Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Strawberry Ice Cream and Sparkles

Wahoo! I was included with this awesome group at Colour Q for this card. It’s an honor to be a member of the colourQ Courtiers. I always get a happy grin when I’m reading my blog roll and get surprised with one of my creations or name listed on someone else’s blog. Wahoo!

Today I’m sharing a card from an SU card kit. We’ve been having some hot weather in MN and quite a few t-storms. Nothing like an ice cream treat to cool things down. I love the clean lines using heat and stick to apply glitter and always forget to use it. I tend to just make a mess with my glue stick. This works so well for solid images PLUS it’s dry once you set it. My other glitter go to are Stickles and I can’t count the number of times I’ve smudged my card by accidentally touching the drying Stickles. Maybe if I leave my heat and stick out, I’ll use it more. Hmm, it’s more likely that I will just lose the jar on my jumbled desk.

Inspiration
365 Cards Day 130 ~ Ad Inspired
I went with the sugary sweetness of this inspiration photo.
365 Cards Day 143 ~ What’s Cooking (something related to food)
My Creation

Ins and Outs ~ Strawberry Ice Cream and Sparkles
Stamps: Sweet Scoops (Stampin Up)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Riding Hood Red

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Heat n Stick, Dazzling Diamonds, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Square Punch, Checkerboard Texturz Plate

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Shirtless Werewolf Alert

I'm a bit of a Twilight fan, but not as extreme as some. I enjoyed the book series and have been viewing the movies as they are released on video. However, I have a few friends who are among the Twilight obsessed. When I first saw a peek of the stamp set, Fangs or Fur, from Skipping Stones Design, I knew I had to get it. I'd seen a few other Twilight inspired stamps in the market, but this was the first complete set that I'm aware of that includes Edward and Jacob. I patiently waited until the set was actually released so I could make birthday cards for my friends. The cards are a tish late, but my friends didn't mind. The only down side to the set is there's not a single of Edward. Maybe Heather will come out with a follow up set???

Sketch Inspiration ~ Simon Says Challenge

Color Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 128: Color Scheme

 

Image Detail


Inside

Ins and Outs ~ Shirtless Werewolf Alert
Stamps: Fangs of Fur (Skipping Stones Design)
Paper: SU Whisper White, DCWV Fairytale Stack

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics (V95, 99; Y00; E21, 47, 50, 55, 57; YG67; G82; B18, 34); Uniball White Gel Pen

Accessories: CM Circle Punch

Monday, July 26, 2010

CAS Madness in the House

This card is pretty clean and out of my element, but I think I need a few more simple creations now and then. I always admire how elegant other crafters CAS cards come out and the only way I can try to do the same is to practice. Priscilla knows I'm trying to get caught up on her sketches (I still have EIGHTEEN more to go) and one would think if I'd stay current and just pick up one or two a week, I'd reach my goal. Well, I made this card in time to be linked for the week, but I know I'll have just missed the deadline for posting as my weekend computer time is always limited. But, I will not give up. This is another awesome sketch I've conquered - WAHOOOOOO!

Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch #63


Inspiration
Delightful Challenge ~ So Simple (no DP or embellies)
My Creation
I just love this sentimet (always on my mind ~ forever in my heart) as it expresses my feelings for my parents (both peeking from behind the card) who journeyed to heaven far too early.
Ins and Outs ~ All Supplies are from Stampin Up (I'm trying to use up my scraps and inked images so I apologize for not having the full details to share. The set is from SAB and called Good Neighbors).

Friday, July 23, 2010

Get Your Sketch and Metal On with OSCC

I'm posting a tish early, so consider this a sneak peek of the awesome weekly challenge at One Stop Crafts. My weekends become such a blur I often don't get to the computer until late on Sunday and wanted to make sure this was up in case anyone tried to link to it from the OSC Challenge blog. Anyway, babbling aside, there is a really fun sketch to play along with this week. Plus, you are challenged to add metal - grab those eyelets, brads, charms, metallic cording, tinfoil, whatever you have that fits the bill.

