Technique Tuesday - Distressed Stripes

I was really excited when I saw this technique on the Gina K Designs website.  Gina Krupski, who developed the technique, calls it Distressed Stripes.  Here's a link to her blog, which contains full directions, card samples, and a terrific video on how to do this technique:  http://stamptv.ning.com/video/distressed-stripes . 

The technique is easy, and fun to do.  You start with a piece of white card stock.  Tape it to a grid - I used a square cutting mat that has 1/4" lines marked over the entire surface, vertically and horizontally.  Start by using an index card or scrap piece of card stock, and mask off all but 1/4" of the white card stock.  Using a piece of Cut n' Dry, apply the first of two colors to the 1/4" strip.  Move the index card down another 1/4", and apply the second color, making sure to blend into the first color.  Move the index card down another 1/4" and apply the first color again, being sure to blend into the previous stripe.  Continue on in this manner, alternating between the two colors, until the entire card is covered. 
Next, I used my Martha Stewart score board to score embossed lines between each stripe.  Then, using a sponge dauber,  sponge a third (darker) color on the raised areas.  This will form a distinction between the stripes.  I like to use Walnut Stain distress ink for this step.
That's it...you will have a very unique background.  It will make much more sense when you watch the video, I promise.

These are my cards using the Distressed Stripes technique (background):

 On the video, Gina uses distress inks.  On this first card, I used three distress inks; Brushed Corduroy, Frayed Burlap, and Walnut Stain.  I started with the lightest, Frayed Burlap.  Next, I used Brushed Corduroy, and alternated these two colors every 1/2" (instead of the 1/4" inch in the video).  Finally, I finished with Walnut Stain on the raised areas.
I stamped the leaves border on an ivory panel (which I sponged with distress ink), colored the ferns with a green marker.  I also stamped it on brown, green, and kraft card stock, and cut out several leaves.  I foam-taped the green leaves over the leaves on the panel, and adhered the others over the background area.  I applied the leaf border to a green panel, distressed the edges, added the verse.  I tied twine around the panel, and added a clip.

On the next card, I used yellow and red inks, which gave wonderful shades of orange.  I used Walnut Stain distress ink for the raised areas.  I used the 1/4" measurements as in the video this time.  The leaves on the focus panel were made by the direct to paper technique (which was covered a couple of posts ago).  The panel on the right was stamped with VersaMark ink.

On this last card, I used a border punch (EK Success) and punched a border along a scrap piece of card stock.  I used this border, moving it 1/2 inch between each color.  I used yellow and rust, and added a third color, green.  I also added burgundy dots along the waves the punch border made.  I distressed the panel the leaf motif is on, adhered to another burgundy panel, and added it to the card with foam tape.  I did the same the the smaller verse panel.  The green panel on the right was stamped with VersaMark ink.

I hope you'll give this technique a try - I think you will find it to be a lot of fun.  I experimented with several variations.  I'd love to see some of the ideas you come up with!!

Lastly, I have one more background finished, but haven't made a card from it yet.  It's getting late, and I need to get the post up, so I'll just show you the piece.  I used blue and yellow inks, which blended to shades of green.  I then turned the card vertically and made stripes in the opposite direction. 

That's it for tonight.  I had a long day at work today, and another long one coming tomorrow, so I'm off to bed now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Peace and blessings,

lynda

Regal Christmas Card

If you are here for the Technique Tuesday post, please scroll down to the previous posting. 
I had the day off today, and did a little work around the house, caught up on paperwork, and made some cards.  This is a card I made for a couple of challenges:
Colour Create Challenge Blog http://colourcreatechallenge.blogspot.com/
   Use red, gold, and white or cream.  I chose cream.
and
The House That Stamps Built Wednesday Challenge http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/sketch-challenges/what-if-wednesday-sketch-challenge-s810/
   Sketch challenge - Christmas or oriental is the optional extra  -  This is the sketch:

I like the sketch, and love the color combination called for, and knew right away which stamps I was going to use.  I have this clear set from Printworks, and it is so regal, that I thought it would be perfect for these colors.
Here's the card:

On a personal note, thank you to everyone for all your notes, calls, and emails about my beloved Lissie.  She was a precious, loving kitty, and will be missed by us, and by our dear friends.

Enjoy this lovely, crazy New York weather!!!!

