Gelli Art Fun....

   This is my second post today, as I try to catch up and show you some of the other new things I have been working on lately.  On Thursday, I took an awesome technique class at my LSS.   It was a techniques class were we learned how to use a Gelli Plate to create amazing prints that are perfect to use as backgrounds for cards, journaling, scrapping and so much much.

    If you have never heard of a Gelli Plate, you may want to start HERE over at the Gelli Arts Website.  They are the creators of the Gelli Plate and have a lot of information there.  I wish I could remember where I first saw one, but I knew right away that it looked very cool, so I did a little research and ordered my first small 6" one from Amazon.   A short time later, I was thrilled to find them now being carried, at Absolutely Everything and that's when I also learned that Kate, our store owner, was going to be teaching a techniques class soon, to introduce us to the cool new printing plates.   Then as things go, I kind of forget about it, until I was at card club on Tuesday and realized the class was on that same week, so I quickly signed up and took that class on Thursday.

    I had also watched some videos on You Tube, so I knew the basic concept was to create "mono-prints" and that you kind of use the "Gelli Plate" as your canvas.  It think it's very on trend now, especially for those who love Mixed Media projects and do journaling.  I knew right away that I would like the prints to use as card background or as elements for cards that I could cut by hand or even die cut.   And when it comes to new things in card-making, I'm always happy to try out something new!

    We did learn that the paints that seem to work the very best with the Gelli Plates are Acrylic paints and it's even better if the paints you use tend to be a bit of the slow dying side, as that gives you more time for each print and "ghost" print.  Each time you cover your plate with paint, using a brayer, you will generally be able to get 2-3 prints and you can also add or change colors and anytime.  We started by simply using copy/typing paper, a good idea while learning, but once you are good and can make great prints, they'll look best on some nice Mixed Media paper or even nice quality smooth cardstock.   In class, I brought along the only acrylic paints I had which were two bottles of Golden paints and a large selection of Ranger Distress Paints, which worked well, but are more watery than the Golden paints.  The metallic colors are a great add in and use also use a huge variety of stencils.   We also learned that Nija Spash Inks are awesome to use in Gelli printing and I picked up my first set, that day!  There is so much more that you can do to create a variety of textures and designs and they will be teaching more classes at the store.  This was a nice basic class, to learn how to use the plate, print, re-print and also how to clean our plates and store them.   We printed several prints in class and today I made a new card using one of my favorites.   This one was printed onto some black cardstock, which is also another great idea.  I loved how the gold and teals mixed in and it turned out to be one of my favorites.

   This card and the colors are so much prettier in person and the gold die cuts, are also super shiny and bright and really pop off the background, which I really love.  I also love how adding the separate layers of pain and then using the stencils, also add such a fun texture to the cards.   This particular print was done on some very basic black cardstock, nothing fancy and nothing expensive.

  I am submitting my "Enjoy" card to each of these fun challenges.  I hope I can encourage you to play along! 

• Addicted to CAS - Challenge # 39 - Texture
• Hiding in my Craftroom - Challenge # 151 - Freestyle
• Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

   Here are some additional photos of a sampling of the other prints I complete in class on Thursday.  Once you get going, you can really create a LOT of prints in a fairly short amount of time.   

  I forgot to mention that you can also print on both the front and back, at least while in the learning process and also print onto patterned paper.   You can mix several colors or use only one of two colors and then add second, third and even MORE layers at another time.  I could take all these and add more texture and color them each page.   The possibilities are really endless and that's the fun part!!  I also made a birthday card with one of my backgrounds, but forget to take a photo before I mailed it  It was a male card, so I chose a background that had red, black and some blue, all on white and then I cut a black banner for the front and added my Birthday Sentiment.  It was all placed on a Black card base and was pretty cool!!

  As you can guess, I think this is something that I'm going to really enjoy using and although we did receive a starter size plate in class, I'm very happy that I already had a larger one and if I really start to love this, I'm going to purchase the newest Round plate, along with more paints and some really cool "Texture Tool", I saw in one of the You Tube videos.   My LSS is also going to do a whole series of Gelli Printing classes, using are variety of papers and paints, along with a cool array of tools/elements that you can use to make really creative designs in your prints.  You can bet I'll be taking these and I am already looking forward to the inspiration.

