American Stamper

Stamp Club

2011-11-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

We made the most adorable card on Saturday. I just had to share. It was a cased card that had been cased. Sound familiar?? LOL!

Christmas cards

2011-11-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time to start my Christmas cards about two months ago. I am still thinking! But I will post some here and Hope I get feedback on which I should mass produce.

Dog Swaps

2011-06-07T13:52:00.005-07:00

Here are my cards that I completed in this month. The first one is the one that has the T.A.C. stamp. The dog's name is Ruffles.

I colored him with Copic markers just as a fill in. I didn't go into blending. Then I added two stickers.

The next card has a stamp I picked up for my friend who has a Schnauzer. This was a very simple card to make.

I hope you enjoyed these simple cards.

I signed up for the June swap which is about cats. (My favorite subject.)

Long Time No Posting!

2011-06-07T13:25:00.001-07:00

It has been a long long time since I have posted. So many things have happened in my personal life that actually drained the creative muse right out of me.

In September, I started having tremors, shaking and lose of the use of my legs. There were no signs that would let me know when it could happen. Let me also add that I had a friend whom I considered to be my sister and she was very very ill. We moved to AZ because she did and built our home across the street from her and her hubby. Her illness was so scary to her husband that he had a nervous breakdown. So a lot fell on my shoulders. I am not in the greatest health but I started ignoring myself and trying to take care of her and took her to the doctors continuously. So naturally, my health started to deteriorate so that by the Holidays I was not up to even celebrating them. Linda, in her mental state, thought it meant that I was withdrawing from her because I didn't care about her and no amount of reasoning could convince her otherwise. I suppose this sounds selfish but I felt like a dishrag after she mentally attacked me. I knew To save myself, I had to withdraw to my corner and take care of myself. I got a call from her. She told me that since I had been the only person who ever loved her and she drove me away, she was going to make sure she was out of my life forever. God forgive me, but I got so upset that I couldn't handle her attitude and the lack of listening to what I was trying to say to her. I stopped calling her but kept in touch with her through her husband who had turned himself around at the Holidays and was now feeding her and taking care of her.

Her hubbby calleed me at the beginning of February and told me her kidneys were failing and she had a heart attack. She was in the hospital. It happened because she had stopped eating and drinking right after Christmas. Her kidneys rebounded and she came home. She was supposed to get her heart checked immediately after her kidneys had rebounded but she refused. The following Friday, she was rushed to the hospital again but Jack came over here instead of going to the hospital. He wanted me to back him on putting her in a rehab. I said she needed to find out what happened to her heart. I forced him to go to the hospital but I was sick and didn't go. She had told the ER that she was fine so they discharged her. Grrrrr. Had I been there I would have insisted that they check her in for her heart. Jack fought with them about the rehab and took her home. The next night at 11:30, he called and told me she was gone. I ran across the street and into the house. I didn't notice the police were there. I felt her and she was still warm and I begged and pleaded with her to come back. The policeman told me she was gone and there was nothing I could do. I just laid on the bed holding her for five hours until the ME came. Then I went home.

Two hours later, I was admitted to the hospital with Influenza B and a temperture of 103.2 f. That night I had a dream that Linda was tugging at me to come with her and I was telling her that I couldn't go yet. The nurse and Alan (my hubby) told me they thought they had lost me but I had come out of it. It was unbelievable how many people were in my room. People had to gown up when they came into my room. It was really scary. I was in for a week and told that I was still very sick but if I could act like I was still as restricted as if I was in the hospital I could go home. They told me that I wouldn't get better if I lost myself in grief. It is so very hard to try to concentrate on getting better when you just lost the main character of your life. This happened in February. I am still ill and probably will be for another couple of months but I am coming down from the planet I have been living on and starting to live a new life without Linda (after 51 years.)

I started Paint Shop Pro lessons up again so that I could concentrate on something other than poor me. Then in May, I got the opportunity to get certified in Copics so that I could teach them. I went ahead and did that. It may have been the healthiest thing I did for myself in a long time. I thought I could start stamping again. Stamping has always been my passion.

Then, I got a call from the wife of my most life altering friend, Jim, to tell me that he was very ill and would probably end up in a rehab. We talked a long time and there was a lot of emotion in there. All I could think was "Thank God" I saw him and her when I had gone back to Boston in 2007. All they had were each other. He died the following Monday. Another strike for the Home Team. He had been living on borrowed time for quite awhile and his last ten years were his happiest ever. This probably helped me.

