Green Slime Challenge

Hello Crafters! Today starts another great challenge over at Fresh Brewed Designs. Check it out...

GREEN SLIME
For this challenge theme all you need to do is use lots of GREEN or GREEN as your POP of color.  Visit the Fresh Brewed Designs Blog for more details, and to see other samples for inspiration. The challenge runs until Nov. 3rd, so you have plenty of time to get your "green slime" on :)

I used the Could You Be Any Sweeter Cupcakes Digi Image along with the Fall Digi Sentiment.

I thought it would fun to give a nice shimmer and shine to my fall cupcake frosting - so I painted over with Smooch Illuminate and then embossed in clear. Kinda gives a "green slime" effect.

I hope you can join in on this fun challenge.

Supplies:
Fresh Brewed Designs Digi Images
A Muse Studio Cardstock
Markers
Smooch
VersaMark Marker
Clear Embossing Powder
Sequin
Button
Bakers Twine
Washi Tape
Foam Tape
White Cardstock
Computer & Printer

it's a Good DAY to have a GOOD DAY

Hey everyone...Today IS a good day, because it's challenge time over at Spectrum Noir. This month we want to see some EMBOSSING. Any type of embossing you choose. Seriously....who doesn't love some embossing on a card? Join the challenge and get all the details HERE.

Here's my card..

I heat embossed the stamps and sentiment on Crafter's Companion Spectrum Aqua Extra White Watercolor Cardstock, then painted over with Spectrum Aqua Markers: Aquamarine and Navy

Would you like to know how I made this card? Stay tuned! A tutorial will be available on the Spectrum Noir Blog very soon. I'll be sure to let you know when it's there ;)  In the meantime...let's see what YOU create for the September Spectrum Noir Embossing Challenge.

****UPDATE: Tutorial is now available on the Spectrum Noir Blog HERE.


Have fun!

Supplies:
Spectrum Aqua Markers: Aquamarine, Navy
Crafter's Companion Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Cardstock
My Favorite Things Chalkboard Greetings Stamp Set
A Muse Studio Mini Blooms Stamp Set
VersaMark Ink Pad
Clear Embossing Powder
Paintbrush
Heat Embossing Gun
Anti-static Powder
Low Tack Tape
A Muse Studio Melon Cardstock
Doodlebug DP
Little B Washi Tape
Blue Rhinestone Stickers
Misc. Ribbons & Twine
White Button
Dimensional Foam Tape Adhesive

Window Shopping with Fresh Brewed Designs

Hello friends! Fresh Brewed Designs has a couple NEW digi images being released today. Check out Shoe Sale.

I love coloring fun stuff like this. And because it's a digi image, I was able to size it exactly to fit the diecut frame. To color, I used Spectrum Noir Marker:

• Skin - TN3, FS2, CR2
• Hair - GB4, GB8, GB10
• Awning - BT6, BT4, BT2, BT1
• Brick Wall and Ground - BG3, BG2, BG1, Blender
• Shelf in window - IG2, IG1, Blender
• Boot - EB6, EB2
• Blue and Black shoe - IG3, IG8, BT2, BT4
• Reds - DR2, CR5, PP3
• Sky - BT1, Blender
• Outlining - BG2, BG1

I colored a bit of clear glitter pen on the dress and the window. Actually, on the window, I can't remember if I scribbles a bit of IB1 marker and then lightened it with the blender. HA! But I do remember coloring the shimmer on it.

Head on over the the Fresh Brewed Designs website to see the New Digi's. See what the design team is sharing with these images on the Fresh Brewed Designs Blog and on the Facebook Page.


Thanks for stopping by,

Supplies:
Fresh Brewed Designs Digi Image - Shoe Shop
Sentiment Stamp - Stamping Bella
Spectrum Noir Markers and White Cardstock
Clear Glitter Pen
Scalloped Frame Die - Paper Smooches
Papers - A Muse Studio
Red Heart Twinkle Stickers - A Muse Studio
Versafine Onyx Black
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Die-cutting/Embossing Machine
Stitched Boarder Die (unknown)

April Spectrum Noir Challenge

Hi everyone! It's that time again, friends. Spectrum Noir Challenge Time!

