Friday, April 22, 2016

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

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

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.

Monday, April 18, 2016

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.


Sunday, April 17, 2016

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!