Layered Thank You

I'm still in my vellum mood.  I received my exchange card yesterday from my friend in California.  She sent me a lovely layered card using patterned papers.  I am sure there is another name for these cards, but it escapes me.  I decided to try something similar but using a stamp and embossing it.  

The time consuming thing about this is all the dimensions involved. I started out with the card base, and subtracted partial inches from that until I had the 6 nested layer dimensions.  Then I made my cuts. The vellum layers were temporarily attached to one another, then stamped and heat embossed. While it cooled, I put together my sentiment strip, die cutting, stamping and heat embossing.

I do not buy colored embellishments anymore.  I dye them or in this case, I used a silver brad, got it nice and warm with the heat tool, then dipped it into my white embossing powder.  I also put the heat tool to it to smooth it out.

Lastly, all the layers were put together, the sentiment strip attached then the whole stack added to the card base. 

Thanks for stopping by.
 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat


Ink: Versamark
Die: Spellbinders
Stamp: Hero Arts CL582, CG179
Cardstock: Core' dinations clear translucent, DCWV Shimmer
Embellishment: Making Memories -Heat embossed silver brads
Embossing: Tsukineko 04-white
Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5

Birdhouse Birthday

I need to get together some have-on-hand birthday cards, that could be given to a male or female. 

To start my collection I used a new embossing folder, Clouds.  I inked up the side with the indentations for the embossing.  Turning my white cardstock into a blue sky with pop-out clouds.

The birdhouse was stamped, and heat embossed in black, then colored with the markers. As a final step, I cut out just the birdhouse and its stand. The stamp actually has a frame and foliage around the birdhouse.  I used a Martha Stewart punch to create the fence.  The hill was made using a Kiwi Lane border template. I can never draw those things free hand. 

The sentiment was stamped and heat embossed, then cut out, I inked along the edges with walnut stain distress ink. I popped up the birdhouse, and the sentiment when putting all the elements together.

Thanks for stopping by.
 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat


Ink: Versafine- Onyx Black
Stamp: All Hero Arts (K5366, CL574)
Marker: Memento (Desert Sand, Rich Cocoa, Dandelion, Rhubarb), Distress ink (Tumbled Glass, Walnut Stain)
Cardstock: Recollections, DCWV
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey
Embossing: Recollections Clear Powder, Darice- Clouds
Fiber: American Crafts
Tools: MS Fence punch
Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches

Have a fabulous day

Another 3 paneled background card today. Again starting with the patterned paper, coordinating ink, embossed vellum and some ribbon. Oh and did I mention some gorgeous rose gold glitter...I wish it would photograph better.   

This is without a doubt my favorite Hero Arts butterfly stamp, I just wish it had a coordinating die cut!  I am not a fan of fussy cutting, I blame that on my arthritic thumbs, not my impatience.

It is so much prettier in person.  I have sent it on to my friend whom I exchange cards with each month.  This card will definitely be remade for my stash.  Oh...and the post title?  That is the interior sentiment.  Sometimes, the front just needs to be left alone!  

Have a fabulous day!

 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat


Ink: Versa Mark, Distress Ink-Tattered Rose
Die: Spelllbinders
Stamp: Hero Arts H5426
Cardstock: Recollections Vellum. DCWV shimmer stack; Bazzil Basics - dotted swiss
Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye -Lost & Found 6x6 stack
Embellishment: EK Success Glitter
Embossing: Tsukineko White
Fiber: Hug Snug Seam Binding - Eggshell
Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches

Thinking of you

This bicycle stamp from Hero arts was included in the prize package I won for a scramble at the Hero Arts flickr group last April. I had been wanting to use it, but never had just the right idea. I think my inspiration board is working.

There is something about 3 panel cards that I seem to always catch my eye.  I love layers as well.  This card has both those elements. I flipped through a 6x6 pad first to find some patterned papers I liked.  Then tried my best to match those shades with the coloring and other elements.  I think it worked out well.

Thanks for stopping by.
 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat


Ink: Versa Fine, Black Onyx
Stamp: Hero Arts F5293
Marker: Memento, Dandelion, Pear Tart, Bahama Blue
Cardstock: DCWV-creamy cardstock, shimmer stack; Bazzil Basics - dotted swiss
Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye -Lost & Found2 6x6-Sunshine pad
Embellishment: Recollection’s Gemstones, Doodle Bug -Sentiment Sticker
Embossing: Recollections Clear Powder
Fiber: Martha Stewart
Card Size:4.25 x 5.5 inches

Holly

My darling MIL included a sweet Christmas stamp in my Christmas gift this year.  She has been so supportive of my card-making. I am so blessed to have her in my life. I can without any hesitation say she is the nicest person I have ever met.  

I know holidays have passed, but I still wanted to put together a quick card to show her how the stamp might be used without having to wait until the end of this year.

Hubs thought it would make a nice interior stamp, but he only saw the wood block with the mono-color image on it.

He was surprised with the outcome using the multiple colors, and now agrees the stamp has a lot of potential.

Thanks for stopping by.
 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat




Stamp: Inkadinkado 60-00343
Marker: Memento ( Lady Bug, Cottage Ivy, Paris Dusk)
Cardstock: Recollections
Patterned Paper: HOTP
Embellishment: Glossy Accents
Fiber: Martha Stewart
Card Size: 4.75 x 3.75 inches

The Shabby Tea Room #148

This is my first time playing in this challenge. It is titled Elegance, and the photo colors, as well as ribbon(bow) and a flower must be used in the creation. Here is the inspiration photo.
 
















I am in a blue and white phase right now, so this challenge worked well for my current color obsession.












Thanks for stopping by.
 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat


Ink: Tsukineko-Danube Blue
Die: Spellbinders
Stamp: Hero Arts CL284
Cardstock: Recollections
Embellishment: Jolee’s
Embossing: Recollections clear powder
Fiber: Sweet Petites ribbon
Card Size: 6.25 x 4.25 inches

Houndstooth

I made this card for a challenge, based on colors and embellishment requirements.  THEN I went back to the challenge and the title of it sure did not fit my card.  So I won't be submitting it to the challenge...I'll probably work on something else with blue, white, ribbon, and flowers...

Over the holidays, hubs and I visit his family and from there we drive back to our east coast abode.  It is my only chance to actually step foot inside an ARCHIVER'S, they don't have them in my west or east coast area, so while I don't like being in the vehicle for 8 hours...that shopping perk is definitely worth it. Hubs doesn't grumble about having to get up earlier to make up time for the stop! (He even went to the register for me with an item and coupon so that I could use 2 of the coupons I had - Yea Hubs!)

I love the background stamps, and have been looking at the Hero Arts - Studio Calico Houndstooth for a while.  I picked it up.  

I stamped it on white with distress ink, heat embossed it in clear, then die cut some flower layers. The middle layer I inked up with more of the distress ink to give the flower depth. 

In my stash of embossing folders that I hauled cross country with me, I found...guess what...you betcha...more houndstooth. 

I embossed a panel, put my flower on it, added some died seam binding, and had to stick in a bit of wood veneer(also courtesy of the Archiver's stop).  

I like LOVE the juxtaposition of the manly houndstooth pattern with the girly flower and ribbon elements. 

Thanks for stopping by.
 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat


Ink: Distress Ink-Tumbled Glass
Die: Tim Holtz - Tattered Florals
Stamp: All Hero Arts (CL574, ST514)
Cardstock: Recollections- White, DCWV- Creamy Cardstock
Embossing: Recollections- Clear powder, dry embossing Lifestyle Crafts
Embellishment: Studio Calico - wood veneer die cut pieces
                       Craftwork Cards- Candi (icing sugar died to match)
Fiber: Hug Snug Seam binding (eggshell died to match)
Card Size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches

Penny Black..in Blue

I have but a few Penny Black stamps, but for some reasons I am drawn to this monthly Saturday challenge. The theme for January is "January Blues" use only Penny Black stamps and highlight the color blue in your creation.

Here is my card, it's going to a cousin of my hubs, who is also a card maker.  I met and talked cards with her at a family reunion over the holidays. 

Thanks for stopping by.
 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat


Ink: Versa Fine-Onyx Black
Die: Spellbinders -Reverse Wonky
Stamp: All Penny Black -Flower Gallery, To You
Marker: Memento (Bahama Blue, Angel Pink, Bamboo Leaves, Cantaloupe, 
                            Desert Sand, Rich Cocoa, Danube Blue, Summer Sky)
Cardstock: Crafters Companion, Recollections
Patterned Paper: Unknown scrap
Embossing: Powder- Recollections clear, Folder- Cuttlebug
Fiber: Hug Snug Seam Binding, eggshell died to match
Card Size: 5.5 by 5.5

Well Soon

Almost the first week of January gone...51 to go. Yikes.  My nephew explained to me over the holidays why the years seem to go by so fast as we get older.  At 10 years old, 1 year equals 10% of your life...at 50, one year equals 2% of your life. That is about as good an explanation as I have heard yet.

My Dad isn't feeling well, he is down with a cold.  So I made him a card to cheer him up.  By the time it makes it to the west coast, I am hoping he is on the mend.

I made a shaped card using Spellbinders Reverse Wonky shape, it is just so much fun.  I cut two shapes out, then left one inside the die.  I first stamped Old Letter Writing on it in versa mark.  I waited for it to dry (but perhaps not quite long enough)  Then with the die still in place I added Antique Linen and Peeled Paint ink.  Then I cut out a small section from patterned paper much like the inking colors. I traced the inside of the die on the wrong side of the patterned paper, because I wanted that white edge all around the card.  Next I punched a border, also cutting the length on the inside border of the die. Next, I stamped the leaves and the sentiment.  I added ribbon to the patterned paper bit, adheared it to the card face, then added the edge punched strip.

Once the front was complete, I scored the second die cut and adhered it to the back of the front panel completing the card.



Thanks for stopping by.
 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat


Ink: Distress(peeled paint, antique linen), versa mark, versa fine (onyx black)
Die: reverse wonky, Spellbinders
Stamp: all Hero Arts, CL574, S4878, F4321
Cardstock: DCVW
Patterned Paper: Sugar Rush
Fiber: Celebrate Ribbon
Card Size: 4.75 by 3 inches

Create...

Happy New Year everyone.  I have taken a couple of weeks off from crafting. Hubs headed out west for Christmas with my family, and we headed east to visit his family for the New Year.  Now we are back on the east coast.  I have unpacked today, done the stocking up, and tonight put together what I hope will be an inspiration piece for my card making. Here is a peek...

I picked up a photo tray from 7 Gypsies, and plan to change it out every so often. The tray holds 6 4x6 spaces. 

I had 1 sheet of patterned paper that I have loved, and have not had the right project in mind for it.  When I was flipping through my stash, it jumped out at me.  I cut it into 6 4x6 pieces, and added some sort of embellishment to each of the pieces.  Then they were placed into the tray.  

I am happy with the final product, and hope the quote will inspire my January cards. (Create-Follow your heart Inspiration will find you Find your heart Be yourself.)

Thanks for stopping by.
 /\  /\
(=';'=)
(")_(")~~Cat


Ink: Versa Fine, Versa mark
Stamp: Hero Arts, CL156, H5227, CG230
Marker: Pro Marker
Cardstock: Cardstock Warehouse
Patterned Paper: Heidi Grace
Embellishment: Jolee Stickers, Doodlebug Sequins, Liquid Pearls
Embossing: Recollections
Fiber: American Crafts
Tools: Slice cutting machine