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!

NEW Sheena A Little Bit Festive Christmas Goodies!

Crafter's Companion USA released more wonderful Christmas products in the Sheena A Little Bit Festive Collection. 6 NEW Stamp Set and 8 NEW Embossing Folders! Visit the website HERE to see it all.

I made this card using the Joy Stamp Set

No Coloring involved on this card design. Just some colored ink and a bit of paper piecing. I stamped the "Joy" image on the white cardstock panel with red ink. Then I stamped 2 more times on another piece of white cardstock - using red ink and green ink. I cut out pieces and layered them top of the main white panel. Crystal glitter and red rhinestone gems add a great festive sparkle.

The card base is made from the NEW Forest Green Shimmering Cardstock. I absolutely LOVE this shade of green! I also used an embossing folder on the front for a bit of texture and dimension.

This stamp set can be used in so many ways. I have a TON of ideas already planned for future card designs. I can't wait to heat emboss and watercolor! 

Supplies:
Crafter's Companion USA Sheena'as A Little Bit Festive Joy Stamp Set
Crafter's Companion USA  8 1/2" x 11" Forest Green Shimmering Cardstock
Crafter's Companion USA Sheena Festive 5 x 7 Evergreen Embossing Folder
White Cardstock
Red and Green Inks
Crystal Glitter
Red Rhinestones
Embossing Machine
Dimensional Foam Adhesive

Nordic Christmas Release Day!

YAY! I am SUPER excited to announce that TODAY is the day the NEW Nordic Christmas Collection is being released over at Crafter's Companion USA! Go check out all the goodies HERE.

I made this card using the New Nordic Christmas - Christmas Cheer Stamp Set and the Nordic Christmas Papercrafting CD-ROM.

All the patterned papers are printed from the CDROM. I used Crafter's Companion Die'sire Scalloped Tags Die Set to diecut the white tag, embossed it with a New Frosty Morning 6"x6" Embossing Folder, then added crystal glitter and ribbons. The heart is diecut and embossed from Die'sire Hearts Die Set from the digi papers, then sponged distress in around the edges.

The deer is colored with Spectrum Noir Pencils. I stamped the deer again on a piece of the digi paper that I printed on white cardstock from the CD-ROM. I trimmed out the hat, scarf, boots and blanket and paper pieced them on the deer. For added dimension, I did some shading on the pieces with colored pencils. The white parts have white Fun Flock added with a tiny sprinkle of crystal glitter. The red bulbs on the light string are colored with red glitter pen and covered with dimensional glaze.Then little star on the end of the light string is covered with golden yellow glitter.

Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils: 102, 101, 094, 088, 003, 026, 015


Shop for all the New Nordic Christmas Collection products and visit the Inspiration Gallery HERE.



Wanna save some cash?


BUNDLE DEALS! 

• ALL 4 of the New Nordic Christmas Stamp Sets for the price of  - $38.85 (a 25% savings)
• ALL 3 of the New Nordic Christmas 8x8 Embossing Folders – $22.95 (a 22% saving) 
• ALL 4 folders of the New Nordic Christmas 6x6 Embossing Folders - $20.95 (a 24% saving)
• The Complete Collection (all folders, all stamps plus CD) – $89.95 (saving 27%) 

Have fun with this new collection!

Supplies:
Crafter's Companion Nordic Christmas Christmas Cheer Stamp Set
Crafter's Companion Nordic Christmas Papercrafting CD-ROM
Crafter's Companion Nordic Christmas Collection 6x6 Frosty Morning Embossing Folder
Crafter's Companion Die'sire Scalloped Tags Die Set
Crafter's Companion Die'sire Hearts Die Set
Crafter's Companion Kraft Cardstock
Spectrum Noir Blendable Colored Pencils
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium CS
Die-cut/Embossing Machine
Memento Dye Ink - Tuxedo Black
Memento Luxe Ink - Love Letter
3D Crystal Lacquer
Distress Ink - Vintage Photo
Dimensional Foam Adhesive
Liquid Adhesive
Glue Pen
White Fun Flock
Medium Crystal Glitter
Yellow Ultrafine Glitter
Red Glitter Pen
Ink Blending Tools
Button
Natural Twine
Ribbon
Pinking Scissors
Computer and Printer

One last time

Hello friends!  Hope you're having a happy Monday so far.

