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".

True Beauty

Today's card showcases the True Beauty rubber stamp set revealed this month from Sparkle N Sprinkle.  Did you know that some peacocks are all white?  When I am going to color something found in nature, I sometimes Google it to see what different colors that particular animal, bird, plant, insect, etc. can come in.   I was surprised to see several images of white peacocks.  I knew that's exactly what I wanted to try and replicate.  I hate to say it but no matter how many photos I took of this acetate shaker card, none of these photos do the peacock justice.  He is amazing looking in person (even if I do say so myself 😄 😆.)

I started out by stamping the image and then giving his feathers some highlights and shadows using a couple different grey Copic markers.  Once I was happy with that, I applied Brushable Glue on his tail and covered the glue with Waterscape glitter.  Since I added the glue with a pretty heavy hand, I let this air dry overnight.

While that was drying, I began creating the colored peacock feathers by taping down the Stampendous/Dreamweavers Peacock Feathers stencil onto an acetate sheet.  I then used a palette knife and randomly added several colors of Nuvo Glimmer Paste (Tanzanite, Peridot, Blue Topaz) over the stencil.  I created quite a few of the peacock feathers and then let them dry overnight as well.

The next day I began assembling my shaker card. I adhered the peacock feathers to a piece of Embossable Acetate and set that aside.  Then I die cut the front and back panels from thick white cardstock using a Simon Says Stamp die (Stitched rectangles).  The front panel was dry embossed with a Sue Wilson Designs embossing folder (Climbing Vines).  Once this was complete, I adhered the acetate with the peacock feathers to the inside front panel and pop dotted the peacock on top of the completed panel.

I also added a piece of Embossable Acetate to the inside back panel and then two layers of dimensional tape was adhered to the edges.  To the inside of this, I sprinkled in some Royal Purple Glass Glitter, a bit of Priceless Peacock glitter, and a few sequins.  Then I carefully lined up the two panels and adhered them together.

To create the sentiment, I die cut another piece of Embossable Acetate using a Sizzix die (Tim Holtz Labels) and also created a frame for this using the same Sizzix die along with a small circle from Little B (Circles).

Using the Glueless Glitter Technique, I stamped the sentiment onto the Embossable Acetate using VersaMark, Clear embossing powder and Priceless Peacock glitter.  I also added more Royal Purple Glass Glitter to the edge and adhered a couple more sequins.

Here is another photo using a different color backdrop.  It also shows more of the sequins and glitter that are inside the shaker card.

Peacock Feathers

It's the third Wednesday of the month and that means it's time for a new Scrapy Land Challenge!  The theme for this challenge is Add Texture, plus use any brand of die that Scrapy Land sells.

Now that's a pretty broad field and can mean anything from added glitter, dry embossing, cheese cloth, embossing paste, and the list can go on an on.  For my card, I added dry embossing, heat embossing with glitter, and Nuvo glimmer paste for my various textures.

The following dies were used to create my shadowbox style card:

                             

Die-Versions: Love Frame

Impression Obsession: Tied Line

Sue Wilson Designs: Italian Collection Background

The arch behind the Peacock Feathers is also a die cut, but I had borrowed it from a friend and for the life of me I can't remember who made it.  If you know who the manufacture is, please let me know so I can give them credit.

To create this shadowbox card, I started out by spritzing a piece of watercolor paper with water and then randomly adding yellows, reds, and oranges of Color Bursts.  This was spritzed again with water and I kept adding and drying until I was happy with the results.

Next I die cut the Sue Wilson background die and then ran it through my die cutting machine a second time with the embossing mat to dry emboss it.  This step really brings out the veins on the leaves.  I lightly spritzed this layer with a homemade glimmer mist (water and Perfect Pearls).  Unfortunately, the added bling is so subtle that I can't get the camera to pick it up (but it looks great in person 😃).  I then added a double layer of dimensional foam tape to the back of the die cut so that it would look like a shadowbox with the watercolors in the background.

Another option would have been to add a piece of acetate sheeting to the back before adding the dimensional tape and then adding some sequins to make a shaker card.  That would have really given it lots of texture.

To create the Peacock feathers, I began by taping down the Peacock Feather stencil from Stampendous/Dreamweaver down onto a piece of acetate.  Then I randomly added three different colors of Nuvo Glimmer Paste (Tanzanite Lavender, Peridot Green, Blue Topaz).   After the Glimmer Paste was dry, I cut around the outside edges of the feathers. I had so much fun making these that I made several and will use them in some future projects coming up.

