P A P E R C R A F T S

Woo Hoo!

2012-01-27T17:38:00.000-04:00

My sympathy card was chosen as one of the "Cream of the Crop" on the CropStop Challenge #54 "A little bit old, you said?" (shabby chic, vintage, distressing)

I get to display a badge on my sidebar.
Click here to see the winning entry and other cream of crop entries.

Sharon
Jan.27/2012

Sympathy Card

2012-01-19T18:30:00.007-04:00

This morning I completed a sympathy card for my best friend Wendy whose mother recently passed. She was a very special lady - an English War bride, actively involved with the Veterans and Boys Scouts Canada.

I used the sketch for the current challenge at Eat, Sleep, Stamp and turned it lengthwise.

All printed papers used are from K&Co "Life's Journey". On the pink flowered, Spellbinders Tear Drop Circle layer I spritzed Perfect Pearl Mist Biscotti, and sponged edges with Tim Holtz Tea Dye distress ink. This is layered with a circle from the same background paper, and a cream tag cut from Spellbinders Fancy Tags Two, sponged with Tea Dye. The beige/teal rectangle layer is embossed with Cuttlebug Damask folder and edged with Tea Dye. Blue background rose flowered layer is edged with Tim Holtz Iced Spruce distress ink. Verse is from a sympathy set by "My Sentiments Exactly".

Two different ribbons - cream faux silk and vintage lace, along with a pink rose and greenery (Martha Stewart punch) and three cream pearls completes the card.

Sharon
Jan.19/2012

Challenges:

Eat, Sleep, Stamp #157 Sketch- Turned sketch lengthwise

Cropstop #54 - A Bit Old, You Said (distressing, vintage)

Little Red Wagon #115 - Two different ribbons

The Pink Elephant TPE# 131 - Favourite colours (teal, pink, cream)

My Mum's Craft Shop #40- Favourite colour combo (teal, pink, cream)

Wahoo! On the Catwalk...

2012-01-16T21:58:00.002-04:00

Wahoo! My birthday card for Tim Holtz was picked as one of the top three for the Catwalk at Fashionable Stamping Challenges. Click on the link to see the top three and winning entry.

Thanks ever so much - this made my day.
Also congrats to the other ladies for their work - well done!

Sharon
Jan.16/2012

Birthday card for nephew

2012-01-16T15:43:00.012-04:00

Here's a quick card I made for Tom, my adult nephew. His all-time favourite brewski is Keith's India Pale Ale.

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For the background, I used a cuttlebug folder "Clockworks" on Tim Holtz Coordination paper, sanded the embossed areas, and sponged with Tea Dye distressed ink.

The image is "Beerafella" by Stamping Bella stamps, coloured with Copic markers. I have used this stamp several times and have always thought that the fella looks sort of strange with stick arms, so I freehand drew in thicker arms with a black Micro pigma pen....he still doesn't have hands though....

Crystal Glaze adds dimension to the beer bottles. I typed a Keith's label in tiny print and added it to the box.

Die-cut clock has "hands" pointing to 5 o'clock (Tim Holtz game pieces), spellbinders fancy tag, and verse is done on my computer.

I think Tom will get a kick out of this card!

Sharon
Jan.16/2012

Challenges:

Stamptacular Sunday #147 -Texture Please (embossed background, clock hands, embossed tag, crystal glaze on beer bottles)

The Crazy Challenge - Tic Tac Toe (embossing, image, tag)

Cute Card Thursday - You're Having a Laugh!

Studio L3 Grungy Monday - Happy Birthday Tim Holtz

2012-01-04T21:17:00.011-04:00

Sir Tim is having a birthday on January 7th, and the challenge at Studio L3-Grungy Monday is to make him a birthday card. I know he loves vintage things so I created this card with a set of stamps by Crafty Secrets titled "Office 101"

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I stamped the office images with TH Pumice Stone distress ink on the ruled paper layer, and Ranger Archival Black for the typewriter which is fussy cut and mounted on foam tape to pop it up. To give the appearance of loose leaf paper, I punched two holes on the edge with my 1/4" hole punch. I also used TH Antique Linen, Tea Dye, and Walnut Stain to distress the paper, ticket, typewriter and edges.

One of Tim's clips, brads and a paper clip help to give the card a masculine feeling. The punched edge of the printed paper is an EK Success border punch.

After I finished the card and went back to Studio L3 to get the link to post this, I noticed the rules said that we were supposed to use Stamper's Anonymous stamps (which makes sense because they are designed by Tim). I have used one of Tim's ticket stamps, so I hope this stamp along with his other products qualifies my card.

Sharon
Jan.4/2012

Challenge:

Studio L3 - Grungy Monday - Happy Birthday Tim Holtz

Simon Says Stamp & Show - Something old, something new (new Crafty Secrets stamps, old - EK success punch

Gingersnap Creations #133 - Use a set or line of stamps (Crafty Secrets "Office 101" -

Fashionable Stamping Challenge - Use new stash (Crafty Secrets stamps)

Thank you card

2012-01-03T17:04:00.005-04:00

One of the ladies in my husband's office made us some chocolate almond butter crunch candy for christmas. It was yummy!!! So the other night, I made this card for hubby to give to her upon returning to work today, but am just getting around to posting.

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I embossed the flower background on TH Coordination paper, sanded, then sponged the embossed areas with Spiced Marmalade distress ink. In real life, the coordination paper is teal colour to match the bird - don't understand why cameras sometimes change the colour of things - depending on light conditions, I suppose! On printed paper, I used a new Martha Stewart Daisy large edge punch.

For the bird image (Hero Arts "Timely Bird"), I coloured the image directly on the rubber with SU markers, then stamped it on watercolour paper. Using a wet watercolour brush, I then went over the bird, moving the ink around to paint it. Over the top of the image, I stamped a script stamp in versamark, then embossed with white EP. Also I sponged TH Tea Dye distress ink around the torn edge.

The label is a new TH alterations movers and shapers die from Santa that I layered with an oval and rounded rectangle (SU punch) on which is stamped Thank you. Some small prima flowers & pearls finishes the card.

I noticed that the challenge over at "Make My Monday" is Nature/birds, so I'm going to enter it in their challenge.

Sharon
Dec.3/2012

Challenges:

Make My Monday Week 30 - Nature/Birds

Pile it On #1 - Anything Goes

Shabby Tea Room - Time Flies (anything with wings)

Simon Says Stamp and Show- Something old, new (new - Tim Holtz alterations die, old- Crafts Too daisies embossing folder )

I am a Ginger Gem!

2011-12-27T14:40:00.001-04:00

While checking the Dashboard of my blog today, I noticed that the Gingersnap Spicy Challenge #128 "Yellow, Red and Brown" had wrapped up and my tag was chosen as one of the 10 "Ginger Gems"!

Check out the winner's artwork, my tag and other submissions by clicking here:
http://gingersnapcreations.blogspot.com/2011/12/wrap-up-gc128-yellow-red-and-brown.html?showComment=1325010832865#c6777557596612754015

Thanks ever so much! Makes my day!

Sharon

Tim's Twelve Days of Christmas Tags - Day 9

2011-12-13T09:36:00.003-04:00

(Click on title of this post to go directly to Tim's blog for Day 9 tag)

For this tag, I stayed with Tim's instructions and didn't try to create a "different take". Much easier to get them done in a short time,eh?

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close-up of detail

For the background see Tim's instructions for double embossing. I used a Penny Black "Winter Holly" stamp inked with TH Evergreen Bough distress ink, then sponged over with TH Festive Berries, and Brushed Corduroy.

I cut the candle and candlestick using my Cricut from the "Christmas Noel" cartridge. Once the crystal glaze was dry covering the whole candle, I went back and added some more to look like wax dripping.

The verse is from Sizzix Sizzlet #656285 "Merry Christmas"set of three dies. I cut the greenery from several sizzlets dies and Martha Stewart punch. Scrolls are a Quickutz die.

My husband has been following my completion of the tags each day and commented last night that this one looked a bit plainer than the others. I explained that each of Tim's tags was like a mini-class in technique and this one was all about the background. Then he understood!

Sharon
Dec.13/2011

Tim Holtz Twelve Days of Christmas Tags - Day 8

2011-12-09T16:34:00.004-04:00

(Click on title of this post to go directly to Tim's blog - Day 8 tag)

Well when I saw Tim's steampunk tag, honestly, I wasn't too enthusiastic about it for christmas. However, after thinking about it all morning, I came up with the idea to make one with a New Year's theme and Father Time, since clocks and cogs would lend itself to easily to this.

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close-up of details

I used the Cuttlebug Clocks folder on Tim's Co-ordination Grey paper, and sanded it to expose the design. Originally I used a piece of silver paper, but I didn't like how it embossed. There is also silver embossing powder along the edges of the tag.

I downloaded a pic of Father Time from the internet, edited it to sepia tone, resized to ticket size and printed on cardstock. Then I covered it with self-adhesive acrylic (love this stuff - by Quickutz) and used one of Tim's ticket pins. The chipboard clock I had in my stash. The cogs I covered with Brilliance Platinum and gold ink, then clear EP. Adorned clock and cogs with Tim's embellies, and the top of tag with some silver star tinsel for the new year bling.

I cut the Happy New Year with my Cricut from the Wild Card cartridge on Stampin' Up Glitter silver paper.

I'm happy with my idea and how the tag turned out.

Sharon
Dec.9/2011

Tim Holtz Twelve Days of Christmas Tags -Day 7

2011-12-09T14:12:00.001-04:00

(click on title of this post to go directly to Tim's blog - Day 7)

Yesterday, I said I wasn't going to do any more tags as they were taking a lot of time each day....well, "eat my words" LOL! Last night I did Tag 7. I enjoyed watching Tim's video on how to use glassine paper. Neat Stuff!

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I pretty much followed Tim's design except for adding a grungeboard poinsetta stained with Festive Berries ink (sizzlet's die)
for the pop of red. The verse is a cling stamp from Autumn Leaves Rhonna Farrer, "AL2779 Rhonna's Christmas Card" -11 stamps in set. I dyed the ribbon with Forest Moss DI. The baubles at the top are from my stash of costume jewellery that belonged to my husband's mom. When we were cleaning out the house, hubby's sisters came across two containers of broken necklaces, bracelets and earrings that they were going to throw out. My daughter always enjoyed playing dress-up with them at Nanny's so I took them home. Being the packrat that I am, I figured the bits and pieces would come in handy someday for crafts.

Sharon
Dec.9/2011

Lucky Day - Random Winner

2011-12-07T21:25:00.001-04:00

I just had an email that I was a random winner on the Crafts4Eternity challenge blog for challenge #47 christmas decorations. I had made mittens with the Nesties mittens die.

Not sure what the gift is yet, but the news made my day.

Sharon
Dec.7/2011

Tim Holtz Twelve Days of Christmas Tags - Day 6

2011-12-07T20:19:00.000-04:00

(Click on the title of this post to go directly to Tim's blog - Day 6 tag)

Well, I think this might be my last tag for now - I have to say that I would rather craft than do housework, decorate for christmas, bake shortbread cookies, etc. My sisters would not be happy without their yearly gift of shortbread (they don't bake!!!) I have certainly enjoyed learning new techniques while doing the tags; however, mastering the techniques to get a tag worth posting takes more time than I expected.

Day 6 was all about embossing metal; painting, sanding, distressing with ink and embossing it with clear EP. The folder I used is an older Cuttlebug one - "Holly". I found it quite relaxing painting the image, and the whole process went quite well (unlike the frustration of the cracked finish in Day 4 tag).

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close-up of metal background

My metal sheet is gold (Tim used silver). At first, I was going to leave the background as it was, but then decided to paint it beige. After sanding and distressing with the walnut stain, I'm glad I did that step as it gives a nice, aged "patina".

I think I took more time deciding what I was going to add for embellishments, than doing the technique! I had several different ideas; using a verse tag/ticket; stamping and fussy cutting a poinsetta. However, I wanted to keep most of the embossed, painted image showing so kept it rather plain except for the decoration at the top.

I'm amazed at the finish after doing all the steps. The tag doesn't seem like it is made with metal - it almost feels like leather! Neat!

Sharon
Dec.7/2011

Tim Holtz Twelve Days of Christmas - Day 5

2011-12-07T07:38:00.004-04:00

(Click on Title of this post to go directly to Tim's blog for Day 5)

This tag had a technique I hadn't done before. Tim used his reflection stamps to do a whole background but I decided to try a snowflake image on a smaller piece of acrylic. I used Cranberry and Red Pepper alcohol inks. He said to let the ink completely dry, so I left it for about 10 minutes before stamping with the archival. I found the archival ink wouldn't rub off. So I did another alcohol background, just barely let it dry, then stamped. The technique worked perfectly revealing the snowflake. I cut the ornament on my Cricut (Christmas Noel cartridge) out of left-over plastic packaging.

Double click to enlarge pic

close-up of alcohol technique on
back of ornament

On printed Basic Grey Wassail snowflake paper, I stamped an Inkadinkadoo snowflake scroll diagonally across the tag, then sponged the edges with Pumice Stone and Festive Berries distress ink. Created a little tag with one of Tim's fragments, found a shiny snowflake embellie in my stash, punched a border from coordinating paper with Martha Stewart quilted edge punch, and added a big organza bow. The shiny snowflake looks kind of odd in my picture,as the natural light from window is only picking up half of the holographic shimmer.

