An ATC Swap

I haven't made an ATC (artist trading card) in a long time but I recently joined a swap at Split Coast Stampers to feature a My Favorite Things Pure Innocence stamp of our choice.  Joining a swap is something I haven't done in a long time either and at first it seemed a bit overwhelming as I had completely forgotten how I managed them before.  But by breaking the process up into tasks I completed them rather quickly.  I started out by making a prototype.  Once I was happy with it I then created the rest of them assembly line style.

Step 1: I cut out all my pieces for the base, patterned paper background, stamped background, mats for stamped images and clouds which I inked around the edges.

Step 2: I colored all the images with Copic markers and used stickles for the snowflakes and the snow. Obviously, this was the most time consuming step.  I actually did these while watching television one night.

Step 3: While my images were drying I threaded all my buttons with baker's twine, added a jewel to each cloud and adhered the patterned paper to the ATC base.

Step 4: When the stickles on the stamped images dried I adhered them to the mat pieces.

Step 5: For the final step, I assembled the ATC's, adding one of the threaded buttons and a couple of pearls for embellishments. 

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-Namics; Heidi Grace patterned paper, PTI cs, Stickles, Doodlebug jewels, Kaisercraft pearls, Copic Markers  

Copics: Skin-E0000, E00, E02, R02; Hair-E50, E51, E53; Coat/Scarf/Boots/Hat-B41, B32, RV13, RV14, BV00, V12, YG13, YG25; Shadows-C1, B000

Now for the hard part, getting them packaged and mailed!

Autumn Burned Brightly

Autumn burned brightly, 

a running flame

through the mountains,

a torch flung to the trees.

               - Faith Baldwin

This is just one of those cards that refused to come together for me. I created it for September's My Favorite Things Guest Designer challenge which is to make the sentiment the main focus of the card.  Not sure I really succeeded with that.  I didn't have an MFT sentiment stamp so I had to computer generate the one above that I printed onto a walnut inked tag.  I paired it up with the MFT Sheltering Tree and Leaf Trio Die-namic.  This is my third card using this die-namic little die! I skipped the embossing part since the cork paper already had texture. To make the focus more on the sentiment I created a visual triangle around it with buttons and stickpins, plus the tea-dyed cheesecloth left over from a previous project. 

Products: Cosmo Cricket (Earth Love and Mr. Campy) pp, Basic Grey (Max and Whiskers) pp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, My Mind's Eye buttons, Maya Road stickpin (gold one is an Etsy purchase), Spellbinders Nestabilities

I hope you've had a great weekend. Ours has been nice and relaxing but it has not been a good one for my diet! Ever have those days where you just want to eat everything in sight?  Well, I've had two days in a row of that! I need to get back on track next week.  

And by the way, I just now added the Goodle Friends Connect button in the sidebar so please consider following me if you want to! 

A Floral Fantasy

I am loving this teal and yellow color combination right now.  It looks so fresh and clean to me. I stamped the My Favorite Things Flower Girl image with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Bazzill Simply Smooth cardstock and then colored with Copic markers. All the felt flowers and leaves were created using metal dies including My Favorite Things and The Cat's Pajamas. This card fits the current My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Challenge.  

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-Namics; Cosmo Cricket pp, Little Yellow Bicycle pp, PTI cs, twill and felt; The Cat's Pajama's Cutups, Doodlebug and Heidi Swapp jewels, Maya Road stickpins, Cuttlebug die, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E0000, E00, E02; Hair-E50, E51, E53; Clothes/Shoes-BG11, BG72, BG75, Y21, Y23, Y35; Greenery-YG0000, YG11, YG23

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Thinking of You

Since mentally I have already moved onto autumn, today's card is another fall themed one. Of course, that is a bit premature as we have at least two more months of extremely warm weather left to endure, not to mention some prime hurricane potential coming up! I followed this week's Taylored Expressions sketch. I always like their sketches but I was especially drawn to this one. I stamped the Taylored Expressions image from the Branching Out set with Memento Rich Cocoa ink onto PTI cardstock.  I then colored it with Copic markers and cut it out with a rectangular Spellbinders Nestabilities.  

Products: Taylored Expressions stamp, Imaginisce and Cosmo Cricket pp, PTI cs and buttons, Bazzill cs, May Arts ribbon, Kaisercraft and Basic Grey pearls, Fiskars border punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: YG91, YG93, YG95, E55, E57, E29

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Two for Tuesday

If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you have probably figured out that I really like My Favorite Things Pure Innocence line of stamps.  I especially love the image on today's card. I paired it with the new Sheltering Tree Die-Namic, also an MFT product.  I stamped the image onto PTI cs using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.  I cut it out with a Spellbinders Nestabilities die and sponged around the edges while it was still in the die.  I then colored it with Copic Markers. I followed the basic sketch of this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-Namics, Basic Grey patterned paper and sticker, PTI cs, sentiment stamp,ribbon twill, felt and buttons, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers 

Copic Markers: Hair-E50, E51, E53; Skin-E0000, E00, E02; Dress-RV10, RV11, RV13; Swing: W1, W2, E55, E57

After I finished up my card, I also made an ATC using the same products.

