cards by cara

A few of my latest cards

2018-03-23T11:15:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since I've had a chance to update my blog ... Here are a few of my latest cards ...

Stamp-a-faire 2017 - Day one

2017-08-26T10:21:00.003-07:00

Over at Papertrey Ink, the inspiration is flowing from all the amazing artists!

I started out using the colours and inspiration pictures to create some cards for the Take 10 challenge.

Here is my first choice:

inspiration source: Sunda Studio via Fivestar Branding Agency

I use a lot of turquoise and teal but rarely the yellowy orange shade so thought I would go out of my comfort zone. That is why I like these kinds of challenges - they really push me!

I did not love the layout I created for the butterflies but will still post .. I did some ombre stamping of the middle butterfly for a varied look of inking.

But then, after I finished the images I couldn't figure out where to put the sentiment!! Awkward placement perhaps, but ah well ...

Next I took a Soft Stone card base and used the same ink colours for a different look with Bold Bouquet.

A bit of foam sheet and sentiment and that's it! :)

inspiration source: Sostrene Grene

For this black and white combo, I immediately thought of my PTI patterned paper. I love the linen texture and all the designs! I popped a striped piece up on a foam sheet and added a Wink of Stella shimmered hello die cut. Super simple but great for a more masculine feel!

I fell in love with this inspiration pic!! I never love my watercolouring attempts but just went with it and let the ink and water move as it wanted to.

inspiration source: Wildfield Paper Co. & Callie Hobbs Photography via StyleMePretty

I took two Strathmore watercolour pieces of paper and used my Zig brush markers for colours and a paintbrush.I added a sentiment to each with some Fresh ink pigment (Provincial Grey).

It's hard to tell but I used Tsukineko Shimmer spritz and then blotted some off to add some water droplet effects. Love the shimmer it adds!!

(mounted with foam sheet onto Enchanted Evening card base)

I got a perfect impression with the sentiments because I restamped multiple times with my trusty MISTI tool. Otherwise it would not have been such a saturated sentiment on textured watercolour paper!

(mounted with foam sheet onto Soft Stone card base)

I'm looking forward to the rest of the challenges and will be adding some more cards to my stash as the weekend continues. I have a packed weekend as it is so won't be able to participate in real time but I'll catch up!

Happy stamping and hopping!

Papertrey Make it #284:background stamping with sentiment stamps

2017-05-14T19:43:00.004-07:00

This week's Make it Monday over at Papertrey Ink is all about repeated sentiments. I went to town stamping a background for a sympathy card and prepping a baby card as well.

I used a Botanical Silhouettes sentiment for the background, repeatedly stamping with Fresh Ink blue sage. I added a stamped image from my beloved Lovely Layers set using Fresh Ink Blush three times MISTI stamped and then the edges with Peach. I love being able to do this with the MISTI!

I will save the Welcome Baby card for when I find out if it's a boy or a girl and the name as I love to personalize baby cards ...

Papertrey Make it Monday: Window Chipboard Sentiments

2017-03-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

I had a great time making a birthday card for a friend using this week's Make it Monday video and inspiration.

I used the Feather Finery with Fresh ink silver lavender and blush inks. I added the 'wishes' sentiment using Versafine Lagoon Blue.

I decided a little somthing more was needed so added a Studio Calico background grid stamp using Fresh provincial gray ink. I die cut the birthday window and added a kraft chipboard sentiment, stacking the card stock up with five layers.

