Hello Friend!

Hello and welcome back!  It's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  Barbara is hosting this week and she has chosen the lovely combination of Calypso Coral, Peekaboo Peach and Old Olive, with a dessert option of using a die or punched element on your card.  I'm also joining the current Ways to Use It challenge at SCS, where we are to use white ink on our card (link above will take you to SCS front page where you can check out both challenges).

I'm also linking up to the Anything Goes challenge at the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

I decided to use a technique I recently saw on Jennifer McGuire's blog, which she terms Trapped Emboss Resist (link to that post here).  I started with a panel of Bristol paper and ink blended Abandoned Coral and Spiced Marmalade Distress Inks (substitutes for the SU colors).  After the ink was completely dry, I stamped a large background stamp using Versamark ink, then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  Next, I ink blended white pigment ink over the entire panel, making sure to buff the ink off the embossed areas, revealing the "trapped" colors under the embossing.  I then went over the panel again with my heat tool to bring back some of the embossed shine.  I sprayed the entire panel with shimmer spritz and set aside to dry.

I knew I didn't want to cover up too much of the panel with the sentiment but needed something to help it show up against the design, so I ended up die cutting and layering the Hello sentiment 3 times, then used Copic markers to create a peachy ombre look and adhered to a vellum heart along with word "friend".  I was happy with that so far but the card still seemed rather plain, so I decided to use a die cut frame (cut a layered 3 times) but rather than plain white, I wrapped it with some Washi Tape I recently acquired, since the most prominent colors worked perfectly with the CC colors.  After adhering everything to the Old Olive card base, some iridescent jewels were added for the finishing touch.

Thanks for visiting, it's always so appreciated!  Have a great week!

Stef


Stamps:  Floral Mix background (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Old Olive, Neenah Solar White, Strathmore Bristol, Vellum, SSS Sentiment Strips 2
Ink:  Versamark, Abandoned Coral and Spiced Marmalade Distress ink, Hero Arts Unicorn White pigment ink
Other:  Hero Arts Nested Hearts Infinity die, MFT A2 Rectangle Stax Set 1 and Stitched Rectangle Frame dies, SSS Hello Beautiful Gorgeous sentiment die, Tsukineko Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spray, Hero Arts Ultrafine Clear embossing powder, Lucy' Iridescent jewels,
Carta Bella Flower Bouquet Washi Tape, Copic markers
 

You Are Special

Hi friends!  I'm back with a card made for the current challenges at CAS(E) this Sketch and Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.  I recently received my May card kit from Simon Says Stamp and just had to use it along with a new background stamp also from SSS.

CTS 319

SSS Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Surprised myself by making a one layer card, although I did add dimension under the main flower.  I first stamped all the flower images from Delicate Flowers on white card stock, colored with Copic markers and then fussy cut the ones I decided to use for this card.

The sentiment was stamped on the card base, then the flowers were adhered, popping up the largest flower on top with foam tape.  It looked a little bare, so I decided to stamp a corner of the Sketchy Lines Background stamp with light ink on the opposing corner.  After inking of the stamp I did take a baby wipe and dabbed around the edges to soften the ink.  Added a few sequins, and my CAS card was done!!

Thanks so much for visiting!  I hope you have a great week!  Come back tonight when I'll be posting my DT card for the new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!

Stef


Stamps:  Delicate Flowers, Sketchy Lines Background (both SSS)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White both #80 and #110
Ink:  Gina K Black Amalgam, SSS Barely Beige
Other:  PPP Sparkling Clear Sequins, Copic markers
 

Beautiful Day

It's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  I'm hosting this week and have chosen Balmy Blue, Coastal Cabana and Tranquil Tide with a dessert option to add leaves. 

Splitcoaststampers

For my card I used the Outline Leaves Background stamp, heat embossing on a panel of Arches cold press watercolor paper.  After taping to a board, I covered the panel with clear water then dropped in ink in the challenge colors.  When dry, I heavily splattered some gorgeous Metallic Pearl Acrylic paint, which I loved with the soft watercolor background.

I used the Altenew Leafy Garland die to cut leaves from both Coastal Cabana card stock and some Platinum vellum, which has a gorgeous metallic look.  Because it is not as sheer as regular vellum I was able to add drops of Ranger Mat Medium along the stalk to adhere it just off the card stock die cut below.

