Happy New Year?

I'm sure the title of my post got your attention.  I know, I know, it's not even Christmas yet, let alone New Year.  But, it was my turn to do the Technique Junkies blog post today.  I made a New Year's card, so that's what the post is.  

I wanted to get a link on my blog so you could check it out if you are so inclined.  Just hop over to my TJ post HERE to check it out.  I put the full details of how I made it, stamps used, etc. on that post.  I also posted my coupon code for 10% off in the Technique Junkies store.  Let me know what you think in the comments while you are there, or here, if you like. 

We just finished the last of our Thanksgiving dinner leftovers, finally.  Today was the last of the mashed potatoes.  Don't get me wrong, I love turkey as much as the next person, but a week is about enough time to eat nothing but turkey, potatoes, yams, squash, turkey pot pie, turkey soup, turkey salad sandwiches, hot turkey sandwiches (well, pretty much anything turkey), I think.  Today it was meatloaf.  With leftover mashed potatoes.  Tomorrow we're going rogue and not having any leftover remnants of last week's feast!  

I am adding my card to these challenges today:

Allsorts Challenge - Inspired by a song (Auld Lang Syne)
Crafty Creations - Anything goes
House of Cards Challenge - Gold and pearls
Little Red Wagon - Leftovers (something left on your desk) - mine was pearls
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything goes
Watercooler Wednesday - All about the holidays

Thanks for visiting today.  I do enjoy when you stop by and your comments.

Blessings,

Grateful Pine Cones

Pine cones are everywhere this time of year.  They adorn wreaths, baskets, and swags; and of course, on trees and scattered on the ground.  Today, they are on my card.  I am using the Layered Pinecone clear stamp set from Impression-Obsession.  

I embossed two of the pine cone layers from the set in black onto Arteza watercolor paper.   I used a waterbrush to color the pine cones and background with distress ink, then added touches of the French Script stamp.  The rectangle panel of blue/green shimmer was painted on with Twinkling H20 paints from my stash from years ago.  They are a shimmery watercolor paint you just add water to and use as paint, only they shimmer in real life.

The word 'grateful' is from an old Impression-Obsession clear set WP22 Express Yourself, which has dozens of fabulous expressive words.  I embossed it onto a scrap panel, and attached it with foam tape for dimension.

A few spatters and some layering complete today's card. 

Now, for a couple of fun facts about pine cones that you may not know:
* Pine cones come only from pine trees.
* The main function of the pine cone is to keep the pine tree's seeds safe.
* Pine cones close their scales to protect the seeds from wind, cold, and animals who may try to eat them.
* Pine cones open up and release their seeds when it is warm and it is easier for the seed to germinate.
* Pine cones can stay on a tree for more than ten years before dropping to the ground.

Hope you enjoyed these piney facts, and my card today.  Next time you see a pine cone, let it remind you to be grateful for your many blessings.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I appreciate your visits and comments.

Blessings,
 

Singin' In The Rain!

It's raining outside...one of those dreary, dark, 'all-day rain' days.  But, the silver lining is....it isn't snow!  Although that is heading our way with a few inches on Wednesday!  
So, since it's dreary and damp outdoors, I decided to go with the rain theme for today's card....

STAMP:  Technique Junkies Puddle Jump
See  below for discount code for stamps, and a 50% deal on specific products through today!  Act fast.

On kraft card stock, I stamped the Puddle Jump image with black ink, then used Tim Holtz distress inks to sponge a soft halo of aged mahogany ink.  Although it really doesn't show in the picture, I also sponged some hickory smoke gray within the 'puddle.'   

This close-up shows the shine on the boots from Ranger's Glossy Accents.

That's it, just some simple layering, a fun background patterned paper, and a few colored pearls.  I added dimension by adding the layered panel onto the card with craft foam.

I am adding my card to these challenges:
Allsorts Challenge - Inspired by a song (Singing In The Rain)
CraftStamper Make It Take It Challenge - Anything goes
The Paper Players - Sketch
The Daily Marker 30 Day Color Challenge

You can get this stamp, and any other stamp or product in the Technique Junkies store for 10% off by using my code, TJ10Lynda when you check out.  
Be sure to stop by the Design Junkies blog for some holiday inspiration.  AND, today is the last day to take advantage of this fabulous Cyber Monday deal, 50% off, on Nuvo Paste, Mousse, and Gilding Flakes. 

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season.  I do love it, and have my house all decorated, with Christmas music playing, and candles lit.  Christmas shopping has begun, and cards are in the making. 


 Thanks for stopping by today.  I appreciate your visits and comments.

Blessings,
 

Thanks Bouquet With Alcohol Inks Frame

I took a few days off from blogging and computers to prep for Thanksgiving and Christmas decorating.  I'm back with a final for the season, I think, fall card.

 Stamps:  Impression-Obsession Autumn Bouquet
               IO Die Greetings Top Edge Die234-M
               IO Die Die002-Z Square Shaker Frame Die 

For the main image panel, I stamped the Autumn Bouquet image onto white card stock, and colored with Polychromos colored pencils.  I used distress inks to soften the background with pale green ink.

