Midnight Cat--UPDATE

Reminiscent of my own cat lurking in the hostas (scroll down a few days for photo) this one is hiding in the ferns at night. I got the idea from Stamp TV, using the technique called "Pullin' Pastels".

Just to show how "great minds DO think alike" take a look at Germaine's post where she made ATC's that look strikingly similar...amazing! (Click on Stampilicious link at right.) Since I like the way she put the moon in her background, I'm thinking of adding a half moon stamp in the upper left corner of my card. What do you think?

UPDATE: HERE'S HOW I ENHANCED THIS CARD TO GIVE IT A MORE FINISHED LOOK BY USING A WHITE GEL PEN. I ALSO ADDED SOME STARS TO GIVE IT A NIGHT TIME FEEL. THE HALF MOON IN THIS SU SET WOULD HAVE ADDED ANOTHER "FACE" WHICH I THOUGHT MIGHT DETRACT FROM THE CAT. I THINK IT'S DONE NOW!

Bright and Summery

Here's a card I made with one of my new dsp sets from SU--I took advantage of the buy 3-get-1-free special.

I chose the cardstock colors from the colors in the design.

The flower image is from Hero Arts.


Enjoy!

Deer Season!

Here's a new card with an old set.

I ran into some trouble with this one. To the left of the embroidery floss knot is a square eyelet that I smooshed with my Cropodile and had to improvise. Since I couldn't pull the floss through the hole, I made a new hole next to it, tied the knot and covered the eyelet with a green gem (not too visible in this scan.) Looks intentional...

There's always some way to save a card!

So Not Sewn!

Since I no longer have a sewing machine, I have to make my "quilts" look like they were stitched. Here's one I patterned after Lisa Johnson's post on "Poppy Paperie" using a paper piercer and a white gel pen for the "stitches."

The rose is done by tearing 3 circles out of paper, crinkling them up, then edging them with ink. (Similar method for the leaves, sans ink.) The leaves and bottom rose layer are attached to the quilt with ds tape, and the two top rose layers are secured with dimensionals. A gem in the center and alongside the saying finish it off with a little bit of bling.

I plan to use this masterpiece as a welcome card for a new Silver Stamper member.

ANOTHER CASE

This one is from Clean and Simple Stamping, and it certainly is both. For the square, I used my Score Pal to make grooves around the image. Then I used the white gel pen to add dots between the grooves.

To finish, I stamped another Pocket Silhouette on the bottom right with Versamark and overstamped the greeting with Olive Colorbox ink. The green gem adds a little bling.

Thank you Natasha Trupp for such an easy card!

Beware of Shady Hostas!

Just thought you might enjoy this recent photo of Archie in his favorite hiding place. He loves to keep an eye on what's happening in his yard!

Card for an A-Plus Dad

This card speaks for itself... Enjoy!

All Purpose Card

Isn't it amazing what a few "stitches" around a pattern can do to enhance a card!

The star was made with a diamond punch, some SU dsp and a brad for the center. Enjoy!

How-to for Quilt Card

Here's another card I made using just a corner punch for this quilt. It's very easy to make:

First, choose three coordinating dsp's and punch out 4 squares of each. I used a 1 3/8" punch for this card.

Arrange the squares on another piece of cardstock or dsp, butting them together and taping them down. Next, add faux stitching with a black pen or marker. Then cut it down to whatever size will fit best on your card and attach it to the card front. You can use another punch for the corners, if desired.

After mounting the quilt, add images for whatever the occasion and embellish. Very easy!

My Version of a Swing Card

Here's a masculine birthday card where the image swings away to reveal the hidden message. Then you open the card as usual for the additional greeting and signatures.

The balloon on the left is a brad with a piece of embroidery floss attached to the back.

First Pen and Ink

This week, I took a class offered for seniors at our local community college. Since I never tried pen and ink before, I thought it would be fun--and it was! The class was two hours, but it seemed like only 10 minutes.

Look for some pen and ink surprises in future cards!

I MADE THE CASE!

Yep, I CASED this card from Wendy Weixler using a flower and blue gem for the center. It took all of five minutes to put this whole card together. With cool colors on white, especially with blue flowers (darker in real life,) I think it makes a nice summer card.

Thanks for the idea, Wendy!
(Check out her blog at www.wickedlywonderfulcreations.blogspot.com.)

Quilted Card

As you can see, my latest SU order has arrived! I used three coordinated prints to punch out squares for the quilt, then used my black marker pen to make faux stitches. I had to borrow Cyndy's Top Note die, which gives it that extra measure of style.

