2017 Calendar

It's time for my new year calendar. For the cover, I went with a simple design.

I stamped images from the Spectrum Noir Colorista Elements 3 Stamp Set from Crafter's Companion on Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock. Then I colored them with Spectrum Noir Colorista Markers - Set 6.  I colored over the tiny flowers with my Clear Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen. The numbers are die-cut twice - once from the colored image and again from Kraft Cardstock.

The number dies are from Sara Davies Signature Birthday Party Collection - Fun With Numbers that were recently released on HSN.

I fussy cut the tiny flowers and added a clear droplets to the centers. I layered the kraft cardstock on the backs -- but slightly shifted. This really adds dimension, and pulls it together with the inside calendar pages.

For the January page, I die-cut the pieces from a super fun Essentials Die'sire 6 piece Treats Mini Die Set that Crafter's Companion just was also just released on HSN.

The mug is die-cut from Watercolour Cardstock 2 times. I colored the pieces with Spectrum Sparkle Pens, then layered the pieces together.

• Mug: Moonstone, Aquamarine & Peacock
• Coffee: Smoked Quartz
• Steam: Clear

I just love the shimmer that the Sparkle Pens have. And...they color on the watercolour cardstock ah-mazing! Isn't that die-cut doily adorable?! The mug is popped up with dimensional foam.

Have a wonderful day,

Stay Cool

Here's a refreshing card that's totally needed for the hot weather we are having here in the Phoenix area!

It's also a perfect card for our "Use A Die" Challenge going on this month over at Spectrum Noir. I thought it would also be a great time to show something fun and different using your dies and Spectrum Noir Refill Inks.

I used several die-cuts on my card. The dies and stamps are all from My Favorite Things. I can't get enough of their products. They rock!

If you look closely, I die-cut the cup and lid from clear acetate. To make the coffee effect (on the back side of the acetate piece) I sponged some Ranger Picket Fence Distress Paint on areas. Then I added white embossing powder and heat set. Next, I dripped on some EB3 and EB9 Spectrum Noir Refill Inks and tapped around with an alcohol ink blending pad to mix and and blend the inks. It turned out AWESOME!

The band around the coffee cup is made from the same cup die. I die-cut with white cardstock, then trimmed away the ends. I colored with Spectrum Noir Markers IB1, IB3 and IG1.

The pierced rectangle panel is die-cut from white cardstock, but before removing the paper from the die, I sponged on some Mustard Seed Distress ink. Had to get some summer sun color on the card! LOL

Go check out all the June Spectrum Noir Challenge details HERE.

Stay cool and creative,

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Refill Inks
Spectrum Noir Markers
My Favorite Things Stay Cool Stamp Set
My Favorite Things Cool Cup Die
My Favorite Things STAX Pierced Rectangle Die
My Favorite Things Fresh Dots & Stripes 6"x6" Paper Pad
Crafter's Companion Heat Resistant Acetate
Spectrum Noir White Cardstock
Red Cardstock
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink
Distress Ink Mustard Seed
Ink Blending Tool
Ranger Picket Fence Distress Paint
White Embossing Powder
Clear Embossing Powder
Heat Embossing Tool
Alcohol Ink Applicator
Die-cutting Machine
Red Rhinestone
Dimensional Glue
Glue Pen
Crystal Glitter
Liquid Adhesive
Tape Runner
Pretty Pink Posh Sparkling Clear Mix Sequin

Oh So Girly

YES!!! NEW Digi Images and a NEW Challenge over at Fresh Brewed Designs. WOOT WOOT!

The Challenge Theme: Oh So Girly
Get all the challenge and prize details over on the FBD Challenge Blog.

The new digi I used is called Caffeinated Escape. She was super fun to color. I also used the Coffee House Menu digi image and To Have and To Hold digi sentiment. BTW - if you want to purchase a digi from the Fresh Brewed Designs webstore...but you can't find it...just shoot them a quick email and let them know what images you are looking for.

I colored using Spectrum Noir Markers along with Spectrum Noir Colored Pencils. The pencils colored on top of the markers  REALLY add the extra depth and shading! If you've never tried that...I highly suggest. I have a tutorial over on the Spectrum Noir Blog about coloring pencils over markers. That will help you get started with this technique. Check it out HERE.

Here's all the colors I used:

• Markers - FS2, FS3, FS6, CR2, PP1, PP4, PP5, HB1, TN3, EB1, EB3, EB5, GB8, CG2, DG2, BG2, BG4, BG6, BG8
• Pencils - 001, 031, 033, 111, 115

The sentiment I picked to go along with my card design is really intended for a wedding card. I thought it worked perfectly for this project- giving it just a touch of humor...in an "Oh So Girly" way.


Thanks for stopping by today. I can't wait to see what "girly" stuff you make!

