Friday, March 31, 2017

Steampunk Dragon!

Steampunk Dragonone of my favorite digital images by Carmen Medlin Designs, was recently released in glorious deeply etched rubber by  I Brake for Stamps Steampunk Dragon is available separately or in the New Steampunk rubber stamp set with six other fabulous Steampunk images that are also now in rubber! By the way, IBFS ships internationally!

Here's my card featuring Steampunk Dragon.


Steampunk Dragon was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (ImagineCrafts). The Steampunk Dragon and the entire image panel were colored with Copic markers. 

Silver metallic cardstock was die-cut two times with the Gearheads Alterations Corner (Sizzix) and layered atop a square of green metallic cardstock. The image panel was adhered, then the card front was adhered to brown cardstock to finish this CAS card!

I Brake for Stamps has lots of wonderful rubber stamps by Carmen Medlin Designs as well as a huge and varied collection of rubber stamps that you ought to check out right now. Click on my badge below to be whisked over to I Brake for Stamps to check out all of the goodies! Best of all, if you buy something, you can get a 10% discount off of your purchase if you use this code: SAVE10KATHI!


Saturday, March 25, 2017

Wishing You Love & Laughter!

Stampotique's Facebook Group has started "Word-Up Weekends" where we share projects created with Stampotique's many Words, Phrases, Letters, and Numbers.



All Aboardone of Stampotique's March release stamps, was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, edged with a black marker, then coated with a few layers of Spectrum Noir Clear Overlay Sparkle marker (Crafter's Companion) to give the plane some shimmer!

Here's a close up photo where (I hope) you can see the sparkle! I love sparkly things, I just wish they were easier to photograph!


Pale blue parchment-print cardstock was die-cut with the Fishtail Label from the Tag Builder Blueprints 5 (Die-namics) die set. "Love and Laughter" on the Wishing You Love and Laughter" stamp was covered with a Post-It Note, the stamp was inked, and the Post-It removed, and the sentiment was stamped on the label with Jet Black Archival ink (Ranger) and the assistance of my Stamp-a-Ma-Jig stamp positioner (EK Success). The stamp was cleaned, then the same process was followed to stamp the rest of the "Wishing You Love and Laughter" sentiment on the label. The edges of the label were lightly sponged with Soot Black Distress ink (Ranger) and a 1/16" eyelet was set on the non-fishtailed (new word) end. This was set aside while I created the rest of the card.

Green Double Dot patterned paper from the Double Dot Bold & Bright 6x6 pad (Bo-Bunny) was die-cut with one of the dies from the Stitched Scene Builders Edgers die set (Frantic Stamper) and both the dies from the Stitched Valley die set (Die-namics).

Ancient cloudy-sky patterned cardstock (Cosmo Cricket) was cut to 5x7 and adhered to a 5x7 blue card. The stitched die-cuts were adhered to form hills, then the edges were lightly outlined with chalk.

A triangular jump ring was attached to the All Aboard  plane's tail, silver floss was threaded through the triangle, then through the sentiment label's eyelet, then the sentiment was adhered to the card.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:
Fashionable Stamping Challenges: Modes of Transport

Friday, March 24, 2017

Take Time...

This week's challenge at Stampotique Designer's Challenges is Tags! (#269). Here's the blurb about the challenge!
"Make a tag or use a tag on your project this week!"
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!



Cranium and Flower Cube 1 . were stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a black marker. They were set aside while I created a background for them, but Cranium didn't mind at all since he was enveloped in the Flower's sweet fragrance.

140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock was sponged with Picked Raspberry, Wild Honey, and Squeezed Lemonade Distress inks (Ranger), spritzed with water, and heat set. When dry, Picked Raspberry Distress ink was sponged over the Nordic Layering Stencil (Stampers Anonymous) and heat set. Then Mermaid Lagoon Distress ink was sponged over the Clockwork Layering Stencil (Stampers Anonymous) overtop and heat set. It was still a bit flat so Picked Raspberry Distress ink was randomly stenciled over the Nordic Layering Stencil a second time. The inked, stenciled panel was heat set, then edged with Black Soot Distress ink.

Black cardstock was die-cut with one of the clocks from the Retro Mod Clocks die set (Spellbinders). While the cardstock was still in the die, I ran a stylus over the cardstock to deepen the embossing, then flipped over the die-cut with the cardstock still in place to add detailing with a silver pen.

Two of the colored Flowers were adhered to the right side of the inked panel, then Cranium was adhered. The third Flower was adhered, positioned slightly over Cranium's nose. The Mod Clock die cut was adhered, then trimmed.

