Upsy Daisy All a Glitter - Create with Connie & Mary Challenge

I made a similar card - a birthday card - not so long ago using this tissue acetate technique. I did not put a sentiment on this card because I couldn't decide on one. The challenge with Create with Connie & Mary this week is to create a card using lots of glitter.  I immediately thought of this technique.
Here's how I made the card.....
First of all, I stamped Upsy Daisy on a piece of acetate using Stazon ink.
Crystal Effects was generously applied to the backside of this piece of acetate.  Five or six drops of Marina Mist re-inker was added to the crystal effects and stirred with a toothpick until it was of uniform colour. Add dazzling diamonds to the mixture. Then a   wrinkled  piece of white tissue paper  was placed onto this mixture. After the tissue had dried, the acetate was mounted on black card stock using dimensionals, then  matted onto Whisper White card stock which had been liberally sponged with Marina Mist ink.  The entire unit was then mounted onto a Whisper White top note die (with dimensionals) which had also been liberally sponged with Marina Mist ink.
Here's a list of the materials used to make this card:
Stamp: Upsy Daisy
Ink: Marina Mist, Marina Mist re-inker, Stazon (black)
Paper: Acetate, Tissue Paper (white), Whisper White Card Stock, Basic Black Card Stock, Elegant Soiree Designer Paper
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Dazzling diamonds, Top Note Die and Big Shot, Dotted scallop ribbon border punch, dimensionals

Thank you for your friendship - Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge

This is my card for the Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge 175.  It's a thank you card with a predominant fall colour.
Here's a list of the materials I used:
Stamp: Upsy Daisy
Ink: Cajun Craze
Paper: Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Autumn Spice Design Series Paper
Accessories: Top Note Die and the Big Shot, 1/2" Chantilly Crochet Trim, pearls, dazzling diamonds
This card features only 2 colours, but I love the effect.

A Happiness Shared Thank You

My surgery went well and I'm very relieved that it is over.  Believe it or not,  I can already walk on the operated leg - no need for crutches this time.
This is my card for the Sketch Frenzy Friday sketch challenge.
Materials used:
Stamps: Happiness Shared, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Elegant Soiree designer paper, Whisper White, Marina Mist, So Saffron (centre of flower on vase)
Inks: Soft Suede, Basic Black, Marina Mist
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Ornament punch, Word Window punch, Modern Label Punch, Boho blossom punch,Square Lattice embossing folder, Gold smooch, dimensionals, rhinestones, ribbon punch

A Christmas Wish...

Today I'm heading to Toronto to have surgery on my left knee, which I injured in July.  I just had to make one last card before I was picked up by my neighbour who is driving me down.
This card is a Chrismas themed card for Creative Sketches.
Stamp: Home for Christmas
Ink: Basic Black, SU markers (Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke)
Paper: Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Deck the Halls designer paper
Accessories: Button, Real Red 3/8" taffeta ribbon, mini glue dots, Easy Espresso grosgrain ribbon 1/4", dazzling diamonds.

An Upsy Daisy Birthday

Another challenging color challenge with Diva Coffee Break Designs  - color challenge #200.  The colors - Poppy Parade, So Saffron, and Baja Breeze.
I began by sponging So Saffron on a piece of Whisper White Card stock so that the entire surface was covered.  I seem to be doing a lot of sponging these days.  Then, Upsy Daisy was stamped using Baja Breeze ink.  The rest of the card was made using the following:
Stamp: Upsy Daisy
Paper:  Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Inks: Baja Breeze, So Saffron
Accessories: 1/2" Chantilly lace crochet trim, pearls, Scallop Edge punch

Just for You - Utah Divas International Color Challenge #7

Neutral colours - that's what this challenge is all about.  When I saw the colours I initially rejected the idea of making a card using the required colours:  Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip and Basic Gray.  I thought about it for a couple of days, and today took the plunge.  Hope you like my card.

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Afterthoughts (Hostess)
Paper: Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Whisper White
Inks: Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Basic Gray, SU markers (Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip, Basic Bray)
Accessories: Photo corner punch, brads, dimensionals, dazzling diamonds, basic gray satin ribbon, decorative label punch

I started by sponging Crumb Cake ink on the lower half of the Whisper White card stock, followed by Basic Gray on the top.  A few swipes of Cajun Craze put some colour into the sky.
The grass was stamped with Basic Gray, but markers were used to color the cone flowers.
The edges of this panel were sponged with basic gray as were the photo corners.
The Crumb Cake base card edges were sponged with crumb cake.
I quite like the effect - but it did take some thinking to do.

