Monday, November 30, 2015

Talkative Tracy

Hello everyone!  I'm back with the last of my monthly challenge cards.  This image is for the ArtbyMiRan Facebook Challenge and her name is Talkative Tracy.  This image so reminds me of my child, absolutely attached to her cell phone..lol.


This is a standard size side-fold card.  I printed her on Xpress It paper and  colored her with Copics.  I finally put the Prismacolors up..lol.  Not to say that they won't be back out. The papers I used are from my collection of past card kits from SSS.  Sadly, I have no idea who made these, but I thought they fit the scene. 

I'll list all the supplies and colors below, along with the challenges I will be entering her in.  That's it for me today.   Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges:
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Anything goes
ArtbyMiRan Challenge - #46 Anything goes
Inspiration Destination - #61 Anything goes
Create and Inspire - #34 Anything goes
Crafty Friends Challenge Blog - #19 One for the girls
Star Stampz Challenge - Lots of Layers

Supplies:
Image - ArtbyMiRan - Talkative Tracy
Stamps - CTMH - A Garden (retired)
Inks - CTMH - Outdoor Denim
Paper - Xpress It; patterned paper from stash
Copics -  E000, 00, 04, 11; R20, 56, 83, 85; Rv34; BV08, 13; B63, 66; E53, 55, 57, 59; C01,03, 05, 07
Other - fun foam; various adhesives; CTMH -Artiste Cricut Cartridge; WeRMemory Keepers-Nesting Circles die; SSS - Holiday Shapes die; CTMH card base in White Daisy


Sunday, November 29, 2015

Garland Sprite

Hello everyone!  It's me again :)  I'm here to share another challenge card with you.  This one is a creation made with a free digital image from Mitzi Sato-Wiuff called Garland Sprite.  I think these sprites are absolutely adorable.  Right now on the Aurora Wings Facebook page there are a couple of challenges going on.  One is to color this sprite, or one of the others from the sprite collection and post it.  Then another album is up for the finished sprite projects.  And there is a third album for kids coloring the sprites.  How neat is that?  I uploaded my colored sprite a while back, but here is my finished card.


Isn't she just adorable?  She is colored with Prismacolor pencils.  I decided I wanted to use some of the papers from an old K&Co. paper pad I have had for a long time.  I love the non-traditional Christmas colors.   I'll spare you all the details and just list them below, along with the challenges I plan on entering her in.   

That's it for me today.  I have one more monthly challenge card to go.  I'll be sure to share when I get her done.  Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges: 
Inspiration Destination - #61 Anything goes
Whimsy Stamps Inspiration Challenges - #88 Anything goes - Holidays
ArtbyMiRan - #46 Anything goes
Crafty Time Challenges - Embellish it
Craft Your Passion - #289 Anything goes 
Not Just Cards - #26 Anything goes
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog - #255 Use something from your stash - All the card stock was scraps and the bling
Create and Inspire - #34 Anything goes
Crafty Friends Challenges - #19 One for the girls
Star Stampz - Lots of Layers 
Stamps by AuroraWings - Holiday Sprites Coloring Contest

Supplies: 
Ink - CTMH - Black
Paper - K&Co - patterned paper.; CTMH - White Daisy; greens and pinks are from my stash
Dies - Poppy Stamps - Blooming Poinsettia; WeRMemory Keepers - Nesting Circles; Spellbinders - Scalloped Circles; Darice - Small Holly 
Other - Berol Prismacolor Pencils; miscellaneous sparkles, various adhesives

Saturday, November 28, 2015

SLS Lines Voodoo King

Hello everyone!  I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday.  We are moving into the busiest time of the year.   My posting may become fewer and farther between :(  As soon as I get a chance to get back in the crafting routine, I'll be back more often.  This weekend my goal was to get my monthly challenges done.  The first one was the Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge.  The image this month was an unusual one.  It's the Voodoo King by SLS lines.   It's a great image and was fun to color, but I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with him..lol.


I have been on a pencil kick here the last couple of weeks.  So when I did manage to get something colored, it was with what was out of my desk and that was Prismacolors.  I do enjoy coloring with pencils but had forgotten how much longer it takes than say coloring with Copics.   After I got him colored I fussy cut him out.   I printed out the card face with my sentiment and then used the CTMH Ink Blot stamp set to add some random splashes of color in CTMH Gypsy and SSS Orange Peel inks.  Using some 3d foam tape, I adhered to the card.  The paper is from a Jolee's Boutique Halloween  paper pad.  I thought the little sugar skulls were so cute and kind of fitting. 

I will be entering this guy in a few challenges, which I will list below.  I'll be back in the next few days to post some more of my monthly challenge cards.  I'm running out of time! Thank you all for stopping by!

Challenges: 

Inspiration Destination - #61 Anything goes 
Not Just Cards - Anything goes 


 

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Best of Luck

Hello everyone!  Quick post from me on this incredibly wet and dreary day.  I wanted to share a card I made for a co-worker that was leaving.  Although we were sad to see her go, we were very happy for her and her undertaking of a new adventure.   The image is from a My Favorite Things stamp set called Adventure is Calling.  I thought the image was so sweet and the sentiment was perfect.