After mounting one of the trees from the "Thoughts and Prayers" set, I added three matching jewels. The card is now ready for a verse inside...

What fun to have new toys!

GOD IS GOOD...

...but then most of you already know that...

This Wed., as Rick and I were celebrating our Anniversary, I got the call that one of my good friends was in the hospital awaiting surgery for a massive accumulation of blood clots in her leg. Since she and I co-founded our Ladies Bible study, I got out our phone list and asked everyone to pray...and we all did for 2 days.

To make a long story short, after waiting over 24 hrs. for an operating room to become available, the doctors removed 80% of the blood clots, installed a device to keep any clots from traveling upward, and scheduled a second surgery to add a stent to keep the vein open. When it came time for the second surgery, the doctors discovered the vein had corrected itself and the remaining clots had dissolved--The Lord had already answered our prayers!

After being listed as in "Critical but Stable" condition, Gail is going home this weekend, thanks to the tender mercy of the Lord. We are all so grateful...

THANK YOU, KIM!

What a nice surprise to have received an award from Kim MacNutt at "Stamping Between the Dishes and the Laundry!" (See link at right.) Coming from her, this is a real honor because she maintains such a beautiful blog. Make sure you give her a visit.

Kim also has a music player on the right side of her blog that contains some wonderful music to stamp by!




Note: Special thanks to my DH for showing me how to post this award. Today is also our 42nd Anniversary!

Basket of Fun

Here's a card I started at Cyndy's "Girls Nite Out" on Friday. I finished it up here in the tower later.




After mounting the basket and yarn with SU dimensionals, I added faux stitching around the edge, with a "bow" in the upper right corner. Then I placed tiny black "gems" on the basket handles. After knotting some embroidery floss several times to make it the same size as the balls of yarn in the basket, I used a glue dot to fasten it to the image.

This should make a cute little note for someone!

UNDERWATER SCENE

Here's a card I whipped up today using some new papers and an old stamp set from TAC. Maybe it should say "Best Fishes?"

Back from Long Island

This weekend was spent "staging" the co-op apartment we've been trying to sell since last Fall. It was interesting to see how my creative card-making skills applied to decorating, which turned out great. Here's how the living room looked when we got done...

All we need is a buyer! Know anyone who'd like to move to Huntington, NY?

STAMPING WORKSHOP

This Saturday I'll be hosting a stamping workshop around my dining room table for six or seven eager stampers. Here is one of the cards we'll be making.

First, they'll stamp the image with Versamark, then color it with chalks. Then, they'll use the Giga scalloped circle punch, add some Stickles to the flower centers and set it aside to dry. Next, they'll choose a dsp for the card front, mount it with double-stick tape and tie the embroidery floss around the (top fold)card. After cutting about a half inch off the bottom of the top flap, they'll add a coordinating strip of dsp on the bottom, stamp a greeting and glue an embellishment on.

Finally, they'll attach their image with SU dimensionals. Elegant, but easy--the best kind for a workshop!

Wish you could join us!

HIS & HER CHALLENGE

"HER" card is done on darker cardstock, and uses purple flowers beneath the tree to make it more feminine. The oval greeting also uses the purple flower, and the ribbon is tied in a bow. There is a purple gem brad for embellishment.

"HIS" card, though using a lighter cardstock, features a red birdhouse, bolder lettering in the oval, and a wider ribbon tied in a knot. For embellishment, I used a dark green maple leaf.

Christmas Green Flower Soft was used for the leaves on both trees. (I'm finally getting the hang of it!)

If you'd like to enter a pair of His & Her cards for the challenge, check out the Florishes Newsletter. (Sorry, I don't know how to post a direct link from my blog.)

Another Card, Same Elements

It's always amazing to me how you can make several cards with the same supplies and yet they all look different. Here's a tri-fold that's a variation of the one in the previous post:



The front features a yellow cuttlebug background for the flower and bee. I added Stickles to the bee's wings, same as in the previous card.

The inside flap (which folds over the center of the inner panel) began with a CB oval, then the new SU Oval-All stamp on the scalloped oval. I added 3 buttons for interest and some dots on the diagonal upper left.

The long image on the left matches the same image on either side of the inner part of the card.

I hope you get the "feel" for this card--it was hard to scan in a way that really captures its essence.

FLOWER SOFT REVISITED

I'm soooo glad I didn't give up on this new product! After switching to regular white craft glue, the Flower Soft works much better. I made this card (and several others) today with this old set that I still enjoy using.

