Sunday, January 31, 2016

Hello!

This week at Stampotique Designers Challenges, we have a special challenge theme of Two celebrating the second anniversary of the Stampotique ATC Swap facilitated by the lovely Nikki Woodward

If you'd like the chance to win your choice of $30 worth of Stampotique stamps, you should play along with this challenge. Visit Stampotique Designers Challenge blog and be sure to read the rules so that you'll have the chance to win that great prize!!! Remember to check to see the deadline for all of this month's Stampotique Designers Challenges!

 Here's the card that will accompany an ATC on its voyage. It features Agatha's Parrot (Magda Polakow)



Agatha's Parrot was stamped twice with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a Black Multiliner pen. The parrots were set aside while I worked on a background for them.

A die from the Fishtail Flags die set (Die-namics was used to die-cut patterned paper from the Origins collection (Basic Grey). I'm so sad that they're closing! The flags were then edged with Potting Soil Archival ink (Ranger) and set aside. The image panel was also edged with Potting Soil Archival ink. I used a sticker from the Origins sticker sheet for the vines and die-cut patterned paper with the Hello Friend die (Spellbinders).  Agatha's Parrots were adhered onto the branches and the sentiment die-cut was adhered as well. The image panel was then coated with a layer of Matte Multi Medium (Ranger). When that was dry, several layers of Clear Gelly Glaze pen (Sakura) were added to Agatha's Parrots' beaks, eyes, and talons to add dimension and shine to them.

The patterned paper, die-cuts, and image panel were layered according to a sketch from Mojo Monday Challenges. A Paper Shaper Leaf punch (EK Success) was used to punch two leaves from one of the big flowers on the Origins Sticker sheet. The leaves were edged with a Copic marker. A flower from the same sticker sheet was adhered over the leaves, then the card front was adhered to an A2 card.

Here's the sketch so you can see how I did!

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:
Just Us Girls Challenges: Tic, Tac, Toe -- mine  has die-cuts, stamping, and flower(s)

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Stampendous Haul = Happy Mail!

I was lucky enough to have a few projects appear in Just Steampunk, Volume 7, which came out in November 2015. One of my projects used several of the stamps from the Steampunk cling rubber stamp set by Andy Skinner for Stampendous.

Stampendous has a very generous publication incentive, which you can find HERE on #Stampendous' blog.

Here's a photo of my gorgeous Stampendous Haul!


I wish I could share photos of my projects in Just Steampunk, Volume 7, but I know that this fabulous idea book is available now at AC Moore, Michael's, and at select Barnes and Noble stores.

Stay tuned to my blog to see some projects that use some of my gorgeous haul from Stampendous!

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Dance!

This song was inspired by a few of David Bowie's songs, but being me, I mistook the "red shoes" in Let's Dance for "red dress". Oh well. At least I remembered that something was red. However, there are a lot of other songs where women wear red dresses, so maybe I was inspired by them. Who really knows?

Here's my card using the dancing woman and the clock/sentiment from The Old and The New Half Sheet (Stampinback) which you can purchase at I Brake for Stamps.



The woman from the The Old and The New set was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a Black Multi-liner pen. A touch of blush was added with a pink chalk pencil (Derwent). She was set aside while I created a background for her.

Silver glitter paper (DCWV) was die-cut with the Star Flourish die (Memory Box) and set aside.

The clock/sentiment from The Old and The New set was stamped with Unicorn Hero Hues (Hero Arts) onto music-patterned paper from the DIY Shop 6x6 pad (American Crafts) then heat-set with Polysparkle embossing powder (Ranger).

Chipped Sapphire and Blueprint Sketch Distress inks (Ranger) were sponged over the heat embossed music paper. Faded Jeans Distress ink was sponged over the Tornado stencil (Andy Skinner/DecoArt). The card front was edged with Black Soot Distress ink.

The glittery die-cut was adhered, then the dancer from the The Old and The New set was adhered on the die-cut. The card front was adhered to a white card and I called it done.

I Brake for Stamps has a great selection of Stampinback Stamps stamps. Click on my badge below to be whisked over there to check out their fabulous images! Best of all, if you buy something, use this code: SAVE10KATHI for 10% off your purchase.


Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:
Glitter and Sparkle Challenges: Say It With Music
Stampinback Challenge Blog: A Wish
Stamping Sensations Challenges: Anything Goes with a Stamp and a Die
Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers: T is for Technique
Crafty Cats Challenges: Girls Just Want to Have Fun


Monday, January 25, 2016

New Stamping Book!

RubberStampMadness has published a new rubber stamp art book entitled Stamping All Year Long. At 116 pages, it is filled with inspirational artwork.


If you'd like to order your copy, go to http://rsmadness.com/rsmstore.html and find the "New Book." US Price is $24.95. BTW, Stamping All Year Long is not available on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble.

Please mention my blog in the "special instructions" section, when you order. Once there are four mentions of my blog, RSM will send me a complimentary copy, which will make me happy!

Thanks for visiting today!

Thursday, January 21, 2016

love u!

Now that the holidays are past and the days are slowly getting longer, retailers' and crafters' hearts turn to Valentine's Day.

Here's a card that uses Lil Love from the Lil Love Whimsical Girl digital stamp set from Vera Lane Studios's new Floral Park Collection.


Lil Love was resized in PhotoElements, printed out onto Neenah cardstock with my laser printer, colored with Copic markers, then edged with a Black Pitt Artist pen (Faber Castell). A touch of blush was added to her cheeks with a Pink Chalk pencil (Derwent). I added the u with a Doodlebug rub-on.

Patterned papers from old Sugar Rush and Kissing Booth (both Basic Grey) 6x6 pads and layered according to Sketch #395 from the Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog. I used a Card Creator 5x7 Nestabilties die (Spellbinders) to die-cut the rectangle. The Stitched Strip and Pierced Label dies from the Blueprints 2 die set (Die-namics) were used to die-cut the vertical strip and the two flags. One of the dies from the Dimensional Banners set (Die-namics) was used to create the sentiment banner. "with all my heart" from the Life Quotes Remnant Rubs sheet (Idea-ology). All edges were sponged with Worn Lipstick, Hickory Smoke, and/or Black Soot Distress inks (Ranger). Pink gemstones (Kaisercraft) were added to the top and bottom left and a floral gemstone (Kaisercraft) was added to her hair.

Here's the sketch so you can see how I did.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

LOVE'S TRUCK or LOVESTRUCK?

Sue Davies is the hostess at Stampotique Designers Challenge Blog and her theme is Red and Pink. Here's what she had to say about her challenge.
"With Valentine's day around the corner we have all seen the displays of red and pink -- red and pink -- I challenge you to create and Stampotique infused Valentine's day creation inspired using only hues of red and pink."
If you'd like the chance to win your choice of $30 worth of Stampotique stamps, you should play along with this challenge. Visit Stampotique Designers Challenge blog and be sure to read the rules so that you'll have the chance to win that great prize!!! Remember to check to see the deadline for all of this month's Stampotique Designers Challenges!

Here's my card with Flower Truck (Janet Klein), which uses a few more colors than just red and pink. What can I say? I'm a rebel.


Flower Truck was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko) onto Neenah cardstock. One of the hearts from the Classic Hearts Nestabilities die set (Spellbinders) was used to die-cut a scrap of paper. The heart-shaped aperture of the paper was placed over the Flower Truck's bed and traced with a Black Multi-liner pen (Copic). The truck and heart were fussy-cut, colored with Copic markers, in shades of red and pink, and edged with a black marker. Flower Truck (with heart) was set aside while I created a background for it.

A wash of Cerulean Blue Media Fluid Acrylic paint (DecoArt) was sponged over 140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock (Strathmore). Primary Magenta and Translucent White MFA paints were mixed, diluted, then sponged across the pale blue background. Multi-Matte Medium (Ranger) was brushed over top. Titanium White MFA paint was sponged over the Cloudy Day stencil (My Favorite Things) and allowed to dry. A Primary Magenta and Translucent White MFA wash was sponged over the stenciled clouds, then wiped back. The Cloudy Day stencil was moved and diluted Titanium White MFA paint was sponged over the stencil again, then wiped back. This was allowed to dry.

