Creative Smiles

Oldies But Goodies with Impression Obsession

2012-01-19T17:50:00.002-05:00

Hi! Hope you are enjoying a great week, and staying warm.

Today's cards are part of several challenges, but also one of my own. I wanted to see how many different looks I achieve in a single crafting session using the same image and the same sketch, with similar colors and the same technique for coloring the image.

My cards today work with the Card Patterns Sketch #148 and Impression Obsession's "Impression Obsession - Oldies but Goodies" challenge. The Sketch has 4 panels in the background, which are varied in each of my cards. (Thanks, Tracy, for a great sketch!

First is a staggered look on pale ivory background - sorry for the crooked photo.

Next is a dark olive background, using the panels as shown in the sketch.

Our Florida Stampers Group has a different challenge going to use something "virginal" in our cards.

For my cards, this consists of:

K and Company designer paper
DCWV "Pocket full of Posies" DP
Impression Obsession's Butterfly Round stamp
cute blue ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbons
Bamboo Leaf Memento Ink

Images were all watercolored.

My pink card has changed the panels into shapes, and the sketch has been placed vertically.

Perhaps one of the more fun things on this card was the "Boiltex" rick rack found in my stash of sewing supplies once belonging to my Great Aunt Agnes. It was 100% cotton, 3 yards, made in the USA -- and -- get this -- a whole 19 cents. I wonder when THAT was purchased? It is guaranteed not to have any "point curling" LOL.

Thanks very much for stopping by. I'd love hearing your comments, especially about old items in your crafting stash.

Some of the items used on these cards:
Derwent Watercolor Pencils
Lyra Watercolor Crayons
Watercolor Paper
K and Company "Sweet Nectar" DP
DCWV "Pocket full of Posies" DP
Dove Blender
Tuxedo Black Memento
Bamboo Leaf Memento
Majestic Blue Versafine
Dusty Concord dye ink
Stonewashed dye ink
Raspberry dye ink
Stream dye ink
Grand Calibur
Spellbinders Petite Circle Small S4-116
Spellbinders Petite Scallop Circle Small S4-117
IO Butterfly Round F2267
Stonewashed Ink
Cheery Lynn Swirl Die
Martha Stewart edge
Chalk Pastels
Starfire glitter (Sparkle N Sprinkle)
Bubble Gum glitter (Sparkle N Sprinkle)

Challenges Submitted to:
Anything Goes #58 - Anything Goes!
Card Patterns Sketch #148
Impression Obsession - Oldies but Goodies (Butterfly Round)
Incy Wincy Designs - Bold and Bright
Lexis Creations Challenge - Anything Goes!
Paper Pretties - Glitter Anywhere Challenge
Party Time Tuesdays - Happy Birthday
Sew Many Challenges - Anything Goes!
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - Anything Texture (glitter, ribbon, brads)

stamping hugs,

Angel Mousie

2012-01-11T08:46:00.000-05:00

What's an insomniac to do when waking up just before midnight, and can't go back to sleep? After exhausting all the usual tricks of making oneself sleepy, I turned on the computer to find some challenges to enter, and made a card. That was fun!

This simple A7 size, sparkly-winged House Mouse Angel card was made with Prismacolor pencils, gathered lace, die cuts, and some patterned papers. Oh! and Glitter, of course!

Challenges this card was submitted to:

Christmas Card Challenge - Use Lace
House Mouse and Friends - New (New image, new papers, new lace)
Charisma Cardz Challenges - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by!
House Mousie hugs,

Fantasy Hummers in the SNS January Sketch Challenge

2012-01-07T13:58:00.001-05:00

I'm changing this post from the "sneak peek" it was, to my card for the Hummer Reveal! LOL
Drawn by artist Rosiland Solomon, the new stamp sets are realistic, and true to a few of the many hummingbird variations found in Nature.

Here are the great images you will receive on the sets (a total of 14 stamps).

Hummingbirds and Flowers

My featured card showcases two hummers and a saying.

Also available is Hummingbird Party!

To see some fabulous designs, visit the SNS blog and:

Barbara Bruder
Marie Berquist
Karalee Ingram
April Williams

For more beautiful hummingbird cards, please click here.

Have you checked out the Monthly Sketch Challenge at SNS?

Designer Barbara Bruder has created the sketches and longs to award prizes to participants! This is a new SNS feature, and lots of fun. The Sparkle Team has come up with terrific examples from which to get ideas. Just visit the SNS blog and click on the Challenge tab to find all the details with a chance of winning a brand new rubber stamp set of your choice! (Be sure to click the January link!)

My contribution to January's SNS challenge gives everyone a sneak peek of a brand new stamp set not yet on the SNS website, and includes Fantasy Hummers - (Fantasy because they are not "real" colors for hummers, where Pastels are combined with a navy card base). Just click on the images to see card details.

Watercolor paper, Memento Paris Dusk ink, Watercolor Pencils, and VersaMarker were my friends in coloring these sweet images. Of course, a card wouldn't be complete without SNS glitters - Navy and Bubblegum Pink.

Also used were two Martha Stewart Punches, Quickutz and Couture Creations embossing folders (joined by Memento Angel Pink ink for the backgrounds).

Cheery Lynn's "Heart to Heart" die, and Petite Spellbinders Circles were also utilized. And what's a Valentine without lace (from Joann Fabrics)?

The Stars, of course, are the darling hummers. But only a part of them shows. The new hummingbird collection includes a regular size stamp set with the sweetest, most versatile sayings, and a stampette set containing a surprise image unlike any I've seen! The stamp set is "Hummingbirds and Flowers" and the stampette is "Hummingbird Party". Since hummingbirds hold a special place in my heart, I was happy to see these wonderfully depicted hummers accompanied by flowers which are natural for them to pollinate.

Can't wait 'til you can see both sets!

Thanks for stopping by today. To view a marvelous collection of cards using this sketch, just click here.

Stamping hugs,

Submitted to:
Sparkle N Sprinkle Monthly Sketch Challenge
Party Time Tuesdays Something New Challenge (stamps and heart die)
Bearly-Mine Anything Goes Challenge
PaperTake Weekly Anything Goes - Anything New Challenge (stamps and heart die)
MFP Speedy Fox and Friends - Brad and Eyelet Challenge (heart brands)

Challenges! Challenges!

2011-12-27T19:09:00.000-05:00

Have you checked out the monthly Sketch Challenge at SNS? My dear Stampin' Sistah Barbara Bruder has created the sketches and longs to award prizes to participants! This is a new SNS feature, so that is why I share the info. Just visit the SNS blog and click on the Challenge tab to find all the details.

Above is my contribution to the SNS challenge, using the brand new Wine Tableau stamp set! Just click on the images to see details.

It's a gorgeous stamp set which also has a coordinating stampette set. Lovely sayings made it impossible to choose just one for my card, so I slightly altered the oval triplet aspect of the sketch to rectangles, accommodating as many of the sayings as possible.