Big Chat and Little Chat stickers (Idea-ology) furnished the sentiments. Silver cardstock was die-cut with clock hands (QuicKutz and ?). The two pairs of clock hands were positioned on the top and bottom of the right side of the panel. Orange Class A Peel Sparkle Dots (Stampendous) were adhered to the center of the clock hands and a smaller one was added to Cranium's ear.

Black cardstock and metallic black cardstock were die-cut with the Tag Alterations die (Sizzix) and the image panel was adhered. The metallic black circle was adhered over its counterpart on the tag. Hand-dyed seam binding and hand-dyed organza ribbon were used to finish the tag.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter my tag into the following challenges:
Crafty Gals Corner Challenges: Anything But a Card
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenges: Use More Than One Die/Punch  (Tag, Clock, Clockhands)
Inky Chicks Challenges: Flowers
Stamping Sensations Challenges: Close to Nature (His nose is in a flower!)

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Spring Poppies!

It's the second day of spring, snow is on the ground, and it's still chilly here. I'm yearning for warm days and flowers, so I decided to go floral with the poppies/text image from the Half Sheet Numbers and Flowers (Stampinback stamps) carried at I Brake for Stamps. By the way, IBFS ships internationally!

Here's my card.


The poppies/text image was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (ImagineCrafts) onto wood patterned paper from the Necessities Wood 6x6 pad (My Mind's Eye). The poppies were colored with Copic markers to match a photo of gorgeous blue poppies that I found on Google images. As a Virgo, I sometimes usually like to be accurate. I used a wet brush to loosely draw around the perimeter of the image, then tore on the wet lines. The poppies part of the image was outlined with a Copic marker, then the text and dot part of the image were sponged with Antique Linen, Old Paper, and Tea Dye Distress inks.

I recently rediscovered my sprays (thanks to Lindy's Stamp Gang) and decided that they weren't evil after all! In fact, they're rather fun to use! A corrugated cardboard rectangle (reserved packaging) was sprayed with London Blue, After Midnight, White Linen, and Bubblegum Pink Dylusions sprays (Ranger) until I was happy with the result. The excess ink was mopped up with a second corrugate rectangle, a white tag, and a short length of white lace.

My Bubbles stencil (Ranger) was placed atop the sprayed corrugate, then Pearl Perfect Pearls Mists (Ranger) was sprayed over top to create a pattern and some shimmer. The sprayed shimmery corrugate was heat set, then the top layer was torn in a few spots to reveal the texture below. Some Tea Dye Distress ink was sponged onto the revealed layers to change the color a bit. 

The image panel was adhered, the dyed lace was stapled on, and three small dragonfly charms were added.

I found a sheet of script patterned paper in the Timeless Type Stack (DCWV), which I cut down, then used Jet Black Archival ink (Ranger) with the dot patterned stamp from the Half Sheet Numbers and Flowers rubber sheet to stamp the dot pattern several times. The dotty script panel was sponged with the same mix of Distress inks used on the image panel. 

The corrugate matted image panel was adhered to the card front, glitter stickers from my stash were used to add the sentiment, and the card front was adhered to a blue 5x7 card.

I Brake for Stamps has a great selection of Stampinback's rubber stamps that you ought to check out right now. Click on my badge below to be whisked over to I Brake for Stamps to check out all of the goodies! Best of all, if you buy something, you can get a 10% discount off of your purchase if you use this code: SAVE10KATHI!



Thanks for visiting today!

Friday, March 17, 2017

Happy Steamy St. Patrick's Day!


Her name is Halloween Magic and she's a retired stamp from Stampendous, which I think is really versatile as the image could be used for Halloween, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, or anything Steampunk'd.

Halloween Magic was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink and colored with Copic markers. The image panel was die-cut with a Nestabilities die (Spellbinders).

Pale green cardstock was embossed with the Clocks embossing plate (Cherry Lynn Designs) and matted with darker green cardstock The patterned paper is from an exceedingly old Lime Rickey 6x6 pad (Basic Grey). Green cardstock was die-cut with some Gearhead Thinlets Alterations dies (Sizzix) and the Nuts and Bolts Punch die (Marianne Designs).

The patterned paper was layered with the embossed matted cardstock, then the double-matted image panel was adhered. Some gears were added over some of the designs and three Philips Head Screw die-cuts were added to the top left. The image panel was adhered to a green card.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenges: Bit O'Green
Shopping Our Stash Challenges: Luck O' the Irish
The Paper Girls Challenges: Luck of the Irish




Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Just Keep On Keeping On!

This week's challenge at Stampotique Designer's Challenges is Tags! (#269). Here's the blurb about the challenge!
"Make a tag or use a tag on your project this week!"
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!



