Faux Knitted Card

I played with my new Taylored Expressions Sweater Weather die this evening.  I drew inspiration from socks I had knit for my older sister a few years ago using a yarn that was variegated so even though I only used it and white, the variegation had a lot of value-add to the pattern.  For you knitters, this pattern is a variation of Mamluke in Folk Socks (I changed up the heel for durability).

To mimic the socks, I did a watercolor wash using shades of teal and green.  (I love this combo and must remember it for the future.)  I used the die with a metal shim while the paper was still slightly wet; it cut very cleanly.  I based the card on Freshly Made Sketches #119 after I did a search for a sketch with a skewed panel; I went quite literal with the star featured on the sketch.  I like silver with the green and teal so used that on the stars and embossed sentiment.  Rather unconventional holiday card but, hey, so am I (unconventional, that is).  :-)


The Details:  Taylored Expressions Sweater Weather die, Artist's Loft watercolor paper, Recollections 110 lb white cardstock and silver detail embossing powder, PTI Hawaiian Shores (I think) cardstock, Momenta star die, Fiskars All That Glitters sentiment, Elmer's spray adhesive, Scotch foam tape, Paper Studio vellum, Cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, Glossy Accents, Distress Ink Peacock Feathers and Mowed Lawn, Versamark

I'm entering this is Addicted to Stamps & More! #123 Holiday, Addicted to CAS #53 Dots, TIME OUT #19 Embossing with Optional Twist of Sparkle, Try it on Tuesdays Christmas is Coming, Inkspirational #70 Christmas with a Twist, Fab 'n' Funky #239 Diecuts

Make and Mail

I'm all bummed out today because I opted not to go to a crafty get-together with some bloggy friends because of the snow and the expected additional 5 inches.  I was so looking forward to it--poo!  I guess on the plus side, I get to spend some extra time with the kids who we don't see often.  I guess.  ;-)

I made these make and takes for the gals.  Cute, huh?  Since I wasn't able to give them their little kits, I'm hoping to mail them.

I used my Cameo a lot for this project--created cut files for the ME Arctic Penguins for mass production stamping and created stitched and regular tags.  Oh, the banners too.  It's times like these I'm glad I have a Cameo. 

The Details:  Mama Elephant Arctic Penguins, Jolly & Merry, and Landscape Trio die, "bright" which is from Penny Black  Merry Christmas Messages, Pretty Pink Posh 4mm sequins, Scotch foam tape, Glossy Accents, Spectrum Noir DR3, DR4, blender, GB1, OR1, Distress Tumbled Glass and Festive Berries (love this red!), Ribbon Boutique 3/8" ribbon, Paper Studio embossing folder

I'm entering these in Addicted to Stamps & More #123 Holiday 
Update:  im also entering this in Fab 'n' funky 239 diecuts and The Friday Mashup 187 Weather,

Upscaled Cards

I found some extra Christmas cards from years past and decided to alter them to include in my Caring Hearts pile.

I first cut out the portions of the original Unicef cards I wanted to use.  I didn't worry about trying to cut out exactly the same area each time. With the tree card I die cut some cardinals and popped those over the existing cardinals.  On the other I sponged a snowflake with Brilliance ink and popped it over the printed snowflakes.  For both I stamped a sentiment outside and in.  I then mounted these upscaled fronts onto a cover stock base.  Easy peasy, huh?

The Details:  upcycled Unicef card fronts, Lawn Fawn Stitched Snowflakes dies, Impression Obsession Birch Tree (the cardinals), Memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa, Brilliance Platinum Planet, Scotch foam tape, Glossy Accents, Recollections cream 110 lb cardstock

Seattle Christmas and New Year

I bought this a new product to try over the weekend--molding paste by Art C.  Have you heard of it?  It's thinner than my regular embossing paste by Dreamweaver and is slightly tacky.  I've come to the conclusion it reminds of diluted caulk.

I spread it over my star embossing folder and set it aside to dry.  I'm guessing that took about 15 minutes but I was multitasking.  I then cut out the Seattle skyline twice, once in silver cardstock and again in black to serve as the offset shadow.  I stamped the sentiment before gluing the two skylines together.  I popped up the silver glitter paper star.  Don't you love all the different metallic elements?

