Birthday Blues

I’ve had this Pumpkin Seed Sentiments set from Skipping Stones Designs sitting on my desk for a while now, just waiting to be inked up. When I saw this week’s SSD sketch, I knew the set’s background images would be perfect for a masculine birthday card.

I went monochromatic for my card, stamping one of the images on panels in two different shades of blue in a darker shade of blue ink. The panels are set on a darker blue cardstock strip.

To show off the image strip, I used a light blue panel for most of the cardfront. I ran a piece of tan twill across the panel before layering on the panel with the stamped images. Once the strip of images was in place, I added a trio of buttons, purposely picking ones in different colors and sizes to add interest. Each is threaded with some linen twine to match the texture of the twill. I added the set’s “happy birthday” sentiment at the bottom of the panel in blue ink, then layered it on a darker blue card base for just a little more contrast.

Materials Used: Pumpkin Seed Sentiments stamp set (Skipping Stones Designs); Blue Bayou Classic ink, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, and Baja Breeze cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Enchanted Evening button (Papertrey Ink); Brown Leather Satchel and Trendsetter Blue buttons (Clear and Simple Stamps); tan twill (Wrights); linen thread (The Cat’s Pajamas)

Asian Fusion Thanks

Here’s my card for Heather’s latest Totally Hues challenge. I went clean and simple, using an underused favorite in my collection, Papertrey Ink’s Asian Fusion set.

For the focal image, I stamped the solid vase image in plum ink on a white scrap and cut it out. I stamped the vase outline image and one of the flowered branch images on a long white panel, then set the cut out vase image on the panel with foam tape. Each of the flower centers was dotted with Flamingo Liquid Pearls for a shiny, dimensional look. I love adding these to projects as an accent!

The rest of the card is very simple to show off the pretty image. I used a lemon card base and added a strip of bold pink cardstock across it. After layering the image panel on the cardfront, I ran a strip of matching pink grosgrain ribbon across the bottom of the card and added a pretty bow as an accent. The “thank you” sentiment from Fillable Frames #7 is stamped in pink ink on a white circle, matted on a plum circle, and added to the cardfront.

Materials Used: Asian Fusion and Fillable Frames #7 stamp sets, New Leaf and Plum Pudding inks, Lemon Tart, Raspberry Fizz, Plum Pudding, and white cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Melon Mambo Classic ink (Stampin’ Up!); circle punches (EK Success); Flamingo Liquid Pearls (Ranger); pink grosgrain ribbon (Michaels); Bow Easy

To My Core

Here’s my card for today’s SCS sketch challenge. I combined the sketch with the colors from this week’s Color Throwdown—red, yellow, cream, and black—and the apple image from the Paper Smooches Falling for You set.

I colored the apple using Copic markers. After coloring it, I cut it out and set it on a cream panel using foam tape. The “love you to my core” sentiment is stamped underneath the apple.

I used two different patterned papers for the panels underneath the apple panel. Each is matted on a coordinating solid cardstock and machine stitched around the edges. The image panel is layered over the patterned papers. A strip of yellow grosgrain ribbon is looped underneath the image panel. A red button, tied with black and white baker's twine, sits at the bottom edge of the image panel. The panels are attached to a yellow panel, then a red card base for a bright, cheery look.

Materials Used: Falling for You stamp set (Paper Smooches); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Very Vanilla, Daffodil Dash, Riding Hood Red, and Basic Black cardstock, Daffodil Dash grosgrain ribbon (Stampin' Up!); Flower Shower matstack (DCWV); Modern Homemaker patterned paper (October Afternoon); Pure Poppy button (Papertrey Ink); black baker's twine (Divine Twine); sewing machine; foam tape

Circus Birthday

Here's my card for this week’s Our Craft Lounge challenge. This week's challenge is a sketch with lots of layers and little pieces. I tried to stick to it as best I could, but I don’t think my card’s an exact match to the sketch. I used one of OCL’s new releases, Circus, Circus, to make a fun birthday card.

I stamped the elephant image on white cardstock and colored the image with Copic markers. After I was finished coloring, I set the panel aside and worked on assembling the rest of the card.

I used two different patterned papers from Echo Park’s Little Boy line for the sketch’s larger panels. After attaching them to an orange panel, I filled in the remaining space with a strip of light blue cardstock die cut with a pinking edge border die and layered on a piece of dark blue cardstock for contrast. A strip of light blue ribbon runs across the panel. I added a little bow, made with my Bow Easy, to dress it up. I layered the panel on a light blue mat, then on an orange card base. I went back to my image panel and layered it on a light blue mat, then attached it to the cardfront.

The set’s “happy birthday” sentiment is stamped on a circle and attached to the card with a dimensional dot. For a whimsical touch, I added a few buttons, precariously balanced on the elephant’s trunk.

Materials Used:

from i {heart} papers: Our Craft Lounge Circus, Circus stamp set, X-Press Copic blending cardstock, Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic markers (B0000, B000, C00, C-1, C-3, C-5, R000, R21), Echo Park Little Boy Collection Kit, May Arts grosgrain blue/light blue horizontal line ribbon, Bow Easy, Spellbinders circle dies, Zva Creative dimensional dot
other: Pumpkin Pie, Night of Navy, and Bashful Blue cardstock (Stampin’ Up!), inside pinking border die (The Cat’s Pajamas); buttons (Papertrey Ink)

Wishing and Thinking

Here are my cards for this month’s final two Viva la Verve sketches. I went bright and bold on one and soft and muted on the other.

Here’s bright and bold. I made a birthday card using the balloon pair from Verve's Birthday Bash. The balloons are stamped on a light blue panel along with the “make a wish” sentiment. I stamped the balloons a second time on a scrap of white cardstock. I colored them with Copic markers and cut them out, then attached them to the blue panel using foam tape.

I picked two bold patterns for the mats underneath the image panel. Both are from Echo Park’s Sweet Summertime collection. I matted them on coordinating cardstock panels, rounding one corner on each, then machine stitched them to add interest—ignore my lousy sewing around the curves. I probably won’t try that again—LOL!

After arranging the panels on a light blue cardfront, I added strips of bright pink ribbon across them as accents. The ribbon was a scrap, just waiting on my table for the right project. Once the ribbon was in place, I added the image panel to complete the card. It’s already in the mail, on the way to its recipient. Is is sad that I’m proud of myself for getting the card in the mail?

