Poinsettia

I am loving my Copic Airbrush and this was the second card I made using it. The green swirls were created with a brass stencil as a mask and then airbrushed, while the stencil was still taped down I outlined the swirls with a Micro Pen to help define the edges. The Poinsettia I stamped three times and cut out then airbrushed it as well, it looks all the same color in the pic, but IRL you can see highlights and darker portions in the red leaves. The pic did not come out as nice as I would have liked. The ribbon is silver and gold and I did the same with my embossing on the bottom, using silver and gold powders. IRL and in the light it looks more cohesive than it does here. The ribbon edge is also behind the sentiment which brings the shine to the bottom of the card too, like I said not a good pic.

Be sure and check back on Wednesday I have some fun news to share! Ahhhh.... the suspense!

• Stamps: All by Repeat Impressions: Poinsettia #2012-H, Peace, Love, Joy #406-H
• Paper: Neenah Classic Solar White, Riding Hood Red, DP by SU, Black, Olive
• Ink: Versamark with Gold and Silver EP, Memento Tuxedo Black
• Other: Nesties, Ticket Corner Punch, Crystals, Stickles, Brass Stencil, Copics, Misc Ribbon

Cutie Pie Scarecrow

I know I have posted this little guy before, he's so cute I had to use him again. And I'm calling him Cutie Pie because I used Spica Gold all over his overalls. My husband would say "why do that??" I would then reply because I can! I glitzed up Mr. Crow too with some Spica Black! The Debbie Mumm DP is all sparkly so I had to compete! I colored the image with Copics. I used my Nestie frame to double emboss around the edges, and one lightly penned inner frame. The sentiment I stamped twice to get two different pieces. The ribbon is FELT.... I hate felt. I do not like the way it feels to the touch. I know, I'm a weirdo. But really I don't like it and I am unhappy that it seems to be popular on cards and paper crafting lately. I guess I'll live. I touched the felt, which I must say fit with my card very well, but I did not like it. And the felt came in a trio of ribbons-- I wanted the other. The tag that the felt runs through is from Spellbinders. I tried to take a picture so you could see the glitz and glamour of the coveralls. Click to see better detail.

• Stamps: All Stamps by Repeat Impressions- Scarecrow and Friend # 3309-K, Happy Thanksgiving #1140-E
• Paper: Chocolate Chip, White, DP is Debbie Mumm
• Ink: Versamark and White EP, Memento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip
• Other: Nesties, Hemp Twine, Corner Brad, FELT ribbon
  

Winter Kitty

This kitty card is for the Limited Supplies Challenge LSC187 : Holly Jolly Critters. A cat is not really a critter to me, but it qualified as per the instructions. The challenge was to use any animal in a Christmas theme. The only restriction was that you could use ribbon, but no other embellishments. So I had to "fuss" my kitty up to compensate, putting him in multiple frames! I stamped on Solar White and colored him with Copics, paper piecing his hat and scarf. Then I decided it looked too white - so I whipped out my airbrush and fixed it so the background was more suited to the DP. I masked the kitty and airbrushed using my "Putty" Copic marker, then I cut a smaller oval to overlay to and airbrushed some more to get the darker edge. Um.. I would totally recommend the Airbrush System, I love it. I added some red dots along the edge and used my screw punch for the 1/16"holes. I used a clear glaze pen to go over his hat, scarf and nose and whiskers and around the edge over the red dots. The kitty sits down inside the oval frame actually on the base of the card. Finished card size is A2.

• Stamps: Winter Kitty by Hero Arts #E4841, Meowy Christmas by The Cat's Pajamas # C-S3134
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: DP by Bo Bunny Press "Cherry Pie Stripe", Red DP by Debbie Mumm, Green Bazzill, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White (for image)
• Other: Copics & Airbrush, Nesties, Screw Punch, Perfect Layers, Misc. White Ribbon

Sprinkle Time

I had FUN making this card! This knocks off two challenges this week. First is the TCP Tuesday Challenge, you can find details here on Toni's blog , the challenge was to use Sprinkles on your card. I think I followed the rules on that one! The other challenge is the Friday Limited Supplies Challenge LSC187 which was to use Holiday Animals on your card and the restriction was the only embellishment you could use was ribbon. Really the card was fun and easy... I used a panel frame stamp by Northwoods and then embellished from there. And of course IRL there is Spica and Glaze pen all over this card!! I colored everything with Copics and did some detailing with a fine tip black pen. The silver string is secured with some tape on the back of the polka dot panel. I think I'll be doing a few more of these window pane cards- small images, quick to color and fun!

