Fun with Buttons

Hello everyone!  Hope you have all been having a fabulous week.  We had a freak snow storm this morning.  It has stopped snowing and hailing and now it's starting warm up a little.  No snow left on the ground thank goodness but it was awfully scary taking the kids to school with slushy west coast snow on the road and no snow tires.  Unfortunately I don't know if our apricot tree is going to produce much fruit this year.  It started blooming only a few days ago.  I guess we'll find out this summer.

Anyhow....on with the card.  This was my practice run for the Embellish Magazine publication call.  I find it takes me a couple of cards to get into the colours.  I decided to use TESC107 as a starting point.  A fun sketch for fun colours right?  I used black cotton thread to chain all the buttons together.  I tried to go with a more whimsical approach to that; any button threaded every which way I could think of.  These colours were perfect for a birthday card with a paper pieced cupcake.  I think I got the colour balance right?  What I like most about this card is the black zigzag stitching.  The pink panel might be missing something?... 

Hopefully I'll have more to show you this weekend.  Happy Crafting.

Paper:  Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, Melon Mambo, whisper white, Razzleberry lemonade dsp (SU!)

Ink: Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, yellow marker

Accessories:  Lemon Tart buttons (PTI), Black dmc thread. circle scissor, sewing machine, dimensional

Stamps: Birthday Best (SU!), Whimsical Words (SU!)

Embellished Birthday

Good Morning!  Here's my attempt at the current Embellish Magazine challenge to use green, blue, pink, and brown plus a birthday theme.  I must admit that the bright colours frighten me (plus I don't have much of those colours on hand) so I decided to use muted tones of those colours.   I used the FTL Sketch 76 with a little bit of my own twist.  The squares are made using the SU! scallop square punch and cutting of one scallop on two sides.  The coloured squares are adhered with dimensionals and the Close to Cocoa square is not.  Glitter was added to the stamped cupcake and balloons just to give this simple sketch a little bit more power.  What do you think?  Is it still too simple?  If I find time this week I may try the same thing but with brighter colours and a white background.

I thought I'd also share with you how one little  touch like rounded corners can make.  While taking the picture I seemed to me like the card was missing something.  So I took my large corner rounder punch to the bottom corners of my card.  It's amazing how one small detail can make such a big difference.

Paper: SU! Kraft, Groovy Guava, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Close to Cocoa, Scenic Route dp (polka dot star)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Square Scallop punch, Chocolate chip ribbon, Large Star punch, corner rounder punch, glitter, white button

Stamps:  Birthday Best, Birthday Bliss (SU!)

Valentine Greetings ~ Sketch Girl #10

Sketch Girl is back from it's holiday hiatus and I managed to find the time and inspiration to play along.  It gave me a chance to use some more of my new Stampin' Up! goodies like the Sale-a-bration Scallop trim boarder punch and the matching corner punch (from the current mini).  You're probably going to see it a lot in my future projects.  It's very similar to the apron punch (which is impossible to find around here) only a little fancier.

I used the heart punch and ran the hearts through my cuttlebug using the Perfect Polka Dots impressions folder.  The red heart is popped up with a dimensional.  The sentiment is framed with the boarder and corner punch which I have to admit was tricky and finicky.  After my third try it was finally presentable.  Lastly on the bottom scallop trim I added pink stitching to the top for a little something extra.  It was all hand done for a more precise and polished look.  I found the hand stitching very therapeutic as well so I'll doing more of this technique in the future.

Thanks so much for looking.  Hope you're having a happy crafty week.

Paper:  Sending Love dsp, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Real Red

Ink:  Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Scallop trim boarder and corner punches, heart punch, Perfect Polka Dots Impressions folder, pink cotton floss, dimensionals

Stamp: Grateful Greetings

Valentine's Mojo

I'm amazed at the number of challenges I've been able to complete this week since the kids are back to their usual routine.  It was wonderful having them all tucked into bed by 7:30 last night!  That being said I think we are all ready for the weekend.  The kids are very tired.

Here's my card that I made for two challenges.  Mojo Monday sketch and Crazy 4 Challenges to use polka-dots.  Being inspired by this card by Mercy Kerin, I pulled out my Night and Day dp and decided to make a black and white card with a touch of Melon Mambo for Valentine's Day.

