RRCB206 Guest Designer- A True Friend

Hi Friends!

I am so honored to be a Guest Designer for The Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  The Retro Rubber Challenge Blog is a bi-weekly challenge that focuses on stamps that are over one year old (or older). If you are chosen as a winner, you have a chance to Guest Design.

I decided to pull out a few Divinity Designs LLC stamps and dies (the iris stamp/die duo is over four years old).

For The Retro Rubber Challenge Blog #206 Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge, I used the middle row across Die Cut or Punch- Flowers- Embossing.  

I am also playing along with the Cards 4 Galz #198 “Mother’s Day (US) or Flowers for A Friend” Challenge and I incorporated the SplitcoaststampersSketch SC369 into the layout (another one of my goals was to create a card for each of the 950+ sketches at Splitcoaststampers). 

The black background was created using the Chalkboard Vine background stamp, sporadically stamped with Versamark ink, then heat embossed with white embossing powder.

The vertical green panel was also dry embossed with a lace embossing folder.

The white panel behind the iris is a piece of designer paper made to be sponged to allow the pre-embossed areas to shine through the panel.

The iris image was stamped with Versafine Onyx Black ink, heat embossed with clear embossing powder before being colored with water-based markers and fussy cut (this card was designed before the coordinating die was available).

Layers were cut on the diagonal (per the sketch) and the sentiment was also stamped and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

Layer a piece of 1” Black Satin Ribbon, wrapping the ends behind the panel.

Silver metallic cord was looped before mounting the central panel for the fussy-cut iris.

Add a few pearls to finish off the card.

My Mother's favorite flower was irises and I think she would have loved this card. I miss her more each year and this fall, will be the 30th Anniversary of her homegoing to the Lord.

Stamps: A True Friend (Stamp/Die Duo), retired Chalkboard Vine (both Divinity Designs, LLC)

Ink/Mediums: Versamark, Versafine Black Onyx, Stampin’ Write Markers- Crushed Curryt, So Saffron, Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather , Concord Crush, Granny Apple Green; Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Marker

Cardstock/Paper: White, Black, Misc. White and Green DSP (retired Stampin’ Up! SAB)

Accessories/Tools: Gemini, Jr., SU! Lace Embossing Folder, Embossing Powder Tool, Clear and White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Silver Metallic Cord, 1” Black Satin Ribbon, Pearls

I hope you have time to check out the rest of the Design Team cards at The RetroRubber Challenge Blog and possibly, create a card with the elements of the #206Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge and join us!

Thanks again for stopping by- have a blessed week, sweet friends!

TCC190 Create In Me

 

Hi Friends!

Welcome to our #190 {Lucky Charm} Challenge at The Card Concept! The Card Concept is a bi-weekly challenge and we would love for you to create a card based on our inspiration photo and join us!

The tiered tray with the textures, greenery, bird and twig ball inspired by Clean and Layered Mixed Media card.

As many of you who follow my blog also know, I enjoy participating with other online challenges (I know how much work goes into maintaining a challenge blog and want to give support).  I will be linking this card to the Simon Monday “Things with Wings” Challenge along with the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog #201 Tic-Tac-Toe  (diagonal  Die Cut-Layers- Your Choice (Ribbon)).  One of the requirements of the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog is to use a stamp that is at least one year old.  The Inkadinkado Butterfly with Bird Nest image I used is several years old (maybe over ten?).

If you have not had a chance to check out the galleries at the Simon Monday or Retro Rubber Blog Challenge sites, I hope you will take time to check them out!  Also, stop by the  The Card Concept to see the rest of the DT designs and which photo they chose-  we would love to have you participate with us!

The main butterfly/bird nest image was heat embossed onto white cardstock and water-colored with water based markers before being die cut with a stitched rectangle die.

The background was stenciled with Tumbled Glass distress oxide ink.

The sentiment was heat embossed with clear embossing powder from the Words of Encouragement stamp set from Stamp Simply. I love this stamp set for the encouraging Scripture verses that are perfect for cards for those who may be recovering from surgery, illness, facing difficult life situations, and/or just need an encouraging word!

The background green paper is from the Graphic 45 Bloom patterns and solids 12x12 paper pad. 

The card was finished off with buffalo plaid ribbon and a few pearls.

Stamp Sets: Words of Encouragement (Stamp Simply), Butterfly with Bird Nest (Inkadinkado) 

Inks/Mediums: Versafine Onyx Black, Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide, Stampin’ Write Markers- Balmy Blue, Granny Apple Green, Mossy Meadow, Soft Suede, Baked Brown Sugar, Peach Parfait, Grapefruit Grove, Sugarplum, Rich Razzleberry; Extra Fine White Paint Pen, Clear Glitter Pen

Cardstock/Paper: White, Black, Graphic 45 Bloom Solids and Patterns 12x12

Accessories/Tools: Gemini, Jr., Stitched Rectangle STAX A2 Set 1 (MFT), Stamp Simply Steel Dies- Fishtail Sentiment Banners;  Memory Box Heartwood Stencil, Stencil Brush, Embossing Powder Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Pearls

Thanks again for taking the time to visit! I hope you are inspired to create a card and join us for our #190 {Lucky Charm} Challenge. 