• Stamps: All Stamps by The Cat's Pajamas -except- the little santa hat in the bottom left window, that is by Rubber Soul and the window panel frame is by Northwoods that I embellished with a black Micro pen.
• Paper: B&W Polka Dots, Riding Hood Red, Black, White
• Ink: Copics, Spicas, Memento Tuxedo Black, Micro Pen
• Other: Silver String, Spellbinder's Tag, Nesties (to cut the bottom scalloped edge)

Peace Butterfly

OK, I'm sure most of you have read what's going on at Cammie's blog by now. She is having a huge blog candy giveaway and it all started with her bringing attention to Alzheimer's, the cause, the families and the caregivers. She has been quite inspiring in sharing her story and the generosity of the donations is overwhelming. My Mother-in-Law passed away in 2007 after almost 8 years with Alzheimer's Disease. It was heartbreaking to watch her change as the disease progressed. While we were able to we shared the responsibility for her care between family members. It unfortunately became too much for us to handle and she spent several years in assisted living and then a nursing home in Atlanta that primarily deals with Alzheimer's. Let me say the caregivers, nurses, doctors that provided the care are some of the most caring and selfless people that my husband and I have ever met. Thelma was Mrs. Gropp's main caregiver and she was sent straight from above. I could not even begin to tell you the kindness she lavished on her. We were so thankful.
I chose this stamp because I love the saying, and today one year ago my Grandfather passed away. I had both of them in my thoughts as I made this card.
I'll be brief now with my description... The butterfly is from Spellbinders and I airbrushed it, then used the die and versamark to gold emboss portions. This is my first airbrushing attempt and I know it will get better.... I see endless possibilities. I added a few gems to the butterfly wings. The sentiment is gold embossed. And the rest is the beautiful Washi paper, which I hoard like a demon... but wanted to use it today on this special card.

• Stamps: Sentiment by The Stamp barn
• Ink: Versamark and Gold Detail EP
• Paper: Butterfly Washi, Misc. Dk Blue, White, Baja Breeze, Gold
• Other: Nesties, Half Pearls, Tiny Crystals, White Satin Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, COPICS / Airbrushing

BOO cat!

This card went 50 different directions before it ended up here. I won't go in to details... but let me tell you I was over the edge. I paper pieced the cat and Boo is black embossed. I love the little bow tie on kitty and his expression is so smug looking! I added a few blingies here and there for some dazzle. I still don't get the skull craze, but this is SU paper and it came in the pack, so I thought OK...I'll use it. Waiting for Mr. Brown to bring my Airbrush Goodies --- Hurry UP!!!!

• Stamps: All Stamps by Repeat Impressions- Cat Nip Bliss #616-N, Boo #2316-G
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Black Craft and Clear Detail EP
• Paper: DP by SU, Misc Grey Card Stock, White, Kiwi Kiss, Black
• Other: Nesties, Bling, Misc. Ribbon, Perfect Layers

Foiled!

Before I blab about the card...On Friday my Copic Airbrush system should be arriving via UPS. Mr. Brown don't let me down! So here I sit grinning like a fool in anticipation. So soon you will see some airbrushing.... well, provided I can get the hang of it and have something worthy to post!
Now to the card... This is one large stamp by Impression Obsession, (another favorite stamp company of mine-- again fab animal images with great detail) and I used a stamp positioner to get my "three" parts stamped differently, this is stamped on White Glossy paper. First, I stamped the cat image using Versafine Onyx Black. Then I used Marvy markers to color directly on the rubber and stamped the pine branch. Last, I used my Pallete Glue pad to stamp the ornament... I then pressed foil flakes over the "sticky" and after pressing repeatedly I used a stiff bristle brush to take away the excess foil. I love that it is fairly simple stamping wise and then the foil image really grabs the eye. I layered with Copper and Gold card stock to pick up the ornament colors. Click on the close up to see detail, it does stand out on the card nicely IRL. This Kat is off to bed now to dream about my airbrush system, and since I still have not found a Copic Sugar Daddy I had to pay for it myself.