Immediately I signed up for a swap in a yahoo group that I am in. It was a Dog swap. You send to the name above you and the name below you. I forced myself in a corner so that I had to stamp. I will post the pictures of the cards in the next posting.

I pray for the strength of mind to get my blog going again along with the consulting business with The Angel Company. They are truly a wonderful Company to work for and I am very grateful to them.

Thanks for all who have read this far. I care so deeply for all of you who followed my blog and hope you come back!

Copics Demo

2010-08-08T14:03:00.001-07:00

On Saturday night, once a month, I go to a Stamp Club that I really love. Last month, Sandy asked me to show the ladies how I use Copics. So last night I took my copics to class and showed them the Sketchers that I use quite frequently. I knew that I had to explain what various reviews said about paper and ink. They asked what I used and I explained that Mementos were my only choice of ink and that I use Neenah Classic Crest 110# but I would get 80# next time I ordered a ream. I showed them what the marker looked like and in addition to the little pictures, the grey line around the marker was a sure way of telling the brush end which I prefer.
Then I explained that as far as I was concerned if you don't use the blending or feathering technique, don't go to the expense of buying them.
They were warned against buying the sets of Copics that Copic puts out because unless you have all the markers from them, you will not be able to blend as easily.
I don't know of any other company that puts out sets of Copics as they should be. TAC has just come out with their Caboodle sets and they are set up so that the individual colors are together as they should be.
For those of you who do not know, Copics are marked with an abbreviation of the color first, next comes how true the color is 0 being the strongest and 9 being the least as it has more grey to it. This is true as you go up the numbering. This does not mean the brightest color. The next number represents the lightest of that color group to the darkest. This again goes from 0-9.
For blending purposes, the norm is to chose the first two as the family and the lightest to the darkest. So for blue denim, I prefer B (for blue) 9 for the least strong pure color, then I chose 3, 5 and 7. So my markers would be B93, B95, and B97. The truth is for the third number I could use any number as long as the first two numbers remain the same.
I really don't want to get into blending here, but an intoduction would be to lay down your lowest number first, using tiny circles to apply. Then check the back of the paper to be sure it is showing through. You apply that color all over the item. Now, without getting into the direction of light, etc, the easiest way is to outline the outer edge of that part of the image with the next marker. Take your lightest marker again and blend them together. I actually like the feathering technique, I flick the light color over the dark until you no longer see where one begins and the other ends. The next step would be to apply the third color where you want your deepest shadows and the take the lightest marker again and flick it over all of the colors so there is no line. It should look like the color just gets darker. You can use mixed media with this BUT the Copics have to be DRY!
I used a white prismacolor pencil to place highlight where I wanted them. Then on my card, I used chalks and a torn piece of paper to make clouds for the background. This poor little girl had her string on her balloon break and she went sailing up into the sky. I sure hope she landed somewhere safe!!

Do you think they may have gotten a little confused? Well then I passed out 3 markers to each of the 8 ladies and a 2 x 5 strip of Neenah and had them do it. Eventually each one of them was blending beautifully. They then all wanted them so it went downhill from there - LOL. One of the ladies is determined to get them so she is booking a party from me to get the Copic set for 1/2 price by having sales of over $100. Then for every booking she gets, when the other person has her party, then she will be entitled to get another 1/2 priced set. She is usually timid but she is more determined then timid and she realizes that she is doing her friends and their friends a favor in these economic times. Our wonderful Company, The Angel Company reduced their prices where all other companies increased their prices. What a Company!!!!!

So that is my saga from last night. Oh one more thing, I used the card in the last post to demonstrate how to do the blending. Go look at it and click on it twice to enlarge it.

Have a great day!

My TAC girl

2010-08-06T23:15:00.003-07:00

Well, I have been gone quite awhile, but now I'm back!

I have a Copic class to give Saturday which might be today so I thought I would show you my copic girl. The stamp comes from The Serendipity magalogue which came out this winter. The stamp set number is T-3254 and is called Wonder and Joy. What a great set! There isn't one stamp that I don't adore!

The paper is from V-700 Rockin Roxie Matchbook kit. I layered a light pink behind the girl and placed the thing on white card stock.

I used quite a number of copics, So let me list them for each section of the card. First let me tell you that I used Neenah Crest for the Copics along with Tuxedo Black Memento ink.

The Balloon, I used: Y11,13,17 then I used a white colored pencil on the highlight AFTER the copics were dry. The string was done with Y17 and the colored blender to soften the brightness.

