Paint Chip Eclipse

Hi, everyone!  This week's Clean and Simple Challenge is to create a CAS design by using only 1/3 of the card space.  I recently picked up this paint chip at the hardware store and thought it would work great for this challenge.  (Please note that handling these paint chips too much will cause the paint to chip off.....I was nearly finished with this card when I noticed that some of the paint had cracked at the top.  I was too far in to give up so I finished it with the imperfection.) Here are the items used for this card: 'Celebrating You' stamp set and ODBD Custom Dies: Celebrate and Wish, Balloons and Streamers.  A white pen highlighted the balloon and baker's twine was added.  The Eclipse Technique was used on both the balloon and 'Celebrate', so I will also be submitting this to the August Fan Club Central Theme Challenge. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Language of Friendship

Hi, everyone!  This week's Featured Stamper over at Splitcoast is Kelli Acopan aka KAcopan....congrats, Kelli!  It was tough to choose just one card from her awesome gallery, but I finally settled on this adorable card.  For my card, I used a new-to-me set from Stampin Up, Language of Friendship, along with an SU embossing folder.  Light sponging was added to the embossed layer and baker's twine was added at the top.  Otherwise, the layout is the same as Kelli's card.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Blessings,

For A Special Doctor

Hi, everyone!  This week's Inspiration Challenge over at Splitcoast is to find inspiration from OPI, which is all based on nail polish.  When I saw this lovely color, it reminded me of the original sage color of scrubs worn by doctors.  A young man in my study group has been in the hospital for a couple of months due to a motorcycle crash, so my plan is to make thank you cards for he and his family to share with his caregivers there during his recovery.  Since I am totally in love with the Wrinkle Free Distress technique, I created a quick background to match the scrubs.  The sentiments and images are from the 'Great Care' Stamp/Die Duos set and the following ODBD Custom dies were used as well: Double Stitched Rectangles, Double Stitched Circles, and Circles. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a blessed weekend!

Five Cards for Color Challenge 700

Hi, everyone! This week Splitcoast is hosting Color Challenge #700!  To celebrate this milestone, we were given five past color challenges to choose from.....plus there will be a prize drawing for those who complete all five challenges, including the 'dessert' option.  Since I was able to complete all 40 challenges for the Dare To Get Dirty event, I felt ambitious for this challenge and completed all five cards....woo hoo!!

My first card was for previous challenge CC668 of Sweet Sugarplum, Mint Macaron, Chocolate Chip and the dessert option of  'Something New'.  I used a new-to-me Stampin Up set, Tasty Trucks, to make this clean and simple card.  Those colors looked like yummy ice cream colors to me, so I stamped the little ice cream cone across the panel and colored them with Sugarplum and Mint markers and water-colored the Chocolate Chip since my marker tip is fried.  I chose not use add embellishments since I liked it without.

Next is a card for previous challenge CC647 which was Berry Burst, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz with the dessert option of  'Flowers'.  I used the large floral image from 'Be Joyful', stamped multiple times onto a white card base, then colored with markers.  Tiny pearls were added for a simple embellishment.

This card was for the previous challenge CC617 which was Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette, Old Olive with a dessert option of 'Spring' or 'Hope'.  For this card, I stamped and cut out the hydrangea from 'In My Heart' Stamp/Die Duos multiple times, then colored with the three colors.  The ODBD Custom Decorative Vase was cut from white, stenciled in pink, then popped up with foam tape along with the hydrangeas. Liquid pearls were added to the flower centers and two pearls were added to the card base.

This card was for previous challenge CC690 which was Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist with the dessert option of  'Beach'.  The image from 'The Waves On The Sea' was stamped in Stazon Jet Black and colored with the three colors from the challenge.  Since the image shows the shore line, I considered this the 'Beach' option.  The Fishing Net Background was stamped onto a banner cut out with the ODBD Custom Large Banners Dies and the circles were cut out with the ODBD Custom Circles and Pierced Circles Dies.  Linen thread was knotted and added at the top of the banner.

This card was for previous challenge CC654 which was Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Fresh Fig and the dessert option of  'Metallics'.  Three leaves from 'Autumn Blessings' were copper embossed, colored with the chosen colors, cut out with the ODBD Custom Fall Leaves and Acorn Dies, then adhered over some copper cording.  The sentiment was copper embossed directly to the card base. Copper stickles were added at the last to qualify it for the Ways To Use It 'Glitter' Challenge this week.

Thanks for visiting with me today!

