Monday, August 30, 2010

Greenhouse Butterfly

How about a little Stampin' Up! Only card?  It's been a long time since I've done that.

I ordered this gorgeous butterfly (All A Flutter) from the Summer Mini catalogue, and then got so busy that I didn't have time to use it.  I really like detailed butterflies that you can color.


I used this weeks fun Mojo Sketch - round or square - and chose the square flipped


I'll be honest....I'm still not sure about this card.  I think it's because it combines so many colors.  I don't have the new Daffodil yellow from SU yet so I had to substitute with Saffron, and I never like it when things aren't perfectly matched!  I used a Hostess set from last year, Kind and Caring Thoughts for the greenery, but once I stamped it in Pear Pizzazz and then paired it with the finely detailed butterfly, it just didn't look right, so I came back and added some detail with my fine tip on my Chocolate Chip marker and I think that helped.  



All stamped on watercolor paper with the butterfly popped up.  I added a wash of Baja for the sky and then stamped the leaves.

See you again tomorrow (Wednesday morning) with something really fun!

Recipe:  Stamps:  SU - Flutter By, Kind and Caring Thoughts;  Ink:  Brown Stazon, Pear Pizazz;  Paper:  Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Greenhouse Gala DSP, Watercolor Paper, Real Red, So Saffron;  Accessories:  Big Shot, Scalloped Circle Bigz Die, Scallop Edge Punch, Large Oval Punch, Olive Satin Ribbon, Glue Dots, Piercer, Watercolor brush, reinkers, Dimensionals, Embossing Folder

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Stripedy Stockings

Hello Friends!  Hope you had a good weekend.  Ours was very productive with some stamping for me, and a whole lot of cleaning, which felt good to accomplish.  I got my boys organized in their room  - we're almost 100% there.  My boys don't feel like *cleaning* or *organization* should be words in their vocabulary, so this was needed :)


While we were on vacation I colored this little cutie-patootie PI girl thinking it would be for our neighbour.  He recently had a heart attack that was so unexpected.  I saw him just minutes before it happened, and we were very concerned.  But, since we've come home he's doing so much better, has quit smoking and is really looking good that he doesn't even really NEED this anymore - which is a good thing I guess hey?  

I colored her up with some more masculine colors in my copics.  And do you see her stripedy stockings?  I used different colors of BG (72, 75 and 78)  to stripe it.  I think it's such a fun detail, probably my favourite part of the whole card :)


I've added some fun cork and some ruffled ribbon too, then I also sponged the teddy bear with blender solution to give him a little texture.   I mirrored the stripes from her stockings in the paper and the way I did the layout too.

Busy week ahead, our kids start school on Wednesday, and they're trying to squeeze the last bits of freedom out of the summer!    Rumour has it we're going to have a cold and early winter, the geese are already gathering....but I'm not sure who to believe quite yet, I'm really hoping they're (whoever "they" are) wrong but time will sure tell!

Recipe:  Stamps:  MFT - Pure Innocence - Better Get Better;  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black;  Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, SU - Parisian Breeze DSP, Cork (MFT), Flourishes Classic White Cardtsock;  Accessories:  Big Shot, Labels 10 Nestabilities, MFT Ric Rac DieNamics, Chocolate Kaiser Pearls, Dimensionals, Riffled Ribbon, Piercer, Scallop Edge Punch.  

Friday, August 27, 2010

Coloring Techniques for Cardmaking...Book Celebration Hop!

Oh my goodness, I have been waiting for this day for so many months!  I've had a delicious secret that I've had to hold on to for what seems like forever!

A number of months ago I was asked to contribute to a new BOOK that has just been released today!   It's theme is so close to my heart because it is what makes cardmaking and paper crafting for me...coloring techniques.   In the book you will find a phenomenal sampling of stunning cards created by some of the best colorists in the industry, you will be amazed.  And can you believe it?!  I'm in there too!    It's called  Coloring Techniques for Cardmaking published by Annie's Attic.   It is such a gorgeous book!


So.....Welcome to the Coloring Techniques for Card Making Blog Hop! Today we wanted to introduce you to this brand new, must-have book that has been written to help shed some light on some of the hottest trends in coloring techniques in paper crafting today.


It has been an absolute delight to be a part of this project, and the excitement from the team, editors and publishers over this project has really touched my heart.  We're really proud of this book.  And I think you will love it.

Coloring Techniques for Card Making features three of the most popular coloring techniques in card making today--water coloring, colored pencils and using alcohol-based ink markers. Each chapter showcases one particular technique and includes an introductions that will help you choose the products that are right for you, and will walk you through the steps to creating one of our featured projects. Easy-to-follow instructions, detailed materials lists and helpful coloring tips will make it easy for you to achieve stunning card-making results. As a bonus, enjoy a chapter that focuses on ways to highlight and accentuate your projects with products such as glitter and gel pens, shading techniques and methods for creating the look of texture with color.