Thanks for stopping by!

An Apple Harvest

Dear Summer,

I am so over you.

Normally I would rather be hot than cold any day of the week. But this summer has been a hard one.  Hot, hot and hotter. And the beaches we normally enjoy were a bit oily thanks to a certain oil company. So it just has not been the greatest of summers.  I'm ready for fall.  I will have to just pretend I don't know that winter soon follows it!

Today's fall themed card fits this week's All That Scraps Wednesdays Challenge to include fruit.  I printed the digital image (C.C. Designs Sugarplums Apple Emma) onto
Papertrey Ink cardstock and then colored with Copic Markers.

Products: C.C. Designs digital stamp, Imaginisce and Jillibean Soup pp, PTI cs, buttons and Woodgrain Impression plate, Maya Road ribbon, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E0000, E00, E02, R01; Hair-E31, E33, E35, E37; Apples-E07, E08, E09; Leaves and Stems- YG93, YG95; E29; Basket-E55, E57; Dress/Shoes-Y21, Y23, Y26; Pinnafore-E50, E51

I hope your week has started off great.  Thanks for stopping by!

Spider Webs

I have another Halloween card for you today. I followed Mercy's sketch for this week. Obviously, I went all in with the spider web theme!  For the record, paper spiders are the only kind I tolerate.  I pretty much freak out when I see one in real life! 

Products: Sweet November stamp, My Mind's Eye, Little Yellow Bicycle pp and spider sticker, May Arts ribbon, PTI buttons, Ki Memories jewel stars, Bazzill cs, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E0000, E00; Hair-BV00, BV01, BV11; Eyes-B41, B32; Web Dress-C00, C1, C3, C5; Wings-YG13, YG23, YG25

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Ahoy There

Love this whale with his jaunty little sailor's hat.  The stamp set is Whale of a Time from The Cat's Pajamas. I stamped the image onto an older Scenic Route grid sheet and then cut it out. I paired the stamped piece with the coordinating wave die also from The Cat's Pajamas, positioning him so that it appears he is frolicking in the ocean. The "sun" peaking out behind the cloud is actually from TCP's Flower Button die set. I found the charm and jump ring in my stash.

(click to enlarge)

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and dies, Doodlebug, Scenic Route and DaisyD's pp, PTI cs, buttons and twill, My Favorite Things cloud die

Have a great weekend!

Bat Girl

I have another Halloween card to share today.  I followed this week's Sketch for You to Try for the basic design.  I used another digital image from Tiddly Inks, printing with my Epson printer onto Papertrey Ink cardstock and then coloring with Copic markers.  I combined it with some My Mind's Eye Halloween themed patterned paper from a couple of years ago.  The image included a bat but I covered it with a Making Memories paper bat and allowed it to go outside the box, adding two Kaisercraft jewels to represent eyes.  The fabric sticker is from last year's Little Yellow Bicycle Halloween collection and I colored the edge with a Copic Marker.

Products: Tiddly Inks digital stamp, My Mind's Eye pp, PTI cs and button, Making Memories bat and buttons, Little Yellow Bicycle fabric sticker, Kaisercraft jewels, Fiskars border punch, Stampin' Up ticket punch

Copics: Hair-Y23, Y26, E35, C5; Body-C3, C5, C7; Clothes-G40, G21, G24

Have a great Thursday!

Lil' Witch

Good morning!  I hope all is well with you.  It's been a busy week here so far but yesterday afternoon I got the chance to sit down and create.  It is another Halloween theme day. Today's card follows the sketch at this week's Friday Sketchers blog.  I printed the Tiddly Inks image with my Epson printer onto Papertrey Ink cardstock and then colored with Copic markers. I cut the image with Spellbinder's Nestabilities allowing a portion of the witch's hat to continue outside the rectangle. I used some older Ki Memories patterned papers and chipboard corner as the main ingredients.