I like the red for this snowflake tag instead of blue!

Sharon
Dec. 7,2011

Tim Holtz Twelve Days of Christmas -Day4

2011-12-05T00:21:00.006-04:00

(Click on the title of this post to go directly to Tim's blog - Day 4)

This tag sure had a lot of steps!!! I pretty much followed Tim's instructions and worked at it in stages throughout the day, waiting for the snow cap paint to dry and the crackle glaze. Ended up doing three before I was happy with the crackle.

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Things I did change are
-stamped trees instead of the flourish
-put the acrylic snowflake border towards the outside and used Star Dust stickles over the Snow Cap paint on the edges.

I also didn't use as many embellishments on my tag -left off the tulle button, and some of the trimmings near the bottom and on the snowman's hat.

I thought I had some tulle left over from my daughter's wedding three years ago. You should have seen me. I looked like a whirling dervish checking all the cupboards in my craft room and my sewing bins, but couldn't find it. So I tore some 4" wide organza into 1" strips which made a "shabby chic" frayed edge ribbon.

I made two of these snowman tags - one is more country with twine and gingham, so I don't want to ruin the surprise for my friend by showing a pic.

Sharon
Dec.4/2011

Tim's Twelve Days of Christmas - Day 3

2011-12-03T12:34:00.003-04:00

(click on title of this post to go directly to Tim's blog - Day 3)

My take on Tim's Day 3 Tag:

I got out my verse stamps and randomly stamped over the kraft tag in different coloured distress inks, as I didn't have cut 'n dry felt to try the stamping technique for this tag. Improvisation is the name of the game, eh?
Sponged around the edge with Forest Moss and Tea Dye. Added a chipboard holly and leaf embellie by K&Company, ribbon, twine and bell.

I did try the technique where he wraps his twine around a pencil, & heats it to make it curly. Works great! It amazes me how he thinks of these things!!!!

Sharon
Dec.3/2011

Tim Holtz Twelve Days of Christmas - Day 2

2011-12-03T00:08:00.006-04:00

(Click on title of this post to go directly to Tim' Blog - Day 2)

Here is my finished Day 2 tag:

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close-up of Pearl Mist "snow"

This tag took a little longer than I expected because I wasn't happy with the first background that I made, especially the spritzing of the Pearl Mist to get the "snow" effect. Tim makes it look a lot easier than it is .....when I squeezed the bottle and pressed the mister, I got HUGE drops of stuff on the tag that rapidly spread into puddles. Anyhow, I did manage to get some smaller drops on the second background.Another "boo, boo" happened. The Pearl Mist spray kind of drifted on to my completed reindeer which I thought was sitting far enough away (maybe because I was pressing the sides of the bottle?) So he is a little sparkly too, but that's a good thing!

I don't have any kraft resist paper, so I used a section of page from Tim's Idea-ology Seasonal Paper, and stamped the verse merry christmas and postmark before using the Picket Fence paint dauber.

All in all, I'm happy with this one!

Sharon
Dec.3/2011

Tim's Twelve Days of ChristmasTags 2011 -Day 1

2011-12-02T02:45:00.019-04:00

(Click on title of this post to go directly to Tim's blog -Day 1)

I'm so excited that Tim's tags are up and running!! Last year, I didn't have all that much TH product, just a few distress inks. Since the summer I've been buying supplies to get ready for this year's tags. Sadly though, I ordered the pinecone die and it is backordered....SIGH! At least watching Tim's video for the Day 1 tag, now I know how to put the pinecone together once I receive the die.

I followed Tim's instructions for doing the background of the tag on the Co-ordination cardstock, and really like how this technique turned out. I very tentatively made the slit in my SU "Northern Flurry" embossing folder to insert the tag and it worked perfectly. The sled was created on my Cricut with the "Stretch Your Imagination" cartridge set on real dial size at 3". The winter verse is an older Sizzix Sizzlet cut from silver mirror paper.

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On the bottom edge is Tim's edgeability snowflake die which I cut from SU Glittery paper. A sheet of this stuff is so sparkly, it hurts your eyes to look at it! I love that the glitter is firmly attached and doesn't rub off when cutting or handling. Hope they come out with gold next year.

For the top of the tag, I dyed the ribbon with TH distress ink "Iced Spruce" according to his instructions, added a trinket pin, a round facet and some sprigs from Martha Stewart's pine punch.

I hope this tag evokes the crisp feeling of winter and sledding!

Sharon
Dec.2/2011

Challenges:

Tim Holtz- Tag Day 1

Joans Gardens - Tags

Cards Und More #40- Snowflake

Crazy for Challenges - Snow

CCEE Stampers #1148 - Snowflakes

Santa Tag- Rosette made with crimper

2011-12-01T10:33:00.012-04:00

I took colour inspiration for this tag from Linda, The Funkie Junkie and her twelve days of christmas tags "funkie junkie" style. I see that these colours are also the challenge over at Gingersnap Creations

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close-up of Perfect Pearls glimmer

The background is done by patting on a silicone mat TH "Scattered Straw" and "Brushed Corduroy" distressed inks. I also spritzed Perfect Pearls "Biscotti" into the mix of inks, then smooched the tag around in the mixture, and dried with a heat gun. Then I sponged "Fired Brick" all around the edge.

I have been seeing all sorts of rosettes on blogs, and of course, Tim Holtz's rosette die comes to mind, and the Cricut cartridge "Rosettes and Ribbons". Well, I was playing with my crimper last week and thought that this would be ideal for making rosettes! It worked! Just make sure to keep the strip very straight when rolling through the crimper. I almost gave away my crimper some time ago. Just goes to show you never know when something stored in your craft cupboard that hasn't seen the light of day for quite a few years might come in handy! LOL

I cut a 1-1/2" wide piece of 12" long paper, and used my Martha Stewart small scallop punch along the edge. After punching, this makes the strip approximately 1-1/4" wide. I made valley folds sort of every other crimp - that's just approximate. Then I followed Tim Holtz' tutorial on making rosettes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcBUyhGDpO4&feature=player_embedded
The rosette is sponged on the edges and spritzed with the Perfect Pearls Biscotti. For the centre, I cut a 1" circle from brown printed Santa paper (Kaisercraft "Tis the Season") and covered it with Crystal Glaze.

I cut the Santa letters on my Cricut from brushed gold paper using the Storeybook cartridge, capital font at 1". They sort of look like Tim's vintage letter die strip.

The glitter at the bottom is a new purchase and I love this stuff! It's made by Stampendous, Fran-tage line of products -"Champagne Crushed Glass" chunky glitter. I adhered it with Sookwang 1/4" wide tape.

Background music stamp and ticket stamps are from Tim Holtz.

I like how this tag turned out!

Sharon
Dec.1/2011

Challenges:

The Funkie Junkie Tag #12

Gingersnap Creations #128 colour - Yellow, red, brown

Stampacular Sunday - Anything Goes

Drunken Stampers - Monochromatic

Simon Says- Anything Goes

Fluffles christmas baking

2011-11-30T12:11:00.002-04:00

I bought this stamp on sale after christmas last year, and thought it was too cute! This card is going to my sis Kim who loves cats and their antics.

The design is based on the sketch this week at Card Patterns.

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Supplies used were scraps of patterned paper, ribbon, copic markers, buttons, baker's twine, quilted edge punch, Spellbinders Label One, and TH Tea Dye distress ink. There is stickles glitter on the "cookies", but hard to see with the sun shining on the card.

Sharon

Nov.30/2011

Challenges:

Card Patterns: Sketch #143

Craft Your Days Away #34- buttons and bows

Stampacular Sunday: Anything Goes Christmas

Mitten Ornaments

2011-11-30T09:08:00.010-04:00

My friend Marilyn recently came for a crafting weekend and I borrowed her Spellbinders Mitten die to cut some felt ornaments. She had made me one last Christmas and I thought it was so cute!

I found if I first stitched around the edge of the mitten with my sewing machine, it gave me a line to follow when I hand stitched the blanket stitch edging in silver embroidery floss.

To decorate them, I used a variety of ribbon, lace, pearls, stickers and bells, along with Tim Holtz fragments :
-red mittens - the images under the fragments are from Crafty Secrets cardstock stickers
-white mitten - I embossed a snowflake, adhered the fragment over the snowflake, the verse is a rub-on, then I adhered self-adhesive acrylic over the rub-on to protect it. A lot of work for one tiny embellishment!

Double click to enlarge pics

Sharon
Nov.30/2011

Challenges:

The Paper Variety - Show us your ornaments

Simon Says - Anything Goes

Crafts for Eternity: Recipe #47 Christmas Decorations

Sweet Stamping Challenge - Dies/Punches

Shabby Tea Room - Winter Picnic (White,cream, silver, glitter)

Stampacular Sunday Challenge - #140 Anything Goes

White on White Anniversary Card

2011-11-23T12:38:00.009-04:00

My husband's sister & her husband are celebrating their 45th anniversary this coming with weekend with a party at their home. This is the card I created:

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close up of shimmer

First of all I cut a layer and spritzed it all over with Perfect Pearl "Pearl" mist. When it was dry, I embossed it with the Cuttlebug folder "Scrollwork", and cut an oval aperture opening using Nesties large oval.

The wine glasses were cut at 2.25" using my Cricut and the "Stretch Your Imagination" cartridge, page 73. I placed a tiny piece of acrylic behind each top opening of the glass and attached bows on each stem.

Then I stamped and embossed the word "love" on a piece of scrap, cut it out with Spellbinders Fancy Tags and attached two self-adhesive pearls.

I used Stampin'Up Shimmery White for the background paper.

Sharon
Nov.23/2011

Challenges:

Crop Stop All inWhite #46

Southern Girls Bingo #32 (I used the middle line across "diecuts, gems, ribbon"
I hope that pearls are acceptable as the gem requirement.

Penny's Paper Craft Challenges #67 - Tie One On (I have tied ribbon bows on the wine glasses)

Winner on Oldie but Goodie challenge!

2011-11-17T20:13:00.005-04:00

I had entered my Santa Paws card on the Oldie but Goodie challenge on Nov. 8th. When I was checking their blog for this week's challenge, while I didn't make the top three, I noticed that my name was randomly drawn to win 5 stamps from Stampelkallen, a swedish rubber stamp company.

I'm so excited, this makes my day!!

Sharon
Nov.17/2011

Snowman Tag

2011-11-17T19:35:00.007-04:00

I was playing with some of my Tim Holtz stuff and created this snowman tag based on a "debossing" tutorial by Tammy Tutterow but I changed a few steps.
http://tammytutterow.typepad.com/tammy_tutterow/2011/11/tuesday-tutorial-frosty-deboss.html

So here's what I did. The background (TH Tumbled Glass and Broken China Distress Ink) is done using the technique on page 33 of Tim's book "A Compendium of Curiosities". Next I placed the tag in Stampin Up "Northern Flurry" embossing folder, but upside down to deboss the image. This makes indents, rather than a raised surface. In the indented areas only, I spread some TH Rock Candy Distress Stickles, as I didn't have the rock candy crackle paste to spread over the whole tag. I also spritzed some Perfect Pearl "Pearl" Mist over the whole surface once the stickles was dry. Finally I randomly stamped some snowflakes with Versamark and embossed with clear irridescent EP. It's so shimmery - wish the camera could capture it!

Tim's snowman stamp is inked in black, then I covered the image with self-adhesive acrylic and fussy cut all around. I wrapped some red baker's twine around the neck to look like a scarf, and diecut a snowflake from SU Silver Glittery paper to place on his body. The rhinestone snowflake is a dollar store find.

Beneath the snowman, I tore a strip of paper rounding it to give the impression of snow, stamped the verse, and sponged around the edge with Broken China. Added the silver rickrack, and some SU Mica Flakes.

double click to enlarge pic

Sharon
Nov.17/2011

Challenges
Top Tip Tuesday - Tags
Stamps are Us - Bling it on
Whoopsie Daisy - Colours of winter

Santa Paws

2011-11-08T09:40:00.009-04:00

The Stamptacular Sunday Challenge this week is a sketch challenge:

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The 2 stamp, clear mini set is by Inkadinkadoo #60-30592 "Santa Dog" There is also a verse "santa claus is coming to town"; however, I created a verse in Wordpad changing it to "santa paws is coming to town" for a touch of humour.

I created a scene with tree and snowflake stamps, stamped the dog image in the middle, and coloured it with Copic markers. Tim Holtz DI "Weathered Wood" was sponged around the edge. I added CrystalGlaze to the dog's nose, belt and jingle bell, along with white fun flock on the dog's coat. Star Dust Stickles was applied along the snow lines. I also embellished it with a north pole arrow brad, green twine and a star button.

The tree and striped paper is from a 6x6 pad Basic Grey "Eskimo Kisses". The red star paper is from 6x6 pad Basic Grey "Jovial". Martha Stewart Edge punch.

I'm going to give this card to Alex, the owner of the doggy day care where my dog, Penny, boards when we are on vacation and has grooming.

Here's a tip for Top Tip Tuesday

After using Stickles or Crystal Glaze, this is what I do. I unbend a paper clip to make a straight piece of metal, insert it in the tip of the Stickles and pull upward clearing out any residue, then replace the cap.This makes it much easier to start the product the next time I use it.

