Twofer Card Challenge #35 - Balloons

Hi there ~ I finally carved out some time to create a card for the Twofer Card Challenge. Here are the rules:

Since the prompt for February is balloons I used a SSS stencil and started with a birthday card:

I took my inspiration from the rainbow for my color palette and thought it would be fun to use the camouflage technique for the die-cut sentiment. A few balloon strings and clear sequins, and that was it!

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I like to send encouragement cards to our 14-year-old granddaughter, so that was the theme for my 2nd card:

After I stenciled the balloon, I colored the elephant and butterflies with Copic markers, then stenciled the clouds and patch of grass using an oval die.

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This is the photo of both cards to post on the challenge blog:

The Twofer Challenge is open until February 24th, so there is still plenty of time to play along ~

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:

Card #1

Stamps: MFT - Bitty Bears (sentiment)

Dies: Winnie & Walter - Happy; MFT - Slanted Sentiments

Stencils: SSS - Balloons & Patterns

Misc: Tim Holtz - Distress Inks; Versamark; Hero Arts Detail White Embossing Powder; Pretty Pink Posh - Clear Sequins; Copic Markers and Multiliner Pen

Card #2

Stamps: MFT - Adorable Elephants

Dies: MFT - Adorable Elephants, Oval die

Stencils: SSS - Balloons & Patterns; MFT - Mini Cloud Edges

Misc: Tim Holtz - Picked Raspberry DOX ink, Twisted Citron DOX ink, Tumbled Glass; Memories Unicorn ink

CAS Stencil Challenge Reminder

Hello friends!  Just a reminder that there is still time to link up your card for the March CAS Stencil Card Challenge 

Viv is hosting this month and she is challenging everyone to use ‘Heat Embossing’ with your stencils. As always, there are several links to techniques over at CAS Stencil Blog for your inspiration.

After a few failures, I found that using a make-up sponge works well to apply Versamark to this pattern. Once I got a clean impression, I sprinkled embossing powder and heat to set. I love the shine from heat embossing...it's too bad I'm unable to capture it on screen. Next, I die cut the bunny on the front of the card and stamped her on the inside, then colored with Copic markers. A few sparkly gems and a sweet sentiment, and this card was complete :)

There's lots of Design Team inspiration over at CAS Stencil Blog as well as from our super talented  Guest Designer, Cat ~ And, don't forget there are also links to video tutorials. You have until the 24th to link up your card...I hope to see you there! 

Thanks so much for stopping by...I really appreciate your visits!
Stay safe, be smart, and please don't forget to wash your hands :)

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - Sweet Somebunny; Clearly Besotted - Accent It
Dies: MFT - Sweet Somebunny
Stencils: SSS - Diagonal Stripes
Misc: WOW Embossing Powder - Bluetiful; Copic Markers; Lucy's Gems

February CAS Stencil Challenge

Hi there blog friends ~ It’s time for our February challenge at CAS Stencil! Our Guest Designer is Steph from My Paper Corner and I am Hostess for this challenge. I chose ‘Foil’ for our prompt :)

I started by creating the background using Transfer Gel, my stencil, and Deco Foil then ran it through my laminator. I decided not to color the flower and leaves and use gold EP and sequins, keeping the design very CAS. I just wish you could see the gorgeous colors on this foil...it's multi-blues and greens with gold, and I really love it! Here is a close-up, which is a little better (I turned off the flash on my camera):

Using foils with stencils is a new technique for me, and I really had fun with it ~ I hope you'll grab your stencils and foils and come on over to the CAS Stencil Challenge Blog, get inspired by my teamies and our GD, Steph, and join us for this unique challenge!

Also, I have posted several video tutorials showcasing different ways to use foil with your stencils on the challenge blog.

You have until the 24th to play along ~ 

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: Altenew - Amazing You; Uniko - Pure Florals Cosmos
Dies: Altenew - Amazing You; MFT - Elegant Rectangle STAX
Stencils: SSS - Tiny Dots Stencil
Misc: Deco Foil - Transfer Gel, Emerald Watercolor Foil; Pretty Pink Posh - Gold Sequins; SSS - Ultra Fine Gold EP

Perfectly CAS!

Hi there, blog friends! I hope all of my U.S. friends had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends! 