Blessings and peace,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - The Little Details That Make The Card

It is with a heavy heart that I post this blog tonight.  My little kitty, Lissie, is gone.  She died in her sleep this morning.  She has been a faithful companion and friend for 16 years.  Two years ago, we had to give Lissie, and our other cat, Margo, to our friends in New Hampshire.  Our granddaughter, Keeley, developed asthma, and the cat's fur triggered asthma attacks in her.  It broke our hearts then to have to let them go, but we knew they were in good hands.  Ann and Leo loved them both, and cared for them and grew very attached to them, as were we.  I have missed them both terribly, but felt comfortable that they were being loved and pampered.  Ann's news this morning was devastating.  But she did say that Lissie was fine, albeit a little slow lately, but that she had finished her morning routine of rubbing up against Ann and Leo until they fed her, then bathed and curled up for her morning nap, from which she never woke.  I'm thankful she was spared pain and sickness.  She was 18!  I pray Margo will not miss her too drastically, and will continue on in good health.  She is 16 now.

Today's post is inspired by Lissie.  I chose Penny Black's halloween kitty to make one of my cards, in her honor.  I am entering this card in Our Creative Corner Challenge http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.com/ , which is a sketch challenge.  Click the link to visit their blog and check out the sketch, and play along if you like.

There are many little details I put into my cards, and I'm often asked how to do particular details.  I will walk you through the ones I used in these cards:

*Distressing is something I almost always do.  Notice the black along the outside of the card, along the mauve panel,  and green panel.  To get the distressed look, I use a piece of Cut n' Dry (or you can use a makeup wedge or sponge), dab it in my stamp pad, then drag it along the edge I want to distress.  If I want the distressing (ink color) to go further into the area, I simply drag it in with the Cut n' Dry.  I also lightly sponged some purple into the image from the edge with a clean piece of Cut n' Dry.
*Notice the texture of the purple paper.  Using textured paper, or putting your paper or cardstock through a template to texturize it, adds interest to the finished card.
*I used stamps instead of patterned paper - making my own backgrounds.  The swirl background on the mauve panel, and the Boo and Trick or Treat and spiders on the lime panel, were stamped.
*To keep this card playful, I chose rick rack instead of ribbon.  I simply wrapped it around and tied a knot along the edge.
*I used my Tombow markers and Dove blender to color the image.
*The touches of glitter bring some personality to the image.  I use a glue pen, applying it wherever I want glitter, then spoon the glitter on, and shake it off. 

*I get comments all the time on my buttons.  I chose buttons for this card, again, to keep it playful.  My rule of thumb is to always thread my buttons.  It looks more finished.  My secret?  I used my paper trimmer to slice off thin strips of card stock, then put them through the button holes and secure on the back!  That way, I don't have to look around for matching thread or floss.  Sometimes, I like to use floss and knot it at the top, however.

This card is actually a card I had done a couple of years ago, and when I pulled it out, I added some elements to jazz it up a bit.
*I distresed the edges with blue ink, sponging softly and fading towards the center.  This gave the card a cooler look.
* I used border stamps to create the background, repeating them to create a pattern.
* Added glitter with the glue pen, and around the window.
* Added crystals - crystals and pearls add dimension, and sparkle to your cards.
* A window opening, made with a square punch inserted from the top, adds an interesting element to this card.  I used the punched piece (layered it first) as another element. It looks as though it is falling away from the opening.
* Foam mounting tape - I love my foam mounting tape...I use it lots!  The punched snowflake panel, and the verse panel at the bottom are raised up with foam tape.  It adds depth and dimension to the card, creating interest and drawing attention.
* The snowman image is stamped, then cut out and applied ot blue background.

The next view shows the card when opened.

I thank my sweet little kitty, Lissie, for her inspiration, for her loving devotion, and for being a constant in m life.  She was always there, ready to cuddle or just be near.  To listen to my problems, to share my joys.  I feel privileged to have had her own me!  May she rest in peace.

Blessings and peace,

lynda

Wise Owl Santa Card

Want to post this card before heading off to bed early tonight....long day tomorrow.  I made this card for these challenges:
BASIC GREY 
http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/2010/09/challenge-29-sketch-by-tara-g.html 
   Sketch challenge 

PENNY BLACK AT ALLSORTS
http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/ 
   Use a punch/punches on your card.