Stunning and easy to color, these images avail themselves to any coloring medium! Are you wondering why the background of the image seems muted? It's stamped on kraft cardstock, outlined with white Prismacolor pencil.

This time I used yet another neglected art supply. High on the top shelf the Derwent Water Color Pencils were "whining" (sorry, couldn't resist the play on words). Popped open the large tin of beautiful colors, and decided to make things easy by using a blender pen instead of water.

The image is heat embossed with the brand new Cerulean embossing powder being unveiled with the vibrant Shades and Stars of Tuscany EPs.

A strip of ribbon is shown on each panel - one with a strip of Tear-ific Tape holding Navy Glitter. Clear EP has been applied to the cheese knife, wine glass, vase and wine bottle.

Also shown in this card is a brand new Christmas goodie sent by my Stampin' Sistah Barbara -- Creatopia by Xyron -- Spellbinders exclusive badge nesting dies! At a loss for how to use these dies, it seemed the perfect fit for the new SNS stamp! (Thank you, Barbara!)

Entered in:
Party Time Tuesdays "Show off...new goodies" Challenge
Sparkle N Sprinkle "Sketch"
Make It Monday "Anything Goes"
Charisma Cardz "Anything Goes"
Sarah Hurley Challenge "Colouring"
Let's Craft and Create "Anything Goes"

Thanks for taking time to visit my blog today!
Stamping Hugs and Wishes for a Bright New Year,

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T17:53:00.000-05:00

A little photo of our tree, but big wishes for you this Christmas. Our Christmas wish to you is:

Wishing you all the timeless treasures of Christmas ~

The Comfort and Warmth of Home,

The Support and Love of Family,

And the Dear Company of Good Friends.

May the New Year bring Incredible Opportunities,

Serenity and Blissful Peace of Mind,

Good Health,

and

The Knowledge that You are

Thought of Fondly.

In The Pink - with Impression Obsession and Lace

2011-12-21T16:15:00.001-05:00

Here in Florida, 4 days before Christmas, all my flowers are in full bloom - mostly in pinks and purples, but also bright magenta and reds. It's only fitting that I put away my "winter stamps" like the ever green pines (which don't grow down here). With unseasonably warm weather (no complaints here), I was crying out for a break from snowflake and snowmen images.

Perfect Timing! Impression Obsession's "We are in the Pink Challenge" was just what I needed.

IO's gorgeous 3.25" Square Rose (F1343) stamp is so versatile in its uses, with wonderful detailing. This time Prisma Color pencils were used, with the Vintage Floral Punch from Martha Stewart and Walrus & Carpenter Embossing Folder by Couture Creations. I enjoyed shading the foliage with blues and pinks as well.

Wishes for a Merry Christmas to all my stamping friends. Thanks for stopping by!

Sparkling Blues

2011-11-29T14:12:00.001-05:00

Hi! Hope you are enjoying the holidays, and the preparations for your special times. Today I've got some new products to share, and two "virigin" stamps (you know, those images in your stash which have yet to see ink?)

Impression Obsession creates such marvelous images and backgrounds. Originally this card was for their recent challenge to create a card without using designer papers. It didn't quite get done in a timely manner.

IO Cover-a-Card "Snowflakes" stamp was used in this background. Stamped with VersaMark Ink, it was embossed with Sparkle N Sprinkle's Americana and By the Lake embossing powders. Both have glitter in them, as well as the creamy richness of the Cosmic line.

Here is a closeup of the background image - the fine detail of the stamp shows up beautifully even without detail embossing powders!

The coverage is great with these stamps and the easy-to-use Mega Mount acrylic "block". Even hands like mine can achieve beautiful and complete coverage with only one try!

Also used was the IO Tree Collage image, stamped with Majestic Blue Versafine, and colored with the SNS's new Waterscape glitter.

Spellbinders Heritage ornament die cut the Tree Collage. The next larger die is covered with Navy ultra fine glitter from SNS.

The "Leaves and Vine" border punch is from Martha Stewart.

You know what they say... "Better late than never" with this card share!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamping hugs,

Thanksgiving Blessings to You

2011-11-24T09:35:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends, family and cyber visitors.

Thank you for your friendships, kindnesses, encouragement and support.

Hopefully, I return a little bit in return to you.

You're more than just "special", and I'm deeply appreciative and grateful for the gift "you" in my little life.

Getting It Going Again

2011-11-16T18:09:00.001-05:00

What a pleasure it has been learning how to use many of my "new" unused tools, and relearning techniques which have long been neglected. :-)

At this time, may I especially thank Shirley, Marie and Connie for suggesting challenges? The challenges are enjoyable, and my puzzle-loving self is having fun combining the them.

Long-time stampers may remember this PSX botanical image. I stamped it with VersaMark on dark brown cardstock, heat embossed with clear detail embossing powder and set aside to cool.

Galaxy Gold Brilliance ink was smooshed over the embossed image.

Next Cosmic Copper and Crimson Copper Brilliance inks were smooshed to highlight certain areas. Finally, Twinkling H2Os highlight the remaining areas.

The technique is fast, easy, fun, and beautiful in real life.

TIP: distressing the edges of the cardstock with Brilliance inks carries the shiny look all the way.

This card is really as blingy-shiny and brilliant as the close-ups show. The vine-leaf die cut is from gold glossy cardstock, and it isn't nearly as showy as the Brilliance inks.

More details about the card can be seen in the challenges listed below:

Party Time Tuesdays #42 - Sketch
Mark's Finest Papers - Favorite Technique (embossing)
The Pink Elephant - embossing (dry and EP)
My Time To Craft - Take Two Challenge (leaves)
Heartsong Inspirations (gold)
Hooked on Craft Challenges (die cuts)

Thanks for visiting!
hugs,
Donna

Bling It On, Part 2

2011-11-14T22:02:00.001-05:00

It sure was fun making this fast and easy card. Inspired by Linda's sweet generosity, and the Sketch at Card Positioning Systems (CPS244), this quick "thank you"note lets my friend know how deeply appreciated she is. She's definitely a "sparkle person", so this card will make her heart happy :-)

Framed with a Martha Stewart Stamp-Around-The-Page border punch, this blingy cardstock by DCWV is embossed with a 5x7 Cuttlebug folder. The blingy flourishes are by Recollections.

Love The Fancy Tags Two Shapeabilities and oval Nestabilities, which were cut with my Spellbinders Grand Calibur. One of my favorite stamp sets by Hero Arts includes this happy stamp (part of a "jewel" trio). Unfortunately the sun wasn't cooperating today. It's overcast, and the photos are not real sparkly to show off the metallic and rhinestones, but I know you can imagine its bling, because your heart is sparkly, too :-)

stamping hugs,

The Third Card :-)

2011-11-13T20:37:00.001-05:00

What great fun to enter the third card for the Card Gift Box into my first challenges!

Inspired by the Sparkle N Sprinkle Sketch Challenge and the Party Time Tuesday's "Bling It On" Challenge, the third of the gift cards was especially enjoyable to make.

