Crafting The Web

Considerate Cattails

2009-12-27T22:43:00.001-08:00

Hello! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I got a chance to play along with the Featured Stamper challenge at SCS today. SmilynStef is the featured stamper this week. I chose this card from her beautiful gallery for my inspiration card. Participants are to change at least two things. I changed...

Different stamps
Moved the ribbon
Sponged background

I started by sponging Memento Summer Sky ink.

Sponged Memento Danube Blue ink.

Sponged Memento Grape Jelly.

Sponged Memento Paris Dusk mainly just in the lower left corner and the very edges on all sides.

I stamped the cattails from Life is Good, first with a pigment white ink, then with Summer Sky, followed by Danube Blue and finally Tuxedo Black. I stamped two to four times with each color.

For the lower layer, I sponged Danube Blue and pierced around the edges. The sentiment is also from Life is Good. After stamping, I cut it out with circle Nestabilities, layering with Pure Luxury Black Onyx, cut with scallop circle Nestabilities. I layered the panels with Black Onyx and used a Smoky Slate card base.

Thanks for visiting. Have a great day!

Take Flight

2009-12-26T21:53:00.002-08:00

Well, I can never let this stamp go un-inked for long, can I? It calls to me in my sleep. LOL. I made this card for the inspiration challenge at SCS yesterday. I used the colors from this photo for my inspiration.

My brand new Memento ink pads came in the mail today. I bought the entire color collection as a Christmas present to myself.

The butterfly is from Take Flight and was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with Copics. I started with YR02.

Added Y17.

Filled in with Y23.

Added YR16 for some deeper color around the edges and a little more Y17. Then I used my blender pen to scrub in some lighter areas in the centers of the wings, to give them a little more dimension.

I used my Versa Mark pen to go over the entire image, then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

Sponged Memento Cantaloupe around the butterfly.

Sponged Angel Pink from the edges, working in all the way to the yellow.

Sponged Rose Bud.

Stamped some images from Tropical Flowers with Rose Bud, Angel Pink and New Sprout.

I stamped the sentiment in the top right corner and totally messed it up, so I had to cover it. I stamped it on white, then cut it into a strip and used a circle punch to round the ends. Cut a larger black strip and rounded the corners again.

I layered with Pure Luxury Black Onyx and White and used a Regal Rose (SU) card base. I also used an opaque white gel pen to outline the butterfly and then added dots and faint lines to make it look like the butterfly was in flight.

Have you seen this? To send 2009 out in style, Gina K. Designs is giving away a free stamp set with every purchase of $35.00 or more. (Valued up to $20.95)

And, starting tonight, Gina will be showing snippet peaks from the new release!

Thanks for visiting. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

In the Woods

2009-12-25T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy Holidays! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was very nice, spent having fun with family. Now I'm looking forward to stamping with new goodies. ;)

My card today is another gift card holder I made the other day.

I began with a piece of Pure Luxury White cardstock and covered the bottom half with torn Post-it Notes, then sponged So Saffron (SU) ink.

Sponged Going Gray ink.

Sponged Creamy Caramel ink.

I moved the Post-it Notes to make some snow banks, sponging with Creamy Caramel each time.

I decided I wanted to stamp just the smaller of the two trees stamp, from Life is Good, and thought it would be easier to use if I cut that stamp into two pieces. I made the cut so there would be an angle that would make it easier to line them up again. It worked beautifully and they snug right up when I place them together on the blog.

I stamped the small tree a few times, using Creamy Caramel ink, stamping a second time before re-inking, to make it look like there were trees in the distance.

Stamped the tree again, this time with Chocolate Chip ink.

Inked up the top of the tree lined bank and stamped with Chocolate Chip ink, stamping a second time without re-inking.

Used an opaque white gel pen to add some snowy highlights to the tree limbs.

Stamped the grass several times with Creamy Caramel ink, only inking up the top part of the stamp.

Stamped the deer with Chocolate chip ink.

Stamped the tree from Tree Silhouettes with Chocolate Chip ink.

Sponged Chocolate Chip ink around the edges, then assembled.

The gift card base is the same size as the one in my last post, 8.5 by 10, and scored at 4 1/3 and 8 1/2 inches.

I layered the main panel with Pure Luxury Chocolate Chip and Tan Leather, and used Pure Luxury Ivory for the base.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful day!

Train Card

2009-12-23T13:37:00.001-08:00

Hello! Wow, I can't believe how the time is flying. I'm still wrapping and getting things finished for Christmas. Busy, busy, busy!!! Here is a gift card holder I made using the train from Life is Good.

First, I stamped the train with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored with Copics, starting with N5.

Added N3.

Filled in with N1.

I used W3 for the smoke, Y21 for the light and E57 for the track. Then I cut the train out and set it aside.

To create the background, I cut a circle using my Nestabilities and sponged Weathered Wood Distress Ink, using a torn post-it note to mask off the foreground.

I moved the post-it note and sponged a bit more in the foreground.