There's a new card challenge in blogland, and it's right up my alley ~Perfectly CAS!

I love how they emphasize using one third or less for their criteria and hope I was able to manage it with my design ~

I masked the lower-left corner and blended a few Altenew inks to fade into white, then stamped this sweet little girl, tree, and sentiment. I also added sparkle with my falling snow stencil using glass bead glitter gel. Since this is a 5 x 5.5" card, I'll be creating a custom envelope...

If you love a truly CAS card, check out the Perfectly CAS challenge...Their DT is amazing and I'm looking forward to playing along in the future ~

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: WPlus9 - Iconic Christmas
Stencil: SSS - Falling Snow
Misc: Altenew Inks: Obsidian Pigment Ink, Iceberg, Eastern Sky, Ultramarine; Faber Castell - Glass Bead Glitter Gel; Post-it Tape - 1"

CAS Stencil Challenge - August Reminder

Just a quick reminder that there's still time to play along at the CAS Stencil Challenge ~ Here is my 2nd card to inspire you...

I started by placing the SSS Leaves stencil on mixed media paper and transferring some of my Copic re-inker (YG09) to a mini mister. I spritzed the stencil and removed it to let it dry. After I cleaned the stencil, I placed it back onto the image and sprayed Sheer Shimmer Spritz...here's a close-up:

Our Guest Designer is Hilary and our Hostess for this challenge is Robyn...come on over to the CAS Stencil Challenge Blog ~ We would love to see how you play with your stencils and sprays!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Flower Fusion #2 (sentiment)
Stencil: Simon Says Stamp - Leaves
Misc: Copic Various Re-Inker - YG09; Sheer Shimmer Spritz; Memory Box - Butterfly

August CAS Stencil Challenge

Hi there blog friends ~ It’s time for a new challenge at CAS Stencil! Our Guest Designer is Hilary and our Hostess for August is Robyn, who has chosen ‘Sprays’ for our technique.

I have a few old bottles of Mr. Huey's Color Mist and for the waves stencil, I used the color 'sky'. I colored the images with Copic markers and popped up the outer frame with foam tape. I also dotted the waves with Glossy Accents to create a wet look, but they're hard to see on screen...next time I'll have to make them larger :) 

I really enjoyed playing with my sprays again ~ Come join us for this fun challenge!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - Drink Up the Sunshine
Dies: MFT - Drink Up the Sunshine, A2 Rectangle Frames
Stencil: SSS - Waves
Misc: Mr. Huey's Color Mist - Sky; Copic Markers; Glossy Accents

CAS Mix Up - June Challenge

Hi there ~

A quick post from me...I'm playing along with the CAS Mix Up Challenge with the prompt: Ombre...I grabbed one of my all-time favorite stencils and created this card.

I used the SSS Leaves stencil and blended 3 shades of Altenew inks to create the ombre effect. The sentiment was embossed in gold and the panel was die cut using MFT stitched rectangle STAX. A few clear sequins and that was it!

Ombre technique, Stamping, Heat Embossing, Stenciling, Die Cutting

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Calligraphy Classics
Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangle STAX
Stencil: SSS - Leaves
Inks: Altenew - Limade, Lime, Fresh Leaf
Misc: Ranger Super Fine Gold EP; Lucy's Diamonds Sequins

Addicted to CAS Challenge - Ombre'

Hi there, blog friends! Today starts a new challenge at Addicted to CAS. As Hostess, I’m challenging everyone to create a card using the Code Word Ombre’.

Our Guest Designer is Hannelie (winner of challenge #154).

I've been doing a lot of stenciling lately and thought it would be fun to use this SSS stencil for this challenge ~

I used Picket Fence Life Changing Brushes to apply 3 shades of ink to the leaves and I stamped the sentiment with the darkest shade in this set. The butterflies are from an old Memory Box die...and that was it!

