City Crafter Challenge #300 - Polka Dots Making a Card Set

I'm back again with my last card for the month long guest designer spot at the City Crafter Challenge Blog.  This month has flown by, but I can say that I've been challenged and inspired.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity to join.  For this last challenge, my card is a little more abstract in the take on the inspiration.  The challenge is to create a card or project and add polka dots to your project (patterned paper, stamps, etc.).    We've this inspiration photo to work from:

I went shopping in the Scrapbox and found this blue embossed cardstock.  Once I made the original card for the challenge, I knew I wanted to replicate the design and cread a card set that I could give as a gift.  Thus, the two cards I am sharing with you today were born.

Just like the challenge card, I started the image by stamping the container onto Strathmore watercolor paper.  I followed the techniques in this video to soften the color and place and soften the flowers from the Flower stamp set.  The grass was created using the Foliage stamp set.  All images were stamped using Distress Inks (Peeled Paint, Antique Linen, Shaded Lilac, Worn Lipstick, Faded Jeans, and Seedless Preserves).  I have a small size 3 watercolor brush I used for all the images.  I used my SSS Stitched Rectangles dies to die cut the image and the grey mat.

I'm not as big a fan of this large barrel, but I think I made it work, don't you?  The Art Impressions stamps are so easy to use - anyone can make a beautiful work of art using these stamps.  My cards are proof!  If you haven't given them a try, I highly recommend the entire set.

Please come join the City Crafter Challenge Blog for another challenge- what inspires you from the photo?  Be sure to use polka dots somewhere on your project.  I can't wait to see you over there.

I decided to join the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Anything Goes.   Come join the fun.

City Crafter Challenge 300 - Polka Dots

I'm back again with my last card for the month long guest designer spot at the City Crafter Challenge Blog.  This month has flown by, but I can say that I've been challenged and inspired.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity to join.  For this last challenge, my card is a little more abstract in the take on the inspiration.  The challenge is to create a card or project and add polka dots to your project (patterned paper, stamps, etc.).    We've this inspiration photo to work from:

I super love grey and mint green.  However, I decided to go in a different direction when I couldn't find just the right color of mint color.  Instead, I went shopping in the Scrapbox and found this blue embossed cardstock.  It definitely has polka dots and I used the color to inspire my focal point image.

I started the image by stamping the container onto Strathmore watercolor paper.  I followed the techniques in this video to soften the color and place and soften the flowers from the Flower stamp set.  The grass was created using the Foliage stamp set.  All images were stamped using Distress Inks (Peeled Paint, Antique Linen, Shaded Lilac, Worn Lipstick, Faded Jeans).  I have a small size 3 watercolor brush I used for all the images.  I used my SSS Stitched Rectangles dies to die cut the image and the grey mat.  Turns out I was also somewhat inspired by the colors in the image.

Please come join the City Crafter Challenge Blog for another challenge- what inspires you from the photo?  Be sure to use polka dots somewhere on your project.  I can't wait to see you over there.

City Crafter Challenge 299 - Negativity A Card Set

Hello.  I'm back again with a card set inspired by the City Crafter Challenge Negativity.  The challenge provides the following picture as inspiration:

and requires the use of the negative space created by a die cut.  In this case, I used my paper trimmer to create this "negative" frame.  Rather than popping the flowers up, I popped the background forward and created a little window through which to see my lovely petunias.  Here's the details which are the same as the card shared earlier in the week:

• I used my Prima Oil Pastel crayons by coloring directly onto the solid background stamp of my Rubbernecker Petunia stamp set.   I used the bright yellow in the center and the redish pink around the yellow - coloring like I was filling the image in.  I then spritzed the stamp with a mister and used a damp brush to dab at the stamp to activate and blend the colors.  On this first card, I mixed too much and the red overwhelmed the yellow.  I then stamped onto Strathmore watercolor paper.
• When the image was dry, I stamped with Archival Black ink the outline image and embossed with clear embossing powder.  I used a similar technique to this video except that I used the oil pastels to color.  
• I then cut the image out of the paper using my paper trimmer.  I had drew in the black lines/dot pattern with a black marker and adhered the sequins with some clear glue.
• I colored the rest of the watercolor paper with a watercolor brush and the orange oil pastel, stamping the sentiment in black Archival ink once dry.  I used a piece of craft foam to evenly raise the frame around the flowers. 