Materials Used: Birthday Bash stamp set (Verve Stamps); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Soft Sky and Yoyo Yellow cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Hawaiian Shores cardstock, medium scallop border die (Papertrey Ink); Sweet Summertime Collection Kit (Echo Park); pink grosgrain ribbon (Michaels); sewing machine; foam tape; corner rounder

Now, here’s soft and muted. I used the flower image from Kind Words on this one. I inked the stems with PTI’s Ripe Avocado ink, then inked the flowers with Memento’s Grape Jelly. The image is stamped on a cream panel. I added a small pearl to each flower’s center for an elegant touch. The panel is matted on a piece of Royal Velvet cardstock for a pop of vibrant color amid the softness.

I used three different patterns from PTI’s Pacific Vineyard paper pad for the panels on the cardfront. A strip of Ripe Avocado satin ribbon runs along the top edge of the dotted paper. I stamped the set’s “thinking of you” sentiment in purple ink on a cream circle and added that to the cardfront. A matching purple button sits at the top of the circle as an accent. It’s threaded with some olive baker’s twine for a finished look.

Materials Used: Kind Words stamp set (Verve Stamps); Very Vanilla cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Ripe Avocado ink, Ripe Avocado and Royal Velvet cardstock, Pacific Vineyard patterned paper, Ripe Avocado satin ribbon, Royal Velvet button (Papertrey Ink); Memento Grape Jelly ink (Tsukineko); self-adhesive pearls (Queen & Co.); circle punches (EK Success); olive baker's twine (Timeless Twine)

Thanks a Latte

Here’s my card for this week’s Kraftin’ Kimmie challenge to use spring colors. I used some older SU! designer papers with soft pastel colors and a floral pattern along with the sketch from this week’s Cute Card Thursday challenge for the card.

I used Angie, one of the new Moonlight Whispers images, for my card. She’s colored with Copic markers to match the card’s pink and yellow color scheme. I added a little pink flock along the edges and cuffs of her robe for texture--and fun, too!

To fit the tall image, I stretched the sketch out a bit while still keeping all of the basic elements intact. I machine stitched around the pink dotted panel before attaching it to the soft yellow card base. A strip of yellow paper with a pink and yellow floral pattern runs down the length of the card. A pale pink circle peeks out from underneath the strip as an accent. I matted the colored image on a pale yellow panel, then attached it to the cardfront. The set’s "thanks a latte" sentiment is stamped alongside the image. I added a rose ribbon tab anchored with a baker's twine tied up button to the image panel as a simple accent.

Materials Used: Moonlight Whispers Angie image (Kraftin’ Kimmie Stamps); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Regal Rose Classic ink, Barely Banana and Pink Pirouette cardstock, Spring Fling designer series paper, Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon (Stampin’ Up!); circle die (Spellbinders); pink flock (Stampendous); pink button (Michaels); sewing machine

Hey Fungi

Here’s my card for this week’s SCS clean and simple challenge to use a cut apart sentiment on your design. I combined that with the sketch from this week’s Less Is More challenge, a relatively new challenge blog focused on clean and simple designs.

I used the mushroom duo from the Fun Fungi II set from Clear and Simple Stamps for my focal image. The mushrooms are stamped in brown ink on a cream die cut piece, then colored with Copic markers. I set them on a cork circle—love this for adding interest to masculine cards!

The “hey fungi” sentiment from the Fun Fungi set is stamped in brown ink and cut apart, then added to the cork circle. I stamped the text block image from the Fun Fungi set repeatedly in brown ink on a kraft panel and set the panel on the bottom of the card, then attached a strip of brown twill along the top of the stamped portion. The cork circle is layered over that, using ScorTape to hold it in place.

Materials Used:

Fun Fungi and Fun Fungi II stamp sets, Dish All the Dirt Brown ink, On the Catwalk Cream and Kraft Like a Rockstar cardstock, Copic markers (W-5, W-3, W-1, W00, YG93, YG95), Simple Cuts Fun Fungi die (Clear and Simple Stamps); cork sheet (Creative Impressions); circle die (Spellbinders); brown twill (Martha Stewart)

Sew Lovely

Here's my card for this week's Paper Craft Planet sketch challenge, designed by Lynn. I combined the sketch with the current Lawnscaping challenge to create a card using neutrals and just a splash of color.

I used Lawn Fawn's Sew Lovely set along with neutrals and bold red for my card. I stamped the set's dress form image in black ink on a scrap of kraft cardstock and colored it with Copic markers. After cutting it out, I sprayed it with a little Shimmer Spritz for a soft sparkle and added a small pearl to the center of its bow. It's layered on a dark brown panel using dimensional dots.

I used kraft, chocolate brown, and cream as my neutrals for most of the panels on the cardfront. The red and cream patterned paper strip from the Stella and Rose Hazel paper pad provides a fun pop of color. I brought in just a bit more red with a red button, tied with some twine, at the edge of my sentiment panel. The end of the sentiment panel is slipped under the raised dress form for a finished look. Sew lovely!

Materials Used: from i {heart} papers: Lawn Fawn Sew Lovely Stamp set, Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black ink and Sparkle Shimmer Spritz, Copic markers (E25, R12, R24, R27, R29), Zva Creative self-adhesive pearl lines and dimensional dots, My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose-Hazel 6 x 6 paper pad, Spellbinders rectangle die, Creative Impressions natural twine string thread

other: Dark Chocolate, Very Vanilla, and Crumb Cake cardstock (Stampin' Up!); button (Michaels)

Cutie Pie

My card for today's SCS featured stamper challenge is based on this sweet puppy themed card here and created in honor of the one year anniversary of Chloe the cutie puppy's arrival in my home. Chloe's grown and changed so much since I first brought her home. She's a bundle of energy and lots of fun with her playful personality. She's super social and loves to engage with people and dogs. We spend lots of time at the dog park so she can burn some of that abundant energy while interacting with other dogs--it's very entertaining to watch her and she's become a popular playmate at the park. She's one tough cookie and loves to play with the big guys, like the rottweilers! There's not much that's girlie about her aside from her pink polka dotted collar and this card fits her to a T.

