Give Thanks with Three Decoys

Hi Friends!

I am sharing another card this morning that I designed using some of my unloved stamp sets.  This card features the Three Decoys (Impression Obsession) stamp along with a verse sentiment from Scripture Medley 3 stamp set (retired Verve Stamps). 

I have owned both of these stamps for years and have not inked the I/O Three Decoys in a several years (I love the artwork in this stamp, don't you?).  While I had the stamp out, I heat embossed several images so I could create a few cards :-).

I decided to use the Color My Heart Color Dare #403 “Browns + 2 Colors of Your Choice “ Challenge (I used light blue and a tiny bit of red) and incorporated the Splitcoaststampers SC236 Sketch Challenge for the layout. 

I am also participating with the Cardz 4 Guyz #249 “No Patterned Paper” Challenge and the Word Art Wednesday #448-#449 “Anything Goes” Challenge.

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

This card was easy to create- stamp both the decoy image and sentiment with archival black ink onto white cardstock and heat emboss with clear embossing powder. 

Watercolor the decoy image with ink from distress and distress oxide pads along with water-based markers and watercolor pencils.  Once dry, trim the panel and mount onto black cardstock. 

Die cut the embossed sentiment with a stitched rectangle die and mount onto black cardstock, trim close to the edge.

Emboss a piece of suede cardstock with a script embossing folder, mount onto black cardstock, trim and adhere to a white background panel, trim and mount onto a black card front before adhering to the white card base.

Mount the decoy image and sentiment onto the card front with chipboard and add a few rhinestones to the edges of the sentiment.

Using a water brush, dilute a bit of pearl texture paste and watercolor the moon.

Stamp Sets: Three Decoys (Impression Obsession),  Scripture Medley 3 (Verve Stamps)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black, Tim Holtz® Broken China Distress Oxide;  Tim Holz® Brushed Corduroy Distress, Stampin’ Write Soft Suede and Poppy Parade Markers; Stampin’ Up Black Watercolor Pencil; Faber-Castell® Texture Luxe™ Pearl

Paper/Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Soft Suede

Accessories/Tools: Gemini, Jr™, My Favorite Things™ Stitched Rectangle STAX A2 Set 1, Tim Holtz™ French Script Embossing Folder, AquaPainter™, Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Rhinestones

Thanks again for visiting- I hope you have a chance to check back again soon! 

His Love Endures Forever

Hi Friends!

Today I am sharing a fun simple Mixed Media card designed with retired stamps from my massive stash :-)  The butterfly image is from the retired Stampin’ Up! Ageless Adornment (hostess set) and the sentiment is from the recently retired Verve Stamps, Scripture Medley 3.  

I had this butterfly image already stamped, colored , fussy-cut and layered in my stash and in my recent (and continuing) organization project, I decided to pull out my "stashed" images and create a few cards:-).

I am linking this card to the Try It On Tuesday “Things with Wings” Challenge along with the CAS on Friday #136 “Splash Watercolor” Challenge and the WordArt Wednesday #342-#343 “Anything Goes” Challenge.

If you have not had a chance to visit the above challenge galleries yet, I encourage you to do so- wonderful ideas and projects by all!

To create this card:

1). De-static a scrap piece of white cardstock with an embossing powder tool, stamp the butterfly image with Versafine™ Onyx Black ink onto the prepared cardstock, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  Once the embossing as cooled, watercolor using ink from water-based markers.  Fussy-cut the image, mount onto black cardstock and cut close to the edge.

2). Die cut a piece of white cardstock with a stitched rectangle die.  Scribble a bit of green water-based marker onto a silicone craft mat, lightly spritz with water and press the die cut panel into the ink.  Lift up and repeat until you are satisfied with the background.

3). De-static the background panel with an embossing powder tool, stamp the verse image with Versafine™ Onyx Black ink, stamp onto a piece of white cardstock, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  Mount the panel onto a piece of black cardstock, trim and mount onto the white card base.

4). Mount the fussy-cut butterfly image with dimensional foam.  Add white highlights to the butterfly’s wings using an extra fine white paint pen and use a clear glitter pen to add shimmer to the wings.

5). Finish off the card with a few jewel drops.

