Wednesday, December 20, 2017

3-D Christmas Tree {Scrapy Land #80}



Hey everyone, it's time for a new Scrapy Land ChallengeThe theme is always Anything Goes using any brand of die that Scrapy Land sells.

This month, the Designers had another fun card exchange with each other.  This time it was Christmas cards.  I created this card (and box) for Maryvonne and received a gorgeous tag and card (along with some sweet goodies) from Sherrie.

Dies used:
Sizzix - Christmas Tree - Flip and Fold
Sizzix - Home For the Holiday
Sizzix - Retro Christmas
Tonic Studios - shaped die set (any shaped layering set would work)

I added Golden Silver glitter to the inset areas for more sparkle.  The star was given added bling from a Spectrum Noir glitter marker (Sparkle). 



For the inside, I used my finger tool and Nuvo Embellishment Mousse (Mother of Pearl, Indian Gold) to add a bit of color to the white cardstock base.


More Golden Silver glitter was applied to the "Merry" and Clear embossing powder was applied to the "Christmas" for a high gloss look.

I also decorated a box that held the card as well as a few goodies.


Although it's hard to tell in the photo, the snow banks and trees are covered Nuvo Glitter Drops (White Blizzard).

You have until Dec 31 to play along with us at the Scrapy Land Challenge.  Two winners are selected, one random and one chosen by the Design Team.  Each winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to go shopping at Scrapy Land.

Wishing everyone a very Merry of Christmas and a wonderful 2018!


Monday, December 18, 2017

3D Winter Wonderland



Products used:
Sparkle embossing powder - EP107
Elephant flock - FL111
Amber Wheat flock - FL116
Tonic Studios - Christmas Header Fold Winter Wonderland die - 1410E 
Tonic Studios - Starry, Starry Night Simply Screens
Nuvo Glimmer Paste - Golden Crystal - 950N
Nuvo Glimmer Paste - Emerald - 955N
Nuvo Glimmer Paste - Peridot - 958N
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Red Berry - 667N
Nuvo Crystal Drops - Gloss White - 651N
Nuvo Glitter Accents - Fresh Snowfall - 948N
Dreamweaver stencil - LG651
Penny Black die - Moose
Impression Obsession - Rabbit set

Winter officially begins in a few days, but I know a lot of people have already had lots of snow.  They are even predicting a few snow flurries in my area, which is unusual for the South.



To create today's winter playground for a few furry friends, I started off by cutting a large piece of white cardstock (8 1/2" x 5 1/4") and adding the tree using a Dreamweaver's stencil and Nuvo Glimmer Paste (Emerald, Peridot, Golden Crystal).  I applied the Peridot Green first, as it was the lighter of the two colors, and then added a little of the Emerald Green.  I applied the Golden Crystal to the star.  I quickly removed the stencil (dropped it in a pan of warm, soapy water) and used my finger tool to combine the two greens together and fill in some of the open areas.  This stencil has a lot of open areas, but I wanted a dense tree.  I let this dry for completely before adding my ornaments (Nuvo Crystal Drops - Red Berry).  Next I squeezed some Nuvo Glitter Accents (Fresh Snow) onto the background and spread it around with my handy dandy finger tool. :-).  Gloss White Nuvo Crystal Drops were also added for some falling snow.

Next I die cut my moose (a Penny Black die) and a couple bunnies (Impression Obsession - Rabbit set) and colored them with Copic markers.  Amber Wheat flocking was added to the Moose's antlers and Elephant grey flocking was added to the bunny tails.

Here's what the background looks like before adding the front:



For the front of my project, I cut another piece of white cardstock the same size as the background.  I used the Tonic Studios Winter Wonderland die set to add my sentiment and then die cut the huge snowflakes using the Tonic Studios Starry, Starry Night Simply Screens die set.



After the front was die cut, I heat embossed it using Sparkle embossing powder.  The front was adhered to the background, leaving a slight curve in the center.  To allow for the curve, the background piece was cut to 8 1/8" x 5 1/4".


Monday, December 11, 2017

Special Friend


The following products were used:

Ornate Greetings stamp set - 00-880P5
VersaMark - VM001
Encore metallic ink (Tsukineko) - Gold


Today's post is sharing two of the thirteen new microfine glitters that were just released from Sparkle N Sprinkle and a sneak peek at one of the new stamp sets being released in January.

