Sunday, August 31, 2014

#luvu...CASology #110~Letter

Hello again,

CASology #110~Letter challenge...



A ping happened and I went with it.  A simple card using my new social media dies, and a set of letters that I nearly forgot I had....cut out multiple times for a 'layered' look...


(My letters are straight: honest! I used a ruler...gahhh!!!!)

CAS challenge = CAS card = CAS post *grin*

Thanks so much for dropping by;  your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!

You're the Best...The Card Concept #17, Freshly Made Sketches #151

Happy Sunday evening, and hopefully tomorrow will be a holiday for you, as it is for us! Yayyy...

This morning, we started off bright and 'late', aiming for new-to-us hike in the Lake Louise area: Boulder Pass.  We drove about three-quarters of the way, watching the skies become darker and more ominous, and the winds gust with more force. Plan nixed, because no matter  how stunning the scenery may be, we are 'fair weather' hikers, having had our fair share of wet weather 'incidents.'  Back home, the skies were less threatening, so with my husband on his mountain bike, and I hoofing along in my runners, we hiked a nearby trail we haven't had opportunity to access since the floods of last year. Although I've come back exhausted and a tad broken (trying to keep up with him riding his bike...silliness, and not exactly a success), what a delight it was to travel along familiar paths. It's not a super easy trek - plenty of steep bits, making for interesting ascents and descents, as well as rocks, tree roots and foliage to navigate - but enough for a good workout. I have so earned some ice cream for dessert!

Tomorrow I'm taking my husband to Calgary, where he'll be joining the contingent of 'officials' for the second running of the pro-bike race: Tour of Alberta. From Tuesday through Sunday, he'll be riding on the back of a motorcycle, fulfilling his duties as "Moto-Commissaire #2."  Last year, when he performed this role, he was nervous; this year, it's equal parts nervous and super excited!  I'll be on my own-some until Thursday evening, when I'll head to Edmonton, to spend the weekend with my family and meet up with Andy once the race wraps up on Sunday.  Actually, the last three stages of the race have Edmonton as their 'anchor,' so he may be able to join me at my folks' place. Time with my niece and nephew...Yayyyy!!!!

Anyway...I'm sharing my clean and layered card, inspired by the oh-so-pretty photo at The Card Concept #17 (I'd cosy up in that room in a nanosecond!)

and the wonderful sketch, created by the uber-talented Kim Singdahlsen, at Freshly Made Sketches #151.


A simple little card, featuring some patterned paper (a 'happy accident' find), stitched layered flowers, and a 'renovated' brad...


NOTE:  So honoured and delighted that Kim selected by card as a Card Concept #17 winner! THANK YOU!!

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!

Friday, August 29, 2014

Feathered Notes...Inkspirational Challenges #64, Seize the Sketch #27, 4 CC #209 ~ Something Old/Something New, TPE #265~ Anything Goes

Happy Saturday...and a long weekend for many of us!

Today, the Design Team at  Inkspirational Challenge #64,


along with amazing guest designer, Pauline, are showcasing how they were inspired by this photo:


Oh, the possibilities....colours, textures, images...and for me...are you ready...FEATHERS! Yes, I am the full-fledged owner (finally) of a feather set, from STAMPlorations, that I have been hoarding sitting on, in wait for precisely this challenge.  Debut time!!   Talk about exercising restraint!  When it was time break open this set, (even though I waited for nearly the last minute), I was beside myself excited to use two of the four feathers, to create this card...



Yes, you are seeing distress inks/markers...but they are used as 'inks' only here.  Aren't these images gorgeous? I'm not talking about what I've done, but about the swirls and twirls and over all design...and that sentiment font is soooo pretty.

One wasn't enough, so I made this one, using three shades of Memento inks...


as well as this one - gold, black and silver inks, then stamped with Versamark and clear embossed...


and finally, this one.  Yes...distress inks, spritzed...'sort of ' water-coloured.
.

I'll place the 'blame' for my feathers  x 4 - and remember, I've only used two from the set!! - squarely on Shery's shoulders over at STAMPlorations.  Awesome designer = awesome stamps!!

Please be sure to check out Pauline's and the DT's creations; then get your mojo-motor running and share your fabulous cards in the gallery.  A Top Pick from this challenge will be invited to be a Guest Designer for a future challenge!