I stamped my little girl on Copic Xpress It and colored her with Copics.  I really liked the green and plum colors together.  It was kind of a different color combo for me.  All in all I liked the simplicity of this card and the way it turned out.

I'll be entering this card in a few challenges, which I will list below, with the supplies I used.  That's it for me tonight.  Thank you all for stopping by!

Challenges:
Crafty Time Challenges - Embellish It!
Inspiration Destination - Anything goes #58
Julia Spiri Challenge Blog - Anything goes # 5 - use something old (paper, ribbon)
Not Just Cards - Anything goes #26
Little Miss Muffet - Anything goes #124
Create and Inspire Challenge - Anything goes #33
Sisters of Craft - Anything goes - November


Supplies:
Stamps - MFT - Adventure is Calling
Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock - Copic Xpress It; Ki - patterned paper; Neenah 80lb crescent white; Recollections - Black
Copics - E000, 00, 11; R20; YG95, 97.99, 13; RV63, 66. 69; E53, 55, 57, 59; C1, 3, 5, 7; 100
Other - ribbon; CTMH - black sparkles; SSS - Stitched Rectangles die; various adhesives

Friday, November 6, 2015

Merry Little Eirwen

Hello everyone!  A quick post today to share a Christmas card I made with the image from ArtbyMiRan's Progressive Facebook Challenge.  Her name is Eirwen.  Isn't she adorable?


This is a 6x6 top fold card.  I inked up some cardstock with Sky ink from CTMH and then using the SSS stencil Falling Snow, created some falling snow in the background with embossing paste.  After that, I started layering in the die cuts.  The sentiment is from a CTMH set called Be Jolly.  I used the same Copics I colored Eirwen with to color in parts of the sentiment.  I used a couple of strips of  retired CTMH paper called Believe to pull in my colors.  I think I have used this Christmas paper more than any other.  I just love the cheerful colors.   

I'll be entering this one into a couple of challenges, which I will list below along with the supplies I used.  I'm not quite sure I'm done with this card..  The more I look the more I think it's missing something.  I may revisit it again.  I'll be sure to share if I do.  

That's it for me for today.  Thanks for stopping by!   

Challenges: 
Outlawz - Saturday Paper a la Mode - Anything goes
Crafty Time - Embellish it
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes #286
Inspiration Destination - Anything goes #58
Not Just Cards - Anything goes #26
Little Miss Muffet Challenges- Anything goes #124
Create and Inspire Challenge - Anything goes #33
Sisters of Craft - Anything goes

Supplies: 
Digital Image - ArtbyMiRan
Stamps - CTMH -Be Jolly
Inks - CTMH -Sky, Black
Cardstock - CTMH - White Daisy, Believe (retired); Copic Xpress It
Dies - SSS- Bundle of Stitched Shapes; Lawn Fawn - Stitched Hillside Borders; Darice - Everygreen Border; CTMH - scalloped border punch
Copics -  E000, 00, 11; R20; C0, 1, 3; R12, 14, 17, 24, 29; Yg13, 11, 17; B12, 14, 16
Other - SSS - Falling Snow Stencil; Studio 490 - embossing paste;  CTMH- red sparkles, Glitz Stardust (retired); 3d foam tape; various adhesives


Saturday, October 31, 2015

Pumpkin Patch Kid

Happy Halloween everyone!  I'm doing a little catch-up this weekend.  The end of this month certainly snuck up on me.  Where has this year gone?!?!  But in any case, back to the card business.  This month at Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge the image was from Gerda Steiner.


This is a 5x7 kraft card base.  I used the new Sangria paper from CTMH.  I really do love these colors.  I thought it went well with my little pumpkin boy.  I colored him with copics.  I also used the Fall Favorites (retired) stamp set from CTMH to stamp out a few leaves and acorns.  This was a very simple card.  I must admit, he was supposed to have clouds in the background, but my B0000 ran out of ink and no one local has it :(  But I still think he turned out cute. 

I'll be entering him into a few challenges, which I will list below, along with the supplies I used.  That's it for me tonight.  I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!

Challenges: 
Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge
Inkspirational Challenge - Cute Halloween or pumpkin/owl 
Craft Your Passion Challenges - Anything goes #285
One Sweet Challenge - Use Fall colors
Digidesigns Challenge - Use a pumpkin
Inspiration Destination - Anything goes #57
Julia Spiri Challenge - Use something old (retired stamp)
Create and Inspire - Anything goes #32

Supplies:   
Image - Digi stamp by Gerda Steiner
Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock - Copic Xpress It; CTMH - Sangria, Sunset, Olive, Pomegranate
Copics - E000, 00, 11, R20, 85, 56, 59, YG95, 97, 99, Y28, 26, W0, 3, YR16, 18, 68, E31, 35, 37
Other - Kraft card base, May Arts twine, CTMH- wooden button, 3d foam tape, various adhesives

Friday, October 30, 2015

Trick or Treat with Witch Hazel

Hello everyone!  A couple of weeks ago I was asked to be a guest designer on ArtbyMiran Challenge Blog. I wanted to share with you the card I made.  The image is a digi called Witch Hazel.  I thought she was adorable and quite fitting since tomorrow is Halloween. 