I started out by die cutting the Tonic Studios die from white cardstock and then using the Glueless Glitter technique to add Caspia Sea microfine glitter to the intricate brambles.  Be sure to save the negative piece that cuts out the center.  I added dimensional tape to all four sides of the die cut as well as various parts toward the center, as I wanted to have the sentiment recessed in the center.

To create the sentiment, I used the negative piece that I saved and covered it with VersaMark and then heat set Velvet Sparkle embossing powder for a subtle shimmery background.  Using the Tim Holtz Stamping Platform and the Stamping On Embossing Powder technique, I added my sentiment.  This is one of four from the upcoming Ornate Greetings stamp set.  In order to stamp on embossing powder (or glitter), it is much easier to use some kind of stamp positioner so that you can apply the ink multiple times.  The Stamping Platform is by far my favorite type of stamp positioner that I've used (and I've tried a bunch!).

Now that all the pieces of my card are ready, I created the card base.  I used the largest outline die from this same set and die cut a piece of Super Adhesive Sheet.  The back side of the super adhesive sheet was adhered to white cardstock. After exposing the adhesive on the top, I added the glittered bramble die cut piece and then gently pushed the sentiment down in the center.  Next I poured Purple Fig microfine glitter over the rest of the card base, covering the rest of the exposed adhesive.

Until next time.... 😀

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Hey Y'all {Scrapy Land #79}



It's Wednesday and that means it's time for a new Scrapy Land Challenge.  The theme is always Anything Goes using any brand of die that Scrapy Land sells.

I felt like making something other than a holiday card today (although I'm still behind on making my Christmas cards 😮).  Today's card is definitely bright in person and it makes me smile every time I look at it.

The following dies were used to create this card:


Cheery Lynn Designs: 3D Rooster
Frantic Stamper: Hey Y'all
Taylored Expressions: Ray of Sunshine cutting plate
Sue Wilson Designs: Noble dies - Ornate Pierced Rectangles

I started off by die cutting the rooster from white cardstock and coloring him with Copic markers.  I die cut him a second time from black cardstock to use as a shadow.  I love how his feathers fluff up for a great 3D look.



Next came the sunny background.  I wanted this to be dimensional as well.  After die cutting from white cardstock, I flipped it over and taped the center and the edges of the rays near the center so that they wouldn't lift out.  Next I applied Distress Inks and Oxides (Fired Brick, Fossilized Amber, Spiced Marmalade) to the front until I was happy with the results.  To get the dimension on the individual rays, I added pop dots in various depths to back of each ray.  That way, some of the rays were higher than others.  The card base was die cut using the Sue Wilson die.



This was a pretty quick and easy card to make and I was quite happy with the results.

Now it's your turn to join us.  You have until December 17 to play along in the Scrapy Land Challenge.  There are two winners, a random winner and a winner chosen by the Design Team.  Each winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to go shopping at Scrapy Land.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Snow Thankful


This is such a cute stamp called Snowman Couple from Sparkle N Sprinkle.  I can think of several different ways to use this sweet couple including Christmas, a winter anniversary, or as a thank you card just to name a few.




I started out by stamping the image using the Stamp Platform and Memento Ink (Tuxedo Black).  Then Koh-I-Noor colored pencils were used to color the image.  After fussy cutting out the image, Orchid glitter was added to her hat band, Fire Engine Red glitter was added to the heart, Waterscape glitter outlines the snowmen bodies, and Bubblegum glitter gives the ornaments added sparkle.  Shaved Ice was added to the snow.




The background was die cut using a Tonic Studios die from their specialty paper (Craft Perfect Embossed Paper - English Lace).  The English Lace reminded me of snow flakes.  In order to give this specialty paper added bling, I lightly sprayed it with a spray adhesive and covered it with more Waterscape glitter.


The sentiment was stamped with Memento Ink (Grape Jelly) and quickly heat embossed with Clear Detail embossing powder.  Then it was die cut using a Simon Says Stamp die (Stitched Circles).  The embellishment behind the sentiment is an Obsession Impression die (Tied Line), which was heat embossed with Fabulous Grape embossing powder.    The little snowflake (Sizzix) was die cut from a piece of Super Adhesive Sheets and covered with Waterscape glitter.  I used a Copic marker to outline the edges of the snowflake to give it a slight purple cast.  Tonic Studios mirrored cardstock (Purple Mist) was used for the card base.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Cat's Meow



This was a fun birthday card to create.  I recycled some junk mail for the presents  (these were fussy cut out from a larger sheet) and used the Cat's Meow rubber stamp set from Sparkle N Sprinkle to embellish those presents.  What cat doesn't like boxes, whether it's getting into them or sitting on top of them?