Even though it's officially "Fall" -- the weather here in my neck of the woods is still warm. We've even had some days in the 90's! It's NICE! Sooooo....how about one last dip in the pool :) Or shall I say one last JUMP in the pool! LOL

These stamps are from Eat Cake Graphics. Aren't they fun!?!

Here's a couple close-up pics. If you want more details on the card, click on over to the the Eat Cake Graphics - Sprinkling of Samples & Techniques Blog.

 

Eat Cake Graphics stamps used:
1125-L Jimmie’s in charge of the hose
2011-F Yippy for Yardley kitty
7034-I Bunch of Grass
9039-E Swimming Pool


Thanks for checkin' in with me today,

Haunted Neon Invitation

Hello friends! Have you seen all the WICKED COOL Halloween Stamps from Crafter's Companion? They are AWESOME! Go check 'em all out HERE. On my card today, I've used the NEW Happy Haunting Set. It's full of great images and a spooky sentiment that's perfect for party invitations.

I've used a few fun techniques on my card design that I'll be sharing with you. All the supplies are listed at the bottom of my post.

First, we are going to create a BIG moon as a background on a white cardstock panel.

Die-cut or punch a circle to use as a mask. I used Eclipse Tape, but you can create a mask with any scrap paper by adding temporary or re-positional adhesive on the back. You just need the mask to stay in place, with all the edges securely tacked down, while you're sponging the ink.



Tap a Sponge Dauber on the Radiant Neon Electric Orange Ink Pad. Begin sponging the ink in a circular motion -- starting on the mask -- then moving outward onto the cardstock panel. Doing it this way will give you a smoother blended look.

Remove the mask and you have the PERFECT background for our stamped images! This really creates fantastic depth.

Stamp the spider and sentiment as shown in picture. Then stamp an extra spider and the skull on scraps.

Color the spider body with Spectrum Noir Marker CG3. Shade the skeleton head with IG2.  Use a fine tip marker to extend the spiders silk thread to the top of the panel.

 
This next technique is a great way to stretch your ink pads. We're going to color all the eyes with the Neon Yellow Ink.

Simply pick up ink by tapping a sponge coloring tool -- such as the Fantastix from Tsukineko -- directly on the ink pad and then color the image.

I love making DIY cardstock to perfectly match my projects. If you have white cardstock and ink, you are set!

This panel will go under the main image panel - so we only need to sponge ink on the outer edges.

The last technique is paper piecing. See how the spider on the far left is stamped on the orange pigment ink? If we color it with our Spectrum Noir Markers, it could damage the nibs. It would also be very difficult to match the color of the spiders. The solution --- paper piecing.

Trim out the body of the extra spider. Run a black marker around the cut edges. This is so the white cardstock doesn't show on the sides. Adhere flat as shown in picture. 

Here's how to finish up the card:

• Using 6" x 6" Chevrons Embossalicious Embossing Folder, emboss front of a lime green card base.
• Punch the bottom edge of Black Pearl Shimmering Cardstock panel with border punch.
• Assemble all the layers flat onto front of card.
• Add green glitter to spider bodies - including the spider on the skeleton head.
• Fussy cut skeleton head and adhere with 3D Foam Adhesive.
• Wrap bakers twine around the card and tie.

Thanks ever so much for stopping by!

Supplies
Crafter's Companion EZ Mount Stamp Set - Happy Haunting
Crafter's Companion Shimmering Cardstock - 6" x 6" Black Pearl
Crafter's Companion 6" x 6" Embossalicious Embossing Folder - Chevrons
Radiant Neon Ink Pad - Electric Orange
Radiant Neon Ink Pad - Electric Yellow
Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad
Spectrum Noir Markers - IG2, CG3
Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Sponge Daubers
Double Sided Adhesive Foam
Fantastix Coloring Tool
Eclipse Tape
Green Glitter
Border Punch
Circle Die or Punch
Bakers Twine
Fine Tip Black Marker
Black Marker

I give you my heart

WOO HOO!!!! House-Mouse Monday time!!!!

Challenge #176: No coloring of images on a "thinking of you" or "get well" card.
This challenge is extra special. A couple of our team members are going through a difficult time at the moment so we have dedicated this challenge to them. Just one way we can show them how much we care and let them know we are thinking about them during this difficult time. 
All the challenge and prize details are on our blog HERE.