The backdrop for these feathers is a die cut piece of patterned paper that I enhanced with a little Distress Ink (Mustard Seed, Vintage Photo).  This helped the feathers to be more of a focal point.

The "Love" sentiment is part of the Die-Versions Love Frame die that I cut out of fun foam and then heat set it to make it shrink.  Once it was shrunk down to a smaller size, I applied VersaMark and Royal Violet embossing powder and heat set it again.

For the bow and string, I die cut the Tied Line from Impression Obsession twice and fanned out the strings on either end and glued the two pieces together.  I then added VersaMark and heat set this with more Royal Violet embossing powder.

Now it's your turn to join us for some fun.  Maybe try a new technique that gives texture, or use one of your tried and true formulas.  Either way, I hope you join us for this Scrapy Land Challenge.  You have until February 26 and the winner (chosen by the design team) will win a $15 gift certificate to go shopping at Scrapy Land.  New Arrivals are added all the time!

Your Support {Sparkle N Sprinkle New Reveal Blog Hop}

Welcome to the ALL NEW Sparkle N Sprinkle

 February Reveal Blog Hop!

NEW STORE - NEW BLOG - NEW PRODUCT LINES!

We have another HUGE reveal for you this month, plus something new!

The new sets are 20% off until February 3, 2017, so after the blog hop, hop on over to the NEW STORE and have fun shopping - be sure to check out the OTHER amazing new products as well! With names like TONIC and STAMPENDOUS and HOUSE MOUSE, you're sure to fill that cart up quickly!

SNS also has a brand new blog, which can be found here!


On February 3, ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected from the comments left on all the Designers' blogs listed below.  Please leave a comment with each designer to be eligible for the Grand Prize (checked for compliance).  The Grand Prize Winner will be announced on the SNS Facebook page and the SNS New Blog.  

 There are SEVEN new rubber stamp sets being released this month, plus a new Digi Papers set (with 12 amazing papers), and a Digi Only Bundle set full of lots of extras.   

Also, when you purchase the digi versions of any of the SNS rubber sets, you are getting lots of extras that aren't available otherwise.  These extras include additional images not available with the rubber version, digi papers (in some cases), and now a cut file to use with your electronic cutting machines will also be included with all digi images purchased!

You're definitely going to want both the rubber versions as well as the digi versions of all our new releases.


The new sets are:

* 815 Leafy Flower Spring Wreath
Leafy Flower Spring Wreath digi version DIGI815B

* 826 Pansies (set one)
Pansies mini digi set DIGI826833FS

* Pansies fabulous digi bundle, includes papers DIGI826-833FS

* 832 Girlfriend Support Set 1
Girlfriend Support Set 1 digi version DIGI832

* 833 Pansies in Teacup (set two)
Pansies mini digi set DIGI826833FS

* 835 Sitting Pretty Kitty
Sitting Pretty Kitty digi version DIGI835LS

* 836 Luck of the Irish Enchantress - St. Patrick's Day
Luck of the Irish Enchantress - St. Patrick's Day  digi version DIGI836LS

* 837 Rory's Lucky Clover - St. Patrick's Day
Rory's Lucky Clover - St. Patrick's Day digi version DIGI837LS

* Eleven Watercolor Papers - Purple Pink (to coordinate with the Pansies sets)  DIGI4003FS

This month the digi versions of the Pansies (826FS) and the Teacup Pansies (833FS) have been combined into one HUGE digi bundle set: 

DIGI826-833FS  
There are tons of bonuses in this set, including decoupage sheet sets, a total of 34 images, 11 gorgeous digi papers, and a cut file.

The new sets are 20% off until February 3, 2017.  So once you finish the blog hop, head on over to the New Store and start shopping.

On Feb 3rd, ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected from the comments left on the Designers' blogs listed below. Please leave a comment with each Designer in order to be eligible for the Grand Prize.  You never know who the Mystery Designer will be that has the winning comment.

The Grand Prize Winner, which will be announced on the SNS Facebook page and the SNS New Blog, will receive ALL of the new rubber stamp sets revealed this month.


The Blog Hop Order this month is:

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

(*Tip: if you have difficulty with a particular link, try clicking on the Designer's blog title to send you to their Home page.)

We hope you enjoy the New Reveal Blog Hop as much as we do.  Thanks for joining us and remember to comment on each of the Designers' blogs to be eligible for the Grand Prize.  

