A Card For All Reasons

Because I give a lot of cards and don't always know for what that will be, I usually try to create a card I can use for any reason.  Below are the rules I follow to do it:

1. The sentiment on the front is usually "For You".  It can also be "Thinking Of You".  Something that makes it personal, but could cover a broad number of reasons for giving the card.
2. I have gone crazy for the twisted easel cards because you can choose how much space to fill on the base, so you can say as much or little as you want.  (Even if the space is full, you can always include a note piece of paper folded and placed behind the easel part).

Below is how I did it this time:

Background:

1. CAC Tapestry stamped on Neenah Solar White cardstock with VersaMark ink and embossed with a white pearl embossing powder (from my stash) was used as a matte for the Embossed Gift die cut, after brayering it with Memento Angel Pink. 
2. The die cut was done twice using Curious Ice Gold cardstock and then overlapped as shown.
3. The die cuts were taped in place on the back.  I placed the tape first and then inserted the "quilted" images.
4. The white cardstock matte for the "quilted look" was cut 6"X4" and then the edge die cut with a Border Duo 1 die for the edged below (taped in place with removeable Scotch tape).

Images:

1. Getting ready for the images meant doing a die cut with the paper cone die with another stashed CAC Tapestry stamped with Memento Angel Pink on Curious Ice Gold cardstock.  It was then folded along the creases as shown and then embossed from the underside go give it dimension.
2. The two mini circle round tags were used to get a die cut from white cardstock and one from the Curious Ice Gold with the pink ink.
3. The flower bouquet was stamped twice from Spring Medley clear stamp set with Delicata Golden Glitz ink, painted with Twinks, and cut out as shown.  The images were embossed from the back for dimension and mounted with 3D pop dots, then placed inside the Paper Cone and mounted as shown on the cardfront.  A simple white organdy bow was attached with a glue dot.
4. The circles were mounted, the sentiment stamped with Memento Bamboo Leaves, a 5mm pearl mounted with Glossy Accents and glitter applied on the squashed part.   It was mounted with 3D pop dots too.

So there you have it.  All ready for whomever and whatever comes into play for any reason. :-)  Thanks for stopping by to look and share.

 Shirley

SUPPLIES:

This Card Is For You

Before I talk about this card I would like to give thanks for the inspiration I used for my last card.  You can see it HERE.  I loved the card Colleen Dietrich at Dietrich Designs as seen HERE.  If you have never been there you need to visit and I promise you will want to look for a while!!  Thank you Colleen for your inspiration and creativity!

The card above was inspired by Lynn McAuley at Confessions Of A Left-Brained Stamper.  I was so excited when I pulled the jpg as an inspiration because Lynn had her name on it so I could find her blog.  Do you think I could find the card~!!!!!! Nooooooooo~  So Lynn, if you see this let me know where I saw your card!! :-)

A very simple card.  One piece of paper for the quilt look is hoarded leftovers.  It is called Italian Venetian and is has gold filigree here and there in the leaves and blossoms.  The other is Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80lb. cardstock.  The pieces were punched with a 1 3/8" Paper Shaper punch and mounted to a piece of  the Neenah White.

The flourish, from Flourishes Siberian Iris, was stamped on the Neenah white cardstock with Brilliance Galaxy Gold.  The pearls are from Oriental Trading Company and they are not sticky and were mounted with Glossy Accents. The green is Twinkling H2O Moss Green.

A Dark Brown Sharpie and a ruler were used for the Faux Stitching.  That was run through my Cuttlebug with their Victoria embossing folder.  I pieced another piece of Neenah white so everything measured 4.0"X5.25".  That was mounted to a piece of Curious Metallic Chocolate text weight.

Now the fun really began.  I used my new PTI Flower Bloom #1 die set with the Italian Venetian paper as shown with my Cuttlebug.  I used a stylus on a piece of stylus foam to give the petals dimension along with 3D 1/16" pop dots under each petal.  The tips of the petals were rounded with the rod of a needle punch.  The buttons are from my stash, as well as the gold thread. One button is crystal clear with a gold trim and the other is a pearl pink.

The tag is from Spellbinder Tag Trio and was saved from a past project.  The sentiment is by Paper Salon and was embossed with Gold EP.  I mounted it on the Italian Venetian paper, trimmed around it, and cut out the ribbon slots with an X-Acto knife.  The dots are Stickles Cotton Candy. The ribbon is from Michaels.  The stick pin and Czech bead are from my stash!.

I am off to do another card.  I am down from 8 cards at a time to 2 and may get to 1.  That should speed up my production rate............maybe!!!  :-)

That's all for today and thanks for stopping by to look and say hi!!

