inkblocks

'Less Is More' Challenge Card

2011-06-14T21:41:00.000-05:00

STAMPS: flowers - PSX, words - Paper Artsy (Petals Plate), tag - Inkadinkadoo

TECHNIQUES: Clean and Simple, One Layer Only, Spotlight, colored pencils

INKS: StazOn Jet Black, Stampin' Up! Going Gray
CHALLENGE: Less Is More One Layer Only featuring Frames

Not sure if this is 'less' enough - I tried to follow the guidelines at the Less Is More blog as I understood them ie. lots of white, one layer only, clean and simple, including a frame of some sort, little to no embellishments

Thanks for stopping by!

Stampotique 'Clean And Simple' Challenge

2011-06-13T12:07:00.000-05:00

STAMPS: cat - Rare Image Rubber Stamps, words - Smartworks, butterflies - (partial) DeNami Designs

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Paper Piecing

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black, Stampin' Up! Mellow Moss

NOTES: butterfly trails were hand-drawn using a Pigma Micron 3 pen, butterflies were put on in two layers with the second being glued just down the center of the bodies (with a Quickie Glue pen) and the wings bent upwards

Thanks to Gerrie, Queen of Grunge, who brought this Stampotique challenge to my attention with her fabulous bee card posted to the TJ group, and on her blog!

Thanks for stopping by!

Technique Junkies 'Try That Technique' Challenge - Giraffe

2011-06-11T21:59:00.000-05:00

STAMPS: cow - Delafield Stamp Co, words - unknown, row of cows - Picture Show, grass - Uptown

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies - Giraffe, Sandwiched Color

INKS: Stampin' Up! River Rock & Baja Breeze

What a fun challenge - I finally got to use a cow stamp and this goofy word stamp! Might be hard to see but the cow is pop-dotted.

Thanks for stopping by!

New RARE IMAGE RUBBER STAMPS sheet out now with FREE SHIPPING!

2011-06-11T21:40:00.001-05:00

STAMPS: girl - Rare Image Rubber Stamps, solid circle - Hero Arts, flower - Savvy, the rest - unknown

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Paper Piecing, Embellished Circles

STAMPS: child - Rare Image Rubber Stamps, scenery - Sarasota Stamps, words - (partial) Embossing Arts, seagulls - Just for Fun

TECHNIQUES: Spotlight, colored pencils

These are just two of the little cuties featured on my newest 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of rubber called CHILDHOOD - featuring 16 adorable vintage child images in a pen-and-ink sketched style. You can access the RARE IMAGE RUBBER STAMPS ordering and info page by clicking on the logo in the sidebar to the right.

Thanks for stopping by!

Puppy Love

2010-04-09T15:28:00.004-05:00

wow, not sure what to say, it's been so long since I stamped or posted. Let's see - okay, I have always been so inspired by the Technique Junkie newsletters and the current issue featured Paper Peeling which looked like a good one to try as I got my feet wet with the whole stamping thing again. Which reminds me - a big thank you to those who urged me not to sell my entire stamp and supply collection when I felt like I would never make another card. So this is the first one in almost a year.

(click photo for more detail)

(card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

Stamps: words - Stampin' Up! (retired Great Greetings set), paper texture - unknown, dog - Rare Image Rubber Stamps

Tecnique: Technique Junkies PAPER PEELING April/May 2010

Embellishments: hemp cording, silver heart charm that reads love, actual newspaper print

Inks: Staz-On Timber Brown and Jet Black, Stampin' Up! Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel and Close to Cocoa

Supplies: stipple brushes, paper edge distresser by Tim Holtz, Post-its

I stamped the dog once on white cardstock, and again on a Post-it. I trimmed the Post-it image, applied that over the original stamped image, and then sponged the background in. I trimmed the mouth area of the dog's face to accomodate the rolled up newspaper. The silver heart charm says Love on it and the 'paper' in his mouth is an actual ad for animal adoptions. I thought that combined with the 'good news' stamp would make a great way to announce a new dog adoption!

Hope you enjoyed, thanks for checking in :o)

2009-11-30T14:34:00.002-06:00

Hello :o)

I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted.

In a nutshell, here's what went on between then and now. Last spring got incredibly busy with work and I had little stamping time and even less to post. In June my husband of 18 years passed away. I am amazed at the toll his passing has taken on me, given that I saw it coming and thought I had tried to prepare myself. It was his second cardiac arrest in 7 years, and he died at just 48 years old. Two words of advice: quit smoking. I haven't been able to stamp since, along with a huge amount of other things until just recently, so hopefully that will come back at some point too.

But God has blessed me beyond belief with friends and family who have cared for me and about me. And included in that is the overwhelmingly beautiful support you have shared with me in the form of cards in my mailbox. I've finally managed to scan them and have posted them below so you can share them with me. The personal notes inside brought tears to my eyes many times, and I can't thank you all enough.

Love Nancy

2009-11-30T13:58:00.011-06:00

Sympathy cards received from fellow online stampers - artist names are below each card...

Vicky S.

Vada S.

Trudy P.

Trish G.

Suzanne K.

Susan K.

Stephanie C.

Sharon C.

Sharon B.

Rose A.

Pat M.

Pat H.

Pat

Nancy Y.

Nancy S.

Manna C.

Lynn K.

Lisa S.

Linda C.

LaVerne W.

Kristy C.

Kristen O. and Tammy

Kristen O.

Katie M.

Kathy R.

Kathie M.

Gerrie J.

Germana

Fareeda M.

Faith E.

Evelyn S.

Estelle H.

Edie L.

Debi W.

Chris C.

Cheri B.

Cathy Y.

Beth U.

Beth B.

Barb H.

Barbara R.

Barb I.

Paper Souffle Peony

2009-05-26T18:05:00.005-05:00

Helllllooooooooo...? Anyone still there? LOL

It feels like SO LONG since I've posted. I've been able to make just three cards ALL MONTH (the I Brake for Stamps with the little girl, a simple one for the monthly card-club I go to when I can, and this thank you card I made for my parents last night that I wanted to share with you). After not stamping much I worried that I wouldn't be able to stamp at all but it's always easier for me when I have someone special in mind as I put a card together.

I saw the current Somerset Studio magazine while looking for something else yesterday, paged thru it, and had to have it just for two wonderful paper manipulating articles in it. One is an article on page 80 called Souffle` Papier d' Art by the ever-amazing Sandra Evertson Using her technique you can use any print or photo and a pin to prick paper with a needle and get the effect below. So quick and easy I had a decent result as soon as I sat down late last night to try it for the first time.

Click on photo for a close-up...

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: peony - Judi-kins, phrase - Hero Arts, background - 'Floral', Stampin' Up!

INKS: Versamark, Distress Tattered Rose and Brushed Corduroy, SU Always Artichoke

SUPPLIES: flower punch, miniature flat-backed pearls, floral ribbon, striped ribbon, pearl-head straight pin, pink crochet thread, sewing needle, textured paper, distressing tool

NOTES: for the corners I stamped the background in Tattered Rose, cut it into four triangles, edged them with Brushed Corduroy, and applied them with a glue pen. I swiped Tattered Rose on cream cardstock and punched the flowers. I used an embossing stylus and the palm of my hand to round them before attaching the back centers with glue to the corner triangles, then I just applied the gem pearls to the centers. ~ The wide ribbon was preprinted and I tied it in a simple knot, inserting the green striped ribbon before tightening the knot. I tied some pink crochet floss on a pearl-head sewing pin and put it thru the knot ~ The cream colored paper and the pale pink cardfront are lightly textured.

Thanks for checking in - hope your month was great! Stay tuned - I have a little blog giveaway coming up in the next week :o)

A Special Sale Announcement!!

2009-05-14T16:28:00.003-05:00

from Della at I BRAKE FOR STAMPS !!!

Anniversary Sale!!!

To celebrate the IBFS 5 year anniversary, we are offering 15% off of our entire website.

Please use coupon code ANNIVERSARY during checkout to receive the discount. Code expires on 5/18.

BONUS: Every customer who uses the coupon code will be entered into a drawing. One lucky winner will be drawn on 5/19 and will win a grab bag of 100 stamps!!

Be sure to check out the new releases. There is a new Father's Day half sheet release that includes vintage cars, a golfer, hammock and phrases. Also some brand new Stampinback stamps. There are Backgrounds, Mona Lisa, Pose, Words and more! Be sure to click on the thumbnails to see some great card samples. You can view all of the new stamps here: http://tinyurl.com/54p8s8

Shipping will be a flat fee of $4.85 for all purchases for U.S. residents. International orders are welcome, but please contact IBFS for shipping rates.
Please use the secure shopping cart to place your orders. Visa, MasterCard and Paypal accepted.

The Sweetest Pair

2009-05-07T17:38:00.005-05:00

Oh how I love little kittens (and big cats LOL) Isn't this one of the sweetest images ever? She looks so proud and she's being so gentle with the little kitty.

If you love animals too, don't forget the two links on my sidebar - you can play a daily trivia and contribute kibble to dog and cat shelters free to you whether you get the correct answer or not - it's a win-win!!

(Click on photo for detail)

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - Stampinbak line

INKS: Stampin' Up! So Saffron, More Mustard, Blush Blossom, Bravo Burgundy, Ruby Red, Close to Cocoa, Staz-On Timber Brown, Adirondack Slate, Versamark

SUPPLIES: Dove blender pen, heat gun, Fiskars border punch, Cuttlebug, CB folder Tapestry, hardware - SU, ribbon - Michael's, Tim Holtz Distressing Tool, white gel pen, Post-It, stencil brush - tiny

SPECIALTY PAPER: glossy

TECHNIQUES: resist, TJ Torn Frames

NOTES: okay, late last night when I was coloring the image with the blender pen and SU inks, the hair was actually dark brown and the dress was mustard but by the time I scanned it just now it had faded out to the colors shown - probably the only almost-grey three year old ever ROTFLMBO - that's artistic license for ya! ~ the bkgd behind the girl was made by stamping the scroll in Versamark on glossy, setting it with a heat gun, then sponging first yellow and then pinkish-red over the edges (got this color scheme from a beautiful card in one of the magazines currently out - sorry, I think it was the Catch Up issue, but I'm not positive... - but the designer was Barb H and the card has a geisha on it) ~ I got the idea for the gray surrounding the image from Ank de B on the IBFS Yahoo group. I don't do her form of artwork justice but I love the effect - makes the image come more alive. Oh, made this panel by stamping the girl in Staz-On, masking, then doing the above resist technique, which I was inspired to do by Kristy C, another fabulous contributing artist over at the IBFS group. Yikes, sounds like I don't have an original thought in my head today LOL but I get so little stamp time in the summer that I get inspiration wherever I can or my stamp gears would get totally rusty! ~ just a hint on the resist technique - my Versamark had a slight reaction where it touched the Staz-On so you may want to mask more thoroughly than I did... ~ bkgd paper was made more visually textural by lightly brayering both shades of yellow ink on white cs

Hope you enjoyed this card, and thanks for stopping in!

Hello loyal blog readers!

2009-05-05T07:39:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to say thanks so much for all your comments - they make my day! And to let you know this is a crazy-busy time of year work wise for me so if you don't see as many artwork posts know that I am dreaming of stamping something but unable to!! Hope this summer brings you lots of time to do all the things you love :o) ~Nancy

Faux Designer Paper in Brilliance Inks

2009-04-28T12:06:00.004-05:00

Sorry about the poor photo quality - I could not capture the essence of this card adequately, but wanted to show the shimmer of the inks. If you click on the photo you will be able to see a bit of detail...

STAMPS: I purchased the face, muse and leaf branch stamps used as unmounted and don't know who made them. If you do please leave a comment and I'll give credit - thanks! viney flourish - PSX, corner floral - Rubber Monger, large bkgd - JRL 'Floral Tapestry'

INKS: Brilliance Pearlescents - Orchid, Coral, Lavender and Purple, Versamark

SUPPLIES: All Night Media border punch, clear embossing powder, craft iron, heat gun, glue pen, colored pencils

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Faux Designer Paper

NOTES: the border was punched from the face panel and a white strip was applied behind it ~ hard to see, but I stamped 'Muse' over parts of the bkgd ~ the edges of the panels were sponged with color direct from the Brilliance pads

Thanks for looking, and PLEASE believe me when I say this looks so much better in person!! LOL

Faux Designer Paper

2009-04-26T13:59:00.005-05:00

I love being able to take a blank sheet of white cardstock and turn it into something as colorful as this card! The Faux Designer Paper technique is perfect for this as it gives you some white highlights in the background and lots of color variation.

This card is not this bright in real life, but the general idea is there LOL

Click photo for more detail...

Card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

STAMPS: face - Renaissance Art Stamps, corner flourish - G Studio, dream word - Inkadinkado, bkgd words - Stampers Anonymous, flowered medallion - Paper Parachute, border and bkgd pattern - Stampa Rosa

INKS: Versamark, VersaColor Split Pea, Topaz, Paprika and Bark

SUPPLIES: white gel pen, clear embossing powder, heat gun, iron, copy paper, pearlized beads, gold cord, vellum

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Faux Designer Paper, paper beads

NOTES: I used the bkgd paper colors on a white scrap, then stamped the face, then highlighted areas with the white gel pen ~ for the paper beads I just swiped the bkgd colors on a white scrap, then overstamped this with the bkgd stamps. I cut skinny triangles, rolled these around a paper piercer starting with the wide end, and sealed the ends closed with double-sided tape. For the large one, I wrapped a scrap of coordinating paper around the middle.

Have a great rest of the weekend!! :o)

Day at the Beach

2009-04-22T20:56:00.004-05:00

Click photo for more detail...

