Best Fishes!

It's Tuesday, my day to share a project created for Topflight Stamps. This week is an "Anything Goes" theme for the TFS team. Since it's Mer-May, I decided to make a Best Fishes card featuring the Be a Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 852, the Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 853, and the Plenty of Fish Clear Stamp Set 858, all of which are by Janet Klein for AALL and Create.

Topflight Stamps Products Used:

Be a Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 852 by Janet Klein for AALL and Create

Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 853 by Janet Klein for AALL and Create

Plenty of Fish Clear Stamp Set 858 by Janet Klein  for AALL and Create

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink by Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko
Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink by Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko

Other Products Used:
Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers

Desert Storm Cardstock by Neenah Papers

Desert Memento, Bamboo Leaves, and Cottage Ivy Inks by Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko

Curvy Ruler

Mermaid Lagoon, Cracked Pistachio, Peacock Feathers, and Salvaged Patina Distress Inks by Tim Holtz for Ranger Ink

91% Isopropyl Alcohol in a Mister

Copic Markers:

 Skin BV000, BV0000, E50, E21, E11, E00

 Cheeks: R20

 Lips: E04, R32, R35

 Hair: Y26, Y23, Y21, Y11

 Jellyfish: B63, B66, B69

 Tails:B63, BG53, BG57, YG23, YG25;  YG23, YG23, BV02, BV04, RV52, RV55

 Plants: YG02, YG03, YG05, YG91; G07 , G09, G19, G85, G94; G93, G99, G24

 Coral: E93, E95, E97,  E89, YR14, RV55

 Shells: BV00, BV01, B02, BV20, BV23, Y0000, YR00, YR01, R30, R32, Y00

 Fish: BG57, YG21, YG23, YG25, YG45, Y11, Y21, Y23; YG25, YG45, B63, B66, BG53, YR04; BV02,  BV04, RV52, RV55, Y000, Y11, YR02; YR00, YR02, YR04, R30, R32, BV00, B02, YG23, YG25

White Gelly Roll Gel Pen by Sakura

Best Fishes Sentiment by justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet

Flag Die: Source Unknown

Repositionable Sticker Paper by Avery

Low Tack Tape

STAY-tion by Wendy Vecchi for Ranger Ink

Stamping Platform

Instructions:

1. Create a 7" x 5" card from Desert Storm Cardstock and set aside.
2. Use magnets to secure a 7" x 5" piece of white cardstock onto the base of a stamping platform.
3. Position both mermaids from the Be a Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 852 and the Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 853 where desired.
4. Use Tuxedo Black Memento Ink to stamp the mermaids twice – once onto the image panel and once onto repositionable sticker paper.
5. Fussy-cut the sticker paper versions and place them over their counterparts on the image panel.
6. Position the fish stamps from Plenty of Fish Clear Stamp Set 858 and the jellyfish stamp from the Be a Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 852 on the scene.
7. Use Tuxedo Black Memento Ink to stamp the fish and the jellyfish twice – once onto the scene and once onto repositionable sticker paper.
8. Fussy-cut the sticker paper versions and place them over their counterparts on the image panel.
9. Move the image panel up so that there's room at the bottom of the stamping platform.
10. Position the shell from the Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 853 on the bottom left the image panel.
11. Use Tuxedo Black Memento Ink to stamp the shell onto the image panel and onto repositionable sticker paper. 
12. Stamp the shell onto repositionable sticker paper five times. 
13. Fussy-cut all the sticerk paper versions of the shells.
14. Place one of the fussy-cut shells over the one stamped on the left of the image panel.
15. Clean and dry the shell stamp.
16. Rotate the shell and position it in the center bottom of the image panel.
17. Position the shell from the Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 853 on the bottom left the image panel.
18. Use Tuxedo Black Memento Ink to stamp the shell onto the image panel.
19. Place another fussy-cut shell over the newly stamped shell on the image panel.
20. Repeat Steps #16 through 19, until you have five stamped and masked shells.
21. Remove the image panel from the stamping platform.
22. Place the image panel onto the STAY-tion and secure with magnets.
23. Use the curvy ruler and a craft knife to cut a piece of low-tack tape.
24. Place the curvy low-tack tape horizontally towards the bottom of the image panel.
25. Sponge or brush Desert Sand Memento ink over the tape towards the bottom of the image panel.
26. Tear a piece of cardstock, place the torn edge onto the image panel, then sponge or brush Desert Sand Memento ink over the torn edge onto the image panel.
27. Move the torn edge downwards and repeat until the bottom part is covered.
28. Remove the tape.
29. Place the other side of the tape at the top of the sandy area.
30. Brush or sponge Peacock Feathers Distress Ink over the top of the tape and the masked images onto the image panel.
31. Take the curvy ruler and place it horizontally across the image panel.
32. Sponge or brush Peackock Feathers Distres Ink over the top of the ruler onto the image panel.
33. Move the curvy ruler upwards and sponge or brush Peacock Feathers Distress ink over the ruler.
34. Repeat Step #31 until there are several rows of curvy inked horizontal lines over the masked images.
35. Sponge or brush Mermaid Lagoon, Cracked Pistachio, and Salvaged Patina Distress Inks to fill in the sea part of the scene.
36. Mist the image panel with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol to add splotches and further blend the ink.
37. Allow the image panel to dry for a few minutes.
38. Place the image panel back onto the stamping platform.
39. Position the ferny looking stamp from the. Be a Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 852 along the right side of the image panel. 
40. Ink the stamp with Bamboo Leaves Memento Ink and stamp.
41. Clean and dry the stamp.
42. Reposition the stamp, ink it with Bamboo Leaves Memento Ink, and stamp.
43. Repeat Steps #41 and #42 until you have a row of leaves along the right side of the image panel.
44. Clean and dry the stamp but keep it out! You'll be using it again.
45. Position the other plant from the Be a Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 852 to the left of the ferny plants.
46. Ink the stamp with Cottage Ivy Memento Ink and stamp.
47. Clean and dry the stamp.
48. Reposition the stamp, move it to the center bottom of the image panel, ink it with Cottage Ivy Memento Ink, and stamp.
49. Clean and dry the stamp.
50. Reposition the stamp, move it to the bottom left of the image panel, ink it with Cottage Ivy Memento Ink, and stamp.
51. Clean the stamp and put it away!
52. Take the ferny stamp from the Be a Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 852 and position it along the left edge of the image panel. 
53. Ink the stamp with Bamboo Leaves Memento Ink and stamp.
54. Clean and dry the stamp.
55. Reposition the stamp so that it's above the previous impression, ink it with Bamboo Leaves Memento Ink, and stamp.
56. Repeat Steps #54 and 55.
57. Clean the stamp and put it away!
58. Take the foliage/coral combo stamp from the Mermaid Clear Stamp Set 853 and position it so that it's to the right of the shell.
59. Ink the stamp with Cottage Ivy Memento Ink and stamp.
60. Clean and dry the stamp.
61. Move the stamp to the right,  ink it with Cottage Ivy Memento Ink, and stamp.
Repeat Steps #60 and #61 twice more until there are four of the plant/coral images.
Remove all of the masks.
Color all images with Copic markers.
Use white Gelly Roll gel pen to add white highlights where desired.
Trim the image panel to 6.75" x 4.75".
Run the wedge tip of a black Copic marker along all four edges of the trimmed image panel.
Use  Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink by Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko to stamp the "Best Fishes" sentiment onto a scrap of the Desert Storm cardstock.
Use a cutting die to cut the sentiment.
Adhere the image panel to the reserved kraft card.
Adhere the sentiment die-cut to finish the card.