 Shirley

Supplies:
Papers: Neenah Classic Crest, Solar White, Super Smooth cardstock and text weight; Curious Metallic Chocolate text weight; Italian Venetian

Stamps: Flourishes Siberian Iris - flourish; Paper Salon For You

Inks: Brilliance Galaxy Gold; Shaprie Dark Brown; Gold EP

Accessories: Oriental Trading Company pearls; EK Success Paper Shaper 1 3/8" punch; clear and pink pearl buttons; Gold thread from stash; Cuttlebug Victoria; Spellbinders Tags Trio; Stickles Cotton Candy; Michaels ribbon; Bow-Easy; stick pin and Czech from stash.

It's My Flower Time

For months I have wanted to do some flower cards and just never made time.  Well as you can see, I have.  I am starting with a flower I made using Spellbinder's Blossom die set.

The smallest 3 dies from Spellbinder's Blossom set were run through my Cuttlebug twice using Curious Gold Leaf White Gold 8.5X11 text.  It is more of a bone color with a gold sheen to it.  Text is easier to mold and is still thicker than normal text weight paper.  I trimmed the petals in the valleys a little so they would curl easier.  I laid them out and then inked up Impression Obsession's Cover-A-Card Dots on my Mega Mount with Brilliance Coral and rocked it over them and then dried them with a heat gun.  I curled the petals with a crochet handle and mounted them on top one another as shown.   A humongous White pearl sticker was put in the middle and Stickles Cinnamon glitter glue was used for the dots you see around it.  At this point I have one petal layer left for the sentiment.

I ran a pink piece of cardstock through the Cuttlebug using their Textile Texture embossing folder.  I ran my Opalite Golden Mist pad over the embossed area to add a gold sheen to it.   I cut it in half and then taped it to a white piece of Domtar cardstock.

I ran remnant pieces of Neenah Classic Crest Solar White 80lb. text weight paper through my Fiskars Eyelet Lace Border Punch to do 5 layers at 1.5"X4.0".

A remnant piece of dark brown ribbon was threaded through a piece of May Arts lace and taped to the card.  The bow was done with the Bow-Easy.  This was mounted on Curious Chocolate.

The sentiment is from Impression Obsession Clear Stamp Set Mini Messages and was stamped on Neenah Solar White Classic Crest remnant cardstock using Memento Rich Cocoa.  I placed a clear oval sticker on top of it and then taped to center of the last petal die cut and mounted as shown.  Last I used a Viva Decor Cream Pearl Pen to accent certain embossed areas in the paper lace.

I had fun and think I might try a ribbon rose next!  Thanks for stopping by to look and say hi!

 Shirley

Supplies:
Papers: Domtar White, Super Smooth, 90 lb. Folded card base ; Neenah Classic Crest, Solar White, Super Smooth cardstock and text weight; Curious Gold Leaf White Gold and Chocolate text weight; Pink cardstock

Stamps: Impression Obsession Cover-A-Card CC003- Dots and Mini Messages

Inks: Brilliance Coral; Memento Rich Cocoa; Opalite Golden Mist

Accessories: Fiskars Eyelet Lace Border Punch; Viva Pearl Pen Cream; Cuttlebug Textile Texture; Spellbinders Blossom; Mark Richards 10mm Pearl sticker; May Arts Lace; Bow-Easy; Clear Dome sticker, Michael remnant ribbon

It's IO Challenge Thursday

The challenge for today is to create a card using a stamp(s) for other than what they were intended. The challenge is open to anyone who uses only IO stamps and submits their card by midnight this Saturday. Their card will be posted on the IO blog and also to the IO Customer Photo Album there.

My card was done early because I confused the dates. I was so busy cleaning my house and yard that it really did seem like 2 weeks had passed by last Thursday.


The image was stamped on White cardstock with Galaxy Gold and heated before painting with Twinkling H2O's, using the colors listed below. Then it was cut out.
The Eyelash ribbon is wired. It was shaped in a circle and then the back taped with double sided tape.
The bottom part of the background was stamped on Glossy White cardstock using the Cover-A-Card Thick and Thin stamp and Pearlescent Chocolate ink. It was heated to speed up the drying time. It was then cut to 1.5"X4" and mounted on a piece of Solar White Laid cardstock as shown.
To do the top portion of the white background:
1. Make Merry was stamped with StazOn Blazing Red. A mask was made by punching a circle out of Eclipse material especially for masks. I placed it over the words to protect them.
2. Cover-A-Card Small Dots was inked up to the 2.75" line of dots. A ruler was laid along the stamp while it was on its back. (Easy-Peasy as Deb Neerman would say).
2. This next part may sound hard, but it was easy too, surprisingly!! I held the background stamp in both my hands and carefully slid it down along the edge of the glossy cardstock. It fit like a glove. Mitra's stamps are trimmed pretty even. It came out like a charm.
3. Heat and stick powder was applied to the 'inked dots' and then heated until clear. Transparent glitter was added to the clear area. Excess was poured back into the container and then the dots were heat embossed again. I brushed it afterward to remove the excess. Then I removed the mask.
The Green Eyelash Rug was mounted, followed by the image. The leaves were stamped, cut out, and then mounted with the rhinestones as shown.
That was then mounted on the red cardstock. The Bow-Easy was used with long long tails that could be turned here and there.
Supplies:

