release of Flight of Fantasy.


Crafty hugs,


Supplies
Crafter's Companion Morgan Fitzsimons Flight of Fantasy CDROM

Crafter's Companion Die'sire Edgiables - Floral Dance
Spectrum Noir Premium White Cardstock
Spectrum Noir Markers
Cut'N'Boss Die Cuting machine
Ultra Fine Crystal Glitter
Blue Rhinestones
Ribbon
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Printer
Glue Pen

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Woo freakin Hoo

 Well then...


I recently got this stamp set from Taylored Expressions. It's called Party Grumplings. Freakin HILARIOUS!



The grumpy cat is colored with Spectrum Noir Markers:
  • Balloon - DR2, CR5, PP3
  • Cat - EB6, EB1, IG10, IG8, IG4, IG2
  • Shadow - IG1, IG2, Blender

The background is a technique I call "Speckled Watercolor Wash Background." Not sure if that's an official technique name, but it fits for what I did. I used my Spectrum Aqua Markers to paint with.


Doesn't that background look like one of those giant jaw breakers? Like an explosion of yummy on paper! I applied a wash of light blue to the watercolor cardstock panel. After it dried (Confession: I dried it with my heat gun..cause I was impatient!) I flicked other colors on...making sure each color was dry before moving on to the next.
  
The Spectrum Aqua Marker used for the watercolored background:
  • Wash - Teal
  • Flicked Colors - Navy, Bud Green, Gold

It's hard to see, but I did paint on some clear shimmer on the balloon before covering with dimensional glaze. I also added glaze to the cats nose.

I can't wait to color more of these fun "grumpy" critters!


Have a creative day,

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Aqua Markers
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Cardstock
Taylored Expressios - Party Grumplings
Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables Dies
Sheer Shimmer Spritz  - Sparkle
A Muse Studio Ocean Cardstock
Watercolor Brush
3D Crystal Lacquer
Double Sided Foam Adhesive

Monday, July 20, 2015

K Card Tutorial

I've got a card being featured over on the Crafter's Companion US Blog.


The really FUN thing about this card is how it opens up.


Isn't that sooooo cool?!!! This is called a K Card. They're fun to make - and a great surprise for the person receiving it. People love opening cards that have movement and action.

 
Using The Ultimate Tool along with a few other products, you can make these fun cards to impress your friends!

 Hop on over to the Crafter's Companion US Blog for the details on how I made my card.


Happy Crafting!

Friday, July 17, 2015

NEW Edge'ables Fancy Borders from Crafter's Companion USA

Happy Friday all you crafty peeps!

Crafter's Companion USA just released 5 NEW Fancy Borders in the Edge'ables Metal Dies Collection that are gonna BLOW.YOU.AWAY! You're gonna want them all. Yep! That's why CC put together a special bundle deal for you. Check it out HERE.

I designed my project using the NEW Butterfly Dreams Edge'ables Die.


Isn't this great! I love that the dies have both positive and negative details. And the pop-up areas!!! LOVE! The wings are attached...but you can lift them to give even more dimension!

The stamps I used on the inside left panel are from Sheena's A Little Bit Sketchy - The Butterfly Effect. I stamped the butterfly with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Spectrum Noir Markers: GG2, GG4, GB1, GB4, GB5, BT2, BT5, BT1, BT2 and the Blender marker. Then I stamped the sentiment images using Memento Pistachio and Teal Zeal, first stamping off on scratch paper to lighten the ink.
 
 
The stamp on the right panel is from a Stamp-It Australia set - Friendship Sentiment. Stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and Pistachio. I also added some clear sequins.


I die-cut the Butterfly Edge'ables die on the from card panel. The sentiment is stamped with VersaMark ink and heat emboss in white. A few sequin and ribbon tied around - then adhered to card front with dimensional foam adhesive. The other 2 colored cardstock panels are adhered flat.


  • Check out all the great projects that our design teams have made using these new dies HERE.
  • Visit the Pinterest Gallery for even more inspiration HERE.
  • Shop on-line for the new dies HERE.
  • Visit the Crafter's Companion Blog for tutorials, news and other great crafty goodness.

 
I'm working on a tutorial on how I made the pop-out panel on the inside of the card. So stay tuned!

FOLLOW US!
Keep up on all the latest and greatest news:

Thanks for checking in with me today. Have a great weekend!