Today I'm sharing 2 stamps used 2 ways....without ANY coloring! I KNOW!!! THUD!!!

My first card features paper piecing and glitter.

I think it's sooo coool how I was able to create color and shading with paper and glitter! All the hearts you see in the background -- on the kraft cardstock -- I sponged Antique Linen Distress ink with a Tim Holtz heart stencil.

If you look close, I actually cut out the ears and adhered them down where the ear meets the head...leaving the rest to pop-up slightly. :) I also cut out all 4 of the little hands. Tiny little pieces...but really make a difference!

 
My next card features colored inks and shimmer spray.

Using sponge daubers and pigment inks - I was able to bring color and life to my image by applying the ink colors to the rubber stamp. Then I lightly mist the inked up stamp with Sparkle Shimmer Spritz spray. This lightly re-moistens any of the inks that may have started to dry a bit on the rubber - plus adds a beautiful subtle shimmer. LOVE! You can't see it...but I also sprayed the green note card with shimmer spray.



Same 2 stamps...2 completely different cards! Now go check out all the FANTASTIC "no coloring" cards the rest of the team designed. It will BLOW YOU AWAY! See 'em HERE. You won't be able to resist joining the fun and making a card yourself ;)

The House-Mouse stamp I used is called "I give you my heart" - featuring Amanda and Mudpie. Such a sweet stamp :) HERE is a card I made a while back with this same stamp - colored.


Thanks for checkin' in with me today. I hope you have a creative week!

June 2014 Calendar Page

Hello June and Welcome Summer!

Here's my Paper Smooches calendar page for this month:

The little tree is paper pieced and popped up with foam tape. I added some coloring to give it depth. All the images are from the Summer Groves set - except for the sun - which is a dot stamp from another PS set...I just don't remember which one. Then I just added yellow glitter and the sun rays with a glue pen and yellow glitter.

Little black rhinestones on the musical note and flowers finish the page. So cute! I love these little calendar pages!

Need to Venti?

I hope you have enjoyed our last 2 weeks of challenge over on the Paper Smooches SPARKS Challenge Blog.  Today is another NEW challenge...

These "Candylicious" colors are AWESOME!

I love bright colors and clean designs...so this was SUPER FUN for me!!!

 

A clean and simple card for sure!

 The white card base really sets the stage to show off each element.

I stamped the dots from my Primary set with Aquatic Splash VersaMagic ink. The coffee cup from Hot Concoctions (venti size of course!) is stamped and embossed on a couple different cardstocks...cut out and paper pieced.
Steam is stamped with Adirondack Lights Lemonade Pigment ink and topped with crystal glitter (of course!) Sentiment is embossed.

Now get your stamps out & get busy with some Cool Shades!!!  We wanna see what YOU are making with Paper Smooches stamps! See what the other fantastic design team members came up with....and get all the details for the challenge & prize info on the blog HERE.

OH...and make sure to stop by the Paper Smooches main blog for even more fun stuff!

Recipe:
Stamps - Paper Smooches Hot Concoctions and Primary
Paper - Bazzill & Memory Box
Ink - VersaMagic Aquatic Splash; Versafine Onyx Black; Ranger Adirondack Lights Lemonade Pigment
Misc. - Clear Embossing Powder; Embossing Heat Gun; Crystal Glitter; Quickie Glue Pen

A Muse Sneak Peek #2

Another NEW YUMMY A Muse Stamp

Have you seen the Sneak Peeks for the new A Muse Stamps coming out? Welllll......here's another one :)



I used the new Icecream stamp on this card along with one of the current sentiments Sweet Friend MA.

I created layers of by stamping the image 2 extra times - cut out the 3 scoops one 1 and the bottom 2 scoops for the other. I just LOVE how this looks! And...check out the Cotton Candy Stickles! The glass has just a hint of BG10 (Copic Cool Shadow Marker) for shading -- and then I colored Clear Spica Glitter Pen all over it - THEN - blended it around to a smooth finish with the Copic Colorless Blender.



I sanded the edges of the cardstock (I luv doing that!). Just a little paper piercing along the bottom edge of the Ivory CS strip really add to the look. And of course a little 'bling' on the top a bright pink Twinkle Sticker from A Muse.

(all stamps, cardstock & sticker from A Muse)