Wednesday, February 26, 2014

AEI♥U Challenge

Hi everyone ~
Just a quick post tonight ~ This card is my 2nd entry for the new AEI♥U Challenge Blog. I wanted to create another CAS card, so I stamped the Texture Tiles ‘Be Cute’ polka dots in aquamarine and added some of my favorite Avery Elle flowers and leaves from two different sets in the corner. The sentiment is from one of the sets that I won from OCC, so I was really happy to have it as an option (although it barely fits between the borders of the stitched die cut). I matted the panel on to my new AE cardstock, added a few sequins and I was finished!





Well, that’s it for me...Thanks so much for stopping by



Supplies:
Stamps: Avery Elle - Texture Tiles ‘Be Cute’, Laurels (flowers), Handwritten Notes, Oh Happy Day (leaves)
Ink: Avery Elle - Aquamarine; Hero Arts - Pale Tomato, Green Hills; Versafine - Onyx Black
Cardstock: Avery Elle - Ultra Smooth White; Aquamarine
Dies: Lil Inkers - Stiched Rectangles
Sequins: Simon Says Stamp - December Card Kit ‘Clear’

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Happy Birthday Bouquet

Hi everyone ~
This card is for the brand new AEI♥U Challenge Blog and the theme is 'Birthday'. Back in the fall, I won a few Avery Elle stamp sets and dies from JJ Bolton (Thank you again, JJ!) and since then, I have collected several other sets. Then, I recently bought some of their new pigment inks and cardstock, so I’m ready to play!





I used JJ Bolton’s technique that she calls ‘Stacked Stamping’ for my flowers and die cut sentiment. Her tutorial and card can be found on her blog Here, and other examples are Here, Here,  and Here.
Now, if you’re not feeling totally over the moon with all that ‘yumminess’, Laura Bassen has a few video tutorials Here using a feather die cut and sentiment, Here using a word die and background stamp, and Here using a sentiment and strips of cardstock. I’ve created cards using this technique before, and it’s a little tricky, but I finally succeeded on the 3rd try...yay! I used my new Avery Elle inks and matching cardstock, and I have to say...The quality is second to none! 

In case it’s a little difficult to see the details on screen, here's a close-up of the die cut word:




I would also like to enter this card in the current challenge at The Card Concept - we are being asked to use a 'Floral Theme' for our card. 


Well, that’s it for me...Thanks so much for stopping by  ~





Supplies:
Stamps: Avery Elle - Thanks a Bunch, Fill in the Blank
Ink: Avery Elle - Sea Glass, Orchid; Versafine - Onyx Black
Cardstock: Avery Elle - Ultra Smooth White, Orchid
Dies: Avery Elle - Fill in the Blank; Lil Inkers - Stiched Rectangles
Gems: Doodlebug - Lilac Mini- Pearls

Sunday, February 23, 2014

It’s Your Special Day

Hi everyone ~
Tomorrow is my sons’ birthday...I just can’t believe my ‘baby’ will be 33! Where does the time go?

I missed last week’s challenge at Less is More for a masculine themed card, but the recipe for this week’s challenge is ‘Metal’, so it actually worked out well. While hunting through some old scrapbooking supplies, I found a package of metal sheets in various shapes, and chose the diamond pattern for the background on my star.





To add even more texture to this card I embossed the red strip with an impression plate, added a few wood veneer stars, which I painted with Mama Elephant pigment ink, and topped with glossy accents. It's really hard to see the texture from the impression plate, but here’s a close-up of the metal sheet behind the star:



Well, that’s it for me...I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by  ~
Barb

Supplies:
Stamps: Clearly Besotted Stamps - Make a Wish (sentiment)
Ink: Hero Arts - Navy; Mama Elephant - Winter
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Stamper’s Select White, Pure Poppy; MFT - Nightshift Blue
Dies: Lawn Fawn - Puffy Star Stackables
Wood Veneer: Studio Calico - Stars
Metal Mesh: Making Memories - Diamond Pattern

Impression Plate: Papertrey Ink - Linen/Canvas
Misc: Glossy Accents

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Sending Lots of Love

Hi blog friends...Just a quick post today ~
I’ve had this crocheted doily for the longest time in my stash, so when I saw this week’s challenge at The Card Concept, I knew it was time to take it out!





We are being asked to create a card using a Floral Theme, and select a design category...I think this card is considered Clean & Layered.

So, I  stamped and die cut the flowers and leaves from the Wplus9 Fresh Cut Florals set, and created a simple arrangement. Then, I stamped the sentiment on to the die cut banner, added glitter to the flowers and popped everything up on a Berry Sorbet cardstock card base.