Stamp Sets: Ageless Adornment (retired Stampin’ Up!), Scripture Medley 3 (retired Verve Stamps)

Ink: Versafine™ Onyx Black, Zig® Real Clean Color Markers- Light Green, Yellow, Orange, Light Purple; Stampin’ Write Tangerine Tango Marker; Clear Wink of Stella® , Sharpie® Extra Fine White Paint Pen, Nuvo™ Lime Jewel Drops

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Extra Thick Whisper White

Accessories: AquaPainter™, Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Water Spritzer Bottle

Thanks again for visiting- you are all such an encouragement to me!!  Hugs and I hope you have a fabulous week, my friends!

TCC90 The Lord Directs His Steps

Hi Friends!!

Woohoo! It’s time for the new #90 Sweet Treat Challenge at The Card Concept!   Look at those gorgeous cupcakes- the flowers look so real, don’t they? 

I was inspired by the bright spring colors of berry, yellow ad blue as well as the pretty flowers to create a Mixed Media card.  

Don't be frightened of Mixed Media- usually it is a card using two different inks  and/or mediums (in this case archival ink, distress inks and markers, white paint pen, glitter pen) plus other mediums (I used heat embossing and stenciling on this card). 

Since I add heat embossing to almost every one of my cards lately, they all qualify as Mixed Media :-)

Just a reminder that The Card Concept is a bi-weekly challenge that has an inspiration photo along with a number of design styles that you can choose from to create your card- Clean and Simple, Clean and Graphic, Clean and Layered, Shabby Chic, Freestyle Collage, Classy and Elegant and Mixed Media (or you can combine several styles for your own style).

I am also linking this card to the Hand Stamped Sentiments #286 Sketch Challenge, the Double “D” “Twine” Challenge and the CAS-ual Fridays #196 "Spring Fever" Challenge.

If you have not had a chance to check out the rest of the Design Team cards at The Card Concept or visit the other challenge sites yet, I hope you will find time to do so- wonderful inspiration from all!

To create this card:

1). Ink the floral image from Rhododendron (Technique Tuesday) with archival black ink, stamp onto a piece of white cardstock, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  Once the embossing has cooled, color the flowers with distress inks, markers and other water-based markers (colors noted in card recipe below).  Add a few highlights to the flower centers with an extra fine white paint marker. Fussy-cut and set aside.

2). Stamp the verse sentiment from Scripture Medley 3 (Verve Stamps) with archival black ink, stamp onto a piece of white cardstock, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  Once the embossing has cooled, die cut with a stitched rectangle die, mount onto a piece of berry cardstock.

3). For the panels on the background, die cut various rectangles from yellow and white cardstock (dies are listed below), layer onto berry cardstock, add the hemp twine strands (wrapping the ends behind the panel) before mounting onto the white card base.

4). Add the sentiment panel and the fussy cut floral image with dimensional foam to the card front.

5).  Use a stencil with a stencil brush to add distress ink over all the panels.

6). Adhere the hemp twine bow with button.  Add pearls to the corner of the sentiment and upper right-hand corner of the card.

7). Use a clear glitter pen to add shimmer to the flowers to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets: Rhododendron (Technique Tuesday), Scripture Medley 3 (Verve Stamps)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black, Tim Holtz® Distress Markers- Picked Raspberry, Mowed Lawn; Tim Holtz® Picked Raspberry Distress Ink, Zig© Clean Real Color Markers- Light Pink, Green; SU! Markers- Blush Blossom, Berry Burst; Spectrum Noir® Clear Glitter Pen, Sharpie® Extra Fine White Paint Pen

Cardstock/Paper: Whisper White, Berry Burst; retired So Saffron and Soft Sky Designer Series Paper (all Stampin’ Up!)

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot™, My Favorite Things™ Dies- A2 Stitched Rectangles STAX Set 1 & 2, Horizontal Stitched Strips STAX, Stitched Square STAX; Embossing Buddy®, Heat Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Claritystamps™ Stencil Brush, Memory Box™ Heartwood Stencil, Polished Hemp Twine, retired SU! Button, Pearls

Thanks again for stopping by! I had fun designing this card and hope you will have a chance to come play along with us at The Card Concept!!

Philippians 1:6- He Who Has Begun A Good Work In You

Hi Friends!

