Sunday, April 17, 2016

Hello, You Make Me Happy...STAMPlorations ARTplorations April 2016 Flash Stencil Linky Party, FUSION~April Showers,Addicted to CAS Challenge #86~Rain, STAMPlorations Anything Goes

Hello!

My husband is away (again...) at an Olympic Committee conference, which has meant crafting time a-plenty for me over the past couple of days (except for work and a very necessary date with the vacuum!).  I should have more to show for the hours spent at my 'creativity corner', however, I'm so easily distracted, especially when so many of YOUR gorgeous cards are calling for my attention.

Anyway, I'm going on a bit of a post-palooza because sure as shootin', linkies will close before I get my foot in the door.

Two stencil cards (yes, more stencils. I'm smitten stencils even though I don't do anything mixed media flashy with them.  Making inky patterns = happy me) that were inspired first by the  STAMPlorations ARTplorations April 2016 Flash Stencil Linky Party, as well as a variety of other challenges that you'll see below.


First up...my 'stenciled' interpretation of rain (STAMPlorations ARTplorations Bubble stencil), paired with my rainbow sponged and perfect pearled MFT umbrella.  This one will be heading off to FUSION, Addicted to CAS, and STAMPlorations Anything Goes (links below).  Big bubbly raindrops...we could use some of those here...


NOTE:  Honoured and thrilled to be selected as a CAS Challenge #86 Top 3 Favourite! THANK YOU!!

My second card features a light-touch Cracked Pistachio inking of the ARTplorations Flourishes stencil, a Uniko butterfly that I water-coloured (GASP...it's not as vibrant as I wanted, so I perfect pearled the heck out of it. That baby really shimmers!) and an Altenew sentiment.  Because I stenciled, stamped and water-coloured, my butterfly is fluttering to Loll and Bonnie's CAS Mix Up Card challenge (link below).

Please be warned: the butterflies are on the loose again. Repeat: the butterflies are on the loose!  Have to; I love them...


Okay, off for a quick second date with the vacuum, then I'm ditching it for the washing machine. My husband should be home late afternoon and I wouldn't want him to think I've just been lolly-gagging around (he's smart...he's well-aware of what I'm up to *grin*)

Joining the galleries at:

CAS Mix Up Card Challenge April 2016 (stamping, stenciling and water-colour...)


FUSION~April Showers



Addicted to CAS Challenge #86~Rain


Thank you for spending time with me today; your visit brings me immense joy!


21 comments:

Loll said...

Always good to get in lots of play time when hubby's away. :) You look like you've been having lots of fun Carol. Two fantastic cards (both fit the CAS Mix Up, so I'll put both of them on our Pinterest board). Great job. LOVE that you are enjoying stenciling .. and we get the benefits with seeing your awesome designs. :) Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up! xx

Susan said...

Love your rainbow umbrella, and the background is just perfect for this card. Thanks for sharing at ATCAS!

Barb Ghig said...

You really know how to bring these images to life, Carol! I love your stenciling and how you blended your inks on the umbrella...so pretty! I'm so glad the butterflies are on the loose again :) Beautiful watercoloring on this one, for sure, and I love that you added shimmery goodness, too!
So happy you played along with us this week at Addicted to CAS!

Bonnie said...

Two great cards, Carol! Love that rainbow umbrella! What could be better on a rainy day! Your butterfly is gorgeous and I love that soft stenciling behind it! Good to wait until time for DH to come home to get that cleaning stuff out! (And better stash the butterflies.) LOL! Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up!

Tracey McNeely said...

Oh my goodness two stunning cards Carol! Your rainbow umbrella is swoon-worthy and the butterfly extra beautiful! Way to rock all those challenges--love! xo

Geri said...

This is strange...this post never showed up in my mailbox! Glad I scrolled down a bit further, else I would have missed these two beauties! Keep on stenciling girlfriend because your work is stunning! Gorgeous, subtle backdrops for both of these images! Especially like the varying sizes of 'raindrop circles' on your first card! Beautiful shading on the umbrella and gorgeous coloring on the butterfly!

Marisa said...

Nothing wrong with subtle stencil use! You create beautiful bgs with them!!

Carole said...

Fabulous stenciling Carol...you have been busy...two fabulous cards.Oh and BTW...the house looks immaculate too!! :)

Jeanne said...

Gorgeous cards. Love the rainbow on the first and the butterfly on the second. So happy you were able to create up a storm this weekend and also get a few chores done as well. Hugs!

Vicki Dutcher said...

You've been busy! Love your rainbow umbrella with the big ole raindrops ;)

Joan B said...

these are both beautiful. your backgrounds are perfect!

Brenda said...

Now who is the one that is behind on their commenting?!! lol Wow, I am totally in love with both of these cards! The umbrella and "raindrops" is so pretty in the rainbow colors-perfect for an umbrella! I love that you watercolored that beautiful butterfly on the second card! Wow, that baby is stunning! Love the stenciling on both cards and I love that you and your inks with the stenciling equals a happy you, it equals happy for us too because we get to see these amazing creations of yours. Hugs, Brenda

Bonnie said...

Love your perfect take on the Fusion Challenge! My hubs is golfing today, so I certainly know what I am doing woohoo!

Petra Swart said...

Oh, what wonderful stencilling on both these cards, Carol!!! Another beautiful multi coloured umbrella and a stunning butterfly!!! Love the CAS look of these!!!
Have a great day!!!
Hugz

Greta said...

Love the rainbow umbrella--how appropriate! Beautiful butterfly card, too! You're making good use of your crafting time, Carol!

Mimi said...

The umbrella card does look like it's floating amidst big bubbly raindrops! Glad you're having some inky fun!

Anita in France said...

Gorgeous rainbow umbrella, Carol ... fantastic blending ... and such a beautiful butterfly ... love that colour combo! Hugs, Anita :)

Susanne Vargas said...

I absolutely adore your rainbow umbrella with the softly sponged background! And the butterfly card is so pretty, too! No need to do anything flashy mixed media with stencils - soft sponging is all they need... IMHO

Taunya Butler said...

Both are amazing but I am partial to rainbows so that umbrella one grabbed my eye - your sponging and shading has escalated to a PROFESSIONAL level!! You are the bomb!!

Katie Ann Brooks said...

so super pretty! Thank you for sharing at Fusion!

Joyce said...

You are like me--when the hubby is away, I like to go play more. Beautiful cards. I never mind more butterflies, and just love your rainbow umbrella.