Today I get to share with you a sneak peek of one of my projects in the book!  I'm really happy with how it turned out.

This Stargazer Lily card is in the Watercoloring section of the book :)  Didn't they photograph it beautifully??   Stamps are from Flourishes Lily of Hope and Tag Lines.  

We are pleased that you have joined us for the hop! Be sure to leave a comment at each blog along the way to be entered for your chance to win a free copy of Coloring Techniques for Card Making!


The designers who are participating in the blog hop are as follows:


Star studded isn't it?  I'm still pinching myself!  I know you will really enjoy the hop so have fun!




...................................................................................
And be sure to check out my Flourishes Design Team sisters today for their Flourishes Friday creations!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Blackberries

Full day today, we're back at work and the fall is one of the busiest times of the year for us, today we had all day staff planning meetings.  So, my sweet mom had the kids today, and then had us for supper tonight, she went all out with roast chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cabbage rolls, corn....it was absolutely delicious.  She's such a good cook, and it was so nice of her.

So, I'm pooped tonight from all the brain work today.   But, on vacation I did take a number of images to color, and my copics, so this one was one of the many I colored.  I love these amazing raspberries from the Berry Sweet set by Flourishes, but depending on the way you color them, they could be blackberries don't you think?  We love blackberries too, we saw some in the Farmer's Market in the mountains on vacation that were HUGE.  Today's SCS Sketch was perfect for an image like this.


This is the new Concord Crush color from SU, and Old Olive, I sponged the edges of the Nestie shape with Concord Crush too, and then used two rows of the Victorian Borderabilities die for the bottom rows, feeding the silk ribbon through, and then accenting as per the sketch with this pretty crochet prima flower.


The purple is even more rich and has even more depth than this photo shows.   

Please stop by on Friday morning, I have something extra special to share!  

Have a great evening!

Christine

Recipe:  Stamps - Flourishes Berry Sweet;  Ink:  Concord Crush, Memento Tuxedo Black;  Paper:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Concord Crush, Flourishes Classic White;  Accessories:  Big Shot, Labels Eight Nestabilities, Victorian Borderabilities, Prima Flowers, Silk Ribbon, Sponge, Dimensionals, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Morrocan Screen I think?), Dimensionals, Glue Dots.  Copic Markers

Monday, August 23, 2010

The Lifter of my Head

Second post for today....Oh I LOVE this verse on this card!  It is such an encouragement to me.  Like at this very moment when I'm worn out, and my head is hanging from battling with my seven year old's very strong will all day.  I can turn to God and He lifts up my head.

My last Verve Sketch/Inspiration card is here....


it was based on this sketch....


and this beautiful inspiration bedroom



I really love the softness to the pattern, and it totally reminded me of Webster's Pages.  And I really like the quilted look of the comforter and the pillows.  I would totally have a bedroom set like this.  It looks so peaceful and pretty.  


So, I've used Websters' Life's Portrait in several sheets for the designer paper, and then to mimic the quilting I ran my Sahara Sand paper through the crimper both ways several times to give it that look.  



Above is a little closer look at the butterflies that I've added in lieu of the sketch circles....and then I just had to add the extra one too.   The Verve set is a Plain Jane Psalm 3:3.    Not quite a Shabby Vintage. card ...but sort of in that genre hey?  

Thanks again for the visit!  I'm off to try and demonstrate some more needed patience with this boy of mine.  I may have to attach this card to the fridge!

Recipe:  Stamps:  Verve - Plain Jane Psalm 3:3;  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black;  Paper:  Soft Sky, Sahara Sand, Websters Pages - Life's Portrait;  Accessories:  Big Shot, Labels 4, Labels 8, Top Note Die, Scallop Edge Punch, Crimper, Butterfly Embosslit, Pearls, Dimensionals, Crochet Ribbon.  

Secret Place for Dreams

I have my third instalment of the Verve Challenges today, one more to go after this!   It's a nice straightforward sketch for this one...

And check out this gorgeous inspiration bedroom!  Look at all that deep chocolate and gold  - delicious!!! 



So I took the inspiration quite literally, creating the swirls in gold on this deep chocolate espresso color.  


I embossed the rows with the Verve set Blue Skies, using both clear and gold embossing powder.  I bordered it with gold metallic paper using Martha Stewart's Ring corner and border punches, then adding a few chocolate pearls to the main sentiment.  


On the beautiful chocolate satin ribbon I've added some "Say it with Pearls" which really matches the inspiration piece too.  Simple but rich and classy too.  

For those of you who are here regularly, I'll get back to my regular feature "The Creative Process" on Monday's shortly.  Thanks for stopping!  