With the leaves attached, the panel was layered on a slightly larger piece of white card stock, then added to the Coastal Cabana card base.  The sentiment was stamped on white card stock with a light gray ink, hand cut then popped up with foam tape.  A few iridescent jewels and sequins were added as the finishing touches.

Thanks so much for visiting and I hope you'll use the link above to check out this week's SCS Color Challenge!

Stef


Stamps:  Outline Leaves Background (Simon Says Stamp), Beautiful Day (sentiment/Altenew)
Paper:  Coastal Cabana, Neenah Solar White, Arches 140# Cold Press watercolor, Platinum vellum (Grafix)
Ink:  Versamark, Balmy Blue, Coastal Cabana, Tranquil Tide, London Fog (Memento)
Other:  Hero Arts White embossing powder, Ranger Metallic Pearl Acrylic Paint, Leafy Garland Die (Altenew), Sparkling Clear Sequins (PPP), Lucy's Iridescent Jewels
 

More Spring Flowers Birthday

Hi there!  It's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  Karen is hosting this week and has chosen the lovely combination of Lovely Lipstick, Mint Macaron and Very Vanilla, with a dessert option to add roses.  I did have a bit of dessert on my card with a rose in the lower right corner of the watercolor panel.

I'm also joining the Anything Goes challenge at Seize the Birthday and the No Designer Paper challenge at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.

 SSS Wed Challenge

STB#163

I was searching around for a rose stamp or image that I wanted to use for this challenge and found a previously heat embossed panel in my scrap folder.  I used reinkers in Lovely Lipstick, Mint Macaron and Night of Navy (a SU designated neutral) to color the floral images.  To achieve the purple on the crocus, I mixed Lovely Lipstick and Night of Navy inks and used a very diluted bit of Lovely Lipstick for the light pink background.  After it initially dried, I added splatter from the reinkers and white gouache.

While the watercolor panel dried, I used Cracked Pistachio Distress ink to stencil the mint panel, added a die cut scallop horizontal strip across, then adhered to an Ivory card base.  I added a bit of the same die cut scallop strip to the bottom of the watercolor panel added to the base with foam tape, then adhered the die cut sentiment and a few sequins.

So glad you were able to come by and visit!  Have a great week!

Stef


Stamps:  More Spring Flowers (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Ivory, Mint (SSS), Arches #140 Cold Press watercolor
Ink:  Versamark, Cracked Pistachio DI, Lovely Lipstick, Night of Navy (SU)
Other:  Butterfly stencil, Happy Birthday Script die (SSS), Stitched Rectangle Scallop Edge Frame, A2 Stax Stitched Rectangle die (MFT), Hero Arts White embossing powder, White Gouache, Sparkling Clear Sequins (PPP), Tonic Nuvo Aqua Shimmer pen
 

Bouquet Birthday

Hi there!  It's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  Jeanne is hosting this week and has chosen Daffodil Delight, Grapefruit Grove and Berry Burst, with a dessert option to add sparkle.  I'm also using a sketch from the SCS Sketch Challenge from a couple of weeks ago.

I knew I wanted to use a bouquet of some sort to work with the CC colors and went looking some of my older stamps.  I found a sweet wood stamp from the Lockhart Stamp Co. (now out of business) that I probably bought eight or nine years ago and I'm unsure if I ever used it, so I decided this was the time.

Because the image is so small, I decided to use colored pencils similar to the challenge colors.  In addition, I used colors similar to SU-defined neutrals to color the leaves, the little pot holding the bouquet and the "table" holding the pot. 

For the background panel, and to make the stripes according to the sketch, I used a score board to create the ridges after die cutting the panel.  Finally I added the heat embossed sentiment plus a few iridescent jewels and a shimmer pen on the flowers to add the sparkle for "dessert".

Thanks so much for visiting!

Stef


Stamps:  Unknown name (Lockhart Stamp Co.), Tiny Words (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Daffodil Delight, Berry Burst
Ink:  Versamark, Versafine Onyx Black
Other:  Layering Ovals framelits (SU), Stitched Scallop Rectangle die (SugarPea Designs), Sentiment Labels die (SSS), scoreboard, Prismacolor Colored Pencils, Tonic Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Pen, Lucy's Iridescent Jewels
 

Tulip Hello

Hi there!  I have a card to share made for the current challenges at Freshly Made Sketches and Color Throwdown (links below).

 CTD537

FMS 382

I guess I've kind of been on a tulip streak the last couple of weeks, continuing with this card using a pretty stamp from Penny Black. 