Congratulations to Stephanie for joining Papertrey and thank you for a wonderful first video! <3 p="">

Papertrey Ink: Blog Hop March 2017

2017-03-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

How gorgeous is this month's inspiration picture over at Papertrey Ink for their blog hop? Just love it:

prints designed by the talented Victoria Johnson

I used the colours and floral pattern as my inspiration to make some simple backgrounds using lots and lots of inks. Here are all the inks I used:

Avery Elle: Aquamarine, Mint to Be, Sapphire, Fog
Fresh: Sugar, Blush, Peony, Fuchsia, Provincial Gray, Blue Sage, Steel Blue, Mint, Sicilian Blue, Turquoise, Sky Blue

The first card I made into a Mother's Day card. I die cut the stamped panel of Pretty Peonies with a stitched rectangle die and foam mounted it to an Enchanted Evening card base. I added a double edged banner stamped with the Fresh Bouquet sentiment I love so dearly.

Simple and colourful!

I took the second background stamped piece and die cut it the same way. I also foam mounted it to Enchanted Evening and added a scrap bird die cut I had been holding on to.

I really like this colour combination ... would usually not use all these colours but it's always a great chance to try something new.

Papertrey Create along with us: November 2016

2016-11-20T15:18:00.001-08:00

Papertrey Ink invites us all to be inspired by something created during the release and to use that as inspiration:

I loved Laurie Willison's use of vellum on her tags and used that as my jumping off point.

I took some Papertrey Christmas patterned paper and used it as my backdrop. I stamped Holiday Swoosh sentiments and heat embossed with a fine gold embossing powder.

I added cream twine and used one vellum stamped overlay (Vellum polka dots) with one patterned piece. The vellum looks just gorgeous on top of the patterned paper and mutes it a bit. I really love this effect! Here's a closer look at the layer below:

How is your tag making going? Making a dent in the holiday card stash too? I have a ways to go but will keep on ...

I was so excited that the new blog I found, Muse Christmas Visions, also had vellum as its theme and sponsored the 25 Days of Christmas Tags:

In case you are looking for some stamps or dies, I have some on sale:

Papertrey Stamps and dies:
Background Basics: Vines – stamp set ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Background Basics: Geometrics ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Embellishments Coordinating dies ($8) --> $4
Stitches and Swirls - stamp set ($48 from the vault) --> $24
Christmas Pointsettia dies ($8) > $5
Damask Designs stamp set ($48 from the vault) > $24
Background Basics: Wrought Iron[/b] ($36 from the valut) > $24
Everyday Button Bits - images only - stamps $10

From other companies:
T im Holtz - Flights of Fancy $8
Altenew Wild Hibiscus brand new $15 missing top left stamp

Shipping available to Canada, US and International based on weight:
One sheet (Canada $1, US $2, International $3.50)
Two sheets (Canada $1.50, US $3, International $6)
Payment via Paypal.
All sets have minimal staining, if any, come with labels and are from a smoke free, pet free home. :)

CAS-ual Fridays: Be Thankful

2016-11-20T15:08:00.001-08:00

Over on the CAS-ual Fridays blog, it is all about being thankful.

I made a few thank you cards as my stash is getting a little low ...

I stamped Altenew's Painted Flowers in Versafine Onyx Black and clear embossed. Then I took some pigment inks on my acrylic block and spritzed some gold Perfect Pearls water on to them. I did some simple messy watercolouring and then stamped Papertrey's Botanical Silhouettes's sentiment in Onyx Black as well.

The sparkle in person of the watercolouring is gorgeous!! This set is such a pretty one ... a truly great design!

For my next card, I used a Sizzix Flip its die to make a flip card. I have made my own in the past with a die and some creative cutting but this was on sale and always wanted to try one!

I stamped the sentiment on the front using a favourite Papertrey set (I just love the font!) and some smaller botanical images from the set.

I added a grey panel to the front but other than that, kept it very simple. The background is stamped in Fresh ink Mint. Love that shade!!

