Kat's Tales of Stamping & Scrapping

Kraftin' Kimmie in the Spotlight!

2012-01-27T14:21:00.006-05:00

I finally got a chance to play along with a Kraftin' Kimmie challenge, #112, "In the Spotlight". I have never done the spotlight technique though I've done something similar where I match up layers of patterned paper, so I figured that I might as well go for it. Since I was doing challenges, I also used Splitcoast's Sketch Challenge #369.

I was inspired by my very sweet and talented friend, Cheryl, who recently colored a very effective and striking monochromatic grayscale card.

In fact, Charlotte, a Kraftin' Kimmie Annie Rodrigue stamped image, was sent to me as a gift by Cheryl, when I asked her to stamp a few images of Drucilla, who is stabbing a voodoo doll and send 'em to me. I *needed* this image for a special circumstance. Sadly, the voodoo did not work, but maybe one day "Karma" will. Anyway, I guess she didn't want the voodoo girl to be alone on her airplane trip, so she sent along a few other stamped images. Cheryl is soooo nice and considerate.

One day I hope to get some KK stamps, but that'll have to wait for a bit until I'm gainfully employed. Or get some money. Or both.

Anyways, I used the Toner Gray Copic markers for the majority of the image, then matched the colors from the Ooh La La 6x6 pad by My Mind's Eye. The sketch was a fun one to do since it involved a whole lot of layering of patterned papers, which is always fun for me!

Thanks for visiting today!

I will be entering this card in the following challenges:
• Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps "Challenge #112--In the Spotlight.
• Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge #369
• Outlawz Copic/Promarker Fridays "Anything Goes" Challenge
• Simon Says Stamp Challenge "Anything Goes"

Do Over!

2012-01-26T19:03:00.005-05:00

Whereas I was really quite happy with the way that the porcelain roses came out (see post below), I was not happy with the way the two Bombshell ladies (Rose & Señora Muerta) looked on the earring holder/frame. So, I pulled them off the frame, set them aside for a rainy day, and added two more ornate flourishes to either side of the frame. I'm currently contemplating adding other elements to it. But, I also changed it up by adding more foam tape to the reverse of the frame so that earrings will really hang smoothly. So, I'll re-photograph the earring frame when I'm happy with it.

Well today was, in fact, rainy, so I got out Card Positioning System's Sketch #252 and had at it.

Here's the sketch:

Here's my take on it (that I flipped to work with the image):

The card features Rose from Bombshell Stamps' Rose's Portrait set (also carried by Simon Says Stamp's store), which was colored with Copic markers. I used a new-to-me color combo (E40 + R0000) on her skin and am quite happy with it. The patterned papers are by My Mind's Eye and are from the Lost & Found, Madison Avenue 6x6 pad. I used Distress Ink (limited edition red) to edge all the layers. Retrospectively, I wish I hadn't used the corner rounder on all the corners, like the sketch. Oh well. This time, done really is done and there will be no do-overs. :D

Thanks for visiting today.

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• Card Positioning System #252
• Outlawz Copic/Pro-Marker Friday "Girls Only" challenge
• Simon Says Stamp Challenge "Anything Goes"

Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop!

2012-01-25T00:01:00.009-05:00

She said,

Make anything you want, as long as there is something "new" for you in it. Never made jewelry before? Give it a go! Never attempted a tri-fold card? Now is the perfect time! Perhaps you've never used pink with your Bombshells....why not experiment? Wow us with your experimentation!

I took Alison's challenge and finally liberated my Melting Pot from its infernal plastic cocoon. The plan was to make UTEE porcelain roses and some shrink plastic earrings.

My first attempt on the roses was an epic fail.

My first attempt with the shrink plastic was a fail too, though not epic. Who knew that stamped StazOn ink would run in the UTEE? Not me. However, I did end up with some curious looking "tiles" and had fun watching the shrink plastic writhe in the hot UTEE.

So, due to the above and my usual tendency towards procrastination, my project will be late...

Well, here it is with a gazillion photos, that were taken with the flash because it was dark out. *sigh*

Here it is!

Close-up of "Porcelain Roses", which are red, purple, and kraft (note the ladybug charm on the leaf):

Close-up of Rose & Señora Muerta:

Close-up of Rose Quote on Shrink Plastic:

Close-up of earrings:

Alison, our lovely Hump Day Hop Hostess, challenged us to "Try Something New!".

Close-up of Frame with earrings:

Close-up of "rejects", though I think they're sort of cool.

Here's the short version of what I did. Hah.
1) Punched six-petal flowers, cut 'em, shaped 'em, sprayed them with Ranger's Gold misty stuff, and then dipped them into a nice hot relaxing bath of UTEE in the Melting Pot. It took awhile to get three that I would show in public. I also punched a mess of flowers from green cardstock and they took a UTEE bath too. Note to self: stuff gets darker in UTEE!

2) Stamped Rose from Rose's Portrait set and Señora Muerta from the Mi Amor set. I had several frustrating Copic coloring problems, but then got two that didn't make me want to puke.

3) Stamped the guns and the skeleton from the Retro Cowgirl set onto shrink plastic, die cut them, and colored them with Copics. I stamped the flames from the Hearts on Fire set with red, orange, and yellow StazOn. Then I tossed 'em into the melting pot, which was a failure, but was fun and yielded some interesting results that I think are somewhat cool.

4) Stamped everything all over again onto the shrink plastic (clear and white), die cut them, and heat set them with my heat gun. This time it sort of worked, so I added earrings and jump rings (need to get larger circular ones) to swap out. Oh. I also stamped the rose quote from Rose's Portrait set and heat set that to shrink it because why the heck not? Yeah. I also realized that having the guns pointing up (bang to the head) was not a great idea, so I found a bit of clear shrink plastic left, restamped the guns, then used alcohol ink on the reverse of them, then shrunk 'em. :D

5) Sponged three colors of Distress Ink onto Ideology's Kraft Resist paper, spritzed it with Gold Ranger misty stuff, then adhered it to a frame from the dollar store.

6) Cut down some screen and added it to the aperture and added some foam tape to the back to give some room for earrings to be hung from the mesh with care, in the hope that Santa would soon be there. Nope. :D

7) Glued all sorts of stuff to the frame.

8) Took photos and then bored you all spitless!

P.S. I took a look at this online and decided I didn't like the two Bombshells on it, so I've taken them off and will use them on other projects. :D

Thanks for coming back to see this!

Here's the Hop List!
Bombshell Blog
Alison
Laura
Alaine
Sparkly Mary
Meredith
Cheryl
Paula
Kelli
Stempelientje
Glittery Katie

Aloha!

2012-01-22T23:00:00.008-05:00

You can breathe a sigh of relief. I'm taking a little break from bad gnome pun cards for a bit.

I wanted to dispel the snowy cold late January gloom with a warm and tropical card. So I grabbed my new Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue 8x8 pad and Bombshell's Hula Girl and set about creating a card based upon a sketch by Simon Says Stamps Challenge.

Did you know that Simon Says Stamp's store carries Bombshell Stamps? They do. Sadly, they don't seem to carry the Hula Girl set. I'm a dweeb and didn't check until the stamped panel was all done. So, I figure I'll just make a second card using one of the sets they do have. I even know which papers I'll use.

Here's the sketch:

Here's my card:

Here's a close-up of the sentiment:

Here are the (long-winded) details. Hula Girl was colored with Copic markers, then masked with Windsor & Newton masking fluid. When the fluid was dry, I adhered a strip of removable Scotch tape to create the the division betwixt sea and sand. The "sea" was airbrushed over the torn edge of scrap cardstock with BG11, BG13 and B16. Then I flipped the tape, covered the "sea", grabbed the other torn edge, and airbrushed E41, 42, and 43 to create the beach. When I was done, I peeled off the mask and used a white Inkssentials Gel pen to add white caps and foam to the sea.

The sketch called for all sorts of different embellishments, so I pulled out my very ancient Prima flowers, some old ribbon, and some equally old buttons. I usually agonize over placement of embellishments, get frustrated, and end up leaving 'em out, so it this sketch was major fun for me.

Since my motto is "A Project just don't sing if it ain't got the bling!", I added gemstone flowers to the Primas and used glitter stickers for the sentiment. I should note that I used my Copics to color the white glitter stickers. Gotta love that I can get all matchy-matchy with things.

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• Simon Says Stamp Sketch by Domi Challenge
• Outlawz Promarker/Copic Friday Challenges: Girls Only!
• Let's Ink It Up: Challenge #19 -- Anything Goes!
• Addicted to Stamps "Summer in Winter" Challenge
• Craft A Scene Challenge #1 -- Anything Goes

Metro-Gnome (train version) is back!

2012-01-21T18:16:00.002-05:00

Yes. The train version of Metro-Gnome is back!!! There is a musical metrognome version too and that will likely make a reappearance one day.

Anyway, this is the perfect card for me to have on hand for those (increasingly frequent) occasions when I forget someone's birthday! As you can likely tell, it was also prompted by Moxie Fab World's "Map to your Heart" Challenge

I also used Sketch SC367 from Splitcoast Stampers and used a subway map patterned paper from the late lamented Scenic Route Paper Company. *sad face*.

Today's featured gnome is Gnome Walking Left (CK-112-C) which can be found on p. 42 of Third Coast Rubber Stamps' catalog. By the way, TCRS is holding an overstock sale that should be starting one day real soon!

Anyway, the gnome is colored with Copic markers. The "I'm late" sentiment is from Crafty Secrets' Greetings from Wonderland set

My trusty Dymo Labeler was used for the rest of the sentiment. I actually used two of the 500 gazillion million buttons in my stash. The buttons were threaded with Jillbean Soup twine.

I do hope you're not getting too tired of my lame gnome puns.

Thanks for visiting today.

I shall be entering this card at the following challenges.
• Moxie Fab World's "Map to your Heart" Challenge
• Splitcoast Stampers Sketch #367.

More Gnome Pun Cards

2012-01-19T05:17:00.004-05:00

Rut-roh! I'm at it again with more Gnome pun cards. This one was prompted by Moxie Fab World's "Map to your Heart" Challenge. Since I collect map papers and love maps, this card popped into my head, which probably reveals a bit too much about my somewhat warped sense of the world.

Here it is!

There's Gnomette Peeking (AP-16-B) from p. 19 of the Summer '05 catalog. She's joined by Gnome Reaching Down (CK-110-B) from p. 42 of the catalog. I thought the two of them together looked as though they were studying something, so I decided to make them peering at Nome, Alaska through a heart aperture.

Both gnomes were colored with Copics and the sky and grass backgrounds were airbrushed. The heart was punched with a very old, but beloved Hyglo punch. The Spellbinders die was from the Nestabilities Labels 11 set. The sentiment was computer generated and now looks a bit askew. I'll go check it...But perfection is overrated. Right?

I scanned our atlas for the Nome, Alaska aperture. The Alaska map background was a public domain map downloaded from the web.

Thanks for visiting today and putting up with another of my groaner of a gnome card. Be forewarned. Metro Gnome will be returning shortly. :D

I will be entering this in the following challenges.
• Moxie Fab World's "Map to your Heart" Challenge

Bombshell's January Sketch Challenge!

2012-01-17T19:28:00.006-05:00

Greetings! I'm back with another 2012 calendar based on my January Sketch. There's a sketch challenge based on this sketch going on over at Bombshell Stamps! Feel free to use the sketch and enter for a chance to win a fabulous prize. You can enter on the forum and/or on Bombshell's blog!

Here's the sketch:

Here's the calendar: (No flash before I decided to use eyelets to hang it.)

Here's the calendar hanging on my wall using eyelets and twine to hang it. The lighting in this area of my room is very poor, hence the flash and color difference.

Close up of banner:

Close up of ship:

Close up of bottom area:

The layout of this is screamingly similar to the other calendar that I did, but there are a few differences. Plus, if you can't case yourself, who can you case? :D

I used Homeward Bound, which is one of my most favorite Bombshell Stamps sets! The ship, sentiment, and compass are from this set. The anchor is from the Classic Tattoo set.

The ship was stamped with Memento ink and colored with Copic markers. I tried a different color combination for the sails (E40 blended with R0000) and am quite happy with it. The ship was masked, die cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 22, a tape-masked horizon line was added and then the sky was airbrushed with a custom blend of B21 plus colorless blender and a touch of RV00. The tape was moved and then I airbrushed the sea with a combo of B32, 34, BG72, and BG53. The die moved and messed it up, so I ended up touching up the sea by hand. When I was happy with the colors, I added some white "sea foam" with an Inkssentials white gel pen.

The sentiment was stamped, then I realized that I didn't have any banner dies that would work, so I drew my own using chalk pencils. Shading and aging were added with more Chalk pencils, then Black Soot Distress ink was added to define the edges and add more aging.

The anchor and compass were stamped with Champagne VersaMark ink and heat embossed with Queen's Gold embossing powder. I used the same combo of Chalk pencils and Black Soot to age and distress these panels.

The background patterned papers are from Graphic 45 and the map paper is from Frances Meyer. After I put the whole thing together, I adhered it to the cardboard backing from a 8x8 paper pad. Krylon Gold Leaf pen was used to edge the entire piece.

After I took the photos, I tried to hang it using the tab on the back of the cardboard, but it didn't work, so I used two eyelets and more hemp twine.

I probably have gone on long enough, so thanks for visiting today.

I shall be entering this in the following challenges:
• Bombshell's January Sketch Challenge
• Moxie Fab World's "Map to your Heart" Challenge
• The Outlawz Copic/Promarker Friday's Challenge (Blue, Aqua, Turquoise, Sand)
• iCopic Lovers #65 Unloved Colors Challenge: I rarely use E40 or R0000
• Simon Says Stamps "Spots or Stripes" Challenge
• Simon Says Anything But a Card challenge

Cleopatra Mermaid

2012-01-05T20:51:00.006-05:00

I needed a birthday card and felt like playing around. I hadn't liberated my Sweet Pea stamps in forever and a day and hadn't ever inked this one yet, so it qualifies as "new" in the challenges below.

It's ching chou-kuik's Egypt Mermaid (see page 18) by Sweet Pea Stamps.

Close-up

Copic markers were used to color the stamped scene and to color light blue flower rhinestones.

Gold metallic cardstock was die cut using a Spellbinders Frame Die and a Spellbinders border die. I kept the cardstock in the dies and sponged Teal Blue and Azure StazOn ink onto the raised embossed areas as well as the innard part of the frame.