I hope all of you had a fabulous weekend! I had a chance to finish a card this evening using Verve Stamps, Scripture Medley 3 for the Viva La Verve October 2017 Sketch Challenge.  

I also incorporated some Stampin' Up! retired paper, ribbon from my stash, sequins and a few die cuts along with the Color Throwdown #466 Challenge for the color palette and the Tic-Tac-Toe #021 Challenge (middle row across- Purple – Free- Sequins) for additional inspiration.

If you have not had a chance to check out the challenge sites yet, I encourage you to do so- gorgeous galleries and ideas from all!

To create this card:

1). Ink the Scripture Medley 3 verse sentiment with Versafine® Onyx Black ink, stamp onto white cardstock, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.  Once the powder has cooled, die cut the image with a stitched square die, mount onto espresso cardstock (trimming close to the edge) and use a stencil brush with a flourish stencil to apply antique linen distress ink.

2). Layer the rust gingham designer paper onto espresso cardstock, trim and mount onto olive cardstock.  Add the plum ribbon layer (per the vertical strip in the sketch) and mount the entire panel onto the espresso card front.  Adhere the card front onto the white card base.

3). Cut a piece of olive patterned paper to fit the stitched espresso rectangle die cut, mount the layered sentiment onto the panel and adhere to the card front with dimensional foam.

4). Die cut the leaf image from plum and rust cardstock, layer together and add to the card front with dimensional foam.

5). Finish off the card with a few purple sequins and the purple bow.

Stamp Sets: Scripture Medley 3 (Verve Stamps)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine® Onyx Black, Tim Holtz® Antique Linen Distress Ink

Paper: Whisper White, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Perfect Plum; retired Orchard Harvest and Merry Moments Designer Series Paper (all Stampin’ Up!)

Accessories/Tools: Big Shot™, My Favorite Things™ Square and Rectangle Stitched STAX Dies, SU! Seasonal Layers Thinlits™, Embossing Buddy®, Stampin’ Emboss® Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, ½” Wired Purple Ribbon (from my stash), Purple Sequins (Crafters Medley),  Clarity™ Stencil Brush, Memory Box™ Heartland Stencil

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by- hugs and I hope you have a blessed week!

TCC80 His Love Endures Forever

Hi Friends!!

It’s time for the new #80 {Autumn Love} Challenge at The Card Concept! Look at all of the fun elements in this inspiration photo- the owls, the cake with the texture and neutral tones, the leaves and so much more!

I was inspired by the texture of the tone on tone of the cake as well as the colorful leaves and theme of love for my Classy and Elegant card.  The verse says it all- “Give Thanks to the Lord for He is Good, His Love Endures Forever”  1 Chron 16:34.  I am so thankful that God’s Love for us endures forever, aren’t you?

So what will inspire you from our photo?  We would love for you to join us, create a card using our photo for inspiration and add your artwork to our Challenge #80 gallery.

I am also linking this card to the Splitcoaststampers Falliday Fest “FF17scraperwannabe ”Textures of Fall" Challenge, Simon Says “Work It Wednesday” Anything Goes Challenge for Aug/Sept and the Dies ‘R Us #83 “Leaves” Challenge.

 If you have not had a chance to do so, I hope you will find the time to check out the rest of the wonderful Design Team cards at The Card Concept as well as the entries at the other challenge sites- fabulous inspiration from all!

To create this card:

1). Using the leaf image from Botanicals (retired Stampin’ Up!), stamp three of the same image with Versafine™ Onyx Black ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock, apply Clear Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool.  Once the embossing has cooled, watercolor the images using an AquaPainter™ and ink from Classic Ink Pads (SU!)- Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie and Cajun Craze.  Fussy-cut each of the leaves and set aside.

2). Ink the sentiment from Scripture Medley 3 (Verve Stamps) with Versafine™ Onyx Black ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock, apply Clear Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool.  Once cooled, die cut with the MFT Pierced Traditional Tag STAX Die.

3). Using the Big Shot™ with the Crafters Companion™ Ornate Lace Embossing Folder, emboss a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock.  Trim the panel to 4” x 5 ¼”, mount onto a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and adhere to the white card base.

4). Mount the sentiment tag and leaves to the card front with dimensional foam.