Supplies:
Crafter's Companion Die'sire Edge'ables Butterfly Dreams Die
Crafter's Companion Sheena A Little Bit Sketchy - The Butterfly Effect
Crafter's Companion Stamp-It Australia - Friendship Sentiment
Spectrum Noir Markers - GG2, GG4, GB1, GB4, GB5, BT2, BT5, BT1, BT2, Blender
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Tsukineko Memento Dye Inks: Tuxedo Black, Pistachio, Teal Zeal
VersaMark Ink
Detail White Embossing Powder
Colored Cardstocks
Clear Sequin
Ribbon
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Diecut/Embossing Machine
Heat Embossing Gun
Liquid Adhesive
1/4" Corner Rounder Punch

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Fresh Brewed Designs Digis for Debbie - Blog Hop Fundraiser

Good morning and welcome to the Digis for Debbie Fundraiser Blog Hop.

Recently, we learned that Mrs. Debbie Lynch, the beautiful and loving mother of Heather Dennis, owner of Fresh Brewed Designs, was diagnosed with a rare form of uterine cancer. As most of you may know, cancer related medical costs can be quite expensive, and Mrs. Debbie currently has no medical insurance, which makes the cost significantly higher. Therefore, we have decided to help raise enough money to cover these medical expenses, as well as aftercare expenses, by creating a digi shop. ALL the proceeds of the Digis for Debbie Fundraiser Shop and the Fresh Brewed Designs Store will go directly to Mrs. Debbie to fund her lifesaving surgery and the aftercare necessary to bring her back to wellness. Furthermore, Heather has created a Give Forward account to assist her mother.


Here's some clean and simple encouragement cards I created using one of the Heather's beautiful Fundraiser Digi Sets "Fresh Brewed Designs Fundraiser Digis". It contains six fabulous images with nine beautiful sentiments that can be used alone or could be paired with any one of the lovely images. the set is only $5!

http://www.shophandmade.com/Item/Fresh-Brewed-Designs-Fundraiser-Digis-from-Digi-Fundraiser-for-Debbie/H74XUC5
You can find this awesome set HERE; and remember, ALL proceeds will go to Mrs. Debbie to assist with her medical expenses.

I printed all 4 of these on 1 sheet of cardstock, diecut, colored with Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils and foam mounted on a slate notecard. Each flower center is embellished with a clear rainstone. Super simple and great to have on hand and ready to send. 


The hop launches today, Tuesday, July 14th on the Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge Blog, and will run until Tuesday, July 28th @ 11:59 PM Eastern Time. 

All Blog Hop Participants can be found in the linkies section of THIS POST on the Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge Blog, and we would love to have you join us! We do ask that you use a digi from the Digis for Debbie Fundraiser Shop or the Fresh Brewed Designs Store, and the theme is Anything Goes, and you can enter as often as you would like.

Prizes! Two prize packages will be awarded, one prize for a digi purchaser and one prize for a blog hop participant. Winners will be chosen on Saturday, August 1st. The prizes will consist of stamps, papers, ribbon, embellishments, etc.; plus, some random prizes will be offered by some generous blog hop participants along the hop.

   http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2015/07/digis-for-debbie-fundraiser-blog-hop.html

If you would like to help, please stop by the Digis for Debbie Fundraiser Shop, the Fresh Brewed Designs Store, and/or the Give Forward Account. For those of you who are not able to contribute monetarily, we would love for you to add Mrs. Debbie to your prayer list. If there is one thing we know, prayers can work miracles that money cannot and healing and wellness is what we are praying to receive.
 

Thank you for stopping by!
Love in Christ,



Project Supplies:
Fresh Brewed Fundraiser Digis Set
White Cardstock
Slate Cardstock
Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables Die Set
Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils
Clear Rainstones
Foam Adhesive Tape
Glossy Accents

Monday, July 13, 2015

Christmas In July

Hello friends! The month of July is when we start seeing all sorts of NEW Winter and Christmas crafty products. As a stamper and paper crafter, it's a month I soooo look forward to. One of the perks of being on design teams - we get to see and create with new goodies before they are released. That being said...stay tuned for some FUN and FABULOUS new goodies coming very soon!  I don't have any new holiday products that I can share with you yet, but I will.....real soon! ;)

In the meantine, I've created a "Christmas in July" card using a die the was recently released over at Crafter's Companion. The Die'sire Prestige Only Words metal die collection.