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In case you are looking for some stamps or dies, I have some on sale:

Papertrey Stamps and dies:
Background Basics: Vines – stamp set ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Background Basics: Geometrics ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Embellishments Coordinating dies ($8) --> $4
Stitches and Swirls - stamp set ($48 from the vault) --> $24
Christmas Pointsettia dies ($8) > $5
Damask Designs stamp set ($48 from the vault) > $24
Background Basics: Wrought Iron[/b] ($36 from the valut) > $24
Everyday Button Bits - images only - stamps $10

From other companies:
T im Holtz - Flights of Fancy $8
Altenew Wild Hibiscus brand new $15 missing top left stamp

Shipping available to Canada, US and International based on weight:
One sheet (Canada $1, US $2, International $3.50)
Two sheets (Canada $1.50, US $3, International $6)
Payment via Paypal.
All sets have minimal staining, if any, come with labels and are from a smoke free, pet free home. :)

Fusion Card Challenge: Joy

2016-11-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

The Fusion card challenge spurred me to create some more holiday cards. Here's my CAS card using the sentiment and the sketch:

I stamped the Lovely Laurels from Papertrey Ink with Fresh Ink pigment Pear and Tuscan Olive. I added MFT's Handwritten Sentiment in Merlot and then clear embossed it.

I took WPlus9's Stag die and cut it using copper foil cardstock and mounted it with lots of foam adhesive. The foil is so shiny and gorgeous in person; trust me!
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In case you are looking for some stamps or dies, I have some on sale:

Papertrey Stamps and dies:
Background Basics: Vines – stamp set ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Background Basics: Geometrics ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Embellishments Coordinating dies ($8) --> $4
Stitches and Swirls - stamp set ($48 from the vault) --> $24
Christmas Pointsettia dies ($8) > $5
Damask Designs stamp set ($48 from the vault) > $24
Background Basics: Wrought Iron[/b] ($36 from the valut) > $24
Everyday Button Bits - images only - stamps $10

From other companies:
T im Holtz - Flights of Fancy $8
Altenew Wild Hibiscus brand new $15 missing top left stamp

Shipping available to Canada, US and International based on weight:
One sheet (Canada $1, US $2, International $3.50)
Two sheets (Canada $1.50, US $3, International $6)
Payment via Paypal.
All sets have minimal staining, if any, come with labels and are from a smoke free, pet free home. :)

Muse: Christmas Visions #70

2016-11-14T10:00:00.001-08:00

I am trying to get as many holiday cards done as possible ... I have report cards coming up and won't have too much time. I used this beautiful card as inspiration to make a Christmas card:

I took this card's use of patterned paper and a die cut over at Christmas Visions as my jumping off point:

I took a piece of patterned paper and made a background, cutting a Memory Box edgers die from white Recollections card stock.

Then I heat embossed Papertrey's Holiday Swoosh in fine detail gold embossing powder. I popped the white panel up on foam, spending time cutting little slivers to keep the trees up off the card base. Thanks to Christmas visions for the inspiration!! Lots more cards to go but now I have one more in my stash.

In case you are looking for some stamps or dies, I have some on sale:

Papertrey Stamps and dies:
Background Basics: Vines – stamp set ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Background Basics: Geometrics ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Embellishments Coordinating dies ($8) --> $4
Stitches and Swirls - stamp set ($48 from the vault) --> $24
Christmas Pointsettia dies ($8) > $5
Damask Designs stamp set ($48 from the vault) > $24
Background Basics: Wrought Iron[/b] ($36 from the valut) > $24
Everyday Button Bits - images only - stamps $10

From other companies:
Hero Arts – Friends $5 SOLD
T im Holtz - Flights of Fancy $8
Altenew Wild Hibiscus brand new $15 missing top left stamp

Shipping available to Canada, US and International based on weight:
One sheet (Canada $1, US $2, International $3.50)
Two sheets (Canada $1.50, US $3, International $6)
Payment via Paypal.
All sets have minimal staining, if any, come with labels and are from a smoke free, pet free home. :)

CASology - TEAM

2016-11-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Love the challenge over on the CASology blog. I went right to it and created the following card:

I took a piece of Vintage Jadeite card stock for my base and some Recollections 110lb for the front. I stamped the panel using Papertrey's Gracious Vases and added some Wink of Stella clear on the vase and flowers. I used a stitched rectangle to cut out the panel and used some foam tape to add dimension.