5). Apply shimmer to the leaves with the Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen and add a few pearls to the corner of the sentiment tag to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets:  Scripture Medley 3 (Verve Stamps), retired Botanicals (Stampin’ Up!)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black Ink, Classic Ink (SU!)- Cajun Craze Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie; Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen

Cardstock/Paper: Very Vanilla, Extra Thick Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot™, Ornate Lace (Crafters Companion™) Embossing Folder, MFT Pierced Traditional Tag STAX Dies, Embossing Buddy®, Heat Tool, Clear Embossing Powder,  Pearls

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by!  I hope I have inspired you today and that you will be able to join us for the #80“Autumn Love” Challenge at The Card Concept!

TCC79 He Has Made Everything Beautiful

Hi Friends!!

It’s time for the new The Card Concept #79 {Rustic Neutrals} Challenge ! I love this gorgeous photo that Lesley chose for the challenge, don’t you? So much to inspire you- from the texture, the white pumpkins, the white wash on the bricks, the gray metal wheel in the back as well as all of the other details and even a bit of greenery. 

I was inspired by the gray whitewash on the metallic wheel in the back as well as the variety of texture, the silver and beige along with the sage green for my Mixed Media Shabby Chic/Elegant card.

I am also linking this card to the Word Art Wednesday #302-#303 “Anything Goes”Challenge along with a few Splitcoaststampers' challenges (F4A397 "Your Happy Place", MIX243 "Mister, Mister" and a few others).  

My "happy place" is reading God's Word and spending time at Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive)! The beauty of God's creation is so inspiring and this time of year is one of my favorites with all of the changes in the leaves and beautiful colors.  

 If you have not had a chance to do so, I hope you will find the time to check out the rest of the wonderful Design Team cardsat The Card Concept as well as the entries at the Word Art Wednesday Challenge site- fabulous inspiration from all!

To create this card:

1). Ink the Tim Holtz® (TH) French Script Sizzix™ Embossing Folder with TH Pumice Stone Distress Ink, place a piece of Sahara Sand cardstock into the folder and emboss with the Big Shot™.  Trim the panel and distress the edges with a distressing tool.

2). Layer a piece of patterned sage green paper (this was from my stash and I cannot recall the manufacturer- sorry...) onto Basic Gray cardstock, distress the outside edge and layer onto the embossing panel created in step 1.

3). Add the gray crochet lace and gray satin ribbon (wrapping the ends of the ribbon behind the panel) and mount the panel onto a piece of Basic Gray cardstock.  Adhere the entire panel onto the white card base.

4). On a piece of Whisper White cardstock, stamp the sentiment from the Verve Stamps Scripture Medley 3 stamp set with Versafine™ Onyx Black ink, apply Clear Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool.  Once the embossing has cooled, die cut the sentiment with the My Favorite Things™ (MFT) Stitched Circle STAX Dies and mount onto a circle die cut from the same size die using Basic Gray cardstock.  FYI- I split the gray circle in half and adhere the sentiment so only a little bit of the gray is showing.

5). For the leaves:  Using a craft mat, tap a bit of Pumice Stone, Weathered Wood and Gathered Twigs Distress Ink, spritz lightly with water and press a piece of Whisper White cardstock into the ink.  Lift up the cardstock and continue to repeat the steps until you are satisfied with the color.  Dry the panel thoroughly with the Heat Tool and use an Embossing Buddy® to de-static the surface of the cardstock.  Ink the leaves from the retired Stampin’ Up! (SU!) set, With Gratitude using Versafine™ Onxy Black Ink, stamp onto the panel, apply clear embossing powder to a few of the leaves and heat with the heat tool.  Repeat the process, one leaf at a time and heat emboss several of the leaves with extra fine white embossing powder.  Once the embossing powder has cooled, if needed, use a sponge dauber with additional distress inks to intensify the color and fussy cut out each leaf. 

6). Mount the leaves to the card front with dimensional foam and add a few pearls to the sentiment circle.

7). Finish off the card by adding shimmer with a clear glitter pen to the leaves.