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - Time To Stamp sheet, and words from Inspirational half sheet

INKS: Stampin' Up! Taken With Teal and Lovely Lilac, Kaleidacolor Blue Breeze

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Spectrum Roll from the Aug 05 newsletter

SUPPLIES: brayer, silver thread, paper piercer, water spritzer, glue pen, pop-dots

NOTES: to get a the mosaic frame I cut strips of four colors and then cut them into squares by angling the cuts randomly ~ for interest I stamped some images on four of the lighter 'tiles' ~ words are pop-dotted ~ cardfront was stamped with the mesh bkgd image

Hope your week is going well :o)

Warhol Birthday Boy

2009-04-20T15:52:00.003-05:00

I love when someone else picks my colors for me, being somewhat challenged in that area! LOL I chose 3 of Stampin' Up!'s In-Color pads for this technique, hoping they would all blend nicely and still pack a punch ;o)

Click photo for more detail

Card measures 6 3/4" x 3 3/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - boy and phrase from a Time To Stamp sheet, Happy Birthday and swirl bkgds on a sheet here

INKS: Stampin' Up! Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, and Tangerine Tango, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: sponges, small colored brads, stamp positioner, crown punch by 2 Grrrls, flat-back rhinestones, pop-dots

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Warhol

NOTES: The swirl bkgd was stamped 3 times, once in each ink ~ After stamping the boy block 3 times in black ink, I overstamped each with one of the inks and the Happy B-day bkgd, then used a small stipple brush to do just the inside edges of the coats

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!!! :o)

Newsprint Reveal Bird

2009-04-18T14:46:00.003-05:00

I bought an old textbook on soil the other day and wanted to try the Technique Junkie Newsprint Reveal technique on that instead of newspaper. The pages were yellowed a bit and gave it a warmer tone and didn't bleed thru as much, which I'm happier with.

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - bird, nest and phrase from a Time To Stamp sheet, and flower stems from the Stampinback line

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black, Versamark, Marvy Black

SUPPLIES: punches - Martha Stewart flowers and leaves, unknown sunburst and 2 Grrrls crown, brayer, white gel pen, black embroidery floss, paper needle, glue

NOTES: didn't want to move Chevy from his perch near the Ott lights so I propped my card in front of his furry little self LOL that's the orange you're seeing behind it

HOPE YOUR WEEKEND IS A GOOD ONE :o)

Flowers for Card Group

2009-04-16T12:42:00.003-05:00

Card group was Tuesday night and I didn't feel like cutting up a lot of paper so I dug out this beautiful set of long pink notecards with matching envelopes. It was a set put out by Hero Arts a few years back. I had purchased the set for $0.25 at a used stamp sale gauging by the price tag and after not using them all this time I suddenly wish I had more! LOL

Card measures 6" x 3"

STAMPS: large branch - Rubber Stampede, linen bkgd and tag - Stampin' Up! (Too Terrific Tags set)

INKS: Stampin' Up! Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss and Close to Cocoa, Staz-On Timber Brown, Distress Antique Linen

SUPPLIES: Dove blender pen, pop-dots, irredescent glitter glue, and sheer green ribbon, Fiskars hand-held rectangle punch

STEPS:

Stamp branch on white cardstock using Timber Brown.
Use blender pen and inks to color in branch and flowers.
Stamp branch on scrap white, color, and trim out three flowers.
Using Antique Linen ink, stamp over branch panel with Linen bkgd.
Apply pop-dots to spare flowers and adhere in correct position over branch panel.
Use glitter glue to highlight all flower centers.
Stamp tag on white cardstock using Timber Brown.
Color in branch on tag and use watered down Close to Cocoa around edges.
Trim tag closely and punch with rectangle punch.
Thread ribbon thru hole and loop as shown.
Apply all layers to cardfront using pop-dots on the back of the tag.

THANKS FOR STOPPING IN - HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE DAY!

Floral Stem

2009-04-07T19:17:00.002-05:00

Could not get this color green to scan true so I took a picture in daylight. The flowers and green panel are pop-dotted.

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - half sheet of Asian images

INKS: Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Creamy Caramel, Tango Mango, and Riding Hood Red, and Staz-On Timber Brown

SUPPLIES: corner punch, pop dots, Lemon Ice Stickles, fun foam, Cuttlebug, Distressed Stripes CB folder

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkie CUTTLEBUG STAMPS and PAPER TOLE

NOTES: The main image was stamped on the background, then twice on white. The first image was stamped on white, colored, trimmed out completely and layered to the bkgd. Then I just trimmed a few flowers and layered them with pop-dots. ~ The white background was stamped with the larger butterfly on this sheet in pink ink.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY - HOPE YOUR WEEK IS OFF TO A GOOD START :o)

Drywall Stitching Flowers

2009-04-05T14:09:00.005-05:00

These two cards feature a new technique from the current 04/09 Technique Junkie newsletter called Drywall Stitching - so fast and easy! The second card I made up quick after the first one using a scrap with a misplaced phrase.

Click on photo for detail... the colors didn't scan quite true on the cardfront - the reddish browns are all pinkish and the cs is a soft speckled green. The words were stamped in the same color as the "stitching".

Card measures 6" x 5 1/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - distressed flower cluster from the Stampinback line, flower stem from a half plate of foliage, and phrase from an inspirational plate

INKS: Adirondack Pesto, Caramel, Currant and Raisin

SUPPLIES: assorted flower punches, circle punch, Magic Mesh, Tombow Mono Multi glue, Glue Dots, Tombow marker #757, sponge, sheer polka-dot ribbon, Pink Stickles and tissue paper

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Drywall Stitching 04/09 newsletter

Card measures 4 1/2" x 6"

I just love this phrase, "Leave nothing to chance, and then leave everything to God". Kind of says do what you can on your end but have faith that God will work it out. The great balancing act! I have another stamp that reads "Pray to God but continue to row toward shore. ~ Russian Proverb" - I just love that! I'll try to remember to use that one with a cool boat stamp and post it here one of these days...

I just came across a corresponding verse in the Old Testament. When the Jews were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem after returning after so many years of being in exile, right around 450 BC, some adversaries weren't happy about it and made no secret of it, and planned to attack. In Nehemiah 4:9 he says "But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat." All bases covered! LOL

I'm finding Nehemiah a fascinating man - as the commentary says "Provincial governors normally assessed the people in their provinces for their support. But Nehemiah, like Paul, sacricficed even what was normally his in order to serve as an example to the people." What a good pattern that would be for today's politicians, right?! ;o)

Looking for more storage ideas?

2009-04-04T10:10:00.002-05:00

I have lots of storage ideas and organizational tips for your stamping area on this page , which you can always find using the sidebar label "Storage Tips" :o)

Another Dream Silhouettes Card

2009-04-03T21:03:00.003-05:00

This is another card featuring the same group of stamps as the previous post's card. It's from the Dream Silhouettes by Sweet n' Sassy Stamps.

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: Sweet n' Sassy Stamps "Dream Silhouettes" set

INKS: Distress Peeled Paint and Scattered Straw, Staz-On Timber Brown

SUPPLIES: distressing tool, Cuttlebug, ribbons, fun foam, sponge, corner punch, heat tool, CB folder Bird Call

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Cuttlebug Stamps and Torn Frames

NOTES: the entire back panel is the same piece but under the ribbons I stamped the phrase in brown and the word in the green ink, then sponged green ink over the edges and towards the center

Thanks for stopping back!

Glitter Stripes and a Sneak Peek!

2009-04-03T11:46:00.004-05:00

I have a little surprise for you today! The stamps used on this card are from a brand new set being released tonight by Sweet n' Sassy Stamps! AND I'll have another totally different card using them later today... so check back!!

Click on photo to see the gold embossing...

Card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

STAMPS: Sweet n' Sassy Stamps #1075 Dream Silhouettes - these are a set of clear stamps designed by the talented Korin!

INKS: Distress Peeled Paint and Worn Lipstick, Versamark

SUPPLIES: asst. markers, mainly Stampin' Up!'s Old Olive, oval punches, scallop-edge scissors, white gel pen, glue stick, gold embossing powder, flower punches, water mister, craft sheet

TECHNIQUES: bkgd is Glitter Stripes from the current 04/09 Technique Junkie newsletter over Watercolor Distress scraps

Thanks for checking in and don't forget to stop back around dinnertime to see the other card I have using this stamp set! Here's a hint: it uses a Cuttlebug and doesn't have any flowers on it... :o)

Storage for Ink Pads

2009-04-02T11:58:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite inks to work with for backgrounds, these little DewDrop pads can be tricky to store. This idea popped into my head the other day when I realized I had too many sets to store the way I had been. I love keeping them in their 4-in-a-family sets, and they were getting all jumbled.

I actually store the pads upside down (don't know if it makes any difference) but for the sake of prettier pictures I have flipped them over LOL

This case is from a Stampin' Up! bkgd stamp.

I cut a piece of white cardstock to the same width as the inside of the plastic case and then did mountain folds as shown above to seperate the color families.

I used black marker to write the color family on the folded area that stands up, and the individual pad names on the flat surface so I can't possibly mix them up (which would be the end of the world >;o)

I think this system would work really well for Cat's Eye pads and mini square pads too.

Happy Baby

2009-04-01T00:36:00.003-05:00

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps ~ baby collage and texture stamp behind flowers - Time To Stamp line, distressed flower - Stampinback line, border is from a frame image

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black, Stampin' Up! Pretty in Pink

SUPPLIES: Stampin' Up! chalks, stamp positioner, white eraser, Q-tips, cotton balls, sponge, Quickie Glue pen, foam tape

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies CHALK LINES 04/09

STEPS:

Make background panel according to TJ directions using desired colors.
Over-stamp two edges with ornate frame edge, using stamp positioner.
Stamp white strip with texture stamp inked with Pretty in Pink and sponge edges with same color.
Over-stamp with distressed flower grouping and black ink.
Adhere to bkgd.
Stamp baby collage in black ink and trim.
Use Q-tips to add chalk to image.
Cut scrap of texture stamped cardstock into triangles and sponge edges.
Apply corners to image panel with glue pen.
Layer panel to black panel and pop dot to cardfront as shown.

Okay, I have to think about going to bed now!

Vegie ATCs

2009-03-29T22:23:00.005-05:00

I worked on a set of vegie ATCs because I have always loved these three images from the Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers line, now at StampFrancisco, but never used them. Plus vegie images always remind me of how amazing seeds are, that they can produce vegetables, and I love to be amazed at what God has created! Can't wait for summer all of a sudden :o)

STAMPS: vegies - Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers, postage - Hero Arts, Stampers Anonymous, Stampa Rosa, speckle - Judith peg, vegie words bkgd - A Stamp in the Hand

INKS: Stampin' Up! Real Red, Really Rust, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss and Certainly Celery, Staz-On Jet Black, Versamark

SUPPLIES: black embossing powder, anti-static bag, cosmetic sponges, Dove blender pen, glue stick

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Dragged Madras 04/09

STEPS:

Use Certainly Celery and Always Artichoke to do a Dragged Madras bkgd on a 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" card.
Overstamp with the vegie words bkgd with Always Artichoke.
On white scrap cs emboss vegie using Versamark and detail black powder.
Use Dove blender pen and ink pools to color in vegie image.
Trim image closely and adhere to card with glue stick.
Stamp phrase with Staz-On Jet Black.
Stamp postage with second generation Real Red.
Ink speckle stamp with black ink and stamp on two edges till it needs reinking.

Hope your weekend was nice - thanks for stopping by!

Newsprint Reveal Cat Face

2009-03-27T15:55:00.003-05:00

Another new technique from the upcoming Technique Junkie newsletter, called Newsprint Reveal.

STAMPS: cat - Rare Image Rubber Stamps, Beauty - unknown, letters - Stampin' Up, text tag - My Sentiments Exactly, flourish corner - unknown

INKS: Stampin' Up! Cranberry Crisp and Craft Whisper White, embossing ink, Marvy black

SUPPLIES: flower punches, flat backed gemstones, embossing powder - clear, colored pencils, brayer, Signo white gel pen

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkie Newsprint Reveal 04/09

STEPS:

Make bkgd using Newsprint Reveal technique.
Stamp cat head on light grey cs and highlight with colored pencils.
Ink Beauty stamp with Cranberry and stamp as shown.
Mask cat and overstamp with text tag in second generation Cranberry.
Punch asst. flowers from cs (I ran the Cranberry pad over the pink and grey cs for some variation in the same color range).
Layer elements as shown, using Glue Dots to adhere flowers, and place gems in centers.
Stamp the flourish corner in white ink, and when dry go over light areas with white gel pen.
Layer as shown to cardfront.

Chevy is doing much better - thank you Lord! - but he needs to eat a bit more on his own. Have a great weekend!

Using up scraps

2009-03-26T18:48:00.003-05:00

Thought to myself, why not use up those fab scraps from the last card, and so here they are! LOL I've had this fish stamp at least two years and hadn't used it because it is HUGE and I was never sure what to do with it. So here are some more ATCs (yes, I'm officially hooked!!)

Click on photo for more detail...

Each card measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"

STAMPS: fish - Fred B. Mullett BG 15 - Big Pompano, swirls - Autumn Leaves

INKS: Stampin' Up! Pacific Point, Versamark Watermark

SUPPLIES: corner rounder, flat backed acrylic gems (Cloud 9 Design - Archivers), ArtQuest Pearl Ex Watercolor Palette, paintbrush, Black Diamond (Judi-kins) embossing powder, sponge, white gel pen (Signo Uni-ball)

PAPER: leftover Wet Stencil scraps, Neenah Solar White #110 cardstock

STEPS:

Round corners on 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" white cardstock
Tear edges of decorated paper scraps and glue to base card.
Wipe with anti-static pad.
Ink fish with Versamark and stamp where desired.
Sprinkle with embossing powder and heat.
Use a paintbrush and water to activate the palette and color in fish.
Add white gel pen to eyeball.
Cover fish and overstamp card with flourish inked with blue ink.
Sponge blue ink around edges.
Add bubble gems as desired.

Just having fun - hope you enjoyed!