Blessings,

Abstract Alcohol Ink Flowers

Hi, everyone!  The two cards in my post today are the last remaining challenges from the Dare To Get Dirty week over at Splitcoast.  I'm so happy that I was able to complete one card for each challenge this year!!

My first card was created for the DTGD18Summerthyme64 challenge.  The die cut word is from the ODBD Custom Inspiration Words Dies and the abstract flowers were created with alcohol inks.

This card was created for the DTGD18KelliJoA challenge.  This was the most difficult challenge I have ever participated in and I decided not to share how I made it because it took an entire day, lots of materials, and lots of emotions from frustration to bewilderment to anger to crying my eyes out because it just would not work like it was supposed to.  I finally got minor results, so I made a mediocre card from it. The bunny image is from a Current Catalog and the sentiment is from an older Stampin Up set, Season by Season.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Day Seven of Dare To Get Dirty Week!

Hi, everyone!  So far I have all but two challenges completed for Dare To Get Dirty week over at Splitcoast Stampers but I definitely plan to finish by the deadline on Wednesday.

My first card for today's post was created for the DTGD18KiagcB challenge.  Though I can't share the details of the challenge, I will share how I created this card.  Since the 'Daisy' set was still on my desk from last week, I decided to give it some more love for this card.  The daisy was stamped with Merlot Colorburst powder which was activated with water; the center of the flower was created by doing the 'rock and roll' technique with yellow and tangerine then spritzed with water before stamping; the stem and leaf were inked with olive and spritzed before stamping.  The panel was cut out with the ODBD Custom Pierced Squares Dies; the word die was cut with the ODBD Custom Inspiration Words Dies set.

My next card was created for the DTGD18KelliJoB Challenge.   I used the leftover piece of marbled cardstock from a card I made last week.  The scripture stamp is from an ODBD set, 'By The Sea' and the panel was cut out with the ODBD Custom  Double Stitched Ovals Dies. The turquoise panel was dry embossed then cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Rectangles Dies.  The seal was traced from a magazine article, watercolored, and fussy cut.  Three clear gems were added for embellishments.

Next up is a clean and simple birthday card created for the DTGD18Rebeccaof challenge with a colorful panel on which I used the Wrinkle Free Distress Technique (dab ink pads onto a craft sheet, spritz with water and mop up the colors with your cardstock.)  The ODBD Custom Happy Birthday Script Die was used to cut out the sentiment, then several layers of the sentiment were cut out of teal and layered.  Note: If you try this, make sure to keep all of the tiny cut out pieces from inside the letters for your original die cut to glue back in place....this really helps to complete the look.  I was really happy at how this turned out so I didn't add any stamps or embellishments.

My last card for today was created for the DTGD18UnderstandblueB challenge.  I began by using a reverse mask to sponge yellow for the sun, then oil pastel crayons were used to create the sun rays.  The smiley face and sentiment are from 'Hello Sunshine' and the panels were cut out with the ODBD Custom Pierced Squares Dies.  A small hole punch was used to create the two black faux brads. I will also be submitting this to the July Fan Club Central Theme Challenge.

Thanks for visiting with me today!

Blessings,

Day Six of the Dare To Get Dirty Challenges!

Hi, everyone!!  The stamping marathon continues (even though I'm behind in posting)!  Two more long posts and then things will be back to normal.

My first card is for the DTGD18kiagc challenge.  Instead of using stamps or dies for the background, I chose a real tree branch from my back yard to imprint onto a piece of white cardstock.  Here is how it's done: fold a piece of copy paper in half then unfold it; place a cardstock panel down on one half, then the leaves (flowers, etc.), place another piece of cardstock on top of the leaves, then fold the scratch paper over the bundle.  Run it through your die cut machine as you would when embossing with your dies.  I tried a geranium flower first but it was so 'juicy' that it made a complete mess.  (Note: when picking out your greenery for this technique, don't waste your time on ivy or holly or anything with a waxy coating....you'll get no print at all.)  After the imprinted cardstock was dry (it was a bit damp), it was die cut with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Rectangles Dies, then splattered with some artichoke ink from a wet paintbrush.  The sentiment from 'Sentiments Collection' was stamped onto a panel cut with the ODBD Custom Circles and Double Stitched Circles Dies.  I was amazed that the artichoke ink (sentiment panel) matched the imprint so perfectly!!

