A new Paint Brush makes such a difference!

Hello, and welcome back!
I have been trying my hand at water coloring. I watch videos of how other very talented card makers paint such detailed stamps with such simplicity. I thought, man, can a artistic leveled paint brush make that much of a difference? Take a look....

   I was so proud of myself! The pink is picked raspberries, and the blue is peacock feathers. Guess what the purple color is? I simply mixed the two colors together! It is my purple!! :) I love the variation of color from the centers of the butterflies to the edges. I guess the professional brushes are TOTALLY worth it! who know $12 could do all this!  lol


I stamped the butterfly several times using a masking tape mask with black ink. This card stock is actually ivory Stampin' Up! I love the warmth it gives the card. It isn't stark white like my solar white Neenah card stock. Then I simply painted each section of the butterflies with distress ink placing more emphasis on the edges than the centers. Last I stamped the sentiment with my MISTI. LOVE IT!


Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps and More- CAS

Simon Says:  ANYTHING GOES

Card Recipe:
Paper: Ivory from SU!, various other from stock
Stamps: Butterfly - Penny Black, "Free Flight", Sentiment - Stampendous "Precious Gift" (retired)
Ink: Distress inks Picked Raspberry, Peacock Feathers, and a mix of both to create purple.

Butterflies, Butterflies, Butterflies....

I admit it, 

I LOVE butterflies! I think I have 10 different butterfly stamps in my tiny collection, this is, by far, the biggest butterfly I have. It is so easy to work with when I stamp with my MISTI tool. Again, I am trying to improve my copic skills. What do you think? Take a look:

I originally tried to create this card using a mask, but I messed that all up! This version required no mask at all, I simply overlapped them in small parts. I then used the masks to help color in the background without running into the butterflies. LOVE the look! Paper crafting will forever intrigue me with all the new techniques/skills you can master!

Challenges:

Come and Get It- CARD FOR A WOMAN

Craft Stamper- ANYTHING GOES

Where the Heart is Challenge - ANYTHING GOES - One layer

Just Us Girls - Butterflies 

Old Stashed & forgotten backgrounds come to life!

With the weather being so cold, I got a chance to spend a few quiet evenings in my craft space. I took a few backgrounds that I created a LONG time ago, and finished them off with my new stamp set I recently purchased. I love it when a background you were frustrated with become a beautiful card. I also got the chance to cut more cardstock to form ready-to-go card bases and mats. It speeds up the finishing process SO much. I am actually running out of many vibrant colors of my cardstock stash!

This second set of Duos, I used my FOREVER favorite stamp and I...(deep breath)...I...UNMOUNTED it. This stamp is not in production anymore, and I will be so upset if something happens to it. But with it now unmounted, I was able to use it with my MISTI, and now was allowed to repeat stamp it onto water color paper and got beautiful results. It was so much fun, I had to do it again! 

This one came out wonderfully. I combined ink colors and made my own colors. I know you can't see the detail, but I used perfect pearls to give the butterflies a bit of simmer. The card is shimmery in your hands. The top butterfly was a risk, adding yellow to the busy background, and one I multi-stamped it, it fell into the background and didn't stand out as I had hoped. So I took a black marker and provided a shadow on the right edge of the wing and it brought it to the foreground right away! I know it is a busy looking card, but I love it!

I'm entering a few challenges with these beauties!

Less is More

CAS(E) this Sketch

Happy Little Stampers

Me and my MISTI...

Hello again!
I finally got some time to get creating with my MISTI. Man, I love the security that I won't mess up, when I use my MISTI. I am using stamps I could never use before (because I would have to stamp multiple times to get a clear image) with it. Take a look:

These dragonflies are gorgeous! Such detail. I stamped each of them twice to make them nice and dark. Even the sentiment came out well! I think this is one of my most favorite cards of all time.  :)

I totally forgot about this cute little butterfly. I actually did something I have NEVER done before. I UNMOUNTED a stamp. I pulled this stamp off its wood and used it with my MISTI. Now I am not sure how to store this newly unmounted stamp. It is still sticky from the glue. I guess I'll need to do some cyber research and see how others store theirs. I love rediscovering old stamps. Any suggestions?

Thanks for stopping by!

Additional Card Gift Sets

Hello,

I am so sorry for being away so long. Despite the holidays and the crazy life I live, I had a terrible creative block. I tried each week to push through it. I think I am over the hump and back in the green!