I love it when a card comes together, and this one hit all the right spots. I started with awesome images from Tiffany Doodles and sentiments from Skipping Stones Designs, gorgeous colors that perfectly matched an unused paper stack, the embellishments tried to trip me up, but I let them know who was in control (I'll explain that in the image detail below). I hope you like my card and are able to play along with the awesome team over at OSCC. Tiffany Doodles is sponsoring the challenge and you could win some great digis.

Sketch Inspiration ~ One Stop Craft Challenge #90 Sketch and Metal
I added a metal grommet to the center of my flower and used brads and tabs to hold my sentiment.
Color Inspirations
ColourQ Challenge #42
I obviously went with the ORANGE colors of the challenge.
Inspiration
Photo Synthesis DT Call Challenge Blog
This is my last entry for their challenge (one for each photo). I used red and brown tones, a bit of the lined flowers inspired the choice of background paper and flowers.
My Creation

Image Detail
Here's where those embellishments tried to rebel. I only had black or white grommets in my stash. The black just looked too harsh and I really wanted to utilze the grommet for a bit of dimension and the unexpected for the cetner of the sunflower. A bit of futzing with a gold marker and it developed an almost distressed feel. I didn't want it to be solid gold and like the bit of black peeking through.

Inside
The Healing Wings set from Skipping Stones Design has wonderful sentiments.
Ins and Outs ~ Sunflower Sympathy Take 2
Stamps: Healing Wings – sentiments (Skipping Stones Design); Sunflower and Paperkite Butterfly from Tiffany Doodles
Paper: DCWV Mariposa, SU Whisper White and Very Vanilla

Ink: Laser Printer; Copics (R05, 08, 24; YR07, 14, 21; E25, 51, 97); Chocolate Spica, Gelly Roll Clear Star; Gold Marker Uniball White Gel Pen

Accessories: SU grommet, Dimensionals, SU Metal Tabs, Doodlebug Brads

Sunflower Sympathy

I'm quite pleased how this card came out. I was pushing my comfort zone a bit - not my go-to colors and almost half of the bare card base is showing, plus I freehanded a border! Yikes, now that I think of it I'd better take a few deep breaths. LOL. Seriously, I'm thrilled with the final product. Both images were freebies at the Tiffany Doodles blog. I have a thing for sunflowers and butterflies (in fact they will be incorporated to that tattoo I keep putting off - just the $$ factor, not worried about the pain or anything else). I once again used one of the photos on the soon to be launched Photo Synthesis Challenge blog to guide me, in addition to a few other challenges.

Sketch Inspiration ~ Sketches by Tamara #128

Color Inspiration ~ ColourQ Challenge #42
I just discovered this challenge and am in LOVE! Color is my thing and these are so wonderful.

Inspiration
Photo Synthesis DT Call Challenge Blog
For this card, I picked up on the colors (kraft, orangey-reds) and the lines the ribbon and window frame create.

(I’m a bit of a rebel, as I doodle a dizzying flight pattern border for my butterfly)
CDAC Embellishment Challenge #2 ~ Dimension
ABC Challenge ~ Z is for Zig Zag
(I went with the zig zag motion of a butterfly in flight for my interpretation).
My Creation


Image Detail

Inside
Ins and Outs ~ Sunflower Sympathy
Stamps: Healing Wings – sentiments (Skipping Stones Design); Sunflower and Paperkite Butterfly from Tiffany Doodles
Paper: DCWV Mariposa, SU Whisper White, Kraft

Ink: Laser Printer, Copics (R05, 08, 24; YR07, 14, 21; E25, 51, 97); SU Basic Black Marker, Chocolate Spica, Gelly Roll Clear Star

Accessories: Dimensionals

CAS Scrap Card

This card is SUPER quick, easy and simple. As my previous post stated, there’s a new blog on the block, Photo Synthesis Challenge, and part of their goal is to promote projects that use mostly recycled or re-purposed materials, to encourage us all to use what we have better, and to be more eco-friendly by following the motto "Use it up, Wear it Out!" For my card I dug into my scrap bucket (I know we all save those pieces we just might use someday) and challenged myself to only make a card using what I could find in the bucket (other than the base). Amazingly, it wasn’t that difficult, especially using the great inspiration I’ve noted below.
Sketch Inspiration ~ Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #53


Color Inspiration
S2G Twisted Thursday Challenge #66 ~ Orange and HOT
My card is definitely orange, and only the HOT summer sun can help the flowers grow.

