On A Musical Note - Inspiration Station Challenge

Welcome, Friends! It's time for a new Inspiration Station Challenge! What fun to "interpret" this challenge's inspiration piece. 

The inspiration board this time: PSST! Remember! It's entirely YOUR take as to what inspires you - it could be emotional, thematic, color, texture. What ignites your imagination today?

I was inspired by the colors, the music theme, and the fun melodies always heard on the carousel. Remember that reaching for the brass ring was only part of the fun - it was seeing the joy on the faces of fellow passengers and the whiz-by smiles of watchers standing nearby!

So much fun because I was able to hold ink pads AND stamps! (giggle)

This delightful card is 5.25" x 6.5". The black background was stamped with VersaFine Clair Charming Pink (just in case the color showed through the white detail embossing powder after the EP was heat set). The carousel horse was colored with Zig Watercolor pens and Distress Inks. The distressing around the image was done with both pink and black inks:

To tear the mulberry paper, a paint brush with lots of water was used. Let the mulberry paper absorb the water, and it is very easy to tear. Then I "rolled" the edges inward while they were still wet to give a little dimension to the layer:

Hope you will drop by and play in the Inspiration Station Challenge!

Products - STAMPS: Hero Arts C2916 Wishing You a Happy Day, JudiKins 2104J Music Notes, Inkadinkado Carousel 6-00716 - DIES: Memory Box Meridian Border, IO DIE062-F Flourish, Taylored Exp Banner Stacklets #1,  SB Edgeabilities Classic Petal E8-006, SB Labels 22 S4-346,  - INKS: VF Charming Pink, VF Nocturne, Distress Black Soot, Distress Kitsch Flamingo, Distress Tattered Rose, - PAPER: Black, White, Pink, Mulberry - OTHER: Zig Watercolor Pens, White Detail EP, Clear Glitter, Pink Glitter

One of my huge pots of Coleus Plants. In about a month, they will grow long spikes of purple flowers, attracting all kinds of pollinators. Hummingbirds especially love their flowers! The cascading "smiles" of salmon flowers are Angel Wing Begonias, with a few dregs of jade plants and snapdragon flowers (whispering their last breath due to the heat).

I would like to play in the following Challenges please:

1. Allsorts Challenge #624 Anything Goes 5/22 (sep post 5/21)
2. World Wide Open Design Team Challenge #5 AG for DT (sep post 6/12)
3. 2 Crafty Critter Crazies #50 Have A Critter 6/1 (sep post)
4. Pammie's Inky Pinkies #2120 AG 5/24 (sep post)
5. Outlawz Monday Greeting Challenge (5/10 - 5/23) Use Dies (6/1) (used 5 dies)
6. Here Is A Place to Start #5 Anything Goes (6-7 check tabs)
7. AAA Birthday Challenges #25 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AAA! (5-30) sep post (6-7)

Stamping Hugs,

Navy, Denim, and Pink - What's Old is New - Mistake-Proof Techniques

Greetings! My wish is that you enjoy many small surprises to brighten your day!

Today, I'd like to share some easy-peasy cards. I love this technique because it is MISTAKE PROOF.

First, I perused the craft room and brought out THREE, (count 'em) THREE, virginal stamps, all three purchased sometime between 2000 and 2005. Some of the inks were unused as well. These are 5x7 cards.

TIP:

ink colors can set the mood:

First came the background, where Hero Arts 113317 Large Delicate Woven Fabrics image was randomly stamped with 2 blue DIs. Next I smooshed and/or distressed in pink inks - some with a pale pink distress, and others with brilliant VFC Charming ink. 

They both give a different look: one more vibrant, the other more vintage.

Finally, foliage image by Stampa Rosa J67-139 Alesa Baker Designs was stamped in VFC Medieval Blue. With a Quickie Glue Pen, areas in the background were "painted" so pale pink glitter could be added for extra dazzle and sparkle.

Stamp, die cut, distress the focal image (sorry for the poor photo):

The vibrant inks make a more contemporary feel. The flowers have also been glittered, and so has the background of each card:

I LOVE GLITTER:

The Spun Sugar pale ink made a more vintage appearance:

This technique enlivens cards that focus on a sentiment:

and it's fun to use on the coordinating envelopes as well:

Thanks for popping by!

