Monday, March 31, 2008

Fluttering Layers


… most of the layers fluttered into my trash can! I struggled with this card - I think mostly because I’ve never used a collage stamp before even though I’ve always loved them! It took me a while to get the results that I wanted - I kept stamping, embossing, cutting…. Someone could probably make 5 more cards with what is in my special “circular file”… LOL


This card is for today’s Technique Challenge on SCS - Patience Grasshopper… you can view the challenge here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=336869


This challenge was to use multiple images stacked to give your project dimension - the technique is called “Tole” - interesting I tole painted for years… never used any paper… I use this techique all the time and thought the collage stamp would put an interesting twist on it...


Fluttering Layers:


Here are the layers on the focal image:
White CS, Pretty in Pink direct to paper, stamped in black
White CS, black embossed
Glossy CS, polished stone Pretty in Pink & black, black embossed
White CS, Pretty in Pink direct to paper, stamped in black
White CS, Pretty in Pink direct to paper, clear embossed, brayered black (butterfly)


There are glitter doodles on the card that make it sparkle IRL.


Feeble attempt to photograph the layers:


Other Info:
Stamps -> Collage Friend (Hero Arts), Flourish (Majestic Flight - Savior Faire), French Script (SU)
Paper -> White, Black, Pretty in Pink - all SU
Ink -> Black, Pretty in Pink, VersaMark
Other -> Black and Clear EB (Ranger), Opaque White pen (Inkssentials), Dimensional - lots of those…


Thanks for visiting today!
KAT

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Hey... Who Broke My Plate?


…it’s not really broken - I bought it the way it is because I loved it! This is my favorite pottery piece - I love the mat, shine, dimension and leaves. So when Saturday’s inspiration challenge on SCS was to use something in your home to make a card - I knew I had to give this a try. You can view the challenge here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=336350

Card:


This card is very different from any that I have ever created… I used ink, paint and embossing powder to give the background all of it’s dimension and depth. Here are the layers:
Very Vanilla Cardstock (background base)
True Thyme Ink
Buttermilk acrylic paint
Brushed Corduroy Ink
Antique Linen Ink
Cranberry Crisp Ink
Copper Embossing Powder (EB)
Clear EB
Cappuccino EB
Brown Prismacolor pencil
Cranberry Crisp Cardstock
Dimensionals
Copper brads

I kept working the background and the layers to get the look that I was trying for.

So that you can see the dimension:


Other Info:
Stamps - Nature’s Vein (Close to my Heart), Silhouettes (Inkadinkado)
Inks - See above SU, Distress Ranger Ink, VersaMark
Paper - Very Vanilla, True Thyme, Cranberry Crisp


The sentiment on the cards says “Welcome”. I used this sentiment because I am going to frame this card and place it with one of the matching pieces of pottery by my front entryway.

Thanks for visiting! (I have a shower curtain that wants to be an inspiration piece next...)

KAT

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Butterfly Dreams

YES - you guessed it! Another card based on a challenge on SCS. Before I get to the card a few thoughts on the challenges on SCS…

I find that by doing the challenges it really makes you expand outside of your normal box or way you stamp/create:


Colors
Techniques
Card Layouts
Creating a card from an inspiration picture
Products
Tools
Card Folds


Some of them really make me think and dig through what I have to “Make it work” (say in your best Tim Gunn - Project Run voice).


After I upload I love looking at everyone else’s interpretation (this also gives you more ideas). We all start out at the same point and it’s amazing where everyone goes from there.


So if you haven’t participated in a Challenge lately - I encourage you to do so!


Now on to today’s card! Today’s Ways to Use it Challenge - Just Spray It can be viewed here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335841


The challenge was to “spray” your project and that lead me right to my misters…. I have a “few” (more than a dozen is a few right???), I enjoy using them but I don’t use them very often - so Today was the day!


Butterfly Dreams:


Background was created by first embossing the floral/swirl stamp. Then I “misted” with blue, green and pink. If you look closely at the background I used a color pencil and opaque white pen to give the floral/swirl stamp more detail.


I am hoping this will encourage the 3” of snow the weather report is calling for to GO AWAY! I am so ready for SPRING!


Other details:
Stamps-> Floral/Swirl (Fancy Pants), Spring Butterfly (Autumn Leaves), Sentiment (Inky Antics)
Mists -> Willow & Cherry Blossom Walnut Ink (Tsukinek), Blue Martini (Memories Mist)
Inks -> VersaMark, Choc Chip, Pretty in Pink, Cool Caribbean
Other -> Prismacolor pencils, Inkssentials Opaque White pen, Jelly Roll Clear Glaze pen


Hope you have signs of Spring where you are today!
KAT

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Groovy Thank You

Today’s card is for the Sketch Layout Challenge on SCS. You can view the sketch here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335547

This sketch is interesting because the rules for the main panel was that it HAD to be 1.5” - limiting for a stamper. I had that moment of “how can I do this” and then I remember yesterday’s stamp and thought - Okay do two cards with the same stamp - might be interesting to see. And while I was at it I used the same technique - Polished Stone.


Groovy Thank You:

I added extra detail line work in the River Rock Designer paper and around the edge of the card with PrismaColor pencils - this helps to tie all the elements together.


Other info:
Stamps-> Simply State (Fancy Pants), Short and Sweet (SU)
Paper -> River Rock Designer, River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava
Inks-> VersaMark, Chocolate Chip
Other -> Cappuccino embossing powder (Ranger)


Thanks for stopping in!
KAT

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Flap Fold Card

Today’s card is for the Flap Fold Technique challenge on SCS found here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335038
And the Color combination challenge found here -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335287

I really enjoy learning new card shapes and folds. I like to add variety to the cards that I make and give a little surprise to the person receiving it. I was also able to use a new stamps set that the Easter Bunny gave me (Thanks Kristen!).


The Flap Fold Card:


I modified that measurements to make the card a 4.25 square (I am currently going through a square card kick for some reason). The bottom blue panel is a piece of SU Sky Designer Series paper that I added details to the swirls with fine white and black pens. I think this helped to tie all the elements together.


The flap was cut to match the swirl of the stamp. Seen here:


Here is a picture of the stamped image that I started with:

The flower swirl stamp was white embossed on the black panel, black embossed on the white circle and black embossed on a piece of paper that I polished stoned with Soft Sky and Black. The polished stone flowers and leaves were cut out and some pop dotted.


One comment on the white pen. I‘ve had an SU Signo pen for a while and I am not thrilled with it because it “skips”. The pen on this project is the new White Opaque Pen from Inkssentials - Well this pen also “skips” BUMMER! If anyone knows of a fine tip white opaque pen that does not skip let me know.

Other Info:
Stamps -> Short and Sweet (SU), Simply State (Fancy Pants)
Paper -> Soft Sky, Black, White, Glossy White, Sky Designer Series Paper (SU)
Ink -> VersaMark, Black, Soft Sky
Other-> Opaque White Pen (inkssentials), Pigma Micron Pen, Nestabilities, Black and White embossing power (Ranger)


Thanks for stopping by!
KAT

Black and Antique Linen Sympathy

I know black and antique linen again… When I completed my last cards I found myself in the need for some Sympathy cards. I find them so hard to make - what is right and appropriate for the person that you are sending it to? Since I already had this elegant palette out I thought I would just go for it…

Here are the two cards:


The butterfly, bird, heart, picture corners and bird background are were all stamped and black embossed on polished stone paper. If you want to try this technique here is a link to the tutorial on SCS -> http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/polishedstone.php
A few comments on the differences in the technique that I used:
I did not use the metallic mixatives
Antique linen is Distress Ink (Ranger)
I used regular SU black re-inker (not classic)


Be careful with the black - one drop goes a long way - I covered the glossy paper with Antique Linen first and then went back and added the black. The secondary layer under the heart is Polished stone in black only.


I used ink on my Cuttlebug folders again - I just love this technique!


Close up butterfly card:


Bird card:


On the bird card I added a piece of Grungeboard - the flourish. I put the antique linen all over it and then sponged on some black then added some line and dot details.


Close up:


Other info:
Stamps -> Always & Baroque Motifs (SU), Butterfly (Impression Obsession)
Inks -> Distress Ink Antique Linen (Ranger), Black (SU), VersaMark
Paper: Very Vanilla, Black, Glossy White, Stripes (Crate Paper)
Other: Grungeboard (Tim Holtz) plain elements


Hug someone in your family today!


KAT

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Hippity Hoppity...

Easter time is one it way!!! *wicked - now that song is in your head LOL*

Happy Easter Everyone!

I hope you all get a chocolate bunny (I prefer dark chocolate - how about you???)

Friday, March 21, 2008

Birds of a Feather

They flock together…


This is for today’s Limited Supplies challenge on SCS: Which One - Modernized. You can view the challenge here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334506


Here are the rules of the challenge. You can use:
3 to 4 stamps
White or Vanilla card stock
One pattern of designer paper
1 to 2 solid cardstocks
Make 2 to 4 cards


I found the challenge very interesting and I could have kept creating but I need to get out of my craft room and do something other than stamp today! Life makes you cook and clean - all of you know what I am taking about!


I kept strictly to the rules and I did not cheat - that can be hard for me - Have stuff, must use it! I made the Phone book from a Michael’s $1 address book and the two coordinating cards. All three of these will be part of a birthday gift set for my sister. These will go with a cream and black desktop organizer that I am working on.


A few details - the birds nest on the book is embossed in black and antique linen from the flourish in the Baroque Motifs set and then hand cut. The same inks were used to create polish stone on glossy paper (glossy paper was one of my solid card stock choices) for the hearts and the birds. The sentiments were computer generated (no stamps here!).


