Mojo Monday #26

Today’s card was inspired by the Mojo Monday layouts on http://www.poeticartistry.blogspot.com/. Julee has an new layout challenge every Monday, the layouts that she provides are very inspiring. So if you are looking for layout inspiration visit her site - You won’t be disappointed!

Here’s my card:


The central panel is embossed resist on Very Vanilla, sponged with Pretty in Pink and Soft Sky and the other images were stamped on Chocolate Chip.

Close up of Central Panel:

All of the light color cardstock is sponged with Choc Chip. The four inchie squares are on the back flap of the card. See the next picture with the card "sort of" opened:

Other: Stamps -> Looks Like Spring (SU), Sanded (SU), Lots of Thoughts (SU), Penny Black, Stampendous, Hero Arts; Inks -> VersaMark, Pretty in Pink, Soft Sky, Choc Chip; Papers-> Very Vanilla, Soft Sky, Pretty in Pink, Choc Chip

I am ready for spring… and yes, it’s snowing here again today *sigh* and very cold!

Thanks for stopping in!
KAT

Glam Butterfly

This card is for today’s Sketch Challenge on SCS. You can see the challenge here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=328026
The butterfly in this card is sparkly and glittery in real life - I wish I could capture that in the photo… *insert sad face here*

The Sentiment on the inside of the card says: I'll Lean on You, We'll get through this Together.

The Peacock Butterfly was black embossed on white cardstock. The butterfly was then water colored with a Stargazer palette (this stuff is like watercolor Pearl Ex) and this added an overall shimmer on the butterfly. I then went randomly over the butterfly with Stardust Clear pen and for the final glam I added Bling to the wings and antennas.

The card:

Close up of Butterfly:

Dimension of Butterfly (this was done using a bone folder on the back side of the wings to “curl” them):

Details: (a) stamps -> Peacock Butterfly (Impression Obsession), Large Flower Silhouettes (Starving Artistamps), Simply the Best (SU), (b) ink -> VersaMark, Black, (c) paper -> Black, White, Groovy Guava (SU), Hey Sugar (Cosmo Cricket), (d) Bling (Hero Arts), Super Fine Detail Black EB (Ranger), Stargazer Watercolor Palette, Stardust Clear & Black MicroPerm pens (Sakura)

Thanks for visiting!

KAT

Are There Enough Eggs?

Today’s card is for the Technique Challenge on SCS, I’m All Mixed Up. The challenge can be found here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=327441

This challenge is all about using designer paper - so I checked out my stash of my favorite paper - Basic Grey. I also thought about a swap that I am in for Hanna stamps and the fact that Easter is right around the corner. Here is what all those random thoughts created:

Hanna Decorates for Easter - Are There Enough Eggs? She wants it to be perfect!:

Close up of the Easter Eggs (whoops one fell out!):



Where is all the designer paper? The tree skirt, Hanna’s shirt, boots, boot cuffs, skirt and her egg pail. All together I used scraps from 5 different sheets of designer paper. The background is the Brayered Sky technique using Pretty in Pink, Soft Sky and Bashful Blue. The grass is sponged Mellow Moss with Old Olive grass - additional sponging of Old Olive was added to the bottom.

Other Info: (a) stamps Hanna (Christmas set) - see the versatility in the stamp set; grass, bucket, eggs & tree (Stamps by Judith), All Holidays (SU) (b) paper Lily Kate (Basic Grey), Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, Soft Sky, Black (all SU) (c) other Stardust Jelly Roll Pens, Xryon 150 (makes putting all the small pieces together very easy)

Have thoughts of Spring!
KAT

Clearly Inspired

Today’s card is for the Featured Stamper Challenge on SCS - here is the link -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=327174

I looked through Mary Jo‘s fabulous gallery and choose a card towards the end… Transparency Card. Here is her card -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/576842?cat=500&ppuser=108913

I kept the circular focal image, flourishes and made the flower the central focus of the card.

Here is my card:

The main image was embossed on Perhaps (Basic Grey) paper - the small floral print on this paper was perfect for the small petals on the Fabulous Flowers image. After embossing I brayered Choc Chip on top of the flower to bring out the petal details. The card has three layers with dimensional between each layer.