Ocean Flourishes

2009-03-26T12:01:00.003-05:00

The new Technique Junkies newsletter is almost ready to go live! Here's a little sneak peek of one of my favorite techniques on it called Wet Stencil.

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps

INKS: Stampin' Up! Pacific Point, Versamark Watermark

SUPPLIES: exacto knife, Nestibilities oval, Cuttlebug, watercolor crayons, dome top adhesive backed gems, sheer blue ribbon, water mister, sparkle gel pen, stamp positioner, embossing powder - white, sponges, wall decor stencil

PAPER: vellum, SU Pacific Point, asst. blue cs, white cs

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Wet Stencil 04/09

STEPS:

Do Wet Stencil technique and let dry.
Cut WS panel into oval shape using template or CB and die.
Crumple vellum and tear into circle to fit behind oval panel, and adhere to it.
On medium blue panel, measure rectangle and cut out as shown.
Using sponge and blue ink edge this panel, including the 'window'.
Stamp on side of the IBFS baroque frame on side of panel as shown using a stamp positioner to add enough to fill space evenly.
Using second generation ink, stamp writing in lower right hand corner.
On light blue panel, stamp starfish in versamark ink three times in the area where the window will lay over it, and emboss with white powder.
Stamp the rest of this piece with the starfish and Versamark ink.
Wrap a sheer ribbon around this panel, tying a knot towards the top and adding gems towards the bottom
Stamp the verse on the oval panel using blue ink.
Highlight the edges of the flourishes with sparkly gel pen.
Layer the panels as shown.

Hope the rest of your day is good - it's very grey and cold here, but it's not flooding so I've got no complaints. If you are in the Red River area my thoughts and prayers are with you right now.

World Traveler

2009-03-25T13:59:00.003-05:00

oh the joys of being a kid with a new set of wheels!! I'm guessing when this vintage photo image was taken he thought he was king of the world :o)

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black, Stampin' Up! Not Quite Navy, Versamark Watermark

SUPPLIES: cotton balls, Q-tips, crown punch, glitter pen, white gel pen, SU Chalks, pop-dots, black photo corners

TECHNIQUE: from Rubber Stamping Artist Trading Cards by TweetyJill Publications

STEPS:

Stamp main image on white cardstock using Jet Black ink.
Stamp same image on Post-It, trim into rectangle and place over previously stamped image.
Ink map image with Versamark and cover the unmasked area of the white cs.
Wait a few minutes and then apply chalks to Versamarked area with cotton balls.
Uncover masked image and apply chalks as desired with Q-tips.
Stamp blue scrap with ticket, punch with crown punch, apply white gel pen to edges and sparkle pen to crown points.
Stamp quote in blue ink on white cardstock and trim whimsically. Edge with Jet Black from the pad.
Use black ink pad at an angle to edge the main image.
Glue black photo corners to corners of image as shown.
Attach quote panel and crown to image with pop-dots.
Ink tickets, numbers and star with Jet Black and stamp on background.

*tip*

For the distressed look on numbers/letters, after inking the stamp I used a cotton ball to remove some ink a bit, giving those areas a faded look. Here's the tip - if you use Tack n' Peel or Tack It Over and Over on your acrylic blocks with your unmounted stamps, don't let the cotton ball rub on it or you'll have a mess of fuzz ;o)

12. Trim main panel to size and mount to black cs, and then textured blue.

HOPE THIS BRINGS BACK A HAPPY CHILDHOOD MEMORY!

Furry Friend

2009-03-23T22:48:00.006-05:00

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: I BRAKE FOR STAMPS - Stampinback line

INKS: Distress Tattered Rose, Vintage Photo, Worn Lipstick and Weathered Wood, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: Fiskars 'Cloud' scissors, hole punch, Dove blender pen, sheer pink polka dot ribbon, water spritzer, craft mat

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Watercolor Distress

SKETCH: variation of Mojo Monday (see sidebar for link)

NOTES: flowers on cardfront are third generation Distress Vintage Photo ~ the Watercolor Distress was done on a dark cream cardstock to provide a parchment look ~ the main image panel edges were distress straight from the Distress Antique Linen pad

3 Arty Girl ATCs

2009-03-23T14:20:00.006-05:00

More ATCs - what a surprise, huh?! LOL

Each card measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"

STAMPS: flourish - Autumn Leaves, daughter quote - Stamping Sensations, cosmetic quote - Inky Antics, net bkgd - B-Line Designs, all others - Jody Posey (now owned by Alluring Impressions)

INKS: Distress Fired Brick and Antique Linen, Staz-On Jet Black and Azure

SUPPLIES: flower brads, Tombow #970, water spritzer, craft sheet, oil pastels, Uniball Signo white gel pen

PAPER: vellum, Neenah Solar White 110#

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Watercolor Distress

NOTES: these ended up a little busier than I planned on so I maybe should have spent more time editing ~ I wanted an arty feel so I scribbled a blue oil pastel in the open white spaces of the portraits, and just colored all the skin area with the Tombow marker, highlighting eyes/teeth with the white gel pen ~ flowers were stamped in first and second generation ink ~ the bkgd mesh was stamped on the white cs and then generously edged with the Antique Linen pad

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY AND COME BACK SOON FOR AN I BRAKE FOR STAMPS CARD!

3 Butterfly Collage ATCs

2009-03-22T12:33:00.003-05:00

I think I've found the perfect size paper to work on! I've always been so afraid of color but not now LOL I feel freer to experiment on ATCs - maybe because I know if I don't like the outcome and toss it in the trash it's just a tiny little piece...

Some days I am so in awe of God's creation I can hardly stand it! I know my butterflies aren't colored true to life necessarily, but have you ever Googled photo images for insects? The variation and and delicacy really is beyond comprehension when you remember they are tiny little functioning machines that can FLY!!

Speaking of color, I was so inspired by Michelle Zindorf's blog post today that I had to whip these up immediately. I had been laying in bed sometime during the night/morning (who can tell!) thinking about this bkgd stamp for ATCs with the torn edge technique and it went perfectly with the butterfly motif and color theme Michelle used today!

Click photo for more detail...

Each card measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"

STAMPS: butterflies, left to right - Funny Business, Whispers, and Stampabilities, collage - Inkadinkado

INKS: VersaMagic Dew Drops - Aspen Mist, Ocean Depth, Eggplant, Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread and Red Brick, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: sponges, Glue Lines, white crayon, grey pencil, Post-it notes, tissue, Q-tips, Micron finepoint black marker

STEPS:

Cut 80 - 110# white cardstock to ATC size - 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
Ink collage stamp with Jet Black and stamp on cs.
Tear Post-it and place as desired.
Use white crayon to color in a few areas you'd like to stay whitish.
Stamp collage on Post-it, trim out number rectangle and place mask over ATC.
Coat sponge with Agean Mist and cover ATC surface with masks in place.
Continue process with Ocean Depth, and then Eggplant, keeping to the edges.
Wipe ink gently from crayoned areas with a soft tissue.
Remove masks and edge with black pad as shown.
Stamp butterfly on white scrap cs with black ink, then color with sponges, starting with Pumpkin Spice over all, then Gingerbread near the center, then highlighted with Q-tips and Red Brick and Eggplant.
Trim and apply Glue Lines to body area.
Adhere over collage in desired area and draw in antennae.

Hope you liked these - I was really happy with how they came together :o)

3 Fashion ATCs

2009-03-21T18:35:00.004-05:00

Well I am LOVING making ATCs and wonder why they never appealed to me before! I really like making three coordinating ones while I have my supplies out.

Click on image for detail...

Each card measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"

STAMPS: woman with parasol - Stubby Stamper, other two women - Stamp Affair, beaded flourish - Inkadinkadoo, feathers - unknown, Paris postmark - Rubbernecker, Grand Central postmark - unknown, Milano postmark - Jody Posey

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black, VersaMagic Dew Drops - Tea Leaves, Aegean Blue and Purple Hydrangea, Versamark

SUPPLIES: Signo white gel pen, white embossing powder, heat gun, Pritt glue stick

PAPER: vellum, Neenah Solar White 110# Classic Crest

NOTES: the vellum torn strip on each was lacking weight so I layered a couple of them ~ bkgd color is pads direct to paper ~ I love 110# cardstock for ATC's - provides a very sturdy base ~ women were stamped on 110# cs, colored with the pads and a Dove blender, then trimmed out and glued down with the glue stick (yep, little miss parasol took the longest - look at those tiny feet! LOL) ~ used the white gel pen to fill in the 'highlights' on the beaded flourish (love this - just bought it for 40% at our local Joann's)

HOPE YOU LIKED - I CERTAINLY ENJOYED PLAYING!

3 Bird ATCs

2009-03-20T19:12:00.004-05:00

I almost always do cards, but couldn't resist the new TweetyJill publication Rubber Stamping Artist Trading Cards at Michael's yesterday, which got me wanting to make some ATCs. I've wanted the book since I saw that it was coming out and it does not disappoint!

Hope these ATCs don't disappoint you! LOL as you'll probably be seeing more ;o)

Click photo for more detail...

Each ATC measures 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"

STAMPS: all I Brake For Stamps except for the background with fleur-de-lis which is Whispers, and the birds on wire which is Inkadinkado. Spatter stamp is Annette Watkins.

INKS: Distress Antique Linen, Broken China, Aged Mahogany, Frayed Burlap and Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: raffia, Fastenator, white gel pen, black fine point marker, glue stick (Pritt), pop-dots and feather

PAPER: photocopied vintage dictionary page

NOTES: turqoise bkgd was stamped over white cs rubbed with Antique Linen, and then torn and adhered to bkgd paper ~ all cards were edged liberally with Antique Linen, and then lightly with Frayed Burlap direct from the pads ~ one bird on wire was pop-dotted and nest on same card was stamped seperately and then layered, outlining eggs with a white gel pen ~ solid bird was inked with Broken China, kissed with bkgd stamp to remove some ink in a pattern, then stamped, trimmed out, and edged lightly with the black pad

Found this cool old skirt hemming stick on a metal stand and decided to use it to display finished ATCs and cards

Pastel Baby Lamb

2009-03-18T13:08:00.004-05:00

Went to the local monthly card club last night and this was my card. We all make up a sample card and then make enough for each person to make one of the same (it's a little group). At the end of the year we all have plenty of all occasion cards so send out.

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: lamb face - Azadi Earles, leaping lamb - Art Impressions, bow - Darcie's, words - Paper Salon

INKS: Stampin' Up! Pale Plum, Pretty in Pink, and Going Gray, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: scallop edge scissors (Clouds by Fiskars), hole punch (Marvy 1/8"), piercing tool, foam mat, sponge, blender pen (Tombow), 3D foam tape, white gel pen (Uni-ball Signo), Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Cuttlebug), glue stick (Pritt), 2" circle punch

PAPER: lilac polka-dot and sage stitched plaid (unknown - it's old! LOL using what I have as much as I can ;o)

STEPS:

1. Stamp lamb face in black ink on white cardstock.

2. Using a blender pen, color as shown.

*tip*

With your ink case closed, gently push the lid to the ink pad to transfer ink to the inside cover. Use this pool with the blender pen to color. Start your pen on scrap paper to control the amount of dilution you want.

3. Trim lamb face closely with scissors, apply foam tape to reverse and set aside.

4. Stamp bow on patterned paper and trim closely. Set aside.

5. Cut a rectangle 3 3/8" x 2 7/8" from patterned paper and punch as shown a 2" circle.

6. Use a piercing tool to punch around the edges of the rectangle and circle.

7. Connect pierced dots with white gel pen.

8. Emboss a piece of green cardstock 4 1/4" x 3" with polka dots.

9. Trim the bottom edge 1/4" off with scallop edge scissors.

10. Mark the center of each scallop with a pencil dot and punch with a 1/8" hole punch.

11. Ink the leaping lamb stamp with Pale Plum and stamp in an arch across the short edge of the bottom of the white cardfront.

12. Ink a sponge wedge up with the Pale Plum and lightly edge the cardfront.

13. Ink the word stamp with black ink and stamp over the leaping lambs.

14. Layer the panels as shown using a glue stick for the bow.

Have a great day and hope you have sunshine where you are!

Roses in March!

2009-03-14T09:32:00.005-05:00

The temps here are supposed to hit at 40 and I'm giddy! LOL Hard to believe it was 5 below the other night. My poor lilies close to the house are trying to poke thru their winter mulch already so they too need good weather from now on :o)

Card measures 6 1/4" x 4"

I took this photo late last night and didn't have enough light, but the main image is a stack of hatboxes and the phrase reads Fashions can be bought, Style one must posess.

To learn how to make these paper roses yourself, go to this blog, where she has generously provided an absolutely perfect photo tutorial!

STAMPS: bkgd - Toybox, hatboxes - Serendipity, main phrase - Victorine Originals, sm bkgd phrase - Hero Arts

INKS: Stampin' Up! Cranberry Crisp, Marigold Morning, and Old Olive, Distress Tattered Rose, Versamark

SUPPLIES: punches ~ trees - McGill Creativity, flower - Family Treasures, Ivy Scraps Scrap Fusion permanent adhesive, sheer pink ribbon, flat-backed adhesive pearls, sponge, plastic report cover, embossing powder in clear, water spritzer, heat tool, toothpick, Radiant Pearls Oyster Shell, sm paintbrush

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Background Smoosh Resist 02/09 newsletter, handmade 3D flower (instructions here)

NOTES: didn't have a leave punch in the right size and didn't feel like free-hand cutting some so I used a pine tree punch with two sizes of trees on it ~ the small Style phrase is stamped in first and second generation Old Olive to take up some white space and tie in the leaves ~ the sheer pink ribbon was wrapped around the corners before layering to the cardfront ~ I added a bit of Radiant Pearls in Oyster Shell to the ridges of the flower but managed to wipe most back off applying the flower to my card LOL but you get the idea (you can also add Diamond Glaze in drops to simulate water droplets/dew)

Thanks for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!

