Women Rule The World -with Lost Coast Designs

Hello Everyone!!

Welcome to my post for the Lost Coast Designs Women Rule the World Event.  In honor of Mother's Day, this month we are showcasing all the "woman" stamps.  There are so many lovely stamps to choose from.  See the catalog here. Each designer will be adding projects on the Portal to Creativity blog so be sure to stop by and check out the projects.  You may link up your own "woman" theme project using any stamp company you like--must have some stamping.  There is a prize too! $10 gift certificate to Lost Coast Designs.

Now , for my Women themed projects.  Well, if you know me, you know that sometimes I can't stop stamping once I get going...LOL  I started stamping this stamp and kept changing the ink colors each time.  I inked the stamp with two colors of distress ink and then stamped.  There were so many great color combinations to try I had to keep going.  I will share two with you today and three more on Sunday.  The backgrounds are all hand made as well.

Materials List:

Stamp: Flower Girl from Lost Coast Designs

Ink: Forest Moss and Tea Dye Distress inks

(Rusty Hinge and Wild Honey on Project #2)

Mixed Media paper pad

CS: cream and green 

Twill tape trim

 ribbon

Tiny Pearls

Spray inks

Stencil (project #2)

 Make It:

• Make a card base from green CS
• Make the background paper by spraying CS with Spray inks

• Ink the Flower Girl stamp with Forest Moss and then Tea Dye--stamp on the mixed media paper
• Distress the edges with the same ink colors
• Add to the card base
• Add a row of tiny pearls along the arch shape of the image
• Add the fibers

2nd Project:

• Make a card base from Cream CS
• Make a  background by spraying ink over a stencil on cream CS
• Ink the stamp with Rusty Hinge and Wild Honey Distress ink- stamp on mixed media paper
• Trim the stamped image and add to the card base
• Add a big bow of sheer ribbon and small rhinestones

I just love this stamp!  It really  makes a dramatic card or project. Here is a little peek at the different color combos that I tried

********* Make your own Female themed project and link up here.  Love to see your project!!
So glad you stopped by today!  Hope you are having a great weekend!  Love ya
Karen

*************************Entering these Challenges:
Simon Wednesday: use a stencil
Country View:May challenge use a stencil

Watercolor Background Scraps with Lovely Ladies

Hi Everyone!
As you know, I love to make my own background papers.  I always keep the scrap pieces in a folder for use on another project.   I gathered up a pile of the scrap pieces and made a collage of sorts for my background.  Then, I stamped large stamps over the collaged backgrounds to make these girlie cards.  Take a look.

Sample #1

This stamp is called Patricia Swoons from Stampland.  The scraps for the background were made by putting inks, stains, and spray inks on a craft sheet; adding a spritz of water;  and pressing the CS into the inks.  I layered the scraps onto yellow CS.  The stamp is stamped with Onyx Black Versafine ink.

Sample #2

This card was made in the same way.  This stamp is called Judith's rose Capeau and is also from Stampland.  the scraps were layered onto Aqua CS.

Pretty fun way to use up all those scrap background pieces!!

******Challenges for my Collage Scrap Watercolor Backgrounds:

Addicted to stamps: anything goes
Ruby's Rainbow: layer it up
Simon's Wednesday: anything goes
ABC Challenge: use up scraps

I made three more cards like this with different stamps.  I will share those with you in a few days.  Tomorrow is the first of the month and the beginning of a New Challenge on the Stampsmith Challenge Blog.  So, check back for that!!  Hope you are having a great day.  Love ya.
Karen

Lost Coast Designs Funky Image!

Hi Dreamers,
Today, let's really delve into the dream world with this super funky image from Lost Coast Designs called Drag Queen.  LOL.  I know!  Funny name!   I made two versions with this image, one is paper pieced and the other is stamped on a background I made with Distress reinkers and Metallic Stains.  Check out the paper pieced version first.

I started with a background made with reinkers and Distress stains on this card too.  But, I also paper pieced the image here.  The DP's are from MME.  The first layer is canvas paper colored with Distress stains.

 I finished off the card with a bright yellow/orange ribbon, orange rick rack, and yellow rhinestones.

On the second project, I made the background with Victorian Velvet and Spun Sugar Distress reinkers, and Brass Metallic Stain.   The image is stamped with Versa Fine Onyx Black ink.

I girly-ed it up with some pink satin ribbon and buttons. The Purple CS's are from Bazzill.

Just another super fun and funky image from Lost Coast Designs!  Love the fantasy quality of the image!