The Thank You sentiment has many ovals and circles that were punch out and either Cuttlebug Embossed or stamped.

Close Up of Sentiment:

When all was said and almost done - I added the bling to give the card a little more “Pop”!

I hope Mary Jo Likes my version of her Transparency card!

Addition details: (a) stamps: Short & Sweet, Fabulous Flowers, Priceless, Baroque Motifs, (b) paper: SU Pretty in Pink, Choc Chip, Certainly Celery, Perhaps (Basic Grey), © inks: VersaMark, Choc Chip, Timber Brown (Stazon), (d) other: Cuttlebug Textile EB folder, bling, copper book plate and brad, circle Nestabilities, Certainly Celery Organza ribbon.

Thanks for stopping in!
KAT

56 Leaves on the Tree...

…56 leaves - take one down pass it around, 55 leaves on the tree (now that that song is in your head)…

This card is for today’s Inspiration Challenge on SCS - Country Living - Color that Cheers. You can view the challenge here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=326879

I was pulled towards the art piece that is leaning against the wall… So I used the Leaves Awash (SU) stamp and cut each of smaller leaves out. The leaves are either glued or dimensional-ed on to give the tree the appearance of roundness.

Last week I struggled with …the Beast inspiration card - this week I love the 56 Trees. I was so excited about it I was up until 2:30 AM cutting out the leaves!

Here it is:

Other info: (a) stamps: (SU) Looks Like Spring, Always, Leaves Awash, and Large Tree (Rubber Cottage), (b) paper: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Pumpkin, Certainly Celery, Ruby Red… btw - I did not have any Creamy Caramel paper so I direct to ink on Ivory to give the same appearance.

Thanks for “Passing” in…
KAT

Buzzed by to Say Hi!

This is for the Limited Supply Challenge on SCS - Signature Style, use your own handwriting (insert nail biting here) - so, I did actually write on a card and I added some doodling (I was much more comfortable with the doodling than the handwriting!).

And to make this card even more uncomfortable - limit your layers… come on girls, have paper must layer… But to “spread my wings” I only used two layers on this card.

The handwritten details that I like the best are the flowers and the leaves. If you look at the stamp you will see that it is a line image.

Here is the result - Buzzed by to Say Hi… (you can‘t see it in the picture but this card glimmers) :

Picture without the stamps:

Monochromatic black and Barely Banana cardstock. The black and white doodles and handwriting were added with either a Sakuro or Signo pen - (the signo was very frustrating… the ink would not flow properly… I wonder if this is a common issue with this pen?)

Other details: (a) stamps - Bees (Stamps by Judith), Cone Flower (Morning Star), (b) all the yellow cardstock and shadowing on the flower was added using Pearlescent Chalks (Pebble).

Thanks for buzzing in!

KAT

Tussy Mussy

This is my first week participating in the challenges on SCS and I am finding them very intriguing and they are getting my creative mojo going. I thought instead of just doing the challenges I should apply them to some cards on my to do list. So I thought I would do another sketch challenge for my Mom’s Mothers Day card.

I bought this set specifically to make gifts for my Mom - the flowers are more her style than mine (although I secretly love the rose buds). With this card I wanted to try something really creative… Mom likes Victorian things and what is more Victorian than a Tussy Mussy? So I did a Google search looked at a variety of Tussy Mussy(s) and went to work….

Here is the result:

The up side - it’s beautiful, dimensional, unexpected, different, Mom will know it was made just for her… The down side - this will never fit into an envelope - good thing I see my Mom on Mothers Day (LOL)!

The Tussy was made with CS Vellum. The vellum was covered with Encore Silver ink, after the ink dried I embossed with the SU Paisley background stamp, then covered the image with black ink and wiped with a paper towel. I then cut the vellum with a circle nestability - cut the circle in half and made the cone. To keep the cone together I used red line tape. The bottom of the Tussy was made from a pair of gold angel wings… added silver ink, black over top and cut one of the wings off with metal cutters. The bottom is taped inside the cone via a scrap of wire.