Green cardstock was die-cut with the dies from the Stitched Scene Builder Edgers die set (Frantic Stamper). The die-cuts were layered and adhered to the painted, stenciled cardstock. Black cardstock was die-cut with the Alphabet Typewriter Upper Case dies (Impression Obsession). Pink and red adhesive cardstock was die-cut with the Layered Heart Border dies (Die-namics). The pink and red borders were layered and adhered to a strip of black cardstock. The sentiment letters were adhered onto the hearts to form the sentiment. Flower Truck was adhered in place. Several layers of Multi-Matte Medium were brushed over the scene to seal it. 

Flower Truck's windscreen, windows, headlight, and taillight glass were touched with Baby Blue Spica Glitter pen (Copic). The radiator, bumpers, running boards, wing mirror, and insignia thingy were lined with silver gel pen. All the glass and metal bits then received several layers of Clear Gelly Glaze pen (Sakura) to add dimension and shine. 

The piece was matted with white cardstock, then mounted on a red card.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

I *Heart* Cats!

You might not know, but I love cats. A lot. So much so, that Duchess, my 16 year old Ragdoll/American Shorthair mix, is my online avatar. I refer to her as my familiar as she is usually in close proximity and is a great companion. She's getting old, thin, and arthritic, but she still loves to cuddle with me. What's odd about this pair of cats is that they were very quiet, until they turned 14. Now they talk all the time. I've always talked to them and now they talk back! But unlike the spouse and the young adult, they're remarkably easy-going and not snarky at all (unless they're hungry)! Anyway, my love of cats is reflected in my stamp (and die) collection, both of which are rather large. One of my newest cat stamps is Large Feline Femme (Time to Stamp) from their fabulous Femmes Collection


Here's my card with my new Feline Femme stamp which you can purchase at I Brake for Stamps.


Feline Femme  was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko) and colored with Copic markers. Blush was added to her cheeks and her shoulders with a pink chalk pencil (Derwent). I opted to make the kitty a grey one. Next time I'll make the cat look like Duchess and will add some wrinkles and oddly colored hair to make the woman look like me. Perhaps I'll do a Tuxedo too for Flash. One can never tell.

I discovered that the papers in the Sweet Threads 6x6 pad (Basic Grey) matched the colors that I used really well. I used a sketch from The Cheerful Sketches Challenge Blog. You can see the sketch below to see how I did. The circle was die-cut with the circle die from one of the Blueprints die sets (Die-namics). I used an old Cuttlebug tool to add piercings, then used a Black Multiliner (Copic) to add faux stitches. All paper layers were sponged with Cracked Pistachio Distress ink. The outermost layers were sponged with Hickory Smoke Distress ink.

Here's the sketch so you can see how I did.

I Brake for Stamps has a great selection of Time to Stamp's stamps. Click on my badge below to be whisked over there to check out their fabulous images! Best of all,  if you buy something, use this code: SAVE10KATHI for 10% off your purchase.


Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:
The Cheerful Sketch Challenge Blog: January's sketch
Show Us Your Pussies Challenges: Furrything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges: Best Friends
Dies R Us Challenges: Stitches: Real or Faux

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Two-fer! Second ATC for the Second Anniversary!

We're celebrating the second anniversary of the Stampotique Facebook Group's ATC Swap, which is organized by the lovely and talented Nikki Woodward.

This is what she's said about this swap.
"This is a very special trade as we are celebrating our second year anniversary. For this trade we would like to see lots of 2's : 2's of things, 2 years, 2nd anniversary etc etc etc, wherever '2' takes your mind and creativeness."
Here's my second ATC with Stampotique's Chessy (Janet Klein) and Wee Owl (Jo Capper-Sandon)


I know that I've paired this duo up before, but what can I say? They're a purrfect pair. Hmm. Now that I got that out of my system, I'll blather about the ATC.

Both Chessy and Wee Owl were stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, then edged with a Black Multiliner pen. They were set aside to play together while I created their background.