For the frame and the verse die cuts, I added alcohol inks in fall colors onto glossy card stock.  When dry, I ran the Greetings Top Edgers die and the Square Shaker Frame Die through my Cuttlebug.  I added the verse to the bottom of the A2 green card, and the image in the frame to the top half with foam tape for dimension .  Some green pearls (actually white pearls colored with a green Copic marker) finish off the card today. 

I am adding my card to these challenges:
Crafty Creations - Anything goes
Dies R Us Challenge - Giving thanks
Dragonfly Journeys - Thanks and giving
Impression-Obsession - Autumn colors
Sunday Stamps - Sketch
The Daily Marker 30 Day Color Challenge 


I hope those in the US enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving day with family and/or friends.

Blessings,

Beauty Surround US Notepad Cover

It's 'More Inspiration' time on the Penny Black Saturday Challenge blog  today.  The theme is 'anything goes,' with optional 'anything but a card' theme.  Hop on over to check out the design team's inspiration.  I decided to make a notepad cover for my project....

For the flower, I used an old Penny Black sunflower stamp from my stash.  I embossed it in black onto natural linen card stock.  

For coloring, I used Arteza Real Brush Markers. 
I used the   Arteza Waterbrushes for blending and moving the colors.  For the distressed edges, I used distress inks with a sponge applicator.  

I layered the panel onto a black textured card stock panel, then onto a green textured card stock panel the size of the front of the notepad. 

I scored the panel along the top, where the bound part of the notepad is, so that it can open and close easily.  I used strong tape to attach the cover to the top, bound part of the notepad. I added a bit of black and white gingham ribbon along the top by the binding.

The verse (another older Penny Black stamp), some black jewels and a touch of glitter add the finishing touches to my project today.  
These make quick, easy gifts.  I think I may re-purpose some of my cards and use some of my colored pieces to make a few for Christmas gifts.  They make a nice add-on, or stocking stuffers.  Also, a great idea for the hard-working staff at church.  Add a covered matching pencil, or pen, and Voila!  

There you have it...A 'noteworthy' gift.  Sorry....had to do it!

I am adding my project to these challenges today....

Penny Black At Allsorts - Make somebody smile 
Crafty Creations - Anything goes
Craft Stop Make It Take It - Anything goes
Tuesday Throwdown - Playing dress-up
The Daily Marker 30 Day Color Challenge

Thanks so much for stopping in at my blog today.  I appreciate your visits and comments.  

Blessings,

Carved Relief Christmas Cards

I'm stopping in with a link to my Technique Junkies blog post today.     I have two cards using the November release stamp Carved Relief.

For this card,  started with white card stock, and red embossed the Carved Relief stamp.  For this next card, I white embossed it onto vellum.

I added both pieces to red card stock, and added sentiments.  Full details of the stamps I used, and my card process are on the blog post HERE.

  Check it out, and grab my code, TJ10Lynda, for 10% off your next order at the   Technique Junkies  store.  

Thanks for stopping by.  I appreciate your visit and your comments.  

Blessings,

 

Spotted Deer Frame

Today's card features Impession-Obsession's Spotted Deer Frame Die.

I love this Impession-Obsession die.  I cut the Spotted Deer Frame Die from black sparkly card stock, and added it to a background I had created.  For the background, I used real leaves on watercolor paper.  I sprayed with Adirondack ColorWash sprays.  I repeated until I had several layers of leaves.  I also turned some of the leaves over and stamped the veins.
The Thankful word is from an old IO's clear set Fall words.

I wish you could see the sparkle on the black die cut.  It really stands out nicely on this vibrant background.  I used a scrap of the background paper for the word, stamped it in black, and foam taped it to the card front.

We have deer on the river trail that goes through the woods and down to the river boardwalk.  I love when they are close by in the woods when we walk, and they just stand and look at us.  They are so regal and beautiful.  I don't like, however, when they make their way up to our houses and eat our garden plants!

Here is a second card with this Spotted Deer Frame Die ,this time cut from a background I had created on glossy card stock by sponging distress inks across it, then spritzing with water.  I used the same black sparkly card stock for my background on this card, and the same verse.

And close up - this one shows the sparkle better....

That's it for today.  I just have to get in some more fall cards.  Especially now that most of our leaves have left the trees and snow is on the ground!

Blessings,

Merry & Bright

This is it, the final day of the 30 Days of Christmas at Technique Junkies.  Be sure to check out Cheri's post on the Technique Junkies blog today. 

I decided to go with non-traditional Christmas colors for this final of my Fir Forest cards.

 TECHNIQUE JUNKIES STAMPS:  Fir Forest
                                              Carved Relief 
                           Christmas Ornament Trio (verse)

I stamped the  Carved Relief onto white card stock, and brushed with distress ink.  On another card stock scrap, I stamped a portion of the Fir Forest with the same blue, then stamped off and stamped it again for trees in the background.  Some layering and sequins finish it off.

Remember, all Christmas stamps are 20% off through today. HERE are all the stamps that are on sale.  

Use my code, TJ10Lynda, to get an additional 10% off - for a total of 30% off Christmas stamps through today!

I am adding my card to The Daily Marker 30 Day Coloring Challenge.

I hope you were inspired by my card.  See you back soon with more inspiration.  Thanks so much for stopping by.

Blessings,