I had so much fun creating this little Halloween scene.  It has a lot of different elements in it.  I started by masking off a big circle in the middle of my cardstock and I free hand cut some masking paper for the bottom where my grass was going to be.  I used my daubers and various inks from Close to my Heart to get the sky background.  After unmasking, I went in with my Copics and put in my ground and some details on the moon.   I colored my Witch Hazel with Copics as well, and fussy cut her out.  I found a pumpkin stamp in the Fall Favorites (retired) stamp set from CTMH, stamped it, colored it, and then cut them out as well.   I wanted to add a little bit more to this card, so I found some  designs on my CTMH Artbooking Cricut cartridge.  I thought they worked perfectly.  The cat, fence, and bats are all on that one cartridge.   I found some scraps of vellum in my stash and free-hand cut some clouds.  I didn't want to cover anything up really, so using vellum worked out great.

After getting my background piece all together, I mounted it on a 5 x6.5 black card base.  I had found some old K&Co. Halloween paper that used for the accents on the side.  I stamped out my little Trick or Treat circle using a CTMH stamp set called Perfect Fit Halloween.   I added a little bow from some ribbon in my stash and, Voila!   The inside of the card has the verse, "When black cats prowl, and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween!"  I thought it fit perfectly. 

If you get a chance, do stop by and check out all the lovely creations at ArtbyMiRan.  There is always an "Anything Goes" challenge going on.  You have a chance to win some wonderful images by Mi Ran Jung.  You can find her on Etsy, too! 

I'm going to enter this card in a couple of challenges, which I will list below, along with the supplies I used.  Thank you so much for stopping by!

Happy Halloween!

Challenges:
Inkspirational Challenges - Cute Halloween #94
Simons Says Wednesday Challenge - Anything goes
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes #285
One Sweet Challenge - Fall colors or All Souls Day
Digidesigns Challenge - Include a pumpkin
Inspiration Destination - Anything goes #57
Not Just Cards - Anything goes #25
Create and Inspire - Anything goes #32

Supplies:
Image - ArtbyMiRan - Witch Hazel
Cardstock - Copic Xpress It; CTMH - Sunset; Recollections -Black; K&Co.; 40lb Vellum 
Stamps - CTMH - Fall Favorites, Perfect Fit - Halloween
Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Black Onyx; CTMH - Pear, Black, Gypsy, Moonstruck, Outdoor Denim
Copics - Witch Hazel -E000, 00, 11, R20, C3, 5, 7, 100, G20, YG03, 13, 17, V20,17, 09, Y21, E51, 53, 55, 57, 59; Pumpkins - YG03, 13, 17, Y18, YR16, 18, E53, 55, 57
Other - CTMH Artbooking Cricut Cartridge, 3d foam adhesive, ribbon, CTMH - purple sparkle

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Spring Chicken

Hello everyone!  Short post from me today.  I just wanted to share a card I had made for a friend of mine for her birthday using the SSS Birthday Farm Animals stamp set.


I just think these little farm animals are so cute. This is a top fold standard A2 card.  I used the cardstock from the September monthly card kit along with the stamp set from that kit called Birthday Bits. I stamped my balloons from the set and then masked some of them off as well as the circle I wanted to use as the scene to highlight my little chicken.  Using my daubers,  I lightly inked the circle with Buttercup and Lagoon inks from CTMH. I then colored in my balloons and my chicken with my copics.  After fussing cutting my chick out, I popped it up on some 3d tape.  The little border at the bottom is also from the SSS card kit stamp set and I colored it with the same colors from my balloons.

I loved all the bright colors in this card, and of course, the little Spring chicken.  I'll list all the colors I used below, along with some challenges I'll be entering this card into.

That's it for me today.  Thank you for stopping by!

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Wrap it Up - wrapped gift
ArtbyMiRan Challenge - Anything goes #43
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes #284
Inspiration Destination - Anything goes #56
Not Just Cards - Anything goes #25
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog - Anything goes #250
Addicted to Stamps -Make Your Mark #167
Create and Inspire - Anything goes #32


Supplies:
Stamps - SSS Birthday Farm Animals, Birthday Bits
Cardstock - CTMH- White Daisy; SSS- Doll Pink?
Inks - CTMH - Lagoon, Buttercup; Momento Tuxedo Black
Copics - RV02, 63, 66, Y13, 15, 18, Bg11, 13, 15, YR16, 18
Other -Eclipse Masking Paper; WeR Memory Keepers - Nesting Circle Die Set; 3d foam tape

Thursday, October 15, 2015

You Make Me Smile with All Dressed Up

Hello everyone!  Today, I have a special post.  I was asked to be a Guest Designer over at the All Dressed Up Challenge Blog.  I am very flattered and excited.  If you haven't stopped by over there, it's certainly worth the trip.  The images are so sweet and there are tons of inspiration.