   I have one more card that I have now completed to share too and this one is for the new challenge over at CASology where the current Cue is Bee!!

   As soon as I saw this theme, I immediately have few ideas, based on some things I have in my stash.  I new I had a "Bee" embossing folder by Elizabeth Crafts, as well as a Die Cut Bee by Memory Box, and at first, I thought I would use one of those, but then I remembered I also has this adorable stamp set, "Circle Friends", which is another of the Simon Says Exclusive that was designed by Kristina Werner.  

  I am also submitting this card to the current "Wednesday Challenge" over at Simon Says Stamp, where the theme for this week is "Anything Goes"!   

    As well as the new "Color Theme" challenge over at the "The Card Concept".   This is a copy of the inspiration image for the current challenge!

    Oh, and speaking of Kristina and Simon Says Stamp --- this is the big CREATE Weekend being hosted out in Columbus, Ohio and oh, how I would LOVED to have been there.   I did even try to look up flights, but before I even found flights to that area, the entire weekend was SOLD OUT!   I do hope to try and go next year and know a few gals from online who are there now...I'm sure they are having a fabulous time and I wish I was with them.   If you have not seen the latest post from SSS, check it out HERE, along with the photos of the amazing store they set up at the Hotel!   WOW!  WOW!  WOW!!     

   That is it for today kids....I'm feeling pretty darn tired but had a great day and a very creative week.  I hope to be back tomorrow with some new cards and then will be heading back to my LSS on Monday for "Silhouette" group.  I'm super excited to get back into that group and really start using my Cameo again. I'm feeling a bit lost with the newest software update, but know once I get back to the group, I'll learn from those who have already been using it.   I really LOVE my Cameo and should be using it so much more, so this will also inspire me.  

    See you all tomorrow --- can you believe it'll be June 1st?  It sure doesn't feel like it here, with temps in the 50's and some chilly breezes.  But, the good news is that it looks like it's finally going to warm up and my Monday it may be in the 80's.  Probably not here directly on the coast....but at this point, I'll be very happy with some warm sunshine, so we can finally shut the heat off for the season and leave the windows open!!  We have a few mild days, but it's been a very cool Spring, which generally means, we basically don't have Spring and go from Winter to Summer, which is my favorite!!   WOOHOO!!

Are you ready to "Scramble"....???

....I was and today was the first day in a few weeks that I have been home and had the time to play in the latest "90 Minute Scramble" over at the Hero Arts Flick Group.   And it was a really fun theme that Jayne came up up for Scramble #85, which is now over!!  If you would like the see all the amazing cards that were created, please stop by the group and check them all out HERE!!

   Our theme today was to create a card using this photo as inspiration and to also include a "White flower" and a Sentiment in the Script Font and also to use Hero Arts Stamps, as always.   This is a copy of the "Photo" that Jayne shared as our inspiration image.   And your had to have your card(s) all done, photographed and uploaded to the Gallery in the 90 minute time frame, which truly can make it a challenge.
Today I had some pretty good luck and finished two card, which you'll see below.

My first Card

    For my first card, I started by pulling out this new set DI090 of Hero's Frame Cuts (Flowers & Butterlies), and quickly cut out a white flower.  My next idea was to Faux Letterpress it in an embossing folder that had a flourish type look, (of course when you are rushing, you never find the one you want), but I did find one that I like and quickly inked the inside of the folder with Shadow Ink in Cornflower Blue and started to fun it through my Vagabond, which was a disaster, as it forgot to remove the metal ship and adjust my plates and it jammed....UGH!    I left that one there and thankfully, was able to now get it back out, after carefully pushing and pulling while I gently backed it out!  (Phew)!!    Luckily, I also have a Cuttlebug, so I grabbed the die again, re-cut my flower and then had to find a new embossing folder...it's not the same flourish look I had hoped for, but I did not have time to work on removing the folder stuck in my Vagabond at time time.   I then grabbed two scrap pieces of navy/white "Stampin' Up" patterned paper out of my scrap bin along with some Navy cardstock and cut the panels to fit the front on my "Snow" notecard.  I then punched a little tag, which my sentiment, from the Flower Garden set (CL778) and tied that on with some twine that I hid behind my flower.  I finished this one off with a simple white flower and a little  blue dot   All my Hero Goodies were purchased over at the a2z Scrapbookign Store, my go to store for my Hero Arts products.  