MOXIE FAB WORLD
http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2010/09/holiday-cards-more-week-jolly-holiday.html
Holiday cards

AND, here's the card:

Isn't this little guy just the cutest?!  I decided to add a few feathers for fun.  I colored him with Marvy LePlume markers and Dove blender.  Basic Grey papers.

That's it for tonight.  Stop back Tuesday for Technique Tuesday!

lynda

Holiday Challenge Card

I had some fun time this afternoon, and made this card for some challenges:
PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
   Sketch challenge

PENNY BLACK AT ALLSORTS SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE 
 http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
   Use some punching in your work

ALLSORTS CHALLENGE
http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
   Use at least three punches (I used SIX)

MOXIE FAB WORLD
http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2010/09/holiday-cards-more-week-jolly-holiday.html 
   Jolly Holly Greetings Challenge  - holiday cards

FOR FUN CHALLENGES
http://forfunchallenges.blogspot.com/ 
   Glitter, glitter, glitz! 

OK....now for the card (please click on it to see the details and glitter - didn't photograph well and glitter is not showing up in pic)

The stamp is Penny Black, of course (4098K Gift of Giving)
Papers are Scenic Route Paper Company
Various punches (circle, scalloped oval, two corner rounders, EK Success border, snowflake corner)
I colored the image with Tombow markers and a Dove Blender.  Added glitter with glue pen and ultra fine crystal glitter.  Embossed snowflakes on circle punches with winter wonderland embossing powder (white with silver sparkle in it).

Hope you enjoyed your weekend...it was lovely here!

Blessings and peace,

lynda

Basic Grey Paper Piecing Challenge

Another quick post before running out the door again.  I'm submitting this to the Basic Grey paper piecing challenge here http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/2010/09/challenge-28-paper-piecing.html .  I am also entering it in the design team call.  It calls for paper piecing on your card, and gives a little information about what that means.  Here's my card for the challenge:

I used all Basic Grey papers, and Hero Arts stamps.  I stamped the holiday script on the bottom layer, the stamped the tree on three different papers, and the poinsettia on two different papers.  I cut out each section, then pieced together the tree, and added the poinsettia.  I distressed the edges before adding to the card.  Martha Stewart punch, and some scrap ribbon I had.  For the ribbon, I simply formed two "loops," by folding a three inch or so piece in half, then secured it to the card with glue dots, then added another.  Finally, I added the ribbon "tails," and gave the a little dimension by scrunching them up a bit with a glue dot.  Place the flowers over it with foam tape, and that's it.

I'm off now to run some errands.  Worked this morning and actually got out early today, now errands, then home to stamp, stamp, stamp, and perhaps scrap!  Can't wait.

Enjoy!

lynda

"Sparkle" challenge card

Just a quick post tonight for a challenge over on Our Daily Bread http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/ , where the challenge is to make your card sparkle.  I also entered it in the Card Patterns Sketch 81 challenge http://www.cardpatterns.blogspot.com/ .  As you can see, I took some liberties with the sketch, but basically kept to the design.  Substituted snowflakes for the circles, and a different shape die for the verse.
Stop by these blogs to see some really creative and lovely cards for these challenges.  I'm anxious to order some more Our Daily Bread stamps....just love them!

  I chose to use this lovely Basic Grey paper, with glitter glue and crystals and pearls.  I highlighted the snowflakes on the background paper with the Stardust gel pen (clear).

Yes, He does make everything beautiful in its time....even snow.

Blessings,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Direct To Paper With ColorBox Inks

I learned this technique many years ago at a retailer's trade show in Boston, from Natalie of Magenta Rubber Stamp company.  It has remained one of my very favorite background techniques.  It always looks so elegant, and never comes out the same twice!
I made this set of note cards to show this Direct To Paper technique.  I will attempt to give directions, as I could not find a YouTube video, or even a picture tutorial on it, but I will walk you through it.  Some day I will learn how to do videos on YouTube!!  Anyways, here are the cards:

All four cards were made with the DTP technique.  Here's how it is done:

• Start with a piece of card stock cut to the size you want for your finished project.  The card stock can be any color. 
• Using ColorBox Cat's Eye ink pads, or the PetalPoint sections, choose three or four colors.  I use two or three of a color family.  In these cards, I started with a shade of green, then added a darker green, then a rust, then finally a burgundy.
• Rub your first color directly onto the cardstock (hence the name direct to paper).  Add the color intermittently on the card stock, not filling it all in.  Leave some open areas.
• Rub your second color in some of the open areas, then your third/fourth colors in any open areas.
• To soften and blend the colors, rub with a tissue after your colors are applied.  
• If it is still too rigid, I usually take my lightest color, and rub it over the whole piece, then rub it out with tissue.  This will soften the piece.
• On these cards, I stamped images with black die ink right onto the background.  Then I highlighted areas of the images with white colored pencil.  I use Berol Prismacolor pencils, as they have a nice soft lead.  Just add white along some edges and areas you want to highlight.  Finally, I stamped some elements with gold ColorBox ink.