Sharon

Nov.8/2011

Challenge

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #137 - sketch

Cards for Men #23- Its Nearly Christmas

Oldie but Goodie - Buttons and Bows

Top Tip Tuesday -Anything Goes Christmas (see Tip in above post)

Tim Holtz Alterations Snow Flurries Edge die

2011-11-06T13:53:00.005-04:00

The Tim Holtz snow flurries edge die is also a new toy I recently purchased. I used SU Glittery Silver paper for the die and the snowflakes. The paper is 12x12 and comes two sheets to a package. I'm loving it!!! The glitter does not come off when using it for die and punch cutting, and it's so SPARKLY!!!!

The stamped image underneath the oval aperture (cut with Nesties) is a Penny Black cling stamp #40-030 "Wish for Peace". I inked it with SU "Not Quite Navy". I also used Silver Stickles on the image but they seem to pick up the navy blue, rather than being silver - not quite pleased with that! The embossed snowflake background is a SU folder from last year's catalogue.

My daughter and husband were home visiting for the weekend. The guys are outside doing some carpentry on our garage, so we did some stamping and each made a couple of these cards. She has previously done a little stamping, but not much, so I thought this design would be fairly easy for her. She was pleased with her efforts and now she has a couple of handmade cards to send out.

Sharon
Nov.6/2011

Double click to enlarge pic

Challenges:

Winter Wonderland - Make your card Glitter/Sparkle

Cas-ual Fridays #27 - panel or design over edge of card

Trash to Treasure Blog Give-away

2011-11-06T07:06:00.001-04:00

Linda is a having a birthday give-away on her blog Trash to Treasure. Check out the link by clicking on the title of this post to see the wonderful goodies she is offering and to read what is required. There is a BONUS too, which I would like to be part of as well.

Sharon
Nov. 6, 2011

New Dove Sizzix Die and Embossing Folder combo

2011-11-06T06:44:00.006-04:00

I recently ordered this new Sizzix die and embossing folder combo #657361. The dove is quite large when cut - about 4-1/2" wide. After you cut the die, you place it in the embossing folder exactly within the "frame" of the design to create the beautiful embossed pattern. There are several other combos just released - a star, ornament, holly leaves and snowman. I think they are all very pretty!

Here is the card I created with the dove. I sponged Tim Holtz Tea Dye distress ink all over the raised embossed areas, applied German Glass Glitter to the wing portions, along with a pearl brad, pearl for the eye and ribbon bow on the neck. The verse is embossed directly on the background paper with Fine Gold EP.

The christmas cards I'm recently making will actually be mailed. So I'm trying to keep my embellishments to a minimum to reduce the postage costs of thicker envies.

Sharon
Nov. 6/2011

double click to enlarge pics

Challenges:

Winter Wonderland - Make your card sparkle

Truly Scrumptious #69 - Bingo Challenge. I used the bottom third row -glitter, punch/die-cuts/ribbon

Really Reasonable Ribbon #35 Christmas Theme ribbon/lace trim

CCEE#1144 - four embellishments (ribbon, lace, pearl brad, german glass glitter
.

Christmas Tree Cards

2011-11-01T12:27:00.003-03:00

double click to enlarge pic

I found this template for a christmas tree shaped card on-line; however, it didn't download and print off correctly. So I had to go ahead,draw and cut one myself which took a bit of time. It's an odd shape when laid out flat before scoring and folding. After making the first card, I also decided to cut a layer somewhat smaller to glue the bits of paper and ribbon to that piece, then attach it to the main card layer. This makes it easier to tuck the ends of the ribbon behind, concealing them and making a clean finish.

It's a great card for using up those small bits of left over paper, scraps of ribbon/lace and your decorative punches! The pink card on the left has stickles on the dots along the bottom and around the loops of the punched piece which is hard to see in the pic.

I stamped inside "Have yourself a merry little Christmas!"

Sharon
Nov.1/2011

Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge #35 -Christmas

Tim Holtz Inspired Halloween Tag

2011-10-22T21:11:00.004-03:00

I was reading the current Grungy Monday challenge at Studio L3 - Tim Holtz in 10! and thought I would give it a try. Now this is quite a challenge for sure! I planned out the design, set the timer for 10 minutes, then got to it.

I cut out the raven using my Cricut and the "October 31st" cartridge, then cut a 3"x6" piece of Tim's halloween word paper from his Idea-ology 12 x 12 paper pad, ripped both ends, and applied it to a tag. Sponged Spiced Marmalade DI around the edge, followed by Black Soot DI. I already had a stash of grungeboard bookplates cut from Tim's Alterations Tag die, so this saved a minute or two. Rubbed Versamark over the bookplate and covered it with black EP in which I mixed a few specs of Stampendous Frantage Mica Fragments. They bond when the EP is melted. You have to be careful and gentle with the heat gun doing this technique - the first time I tried it, the mica bits blew all over the place!

I used my oval punch to cut an orange background for the bookplate, sponged it lightly with Black Soot DI and affixed the numbers (Doodlebug 123's) in the centre. They are sort of white coloured but pick up the orange shade when glued down. Copper brads on each end, and foam tape pop up the bookplate.

I also cut out a little sign "trick or treat" from Tim's Idea-ology paper, covered it with self-adhesive acrylic, placed it behind the bookplate and underneath the raven.

Finally, I applied Black Stickles glitter to the wing portions of the raven, along with black eyelash fibres and orange glittery ribbon to the top of the tag.

The timer rang when I was applying the stickles and I hadn't covered as much as I wanted, so it probably took an actual 12 minutes to finish. Is this OK for the challenge?? I have never moved so quickly while stamping/creating!!!! LOL

So, thanks Linda for this challenge....it was fun.

double click to enlarge pic

Sharon
October 22/2011

CHALLENGES:

Studio L3 Grungy Monday - Tim in 10

Gingersnap Creations GC123 - Ravens

Going Grey with Scrap-creations Challenge - Tags

All Sorts - Week 128 Halloween

Autumn Trio

2011-10-03T16:31:00.007-03:00

On Saturday past, I had a card making afternoon and created three autumn themed cards.

I began by using a new clear stamp by Inkadinkadoo- "Corn Stalks" #60-30561. First of all, I sponged Tim Holtz distress inks Scattered Straw and Spiced Marmalade on glossy C/S, then I embossed the image in black which created fall colours in the plants and the yellow harvest moon. I cut it out with Spellbinders circles.
I embossed Coordination paper with the Cuttlebug Pumpkin Harvest folder #37-1906, sanded the embossed areas, and sponged TH Spiced Marmalade on the leaves and pumpkins. The edge was distressed with TH distressing tool and sponged with the same two colours of inks.

Each card I created a little differently with brads, rafia, punches, crocheted edged ribbon, Sizzix Sizzlet pumpkin & oak leaf dies, chipboard phrase, Spellbinder scallop circles, Spellbinder Curved Rectangle nesties, etc. The two bottom cards have the fall verse label on the inside.

The verse label is also a new Inkadinkadoo clear set that contains two phrase stamps- "Autumn Verses" #60-30566.

double click to enlarge all pics

I am entering the first card "Fall Gold" into the following challenges:

-Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: "Fall Photo Inspiration #132

-Friday Mashup #26: Fall & Brad

-Dragon Den: Fall into Colour

-Pals Paper Arts #113: Heat Embossing

Sharon

Oct. 3/2011

Autumn Squirrel (Mojo Monday Sketch #207)

2011-09-20T00:07:00.005-03:00

I've had this squirrel stamp by Uptown Design for quite a number of years, and it is still one of my favourites for autumn cards, and colouring. I followed the sketch at Mojo Monday, although I turned the sketch vertical, and made it somewhat square rather than long and narrow (in order to fit in my envies!).

double clic to enlarge image

Challenges

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Autumn

Friday Mash Up #24 - Autumn

Sharon
Sept. 20/2011

Wedding Card

2011-09-17T12:47:00.006-03:00

Here is a wedding card I made this week, sort of clean and simple? I used two different white cardstocks (Bazzill Bling and SU White Shimmer) , printed romance paper that I had in my stash sponged with gold ink, and one inch wide organza ribbon overlaid with white satin leaf ribbon. I created the flower with the Tim Holtz Tattered Flower die -there are 10 layers of organza and the petals were slightly heated with a heat gun which makes the ribbon curl on the edges. The pearl brad is from "Eyelet Outlet". In order to match the white & gold theme, I used a gold Krylon marker to paint and cover the silver edge colour of the brad. The tag is Spellbinders "Fancy Tags" and the verse is embossed with fine gold EP.

I entering my card into two challenges as follows:

Polkadoodle Challenge #37 Whiteout

Craftyribbons Challenge#2 Anything Goes

double clic to enlarge pic

Sharon
Sept.17/2011

Hello Stamping Friends

2011-09-10T02:40:00.000-03:00

It's been quite a while since I posted anything, except for the beach theme tag in the previous post. We have moved back to town from the cottage and I'm looking forward to getting in the swing of Fall. Of course that mean stamping! LOL.
I'm thinking of Hallowe'en and autumn theme cards, and it's not too early to be planning for Christmas as well. I've been having fun the past hour reading all the posts that I've missed and seeing all the wonderful things you've created!

First up though....I have to make a wedding card for my husband's niece whose big day is September 24th. It's still in the planning stages. Once made, I'll be sure to post and hopefully it will meet a few challenges as well.

Sharon
Sept.9/2011

Summer Beach Tag

2011-09-10T02:17:00.004-03:00

I made this tag earlier in the summer and didn't get around to posting. There are still a few good beach days left in Nova Scotia and the ocean is quite warm....our summer didn't really arrive until mid August.
So maybe you won't think it too strange to be showing this tag in September! LOL

The vintage style stamps I found in an office supply/art store in Bradenton, Florida while visiting Anna Maria Island in May. All the images (except the beach sign) are from the set called "Retro Oceanside" by TJ Designs Rubber Stamps. There are 15 cling red rubber stamps in a large cd type case. Here's the link to the website:
http://www.tweetyjill.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=4

I did a freehand watercolour scene of sky and ocean on the background of the tag, sponged the edge, then stamped the various images in Tim Holtz distressed ink. The girl was stamped on a separate piece of cardstock,torn, sponged, and mounted on the tag. She is very glamourous with black stickles on her bathing suit! I have a grainy embossing powder that I like to use for sand which was sprinkled randomly along the bottom. Bits of actual beach glass, shells, a button and fibres completes the tag. On the back is stamped "Listen to the ocean, it beckons you" from the same set.

Sharon

Double click to enlarge pic

September 9, 2011

Sad Farewell -Let's Ink It Up Challenge Blog

2011-05-29T08:38:00.000-03:00

Suzanne has announced today that she is closing down LIIU due to her ill health. I enjoyed working with her along with the other Design Team Members, and seeing all the talent there is out in blogland.

Suzanne, I'm sending huge cyber hugs and positive thoughts for your full recovery.
Take care,
Sharon
May 29, 2011

Let's Ink It Up "Team B" -Challenge #15

2011-05-15T12:16:00.003-03:00

The next challenge for Let's Ink It Up is by our design "Team B". To be in with a chance of winning a fabulous prize, the theme for this challenge is:

" Focal sentiment and a 3D flower"

Remember that we are a rubber/clear stamping challenge so no digi stamps please

this time. We want to see the sentiment as the focal point of your project.

Here's a little info from the lovely Anne at Kreativ Hobby

Kreativ Hobby

We are a Norwegian rubberstamp producer – with more than 1000 different designs. In our webshop you will find all our rubbestamps under the category “STEMPLER”. All prices are in Norwegian Kroner. We ship worldwide and all information regarding international shipping is on our website: http://www.kreativhobby.no/

The winner can choose 4 rubberstamps from Kreativ Hobby Design. Value app. NOK 200 or $35

So hop on over to Let's Ink It Up blog and take a peek at the beautiful cards created by design Team B. Comments are always welcome!

Sharon
May 15, 2011

Let's Ink It Up Challenge #14 Embellishments

2011-05-10T17:21:00.001-03:00

We are back from our two week vacation at Anna Maria Island, Florida. The temperatures were from 85 to 93F most days, but not humid, as there is always a nice breeze blowing off the Gulf of Mexico. Hubby and I had our long beach walk most mornings followed by a swim. Then some beach time in the afternoon with two or three swims as the sun was so hot. Our friends from Sweden and Ohio were there again this year, and we had lots of laughs with them!

Let's Ink It Up Challenge #14 is Embellishments. Remember... NO DIGIS are allowed. We want to see stamping! The sponsor is Annabelle Stamps who is donating a $20 Gift Voucher. Here is the store-
http://www.annabellestamps.blogspot.com/

Well as promised in my last post, here is my card for the challenge, although it is somewhat late...the challenge is almost over!

Double Click to enlarge image

I did a masculine, time themed card. Had very inky fingers after this project. LOL! For the background, I did sponging with Tim Holtz distress inks (Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Forest Moss and Shabby Shutters, and randomly stamped various clock stamps & and a flourish.Also distressed and inked the edge all around.

I did Tim Holtz' Rusted Grunge technique on the round chipboard frame,embossed a clock in black on the center circle,cut out the clock hands with my Cricut. The banner triangles, mounted on a thin brown ribbon held with brads, are stamped with a woodgrain stamp, sponged with Tea Dye and Forest Moss, and the
alphabets are stamped with Pine Needles. The little embellie at the top right corner is a clock stamp covered with Crystal Glaze, cut out and mounted under a Tim Holtz metal sprocket. The advertisement is from a sheet of specialty paper which I sponged Distress inks to age it further. For the tag, I embossed the verse in black detail EP, and sponged Forest Moss around the edge. May Arts ribbon.