The hieroglyphic patterned vellum from a very old Club Scrap kit was adhered onto aqua cardstock. The sentiment is a Stampendous sticker from an assortment that I've had forever.

So, to summarize: the newly inked stamp qualifies as the "new" element. The Club Scrap vellum, Stampendous sticker, and old StazOn inks meet the "old" criteria.

Lastly, I'm thinking of giving this card to my sister since she's hitting the mid-century mark and is bumming. I figure that "You're not as old as Cleopatra" might work. *snort*

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall be entering this card into the following challenges:
• Simon Says "Something Old and Something New" Challenge
• iCopic Weekly Challenge #63: Smooth & Shiny Hair
• Sentimental Sundays: Challenge #83: "Anything Goes"
• Delicious Doodles "All Things New" challenge

Magical Birthday card

2012-01-04T10:00:00.007-05:00

Once upon a time, a traveling wizard visited a castle owned by a lovely fairy and found a lonely little cat who spent all her time sitting in a window, watching the birds and the fairies, and wishing she could fly with them.

The wizard spent some time with the cat and was very taken with her gentleness. He decided to grant her wishes as a special birthday gift for his hostess.

Close up of magical kitty to show the sparkle on her wings!

The card features Third Coast's Sarus Suggests (FA-254-I), the Open Window (CH-755-G), Stone Bench, and Kitty Fairy (CH-681-G).

All elements of the scene were colored with Copic markers. The floor and the stone wall was drawn in with Copic markers as well. The kitty's wings were painted with a layer of Iridescent Purple Twinkling H2Os.

The sentiment is from the Fairy Fantasy Unmounted Sheet by The Enchanted Gallery and was embossed with Queen's Gold embossing powder by Ranger Industries.

Krylon Gold Leaf pen and German Dresden Foil Borders were added. You can find a lovely selection of Dresden Foil at Retro Cafe Art Gallery.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall be entering this in the following challenges:
• Outlawz ProMarker/Copic Challenges "Anything Goes" Challenge
• Crafting For All Seasons #17 -- Fairies
• Flutterby Wednesdays: Challenge #184: "Open" challenge

Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop!!!

2011-12-28T00:01:00.011-05:00

Alison, Bombshell's lovely and talented Hump Day Hop Head Hostess, set this month's theme which is ...

"Give it to Me, Baby!" What's that mean? You've got to make a gift for someone using your Bombshell Stamps. Even if that someone is you! ;) This also means no cards! Unless of course, you are making a super snazzy gift card holder, but let's give it the old college try and try to make something else. I'm talking jewlery, altered art, mini canvases...anything that you could give to someone as a gift. The possibilites are endless!

Oops, my project is late, so if so inclined, come back later to check it out!

Why not take a few seconds and play with my fish and the kitty?---> You can also sign up as a "follower". :D

Close Up of the stamped image:

Close up of the chipboard elements at the top of the wall hanging.

Close up of the mini clipboard:

I could have kept going, adding more stamped images, bling, flowers, and other "schtuff", but then I would never have gotten this project uploaded in time. So, I decided "less is more" and called it done. It is now being weighted down to flatten it a bit. Since it will be gifted to someone, I'll ask if they want me to add more "schtuff" to it!

Yes. So, it's a wall hanging that contains a calendar, mini-clipboard, and a 3" Post-It note pad. The Party Pin-up from the Man's Ruin set was stamped twice and colored with Copic markers. I cut out the parts on the top of the glass and coated the glass with several layers of embossing powder. It was then die cut. Distress ink was sponged over the image while it was still in the die cut. The cut-out pin-up was adhered in place so that it looks like her head, torso, arms, parts of her legs, and feet are dry and her posterior and part of her leg are in the cocktail.

The chipboard flourish and numbers were also colored with Copics and then several layers of embossing powder were added. A rose from the Alter Skulls set was stamped directly onto the chipboard mini-clipboard. It was heat embossed and colored with Copic markers. It was masked, then airbrushed, then coated with VersaMark, and heat embossed it. It created an odd effect.

The patterned papers are from the very old, beloved, and hoarded Vagabond collection by Basic Grey. I also used Washi-Tape and rhinestones.

Here's the hop list:
Bombshell Blog
Alison
Sparkly Engineer Mary
Torrey
Alex
Alaine
Milo
Meredith
Kathi

Thanks for visiting today.

I shall enter this wall hanging in the following challenges:
• Outlaws Promarker/Copic Fridays "Food" challenge
• Simon Says "Anything Goes"
• iCopic #62 "Bling" Challenge
• Basic Grey #59 Anything Goes challenge
• Pile it On "Bling" challenge

Bombshell's "Get Steamy" Steampunk Challenge #2

2011-12-23T15:17:00.009-05:00

Bombshell's Ms. December,the lovely and talented Torrey, challenged us all to create a Steampunk project using our Bombshell Stamps. This is my second card and boy did I have fun! Please note, I must be feeling tilty because I could not get a straight photo.

Close-up:

This time, Bombshell's Pirate Wench from A Pirate's Life set was Steampunk'd.

I created a quasi-Victorian Steampunky outfit for her with a laced corset, a long skirt, an overcoat, and a hat. All parts of her outfit, as well as her face, were colored with Copic markers in Christmas-y colors. After I put her back together, I went over her cheeks to add a bit more pink and messed up, so I ended up having to add some chalk to make them look a bit less blotchy. Now she looks like she's having a hot flash.

Retrospectively, I would have given her skirt some texture via stamps, an embossing folder, or drawn in pleats. Next time. :D

I did give her a lapel pin consisting of watch parts and a gemstone. Her hat is adorned with another tiny gear and gemstone, as is the sentiment tag. The sentiment is from the Mixed Messages set by Paper Trey Ink, which is incredibly useful since the sentiments are teensy.

Once again, I used the Timeworks Cuttlebug folder for the background. I brushed the raised portions of the kraft cardstock with my brand-new Delicata gold inkpad by Tsukineko (my great dh got it for me from Simon Says Stamp!). It's a fabulous glittery gold that gives great coverage!

German Dresden Foil Swan Wings and a border were used to add some Victorian Glitz to the card. You can find both at Retro Cafe Art Gallery. Some gears that I got at Michael's were painted with a Gold Krylon pen and added around the black and red roses.

Thanks for visiting today and best wishes for a lovely holiday!

I shall enter this card in the following challenges!
Outlawz Greeting Monday: Bling Challenge
Craft Your Passion: #89--Things with Wings Challenge
iCopic #61: Last Minute Holiday Challenge
Simon Says Bingo Challenge -- NO patterned paper, gemstones, & flowers!
Pile It On Bling Challenge
Bombshell's Steampunk Challenge

Jack Frost strikes again!

2011-12-21T01:23:00.008-05:00

I've had this one in my head for a long time and finally got around to making it. It's seasonally appropriate too since it's getting cold in these parts.

Close up:

Jack Frost was feeling feisty and decided to explore an enchanted forest. He discovered a Toadstool House (DT-022-M)and just had to work his magic upon it and the surrounding trees.

I had to work a little "magic" myself when creating this scene. The Toadstool House has lovely flowers and butterflies adorning it. Since they were seasonally incorrect, I had to get rid of them. I used some repositionable Scotch Tape and covered them, inked the stamp, lifted the tape, and stamped the image. Then I stamped Jack and some branches from the Branching Out set by Taylored Expressions, so that Jack would have a platform so that he could spread frost wherever he wanted.

All stamped images were colored with Copic markers, were masked, and a background was airbrushed. I corrected the lines of the Toadstool House's roof with a fine tip pen and also added some shading dots to match the rest of the roof. The branches were outlined too. When that was done, VersaMarker was used to color the roof of the house and several layers of clear embossing powder were heat set. I repeated this process on the tree branches and on the ground.

Pearl Paint Dabber was added with a toothpick to the roofline, chimney, tree branches, and ground. While it was still wet, Prisma Glitter was sprinkled on to add some sparkle. More Pearl Paint Dabber was toothpicked onto the sky to simulate snow.

Jack's cuff's and hat were flocked to add a bit more texture.

I used my new snowflake corner die from Memory box and die cut white metallic paper. My Mind's Eye patterned paper from a 6x6 pad was used. The branch stamp is from the Branching Out Coordinates set. The sentiment is a beloved and retired A Muse stamp. Some rhinestones were added to finish the card.

Thanks for visiting today.

This card will be entered in the following challenges:
• Outlaws Greetings Monday: "Bling"
• Drunken Stampers "Glittery Holiday"
• iCopic #61: "Last Minute Holiday"
• Pile it On: "Bling"

Bombshell Christmas!

2011-12-16T12:50:00.003-05:00

Last weekend was SCS's VSN and I really wanted to participate, but time/mojo were non-existent. I also wanted to play along with some other challenges, but those deadlines sneaked by before I was ready.

So, this card was started with iCopic's "Black Hair" challenge and VSN's non-wintry Christmas card in mind. That means that I stamped Bombshell Stamps Hawaiian Girl and colored her with Copic markers. I finally finished this card last night. *sigh*

The sentiment is from the Holiday Accessory set which has all sorts of useful seasonal holiday motifs. The patterned papers are from Basic Grey and 7 Gypsies.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into these challenges:
• Outlawz Copic/Promarker "Celebrate" Challenge
• iCopic Weekly Challenge #60 "Holidays"
• The Paper Variety: "Anything goes"

Sweet digital stamps from Bombshell Stamps!

2011-12-09T01:03:00.005-05:00

There's a limited edition digital set called Gingerbread Pin-Up, that is available as a digital set only through the end of December. It has three Gingerbread people, some cookies, candy, and some fun sentiments.

Here's a card that I created using this set!

Here's a close up!

Thanks for visiting today!

Oooh! Candy!

2011-12-04T15:01:00.003-05:00

Cheryl, my very talented and lovely friend, is offering some blog candy on her blog. Here's a link so that you can play along too. While you're there, check out her work. She's freaking awesome!

Mmmm Mmmmm Good!

Genie Lamp Wishes!

2011-12-04T01:35:00.004-05:00

When I saw the Genie Lamp (AP-346-J) stamp from Third Coast Rubber Stamps, I knew that I had to have it. It actually comes separately or in a set with a larger lamp that's facing the other way. You can find it on page 25 of the Early Spring, 2007 Supplement.

Here's the first card I've made using it.

The lamp and smoke were colored with Copic markers. The patterned paper is from Basic Grey's Marrakech 6x6 pad.

Since I'm trying to build a stash of birthday cards, I decided to use the warmest wishes sentiment with it.

Thanks for visiting today!

Steampunk Butterfly meets challenges!

2011-12-02T14:32:00.006-05:00

I am so efficient that I scare myself. Ha!

Here's my sketch for Bombshell for December: Why not play along? Link is below!

Here's my take on my sketch and for Ms. December's Steampunk Challenge!

When Bombshell's Ms. December,the lovely and talented Torrey, challenged us to create a Steampunk project, this idea popped into my head immediately. Better yet, I had the time to play, so play I did!

I stamped the biggest butterfly from the Butterfly Dreams set onto the reverse of a piece of patterned kraft paper from the Tim Holtz' Kraft Resist Ideology Paper Stack using Onyx VersaFine ink. I then heat embossed the image with clear embossing powder and colored it with Copic markers. The Copics blended fine on the cardstock, though the kraft color influenced their color. When I was pleased with the butterfly, I "fussy cut" the wings and edged them with black marker because I can't abide contrasting edges. Must be the Virgo in me.

I took a piece of butterfly patterned paper from the same pad, embossed it using Clockworks Cuttlebug folder, inked it with Chipped Sapphire, Broken China, and Worn Lipstick Distress Inks, distressed the edges, then edged with Black Soot Distress Ink. Three metal coins from EK Success were colored with Copic markers and ribbon was used to position them following the sketch.

I found a piece of cloudy blue vellum in my stash which was die cut with a Spellbinders die. The butterfly's wings were adhered with different levels of dimensional adhesive. Watch parts became the butterfly's body and antenna and were adhered with Matte Accents. I actually learned from past mistakes and set the piece aside overnight.

When I was assured that everything was dry and secure, I adhered the vellum/butterfly piece to the card's front, added some Ideology Game Spinners, used some rhinestone brads to add some bling, then stamped the sentiment and die cut it.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• Bombshell's December Sketch Challenge
• Bombshell Stamps' Ms. December's Hot & Steamy Challenge
• Simon Says Stamp "Anything Goes" Challenge
• Retro Cafe Art Gallery Contest
• iCopic Blog's Weekly Challenge #58: Vintage & Distressed
• Outlawz Greetings Monday "Anything Goes" Challenge
• The Kraft Journal's "Favorite Project" Challenge

Third Coast New Release & SALE!!!

2011-12-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

There are 13 pages of fabulous new stamps available now. Better yet, they're on sale for 20% off until December 10th! Gotta love that! Click HERE to check it out! Additionally, there's an Overstock Sale going on too! Here's a link to that info!

Here's a card using the brand new Ready for Winter (VB-372-N), which can be found on page 2 of the November 2011 Supplement!

I stamped the gal twice onto white cardstock, colored the parts with Copic markers, then cut them apart. The jacket was stamped onto black & white herringbone paper from the Burberry Cottage 6x6 pad by Pink Paislee and colored with Copic markers. Black Glaze pen was added to the buttons, then the jacket was cut out.

The gal was reassembled (sounds gruesome) and put aside. I die cut white cardstock and airbrushed it with light blue while it was still in the die. A snowflake flourish by Third Coast was stamped three times with Frost Dazzle VersaMark ink and heat embossed with holographic embossing powder. The edges of the die cut were edged with a VersaMarker, then heat embossed with the same holographic embossing powder. The gal was positioned in the die cut and Copic Opaque White snowflakes were added with a toothpick.

The patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye and Pink Paislee. The sentiment stamp is by Rubber Soul.

I shall enter this card in:
• Moxie Fab World's "Get Inspired by Fashion" challenge
• Outlawz Copic/Promarker "Anything Goes" challenge
• Craft Your Passion #86: "'Tis the Season" Challenge
• Simon Says "Anything Goes" Challenge

Bombshell Stamps' Hump Day Hop!

2011-11-30T00:01:00.009-05:00

I'm the last stop on this month's Hump Day Hop, so you've probably been totally inspired by some serious eye candy!

To refresh your memory, Alison, our lovely Bombshell Hump Day Hop Captain, issued a color challenge for this month's blog hop.

Here is the color palette:

Here's my card, which scanned bizarrely!