Inspired by all the color in the photo, I decided to experiment with the crayons and the various color combinations.   

Probably my favorite of the set, but not the best photos I've taken.  The sequins do a good job of picking up the color on the card too.

This card is probably the most striking in person.  I'm not a fan of orange, but it really works in this card.  I ran out of space due to some shortsighted paper trimming and ended up with just one line in the frame.  It works too, I think.























This last photo is the worst of all.  I ended up giving this card to Brandy who is recuperating from a minor surgery.  She's healing wonderfully and I just wanted to celebrate her and our friendship while giving her a cheer up.  I think this card (her favorite color, purple!) sent the message intended.

I have super enjoyed my time as the guest designer for the City Crafter Challenges this month.  I can't believe how much fun it was to play with color and create this card set.  I think I will send a couple of these over for the Lasting Hearts Card Drive over at Jennifer McGuire's blog.

I hope you are inspired to join us too.  Use the leavings from your die cuts - the negative part - and make something beautiful.  You could always send it in for a wonderful charity like Lasting Hearts.  Just don't forget to link up with the City Crafter Challenge, you've three short days left to join the fun.  I'll look forward to seeing you over there.

City Crafter Challenge 299 - Negativity

Hello.  I'm back again with another card inspired by the City Crafter Challenge Negativity.  The challenge provides the following picture as inspiration:

The challenge requires you to use the negative space created by a die cut.  In this case, it isn't a die that I used, but my paper trimmer to create this frame.  Rather than popping the flowers up with foam squares, I popped the background forward and created a little window through which to see my lovely petunias.  Here's the details:

• I used my Prima Oil Pastel crayons by coloring directly onto the solid background stamp of my Rubbernecker Petunia stamp set.   I used the bright yellow in the center and the peachy orange around the yellow - coloring like I was filling the image in.  I then spritzed the stamp with a mister and used a damp brush to dab at the stamp to activate and blend the colors - not very much so as to not mix the colors.  I then stamped onto Strathmore watercolor paper.
• When the image was dry, I stamped with Archival Black ink the outline image and embossed with clear embossing powder.  I used a similar technique to this video except that I used the oil pastels to color.  
• I then cut the image out of the paper using my paper trimmer.  I had drew in the black lines/dot pattern with a black marker and adhered the sequins with some clear glue.
• I colored the rest of the watercolor paper with a watercolor brush and the orange oil pastel, stamping the sentiment in black Archival ink once dry.  I used a piece of craft foam to evenly raise the frame around the flowers. 

I am inspired by all the color in the photo and now want to make a set of these cards using the technique.  I have had a bit of a challenging schedule this week, but the weekend is coming soon.  Let's see what I can do.

Isn't all this challenging fun?  I have really enjoyed my time as the guest designer for the City Crafter Challenges this month.  I hope you are inspired to join us too.  Pick up the left overs of your die cuts - the negative part - and make something beautiful.  I'll look forward to seeing you over there.

I going to link up this project over at Word Art Wednesday Challenge #220 Anything Goes.

City Crafter Challenge 299 - Negativity

Good day to you all once again.  I'm in my third week as a guest designer at the City Crafter Challenge Blog.  This has been so much fun for me.  I find myself working on projects I wouldn't otherwise challenge myself to as well as being inspired to prolific crafting.  This is such a treat!

