The Card Concept #97- Colorful Basics

Hi Friends!

Welcome back to The Card Concept Challenge!!  We had the summer off and are so excited to be back. 

We are starting off our new challenge season with this fun photo for our #97 {Colorful Basics} Challenge! Our blog challenge creator, Lesley always seems to find the most inspirational photos.  This scene has so many things that could inspire you.- the stripes, the colors, the dresser , the chair, the curtains in the reflection, the award trophies ...and if you pop over to The Card Concept blog post, just wait until you see how our talented Design Team was inspired!! 

This scene is so crisp and clean (not like my house- lol!)  so I decided to create a Clean and Simple (CAS) Mixed Media card.  I was inspired by the rainbow colored stripes as well as the white/light background.   

Since I love participating in online challenges, I will also be linking this card to the Retro Rubber #94 “Anything Goes” Challenge (both stamp sets used for this card are several years old) and the Simon Says Monday “Stamp It On” Challenge.

Just a reminder that The Card Concept is a bi-weekly challenge that has an inspiration photo along with a suggestion 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).

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

To create this card:

1). Using ink from Zig® Clean Color FB Markers, color the markers directly onto the Watercolor Wash (retired Stampin’ Up!) background stamp, spritz with water and press a piece of watercolor paper onto the stamp.  FYI- I lay the background stamp face up, color (or ink, in this case color), spritz with water and press the paper onto the stamp.  This seems to work best for me when dealing with background stamps.  You can stamp a second piece of watercolor paper for another card as well :-)

2). Spritz the background panel with additional water (if needed) to allow the colors to blend a bit and use a water brush (if needed).  Dry the panel thoroughly with a heat tool.  

***Note- if the paper starts to curl too much, lightly spritz a bit of water on the back of the watercolor panel and it should straighten out. ***

3). Once the panel is dry, de-static the panel with an embossing powder tool, ink the main image from Postage Due (retired Stampin’ Up!) with archival black ink, apply clear embossing powder and heat set with a heat tool.

4). Die cut a panel of white cardstock with the MFT Stitched A2 Set 2 Rectangle Die (use the largest die), mount onto a piece of black cardstock, trim close to the edge and mount onto a white card base.

5). Die cut the watercolor/embossed Postage Due panel with a smaller MFT Stitched A2 Set 2 Rectangle Die, mount onto black cardstock, trim and mount onto the card front with dimensional foam.

Wow, that was quick and easy! A refreshing change from my Shabby Chic Mixed Media cards that can take a few hours- lol!

Stamp Sets: Postage Due, Watercolor Wash background  (both retired Stampin’ Up!)

Ink/Mediums: Versamark™, Zig® Clean Color FB Brushes- Red, Yellow, Orange, Light Green and Light Blue

Cardstock/Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black (Stampin’ Up!); Watercolor (Canson)

Tools/Accessories:  Big Shot™, MFT Stitched A2 Rectangle Set 2 Dies;  Embossing Buddy®, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, AquaPainter™

Thanks again for taking the time to drop by! I hope I have inspired you to create your own card based on our {Colorful Basics } photo and link up to our gallery at TheCard Concept- we would love to see your interpretation!!

SUO174 Watercolor Fun with Mediterranean Moments

Hi Friends!   

It’s time for the #174 “Watercolor Fun” Challenge at SU-Only  Challenges! I absolutely love to watercolor and decided to use classic ink and watercolor pencils for the watercolor on this card as well as added heat embossing and a bit of clear glitter. 

I incorporated the CC633 Color Challenge along with the Splitcoaststampers’ Free for All F4A376 “It’s CAS to Me” Challenge, the Simon Wednesday “Pop of Pink” Challenge  and the Hand Stamped Sentiments Inspiration #263 Challenge into the design.

If you have not had a chance to stop by the SU-Only Challenge site to check out the rest of the Design Team projects or the other challenge galleries yet,  I encourage you to do so- fabulous inspiration from all!

To create this card:

1). Ink the Watercolor Wash background stamp with Pool Party Classic Ink, use a paper towel to lightly pick up some of the ink and stamp onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock.

2). Trim the panel, ink the small splatter stamp from Timeless Textures with Pool Party, randomly stamp over the area and repeat with Basic Black Archival Ink (stamping off first) before stamping on the panel.

3). Mount onto Basic Black cardstock, trim and mount onto Melon Mambo cardstock.  Adhere the entire card front onto an Extra Thick Whisper White card base.

4). Stamp the sentiment from Rose Wonder with Versamark™ onto a piece of Basic Black cardstock, apply Stampin’ Emboss® White Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool.  Hand trim the banner points and set aside.