My card was a winner

The card that I made for the October sketch challenge for Cardscapes won me a prize - the designer series patterns pack ll.  This is the card that did it.  Wow!  I'm so excited!

Spooky House - Create with Connie & Mary

Make anything Halloween - that's the challenge with Create with Connie and Mary.  So I made a Halloween card - with a polished stone background.
Stamps: House of Haunts, Wickedly Evil
Inks: More Mustard & reinkers to make background (Basic Gray, Basic Black & Pearl (non SU), Black Stazon
Paper: Basic Black, Glossy Cardstock, Nite Owl designer paper
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, Pumpkin Pie 3/8" taffeta ribbon

View from a window

It's a beautiful day here in southern Ontario, but I hear other parts of the country had received snow overnight.  We were supposed to experience a "bomb storm" overnight, but the high winds never materialized.  A "bomb storm" is when 2 weather fronts collide and create horrible weather.
The weather reports of winter- like conditions made me think of this card.  Although I am looking out of my window and see blowing leaves, in my mind I was seeing Santa scooting across the sky.  Thus my card. I remember seeing a similar card last year, but I don't know who made it. 

Materials:
Stamps:  Wandering Words, Delightful Decorations, Snow Swirled
Paper:  Bashful blue, Whisper White
Inks:  Basic Black, Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Versa Mark
Accessories: Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds, Ornament Punch, silver elastic cord

Merry Christmas to All....

I got the idea for this card from one I saw on Stampin Connections.
Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Wandering Words
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White
Inks: Night of Navy, Daffodil Yellow, Basic Black
Accessories; Dazzling diamonds

Embossed resist Snowflake Card

This is my card for the Stampin Connections Sketch Challenge #38.  The snowflake in the picture looks pink, but is really very white. Must be the evening lighting.
I decided to create an embossed resist background using the stamps from Snow Swirled which were  embossed with White Embossing Powder. Pacific Point ink was then sponged liberally over the entire surface, and the edges darkened with Night of Navy.  The snowflakes really popped when I wiped them with a paper towel. 
The large snowflake was made using the Snowflake #2 die and the Big Shot.

Here are the materials I used to make the card:
Stamps: Snow Swirled, A Cardinal Christmas (the sentiment)
Paper: Whisper White, Glossy Cardstock, Blue Pacific
Inks: Pacific Point, Night of Navy, Versa Mark
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, Snowflake die #2, dazzling diamonds, mini glue dots, white satin ribbon

Watercolor Trio Thank You

I'm doing a lot of workshops lately, so am in need of a lot of Thank you cards.  The Technostamper sketch challenge provided me with the opportunity to make one of these.
The base card is Cherry Cobbler which has been embossed with Finial Press embossing folder. Markers (Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Daffodil Delight) were applied directly to the stamp and stamped on a Whisper White oval cut with the Coluzzle.  All my cards have to have some bling, so Dazzling diamonds was put in the center of each of the flowers, and the butterfly, which was stamped the same way as the flowers.  

Stamp sets:  Watercolor Trio, and Dreams du Jour
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Whisper White, Nite Owl Designer Paper
Inks:  Cherry Cobbler, SU Markers (Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight), Basic Black
Accessories: Finial Press embossing folder, Dazzling diamonds, Oval Punch, Coluzzle, mini glue dots, dimensionals, 5/8" Old Olive Grosgain ribbon.

Merry and Bright - Mojo Monday sketch challenge & Challenge 92

I love Dasher!  So, when I saw the Mojo Monday Sketch challenge Dasher immediately came to mind.  And because I chose a square card it also meets the requirements for Challenge 92 i.e. to make a square card.
Stamps: Dasher, Bells & Boughs
Ink: Versa Mark, Su markers (Real Red, Old Olive), Early Espresso
Paper: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Deck the Halls designer paper
Accessories: Coluzzle, white embossing powder, White Gel Pen, Crystal Effects, Champagne glass glitter, vanilla brads (non SU), dimensionals

Christmas Wishes

I love this stamp set as it is so versatile.  This time I made roses from 3 different punches to show case this card.
Stamps: Christmas Wishes
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla
Inks: Bravo Burgundy, SU markers (Bravo Burgundy, Wild Wasabi, Basic Gray)
 Accessories: Extra Large Flower Punch, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Boho Blossoms punch, 1" circle punch, smooch spray, rhinestones, scallop edge punch, word window punch, modern word label punch, tapestry wallpaper embossing folder.