Exciting news...

2009-03-12T19:46:00.016-05:00

...for you if you love the Rare Image Rubber Stamps GARDEN sheet! Check out the Stamp Something blog March 13 and on for the fun!! :o)

Here's a shadowbox card I just finished up featuring both the RIRS GARDEN and PETS sheets images. I've been so inspired by Pat Moore's art on the RIRS site that I wanted to start stamping some scenic artwork again. The shadowboxes can be a little putzy and you have to concentrate when you're measuring and cutting LOL but when they are finished I really get a kick out of having these little dioramas sitting around on my desk for a bit. I have a few more I finished last year and had thought they were on my blog but I couldn't find them anywhere. I'll post the three of them here in the next few days...

Card measures 3 1/2" square and 1" deep

STAMPS: cat, birdbath and tree - Rare Image Rubber Stamps, path - V.I.P., cottage - PSX, mountain scene - Comotion, large grass - All Night Media, small grass - Stampin' Up!

INKS: Adirondack Willow, Lettuce, Pesto, Sandal, Latte, Stampin' Up! Bashful Blue

SUPPLIES: stamp positioner, ruler, pencil, eraser, stipple brushes, colored pencils, Flower Soft, Exacto knife, Micron 02 black finepoint marker

NOTES: see below

I generally start scenic work by drawing the approximate size of the finished piece on paper, and then stamping the images I'm planning to use so I can see how it fits together.

After I measure the cardstock for the total piece and mark where score lines go, I draw my opening and trim around it with an Exacto knife.

At this point I usually stamp the scene on the inside panel and if I screw it up (like this time LOL) I just stamp it on a matching piece of cardstock trimmed to fit. I like to continue part of the scene onto the inside side panels so the card looks good from an angle (and I do the outside side panels a bit too, if I'm not too lazy ;o)

For any areas that don't match up perfectly, or there is blank space, I use the finepoint black marker to add what's needed. A good example is the continuing line of the path on the frame area - once the card was folded together I drew in some grasses to continue the path stamped on the inside so it would look like it was coming into the forefront. This is where I also added the Flower Soft to start on the frame and draw the eye into the scene.

To apply color, I used the lightest colors and applied them with Airebrush stipple brushes, then filled in darker using the same and colored pencils. I kept a mask over the cat the whole time to retain the crisp white.

Hope you enjoyed - now go check out Stamp Something!

A Mojo Monday card

2009-03-09T20:26:00.003-05:00

Got a chance to make a card for today's Mojo Monday challenge - they have such great layouts and I was sad I didn't get to last week's. I started on it early this morning and got to finish it about an hour ago.

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - the flower and butterfly are on a half sheet featuring Asian images, the phrase (Life is fragile, handle with prayers) is on a half sheet of inspirational words, the two flourishes are single images from the Stampinback line, and the script is from a half sheet featuring vintage images

INKS: Stampin' Up! In-Colors - Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango and Kiwi Kiss, Staz-On Jet Black

PAPER: SU In-Color cardstock to match inks

SUPPLIES: matte black small brads, circle punch, stamp edge scissors, paper piercer, sponges, blender pens

SKETCH: Mojo Monday #77

If you get time go check out all the great artwork piling up on the Mojo Monday site!

Flower Child

2009-03-03T09:38:00.003-06:00

Sorry to be so slow in posting much lately - it was again time to work on some sample cards for the next Technique Junkie newsletter so that's where my focus was for a bit.

I just got a wonderful sheet of Time To Stamp stamps from I Brake For Stamps called Children ATCs and I'll be sharing some cards it this month...

STAMPS: all stamps from I Brake For Stamps ~ child, texture, words - Time To Stamp line full sheet 'Children ATCs', stems - Stampinback line 'Scratch Flowers', script bkgd - from Collage Elements #1 half-sheet

INKS: Stampin' Up! Creamy Caramel and Pink Pirouette, Staz-On Jet Black, Colorbox Pigment Pad Frost White

SUPPLIES: EK Success flower punches, mini brushed silver and regular flower brads, crimper, distressing tool, white gel pen

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Torn Frames and Faux Felt

NOTES: the flower stems grouping is all one height but I varied the heights by stamping it at different levels ~ I filled the dress in with white gel pen to draw focus to her ~ the dark cs looks black but is actually a linen texture charcoal color ~ the blue in real life is a greyed down tone rather than what shows here ~ there's a very cool little flourish on the sheet that I wanted to make a little crown from, but it was just to much going on, so next time maybe ;o)

Have a great day and I hope you can find a little time to stamp :o)

Indecision run amuck!

2009-02-23T11:37:00.004-06:00

I really wanted to color the new I Brake For Stamps hydrangea stamp to look like one our neighbor planted last year but then I was kind of stuck using the same colors in the background which produced a throw-back to the eighties floral sofas! The colors are much more concentrated in real life - the card kind of scanned washed out except for the ribbon, and the dark cardstock which is actually deep purple.

As you can see below, I couldn't decide on the layering LOL

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps

INKS: Archival Grape

SUPPLIES: Tombow markers #'s 553, 027 068, and 772, Emaginations Crafts punch, Fiskars rectangle punch, gingham ribbon, stamp positioner

TECHNIQUES: marker direct to rubber, and Technique Junkies Watercolor Resist 12/02

NOTES: very hard to see here but the bkgd panel has a beautiful IBFS script bkgd embossed in white ~ the phrase was stamped with a dark purple ink and the layers are the same color

THANKS FOR COMING BY! HAVE A GREAT WEEK!! :o)

Gorgeous RAKS from Evelyn!!!

2009-02-21T19:47:00.005-06:00

Can you believe the beautiful artwork Evelyn sent to me this past week? I love both pieces equally even tho they are totally different!!

This one uses the Aged Tiles technique from the Technique Junkie newsletter. The flowers are 3D with sparkley gold centers, and the panels are pop-dotted.

This one features a technique I've never seen in person ~ Pennywise Arts's 'Beaded Cuttlebug'. I must go check that out thoroughly - it uses an intriguing product called Sugar Beads! Here's the link for it, and you can see more of Evelyn's art there!!

THANKS AGAIN EVELYN - I LOVE THEM!!

Traveling Lovebirds

2009-02-16T16:22:00.004-06:00

Hey! If you're Mom and/or Dad, do NOT scroll down any further or you will see the card I sent to you!!!

Anyone else, feel free ;o) LOL

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps / Time To Stamp sheet, and misc. words

INKS: Distress - Peeled Paint, Tattered Rose, Aged Mahogany, Brushed Corduroy, and Weathered Wood, Staz-On - Timber Brown

SUPPLIES: white gel pen, paper piercer, blender pens, crimper, distressing tool, lace, printed ribbon, feather, large pink brad, sponge

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Pierced Spotlight, Faux Felt from the current newsletter and Faux Stitching

NOTES: after I put the feather in a tiny hole punched in her hat the spot looked too naked so I trimmed a little crescent from leftover edge cs and glued it down ~ I used the gel pen to color in his shirt front and color ~ to get the heart shape I folded a piece of cs in half and cut one side of the heart thru both layers and trimmed till it would fit within the framed on the image, then opened it up and traced around it with a pencil

Thanks for stopping by, and if you still need more to look at go check out the brand new cards on the Rare Image blog !!!

Fall Hydrangea

2009-02-12T23:28:00.005-06:00

I love solid image stamps for the watercolored look, and this hydrangea actually has very fine details thru-out even though it's mostly bold.

Card measures 4 1/2" x 5 3/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - hydrangea is on the New Stamps page, crackle square is on the newest birds sheet, and the prayer is on the Inspirational Phrases #5 sheet

INKS: Staz-On Timber Brown, Tombow markers, Stampin' Up! Creamy Caramel

SUPPLIES: flower punch, brushed brass brads, striped ribbon, distressing tool, water spritzer, pop-dots, dry embossing tool, dense foam mat, piercing tool

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Torn Frames

NOTES: I followed the link in the post below to give the punched flowers more definition, and after putting brads thru I used pop-dots to set them up ~ to get the watercolored feel I just colored the flower stamp with markers and spritzed it likely with water before stamping ~ I think the crackle stamp was second-generation Caramel ink

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! OH!! AND DON'T MISS THE NEW ARTWORK OVER ON THE RARE IMAGE RUBBER STAMPS SITE!!

Wildflower Silhouettes

2009-02-09T23:36:00.004-06:00

Here's a pretty quick and easy card for a little card club I go to once a month on Tuesday evenings. It makes use of Prima-style handmade paper flowers which you can find a tutorial for here

Card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

STAMPS: label and quote - Stampin' Up!, wildflowers - See-D's, distressed shadow and faux stitch - Hero Arts

INKS: Stampin' Up! Mellow Moss and Pale Plum, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: white gel pen, Liquid Pearls, mini Glue Dots, ribbons - dotted grosgrain and black/white gingham, dry embossing tool, flower punches

NOTES: this ended up busier than I meant it to be LOL but it looked too plain without the 3D flowers ~ I used the white gel pen to outline the silhouettes that fell inside the distressed green rectangle to make them really seem to be floating on top of it ~ I meant for the dotted ribbon to be on the bottom but I applied my ribbon with the card upside down unknowingly ~ don't miss the link at the top for making your own prima-style flowers! Here are my hints - when rounding the flowers use the largest ball ended embossing tool to avoid tearing the paper - a foam mat works best for the surface to work on - try making the flowers using the new

Technique Junkie Faux Felt technique!

Paris Tiny Collage

2009-02-08T14:46:00.004-06:00

Another card featuring the Stringing You Along technique from the brand new Technique Junkies Feb 09 newsletter...

Card measures 6 1/4" x 5"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - Time To Stamp sheet, fleur de lis was a freebie :o)

INKS: Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss, Adirondack Mushroom, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: smooth-topped adhesive-backed rhinestones (my new favorite bling!!), paper flowers, gingham ribbon, string, vellum, sponges, flat Glue Dots

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Stringing You Along from the Feb 09 newsletter

NOTES: I just noticed this would be a great layout for using up atc-sized pieces ~ Staz-On works great anytime you want to stamp your words on vellum, which I love because it doesn't cover the bkgd completely - and speaking of the quote, in the photo it is striking me as too plain so I'm going to add tiny bling to both sides of the author's name like I have on the fleur de lis ~ the paper flowers are very dimensional in person so I use flat Glue Dots between each layer to make sure they aren't going anywhere ~ I totally took the color inspiration from the very reasonable bag of green, white, black and brown assorted flowers by Hero Arts - in real life they match perfectly and there is more difference between the green and brown - try to picture all the greens as more limey than olive...

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Curious Cat

2009-02-07T15:01:00.005-06:00

You know animals are near and dear to my heart and I have neglected the poor cats on my Rare Image Rubber Stamps PETS sheet long enough!! I thought this brand new Technique Junkie technique Stringing You Along would go perfectly :o)

Card measures a whacky 7 1/2" x 4 1/2" LOL

STAMPS: cat - Rare Image Rubber Stamps, Meow - DMD Clear Stamps (single, in an Archiver's $1.99 bin), phrase - Rubber Stampede, baskets - PSX (all one stamp)

INKS: VersaMagic Dewdrops - Gingerbread, Sahara Sand, Wheat, Pumpkin Spice, and Red Brick, Adirondack Espresso, Stampin' Up! Creamy Caramel

SUPPLIES: embroidery floss, antiqued copper brads, large Pop Up Glue Dots (1/2" x 1/8"), small stipple brush, distressing tool, cotton string, sponges, Sakura Quickie Glue pen, Glue Dots Minis, small pop-dots

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Stringing You Along from the Feb 09 newsletter

NOTES: to make the cat a calico, I applied the dewdrop pads to the rubber in various areas and then edged it all with the Espresso pad ~ for the basket shading I stamped the row of baskets in Espresso on the same bkgd paper as the cat, trimmed some out, then stippled the edges with Caramel, and the Espresso just at the edges ~ to shade lightly under the cat and yarn ball, I applied the wheat ink directly from the pad ~ for the yarn ball I formed a Glue Dots into a circle (they start out kind of oval) and wrapped my embroidery floss around it, varying the direction after every three. I glued the ball down with Glue Dots Minis and the trailing floss with thin strips of Quickie Glue at intervals, leaving some loose ~ the baskets have a mini pop-dot on the edge the sticks out over the panels ~ the cream panels were edged with the Pumpkin pad and the bkgd panel was edged with the Espresso pad

Stay tuned - I have a Paris-themed card using this technique in some very different colors coming up tonight or tomorrow...!

All set for Valentine's day?

2009-02-05T18:01:00.004-06:00

What I'd love is a big ol' box of Godiva chocolate on the special day! But no - I've put myself on a bit of a healthier diet. Caught the flu the first of January, lost 10 pounds and decided to keep it off. Hoping to keep losing more by eating take-out just once a week and dessert only on the last weekend of the month.

You'll probably have to click on this one for some detail...

Card is 5 1/8" x 5 3/8"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps ~ GOOD NEWS! the little quarter sheet with this collaged cupid heart and three phrases is on sale this week on the Specials page!! ~ I used a variety of different IBFS images around the main heart collage - if you'd like to know about any specific one just email me and I can send you to the page it's on ~ the flourish used in the corner and around the edges is in the Stampinback section

INKS: Stampin' Up! Pink Pirouette and Red Riding Hood, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: Radiant Pearls asst. colors, small paintbrush, sponges, Cloud 9 Design Rain Dots, white gel pen

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Blocked Collage 02/09 newsletter

NOTES: I stamped the heart on a scrap of heavyweight white cardstock using the black ink and trimmed the banner out of it ~ I pop-dotted the banner in the center and tacked the ends down with double-stick tape ~ the flowers were all colored in with a tiny paintbrush and Radiant Rain in assorted shades so they are shimmery in real life ~ I highlighted the large roses with white gel pen ~ after all the red inking was done it looked too monotone and I wanted to tie in the black of the banner so I stamped the flourish repeatedly around the edges, and then sponged a little ink over just the very edges ~ I stopped at JoAnn's looking for some black rhinestones for the corners but not finding any I liked I picked up a pack of these gel look embellishments - I think they work

Thanks for stopping in!! :o)

Thank you Shar!!