I used the Stamp Platform to stamp the two cats onto white cardstock.  (Be sure to leave the stamps in place.)  Then I colored the images with Koh-I-Nor colored pencils.  Once this step was completed, I placed the cardstock with stamped and colored images back on the Stamp Platform and stamped on top of the colored images with VersaMark and heat set with Clear Detail embossing powder.  This gives you great details and is an extra step that I do most every time.








For the background, I started out by dry embossed a piece of orange cardstock with a Tonic Studios embossing folder (Modern Chevron). Then I covered the entire piece with VersaMark and Sparkle embossing powder and heat set.  Just as the name of the embossing powder implies, this gives it lots of bling.

I adhered the packages with 1/4" Tear-ific Tape and then pop dotted the cats on top of the packages. Bubble Gum glitter was added to both cats' noses and the inside of their ears. Sunny Daze glitter gives the little butterfly the grey tom cat is holding its sparkle.

The Happy Birthday die cuts are from a Sizzix set (Balloons Step Up) and were die cut from white cardstock.  The letters were given lots of bling using the Glue-less Glitter techniqueVersaMark and Clear Detail embossing powder are first applied, then another layer of VersaMark and Denim velvet glitter.  The shadows are covered with Sparkle embossing powder.

The sentiment, which is part of this rubber set was die cut using a die from another Sizzix set (Ticket-Fold A Long).  Using the Stamp Platform, I stamped the sentiment with a Nuvo Hybrid Ink pad (Empire Blue).  I decided I wanted the entire die cut to be shiny, so I covered it with VersaMark and heat set Clear Detail embossing powder over it.  This was then given a bit of dimension by adding a pop dot in the center of the die cut and gluing down the two ends.


Tonic Studios Mirror cardstock (Glossy Black) was used for the card base. To complete my birthday card package, Goldenrod glitter was applied to a strip of 1/2" Tear-ific Tape to create my glitter ribbon. 

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

BOO! {Scrapy Land # 78}


inside

It's time for a new Scrapy Land Challenge.  The theme is always Anything Goes using any brand of die that Scrapy Land sells.

Some of the designers got together for a fall/Halloween card exchange and today we are sharing what we created with everyone.  I created this fun Halloween card and treat box filled with a few goodies for Lisa.

The following dies were used for my creations:


Sue Wilson Designs: Noble dies-Double Pierced Rectangles, Set B
Taylored Expressions: Birch Tree cutting plate (these would also work)
My Favorite Things: Birthday Speech Bubbles (these would also work)
Tonic Studios: Spooktacular Coffin Treat Box die set
Tonic Studios: Boo! (this would also work)
Tonic Studios: Crawly Spiderweb (these would also work)
Tonic Studios: Happy Halloween (these would also work)

Starting with the card, the background was created by first applying Distress Inks and Distress Oxides to a piece of white cardstock die cut with the Sue Wilson Designs die.  Once I was happy with the colors,  the next step was to add the hint of trees in the background.  I used the Birch Tree cutting plate and die cut a piece of white cardstock.  I laid this on top of my colored background and then generously spritzed it with a homemade spritzer.  You could also use Perfect Pearls mist or just plain water.  My spritzer has a pearlized finish to it.  The trees remained dark and the areas in between were lighter.  I loved the results of this technique.

The skeleton is part of the Coffin Treat Box set and each piece of the skeleton is individual, so you can pose him any way you'd like.  I added Black Ice glitter to the Boo! and to the hat band.  Distress Inks and Oxides were also used to color my speech bubble.


For the inside of the card, I die cut two of the spiderwebs from white cardstock and gave them a bit of color using Antique Linen Distress Oxide.  The Happy Halloween background was also colored with the same inks as the front of the card and Copic markers were used to color the lettering.  The spider (part of the Coffin Treat box set) was die cut from mirrored cardstock by Tonic Studios and then a bit of Nuvo Crystal Drops accents his backside.


In addition to the card, I also made this fun treat box to give to my recipient, which was Lisa. Mirrored cardstock (Glossy Black and Purple Mist) was used for all of the die cut pieces except the centipedes.  These were die cut from scraps of white cardstock, colored with Copic markers and then heat set with Glow in the Dark embossing powder.