I wanted to use the koi from the Lotus Garden set, but I also wanted to use one of the Bombshell pin-up stamps, so I decided to go a bit whimsical and have the mermaid from the Mermaid Anchor set hitch a ride on her friend, the koi.

The mermaid and koi were colored with Copic markers and are much lighter in real life. The silly scanner really weirded out the colors, and my limited Photoshop skillz met their match. If it's nicer out tomorrow, I'll try to take a photo and share that instead. However, you'll just have to pretend for now. The mermaid's hair is very close to the lightest yellow orange. The koi's tale is lighter and more variegated.

The patterned papers are from MME's Home (old) and Fine & Dandy Boy (new). I just happened to have the perfect sentiment from the Everyday Button set by Paper Trey Ink!

Thanks for visiting today.

Here's the hop list if you got lost and/or want to revisit any of the spectacular artwork you've seen.
Bombshell Blog
Alison
Laura
Mary G.
Torrey
Cheryl
Stempelientje
Kelli
Alaine
Glittery Katie
Celina Anthony
Paula
Milo
Sparkly Mary (The Birthday Girl!):
Alex
Kathi <---You're here!

I'm draggin'

2011-11-29T15:09:00.004-05:00

So here's a dragon card that uses Splitcoast's Sketch Challenge #360 and the wondrous Dragon Orb stamp, which is on sale as part of Third Coast's Overstock Sale!!! Look in the "Everything else" category!

Third Coast's Dragon Orb (CH-696-H), from page 18 of the Summer '05 catalog, was stamped with Onyx VersaFine ink, heat embossed with clear embossing powder, then colored with Pentel Metallic Brush pens with a touch of Pentel Aquash Brush pens.

Sadly, the scan does not show the shimmery green and black cardstock or the shimmer from the pens.

Thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell's Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale!

2011-11-25T12:00:00.002-05:00

It's Bombshell's Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale!

Receive 25% off your entire purchase from NOW through Monday, Nov. 28!

Just use coupon code "CYBR30" at check out!

Click HERE to be whisked through cyberspace to Bombshell's store!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-21T14:38:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm busy prepping my side dishes and getting ready for Thanksgiving, which put me in the mood to share this card. It's an accordion card with a belly band to keep it together.

Front View with Belly Band:

Accordion Card:

The card features the adorable penguins from the Gobble It Up set by The Cat's Pajamas. The penguins, domed cloche, pie, and sentiments are from that set. The wine bottle is called Pop the Cork and is also by the Cat's Pajamas. The bread basket is from the Kitchen Classics set by Crafty Secrets.

The entire scene was stamped in Memento ink, then colored with Copic markers. The cloche, turkey, penguin bills, and penguin feet were coated with a layer of embossing powder to add dimension and shine. There was a whole lotta masking involved to get that turkey on the table and to add that homey yellow background, which was sponged with Distress Ink.

The patterned paper is from the Origins collection by Basic Grey.

I shall enter this card in these challenges:
• Simon Says "Thanksgiving/Thanks" Challenge.
• iCopic Challenge #57: "Being Thankful and Thanksgiving".

Thanks for visiting today!

The holidays are approaching!

2011-11-20T02:10:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving is next week and December will be here before I know it! December means lots of birthdays, Chanukah, and Christmas, so I'd best get busier with some holiday cards.

Here's one!

I've used shaped patterned paper from K & Company together with Jack Frost as a snowflake bearing Christmas elf! He can be found on page 10 of the Early Winter '06/7 Supplement.

Jack was colored with Copic markers. Fun Flock was used on his hat and jacket cuffs and sparkly pens were added to the big and small snowflakes.

I'm entering this card in:
• Craft Your Passions "Let It Snow" challenge.

Thanks for visiting today!

Rock On!

2011-11-18T01:14:00.003-05:00

This card is a miracle! Why? Well because it's finished almost a month before I need to send it to my nephew!!! Granted it was a bit easier than some cards because I used Taylored Expressions Sketch #150 with a brand new, never-seen-ink You're My Hero set! This is a great set to use for gifts for teens and young adults (or aging rockers) since it features a guitar neck and four different guitar bodies, plus a male and a female rocker, a decorative motif, and a bunch of sentiments.

So, the guitar was stamped and colored with Copic markers. I debated whether to use UTEE to make the guitar glossy, but decided against it this time. The patterned paper is old, but hoarded Junkitz paper. I stamped the star, heat embossed it with sparkly black embossing powder, then cut it out. I used a drippy goo punch because I didn't think my usual lacy/scalloped edges would have worked so well. The sentiment is computer generated.

This card was entered in:
• Taylored Expressions Sketch #150 challenge
• Outlawz Greeting Monday challenge "Masculine" challenge.

Thanks for visiting today!

Another "Goth" card!

2011-11-17T16:38:00.007-05:00

This one uses ching chou kuik's Exotic Halloween stamp by Sweet Pea.

She was colored with Copic markers. A bit of glitter pen was added to her necklace, earrings, and wing piercing. I decided to try a different range of E markers for her skin (E40, E42, RV00, RV10). Her hair was inspired by my pal Alison. I opted to use non-Halloween colors, figuring that the card would then be usable as a birthday card, since the fairy is holding candles.

The lace was colored with Copic markers. I put the colored lace into a tiny plastic bag, added a bit of blending solution, and smooshed it around to get it look more variegated. It worked.

The lace was attached with the Tiny Attacher. Recollections pearls are over the staples.

The photo was taken outside whilst the card was sitting on the trunk of my daughter's car. I really like how the sky blurred and that you can see the reflection of the lace.

This card is being entered in the following challenges.
• The Outlawz Friday Promarker/Copic "Goth" challenge!
• Addicted to Stamps "Pearls & Lace" challenge.

Thanks for visiting today!

Another Gnome Pun card

2011-11-17T00:30:00.000-05:00

Yep. I'm back with another gnome pun card and have many, many more planned.

Here it is!

This one features the following Third Coast stamps!
• Watering Can House (DT-025-M) which can be found on p. 8 of the Summer '06 Supplement.
• Gnome Walking Left (CK-112-C) which can be found on p. 42 of the catalog.
• Multi-Sign Post (CH-633-G) which can be found on p. 15 of the Late Winter '08 Supplement.

The Watering Can House was stamped with VersaFine ink, then heat embossed with clear detail embossing powder. It was colored with Copic markers. A touch of sparkle was added to the windows with a Spica glitter pen. The house was framed with a circle cut in map patterned paper, which *I think* might be from Frances Mayer.

Gnome Walking Left and the Multi-Sign Post were stamped with Memento ink, colored with Copic markers, and then cut out. "no place like ghome" was added to the sign using Doodlebug rub-on letters. I need to score more of those since they are such a great size for adding sentiments. The sign and gnome were adhered to the left of the circle framing the Watering Can House .

The top sentiment was computer generated, colored with Copics, and then added.

Thanks for visiting today!

Oh my goth!

2011-11-14T18:45:00.002-05:00

I recently received by the Goth Fairy (AP-257G) and Spiked Fence (ED-010-H) from Third Coast. I ran out of time at Halloween, but felt like using them and found some challenges that were perfect for the scene I had planned! Gotta love that!

Goth Fairy (found on page 1 of the Late Spring '06 Supplement) was colored with Copic markers. Her skin and wings are a very pale blue violet. I went over her stocking with a gray to make them look like translucent blackish hose. Black Glaze pens were used on her hair to make it black, sleek, and shiny!

The graveyard scene is a stamp from the late, lamented Odd Bird Planet. The tombstones, statuary, mausoleum, and grass were colored with Copics.

The fairy and the graveyard scene were masked with Windsor & Newton fluid mask. A circle mask was cut from Eclipse tape. Then I airbrushed the night sky with three Copic blues.

The masks were peeled off and the Spiked Fence, from page 1 of the Summer '06 Supplement, was stamped over the graveyard scene with Onyx Black VersaFine. Tree branches were added using Large Birch Trunks (CM-055-P), from page 11 of the Spring '07 supplement, to frame the scene. The final touch was added "stars" with a toothpick and Opaque White. It also helped camouflage some mistakes. Yahoo.

I shall enter challenges at:
The Outlawz Friday Promarker/Copic "Goth" challenge!
Drunken Stampers "Up in the Air" challenge!
iCopic #56 "Background" challenge.

Thanks for visiting today!

Upcycling!

2011-11-13T22:00:00.005-05:00

This round plastic box started life as a holder for some Stampin' Up embellishments or another. I honestly don't remember what it held. I kept the plastic box because I figured I could use it to hold something some day.

Today it's holding some large flower and round rhinestones!

The box was plain clear plastic with the Stampin' Up logo on the top. B*O*R*I*N*G!!!

It was airbrushed with Copic markers to match its decorative new top. Third Coast's Dragon Orb (CH-696-H), from page 18 of the Summer '05 catalog, was stamped with Onyx VersaFine ink, heat embossed with clear embossing powder, then colored with Copic markers. I cut a lop-sided circle, colored the edges black, coated the circle with Dazzle VersaMark, and several layers of UTEE. I hope that you can see the lovely shimmer within the shininess of the UTEE!

I adhered the circle to the top of the box and finished the box decoration with black glitter tape around the sides.

This box is being entered into Simon Says Stamp's Upcycling/Recycling Challenge!

Thanks for visiting today!

Once Upon a Time...

2011-11-11T15:30:00.004-05:00

there was a paper crafter named Kathi, who liked to create cards first then decide how to use them afterwards. She was very taken with all sorts of images, but especially those from bygone eras, such as Third Coast's Sumi’s Book of Magic (FT-190-I), which can be found on page 8 of the Summer '05 supplement.

Sumi was colored with Copic markers to match 7 Gypsies Savannah patterned paper. She was cut out and popped up over a die cut from perfect "Once Upon a Time" text paper by DCWV, which was sponged with some Distress Ink to make it match better. There's a strip of text paper (also DCWV) that has some glitter to it. Sadly, the photo doesn't show reveal the sparkle.

I am entering this card:
• Craft Your Passion's #83 to use some brown on your project.
• OCL's "Once Upon a Time" Challenge (#91)

Thanks for visiting today!

Be Happy!

2011-11-04T19:59:00.006-04:00

My mantra these days is "Don't worry! Be happy! (Not a bad song either!)I interpret that to mean that you should do at least one thing per day that makes you smile, whether it be buying a new pair of shoes, crafting, working out, trying a nice wine, or reading. Just do it!

Here's November's Bombshell sketch, created by moi!

Here's my take on the sketch!

I used the new-to-me "Girl's Ruin" set by Bombshell stamps. The image was colored with Copic markers.

"Waste Not" is Ms. November's challenge, we're to use scraps, rather than let them go to waste. The faux crocodile specialty paper is from my scraps bin and is from my days on the FiberMark design team. The company is no longer making crafting products, which makes me sad, but I do have a substantial stash of full sheets and scraps, which makes me happy. I also used a thin strip of black metallic textured paper, also by FiberMark, under the lace ribbon, which was a rak from a friend. The patterned paper from the "Black Tie" collection by Basic Grey. It was also from my scrap stash! Yay!

Thanks for visiting today and remember to take time to do something to make you happy!

Spooky! (but cute)

2011-10-31T19:02:00.006-04:00

Happy Halloween again. I had this image all colored up and finally got it onto a card. Yay!

Here it is!

Third Coast's Kitty & Cat (VB-317-M) can be found on page 25 of the Halloween 2009 supplement to the catalog! She was colored with Copic markers and clear Glaze pen was added to the cat's eyes for dimension and shine.

A frame was cut from cardstock using Spellbinders Labels #4 Nestabilities (my most used set), a tag was cut using Just Rite's Spellbinders dies, and a sentiment was added using lime green Doodlebug rub-ons. The ribbon is from my stash. The frame was mounted onto patterned paper from Basic Grey's Eerie 6x6 pad.

I finally found the Halloween confetti that I bought last year. It was "somewhere safe". Ha! The spider webs and spiders are from that packet. Orange sparkly eyes are dot sparkler stickers. I just noticed that one of my spiders is now eyeless! Oh well.

I'm entering this card for challenges at Outlawz and Splitcoast (F4A88).

Thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell Stamps Relaunch Party!

2011-10-31T12:13:00.003-04:00

As you know, Bombshell Stamps renovated the Bombshell Forum and we're celebrating with a three-day party that will run from Halloween through November 2nd!!!

There will be virtual drinks, real games, and some fun challenges for you! Get out your Bombshell stamps and be sure to play along for chances to win fun prizes, including some hand-made artwork from Bombshell's talented design team!

Be sure to check out the festivities, HERE!

One of the games is a Scavenger Hunt! Search the Bombshell Stamps DT's blogs for the Señora Muerta Scavenger Hunt Logo. Find them all and email the static links to Glittery Katie at thecelticwitch@googlemail.com! The winner will win a prize!!!

Something wicked this way comes!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.008-04:00

It's Halloween and I'm so excited! I love Halloween! Candy, cute kids, scary teenagers, terrifying adults, costumes, more candy, and fun!

Here's a card that was way too much fun to make! Best of all, it came out the way I had envisioned it in "my mind's eye"! I LOVE when that happens!!!

I think Third Coast's Skull Witch (CM-231-L) from pg. 34 of the Halloween '09 is fierce. She certainly is in awesome shape. Unlike me. She was colored with Copic markers. Glitter pens added glimmer to the skulls' eyes and Glaze pens added dimension and shine. She was masked and then I stamped Pile O' Skulls (CH-693-CC, from p. 15 of the Summer '05 catalog) three times, masked them, and stamped some more! I masked the next batch of skulls, then stamped Shadow Cat Walking (CH-128-E p.11 of the Halloween '06 catalog) in VersaFine ink and then masked him too.

I pulled out the small Bricks stencil from The Crafter's Workshop, taped it down, and airbrushed several colors of Copic markers over the stencil onto the piece (and my hand). I lifted the stencil and went over the mortar with another Copic marker.

I then masked off the brick wall with Post-It notes, cut a circle mask from Eclipse tape, positioned it where I wanted, then airbrushed the sky and the ground.

I computer generated the sentiment on parchment-like paper, overstamped it with the Scroll stamp (DV-004-G, p. 25), and added some shading with Copics and chalk.

I matted the scene and added a Twigs Alteration diecut, added the sentiment scroll, and called it done!

I'm entering this card for challenges at Outlawz and Splitcoast (F4A88).

Thanks for visiting and have a great holiday!

You're invited to a Bombshell Stamps Party!