Today the theme is Negativity.  The challenge requires you to use the negative space created by a die cut and has this photo inspiration:

My card was made using my Avery Elle Balloons stamp and die set with some creative stamping.  Here's the details:

• I first positioned and cut the balloon out of a piece of white cardstock.  This allows placement of the rest of the card design.  
• Onto the white negative space from the balloon die cut, I used my MISTI tool to do some selective stamping similar to whats in this video including:
• Stamping the balloon string in black Archival ink.
• Stamping the "For You" sentiment from my Penny Black Sweet Wishes stamp set in Simon Says Stamp Soft Navy ink.
• I placed the negative space onto the card front to position the "Birthday" balloon  to stamp it in Simon Says Stamp Surf Blue ink.  This was a bit tricky, but I got it right because the MISTI is such an awesome tool for placement.
• Stamping the "wishes" sentiment in Simon Says Stamp Soft Navy ink.
• I created confetti using the same inks on some scratch paper and die cut the stars using the dies from the Avery Elle Balloons dies.  I created the shaker element following the technique similar to this video including some hexagonal iridescent pieces as well.  

I'm super pleased with this card.  It will be one of my favorite shaker cards for a while.  I ended up making a couple of the same design just to perfect the technique and will have them in the stash now for those last minute - hey that's your birthday - occasions.

If you haven't joined us at the City Crafter Challenge Blog, this is the week.  What can you think up with using the negative space in your project?  Give it a try and then head on over to join the fun.

City Crafter Challenge 298 - It All Began in Paris - It's a Set of Four

Good morning!  Last card  for this week using my KaiserCrafts Bonjour stamp set, I promise. I've been participating as the guest designer over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog where hostess Kirsty picked this photo to inspire us:

The theme requires only that your project be inspired by the photo.  The rectangular frame  was stamped with Archival black ink onto white cardstock.  I then stamped the Eiffel tower in the frame using Close to My Heart's Sunset ink.  I had a patterned paper pack out on my workspace and picked a doily patterned background and coordinating patterned paper for the teal die cut.  The entire frame was cut out with the paper flowers being colored using ink.  Teeny, tiny Impression Obsession leaves were tucked into the flowers whose centers are cream colored prills.  I now have a set of four notecards I can use as a gift.  Hooray!  What a productive week.    

I hope you enjoyed Valentine's Day.  Time's closing, but it's not too late to join us over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog if you do so today.  Come have some fun and share your inspired project.

City Crafter Challenge 298 - It All Began in Paris Number 3

Good morning!  I am back with third card made using my KaiserCrafts Bonjour stamp set. There is a certain challenge with being the guest designer over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog for the entire month of February.  Hostess Kirsty picked this photo to inspire us:

The theme requires only that your project be inspired by the photo.  The rectangular frame  was stamped with Archival black ink onto white cardstock.  I then stamped the Eiffel tower in the frame using my Simon Says Stamp Surf Blue ink.  I had a patterned paper pack out on my workspace and picked this for the background.  The entire frame was cut out with the die cut flowers and leafy swirls added to frame the image.  The background screamed for a teeny, tiny butterfly, so I cut this with my Prickly Pear Mini Butterflies die out of coordinating patterned paper.  You might be tired of this theme already, but I've decided to pick out one more experiment in color and finish the card so that I have a set of four.  

It's not too late to join us over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog and have some fun.

City Crafter Challenge 298 - It All Began in Paris Number 2

Good morning!  I am back with another card made using my KaiserCrafts Bonjour stamp set. There is a certain challenge with being the guest designer over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog for the entire month of February, I'm finding it makes me a bit more prolific as I test and play with color more because of my desire to transform my idea onto paper.  Hostess Kirsty picked this photo to inspire us:

The theme requires only that your project be inspired by the photo.  The rectangular frame  was stamped with Archival black ink onto white cardstock.  I then stamped the Eiffel tower in the frame using my Close To My Heart ink.  I forget the name, but it is a very pinkish-red ink. I once again went shopping in the ScrapBox to find this romatic patterned paper for the background.  The entire frame was cut out, edged with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and then adhered using foam squares.  The flowers in the background around the frame were hand stamped onto a piece of patterned paper using the Bonjour stamp set and colored with watercolor paint.  The result is a very romantic scene.  I fussy cut the bottom right corner out of the paper and used foam squares to lift it off the edge of the card so that the bird could rise in front of the frame.  The finished card fits my image of what I wanted to do once I saw that pink Eiffel Tower.  I will definitely be back with at least one more card this week.  I only need to find the time to snap a photo and edit to post.