Here are a few card sets I have created. I was in the mood to make gift sets, so when inspiration hit, I created several cards in different colors.

 This set I used the same embossing folder for all the cards. I added bling to the flowers to bring interest.

 I had fun creating this set. I used Brilliance pigment ink pads to create these multi-colored butterflies. 

This smaller set of blue, green and pink flower set was created with distress inks.

I will be moving into more duos. I picked up a few new stamp sets that I want to play with. Check in soon!

Just before my Cruise!

I totally forgot to post these cards. I enjoyed creating these. I created these before my cruise.

Sometimes a sentiment is not needed!

Hey all!
As my October cruise is approaching, I am trying to balance my card making with my Cruise preparations. I have a handful of new creations to post that I am so excited about. I have tried some new techniques and purchased new tools and ink colors.

 I pulled out some older cards I made last summer, I found one that looks similar to this one. It inspired me to create a whole 81/2 by 11 sheet and cut it up to create several cards from it. I attempted to make them a bit more masculine, but the butterflies negate that, don't they? Ohh well. I couldn't find a spot for a sentiment, so I decided not to include one!
Paper: Stampin' up and Neenah Solar White Card Stock Inks: Distress inks Stamps: Butterfly - Inkadinkado, Background stamp: Happiness by Local king Rubber stamp, Embossing Powder - White 

This one was a lot of fun. I pulled out my very first watercolor stamp that I purchased EVER! The company is long gone, but this stamp never fails me. I found a set of 48 Zig markers at a stamp/craft garage sale, purchased them for $20. I ran home to test them out. (crossing my fingers that they were not all dried out) and This is what I created! The markers are pretty much brand new. The previous owner was just not a marker fan......(I asked her why she was selling them)
Paper: Stampin' up and water color paper Inks: Zig markers, Stamp: Watercolor butterfly by savvystamps.com

Sunday Afternoon Designing

Hello Everyone,
Sunday Morning, I got the chance to drive to St. Petersburg, to a art/craft store called Whim-So-Doodle. The store has a Sidewalk sale several times a year, where other crafters can sell their items that they no longer want. I love going to these events to get some really great deals. I am very particular about the items I pick up, but usually I get some really good deals. This trip, I purchases a large 12 by 12 bag stock full of all Christmas paper for $5. When I got it home and went through it all, I was SO amazed. Not only did I get top brand name paper, but stickers, rub-ons, pop-outs, and many embellishments too. I am getting the item to start stamping Christmas cards a bit early this year.

Before I do, here is my latest creation:

I have had this sentiment for several years, and have never used it. It fit perfectly on this card and I love the look it added. I really love the distressed look. Enjoy!
Paper: Stampin' up and Neenah Solar White Card Stock Inks: Distress inks Stamps: Butterfly - Inkadinkado, Background stamp: Happiness by Local king Rubber stamp, Sentiment: F-2563 1998 PSX -Embossing Powder - White Purple twine

Featured Technique: Distressing

Hello,
I got the chance to go to "Just for Fun's" Trunk Show on Saturday. I almost go run over by women twice my age! I walked away with a handful of great deals.
     One item I am enjoying is a thick stack of pre-cut textured colored cardstock. I got about 100 pieces for $1 cut 5 1/2 by 4 1/4. I also grabbed a brand new package of shimmery black cardstock normally priced for $11.95, was priced $5. It is beautiful cardstock. I always have trouble finding thick black cardstock for my cardbases. I grabbed a few stamps and some used templates.
     One item I purchased was a used set of the Sew-Easy handle and multiple heads. I need to play around with them. Unfortunately, it didn't come with the pink mat that you need, but maybe my other mat will work just as well. Maybe you will see some sewing on a few cards in the near future! Anyway, on to my card for tonight:

      I know you can't see the details really well, but all the parts to this card are distressed. I had fun using a rough piece of sandpaper and sanding the card stock to smithereens! I had paper powder everywhere. I even distressed the floss at the bottom of the butterfly panel, it is looking ragged to suit the look. The photo did a nice job of picking up the colors, I just love distress inks. I just purchased a set of the mini color distress inks. I love them!

Paper: Stampin' up and Neenah Solar White Card Stock Inks: Distress inks Stamps: Butterfly and flower - unknown (Indadinkado, I think), Sentiment - A stamp in the Hand Embossing Powder - White Distressed with sandpaper and distress tool

 Thanks for dropping by!