Elaina is one of Stampotique's March's new release stamps, which are all terrific. You should check them out. 

Elaina was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts) and colored with Copic markers. I think that Elaina looks like a confident woman, strutting proudly, so I gave her a sidewalk to walk upon. 

Elaina's shirt reminded me that I had some very old patterned paper that had some xes on them. I was delighted to put my hands on old 8x8 pad by Cosmo Cricket almost immediately. Gosh! I love when I remember stuff! I colored Elaina to match the patterned paper and think that the pink hair suits her! 

The image panel was matted with the solid pink cardstock from the pad and other papers from it were layered. I used my Ticket Tag Duo Corner punch (Tonic studios) to punch the top edges of the patterned paper, matted the patterned paper with white cardstock, which was also punched. 

I thought that the just keep on keeping on" sentiment was perfect for the image, so I stamped it onto a strip of leftover patterned paper from the same pad and adhered it as shown.

Since I missed the ribbon/lace challenge, I decided to add a scrap of lace over the seam between the patterned papers and used my Mini Attacher to secure the lace in place (That rhymes!). The image panel was popped up over the patterned paper and lace using dimensional foam adhesives. A hole was punched at the top of the tag and ribbon was added to finish the tag.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter my tag into the following challenges:
Try It on Tuesday/Tuesday Taggers: Lady in Red


Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Steampunk Encouragement Card

Here's an encouragement card featuring the Butterfly Chrysalis Change rubber stamp from the Eclectic Collection 2 by Carmen Medlin Designs for I Brake for Stamps. By the way, IBFS ships internationally!


The Butterfly Chrysalis Change was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (ImagineCrafts), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a black marker.

Shimmery white cardstock was die-cut with the Winterberry Sprig die (Memory Box), colored with Copic markers, and detailed with a fine tip pen to make the branches look pipe-like and the berries look like screws. Gold metallic cardstock was die-cut with the Alice's Clock Statement Corner die (SCACD). Black metallic cardstock was die-cut with the Geared Butterfly die (Frantic Stamper). White cardstock was die-cut with the matching Solid Butterfly die (Frantic Stamper), then colored with the same colors used on the Butterfly Chrysalis Change image. The metallic Geared Butterfly was adhered atop the colored Solid Butterfly die-cut.

Green cardstock was embossed with the Clockworks die (Cuttlebug/ProvoCraft). The sprig, corner, and butterfly dies were adhered to the embossed cardstock. was adhered over the sprig, then several sentiments rub-ons from the Life Quotes Remnant Rubs (Idea-ology) were added. The embossed panel was matted with black metallic cardstock, then adhered to a green card.

I Brake for Stamps has a huge and varied collection of rubber stamps that you ought to check out right now. Click on my badge below to be whisked over to I Brake for Stamps to check out all of the goodies! Best of all, if you buy something, you can get a 10% discount off of your purchase if you use this code: SAVE10KATHI!

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Another Day, Another Steampunk Tag!

I'm the hostess this month at ART-EXchange, which is a Facebook group that swaps hand made projects. My theme is Steampunk Tags!

My second tag features the man with the monkey from the Music Man stamp set (Stampers Anonymous), the cityscape from the NK Studio Urban Scribble Foam and Cling Stamp (Stampendous),  and the schematic from the AS Cling Steampunk Set (Stampendous)

Here it is!


The Music Man was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a black marker. The Music Man and his monkey were set aside while I created a background for them. I should mention that prior to coloring the monkey, I did a Google image search and was enchanted by the Golden Snub Nosed Monkey, aka the Blue Faced Monkey, who lives in China.

140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock and black chipboard were die-cut with the Alterations Tag die (Sizzix). The black chipboard tag was set aside with the Music Man and his monkey and the cardstock tag was trimmed down.

The cardstock was stamped with the cityscape from the NK Studio Urban Scribble stamp set using Onyx Black VersaFine ink, then heat embossed with Clear Detail Embossing powder (Ranger). The cityscape was also stamped onto Eclipse Tape (Judikins), then fussy-cut to create a mask. The cityscape image was covered with the mask and Media Modeling Paste (DecoArt) was scraped across the smallest compass on the Rosettes stencil (Joggles). This was allowed air dry, while we ate dinner (and did the dishes).

A dilute wash of Pthalo Blue Media Fluid Acrylic (MFA) paint (DecoArt) was brushed over the tag and allowed to dry. When dry, the tag was brushed with Media Matte Medium (DecoArt) to seal the layer. The mask was lifted and the embossed cityscape was painted with varying mixtures and washes of Medium Grey Value 6, Translucent White, Payne's Grey, Burnt Sienna, and Hansa Yellow Light MFA paints. The tag was heat set and brushed again with Media Matte Medium. 