2009-02-04T08:35:00.005-06:00

My fabulous friend Shar generously gifted me with this blog award!! Isn't it beautiful? Go check out Shar's blog when you get a minute - she has got great art and a really helpful listing of various links including a TON of cool stamp companies on her sidebar.

I would love to draw your attention to the following stamping bloggers ~ beautiful art but more beautiful people, in no particular order :o)

Wouldn't you love....

2009-02-03T13:47:00.004-06:00

...to be sitting under this tree on a warm sunny day reading a good book?! We in the North sometimes get a little jealous of all of you living in the South when it's winter time!! LOL But I wouldn't trade the way Spring follows Winter here for any other climate (ask me next year when Winter is just getting rolling!)

STAMPS: tree - Rare Image Rubber Stamps, GARDEN sheet ~ words, bkgd - Stampin' Up!

INKS: Adirondack reinkers in Willow and Lettuce, SU markers in Olive Green and Chocolate Chip, clear embossing ink, Staz-On Timber Brown

SUPPLIES: SU picture hanger hardware and brad, green rivets, Cropadile, small brass brads, white grosgrain ribbon, fine twine, corner rounder punch, SU blender pen, water spritz bottle, clear embossing powder, file folder

TECHNIQUE: bkgd is Technique Junkies Background Smoosh Resist from the 02/09 newsletter

NOTES: to get the varigated colors in the foliage I used a blender pen and the olive marker ink I had scribbled on a sheet of plastic to color the whole thing, then went over the lower areas with the marker directly, using the fine point to follow existing lines, then used some Willow reinker, spritzed with water, and a paintbrush to fill in some paler yellowy green areas near the top ~ background cs is actually a light and a dark brown, not black like it appears on screen

Thanks for checking in and enjoy the rest of your day :o)

We have a Winner !!!

2009-01-31T09:39:00.004-06:00

I tried out a brand new random number picker at MathGoodies which looks like it could be a very fun site to check out further, although I didn't go exploring yet. But I did see the word puzzles in the categories! Time to see how far my brain cells will go - haven't taken a "test" in a while!!

But I digress LOL The site picked #30 - lilscrappers, but if you read the comment you will swear I was picking favorites! Keep in mind I came up with the Faux Designer Paper for the TJ newsletter ROTFLMBO (that would be Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Butt Off, which I only wish was actually possible - exercise can be so boring ;o) But no, I am an honest soul and didn't have any influence in the picking of the winning comment. I wish you all could win - I am grateful you visit here and leave an occasional comment or two! :o)

lilscrappers : if you could send me an email with your snail mail address (by clicking on the sidebar link that says EMAIL ME), I'll get the cd right out to you!! Congratulations, I think you will love it!

Another card from the current TJ newsletter

2009-01-31T09:07:00.004-06:00

Can you tell I'm dreaming of warm weather the last couple of weeks?! LOL Dreaming of driving around in the sunshine with the windows rolled down yesterday :o)

card measures 6 1/4" x 5"

(I try so hard to keep my cards "normal" size so they actually fit in the envelopes I have but I get so carried away adding borders, I think! I never know where a card is going till I finish the main panel...)

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - Time to Stamp sheet and Stampinback flourish

INKS: Stampin' Up! Taken with Teal and Tempting Turqoise, Kaleidacolor Blue Breeze, and you guessed it LOL Staz-On Jet Black!

SUPPLIES: #16 yarn needle, brayer, stamp positioner

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkie Brayered Tapping, FEB 09 newsletter

NOTES: after doing the background and adding the images in blue, it looked too plain so I added the shells in black but then they stood out too much LOL so then I took a freshly inked Staz-On black pad and edged the whole panel ~ I have a hard time getting some paper piecing to show up so I bought a large yarn needle to make more dramatic holes and applied my teal cs behind the main panel before punching so the dark purple would show behind it. So it was pretty tough to punch thru both layers with a blunt edged "needle" so I used a ruler and punched thru the cs first with a regular piercer, which is sharper. It still took a bit of pressure so I used a rubber jar loosener to grasp the yarn needle which was the perfect amount of cushion for my fingers ~ the dark teal cardfront was stamped with the cheesecloth-looking net stamp

I'll be back shortly with the name of the Blog Candy winner!!!

A new TJ technique

2009-01-29T23:23:00.003-06:00

The true color of this card is somewhere in between the two photos below!

Card measures 4 1/2" x 5 3/4"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps

INKS: Kaleidocolor Cappucino Delight, Staz-On Timber Brown, Colorbox Chalk stack Sand Dunes (specifically Burnt Siena and Blush Rose), Stampin' Up! More Mustard

SUPPLIES: antiqued small copper brads, distressing tool, ribbons, bobby pin, brayer

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Brayered Tapping Feb 09 newsletter

NOTES: not much of the bkgd shows, but I used four of the different viney pieces to extend them up the piece ~ the various ribbons are tied on the top section of a bobby pin and tacked down with GlueLine tape in strip form ~ panel behind verse was colored by running the edge of the Kaleidocolor pad directly over the edges

Thanks for checking in!

Changed this card a little bit...

2009-01-28T17:50:00.005-06:00

...since I posted to the Technique Junkie group earlier today LOL

Before I forget - scroll down if you want a chance to win TJ cd blog candy!!!

5 3/8" x 6 3/8"

STAMPS: woman - Hampton Art Stamps, BonVoyage text - Hero Arts, Journey - Rubber Stampede, cancellation - River City Rubber Works, bkgd (Ephemera) and butterfly - Stampin' Up!, small postage cancellations - unknown, but could be Club Scrap/Stamp

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black (yes, I can't stamp for more than a few days without this!), Versafine black, SU Orchid Opulence and Craft Whisper White

SUPPLIES: shiny black mini brads, vellum, Cuttlebug and die from Vintage corners (trimmed down to fit panel), cotton balls, chalks, white gel pen

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Background Burst from the FEB 09 newsletter

NOTES: I used the white gel pen (Inksentials) to fill in her face and feet to give more detail, or I should say not to loose detail

Hope you are all finding time to oogle the fresh new TJ newsletter online - and if you have let your subscription lapse you might want to jump back in. This issue was purposely packed with techniques featuring basic products everyone has already so you won't have to go buy anything! And lots of them are also quick and easy too!! I'm not sure but I think there might also be a record number of artwork samples...

3D Potted Flower

2009-01-27T20:13:00.006-06:00

STAMPS: Rare Image Rubber Stamps , GARDEN sheet

INKS: Stampin' Up! Rose Romance, Old Olive, Sahara Sand, Basic Brown, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: ribbons, matte finish small brads, foam tape, blender pens, sponge

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkie Out of the Box 10/04 newsletter

NOTES: I wanted the main image to really pop, so in addition to having the edges go outside the border, I also pop-dotted the flowers. They are actually three layers, in graduating sizes. It doesn't take as long as you'd think to trim them out if you use a sharp scissor because the flowers are so busy ~ I used the blender pen and some Rose Romance ink to color everything initially and then darkened areas with the marker directly ~ background panel is all images from the GARDEN sheet

THANKS FOR LOOKING AND DON'T MISS THE BLOG CANDY BELOW!

BLOG CANDY!!!

2009-01-26T11:01:00.002-06:00

Pat of Technique Junkies has generously given the designers some 2008 CD's to offer to blog readers, so here's your chance to win this one!! Go see Pat's TJ site for an idea of content, but let me tell you - you will NOT be disappointed! There are Bonus CD Techniques not listed anywhere else!!

Just leave a comment on this post, sharing the name of one of your favorite or most used card or scrapbook tecniques (don't worry if it doesn't have a formal name - just give a brief idea). Anyone can enter, but each name is counted only once :o) I'll pick a winner at the end of the wekk using the Random Number Generator, so check back Saturday...

Best of luck!

The other FDP card

2009-01-26T09:40:00.005-06:00

I couldn't seem to get happy with this card last night but sometime between laying down and waking up this morning a few ideas came to me! LOL So I decided to finish it and call it good enough because I've got to carry on with my Monday

(Click photo for detail)

4 5/8" x 5 7/8"

STAMPS: large swirl - DeNami Designs, small flourish - PSX, large medallion - Rubber Monger, writing - A Stamp in the Hand, you're special panel - $1 single clear stamp, Dimensions Crafts, Inkadinkado from Joann's

INKS: Distress Aged Mahogany, Brushed Corduroy, Peeled Paint, embossing ink - clear

SUPPLIES: pale pink translucent ribbon, flat-back rhinestone gems, flat-back pearl gems, sponges, embossing powder - clear, heat gun, small circle punch, double-ended blender pen, foam tape

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Faux Designer Paper (I took a few liberties with this technique - I didn't do any crosshatch or edgeing with the colors - must have been mentally distracted when working on it!! LOL)

NOTES: kind of hard to see it but the rhinestones on the flower centers appear more white than silver irl ~ even tho I used the brown ink on the bkgd piece it ended up looking greenish so I emphasized that by using the Peeled Paint on the center piece ~ the words and swirly flowers are all one stamp so I stamped it twice, cut the center out of one, sponged the edges and pop-dotted it ~ also tough to see but the flower stems have been gone over with a fine-point blender pen dipped in Peeled Paint ~ I could NOT get the end of the ribbon to lay straight (grrrr) and trimmed it to within an inch of it's life LOL

Okay, wish I was going to sit at my stamp table and make something, but I have to go produce a little income now :o)

Is it Summer yet?!

2009-01-25T12:26:00.003-06:00

It's Sunday and I hope for those of you that follow Christ you've gotten a chance to reflect on His glory today, and maybe spend some time with others who do. If you happen to love Irish inspired worship music go check out Robin Mark's site or look up his song Jesus, All For Jesus on Playlist, etc. It was just on the radio and there are no words to describe how moving it is.

And now on to some artwork...

Card measures 5 7/8" x 4 5/8"

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps - Stampinback line, Time To Stamp line, etc., Stampin' Up! Scratched bkgd

INKS: Distress Faded Jeans, Dried Marigold, Scattered Straw, Staz-On Jet Black, embossing ink

SUPPLIES: embossing powder, heat gun, cosmetic sponges, stamp positioner, Stampin' Up! blender pens

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Faux Designer Paper, 3-D Popped

NOTES: I cut the girl out of heavy weight cardstock and then pop-dot her for dimension ~ I had good luck appling the Distress ink with the white triangular cosmetic wedges - it really allowed me to get all kinds of depth ~ on the Rococo scroll I avoided inking up the little flower at the center

I might have one more FDP card coming along today - I have the background done and am deciding what to put with it :o) Here's a hint - Brushed Corduroy and Aged Mahogany....

More Paper Soft

2009-01-22T13:08:00.006-06:00

I'm having so much fun with the flower images from my Rare Image Rubber Stamps GARDEN sheet. My husband came in the door the other day and said he could almost feel that Spring is coming soon - the days are brighter and longer, and the sun is melting the snow and ice on the drive a little more each day. Going to have a little cold spell over the weekend if you can believe the weatherman ;o) and then right back up again to tolerable.

I should warn you - I do this every year - get all giddy thinking of Spring right after Christmas LOL but you know, the other day for the first time since Fall, I glanced out at a big snowy patch where my plants are sleeping and I actually had a feeling of being able to see them sprouting up thru fresh dirt in that wonderful warmish, still damp Spring weather. Hope you can get a sense of that too if you're living in the cold :o)

(Click on photo for detail)

Card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

STAMPS: Rare Image Rubber Stamps, GARDEN sheet

INKS: Distress Antique Linen, Staz-On Jet Black, Stampin' Up! Pale Plum

SUPPLIES: wide grosgrain, green and white striped grosgrain, Cuttlebug and Flower Screen folder, flat backed rhinestones, brayer, Tim Holtz distressing tool, sponges, coffee, Tombow markers, SU blender pens, colored pencil in neutral grey, Score-pal, SU tab tag punch, Spellbinders oval die template, foam doule-stick tape

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Aged Parchment, my own Paper Soft

SKETCH: SplitCoastStampers SC212

NOTES: see post below for Paper Soft 'recipe' ~ bkgd panel was Cuttlebugged and then brayered with the Antique Linen, and then the edges were sponged ~ for the purple behind the oval tag I cut the punched tab piece in half and layered it to get a border as I didn't have any dies that size ( that led to the knotted ribbon to distract from the gaps on each side ;o) ~ the center panel actually has embossed lines on all four edges but for whatever reason only the top and bottom showed up in the scan ( I used my Score-Pal for this)

Thanks for stopping by!

Potted Plants with Paper Soft

2009-01-20T21:08:00.004-06:00

Okay, you have to click on this photo LOL I am mighty pleased with myself - I've been really feeling that I've been lacking since I didn't have any Flower Soft to work with yet so I developed my own homemade version to stand in for now!!