The Hair, I used: E 33, 37 ,44

The skin, I used: E 0000, 00 and R08. I love her cheeks.

The top, I used R81, 85.

The pants, I used R 91, 93 and 95. I used the white colored pencil in the middle of each leg. I used it mostly on her knees.

Well, I sure hope this means my muse is back!!! Hope to see you soon!!!

Poignant Thoughts

2010-04-21T15:57:00.001-07:00

This is an email I received from Sherrill Graff today and it is so true. It is why I share TAC with anyone I can find:

"started to think about what a friend said to me yesterday as I was bringing her home from the doctors. She had just had the news that she needed to go into the hospital to have more tests run. Uncertainty has set in, and worry too... What she said to me had a great impact. She said stamping over the last few months has brought her out of her shell and has brought sunshine in her life! Stamping has given her a reason to hang out with friends and to spend hours creating beautiful cards to share with friends. Stamping has brought more joy and keeps her out of pain. This is WHY we do what we do! This is why we serve and why we share what we love. We share and serve to lift help and inspire others. We don't just sell stamps we support friends in their times of need. May God bless this friend and may he bless each of us so we can do what he would do if he were standing here with us today.

I believe the light of Christ is in our hearts, lets find something to do to day to serve others.

love you, Sherrill"

Projects - Fun was had by all!

2010-02-20T16:06:00.000-07:00

I'll start with Claudia's acrylic album. She did this so fast! I decided to take mine home and do it so I didn't look like a dud next to her!

As you can see, I took the pics before Claudia was done.

Now, we give you the man's version of the acrylic album - TA DA

Not so shabby for a guy, huh?

Actually, he did a ~~beautiful~~ (um) handsome job of it!!

Well, I've put enough on this posting so I will start another one. See you soon!

Angels busy doing what they are best at

2010-02-20T15:26:00.001-07:00

Here's pictures of the people who did not duck out of the way of the camera - LOL!

I did mean stamping but they are really good at laughing and having a GREAT time!!!!

The Angel Company "Escape Out of the Box 2010"

2010-02-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Claudia Gates held the Escape Out of the Box at her home and very graciously invited me to stay the weekend. She is such a loving, warm and classy lady.

The Escape began on Saturday but I went on Friday to prepare for the event. I had a lot of cutting and scoring to do!

First, I would like to show you a group picture. Since I was taking the picture, I'm not in it, but you all know what I look like, anyway.

Here's the group picture taken outside the house.

Bon Appetite !

2010-01-19T00:13:00.005-07:00

My BFF is visiting from Colorado for a week! I am so excited to see her. We only see each other probably twice a year. Did you ever meet someone and you knew she was going to be the best friend you have been looking for forever? Well that is Rita.

Yesterday she came over and I was in my studio finishing up some books I was making. I asked her if she wanted to see something done and she said she would love to.

I decided to make something for her. These are the colors of her kitchen and this little chef is on her wall paper. On her wall paper she also has black, teal and yellow.

First I took a piece of cardboard and used my Corner Chopper to round the corners. Of couse, had I been thinking, I should have glued the paper on and done them together. I then put that aside for later assembly.

Then I made the cover for the ruled note paper. I firmly believe that when you nake a note paper holder, you should cut the back of the note paper chip board into the shape of a T so that you can replace it when it is done. That means the cover is totally independent of the note paper. So you have to make a bar for the T to fit through and the make the cover.

I used another color that Rita has in her kitchen to cover up the top band of the note pad, taking into consideration that there is a tiny scored piece on top for the fold over. I stamped it with the stamp Bon Appetit which is all over her wallpaper.

I got down to business and made the front sheet that would cover the front of the notebook and look like it was made for it. Rita mentioned that teal and black played a big role in her wallpaper too. So I took a Koosh ball for each color and pounced Versacolor on the paper using both colors. That was the background paper for the layered Chef. I then used the wine bottle with cheese and grapes just like she has in her kitchen in Colorado.

I then took the large piece of covered chipboard and placed four really strong round magnets in each corner so she could mount them on the refridgerator. The last two things to do were to place the stamped yellow top cover on with Scor tape and attach the layered piece to the front of that. The last step was to slip the T shaped back of the note pad into the the card board strip I placed underneath. I used Scor tape for that too. I really believe that is the stronest tape for the job!

I hope you have enjoyed this little tutorial and will try it on your own.

Rita has a sister that she thinks will be very jealous because they both have the same wall paper and all the same items in them.

