Dotty for you

I was thinking about doing that rainbow butterfly card (you know, the Martha one that everyone is doing), but I only have one butterfly punch, and I wanted to be different (of course). So when I saw Dawn's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge 2, I knew what I would do.

Stamps: none!
Paper: Whisper White, Taken with Teal, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip cardstock (SU)
Ink: none!
Accessories: 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1 1/4" circle punches, Love & Happiness rub-on (SU) 1 1/8" circle punch (EK Success), D'Vine Swirls, Swiss Dots, Tiny Bubbles, Perfectly Paisley, Snowflakes, Christmas Ornaments embossing folders, CB (Provocraft)

Yes, I used Christmas embossing folders! The cute designs in the Snowflake and Ornaments folders are perfect for the circles. I popped up a few here and there, to add more interest. A simple rub-on finished it off. Easy-peasy!

Some sweet blog candy!

Check out Carolina's birthday blog candy giveaway. It includes a super sweet lip balm holder WITH a mirror - how cool is that?

Fixed it.

Don't laugh Carrie. I couldn't help it. See the post below for the new version.

What's New, Pussycat?

When I saw the TCP Tuesday sketch (TCPTUES51), I knew which set I wanted to use. Of course halfway through the card, I realized that the circle was supposed to be the sentiment. Oh well!

ETA: Haha, now I know why I did that - Jen did for her sample card too ;)

I also had Stamp Simply #80 (ssnotime80) in mind, which is to mix dots (or stripes) with other patterns. All the paper (except the Kraft) has a pattern on it, so I think I managed to do that! I'm counting the blue/yellow one as the dots, although it's got a grid pattern as well.

To make the sentiment window, I used my Word Window punch several times. The Key Tag punch as just a tad too big, so I created my own version!

To fit the space theme, I added lots of glitter with my Sakura glitter pen, and orange rhinestones on the "hubcaps" and around the sentiment. I popped up most of the layers as well, to give lots of dimension.

Stamps: It's a Mod, Mod World (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Kraft cardstock (SU), pp (Creative Memories)
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Going Grey (SU)
Accessories: Word Window punch (SU), Stardust glitter pen (Sakura), rhinestones (Kaiser), circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), CB (Provocraft)

Hmm...something was bugging me about this card, and I just realized what it is. The scalloped circle just doesn't fit with the "mod retro" theme, which is what I was going for, with that fun cube paper. Drat! Oh well, I'll remember that for next time.

Uh, so I couldn't leave it. Here's the card without the scallops. Much better!

DT call at Paper Popsicles!

Thinking about applying for a design team? Paper Popsicles is having a DT call!

"We are looking for fun, enthusiastic, and creative paper crafters to join our Design Team. Our design team motivates, inspires, and supports our online community. We are looking for paper crafters of all skill levels, with or without design team experience. Paper Popsicles kits and store products appeal to a wide audience, so we're looking for all type of scrappers... from traditional to chic. We are accepting applicants from the U.S. & Canada. this time."

Read all about it here. The deadline to enter is April 30.

Longing for a drink with an umbrella

The card says it all.
The sketch is from StampTV's sketch challenge, STVSC4. I decided to use the fun pineapple from Aloha Paradise. Doesn't it look yummy? I want to be on a beach right now, sipping an umbrella drink ;)

The colouring took the longest time, as I was trying some shading. To create the star accents, I simply inked the star (from the 'O' in the sentiment) with a black marker, and stamped them.

While colouring the coconut, I decided to over colour, so the paper would get too wet, and become distressed (you know how the top layer starts to come off?) because I thought it looked like a coconut husk! It's hard to see in the photo, of course.

I was thinking of adding some sparkle, but I just didn't think it would work with the colours.

Stamps: Aloha Paradise (Penguin Pants Stamps)
Paper: Whisper White cardstock (SU)
Ink: Summer Sun, More Mustard, Wild Wasabi, Close to Cocoa (SU), Noir Black (Palette)
Accessories: Blender Pen, black marker (SU)

Sweet Spring

This card was inspired by the ribbon, as well as Mojo79. I needed a tall, skinny stamp, so I went with the twig tree from Limitless Limbs.
I stamped the tree in Close to Cocoa, then used a baby wipe to clean the ends and dots, which I then coloured with markers. I used the same technique with the robin, adding a tiny black eye after I stamped her. The nest and eggs were next, and I added some blue speckles to the eggs.

ETA: I forgot to mention, for those that noticed, I performed a bit of surgery on the tree trunk, which was too long for the panel. I planned where I would place the ribbon, then cut a slice out from underneath it. So the ribbon hides the seam, and my tree fits perfectly!

