Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Want to Share?



Meet Frenchie Leon, a digi from Make it Crafty and he's colored with Copic markers.  The letters asking if you want some of his ice cream are die cut using the Die-Versions Casting Call font.


Copics used: E00, E01, E11, R20    E33, E97, E99, E39   YG93, YG95, YG97, C2   N2, N4, N5, N7    RV23, RV55, COO, E55, E57    Y32, E42, E43    YR31, YR21, YR24    B21, B26 (palette method)

Be sure to visit the Die-Versions blog for more great inspiration using these oh-so-fun dies.



Monday, January 28, 2013

Never too late...


This Free Spirited Hat Ladies rubber stamp set from Sparkle N Sprinkle is full of fun images and sentiments.  I've paired Sadie and Gertie with the Never Too Late sentiment.  


Both ladies are colored with Copic markers (Gertie just loves her animal prints!) and then I added Gypsy Red velvet glitter to Sadie's dress, head band, and shoes.  Not to be outdone, Purple Potion velvet glitter is Gertie's favorite color choice for her accessories.  Goldenrod velvet glitter is the finishing touch for their earrings.

The image is then die cut using the Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Sketchbook die.  The backdrop for the girls is actually a recycled piece of copy paper.  Whenever I spritz or spray something with any of the shimmery spritz bottles that on the market, I lay down a piece of white copy paper.  When it's covered with color, I then try to use it in one of my projects.

To create the glittery sentiment, I used Stickum powder  to adhere the Gypsy Red velvet glitter.  (Be sure to read the instructions on how to use this product- but it's easy to do.)

Although I don't use too many flowers on my projects, I decided that was exactly what was needed here.  I created the handmade roses using the Spellbinders' Rose Creations dies and the Foliage die for the leaves.  I added some brushable glue to the edges and sprinkled them with Cloud Nine velvet glitter for a bit of sparkle and the look of morning dew.  The final steps were to add some fibers and a vintage button.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Hibiscus


We want to see your altered or recycled projects for Pattie's Creations Challenge #60.  It's alway fun to think of new ways to add new life to older items.  Once you start thinking about how to recycle everyday items, you'll look at every thing in a different light going forward.


This hibiscus image was one of the monthly freebies that Pattie posts on the first Friday of each month on the blog (look at the very top for the button).  So be sure to mark your calendars to snag one of her fabulous images for free.

Can you guess what I recycled for today's card?  It's the tulle behind the main flower.  It originally was the wrapping for a bar of handmade soap someone gave me.  So not only is it pretty, it smells nice too.

I used the same image and resized it multiple times to create the background as well as the focal point.  Being able to resize your image easily is one of the many things to love about digis.  Both the background and the main flower are colored with Copic markers.  I fussy cut out the large hibiscus and added Raspberry Soda glitter and Glossy Accents to the petals (to simulate dewdrops).  After positioning everything to see how I liked the arrangement, I decided the background was a bit too vibrant.  So, I covered the entire thing with double sided adhesive and covered it with Cloud Nine glitter.  Now, not only is it shimmery, but it had the muted look I was going for.

Now it's your turn to create something altered or recycled.  You have two weeks to complete the challenge and upload it to Pattie's Creations Design Challenge.  Don't forget to check out what the rest of the team has created too.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

A Dozen Roses



Here is a quick and easy Valentine's card using the Die-Versions A Dozen Roses die and a couple of rubber stamps.  I die cut the image, colored it with various shades of Twinking H2O's and stamped the cute cupid and a row of hearts along the bottom.  Like I said, quick and easy.

Monday, January 21, 2013

You Are...Unique


 I had an Andy Warhol color blocking idea running through my head when I saw this rubber stamp from the Sparkle N Sprinkle set Art Deco Ladies.  I stamped the image four times with VersaMark and heat embossed each one with a different color embossing powder: Cerulean, Concord, Japanese Lacquer, and Copper.  I fussy cut each one and then created the embossed blocks behind each one using the same four SNS embossing powders.


The "You Are" (Express Edge) and "Unique" (Stagelights font) are new CHA release dies from Die-Versions.  I die cut the Express Edge on top of the card base and then die cut it a second time to adhere to the sides of the card.  These new Express Edge dies are so cool and fun to use, not to mention how versatile they are!  The letters forming the "Unique" are covered with SNS Reflection velvet glitter, but it didn't show up in the photo at all.  Notice the black strip between the panels?  It's 1/2" Tear-ific tape that I heat embossed with Black Detail embossing powder.  If you didn't know the SNS Tear-ific tape could withstand the heat from a heat gun, well it can!

Enjoy your day!

Friday, January 18, 2013

Flocked Rose Vase

For the Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog Hop post, please scroll down, or click here.



Here is a different take on the newVase of Roses die from Die-Versions. You can see my CAS (clean and simple) version here.

I think this is such a versatile die and can be used for anything from Valentines, to birthdays, to sympathy cards.  For this one, I used flock from Sparkle N Sprinkle - Canary and Palm Leaf on the roses and Aqua Water for the edging around each block.  The vase is colored with Copics.  I also pop-dotted the entire die above my background for added dimension.  Don't forget to check out the Die-Versions blog and the Die-Versions Facebook page for more great inspiration.



Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Zendoodle Accordion 3D card


front
Welcome to the first Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog Hop of 2013!  All of the designers are so excited to show you some fancy folds that will hopefully inspire you as well.



I've created an Accordion 3D card using the Sizzix Bigz die - Album, Accordion Flip 3D and the Zendoodle Flowers stamp set from Sparkle N Sprinkle.  This card (or you could create an album) takes a bit of time to complete, but the results are worth it.  I created each of my individual panels before assembling the entire thing.

open
This is the front view when opened and the back view.  I left two of the panels blank on the back side in order to add a message at a later date.
back side - open
All of the backgrounds are cut with Spellbinder label die and then I added different glitters and techniques to each to compliment the various images I used.
panel 1 (front)
Ingredients: Cloud Nine velvet glitter (colored with alcohol inks - see SNS technique here),  Sparkle N Soft Sun Dazzle flocking, Palm Leaf flocking

Panel 2
Ingredients: Moonrise tinsel glitter, Staz-On (see SNS technique here), Cloud Nine velvet glitter, dimensional glue, Copic markers, dimensional dots

Panel 3
Ingredients: Cyclamen glitter, Amethyst Spray embossing powder, Forest Green embossing powder, Distress Markers
Panel 4
Ingredients: Cloud Nine velvet glitter (colored with alcohol inks), Copic markers, dimensional dots

Panel 5
Raspberry Soda glitter, Copic markers, gem

Panel 6 (back)
Ingredients:  Cloud Nine velvet glitter, Staz-On


Before assembling the panels, I also stamped the Zendoodle Leaf image with Memento Summer Sky for a subtle pattern on the solid cardstock.   

You should have come from Shona's blog; if not you may want to start at the beginning: Sparkle N Sprinkle's blog.  Be sure to visit each of the Sprinkle N Sparkle designers and leave all of us a comment in order to be eligible for a fantastic prize.  (Trust me, once you start using these glitters, flocking, or embossing powders you won't want to use any other manufacturer!)  In addition, three of the designers are mystery hosts and prizes will be chosen from those comments as well.

Your next stop will be Karin.  For the complete list of designers and rules, please visit the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog.  You have four days to complete the blog hop, so if you have to stop in the middle, you can always pick back up and continue looking at all the great inspiration.  Also, as a reminder, the entire People category at SNS are on sale (15% off) for the entire month.  Thanks for joining us for this month's Fancy Folds blog hop.  Good luck and have fun hopping.


Monday, January 14, 2013

You Are......A Star


Front - closed
Die-Versions has come out with some really cool dies (37 of them to be exact) for CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) this year and this easel card shows off two of them.  The first is the new and oh so fun Express Edge die, "You Are" and the second is the new font called Casting Call.

As you can see when the card is open, I've cut the Express Edge sentiment directly on top of the cardstock.  You can place these anywhere you want for lots of options.  The "red carpet" is covered with Tomato Red tincel glitter from Sparkle N Sprinkle.  This image, by Mayzy Arts, is colored with Copics and she looks red carpet ready in her sparkly dress, which is covered with Cloud Nine glitter from SNS as are the letters in the sentiment.

You'll definitely want to check out the Die-Versions Blog for more great ideas showcasing the new CHA releases.  As soon as you see some of the other ways the team has used the Express Edges, you'll have to them too.

I'm also entering this in the following challenge: Mayzy Arts (anything goes).

Friday, January 11, 2013

Snow Fun


After a nice holiday break, Pattie's Creations is all ready for the new challenges for 2013.  The first one of the year is all about having fun in the snow.

 Pattieboop Winter Snowflakes, which can be found at Pattie's Etsy Store, is a perfect image depicting fun in the snow.  She's colored with Copics and I added Diamond Dust to her "fur" accessories and a Snow Writer was used to create the snow.  The sentiment is a rubber stamp that I heat embossed with Amethyst Spray embossing  powder by Sparkle N Sprinkle.


Be sure to visit the challenge blog to see what the rest of the team has created for you. You have two weeks to upload your idea of fun in the snow.   You'll also want to mark your calendars as Pattie's Etsy store will be having a 40% off sale January 18 - January 27.  Use the code ALLIE2 at checkout for the 40% off discount.  This gives you time to get a great image for this challenge as well as stock up for future challenges.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Love Fairy


Sparkle N Sprinkle has new stampette sets debuting today and I thought I would share a project I made with one of them.  This set is called Love Fairy (00-483P6-C) and includes 9 different rubber stamps.  I incorporated 4 of them on this project.

To start off, I used the Emboss Resist technique to create my background panel.  For those that aren't sure how to do this technique - it's really quick and simple.  Begin by randomly stamping your image with Versamark onto solid cardstock.  Heat emboss with clear embossing powder.  Next, using Distress Inks (or inks of your choice), begin laying color over the entire areas.  I combined Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick, and Festive Berries and blended them using a blending tool until I was happy with the look.  After you've finished with the blending, take a paper towel or soft cloth and gently wipe across the area.  The embossing powder resists the ink and leaves the background color showing through.

