Birthday blossoms

This card is full of dimension and texture and will soon be winging its way across the U.S. to wish a very special friend a happy 60th birthday.  It was inspired by the one seen here.

To the green card base I added Studio 490 translucent embossing paste through TH stencil 061.  Once dry I smudged various brown distress inks over the paste to make it pop.

The doily was die cut from inexpensive watercolor paper using Sizzix 661497.  LOVE the new tool that helps get out the little paper bits left in the die!  I was hesitant to order it as the denture brush I've been using works okay but on these more intricate dies this tool is awesome!  Antique Linen and Old Paper distress inks were smushed onto my work surface and misted so I could drag the doily through them.  Once dry I adhered it to the card front using Multi Medium - but only in the center so the edges would be free.

I applied silver metal foil tape (from the heating and air conditioning aisle at the local home improvement store) to a scrap of chip board.  Die cut using Sizzix Watering Can 660235.  Alcohol inks (Pebble, Slate, Mushroom, Rust, Pitch Black) and blending solution were pounced over the pieces.

Using a tiny label I pressed it into the rest of the doily ink mix, scrunched it up, unscrunched and let it dry.  The numbers were in my 'tovers jar, colored with Black Soot archival ink and glued down before the tag was wrapped around the handle of the watering can.

The flowers (Stampers Anonymous  CMS269) were stamped in Jet Black archival ink on mixed media cardstock and colored with distress markers (Shaded Lilac, Wilted Violet, Dusty Concord, Broken China, Tumbled Glass, Mermaid Lagoon, Twisted Citron, Crushed Olive, Forest Moss, Wild Honey, Carved Pumpkin, Rusty Hinge, Vintage Photo, Ground Espresso).  So glad there's a matching die (Sizzix 661613) as I am not fond of fussy cutting!

I fiddled with placement of the flowers then added several very narrow upright strips of green cardstock behind them.  Multi Medium was used to glue down the flowers and foam tape was added to the back for more dimension. 

From another scrap of green cardstock I stamped 'happy birthday' using Ground Espresso and Black Soot (just at the edges of the letters) archival inks.  More brown distress ink was wiped along the edges of the banner.  A smaller scrap was added to the back to raise it up.

Happy 60th birthday, MB!

Remember this

New stamps from Studio 490!  New enamel accents that I won on Wendy's blog!  New Studio 490 stencils!

The top layer of the card is a #8 manila tag cut down.  The images (SISI Leaves & Berries) were stamped in Watering Can archival ink.  Whatever colors (green, orange) were on my blending foam worked perfectly for the green-colored base card.  The pinked layer is watercolor cardstock colored with Wild Honey distress ink.

The message (Trademark Art SCS132) was stamped in Jet Black archival ink.  Through the Square Grate stencil I added random squares using Tumbled Glass distress ink.  The border stamp was inked with Wild Honey and randomly placed on the card.  Scattered across the small stripes are tiny dots of Forget Me Not enamel accents.

This birthday card is headed to Rio de Janeiro where our first exchange student lives with her husband and 2 children.  Happy birthday, Dani!

Sending a special card...

Here's an example of the Distress Oxide inks (Peeled Paint, Fossilized Amber, Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick) on lesser quality watercolor paper over a background image (Studio 490 Just Say It WVBG026) that had been stamped in Ranger's Watermark ink.  I used a plastic canvas to guide the black dots (Sakura black gelly pen) surrounding the card front.

The floral image (Studio 490 Flowers For Art SCS136) was stamped in Jet Black archival ink on mixed media card stock and colored with distress markers (Mustard Seed, Carved Pumpkin, Candied Apple, Twisted Citron, Crushed Olive, Peeled Paint) using a waterbrush.

A bit of black replacement window screen provide a nice backdrop for the flower (which I cut out leaving a tiny white border for better visibility).  I punched out a bow (Sizzix 660163) and a narrow strip from mixed media cardstock and colored them using the distress markers and waterbrush. 

Studio 490 enamel accents (Sunflower, Potting Soil) were added to the flower's center for dimension and interest.

Happy birthday, my friend!

I have found that this inexpensive watercolor paper is only good for backgrounds and such as any detailed coloring is lost to bleeding.  Distress Oxide inks are terrific on Ranger's heavy duty cardstock.  I've also tried them on glassine (remember that?) and was pleased with the results. 

I'm here fur you!

cardstock (gray, tan, mixed media)

distress ink (Hickory Smoke, Pumice Stone, Weathered Wood)

archival ink (Shadow Grey)

distress markers

uniball silver pen, Pitt artist pen - black

Stampers Anonymous stencil THMS003

Stampers Anonymous stamps (Sideshow CMS263, Crazy Dogs CS271)

Sizzix die (Crazy Dogs 661593)

I hand-lettered the message.  Inside I wrote 'rain or shine' and used the Stampers Anonymous rays stencil above the message.