Well, that’s it for me...I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by  ~
Barb






Supplies:
Stamps: Wplus9 - Fresh Cut Florals; Clearly Besotted Stamps - Take Good Care (sentiment)
Ink: Versafine - Onyx Black; Papertrey Ink - Berry Sorbet; Hero Arts - Fresh Peach, Butter Bar, Pale Tomato, Green Hills
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Stamper’s Select White, Berry Sorbet
Dies: Wplus9 - Fresh Cut Florals; Simon Says Stamp - Tilted Banners
Doily: Kaisercraft
Pearl Pin: Jenni Bowlin Studios
Glitter Pen: Wink of Stella - Clear

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Coffee...Take 2

Hi blog friends,
I wasn’t happy with the card I entered for this week’s challenge at Addicted to CAS so I decided to create a new one.





I  wanted to go with a plum and gray color palette and my new Hero Arts borders stencil. I also recently bought ‘Pearlescent’ embossing paste, and I love how it adds a shimmery finish on the dots...and a bit of glare on screen (I apologize for the glare on the metallic sequins, too...they’re dark purple to match the color on the tag).

Well, that’s it for me...Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate your comments very much! Take care  ~
Barb

Supplies:
Stamps: Clearly Besotted Stamps - Warm Wishes
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Plum Pudding; Hero Arts - Soft Granite
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Stamper’s Select White, Soft Stone, Plum Pudding
Dies: Papertrey Ink - Tag Sale #9
Stencil: Hero Arts - Boarders 
Embossing Paste: Dreamweavers - Pearlescent
Sequins: Kelly Purkey for Simon Says Stamp
Twine: The Twinery - Orchid Stripe

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Thinking of You

Hi there blog friends ~
I have 2 more cards to share today...I really love this week’s sketch at CAS(E) This Sketch, so I created another card using a stencil.





Just before the Stenciled class started, I bought a package of Martha Stewart stencils, and although most of them are too big for a card, I liked this small sailboat. I die cut the circle, and used distress inks to create the image.

For my next card, I used 2 Hero Arts stamps which I've seen on cards by dozens of card artists (I'm always late for the party). I finally put them in my cart so I could play with them too, and stamp them up for this week’s challenge at The Card Concept. We are being asked to create a card using a ‘Floral Theme’, and while I didn’t go with the color combo in the inspiration photo, I did use a lot of flowers! I’m not sure which category this card falls into ~ I think it’s either Clean & Layered or Classy & Elegant...hopefully, the DT gals will know for sure!



I stamped the Delicate Blossoms with Versamark and colored them in with my Copics. I also made masks for the flowers and stems and stamped the Old Letter Writing script on to the card base. Then, since I was already stepping way out of my comfort zone, I used Bitty Dot patterned papers  and vellum butterflies!
 

Well, that’s it for me...Take care  ~
Barb




Supplies: 

Sending Hugs
Stamps: Clearly Besotted Stamps - Say it in Style
Ink: Versamark; Hero Arts - Pool, Soft Pool; Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Salty Ocean, Festive Berries
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Select White; Avery Elle - Sapphire
Dies: Lil’ Inkers - Stitched Circles
Embossing Powder: Hero Arts - White
Stencil: Martha Stewart - Nautical Study


Thinking of You
Stamps: Hero Arts - Delicate Blossoms, Everyday Sayings, Old Letter Writing
Ink: Versamark
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Stamper’s Select White, Aqua Mist
Patterned Paper: Papertrey Ink - Aqua Mist Bitty Dot
Dies: Lifestyle Crafts - Banners & Arrows; Memory Box - Butterfly Border
Markers: Copics - BG11, BG13, BG15, G06, G09
Gems: Prima Marketing - Pearls

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Happy Birthday Rainbows

Hi all,
I created 2 cards for this post...the first card is for the current Hero Arts Challenge. I chose to make a card for the ‘Rainbow of Color Birthday’ category, and used my brand new triangle die. I am also entering this card into the current challenge at ABNH - 'Roy G. Biv' - I just love the clever play on words!





My design is based on another fun video I watched by Laura Bassen (what's new, right?). Laura created the video for the Hero Arts Blog about 2 weeks ago that she called 'The Two-fer'. I die cut white cardstock 3 times, stacked them, and measured what I needed for the sentiment. After I colored the background with Copics, I cut down the die cuts and wanted to add a detail to this card - I placed the top and bottom panels so that the points of the triangle were facing the sentiment. Finally, I added a few gems.


My 2nd card is for this week’s challenge at ATCAS for the Code Word: 'Coffee'. I’m a huge coffee fan...in fact, my family routinely gives me gift cards for Dunkin’ Donuts, so this card is actually my personal homage to ‘Coffee’ - lol!