My card uses the adorable dog image from Lawn Fawn's Critters in the 'Burbs set. I colored it in Chloe-ish shades using Copic markers. The image panel is matted on a pair of solid cardstock panels and machine stitched around the edges, just like in the original card. I really like how that looks--I'll have to try that again some time.

I used a pair of papers from Basic Grey's Max and Whiskers pad for the cardfront. The dog and dog house patterned paper is underneath the image panel and a multicolored dotted pattern covers most of the kraft card base. I machine stitched around the edges of both of those layers, too. After layering the panels, I added a strip of gold grosgrain ribbon across them. It was a scrap sitting on my desk and worked perfectly with the card's color scheme--love when that happens! I attached the image panel and slipped the edge of the "cutie pie" sentiment panel (from the My Silly Valentine set) underneath the bottom of the image. A trio of metal-like stud embellishments along the left side of the card complete the design.

I'm off to get Chloe dinner since she worked up an appetite playing at the park this afternoon. She's giving me some not so subtle hints as she's sitting right next to me, alternately staring up at me, putting her head on my lap, and nudging my hand off the keyboard with her nose. What a cutie pie! Materials Used:

Critters in the 'Burbs and My Silly Valentine stamp sets (Lawn Fawn); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); So Saffron and Crumb Cake cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Max & Whiskers paper pad (Basic Grey); circle punches (EK Success); Harvest Gold grosgrain ribbon (Papertrey Ink); metal stud embellishments (Michaels); sewing machine

So Many Toys

Here’s my card for the latest Embellish color/theme challenge to create a masculine card. I used one of my favorite Clear and Simple Stamps sets, All Boy, for the challenge. Masculine cards are hard for me, so I tend to keep the designs simple. I like to add interest by incorporating a little texture and using accents like buttons and brads. You’ll see all of that in this card.

I stamped the set’s paper airplane and trail image on a white panel. I stamped the plane a second time, shaded it a little with Copic markers, cut it out, and added it to the panel with foam tape. The “so many toys” sentiment is stamped underneath the plane in red ink.

I embossed a gray strip with a textured pattern, then added a green strip, die cut with a pinking edge pattern, at the bottom. A strip of narrow red grosgrain ribbon is set along the top of the pinking edge piece for another pop of red. I added a pair of silver brads at the edge of the embossed panel, then set it on a light blue card base. After matting the image panel on a red circle, I added it to the cardfront, along with a red button tied with baker’s twine.

Materials Used:
All Boy stamp set, Perfect Little Black Dress and Haute Red Couture inks, Dare to Be a Diva Red, You’re Such a Gray-cious Host, Trendsetter Blue, and A Blanc Check cardstock, Copic markers (B0000, C00), Dare to Be a Diva Red button (Clear and Simple Stamps); Pear Pizzazz cardstock, Real Red grosgrain ribbon (Stampin’ Up!); circle dies (Spellbinders); inside pinking border die (The Cat’s Pajamas); Diamond Plate embossing folder (Cuttlebug); silver brads (Recollections); red baker’s twine (Divine Twine); foam tape

Orange and Olive Get Well Wishes

Here's my card for this week's Color Throwdown challenge to use Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Marina Mist. My box of Papertrey Ink goodies (finally!) arrived, so I pulled out one of my new sets to use with the challenge colors.

I love the fun, bold flower image from the Sending You set. Here, I paired two different sized flowers with the big, leafy branch from Turning a New Leaf. After stamping the solid image and letting the ink dry, I stamped a smaller solid flower over the image using Versamark, then covered it with Iridescent Ice embossing powder and heat embossed it for a little shimmer. Unfortunately, my camera did a lousy job of picking up the pretty sparkle . . .

I added a solid green cardstock circle to the center of each flower, then added an orange button tied with olive baker's twine. The image panel is matted on an orange panel. I set it on a blue card base with a strip of dotted olive papter along the bottom. The get well sentiment is stamped on an orange strip and "attached" with some faux stitching along the edge.

Materials Used:
Sending You and Turning a New Leaf stamp sets, Orange Zest, Ripe Avocado, and Dark Chocolate inks, Orange Zest, Ripe Avocado, Blueberry Sky, and White cardstock, Distressed Dots patterned paper, Orange Zest buttons (Papertrey Ink); Iridescent Ice embossing powder (Stampin' Up!); olive baker's twine (Timeless Twine)

Such a Smartie

Here’s my card for this week’s My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club sketch. I used the adorable Emma and Her Backpack stamp set and lots of polka dots on this one.

Emma is colored with Copic markers. Her backpack is both colored and paper pieced using a scrap of one of the patterned papers I used on the cardfront. I added a blue crystal to the center of the flower in her hair for just a little sparkle and shine.

I used one of my favorite color schemes for the card—red, aqua, and kraft. I had the perfect patterned papers from an October Afternoon paper pad already on my desk, so I ran with it. I added a strip of red grosgrain ribbon across the card and a dot embossed aqua panel for a little texture.

The “you’re such a smartie” sentiment is stamped on a kraft scrap and slipped under the image panel. I say the same thing to Chloe the cutie puppy all the time when she does something super smart or learns a new “trick” quickly. I wasn’t saying that yesterday when the air conditioning repair service was here yesterday to fix a wire that she’d chewed up on the AC unit. Sigh . . .

Materials Used:
Pure Innocence Emma and Her Backpack stamp set (My Favorite Things); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); Riding Hood Red and Crumb Cake cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Aqua Mist cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Report Card paper pad (October Afternoon); red grosgrain ribbon, felt flower (Michaels); blue crystal (Imaginisce); silver gel pen

Papertrey Ink March Blog Hop

This month’s Papertrey Ink Blog Hop theme is creative ways to use embroidery floss. I thought on this one for a long time, trying to come up with something to do. I considered and almost used French knots, since I don’t know how to do that and would like to try to figure it out, but in the end, went in a different route.

I know that spring is on the way and most people are putting away their skates, but as a hockey fan, this time of year is one of my favorites. I’m looking forward to the NHL playoffs and hoping my hometown team (the Washington Capitals) has a long run that ends with the Stanley Cup. Even if they don’t, I know I’ll enjoy watching a team lift the Cup at the end of the playoffs. From watching lots of college hockey, there’s usually a player or two in the finals that I’m interested in following even if my team’s no longer in the mix. So, with that in mind, I went with a skate themed card using the Caps old-school red, white, and blue color scheme.