And yes, glitter is everywhere!

All products are from SNS where "Sparkle" reigns.

The olive background is stamped with "Lotus Flower Plant" and Gold Coast embossing powder.

Two Spellbinders Nestabilities Fleur De Lis Squares S4-318 were used to create a frame, made sparkly by Green Nugget glitter, then replaced like a puzzle piece.

The flower is the middle of "Flowers in a Frame" medallion, embossed with creamy, deep Dark Night EP, and more bling with Green Iris glitter.

The "Seeds of Kindness" stamp is also embossed with Dark Night EP. This was a fun card to make! "Bling it On!"

Thanks for stopping by,

Pop Up Gift Card Holder

2011-11-11T21:32:00.001-05:00

Welcome! Thanks for stopping by. A few friends said they would like to see the other cards which will be included in the Olive and Navy Card Gift Box so here is the 2nd of the cards. (Everyone knows how slow I am in card creating, so it will take a few days!)

In making the coordinating cards to go into the Card Gift Box, I happened to pass by the closet yet again, only to hear **more** whining and sniveling inside. Opening the door, I found an old corner punch (Trumpet Paper Shaper - remember those?) and some old organza ribbon by Sheer Creations (back in the days when sheer ribbons were used LOL).

Then some pitiful cries erupted from my beloved wood mount stamp stadium. My Leigh Hannan stamps by Impression Obsession were crying from neglect! The Victorian Rose (F2064) and Flourish Three (C2040) literally jumped into my hands and begged to be used with the Gold Coast EP. The front of the card is graced with the Rose image. The leaves are colored with olive and blue pencil pastels (aka chalk pencils). The flowers are painted lightly with Twinkling H2Os (both coloring mediums are part of my "old stuff" collection.) The panel was sprayed with Krylon Workable Fixative to keep the chalks from smearing. I am always so happy using my Leigh Hannan images. To see all her stamps at IO, please click here.

Inside the card, designer paper was enhanced by stamping with the IO Flourish image, and embossed with the same EP. They are happy little stamps now (but like most children, they are dreading their bath time). A blank panel was added to the inside so a stamped or hand-written message could be added.

This card was inspired by Kim, who showed me how to make an A2 size pop up gift card holder. My Victorian Rose card is size A7 to coordinate with other cards which will fit inside the Gift Card Holder.

The Pop Up Gift Card Holder may be found at SplitCoastStampers Pop Up Gift Card Tutorial.

The pretty bow on the front of the card was made with E-Z BowZ, an easy way to create bows, even for those of us bow-challenged folks!

A Martha Stewart border punch and 3 Spellbinders dies were used on the inside of the card, leaving a blank spot for the gifter to write a note.

Thanks for stopping by!

hugs,

"It's A Cultural Thing" Blog Hop with Prizes!

2011-11-10T00:30:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Sparkle N Sprinkle "It's A Cultural Thing" Blog Hop! If you hopped here by way of artsy Dawn Thomas, then you're in the right place! If you're just beginning here, you might enjoy starting at the SNS Home Blog, to become eligible for a grand prize and three "mystery" prizes! This is my last blog hop as a Sparkle Staff Member - so thanks for stopping by. SNS has such a diverse selection of images, we decided to combine many of the stamps featuring themes which create American culture.

I was very fortunate to have been raised on the West Coast, then in New England, and finally to the Gulf Coast of Florida. My parents were very open to interesting ideas. Growing up my siblings and I always enjoyed the influences of Asian, European and Latin customs - in our meals, celebrations and home decor. My fondest memories include those earliest childhood years which were in southern California. Horticulturally and architecturally, we thrived with Asian influence. So my projects today are reminiscent of Asian filigree and an Asian garden.

Today I'm showing a "card gift box" which will hold an assortment of coordinating and beautiful cards. These will become a Christmas Gift for a dear person (no names - don't want to give anything away LOL). This idea came from a wonderful mother and daughter team on The Craftiblog.

8.5" x 11" card stock was used.

The gift box is actually a repurposed cake mix box, top cut off, carefully opened flat, spray paint on the printed side, and reassembled with the kraft side out. Just click on the photos below to see how to create the gift box or visit my Gallery at the SNS site (one last time) here.

A Martha Stewart border punch cut gold glossy card stock to provide additional stability and to show off the lace, which has been attached with 1/2 Tear-ific Tape, and then burnished with one of my favorite glitter colors - Fantasy Gold, also on special this month!

The card stock was randomly stamped with the Lotus Flower Plant image from the Oriental set 181, embossed with rich Gold Coast Cosmic embossing powder, and highlighted with more Fantasy Gold glitter.

The medallion flower was created with Flowers in the Square image, fussy cut, and combined with purple, navy, and gold glossy layers created from Spellbinders Rose and Carnation Creations sets, cut on their Grand Calibur.

The gold glossy leaves are cut from a Sizzix Sizzlet die.

The box is the perfect size for 5x7 (A7) size cards.

The coordinating A7 card below uses the same background creation, Spellbinders "In Spades" borderabilities die, Butterflies Two shapeabilities die, and the Flowers in the Square image cut from navy and olive, embossed with Gold Coast and Dark Night Cosmic embossing powders. (Cosmics are my favorite EPs - so rich and creamy). The butterfly is embossed with Gold Tinsel EP. The recipe for my card is available on the SNS Art Gallery.

Thanks for stopping by!

Your final destination is the SNS Blog! To become eligible for the Grand Prize and three mystery prizes, please leave a comment on my blog below and return to the SNS blog and answer one or both of the following questions. There are no right or wrong answers LOL

What is your favorite tradition which was “brought over” by another culture? Does your family celebrate this? If that’s too ambiguous, how about what special thing do you especially enjoy about American Culture? Answering these questions back on the SNS Home Blog makes you eligible for the Grand Prize and 3 other secondary prizes! Good Luck!

Stamping Hugs,

It's that time of year!

2011-10-29T16:04:00.010-04:00

This was my first year for making Halloweenie cards, and I've enjoyed coming up with enjoyable backgrounds, and easy images, just for fun.

Here are a few in addition to the Autumn Inspirations blog hop on 8/25. This card used Black Lightning Brilliance ink on the Chartreuse and Black embossed panels. Same ink, but it takes on a different color appearance.

This was easy peasy using Spellbinders Grand Calibur, Grand Labels One, an embossing folder, Black Lightning ink and a sticker LOL (lazy)

In fact, I was so Lazy (with a capital L) that I made several of these easy cards.

Thanks for stopping by!

Vellum-Embossed Leaves

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000-04:00

The Florida Stampers are leafing it this month - we created cards using leaves. The leaves could be anywhere on the card, and used in any manner (stamped, stickers, designer paper, die cuts, etc). Hence my Clean and Simple card.