Inks used: Fresh Mint, Teal and Slate; Versafine Smokey Gray

In case you are looking for some stamps or dies, I have some on sale:

Papertrey Stamps and dies:
Background Basics: Vines – stamp set ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Background Basics: Geometrics ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Embellishments Coordinating dies ($8) --> $4
Stitches and Swirls - stamp set ($48 from the vault) --> $24
Christmas Pointsettia dies ($8) > $5
Damask Designs stamp set ($48 from the vault) > $24
Background Basics: Wrought Iron[/b] ($36 from the valut) > $24
Everyday Button Bits - images only - stamps $10

From other companies:
Hero Arts – Friends $5 SOLD
T im Holtz - Flights of Fancy $8
Altenew Wild Hibiscus brand new $15 missing top left stamp

Shipping available to Canada, US and International based on weight:
One sheet (Canada $1, US $2, International $3.50)
Two sheets (Canada $1.50, US $3, International $6)
Payment via Paypal.
All sets have minimal staining, if any, come with labels and are from a smoke free, pet free home. :)

Make it Monday #267 : Assembly line crafting

2016-11-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

This week's video from the talented Laurie Willison was all about assembly line crafting.

I cut out a bunch of tags using one of the Tinsel and Tag dies in a few colours and some of the banners as well.

I used my MISTI to stamp four tags and a bunch of banners all at once. This makes it go so quickly and you can double or triple stamp and even use different colours for an ombre look.

I used my MISTI to stamp four tags and a bunch of banners all at once. I used a bunch of sets that I had been itching to use from my last order - Holiday Greens and Holiday Fancy Pants plus Tinsel and Tag sentiments.

And I now understand what all the fuss about Delicata Gold ink is!! It really does look divine on cardstock! I even stamped 12 kraft envelopes using Holiday Swoosh and Holiday Greens with Fresh Ink Fuschia and Delicata gold. They are all ready for their labels and stamps!

When I address the tags, I will choose the banner I want to match - I have already put foam adhesive on the back of all of them and am planning to make some chalkboard tags with the black tags I cut.

So how are your holiday creations coming along? Started yet? Almost done?
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In case you are looking for some stamps or dies, I have some on sale:

Papertrey Stamps and dies:
Background Basics: Vines – stamp set ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Background Basics: Geometrics ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Embellishments Coordinating dies ($8) --> $4
Stitches and Swirls - stamp set ($48 from the vault) --> $24
Christmas Pointsettia dies ($8) > $5
Damask Designs stamp set ($48 from the vault) > $24
Background Basics: Wrought Iron[/b] ($36 from the valut) > $24
Everyday Button Bits - images only - stamps $10

From other companies:
Hero Arts – Friends $5 SOLD
T im Holtz - Flights of Fancy $8
Altenew Wild Hibiscus brand new $15 missing top left stamp

Shipping available to Canada, US and International based on weight:
One sheet (Canada $1, US $2, International $3.50)
Two sheets (Canada $1.50, US $3, International $6)
Payment via Paypal.
All sets have minimal staining, if any, come with labels and are from a smoke free, pet free home. :)

PTI September Blog Hop

2016-09-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

This month, over at Papertrey Ink, the inspiration picture for the blog hop is a gorgeous one!

photograph from burkatron

I took the colours, twine and leaves as my inspiration and made the following simple one layer card:

I used a kraft card base and stamped Turning a New Leaf in Fresh ink Tuscan Olive. I stamped several times with my trusty MISTI.

Then I added some Versamark inked twine and heat embossed in white which is a bit creamy in hue. I used the set No Strings Attached which is a great set - so versatile!

I just love heat embossing on kraft card stock! So effective!

I decided to keep it sentiment free - either I will send it as is or stamp a sentiment when the occasion arises ... we shall see!