I die cut a pair of skates from the On Ice set from Soft Stone cardstock, then stamped the skate image on the die cut pieces in black ink, omitting the tied bow part of the image. I used Copic markers in shades of cool grays to color in the skates (another try at this week’s Make it Monday video technique!), then filled in the skate blades with a silver gel pen for some metallic shine.

To incorporate the embroidery floss, I used a handheld punch to make holes in the skates, then threaded red floss through the holes to make bold, bright laces. I left enough floss at the end of each skate so I could tie the ends together.

The skates are set on a red circle. One skate is attached directly to the panel and the other is attached with foam tape, angled for interest. I set the circle on a kraft card base with a trio of Bitty Box Basics patterned paper pieces along the bottom. The knotted ends of the floss are attached to the card with a glue dot. I stamped the “super star” sentiment from All-Star Team Additions in Enchanted Evening ink on a double-ended banner die cut and attached the strip to the cardfront, dressing it up with a pair of layered buttons tied together with Enchanted Evening baker’s twine.

Materials Used:
On Ice and All-Star Team Additions stamp sets, Enchanted Evening ink, Pure Poppy, Soft Stone, Kraft, and White cardstock, Bitty Box Basics patterned paper, On Ice and double-ended banner dies, Pure Poppy and Enchanted Evening buttons, Enchanted Evening baker’s twine (Papertrey Ink); circle die (Spellbinders); silver gel pen (Pentel); red embroidery floss; foam tape

Blogger Challenge: Week 196

This week’s blogger challenge is a sketch challenge. I flipped the sketch to a vertical orientation and combined it with the Lawnscaping/Wee Memories challenge to create a cute and cuddly card using the bunny image from Lawn Fawn’s My Silly Valentine set.

The set’s bunny image is stamped on white cardstock, colored with Copic markers, and cut out. I added some interest to the image by putting a little white flock on its tail for a puffy, cottony look and by dotting on some pink Stickles on the small heart. I made a simple scene for the bunny by attaching a piece of green cardstock that had been punched along the top edge with a grass border punch to a blue circle. The set’s “some bunny loves you” sentiment is stamped on the panel in blue ink. I added the bunny to the panel with a dimensional dot.

Originally, I’d planned on a pink and yellow color scheme, but somewhere along the line, that morphed into a yellow/blue/green one. It’s still a good one for spring! I used both sides of a patterned paper from the Stella and Rose Gertie paper pad, covering most of the cardfront with the softer yellow pattern and using just a strip of the blue and yellow patterned paper for the panel that runs down the center of the card. I machine stitched the edges of the paper strip for a nice, finished look, then ran a piece of yellow faux suede ribbon down the center. I attached the image panel, then added a matching bow, made with my Bow Easy, underneath the image panel. A trio of self-adhesive pearls sits on each side of the card--I almost left them off, but in the end, decided to stay true to the sketch.

For more ideas using this sketch, check out the links below. And, if you join in the challenge, feel free to add your link to the list.


Materials Used:
from i {heart} papers: Lawn Fawn My Silly Valentine stamp set, X-Press white Copic blending cardstock, Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black and Bahama Blue inks, Copic markers (E25, E31, E34, Y32, R21), Stampendous cotton white flock, Ranger Cotton Candy Stickles, Zva Creative dimensional dots and self-adhesive pearls, My Mind’s Eye Stella and Rose-Gertie 6 x 6 paper pad, Spellbinders circle dies, May Arts yellow faux suede ribbon, Bow Easy

other: Soft Sky and Kiwi Kiss cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); grass border punch (Martha Stewart); sewing machine

Bear Hugs

Here’s my card for this week’s TCP Tuesday inspiration challenge. I was inspired by all of the pink in the photo, plus the “sweet” theme. I used lots of pink plus the sweet Bear Hugs image and matching sentiment for my card.

I colored the bear image with Copic markers. The heart in the bear’s hands is paper pieced using a scrap of the same paper I used for the panel on the cardfront.

I machine stitched the patterned paper panel to a rose mat, then set it on a pale pink panel embossed with dots. After matting the image panel on a rose mat, I added it to the card. The sentiment is stamped in rose ink and layered on a rose panel. I attached a piece of rose ribbon to the cardfront, letting the end extend a little beyond the card’s edge. The sentiment is layered over the opposite end of the ribbon. A trio of pale pink buttons clustered at the bottom left side of the image complete the card.

Materials Used:
Bear Hugs stamp set, linen thread (The Cat’s Pajamas); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); Regal Rose Classic ink, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, and Regal Rose cardstock, Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon (Stampin’ Up!); Quite Contrary designer paper (My Mind’s Eye); Swiss Dots embossing folder (Cuttlebug); petite oval dies (Spellbinders); Sweet Blush buttons (Papertrey Ink)

What's Cookin?

Here’s my card for this week’s Kraftin’ Kimmie challenge to use buttons. I love the new Moonlight Whispers everyday images! I used Agnes for my card along with this week’s Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge, flipped to fit the image.

I went with a red and creamy yellow color scheme inspired by the pair of Lily Bee patterned papers I used on the cardfront. I colored the image with Copic markers, cut it out, and set it aside to put together the rest of the card. I used a Cherry Cobbler card base and matted the patterned paper panels with Harvest Gold pieces. The edges of the smaller patterned paper panel are machine stitched. The image is layered on a Harvest Gold panel using foam tape. I left room for the coordinating “what’s cookin’?” sentiment at the bottom of the panel. I used my stamp positioner to place it just right.

After setting the image panel in place, I added a strip of kraft cardstock along the left side of the panel. A strip of red ribbon runs down the kraft strip. I added a pair of layered buttons, tied with some baker’s twine, as an accent.

Materials Used:
Moonlight Whispers Agnes image (Kraftin’ Kimmie Stamps); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Cherry Cobbler cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Harvest Gold cardstock, buttons (Papertrey Ink); This & That Tiny Tablet (Lily Bee); red grosgrain ribbon (Michaels); baker’s twine (Martha Stewart); sewing machine; foam tape

You Rule

Given my teacher background, I couldn’t resist this new school teacher image from the à la modes line from My Favorite Things. I inked her up for my take on this week’s SCS sketch challenge.

I colored the teacher image using Copic markers. The set's "you rule" sentiment is stamped along the side of the image panel in black ink and accented with a single silver brad.

