Clean and Simple 2 Online Card Class: Day 4-Card 1

Day 4's theme was all about embracing the white space and keeping the images simple.  In my attempt the white space is actually black but I think it covers the theme pretty well.  The image is from Stamping Bella and the sentiment is from Penny Black.  I used Martha Stewart opaque markers for the red pops.

I would also like to enter this in the Simon Says Stamp Challenge this week Anything Goes!

Thanks for stopping by!

Clean and Simple 2 Online Card Class: Day 3-Card 1

This day was all about inking and stamping techniques.  There were 3 really cool techniques used.  I haven't had time to try the other 2 (but I will!).  Here is my take on the technique using basic office labels.  The back ground is a stamp from Hero Arts, the small cameras are from American Crafts (Amy Tangerine) and the big camera and sentiment are from Inkadinkado.  I'd also like to enter this into this weeks Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes challenge.

Clean and Simple 2 Online Card Class: Day 2-Card 2/3

Here is take 2 on a single layer card.  I couldn't get over the plain white space that Jennifer had in her class example.  Hers looked so finished but for some reason mine felt like it was lacking something.  So...keeping with the single layer I added texture using some embossing folders.  I really liked the water colour wash effect.  The first card I used water colour crayons to colour/trace the stamp from Paper Smooches and used water laced with Perfect pearls to wash it out and give a little bling.

 For my second attempt I stamped the sentiment in Ranger's Archival ink and then used Distress Markers to trace the letters and again used water laced with Perfect Pearls to wash out the colour.  Not as 'messy' of a watercolour wash but I was surprised at how little the markers washed when water was applied.  Again I couldn't get past all the negative space so I felt the need to add some dry embossing.

Since Simon Says Stamp challenge is having an anything goes theme this week, I'd like to enter these cards over there and hopefully get some swag!

Thanks for dropping by!

Clean and Simple 2 Online Card Class: Day 2-Card 1

Hey Everyone,
I've been a busy bee keeping up with the card class projects (on top of just getting through a day in the life...).  I'm a little behind on posting but enjoying the process of creating, thats for sure.  Alot of techniques to create with.  Day 2 was based on one layer cards.  Like I said...I'm a person who loves layers...layers in my outfits, layers in my food dishes, layers in my paper crafts.  Love love layers...so as you can imagine 1 layer cards is a challenge for me.  Here is my first attempt:

 With the use of creative masking using sticky notes, I was able to add layers (using different colours/inks) without actually adding any layers.  The big cupcake is from Inkadinkado, the flowers and text background is from Hero Arts and the small cupcake and sentiment are from Impression Obsession.  Thanks for dropping by.

Clean and Simple 2 Online Card Class: Day 1-Card2

Here is my other card for Day 1:

This second card is based on another sketch.  I like the layout but I think the card size is too big for the elements I used.  There is ALOT of dead space on the cover of this card.  Too much for my liking.  I think it would be better maybe if I made the card a standard card size instead of 6x6".  Live and learn.  I think before I give this away I would dress up the negative space with some simple embellies of sorts...but for now...clean and simple...

Looking forward to the class today!  Thanks for dropping by!

UPDATE (Feb 1/12):
So as I saw kept looking at this card on my desk I really couldn't bare with all the empty space on the left side calling out for some company.  Soooo, I ended up jazzing it up a little bit using some paper flowers and gems.  I kept the theme monochromatic but I feel much better now with the card now that I've done it.  Let me know what you think!

