Happy New Year!

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe 2016 is almost over!

Was Santa good to you?Any new crafty goodies?
He brought me new washi tape, colored pencils, Project Life, and yarn. It's going to be a crafty year for me. :)

This is the last inspiration piece for the year at PaperCrafters Corner.

Fun, isn't it? I decided to go with the clown's print. I went through my washi and found a diamond print.

A couple of Spellbinders, Prima flower, and the card was done in no time.
I really need to use more washi! :) It's so easy to make a quick card using it.

Tha't it for me. I'm babysitting my energetic great neice today. She should be here soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

PCC #165

Hi Everyone! It's been a while....

This weeks PaperCrafters Corner Inspiration is wonderful! 

You can make any kind of card with this image. I picked the bright red belt and the black background for my card.

The paper is an old DCWV paper pad that I still love. I fussy cut and colored one of the flowers with a red Spectrum Noir marker. After adding it to the paper I added glossy accents to give it shine and dimension. The stamp is from Stampin Up.
My sister gave me a couple Stampin Up stamp sets she found at the local Goodwill. I'm so thankful for them, and her, that I'm giving this card to her.

Stephanie wants to know about our Thanksgiving. It was just the family this year. Our day was quiet. After dinner my daughter and I went sale shopping. There were a couple things we wanted that we knew would be gone if we waited till Friday. Besides, we had nothing else to do. ;)

Hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving! Now it's time to get ready for CHRISTMAS!

PCC #164 and....

Hi Everyone!

It's been a while since I've posted. Today I have some news. 

But first, this weeks's inspiration from PaperCrafters Corner....

Isn't this a great image to use??
For my card I used the woman in the center. The purple skirt and the green wreath. It's one of my favorite color combos.

I used a Unity stamp and Spellbinders' embossing folder and dies. I colored the image, mat, and sentiment usint the same Spectrum Noir markers that I used to color the stamped image. I added a few matching sequens to give it a little bling.

And now for the NEWS.

We have a PUPPY!

She is a border collie mix rescue and about 4 month old. After several (lots) of suggestions we finally decided to name her ELLIE. She's very cute and a bit shy. She'll adjust. She was surrendered in Kentucky then transported to Pennsylvania. Poor pup had a traumatic first few months.

Till next time....

Papercrafters Corner #161

Hi everyone!

It's been a while since my last post. I'm still making cards for the PCC challenges though.

And here's this week's inspiration

Isn't this a great image? I immediately thought of using my Spellbinders border dies. I also picked out a few of the colors.

This is one of my favorite Unity stamps. I think I finally used up my stash of white vellum. Unless there's more hiding somewhere. ;)

On of the reasons I haven't been blogging is that I'm crocheting....again.

I'm making an afghan for my future grandchild. I've made so many baby afghans for my family that there was no way my own grandchildren would't have one. I figured I make it while I can and put it away until I need it.
This will be the 6th time making this baby afghan. If you look close you can see the little hearts.  It's almost finished. I have 2 more rounds for the border and then add the ribbon.
After this I'll be making another full size afghan....for me.....in deep purple!

Till next time!

A fun upcycle technique

Hi Everyone. 

After a couple beautiful days we are back to HOT and HUMID. I stay close to the air conditioner on days like this. And I craft.

This week's challenge inspiration at PaperCrafters Corner had me stumped. And then there's this:
***Be sure to include an office supply, or something office related, in your project if you want to be eligible to win this week’s challenge*** 
I think most  things papercrafters use office are related. Paper, tape, staples, pens, markers....  ;)

I didnt know what to do till I saw the flowers in the background. That's it! I'll do flowers. Except, I didnt want to. I remember a challenge Steph at PaperCrafters had about trying something new.  So, I used the colors and a fun technique to make my card.

Spectrum Noir DR5, CR10, GB5

And here's how it was made.

I took a piece of plastic packaging and used my Spectrum Noirs to color it. The darker, bolder colors work best.

The next step is to add rubbing alcohol.

You can drip it, splatter it, sponge it to create different effects.
When you get a design you like flip it over. This is the side you will stamp on using an ink like StazOn.
Attach it to your card using the same method that you would use for vellum....clear tape (it barely shows), washi, brads, eyelets, photo corners..

I had so much fun I made another one.

Spectrum Noir TB6, JG6, PL5

Since the colors are darker I couldn't see the Unity stamp very well. I flipped it over to the marker side and removed some of the color using the alcohol on a cotton ball. It works like an eraser.

On the third card I wanted to see if I could use stencils.
The test:

On the right the cotton ball was pretty wet. The left was done after the cotton ball dried a little. It works.
I picked out a stencil I wanted to use on my card

And made this.

Spectrum Noir PL5, JG6

I added the panel using clear photo corners and added the Unity stamp.
I see much more upcycle/marker play in my future.

Have a GREAT, creative week!

Challenges and butterflies

Hi everyone!