I used patterned papers from October Afternoon collections for the panels on the cardfront. A lined paper with script text is underneath the image panel, but mostly covered up. I went with my go-to dots and stripes combo for the rest of the panels. Some machine stitching around the edges finished off the design.

Materials Used:
à la modes You Rule set (My Favorite Things); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Not Quite Navy and Riding Hood Red cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Aqua Mist cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Seaside and Report Card paper pads (October Afternoon); silver brad (Joann); sewing machine

Baby Boy in Blue

This week’s Our Craft Lounge challenge is to make a clean and simple card that includes some form of embossing. I used one of OCL’s new releases, Circus, Circus, to make a simple, sweet baby card.

I stamped the giraffe image on white cardstock and colored the image with Copic markers. After I was finished coloring, I cut out the giraffe and set it aside.

I embossed part of an aqua cardfront with a polka dotted embossing folder, matching the spots on the giraffe. I attached a piece of aqua paper with a star pattern next to the embossed section, adding a darker blue strip with some paper piercing at the edge of the patterned paper to break up the soft blues just a bit and add a little contrast. A blue circle sits on top of the card, overlapping both the embossed and patterned sections. I attached the giraffe image to the circle using dimensional dots. The “sweet baby boy” sentiment is stamped in Ballet Blue ink on a white panel. The end of the panel is slipped underneath the giraffe image. I attached a white button tied with aqua baker’s twine as a simple accent, coordinating perfectly with the card’s circle/dotted theme.

Materials Used:
from i {heart} papers: Our Craft Lounge Circus, Circus stamp set, X-Press Copic blending cardstock, Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic markers (BG000, BG10, BG11,BG13, BG15), QuicKutz Polka Dots embossing folder, Jillibean Soup Blossom Soup 6x6 paper pad, Spellbinders circle die, Zva Creative dimensional dots, Palette Ballet Blue ink, Divine Twine aqua blue baker’s twine

other: Aqua Mist and Hawaiian Shores cardstock, double-ended banner die (Papertrey Ink); button

Coffee with a Friend

Here’s my card for this week’s Papertrey Ink Make It Monday challenge to use Copic markers on colored cardstock. This card started as a Paper Crafts reject from a while back (can’t even remember what the specific call was) that I hadn’t shared. I removed the original mug image and replaced it with one I colored with Copic markers to fit the challenge. I like it even more now than I did in its original version!

I die cut the tall mug from Aqua Mist cardstock then stamped the matching outline image from the Warm Happiness set on the die cut piece in Dark Chocolate ink. The image is shaded with blue green Copic markers (BG15, BG13, BG11, and BG10). I used my colorless blender to smooth out the blended edges.

I stamped the set’s sentiment on a kraft panel in white ink and added a button/ribbon tab embellishment alongside it. The mug is attached to the panel with foam tape. I stamped the steam image on an Aqua Mist card base before attaching the image panel to the cardfront.

Materials Used:
Warm Happiness stamp set, Fresh Snow and Dark Chocolate inks, Aqua Mist cardstock, Warm Happiness die, Hawaiian Shores button (Papertrey Ink); Crumb Cake cardstock, Close to Cocoa grosgrain ribbon (Stampin’ Up!); Cappuccino baker’s twine (The Twinery); foam tape

True Diva

Here’s another project featuring Just My Style, this month’s Stamp of the Month from Clear and Simple Stamps. I paired one of the set’s sentiments with an image from the Glam Girl set to make a super girly photo frame.

I started with a plain wood frame from the craft store. The frame is painted with pink acrylic paint. After it dried, I added some striped paper from Echo Park’s Be Mine line along the bottom half of the frame. I took the easy way out here and used ScorTape to adhere the paper to the frame instead of ModPodge, which would have provided a more permanent finish.

To hide the seam between the paper and the wood frame and help keep the paper’s edges well adhered, I ran a strip of CSS’s Paint the Town Pink along the top of the paper. I dressed it up with a pretty button-embellished bow. I made one more embellishment cluster for the frame using a circle of pink cardstock. I stamped the crown image from the Glam Girl set on a piece of shimmery pink paper and cut it out, then added small clear crystals to the top of the crown. It’s attached it to the circle with foam tape. The “true diva” sentiment from the Just My Style set is stamped on a notch edged strip and slipped underneath the crown. I added a trio of large clear crystals underneath the sentiment as an accent. Once everything was complete, I added a photo of Jaci, the daughter of one of my co-workers. Isn’t she the perfect diva?

Be sure to stop by the CSS iPhone/iTouch app for more inspiration. Here’s a sneak peek at my project that’s featured on the app today. You can find all the info about downloading the app here.

Materials Used:
Just My Style and Glam Girl stamp sets, Perfect Little Black Dress ink, I’m a Princess Pink cardstock, Paint the Town Pink satin ribbon (Clear and Simple Stamps); Be Mine Collection Kit (Echo Park); circle die (Spellbinders); small clear crystals (Imaginisce); large clear crystals (Studio 18); ScorTape; pink acrylic paint; wood frame; foam tape

Blue Birthday Bird

Just a short post for tonight—I’m tired after a combination of waking up early from a very loud hail/thunderstorm way before it was time for me to get up and from taking a nice, long walk with Chloe the cutie puppy after work. It’s nice to not have to race to get her walk in before it gets dark!

I made this simple card for today’s SCS clean and simple challenge using the sketch provided as a jumping-off point. I stamped the bird and branch from Papertrey Ink’s Little Bitty Bird (one of my favorite sets!) on a light blue panel, then added a matching die cut felt bird for texture. The bird's eye is dotted with a tiny self-adhesive half pearl. I matted the panel on a green circle and set it on a kraft card base with a panel of Dotty Biscotti patterned paper. Since I was going for super clean and simple, I resisted the urge to pull out my sewing machine and stitch around the panel.

Instead of ribbon as an accent at the side of the circle, I added a fluffy felt cloud. I added the "happy bird-day" sentiment from Tiny Treats: Birthday at the bottom of the card to wrap it up.