    And as one of my followers, and a member of the a2z Design Team, I have a special promo code that I am sharing with you today that you can use at the a2z Store to save 15% off any purchase of $25 and up (excluding shipping).   Enter Promo Code - LISAH15, at checkout and you'll automatically receive the discount!   Have fun shopping and please feel free to share and use the code as many times as you want!    

    My second card went a little faster, but I did have another "oops" moment, which I'll share with you.  For this one, I decided to make a small 4" square card and created that with some Kraft Cardstock.  I then took my Cornflower Ink, and inked up my  "Gratitude Background CG644" stamp to create my background.   I pulled more Navy cardstock from my scrap bin and created a little banner and a second kraft piece to use as my sentiment holder.  I cut my banner and pulled out a "White Whisper" Prima Flower to added on top.  I also added a pretty blue button and tied it all together with some kraft twine.  I pulled out my "Thanks a Bunch" sentiment stamps, and stamped "Thanks" on the kraft piece and quickly began to take the photos to upload to the Gallery.  It was when I was editing my photos that I realized the Thanks Sentiment would NOT work, as it was NOT in a script font, so I quickly re-stamped a new one and place it on top of the first one, just to get my photo done.  Now that the scramble is over, I can take my time to pull things apart and fix that error.  Here are pictures of both versions and to be honest I like the "mistake" version better, so I will likely simply remove the "Fix" sentiment.

Version One 

My favorite

Version Two

With the "Script" Sentiment

   I have one more card today and this card was created for the new challenge over at Cas(E) This Sketch where we had this wonderful sketch as our inspiration for this week.  

CTS #78

My Card

   I chose a set of Avery Elle stamps to create my design along with a fun bold sentiment by Mama Elephant.  I stamped the border image in three shades of teal and blue shadow inks directly onto a plan Snow Card base and then added my sentiment to complete it.  A very clean and simple card and one that I really like!!

Splashes of Color....

   Even though the fabulous Watercolor Class is over, I'm still enjoying and playing with paints and this week I'm going to be taking a fun new class, (today actually), at my LSS that is all about creating with a Gelli Plate. What's that you ask? we'll it's a cool technique that I first saw a month or so ago and it's most often done to make these amazing backgrounds and has been around in Mixed Media for some time.  In my case, I'll likely use mine for card backgrounds, but they are also perfect for scrapping and very hot in the journaling world.

    A Gelli Printing plate is a clear "gel like" hardened material that is formed into a shape, they are made by Gelli Arts and you can watch their video all about them HERE!     Most often they are in some sort of rectangular shape, but  but I recently saw this circular shaped one on Amazon.   one too.   It becomes your "Pallet" and you use it primary with Acrylic paints, along with a brayer and stencils stamps and all kinds of items things that work to add texture and dimension to your finished paper.  The are also referred to a "mono prints" and you can find a wonderful array of videos on this technique on You Tube.  Here is one of the many that I have found very good for a beginner!!  There will be much more to come on Friday, after my class on Thursday!  I think it'll be really fun, plus I LOVE taking technique classes.

   I was also at my LSS yesterday for "Card Club" and have a nice new selection of cards to share from that, as well as a few more new cards that I created for challenges, which I'm sharing with you first.

   My first card was inspired by a fabulous card, created by my crafty friend, "Cornelia", who is this week's Guest Muse over at the Muse Challenge Blog.   I'm excited to share a copy of her wonderful card and hope everyone will come on over and play in the Challenge.