I hope you're all doing well. It's Hot, Humid, and Rainy here. How much longer till fall?

Because it's been hot I've been hanging out in the dining room.....near the air conditioner....making cards.

PaperCrafters Corner Magazine Monday challenge #156 has a great cover for inspiration.

There is so much here in this one cover. I picked the colors of the quilt on the bed.

I finally broke out the new to me Spellbinders butterflies. A gem and some washi (a previous PCC prize) plus a Unity stamp and the card was done.

Next up is a challenge from Art Impressions blog. It calls for glitter/ shimmer on the creation.

I had the worst time making this card. My StazOn wasn't cooperating. It kept bleeding when I colored the image with my Spectrum Noirs. After several tries I finally got it done. I used black stickles on the frame and the butterfly.

The next card is for Clearsnap if they let me use it.

The color inspiration is reds, golds, greens. I stamped a Unity butterfly in Clearsnap rasberry and gold. Then I stamped smaller butterflies in Stampin Up Always Artichoke. I don't have a dark green Colorbox :( I used Clearsnap gold smooch for the bodies.The butterflies were one stamp. Now they're 3. Have you ever cut a stamp apart?  The sentiment is also Unity.

The last card is for Susan K. Weckesser. She wants to see how we create a rainbow.

My daughter needed paint swatches for school so.....I used the scraps to punch a rainbow of butterflies. The quote is from Unity.

I didn't realize until I was almost finished that all the cards have butterflies.

 I'll be having a sad time this week. My daughter goes back to college on Wednesday.
At least I'll get more crafting time. Besides, it's her last year. 

PCC #154

Hi Everyone! 

This week's PaperCrafters Corner Magazine Monday challenge is Adorable!

It reminds me of some pictures of my niece & nephew when they were babies. My brother in law was in the navy and bought the the cutest sailor outfits.
But, for my card I used the colors. :)

I bought a couple ArtC stamp and die sets but haven't used them till now. Very simple. I used a couple scraps, Colorbox white ink, Spellbinders, and baker's twine.

While looking around at the clearance section of Michaels I came across some washi tape packs. They scanned at $2.39. Off to checkout with 3 packs. :) I really, REALLY, don't need any more washi but that hasn't stopped me from buying more. When I got home I made myself make a card with the new washi.

There are 3 tapes on this card. For the Happy Birthday I put a strip of washi on a scrap piece of paper before die cutting. I added ribbon and my card was done.

I hope you consider joining in the challenge this (every) week!

A very sad day.....

Hi Everyone.

First let me talk about the card I made for this week's PaperCrafters Corner challenge.

I had a card in mind that I wanted to make but.....I couldn't find the retro woman stamp I wanted. I think I gave it to my Florida sister when I organized my stamps last summer. 

So instead of the woman, I went with the red coat as my inspiration.

It's very simple. The stamps are Hero Arts and Unity.

I wasn't feeling very creative this past week.
This little girl of ours has been very sick.

She passed away this morning.
She was LOVED and we will miss her. We already do.
 Eventually Miss Penny will have a scrapbook. 

PCC #151 and....

Hi Everyone!

This sure has been some week. So much senseless tragedy in the states.  :(
We received some sad news here at home too. Our 10 year old cocker spaniel, Penny, was diagnosed with cancer in her lymph nodes. She's still with us but I'm not sure for how much longer. She's such a good girl!

I think it showed up it my card for this week's PaperCrafters Corner challenge. The inspiration for this week is a lovely garden scene.

When I first saw it I pictured myself making a pretty, colorful floral card. But since I waited, my card turned in to a sympathy card.

I used silver embossing powder and Unity stamps. The embossing folder is from Sizzix. I really like the black on black. 

PRAY FOR PEACE!

PCC #149

Hi Everyone!

I'm sorry I missed last week's PaperCrafters Corner challenge. I was crafted out. More on that in a minute. 

First I have this week's PaperCrafters Corner week 149 inspiration

I don't know about you but it makes me hungry! I want to eat all three of these delicious desserts. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. :)

I used the strawberries as my inspiration for something I haven't made in a long time....a shaker card!

I cut out the strawberries from a scrap piece of the background paper for the shaker. I found some green sequins I forgot I had and Voila! A shaker card. The sentiment is from Unity Stamp Co. 

And here is the reason I was crafted out last week.

I made an afghan for myself a couple months ago. When my great nephew saw it he asked if I would make him one. He's a twin so that meant I had to make 2 afghans. My sister (his grandmother) was supposed to make one of them when she came up for the summer. Circumstances changed so I had to make it. 

Here are 3 of the 4 afghans I made this year. The chevron is mine and the stripe is for the second twin. I've never crocheted so much! Now to get my nephew to bring the boys over so I can give them their afghans.  

Have a great week! I hope to see lots of entries for the challenge this week. 

PCC week 146

Hi Everyone!