Don't forget, to see it larger, please quick twice. It was very nice to get to show you something besides christmas cards! Please post your comments. I would love to read them.

A traditional A6 card

2009-12-12T00:27:00.001-07:00

A6 cards are the size I have decided to go with. The reason may be because I have about 800 envelopes that size - LOL!

This is my first break from easel cards. I hope I can stay away. They are so tempting!!!!!

Anyway, I believe this is a Stampendous stamp but I forget. I went back to my prismacolors and gamsol for this card. The background sky is done with a ColorBox Chalk pad and a Kosh, another oldie but goodie.

I hope you enjoy it!

Easel Card #4

2009-12-12T00:21:00.001-07:00

This is my favorite. I am not sure I can do better than this so I am going to quit making christmas easel cards. (Yeah, right!)

This card just fell together. I realized that the texture of the beard and the fluff of the hat should be different so on the beard, I used Liquid Applique. Any of you remember that baby? I used that years ago and now I am using it again. I then stamped a tiny holly and mounted it on a dimensional to keep the "easel" in place. Don't forget to click!

Easel Card #3

2009-12-12T00:15:00.001-07:00

Boy, it really is hard to stop making these babies. This card is really cute. I found this stamp at a convention in Las Vegas and thought it was so cool!

I used the same paper as I used in the first easel card I made. If you click on the card, you can see I used the new cuttlebug borders for 5x7 cards on each side. That tied the paper in. I used a christmas bulb as the stop for the fold. For the beard and the hat I used faux flower soft. It is so easy. Just get styrofoam balls from the dollar store. Rub them together over a ziploc bag or something. Then take glue and put it where you want the fluff. Sprinkle the fluff and you're done. Easy Peasy!

Don't forget to click so you can see the affect of the styrofoam.

Easel Card #2

2009-12-12T00:03:00.001-07:00

I decided that I didn't want to make small cards anymore. So this easel card is 5" x 5". I never thought I would have a use for the background paper but it was a perfect fit to this Holly Card. The holly and the berries are sealed in diamond glaze. It is a very pretty affect.

Don't forget if you want a larger look, click on the picture.

Easel Card #1

2009-12-11T23:50:00.001-07:00

I have to say that when I first saw easel cards, I wasn't impressed. Then I was looking for an easy and fast card to make. Well, let me tell you, I fell in love with easel cards. I am crazy about them.

I first started out with a 4" x 4" card. I had some paper that I had for ages so decided to use it on this card and it really looked great!! You can't tell that the dots are red rhinestones but they are.

Thanks for looking!

BTW, to see a bigger picture of the card, click on it.

meetup3

2009-11-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

This stamp is a Penny Black stamp. Really cute.

Meetup card #2

2009-11-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

This is a Gina K stamp set called "Very Merry Christmas" I fell in love with the set the minute I laid eyes on each sneak peek.

Meetup card #1

2009-11-14T12:42:00.001-07:00

This is a stamp set made by TAC called Vintage Santa.

Meetup Group

2009-11-14T12:31:00.002-07:00

I have started my own Meetup group and the first class is tonight. I have made 3 cards for them to do. I will post them individually but at this moment can't provide any details to them because I am busy being the caregiver for my sister and BIL and I have to get down there.

But I really like these cards. With my state of mind, they may stink. Any constructive critism will help!

Copic and embroidery Birthday card

2009-10-12T11:16:00.004-07:00

This card is for a very special sister -in- law. It is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2".
First I did some simple embroidery on all four sides using the colors I wanted to incorporate into my image. The image is done completely with Copics. Oh, I need so many more Copics so that my blending is better. I then stamped Happy Birthday with my beloved Memento ink!

I hope you enjoy this. If you would like to see a close up of the card, please click on it.

BTW, I have so many sketch book pages to put up. I am really far behind on my postings. It is on the list for this week but I have joined Pulmonary rehab at the Hospital and am going to Vegas Thursday and may stay overnight. Lots of books to finish! Got to get caught up because I am picking up more bookos on Wednesday after I go to the Doctors.

I have been moving things around and assembling new toys and have sprained my back. This is going to be a fun week!!

See you all soon!

New Purchase

2009-09-08T19:42:00.005-07:00

This is my new purchase swap for this month on Inkyfunstampers Yahoo Group. I love their swaps. I just purchased 5 Sugar Nellie stamps and already one is missing. They are so beautiful and they really scream "COPICS" to me. This image is called "Fragile Beauty". For the base card I used Co-ordinations and then took a Cuttlebug embossing border and ran it through my Big Shot. Then to take advantage of the core color, I sanded the embossed design til the core showed through.