Cornelia's Fabulous Card

(I LOVE the fun look and the vibrant colors)

My Card

  I'd also like to thank everyone who took to time to VOTE for my card from last week.   Because of all the votes my card made it to Honorable Mention, which really made my day.  WOOHOO!  I have now earned this badge and I'm proud to share it on my blog.   Thanks again for the awesome inspiration and for choosing my card in Challenge # 68.

   Next is a card that was created for a brand new color inspired challenge "Playdate #2" that you'll find over at the Winnie & Walter Blog.  I'm happy to share a copy of the inspiration image and hope you'll all come on over and play with me. 

Inspiration Image

My Card

  I used some Tombow Markers along with an Aqua Brush to create the pretty floral image on my card, which is from Penny Black.  As I'm sure you all already know, this fabulous Hello Image is from Winnie & Walter and one of their fabulous "The Big, The Bold" stamp set, which I totally love.  I just ordered the newest release, along with this set and can't wait to create with them too.  I also LOVE that this month they are also gifting the "matching" cut files to those who order the sets!    THANK YOU Winnie & Walter.

   And now onto the cards that I started in card club yesterday and finished up at home today.   As you can see we also used some of the new Winnie & Walter stamps in class, on these two cards, which I just LOVE!!

   I love how the embossing create a fun texture and that is also why I am submitting this card to the current challenge over at Addicted to CAS, where this week's Code Word is Texture!!

    My next card could also fit  perfectly for the Texture challenge, as well, and all the texture and design on so this card was created using a "Faux Letterpress" technique, along with an embossing folder, this is is "Regal  Flourishes by Tim Holtz".   To make the design show in Pink, we inked the inside on the the embossing folder with "Hero's Art Shadow Pink Bubble Gum Shadow Ink".  Although I have done this technique before, and tried other inks, I always have the very best results when I use Hero's Shadow Inks. The Shadow Inks, also are very easy to clean off the embossing folder, you can use baby wipes or simply run them your faucet.     

  These next two cards were also inspired by Hero Arts and use some of the brand new "Starry Nights" release products, along with their fabulous Spray Inks.   Love Love Love!!  If you want to head on over to the a2z Scrapbooking store to pick up these new products or any of the other very popular products, please remember to use my SPECIAL Promo Code (LISAH15), which you save you 15% on ANY order of $25 and up (excluding shipping).  Just think you could stock up on the new Hero Sprays and save 15% --- I also highly recommend that you all check out the brand new Silver and Gold Sprays.....WOW!  They are awesome and have that wonderful metallic shine to them.    NOTE:   We used the "Gold" on the "Happy Birthday" card up above.   The one with the washi tape and the gold background, which was all done with the spray!  :)

   And that brings me to my final two card, which were both created using some lovely Penny Black Background Stamps, as well as some PB Die cuts, used on the second card.   I added my own layers and sentiment, here at home and also changed the colors, on the first card, but really love both cards and now want to add these backgrounds stamps to my Penny Black stash.    But, I'm waiting, as I have already spent too much on new craft goodies this month.    Not to mention that both Hubby and I also bought new cars, so spending will be limited for a while, as we catch up with all the extras (the crazy sales tax, excise tax) and all those added costs that quickly pile up with you buy two new cards, both within weeks of each other!!  But, on the upside, we both now have brand new vehicles, and that's a plus.  I'm thrilled with my new RAV4 and Hubby purchased a brand new Tacoma Truck on Sunday, which we picked up yesterday!      

    Enjoy your day and I hope to be back tomorrow to share some of the "Gelli" backgrounds that I created in the class I'm currently at now.   I'm sure by the time we get out and I drive home, I'll be too tired to do much else, but I am really excited about learned this fun new technique and to use my new Gelli plate even more, once I know how!! 

Thank you Simon Says Stamp!!

   Today is my last post as part of the "Designer Spotlight", which is featured every week over at the Simon Says Wednesday Challenge Blog.  For me, it's been so much fun and such a pleasure to have had this exciting role for the month of May.    I want to thank the entire Simon Says Stamp Design team for being so cordial and gracious to me while I was in the "Spotlight".  It's truly been a honor and I'm so grateful and very happy to have had this opportunity.   Thank you all VERY much!

 
   This week we have a challenge that is perfect for all and one that I know you all can take part in, because our theme is "Anything Goes".   Yup, it's true, you can create any type of paper-crafting project and enter it into the challenge.   No special products or brands are required, or any special theme, it's all your choice and I hope you all join the fun!     Of course, we would love to see you creating with some of the fabulous Simon Says Exclusives, but that is not necessary.  I'm so in love withe the new release and thrilled that my order arrived in time for me to use some of my new goodies for my final card.

  

     For this week's challenge the Fabulous SSS  Design Team will be showcasing "Lil Inker Designs" along with Newton's Nook.  Please be sure to check out each of the wonderful projects the team created using these two fabulous product lines!

      I wanted to make another Spring like card, and thought it would be fun to to use some of my newly developed "Watercolor" skills for along with my stamping.  I am using one of my favorite Penny Black wooden stamps, this one is called -- "First Dance" and is very popular.   But, never worry, even if some of these items are out of stock now, Simon Says gets in new order every day, so simply stop in again and before you know it, the'll be back.   I also used one of the fabulous "Stitched Dies" designed by "Lil' Inkers", I had always wanted a "stitched die" set and was very excited when it saw these.  I love the look the "faux stitching" add to any project and love that they also come in a variety of shapes.   I also was very excited that my new order from SSS had arrived just in time to use this new "Friendship Messages" set for my sentiment.  I am so in love with the font and style of this set and also LOVE that it includes a "Hugs" sentiment -- my personal favorite!! Woohoo!!

    I can't wait to see what you come up with and will be looking through the Gallery to see all the new cards. And just think, you could be this week's lucky winner, and then  have a  $50 Simon Says Stamp Gift Certificate to shop with at the store.   Pretty cool!

     
     Looking forward to seeing who wins each week and I'll still be playing in the challenges, just like before.  I wish you all the best of luck and once again send my special thanks to Simon Says Stamp!   You ROCK!!

     Good luck to everyone who joins the challenge, I know how much I LOVE to shop for new Craft Supplies and winning a $50 Simon Say Gift Card would surely make my day.   Be sure to stop by the store often and check out all the new products coming in daily.   I am a big fan of the Simon Says Exclusives and also love the Monthly Card Kits, which I have been subscribing to since Kristina Werner first started designing them!  Check them out HERE!!!   Happy Shopping!!

  

Oh Mr. Sunshine, where are YOU???

   Please don't hide behind those clouds...we really need you and my new flowers need you even more.  Please come on out and stay around for a new days!!

   Ya, that's me talking kind of silly, but I really am missing the sun and it's been a rather lousy week here, at least as far as the weather goes.  We get some peeks of sun and you think it's clearing off and then the next think you know, the clouds are back.   Just two weeks again, we actually turned on the AC and now we have the heat back on at times....UGH!!   I LOVE Spring and Summer even more, so I really am hoping that the weather will get better, especially for all those who are planning Memorial Day events and those planting this weekend.

   Right now, I'm very content in my craft room and had a HUGE supply of "Happy Mail" that arrived yesterday.  I received my brand new "Stampin' Up" Catalog, which I have already drooled over for hours, plus to two big orders from "Simon Says Stamp", which are all pretty much things from their brand new Pure Sunshine Release, which I totally LOVE!   Needless to say, I've blown my craft budget (and then some), this month and still have the new "Winnie & Walter" release tomorrow, not to mention all the new Hero Arts goodies, I bought from that latest release. at a2z Scrapbooking Supplies  Yup, it sure has been a fun month for shopping!!

    I also have finished up some new card and I have a couple to share now, but the rest you'll have to wait, as they are Design Team projects and those will be coming soon!   Before I show you these, take a peek a my very messy desk -- where you can also see my new "haul" or SSS Exclusives....it's also pretty much what my work desk also looks like by the end of every day, before I clean it all up for another day!   I need to first put all my new stamps and dies, into the clear pockets, which is the wonderful storage system I know use, thank so the very talented and organized Jennifer McGuire.