The cone was filled with SU Old Olive organza ribbon, leaves and rose buds (oh… lots of glue dots and dimensionals). Each of the rose buds were “bent” over the edge of a table to give them the illusion of roundness. The panel behind the Tussy is faux silk sponged with Cranberry Crisp.

Close up of the Tussy:

Image inside the Tussy - see all the dimensionals - not the best picture but you get the general feel for the dimensional - right?:

Other info: (a) stamps - Wild Rose (SU), Mom (Rubber Stamp Tapestry), (b) ink - Cranberry Crisp, True Thyme, Black, Encore Silver (c) paper - Cranberry Crisp, True Thyme, Recollections, CS Vellum

I think my Mom will really like this card! Thanks for taking a look!

KAT

Final Valentine Tag Book Pages

The last pair of Valentine Tag Book pages!

Three techniques were used on this page - Cuttlebug Embossed Grungeboard, Drunken Scotch and the Pocket Heart. (I still owe you a tutorial for the Drunken Scotch)

Cuttlebug embossing on Grungeboard is just like paper and adds a lot of dimension to your project! Before embossing I direct to paper inked the wings with SU Soft Sky. After embossing I brayered and sponged on Choc Chip.

The Pocket Heart was one of the Technique Challenges from SCS - inside the heart I placed 10 of the things that I love about my SIL/Best Friend!

Some of the steps: (a) stamps - Impression Obsession, things & about (TAC), (b) paper - Wanted & Hey Sugar (Cosmo Cricket), SU Choc Chip, Pretty in Pink, © distress, sponge (d) 10 things inside the heart were computer generated, used SU oval punch and copper eyelet to create the end decoration - this was all wire/ beaded together and I added a Drunken Scotch Grungeboard Key

Focal Page:

Close up of Embossed Grungeboard Wings:

Drunken Scotch “U”:

Close up 10 Things - you can see a small Drunken Scotch heart:

Both pages in the book - song, Thank You for Being a Friend ~Andrew Gold:

This is the end of the 14 days of Valentines that I created for my sister-in-law and very best friend. I can’t even begin to tell you what a special women she is! I thought I would share the 10 items in the heart pouch:

10. Ability to Forgive
9. Giving
8. You Make Me Feel Special
7. Caring
6. My Creative Pal
5. Tough
4. Quirky Humor
3. Love to Shop
2. My Cackle Chick
1. That I am Your Best Friend

I hope all you of have a special friend in your life (I am just lucky that she married my brother!!!)

Thanks for visiting!

KAT

Baby It's Cold Outside!

As I sit in my warm comfy house I had to giggle as I was thinking up this one. This card was created for today’s SCS challenge - Open a Window… Well today in NE Ohio there is no way you are going to open a window because Baby It’s Cold Outside!!! So I think cubby snowman wants to come in to play with the Kitty!

The snowman is behind an acetate “window” with stickles ice sickles. The kitty is my version of a calico (my kitty is white so he didn’t fit into the room and he would never be caught dead playing with a ball). The ball is a half pearl that I colored with a sharpie. I like the way the floor, chair rail and window frame turned out.

Other info: (a) stamps - Skinny Stamper (Stamps by Judith), Playful Snowman (Whipper Snapper), Kitty ($1 stamp), Carte Postale (SU), Happy Harmony (SU) (b) paper - SU River Rock DS, Very Vanilla, Choc Chip, Close to Cocoa, River Rock, Recollections (c) inks - all SU, Old Olive, Pumpkin, River Rock, Choc Chip, Cranberry Crisp, Close to Cocoa (d) other - Prism Pencils, Sharpies, Markers, Pearl Halves

Thanks for taking a peak!

KAT

5h Pair of Valentine Tag Book Pages

The technique for page 5 was an experiment… What happens when you sprinkle copper embossing power on liquid applique before you heat it…hmmm… gave it a try and really like the puffy/rough effect it gave to the Queen Anne’s Lace.