Stamps: Spa Day - G2346, Make Merry - A8147, Cover-A-Card Thick & Thin - CC008, Cover-A-Card Small Dots - CC003, Branches Of The Tree - CL 168

Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth and Laid cardstock, Glossy White, Curious Inferno

Inks: Brilliance Galaxy Gold, Pearlescent Chocolate and Moonlight White, StazOn Blazing Red; Twinkling H2O's Forest Green, Garnet, Natural Linen, Heavenly White, China Black, Warm Pecan, and Solar Gold

Accessories: Heat and Stick Powder, May Arts Green Satin and Green Eyelash Ribbon, Stickles Diamond Glitter Glue, Mark Richards 2mm Ruby Red Crystal Stickers, 3D Pop Dots, Bow-Easy.

It actually sounds more detailed than it is. It went relatively fast....and it was fun!! Ho Ho Ho!~!

Below is a list of the Design Team members blogs where you will see some really cute and pretty cards:

 

 Shirley

 

An IO Halloween Challenge

This challenge is for Halloween. I went shopping today and came home with a splitting headache! So the card I have started is just that....started. The card below is old to me and new to you, as Julie Koerber would put it!!! Hope to get my other card done soon.


IMAGE:

1. This sweet image, Candy Corn Tree was stamped with Brilliance Gold Galaxy on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80lb.cardstock and painted with Twinkling H2O's Lemon Drop, Orange Peel, Icicles, and Warm Pecan.

2. The little pumpkin was painted with Orange Peel and Midori Melon.

3. Glossy Accents was applied to the corn and pumpkin.

4. The Moon and background are Lemon Drop, Warm Pecan, and Midori Melon.

5. The image was mounted on Curious Bronze cardstock.

6. That cute little Owl, was stamped with Brilliance Gold Galaxy, painted with Warm Pecan and Icicles. The beak and feet were painted with a very light light Orange Peel. Clear Gelly Roll Stardust pen was used on his white feathers, Bronze Gelly Roll Stardust pen was used on his dark feathers. He was cut out and the edges of his body were done by running the edges over a Sharpie Brown medium point pen. Before I did his eyes I applied Glossy Accents to all of him and let it dry. His eyes were done with a Golden Gelly Roll Stardust pen and when dry the Bronze Gelly Roll Stardust pen was used to do the centers of his eyes. He was mounted with a large pop dot on the tree branch.

7. The words, Hoo's Got Candy , were stamped with Clearsnap Mica Magic Bronze ink.


BACKGROUND:

1. The background behind the main image was done by putting Bazzill Bling Bright Lights through the Cuttlebug in the Perfect Paisley embossing folder.

2. Then the indented dots were done with the Bronze Gelly Roll Stardust pen.

3. Oh boy, more dots. Well...........I did the ones on the Solar White Cardstock with my paper piercer and lined them up by using a clear ruler along the edge and eyed the middle of the margin. Then I went back over them with the Bronze Gelly Roll pen.

4. The White dots were done on Curious Bronze cardstock using a White Signo Uniball pen. It was very cool because it dries as a layer and if I made a mistake when it dried I could scrap it off "carefully" with my X-acto knife and correct without a mess.

5. The ribbon is by May Arts and has the most beautiful dark brown and copper sheen to it. I hope you can tell. It i s so soft to the touch.This card was a rare experience. I have not done a card without pearls, rhinestones, metal, or beads as embellishments for a long long time.

SUPPLIES:
Stamps: Impression-Obsession - Candy Corn Tree, Owl, and Hoo's Got Candy in Red Rubber, or the Clear Set Candy Corn

Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80lb. cardstock, Curious Bronze, and Bazzill Bling Bright Lights

Inks: Brilliance Galaxy Gold, Twinkling H2O's Lemon Drop, Orange Peel, Icicles, and Warm Pecan Orange Peel, and Midori Melon

Accessories: Clear Gelly Roll Stardust , Golden Gelly Roll Stardust and Bronze Gelly Roll Stardust pens, Glossy Accents , White Signo Uniball , May Arts and Clearsnap Mica Magic Bronze ink

Don't forget you can all participate in the challenge by emailing your card, with IO images, to me by Saturday midnight. It will be posted on the IO blog and also in their Customer Photo Album. Two people have entered already. You can see their cards by checking out today's IO challenge post.

Thanks for stopping by "the blog" to look and share.

 

 Shirley

 

Stained Glass Heart - Well Maybe!

Perfect for those whose anniversaries are around the corner maybe. The image is Alesa Baker's Stained Glass Heart by Impression-Obsession.

1. The image was stamped with Brilliance Galaxy Gold on Neenah Classic Crest Super Smooth Natural 80lb. Cover cardstock 4 times and then layered as shown with dimensional dots. You can see it better if you click on it. The image was painted with Twinkling H2O's Heavenly White, Cherry Sorbet, and Olive Vine. Pink double faced Satin ribbon from Michaels was used for the top of the heart. A Mark Richards 2mm pearl from his Scrip Alphabet was used for the middle of the rose. I had a piece of lace from who knows where that I placed around the edge of the heart.