Hello friend

Distress oxides on heavy duty cardstock make up the gorgeous (I think!) card front.  I used Fired Brick, Fossilized Amber, Vintage Photo and Spiced Marmalade.  The piece was run through an embossing folder (Notebook Paper by The Paper Studio) then slightly sanded so the lines would show up better.  The edge was punched using an EKSuccess border punch (Binding Edge PL8002).

The next layer is the reverse side of the package insert from a Studio 490 stencil.  Two laurel branches (Sizzix) were cut from the same layer.  The peach mini label (Sizzix 657214) was edged with Vintage Photo distress ink and overstamped with a text stamp (unknown manufacturer). 

The bird was stamped on mixed media cardstock in Black Soot archival ink and colored with distress markers (Twisted Citron, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge, Vintage Photo, Worn Lipstick).  The sentiment is from Sizzix 561218 (framelits/texture fade w/ stamps) and stamped (BSai) on a scrap from the same larger D-ox/m-m cardstock piece.  It, too, is on a scrap of stencil insert.  The card base is Bazzil cardstock.

I have quite a few advertising magnets that were just begging to be repurposed.  This one was covered in glassine paper (remember it?) that had been treated to a range of Distress Oxide inks before being wadded up.  At this point I smeared Vintage Photo archival ink over the wrinkles then smoothed it out and heat set.  Double stick tape was used to adhere the glassine to the magnet.  IRL it looks like real stone.  (YAY!)  The stamp (one of Tim's new ones) was stamped in Jet Black archial ink and heat set.

Happy birthday to a California girl!

I won a full set of Enamel Accents!!!

Not long ago I won a full set of enamel accents on Wendy Vecchi's blog, Studio 490.  I created this card to say 'thank you'.  These are so much fun to play with and I have so many ideas floating in my head...can't wait to try them all!

The base and blue-green layer are Bazzill cardstocks.  The top layer is mixed media cardstock and was just a 'playing around with ink and paints' kind of background.  I ran it through a Sizzix checkerboard embossing folder.  At this point I tried Wendy's Embossed Foil Technique...cool!  You'll have to check out her blog to see how it's done.

I used a scrap of the same background and die cut a heart (Sizzix Heart Wings) and stamped the sentiment (Stampers Anonymous SCS110 Art Comforts) in Black Soot archival ink.  Around the edges I dotted enamel accents (Sunflower, Cactus Flower, Garden Patina).

Additional ingredients not listed above: unknown roll of foil sheets, gold mesh, Studio 490 tag art stencil (on base card - Garden Patina, Sunflower archival inks)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Using 140# watercolor cardstock I created my own plaid with flat paint brushes and distress inks and stains (Forest Moss, Shabby Shutters, Mustard Seed, Hickory Smoke).  I didn't always dry each color thoroughly before moving on to the next but I think that added to the look.  When I had the page completely covered in plaid, I misted it lightly and let it dry overnight.

I squished Black Soot distress stain on my non-stick craft sheet and added plenty of water.  Using my splatter brush I picked up enough color to randomly flick across the page.

I cut the cardstock to size and used a corner punch for the four corners.  The next layer is green and both rest upon a white A-2 card base.  More of the green cardstock was die cut using an old Sizzix shamrock die (38-0702) then misted with Perfect Pearls Mist in Heirloom Gold.

The sentiment (My Sentiments Exactly O295) was stamped slightly left of center in Jet Black archival ink. 

May your troubles be less,

and your blessings be more,

and nothing but happiness

come through your door.

A bouquet of pretty posies

Friends recently sent me a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers.  This was the card I sent each of them to acknowledge their lovely gesture of support*. 

watercolor cardstock, green, blue-green cardstock

distress inks (Spiced Marmalade, Iced Spruce, Abandoned Coral, Twisted Citron, Peacock Feathers, Mowed Lawn)

enamel accents (Leaf Green, Sunflower, Potting Soil)

Rubber Stamp Tapestry: Creekside Garden FAB 3608

Sizzix: Celebration Words: Script 660223

*On the home front, we're facing new challenges.  A few days ago my husband decided to stop all cancer treatments and accept palliative (supportive health) care to make his remaining time here on earth as best he could.  While we've discussed it over the years almost to ad nauseum, saying it out loud and publicly made it real.  Kind of like getting hit in the face with a 2x4.  Wham!

Be original

LOVE the new Hipsters stamps from Stampers Anonymous!!! And can't wait for the dies to come out in May...yay!

Green cardstock, watercolor cardstock, plaid background (will be featured on 3/17 blog post)

Stampers Anonymous Hipster CMS288, CMS 236 Crazy Talk

Studio 490 mini brick stencil (new from Creativation 2017)

Ranger: distress inks (Iced Spruce, Rusty Hinge); distress markers (Mustard Seed, Wild Honey, Twisted Citron, Peeled Paint, Spiced Marmalade, Carved Pumpkin); Jet Black archival ink

Sizzix:  Ornate Frame #2

Sakura Black Micron pen, size #01


This birthday card is headed to northern Illinois.  The recipient looks quite similar to the bird so it's a perfect choice for the birthday boy.