STAMPS: Rare Image Rubber Stamps, GARDEN sheet

INKS: Stampin' Up! Mellow Moss, Certainly Celery, Perfect Plum, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Staz-On Jet Black, Distress Brushed Corduroy (I think),embossing, Pumpkin Pie

SUPPLIES: Tim Holtz Distress tool, ribbons, cotton string, purple rivet, McGill Multi-tags Scallop, stamp edge scissors, white embossing powder, heat gun, craft pad, water spritzer, finepoint black permanent marker, matte glue, sponges

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Watercolor Distress

SKETCH: SplitcoastStampers SC118 (mostly LOL)

NOTES: the green panel has the trowel and watercan images embossed in white ~ I added stems to the potted plant images with a permanant finepoint pen in black ~ to make the flower heads look a bit textural like Flower Soft would, I used the Distress tool to get a bunch of cardstock shavings in two shades of purple and green. I found it worked best to do two sheet thicknesses at once. To glue the shavings down I put the matte glue in the shape of flower heads and then used a paper piercer to pick the shavings up and apply them one little section at a time, not pressing them down much, just enough to attach to the glue. I call my little discovery Paper Soft LOL

Thanks for checking in! :o)

Faux Designer Paper and Rare Image Rubber Stamps

2009-01-19T22:52:00.003-06:00

Just a quick post - it's late and I'm tired LOL

STAMPS: Rare Image Rubber Stamps

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black, Versa-Magic Dew Drops Spanish Olive and Purple Hydrangea, embossing ink

SUPPLIES: flower punch, flat-backed rhinestones, leaf ribbon, edged sheer ribbon, iron, embossing clear detail powder

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Faux Designer Paper

G'night! :o)

A Manly Birthday ;o)

2009-01-17T00:53:00.005-06:00

I just love the Stampinback cars carried by I Brake For Stamps and I wanted to highlight just this one by making it a really jazzy, happy birthday color.

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps
INKS: Marvy Turquoise #14, Staz-On Jet Black
SUPPLIES: colored pencils, Gamsol, paper stub, silver rimmed tag, brad, Sharpie in blue, white acrylic paint, foam brush, Cuttlebug and Spots and Dots folder, sm. circle punch, plastic coated polka dot field ribbon, Sakura Gelly Roll pen in glimmer
SKETCH: SplitcoastStampers #SC144
TECHNIQUE: Colored Pencil with Gamsol with marker over

NOTES: The bkgd was stamped in the turquoise repeatedly, then I used a foam brush to swish white acrylic paint over it ~ the Cuttlebugged strip is actually self-adhesive pipe? wrapping silver tape ~ the tag is silver rimmed also ~ the silver brad was colored with a blue Sharpie ~ bumpers and wheel hubs were colored in with the Gelly Roll glimmer pen ~ the Happy Birthday phrase is from the bottom line of the Happy Birthday Elvis stamp

Thanks for stopping in - I'm off to bed now that my pillows are out of the dryer! LOL

A Little Gardener

2009-01-14T21:55:00.002-06:00

STAMPS: Rare Image Rubber Stamps GARDEN sheet

INKS: Distress Brushed Corduroy and Aged Mahogany, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: Lyra watercolor crayons, wet paintbrush, flower punches, Stampin' Up! Snowflake punch, brayer, mesh, white acrylic paint, brass label holder, off-white brads, jute twine, pop-dots, dry embossing tool

SKETCH: SplitCoastStampers SC211

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Painted Mesh

NOTES: I didn't have the right colored flowers so I punched a few flowers, stamped them, edged them with a sponge, flipped them over and embossed them with an embossing tool, then pop-dotted a couple ~ the main image was stamped 3 times, then the boy and then the watercan were trimmed out and layered ~ the image was colored using a wet paintbrush and Lyra watercolor crayons ~ the reddish panels were direct to paper ~ the bkgd tan cs is stamped with the Garden quote, then I did the Painted Mesh over it

Thanks for stopping by! ~Nancy :o)

2009-01-14T11:50:00.002-06:00

A limited-time special Technique Junkies offer from Pat:

Techniques on a budget!

The February issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter will be published in just two short weeks – and it features 15 techniques for the budget-minded. This issue features techniques that use basic supplies to create outstanding, beautiful artwork for your cards, scrapbook pages and other creative work.

You can start your subscription with the February issue – and have issues from February 2009 through December 2009 delivered to your doorstep -- for as little as $16.95. You will have access to those issues on the Technique Junkie Newsletter subscriber-only pages, too! All-told, you will have a minimum of 90 techniques delivered to your doorstep by the end of the year.

Are you already a subscriber, but need to renew? You can renew for a year for $16.95, also. Although it is only $16.95 for renewals to US addresses, Canadian and overseas have special pricing also:
*Canadian pricing: $18.50, Overseas: $22.95

Hurry, though, this offer will not last long!

Email Pat if you would like a PayPal invoice, or simply send a check to her to the address below (or email her for directions for paying directly with a credit card).

Pat Huntoon
http://patstamps.com
http://www.techniquejunkies.com
PO Box 16547
Stamford CT 06905

a note from Nancy: I've said a million times how much my TJ membership has helped me in my stamping so I won't go on and on here, but I will say I think this is the lowest price I've ever seen for the Newsletter, and you won't believe how much more it is worth!!!

Off topic but still arty :o)

2009-01-13T13:07:00.003-06:00

I've had these 6 tiles lying around waiting to be put somewhere for the last couple years. The vegies are very 3-D (the pepper sticks out almost 2"!) and have an uneven shiny glaze, allowing the clay to show through. I just love them - they're made by the Fresh Fish company of MN - and if I remember right someone had them out at their garage sale for $1 when I came along. So I decided to hang them over my stove, to add color and remind me that vegetables are wonderful :o) Sorry for the rotten photo quality - I was too impatient to wait for better light! LOL

2009-01-10T12:06:00.002-06:00

A card from the newest Rare Image Rubber Stamps GARDEN sheet, which currently is shipping domestically for just $1!

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: Rare Image Rubber Stamps

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Torn Frames, Magic Mesh

INKS: Distress Brushed Corduroy, Staz-On Jet Black, Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss

SUPPLIES: Lyra watercolor crayons, Stampin' Up! water brush, brayer, cotton twine, mesh, Tim Holtz distress tool, white Gesso

Thanks for stopping in and I hope the rest of your weekend is a good one :o)

Birthday Cake

2009-01-08T11:34:00.003-06:00

I am still sick with the flu, and although I can feel I'm getting better each day my productivity is still really low. I feel like I'm doing everything in slow motion. So I won't even mention how long it took to put ONE card together!! LOL

(click for more detail)

Card measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"

STAMPS: dog - Rare Image Rubber Stamps, cake and herringbone bkgd - Stampin' Up!, sentiment - My Favorite Things

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: Cuttlebug folder 'Numbers', colored pencils, Inksentials white gel pen, black brad, pink embroidery floss, brayer, ribbon, paper flower, Colorbox Stylus sponge tip dauber, pop-dots, Nestibilities oval, scallop-edge scissors, small circle punch, white acrylic paint, glitter glue

SKETCH: MJ's #51

NOTES: sadly I don't own all the Nestibilities LOL so I cut the white oval with one, then used a pencil to trace around the outside edge of the die onto the green cs, then cut along the line with the scallop-edge scissors ~ I wanted a fancy brad but didn't have any to fit so I used a white gel pen on a black brad. It smeared a bit when I scanned it so I'd recommend using something more permanant, like acrylic paint, white nail polish, etc. and sealing it afterward ~ I put foam dots under the paper 'ribbon' with the sentiment on it for some dimension ~ the pink background was a scrap where I had brayered leftover pinks onto a scrap awhile ago, and I just ran it thru the Cuttlebug folder, then highlighted the numbers with white acrylic paint and the stylus sponge tip

If you're feeling like a stumped stamper I highly recommend checking out some sketch challenges, picking a layout you like, and going from there. It can take some of the what-do-I-do-first pressure off :o)

Love animals AND daily trivia?!

2009-01-05T15:09:00.004-06:00

then you should definitely go check the two new clickable links I added to my sidebar - one for cats, one for dogs! They will take you right to a fun site with a daily quiz question and whether you get the answer right or not, it counts for food that goes to shelters to feed cats and dogs. Thanks to Shell for making me aware of this thru her blog! If you'd like your own clickable links there is an icon on the top of the site page labeled "Banners" and they make it SO easy.

And when you're done there, just in case you're glued to the computer and can't (or won't >;o) go stamp, check out the fun Jigsaw puzzle link under the Non-stamp related links in my sidebar :o)

Well, I still have the flu and believe it or not, my energy is used up for now! LOL

We have a Winner!!!

2009-01-03T10:03:00.002-06:00

Well actually you're all winners in my book and I wish I had something to send to everyone! However, the Random Number Generator only picked one number and it was #11, so CONGRATULATIONS TO LAURIE!!! Email me with your address and I'll send the sets right out :o)

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T13:52:00.003-06:00

Just got home last night from the final Christmas get-together with a terribly sore throat, and today I think I have the flu. So I'm trying to get what work I can done here but took time to make a card to wish you all a good start to the new year :o)

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps (quarter sheet, also has a smaller single watch and a Happy New Year greeting)

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black, Distress Antique Linen

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Aged Parchment

SUPPLIES: brass brads, colored pencils, sponges

NOTES: watch face and greeting block were stamped on white cardstock, edged with Antique Linen and a sponge, trimmed and applied with double stick tape

THANKS FOR STOPPING IN - CHECK BACK TOMORROW TO SEE WHO WINS THE SEE-D's SETS PREVIOUSLY POSTED AS BLOG CANDY...

Another teaser

2008-12-28T13:06:00.000-06:00

From the Rare Image GARDEN sheet coming in January!

Shimmering Wildflowers

2008-12-27T23:08:00.004-06:00

Sorry it's so hard to see the shimmer in the scan - it's all over!! LOL

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black, Versamark

SUPPLIES: Lyra watercolor crayons, Tim Holtz distressing tool, water mister, copper Twinkling H2O, copper Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Twinkling Watercolors

NOTES: almost impossible to see but the background was stamped with the same flower and Versamark, and then spritzed with glimmer spray and has a pinkish red shimmer ~ the cardfront is shimmer blush

Thanks for looking, and don't miss the blog candy on the previous post!

BLOG CANDY!

2008-12-27T09:44:00.004-06:00

Didn't get any stamps for Christmas? ;o(

Here's your chance to own some! I ended up with duplicates of these See-D's sets when they went on clearance so I'm giving both away here on my blog.

All you have to do when commenting is click here or on the Rare Images Rubber Stamps link box on the top of the sidebar, which will bring you to the brand new RIRS blog, then just scroll down THAT sidebar to the counter and come back here and put the number in your comment line. Sounds complicated - very easy! and yes, it's a shameless ploy to make sure everyone gets to see the new blog :o)

Be sure and click on these photos for lots more detail. See-D's stamps have a sticky side that will cling to your acyrlic blocks. Just use a dense foam mat under your cs when stamping for a perfect impression.

To give you an idea of size, the dragonfly in the first set measures 2" across, and in the second set, the diamond border is 4 1/2" long.

Best of luck, and you have till Jan 2 to leave a comment, so check back on the 3rd!!!!

Christmas raks sent to me!!!

2008-12-27T08:45:00.006-06:00

Love the blessing of opening the mailbox and seeing a stamping friend's name on an envelope addressed to me!! :o)

These beautiful Christmas cards arrived this past week and having thanked the senders privately and begging permission to post I wanted to share them with you...

From Evelyn, this wonderful card featuring a whimsical winter tree in shades of blue from teal to lavender with glittery accents - hard to see in the scan but just the perfect amount of bling in real life. The card is actually on pure white cs but my scanner likes to make it a grey tone when blue is involved ;o) I always forget to do square cards but this reminds me again what an elegant look they give, as all of Evelyn's work is.

From Manna, an image stamped all in blue and highlighted with shimmery color, then sponged in blue around the edges. I would not have thought of this and look how awesome the effect is! The white cs layer is textured lightly with a pattern and has a shimmer to the finish.

From Trudy, who knows my love of mechanical cards, a super-fun card featuring a removable waterfall atc! Hard to see in a scan but the images are colored with a shimmer ink, and the pull-down tab reads Snow Flakes LOL And I can't believe it but even tiny this is the smoothest-functioning waterfall piece I've ever seen (including my own! LOL ;o)

Thanks again to you fabulous women - I treasure each of you and am thrilled to own a piece of artwork made by your hands :o)

A little teaser...

2008-12-22T08:59:00.003-06:00

...from the soon to be released Rare Image Rubber Stamps GARDEN sheet!

This also features a faux brick technique from one of the Technique Junkie newsletters, perfect for a garden wall with morning glory.

The full card along with more sample cards will be posted starting the middle of January on the brand-new Rare Image blog. In the meantime, you can click the link at the top of the sidebar to go see a bunch of sample cards from the PETS sheet!

An antique Christmas card

2008-12-20T00:17:00.005-06:00

Here's a card featuring images from a quarter sheet of I Brake For Stamps Christmas stamps plus a single flourish stamp. The set contains matching baby hearts which I used to make a 3D paper chain on the inside of the card.

(click photos for more detail)

Card measures 5" x 6 1/2"

STAMPS: All - I Brake For Stamps

TECHNIQUES: Watercolor Distress and Burnt Edges from the Technique Junkies newsletters

INKS: Distress Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy and Walnut Stain, Staz-On Jet Black and Timber Brown

SUPPLIES: sheer brown ribbon, foam tape, Ranger Cut n' Dry pads, craft mat, vintage onion skin paper

NOTES: the flourish is second generation Brushed Corduroy ~ the heart is double foam tape pop-dotted in the center and single height on the edges ~ the onion skin was stamped with the brown Staz-On and the small heart repeatedly ~ the knotted ribbon is attached with a glue dot ~ to make the cardfront match I ran the Corduroy pad in from each edge direct to paper ~ to make the heart paper chain on the inside I stamped the hearts in a row so the edges were touching, cut out the row, folded the center on in half and secured the two end hearts to the inside of the card (I used thick masking style tape on the reverse to reinforce the area where the hearts are hinged together)

Hope you enjoyed this - I had fun putting it together :o)

Christmas haircut

2008-12-19T13:56:00.005-06:00

Warning: non-stamping related post!