With the recent Memorial Day weekend, this week's PaperCrafters Corner inspiration has a patriotic theme.

I didn't want to do patriotic but I did want to use my new Dylusions stamps of girls in hats.

She was quick and easy to color with Spectrum Noir markers. The sentiment is from Unity. 

I also have another afghan that is almost finished. 

When my great nephew Gaheris saw the last afghan I made he asked me to make him one. He wanted a warm afghan to take to boarding school in the fall. Since he's a twin I asked my sister (his grandmother) to help. She's making one for him when she comes back to visit for the summer. I'm making this one for his brother Corben. 

This is the third full afghan I've made this year! A record for me. I hope my sister's summer plans don't change. :)

PCC #145

Hi Everyone!

It's been pretty busy around here. Especially with my daughter being home. 

I bought a few IRIS photo storage boxes last week. I wanted them for my Project type cards. I can't believe I filled 2 boxes!

The clear ones hold the cards. They still need labeled. The rainbow one will hold embellishments by color. I have them in a tool drawer thing now and I rarely use anything in it. I'm hoping this new system will get me using more.

This week's PaperCrafters Corner challenge is just adorable. It reminded me of my daughter when she was little.

I chose to use the colors of the painting as inspiration for my card. 

I made it a birthday card to send to my sister-in-law. I used the Stippled Blossom set from Stampin Up and Clearsnap inks.

One other thing I started this week is a new afghan.

It's done according to the pattern but I want it longer so I'm adding another repeat. It's from Leisure Arts Afghans on the Double. Using 2 strands of yarn make it a quick afghan. :)

That's it for me this week. I need to fill up those rainbow boxes on this rainy Saturday. Have a GREAT week!

PCC #143 Mother's Day

Hi Everyone!

This week's PaperCrafters Corner challenge is all about Mother's Day.

I wasn't going to make a card this week because it's about Mother's Day. My mom passed away almost 13 years ago. My mother in law, 24 years ago.  I don't have a mom to give it to. But I do have family members that still have their mommas. And, I can still wish my mom a Happy Mother's Day.

This card is inspired by the magazine cover but also by my Mom.

She would have loved this card. Red roses were her favorite. So Happy Mother's Day Mom! I miss you!

I'll be picking up one of my Mother's Day gifts tomorrow. My daughter. She's done with school and coming home!

PCC #142 and a Washi Wednesday Challenge.

Hi everyone! 

PaperCrafters Corner has 3 challenges going on right now. 

Needless to say I've been getting crafty today. :)

The weekly Magazine Monday challenge is, as usual, awesome!

Looking at this cover reminded me of something that was very popular in the scrapbooking world. Serendipity squares. To make them you ripped up scrap paper and then glued it to a backing paper. After that you just cut the paper into squares, mat them, add them to your card or layout.
With the popularity of washi tape I decided to try the technique with washi tape. No glue, less mess.
I picked 3 wider music themed tapes and started ripping. But no squares this time. I double matted the serendipity strip and added the Unity stamp.

I also added the washi to the envelope.
Which leads me to the next challenge.
This week, for Washi Wednesday, there's a challenge to decorate an envelope with washi tape.
Decorating envelopes isn't something I do. Well, rarely do. I started going through my cards that I used washi tape on. I could easily make matching envelopes for them.....

Here are my cards with their newly created, matching envelopes.

Both of these challenges end on Sunday, May 1st. I hope to see your entries!
If you want to see the other PaperCrafters Corner challenge (I did say there were 3) scroll down or click here

Taking a chance

Hi everyone!

Stephanie at PaperCrafters Corner has a very fun challenge going on inspired by Take A Chance Day. Who knew there was such a thing?

There are 3 rules to this challenge:

"You must use paper 

You must ‘take a chance’ – try something new to you, something you’ve never done before You must share the results in a comment here, regardless of how what you tried turns out"

I knew exactly what to do. Watercolor ATCs. A long time ago I bought a bottle of  Daler Rowney art masking fluid from Walmart. I had almost bought it several times and finally took it to the check out. Once I got it home the only times I touched the bottle was to move it. 

Today...I USED IT!

 I tried it with a Delta stencil

 I used it to cover a stamped image

I 'painted' some lines with it

I added it to my stamps and stamped with it too.

Once the fluid was dry (it only takes a minute or two) I started playing with the watercolors.

These are the finished ATCs. All the stamps are Unity.

What did I learn?

1. Care must be taken when using stencils if you want a clear image. 

2. If covering a stamped image make sure the ink is dark enough to see. I used light yellow. 

3. When painting with masking fluid don't expect precision. The fluid is like trying to paint with glue.

4. If using it on your stamps be careful about the design of the stamp. It can be hard to get the fluid out of small spaces. 

Although this experiment didn't work exactly as planned...well defined lines.....I still love the end result! 

So thanks Steph for the push!

 I really hope you play along.