For my card, I'm using Fly Away Butterfly, which is a new release as of last month.  This digital stamp comes with it's own sentiment, but I left it off this time so I could use a stamped sentiment that I had in mind. 



This is a 6x6 top fold card on a White Daisy card base.  I used the new CTMH paper pack Kaleidoscope.  Yes, this is the same paper from the last two cards..lol.  I'm in love with that color- fading striped patterned paper in this pack.  I really just love the colors.   After she was colored, I tossed around the idea of what to do for a background.  I ended up using these tiny little sequins I have had from SSS.  They add just a little sparkle to the card.  I stamped my tag and sentiment out and heat embossed it on vellum.  I used the coordinating die to cut it out.  I die cut the sentiment from scrap paper using the SSS Smile Circle die.  I simply cut off the "circle" so I could just use the "smile."

I'll be entering this one into a few challenges, which I will list below, along with the supplies I used.

That's it for me today.  Thank you all for stopping by.  Be sure to stop in on the All Dressed Up Challenge Blog.  Join in their challenge.  If you don't have an ADU image to play along, they have some freebies on their site.  Remember my cute little dog and his balloon, and butterfly?  That is one of the free images.  Check it out! 


Challenges:
Artbymiran - Anything goes #42
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes # 283
Julia Spiri Challenge Blog - Anything goes #4 - die cuts and punches
Inspiration Destination - Anything goes #55
Not Just Cards - Anything goes #25
Little Miss Muffet Challenges- Anything goes #122
Create and Inspire Challenges - Anything goes #31



Supplies:
Digital Image - All Dressed Up - Fly Away Butterfly
Stamps - SSS - Tag Sayings, Happy and Smile
Paper - CTMH - White Daisy, Kaleidoscope; vellum
Copics - E000, 00, 11, R20,
              E51, 53, 55, 57,
              BV0000, 000, 01, 13,
              V000, R81, 83, 85
              Y00, 18, 21
              G20, 24, YG17
Dies - SSS - Medium Tag die set, Smile Circle
Other - SSS - White Iris mini sequins; Recollections - rose; ribbon; Ranger - White embossing powder; Multi Matte Medium, various adhesives

Sunday, October 11, 2015

A Clown for You

Hello everyone!  Just a quick post from me this Sunday morning.  I wanted to share with you a card I made with the digital image A Clown for You from artist Katerina Koukiotis.  It is this month's image for the Sweet Pea Stamps Progressive Facebook Challenge.



This is a 5x7 card on a White Daisy cardstock base. The patterned papers are from the new CTMH paper pack Kaleidoscope.   I absolutely love this paper pack.  You will definitely be seeing more of this paper pack.  I colored my little clown with Copics.  I felt like he needed something, so I used my SSS Balloons die set and cut out a little balloon from the same Xpress It paper and colored it with Copics as well.  I coated it and highlighted his hair with Wink of Stella.  When I got through with the card I just thought he needed something else... a clown nose!  I colored a little piece of scrap Xpress It and then used a tiny hole punch to make a little circle for his nose.  After attaching it, I used a small dot of glossy accents to give it a little dimension and shine.  

I'll be entering this card in a few challenges, which I will list below, along the supplies I used.

That's it for me this morning  Thanks for stopping by! 

Challenges:
Whimsy Stamps - Anything goes #86
Craft Your Passion Challenges - Anything goes #282
Inspiration Destination - Anything goes #54
Julia Spiri Challenge Blog - Anything goes #3
Not Just Cards - Anything goes #25
Little Miss Muffet Challenges - Anything goes #122
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Anything goes #248

Supplies: 
Digital Image - A Clown for You/Katerina Koukiotis - SweetPeaStamps.com
Stamps - SSS- Birthday Messages
Paper - CTMH-White Daisy, Gypsy, Pear, Kaleidoscope; Copic Xpress It
Copics - E000, 00, 11, R20;  R81, 83, 85; B12, 14; BV0000, 000, 01, 13; G40, 43, 46; Y11, 13, 15, 18; C0, 1, 3; B0000
Other - SSS-Balloon die set; Lawn Fawn - 6 Hearts die set; CTMH- Baker's Twine; glossy accents, Wink of Stella; various adhesives





Thursday, October 1, 2015

Whimsical Hydrangea Sprite

Hello everyone!  The monthly progressive facebook challenge over at Sweet Pea Fans and Friends page is almost to a close for part I.  I wanted to make sure I got my entry in.  I chose this cute little sprite from Mitzi Sato-Wiuff.  She has done several of these sprites and honestly, I want them all..lol.  You can find them over at Sweet Pea Stamps in both digital and red rubber stamps.  Mine are rubber stamps.  And I ordered several of them, so you will be seeing more of these in the future :)