We would love to see how the code word Ombre’ inspires you! Come on over to the ATCAS Blog and check out all the beautiful (and fun) cards my teammates have created, and play along with us :)

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI - Keep It Simple: Friendship
Dies: Memory Box - Butterflies
Stencil: SSS - Leaves
Ink: Altenew - Minty Mint, Leaf Green, Just Green, Hunter Green
Misc: SSS - White Glitter Cardstock; Picket Fence Life Changing Brushes

CAS Stencil February Challenge

Hi there ~

It's time for the next challenge at CAS Stencil and our Hostess, Nancy, has chosen powdered inks for our stenciling technique! I chose to play with my Brushos to create this card:

Using powdered inks with stencils can be tricky, so I referred to one of Loll's video tutorials for my background. I started by ink blending in light blue, then I placed the waves stencil and added Brushos and water. The fish was colored with Copics and I added a coat of Glossy Accents to the heart and a few dots to mimic bubbles. 

If you would like to play along with us and have never used powdered inks with stencils, there are links to several video tutorials on the challenge blog to guide you :) Of course, my teammates have also created some beautiful cards to inspire you...Hope to see you there!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - Adorable Ocean Friends, More Essential Sentiments
Dies: MFT - Adorable Ocean Friends, Stitched Rectangle STAX, Stitched Squares
Stencil: SSS - Waves
Misc: Brushos; Glossy Accents; Copic Markers; Tim Holtz - Distress Inks; Strathmore Mixed Media Paper

Fusion Challenge - Penguin Love

Hi there blog friends ~ It's time for a new challenge at Fusion and this time our prompt is Penguin Love. I have a few cute penguin stamp sets, so I decided to go with the photo!

I started by using my MISTI to line up this little guy, then created a mask for each one before softly inking the background. I stenciled the snow with Glimmer Paste to add sparkle, then colored each penguin with Copic markers.

* Heads Up ~ I used some of my Christmas gifts (cash) and finally treated myself to the Picket Fence Studios Life Changing Blender Brush Set...and, I'm in heaven! No streaks or blotches, like I've gotten with sponges. The ink goes on very lightly so it would take quite a while to get a dark background, but since I prefer a soft finish anyway, these brushes are working out beautifully!  

Don't forget the best thing about the Fusion Card Challenge is that you can choose between the sketch and the inspiration photo, or both! My teammates have created some amazing cards to inspire everyone, so feel free to stop by the blog...we would love to see your take on the challenge!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps & Dies: MFT - Snow Special
Stancil: SSS - Falling Snow
Ink: TH - Salty Ocean; Gina K Designs - Amalgam Ink (Black)
Misc: Nuvo - Glimmer Paste (Moonstone); Copic markers

Challenge me a Christmas Card

Hi there blog friends ~ 

Several weeks ago, my Fusion teamie Michelle Lupton invited me to join her for her annual 'Challenge me a Christmas Card Series'. Michelle invites a guest to challenge her with a Christmas card theme, product or technique, then she and her guest post their interpretation of the challenge...

I've been eager to try the Alcohol Lift Ink Technique again, and Michelle agreed. I found an old Hero Arts stamp set with lots of details and created this card:

I started by inking the background from the top about 1/2 way down, and when dry I added the falling snow with Glimmer Paste. Then, I used alcohol ink on Yupo Paper in 2 colors and applied alcohol lift ink to the stamps. On screen, it looks a bit like emboss resist, but in person, the effect is rather unique. I wanted to keep the card as CAS as possible, so I fussy cut the trees, die cut the snow drift, and added the sentiment...and that was it :)

If you would like to learn more about this technique, Jen McGuire has a blog post and video tutorial...Here ~

I would like to take a moment to thank Michelle for inviting me to play along in her Challenge me a Christmas Card Series...I had a lot of fun creating my card and can't wait to see what Michelle created with this technique!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: Hero Arts - Merry Christmas Trees; MFT - Birdie Brown Greetings Galore
Dies: MFT - Surf & Turf (snowdrift)
Ink: Alcohol Ink - Pistachio, Turquoise; Versafine Onyx Black; Tim Holtz - Tumbled Glass
Misc: Tonic Nuvo - Glimmer Paste (Moonstone); SSS - Falling Snow Stencil; Tim Holtz - Alcohol Lift-Ink, Yupo Paper

Addicted to CAS Challenge #141 - Summertime

Hello again, blog friends! It's time for a new challenge at Addicted to CAS, and this time our code word is 'Summertime'!

I started by stenciling the waves with Salty Ocean, then went over the entire panel with Tumbled Glass. All of the elements were colored with Copic markers with a little sparkle on the flowers and Glossy Accents on the glass.