2. Curious Ice Gold text weight paper was cut in a 3" square and then embossed with the Cuttlebug embossing folder Floral Fantasy. An EK Success Small Corner Rounder was used on the corners. The main image was mounted on that.

3. Stardream Chiara Rose Quartz text weight paper was cut in a 3" square and then embossed with the Cuttlebug embossing folder Floral Fantasy.

4. Curious Caramel text weight was cut 4.25"X5.5" and then embossed with the Cuttlebug folder Floral Fantasy. It was trimmed and then mounted on Curious Ice Gold Text weight paper. The Rose Quartz was mounted and Mark Richards 5mm Pearls added as shown. The image mounted on the Curious Ice Gold was mounted on top of that. The cardfront was then mounted on the front of white 5.5X8.5" folded cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by 'the blog' to look and share.

 

 Shirley

 

Flourishes Poinsettia

I was so impressed with Laura's, Becca's, Cindy's, and Rainy's poinsettias that I had to have one too! So, knowing I couldn't hope to equal, but wanted to try:

1. The flower was stamped twice and the leaves three times each and then heat embossed to set the ink. They were painted with watercolors and them cut out with cuticle scissors. You heard me, yep, that's what I used. The curved tips help me to go in and out of curved areas without slowing down too much.

2. The white background was embossed and then the Scor-It was used to give a linear tile look to it. The background paper behind it is actually a light Gold.

3. The lace edge was punched and then taped on top and mounted just under the rim of the White Gold paper. I used left over pieces for the corners. If you click on the picture and look carefully at the bottom right corner you can just see it. I could have mitered it, but I thought it was a bit too detailed, even for me. ;-) That was then laid on the largest piece of White Gold paper.

4. The petals of the bottom layer of poinsettia were slightly curled around a pencil and then mounted with a large pop dot in the center of the card. The next layer was curled and layered with another pop dot. The leaves were curled a little and mounted with leftovers from around the pop dots. One of my 'Green' contributions. This was all then mounted on a 5.25X10.5 piece of folded cardstock.

5. The white 3mm pearls were added to the center and then dyed. (I keep a Niji waterbrush filled and marked with Alcohol Blending Solution. I store it brush side up and marked with a Sharpie.) I used yellow alcohol ink to paint the pearls by touching the tip of the brush to the dried ink on the inside of the cap and around the tip of the bottle. It really doesn't take much at all. Then Diamonds glitter glue was applied to give a little sparkle and to tone down the yellow a little. It sparkles faintly, giving it a whimsical look.

6. The bow was tied Martha Stewart style and mounted with large glue dots.

7. A piece of the White Gold paper was die cut for the label. The center of the die was used to draw a center for it from a leftover end of the white embossed background. Then it was put under (outside) the embossing folder and run through the Cuttlebug to flatten it out. The pattern can still be seen, while giving a clearer stamped impression. Then the words were stamped on it and heat set to dry them. The label was mounted and then 5mm pearls added.

8. I stamped the smaller Poinsettia inside on the top part of the card with a flourish diagonally at each end. The same was done on the lower left hand corner of the envelope. I didn't take a picture. :-( I used yellow glitter glue for the centers and painted them with the same colors I used on the card.

Supplies:

Image:
- Neenah Paper Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80 lb. cardstock - (2) 4.25X5.5 and 5.25X10.5 (Folded Card)
- Flourishes - Poinsettia and Boxwood
- Brilliance Galaxy Gold
- Twinkling H2O's Garnet and Mallard Green applied with a Niji waterbrush
- Mark Richards Crystal Stickers 3mm Pearls

Background:
- Curious White Gold text 4.5X4.5 and 5.25X5.25
- Neenah Paper Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80 lb. cardstock 4.25X5.5
- Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Textile Texture
- Scor-Pal , Scor-It or any other method that will score the patterned paper
- Fiskars ALL A-FLEUR Embossing Border Punch This is where I bought mine. Great prices.

Embellishments:
- Mark Richards Crystal Stickers 3mm and 5mm White Pearls
- Pinata Sunbright Yellow Alcohol Ink
- Adirondack Alcohol Blending Solution in a labeled Niji waterbrush - I also keep one filled with Johnson's Acrylic Floor Wax - another story.
- Stickles Diamonds and Yellow Glitter Glue
- Ribbon from Michaels Christmas section eons ago. I bet they still carry it. It is very close to the color of the White Gold paper.

So, there you have it. I think mine has more vibrant colors and theirs are more soft and feminine. The veins on my leaves show up, and IRL you can see them on the petals too. It was fun! My own itty bitty challenge. Hee hee.

Thanks for stopping by 'the blog' to look and share.

