Inspiration Card

So today's challenge was the Ways to use it challenge. I saw this box my daughter-in-law had my Christmas gift in sitting on my desk. I just had to use it to day as my inspiration. The challenge was to use Stazon. I love using the white Stazon on transparency sheets. I wish I had a vanilla stazon to fit a little better but the white did the trick. I used the Very Vanilla Craft ink on the Ruby Red background. I rolled my snowflake wheel in the Stazon pad. Obviously the transparency sheet is held on by the eyelets. This was a fun card to make and another Thank you card to give for all the wonderful gifts we have received so far.

Stamps: Sanded Background, Bold Snowflakes Jumbo Wheel, Wonderful Words

Paper: Very Vanilla, Ruby Red, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Transparency Sheet

Ink: Very Vanilla Craft, White Stazon, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke,

Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Fresh Favorites I Eyelets

Christmas Thank you!

I hope you all had a joyous Christmas. I know ours is not quite over. We got one side done this week and the other side will arrive next week. It is time to get some of the thank you cards started and on the way. So I used the challenge that I missed yesterday which was the Color Challenge on SCS. I combined that with today's Sketch Challenge and created today's card. I cut out all of my circles and stamped my Holly leaf. I then masked the image and spritzed. that way I did not get any spritz on the image. I used the scallop punch to make the medallion. I saw the tutorial on Dannie's Blog and have just been waiting for a card to try it on! I then decided to add the brads on the side. I toyed with the thought of putting them all the way up the side, because I love using the Crop-a-dile, but decided 3 was enough :) Have a great day and happy stamping!

Stamps: Sleigh Bells Ring, Dotted Background, Circle of Friendship

Paper: Green Galore, Glorious Green, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Green Galore, Glorious Green, Real Red, Black Stazon

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Coluzzle, 3/4", 1", 1/2" Circle Punches, Green and red Eyelets, Crop-a-dile, Spritzer

Name Frame - Heidi

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!!!

We had another baby in our church. She is about a month old now. I usually give one of these as a baby gift. I am just finally getting caught up. I hope she enjoys it!

Stamps: Water Color Vine Jumbo Wheel, Petals Jumbo Wheel, Print Pattern Background, Paisley Background, Flannel Background, En Francias Background, Dotted Background

Paper: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla

Ink: Rose Red, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal,

Accessories: Hodge Podge Hardware, Rhinestone Brads, 5/8" Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, 1/4" Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, White Gel Pen

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to All!!
About 2 weeks ago Sue tagged me. I posted the reply on my About me Page.

Here was my Christmas Card for this year. My Christmas letter can be found at our family blog.

Stamps: Fine lace Background, En Francias Background, Holy Triptych

Paper: Chocolate Chip, River Rock, Very Vanilla

Ink: River Rock, Chocolate Chip, Blue Bayou, Pumpkin Pie, More Mustard, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Basic Brown, Blush Blossom

Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Star Punch

Altered Starbucks Bottles

So today I was trying to finish some Christmas presents. These will be going to some very dear friends of mine. It was a funny thing that yesterday while I was out buying these that the Ways to Use It challenge on SCS was to Wrap it up. So I used this for that.

This bottle I used the new SU Rub-ons. They take a little getting used to but I love how it turned out!

This one I etched flowers and hearts in ovals on the glass. It is filled with lots of fun embellishments.

This picture did not turn out as well as I would of liked, but it is so hazy and gloomy out today, it is hard to find a good place to get good light. For those curious; behind it is a tote of gifts I had to wrap today to take to my in-laws.

Stamps: Time Well Spent

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Brocade Background

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Rub-ons on one bottles, White detail embossing powder, Etching Cream

Have a Very Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Glass Brick Tutorial

So today I thought I would throw in a tutorial on how I do my glass bricks. This is a completed picture of a couple that I finished. They are really had to get a good picture of. If you click on the picture it will open it larger in a new window.

The supplies I used are:
Drilled Glass Brick (my husband drilled a hole with a glass bit)
I used and 8" x 8"
Versamark Ink
Stamp Set
Embossing Buddy
Embossing powder
Glass cleaner and rag
Etching Cream
Rubber Glove
Lights and Ribbon to decorate
Contact paper or any masking type tape

To get a good image the surface has to be very clean. Make sure you have no finger marks or smudges at all.

I then use my Embossing buddy.

I tap it on to get a good coverage of powder on the glass. Be careful not to touch the glass with your hand at all. I then just blow off the extra dust.

I ink up my stamp with my Versamark pad.