• Stamp: Cat and Ornament by Impression Obsession
• Ink: Marvy Markers, Versafine Onyx Black, Pallete Glue Pad
• Paper: White Glossy, Copper, Gold, Hunter Green
• Other: Foil Flakes, Perfect Layers

Siamese Knot

I wish I could say I made this knot, but I did not. It was a pre-made knot I purchased. The knots I have attempted have involved lots of bad words flying and some serious superglue! I love this kitty image from Coronado Island Stamps - they have the most beautiful animal images, especially cats and horses. This cat is one image in a series of three and it also comes in a smaller size. This is a simple card. The cat panel I black embossed on some shabby looking card stock and layered with some fancy washi paper. The characters I did the same for. Simple images and then just layered and pop the knot right on - Done!

• Stamps: Cat by Coronado Island, Asian Writing - stamp was unmarked
• Ink: Versamark and Black Detail EP
• Paper: Dark Gold Shimmery Card Stock, Black, Shabby Card stock by Basic Grey, Washi paper
• Other: Perfect Layers, Pre-Made Knot

Give Thanks

I like how this turned out. My card is Gold card stock and when I scored and folded, the spine cracked badly. So I made a little cover flap to fold over the spine. I stamped in Versafine Brown and then used Copics and A Brown pen for detailing and outlining. The pearls, well I just kept adding little rows trying to compensate for the big panel that was mostly empty. Anything else I tried to add just didn't look good to me, so this was the final solution. I love this CB folder- Hounds Tooth, and seem to reach for it on all my fall cards.

• Stamps: All stamps by Repeat Impressions - Leaf Foliage Positive #6002, Let us give Thanks #2826-H, Wheat Sheaf #915-I
• Paper: Bazzill Brown and Rust, Gold, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
• Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Versafine Brown, Versamark and Gold Detail EP, Copics, Fine Tip Brown Pen for outlining and detailing
• Other: Hounds Tooth CB Folder, Half Pearls, Nesties, Chocolate Satin Ribbon by SU, Slot Punch by SU

Sugared Sunflower

This card came together very quickly. The starting point was the DP by Debbie Mumm and the little sparkly sunflowers on it. I stamped my sunflower in Memento Rich Cocoa and used my Copics to color, I colored the edges brown and used a nestie to cut out my square. I coated with a layer of Sugar Beads... love using something that I have not used in a while. I used the Weathered (SU) background on some layers and others I doodled around the edges to fill it in, with the busy DP the plain paper looked just that- plain! Finished card is 5 1/2" x 5 1/2".

• Stamps: Sunflower Block by Rubber Stampede, Sentiment by A Muse, Weathered Background Stamp by SU
• Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Copics, Fine Tip Brown Pen
• Paper: DP by Debbie Mumm, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White (stamped the sunflower on that), Misc Yellow, Brown and Rust Card Stock
• Other: nesties, Misc Ribbon, Pearls by Kaiser, Copper Eyelet, Photo Corner Punch from SU, Sugar Beads

Little Broom

After my last card .. I felt the need to tone it down a bit. Sharon's Friday Challenge was Cute and Classy today, to use a cute stamp and dress it up. I used one stamp only... this cute little broom by Lockhart. I colored the broom using my Copics, and then I used Adirondack's Dimensional Pearls on the sweeper part by adding a few drops then using a toothpick to drag it out. I tried to take a close up picture for you to see, click on it to see more detail. I sponged a little Kiwi Kiss around to take away the bright white. Then the rest of the card is all about the paper from Wild Asparagus. The corners were made by using a circle punch to punch out a rounded wedge shape... and the lower left is cRoOkeD, I know -- I fixed it after the photo shoot. I don't know if the finished card is classy--but how but classic with the stripes and having the center panel appear mounted.

Husband just walked in-- so I'll share his comments with you...