Today I think we'll be going "school shoe shopping"...man you can spend a small fortune on shoes hey?  

Recipe:  Stamps:  Verve - Blue Skies;  Ink:  VersaMark;  Paper:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Gold Metallic Paper;  Accessories:  Martha Stewart Rings Border and Corner Punch, Satin Ribbon, Gold and Clear Embossing Powder, Say it with Pearls Accents, Kaiser Pearls - Chocolate, Dimensionals.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Enjoy Today

We are home...!  What a summer!  I was thinking about it today and we've lived more than 3 out of the last 5 weeks out of a suitcase, have travelled to another country and have seen some of the most beautiful sights.  It's been a wonderful time for us as a family.  A lot of time together, which can be both great and challenging (wink!).   One of my hopes for my children has always been that they will not only have a sibling relationship but also be friends, and this summer they've again had a great time together.  And in just 10 days school will be starting for them.   Though the summer has gone fast, I think we're all ready for a little more routine.

Today I have another card for the Verve monthly Inspiration/Sketch challenges





Isn't that a fun nautical themed room?  I love the texture of the headboard, the deep red and the denim.  So here is what I've created with it...



I started with the fun little set from Verve, Enjoy Today Plain Jane.  I colored it with Copic Markers and then tried to recreate the feeling and texture of worn denim, so I used my blender pen to lift up some of the color doing both horizontal and vertical lines.  I stamped on all the navy layers with the SU Canvas background set to give it more of the feel of denim and stitched on the layers just like the bed skirting.  Then I created texture to match the headboard in the Poppy layer.  And if you look at the inspiration photo you'll see some touches of yellow - so that's the yellow in the sun beams.  

Here it is tipped the other direction.



It might be the card for my brother, who's birthday is this week.  Think it's masculine enough?  I tried not to make it too fussy in the details.  

Thanks for dropping by today :)  Hopefully I'll be back to a more regular schedule of creating too!

Recipe:  Stamps:  Verve - Enjoy Today Plain Jane, SU - Canvas Background;  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Craft White;  Paper:  Whisper White, Night of Navy, Poppy Parade, Flourishes Classic White;  Accessories:  Copic Markers, Blender Pen, Sewing Machine, Buttons, White Gel Pen, Taffeta Ribbon, Big Shot, Lattice Embossing Folder. 

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Flourishes Friday - Never Too Late


It is never too late to have a happy childhood.  :)  I just love this sentiment from the newly released Flourishes - Kids Play set.  I did a rich but clean looking card for today.  This set is perfect for some really wonderful  - yet quick cards don't you think?  I used the new SU Cherry Cobbler ink and paper and paired it with Espresso and some pretty 7Gypsies paper, and then just added some touches of white to make it pop.  The Early Espresso is really a dark color, which is gorgeous on cards, but a little harder to photograph.  I added some pretty embossing to it for some definition.




This was the Mojo Sketch from a few weeks ago, which I thought was so pretty.  There it is clean and simple and pretty.  

Remember today is your last day to purchase the gorgeous New Release Bundle at Flourishes at 10% off!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Not Much Stamping but...

I've been doing a lot of things, though not stamping....

just look!





We've done lots of wonderful hiking and biking in the Canadian Rockies.  It is a place of absolute beauty, peace and restoration for me.  We have so much fun as a family together here.  It is even more beautiful than these pictures can possibly show.  The weather has been beautifully warm, but cool at night, just perfect.  
  





 "I lift my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1 - 2.  











I'll be back with something stampy tomorrow evening :)  

Thanks for enjoying the beautiful scenery with me!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Courage

I think I told you that before I left for Mexico I got a whole bunch of new stamps....one set was the great new one from Verve  - Blue Skies.  So, Verve has these fun sketch challenges each week and some inspiration so I thought I'd jump in with the one from 2 weeks ago.

Here's the Sketch:



and here's the inspiration picture I chose. 


And....here's what I created.....



These pretty butterflies are colored with Copic Markers, and I tried to replicate the feeling of the bed with the swirls from the set in Black and the green leaves.  I just stamped part of the sentiment on the outside, and then added the full sentiment on the inside.


You might be able to see the little black rhinestones in the design too.  Kind of clean as a design.  I like it :)

Recipe:  Stamps - Verve - Blue Skies;  Ink:  Memento Bamboo Leaves, Tuxedo Black;  Paper:  Whisper White, Basic Black, SU Night and Day DSP, Flourishes Classic White DSP;  Accessories:  Copic Markers, Kaiser Pearls and Rhinestones, May Arts Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals. 

Thursday, August 12, 2010

New Release - Fine Herbs


We have another gorgeous set to show you today by Flourishes, this is illustrated by Marcy again and really captures the softness of some special herbs, as well as great sentiments and meanings of the herbs too. 