(Click to enlarge.)

OFF TO LONG ISLAND

It's my sister's birthday today, so I'm leaving for the 2-hour ride to Long Island for a 2-day visit. We'll be going out for dinner to celebrate with Dad and a few of my sister's friends.

Since the forecast calls for rain on and off all week, it will be good for stamping when I get back. I just love weeks like this where I get to build up my stash of cards!

BTW, I store the completed cards in a box on my table behind labels marked, "blank," "sympathy," "birthday," and "holiday." The largest batch is behind "blank" so I can use them for a note or add some word stamps for a specific purpose. It's so handy to have them ready to go as needed.

What a good feeling to be so ahead of the game this early in the month. I've already finished up the May birthday cards and plan to mail them all this week before the postage rate increases on the 11th.

See you when I get back from partying!!

IN THE PINK

Although pink is definitely not one of my favorite colors, I put this card together yesterday to match the envelope I found in the midst of my completed card box. It somehow got separated from its card, which I probably mailed in another envelope over a year ago. Using two coordinating pieces of scrap dp, which were in my scrap dp drawer for just such an "emergency," I pieced this lily together and mounted it on white cardstock. (BTW, when saving scraps, I keep only pieces that are larger than a business card. Otherwise, I'd be buried in scraps by now!)

After adding black Stickles to the stamens and some embroidery floss on the side, it is now in my box of ready-to-go cards! This might make a nice get well card, with a "hoping you're in the pink again soon" kind of saying...

Thank You, Nina Brackett

Today I finally got a chance to create something worthy of the stamp sets Nina sent me recently. It was fun coloring these delicious-looking cupcakes! I used yellow Stickles on the flowers, red Stickles on the rosettes and Glossy Accents on the cherries.

This is from the "Cupcake Mix & Match" set by There She Goes, designed by Nina herself! Thanks, Nina!!

MOTHERS CLASS IN ACTION!

Although several moms were missing, the rest of us were still having a good time making cards. We look forward to a good turn out for our last meeting next week!

Designer Paper Inspiration

Sometimes it's just the paper that gets me going! This one had so many possibilities, it was hard to decide which colors to use.

The paper "ribbon" was made by using a Fiskar's punch on both sides of a narrow strip.

Mothers Class --2-step stamping

Here are two cards you hope you never have to use, but they are good to have on hand. They are very easy to do, and the Mothers Class will be making one of each. Then we'll use the rose design for a Mothers'Day card by switching to a different sentiment.

Flower Soft -- First Try

Well, the jury is still out on this one. I'm not sure I like using this new product, but I'll keep experimenting. Of course, I have enough left in the jar for at least another 500 cards! (Plus 3 more jars of other colors.)

Welcome Elliot

Our new grandson has arrived, and we all enjoyed meeting him in person. Our trip to Prague could not have been better! We had perfect weather all week, the three older cousins had a wonderful time together, and we adults got to see and do a lot!

(More about Prague below.)

Blessing for Elliot

Since my sister and Dad couldn't be in Prague for the baptism, I copied the blessing onto light cardstock, added some dry embossing for embellishment and mounted it on blue cardstock as a keepsake for each of them. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

From Allentown to Prague

My, what a difference one week can make--Allentown on the 4th and Prague on the 11th!

We just got back from 5 glorious days in Prague visiting with my daughter and her family. The Lord was gracious in providing picture perfect, warm weather for our entire stay. The highlight of this visit was meeting our new grandson, Elliot, and witnessing his baptism at a growing church in the midst of an atheistic city.

My daughter commissioned me to make 30 birth announcements, which I delivered when we got there (although I had to finish the last 10 while there.) Of course, I never got around to making a copy for this blog...duh...

From an artistic standpoint, Prague is an inspiring city. There is architecture of every kind, spires everywhere, bridges, statues, texture in cobblestones and metro walls, outdoor markets and much, much more. The weather was sunny and warm, not a wisp of a cloud, unusual for this time of year. Flowers and trees were in bloom, suggesting to me that I need to try my new Flower Soft as soon as this jet lag wears off!

It's time for floral cards inspired by things that made an impression on me during my visit to Prague! Stay tuned...

Allentown Stamp Show--2009

Today was the day we wait all year for. We started out at 8 am and arrived as the doors opened, bubbling with expectation -- and we were NOT disappointed! I drove Cyndy, Elaine and Joan in my car; and Evelyn drove Linda. It's so much more fun with a group, especially when we split up and meet again for lunch. Then, it's "Show and Tell" when we share all our finds before heading back out on the floor.

