Stamp Off: Sketch Challenge

Welcome friends, to another Stamp Off Challenge

with Jackie, Buffy and Susan.

Today is a sketch challenge that is pretty straight forward

and could be used for lots themes.  My sample, however

does violate the sketch a bit, in that I opted to use c/s,

rather than Velum for my sentiment.  Oh well!

 I wanted to try watercoloring with the In The Meadow set

on page 28 of the Occasions Mini.  You know, the set

that I use ALL THE TIME!!

I used Tempting Turquoise and Pear Pizzazz reinkers and 

a paint brush, and laid down some

color on watercolor paper.  I let the paper dry, cut it down

to size and stamped the tree image.  I omitted a portion of

the sentiment from the set, and punched the end with the 

Banner Triple Punch on page 165.  I didn't use velum because

it would be difficult to attach the way I wanted.

Now please check out the cards created by my friends:
Buffy:  http://buffycooper.com 
Susan:  https://susanstamps.wordpress.com

Goodbye Prince

Botanical Builder Meets Sprinkles of Life

I continue to enjoy the Botanical Builder Framelits Dies

on page 26 of the Occasions Mini.  So many framelits, 

so many options!   In this example, I used the sentiment

from Sprinkles of Life, the RMHC set on page 189.

Remember, $3 for every purchase of this set goes to

Ronald McDonald House Charities. 

You'll notice that the Wild Wasabi leaves are made 

out of the retired textured c/s that SU used to sell.

Flooding Balloons

I had some flooding in my craft area, thanks to an ice maker

connection that blew.  Fortunately, I turn my main water line

off when I travel, so it happened right after I returned home

and turned the water back on.

I've cleaned up most of the damage (meaning that I threw away lots

of stamping paper that got "rained on".)

Finally got to my table to do a few quick cards.

This is a basic version of my card for today.  I continue

to find the Balloon Builders set on page 14 of the Occasions

mini so useful.  Paired with the Balloon Bouquet Punch 

on page 13, it really gets the job done.

I used the File Tabs Edgelits (page 172 of the main catty)

to carve out the bottom of the card.  These framelits are retiring, and I highly recommend them!!   I'm sorry it's hard to 

see the File Tab in this card because I had to fix the card closed.

The tab adds a nice masculine feel. 

I layered a strip of It's My Party DSP (Occasions page 5)

on the inside of the card, so it would peak out at the bottom.

This second version is stepped up, by adding White Perfect

Accents (page 161) and some Baker's Twine.

I used the In-Colors; Mossy Meadow and Blackberry Bliss

because these colors will retire on May 31st... sob.

Travel Report!

It may not have been obvious, but I have been out of

town for a couple weeks.  I was visiting my Mom in Arizona.

I was so fortunate because I "missed" nasty weather at home

and had delightful temperatures while traveling.

This cactus had such a cool way of blooming, with stalks shooting
out of the "petals" (if that is what they are called on a cactus!)
You can see all of the different flower stages.

 We went for morning walks, allowing opportunity to photo

beautiful flowers and cactus.  AZ had just had rain, so the

cactus blooms were wonderful.  All of these plants were in front
of homes on Mom's block.  Those 6:30 am walks were perfect
for catching flowers opening.

 

So lovely!  Sadly, I have no idea what the names of

these flowers are.

 

I am not including photos of my Mom, because she
would prefer that I not.  She is the boss you know!