Making backgrounds with re inkers and rubbing alcohol

The class this week is all about re-inkers - how to create beautiful backgrounds, and how to use them on tiles.  This is one of the tags the students will be creating.  The Large Scallop Square die was used as a basis for this tag.
Background:  The polished stone technique was used to create this  background.  Riding Hood Red, Old Olive and metallic re-inkers were applied to a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol and daubed onto shiny card stock.  After is was dry, images were stamped using black Stazon ink.
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Snow Swirled
 Paper: Real Red, Glossy Card Stock
Inks: Re-inkers:  Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Metallic, Black Stazon
Accessories: Large Scallop Square and the Big Shot, Cotton balls, Rubbing Alcohol, Silver Tinsel string.

Different re-inkers, a different background.  This time the following re-inkers were used:  Baja Breeze, Soft Sky
Other materials:
Stamp: Snow Swirled
Ink:  Black Stazon, Baja Breeze
Paper: Glossy Card Stock, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, Victoria crochet trim
All edges were liberally sponged with Baja Breeze ink

Card made top 5 pick of the week for Stamping 411 Challenge 173

here

Wow, this card made the top 5 pick of the week for the Stamping 411 Sketch challenge #173.  In case you missed it -  here is the link.  And here is my card again.
I entered this card in the sketch challenge last week and the design team of stamping 411 picked this card as one of their top 5.
Thanks so much for this honour, and thank you all for your comments re this card.

Vintage Christmas - Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge

I'm planning a class on distressing cards, so took this opportunity to practice with this card using the sketch challenge from Stamping 411.
The base of the card is Bravo Burgundy.  The next layer is Whisper White which has been distressed by first running my finger nail over the edges, then crumpling the card stock up in a ball and unfolding  it, making no attempt to smooth out the wrinkles.  Then it was lightly sponged over the wrinkles, and torn edges with Always Artichoke ink.
Using markers directly on the stamp the image was stamped onto Whisper White card stock.  The vase was made with  the Ornament punch (with the  bottom point snipped off . and sponged  in the middle to give it a more rounded appearance. The sentiment was stamped directly on to the vase.
The edges of the Whisper White were also distressed in a similar manner as the other edges.  They were then liberally sponged with Always Artichoke.  It was matted onto a piece of Bravo Burgundy, whose edges were also distressed.
I applied Always Artichoke ink with a sponge,over the Victoria Crochet trim to give it an aged look.
Here's quick list of the materials used:
Stamp: Gifts of Christmas, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White, Always Artichoke
Inks: Markers (Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, Daffodil Yellow), Always Artichoke
Accessories: Victotria Crochet trim, mini glue dots, dimensionals.

Snowman from A Cute Christmas - SFF challenge

This is my card for the Sketch Frenzy Friday and is made using nontraditional Christmas colours.
Here are the materials I used:
Stamp: A Cute Christmas
Paper: Blushing Bride, Marina Mist, Candy Cane Christmas designer paper, Whisper White
Inks: Marina Mist, Black Stazon, watercolouring pencils (red, green, black)
Accessories: round scallop punch, 2 3/8" round scallop punch, Snowflakes set #2, bleach, dazzling diamonds, white satin ribbon, silver tinsel, glue dots, dimensionals

The snowman was stamped with Stazon ink and then whitened with bleach and a small paint brush.  Dazzling diamonds was then added to the snowman
All edges were sponged with Marina Mist ink.