2011-10-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

Bombshell's forum has been upgraded and we're celebrating with a party -- Bombshell Style!

Where: Gambler's Anonymous in The Casino @ Bombshell Stamps Forum

When: Monday, October 31st through Wednesday, November 2nd

What: Games, challenges, and PRIZES!!!

I hope to see you there!!!

Boo!

2011-10-29T17:08:00.006-04:00

I've been getting into the Halloween spirit, even though it's freaking snowing here. I've got my candy, mailed some Halloween surprise packages, and have been making cards!

Yesterday was International Cat Day. I felt like using the adorable Witch's Kitten stamp (CM-287-R), which is a new release from Third Coast! You can find it on p. 39 of the latest supplement to their HUGE catalog!

Craft your Passion has a challenge to use Kraft papers and I had picked up the wonderful Haunted pad by My Mind's Eye with a 50% coupon, so I decided to use it. I wanted to see what would happen if I stamped directly onto one of the sheets, then used my Copics. It didn't work, so I pulled out my very dusty Prismacolor pencils and went to work. I decided that I wanted the kitten to be a marmalade for an "Orange" challenge over at Outlaws, but then realized that they wanted something recycled. Oops. So I found another challenge over there to enter. :D

Anyways, I digress (something new and different for me). I colored the kitten orange and made her hat black with a purple lining. I used Goo-Gone to blend out all the colors. I drew in a horizon line with a black chalk pencil, then blended it downward. Distress Ink in Spiced Marmalade, Concord Grape, and Black Soot was sponged on to add a bit of color and aging. I added some lines to the existing spider web in the upper left, then poked a hole, and added a rhinestone spider brad from Recollections.

I chose a subtle black and kraft sheet of patterned kraft paper and cut it down to 6.75". I cut a smaller strip and pulled out the Borderline Ideology mask and adhered it to the strip. I sponged ink over the strip, pulled off the mask, then adhered the strip to the base of the black and kraft patterned paper. Distress ink was sponged onto the card front, then I added the stamped piece, ribbon, and a Spellbinders ribbon slide containing the highly original sentiment.

Then I went to put it on a 5" x 7" top-fold card and realized that I screwed up my measurements (I am THE Total Spaceshot), so I had to go back, cut stuff down, and re-do. Bother. I ended up cutting a bit close to the poor kitten's hat, but such is life.

I do believe that I've blathered on long enough.

So...if you made it through all the above, kudos.

Thanks for visiting today!

No trick, no treat.

2011-10-28T15:43:00.004-04:00

This is a Halloween card for my husband, who is a chemist and sometimes acts like a mad scientist.

The stamps are Potions Lab Bench (AP-510-I), which can be found on page 7 of April 2011 catalog. by Third Coast Rubber Stamps and the mad scientist, Boris, is a retired stamp by A Muse. Both images were colored with Copic markers. The glassware was covered with a layer or two of Sakura Glaze pen to add dimension and shine.

The patterned papers are from the 6x6 Apothecary Emporium pad by Echo Park. The sticker is from 7 Gypsies.

Thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell's Hump Day Hop!

2011-10-26T00:01:00.007-04:00

Alison, our lovely and talented Hump Day Hop Head Hottie, has set this month's blog hop theme, which is "A Very Skelly Halloween".

I don't have my "Skelly" project completed for the hop yet, so please return later.

Thanks for returning to see my project, which is a winged warrior skeleton, who is gracing my refrigerator at the moment. The skeleton cast a lot of shadows, which are in the photo. Sorry about that.

I used the Muertos Doll digital stamp set for this project. He was printed out, colored with Copics and palette chalk, cut out, heat embossed with sparkly VersaMark ink and several layers of UTEE. I popped the bones in the freezer so that they would crackle. He was assembled with small star brads, so he can be poseable, though in looking at him, I might have confused my right and left and his wings are likely on upside down. I'm gifted that way. Besides, perfection is overrated. *chortle*

He needed some accessories, so diecut golden wings, jeweled crown, and a silver and gold jeweled sword were added. While looking through my dies, I discovered a skull, so I diecut that and added several layers of UTEE and sparkly eye sockets. The "perfect" is a magnet that we got eons ago when we got one of our Macs. My Muerto's Doll is a magnet now and might end up on a project some day.

While I have your attention, I do have a project to share with you using the brand new digital Peek-a-Boo Geisha set!

The set is flirty and fabulous with three versions of the Geisha for you to use, plus one sentiment. It's a "Steal of a Deal" at $4.99! I'm entering this card in the Asian challenge over at Copic/Promarker forum at Outlawz.

I do plan to finish my "Skelly" project, but meanwhile, be prepared to have your socks blown off your feet with what these talented paople have created to inspire you.

Without further ado, here's the list!
Bombshell Blog
Alison
Mary G.
Glittery Katie
Cheryl
Alex
Kelli
Torrey
Meredith
Paula
Milo
Alaine
Sparkly Mary
Stempelientje

Think Pink Challenge!

2011-10-19T00:01:00.002-04:00

Bombshell Stamps' Ms. October, Hey Hey Paula!, challenged us to use pink to create a project.

Here's mine!

This card features the Bombshell Angel Pin Up and the witch costume from the Halloween Costume Dress Up set digital stamps.

She was colored with Copic markers. Spica Glitter pen was used to give her glittery shoes, a glittery band on her hat, and to edge the Nestie shape. The markers were also used to change the color of the type on the patterned paper and to color the glitter border and the glitter sticker letters (twice since pink didn't show up well).

The patterned papers, glitter border, and glittery stickers are all by Making Memories.

Be sure to check out the Bombshell Blog and Bombshell's Forum to check out what others have done with Ms. October's "Think Pink" challenge. If you create a project using Bombshell stamps AND you share it with us, you'll be entered to win a gift certificate to the Bombshell Stamps store.

I'll also be entering this card over at The Outlawz Promarker/Copic Challenge since they are also hosting a "Think Pink" Challenge!

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Oh Gno! Gnew Gnome Puns!

2011-10-18T20:23:00.007-04:00

Yep. I'm back with gnew, different, yet seriously cute gnomes and some more lame gnome pun cards. I hope you like 'em.

Here's the first that I did for a friend and for the Fan Club challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers. If you click it, you can see a slight enlargement.

Gned Gnome (AP-157-C)and Gnelly Gnome (AP-158-C) are getting married atop a lovely layered wedding cake built from the Cake Set (CK-CVS), which can be found on p. 79 of the Third Coast Rubber Stamps online catalog. It's a cool set, but you can buy the layers and pillars separately. Gned and Gnelly usually reside on page 19 of the Summer '05 Catalog.

After stamping the cake layers, I stamped Gned, masked him, then stamped Gnelly. Then I colored the whole shebang with Copic markers and added silver gel pen to Gned's buttons. Sadly the scan wiped out Gnelly's lovely light pink dress and a photo was even worse. *Huge Pout*

The papers are from Prima's 6x6 Annalee pad. The sentiments were computer generated on vellum. Sadly you can't see that they're cut like banners. I added a Copic colored pearl flower and pearls.

Thanks for visiting today.

Feeling wicked?

2011-10-14T01:13:00.000-04:00

Are you feeling wicked and getting in the mood for Halloween? I know that I am!

Apparently, so is she!

Here's a Halloween card featuring Third Coast's Creepy Little Girl (AP-498-K) from the new release (p.9 of the Halloween 2011 Supplement), who I think has more attitude than creepiness. Fortunately, I had the perfect sentiment stamp in my stash from the late, lamented justjohanna's Odd Bird Planet.

The little girl and the sentiment were both colored with Copic markers. I used a clear Glaze pen on her eyes to make them dimensional and glassy and her buttons to make them stand out a bit in all that gray!

The patterned paper is from Basic Grey's Eerie 6x6 pad, which I love and hoard. I used a Martha Stewart Spider Web border punch and some Recollections rhinestone spider brads.

I shall enter this card in the Simon Says Stamp Halloween/Goth challenge!

Thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell's October Sketch Challenge!

2011-10-12T00:35:00.006-04:00

As you may know, I create the monthly sketches for Bombshell Stamps Sketch Challenge.

Here's October's Sketch:

Here's my take on the sketch:

I used the Bombshell Angel Pin Up and the new Halloween Costume Dress Up set digital stamps.

The fun thing about digital stamps is that you can layer them without having to worry about bothersome masks. The other nice thing is that you can erase any part of the image that you don't want to use. I slightly altered the witch's outfit from the original.

I colored all the images with Copic markers, then used masking fluid on them, and airbrushed the gray background. I missed a bit of the witch's leg with the fluid, so I had her put on a pair of sheer black nylons.

The patterned papers are from the Eerie Collection by Basic Grey. The ribbon is from Michael's, and the sentiment sticker, "Ghouls just wanna have fun" is by 7 Gypsies.

Feel free to nab the sketch, but if you use your Bombshells, please share your take on the sketch with us on Bombshell's Blog and on Bombshell's Forum. You never know, you could win a set of your choice!

Thanks for visiting today!

World Card Making Day Blog Hop!

2011-10-01T00:13:00.003-04:00

It's World Card Making Day and I'm participating in an official Blog Hop sponsored by Paper Crafts magazine! So far over 200 people have signed up! Wow! Here's the link to the blog list.

Here's the first one, using Bombshell Stamps' Man's Ruin set. I decided to stamp onto print paper and then color the skulls with Copics and used a touch of red Stickles as "blood drops". I used my birthday gift (from me to me with love) of Spellbinders' Ironworks Accents.

Here's my second card!

Since I was having fun stamping on patterned paper, I did it again! This time I used Third Coast's Heart Rose (CK-108-G) from page 67 of the catalog. I colored the Heart Rose using Copic markers and the feather blending technique I learned at my Certification class.

The patterned papers are from the Butterfly Garden collection by Pink Paislee. I used another birthday present (the Heart Circle Nestabilities set) with a circle Nestabilities die. A tiny tag die by QuicKutz was stamped with a sentiment from the Mixed Message set by Paper Trey Ink. I've been trying to build up an inventory of thank you cards...

Thanks for visiting today!

National Coffee Day!

2011-09-30T14:48:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was National Coffee Day!!! I didn't even know that such a day existed because for me, every day is coffee day!!! Yes, it's true. My name is Kathi and I'm a coffeeholic.

Anyway, I was chatting with Shannon, the lovely lady behind Bombshell Stamps. She said she needed some coffee and I remarked that I always needed a cup. Then I had a brilliant idea! Shannon should take the Party Pin-up from the Man's Ruin set, stick it into a coffee cup, and make it into a stamp for the caffeine junkies out there.

So, I decided to act on that idea and this is what I created!

I stamped the Party Pin-up from the Man's Ruin set, colored her with Copic markers, and cut her out.

I went through my stamp drawers and found this wonderful, if underused, Mocha stamp from Ann-ticipations. I masked the whipped cream and cinnamon stick from the top of the stamp with removable Scotch Tape (could not stamp without stuff), stamped the coffee cup, and colored it with Copic markers.

The Party Pin-up was positioned and I added a sentiment from a great coffee set by Rubbernecker Stamps.

The patterned cardstock is seriously old KMA that I layered. I added some not-quite-as-old Prima flowers and a bunch of Recollections blue pearls.

This card qualifies for the "Mostly Blue" challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers!

Thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop!

2011-09-28T01:04:00.008-04:00

It's the last Wednesday of the month, which means it's time for the Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop!

Alison, our lovely Hump Day Hottie, set this month's theme which is "Holiday Hoopla!"

Sadly, I got busy and wasn't able to finish my card yet, so come back later to see it.

Hallelujah!
Here it is!

I used the pin-up from the Bombshell Angel set, but altered her a bit to make her Morticia Adams-like and colored her with Copic markers. Then I added a veil just because I could.

The patterned paper is from Basic Grey's Eerie collection which I changed up using an Alterations die as a mask. I also used a Grungeboard skull as a mask in the center of the clock, but don't know if it's all that visible, which was sort of the point. I used an old Martha Stewart hissing cat punch, a 7 Gypsies sticker, a handy-dandy office-style date stamp, and called it "done".

BTW, I just now realized (way after finishing this) that this was NOT supposed to be a card. *blush* Sorry Alison. I've never been good about playing by the rules.

Now that I've shown you mine, the other Bombshell hoppers will like to show you theirs!

Here's the hop list! Go forth and enjoy!

Bombshell Blog
Alison
Alex
Terra
Kelli
Jennie
Glittery Katie
Sparkly Mary
Mary G
Alaine

Feliz Navidad

2011-09-27T09:13:00.002-04:00

It's been so rainy and wet here in NJ for more than a month, that I'm totally sick of the dampness. Therefore, I wish I were taking a siesta in this little desert scene!

The stamps are Siesta (AP-192-B) and Saguaro (AP-191-B) from page 25 of the Summer. '05 catalog from Third Coast Rubber Stamps.

The scene was colored with Copic markers. The desert is a combination of Copic markers and Distress ink and the sky was sponged with Summer Sky and Angel Pink Memento inks. The textured polka dot paper is Bazzill's Dotted Swiss and the red striped is from an old pad by K & Company.

I debated the sentiment with myself. I was undecided and pondered using a retirement sentiment, a "I don't do mornings" sentiment, a "You deserve a siesta" sentiment, but ultimately decided a Christmas card was the most useful. Hence the "Feliz Navidad" sentiment, which was by the late, lamented justjohanna's Odd Bird Planet.

Thanks for visiting today!

Be outrageous!

2011-09-18T22:32:00.006-04:00

It's a two-fer! I've wanted to participate in the Craft Your Passion Challenges since I discovered that a lost-and-found friend was on their design team. This card is for Challenge #75, "F" challenge. My "F' is for fairies since I love them.

I also love sketches, so I used the most recent sketch from the Sketch Saturday challenge blog.

The edgy fairy is Fairy Freda (AP-248-K), which can be found on page 5 in the Winter '06 catalog. I also used Third Coast's Two Tiny Butterfly set (DT-042-DD) from p. 11 of the Summer '06 catalog. The fairy and the butterflies were colored with Copic markers. Glaze pen was used on the fairies rings and earrings, but the photo isn't showing the dimension. Oh bother!

The papers are all older ones by the Memory Box. The sentiment is even older and is from a sheet of rub-ons by the late lamented Wordsworth stamps. I love when I use stuff from my stash!

Thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell Girls Blog Hop!

2011-09-18T00:01:00.007-04:00

Greetings! You should have come to my blog from Kelli's blog. I'm the last stop on the hop!