 Wonder who the Mystery Host will be this month????

Have you checked out the SNS YouTube Channel featuring Demo Donna?  If not, then you are in for a real treat.  Subscribe today to get all the latest Demo Donna tips and techniques!

My card that I want to share with you today is fun and multi-purpose card.  The Girlfriends Support Set 1 stamp set was used to create this.

I've added a swing mechanism at the top so that the recipient can remove that portion and use it as a bookmark (yes, there are still some people who prefer to read a real book instead of an electronic book😊.)  When you swing this part to the side, the rest of the sentiment is revealed, plus room to write your own message.

To begin this mixed media project, I started with watercolor paper and added several different colors of Nuance pigment powders. Once I was happy with the results, I embossed one of the sentiments from the set and one of the images with White Detail embossing powder.  I added touches of Nuvo Crystal Drops (Rhubarb Crumble) to the flowers in the sentiment as well as the ends of the ribbons on the corset.  Daisy velvet glitter was also added to the lacy edges of the corset.

Next I placed a The Crafters Workshop stencil (Mini Chicken Wire Reversed) around the edges and applied Pink Opal Nuvo Glimmer Paste.  I let the glimmer paste dry slightly (long enough to go clean my stencil and spatula) and then I used my finger to remove most of it.  I wanted traces of the glimmer paste and I wanted it to blend with the background more.

When you hold it in different angles in the light, you see the various iridescent colors and the shapes versus straight on, which shows you more of the pink hue  (Very hard to capture in a photo, but you can see the difference when you compare the first photo with the mechanism closed to this one on the left.)

Once you swing the bookmark to the side, you see the rest of the message.  To create this layer, I began with a piece of white cardstock and randomly stamped the small flower (part of the set) with VersaMark over the entire area.  This was heat set with White Spark embossing powder.

Distress Inks (Fossilized Amber, Scattered Straw, Squeezed Lemonade) were then applied to give it color.  I stamped the bra and the sentiment onto white cardstock, fussy cut them out and adhered them to the yellow layer.  I also added more Rhubarb Crumble to the heart as well as the flower center.  Lavender Iris glitter was added to the bra.

The base layer was dry embossed using a Sue Wilson embossing folder (Quilted Flower).  A brad was used to hold the bookmark onto the card base.

You're next stop on the Blog Hop is Donna and I know she has lots of fun goodies to share with you.

Be sure to leave a comment on each of the Designers' blogs in order to be eligible to win all the rubber stamps revealed this month.

Happy Hopping,

Milton Dreams Big {Sparkle N Sprinkle January Reveal}

Welcome to Sparkle N Sprinkle's

 January 1, 2017 New Reveal Blog Hop!

We're starting the New Year off with a BANG! We have a huge reveal to share with you - our largest ever!

 There are TEN new stamp sets (one is a digi-only set) being released this month!  These new sets are 20% off until January 3, 2017.  So once you finish the blog hop, head on over to the store and start shopping.  

The sets are:

Right Beside You 812  (digi version DIGI812)

Milton Friendly Giraffe 817  (digi version DIGI817)

Cattleya Orchid Friendship 818  (digi version DIGI818)

Easter Chicky 820  (digi version DIGI820)

Party #1 821  (digi version DIGI821)

Party #2 822  (digi version DIGI822)

Eggs-traordinary Kindness 825  (digi version DIGI825)

Edward Elephant - St. Patrick's Day #1 828   (digi version DIGI828)

Edward Elephant - St. Patrick's Day #2   DIGI3129  (DIGI ONLY)

Emily Showers of Love 831   (digi version DIGI831)

On Jan 3rd, ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected from the comments left on the Designers' blogs listed below. Please leave a comment with each Designer in order to be eligible for the Grand Prize.  You never know who the Mystery Designer will be that has the winning comment.

The Grand Prize Winner, which will be announced on the SNS Facebook page and on the SNS Blog, will receive ALL of the new stamp sets released this month (or the digi versions, if preferred).

The Blog Hop order this month is:

Jess

Diane

Chris

Eret

Donna

Anne (you are here 😀)

Belinda

Shona

(*Tip: if you have difficulty with a particular link, try clicking on the Designer's blog title to send you to their Home page.)

We hope you enjoy the New Reveal Blog Hop as much as we do.  Thanks for joining us and remember to comment on each of the Designers' blogs to be eligible for the Grand Prize.  

 Wonder who the Mystery Host will be this month????

The Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenge also begins today.  There are lots of prizes and recognition badges.  Come check out how you can become a SNS Featured Artist as well.  The theme is always Anything Goes using Loose Glitter, Embossing Powder, and/or Flock.


Have you checked out the SNS YouTube Channel featuring Demo Donna?  If not, then you are in for a real treat.  Subscribe today to get all the latest Demo Donna tips and techniques!

Now a bit about my card.  The design for Milton Friendly Giraffe came about when I was thinking of all the people who graduate in December instead of in the spring.

This card has lots of layers on it (at least more than I usually do) and each layer is a different die set.

To start out, I used the digi version of Milton and printed the image and two of the sentiments that come with this set at the same time.  After die cutting the image and sentiments out with a Spellbinders die (Mega Curved Rectangle), then I got out my Copics and began coloring the image.  To combine the two sentiments into one statement, I used the ampersand die by Sizzix (Tim Holtz Halloween set) and covered it with Evening Glow glitter.  A Sakura glue pen was used to outline the word "stars" and then Evening Glow glitter was added to the word for emphasis.  (Evening Glow glitter was used to accent most everything on the focal point.)

The Graduation Set dies from Die-Versions were used to create the accent pieces.  For the graduation cap, I first applied a thin layer of Nuvo Glimmer Paste (Black Diamond) onto a scrap piece of paper.  Once this was dry, I die cut it out, making sure to leave all the negative pieces in the die cut.  Luckily, my glimmer paste was just thick enough to die cut the outline, but didn't cut all the way through.  I die cut the graduation cap a second time from black cardstock and then added Blue Raven glitter to the outline.  This was then adhered on top of my Black Diamond die cut.  This gives it the appearance of shades and shadows, just like a real graduation cap.  The tassel was accented with Evening Glow glitter.

I used the negative pieces of the diploma as well and highlighted certain areas of the cardstock with a Copic marker.  Again, Evening Glow glitter was used for the ribbon around the diploma as well as the border around the die cut.

Digi paper (which I've had for years) was used for the second layer.  For glimmer, Sparkle embossing powder was added to the edges.  The third layer was dry embossed with a Crafters Companion embossing folder (Pebbles).

For the final layer, I used a Sue Wilson Designs die (Noble dies-Double Pierced Rectangles Set B) as a guide for how large to cut the black cardstock.  Then I dry embossed this same die over the cardstock to get the pierced edges.  I also sprayed a homemade glimmer spritz on top.  You could also use Pearl Mist as well.

Now it's time for you to visit Belinda.  She has something extra special for you too.  Be sure to leave a comment on each of our blogs for your chance to win all TEN of the new stamp sets revealed this month.

Happy New Year!

Singing Carolers

Today I'd like to share another Christmas card with you.  This uses a stencil from Dreamweavers (Bare Trees) and the Singing Carolers die from Die-Versions.

I started out by creating the background using the Dreamweaver stencil and Nuvo Glimmer paste (White Blizzard) on black cardstock.  This glimmer paste looks very different on different color cardstock.  Even on the black, depending on how you hold it in the light, you'll see different colors.  You can see some variances in the background between the photo above and the one below.  (Love this stuff!)

While this was drying, I die cut the Singing Carolers from white cardstock and colored various areas with Copic markers and Spectrum Noir Sparkle markers.  I also added more Nuvo White Blizzard onto their bodies and the books they are holding.  I squeezed some out and spread it around with my finger tip.

For the lady's "hair", I added dimensional glue and covered it with Snow White flock.  Once this was dry, I colored her hair with a light yellow Copic marker.

I pop dotted the carolers in front of the trees and added some patterned paper and kraft cardstock.  A golden rope is the finishing touch.

Winter Birdhouse

Winter Birdhouse is one of the new Bugaboo stamp sets released from Sparkle N Sprinkle this month.  This was so much fun to color with my Copic markers.

A Spellbinders die (Labels Twenty-Five) was used to die cut the image.  Nuvo Crystal and Glitter Drops were used to accent various areas on the image. White Blizzard was applied to the snow and icicles; a double application of Morning Dew was added to the ornaments (let dry between applications); Ruby Slippers to the pom-pom on the bird's pink hat and Bubble Gum glitter was added to the body of the hat.

For the next layer, I used the new Nuvo Glimmer Paste (Blue Topaz).  If you haven't used this product yet, you should definitely put it on your wish/want/NEED list 😀.  I love using embossing paste, but this is so much easier (even though embossing paste is easy to use) and so fun to use.  (It's really hard to describe.)