Next up is a card created for the DTGD18Jennifrann challenge.  The eagle from 'On Eagle's Wings' was stamped with Stazon Jet Black; the beak and feet were colored with a marker, and the rest of the eagle was painted with coffee!  I used instant coffee granules and a teeny tiny bit of water to create my watercolor medium.  As the coffee dried on the image, it did not warp the cardstock at all and there was a glossy finish to it.  However, I noticed that the coffee color would smudge, so I clear embossed the entire image (tip: coffee doesn't like to be heated.....it burned just a bit.)  The eagle was fussy cut and popped up with foam tape over a panel which was sponged over a template cut with the ODBD Custom Clouds and Raindrops Dies then cut out and matted with the ODBD Custom Pierced Rectangles Dies.

My next card was created for the DTGD18stampersandeeB challenge.I chose a pretty 6x6 pattern from the ODBD Romantic Roses Paper Collection and trimmed the left side of the panel and adhered it to the other section to create an A2 sized panel.  White acrylic paint was brushed over the top section of the panel, then the Amazing Grace stamp from 'How Sweet The Sound' was stamped in Stazon Timber Brown once the paint was dry.  The edges of the panel were distressed and sponged before adhering to an ivory card base.  I've always wondered if there was such a thing as Shabby Chic in a Clean and Simple form and I think I may have achieved it!!!

This card was created for the DTGD18StampingQueenJAR challenge.  I have had these adorable stamps for so many years that I don't know the name of the set or where it came from, but I think these zoo animals make the cutest baby cards!  The top panel was cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Rectangles Dies and the three circles were cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Circles Dies.  A piece of clear acetate (stamp packaging) was adhered to the back of the panel, then foam tape circles were put in place to hold the beads.  More foam tape was added around the edges of the panel and a piece of white cardstock was adhered to seal in the beads.  Yellow baker's twine was added to match the yellow card and images.

Next up is a card created for the DTGD18justampin challenge.  If you are familiar with Stampin Up, you will know this timeless stamp set, 'Lovely As A Tree'.  Fun fact: Did you know that in the SCS gallery alone, there are over 10,600 card uploads for this set and 82 thousand comments!?  Anyhoo.....I haven't used this in a while, but had fun creating this reflection card using a reverse stamp.  I usually begin by trying to get a good reflection image first (a bit of trial and error is needed with the reversing stamp), then I'll use a Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the true image above the reflection.  Masking was used to sponge each section separately and a sentiment from 'So Many Sayings' was used in the corner. Both panels were cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Rectangles Dies.

My last card for today's post was created for the DTGD18LuvLee challenge, plus I will be submitting this to the WT700 Beachy Challenge and the Fan Club Central Theme Challenge for July.  The stamped used are from Studio G.....this set cost me a dollar at JoAnn's many years ago.  The shell image was clear embossed onto a Sahara Sand card base; the scene was created with sponging over masks and reverse masks.  The image panel and mat were cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Ovals Dies.  Matching baker's twine was added for a simple embellishment.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Day Five of Dare To Get Dirty Challenges

Hi, everyone!  Here is my next round of cards for the Dare To Get Dirty Challenges for Fan Club members over at Splitcoast Stampers.  I have two more days of challenges to complete.  All of the challenges have been super fun so far and can't wait to see what's next!

My first card today was created for the DTGD18justwritedesignsB challenge.  The ombre background began with colored pencils but not by straight coloring.  Using one shade at a time, purple, blue and green pencils were sharpened over a  piece of white cardstock, then blended into the paper with my finger.  Once the colors were blended, the 'Chalkboard Fan Background' stamp by ODBD was clear embossed over the panel and cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Rectangles Dies.  The butterfly and sentiment is from the 'Greatest Gift' Stamp/Die Duos set; the sentiment was cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Pennant Flags Dies (using the die-resizing technique to make it smaller than the original size.)

Next up is a card which was created for the DTGD18summerthyme64A challenge.  (Side bar: I am TOTALLY in love with this new SU color, Lemon Lime Twist!!!) Anyhoo....the stamps used are from a Stampin Up set, Dinoroar and the following ODBD Custom Dies were used: Clouds and Raindrops (stencil for clouds) and Double Stitched Squares Dies. The ground was sponged over a piece of scratch paper, then the grass stamp from Dinoroar was stamped. The image was fussy cut and popped up with foam tape.

My next card was created for the DTGD18jaybee challenge.  The background panel was created with the Faux Wood technique.....a Crumb Cake ink pad was swiped directly to the cardstock multiple times, then the panel was cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Rectangles Dies.  The silhouette from 'Howdy!' was stamped with Stazon Jet Black; a circle mask was temporarily adhered over the cowboy then magenta and coral inks were sponged over it.  The mask was removed and yellow ink was sponged in with a few magenta swipes through it.  The image panel was cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Circles Dies.  Two black brads were added to match the matting.