I'm also sharing my cards at  Seize the Sketch #27

 4  Crafty Chicks #209~Something Old/Something New (brand spanking new feather stamps/old rectangle mat dies, inks and papers)


 Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Brighter Days Minis...MUSE #82

Hello!
A rainy, blustery, cool day; perfect weather for a day spent indoors, which I most certainly did. Not so my husband.  Yesterday, following his work day in the city, he headed to southern Alberta, for the first leg of his annual one-day mondo-bike ride in Logan's Pass, Montana, which he did today.  I've never joined him on this trip - the thought of driving the pass, alone, on those narrow, windy, high mountain roads has zero appeal to me (and given that, leaving me at home is a win-win for both of us) - so my 'experience' of the major ascents and descents comes from photos. He returns home after the ride - about a four hour drive - equal parts exhausted and jubilant in having accomplished this feat yet again.  On Monday, I drop him off in Calgary, where he'll begin his stint as a commissaire for the Tour of Alberta Pro bike race. I'll meet up with him in Edmonton later in the week...FAMILY TIME!!! I'm soooo excited.

Waiting  for my husband to come home (no work tomorrow, so I'll stay up to greet him with a cup of tea and some home-made cookies) late this evening affords me opportunity to make my rounds in blog-land, as well as post my two mini cards for Muse #82, where Bobby's bright, twirly, swirly card is showcased.


A visit to Bobby's blog revealed that she used texture paste and inks to create this dazzling array of dots. Isn't it amazing!! And oh, how I wish the texture paste that I have ordered (I'm ready to try this stuff, even though I suspect 'mess' is inevitable) was in my hands right now.  Alas, not so the case (maybe next week...), so I focused on the colours, the layout and the sentiment in my minis

Card 1 features a sponged butterfly - similar to many previous ones - but it is a NBUS because I've not used this 'large' size one from the collection before.  I tried to mimic the swirls in Bobby's card with my 'wavy' Uniko sentiment...it wasn't quite as pliable as I'd hoped, but I'm okay with that...it's different.


Mini #2 features STAMPloration stamps for the background, the same Uniko sentiment, and a smaller butterfly from my 'go to' collection.  A bit of bling (my effort to capture Bobby's shimmer) and ta dahh...


Here's my MUSE duo...

Still a couple/three hours before my husband comes home...more blog visiting, some Food Network TV viewing...

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments make my day!


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

A 'Well, I Tried" Mini...TIME OUT Challenge #12 CASE With Your Own Twist

Happy Wednesday!   Today marks the 'official' start to the school year for teachers and staff, beginning with coffee and muffins (yum...) at 9am, followed by....meetings.  Tomorrow, meetings. Friday is a day off, as is Monday.  After four days of this, I'll be more than ready for an extra long weekend.   Sheesh, I am so out of work-shape!!

Okay, so after 963 attempts to case the amazingly talented Anita's card featured at TIME OUT Challenge #12,


 I came 'this close' to giving up.  So many elements to choose from, but...water-colouring was a no go; stenciling was an epic fail; embossing taxed my inability to stamp straight. I pretty much tried something every day since the challenge opened and egads! Nothing "fruitified" (that's one of my mom's words...she meant 'fruition' in the context of the conversaton but I think fruitified is excellent!).

So, with things in card-land not going well, I took a little step back to re-think my perspective. I considered not joining the challenge, but that lasted all of a fleeting thought. Instead, I went  into 'default' mode: mini cards! Yayyy for minis! Then I remember a NBUS Fri-die that I have fro CAS_ual Fridays, so I die cut the insert three times, gave them some 'ombre' inking, added a hello sentiment and...done.

Far cry from what I was aiming to do (by a long shot), but I still wanted to play because I think Anita is AWESOME x AMAZING!!


Of course, now that I'm posting this at the last minute, a whole slew of new ideas have pinged...Isn't that the case!

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Hello and Thanks...Tag You're It Challenge #4

Hello...
I blubbered my way raced home after work (oh, the torture...), aiming to post the two tags I made for Tag, You're It Challenge #4 before we headed off on a much needed hike to Johnston's Canyon.  Marion's tag is pure delight....


In my first attempt, I was aiming to replicate the inlaid die cuts, with PS flowers that I sponged.  Okay, I guess, but I was hoping for something much prettier...


