Be Still and Know

Hi Friends!

I am still making a concentrated effort to use some of my older stamps in my stash and this card was designed with the retired Sketches stamp set (Stampin’ Up!) along with a sentiment from the current Stamp Simply set, Words of Encouragement.  

I have not inked up this image from Sketches in ages and thought it would be perfect for the Simon Says Monday “Summer Memories” Challenge.

As a child and young adult, I recall taking my sketch pad along with me when we would go on vacation, so this image reminds me of those summer memories.

Also as I mentioned in previous posts, I am working my way through the 800+ sketches at Splitcoaststampers and this card uses the SC11 Sketch for the layout (thankfully the SCS challenges never end and this sketch is from 2005). 

I incorporated the colors from the Sunday Stamps #237 "Going Cool" Color Challenge (mainly the top three colors along with a shade of the bottom pinkish color :-)) along with the Joy of Sets Tic-Tac-Toe #20 Challenge (diagonal Blue- Button-Emboss).

I hope you have had the chance to check out the above challenge sites, such wonderful inspiration from all!

To create this card:

De-static a piece of white cardstock with an embossing powder tool, stamp the image and sentiment onto the panel with black archival ink, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.

Watercolor the image with water-based markers and distress oxide ink.  Once satisfied with the coloring, add a horizontal water line with a waterproof black pen.

Die cut the image with a stitched square die, mount onto black cardstock and trim close to the edge.

Create the photo corners with a square punch (cut the punch on a diagonal and hand trim the corner area).  Mount onto the opposite corners and add silver brads.

Emboss a piece of white cardstock with a lattice embossing folder, trim and mount onto a black card front (4” x 5 ¼”).  FYI-  I actually had this embossed piece of cardstock already in my scraps, love being able to use up some of my stash :-)

Add the focal image to the card front, adhere a piece of black satin ribbon onto the lattice embossed area (wrapping the ends behind the panel) and mount onto a white card front.

Adhere the three buttons (I used scraps of black cardstock to mimic thread for the centers and hot glue to adhere to the card front).

Use a clear glitter pen to add shimmer to the water and finish off the card.

Stamp Sets: Sketches (retired Stampin’ Up!), Words of Encouragement (Stamp Simply)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black; Stampin’ Write Markers-Pool Party, Tempting Turquoise, Island Indigo, Smoky Slate, Tip Top Taupe; Tim Holtz® Tumbled Glass and Picked Raspberry Distress Oxide; Clear Wink of Stella™, Faber-Castell® Extra Fine Black Pitt Pen

Paper/Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black

Accessories/Tools: Gemini, Jr™, retired Square Lattice Embossing Folder (Stampin’ Up!), My Favorite Things Stitched Square STAX Dies, Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, AquaPainter™, Black Satin Ribbon (from my stash), Buttons (retired Stampin’ Up!), Silver Brads, Square Punch

I am so thankful that you took the time to visit- I hope all of you have a blessed week!

I Can Do All Things

Hi Friends!

I am having a great time this week organizing a few areas of the house (mainly the kitchen) and decided to take a moment to create a few cards using a set that I have owned for over 17 years and have not inked up in at least 15 years- Early Spring (from the 2003-2004 Stampin’ Up! IBC Catalog).

While I had this stamp set out, I stamped a few of each of the floral images and created a total of six cards.

I decided to pair this card with a current stamp set from Stamp Simply, Words of Encouragement and added a few retired Stampin’ Up! buttons, designer paper and lace from my stash.

 I used the Splitcoaststampers SC330 Sketch Challenge (from 2011) for the layout and also incorporated the Sunday Stamps #235 "Bright and Beautiful" Color Challenge into the design.

I am also playing along with the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog #139 “Buttons Galore” Challenge (as I mentioned above, the Early Spring stamp is 17 years old and the Retro Rubber Challenge Blog is all about using older stamps- right up my alley:-)). 

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

This card was fairly easy to create- the image and sentiment were heat embossed with clear embossing powder, water-based markers were used for the watercolor, a bit of layering, lace and buttons and the card was done!