Products Used:

• Stamps: Stampa Rosa J67-139 Alesa Baker Designs, Hero Arts 113317 Large Delicate Woven Fabrics, Stampin' Up! Early Spring, 
• Dies: Spellbinders 5x7 Modern Stationary, MS Doily Lace Trim punch
• Inks: VersaFine Clair Charming, Versafine Clair Medieval Blue, Distress Spun Sugar, Distress Chipped Sapphire, Distress Faded Jeans
• Other: White Detail embossing powder, Navy and White cardstock, pale pink glitter, clear glitter, navy blue glitter, Sakura Glue Pen

Challenges I would like to play in please:

1. Retro Rubber Challenge #153 Tic Tac Toe (bottom row of challenge board). 3/12 (3 virginal stamps 15-20 years old)
2. Try it On Tuesday (Mar 2) Say It With Flowers  (Classic and timeless joy and love) 3/16
3. Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge #491 Anything Goes 3/15
4. Double D Challenges (Mar 3) Book Covers inspired by the top right cover with Navy and Pink. 3/15
5. A Bit More Time to Craft #135 AG 3/15
6. NEW NEW NEW Inspiration Station #1 Inspiration Board (Blue & White) 3/15

Stamping Hugs,

Bonnet Birdie visits 2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Is everyone staying warm? Yikes! It's been cold.

Today begins a new Challenge at Two Crafty Critter Crazies 
where we love to celebrate any project with a critter on it! Critters include mythical creatures, animal toys and everything alive (except humans and flora)! Our very generous sponsor this month is Sparkle N Sprinkle, so join us with your crafty creations this month for a chance to win and be recognized.

My project features this sweet SNS Bonnet Birdie Digital Stamp Set available with the bright blue bird which was hand colored by my friend Anne Temple.

However, today, my birdie is sporting canary yellow plumage!

I have colored this bird with Copic markers in yellow - like a canary. For an additional 10% off your entire order, please use the code DonnaDT10.

My background was made on dark ivory colored cardstock:

To make the background, a stencil was used. I spritzed and dabbed some mica powders that had been diluted. First green, allowing it to dry, and then placing the same stencil on top and doing it in blue, allowing only a small amount of the green to show through. After it was dry, I wanted a little "canary yellow" in the background, so I stamped with Hero Arts Leaf With Stitching rubber stamp and heat set with Firefly Embossing Powder. Because that EP is fine, and semi-transparent with a little glitter, I used Cheerful Yellow VersaFine Clair ink instead of VersaMark ink.

The pretty die cut is done in turquoise vellum (that's why you can see the stenciling through it).

Next the colored panel was added using the "out of the box" die cut technique:



The cute sentiment comes with the set. It was printed on vellum in turquoise and immediately dredged with Sparkle Embossing Powder. This provides texture on a digital stamp. I also used a Gelly Roll Bright White pen to make some dots on top of the Peacock Feathers ink.

Green Glittered Greenery (say that 3 times fast) adds some sparkle to the dimensional floral spray.

The same Hero Arts stamp was used on the inside, with the yellow also heat embossed. Warm Breeze VersaFine was shadow stamped for dimension:

Products Used:

Sparkle N Sprinkle Bonnet Birdie Digital Stamp Set
Hero Arts Leaf with Stitching stamp
Tonic Ribbon and Bow layering set (3 dies)
Cottage Cutz Greenery 4x4 die set
SNS Firefly Embossing Powder
SNS Sparkle Embossing Powder
Copic Markers, Prismacolor Markers, Gelly Roll Bright White pen
Peacock Feathers Distress Ink
SNS Cheerful Yellow VersaFine Clair ink
SNS Warm Breeze VersaFine Clair ink

Challenges I'd like to play in please:

1. Classic DT Open Challenge #2 AG DT 3/1 (sep post)
2. Colour Crazy Challenges (Feb 1 Week 4) AG Colored by hand (for image I used Copic Markers, Prismacolor Markers, Gelly Roll White pen, Peacock Feathers ink)  2/15 (sep post)
3. Crafting With Friends #79 AG 2/15 
4. Crafty Creations #383 Anything Goes 2/6 ?
5. Creative Fingers Challenge #156 AG (2/8) check 2/26
6. Scrapy Land Challenges #106 AG SL die (Tonic Dies 3) 2/6 (sep post) 
7. The Paper Funday Challenges #1 AG ends 2/3 (announced 2/6)

Stamping Hugs,

Cardz 4 Galz - Thank You or Thanksgiving

Hello, Blogging Friends.
As we approach Thanksgiving in the US, I cannot begin to express my deep gratitude and thankfulness for you, my dear blogging friends.
Thank you for contributing to my little life.
(and if that sounds a little sappy to you, alas, that's how I truly am)

ONWARD WE GO!