Happy blog hopping! Oh, and in case you are looking for some stamps or dies, I have some on sale:

Papertrey Stamps and dies:
Background Basics: Vines – stamp set ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Background Basics: Geometrics ($30 from the vault) --> $15 lowered to $12
Embellishments Coordinating dies ($8) --> $4
Stitches and Swirls - stamp set ($48 from the vault) --> $24
Bloomers stamp set and dies $20
Christmas Pointsettia dies ($8) > $5
Modern Basics stamp set ($48 from the vault) > $24
Damask Designs stamp set ($48 from the vault) > $24
Background Basics: Wrought Iron[/b] ($36 from the valut) > $24
Everyday Button Bits - images only - stamps $10

From other companies:
Hero Arts – Friends $5 SOLD
Tim Holtz - Flights of Fancy $8

Shipping available to Canada, US and International based on weight:
One sheet (Canada $1, US $2, International $3.50)
Two sheets (Canada $1.50, US $3, International $6)
Payment via Paypal.
All sets have minimal staining, if any, come with labels and are from a smoke free, pet free home. :)

SAF 2016: Masterpiece Inspirations

2016-07-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

Red Poppy, Georgia O'Keefe

I took my inspiration from this gorgeous poppy painting by the talented Georgia O'Keefe. I white heat embossed Delightful Dahlia stamps on Strathmore cold press watercolour paper. I mixed some deep reds with my aqua brush and filled in the flowers.

I die cut the flowers and added green leaves stamped with Avery Elle celery.

I popped these up on foam tape and added them to a woodgrain card base.

I watercoloured a piece of Strathmore paper die cut with a double ended banner and stamped the Don't Forget to Write sentiment in Versafine Onyx Black. This was also popped up on foam tape for some dimension.

If you are looking for some gently used stamp sets, take a look here - new ones have been added.
http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

SAF 2016: Drips and splatters

2016-07-25T22:21:00.000-07:00

Lizzie Jones showed some awesome techniques for drips and splatters and I had fun with this card, despite me not gravitating towards the 'haphazard' look:

I took a piece of Strathmore cold press watercolour paper which works perfectly for techniques like this - it's nice and thick.

I grabbed my basic set of watercolour paints from Michaels and started flicking in different colours - yellow, orange and red.

I added a black die cut from Don't Forget to Write and a sentiment stamped with Versafine Black Onyx. As a finishing touch, I glittered the die cut with my Wink of Stella pen in clear. The panel was foam mounted to an Enchanted Evening card base. This messy technique was lots of fun! Thanks, Lizzie, for all the tips!

If you are looking for some stamp sets, take a look here - new ones have been added.
http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

SAF 2016: Colour Blocking

2016-07-25T22:13:00.001-07:00

For the next challenge I tackled, Lexi Daly showed us how to do colour blocking.

I used the Take Three die to cut a mask and did some sponging with Avery Elle mimosa, Fresh Ink Cherry and Fresh Ink Pool.

I then added a negative die cut over top with thin cuts of foam tape popped up. I thought this added a little more drama to the colours.

For the sentiment, I stamped with Wet Paint Alphabet and City Block sentiments in Versafine Black Onyx.

What a fun and easy technique!!

If you are looking for some gently used stamp sets, take a look here - new ones have been added.
http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop July 2016

2016-07-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

This month's blog hop uses this picture as a jumping off point:

photograph from Classy Clutter
I was really inspired by this gorgeous interior - the colours, the patterns ... really all of it! I made a bunch of cards using this picture as my inspiration. Here were the main inks I used - Fresh Ink and Avery Elle pigment inks with great saturation:

Fresh Turquoise, Avery Elle Aquamarine, Fresh Provincial Gray, Fresh Peach and Fresh Birch.

My first card uses Bloomers and a Hugs die cut. I fussy cut the smaller blooms but have just now realized I have the dies ... oops!

