Bombshell Stamps Hump Day Hop!!!

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

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!

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.

Bombshell Christmas!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!!!

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!

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'

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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...

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!

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)

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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?

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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!