Stampsmith Bling

Hi Everyone,
Happy  Sunday!  Another super hot weekend here in Michigan.  Whew!!  I thought I would cool things down with some jewel tone colors today.  I have a card for you today made with The Stampsmith stamp "Bling".  This is available as an individual stamp here.  I stamped the image with black dye ink on glossy white CS.

I used jewel tone papers.  The dark wine paper is Rich Razzleberry from Stampin' Up.  The plum CS and DP are from DCWV.  I matted the image with black CS.

For more pizzazz, I add some red rhinestones and a bright red ribbon.


Stampsmith Bling is also entered in:
Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge: Anything goes.


And speaking of Challenges, stop back tomorrow for the new Stampsmith Challenge.  I will give you a hint.....it is a color challenge picked by me.    
Okay, hope you are having a great weekend and see you tomorrow for the new challenge.  Love ya.
Karen

Publishing Update July 2001

Hi!
Just a quick post to update my published work.  I have a card in the August 2011 issue of Vamp Stamp News   I used stamps from  Blockheads Paper Arts.

Have a great day.  Love ya.
Karen

Pegasus in Flight Gold Embossed Card

Hi Everyone!
I am getting excited about the upcoming Heirloom Stamping Show August 6 & 7 in Novi, Michigan.  I will be there with bells on!!  LOL.  Can't wait to check out some NEW things.  I think I will pick up a few Copics.  And, of course some stamps.
Well, back to business.  Today I have a Third Coast Creative Coterie Design Team project for you.   I used a Third Coast stamp called Pegasus Flight.  This is a gorgeous image with lots and lots of detail.  I just felt that gold was the color of choice  for this image.

 

Card Size: 6” x 5 ¾”

Materials:

1. Stamps: Pegasus Flight – Third Coast Rubber Stamps: Dots from Stampin’ Up.  
2. Card Stock: Metallic Bronze from DCWV; Sparkly Gold from Kreaztions; Basic Black from Stampin’ Up; Cream from The Paper Company.
3. Ink: Emboss It from Ranger; Galaxy Gold Brilliance from Tsukineko.
4. Embellishments: Gold Stickles from Ranger; Gold Organdy Ribbon from Ribbon Trends.
5. Other: Gold Super fine Embossing Powder from Ranger.  Edge Punch from Martha Stewart.

Instructions:

Make card from Cream CS and completely cover the card front with Sparkly Gold CS.  Layer the card with Metallic Bronze CS.  Cut a piece of Black CS and stamp Pegasus in Emboss It ink; heat emboss with Gold embossing powder.  Stamp Dots all around Pegasus with Galaxy Gold ink.  Cut two strips of Sparkly Gold CS and punch one long edge of each.  Glue the punched strips to the top and bottom of the stamped Black CS piece.  Add this piece to the card front.  Tie the Ribbon around the card in bow.  Add Gold Stickles to some of the stamped dots.


Here is a detail photo.

And, of course I had to decorate the inside of this card.  Here is a look at the inside.

That sentiment is from Blockheads Paper Arts.  Pegasus was stamped with gold ink   The strip on the bottom is made the same way as the punched edges on the front.

How about a few Challenges for Gold Pegasus!!
Simon Says Stamp and Show: Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon: heat embossing
Paper Craft Star: Anything goes


Well, that's it for me today.  Have a great day!  Love ya.
Karen

CAS Card Set With Blockhead Stamps

Note: 
Check out my card on the Vamp Stamp News August Gallery.  The card features the  Chinese Princess stamp from Blockheads.

Hi Everyone,
Hope you have had a great weekend.  I am continuing to be a CAS (clean and simple) mood.  I wanted to show you that you can use Blockheads' "art " stamps for your CAS  cards.  I made a set of cards using Flowers: Full Sheet.  I used the Large Tulip image.  The flower stamps are also available as singles.  All of the sentiments are from the Verses: Special Delivery Half Sheet.