Featured Stamp Set: Petals from Scratch - Fiskars

Hello!
I was playing around in my craft room, and a simple card emerged. (Don't you love when that happens!?) I am sure I was inspired by a post I saw, although i can't give credit off-hand. It looks so spring-y, (although we are currently heading into autumn here in Florida) I wanted to share with you!

 I spend the other day researching PEERLESS water colors. They seem to be all the rage in card-making right now. I put it off and put it off, and decided that I can watercolor just fine using distress inks and all the other inks I own. I just can't afford to purchase every HOT item in this industry. (although some days I feel like I DAMN right deserve it) Maybe once the rage settles down, I will find a small "try me out set". Until then, I will hone my water coloring skills with other paints!

Supplies:
Flower stamp: Fiskers "Petals from scratch"
Butterfly stamp: Penny Black "free flight"
Sentiment: Penny Black "Allegro"
Ink: distress Inks and Embossing powder

Featured Product: Simon Says Stamps' die: Hello!

Hey there,
I had time to play around with the "hello" die  I purchased from Simon Says Stamps. That site is very addicting! It has everything and more. I love just playing around and seeing what emerges from my craft room. Here's some of my creations before I made cards with them.

 I clear embossed it twice, then embossed a third time with JudiKins "Psychedelic" embossing powder! WOW! Can you see the colors! Beautiful!

I was so in love with the colors I embossed other sentiments I had leftover from past cards. I must use this embossing powder more often!

 

I created a full sheet of these butterflies and then cut them up and made front panels with them.

Then I die cut the Hello, and inserted the beautiful Hello from above! WOW, just as I envisioned. I love it!I think I will be making a few more of these! Stay posted!

Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #147

I had the itch to join a challenge today. I am pretty pleased with my end result. I used my alcohol inks again, and a delicate butterfly. Take a look:

 

 

I had a great time joining this challenge. Thanks for stopping by!

Let the heat come!

Hello all,

     It is a toasty 85 degrees outside, but it feels like 90. I was sweating just grabbing the mail at the end of the driveway!

     I created two totally different cards today. I had intended to participate in a few challenges, but I couldn't get the creative juices flowing with the sketches that were offered this week, so I made my own.

You can't see the embossed lines that jut out from each corner of the the background. They sort of interrupt the butterfly, but I like the overall look.

Supplies: Stamps: (Background stamp) Happiness: Local King Rubber Stamps, (Butterfly) simple friendship SU!, (Dream) Dreams comes true CTMH. Inks: Distress inks, Wild Honey, Crushed Olive, Tuxedo Black Paper:  Neenah Cardstock. Others: Low Tack masking tape.

     This card was fun. I like the black base, and the pop of the purples. I used left over watercolor paper I had from a different project. I colored the background with perfect plum yesterday and gave it a day to dry. The Think paper never warps. (LOVE that!) 

      I learned how to get the reflection on the bottom of the card. I used a pack of paper wrapped in a clear bag. The bag provides the refection. (cool,huh?) So easy, but it looks great in the photo. I still need to learn how to watermark my photos. Enjoy!

Supplies: Stamps:(flowers) Wildflower Garden - Hero Arts, Believe - Inkadinkado, Ink/Paper - Perfect Plum - SU! Tuxedo Black. Paper:  Neenah Cardstock.

Welcome to Summer Break!

     I am so excited to be done with teaching for the 2012-2013 school year. I honestly thought that I would dive right into my cardmaking obsession the minute my break started. (Tuesday).....Well, it is Thursday, and I'm having trouble getting inspired. (happen to you?) I have been cleaning my craft room, re-arranging, and even using my Cricut....but not card making.

     I sat down in front of my computer and said "What ever card pops up first, I am going to use as inspiration and create SOMETHING, and get out of this funk!" So I clicked on one of my favorite blogs and this card popped up: BITS AND PIECES.

     So, here is my take on it:

     I am not sure if I am officially out of my funk. The desire to be creative is strong, I just can't produce anything I am pleased with. I seem to "try too hard" or "make it more sophisticated than it needs to be" I am sure if you are a crafty person, you understand what I am saying.