Materials Used:
Little Bitty Bird stamp set, Dark Chocolate ink, Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse, and Kraft cardstock, Dotty Biscotti patterned paper, Little Bitty Bird and cloud dies, Hawaiian Shores felt (Papertrey Ink); marker (Copic); circle dies (Spellbinders); self-adhesive pearl (Martha Stewart); white felt

Matching (Not!) Socks

Unity’s latest challenge is to make a fashion inspired card. The image I used is kind of a loose interpretation of the challenge, but it’s one of my favorite Unity Itty Bittys. I combined the image with this month’s Sketch for You to Try for this colorful creation.

I stamped the Matching Socks image on a white panel, leaving room to stamp the matching sentiment underneath. The socks are colored--mis-matched, of course--using Copic markers in complementary colors.

I used two different patterned papers from the Fine and Dandy True Blue paper pad for the large panels on the kraft card base. Instead of adding a third pattern to the mix, I used strips of gold cardstock for the trio of panels that run across the card, underneath the image panel. After matting the colored image on a blule panel, I attached it to the card base and added an orange button, tied with orange baker's twine, as an accent.

Materials Used:
from i {heart} papers: Unity Stamp Co. Matching Socks Itty Bitty, X-Press Copic blending cardstock, Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic markers (YR12, YR16, YR24, YR30, Y21, Y23, Y38, BG0000, BG10, BG11, BG13, BG15, BG70, W00, W-1), My Mind’s Eye Fine and Dandy True Blue 6 x 6 paper pad, Divine Twine orange baker's twine

other: Harvest Gold, Hawaiian Shores, and Kraft cardstock, Orange Zest button (Papertrey Ink)

Cheer Up

Here's my card for today's SCS featured stamper challenge. It's loosely inspired by this one. I loved the fun rain boots and it gave me a good excuse to play with the similar boots in the Spring Extras stamp set from Clear and Simple Stamps. I've seen boots similar to these at Target and Kohl's and each time I've managed to resist purchasing them. I don't think they'd go too well with my work clothes and I don't think the dogs at the dog park would truly appreciate their cuteness even though it would be appropriate to wear them when I spend time there with Chloe the cutie puppy.

I wanted to make the boots on my card extra shiny, so I stamped the outline image first on a checked patterned paper, then stamped the solid image over that using Versamark. After coating the image with clear embossing powder, I heat embossed it, then cut it out. Love how this turned out! For more sparkle and shine, I put some Stardust Stickles along the top of each boot.

The boots are attached to a white card base. I used the same border punch as in the original card to create a strip for across the card to ground the images. A strip of matching satin ribbon, dressed up with a pair of layered buttons, runs along the top of the punched strip. The set's "cheer up" sentiment is stamped on a matching blue panel. I attached it to the top of the card and added a pretty bow as one last girly touch.

Materials Used:

Spring Extras stamp set, Perfect Little Black Dress ink, Trendsettter Blue and A Blanc Check cardstock, Trendsetter Blue satin ribbon, Trendsetter Blue and Paint the Town Pink buttons (Clear and Simple Stamps); Flower Shower Spring Matstack (DCWV); Versamark ink (Tsukineko); clear embossing powder (Stampin' Up!); Stardust Stickles (Ranger); Apron Lace border punch (Fiskars); linen thread (The Cat's Pajamas); Bow Easy

Best of Luck

Here’s my card for this week’s My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club sketch. It features the sweet Pure Innocence 4 Leaf Clover cutie. Yes, it’s a few days late for St. Patrick’s Day, but if it counts, I did put the elements of the card together on the 17th.

I stamped the little girl on a white panel and colored her with Copic markers. The little heart in her hair is covered with some matching Stickles for some sparkle and shine.

I pulled together some leftover patterned paper bits and pieces from this card, for the card’s panels. The green paper had a shamrock-like pattern on it, so I thought it would be a good fit. It wasn’t quite long enough for the card, so I did a little strategic cutting and placing to make it look longer. The brown and white dotted paper strips that run across the card hide all of that!

Once all the strips and panels were arranged, I attached the colored image to a kraft panel. I added the set’s “best of luck” sentiment on a scrap of white, matted on a green strip. A pair of green rhinestones fills in the empty space on the kraft panel. I guess I'll hold on to this one until sometime next year . . .

Materials Used:
Pure Innocence 4-Leaf Clover stamp set (My Favorite Things); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Green Apple cardstock (Gina K Designs); Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Dutch Mustard 6 x 6 paper pad (Jillibean Soup); scallop edge punch (Stampin’ Up!); green crystals (Darice); Lime Green Stickles (Ranger)

Somebunny Special

I'm so glad it's spring so I can pull out some of my favorite bunny images! I used one from the DoodleFactory Easter set from Starving Artistamps for this week's Paper Craft Planet sketch challenge, designed by Kim.

I stamped the Freckles bunny on white cardstock and colored the image with Copic markers. After cutting it out, I added some white flock for a fluffy, puffy tail. The bunny's set on a blue panel with a border punched grass strip along the bottom.

I went for a super spring-y look using bright papers from Echo Park's Sweet Summertime line. I picked a somewhat busy floral for the card base and a green gingham for the strip across the cardfront. The sentiment is stamped directly on the gingham panel. I edged the panel with a strip of yellow along the top and a dotted yellow ribbon with a matching bow along the bottom. The assembled panel is set on a yellow cardfront for a sunny finish.

If you play along with this week's sketch, be sure to add your card to the Linky Tools widget found here so everyone can check it out. I'm off to get ready to cheer on the Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA basketball tournament. Go Red!

Materials Used:

DoodleFactory Easter and All About Easter stamp sets (Starving Artistamps); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Soft Sky, Kiwi Kiss, and Crushed Curry cardstock, Crushed Curry dotted grosgrain ribbon (Stampin' Up!); Hawaiian Shores cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Sweet Summertime designer papers (Echo Park); grass border punch (Martha Stewart); white flock (Stampendous); Bow Easy; foam tape

Love You to My Core

When I saw the colors from this week’s Color Throwdown challenge, at first I thought I might skip it, but then I reconsidered and pushed myself to give it a try. I wouldn’t have thought to pair Wild Wasabi, Perfect Plum/Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard, and Early Espresso on my own, but by taking a clean and simple approach, I came up with a project I’m pretty happy with in the end.

I used the apple image from the Paper Smooches Falling for You set and made it green to match the challenge’s Wild Wasabi, instead of the red I’d usually use for an apple. Once the image was colored—using shades pretty close to three of the four challenge colors--I cut it out.