The flourish and birdie background is not an addition background paper - nope - that would have been cheating. It is the Negative and Positive of the Cuttlebug embossing folder. You simply apply ink to your Cuttlebug folder and run it through - MAKE SURE to wash your folder right away so that you do not stain them!

Address Book:

Close Up of Bird's Nest:

Birthday Card:

Second Card:
Other info:
Stamps -> Always & Baroque Motifs (SU)
Inks -> Distress Ink Antique Linen (Ranger), Black (SU), VersaMark
Paper: Very Vanilla, Black, Glossy White, Stripes (Crate Paper)


Thanks for stopping in and Happy Easter!
KAT

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Vogue Bunny's New Home

If you are Rhonda or Kristen


STOP…. Do NOT look any further….


You have to wait until Easter!!!!!!!!!!!!!





…Posing in his new home!


I wanted to make Easter cards this year but because of the flu that was one thing I had to take off my list. But I did want to make something Easter related - so here is my Vogue Dark Chocolate Bunny Home (from a local chocolatier - fabulous chocolate from Buckeye Chocolates and their caramel is to die for).


Vogue Bunny’s New Home:




The new home was made from cardstock and acetate (transparency film). The Pretty in Prink paper was embossed with Petals Stamping wheel, the oval Nestabilities behind the sayings is part of Monday’s technique challenge at SCS - Cuttlebug: The Negative Effect - you can read more about that here ->http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333398. The chocolate bunnies are stamped in white Craft ink and embossed.

The Bunny Saying is adorable:
A bunny for Easter
A true chocolate treasure
Bite after Bite
Delight in the pleasure


Each Bunny as you go around the box has another bite missing!


Here are pictures around the box (I inserted a white piece of paper inside to pick up more of the details):



Close up for detail - each of the eggs are colored with Stardust pen to give them a little glitter:


Dimensions:
Cardstock: 6.5 square, score at 1.5 all sides, cut to make flaps
Acetate: 2 pieces 6.5 tall by 7 wide
Score on the 7 inch side at 3.5 and 7
Use bone folder to get great creases
I assembled with Redline tape on the .5 flap
Overall size: 6.5 tall by 3.5 square


Additional Details:
Stamps-> Grass and Eggs (Stamps by Judith), Chocolate Bunnies and Sayings (Art Gone Wild), All Holidays (SU), Polka Dots and Petals (SU), Petals wheel (SU)
Paper-> Clear Transparency, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, White
Ink -> Old Olive Stazon, Craft White (SU), VersaMark, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip
Other -> Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug embossing folder, EB Stardust Pens (Sakura), Making Memories Slot maker, Red Line tape


I’ll end this one with one of the things that I believe in… I think everyone regardless if you are 1 or 102 should get a chocolate bunny for Easter!!! We are never too old!


Thanks for stopping by!
KAT

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Hanna Sets Flutter Free

Finally after 2.5 weeks - I’mmmmmm Baaacccckkkkkk - that flu was a tough one!



I really wanted to do the Try a New Technique on SCS Monday but, first, I HAD to complete my Hanna Swap cards (7 cards in total). Here she is…



Hanna Sets Flutter Free




A close up of the main image:






I know, I know - this is a Christmas set - but why limit her to that - the image is so beautiful!



Hanna is paper pieced - her skirt and shirt are from LillyKate Basic Grey paper. Her hair is Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol, her skin/face is Prismacolor Pencils. She is cut out also!



The foliage uses two of the SU Silhouette stamp sets - I used TomBow markers on them to give it more of a watercolor effect. The flowers and Flutter (butterfly) were hand cut from the LillyKate paper. Flutter also has Stardust and Clear Pens for extra detail.



The oval Nestabilities that Hanna and her flowers are on is white paper with clouds sponged on… The clouds were made using a paper template that we used at our SU card making party this weekend - Rachael - thanks for the idea and template!!!



Here is a picture of the template:



To create the clouds just sponge on two colors of blue ink and move the template around so that you get “different” clouds.



Oh - one more thing - this is a “Z” fold card…. Here is a picture of the top of the card:

Other info:
Stamps -> Tis the Season (Hanna Stamps), Garden Silhouettes, Stem Silhouettes, In Full Bloom (all SU);
Inks -> Choc Chip, Soft Sky, Bashful Blue;
Paper -> Lilly Kate (Basic Grey), White, Pretty In Pink, Choc Chip (SU);
Other -> Oval Nestabilities, Stardust and Jelly Roll Glaze Pens (Sakura), Quickie Glue Pen (Sakura), SU Paper Piercer





I hope you enjoyed my Hanna card! Boy - it feels great to be back!



Thanks for stopping in and Happy Stamping!



KAT

Saturday, March 8, 2008

I've been MIA...

I have had a nasty case of the flu and I am almost.... over it.... I'll be back to posting soon!

KAT