Inspiration ~ Photo Synthesis DT Call Challenge Blog
This is a sample of how you can use colors and theme (flowers) to create a clean and quick card.

My Creation


Ins and Outs ~ Oops
Stamps: The bad part about using your scrap pile for a card is you probably won't remember where everything came from . I'm fairly certain all the supplies I used were from Stampin' Up.

Sentimental Journey

It’s been a crafty few weeks for me with my SU friend. She had a card class, then joined with other demonstrators for a huge SU garage sale and next week she’s holding her new catalog open house. Whew, I can’t imagine how tired she must be coordinating all of these events; I’m wiped just attending!

This card is a nice generic one to keep in my stash. It’s good for guys, could be for birthday, farewell, good luck, pretty much anything. Plus it was super quick and easy – my favorite style!

There’s going to be a new challenge on the block and I’m SUPER excited for it. It’s called the Photo-Synthesis Challenge and you’ll be able to glean inspiration from the photo of the week. I love photo inspiration challenges as one can find mojo from the colors, elements, lines, even the smallest snippet can launch your creative brain processor into high gear. The DT call ends today, nothing like waiting until the last minute, so I’ll be posting a few ideas from CAS to fussy and fancy.

I took inspiration from the clean square lines.

Color Inspiration ~ Creative Inspirations Challenge #70 ~ Mint and Chocolate
 
Inspiration ~ Photo Synthesis DT Call Challenge Blog
I pulled inspiration from the tans/browns and tish of green. I also was inspired by the squares and rectangles carried throughout the photo (pillows, drawers, wicker basket, floor boards, artwork).
My Creation
Ins and Outs ~ Sentimental Journey
Stamps: Sentimental Journey (Stampin Up)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Woodland Walk DP

Ink: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Punches (1 3/8” Square, 1” Circle, ¾” Circle, Word Window, Modern Label); Twill Tape; Neutrals Brads

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Quinceanera Card for Ashley

Warning – I fear this will be a long post so please grab a beverage, make a stop in the bathroom if necessary and make yourself comfortable. There’s a bit of story and photos I’ve provided as back story for my card. I hope the card lives up to the pretense. :o)

I wasn’t that familiar with Latino/Mexican traditions, until I met Mr. Gears. I am honored to learn about my new culture and in love with so many of the ceremonies and traditions. Everything has deep historical significance and family is central to everything. The best part is Mr. Gears familia embraces everyone no matter the color of your skin, the size of your pocket book, or what you can do for them. From the moment I met Mr. Gears and his family, I felt like my cup had overflowed. God truly has blessed me.

One of the traditions in Mexican culture is a young lady’s Quinceanera. This is her 15th birthday and historically signified when she became a woman (and I imagine at one time this was the age she was eligible for marriage). I’d compare it to a mash up of an American girl’s Sweet Sixteen and a wedding. The birthday girl is truly treated like a princess. There is a special dedication at her church, she’s flanked with damas (15 female escorts – similar to bridesmaids), dressed to the nines in a formal and tiara, receives significant gifts from her padrinos (godparents) and everything culminates at a big party – complete with grand march, tiered cake, reception, dance….honestly, it’s like a wedding without the groom.

One of the gifts the Quince receives is her last doll. This is to signify the last toy doll she’ll receive as she leaves childhood behind. Mr. Gears and I sponsored our niece’s doll a few years ago and were asked to do so for our cousin this year. All I really did was have the contact as one of my aunts is a talented seamstress and doll collector. She custom designs bride dolls to match the real woman and gown (I will try to share photos of my own doll later). She created a similar doll for my niece and it was well received.