The coffee cup was stamped on Kraft cardstock, but on screen is a little 'off''...sorry about that! I used a really light ink for the steam, so it’s hard to see on screen. Here’s a close-up:




Well, that’s it for me...I hope everyone had a great weekend,  ~
Barb






Supplies:
Happy Birthday
Stamps: Hero Arts - Messages with Flourish
Ink: Versafine - Onyx Black
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Stamper’s Select White
Die: Hero Arts Frame Cuts - Triangle Background
Markers: Copics

You and Me
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Warm Happiness (cup); Lawn Fawn - Science of Love
Ink: Versamark; Stampin’ Up - Real Red; Papertrey Ink - Soft Stone; Colorbox - Chestnut Roan
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Stamper’s Select White, Aqua Mist, Kraft, Pure Poppy
Embossing Powder: Hero Arts - White
Dies: Papertrey Ink - Notched Hearts Banners
Impression Plate: Papertrey Ink - Rustic Burlap
Punch: Martha Stewart - Hearts
Misc: Glossy Accents

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Best Wishes

Hi there Blog Friends ~
I created this card with 2 challenges in mind. The sketch is based on this week’s sketch at CAS(E) This Sketch and the color combo is from this month’s color challenge at Clearly Besotted Stamps.



Once again, I’m borrowing a technique from Laura Bassen. Last week, she embossed...or maybe it's debossed an image, then stamped it (click on her name and check out the the tag with the bunny ~ SQUEAL!!!!!)...so, I embossed the vase and flower, stamped the images, then masked them to stamp the stem and leaf. It may be difficult to see on screen, so here is a close-up:



Well, that’s it for me...I hope everyone is having a great President's Day holiday weekend (here in the U.S.)...I also hope those who are dealing with snow and extreme temperatures are staying warm and cozy! Take care ~
Barb
 
 

Supplies:
Stamps: Clearly Besotted - Flower Arrangement
Ink: Hero Arts - Soft Sky, Green Hills, Raspberry Jam; Versafine - Onyx Black
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Stamper’s Select White, Spring Rain
Dies: Clearly Besotted - Flower Arrangement
Gems: MME - Enamel Dots; Doodlebug - Cupcake
Markers: Copics - C1, C0

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Be Happy Today

Hi there blog friends ~
Just a really quick post today. I created this card for 2 challenges:

Hero Arts Challenge for a 'Rainbow of Color Birthday' theme, and since the 'Cue Card’ this week at CASology  is 'Bold’, I thought the bold colors of the rainbow and contrast of black and white on the sentiment would work perfectly. 





I used the diagonal stripes die to add the rainbow of colors and my new Hero Arts stamp for my sentiment. I love how white embossing pops against the black.


Well, that’s it for me. I hope everyone is well and safe with all the snow and cold weather we’re experiencing on the east coast of the U.S. right now. Thanks so much for stopping by,
Barb








Supplies:
Stamps: Hero Arts - Be Happy Today
Ink: Versamark
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Select White, True Black
Dies: Lil’ Inkers - Stitches and Stripes; Papertrey Ink - Fillable Frames #1
Embossing Powder: Hero Arts - White
Gems: My Minds Eye

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Oh Happy Day

Hi everyone ~
Just a quick post to share a card I created for this week’s challenge at Less is More. It’s a one layer card challenge and the theme is 'Anything Goes’.





I’m loving the pretty roses in this stamp set, so I used 2 shades of pink, and a soft green for the leaves and stems. One layer cards are tricky for me because I love to add gems or sequins, so in lieu of that, I used a clear glitter pen on the center of the flowers and hot pink rose buds.


Well, that’s it for me...I hope everyone is off to a fun and crafty week! Thank you so much for stopping by ~
Barb 




Supplies:
Stamps: Avery Elle - Thanks a Bunch, Oh Happy Day (sentiment)
Ink: Versafine - Onyx Black; Hero Arts - Mint Julep; Memento Luxe - Angel Pink, Rose Bud
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Select White

Marker: Wink of Stella - Clear Glitter Pen

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Just Because

Hi all,
Just a quick post to share a few things I made for my granddaughter, Desi. She's 7 years old, lives far away from us in Florida (we're in NJ), and loves the color 'Pink'! She also happens to be the apple of my eye! So for Valentine's Day, I decided to buy all the things I needed from Papertrey Ink to make a few hair barrettes for her...and it was fun!




I created my own patterned paper using PTI stamps, and also used their felt (so yummy) to make the flowers and hearts. The roses are MFT Rolled Roses, and the hearts are from Lawn Fawn. 
While I was at it, I made a headband using Avery Elle's Embellish It Flower:




Of course I need a card, right?



I had Laura Bassen's hilarious video tutorial (minus the "smile") bookmarked for making a shaker card, and thought it would be a fun idea. I used all PTI stamps, dies and impression plate (card base). 