Silver Christmas Tree

Another silver and blue card - I had some paper left over from the other 2 cards.  I couldn't waste that, so I made another card using the same colour scheme as the other two - but it looks different. 
Stamps  Lovely as a Tree, Heard from the Heart
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Brushed Silver, Whisper White
Ink: Versa mark, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Silver Embossing powder, Night of Navy  5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Trim border punch, pearl, dimensionals

Silver Trees

I'm in the mood for blue and silver tonight.  As a result I created this card using a stamping method I haven't used for a while.  The image was painted with Platinum all purpose paint and stamped on Whisper White cardstock which had been sponged with Not Quite Navy ink (with a moon masked out).  I know, I could have brayered the sky, but I was in a sponging mood as well.  Actually, I quite like the way the sky turned out, depicting movement and emotion.  It actually looks windy!  Can't you just see the trees bending in the wind?  Sorry, my imagination got the better of me.
Here's a list of materials:
Stamp: Lovely as a Tree, Christmas Wishes
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Brushed Silver, Whisper White
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Platinum all purpose ink
Accessories: Silver Tinsel

Serene Snowflakes

I was inspired by Laurie Gibson's card on her blog here 
I used some of her elements and her colour scheme, but I made some variations on my card.
Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Christmas Greetings
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Brushed Silver, Whisper White
Inks: Versamark
Accessories: Scallop edge punch, pearls, silver embossing powder

The snowflake was embossed with silver embossing powder and the center filled in with pearls.  The sentiment was also embossed with silver embossing powder.

Christmas Postcard

I love this stamp.  This is the third Christmas card I have made using this stamp - all of them different.  You're probably wondering why I'm making so many Christmas cards.  The reason is a craft show coming up very rapidly - so these challenges provides me with the opportunity to get different cards made.  This card is made using the Paper Players Challenge #20.
Stamp: Christmas Post Card
Paper:  Card base is Old Olive which has been embossed with the Petals a Plenty embossing folder.  Smooch pearlized top coat was applied to the centers of each of the poinsettia flowers - just to add that extra bling.The outer edges of the card were sponged with Crumb Cake ink. The designer paper is from the Deck the Halls series and it is matted with Real Red card stock.  Both the designer paper and red cardstock were sponged with Crumb Cake ink.  The image is stamped on Whisper White card stock - also sponged with Crumb Cake.
Inks: The entire image with the exception of the words was painted using the following reinker colours:  Real Red, Old Olive, Garden Green, More Mustard.  I used the gold smooch pearlized accent to paint the words, and used the Smooch pearlized accent on the bells and berries. Crumb Cake ink for sponging around edges.
Accessories: Petals a Plenty embossing folder, Flower itty bitty punch (this was used to create the border around the image), Gold Smooch accent, and Smooch pearlized accent

Christmas Wishes - Cardscraps Sketch Challenge

I'm on a roll not reading the sketches correctly.  Maybe I should take a break.  Anyway, here's my card for the Cardscraps Sketch Challenge minus the brads in the upper right corner.
I made the background strips using the stonewash technque on glossy card stock and cut them into 3/4" strips.
Stamps: Fireside Christmas, Gifts of Christmas
Paper: Glossy white card stock, Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White
Inks: Early Espresso, Real Red, and the following SU markers:  Real Red, Old Olive
Accessories: Victoria Crochet trim, 1 3/8" circle, hole punch, dimensionals, finial press embossing folder

Many Thanks - UDI color challenge #6 & Cards & Things Sketch Challenge

I chose to combine 2 challenges for this card:  The Utah Divas International Color Challenge #6 (UDI) and Cards & Things Sketch Challenge.
The color challenge involved the following colours:  Rose Red, Concord Crush, Old Olive,  Pumpkin Pie, and Daffodil Delight.  I notice in my card I forgot the Daffodil delight.
Stamps: Punch Potpourri, Because I Care
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie,Concord Crush, Old Olive, Greenhouse Gala Designer Paper
Inks: SU markers (Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Concord Crush), basic black
Accessories: Pears, mini glue dots, Butterfly punch, 1 3/8" square punch.

Christmas Tag Set

One must item for Christmas is tags for all the wonderful gifts you will be giving your family.
I made this tag set for my craft table for the November Craft Show in Lakefield, Ontario. There are 6 tags in the acetate covered box set (2 of each design).  I used the scallop circle die and the Big Shot, placing a folded piece of card stock in such a way that it did not cut all the way around and left an uncut area at the top- so the tag folds open, and a message can be written inside.

