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

Creating a Landscape Background

Hello everyone. I've got a new tutorial posted over on the Spectrum Noir Blog. It's a super fun and easy way to create a landscape background using Spectrum Noir Refill Inks.

Click HERE to pop on over and see the Landscape Background Panel step-by-step tutorial.

BONUS!!!
Here's how I created the rest of the card:

1. Stamp and heat emboss the sentiment from Crafter's Companion Bebunni Floral Collection - Bloom & Grow Stamp Set on landscape background panel.

2. Die-cut and emboss the fence using white cardstock. Color the grass using Spectrum Noir Markers DG2, CG2 and DG.

3. In order to make the fence fit perfectly across the background panel, cut it apart as shown. Adhere the 2 ends down on the background panel first, then center and adhere the middle fence piece.

4. Die-cut and emboss the daisy border die from white cardstock. Color the stems, leaves and ground using Spectrum Noir Markers DG2, CG2 and DG3. Color the flowers using CT4, GB3, GB7.

5. Trim off the end of each strip to fit across the panel in front of the fence. Adhere the ends pieces on the fence. Adhere the 2 daisy borders to panel.

6. Die-cut and emboss flowers and leaves from Floral Delight In Bloom Metal Die Set. Color leaves with Spectrum Noir Markers DG2, CG2, DG3. Color flower centers wiith CT4, GB3 and GB7.

7. Snip off the bottom of 1 leaf. This will make 3 pieces to be used for the flowers.

8. Adhere leaves to background panel. Attach flowers with dimensional foam tape.

9. Mount landscape panel to white note card with dimensional foam tape.

10. Add a bit of glitter glue on flowers for sparkle.

DOUBLE BONUS!!!
 Have you seen our challenge this month over at Spectrum Noir? The challenge is to use flowers! What a perfect theme for May..don't you think?!

 Get all the challene and prize details HERE. As always...you could win a little sumpin' sumpin'
 

For more inspiration and creative design ideas using Spectrum Noir Refill Inks, visit the Spectrum Noir Blog. We have TONS of fantastic tutorials, videos and samples to inspire you...no matter what level of coloring you are at.

But WAIT! Even MORE fun hangouts for you!!! Follow us out on these other social places:
Spectrum Noir on Pinterest 
Spectrum Noir on YouTube
Spectrum Noir on Twitter
Spectrum Noir on Facebook


Have a great day!

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Refill Inks
Spectrum Noir High Gloss Cardstock
Spectrum Noir Markers
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Crafter's Companion Sheena Decorative Metal Die - Country Fence
Crafter's Companion Sheena Decorative Metal Die - Daisy Border
Crafter's Companion Signature Collection by Sara Davies Floral Delight - In Bloom Die Set
Crafter's Companion Bebunni Floral Collection - Bloom & Grow EZ Mount Rubber Stamp Set
Ranger Archival Ink - Olive
Ink Blending Tools
Clear Embossing Powder
Stickles Glitter Glue - Orange Peel & Yellow
Die-cutting/Embossing Machine
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Liquid Adhesive
Heat Embossing Tool
 

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

Spectrum Noir Technique Tutorial

Hello crafty friends! I thought it would be fun get get a little artsy, and did a little snooping over on the Spectrum Noir Blog for tutorials. I SCORED! Read on...

I'm always looking for ways to use my Spectrum Noir Ink Refills, so I searched the blog using the key words "Ink Refill." A bunch of great stuff came up! The one that jumped out at me is called "Stenciling with Metal and Alcohol."

Here's my masterpiece!

For my version, I used an embossing folder instead of a stainless stencil. The refill colors I picked to use are CR5, BT4, GB4 and EG6.

I embossed a piece of medium weight aluminum with an embossing folder.

I followed the steps of the tutorial, adding ink to a q-tip and applying one color at a time. The first color put down was CR5.

Next I added BT4

Next I added GB4

I ended up repeating the process for all 3 colors because I wanted the colors to be more rich and vibrant. It worked great.

The last color I used was EB6. I added few dabs in with the colors, and smeared it around all the  outer edges.

Once the panel was completely dry, I used a sanding block to sand off some of the inks on the raised embossed surfaces.