I wanted to make a set of cards and vary the colors for each one.  I stamped them all on White CS in the normal CAS fashion.  I stamped the image with Jet Black Stazon ink.  The technique used to color the images is: Markers applied with a Blending Pen.  I scribbled the marker on a clear acrylic block.  Then pick up the marker ink with the blending pen and color in the image with the blending pen.  I like this technique because it gives you a more transparent and shaded look compared to coloring straight on the paper with the marker.  Here is the first example

This was colored with purple and green  markers.  The card base is made from a dark plum CS and I added a gingham ribbon.  Here is a close up.  See what I mean about this coloring tech.  The flowers and leaves are nicely shaded.

The second example uses blue- greens, and peach- rose colors.

I layered with Mossy green and Navy CS and added a peachy pink ribbon.  Here is a close up.

I also did a darker green and red version.

And a yellow version.

Don't be afraid to try your "Art" stamps on your CAS projects.  They work great as you can see.

Have a great day and don't forget to get some stamping done.  Love ya.
Karen

Fun Sewing Themed Card

Hi Everyone,
Hope you are having a great weekend!  Hot here!  I have  a Sewing Themed card for you today.  I pulled out one of my Lawn Fawn sets for this card.  I went very whimsical and created this Sewing Room.

I used some Stampin' Up DP to simulate the wallpaper and floor.  I stamped the squiggles and flowers (in the So Lovely stamp set Lawn Fawn) with Mellow Moss ink (SU).  I layered with Perfect Plum and Cameo Coral CS (SU).   I stamped the images (Lawn Fawn) and colored with Copics.  The images were cut out and glued to the background.  I made the table by punching two ovals with a Marvy punch.  I cut strips for the legs.  I drew the drawers on the front of the table with a Sharpie fine point marker.   The sentiment was stamped with black Stazon.

My Sewing Room is entered in the following Challenges:
Lawnscaping: make a scene
Art Impressions: stitching -real or faux
Sweet Stampin Challenge: Fashion-where does fashion begin but in the sewing room.


Try to stay cool.  I had to go out and do some grocery shopping.  But, now I am back in the air conditioning.  Enjoy your weekend  and set aside some time for stamping.  Love ya.
Karen

CAS Flower Note Card

Hi and Happy Friday!
I am in a CAS  (Clean and Simple) mood today.  I made this small note card using stamps from The Stamps of Life.  I am still in my aqua zone too.  I just love that color lately.  Here is my note card (3 3/4 x 3 3/4").

The image was stamped with black dye ink and colored with Copics.  Cs: Pool Party and Wisteria Wonder (Stampin' Up).  I used a Spellbinder's die to cut the circles.

I added a sheer blue ribbon to finish off the note card.  Here is a peek at the inside.

I saved the piece left over from using the die cut and used it for the inside.  (Never throw those out.)

Challenges for my CAS Flower Note Card:
Wee Memories: CAS
ICopic: Pastels


So, just a quick post for a Friday night.  Hope you have a great weekend.  Love ya.
Karen

Impression Obsession Challenge-Forget Me Not

Hi Everyone!
Impression Obsession is hosting another challenge today as well as giving us some sneak peeks of their new releases.  For this challenge you can only use IO stamps.  I used three different IO stamps on my project.

Flourishes Cover a Card- CC027
Leafy Tag- C8173
Forget Me Not-C4394


I decided to do up an envelop for this card too.  I only had a plain white one and wanted to add some interest to it.  So, here is the card and the envelop.

I started out by making the card base from aqua CS.  I added a layer of Always Artichoke CS (Stampin' Up).  I cut another piece of the aqua CS and Stamped the tags with Always Artichoke pigment ink and heat embossed with clear powder.  Then I stamped the cover a card with Robin's Egg pigment ink (Color Box).  and heat embossed.

I stamped another tag the same way adding the cover a card stamp and layered it.    I stamped Forget Me Not on Blush Blossom CS (SU) with Always Artichoke pigment and heat embossed.  This was cut out.  The tag and heart were added with dimensional squares.

And, as always, I just can't leave the inside blank.  Here is a peek at the inside.  I have room to write a nice note.

