Monday, August 30, 2010

An unusual bouquet...

I finally felt a little creative yesterday and had to try a sketch challenge on Paper Wings, plus wanted to play with my new stamp set, Spiders Are Seen.  I'm not a "halloweeny" type person but this set is a hoot!!!  Our Ink Spots ATC swap theme for next month is "Spiders & Bats" and I think this "bouquet" is perfect for the swap. So, what do you think of my card?


 I did use a retired paper pack called Simply Spooky, black and white cardstocks, and a black ribbon.


I used VersaMark ink and black embossing powder for the bouquet.  I don't think I'd like to receive this bouquet as a gift but I know an angel who loves Halloween that might! I colored with Copic markers (V06, YR07, T5 and the blender - I remembered KellyRae!!) and swirled black around the bouquet (much darker in real life) and used a "Kat Trax tool" to add black specks to the stamped image.  I also used 2 scallop oval punches.

This card will probably be sent to family for the occasion. I try to send our kids and granddaughters cards for most all holidays.  So, do you celebrate Halloween?  This is about all we do.


Saturday, August 28, 2010

I hate brain burps!

 Why is it you can have every intention of working hard at your craft table yet nothing comes together??  This card took a few days to get together and the hard part was what to stamp in the white square!!  I bet I had 5 sets setting out trying to figure which one to use and what would work with the paper.  Finally!!  I used Aged Ornaments, Thinking Of You, and Linear Sentiments along with Angelee SWIC and cardstock.




I seen the sketch somewhere in my blurfing and it was a challenge to put together.  I used the Dotted Swiss Cuttlebug folder to make the bumps on the small flower (punched).  Oh, I used French Lilac PH ink, too. I also use foam mounting tape to raise the square stamped image and the flower.  So, hopefully my next project will come together a bit easier....

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Gone to the dogs....

Tomorrow night is our monthly Ink Spots stamp club meeting.  We have an ATC swap each month and the theme for this month was Dog Days of August.  Of course, I used dog stamps.  I combined 2 retired sets (that I'm hanging on to) for my ATCs.  I used some brown & white cardstocks from my extensive stash of the last 15+ years, brown embossing powder (from my stash of LOTS), VersaMark ink and Burnt Umber PH ink.  They are pretty simple as ATCs are not my cup of tea.


Here's all 10.  I took 2 days on these as nothing was coming together.  I had eyelets, scrappers floss, buttons, and more on my work table as I worked on these.  Just nothing was working for me.  Do you have projects like that??



And the close up.  I have to admit that when I photo my projects I use a white sheet and my OTT light.  Then I have to brighten the photo in Photo Shop.  Still seems dull.  Usually it's too windy outside to take pics.  I can't afford a special photo box but may have to grab another lamp. Oh well...

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Origami Box tutorial

I've had a couple requests for the directions for the Origami gift box I made for the Fall Blog Tour. I found the box while blurfing (blog surfing) and seen it at my friend's, Vicki Hook, blog back in Dec. 2008. She made the box for Scor-Pal and the PDF version is located HERE.  You know I love my Scor-Pal and enjoy going to go to their site for inspiration!  I have been busy working on my "Dog Days of August" ATCs for our Ink Spots meeting Friday night.  I will post them when I get them completed.  I've also been busy getting the tutorials done for my version of the Origami Gift Box and the Purse Photo Album for upcoming classes.  This simplified purse photo album is coming in September (unless I have "students" for it today...)


I have to use the AZ Scrapbooking products for my classes so they're not by The Angel Co. We do have similar paper and stamps that can be used instead of what I show here.






Would love to hear from you if you make the Origami Box.  If you use TAC paper, stamps, etc and would like to see it here, just take a photo and email it to me! I'll post it for you!


Sunday, August 22, 2010

It's fall blog-hopping time!

Again, some of us angels from Paper Wings are having a fall/autumn/halloween blog hop/tour.  I don't do Halloween very well (but I do have the Spiders Are Seen set to play with which is also this month's special) so I made fall projects. I made 3 different items using Miss Moxie SWIC and matching cardstock, Give Thanks and Tag Tidbits stamp sets, Momento Tuxedo Black ink, Copic markers, black ribbon, orange scrappers floss (white colored with a Copic marker), orange sheer ribbon, assorted flowers and a purple button. 


Here is all 3 items.  I made a little card holder from a zip disk plastic holder, a card, and a gift box.


I'll start with the card. I really need to remember to write down which markers I use but I don't really have that many. And by the time I finish the project, clean up my work area, take the photos, then prepare my post....   Well, I've done forgot! LOL! Oh well.




Here's a closeup of the pumpkin. I think I'm getting the hang of shading...




Here's the little card holder.  The cards inside are 3 5/8" square. I used to have a zip drive in my previous 2 computers but not the new one.  Was told they're obsolete but I did keep all the plastic holders for the disks.


This photo shows the disk holder open and the cards.  I need to make some envies for these.