The image was colored and blended using several markers. Unfortunately I put them away so that I can't tell you which ones I used. I stamped the image with Memento ink onto Neenah 110# paper.

Now it is back to the drawing board. I have 6 more swaps and 4 more sketch books waiting.

I will be gone to Vegas tomorrow and come home Friday and then stay with my sister until we go back to Vegas Monday to pick up her hubby at the airport. Things should be back to normal (whatever that is) by Wednesday. I am really really glad Hubby bought me a laptop for my birthday!!!

Side Step Card

2009-09-08T19:11:00.005-07:00

The side step card was a challenge on ScorPalPals yahoo group. If there is a tutorial on how to make a card using my Scor-Pal, I am right there ready to make it. I absolutely adore my Scor-Pal. TAC carries it. It is item # F-358 and retails for $43.95. I have the Scor-It and I thought that was great but there is no comparison between the two at all. As a matter of fact, I should probably sell my Scor-It.

Anyway, the card is 5 1/2" x 8 1/2".

You first cut your line. Turn your card vertically and at the two inch mark, cut a line from 2 1/8" to 7 1/2" then place the card horizontally with the cut more towards the bottom. You then score at 2 1/8", score the entire way down past the cut at the 4 1/4" mark, next you need to score at 5 3/8" and only to the cut line. Since there is no mark there but there is one at 6 3/8", move your card over to the right by 1". This will give you the score at 5 3/8". Put your card back to the far left and score at 6 1/2" and 7 1/2". Now fold the score lines. On the step side beginning at the front, fold mountain, valley, mountain, valley then Mountain. On the side piece. fold as a Mountain fold. Then you are all ready to decorate. I chose Karen Foster's Purple marble Designer paper for the background. Then I took light purple from the DCWV purple combo - non textured pack you buy at Michael's or Jo-Ann's and punched it using the scallop edger punch with the holes from SU.

The image is an iris from PSX' botanical stamps. They are no longer in business to my knowledge. I went around the edge with a Spica glitter pen.

It was fun and I hope you try it.

Birthday Card for a Friend

2009-09-08T17:58:00.005-07:00

This birthday card is so long overdue. I tell myself every year that I am going to make Char a card and I never do. I feel badly because she is such a loving and giving person. This year I am really a stamper instead of a collector. This card was so much fun to make mostly because it is for her.

I used Amberly Grace SWIC paper V-840 and retails for $6.95, from TAC. The flower is a strip of the same paper as the background, scored every eighth of an inch and folded mountain then valley all the way. Then you glue the ends together from the inside out. I kinda squished the flower so it would form a tight circle flat on the desk. Then I glued a scrap of paper to the wrong side and then added the rhinestone.

Isn't the kitten adorable? I love this set.It is called "Playful Kitties" T-2655 and retails for $12.95. There are four images to the set.

I used colored pencil and Gamsol on the image. What a surprise!!

I am actually going to post a card that I used Copics on. Look for the last post of the day. Next up is a "side step card".

Renaissance Scenes

2009-08-27T23:35:00.006-07:00

This one I kept very simple. I love the new Renaissance set that TAC brought out in the Serendipity magalogue. I used a Nestability die from Spellbinders for the frame. The ink I used was the Palette "Cognac". I don't know why, but I am into browns and greys this season.

Moon, Stars and the Universe

2009-08-27T23:35:00.005-07:00

This was a strange one and I don't even know where I got the idea. I took black paper and sprayed gold and silver paint by Krylon. Then I took the section that I liked the best and stamped a moon using SU's Craft white ink. I added some yellow to the moon but with all the bumps from the spray, it really didn't take too well. But it was fun to experiment.

Brown cats Sketch Book

2009-08-27T23:24:00.001-07:00

Leave it to me to be the first one to get this tiny tiny book. Well, this stamp represents my darling boy, Michael. Since I could only do brown cats, I couldn't add in all his extra coloring. It was such a tiny page so I had no idea how to embellish it until I tripped over my sticker book. I never use stickers and I don't know why. I am a collector of stickers, among other things.

Mingle Bookmark Card

2009-08-27T22:21:00.012-07:00

I have taken a couple of photos because in addition to the bookmark, I made a flap on the other side so it wouldn't slide out of the book. So easy peasy!!! If you love your ScorPal, you should really join this group. The site is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ScorPalPals They have some great tutorials.