 

 Shirley

 

Second In The Parade Of Trees

For some reason I am using a lot of Christmas tree stamps lately. I have to also say I have a heck of a time getting a good photo, even without the flash, on cards with rhinestones or glitter. The ribbon really does match the glitter more and the rhinestones match the edge of the ribbon perfectly. The tree was stamped on cardstock and heat embossed to dry the ink. Glitter Glue was applied and then the glitter. The image was cut out when the glitter dried.

The background paper was embossed with the Cuttlebug and folder. It was mounted to the dark purple cardfront. The smaller image was stamped 5 times on cardstock and then glitter glue and glitter applied. They were cut out when dry and mounted with glue.

The main image was mounted with large pop dots and left over pop material as shown. Glue was used to mount the smaller images randomly around the tree. The ribbon was tied using the Martha Stewart method and then mounted with a large glue dot. The lavender rhinestones were mounted last.

Supplies:

Images:
-Neenah Paper Classic Craft Natural Super Smooth 80 lb. cardstock 4.25"X5.5" (tree); 2 1/8"X2.75" (smaller image); 5.5"X8.25" (card) folded.
-Impression-Obsession: Swirl Tree and/or Leigh Hannan Snowflakes (which includes a smaller tree and the Smaller Image)
-Brilliance Galaxy Gold
-3-D Glitter Glue - I suggest one that dries clear.
-Art Institute Glitter: Ultrafine Transparent Nirvana
-Large Pop Dots and the leftovers around the dots
-May Arts KA45 Woven Iridescent Ribbon

Background:
-Curious Ice Gold text weight paper and Neenah Natural as shown above under Image
-Cuttlebug Embossing Folder D'Vine Swirl
and smaller image from Snowflakes as noted above under image
-Scotch Quick Drying Tacky Glue (Carole Miller from MO introduced me to this glue)
It will hold anything that my ATG tape won't and that's not much!!
-Mark Richards Crystal Stickers Elements Lavender
-Bazzill: Lilac/Fairy Dust

That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by 'the blog' to look and share.

 

 Shirley

 

Holly Angel

I fell in love with the Adriana Cirstea Angels when I saw them posted on the American Stamps blog. So I ordered 5 for now. (Smile) The owner was kind enough to let me purchase them unmounted with repositionable cling. Tooooo sweet! Thank you again if I should be so lucky you read this.

The image above was stamped on white cardstock.. The effects for the holly leaf were done with Twinks Solar Gold that matches the ink used to stamp the image. Then the image was painted. Red rhinestones were added to the leaf and the lower hem portion of the gown. The edges were rounded with a punch. The edges were sponged with dye ink for effect. It was mounted on green cardstock. An Ex-acto knife was used to cut around the leaf. It was lifted for effect with a piece of a pop dot. The slots were punched for the ribbon.

The background was embossed and painted with twinks on the raised portion. The corners were rounded. The edges were sponged with dye ink. Rhinestones and glitter glue were added intermittently on the Holly Berries. Then it was mounted on the Green cardstock. The leftover corners from the punched areas were mounted to the corners.

The ribbon was mounted though slots on the main image and then attached on the back of the Green background. The knots were then tied. A Snowflake charm was attached with a glue dot and a Red rhinestone was added in the middle. I know the rhinestone on the snowflake is crooked here and it has been corrected. Ha!

The inside left of the card (folded white cardstock) was put thorough the Cuttlebug with the background image. Then it was taken out and the whole card was laid under the closed folder and it was put though again to flatten the embossed image. It is just there faintly enough to see all of the image. You could still write on it if you chose. I did the envelope lower left corner the same way. A really wonderful look.

Supplies:
Image:
Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80lb cover cardstock 4.25X5.5" and 5.5"X8.5" folded
Unknown Green cardstock
American Art Stamps: Adriana Cirstea - Angel With Palm (Unmounted with Cling)
Brilliance Galaxy Gold
Niji Waterbrush
Twinkling H2O's - Iridescent Gold, Mallard Green, Garnet, Warm Pecan
Stampin' Up Classic Forest Foliage and Garden Green
Sponge

Background:
Curious Ice Gold Cover Cardstock
Twinkling H2O's - Mallard Green, Garnet, Warm Pecan
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Holly
Stampin' Up Classic Forest Foliage/retired and Garden Green
Sponge
Unknown Green cardstock

Embellishments:
Stickles Diamond (Wings) and Garnet (Holly Berries) glitter glue
Mark Richards Crystal Stickers Elements Red Rhinestones, Mini, Small, Medium
Fancifuls Inc. Brass Snowflake
Stampin' Up Red Organdy Ribbon (eons old) almost vintage

Thanks for stopping by 'the blog' to look and share....and thank you all so much for your wonderful compliments.