Thanks for visiting today!

Strut Your Stuff

Presenting my somewhat late third project for my April guest designer gig for A Colorful Life Designs, which is a slimline card created with A Colorful Life Designs' Floor Perspective Stencil and the Teeny Harlequin Stencil. I used the Lady Fortesque Cling Rubber Stamp by Indigo Blu,

Here it is!

The card by itself!

If you're not familiar with with A Colorful Life and love stencils, I urge you to check them out. Their April release is fantastic and contains some awesome snarkitude.

Products Used:

Floor Perspective 3" x 6" Stencil by A Colorful Life Designs

Teeny Harlequin 3" x 6" Stencil by A Colorful Life Designs

Lady Fortesque Cling Rubber Stamp by Indigo Blu *

Strut Your Stuff Stamp by justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet

Solar White Classic Crest Cardstock by Neenah Papers

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink by Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko *
Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink by Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko *

Cosmic Copper Brilliance Ink by Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko

Celestial Copper Delicata Ink by Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko

Pebble and Skylight Inks by Catherine Pooler Designs

Copic Markers:

 Skin: BV000, e50, Ed21, E11, E00, E000, R20

 Lips: E04, R32, R35

 Hair: E07, E18, YR14,

 Hat and Jacket: B72, B75, B78

 Blouse: E70, E71, B45

 Boots and Gloves: N4, N5, N6

Lady Vagabond Maxi Backgrounds 12x12 Patterned Paper Pad by Stamperia

Metallic Copper Cardstock by Recollections

Rust Cardstock by Bazzill Basics

Waffle Flower Slimline Die Set

Small Rounded Rectangle Die: Source Unknown

Flag Die: Source Unknown

Repositionable Sticker Paper by Avery

Low Tack Tape

STAY-tion by Wendy Vecchi for Ranger Ink

Stamping Platform

Please note: Products marked with an asterisk (*) can be purchased at Topflight Stamps.

Instructions:

1. Create a 3.5" x 8.5" card from rust cardstock. Set aside.
2. Use Tuxedo Black Memento Ink to stamp the Lady Fortesque Cling Rubber Stamp twice — onto white cardstock (image panel) and onto repositionable sticker paper (for a mask)
3. Use Copic markers to color Lady Fortesque on the image panel.
4. Fussy-cut the sticker paper version stamped in Step 2 and place it over its counterpart on the image panel.
5. Place the image panel onto the STAY-tion.
6. Place a ruler and/or a piece of low-tack tape horizontally over the base of the image panel.
7. Sponge Pebble Ink over the ruler and mask to color the top part of the image panel.
8. Place the Teeny Harlequin 3" x 6" Stencil onto the image panel and sponge Pebble Ink over the stencil onto the image panel.
9. Move the Teeny Harlequin 3" x 6" Stencil and continue to sponge Pebble Ink over the stencil.
10. Repeat Step #10 until you're happy with the background. 
11. Move the ruler/tape to cover the top part of the image panel. 
12. Sponge Skylight Ink over the the ruler and the masked image to cover the base of the image panel.
13. Use magnets or low-tack tape to secure the Floor Perspective 3" x 6" Stencil over the image panel.
14. Sponge Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink over the stencil to add the checkerboard pattern to the floor.
15. Use one of the dies from the Slimline Die Set to cut the image panel.
16. Use both Cosmic Copper Brilliance Ink and Celestial Copper Delicata Ink to edge the image panel die-cut.
17. Cut a piece of metallic copper cardstock .25" larger than the image panel die-cut and use to mat the die-cut. Set aside.
18. Choose a piece of patterned paper from the Lady Vagabond Maxi Backgrounds 12x12 Patterned Paper Pad and trim to 3.5" x 8.5".
19. Edge the patterned paper with Cosmic Copper Brilliance Ink and Celestial Copper Delicata Ink and adhere to the reserved slimline card.
20. Edge the card with Cosmic Copper Brilliance Ink and Celestial Copper Delicata Ink.
21. Use Nocturne VersaFine Clair Ink to stamp the sentiment "Strut Your Stuff" onto the leftover patterned paper from Step #18.
22. Use a rounded rectangle die to cut the sentiment.
23. Edge the sentiment die-cut with 
24. Edge the card with Cosmic Copper Brilliance Ink and Celestial Copper Delicata Inks.
25. Use a flag cutting die to cut copper metallic cardstock. 
26. Adhere the sentiment die-cut to the metallic die-cut.
27. Adhere the image panel to the card as shown.
28. Adhere the matted sentiment die-cut to finish the card.