The rest of my card uses the design principal of using a lot of one color, less of a second, and even less of the remaining one or two. Not sure what that’s called, but I remember reading it somewhere sometime. I found the very last sheet of Wild Wasabi cardstock in my stash and used it for my card base. The apple is set on a panel of striped paper from Echo Park’s Little Girl collection kit. A strip of More Mustard cardstock runs along the panel’s right edge. I used my sewing machine to stitch around the panel to add a little interest and contrast. The “love you to my core” sentiment is stamped on a mustard banner die cut using brown ink. The apple is set over the end of the banner strip. A small button, tied with a little brown and white baker’s twine, is my only embellishment on the clean and simple card.

Materials Used:
Falling for You stamp set (Paper Smooches); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Rich Cocoa ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Wild Wasabi and More Mustard cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Little Girl Collection Kit (Echo Park); double-ended banner die, Harvest Gold button (Papertrey Ink); baker’s twine (Martha Stewart); sewing machine

Friends with Flair: Blue Balloon

Happy Friday! Here’s my project for this week’s Friends with Flair. I went monochromatic, combining this week’s Mojo Monday sketch with images from Unity’s Bella Blvd. co-branded Sunny Happy Skies kit.

My card’s on the clean and simple side, using some pale blue polka dotted paper as a sky background for the kit’s hot air balloon image. The image was stamped on white cardstock in gray ink for a soft look, then colored with Copic markers and cut out. I used dimensional dots to attach the balloon to the panel and just glued the basket directly to the patterned paper.

I set the dotted panel on another piece of patterned paper from the same Echo Park Little Girl collection kit. The panel’s edges are machine stitched, mirroring the paper’s stitch-like pattern. A strip of light blue faux suede ribbon stretches over the panel, dressed up with a bow made with my Bow Easy. I replaced the sketch’s circle element with one of the kit’s cloud images, again stamped in gray and shaded with Copic markers. I added some Crystal Stickles around the edges for just a bit of sparkle.

For more Unity inspiration, check out the full list of FWF players on the Unity blog.

Materials Used:
from i {heart} papers: Unity Stamp Co. Sunny Happy Skies kit, X-Press Copic blending cardstock, Tsukineko Memento London Fog ink, Copic markers (BG0000, BG000, BG10, BG11, BG13, BG15, BG70, E25, E31, E33), Echo Park Little Girl Collection Kit, Zva Creative dimensional dots, May Arts light blue faux suede ribbon, Bow Easy, Ranger Crystal Stickles

other: Soft Sky and Bermuda Bay cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); sewing machine

Blogger Challenge: Week 195

This week’s blogger challenge is spring flowers. I’m the first to admit that I most definitely don’t have a green thumb, so the only kind of flowers you’ll be seeing from me are the kind you can find made from paper—LOL! I used a pretty rolled felt one here along with the layout from this week’s Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge.

This card came together very quickly with a few patterned paper scraps and the rolled flower I mentioned earlier. I paired two papers from the Fine and Dandy Tickled Pink paper pad for the large circle, machine stitching along the seam between the papers. The circle is matted on a bright pink panel, then set on a softer pink panel embossed with a dotted pattern.

I die cut a fancy edged panel for the sentiment. The coordinating border from the Framed Greetings set from My Favorite Things is stamped on the die cut in blue and the sentiment is stamped in the center in pink ink. I used a die to cut felt for my rolled flower, then fussed for a while with rolling it to get it just right before I set it on the card with a pair of green leaves. I hand cut the leaves since I don't have a leaf die in my collection--yet!

For more ideas along the spring flowers theme, check out the links below. And, if you join in the challenge, feel free to add your link to the list.

Materials Used:
Framed Greetings stamp/die set, rolled flower die (My Favorite Things); Hawaiian Shores and Berry Sorbet inks, Berry Sorbet cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Blushing Bride cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Fine and Dandy Tickled Pink 6 x 6 paper pad (My Mind’s Eye); circle dies (Spellbinders); polka dot embossing folder (Sizzix); self-adhesive pearl (Queen & Co.); felt; sewing machine

Sparkly Smile

Here’s my card for last week’s Viva la Verve sketch challenge. I combined the sketch with this month’s Get Your Diva On challenge to use neutrals with just a pop of color.

The large butterfly from the Blue Skies set is one of my favorite Verve images. I made it the focal point of my card, adding lots of dimension and sparkle along the way. The butterfly is stamped on white cardstock using brown ink and colored with Copic markers in an orange and yellow gradient. Once the image was colored, I cut it out and set it aside. I stamped it a second time, this time on a vellum panel. The vellum butterfly was also cut out. I lightly sprayed both images with a subtle shimmer spray, then layered the vellum butterfly on top of the cardstock one (after a little wait time for drying, of course).

I layered the butterfly image on a neutral colored patterned paper with a subtle houndstooth pattern. The set’s “you make me smile” sentiment is stamped above the butterfly on a slight angle. I layered the panel on a dark brown mat, then machine stitched along just one edge. A strip of gold grosgrain ribbon, accented with a bow, runs down the left side. The ribbon matches the scallop edged gold mat layered underneath the panel. The piece is set on a kraft panel with machine stitched edges, then on a dark brown card base. A light coating of shimmer spray adds a soft sparkle to the card.

Here's a closeup shot of just the butterfly so you can see the sparkle and pretty look from the colored cardstock/vellum/shimmer spray combination.

Materials Used:
Blue Skies stamp set (Verve Stamps); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Rich Cocoa ink, Sparkle Shimmer Spritz (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Dark Chocolate and Crumb Cake cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Harvest Gold cardstock, medium scallop die, Harvest Gold grosgrain ribbon (Papertrey Ink); white vellum (The Paper Company); Happily Lost 6 x 6 paper pad (Lily Bee); self-adhesive pearls (Queen & Co.); Bow Easy; sewing machine; foam tape

Eat Cake

Here’s my card for this week’s TCP Tuesday challenge. The triangle pair on this week’s sketch was intimidating at first, but once I figured out the right sizes, it worked out okay--and relatively painlessly, too.

I used the colors from Jillibean Soup’s Dutch Mustard paper pad as the inspiration for my card. The bunny popping up from behind the yummy-looking cake image is colored with Copic markers to match the shades in the papers. I added some Stickles to the candle flames for a little sparkle. The “go forth and eat cake” sentiment fit nicely along the bottom of the panel. I matted the image on coordinating panels, then set it aside to assemble the rest of the cardfront.