This is a 5x7 card.  I stamped the image on Distress Watercolor Paper.  She's colored with a combination of distress markers and Prima watercolor pencils.  The patterned papers are from the new Kaleidoscope paper pack from Close to My Heart.   The top half of the card front is embossed with the Floral Embossing Folder from CTMH.   The sentiment is from the Casual Expressions stamp set from CTMH.    I used my We R Memory Keepers circle die set (best investment..ever...21 nesting circles) and then punched some little hydrangea blossoms with my MS punch from the purple cardstock from my stash.  I added a bow and some sparkles and that was it.  Oh, and of course, some Wink of Stella ;)

I'll be posting this card to a few challenges, which I will be sure to list below.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Challenges: 

Sweet Pea Progressive Facebook Challenge
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes #281
Julia Spiri Challenge - Anything goes #3 - Add some bling  (sparkles and wink of stella)
Not Just Cards - Anything goes #24 
Little Miss Muffet Challenges - Bingo #121 - glitter, ribbon, patterned paper
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - Anything goes #247
Create and Inspire Challenge - Anything goes #30





Tuesday, September 29, 2015

No Line Bovine

Hello everyone!  I told you I would be back to share with you my attempt at no line water color painting.  On Day 2 of the OCC Watercolor for Card Maker's class, Kristina Werner did the cutest little card in several mediums using the no-line technique.  She made it look so easy.  Well, it's not..lol. I decided to try it with pan watercolors. I think that was my first mistake.  But that's what a class is all about, learning.
 

I found this cute little stamp from Stampendous, called Cowlik Butterfly, on the sale rack at Michael's.  He looked lonely, so I had to bring him home with me :) I stamped him on Distress Watercolor Cardstock with Antique Linen distress ink.   I think what tripped me up the most is I really couldn't see the lines.  I used my new watercolors from CTMH to color him (or maybe her).  The clouds in the background were just drawn in as I went.  The sentiment is from the A Thousand Thanks set from CTMH.  It's the same set I used on my watercolor block card from a few posts back.  It's a great set.   I just free-handed the little heart in there.  

I almost gave up on him, but decided to see it through.  This technique is definitely one I need to practice on.  Maybe next time I'll use a less detailed stamp.  I did like the scene and the card design, so I stamped him again.  This time I left the lines and used my Prima watercolor pencils. 

 I tried to do it exactly the same way.  There are some things I like about the first one better, but the coloring is certainly better in the second one.  Next time, and I'm sure I'll try this at least one more time, I think I will color him with my Copics :)

That's it for me.  I'll be posting one of these in a couple of challenges, which I will list below, along with the supplies I used.    Thanks for stopping by!

P.S.  I apologize for my photos here of late.  Something is off with the settings in my camera and I'm not sure what it is.  Certainly, it's not the user, so it must be the camera :)  Bear with me!  Thanks!

Challenges:  

Simon Wednesday Challenge - No designer paper
Cute Card Thursday - #392 Things with wings 
Crafty Friends - #15 Pick a tune - Old McDonald Had a Farm

Supplies: 

Stamps - Stampendous - Cowlik Butterfly; CTMH - A Thousand Thanks
Inks - Versafine Black Onyx
Paint - CTMH - watercolor paints; Prima - watercolor pencils
Cardstock - CTMH - White Daisy, watercolor paper; Distress Watercolor Cardstock; black 
Other - Pretty Pink Posh - Stitched Borders die set; adhesives


 

Monday, September 28, 2015

TuTu Cuties

Hello everyone!  Happy Monday!  I'm back today to share with you a couple of cards I made while trying out some techniques from the OCC Watercolor for Cardmakers class.  These two cards were colored with two different mediums.  I also incorporated the make your own background with shapes from Day 1 on one of the cards, with the help of a stencil this time.

Isn't this just the cutest little stamp set?  It's in the new CTMH Annual Inspirations book.  It was love at first sight!   I'll start with the one on the right because we used markers on Day 1. 

    

The stamp set is Safari Ballet.  I stamped them both on CTMH watercolor cardstock (which is also new this year) with Versfine Black Onyx ink.  This paper is not like the typical watercolor papers.  It's a little lighter than what I normally use and much smoother.  It feels more like Bristol.  It does make stamping very easy.  The card above is colored with my Zig Clean Color Brush Markers.  These colors are so vibrant.  I'm still learning with these for sure. 

The card below is colored with my CTMH watercolor pencils.  I have several sets of watercolor pencils.  When I am using CTMH papers, I definitely grab these because they have coordinating colors in the set.  My little hippo is stamped the same way on the same paper.  The background on this one was created using the SSS Harlequin stencil.  I simply traced the outline of the stencil opening and colored them slightly with Hydrangea and Bubblegum.  I used the water to move the color around to try to fade them into one another.  I thought it turned out quite cute.  You will probably see that background technique again in the future.  It was simple, quick, and fun.
  