The scallop circle was made using my circle scissors and small corner rounder punch.  Not an easy task with black paper.  It could have been a bit bigger but I wasn't willing to start over again.  I decided to use a bit of gray cs to lighten it up a little bit. I was very happy with the ribbon as it was my first time trying this technique.  The pink heart was inked with Melon Mambo and then with versamark so that it could be clear embossed, cut and mounted with dimensionals.  The sentiment was a bit trickier because I didn't have a valentines stamp that fit the spot so I used the alternative "Thankful Thoughts" stamp from the Grateful Greetings stamp set to fill the space.

Paper:  White, Whisper White, Basic Black, Going Grey, Night and Dark dp,

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Versamark

Accessories:  Bling, scallop edge punch, circle scissors, small corner rounder punch, Melon Mambo ribbon

Stamps:  Simply Said, Grateful Greetings

Cinema Saturday Dark vs. Light

I have a confession to make.  I have only read the book once (in grade school because I had to) and I've only watched the movie once.  The reason for my lack of emersion has always been due to the very apparent struggle between dark and light, good vs. evil.  Don't laugh, but this children's book actually caused me a lot of anxiety while I was reading it.  It seemed to take forever to get to a part in the book where there was some kind of hope (in the form of Aslan).  At the time I was reading it, I believe I was 10,  I didn't catch the religious aspects or even the source of my anxiety.  What I did know was that Narnia was not a place that I wanted to escape to but to escape from.

Thankfully this Walt Disney movie version came along. The cinematography is breathtaking and they did such a great job of portraying the visual aspects of dark vs. light. Also being nearly 20 years older and watching this I was able to identify the emotions I was feeling. Apprehension is a whole lot easier to deal with during a 2 hour movie than the hours it took me to read the book as a child.

Anyhow, there's the background now here's my card.  I knew I had to interpret the contrast of dark and light.  So I sponged black ink on a 3.5 x 5 piece of acetate.  Stamped the "darkest moments" sentiment from the Hard to Say stamp set with White craft ink and clear embossed to prevent smudging.  Make sure not to overheat your acetate...it will warp.

The acetate was attached to the top of the card base using Vellum tape. Using my favourite Delight in Life stamp set (retired) I made a bright and cheerful scene on the card base and did the same in the inside adding glitter to the flower centers and the rest of the sentiment.

It is friends, faith and family that give us hope in our darkest moments isn't it?  Without them we are alone as Edmund  discovered during his journey in Narnia.

Paper:  Whisper White, Acetate

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Taken with Teal (although it came out more Bayou Blue),  Crushed Curry, Whisper White Craft, Basic Black

Accessories:  Dazzling Diamonds, clear emboss powder, sponge.

Stamp sets:  Hard to Say, Delight in Life

Wrapping Up EBTKS

Everything But The Kitchen Sink's latest challenge is to use wrapping paper.  Shouldn't be hard to do considering all the Christmas paper we probably have laying around after the holidays right?  But then....I don't know about you but I'm kind of tired of my Christmas cards.  And the only wrapping paper I had laying around was this piece of orange paisley paper from the Fall Purdy's Chocolates boxes.  Paisley isn't quite my style but it all came together well enough.  I do like the colour combo and the scallop punch (my last remnants from my play date with Maureen).

Like I said this isn't my best work or my style but I'm just happy that I managed to find time to play along with EBTKS.  Their challenges are based on things around our house like TP and tooth picks.  The awesome design team forces you to think outside the box. You have until January 8th for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate.  So check it out and join in the FUN

Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Pumpkin pie, Baroque Burgundy, wrapping paper

Ink:  Baroque Burgundy, Always Artichoke

Accessories:  Scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punch, Baroque Burgundy grosgrain and button, large corner rounder.

Stamp set: Priceless

It's Just that Easy!!!

I thought I'd start the New Year off by trying something new:  watercolour painting.  I had this in mind for my boys' room since the new Stampin' Up! catalogue came out.  The Storybook Specialty paper has been stored in my closet since September but I have been too afraid to actually paint it.  I took the plunge and was surprised at how quick and easy it really was.  And I don't think they turned out half bad considering I've never done any major painting of any kind before.  The one on the left I did after the kids went to bed so I was much more relaxed.  The one on the right was done while the boys were playing in the background and my daughter was watching and talking with me the whole time...I think you can tell that it was more of a rush job and if I had been a bit more relaxed I would have chosen some better colour placement but overall I think it still works.  I may redo that last one since I have another of the same picture.