Round 2 tag...went back to my much loved butterflies and dragonfly...and all three are sponged (pink, yellow, coral...well, technically 'cantaloupe'), then coated with a hefty helping of stickles.  Sparkly....


My husband's home...time to hustle and shuffle our way up and down that gorgeous canyon!

NOTE:  Super thrilled and honoured that my tag was a Favourite over at Tag, You're It Challenge #4. I'm wowed by this!! THANK YOU!!

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Hey You, Handsome: Awesome Birthday...4 Crafty Chicks~Let's Get Masculine, The Male Room~Seeing Stars, Uniko Studio Challenge #13

Second post for this morning; my "Getting to Know Me" post is here.

Happy Monday...and I'm having the blues. Back to work..and I'm so not ready! Gahhh...Today's agenda: learning a new data system.   How exciting!!!  Little wonder I'm dragging my feet...

Before I attempt to transform myself into 'presentable', I'm sharing a card I made for 4 Crafty Chicks~Let's Get Masculine, as well as new-to-me The Male Room~Seeing Stars challenges.  As I mentioned in my Getting to Know Me post, I'm a challenge-aholic, so it's just 'fitting' that I expand into trying some new challenges *grin*

My card features the technique I learned from Debby Hughes, in Stretch Your Stamps 2 - stamping words on die cuts, then inking/sponging. As 'masculine' is the theme, I aimed for 'guy-ish colours' with the stars, as well as with the sentiment, which is from Uniko Studio.  And yes...you are seeing distress inks/markers.  Stamped, not water-coloured. We're  NOT going there!!


I should have used a smaller "you" for the little star...next time.

NOTE:  So honoured and delighted to be selected for a Golden Egg Award by 4 Crafty Chicks. THANK YOU!!

NOTE: Thrilled and honoured to be one of the four winners over at The Male Room. THANK YOU!!

NOTE: Honoured to be selected as one of the Top 3 over at Uniko Studio Challenge. THANK YOU!!!



Okay, now I'm going to be late; best quite dawdling and procrastinating...

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!!!






Getting to Know Me Blog Hop...

Think back to a couple of weeks ago…Do you recall hearing, in the distance – say, Canada direction, more specifically, Alberta, Rocky Mountains – the echos of what sounded like claps of thunder, whoops of joy, and raucous rounds of happy dancing?  If so, that was me, reading a note from the amazing, talented, mom-to-be (we’re talking mere days!) Bev, from Uniko Studio, ‘tagging’ me to be part of  the “Getting to Know Me” blog hop.  With absolute glee, honour and delight, I fired off a note to Bev, accepting her warm invitation. Not too long after, similar invitations came from two more sweet gals: Kimberly, from  Wienerhoneymooners and Tracy McNeely, from In My Creative Opinion.  To know that I’ve inspired three top-notch designers, each with a heart of gold, had me in tears. Such heart-warming gestures and I simply don’t have words (amazing, that!) to express how deeply touched I am.

If you’re looking for outstanding inspiration, I guarantee you’ll find it at Bev’s, Kimberly’s and Tracy’s blogs.  Please go visit; dazzles and delights guaranteed!  I’ll also be tagging some crafters who have inspired me over the past 16 months of my blogging/crafting journey, so stay tuned…they’re coming right up!

On to the “Getting to Know Me” part….

1. What creative projects are you currently working on?

I’m working on, and simultaneously ‘thinking about working on’ a plethora of projects, ranging from design team (I’m so fortunate to be designing for Inkspirational Challenges and Addicted toStamps and More) and guest designer cards, to challenge entries, to figuring out some Halloween ‘countdown’ cards for my niece and nephew, who, as many of you know, are bright lights in my life, to making cards for my mom and brother, who celebrate fall birthdays. Sets of Christmas cards for the seniors’ residence where my mom volunteers is also on the agenda, as is making Advent calendars for the kiddos.  Ideas are brewing...
Broadening my card-making techniques is also on my radar; I have a hankering to try mixed media, become more proficient with water-colours and generally ‘enhance’ my repertoire by trying new things. We’ll see how these intentions come to fruition in the next while. A new set of Twinkling H2Os are awaiting attention and an order for texture paste (and perhaps maybe a couple more items…) is in place. In a wonderful twist of crafty-product fate, I just this past Friday connected with a retailer in Edmonton (where my family lives), so my purchasing opportunities have just sky-rocketed.  You may hear – and feel the vibrations – of some exuberant happy dancing in the very (just in case my husband reads this *grin*) near future.