Thanks for visiting today!

Meowy Christmas!

After another crafting hiatus, caused by more health woes, I've finally gotten back into my craft room and have been happily creating again!

Here's a holiday card with Cat Angel (Stampendous) and an old sentiment from justjohanna/Odd Bird Planets.

Cat Angel was stamped twice with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Imagine Crafts), first onto Neenah cardstock, then onto Eclipse Tape (Judikins). The Eclipse Tape version was fussy-cut and adhered over its counterpart as a mask. The masked image panel was die-cut with one of the dies from the Stitched Squares Thinlits die set (Sizzix), then airbrushed with Copic markers.

The mask was lifted and Cat Angel was colored with Copic markers. A Clear Sparkle Spectrum Noir glitter pen (Crafter's Companion) was used to add a glittery sparkle to the wings, star, and sky dots.

"Twinkle", from a Christmastime Remnant Rubs sheet (Idea-ology), was added to the top left of the image panel.

Blue cardstock was cut to form a card. The scraps were die-cut with a nameplate die (Spellbinders) and a stitched strip die from one of the Blueprints die sets (Die-namics). Meowy Christmas (justjohanna/odd bird planet) was stamped onto the nameplate die.

Star patterned paper from the Beachside Pint-sized 6x6 pad (Lawn Fawn) was cut to size, then mounted onto the blue card. The image panel, stitched strip, and sentiment were added adhered to the card front. Two rhinestones were added to the nameplate to cover the holes and add a touch of bling.

Thanks for visiting today! 

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:

• Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenges: Christmas/Winter Holidays

• Addicted to Stamps Challenge #159: Season's Greetings

• Country View Challenges: Christmas

• Show Us Your Pussies Challenge #25: Christmas

Mornings and coffee!

I do one and don't do the other. But I did do this!

The above card features Bunny/ATC Diva. Isn't she adorable? Don't you just love her bunny slippers and that plush robe? I know that I do. She's one of a bunch of ATC Divas by Rubber Romance. I kind of love them all, but I had to have Bunny first. Those bunny slippers spoke to me. They said "Get me now." Since I rarely argue with *those voices*, I did.

Bunny was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink (Tsukineko/Imagine Crafts) and colored with Copic markers. The image panel was die-cut with a die from the Rectangles set of dies (QuicKutz/WeR). The next largest die was used to die-cut kraft cardstock, which was edged with Brushed Corduroy Distress ink (Ranger)

The Fresh Brewed Alterations die (Tim/Sizzix) was used to die-cut textured Kraft cardstock (hoarded Club Scrap), regular Kraft cardstock, and white cardstock. Gathered Twigs Distress ink was sponged over the Clocks stencil (Prima) onto the take-out coffee cup and the edges of the take-out cup. Brushed Corduroy Distress ink was sponged over the coffee sleeve to bring out the texture of the cardstock. The white straw/coffee stirrer was colored with Copic markers to match Bunny. 

The coffee cup was assembled and Bunny was added to the sleeve.

The sentiment, from the late lamented justjohanna/odd Bird Planet stamps, was stamped onto Kraft cardstock, die-cut with one of the dies from the Speech Bubble One set (Spellbinders). The cardstock was kept in the die and Brushed Corduroy Distress ink was sponged over the die. I thought it was the perfect sentiment for Bunny and this card.

Gathered Twigs Distress ink was sponged over the Clocks stencil (Prima) onto the remaining scrap of textured Kraft cardstock. A strip of clock-printed Washi tape was added and the coffee cup was adhered to the card front. The sentiment speech bubble was adhered. The card front was adhered to a kraft A2 card and I called it done!

 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 this card into the following challenges:

 • Simon Says Monday Challenges: Stamp and punch/die cut

• Hanna and Her Friends Challenges: Kraft paper

• Scrapy Land Challenges: Anything Goes with Dies

Whoopee! Washi!

Since I'm still trying really hard to complete Stampotique Challenge Blog's challenges, here's a card for their Washi Tape Challenge!

I had a piece of leftover 140 lb. Strathmore Mixed Media cardstock, so I covered it with black and white chevron-patterned Washi tape, alternating the direction the chevrons were pointed. When that was done, I sponged on a few colors of Fresco Finish Paint by Paper Artsy but kept the paint layers thin so that you could still see the tape pattern. I *think* (as in dimly recall) I used Stone, Irish Cream, and Mermaid, then let this piece air dry because I was afraid my heat gun would melt the Washi tape.

When it was dry, I stamped Stampotique's Stack of Birds using black Archival ink, then colored the birds and ground using Distress markers, which are slowly growing on me. I added some clear Gelly Glaze pen to the birds' eyes, which didn't hurt  them a bit. Weathered Wood Distress ink was sponged around the Washi'd stamped panel.

Patterned papers from one of MME's Lost & Found pads were layered and thin chevron-patterned Washi tape was layered over the seams where the patterns met. Three strips of the larger chevron-patterned Washi tape, that was used on the stamped panel), were added going horizontally.

A sentiment from justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet was stamped onto patterned paper using Onyx Black VersaFine ink and die-cut. A small scrap of leftover Strathmore Mixed Media cardstock was sponged with the same colors of Fresco Finish Paint as above, then die-cut, and used to mat the sentiment.

The sentiment and image panel were adhered to the card and the entire card was edged with Weathered Wood Distress ink.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• Stampotique Challenge Blog #118: Washi Tape
• A Creative Romance: Fairytale or Winged Creatures
• Simon Says Wednesday Challenges: Anything Goes
• Crafty Bloggers Network: Things with Wings

Chick Magnet Ensemble for Stampotique's DT Call!