I inked up the top only of the tree lined banks from Life is Good, using the same ink and stamped.

Used G24 & G28 for the trees and C1 & N3 for the shading.

I layered with Pure Luxury Black Onyx and Moonlit Fog and used Heavy Base Weight White for the cardbase.

To make it a gift card holder, I cut my cardstock to 4.25 by 10.5 and scored at 4.25 and 8.5 inches. I adhered the small flap on either side added added a sentiment from Holiday Greetings.

Want to see a fun idea for making gift card holders? Check out the StampTV video this week. We are still having all our challenges this week, too, and would love to have you play along. You can find all the current challenges here.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a great day!

Guest Designer - Geri Utterback

2009-12-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! I have two very talented guest designers this month, Geri Utterback (aka my mom) and Jenny Charboneau (aka Miss Boo). Both ladies graciously agreed to help showcase my newest stamp set, Life is Good. This week I am featuring this beautiful card, made by Geri, here on my blog. Both Geri and Jenny will have projects to show you on their blogs, too!

My mom made this scene to look like a lake near where I live, called Whiskeytown Lake. Whiskeytown Lake is one of the most beautiful locations around here. The water is always a crisp blue and dotted with these little tree covered islands. It's great fun to go kayaking there, because there are all kinds of fun little inlets to explore. She really captured the look of the lake by using the tree lined bank images from Life is Good.

I asked mom to answer a few questions so you could get to know her a little better...

How long have you been stamping and how did you get started?
I've been stamping for about two years. My daughter Brenda was really into making cards and tags. She would share her supplies and show me how to do different techniques.

What are your favorite kinds of projects/techniques?
My favorite project is making cards but I do like making other projects like luminaries, tags and bookmarks. My favorite technique is sponging. I really like the effect of sponging and masking off to create different looks. But I do like to try new things.

Do you enjoy challenges and, if so, what are your favorites and why?
Yes, I do love the challenges and I really like the sketch, potluck and the blast from the past. But I like most all of the challenges.

What inspires you in your crafting?
I get my inspiration from a lot of different things. Nature, like the sky and the mountains. Sometimes a magazines or newspaper. Other card makers and mostly Theresa's tutorials are a great help to get me inspired.

Want some more inspiration? Be sure to hop on over to Geri's blog and Jenny's blog to see what they have for us!

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Card details...

Paper: Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue and Black all from SU

Ink: Bashful Blue and Ballet Blue

Stamps: Life is Good by Theresa Momber

Prisma color pencils ,with OMS and white gel pen.

Techinque: Sponging and masking.

Koala Hugs

2009-12-20T23:43:00.001-08:00

Hello! I hope you all had a great weekend. I can hardly believe it is the week of Christmas already. Today I have a card to share, created using Melanie's Cuddles and Hugs stamp set.

I started with my N7 Copic marker.

Added N5.

Added N3.

Filled in with N1 and used my blender pen to push in some highlights.

I heat embossed the image, by first going over it with a Versa Mark pen, so my embossing powder would stick, then heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

Next I stamped one of the leaf branches from Tropical Flowers, using Vivid Olive ink, stamped off once. I used G21 and G24 Copics to add some shadows. Then I used my Versa Mark pen on the branches and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

Next, I sponged some Vivid Straw ink around the koala bears.

Sponged Vivid Wild Lyme at the top.

Sponged Vivid Tuscan Tan on the bottom.

Sponged Vivid Olive around the top edges and Vivid Coffee Bean around the bottom.

Used E31 and E57 to add some shadows below the koalas.

I layered with Chocolate Kiss, Ivory and used a Pure Luxury Fresh Asparagus for the card base. For the ivory layer, I stamped the branch and added the sentiment (from Cuddles and Hugs).

Thanks for visiting today. Have a wonderful day!

You've Got Mail!

2009-12-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

We are having a Gina K Designs blog hop today, featuring Melanie Muenchinger's latest stamp set, Tech Talk. This is such a fun set and perfect for so many occasions! More details about my card below, but for now...

To find more inspiration with Tech Talk tonight, check out these links:

Melanie Muenchinger {Illustrator}
Jessica Fick
Donna Baker
Lee Murphy
Lynn Mercurio
Nina Brackett
Sankari Wegman

Melissa Shultz {CSS Designer}
Peggy Wainman {CSS Designer}
Tina Gilliland {Guest Designer}
Karen Knegten {Guest Designer}

The Tech Talk discussion on the StampTV Idea Center is a valuable resource filled with tips, sample projects, and tutorials. Melanie's tip sheet, free PDF template as well as the Card Kit is available in the discussion as well.

If you haven't already, stop by GinaK's blog today to leave your comment on her blog for your chance to win today's featured stamp set or any other stamp set valued at $23.95 of your choice!

To make my card I cut out a heart (I don't have heart Nestabilties, so I free handed this one), then sponged some Pretty In Pink (SU) ink.

Sponged some Regal Rose (SU) ink.

