Sending Good Thoughts

I really love the colour combination of this third card in my floral gift set. I've always been a sucker for warm colours, especially orange and peach tones.

I started by masking the edges of my 3 3/4" x 5" piece of white cardstock leaving a rectangle approx. 2' x 3.5" in the center. I then sponged this in So Saffron and stamped the spots in Hello Honey. Once the ink was dry I removed the masking tape.

Next I stamped the outline image of the flowers on the left edge of the masked shape; followed by the colour blocking stamps to fill in the blossoms and the leaves. Then I stamped the greeting into the right side of the background.

The card front was embossed with a frame folder and then attached to the white card base using foam tape/mounting squares. A pretty peach organza bow was attached to the bottom of the flower stems and the flower center was embellished with 3 little rhinestones.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Recollections white
Stamps: Gift of Love - SU, Gorgeous Grunge - SU, Perfect Pennants - SU
Ink: So Saffron, Hello Honey, Wild Wasabi, Crisp |Canteloupe - SU,Tuxedo Black - Memento
Embossing folder: Distressed Frame - Sizzix - Tim Holtz
Misc.: Rhinestones, 5/8" peach organza ribbon, foam tape/mounting squares, masking tape, sponge.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon. 

Topiary Gift Set

I decided to make card sets consisting of 3-5 cards as gifts for a few of my friends for this Christmas. As we are now officially in autumn it is high time I get started or they wont all be finished in time.

This is the first card trio I made. It uses the SU Vertical Greetings stamps that so far I have pretty much ignored. I'll be really honest, my main reason for purchasing this set was the greetings, not the topiary planters. However, now that I've had the chance to play with them I quite like them and plan on using them again.

I started by cutting a piece of white cardstock in half length wise to create a 5.5" x 8.5" strip. I then masked off three sections evenly spaced approx. 1.5" wide. I sponged each strip in light blues (Pool Party & Soft Sky) and stamped them with the spotted background texture from Gorgeous Grunge using a darker blue (Marina Mist). Then the ground was stamped in brown (Tip Top Taupe) using a stamp from Timeless Textures.

 

Using markers I coloured the Topiary stamps, above sample used Chocolate Chip, Mossy Meadow, Always Artichoke and Cajun Craze for the pot. I also stamped a shorter "cut" version of the topiary on the inside bottom right of the card and bottom right of the envelope to mach.

Above heart topiary uses the following markers: Chocolate Chip, Blackberry Bliss and for the pot Delightful Dijon.

Again I added a shortened image to the envelope and inside of the card

 

The last topiary uses Chocolate Chip, Mossy Meadow, Old Olive and Tangerine Tango. Note I wanted a slightly taller tree, so re-inked the top portion of the stamp and added a little tree at the top. 

I then trimmed all the image strips to leave a approx. 1/4" white edge on both sides.

For the little greetings I matched ink colours used to the image, ie above the sentiment is Old Olive, the other two use Blackberry Bliss and Always Artichoke. Next I chose three different embossing folders with leafy images and embossed a 4" x 5" piece of white cardstock in each. I then cut each texture into a different shape (circle, oval...)

The cards were assembled as follows. texture embossed shape adhered direct to white card base. using foam tape/mounting squares the image strips were attached towards the left of the card. The sentiment strip was trimmed in fishtails on both ends using the banner punch and glues directly onto the image strip, overlapping the textured shape.

Lastly I added coordinating bows tied from butchers twine. On the heart shapes topiary I also highlighted the flower centers and pot using a white gel pen.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Recollections 110 lbs white
Stamps: Vertical Greetings, Gorgeous Grunge, Timeless Textures - SU
Punch: Banner - SU
Embossing folders: Vine Street - Su, Christmas Elegance, Branches - both Sizzix
Dies: Circle Framelits, Oval Framelits, Deco label - all SU
Ink: Pool Party, Soft Sky, Marina Mist, Tip Top Taupe - SU
Markers: Old Olive, Mossy Meadow, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Delightful Dijon,
               Blackberry Bliss, Cajun Craze, Tangerine tango - all SU
Misc.: white gel pen, bakers twine (pink, light blue, yellow), Foam tape/mounting squares

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon. 

Hello Friend Frog

I had planned to upload this card much earlier this week, but free time seems to have been an issue for me.

I fell in love with all the adorable little critters in the Love You lots SU Hostess set, but have to say that the frog is my favorite by far.

I started by stamping the frog on a scrap white piece of cardstock and then adding the jar. Using Copics I coloured the frog and added shading below him and around the jar edges. The jar was then die cut using the matching jar die and a little bakers twine was tide around the top.

