Friday, April 27, 2012

Bunny Hugs

I once designed some stamps for a company that is now out of business. This bunny didn't make it into a set, so I decided to print him out and make a card with him. This is a Get Well card, as it says, "Take Care of You" inside.



 I used paper from Melissa Frances, and Memory Box. The Cardstock is vitage CTMH. My bunny was colored with Prismacolor Markers. (My Prismacolor Pencils arrive tomorrow...I can't wait!)


Martha Stewart punches, which I purchase on HSN, were used to make the corners lacey, and I melted the ribbon with my heat tool to make it look vintage. I stamp inside is from H&M Stamps.


Sunday, April 22, 2012

Sense and Stamp-ability

AHHH...I have enjoyed coloring again. Now, back to my distressing comfort zone.

Using "Pears" from Flourishes, I made a vintage-look card. I used all my favorite techniques, plus some I haven't tried in years.  It's all coming back to me! Oh! I also made some paper flowers!

Here's the card:

I used paper from the valise collection by memorybox. I scraped the edges, then layered on four squares of stamped cs, using a random stamping effect. I chalked the images on these squares, and inked the edges.



I stamped the pears and sentiment on black cs with Versamark, and embossed them with clear powder. I then chalked these images in white. I smeared some Distress Stickles across the image. A torn frame made of old B&T from CTMH, which I brayered with SU River Rock ink, finishes the piece. I also trimmed every piece of this card in  Distress Ink in "Broken China".


Now this is cool...Water distressed paper flowers, easy to make, yet so incredibly different and beautiful. I found the idea here. I attached the bloom with a brad.


Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to check out my gallery...Bev 

Finally Got Me Some Flourishes Stamps!

I have been in denial.
I love to color...I always have. When I was a kid I was the one who had to shade every coloring book picture, starting with outlining.  Sometimes I would just outline.

Then, I took some painting classes as an adult, and became the granny who can really color!

I used to sell stamping and scrapbooking supplies for a company who sells lots of colorful ink pads. Naturally I had EVERY color, and the markers and paper and cardstock to match. I STILL have a lot of cs and b&t paper (have you figured out which company I was a consultant for yet?), but the ink pads, stamps and markers are long gone ( some were left behind, some were donated to our stamping group here where I live).

It's very interesting when you are free to use anything from any company. On one hand, you are excited to experiment and SHOP...on the other hand, you are so entrenched in your old ways, that you tend to be a bit close-minded...at least that is what has been my thorn-in-the-flesh.

Anyway...

I was so used to using all those ink pads and solid image stamps, that the thought of purchasing stamps I had to color in was something I refused to give into.  I searched online for solid stamp images, and even found one on a site from the old company I represented...a small set of an apple, cherries and a peach. (what company is that?) I haven't even used it!

The other day, I decided to check out Flourishes.org. I LOVE their stamps. I bought 2 sets, and now I color...and am loving it. I don't know why I fought against coloring for so long, since I have been doing it since I was a kid. I purchased some Prismacolor markers a couple of years ago, and haven't used them much...just to color in bulletin board art for my Preschool class in 2009.


Here is my first card made with Flourishes and Prismacolor markers:







You can view the scanned image of this and all my cards in my gallery at Splitcoast Stampers
I used ribbon from that old company, and some new Martha Stewart punches I got on QVC.
I love to distress, so most of my cards don't get far without some sponging or sanding!

I am working on another card...I am using my Prismacolor markers, but yesterday I ordered some Prismacolor Pencils...not watercolor pencils. Just the soft premier pencils. They will work together with the markers, or alone.

Here is my next card so far...


I added the dot details with the fine tip on the Prismacolor markers...what fun! Now I need to pick out paper to make the image pop. As I work, the layout will become clear to me, as well as the embellishments.
I'll be back soon with the results...enjoy stamping, and if you like, create along with me!

It's been several days, and here is the card I made with this art...

Would love to see yours!
-Bev

Friday, April 6, 2012

Tiny Tines

At Christmas I made a stocking for my granddaughter, Lily.  I made a charm out of shrink plastic so she could transfer the name to a more grown-up stocking if she chose, later.


I used the same technique on this card. Using Crafty Secrets stamps, and Stazon ink, I stamped the image and punched a hole in order to string the tiny creations on wire. I used my heat gun to shrink them, and attached them to the card.

The background paper is also stamped with the same kitchen stamp set, which has many cute images, like the coffee cups and pies.