Some other Super Fun Challenges:
Victorine Originals: Bling
Crafty Creations: seeing double
Paper Pretties: embossing 


That's it for me today.   Next time, I will be sharing some more of the All occasion cards.  I hope you are enjoying those.  Have a great day!  Love ya.
Karen

Waterfall Card

Hi Everyone,
Today's project is a Waterfall card.  Remember this technique?  I have been wanting to try this for quite a while.  I picked up this cute stamp set from Hero Arts and thought it would be perfect for a waterfall card.  If you have been following along with me you know that I have been posting the all occasion cards I made for my friend (35 in all).  This is another of those cards.  This one was really special to her because her family is Ukrainian and the stacking dolls are a very popular theme in Ukrainian art.  She has this card earmarked for her aunt.

 I used the pattern available on Split Coast Stampers in their Resources tab.  All papers and CS(Apricot Appeal) are from Stampin' Up.  The stamp used to make the background is also from Stampin' Up.  The sentiment is from My Sentiments Exactly.  Now here is my tip for making this waterfall stay together.  Don't use a tape runner.  It will fall apart.  I used a strong glue stick (Extra Strong Embellishment Glue Stick) made by Pioneer (my favorite adhesive!!).  Glue your layers together with the Pioneer and you will be happy.  This is what the card looks like as you pull down on the tab.

A few Fun challenges for my Stacking Dolls Waterfall Card:
Anything Goes: More that one fold
My Time To Craft: Citrus colors
Shopping Our Stash: an Old Technique- I used the waterfall card technique
Top Tip Tuesday: shaped cards-waterfall shape with a tip on adhesive

Hope you enjoyed my waterfall card.  Still super hot temperatures her in Michigan today.  I am just hanging out inside with the air conditioning on.  I might go and do a little stamping now.  Have a great day.  Love ya.
Karen

Reflection Stamping with Third Coast Rubber Stamps

Hello and Happy Tuesday,
Hope you are having a great week.  My week is good so far.  It is very, very hot here in Michigan.  90 degrees+(Fahrenheit).  I am enjoying the air conditioning.  Good time to make cards.  Yes indeed!  I have a Design Team card for you today.  Again I am using the  Doireann Dances stamp from Third Coast Rubber Stamps.   I used the reflection stamping technique to make a mirror image.  I created a "mirror" from die cuts and decorative paper.

My thinking behind this card was that the lovely lady was preparing for the ball.  She is gazing at her image and imagining how she will look in the ballroom.  I used the striped DP because it reminded me of wallpaper that would be in a lady's boudoir.

Materials:

1. Stamps: Dorian Dances – Third Coast Rubber Stamps.  
2. Card Stock: Medium Blue from DCWV; Glossy White; Bordering Blue and Basic Black from Stampin’ Up.
3. Decorative Paper: Stripe and Light Pink from DCWV.
4. Ink: Jet Black from Stazon; Tuxedo Black (ME-900) from Memento.  Perfect Plumeria from Versa Magic.
5. Embellishments: Silver Pearls; Pink Tulle.
6. Other: Stamp-a-ma-jig Plastic Sheet from EK Success; Watercolor Crayons from Stampin’ Up; Beaded Ovals (S4-294) Spellbinders Nestibilities; Oval die cut- Frame Scallop Oval (654638) Sizzix; Distressing Tool from Ranger; Zots Clear Adhesive.

Instructions:

Make card from Medium Blue CS.  Layer with a piece of Bordering Blue CS cut slightly smaller.  Stamp first image on glossy white CS and color with Watercolor Crayons blending crayons with finger.  Cut out this image.  To edges, add the Perfect Pulmeria ink with distressing tool. 

To make the Mirror Reflection: Using the clear plastic sheet that comes with Stamp-a-ma-jig, stamp the image on the plastic sheet with Tuxedo Black dye ink.  Flip the sheet of plastic over (inked side will be facing down) and press onto the Light Pink DP. 

Die Cut Beaded Oval from stamped Light Pink DP (distress lightly with Perfect Pulmeria ink) and a smooth oval from Black CS. Layer and glue together.  Cut a piece of Black CS slightly smaller than Bordering Blue layer and add a layer of the Striped DP to it; add the “mirror” to the left side of this piece.  Wrap a strip of tulle around this piece and glue to card front.  Now add the original stamped image over the tulle on the right side of card.  Add the Silver pearls.  

I also decorated the inside and here is what that looks like.  There is still plenty of room to write a note.

Check out the Third Coast Rubber Stamps Design blog for more inspiration!!