Here are some photos of the sides.


I also want to share the fabulous fall card I received from Maryvonne.  It is stunning and also came with a beautiful gift box (along with some very nice treats!)  Be sure to visit Maryvonne's blog to see how she created this special card.  Thank you Maryvonne!!



There will be two winners chosen for the Scrapy Land Challenge, one random.org winner and one chosen by the design team.  Each winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to go shopping at Scrapy Land.  You have until Dec 3 to join us.


Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Botanical Orchids {Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog Hop}




Welcome to the November
Sparkle N Sprinkle New Reveal Blog Hop! 

We are pleased to reveal the following new stamp sets this month.

The sets are:



Cat's Meow 870
(Digital Version: DIGI870B)





You are definitely going to want both the digi version as well as the rubber version because when you purchase the digital versions, there are lots of extras that aren't available otherwise.  These extras can include additional images, additional sentiments, digi papers (in some cases), and a cut file.

The new sets are 20% off until the 20th of the month.  Head on over to the SNS store once you've finished the Blog Hop and start shopping.

SNS is always adding new products and new product lines to the store.  So stop by often to see what's new!


One GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be announced on the 17th of the month.  One of the Designers is our Mystery Host and the winner will be selected from comments left on her blog.  You must leave a comment on each of the Designers' blogs in order to be selected as the winner, as you never know who the Mystery Host will be.  This is checked for compliance.

The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be announced on the SNS Facebook page and on the SNS Blog and will receive all the rubber stamp sets revealed this month.

The Blog Hop order is:
(Tip: if you have difficulty with a particular link, try clicking on the Designer's blog title to be directed to their Home page.)

Chris
Diane
Shona
Belinda
Anne (you are here 😀)
Donna
Eret
Jess


We hope you enjoy the New Reveal Blog Hop as much as we enjoy creating new projects for it.  Be sure to visit the SNS Blog for even more inspiration.  Something new is posted most every day.



Did you know that SNS has a You-Tube Channel?  If not, then you are in for a real treat.  Subscribe today to get all the latest tips and techniques!



The Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenge group is on Facebook.  
This is a closed group (just trying to keep out spammers), but we want anyone who to participate to join.  Click on the link and join in on the fun today!

The Creative Challenges run from the 1st - 25th of each month.  A SNS image (either rubber or digi) is required.  If you don't have any yet - no worries - there are some freebies located on the Home page of the SNS website.  Just scroll down the page a bit to see them.

The Creative Challenge Winner and Top Three will be posted on the last day of each month.  The winner will receive a $15 Gift Certificate to go shopping at the SNS store.

Please review all the Challenge Rules before submitting your photo 😀.  We can't wait to see what all you create using SNS images.



Now for a bit about my project.  I had a hard time deciding which stamp set I wanted to showcase for the Blog Hop, but finally decided on the Botanical Orchid Flowers.

I stamped the image using the Stamp Platform with Memento (Tuxedo Black) ink and colored it with Koh-I-Noor colored pencils.  Leaving the stamp in place on the Stamp Platform, I cleaned the stamp, and then applied VersaMark to the stamp and stamp on top of the colored image.  Cover with Clear Detail embossing powder and heat set.  This really makes the detailed lines pop.  One unexpected, yet happy, surprise was when I covered the image with the Clear embossing powder, the embossing powder adhered to the entire image.  When blending the colored pencils on the cardstock, I used the trick of adding a small bit of Vasaline to a Q-Tip and using that tool to blend the colors.  In hindsite, I should have realized that the petroleum jelly would leave a film (even though I didn't feel it).  So, not only were the detail lines embossed, the entire image had a nice shiny look to it.


Once my focal image was complete, I die cut it using a Simon Say Stamp die (Stitched Circles).  This die leaves stitches in both the positive and negative pieces of cardstock.

For the focal mat, I used a Tonic Studios die (Swirling Frame layering die set) and die cut a piece of cream cardstock as well as some specialty embossed paper (Craft Perfect Embossed Paper - Coral Confetti).  These two die cuts were adhered together and offset slightly so that the cream would show through the openings.   I wanted to see the stitches left on a negative cut from the Stitched Circles, so I before adhering the two die cuts together, I die cut the circle out of the specialty paper.  Then I inserted the focal image, so it has an inlayed affect.