The Vellum has dry embossed leaves on it (that's why the leaf veins appear white). Under the vellum is a white piece of cardstock with randomly smooshed chalk (pastels). The chalk was applied with a highly technical device called a cotton ball. :-)

The inside image is stamped with another oldie crying out to be used: Memories solvent based dye ink pad Barn Red color. Then image is entirely colored with chalks (one of my favorite coloring mediums). I prefer the softer look of watercolors when applying the chalks. That's why the color is deliberately outside of the lines.

This swap card has been mailed to temporarily transplanted Florida Stampers member Rita Held who is residing in Kansas, much to our chagrin. The sentiments were embossed with a platinum embossing powder which contains chunky glitter.

Thanks for stopping by to see creations done with more "old stuff" stashed in the crafting closet and whining to be used!

hugs,

Vintage Roses (October's FS Sketch)

2011-10-18T11:47:00.000-04:00

Good Morning, friends! I'm happy to see you!

Fellow Florida Stamper Sharon Field drew my attention recently to a wonderful Sketch site - Creative Sketches. One Sketch in particular became October's Sketch of the Month for our Florida Stampers Group. This A6 size card will be mailed to swap partner Sandy Meier.

To see the sketch cards created by the Creative Sketches Group, just click here.

My version uses ovals rather than rectangles.

It's actually my first try at a vintage style card. Then I couldn't find the right stamp for the centers of the small Nestabilities Ovals! The second stamp I ever purchased back in 1988 came to the rescue (another oldie-but-goodie crying out to be used!). If you've been stamping for 20 years, you'll remember that PSX (Personal Stamp Exchange) was the main stamp manufacturer in those days. This was their small botanical rose image. "Incredible" describes Sandy to a T. The image is part of an Anna Griffin set. (What ever happened to Anna?)

Flowers were colored with PrismaColor Pencils. The Labels One Grand dies, Ovals, and leaves were cut on my Grand Calibur (truly my favorite of all the die cut machines in my stash).

Thanks for visiting.

Blog Candy Awarded!

2011-10-17T09:51:00.001-04:00

Thank you for the sweet e-mails and comments regarding Friday and Saturday's posts!

Instead of awarding one of the new Sparkle N Sprinkle Stampette Sets to my followers who left comments, I'm excited to award TWO Stampette Sets for two lucky people! The Hope Love Faith set is to Lynne Platt (for some reason her e-mail did not notify her of her previous win), and Ellie Cornell has won the Christmas Basket set!

One is the Hope Love Faith set,

and

the other is the Christmas Basket set.

Congratulations to:

Ellie Cornell

and

Lynne Platt

If you will visit my profile and click on "e-mail" to send me your mailing addresses by Friday October 21, I can snail mail your sets!

Stay tuned for more blog candy in the coming weeks LOL

stamping hugs,

Donna

It's Purple, Of Course!

2011-10-15T00:57:00.004-04:00

In my farewell salute to Sparkle N Sprinkle, another oldie but goodie which does not appear in the SNS Gallery is being presented. This card shows how identical products can be utilized to create several nearly identical cards, with variations. The image is "Boxed Petal" from the Corner Elements (315) set.

Originally displayed in March 2009, for use of embossing powders as coloring agents, this card also utilizes paper pieces, assorted sizes of Tear-ific Tape and Glitter to create the look of several layers.

Here are two cards shown side by side. The simple changing of the center axis square, and adding the white lacy border changes the card appearance.

Not sure why the recipe isn't showing in the Gallery, but here it is for you:

Stamp Credits

Box Petals [1698-315C] stamp

Just because 1057-222AA

Other Supplies

VersaMark ink #99702

Royal Purple EP275

Wisteria EP358

Amethyst Spray EP319

Glitter Sunny Daze G1038

Glitter Impulsive Purple G1069

Dimensional Adhesive (tape or pop dots)

Dark card stock in navy, purple or indigo 5.5” x 8.5” folded in half

White card stock (can be scraps)

White pigment ink

1/2” Double Sided Tape SAT04

Brushable Glue #540

Spoon #99751

Deckle Edge Scissors

Leaf punch (Martha Stewart)

Regular tape

Possible: Sakura Glue Pen #99202 (to fix any border tape issues, see NOTE below)

Instructions:

1. Begin with base card in dark navy, purple or indigo 5.5” x 8.5”. Score in middle and fold in half. Card view is horizontal.

2. Place 1/2” double sided tape SAT04 along the bottom of the card. Carefully lining it up, place a second line of double sided tape just on top of the first one, creating a one inch wide border. Do not remove protective covering from the tape.

3. Ink stamp Box Petals (1698-315C) with VersaMark and stamp image twice onto white card stock (using left over scraps from another project is perfect for this application). Be sure to reink between stampings.

4. Using tiny spoon for better control, dip into Wisteria EP and carefully cover 1/4 to 1/3 of the image. Set spoon down and very gently “drum” the EP from under the card stock with finger tips to force EP into every tiny space. Gingerly tap off excess without contaminating the rest of the inked image.

5. Repeat step 4 using the Amethyst Spray EP.

6. Finally, sprinkle the entire image with Royal Purple EP. Now heat set the three embossing powders.

7. Ink stamp Box Petals (1698-315C) with VersaMark and stamp image once onto white card stock. Cover with Royal Purple embossing powder and heat set.

8. Using decorative edge scissors, cut the 3 squares out, carefully leaving a white “halo” around the image as a mat, and set aside.

9. Ink “Just Because” greeting with white pigment ink and carefully stamp just above the tape border. Avoid pressing too hard into the ink, or the image will be blurry.

10. Adhere the two tricolor tiles on the front of the card so that they are facing diagonally.

11. With a leaf punch, or other favorite detailed punch, punch out 4 leaves (or as many as you like). These are to be adhered on the back of the solid tile with regular tape.

12. Place dimensional adhesive to back of solid tile in all four corners or on all four sides (depending on type of adhesive). Pull of protective backing and adhere on top of the other two multicolor tiles.

13. Pull off the protective layer of the double sided tape at the border of the card and shake on Impulsive Purple glitter. Tap off excess and return to jar.

14. Finally, squeeze a tiny amount of Brushable Glue to the center of the solid color tile. Gently spoon a tiny amount of Sunny Daze glitter onto the glue. Gently drum the card from underneath, settling the glitter into the glue. Tap off excess and return to bottle.

Thanks for stopping by!

An Oldie but a Goodie (blog candy!)

2011-10-14T09:38:00.003-04:00

Hi! So glad to see you! I'll be sharing a few cards as my final days with Sparkle N Sprinkle wind down. (sob!)

Do you ever look back on your cards and see a difference in your style, techniques or ability? I sure do! This was made prior to my life with Spellbinders LOL

One of my favorite SNS images is this Christmas Dove called "Nestle in for Christmas". My card was created for and published in Cardmaker's Sketchbook Christmas Celebration book released in 2009. It was my one and only publication submission LOL.

The directions are not in the card gallery at SNS because it is property of Cardmaker, however, I've grocery listed the products used. The Cardmaker sketch was specific: card had to be 8" x 5", but this easily could be done on a standard A2 size card, with less glitter being shown.