Our challenge for April is: Use a die-cut

You can interpret this challenge any way you like. There is no right or wrong, and you may use any images, themes, or Spectrum Noir products you choose! Get all the details and enter your project to the challenge gallery HERE. Not on Facebook? Enter here.

I used a really cool die from Crafter's Companion Die'sire Classiques Spring/Summer Collection called Floral Flourish along with some Spectrum Noir Markers and Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Markers.

I was able to create the look of many dimensions on this design without all the layers. SUPER fun and easy techniques...all done with white cardstock.
 
Yep...Neenah 110lb cardstock! I die-cut the Floral Flourish and colored with Spectrum Noir Markers. You can't go wrong doing this. Just have fun coloring! Here's the colors I used:

• Greens CG1, CG2, DG3
• Reds CR5, CR8, TN7, Blender
• Yellows CT4, GB5

TIP: If you look closely at the red flowers, you can see a bit of yellow. To get that look, after I colored the red, I colored a bit of CT4 over top. I love how Spectrum Noir Markers blend together like that!

To make the background, I scribbled Gold Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Marker onto an acrylic block. Then I picked up the color with a large wet watercolor brush. By using a bigger brush, I could cover more area faster. This is important since I wasn't using watercolor paper. Basically I just slopped the color around the panel - leaving the center white. Next I dried the panel with my heat tool. To add the splatters, I picked up more gold marker ink on the paintbrush and flicked it all over. I did the same thing using the Chestnut Aqua Marker. Easy stuff I tell ya!

The die-cut is adhered flat. I added little black rhinestones in the center of each flower, stamped a sentiment in black, and finished off with a bit of ribbon tied in a knot and adhered with foam adhesive. The entire panel is mounted on a red notecard with foam adhesive.

I hope I've inspired you to get out some of your die-cuts and Spectrum Noir coloring tools and have some fun. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Supplies
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Markers
Crafter's Companion Die'sire Classiques Spring/Summer Floral Flourish Die
Stampendous Happy Messages Stamp Set
Black Ink Pad
Neenah 110lb Cardstock
A Muse Studio Colored Cardstock
A Muse Studio Onyx Twinkle Stickers
Ranger Artist Brushes
Acrylic Block
Foam Adhesive Tape
Heat Tool
May Arts Ribbons
Liquid adhesive

Magical Green Watercolored Texture Paste

Happy St. Patrick's Day. No pinchin' here :)

This card is LOADED with green. I made the textured background with a stencil and texture paste on a panel of watercolor cardstock. Once it was completely dry, I painted on the panel with Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Markers (Lime, Moss and Bud Green). Then I spayed the entire panel with Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spritz.

The images are stamped and colored with Spectrum Noir Markers. Normally I would color this dude with red hair, but this time I decided to go black for a change of pace. I painted the over the clovers, grass hills, hat and shoe buckles with Sparkle Shimmer. There's 1 little green rhinestone is in the center of the 4 leaf clover that is being held. To make the sentiment panel, I stamped the shamrock with Memento New Sprout Ink and then stamped the sentiment with Versafine Onyx Black.  The clouds are stamped and paper pieced with gingham patterned paper. FUN!

Spectrum Noir Markers:

• Skin TN2, FS3, FS2
• Black areas IG4, IG6, IG8, IG10
• Green areas DG1, DG2, DG3, CG1, CG2, CG3, CG4
• Shadows IG1, IG2, Blender 

Supplies
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Markers
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Paper Smooches A Magical Spring Stamp Set
A Muse Cloud Stamp
Paper Smooches Frame 1 Die
The Crafter's Workshop 6" x 6" Mini Cubist Stencil
Ranger Texture Paste
Sheer Shimmer Spritz Sparkle
Ranger Watercolor Cardstock
A Muse Studio Cardstock
Bazzill Cardstock
Rhinestone Sticker
Memento Tuxedo Black and New Sprout Die Ink
Versafine Onyx Black Ink
Die-cutting machine
Dimensional Foam Adhesive

Paper Smooches ANYTHING Goes Challenge:

Creating a simple sunset

Happy Friday everyone! I'm not sure if you checked out my blog post a few day back (here), the card with the airbrushed background. On that post, I shared a link to a "creating a sunset" tutorial on the Spectrum Noir Blog. Make sure and pop on over to check it out.