Stamp your images on the object being very careful not to touch anything but the outside edge with your hands. The powder makes it easier to see the image and to keep stray embossing powder off the glass. If you see an error in your image at this point it is still easy to fix. Just rewash and start again.

After you have your image(s) stamped on the object as you wish then dump on the embossing powder. I am using White detail embossing powder since I have chosen a fine detailed stamp.

I shake the powder around and dump it off. I sternly tap the brick on my scratch paper to remove any extra powder. Once again double check your image. This is still any easy time to fix any errors in your image. If there is something wrong, wash and start again. If not heat up that gun!

Heat your image throughly with a heat gun. Be very careful to make sure everything gets heated. I have found bricks and plates no problem to heat. I have attempted to do a piece of glass and the heat gun cracked the glass. Make sure your object will be able to handle the heat gun or that it is easily replaceable.

After the image is embossed it will have a nice glossy look. If anything is still broken or light make sure to heat it again. If not that area will not turn out. The washing or etching cream will remove the powder if not heated well. If at this point you see a mess up let the object cool and use a hobby knife to scrap off the area that needs repair. Scrub clean and start that area from the beginning. If you used more than one stamp and only one needs repair only that one needs to be removed. The heated embossing powder will withstand washing.

If there is any part of your object you do not want etched now is the time to mask that off. I just use scraps of contact paper I have left over from another project.

Now is another time to make sure your object is totally free of any finger prints, or stray powder. Anything left on the glass will effect how you glass is etched. So make sure it is perfectly clean. Also make sure your masking tape is secure and pressed tight.

Next I just dump on the etching cream.

I use a plastic spoon to spread around (never use metal).

Spread quickly keeping the cream thick all over the image. If the cream sits longer in one area it will effect the evenness of the etching.

After it has set on the glass for 5 minutes I put on my protective glove. I used to use a sponge to remove the excess cream but I found it was just easier to wipe it with my finger back in the jar.

I wipe off all the excess cream I can get off. The cream can be used over and over again. You will notice the first time you use it, it is the consistency of elmers glue. The more it is used it will get thicker. When it gets to a thick paste form I just throw it out as it is too hard to spread evenly fast.

After I have removed all of the cream I run it under very hot water. We have an outdoor wood burning stove so our water gets very very hot. If that is the case be careful so the brick will not crack because of the heat. Rinse off all of the cream and remove the masking tape.

If your water is nice and hot the embossing powder will wash right off too. If not you will have to scrub it off. I just use a plastic dish scrub or a plastic spoon will work too. Continue to wash until everything is off of the surface.

Prior to etching I have removed all of the white paint that comes around the edges of the brick. This is easy enough done by soaking in warm water. I then just took a brush and scrubbed it off. This can be done either before or after etching. I then use a decorative ribbon around the edge. It can be fastened on with either adhesive of glue dots. For the 8" x 8" bricks I used a 35 ct white lights. Colored light also look very nice.

ENJOY!!

*Edited to add- I bought the bricks and lights at Menards. I went back yesterday to get more lights and could not find the small count at any store. Thankfully a friend found them in another city for me so I could finish my orders. So they are now very hard to find!

5 Circle Sketch

Boy was this a fun sketch. This was done for the Sketch Challenge on SCS. I did not want the circles perfect so I offset the 2 outside ones. The background ones blended in too much so I pierced around them. I so badly wanted to use my Groovy Guava since I got my new catalog yesterday and that was the color of the cover. I'm am going to be soooo broke. I just keep telling myself to pace myself. Well, this is going to be short! I have lots of gifts and orders to finish by the weekend so I better get to work. I had a request for a tutorial on the glass etching. I took pictures as I made one this morning and will hopefully get it posted tomorrow night.

Stamps: Dotted Background, Weathered Background, Lovely as a Tree, All in a Row, Short and Sweet

Paper: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Groovy Guava, Whisper White

Ink: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Groovy Guava,

Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Large and small oval punch, 1", 1 1/4" 1 3/8" Circle Punches

Eggplant Elephant

Boy, things are hectic around here! Between finishing up my cards and gift, trying to finish school before Christmas break, running my son to band and the other to driver's training....I'm tired! I've had no time to stamp except orders and gifts. Praise the Lord my son passed his test this morning and we now have another driver in the house.

This card was made for today's Color Challenge on SCS. While I was sitting waiting for my son to return for his test I sketched this out. So I just had to put it together when I got home. Of course the phone did not stop ringing so I am further behind today....but I made a card!!! I love layering the star punches. I was going to pierce around the eggplant star but I had troubles seeing the edge so I just stuck to the once. I did not want to put a sentiment on it as I am not sure it's destination as of yet. We have soooo many birthdays in our families in January so I am sure it will find a good home soon.