Primary Magenta and Titanium White Media Fluid Acrylic (MFA) paints (DecoArt) were mixed, then randomly sponged over the 140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock (Strathmore). I built up the layers until I was happy with coverage and pattern. Dioxazine Purple and Titanium White MFA paint we re mixed, then sponged over the Small Checkerboard stencil (My Favorite Things) and allowed to dry. The stenciled painted cardstock was coated with a layer of Multi Matte Medium (Ranger). When that was dry, Translucent White MFT paint was repeatedly sponged over the number 2 on the  Have Your Say stencil (Andy Skinner/DecoArt) allowed to dry, sealed with a layer of Multi Matte Medium. 

Hydrangea Archival ink (Wendy Vecchi/Ranger) was sponged over the 2 on the Time Travel stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), then another layer of Multi Matte Medium was added. Several layers of Clear Gelly Glaze pen (Sakura) were added to Chessy's eyes, nose, and teeth as well as Wee Owl's eyes, beak, and talons. I don't think you can see the gloss and dimension from the Clear Gelly Glaze pen, but they're there!

White cardstock was die-cut with the one of the words from the Smile die set (Cherry Lynn Designs) and adhered to the ATC front. Checkerboard Washi tape was cut down, then adhered to the base of the ATC front. My dynamic duo, Chessy and Wee Owl, were then adhered, to the ATC, then adhered to a black ATC.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this ATC into the following challenges:
• Happy Little Stampers Mixed Media Challenges: Stencils

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Stampotique ATC Swap!

We're celebrating the second anniversary of the Stampotique Facebook Group's ATC Swap, which is organized by the lovely and talented Nikki Woodward.

This is what she's said about this swap.
"This is a very special trade as we are celebrating our second year anniversary. For this trade we would like to see lots of 2's : 2's of things, 2 years, 2nd anniversary etc etc etc, wherever '2' takes your mind and creativeness."

Here's my first ATC with Agatha's Parrot (Magda Polakow)


Agatha's Parrot was stamped twice with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a Black Multiliner pen. The parrots were set aside while I worked on a background for them.

140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock (Strathmore) was die-cut with one of the dies from the ATC set (Spellbinders). I should have actually measured it first because it was actually smaller than I would have liked, since I wanted to fit both parrots with a bit more room to spare. Alas.

Viridian and Titan Buff Media Fluid Acrylic (MFA) paints (DecoArt) were mixed, then randomly sponged over the cardstock. I built up the layers until I was happy with coverage and pattern. Viridian MFA paint was sponged over the Vineyard stencil (The Crafter's Workshop) and allowed to dry. The stencil was moved and this step was repeated several times. The stenciled painted cardstock was coated with a layer of Multi Matte Medium (Ranger). When that was dry, Leaf Green Archival ink (Ranger) was sponged over the stencil again to add another leafy layer. The same ink was sponged over two of the twos from the Made to Measure stencil (Andy Skinner/DecoArt). This layer was sealed with another layer of Multi Matte Medium.

The Agatha's Parrotwere adhered to the stenciled, painted background, then sealed with Multi Matte Medium. Two vine/branchy things were first drawn in with a Sepia Pitt Artist pen (FaberCastell), but it smeared and was translucent, so I went over them with Burnt Umber and Payne's Grey MFA paint. Several layers of Clear Gelly Glaze pen (Sakura) were added to Agatha's Parrots' beaks, eyes, and talons.

The ATC front was matted with white cardstock, then mounted onto a black ATC.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this ATC into the following challenges:
Happy Little Stampers Mixed Media Challenges: Stencils

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Best Wishes!



Today's card features Angelique, from the Divas collection by Rubber Romance stamps at I Brake For Stamps. As you can see, Angelique is swinging from a star, which made me think of the song, Swinging on a Star and I am quite sure that I will use the stamp to illustrate the song. But I was going for a more generic card.

Angelique was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto Neenah cardstock, colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with Black Pitt Artist pen (Faber Castell). Pink Spica Glitter pen (Copic) was used to add a sparkly belt to her dress. Pink Chalk pencil (Derwent) was used to add a touch of blush to her cheeks. Silver gel pen was used to go over the swing's chains.