My plan is to use this card as a Christmas and Happy New Year card. I need to keep a look out for a good New Year's sentiment.

The Details:  Impress die, Memory Box Stars Starring Nights stencil, Art C silver molding paste, Recollections white and black 110 Lb cardstock and glitter cardstock, mystery silver cardstock, Momenta star die

I'm entering this in Fusion Sparkly Christmas, TIME OUT #19 Embossing with the optional twist of sparkle, Inkspirational #70 with Optional Twist of No Red/Green   

Krafty Candles

A very simple card today.  I couldn't resist using my new MB die.  I certainly am getting my money's worth out of that holly berry embossing folder.  I've colored the leaves and flames with chalk inks; I can't even remember the last time I used that stuff.  The berries are colored with marker.  Very pretty and vintage.  You really can't tell in the photo but the chalk inks are pearlescent. 

The Details:  Memory Box Glowing Candles die, Momenta sentiment, PTI kraft cardstock, Recollections cream 110 lb cardstock, Pebbles Pearlescent Chalks, Paper Studio embossing folder, Spectrum Noir DR2

I'm entering this in The Card Concept #23, Daring Cardmakers Something Old (chalk inks)/Something New (candle die), Less is More #199 Jingle All the Way, Allsorts #286 No Designer Papers

Update:  also used Memento Tuxedo Black

The Perfect Backdrop Plus a Quick Tutorial

Isn't my little Frankie the best photo prop ever?  <insert sappy kitty kisses>


I picked up yet another Lawn Fawn set which has proven to be very versatile.  It will be even more so once I get around to using the matching dies.  I tried a few variations of this card.  Which is your fav?  Btw, this would make a great one-layer card too.

Stamp the sentiment.  I liked it best north of vertical center.  I did find it easier if planning to mount this to cut it to the right size prior to stamping.

Mask the sentiment.  I used washi tape (this particular one makes me smile but it's lost most of its sticky so perfect for masking but that's about it.  Under other circumstances I would have used my Scotch removable tape.)  Stamp greenery in a few colors of green for interest.  Stamping off works too.

Stamp a few pine cones.  I stamped the pinecones in a lighter brown than the sentiment.

Remove the mask and add the berries.  I covered mine in Glossy Accents.

So easy and entertaining.  I like how each card will be similar but not the same.  Truly handmade!

The Details:  Lawn Fawn Deck the Halls, Recollections cream 110 lb cardstock, kraft cardstock, Esse brown coverstock, Pop Tone red cardstock, Distress inks (shabby shutters, evergreen, barn door, walnut stain), Memento rich cocoa, Hero Arts Merry Christmas Messages

I'm entering this in The Card Concept #23 Krafty Christmas (CAS), Allsorts #286 No Designer Papers, Just Us Girls #268 Photo Inspiration

Holiday Card for the Visually Impaired

I so love the texture and depth of this twist on a more traditional card.  My kid sis rehabilitates the blind so we're always on the look out for things that would work well for a person who's visually impaired.  Close your eyes and imagine what you'd "see":  the edges where the green panel meets the red, nubbly background stars, a raised line, the shape of the tree, the texture of the washi tape, the edges where the different tapes meet, the popped up star's dotty edges and slick feel, the embossing on the sentiment.  A lot to experience, no?  I need to ask my kid sis if her braille machine would work with this cardstock.  If not, Enamel Accents?

Also, on my soapbox here, visually impaired isn't just blind.  Many of us will experience degenerating sight as we age (argh) so think about those people in your life who may appreciate receiving a card with texture, larger sentiments (I specifically bought this HA set because of the sentiment sizes) and high contrast.

The Details:  various washi tapes, PTI Fresh Snow ink, Bazzill cardstock, Pop Tone wild cherry cardstock, Recollections white 110 lb cardstock base, Paper Studio embossing folder, Hero Arts sentiment, Little B star die, gold mirror board

I'm entering this in Holly Jolly Christmas Colour Choice (red, green, white), Inkspirational #69 Shine, TIME OUT #19 Embossing (without sparkle option)

Avery Elle Storage Pockets on Sale!!