I am also entering "Reflection" in the SIMON SAYS STAMP AND SHOW Challenge: show some embossing- I used just a touch of dry embossing on the mirror's frame.

Well, I have to get going.  I have a stack of accounting work to do today.  But, that is fun too.  I hope you have a super day and take some time to do something you enjoy.  Speaking of enjoying, I think I will go make a pot of yummy coffee.  Love ya.
Karen

Happy Mail Cutesy Card

Hi All,
I am popping in today to share a cute card I made using stamps from My Favorite Things.  This was one of the large group of all occasion cards I made for my friend.

The image was colored and I cut this and a yellow layer with a Spellbinders die.  I added a dry embossed piece of Certainly Celery CS (Stampin' Up).  The card base is made of white CS.

So a cute little card.  I am entering Happy Mail in the following challenges:
Mark's Finest: Pink, yellow, and green
All Sorts Challenge: Free and easy


Just a quick post.  I will be back in a day or so with something CAS.   I got a chance to make some cards this weekend.  I used a tulip stamp from Blockheads Paper Arts.  So, I will show you those cards this week.  Enjoy the rest of the weekend!  Love ya.
Karen

Graduation Cards

Hello Dear Blogging Friends.
Here I am back again today with the Graduation cards I promised to show you.  I used the same stamps on each card, but they are quite different.  The large sentiment is from Stampendous  and the smaller (on the inside of cards ) is from Inkadinkado.  (Thanks to my stamping buddy, Chris, for lending these stamps to me.)  Here is the first card.

I stamped the sentiment on White CS; cut and embossed with the Spellbinders die.  Leave the die in place.  Now apply the distress inks.  Remove the die and you will have that nice white border.    The background is white CS that has distress ink (Tim Holtz-Ranger)  applied to it and then dry embossed with a Tim Holtz embossing folder.  Add a little more distress ink after dry embossing.  The Layers are made with Not Quite Navy (Stampin' Up).  Here is a close up.

And, here is the inside.  I just applied the distress inks and stamped the sentiment.

The second card has a music theme.  The grad that will receive this card is an avid musician.  Same stamps were used in this card.  I stamped on some DP from DCWV.   I found this paper in my stash with the music theme and thought it was perfect for this grad.

I cut two rectangles of the DP and layered them on  brown and then  teal CS.   I added some twine.  I wanted to keep both of these cards masculine.  Here is the inside of this card.

I stamped the smaller sentiment and used the same DP from DCWV.    I only needed two grad cards this year.

A few fun Challenges for my Grad Cards
Crafts 4 Eternity: Embelly recipe-1,2,3 of something-One card one, I used1ribbon, 2 tags, 3 large silver pearls
The Stamp Man:Anything by Tim-I used a Tim Holtz Texture Fade on card 1 and Distress inks on both cards.
The Rubber Cafe: use Spellbinders
Amber's crafts and stuff: Embossing
Crafty Creations: boyz to men-both cards are for male graduates.


Okay, well that's all for now.  Have a great weekend.  Love ya.
Karen

Steampunk Style Birthday Card

Hi Everyone,
Here I am today with the Steampunk Style Birthday Card I made for my nephew's 16th Birthday.  I used lots of different stamps for this project.  But, the main images are from the Victorian Inventions Set from  Blockheads Paper Arts.  I also used some older Stampin' Up stamps and some numbers.  The  envelope is decorated too.

My nephew loves orange and purple.  So, those are the colors that  I used.   Here is the envelope close up.  I started with a pale yellow envelope. 

And, here is the card.

Basically, I just stamped the images on a piece of Crushed Curry CS (Stampin' Up) until I liked what I had.  I stamped the Flying Machine on cream CS and cut parts of it out and layered over the image.  The inks: Vintage Sepia -VersaFine, Rhubarb Stalk (Memento), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger), and Crushed Curry (SU).  I stamped on a metal trimmed tag and added a brad to it.  The tag was attached with a large glue dot.

This is what the inside looks like.  I stamped the flying machine (Blockheads) again and the speckled stamp (SU).