Here are the cards individually (to see closer, click on each image)

And here's a close up of one of them that shows the detail:

I am entering these cards in the Hero Arts Blog challenge http://heroarts.com/blogs/club/ this month,  which is anything Autumn.  I used some of Hero's leaves, trees, and fall looking stamps, and chose rich fall colors.
I am also entering them in the Cuttlebug challenge http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/2010/09/desing-team-open-call.html , which was to emboss.  I love the Cuttlebug embossing folders, which is what I used along the edge of each card.  It adds just enough interest, without taking away from the image.  If you click on the images, you can see the embossing more clearly.  It really shows up much better person.

I hope you will try this technique.  The look is rich and elegant, and with a little practice you will be making some really pretty backgrounds.

Enjoy your week!

Blessings and peace,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Make a gift bag from an envelope!

I am borrowing this technique from the Hero Arts blog.  Lisa Spangler made these adorable little gift bags for the Hero blog, using envelopes!  Here is a link to the article, complete with pictures, directions, and even a terrific video:  http://heroarts.com/learning/technique.cfm?techID=173 . 

Aren't these just the cutest!  Imagine all the fun occasions you can make these little bags for!  I'm sure going to make a couple for two or three special goblins this halloween, and then, there's Christmas.  What a fun way to give a little treat to a special teacher perhaps, or co-worker.  I think they would also make a perfect wrapping for a gift card, don't you?
Well, it's late, and I have a very full and busy day at work tomorrow, so I'm keeping this post short an sweet. 
Blessings and peace,
lynda
 

A Great Weekend For Stamping and Scrapping!

The weather has finally given us a break from the heat here in the North East US.  I, for one, am really enjoying the cooler temperatures.  It was cloudy yesterday, and today, but much cooler and breezy.  It rained a little yesterday, so I took advantage of the weekend day and did some "homey" things.  Chopped and froze some peppers, squash, onions, and tomatoes we bought at the farmers market, then I headed to my craft room.  Here's a card I made, with a listing below for the challenges I created it for:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ , where you had to use purple, cream, and brown;
Our Daily Bread http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/ , where we had to use buttons, brads, or eyelets;
Penny Black At Allsorts http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/ , which was to use punches on your card;
and
Card Patterns http://www.cardpatterns.blogspot.com/ , which was a sketch challenge, and here's the sketch: 

I enjoy sketch challenges, color challenges, inspiration challenges, well, pretty much all kinds of challenges.  If you like to make cards, or scrapbook pages, also, and haven't entered any challenges, I hope you will give them a try.  There are so many out there.  To enter, you usually post your picture of your card onto your blog, if you have one.  If you do not have a blog, you can join any of the free web sites, such as:
Two Peas In A Bucket http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/,
Coast Stampers http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/,
Treasured Scrapbooking http://www.treasuredscrapbooking.com/ , and Simply Scrapping Crafts http://simplyscrapping.ning.com/. 
I've included links for you to make it easy to find these sites.  They're free to join, and each of these sites has fabulous forums, galleries of cards and scrapbook pages, challenges, and fun stuff going on!  Once you join, you can download your pictures of your projects on the site.  Then, to enter a challenge, you simply click on the link in the challenge blog, and link your card from wherever you have it in a gallery.

Here's a quick run-down on the types of challenges you may find.
COLOR CHALLENGE - These usually post two or three or more color swatches for you to use in your card.
SKETCH CHALLENGE - Just as the name implies, you are given a sketch to follow.  It is not necessary to follow the sketch exactly, just as long as it is recognizable.  For example, in the Card Patterns sketch above, I pretty much followed the sketch, but I added the ribbon.  You can also "flip" the sketch, or change around the arrangement to please yourself. 
SPECIFIC CHALLENGES - The challenge blog will ask you to do specific things, such as use lace somewhere on the card, or uuse paper piecing, or letters and/or numbers, or embossing powder.
THEME CHALLENGE - Themes may include seasons, such as the Everything Autumn challenge going on now at the Hero Arts blog, Shine/Sparkle, New beginnings, Clean & Simple.