I trimmed my green card front to 5.25 x 4", embossed it, inked the edges and attached to the card front slightly skew. the brown cardstock is approx. 4" x 3.25". The edges were also inked before attaching to the card. A coordinating strip of patterned paper was dded and then I attached the jar using foam tape. The "Hello"  sentiment was cut from pink and the "friend" was stamped in black on scrap white that was trimmed into a banner shape.

I finished the inside of the card to match using scrap appertained paper in the corners and stamping a couple of little frogs int eh opposite corners.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Recollections, Bazzill
Pattern paper: Momenta 6 x 6" textured cardstock pad
Stamps: Love You Lots - SU, Jar of Love - SU
Dies: Everyday Jar Thinblits - SU, Hello Thinlits - SU
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip - SU
Alcohol markers: YG03, YG25, W1, W3, W5, BG13, BG15 - Copic
Embossing folder: Forest Branches - Provocraft - Cuttlebug
Misc.: bakers twine, foam mounting tape/squares

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon. 

Jar of Flowers Birthday

I had hoped to be able to post the next two cards prior to going on vacation but alas I ran out of time.
We just returned from a lovely trip in Kelowna earlier this week and I am settled in again and ready to return to the everyday.

The card I am sharing today was made for my dear aunt. As her birthrate was celebrated while on vacation I thought a stamped bouquet would fair better than bringing along a real one.

The card front was created using 2 coordinating scraps of patterned paper, attached on an angel and overlapping. The jar was stamped on a scrap piece of white trimmed into a rectangle. The stems, water and greenery were also stamped directed onto this cardstock. The blossoms and jar trim were stamped on a  seperate piece and then die cut.

The die cut pieces were attached in layers using different thicknesses of foam tape. I couldn't resist adding a bit of sparkle with some random sizes of clear rhinestones. The finished piece was then matted on coordinating cardstock and attached with 1/16" thick foam tape. The sentiment was stamped on another piece of scrap white paper, trimmed and slipped just under the left edge.

The inside of the card was finished using scrap patterned paper pieces and extra flower images.
I did add a sentiment to the inside of the card along with a personal message, but took my photo before doing so.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Recollections white
Patterned Paper: momenta Textured Cardstock, 6 x 6" pad
Stamps: Vertical greetings - SU, Jar of Love - SU,
Ink: Soft Sky, Sahara Sand, Calypso Coral, Tangerine Tango, Watermelon Wonder, Old olive, pear Pizzazz - all SU, Tuxedo black - Memento,
Misc.: rhinestones, foam mounting tape/squares

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon. 

Foxy Bookmarks

I have two small creations to share today, both made with the Fox Builder punch.
These can be used for cards or even scrapbook pages but I chose to make little tag style bookmarks with them instead.

The little chick would be great for a spring or Easter theme and the ice cream cone is perfect summer and celebrations.

   

The tags were die cut from teal green cardstock and the edges inked in a coordinating colour.
The top was reinforced with a little oval punch shape folded in half over the top edge. Then a 3/16 (or use 1 1/4") eyelet was added and a tassel tied through the eyelet.

The punch art pieces were attached to the tag with foam tape for a little added dimension. I sued a 1/16" thickness so as not to add too much bulk.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Die: Two Tags - SU
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Yellow, Tangerine Tango, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Watermelon Wonder - All SU
Punches: small oval - SU, Fox Builder - SU, Petite Pennants - SU
Misc.: mini tassels, 3/16 or 1/4" eyelet, black marker, white gel pen, foam tape/mounting squares

Punch art instructions:

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon.

Fox Builder Frog Punch Art

It's been a wonderful spring so far. Rather surprisingly hot for Calgary actually. Our garden is coming to life with both colourful plants and wildlife. One of the things I however still miss form our BC home is the little green frogs we used to have in our yard. The kids always found them inside their little pool. Sometimes even hiding in the hot tub. I remember Rai used to have the boys walk in front of him when he was mowing the lawn to ensure the frogs got out of the way before they could be run over.

This little critter was made in memory of these little frogs.

I kept the card simple this time.
My scene was attached directly t my card front and covered with the white frame overlay.
The little frog is sitting on a stamped wood stump around which I stamped several blades/strands of grass. The little purple flower was also created using the Fox punch and attached with foam squares.

The window in the frame overly was created by die cutting an oval form the trimmed 4" x 5.25" cardstock. I then stamped the vine border around the cut-out edges and added my sentiment to one side.
The frame was attached over-top of the card front, ensuring my frog scene was centered, using foam squares/mounting tape.

