Spectrum Noir March Challenge

We have an ANYTHING GOES challenge for you over at Spectrum Noir. Check it out:

Here's the bonus sketch to inspire you. The challenge is your choice...Anything Goes or the optional Sketch. Get all the challenge and prize details HERE. The only thing we ask is that you use Spectrum Noir coloring products on your project. Simple :)

I colored this absolutely ADORABLE image from My Favorite Things, using Spectrum Noir AquaBlend Watercolor Pencils: Apricot, Coral, Ginger, Grapefruit, Dove Grey, Dark Slate, Charcoal Brown, Sorrel, Parakeet, Bottle Green, Beeswax, Mango, Regal Blue, Aegean Blue, Chrome Orange and Dandelion

What a cute little Spring scene :) This card is sure to brighten a friends day. I die-cut the circle from Spectrum Aqua Watercolour cardstock using my MFT Cross-Stitch Circle STAX Die Set. Then I stamped the main image and "Hello" sentiment with black ink. Next I colored with the AquaBlend watercolor pencils and blended with a watercolor brush.

The bunny and chick are stamped on a scrap of watercolor cardstock, then colored, trimmed and adhered with dimensional foam adhesive. For the chick, I also inked up just the feet on the stamp and then stamped onto the circle panel. When I trimmed out the chick, I just cut off the feet. It's way easier that way...not to mention the added dimension.

I hope you have some crafty time this month to join our fun challenge. Make sure to enter your work for a chance to win £30/$30 in Spectrum Noir goodies here: March Spectrum Noir Challenge


Happy coloring!

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir AquaBlend Watercolor Pencils
Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
My Favorite Things - Spring Friends Stamp Set
My Favorite Things Die-namics Cross-Stitch Circle STAX
My Favorite Things Die-namics Basic Stitch Lines
My Favorite Thing Plaid Patterns 6x6 Paper Pack
My Favorite Things Die-namics Blueprints 27 
My Favorite Things Die-namics Circle STAX Set 2
Pink Cardstock
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink
Water coloring brush
Clear Sequins
Gemini Die cutting Machine
Multi Matte Medium
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Adhesive Tape Runner

Holiday Hugs

Hi everyone!

The other day I spotted a great sketch challenge over at the My Favorite Things Challenge Blog. I designed this card based on the challenge layout.

Here's the sketch. I just love it! There are so many ways to create with this classic sketch.

The stamp set I used is Pure Innocence Holiday Hugs Snowman from My Favorite Things. I colored with Spectrum Noir Markers:

Snow - BT1, Blender
Hat - IG1, IG3, IG5, IG7
Nose - GB3, OR1
Scarf - DG1, DG2, CG2

Have you started coloring any winter themed images yet? Snowmen images are some of my favorite to color. Not only are they easy to color with markers, but they can also be covered with GLITTER! And you KNOW how much I looooooove my sparkly stuff!!

Clean and simple...just the way I like 'em. :)

Hugs,

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
My Favorite Things Holiday Hugs Snowman Stamp Set 
My Favorite Things Snowflake Flurry Stamp Set
My Favorite Things Cardstock
My Favorite Things Stitched Oval Dies
My Favorite Things Homespun Stitch Lines 
My Favorite Things Blueprints #29 Die Set
My Favorite Things Green Ink
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Clear Sequins
Cool Diamond Microfine Glitter
Glue Pen
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Liquid Adhesive
Die-cutting Machine

Grateful

Hello again and Happy Friday!

There's a great sketch challenge over on My Favorite Things Blog this week. Here's my creation:

This is the sketch:

I used the a super cute stamps and dies from the Pure Innocence Collection called Jumping with Joy.  I also used MFT STAX Nested Shapes dies to die-cut the layer panels - Wonky Stitched Rectangles, Stitched Mini Scalloped Rectangle, Stitched Rectangle and Stitched Fishtail Flags.