The Broom card: "Kinda weird cause the stripes are going different ways".... I didn't tell him this was intentional!

The Black and White Mess in my last post: "That's cool".

• Stamps: Broom by Lockhart
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Kiwi Kiss
• Paper: DP by WIld Asparagus "Brother's" Stripe/ Orange #WA4048, Kiwi Kiss, Bazzill Brown, Neenah Classic Solar White
• Other: Nesties, Hemp Twine, AdirondackDimensional Pearls "Mushroom", Jewels by Kaiser

Black Cat, Buttons and Bows

Have I lost my mind you are asking? OK, I know this is some serious overload on a card... I was chatting away on the phone while working on this and just kept going, and going... but I think I kind of like it. It is crazy busy! Click on it to enlarge and see a more detailed view. I do think it looks better IRL because there is a lot of dimension with popped panels and the bows... I'm sure you are thinking- Yeah, Right... unsubscribe! Please don't unsubscribe!!! Well for as much stuff that is on here there really isn't too much to explain on the "how to" part. All my little bows are doubles and I went over the black cat with my Spica Black so he sparkles and shines. What do you think? Are you calling the Ribbon Police on me?

• Stamps: Black Cat by Inkadinkadoo, "What's New Pussycat" by TCP
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
• Paper: Misc. Black Floral Print, Stripe DP by SU, White and Black Card Stock
• Other: Buttons, Misc. Ribbon, Nesties, Black Spica, Black Sticky Dots (on the corners), 3 Crystals, Two Tiny Half Pearls

ORANGE pumpkins

Pretty orange isn't it?? I had to play with these pumpkins again. This card is pretty simple and I'll share the highlights....The orange panels were embossed, though hard to see in the picture... I used a cuttlebug folder and my Scor-pal. With the Scor-pal I made the horizontal lines, then in the depressed part in between the lines I put white tape... Rainbow Tape it's called and it comes in all colors and different widths...1/16th, 1/8" etc... As usual it looks better IRL than in a picture, enlarge it and you may be able to see better detail. Then on the top orange panel I used a CB folder and the same folder just along the bottom on the lower panel. Of course an ORANGE bow to finish it off, because it needed just a touch more orange!

• Stamps: Sentiment by Endless Creations, Pumpkin Wagon by Lockhart
• Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Copics
• Paper: Mango Orange by Worldwin, Polka Dots by Cosmo Cricket, White
• Other: Nesties, Rainbow Tape, Scor-pal, Cuttlebug Folder, Fine Tip Brown Marker, Perfect Layers, Ribbon by SU

Golden Leaves

NO Copics! Can you believe it! This is very representative of cards I made pre-Copic! I embossed most of my images and used layers and paper to build my cards. I created this for Sharon's Friday Challenge Stamp Simply #52 — Cuddle up with Tammy! which was to make a "warm feeling" card, these colors are earthy and warm to me. I used leaf pattern paper by Debbie Mumm and embossed my panel type stamps with Versamark and Gold Detail EP. I used a fine tip brown marker to go around the edge of the embossing to help it stand out from the busy background. The stamp and paper being as bold as it was I just wanted some simple accents and kept the sentiment simple as well. I used my Hounds Tooth CB folder for the base panel, which I think also gives a warm feeling.

• Stamps: All stamps by Repeat Impressions #6002 Foiliage Positive, #4009-G In all Things...
• Ink: Versamark and Gold Detail EP, Fine Tip Brown Pen
• Paper: DP by Debbie Mumm, Gold, Caramel and Brown Card Stock
• Other: Nesties, Misc. Gold Cord, 1/16" Gold Eyelets, CB Folder

Oh, Scarecrow!

Still doing fall cards here... not a leaf has turned in my yard yet... but when they start I'll be ready! This was for the OCC Sketch Challenge today...but it didn't quite turn out the way the sketch was supposed to be-- must print out the sketch! Anyway, I paper pieced the scarecrow's overalls and colored the rest with my Copics. A while back I had purchased some "rusty" wire... assuming it was faux rust... So I thought I would dig it out and use it with my scarecrow... Um...it is real rusted wire. Real RUST... I have left enough things outside in the rain, I know how to make rust. I paid money for rusty wire. I had rust dust everywhere. The brown panel also has vertical embossed lines I created with my Scor-Pal, but they don't really show in the picture.