Here are the tag designs.
Stamp: A Cute Christmas
Ink: Basic Black Ink, SU markers (various colours)
Paper: Real Red, Brushed gold, Very Vanilla
Accessories: Scallop Circle die #2 and the Big Shot, Circles #2, Tab Punch, silver stretch cord (retired)

I custom made a box for the tags and covered it with an acetate lid (also custom made).  The red polka dot ribbon is retired

Holiday Promotion Bundles

Create Amazing cards, Beautiful packaging, and Cherished gifts this holiday season!  From Oct.  19 - Dec. 16 choose from several different holiday bundles containing gorgeous Stampin' UP products - perfect for creating cards, gift packaging, and gifts - and all at 20% off.
Holiday Promotion Bundles:
.Vintage Christmas Card Bundle           $24.36
.Contempo Christmas Card Bundle       $21.96
.Tags of Christmas Bundle                     $41.52
.Gift Packaging Bundle                          $24.72
.Simply Adorned Gift Bundle                 $52.37
.Frame Gift Bundle                                $23.12
Contact me today to get started creating your perfect handmade holiday here
or e-mail me at mvanderform@cogeco.ca

Dahlia Fold Thank You

I love doing punch art - and I love it when one punch can be used to create different projects.  The Dahlia fold card has been around for a while, and I did see it in Stampin Connections by Lee Ann Greff.  However, the one using the new Stampin Up Owl punch is new to me.  It was inspired by a card made by this card.

I used many of the same elements that Lee Ann did, but I changed some as well.
Card base:  Always Artichoke
First layer:  Very Vanilla embossed with Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder
Flower:
To make the flower, punch 7 owl bodies from designer paper ((I believe this paper is retired).  For each petal, fold the body in half, cut off the feet and cut from the ear down to the fold.  Open it back up and fold in each side to overlap and create a point at the bottom.  Curl ends with a bone folder. If you would like a picture of what I am writing about check Lee Ann's blog
Once petals are folded, glue them around a 1 3/4" circle (I used Always Artichoke).  If they don't all fit use one more or less.  I was able to get 5 around my circle, so I guess my folds weren't as tight as they should have been.  Then I cut a scallop circle using Scallop Circle #2 and the Big Shot - again from Always Artichoke.  The Dahlia flower was centered on this scallop, and after poking a hole with a paper piercer, put in an Antique brad.  The whole thing was attached to the card with dimensionals.
Sentiment from:  Watercolor Trio
Other accessories:  Finial Press embossing folder, Scallop Oval punch

Wreath Card - Challenge 92 & Technostamper challenge

For this card I combined 2 sketch challenges:  Challenge 91 (Square card) and Monday Technostamper sketch challenge
Stamps: Northern Hearts, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Inks: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive markers.  Sentiment stamped in Cherry Cobbler
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Candy Cane Christmas Designer Paper
Accessories: Northern Flurries embossing folder, homemade spritzer solution, Pinking hearts border punch

A Cute Christmas - sketch frenzy friday

I immediately thought of A Cute Christmas when I saw the sketch here on this blog
Stamp:  A Cute Christmas
Paper: Real Red, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Candy Cane Desiger Paper
Inks: Real Red , SU markers (Real Red, Marina Mist), basic black
Accessories: Glimmer brads

Inspired by Nature - Butternut Sage Designs

This is a card based on the challenge sketch at Butternut Suge Designs

For the background I used the baby wipe technique to provide some colour.  I used the following reinkers:  Blushing bride, Old Olive, and Baja Breeze

Stamps: Inspired by Nature, Watercolor Trio
Ink: Black Stazon
Paper: Basic Black, Wild Wasabi, White Glossy Card Stock, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, Medium Oval Punch, 3/8" basic black taffeta ribbon, dimensionals

Dasher marching - Color Dare 80

This was the color challenge:  use these colours in a card:  Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla.
This is the card I came up with.

Stamp: Winter Post, Snow Swirled
Paper: Poppy Parade, Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz
Ink: Chocolate chip.  All vanilla edges sponged with this ink.
Accessories: 1/2" Stitched-Poly Ribbon, Pear Pizzazz, dazzling diamonds, dimensionals.

Winter Post & Lovely as a Tree - Mojomonday Sketch Challenge

I used 2 different stamp sets to do this sketch challenge.