Instructions for both punch art pieces can be found below.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Recollections, Bazzill
Stamps: Foxy Friends - SU, Vertical Greetings - SU, In the Meadow - SU
Die: Oval Thinlits - SU
Punches: see below instructions
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Elegant Eggplant, Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip - all SU
Misc.: White gel pen, Black marker, rose/red chalk, foam mounting squares/tape

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon. 

Fox Builder Rabbit and Toadstool Punch Art Card

Without further ado let me introduce Mr. Rabbit and his little toadstool friend who where both made using the new SU Fox Builder punch.

The background was made with the woodland embossing folder by brayering the raised side with blue ink prior to embossing the white cardstock. I then coloured the tree detail using a dark brown marker.

The ground was created with the border strip from the new Swirly Scribbles Thinlits which was mounted on top of darker shaded cardstock trimmed at the top to match the curve of the die.

The ground was attached to the card background with foam tape/mounting squares; as were both my little punch art creations. The card was finished with a die cut "hello".

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Recollections white, colours - various Bazzill and Recollection scraps

Stamp: Foxy Friends - SU

Ink: Marina Mist, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi - all SU

Punches: Fox Builder - SU, Bow Builder - SU

Dies: Hello Thinlits - SU, Swirly Scribbles Thinlits - SU

Embossing folder: oodland - SU

Markers: white gel pen, Chocolate Chip - SU

Misc.: red/rose chalk, foam tape/mounting squares

Punch art instructions:

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon for more fun creations using the new SU Fox Builder punch.

Sakura Cards - white and bright

I love finding inspiration in unexpected places.

My latest set of cards is a recycled, or up-cycled, project using yet another lovely tissue box.
This one is a Royale box in deep fuchsia featuring beautiful sakura blossoms painted on a somewhat abstract background.



I kept these first two cards simple with minimal accents and a bright white base.

I started by stamping  random splashes across the bottom right corner of the card base. Then atatched a few strips of washi tape, some wire paper and in the middle a cut out  of my tissue box that has been mounted with foam tape.
The greeting was cut from black paper and several little rhinestones were added randomly to the card for a little bling.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Recollections white and black
Stamps: Gorgeous Grunge - SU
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, pear Pizzazz - SU
Dies: Greetings Thinlits - SU, Circle Framelits - SU
Designer paper: Royale tissue box
Misc.: foam mounting squares/tape, little rhinestones, green paper wire, washi tape

For this card I kept the shape of the tissue box piece rectangular. It was mounted on some spring green cardstock and attached to the card front with foam tape. Little flags were added to one side. these were created with the banner punch. For the larger flags the paper (and tissue box scraps) were cut to strips and then one end inserted into the punch to cut the tail
The regretting was cut form black and added vertically. For a final touch the flower centers have been accented with rhinestones as well as  small trio of stones was added to the top of the banner row.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Recollections white and black, Bazzill green and pale pink
Dies: Greetings Thinlits - SU
Punch: banner - SU
Designer paper: Royale tissue box
Misc.: foam mounting squares/tape, little rhinestones

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon. 

Silver Blossoms

Still being very new to colouring with Copics I thought I'd try embossing my line image in gold and silver before colouring, after all I have successfully coloured my images after clear embossing.
Those of you well familiar with Copics are probably cringing as you read this as you know better.

I had no idea that the embossing powder, despite having been heat set, would dissolve when coming into contact with Copics.  I noticed this immediately when I started colouring and quickly did a Google search only to find this is a big no-no.
I did persist though and managed to finish colouring my image by being very, very careful not to touch the tip of my marker to the embossed edges. The finished image looks beautiful but I don't recommend anyone else trying this unless you have a very steady hand and are willing to risk your marker tip. I would recommend investing in some good quality metallic ink (now definitely on my wish list) and then clear embossing to get a similar finished look.

The Lotus was stamped on a scrap piece of cardstock, coloured with Copic markers and then fuzzy cut. The leaves  and sentiment were stamped onto a separate piece of card trimmed to approx. 3 x 4.25 ".

The lotus flower was attached with a bit of foam tape for some added depth. The panel was then mounted on a bit of pink patterned paper.

The last mat is mint cardstock embossed with a frame texture. before attaching this mat it was sponged with a little ink and wrapped with the ribbon. 

The pink pattern paper was used as the card front and a white doily added to fill in the space. Lastly for the finishing touches the bow as added as well as a few rhinestones in the right corners.

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Recollections white, Bazzill green

Patterned paper: Karen Foster

Ink: Versamark, Garden green - SU

Alcohol markers: Copic: G02, G05, RV10,RV21, RV34, blender pen

Embossing folder: Framed Tulips - SU

Misc.: 5/8" pink organza ribbon, 4.5" white paper doily, rhinestones, foam tape/mounting squares

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon.