Some Super Fun Challenges for Steampunk Birthday:
A lota Rubber: Circles -I used a circle tag and stamped lots of circular shapes.
Artistic Stamper: use Hot colors
Desert Island Crafts: Pick three from list-my picks: Steampunk, clocks, collage
Sweet Stampin: One for the boys
Paper-Crafting Journey: Male cards
Gingersnap Creations: gears, cogs, and watch parts

I will be back tomorrow with two graduation cards.  And, my gosh, I have to get those out in the mail today! It is getting kind of late for grad cards.  But, I am sure someone may need a few yet this year.   See you tomorrow.  Love ya.
Karen

Vintage Challenge at Stampsmith Challenge

Hi Everyone,
It is the 15th and time for a new Stampsmith Challenge.  New challenges are posted on the 1st and the 15th of each month. And, since it is the 15th, you must use at least one Stampsmith stamp to eligible for the prize.  The new theme is:

VINTAGE

Ooohh, you know I love vintage.  For my Design Team project I used the stamp 

"Love Under the Stars"  from the Stampsmith Shop.  

The card base is made from Close To Cocoa CS and layered with Cherry Cobbler (Stampin' Up).  I dry embossed a piece of Close To Cocoa CS with a Tim Holtz folder.  It was then distress with Vintage Photo ink and heat embossed with gold superfine embossing powder (Ranger).  You can emboss with the distress inks.  I stamped the image on glossy White CS with Chocolate Chip dye ink (SU).  I tore the edges and layered with a piece of Cherry Cobble CS (SU).  

I made the flowers by using a stiff floral ribbon.  It has to be a stiff ribbon to create the pleats.  A soft ribbon will make gathers.  Take a length of ribbon and run some hand stitches down one long end.  Pull the stitches to create the pleats.  Secure the stitches and put a few stitches to hold the shorts ends together.  I placed a brad in the center.  Do not fold out the prongs.  Leave them in the closed position.  Use some Fabric -Tac  to glue the flowers to the card.  And tie a sheer ribbon in  a bow and glue to card.  

I thought this would be a nice Anniversary or wedding card.  I added a Congratulations (My Favorite Things) sentiments on the inside.

Do my pictures look good today?  I got some tips from my pal, Val.  So is awesome!

Other Challenges for My Vintage Love Card:

Simon Says Stamp and Show: show some stitching.  I stitched the flowers from ribbon.

Simon Says Stamp: Anything goes.

Our Vintage Affair: Weddings

Tomorrow I will definitely post the Steampunk style Birthday card.  I know, I was supposed to post it days ago.  But, I forgot.  LOL  So look for it tomorrow.    Have a great day.  Love ya.

Karen 

Third Coast Creative Coterie First Post

Hi Everyone!
This is my first post for the Third Coast Creative Coterie.  That is a fancy name for the design team.  We have all been busy crafting away.  Check my side bar for all the Creative Coterie members' links.   And find more  inspiration on the Third Coast Blog.  For my projects I have used a stamp named "Doireann Dancing".  I was playing around with reflection stamping and thought this image would be really great for this technique.  In the first card, I was envisioning ladies in a pink ballroom dancing to beautiful music.  The ladies are totally wrapped up in the music and the dance.

Materials List:
Doireann Dances Stamp- Third Coast Rubber Stamps
Watercolor Crayons
CS: Blushing Bride, Rose Red- Stampin' Up; Textured Wine- The Paper Company; Glossy White
Ink: Jet Black -Stazon; Perfect Plumeria-VersaMagic
Stamp-a-ma-Jig: the plastic sheet
Pink Ribbon
White Pearls
Pink Pearls

Instructions:

Make card from Blushing Bride CS.  Layer with pieces of Rose Red and Textured Wine CS cut slightly smaller.  Stamp the first image on Glossy White CS favoring the right side using the Jet Black Stazon ink. 

To Make Reflection image:

Stamp the image with Stazon ink on the Clear Plastic Sheet that comes with the Stamp-a-ma-jig.    Flip the Plastic Sheet over so that the inked side is facing down towards the CS.  Press the Plastic Sheet on the glossy white CS favoring the Left side.  You should now have two dancing images facing each other.

