Rustic Cottage by Sara Davies of Crafter's Companion

Well friends, it's almost time for the next big HSN crafty event!!! So are YOU ready?!!! Here's another sneak peek. These are products from the NEW Sara Signature Collection - Rustic Cottage.



I diecut all the pieces and then used Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Markers to color. For the red on the flower, I used the Macaroon Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen. The sentiment is stamped and embossed in white. This card is super simple. Seriously...even if you are not good at watercoloring...you can't go wrong!

The new products I used are:

Sara Signature Collection - Rustic Cottage Classic Lily Die
Sara Signature Collection - Rustic Cottage Filigree Flourish Die
Sara Signature Collection - Rustic Cottage Cherished Memories Metal Die & Stamp Set
Sara Signature Collection - Rustic Cottage 6"x6" Paper Pad

A list of all the products I used on this card are listed at the bottom of the post.

Check out our Pinterest Gallery for oodles and oodles of inspiration.

Careful...you might drool!


Click HERE to see all the great Crafter's Companion products that will be on HSN March 8th. Better get your wish list ready!

Here's what's coming in the Rustic Cottage Collection:

Don't forget to join us on Facebook to keep up to date on everything...and the Facebook Party going on RIGHT ON as we gear up for the HSN Show!

Have a wonderful day,

Supplies:
Crafter's Companion Sara Signature Collection - Rustic Cottage Classic Lily Die
Crafter's Companion Sara Signature Collection - Rustic Cottage Filigree Flourish Die
Crafter's Companion Sara Signature Collection - Rustic Cottage Cherished Memories Metal Die & Stamp Set
Crafter's Companion Sara Signature Collection - Rustic Cottage 6"x6" Paper Pad
Sectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock
Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Markers: Gold, Sunset, Moss
Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen: Macaroon
Gemini Die-cutting/Embossing Machine
Stick-It Adhesive Sheet
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Adhesive Tape Runner
Collall Glue
Red Cardstock
Watercolor Brush
Versamark Ink
White Embossing Powder
Anti-Static Pouch
Heat Embossing Gun
Dimensional Foam Adhesive

Watercolored Three-Tier Gift Box

Howdy friends! I've got a really cool tutorial over on the Spectrum Noir Blog showing how to make this set of gift boxes.

I am super happy with how this turned out! I wanted it to look have the appearance of fancy three-tier cake with flowers cascading down the side. Nailed it!

 

 
I only used one Spectrum Aqua Marker to do the watercoloring! You could use any color you want and get great results! The stamp set I used is from Crafter’s Companion Sheena Douglass Groovin’ 60’s Collection – Bloomin’ Sixties. I love this set of flowers!

All the details and instructions with pictures for my Watercolor Three-Tier Gift Box are over on the Spectrum Noir Blog.

 Have fun creating!

Get more project inspiration and stay up with the latest news with us at:
Spectrum Noir on Facebook
Spectrum Noir on Instagram
Spectrum Noir on Twitter
SpectrumNoir on Pinterest
Spectrum Noir Website and Blog

Spectrum Noir November Challenge

I've got another holiday card to share with you. Aren't you so excited? LOL

Over at Spectrum Noir, we have our November Monthly Challenge going on right now...and it's a challenge you can't pass up. ANYTHING GOES! Or...you can create something for our BONUS Challenge Theme: Christmas/Winter. Click HERE for all the challenge details.

I gotta start off by telling you that this is one of those cards that looks waaaaaay better in person. It really sparkles and shines. The closeup pic helps to give you a better visual of that.

I used Spectrum Aqua Markers - Teal, Navy and a Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen - Starry Sky to watercolor the night sky on Spectrum Aqua Extra White Watercolour Cardstock.. The sparkle from the Sparkle Pen, mixed in with the Aqua Marker colors, gives a nice overall sparkle. Then I added some white die-cut stars covered with glitter and gold sequins stars.

I'm always super busy with like EVERYTHING during the holiday season...so quick and easy designs are what I usually go for. This card is one of those. I love the new Sara Davies Signature Collection - Contemporary Christmas Stamps and Dies. The Festive Sentiments Stamp Set allows you to mix and match words to create just the right message. And I think my favorite of all is the Scenic Borders Die Set. It comes with 3 border dies, however I just used one of them. I adore the little heart cut-outs for some of the windows in the houses! So cute! This die will work all year - not just for Christmas.

The gold embossed sentiment, along with the added glitter and sequins, make for a very sparkly and festive holiday greeting.