Are the winter doves in your area white? Living in central rural Florida, we enjoy an abundance of feathered creatures. Inspiration comes from my stamping room window. Our doves range from a blue grey to dark tan. So this little guy is not the traditional white.
(Just click on the card to see more detail)

Stamp Credits: (all stamps are Sparkle N Sprinkle)

Nestle In For Christmas #0342-119P

Dark Fern #1693-327B

Merry Merry Christmas #1075-223A

Products:

Sparkle N Sprinkle Fire Engine Red Glitter #G1007

Sparkle N Sprinkle Sparkling Snow Glitter #G1003

Sparkle N Sprinkle Gold Detail Embossing Powder EP168

Basic Brand Ribbon 7/8” Red

May gold banded ribbon 1/4”

Sparkle N Sprinkle Brushable Glue #540

Zots Clear Adhesive Dots 1/8” thick

Tsukineko VersaMark Ink

Tsukineko VersaFine Onyx Black Ink

Tsukineko Brilliance Galaxy Gold Ink

Ranger Adirondack Meadow dye ink

Ranger Adirondack Mountain Rose dye ink

Leaf Punch by Martha Stewart

EK Success 1 3/8” round circle punch

Stampin Up Medallion Punch

Stampin Up Large Oval PUnch

Yasutomo Pearlescent Watercolor -21 (Paints)

Dove Blender Marker

Tombow Marker #026

Tombow Marker #845

Signo Uni-ball pen in white (for the eyes)

Craft-T Decorating Chalks by Provo-Craft

Though the camera did not capture it, the ornaments are glittery with the Pearlescent Paints (still available at SNS for $8 - a real easy-to-use coloring medium with beautiful results in real life). The background (white present wrapping) is actually glitter. Just run cardstock through your Xyron, or use Super Adhesive Sheets from SNS. "Merry Merry" is gold embossed. For dimension after embossing, use light colored inks, chalks or markers to provide just a dab of color.

On September 24 some blog candy was offered to those who follow my blog AND left a comment on my blog. The winners did not claim their prizes, so I'm offering one Stampette set from the two shown on the September 24 post (winner's choice). If you are following via feedblitz or feedburner, please indicate that in your comment. Drawing will be on October 16 (my dh's birthday!).

Thanks for stopping by!

Blog Candy Winners!

2011-09-24T12:42:00.001-04:00

Instead of awarding one of the new Sparkle N Sprinkle Stampette Sets to my followers who left comments, I'm excited to award TWO Stampette Sets for two lucky people!

One is the Hope Love Faith set,

and

the other is the Christmas Basket set.

Congratulations to:

Verna Angerhofer

and

Lynne Platt

If you will visit my profile and click on "e-mail" to send me your mailing addresses by Friday Sept 30, I can snail mail your sets!

To all my friends, I am undergoing a lifestyle change per Doctor's Orders. Sadly, this means retiring from the Sparkle N Sprinkle Staff effective the end of this month. It's been a privilege "meeting" all SNS's remarkable customers, and enjoying your company during our bingo games, contests and blog hops.

I hope you'll still drop by my personal blog. Beginning next month I hope to be offering blog candy on a monthly basis.

As always - those stamping hugs,

Blog Hop Winners!

2011-09-24T12:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks for spending time with us in the blog hop, everyone! I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did. More than anything, Thank you for your heartfelt comments on our blogs, and for sharing your favorite things about the upcoming holiday seasons. I are always blessed when hearing from you.

Now for the fun time of announcing winners! We have a grand prize winner and 3 mystery prize winners — “Mystery prizes” because three of our Designers contained prizes on their blogs, but they did not know it. But we have added a surprise as well!

Grand Prize – Stamp Set of her Choice – Karen Ladd

Prize One from Barbara Bruder – 2 tinsel glitter colors of her choice! Margaret Tower (flamingo girl)

Prize Two from marie Berquist – 3 embossing powders of her choice – Shartl (apedoaak)

Prize Three from Julie Zippel – 3 glitters of your choice – Aileen Freeman

Just because our customers are particularly awesome, and your comments were so sincere and kind, we have decided to have a SURPRISE PRIZE! One new Stampette Set of her choice awarded to Carrie (cardmakingqueen).

Congratulations to our winners ~

Stamping hugs,

Donna

Magical Winter Moments Blog Hop & Blog Candy

2011-09-22T04:00:00.135-04:00

You're here! The final blog in the Sparkle N Sprinkle Magical Winter Moments Hop! WELCOME! (((( hugs )))) How's that for an enthusiastic reception?

Did you hop here by way of Kim Jaime, our newest Shoppe Instructor? If so, you're right on track. Otherwise, you may wish to start from the beginning to become eligible for a fabulous grand prize and three "mystery" prizes!

Do you love glitter? Me, too. It's especially good if you are as"boo-boo" prone as I am in creating cards. Glitter covers a multitude of mistakes. :-)

How not to start a blog post: **apologizing**. I promise in real life this is a pretty card with all the sparkly glitter, shimmery embossing powder, and reflective mirror cardstock (CS). No matter what I did in photographing it, or what magic was used in my software, this card remained aloof and uncooperative. It just would not glisten, sparkle or reflect! (no squealing allowed) :-D

Mirror Cardstock creates phenomenal effects! Standing at an angle so the camera and my face didn't reflect in it was a bit difficult. In person, the ornament is very shiny and pretty. Sparkle N Sprinkle carries several colors of mirror card stock - available in individual sheets, or in packets.

To further torture you, here is another tragic photo which shows a little of the glistening Gold Tinsel EP used in the layer around what is supposed to be TRUE GREEN cardstock LOL. It's fun converting plain, inexpensive cardstock into amazing designer cardstock! Honest! it really is pretty in person LOL - just take a piece of cardstock decide how much will show as a mat or layer, apply VersaMark Ink in that area, pour on your EP and heat. The rest of the CS remains as it was. It also makes adhering the layers a little easier because the center is not "coated" with a resistant covering.

The panel background was created by randomly stamping and embossing with Gold Detail EP, the holly bunch from our brand new Christmas Basket Stampette set. With a Sakura Glue Pen, glitters Elegant Emerald, Cerise, and Fantasy Gold became my coloring medium of choice.

OK, your torture is now complete LOL. Seriously, I cannot apologize enough for how poorly this card photographed. Hopefully you know me well enough to know that if I say it is absolutely, glisteningly pretty, you know it's true.

Thanks for withstanding the icky photos. Now that your maltreatment on my blog is complete, here comes the part you've been waiting for. To qualify for the Blog Candy drawing for a free Christmas Basket Stampette set, just leave a comment below and become a follower of my blog. To become eligible for the Hop's grand prize and 3 mystery prizes, leave the same comment below (LOL) and return to the SNS Home blog. When there, please leave your answer to the following question:

With Autumn festivities upon us, and Chanukah and Christmas soon here, what is your favorite holiday activity?