Stamps: Winter Post, Lovely as a Tree
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Bells & Boughs Designer Paper
Inks: Early Espresso
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (embossed images lightly sponged with Early Espresso), Faux zigzag stitching, glitter brads, 3/8" Early Espresso taffeta ribbon, scallop edge punch, top note die

All edges sponged with Early Espresso ink

Gifts of Christmas - Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge

This card is my interpretation of the Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge.
Main Card:
Paper: Real Red, Candy Cane Christmas Designer Paper
Accessory: 1/4" Real Red Grograin ribbon

Image Panel:
Stamp: Gift of Christmas
Ink: Image coloured with SU markers (Real Red, Old Olive, Basic Gray).  Sentiment stamped and sponged with Old Olive.  The entire image was covered with Versa Mark and Iridescent Ice embossing powder applied and heated to get that lovely frosty look.
Paper: Real Red, Old Olive matting
Accessory:  Dimensionals

Poinsettia
Paper: Real Red, Old Olive
Ink: Real Red petals sponged with Cherry Cobbler; the leaves sponged with Old Olive
Accessories: Small oval punch, paper crimper, pearls, smooch, dimensionals

Punch out 9 small ovals.  Trim one of the ends to a point.  Curl ends with a bond folder and make vein marks with a small stylus.  Sponge ends with Cherry Cobbler.
Punch 1 1/4" circle. This will be the flower base.
Fold 1 12/" piece of Old Olive in half and put it sideways through the crimper.  Cut 3 leaves on the folded edge.  Sponge edges of leaves with Old Olive.
Attach the flower petals to the round circle base.  Attach the leaves.
Put pearls in the center of the poinsettia.
Spray with vanilla smooch.  Attach to card with dimensionals

An Autumn Thank you - Hand Stamped Sentiments Sketch Challenge #37

For this sketch challenge I chose to do an Autumn themed card rather than a Halloween one.
Stamps: Autumn Splendor, Because I Care
Paper: Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Autumn Spice Designer Paper
Inks: The images were stamped on reinkers placed on a baby wipe on a plate - more mustard, old olive, pumpkin pie - then stamped on paper, Early Espresso
Accessories: Finial Press embossing folder (lightly sponged with Early Espresso), hemp twine, glitter brads, 3/8" old olive taffeta ribbon

Thank you card using Lapis Lazulli technique

Sharon Field, in her blog, wrote a tutorial on this technique, so tonight I tried it out.  She was right, it is a messy technique, but well worth it.
Stamp: Because I Care
Paper: Not Quite Navy, More Mustard, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Glossy Card stock
Ink: Image stamped with Baja Breeze.  Panel: the following reinkers:  Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy, Early Espresso
Accessories: Gold Smooch Spray, Baby Wipes, Rubbing Alcohol, Shimmer Paint Recipe in a mini mister(made with Champagne Shimmer Paint) Note:  the tutorial for this shimmer paint can also be found on Sharon's blog, pearls, stampin dimensionals

Christmas Card & Matching Tag for Card Swap

The swap involves making 3 identical cards with tags to match.
I was inspired by a card in Stampin Success, but I made some modifications so I didn't case it exactly.
Card:
Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, Bells & Boughs (both from the Mini Catalogue)
Inks: Basic Black, Early Espresso, various coloured markers
Paper:  Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Deck the Halls Designer Paper, Whisper White
Accessories: 1 3/4" scallop circle extra large punch, 2 3/8" scallop circle extra large punch, Large oval punch, Decorative Label punch, stampin dimensionals, dazzling diamonds, 1/2" chantilly crochet trim, Stickles , silver glass glitter
Tag:
Same materials as card
Accessories: Two Tags die and Big Shot

All whisper white edges sponged with Early Espresso ink

Dasher - Stamp-a-holics color challenge

The colours for this challenge were as follows:  Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, and Poppy Parade.
Stamps: Dasher, Snow Swirled
Paper: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Poppy Parade.
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, 1/2" stitched poly ribbon - poppy parade, Silver glass glitter, dazzling diamonds, oval and scallop oval dies
The very vanilla card stock that Dasher is stamped on was stained with coffee grounds and allowed to dry.  It made a perfect background for today's colour challenge.
All edges were sponged with Early Espresso.  The embossing was sponged as well.