I'll try to post all the goodies I used to make these below, along with a couple of challenges I'll be posting these cuties to.  I'll be posting my attempt, and I do mean attempt, at no line watercoloring soon, so be sure to stop back by.  Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges:

Simon Wednesday Challenge - No designer paper
Not Just Cards - #24 Anything goes
Craft Your Passion Challenges - #281 Anything goes
Julia Spiri Challenge Blog - #2 Anything goes - girlie

Supplies:

Stamps - CTMH- Safari Ballet; Hero Arts - dotted background
Inks - Versafine Black Onyx; Zig Real Color Brush Markers; CTMH- watercolor pencils
Cardstock - CTMH - watercolor paper, White Daisy, Pixie, Gypsy; black and pink from stash
Other - SSS - Harlequin Stencil; Kuretake - water brush; baker's twine, fun foam, adhesives, Wink of Stella clear glitter pen
 

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Watercolor Shapes Background

Hello all!  I hope everyone has had a good weekend.  Just a quick post from me tonight.  I'm still playing catch up on the OCC Watercolor for Card Makers class.  Kristina Werner made a card using markers and basic shapes as a background.  I thought I would give it a try.  I used my distress markers and just made rectangular shapes to fill the page.  I didn't use a ruler or line anything up, I just went for it.  I think it turned out ok.

It's kind of a neat effect for a background.  It was certainly a simple card to do. I used Distress Watercolor Cardstock.   After drawing all my rectangles, I cut it down to fit on the card front with just enough room to let the black cardstock peek around the edges.  The sentiment is from CTMH from the new A Thousand Thanks stamp set.  It's actually an open lettered sentiment.  I used a black marker to fill it in to give the bold, modern look.  With all the lines and corners I felt like it needed something to soften it, so I added a little baker's twine bow. 

I'll be posting this card to a few challenges, which I will list below.  Along with the colors of the markers I used. That's it for me tonight.   I have been a card making fool today, so I'll be posting a few more cards from the class in the near future.   Thanks for stopping by! 

Challenges:

Simon Wednesday Challenge -   No designer paper
Inspiration Destination - #52 Anything goes
Not Just Cards - #24 Anything goes

Supplies:

Cardstock - Distress Watercolor Paper, CTMH- White Daisy, Black
Stamps - CTMH- A Thousand Thanks
Inks - Versamark- Black Onyx; Distress Markers - Fades Jeans, Dried Marigold, Peacock Feathers, Barn Door, Seedless Preserves, Mustard Seed
Other - bakers twine, various adhesives

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Watercolor Butterfly

Hello everyone!  Happy Saturday!  I wanted to share with you today a card I made for my OCC watercolor class I was enrolled in.  Online Card Classes (love their classes!) had a Watercolor for Cardmakers: Exploring Mediums class on 9/21.  It was a very short class, so naturally, I'm way behind.   Watercolor has never been my forte.  The class may have been short, but very informative. 

On the first day, Jennifer McGuire explored the world of watercolor markers.  She used watercolor markers to color in an image she had stamped and heat embossed.  Then created a background for her image with the markers as well.   The card below was my attempt at this technique.  Which I might add, I enjoyed and will be trying again.


This stamp is a wood mounted stamp from Hero Arts. I have always loved it and don't use it near enough.  It's a little larger than some, so I went with a 6x6 card for this one.  The embossing powder is Liquid Platinum from Ranger.  It, too, is one of my favorites.   I used my Zig Clear Color Real Brush markers to color it in.  I put it right on the paper and then used a waterbrush to spread the color.  With these markers, a little goes a long way.   The colors are vibrant.  I only used three colors.  For the background, I scribbled the colors onto an acrylic block, diluted with water, and then added to my paper.  It's much more subtle and a little bit hard to see in the picture.  But it's there!  I kept it simple with no embellishments to really make my butterfly pop. I am definitely going to have to try more with this butterfly.  

I'm going to post this one in a couple of challenges which I will list below. That's it for me today. I'm off to be domesticated and do other boring things that don't include coloring :(   Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges: 

Craft Your Passion Challenge - Anything goes #280
Inspiration Destination - Anything goes #52
Cute Card Thursday - Things with Wings #392
Not Just Cards - Anything goes #24
Create and Inspire Challenge - Anything Goes #30

Supplies: 

Stamps - Hero Arts Butterfly; CTMH - A Friend Like You
Ink - Versamark
Paper - Tim Holtz Watercolor Paper; Strathmore 140# cold press; cardstock from stash
Markers - Zig Clean Color Real Brush - Blue, Cobalt Blue, Light Violet
Other - Ranger Liquid Platinum embossing powder, fun foam, adhesives


Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Friendship Fairy

Hello everyone!  A quick post from me tonight.  I have a card I wanted to share with you.  This is one of the images I won previously in the ArtbyMiran challenge. Her name is Flutterby.  It just so happens that  on the ArtbyMiran facebook page the Anything Goes challenge this month has an optional twist of Things with Wings.  You all know I have a soft spot for things with wings. 


I printed her a little smaller than I normally do in hopes that she would fit comfortably on a standard A2 card.  And she did.  But I find when I print them small, it's hard to maneuver the Copics to color.  I chose to color this one with my Prismacolors.  The sentiment is from a Fiskars set I have had forever.  The papers were from my stash, and scraps to boot. 

