Here for You for the SCS Color Challenge!

It's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  Jeanne is hosting this week and has chosen Blushing Bride, Rococo Rose and Pear Pizzazz with a dessert option to add roses and pearls.  While this color combo brings to mind a wedding card, I decided to go a different direction, using a stamp set I haven't used in ages.

The Bamboo Rose stamp set has very modern vibe. I decided to make a pattern with several of the images below the sentiment and have the butterfly float in from the upper left.  Everything was colored with Copic markers similar to the challenge colors.

When the coloring was complete, the panel was trimmed down so there would be a nice wide border of white from the card base and mounted with foam tape.  The last touch for this very CAS card was to add a few pearls and to use a white gel pen on the end of the butterfly antenna and in the middle of the little circles.

Thanks for visiting, I appreciate it so much!  Be sure to use the link above to check out the SCS Color Challenge and hopefully join us this week!

Stef

Stamps:  Bamboo Rose (Altenew)

Paper:  Neenah Solar White

Ink:  Gina K Obsidian Amalgam

Other: Corner Rounder punch (ret. SU), Basic Pearls

Copics:  Roses-R56, RV34, 32; Butterfly and circles-R32, 20 30; Leaves-G28, 82, 43, 40

Mondo Birthday Wishes for The Paper Players!

It's time for a new challenge at The Paper Players!  It's the fifth Sunday of the month, which means it's the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge.  The lovely Jaydee is our host and has given us these fun choices:

The Paper Players

My card design was inspired by the current Mojo Monday sketch:

MOJO 537

And I'm also joining the current Anything Goes challenge at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge:

SSS Wed Challenge

From the Tic-Tac-Toe grid I chose the top horizontal (flowers, girly, birthday).  The wonderful Mondo Wildflower image was inked up and colored with Copic markers.

I love these light and dark pinks together and the touch of light purple.  A light blue-green marker was traced around the entire image, a white gel pen added to the tops of all the stamen, then the image was die cut with an oval die.  (Sorry, Julie, I did take a few liberties with your sketch!)

For the background, three shades of Distress Inks (from top to bottom, Scattered Straw, Worn Lipstick and Seedless Preserves) were blended on a panel of Bristol.  After die cutting with the round corner rectangle die it was splattered with water to get those great drop effects, then sprayed liberally with a shimmer spray.  While that dried, the flowers were painted with a shimmer pen.  The sentiment I happened to have on hand, unused on a previous project, so once the ink blended panel was dry the assembly came together pretty quick.  The final touch was to add a few jewels, because a girly card should have both sparkle and shimmer, right?  💖💖

Thanks so much for visiting, I always appreciate it!  Be sure to use the link above to check out the other DT's beautiful cards and hopefully join us for the Tic-Tac-Toe challenge this week!

Stef


Stamps:  Mondo Wildflowers (Ellen Hutson), Mini Everyday Messages (Mama Elephant)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Strathmore Bristol
Ink:  Gina K Obsidian Amalgam; Seedless Preserves, Worn Lipstick and Scattered Straw Distress Inks
Other:  Nested Rounded Rectangle die (Hero Arts), Ovals Collection framelit (ret. SU), Tsukineko Sparkle Sheer Shimmer spray, Tonic Nuvo Aqua Shimmer pen, Bridal Mix jewels (Lucy's Cards Little Things)
Copics:  Leaves:  YG67, 17, 03, YG25, 01, G28, 24, YG45; Flower 1: R43, 32, 20, E37, 35, 33; Flower 2: RV69, 17, 55; Small Flowers: BV02, 0000

My Gnomie

It's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  Mary is hosting this week and has chosen Blueberry Bushel, Lipstick Red and Balmy Blue with a dessert option to add enamel dots.  I intended to include dessert but totally forgot!  Either way, with or without dessert, I hope you'll use the link above and join the Color Challenge this week!

I'm also joining the current Tic-Tac-Toe challenge, using the right vertical row (stencil, outdoor, emboss) and, unintentionally, also the right horizontal (wood, gray, emboss).

tttc #065

I started with a white card base and added a layer of wood grain patterned paper in gray.  Next the horizontal cross piece from white corrugated paper.  Next I set about making the main image by lightly stenciling clouds on a piece of white card, using Broken China Distress Ink which is very similar to Balmy Blue (I know it's really hard to see, I'm having photo issues and trying to use my phone instead of an old point and shoot camera).  Next a grassy hill die cut in Mossy Meadow card was added to the bottom of the clouds and then die cut with a circle die and mounted on a slightly larger die cut circle of Blueberry Bushel.

Next the cute little gnomie, along with mushrooms, flower and lady bugs were colored with Copic markers similar to the challenge colors plus SU neutrals (moss, browns, gray).  After die cutting they were all added to the circle scene, some with foam tape, then the entire thing was added to the base, also with foam tape.