I didn't bother with any masking, as it's quite easy to see where I'm stamping, as the stamps are unmounted. I used my Copic Spica glitter pen to add lots of sparkle (which is impossible to capture in a photo! Just picture lots of sparkle on all the round "buds" as well as the sentiment), as well as Crystal Effects to the eggs. One of those bows finishes it off.

Stamps: Limitless Limbs (Pink Cat Studio), So Very (SU)
Paper: Whisper White, Green Galore, Tempting Turqouise, Pumpkin Pie cardstock, Summer Picnic DSP (SU)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Green Galore, Summer Sun (SU)
Accessories: Temping Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Green Galore, Real Red, Black markers, Scallop Edge punch, Crystal Effects (SU), Perfectly Paisley embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provocraft), ribbon (American Crafts), Clear glitter pen (Copic)

Notice how the scalloped edge starts and ends on a scallop? Before cutting my cardstock to size, I punched the edge longer than I needed, then cut it evenly between the scallops. Otherwise you could end up with a piece like this (on the left).
I admit, this was my first try - I cut the piece to size first, then started the scallops in the centre. While they ended up symmetrical, I didn't like how they looked at the edges. The one on the right is my second try, and the piece I used on the card. ETA: oops, I need to remember the difference between right and left! I've fixed them now.

A little birdie told me...

...I'm back! I felt I needed a small break for a few days, but tonight I was happy to sit down in my crafts room tonight and whip up a quick card. And this one did come together quite quickly, thanks to Amy's Friday night sketch #53 (AMYRS1).
I paper pierced the bird (I love how it looks with the birds from this set!), and added Crystal Effects to his flower.

Stamps: A Little Birdie Told Me (SU)
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive cardstock, Hawaiian Ginger DSP (SU), brown textured cardstock (Bazzil), orange paper (unknown)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava (SU)
Accessories: Old Olive marker, Chocolate Chip ribbon, Crystal Effects (SU), circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Swiss Dots embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provocraft), brown flower (Imaginisce), corner rounder punch (EK Success), Dew Drops (Robin's Nest), green/orange flowers (unknown)

And the winner is...

Random.org picked #18 as the winner of my 10,000 hits blog candy giveaway.

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Shelley said...

So far I've only ever used the rubber stamps, so I guess that would be my answer. However, I'm not opposed to trying the acrylic ones.

March 12, 2009 3:29 PM

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Congratulations Shelley! I'm glad you'll have the opportunity to try some non-rubber stamps. I hope you enjoy using them! I've emailed you for your address.

Thank you to everyone who entered :)

D is for...

Da nephew.

(Sorry, inside joke. You had to be there)

Anyway, yes, I have a new baby nephew, and wanted to make something for his room. Using the Jack's World collection from Cosmo Cricket, I decorated this frame and letter "D". These items also work for the Cosmo Cricket challenge over at Paper Popsicles!

I wanted to keep it simple, so I painted the frames (mixing the paints to get the right colour of teal) and then sanded the edges a bit. I chose two of the papers from the collection, and used Mod Podge to adhere them. I also gave them two good coats on top, to protect and give some shine and texture.

I used two of the blackboard pieces with matching stickers, as well as a sticker with the cutest sentiment. Finally I added a sweet little star beside the sentiment. I used my staple gun to attach ribbon to the back, so they can be hung on his wall.

Stamps: none
Paper: Jack's World patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: none
Accessories: Jack's World blackboard and stickers (Cosmo Cricket), acrylic paints (Aleene's and Americana), vanilla ribbon (SU), star (unknown), frame, letter (Michael's), Mod Podge (Plaid)

{Don't forget about the blog candy here (deadline is March 15, 2009 at 11:59 pm -- TONIGHT!). If you've posted about it on your blog, make sure you leave a second comment}

B is for...

{Don't forget about the blog candy here (deadline is March 15, 2009 at 11:59 pm). If you've posted about it on your blog, make sure you leave a second comment}

B is for...a quick card for a baby boy!

I decided to not use the aloha card, and since I had a bunch of scraps left from a project (which I'll post tomorrow) so I made a quick card, based off of Jen's SFYTT for this week.
I cut the middle strip out of one side of the patterned paper, rather than trying to match up some ribbon. After I chose the top patterned paper, I realized that I didn't want to cover it up (love those alligators!), so I went with some vellum and a rub-on. The sentiment on the bottom (bear hug) is a rub-on as well. It's a no-stamping card!

