Fishy Birthday Card

Here is the card I made for my husband this year.  Masculine cards are hard for me to make, and I just had to add a few sequins, I don't think he will mind!

For the card I used:

• Altenew - Birthday Greetings stamp set
• Stampin' Up - By the Tide stamp set
• Hero Arts - Script Bold Prints background stamp
• Gina K Designs Ink - Sea Glass, Turquoise Sea, Tranquil Teal
• Pretty Posh Pink - sequins
• Masking Paper

To make the card, I tore a piece of masking paper and added it to the top and bottom of a piece of white card stock.  Using a blender brush, I added the Sea Glass Ink.  I then stamped the script using Turquoise Sea.  The remaining images are from the By the Tide set and they were stamped in Tranquil Teal.  The masking paper was then removed, and the sentiment added.  I masked the panel using Turquoise Sea paper.  After adding the panel to the card base, it needed something else ... so the sequins were added to mimic air bubbles.

Challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Happy Birthday

Stampin' Up Fathers Day Card

When I first started making cards, I didn't know how to do many of the techniques.  I pinned cards ides to Pinterest figuring one day, I'll learn how to make the cards.  One card I really likes used a stamp set from Stampin' Up.  I got the set - of course.  I made some cards using it, but none were like the one card I like and had originally pinned.  So for Fathers Day, I finally got the set out and recreated the card I had originally pinned.  Here it is:

 To make the card, I used:

• Stampin' Up - Wetlands
• Gina K - Charcoal Brown, Kraft, Tranquil Teas, Ocean Mist Inks
• Gina K - By the Sea 2

To make the card,  I trimmed a piece of white card stock to 3.75 x 6, and masked out the square.  In the square, I then added the ink, using blending brushes.  While the area was still masked, I stamped the birds.  I removed the mask, and then stamped the grasses.  The sentiment was then added.  I added a mat to the image and then added the entire piece to the card base to complete the card.

Retiform Technique

A few weeks ago, I saw a Gina K YouTube video where she did a technique called Retiform.  I gave it a try for some Fathers Day cards and this is how they came out:

To make the cards I used the following:

• Gina K - Vertical Greetings, Wetlands 2, By the Sea 2 
• Seaside Stamping Ink - Beach Stories Too 
• Stamping Up - By the Tide
• Local King Rubber Stamps - Seaside, Rough Rider
• Close To My Heart - Enjoy Life
• Tim Holtz - Hear and There
• Hero Arts - Sandstone, Cocoa Ink (Brown Card)
• Gina K - Fresh Asparagus, Grass Green (Green Card)
• Gina K - Stormy Sky, Soft Stone (Gray Card) 
• Gina K - Blue Denim, Powder Blue (Blue Card)
• Gina K - Master Layouts 1

To make the cards, I masked areas and using a blending brush added ink to create the background areas.  This was done with the lighter of the ink colors.  I then stamped the images from the various stamp sets into the areas using the darker colored inks making sure to mask the area first.  The image was then cut (along with the mat) using Master Layouts 1.  The image was added to the mat, and then the entire piece to the card base.  The sentiment was stamped, matted and added to the card.

Here are some close ups of the cards:

Batik card

I recently saw how to make a card which looks like its batik.  I wish I had saved the site, since I want to do this again!  (I have to remember to save the site when I find a technique I like!).  I have a few more stamps that I think will work for this technique.  I also want to try different color combinations.

Here is the card:

To make the card I used:

• Zing Clear Embossing Powder
• Stampendous Detail White Embossing Powder
• Versamark
• Stampin' Up Eastern Blooms Stamp set
• Memento Ink - Dandelion, Danube Blue, Rose Bud, Sweet Plum
• Homey Bee Sending You Sentiments Stamp set

To make the card, I sponged on the yellow and pink ink randomly around the card base.  The flowers were then stamped in Versamark, embossing powder added and heat set.  I then folded the card randomly.  The blue and purple ink was then added.  The image was mounted to purple card stock, and then added to the card base.  The sentiment was stamped in Versamark, embossing powder added, and heat set.  These were then added to the card.  

Stampin' Up Wetlands Birthday Card.

This stamp set is great for masculine cards!  Here is a card that I recently made:

I used the following to make the card:

• Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors #44 Light Brown, #47 Dark Brown #62 Cobalt Blue
• Stampin' Up Wetlands Stamp Set
• Memento Rich Cocoa, Cottage Ivy
• Stampendous Detailed White Embossing Power
• Versamark

Using the watercolors, I created the background.  The birds were then stamped using the Rich Cocoa Ink.  The reeds were stamped with Cottage Ivy.  The entire piece was then cut down, matted and added to the card base.  The sentiment was stamped with Versamark, the embossing powder was added and heat set to complete the card.