I'll be posting her in a couple of challenges, which I will list below.  That's it for me tonight.  Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges:

ArtbyMiRan Facebook - Anything Goes - Things with Wings
ArtbyMiRan - #41 Anything Goes
Inspiration Destination - #52 Anything Goes
Cute Card Thursday - #392 Things with Wings
Not Just Cards - #24 Anything Goes




Monday, September 14, 2015

Flower Diva Adonica

Happy Monday everyone! I'm here to share with you a card I made with the new image from Mi Ran Jung called Flower Diva Adonica.  This is the image for the progressive Facebook challenge this month.  This will be my third month and I have loved all the images.


The patterned paper is from an old SSS Card Kit of the month.  The colors are so deep and rich.  And they had snowflakes.  Since it looked to me like she was in falling snow with her little stole on, I thought it worked well.  There's not too much in the way of embellishments on this card in hopes that the pretty roses in the picture would stand out.  I had to add a couple of sparkles, because, well, everything needs to sparkle a little ;)  I used  a little Wink of Stella on the falling snow, too,  although you can't really tell from this picture. 

I'll be entering her into a couple of challenges, which I will list below, along with the supply list.  I hope everyone has a lovely week.  Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges: 

Artbymiran - Anything goes #40
Craft Your Passion - Anything goes #279
Not Just Cards - Anything goes #24
Little Miss Muffet - Anything goes #120
Create and Inspire - Anything goes #29

Supplies: 

Digital Image- ArtbyMiran 
Stamps - CTMH -Perfect Fit-Holidays
Cardstock - CTMH- White Daisy, Sapphire
Inks - CTMH- Outdoor Denim
Dies - SSS-Kate snowflake, Maryann snowflake
Lots of Copics - E000, E00, E11, R20, E70, E74, E79, BV01, BV09, BV13, B26, B12, B0000, BV00
W0, W3, BG10, BG72, BG75, V000, RV63, V01, E42
Other - CTMH- pins;  sparkles, Martha Stewart- snowflake border punch; Wink of Stella, fun foam, ribbon, adhesives

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Cute Just Got Cuter - Again!

Hello everyone!  A week or so back I made a card with an adorable image from All Dressed Up.  It was the little dog and his lost, red balloon.    I always print my image out more than once, just in case, and this time was no exception.  So, I thought I would share this card with you that was also made with this little cutie.


 
This is a standard size A2 top-fold horizontal card. I printed the little guy out on Xpress It paper and colored him with my Copics.  The papers I used for this card are from the new paper pack from Close to My Heart called Zoe.  These are very versatile papers and very pretty.  The sentiment is from the Friendly Pets stamp set from CTMH and is stamped in Cocoa ink.  Originally, I had punched out a butterfly for him to befriend, but it felt a little flat for me. I searched my stamps and found this little butterfly from an old retired Pemberly WotG tamp set from CTMH.  I got it stamped up and colored with my Copics and liked it much better. 

Needless to say, I think I am in love with this little guy.  Did I mention he was free, too?  You can get him at the All Dressed Up website.  They also have a darling little ballerina, which I plan on doing in the near future. 

I have a few challenges I plan on entering this little fellow into.  I'll be sure to list them all below along with my list of supplies.  If you like these papers, you should come check out the rest of the new goodies from Close to My Heart by clicking here.  The new Annual Inspirations book has gone live as of September 1st.  Stop by my site and check it out!

That's it for me tonight.  I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges: 

All Dressed Up - #40 Anything goes
All Dressed Up Facebook Challenge - September - Anything goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Use a stamp
Craft Your Passion - #278 Anything goes
Inspiration Destination - #50 Anything goes
Not Just Cards - #24 Anything goes
ArtbyMiran - #40 Anything goes
Little Miss Muffet - #120 Anything goes
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - #244 Anything goes
Create and Inspire Challenge - #29 Anything goes


Supplies:
Image - All Dressed Up
Cardstock - Copic Xpress It; CTMH: Zoe paper pack, Glacier
Ink - CTMH:  Cocoa;  Memento Tuxedo Black
Copics - W0, W3, E70, E74, R12, R000, R22, R17, B000
Other -  fun foam, various adhesives


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

How Do I Look?

Happy Tuesday everyone!   I have a quick post to share a card with you tonight.  This one was made using the image How Do I Look? from Gabriella Szabo.     This image was for the second part of the progressive challenge at Sweet Pea Stamps Facebook page. 


This is a 5x7 card.  I printed her out to be roughly 3x5.  I was afraid if I did it any smaller I wouldn't be able to color the details in the picture.  And because there were so many, I ended up choosing to do her with my Prismacolor pencils instead of Copics or watercolors.  When I finished with her I added some Wink of Stella to her wings and some glossy accents to the few dew drops that were in the picture.  I knew I couldn't color them to look like water, so I just coated them with glossy accents and that did the trick.  It's hard to tell from this picture, but they are there!   This image had a lot going on within it, so I decided to go with a simple frame on a white background.  The card face is embossed with the Floral Embossing folder from CTMH.  Absolutely love these large embossing folders.  Definitely worth a try if you haven't yet. 