If you've been to my blog at all over the last six months, I've fallen head over heels in love with Stampotique Originals stamps. Their style, ranging from whimsical to edgy, makes me swoon in delight, especially since my style tends to run from whimsical to edgy to cute-ish with a bit of punny word play and humor thrown in for good measure.

When I saw that they were holding a Design Team Call, I knew I had to go for it as I adore working with these stamps. I had a gazillion ideas, but settled on this one.

It all started with Birdy Shoes. He's a very cute bird and he's sporting a pair of sneakers. The sneakers save him from becoming cutesie. In my world, cutesie is just not done. Anyway, I decided since he was so stylish, he needed some accessories and would attract some friends...

Hence...

It was my first time making a box and it isn't the best piece of paper engineering I've seen, but it'll do. The box was made from 140 lb. Strathmore Mixed Media cardstock, which was painted with Fresco Finish paints by Paper Artsy. A darker shade was sponged over a stencil by Tando Creative, and some dots were sponged over the Tiny Circles stencil by The Crafter's Workshop.

Birdy Shoes was stamped with Onyx Black VersaFine ink onto the painted surface. He was stamped again with Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto Neenah cardstock and colored with Copic markers. Clear Gelly Glaze pen was added to his beak, then he was fussy cut and adhered over his stamped counterpart on the box's lid. A very old Snowman QuicKutz die was used to die-cut a hat and a bowtie, both of which were colored with Copic markers, then adhered to Birdy Shoes. QuicKutz alphabet dies were used to die-cut "Chick Magnets".

Four 2" Stampbord square tiles were temporarily adhered to scrap paper, so that they formed a continuous 8" surface. A mask was cut from scrap paper and used to form the separation between the grass and night sky. Distress inks were sponged over the mask until I was happy with the result. Then Copic Opaque White was flicked over the sky to simulate stars.

Birdy Up is a fabulous stamp because it has four fabulous birds that can be used together or separately or in combination. Birdy Up was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto Neenah cardstock, colored with Copic markers, fussy cut, and each was adhered to a tile. Dazzle Frost Shimmer VersaMark was applied to each tile and embossed with Filigree Clear embossing powder. This process was repeated several times to produce a thick glossy layer on each tile. I didn't realize how much the colors would change after all the layers of embossing were added, but they did start out quite different from each other. Nonetheless, I like 'em. Oh. Yes. The last step was to add magnets to the back of each tile.

The next part of the ensemble to create was the card. Birdy Shoes was stamped with  Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto Neenah cardstock and colored with Copic markers. Clear Gelly Glaze pen was added to his beak. He was masked with a previously created mask, then a floor was drawn in. A Disco Ball by Memory Box was stamped towards the top and onto Eclipse tape, which was fussy cut, and adhered over the image on the card. My Copic Airbrush system was used to airbrush a background over both Birdy Shoes and the disco ball. The masks were removed and the disco ball was colored with Copic markers and coated with a layer of Clear Wink of Stella Glitter pen. The glitter pen was also used with the Sunburst stencil by The Crafter's Workshop to create a glittery aura from the disco ball.

The patterned paper is from the Cupcake 6x6 pad by Basic Grey. The sentiments are from justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet.

And here's one final image of the ensemble all together!

Thanks for visiting today!

P.S. I would be happy working for either the Challenge Design Team or their other one! I just would love the chance to work with this fabulous company and great group of designers!!!

P.S.#2: You can see my other Stampotique creations by clicking on Stampotique in the Label puzzle thing over there on the right. 

P.S.#3: Not to SSP (shamelessly self promote), but there's a separate page link to the right that shares my crafting resumé, including publications, past/present design team experience,etc.

Stampotique Designers Challenge #115: Lots of Layers

Since I fell in love with Stampotique stamps earlier this year, I've challenged myself to participate in as many of the challenges on their Designers Challenge blog.

Here's a card for Challenge #115: Lots of Layers.

Stampotique's Birdy Shoes wanted to make some new friends, so I found him some papers from My Mind's Eye's Fine and Dandy: Girl & Boy 6x6 pads that featured birds. I decided that paper-piecing Birdy Shoes and layering papers would be a great way to meet the challenge.

I stamped Birdy Shoes four times. Once onto the graph/bird patterned paper and then onto three different sheets of patterned paper. I fussy cut the head, torso, and wings, added shading with Copic markers, then edged each piece with a black Big Brush marker. When I was done, I adhered each part to its respective body part on the base image. Clear Glaze gel pen was added to his beak and Clear Wink of Stella glitter pen was added to his sneakers.

I decided that Birdy Shoes needed to be grounded, not because he was a bad birdy, but because I didn't want him floating in air. So I added some light YG Copic under his feet and under the feet of the other birds. Can't have ungrounded birds unless they're in flight. That just wouldn't do.

I set about layering four different patterned paper for the card front. That wasn't enough layering for me though, so I die-cut more patterned papers using a banner die from Taylored Expressions. I fussy cut a flag from each sheet and layered them onto a base banner. The banner was edged using the black marker. I punched two tiny flowers and layered them atop glittery black metallic vellum circle punchies, which were used to anchor the banner. Black rhinestones were added between each banner and tiny black rhinestones were used as the center of the anchor flowers.

I still thought I needed some more layers, so I die-cut green patterned paper (hadn't used green paper yet) using a Fishtail Flag die by Die-namics. That needed to be layered too, so I die-cut a size larger from glittery black metallic vellum.