2. What inspires your designs?

My name is Carol and I’m a challenge-aholic. It’s just that simple. Challenges inspire me. Without a challenge or two to guide me – sketch, colour, theme - I’m helpless. Seriously. If a technique is included, I’m likely to add that as well, if I can.  I believe most of us enter challenges not only because they encourage us to stretch our styles and our stash, but more so, because of the wonderful, warm supportive community we become part of when we place our cards in Mr. Linky’s hands.  I count the friendships I’ve made through card-making some of the best treasures in my life, and I know many of you are nodding your heads in agreement.  Like-minded people coming together over a shared passion; it’s just mathematically logical that deep friendships result.  And sometimes, we receive the added bonus of meeting these people in real life.  Challenges: a creative vehicle for meeting some of the most amazing, inspiring people ever!

Hand in hand with challenge-inspiration is other bloggers’ inspiration: my friends, the challenge DTs, the product pros…you name ‘em.  Anybody and everybody can catch my eye and pique my interesting. I find inspiration in the most, and seemingly least obvious, of places; a well-placed sequin on one person’s card, a unique colour combination on another, a cool layout or die on still another. Anywhere and everywhere. One of my cards, a while back (and a “yikes” card it is, in retrospect), was inspired by the tire tread on my husband’s road bike…
3. What method or process do you apply to each creative project and how long does each project take to complete?

I’m pretty ‘haphazard’ with my approach, which leads to a very happy recycle bin, frequently rubbing its bulging tummy with glee.  My methods depend on what I’m creating, how I’ve been inspired, what the challenge calls for.  Often, what I ‘envision’ doesn’t marry with the execution.  Usually, I work ‘conceptually’ – thinking ‘this’ will work with ‘that’. So I give it a go; some are hits, others (many others) are misses.

I spend inordinate time on some of my cards, and especially the ‘projects,’ like calendars or sets of minis (have I mentioned: I love x love mini cards). I persevere: once I start a card,  I finish it, even it evolves into different iterations from what I initially imagined. A few of those spill into another day (or two). I can’t think of a time – aside from calendars or ‘bulk creations’ (the 90+ Christmas tags I made for my sister-in-law last Christmas) – where I have more than one card going at once.  I’m focused that way; an idea is worked to fruition, or if the time becomes too zany, it’s abandoned.  A more organized approach is on my ‘do’ list J
4. If you had to describe your 'signature' style what would it be?

My signature style? I have no idea, since I jump around in trying new things.  Over the past while, I’m leaning more to CAS.  I think.  The best description of my style comes from Bev: eclectic CAS.  I like the sound of that; sticking with it!
5. What three crafting tools/products can you not live without?

1. My Cuttlebug – it’s close to worn out (I have an almost year-old Big Shot, currently in NBUS status, sitting in wait), but still hanging in.  My plates are crated and warped, the rollers  are loose, but my Cuttlebug and I…we love one another.
2. Double sided foam tape. A *need*.
3. Butterfly stamps and dies *grin*

Narrowing the field to tag two others who are inspirational, enthusiastic and talented bloggers is a monumental task, as so many people come to mind.  As is usual, I’m doing my own spin on this, going with one ‘group’ of amazing people and one individual.

Last year, I was absolutely honoured to be on the receiving end of a surprise birthday blog hop, orchestrated by the Queen of Blog Parties, Bev, of Happy Dance fame.  All the people who made cards for me, they are my ‘inspiration team’.  Their continual encouragement and support, from the time I started blogging to the present day, brings joy to my heart.  In the midst of my early card-making days, they always found a ‘nugget’ of something to admire – and trust me, looking back (and sometimes, even  looking now), that was not always easy!  Thank you, ladies, for sticking with me!