The Bombshell Girls are holding a blog hop to celebrate the release of the new digital Halloween Costume Dress-Up set for Bombshell Angel's pin-up.

Here's a photo of the set that includes three outfits, plus a bunch of sentiments.

My card!

I chose to create my first card using the top-hatted Steampunk Girl. I colored her using my Copic markers, then added some Lustre Rub-on paste on her boots to make them look leathery. The patterned paper is from Graphic 45 and I also used some Core'Dinations color core Black Magic cardstock. I tossed a few die-cut gears in amongst the flowers to add a steampunky vibe to the card. The sentiment is computer generated.

Just in case you missed anyone, here's the hop list.

Bombshell Stamps Blog
Alaine
Alison
Mary G
Glittery Katie
Kelli
Kathi

Thanks for visiting all of the Bombshell Girls' blogs!

Thinking and Remembering

2011-09-11T00:15:00.006-04:00

This card was created in honor of this very somber day, which is also now commemorated as Patriot Day.

I thought that Constance Considers (FA-205-H, Summer 2005, p.12) by Third Coast Rubber Stamps would be perfect. I colored her with Copic markers. The patterned papers are by Bo-Bunny and Basic Grey. The sentiment is by Taylored Expressions and was overstamped with Third Coast's Curly Flourish (CH-021-A, p.72) using Distress Ink.

Thanks for visiting today!

Back again and certified!!!

2011-09-08T17:33:00.000-04:00

You might have noticed that I've added a "Copic Certified" badge to my sidebar. Yep. I took a Copic Certification class at the beginning of August and learned a ton. I hope you'll start to see some improvement in my coloring!

Anyways, here's a card that I did for the Third Coast Creative Coterie, using Splitcoast's Sketch #346. It also meets the "What's Hot" Way to Use it challenge!

The Chile Ristra (AP-181-G), Summer '05, p.25 stamp is by Third Coast and was fun to color using one of the blending techniques that I learned during the Copic class. The patterned papers are from an old K & Company pad.

Thanks for visiting today!

Woe is me!

2011-09-08T17:07:00.004-04:00

Once again, I've taken a long break from crafting and blogging, though I suppose I had a good excuse. Hurricane Irene came to visit, knocking out my power for 4.5 days. This meant that my sump pump couldn't do its job, which resulted in five inches of water in the basement. Irene also blew rain through a window, ruining drywall, and also through the exhaust fan in a bathroom, effectively destroying the tile in the shower.

I disconnected stereo equipment by flashlight, toted it upstairs, had friends come and help get the stuff I couldn't lift out of the basement, had the basement pumped out by an itinerant generator wielding pumper, then spent four days moving the contents out of the basement (record collection, cds, stereo equipment, books, more books, etc.), sorting the ruined from the salvageable, emptied the refrigerator and freezer, and basically wore myself to a frazzle. The power came back on Wednesday, then a clean-up crew came on Thursday and pulled out the carpeting, tore down some of the panelling, tore down the tiles and drywall in the shower, and set a bunch of fans and dryers. Turns out my roof has a pre-existing condition that I didn't know about it because I don't have wings to fly up to check it out. Go know.

Now I have to get the basement "man cave" remodeled, get the roof repaired or replaced, and then have the bathroom fixed. *sigh*

I couldn't really craft by flashlight or candle-light, so I didn't do much except read (miner's headlight) and rest. I finally did finish a card that I started before Irene arrived, but I submitted it and its partner to a magazine. Cross your fingers for me. If it doesn't make the cut, you'll see it eventually.

Po' po' me.

New Third Coast Halloween Stamps!!!

2011-08-23T00:23:00.004-04:00

Woo-hoo!!! The brand-new Halloween stamps are up on Third Coast's web site. Click here to go check 'em out for yourself!

Best of all, all 166 of 'em are on sale for 20% off until September 10th!!! How cool is that???

Here's a card using Creepy Little Girl (AP-498-K) from the new release (p.9 of the Halloween 2011 Supplement), who I think has more attitude than creepiness.

She was colored with Copic markers. The patterned papers are by Making Memories.

Thanks for visiting today.

Feline Familiar!

2011-08-21T23:40:00.001-04:00

Here's another card using one of the soon-to-be released new Halloween stamps by Third Coast Rubber Stamps. This stamp is named Witch's Kitten (CM-287). I love her because she looks like my feline familiar, Duchess (who you can see on the bottom right of the page).

The image was colored with Copic markers in Duchess-esq colors, though without her tabby face and darker ears. I stamped the small pentacle from her hat on tiny Technique Tuesday Tiles, colored them with Copics, added Spica Glitter markers, then embossed 'em with several layers of embosssing powder.

I think with a little fudging around, she'd make a fantastic Santa kitty, so stay tuned! *grin*

The patterned papers are Eerie from Basic Grey. So seriously bummed that this collection was retired. Doodlebug green rub-ons were used for the "boo", though I don't think this kitten is scary at all.

Thanks for visiting today!

Back to School!!!

2011-08-20T01:35:00.003-04:00

It's almost time for the kiddies to go back to school, which means that my favorite holiday, Halloween, is right around the proverbial corner.

Here's a card using Ghoul Bus (AP-500-M ), one of the new Halloween stamps from Third Coast Rubber Stamps.

I stamped the Ghoul Bus, colored it with Copic markers, masked it, and sponged Distress Ink on the background. I punched a circle to create a reverse masked, then stamped the branches from the Large Birch Trunks (CM-055P) over the moon, masked the moon, then sponged ink over a cloud template to create a cloudy night sky.

Thanks for visiting today!

Shabby Chic Challege from Ms. August!

2011-08-19T21:01:00.004-04:00

Bombshell Stamps' Ms. August, Milo Lilja, challenged us to create a Shabby Chic project using predominantly white and lace.

Here's my project.

I used Rose from Bombshell's Rose's Portrait set.

Rose was colored with Copic markers in some of their palest shades so she'd work with the challenge. Since I could've joined AARP several years ago, I decided to make Rose's hair gray. My white rose didn't come out right, so I opted to create a pale pink one and then used the same Copic markers to color the white roses from Michael's. Rose's earring was colored to match, then coated with a layer of clear Spica glitter pen, and a layer of clear Glaze pen to make it dimensional.

I used Nestabilities to cut the portrait oval, then used a larger oval Nestie as a guide to tear the vellum. The reverse of the oval was colored with the same pale red Copic marker.

White cardstock took a ride through my Big Kick inside of a Cuttlebug folder. Distress Inks were used to ink the embossed designs and to edge the punched border and all the other layers.

Lace, sparkly sheer pink ribbon, Copic-tinted flowers, and blush-colored pearls finished off the card.

Thanks for visiting today!

Dedicated to my father.

2011-08-09T20:23:00.004-04:00

He fought hard, but after more than three weeks of a rollercoaster-like ride of steps forward and backward, my father passed away peacefully on the morning of July 17th.

It's been a difficult couple of weeks, during which my "mojo" completely left me. However, grief is a process and I'm beginning to make steps to regain some of the things that give me pleasure.

This card is dedicated to my father, Bill, who taught me, by example, how to be a "Big Fish" that is bold, bright, and brave.

The "big fish" is from the Koi Tattoo set by Bombshell Stamps and was colored with Copic markers. The cardstock base is gray in real life...

Thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell's July Sketch Challenge!

2011-07-13T20:09:00.006-04:00

As you may know, I create the monthly sketches for Bombshell Stamps. My sketches tend to mirror my style, which is clean and layered. I'd love for you to get out your Bombshell Stamps and play along with me!

Here's the Sketch!

Here's my take on it!

I used the focal image from the Mermaid Anchor set, which had never seen ink before though I had used the smaller images!

I stamped the image, colored it with Copic markers, then added two layers of Polysparkle embossing powder (by Ranger) to the fish part of the mermaid. Then I masked the image with Miskit Frisket and airbrushed the scene with two blues and a green. The sentiment, from the Ahoy Sailor set, was stamped, then airbrushed with the same colors while still in a die, which acted like a mssk. My fingers are multicolored now too. Finally, I added two flower gems which were pink, but are now red – courtesy of my Copic markers! I mounted the sentiment die cut on a sparkly ribbon and then added two raindots to the mermaid's mat.

Oh. The patterned papers are by the late lamented Flair Designs. I miss them!

Now that you've seen mine, pop along to the Bombshell Blog to see what the other Bombshell Girls and Pin-ups have to show you!

If you feel like playing on, link your card/project there, on Bombshell's forum, or at PCP's Bombshell forum for additional chances to win your choice of a free Bombshell Stamp set.

Thanks for visiting today!

Koi Garden!

2011-07-10T00:01:00.003-04:00

As you may know, Bombshell Stamps recently released two fabulous Asian-themed sets, Koi Tattoo and Lotus Garden that are available now. The best part is that $5.00 of each set sold will go towards Japanese Red Cross!

The very lovely and exceedingly talented Alaine, one of the Bombshell Girls, challenged the DT to create a project using these stamp sets. Plus, the card also qualified for two challenges over at SCS! Yay. I'm sooooo efficient.

Here's my card:

I used one of the Koi from the Lotus Garden set and also used one of the lotus flowers. The Koi was stamped three times onto a cardstock circle. One of the lotus flowers was stamped into the center of the circle, then stamped again onto another piece of cardstock. The images were all colored with Copic markers. The eyes of the Koi were covered with a layer of Glaze pen. The lotus with the Koi was masked with Miskit Frisket, but the Koi were left alone. The circle was then airbrushed with an aqua Copic marker -- even over the Koi so they looked as though they were underwater.

The lotus on the scrap of paper was cut out. I colored the back of the cut lotus with a layer of darker pink because I planned to roll some of the petals upward to add some dimension. Then I started to color the front of the flower and discovered that the darker pink came through from the back creating a really neat effect. Cool!

I adhered the cut Lotus on top of the other lotus, added some Raindot air bubbles, then mounted the "pond" onto a gray cardstock circle that had taken a run through my Big Kick in an alterations brick folder then got lightly sponged with some Black Soot Distress ink.

I found some very old grassy-looking patterned patterned paper in my stash and mounted the pond onto it.

Thanks for visiting today

Bad Blogger Award -- Again

2011-07-09T20:05:00.003-04:00

I've been busy spending a lot of time driving to and from Long Island to visit my father who is still in ICU. The drive is a "hell drive" and can take anywhere from ~one hour to 5 (my personal worst). As a result, I haven't had a lot of crafting time.

Here's a card that qualifies for Splitcoast's Text Me challenge.

I used one of my tried and true techniques to create this peaceful scene. I don't know what to call it, so I'll just call it the "Sponged dye ink onto white metallic paper to make a pretty shimmery scene" technique.

The Castle Wall (DT-010-I) stamp is by Third Coast Rubber Stamps. I stamped with StazOn to get a nice deep black image that would dry quickly.

The patterned papers are by 7 Gypsies. The text is older and the music is newer (Paddington perhaps?). The lovely textured silky variegated striped paper is from a set that I got at a stamping convention. I hoard every scrap of it.

Thanks for visiting today!

Lookie!

2011-07-07T07:07:00.000-04:00

What do we have here???

Serenity

2011-06-30T17:52:00.000-04:00

Things have been a bit hectic here as my father has had emergency surgery and is still in ICU. I've been doing a fair amount of driving to and from my parents' house, the hospital, and home, which has left me tired and mojo-less.

Right now, this card sums up one of my most earnest desires. Serenity for me and my family accompanied by a smooth recovery for my dad.

The stamp is called Supplication (CH-708-H) and is by Third Coast Rubber Stamps. She was colored with Copic markers, then masked. Next she was diecut and while the paper was still in the Nestabilities die, Memento ink sponged through a cloud stencil to create the sky and the grass. Darker green Memento was added with Fantastix to create a bit more texture.

The sentiment was composed with gold sticker letters. This circle was matted onto gold metallic paper then adhered to a scalloped circle card.

Thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop!

2011-06-29T11:56:00.003-04:00

Woo-hoo! Today's the day for the monthly Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop, which occur on the last Wednesday of each month!

Alas and alack, I was not able to participate this month, so get thee to Bombshell Blog to find out the theme and start the blog hop.

Taylored Expressions Guest Sketch Designer!

2011-06-24T11:00:00.007-04:00

Greetings!

I'm stoked to participating in this sketch challenge as a Guest Sketch Designer! You can see the sketch and read the details of the challenge over at Taylor VanBruggen's blog.

Here's my card!

I used the Adirondack chairs and the sand castle from Taylored Expressions A Day in Paradise set, which I just had to have when it was released last month. I fell in love with the Adirondack chairs, that castle, and the beach cottage. But since I used a house-type image yesterday, I didn't want to use another one.

All the images were colored with Copic markers and once again, I tried my hand at airbrushing. I'm getting better, but I'm still way down on the learning curve. I added a bit of white gel pen accents for surf and foam. The patterned paper is from Basic Grey's Life of the Party 6x6 pad. The stars are really old metal ones that are meant to go with eyelets, but I used gemstones instead. I meant to coat the starfish and the shell with Glaze Pen, but forgot, especially since this was my second take on the card. The first one had issues when the paper peeled after sponging ink over the stamped, colored, and masked images. *sigh*

Oh. The background paper is actually dark kraft, though the scan makes it look way darker. The "sand" is lighterer irl. I discovered that I can use my daughter's scanner remotely from my computer using the network, so I tried that since my photography skillz need work.

Anyways, now that you've seen my take on the sketch, hop along to the other participants or visit Taylored Expressions' forum at Splitcoast.

Taylored Expressions Sketch Crew:
Dawn Easton
Jami Sibley
Lisa Hjulberg
Lori Craig
Monika Davis
Rachel Sztonyk
Taylor VanBruggen
Tracy Clemente

Guest Designer:
Jasmin Owsley

"Old Glory" Taylored Expressions Blast from the Past Blog Hop!

2011-06-23T11:00:00.000-04:00

Once a month, Taylored Expressions holds a Blast from the Past Blog Hop, where the customers play along with Taylored Expressions' very talented design team! Everyone uses older stamp sets on their projects (hence the Blast from the Past)! This month's theme is Old Glory, where we were to use the colors red, white, and blue!

Here's my card, which will go to friends who are relocating to the Pacific Northwest in July!