I added these smaller flowers with foam tape. Then I sponged a piece of card stock with the Aquamarine colour and cut it using the Hugs die. I added the die cut with some Tombo Mono Aqua glue.

I put my acrylic block on top for a few minutes to ensure everything was evenly adhered. I liked this colour combo because it's one I would usually never use. Great to get out of our comfort zone, right?

The next card uses the triangle pattern on the wall as a jumping off point. I used some DCWV glitter card stock in gold and the Good Times die in Smokey Shadow. I added the cover plate cut out to a white 110lb Recollections card base. Nice and sturdy!

I cut the card stock with the word die three times and stacked them one on top of the other, adhering them with Tombo Mono Aqua glue.

I then added some clear Wink of Stella for shimmer. I love the detail it adds!

My next card uses the Quatrefoil cover plate which I cut using white card stock. I adhered it with little dots of Tombo Mono Aqua glue to a soft stone card base. I then die cut Turning a New Leaf leaves :) with bitty dot vellum.

I die cut Hawaiian Shores card stock with a Hugs die and stacked 6 of them up one on top of each other with none other than Tombo Mono Aqua glue

I added some clear Wink of Stella for a little something something and that was about it.

I stamped the inside with Turning a New Leaf in Fresh Provincial Gray and a Fillable Frames sentiment in Turquoise.

Still with me? This next one didn't quite turn out as I had hoped but I will still include it. I used the Peach ink to stamp an Irresistible Ikat pattern and gold embossed some of the centres with some super fine embossing powder.

I then added a Bold Bouquet sentiment using the Turquoise and Aquamarine inks.

My final card also features Bold Bouquet. I layered the stamping colours and added a sentiment in Birch ink, which reminded me of the colour combo of the pillow, if you zoom in.

For some texture, I dry embossed using the linen impression plate. Love this one!!

It adds just the right amount of texture, doesn't it? This was all stamped on a Soft Stone card base. I love the colour of this cs - understated but very chic.

Well, thanks for looking at my cards! Which one was your favourite? Did you have fun with this month's blog hop?

Check out my sale of stamps and dies - I have added a few new ones to the list.

http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

SAF 2016: Pointillism at Play

2016-07-24T21:30:00.002-07:00

The fabulous Heather Nichols taught us how to stamp with dots for a play on pointillism. I tried with some flowers but I think my clear embossing powder was challenged and had a devil of a time having the embossing show up. I salvaged the flowers and leaves but will only show a peek at that card at the end ... not my best work!!

I decided to do some pointillism and masking instead and used a Sweet Speech die to create a post-it mask. I added dots from Harvest Berries and Polka Dot Basics in a variety of Fresh Ink and Avery Elle colours - mint to be, steel blue, sea glass, aquamarine ...

I stamped these all on a piece of soft stone card stock that I then mounted to a white card base (Recollections 110lb white). I added a Mini Blooms sentiment in Versafine Onyx Black.

Here's my other one .. the first try at this technique!! Don't look toooo closely! ;)

Check out my sale of stamps and dies here:
http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

SAF 2016: Watercolour like a Master

2016-07-24T21:18:00.004-07:00

The uber talented Kay Miller did a fabulous video on how to stamp and watercolour. She made it look so easy ... I had quite a time with this one but just went with it and decided to post my rather un-masterful creation!!

I cut a panel of Strathmore 300 series cold press paper for my watercolouring. I grabbed one of my favourite sets - Natural Beauties and stamped it using yellows and oranges from Studio Calico dye inks. I added some smaller flowers in pinks and then leaves in a mint colour.

I used my aqua brush to move the colour around and heat set it several times between layers. I then added the detail stamp using Versafine Smokey Gray ink. I splattered some Heidi Swapp Gold Shine Spritz all over and misted the panel as well.