I had thought I'd use a speech bubble die for the sentiment, but decided to use the horizontal fishtail banner instead. The sentiment, from the sadly defunct justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet Stamps, was stamped using Onyx Black VersaFine ink because I think it does the best job with finely detailed or small stamps.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card into the following challenges:
• Stampotique Designer's Challenge #115: Lots of Layers
• C is for Challenges #5: Lots of Layers
• The Crafty Bloggers Network: Things with Wings
• Lady Anne's Challenge: Must Have Wings
• Paper Playtime: Must Use Three Different Papers

Happy Bird Day!

You may have noticed that I just love birds (probably because I'm bird-brained), so when I saw Teeny Tiny Blue Jay digi at SCACD, I had to have him! He's one of two pages filled with fabulous Digital Stamps by Carmen Medlin for SCACD.

Here he is:

I resized him using PhotoElements and printed him out onto Neenah cardstock using my laser printer. After consulting with my birding guide, I colored him with Copic markers, which I'll list below. I die cut the image panel using a Circles Nestabilities die, kept the paper in the die, loosely traced the circle, then popped him out. I die cut a piece of scrap cardstock using SCACD's Breezy Branches Statement Corner die, then traced around some of the branches, so he'd have a perch. That was colored with Copics as well. It looks a bit funky, but I didn't feel like fussy cutting him to perch him on a die cut, so I went with the lazy approach. :D His eyes and beak were coated with a layer of Clear Gelly Roll Glaze pen for dimension and shine.

The patterned papers are from the (hoarded) Marrakesh collection by Basic Grey. The zig zag dealies are even older Doodle Bug Frills, which I'm also hoarding. The sentiment is from justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet.  I'm trying to mix old with new in the attempt to clear out some stash.

By the way, the blue is much more a royal blue irl. The photo was taken outside in full sunlight, so I don't know why the color is off, but it is. Sorry. :D

I used the following sketch from Unscripted Sketches, called Flashback #7.

Interesting fact for you! Unlike many other species in the bird kingdom, where the female is usually drabber, both male and female blue jays sport the same coloration!

Another interesting fact! I've been remiss in my blog surfing and commenting lately. I've been busy with family get togethers, house as money pit, and crafting stuff. Plus our 33rd anniversary was Friday. I was a five year old child bride. Things should calm down soon.

Thanks for visiting today!

Copic Markers used:
Bird: B02, B04, B06, B32, B34, N0, N2, N4, N6

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• Unscripted Sketches: Flashback #7
• Avenue 613 #34: Anything Goes
• Crazy 4 Challenges #200: Animals 
• Card Makin' Mamas #73: Black, white, and one color
• Creative Corner Challenges: Cute Critters

Polka Dotted Birthday Card!

It had been a while since I had gotten out my Paper Artsy Fresco Finish Paints and played, so I decided to do so for the Stampotique Designer's Challenge #112 -- Polka Dots.

I love these paints and have been watching all the fabulous videos posted by Leandra, who is Mrs. Paper Artsy. I watched her create a background using the reverse side of Cut 'N Dry foam with the paints, so I decided to give that a go.

Here's what happened!

I sponged the paints onto 140 lb. Mixed Media paper by Strathmore, which holds up to a lot of abuses. When I was happy with the background, I got out a mess of stencils from The Crafter's Workshop and sponged a variety of greens over them.  I used Tiny Circles, Swiss Dots, Layered Beads, and one of my first TCW stencils, 12x12 Circles all Around.

When I was happy with it all, I edged it with Peeled Paint and Broken China Distress inks and put it aside.

In keeping with the Polka Dot theme, I stamped  Stampotique Originals' Owl with Wings (It's out of stock at SCACD but there are other stamps that are on sale. Just sayin'.) onto polka dot patterned paper from a Lost and Found 6x6 pad by My Mind's eye, then colored it using Copic markers. When I was done coloring the owl,  the piece was die cut using a Nestabiities Circle die, and kept in the die while I lightly traced around the interior with a C0 marker. The piece was removed from the circle die and I added a cloudy sky background behind the owl and the branch. I added Glossy Accents to the owl's eyes, then ran out to get my CSA share, which gave it time to dry without me being tempted to touch it!

Sentiments from justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet were stamped onto another polka dotted piece of patterned paper 'cause I was getting totally dotty! *grin*

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• Stampotique Designer's Challenge #112 -- Polka Dots.
• Come and Get It Challenges: Things with Wings 
• Hobby Cutz #13: Create Your Own Background

Eek! Been busy with not-so-fun stuff!

It's been more than a week since I last posted. I'm sad because I had been being so good about crafting and getting stuff posted here. I was feeling the mojo, but sadly reality stalled that.

Suffice to say last week was a bit on the insane side. Basically, it took five days, four visits by Sears folks, my plumber, and unloading/reloading my refrigerator three times before my new fridge was delivered and made operational.

During that time, a circuit blew, I had to get in an electrician, buy a new light fixture, have the electrician come back to install it, then fix the circuit.

Then the fridge was delivered on Sunday. Yes. Sunday. While I waited the three hours for it to get cool enough to remove the tape and such and load it, I worked in my craftroom. It was storming and there was a veritable downpour.

I went downstairs to pull off the tape and set up the fridge when I noticed water on my hard wood kitchen floor. Now the old fridge was incontinent, which was why we got the new one. But it took me a second to realize that since the old fridge was gone, it was not the culprit. And not only was the floor wet, it had extensive puddling AND the kitchen table (and my two Sunday newspapers) were puddled too. Apparently rain came in somehow, found its way  to a highhat light fixture, onto my floor and table. This isn't the first time we've had leaks, so it might be time for a new roof.

If you've been keeping track, since April we had our HVAC/furnace replaced, the fridge replaced, an electical problem addressed, and now we probably will need a new roof.

Calgon/Margarita/Hot Pool Boy TAKE ME AWAY!!!