Today I've got something a little different to share, using Autumn colors that were popular as plaids in my Connecticut high school days: Mustard and Mulberry.

There's a new challenge at Cardz 4 Galz Challenges today!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

Challenge #60 is chosen by designer Tammy - and the theme is:

  Thank you or Thanksgiving  

show us your Paper Crafting projects using any technique and medium, 

AS LONG AS IT CONVEYS GRATITUDE!

Challenge ends on NOVEMBER 22nd.

Today's card share is relatively flat for postage reasons.
Wouldn't it be beautiful with sparkly dimensional flowers or leaves? (giggle)
(click to make photos larger if desired - should work for my email followers as well)

To make the fancy frame:

Tonic Twisting Veranda Layering Die Set 

(currently 50% off sale in SNS store)

The unassembled frame is now two pieces:

1. The solid portion of the frame was cut, smooshed with VersaMark Ink, and coated with Sparkle N Sprinkle Cappuccino Star EP.
2. The ornate frame has been smooshed with creamy Nuvo Fresh Copper Embellishment Mousse.
3. Both pieces look great with old "Brilliance Ink" masked portion.
4. Adhere the two pieces together.

To finish the card:

• Die cut a shape for your card. Distress with ink around the edges.

• Ink embossing folder, and dry emboss to reveal texture. In this case, I also lightly distressed with Nuvo Royal Aubergine Embellishment Mousse. It's a gorgeous purple.

• Trace around the die frame, and fussy cut a layer to smoosh more Royal Aubergine Embellishment Mousse. It makes the frame more noticeable from the background (and looks pretty, too!)

• Heat Emboss the sentiment on vellum with SNS Cappuccino Star EP.
• Adhere vellum strip under the frame.
• Adhere frame to stamped project.
• Pop up the framed panel with dimensionals, adhering to card base.
• Blend Concord Star EP and Mulberry Star EP to obtain a purply mulberry color that matches the mousse. Heat Emboss a section of scrap paper. Let cool.
• From that scrap paper, cut delicate flourishes from Tonic's Verdi's Waves Flourish Die Set (love this set!) Cut them apart or leave as is, and arrange on your creation. These were adhered with Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive, an easy-to-hold-and-squeeze bottle with a VERY thin nozzle.
• Lastly, Nuvo Glitter Drops in GOLDEN SUNSET and HONEY GOLD were splattered on the finished piece.

Interior of Card:



Leaving you with a Hug:
(courtesy of Linda's Peaceful Place)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Yn8w_ybs0

Products Used:

• Image: Wreath and main layer - An unfinished project from my box
• Sentiment - Hero Arts Gratitude Sentiment Set (over 10 years old)
• Sparkle N Sprinkle Cappuccino Star EP (sentiment and behind die cut frame), Concord Star EP, Mulberry Star EP (blended for purple-mulberry die cuts)
• Nuvo Fresh Copper Embellishment Mousse and Royal Aubergine Embellishment Mousse (detail frame and layer behind the frame)
• Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive with thin applicator
• Nuvo Glitter Drops in GOLDEN SUNSET and HONEY GOLD
• Tonic Twisting Veranda Layering Die Set (currently 50% off sale in SNS store)
• Tonic Esssentials Verdi's Waves Flourish Die Set
• Other Dies: SB Grand Labels One, SB Grand Decorative Labels One
• Paper: Vellum, White, Mustard
• Inks: Distress Walnut and Straw, Galaxy Gold Brilliance, Platinum Planet Brilliance, Cosmic Copper Brilliance
• Embossing Folder: Craft Essentials Basket Weave

Please? May I play in the following challenges? Thanks!