Here's a link to The Daily Dare, which lists several dozen blogs that issue challenges, and links to them: http://dailydare4u.blogspot.com/ .

Hope that helps and you'll try a challenge or two.  Some even give prizes!!
Enjoy your holiday weekend.

Blessings and peace,

lynda

Sewing in the paper craft room!

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about stitching on your cards.  Today, I'm doing some sewing on my cards, using (drumroll) the sewing machine!  Mind you, my sewing machine had a bit of dust on it, as my sewing days have long taken a back seat to my paper crafting.
But I love the look of all the stitching I've seen on cards, and when I went to make a card for a quilter friend, and had paper that looked like quilt blocks, well, it just screamed to be stitched.  So, I blew off the dust, sneezed, and proceeded to sew on the card I made her.  Of course, I loved it, and couldn't stop.
I sewed on the card I made for my daughter, Faith (previous post), and on another card in a previous post. I have posted two or three times since the last Technique Tuesday, so if you'd like to check them out, just scroll down.
OK, now on to some cards for today:

The papers on this card are from Basic Grey, and the stamps are Hero Arts.  The punch is EK Success.  I stitched around the patterned paper panel, then along the border of the light brown and pink.  To stitch on card stock, practice a little with your machine's tension until you get the right setting.  I usually stitch on the panels, then attach them to the card, so the stitching doesn't show on the inside.  I like the look of the stitching, especially with distressing.  I used pink thread to keep it soft and pretty.   You can change your thread to go with any of the colors of your papers. I usually only change the top thread, because the bottom (bobbin) thread won't show (little lazy secret of mine).  Wink, wink.  I won't tell if you don't!

I used a zig-zag stitch on the larger panel of this card and a straight stitch on the smaller panel.  It's fun to vary the stitch sizes and structure to fit your card's personality and feel.
TIP:  Be sure to let the card go through the presser foot at it's own pace.  I found that if I'm in a hurry and pull the card slightly, the thread will break, as it's being stretched when you pull.
I don't remember the manufacturer of these stamps.  They are images I had stamped a couple of years ago.  I borrowed the stamps when I was at a stamping crop and stamped some images to use "later."  Just dug them up and colored them for this card.

I hand-stitched the vellum "pocket onto this card.  I wanted to make the bookmark a part of the card, and love to use vellum. I thought it might make a nice pocket holder, so pulled out some embroidery floss and commenced sewing.

Finally, on the halloween card below, I cheated and "faux stitched."  Yep, that's just plain ole fine tipped marker stitches along the border panel.  I used some straw mesh "paper" I had to give this card a fun texture. The bats are from a halloween punch.  I also stitched around one of the tags.  I don't know if you can see it (click on card to enlarge and you may be able to see), but I used  a piece of velvet paper for the black tag, and ironed it over a Trick or Treat stamp.  More on that technique in another post.

I'm really feeling all Martha Stewart-y today.  I've been sewing (even if only on cards), and I made a big batch of sausage and peppers and a batch of Texas Cavier for Faith's baby shower on Thursday.  Her friends are giving her a shower for the baby, so I'm off to Buffalo again.  Twice in a week!
Here are a couple of pics of Keeley from the festival on Sunday:

 Just had to show you Keeley's butterfly face that she got at the Elmwood Festival on Sunday. She really loves to get her face painted!  Notice the space where her two front teeth used to be?  lol.
That's it for tonight.  Be sure to stop back soon, as I just received a VERY generous package of brand new holiday stamps from Penny Black for Design Team work.  I'm just itching to get at them and make some cards. so I wouldn't be surprised if I post a few before next week's Technique Tuesday.  Thank you so much PB!!
Enjoy these last hot days.  As for me, I'm very anxiously waiting for fall! I just want to be able to breath again!
Blessings and peace,

lynda

Special Card For A Special Daughter

I finished my daughter's card.  It had to be special, as we're going to celebrate her "anniversary" tomorrow.  Not her wedding anniversary, but the anniversary of the day she came to us as a tiny baby, from Korea!  That was 26 years ago.  We celebrate her arrival date, August 30th, every year. 
Here's the card I made her:

I just love these little Penny Black critters.  I am entering this card in the following challenges:

BASIC GREY CHALLENGE http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/ .   Use fabric somewhere on your project.  I used a fabric ruffle around the image, which I made from a strip of fabric that I ran a stitch along and pulled to form ruffles, then attached with glue dots. 