Challenges for my Fun and Funky Lady!
Fashionable Stampers: paper piecing
Rhedd and Rosie: vintage/shabby chic
Simon Says Stamp and Show: anything
Tuesday alchemy: pastel monochromatic==second card

Do you have anything planned for the weekend?  I am going to get together with my brother and go out for dinner--Middle Eastern cuisine---Yum!   That should be fun.    I hope you have a great weekend too!  Love ya.
Karen

Christmas Whimsy with Paper Artsy Stamps

Hello Dreamers!

Back after a few days off to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Had a nice  dinner and quality time with my family.  Back and ready to rock in the Christmas season with this fun, whimsical card made with Lynne Perrella Paper Artsy stamps available in the USA from Blockheads Paper Arts.

 Size: 4 1/2 x 7 1/2"

Materials need to make the background and the card:

Stamps: Babushka Balloon Paper Artsy from Blockheads Paper Arts

Inks:

Jet Black Stazon

Shabby Shutters and Forest Moss Distress Ink Re-inkers

Black Soot Distress Ink Pad

Stains: Antique Bronze Distress Stain

Cardstock:

White Glossy, Black, and Green

Green Ribbon, Black Lace, Gold Rick Rack, Green Rhinestones

Craft Sheet

To make the Background Paper, see my Tutorial here.

After the background paper is dry:

• Stamp the Believe Balloon with Stazon ink.
• Layer onto black CS and a Green card base.

• Cut a length of the Green ribbon in half lengthwise and glue to the right side of the card leaving an open space between the ribbon halves.
• Add a scrap of black lace over the ribbon covering the open space.  I split the ribbon because I felt the original width was too narrow for the card design.
• Glue a piece of gold rick rack over the lace.
• Add the rhinestones
• Tie the green ribbon into a bow and glue to the top of the balloon.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend and have lots of time to be creative and make some fun projects.  Love  ya.

Karen

Shimmery Christmas Cards with Character Constructions

Hello Dreamers,
I am continuing the Christmas theme here on in Dreamland.  I hope you are getting lots of ideas for your own Christmas cards.  My little basket of cards is getting fuller, but I still have a ways to go.  I have two cards today that feature stamps from Character Construction's Vintage Christmas Set #1.   One in blue and one in Green/Gold.

• The cards are made with some of my handmade background papers.  See how I make the backgrounds here.
• To make this card follow the tutorial and add the inks: Broken China reinker and Brushed Pewter Stain (Ranger) onto the craft sheet. 

• When the background is dry, stamp the image with Black Soot Distress Ink. 
• Color dress with a red watercolor crayon.  
•  Add some glitter glue for even more shimmer.   
• Tie a bow in a piece of snowflake ribbon to finish off the card.  

• The second card color uses Shabby Shutters Distress ink reinker and Tarnished Brass Metallic Stain (both Ranger).   
• When dry, stamp with Black Soot ink.

• Add some color with a  red watercolor crayon to the peace on earth label.  
• Embellish with Red rhinestones, red sheer ribbon, and gold ribbon.  

I am hoping that you can see the shimmer of the Metallic Stain in this photo. (Click on the photo for a larger image.)

See my Christmas Tea Party Place Card using this same stamp here.

I am entering my Shimmery Christmas cards in the following challenges:
Fussy and Fancy: blue
365 Cards: day 260 Gold
Robyn's Fetish: Vintage
Sir stampalot: Christmas
Victorine Stamps: Christmas


Check back tomorrow for a set of CAS All Occasion cards and a pretty pink Christmas Card.  Hope you are having a great day.  Love ya.
Karen

Christmas Tea Place Card with Character Construction

Hi Dreamers,
Today, I have a Christmas Tea Party Place Card to share with you.  I have used stamps from Character Construction --Vintage Christmas Set #1.  I made a pretty background and then stamped the sweet Christmas girl onto the background with Black Soot Distress Ink.

This place card could be used for your Christmas dinner table too.  Or you could pop it in an envelope and sent it as an invitation to the Tea or Dinner.  I made it a top fold narrow card so it stands nicely and could go right in an envelope.

After stamping onto the background, I ran it through a Cuttlebug to dry emboss.  Then I cut it with a die.   I cut the same shape smaller for the name.  Layer on a pink top fold card and a piece of Christmas red CS.  Remember to make it a top fold so it stands nicely on the table.

I have written a tutorial showing how to create this luscious background here.