So, here's some of what I've been doing on my down time when I unpacking/repacking the fridge, waiting on delivery men, plumbers, electricians, and/or calling to check the status of all that... I love Stampotique stamps and have been making it a point to enter their challenges whenever possible. This week's challenge was a tag challenge and I do like making tags, so here it is:

I stamped Puss-Puss using Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto Neenah cardstock and onto a Post-It note. I fussy cut the Post It note and used it as a mask. A Stamp-a-ma-jig was used to position and stamp Girl with Heart Purse and Cousin Carmine. Copic markers were used to color the images. I kept their skin colors very pale and colored their hair in alternate hair colors so that their skin and hair would reflect their personalities and dress. I decided that Puss-Puss would be a bright marmalade tabby so he was colored accordingly. A dotty background and a floor were colored using a variety of colors.

When I finished the scene, I distressed the image panel using Tim's Tonic Distresser tool thingy, sponged Pumice Stone and Black Soot Distress inks on the edges, and matted it on black cardstock. I set this aside while I worked on the tag background.

I sprayed Funky Fuschia and After Midnight Dylusions sprays onto 140 lb. Mixed Media cardstock by Strathmore. Using my Inkssentials Mini Mister, I sprayed water to help the colors mix and migrate. Then I heat set and repeated the process. When I was happy with the coverage and color patterns, I heat set the inks. Then I grabbed a very old stencil that had a row of stripes and dabbed Little Black Dress Fresco Finish paint by Paper Artsy over the stripes. I grabbed my Layered Beads stencil by The Crafter's Workshop and sponged Snowflake Fresco Finish Paint over it. I was a bit surprised when the ink bled through the white, but decided it was okay. I guess I didn't heat set the ink for long enough. Lesson learned.

I wanted to add some stamping to the painted circles, so I stamped some tiny stamps by justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet using white hybrid ink and Archival Black ink. I added Pitch Black Spica Glitter pen to the skulls' orifices, Pink Spica Glitter pen to the flower centers, Blue Spica Glitter pen to the music notes, and Purple Spica Glitter pen to the hearts.

I used a Tonic punch to create the tag tops and then used the distress tool to rough up the edges. I added some Wink of Stella glitter pen to the distressed edges to give them a bit of sparkle. I found "Purr-fect" and "Together" on two different sticker sheets and used them for the sentiment.

I finished the tag by matting it onto back cardstock, punching a hole, and threading some lace, ribbon, and matching seam binding (sprayed with same colors of Dylusions) through the hole. It still needed a little sumptin', so I added a heart charm (stash) onto a black safety pin!

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this tag into the following challenges:
• Stampotique Designer's Challenge #110: Tag You're It!
• Cheerful Stamp Pad: Make a Tag
• Dragons Dream: Tag It On -- Stencils, Paint, and Ribbon
• Through the Purple Haze Challenges: Use your favorite colors 
• 613 Avenue Create Challenge #30: Anything Goes

Ah, to be cool under the sea!

It's over 90° here and don'tcha know that the freakin' central air went out? Yep. It's true and I'm whinin' about it. I wish I had a pool or lived near a beach so I could cool off. Alas and alack. I can't. There's always the shower, but that doesn't last long. I can't even open a window because the freakin' male cicadas are screaming their little lungs out trying to get laid, so they can create the next generation, who will burrow into the ground and do this all again seventeen years from now. These cicadas are hormonal teenaged boys. 'Nuff said.

Anyways, I decided that I was going to get my mind off my hot house, the horny cicadas, and the impending bill for the repair/replacement of the ac/furnace. I chose to play around some more with my Distress Paints, my water mister, and create a tag and do a challenge or two in the process.

This is what happened.



So, first I put some Chipped Sapphire, Salty Ocean, and Mowed Lawn Distress paints onto my craft sheet. I spritzed the paints and the tag and my face with some water from a Mini Mister. I dragged the tag through the paint, spritzed it with water, and heat set the first layer. Then I repeated the process using up the paint that was on the craft sheet. The next step was to sponge a mix of Black Soot and Mowed Lawn Distress paints through one of the plants on an old Club Scrap stencil to create sea plants along the bottom. I also sponged a combo if Mowed Lawn and Peeled Paint over a leafy plant on the same stencil. When I was happy-ish with it, I heat set that layer. Then I grabbed my beloved new favorite Tiny Circles stencil by The Crafter's Workshop and sponged Picket Fence Distress paint here and there. Because I could. So I did. That layer was heat set.

Octopet by Stampotique was stamped using Onyx Black VersaFine ink and embossed with clear detail embossing powder. Two fish from justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet were treated the same way. Both the octopus and the fish were colored with Silkz Acrylic Glazes which added some shimmery color to them.

Since I save everything, I happened to have a scrap from a Hammermill Inkjet Traansparency. I cut it to the same size as the tag, punched a hole in it, and then it took a ride through the Big Kick in the gorgeous Art Nouveau Waterfall embossing folder by Couture Creations.

The sentiment is from the Animal Love set by The Rubber Soul. I've had several of those sets forever. I probably got them because of the silly sentiments that go along with goofy animals. I can't resist either. Anyway, I stamped the sentiment onto a reject tag, cut it down, and added it to the tag.

I stapled the embossed transparency over the tag and then added some pretty sheer colored ribbon to finish the tag.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this tag into the following challenges:
• Stampotique Designer's Challenge #102: Transparent
• Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes
• Anything Goes Challenge Blog #93: Handmade Background
• Party Time Tuesdays #122: Anything Goes

Happy Bird Day!

Did you know that I'm a birdwatcher? It's true. I used to actually travel around to see them, but these days, I'm content to see who visits my backyard, though when we travel, we usually bring along a birding guide. I've always liked toucans and would love to see them in the wild one day. Therefore, when I saw this new stamp by Stampotique, appropriately named Toucan and Budgie I had to have it.

This is the first time it got inky!


Since I'm trying to play along with the Stampotique Designers Challenges, I stamped Toucan & Budgie onto text paper from the Lost & Found 2: Blush 6x6 pad by My Mind's Eye. After checking some toucan images on the 'net, I colored him with Copic markers. When I was done, I added some Clear Glaze Gelly Pen to his beak, his eye, his feet, and to the budgie's eye.