I added a Fillable Frames sentiment using Versafine Onyx Black and foam mounted the panel onto a piece of woodgrain card stock in white. Lots and lots of foam tape to flatten the watercolour paper down!!

Even though I am not loving this card, I decided to post it anyways ... maybe I will try my hand at this technique again tomorrow ... we'll see if I have time.

Have you ever used woodgrain card stock? It is beautiful and the texture is sooo nice!! I bought and split two packs (the dark chocolate and white) with a friend. I bought it here at LCI Paper. I am thinking of getting the grey next ...

Check out my sale of stamps and dies here:
http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

Stamp-a-Faire 2016 farewell

2016-07-23T21:03:00.002-07:00

I will be making more cards tomorrow but just wanted to say goodnight and farewell to all who participated! Thank you for the amazing inspiration, videos and creations from the design team and to Nichole for organizing everything! We are so lucky!

Here is a picture of the sunset from the seawall by my place:

Check out my stamp-a-faire creations here.

Updated stamp sale here.

SAF 2016 - Master Colour Recipes: Georgia O'Keefe

2016-07-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

For this challenge, I took the above colour combo and made a simple (almost) one layer card. I grabbed my Ombre Builders stamp set and some Fresh pigment inks in Sicilian Blue, Sky Blue, Blue Sage, Tuscan Olive and Silver Lilac.

I combined them by overstamping and layering the colours with my trusty MISTI stamping tool.

I then added a sentiment from the Don't Forget to Write kit using Versafine Onyx Black. I added a few white sparkly sequins and that's it!

If you are looking for some crafty items, check out my sale here:

http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

SAF 2016: Gilded in Gold

2016-07-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Danielle Flanders knocked it out of the park on this one - loved this challenge! I took out my gold paint since my gold leaf hasn't arrived yet and went to town.

I cut four stitched tags out of kraft card stock and masked off an edge. I then used a makeup sponge and the gold craft paint and painted a stripe on each. I let them dry and then added Versafine Onyx Black stamped sentiments from Mini Blooms and Wet Paint. I added another die cut for stability and glued the two together before punching a hole in each.

This gold paint gives some great sheen and I can't wait to use these tags!

For my next project, I took a die cut frame from the Don't Forget to Write kit and used a piece of thick perfume packaging. I added gold to the edges and let it dry.

I cut a circle from dotted vellum and a Swoosh thanks that I also painted in gold. I also used a Leave it Be leaf die cut in Staples grey that I stamped with Graceful Garden's thank you using Fresh ink in Tuscan Olive, I layered these when everything was dry and adhered them using Tombo Mono Aqua.

I put lots of foam tape behind the frame and adhered it to a scalloped card base in Enchanted Evening cut from one of the Don't Forget to Write dies.

You can see in one of the pictures above I also painted an A2 kraft envelope to use for another project. I loved using the gold paint and will definitely be coming back to this!

Check out my sale of stamps and dies here:

http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

SAF 2016: Starry Night

2016-07-23T14:17:00.001-07:00

Stamp-A-Faire is off to a great start with the Starry Night challenge with Amy Sheffer's tutorial. Wow, what an amazing card she created! I had a lot of issues creating the trees but just went with it ...

I sponged Fresh Ink in the following colours all over a piece of Strathmore 300 series cold press watercolour paper: Tuscan Olive, Sugar Plum, Navy, Turquoise, and Blue Sage. I spritzed with a mini mister and moved the colours about, adding some more of the deeper hues.

I used some cheap watercolours from Michaels and my trusty aqua brush to paint the horizon . I had a lot of difficulty with the trees and a sponge so had to make the area bigger to cover my mistakes! I am still not in love with the trees I created but I did my best.

I flicked some Studio Calico opaque white and Distress Ink dauber in pewter.

I added a die cut from Scripted cut in Staples grey and shimmered with my Wink of Stella clear pen. I tried to make a thread nest but to no avail so I just added some star and silver sequins gifted to me by a kind forum friend. I added a foam panel behind the watercolour piece and mounted it to a 110lb Recollections card base.