PENNY BLACK SATURDAY CHALLENGE http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ - The theme of this week's challenge is SUMMER LOVIN'.  I think these little critters blowing bubbles fits the bill.

and

PENNY BLACK AT ALLSORTS http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/ .  The challenge theme is GLITTER AND GLITZ.  I used glitter around the image, crystals, pearls, and if you enlarge the card you may see the glimmer on the bubbles.  This card is entered in their Design Team call.

Well, that's it for today.  I can't wait to give Faith her card.  We're looking forward to spending the day with her, Keeley, and Dan at the Elmwood Festival.  

Blessings and peace,

lynda

 

Saturday Stamping

Just a quick post this morning to show you a couple of cards I made last week, but didn't want to post them until thier recipients received them. Didn't want to ruin it for them. Now that they have the cards in their hot little hands, I can post them.
The one on the left is made with paper from DCWV's Linen Closet Collection, which I am absolutely crazy about.  The border on the bottom was made with a brass stencil in my Cuttlebug (see previous Technique Tuesday post for details).  I used my sewing machine (hey, I have to use it for something, don't I) to stitch the panel to the card, then to stitch around the quilt hexagons.  The card is for a quilting friend, so this paper worked out beautifully!
The card on the right, of course, is a sympathy card.  I love the soft blues and greens for such an occasion.
It's a GLORIOUS day today!  The sun is shining, it's warm, but not too warm, and there's a nice breeze.
Tomorrow we're off to Buffalo to celebrate my daughter, Faith's, arrival to us from Korea back in 1984!!  She continues to bring us much joy, along with her husband, Dan, and their daughter, our granddaughter, Keeley Ryan (and soon-to-be Kennedy Grace)!  We're so proud of all Faith has accomplished, and of the mommy and wife that she is, and the fine young woman she has become. 
Now I'm off to make a very special card to celebrate this very special occasion! 
Blessings and peace to you!

lynda

Birds of Seasons Challenge Card

Just a quick note tonight to post my second entry for the Stampin In Time On Assignment Challenge - Birds Of Seasons over on Our Daily Bread Designs Blog http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/ . You really have to hop on over there to check out all the awesome Design Team cards and stamper's entries!  The talent is just amazing.
I'm really loving the stamps from this company. The image stamps are detailed and gorgeoous, and the scripture stamps are plentiful, with various fonts and styles.  And for the many of you who have been asking me about my bows, they sell the Bow Easy, which is what I use.  I posted in a previous blog entry the link for directions on using the Bow Easy, so be sure to scroll down to check it out if you haven't seen it.

So, here's the card:

The background paper is Basic Grey from their Porcelain Collection.  I distressed the edges of the background paper, and the die cut, with ink.  Lace is from Hobby Lobby, and flower from Michael's.  Three pearls finish off and help balance the design.
That's it for tonight.  Work tomorrow so I need my beauty sleep!
Blessings and peace,
lynda

Technique Tuesday - Brass Stencil embossing made EASY!

Brass embossing templates come in so many different designs.  I probably have as many of them as I have rubber stamps!  I love the look of an embossed, raised image, and really enjoy making cards with these templates.
It used to take a light box, stylus, and a bit of time to emboss a design with a template.  Thanks to the Cuttlebug,  my light box is a thing of the past!  I have been experimenting with embossing with my Cuttlebug, and am pleased to say that I have had success!  Here are some cards I made using the Cuttlebug to emboss my templates:

For this card, I embossed the flowers and leaves, then cut them out, leaving a scant edge beyond the embossed outside edge.  Then I sponged distress ink lightly on the shape, highlighting the embossed areas.  I used foam mounting tape to attach them to my card. ( I entered this card in the Colour Create challenge http://colourcreatechallenge.blogspot.com/ - had to use duck egg blue, ivory and one other color).
The thing I really love about using my Cuttlebug with my embossing templates is that I can now emboss dark colored card stock, which was very difficult to do before.
I have two more cards using brass stencils, but first I wanted to give you the directions for how to do it.  The other two cards are pictured below the directions.