Next weekend our sweet Ashley celebrates her Quinceanera. She requested a gown be made for her favorite child hood doll instead of getting a new doll. This turned out to be a fun twist in the process. Ashley cherishes her Molly the Dolly that her grandparents gave her. She wanted Molly to have a matching gown to hers for the party. I snapped photos of the doll, the gown, the princess, got a snip of fabric and enlisted my aunt’s talents. In photo summary:

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Isn’t Molly adorable? Ashley is pretty amazingly beautiful as well. I can only imagine how she’ll look next weekend at the celebration. The sad news with the celebration is that Mr. Gears and I aren't able to attend. A few unexpected expenses zapped our Texas vacation fund. I know Ashley's mom will take lots of pictures and tell us all about it.

Of course it’s only appropriate that I make a card that also matches. My aunt was sure to tuck in a few fabric and ribbon scraps with Molly so I could create a custom card. So let’s get to it! I used a few awesome challenges to let my MoJo flow.

I was an advertising major and when I saw Pam’s sketch I immediately though of the visual ‘Z’ our eyes make when scanning something. I used the elements and the line of the dress to make a similar pattern.

Color Inspiration ~ CDAC Color Challenge #2 ~ Pink

Inspiration
I don’t have a cartoon character on my card, however Molly the Dolly is part of the Big Comfy Couch family from the 80’s cartoon and brought all kinds of inspiration to the card.
365 Cards Day 97 ~ Super Size It (folded, the dimensions are at least 5.5"x8.5")
I wanted to make an oversized card to allow better manipulation of the fabric and a tighter scale. I didn’t have a dig image large enough, so I stamped the girl from my set and scanned it in so I could enlarge it.

Real Life Inspiration
Other than Ashley, I used the dress as my main inspiration. My aunt had so much fun she made a second dress to fit a Barbie that reminded her of Ashley. AMAZING!

My Creation
I enlarged close ups of the actual dress and printed them in color for custom background paper.

Image Detail
Not a lot of coloring since real fabric is covering the bulk of the dress. Since I'd used a scan of an inked image, there was a bit of graininess in the image.
The dress on the card is made with netting overlayed on a piece of satin, topped with a snippet of ribbon (all scraps from Molly's dress). I had some mini flowers used in corsages that I used to create a 3D bouqet. There's a snippet of netting there as well.

Inside
I found a Quinceanera verse online and printed it out. The mat is another custom DP from an actual photo of the dress.
Whew! Thanks for hanging in there on the ride. I usually try to keep my ramblings to a minimum, but when I create for such personal reasons I like to share the story as well. I hope you like the card and would love to hear if you've ever created something similar.
Ins and Outs ~ Quinceanera Card for Ashley
Stamps: Quinceanera (Stampin Up)
Paper: SU Whisper White, Computer Generated, SU DP

Ink: Laser Printer; Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics (RV000, 00, 09, 19, 21; E30, 31; C9); Spicas (Clear, Pink, Pitch Black); Gelly Roll Clear Star, Uniball White Gel Pen

Accessories: Pop Up Dots, Fabric, Ribbon, Flowers

Purses and Men

A coworker and friend of mine recently made a split with her live in boyfriend of several years. It was a situation where they were both at different stages in life and they realized they’d be better as friends than a couple. I wanted to give her a card that was somewhat light hearted, but also let her know I was here if she needs me. Even though our brains know a decision is best for us, our hearts can still hurt.

I’m so fortunate to be able to play with a completely NEW stamp set from Skipping Stones Design (so new it doesn’t even have a name yet). It’s a great girlfriend set and I’m honored to give you a sneak peek.
 