After the background was finished, I heat embossed the fairy with Vintage embossing powder, colored the image with Copic markers, and fussy cut that out.  The Vintage embossing powder is very shimmery and therefore, pretty hard to get a good photo of.  But it looks really cool in person.   To create the little note that's in her hands, I blended the same Distress Inks on a scrap piece of cardstock and heat embossed the Envelope with Black Detail embossing powder.  Using Japanese Lacquer (my new favorite color - at least this month),  I heat embossed my sentiment inside the little envelope and then fussy cut out the entire thing.  I pop dotted both the note and the fairy above my background to make it look like she was flying.  Lastly, I added a couple of mats and a double bow.  Viola - a cute little Valentine card all ready to be sent to your favorite Valentine.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Lovebirds



Another of the January 2013 new release from Die-Versions is this wonderful image of Lovebirds.  Instead of a Valentine's card, I decided it would be a perfect image for someone getting married.  It would also be a great choice for an anniversary card.

After cutting the image, I went over the entire area with metallic Distress Stains.  If you've seen past posts, you know how I love to incorporate the negative pieces of the die when I can.  I used four of the hearts, inked them up with Distress Stains (Spun Sugar) and laid them flat against the card base.  I then pop dotted the dove image above the hearts for a dimensional look.  Add some pearls with a Viva Decor Pearl Pen, some lace (colored with the Distress Stains), and a dash of ribbon and you have a quick and easy card for the newlyweds.


Friday, January 4, 2013

Zendoodle Flowers layout


Today I lave a layout that incorporates the Zendoodle Flowers rubber stamp set from Sparkle N Sprinkle, washi tape, dies, Distress Stains, flock, and lots of glitter.  I have to say right off the bat how hard it is to capture all the dimension and sparkly glitter that's on this page.  So I've got several photos to try to do just that.

 The first thing I did was to add some texture/interest to my solid piece of cardstock by applying Distress Stains (Picked Raspberry) directly to a piece of bubble wrap and randomly laying it down on the cardstock.  For the doily (from Cheery Lynn Designs), I applied the Distress Stains to my craft sheet, spritzed it with water, and ran my white cardstock through the puddles.  This gave it the contrast I was looking for.









I ran a leaf ribbon up the left side of the page and added the Zendoodle Daisy and Zendoodle Leaf multiple times (after fussy cutting each of them out).  I also added the Stem Daisy around the photos.  All of the flower heads are pop dotted for added dimension, as well as one of the butterflies.  The rest of the butterflies are stamped directly onto the cardstock base.  My sentiment is from Die-Versions Make-a-date die. (Since the dates don't go back that far, I cut and pasted the year together.)  The banner is both washi tape wrapped around a piece of twine and glittered Tear-ific tape (see how to do this here in the SNS Tips and Techniques section).

For more detailed instructions, you can visit the SNS gallery, here.


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Be My Valentine



Love is in the air.  Valentine's will be here before you know it, so you better get started on those cards for you cutie pie.  Die-Versions January 2013 release debuted yesterday and it's all about love.  I have several projects to show you throughout the month, not to mention CHA new releases too.

The Vase of Roses die is so versatile and can be used for lots of things besides Valentines.  (I'll have an example a bit later showing a totally different look using this die.)  This CAS card is super easy.  It basically made itself.  After cutting the image out of cryogen paper (for a bit of shimmer), I added my tag which is a heart punch that I stamped a heart image and my sentiment on.  I attached it to my vase with some sheer ribbon.  The background is embossed with the Spellbinders Diamonds and Stars Impressabilities plate.  I added pearls with my Viva Decor Pearl Pen to the four corners and it's ready to be given to my sweetie.  I also pop dotted a few of the rose blooms for added dimension.

Can't get much simpler than this.  Be sure to check out all the latest Die-Versions releases as well as our Facebook page and the Die-Versions blog.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

SNS January sketch challenge


Happy New Year!!  As we celebrate the beginning of 2013, start thinking about the new Creative Challenge from Sparkle N Sprinkle.  We're starting off the year with a sketch challenge, but there will be other types of challenges in the coming months.  You have one month to play along for a chance at winning some fabulous product from the Sparkle N Sprinkle store.


Beccy Muir is the newest designer to be showcasing her images in the SNS store.  I've used the Old Mailbox digital image and resized it just a bit (one of the many things I love about working with digis).  The image is colored with Copic markers and the flowers/stalks beside the mailbox were covered with Evening Glow glitter for some added sparkle.

Next I fussy cut the image out, added dimensional dots underneath and attached it to my card base, which was designed using Basic Grey papers.  I added vintage buttons, rick rack, and used a decorative corner punch on the top two corners.

As you can see, I followed the sketch pretty closely.  It's an easy one, so get busy and be sure to see what the rest of the SNS designers have created for you as well.  There are some really cool ones that you won't want to miss.