•  Follow the tutorial and use the following inks on the craft sheet: Mambo Melon Reinker (Stampin' Up), Cosmic Copper Brilliance Pigment ink.  
• Add the water.  
• You will have to stir the water into the Cosmic Copper ink to mix it.  You will get lovely dense coppery spots on your background.  With lots more shimmer than you can see in the photos.
• Tie a piece of white Tulle around card.

A few Fun Challenges for my Christmas Tea Place Card
Craft-room Challenge: punches/die cuts
Clear It Out: red--used red CS that I bought two years ago.  My last piece!  Eek, such a great color.
Creative Craft challenge: bingo--distress, emboss, pastels
Little Red Wagon: texturize
Love to Create: fancy edges

I also made two Christmas cards with this stamp and will be posting them during the week.  So, stayed tuned for all the Holiday goodness to come.  Also will have a few Thanksgiving cards!!  How are your Christmas cards coming?  I am getting a few more done each day.  I have about 36 cards ready.  Although, some of them were made last year for Design Team projects.  I can send them this year.  Quite a few more to make!  I hope you are having a great day!  Love ya.
Karen

Christmas Magic with Paper Artsy

Hi Dreamers,
I am back today after  a nice day of R & R with my good bud, Reem.  We had pedicures, went to lunch, and did a little shopping.  I feel all relaxed and ready to get back to work.  I was in my studio all weekend creating several  Christmas beauties.

I was working with one of the new Christmas sets from Paper Artsy available in the USA from Blockheads Paper Arts.  This is one of those stamp sets that you just want to stamp, and stamp, and stamp.  The detail is amazing.

I made a total of four cards....so far.  I will be sharing them all with you through out the Holiday season.

And as an added bonus, I have a tutorial for you showing how I made the backgrounds.  Here is the first card.

 5 x 6 1/4"

Materials need to make the background and the card:

Stamps: Babushka Balloon Paper Artsy from Blockheads Paper Arts

Inks:

Onyx Black Versa Fine

Shabby Shutters and Forest Moss Distress Ink Re-inkers

Black Soot Distress Ink Pad

Stains: Tarnished Brass Distress Stain

Cardstock:

White, Cream, Red, and Green

Gold Ribbon

Craft Sheet

To Make the Background:

• Start with white CS and a Craft Sheet (a plastic bag would work too). 
• Drop some of the reinkers onto the Craft Sheet
• Rub some of the Metallic Stain onto the Craft Sheet

 I used Stormy Sky reinker in the photo and have finished cards made with that for later!

• Spray some water onto the inks
• Start pressing the cardstock into inks

• You can blot the CS with a paper towel if the ink is too wet.

• Distress Markers also work for this Technique.

Close up of one of the backgrounds made with Weather Wood and Tumbled Glass Distress Markers, Broken China reinker, and Brushed Pewter Metallic Stain on Glossy CS.

Look how versatile this technique is.  I made all these background by changing out the ink colors.  

Now, back to our card:

• I choose the background made with the green inks and Tarnished Brass Stain
• Stamp the Balloon and Buildings stamps with Onyx Black Versa Fine onto the background.
• Trim to size and add to a green card base

• Stamp The Madonna on Cream CS with Black Soot.
• Layer  onto Red CS
• Add to card front with dimensional adhesive

• Tie a bow in the gold ribbon and leave long tails
• Make several  (LOL)

Challenges for my Magic Christmas Card:

Robyns Fetish: Anything goes

Crafty bloggers network: Christmas

Christmas Stampin: anything goes with Christmas

Just Keep on Creating: Christmas

Pennys challenge: lots of layers

Through the craft room door: anything goes #44

Stayed tuned for more of the Paper Artsy Christmas Cards and lots of other good things.   Have a great day!  Love ya

Karen

Crown Border with Gold Leafing

Hi Dreamers!
Spent the day yesterday at the Toledo Art Museum.  A special exhibit of Manet's portrait works is currently on show.    Beautiful!!!  I could have sat there all day just looking at the gorgeous paintings.   To me, beautiful works of art are so uplifting.  Came home all relaxed and happy.

Today, I have a very small work of art of my own to share with you.....great sag-way wasn't it?  LOL.  This project was made for the Blockheads Technique Challenge ----Gold Leafing.

The Challenge is open until October 21.  Still time to enter for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Blockheads Paper Arts.

See the step by step instructions for the Gold Leaf Techniques written by Leigh.  Here is my Crown Border with Gold Card.