Asian Cards with Embossing and Mica Powders

2011-09-19T20:07:00.000-04:00

One of my great loves in creating cards is using embossing powders. I recently created a few cards in honor of Kim's 7th wedding anniversary, each one slightly different, using an assortment of stamps, EPs, mica powders - but all the same colors. The first one uses open rice sheaths in clear detail embossing powder found at Sparkle N Sprinkle. Next the Asian Characters were stamped and embossed with SNS gold detail powder. The edge was torn and embellished with more gold EP.

This card was cut with decorative cutters (another oldie but goodie in my stamping closet) The teal green leaves are stamped with VersaMark ink and then rubbed gently with the mica powders. This step is done after all the embossing is complete.

It's always a pleasure celebrating someone's special day, isn't it? I'll be making more backgrounds with the EPs, and listening to those "old" tools crying out in my stamping closet.

Thanks for stopping by,

It's a Color Combo Swap with FS friends

2011-09-13T14:31:00.002-04:00

Hi! Our Florida Stamp Group is doing a color-combo swap taken from Embellishmagazine.com. Definitely not colors I would choose to use together!

So where to start? I'm still in the "using old stuff" mode, so out came the Tria Inks and glossy cardstock. Anyone remember those Tria Inks which came out long before Tim Holtz thought of creating alcohol inks?

This sunny background was created with my Tria Inks in magenta, orange, lime green and a silver Krylon Pen, in a technique we called "polished stone" (back in the day LOL). Even the Sun stamp is old, old, old from The Artful Stamper in California. I'm happy to see they are still in business. It's stamped in another old old item - Sepia Brown Memories Ink. The green isn't showing up particularly well, but everything else is. The "new thing" on the card is Sparkle N Sprinkle Evening Glow glitter adhered with Brushable Glue to make it stay put.

(To see the details better, just click on the photo.) As the verse claims, "It's the small things in life that are the most precious." Ahhhh, that includes using OLD STUFF in the craft closet. :-)

Thanks for stopping by!

hugs,

Autumn Inspirations Blog Hop - Celebrating Fall's Colors

2011-08-25T02:09:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the Sparkle N Sprinkle Autumn Inspirations Blog Hop celebrating Fall’s Robust Colors and its Holidays!

If you hopped here by way of the very talented Shona Erlenborn, then you are in the right spot. But if you just happened here as your first stop, you may wish to start at the SNS Home Blog Page to become eligible for six prizes!

My inspiration comes from the muted cries emitting from the stamping closet's closed doors. You know, that place where all the "older" stuff gets put? Upon opening the doors, the muted cries became loud whines! My older tools and art supplies were feeling left out and wanted to come out for some play time.

Having only made one other Halloweenie card in my stamping lifetime, I decided to try some of those images.

First comes "Spooky Night", an EASY A2 size card using household bleach, black detail embossing powder, and Pearlescent Watercolors (mica paints). Here in rural Florida, it is common to enjoy a full moon, ribbons of fog or stringy clouds, and bats. (Bats are great for keeping the flying insects at bay!)

Spooky Willow, Hocus Pocus, and a nickel were used to create this landscape.

Next is "My Haunt or Yours"? Those pesky Acrylic Paints were REALLY whining to be used. Drizzle paint on glossy card stock, and smoosh with another piece of glossy. Open the sandwich quickly from a single corner, and the result is a cool background. I used other neglected art supplies like pastels and colored pencils, two ribbons in a layer, and even old brads! LOL

Of course, I couldn't make cards without my Spellbinders Grand Callibur. Even here I used the oldest of my Spellbinders dies (the Petite ovals 140 & 141) BUT the new Grand Labels One created the shape of this card. (there had to be one new thing in play, after all!)

Your final destination is the SNS Blog! To become eligible for the prizes, please leave a comment on my blog below and return to the SNS blog and answer the following question. There are no right or wrong answers LOL

What styles of Autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving stamps are you looking for? (ie: scenes, cute sayings, children, harvest time items, detailed stamps, simple images, elegant etc). We value knowing what you most like. (Not a difficult question at all, is it?) Answering that question back on the SNS Home Blog helps us, and makes you eligible for the Grand Prize!

hugs always,

Sparkling Wintry Sensations Blog Hop

2011-07-14T04:59:00.020-04:00

Welcome to the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog hop for all things Wintry, Sparkling and Sensational!
If you hopped here by way of the amazingly talented, Glitter-Addicted-Patti, then you are in the right place! Otherwise, you might like starting from the beginning to become eligible for SIX great prizes. (Does my blog have one of the secret five prizes?)

Having your journey end here, (after seeing everyone's incredible cards), is a hard act to follow, but here come my contributions to the hop. :-)

If you have Brushable Glue on hand, it's a great way of creating beautifully glittered cardstock to match whatever colors are in the card. It doesn't take long to dry, even in Florida's tropically moist summers. Images from our Nesties Ornament set were heat embossed on embossable acetate with Dark Night Cosmic Opaque EP because of its starry mother-of-pearl look. On the back side, Brushable Glue was painted on and coordinating glitter colors sprinkled on top. NOTE: When using dark EPs, apply lighter color glitters. When using light EPs, sprinkle on darker color glitters, so there is a contrast.

This was my first time using embossable acetate. I learned it is difficult to photograph LOL but is fantastic in real life!

This business size card was created running the Spellbinders Grand Labels One die through my Grand Calibur (cuts like butter!). This card is easy to create, but takes a little time to allow the glue to dry. For card directions, please visit my SNS Gallery here.

The next card was very easy, and fun, too! While Metallic cardstock does not photograph well, it is beautifully rich on any papercrafting project.

The Grand Scalloped Squares, Scalloped Ovals, and Fancy Tags Two Spellbinders dies were used to create this A7 size card with a wonderful text script "Christmas Full Of Love" from our same SNS Ornaments set. For directions to create a a card like this, just visit my SNS Gallery here.

To become eligible for the six prizes, please leave a comment on my blog below and return to your Final Destination - the SNS blog to answer the following question. There are no right or wrong answers LOL

How frequently do you take pleasure in viewing (or participating in) blog hops? We are working on our 2012 schedule, and value knowing what you most like. (Not a difficult question at all, is it?) Answering that question on the SNS Home Blog helps us, and makes you eligible for the Grand Prize! Good Luck!

Stamping hugs,

Those Little Beadies

2011-06-18T13:30:00.001-04:00

Micro Beads are a fun medium to play with, but they sure are difficult to capture on a photo! A friend and I have been playing with micro beads, challenging each other to actually take an adequate photo. I lost. She did far better than I -- I gave up after about 40 photos LOL

In my stash, I discovered 3 containers of "clear micro beads". One from our LSS, one from Michaels, and one from Wal-Mart. The Wal-Mart "beadies" were actually tinier and clearer than the others.