Here's the "recipe" or "sandwich" for using brass stencils to emboss with  your Cuttlebug"

Make a "sandwich" using:
        Plate A
        Plate B
        Brass Stencil
        Card Stock (I used four sheets, but experiment to see how much your bug needs)
        Spellbinders Tan Embossing Mat
        3 to 4 sheets of Card Stock (cut the same size as the embossing mat)
        Plate B                                                                                                         
Put the "sandwich" through your Cuttlebug, then bring it through again.  I put mine through three times, just to be sure it got embossed fully.  CAUTION:  Do not force the sandwich through if it wants to get stuck, it will break your machine.  Just remove a piece of card stock, and try it with fewer, until it goes through.  It will be tight, but shouldn't be forced.

This next card uses one of my favorite brass stencils from Dreamweavers.  I love this iris:

I "embossed" it using the recipe above in my Cuttlebug. When I took the card stock and stencil out of the Cuttlebug, I left the stencil on the card stock (it was already embossed).  Then, I used ColorBox pigment inks to color the flower.  To do this, simply tear off bits of a makeup wedge, and clip the torn bit into an alligator clip. Be sure to round the edge so you have a smooth piece of the sponge to work with.  Simply dip the sponge end of the clip into the ColorBox ink pad, then apply gently over the openings in the stencil.  When you remove the stencil, VOILA!  There is your finished and beautifully colored flower!

This next card was done the same, only instead of using ColorBox inks, I used pastel chalks with my sponged alligator clip.  I sprayed a fine mist of hair spray over the chalked image to seal the chalk and keep it from rubbing off.
So, if you have lots of brass stencils or templates around, and own a Cuttlebug, give this a try.  You'll discover, as I have, that using brass stencils is fun again!  By the way, I understand that you can also do this with the Sizzix machine.  I do not have a Sizzix, so I don't know the order, but I'm sure if you experiment, you'll figure it out.

Enjoy!


Blessings and peace,


lynda

Trick or Treat Halloween Card

I felt like playing with my halloween stamps tonight, and made a halloween card for a couple of challenges.
OUR CREATIVE CORNER challenge http://ourcreativecorner6.blogspot.com/  was to use this sketch:

Here's the card I made with the sketch:

I'm also entering this in the PENNY BLACK AT ALLSORTS CHALLENGE http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/ , which is Glitter and Glitz!   Penny Black at Allsorts also has a Design Team call going on now, so be sure to hop on over and check it out.  I'm going to submit this for the DT call, and will make a couple more this week to submit.

That's it for tonight.  Tomorrow (actually today, as it's already past midnight) I will post the Technique Tuesday blog posting.  See you then.

Blessings,

lynda

My stamping weekend - Day One - Two challenge cards!

Just a quick post tonight.  I wanted to post two cards I made today for a couple of challenges I'm participating in.  

This first card is for the OUR DAILY BREAD challenge, http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/ , which was to use punches or dies on your creation.  I used both.  The punch is EK Success, and the die is a Nestabilities.  Patterned paper is K & Company.
I am also entering this in the COLOUR CREATE challenge http://colourcreatechallenge.blogspot.com/ , which is to use ivory, duck egg blue, and one other color from their inspiration picture.
Check out these blogs - I've provided the links.  Maybe you'll even like to give it a try, and join one or both of them!  Would love to see you there!

This next card is for the OUR DAILY BREAD ON ASSIGNMENT challenge.  We need to use a bird and ODB stamps (the bird stamp doesn't have to be ODB).  Here's my Birds of Seasons card for the ODB on assignment challenge. 

This is day one of my "stamping weekend," and all I created was two cards.  So much for planning time to stamp "all day!"  I have been looking forward to this weekend all week.  I was going to accomplish sooooo much.  Told hubby it was "my weekend to play," got the laundry caught up during the week, planned simple meals, blah, blah, blah.  What happened?
I'm not quite sure, really.  First, hubby made us breakfast, then we were off to the public market.  Just a quick trip, I was assured.  Well, while we're out, I have a Kohl's $10 off a $10 purchase coupon...it would be a shame not to use it.  Then, we had to stop at the bank.  Let's just stop quick at the one garage sale.  I think you're starting to get the picture.
Finally home.  I gave the downstairs living area a quick "lick and promise" cleaning (I figured nobody would be coming upstairs if they stopped in), and I was FINALLY able to start my weekend of stamping.
Hubby went out for the afternoon, and I went upstairs to my "room," and sat down to get to work.  Uh, oooohh!  NO MOJO!  Where or where did my mojo go?!
I sat and stared at my "stuff," answered the phone and talked with a friend, who was having a similar problem focusing, answered some emails, Facebooked (bet you didn't know Facebook could be a verb), even advised a fellow-stamper how to break out of a no-mojo mood! I made myself a little snack, (well, I needed nourishment, after all), poured a little vino (hey, it couldn't hurt), and sat down to get to work again.
Uhggggg!!  I walked up and down the stairs a couple of times, checked the mailbox, and then finally just sat down at my table and made myself start working.
I finished these two cards around 6:30 PM, and sat and chatted with hubby for an hour or so.  Now, I'm going to get my jammies on (YES, at 8:30) and we're going to watch a Redbox movie.  I'm going to bed right after the movie, and hoping that I will find my mojo tomorrow!  I don't have anywhere to be except church, and will have the rest of the day.  Wish me better luck tomorrow!