Supplies:
Fresh Brewed Designs Digi Images
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Noir Colored Pencils
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Crafter's Companion Shimmering Cardstock
Crafter's Companion Flowers and Leaves Dies (coming soon)
A Muse Studio green cardstock
Pebbles Inc designer cardstock - Ever After - Blushing Princess
Crystal Rhinestone Stickers
My Favorite Things Pierced Rectangle Stax Die Set
Computer and Printer
Die-cutting/Embossing Machine

Warm and Cozy

Nothing better than your favorite hot beverage to keep you warm and cozy at Christmas...

I really love this holiday to-go coffee cup (or hot cocoa) image from Fresh Brewed Designs. Both the Candy Cane Latte and Warm and Cozy Sentiment are digi images. I've used this cup images many times. It's one of my fav's!

Colored with Spectrum Noir Markers:

• Bow - GB1, GB4, GB7, GB9
• Cup - FS1, BG1, Blender
• Candy Cane - CR3, CR9, Blender

I added clear glaze over the candy cane. It looks soooo yummy!  The gold accent ric-rack ribbon goes perfectly with the gold ribbon and bow. 

 
Here's to a warm and cozy holiday season,

 



Supplies:
Fresh Brewed Designs Digi Images
Spectrum Noir Markers
1/4" Corner Rounder
Gold Ric Rac
Gingerbread Art Glitter
Glossy Accents
Avery Elle Sequins
Paper Piercer
A Muse Studio CS,
Tim Holtz Merriment Paper Stack

Build A Snowman

Hello crafty peeps! Here's the new challenge for this week over at Fresh Brewed Designs.

The Challenge Theme:  Build A Snowman

Since I didn't have an official "snowman digi image" from FBD, I had to think out of the box to complete this challenge. Here's what I came up with...

I made a DIY snowman and tucked him on a coffee mug. HA! Hey...I got the job done...and it turned out pretty darn cute if I do say so myself.
 

All the coloring is done with Spectrum Noir Markers:

• Greens - CG4, CG3, CG1
• Reds - DR2, DR5, PP1
• Shading on bow and candy cane - GG1, Blender
• Shading on showman -  IB1, Blender

I printed the Candy Cane Latte Digi stamp image and Let it Snow Digi sentiment directly on the white card base. I printed the mug 2 more times, colored, fussy cut and layered with dimensional tape. The snowman eyes are black pearls. His cute little smile I drew by hand with a black marker. A few snowflakes for good measure and enough sparkly glitter to build the rest of the snowman!

Get all the challenge details over at the Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge Blog. Hope you can play along!

Supplies:
Fresh Brewed Designs Digi Images
Spectrum Noir Markers
Crystal Glitter
Black Pearls
White, Black and Orange Cardstock
Printer & Computer
Glue Pen
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Snowflake Punch
Corner Rounder Punch
Circle Punch
Black Marker

Fresh Brewed Spiders

Hello friends. Today is another new challenge over at Fresh Brewed Designs.  Our theme this week is "Spiders".

I just love this Halloween "to go coffee cup" digi image. It's called BOO! Spooky Latte. It fit the challenge perfectly since it has a spider on it.

I colored with Spectrum Noir Markers:

Circle in center of band: CT4, GB6, GB4
Band and Lid: EB2, GB10, GB8, GB1, EB2
Cup: BG6, BG4, BG2
Word Shading: HB1, HB3, Blender
Background Dots HB1, HB3, GB4, GB1, EB2, Blender

The spider on the cup band is extra fun with wiggly eyes! Doesn't it look adorable like that?! :) I also added Black Flock with some sparkles on the body.

Get all the challenge details over on the Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge Blog HERE.


Have a Boo-tiful Day

You make every day Amazing

I love anything coffee related. And I do believe my wonderful yummy flavored creamers definitely make for a "skinny drink"... right? *wink*

This digi image from Fresh Brewed Designs is great. It's called Skinny Latte.I looked at it and totally thought how amazing a good cuppa tastes. It does make every day amazing! I wanted this card to be all girl. I do believe I accomplished that.

Colored with Spectrum Noir Markers:

• Coffee Mug PP1, PP4, PP5, IG4, IG6, IG8, IG10
• Tape Measure GB1, GB4, BG7 Coffee EB2, EB7
• Ground GB1, GB4, Blender
• Outline IG1, Blender

The shape of the mug is a cylinder - or tube shaped. Coloring the highlight along the center length gives the mug dimension. For more details info on coloring cylinders and building dimension with color, click HERE to check out a previous post over on the Spectrum Noir Blog. I also colored the main front section of the mug on another piece of cardstock, then cut out and adhered with foam adhesive. That adds even more texture and dimension.

On the pink card base, I used Tim Holtz - Stampers Anoymous Measured Stencil and sponged with Versamark. Next I gave it a light mist of Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spritz. Looooove that stuff! I colored over the coffee with a clear glaze pen and added a flower shaped sequin from Lawn Fawn with small gold sequin from Pretty Pink Posh and rhinestone in the center. Va Va Voom!