     I kept going, and tried a few more attempts, I cannot say they are my best, but I am happy enough with them to place them on my blog!  :)

     I have to mention though, to my defense, I spent a hunk of time creating a die cut on my SCAL for this butterfly. This Butterfly is one of my first purchases over 10 years ago. I stamped its image, scanned it into my desktop, traced it with SCAL and resized it to cut on my cricut. Then I use my stamp-a-majig to line up my wooden stamp and PRESTO! It is a die-cut! I am very pleased with my efforts. Like I said, it IS my favorite go-to butterfly.

I forgot how much fun vellum is! I have to play with it more often. I have a whole pack of it!:) Enjoy!

Featured Duo: ...Moments...by Penny Black

Hello!
I am really enjoying all the new storage creations I have made. If you haven't taken a look, click here. They are keeping me organized, and I look forward to using my blending pads more often.

I sat down earlier in the week, and played with Stampin' up Perfect Plum. (I love that color) and designed a handful of beautiful pieces without a card or end goal in mind.(like the butterfly panel on the left card)

This butterfly is so versitile, I use it all the time. Check it out in this card.

This weekend, I assembled them into cards. I am pleased with the results. Take a look!

Card Challenge: Seize the Birthday!

Happy Saturday!
I really like how this card came out. I took my time with it, and used many techniques. I really enjoy these butterflies, I use them as much as I can. Take a look.

Please take a moment and leave a comment, or better, look around, it will make my day!

Featured Duo: Wildflower Garden by Hero Arts

I enjoy searching splitcoaststampers.com for ideas and inspiration for my creations. I fell in love with a someone's card, and made these cards very similar to it. I wanted to give the artist a link, but I cannot locate the card now! (very frustrating). I even went back through my browser history to see if I could find it. No luck. Sorry....Enjoy!

Supplies: Stamps: Wildflower Garden - Hero Arts  Paper:  Real Red - SU!, Tempting Teal  - SU!, Neenah Cardstock  Inks: VersaMark - Watermark, Pink Passion, YoYo Yellow, Groovy Guava, Glorious Green, Brilliant Blue inks - SU! Tools/Punches/Dies: Fiskars Embossing plates whimsy and leaves, Exotic Butterfly small #2 - Cherry Lynn Designs Other: Fine White Embossing Powder, glue.

Purchase: Craig's list find!

I search our local Craig's list occasionally to see if there are any good finds on stamps and stamp supplies. I found a good one today. This gentleman's mom had passed and she had to been collecting stamps, inks and papers for years. I dug through boxes and draws of stamps, and found a few that made me smile (hero arts always does) and some odds and end items that I have never had the chance to own (white flock). I had to show you my finds! The cost....this is the good part, You'll have to scroll down to see the price. Take a look! (you may need a tissue to collect the drool...lol)

The price.....drum roll...$30.00 total! Can you believe it? That is a bit more than a dollar an item! Yes, these are used items, but a few of them are unused. To be truthful, the only REALLY beloved stamp in the bunch is the oriental writing background stamp. How about those adorable birds? He also threw in some older stamp magazines to get ideas from.... I can't wait to get stampin'! :)

Featured Stamp: Brocade Backgrounds by Sparkle N Sprinkle

Hello Again!
I have a duo to share with you. I must say these styles are not my usual, I am trying to explore outside of my comfort zone. I got the chance to drive up to Sparkle N Sprinkle in Ruskin, FL. I have stopped by their booth many times at the local stamp conventions, and wanted to see their store. I fell in love with this butterfly. I wasn't smitten with the entire set, so they sold me the butterfly solo. See what you think!

Featured Technique: Mini-cards & digital stamps

Hello everyone,
I am excited for today's post. I have been longing for a set of colored pencils. Many of the blogs I have been following have been posting beautiful flowers using these sharp, eye-catching colors that pop! Well, Michael's had a 40% off sale on all their Derwent Inktense Pencils.
THEN (hang on) there was an additional 40% bonus coupon in their flyer this week. So, a set of 12 pencils was only $12.98. Can you believe it? I drove home as fast as I could and created these adorable mini-cards and played with my pencils. I pulled out my container of gamsol and learned how to blend with my new pencils. I used a digital image that I purchased from here. They have a few more digital stamps that are similar to this one. I just might buy those next....Take a look:

I will add more pictures when my phone decides to cooperate with me. I love the crispness of the pictures it takes, I just can't get them off the phone!