The sentiment was stamped with blue pigment ink similar to Blueberry Bushel in color, then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  It was die cut with a banner die, then added to the bottom of the circle to complete the card.  I just love this cute gnomie!

Thanks so much for visiting, I always appreciate it so much!  I hope you're continuing to stay safe and healthy!  Have a great week!

Stef


Stamps: Hanging With My Gnomies (MFT)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Blueberry Bushel, Mossy Meadow, Corrugated, Woodgrain Whimsey 6x6 paper pad (MFT)
Ink:  Gina K Obsidian Amalgam, Versafine Clair Bluebell, Broken China Distress
Other:  Nested Circle dies (Hero Arts), Banner die (ret. SU), Stitched Wonky Rectangle die (Simon Says Stamp), Gnomies matching dies (MFT), Mini Cloud Stencil (MFT), Grassy Hills die (Lawn Fawn), SSS Ultra Fine clear ep
Copics:  B34, 32, 28, 26, 24, 23, 21, R39, 37, 35, 43, YR23, Y15, 11, G99, 94, 82, E47, 44, 43, 42, 33, 31, 13, 11, 01, W5, 3, 1, 0

Birthday Fishes for The Paper Players!

Hello friends and welcome back!  It's time for a new challenge at The Paper Players.  This week, the fabulous LeAnne is hosting our monthly sketch challenge.

The Paper Players

I took the opportunity to create my first true "slimline" card, although I have made tall and skinny cards in the past.  But never quite as tall and skinny as this, measuring 3.5" x 8.5"!  I thought it would be a great opportunity to create an underwater scene and use the new-to-me Gill Friends.

These little fish just make me smile!  I stamped and colored them with Copic markers, and probably only the clown fish is colored anywhere close to real life, but that was part of the fun of it!  When I created this card I did not as yet have the matching die set so they were fussy cut after the coloring was complete.

Next came the background.  There are tons of ways to make a watercolor background but I wanted to try a new technique.  A piece of glossy white paper was cut in half lengthwise, then painted with various colors of Distress Oxide inks.  Because of the nature of that ink, when it dries it has a chalky finish to it and the colors seem muted.  To bring out the colors and add back the shine, Distress Micro Glaze was lightly applied over the entire surface then rubbed with a dry cloth to reveal more vibrant colors and get rid of the chalky finish.  A more dramatic background can be achieved if you do layers of DOX ink using the "smoosh" technique. Here's a link to a YT video by Amy Rysavy of Prairie Paper and Ink that has fantastic instructions, if you're interested.

The last thing to add to the background panel was a splatter of white gouache.  When that dried the panel was trimmed down, adhered to slightly larger layer of Blue Violet card then added to the card base.  The fish were added, some with foam tape and then the embossed sentiment adhered at the top.  I used a new die from Trinity Stamps to create the Slimline Envelope in a light blue card stock.

That's it!  Thanks for sticking around if you've made it this far!  Be sure to use the link above to check out the amazing creations by the rest of the DT and hopefully play along with us this week!

Stef


Stamps:  Gill Friends (MFT)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Blue Violet and Sea Glass (Simon Says Stamp), White Glossy
Ink:  Gina K Obsidian Amalgam, Versamark, Tumbled Glass, Mermaid Lagoon, Salty Ocean, Chipped Sapphire, Wilted Violet DOX
Other:  Tim Holt Distress Micro Glaze, Wow Bright White Super Fine embossing powder, White Gouache, Slimline Series Envelope Builder die (Trinity Stamps), Copic markers

Big Hugs

Hello there and thanks for visiting!  I have a card to share that I made for two challenges - Retro Rubber and CAS(E) this Sketch.

Retro Rubber #135

 (Circles, embossing, pattern paper)

CTS 373

Donna's sketch really lends itself to quick and easy cards, which is exactly what I did.

I love this paper with succulents in soft greens and blues, with a touch of light pink.  It was die cut with a stitched rectangle die then adhered directly to the card base.

Next I stamped the sentiment in black pigment ink and heat embossed with clear embossing powder, thus allowing me to avoid messy black ep.  It was die cut with a circle die and adhered to a slightly larger green circle.  The sentiment comes from a Simon Says Stamp stamp set that I've had for over 3 years and have used a lot because of it's pretty font and nice messages.  An embossed strip of pool paper was added to the card front then the sentiment adhered on top.  The final touch was to add a few clear sequins.

Thanks so much for visiting, I really appreciate it!

Stef


Stamps:  Big Scripty Greetings (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Green Apple (SSS), Pool Party (SU), Painted Seasons dsp (ret. SU)
Ink:  Versamark Clair Nocturne
Other:  A2 Stitched Rectangle Stax Set 1 (MFT), Nested Circle dies (Hero Arts), ret. SU embossing folder, SSS Ultra Fine Clear ep, Sparkling Clear sequins (PPP)

A Pair for the SCS Color Challenge

Hello friends and welcome back!  It's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  Chris is hosting and has chosen the lovely combo of Shaded Spruce, Granny Apple Green and Coastal Cabana with a dessert option to use a circle.  I hope you'll be able to join the Color Challenge this week!