Blessings,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Stitching on your cards

There are so many cards that use stitching to enhance or embellish the design.  Most often, stitching is used as a border or frame around an image or center.  Sometimes it is actually used to attach pieces to your card.

In this sample card, I used my needlework skills to stitch two simple flowers. I started with a french knot for the center of the taller flower.  Then I made the petals with a loop stitch, secured at the tip with a stitch to hold it down.  Then, I used a running stitch to make the stem, and more loop stitches for the leaves.  I repeated for the shorter flower.  I used four strands of embroidery floss.  I did my card free-hand, although you can pencil in or stamp your design first.  I used a sharp needle, and sewed right into the card stock, but you can pierce the card first for easier sewing.

For the folded-over top piece, I stitched a long running stitch, and added a couple of beads into the stitches.  All my stitching is secured on the back of the card stock with tape.

Stamp a sentiment, and mount onto a card, and voila!  You have just made a stitched card!

Thanks for stopping by today.  It was a glorious day, with a soft breeze to keep the humidity down.  I got to enjoy a couple of hours in my neighbor's back yard, working on my computer while I dog-sat her dog, Nelson.  I was also up really early this morning, and was busy all day, so between that and the fresh air, I'm pooped!  Early to bed tonight!

Blessings and peace to you,

lynda

Technique Tuesday - Insides of Cards

Did you ever show someone a card you had made, and watched their reaction?  What's the first thing they do?  OPEN the card...exactly!  That's why the inside of your card should be as important as the outside.  

This post is the result of a request from one of my blog followers.  She asked for ideas for finishing the insides of cards.  Sooooo, I scooped up a bunch of my stash cards (ones I had made who-knows-how long ago), and am posting them here so you can get some ideas for what to do inside.

I often like to bring some of the card's "outside" to the "inside."
In this first card, I used the same background as the outside, and distressed with the smudgy green, and kept the font the same.

 In the following card, I repeated the butterfly, and used vellum overlay to soften the inside:

I used the same checked paper, and cut out the daisy for the inside of this card., and repeated the tearing technique and colors:

Here I repeated the background, and used the same colors and tilting the paper as the outside. 

I repeated the chalk smudging technique inside this card, to make the sentiment stand out:

Here is a little tag folio/holder I made. I repeated the colors, and the stamped images on all the inside pieces, and the inside flap:

Paper is repeated, as well as font:

I had fun with colors here, and added the yellow checked paper, but brought in the daisy:

This is one of my most favorite cards I've ever done.  Perhaps it's because I love these colors together, but also, I think it's the elements and the subject.  I crumpled the inside paper and distressed it. The tag inside has vellum overlay:

I love these colors, also. Brought the yellow inside, and added some fun ribbon and turn mount:

Bringing in some of the paper that was used on the front, as well as some swirls:

Repeating papers and colors, and using tag shape for interest:

This was a fun one to do.  I cut an opening in the front of the card, then placed the sentiment inside, so that it shows through the opening of the closed card! 

So, I hope this gives you some ideas for those insides of your cards!  Remember, the first thing someone does when they look at your card, is to open it to see what's inside!  Let's keep the look and feel of your message going on the inside, too.

On a personal note, the garage sale was a success.  I still have lots of stamps, but made a small dent! I would love for someone to make me a bulk offer for all of them, so if you know someone who may be interested in about 1,000 or more stamps in one lot, please let me know!  Most are new, some gently used.

Enjoy these last summer weeks!

Blessings and peace,

lynda