Stamps: All Stamps by Repeat Impressions Scarecrow and Friend #3309-K, Pumpkin Day #2312-I
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Versafine Brown
Paper: Bazzill Brown, White, all other paper is by Debbie Mumm
Other: Nesties, Rusty Wire

Pumpkin Path

I think this little wagon of pumpkins is darling... The pumpkins I colored with Copics, and after that the card becomes about layers on layers of layers... 9 of them-- which puts some weight on an A2 size card! I love quotes and sentiments and thought this quote paired well with my wagon. In the end I liked the card, but still feel it's not quite balanced in some way... but what else could I add?

• Stamps: #c5160 Gentle Path by Impression Obsession, #5008 Pumpkin Wagon by Lockhart
• Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Versafine Onyx Black, Copics
• Paper: Mango Orange by Worldwin, Slim Jim Green #CSP000115 by Cosmo Cricket, White, Brown
• Other: Misc Ribbon, Nesties, Brads, Half Pearls, Perfect Layers

Scaredy CAT

I was over due for a cat card.... So here is a SCAREDY CAT. I stamped in Black, then used my black Spica to glitz kitty up a bit, then some tiny little silver dots for eyes, then a coating of Crystal Lacquer. See the frayed edge of ribbon next to the sentiment-- that's cause my ribbon would not fit through that side of the eyelet- so I stopped messing with it and left it! The ribbon ties I created by putting a snip of ribbon in between the posts of the brad then expanding them on the back as you normally would. The bats I stamped randomly on the base of the card. Cuttlebug embossing folder for the texture.

• Stamps: All Stamps by Repeat Impressions Black Cat #2322-G, Bats 2308-E, Sentiment "Jack-o-Lanterns... #2304-I
• Paper: Tangerine Tango, White, Black
• Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
• Other: Nesties, Orange Marker, Orange Brads, Eyelets, Japanese Screw Punch, Misc Ribbon, Cuttlebug, Mini Silver Dots (eyes) from Stampendous

Judith's Flowers

Nothing Halloween is on this card. Did you fall out of your chair? I know a little overload with Halloween - but I can't help it, I bought a lot and the stamps are so darn cute.

This card was an attempt to create a "water-colored effect" using my Copics. I used my greys to blur the colors together and "up-stroked" my marker tip with to create the grass. I used about a million different colors of Copics. I did not use a Nestie on this card either... surely you fell out of your chair on that one! I tore the flower panel and edged with grey then black, letting it bleed in to the torn edge. Tore a pink mat around it. Then Vellum. The white design underneath is die-cut paper, cut down to fit my card. Final card size is A2.

I think this card is kinda funny -- because it is so "girly"... and completely does not look like something I would do... but I did. And how 'bout that triple pink bow--- really not me!

• Stamps: Flower & Jug, Stamps by Judith
• Ink: India Black Ink, Copics
• Paper: White, Grey, Pink, Vellum, White Die Cut Cardstock
• Other: Misc Ribbon, 3 white sticky dots

Purple Paper Pieced Pumpkin

TO give credit where due - the inspiration for paper piecing this pumpkin came from my friend Miriam who did some fab pumpkin cards this past weekend... so I took the idea and ran.... right in to my stamp room to copy-cat her! Wanna see her cards.... Click here to go to Miriam's gallery on SCS which is full of fantastic cards!

Now on to MY card now....The pumpkins are from the Inkadinkadoo Fall/Halloween Clear Set. So impressed with Inkadinkadoo's clear products, they really stamp nicely for me. You know what I did to the center pumpkin and the others are colored with Copics. Then I shined them up with some crystal lacquer, spica and glaze pen on the little swirly parts too. The circles are all nesties and popped up twice. Had to make another double bow. The DP is all from Pinecone Press. TIP: On the black swirls of the DP I used a clear glaze pen to trace the outline of each black swirl -- when you look at it (IRL of course) it gives the impression that the swirls are raised off the paper a bit. Added a few dew drops in the lower left corner... DONE. Here's a close up should you want a better look, just click on it.