Stamp Sets: Early Spring (retired Stampin’ Up!),  Words of Encouragement (Stamp Simply)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black, Arteza™ Trimarkers™- Nectarine, Florescent Orange, Lime, Forest Green; Stampin’ Write Tangelo Twist Marker; Tim Holtz® Broken China Distress Oxide; Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen, Sharpie® Extra Fine Paint Pen

Paper/Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, misc. retired Stampin’ Up! designer paper

Accessories/Tools: AquaPainter™, Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 5/8” Black Satin Ribbon, White Crochet Lace, retired Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Buttons

Thanks again for stopping by! I am hoping to catch up on posting more cards soon- hugs and have a great weekend!

Gather Together and Give Thanks

Hi Friends!!

This evening I am sharing another card that I designed using the remainder of the emboss resist panel from my previous post.

For this card, I am using the Sketch Saturday #588 Sketch for the layout and am also linking to the Sunday Stamps #217 "Autumn Richness" Color Challenge, Simon Says Work It Wednesday October “Autumn& Gratitude” Challenge and the Retro Rubber #123 “Anything Goes” Challenge (French Foliage is several years old and Painted Harvest is over a year old).  

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

To create this card:

Die cut a piece of white cardstock with a stitched rectangle die, mount onto a piece of black cardstock and mount onto a white card base.

Trim three pieces of designer paper to approx.. 1 ½ “ x 3”, mount onto a piece of black cardstock and trim close to the edge.  Use a piercing tool to create holes to insert the copper brads.  Adhere the panel directly to the card front.

After creating the heat embossed resist panel with the French Foliage stamp set (I used distress oxide inks, clear embossing powder, masked the images as I stamped additional leaves, applied additional ink over the embossed leaves), stamp the script stamp and cancelled stamp image from French Foliage with repeatedly with Versafine™ Onyx Black over the emboss resist panel, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.

Die cut the circle (for the card in the previous post) and a rectangle for this card  using stitched dies.  Mount the stitched rectangle die cut onto a piece of black cardstock, trim close to the edge.

Fussy-cut a few of the leaves from the scraps and adhere to the corner with a copper clip. 

Mount the entire panel onto the card front with dimensional foam (or chipboard).  Use a clear glitter pen to add shimmer to the panel.

De-static a piece of white cardstock with an embossing powder tool, stamp the sentiment with Versafine™ ink, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool. 

Trim the sentiment panel, mount onto a piece of black cardstock and trim close to the edge.  

To finish off the card, mount the sentiment layer onto the card front (directly to the emboss resist panel and use dimensional foam on the far right hand side).

Stamp Sets: French Foliage (retired Stampin' Up!), Painted Harvest (current Stampin' Up!)

Cardstock/Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Black, retired Designer Series Paper (Autumn Meadow, Autumn Traditions)- Stampin’ Up!, misc purple designer paper

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black, Versamark™, Tim Holtz™ Distress Oxide- Mustard Seed, Ripe Persimmon, Candied Apple, Peacock Feathers, Picked Raspberry; Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen 

Cardstock/Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, retired Autumn Meadows and Autumn Traditions designer series paper, misc purple dsp

Accessories: Big Shot™, My Favorite Things™ Stitched Rectangle A2 Set 1 STAX,  Sponge Daubers, Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Copper Brads, Copper Clip

Thanks again for taking the time to visit- I hope all of you have a wonderful week/ weekend!

Those Who Are Wise

Hi Friends!

I decided to design another card inspired by the masculine theme and textures  in The Card Concept #121 {Adventure Awaits} Challenge and chose to create this card in the Shabby/Vintage style :-)

I have owned the Pastor & Ministry Appreciation stamp set from Stamp Simply for a few months now as well as the Carabelle Studio Hilbou (Owl image) for over a year and this is the first time I had a chance to ink either one.

In addition to The Card Concept #121 {Adventure Awaits} Challenge, I am also linking this card to the 2 Crafty Critters Crazies #31  “Anything Goes” Challenge, the Sunday Stamps #215 "Fall Harvest" Color Challenge (I used Pumpkin, Mustard ,Dark Charcoal, Gray and White) and the A Place to Start Challenge October 2019 "Create Your Own Challenge" (Column 1- Image, Sentiment, DSP, Column 2- Die, Embossing (Heat and Dry), Column 3- Embossing Powder, Column 4- Bling and Column 5- Ribbon, Twine, Stitching (Faux) ).

If you have not had a chance to visit us at The Card Concept or the other challenge sites yet, I hope you will find time to do so- such wonderful inspiration from all!

The owl and sentiment were both stamped onto prepared white cardstock with Versafine™ Onyx Black and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. 

Once the embossing powder had cooled, the owl  was water-colored with SU! Markers and Distress Ink (see colors below) using a water brush. Add shimmer to the eyes with a clear glitter pen and once dried, add white highlights with an extra fine white paint pen.

Both the verse sentiment and owl were die cut with a stitched oval die., then layered onto another oval cut from espresso cardstock.

Emboss two pieces of retired designer paper with same embossing folder,  lightly sand the embossing, distress the edges and mount onto espresso cardstock. 

Adhere the crocheted lace and cover the edge with a piece of 1” stitched chocolate satin ribbon over the edges of the designer paper, wrap the edges behind the panel. Mount the panel onto the white card front.

Adhere the owl and the sentiment layers with dimensional foam (or chipboard).  Adhere the knotted twine and a few rhinestones to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets:  Pastor & Ministry Appreciation (Stamp Simply), Hilbou (Carabelle Studio)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Onyx Black, Tim Holtz™ Tea Dye Distress Ink; Stampin’ Write Markers- Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Clear Glitter Pen, Extra White Paint Pen

Cardstock/Paper: Whisper White, Early Espresso; retired Designer Series Paper- Howlstooth and Scaringbone (Stampin' Up!), misc paper (Anna Griffin)

Tools/Accessories: Big Shot™, My Favorite Things™ Dies- Stitched Oval STAX, Sixxiz™ Oval Dies; retired Stampin’ Up! Lacy Brocade Embossing; Sanding Block, AquaPainter™, Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 1” Stitched Chocolate Satin Ribbon, Crochet Lace, Polished Hemp Twine, Rhinestones

Thanks again for taking the time to visit!  I hope I have inspired you to create your own card based on our {Adventure Awaits}  photo and link up to our gallery at The Card Concept- we would love to see your interpretation and what design style you chose!! The challenge is open until Monday, October 21^st. 

TCC84 My Grace Is Sufficient

Hi Friends!!

We had a little break over the Christmas/New Year holiday but we are so thrilled to be back with The Card Concept #84 {Sweet Inspiration} Challenge!! 

I love this beautiful vintage photo and was inspired by the beautiful roses, vellum flowers, pearls and vintage feel to create a Shabby Chic/Mixed Media card.

I am also linking this card to the Sunday Stamps #169 "Cool Winter Love" Challenge  and the Dies R Us #88 “Anything Goes” 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- gorgeous inspiration from all!

To create this card:

1). Ink the Roses & Prayers (Unity Stamp Co) with Versafine™ Onyx 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, watercolor the rose image using water-based markers.

2). Use a stencil brush with antique linen distress ink to “antique” the paper.  Using the brush with antique linen along with a stencil, apply additional ink around the flower image.  Die cut the panel with a stitched rectangle die.

3). Use a craft knife to cut around the lower leaf and stem, mount the panel onto a piece of crumb cake cardstock, adhere the striped designer paper (Graphic45 Botanical Tea ) along with the strip of crocheted ivory lace and a strip of 1” gray satin ribbon, wrapping the ends of the ribbon behind the panel.

4). Mount the entire panel onto a piece of dark gray cardstock, mount the entire panel onto a white card base.

5). Ink the sentiment from The Vine (Unity Stamp Co) with Versafine™ Onyx Black ink, stamp onto the scrap piece of stenciled cardstock from step #2,  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 the card front under the cut leaf and stem image.  Adhere the die cut roses along with the punched leaves and pearls. 

6). Finish off the card using a clear glitter pen to add shimmer to the die cut roses and stamped rose petals.

Stamp Sets: Roses & Prayers, The Vine (both from Unity Stamp Co, designed by Graciellie Designs)

Inks/Mediums:  Versafine™ Onyx Black; Tim Holtz® Antique Linen Distress Ink; Stampin’ Write Markers- Blushing Bride, Flirty Flamingo, Powder Pink, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen

Cardstock/Paper: Whisper White, Basic Gray, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Vellum (all Stampin’ Up!); Graphic45 Botanical Tea Designer Paper (retired)

Accessories: Big Shot™, Dies- MFT Stitched Rectangle A2 STAX Set 1, MFT Mini Royal Rose Dies, Impression Obsession Mini Rolled Flower Dies; Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Clarity™ Stencil Brush, Memory Box Texture Flourish Designer Stencil, Martha Stewart Leaf Punch, 1” Gray Satin Ribbon, Pearls

 Thanks again for stopping by- I hope you will be able to join us for the #84 “Sweet Inspiration” Challenge at The Card Concept! 

F4A400 Blessed Beyond Measure

Hi Friends!

I hope all of you are having a great week so far!  This card was designed for the Splitcoaststampers F4A40 “Bon Appetit!” Challenge in honor of October 20- International Chefs Day (challenge details and gallery).

I tend to bake more than cook (at least during the holidays) and wanted to ink up the retired Stampin’ Up! Perfect Mix stamp set.  I am determined to use my retired stamps more often, so I thought that the "Bon Appetit!" Challenge would be the perfect one to give the Perfect Mix stamp set some "love" :-)

I paired it with the "brand new to me" So Blessed Stamp Set from Technique Tuesday and incorporated the Atlantic Hearts #234 Sketch Challenge into the design.

I am also linking to the Sunday Stamps #163 Bold and Beautiful Color Challenge and the Word Art Wednesday #304-#305 “Anything Goes” Challenge.

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

To create this card:

1). Arrange the Perfect Mix baking utensil images onto a clear acrylic block and stamp repeatedly onto a piece of retired Poppy Parade cardstock using Versafine™ Onyx Black Ink.  Trim the panel, mount onto a piece of Basic Black cardstock, trim and mount onto a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock.

2). Ink the images from the Perfect Mix stamp set with Versafine™ Onyx Black Ink, apply Clear Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool. Color the images with Stampin’ Write Markers- Dapper Denim and Poppy Parade.  Use an AquaPainter™ to dilute some of the marker ink to give more dimension (I scribble the ink onto a silicone craft mat and dilute with the water brush).  Use a Spectrum Noir ™Clear Glitter Pen to add shimmer to the batter and some of the handles.  Once you are satisfied with the coloring, fussy-cut each image.

3). Using Very Vanilla along with the MFT Stitched Rectangle STAX Die, die cut one panels for the sketch and die cut another panel a bit smaller size from a piece of Graphic45 Home Sweet Home 6x6 paper.  Mount both onto Basic Black cardstock and trim close to the edges.

4). Cut another of the smaller stitched rectangles from Very Vanilla cardstock, de-static with an Embossing Buddy® stamp the sentiment “Blessed” from the So Blessed stamp set (Technique Tuesday®) with Versafine™ Black Onyx Ink, apply Clear Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool.  Mount onto Basic Black cardstock and trim close to the edge.  Add a strip of 3/8” Red and Black Gingham Ribbon, wrapping the edges behind the panel.  Adhere the triple bow of 3/8” Red and Black Gingham (FYI- I used Hot Glue to adhere the bow).

5). Layer the panels per the sketch onto the card front.  Add ½ of the Paper Doily to the back of the sentiment panel and mount the panel onto the card front with dimensional foam .  Add the baking utensil items (using dimensional foam, when needed). 

6). Ink the sentiment from So Blessed with Versafine™ Black Onyx Ink, stamp onto a scrap piece of Basic Black cardstock, apply Winter White embossing powder and heat set with the Heat Tool.  Trim the sentiment and create the fish tail banner ends (I used the retired Hexagon Punch but they can be created by hand or with a square punch).  Finish off the card by mounting the fussy-cut baking utensil items onto the card (using dimensional foam as needed).

Stamp Sets: Perfect Mix (retired Stampin’ Up!), So Blessed (current set from Technique Tuesday®)

Ink/Mediums: Versafine™ Black Onyx; Stampin’ Write Markers- Poppy Parade, Dapper Denim; Spectrum Noir™ Clear Glitter Pen

Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Dapper Denim, retired Poppy Parade; Graphic 45 Home Sweet Home 6x6 Paper

Accessories: Big Shot™, My Favorite Things™ Stitched Rectangle STAX Dies, Embossing Buddy®, Stampin’ Emboss® Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 3/8” Red and Black Gingham Ribbon

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by- if you have the time, come play along with us at the Free For All Challenges   Hugs and have a great week!