FYI that the AE storage pockets I love are 30% off with Prime shipping at Amazon as of this writing.  This makes them $6.30. 

If you go through the Splitcoast Stampers link, part of your purchase helps that. 

Jolly Penguin

With this card I went with happy blue colors on the panel to anchor the skating penguin.  I sponged on some iridescent ink afterwards for shimmer.  I love the LF snow stamp, don't you?  I used pigment ink and stamped some outside of the panel.  Hopefully the recipient will notice that fun detail.  Next stamped the sentiment and the penguin I colored with markers.  Remarkable the depth that splash of yellow on its belly creates.  Of course, also makes me think of pee.

I wasn't satisifed with my early attempt at the panel so ended up making myself a rectangular sponging stencil out of chipboard.  It's a really good size for a focal panel so expect to see it regularly in the future.  I tend to press too hard at first when I sponge and thus leave spong marks.  Ugh.  The chipboard stencil helps because I start sponging on top of it and then move over the cardstock.  It's the perfect thickness to allow my heavy hand to transition without blobs of color.  Love!


The Details:  Mama Elephant Arctic Penguins and Jolly & Merry stamps, Lawn Fawn Deck the Halls (snow stamp), Spectrum Noir markers, Distress Ink Peacock Feathers, Tumbled Glass & Broken China, VersaFine Onyx Black, Brilliance Planet Platinum, Papertrey Ink Fresh Snow, Scotch foam tape

I'm entering this in Addicted to Stamps & More #122 Make Your Mark, Naughty or Nice Festive Furballs, Sweet Stampin' To Die For, Just Us Girls #267 Red, Turquoise, Gold/Yellow, Christmas Cards All Year 'Round No Patterned Paper

Phoning in Some Cards

Last year my kid sis gave me a bunch of Xmas stickers, borders, printed vellum, etc.  Really nice but they've been gathering dust as I'm not much of a sticker person and then it occurred to me I could put them to really good use for the Caring Hearts Card Drive. Ding, ding, ding! 

These are just a sample of some of the cards I made using the gifted supplies.  Honestly, I felt like I was phoning it in because the borders and vellum do the work so I stitched the elements on and/or added dry embossing to make the cards more handmade.  The stitching was a no brainer since I already had the machine out after I whipped up a new bed for Frankie, having tossed out his fleecy flea-ridden one (ewww!).  He loves his new craft table bed and I love his flea meds.  Win, win!

The Midas Touch

Lots of challenges calling for fancy dancy metallics lately.  I couldn't resist mixing that with my new nature stamp (oh, how I love it!).  Really, really, really hard to tell in the photo but the image is stamped in gold and snowflakes rubbed with silver.  Okay, decided to take a picture better illustrating the fantastic shimmer.  Notice the backdrop?  That's the same one on the right side of the above pic but in focus.  Such a difference.

The Details:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Brilliance Platinum Planet, Delicata Golden Glitz, Lawn Fawn Stitched Snowflakes and Deck the Halls dies, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, MFT stitched rectangle die, Stampscapes Lake Cove Lg stamp, Recollections white and black 110 lb coverstock, Hero Arts sentiment

I'm entering this in showCASe your style #2 gold, black, silvery/gray and white, Christmas Cards All Year 'Round No Patterned Paper, Jingle Belles The Great Outdoors, Penny Black Anything Goes, Inkspirational #69 Shine, Virginia's View #9 Metallic

Winter Scene

Oh, how I love the simplicity of white on white.  And that pop of red--marvelous!  If I had a signature look, this would be a contender.

I first stamped the sentiment then applied the embossing paste to the falling snow stencil.  Before removing the stencil, I sprinkled on glitter.  I wasn't sure if it would stick over time but it's held up remarkably well.  Notice how I added a blob of paste at the bottom of the tree plus glitter to represent accumulated snow--conceals the tree base so it wouldn't be floating.