For the directions, head on out to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CNzbbV3C_o

Busy Busy

2009-08-27T22:19:00.003-07:00

I have been a busy little bee. I am going to post sketch book art, a "mingle" for ScorPalPals and a special birthday card for a friend who is turning 72.

Sympathy card

2009-08-21T14:36:00.005-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted. I am TRYING to get my stamp room under control. The task is bigger than I am.

At the same time, I have been starting on various cards - not finishing any except for this sympathy card.

Unfortunately, a person who I know through two groups had her sister pass away. Very sad.

So I wanted to make her something because believe me when I tell you she is one special lady!

I used 110# paper by Neenah so that the embossing would really stick out. I used the cuttlebug folders, Flower Fantasy and Swiss Dots. I did one on top and one on the bottom. Then I used my Scor Pal to score twice after each one. I wanted something simple yet elegant, so I chose the calla lily to be my image. It is colored with colored pencils and Gamsol. I used nestabilities to cut out the scalloped circle and the the smaller circle. I used Memento ink to sponge the scalloped circle. I then used a darker purple Memento ink to edge the smaller circle and the outer edge of the card.

I hope you like it.

I will be posting again soon, maybe tomorrow, because I have a swap to do that is a card with a bookmark built in. So be sure to check in soon.

Cards For Heroes Blog Hop

2009-08-14T19:19:00.008-07:00

There is an organization that collects cards to send to soldiers so they may send them to loved ones. It is called Cards for Heroes.
This is very dear to my heart. So I have chosen to join so that I may help in some small way.

The card I made is very simple. It is made entirely with Cuttlebug folders. The cardstock measures 4 1/4" x 8 1/2". Then you score it at 5 1/2". This card is based on a design by Pat Genardo. Her card was absolutely breathtaking.

I chose three different folders.The backgound for the base card is done using the Snowflakes folder. I took the 5 1/2" length and only embossed the left hand side. The I turned the card over and only embossed the 3" side. This left a 3" space for the soldier to write. Then I took a 3" square and used the Swiss dot folder on that. Next for the Ice Crystal, I used the combo folder that has the cutter and the folder. I attached that to the Swiss dot with pop dots and adhered it to the left side of the embossed base. The right hand side tucks in behind that flap.

I hope this inspires you to make simple cards for the soldiers. They really need the motivation. Homemade cards are a godsend to them.

Now link back to the Cards for Heroes Site.

http://cardsforheroes.org/homefront-blog/2009/8/14/happy-holidays-for-heroes-minibloghop.html

Trees Indigenous to your area

2009-08-12T21:50:00.005-07:00

This was a difficult one for me because we are in a 30 year drought. There is nothing really green here unless you have an irrigation system that uses a lot of water. We chose not to. So we have no trees. LOL

This page is a combination of colored pencil with Gamsol and dye ink sponged on.

Anything Goes

2009-08-09T14:39:00.005-07:00

This is a card that would not normally be my style. Since I am coming out of comfort zone, I have decided to use this card for my swap. I do like the nestabilities die and I am starting to use buttons on my cards. Stamping ribbon doesn't come easy to me. I guess I just don't do it often enough!

Missing You

2009-08-08T19:31:00.006-07:00

It has been awhile since I used my pastels. This card was actually completed at an SU party. Of course, I had to do it my way, mostly because I didn't know where the original card was. It was the first time I had used a stamp with Versamark and then used my pastels. Neat trick. I also used my chalk enhancer with it. I love that stuff.

Hot Hot Hot Swap

2009-08-08T19:24:00.006-07:00

I finally did a tri shutter card! I have been putting it off for so long. My friend Kathy McGuire even DARED me to do it. I can't stand when someone dares me. So I think she will be proud of me.

I followed Beate John's tutorial on You Tube. You can see the video on the right column. I wouldn't rate it as easy but I had a lot of fun doing it.

I am showing you the inside and then the folded card.

Swap for Latest Purchase

2009-08-06T18:14:00.004-07:00

This is another triangular card that I have made. The stamp inside is a TAC stamp from the set in the Serendipity magalogue called "true beauty". I think every single stamp in this set is gorgeous. I love butterflies, can you tell?