5). Ink the Mediterranean Moments image with Stampin’ Archival™ Basic Black Ink and stamp onto Whisper White cardstock.  Color the image with Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Pencils and an AquaPainter™, adding additional color with Stampin’ Write Markers as needed.

6). Trim the image, mount onto Basic Black cardstock, trim and mount onto Melon Mambo cardstock.

7). To finish off the card, add the focal image and sentiment to the card front with Stampin’ Dimensionals®  and use the Clear Wink of Stella® Glitter Pen to add shimmer to the background.

Stamp Sets: Mediterranean Moments, Rose Wonder, Timeless Textures, Watercolor Wash

Ink/Mediums: Classic Ink- Pool Party, Stampin’ Archival™ Basic Black; Versamark™;  Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Pencils- Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Melon Mambo; Stampin’ Write Markers- Pool Party, Cucumber Crush; Clear Wink of Stella®

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

Accessories/Tools: AquaPainter™, Embossing Buddy®, Stampin’ Emboss® White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by and I hope that you will create your own Stampin’ Up! Only project and play along with our “Watercolor Fun” challenge!

SUO173 Flourish Thoughts & Prayers

Hi Friends!   

It’s time for the #173 “All That's Feminine” Challenge at SU-Only Challenges. For this challenge you can create any type of feminine card or project using Stampin’ Up! products only. 

I wanted to play along with the Flourish Thinlits™ so I paired the dies with Watercolor Wash, Timeless Textures and Rose Wonder stamp sets using the Splitcoaststampers’ CC622 Color Challenge into the design.

If you have not had a chance to stop by the SU-Only Challenge site to check out the rest of the Design Team projects or the Splitcoaststampers gallery, I hope you will do so- gorgeous inspiration from all!

To create this card:

1). Ink the Watercolor Wash background stamp with Mint Macaron Classic Ink and stamp onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock.

2). Ink and stamp the Timeless Textures scroll image with Night of Navy Classic Ink, stamp off onto a scrap piece of paper and stamp onto the background.

3). Trim the panel and mount onto a piece of Night of Navy cardstock, trim and mount onto a piece of Watermelon Wonder cardstock.  Use the Clear Wink of Stella® marker to add shimmer to the background.

4). Die cut the scroll image from the Flourish Thinlits™ from Night of Navy cardstock and the flower from Watermelon Wonder cardstock.

5). Stamp the sentiment from Rose Wonder with Night of Navy Classic Ink onto a strip of Whisper White cardstock, mount onto a piece of Night of Navy cardstock, position the scroll die cuts behind the panel before adhering to the card front.

6). Mount the entire panel onto the Extra Thick Whisper White card base.

7). Add the die cut flower to the center strip and the Pearls to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets: Rose Wonder, Timeless Textures, Watercolor Wash

Ink/Mediums: Classic Ink- Mint Macaron, Night of Navy; Clear Wink of Stella®

Paper: Extra Thick Whisper White, Whisper White, Night of Navy, Watermelon Wonder

Accessories/Tools: Big Shot™, Flourish Thinlits™, Pearls

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by and I hope that you will create your own Stampin’ Up! Only project and play along with our “All That's Feminine” challenge!

SUO161 Happiest Birthday Wishes- Mixed Media Birthday Blooms

Hi Friends!  

It’s time for the SUO161 “All Types of Celebrations” Challengeat SU-Only Challenges!  This year I am mailing more birthday cards than ever before so I decided to create a mixed media (mainly one layer) birthday card with Stampin’ Up! stamp sets, Birthday Blooms, Timeless Textures and Watercolor Wash.

I have linking to the TGIF #80 Color Challenge as well as The Flower Challenge #2 “A Special Occasion” Challenge ( I think birthdays are special occasions, don't you?).  

I hope you will stop by the SU-Only Challenge site to check out the rest of the Design Team projects as well as the other challenge galleries- fabulous inspiration from all!

To create this card:

Ink the floral image from Birthday Blooms with Basic Black Archival Ink, stamp two images onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock and heat set with the Heat Tool.

Using Stampin’ Write Markers- Rich Razzleberry for the petals and Mint Macaron for the leaves, scribble the ink onto an acrylic block and pick up the color with an AquaPainter™ to watercolor the images.

Apply the color directly to darken the shadows on the image and soften with the AquaPainter™.

Color the stamens with the Delightful Dijon marker and add white highlights with the White Gel Pen.

Carefully fussy-cut each of the flowers and FYI- I did edit a few leaves as I cut out the images (some were edited by mistake, oops!! :-)).