I chose to go soft and botanical feeling.  What I like about this set is it's drawn in *stipple* style, so each herb has a very soft and unique effect.  What I chose to do here with this card today is do it in watercolor style.  All you need to do is ink up your stamp, mist it lightly with water and stamp down, and if you like stamp down again.  It gives you a washy watercolor look that's really soft, less defined and more dreamy. 

  

I also sponged the bottom of the focal image to ground it a little.  

Now the neat part, a few months ago my SU Demo Susan taught us a lattice technique that I thought was great.  I used it on the top of this card, with a little twist, I added designer paper underneath so that when you fold your paper after cutting it shows the DP underneath. I've also puckered the ribbon with sticky strip to define the lattice more.  I see in looking at it right now that I didn't get it quite right in tucking them all in the right places...funny that I notice that now when it's too late to change!  ARRG! I'm going to play with it a little more and show you again on a future card.  


I love the pop of orange too in the flip side to the dp.  Somehow its just right.   Can you tell that I like this new Pear Pizzazz paper from SU too?  It's not Kiwi Kiss, but it's a really nice green.

Alright these new sets are available for purchase so you can head to the Flourishes Store and get the new release bundle at a 10% discount!  And remember ....lots on sale in the store too!  

Be sure to visit these wonderful Flourishes DT girls for their gorgeous takes with this set.  

Recipe:  Stamps:  Flourishes Fine Herbs;  Ink:  Pear Pizzazz;  Paper:  SU Pear Pizzazz, Flourishes Classic White, Whisper White, SU Greenhouse Gala DSP, Mistletoe Ribbon Originals, SU White Crochet Ribbon, Sticky Strip, Big Shot, Victorian Embossing Folder, Pinked Hearts Border Punch, Pearls, Dimensionals, Sponge, Labels 12 Nestabilities, Ranger Mini Misters.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

New Release - Sunflowers


Let me just start by saying that I have waited for this set illustrated by Marcy for SO long!  I love sunflowers, how intricate they are, how majestic, how bright and vibrant.....and how Marcy illustrated them is just fantastic!  You will LOVE this set!    I have two creations to show you today.

When we first came home from Mexico City, I had been exposed to all these vibrant colors that are so common in their culture, so I had vibrancy on the mind when I colored this card.


I took my Prismacolor pencils and layered in rich yellows, oranges and magenta's to give this color in the petals, and then I gave it some magenta shading around the petals too.  Such a sweet sentiment too, I often say it to my kids.  

  

Isn't that little ladybug adorable?  I've brought some texture in with the Lattice embossing folder and the Spellbinder Floral accents as well.   Then just a few gems for some bling.  I LOVE the vibrancy to this card.  BTW...this Nestability and many others are on sale in the store...getting ready and making room for NEW CHA goodies coming soon.  There are some fantastic deals in the store.



Then with this next card, I went completely traditional in colors.


I took two of the sunflower stamps, the main flower and smaller bud, and then the separate bud and paired them together, coloring with Copic Markers (Sunflower collection with some YR12 for depth, and also Fields Collection for greens.  I added some warmth to the edges with Tea Stain ink from Ranger.  The papers are the gorgeous Basic Grey Origins.   I've used one of the leaves from the set on the Pear Pizzazz layer too.


Don't you just LOVE that adorable sentiment?   ...and that other ladybug I added in there.  I thought it fit the You Glow Girl sentiment so well.

And you can see how I used these beautiful gems that match the sunflower feel so well, on both the corner and in the bow center.


Alright....more deliciousness along the way with the Design Team....you will not be disappointed!


CindyDanielleDawnJulie, Laura, Leslie, and Stacy.    Don't forget!  Release Party Tonight (Thursday) at 9 pm Central Time in the SCS Forum.  

Recipe:  Sunny Sunflower:  Stamps - Flourishes Sunflower;  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black;  Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Peach Parfait, Flourishes Classic Ivory, SU - Razzleberry Prints DSP;  Accessories:  Big Shot,  Labels Eleven Nestabilities, Floral Accent Shapeabilities,  Prismacolor Pencils, Scallop Edge Punch, Lattice Embossing Folder, Basic Grey Gems, Razzleberry Ribbon, Ric Rac Border Die, Texture Border Die (MFT), Modern Label Punch.  

You Glow Girl:  Stamps:  Flourishes Sunflower;  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Pear Pizzazz, Ranger - Tea Stain;  Paper:  Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Summer Sun, Flourishes Classic White, Basic Grey Origins DSP;  Accessories:  Sewing Machine, Circle Punch, Gingham Ribbon, Glue Dots, Basic Grey Say it in Pearls, Bow Easy, Dimensionals.