Sharon
May 10/2011

Let's Ink It Up Challenge #14 Embellishments

2011-05-01T04:46:00.003-03:00

Unfortunately, I am unable to post my challenge entry pic and description as presently I have very limited internet access.....stay tuned.

Sharon
May 1, 2011

Let's Ink It Up Challenge #13 - Stitching & DT Call

2011-04-17T10:27:00.001-03:00

At Let's Ink It Up, Challenge #13 is now running and there is a fantastic prize up for grabs from our generous sponsor Cindy at

stampingscrapping.com

Here's a little message from our sponsor

"StampingScrapping is owned by Kevin and Cindy Echtinaw. We ship every in stock order within 24 hours and LOVE our customers. We pride ourselves on our customer service, speedy shipping and great prices on the newest products.

We are offering one of our CUSTOM Spellbinders matching stamp sets to the winner! Value of $19.99. You will have your choice of one of three sets. "

Now on to our new challenge, this time we want you to 'Show us your Stitching'. It could be any type of stiching on your project, real or faux as long as you use a rubber or clear stamp and remember -NO DIGI STAMPS allowed

As always, there is plenty of inspiration from our talented "Team B" Design Team which you can view by clicking HERE

Also, there is a DT call so if you'd like to join the Let's Ink It Up Design Team, just add DT after your name in the linky list for the challenge.

Sharon

April 17, 2010

Fun Crafting Tutorials and Linking Party at Passionately Artistic

2011-04-06T04:48:00.005-03:00

Over at Passionately Artistic, they are having a linking party where you get to showcase your projects.No giveaway linking please. Click on the link to go directly to the blog to see the rules.

There's no limit to how many items you can link. Link parties are all about linking. So visit a few of the other links to discover new friends and link, link, link. This is FREE advertising for your projects!

I decided to sponsor my Easter Wall Hanging that I recently created for the Easter challenge at Let's Ink It Up. This was the first time I had made something from wood, paper, stamping and Cricut, and was very pleased with how it came out (tooting my horn... wink!)

double click to enlarge image

close-up of bunny

close-up of basket

close-up of crackle

For those of you that have already seen my project at Let's Ink It Up, this part might be boring to read. I put the wrong link in at Passionately Artistic and can't seem to delete it. So I'm copying and pasting on how I created my wall hanging. Here goes:

For my project, I have seen lots of art canvases on blogs. I figured it couldn't be too difficult...just like card making, only on a bigger scale! However, I decided to use a piece of 8"x 10" MDF board (manufactured fibreboard wood) to create my Easter wall hanging.

The background -I painted the entire surface of the wood with Tim Holtz White Distress Crackle Paint. After the paint dried and the crackle formed, I sponged randomly these colours of Tim Holtz Distress Ink- Tea Dye, Antique Linen, Fired Brick, and Tumbled Glass over the entire surface. The routered edge of the board is painted with Egyptian gold acrylic paint. I also stamped an easter script stamp in Tea Dye (Serendipity Stamps #702HCL Judy's Easter Basket - set of three stamps) on "thirds" of the board . I covered the middle section with a strip of easter egg paper, cutting and pasting some of the eggs to give the paper added dimension.

I stamped the easter basket, from the same set as mentioned above, coloured with Copics, applied Crystal Glaze and stickles on the eggs, fussy cut it out, sponged Tea Dye on the edges and mounted it on the board with pop-dots. The "grass" at the bottom of the basket is a lacey branch punch by Martha Stewart.

The bunny was cut on my Cricut from the Easter cartridge in a brown patterned paper. I sponged white craft ink and Tea Dye & Brushed Corduroy Distress Inks on the body to give it dimension, stamped a scroll stamp on the bunny's back, added the pink gingham ribbon, and created the tail using gathered crocheted lace & a pearl.

Near the basket, I cut a flourish from a Quickutz die and added the butterfly (Martha Stewart punch), highlited with stickles and pearls.The border on the bottom is also a Martha Stewart punch.

For the banner title, I punched scalloped circles from K&Co paper, sponged with Tea Dye, Tumbled Glass and a touch of Fired Brick distress inks. The letters were cut on my Cricut with the Plantin cartridge and sponged with Tea Dye DI.

All in all, this project took a few days to complete, but I'm very happy with how it turned out! I have it hanging in my front porch.

Sharon
April 6/11

Let's Ink It Up - Challenge #12 Easter

2011-04-03T10:41:00.011-03:00

Here it is, the first weekend of April, and the new fortnightly challenge at Let's Ink It Up is Easter. Click on the hyper link to the blog ,and check out the gorgeous projects from the Design Team.

Remember that no DIGIS are allowed - we like to see inky fingers! LOL The sponsor for this challenge is:

SCRAPPIT is a company based in Australia that provides all scrapbooking and card making supplies from all the top brands at the best prices.Paula has generously donated a prize package of

A$20 VOUCHER

For my project, I have seen lots of art canvases on blogs. I figured it couldn't be too difficult...just like card making, only on a bigger scale! However, I decided to use a piece of 8"x 10" MDF board (manufactured fibreboard wood) to create my Easter wall hanging.

The background -I painted the entire surface of the wood with Tim Holtz White Distress Crackle Paint. After the paint dried and the crackle formed, I sponged randomly these colours of Tim Holtz Distress Ink- Tea Dye, Antique Linen, Fired Brick, and Tumbled Glass over the entire surface. The routered edge of the board is painted with Egyptian gold acrylic paint. I also stamped an easter script stamp in Tea Dye (Serendipity Stamps #702HCL Judy's Easter Basket - set of three stamps) on "thirds" of the board . I covered the middle section with a strip of easter egg paper, cutting and pasting some of the eggs to give the paper added dimension.

I stamped the easter basket, from the same set as mentioned above, coloured with Copics, applied Crystal Glaze and stickles on the eggs, fussy cut it out, sponged Tea Dye on the edges and mounted it on the board with pop-dots. The "grass" at the bottom of the basket is a lacey branch punch by Martha Stewart.

The bunny was cut on my Cricut from the Easter cartridge in a brown patterned paper. I sponged white craft ink and Tea Dye & Brushed Corduroy Distress Inks on the body to give it dimension, stamped a scroll stamp on the bunny's back, added the pink gingham ribbon, and created the tail using gathered crocheted lace & a pearl.

Near the basket, I cut a flourish from a Quickutz die and added the butterfly (Martha Stewart punch), highlited with stickles and pearls.The border on the bottom is also a Martha Stewart punch.

For the banner title, I punched scalloped circles from K&Co paper, sponged with Tea Dye, Tumbled Glass and a touch of Fired Brick distress inks. The letters were cut on my Cricut with the Plantin cartridge and sponged with Tea Dye DI.

All in all, this project took a few days to complete, but I'm very happy with how it turned out! I have it hanging in my front porch.

Double click to view Easter Wall Hanging

Close up of "crackle" on the wood

Sharon
April 3, 2011

Challenges

Die Cutting Divas #8 Hippity, Hoppity - Easter cartridge for Bunny, Plantin Cartridge for letters on banner

Fantabulous Cricut #53 - Looks Like Spring - Easter Cartridge for Bunny, Plantin Cartridge for letters on banner.

Paper Variety 1-2-3 Challenge- 1 stamped image (basket), 2 ribbons (pink gingham & crocheted lace gathered into bunny tail), 3 punches (Martha Stewart butterfly, scroll border, and lacey leaf which is the "grass" at the bottom of the basket.

Really Reasonable Ribbons #21 Punches & Ribbons - 3 Martha Stewart punches -butterfly, scroll border, and lacey leaf which is the "grass" at the bottom of the basket. 2 Ribbons - pink gingham, and crocheted lace with is gathered into bunny tail.

Quick card for Brother

2011-03-30T15:21:00.009-03:00

My brother's birthday snuck up on me and I made a quick card to get in the mail, so it would reach him on time.

I used my Cricut Expression to cut a pick-up truck from the "Just Because Cartridge" and tire tread from "Dude" cartridge. The truck is red Bazzill edged with Tim Holtz Aged Mahogany distress ink popped up with foam dots; fenders, door handle and bumper are silver mirror cardstock; Using my craft knife, I cut out the window and put in a piece of acrylic to look like glass. I used a woodgrain stamp to stamp the boards & sponged the edges with TH Tea Dye, then stamped "Happy" and "Birthday" on little tags placed in the bed of the truck.

The circle verse "Picking up Some Wishes for You!" (the pick-up is hauling wishes) I created using MS Word with Word Art program, punched out with a Marvy punch . Tea Dye was also sponged around the edge. The design echoes that of the tires.

Papers are by 7 Gypsies- Zanzibar 8x8" pad. Faux stitching around the edge.

Challenge

Cooking with Cricut -Funny Quote, Saying or Pun

Sharon
March 30/2011

Featured Stamper Announcement- Let's Ink It Up

2011-03-23T15:14:00.001-03:00

Please click here to read the official announcement of the new "Featured Stamper" and see how you and your work can be showcased on Let's Ink It Up blog.

A new person will be chosen every two weeks!

Sharon
March 23/11

Let's Ink It Up Challenge #10 Embossing

2011-03-11T16:05:00.001-04:00

Reminder

There is just a little over a week to enter the Let's Ink It Up Challenge #10 Embossing.

Come and join in...we would love to see some new faces, and there is a great prize up for grabs too!

Sharon
March 11,2011

First Card - Let's Ink It Up Design Team

2011-03-05T21:35:00.003-04:00

Even though it is still March 5th here in Nova Scotia, Let's Ink It Up challenge blog goes live on Aussie time. So it is now March 6th down under and I can post my first card as part of the new Design Team. The challenges will run every two weeks on Sundays with Design Team "A" and "B" alternating fortnightly.

Remember, to be eligible for a prize, no digi images are allowed when creating your card or project. Stamping must be done with rubber or clear stamps.

Inky Impressions is the sponsor for this challenge.

Inky Impressions is a rubber stamp company carrying images of the cutest little girls and animals. The inspiration for the stamps comes from the owner Nicole's little girl, MarLeigha (LiLi). Each Wednesday Inky Impression's has a challenge and if you participate each week, you are eligible to win a goodie bag at the end of the month. \

Come play along with the fun!

Tanya has generously donated the following prize to the winner of this challenge:

One stamp of their choice and a goody bag!

Now on to Challenge #10 which is "Show us your Embossing":


double click to enlarge image

I dry embossed the background of my card with the Sizzix "Birds and Blossoms" A6 large folder; also the top & bottom of the bird cage with the Cuttlebug Damask folder. I positioned the bird's wing under the leafy scroll pattern of the Cuttlebug Bloom Dots folder, and when done, I think it looks like feathers. The birdcage and bird are cut with the Tim Holtz alterations die. The happy birthday verse on the Spellbinders Nesties Label Ten oval is embossed with clear embossing powder over Memento brown ink. Versamagic ink was used to sponge over the background dry embossing, the edge of the blue layer, the damask pattern on the cage, and around the edge of the oval. Some prima flowers and pearls adds dimension.
have created.

So hop on over to the Let's Ink It Up blog to see the lovely cards the other Design Team members have created.
Hope you join in the challenge!

Sharon
March 5, 2011

Tomorrow....

2011-03-05T11:46:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is the first day of my position on the Design Team of Let's Ink it Up Challenge Blog.
Stay tuned when the new team goes live on March 6th....

Sharon
March 5, 2011

Final Week- Guest DT Position Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - "Frames"

2011-02-27T11:28:00.013-04:00

Well, all good things must come to an end. This is my final week as Guest DT on Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog and the theme is "Frames". I submitted two cards for them to chose one which they felt met the challenge, and both were posted. Thank you!

The first card uses the Cuttlebug Damask folder & die combo set #37-1920, and Crafty Secrets "Material Girl" stamp set. Patterned paper is Basic Grey Origins. I got out my sewing machine and zigzag stitched around the edge of the brown distressed layer, and also straight stitched on the frame which is embossed with the damask pattern (hard to see in the pic). The mannequin and thread holder is embossed with black EP and sponged with TH Tea Dye distress ink. I wound actual yellow thread around the holder. I used circle and scallop Nesties for the tag and punched two tiny holes to attach a safety pin and ribbon. At the bottom, the measuring tape is a strip cut from Cosmo Cricket "Measuring Up" paper which is a whole sheet of different coloured tapes.
I'm also entering my card in Paper Sundaes challenge "how charming" (metal charm). I used an actual safety pin so I hope this qualifies!


Double click to enlarge image

.....................................................................................................