I also added a few tiny water drops with Glossy Accents...here is a close-up:

We have a super talented Guest Designer for this challenge ~ Gerrina, and as always, Happy Little Stampers is awarding a $20.00 GC to the winner! If you would like to play along, pull out your favorite summertime stamps and dies and submit your card to our gallery! 

Have a great weekend ~ 

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps & Dies: MFT - Penguins in Paradise
Stencil: SSS Waves Stencil
Misc: Copic Markers; Glossy Accents; Wink of Stella - Clear Sparkle Pen

Addicted to CAS Challenge #137 - Sea

Hi there! It's time for a new challenge at Addicted to CAS and we have an awesome code word to inspire you...Sea! Stephanie is our hostess and as always, Happy Little Stampers is our Sponsor, offering a $20.00 GC for the winner! Also, the fabulous Claire A. is our Guest Designer.

After watching This Video by Laura Bassen, I thought her technique would work perfectly with the SSS waves stencil. I've been hoarding my Nuvo Moonstone Glimmer Paste, and thought I'd better start using it before it dries out :) 

This Mermazing set is new to me, so after I set aside the background, I colored the images with Copic markers. I placed all of my sea creatures inside the oval and added a few Rainstones; the sentiment was embossed with Gold EP, and that was it!

Feel free to stop by the ATCAS Blog and check out all the beautiful cards my teamies created for this challenge...maybe you'll even be inspired to play along!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: MFT - Mermazing
Dies: MFT - Mermazing, Stitched Oval STAX
Stencil: SSS - Waves
Ink: Versamark; Mermaid Lagoon; Peacock Feathers
Misc: Copic Markers; Nuvo Glimmer Paste; PTI - Rainstones; Spectrum Noir Clear Shimmer Pen; Gold Embossing Powder

Addicted to CAS Challenge #122 - Pumpkins

Hi there blog friends,

It's time for a new challenge at Addicted to CAS and just in time for autumn, our theme is 'Pumpkins'! Here is my card:

I wanted to add texture to this card so I used texture paste with the diagonal stripes stencil and Peerless watercolors for the pumpkins. Thank heaven I was finished working on the pumpkins because right afterward I spilled a cup of water onto the yellow/orange/red Peerless swatches...YIKES ~ What a mess!

Anyway, all are welcome to join us over at ATCAS and don't forget we always have a lovely prize for the winner...this time it's a GC from Create a Smile Stamps ~ Hope to see you there!

Have a great weekend ~ Thanks so much for stopping by,

Supplies:
Stamps: PTI - Spooky Smiles (Sentiment)
Dies: SSS - Stitched Pumpkins; MFT - Blueprints 15 (Stitched Border)
Stencil: SSS Diagonal Stripes
Watercolors: Peerless
Gems: PTI - Rainstones

CASology Challenge - 'Juicy'; CAS Watercolor August Challenge - 'Salt'

Hi there ~ I'm back to share 2 cards but before I do, I just want to thank you all for your sweet thoughts and lovely condolences since we had to say goodbye to our furry sidekick, Movado ~ You are all so kind!

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First up is this week's CASology Challenge for the theme 'Juicy'! 

There's nothing like a bowl of sweet and juicy fruit...especially at this time of year! So, I started with stenciling the front panel with PTI's 'Sunburst' in 2 shades of yellow, then used SSS 'You're So Sweet' stamps and dies for the fruit and sentiment. A good coat of Glossy Accents on everything and this card was finished :)

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 The theme for the August CAS Watercolor Challenge is 'Salt'. Loll and Bonnie provided several video tutorials for us, but I happened to have a video from Jen McGuire which I used for the galaxy background on this card:

It's difficult to see the effects of the salt (Sea Salt & Kosher Salt) on screen, but this background really sparkles in person! I also added a few teeny-tiny star gems which were part of a 'Happy Mail' package from my sweet friend Betty a few years ago :) I used Grout Gray for the card base and embossed it with PTI Linen/Canvas Impression Plate. The astronaut and sentiment are from MFT 'Space Explorer' set. 

Here is a close up of the card:

Have a wonderful week ahead...Thanks so much for stopping by,