Then I ran the heart through my Cuttlebug with my Swiss Dots CB folder, and sponged over the dots, very lightly, with Regal Rose ink.

Here is a photo of all the Copic colors I used on the envelopes. I used of the same color, in different shades, per envelope. You can click on the photo to see it larger, if it is a little hard to read those numbers.

I cut a piece of Pure Luxury Ivory using my Labels 1 Nestabilities, then sponged Creamy Caramel while still in the die.

I layred the heart with a piece of Cranberry Tart cardstock, stamped the sentiment from Tech Talk on the labels1 layer and then layered the whole card with Pretty in Pink (SU), Tan Leather (Pure Luxury) and used an Ivory (PL) cardbase. Added a bow and sateen flower, embellished with some Cranberry Tart branches cut with a Martha Stewart punch.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a great day!

Life is Good Blog Hop

2009-12-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hi! Today the Gina K Design Team are having a blog hop featuring my new set, Life is Good. My card is inspired by this photo I found online. Step by step photos for this card are below.

I also made this CAS card, using the cabin from Life is Good and a sentiment from Warm Winter Wishes. The cabin was stamped on Pure Luxury white and colored with Copics, then cut out, trimming closely around the cabin. I stamped it again on Soft Sand and adhered the first cabin on top. Then I used an opaque white gel pen to color in some snow around the image.

For even more inspiration tonight with the Life is Good stamp set, check out these links:

Jessica Fick
Nina Brackett
Melanie Muenchinger
Lee Murphy
Erika Martin
Emily Giovanni
Colleen Schaan

Cheri Weston {CSS designer}
Melissa Shultz {CSS designer}
Peggy Wainman {CSS designer}

Geri Utterback {guest designer}
Brenda Turner {guest designer}
Linda Payne {guest designer}

The Life is Good discussion on the StampTV Idea Center is also a valuable resource for tips, samples, and tutorials. My tip sheet and the Card Kit are available in the discussion as well.

And, finally stop by GinaK's blog today to leave your comment on her blog for your chance to win today's featured stamp set or another stamp set valued at $23.95 of your choice!

To make the first card pictured above, I started by sponging So Saffron (SU) ink on Pure Luxury white cardstock. (sorry the first two photos came out so blurry)

I punched a circle from a Post-it note for the sun and placed it, then sponged Apricot Appeal ink.

Sponged Creamy Caramel.

Sponged Chocolate Chip.

I used the cattail stamp to create some grass by leaving the tops un-inked. Then I stamped several times, using Creamy Caramel, stamping a second time before re-inking each time.

Stamped the deer.

I stamped, using the little grass stamp and Chocolate Chip ink, along the bottom. Then I stamped the cattails a few times, also with Chocolate Chip.

I stamped the trees a few times, using Creamy Caramel, stamping a second time before re-inking each time. I layered with Pure Luxury Chocolate Kiss, Tan Leather and used a Chocolate Kiss cardbase.

Thank you so much for hopping along. Have a wonderful day!

Just For You

2009-12-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! Today the Gina K Design team is sharing projects using Nina Bracket's beautiful new stamp set, Lovely Shelf. I love this set! I used three of the images, colored with Copics and cut out. The new Ocean Mist Pure Luxury Cardstock, along with Vibrant Violet, was the perfect compliment to the lavender images. More details below, but for now..

You can find even more inspiration with the Lovely Shelf stamp set, please visit these designer's blogs:

Nina Brackett {illustrator}

Jessica Fick

Melanie Muenchinger

Donna Baker

Emily Giovanni

Lee Murphy

Peggy Wainman {CSS designer}

Cheri Weston {CSS Designer}

Vanessa Menhorn {Nina's Guest Designer}

The StampTV Idea Center is also a valuable resource for tips, samples, and tutorials on how to use all of GinaK's stamp sets. Check out the Lovely Shelf stamp set discussion HERE. The Lovely Shelf Card Kit information can be found there as well.

And, finally remember to check in on GinaK's blog tonight to leave your comment on her Lovely Shelf post so that you can be entered to win Nina's stamp set or any stamp set valued at $23.95 or less!

I used Copics to color the images, starting with V09.

Added V06.

Filled in with V01, then used my blender pen to push some highlights back in.

Used G28 in the foliage.

Added G24.

Filled in with G21 and again used my blender pen for the highlights.

I used C1 and C3 for the vase, B00 for the water and Y17 for the centers of the flowers.

I colored the teapot and cup with the same colors and technique as the flower petals, then cut out all three images. The circle background was cut using circle Nestabilities, then sponged with Tempting Turquoise ink while still in the die. Next, I used my Fluer De Lis Spellbinders die to cut a piece of Vibrant Violet Pure Luxury cardstock. I also used an EK Success border punch to create the large scallops on Ocean Mist and Vibrant Violet Pure Luxury cardstock. Oval nestabilities were used for the sentiment.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Merry Snowpeople

2009-12-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

Today there is a very special Gina K Designs blog hop, featuring the brand new Gina K Card Kit Club Design Team. I was so excited (and a little star struck) when I saw who is on this amazing team. These talented ladies will be sharing projects today, using the card kits that Jessica has designed.

Be sure to stop by their blogs for some great inspiration.

Bev Gerard
Colleen Schaan
Suzanne Dean
Valerie Stangle
and, of course,

Jessica

Colleen Schaan is using my set. Yep, the Colleen Schaan. Seriously!

My card today for two challenges. The first is the Featured Stamper challenge at SCS. This is the card I chose for inspiration. Participants were to change at least two things. I changed...

Different snowmen.
Changed layout.
Used snowflake stamps instead of punches.
Didn't use CB folders.

The other challenge this is for, is the Copic Creations challenge to color snow/snowpeople. Here are the details on how I made my card...

I started by stamping the snowpeople, from Winter Friends, with Memento Tuxedo black ink and then used Copics to color. First, I used C3 along the edges of the head and body.

Added C1.

To give them a bit of a blue tinge, I added B00, then used my blender pen to push back the color from the center, softening the transition from plain paper to where I colored.

On the snowman's hat, I started with N7.

Added N5.

Added N3.

Added N1, then again used my blender pen to push back the color from the highlighted area.

For the vest, I started with B26.

Added B23.

Filled in with B21.

For his scarf, I started with G28 around the edges.

Filled in with G21 and then used my blender pen to push some highlights back in.

I used the same markers to color the snowwoman's clothing. I used YR07 for the noses and R22, R24 & R29 for the present.

For the background I first masked off the bottom with torn Post-it Notes, then sponged Bashful Blue ink (SU).

Sponged Ballet Blue ink (Su).

I moved the masks and sponged a little more Bashful Blue in the foreground for snowbanks, then sponged Vivid Inky Blue, heavy on top and lightly around the edges on the bottom.

Put the masks back and stamped the trees from Life is Good.

Added some shadows with C1 and some snow on the trees with an opaque white gel pen.

I stamped a snowflake with white pigment ink in the sky. Layered with Pure Luxury In the Navy cardstock and used a heavy base weight white cardbase. The sentiment is from Holiday Greetings, one of the stamp sets in the Holiday Cheer StampTV kit.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a happy Monday!!!

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

Hello. Here is a card I made for the inspiration challenge over at SCS yesterday. I used images from Life is Good.

First I stamped the trees twice with Versa Mark, then heat embossed with clear. Then I stamped the deer with Versa Mark and embossed those with clear also.

I masked off the bottom with Post-it Notes and cut a circle to mask for the moon.

Sponged Bashful Blue ink.

Sponged Ballet Blue ink.

Removed the bottom mask, then re-used them to create some snow banks, sponging with Bashful Blue ink again.

Used C1 Copic marker to add some shadows for the trees and deer.

Sponged Vivi Inky Blue just around the edges and used my Quickie Glue Pen to add some glitter to the trees and snow.

I layered with a piece of Pure Luxury Black Onyx and used a White heavy base weight cardbase.

Thanks for visiting. Have a great day!

Life is Good Tip Sheet

2009-12-12T05:42:00.000-08:00

Here are my tips for my newest stamp set, Life is Good. This tip sheet will be added to the Life is Good StampTV Idea Gallery. This is a wonderful set for making masculine cards and projects, or nature themed cards for all sorts of occasions.

The Train

The train can be used integrated into a scene or as a stand alone focal image.

Try coloring it in traditional grays and silvers for a more masculine look, or in bright primaries for a juvenile look.

Emboss in silver, or even gold for a quick, elegant look.

Use with the bells from A Very Merry Christmas for a Polar Express theme.

The Cabin

The cabin can be a stand alone focal image, or part of a scene.

Use it with deer grazing nearby, or alongside a lake or pond.

Use it in front of the mountain from Happy Camper.

Stamp in a dark brown on tan or ivory cardstock and leave un-colored for a CAS look.

The Deer

The deer can be stamped in dark colors as silhouettes.

They can be stamped in Versa Mark and heat embossed for an emboss resist.

Stamp in a lighter color and then add some shading with markers, or color pencils.

The Tree Lined Banks

The tree lined banks were designed to be the left and right sides of a lake silhouette, but they can also be used for landscapes. Just leave the reflection un-inked and stamp your scene.

Color for any season, or don’t color at all.

You can color in the bank and rocks, with black or dark colors, for a silhouette look.

Stamp a focal image, like the cabin (if a landscape), then mask off and stamp the banks.

The Grass and Cattails

The grass can be used around the edges of lakes. Just brayer or sponge your water and stamp.

Leave the reflection portion of the stamp un-inked for grass on land.

Use the grass or cattails to line the bottom of a card for a border.

The cattails can be used incorporated into a scene, or as a main focal image.

The Trees

Stamp the trees in light colors, repeatedly for a faint forested background.

Use them silhouetted against a moonlit sky or sunrise.

Stamp in Versa Mark and heat emboss with clear before sponging or brayering, for light trees against a dark background.

Combine with tree images from Tree Silhouettes, for more variety.

The Sentiments

The small sentiments will fit in some of the smaller circle and oval Nestabilities and punches.

They will fit on the sign from Happy Camper.

Use the verse as a focal image, stamped in a dark color, then stamp one of the other images, like the cattails in a lighter image, right over the verse.

Project Ideas

Stamp on tissue paper and color. Then trim out the image and place on a pillar candle. Heat gently with your heat gun until the tissue disappears into the candle.

Use for masculine cards.

Scrapbook train trips, vintage photos, hunting and fishing trips, etc.

Create peaceful scene cards to be used for sympathy, or thinking of you cards.

Purchase a gift card from your guy’s favorite sporting store and make a gift card holder.

Use images from this set to etch glass candle holders

Find inexpensive wooden boxes like at Michaels and stamp on the top. You could even used the images as guides for wood burning the top. These would be great for on top of a dresser, where your husband could leave is change, keys, watch, etc.

Make coasters for the men in your life for Father’s Day.

Other Gina K stamp sets that will work with Life is Good :

Happy Camper
Out West
Autumn Beauty
Tree Silhouettes
Winter Foliage
Holiday Cheer
The Journey
Just So Sporty
Hip To Be Square
Inspiration Mosaic
And many others…

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

Thinking of you today

2009-12-10T05:22:00.000-08:00

Hello! How about all this cold weather? Our town experienced a record low of all time in recorded history the other day at 16 degrees. We had a pipe that goes into the pool burst. Got that fixed, but in the meantime the pool froze over. My poor dogs. I couldn't figure out why they kept wanting in and out to go to the water bucket. It took me a while to realize there was an inch of ice at the top of the bucket. I'm not used to having to break ice for them to take a drink of water.

This card is inspired by the avatar photo of a StampTV member, Denise Queeley. I loved the pretty photo and had to make it into a card. I don't have the right ink pads to get that intense orange, so I had to improvise a bit.

To start, I sponged So Saffron ink in the center of my cardstock.

Next, I sponged Apricot Appeal above the So Saffron.

Sponged all around with Pretty in Pink.

In an attempt to get the colors more intense, I sponged Summer Sun over the Apricot Appeal and below the So Saffron.

Sponged Regal Rose around the Summer Sun on the top and all along the bottom.

Sponged Almost Amethyst.

Sponged Lavender Lace, working inward from the outside at varying distances, to simulate the rays of the sun.

Next, I used Post-it Notes to mask off the bottom and top, tearing the top mask. This is just like I did on Tuesday. Sorry for the repetition. I sponged Basic Black ink in the exposed area.

I stamped the tree lined banks from Life is Good on either side and used Copics to fill in. I used black (100) to fill in the top part of the image and N7 to fill in the reflection.

I used V04 to add some ripples in the water and Perfectly Plum to sponge in some clouds.

I stamped the sentiment from Life is Good and layered with Pure Luxury White & Black Onyx, and used a Regal Rose (SU) cardbase.

On the inside, I stamped the verse from Life is Good and added the cattail, stamped in Blush Blossom ink.

Thank you for visiting. I hope you have a warm, happy day!

Snowflake Topiary

2009-12-09T11:47:00.001-08:00

Hello! Today I have a card made for the Featured Stamper challenge at SCS this past Sunday. I really should have re-made it, since it looks funny all squished and the pot it too big. I figure I'll never get around to it, though and I really wanted to share this because I love the idea of using snowflakes to make a topiary. I used this card for my inspiration.

I used the snowflakes from the Holiday Cheer StampTV Kit. These chunky snowflakes are perfect for this technique.

To make the flower pot, I cut a piece of Bashful Blue cardstock (SU) into a small rectangle, then trimmed each side to make it into a trapezoid. I scored at the wide end and then sponged some Ballet Blue ink around the sides and bottom.

To make the topiary, I stamped the two largest snowflakes from Holiday Cheer, using Bashful Blue ink.

Then I used a Copic marker (B23) to add some shading.

I used rectangle Nestabilities to cut out the cardstock and sponged around the edges while still in the die, with Bashful Blue ink. I colored in a line with Copic markers (C3 and C10) as a tree trunk.

Sponged a little Ballet Blue ink.

I adhered the pot I made and folded over the scored section and stamped a tiny snowflake on it. I also added gems to the top of the pot. On the snowflakes, I used my Quickie Glue pen to add some glitter to the snowflakes.

I layered with Pure Luxury In the Navy, cut with scallop nesties and used a White Heavy Base Weight card base. I stamped the sentiment from Holiday Greetings, then scored on either side of the greeting.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful day!

Treasured Heirlooms

2009-12-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! I have another card from the release party last week. I used images from Life is Good and a sentiment from Sweetest Memories for this card. Here are the deets...

I started by sponging very lightly with Blush Blossom (SU). Next, (not pictured) I sponged lightly, around the Blush Blossom, with Pretty in Pink (SU).

Sponged with Almost Amethyst.

Sponged Lavender Lace.

Next, I used Post-it Notes to mask off the bottom and top of the cardstock. For the top masks, I tore the edges to make the horizon look a bit hilly. Then I sponged Basic Black on the uncovered area.

Next, I used the Direct to Paper technique. Using Vivid Inky Blue and Purple ink pads, I gently swiped the ink pads from the edge, inward. I followed that up with a bit of sponging around the edges with the same two colors.

I used the tree lined bank stamps from Life is Good along my horizon line. Since I'm too lazy to use a Stamp-a-ma-jig if I don't have to, I trimmed my stamp to show where the midpoint of the stamp is. That made it easy to line up along my horizon line.

Here is how it looked after stamping.

Since I wanted a silhouette look, I used my black Copic to fill in the top portion of the image and N7 for the bottom (reflection).

Sponged a bit of Basic Black along the bottom.

Stamped the cattails from Life is Good in the foreground.

Next, I stamped the sentiment from Sweetest Memories. I layered with Pure Luxury White & Black Onyx and used a Vibrant Violet cardbase.

Thank you for visiting. I hope your day is filled fun and stamping!

Techie Table

2009-12-07T04:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a card I made for the release party last week, using Melanie's new set, Tech Talk and Nina's new Lovely Shelf. I didn't get many photos for this one.

If you want that cute little heart on the computer to stand out, try stamping it in a different color than the rest. I taped off the heart before inking up and then after inking with black, I used a red Memento marker to ink the heart.

Here are the colors I used on the computer. N7 and N5 on the main part and C3, C1 & blender pen on the screen. After cutting out the computer, I scored it at the fold and gave it a little bend.

I wanted to have all my images to sit on a table, so I just cut a little trapezoid shape and sponged with Creamy Caramel and Chocolate Chip.

These are the colors I used on the mug. Y21, Y23, YR12 and E33.

On the lamp shade, I used Y21, Y23, YR12 and E35. On the lamp I used E52, E57 and E59 along with my blender pen.

When I assembled the card, I wanted a lot of dimension. I used Pop Dots placed under the front of the table only, used Pop Dots under the lamp shade, under the computer screen and under the top of the mug. Using the Pop Dots under the tops of the images and adhering the bottoms down without them, adds to the perspective that the computer was drawn with.

Thanks for the visit. Hope you have a very happy Monday!

Consider Yourself Hugged

2009-12-05T09:20:00.001-08:00

I love this sentiment from Rupa Shevde's new stamp set, Warm and Wonderful. I made this card at the last minute for the release party for Gina K Designs on Thursday. I did it in about 25 minutes (almost a speed record for me), so I didn't get any step by step photos.

I colored the sweater from Warm and Wonderful with Copic markers, then cut it out. The background was sponged and I stamped the trees from Life is Good with black ink, then stamped the sentiment. I raised the sweater up with Pop Dots.

I layered with SU Bashful Blue and Pure Luxury In the Navy and used Pure Luxury Pumpkin Spice for the cardbase.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Deer at Sunset (photos added)

2009-12-04T11:15:00.001-08:00

Hello, Stampers! Here one of the Life is Good cards that I posted the other day, but didn't have room for the step by step photos, so here they are. I'll try to post the other one right after this.

Started by sponging a bit of So Saffron (SU) ink.

Added Regal Rose.

Added Almost Amethyst.

Added Ballet Blue.

Added Vivid Inky Blue.

Used torn post-it notes as a mask and sponged Basic Black.

Stamped the grass from Life is Good in a random pattern, leaving the reflection portion of the stamp un-inked.

Stamped the trees with Going Gray.

Stamped the trees a few more times with black and then stamped the deer with Black Stazon.

I layered with Pure Luxury Black Onyx, SU Bashful Blue and used Pure Luxury In the Navy for the cardbase.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Life is Good Card - Photos added.

2009-12-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the cards I shared earlier this week. I wanted to get the step by step photos added in case anyone wanted to see them. I used images from my new stamp set, Life is Good.

I started by cutting an oval using my Nestabilities, then sponged Creamy Caramel (SU).

Sponged Chocolate Chip (SU).

Stamped the tree image from Life is Good, several times, using Chocolate Chip ink and Black.

I used Copics to color the cabin, starting with E59.

Added E57.

Added E35. I missed a photo, but I added a little E53, then used my blender pen to smooth out the highlights.

I didn't really want the cabin to look snowy on this card, so I used grays for the roof (N1, N3, N5 and blender pen). I used Y21 for the windows.

For the trees, I used G24, G28 and C1. For the fireplace, I used W1 and E33.

I layered with Pure Luxury Black Onyx, Tan Leather and used a Ivory for the card base.

Thanks for visiting. Have a great day!

Gina K Preview - Sweetest Memories

2009-12-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! Today the Gina K is previewing the new Free With 3 stamp set, called Sweetest Memories. Purchase any three stamp sets, after the release this Thursday, and you can add this stamp set to your cart free of charge! I love this wonderful set of sentiments that will be perfect for card making, but also fabulous for scrapbooking.

I used this beautiful sentiment from Sweetest Memories as a focal image on my card. I stamped on Pure Luxury Ivory and added the cattail image from Life is Good as an accent. I used Nestabilities to cut out the circle and Chocolate Kiss scallop circle behind it. Next, I used Good as Gold, cut with my Fleur De Lis Spellbinders Pendant die.

The next layer is another fabulous Pure Luxury color, Mother of Pearl. The photograph doesn't do justice to the gorgeous shimmer of this paper. I highlighted the two scripted words in the sentiment and the cattails with my Startdust Pure Glitter pen (looks much more sparkly IRL)

For even more ways to use this fabulous stamp set, please check tonight's featured Illustrator's blog:

GinaK {Sweetest Memories}

Then, visit our Designer's blogs participating in the previews tonight:

Carolyn,
Cathy,
Emily,
Erika,
Jessica,
Lee,
Lynn,
Melanie,
Nina
Tami,
Theresa

All the stamp sets previewed this week will be available from Gina K Designs, starting Thursday at 10pm, right after the release party . The party will be held in the Gina K forums at Split Coast Stampers, starting Thursday at 7pm central. There will be challenges and contests with lots of chances to win free stamp sets. I hope to see you there!

Have a wonderful day!

Gina K Preview - Life is Good and Warm and Wonderful

2009-12-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Life is Good

I'm so excited to be previewing my newest stamp set for Gina K Designs, today! It is called Life is Good, and it is full of outdoorsy images, great for making masculine or scene cards and pages. On this first card, I used colors from the color challenge at SCS today. I colored the log cabin with Copics and cut it out, then sponged the background.

On this sample, I sponged the background first and then stamped the grass, trees and deer for a tranquil scene card that would be appropriate for nearly any occasion.

Warm and Wonderful

I just love this new set from Rupa Shevde, called Warm and Wonderful. It has everything you need to make winter themed cards.

For even more ways to use these fabulous stamp sets, please check our Designer's blogs participating in the previews today:

GinaK,
Carolyn,
Cathy,
Cindy,
Donna,
Emily,
Erika,
Jessica,
Lee,
Lynn,
Melanie,
Nina

We also have one of our special Center Stage Spotlight Designer joining tonight:

Peggy Wainman

Now, here are the details on how I made this card...

I used Copics to color the images, starting with E57, E55 and E51 on the cocoa and marshmallows.

Added BG07 to the mug.

Added B04.

Added B02.

Filled in with B00.

I did the scarf in much the same way. Started with BG07.

Added B04.

Added B02.

Filled in with B00.

I added G24 around the snowflake.

Filled in with G21.

I colored in the mittens the same way as the scarf.

I used my Labels 1 Nestabilities to cut the background layers, sponging Creamy Caramel on the white layer, while still in the die. The images were all cut out and adhered with Pop Dots. The DP is Kim Hughes Mocha Chica. Additional layers are Pure Luxury Chocolate Kiss and Tan Leather. Those nifty big scallops were made using my new EK Success border punch and the top layer and card base are the new Pure Luxury color, Ocean Mist.

I'll post the step by step photos, for the two Life is Good cards, later this week, so forgive me if for the repetition. I didn't want this post to get too photo heavy and I know a lot of my viewers really like the step by step photos.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful day!

Gina K Preview Day 1 - Tech Talk and Lovely Shelf

2009-11-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

It's time for a new Gina K Designs Preview! Today, I am sharing projects from two wonderful new stamp sets that will be available from Gina K this Thursday night.

Tech Talk - illustrated by Melanie Muenchinger

Tech Talk is Melanie Muenchinger's latest set of amazing stamp designs. I am excited about this set because it will be so great for teens and guy cards. It is always hard to make cards for teens, but the hip, modern images and sentiments in this set are perfect for teens.

I used the laptop image, colored with Copics, and sponged the center (screen). Then I added two of the sentiments included in the set. The pattern paper is from Basic Grey Lime Rickey and the grey layer is sponged and then stamped with several of the "emoticons" from Tech Talk.

Check out the two new cardstock colors Gina is releasing this month! The blue layer is called Ocean Mist and the cardbase layer is called Crème de Menthe. I love these new colors.

Here is CAS card I did using Tech Talk. The clean lines in this set will be perfect for quick CAS cards. I stamped the coffee mug on Pure Luxury Heavy Base Weight cardstock and colored it with Copics. Then I scored some accent lines, using my Scor-pal and added some self adhesive nail heads. Easy peasy and only took about 5 minutes to make.

Lovely Shelf - illustrated by Nina Bracket

Nina Bracket has created such a beautiful, elegant set of images! There is so much to choose from in this set, a fabulous scroll shelf, teapot, multiple vases of flowers, beautiful sentiments and more. It is packed full of gorgeousness! More details about my card below, but for now...