Angelique was also stamped onto yellow patterned paper from the Life of the Party 6x6 pad (Basic Grey). After stamping her, I fussy-cut the star, then used a silver gel pen to outline the star, go over the swing's chains, and other details from the stamp.

Angelique was stamped for the last time onto a piece of star-patterned paper from the Glory 6x6 pad (Authentique). The paper was trimmed down, edged with Faded Jeans Distress ink (Ranger), and layered onto striped paper from the Soho Garden 6x6 pad (American Crafts), which was then edged with the same Distress ink. The star and woman were adhered in place onto their counterpart on the card front. The chains of the swing were gone over again with silver gel pen.

Mini Words Class A'Peels stickers (Stampendous) were used to add the sentiment to the star. I decided on Best Wishes because stars make me think of wishes (wish upon a star, etc.) and because it's an altogether useful sentiment that can be used for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Silver foil border stickers were added to either side of the star panel to reinforce the silvery elements of the card.

You really ought to go check out Rubber Romance stamps, plus all the other great stamps at I Brake For Stamps. Click on my badge below to be whisked over there to check out their fabulous images! Best of all,  if you buy something, use this code: SAVE10KATHI for 10% off your purchase.


Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this into the following challenges:
Crafting With An Attitude Challenges: Anything Goes
Challenge Up Your Life Challenges: Stars and Stripes
Crafting From The Heart Challenges: Anything Goes
Cards in Envy Challenges: New or Shiny (I've got shiny!)

Monday, January 11, 2016

Steampunk Penguin Journal Page

Have you ever had a project that kept coming out wrong, but you had to keep going, if only to get the idea out of your head? This journal page is that project. The version you see below is actually "Plan D" after the preceding three didn't work out the way I wanted.

I should tell you that I have started a series of Steampunk Journals. Steampunk Journal, Volume 1 -- The Aviary was recently published in Just Steampunk 7. The journal's base is a Worn Journal (Ideaology)that I decorated with paint, stamps, ink, die-cuts, flashing tape, and a mess of other things. The journal measures 5" x 7" and holds two-hole punched pages that measure 4.75" x 6.75". I will be adding journal pages that showcase my rather large collection of steampunk bird images.

This project is the first page of The Aviary and features Steampunk Penguin, one of SCACD's fabulous digital stamps. If you are not in the USA, you can purchase SCACD's great digis HERE.


Steampunk Penguin was resized in PhotoElements, printed out onto Neenah cardstock, colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, then edged with a Black Pitt Artist pen (Faber Castell). Several layers of Clear Gelly Glaze pen (Sakura) were added to Steampunk Penguin's beak, goggle lenses, and feet. Liquid Glass (DecoArt) was added to the light bulbs on his hat. Steampunk Penguin was then put safely away from curious fingers (I always like to see if the glue has set, which of course ruins everything) while the Liquid Glass set.

A scrap of 140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock was sponged with a wash of Cerulean Blue Media Fluid Acrylic paint (DecoArt)Jonathan Alphabet rub-ons (Maya Road) were applied to the cardstock. A nameplate from a Grungeboard set (Idealogy) was brushed with Metallic Gold MFA paint. Quinacridone Gold MFA paint was stippled over top, then allowed to dry. The edges of the name plate were darkened with Black Pitt Artist pen. The nameplate was adhered over the sentiment. One-Step Crackle Glaze (DecoArt) was applied inside the name plate over the sentiment and allowed to dry.

140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock (Strathmore) was cut to size. Americana Short Circuit stencil (DecoArt) was placed over the top of the cardstock. VersaMark (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko) was sponged over the stencil, the stencil was lifted, and Polysparkle embossing powder (Ranger) was heat set. A wash of Cerulean Blue MFA paint was sponged over the embossing powder. A baby wipe was used to wipe the paint from the embossed circuit.

The top pattern from the Rock Wall stencil (The Crafter's Workshop) was placed over the bottom part of the cardstock, VersaMark was sponged over the stencil, and Polysparkle embossing powder was heat set. Pthalo Turquoise and Pthalo Blue MFA paints were sponged over the stenciled embossed cardstock.