 

 Shirley

 

Swirls And Pearls

Glitter drives me crazy sometimes. It never looks in a photo like it does IRL. Anyway, the image was stamped on white cardstock and then glitter was used to fill in the swirls. I worked with the lightest color first, then pink, then gold. The tree has snowflakes, but I chose to used a die to mount them over the ones already there. I used the two on the right and cut them down. The one on the top was used for the larger ones. Large Pop Dots were used just below the snowflake on top and then the right and left swirls on the bottom and the center top of tree trunk.

The background is a Cuttlebug embossing folder. I am trying to do more layers. Most of my images are too big to do a lot of it. I used an oval punch for the words and then Magic Matter to do the edge seen around it. The circles on the outside frame are from snowflakes I cut down for the tree. They are from the one on the right on the die below.
The regular dots were made with a White Signo Uni-ball pen. The ribbon is May Arts and I love it. I love how easy it was to use. Glitter glue and pearls were added to the tree snowflakes, the brass snowflake and the tag for the final touches.

I decorated the inside of my card and envelope with the embossing folder and painted with Twinkling H2O's Iridescent Gold so it matched the BG area.

Supplies:
Image:
Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80lb cover cardstock 4.25X5.5" and 5.5"X8.5" folded
Brilliance Galaxy Gold
Impression-Obsession: Swirl and Snowflake Tree
Glitter Glue - I suggest one that dries clear.
Art Institute Glitter:
Sea Shell Transparent
Baby's Breath Transparent
Fool's Gold Opaque
Curious Metallic Ice Gold Cardstock 2X2" to fit Die
Cuttlebug Die Snowflake #2
4 Large Pop Dots

Tag:
Curious Metallic Ice Gold Cardstock
Stampin' Up 1.75 Oval Punch
Stampin' Up Pixie Pink or Medium Pink Cardstock
Magic Matter

Background:
Curious Metallic Ice Gold Cardstock 4.25X5.5 trimmed and cut to 3 strips of 1 5/8"X3 7/8"
Cuttlebug Snowflakes Embossing Folder

Embellishments:
Stickles Diamonds glitter glue
Gold (Brass) Snowflake
SnowflakeMark Richards Crystal Effects Pearls 3mm and 5mm
Signo Uni-ball White pen

Don't forget, if you have questions, you can email me by clicking on the EMAIL Me on the right sidebar. Thanks for stopping by the blog to look and share!

 

 Shirley

 

Its A Fall Thing

Well, here we are again folks! And its not Halloween or Christmas!!! The main image, Cattails by Impression-Obsession, was stamped with Brilliance Galaxy Gold on Curious Ice Gold text weight paper and then painted with Twinkling H2O's Golden Opal, Warm Pecan, Moss Green, and Sweet Alfalfa. Sparkle 'n Sprinkle Dimensional Glue was used on the Cattails, then Stampendous Fun Flock Caramel Latte Tan was applied and allowed to dry. It wasn't dark enough for me, so when it dried Twinkling H2O Warm Pecan was applied. Rangers Glossy Accents was applied to the bottoms of the acorns. Some areas as shown were highlighted with Rangers Stickles Cinnamon and Gary Burlin Lime Green. Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip cardstock was used with Martha Stewart's Doily Lace Edge Punch to create the edge for each side of the main image.

The background, on Curious Ice Gold text weight paper, was stamped using Stampin' Up Craft Chocolate Chip with Impression-Obsession Large Swirl background stamp. Clear Embossing Powder was added and heat embossed. It is 5"X6" and I love it. There is always extra left over, when trimmed down, to edge the inside of the card and the envelope. Stickles Cinnamon and Gary Burlin Lime Green glitter glues were used to highlight parts of the back ground after the main image was mounted as shown.

I wanted to learn a new way to tie a bow without using 2 pieces of ribbon. I found it here. You can also do the same thing with by joining 2 pieces of ribbon too. I love the way they turn out using this technique from Martha Stewart. The woman does know a thing or two, or three, or four, etc. Doesn't she? Hee hee!

The word tag is from Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio was used with SU Chocolate Chip cardstock and Curious Ice Gold text weight paper. I used the inside of the die to trace the Ice Gold portion of the tag. The words are from Impression-Obsession Clear Stamp Sets Sentiments I and were stamped with Stazon Timber Brown. The Pearls are Mark Richards Crystal Stickers Elements 5mm pearls. The same glitter glues were used to highlight the words area of the tag. Both of the ribbons were purchased from Michael's in their ribbon section.

 

 Shirley

 

All Ready For Christmas

Lottie, by Impression-Obsession was stamped with Stazon Timber Brown on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80lb cover cardstock and painted with Twinkling H2O's Warm Pecan, Rubilite, Black Orchid, Moss Green, Sweet Alfalfa, Natural Linen, Pink Crocus. The faux pearls in her hair and on her neck and arm ribbons are Rangers White Opal Liquid Pearls.

The green matte behind Lottie and the cardfront is Stardream Fairway text weight paper. The BG paper on the top half is Neenah Paper Classic Craft Natural Super Smooth 80 lb. cardstock that was embossed with the Cuttlebug Textile Texture folder, and then a Mica Magic Regal Red ink pad was lightly dragged across the top embossed area. The Regal Red was also used on the edges of the cardstock behind Lottie. The paper on the bottom is half of the cardfront is Curious Ice Gold text weight paper that was scored on Scor-Pal every 1/2" using a Copic At You Spica Olive Glitter pen.

This is embarrassing. I can't remember where I saw the Scor-Pal technique. I think it was on video. If it was you, please email me privately so I can give you credit. Lyn from Arty Aspirations just let me know it was Mel Stampz blog and here is where I saw it. Thanks, Lyn, for the memory!!!

The corners were punched with an SU Ticket Corner Punch. The Pearls are Mark Richards Crystal Stickers Elements 3mm pearls. The snowflake is Cuttlebug Snowflake #2 Die and was cut from White scrap cardstock (thinking Green) and painted with Twinkling H20 Black Orchid.
The iridescent ribbon is May Arts and is a beautiful polyester blend of a Deep Pink and Moss Green. In one light it looks mainly Deep Pink and if you turn it you see mainly Moss Green. I love it and it doesn't wrinkle ever. The Stick Pen was made using a JoAnn Sew Essential Pearlized Leaf Straight Pin. They are not found online, but can be purchased in the area stores. They come with 6 different colors and 6 of each color in a pack for $1.49 plus tax. (all of this information was given to me by Kathie MaGuire and you can see how she used the pin here. The pearls and glass heart are Czech glass beads bought at hobby stores or EBay. I used Glossy Accents squeezed into the end of the pearl on the bottom to attach it to the sharp part of the pin.

Thanks for stopping by 'the blog' to look.

 

 Shirley

 

Which One?

I can't make up my mind. Do I even need to? You tell me. Both cards have the image, Poinsettia and Holly by Impression-Obsession, stamped in Brilliance Galaxy Gold on Curious Ice Gold text weight paper (first cut with Spellbinder Nestabilities Large Scallop Circle third from largest die), and was painted with Twinkling H2O's Garnet and Sweet Alfalfa. The poinsettia image was stamped 3 more times on the Ice Gold paper and then cut-out and layered as shown on each other with glue dots. The final layers were mounted on the paper with a dimensional pop dot.

The largest Scallop die was used to cut 1 circle from Curious Ice Gold text weight paper, and 2 circles from Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80lb cover cardstock for the inside of the card.

A 1/4" Magic Matter guide was used to trace around one of the Solar White scalloped circles twice on a folded 8.5X11 folded piece of Glama Navtural Clear Vellum 48lb. Cover Vellum (bought on sale) to get the outside vellum card. The two scallops at the top were left connected and then reinforced with another piece of vellum to support the final card.

I got this idea from Lynda Benden at Stamp Act here. You really should check out her blog. She is one great card artist and designer. Mine is different because I wanted a bigger card, so my outside scallops are not as deep by using the Magic Matter.

Impression-Obsession Sprig (Leigh Hannan uses this design on a lot of her stamps as fill in. It looks great for inside the card and envelopes. A little design and not a lot of extra work.) was used to go around the edge of the vellum card with Brilliance Galaxy Gold and then painted the leaves with Twinkling H2O's Sweet Alfalfa.

Glossy Accents sprinkled with Butterscotch Translucent Mini Micro Beads were applied to the center of the poinsettia and allowed to dry. A light amount of Stickles Yellow glitter glue was applied on top to make them glisten a little, and they do. :-) The image was mounted to the middle of the Vellum cardfront. The ribbon is from Michaels.

Now the dilemma. Stickles Garnet was added around the Poinsettia on the Holly Berries. Stickles Diamonds was added to the Berries with the Sprigs near the Poinsettia and on the Sprigs near the scallops. On the second card I added more of the Stickles Garnet to the scallops on the main image and also to the scallops on the vellum. I can't seem to pick.

Thanks for stopping by 'the blog' to visit and to look.

 

 Shirley

 

A Very Shelly Christmas

I love shells, don't you? I think almost everyone does. This tree has it all if you like the ocean too. The image is Ocean Tree by Impression-Obsession and was stamped with Brilliance Galaxy Gold on Curious Ice Gold text weight paper. Stickles Glitter glues was used for the crabs, fish and starfish. Jones Tones Foil Glue and Pearl Swirl Foil were used for the little circles on the fish and the scallop shells. The starfish were stamped on a separate piece of Ice Gold cardstock and then mounted with dimensional glue dots.


The waves were done with Sparkle and Sprinkle Dimensional Glue and Starfire Glitter. I am sure any dimensional glue and transparent sparkle glitter will do. Mark Richards 3mm Pearls were applied to the ocean wave bubbles randomly. The sand along the bottom of the tree is USArtQuest Mica Flakes Gold Medium PFX702.