I used the eBrush to make the sunset panel on this card as well. Then I stamped the beautiful scene. As a reminder, you don't need to have the eBrush to create a simple sunset. The tutorial doesn't show using an airbrush. I was inspired by the tutorial to make the simple sunset - and to get out my eBrush and play around with it. Both ways turn out amazing! You can also experiment with different marker colors.

 I airbrushed the Spectrum Noir markers in this order: CR8, OR2, GB5, GB6

To stamp the scene, I used a 2 stamp sets from Crafter's Companion: Sheena's A Little Bit Scenic Silhouette Garden and Sheena's A Little Bit Sketchy - Silhouette Wildflowers. I stamped off some of the ink, where you see the lighter shaded stamped images. I heat set the ink to make sure it was completely dry before stamping and embossing the final images. The embossing powder I used is called Black Sparkle from Ranger. Sooo cool!

The sentiment is from A Muse Studio, and is stamped with VersaFine Onyx Ink. Main image is mat on black cardstock, then 3D mounted. 3 little black rhinestones give a nice balance and connection to the image panel.

May your day be as beautiful as a simple sunset.

Supplies:
eBrush
Spectrum Noir Markers: CR8, OR2, GB5, GB6
Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black (images)
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White CS
Crafter's Companion Sheena's A Little Bit Scenic - Silhouette Garden
Crafter's Companion Sheena's A Little Bit Sketchy - Silhouette Wildflowers
Sentiment from A Muse Studio 
VersaFine Onyx (sentiment)
Ranger Black Sparkle Embossing Powder
Bazzill Black CS
Black Rhinestone Stickers
Heat Embossing Gun

eBrush Background

Hello everyone. I've been playing with my eBrush and Spectrum Noir Markers. Happy stuff was created :)

Isn't this amazing?!!! Airbrushing with the eBrush is sooooo fun and easy. True Story ;)

Spectrum Noir Markers used to airbrush in this order: CR8, OR2, GB5, GB6

After airbrushing, I stamped the sentiment as a focal image. I double embossed it with white ep. What I mean by that is, I stamped and embossed 2 times. When the first layer cooled, I stamped again, making sure to line up exactly over the top, then added more embossing powder and heat it a  2nd time. That produced more of a raised texture. The panel is popped up with foam tape on the card base. A few orange sequins for a finishing touch.

Give it a try. If you don't have the eBrush, try coloring with your markers following the "Creating a Sunset" tutorial over on the Spectrum Noir Blog HERE. Most importantly...have fun creating!

Thanks for stopping by :)

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Markers
eBrush System with Spectrum Noir Marker Adapter
Spectrum Noir Ultra Premium White Cardstock
Blue Cardstock
VersaMark Ink
White Embossing Powder
Anti-Static Pouch
Heat Tool
Orange Sequins
Stitched Die and Rectangle dies
Foam Adhesive
A Muse Studio Stamp and sequins


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• Twitter https://twitter.com/spectrumnoir

Spectrum Noir February Challenge

Hello friends! It's time for the new Spectrum Noir Challenge. This month is a color challenge.

RED. Just use anything red on your creation along with Spectrum Noir Products. Get all the challenge details HERE.

I made a birthday card with all red balloon. The stamps are from an A Muse Studio set called Birthday Balloons. I colored directly on the stamp with brush end the Scarlet Aqua Marker, huffed the ink on the stamp to re-moisten and stamped on watercolor paper. Then I used an Aqua Water Brush to smooth out the ink and blend on the paper. Once they were dry, I colored over with Clear Wink of Stella and to created the most beautiful red color!

The heart shaped balloon was diecut and popped up on foam tape.

Oh man...did I have fun coloring these with my Spectrum Aqua Markers! LOVE those new markers! They will be available in the USA verrrry SOON!

The rest of the stamping was done with Silvery Shimmer Delicata Ink. I added some sequins and a thin bit of washi tape. The panel is foam mounted to a colored card base.