I hope you take time to play the Spectrum Noir November Challenge with us.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Supplies:
Spectrum Aqua Markers - Teal, Navy
Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen - Starry Sky
Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock
Sara Signature Collection Contemporary Christmas - Festive Sentiments Stamp Set
Sara Signature Collection Contemporary Christmas - Scenic Borders Die Set
Die'sire Edge'ables Christmas Collection - Twinkle Twinkle (to diecut little stars)
Spectrum Noir Ultrasmooth Premium White Cardstock
Ranger Princess Gold Embossing Powder
Versamark Ink
Crystal Glitter
Gold Mini Star Sequins
Gold Star Sequins
Die-cutting Machine
Heat Embossing Gun
Anti-Static Pouch
Dimensioal Foam Adhesive
Glue Pen
Ranger Multi-Matte Medium
Dark Blue Cardstock
Watercolor Brush

House Mouse Winter Wonderland

Happy Monday stampy friends!

Let's get in shape for the week, shall we! Over on the House-Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge Blog for challenge #228, I have a fun theme for everyone: "Shape It Up"  Create a shaped card.

The new Die'sire Create-A-Card card base dies from Crafter's Companion are PERFECT for making a shaped card in a snap! I used the set called Rosie. It has 6 dies of the same shape in various sizes.

My House-Mouse image (which is as cute as they come!) is stamped and heat embossed on Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Cardstock. Then  I watercolored with Spectrum Aqua Markers. I LOVE these markers!

Marker colors: Desert, Charcoal, Sepia, Spice, Chestnut, Boulder, Begonia, Scarlet, Fawn, Teal, Peach, Tan, Slate and Black.

By heat embossing the image, it made it super easy to watercolor. The embossed raised edges help keep the color from bleeding into other areas. The sentiment stamp is from Crafter's Companion Nordic Christmas - Cool Christmas Stamp Set.

The Spectrum Aqua markers are dual-tipped – at one end, there’s a soft brush nib for flexible line control and a more natural art surface feel. And at the other, a precise fine tip for definition and accurate line work.

I can't tell you enough how awesome that fine tip end is for coloring in very small areas. It worked great for the branches and the little mice hands. I used a lightly dampened small watercolor brush to blend it out.

The fine tip end of the black Aqua Marker was also perfect to color the little string tied from the nut shell to the mouse.

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You can get more info on the Spectrum Aqua markers on the Spectrum Noir Blog.

To join in on the House-Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge - Shape It Up Chalenge - click HERE for all the details.

Have a fun day!

Supplies: 
Spectrum Aqua Markers
Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock
House-Mouse Stamp - Reindeer Games
Crafter's Companoin Nordic Christmas - Cool Christmas Stamp Set
Crafter's Companion Die'sire Create-A-Card "Rosie" Die
Gemini Die-cutting Machine
Versafine Onyx Black Ink
Clear Embossing Powder
Anti-Static Powder
Heat Embossing Gun
Crystal Glitter
Art Glitter Faux Snow
Liquid Adhesive
Dimensional Foam Adhesives
Woodgrain Printed Designer paper
Heavy Red Jute Twine or Cording
Ranger Distress Ink - Ground Espresso
Ink Blending Tool

Coloring a Witches Hat

I've been having tons of fun coloring and creating with Halloween stamps lately. Here's one I made using stamps from Eat Cake Graphics.

Isn't that witch a hoot?!!! Hazel the witch is getting her boogie on, but I wonder what she is out collecting in that pumpkin? Hopefully some yummy candy! LOL To color the witch's hat, and give it creases and folds, I followed a tutorial over on the Spectrum Noir Blog. You can find the tutorial HERE.

I colored most of the images with Spectrum Noir Markers. The grass is stamped by coloring Bud Green and Moss Spectrum Aqua Markers colored directly on the stamp. Then I did a quick watercolor wash to blend it out. Hazels dress has tiny dots all over it, which I added with a black micron pen. To give her glasses some dimension, I colored over with a Versamark marker and heat embossed clear. I cut out a few of tombstones and popped up for a bit for dimension. Then I stamped the full Graveyard image a few times on the card base for a tone-on-tone look. The sentiment is heat embossed. 

Here's the Spectrum Noir Markers I colored with:
Hat & Shoes - IG1, IG9, IG4
Skin - EB1, EB2, IG3, FS3
Hair - GG1, GG5, Black
Dress - PL2, PL4, PL1
Glasses - OR2, IG9
Pumpkin - OR1, OR2, OR3, GB4, CT4, CG3
Tombstones - GG1, GG2


Visit the Spectrum Noir Blog for load more inspiration, tutorials, and latest news.

Also, don't forget to play along with us for this month's challenge - Halloween Colors! Get all the details HERE.


Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:
Eat Cake Graphics Stamps - Hazel Witch Boogies, Graveyard, Pumpkin Container, Row of Grass, Happy Halloweenie
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock 
Memento Dye Inks - Tuxedo Black, Gray Flannel; Distress Hickory Smoke; Versafine Onyx Black
Cloud Stencil 
Art Masking Tape
Ink Blending Tool
My Favorite Things Dies
Watercolor Brush
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Diecutting machine
Heat Embossing Tool
Versamark Ink and Marker
Clear Embossing Powder
Anti-static pouch
Black and Green cardstocks
Black Micron Pen

Spectrum Noir Colorista is COMING!

Hey friends. Have you seen the latest Crafter's Companion and Spectrum Noir news. We are soooo excited!!! This is BIG I tell ya!

OK...so check it out. Adult coloring is HUGE all over the world, and it's here to stay! We can't wait for you to see...better yet...get your hands on the new Spectrum Noir Colorista products coming later this month. Adult coloring at it's finest. And it doesn't matter what level of coloring you are at...this is for EVERYONE. Trust me....you're gonna LOVE IT ALL. And that translates into WANT IT ALL. NEED IT ALL. GET IT ALL.

Mark your calendars for the world launch of Spectrum Noir Colorista on HSN with Sara Davies Tuesday, August 30th. 

In the meantime...you can get started coloring with the NEW Spectrum Noir Coloring Background Stamps. You will be able to purchase them over at Crafter's Companion.

Here's something I colored up with the Beautiful Butterfly Background Stamp.

These stamps are perfectly sized for A2 cards. I trimmed down my finished panel and layered it on white, then adhered to an A2 card front. The sentiment is from Crafter's Companion Textures Artist Collection Words of Wonder - Set 1. I stamped it in gold on yellow cardstock.

I stamped on Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock with Black StazOn Ink. Then I colored with Spectrum Noir AquaBlend watercolor pencils and a waterbrush. Once I was finished coloring, and it was dry, I added Spectrum Noir Clear Sparkle Pen on the butterflies.

The fun part of coloring these types of images - or any adult coloring book images - is that you don't have to rush. It's a relaxing process. Take your time and enjoying it. I snapped a few pictures during my coloring process. It's cool to look back and see the progress.

Another thing I did, for added interest and dimension, is used a craft knife to cut a portion of the large wing, then popped some dimensional foam adhesive underneath. 

I really enjoyed coloring this "adult coloring" style image. I'm just a beginner, so if I can do it...anyone can. Check out all the "Colorista" inspiration on our Pinterest Board. Wowzers! Loads of amazing colored samples by our design team. They will knock your socks off!

Stay up to date on all the latest news:

• Spectrum Noir on Facebook 
• Spectrum Noir Website
• Crafter's Companion on Facebook
• Crafter's Companion Website

 Thank for stopping by today. Happy "adult" coloring!

Supplies:
Crafter's Companion Spectrum Noir Colorista Beautiful Butterfly Background Stamp
Crafter's Companion Textures Artist Collection Words of Wonder - Set 1
Spectrum Noir AquaBlend Watercolor Pencils - Essentials and Naturals Set (Oregano, Kiwi, Spruce, Ocean, Kiwi, Cypress, Deep Forest, Apricot, Straw, Jungle Green, Beeswax, Umber, Lagoon, Wheat, Aqua, Sorrel)
Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen - Crystal Clear
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Water brush
Black StazOn Ink Pad
Colored Cardstock
Craft Knife or X-Acto Knife
Adhesive
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Heat Gun
Delicata Golden Glitz Ink

Tea Time Treats Tag Card

Hello again everyone. I just had to share another project I made using the Crafter's Companion Die'sire Create-A-Card Card Base Dies that were just launched. Check this out...

The die I used for this fun shaker mini card is called the "Stacey" Card Base Die. This tag shape die is one of my faves. There are 6 dies in this set. I used the 3rd smallest to die-cut the card, and the smallest to die-cut the window.

I stamped and heat embossed the image from the Party Time stamp set on Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock. Then I colored with Spectrum Aqua markers - Bud Green, Kingfisher, Rose Pink, Amber, Gold and Yellow.

The image is cut out and adhered to front of card with foam tape. I thought the sentiment from the Downton Abbey - Time for Tea stamp set worked perfectly. It's stamped on the inside of the shaker. The shaker is filled with glitter and sequins. So fun and sparkly.

Watercoloring...yeah...I LOVE IT! Spectrum Aqua Markers are so vibrant. Check out all the great projects and inspiration on Pinterest using Spectrum Aqua as well as all the other Spectrum Noir coloring products.