140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock was was die-cut with all four dies of the dies from the Stitched Scene Builder Edgers die set (Frantic Stamper). The die-cuts took a ride through the Big Kick inside the Gears Texture Fades embossing folder (Sizzix) and then were painted with a mixture of Cerulean Blue and Translucent White MFA paint. When dry, a wash of Quinicridone Magenta MFA paint was sponged onto each die-cut. Another layer of Cerulean Blue MFA paint followed, allowed to dry, then Translucent White MFA paint was sponged again. When all the die-cuts were dry, Iridescent Medium (Winsor and Newton) was brushed across each to add a touch of sparkle. The die-cuts were adhered to the stenciled painted journal page. The page was then punched with my Binder Punch (Idea-ology)

The Mixed Media cardstock was was die-cut with Medium Steampunk Pipes (Memory Box) several times. The pipes were adhered to each other to form a four-ply stack, which was then painted with Silver Metallic MFA paint. A faucet and bent pipe from the PipeWorks chipboard set (Creative Embellishments) were sponged with Silver Metallic MFA paint. Translucent White MFA paint was brushed onto the face of the pressure gauge and a gold gel pen was used to add a bit of detail. Silver Metallic MFA paint was dry brushed onto the rest of the gauge. Black Pitt Artist pen was used to add a bit of detail to all the pipes and the faucet and to give them a black edge as well. A clear plastic circle was adhered over the face of the pressure gauge.

A scrap of transparency was painted with Pthalo Turquoise MFA paint. When dry, 1/4" Wonder Tape (Ranger) was applied to the non-painted side. The red liner was pulled off and micro-beads were pressed into the tape. This strip was then adhered to the reverse of the faucet.

The four-ply pipe was adhered over the embossed die-cuts on the journal page and the faucet was added. The bent pipe was adhered to the left side of the page and the pressure gauge was adhered over it.

Quinacridone Gold, Quinacridone Burnt Orange, Payne's Grey, Metallic Silver, and a touch of Metallic Gold MFA paints were mixed with Ultra Matte Varnish (DecoArt), then dry brushed over parts of the pipes, pressure gauge, and faucet to add some rust.

Steampunk Penguin was adhered atop the pipe and some Remnant Rubs (Ideaology) were added around him. Two metal gears were adhered around the binder holes. A third was added around one of the rub-on graphics.

The Crackle Glaze inside the name plate had dried and crackled and the nameplate was adhered to the journal page using screw-top brads (Idealogy).

If you've read all the above, pat yourself on the shoulder and get a glass or cup of your favorite beverage. You deserve it!

I shall enter this journal page into the following challenges:
Just Us Girls Challenges: Trend Week - Metal/Metallics
Creative Artiste Challenge: Anything Goes -- Twist-Use Chipboard
Die Cut Divas Challenges: New Technique, Stamp, Color, Die
Happy Little Stampers Mixed Media Challenges: Stencils
SanDee and amelie's Steampunk Challenges: Anything Goes

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Forest and Trees, v. 2.0

Claudine Criner is the hostess at Stampotique Designers Challenge Blog and her theme is Trees. Here's what she had to say about her challenge.
"Trees have always been such a source of life for many living creatures, I just love them. I challenge you to create something with a tree incorporated somehow."
If you'd like the chance to win your choice of $30 worth of Stampotique stamps, you should play along with this challenge. Visit Stampotique Designers Challenge blog and be sure to read the rules so that you'll have the chance to win that great prize!!!  Remember to check to see the deadline for all of this month's Stampotique Designers Challenges!


Here's my second card for this challenge. This one features Stampotique's Foxy (Kate Crane)!



I decided that I wanted to use the "no lines" coloring technique for this one, so
Foxy was stamped with Desert Sand Memento ink (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko), colored with Copic markers, and fussy-cut. Foxy's white edges were darkened with Copic markers, then Foxywas set aside while I created a background for him.

A piece of 140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock (Strathmore) was cut to 6x6, taped to a piece of scrap paper, then sponged with Bundled Sage Distress ink (Ranger). The Sunlit Forest stencil (The Crafter's Workshop) was hinge-taped over the background and the base of each of the trees was marked with a chalk pencil. The stencil was lifted, a piece of scrap paper was placed horizontally across the paper, and Bundled Sage Distress ink was sponged again over the bottom portion to darken the forest floor.