Distress oxide inks on different mediums

So I've been playing around a tiny bit with Tim Holtz's new Distress Oxide inks by Ranger.  I only have these colors - Fossilized Amber, Fired Brick, Spiced Marmalade, Peeled Paint, Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain - because I was pretty sure from Creativation demos that I wanted them more for the organic look they could/would create.  Love the look of stone, moss, rust, etc. and these are perfect for masculine cards or creating embellishments.

I tried them on Ranger's black tags.  YUK!  And double YUK!  The tags completely bleached out and despite numerous layers of color I still got nothing.  Perhaps if I had the other colors they would make a difference.  I do have them on order so that retrial will be upcoming.

So I brought out 3 surfaces I haven't used in quite some time, one was a 'never used this before' product (Sizzix leather sheets).  First up is glassine.  Remember it? 

I used Spiced Marmalade, Fossilized Amber, Peeled Paint distress oxides for this glassine sample.

Because this surface isn't very porous it took a bit more to heat set the colors before I could mist it.  I reached the point I was happy with the result then crumpled it up and gently rubbed Walnut Stain over the top, heat set, then hit it with water.  Love the mossy look of the Peeled Paint droplets!



Next up are Sizzix leather sheets.  I figured they would be great for the distress inks but not so sure how the oxides would appear.  The distress inks are on the left, the oxides on the right.  I used Fired Brick, Fossilized Amber, Spiced Marmalade and Walnut Stain. A subtle difference and am happy with both.

I will definitely be using these to make flowers, leaves, etc. as the sheets are super pliable, soft but sturdy.

These are scraps of Ranger's woodgrain cardstock.  Again, the left features distress ink, the right is the oxide.  I only used Vintage Photo.  I am in love with the one on the right...so much more depth of color!






I hope you've enjoyed seeing my trials and hearing about my tribulations on this new ink.  They really 'shine' on Ranger's heavy duty cardstock so I made sure to get plenty of that on hand for future efforts.

I see you're another year older!

Happy birthday to a very good friend and our former attorney back in New Jersey!  This character looks a bit like him..not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing!  lol

Gray, orange, watercolor cardstocks

Marvy wet looks embossing marker (black)

Ranger:  clear embossing powder; Jet Black archival ink; distress crayons (Antique Linen, Rusty Hinge); distress ink (Frayed Burlap, Ground Espresso); Distress Oxide inks (Vintage Photo, Spiced Marmalade, Fossilized Amber, Walnut Stain); distress embossing powder (Antique Linen, Rusty Hinge); black embossing paste

Stampers Anonymous CMS288 Hipster; mini stencils (010, 072, 074)

Sakura Black Micron pen, size #01

Sentiment (Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers now belongs to Stamp Francisco - I think)

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This was my second attempt using the new Distress Oxide inks.  I haven't found them to be the most friendly for me...yet.  I did buy just a few colors as I liked the organic look (mossy, rusty, stony) that they could lend to my art.  They are okay on decent watercolor cardstock, terrible on Ranger's black tags, and pitiful on cheap watercolor paper.

Love

My first attempt playing with Tim Holtz' new Distress Oxide inks. Hmmmm...we'll see.

Here is the result on mixed media cardstock using Peeled Paint, Fired Brick, Vintage Photo and Fossilized Amber Dox inks.  So far, so good.

In this photo I've used the same colors but in distress inks and applied them through the new #077 Stampers Anonymous stencil.  I drew around the images using a Sakura black Micron pen, size #01 to accentuate them.  Using scraps of the same green cardstock as the base I cut out the word 'love' (Sizzix Handwritten Love 660218) and a lace strip (Sizzix 661499).

Happy 18th anniversary to my mom and step-dad!

Thank you, doc!

My brother-in-law is my husband's primary care physician.  Getting Walt to the doctor is quite the effort these days so I was beyond thrilled when he said he would see him on a Saturday morning to take care of some minor issues.  He also makes house calls (either here or there) so he's super special!

Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers (now offered by Stamp Francisco I believe) is the creator of all the images.  I stamped them on cheap watercolor paper (won't do that again...way too much bleedability) with Hickory Smoke archival ink.  The doctors were stamped on a separate sheet and cut out then had Hickory Smoke distress ink run around the edges to create more dimension than just using foam tape underneath them.

The images were colored using distress ink (Tattered Rose, Candied Apple, Fired Brick, Blueprint Sketch, Faded Jeans, Cracked Pistachio, and Lucky Clover).  'Thank you' was stamped in Hickory Smoke archival ink as well.  It's from Stampers Anonymous CMS236 'Crazy Talk'.

The top layer was also edged with Hickory Smoke distress ink before adhering it to a neutral card base.  Here I didn't care so much about the bleed factor (kind of appropriate given the nature of the card).

If you have a professional whatever in your family you know how handy they can be in your time of need.  Having that 'in' with them can be useful and we try very hard not to abuse that privilege.