Using the Delightful Dijon Stampin’ Write Marker, apply color to the Watercolor Wash background stamp, use a sponge dauber to soften the strokes and lightly spritz with water before laying a piece of Whisper White cardstock over the image.

Ink the sentiment from Birthday Blooms with the Rich Razzleberry Stampin’ Write Marker (I was not near my ink pads for this card), stamp onto the panel, trim the panel before mounting onto the Rich Razzleberry cardstock and trim once more before mounting onto the Mint Macaron cardstock.

Trim the panel again and mount onto the Extra Thick Whisper White card base.

Add the first flower to the card front directly onto the background panel and mount the second flower with Stampin’ Dimensionals®.

To add a bit of shimmer, carefully apply Clear Wink of Stella® to the petals.

Ink the small splatter stamp from Timeless Textures with Rich Razzleberry ink, stamp off once and stamp onto the background to add additional texture and finish off the card.

Stamp Sets:  Birthday Blooms, Watercolor Wash, Timeless Textures

Ink: Stampin’ Archival Pad™- Basic Black; Stampin’ Write Markers- Delightful Dijon, Mint Macaron, Rich Razzleberry; Clear Wink of Stella®; White Gel Pen

Paper/Cardstock:  Whisper White, Extra Thick Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Mint Macaron

Tools/Accessories: AquaPainter™, Heat Tool

I hope this card has inspired you to pull out your Stampin’ Up! products and come  join us in the SU-Only “Any Type of Celebration” Challenge.

Thanks again for stopping by- hugs and have a great week!

SUO 145- Love You, Papa Bear

Hi Friends!   

It’s time for the SUO145 “Cute Critters” Challenge and I decided to combine a the new Bear Hugs stamp set with the coordinating Bear Hugs Framelits™ (both in the 2016 Occasions Mini Catalog) along with Timeless Textures (also in the Mini) and Watercolor Wash (2015-2016 Catalog) to create my Clean and Simple (CAS)  “cute critter” card.

 I also incorporated the Splitcoaststampers’ CC572 Color Challenge along with the CAS363 “Won’t You Call Me Sweetheart” Challenge and the Tic-Tac-Toe #6 Challenge (Celebrate, CAS,Critters).

 I hope you will have a chance to check out my sister Design Team member samples at the SU-Only Challenge site as well as the fantastic Design Team samples and gallery at the other galleries- wonderful inspiration from all!

To create this card:

Ink the Bear Hugs images using Stāz-On® Jet Black Ink and stamp onto Whisper White cardstock.

Color the images with an AquaPainter™ and Classic Ink- Soft Suede for the bears, Pacific Point for the skirt and Real Red for the heart.

Cut out the images with the Big Shot™ and the coordinating Bear Hugs Framelits™.

With Marina Mist and Wild Wasabi Classic Ink, ink the Watercolor Wash background stamp (top half with Marina Mist, bottom with Wild Wasabi), use a brayer to lift the ink off of the background stamp and brayer onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock.

Ink the line image from Timeless Textures with Wild Wasabi Classic Ink and stamp over the grass area.

Stamp the sentiment from Bear Hugs with Stāz-On® Jet Black Ink.

Trim the panel and mount with Stampin’ Dimensionals® onto the Whisper White card base.

Adhere the skirt onto the large bear and mount both bear images onto the background with Stampin’ Dimensionals®.

Using a long piece of Natural Linen Thread, double up the length to create a “rope” for the heart image, knot the ends and add the die cut heart to the center.

Bend the arms up on the bears and adhere the heart rope to the large bear image to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets:  Bear Hugs, Watercolor Wash, Timeless Texture

Ink:  Stāz-On® Jet Black, Marina Mist, Real Red, Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi,  Soft Suede

Paper/Cardstock: Whisper White

Accessories: Big Shot™, Bear Hugs Framelits™, AquaPainter™, Natural Linen Thread, Brayer

I think this card could be used for Valentine's Day, Father’s Day or a card for a brand new Dad- what do you think?

Thanks again for stopping by and we hope to see your Stampin’ Up! Only project in our “Cute Critters” Challenge gallery!

Isaiah 41:10- Fear Not, For I Am With You

Hi Again Stampers!!

I am on a Clean and Simple (CAS) trend this weekend and wanted to share a card that was created using the Pals Paper Arts PPA283 Color Challenge- the colors that Brian chose for the challenge remind me of spring and with all of the cold weather that has arrived here on the East Coast, I thought a few flowers were in order :-)

I just love this passage of Scripture:

"Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. "

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

I think that this verse is appropriate for so many occasions...Illness, Sympathy, Encouragement and even for a "Just Because" card and am so thankful that it was included in the Rose Wonder stamp set :-)

Again, if you have not already done so, I hope you will find the time to visit the Pals Paper Arts site to check out their spectacular Design Team samples as well as their fabulous challenge galleries- I am always inspired by this group of designers!

To create this card:

Ink the Watercolor Wash background stamp with Mint Macaron Classic Ink and use a Sponge Dauber to pounce over the stamp and remove some of the ink.

With the inked background stamp facing upward, lay a piece of Whisper White cardstock over the stamp and press with your fingers to transfer the inked image to the cardstock.

Ink the sentiment from Rose Wonder with Memento™ Tuxedo Black Ink as well as two of the leaf stems and stamp directly onto the background panel.

Ink the large splatter stamp from Gorgeous Grunge with Memento™ Tuxedo Black Ink, stamp off onto a piece of scrap paper and stamp onto the panel.

Ink the smaller blossom image from Rose Wonder with Memento™ Tuxedo Black Ink and stamp three of the flowers onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock.

Use an AquaPainter™ with Melon Mambo Classic Ink to color the flowers and once dried, color the center petals and shadows onto the outer petals with the Stampin’ Write Melon Mambo Marker (using the AquaPainter™ to soften the edges of the marker on the outer petals).

Color the center of the flowers with the Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker, fussy cut each flower and set aside.

Use the Mint Macaron Stampin’ Write Marker to color the leaves and add shadows with the Sahara Sand Stampin’ Write Marker.

Trim the background panel and mount onto the Basic Black card base.

Add two of the flowers directly onto the card front and the third (center) flower, mount onto the card front using a Stampin’ Dimensional®.

Add the Pearls to centers of each flower to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets: Rose Wonder, Watercolor Wash (background stamp), Gorgeous Grunge

Ink: Memento™ Tuxedo Black, Melon Mambo, Mint Macaron; Stampin’ Write Markers- Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Mint Macaron, Sahara Sand

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black

Accessories: AquaPainter™, Pearls

Thanks again for taking the time to visit- hugs and have a great day!!  

SUO136 Trust In The Lord

Hello Friends! 

It’s time for the new SUO136 “Favorite Holiday Colors” Challenge – create a card or project with your favorite holiday colors.

I love all colors but especially the colors of Autumn/Thanksgiving in the Northeast- the rich golden tones with all of the different shades of reds, oranges, browns as well as various greens are truly glorious this time of year! 

I hope you will have a chance to check out my sister Design Team member samples at the SU-Only Challenge site, pull out your Stampin’ Up! supplies and create your own “Stampin’ Up! Only” project for our challenge gallery. 

I am also linking this card to the SU-per Challenges #113Watercoloring Challenge.

To create this card:

Using Sponge Daubers apply Hello Honey Cajun Craze and Blackberry Bliss Classic onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock, stamp the leaves from Vintage Leaves with Memento™ Tuxedo Black Classic Ink over the sponged ink and carefully fussy-cut out the leaves.

Ink the Watercolor Wash background stamp with Hello Honey and use a Sponge Dauber to apply Cajun Craze over the background, spritz with water and lightly daub with a paper towel before stamping onto a piece of Whisper White cardstock.

Ink the large splatter stamp from Gorgeous Grunge with Blackberry Bliss Classic Ink and randomly stamp over the background.

Ink the sentiment from Trust God with Blackberry Bliss Classic Ink and stamp onto the Watercolor Wash background, trim and mount onto a piece of Cajun Craze cardstock, trim and mount onto the Blackberry Bliss card base.

Add the leaves along with the 1 ½” Burlap Ribbon “threads” and Gold Cord to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets:  Vintage Leaves, Watercolor Wash, Trust God, Gorgeous Grunge

Ink: Memento™ Tuxedo Black, Blackberry Bliss, Cajun Craze, Hello Honey

Paper/Cardstock: Whisper White, Blackberry Bliss, Cajun Craze

Accessories: Sponge Daubers, Water Spritzer Bottle, 1 ½” Burlap Ribbon, Gold Cord Trim

Thanks again for stopping by and we hope to see your Stampin’ Up! Only project in our “Favorite Holiday Colors” Challenge gallery!

May the Spirit of Christmas Fill Your Heart

Hello Friends!

I had a chance to create a few cards this weekend and this card was created using the Wplus9 Get Sketchy! #4 Sketch Challenge along with the My FavoriteThings #33 Color Challenge.

 

If you have not had a chance to visit the above challenge site galleries yet, again, I would encourage you to do so- wonderful inspiration from all!

To create this card:

Ink the Wplus9 Design Studio Pretty Patches: Tree stamp using Always Artichoke Classic Ink and the trunk with Smoky Slate Classic Ink stamping together onto Whisper White cardstock.