This was then adhered on top of brown cardstock, which was die cut with the largest die from the Swirling Frame die set  I added drops of Nuvo Crystal Drops (Copper Penny) for accents on this textured cardstock.

I also cut a small slit on the right side of my focal mat so that I could insert my ribbon through the opening and have the ribbon wrap around the entire card and have the bow be centered to the right of the focal image.

Now it's time to visit with Donna.  I know she's got something fabulous for your viewing pleasure.  Be sure to comment on each of our blogs for your chance to win all the stamp sets revealed this month.  You have plenty of time (by 5pm Eastern time on the 17th) to leave comments.



Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Nativity Globe {Scrapy Land #77}



Wow, it's already November and that means Thanksgiving (in the US)  and Christmas are just around the corner!  It also the first Wednesday of the month and time for a new Scrapy Land Challenge.  The theme is always Anything Goes using any brand of die that Scrapy Land sells.

The following dies were used to create this card.


Die-Versions:  Nativity Ornament
Die-Versions: Noel Sweet Wordlet
Tonic Studios: Ribbon and Bows layering set


These are the steps I used to create this card:
1.     Die cut the Nativity Ornament from white cardstock.  Cut off the ornament topper and bow to make it a circle.
2.     Apply VersaMark to the top of the die cut, cover with Sparkle embossing powder and heat set.
3.     Die cut the base portion of the Snow globe die set twice from white cardstock.
4.     Spritz both of the bases with a combination of Walnut Ink and Terra Cotta Walnut Ink.  Continue lightly spritzing each color until you are happy with the results.  Once the paper is dry, you can highlight the lines on the base with a Copic marker (or your favorite marker).
5.     Die cut the globe portion of the Snow Globe set twice, one from white cardstock and one from black cardstock.
6.     Using the Direct to Paper method, cover the black globe circle with Opalite (Glacier Blue).  Make sure to get good coverage.
7.     Adhere the embossed Nativity scene to the Opalite enhanced globe.  Insert the globe into the stand and add a piece of tape to the back to hold the two pieces together.
8.     Die cut the plate label from the Snow Globe set twice from white cardstock.
9.     Apply VersaMark to each of these plate labels, cover with Sparkle embossing powder, and heat set. Add two “nails” to the plate label with a marker.
10.  Die cut the Noel Sweet Wordlet from white cardstock.
11.  Using the Direct to Paper method, apply Encore! gold metallic ink to the die cut.
12.  Adhere to one of the plate labels created above.
13.  Adhere the completed plate label to the snow globe base.
14.  Die cut the patterned paper using the Tonic Studios layering die set.
15.  Cut a piece of black cardstock 4 ½” x 12” and score at the 6” mark for a top folding card base.
16.  Temporarily adhere the larger layering die on top of the folded card base.  The top of the die should be slightly above the card fold.  Once you have the die positioned correctly, die cut to create a shaped card.
17.  Apply Opalite ink around the edges of the cardstock. Make sure your strip is wider than the openings in the patterned paper previously die cut.
18.  Place the patterned paper die cut over the front of the card base and make sure all the peek-a-boo openings are covered with Opalite ink.  Then adhere to the card front.
19.  Adhere the finished globe on top of the patterned paper.
20.  Take a small strip of ribbon, tie into a knot and adhere to the top of the card with a small glue dot.

Now it's your turn.  You have until November 12 to join us for the Scrapy Land Challenge.  Be sure to check out what the rest of the team has done to inspire you too.


Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Spooktacular




Happy Halloween!  

Here are two of the Tonic Studios Spooktacular Coffin Treat Boxes I made for Halloween this year.  I love this die set and made quite a few!

These die cuts are just a few of the dies included in this huge set of 23 dies.

All of the papers on the treat box are also Tonic Studios: Mirror Cardstock High Gloss-Glossy Black and Mirror Cardstock Satin Effect-Purple Mist.  The skeleton was cut from white cardstock (all of his pieces are separate so you can pose him anyway you like) with a bit of Antique Linen dabbed on for an aged look.

Black Ice glitter was applied to the top hat and Nuvo Crystal Drops (Red Berry) accents the spiders' bellies.


Here are the sides:



Now I have a special treat for you: they are 50% off at the Sparkle N Sprinkle shoppe.  Quite a few of the Tonic Studios Halloween dies are being retired.  Here is the link to the Retired products page.


Wishing you a Spooktacular Halloween!💀