The card uses the window, shutters, and window box from the Fresh Flowers set along with the flower patch from the In The Park set. The sentiment and banner are from the Banner Day #1 set, which was used with the matching die. I've gotta say I love the matching stamps and dies. I especially love that they give you a plastic template so you can position your dies perfectly after you stamp. It's almost idiot proof. *snort*

The flower patch was stamped twice, masked with Miskit Frisket (which has become my favorite liquid mask), then a third patch was stamped and masked. The window box was stamped, then the window was stamped. Even with my Stamp-a-ma-jig, I managed to mess up the positioning of the second shutter, so I ended up cutting 'em out. All elements were colored with Copic markers in the required color scheme. Some Iridescent Medium was added to the window panes to give them some glitz.

The window and shutters needed a house, but I didn't have any patterned paper for that and didn't feel like drawing siding. I went to my trusty stash and found some textured striped paper that I white washed with two layers of Picket Fence Dabber, which was brushed (not dabbed) on. Then I wanted some grass (of the lawn variety ;D) and remembered that I had a stash of seriously old die cuts. Perfect! I did a bit of matting, stamped the sentiment and banner, die cut it, and popped it onto dimensionals.

Coincidentally, this card qualifies for a Splitcoast Stampers challenge (CC328).

Now that you've read this ridiculously long description, hop along to the next person on the blog hop -- Corinna! If you get lost, the hop list is below.

"Wild Thing" challenge!

2011-06-15T15:47:00.005-04:00

Bombshell Stamps' Ms. June, Emily, set this month's "Wild Thing" challenge. We were dared to create a project using an animal print stamp.

Here's mine!

I decided to use the "formal pin-up with fan" from Bombshell's Lucky Bride and dress her in leopard print silk! I stamped the leopard print stamp from Bombshell's Bombshell Patterns set several times with StazOn black ink onto Shantung Silk specialty paper by FiberMark. This paper has the sheen and feel of real silk! I then stamped the pin-up onto plain white cardstock and colored her with Copic markers. A touch of glitter pen was added to her eyelids and a few gemstones were added as bracelets. Then I stamped the pin-up onto the leopard print stamped silky paper, cut out her dress, headpiece, and fan, and paper pieced her back together again.

The pin-up was cut out, popped up on dimensional foam, and adhered to a metallic black cardstock oval die cut. I used the other part of the leopard stamped sheet for the die cut, which was edged with Stickles (that I actually left overnight to dry. See? I can exercise patience!). A border punch was used on both sides of the plain silk paper and mounted onto a black metallic card.

By the way, if you play along with Ms. June's challenge AND share it at either Bombshell's Blog or on the Bombshell Forum, you can be entered for a chance to win a free set of your choosing!

Thanks for visiting today!

June's Bombshell Sketch Challenge!

2011-06-08T01:13:00.004-04:00

Greetings! As you may or may not know, I design a sketch for Bombshell Stamps each month!

Here's June's sketch!

Here's my take on the sketch!

The card features the rose garland from the Dead Necessities set and one of the many butterflies from the Butterfly Dreams set.

The roses and butterfly were colored with Copic markers. I added Glaze pen eyes and a glitter pen trail to the butterfly. The patterned paper is from a 6x6 pad by Prima. I must've gotten a whacked pad because the papers were not cut square. I thought it was me, but after messing up a LOT of paper, I actually measured one straight out of the pad before cutting it. The harlequins were not straight across and there was a 1/16" - 1/8" discrepancy. Anyways, I was pleased that there are several sheets of each pattern, and with some judiciously placed ribbon, it looks less crooked.

I added a few pearls and a rub-on sentiment on a tag to finish the 5" x 6.25" card.

Bop on over to the Bombshell Blog to see what the other Bombshell Girls and Pin-ups (Guest DT) have created with this sketch. If you feel motivated, get out your Bombshell stamps and play along! Share with us on the blog and/or the forum for a chance to win a free set of Bombshell stamps!

Thanks for visiting today!

I'm over the moon!

2011-06-07T22:30:00.007-04:00

I love Third Coast Rubber Stamps. I truly believe they have stamps to suit everyone's taste, from cute to elegant, from magical to realistic, and lots in between!

So when I found out that Val was holding her first ever dt call, I submitted my application within minutes!!! I honestly believe that I broke some kind of record. I know that I just copy, pasted, and hit send.

Then I waited and hoped. And hoped and waited. Being a me of little patience, it felt like freakin' eons had passed.

In reality, it was only a few short weeks. Each applicant emailed their applications, links to their blogs, online galleries, and up to ten project jpgs each. I understood that the process would take time. I also knew that I'd be up against some seriously stiff competition and whereas Val would be treated some awesome eye candy, she had to make difficult decisions.

So, I was over the moon with excitement and elation to receive word that I made the team and will be working with fourteen other ladies, some guest designers, and some incredibly fabulous stamps. Check out their blogs in the blogroll down to the right. It's going to be a fun ride for all of us!

Here are two cards using Kitty Luna (CH-707-H)

Both cats were colored with Copic markers. I've been playing around with Miskit Frisket liquid mask and wanted to see how it did with a background with lots of sponged Distress Ink vs. airbrushed Copic. I also used an Eclipse tape die cut.

Here's the Distress Inked card.

As you can see, when I spritzed the sponged ink with water, the ink migrated under both the liquid mask and the Eclipse tape mask. The moon and cat's wings got especially "corrupted", so I used Pearl paint dabber on the moon and Twinkling H20s on the wings. The background cardstock (both the lavender and white are shimmery.

Here's the airbrushed version.

It's clear that I'm still trying to figure out the pressure to use whilst airbrushing. As you can see, there was less migration on this version, though there are lots of user-error airbrush blotches. The migration is primarily under the paper mask, which might not have been down as firmly as it should have been. The Miskit Frisket did lift some of the glimmer from the Iridescent medium that I used over the moon, so I reapplied it. It's shimmery, but you can't tell from the photo. Oh well. I used patterned paper by the Memory Box and shimmery white cardstock for this version. I also added some irridescent and silver border stickers and corner stickers.

Thanks for visiting today.

Skull Appreciation Day Blog Hop!

2011-06-04T00:13:00.003-04:00

Hello and welcome to the Skull Appreciation Day Blog Hop! You should have gotten here from Judi's blog. If you didn't, there's a complete hop list below!

The talented and somewhat bizarre-but-in-a-good-way ladies at Smeared & Smudged are sponsoring a blog hop to honor Skull Appreciation Day. Yes. There is such a thing. I don't know about you, but I sure appreciate my skull! After all, without it, I'd be more scatter-brained (literally) than usual!

Anyway, here's the info I swiped from their Smeared & Smudged.

Not quite sure what Skull Appreciation Day is? Here is what the Skull-A-Day have to say about it... after all they are the ones who started this movement!

"We here at Skull-A-Day have decided that there needs to be an official international day of cranial love! To that end we're starting a campaign to get June 4th (the day Skull-A-Day started) officially recognized as Skull Appreciation Day around the world in 2011, and of course to get as many people celebrating it as possible. Since we have absolutely no idea about how to go about doing this we've decided to ask you the dedicated fans of this project to help!"

Here's my card!

I stamped the alter skull from the Alter Skulls set by Bombshell Stamps, colored it with Copic markers, fussy cut just the skull (omitting the candles), then added several layers of UTEE, popped it into the freezer, and got some cool cracking. Wing die cuts (QuicKutz) were added along with a bejeweled golden die cut crown. The whole thing was popped up onto dimensionals and put onto blue sky patterned paper. Some German Scrap was added to finish it off. As often happens, this didn't come out the way I envisioned, but done is done and done is good! When I decide what to do with it, I'll add a sentiment.

Now that you've seen my project, hop along to Steph! Be sure to comment along the way for a chance to win fabulous prizes!!!

If you get lost, refer to the list below!

Splitcoast Stampers Challenge

2011-05-31T16:04:00.010-04:00

SCS has a challenge running based on Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World song, which I absolutely adore and is part of the reason why I purchased the Belle on a Bike set by Technique Tuesday.

I decided to use the Large Birch Trunks (CM-055P) by Third Coast Rubber Stamps again and make a watercolored scene with it.

I wanted to keep the focus on the scene, so I used the Basic Grey Basics Kraft for patterned papers. The sentiment (from the Belle on a Bike set is in a Spellbinders die cut.

Here are the lyrics!
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom, for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world...

I see skies of blue, and clouds of white
Bright blessed days, dark sacred nights
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world...

The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces, of people going by
I see friends shaking hands, say, "How do you do?"
They're really sayin', "I love you."

I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow
They'll learn much more, than I'll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world!
*George David Weiss, George Douglas aka Bob Thiele*

I'll leave you with this!

Thanks for visiting today!

Do you believe in Magic?

2011-05-28T13:01:00.004-04:00

Now that I've typed that, I have that song in my head. It's a pleasant song, so it's okay for now!

Since I'm trying to mix things up a bit and since I've had this idea percolating in my head for a while and since I need to build up my stash of birthday cards, I decided to go a bit magical and mystical with this card.

I stamped Third Coast's Wizard (ES-201-F), colored him with Copic markers, masked him with Misket Friskit, then overstamped Third Coast's Large Birch Trunks (CM-055 P),. I peeled off the mask, colored the trees, and added a background -- all with Copic markers.

I diecut a scalloped oval from vellum, then stamped the sentiment, which is from the Fairy Fantasy Unmounted Sheet by The Enchanted Gallery.

Since I'm in a "use up the stash" mood, I used some old Making Memories pewter corners on a black cardstock mat, then on a black card base.

Thanks for visiting today!

May is National Bike Month!

2011-05-27T16:33:00.004-04:00

Did you know that? I didn't and I'm married to an avid cyclist who rode a "Century" (100 miles) last Sunday! I'm no cyclist and can barely manage five miles on a stationary bike. I get "blissed out" and spacey, so I'd likely have really bad results riding on a road.

Anyway, I created this card in honor of National Bike Month and to complete a challenge at Technique Tuesday's SCS forum. I started the card on time, but did not finish it in a timely fashion. I got sidetracked by other stuff.

Here it is!

I used my new Belle on a Bike set from Technique Tuesday. She was colored with Copic markers, as was the sentiment. I wanted the very old MAMBI patterned paper, but colored the blue spiral flowers to match her skirt. I used red polka dot paper by Color Bok in honor of the talented, sweet, and very kind Teri, who I saw last week. Teri loves polka dots and made me love them too.

BTW, the two-tone effect on the sentiment was intentional.

Plus, I used two shaped eyelets from my huge stash. Shocking I know. *grin* I'm so proud that I've been using older stuff from my stash. Yahoo. Go me.

Hip Hop Hurray!!! Today's the day!

2011-05-25T00:01:00.002-04:00

It's the last "Hump Day" (Wednesday) of the month and I'm stoked because the Bombshell Hump Day Hops are back to stay!!!

The lovely and talented Alison is the new Head Hump Day Hop Hottie. She set this month's hop theme, which is "Goth Up Your Bombshells!"

If you followed the hop in order, I'm likely your last stop. If not, the blog list is below!

Here's my take on the challenge.

I decided to "Goth Up" Rose from Rose's Portrait set. I swapped out her crystal earring for a barbed wire, gave her a barbed wire choker, and added a skull tattoo to her shoulder. The barbed wire is from the Retro Cowgirls set. The skull is from the Speed Shop set.

Rose was colored with Copic markers in shades of black, red violet, violet, and a touch of green. I contemplated using shades of teal to pay homage to Alison (who has teal highlights), but changed my mind. Red violet/burgundy/violet are very "goth" to me. I also contemplated going deep red with black roses, but decided that I was not feeling up to that particular Copic challenge (reds and deep gray/black can be very persnickety and like to run).

The patterned paper is old Daisy D that I updated with Tim Holtz's Borderline Ideology Masks and Black Soot Distress Ink. As usual for me, I don't know what I'll use the card for, so I'll add a sentiment when needed. I was going to add some tattered lace and gems and safety pins, but decided "less is more".

Thanks for hopping along with the Bombshell Girls, Pin-ups, and guests today. I know you got to see some awesome eye candy!

Why don't you check the Casino on Bombshell Stamps' Forum in the beginning of next month to find out June's Hump Day Hop theme so you can hop along with us? You can also find Ms. June's challenge and my sketch there!

Here's the list of the hoppers!
Bombshell Blog
Alison
Kelli
Sparkly Engineer
Sugar
Meredith
Jennie
Mary G.
Milo
Cheryl
Stempelientje
Alaine
Emily
Dawn
Kathi

Bombshell's Ms. May's Challenge & SCN VSN Challenge!

2011-05-23T16:29:00.004-04:00

Raven, aka Ms. May, is Bombshell Stamps' Guest Designer for May. She challenged us to use Linen & Lace per this discussion on the Bombshell forum.

When I read this challenge, my mind immediately flashed to a Warren Zevon song, Basket Case, which heralds a "Bi-polar mama in Leather and Lace".

So, I substituted leather for linen and created this card.

I used the Bombshell Pin-up from the Bombshell Angel set. I used the Bomber jacket, pants, and boots from the Biker Bombshell Digital set.

Everything was colored with Copic markers. Silver Krylon pen was used to color the flower in her hair, her jacket zipper, her belt buckle, and the pull-on tabs on her boots. The biker outfit was rubbed with a layer of Kraf-T Lustre rub-ons to give it a leathery look. Sadly, you can't see that from my photo, nor can you see the shading on her face real well. I'd take it outside to photograph, but it's raining. Again.

The leather-look paper is old and hoarded FiberMark specialty paper. It actually has a leathery hand-feel and does look like real leather. The lace is from old curtain tie-backs that I kept for a rainy day. Since it rained all freaking week long last week and will rain for the next fortnight, that time is obviously now. :D

Spellbinders dies were used for the frame which was popped up on dimensionals. Boss Kut flower dies were used for the flowers. The sentiment was added with rub-ons by Flair Designs and October Afternoon.

Best of all is that this qualifies for another challenge, the "A Pirate Wench I Be" one, which was to show a tough but girly side. Cool, eh?

Thanks for visiting today!

Taylored Expressions "Make It Masculine" Blog Hop!

2011-05-18T11:00:00.006-04:00

Hi! It's my second time participating in Taylored Expressions "Blast from the Past" Blog Hop! The theme for the hop is "Make It Masculine", which is fairly easy since my three sets are all outdoorsy. I just had to remember not to use any ribbon, frills, or bling.

Here's my card!

I used Taylored Expressions Branching Out Coordinates set for this card. I think the owl is really cute and decided that he wanted to go for a swing. I figured that making a punny card, using earthy colors, wood-grain patterned papers, and staples would make the card masculine enough.