The paper I used was a Soar With It Collection called Hemingway along with the matching card stock. I actually took white itty blossoms and dyed them with "Wheat" Versa Magic chalk ink. The tiny flower was also dyed to match the blossoms over the butterfly. I used a metallic gold prismacolor pencil to outline the postage stamp frame then used prismacolors, along with Gamsol and tortillions, for the remaining colors of the stamps.

It is actually brighter in real life. I hope the recipient likes her card.

Violet, Green and Orange Swap

2009-08-05T17:24:00.005-07:00

Today I have a couple of swaps that I will post for you. These are for Inkyfunstampers.

This one really surprised me. I couldn't imagine these colors together but what the heck! That is why I am doing swaps. I want to get outside my comfort zone. Oh Boy!!

The image is from a retired TAC set called Pansies. They happen to be my favorite flower. (Along with roses and frangipani.). For the orange, I used the Pansy stamp with versamark to break up the brightness. For the image itself I used prismacolor pencils, Gamsol and spica glitter pens. I then cut it out and added to a paint sample from Home Depot.

It still looked too blah so I needed something. Ribbon didn't work nor did brads. But what a difference when I added the TAC buttons. I was happy that it came out well enough that I could send it to some one.

Fun at the beach

2009-07-26T02:11:00.005-07:00

This little girl looks like she is having so much fun! I remember when I was little. I LOVED the beach. I still do, but I don't live by a real beach anymore. I have Lake Mohave or the Colorado River. I haven't been in them yet. I grew up by the Atlantic Ocean.

Games people play

2009-07-26T02:00:00.007-07:00

This is from a retired TAC set. It was very simple to color and mount on the red background.

Brownies or aliens in the garden

2009-07-25T20:17:00.004-07:00

The stamp is part of a retired stamp set from TAC. In order to put the aliens in the wheel barrow, I stamped the image twice and cut out the front of the cart. I colored the front in and then pasted over the3 aliens. Whew. These themes are getting curiouser and curiouser.

Dates in History

2009-07-25T19:17:00.004-07:00

I thought long and hard on this one and there were only two dates that came to my mind. One was 1776 and 9-1-1.

As you can see, I chose 9-1-1.

I don't ever want to forget but it is a sad day in American History. I hope it is taught for years to come.

Let it Snow

2009-07-25T19:14:00.003-07:00

This is a sketchbook page that is for someone who has probably never seen snow. I hope with the glitter, I make her feel the snow. BRRRR

Stop and Smell the flowers

2009-07-24T20:10:00.002-07:00

This was fun to do. I chuckled all the way through it.

I love the little skunks that TAC has.

Fill The Basket Sketch Book Art

2009-07-24T20:02:00.004-07:00

I received the book with the basket stamped so I had to fill it. I actually stamped a border stamp then cut it up and used pieces to arrange in the basket. I watercolored the pansies using Lyra Aquarell pencils and my little aqua brush. I was pretty pleased with it.

Another Sketch Book Challenge

2009-07-20T19:39:00.004-07:00

This one was a winner. I had to do a self-portrait. With my tremors, it is hard to draw these days, but I gave it a go. My friends may not recognize me because, if they haven't seen me in a while, I lost a LOT of weight!

The drawing is close enough to recognize me, but not to submit for any prize - LOL!

Sketch Book page

2009-07-19T20:33:00.004-07:00

The picture is for a sketch book that I am doing a page in. I put this off because I had no idea what to do for this theme. I really do go out of my comfort zone on these books.

I love to do them. They really are fun. But some of them really really stump me.

Anything Goes Swap

2009-07-19T15:59:00.006-07:00

Well, I missed a day somehow, but here is my card. The set is from TAC called "In Bloom". I stamped in Jumbo Java, Versamagic and just used glitter to color in the image. I stamped a swirl on the background and that made me lose inspiration. I had no idea where I was going to go from there. I had to wait until the card led me. The picture isn't great but the card came out well in person. So it will be winging its way to my 1-on-1 swapper.

Next I am going to alternate between my swaps for Stamper's Life (Christmas themes) and my sketch book pages.

See you soon!

Anthing Goes card is done

2009-07-17T23:36:00.004-07:00

Inspiration found me when I wasn't looking. I just finished the card so I will upload it tomorrow afternoon.

On this card, I actually just printed off a pattern onto copy paper. A lot of Glitter!

Hope you have a lovely night!

Watch for my posting tomorrow. Let me know what you think. I initially hated the background but tonight it seemed to come together for me.

Talk to you later!

What is my problem??

2009-07-16T17:33:00.006-07:00

This has been one THOSE weeks. I have no inspiration at all! Does that EVER happen to you? I need a kick in my butt!