Golden Christmas Tree

The Stampin' Up Lovely as a Tree stamp set is so versatile. The Pine Tree stamp can be used for a simple Christmas card.  Here is the card I made:

I used the following to make the card:

• Stampin' Up Lovely as a Tree Stamp set
• Hero Arts Colored Layering Christmas Tree Stamp set
• Stampendous Detailed Gold Embossing Powder
• Versamark
• Simon Says Stamp Stitched Rectangles Die

To make the card, I first cut the white card stock with one of the Stitched Rectangle dies.  The image was then stamped in the center with Versmark, gold embossing powder added an heat set.  A slightly larger stitched rectangle was then cut using green card stock.  The pine tree image was added.  This was then added a gold colored card base.  At the bottom of the card (its not very visible in the picture), one of the sentiments from the Layering Christmas Tree stamp set was added using Versmark.  Gold embossing powder was added and then heat set to complete the card.

Challenges Entered: Simon Says: ‘O’ Christmas Tree Monday Challenge

Raking Day - MFT Thankful Friend

Once I saw the Thankful Friend stamp set from MFT I knew immediately who I wanted to make a card for.  My dad!

My dad "invented" a holiday for the grandkids - called Raking Day.  This holiday falls every year, when most of the leaves are off the trees.  All of the grandkids would help rake the leaves into big piles, and then jump into them.  Unfortunately, all of the grandkids are older now, and Raking Day is history.  So, to keep the memory of the holiday, I made this card.  The card is a shaker card and is 4.25x5.5.

For this card, I used many different products!

• My Favorite Things - Thankful Friend stamps and dies
• Spellbinders - Square Dies
• Copic Markers - BG13, BG15, BG18, BG11, R24, C3, C1, C5, 91, B95, B97, B99, YG61, YG63, YG97, YR12, YR14, E50, E53, E31, E33, E35, E37, E42, E13
• Memento - Tuxedo Black, Cottage Ivy, Rich Cocoa
• Distress Ink - Weathered Wood, Stormy Skies
• Stampin' Up - Lovely as a Tree Stamp set
• Various Sequins
• Recollections Glitter Shapes
• Craft Foam

To make the card:
I partially die cut using the largest square in the Spellbinders set.  I cut the top and two sides.  I then partially cut with  the Thankful Friends die, after carefully lining up where she would be within the window.  The bottom area was cut using an Xacto blade and ruler.  I then stamped the girl with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.  She was then colored with various Copic Markers.  The grass was also added with Copic Markers.

The leaves were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa Ink.  These were then colored with Copic Markers and die cut. 

The trees in the background were from Stampin' Up Lovely as a Tree and stamped with Memento Rick Cocoa and Cottage Ivy.  The grass area was colored with Copics using the same colors as the front of the card,  The sky was done by sponging Stormy Skies and Weathered Wood.  This was also done on the frame area of the front of the card. 

Craft Foam was cut to 4.25 x 5.5 and using the same size Spellbinders die, the square area cut so that it lined up with the front of the card.  I added acetate to the front part of the card, and then added the Craft Foam, making sure that it was well adhered.  The window area was filled with sequins in fall colors, and glitter.  The backing was added, and the entire thing added to the card base. 

Bird Crazy Christmas

I just can't seem to get enough of the Bird Crazy Stamps!  With the Crazy Things accessories, these birds can be used for any occasion!  Here are the cards, each is 4.25 x 5.5:

 

I kept a lot of the elements the same between the cards.  Here are some close-ups:

 

 

For these cards I used the following:

 

• Bird Crazy Stamps and Dies
• Crazy Things Stamps and Dies
• Memento Cottage Ivy, Tuxedo Black
• Copic R20, R21, R24, R27, R29, E04, E93, N0, N2, B21, B24, B29, BG000, BG02, YR12, YR14, G20, G21, G24, YG63, YG67
• Stampin' Up Lovely As A Tree
• Ranger Texture Paste
• Memory Box Winter Tiny Snowflakes
• Wink of Stella Clear

To make the cards, I stamped the birds, the Santa hats, and packages with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  These were then colored with the Copic Markers. Wink of Stella was used on the packages and the trim on the hats. I then used the associated dies and die cut the birds, hats and packages.

 

For the background, I stamped the trees with Memento Cottage Ivy, using first and second generation stamping.  I then added the snowflakes using the Winter Tiny Snowflakes stencil and Ranger Texture Paste.  Once dry, I added the birds.  The entire piece was then added to the card base to complete the card.

 

 



Playing with Pan Pastels

So, the other day, I decided to play a bit with my Pan Pastels. This is the card I ended up making, which was not at all what I had originally had in mind! 