A few of the steps: (a) Queen Anne’s Lace was stamped twice with SU Pretty in Pink and Choc Chip, “scribbled” a small amount (remember with liquid applique a small amount goes a lllloooonnnnnggggg way) and sprinkled some Copper EB over top, heat, (b) papers - Blush (Basic Grey), SU Choc Chip, Very Vanilla (c) really beautiful copper hardware - sorry I don’t know the manufacturer, but I did get it a JoAnn’s (d) stamps: Queen Anne's Lace (Magenta), SU Warm Words, Sanded (e) sponge, sponge, sponge

The focal page:

Close Up of Liquid Applique and Copper EB:

Song Page - One Friend ~Dan Seal:

Both pages in Valentine Tag Book - you can see where I used another 6x6 SU page protector for two of the tags:

Only one more pair of pages to share with you tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping in!


KAT

Velvet and Pearls

This is for today’s layout challenge on SCS. The Velvet is the ribbon and the pearls is Pearl Ex on the focal image. The cute little butterfly was embossed on SU CS Vellum - there is another butterfly stamped on the pattern paper behind to give him more color - by the way… the little butterfly took me the longest time - there are about 6 other different butterflies in my trash can :0) .

The card - the colors look like the don't match but in person they are they same color of purple...:

A few of the steps: (a) papers - Amethyst Cool Metal, Fanciful Green (Paper Heart) SU CS Vellum, (b) stamps - SU French Script & In Full Bloom, Large Silhouette Flowers (Starving Artistamp), © Pearl Ex colors uses: spring green, interference green, duo green-yellow, misty lavender, interference violet, (d) inks - SU Black, Brilliance Dew Drops (e) back panel is Cuttlebug embossed

Thanks for "flying" in!

KAT

4th Pair of Valentine Tag Book Pages

The 4th pair of Valentine Tag book pages features a neat embossing method. If you look at the torn Paisley (SU) back ground paper it was created by randomly covering a Very Vanilla piece of cardstock with Plum, Pink and Sea Glass Color Box Pigment Inks. Once the inks were dry then clear emboss the Paisley image over top. Then take the Dark Brown Color Box Pigment ink all over the image - completely cover it. Then reheat with your heat gun and taadaa… the embossed image will reappear. This technique gives a beautiful effect with detailed stamps.

Some of the other steps: (a) TAC Butterfly was embossed with Timber Brown Stazon on SU Cardstock Vellum, colored on the underside with TomBow markers, brushed with Pearl Ex over the top (b) the Page About Butterflies stamp (Stamps Happen) is stamped on Very Vanilla, Gamsol with Prism color pencils, splattered with Walnut Ink - the dominos were wiped with Alcohol Ink (Ranger) and then the butterfly image from the stamp was stamped on with Stazon, the butterflies were loosely colored with slick writers, (c) butterfly image overlaid with the brown and blue flourish Hambly acetate , (d) background paper is Blush (Basic Grey)

Focal Page:

Close up of Butterfly:

Song Page - You’re My Best Friend ~ Queen:

Both pages in the book:

Thanks for stopping by!

KAT

Beauty and the Beast

Why am I calling this update Beauty and the Beast? Well yesterday was my first time participating in challenges over on SCS. I thought I would start with the inspiration challenge Birch Bark Birds artwork (you can see the challenge here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324939

The artwork is clean and contemporary - this is not a style the I typically use in my cards - I like sponging, distressing and using hardware. But challenges are good for me and will help me spread my creative wings *right* and I like blue and brown together… So….
Here is what I created - The Beast - I don‘t care for this card… I‘ll class it as Yucky:

This is the only bird stamp that I have (Stampendous) so I thought I would dress him up some. I embossed the bird on Timeless Collection (Deja Views) paper and embossed the Baroque Motifs (SU) flourish using Brilliance Dew Drops - thought all this would dress the bird up a bit. I added a real feather tail. To add the interesting geometric shapes in the artwork I used, again, the Timeless paper and Fragments (Tim Holtz).