1. 4 Crafty Chicks #376 Give Thanks 11/16
2. Dragonfly Journeys #140 "Attitude of Gratitude" 11-11
3. Crafting with Friends #54 Anything Goes 11/17
4. Crafty Calendar Challenge (Nov 4) Autumn Colors 12/3 (sep post)
5. Hiding in my Craft Room #325 Fall Colors 11/10 (sep post 2 wks aft)
6. Pile It On Challenge #136 Large Sentiments 12/3 (sep post 12/10)
7. Scrapy Land #77 Anything with a die that SL Sells (Tonic, Spellbinders listed above in products) 11/11 (sep post 11/15)
8. Sisterhood of Crafters (Nov 8) "Let the Sparkle fly!" (lots of sparkle and shine as listed in products above) 11/20 sep post
9. Sparkles Monthly Challenge #97 Autumn Colors 11/15
10. Stinkin' Inkers Challenge  "Thankful" 12/5 (sep post)

Stamping Hugs,

A Contemporary Christmas

YAYYYY! You're here! And just in time!
(I hope you're enjoying a week that is holding promise and anticipation.)

Double YAYYYY! Autumn has finally arrived to our neck of the woods!

Pssst! I'd like to remind you not to forget to sign up on my blog for my blog candy! 

It is for my regular bloggy visitors such as yourself.

And...

Oh yes! It's time for a new Cardz 4 Galz challenge!

Badges are awarded for the Spotlight Winner and Top Picks.

The theme is A CONTEMPORARY CHRISTMAS - 
so get crafting and show us your modern take on Christmas!

There are many traditional elements incorporated into my modern take of Christmas, 
including snow, presents, a tree, snowflakes and ribbon!

It's been years since I played with acetate, so I stamped some modern presents with VersaMark and heat set with some SNS white detail EP. Painting the back side of the embossed presents with SNS Brushable Glue, I then applied some SNS microfine glitters:  Jasper Blue Velvet GM2012, Orchid Rose Velvet GM2016.

Backside:

Front side:

Little dancing present popped up on card:

A little Mediterranean Star EP to pretty-up my round frame:

BOO BOO REVELATION TIME!

I love sharing my BOO-BOOs with you!

I VersaMarked my "modern" IO Swirly Christmas tree, and stamped onto some inexpensive watercolor paper. Because I wanted a sparkly tree, SNS Sparkle EP was heated. It is a semi-transparent powder with semi-transparent glitters. 
It worked pretty well
EXCEPT
a white EP with glitters would have worked better...
or perhaps a clear EP with white mica powder and glitter.
OR
A white pigment ink UNDER the Sparkle EP instead of VersaMark.

Why?

Because a tiny bit of the color seeped UNDER the heated EP. Since the EP is not opaque, some of the color bled through the paper under the image, dulling the embossed image.

I've only used my Color Burst Powder colors one other time.
WHAT? WHY?

I forgot about them LOL

See how dull the white image appears?

Brilliance Sky Blue ink was used on the dry embossed white area and the sky around the tree:

Here is my clean-and-simple version.
Is this considered CAS?

See the difference in the bright white embossing powder for the sentiment compared to the semi-transparent powder used for the tree?

Thanks for stopping by today!

On a Personal Note:

We gratefully receive the Gentleness of Autumn here in central, rural Florida.
Our mornings have dipped into the 50s - 60s (15-20C), while our afternoons glide into the low 80s (27C).
Before the sun rises, I open the sliding glass doors to the screened lanai, breathing in the dewey freshness.
All is quiet, undisturbed - SILENT.  Our Barred Owl community has apparently retired for the day.
Barely hearing the highway traffic a few miles away, I hear ripened acorns drop from the oak trees, on the barn's metal roof, for some hungry squirrel to discover and hide as their winter reserve.
But then, a single Barred Owl tentatively shares his greeting, erupting into bold cackling, making me giggle at heart. If you have ever heard the guffaws of these incredible birds, you know what I mean.


During the evening, he and his mate have been quite vocal with their neighbors.
There are several owls in the area. Frequently they are right outside the house.
Their conversations are incredibly lively, from softly muffled background singing, to something that resembles outright laughter! I wish this sound bit picked up how lively they become! (wait about 15 seconds into the sound bite)

Everything smells fresh as the dew sets, and a neighbor's rooster begins to rouse the neighborhood.

Slowly, one by one, other birds awaken.

Some resent the intrusion on their last hour of sleep,

others quickly awaken to get an early start.

Before long, it sounds like an orchestra deafeningly tuning all their instruments simultaneously!

And now, the Sun finally animatedly reveals her multi-color glory.

This is Autumn in my Florida.