Some stampers/scrappers take this stamp show very seriously, as evidenced by the carts some of them brought to wheel around their purchases. Not a bad idea; but we made trips out to the car to lighten our tote bags.

Shown here are just a few of the many card samples on display at the various booths. The first one shown was at the Flower Soft table, where I purchased 4 jars: Ivory, Christmas Green, Lavender and Nut Brown--can't wait to use them! I picture using the green for leaves and stems, the brown for black-eyed susans, the lavender for flower spikes and the ivory for snow or dandelions. I'm sure there'll be lots of other uses... (Ignore the demonstrator's lunch...)

The next photo was taken at Denami Designs, where they had tons of cards on display. I especially liked the one with the torn edge. Many of them had lots of glitter. One technique I often forget to use is repeat stamping--using the same image 2 or 3 times across a card. I'll have to work on that...

Skip down to the next post for more photos!

Stamp Show, Continued

Since I'm still learning how to stamp scenes, I took a picture of a deer scene that really looked beautiful. I especially like the way they carried the grassy scenery and deer into the foreground. I hope to CASE it one of these days!

The last photo had some ideas to use with the Cuttlebug I already own. Just click on the images for further detail.

After 5 hours of walking on concrete, we headed for home. I was exhausted by the time we got back (around 5:00) but it was well worth it! We all had a wonderful day, spent too much (over budget, of course) and saw a lot of gorgeous cards. Can't wait for the next show in 2010!

Don't Let Your Age Bug You!

Although I've used the Bug Builder set from SU for children's cards, they're also great for my Silver Stamper friends. The word stamp is from Hambo Stamps and is the perfect complement to any bug stamp.

After cutting out these adorable bugs, I popped them out with SU dimensionals. Golden gems are added for bling, on the bugs and for a row of three below. Black Stickles were used on their heads.

Get Out Your Party Hat!

Another easy card!

First, I stamped the Hero Arts image and cut it out with postage stamp scissors. After mounting it on beige cardstock with SU dimensionals, I set it aside while I worked on the card itself with wavy scissors, a strip of patterned cardstock for the bottom and a piece of coordinating polka dot dp. A green button with a beige embroidery floss knot adds some detail.

After adhering the image to the card, I traced over it with a light brown marker pen and added some gems for bling--less than 10 minutes to complete...gotta love this Hero Arts birthday frames set!

Birthday Card for Someone Special

Don't you just love those cards that seem to "evolve" as you go along? This one started out with a leftover cuttlebug card and a scrap of black and red Basic Grey dp.

First, I split the dp (unevenly) so that the wide piece could hide some blank space along the fold and the narrow piece could go along the inside on the right. Next, I used some black embroidery floss along the edge of the dp. Then I found a red button in my stash with one large hole in the middle, into which I glued a black pearl. But then, what to do with all that blank space above...

Since Spring is here, with its promise of showy tulips and daffodils, I got out my Inkadinkado clear set of flowers and chose this showy tulip. I stamped it twice on red card stock so that I could pop out the foreground petals of the bloom with SU dimensionals.

After attaching it to the card, I did a little shading on the petals with a Versamark pen. To give it some "life" I added black Stickles and prisma glitter to the stamens. Done!

I just love it when a card comes together!

Mothers Class Does It Again!

This week, our class focused on House Mouse stamps. Although I had a wide variety of stamps, everyone seemed to choose the same ones. These little mice are just too cute!

Isn't it amazing how cards made with the same stamps can all turn out so different! Linda's card lies flat on the table because she chose to mount her image as a flap, like a mini-card on top of one piece, with the message underneath. The others stand up, some horizontal, some vertical. We had a lot of fun, and I'm sure the recipients of these adorable House Mouse cards will get a chuckle out of them.

One Last Easter Card

This one was for Evelyn, who has seen all my others. So I put this together just for her!




First, I stamped, heat-embossed, and colored the basket. Then, using my peg stamps from Rubber Stamp Tapestry, I "filled" the basket with leaves, ferns and flowers. Next, I added a tiny dragonfly enhanced with Stickles, and used a gray marker for a shadow and some dots around the image. Finally, a bow was attached with a glue dot.

After punching the notches on the corners, I taped the image on dark green Bazzill cardstock and mounted it to the card with SU dimensionals. All in all, an easy card to do--and fun!

Don't Throw Away Those FRAMES!