The Details:  Fiskars sentiment, Memory Box bird die (the top one), Impression Obsession Birch Tree (the cardinals) and Bare Tree dies, Spectrum Noir DR3 and DR4, Memento Nautical Blue, Simon Says Falling Snow stencil, Dreamweaver embossing paste, Doodlebug Design Sugar Coating lily white glitter, Recollections white 110 lb cover stock

I'm entering this in Make My Monday Glitter, Fantasy Stampers #23 Red Alert, Just Add Ink #240 Just Add Texture, Jingle Belles The Great Outdoors, Christmas Cards All Year 'Round No Patterned Paper   

Stenciled Forest

I

A bit of a sponging experiment this round.  With the first card I used a white pigment ink to add the dots but with the second card I used embossing paste.  I definitely like the first version better.

The Details:  Memento Danube Blue and Tuxedo Black, Memory Box deer dies, Simon Says falling snow stencil, Sakura pigment pen, Crafter's Workshop birch trees stencil, Dreamweaver embossing paste, Recollections white 110 lb cardstock, Scotch foam tape

I'm entering this in Christmas Stampin' All Year Long #37 Anything Goes, Holly Jolly Colour Choice (Monochromatic), Jingle Belles The Great Outdoors, Addicted to Stamps & More #121 Anything Goes, Less is More 198 Multiple Trees

Blast from the Past

 

Amy Tsuruta is celebrating 7 years of card blogging and is asking folks to submit cards from their first year of blogging.

I didn't start this blog until September last year which doesn't seem old enough so I dug way deeper and found some old cards of mine which I actually don't hate.  Old as in 2003ish.  Don't hate as in things I would tweak (a lot in some cases) but things I still love (stamped vellum over a stamped panel).

As you can see, a decade ago brads were the shizzle (oh, yes, I just wrote that).  And mulberry paper.  I still have a wad of it because I'm sure it'll come back into vogue just as my ripped jeans did.  ;-)   Oh my gosh, look at the deckled edges of the sheep.  Ha!  I just checked and I still have those scissors.  Funny how we hang onto things.

Update 17 Nov 2014:  Thanks to Karren who recognized the first cards were made with Stampin' Up Botanicals.  We both still love that set.  I believe the farm cards were SU too except for the background of the sheep card.  I still have that one which is Hero Arts (??).

Home is the Heart of the Holiday

I have a second card for the TIME OUT mid-challenge inspiration that I hope sparks your creativity.  For this one I pulled from the embroidery on the pillow, the white of the sofa, Noel on the shelf and the horizontal lines throughout.

Here I masked off a strip on top, stamped it in Versamark and embossed it in gold.  Next I stamped and embossed the sentiment and glued on a small heart gem in the middle.  Gotta love how quickly OLCs can come together.

The Details:  Versamark, Ranger gold embossing powder, Hot Off the Press Christmas Cheer stamp, Recollections white 110 lb cardstock

I'm entering this in the One-Layer Simplicity Challenge #11 Home, Sweet Home, Virginia's View #9 Metallic

Xmas Seattle Tag

Did you all have a good holiday?  I am on the last day of a 6-day weekend.  Today is too cold to finish up my landscaping clean up so I've been hunkered down making holiday cards.  Darn, right?

Another Seattle-specific Christmas card coming at ya.  I love the stamps in this set!  I also love that I got to use up a tiny bit of stash ribbon.  Sweet.

The Details:  Lawn Fawn Tag die, Impress stamps, VersaMagic Sea Breeze, Distress Ink Picked Raspberry, Memento London Fog, Sizzix embossing folder, Flavours Gourmet Smoked Sea Salt 12 Pt coverstock, Recollections white 110 lb. cardstock

I'm entering this in CASology #121 Festive, CAS on Sunday #46 Ribbon or Twine, Addicted to CAS #51 Tag, Addicted to Stamps & More #121 Anything Goes

Fair Isle Ornament

If you've been following my blog a while, you may know that I'm a knitter who is obsessed with fair isle.   (These are my nephews and niece putting my FI knits to good use.)   There are so many ways to play with it, even in my cards now.  Squee!

Really simple one-layer card here.  Of note, I stamped the bottom half of Stampendous Winter Birds for the evergreen bough and added Wink of Stella to the snow for some sparkle.

