Mittens Card

I created this card for the challenge at Creative with Stamps.  The theme for this challenge is mittens.  I used a new mitten die cutting set to cut the top layer from metallic blue cardstock.  I watercolored the blue background and stamped it with tiny blue snow dots.  The Let it Snow sentiment was embossed with silver embossing powder to match the silver mirror card base.

Papertrey Ink January Blog Hop Challenge

 

This month, I am joining the Papertrey Ink monthly blog challenge.  I chose bright, cheery colors to help fight the winter cold.   I stamped and diecut the little flowers and leaves and layered them over a scalloped edge rectangle cutout. 

 

  

This is the challenge photo for the blog hop.  Click the link above to see all of the inspired projects.

Color ChallengeCard

This card was created for the Color Throwdown Challenge.  The colors for this round are navy, green and gray.  This color palette was definitely a challenge.  The intricate background die was cut from silver mirror card which matches the embossed sentiment perfectly.  The flower cluster was colored with Arteza brush markers.

Collage Paper Tim Holtz Challenge

I created this tag for the #THA_Jan tissue wrap challenge in our FB group, Tim Holtz Addicts.  This is an amazing group filled with talented artists who love everything Tim.  Even though the challenge was for Tissue Wrap, we are allowed to substitute Collage Paper.  I love the new Botanical design of the collage paper so I chose that medium for my tag.  I guess I am hoarding the Tissue Wrap since I do have some.

 

I started by using Collage Medium to attach the Botanical Collage Paper to a piece of white 110lb cardstock.  I waited for this to dry and then used Distress Crayons to add color to the design.  I added a little water to smooth out the crayon.  Next, I added a thin layer of the crackle medium.  I wanted a subtle crackle look, but I should of applied the crackle medium more heavily. 

 

I used one of the Stampers Anonymous cling sets from Tuesday Morning to add writing and butterflies to the background.  I also used the Creativity sentiment to a piece of patterned paper.  I cut a wildflower from the Wildflowers 2 Thinlet set and spray inked it. 

I broke out my papercrafting sewing machine to stitch a zigzag design around the edges of the papers.  I always forget how much I like the look of a stitched edge.  I find that the tools that get put away when not in use seem to be forgotten.  I need to find a way to keep the sewing machine within arms reach.  

 

 

 

 I used Tea Dye Distress ink to give all of the elements an aged look.  My go-to favorite distressing color is Frayed Burlap, but this project needed a darker aging.

 

 

I had a lot of fun working on the alcohol ink background for the inside of the plaque.  This design took several re-tries.  I used Yupo paper for the base and added lettuce and sailboat blue inks.  I also used a lot of blending solution, both from the bottle and from a mini mister.  The mini mister is the last step and it adds tiny spots which look really cool.  When the piece was almost, but not completely dry, I placed a piece of gold foil over the ink.  The tacky areas adhere the gold foil (my favorite part).

 

I assembled all of the componets and adhered them to a navy blue tag base which I cut from 110lb cardstock from Joanns.  I topped it off with a gorgeous piece of hand-dyed seam binding ribbon from Dry Gulch.  

I had not made a tag in a while.  I love challenges that lead you in unexpected directions.   I am looking forward to the February FB challenge!

Vintage Floral Card

This card was inspired by Tim's new Sizzix release yesterday.  There are many beautiful new dies that I would love to have, but I decided to make some projects based on the examples in the video using what I already have in my stash. 

 

One great idea that I gleaned from the new release video was to create a dimensional background using diecuts.  First I diecut flower pieces and adhered them to a piece of heavy cardstock using Finnabair 3D Matte Gel.  Next, I painted the piece with unicorn's hair.  I wanted a more opaque color to cover the pink background, so I also added gold rush Finnabair paint and then I let it dry.  

The next step was to begin diecutting the wildflower stems.  I used the Sizzix wildflowers #2 thinlet set and cut the pieces from watercolor papers that had been colored with Lindy's sprays.  I also distressed some of the pieces with brushed corduroy distress ink.

 

 

Then I began layering the backgrounds together, using a piece of Tim's wallpaper that happened to be the perfect colors.  I found an enameled button and attached it with hand dyed seam binding ribbon. 

I love the shabby chic details of this piece.  

Color Challenge Card

 

Today's card features unusual colors for a floral design.  The colors at the Color Throwdown challenge are black, brown and white.  

.  

 

I started with vintage style background paper layered on black paper from the Prima Printery Collection 6x6 paper pad.  

 

Next, I added the decorative papers to a 110 lb. brown cardstock from Park Lane.  I love the professional feel you get from heavy weight cardstock.

 

Next, I cut several leaves from different dies.  I layered the black leaves over the white diecuts.

 

I used tacky glue to adhere the white silk flower onto the leaves.

 

I cut a skinny hello from a piece of black glossy cardstock and attached it to a diecut brown rectangle.  I love how the different colors turned out.

Pink and Grey Rose Card

I created this pretty in pink card for The Flower Challenge.  The colors this month are pink and grey.  I watercolored a rose from Altenew and added leaf cutouts in charcoal glitter paper and silver.  I love the sparkle from the leaves.