I did a bunch of masking to make the scene using Judikins Eclipse tape. I colored the scene with Copic markers (note to self: next time make the owl a bit lighter), then used Grumbacher's Miskit Frisket, which is a liquid mask that you apply with a brush, to cover the images. I got out the airbrush and had a go with it with the usual mixed results. I like the effect, but don't like that airbrushing leaves a sticky film on the piece which attracts dust and my shedding hair. I need to find out if that's normal or something that I'm doing incorrectly. After I airbrushed, I removed the Frisket, which removed cleanly without hurting the paper or the coloring--yahoo! Glaze pen was added to the owl's eyes and beak.

The patterned papers are from Cosmo Cricket. I used my Ideology Tiny Attacher, which is a fabulous tool. I also used Spellbinders dies for the sentiment.

The photo is kind of dark because it was taken at night and because my mad photography skillz are more bad than mad. What's scary is that I've improved. Whoa! I'll try to get a better photo tomorrow if the weather cooperates.

Thanks for visiting today.

Here's the list for the hop! I'm sure there's some serious eye candy out there, so have fun hopping along!

Wanna win some Copic Sketch markers?

2011-05-16T16:03:00.004-04:00

I know that I do! Click ---> COPIC MARKERS to be whisked away to Scrapbook Pal's website!

Scrapbook Pal is running a contest.

If you don't know about this store, they have freakin' awesome service, super-speedy shipping, and great prices on a bunch of great things.

In a Grungy Distressed Mood!

2011-05-11T18:47:00.000-04:00

Actually, I'm in a good mood, but the All Aboard set by Technique Tuesday makes me want to create vintagey scenes and cards.

This is what I created:

I had seen a variation of this technique in Craft Stamper, an British magazine. Their version took a bunch of different papers, collaged them, stamped on them, then coated them with a layer of gesso.

I took the easy way out and used pre-collaged papers by 7 Gypsies. It's two sided and once side has a grayscale version, the reverse has a colored version. I used both sides.

I stamped the train, plane, and sentiment from the All Aboard set, which I placed into the frame from the Swanky Sentiments set. The images were"fussy cut". I positioned them where I wanted on the grayscale paper, then traced around them with a chalk pencil. Black Soot Distress ink was smudged around the outlines and the stamped images were pasted into position. I still had a place that "needed" something, so I used this flourish from the retired Crown Jewels set, stamped it, colored it, then used a circle punch. I added an Ideology spinner to make it into a quasi-compass.

I edged the piece with more Black Soot, matted it onto black, then onto the colored side of the 7 Gyspies paper, which was sponged with Wild Honey and Tattered Rose Distress ink to match the images a bit better.

When the card was done, I stuck it onto a file box and cleaned up. When I turned around, I noticed that the card was illuminated by a weird lambent light, so I photographed it in situ.

I can blather on, can't I?

Well, thanks for visiting today!

Bombshell Sketch Challenge for May!

2011-05-11T01:03:00.002-04:00

Here's the sketch that I created for May!

Here's my take on the sketch.

I stamped the hibiscus square from the Bombshell Patterns set onto punched cardstock squares using Memento inks. The pineapple and cocktail are from the Tiki Party set and were colored with Copic markers. The sentiment is from the Man's Ruin set.

Please feel free to use this sketch and make it your own. If you do use it with Bombshell Stamps, please be sure to share it with us on the Bombshell Stamps Blog or on the Bombshell Stamps forum. Each project you share will give you another chance to win a fabulous prize!

Thanks for visiting today!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T12:32:00.005-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there. :D

Here's the card that I actually sent to my mother! She got it on time and loves it!

The image is from Recy #006 unmounted sheet from The Enchanted Gallery and was colored with Copic markers in soft colors to match the patterned papers by The Memory Box. The sentiment is from a often-used Sentiments set by Purple Onion Designs.

I hope you all are having a lovely Mother's Day. I got what I wanted —— potholders to replace the torn, stained ones that I had set on fire (I'm talented like that). They're non-skid, heavy duty, and actually sized to fit my hands (the only "petite" thing about me, other than my lack-of-height). Plus I got champagne. Mmmmmmmm. Best of all, my husband is smoking some chicken wings and thighs for my special feast this evening! *big grin*

Thanks for visiting today!

Birthday card Trifecta!

2011-05-05T14:42:00.003-04:00

I had to make a birthday card for a friend, who loves flowers, walking in the park, and spending time out of doors. So I decided to make an outdoors scene for her and do a trifecta of challenges!

Here it is!

The scene was created with Taylored Expressions In the Park set. I did a whole lotta masking using the Masquepen and Eclipse Tape. Of course, after I finished all the masking work and die cutting, I messed up the bird path. :( Oh well. Perfection is overrated.

The scene was colored with Copic markers. I used my airbrush for the second time, this time with an old cloud stencil, to create the sky. I still don't have the hang of airbrushing, but I'll persevere.

The sentiment is from Taylored Expressions Branching Out set because it fit the diecut better. :D

The card uses Taylored Expressions Sketch #137 and also meets the "Sky and Clouds" challenge, #49, over at Copic Creations and the Grass challenge, #28, at iCopic Lover.

The patterned paper is Basic Grey Mellow. I wish they hadn't retired that collection. I love the colors. I love the patterns. I just plain love it. I also used QK scalloped borders and Spellbinders label dies.

I hope my friend likes her card and her present!

Thanks for visiting today!

Just sittin' here worrying! :D

2011-05-03T17:18:00.006-04:00

Greetings! Happy May!

True confessions. I'm a ginormous worrier and I'm darned good at it. In fact, when my daughter was ~three years old or so, after watching a Winnie the Pooh video, featuring Tigger, she looked at me and told me that "Worrying was what you do best." Out of the mouth of babes...

So, this image, Betryse Broods (FT-186-H) by Third Coast Rubber Stamps was a "must have" for me. I sat Betryce upon a stone bench, which is part of a set (which I don't have) also by Third Coast Rubber Stamps.

I stamped Beatryce, masked her, then stamped the bench. The scene was colored with Copic markers and qualifies for two challenges! It qualifies for the "Sky and Clouds" challenge, #49, over at Copic Creations and the grass challenge, #28, at iCopic Lover. I'm so efficient. *snort* I added some glitter pen accents to her head piece and bracelets.

I channeled my inner-Cheryl, who is a seriously talented friend, who just made the Copic Creations team, by using a bunch of my Prima flowers. I even colored some of the white ones to match!

The patterned paper is by 7 Gypsies (main layer) and DejaViews (diecuts and the punched strip).

The sentiment is from the Branching Out set by Taylored Expressions.

Thanks for visiting today!

What's mew?

2011-04-29T18:33:00.003-04:00

This week flew by and I didn't get much done, except some organizational things. I did start going back to the gym though, so I guess that's good.

We've had some wacky weather, but Spring has finally sprung. It's been warmer, so I've been able to open the windows, which makes for a nice smelling house and some happy cats. They love to sit in the windows and chitter at the birds, who have been busy nesting and singing up a storm. I'm fairly certain I heard my orioles (Yes. They're mine.), which means they're using their new nest. Yahoo!

Anyways, here's a spring card!

Three Cats in a Window (C92) is from Purrs & Pants, who is running a sale now, so you might want to check it out. For those who are dog people, they have dog stamps too.

The image was colored with Copic markers, framed with nestabilities, and set on a 5x7 card. I kept it fairly simple with no patterned paper because I wanted the kitties to shine. Nothing like some shiny kitties, eh?

There's no sentiment yet because I haven't decided how I'll use the card.

Thanks for visiting today!

Catch some magic!

2011-04-22T17:48:00.003-04:00

Here's a card that uses an idea that's been on my mind since I got the Alterations Caged Bird die.

I teamed it with the Alterations Hanging Sign die to cage a fairy in the garden.

The fairy is Fairy Fosette (VB-336-J) from Third Coast Rubber Stamps. She was colored with Copic markers, then cut out, and caged.

The cage was cut from silver cardstock, then I added some score marks to make it look more dimensional. Foam adhesive was used as well.

The sign was diecut from white chipboard and embossed with an Alterations Woodgrain embossing folder.

The patterned paper is by The Memory Box. I thought it worked well with the theme of the card. There is no sentiment yet because I haven't decided who/what/how I'll use it. I figure that "Have a Magical Birthday", "Got Fairies", or something like that will work. Or not.

Thanks for visiting today. Hope your day is magical!

Taylored Expressions "Blast from the Past" Blog Hop!

2011-04-20T11:00:00.007-04:00

***If you're looking for the Bombshell Stamps blog hop, scroll on down!!!***

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I've finally gotten my Taylored Expressions stamps inky and have been having fun with them. It does help that my sets are outdoorsy and I finally feel like spending time outside! Since they were getting all inky, I decided to participate in the "Blast from the Past" blog hop! This hop was also supposed to be in the CAS (Clean & Simple) style. I hope my card qualifies! :D

Here's my card!

I used the dog from the In the Park set and the branch, squirrel, acorns, and sentiment from the Branching Out and Branching Out Coordinates sets.

The images were colored with Copic markers. The acorns were coated with a layer of Sakura Glaze pen to make 'em shiny and a bit dimensional. The sky and grass were added with chalk. The sentiment inside the card says "I miss you."

Now that you've seen my card for this hop, hop along to the next in line at the link below.

Two Hops in one day! First up is the Bombshell Hump Day Blog Hop!

2011-04-20T00:01:00.011-04:00

**Note**
If you're here for the Taylored Expressions Blast from the Past Blog Hop, come back at 11 a.m. edt. Thanks!!

****
Gosh! It's been awhile since there was a Bombshell Hump Day Hop! Did you miss 'em? I know I did!

You should have gotten here from Raven's blog.

Rachael, aka Etsy Ketsy, set the theme for this Bombshell Hump Day Hop! The theme is "Bombshell Weddings", so I made an engagement card.

Here it is!

Close-up to see the "diamond":

I used the larger diamond from the Lady Luck set, the border from the Dead Necessities set, and the Congratulations banner from the Banner Sayings set.

The diamond was stamped, colored with Copics, then heat embossed with several layers of UTEE plus a layer of Polysparkle Embossing Powder. The "wedding band" is actually a border from the Dead Necessities set which was heat embossed with Queen's Gold Embossing Powder on Gold cardstock. The banner was heat set with the same gold ep on specialty paper that has a satin-like finish. The diamond and the banner are both popped up on dimensionals.

I used my Nestabilities heart and scalloped heart, plus old QK wings which were cut from that satin-like paper.

The sky patterned paper is much hoarded and adored Cosmo Cricket. I save every scrap of that stuff for sky scenes when I'm feeling to lazy to color. The card itself is white metallic paper from Recollections. The scalloped heart and the mat layer are made from gold metallic paper from the same metallic set by Recollections.

The card looks dull in the photo. It's overcast and gloomy here today. Oh well. Imagine that it's brighter. :D

Now that you've seen my take on the challenge, hop along to Mary G., who is the last stop on this blog hop!

If you get lost, check in at the Bombshell Blog. The list will be posted there in its entirety. :D

April Showers bring Magnolias!

2011-04-17T20:29:00.006-04:00

We had fierce thunderstorms and a LOT of rain yesterday in scenic New Jersey. There was quite a bit of flooding and tree damage locally, though thankfully we didn't experience it here.

The upside of all that rain is that today was quite magical. Spring has sprung. My neighbor's magnolia tree is in full bloom and is absolutely gorgeous. My trees are beginning to bud and the hostas' tips are poking up through the soil.

The magnolias inspired me to pull out my Fairy 'N Magnolias stamp (VB-330-S) by Third Coast Rubber Stamps and create a card!

Here it is!

I colored the stamped image with my Copic markers and used a Sakura Glitter pen to highlight the tendrils coming off her floral headpiece. I also used a V17 Copic marker to change the color of the Making Memories Glitter Alpha stickers used for the "Be Magical" sentiment and the color of the plain rhinestones at the top and bottom of the card to match the fairy's dress.

The patterned paper is from the Kioshi pad by Basic Grey. I used some holographic sparkly border stickers that I got at a stamping convention a while back.

This card filled two challenges: a "People" challenge (WT318) at Splitcoast and a "Color an Embellishment" challenge (#25) over at the iCopic Lover blog.

Thanks for visiting today!

Just sitting here... completing challenges!

2011-04-13T19:38:00.003-04:00

This card's for Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #136 over at SCS.

Fun sketch that let me make a scene. I do love making scenes, most especially with stamps. *wink* My scene was created using Taylored Expressions In the Park set. The stamped images were colored with Copic markers. The background (sky & grass) was created using chalk pencils. A few colored rhinestones and a diecut for the sentiment finished it off.

The patterned papers are from Basic Grey's Mellow (background) and Kioshi (sentiment strip) collections.

Thanks for visiting today!

April Bombshell Sketch Challenge!

2011-04-12T21:22:00.003-04:00

As you know, I create sketches for Bombshell Stamps. I try to switch things up and create a variety of sketches, though I make sure that the sketch is "stamper friendly. I also try to include small elements that can be used for small stamped images (an important part of every Bombshell set), stickers, or other embellishments.

Here's my sketch for April!

Here's my take on the sketch.

I used the wolf from the Sugar Daddy set. I colored him with Copic markers and also used Glaze pens to add dimension and shine to his eyes, nose, shoes, and the card in his hat. The smaller images are from the Sugar Daddy set ($ sign) and the Lady Luck set, which has amazingly useful small images! They were stamped, colored with copics, then coated with several layers of UTEE to make them look like tiles. The sentiment is from the Banner Sayings set.

The patterned paper is from the old, but beloved, Black Tie collection by Basic Grey!

Please feel free to use the sketch to create a project of your own. If you use Bombshell Stamps, share it with us on the blog and/or forum for the chance to win a cool prize!

Thanks for visiting today!

Efficiency: Challenges Galore!!!

2011-04-11T18:23:00.004-04:00

This card is for Moxie Fab World's In My Beautiful Balloon Challenge, SCS "Free 4 All #59, Embedded Embossing" challenge, a Steampunk challenge over at Outlaw Women, and a challenge to myself to start using stuff I have but haven't used...

Here it is!

I stamped the hot air balloon from Technique Tuesday's All Aboard set onto white cardstock twice. I colored both balloons, masked them, then airbrushed the sky with my custom blended Copic marker (B21 & blending solution) and a RV11 on both balloons. I cut a wavy mask for the mountains on one sheet of white cardstock. When I was moderately pleased with the sky, I used the negative area of the mask to cover where the sky met the "mountains", and airbrushed using YG13 & YG17.