Each picture took me about an hour to create with my watercolour pencils and Aqua Painter.  I've done a little bit of watercolouring with water and paint brush small stamped projects because I didn't want to spend $23 on the Painters but I must say it goes a lot quicker with the Aqua Painter!  It's very hassle free with a steady source of water.

Anyhow,  just wanted to share my first pieces of painted art to show you how easy it is and encourage you to give it a try.  My daughter wants a couple of her own so I may have a couple more to share with you.  Hoping you are all have a very wonderful week.

Celebrating Life

While we will be celebrating the life of a cousin gone too soon on Friday at a mass, I have a friend who will be soon celebrating the arrival of her baby.  I've designed a couple of cards here for her to use as her baby announcements  I hope she likes them.

The first card is a really simple card using the circle and oval scallop punches together and the individual Sweetness Unlimited stamp.  I'm so happy that SU! has come out with this individual stamps because sometimes a person only wants one image or greeting for certain events as opposed to a whole set that they will only use once.  I used Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, and Razzleberry Lemonade dp along with some ribbon and designer buttons.  The ink is actually Rose Red and is a pretty close match for Melon Mambo.

My next card was inspired by one of the cards Leigh Ann at Sketch Girl  sent me with her blog candy.  It's a simple enough sketch and I got a chance to use my new Top Note die inside the card for a place to write all the baby specifics.

I used all the same paper and colours except I used the scallop border punch and the Favorite Teddy bear stamp set.  I hope she likes her options because I'm right out of ideas this week.

Take care my friends.  Have a wonderful day and Happy Crafting.

HO HO HO - Mercy's Tuesday Sketch #47

Sunday blessings to you all!  I'm back with a card to share and some sad news.  Our family is trying to cope with the loss of a friendly, warm, and intelligent man this week.  His battle with cancer has ended and so too has his pain.  If there might be anything that can bring comfort that thought will.  Of course with this sad news my heart hasn't been in the right place for stamping or creating.  I did manage to make a few baby cards for my friend which I will share tomorrow.  Baby cards are always a happy thing to focus on.

Today I managed find it in me to make something cheerful and bright for the holidays using Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #47 .  I didn't feel like stamping so I dug out the SU! rub-ons that I bought last season and a bunch of scrap paper.  I used gold floss for the stitching and the PTI vintage button that was part of the Blog candy I won over at Sketch Girl .

Anyhow it's nothing fancy but I'm sure someone will appreciate it this holiday season.  Thanks so much for stopping by to look.  I'm sorry I don't have a lot of new things to inspire you but I'm sure you understand.  Happy crafting!

Paper:  Glossy White, Real Red, Kraft, Soft Suede dsp, Christmas Cocoa dsp, Whisper white
Accessories:  Gold Floss, SU! Rub-ons Old Saint Nick, green button

Always There

Good Morning everyone!  Last night I had the kids settled down for bed before 8 pm, then I took a nice relaxing bath, and later I created this really simple card inspired by Karen's Sunday Sketch and my new Flower Burst embosslit.

I wanted to make a card for my little sister who's going through a bit of a rough time.  She's trying to mend a broken heart and it seems that life has even more curveballs to throw at her at the same time.  Add to the fact that she's still young and dark tunnels always seem longer then don't they? Other than Halloween, she was my other reason for being MIA this weekend.   I tried spending as much time with her as I could.

For the duo coloured flower burst I simply ran my Rich Razzleberry ink pad across the die, put it through my cuttlebug and then cleaned the die with a baby wipe.  One flower wasn't enough so I made another one with just the Crushed Curry Cardstock.  This was a great card to use up my scraps.  The Rich Razzleberry card stock had a score line right down the middle of it so I just did a couple more to make it look like it was done on purpose.  I've tried to include a close up but I'm not sure if you can see it.  You can always click on the picture for a closer view.  What do you think?

The sentiment is from the Hard To Say stamp set and I find myself reaching for that set even more than I thought I would.  I've found that all the stamps from that set leave a nice clean and crisp impression.

Anyhow, thanks for stopping by to take a peek.  Christmas is coming and I'm thinking that as soon as we get our first snowfall here in Kamloops I'm going to give away some blog candy to celebrate and as a thank you to my 10 creative and supportive followers.  I'm so glad I started this blog and met all of you fabulous ladies!

Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Crush Curry, Razzleberry Lemonade, Whisper White

Ink: Rich Razzlebery

Accessories:  Flower Burst Embosslit, Designer Button, Small corner rounder punch, Scallop edge bunch

Stamp set:  Hard To say

Creepy Crawly

I'm having hard time keeping up to date with the posting this week aren't I? It really has been a busy week and it's not helping that my two year old is refusing to take a nap and I'm exhausted because he's not sleeping well at night. Hopefully next week will be a better one. On the brighter side of things, my daughter really likes her Grade One class and teacher and my son is very happy to be a big boy going to preschool.  They are also very happy to be going to music lessons and are quite proud of themselves. Besides sleep, what more can a mother ask for?

I did try to get a challenge done last night but I got "stuck". Too tired maybe? or I may have been stuck because my last challenge (Get Sketchy #4) turned out so well for me that nothing I did gave me that same yippee kind of feeling. Does that ever happen to you? Nothing looks as good as.... Sometimes it happens if I see someone elses amazing version of a sketch and my brain automatically just gives up. Giving up is a whole lot easier to do when your tired too, isn't it?

Anyhow, here are a couple of Halloween cards I made last weekend before the back-to-school craziness began. I saw something similar on either SCS or another blog (they used only black and white) but if you recognize the layout please let me know so I can give credit where it's due. The wonderful thing about this card is how easy it is. The "hardest" part was colouring in the eyes and pumpkins. The top card uses a Going Gray card base and the bottom one uses a White card base.

Thanks for taking a peek at my update. Hope all of you have a fabulous weekend.  

Paper:  Night & Day Specialty dp , Going Gray, Whisper White, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Elegant Eggplant

Ink:  Basic Black, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: Scallop square punch, scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch scallop edge punch, paint brush, Pumpkin Pie ribbon

Stamps:  Haunting jumbo wheel , Sweet Centers, Grateful Greetings.

Trick or Treat

Halloween is officially on it's way. The stores are already lining their shelves with bags of candy and costumes galore. I'm not a big fan of halloween and never really got into it as a kid. My husband on the other hand likes to go all out for the event.  He even gets dressed up. I prefer to focus on the Christmas season.  

Here are a couple of mini cards that I made using the new Sweet Centers set in the Holiday Mini catty. One is a shaker card and the other is a treat card using the sweet treat cups.

The shaker card uses the window sheets in the Night & Day Specialty dp and the jack-o-latern face is from an retired stamp set called "Carved and Candlelit". I used the 1 3/8" circle punch for this. For this card I should have added some more micro beads and even some of the bigger beads to mix it up a little. The picture doesn't do this card justice because it's an interactive card and I find them to be a conversational piece. I've also black embossed the outer image which makes it pop and add shine.

I'll probably make the treat cup cards for my daughter's classmates. I've seen a lot of crafters take the time to make sure the treat cup can be opened without wrecking the card but let's be honest, the average 6 year old just wants to get to the good stuff: The Candy!!! To make it easier to get to I used re-positional gluedots.  I didn't buy the 1 3/4" circle punch for this but used my circle scissors . It worked but would have take less time if I had had the punch. If you do decide to use the circle scissors, first cut out the circle and then use your stamp-a-ma-jig to position the stamp properly and trim the image as you like. I may put less candy in the cup and put the jack-o-latern face in behind.

Paper: SU Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper white, Night & Day Specialty dp

Ink:  Basic Black, Versamark

Accessories:  Circle scissors, black embossing powder, treat cup, orange micro beads, candy, 1 3/8" circle punch.

Stamp sets:  Sweet Centers, Grateful Greetings, Carved and Candlelit

SU Workshop - Christmas Cards

I'm in Vancouver for the weekend and oh my...I couldn't believe the amount of traffic on the highway!!!  I was so happy to have my hubby at the wheel. I'll be busy visiting my family so I won't be posting or commenting for the next couple of days.  Hope you are all have a fabulous weekend with family and friends.

Well, I finally came up with a christmas card for my September workshop so you won't be seeing another Christmas card from me until it's closer to the season. I found a nice easy layout at Clean & Simple Stamping. It was a great opportunity to display the new flocked paper in the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalogue. I also brought out the Shimmer Paint!!!  I was so excited to work with it and it gives such a beautiful effect without overdoing it. The Kraft paper card has a close up to show it off :)  The white and red card I used silver embossing powder instead.  And the "Sleigh Bells" twill ribbon on the Kraft card is a dream to work with.  It's the right width and it's heavy for that country/vintage feel.

I hope my hostesses will like this card....I know I'm excited to show them.  Now I get to play around with some Halloween ideas.  The kids will like that.