The flowers and background were colored with Copic Markers on Neenah Solar White, then die cut with a stitched rectangle die.  I cut a panel of white card stock just slightly larger so the panel would stand out better from the gray card base, wrapped it with some Baker's Twine, then adhered to the base with foam tape.  The sentiment was die cut three times and layered then added to the colored panel, along with a few sequins.  The last thing was to add a bit of aqua shimmer to the tulips and the sentiment, which is somewhat visible in the photo above.

So glad you were able to drop by and visit!

Stef


Stamps:  Tulip Queue (PB)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Smoke (Simon Says Stamp)
Ink:  Gina K Black Amalgam
Other:  Handlettered Greetings sentiment die (SSS), White Baker's Twine, Sparkling Clear Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh), Tonic Nuvo Aqua Shimmer pen, Copic Markers

 

Spring Flowers

Hello friends!  It's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  Mary is hosting this week and she has chosen Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather and Pear Pizzazz as her colors, with a dessert option to use an Easter or Spring theme.  'm also joining the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge with the current Anything Goes theme.

SSS Wed Challenge

I decided on a Spring theme, using a beautiful tulip image from Power Poppy.  It was colored with Copic (flowers) and Altenew Artist (leaves) markers in colors similar to those for the challenge.  Next, the panel was trimmed down, corners rounded and adhered to a slightly larger piece of white card stock.  I already had the die cut scallop square of Highland Heather card stock and decided to use it as an offset to the main image.  The sentiment is from the same PP stamp set.

I was going to mount on a plain Gorgeous Grape card base but felt like something more was needed, so I cut a slightly smaller panel of the same paper and embossed it, then adhered to the base.  The main image and the sentiment were then adhered with foam tape and a few iridescent jewels were added for a touch of bling.

So glad you were able to come by and visit!

Stef


Stamps:  Dynamic Duos Peonies and Tulips (Power Poppy)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather
Ink:  Gina K Black Amalgam
Other:  Layering Squares framelit, Spring Flowers embossing folder, Corner Rounder punch (all Stampin' Up), Sentiment Labels dies, Lucy's Iridescent Jewels
Copic markers:  V17, 15, 01, 000
Altenew Artist Markers:  Evergreen, Forest Glades, Frayed Leaf
 

Just For You

Hello again!  Can you believe it's the last day of March already???  A quarter of 2019 already flown by, but I am happy because the weather will be warming up and all the flowers in our yard will begin their blooming season!  Already we've had hellebore, crocus, hyacinth and volunteer primroses. Love it!

I'm sharing a card that carries one symbol of spring that I'm waiting to see in our yard soon, and it was made for three challenges:  Freshly Made Sketches, the Color Throwdown and the Tic-Tac-Toe for The Paper Players.  Links to all the challenges are added below.

FMS 381

ctd536

PP435

The colors for CTD are described as Mauve, Mossy Green and Cream, and I had a hard time settling on a color for mauve, but after a couple of failed attempts, finally found the color I was looking for, not too purple and not too pink.  For the Paper Players Tic-Tac-Toe challenge, I used a die-cut for my sentiment strip, embossing and a floral image.

I really love how these tulips turned out and think I've found a new favorite Copic color combination!  After coloring on Neenah Solar White, I remembered that the color challenge included cream not white, so I ended up fussy cutting the bouquet and used foam tape to mount on the Ivory card stock panel.

A strip of embossed Crumb Cake card stock was added to the side, then linen thread wrapped around the panel next to it and a little bow tied on.  Since I didn't have any card stock that matched well with the flower colors, I used a Copic marker to color a strip of card stock, then heat embossed the sentiment.  A few sequins finished things off.

 

So glad you came by to visit!  I hope you have a great week!

Stef


Stamps:  Sketched Tulip Bouquet (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Crumb Cake (Stampin' Up), Ivory (SSS)
Ink:  Gina K. Black Amalgam, Versamark
Other:  Sentiment Labels die (SSS), Brutus Monroe Alabaster embossing powder, Corrugated embossing folder (SU), Sketched Tulip Bouquet matching die, Linen Thread
Copics:  Flower:  RV66, 55, 63, 52; Leaves:  YG67, 63, 61; Sentiment Strip:  RV52
 

Hey There!

Hello!  The card I'm sharing was made with the current challenge at The Paper Players where Joanne has created a fabulous sketch. I'm also entering my card in the Anything Goes challenge at the SSS Wednesday Challenge (links below to both).