I used the "Wishing You Everything" die to look as if it were a belt buckle. This saying is perfect for Christmas time!  I die-cut from White Pearl Shimmering Cardstock. The details on these dies are beautiful. You will absolutely LOVE them! I do.
I have 'em all.


I adhered the diecut to a strip of Black Pearl Shimmering Cardstock, which I embossed the edges by scoring with The Ultimate Tool for added dimension and detail. The band (aka Santa Belt) is adhered with dimensional foam tape to a red cardstock base that's embossed with the Petite Dot 6" x 6" Embossalicious Embossing Folder. I rounded the bottom corners, add some red rhinestones and shimmering ribbon to finished the card design.

Make sure to check visit the Crafter's Companion USA Facebook Page to keep up on all the latest news and see sneak peeks of upcoming product releases!


Thanks for stopping by today.

Supplies
Corner Rounder Punch
Red Cardstock
Red Rhinestone Sickers
Creative Impressions Ribbon

Thursday, July 9, 2015

NEW Victorian Floral Sweet William

WOO HOO! Release Day over at Crafter's Companion USA!

The brand new Sheena Douglass Perfect Partners Victorian Floral Collection is now available. Beautiful NEW Stamp Sets and Matching Dies

To make my card, I used the new Sweet William Stamp Set along with the Matching Die Set.



The stamps match perfectly with the dies! For the flowers, I left the die on the paper after it was die-cut, then airbrushed with my eBrush and 2 Spectrum Noir Markers. I dotted the centers with a darker pink DR7 and sponged pink distress ink on the edges.

For the leaves, I colored with markers and then, using the eBrush, lightly spritzed darker green over a few areas. Airbrushing gives you a coloring effect that you just can't do by coloring direct to paper with the marker.

Spectrum Noir Markers:
Leaves - CG1, CG2, CG3
Leaves Airbrushed - DG4
Flowers Airbrushed - DR5, PP5
Flower Centers - DR7



Can you tell I shaped the flowers and leaves? Just slightly curled the edges. That extra little dimension really steps up the design.  I also used my new Textures Embossing FoldersHessian 8" x 8" . It was recently released along with several other wonder folders. (Yes...I have 'em all)

Because I gotta have glitter and bling on a card, I added glitter to the center of each flower and some Jelly Dots by the sentiment.

*******************************************************************************
Read more about the launch, special bundle deals, and great samples in inspiration gallery HERE 
Keep up with the latest news over on the Crafter's Companion USA Facebook Page


Have a great day!

Supplies

Crafter's Companion Sheena Douglass Perfect Partners Victorian Floral Sweet William Stamp Set
Crafter's Companion Sheena Douglass Perfect Partners Victorian Floral Sweet William Metal Die Set
Crafter's Companion Die'sire Circle Doilies Die Set
Crafter's Companion Scruffy Little Cat 6" x 6" Premium Darks Paper Pad
Crafter's Companion Kraft Cardstock
Spectrum Noir Ultrasmooth Premium White Cardstock
Textures Embossing Folder 8" x 8" Hessian
Cut'N'Boss machine
Spectrum Noir Markers
eBrush
Distress Inks Peeled Paint and Picked Raspberry
Black Ink
Glossy Accents
Glitter Jelly Dots

Monday, July 6, 2015

Thanks for the Lift

Happy Monday friends. It's time for another House-Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge! This time I'm hosting. I hope you have time to play along.

House-Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge #198 - Sketch

Create a project based on the sketch layout. Your take can be literal - or your own creative interpretation. Feel free to turn the sketch horizontal, or make it into a shaped card. Add more layers, swap out the thought bubble for a cloud or flower, or other embellishment. Keep it simple like the layout, or pile on the goodies! Get creative! As long as we can see that you followed the sketch, have the main elements, and of course use House-Mouse Designs stamps, CD collection images or decoupage, you are good to go.

***NOTE that ALL challenges also have the alternate option of *ANYTHING GOES* too. Easy for you to come play along. Enter your NEW special projects that use stamps, CD collections and, or, decoupage by House-Mouse Designs®.

For further details and information please visit the challenge blog.


I colored with pencils and added some clear glitter pen on the strawberries. The sentiment is stamped and embossed.


Adding the little mouse foot prints is always so cute! To make the strawberries shine, I colored over with Versamark Marker Pen, added clear embossing power and heat embossed.

I can't wait to see all the creations based on my sketch. Have fun!