The green polka dot sweater and beanie are stamped and fussy cut out from My Favorite Things Fun & Frolic Paper Pack. To give the designer paper some extra dimension, I did some shading with the BG3 Spectrum Noir Marker. It really makes a difference!

All the coloring is done with Spectrum Noir Markers as follows:

Skin - FS2, FS3, CR3, TN2
Hair - EB3, GB8, GB4
Pants - GB6, GB4, BG1
Boots - EB5, EB3, GB8, GB4
Pants - GB6, GB4, BG1
Boos - EB5, EB3, GB8, GB4
Scarf - OR3, OR1, GB3
Shirt - GB5, OR1
Leaf - DG3, GG2, DG1, CR7, OR1, GB5, CT4, GB6, GB1
Shading - BG3

I also die-cut the rectangle panel from the Fun & Frolic Paper Pack. Those tiny leaves were my inspiration for the colors and leaf stamps used on my card design.

The sentiment is stamped and heat embossed in white. I also finished the inside of the card.

Seriously...I'm jumpin' with joy at how CUTE this turned out! Soooo happy I played the challenge this week over at My Favorite Things. I'm gonna have to do this more often! My stamps are happy...and so is my heart :)


Have a fun day!

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Markers
My Favorite Things Pure Innocence - Jumping with Joy Stamp Set
My Favorite Things Pure Innocence - Jumping With Joy Die Set
My Favorite Things Stitched Fishtail Flags STAX
My Favorite Things Stitched Rectangle STAX
My Favorite Things Stitched Mini Scalloped Rectangle STAX
My Favorite Things Wonky Stitched Rectangle STAX
My Favorite Things Fun & Frolic Paper Pack  
My Favorite Things Cardstocks
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Distress Inks
Ink Blending Tool
VersaMark Ink Pad
Anti-Static Pouch
White Embossing Powder
Die-Cutting Machine
Heat Embossing Tool
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Adhesive tape runner

And don't forget to check out all the tutorials and videos over on the Spectrum Noir Blog. It's a great resource for all levels of crafters!

Anything Goes Challenge

I know many of you are super busy with back to school stuff going on. Or maybe just taking one last summer trip while you still have time. Always a ton of stuff going on during the summer months! So, to keep thing simple, our challenge this month over at Spectrum Noir is easy - Anything Goes! Gotta love that...right ;)

I did some fun watercoloring with my Spectrum Aqua Markers.

I stamped the image on Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock and heat embossed in white. To watercolor, I colored the marker directly on the image in the section I wanted a certain color. Then,  I used a watercolor brush to move and "wash" the color. After the section was dry, I moved on to the next. I continued to repeat this with each colored area until I was finished. You need to wait for each section to dry, otherwise the colors will blend and won't look like blocked sections. The marker colors I used:

Amber, Gold, Aquamarine, Rose Pink, Scarlet, Moss, Meadow, Sunflower

Next I used the fine nib end of the same color Aqua Markers to color in areas again Then with the watercolor brush I lightly dabbed to move the color just a bit. I was super happy with the results!

Once the panel was dry again, I die-cut it. I decided to make a card base to look like a clipboard - since that's what I usually watercolor on. I made a top fold A2 cardbase from kraft cardstock and then used Antique Linen Distress Ink Pad to swipe ink on it to give a wood look. Rounding the corners with a punch really set off the look. The clip and brush dies finish off the look.

I hope you can join the challenge this month. It's always fun to see everyone's creations. Get all the details HERE. Also, make sure to check us out over on:

Pinterest 
YouTube
Twitter
Facebook


Happy Anything Goes Month.  Have a great weekend!

Supplies:
Spectrum Aqua Markers
Stamp - Tim Holtz Collection
Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock
Crafter's Companion Kraft Cardstock
Silver Cardstock
Blue Cardstock
VersaMark Ink
Antique Linen Distress Ink
White Embossing Powder
Anti-Static Pouch
My Favorite Things die-cuts
Die-cutting & Embossing Machine
Heat Embossing Tool
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Glue
Watercolor Brush
Corner Rounder Punch

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

Pastel Pencil Wash

Have you played the April Pastel Color Challenge over at Spectrum Noir? I hope so! We have so many great entries.