PP 434

SSS Wednesday Challenge

I made a very simple, easy card with some fabulous patterned paper that I made the star of the show, so to speak. I trimmed the patterned paper to 4" x 4.25" for the background, then used 1/8" strip of the reverse side pattern on each side, then layered on a Desert Storm card base.  I am so totally smitten with that scene with all the mushrooms, leaves and acorns, and the gorgeous color palate.  I kind of surprised myself because the red is Poppy Parade, one of my least favorite SU colors, but with this paper design it is perfect.

The Lumber embossing folder was used to create some texture on the strip of Poppy Parade, which was added to the panel with foam tape.  Next the sentiment strip was stamped and adhered on top with a cute wood acorn.  The final step was to wrap some hemp twine around the top.  Easy peasy!  I like this card because it could be sent to anyone for a number of occasions.

So glad you were able to come by visit!  Have a great week!

Stef


Stamps:  Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White & Desert Storm, Poppy Parade, Painted Seasons dsp (SU)
Ink:  Early Espresso (sentiment)
Other:  Lumber embossing folder (Tim Holtz), Hemp Twine, Wood Element (ret. SU)
 

Friend

Hi there, it's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  Barbara is hosting this week and she has chosen Powder Pink, Soft Sea Foam and Early Espresso with a dessert option to use Designer Series Paper.  I was so excited to use my new peony background stamp that I forgot about dessert. 

I used Copic markers similar to the challenge colors to color the panel, starting with the dark background so I didn't go through the effort of coloring all the floral images only to mess them up with the dark ink that I would not be able to fix.  After that was complete I die cut the sentiment 3 times for dimension, adhered it to a vellum banner, then added adhesive only behind the die cut to add the banner to the colored panel.  After using foam tape to add to the white card base, I added a few iridescent jewels for a little sparkle.

I was inspired to create a dark background, both by the challenge colors and by Lydia at Understand Blue, where she created a beautiful card with a black background in this post.

Thanks so much for visiting, it's always so appreciated!  I've added a link to SCS above, so I encourage you to check out this week's Color Challenge!

Stef


Stamps:  Pretty Peony Background (Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Vellum
Ink:  Gina K Black Amalgam
Other:  Big Friend die (SSS), Lucy's Iridescent Jewels
Copics:  Flowers:  R32, 30, 00; Leaves:  G02, 00, 0000, YG03, 91, 95, 97, 99; Background:  E49
 

Hello Spring!

Hi there friends!  I'm back with a card made for the current challenge at The Paper Players.  Jaydee has challenged us to make a CAS one layer wonder card.  I had a panel with a floral bouquet I'd water colored a while back and this seemed the perfect time to use it! 

The Paper Players

I'm also joining the Ways to Use It challenge at Splitcoaststampers, where our card should include something that can be planted in a garden, such as flowers or vegetables. 

I've had this stamp set for a while and used other images from it, including the butterfly used on this card, but not this pretty bouquet.  After stamping on a panel of Arches cold press watercolor paper with Versafine Onyx Black, I water colored it with various Distress Inks.  I love them because the colors are nice and bold, and blend beautifully. Basically I used a light wash to color each flower and the leaves, then when dry, went back in with more ink and less water to add shadows and then a light blue wash in the background. 

I found what I thought was an appropriate sentiment given that today is the 2nd day of Spring, stamped in VOB, then die cut the panel with an A2 size stitched rectangle die.  Strong adhesive was added to the back as the panel was a bit warped, then adhered to an ivory card base.  No embellies, enough white space (I think?) and adhering directly to a base without dimension for a one layer card.

Thanks so much for visiting, I really appreciate it!  I've added links above to both challenges, so be sure to check them out!

Stef


Stamps:  Fragrant Flowers (Penny Black), Sketch Tulip Bouquet (sentiment/Simon Says Stamp)
Paper:  Arches #140 Cold Press, Ivory (card base)
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black; Distress Inks:  Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Ripe Persimmon, Wilted Violet, Broken China, Peeled Paint (I think), Gathered Twigs
Other:  Card Front Element Build Stitched Rectangle die (SugarPea Designs)
 

I'd Pick You

Hi there!  I was thrilled that my card Hello Friend was randomly chosen as the Featured Stamper for Color Throwdown challenge #533.  As a result, I was asked to be the Guest Star Stamper for the current challenge, and of course I said yes!  Along with the CTD challenge colors of red, yellow, soft green and white, I used the current Mojo Monday sketch, plus I'm also joining The Flower Challenge, where the theme is Anything Goes.