Clean and Simple 2 Online Card Class: Day 1-Card 1

So I'm taking another Online Card Class hosted by Jennifer Mcguire and her friends.  I have taken a couple of these already and they are pretty awesome!  Talk about great inspiration and technique ideas!  This class is called Clean and Simple 2.  Clean and Simple isn't an easy technique for me.  My desk tends to be a bit of a chaotic mess (but I swear I know where everything is...most times) and I enjoy all the beautiful embellies and layers to fill out layout and cards but I see some clean and simple cards and think, (sometimes) less IS more.  Day 1 focused on craftsmanship and a handfull of sketches were provided to spark the juices while keeping the theme of craftsmanship in mind.  Here are my takes on 2 of the sketches used:

 For the first card I used stamps from Maya Road, Greeting Farm, and Junkitz.  The ink blue ink is Aqua from Memories.  It was a relatively older inkpad and it didn't sit on the clear stamp surfaces very uniformly.  I think I would try this again using a different ink or attempt to condition the clear stamp prior to inking it up (i.e. by sanding it with a very find grit paper or stamping with Archival Ink and letting it dry on the stamp.  The latter was a trick I learned from Tim Holtz's Creative Chemistry Online Card Class (LOVE LOVED this class.  My science background was thoroughly satisfied!).  Hopefully one of these methods would allow for a more uniform image to be stamped.  I still like how it turned out.  Please see the next post for my other card!

Thanks for dropping by!

Technique Time Tuesday DT...(Eager Beaver)

I'm not sure if there is a limit to the submissions I can make for this DT call but I figured, since I tried the cool techniques anyway...I may as well share them!  The next few are based on the Bargello technique over at Technique Time Tuesday.  I used some My Mind's Eye "Boy" Papers to create the collage-like grid of patterned paper.  Very cool effect.  Using the same Bargello set-up I created 3 different cards.  The first one I used a Tim Holtz die to cut out the label and used rub-on letters for the sentiment.  Hero Arts text and flourish stamps round out the background.

 For this card I used an Autumn Leaves sentiment stamp and some Prima paper flowers.  The background has some dry embossing using a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I also used a Martha Stewart border punch.

 This last card uses another Autumn Leaves sentiment as well as a decorative frame punch from EK Success and a Hero Arts flourish background stamp to pull it all together.

  I also combined a couple other techniques found in the Technique Time Tuesday blog in the next card: Stamped Window Punch and Velveteen Stamping.  These were really neat techniques as well and I'm really pleased with the results.

 

I used a "Lotus" background stamp from Hero Arts that was stamped in white on white cardstock.  The flowers were stamped using a Hero Arts set as well as an Inkadinkado set (which was also used for the green vines).  I used a Spellbinders die to cut out the window.  The sentiment is also a Hero Arts stamp as is the newsprint background on the base of the card.  Cool techniques!  

Thanks for stopping by!

DT Submission and a Paper Piecing Project (Part 2)

The folks over at Technique Time Tuesday are having a design team search!  Yahoo!

 

I was soooo excited to have stumbled upon this blog (and this DT call).  With my science background, I am all about the technical stuff and thus this technique blog is right up my alley.  I LOVE LOVE learning new techniques and seeing where the new ammo in my crafty tool belt will take me!  The DT call requires a submission using one of the mentioned techniques from their DT call post (see here).  I tried all the given techniques: Stamped Window Punch, Velveteen Stamping, Cascading Card, Baby Wipe Re-inker Card, Faux Leather Masking Tape, Bargello, 3D Punch Elements and Faux Tile.  All these techniques are really cool and the results and possibilities are gorgeous and unlimited!  I was quite impressed with what I came up with and am definately looking forward to learning more!  Here is what I did using the 3D punch elements technique.

 

The inside of the card says, "...the best love story ever told." since I was thinking of Valentine's day and my hubby.  But I imagine it could also say, "...the best tale of friendship ever." and it could be given to a friend.  I paper pieced the dress on the little girl which is a Graphic 45 Primer 1 stamp set.  The ruler comes from the same set.  The book and pages were die cut from a Spellbinders die Labels 7 and the text was stamped using a Hero Arts Background stamp-Happy Definition.  The notepad paper stamp is from an old See-D's stamp set.  I love the effect the 3D punch has on bringing the book alive in this card.  I would like to submit it for the Technique Time Tuesday DT call as well as this week's Simon Says Stamp Challenge blog-Paper Piecing.  Wishing lucky opportunity vibes from both!