You must be inspired by now?  Come on over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog and join the fun.  I'm also going to link up with Word Art Wednesday's Challenge #219 : Anything Goes.

City Crafter Challenge 298 - It All Began in Paris

Good morning!  I get the distinct pleasure of being the guest designer over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog for the entire month of February.  Last week's challenge was super fun and I'm excited to be a part of this week's challenge as well.  Hostess Kirsty picked this photo to inspire us:

The theme requires only that your project be inspired by the photo.  I knew immediately that is was going to use my KaiserCrafts Bonjour stamp set.  The stamp set comes with the rectangular frame which was stamped with Archival black ink onto white cardstock.  I then stamped the Eiffel tower in the frame using my Simon Says Stamp Smoke ink.  This created a distinct difference in the images which allows the impression of a light graphite drawing inspired by the image.  After that, it was a shop in the ScrapBox to find a monochromatic patterned paper for the background.  I love this light green color paired with the cream roses.  It's just perfect to me.

I've been playing with other color combinations in stamping the Eiffel Tower.  If I get a chance, I'll make them into cards this week and share the result.  Meanwhile, please stop on over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog and join the fun?

I'm also going to link up to Word Art Wednesday's Challenge #219 Anything Goes.

City Crafter Challenge 297 - Fantastic Plastic

This will be my last card created with the acrylic trading cards as a part of the City Crafter Challenge blog.  The challenge this week was to create a card using plastic - I chose acrylic.

On this card, I used green and silver alcohol ink applied to the backside with a Ink Blending Tool to create the mottled effect.  I then stamped the front of the trading card with Black Archival ink using a background stamp.  I once again went shopping in the ScrapBox and found some bits of lace and flowers that seem to work with my color scheme.  The patterned paper is adhered to a card base with a little Distress Ink on the edges to add depth.

If you haven't already, you should consider joining the fun over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog.  You have until Monday evening to join the fun.  The theme this week is Fantastic Plastic and the inspiration photo is:

City Crafter Challenge 297 - More Fantastic Plastic

.

As I mentioned earlier this week, I have been playing around with my acrylic trading cards and decided to make a set of cards with a few different techniques.  On this card, I used blue and silver alcohol ink applied to the backside with a Ink Blending Tool to create the mottled effect.  I then stamped the front of the trading card with white ink.  The photo makes it tough to discern, but in person this card has a lot of wow factor.  I went shopping in the ScrapBox and round the metal pieces (a kind of staple really that you press through the patterned paper), the paper flower I dyed with alcohol ink and the twine.  The patterned paper is adhered to a Tim Holtz metal card which creates a nice frame for my card.

If you haven't already, you should consider joining the fun over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog.  The theme this week is Fantastic Plastic and the inspiration photo is:

City Crafter Challenge 297 - Fantastic Plastic

Good morning!  I get the distinct pleasure of being the guest designer over at the City Crafter Challenge Blog for the entire month of February.  I've been working at a feverish pace to come up with some cards inspired by this week's challenge which is Fantastic Plastic.  Hostess Kirsty picked this photo to inspire us:

The theme requires that you use something plastic on your project – eg acetate, shrink plastic, friendly plastic.  In my case, I used an acrylic trading card.  I applied orange alcohol in to the backside of the acrylic card.  Once the ink was dry, I then stamped with black water based ink.  After a short pause, I used a soft cloth to wipe off the water based ink.  The water based ink picked up the alcohol ink off the acrylic and acted as a resist for the alcohol ink.  This Clear Scraps technique video demonstrates this quick and easy technique.

I sure had a lot of fun with this challenge.  I still have my tools out on the workbench, so I'm going to try to carve some time out to make other examples inspired by the photo.  Why don't you hop on over to the City Crafter Challenge Blog and join the fun?