Products Used:

• Images: Great Impressions G245 Presents, Impression Obsession Swirl Tree J2004 Leigh Hannan, Hero Arts Christmas C1722
• Sparkle N Sprinkle: Embossing Powders (White Detail EP298, Sparkle EP107, Mediterranean Star EP429), Embossable Acetate, Brushable Glue, Microfine Velvet Glitter (Jasper Blue GM2012, Orchid Rose GM2016), VersaMark Ink
• Die Cuts: Spellbinders Grand Stately Circles, Spellbinders Grand Circles
• Inks: VersaMark (for embossing powder, Brilliance Sky Blue (for falling snow), 
• Embossing Folders: Crafter's Comp Elegant Snowfall, Regency Swirls by Die'sire, Craftwell Delicate Dots
• Watercolor: Color Burst Powder Watercolors

Challenges I'm supporting with these cards:

1. Christmas at Sweet Stampin Challenge (Wed Nov 9) "Anything Goes Christmas" 12/7
2. Crafty Gals Corner Challenges #97 "Use a Sentiment" (my 2nd card) 11/16
3. Inspiration Destination #111 "Anything Goes" 11/16
4. The Crafty Addicts #28 "Anything Goes with the Winter Blues"11/23
5. A Snowflakes Promise #32 "Seasons" (Christmas) 11/14
6. Cardz4Guyz #145 "Oh Christmas Tree!" 11/14
7. Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge #84 "Trees or Christmas Trees" 11/13  (10)
8. Craft-Dee BowZ (Nov) Anything Goes with a hand-made bow 12/1 
9. Crimbo Crackers #119 Shaped Christmas Cards 11/17 (sep post end of month? several challenges announced at once)
10. Sweet Stampers Challenge #1 "Christmas" 12/10

Happy Hugs,

Masculine Truck Card

Hello, Friends! Fun Summer Wishes to you and your families.

It feels good to write a post again. I miss you, and am slowly recovering (I hope).

Today's card uses an image from an extinct company - but they are still one of my all time faves. Personal Stamp Exchange PSX - do you remember them?

*SIGH*

I miss them.

So sad when a favorite company disappears.

(giggle - if only that were the biggest of our problems, right?)

All the products used on my card are old (including the cardstock) except the embossing folder.

Product List Below.

This stamp is also precious because it was "bequeathed" to me by Dottie Karvonen, a dear on-line stamping friend who has since passed away. Her daughter Lisa has become a friend, and I treasure all the encouragement and words of wisdom Lisa shares.

My simple card needed a little something. The Card Mania Challenge came to the rescue by suggesting the use of Metal Embellishments (the four corners are copper metal, and have been in my stash for some 8-10 years).

The inside is very simple, but continues the oval theme:

I've submitted my card to the following fun challenges:

1. Card Mania Challenges CMC#69 - Use Metal Embellishments or Ornaments 6/29
2. Cardz 4 Guys Challenges #76 - Use Dies or Punch - (3 SB Oval Dies) 7/1
3. Get Creative Challenges #17 "For the Boys or Father's Day" 7/1
4. Shopping Our Stash SOS #207 "For the Boys" 7/2 (Used an old PSX stamp which I've never before used, everything on this card is old except for the embossing folder - thanks for always inspiring me to look at my stash)
5. Clear It Out Challenge June 23 - July 7 Theme: YOUR STYLE, Stash: FAVORITE CRAFT PRODUCT (theme - copic markers, stash - rubber stamps - I love rubber stamps. In the past few years, I've neglected my stash of rubber in favor of digital cards or die cut cards. It's a pleasure playing with rubber again).
6. Outlawz Greeting Card Challenge GCC062215 "Father's Day or Masculine" 6/29
7. Crafts4Eternity #232 Metal Element (used 4 metal copper corners, and metal copper brad)
8. Simply Create Too #88 "Old, Vintage" (vintage truck with vintage style embellies) 7/2

Products:
Stamp: PSX K-2040 Truck (long in my stash, and first time use)
            Hero Arts Mini Sentiments (also very old)
Die Cuts: 2 Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities Ovals
Studio K Twine (in stash, never before used)
Copic Markers
Embellishment Corners: OLD OLD Copper Metal Accents from ScrapEssentials, Copper brad
Cardstock: Neenah Ivory, Navy, Ivory 
Embossing Folder: Teresa Collins' Modern Stripe by Craftwell

Thanks for stopping by...
hugs,