If you've never used micro beads, they are fun. In Real Life, clear micro beads provide a stained glass look. Because of that, they are forgiving, if you accidentally color outside the lines. Bolder colors work a little better than pastels. When coloring, let your imagination guide the color choices. Paints, markers, and colored pencils can all be used with this super easy technique.

To use micro beads, find any stamp image which allows for coloring. These parrot cards were made with the Sparkle N Sprinkle Stained Glass Parrot. It's on sale this month. The birthday sentiment is also from SNS. I cut it apart to accommodate Nesties Labels 10 on my Grand Calibur.

The EASY part came after the coloring. Cut the image to size. Trim SNS Super Adhesive Sheet slightly larger than the image - about 1/4". Apply the SAS. Cut little slits in the excess SAS around the image of the image, then gently fold it over to cover the back of the parrot image. Place the image onto the layer for the card, pull off the protective sheet, and drizzle on the micro beads. The SAS is super adhesive. It holds the image to the under layer AND holds all those beads right through the US mail.

A hint about the photography - any photos which actually show the beads themselves, dulls the image and card. But only in the photos. I hope you can get an idea of what playing with micro beads can do in the way of presenting an interesting and different card any recipient would welcome.

Thanks for visiting! Your comments are always read with appreciation.

Color Swap

2011-06-08T14:12:00.000-04:00

Andrea proposed a color swap taken from Embellish Magazine. At the last minute, I decided to play and came up with this combination of an Impression Obsession stamp and Sparkle N Sprinkle EPs and Glitters. Unfortunately, the true nature of Fantasy Gold glitter doesn't show up in my photo, but maybe you can get an idea?

The base shape of the card was created using the largest of Spellbinders Mega Nestabilities "Curved Rectangles" S5 006 and my Grand Calibur die cut machine. A green colored pencil outlines part of the flower.

Since this is my first Color Combo Swap, I tried sticking with the suggested colors, but it really needs a splash of something light in it! So my question is, when doing color combo challenges, are we allowed to use white (especially for images) or are cardmakers supposed to use only the suggested colors?

Thanks for visiting.

An Untraditional Mother's Day Blog Hop with Sparkle N Sprinkle

2011-03-24T00:03:00.001-04:00

Welcome to An Untraditional Mother's Day Blog Hop With Sparkle N Sprinkle. Did you arrive from Shona's amazing place? Then you're right on. If not, to view all the beautiful cards and become eligible for one of two great prizes, begin at the SNS Home Blog.

This is your last stop before returning to the Home Blog.

The incredibly diverse and beautiful cards presented by my fellow Sparkle Team designers reveal a glimpse into their feelings about special woman in their lives. Our Mother's Day inspired hop is untraditional because we're displaying cards which honor extraordinary women, whether they are Moms or not. We hope you have enjoyed these feminine cards, and perhaps want to create something special for the dear women who meaningfully touch your life.

Today's card is intended for my Dad's wife. Linda is one of those rare and kind individuals who shines a certain happiness and light in our family. Hard working, and lots of fun, she always seems to be thinking of others, making each day more enjoyable. How fortunate she and my dad found each other! The card style is a little different for me, because I tried tearing paper so that everything would not be uniform - the layers of designer and mulberry papers are all torn, and intended to overlap. (No reflection on Linda, LOL).

Also employed is the newly re-released set "Flower Vases", which is on special this month.

The images have great potential no matter what your coloring forte. Water color pencils were applied with a brush. Vases were then "colored in" with a VersaMarker and covered with clear detail embossing powder.

The "Special Warmth" saying is perfect! The stamp can easily be cut in half to have a "before and after" placement on the front of the card, or to employ an "innie and outie" effect on the inside of the card. The combinations of bead and glitter colors were specially mixed to create a dimensional texture in the card colors. It's fun mixing custom elements! Check out the enhanced designer paper - an image was randomly stamped on the DP with VersaMark and then heat embossed with Princess Rose embossing powder which is also on special this month.

A complete recipe for this card, and its components is on the SNS Gallery here.

Thanks for stopping by! To become eligible for one of two prizes, remember to leave a comment below, before continuing on to SNS Home Blog for one last comment. I hope you win a prize!

Stamping hugs,

Saturday with The Florida Stampers

2011-03-07T18:10:00.004-05:00

Designer, Teacher, Coordinator - she does it all. Dawn Thomas, that is. Dawn coordinates our Tampa Bay Area get togethers for The Florida Stampers group. Saturday we enjoyed 2 sweet projects, courtesy of demo artists Kim Davenport and Dawn!

Kim helped us make darling little bird house containers which hold little goodies or candy. Armed with excellent directions and lots of patience, Kim guided us through lots of laughter, diversions, and "how do you do it?" questions.

Here's my finished product after a lot of fumbling:

This little birdie's house has a thatched roof made with Yellow Gold Glitter Tinsel to resemble straw. Sparkly straw from Sparkle N Sprinkle, of course. :-)

It's true what they say about "a bird in the hand..."
Jack quickly relieved the bird of the candy cache inside. Jokingly he claimed to have ripped off the roof. My response was laughter, musing that I wished I could have seen that... then he CLAIMED not to have done it. What do you think? Did he?

Dawn demo'd how to achieve a look which simulates hand-made paper with embedded dried flowers. I thoroughly enjoyed this demo because I'm passionate about flowers and addicted to easy texturing. I wonder if it will work with REAL dried flowers - does anyone know? SIMPLE - stamp an image, pop on the paper flowers with a droplet of glue, place in detailed embossing folder, and put it through the die cut machine. In THIS case, we christened my brand new Grand Calibur!

This card is size A7 (5"x7"). Sentiment to be added later. A very fun technique, I'll be doing more of it. Even though it's not easily seen, there IS glitter present! :-)

A great day all 'round! Are you in the Tampa Bay Area? Our next meeting is the third Saturday in May.
Thanks for stopping by.

Welcome to Sparkle N Sprinkle & Really Reasonable Ribbon's Fantastic Blog Hop!

2011-02-13T07:41:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the February Sparkle N Sprinkle and Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop! We are so excited to be pairing with Really Reasonable Ribbon today for some great new ideas and products. If you have been following along, you should have hopped here from the very talented Aphra Bolyer! If you haven't, please please please pop over to the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog and hop along. Both design teams have created some amazing projects, demonstrating how stamps, ribbons and glitter just naturally go hand in hand.

This month we all received the wonderful RRR February Ribbon Kit, filled with a gorgeous array of trims and ribbons for lovely Springtime projects. Lots of great pastels to match up with SNS's hand-blended glitters, embossing powders, flockings, and specialty stamps. If texture is something you enjoy adding to your crafting projects, SNS has the colors for you. The SNS glues are specially formulated to keep glitters and flockings where they belong.

In addition to the coveted Really Reasonable Ribbon blog candy, Sparkle N Sprinkle is giving a stamp set to one lucky hopper! Leaving a message on every blog increases your chances of winning, because it's a mystery which of the artists' blogs has been chosen to house the prize! On Tuesday February 15, a name will be drawn from the comments on the mystery blog. Winner gets to choose a stamp set of their choice from SparkleNSprinkle.com!"