Ink the heart stamp with Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink and stamp onto the center of the tree image.

Use the Big Shot™ with the coordinating die to cut out the tree image and set aside.

Cut the wavy panel from Always Artichoke cardstock using the Lawn Fawn (LF) Stitched Hillside Borders Die.

De-static the stitched wavy panel as well as a piece of Whisper White cardstock with the Embossing Buddy®.

Ink the various snowflakes from Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps (SNSS) Winter Blessings using Versamark™ ink, apply Stampin’ Emboss® White Embossing Powder and heat set with the Heat Tool. 

Once the embossing powder has cooled, ink the Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Wash background stamp with Smoky Slate Classic Ink, spritz with water, blot the inked background lightly with a paper towel, stamp over the snowflakes on the Whisper White embossed panel and lightly wipe off the ink from the snowflakes with a paper towel.

Mount the wavy stitched embossed panel to the embossed Whisper White panel and trim, mount onto Cherry Cobbler cardstock, trim again and mount onto the Always Artichoke card base.

Stamp the sentiment from the Wplus9 Pretty Patches: Tree set using Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink and stamp onto Whisper White cardstock.

Use the Big Shot™ with the My Favorite Things (MFT) Stitched Rectangle STAX Die to cut out the sentiment and mount onto a piece of Cherry Cobbler cardstock, trimming to frame the stitched rectangle layer.

Add the looped Silver Cord to the card front wrapping a few strands around the sentiment layer and mount the tree with the sentiment to the card front using dimensional foam.

Stamp and die cut another heart using Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink, mount onto the sentiment panel and add the Rhinestones to the hearts as well as the snowflakes to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets:  Pretty Patches: Trees (Wplus9), Winter Blessings (Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps), Watercolor Wash (Stampin’ Up!)

Ink: Versamark™, Cherry Cobbler, Smoky Slate

Paper/Cardstock: Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  Big Shot™, Wplus9 Pretty Patches: Trees Dies, MFT Stitched Rectangle STAX Dies, LF Stitched Hillside Borders Die, Embossing Buddy®, Stampin’ Emboss® White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Silver Cord, Rhinestones

Thanks again for taking the time to stop by- I hope all of you have a wonderful week!

Blessed By God- A Fun Watercolor Sketch

Hi Again Friends!

I wanted to share a card that I created last night using the SR303 ColorChallenge along with the Paper Craft Crew PCCCS170 Sketch Challenge and the Just Us Girls JUGS319 Watercolor Challenge.

If you have not already done so, I hope you will have the visit all of the above challenge sites to check out the inspiration from their fabulous Design Teams as well as their gallery entries!

To create this card:

Using Stāz-On® Jet Black, stamp the bird image and branch from An Open Heart onto Whisper White cardstock.

Color the images using Stampin’ Write Markers- Tip Top Taupe, Lost Lagoon and Hello Honey.

Fussy-cut the bird image and add additional details with the Stampin’ Write Basic Black marker, set aside.

Spritz the branch image with water and create a horizon line with the Basic Black Stampin’ Write marker.

Add a bit of splatter using Tip Top Taupe Classic Ink and the splatter stamps from Gorgeous Grunge.

Trim the branch image and use the Banner Triple Punch to punch out the banner and mount onto a piece of Lost Lagoon cardstock (also punching the banner with the punch).

Add a layered banner created with the Banner Triple Punch from Hello Honey and Lost Lagoon cardstock.

Add the Hello Honey banner behind the large stem banner.

Use Sponge Daubers to apply Hello Honey and Lost Lagoon Classic Ink onto the Watercolor Wash background stamp, spritz with water and lightly blot with a paper towel.

Place a piece of Whisper White cardstock over the background stamp, press into the ink and lift up.

Add the large splatters with Lost Lagoon and Tip Top Taupe Classic Ink.

Stamp the sentiment from Blessed by God using Tip Top Taupe Classic Ink.

Trim the panel, mount onto Lost Lagoon cardstock and mount onto the Hello Honey card base.

Add the Gold Cord Trim and mount the banner over the trim using Stampin’ Dimensionals®.

Add the fussy cut bird to finish off the card.

Stamp Sets:  An Open Heart, Watercolor Wash, Blessed by God, Gorgeous Grunge

Ink: Stāz-On® Jet Black, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon, Tip Top Taupe; Stampin’ Write Markers- Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon, Tip Top Taupe, Basic Black

Paper:  Whisper White, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon

Accessories: Sponge Daubers, Water Spritzer Bottle, Gold Cord Trim, Banner Triple Punch

Thanks again for visiting- I hope you have a wonderful day, my friends!