This was my first time using the Copic Airbrushing set that I got quite some time ago. I got over my fear and gave it a go! Yay me!

Airbrushing was big fun, though I didn't do the best job with it. I did manage to do a great job in airbrushing my hand green though. How very me!

Then I ran the stamped and airbrushed piece through my Big Shot inside a Cuttlebug gear/clock Embossing folder. I cut out the second hot air balloon and popped it up on dimensionals on top of the other hot air balloon. I had done this embedded embossing technique before and this reminded me how much I like the results!!!

I inked the same Cuttlebug folder with Black Soot Distress Ink, added a panel of Kraft cardstock, and ran it through the Big Shot.

The sentiment from the All Aboard set and the gears from Technique Tuesday Borderline Industry set were stamped with VersaFine ink.

Three rhinestones added the necessary "bling" to the project. So, did the description of my so-called creative process make sense???

Thanks for visiting today!

Pink Fairy Card

2011-04-10T15:25:00.008-04:00

Flowers are starting to bloom, so it was time to get this stamp inky! I decided to use SCS Sketch #327, but had to flip it, and move some elements around a bit to make it work with the stamp.

Here it is!

The flower fairy is from the Fairy Fantasy unmounted sheet by The Enchanted Gallery. I love all the images on this sheet.

The sentiment is from the Mixed Messages set by Paper Trey Ink. That's one seriously useful set, that I especially like because the sentiments are tiny!

I colored the image with Copic markers in shades of pink (for the iCopic dt audition). I added a layer of Iridescent Medium to her wings to make 'em translucently glimmery. The background was chalked with shimmery palette chalk by Pebbles. Finally, I used three buttons to finish it off!

Thanks for visiting today!

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!

2011-04-07T17:52:00.004-04:00

Two blog entries from me in one day! SHOCKING!!!

Spring is (sort of) in the air and Taylored Expressions is now on Splitcoast Stampers! They hosted a sketch challenge and you know how I love sketch challenges, both following sketches and making my own!

Here it is!

The branches, critters, and suchlike are from the Branching Out and the Branching Out Coordinate sets by Taylored Expressions.

I had gotten these sets a while ago as a gift from me to me with love and finally got around to using them. Fun!!!

I stamped the images, punched them out (sounds painful, no?), and colored 'em with my trusty Copics. However, I did something new and cool imho! I made my own sky color by mixing B21 with Copic Blender solution in an empty marker because B21 was too dark and it would've been a pita to use the blender to pick up and apply ink from the marker. I'm really excited that it worked, though now I have to get a few more empty markers. I see some nice custom-made colors in my future!

I added Glaze pen to the eyes and beak of the critters.

In further exciting news, I finally figured out how to use my bowmaker. Let's just say that I'm kinda slow with 3D stuff.

The ribbon was "dyed" with gray Copic.

And that's all I have to say,

Except...

Thanks for visiting today!

Master Procrastinator!

2011-04-07T17:38:00.004-04:00

I had started this card for Moxie Fab World's Cityscapes are on the rise challenge. I had stamped, masked, and colored the scene, but then life intervened as it has a habit of doing.

I finally created a card with the colored scene. Alas, it was too late for the Moxie Fab World challenge as well as the SCS Technique Tuesday forum's "new stuff" challenge.

Here it is!

The ship from Technique Tuesday's All Aboard set was stamped, then masked. I positioned the cityscape, which is #10 from the Queen of Tarts collection by Character Constructions. Then I peeled off the masks and colored the scene with Copic markers. Then I put the whole thing aside for several weeks while I did other stuff (some creative, some not).

When I finally got the chance, I found a scrap of old map patterned paper by Rusty Pickle. I used hempy twine stuff and tied sailors knots. The "Sea You Soon" sentiment is from the Homeward Bound set by Bombshell Stamps. I diecut it, pounded an eyelet, and attached it with more hemp.

Thanks for visiting today!

Diamond Anniversary card!

2011-03-26T18:54:00.005-04:00

My parents' 60th anniversary was yesterday. Tomorrow we're celebrating with a brunch.

Here's their card which is loaded with bling-ish elements to reflect (<---bad pun) the theme of a diamond anniversary.

I stamped one of the two diamonds from Bombshell's Lady Luck set in a circle, colored them with Copic markers, and then added Irridescent Medium to the diamonds. The 60 numerals are Grungeboard and were painted with a Pearl Paint Dabber, then coated with multiple layers of Prisma Glitter. The numbers were adhered to holographic diecuts that were layered upon metallic silver and white metallic cardstock. The outside of the white ring was coated with a layer of Diamond Stickles.

The next layer is comprised of white metallic cardstock that was embossed with a pattern of diamonds, then matted on a layer of that same holographic specialty paper. A strip of the holographic paper was cut to hold the label with the sentiment from Stampendous. The card itself is shimmery since that was also cut from white metallic cardstock.

The holographic paper was from my recently organized scraps file. It is very difficult to adhere, so I was thrilled that my newly arrived Helmar QuickFix Tape Runner was up for the job!

I photographed the card at a bizarre angle so that you could see the glitter and shimmer. You can't see the true effect, but you at least get an idea.

Thanks for visiting today!

March Sketch/Paint Challenge! Yep. A two-fer!

2011-03-19T18:11:00.004-04:00

Anita Marie, Ms. March, challenged us to use paints this month in the creation of our projects. I also used my March sketch.

Here it is:

Roses from the Alter Skull set were randomly stamped on watercolor cardstock with Rocket Red Brilliance ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. Then yellow Glimmer Mist was sprayed over the cardstock and heat set. When it was dry, khaki Glimmer Mist was lightly sprayed over the yellow and heat set. This was set aside to become the background layer.

I repeated this process with Yellow Brilliance ink and Khaki Glimmer mist to create another layer, which would go behind the focal oval.

Rose from Rose's Portrait set was stamped onto watercolor cardstock and colored with watercolor pencils. Glitter pen and Glaze pen was added to her earrings. Blush was applied with palette chalk. When I was done, I used a Nestabilities oval die to cut her out and then left the die in to add some color around the image.

I found some old Flair paper lace and used that with some kraft cardstock and used a darker kraft for another layer. The card was finished off with some gemstones.

The card itself is sitting under weights right now since it bowed a bit from being wet and heat set.

Thanks for visiting today!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T17:41:00.006-04:00

This card shows my warped-adolescent-boy sense of humor.

I created a similar card last year (click HERE) for St. Patrick's Day, but after I made the banner, I thought to myself, "Self, Lady Luck likes to celebrate St. Paddy's Day in her own free way. You should have made the sentiment read "Erin Goes Braless". So I did this year.

Lady Luck is a Bombshell Stamp set that is way fun with that cool Lady Luck image, an eight-ball, a clover, a martini, and a bunch of other great lucky tokens. Check it out.

The focal image was colored with Copic markers. Glaze pen was used to touch up her earrings, hair horseshoe, and the wrench. (I don't understand the wrench, but that's life.) I masked off the sentiment from the banner, colored it with Copic markers, fussy cut it, added Doodlebug rub-ons, and popped it up on dimensionals. The rest of the sentiment is from a Cat's Pajamas set and an Impression Obsession set. Gemstones were used for an ellipsis (...). I colored them with Copics so everything is all matchy-matchy to please my inner Virgo control freak. The patterned paper is from the Basic Grey Origins 6x6 pad.

Thanks for visiting today!

Reject card! :D

2011-03-11T21:17:00.004-05:00

This card didn't make the cut for the Paper Crafts Card Sketch idea book call. I liked the sketch and enjoyed creating a shaped card. Honestly, I'm not surprised that it didn't get picked up. I didn't like how the card came together. However, my least favorite cards are always the ones that get picked up, so I figured since I used the sketch, I might as well submit it. A little bit ventured, nothing gained. :D

Here's my take on Sketch #66:

At last year's Scrapbook Expo, I bought a set of Heartfelt Creation stamps that coordinated with a Nestabilities flower die set. I had used the dies alone and also used the stamps for some cards that I actually mailed (Yes. It's shocking!). But hadn't gotten it together to use the stamps with the dies.

I think I would have liked this better if I had used a different brown ink. The Chestnut Roan just doesn't work with the papers. Ah well.

I'll definitely use the dies and the stamps together again and will also make other shaped card, so it wasn't a total loss.

The sentiment is from my well-used Sentiments set by Purple Onion Designs. The patterned cardstock is from Bo-Bunny. I need to replenish my supply of the Polka Dotties!

Thanks for visiting today!

March Bombshell Sketch Challenge: Mardi Gras/Congratulations card!

2011-03-08T23:42:00.004-05:00

First an update on the PPP! I purged four (4) boxes of patterned papers and all scraps smaller than 4" x 2". I also organized all of my patterned paper and cardstock, plus all of my scraps. I'm thrilled and think this should help me work faster, neater, and more efficiently. Time will tell. Meanwhile, I'm paying the usable paper forward and recycled the scraps. Go me!!!

As you know, I create a monthly sketch design for Bombshell Stamps' blog and forum.

Here's March's sketch:

Here's my take on it.

I made a Mardi Gras/Congratulations card. I stamped the pin-up from the Bombshell Angel set, colored her face, torso, arms, and legs with Copic markers. I paper pieced her skirt from an old Basic Grey Fusion tag, then cut her out, and re-assembled her. Her shoes were touched up with a purple Sakura Glaze pen. I added a Sakura Glitter pen bracelet and the chain to her necklace. The pendant is a gemstone. I computer generated the "Let the good times roll!!!" sentiment three times and used circles Nesties to cut them out. The sentiment circles and edgy gold Nestie circles were stacked, then I popped her over them. All patterned paper is from my old Basic Grey Fusion scraps!!! The "congratulations" sentiment is a gold sticker by Stampendous. There are purple gemstones in the upper left, on her hair flower, and on her necklace. Sadly, you can't see the bling. Darn it!

Thanks for visiting today!

Wish me luck! Patterned Paper Purging!

2011-03-02T18:16:00.004-05:00

I've decided it's time to get rid of older patterned papers from my ginormous stash.

The PPP criteria are:
• Papers that I haven't used in eons.
• Companies that are no longer in business. This makes me sad since I miss Flair Designs, Scenic Route, Daisy D, Daisy Bucket, Chatterbox, and a bunch of other companies. However, I am keeping some papers that I still love. These are mostly ones with smaller patterns that are best for cardmaking or that I know will work well with lots of my stamps.
• Old, OLD, OLD papers from current companies that I haven't used at all since my "style", such as it is, has changed. This one is tough because one inner voice says "If you start scrapping again, you'll be sorry you gave this away." Another inner voice says "Get rid of it. If you start scrapping again, you can buy new." Yes. Apparently I hear voices.
• Papers with huge freaking patterns. They were pretty, but hard for me to use because I hated covering them up, which is kind of counterproductive for scrapping and cardmaking.

I really want to see all of my old Club Scrap papers too, but that will be another week's project.

So, wish me luck and wish me strength to face my inner voices.

Meanwhile, my daughter's friend gets first crack at my cast offs. What she doesn't want will be donated...

It's March! TCP Tuesday Challenge!

2011-03-01T17:13:00.006-05:00

Ah! March! The days are getting longer, I saw some buds on a tree, and St. Patrick's Day is the next card-making holiday.

TCP Tuesday's challenge for this first Tuesday in March is to create a Good Luck card.

Here's mine!

I used The Cat's Pajamas Beary Good Year set. I colored the cutie bear, his shamrock, and the grass with Copic markers. I re-used a card design that I've used before since I like it. :D The patterned paper is by Basic Grey and a bunch of rhinestones were used to add a touch o'bling because "a project just don't sing, if it ain't got the bling".

Thanks for visiting today!

Two more VSN challenge cards!

2011-02-28T20:33:00.003-05:00

This challenge was to use a bird stamp. My only problem was choosing a bird stamp since I have a LOT of bird stamps, especially if you include my penguin collection. A LOT. Like flocks and clutches and murders of bird stamps. :D

Anyway, this is probably in the top five fastest cards I've ever made. Grab a piece of scrap patterned cardstock (Basic Grey). Stamp the image. Stamp the sentiment. Cut the piece to size. Edge with ink. Slap it onto a premade card. EASY. Gotta love easy. My husband did. That's why he married me. *snort* The stamp is one of the fantastic birds from Technique Tuesday's Aviary set, which is a "must have" if you have a bird stamp collection. Which I do.

Here it is!

This challenge was to emboss on vellum. You could dry emboss or heat emboss. Being an overachiever, I did both. :D The butterfly and the sentiment are from Technique Tuesday's Wingin' It Little Treasures set, which at $2.99 is a freakin' steal-of-a-deal. I embossed the butterfly with white ep and then colored on the reverse with chalk pencils. Copic markers and/or colored pencils will also work for this technique. I then layered the vellum over patterned paper and then framed it using a different piece of patterned paper (both by the Memory Box).

I used the Timeworks Cuttlebug folder to dry emboss vellum, which I put over a piece of patterned cardstock so that you could see the embossed gears as well as the translucence of the vellum.

And here it is!

Thanks for visiting today!

Red Dress Challenge

2011-02-28T20:25:00.003-05:00

Howdy! Don'tcha wish you had a dress that was hot like this?

Better yet, I wish I had a body that was hot like that!!!

Yeah. I created the card for a Virtual Stamp Night challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers. This challenge was to create a project with a red dress.

I used one of the two cowgirls from Bombshell's Retro Cowgirls stamp set, colored it with Copic markers, added a touch of Sakura Glitter pen, and cut it with a Nestabilities image. Then I added a touch of Distress Ink. The sentiment is actually comprised of glittery alphabet stickers. I used some hemp/twine/cord stuff and some gemstones together with some old Flair patterned paper.

Sadly, the photo, which reddened the red, also doesn't show the glitter. And I cut off one side of the hemp/twine/cord bow. Oopsy.

Thanks for visiting!

Aloha!

2011-02-27T21:13:00.004-05:00

Here's a second card that I did for the Aloha Friday Free-4-All challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers. Aloha/hello cards are very useful and this tropical theme has me yearning for spring!

I used the lovely bird image from the Hula Girl set by Bombshell Stamps. I colored the image with Copic markers and used some Distress ink as well. The patterned paper is old Bo-Bunny.

Thanks for visiting today!