I have a few challenges I am going to post her in, which I will list below, along with the supplies I used.  Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges:  

Outlawz - Paper a la Mode - Anything goes
Craft Your Passion - #278 Anything goes
Inspiration Destination - #49 Anything goes 

Supplies: 

Image - Sweet Pea Stamps Digital - How Do I Look?
Cardstock - CMTH-White Daisy, Black
Dies - SB - Labels 8
Color - Berol Prismacolor Pencils
Other - CTMH - Floral Embossing Folder; Glossy Accents; Wink of Stella; Fun Foam;

Monday, September 7, 2015

Flower Child #4

Happy Labor Day everyone!  I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday today.  Ours was spent quietly at home.  Totally uneventful, just the way I like it!  I have a couple of monthly progressive challenges that I participate in and I have a card for one of those this evening.  This month at Outlawz Progressive Challenge was an image from Nicecrane called Flower Child #4.  I have really started to love these progressive challenges that give you the image to work with.  A lot of the time, it would not be an image that I would have normally chosen, so it makes me think outside my comfort zone.   This image had a real vintage feel, which I tend to struggle with, but I think I liked the way she turned out.


 I got a couple of new die sets that I used on this card.  One was from ArtC.  It had pieces for you to build over 16 shapes/frames.  I guess a modular die set.  I was intrigued, so I bought it.  It's a little cumbersome to work with, but I like the way it turned out.  My image is cut from the next to the largest you can make with the set.  That I have figured out anyway.   I had to build my frame  with the aid of some paper tape to hold it together so I could turn it onto my image.  I was surprised at how smoothly it cut.  I'll have to do some more experimenting with this set, but so far I like it.  

The other die set is from the Spellbinders card creator series, A2 Bracket Borders One.  Oh my goodness, how pretty this set is.  It's very intricate and elegant.  I used mine with wax paper to make sure all my pieces fell out easily and they did.  It's hard to see how pretty this set is because it's mostly covered on this card, but I will have to experiment and showcase this set in the future.  

The other two die sets used on this card, Curvy Leaves (Elizabeth Craft) and Rose Creations (Spellbinder), are two of my most used flowers and leaves.  I love the Rose Creations because they are rose like in shape, but flat.  I cut them here from Xpress it paper and used the same color Copics I used on my image to give them some color and dimension. 

I printed out and colored up two of these images.  They are colored differently.  I'll be sure to share with you the other when I get her together on a card. This card was a little more involved than my usual, but I think she was worth the effort.  I'll list all the supplies below.  I'll be entering her in a few challenges, too, which I will also list below.  

I wish everyone a wonderful week.  Thanks for stopping by! 

Challenges: 

ArtbyMiran Challenge Blog - #40 Anything goes
Time Out Challenge - #39 Make your mark
Craft Your Passion Challenge - #278 Anything goes
Not Just Cards - #24 Anything goes 
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog - #243 Use a sentiment 
Julia Spiri Challenge Blog - #1 Anything goes - use something new

Supplies: 

Image- Nicecrane
Stamps - CTMH- Framed
Inks - CTMH - Cocoa; Distress Ink - Antique Linen
Dies - SB - Rose Creations, A2 Brackets Border One; ArtC - Frames; Elizabeth Craft - Curvy Leaves
Cardstock - CTMH  - Lagoon, Cocoa, White Daisy; Copic Xpress it
Papers - Bo Bunny - Gabrielle Collection 6x6
Copics - Skin - E000, 00, 11, R20; Petals - E93, 95, 97, 99, YR61; Leaves - BG13, 15, 49; Hair/Shoes - E55, 57; other W0
Other - CTMH - Gold Bling Gems, all kinds of adhesives
               



Saturday, August 29, 2015

Bella's Roses

Hello everyone!  Just a quick post from me tonight to share a card I made using another one of Conie Fong's adorable images, Dozen Roses.   I can only assume that this is the same little bear named Bella from an earlier post called Bella's Heart.  This image is available at SweetPeaStamps.com as a digital stamp, although I used the rubber stamp version.



Bella with the heart I had colored with Copics, this little cutie I colored with distress markers.  She is probably the best example of my experience with distress markers..lol.  I love the way she turned out.   She's kind of a bigger image (which I love for coloring) so I went with a 6x6 card size.   I'll be sure to list all the supplies below. 

Sweet Pea Stamps has a facebook fan page that has a progressive challenge.  Their newest one is about a week in.  I'll be adding this card over there and a couple of more challenges which I will list below.  

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!  Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges: 

DigiDesigns Challenge Blog - Include a sentiment
Stamp and Create - One for the girls
Not Just Cards - Anything goes

Supplies: 

Stamps - Conie Fong's Dozen Roses; CTMH - Framed stamp set
Cardstock - Distress Watercolor Paper, CTMH - Blush, Olive, White Daisy; Basic Grey - True Love 6x6 chevron paper
Inks - Stazon- black; CTMH - black; Ranger - Distress Watercolor Markers
Dies - Elizabeth Craft - Curvy Leaves
Other -  CTMH - ribbon (retired), Recollections - roses; pearls from my stash, various adhesives