Sound of the Sea- #RRCB192 Guest Designer

 

Hi Friends!

Woohoo! Today I am Guest Designing for the 

Retro Rubber Blog Challenge #192 Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge! 

I love participating with the Retro Rubber Blog Challenge since you are required to use a stamp/stamp set that is at least one year old! This encourages me to use my older/ retired stamps and I enjoy using some of my stash of paper and embellishments as well!

For this card, I chose the diagonal column, right to left (Nautical-Designer Paper-Blue) and I decided to pull out the 2015 Artistic Outpost Sounds of the Sea stamp along with the Divinity Designs LLC stamp set, Scripture Collection 9 and paired it with the Graphic 45 By The Sea designer paper, older washi tape and a nautical charm!

I enjoy participating with online challenges and will be playing along with the Simon Says Monday “Emboss It” Challenge (the main image and sentiment are both heat embossed) and the Word Art Wednesday #561-#562 Anything Goes Challenge.

If you have not had a chance to visit the Retro Rubber Blog Challenge site yet or the other challenge galleries, I would encourage you to do so- wonderful ideas and projects by all!

To create this card:

Ink the Sound of theSea image with Versafine Onyx Black ink, stamp onto white cardstock, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  Once the embossing has cooled, color with water-based markers and distress oxide ink (see colors below).

Trim the panel, mount onto tangerine cardstock, trim again and mount onto navy cardstock.

Repeat the same process for the embossing of the verse sentiment from Scripture Collection 9, ink the Sound of the Sea stamp with the tangerine marker (I inked mainly the seashells and the map area) and stamp over the sentiment.  Sponge Antique Distress Oxide Ink over the sentiment to “age” the paper.  Die cut and layer onto two additional die cuts (one from tangerine cardstock and the other from navy, split both in the center and layer behind the sentiment).

Trim and distress the two different patterns from the By The Sea Graphic 45 paper and mount onto a piece of navy cardstock.

Layer the crochet ivory lace, striped grosgrain ribbon and stitched ribbon over the rough cut edge, wrapping the ends of the ribbon behind the panel.

Add the strips of washi tape to the lower right hand area and mount the entire panel onto a white card base.

Mount the main image panel and sentiment with dimensional foam/

Use an antique pin to add the nautical charm to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets: Sound of the Sea (Artistic Outpost), Scripture Collection 9 (DivinityDesigns LLC)

Ink: Versafine™ Onyx Black, Stampin’ Write Markers- Tangerine Tango, Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, Smoky Slate; Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink- Antique Linen, Broken China

Paper: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Tangerine Tango; By The Sea (Graphic 45)

Accessories: Gemini, Jr™, Deco Labels Framelit Dies (retired Stampin’ Up!), Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Distressing Tool, AquaPainter™, 1 ½” Night of Navy Grosgrain Ribbon, 3/8” Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon, White Crochet Lace, Nautical Charm (ribbon and charm from my stash)

Thanks again for stopping by!  I hope you can create a card/project and join us at The Retro Rubber Blog Challenge!

Sunflower Season- To Everything There Is A Season

 

Hi Friends!

I am thankful to be back to designing cards again!  The last few months have been a whirlwind of emotion as well as additional physical work since my beloved hubby went to be with the Lord!  He did so much around our home with the yard work as well as vehicle maintenance.  

The Lord has given me the strength to do some of the work that he used to handle and has blessed me with others who are helping me get the jobs done. 

In the meantime, I have not had time to create (plus felt that I had lost my mojo).  This week I had dental surgery and had to take it easy so I decided to take some time to create a few cards using Stamp Simply stamps and other supplies.

Today I am sharing a floral card featuring the Stamp Simply Clear Stamps- Sunflower Season Bundle along with the Echo Park Farmer’s Market 6x6 paper pad and other Stamp Simply ribbon, dies, etc.

The Sunflower Season stamp set is the Floral Stamp of the Week and tomorrow is the last day of the sale.  This is one of my favorite florals from Stamp Simply- I love sunflowers and the fonts on the verses and sentiments in this fun set.

I was able to incorporate the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog #187 Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge into the design (diagonal Nature-Green-Die Cut or Punch).  

I have owned the Sunflower Season set for a while and it was designed several years ago (one of the requirements of The Retro Rubber Challenge Blog is to use stamps sets that are over one year old or older).

I am also entering this card into the Word Art Wednesday #553-#554 “Anything Goes”Challenge.