On the second card I used Basic Grey Kioshi papers and Bazzill Bling light purple. The design on the Kioshi background paper kind of looks like butterflies to me. Using my Cricut Expression and the Lacey Labels cartridge, I cut three layers with the butterfly key (row #1, #3 on the keypad) - background oval in the purple flower paper, main oval in white, and the butterfly scroll frame in the same paper as the background. I placed a Tim Holtz mini flourish mask on the edges of the white layer and sponged with Versamagic Spring Peony leaving a spot in the centre to sponge in Versamagic Aloe Vera green. Stamped the french script in lavender across the centre, then stamped the butterfly in Tim Holtz Dusty Concorde. I did a little more sponging on the butterfly with Tim Holtz Shabby Shutters green. The two little butterflies are also cut with my Cricut -they are designed to match the butterfly scroll border . I didn't stamp a verse on the front because I'm not sure if I'm going to send this as a birthday card or something else. The bottom layer in the purple flower paper is punched with Martha Stewart "Quilted" edge punch.


double click to enlarge photo

Challenges:
ABC Blog Feb.23 - Ovals
The Color Dare CD98 - Artichoke and Purple
Cooking with Cricut - Swirls

It's been fun the past few weeks and I want to thank the ladies at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog for offering me this guest DT position.

Sharon
Feb. 27,2011

Third Week Guest Post - Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #99

2011-02-20T08:10:00.005-04:00

This is the third week of my guest designer post on Stamptacular Sunday Challenge. The theme is S.O.S. "Some One Special".

I was in Halifax last week visiting my daughter and picked up some new "Crafty Secrets" stamps at Carsand Mosher store called "Seasonal Friends". I like that the images have a vintage look, and how the verses are wrapped with a banner, although there is a lot of colouring to them and some of the blank space is very tiny for the Copic markers!!! I had to put on my reading glasses to make sure I didn't go outside the lines with the tip of the Copic.

The paper used on this card is from a 12x12" pad "Life's Journey" by K&Company. I also used a doily edge stamp which is just peeking out from under the scalloped edge sponged with TimHoltz Tea Dye DI on the left side. Some crocheted cotton lace and a flower, along with a Quickutz flourish diecut adds a bit of dimension. I wanted the image to be the main focus on my card.

double click to enlarge image

Check out the lovely projects the Design Team made for this challenge on Stamptacular Sunday blog
.
Sharon
Feb.20, 2011

Second Week - Stamptacular Sunday guest designer post

2011-02-13T11:12:00.006-04:00

The theme for this week's challenge from Stamptacular Sunday Challenge is anything to do with food. I figured the other DT members would do something with cupcake stamps or birthday cakes, so I chose to use something a little different. It's by Emerson of American Stamps. I have several of these humourous lady stamps and their phrases are good for a little chuckle.

The image is coloured with Copic markers and cut out with Nesties Label One, sponged with TH Spun Sugar around the edge. For dimension, I added rhinestones for the earrings and necklace, Pink Stickles for the bracelet, and Crystal Glaze on the eyeglasses, coffee cups and plates. The background paper was run through the Cuttlebug "Bloom Dots" folder. I got out my sewing machine and did zigzag stitching around the edge of the top and bottom sections, and also through the middle of the punched border (Martha Stewart wide punch). The curved embossed borders echo the design of the Nesties Label One ( EKSuccess punch).

Here's how to make the "chocolate" embellie holding the easel. Make sure your stamp is coated heavily all over with Versamark ink.This works best with open design stamps. Melt a brown hot glue stick into a puddle on a silicone mat and immediately stamp into it while the glue is still warm. You have to be very quick doing this-if the glue starts to set even a little bit, the image won't be crisp. The stamp will release easily due to the rubber being coated with the Versamark. I have also used this technique with gold flecked hot glue to make "chops" for asian cards.


double click to enlarge pic

So head on over to Stamptacular Sunday Challenge blog and see the other great creations by the DT members. Submit your own card for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from My Favourite Things!

Enjoy eating chocolate on Valentine's Day! LOL!

Sharon
Feb.13,2011

Winter!

2011-02-08T14:59:00.002-04:00

Our part of Nova Scotia has been having a storm a week it seems since the middle of January. Today it's snowing yet again. It's getting so that you don't know where to put the stuff! It's also somewhat dangerous driving around town because the snowbanks are so high. You have to very slowly ease your car out into traffic as you can't see over or around the banks.

I don't post too many pics on here other than cards, but I just came in from walking my dog Penny and thought I should take a couple for the "record", so to speak.
The third pic is looking out my upstairs craft room window towards the end of our street.

Some of the Aussie ladies have been mentioning about the heat. Would you like to trade places? (wink!)

Sharon
Feb.8, 2011

Sisters Tag - Rusted Enamel Technique CCC#31

2011-02-08T04:20:00.011-04:00

Over at Studio L3, the Compendium of Curiosities , the challenge this week is "Rusted Enamel" on Page 42 of Tim Holtz' book.

I used the colours of Tumbled Glass, and Dusty Concorde Distress Inks, and inked over the entire tag with Chipped Sapphire once embossed. Hard to get a pic of the gloss, but you can see a bit of it at the right top of the tag. The image is "Time Passages" by B Line Designs stamped with Black Stazon. I also used some Tim Holtz transparency tape cutting out the section that mentions memories, a border cut from damask patterned paper, letters cut from a magazine, a metal heart tag from the dollar store, fibres, pearl string, and an organza flower that I made using TH Tattered Florals die.

Once I got this posted to my blog and went back and looked at the pic, you might think I can't spell!!! The "I" looks like a "T", but if you double click the pic you can see I do know my letters. LOL!!! The next time, perhaps I will use a small letter "i" to make it more distinguishable. I was recently saying to my stamping friend Marilyn how it's funny that a photograph will pick up any little thing you don't actually notice when in the process of creating......

I am sending this to my younger sister for her to use as a bookmark, just to let her know that I'm thinking of her. She has had some health problems recently and is an avid reader, so I'm hoping this will cheer her up.

Sharon
Feb. 8, 2011

Challenges

Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosites #31 - Rusted Enamel

Oldie but a Goodie - Add a Heart (one of my fav older stamps)

Crafty Cardmakers #39 Hearts - (metal heart)

Simon Says - Embossing

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge "Hearts Gone Wild"

2011-02-06T08:12:00.011-04:00

My first post as Guest Designer for the month of February for Stamptacular Sunday Challenge "Hearts Gone Wild" theme is a little folder tied on the side which opens to see four different heart themed tags in pockets. Cut a piece of 12"x12" cardstock at 8" wide by 12" long. With the 8" width side facing top of your Scor Pal, score at the 2-1/2" mark and fold inwards (this makes the pocket). On the long 12" side, score at 3", 6", and 9" and do valley folds to make the booklet. I hope this all makes sense!

On the beige background paper, I overstamped with a harlequin stamp in Tim Holtz Distress Ink Fired Brick, and the flourish in TH Aged Mahogany. The collage heart is by "I Brake for Stamps" coloured with Copics , and distressed with Spun Sugar, Fired Brick, Barn Door and Aged Mahogany working from the middle to outside edge overlapping each colour a bit.

In each pocket is a tag a little different from the other with punches and borders, a cupid sizzix die, Stickles and stamps. I did two with the same technique as the cover, and two stamped with a script stamp.

Pop on over to Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog to check it out. The prizes for the Hearts Gone Wild Challenge are

SIMON SAYS STAMP

PRIZE: $20.00 Gift Certificate

Winner pays shipping!

AND

ROBYN’S FETISH

PRIZE: Winner’s Choice of FIVE Digital Products!

Sharon
Feb. 5, 2011

Challenges:

Simon Says - Love is in the Air
Creative Inspirations Inspired by Hearts

Studio L3 - CCC#30 Altered Metal with Paint

2011-02-04T22:12:00.005-04:00

Here is a tag I made tonight for the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #30 "Altered Metal with Paint" on Page 48 of Tim Holtz' book. I plan on making it into a birthday card for my hubby for June 1st.

On Tuesday when I opened a new can of coffee and removed the inner seal, I said to myself this thin round piece of tin metal should be good for something, instead of throwing it out. Well today when I was reading Linda's challenge this week at Studio L3, I knew I could use it. I ran the piece through the TH "Patchwork" embossing folder positioning it to have the king section embossed. I'm amazed at how it came out.....really cool.

I scanned a picture of my hubby from his highschool yearbook and resized it to fit on Tim's umbrella man stamp, to which I also added an embossed crown and sceptre. The background royalty script paper is from my scrap folder - sorry I can't tell you who makes it. The ticket stamp is from Stamper's Anonymous "Odds and Ends" Tim's collection. The clip is TH Ideaology, some acrylic typewriter letters, and gold cord & brown fibres competes the tag.

double click to enlarge picture

I'm also entering this in Gingersnap Creations Challenge #89 "Kings and Queens".

Sharon
Feb.4, 2011

Challenges:

Studio L3 - CCC#30 Altered Metal with Paint

Gingersnap Creations Challenge #89 Kings and Queens

Let's Ink It Up Challenge Blog - New Design Team

2011-02-02T20:48:00.002-04:00

Finally, the big reveal is announced - the new Design Team for Let's Ink It Up Challenge Blog. I'm so happy to say that I was invited to be part of the team, and I also want to say "congrats" to all the other ladies who were appointed. I have been checking their blogs and their creativity is amazing!!!!

Suzanne, the owner of the blog, and Claire her Senior DT have been very busy the past few weeks appointing the two new teams, gathering sponsors for some nice prizes, and making up the challenges of which there will now be two per month. The teams will alternate between challenges starting on March 6th.

So pop on over to Let's Ink It Up Challenge Blog to check it out, and we hope to see you enter a challenge or two, or three or......

Sharon
Feb. 2, 2011

I'm a Ginger Gem!

2011-01-25T08:26:00.000-04:00

My cardinal christmas card I created for the Gingersnap Creations Blog, Challenge #84 "Snow, Pine and Mahogany" was awarded a Ginger Gem.

I get to put a Ginger Gem blog badge on my sidebar! Yay!!!!

Sharon
Jan.25/2011

It's Official! Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog

2011-01-24T12:39:00.001-04:00

It's official....I can now announce that I will be Guest Designer for the month of February on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog.

I'm so excited, yet nervous at the same time. I'll be planning the first challenge this afternoon after I get back from walking Penny. BRRRRR! Although the sun is shining, it's -25C with windchill of -31C, so we won't be out too long today; more time for creating.

Sharon
Jan.24/2011

Paper pieced - mouse in teacup friendship card

2011-01-23T12:40:00.004-04:00

The is the first time I've tried paper piecing an image. It was a bit picky cutting out around the flower petals twice in order to layer the image, but I like how it came out. The paper makes the teacup look like fine china. I also thought to make a pocket inside the card to hold a teabag. I have a friend in the Valley who is just finishing chemo treatment for breast cancer, so hopefully this card will cheer her up.

The card is based on the weekly sketch challenge at Card Patterns . Patterned paper is by Basic Grey, yellow layer scrap of Stamping Up; Pink and Green Bazzill. Scalloped circle is cut on my Cricut from the "Lacey Labels" cart at 3". Image and verse is by Inky Antics "Teacup Mousies" coloured with Copics. Ribbon and teapot charm. EK Success small scallop punch, and Martha Stewart lacey scallop punch.

Challenges:

Card Patterns - Sketch #99

If the Shoe Fits #63 - If you've got a Friend

Paper Cutz #73 - Your Choice

Stamping for the Weekend #2 - Getting Warmed Up - cup of tea

Sharon
Jan. 23/2011

Another Woo hoo!

2011-01-21T12:29:00.005-04:00

Woo, hoo! My artsy glitter card was chosen out of 47 entries as "Top 4- Cream of the Crop" at Cropstop challenge blog for their Stickles Challenge. Thanks so much!!!!
I get to put a "Cream of Crop"badge on my sidebar.

Haven't done any stamping this week, so will have to do another challenge this weekend to keep on a roll.

Sharon
Jan. 21/11

Woo, Hoo! I'm a winner!

2011-01-19T06:54:00.003-04:00

I noticed on Simon Says Blog this morning that I had randomly won the $25.00 gift certificate from Simon Says for their masking challenge (my bird tag). Doing the happy dance.........

Goes to show you just never know when it might be your turn to win something by entering challenges.

Sharon
Jan.19/2011

Artsy Card -Embossing, Glitter and Twinkling H20's

2011-01-18T20:38:00.009-04:00

Today I was going through my older stamps and found one I always liked - an unmounted collage of a woman's face with butterflies. Sorry I can't tell you who makes it as I got it years ago. It's nice to give some of our older stamps some LOVE occasionally! (wink!)

This card was inspired by the wet embossing challenge at There She Goes, bling challenge at Creative Paint and stickles challenge at Crop Stop. It certainly came out a lot different from what I usually create.

The image is embossed with black detail EP, and coloured with Twinkling H20's - Moss Green, Key Lime, Bashful Blue, Blue Ice, Chiffon Pink, Angelwings, Bronze Medallion, Egyptian Gold, Plum Blossom. I also used a lot of different coloured Stickles glitter on the image to highlite the butterflies, and the lady's eyeshadow - gold, copper, black, turquoise, purple,& diamond. It's too bad I can't get a good pic of the twinkling sheen, but it definitely shows the Stickles glitter!

Patterned Paper is by Basic Grey "Kioshi" layered on gold Bazzill, and Black Bazzill Bling; a metal clip holds some fibres along with gold cord strung with glass beads; and a flower rhinestone scroll on the lady's face. Verse "Imagine" is embossed with Black EP.