Remarkable You Magnolia

For the second card creation in this SU set I chose the magnolia image. I wanted my image to be the focus of the card and therefore opted for a white canvas, no fuzzy cutting.

The flower was coloured using Copics in warm pink tones. I added a shadow with warm gray and faded it out using pointillism.

The light gray card front was embossed with a leafy background and the flower image was mounted on a matching pink before adhering to a lacy white square. 

The card was finished with a simple hello die and some matching pink ribbon.

I actually just purchased that ribbon last week at my local Dollarama. I knew I had very limited pink embellishments, especially ribbon and when I saw this multi coloured striped one I had to have. I am amazed at how well it matched the Copic colour I currently own )I used it in my next card as well).

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Recollections white, Bazzill pink, Gray Staples.

Stamp: Remarkable You - SU

Dies: Greetings Thinlits - SU, Lacy Squares - Spellbinder

Embossing folder: Flora - Spellbinder

Alcohol markers: R11, R22, W1, W3, W5, G02, G05, G09, Colorless blender - Copic

Misc.: 1 1/4" ribbon, foam mounting tape/squares, corner rounder (Creative Memories)

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon.

You are Remarkable

I really enjoy coloring and as I am still in need of a lot of practice I am always on the lookout for new line art stamps. It is therefore no wonder that when I came across SU's new "Remarkable You" set in their catalog it immediately made it onto my must have list.

This past week I finally had time to play with this lovely st. For my first card I chose the calla lilies image.

As my colour preference always leans towards warm autumn hues I chose to colour the flowers in soft, peachy pink.

Although i don't often use patterned paper I happen to buy a 6 x 6 pad the other day at 50% off and low and behold it matches my intended colour scheme perfectly. I picked two coordinating patterns, cut them to size and matted each onto white cardstock.

To help the flowers pop from the card front I placed them over a vellum oval and popped them with foam mounting tape. The sentiment was also popped with foam and for a finishing touch I added a ribbon bow.

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Recollections white, vellum - unknown

Patterned paper: MME "reunion" 6" paper pad

Stamps: Remarkable You - SU

Ink: Tuxedo Black - Memento

Alcohol markers: YR000. YR00, Y35, YG03, YG25 - Copic

Misc.: foam mounting tape/squares, 5/8" mint green organza ribbon

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon.

Butterflies & Blossoms

I have a new toy, the tree builder punch; and I have a feeling it will be rather versatile.

I am eager to play with the shapes and come up with new designs aside from the many different uses that are provided with the matching stamp set.

This first one is a rather simple design. I used several of the trees to make a large branch. The flower in this punch was too small for my taste so I teamed it with the Itty Bitty Accents blossom.

I added a touch of colour with my Copics and shaped the flowers a little.
Its hard to tell in the photos but I also sponged a little Soft Sky on the background.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Bazzill, Recollections, silver foil
Stamp: Because You Care - SU
Ink: Early Espresso - SU
Alcohol markers: Copic - RV10, RV34
Punch: Tree Builder - SU, Itty Bitty Accents - SU
Die: Bold Butterfly Framelits - SU
Misc.: foam tape (to mount the butterfly)

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Bazzill, Recollections, silver foil
Alcohol markers: Copic - RV10, RV34
Punch: Tree Builder - SU, Itty Bitty Accents - SU
Die: Bold Butterfly Framelits - SU
Misc.: foam tape (to mount the butterfly), 5/8" pink organza ribbon

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon.

Layered flower card

I have noticed that as of late I seem to be reaching for this stamps set more and more. The flowers are all lovely to colour and work for so many occasions. It is a very versatile set and to top it off it was also a free hostess set.

This time I decided on a layered look. I also used several of my old Club Scrap stamps that re-surfaced during my clean up.

  

I stamped the blossom three times; once on the card front, and twice on white scrap. The image on the card front was coloured in gray. The next image in darker orange only and the top with my three orange tones Copic.  Each layer was attached with foam mounting squares. The stem and top leaf are only two layers each; the bottom leaf is a single layer. I did stamp it on a scrap piece and then cut it out and adhered to the card front after colouring.

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Recollections white
Stamps: Bloom with hope - SU, Joyful Christmas - SU, remaining three stamps used for the background are old Club Scrap
Ink: Tuxedo Black - Memento, Early Espresso,  - SU
Alcohol markers: Basic Gray, Old Olive, Skin tone- SU,  YR00, YR02, YR04 - Copic
Misc.: foam mounting square, Early Espresso stitched ribbon - SU

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon.