Use your S**t challenge - glitter

Oh, how I dislike glitter.  And now I like it even less.  I forgot to turn off the ceiling fan so when I pulled out several jars (that either hadn't been closed tightly or had excess on top of the shakers) my room became rather sparkly.  Heavy, heavy sigh.

I decided to make a one-page layout showing my feelings about glitter.  I painted on the plaid (unknown paint) freehand.  Can you tell?  lol  Two Sizzix ornaments were die cut, one with the word 'joy' out of black cardstock.  The 'joy' one was run covered with double-sided tape first so the glitter would adhere best (I hope!).  My sentiment was die cut using Tim's new alpha thinlits dies and black paper.  Once on the page I drew around them with a Sharpie to echo the message.  Additionally, I scribbled 'I hate glitter!' across the upper right hand edge.





I had a new sunflower die (unknown manufacturer) that was itching to be used.  The sample I had seen had watercolor paper inserts but I wanted to see if I could 'paint' with glitter.  Turns out I can.  Not sure how the green stayed completely within the lines.  But I like it and that's all that matters!

The glitters I used were Martha Stewart and the rest weren't labeled any longer.  That's how long I've had them.  lol

A rose for you

Gold and white vellum; white cardstock; watercolor cardstock

Krylon gold webbing spray, gold leaf marker

Unknown rose die (cut 3 and layered for dimension) then covered with Glossy Accents

Distress oxide inks: Worn Lipstick, Cracked Pistachio, Peeled Paint

Martha Stewart border punch

In symathy

Sympathy cards can often be difficult to create, especially over the holidays.  A friend and neighbor just lost her mom this week and I couldn't just send a message via Facebook.  I pulled out my 'go to' stamps but I wasn't feeling them.  So I pulled out a new background stamp (Halftone & Rings CMS260) and inked it up with Bundled Sage distress ink and stamped it onto mixed media cardstock.  Mist with water and heat set.  Hmmm, I have an idea.  Smoosh Tattered Rose distress ink onto my nonstick craft sheet and mist with more water.  Drag, drop, and pounce the new layer into this heat setting along the way.  I think this will work!

Two more sheets of mixed media cardstock...one to drag through Bundled Sage and water, the other through Tattered Rose and water.  I pulled out the Tattered Poinsettia bigz die (658261) and cut out several layers of the poinsettia from the appropriately colored mixed media cardstock.  The yellow center I cut from another scrap (Scattered Straw).

I inked up the Textured Poinsettia texture fade (658270) using the same 3 inks...but separately running the layers through the Big Shot.  A bit of Old Paper distress ink was added to the edges of the poinsettia layers as well as the top layer of the card.

The pale green layer was also edged in Old Paper distress ink.  Pink Clay silk craft seam binding (Martha Stewart) was wrapped around these layers.  The sentiment (My Sentiments Exactly S146-IO) was inked in Watering Can archival ink.  The A2 base layer is Cream Puff (Bazzill) cardstock.

I really like how the pale palette turned out.  The poinsettia reflects her loss at Christmas.  The medium gray archival ink was perfect and not too overpowering.

My cards always go out in coordinating envelopes.  Not wanting to use a poinsettia stamp and confuse or lessen the reason for the card I used the negative of the die cut to stencil the poinsettia on to the envelope using the same distress inks.  Heat set then apply a light coat of micro glaze to protect it from the elements.  Nothing like having ink run on the envelope, totally destroying the image.

“Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim”

“May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”   To all my Jewish family and friends, "Happy New Year!"

Ranger: Adirondack acrylic paints (Cranberry, Raisin, Espresso, Butterscotch, Terra Cotta, Pesto, Metallic Pearl); Glossy Accents: Multi Medium-Matte; Texture Paste-Transparent Gloss; Faded Jeans distress ink

Sizzix: alphanumeric 3/4" thinlits dies

Studio 490: Vintage Quilt Stencil

Miscellaneous:  Carta Bella Apple Slice Die set; Floracraft-Diamond Dust; Martha Stewart border punch; Bazzill cardstock-blue; white cardstock

Note 1:  the apple and honey were white cardstock that was painted with the appropriate colored acrylic paints.

Note 2:  Diamond Dust was a bit large and chunky but I hope it looks like real sugar and gets the message to the recipient that they are wished a sweet new year.

Celebrating World Card Making Day!

I haven't always been able to participate but this year I did in a rather large way.  A very good friend retired yesterday from his position as a head librarian from an upstate NJ college.  Since we couldn't be with him to celebrate I created an 8-panel accordion fold card to acknowledge his new status of 'retiree'.  Got this finished just in time to get this in the mail before our local station closed at noon.

The font was computer-generated (AR Christy I think on the Printmaster 15 application). Here's a list of everything I used:  washi tape; fire hydrant stamp (Kathy Davis); watercolor pencils; Strathmore Mixed Media cardstock; distress inks; distress markers; archival inks; Stampers Anonymous mini stencils 003, 013; Stampers Anonymous stamp sets 064, 094, 212, 237, 250, 251, 271, 272; Sizzix dies 660953 Crazy Things, 661593 Crazy Dogs, 661209 Crazy Cats, 660949 Mini Bird Crazy & Things, 661594 Mini Crazy Cats & Dogs, 657469 Holiday Lamppost, 38-0289 Baseball Gear, 658252 Cobblestones; Martha Stewart ice cream punch (aka 'flower pot'); Studio 490 Cracked Brick Wall stamp WVBG031, Card Art Sentiments SCS146

Tag, you're it!

I periodically swap tags with a Canadian friend.  Here are the latest ones I sent.

#8 black tag (don't know why it looks blue), Close To My Heart white pigment ink, Inkadinkado stamp 8384K, Ranger White Distress Ink, colored pencils, Tim Holtz mini tag 002, Stampers Anonymous 'Flower Garden' stamp set

#8 manilla tag, Sizzix Wildflower dies, Jet Black Archival Ink, Penny Black stamp 2706F, Stampers Anonymous Blocks stencil, colored pencils, watercolor paper, distress markers, pink cotton thread

#8 manila tag, Gesso, distress crayons, Jet Black Archival Ink, Distress Collage Medium - Crazing, Sizzix Mixed Media #3 and Wildflowers, Inkadinkado stamp 8388J, Martha Stewart punches (rabbit, butterfly)

#8 manila tag, Sizzix texture fade (Airmail) and mini movers & shapers dies (feather, butterfly, airplane), HVAC tape, distress paint (Broken China, Black Soot), Sakura white gelly roll pen and black Micron pens, Inkadinkado stamp 8366L

Just a bit of creativity to share with you!

Happy birthday!

I saw a card on Pinterest and knew that I had to recreate it.  It can be traced back to der-creative-wahnsinn.blogspot.com...but I didn't do so directly.  My plan was not to copy directly so I didn't need to see any directions she might have shared.

Stampers Anonymous:  Flower Garden, Simple Sayings

Sizzix:  Celebration Words: Script

Ranger:  Jet Black archival ink, distress markers

Bazzill cardstocks

Martha Stewart butterfly punch

Misc.:  twine, copper eyelets, watercolor cardstock

I stamped the left and right flowers then stamped off another image on scrap paper to create a mask.  The original card only had 2 flowers and I wanted to have a third one.  Once the card front was finished I used the distress marker spritzer and added tiny black spots all over it.

Coneflowers always bring a smile to my face...especially when I see male goldfinches enjoying their seeds.

Technique remix - May

Are you following along with Tim Holtz' technique remix concept this year?  This month's inspiration and instructions can be found here.  I've been able to spot quite a few birds at our feeders the past few weeks and felt this was the perfect opportunity to showcase one of the most common harbingers of spring...the robin.

Here are some of the items I used to create my version:  tissue tape, CMS181 Nature Walk, archival inks (Monarch Orange, Watering Can, Jet Black, Tree Branch, Coffee, Potting Soil), Texture Paste, mini stencil 003 (rays), distress inks (Barn Door, Peeled Paint), Sizzix Tiny Tattered Florals and Alphabetical, scraps of Shabby Chic double sided cardstock, Adornments (bird), Martha Stewart branch punch, distress stains/sprays (Wild Honey, Abandoned Coral, Mustard Seed, Fossilized Amber, Twisted Citron, Lucky Clover, Mermaid Lagoon, Pistachio), muslin strips, Perfect Pearls Mist (Heirloom Gold)

Within a 15 minute time period one day last week I spotted the following birds at our various feeders...male and female ruby-throated hummingbirds, male and female downy woodpeckers, blue jays, male and female cardinals, oriole, catbird, wrens, sparrows, male and female red-winged blackbirds, grackles, male and female bronze-headed cowbirds, white crowned sparrows, red-bellied woodpecker, mourning doves, nuthatch, and a rose-breasted grosbeak.

At any given time we can also find these birds in our backyard...indigo buntings, male and female goldfinches, pileated woodpecker, tufted titmouse, black-capped chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, mockingbirds, northern flickers, and red-tailed hawks. 

It's not a wonder I don't get much done during the day...I'd much prefer watching nature's tv!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I love decorating my vintage potato masher for the holidays!  It rests on doilies (also coordinated with the seasons) that my grandmother made.  My mom won't relinquish grandma's masher so I had to go buy my own.

*Sizzix:  Bow-Tied, Spring Greenery, Tiny Tattered Florals
*Ranger:  distress paint, stains (Peeled Paint, Mowed Lawn, Crushed Olive, Cracked Pistachio)
*Martha Stewart punches (fern, small branch)

I plopped, smeared and distressed all the Ranger products all over one #8 tag.  From that I was able to cut out all seven flowers and managed to master the little coiling tool that comes with the dies.  Yay!  A one inch wide band was put on the handle first and the layers built up on it.  I want to be able to change it out for another spring look soon.

The counted cross-stitch heart I made many, many moons ago and have one for each month.  Sometimes I just add a simple bow to the handle but when I got my Mini Tattered Florals die I knew immediately what I was going to do first.

Remember...

we'll be attending local Veterans Day services at our grade school and the outdoor community service in the evening (weather permitting...strong storms and tornadoes possible).  I haven't been able to get a poppy from the local veterans group so I made my own using Stampers Anonymous 'Flower Garden' CMS215 stamp set. 

The poppy-looking stamp was inked with Jet Black Archival Ink and stamped on crinoline several times.  Various red and orange distress inks were used to color the images.  I cut them all apart so I would have layers to stack and make the flower dimensional.  The center was colored with green and black distress markers.

From more crinoline (added a layer of paper for support) I punched out 2 oak leaves and inked them up with green distress markers.  On white card stock I stamped the word 'remember' from an old Uptown Rubber Stamp sentiment in Jet Black Archival Ink.  I went around the edge of the banner with a bit of brown distress ink. 

Hot glue keeps it all together on top of a paper base and will be pinned to my sweater. 

Let us never forget anyone who has served 

or 

is currently serving 

their country. 

Altered puzzle - the last pieces

I can't believe another challenge has ended.  This one was for altered puzzle pieces.

13a

13b

13a
--Ranger:  distress paints (Dusty Concord, Milled Lavender, Shaded Lilac), archival inks (Jet Black, Potting Soil, Deep Purple), Glossy Accents
--misc.: cork paper, white cardstock scrap, Krylon 18kt Gold Leafing Pen
--Stamps: wine varieties background, cork (Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers), wine! (Ann-ticipations 9845E)

13b
--Ranger:  distress paints (Fossilized Amber, Abandoned Coral, Mermaid Lagoon), archival inks (Jet Black), watercolor paper, Glossy Accents
--stamps:  books (Anita's), text (Art Impressions P-2125)
--Martha Stewart: butterfly punch
--misc.:  white cardstock scrap, vellum, foam tape

My puzzle had 25 pieces so I used it as my title page.  On the last piece (lower right hand corner) I painted it with several coats of Antique Linen Distress Paint.  Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink was lightly applied around the edges then spritzed with water and dried.  Potting Soil Archival Ink was added around the edge and heat sealed.  I found an old Stampendous clear stamp (Journal Border SSC605) and stamped it in Cornflower Blue Archival Ink.  'Favorite', from an old Inque Boutique stamp set, was inked in Jet Black Archival Ink.  The rest of my title was handwritten using a Sakura Micron Black pen, #05.

It also came with its own frame so I altered it as well.  I applied a generous coat of gesso to seal in the bright, colorful colors then covered that with lots of brown distress paints (Brushed Corduroy, Vintage Photo, Tea Dye, and Gathered Twigs).  I used Tim Holtz' Woodgrain stamp and Potting Soil and Tree Branch Archival Inks to make the frame look like it was real wood.  IRL you'd think it was!  Success!

Finished puzzle

Before alterations

2015 calendar page techniques

In the past I've followed Ink Stains with Roni on creating technique-heavy calendar pages.  When I saw her recent post that she would be doing this once again I couldn't wait. 

Here's my rendition for January.

I cut my arch from chipboard using Sizzix Gothic Arch die 658569.  I found a downloadable calendar that actually created two sets at once so I can make a second calendar if I choose.

Gesso; blue sprays; Jet Black Archival Ink; Ann-ticipation stamp 9346G; Icicle Stickles; FloraCraft 'Diamond Dust'; Glossy Accents; Adirondack markers; Martha Stewart snowflake punch; blue distress ink

I can't wait to see what technique Roni chooses for February!

Tag assortment

Here are a few tags I recently created to send to a friend who lives north of the border.  The tags were entirely my own ideas...usually I've at least perused Pinterest for a jumping off point.

Dylusions sprays (Calypso Teal, London Blue, After Midnight); vellum; Sizzix Thinlits dies (Paper Snowflakes 660059); Jet Black Archival Ink; Martha Stewart snowflake punch; Stickles; black machine stitching

By stamping on vellum and stitching it over the base tag, the dark background around the snowflakes is still quite visible but muted so the message stands out.

Stampers Anonymous stencils (arrows, stripes, schoolhouse); lime, turquoise Sharpies; misc. card stock; Stampers Anonymous Phrases 2 stamp; Sizzix mini M & S jalopy die; clear embossing ink & powder; Black Fude Ball pen

I first drew around each arrow with the Black Fude Ball Pen.  Left the stencil in place and overlayed it with the arrows stencil and drew around it in turquoise.  Removed that stencil and overlayed the arrow stencil with the Schoolhouse stencil and drew around it with the lime Sharpie.  I'm a terrible doodler left to my own devices!

Black #8 tag; white pigment ink; white embossing powder; Stampers Anonymous snowflake CMS066 and snowman CS067; Sizzix mini branch die; Martha Stewart fern punch; Hero Arts alphabet stamps; white card stock; Jet Black Archival Ink; White Enamel Accents; Orange/Brown Sharpies; Glossy Accents; Sizzix Typewritten dec. strip die

Studio 490 translucent embossing paste; red/brown distress inks; Stampers Anonymous hearts stencil; Sizzix mini cupid; Die-namites Dies 'Love Heart' DN-1008; Brushed Pewter distress stain; Black Marble Dylusions spray; Black Enamel Accents; tissue wrap; Glue n' Seal; black card stock

December cards

Here are a few cards I made for birthdays and anniversaries this month.

Inspiration came from Pinterest (http://inkyfingeredcarol.blogspot.com/2013/07)

Unknown double-sided card stock; white card stock; sentiment in Jet Black Archival Ink; Sizzix Retro Packages (660037)

White card stock; Bazzill card stocks; unknown black & white decorative paper; Wishes debossing folder + white pigment ink; Martha Stewart button punch; corner rounder; red fiber

Inspiration came from Pinterest.
http://hellostamper.blogspot.co.uk (10 Oct 2013)

Another Stamp Company sentiment in Red Geranium Archival Ink; white card stock; tan card stock; red Bazzill card stock; twine; brown card stock scraps and Sizzix Bird Branch die (657833); handheld heart hole punch





I love using Pinterest for ideas!  Some times I follow the cards rather closely, other times more for a springboard of my own ideas.

Reflections

The twelfth Altered Playing Card challenge is all about reflections.  First I need to discover what I like about myself; secondly, things I am thankful for.  Wow, I think this is harder for me than it is to actually create some art.

On both cards:  decorative card stock, doodled around the edges, drawn journaling lines (brown Sharpie).  Sizzix/TH alpha die leftovers covered with Black Enamel Accents.  Martha Stewart maple leaf punch.  Black Sharpie to add my reflections.

Thank you, Claudine, for another push to make a piece of art!  They may be small but I do feel good when they're done and I can say I've accomplished something.

More altered playing cards

It's week 10 and the theme is quirky and whimsical.  I wouldn't say this is my style but it was rather fun to dabble in the process.

By the numbers...

Distress paints (Broken China, Mowed Lawn, Weathered Wood) over gesso

Paper Artsy stamp (Dolls-Plate 1); SA Clear Stamps (Phrases 2 HC006)

Jet Black Archival Ink

Black and white permanent pens

Get in touch...

Claudine Hellmuth paints (Landscape Green, Classic Teal) over gesso

Paper Artsy stamp (Dolls-Plate 1)

Jet Black Archival Ink

Black and white permanent pens

Martha Stewart Floral Lace Edge Punch

Sizzix Packages & Bows die #558768


All the details on how Claudine created her cards can be found on her blog.  Thanks for the push to go way outside my box, Claudine!

Altered Playing Cards - weeks 1 and 2

Claudine recently started an Altered Playing Cards challenge.  She's taking a deck of cards and creating 2 cards per week so this challenge will take a while.  You'll have to check out her blog to see all the rules and regulations. 

The first week she prepped the deck of cards.  Weeks 2 and 3 have been posted so please check her blog for all those details and her samples.  I loosely followed her tutorials.

Gesso; Dylusions sprays (Fresh Lime, Campso Teal); Sizzix Townscape OTE die; Hero Arts JS153 sentiment; Martha Stewart Coneflower punch (sun); Stampers Anonymous Purely Random (text on sun); Jet Black Archival Ink, Glossy Accents, distress inks; Sakura Jelly Roll White Pen; black, yellow cardstock scraps

Gesso; Dylusions sprays (Bubblegum Pink, After Midnight); Hero Arts stars and sentiment; Poppy Stamps (little girl 217C); Jet Black Archival Ink, distress markers; watercolor paper; silver & black cardstock scraps; ekSuccess star punch; silver & black Sharpies; Tsukineko Encore Silver Metallic ink



I think this will be a fun challenge and so simple...at least thus far.  Surely I can find my mojo for 2 small canvases each week!

Halloween sights

Halloween is just 8 weeks away!  And it falls smack dab in the middle of my favorite time of year...FALL!  Love the colors, sights and sounds...reds, oranges, yellows all touched by a bit of brown....mounds of leaves recently raked, mums and pumpkins by the front door...the crackling leaves as you scuffle through them, nuts falling from the trees, the cheers from the football fans....ah, I love FALL!!!

I've created this Halloween piece to fulfill the requirements by 2 month-long fall-themed challenges.  The first is by Die-namites Dies and the second is for eclectic Paperie.  Both are offering $25 gift certificates to their stores.  DD requires that you use at least one of their dies in your piece, use their sketch; there's an additional challenge to incorporate the dare.

Without further ado....

Overall size:  8.5" x 8.5"

Die-namites dies:  Leafy Branch DN-1046, Knobby Branch DN-1048, Summer Branch DN-1056
Canvas Corp.: Black & Ivory Ribbon Strip cardstock, Spooky Word on Ivory cardstock
Martha Stewart: fence, dripping blood border punches
Ranger: Glossy Accents, Black Soot Distress Glitter, Spiced Marmalade Distress Crackle Paint, Spiced Marmalade Distress Stickles, distress inks & stains, Biscotti Perfect Pearls Mist, Jet Black Archival Ink
Sizzix:  mini movers & shapers spider, arch frame, Pattern & Stitches border embossing folder
Stampers Anonymous:  Apothecary stamp set CMS138, layering stencils (Halloween, shatter)
Core'dinations: Black Magic color core cardstock
Misc.: buttons, silk ribbon,

I love the look of layering the three Die-namites into very dimensional fall trees.  With the middle layer using core'dinations color core (orange with black surface) there's an added layer of color when the edges have been sanded.

Pewter Distress stain coated the back of the shatter layering stencil then placed it around the edges of the black base.  The image left behind is a bit shimmery but not shiny had I used silver distress paint.

Hope you get your fall colors on soon!

National Sister's Day

Today is National Sister's Day!  I have 2 super sisters that I am recognizing today. 

The Art Impressions 'Gossip Ladies' were stamped in Jet Black Archival Ink on watercolor paper and colored with distress markers.  The fern leaf and flowers are Martha Stewart punches and were cut from pink and green vellum scraps.  The bow is also from Martha Stewart when she had the line out a few years ago.

The floral layer is a scrap I had; the 2 pink layers are Bazzill cardstock.

Sisters...different flowers from the same garden.  Love you, S2 and S3!

I am S1.  Our husbands are W1, W2 and W3.  Yes, my siblings' names all begin with 's' and we all married men whose names began with 'w'.  Makes it easy to sign your name when you just write 'sw1'.  lol

First time home owner

Recently my oldest niece purchased her first home.  Guess that means she's all grown up now, doesn't it?  Oh heavy sigh.  I remember when she was little and the only one.  Now I'm the proud aunt of 7.  One just got his masters, one is in med school (4th year), one is working on her masters, two are art teachers, one is in banking and the youngest will be a senior in high school this fall.

White Bazzill cardstock, misc. scraps of colored cardstock

Sizzix window die; Die-Namites 'Leafy Flourish' die (cut apart); Martha Stewart punches (border = window treatment, flower, ice cream cone - cone = flower pot)

Jody Poesy sentiment (no longer in business)

Jet Black Archival Ink by Ranger

I helped my niece move from her rental home.  Never let it be said that red-headed sisters, 4 daughters/nieces can't move an entire house full of furniture and stuff (lots and lots of this!!) by themselves in a mini van, trailer and SUV.  We rock!