Sharon
Jan.18/2011

Challenges:

Pile it on #3 - Anything Goes

Creative Inspirations Paint - Bling

Crop Stop #2 - Add Some Stickles

There She Goes #90- Wet Embossing - Image stamped with Black Detail EP and coloured with Twinkling H20's

Stamp Something Friday Jan 14th - Anything Goes

TH Tattered Florals - Organza Flower

2011-01-13T01:16:00.003-04:00

I bought a roll of wide organza and made a few flowers using Tim Holtz' Tattered Florals alterations die. The technique is easy- just give the outside edges of the petals a blast with your hot embossing gun and it causes the ribbon to curl up. Be careful not to heat too closely as the ribbon will melt very quickly.

The papers and chipboard sticker are from a card kit by My Mind's Eye. I love the shades of brown and blue together! I also used a wide scroll border and leafy branch punches by Martha Stewart; ribbon by Stampin'Up!, petite scallop Nestabilities die and a few prima flowers. I made this card for a friend who is having day surgery soon.

Entering it into Play Date Cafe challenge - photo/colour inspiration:

Sharon
Jan.12/11

Challenges:

Play Date Cafe Challenge #64- colour inspiration

Simon Says Challenge Jan.10 - Masking...... Bird Tag

2011-01-10T20:01:00.007-04:00

I was on a roll stamping today, then I goofed up on this tag. How you say??? I started it for the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #27 Distress Masking at Studio L3, and I read the instructions from page 61 of Tim's book, instead of page 60. Duh!!!!!!

Well all is not lost, as the challenge at Simon Says for January 10th is for masking as well, and over at Our Creative Corner, the challenge is bird themed.

I sponged Tim Holtz Tea Dye, Antique Linen, Broken China and Tumbled Glass Distress Inks for the background over a branch & bird mini mask by Heidi Swapp. While the mask was still in place, I stamped TH script background, and spritzed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist "Iridescent Gold". I wrapped TH music tape across the tag, and placed stickers (by Crafty Secrets) in the upper corner spelling the word "SOAR". A bit of sponging with Tea Dye takes away the stark white edges of the stickers. The bird's nest is from an older set by Stampin' Up! called "Feathered Friends", coloured with a pale blue Copic marker on the eggs, cut with a scalloped circle punch, sponged on the edges, and enhanced with a real feather. I cut a bluebird from Crafty Secrets stickers and glued behind a TH oval facet to embellish the top of the tag, along with a bit of ribbon and fibres.

Doing the CCC challenges at Studio L3 has certainly taught me how to use all Tim Holtz' goodies!!!

Sharon
Jan. 10/2011

Challenges

Simon Says Stamp & Show - Masking

Our Creative Corner - Hey Chickadee - bird theme

Sketch Saturday Challenge #137 - Valentine for daughter

2011-01-10T12:51:00.010-04:00

After I came home from the "Y" this morning, I made a card based on the Saturday Sketch Challenge #137. I'm not happy with the picture....I took several and the colour did not come out true on any of them. Actually, the Bazzill cardstock is more red - sort of like Stampin Up's Rose Red colour. In my pic, it looks salmon which doesn't look good with the light pink heart piece.

My new doggy stamp is by Penny Black (#3786F "Crush"), and is a Dalmation with lots of spots. I coloured it much differently to look like my daughter's new puppy - Bella, a dark liver coloured Springer Spaniel. She has a white section across her back all the way from one hip to the other, near her rump that looks like a stripe! LoL. When she looks out of her crate, all you see are her blinking eyes in her dark face. I put Crystal Glaze on the eyes and nose to make them pop a bit. On the stamp, the doggy is holding a heart which I covered with a pink felt one for added dimension. I hope I have captured the likeness in this image, and I'm sure my daughter and son-in-law will know it represents Bella.

Sharon
Jan.10/2011

Challenges:

Saturday Sketch Challenge #137

Anne's Creative Nook #119 - Hearts

Let's Ink it Up #8 - Anything Goes

Crafty Cardmakers #37 - Use Red and a Die Cut

Cupcake Craft Challenges #124 - Something New - Penny Black doggy stamp

Valentine - Rusted Grunge Key

2011-01-08T11:43:00.004-04:00

Today it's snowing, so it's a good day for crafting! The snow is a bit wet and quite heavy causing it to stick to all the tree branches. There are two huge pine trees right outside the window by my craft table. They're so pretty to look at right now with the chickadees flitting amongst the branches.

I'm up for another challenge and it's "Rusted Grunge" at Studio L3 (page 45 of Tim Holtz Compendium of Curiosities book). It's the first time I've tried this technique and I'm pleased with how it came out! I don't have the Tim Holtz key & lock alterations die, so I cut a vintage key from the Cricut October 31st cartridge out of grungepaper. I used Tea Dye Distress embossing powder and Brushed Corduroy Distress ink to cover the key.

This shaped card was cut from the Cricut "Christmas Cards" winter seasonal cartridge on Design Studio at 10-1/2" x 4-3/4" and folded in half. On the pink script background paper, I sponged Tea Dye and Aged Mahogany Distress inks randomly, and also on the edges. The doily edge was stamped with Pumice Stone Distress Ink (border stamp from set "Tea at Elsies" by Kaisercraft). For the heart, I went to my paper scraps folder and found some coordinating prints to cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities heart & scalloped heart dies, also sponged on edges.The verse on the heart is from my new Tim Holtz "Love Struck" stamp collection inked in Aged Mahogany. I just got some new Tim Holtz Adage Tickets and picked out the Love one for my card - these are so cool! There are 96 to a booklet with many different words. The flourish stamp on top and bottom of card is by Inkadinkadoo. Embellies are pearls, and heart & arrow rhinestones from the dollar store.

Sharon
Jan. 08/2011

Challenges

Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #26 - Rusted Grunge

Simon Says Jan.3 - Show newest stamp My newest stamp set is Tim Holtz "Love Struck" collection - the verse on the heart

Crazy for Challenges #69 - Colour Photo Inspiration

Stampin' B's Challenge #92 - Something old, something new (something old is Nesties Heart dies; something new is grunge technique, and Tim Holtz Adage Tickets)

Valentine Tag

2010-12-31T16:09:00.008-04:00

What a gorgeous winter day here in Nova Scotia...the sun is shining after three weeks of wind and rain storms, and there is now just enough snow to make it crispy underfoot. A friend and I went to Fargo Cat Designs shop this morning to pick up my new Tim Holtz "Odds & Ends" ticket stamps, and I also bought a TH Distress Ink "Spun Sugar" and a couple of Copic markers. Late christmas gift to me! LOL. Hubby took out Penny for her walk, so I headed to my craft room with a cup of tea.

Last night I was putting away my christmas paper and stamps, and getting out the valentine ones which is the next card making "holiday". I decided to use this challenge to make a valentine tag with TH Spun Sugar, Barn Door, and Brick Red inks. The directions for Scribble, Stain Distress are on page 34 of Tim's Compendium of Curiosities book. I tried to "scribble" a heart background, but once misted, it's hard to see the design- except for one small heart near the flourish on the upper right of the tag. The ticket is embossed in Detail Black EP and sponged with Spun Sugar. The lace border stamp is by KaiserCraft "Tea at Elsies". Love definition and heart are from TH "Love Struck" collection. Scraps of ribbon, lace and fibres, along with a heart locket & heart wire clip completes the tag.

Happy New Year everyone! It's lobster for us tonight at a friend's cottage on the shore. Yum!

Sharon
December 31/10

Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #25 - Scribble, Stain Distress

If the shoe Fits Blogspot Challenge #60 - Colour Red

Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge #15 - Something new and Ribbon (Tim Holtz "Odds & Ends" Ticket Stamps)

Sew Many Cards Challenge #38- New Things (Tim Holtz "Odds & Ends" Ticket Stamps)

Stampin B's Challenge #91 - Celebration (Valentine's Day tag)

Cardinal - Gingersnaps #84 Colour Challenge Snow, Pine & Mahogany

2010-12-28T22:40:00.004-04:00

Tonight I was reading the Gingersnap Creations blog and their challenge is a colour one - Snow, Pine Needles and Mahogany. I had one more holiday card to make....I know it will be late, but better late than never, eh? My christmas cards for mailing are rather plain - not too many embellies. Does anyone else get anxious when they go to the Post Office and the lady tries to put their card through the dreaded slot thingy???

So I incorporated the challenge into my card. The cardinal stamp is by Northwoods, coloured with Copic markers and Stickles "Star Dust" to highlite the snow. I also used a pine needle stamp from Hero Arts, and the SU Snowflake embossing folder for the background. I don't yet have TH Pine Needle Distress Ink, so I choose a green that hopefully is similar to distress the edge. I did use TH Aged Mahogany on the edge of the red layer.

Sharon
Dec.28/10

Gingersnap Creations #GC84 - Snow, Pine Needles and Mahogany

Snow Swirl

2010-12-28T17:47:00.005-04:00

I used my new Cuttlebug Swirl folder for the background of this card, and new cling stamp by Stampendous
"Christmas Retreat" #CRS1007, coloured with Copic markers. The oval was cut with a Spellbinder Oval Nestie. Stickles "Star Dust" glitter enhances the snow in the image. The snowflakes are a Cuttlebug die.

Sharon
Dec.28/10

Challenges:

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #91 - Snow Much Fun

Pollycraft Monday Challenge #74 - White Christmas or Snow Scene

My Time to Craft #121 - Brand Spanking New (new stamp)

Top Tip Tuesday #15 -Embellishing & Aperture Card

Another Cricut Ornament (Christmas Noel cartridge)

2010-12-02T09:51:00.005-04:00

I'm getting a lot of use from the Cricut Christmas Noel cartridge. Here's another ornament card I made with a new Cuttlebug Folder "Swirl". It is embossed on Bazzill Bling paper, with SU teal accent and main cardstock SU Brushed Silver. The verse is embossed with Ranger "Blue Glass" and is a stamp set by Heartfelt Creations.
Silver button and SU silver cord bow.

Sharon

Dec.02/10

Challenges:

Bah Humbug Challenge #46 - Feeling the blues

City Crafter Christmas #33 - Blue Christmas

Cute Card Thursday - The Blues

Shirleys 2 Girls#84 - Buttons and Bows

Studio L3 Tim Holtz Compendium Challenge #23 Double Distressing

2010-12-01T18:29:00.004-04:00

I had a good stamping day today! Completed the cricut reindeer card this morning. Then after walking my dog this afternoon, I sat down with a cup of tea to read how to do Double Distressing in The Compendium of Curiosities, page 40. After thinking a bit, this is what I came up with. The second pic shows the detail on the stamp.

-Cardstock Stampin Up red; patterned plaid paper Basic Grey "Jovial"; scrap of brown and metallic music script. Red tag from Kaiser Craft "Tis the Season" pad.

-Tim Holtz Texture Fade "Bingo" double distressed with Fired Brick, Barn Red, and Crushed Olive inks.

-Santa Stamp is one of four of a set by Recollections "Christmas Collage". Red Glitter & Star Dust Stickles; gold & red liner pen on detail; Crystal Lacquer on hourglass; Santa hat metal brad and gold tiny brad.

-"Dear Santa" verse stamp by Studio G

I find that TH techniques tend to produce masculine looking cards, so I'm going to send this one to my 23 year old nephew.

Sharon
Dec. 01/10

Challenges:

Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #23 Double Distressing

Paper Variety Tic Tac Toe Line 3 down - cricut or die machine, card, holidays.

Penny's Paper Crafter Challenge #43 Inspirational photo colours

Cricut Reindeer card - Christmas Noel Cartridge

2010-12-01T11:16:00.004-04:00

I had yet another night of waking up at 2:30am last night! After tossing and turning I decided to get up, made myself a piece of cinnamon toast and decided to play with my Cricut.

With Design Studio, I cut the reindeer (keypad row 1, image #3 across) from brown patterned paper at 4"tall x 2-1/2" wide, and the background using the shadow feature. I used Tim Holtz Distress ink "Tea Dye" to shade all around the edge of the reindeer's body. Embellishments are a bit of gingham ribbon tied on his neck, a brown pearl for his eye, and red jewel for his nose. The holly in the corner is a die by Sizzix.

The "Christmas" verse at the bottom is from the same cartridge (keypad Row 2, image #10 across). Inside is stamped "have yourself a merry little christmas" by Penny Black.

The oval layer is Spellbinders Labels Ten stamped with Stamper's Anonymous Tim Holtz music script stamp in Tea Dye ink and shaded with Crushed Olive.

Background script reindeer paper is from Basic Grey "Jovial" 6x6 paper pad. Other cardstock is Stampin'Up, and Bazzill scraps.

Sharon
Dec. 01/10

Challenges:

Die Cuts R Us #66 - Anything Goes

Pile it on - Fur or Feathers

Crazy for Challenges #C4C65 - Script Paper

Speedy the Cat #31 - Bow

The Paper Variety, Wed. Dec. 1st -Tic, Tac, Toe

Top, Tip Tuesday #12 - Anything Goes

Fargo Cat Designs-Card Class Nov. 25/10

2010-12-01T09:12:00.001-04:00

Well, I'm finally getting around to posting the pic of the card class that I attended last Saturday sponsored by Deborah Lecreux of Fargocat Shops. She is showing the cards

Marilyn M. was teaching the class, a small group, but we had fun doing the four christmas cards using a variety of techniques - for example, distressing using Tim Holtz Distress inks and his blending foam tool, and learning how to use Martha Stewart border and corner punches to create a lacy edge all around a rectangle layer.

Marilyn, Wendy and I had lunch afterwards at our favourite spot, Cafe Italia, a perfect ending to a great class.