Sketch Inspiration ~ Skipping Stones Sketch #32


Color Inspiration
This week over at One Stop Crafts Challenge, there's a color inspiration challenge. It's my week off from DT duties, but the colors were so fun, I had to play along. There's still time to join us and win a fab prize.
One Stop Crafts Challenge #89 ~ Color Splash


Inspiration
KL Stampin and Scrappin Challenge #39 ~ Ribbon
365 Cards Day 109 ~ Stripes and Bold Colors with a Twist (only 4 colors)
365 Cards Day 142 ~ Beautiful Background (fill background with ribbon)

My Creation

Image Detail

Ins and Outs ~ Purses and Men
Stamps: Skipping Stones Designs
Paper: SU Whisper White, DCWV, The Paper Studio

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics (YG11, 13; RV09, 14; R24, 29; BG0000; B000, 02, 05); Spicas (Silver, Red, Melon, Pink)

Accessories: SU Ribbons

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Fishing at Sunset

This card was so much fun as I got to play with LOTS of my Copics. I'm not quite sure I love the sunset, but after I futzed so long with it I needed to walk away. Next time I'll try more of a 'halo' affect around the image instead of solid color. It still came together okay in the end. I left the inside blank as I don't have a specific use for the card yet. I like to keep my masculine cards generic so I can quickly adapt them to whatever comes up.
Sketch Inspiration ~ Stamp Simply #148

We are to use warm and cool colors that are clearly separated. My warm sunset contrasts with the cool water.

Inspiration
DP2 Challenge #40 ~Masculine
S2G Challenge #65 ~ Water, Waves, Wetness
Daring Cardmakers ~ We Are Sailing
Secret Crafter Challenge #92 ~ Summer Holidays

My Creation


Image Detail
Ins and Outs ~ Fishing at Sunset
Stamps: Fishing (Mo Manning Digi)
Paper: SU Whisper White, DCWV, Basic Grey (Nook & Pantry)

Ink: Laser Printer; Copics (YR02, 04; Y02, 11, 15, 17; E00, 40, 49, 50, 53, 55, 57; G40, 82, 85, 99; BG10; R29; C1, 3, 5; V12, 15; BV13, 20, 29; B18, 24, 32, 39, 41); Spicas (Olive, Lemon, Silver, Gold, Sand); Uniball White Gel Pen

Accessories: Diamond Glaze, Heidi Grace Epoxy Sticker

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Hollyhocks for Grandma


This card was created completely with a full heart. When I saw the image on McMahon Five's digital store, I knew it was meant for me. I grew up across the shelter belt from my Grandma and spent most of my free time, especially summers, with her. We'd listen to old showtunes and find some type of craft. Grandma was very resourceful and repurposed everyday items before it was the hip thing to do. My favorite pastime was making paper dolls with her. She could make the most detailed, elaborate chains which always amazed me. In the summer we'd have a Hollyhock Wedding. She taught me how to take a full holly hock bloom and a bud and piece them together with a toothpick to make a beautiful flower doll. We fill a small tray with water and the dolls would 'float'. My mom shared this tradition with me as well and I hope to have my own hollyhocks at our home one day. Scroll down to see a photo of one of the dolls and PLEASE leave a note if you're familiar with this crafty creation. I'd love to hear other's stories of the flower dolls. Oh yeah, my weddings were always just the girls. I guess the guys were out in the yard or something. :o)

The sentiment is meaningful as I miss both my parents terribly and Florida is a long way from Minnesota so I only get to visit Grandma once a year or so. I currently have the card propped up on my desk next to photos of my mom and dad. I do miss them so much.

Sketch Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Day 43 ~ White Space

Three generations of amazing crafty women. This photo was taken in 2007 (a few months after my mom's cancer diagnosis) when we visited Grandma in Florida. I'd venture to say blue is one of our favorite colors!

Here's one of the beautiful dolls. If you placed it just right there would be 2 eyes looking at you.

My Creation

Image Detail
Ins and Outs ~ Hollyhocks for Grandma
Stamps: McMahon Five Hollyhock Digi
Paper: SU Whisper White, DCWV, The Paper Studio

Ink: Laser Printer; Copics (RV000, 14, 21, 29; YG0000; G40, 82, 85); Spicas (Blossom, Pink); Gelly Roll Clear Star

Accessories: Ribbon Scrap