Stamps: Wild about You

Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Wild Wasabi

Accessories: Tool Kit for Piercing, Circle Ice & Fire Rhinestone Brads, Wild Wasabi Dbl Stitched Ribbon, Apricot Appeal Grosgrain Ribbon, Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Large and Small Star Punch

Monochromatic Blossom

So today's Ways to Use it Challenge was to do a Monochromatic card. I think I may of added too much Very Vanilla. I hope it is still considered monochromatic. I tend to grab Earth Element colors so today I challenged myself to grab the Bold Brights. They were the first color family I purchased and now they are the last ones I tend to use. So that was a personal challenge to myself. I also looked for colors that I had eyelets to match. I was trying to use some of the accessories that will be retiring at the end of the year. It was fun trying to find a bright area in the house today. My bulb burnt out at my desk and the sun is not shining today. I use the grid that came in my Tool kit to mark where I want my eyelets. Then it is easy to punch and set with the crop-a-dile.

Stamps: Paisley background, En Francais background, Blossoms Abound, Short and Sweet

Paper: Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Very Vanilla

Ink: Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst

Accessories: Lovely Lilac Eyelets, Ticket Corner Punch, Large and small oval punches, Crop-a-dile

Bayou Sailboat

This card was made for today's Sketch challenge on SCS. I am always so short on man cards so I am trying to get some stocked up.It may be hard to tell but each panel has 3 layers: Textured Bayou Blue, Not Quite Navy and Soft Sky. The Soft Sky prints paper is stamped over with the Sanded Background. I hope the Word Window punches along the side are alright to substitute for the 4-b in the sketch. I probably should have put my sentiment over and up just a bit but I adhered it with a pop up glue dot and it stuck, so that is where it will stay! :)

Stamps: Sanded BG, Winds of Grace, Circle of Friendship

Paper: Soft Sky, Textured Blue Bayou, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Soft Sky Prints DSP

Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Word Window Punch, Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads, 1 " Circle Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Cutter Kit for distressing

Mark the Date

So I got in my Demo Pre-order yesterday. I did not order very much, but I just had to use what I did get. I got the color choice from the Color Challenge today on SCS. I questioned the combo when I first saw it, but I really like the way they went together. Well, I better get this card finished and in the mail tomorrow so it can get to it's destination in time!

Stamps: Celebrate Everything, Mark the Date

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Certainly Celery, Basic Black, White

Ink: Black Stazon, Certainly Celery, Rose Red

Accessories: Regal Rose 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black and Certainly Celery 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Fire Circle Rhinestones, Round Tab Punch, Star Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Large Star Punch

Glass Plate

So today I am working on Christmas presents. Our Sunday School program is this next Sunday, so I thought I better get these done. So if you are one of my kid's Sunday School teachers please be surprised. I plan on filling these with goodies. They are so hard to photograph. My son Kaleb helped me move the light and backing a dozen ways to get the image to show. My etched glass brick class is this week and this is another option for them to do.

Stamps: Sleigh Bells Ring

Paper: Glass Plate

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: embossing powder, Etching Cream, embossing buddy

Easy Thank you

I am always in the need of easy Thank you cards especially around this time of year. So today I had very little time to stamp and decided to throw together this easy card. I just stamped the background twice turning it once between. The medallion I stamped in red, wiped off the edge and colored with the green marker. Cut and mounted, tied ribbon on and adhered together.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs

Paper: Real Red, Glorious Green, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, Glorious Green

Accessories: Red Gingham Ribbon

Sketch Motifs

So, I guess I am still addicted to using the Designer paper. I thought this sketch challenge would make a very elegant card. Usually when I use a stamp with two colors I just grab the markers. Since I had already chosen my colors before I chose my stamps I was stuck. There are no markers in the In Colors. So I stamped in the light color first and then colored over with my Always Artichoke marker the areas I wanted different. After I had set my eyelet in the center I kept out my crop-a-dile and punched the holes around the outside corners. If you cannot see I also pierced along the edges of my two background panels. I could add any sentiment in Always Artichoke ink to the bottom panel. I thought, for now, I will leave it to add when I decide who the recipient/occasion will be.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs

Paper: River Rick, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Brocade Background DSP

Ink: River Rock, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Jumbo Eyelets, Crop-a-dile, Ticket Corner Punch, Tool kit for piercing