My ‘special’ inspiration is someone who has been with me since Day 1. She is the Queen of Sweetness in every sense of the word, and even though I’ve not met her – yet – in real life, we’ve had phone conversations that are nothing short of fabulous! This gal is such a gift and blessing in my life – upbeat, sparkling, effervescent, compassionate, funny, brilliant, with a heart the size of Everest (x 1,00000000). Without further ado, I introduce my best blogging friend EVER: Shannon, of Chuchee Chu fame.  She works absolute magic with her style that is a unique combination of cute and elegant.  Her comments, as many of us know, are spirited and uplifting.  At present, life for Shannon is hectic, hectic and more hectic.  She hasn’t blogged recently, but once things settle down for her, I know she’ll be back, and when she returns, look out…she’ll come back with WOW, WOW and WOW creations guaranteed to knock our socks off!  Shannon, you’re awesome.  LOVE you!!



I’ll be connecting with my “inspirees’ soon – and come next Monday, hopefully you’ll learn a bit more about some of the m, depending on how busy their schedules are.
Thanks for wading through this rather epic post (I know.. .nothing too new, as many of my posts are epic), and I hope you enjoyed “Getting to Know” a little bit more about me.



Sunday, August 24, 2014

Coffee Anniversary Card...CASology #109~Java

Happy Sunday...and as of tomorrow, summer holidays are done. Done!  I want to re-wind back to July...

Two of my favourite people are my sister-in-law's parents - aka "Grammy" and "Grampy" to my niece and nephew.  When my brother married my sister-in-law, her folks joining our family was simply part of the deal - and what fabulous additions they are. In fact, when my mom's relatives had a huge reunion a few years back, in my mom's hometown, a seven hours' drive north of Edmonton, our "other parents" came along to meet everyone. Of course, with their engaging personalities and farming backgrounds, they fit right in with the gang.  All our gatherings include Grammy and Grampy; they're just part of 'us'.

Earlier this week, my dad *Hi, Pa*, 'wondered' if I could make an anniversary card for G & G, who will be celebrating 45 years of marriage at month's end. Of course, I said yes; of course, I didn't have a clue what direction to take with crating an anniversary card for this most interesting couple.  They're not 'lovey-dovey', so nix on butterflies, flowers and hearts. Their interests are diverse - Grampy's into golfing, while Grammy delights in horse shows.  Not exactly a combination of images I have on hand.  Their love for my niece and nephew is limitless; indeed, they spend oodles of time with them, helping out in whatever ways they can - child-minding, cleaning, laundry - given that both my brother and sister-in-law work full time. (Side note: Grammy irons and hangs my brother's t-shirts on hangers. Seriously! I told my husband to not even 'think' about having me do that! Getting his folded his challenge enough for me.)  Grand-kids, though, weren't really calling to me as anniversary card content.

Bit of a conundrum, this task...until I spotted CASology #109~Java


PERFECT!! One thing that Grammy and Grampy totally have in common: a love for coffee!! Specifically, Tim Horton's coffee, the good ol' Canadian favourite.  So, here's the anniversary card I'll be sending to my dad, to pass along...


Two coffee cut dies with their stamped and die cut sleeves; the 'java' script border stamped along the side, a simple sentiment and one 'lovely-dovey' wee heart. I think that works for this fabulous duo!!

Happy Anniversary, Grammy and Grampy!! Love you!!

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!!

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Happy Birthday... Paper Smooches Anything Goes, CAS(E) this Sketch #89


I'm back...

After our trip to Banff, I was rummaging through some of my 'to use' papers (I had a mission in mind - and  it's still not fulfilled, because I became distracted...) where I came across a water-coloured piece, cast aside, presuming that, at some point, the unused back could be used for another project. For whatever reason, it caught my eye and I wound up creating a card for  CAS(E) this Sketch #89, inspired by the jazzy numbers card shared by DT Donna Mikasa


I haven't used my Paper Smooches numbers for far too long, so out they came...


In real life, the blues are much more vibrant, but since I'm close to the gallery at Paper Smooches Anything Goes


closing , a 'cloudy day' photo it is. 

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day.

Thinking of You...Muse #81

Hello again...catching up on cards and posts before we head off to Banff for a bit. A bit of a stroll, shops to duck into when the rains fall...a change of scenery.

I'm sharing my card for Muse Challenge #81


My wild paper, in a small dose, reflects the colourful chevrons in Marion's pretty, glittery card, as does the embossed background. Like hers, my butterfly is triple-layered:  two layers of vellum atop a pink layer; add a white inked sentiment, a couple of pink sparkles ...and voila.  Done.  More thinking involved than doing *grin*


Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!