Check out my sale of stamps and dies here:
http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

Stamp-A-Faire 2016: Share your masterpiece!

2016-07-22T17:28:00.001-07:00

Nichole and the Papertrey Ink team are kicking of Stamp-A-Faire 2016 with a 'share your masterpiece' blog hop. Even though I don't think this is a masterpiece per se, I do quite like it.

I cut a piece of Staples light grey cardstock with one of the frames and circles from the awesome Don't Forget to Write kit from the uber-talented Betsy Veldman.

I then stamped the bird from a limited edition set (Iconic Images) repeatedly using Fresh ink Blue Sage. I popped up the frame with foam tape and added a Hello die cut using some anaglypta wallpaper. I love the texture this adds! The card is very monochromatic but I quite like the colour scheme. My card base is some 110lb white Recollections card stock - love the weight it is!

If you are looking for some crafty items, check out my sale here:

http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html

Here's a shot from today in Vancouver, Canada. Looking forward to Stamp-a-Faire tomorrow! Can't wait to see all the techniques and everyone's creations!!

Papertrey Ink June 2016 Blog Hop

2016-06-25T20:25:00.004-07:00

artwork from Yellena James

I just love this month's inspiration picture over at Papertrey Ink. I cut it down to the wire with my entry but here it is:

Whew! Got it in 3 minutes before the deadline ... I was busy all day and didn't have a chance to make anything but when I got home, I thought I'd try anyhow!

So I took a piece of woodgrain card stock as my base and then my trusty Strathmore heavy weight watercolour paper. I used some basic watercolours and just painted a messy array of colours taking my inspiration from the pic above.

I meant to use the Circle Coverplate but didn't realize until after I was done that I had grabbed the chevron instead! :( Since I cut with the sandwich cutting DOWN, it was quite a surprise when I saw what I had done ... but I went with it in the interest of time and proceeded with my card ... :)

I took some Sticky Dot paper and adhered it to the front of a piece of white fun foam and die cut with the Hello die. I then added Rock Candy Distress Glitter (subtle but sparkly) and a few dots of Tombo Mono Aqua to adhere it to a piece of Linen Texture vellum. (click the picture to enlarge)

I dabbed some Tombo Aqua glue behind the die cut but then remembered that the best thing about this thicker weight vellum is that even dot glue runner doesn't show so I added some to the sides to adhere it better. Score!

So, that's it .. my super simple card. Off to hop and check out all the other creations.

Make it Monday #251: Gradient Watercolouring with Die Cuts - Sending Hugs

2016-06-03T18:07:00.001-07:00

This week's Make it Monday over at Papertrey Ink is all about gradient watercolouring on die cuts. Dawn did a great video illustrating this with her Ziggies:

So I grabbed my my Zig water brush pens. (I bought the 24 pen set which is just the right amount of colours.) I used some Strathmore heavy weight watercolour paper and used my pens to add colour and then added some water with my Kuretake aqua pen. (This one is my favourite.)

I grabbed my Hexagon Cover plate and cut the watercoloured piece. I then added some Tombo Mono Aqua glue to the back of the hexagons and carefully pushed them down on to my Recollections 110lb white card base.

I cut out a Make it Market Don't Forget to Write die cut using Smokey Shadow and sandwiched four cuts together to make it more substantial. A little more Tombo Mono Aqua glue and some Wink of Stella clear glitter brush pen on the die cut and that was almost it.

Can you see some of the shine above? If not, enlarge the picture by clicking on it.

I added a stamped 'hugs' from Make it Market Don't Forget to Write with some of my faithful Versafine Black Onyx ink and my MISTI stamping tool.

I had a lot of fun with this technique so thank you to Dawn for inspiring us all!

Check out my stamp sale list here:

http://cardsbycara.blogspot.ca/2016/05/stamp-set-sale.html