I splurge very little and I am the lowest maintenance girl, but one area I can't allow myself to budget is haircuts! I've got stick straight hair that can be hard to do much with and any little mistake in cutting shows. I've been seeing the same stylist for years and if she ever moves I might follow her LOL When I went in today (for my once a season cut) I was teetering with getting bangs and Allison told me she'd love to cut them, so here I am! I wasn't sure at first, but I've decided I'm happy :o)

I actually don't wear any make-up - internal intolerance to anything on my face - don't know if that's allergies or what, and totally unable to use any scented products on my person or in our home ;o( (sad face because I love scented candles so much...) so that darker eye area and ruddiness is part me but mostly bad lighting! LOL Sorry for the poor photo quality - and it looks like the mirror could use a little better cleaning next time LOL

More Freebie vintage photo images!

2008-12-18T23:20:00.004-06:00

Here's some more fun stuff to incorporate into your paper crafts. Feel free to print these out and use these vintage images in any of your personal artwork.

this one's marked Aug 19 1937 on the reverse - go Google fishing quotes, print the best one out and you're all set for that sporting guy in your life's birthday card!

ah, what an awesome family! wish someone had recorded something about the particulars. At this point you'll need to make up your own story...

a boy and his wagon - this one has a little pen and ink notation on the back that reads Clair - 6 yrs.

ENJOY! :o)

Exciting News!!

2008-12-17T10:05:00.003-06:00

Where to start?! Okay, let me make a list to make sure I don't leave anything out!

I've added some background wallpaper to the blog - if you have any trouble with the time it takes to download the page compared to before please please please let me know...
You can get your choice of your own very cool bkgds for your blog by clicking on the turquoise box link about halfway down my sidebar!
I've started a blog for all things Rare Image Rubber Stamps - click on the link at the very top of my sidebar...
and I think the most exciting news - there is a new RIRS sheet available in January, titled Garden, and the most awesome stampers ~ Lisa S and Manna ~ will be doing some sample cards for you to enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned - I'm hoping to get some more freebie vintage photos posted for you soon to print out and play with in your stamping :o)

A Meowy Christmas

2008-12-15T12:03:00.002-06:00

I'm SORRY - how could I resist saying that?! LOL

Here's a card I did for this month's Technique Junkie newsletter - it utilizes Painted Mesh and Masked Frames - thought you might enjoy being able to see more of the detail.

(click photo for detail)

STAMPS: cat - Rare Image (see my sidebar), greeting - Savvy, berry branch, pine bough, and pinecone - Stampin' Up!

TECHNIQUES: Painted Mesh and Masked Frames for the Technique Junkie 12/08newsletter

INKS: Staz-On Timber Brown, Stampin' Up Kiwi Kiss (I think!)

SUPPLIES: brass brads, grosgrain ribbon, brayer, SU slot punch, sponges, white acrylic, circle punch, colored pencils, mesh

NOTES: the wide ribbon is under the greeting ~ the brads are nice and shiny light brass irl ~ card is quite large to accomodate the cat head with as much extra around as possible

Thanks for checking in - hope your week is starting out good!!

Man's Best Friend

2008-12-13T11:53:00.004-06:00

As you can see from my photos I'm definitely a cat person, but I feel sure if I had a dog and got to know it (and it didn't bite me like dogs in my past) I would love it like my cats. This dog image and play-ball are from my Rare Image sheet of rubber titled Pets. Scroll down the sidebar for all ordering info, and if you say you read it hear (click on the Email Me area) my Christmas gift to you is free shipping in the US ($3 off International) till Dec 25th :o) If you'd like to see more card samples using these images click on Rare Image under the index of posts, also on the sidebar...

(click photo to enlarge)

Card measures 4 3/4" x 6"

STAMPS: dog and play-ball - Rare Image Rubber Stamps (my little company! - see sidebar) "Pets" sheet, word circle - Autumn Leaves "Sentiments Circles" set by Katie Pertiet, bkgds - plaid and Love words - Stampin' Up!

TECHNIQUES: Faux Fabric from the Technique Junkies 12/05 newsletter

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black, Distress Weathered Wood, Antique Linen, and Brushed Corduroy, white Uni-ball Signo gel pen

SUPPLIES: SU label punch, sponges, blue brads, embossed metal word tag with chain (from Archivers bargain bins), white twill, sandpaper

NOTES: hard to see but the antiqued brass metal tag reads "Loyal" which is pop-dotted in the center to keep it centered ~ I sponged Corduroy ink lightly onto the twill edges to age it, and Linen onto the main image panel

Have a great weekend! It's going to be 30 something today before it dips to 0 next week so I'm pretty tickled :o) And stay tuned - I have a Christmas cat card coming up next...

Birds Arch

2008-12-11T21:50:00.004-06:00

You know how I love using everyday items for my cards sometimes - this time it's the daily news :o) Not archival but it's just a card LOL

I was totally inspired to make this card after oogling Shelly Hickox's card in the current TJ newsletter. Although I still like hers much better I had fun making this...

(Click for more detail)

TECHNIQUE: Burnt Edges, Technique Junkies 02/07 newsletter

STAMPS: all I Brake For Stamps, a mix of the new Birds sheet, Foliage sheet and the Time To Stamp birds sheet

INKS: Distress Antique Linen, Tea Dye and Walnut Stain, Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: grosgrain ribbon, large flat top metal brad, newspaper, sponges

NOTES: the Staz-On works great for stamping the brads, but if you screw up and take the ink off with Staz-On cleaner it can remove the antique gold finish too LOL ~ I freehand cut the arch from newspaper after drawing it with pencil, then sponged it with Antique Linen ~ to age the large piece of newspaper I rubbed the Antique Linen on a non-stick pad, laid the paper on it and brayered over it to transfer the ink ~ for the cardfront I used the two darker Distress inks and just applied them lightly direct to paper from the pads

Thanks for checking in - have a great day!

Finally, another card!

2008-12-10T22:42:00.007-06:00

Hi all :o) I've been working on Technique Junkie sample cards for the NEXT newsletter and very much enjoying trying the fun stuff Pat's got coming up for you guys. You're going to love the February 09 issue so if you're due to renew your subscription, get goin'!! LOL Seriously...

(click on photo for more detail)

Card measures 4 1/2" x 5 3/4"

TECHNIQUE: Faux Fabric 12/05 Technique Junkies newsletter

SKETCH CHALLENGE: TechnoStamper #47

STAMPS: branch and joy - Penny Black, holiday words bkgd - PSX, viney bkgd - Stampin' Up!

INKS: Stampin' Up! Sahara Sand, Distress Aged Mahogany and Peeled Paint, Staz-On Stone Grey

SUPPLIES: circle punch, SU hardware, sandpaper, brayer, sponges

It's getting late and I'm tired so no more yakking right now :o) Thanks for stopping by!

Some of my favorite things, or

2008-12-08T16:10:00.004-06:00

why I can't get enough stamping done in the evenings!! LOL My husband couldn't resist taking this photo the other night so I thought I'd share it with you, since it IS my stamp room/home office.

How ironic, huh? - he caught me watching Top Chef, eating what was left right out of the Breyers strawberry ice cream carton! There's a small TV in the corner, and as you can see, no shortage of company on a chilly winter night :o)

Faux Designer Paper

2008-11-30T19:38:00.001-06:00

Awhile back I wanted to come up with a technique to mimic the beautiful layered look of some of the designer papers on the market. I just love the ones with a white design amidst a sea of colors and visual texture - kind of a grungey elegance. So the card below features the first "batch" I did, and Pat published it in the brand new Dec 08 newsletter! I'm blown away by the fabulous cards all the other TJ designers made with this technique, and that's the joy of sharing in this hobby - chances are pretty good someone out there can take a technique to a level you never dreamed of!!

(click on photo for detail)

Card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

STAMPS: verse - Eureka!/Biblical Impressions, fleur de lis - Paper Inspirations, checkerboard - Stampers Anonymous, writing - Hero Arts, medallion - Judi-kins

INKS: Stampin' Up! Groovy Guava, River Rock, and True Thyme

SUPPLIES: sheer salmon ribbon, Prima paper flowers, brads, embossing ink and powder, heat gun

TECHNIQUE: Faux Designer Paper in the Technique Junkies Dec 08 newsletter

NOTES: on the word panel, I used the RR ink pad to add color and pattern, then stamped the writing in GG ink ~ flowers were stamped with TT on the writing stamp

The busy-ness of this technique may make it seem complicated but Pat has written up some easy to follow instructions so your hardest part will just be deciding what color palette to use and which stamps to play with! This is one of those techniques where it really pays to make a whole page at a time because it doesn't take any longer and you will be able to pick and chose the best arrangements to apply to cards.

Masked Frames Birthday card

2008-11-28T22:17:00.003-06:00

(Click photo for detail)

STAMPS: all Stampin' UP! (It's About Time, Sincere Salutations and Sassy Sayings II sets) except the large Birthday which is a partial stamping of a Paper Inspirations stamp

INKS: Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point and Cool Caribbean, Signo Uni-ball white gel pen

SUPPLIES: ribbon, SU tag punch, piercing tool, stipple brush

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Masked Frames - current newsletter

NOTES: dark blue strip was made by dragging the ink pad over it repeatedly

Thanks for looking!!

Quick and Easy cards

2008-11-28T12:44:00.006-06:00

YIKES! I went out today to pick up a special Christmas present for someone - won't be doing that again!! I make it a habit never to go out shopping on "Black Friday" and now I vividly remember why. LOL

okay, I have some quick and easy cards for you today. When I get some spare time LOL I like to make some cards for an oh-so-awesome gallery of handmade things in Ohio. They are so good to me and let me give them cards to sell as I am able via my Mom :o)

With these I had very loose occasions or just because in mind, and things I could duplicate again if they are hits. I get very bored making duplicates - by the time I get to 5 I realize I don't like my design as much as I had thought LOL ;o)

These are all regular size - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" - and the base card is a nice heavy bright white 110# cardstock from the Neenah brand. I've been at a stand-still making cards because I didn't feel the 80# I was using produced satisfactory feel in the hand when I added embellishments. And I really like cards that stand up on their own for display, etc.

(click photos for detail)

STAMPS: swirl, large words, snowflakes - Stampin' Up! sets, small words - partial stampings from phrases - Rubber Stampede (Miss You), Hero Arts (Happy Birthday to You)

INKS: SU Riding Hood Red and Baja Breeze, Versa-Fine black

SUPPLIES: Ultra Fine glitter, The Essential Glue Pad

STAMPS: Stampin' Up!

INKS: Staz-On Jet Black

SUPPLIES: Colored Pencils, mini clothespins, large thick pop-dots, Creative Memories Scallop scissors

STAMPS: all - Hero Arts

INKS: Stampin' Up! markers, Versa-Fine black, Distress Antique Linen

SUPPLIES: sponge, water mister

Hope this inspires you to make a few simple but effective everyday cards to have on hand to let someone know you're thinking of them...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T13:15:00.003-06:00

Hope all of you have a beautiful Thanksgiving day :o)

(click photo for detail)

Even tho it's harder to see in a scan than irl, I wanted to show you this card I made using a Pastel Chalk pencil for the coloring. It looks very cool in person, like sketching. It needs to be sealed with a matte fixative of some sort or you will loose the individual stroke lines.

STAMPS: main image - from a retired Stampin' Up! set, sorry I don't know the name, for some reason I just have the one stamp, greeting - Paper Inspiration, leafy vine - PSX

INKS: Marvy Matchables #18 Dark Brown, Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Pie and True Thyme, Signo Uniball white gel pen

SUPPLIES: piercing tool, brayer, magic mesh, sponges, Tim Holtz distressing tool, gold brads, SU lg. corner punch, white gesso

TECHNIQUES: Painted Mesh - current Technique Junkies newsletter, Faux Stitching - April 2006 newsletter

NOTES: the green cardfront was distressed by running the brown pad over it repeatedly, starting at the edges ~ the corners were stamped with the main image, then sponged with the same ink around the edges

Thanks for stopping by!

2008-11-24T18:55:00.003-06:00

This card sure didn't scan well - the card front is actually pure white and the blues and reds match perfectly! But I wanted to share it with you so you can see the very cool stamp set from Stamp Camp - you get a long branch which you can place veritcally for a tree, sets of patterned leaves and 5-6 matching patterned birds - I just love it!

Click on photo for detail

Card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

STAMPS: branch, bird and leaves - Stamp Camp, greeting - Hero Arts, frame - Stampin' Up!

INKS: I'm sorry - I don't remember!! LOL

SUPPLIES: Cuttlebug folder D'vine Swirl, metal-rimmed tag, sponge, circle punch

TECHNIQUE: TJ Cuttlebug Highlight (current Technique Junkie newsletter)

NOTES: for the bkgd panel I dragged blue ink over a blue pc of lighter blue cardstock ~ the black photo corners were made by cutting a black square in half, trimming the notch and rounding the corners with a scissor ~ the clouds were made by sponging blue repeatedly around a scrap of circle-punched cs ~ blue was sponged around the white cs the label was stamped on

On a different note, go to Manna's blog and check out the gorgeous (and even more so in real life!) card she sent me for my birthday along with some very cool stamping goodies!!

Thanks for looking!

A couple Scenic cards

2008-11-22T01:22:00.005-06:00

Here are a couple cards I whipped up tonight while watching a movie on TV (did you realize they can stretch them out to 3 hours with enough commercials? LOL) It snowed here last night up in the Midwest so I needed to make some "warm" cards!

Both cards feature the Technique Junkie technique Spectrum Roll from the August 05 newsletter which is just too quick and easy! (with a slight modification since I don't have the metallic markers yet) and 3 fabulous stamps by I Brake For Stamps (the two main stamps are large and sold as single images, and the crackle square is on the newest half-sheet of birds).

Not much else to say, these are pretty self-explainatory...enjoy!

(click on photos for detail)

I inked up just the weeds and stamped the rusty-red panel, crumpled the cardstock and roughed up the edges with a Tim Holtz distressing tool, then peeled the top corners a bit. I used the largest regular Nestibilities circle to cut this panel and then edged it with black ink and a sponge.