Products: Tiddly Inks digital stamp, Ki Memories pp and chipboard corner, SEI pp, PTI cs, May Arts ribbon, Making Memories sentiment chipboard, Queen and Co Rox, Copic Markers, Spellbinders Nestabilties

Copic Markers: Skin-E0000, E00; Hair-C3, C5, C7; Clothes-V01, V12, V14, YG11, YG23, YG25; Boots-N5, N7; Shadows-C1

For my next card I used two of my favorite Halloween items from last year, Making Memories velvet frame and Pink Paislee patterned paper and then really mixed them up with several other manufacturers. I stamped the C.C. Designs Sweet November stamp with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Bazzill Basics Simply Smooth cardstock. I paper pieced the web dress and then colored everything else with Copic Markers. I cut the image out and then mounted to the backed velvet frame.

Products: Sweet November Stamp, Making Memories Velvet frame, button and twine; Pink Paislee, My Mind's Eye and Little Yellow Bicycle pp; Bazzill Basic cs, Ki Memories jewel stars, Queen and Co Rox, Doodlebug ribbon, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E0000, E00, R11; Hair-BV00, V12, V15; Wings-E31, E33, YR23, YR14; Shoes/Wings-N5, N7, N9; Shadows on Web Skirt-N1; Eyes-E55, E57, R29

As always, thanks for stopping by! 

Pink and Polka Dotted

I have shopped at 7 Kids College Fund on several occasions and was excited to see that they now have a challenge blog.  It's brand new and the first challenge is to use pink and polka dots.  I first stamped the C.C. Designs Sweet November stamp with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Bazzill Simply Smooth cardstock. I cut her out with one of the Labels 8 Nestabilities and inked the edges while it was in the die.  I then colored her with Copic markers. The Stampendous ladybug image was also colored with Copic markers. I paired the stamped images with some older Heidi Grace Reagan's Closet patterned paper.  I twisted together two different colors of crinkly seam binding ribbon and then tied them together with a simple knot rather than a bow.  A couple of Prima Flower and American Crafts brads and it was done! Clean, simple and very girly girl.

Products: Sweet November stamp, Stampendous (ladybug) stamp, Heidi Grace pp, American Crafts brads, MemrieMare crinkled seam binding, Prima flower, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E0000, E00, E02; Hair-B0000, B000, B01; Eyes-B41, B32, B34; Wings-YG01, YG13, YG25; Dress and Ladybug-RV00, RV32, RV34, RV23; Shadows-C00

Is it just me or is August just flying by?

Cat Girl

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays so I'm getting an early start on my cards.  I have quite the nice stash of Halloween products as I just can't seem to resist the fun patterns and colors.  This card features a digital image by Tiddly Inks. I printed the image onto Papertrey Ink cardstock with my Epson printer and then colored it with Copic Markers. The Ki Memories paper is an oldie but a goodie and is one of my all time favorite Halloween lines. I followed this week's Mojo Monday sketch for the basic design.

Products: Tiddly Inks digital stamp, Ki Memories pp, PTI and Bazzill Basics cs, Making Memories epoxy star, buttons, ribbon and chipboard greeting, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Hair/Apron-YG01, YG13, YG25; Skirt/Boots-BV00,V12, V15; Catgirl Body-Y21, Y23, Y26; Cats-C1, C3, C5, YR12, YR16, YR14; Background shadow-C00  

And on a personal note, I just want to say Happy Birthday to my sweet granddaughter Clara who turned 2 years old yesterday.  She is the joy of my life!  As you can see, I'm pretty sure I can turn her into a crafter too!

We'll be going to her birthday party at the park this afternoon. I can't wait to see her!

Creature Comforts

When I am not feeling well I like curling up on the sofa with an old quilt with a hot cup of soup or tea. I wanted to add all kinds of comfort items on today's get well card so I selected the "Ice Cream" sheet from the October Afternoon Fly a Kite collection to represent a quilt. To add to the warmth and comfort theme I placed a paper doily underneath the cup and spoon charm.  Rather than my normal ribbon, I chose to tie a torn strip of fabric instead.  I have no idea where I got the charms.  Actually, I remembered that I had the spoons but when I went in search of them I also found the cup and saucer charms. Yes, both of those are plural! I have more so I will definitely be pairing them up with this cute The Cat's Pajamas's A Cuppa image again. 

(click for larger images)

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and linen thread, October Afternoon Fly a Kite and Ducks in a Row pp, PTI cs, Martha Stewart paper doily, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Bear-R81, R83, R85, Y21, Y23, Y26, W00, 0; Cup-B0000, B000, B01

Thanks for stopping by!

Thinking of You

Good morning!  This will have to be quick as I have tons to do today. I created this card for this week's Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge. I did some very simple stamping on this using an older Autumn Leaves set as I really wanted the butterfly theme to be the focus.

Products: Autumn Leaves stamp, Taylored Expressions sentiment stamp, GCD pattern paper, PTI felt and cs, Bazzill cs, Basic Grey pearls, The Cat's Pajama's button flower dies, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities

I hope you are having a great week!