Well, that's it for me...Thanks so much for stopping by ~
Barb 

Supplies for card:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Four Square
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Berry Sorbet; Versafine - Onyx Black
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Select White, Berry Sorbet, Clear
Dies: Papertrey Ink - Four Square
Impression Plate: Papertrey Ink - Diamonds
Sequins: Pretty Pink Posh - Pink

Friday, February 7, 2014

Hi everyone ~
I have 2 cards to share today. For my first card, I used the sketch from this week’s challenge at CAS(E) This Sketch by Joni Andaya, and the inspiration photo for this week’s Festive Friday Challenge. I used glitter paper to reflect all the sparkle and shine in the silver and gold ornaments in the photo.





Here is a close up of the sparkle in the snowflake:



 My 2nd card is also for 3 challenges: 
- CASology. Our Cue Card is “And", so I chose my stencil with an ampersand to provide a focal point for my card. I was really inspired by the 'Uber Talented' Kimberly Weiner, who created an ombre effect with her ampersand.
-My 2nd entry for the challenge at Addicted to CAS ~ For the Code Word 'Love'.  
- Addicted to Stamps and More ~ Anything Goes




Well, that's it for me...I hope everyone is having a great day! 
Thank you so much for stopping by ~ 
Barb
Festive Friday Challenge


Sending Christmas Cheer:
Stamps: MFT - Cheerful Christmas Greetings
Ink: Versamark
Cardstock: Bazzill - Icy Mint; Recollections - Silver Glitter Paper; DCWV - Gold Foiled Cardstock
Embossing Powder: Hero Arts - Silver
Dies: Simon Says Stamp - Eliza Snowflake; Poppy Stamps - Delicate Chain
Gem: Prima - Gold

Forever & Always:
Stamps: Simon Says Stamp Exclusive - Forever and Always
Ink:  Versafine - Smokey Gray; Tim Holtz - Peacock Feathers; Hero Arts - Soft Pool
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Select White; MFT - Blu Raspberry
Stencil: The Crafter’s Workshop - And So On (6x6)
Die: Mama Elephant - Femme Frames; Lil’ Inkers - Flip Flop Die (heart)
Enamel Dots: My Mind’s Eye

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Tickled Pink

Hi everyone ~
For this week’s challenge at Muse Card Club, our inspiration card was created by the incredibly talented 'Vicki Dutcher’. While I don’t usually make cards with lots of layers, I love Vicki’s design, and quickly pulled out my new PTI feather stamps and dies to create my card:





I stamped the feather and 2 panels in Versamark and used Clear Embossing Powder before applying ink. I then layered all of the elements and placed them on an embossed panel.


Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such lovely comments...it really makes my day!
Barb 
 
 
 
Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Feather Finery; Hero Arts - Lotus; Mama Elephant - Basic Borders (polka dots)
Ink:  Versamark; Hero Arts - Soft Pool, Pale Tomato; Tim Holtz - Peacock Feathers
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Select White
Dies: Papertrey Ink - Feather Finery; MFT - Decorative Doily Duo
Embossing Powder: Hero Arts - Ultra Fine Clear
Impression Plate: Papertrey Ink - Linen/Canvas
Sequins: Kelly Purkey - Turquoise

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Be Mine

***Hi everyone ~  I've been concerned over the past several days because I haven't received email messages for many of your Blog posts...well, suddenly the light went on, and I checked my 'Spam Folder', and lo and behold...there they are! Please forgive me if I haven't visited your blog...I promise to get caught up asap!
My sincere apologies to all!


This week, the Less Is More Challenge Blog is celebrating their 3rd birthday, and the theme for the current challenge is 'Rainbow’. Adding to the fun, the code word this week at Addicted to CAS Challenge Blog is 'Love’.  So, being the 'Challenge Junkie’ that I am, my card is a rainbow of love in the form of hearts! I would also like to enter this card into the CAS-ual Fridays Challenge for the theme 'Over the Edge'.

 


Here's a close-up of all the shine on the heart and sparkle on the die cut sentiment:

 
I die cut the banner dies in white, then colored a panel behind it with Copics, which creates a very subtle rainbow, but I think the hearts look pretty with bits of color in 'Rainbow Formation' - lol! I used glitter paper for the word ‘Be’, silver embossing powder for 'mine', and coated the heart with glossy accents. I hoped by using vellum for the banner, that the rainbow panel would stand out a bit more.


Thank you so much for stopping by,  I hope everyone is having a great weekend ~ Take care,
Barb
 Less Is More: Photo Inspiration - Rainbow









Supplies:
Stamps: Lawn Fawn - Bee Mine
Ink:  Versamark
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink - Select White, Soft Stone; Recollections - Silver Glitter
Dies: Papertrey Ink - Notched Hearts Banners; Simon Says Stamp - ‘Be’, Heart; Lifestyle Crafts - Banners & Arrows
Markers: Copics
Embossing Powder: Hero Arts - Silver
Sequins: Simon Says Stamp - Clear (December Card Kit