Happy Birthday, Nonni...AAA Cards #16~Inspire, Seize the Birthday~Anything Goes, Pretty Pink Posh~ Cutting Edge Blog Hop

Surprise Nonni … Happy Birthday!  I’m running late with my card and wishes, but that just means that your celebration can spill into today!   More cake for you!!

I’m joining the party over at Sandie's blog, London Days, to celebrate this special day, or rather, now ‘second’ day.  I’ve had the absolutedelight of coming to know Nonni as an Inkspirational Challenges team mate. Not only does she dazzle and delight with lovely, inspired and inspiring cards there, but her abundant creativity is also found at STAMPlorations, Time Out and, of course, on her own site: Korttikarkuri – Runaway Cards.   Nonni is quite the gem:  her comments are encouraging, her posts reveal her passion for crafting, and her cards…oh, her cards!  Name the style; she does it; name the technique, she’s done it.  A stroll over to her blog will provide ample evidence of what I mean:  talented, sweet, charming, upbeat. That’s Nonni in a nutshell.

My card for Nonni was inspired by AAA Cards #16 - Inspire~Case Jane Taylor


I know Nonni loves doilies and while my rosette (the paper is patterned with butterflies...what a surprise *grin*) isn't 'quite' a doily, I hope it runs a close second and brings a smile.


I'm also sharing it at Seize the Birthday: Anything Goes


and at Pretty Pink Posh Paulina's Cutting Edge Blog Hop (My supply list: background mat = Lil' Inkers; all other stamps and dies: My Creative Time.)

NOTE:  Honoured and delighted that my card was an HM at AAA Cards. THANK YOU!!!

Wishing you a most Happy Birthday, Nonni! I hope the fun, laughter, joy and love of yesterday is echoed today, and in every day of the coming year!  

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Music x 2...CAS-ual Fridays #134, Freshly Made Sketches #150

Yes, I'm back...

Yesterday, when I should have been working on my online card class assignments, I found myself in a slump...gloomy, cold weather, rain...just all around 'blech.'  Not much happened, and then a 'ping'...and something of 'note' emerged...Happy me!

Two cards - a biggie and a mini - inspired by CAS-ual Fridays Challenge #134, where I'm playing for the first time, which is wonderful, but it's the last challenge of the year, which isn't wonderful. "Fearless Leader" Michele promises to be back with new challenges in 2015, and she does have a DT call out, so I'll be waiting, with anticipation, to see what she has in store, both challenge and product-wise.

The premise of the challenge is Tic-Tac-Toe


Here's my A2 sized card, featuring Column 1's chevrons, dots (yayy for that double-duty embossing folder) and houndstooth (I can't believe I have a houndstooth stamp! Score on  NBUS!), and now that I'm looking, it also fits Row 2's houndstooth, white and embossed elements. And maybe even Row 1...okay, okay. I'll stop pushing the boundaries.


Apologies for lighting...see my earlier weather-whine.

Freshly Made Sketches #150  inspired the layout, so I'm waltzing this card over...





Mini card next, which tic-tac-toes on the center column.  In real life, it's cute - just a little love 'note'...


Okay, back to homework...or more than likely to 'other' challenge distractions. So many good ones. Whoa, I have an eye-appointment today. Good thing I looked at the calendar...yeesh!

ETA:  I'm also entering my card at Catered Crop: Music Expressions. Thank you, Kim!!  Check out these images on the inspiration board...WOW!



Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments make my day



"Water Painting": Donna Mikasa inspiration...Stretch Your Stamps 2~Day 6, STAMPLorations Bi-Weekly Sketch Challenge #18 and August Stamps and Dies Challenge

Hello,

The closing date for entering cards (and comments) to the galleries at Stretch Your Cards 2 is drawing near, so I'm in 'craft and dash' mode to get a couple more done and posted asap.  Minimal chatting from me (I have plenty 'stored' up, so that will change...soon *grin*).

As I made clear recently, distress inks/markers and I are separated, however, we had a brief reconciliation yesterday, only because a) I had to try Donna Mikasa's Day 6 technique, b) distress inks are the only medium that works for said technique, and c) no 'water-colouring' was involved.  Actually, quite the opposite: "un"-water-colouring was involved...Given the state of my relationship with distress inks, this was too good to be true!