Two for Tuesday

I am still working on Christmas cards and hope to do a weekly post featuring them from now until December. With the realization that my cards tend to the more on the feminine side, I decided I needed some that were a bit more masculine for my husband's bachelor friends.  I really reached back for some older product for these, which I have to say, feels great to do so.  I've had the Hero Arts Large Reindeer stamp for a while.  I remember looking for this stamp everywhere several years ago but couldn't find it.  An internet friend found it at one of her local stamp stores and sent it to me.  Oh those were the days! 

I followed this week's Sketch for You to Try for this card.  I decided to make it into a square so more of the reindeer pattern in the Basic Grey background paper would show.  I stamped the image onto PTI cardstock with Versamark ink and then heat embossed it with a bronze gold embossing powder.  After cutting out the image with a Spellbinders Nestabilities (not cutting the back legs so they would kick out beyond the circle background) I inked the edges while it was still in the die.  I added a white pom-pom for the tail and a red one for the nose since I am sure he is Rudolph.  Although knowing Don's friends, I suppose he could be Blitzen! 

While I had Rudy out, I made a second card using the same Versamark/embossing powder combination.

Products: Hero Arts stamp, Basic Grey and Carolee's Adornit pp, PTI cs, button and scallop die, Heather Bailey felt, Creative Imaginations epoxy tree, May Arts ribbon, Martha Stewart punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities


Have a great day.  As always, thanks for stopping by!

A Favorite Color Combo

Oops! I didn't mean for it to be so long in between posting. I have been scrapbooking some 8x8 pages for a mini album so that has taken my main creative focus. I'll share it when I get it completed.

Today's card is for this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Challenge. I stamped the MFT Pure Innocence Blooming Good Day stamp onto Bazzill Simply Smooth cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and then colored with Copic markers. I used one of my very favorite color combos of aqua and green by combining papers from two different Making Memories lines, Noteworthy and Just Chillin' Girl plus a small strip of paper from Pink Paislee's 365 Degrees collection.  I turned the sketch 90 degrees to better fit my concept and image. 

Products: My Favorite Things stamp, Making Memories and Pink Paislee pp, May Arts ribbon, PTI felt, The Cat's Pajamas Button Flower Die, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers

Copics: Skin-E0000, E00, E02; Hair-E55, E57, W2; Dress-BG0000, BG10, BG11; Watering can/shoes/foliage-YG91, YG93, YG95



That's it for today.  I plan on being a better blogger this week! I hope you are having a great Sunday. 

You've Got Mail

In the age of electronic mail, Blackberries and Iphones, it is rare to receive something in your "physical" mailbox that is personal and just makes you happy. But that rare event happened to me just yesterday.  I walked out to the mailbox expecting nothing but bills and junk mail only to find a totally unexpected and sweet package from a friend.  I've never met Wendy in real life but from the time we spent together on a design team I know she is an exceptional person.  She is also the friend who got me interested in stamping once again (after a long hiatus) and of course, Copic Markers.  Not sure if my wallet thanks her for that! Which is a roundabout way to get us to the topic of why I make cards.  I don't just make them.  I like to send them too.  Once upon a time I thought handmade cards were a waste of time.  But after talking to some recipients at a family event, there were several people who let me know just how much they appreciated them.  In light of that, how could I resist My Favorite Things (Pure Innocence) Happy Mail stamp? It personifies the happiness in both giving and receiving. 

Enough chitchat. Now on to today's card. I needed more separation between the little girl and mailbox because I wanted flowers to cascade out of the mailbox without crowding the two images. I'll let you in on a secret. I hate masking. But there was just enough space between the two images not to have to do masking. It was easy to ink the girl, stamp, then ink the mailbox and stamp. Thank you MFT! I paper pieced the dress using an old Daisy D's gingham check (I'm hoarding this pp since DDs no longer exists; yet another one of my favorite companies no longer in business). It's hard to see in the photo but she also has tiny black pearls for the buckles of her shoes. This card is for My Favorite Things Guest Designer challenge which was to include flowers.

(click to enlarge)

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-namics, Jillibean Soup pp and journaling spot, Doodlebug pp and flowers, Scenic Route and DaisdyD's pp, 7 Gypsies sticker, Making Memories fabric brads, PTI ribbon twill, Kaisercraft pearls, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E0000, E00, E02, R20; Hair-E55, E57; Shoes/Mailbox-R22,R27, R29; Mailbox-C1, C3, C5; Grass-G40,G24; Shadows-C1, B0000

As always, thank you for stopping by. Last month was a record month for "hits" on my blog and I appreciate each and every one of you who take the time to visit.