12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 3

Thanks for stopping by my blog!
My third tag for the Ellen Hutson 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist, this one based on the tag by Kelly Alvarez which you can view here. I really wanted to CASE her card - it is just so stinkin' cute! Love the scalloped background and her beautiful work with Copics.

My scalloped background is created using the Fanfare die from Lil Inker's. I used Mod Podge to adhere all these die cuts to a piece of Pure Poppy card stock. The Angel with Heart is an old, old Debbie Mumm stamp from Stampington, which is one of my all-time favorite stamps with which I can never part. She is colored with Copics and mounted onto her wings using foam adhesive. Then I made her a little halo with some beading wire from my stash.
(Sentiment and all card stock from Papertrey Ink)

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist 2

Another tag to contribute to the Ellen Hutson 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist.  This time I was inspired by this tag from Julie Ebersole - focusing on a water colored background. I used my much neglected Gelatos to create this background. (I also edged this tag with a silver leafing pen.)

Wreath Stamp: Papertrey Ink

Sentiment: Essentials by Ellen

12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist

After a couple month break from blogging, I am back today with a tag I created for the Ellen Hutson 12 Tags of Christmas. My tag is inspired by the Day 2 tag created by Jennifer McGuire which you can view here. I was attracted to this tag because of the larger size and the flap, allowing for a personal message inside. Every year I make huge batches of my mother's Almond Roca recipe, and gift it to family and friends (they've come to expect this, I am afraid ;)  This will be the perfect tag to attach to the packaging this year.

I used Essentials By Ellen stamps and dies, Papertrey Ink card stock and embossing paste with the Falling Snow stencil from Simon Says Stamp.

You Sparkle You Shine!

 I was so happy that Papertrey Ink released some additional dies related to an earlier MakeIt Market kit. I didn't get the original kit, and have been kicking myself ever since. But along came the September release and Sparkle and Shine Holiday Additions. These new dies are perfect for the holidays, or just about any time of the year.

The background is from O'Tannenbaum, the dainty star image intended for the leaves to one of the trees in this new set.

I stamped with Versamark and embossed the stars with a silver sparkle embossing powder. A few red rhinestones added just the right finishing touch.

Supplies:

Mirrorcard: Marco's Paper
Other card stock: Papertrey Ink
Star Stamp, Sparkle and Shine: PTI
"You" Die: Memory Box

Papertrey Ink MIM Paper Casting #181 - Second Try!

I did an earlier card using this week's Papertrey Ink's MIM Technique. I was very happy with the outcome, but then I ruined it when I dropped it in a puddle of water on our deck after photographing. This paper casting media being toilet tissue, you can only imagine my horror at watching that water absorb so quickly into my artwork :(  Fortunately, I had another image from "Fancy That" already dry, so I made another card using the same layout and Twinkling H2O's.

Here is a close-up of the focal image. I tried to capture a little of the sparkle and shine from the paint medium. I also used PTI Shimmer Cardstock for the base and layers - in White, Sapphire and Raspberry Shimmer. This looks more red in the photo than IRL. 

 

Papertrey Ink Make It Monday #181 - Paper Casting

I have been playing around with this week's MIM at Papertrey Ink and thought it about time to do something with some of the several castings waiting to be completed.  Such a simple technique, leaving watered down double ply tissue to dry over an acrylic image. And a little too much fun! The challenge, really, is turning a dried paper casting into a card or tag. That's where the magic happens!

For this card I used a "Fancy That" image and painted it in with Twinkling H2O's. The finished image actuality glistens due to the Twinkling H2O's. but cannot capture that effect digitally.

I took it outside on our deck to photograph right after it rained late this afternoon, and as I was coming inside, I dropped the card right into a puddle of water. At least I got my photos first :)

Supplies:

Card stock, gold Filigree embossing powder and images all from Papertrey Ink

Gold Vellum for matting from my stash

Twinkling H2O's from Angel Enterprises

Toilet Tissue: Kirkland, of course!

Papertrey Ink September 2014 Blog Hop

Time again for the Papertrey Blog Hop! This is the only challenge to which I make a regular effort to participate, as it occurs only once a month and seeing what everyone does with PTI products always inspires me. Here is the inspirational photo offered for this challenge:

This is one of two cards I designed, using the inspirational colors, as well as the sweater theme in the photo:

Background Basics: Striped Sweater is stamped on Sweet Blush card stock, using Autumn Rose and Enchanted Evening ink. Enchanted Evening card stock was used for trim and the little flower "brooch" from Floral Fusion. Though not in the color swatch, Simply Chartreuse is used for the leaves.  The brad is covered with Copic marker in an Autumn Rose tone and embellished with glitter. The Sweater Die is from the Shape Up Series at PTI.

Papertrey Ink September 2014 Blog Hop #2

Papertrey Ink September Blog Hop Challenge #2. I based this card on both a color recipe and sketch.