I was happy with the results at this point, so didn't add additional colors or blending solution like what was done in the tutorial on the SN Blog.

I trimmed the panel a little smaller than an ATC.

The metal heart was just something I had in my stash. I punched 3 little holes and added the mini screw brads. The metal panel is adhered to a Black Pearl Shimmering Cardstock panel, trimmed to 2 1/2" x 3 1/3" (ATC size)

The sentiment is stamped, heat embossed in white, then attached with foam adhesive.

THAT was TOTALLY FUN! I'll be doing this technique again. Go on over to the tutorial on the Spectrum Noir Blog to get all the details for this technique. I hope you give it a try!

Thanks for stopping by,

Supplies:

Spectrum Noir Ink Refills - CR5, GB4, BT4, EB6
Sheet of thin metal. (Art Emboss Medium Aluminum)
Tim Holtz Embossing Folder
Dylusions The Right Words stamp set
Crafter's Companion Black Pearl Shimmering Cardstock
VersaMark Ink
White Embossing Powder
Heat Embossing Gun
Diecutting/Embossing Machine
Q-Tips
Sanding Block
Foam Adhesive
Liquid Adhesive
Small Hole Punch
Metal heart tag

Faux Watercolor Background

Hello crafty friends. Do you have any Refills Inks for your Spectrum Noir Markers? Well if you do...you have GOT get 'em out and use 'em for more than just re-inking your markers. There as sooooo many ways to use them. Like this faux watercolor background. Watercolor "anything" is super popular with stampers and paper crafters right now. I've caught the watercolor bug...in a big way! How about you?

This card was so easy! And I only used 2 refill colors: EB6 and BT5

 

The faux watercolor background technique is done on Spectrum Noir High Gloss Cardstock. The stamping is done with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. Stamps are from Crafter's Companion Sheena A Little Bit Sketchy Falling Feathers set and Ageing Beautifully set. What great sets..and great for guy cards. 

On the cardbase, I stamped the larger feather with Versamark Ink. The sentiment is stamped and heat embossed in white. Just a reminder...Father's Day is just around the corner. Change the sentiment to say Happy Father's Day. Just sayin'

Check out the Spectrum Noir Blog for loads of ideas using the Spectrum Noir Refill Inks. Have fun!

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Refill Inks EB6, BT5
Spectrum Noir High Gloss Cardstock
Rubbing Alcohol
Ranger Alcohol Ink Applicator Tool
Crafter's Companion - Sheena's A Little Bit Sketchy Falling Feathers and Aged Beautifully
White Embossing Powder
VersaMark Ink Pad
Die-cutting/Embossing Machine
Heat Embossing Gun
Kraft Mat
Painters Tape
Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink Pad
White, Kraft and blues Cardstock
Pierced Rectangle Die
Twine
Dimensional Foam Adhesive

Faux Marble

Since Father's Day is coming soon, I was thinking about guy cards. Which got me thinking about techniques. Which got me thinking about Faux Marble. Which got me fired up to play with my Spectrum Noir Ink Refill Re-Inkers. And then...BAM!

 OH YEAH BABY! This turned out sooo cool! I think I'll do it again, but next time take step-by-step pics for a tutorial. Whatcha think?

The Spectrum Noir Refill Colors I used are: DR2, CT4, GB3, JG3, BT5 and Blender

The stamp set I used is from Simon Says Stamps - Hand Lettered Winter Wishes. I heat emboss the sentiment with Metallic Gold Embossing Powder. Sequins from Pretty Pink Posh...because I KNOW the guys looove sequins...right?



Don't forget to visit us over on the Spectrum Noir Blog, our Facebook Page and Pinterest! We have loads of great projects from all the talented design team members.

Take care,

Supplies:
Spectrum Noir Re-Inkers DR2, CT4, GB3, JG3, BT5 and Blender
Ranger Gold Mixative
Glossy Cardstock
Ink Blending Tool
Simon Says Stamps Hand Lettered Winter Wishes
VersaMark Ink Pad
Black Ink Pad
JudiKins Metallic Gold Embossing Powder
Pretty Pink Posh Sequins
Neenah White Cardstock
Heat Embossing Gun
Dimensional Foam Adhesive