I was thinking of making a Christmas card, with a gold Pan Pastel background. I wanted a solid gold, but instead ended up with a shimmery gold.  So then I decided to cover it with green.  But I still wanted a gold element, so I tried stenciling some stars with gold Pan Pastels.  That didn't work either.  I ended up just blending the gold into the green.  Finally, I tried stamping with Versmark, and then lightly adding a brown (actually Orange Extra Dark) to the stamped image, and lightly blending it into the green,  Although it doesn't show in the photograph, I was able to add a gold shimmer, by adding some Gold Pssst Sheer Shimmer.  The image was then trimmed and matted.  Ribbon was added before adding it to the card base.

Supplies used:

• Stampin' Up Lovely as a Tree stamp set
• Versmark
• Pssst Sheer Shimmer Gold
• Pan Pastels 280.1 Orange Extra Dark, 640.3 Permanent Green Shade, 911.5 Rich Gold

Wetlands Fathers Day Card

Here is the next Fathers Day card.  This card is also 4.25 x 5.5

I used the following to make this card:

• Stampin' Up - Wetlands
• Seaside Stampin' Ink - Beach Stories
• Memento Cottage Ivy, Desert Sand, Summer Sky

To make the card, I stamped the goose from Wetlands with Cottage Green ink.  I then sponged Desert Sand and Summer Sky around the image.  The Sea Grass, from Beach Stories was stamped twice in Cottage Green ink.  Using a 1" square punch, I punched to top part of the image out.  These two pieces were then sponged with Desert Sand and Summer Sky inks.  All three images were then mounted on dark green card stock and added to the card base.

By the Tide Fathers Day Card

Here is the first of the Fathers Day cards I made this year.  This card is 4.25 x 5.5.

I used the following to make this card:

• Stampin' Up By the Tide Stamp Set
• Close to my Heart Just to Say Stamp Set
• Memento Desert Sand and Potters Clay inks
• Ranger Classic Cherry Dye Ink

To make the card, I first stamped the images from By the Tide. Then, to soften the edges, I lightly sponged with Desert Sand.  The main image was then mounted to red card stock, and added to the card base.  The sentiment, from Just to Say, was stamped on a thin strip of white card stock.  The edges were sponged with Desert Sand.  This was then added to the card.

By the Tide Birthday Card

Here is a card I made using Stampin' Up By the Tide stamp set that I've had for a while, but never used. 

This card is 4.25 x 5.5 and was made with the following:

• Stampin' Up - By the Tide stamp set
• Close to My Heart - Joyful Birthday Occasions stamp set
• Memento - Teal Zeal and London Fog
• Versamark
• Zing Clear Embossing Powder
• Grumbacher Miskit Friskit
• Simon Says Stamp - Stitched Rectangles

To make the card, I stamped the fish from By the Tide with Teal Zeal Memento Ink.  I then masked the fish with Misket Frisket.  Once dry, the kelp/sea weed was stamped with Memento London fog.  The Misket was then removed. The Sentiment is from Close to My Heart and was stamped with the Teal Zeal.

The image was cut using a Stitched Rectangle die.  This was matted to a piece of silver card stock that was also cut with a larger Stitched Rectangle die.  The card base was stamped using the kelp/sea weed and Versamark.  This was then embossed with clear embossing powder.  The image was then added to the card base.

Stampin' Up Wetlands Card

This is a simple card I made using the sandpipers from the Stampin' Up Wetlands stamp set.  The card was inspired a card I saw on: http://www.rainyboxcrafts.com/2013/08/freshly-made-sketches-99.html

The card is 4 x 5.5 and was made with the following:

• Stampin' Up Wetlands Stamp set
• Memento Ink Tuxedo Black
• Spellbinders Circles and Scalloped Circles
• Ribbon

To make the card, I first stamped the sandpipers several times on white card stock.  These were then cut using the Spellbinders circle die.  Using green card stock, I then cut matching scalloped circles.  The background paper was actually scraps from other projects.  Ribbon was added to give it a more finished look.

Swallowtail Birthday Card

I just love the Swallowtail stamp from Stampin' Up.  Here is a birthday card I made with it:

This card is 4x5.25.  I first stamped the image with Versamark, then embossed with Stampendous Detailed Black Embossing powder.  I then colored the image and background with a variety of Copic markers. 

Christmas Cards 2013 Cards #6 and #7

Had an unexpected day off work, so I decided to make a few more cards.  Both of the cards are 4 x 5.5.  For the first card, I used the Elizabeth Craft Designs Mitten Dies.  I covered a piece of white cardstock with Sookwang double sided tape, then cut the Mittens twice.  For the mittens I used Peacock Blue Glitter Ritz For the cuffs, snowflakes and bow, I used Warm Highlights.

For the second card, I used the mittens from the  Stampin' Up Make a Mitten stamp set.  These were stamped using Memento Danube Blue, and then cut out ( I don't have the punch).  The background of the card was embossed with the Snowflake Cuttlebug embossing folder.