Happy birthday - challenge 91 & color challenge with creative sketches

Two challenges were combined with this birthday card. The first is challenge 91 - birthday card.  The second is a colour challenge were the following colours were to be used:  Always Artichoke, Marina Mist and Soft Suede.
I also used a new technique  - embossing with markers.
Stamps: Just Believe, Sincere Salutations
Ink: Soft Suede, Markers (Always Artichoke, Marina Mist), basic black
Paper: Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Marina Mist.
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (the embossing was lightly inked with soft suede), scallop edge punch, mat pack, always artichoke seam binding, oval scallop punch, stampin dimensionals.
Here's how I did the image.
I first inked up the stamp with Versa Mark.  Then I coloured the stamp image with markers, stamped, and embossed with clear embossing powder.

Halloween Punch Art

I cased this card from Megan Cutler, with a few changes.  It was a swap card at the Hamilton Regional.
It is made entirely with punches and the spider web embossing folder.
Fence: world label punch, modern label punch
Ghost: Owl Punch.  The feet were trimmed from the owl, it was turned upside down, black eyes (also from the Owl punch), and a white gel pen for the eye details.  The edges were sponged with black ink
Pumpkin: 3 small oval punchies sponged with Tangerine Tango and overlapping each other.  The stem is a bit of rattan tied in a know.
Background: Spider Web embossing folder.  A bit of daffodil yellow was sponged around the center of the web to simulate the sun.  It is completed by a bat flying towards the sun.

Remembrance Day Card

This is a card we made in class last night.  Because I didn't have any military stamps I decided to create my own card for this purpose.  I believe it so important to recognize our military - past , present, and future. My Dad was in the military - in Holland during the German occupation. In remembering Veterans, I am remembering my father, who, until the day he died, would not talk about his experiences during the war.
Paper: Always Artichoke, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
Inks: White gel pen, Bravo Burgundy, Real Red markers
Accessories: Antique buttons from my collection, glue dots

All edges of the card, the vanilla ribbon were sponged with Early Espresso.  All the word pieces were also sponged, then dotted lines were made to simulate stitching on a uniform.
The buttons were faux stitched with a tiny sliver of card stock and attached to the ribbon by glue dots.
All enjoyed making this card and I could hear them talking about what their plans were for this card, as a token of their own way of remembering.

Upsy Daisy Birthday - Challenge 91

Tonight I thought I'd do a technique I haven't done before - tissue and acetate technique.
First I stamped the Upsy Daisy image using Black Stazon ink on acetate.  Once the ink was dry, the acetate was turned over, and crystal effects and a few drops of Marina Mist were applied to the back surface.  It was spread around using a toothpick (the only thing I could find at the moment). Then Dazzling Diamonds was added to the glue mixture.
A crumpled piece of  white tissue paper was crumpled, then uncrumpled (leave wrinkles) and placed on the glue and left to dry. Trim ends. The centre of  the Top Note die was cut out with an exacto knife, leaving a border of 1/2" all the way around- to create a frame for the image, the edges of which were sponged with Marina Mist.  Attach the  acetate image to the underside of the frame using dimensionals.
Stamp: Upsy Daisy
Paper: Marina Mist, Whisper White
Inks: Marina Mist, Marina Mist reinker, Black Stazon, Basic Black
Accessories: Polka Dot Embossing folder, black satin ribbon, stampin dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Dazzling diamonds, Tissue Paper (white)
I love the effect.  The image is full of energy and emotion.

Christmas Wishes - Tapestry background

The tapestry background was made as follows:
1.  Sponge Early Espresso randomly on card stock
2.  Sponge Cherry Cobbler randomly on card stock
3.  Fill in remaining spaces by sponging Wild Wasabi
4.  With White Craft ink, stamp images from Silhouette Sentiments
5.  Apply versamark over entire  coloured card stock and emboss with clear embossing powder.  Repeat this step once.