And now the cards....  I did use my Wizard,  Nestabilities Labels 1, 3, and 5, and a Mega Circle punch.  Are you waiting to see the gift box?  Here is comes...



Isn't it cool!! And the apple should give you an idea of it's size.  It's called on Origami Box and I'll be teaching it at our LSS next month and at GVR this winter.  I had the directions for quite some time and decided it would be great for this tour. Oh, I almost forgot that I also used my Scor-Pal! It's such a great tool! The directions for this is at the Scor-Pal site.  Just click on the red link...

Now for the other angels.  Please visit their blogs and leave all of us a comment as to what you think of our projects.

Shirley
Angie
Christine
Angela
Seleise
Laurie
Julie
Rita W.
Michelle
Betty
Heather
Candi
Kim
Lisa

Remember, please leave a comment!  If you've never done that just click on the word "Comment" right above the Reactions boxes at the bottom of this post (just below my name) and follow the instructions.  In fact, even click on which reaction you feel at seeing my projects!  Thanks and happy hopping!

Upcoming Blog Tour...

Just a quick post to let you know that this evening I'm taking part in a Blog Tour.  Stay tuned as I think you'll like what I made!!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Snowmen in August??

I played with a sketch challenge on Paper Wings a couple days ago and ended up with a Christmas card...   Well, you know how it is sometimes...  You start with one idea and it gets turned around into something totally different than what you envisioned.


I used Reece SWIC and cardstock and Snowman Nativity stamp set.  I colored with Copic markers and used the Stardust Clear Gel pen on the dots...


Here you can see the shimmer on the dots and my coloring. The image was just small enough that shading was difficult.  Anyway, I like how the card came together with the sketch.  What do you think?  Are you getting a jump start on your Christmas cards??  I have about 50 made already so I can take my time to finish a few more before it's time to send them out. 

I don't think I've reminded you that most all the products I use are linked to my shopping cart to enable your viewing them in their entirety and to see the cost.  Just click on the product if it is underlined or colored. Also, I'm in a Blog Tour/Hop Sunday evening.  I think you'll enjoy what I've made so don't forget to come back!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

From Halloween to a little girl....

I was playing with a sketch design and some new stamps that are on special right now.  Well, I wasn't too wild about the card.  Just wasn't clicking with me. So, I took off the main image and charm and kept the main card. I'll let you decide what you think...


I used Spiders Are Seen. Aren't those legs just too cute?  But the card just didn't flow for me. The paper is Miss Moxie SWIC and cardstock. I colored with Copic markers and just happened to have that broom charm.  I think I just had too much "white" space.  Now, here's what I ended up with  (oops, a dangling participle)...


I definitely like this better! I used Happiness Is, a great Hostess level B set.  Again, colored with Copics.  Seems the dots are getting popular over on Paper Wings and it's all Barb Foster's fault!  LOL!



Here's the inside. I used a black glitter pen on the bodies of the butterflies. You can kinda see the glimmer on the upper butterfly. This card may be hard to give away!  But I'm sure it'll be on it's way to someone one of these days...

Monday, August 16, 2010

It shimmers!

 I purchased one of the new Sheer Shimmer Spritzers and love the look!!!  I used the Copper/Pewter set (used Copper on the card) and WOW! I also used the Blossoms & Blessings stamp set, copper Encore ink, and copper metallic cardstock.




Can you see the shimmer?  In real life it's amazing! The metallic cardstock is from my stash and I used copper brads from the Metallic Mini Brads collection. This card would be great for almost any occasion and I think I'll try something similar using the Pewter spritz soon.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Now that the swap is swapped...

Kind of a strange title, huh?  Well, the 2 cards I made for a swap can now be shown as the swap is done and my "new" cards are on the way to me.  So, since I didn't have anything made to show today I can show you the cards and not just the closeups!


The closeup for this card and most of the info is HERE.  I used a Spellbinder Nestability Label 2, which we do not carry at this time. I wasn't thinking about that when this card started coming together and the flowers just fit so nicely in this label. I used VersaMark ink to make the background on the Cha Cha cardstock. The flower was white but I colored it with a Copic marker to coordinate better.


This autumn card closeup was posted HERE.  Again I used the VersaMark ink to make the background. I also used white scrappers floss (dang, discontinued by the manufacturer) and colored with a Copic marker.

Yesterday I purchased a new 3 in 1 printer.  It was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon but I got it at Walmart.  Hubby said to just get it now instead of waiting for delivery after I ordered.  It's a Canon PIXMA MP560.  AND it WORKS!  Yahoo! So, I guess I'll be selling my Windows XP compatible HP Deskjet 5440 Photo Printer with 10 new ink cartridges! I'm wanting $50 which is less than what I paid for the ink! Hopefully someone at church....  I don't have the box as I've had this great little printer for a few years and it worked great until Windows did an update. Oh well.  Must have been time.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

You Are Loved...

I had a rough day yesterday.  I guess Windows did a big update and now my printer will not work.  Believe me, I uninstalled, installed, changed ports, checked connections, and maybe more but my computer keeps telling me that my printer is turned off.  NOT!  So, I needed a break after uploading some documents to the local printer's website to be picked up this morning for a class. I so enjoyed playing with the "Pinwheel" technique from the Technique Junkies newsletter that I made another!!


I used my Mimi SWIC (replaced by More Mimi) and the Blossoms & Blessings stamp set. I also used Lime Scrappers Floss on the tag.


I colored with my Copic markers.  I'm really getting hooked on those babies!!  We carry 8 exclusive "Caboodle" sets using Sketch markers and 4 large sets using Ciao markers. 

Have you checked out the tabs right below the banner?  I have used stamps for sale, the Aug. Specials listed, catalog corrections and updates link, and more. 

So, does anyone have any suggestions to printers made for Windows 7???  We're going into Office Max on Sat. to check out what they have. My HP Deskjet 5440 Photo Printer and 7 new ink cartridges may be for sale.  Works wonderfully with Windows XP.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

It's been a struggle...

Seems like this past week has been a real struggle being creative.  Been trying some challenges over on Paper Wings and nothing is working!  And my brother, nephew, and folks were here this past week end so my mind just hasn't been at my work table.  But I did get a card made today!  Wahoo!  I started with a challenge of using red and white and it definitely didn't go there!  I did use a technique from the Technique Junkies and the paper just screamed Christmas!  So, tell me what you think...



I used Cha Cha SWIC and matching cardstock, white cardstock, Copic markers, white scrappers floss (now discontinued by the manufacturer), foam mounting tape, and the Stardust Clear Gel pen.  The "design" is called Pinwheel. Oh, the stamps I used are from Jingle Jolly and Tag Tidbits and stamped with Noir PH ink.

I hope to get lots more projects made as I'm on jury duty next week. Don't know if I'll get called but I will try to be prepared just in case.  And I have a class on Thursday, the 12th, at AZ Scrapbooking in Green Valley at 10 am.  We'll be making 3 cards using a collage stamp by Outlines Rubber Stamps. I just finished my Purse Photo Album sample for my Aug. 26 class and will be posting that soon.

Friday, August 6, 2010

You are one of a kind....

I was playing with another sketch challenge over on Paper Wings and decided to use One of a Kind, a hostess level A set (get it free with a $100 net order/s).  I used Kaleidoscope Brites SWIC (retired), Copic markers, white caboodle cardstockMomento Tuxedo Black ink, and a Stardust Clear Gel pen.



Can you see the glimmer on the flower petals?  I really like that Stardust pen!

Did you know that TAC carries 4 sets of 36 Copic Ciao markers at $175.95 and 7 sets of 12 Copic Sketch markers for $79.95?  There is also matching Bazzill card stock for the Sketch markers in packs of 12 sheets (2 each of 6 colors in 8 1/2" x 11" size) or packs of 25 of 1 color for $4.95.  These are great deals!! We also carry White Caboodle Card stock (best for using with Copic markers) of 25 sheets (8 1/2" x 11") for $10.95.  This card stock is what Copic recommends and I'm now using it when I plan on coloring with my Copic markers.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

My cup overflows....

Since I had some time to "play" I answered a sketch challenge over on Paper Wings.  I used the Oh No She Didn't and Filled With Joy sets.  The paper is our Angelee SWIC and matching cardstock & ribbon. I used our Copic white card stock and the Momento Tuxedo Black ink.




I colored with Copic markers and added Glossy Accents to the water. I tried to get the sheen and I think you kinda get the idea.  I added the purple paper posie as there was an embellishment there as part of the sketch.
I think this little girl set is just adorable! Since we have granddaughters I've been buying these adorable sets.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

A cool card by my friend...

Susanne purchased the neat Window Box Wonder set and created a fun card for me.  This set is on my wish list. She used Copic markers to color but I have no idea what paper she used other than the Copic white card stock for the images.




I also just finished my 2nd set of card fronts for a swap of "new images".  I can't show the card yet but I can give you this little peek:



I used the new Autumn Leaves set and colored with Aquacolor Crayons directly on the stamps then misted before applying to the Miss Moxie cardstock.   My 2 sets will be postal today and when I get my swap back I can post the 2 cards.


I'm hoping to get back on schedule with my posts. Last Friday night we had so much rain that our creek bed flooded and we couldn't get home. I stayed with Susanne and Dean stayed in Tucson at a hotel. I then went to Tucson Saturday morning and accompanied him to Coolidge, AZ where he was working on some farm equipment.  We got home late that afternoon and the creek bed was difficult for the car due to the bank washing.  Sunday after church Dean then graded the road and now vehicles can go through much easier. I have pictures but will post them to my Livin' Hot personal blog later.  So, I lost a whole day that I planned to finish some projects. Now, back to the work table....    LOL!