Sharon
Nov.1/10

Did you see? Tim Holtz Christmas Tags Day 1

2010-12-01T08:42:00.002-04:00

Well Tim has posted his first tag for this christmas season on his blog and it's a beauty! It's neat how he transforms his die of the spooky haunted house into a respectable wood shingled house covered with snow. He certainly has the knack of creating lots of different looks from his products.

I don't know if I would go to all the trouble of re-creating this particular tag - there seems to be a lot more steps than usual, but it's eye candy for sure!

Click on the title of this post to go directly to Tim's blog to view the tag.

Sharon
Dec. 1/10

Christmas Card - No Stamping

2010-11-22T12:36:00.008-04:00

Last year after the holidays, I bought some "Heartwarming Vintage Creative Scraps" cardstock images by Crafty Secrets and decided to use a few this year for christmas cards. I love this one of the winter birds! Click on the blue link to go to their website where you can view all their beautiful cardstock images, stickers, fabric scraps, Clear Art stamps, etc.

In the pic, the red half circles look different shades of red, but they are the same cardstock. It's just the way the sun was shining in the window on the card.

This morning on my blog dashboard, I was reading a post by Linda of Studio L3 where she entered a card into a "no stamp challenge" on Drunken Stampers challenge blog. What a funny name for a blog - it made me chuckle out loud! Well, I think I will enter my card too.

Sharon
Nov.22/10

Drunken Stampers Challenge #43 - No Stamping

Lollipop Crafts Challenge Nov. 22nd- Christmas

Really Reasonable Ribbon Ramblings -Challenge #12 Christmas plus ribbon & lace

Obsessed with Scrapbooking Contest

2010-11-19T14:16:00.000-04:00

Joy, at Obsessed with Scrapbooking announced today 7 new Cricut Lite carts. She is having a contest with a giveaway of the new Winter Frolic cartridge, Glue Rider gun, and SEI paper pad. Click on the title of this post to go direct to her blog.

Sharon
Nov.19/10

Studio L3 - Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #21

2010-11-10T10:01:00.009-04:00

My friend Marilyn regularly participates in Studio L3 challenges and she does the most amazing work using the instructions in Tim Holtz Compendium of Curiosities. I've had my book for a while now and decided I should try out some of the techniques.

The challenge this week is "Perfectly Distressing"! You'll find the instructions on page 38 of the book. I used it on the truck image which is my favourite TH stamp for masculine cards. Although it's hard to see the pearl shine in the pic, a bit of it shows on the back end of the truck.

For the card, I used:
-Bazill cardstock, Basic Grey graph paper, Karen Foster Collage paper
-Tim Holtz Alterations Embossing Folder "Patchwork"
-TH Distress Inks - Tea Dye, Brushed Corduroy, & Forest Moss
-Perfect Pearls Gold
-Truck stamp & verse from the TH "Journey" Visual Artistry collection
-Oval and Scallop Spellbinders Nesties
-Metal corner & lock are embellies from my stash.

Double Click to enlarge pic

Sharon
Nov.10/10

Challenges:

Studio L3 - Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #21 - Perfect Distressing

Kaboodle Doodles Challenge #43 - Make it Vintage

Simon Says Challenge Nov. 10 - Favourite Tim Holtz Stamp

Woo Hoo! Card Published in Penny Black Gallery

2010-11-03T09:29:00.005-03:00

I had an email this morning from Pat at pbstamps.com that they are publishing another of my Penny Black cards in their gallery. It is a christmas one using the stamp "Xmas from Head to Toe, #3744K". Click here to see it at the bottom of the gallery page on the left, or if you want to look at other cards in the gallery. As well, I'm attaching the pic to this post.

The card is quite basic as far as the layout, however, Pat said that she loved how I decorated the girl with bling on her earrings, bracelet, hanging star, and dog collar; Also the "fur" (white flocking) on her dress, hat, boots, purse and dog hat.

Sharon
Nov.2/10

Snowflake Angel

2010-11-02T05:48:00.001-03:00

I think my muse is back......finally! It must be the pressure of knowing that the weeks will fly by until Christmas, and those holiday cards must be made. I decided to try out my new SU Sizzix snowflake embossing folder.

Seeing the pic of my card now on the blog, it looks warped. Really it is normal. I just have to remind myself not to get so close up with the zoom from time to time. I would have taken another one, but by the time I was done yesterday afternoon, it had gotten dark out.

-Papers Stampin'Up Shimmery White, and Silver Mirror
-Stampin'Up Sizzix "Northern Flurry" Embossing Folder
-Angel Stamp from set -Inkadinkadoo "Christmas Silhouette" clear stamps, embossed in silver detail EP
-Cuttlebug Snowflake die
-Spellbinders Ribbon Tag; Peace verse stamp from Inkadinkadoo "Holiday Wishes" embossed in silver detail EP
-Rhinestones & Ribbon

I also used my ScorPal board to emboss a line 1/8" in from the edge all around the main layer.

Sharon
Nov 02/10

Challenges

Kitchen Sink #29 - Monochromatic

Stamper With Fun #83 - All that can Fly

Tip Top Tuesday #8 - Christmas

Gingersnap Creations Challenge - Holiday Happenings, Things with Wings

Another Ornament Card - Cricut "Christmas Noel" Cartridge

2010-10-30T14:48:00.002-03:00

This is another ornament I made last night from the Cricut "Christmas Noel" cartridge using Metallic Red for the detailed main ornament, SU Gold for second background layer, and SU Cream for third shadow layer, Gold Stickles, fancy gold brad, SU Gold cord, and Gold Rhinestone.

Also used on the card is the Cuttlebug Damask Folder on the SU Gold layer, EK Success border punch.
Red Damask Paper is from Kaisercraft 6"x6" pad "Tis the Season"

SU circle punch, and Scalloped circle punch.
Verse is by Just Rite Stamps.

Sharon
Oct. 30/10

Challenges:

All Sorts Weekly Challenge #76 - Gold and Cream with Red

Bee Crafty Christmas Challenge #41 Christmas

Speedy Cat Challenge - Holiday

Moxie FabWorld - Diggin on Damask

Papertake Weekly - Anything Sparkly and Bright

ABC Challenge - Glitter

Ornament -Cricut "Christmas Noel" Cartridge

2010-10-29T18:06:00.013-03:00

I played with the Cricut "Christmas Noel" cartridge the other day and made a few ornaments (keypad item -row 3 down, and #3 across). I cut them on Design Studio at 4" long and 2-1/4" wide using the main image, layer and shadow functions in different metallic and Bazzill papers. Then I spread Stickles all around the edge. I also used the multi-cut function set at #2 to cut the images as they are so detailed (the first one I couldn't lift from the mat).

Here is a card I finished tonight using one of the ornaments.

-The white background layer is embossed with the Cuttlebug Damask Folder
-The printed border layer was cut with the SU Sizzix Topnote die

-Silver edging is Flower Soft Peel-off Stickers #457 Silver
-SU Ribbon

Sharon
Oct.29/10

Challenge:

Moxie Fab World Oct. 28 - Diggin on Damask

Papertake Weekly - Oct. 26 Anything Sparkly and Bright

ABC Challenge - G is for Glitter

Paper Garden - Christmas/Holidays

Butterfly Thank you

2010-10-18T20:56:00.003-03:00

My husband asked me to make a Thank you card for a lady who helped him with the Open House of the local curling club (he is President this year). So, I also incorporated a few challenges in this card.

-On the swirl paper I used blue chalk ink and sponged over the pattern. Also Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress ink on the edges. On the brown paper, I used a script stamp, Martha Stewart clear butterfly, and also TH Tea Dye Distress ink on the edges.
-Cream organza ribbon overlaid with brown stitched ribbon binds the two patterned papers.

- The oval was cut with Nesties and sponged around the edge with TH Tea Dye, popped up with foam tape. The thank you verse and oval is by Inkadinkadoo "Expressions & Frames" clear set. I then added Copper Stickles, and brown & cream pearls to highlite.
-Copper Stickles and pearls also highlite the butterflies

-EK Success embossed border punch on the bottom echoes the stamped pattern on the oval.

Sharon
Oct.17/10

Challenges:

Allsorts Challenge #74 - Bingo Line Right Down - Pearls/Mist, Stickles/Ribbon

Little Red Wagon #50 - Use Something New, Something Old. Something new for me is the clear stamp set by Inkadinkadoo - "Expressions & Frames". Something old is the ribbon and copper stickles.

Cute Card Thursday #134 - What's Bugging You? - insect stamps.

Another HM "Carrot Mouse" card

2010-10-07T06:56:00.010-03:00

Double click to enlarge pic

A few weeks ago, I coloured six of these House Mouse images to have on hand. I put together this one on Monday but didn't upload right away as I wanted it to be a surprise to the person who received it. That's the bad thing about blogs - it's like a sneak peek for friends to see what you've been up to. LOL!

I haven't been feeling well lately and my cardmaking certainly shows it. You wouldn't believe how many have ended up in the "round filing bin" the last two weeks.....layers not straight, ink smudged, things just not working out!!! Probably you've noticed the layers aren't straight on this one either, but I didn't want to re-do for a third time. C'est la vie!

-Paper is from the Basic Grey "Eerie" 6x6 pad.
-layers and tag are Spellbinders
-The trick or treat stamp is by Studio G mini pack
-Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder
-Tim Holtz distressing ink- Marmalade & Black Soot
-EK Success curved embossing punch

Sharon
Oct.7/10

Challenge
Paper Playtime # 19 -"Buttons & Ribbons"
Pollycraft Monday Challenge #64 - "Anything Goes"

Woo Hoo! I've been Published in SNR!

2010-10-06T09:15:00.001-03:00

Woo Hoo! I just found out by email this morning that my House Mouse Pumpkin card will be published in the October 31st edition of Scrapbook News and Review, an on-line scrapbooking magazine. However, SNR also has sections for stamping and cardmaking, sketches, altered art, galleries, and community Forum.

I get regular email newsletters from SNR Card Universe Blog and lately they have been doing the daily Fall Tags. A week and a half ago, when I was checking out the first tag, I noticed a call for submissions for October. I have never done this before, so on a whim I decided to send them my pumpkin card. I figured I would never hear anything back because they would get so many entries......Boy, was I surprised when I got the email this morning!!!!

Now, I'm off to go and try to find all the places where my card might be seen and remove it as required by being published..........

Sharon
Oct. 6/2010

Cricut Pumpkin and House Mouse "Mouse Carrot"

2010-09-19T21:43:00.008-03:00

It's been a while since I've made a card so tonight I decided to play with a new House Mouse stamp "Mouse Carrot". The pumpkin card shape and layers were cut using my Cricut from Bazzill Bling and Basic Grey patterned papers. The image is coloured with Copic markers, and I used Tim Holtz Marmalade Distress Ink around the edge. It is cut with a circle Nestie, and layered on a scalloped circle Nestie popped up with foam dots. A bit of orange floss, rafia ribbon, and halloween ribbon tag completes the card.

Sharon
Sept.19/10

Challenges:

Paper Sundaes Challenge #36 - Fall Card

Delightful Challenges Pumpkins Everywhere

Paper Play Challenges Week #37 - All Shapes and Sizes

Spoonful of Sugar Challenge #121 -Fall Into Autumn Colours

Creative Card Crew Week Sept.14 - Autumn/Fall

Flower Soft card class at Fargo Cat Designs

2010-09-10T18:19:00.006-03:00

This afternoon I went to a Flower Soft card class taught by Deborah at her shop Fargo Cat Designs. My friend Marilyn and her SIL Sandra also attended.

We each made a very cute 3D pop-up christmas card. There are two designs in the kit featuring a girl and dog looking through the store window, and a boy holding a small child. The "snow" on the window is Flower Soft Polar White. The edging around the border of the card is Ultra Fine Silver Peel Offs. I thought this was much easier than the old way of using Krylon edging pens!

Here's is a close-up of the 3-D effect and the snow:

It was a fun afternoon! Now I can't wait to tackle other Flower Soft projects.

Sharon
Sept.10/10

Back to stamping and Penny Black challenge #117

2010-09-08T03:30:00.008-03:00

We are now home from the cottage after a wonderful summer, particularly last week with temps in the 30C to 33C range (high 90's for those of you who use fahrenheit). It was unseasonal weather for early September in Nova Scotia, but nice to have those final beach days for swimming. The ocean is very warm. Hurricane Earl blew through on Saturday resulting in five trees that crashed,luckily none near the cottage, although two did block the road in the lane. DH spent the day yesterday manning the chain saw in order to clear the road. The power was out from 2:00pm until 11:30 pm. Crazy me...I sort of like storms! Both DH and I curled up with books (we are reading the Steig Larsson series Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, Girl who Played with Fire and I'm on the last one-Girl who Stirred the Hornets Nest) while watching the huge waves on the beach, the rain slashing down and wind stirring the trees. After dark, we lit the kerosene lamps and candles. Supper was courtesy the barbeque!

Today I spent the morning unpacking, putting away groceries, and washing bedding, towels, etc. Already our dog Penny is bored being back at home in town and having to be tied up - no more swims and romps on the beach, Sigh! LOL.

OK, you're saying, enough with the rambling....on with the challenges!