• Stamps: Inkadinkadoo Pumpkins (Clear)
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: White, Black, all DP by Pinecone Press
• Other: Copics, Spicas, Nesties, Dew Drops, Misc Ribbon, Glaze pen, Crystal Lacquer

Jail Birds

So these little Jailbirds are for the OCC Challenge this weekend, which is to make a funny card. You can find the challenge details here. I think these Jailbirds qualify. I stamped and colored them with Copics, shadowing around the outside of the birds with my N0 Grey marker. I didn't want to put a bow on these guys... they are jailbirds right?-- not foo foo fancy birds, but of course I could not resist using my Spicas all over them. You can click on the picture to enlarge and see all the glitz and glitter! To create the scalloped edge on the bottom I inserted my paper through the middle of a long nestie cutting only one edge. Then used my Screw Punch to make the holes for the black twine (much more suited for this card than a cutesy bow!). Both the oval and DP panel are "popped". Yes, this card is seriously bright!

• Stamps: Jailbird Halloween (Inkadinkadoo #98704)
• Paper: DP by Pinecone Press "Jack-O-Lantern" #PP5105, Black, White
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics, Spica Yellow and Black
• Other: Nesties, Japanese Screw Punch, Black Twine, Brads, Dew Drops

Baby Train

Yes, I paper pieced those teeny animals. I had to do the giraffe twice, I chopped the first giraffe's head right off. Why did I even consider cutting them out.... Two reasons...
1. I wanted my paper to match.
2. I wanted the animals raised a little because I planned to use the eyelets for wheels.
The pattern paper is from a Basic Grey 6x6 stack of Euphoria. The eyelets are 1/16" and fit just perfect in the wheel spots. I wrapped the ribbon and tied a little triple bow... apparently these little bows are my new thing... I finally got the hang of doing multiple loops and now feel the need to put little bows on everything. Cutting out the animals was a little tedious, but other than that this is a simple card to do.

• Stamps: Baby Train by The Cat's Pajamas
• Ink: Copic Grey, Pink Spica, Memento Tuxedo Black
• Paper: All DP is from Basic Grey Euphoria Collection, White, Pomegranate
• Other: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Folder, White Ribbon, Corner Rounder, Nesties, Perfect Layers, 1/16" Silver Eyelets

Sugar and Shine: Part 2

Is this penguin not ADORABLE!

He was pretty easy to color, hehhee. I used my Copics then I used Spica Red and Clear Pens over the little hat and candy cane that's the sugar part... and I crystal lacquered everything for the shine... I'm sure by now you realize I do not put my stamping stuff away after each card and tend to use what is still in arm's reach. I cut Mr. Penguin out and popped him too. Oh and around the edges of the penguin I added some little fur wisps... he looked a little blobby around the edges and I thought needed some xtra detail. The B&W paper I dressed up with those teeny weensy little silver dots... "Diamond Dots" from Stampendous... I love them as they add just enough to catch they eye-- but let me tell you they drove me nuts trying to put them on, and I'm sure there at least five embedded in the carpet... forever to stay there. The sentiment is from a Stampendous Holiday Clear Set -- I thought it was perfect. I tied a double bow, then I tied a knot around the middle of that giving me the two extra tails. I think everything else is pretty self explanatory. Here's a close up so you can see the detail for those picky little detail people like ME! You can click on to enlarge. Black, White and Red as a color combo is a big fav of mine--- it always works. Oh and you know what-- I also do not like candy canes.

Big THANKS to those that leave a comment-- I love reading them and it sure helps the "I need to post something motivation factor" Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and comment... very much appreciated.

• Stamps: Penguin by Art Impressions, Sentiment by Stampendous
• Ink: India Black Ink, Copics, Riding Hood Red, Fine tip Black Pen, Spicas
• Paper: Black and White Prints, Riding Hood Red, Neenah Classic Solar White, Black Matte Cardstock, Vellum
• Other: Diamond Dots, Crystal Lacquer, Perfect Layers, Nesties, 1/4" Red Edged Ribbon, Ticket Corner Punch, White Sticky Dots, CB Folder