After using the die for another card, I was left with this outline. I got out my watercolor crayons and painted it to make a frame. After attaching it to the card with double-stick tape, I stamped the flowers and greeting. The flowers were painted with Twinkling H2O's, as are the dragonflies. (Unfortunately, the shimmer on their wings doesn't show up well here. Click on image for a better view.) The dragonflies are popped out with foam tape.

This is just one example of how to make use of leftovers from other projects!

Beautiful Butterflies!

Mothers class members made faux cloisonne butterfly cards this week, and they all turned out great!

(For instructions, see March 23, 2007 post--and don't forget to click on photo to see details.)

We decided to name them this time. One mother named her butterfly "Bob"... What can I say, they're an imaginative group...

Enjoy!

Keenagers Project

One of the reasons I haven't posted lately is because I've been spending hours and hours preparing for a special Easter project for the "Keenagers" (seniors) at my church. Since most of them are in their 70's and 80's, all non-stampers, I had to make up kits with everything pre-stamped, ready to assemble. Be sure to click on the photo to enlarge!

First, they put together a bag topper for Easter treats. They filled the bags with Easter grass, added the candy provided and sealed the zip-loc top. To make the cover, all they had to do was color in the image and tape down the paper strip and the scalloped oval.

Next, we did the purple card with the butterfly. Since the card was already folded and punched with my Fiskar's eyelet border, they basically just had to tape down the white strip, the butterfly and the inside greeting. This was the easiest project of the four.

Then we did the bunny card, which was a little more involved. They especially enjoyed using mini dots and pom poms for the bunny tail!

Last and smallest, but not least, they assembled the cross card. After wrapping the embroidery floss around the image and securing it on the back, they attached that piece with SU dimensionals to the darker cs and mounted it on the card. Earlier, Evelyn and I had made matching envelopes for the smaller size using our Envelopers.

There was lots of excitement in the room, especially with one woman who said in the beginning that she could never make these. I'm so glad we proved to her that she could!

Since this occurred on the same day as the Mothers classes, they were all happy to help. They jumped right in as leaders, and the older folks really enjoyed having younger moms there with them. All in all, the effort that went into making this a success was well worth it.

This whole event just goes to prove that stamping can also serve as a creative ministry! Every time we make a card and send it out to someone, it says "someone cares" enough to take the time to think about that person and express it in a personal way.

GOOD NEWS FROM PRAGUE!

We just heard from our favorite SIL that our new grandson was born just 2 hours ago! Through the marvels of internet technology, we already have pictures of mother and son. Welcome, Elliot!

Valentine from Across the Pond

Imagine my surprise when I went to the mailbox to find a Valentine all the way from England! It was from Germaine of her Stampilicious blog whom I "met" through the blogosphere.

The hearts are gold embossed, and the square in the center opens to reveal a little message. The gold twine is the perfect finishing touch.

Thanks Germaine--your card will remain on display in the Stamping Tower!

Cute as Can "Bee"

This adorable card is one of three done at Cyndy's workshop last week. I especially like the colors Cyndy chose.

First we stamped the images, then placed a circle template over the area we wanted to highlight. Using a paper piercer, we followed the edge of the circle to "frame" the image. Then we watercolored just the inside of the circle, mounted all the pieces to the card and added some Stickles on the bee's wings for bling.

Cute stamp set! (from Stampin' Up.)

New Watercolor Technique

This watercolor involved the use of regular watercolor paper, a water brush and dye inks. Although this card looks better IRL, I'm not entirely happy with the results. (Click on card for closer look at details.)

The stamps were from a clear set by Art Impressions. After watching the coordinating DVD and trying their method, it still needs some more experimenting to get it just right. I like the way the grass and the pot turned out (not the kind that is smoked--no pun intended!) but I think the flowers could have been done better. I'll have to try again soon...

To finish the card, I mounted the image on dark background paper, then on a pearlized designer paper, with gold stick-ons for bling.

Another Easy Card!

Here's a one-stamp card that was oh, so easy to do. After inking up the Hero Arts "Misty Garden" stamp I borrowed from Mary, I stamped it on white cardstock. Then I used chalk to color the flowers, tore the edges and mounted it on yellow designer paper, which I also tore. After mounting both on pale yellow cardstock, I adhered it to a white card.

For bling and extra interest, I used Stickles for the center of the purple flowers and light brown gems for the yellow flower centers; then added a square button on the lower right corner. It was so easy, I also did another card in pale purple.

With floral images like this, can Spring be far off???