Color Throwdown

 

Mojo 511

The Flower Challenge #30

I was totally inspired by the gingham plaid in the CTD inspiration photo, but changed things up a bit by using the yellow for the plaid and red for the springtime tulips.

I started with the tulips from a new set from Simon Says Stamp.  They were colored with Copic markers, die cut with matching dies, then set aside as I worked on the rest of the card.  The background plaid is from Stampin' Up, inked up in SU Daffodil Delight dye ink, a stitched rectangle die used to trim it down, then adhered it to a white card base.

 
I used kraft as a neutral, embossing the horizontal panel with a woodgrain folder, added a scallop border on the bottom, tucked the sentiment in the top, then added the circle and tulips.

Thanks so much for visiting, it's always so appreciated!  Be sure to use the links above to check out all the challenges.

Stef

Product details
Stamps:  Sketch Tulip Bouquet (SSS), Buffalo Check (SU)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White and Desert Storm, Daffodil Delight (SU)
Ink:  Gina K Black Amalgam, Versafine Onyx Black, Daffodil Delight
Other:  Sketch Tulip Matching die, Stitched Shapers and Layering Circles Framelits (SU), A2 Stitched Rectangle Stax die (MFT), Scallop Border punch (SU), Lumber embossing folder (TH),Tiny Hearts Sprinkles (Doodlebug), Copic Markers
 

Spring Wings & Flowers

It's time for a new Color Challenge at Splitcoaststampers!  Jeanne is hosting this week and she's chosen the lovely combination of Lemon Lime Twist, Pacific Point and Flirty Flamingo, with a dessert option to add "wings".  I'm also joining the current challenge at The Flower Challenge.

 

The Flower Challenge #30

 

I chose a stamp set with lots of pretty leaves and stems, plus a couple of flower images to I could incorporate the challenge colors.  I colored everything with Copic markers then die cut them with matching dies.

 



 

To create the background a cover die was cut from white card stock and adhered onto the white card base.  The butterfly was die cut from Lemon Lime Twist card stock and painted with an aqua shimmer pen.  I layered the leaves, stems and flowers to create a spray in the corner, popping the main flower up with foam tape.  After adding the butterfly, also with foam tape, a few sequins were scattered about for a bit more bling.  I decided not to add a sentiment to the front so the card could be used for a number of occasions.

 

 

Thanks so much for visiting, it's always so appreciated!  Be sure to use the links above to check out both challenges!

 

Stef

 

 

Stamps:  More Spring Flowers (Simon Says Stamp)

Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Lemon Lime Twist

Ink:  Gina K

Other:  More Spring Flowers matching dies, Marilyn cover die and Leanna Butterfly die (SSS), Tonic Nuvo Aqua Shimmer pen, Sparkling Clear (PPP) and Chameleon (SSS) sequins, Lucy's Iridescent Jewels

Copics:  Flowers:  R35, 32, 30, B39, 26, 24, 21; Leaves:  YG17, 23, 01

 

Hellebore Birthday

Hi there!  The card I'm sharing was made for the current Freshly Made Sketchs and Seize the Birthday challenges.  For STB, the "toppings" theme is to include dots and stripes.

FMS 379

Seize the Birthday - Dots and Stripes

I recently acquired a sweet Hellebore stamp and the size worked great for the sketch.  It was Copic colored similar to the Hellebore flowers we have in our yard, purple with a yellow green center and stamen.  After fussy cutting, it was foam mounted on a white circle die.

The Black and White Basics paper pack from MFT made it easy to add the strips and dots, letting the flower be the star of the show.  The sentiment was tucked in behind the horizontal panel, then silver and sparkling clear sequins added for the final touch.

Thanks so much for dropping by!  I've added links above to both challenges, so be sure to check them out!

Stef


Stamps:  Cling Small Hellebore (Stampendous), Circle of Spring (sentiment/Stampin' Up)
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Black & White Basics Patterned Paper Pack (MFT)
Ink:  Gina K Amalgam black, Versafine Onyx Black
Other:  Stitched Shapes Framelits (SU), A2 Stitched Rectangle Stax die (MFT), Sakura White Gelly pen, Copic Multiliner, Copic markers