Happy Crafting,

Supplies:
Spectrum Aqua Markers
Crafter's Companion Die'sire Create-A-Card Card Base Stacey Die
Crafter's Companion Shimmering Black Pearl Cardstock
Crafter's Companion Party Time EZ Mount Stamp Set
Crafter's Companoin Downton Abbey Time for Tea EZ Mount Stamp Set
Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Die-cutting Machine
Watercolor Brush
Clear Embossing Powder
Black Ink
Anti-static pouch
Sequins
Chunky Crystal Glitter
Adhesive
Bakers Twine
Crafter's Companion Clear Acetate Sheet
Heat Embossing Gun

Independence Day Sparkle

Hey everyone. Have you had a chance to check out the new Patriotic Stamp Sets that were recently released over at Crafter's Companion USA? They are SO MUCH FUN! I just KNOW you’re going to love them as much as I do.

I made this card using the Independence Day set.

This card has some CRAZY sparkle and shimmer in real life! I colored the firecracker and stars with Spectrum Noir Markers: DR4, TB4 and TB6. Then I added a super fun glitter mix that had in my MASSIVE stash. It's from Stampendous Frantage line called Silver Halo Mix. I don't know if you can get it anymore, but you could always mix up a blend of your own. Just use some silver and crystal glitters in different sizes.



For the striped background panel, I scribbled some Marine Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Marker on a clear stamping block and then used a wet watercolor paintbrush to paint on the stripes on watercolor cardstock. Once the panel was dry, I brushed Crystal Overlay Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen over the blue stripes. It not only gave it a fantastic shimmer, it also gave the stripes even more watercolor effect.

TIP: To remove any blue ink that is picked up on the Clear Sparkle Marker brush, simple wipe the marker on a clean scrap paper.


That’s it for me today, friends! I've got a LOT of catching up to do in my craft room before I head out on vacation again. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a good one!

Supplies:
Crafter's Companion 4th of July Stamp Set
Crafter's Companion Independence Stamp Set
Crafter's Companion Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White CS
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Aqua Marker
Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen
Red and Black Cardstocks
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Glitter
Glue Pen
Clear Stamping Block
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Watercolor Brush

June 2016 Calendar Page

It's June, and things are heating up outside! We're supposed to get up to 118 today!!! I think I'll stay inside and craft ;)

For my June calendar page, I created a wonderful little beach scene. Somewhere I would LOVE to be right now!

I colored the look of water and sand on the panel using Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens. Moonstone from the Perfect Pastels Set and Sand Dune from the Vintage Beach Set.

I used 3 different Crafter's Companion stamp sets. From the Sheena A Little Bit Scenic - Silhouette Highlands, I used the sandcastle. The umbrella is from Sheena A Little Bit Sketchy - Only Words - Through The Rain.  The sun is from Textures - Walls and Corner.

Designer Tip: Using partial images is a great way to get more bang for your buck with stamp sets. The umbrella image on this project is located on a large sentiment stamp from the Through The Rain set. It worked perfectly for this little beach scene!

To stamp the umbrella, I inked it up with Ranger Salty Ocean Distress Ink, and then colored over that with the Blue Topaz Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen. For the pole, I colored it on the stamp stamp with the Charcoal Spectrum Aqua Marker from the Essentials Set.

For the sandcastle, I inked it up with Antique Linen Distress Ink and then colored over that with a Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen in Sand Dune from the Vintage Beach Set. I inked the flag on the stamp using Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pen in Solar Red from the Summer Time Set.

For the sun, I inked up first with Neon Electric Yellow Ink, then dabbed a bit of Neon Electric Orange ink, then colored over with Spectrum Noir Sparkle Moonlight from the Shades of Spring Set . To make the circle on the sun, I punched out circle from white cardstock and applied ink direct to paper with same neon orange and yellow inks. Then I brushed on Moonlight Sparkle Pen. The circle is adhered flat and trimmed.

I'm going to enjoy looking at this simple little summer beach scene for the entire month.

Summer hugs,

Supplies:
Crafter's Companion Sheena  A Little Bit Sketchy - Only Words - Through the Rain stamp set
Crafter's Companion Sheena Douglass A Little Bit Scenic - Silhouette Highlands stamp set
Crafter's Companion Textures - Walls and Corners stamp set
Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens
Spectrum Noir Aqua Marker - Charcoal
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Distress Inks - Antique Linen and Salty Ocean
Distress Stickles - Antique Linen 
1 1/4" Circle Punch
Tsukineko Neon Electric Yellow Ink
Tsukineko Neon Electric Orange Ink
Orange Rhinestone
Black Rhinestones
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Liquid Adhesive

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