Time Spent

So it is freezing outside so with today's Color Challenge I decided to put a little bit warmth. This again is the set that SU sent us as a gift this year. It will be available in the new January calendar as a hostess set. I stamped the big flower on the designer paper and cut it out. I colored the outside edge and spots with the marker. The center was colored and stamped again on the Old Olive and Summer Sun, cut out and mounted in layers. The flower its self is on a pop-up glue dot and the Center Old Olive is also. The Summer Sun Flower is just held on with a glue dot. I pierced around the outside of the large circle with the tool kit. I just puncture and shift the grid slightly as I turn with the tool still in the paper. I decided to put the words on the ribbon and stamped it with craft ink. It needed something behind, so I turned to my trusty punches. The retired accessory list comes out next Monday and I so hope none of my punches will be going away! I wanted to use eyelets in the corners but I did not have any the color I wanted. I could of made some with craft ink and embossing powder but I am having some ladies over tonight to make ornaments and need to get the laundry put away...so I cheated again and made faux brads with the double circle punch.

Stamps: Time Well Spent

Paper: Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Summer Sun, Certainly Celery Prints Designer Paper

Ink: Basic Black marker, Black Stazon, Old Olive Craft

Accessories: Coluzzle Circle, Double Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Label Punch, 5/8" Celery Grosgrain, Tag Corner Punch

Thank You Wreath

So today the challenges on SCS were not appealing to me. I'm sure there are so many other places, but as Christmas gets closer free time gets less and less. So I did not have the time to waste to find them :), Last week I had a class on Christmas Thank Yous. I never have enough of them. So today I thought I would throw together an easy one layer Christmas Thank you card. I just took the flower from Baroque Motifs and colored with the marker. I stamped enough to do a complete circle. Yes, I know it is not a perfect circle, but I have never found a perfectly round wreath either. :) After I had finished my first circle I thought it needed to be fuller. So I then just stamped the flower off once and around the inside and outside of the wreath. I added the sentiment and ribbon and it was finished.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Short and Sweet

Paper: Whisper White

Ink: garden Green, Ruby Red

Accessories: Red Gingham Ribbon

Embossed Cowboy

Sorry, schedules have been full and time to stamp has been not available. Today I tried to combine the 3 challenges I missed. As the card progressed certain challenges were eliminated. So I was only left with the Sketch challenge so that is where is stands. The cowboy was actually stamped 3 times until I got him the way I liked it. I started with the Basic Gray. It was not dark enough, so I stamped over it with the Black Stazon. That still was not enough to over power the designer paper. So I decided to emboss it. Boy, am I thankful for my Stamp-a-ma-jig!!! I pierced a trail before and after the Happy Birthday and put brads in the center of the main circles. Today is the last day for the Designer paper special. I've had a great time using so much of it and have found some favorites I would not of tried if it weren't for the sale.

Stamps: It's Your Birthday, Bronc Buster

Paper: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Carbon DSP

Ink: Basic Gray, Stazon

Accessories: Small Oval Punch, Black Brads, Tool kit for Piercing

Basic Gray/ Snowman Ornament

So today's Color Challenge was to use Basic Gray, Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery. I had a hard time adding the Certainly Celery in there but the ribbon and the center of the Circle of Friend ship brought it together. The image is stamped in Basic Gray and colored with re-inkers and an aquapen. One of the great things about coloring this way is the more ink you use the darker the image and the more water you use the lighter the ink. I just had to add the brads on the bottom row. I love that we have so many co-ordinating colors of brads!

Stamps: Sanded BG, Winds of Grace, Circle of Friendship

Paper: Carbon DSP, Basic Gray, Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla

Ink: Basic Gray, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue

Accessories: Corner Rounder, Certainly Celery Grosgrain, Bashful Blue Eyelets, Circle Punches- 1/2", 3/4" 1"

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Here is another pretty simple ornament.

I started with a large sized glass ornament. I stamped my image on a transparency sheet with Stazon Ink. I used my Whisper White Water color crayon to color the back of the image. I kept it moist with my aqua pen. I colored the front with Sharpie markers. I stamped the snowflakes with White Stazon Ink. I cut the circle with my coluzzle. I put a pin hole in the top and strung a fish line through it. I rolled it up and dropped it into the ornament. I used the line to straighten up the image and wrapped it around the top. I clipped the wires a bit that hold the top on. They were just too long and took away from the image. I tied some ribbon around the top and hung it up! You could add fake snow in the bottom too. I do not have mine out yet and it would of been a major pain to get to it yet.

Stamps: Wishing You Cheer

Paper: Transparency Sheet

Ink: White Stazon, Black Stazon, White Watercolor Crayons, Sharpie Markers

Accessories: Glass globe Ornament, Fish-line, Red Gingham Ribbon