My next card was created for the DTGD18stamperssandeeA challenge.  For starters, I chose to use the ODBD Blushing Rose Paper Collection for both rectangle panels which were cut with the ODBD Custom Pierced Rectangles Dies, along with a piece of Rose Romance cardstock (retired) out of my secret stash.  The quote from 'Quote Collection 3' was stamped onto a panel cut out with the ODBD Custom Pierced Ovals Dies, matted with a panel cut with the ODBD Custom Layered Lacey Ovals Dies.  The banner was cut out with the ODBD Pennant Swag Die; the letters from the Pennant Swag Alphabet were stamped one at a time, fussy cut, then sponged with light green.  Pearls were added to the swag and to the sentiment panel.  Ivory seam binding was added and a bow was tied with a Bow Easy.

Next up is a fun card which was created for the DTGD18ravengirl challenge.  I have used this 'Unfrogettable' stamp set more than any Stampin Up set I own....I'm still in love with it after ten years!!  The first step was using the Lily Pad wheel to stamp on a long panel.  The ODBD Custom Pierced Square Die was strategically placed over the lily pads before cutting. The water was sponged using masking and the clouds were sponged over a template cut with the ODBD Custom Clouds and Raindrops Dies.  The froggie was colored with a sponge then fussy cut and popped up with foam tape. The sentiment was cut apart and popped up with foam tape. Of course googlie eyes had to be added as a finishing touch!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Blessings,

Day Four of Dare To Get Dirty Challenges!

Hi, everyone!  The stamping marathon continues!  This is day four of a week long stamping event for Fan Club members over at Splitcoast.  After this event is over, I may have to take a couple of days off to give my aching bod a rest! :)

First up is a card which was created for the DTGD18ohmypaper! challenge.  I love peachy and raspberry type colors together, so I combined a peach and two different pink nail polishes for the Nail Polish Marbling technique.  Fill a plastic disposable container with 1/4 inch of water, slowly add drops of nail polish to the water.  Use a stir stick to gently move the colors around, then lay your cardstock on top of the water to pick up the swirled colors.  Remove it with tweezers and let it dry completely on a paper towel.  Once the panel was dry, I used the Eclipse Technique with the ODBD Custom Hello Die.  There are four layers of rose paper layered in the word die to give good dimension without using foam tape.

My next card was created for the DTGD18abbysmom2198 challenge. A strip of designer paper was still on my desk from the waterfall card from yesterday, so I decided to use it up for this card.  The quote is from a retired set from ODBD,  'Apple Seed' and was stamped onto a panel cut with an apple die.  The background panel was dry embossed with a large polka dot folder. Linen thread and three brown pearls were added as embellishments.

Next up is a card which was created for the DTGD18snietje challenge.  The designer paper I picked out for this fancy fold is from the ODBD Shabby Rose Paper Collection, the scripture verse is from 'Love Scriptures' and the three words dies are from ODBD but are now retired.  The three tiny hearts on each side were cut with the ODBD Custom Clouds and Raindrops Dies set.

My next card was created for the DTGD18Ashjoy challenge.  I chose the 'Pansies' set from North Coast Creations.  The image was stamped in Stazon Jet Black, water-colored, fussy cut, then popped up with foam tape over a panel cut with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Ovals Dies. 

My next card was created for the DTGD18margscardcrazy challenge.  The cupcake was cut out with the ODBD Custom Cakes & Candle Dies set, the candle was cut out with the ODBD Custom Birthday Candles Dies and the circle panels were cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Circles and ODBD Custom Circles Dies.  The sentiment is from 'Celebrating You'.  After the cupcake was cut, sponged, assembled and then popped up, Stickles were added to the flame and the rest was painted with Pearl Glimmer Mist.  Some sparkly red sequins were added just for fun.

My last card for this post was created for the DTGD18rainy challenge.  I chose this cool underwater scene from the ODBD God's Beauty Coloring Pages plus a quote from 'The Sea' stamp set.  The scene was both water-colored and colored with markers.  Three tiny pearls were added for a finishing touch.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Blessings,

Day Three of Dare To Get Dirty Challenges

Hi, everyone!  It's another busy stamping day as the Dare To Get Dirty challenges over at Splitcoast continue!  If you'd like to join in, head over to SplitcoastStampers.com and join the Fan Club....it is soooo worth the yearly fee!