Happy Stamping!

Where does the time go?!

It's FRIDAY! Yeah Baby!!! I've got a FUN stamp that I colored with my Spectrum Noir Markers. Check it out...

Isn't that great?! The stamp is from Eat Cake Graphics, called Time goes people and pets. The sentiment that goes along perfectly is called Where does the time go. I colored all the images and the die-cut stars with my Spectrum Noir Markers. The clock is covered with clear dimensional glaze and the stars with crystal glitter.

Here's the Spectrum Noir Marker colors I used:

• Skin FS2, FS3, CR3
• Dress BP1, BP2, BG5
• Hair TN3, TN7
• Shoes IG1, IG7, IG10
• Clock CT1, CT3, CT4, OR2
• Stars (both stamped and die-cut) CT3, CT4
• Pants TB1, TB3, TB4
• Shirt CG3, CG4
• Boy Shoes BGR1, IG7
• Dog TN1, TN3, TN6, IG7, CR3
• Cat BG1, BG5, BG7, CR3
• Newspaper IG1, OR3, BP1, CG3, TB3, Blender
• Shadows and Background Shading BT1, IG1, IG2, Blender

The owner and artist of Eat Cake Graphics, Holly Mabutas, recently mentioned she'll be hitting the big "FIVE-0" on her next birthday. So, I thought it would be fun to whip up a fun card showing how perfect these images will work for such an event. I hope you like it, Holly ;)


Have a great day!

Supplies:
Eat Cake Graphics Stamps Time goes people and pets, Where does the time go (text)
Dot Swirls stamp in background is from Hero Arts
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Numbers and Stars Die-cuts from Paper Smooches
Slate Cardstock from A Muse Studio
Black Cardstock from Bazzill
Washi Tape
White Embossing Powder
Versamark Ink
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Glue Pen and Foam Adhesive
Crystal Glitter
White Gel Pen
Clear Glaze Pen
Die-Cutting Machine
Heat Embossing Tool

Anything Goes!

Hey there friends! It's time to get your craft on with your Spectrum Noir Products! This month our challenge is soooooo easy!

ANYTHING GOES! Color up ANYTHING you want using your Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, blendable colored pencils, or AquaTint inks, put it on a card or project and you can play along with us! No excuses why you can't play along...right ;)

You know how much I LOVE making CAS cards...right? Well...check out this adorable Penny Black stamp that I watercolored!

The balloons are covered with 3D Crystal Lacquer. The hearts on her hair have crystal glitter on them. A few clear sequins and some twine put that little extra happy on the card :)

I really hope you take time to play the challenge with us. Get all the challenge and prize details HERE.

Supplies:
Spectrum Aqua Markers - (available worldwide very soon) Peach, Blossom, Bud Green, Sunflower, Jasmin, Fawn, Charcoal
Spectrum Noir Ulta Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Archival Black Ink
Watercolor Brush
Penny Black Stamps
A Muse Studio Colored Cardstock
A Muse Studio Twine
Clear Sequins
Corner Rounder Punch
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
3D Crystal Lacquer
Crystal Glitter
Glue Pen

Spectrum Noir CAS Challenge

Hi everyone! 1 week until Christmas! YIKES!!! Right now...if you're like me...getting things done quick is high on my priority list. Soooo....this will be QUICK! A quick post to show a quick tag and a quick reminder to play the Spectrum Noir December "Clean and Simple" Challenge. All the details can be found HERE.

I never seem to have enough tags...so here's a quick idea using Spectrum Noir Colored Pencils and a Spectrum Noir Marker in the eBrush. This Santa is as cute as they come! :)

Instructions:

1. Die-cut a bunch of tags from white cardstock (I used Scalloped Tags from Crafter's Companion).
2. Stamp the image on a Post-it Note (or masking paper of your choice) and trim out image --  above the line only. This is to make a mask for airbrushing.
3. Stamp the image and words on all tags with black ink. I used a stamp set from A Muse Studio called Santa Mail. TIP: Position all stamps on 1 stamping block. Then you can ink up and stamp ALL the images at the same time for each tag! GREAT time-saver!
4. Color all the Santa's with colored pencils. (colors listed below)
5. Place mask over Santa and quickly airbrush with brush nib or chisel nib of a blue Spectrum Noir Marker marker. I used IB1 with the brush nib in the eBrush System. Do this to all the tags.
6. Add glitter accents as desired.

Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils:

• Face - 004, 009
• Hat and Sleeves - 025, 026, 120
• Gloves - 120

We would love to see what CAS projects you make this month with your Spectrum Noir products. You have till the end of the month to enter. Have fun and keep it Clean and Simple!
 

Lucy Skates

Hey crafters! Did you happen to see the cool video tutorial over on the Spectrum Noir Blog? Sara Naumann shows a really fun way to use Spectrum Noir Ink refills. Go check it out HERE.

This is a card I designed using the same techniques in the video...

The Spectrum Noir Ink Refill colors I used are BT3 and IG1. The Spectrum Noir Markers I colored with are: 

• Skin - FS2, FS3, CR2
• Hair - GB1
• Pants & Gloves - IG1, IG4
• Jacket & Skates - IG1
• Hat & Scarf - BT1, BT3, BT4
• Ground - BT1
• Flower - CR8 (I actually used a lighter red first. I think it was CR2. But I wanted it darker - so added CR8 on top)

I stamped the skater and sentiment in black and embossed in clear. The snow dots are stamped with Colorbox Archival Ink - Seattle Sky. The swish on the ground I drew with a light blue marker and added crystal glitter. I also added glitter o all the snow dots.

I just love these stamps from Eat Cake Graphics - Lucy's learning to skate, Look a lot like Christmas. and Snow dots. The tree border die is from Poppystamps and the stencil to make the snowflakes is Dylusions. Looks so cool! Under the tree border is Washi tape - then bakers twine wrapped around the panel.

I can't wait to make more designer backgrounds using my SN ink refills! Go give this technique a try. You will love it too!

See ya later!

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine Special Thanks! Blog Hop

Today we are having a special Blog Hop in honor of the folks at Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine. The world got news a few weeks ago that PC&S was no longer going to bless us with all the great crafty goodness that they've been providing for so many years. It was very sad news indeed.

Thank you for being my source of inspiration and trends. Thank you for publishing some of my designs. Thank you for the contests and prizes, Thank you for the challenges. Thank you for always answering our questions. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for being dedicated and providing outstanding information. Thank you helping us get organized. Thank you for helping us push beyond our crafty comfort zones. Thank you for giving it your all!

Thanks Card Supplies:

• Crafter’s Companion Bold Daisy Embossing Folder
• A Muse Studio Big Words Stamp Set
• A Muse Studio Grass Cardstock
• Canson 120lb Rough Surface Heavyweight Watercolor Paper
• IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko Memento Luxe Ink Dandelion, Morocco and Pear Tart
• IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko VersaMark Watermark Ink
• IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko Pssst ! Sheer Shimmer Spritz Sparkle
• IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko Ink Blushers
• White Embossing Powder
• Hero Arts Citron Gemstones
• Brayer
• Heat Embossing Tool
• White Top Fold A2 size Card Base

1. Apply Dandelion ink to embossing folder using a brayer. Make sure to apply the ink on the side of the folder that the flowers are “raised” - not indented.

 
2. Using Ink Blushers, sponge Pear Tart ink to center of flowers. Sponge Morocco ink around the flowers.

3. Spritz folder with Sparkle Shimmer Spritz.

4. Carefully place a piece of watercolor paper inside folder and emboss by running through die cutting machine.

5. Trim embossed panel to 5” x 3 ¾”
 
6. Adhere strip of Grass cardstock to left edge of embossed panel.

7. Stamp sentiment with VersaMark ink on Grass cardstock strip. Emboss in white. Adhere to embossed panel.

8. Embellish center of flowers with gems.
 
9. Adhere panel to white note card with foam tape.

 *********************************************************************

 
You should have arrived at my blog by way of the fabulous Laura Bassen

Your NEXT stop in the Blog Hop is the amazing Deepti Malik

Thanks for joining us for this amazing THANK YOU celebration. Enjoy the ride!