I started with a Soft Stone card base, onto which I layered Smokey Shadow card stock impressed with the Herringbone Impression Plate. A Doily Details die cut was embossed in Liquid Platinum to mimic the galvanized bucket. I *really* like that Liquid Platinum powder - it embosses beautifully! Year of the Flower: Poinsettia is die cut and stamped in Autumn Rose ink, the center filled with silver Stickles. Ripe Avocado leaves from Christmas Poinsettia set.  I embossed "Celebrate" from Think Big Favorites #8 onto a vellum strip. For aesthetics, I chose to mount the sentiment strip below the focal image instead of across the image as in the sketch I chose.

Preclass Gallery - OCC Copic for Cardmakers

Post on a Copic card in preparation for OCC Copics for Cardmakers

Live Love Life!

A quick post of a birthday card for my sweet sister, using Papertrey Doodlie-Do and Live Love  Life. White embossed on vellum, colored from backside using Copics. Quick, simple. (Most products used are Papertrey Ink).

Goal! Birthday Card for Soccer Fan

Our youngest grandson is a huge Seattle Sounders Soccer fan. In fact, today is his 9th birthday, and that is where he is - at a Sounders Soccer match with his family. I sure hope they win for him today!

I wanted to make his birthday card a soccer themed interactive card, but didn't have the dies PTI offers to make this a simple process.  So, after viewing the PTI You Tube video explaining how to use their spinner dies, I improvised, using what I had on hand.  (I also used Sounders colors of blue, green and gray, the colors of the beautiful Pacific Northwest!)

Product list follows. Wanted to mention a special product use: Glad Press and Seal. 
Laurie Willison has been posting projects using this product the past week, so wanted to try it for my layout. What a time saver! Thank you Laurie! (And to Jennifer McGuire's husband who apparently invented this awesome product).

Products Used:

Stamps: I Love Soccer - Stampin Up (Retired); Primary Alphabet - Stamp Craft; PTI Birthday Basics, Movers and Shakers Sentiments, Heart-2-Heart #5

Dies: PTI Heart-2-Heart #5 Banner dies, Modern Alphabet Dies, Be Happy (long rectangle border die); MFT Grass border

Cardstock: All Papertrey Ink; Spellbinders circle die and hole punch for spinner mechanism

Ink: PTI Smokey Shadow, Soft Stone; Tsukineko Brilliance Mediterranean Blue

PTI SAF 2014 - Exploring the 1940's

This is another era I kinda wish I could have experienced. After the war ended, it was a time of reunion and regrowth. I loved this little set put together by our Betsy Veldmann. I would like to play around with it a bit more - this pretty much cases the card she made, but I stamped on Sweet Blush and with a different color scheme entirely. Unfortunately, I could not get it to photograph well with my iPhone (DH took our good camera on his fishing trip. I really should get a camera of my own.) 

PTI SAF 2014 - Exploring the 1920's #2

My second project for the 1920's. This time the embellishment is created entirely on clear card stock - allowing it to look as if it is floating on the card. The Celebrate sentiment is stamped on Kraft Twill ribbon - I am pleased to see how well it takes the ink.  The background is stamped with Kraft ink, as I couldn't bear to use any of the designer papers that came in the kit - they were so pretty!

PTI SAF 2014 - Exploring the 1920's

Welcome to the Roaring 20's! This is one period of time I think is the most interesting in US History. All the glitz and glamour - I think I could have fit right in - NOT! But still love the styles and general American life in this period - life just seemed so simple back then!

This was a very fun challenge with Heather Nichols. We created an embellishment with a special die to add sequins and glitter to replicate some of the jewelry of the 1920's.

My Project includes background paper I created using A Little Argyle and some silver glitter glue. The medallion is backed with red card stock to make it pop. 

SAF 2014 - Exploring the Renaissance #2

My second entry for SAF Renaissance Challenge. Another old technique I learned many years ago. The supplies I purchased at that time to do this technique remain in my craft room, so am happy to have this technique revived again! I didn't have much luck with the image in the kit and the hot wax so tried another little wooden stamp that seemed to work a little better for me. 

Most supplies PTI - Sentiment stamp is an oldie from PSX

SAF 2014 - Ancient Rome #2

Still having fun with that mosaic cover plate.  There is also a little design element that matches this mosaic background in this set. Lizzie used to create the coolest border - I bet I tried for an hour to get the same effect with that image and sorry to say, it got the better of me at this late hour. 

PTI SAF 2014 - Exploring the Renaissance

Third Era for SAF this morning is the Renaissance - exploring textiles and royalty. I have always had a thing about royalty, no matter the era. The color that frequently come to mind are purple and gold. 

Using the SAF set for this era, this is my project. This is not a new technique to me, but one I have not explored in years. Thank you Nichole for bringing this back to the forefront! 

I love this regal image and the frame dies included in the set - I think I will be using these frequently. 

I also pulled out a few parts of the first Make It Market Kit. Can you spot them?

(the background paper has been in my stash for many years - source unknown.)