I placed a The Crafters Workshop stencil (Mini Aboriginal) onto white cardstock and then covered it with Blue Topaz glimmer paste.  After it was dry, I spritzed the cardstock with Dylusions Ink Spray (Lemon Zest).  The glimmer paste acted like a resist and wasn't effected.  This was die cut using the same Spellbinders die and then cut into thirds.  Tear-ific Tape was used to adhere all the layers together.

The sentiment is from a different Bugaboo rubber stamp set, Deer Duo.  I added more Blue Topaz to a white circle and let that dry.  Then I stamped the sentiment from the Deer Duo set with Archival Ink onto the glimmer paste.  I used a marker to color in the letters on the ornaments (STOP).  This was pop- dotted for a bit more dimension.

Grumpy Goose {Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog Hop}

Welcome to Sparkle N Sprinkle's

 November 1 New Reveal Blog Hop!

We have seven new stamp sets to share with you today.  These new sets are 20% off until the 3rd of the month.  So once you finish the blog hop, head on over to the store and start shopping.  All of the new sets are available on cling mounted rubber or as a digital image.  

The sets are:

 Winter Birdhouse 803   (digi version DIGI803)

  Stella - Dear Santa 804   (digi version DIGI804)

   Christmas Tags #2 806   (digi version DIGI806)

Festive Lantern 808   (digi version DIGI808)

Winter Blue Jay 809   (digi version DIGI809)

Grumpy Goose 823    (digi version DIGI823)

Mr. Snowflake DIGI3127   (digi only)

On Nov 3rd, ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected from the comments left on the Designers' blogs listed below. Please leave a comment with each Designer in order to be eligible for the Grand Prize.  You never know who the Mystery Designer will be that has the winning comment.

The Grand Prize Winner, which will be announced on the SNS Facebook page and on the SNS Blog, will receive ALL of the new stamp sets released this month (or the digi versions, if preferred).

The Blog Hop order this month is:

Diane

Anne (you are here)

Eret

Chris

Belinda

Jess

Shona

(*Tip: if you have difficulty with a particular link, try clicking on the Designer's blog title to send you to their Home page.)

We hope you enjoy the New Reveal Blog Hop as much as we do.  Thanks for joining us and remember to comment on each of the Designers' blogs to be eligible for the Grand Prize.  

 Wonder who the Mystery Host will be this month????

The Sparkle N Sprinkle Creative Challenge also begins today.  There are lots of prizes and recognition badges.  Come check out how you can become a SNS Featured Artist as well.  The theme is always Anything Goes using Loose Glitter, Embossing Powder, and/or Flock.


Have you checked out the SNS YouTube Channel featuring Demo Donna?  If not, then you are in for a real treat.  Subscribe today to get all the latest Demo Donna tips and techniques!

Now for a bit about my project:

My project was created using the Grumpy Goose set.  It has so many fun sentiments with it that I had a hard time choosing which one to use!   I used the digi version of this stamp set since I wanted to change the sizing of the sentiment and make it BIGGER :-).   After printing out my image, I colored him with Copic markers and then die cut it with a (new-to-me) die set from Sizzix (Banner 3).  This set includes a lot of dies and goes from really small to really big.  There is one larger than the largest one I used for the patterned cardstock.

After die cutting the image, I added Bubble Gum glitter to his cheeks and the bell on his hat, Evening Glow glitter to his feet, and Easy Green glitter to his hat.  I also outlined the edges with a Copic marker.

The patterned cardstock is some (very old) digi paper that I have.  After using the next to largest Banner die in the set, I outlined the edges with my finger tool and Nuvo Glimmer Paste (Garnet Red).  If you haven't tried these new glimmer pastes, I highly recommend them.  They are embossing paste with lots of glittery goodness in them and they work beautifully.  I've created several projects using these and I really like them!



As I mentioned earlier, I enlarged the sentiment and then die cut it using a Taylored Expressions die (Banner Stacklets).  I added Gypsy Red velvet glitter to "naughty" by first outlining it with my small Nuvo glue pen and then covering it with the velvet glitter.  I then pop dotted this above the image.  Overall, this is a pretty quick and easy card to create and mass produce if you wanted to.

Now it time for you to visit the very talented Eret.  I know she has created something very special for you.  Don't forget to leave a comment on each of the Designers' blogs (checked for compliance) for a chance to win all SEVEN of the new sets revealed this month.

Happy Hopping,