Stamps: none
Paper: Jack's World patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket), More Mustard cardstock (SU)
Ink: none
Accessories: Jack's World rub-ons (Cosmo Cricket), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug (Provocraft), vellum (American Crafts), mini clothes pin (unknown)

Snips and Snails

{Don't forget about the blog candy here (deadline is March 15, 2009 at 11:59 pm). If you've posted about it on your blog, make sure you leave a second comment}

I needed a baby boy card for a group of people to sign, so I had to work with a larger size of card. I decided to do 5.5x8.5. It turned out to be a challenge, after years of making the "standard" size of 4.25x5.5 (or so).

Mojo Monday week #77 is a great sketch, so I started there.Sorry the colour is so bad - it was impossible to get a good shot of the card (it's 12:30 am!)

I really wanted to use this cute paper (with the "snips and snails" saying), and I had the coordinating paper with the puppies. I found some SU paper that is quite close in colour, so I went with that colour scheme.

Unfortunately the "snips and snails" paper didn't have the saying staggered, so I couldn't fit it all on the card, as it is too long. So I cut the paper into strips, and lined it back up so you can see bits and pieces of the whole saying (which I then covered up with the second layer - oh well). I don't think you can even tell that it's not a full sheet of paper!

There's lots of layering, those cute little clothespins, and I don't even have an envelope for it. All okay, because I won't be mailing it. Although I will make an envelope for it (and maybe share how I do that). Anyway, a very simple card.

Stamps: Cuddles & Tickles (SU)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Bashful Blue, So Saffron cardstock (SU), patterned paper (Memory Block)
Ink: Soft Sky (SU)
Accessories: Apricot Appeal brads (SU), circle and scalloped circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Swiss Dots embossing folder, Cuttlebug (Provocraft), clear embossing powder (Ranger), paper piercer (Making Memories), mini clothespins, blue snaps (unknown)

Sigh. And I just realized what I forgot on this card. Sewing! Some zig-zag stitching would add just the right amount of texture.

...
...
...

And of course, I couldn't just leave it as is. So I ripped it all apart and fired up the Janome:
I even got a better photo. I still think it looks a bit plain, but I'm happy I added the sewing. What do you think?

I really want to hire the skywriter

But I thought I should start with a post on my blog.

Craft Critique is a wonderful resource for all things crafty. It's not just card/scrapbook related - although there's lots of that - they review all sorts of products. The reviews are very honest, thorough, and thoughtful.

Anyhoo, they're celebrating two years of blogging with a huge giveaway. Check it out!

The Jitterbug

First of all, check out the blog candy here (deadline is March 15, 2009 at 11:59 pm).

Okay, so more scrapbooking - yay! Paper Popsicles is having a Cosmo Cricket challenge, and I just happen to have a bunch of Cosmo Cricket paper and embellishments!Stamps: none
Paper: Jitterbug patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket), solid pink (Kalediscope)
Ink: none
Accessories: Jitterbug die cuts (Cosmo Cricket), Jack's World rub-on (Cosmo Cricket), Chocolate Chip marker, photo corner punch (SU), flowers (Prima), brads (unknown), sewing machine (Janome)

I had a bunch of scraps left on my desk, so I decided to make a card as well. This is based on Jen's Sketch for you to try for this week.
Stamps: In the Spotlight, So Many Sayings, Everyday Flexible Phrases (SU)
Paper: Jitterbug patterned paper (Cosmo Cricket), Going Grey, Chocolate Chip cardstock (SU)
Ink: Going Grey, Blue Bayou (SU)
Accessories: Five petal flower punch (SU), brads (unknown), sewing machine (Janome)

Anyone else have "Wake me up before you go-go)" in their head? ;)

Blog candy giveaway!

NOTE: This giveaway is now closed.

Yup, I'm practically on time with this blog candy giveaway! ;)

To celebrate 10,000 hits, I'm giving away:

1) A full set of Rock-a-Blocks
2) Two packages of K&Company chipboard letters
3) Nine package of Studio G clear stamps

To win, just leave a comment on this post, and tell me whether you prefer rubber or clear stamps.

For an extra entry, post about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a second (separate) comment with a link to your post.

Easy peasy!

Deadline to enter is Sunday, March 15 at 11:59 PM (PDT). I'll use random.org to pick a winner!

ps. Don't forget to switch your clocks tomorrow, if you're moving to daylight savings time.

Tropical Pastel Paradise

I wanted to make a quick card tonight (hah - more on that later) so I went to my source of inspiration: other blogs! I decided to combine Stamp Simply #77 (heat embossing) and Color Throwdown #32 (Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, Regal Rose).