PTI SAF 2014: Ancient Rome with Lizzie Jones

Lizzie is quickly becoming one of my favorites! Her SAF segment was a travel thru Ancient Rome and the artistic style known for that era. For my first design from this era, following her video instructions, I created a mosaic stamp using sticky-back foam. I love this idea, as I have many large cutting plates for which this technique will work - problem is, I don't want to take this new "stamp" image off my acrylic block! She didn't advise as to what to do about that!

I used the recent Beautiful Brushstrokes stamp set along with the mosaic cutting plate in the SAF set. 

All ink and card stock is Papertrey Ink. (Background on the card base created with a Magenta image)

(I am waiting for some embossing paste to dry to try the next challenge - Faux Fresco.)

PTI SAF 2014 - Morning Timer Challenge

 It's Here! The biggest online stamping event of the year sponsored by my favorite stamp company!
If you are unfamiliar, you can read about this here

The first challenge of the morning is a wake-up call - make a card in 20 minutes using posted color schemes and sketches. These are to two I chose:

And here is my project. I wanted to add a little heart over the left side but ran out of time... will definitely add this on before I tuck this into my DH's bags when he leaves on his out-of-state hunt next month.

Copper Embellished Beautiful Brushstrokes!

Yesterday I had a little free time to play with my newest "love", PTI's Beautiful Brushstrokes Kit. (You can no longer purchase this kit, but can read about it here.) This kit lets design the most beautiful cards. Kind of a "no brainer" when you use the images, designer papers and embellishments in the kit. I've made several cards with this kit, but yesterday I wanted to try something completely outside the box. 

Years ago I purchased a metal embossing kit at a Heirloom stamp show. It included all the necessary tools and supplies, including the copper, to create beautiful art using stamps and copper. I have have been thinking about trying this technique again, but my kit is long gone. So I simply pulled out my copper sheeting from my stash, a mouse pad and some dry embossing tools and set to work.

Here is my end result. Try as I might, I was unable to capture the differential shades of pinks and light purples in the copper with my digital camera. As with so many shiny projects, they always look better in "real life". Please use you imagination!
 (The synopsis of my technique follows below)

My Technique:

1. Die cut the my images from the copper using BB dies (and the Savvy Hello).
2. Then stamped the coordinating BB images onto the copper die cuts using Staz-On black ink.
3. Debossed stamped images, using the back side of a mouse pad. I used both a metal and a wooden stylus, and pushed the stamped portion of the flower image into the mat. I flipped the copper piece over as I went  to check my progress.
4. Satisfied with the debossed images, I held each piece with forceps and "carefully" apply flame and watched as the copper changed to tones of pink and a light purple. When I say "carefully",  I mean "slowly" while moving the flame around constantly. (I learned this after ruining several completed pieces with too much heat - it changes color quickly and if you don't remove the heat in time, the color rapidly changes to an ugly dull metal color that has no resemblance to copper whatsoever.
5. Allowed pieces to cool completely.
6. I chose to use black glossy card stock to highlight these images (and Copper Shimmer stock as a card base). To place images after all that hard work, you need to apply something to the back of these images to prevent them from compressing flat, especially if you plan to mail your project. I used E6000 glue, applied thickly to the back of the flowers and leaves before mounting to the black glossy.
7. I had forgotten how difficult it is to photograph black glossy card stock. It picks up so much light and reflection, and every speck of dust in the room...you practically have to photograph in the dark to get a decent image. The next time I will chose a different non-glossy background.

PS: If you decide to give this a go - be sure you are using true copper. There are different Craft Foils on the market made to look like copper (and other colors) but they are simply painted aluminum. They will work for debossing, up to the point of adding heat - then the paint simply burns off and you are left with another ugly project that you have poured your heart into - ask me how I know :)

Papertrey Ink July 2014 Blog Hop Challenge #2

Second project for the July Papertrey Ink July Blog Hop. This one focuses on the colors and pendant. I used Papertrey Ink Heart-2-Heart #5 stamp set. I hand stitched around the edges with red floss. Most supplies PTI - sequins from Pretty Pink Posh.

Papertrey Ink July 2014 Blog Hop Challenge

If it's the 25th, it's time for another Papertrey Ink Blog Hop!

This month's inspiration photo had so much going on - I tried to capture several elements in this submission for the hop. I just loved the little bird in the photo, as well as the banner and red plaid cloth pocket. I had so many ideas for this hop, but had time for only a couple cards.

Here is my first project:

A close up of the sweet little bird. I used a Memory Box die, PTI DP, and free cut the wing which is stamped with Garden Elegance.  HAPPY is from Wet Paint Cuts, which is cut apart and coated with Glossy Accents. The banner is free cut from PTI DP and card stock. For the tiny roses I used a rolled flower die from Impression Obsession. The long banner die with bows is from SSS. And the doily I confiscated out from under a cup of coffee at one of our favorite local eating establishments :)

And a close up of "birthday" die cut, which is "shadowed" with Red Poppy Cardstock (Thank you Betsy V for the lesson on that one :). Aqua Mist card base impressed with Canvas Impression plate.

Supplies:

All supplies PTI (except as indicated).