AMACO Bright Gold Embossing Sheet and a Cuttlebug Vintage Die was used for the upper left hand corner adornment. The open areas were filled with the dimensional glue and glitter used on the waves. The gold metal piece on the bottom right hand corner is a left over from the die cut. The way I did the corner so it wouldn't lose its shape would be another tutorial. If you would like to see how I do that, email me by going to the sidebar on the right where it says Email Me. The ribbon is grosgrain from Wal-Mart. The orange dots are Stickles Orange glitter glue.

The image was mounted on Bazzill Bling Karat and the dots were applied with a White Signo Uni-ball pen. I think I have had enough of dots for a while, but I promise nothing. :-)

I am going to try to do the stamping with Brilliance pads tutorial next. Hopefully maybe tomorrow. Thank you for stopping by "the blog".

 

 Shirley

 

Hoos Got Candy?

I decided it was time to try dots. I see so much of them online. Well I am not the Queen of Dots. I think that should belong to Faith at Stampin' With Markies Mom, but I tried. Her cards are sensational, dots or no dots. It was fun. Now about the card ;-):

This sweet image, Candy Corn Tree by Impression-Obsession, was stamped with Brilliance Gold Galaxy on Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Super Smooth 80lb.cardstock and painted with Twinkling H2O's Lemon Drop, Orange Peel, Icicles, and Warm Pecan. The little pumpkin was painted with Orange Peel and Midori Melon. Glossy Accents was applied to the corn and pumpkin. The Moon and background are Lemon Drop, Warm Pecan, and Midori Melon. The image was mounted on Curious Bronze cardstock.


That cute little Owl, also by Impression-Obsession, was stamped with Brilliance Gold Galaxy, painted with Warm Pecan and Icicles. The beak and feet were painted with a very light light Orange Peel. Clear Gelly Roll Stardust pen was used on his white feathers, Bronze Gelly Roll Stardust pen was used on his dark feathers. He was cut out and the edges of his body were done by running the edges over a Sharpie Brown medium point pen. Before I did his eyes I applied Glossy Accents to all of him and let it dry. His eyes were done with a Golden Gelly Roll Stardust pen and when dry the Bronze Gelly Roll Stardust pen was used to do the centers of his eyes. He was mounted with a large pop dot on the tree branch.

The words, Hoo's Got Candy by Impression-Obsession, were stamped with Clearsnap Mica Magic Bronze ink.

The background behind the main image was done by putting Bazzill Bling Bright Lights through the Cuttlebug in the Perfect Paisley embossing folder. Then the indented dots were done with the Bronze Gelly Roll Stardust pen.

Oh boy, more dots. Well...........I did the ones on the Solar White Cardstock with my paper piercer and lined them up by using a clear ruler along the edge and eyed the middle of the margin. Then I went back over them with the Bronze Gelly Roll pen.

The White dots were done on Curious Bronze cardstock using a White Signo Uniball pen. It was very cool because it dries as a layer and if I made a mistake when it dried I could scrap it off "carefully" with my X-acto knife and correct without a mess. If anyone knows how to do this in an easier way, please email me by using the light blue Email Me link in the right hand side bar.

The ribbon is by May Arts and has the most beautiful dark brown and copper sheen to it. I hope you can tell. It i s so soft to the touch.

This card was a rare experience. I have not done a card without pearls, rhinestones, metal, or beads as embellishments for a long long time. Thanks for looking and stopping by "the blog" to visit.

 

 Shirley

 

Butterflies In the Air Everywhere

I saw a blog banner similar to this somewhere and couldn't get it out of my mind. Then I saw the stamp I wanted for it on Impression-Obsession with their new stamps and had to try it.

First I ran half of the white cardstock through the Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots embossing folder. The stamp is Butterfly Group by Impression-Obsession and was stamped with Brilliance Galaxy Gold, then painted with Twinkling H2O's. The pearly areas on the butterflies were done using Rangers White Opal Liquid Pearls.

The words, Just A Note, also by Impression-Obsession, were stamped with Brilliance Galaxy Gold on an EK Success punched 1" white circle. Then it was mounted on Curious Metallics Caramel text paper by Arjo Wiggins Company. I used my Magic Matter to draw the edge around the white cardstock on the Caramel paper. I used the same Curious Metallics Caramel cardstock as the frame around the White card front. The pearls are by Mark Richards. The ribbon is from Michaels and I don't remember where I got the faux pearl buckle. I have had it for eons.

(CARDSTOCK TIP - I order TEXT 80 lb. weight in metallic papers whenever possible because I usually end up using them as background papers and text is cheaper and thinner and just as easy to use. In some cases it is easier.) Of course, I also make all of my card fronts separate and mount on either Domtar White, or other cardstocks by Neenah Papers that are 8.5X5.5 folded in half. That way if I screw up a card front it doesn't cost me a whole 8.5X5.5 piece of paper. Most white and off-white cardstock is cheaper than colors, embossed, or metallic, etc.

Thanks for stopping by "the blog" to look, and if you ever have questions, please don't hesitate to ask by emailing me. My email is located in the right side bar of this page.

 

 Shirley