Java Jill

HELLO Saturday! I think it's gonna be a 5 cup kind of day for me. How 'bout you? Here's another card I made for the HUMOR challenge over at Fresh Brewed Designs
 

Say hello to Java Jill. She is a coffee poster girl! LOL!!! A little caffeine never hurt anybody...right? I'm sure her day Saturday will go along just fine ;)


Most of the image I colored with a Dove Blender Pen by picking up Spectrum Aqua Marker ink that I scribbled on a watercolor palette. Other areas I just colored straight on the paper with the marker. I kept the coloring really clean and simple..and the colors more on the softer side. This took me all of about 10 minutes to make.

Java Jill One More Cup and the Five Cup Day Sentiment are digi images. The other 4 coffee cups are from the Card Backer rubber stamp.

These are the colors of the Spectrum Aqua Markers I used:

• Skin - Spice
• Eyes and Background - Aquamarine
• Hair - Topaz
• Shirt and Lips - Blossom
• Pants - Tan
• Shoes and Ground - Slate
• Coffee Cups - Tan and Slate

Get all the challenge details over on the Fresh Brewed Designs Blog.

Holiday Cheer

Just a little Holiday Cheer (aka Coffee!) to warm up your day.

I made this for the Snowflakes and Ribbons Challenge over at the Fussy & Fancy Friday Challenge Blog.  Fresh Brewed Designs is sponsoring the challenge this time. How about joining in on the fun?  Don't worry...you have plenty of time. Challenge ends  Midnight (GMT) January 8, 2015

I used a digi image from Fresh Brewed Designs called  Candy Cane Latte. Sooooo yummy...right?!  I embossed the white cardstock panel with snowflakes and added some Icicle Stickles. The Candy Cane is covered with glaze pen. I also added some shimmer to the bow and on the top rim of the cup. EVER enough sparkle :)  More snowflakes diecut from Poppystamps Christmas Bauble Die and the sentiment diecut from from Paper Smooches.

That's it for today. I've got some baking in the kitchen to get done and then off for a Christmas church service.


Thanks for stopping by!

Hazel the Witch Boogies!

YAY! Another fun Halloween card! Check it out...

Hazel must LOVE her coffee!

I colored these Eat Cake Graphics images with my Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils. So easy. No fuss.

First thing I did was stamp Hazel Witch Boogies and Happy Halloweenie on white cardstock. Then I outlined the witch using IG1 Spectrum Noir Marker. To soften up the edges of the marker a bit, I colored lightly with the Blender Pen right on the edge of the grey.

Next, I colored the witch using Spectrum Noir Colored Pencils with Blending Solution and Paper Stumps as follows:

• Purple areas - 080 and 082
• Green areas - 056 and 058
• Orange areas - 02
• Black areas - 120

The Witches Brew coffee cups were stamped, colored, fussy cut and adhered with foam adhesive. For sparkle, I painted areas with Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spritz.

TIP: After cutting out the images, color the edged with your black pencil or a black marker. That finishes off the pieces so you don't see the white cardstock edges.

The little bats are punched from black cardstock and have a little black rhinestone on top. Along the bottom of the panel is a strip of green striped washi tape and a sheer ribbon wrapped around and tied in a knot.

Happy coloring!

 

National Coffee Day

HELLO all you Coffee Fans!  Today is National Coffee Day!


YAY for COFFEE!

To celebrate, I'm taking part in a special Coffee Lovers Blog Hop.  It's gonna be TONS of fun, FULL of inspiration, LOADS of laughs, and AWESOME prizes and giveaways!!!! Get all the details about today's Blog Hop HERE.


Here's my coffee creation using a NEW Boo! Spooky Latte Digi Image from Fresh Brewed Designs. The bat is another great NEW Digi Image from the Simply Spooky Set. LOVE!

 
What fun stamps huh! I used markers to color the images.  The background layer was created with a couple Tim Holtz stencils, Black Embossing Paste, Black Glitter, Distress Paint and Distress Inks. I used a clear epoxy circle sticker on the cup band.

I fussy cut the images - leaving white edges so they would look as if they were die-cut pieces. I used this weeks Sketch Challenge 507 at Splitcoaststampers for my layout.

 Take a look at all the fantastic companies who are sponsoring this Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

Pretty amazing!  Click HERE to join the fun!


Now I gotta go grab another cuppa and do some more crafting. Have a great Monday!

Fresh Brewed Fall Flashback

Over at Fresh Brewed Designs we're having fun sharing card designs using some of our favorite Fall Themed FBD Digi Images.

Here's a couple I love -- FrankenCorn and Pumpkin Latte.

When Fall comes around -- so does Candy Corn, Frankenstein, Halloween and Pumpkin Latte! And I LOOOOOVE pumpkin creamer in my coffee! Even FrankenCorn loves it! LOL! I decided to put them all together  with the most perfect EVER coffee lovers Halloween digi senitment - Java Happy Halloween :) 

After I colored everything...I used a VersaMark Pen on the areas I wanted to heat emboss with clear EP. It works fantastic for embossing!!!

Hop on over to the Fresh Brewed Designs Blog and check out the other projects by the Design Team. Loads of great images to share with everyone!

Check back tomorrow! I've got another project to share using the Pumpkin Latte Digi Image.
Java Happy Day! ;)