I can't leave out my cute kitty when I'm showcasing cute kiddies, now can I?  I've chosen a pic from when we first got him at about 6 months old.  If only he were wearing fair isle too.  LOL.

The Details:  Impression Obsession Vintage Ornaments stamps, Stampendous Winter Birds stamp, Recollections white 110 lb cardstock, Versamark, Ranger gold embossing powder, Delicata Golden Glitz, Memento Ladybug, Distress Peeled Paint, Wink of Stella

I'm entering this in Christmas Cards All Year 'Round No Patterned Paper, 52 Christmas Card Throwdown Red and Green and Silver or Gold, Penny Black Anything Goes, Fantasy Stampers #23 Red Alert, Virginia's View #9 Metallic

Updated:  better pic of card

Taking TIME OUT to Guest Design

I am very excited to be guest designing over at TIME OUT Challenges this round where you're to use the inspiration picture shown.  This is one of my fav types of challenges because you can draw from the elements in the pic that move you.  So  many possibilities!

In my case, I wanted to capture the softness of the pic (simple colors, candlelight glow), the elements of nature brought in by the pinecones and the words in the form of wall art and upcycled wood pallet coffee table.  Ack--love the pic so much!

The card is self-explanatory.  Stamped the background with pigment ink and also used it on the pinecone ribbon to brighten it compared to the watercolor paper.  Added Glossy Accents to shine up the berries.  Better seen in person, of course.

The Details:  Artist's Loft 140 lb watercolor paper, Inkadinkado Evergreen Holiday image, Momenta background stamp, ribbon from my stash, Glossy Accents, Memory Box white pigment ink, PIne Cone Press sequins, Distress Inks in Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, Peeled Paint, Pine Needles, Barn Door, and Festive Berries, Memento Rich Cocoa, Recollections white 110 lb cardstock base

I'm entering this in:  AAA #27 Play with Watercolors, Penny Black & More Anything Goes, Christmas Cards All Year Round No Patterned Paper, Merry Monday 133 Rustic

Rustic Seattle Holiday

Way simple card today.  I love this set from Impress, a local stamp shop.  So many perfect elements to make uniquely Seattle holiday cards.  Wow, now that I think about it, when was the last time I used stamps from one set only?   The card is self-explanatory; the snow was created by flicking the pigment ink.

The Details:  Impress holiday stamps, Colorbox white pigment ink, Pretty Pink Posh 4mm sequins, PTI kraft cardstock base

I'm entering this in Merry Monday #133 Rustic Christmas, Less is More #196 Non-traditional Christmas, Simon Says Anything Goes,

Heart Meets Heart, Friend Meets Friend

I love how this card turned out which is weird.  Weird because I love hot pink but soft shimmery pink covered in gold and floaty hearts?  Yeah, weird.  But true!  I actually made a couple of cards with this pink so keep your eyes peeled.

Are you participating in the Caring Hearts Card Drive?  I thought this sentiment was perfect for giving to someone you don't know necessarily but still conveys caring.  I embossed it in gold and then impressed some hearts.  Ultra simple and very post friendly.

The Details:  Hot Off the Press Christmas Cheer stamp, Lawn Fawn heart dies, Ranger gold embossing powder, Versamark, Recollections white 110 lb cardstock base, mystery shimmer pink cardstock, gold vellum

I'm entering this in Addicted to Stamps & More #119 CAS, Virginia's View #9 Metallic, Less is More #196 Non-traditional Christmas Colors, and Simon Says Anything Goes

Snowbird

I've been practicing coloring nature images.  First rule that I always, and I do mean always, forget--do the background color wash first!

The Details:  Stampendous Snow Bird, Hot Off the Press Snowflakes sentiment, Distress Inks, Paper Studio embossing folder, Artist's Loft watercolor paper, MFT stitched rectangle die, Recollections white cardstock base, mystery navy blue cardstock, Scotch foam tape

I'm entering this in TIME OUT #17 Birds of a Feather Flock Together, AAA #27 Play with Watercolors, Penny Black & More Anything Goes, Christmas Cards All Year Round No Patterned Paper