Color the images with Watercolor Crayons blending the colors with fingertip.  No water needed.  Add the Perfect Pulmeria ink to the Glossy White CS using the Distressing tool.  Add lots of ink and blend well.  Tie a bow in wide Pink Ribbon using a piece about 20 inches long.  Wrap the ends of the bow around the front of the card to the inside and glue.  Add five Pink Pearls in each lower corner and nine smaller White Pearls along the bottom edge.  

And, of course, I will give you a peek at the inside.

I think I will save the second Reflection card for next time.  I will post it in a few days.

And, My Pink Ballroom Card is entered in the 
Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

Tomorrow  a new Challenge theme will be posted for the Stampsmith Challenge.  I will have my DT card all ready to inspire you.   Sure seems like it has been a busy week.  I have only made one card all week.  My goodness!!  I am going thru withdrawal.  I will finish up my accounting work for the week today.  Then I can get back in my studio and create.  Take some time to do a little stamping today.  Love ya.
Karen

CAS Blue Bird Card

Hi Everyone!
Another CAS with window all occasion card today.

 I cut and embossed the window in Bordering Blue CS (Stmapin' Up) with a Spellbinders die.  I used  a cocoa colored CS for the card base.  The bird (Stampin' Up) was stamped with black ink on white CS and watercolored.   I purchased this Stampin' Up set last year because I thought I could not live without it.  LOL.  Well, it sat there for about a year and I kept thinking I really needed to use it.  So, finally, I got it out and stamped away.  It really is a nice image and I don't know why it took me so long to use it.  Crazy!  Here is a close up.

Challenges for My CAS Blue Bird Card:
Mark's Finest: use a die cut for the background
Stamping Scrapping Challenges central: Make it simple
Sweet Stampin: cute and cuddly
Clear It Out: Wings
Use It Tuesday: animals
Simon Says Stamp:anything goes
Art Impressions: Birds
Just a quick post.  I hope you are enjoying these all occasion cards.  I have a  few more that I will share with you over the next few weeks.

Tomorrow I will be back with my first Third Coast Creative Coterie (Design Team) post.  I was playing around with "reflection" stamping and have something interesting for you using a Third Coast Stamp.   See you then!  Love ya.
Karen

Happy Bee Card

Hi Everyone,
I thought I would share another all occasion card with you today in between doing my accounting work.  This card is more on CAS (clean and simple) side.  I used the Square Lattice Stampin' Up embossing folder to create the overlay.   Then I used a Spellbinders die to cut a window in the overlay.  Behind the window is a watercolored image from Stampendous.

I tied a baby blue ribbon around the edge and layered with a bright coral card base (Cameo Coral -SU).  Here is a closer look

And, you know me, I just can't leave the inside plain.  I added a Bee a sentiment from Penny Black.  I stamped on a piece of blue parchment CS.

Some Fun Challenges for Happy Bee:
Lawnscaping: Decorate the inside
Dutch Dare: Summer Fun
Wee Memories: Summertime
Victorine Originals: Flowers


Just a quickie today.  I have to get back to the accounting!  Have a great day and  leave some time for stamping today.  Love ya.
Karen

Vintage Ladies with flowers

Hi and Happy Monday!
Hope your weekend was fabulous.  I am starting out the week with a soft and calm sort of card.  It has a vintage vibe and soft, muted shades of pink and brown.

The image was stamped in brown ink on White CS.    The flowers were colored in with a pink marker.  I also added just a hint of blue color to the dresses.  Then I added some Antique Linen Distress Stain and Tattered Roses Distress Ink (Ranger).  I dry embossed the whole area with a larger  5x7 Cuttlebug folder.  I added a bit more distress ink after the dry embossing.

I added two layers of Pink and dark tan CS and tied a sheer brown ribbon in a bow.  A pearl is placed in the center of some of the flowers.  And here is a peek at the inside.

The Sentiment is from Stampin' Up and the Happy Birthday is from Gina K Designs.  The White CS was distressrd with the same ink and distress stain.

My Vintage Ladies are entered into the Following challenges:
Lisa Somerville: Floral frenzy
Pile It On: Favorite Tech-My favorite technique is to dry emboss a stamped image that is colored with distress inks.
Samuel Taylors: Summery
On Stop Craft: Summer time

Well, I have to get going.  I have some accounting work to do this week.  It sure gets in the way of my card making and blogging.  LOL  Love ya.
Karen