My Spring time creation uses 3 of the hand-selected ribbons from RRR's inspirational February Ribbon Kit, SNS Starfire glitter, 3 images from the "My Rose Garden" set, colored pencils, Lime Pearlescent Brilliance ink, and a Cuttlebug embossing folder. Adhesives were dimensional Zots, SNS Brushable Glue, SNS Dimensional Glue, and SNS glue pen.

This closeup helps show the detail in the ribbons, and how a touch of sparkly glitter adds happiness and texture to any paper project. A toothpick dipped in SNS Dimensional Glue was placed over the stripes on the ribbon to add more cheerfulness.

It was great fun using RRR's spectacular ribbons with our quality SNS products. It's time for me to say good-bye. Thanks for hopping by. Let me know what you think about the card, and what other colors might create an even prettier version! Don't forget to leave comments along the way to qualify for the prizes! Now hop on over to view Kerri Michaud's marvelous designs!

Stamping Hugs,

SNS Birthday Blog Hop!

2010-10-17T21:25:00.002-04:00

I'm so glad you're here! Welcome to the final stop in the Sparkle N Sprinkle Fall Inspiration Blog Hop! If you hopped here by way of Sandy Meier's blog, then you're on the right track. If you've arrived from somewhere else, you might want to start from the beginning, at the SNS blog, so as not to miss anyone's remarkable cards and your chance to win a prize! At least one prize is involved.

The more visitors we have, the more prizes will be awarded, so tell your friends! To become eligible for a prize just leave a comment at each designer's blog about her card AND who you think has the Hidden Birthday Prizes. If you've only just arrived, please check the GAMES page at the SNS website, or the link above. Feel free to return to the SNS Home Blog if there is another comment you'd like to leave there. In the meantime, we hope you have enjoyed the hop and obtained some great technique ideas in the process.

My Fall Inspiration is a bit different over traditional Autumn Ideas. We live in Central West Florida. The colors are taken from an indigenous tree called the"Turkey Oak". The vibrant colors only last a brief 3 or 4 days. Displaying a single stamp from the SNS "Frames and Borders Set #219" and two colors embossing powders, this project portrays a unique grasp on Autumn - the metallics reminiscent of icy-sparkly frost on the pumpkin, with golden leaves still waxy and dazzling in the Florida sunshine.

To show how much embossing powders can change the appearance of cardstock -- all the embossed images are stamped on the same color cardstock! What a difference the EP colors make! Cordial Red EP is very clear. Spiced Cider, one of the newest Essentials colors, creates the metallic look blended with glitter. Unfortunately, glitters and EPs don't show up well in photographs, but are amazing in person.

On a more traditional note, SNS Designer Barbara Bruder sent a surprise package containing blank die cuts just itching to be colored and used! One was a large pumpkin. I painted the pumpkin with regular acrylic paint, shaded with Createx translucent paint, and chalked in a reddish orange. Frosted with glitter, it appears to have frost on the pumpkin.

The entire background has been coated in Black Ice Glitter. The vine and stalk have been coated with 3 colors of EP. The coats are thicker on the stalk to create dimension. VersaVine Onyx Black stamped "Wish" from our Fairy Dust set.

So... who do you think has the hidden birthday prize(s) on her blog? I'm interested in seeing what you say in the comments below. :-D The names of our winners will be placed on the SNS Home Blog October 20.

Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

A Thank You Booklet

2010-05-11T20:28:00.001-04:00

Some gifts deserve a unique "Thank You" card.

Made for a dear friend who always knows just what to say and do, this booklet is bound to bring a smile to her heart.

The cover is dry embossed with a Cuttlebug folder. The dies are Wizard's Spellbinders Butterflies Two and Floral Accent Shapeabilities.

The raised embossed areas are glittered with Sparkle N Sprinkle Glitter, adhered by a Sakura Quickie Glue Pen.

Made of chipboard, the booklet appears plain when untied, but then accordions to accommodate photos, messages, stamped images or die cuts.

My Thank You is filled with sweet sayings from Sparkle N Sprinkle - all but one from the Solid Butterfly Set #391. On alternating panels, Sizzix and Cuttlebug embossing folders have been utilized and glittered. Antiquing was done with VersaColor cubes, and glitter adhered with a Sakura Quickie Glue Pen. All words were heat embossed with Plum Wine Embossing Powder (one of the "cosmics").

One of the great things about cling rubber is the ability to cut the stamps apart and use them however you wish! This panel is actually a combination of stamps. "You" is cut from one stamp, and placed on the acrylic mount above "Fill Life With Happiness". The simple curved loops framing the Nesties die cut are the antenna from the butterfly in the same set.

Many thanks to my Angel friend for inspiring me yet again!

Thanks for visiting. Hope your day is beautiful!

Birthday Flowers for Lis

2010-04-04T12:14:00.027-04:00

One of the greatest of Life's pleasures is creating a special gift for a friend. It brings a Creative Smile to our hearts as we work on it, and a Creative Smile to the recipient's lips when they open it. Lis and Lisa were my inspiration in making Lis' birthday gift:

Lis, because she is an avid recycler, happy gardener, flower lover, and prolific paper crafter, and Lisa, because she is in love with altering silk flowers, and drawing others into her creative vortex.

The gift bag is a reclaimed, coated white gift bag spritzed with Ranger's Blending Alcohol, and then spritzed some more with 3 reinker colors. Move the colors around as needed, and allow 30 minutes to dry thoroughly. (I spritzed each side separately, allowing a side to dry before beginning the next one). When dry, Creatix Pearl Lime acrylic paint was sponged on top of the inks to pop the colors and give that pearly finish.

The silk flowers were originally part of a bush obtained from Michaels. After removing the hard rubbery plastic backing, the petals were shaded with chalk, and put back together with brads. Flowers on the bag were adhered by punching a hole through the bag, and sticking the brad post through it, flattening it open on the inside of the bag. Pretty tissue papers hide the interior brad prongs.

Labels Five & Eleven Nestabilities were used for the sentiment. Sentiment and Embossing Powders are from Sparkle N Sprinkle.

It's fun embellishing the brads as well, using embossing powders and a heat tool. Hold the prongs of the brad with a tong to protect your fingers. Heat the brad top and quickly dip into embossing powder. It should automatically melt. If touch up is needed, just heat a little bit, and dip again. Heat set if necessary. Multiple embossing powder colors may be used to create interesting effects. VersaMark or Embossing Ink may also be used if desired before dipping or pouring embossing powder. Then heat set.

Color Box Sunflower Yellow pigment ink was used as direct-to-paper for the dry embossed background.

Lastly, the flower stamp was inked with Sunflower Yellow pigment ink and embossed with Sparkle N Sprinkle Dandy Dandelion EP around the edges of the card.

How lovely being inspired by friends in creating the gift and its wrapping.