My first card today is for the DTGD18MariLynn challenge.  I dusted off another oldie but goodie stamp set by Stampin Up, called 'Oh So Sweet'.  All four of the chocolate images were colored with markers directly on the stamp, huffed, then stamped onto ivory squares.  This card fold technique is called the Waterfall technique....you pull the tab at the bottom and each square shows one at a time. Since there is no way to photograph all four of the stamped images at once, I inserted tiny photos to the right of each panel.

My next card was created for the DTGD18CovingtonCrafter challenge.  This card took about ten minutes to make once I decided on the stamp set....I love when that happens!!  The rose from 'Blossom' was stamped with Stazon Jet Black; a white crayon was used randomly to act as a resist; yellow and pink inks were sponged over the image then buffed off with a rag, leaving the white crayon visible. The rose was fussy cut and popped up with foam tape.  The sentiment is from the same set.

Next is a card I created for the DTGD18sleepyinseattle challenge.  I love designer paper (my craft room is heavy with it!), especially when it does all of the work for me on a project!  This fun summer-y paper is from Prima; it's been on my shelf for several years and I just recently re-discovered it.  After the main panel was cut out with the ODBD Custom Pierced Rectangles Dies, the sentiment from the ODBD set, 'Bookmarks-Prayers' was stamped on the remaining strip of designer paper.  Each section of the prayer was cut out, sponged, then adhered to the main panel.

For this card, I have combined the DTGD18nwilliams6 challenge with this week's Color Challenge 699 which is Rich Razzleberry, Berry Burst, and Old Olive.  I used all three colors to sponge with the flower stencil, cut the panel out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Rectangles Dies, then stamped the verse from 'Scripture Collection 9' with razzleberry ink. The panel was matted in gold cardstock and three gold heart sequins were added, along with some Razzleberry ribbon. (I couldn't get a good photo of the gold sequins without causing a glare....bummer!)

Last but not least, this card was created for the DTGD18Benzi challenge.  The background was created by scribbling different shades of alcohol markers onto a Ziploc bag,  sprayed with rubbing alcohol, then 'mopped up' with a piece of glossy cardstock.  Once the ink was dry, the panel was cut out with the ODBD Custom Pierced Rectangles Dies.  A circle was then cut out of the panel, so that when the panel was matted, the white circle was available for the scripture verse from 'Surging Sea'.  The circular frame was cut out with two dies from the ODBD Custom Pierced Circles Dies.  I didn't want to cover up the marbled background, so I only used turquoise gems for embellishments.

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Blessings,

Day Two of Dare To Get Dirty Challenges!

Hi, everyone!  The stamping marathon continues over at Splitcoast for Fan Club members.  For the next week, I will be posting multiple cards per day...just wanted to warn you! :)

For my first card, I have combined the Featured Stamper challenge with the DTGD18kittie747 challenge.  Dani Dziama is this week's featured artist and I chose this gorgeous card from her gallery to recreate.  I have always loved the 'Dahlia' stamp from ODBD since it's so easy to cut it apart and pop up the layers for dimension.  The image was white embossed three times, sponged in yellow and coral, fussy cut, then each layer was popped up with foam tape.  The background panel was cut out with the ODBD Custom Double Stitched Rectangles Die then the Dahlia image was embossed with clear powder.  The sentiment is from 'Sentiments Collection'.

My next card was created for the DTGD18twinshappy challenge.  The leafy pattern from the ODBD 'Beautiful Boho' Paper Collection was cut out with the ODBD Custom Pierced Rectangles Dies and shaped with the ODBD Custom Leafy Edged Borders Dies.  The stamps are from the 'Sweet As Perfume' set.  The frangipani image was stamped in Stazon Jet Black, water-colored, then fussy cut and popped up with foam tape.  Small pearls were added to the centers and yellow baker's twine was added to the top.

This card was created for the DTGD18Edna15 challenge.  The yellow circle is a piece of brushed cotton fabric from my sewing stash.  I chose the 'Daisy' set from Stampin Up since I wanted a big solid flower image, plus I haven't used this set in over ten years!  Before stamping on the fabric, I created a cardstock sticker with my Xyron to adhere to the back of the fabric.  This stabilized the fabric both for stamping and die cutting, even for fussy cutting (bumble bee).  The card base was embossed with a honeycomb folder.  I used these ODBD Custom Dies: Pierced Circles, Circles, and Inspiration Words.  Other than getting red ink all over my hands somehow (rolls eyes), this was very fun!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,