Other steps: (a)papers Timeless, SU Kraft and Choc Chip, (b) branch - Leafless Limbs lg (Stampscapes) - stamped in Choc Chip - I wanted it to look like two limbs so I covered part of the image with Scotch tape, inked up and then removed the tape before stamping the image - this is a GREAT trick! (c) leaves in the birds mouth from Baroque Motifs, ribbon is heated organza, (d) added some Hero Arts bling on the birds eyes and bodies (e) on the taller flowers I used some liquid applique

Now on to The BEAUTY - the next card is from the Round & Round We Go challenge that can be found here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324659

Looking at my cards I can see that I don’t use circles much and I have a great circle cutting tools - Nestabilities (Spellbinders) and Curvy Cutter (EK Success) - so.. Hmmm.. I thought let’s give this a try! Here is the beautiful card that I created (can you tell I really like this one...LOL)…


The focal image on this card is Large Silhouette Flowers (Starving Artistamps) stamped in black. But before stamping the flowers you need to do the brayered sky background. On SCS Zindorf is the queen of the brayer - she created a tutorial on how to do this technique. The colors used for the sky are (all SU) Soft Sky, Bashful Blue and Not Quite Navy. The technique is easy - use gentle pressure, roll from the top and when you use a bolder color (here Not Quite Navy) roll off some of the ink onto scratch paper first.

Other steps: (a) papers - all SU Glossy, Black , White and Soft Sky, (b) focal image was cut using Nestabilities, rest of the circles were cut using Curvy Cutter - each circle is ¼ inch © bling is Hero Arts (d) Friends (Fancy Flexible Phrases - SU) is stamped on a scrap corner of the brayered background - the deeper blue circle is also punched from the same scrap

I hope you enjoyed see Beauty and the Beast (can’t believe I shared this one…)

Now that you've seen both - which do you like?

KAT

3rd Pair of Valentine Tag Book Pages

The 3rd pair of pages for the Valentine Tag book was inspired from a card created by 4Hounds . Here is a link to her card -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/622835?perpage=48&thumbsonly=0&thumbcheck=

The flower petals were created from SU oval punches that I “bent” using the side of my table to give them dimension. The Copper embossed image was created from Impression Obsession stamp. The stem/leaves for the flower were created from part of a Grungeboard flourish that I embossed with Soft Sky, brayered with Choc Chip and sponged Pretty in Pink.

Some addition information: (a)Papers mix of Basic Grey, SU: Choc Chip, Cool Caribbean , (b) embossed detail on stem is Baroque Motif flourish (c) F - Hero Arts (d) “grungy” detail on Cool Caribbean panel is Choc Chip using a Magenta stamp

Focal Page:

The close up of Flower:

Song page - I’ll Be ~Reba McIntrye:

Both pages in the book - I used SU 6x6 page protectors to add additional tags without adding bulk to the book. I stapled ribbon to the edge and used a Creative Imaginations rub-on at the bottom (inside the pages are tags 12 & 13):

Thanks for stopping in and Happy Stamping!

KAT

2nd Pair - Valentine Tag Book Pages

The second pair of pages for the Valentine Tag book features one of the technique challenges on SCS - Dahlia Fold. This technique is fairly easy but a little tedious - you need to do multiple folds on a circular piece of paper. For the flower and dragonfly I used the ¾ and 1 inch punches.


I love the way the masking tape background turned out - it adds fabulous texture to the page! The background is created using small pieces of masking tape to cover your paper then ink with Brilliance Ink (the dew drops). The ink was randomly applied lightest to darkest - make sure to wipe excess ink off with a paper towel before using your next color.


The adorable dragon fly was created using some beads and copper wire. I used fishing line to sew the dragonfly to the page.


A few of the steps: (a) the small corner squares were created with a “mistake” masking tape background that a tossed into the trash… I cut these to fit the Hambly Acetate squares, the flowers were punched using SU Spring Flower Bouquet (the hearts on the flower buds were cut from one of these flowers also) (b) background scroll was created by turning SU Dye ink into emboss-able ink by first stamping in VersaMark, then into Choc Chip, stamp and emboss - this is very easy - just REMEMBER to clean your stamp before you put it back into the VersaMark (c) papers: Wanted and Hey Sugar (Cosmo Cricket) (d) vine detail stamped using Black Stazon

The Focal Page:

Close up of the masking tape background and Dahlia folds (love the little dragon fly…):

Close up of masking tape squares with Acetate Overlays:

Friendship Page - song With a Little Help From My Friends ~Joe Cocker:

Pair of Pages in the Book:

I enjoyed doing the Dahlia fold - this was the first time I have every used a “fancy” fold - SCS is a great place for inspiration!