To see even more ways to use these fabulous stamp sets, please check tonight's featured Illustrator's blogs:

Nina Brackett {Lovely Shelf}
Melanie Muenchinger {Tech Talk}

Then, visit our Designer's blogs participating in the previews tonight:

GinaK,
Carolyn,
Cathy,
Cindy,
Donna,
Emily,
Erika,
Jessica,
Lee,
Lynn,
Tami,
Theresa

We also have two of our special Center Stage Spotlight Designer's joining us with samples as well:

Cheri Weston
Melissa Shultz

To make my Lovely Shelf card, I started by stamping one of the flower vases and colored with Copic markers. I used RV29 toward the center of the petals.

Added RV25.

Used my blender pen to help spread the ink toward the highlighted areas.

On the stem and leaves, I started with G28.

Added G24.

Used my blender pen to again, allow the ink to spread into the highlighted areas.

Used Y17 for the flower centers, C3 for the vase and B00 with the blender pen for the water.

I used my rectangle Nestabilities to cut out the image and sponged Creamy Caramel ink (SU) while still in the die, then used C1 to add a shadow near the bottom.

I layered with Pure Luxury Chocolate Kiss and Ivory, and SU Pretty in Pink. The designer paper is from Basic Grey Bittersweet. I used my Martha Stewart lace border punch along the bottom and added self adhesive pearls.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I'll be back tomorrow with two more previews, one of which is my new set! Have a great day!!!

Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

2009-11-29T06:17:00.001-08:00

Good morning stampers! Today I have a pink Christmas card, made for the Inspiration Challenge at SCS this week. I used this doll house for inspiration. All of the images for this card can be found in the Holiday Cheer StampTV Kit.

I stamped the gingerbread house with Memento ink and colored with Copics, starting with E57.

Added E35.

Added E53.

Used R24 on the fireplace bricks.

Added R22.

Used R24 on the lollipop.

Added B00 to shade the roof tiles.

Used RV21 and R42 on the door, curtains and trim.

Y21 in the windows.

For the background I sponged Pretty in Pink (SU), using a torn Post-it note to mask the bottom.

Sponged Regal Rose.

I adjusted the Post-it note and sponged Pretty in Pink to create some snowbanks.

Sponged Regal Rose along the edges on the bottom.

Stamped the trees with Pretty in Pink.

I created a second background panel, sponging with Regal Rose and stamped the snowflakes. The third panel was embossed with my Snowflakes Cuttlebug folder and then sponged very lightly with Pretty in Pink to emphasize the snowflakes. I also added some Doodlebug glitter to the gingerbread house.

Have a happy day!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-26T09:30:00.001-08:00

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving to all! I know a number of my readers are from other nations, but I am thankful for you all and wish you all a wonderful day! I guess I should have planned a themed card for the occasion, but I am sharing another Christmas card today.

Did you see Gina K Designs is having a fabulous sale this weekend? You can see all the details here.

To make my card, I started by creating an oval mask using my Nestabilities. Then I used re-positionable tape to keep it in place while I sponged So Saffron ink (SU).

Then sponged some Creamy Caramel (SU).

Sponged Chocolate Chip (SU).

I stamped the tree from A Very Merry Christmas using Chocolate Chip, several times including a few times without re-inking to make some of the images appear more distant.

Stamped the dove from The Magic of Christmas with Memento ink and then colored with Copics, starting with E53.

Added E51 and then blended out with my blender pen. I used G24 for the little green sprig and then cut out the image.

The sentiment is from A Very Merry Christmas and the ovals were cut with Nestabilities. I layered with Pure Luxury Chocolate Kiss and used a Creamy Caramel (SU) cardbase.

Have a happy, happy day!

Snowy Mike

2009-11-25T05:52:00.001-08:00

Hello! I have a scrapbook page to share with you today. I made this as my sample for the Scrapbook Challenge I am hosting at StampTV this week. I would love to have you play along! And there is a chance to win free stamps from Gina K. :)

The photos are from a ski trip about 10 years ago. We were doing a bit of sledding and I just had to snap these photos of my husband right after he ran headlong into a snow bank.

I started by stamping some snowflakes from Holiday Cheer, using Versa Mark ink, then heat embossed them with clear embossing powder.

I sponged around the snowflakes and along the edges of the paper with Certainly Celery ink (SU).

Stamped the poinsettia from A Year of Flowers and colored with Copics, starting with YG95.

Added YG93.

Used my blender pen to smooth out the color.

I cut out the poinsettia and added some self adhesive pearls to the center.

I stamped a branch from Winter Foliage with Old Olive ink (SU) around the edges. I mounted my photos with Pure Luxury Smoky Slate and layered the page with Smoky Slate and Fresh Asparagus. I also used my EK Success Curved Corner punch for the corner details.

Here is the sketch for the challenge. If you are not a scrapbooker, you can still play along by using the sketch to make a card.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!