I cut triangle shapes from two different designer paper patterns, first “auditioning” a triangle I made from a piece of scrap paper to get the size and shape just right before cutting in to the patterned paper. The triangles are attached to a dotted brown panel and machine stitched along the edges. I stretched a strip of green grosgrain ribbon down the right side of the card, adding a button-embellished bow at the bottom to dress it up. The image panel was attached in the remaining space. I layered the panel onto a yellow card base to wrap things up.

Materials Used:
Forget About the Cake stamp set (The Cat’s Pajamas); white cardstock (Taylored Expressions); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Harvest Gold cardstock, Spring Moss grosgrain ribbon, Harvest Gold button (Papertrey Ink); Dark Chocolate cardstock (Stampin’ Up!); Dutch Mustard 6 x 6 paper pad (Jillibean Soup); Yellow Stickles (Ranger); olive baker’s twine (Timeless Twine); sewing machine

Little Boy Blue Birthday

Here’s my card for this week’s SCS sketch challenge. I used In the Clouds, one of Unity’s Echo Park co-branded kits to make a fun scene perfect for a little boy’s birthday.

I used the set’s cloud stamp to make my own background paper. Instead of white, I used Memento Summer Sky on pale blue cardstock. i {heart} papers now carries the Memento inks in the tiny dew drop pads in color assortments, so if you’re looking to add some inks to your collection, be sure to check these out. I love the tiny pads for inking up just a part of an image—and they’re an inexpensive way to add a lot of color variety to your ink collection.

I stamped the set’s plane image on a piece of white cardstock using a combination of Bahama Blue and London Fog inks and cut it out. Silver Liquid Pearls are dotted at the center of the wheels for some dimension. It’s set on the cloud patterned paper using a dimensional dot. I matted the panel on red cardstock for a little contrast and machine stitched around the edges. The panel is set on a darker blue card base. I stamped the sentiment on a strip of light blue cardstock and dressed it up with a little red baker’s twine—a great embellishment for a boyish card!

Materials Used:
from i {heart} papers: Unity Stamp Co. In the Clouds stamp kit, Tsukineko Memento London Fog, Sorbet Scoops assortment and Gum Drop assortment inks, Silver Pearl Liquid Pearls, Zva Creative dimensional dots, Divine Twine Cherry Red baker’s twine

other: Real Red, Pacific Point, Soft Sky, and Whisper White cardstock (Stampin' Up!); sewing machine

Five

This week’s featured technique on Papertrey Ink’s Make it Monday video was partially embossing a panel using an impression plate. I put the technique to use on this fun number themed birthday card.

At first, I was challenged on a layout idea that might make good use of a partially debossed panel. Once I settled on using a die cut tag, my card came together quickly. I used the Tag Sale #1 die to make a tag from kraft cardstock, then used my By the Numbers impression plate on the bottom half of the tag. It's hard to see in the photo, but I promise it's there!

I arranged the rest of the elements on the card to cover the indentation left by the top of the impression plate. A Hawaiian Shores circle sits on top of the tag with a felt “5.” The “who’s turning” sentiment from Big Birthday Wishes is stamped on a double-ended banner die cut that stretches across the card, underneath the felt numeral. I added a Harvest Gold button, tied with some baker’s twine, to balance out the elements.

The tag is tied with a scrap of Hawaiian Shores grosgrain ribbon, then set on a piece of red Bitty Star Basics patterned paper. I matted it on a Hawaiian Shores panel, then set the piece on an Aqua Mist cardfront.

Materials Used:
BigBirthday Wishes stamp set, Pure Poppy ink, Hawaiian Shores, Aqua Mist and Kraft cardstock, Bitty Star Basics patterned paper, By the Numbers impression plate, By the Numbers Collection (5) , double-ended banner, and Tag Sale #1 dies, Pure Poppy felt, Hawaiian Shores grosgrain ribbon, Harvest Gold cardstock (Papertrey Ink); circle die (Spellbinders); baker’s twine (Timeless Twine)

IHP DT Challenge: What's New?

For this month’s i {heart} papers design team challenge, we’re highlighting some of the newest products to arrive at IHP. Winter CHA products are starting to arrive and the store’s overflowing with lots of new goodies to choose from, including stamps, papers, markers, and embellishments.

I went clean and simple on my project to really show off the pretty image from the Elegant Birds set from My Cute Stamps, one of the stamp lines that’s new to IHP. I stamped the birdcage in London Fog ink, then added the bird. I colored the bird with Copic markers and highlighted around the cage, too, in a very pale blue-green marker. I dotted the cage with some Liquid Pearls for a little dimension and shine.

The image panel is set on a large patterned paper panel from the Hazel paper pad, one of the pretty new My Mind’s Eye Stella and Rose lines. Love these scaled-down patterns for card making! I rounded one of the panel’s corners and did some faux stitching along the edges to add interest. To anchor the cage, I used a piece of gray baker’s twine (not a brand new IHP product, but a relatively new one!), threaded through the top of the cage and extending to the top of the card. A matching bow decorates the twine at the card’s top. For a little sparkle, I attached a clear crystal at the top of the cage. The sentiment is stamped on an aqua panel in the same gray ink I used for the image. All the pieces are arranged on a coordinating blue cardfront for an almost monochromatic look.

Don’t miss what the rest of the IHP team has come up with using the latest and greatest. It’s sure to inspire you—and make you want to shop! Here’s where to find them:
Carolyn
Deb
Gretchen
Kendra
Loretta
Lori (you're here!)
Lynn
Megan
Tracy
Kate

Materials Used:
from i {heart} papers: My Cute Stamps Elegant Birds stamp set, Tsukineko Memento London Fog ink, X-Press Copic blending cardstock, Copic markers (BG0000, BG000, BG10, BG11, BG13, BG15), Spellbinders circle die, Ranger Silver Pearl Liquid Pearls and Inkssentials white pen, My Mind’s Eye Stella and Rose Hazel 6 x 6 paper pad, Divine Twine Oyster Grey baker’s twine, Zva Creative clear crystal

other: Aqua Mist and Hawaiian Shores cardstock (Papertrey Ink); corner chomper