The stencil was dropped back into position, securely taped down, then Forest Moss Distress ink was sponged over the stencil for the tree shadows. Each tree was traced with a  Gathered Twigs Distress marker (Ranger), then colored with a combination of Distress markers and Zig Photo Twin markers (EK Success). The same process was repeated with the sun, though I mistakenly used too dark a yellow marker. I repeatedly tried to lighten the color to no avail. Alas. Perfection is overrated.

The stencil was lifted, the colors of the forest were touched up, some detail was added, and additional ink was sponged around the edges of the piece. Foxy was adhered to the piece, which was then adhered to a brown card.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:
• Craft Your Passion Challenges: Anything Goes
• Fashionable Stamping Challenges: Make Your Own Background




Forest and Trees

Claudine Criner is the hostess at Stampotique Designers Challenge Blog and her theme is Trees. Here's what she had to say about her challenge.
"Trees have always been such a source of life for many living creatures, I just love them. I challenge you to create something with a tree incorporated somehow."
If you'd like the chance to win your choice of $30 worth of Stampotique stamps, you should play along with this challenge. Visit Stampotique Designers Challenge blog and be sure to read the rules so that you'll have the chance to win that great prize!!! Remember to check to see the deadline for all of this month's Stampotique Designers Challenges!

Here's my card with Winter (Daniel Torrente)

I envisioned Winter as Little Red Riding Hood on her way to visit her grandmother. Winter was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a Black Pitt Artist pen (Faber Castell). I kept her a bit pale since she's feeling a bit emo about the trek through the forest to visit the wrinklies. She was set aside while I created a suitable background for her. She pouted about that too.

Green cardstock was die-cut with all four dies of the dies from the Stitched Scene Builder Edgers die set (Frantic Stamper). Their edges were sponged with Forest Moss and Pine Needles Distress inks (Ranger). Two sets of three edger die-cuts were adhered to one another, then trimmed to size.

Kraft cardstock was die-cut with the Grand Forest Archway die (Memory Box), then colored with Copic markers. White cardstock was die-cut with one of the Puffy Clouds dies (Memory Box) and two of the Clouds dies (Joy Crafts). The cloud die-cuts were run through the Big Shot (Sizzix) inside the Burlap Texture Fade (Sizzix) to give them some texture. They were then highlighted with some CO Copic markers.

The scene was put together, Winter was adhered to the background using dimensional foam adhesive. The card front was matted with textured kraft cardstock, then adhered to the card front.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:
Craft Your Passion Challenges: Anything Goes
Fashionable Stamping Challenges: Make Your Own Background

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

2016 Parrot Calendar


It's 2016 so I needed a new tear off calendar. Thanks to the Internet, I've fallen in love with parrots. Truth be told, I've always loved them, but last year, I started following an Australian woman who hand-raises and trains parrots from the eggs to their adoption. She shares videos and photos on FB and I find it totally captivating. So when I saw this image, Parrots (I Brake for Stamps), I had to get it! This is my first time using the stamp, which seemed appropriate for my new calendar!

Parrots was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a Black Pitt Artist pen (Faber Castell).

Scraps of tropical foliage and patterned green paper, hoarded from the Tropical Travelogue 8x8 pad (Graphic 45), were edged with Black Soot Distress ink. The calendar was stapled onto one of the scraps of tropical foliage paper. 2016 was die-cut from the green-patterned paper using the Mermaid font die (Die-Versions). Black cardstock was die-cut using one of the dies from the Sentiment Frame #1 set (Cherry Lynn Designs).

You really ought to go check out I Brake for Stamps stamps, plus all the other great stamps at I Brake For Stamps. Click on my badge below to be whisked over there to check out their fabulous images! Best of all, if you buy something, use this code: SAVE10KATHI  and you'll get 10% off your purchase.


Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter my calendar into the following challenges:
 Stamping Sensations Challenges: Anything Goes with a Die
Card and Scrap Challenges: Stamp
Brown Sugar Challenges: Happy New Year
Not Just Cards Challenges: Anything Goes
• Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges: Something New