A second piece of the same text paper was sponged with New Sprout Memento ink to tint the paper. Mown Grass, Scattered Straw, and Barn Door Distress inks were sponged over the Leaf Frame stencil by The Crafter's Workshop. When I was done, I die cut the center of the paper to frame the stamped, colored image. After die cutting, I sponged the opening with Black Soot Distress ink, then adhered it over the the stamped image.

The sentiment, by justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet Stamps, was stamped with Deep Lagoon VersaFine ink onto that same text paper and die cut with a Spellbinders die. The paper was left in the die so that it could be colored with Copics to be all matchy-matchy. When it was removed from the die, it was sponged with Distress Inks.

The same text paper was punched with a five-petal flower Paper Shapers punch that I've had forever. I colored all three flowers with Copic markers, wet the flowers, and molded them to make 'em dimensional. The three flowers were adhered atop one another with the petals slightly offset. A tiny flower was punched from the same patterned paper with a Fiskar's punch, colored with Copic markers, wet, scrunched, and adhered to the center of the flower and a black pearl was added.

The card was finished with ribbon and some gemstones.

Thanks for visiting today!

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:

• Stampotique Designers Challenge #101: Text
• 613 Avenue Challenge #21: Anything Goes
• Crafting When We Can Challenge #45: Punches & Die cuts
• Robyn's Fetish Challenge #161: Birds
• The Corrosive Challenge Blog: Challenge #175 - I've Been Framed

I can be such a birdbrain!

That's the truth. Just got this Stampotique Owl with wings and had to have him perched upon SCACD's Steampunk Clock, which is ever-so-cool and one of the fabulous Mixed Media Blank Canvas Collection.

I seem to continually remember birthdays when it's too late to mail a card. Odd for a cardmaker, don't you think? So I decided to make a belated birthday card, figuring that the "I can be such a birdbrain" sentiment, by justjohanna's Odd Bird Planet, was just about perfect for it (and for me).

Anyways, here's the card.


I should mention that the owl stamp is currently unavailable at SCACD. I got the last one. Neener neener So mature. SCACD does have other Stampotique Originals stamps.

Here follows my longwinded description of the card's creation. It sounds way more complicated that it really is. I'm given to hyperbole and verbosity.

First I used repositionable Scotch tape to cover the wings portion of the Owl with Wings stamp as well as his branchy perch. I inked the stamp, removed the tape, and stamped the owl's body onto white Neenah cardstock using Tuxedo Black Memento ink. Then I stamped off onto Judikins Eclipse tape and fussy cut the owl from the tape and layered the mask over the owl. Using my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig stamp positioner, I stamped the Steampunk Clock, so it would appear that the owl was standing on the pipe at the top. Again, I stamped off onto Eclipse tape and fussy cut the clock and pipes, though I had to do it in different sections because I'm just not that talented to do it at once. Those masks were placed atop their respective images. I used a Post-It note to cover up the owl, inked the stamp, and then removed the Post-It note. Using the stamp positioner again, I stamped the wings over the body, the clock, and the pipes.

I removed all the masks and set them aside for later use. The images were colored using Copic markers, which I won't list because I put them away. Oh well.

Then all the masks were repositioned in place over the stamped colored images and Pumice Stone Distress ink was pounced over the entire piece of cardstock. Then I grabbed my Bricks stencil by The Crafter's Workshop and sponged Aged Mahogany Distress ink over the stencil. The bricks looked too "new", so I shabbed 'em up with my beloved Black Soot Distress ink. I use that ink on most every project, even if it's only to edge those disgusting white edges!

I removed the stencil and the masks, only to realize that I messed up. Big time. I forgot to mask something, so I had to do a quick "fix" by changing the color and adding a bunch of Glaze pens over it to make it look a bit less gross. Oh well, perfection is overrated and is not a high commodity chez moi. I added some shading behind the owl and the clock to make them pop off the brick wall a bit more. I added Glossy Accents to the owl's eyes and I ran out to pick up this week's share from my CSA!

When I returned the eyes were dry, so I added some Clear Gelly Roll Glaze pen to the owl's beak and talons to make 'em dimensional and shiny.

With so much going on, I decided to just mat the scene on black cardstock, then onto a Kraft card. The sentiment, from justjohanna/Odd Bird Stamp, was stamped onto that same Kraft cardstock using Onyx Black VersaFine ink. I cut it into a strip, scored it, cut wedges from the ends, and inked it with both colors of Distress ink. I popped it the sentiment up onto dimensionals to make it more bannerific.

Thanks for visiting!

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• Stampotique's Designer's Challenge #100: Anything Goes
• Simon Says Stamp: Favorite Inks (I love 'em all, but love Black Soot Distress ink a whole lot
• Anything Goes Challenge Blog #93: Handmade Backgrounds
• Crazy Amigos Challenges: Templates
• No Matter Which Challenge #9: Things with wings
• Oozak Challenge Blog: Anything Goes with Earthtones
• Corrosive Challenges #174: My Sentiment Exactly

Tah Dah!

When I first saw Trixie Tapper by Kraftin' Kimmie, I knew I had to have her because I could envision her tap dancing on a variety of surfaces created from patterned papers, die cuts, stencils, and suchlike.

Here's an example!


Trixie Tapper by Kraftin' Kimmie, who happens to be on sale at SCACD, was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink onto white Neeenah cardstock. She was colored with Copic markers, which I'll list below. When I was done coloring her, she took a ride through my Big Kick, in a Nestabilities die, then stayed there as I sponged Old Paper Distress ink around her. Then she was liberated from her metal prison and her cane and shoes were treated with a few layers of Clear Gelly Roll Glaze pen to add dimension and shine. May I declare how much I love my Glaze pens? I totally do. A lot. They're a necessary staple in my craft room.