This started out as a single-layer card. I wanted to use the flip flops from Aloha Paradise, then decided on the sentiment. I embossed both, and then stamped the trees above the sentiment. I didn't like the layout, so I cut it up and added some simple cardstock layers. A few brads (I think they're actually Apricot Appeal, but they match much better in real life) finished it off.

Stamps: Aloha Paradise (Penguin Pants Stamps)
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana cardstock (SU)
Ink: Pretty in Pink (SU), VersaMark (Tsukineko), pink (Precious Impressions)
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, brads (SU), clear embossing powder (stampcraft), heat tool (Marvy Uchida)

I know, yet again, I'm late with the blog candy. It's coming, I promise! I'm just gathering a few things. Stay tuned.

Aloha Baby?

Since getting the set, I've wanted to use the flamingo in Aloha Paradise. The Mojo Monday sketch 76 was the perfect chance to ink it up!

I'd started out with colours based on a different ribbon (bright pink, orange, light pink), but they just weren't working. I'm trying to trust my instincts, and so I scrapped everything and started over.

I Googled photos of flamingos, and found that there are variations of colours. I thought Groovy Guava would be a good choice, so I stamped the image on watercolor paper and used my ink pads and blender pen to colour him in. I tried a bit of shading as well.

Rather than add extra layers with paper, I used the Labels Two nesties to emboss the edges of the main image and the Ginger Blossom paper. Don't you think the Ginger Blossom paper is perfect for the flamingo? I don't know what it is, but I knew I wanted to use it.

Okay, so after I finished it, I had the strange feeling that this would work as a baby card. Aloha can mean many things, "hello" being one of them. So if I added a simple welcome baby sentiment on the inside, do you think it would pass? I have need for a baby boy card, and this one could go either way.

Stamps: Aloha Paradise (Penguin Pants Stamps)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Sky cardstock, watercolor paper, Ginger Blossom & Soft Sky DSP (SU)
Ink: Groovy Guava, Soft Sky (SU), Noir Black (Palette)
Accessories: Blender Pen, Soft Sky ribbon (SU), Labels Two Nestabilities (Spellbinders), CB (Provocraft)

So, I've officially passed 10,000 hits (which is crazy, because I passed 5,000 in November). Check back tomorrow for some awesome blog candy!

Even more blog candy

There's some yummy blog candy over at My life's inky escape and more. Check it out!

Win some funky DoodleFactory Easter stamps!

DoodleFactory stamps are just so darn unique. I love all the little characters and accessories. Their new Easter set is no exception, and they're giving one away! Check out the Starving Artistamps blog for more details.

Tropical Sunset

Since I've been back, I couldn't find my mojo, so I decided tonight I would kick start it with a challenge: Zindorf style. Yeah, way to ease myself back into the crafts room! ;)

The wonderful people at Penguin Pants Stamps asked me to try out one of their sets, and I chose Aloha Paradise. A bit out of my normal style, but I love the images - and would love to be on a beach right now!

I started with Amy's Friday Sketch (AMYRS60) and grabbed my brayer and sponges. After playing with the brayer for a bit, this is what I came up with:
Don't you think this would make a great summer birthday card? Yum. I can taste the mojitos now.

Stamps: Aloha Paradise (Penguin Pants Stamps)
Paper: More Mustard, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White (SU)
Ink: So Saffron, Only Orange, Summer Sun, Brilliant Blue, Basic Black, Pink Passion, More Mustard, Creamy Carmel, Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow (SU), VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, sponges, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip markers (SU), Floral Screen embossing folder, CB (Provocraft), clear embossing powder (Ranger), dew drops (Robin's Nest), VersaMark pen (Tsukineko), white Glaze pen (Sakura), corner rounder punch (EK Success), heat tool (Marvy Uchida)

I stamped the tree in VersaMark, then black, and embossed. Then I coloured with markers - trying a bit of shading - and then covered that in VersaMark using the pen, and embossed again.

Lots of brayering and sponging for the sand, water, and sky. I masked off the sun, and used my white Glaze pen at the surf line (I love how that looks!).

All of the above is all from Michelle Zindorf's blog/techniques. The rest of the card is fairly obvious. The only thing I couldn't work in from the sketch was the ribbon. Oh well, I'm very happy with how it turned out!

Penguin Pants (don't you just love the name?) have a wide range of styles, from fun, cartoon-ish drawings to very realistic, gorgeous images. Another personal favourite is Cheers. Can't you just see a yummy margarita, complete with salt (glitter) on the rim?

You may remember this card I did, featuring Around the Farm. See what I mean about cute images? I just want to squish that pig!

ps. Check out my blog counter. I'm almost at 10,000 hits!!! Look for a great giveaway to come as soon as the counter ticks over.