If you have not had a chance to do so, I hope you will visit the Stamp Simply blog along with the other challenge sites- gorgeous inspiration from all!

This card was fairly simple to create- the sunflower and sentiment verse images were stamped with Versafine Black Onyx ink,  then heat embossed with clear embossing powder. 

The sunflower image was colored with water-based markers and die cut with the coordinating die.

The Echo Park Farmers Market 6x6 designer paper was trimmed before layering onto white cardstock, trimmed and layered again onto black cardstock.

After heat embossing the sentiments from the Sunflower Season on white cardstock, they were die cut with the medium die from the Spellbinders Celebrations Pierced Rectangle dies.

The sentiment panel was mounted onto black cardstock and trimmed close to the edge before mounting onto the layered designer card panel.

The black and white gingham ribbon along with strands of Kraft Baker’s Twine were added (wrapping the ends behind the panel).

Mount the entire panel onto a white card base.

Adhere the Sunflower image with dimensional foam and finish off the card with a kraft twine bow and button (threaded with Natural Burlap String).

Stamp Sets and Coordinating Dies: Stamp Simply Clear Stamps- Sunflower Season Bundle, Stamp Simply Clear Stamps Sunflower Season

Ink/Mediums:  Versafine Onyx Black, Stampin’ Write Markers- Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Gumball Green

Cardstock/Paper:  White, Black; Echo Park Farmer’s Market 6x6 Paper Pad

Accessories/Tools: Gemini, Jr., Stamp Simply Steel Dies- Sunflower, Spellbinders Celebrations Dies- Pierced Rectangles, Embossing Powder Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Black and White Gingham, May Arts Baker’s Twine- 110 yd spool- Kraft, May Arts Burlap String- 400 yd spool- Natural, Black Button (from my stash)

Thanks again for taking the time to visit- I hope all of you have a blessed week and stop back again soon! I have a few more cards to share in the upcoming weeks :-)

Praise the Lord - In Wilderness

 

Hi Friends!

This is the second card I designed using the retired In Wilderness stamp set from Stampin’ Up!  (see this post for my first card)

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have a personal goal to create cards using stamps and supplies that I already own (and have not inked up in a while) as well as a card for each of the over 900+ Splitcoaststampers’ Sketch Challenges (I was able to incorporate Sketch #SC885 into the design of this card).   

I also enjoy participating with other online challenges and decided to incorporate the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog #184 Far Out! Challenge (I used Harvest Gold, Burnt Orange, and Brown) along with the WordArt Wednesday #547-#548 “Anything Goes” Challenge and the Try It On Tuesday “For the Man in Your Life” Challenge into the design.

The In Wilderness stamp set is several years old and I have not inked it up in years.  The scripture verse from Scripture Medley Five is also retired and older- I love being able to pair older sets together! 

I decided to use the eagle image as a memory of the many eagles that my hubby, Dave and I would see on our rural drives.  They are so majestic and we loved seeing them!

If you have not had a chance to visit the above challenge sites, I hope you will find time to do so- wonderful inspiration
from all!

To create this card:

De-static a piece of vanilla cardstock, stamp the eagle image with Versafine™ Onyx Black ink, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.

Once the embossing has cooled, color the image with water-based markers and oxide ink before die cutting with a circle die.  Use a fine point black marker to finish off the edge of the branch (I did not like it just ending without an end, lol!).

Die cut a larger circle from espresso cardstock with a stitched circle die.  Mount the colored eagle image onto the stitched circle die cut and set aside.

De-static the lower left-hand side of a panel of harvest gold designer paper (approx. 3 ¾” x 3”) with an embossing powder tool, stamp the sentiment with Versafine™ Onyx Black, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.

Distress the sides of the embossed sentiment panel and lightly mount onto a piece of vanilla cardstock to 5 ¼” x 4”.

Trim a piece of plaid designer paper to approx. 1 ½” x 3 ¾”, and two additional pieces of designer paper to 1” x 3 ¾”.

Distress the outer edges of all the designer panels before layering onto the vanilla background.

Use a zig-zag stitch to sew around all the edges and mount the entire panel onto a piece of espresso cardstock (approx. 4 ⅛” x 5 ⅜”).

Use a piercing tool to create holes for the brads and hardware at the top and bottom of the first vertical panel.

Knot the polished twine to the ends of the hardware and add to the card front with brads (the ends are adhered behind the eagle panel).

Adhere the entire panel onto a white card base.