For my "pastel color" design, I created a pastel rainbow watercolor wash background. To do this, I used the new Spectrum Noir AquaBlend Watercolor Pencils on woodgrain textured cardstock. Super duper easy! I lightly scribbled each color on the textured cardstock, then used a waterbrush to blend it out.

Pencil colors: Primrose, Papaya, Soft Red, Violet, Sky Blue, Aqua, Bamboo, Kiwi
 

The tag is stamped with a sentiment from My Favorite Things Chalkboard Greetings Stamp Set. I love what it says! It's stamped with Versamark and heat embossed in white. 

Get all the April Pastel Color Challenge details and enter your design HERE.

Have a creative day!

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir AquaBlend Watercolor Pencils
My Favorite Things - Chalkboard Greetings Stamp Set
VersaMark Ink  
White Embossing Powder
My Favorite Things Pierced Tag Die Set
Avery Elle Small Stitched Rectangle Die Set
Cropadile Eyelet Setter and white eyelet
Score Board (The Ultimate Crafter's Companion)
Pink Heart Rhinestones
Colored Cardstock
Paper Cording
Woodgrain Textured Cardstock
Heat Embossing Gun
Watercolor Brush
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Diecutting/Embossing Machine

Happy Birthday full of Sparkle

I've always loved playing challenges. They inspire me and give that extra little "push" to be creative in so many different ways. Plus...we all love to win prizes...so that was even more reason to enter...right? ha. Gotta love gettin' that free happy mail! So how about you? Are you a challenge player?

Over at Spectrum Noir, we have a new challenge every month. That gives you plenty of time to create.  You still have time to play our March Challenge - Show Us You Sparkle. Click HERE to get all the details.

Also, over at Fresh Brewed Designs, we have a new challenge every week. This week our theme is Happy Birthday. Click HERE to get all the details.

I combined both challenges to come up with my card design. I mean...come on! Birthdays and Sparkle belong together! LOL

Isn't that soooo fun?!!! A birthday card that is FULL of the most wonderful sparkly things! The digi stamp is from Fresh Brewed Designs new release. It's called Lil Sweetie Make A Wish. ADORABLE!

I colored it with Spectrum Noir Markers:

• Frosting - LG1, LG3, LG5
• Cupcake - DG1, CG1, CG3, CG4
• Arms/Legs - LG1, LG3, LG4
• Candle - CT1, CT3, CT4
• Shading - GG1, GG2, GG3

Then I colored with some Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens:

• Frosting & Green Candle Stripes - Soft Jade
• Cupcake Wrapper, White Candle Stripes & Under Feet of Cupcake - Clear

For even MORE sparkle, I added yellow glitter on the candle flame, and crystal glitter on the cake and frosting!

AND...for even MORE sparkly birthday fun, a shaker window overflowing with shinny sequins and seed beads. The stitched dies are from My Favorite Things and Lawn Fawn. All the fun sequins is from Pretty Pink Posh. LOVE that stuff! I stamped and heat embossed the sentiment from Simon Says Stamp.

I hope you can play along with the challenges. They truly are a great way to get your creativity flowing.

Enter the March Spectrum Noir Sparkle Challenge HERE
Enter the Fresh Brewed Happy Birthday Challenge HERE

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens
Spectrum Noir Markers
Fresh Brewed Designs Digi Image
Simon Says Stamp Birthday Messages Stamp Set
Crystal and Yellow Glitter
Pretty Pink Posh Sequins
My Favorite Things Blueprints 18 Die Set
Lawn Fawn Small Stitcked Rectangle Die Set
Crafter's Companion Clear Acetate
Clear Embossing Powder
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink
Spectrum Noir White Cardstock
My Favorite Things Fresh Dots and Stripes 6x6 Paper Pack
A Muse Studio Margarita Cardstock 
Die-cutting Machine
Heat Embossing Tool
Liquid Adhesive
White Gel Pen
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Computer and printer

Lil Sweetie Happy Birthday

It's time once again for a Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge.