Stamp Sets:  Scripture Medley 3 (Verve Stamps), retired With Gratitude (Stampin’ Up!)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black Ink, TH Distress Inks- Pumice Stone, Weathered Wood, Gathered Twigs; Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen

Cardstock/Paper: Whisper White, Extra Thick Whisper White, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake; misc. designer paper (sage green)

Accessories: Big Shot™, TH French Script Embossing Folder, MFT Stitched Circle STAX Dies, Sponge Dauber, Embossing Buddy®, Heat Tool, Clear and Extra Fine White Embossing Powder, Gray Crochet Lace, 1” Gray Satin Ribbon, Pearls, Distressing Tool

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by!  I hope I have inspired you today and that you will be able to join us for the #79“Rustic Neutrals” Challenge at The Card Concept! 

TCC73 Vintage Notes

Hi Friends!

It’s time for The CardConcept #73 Vintage Notes Inspiration Challenge!  I absolutely love our inspiration photo with the birds, butterflies, script, lace and buttons- so much to use for inspiration. 

I am also linking to the Mixed Media Monthly #36 “Put A Stamp On It” Challenge along with the Alphabet Challenge “D for Decoupage” Challenge into the design of my Mixed Media/Shabby Chic card.

If you have not had a chance to visit us at The Card Concept yet, I hope you will find time to do so as well as check out the other two challenge sites- fabulous inspiration from all!

To create this card:

1). Ink the robin image from the retired Nature Walk (SU!) and the frame image from the retired Notably Ornate (SU!) sets with Stampin’ Archival™ Basic Black ink and stamp onto Very Vanilla cardstock.

2). Color the frame and the robin images with an AquaPainter™ and Distress Inks- Vintage Photo, Gathered Twigs, Walnut Stain and Antique Linen and Ripe Persimmon for the robin.

3). Fussy cut both images and sponge additional Vintage Photo Distress Ink over the edges.

4). Use a foam brush to apply ModPodge™ over both images and set aside to dry.

5). On another piece of Very Vanilla cardstock, stamp the retired Musical Score background stamp (SU!) with Stampin’ Archival™ Basic Black ink, distress the paper with a sponge using Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  Use a palette knife with Crackle Textured Paste and a honeycomb stencil to apply texture paste to the background and allow to dry.

6). Add color to the texture paste with Adirondack™ Alcohol Inks- Caramel, Espresso and Old Paper Distress Stain and Picket Fence Distress Stain.  Allow to dry, distress the edges by tearing and using a distressing tool and adhere to a piece of Basic Black cardstock.

7). Apply a layer of ModPodge™ over the entire background and allow the panel to dry.

8). Stamp the egg images from Nature Walk using Stampin’ Archival™ Basic Black ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock, heat set the ink and watercolor with an AquaPainter™ using Distress Ink – Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo and the Pool Party Stampin’ Write Marker. Fussy cut out each egg, round the eggs to create a slight cup and apply ModPodge™ to the surface, set aside to dry.

8). Add the 1” Dark Brown Satin Ribbon strip and cream lace to the background panel, wrap the ends behind the panel.  Mount the entire background panel to a white card front, distress the edges using Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

Close-Up of Distressing and Watercolor

9). Adhere the ornate frame, robin and eggs with dimensional foam to the card front.

 

10). Ink the verse sentiment from Scripture Medley 3 (Verve Stamps) using  Stampin’ Archival™ Basic Black ink  and stamp onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  Use a Heat Tool to heat set the ink, apply Vintage Photo Distress Ink with a sponge dauber over the paper, distress the edges with a distressing tool and stamp the splatter image from Timeless Textures (SU!) with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Mount the sentiment onto a piece of Basic Black cardstock.

11). Mount the sentiment onto the card front with dimensional foam to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets: Nature Walk, Notably Ornate, Musical Score background stamp (all retired Stampin’ Up!), Timeless Textures, Scripture Medley 3 (Verve Stamps)

Ink/Medium: Stampin’ Archival™ Basic Black; Distress Inks- Vintage Photo. Walnut Stain, Gathered Twigs, Antique Linen, Ripe Persimmon; Distress Stain- Old Paper, Picket Fence; Stampin’ Write Markers- Pool Party; Crackled Texture Paste; ModPodge™

Paper/Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Basic Black

Accessories: AquaPainter™, Sponge Daubers, Foam Brush, 1” Dark Brown Satin Ribbon, Ivory Crochet Lace, Distressing Tool  

Thanks again for taking the time to visit!  Hugs and I hope you have a wonderful week!