Mount the layered eagle image onto the card front using dimensional foam (or chipboard) to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets:  In Wilderness (retired Stampin’ Up!), Scripture Medley Five (retired Verve Stamps)

Ink/Mediums:  Versafine™ Onyx Black, Tumbled Glass Distress Oxide, Stampin’ Write Markers- Chocolate Chip, Delightful Dijon, Gray Granite; .01 Pigma Micron Pen

Cardstock/Paper: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso; retired designer papers- Orchard Harvest, Misc others (Stampin’ Up!) and Authentique Thankful Collection

Accessories/Tools: Big Shot™, SU! Stitched Circles Layering Dies, Distressing Tool, Embossing Powder Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, Polished Hemp Twine, Sewing Machine, White Thread

Thanks again for taking the time to visit- I am still working on my massive re-organization of my main living floor since my hubby went to be with the Lord. I am moving each room into a new area and creating a larger craft room, so I can get all of my supplies into one room (finally :-)). 

I am hoping to be able to create more cards again soon- hugs and God Bless!

The Card Concept #171 - Cast Your Cares Tulip

 

 

Hi Friends!

It’s time for the #171 {Spring Garden} Challenge at The Card Concept!

I was inspired by the colors and flowers in our photo as well as the Spring Theme to create a Clean and Layered/Mixed Media card!  I enjoy the cooler weather of spring, and here in Maryland, the last few days have had temperatures in the 50’s & 60’s- my kind of spring weather for sure! 

I also wanted to share with those of you who follow my blog, I have not been posting as frequently as I would like.  My hubby, Dave has been battling five different cancers over the last 20 years and the most recent cancer was just diagnosed on Monday, March 7^th.  After exhibiting increasingly rapid dementia type symptoms (over the course of about a week), it was discovered that he had a primary brain tumor the size of a lemon in his left frontal lobe.

Dave had brain surgery on Wednesday, March 9^th and they were not able to remove all of the tumor (due to blood vessels that were intertwined within the mass).  He is being transported (hopefully today) from Johns Hopkins to a rehab center near my home and my prayers are that he would get stronger physically, so I can bring him home to be with me.

We know that the Lord has the perfect plan for us, and while I may wish to keep my hubby here with me on this earth, if the Lord decides to take him home to heaven, I know that it would be far better for Dave.  Unfortunately, Dave will never regain his short-term and some of his long-term memory (or possibly the ability to speak) again.

One of our favorite verses is
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”   Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)

Thanks for the chance to share a bit with my followers- I feel like we are family even though we may never have a chance to meet here on earth :-)

Also, many of you know that I enjoy participating with online challenges and will be linking this card to one of my favorite challenge sites, Retro Rubber Blog Challenge #178 “Anything Goes”.  

The Retro Rubber Blog Challenge requires that you use a stamp that is at least one year old (one of my goals as well).  The sentiment on this image from Stamp Simply is many years old as well as the main Power Poppy digital floral image.  FYI- I had this image printed and hand colored in my stash since 2019 (when my hubby had his bladder/prostate removal surgery), 

Thankfully, this image was perfect for both challenges! If you have not had a chance to visit us at The Card Concept , I hope you will take a moment to do so! Gorgeous designs from the rest of my sisters on The Card Concept Design Team, plus stop by the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog and check out their talented Design Team as well!

Other than the time it took to hand color/watercolor this image, the card took very little time to create!

To create this card:

Using a editing software (I used the retired Stampin’’ Up! My Digital Studio), download the digital Tulips in Hobnail Pitcher image from Power Poppy by Marcella, resize and print onto white cardstock.

Hand color the image with watercolor pencils and water-based markers.  I used a water soluble graphic pencil as well for the shadow area (or you could use a black watercolor pencil).  Once you are satisfied with the colors, die cut the panel with a stitched rectangle die.

De-static the lower right hand area for the panel with an embossing powder tool.  Ink the verse sentiment from the Fear Not clear stamp set  (Stamp Simply) with Versafine Black Onyx ink, stamp onto the prepared area, apply embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  I just love the fonts used in the Stamp Simply Fear Not stamp set, don't you?  Plus this verse is also one of our favorites! 

Layer the main focal image panel onto black cardstock and trim close to the edge.

Layer a piece of designer paper (approx. 4” x 5 ¼”) onto a 4 ¼” x 5 ½” piece of black cardstock and mount onto a white card base.

Adhere the main focal image panel to the card front.

Use a clear glitter marker to add shimmer to the tulips and you are done!

So easy and flat for mailing!

Stamp Sets: Fear Not (Stamp Simply), Tulips in Hobnail Pitcher digi image (Power Poppy by Marcella)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine Black Onyx, various Watercolor Pencils- Derwent™, Stampin Up!, Water-based Markers (Stampin’ Up!), Water Soluble Graphite Pencil; Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Marker

Cardstock/Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black; Stampin ‘ Up! designer paper (retired and from my stash)

Accessories/Tools: Big Shot™,  Stitched Rectangle A2 STAX Dies (My Favorite Things). Embossing Powder Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Thanks again for taking the time to visit! I hope you will have the time, create a card based on our #171 {Spring Garden} inspiration photo and join us!