Country Christmas

Paper:  Christmas Cocoa Specialty dp, Kraft cs

Ink:  Soft Suede, Always Artichoke, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.

Accessories:  Corner Rounder punch, Sleigh Bells ribbon, Button Latte designer button, linen thread

Stamp Set: Serene Snowflakes, Grateful Greetings

Mod Christmas

Paper:  Christmas Cocoa Specialty dp, Real Red, Soft Suede, Whisper white

Ink:  Versa Mark, Real Red

Accessories:  Scallop edge punch, silver embossing powder, silver elastic cord.

Stamp Set: Serene Snowflakes, Grateful Greetings.

Birthday Mojo101

Just a quick post today. I'm on my way to Vancouver for the weekend and I've got to get the house in order before we leave. Then at least I don't have to come back to chaos. Because my dh has decided to join us, the house should be exactly how I leave it ;-)

Anyhow,  I needed a simple birthday card design for my next workshop. These ladies haven't done a lot of stamping and I want to show them how easy and quick it can be to create with the right paper and tools. This Mojo sketch is a great way to showcase some very pretty dp and new colour combo with limited stamping. I plan on making a couple of variations maybe with glitter or clear embossing but this is this is the basic version. I tried cutting the Orchid paper with the V shape but it just didn't turn out right. So I thought rounding the corners is a lot easier and I added a pewter brad to decorate.

Paper: SU Cottage Wall dp, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede (I'll probably only use Razzleberry for my demo)

Accessories:  dimensional, pewter brad

Punches:  ticket corner, lrg corner rounder, scallop circle, 1 3/8" circle, 1 1/4" circle

Stamp sets:  Priceless, Sincere Salutations

Flocking Fun

Yes, it's another Christmas card.  I used the Mojo Janette sketch because it's different but also uncomplicated.  It also worked really well with my fav Christmas stamp set Snow Swirled.  The snow flakes on the tree are spotlighted using Real Red ink, 1/4" and 1/2" circle punches.  The big snow flake is stamped in Chocolate Chip ink and flocked in a muted gray.  I don't know if you can see it in the picture but you can in real life.  You can't help yourself, it must be touched. This was my first time flocking and I used the Heat and Stick powder.  Can you add multiple layers of the powder to make it stickier?  I'd like to get the flocking thicker and fuzzier so if you have any helpful hints I'd love to hear them.

I didn't bother with a sentiment or greeting since it would muddle up the card that already displays the tell-tale snow flakes and tree of the season.

Thanks for dropping by and taking a look.  Hope you are having a FABULOUS Tuesday!

Paper:  SU I Wish Simply Scrappin' Kit, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Real Red

Ink:  Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Real Red

Accessories:  Real Red ribbon, Scallop Edge punch, circle scallop punch, 1/2", 1/4", 1 1/4", 1 3/8" punch and flocking

Stamp set:  Snow Swirled.

An Apple for Teacher

Yes this is the second post of the day!!! Amazing that I've found the time.  I have a card here that was inspired by Ann over at Creative Antics. I fell in love with her card as soon as I saw it and it was the one that encouraged me to follow her blog.  Well I decided to try one and add a few of my own touches. 

Back to school seems to be what's on the brain for a lot us of right now. Some of us are counting down the days either in dread or anticipation. Some of you are already back to the school year routine.  Here in BC, Canada we have a little less than 3 weeks until school starts. I'm looking forward to my daughter in school full days.  Those half days were a killer.  And my 4 year old will be attending preschool for 2 full days a week.  So that leaves me and my two year alone together twice a week (at least if I'm not babysitting the twins across the street).  It will be like I only have one.  It may just be quiet in the house!!!

Anyhow, about the card, I added black in the back to convey a black board, along with the apples pegged into the cork with white brads.  I think it all does a nice job of adding a school feel to it.  My daughter could give this to her Kindergarden teacher since we forgot to give her a thank you back in June.  Ooops!!!

Paper:  SU Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Old Olive, Cork

Ink:  SU Markers  Old Olive, Basic Brown, Real Red

Accessories:  White brads, Black gingham ribbon, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" circle punches, Scallop circle punch

Stamps:  Tart & Tangy, Fresh Cuts (Sentiment)

This is also a demo option for any of my September workshops.

First SU Workshop

Well yesterday was my first Stampin' Up workshop demo and I learned quite a bit.  It was nice to be surrounded by such encouraging friends who wished me the very best. Maureen even brought me this beautiful card along with the Martha Stewart border punch she used to make the card. Thanks Moe,  your addiction to paper is something I like sharing with you.

I'd like to thank the ladies who attended my first workshop for being so patient and showing such enthusiasm (this includes the friends who couldn't make it).  Thank you for your support and helping me get my name out in the community. Most of all, thanks for letting me share my passion for paper with all of you.  I was also able to get a few tips from one of my guests who use to be a Creative Memories demonstrator.  It was very insightful.  

Anyhow here are the two make and takes we did in our two hours together. First we started with THE Popsicle card. This card has a great wow factor and it was easy enough that my 6 year old could complete it with some assistance.  I also like the fact that this card shows off one of my all time favourite punches, the circle scallop and the Tart & Tangy stamp set.  At least I was able to demo this card before the summer ended.  The ladies clear embossed the orange to give it a wet juicy look and we used a thank you stamp with white craft ink rather than the rub-ons.  And we didn't do the paper piercing on the scallops to save some time.

Next I decided to demo a "Step-up" card.  I made 3 cards for three different levels.  The first is just a simple layout, the next I added sponging around the image and the tab and the last I added embellishments.  I got this step-up idea from Cards Magazine.  It's always nice to see what you can do with little or a lot.  To simplify things we made the middle card with the sponging. It's a simple, inexpensive technique but it can add a lot of depth and texture.  This card was interesting because there were six women waiting to use the stamp-a-ma-jig.  Next time I'll plan it so that the steps are divided up better and the ladies aren't waiting for a turn or at least not for long.

Popsicle card

Paper: only orange, whisper white

Ink: only orange

Stamps: Tart & Tangy

Accessorries:  Corner Rounder punch,  1 1/4" &  1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, popsicle stick,  Wild Wasabi ribbon,  Eastern Elegance rub-ons

For All You Do card

Paper:  very vanilla, soft suede, bermuda bay

Ink:  crushed curry, bermuda bay, rich razzleberry, soft suede

Accessories:  sponge, tab punch, whisper white taffeta ribbon (sponged on crushed curry to both sides of the ribbon which came out like very vanilla), basic gray button

Everybody Loves Goody Bags

Who doesn't like goody bags?  It's always nice being given something no matter how small or large.  What about something handmade?  I've made a few things to thank my guests for coming to my first workshop.  A couple of those gifts being a hand-stamped bookmark and a post-it note holder.  

The Post-it note holder was really fast and easy especially since I only used the butterfly dies to decorate them.  I thought about stamping "Thank You" on them as well but they looked so pretty I decided to leave them alone.  I had a hard time coming across the golf pencils but finally found them at Staples Office Supplies.

The bookmark was a little bit nit picky since I'm such a perfectionist.  For each stamp, except the butterfly, I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to make sure that the image was exactly where I wanted it.  Some people are able to free hand really well. Sometimes if I'm really familiar with the way a stamp set is mounted I can do it but this set is still new to me.

Anyhow, I hope the ladies like them and appreciate the time that went into making them.  I enjoy making little gifts even more than cards because they may just get some use rather than just sitting there looking pretty.

Paper:  SU Rose Red, Old Olive (as a substitute for Kiwi Kiss), Cameo Coral, Whisper White, Raspberry Tart dp

Ink:  SU Rose Red, Old Olive, Cameo Coral, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Old Olive & Rose Red grosgrain ribbon, golf pencil from Staples, post-it notes, and Beautiful Butterflies bigz die.

Stamps:  For all you do

One Layer Card

While making giveaways for my open house last night it occurred to me that I could use my butterfly die cuts as masks and stencils. Later on I was searching around splitcoaststampers for a challenge that I was interested in doing and came across the Color Combination Challenge 222 which is to create a one layer card using only white CS and any color inks.  Then it hit me!  I could create 'layers' of color without layers of CS.

1)  Create masks out of lightweight paper.  And position as you want with a tiny bit of repositional glue.

2)  Brayer the face of the card and remove the masks.

3) Create the stencils from the reverse image of the die cut using card stock and sponge in the stencil.  I guess you could use markers or watercolor crayons.  I'll have to try that next time or if you give it a go please email me your creation.  

It would be wonderful to get some useful tips on using my brayer properly. There are so many different techniques it's hard to become proficient at all of them.

Thanks for looking and have a fantastic weekend.