Stampin Up markers were applied directly to the stamp.  I used the colours Real Red, Wild Wasabi and Always Artichoke, with Daffodil Delight in the center.
 I used the 2 3/4" scallop circle punch to punch out the image, the edges of which were sponged with 2 colours:  Wild Wasabi and Cherry Cobbler.  I lightly brushed Early Espresso over the entire surface of the image to make it blend better with the background.
Here are the components of the rest of the card:
Stamps: Silhouette Sentiments, Gifts of Christmas
Inks: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi, & the following markers (Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Always Artichoke, and Daffodil Delight)
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, word window punch, modern label punch, 2 3/4" scallop circle punch, 3/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin dimensionals

Birthday Bakery

I was in the mood to do some watercolouring, so I pulled out the Birthday Bakery stamp set as I had not make a card with it yet.
Here are the components of the card:
Stamp: Birthday Bakery (level 1 hostess)
Ink: Black Stazon, Early Espresso, assortment of SU markers and Aqua pen.
Paper: Crumb Cake (suitable choice don't you think?), Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Elegant Soiree Designer Paper
Accessories:  Square lattice embossing folder, 3/8" Marina Mist taffeta ribbon. Dazzling Diamonds

Dasher Against a winter sky - TSSC143 challenge

Dasher immediately came to mind when I saw this sketch challenge.
Here's how I created the background. First, Marina Mist was sponged on the upper 1/4  followed by Pirouette Pink for the horizon, creating a winter sky - although it was hard to get my head around that as the weather is so beautiful right now. It was hard to remember what a winter sky looked like.
 I then tore a piece of Whisper White to mimic a snow drift at Dasher's feet.  Dazzling diamonds was applied to this using a 2 way glue pen.
The circle behind Dasher was made using the silver waffle paper.  I feel chilly (i.e. cold chilly) looking at this card.

Stamps: Dasher, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Marina Mist, Whisper White, silver waffle paper
Ink: Marina Mist, Early Espresso
Accessories: Polka dot embossing folder, 5/8" Marina Mist grosgrain ribbon, word label punch, dazzling diamonds, dimensionals, glue dot

A Thank you card for Hostesses - stamping 411 sketch challenge

This is a card I make as a thank you to my hostesses of workshops that I have done.
I wanted to make a white hydrangea, just like my neighbour's hydrangea bush which I admire so much.  With a little experimenting I think I succeeded. 
The image was stamped with black Stazon ink and after it was dry I coloured the centers of the flowers with a crumb cake marker.  To make the flower look rounder, I did just a light shading under the flower and under the leaves.
Stamp: Because I Care (Hostess set)
Paper: Always Artichoke, Whisper White, Woodland Walk designer paper
Inks: Always Artichoke, Wild Wasabi marker (for the leaves), Crumb Cake marker
Accessories: Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Scallop oval punch, dimensionals

All edges of paper, card stock and designer paper, were sponged with Always Artichoke.

Clearance Rack - Save up to 80% on Discontinued SU products

As you know, the clearance rack  has been operational for over a year now, it is a great place to discover discontinued Stampin' Up! merchandise for fantastic prices. Now, from October 5-18, they are adding over two hundred more discontinued items -- some at up to 80 percent off -- to help us make room in the Distribution Center for new products!

Things to know about the Clearance Rack Blitz:

• Orders for Clearance Rack items can be placed through the Online Store Click here • Qualifying orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards. • While the Blitz last from October 5-18, some items, depending on availability, may be made available in the Clearance Rack in the future. • All discontinued items are available only while supplies last. • All sales of discontinued items are final.

Come see all the items These are all discontinued items and are only available in the Online Store!

Stamping and Embossing on Candles

I'm getting ready for some Christmas shows and wanted to make some Christmas presents.  One of the gifts I made was a stamped and embossed candle.  I got my inspiration from watching You Tube videos.  Here is my candle:

The method for stamping on candles is very well explained in this you tube video
I just took it one step farther, by stamping the snowflake images on the tissue paper using versa mark and then embossing with white embossing powder. Each snowflake was cut out and adhered to the candle using a glue stick in the position I wanted them. I then melted them into the candle using my heat tool.
The candle was further decorated with small rhinestones in the center of the larger snowflakes.
A white organza ribbon and bow and a punched out snowflake (covered with dazzling diamonds) complete the gift.
I made a similar but smaller white pillar candle (embossed with gold snowflakes) as a hostess gift at my recent workshop.  I put the candle in a small candle holder, and made a box for it.  I'll post that at a later date.
Be sure to purchase inexpensive candles.  For some reason they are easier to stamp on.

Although it looks complicated, it really is easy.