The main Challenge is for Penny Black Saturday Challenge Week #117 using colours Brown, Cream and Purple, following the sketch by Mojo Monday #155which I turned sideways. The image is from the acrylic PB Allegro series of flowers, product #30-033. I coloured the hydrangea with SU markers, then "huffed" on the image before stamping creating a watercoloured effect. The verse is not PB. I also used Oval Nesties, Cuttlebug "Damask Frame" embossing folder on the right edge,a decorative corner punch, cream lace, ribbon, and pearls to complete the card. Patterned Papers are scraps, and layer is Bazzill burgundy, although it looks brown in the pic

Double click to enlarge pic

Sharon
Sept.8/10

Penny Black SaturdayWeek #117 - Colours Brown, Cream & Purple

Mojo Monday #155 - Sketch (turned sideways)

Shabby Tea Room Week #26 "Tag You're It"

Pile It On #35 Layers

Joy Fold Card - Revisiting old SU set "Garden Collage"

2010-08-27T13:21:00.013-03:00

I was going through my older stamps the other day and came across this SU set from 2005 called Garden Collage. I always liked the images and decided to use the bird one on a card for a friend who recently had surgery. Inside, the verse from the same set reads "Gently thinking of you".

While I had planned to do a "joy fold", I wondered where to go from there. The challenge this week on Crafty Creations is a recipe for 3 patterned papers, 2 ribbons, and 1 charm. So I incorporated the recipe into the joy fold card. I used tone-on-tone turquoise printed paper as an alternate colour because there is a bit of the same shade in the floral paper on the right side. Although the pattern is faint to see in my pic, it is sorted of an allover stitched type. I also used three embossing folders -Cuttlebug "Swiss Dots", Crafts Too "Daisies" and "Flower Swirls" (I think that is the name - the folder case is missing! Ooops!)

As it turned out, there is another blog challenge for the "recipe 3,2,1", so I'm entering my card in that as well.

-The image is coloured with Derwent water colour pencils
-The three patterned papers were scraps I had on hand
-The two ribbons are by SU - one is wrapped around a layer; the other I gathered into a ribbon flower centered with a prima and pearl
-The charm is a silver heart (or one item)

(double click to enlarge pic)

Sharon
Aug.27/10

Challenges

Crafty Creations #82 - Recipe - 3 papers, 2 ribbons or trim, 1 charm

Paper Take Weekly -Recipe Time, three of one thing, two of another, and one item.

Penny Black Betsy Bluebell

2010-08-22T14:38:00.019-03:00

Peter went to the cottage today, but it is rather coolish and fall feeling in the air. I decided to stay home and stamp, and really enjoyed getting back into the blog challenges.

I recently purchased the new Penny Black clear set "Betsy Bluebell", product #30-053. It has four cute images and six verses, so I followed the sketch for the PB Saturday challenge this week.

-The image is coloured with Copics, and cut out with the Petite Classic Oval Nesties, second largest in the set, popped up with foam tape.
-I created a flower oval layer using my Cricut Expression and Design Studio - "Lacy Labels" cartridge. It is the "Beautiful" base icon, third row down, #5 across on the keypad, set at 4" wide by 5" long.
-Paper is double-sided Imaginesce, so I used the dotted side for the two contrasting bars at the bottom.
-Lacy Border is a Martha Stewart punch. Primas with pearl centres and two buttons completes the sketch. Stickles glitter on the butterfly wings.

Sharon
Aug. 22/2010

Other Challenges

Let's Ink it up Challenge - Colour Yellow

Fun with Shapes and More Challenge #64

So Happy! Card published in Gallery

2010-08-19T00:55:00.003-03:00

I received an email tonight that one of my cards has been published on-line in the Penny Black gallery at PBStamps.com. My card is third row down, on the right.

I created this card back in April for two challenges - one being a sketch, and the other to use Gable Green, Green Galore, and Dusty Durango which was really hard because I would tend to think of these colours as sort of Christmasy, not spring or summer.

Woo, hoo ....I'm so happy!

Sharon
August. 18/10

"Haunting" - October 31st Cartridge

2010-08-18T13:32:00.012-03:00

I know it's early for Hallowe'en, but I just recently purchased the October 31st cart, and wanted to play with it. There are lots of cool halloween images on this cart - check here:

October 31st cartridge

First of all I cut a small circle with my Nestie dies and placed it on white cardstock (4" x 5-1/4") in the upper left corner as a template for the moon. Holding down the circle with your left hand and being careful not to move it around, sponge the whole area of the white cardstock with Brilliance black ink,including over the circle; however leave a bit uninked at the bottom for the grass. Removing the circle leaves an uninked area to then sponge in Brilliance Yellow and Orange creating the moon. Using a Q-tip, I dabbed it in Brilliance Moonlight White ink and created whispy clouds scudding past the moon. I also sponged Brilliance Green on the bottom to create grass.

I cut a headstone, cat and wrought iron fence from the October 31st cart. I sponged silver ink on the fence to give it a metallic look, and black around the edges of the headstone to add dimension. The headstone is propped up with pop-dots.

The tab at the top is a SU punch on which I stamped "a haunting we will go" (Studio G stamp). I also punched two tiny holes and threaded black gingham ribbon to make a faux bow. The bat is from a cuttlebug die.

I added faux stitching around the edge and used a Tim Holtz distressor thingy to sand the edges giving a worn look.

Yellow layer is Bazzill, and the black layer is "Origins" graph design by Basic Grey.

Sharon
Aug. 18/10

Entries:
Halloween card: http://darknessinspiration.blogspot.com/

Stampin' B's Challenge #71 - Make a Scene card

Scrappin Mommy is giving away a Cricut cartridge

2010-07-12T16:53:00.002-03:00

Scrappin Mommy is having a Summer Giveaway on July 19th on her blog of two Cricut cartridges. Click on the title of this post to go directly to her blog and see what you have to do to win!

Sharon
July 12/10

Friends

2010-07-07T09:37:00.005-03:00

When visiting my friend Marilyn last spring, I borrowed her stamp to stamp off a few of these images, and accompanying verse.

It is coloured with chalks, and distressed with Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Tea Dye.
Background paper is K & Co, and border a scrap of SU designer paper cut with a Martha Stewart border punch.

I gathered the crocheted ribbon with needle & thread to shape it around the chipboard "smile" oval.

Inside verse reads:

A friend like you
makes a friend
like me
really happy to have
a friend like you!

Sharon
July 7/10

Popsicle Lazy Days - Just Because Cartridge

2010-07-07T09:22:00.003-03:00

Last night I made a couple of these cards in different coloured popsicles.

Just Because Cartridge
-page 61, Popsicle, layer 1 feature, sized on Design Studio 2"wide by 3-1/2" long
-page 62, Lazy days word oval,stencil feature, Real Dial Size ON
-Stencil layer 1. The stencil layer cuts out the same size as the word oval, so I made it 1/4" larger on Design Studio.

I used a white gel pen to add a highlite on the popsicle and put a dab of Crystal Lacquer over the highlite. I also used my Copic pens to give depth to the right side of the popsicle and shadow on the stick.

The popsicle and oval is cut from Bazzill Bling paper, and the patterned paper is by Imaginesce "Summer Cool - Chocolate Double Dip. The dotted paper is the backside of the PP which I cut with an EK Success punch.

Inside the card, I used a little popsicle stamp by Snag'm Stamps, and verse by Hero Arts:
"sunshine, laughter,
SUNSHINE,
and hours to enjoy"

Sharon
June 7/10

Sympathy Card - Wild Card cartridge

2010-07-02T09:29:00.002-03:00

My friend's father passed away June 30th, so I made a card for her last night.

I used the Scallop card on Page 32 with Design Studio, cut 5" wide and 8-1/4" long, and the shift Frame feature (mauve layer). Then I cut a 5-1/4" x 4-3/8 purple layer and mounted the card on it. I forget the name of this type of fold as it doesn't open like a regular card.

The image is a clear stamp from Inkadinkadoo which I coloured directly on the acrylic with Stampin'Up! markers, then stamped on the cardstock giving a watercolour effect.

Inside the card is a verse by Fiskars:

Memories are the most beautiful
pictures our minds can paint,
and nothing can
ever erase them.

The butterfly is a Martha Stewart punch cut from Basic Grey and vellum, with pearl accents.

Sharon
July 2, 2010

Wedding Card - Stretch Your Imagination Cartridge

2010-06-29T22:49:00.005-03:00

When my daughter was home visiting the past weekend, she asked me to make her a wedding card for a friend whose wedding is in two weeks.

This card is cut from the Cricut Stretch Your Imagination cartridge, "Glasses" on page 73- with my Design Studio software. I really like using DS - I can now see how the design will look on the virtual mat before cutting and can size the layers without wasting paper. The thin silver frame is cut using the card frame feature on the same page.
The flowers are a cuttlebug die, and pearls for accents.
The verse is embossed with fine silver EP.
Cardstock is SU White Shimmer, and SU Silver
Patterned paper by EK Success called "I do"

Inside the card, I stamped in silver this verse which is an UM I got off Ebay -
"Love begins in a moment,
Grows through time,and
Lasts forever"

My husband was in the City today on business, so he delivered it to Julie at work. She was very pleased with it and showed it around to all the other dental assistants. I'm so glad she liked it!

Sharon
June 30/10

Two new cards

2010-06-19T11:53:00.005-03:00

I know I haven't posted in quite a long time - since before we left for Florida. I've been playing with my cricut and not stamping much. However, I did make a birthday card for a forum board friend the other night.

The image is a clear stamp from a set by Penny Black called "Piece of my Heart". It is coloured with Copics and I added some Stickles to decorate the cupcakes. I cut out the image and popped it up with foam dots on top of the white layer.

The other card is one I made using the flower medallion from Storeybook cartridge.

Sharon
June 19,2010

Cricut Challenge My Pink Stamper -Father's Day Card

2010-05-28T23:33:00.008-03:00

On My Pink Stamper blog, the challenge is to make a Father's Day Card. All the cards will be entered into a random drawing for a Cricut Expression.
I used the following cartridges:
Don Juan - Page 34, trees with shadow feature
Graphically Speaking - Page 49, the phrase Enjoy Life which I cut at 1", real dial size on.
Campout - Canoe, cut at 3/4", real dial size on
- Paddle, cut at 1/4", real dial size on.

The card size is 4-1/2"" x 6". I used Stampin'Up!Creamy Caramel for the main body, and scraps of Bazzill for the images. I don't know who makes the wood grained paper -I think I bought it at the Dollar Store? Other supplies used are antique brass eyelets and raffia ribbon; Tim Holtz Distress Ink Brushed Cordoroy all around the edges.

Inside is stamped, Happy Father's Day.

These Cricut cards take a different sort of "mind set" to make than stamped cards. LOL

Sharon
May 28/10

Woo Hoo! I made Top Five again!

2010-04-29T15:54:00.001-03:00

Woo Hoo! I made top five once again on the SP Colour Combos blog for my green mousie birthday card for Challenge #44.

Sharon
April 29/10

Penny Black Mouse Birthday Card

2010-04-25T19:40:00.008-03:00

On Wednesday night I started this card following the sketch on Friday Sketchers Challenge #99. I finished putting the card together this afternoon. Don't know if I've ever taken four days to do a card before! LOL

I'm also entering it into the colour challenge on SPCC Challenge #44 - Gable Green, Green Galore and Dusty Durango. It was hard to put these colours together! After looking through my stamps, I chose this House Mouse one from the Penny Black "Micey Day" set. It is coloured with Copic markers, and I applied Crystal Glaze to the spoon for dimension.

The green layer is run through the Crafts Too Embossing Folder "Daisies", the flourish is a die by Quickutz, label punch by SU, Nesties Plain and Scalloped Rectangles, and flowers. Machine plain and zigzag stitching around the layers.

Inside the card, the verse reads, "Have a micey nice day!"

Sharon
April 25/10

Cricut Card - Just Because

2010-04-17T16:24:00.012-03:00

This is a card I made last night with my Cricut - no stamping whatsoever! I'm still playing with how all the designs work in the cartridges. Thank God I have tons of card scraps so I can "play", or else I would be ruining lots of paper.

I haven't yet figured out how the designs come out. Sometimes, I set the dial for the size I want and they come out smaller. The "Real Size" thing has also got me stumped. Ah well, from reading the Cricut message board, I guess all us "newbies" go through the learning curve with this machine. My Pink Stamper blog has good tutorials and I've been picking up a few hints watching her videos.

The yellow verse, Just Because, and attached daisy flower are from the Don Juan cartridge- see page 74 of the booklet. I set the dial at 2-3/4", real dial size off. The blue shadow is set the same size, using the Shift, Shadow key. The edges of the verse are sponged with lime green chalk as they looked sort of bare on their own. For the flower, I cut a daisy(Shift key) in a different shade of yellow c/s, removed the stem and layered it on top of the original one to add more fullness. The smaller center is also a flower on this cartridge - see page 65. I also used the SU Bigz Top Note die for the yellow layer.The leafy branch is a punch from Martha Stewart. Green Gingham ribbon tiny bow.

Sharon
April 17/10

Challenge:
Cricutters Anonymous Blog Challenge #33 - spring card

Woo hoo! I won a prize on Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog Hop

2010-03-29T11:05:00.005-03:00

I noticed this morning that I won a prize from Carolyn on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog Hop. It was a random drawing and I won two new Bella stamps - Crafty Bug and Butterfly kisses.

Doing the happy dance.......!

Sharon
March 29, 2010