Paper Piecing Prowess

Hey All,
This week's challenge over at Simon Says Stamp Challenge blog is Paper Piecing!  This is so very much up my alley.  I've recently discovered this technique and have been using it on almost every card I made this past Christmas season.  I was quite excited that this was the challenge.  My best friend's birthday was this weekend and it was a milestone birthday at that (don't worry BFF I won't spill the beans).  I used this challenge to inspire the card I made for her!

 I paper-pieced her jacket, scarf and hat.  The image is from Stamping Bella and the papers are from a Bo-Bunny collection.  The sentiment stamps are from Autumn Leaves.

The colour scheme is absolutely my fave colour combo.  I kinda wish I could paint my whole house in these colours (although, admittedly, my kitchen, bedroom and powder room do consist of a similar palette).  I'll be sure to enter this contest a couple times (at least) since I LOVE LOVE this technique right now.  Here's hoping it brings some luck!
Thanks for dropping by!

Black/White+Splash of Colour...Take 2

Hello All!

Under the advice of Chrissy (who left a nice comment on my last post!) I decided to delve into the Holiday stash one more time and submit another card for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Black/White+Colour Splash.  I saw this on a Kristine Werner Holiday Card Series 2012 post.  I used strips of scrap paper instead of Washi tape and did what I could with the stuff I had: Spellbinders dies, Simon Says Stamp sentiment stamp and scraps of vellum, patterned paper, jewel and fibers.  Neat idea!  The monotone-ness (?) is something I don't often partake in but I like how it turned out!

Black/White+Colour Splash!

Hello Everyone,
I wasted no time in getting this together for this weeks Simon Says Stamp weekly Challenge.  This weeks challenge is Black/White + Splash of Colour.  Great idea!  I was putting away my Christmas stash for the year (or at least until I manage to whip up a Christmas Layout or 2 for this past holiday) when I was inspired by this challenge. 

The silhouette stamp is from Hero Arts and the snowflake stamps are from Martha Stewart.  I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the base of the card and a Simon Says Stamp Die/Stamp Set for the sentiment and banner.  The colourled background is made from Tim Holtz Distress Inks (dusty concord, faded jeans and festive berries).  You can't really tell from the picture, but I blended the inks using pearlized water so it actually has a really neat shimmer to it.
Since it fits the bill for the challenge at A Blog named Hero: New Year, New You.  I'm going to enter it in that challenge as well.  The 'new' is the buildings silhouette stamp, the Simon Says stamp Die/Stamp set and the Martha Stewart Snowflakes stamps.

Thanks for stopping by!
Liz

Bring on the New!

First of all...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
A little late...but for me, my new year starts tomorrow.  Yes, I have made some New Years Resolutions...I AM one of those people...and I have decided that those resolutions will all start tomorrow!  Kids back to school, holiday mode is over, routines are back in play and time to buckle down and get going on all the things I've got on my list...and I've got a bundle!  Everything from fitness goals to career goals to getting the home in order goals to just plain staying happy goals!  I'm pumped and ready.  The chips are eaten, the desserts are eaten, grocery shopping tomorrow to stock the fridge with healthy yum yums and be rid of all the holiday leftovers in the fridge that don't quite fit the New Year resolution.  I hope to start a new year with productivity, creativity, fitness-itivity (Yes I'm making it a word) and motivation to get it all going (and keep going!).  YAY!  Wish me luck!

For starters, here is my contribution to the latest Simon Says Stamp Challenge: New Something.

Santa was very generous this Christmas and a plethora of stamps and craft goodies were found under the tree.  Here was one of them.  My C2 loves loves loves penguins and this stamp is so her fave and absolutely adorable!  I totally see my three little girlies floating around on those hearts.  It's from Whiff of Joy and it's called Penguin Trio.  I ditched my Copics this time around and revisited my tried and true pencil crayons to colour in the trio of cuties.  I tried my hand at a window card and punched the window out using a Spellbinders Labels 1 Nestibilities Die set.  The round seal stamp is from a set by Whimsy Stamps called Circle Post Marks.  The chevrons are also a new item I got.  They are from a Simon Says Stamp Exclusive set called Very Special.

Hopefully this New Year will also bring about some Luck!