Anyone offering to kick me? Please?

I have so many adorable sketch books that I need to add a page and move them along!!! They are so adorable.

I have swaps I have to do. I still haven't done the "Anything Goes" one that I said I would post, Monday!

It isn't like I was talking about something I dislike. I LOVE THIS STUFF!

I need a kick in my butt!!!!!

HELP!!!!!!!!!

Make-n-Take for 7-3-09 Demo

2009-07-13T16:04:00.002-07:00

This TAC fun shop had 14 confirmed guests. Two dropped out and three showed up. So I prepared 12 kits for the fun shop. I was so excited that I came up with a great card. (I am not usually this excited about cards I make.) I am still waiting for orders from 2 people so I guess it was a flop but I came away exhilarated knowing that it was the demo I ever gave.

I busily cut out all the card stock for the ladies and all they had to do was paste, stamp, color and USE the Crop-a-dile. I taught them how to use Gamsol with their prismacolor pencils and they wound up being very surprised about the difference the Gamsol made. I gave a little lesson on blending colors but they need practice, as I did when I started. Everyone but the hostess feared the crop-a-dile but loved it after I demoed it and they used it. They did have a blast and asked me if I would do more. I will have to think on that one.

So anyway, the card is called a triangular gate fold card. It was not easy to cut out at first but I got the hang of it and it zipped along. I used cording and glued the ends so they wouldn't fray. The center piece of the flower is a circle punched piece of the triangle paper. The stamp that I used was the sunflower in the set called "Flowers and Holly".

Well, that is all for today unless I get my swap done for "Anything goes".

3rd Swap for Today

2009-07-13T15:38:00.002-07:00

The theme for this swap was "latest purchase" I just purchased tons of Hemingway paper for a TAC demo that I did. Thinking of that, I should post that card because I am VERY proud of that card! So I guess I will do one more post today.

This card was cased from the Serendipity magalogue . If you have the magalogue, you can see it on page 13, along with the stamp set, "want to fly". To me this has to be one of the most elegant samples and my favorite stamp set in this book.

I used Hemingway paper, along with Jumbo Java Versamagic ink. The brown ribbon was from my stash of ribbon collected when Michael's had a great sale on their ribbon. The strip that is horizontal at the bottom is actually crimped tho I don't think that is clear in the picture.

I have never cased a card before but I certainly could not improve on this. If you are the designer of this card, please leave a comment.

Thanks. See you in a few minutes.

Another swap card

2009-07-13T15:14:00.004-07:00

First, I have learned I better check my spelling before I post!!!

This card theme is "Flowers, Flowers Everywhere"! Since there were supposed to be flowers everywhere, I thought of the Bella Flor paper and stamp set by Mabelle R O for TAC. I believe both are retired.

The template was lovingly shared by Vicki Hook (who also gave me the inspiration to start this blog.)

Since the middle section would have shown white on the back, I chose to use the yummy pink to cover it with a square tag that matched the flowery paper.

Of course I had to add a flower to the upper right hand corner. The leaf comes from another dollar store lei.

On to my next swap....

Swap

2009-07-13T14:57:00.002-07:00

I have recently started doing swaps again and I have joined a Sketh Book Art Mail Club. You will be hearing more about the Sketch Book Club as I continue to Blog. Today I would like to share a card that I did for a Swap. The theme of the swap was "Patriotic".

I didn't want to do just any card. That has always been my problem. I put a lot of time into each card I do. So I don't get much done all at once.

This card actually was very simple but it needed a run to the dollar store for inspiation. I got the wired ribbon from there. While I was at it, I bought a 4th of July lei. I used the blue flower as the large flower while using other flowers I had hanging around the house. The stamp is a retired TAC stamp called "Liberty".

I hope you enjoy this card.

My second day of blogging.

2009-07-12T01:09:00.002-07:00

I have had a constructive day of moving my supplies into the new "art studio" - LOL.

Of course, this has been going on for quite some time.

I made two cards tonight for swaps that I am in. One is cased from the Serendipity manalogue using different paper and the other is my first try at the tri-fold card. Thank you Vicki Hook.

Tomorrow I will post the photos. That will be another new experience for me.

See you tomorrow. Hubby already went to bed and is probably asleep. Have a great Sunday!

My first blog post

2009-07-10T20:33:00.002-07:00

Hello.

I will post my first card tomorrow. Today I just want to enjoy the fact that I have finally begun a blog!