Donna's card, nothing short of gorgeous, involved embossing an 'open' image (floral), sponging the panel, the going "inside" the image with extra water, and dabbing away the ink....Easy, and the effect is so pretty.  I started with this, using my one and only 'big' floral stamp....


The splotch by the sentiment....grrrr, but the effect with the flower is rather pretty, in real life.  Add a mist of perfect pearls pearlized water would be the next step to pretty it up. 

Simple: emboss, sponge, dab off. Given that, I decided for a second card, using my STAMPlorations butterflies. Butterflies and believe sentiment are embossed, panel sponged, the butterfly wings are 'un-water-coloured' (or, as Donna described, 'painted with water'), 'dream' lightly stamped in to the background.




I'm adding this to STAMPlorations Bi-Weekly Sketch Challenge #18




and Stretch Your Stamps 2 Gallery for Day 6.

Go check your collection of outline stamps; this  technique offers so many possibilities...


Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Shine, Hello, Baby - 3 Debby Hughes' Inspired Cards...CAS on Sunday #40, Paper Crafting Challenge #16~Baby, Stretch Your Stamps 2 - Day 3 Gallery, Iron Craft Challenge 3

Yes...I slept (more or less) and I'm back, revived and in a hectic scramble to get my online class homework done and posted.  Another rainy day...getting closer to back-to-work...must play while I can.

My trio of cards here were inspired by the lessons on Day 3 of Stretch Your Stamps 2

 where Debby Hughes showed us how to stretch little alphabet stamps. I don't have mini alphas, but do have several sets of stamps with small sentiments, so I adapted with those.  Rather than try to explain her technique, I'll let my cards do the talking...

First up - Star Shine, where I repetitively stamped *sparkle and bright* from my NBUS Winnie and Walter Big, Bold and Fun set on the star in a deep yellow,then inked it with two shades of lighter yellow.  Add a speech-bubble transformed into a cloud, some blue sponged stars, a blue-ink stenciled background, a bold sentiment and voila...a happy little card.  I like it.


ETA: I only just discovered (Aug. 29) the AWESOME *Join in and win* gallery over at Winnie &Walter's blog, and since this amazing sentiment is a W&W stamp, I am sooooo heading over to the party! Yayyy.....

My second card features a PS *Hello* sentiment white embossed on the butterfly die, inked with light pink and coral, set atop my TH lines stencil (which was far more cooperative than my previous attempt at water-colouring with it...sheesh!), and a die cut sentiment.  I used sequins...again!!  I like this one, too.


This little number is a repeat of the techniques above, using Simon Says *baby* and *sweet* stamps and the baby die.  Pink sponging, pink heart stencils...done.


Another *like*, which I'll be entering at Paper Crafting Challenge #16~ Baby and CAS on Sunday #40~ Rock-A-Bye Baby.

Here's my Debby Hughes' inspired trio, posing together, which I'm adding to Iron Craft Challenge 3: Inspiration 3~ Muses for Iwona...


Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Donna Mikasa Inspired Thanks...CASE Study 4th Anniversary #2

Yes, I'm a posting-piglet today (oink...). I'll blame it on the 'reality' that I'm back to work next Monday, so need to do what I can, while I can, when I can...

Sleeping Mr. Mojo awakened long enough to send me in pursuit of casing Donna Mikasa's colourful circles card she created as part of CASE Study's 4th Anniversary Week #2 challenge


Pretty - absolutely; happy colours - oh yes; simple to recreate - just rows of circles, right?  Not! Let's just say I learned plenty; discarded several a couple fails' decided that one-layer was not going to happen; subsequently Lil' Inker rectangle (again...my 'go to' dies) matted a salvaged, not 'totally' askew section and here I am, skittering in madly, to get this posted before Mr. Linky closes.  After all that effort, and despite its flaws, this baby's getting posted! Actually, the more I glare gaze at it, the better it looks.  A few sparkles might help, but for now, its going in as is.  Maybe I should use grid lines next time (as per the instructions Yana shares in the video Donna linked to. You think??  Dim me...), because this truly has all kinds of possibilities...with colours and other shapes.

Anyway, here it is...


And to all of you who are visiting: thanks a super lot for putting up with my posting-stravaganza! So appreciated!

Thanks so much for dropping by; your visit and comments add sparkle to my day!