I loved this color combination so much I ended up making two cards!  My second card is also for the SCS CAS challenge to use splatters and joining the current challenge at Fab Friday (see below).

Just a warning, this post is content and photo heavy!

For my first card, I used a fun design idea that Jennifer McGuire used recently on this post.  (Actually she's used this technique several times on her blog).  I took scrap pieces of card stock in the challenge colors, plus white, and cut what seemed like a jillion strips of paper in varying sizes.  Next, I added adhesive to an entire panel of inexpensive white card stock (or you could use copy paper) and started layering on the strips, varying sizes and colors in a random order.

When the entire panel was covered, I trimmed off the overhanging bits of paper strips, then used my paper trimmer to cut it down to 3.75" x 5".  I used that same sheet adhesive on a panel of vellum and then die cut it with a circle die.  When adding to my card, I left a bit overhanging the side and trimmed that off as well.

The white eucalyptus leaves were die cut, adhered to the vellum circle, the sentiment added, then the panel was mounted on the card base with foam tape.  I really think this design would work well for a recipient of either gender.

On to card number two!  For this card I used the current sketch challenge at Fab Friday for my design inspiration.

FF 189

For the second card, I decided to do some stenciling with Distress Oxide inks on a panel of Shaded Spruce card stock.  DOX ink colors similar to Coastal Cabana and Granny Apple Green were used.  Stamping or stenciling with DOX inks on dark card leaves a lovely subtle effect.  I used leaf stencils down one side of the panel then splattered with some white gouache and a little bit of shimmer spray.

While the panel dried I stamped the sentiment, die cutting it and the Coastal Cabana layer from oval dies.  The leaf dies were also die cut in white card, then adhered to the dried panel.  The sentiment was then layered on top with foam tape.

Next a scallop rectangle die was adhered to the card base, then the main panel was added with foam tape.  And that finished off card #2!  Actually neither card took long to make and were both put together in one afternoon.

Thanks so much for visiting, I really appreciate it!  I hope you and yours continue to stay safe and healthy!  Have a great week!

Stef


Card #1
Stamps:  Tiny Words (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Granny Apple Green, Coastal Cabana, Shaded Spruce, Vellum, Black
Ink:  Versafine Clair Nocturne
Other:  Nested Infinity Circle die (Hero Arts), Happy die and Eucalyptus dies (both SSS)

Card#2
Stamps:  Painted Greetings (Altenew)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Shaded Spruce, Coastal Cabana
Ink:  Versafine Clair Nocturne; Cracked Pistachio, Peacock Feathers, Twisted Citron and Mowed Lawn DOX 
Other:  A2 Scallop Rectangle die (Honey Bee), Fab Foliage dies (MFT), Layering Oval dies (ret. SU), Leaves Stencil (SSS), Tsukineko Sparkle Shimmer Spray, White Gouache

Hey There for The Paper Players!

Hello friends, I hope you're staying healthy and safe!  It's time for a new challenge at The Paper Players!  This week the lovely Ann is hosting the CAS challenge for masculine cards.

The Paper Players

I'm also joining the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge where this week's theme in Animal Fun.

SSS Wednesday Challenge

My card was made for a friend of ours that lives back in Oregon.  He loves dogs (and fortunately his wife does too!), so I thought this would be a fun one to send to him.

I love all the images in the MFT Picture Perfect stamp set, they are so darn cute!  I used Copic markers to color these doggie pals then trimmed down the panel to fit behind the Polariod die cut frame.  The sentiment is from a Paper Smooches stamp set which I seem to reach for often as I love all the different fonts.

The background was created using various images from the Crazy Dogs stamp set that were inked up in brown pigment ink and stamped on a panel of Neenah Dessert Storm.  When the ink was dry the panel was added to the white card base and our cute pups in their Polaroid selfie added at an angle.  While the card does have a couple of layers I think it's still relatively CAS (for me anyway LOL!).

Thanks so much for visiting, it's always appreciated!  Use the link above and head over to the challenge and check out the rest of the DT samples!  I hope you'll join us this week and share your CAS masculine card!

Stef

Stamps:  Picture Perfect (MFT), Crazy Dogs (Tim Holtz), Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches)

Paper:  Neenah Solar White and Dessert Storm

Ink:  Gina K Obsidian Amalgam, Versafine Clair Pinecone

Other:  Polaroid Shaker Frame Die-namics (MFT)

Copics:  YR24, 23, 12, C7, 5, 3, 1, B05, 01, 000, E29, 37, 35, 33, R59, 29, 02