The theme is: Anything Goes!

I used one of the brand new digi images: Lil Sweetie Happy Birthday. Isn't it so fun!

I colored with Spectrum Noir Markers: BT2, BT4, BT6, GB1, GB6

To make the fun balloons, I just printed a couple more, cut out and hand drew the strings. Load of glitter made it really happy. Which...by the way...qualifies for this months challenge over at Spectrum Noir - Show Us Your Sparkle! Another great challenge to get your craftin'

Hope you're havin' a happy day :)

Supplies:
Fresh Brewed Designs Digi Image
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Misc colored cardstocks
My Favorite Things Pierced Rectangle STAX Die
Crafter's Companion Petite Dots Embossing Folder
Hero Arts Crystal Glitter
Black Micron Pen
Diecutting/Embossing Machine
Bakers Twine
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Glue Pen
Chisel Glue Pen

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

Re-inker Magic!

I love quick and easy techniques. How about you? Yes? Well then...go check out my lastest "quick and easy" tutorial over on the Spectrum Noir Blog - Adding Texture with Blender Re-inker. Fun stuff I tell ya ;)

 

Isn't this card adorable! You could mass produce these for invitations, announcements and thank you cards. Or...make a few in different colors to have on hand. Twins? NO problem! Just put 2 onsies and 2 bottles on the card! Double the fun! LOL

I colored everything with my Spectrum Noir Markers -  CT2, CT4, IB1, IB2, IB3 and BT7.

The stamps and dies are from Simon Says Stamps. I absolutely adore them! The cross stitch rectangle die is from My Favorite Things. The little cross stitch design really adds to the design. I stamped the little stars with Versamark ink all over the card front. I thought it would be fun to continue on the inside of the card...

Hop on over to the Spectrum Noir Blog and check out my tutorial and technique tips.

While you are there, check out all the other great tutorials and projects. Don't forget to visit us over on our Facebook Page and Pinterest too!


Enjoy!

Supplies used on project:
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Noir Re-Inker Blender
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Kraft Cardstock
Yellow Cardstock
Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink
VersaMark Ink
Simon Says Stamps Tiny Rays of Sunshine Stamp Set
Simon Says Stamps Baby Clothes & Crib Die Set
My Favorite Things Cross Stitch Rectangle Die Set
Natural Twine
Piece of old white wash clothe

Fresh Brewed Sweet Stuff

Happy Hump Day! Are you ready to bring it with another Fresh Brewed Designs challenge? Of COURSE you are! :) Let's get to it then...shall we...

This weeks Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge is: Sweet Stuff

Here's my calorie free card...

OH MY is this ever SWEET STUFF! The digi stamps I used are Sweetie with Balloon and Could You Be Any Sweeter Cupcakes. Don't those cupcakes look soooo yummy! I make them all chocolate cake! My fav!

All the coloring is done with Spectrum Noir Markers:

• Reds - DR2, CR5, PP3
• Blues - BT5, BT4, BT2, BT1
• Pink - PP5, PP3, Blender
• Yelllows - CT4, CT2, GB7, GB6, GB1
• Vanilla Frosting - GB8, GB2, TN1, Blender
• Chocolate Stuff - TN7, EB3, EB2, EB1, Blender
• Background Shading - BG2, HB1, BGR1, Blender 

I think I need a fresh cuppa to go along with all these cupcakes! Delish!

Hope you have time to make some "Sweet Stuff" this week.


Have fun!

Supplies:
Fresh Brewed Designs Digi Images
Spectrum Noir Markers
White Cardstock
My Favorite Things Sentiment Stamp
Black Ink
Pretty Pink Posh Sequins
Memory Box Patterned Cardstock
A Muse Studio Solid Onyx Cardstock
My Favorite Things Edge Die
Die-cutting Machine
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Ranger Multi-Matte Medium
Adhesive Tape