Thanks for Visiting!

KAT

Embrace Life - 1st Pair of Valentine Book Pages

As promised I will upload the Valentine Tag book pages over the next few days. Each pair of pages has a focal page and the partner page is a song about friendship. I kept the song page flat so that the book would not damage itself as you open and close it. Other general information about the book construction can be found at the bottom of this post.

All of these pages could be easily modified into a card, as a matter of fact, the first page was CASED from 4Hounds on SCS. See her card here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/759269

The Very Vanilla background panels are Faux Silk technique and the side and large focal flowers are embossed on vellum cardstock and Choc Chip. The centers of the vellum flowers and the “folds” were colored on the back with TomBow pink marker and then chalked with Pearlescent Chalk (Pebbles).

Some of the steps: (a) stamp leaves and smaller flowers on white tissue paper using Choc Chip ink, color with pink Tombow, scrunch tissue paper, adhered to Very Vanilla cardstock using Scotch glue stick, sponged with Choc Chip to add dimension (b) the embossed, colored flowers also have Sepia Accents (Ranger) (c) stamps, all SU, Embrace Life, Sanded (d) cardstock SU Choc Chip, Very Vanilla, River Rock

Flower page:

Close up of focal flowers - the petals were “curled” to add dimension:
Song Page - You‘ve Got a Friend by Carole King:
Both pages in the book:

General Valentine Tag book information:
Dimensions:
Cover 10.5 x 9.5
Pages 10 x 9
I made a book out of chipboard(cover) and Bazzill cardstock. The pages were first glued together with Scotch Quick Dry adhesive and then sewn over the glued area. I alternated the pockets on each pair of pages to be either top or side loaded. Two tags fit into each pocket.

Hope you enjoyed the first pair of pages - special thanks to 4Hounds for the inspiration!

Thanks for stopping in and Happy Stamping!

KAT

Even cats Like Flowers - I think?

I did not get a chance to share the flowers that I bought for my SIL on day #6 - but she took a couple of great shots of the flowers with her Maine Coon… I think he likes them… But I'll let you be the judge...

Just checking them out:

Hmmmm looks like this might be yummy:

Oh, yeah, these are mine:
Hope you are having a great day today!

KAT

My Man's Manly Valentine

Man cards- they are always a struggle - no ribbon, glitter or cutesy stuff… I struggle with these as I am sure most of us do. Well I can’t have the Tag extravaganza for my SIL and do NOTHING for my husband (right… I can’t do that, that would be nice… right…). So I had to think of an idea - a few things that I don’t have much of *gasp* are heart stamps or Valentine paper… I looked at my stash and found the few Valentine papers that I purchased this year - Smitten Brown Glitter paper (K&Comp) and Flirt (Reminisce). I thought of the technique that I used on the cover of the Tag Book and the light bulb went off!

TaaDaa - my husband’s Valentines Card:


A few of the details: (a)see the copper wire (manly right), (b)the sentiment is from Flirt paper that I adhered to SU Window word punch paper cut from Choc Chip, (c) the heart (my favorite part) was hand cut from a scrap of chipboard, I did the Drunken Scotch technique (I will be posting a tutorial on this in the next few days), used SU paper piercer to create the holes to “sew” the copper Xs (d) used the SU hammer to give the copper brads and Manly look :0)

Close up of the heart (stay tuned for the Drunken Scotch Tutorial ):

The Gift

I made my husband an Manly Dinner of London Broil, Tangy Coleslaw, Twice Baked Potatoes, Horseradish Sauce and Chocolate Chip cookies. And I gave him this coffee spoon with a special sentiment:

I will be uploading some of the pages from the inside of the Tag Book over the next few days.

As always - thanks for stopping in and have a creative day!

KAT