I started out with a khaki/black/white color scheme and was going to add a pop of deep red on Trixie's vest and top hat. Then I decided to color Trixie's tresses an auburn shade and didn't want to clash. So I went with a teal/turquoise instead.

I had already decided that I was going to have Trixie dancing atop the piano keyboard from a sheet from Curtain Call 8x8 pad by Graphic 45 and knew I was going to use a strip of tickets as well, so I had to find patterned paper to match Trixie's vest. Thankfully, I have a tiny bit of patterned paper to choose from (Remember that bridge from a previous post? Still want to buy it? *grin) and I selected a sheet from the Notable, Collectable 6x6 pad by My Mind's Eye, which is also on sale.

The stamped panel was layered onto the MME paper. The piano keyboard was cut from its sheet of patterned paper, edged with Black Soot Distress ink, then layered onto the card front. The ticket strip was cut from its sheet of paper, the edges were distressed with the T!m's Tonic Distress Tool. I scored between the tickets, sanded on the folds, then the folds and edges were sponged with Old Paper Distress ink. This strip was layered over the card front.

I thought the "Tah Dah!" sentiment by justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet was perfect for the card, so I stamped that onto a Spellbinders die cut. Photo corner dies by QuicKutz were used to cut music notation paper from the Avignon 6x6 pad by 7 Gypsies (I hoard that pad!) and from the Notable MME pad. The corner dies were stacked and added to the upper right hand corner.

The entire card front was sponged with Black Soot Distress inks and mounted onto Kraft cardstock. The final step was to add some black gemstones to the corner, sentiment strip, and Trixie's hat band.

Thanks for visiting today!

Copic markers used:
Skin: e00, e50, E51, BV00
Hair: YR14, E07, E19, E19, E29
Eyes: C00, BV000
Tux & Hat T3, T4, T5, T7, T8
Vest & Hatband: BG09, BG57
Shoes: C00, C1, C6, C10
Cane: E21, E23, E25

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge #178: Let's get sentimental
• Simon Says Stamp & Show: Little Papers
• Mad for Markers Challenges -- One for the Girls
• The Crafter's Cafe #16: Mom and/or for a woman
• Cute Card Thursday #269: Dancing Queen
• Clear It Out Challenges: Anything Goes (2 or more patterned paper)
• Papertake Weekly: The Sound of Music

Cheers!

My odd mood seems to be continuing. Maybe my brain has Spring Fever. Yeah. That's my final answer.



This card features another of SCACD's Oddly Sweet Curiosities. This one's name is Some Days. I must admit that this stamp just totally cracks me up. I was chortling maniacally to myself during the creation of the card.

But I digress.

Some Days was stamped onto white Neenah cardstock using Tuxedo Black Memento ink and onto Eclipse Masking tape. I colored the cardstock version with Copic markers, which I'll list below. I diecut a martini glass using an old QuicKutz die, then used the negative space as a stencil, and traced the shape around the dangling dude using a BG90 Copic marker. The martini was colored in, then I added a touch of Clear Stardust Gelly Roll Glitter pen to make glittery liquor. I grounded the glass and the image by creating a wooden floor or bar with my markers. The Eclipse tape image was fussy cut and layered over the images. Post-it notes were layered over the "wood".

Squeezed Lemonade Distress ink was sponged over the masks to create a colored background. Then Scattered Straw Distress ink was sponged over the Quatrefoil stencil by The Crafter's Workshop. I let this dry for a bit, then edged the piece with Black Soot Distress ink.

I lifted up the masks and the head and torso of the OSC was painted with a very thick layer of Goosebumps Texture Spray. I just opened the top and painted it on. I let it set for a bit, then added Glossy Accents to her eyes and to the martini glass. I glanced down at my table and noticed that the QuicKutz die included an olive and a toothpick. Those were colored with Copic markers and the olive was treated to a layer of Glossy Accents.

Then I went and had dinner with my husband. The mushroom pizza, Zinfandel, and fresh salad (using lettuce and radishes from my first CSA basket) were yummy. While I was enjoying this repast, the Glossy Accents and Goosebumps were busy drying and curing.

After dinner and a nice surf on the Internet, I withdrew to my craft room to continue with my card. The image panel was matted with shimmery black paper, which I also used with the Party Glasses Poppy Stamps die to die cut tiny cute martini glasses. The die that I used has the martini glass, a champagne flute, two wine glasses, and a margarita glass. All tiny. All adorable.

After searching through my rather large stash of 6x6 pads, I settled on a sheet of blue/gold dot paper from Bo-Bunny's Double Dots Very Vintage 6x6 pad. The colors worked well with the colored image and the polka dots pattern didn't overpower the card. I must say that Bo-Bunny's Double Dots pads are so very versatile. I love that there are several different pads, such as Double Dots Natural Necessities, Double Dots Bold & Brights, and Double Dots Soft Shades.

I stamped the sentiment by justjohanna/Odd Bird Planet onto a leftover piece of stenciled cardstock, then die cut it using a Spellbinders Ribbon Label die. The satin-finish martini glass ribbon is from Michael's and was in the clearance bin! Score!!! The card was assembled and I called it done.

Here's a slightly blurry close-up to show the dimension, texture, and shine created with the Goosebumps and Glossy Accents.


Thanks for visiting today!

Copic markers used:
OSC: B60, B63, B66, RV000, RV00, RV91, RV93, YG21, YG23
Little Dude: E00,E11, E81, E84, E87, R24,R39, Y23, G40, G82
Martini Glass: BG90, T1, T2, BG000
Wood Floor/Bar: E21, E23, E25, E29
Olives: YG93, YG97, R24

I shall enter this card in the following challenges:
• As You Like It Challenges #1: Favorite Die Cut or Punch
• Cute Card Thursday #268: Something Blue
• Divas By Design: Anything Goes