Titanium White MFA paint was used to highlight the raised texture of the compass. I decided the tag needed a bit more steampunk imagery, so I pulled out my AS Steampunk stamp set, selected the diagram, and stamped it twice (once unintentionally wonky) using the very last bit of my Titanium White MFA paint! The tag was again coated with a layer of Media Matte Medium.

I figured out where the Music Man and his monkey would be placed and used Jet Black Archival ink to blacken the bottom right corner. A rather thick layer of the Distress Collage Crazing Medium (Ranger) was brushed over the tag and left to dry and craze.

When I returned to my craft room, the tag was dry and crackly, which meant it was time to adhere Music Man and his monkey. Once this lovely couple was secure, some tiny watch gears and a watch thingamabob were adhered to the their lapels and the Music Man's hat. The image panel was adhered to the black chipboard tag and some hand-dyed, crinkled seam binding was used to finish it.

Thanks for visiting today!

P.S. I found two coloring errors. Oopsy, perfection is overrated. Can you find them?


I shall enter this tag into the following challenges:
• Creative Artiste Mixed Media Challenges: Anything Goes
• SanDee-and-amelie's Steampunk Challenges: Anything Goes
• The Male Room Challenges: Steampunk
Simon Says Monday Challenges: Make Your Own Background


Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Steampunk Frame of Mind!

Steampunk Skullone of my favorite digital images, was just released in gorgeous deeply etched rubber by by Carmen Medlin Designs for I Brake for StampsSteampunk Skull is available separately or in the New Steampunk rubber stamp set with six other fabulous Steampunk images that are also now in rubber! By the way, IBFS ships internationally!

Here's my card with Steampunk Skull.



Steampunk Skull was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (ImagineCrafts) and colored with Copic markers. The background is wavy because I was thinking of brainwaves. My Y28 was a bit goopy, but that actually added to the old brass look. Or so I say...

140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock (Strathmore) was die-cut with the bent and straight pipe dies from the Medium Pipes die set (Memory Box), a chain from the Chains 1 die set (Elizabeth Craft Designs), and the Steampunk Corner die (La-La Crafts) die.  

The pipes were formed into a frame and then painted with Metallic Silver Media Fluid Acrylic (MFA) paints (DecoArt), which also was used to paint the chains and the corner. Quinacridone Gold, Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide, and Payne's Grey MFA paint were dry brushed onto the pipes, the chains, and the corner to add the look of rust to them.

Blue cardstock was cut to 5.75" x 6.75", then took a ride through my Big Kick (Sizzix) inside my often used Clockworks Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug). The raised bits were brushed with Treasure Pewter (PaperArtsy). The image panel was then edged with my balky Silver Leafing pen (Krylon).

The Steampunk Corner and chains were adhered to the top of the card front. A die-cut Mini Gear (Memory Box) from my stash was added to the center of the Steampunk Corner. Three screwtop brads were used to both secure the chains/corner element and to add an additional touch of metal

The framed Steampunk Skull image panel was adhered to the card, then drops of Liquid Glass (DecoArt) were added under the Steampunk Skull's faucet. The image panel was adhered to the card and I called it done!

I Brake for Stamps has a huge and varied collection of rubber stamps that you ought to check out right now. Click on my badge below to be whisked over to I Brake for Stamps to check out all of the goodies! Best of all, if you buy something, you can get a 10% discount off of your purchase if you use this code: SAVE10KATHI!


Saturday, March 4, 2017

Word-Up Weekend and Stampotique's March Release!

Stampotique's Facebook Group has started "Word-Up Weekends" where we share projects created with Stampotique's many Words, Phrases, Letters, and Numbers.

BTW, have you seen Stampotique's March Release? It's fabulous! Click on over to check it out. I'm sure you'll have some new favorites!

Anyway, here's my card  which features the brand new Cranium (Daniel Torrente) and the sentiments Happy Bird Day (Carol's Collection) and Happy, Happy (Janet Klein).


Cranium was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink, colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a black marker. He was set aside to watch over the creation of his background.

Two sheets of patterned paper were die-cut with the larger die from the Polaroid die set (Kaisercraft). Happy Bird Day and Happy, Happy were stamped onto the gray and white polka dot frame part.

White cardstock was die-cut with one of the birds from the Cardinals set (Impression Obsession), then colored with Copic markers to look somewhat like a Blue Jay. The blue and white polka dot paper was adhered into the aperture of the frame, then Cranium was adhered overtop. The blue jay die-cut was perched on Cranium's nose.