Southwest Faux Layers

2008-11-21T13:46:00.003-06:00

This card features a Technique Junkie technique called Faux Layers, named because the entire scene is a single sheet of cardstock, which was then layered to rust cs, and then dark brown cs. Takes a while but the effect is so cool it's worth it!

(click photo for more detail)

(card measures 6 1/8" x 4 7/8")

STAMPS: all I Brake For Stamps - blanket bkgd is a single stamp, words from Time To Stamp 'Travel Atc' sheet, and all the rest from the 2 Southwest half-sheets #'s RB026 and RB012

INKS: Stampin' Up! Creamy Caramel and Really Rust, Staz-On Timber Brown, Distress Antique Linen, Tombow marker #969

SUPPLIES: colored pencils, square punch, repositionable tape, Tim Holtz distressing tool, Q-tip, sponge

TECHNIQUE: Faux Layers - Technique Junkie newsletter Dec 07

Thanks for stopping by! :o)

Color Blocking Poinsetta

2008-11-20T10:57:00.009-06:00

Another day, another card!

This card features a VERY early technique from the Technique Junkies newsletter archives. From the first ever issue, Oct 2002, this one is the Color Blocking technique.

(click photo for more detail -sorry the dark stamped lines are a little fuzzy, my scanner had a hard time with how high I pop-dotted the flower LOL)

(card measures 4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

STAMPS: I Brake For Stamps half-sheet #RB013, which is on the Specials page right now!!

INKS: Staz-On - Timber Brown, Distress - Antique Linen, Signa Uniball white gel pen

SUPPLIES: colored pencils, paper flower and leaves - Making Memories Christmas Blossoms, off-white large brad, pop-dots, sponges

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkies Color Blocking Oct 02 (modified by stamping the same image on each panel before adhering to bkgd)

NOTES: word panel and flower are pop-dotted ~ word panel and colored panels were edged with Antique Linen and sponge ~ word panel and paper flower were edged with Timber Brown also

TIPS: use a Q-tip to edge small areas like the flower petals ~ this technique works well with 3 variations in the same color family for the extra blocks

Just a note - the new Technique Junkies newsletter comes out at the end of this month and if you go to Pat's TJ site and place an order or renew, you'll get it!! Having previewed this one I can tell you: it's a hot one!!! I have already picked out a couple techniques from it to make it onto my all-time favorites list for their ease of doing and their wow factor. Can't wait to show you a teaser card - should be able to right around Thanksgiving, if not sooner!

Holiday Postage

2008-11-18T19:40:00.002-06:00

well Faux Postage, that is LOL This technique was the bonus on the very second ever Technique Junkie newsletter, December 2002. You even get a downloadable template as shown and instructions to make your own mask!

(click photo for more details)

STAMPS: holly branch - Hero Arts #G2000 Traditional Holly, holly background - Paper Inspirations #P6064 Ornate Holly Background, numbers - Hero Arts #ll760 Good Alphabet, greeting - Anna Griffith I think

INKS: Brilliance - Galaxy Gold, Distress - Aged Mahogany, Antique Linen, Peeled Paint, Staz-On Jet Black, Prismacolor - Metallic Gold broad marker

SUPPLIES: colored pencils, water spritzer, craft sheet, stamp positioner, heat gun, sheer ribbon, Fiskars stamp-edge scissors

TECHNIQUES: Technique Junkies Water Color Distress 02/07 & Faux Postage 12/02

NOTES: ribbon edges were crinkled with a heat gun - I think I'll add a little Diamond Glaze to the berries

Thanks for stopping by! :o)

TJ Holiday Blogstravaganza continues...

2008-11-17T11:21:00.003-06:00

Good morning :o) Hope you are enjoying all the holiday cards Pat and the team are sharing - I know I am getting inspired by everyone's different takes on cards for the Christmas season!!

(click photo for detail)

STAMPS: pinecones/lg. ~ Embossing Arts #991-J, phrase ~ Anna Griffith set I believe, pine branch ~ All Night Media #550-H34, woodgrain bkgd ~ Stampin' Up!

INKS: Tombow markers ~ #'s 969,977,068, Distress inks ~ Aged Mahogany & Antique Linen, Versamark

SUPPLIES: aged copper brads, Stampin' Up! word window punch, Stickles glitter glue "Frosted Lace"

TECHNIQUE: Technique Junkie newsletter April 2008 "Aged Tiles"

NOTES: I used the stickles to highlight the tips of the pinecones ~ background is the pine branch image inked, spritzed w/water, then stamped repeatedly before reinking ~ panel behind pinecones is the Aged Mahogany pad dragged over cardstock starting at edges

Thanks for stopping by!!

Blog Candy Winner!!

2008-11-16T17:29:00.003-06:00

We have a winner!!! Thanks to all of you for your wonderful sharing - we've got a long list of media recommendations for the winter in the comments :o) I'm so sorry I can't send you ALL a CD, but there can only be one, so Congratulations Cheryl of Artful Creations - the Random Number Generator has picked your number (just a note - all commenters were counted only once). Just hit the Email Me link on my sidebar and send me your address so I can send this off to you...

Blog Candy!!!

2008-11-12T10:32:00.002-06:00

Pat of Technique Junkies has generously given the designers some 2008 CD's to offer to blog readers, so here's your chance to win this one!! Go see Pat's TJ site for a better idea of content, but let me tell you - you will NOT be disappointed LOL

Just leave a comment on this post, sharing one of your favorite books or movies! Anyone can enter, but only once please :o) I'll pick a winner this weekend, so check back Sunday...

Best of luck!

Free Vintage Photo Images!

2008-11-11T11:23:00.011-06:00

(Click on photo for more detail)

Stamps: map - Inkadinkado by Dawn Houser #8344, phrase - Stampa Rosa #C59-527, ticket stubs - I Brake For Stamps

Inks: Stampin' Up! Going Gray, Distress Antique Linen and Brushed Corduroy, Staz-On Jet Black, grey oil pastel

Supplies: vintage photocopied photo (see below), oversize paperclip

Notes: used pastel crayon around corner of photo and town name for subtle tie-in, and the white part of the phrase was just stamped on scrap paper and overlaid. Photo was printed in gray scale and then aged with sponge and Distress inks

*tip*

Although photo paper will usually yield sharper images, if you print photos onto regular copy paper your inks will look more uniform when stamping across the photo and onto the background cardstock.

AND NOW FOR THE FREEBIES!!!

Came across an old family photo scrapbook at a sale and wanted to share some photos with you. Feel free to use the three photos below in your personal artwork if you'd like. I have a ton more and will post them here every so often for your use :o) I'll put this and future posts under the Index of Posts category "Free Clipart" in case you miss one. They are pretty good size files (750 pixels the long way) so hopefully you can size them however you'd like and they will print out nicely...

Birthday RAKS for me!

2008-11-11T09:35:00.007-06:00

I feel so fortunate to have received these two cards from my Technique Junkie friends! I've already thanked them privately but asked for their permission to share them with you because I knew you'd enjoy them as much as I do.

Birthday card sent to me from Trudy P.

(click photo for detail and you can really see all the layers, and the awesome map bkgd)

This one is based on the TJ Layered Collage technique and the stamp credits are:
Stampers' Anonymous: D3-613 Beaux Arts, Just for Fun: ballerina, Art Impressions: Eiffel Tower, mini Arc de Triomphe, Destination Stickers and Stamps Inc (1-866-806-7826): Paris script, See D's Travel #50220: Mona Lisa, See D's French Fancy #50190: Bonjour.

The map background is a copy of an actual map that was photocopied and altered.

Birthday card sent to me from LaVerne W.

(click photo for more detail and you can see all the coppery accents)

This one is the TJ Cling and Scrunch technique, with copper highlights. Stamp credits are: Stampin' Up! background flowers, I think, and the rest are I Brake For Stamps

Thanks again and warm fuzzy hugs LaVerne and Trudy!! :o)

Inspired by Teri Anderson

2008-11-10T11:04:00.007-06:00

There's nothing I like better when browsing thru Take Ten magazines than coming across a creation by Teri Anderson! Her artwork just speaks to me - it's happy, it's off-beat in the best way, and for as simple as some of it might look you can definitely tell it was created by an artist.

So here are some cards I put together yesterday with her style in mind, but of course they are all mine so you should go look for her stuff to get the best idea of what she does (you can see her gallery on Art Declassified! and I believe she has a blog and she's been published a ton!)

I had so much fun doing these - I loved putting just a few images, colors and loose layers together, and throwing some office supplies in the mix LOL They go so fast!! As you know I kind of have an aversion to using preprinted designer paper but I made an exception and used some old found papers that I've piled up over the last few months. I need to get some cool old books that are worthless enough I can tear them up and stamp on them ;o)

(Click on photos for more detail)

Stamps: all - I Brake For Stamps (seaweed is actually grass from cactus silhouette stamp)

Inks: acrylic paint, Distress Antique Linen, Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss and Bordering Blue

Supplies: staples, silver paper clip, twine, satin ribbon

Notes: used a foam brush to swipe acrylic

*tip*

Staz-On inks work great for stamping over acrylic paints (just make sure the paint is thouroughly dry LOL)

Stamps: cat - Rare Image (see my sidebar), flourish - I Brake For Stamps, calender words - Inkadinkado, phrase - partial Verses Rubber Stamps

Inks: acrylic paint, Stampin' Up! Pink Pirouette ink, Pallette Burnt Umber ink

Supplies: staples, note paper, Stampin' Up!'s spiral punch, brushed silver brad, paper flower

*tip*

If you want to add lighter color over dark, you can't beat acrylic paints! Just make sure you wash it off your stamps and brushes right after use (normal water on a scrub pad works fine for the stamps after you've rubbed extra paint off on a scrap of paper)

Stamps: dog - Rare Image (see my sidebar), ruler & phrase - I Brake For Stamps

Inks: Distress Antique Linen, Stampin' Up! Night of Navy, Staz-On Timber Brown

Supplies: hole punch, rectangle slot punch, twine, metal alphabet charms

Note: notebook paper is thin so I layered two pieces with the lines perpendicular to add visual interest (shows up more irl)

*tip*

When using fewer elements, add in texture wherever it fits by using torn edges, textured paper, sponging or direct to paper

Stamps: alphabet - Studio G: Series 3, all the rest - I Brake For Stamps (Stampinback line)

Inks: Distress Old Paper, Peeled Paint and Fired Brick inks, Staz-On Timber Brown ink Supplies: paper clip, National Brand ledger paper

Notes: to get the circle around the number I just used a pen cap

*tip*

When using just a few colors try second generation stamping (ink stamp, stamp off on scrap paper, then stamp project) to add variation of color

Stamps: diamonds - Stampin' Up!, fern - Hero Arts, phrase - , butterfly -
Inks: Distress Fired Brick, Stampin' Up! Certainly Celery, Staz-On Jet Black, acrylic paint

Supplies: string tag, paper clasp, foam brush

Thanks for stopping by, hope you enjoyed this alternate format :o)

Penguin Family

2008-11-09T12:13:00.004-06:00

(click photo for more detail)

This card background features the Cling and Scrunch technique from the Technique Junkie June 2007 newsletter.

The penguins, by Inkadinkado, were stamped on white cardstock using Versafine black ink. I stamped it again on copy paper before cleaning so I could make a reverse mask. I trimmed out just the white body sections for each penguin and laid this copy paper mask over the first stamped image. I inked up the snowflake swirl with Stampin' Up!'s Pacific Point and stamped it as shown.

*tip*

When you're filling in stamped images with color or pattern try to avoid the facial areas as anything too bold will usually look odd, plus the barer area will give the eye someplace calm to focus on.

There were a couple spots that didn't get enough black coverage so I used a Slick Writer to fill in all the black space (I love those pens because they are pure black with no bluish or irredescence, they come in Fine, Medium and Broad, and they write on acetate, vellum, etc.) I used a small stipple brush and the curved side of part of the mask to stipple some of the ink around the inside edges of the baby penguin as shown. I trimmed the penguins out as one piece, leaving a sliver of white around the edges.

I trimmed two panels into graduated tag shapes, stamping the lighter blue sparkle cs with the blue ink and a Stampendous Mosaic Tile stamp. The darker blue piece has a linen finish and the sun/moon is a piece of punched vellum.

For the "ice" I ripped a piece of vellum and folded it over the bottom and then the side edges of the background panel, using some doublestick tape under it where the penguin panel would be over it.

I layered the background panel onto white, and then dark blue, wrapping it with a little fiber that blends better irl LOL

Thanks for looking!

3 Cards

2008-11-07T21:54:00.005-06:00

The background on this first card features a Technique Junkie technique called Rainbow Cuttlebug that you can find instructions for on Pat's blog, and the stamps are all from I Brake For Stamps, mostly the two newer sheets of Birds and Flowers. The ink is all from the Kaleidocolor pad titled Cappucino Delight, except the green which is Stampin' Up!'s Always Artichoke.

(click photos for more detail)

I made the background piece first using Pat's directions. Then I used the same inks on the main panel, stamping the flowers, then the edges of the marbled square from the birds sheet, then overstamping with flourishes. I added the verse in green to take up some of the open area, and added a SU Copper buckle with ribbon in one corner and three brads in the other.

For the faux frame I stamped the marble and edged it all with a sponge. To get the frame effect I just laid two pieces of cardstock at the corner angles and sponged in the gap.

This card is pretty basic. I still had all the supplies out so I made another Cuttlebugged background panel using the Branches folder, and then added stamped images from the new birds sheet of rubber and the branch and words from the Time to Stamp line sheet of birds, also carried by Della at IBFS.

The main image panel on this card is actually a reject from the first card. I used SU's white pigment ink on the crackle stamp. The hardware is SU Copper, and the edges were distressed with the Tim Holtz tool.

Thanks for stopping by - have a great weekend!