Materials list:

 Feeling Regal Stamp Set from Blockheads Paper Arts

La D'ore Gold Leaf

Tuxedo Black dye ink-Memento

Two Way Glue Pen

Cardstock: Cream, peach, pale blue,and light blue

Crafters Workshop Template - Mini Damask

Spray inks.

• I started off with a background I made with a template and spray inks.  
• Stamp the Small Crown Border onto the background with Tuxedo Black ink.
• Use a glue pen to draw two line of glue onto the CS.  
• Apply the gold leaf.

• Tear the piece to desired size.
• Layer with peach and pale blue CS onto a light blue base.
• Add two gold pearls.

Look how vintagey and glittery the gold leaf is.  Love it!!

I hope you have enjoyed all my glittery Gold Leafing cards.   I also hope you will give this technique a try.  It looks difficult at first, but once you get started, you will find it quite easy. Well, dear friends, have a great day and keep stamping!!  Love ya.
Karen

Crowns with Gold Leaf

Hi Dreamers!
I have another project using Gold Leafing for the Blockheads Technique Challenge to share with you today.  The Technique I used on this card is: Solid Stamping using a glue pad.  

Materials list:

 Victorian Eccentricities and Japanese Musicians from Blockheads Paper Arts

Script stamp (retired Blockheads stamp)

Inks:

Peach Bellini - Adirondack Ranger 

Dried Marigold Distress Ink -Ranger

Royal Satin Kaleidacolor Pad  - Tsukineko

La D'ore Gold Leaf

Tuxedo Black dye ink-Memento

The Essential Glue Pad- Tsukineko

Cardstock: Cream, Peach, Orange, light blue

Crafters Workshop Template - Mini Damask

Spray inks.

• I started off with a background I made with a template and spray inks.  
• "Ink" up the Border stamp with the Glue Pad.  
• Stamp onto the background.  
• Apply the gold leaf.  

• Stamp the Script with Peach Bellini ink.
• Stamp the Crown with the Kaleidacolor Pad favoring the green end.
• Layer with peach and orange CS onto a light blue base.

I would like to enter my Golden Crown Card in the following Challenges:

Simon Says Stamp and Show: favorite ---My favorite is making backgrounds with templates and spray inks.  

Crafty Bloggers Network: anything goes

Creative Craft Challenge 2: Three---I used three different stamps

Through the Craft room door: Anything goes #40

I have one more Gold Leafing project that I will post on Friday.  So, stayed tuned for that.  Hope you are having a great day!!  Love ya.
Karen

All That Glitters is Gold Leaf

Hi Dreamers!
It's technique time!!!  Are you ready for the Blockheads Technique Challenge ?!!  This month the lovely Leigh has challenged us to create a project using

Gold Leafing. 

I have to say this is something I have not tried.    Once you get going it is easier than it looks.   Leigh outlines several ways to use gold leafing.

I choose three of the techniques to complete my projects---

1. Faux patina using a glue pad,
2. Solid stamping,
3. Using a glue pen.  

I made three projects and will do a separate post for each here on my blog through out the week.  Here is how the challenge works.  Check out the tutorial and make your project.  Link it up on the Blockheads Blog here.  The challenge will run until October 21.  For my first project, I created a faux patina using a glue pad.

 Size: 4 1/4 x 5 1/4"

Materials list:

 Feeling Regal Stamp Set from Blockheads Paper Arts

La D'ore Gold Leaf

Tuxedo Black dye ink-Memento

The Essential Glue Pad- Tsukineko

Cardstock: Cream, black, light blue

Crafters Workshop Template - Mini Damask

Spray inks.

Instructions:

1. I started with a piece of background created with the Mini Damask template and spray inks.  
2. Trim the CS to size.  
3. Stamp the large Damask image with Tuxedo Black ink.
4. Pat the glue pad around the edges of the CS.
5. Press the gold leafing into the glue.

Karen's Tip: trying to pick up a sheet of gold leafing is difficult (understatement).  I left the sheet in it's folder and slipped the CS under the sheet of gold leafing and gently pressed it into the glue.

You can really see the gold in this photo.  Isn't that just lovely?  The leafing really adds a great shimmer and lots of texture.

To finish the card, layer onto a piece of black CS and a light blue card base.  Really great tech.  Imagine the gold or silver leaf on a Christmas card!  I can't wait to see what you come up with!!  Oh, and did I mention, you could take home a $25 gift Certificate to Blockheads Paper Arts!!!  Yes, you can.  I hope you are having a great day!!  Love ya.
Karen