The Polaroid die-cut was then adhered to a small blue card and I called it done!

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:
Dies R Us Challenges: Something New  (New stamp!)
Cut It Up Challenges: Birthday Cards
Through the Purple Haze Challenges: Male Colors



Friday, March 3, 2017

Steampunk Penguin Tag for March's ART-EXchange Steampunk Tag Swap!

I'm the hostess this month at ART-EXchange, which is a Facebook group that swaps hand made projects. My theme is Steampunk Tags!

Steampunk Penguinone of my favorite digital images, was just released in gorgeous deeply etched rubber by by Carmen Medlin Designs for I Brake for StampsSteampunk Penguin is available separately or in the New Steampunk rubber stamp set with six other fabulous Steampunk images that are also now in rubber! By the way, IBFS ships internationally!

Here's my tag featuring my beloved Steampunk Penguin.


Steampunk Penguin was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (ImagineCrafts), colored with Copic markers, fussy-cut, and edged with a black marker. Steampunk Penguin's goggle lens, the bulb in his hat, and bulbs on his armature were coated with several layers of Clear Gelly Glaze pen (Sakura). Steampunk Penguin was set aside to relax while I created the background of the tag for him.

140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock (Strathmore) took a ride inside the Diamond Plate embossing folder (Cuttlebug/ProvoCraft) and was then painted with a mix of Titanium White and Metallic Silver Media Fluid Acrylic (MFA) paints (DecoArt)

Media Modeling Paste (DecoArt) was scraped across the word "Industrial" on the Industrial Elements stencil (Andy Skinner/DecoArt) at the base of the embossed painted panel and allowed to air dry. 

Once dry, Titanium White and Cerulean Blue MFA paints were painted onto the panel to form the sky. A wash of very dilute Primary Magenta was dry brushed across the sky because I like a touch of pink in my skies. Dioxazine Purple, Tranlucent White, and Metallic Silver MFA paints were mixed, spritzed with water, and used to add the shadow of a slope to the background. 

Mixed Media cardstock was die-cut several times using the Small Steampunk dies set (Memory Box). The die-cuts were stacked, glued together, then adhered to the piece. A stopcock chipboard piece from the Pipe Works chipboard set (Creative Embellishments) was added to the right side where the vertical and horizontal pipes meet. 

A faucet from the Junkyard Findings Pipe Parts set was first brushed with White Media Gesso (DecoArt), then adhered over the pipe at the top left. Wood Veneer letters (American Crafts) were also brushed with White Media Gesso, then adhered along the left hand side of the panel.

The adhesive was given a chance to dry, then the stenciled area under the pipes at the bottom were painted with a wash of Pthalo Turquoise, Prussian Blue, Cobalt Turquoise Hue, and Viridian MFA paint. The paint was allowed to pool in and around the letters, then gently heat set. 

The faucet, pipes, stopcock, letters, and the stenciled word were all carefully painted with several coats of Metallic Silver MFA paint. When dry, a mix of Quinacridone Gold, Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide, and Payne's Grey MFA paint were dry brushed onto the pipes, faucet, stop cock, wooden letters, and stenciled word to add a rusty touch. 

White Blizzard Nuvo Crystal Glitter Drops (Tonic Studios) was added atop the pipes and letters to create the look of icy snow. Liquid Glass (DecoArt) was used to adhere the acrylic drop under the faucet. Steampunk Penguin was adhered to the image panel. 

Black metallic cardstock and black chipboard were die-cut with the Alterations Tag die (Sizzix). The metallic cardstock was embossed with the Riveted Metal Alterations embossing folder (Sizzix), then adhered atop the chipboard tag.

A pressure gauge was downloaded from the 'net, resized, printed, and die-cut with a tiny circle die from the Circle Nestabilities die set (Spellbinders). Liquid Glass was used to adhere a seriously old Circle Fragment (Idea-ology) atop the printed die-cut pressure gauge.

Three metal gears were selected from my huge stash of metal gears. They were lightly sanded then brushed with a mixture of Quinacridone Gold, Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide, and Payne's Grey MFA paint to add a touch of rusty goodness to them. The plain gear was adhered to the tag's hole, then the other two gears were added. The printed die-cut pressure gauge was glued to the gear on the right.

Five ribbons were threaded through the tag's hole and I called it done!

I Brake for Stamps has a huge and varied collection of rubber stamps that you ought to check out right now. Click on my badge below to be whisked over to I Brake for Stamps to check out all of the goodies! Best of all, if you buy something, you can get a 10% discount off of your purchase if you use this code: SAVE10KATHI!