   My first card today was inspired by the brand new "Cas(E) This Sketch challenge" which I foolishly missed out on again last week, by not posting my card on time.  I had it all done and even had taken my pics, but I was too tired to do a blog post, and when I did finish that the next day, the deadline was over, and I missed out..!  But, NOT this week, I'm ahead of schedule and very happy to be sharing my card today.   I'll start with a copy of the new sketch, which really is FUN!  I know this will be a very popular challenge, as this design is very in trend right now -- 

CTS #77

My Card 

  This card was not only really fun to create, but also very easy!  I started with a pre-cut and pre-folded card base, from DCWV and then used a variety of paper and glittered cardstock along with an array of circle punches and circle dies to created the little circles for my card.   I then took my wonderful new"Stitched Rectangle Mats" set from Lil' Inker Designs (special thanks to Laura for shipping them out super fast for me).  I needed them for a special project (stay tuned) and when I wrote and asked her if she could expedite the shipping, she was happy to do so and that's when we both found out that she and I are both from Massachusetts.  Yes, it truly is a small world!

  And my next card today, was one that I made using one of the awesome water-colored backgrounds that I had started in the wonderful online Watercolor Class, that sadly ended yesterday!   This class was my all time FAVORITE and I can not wait until they come out with a sequel.   For those of you who did not take this yet, I highly recommend it.   And for those who loved the "Stretch Your Stamps" class, their next class coming up is actually going to be "Stretch Yours Stamps 2" and it's one class that I may skip....as it's gong to be running in Mid July, which is such a busy time for me.  Plus, I tend to prefer (and love) classes that are more technique related.  I'm also determined to start using my Silhouette Cameo a lot MORE again and with the new software release I need to some help, so I will be returning the the classes offered at my LSS and am looking forward to that new change!  I also like to spent my Summer outdoors as much as I possible can and HOPE to get the beach this year too!!

  This my my little "Thank You" card that I created today with one of my backgrounds.   I used the brand new "Friendship Butterfly" Dies in this new SSS Exclusive, along with this pretty new greeting, which is from the new "Friendship Messages" set.   I am LOVING so much of the "Pure Sunshine" release and am very excited that the things I really wanted, I was able to order right away, before they are out of stock.  I've learned from the past, if YOU want products from a new release, do NOT wait!  Order quickly for the best selection and be sure to add the others to your wish lists for future shopping.

   I am submitting this card to each of these fun new challenges and invite you go join me.

• The Outlawz Challenge - Paper a la Mode - Anything Goes
• Graftitude - That's Die-Licious -- Must include a die
• Polka Doodles Challenges - Things with Wings
• QKR Stampede Challenge -- Clean & Simple

  And now I'm off for the day!  Time to take the pups out for a bit and then before long, it'll be time to get ready to head out and meet some friends for dinner.  We are celebrating one of my very best friend's Birthday and going out for a wonderful seafood dinner!   Tomorrow, Hubby and I will be heading out to start looking for his new vehicle and we're going to start by going to the same dealer where I bought my new RAV4, which I absolutely LOVE!!   I already contacted the sales consultant that handled my purchase and will happily give him our business.  He was excellent and I could not have been any happier with how things worked out!   

   I would also like to take a moment to say "Happy Memorial Day" and to offer a special thanks to all those who serve our country, especially through who tragically gave their lives to save ours.   If you would like to be part of a very special Blog Hop, please head on over to "Operation Write Home" and you'll be amazed at just how many people are making cards in honor or heroes!   Thank you and God Bless!

The Blog Hop Starts HERE!!

Happy Thursday!!

.....looks like I'm going to have some more free time today which is awesome, because free time to me is time I can spend in my craft room working on new cards or practicing new techniques.  

     I had a blast yesterday in my room and on top of doing some more organizing, I also completed three new cards, which I now have ready to share with you this morning.   As is often the case, these cards were created with challenges in mind and my first card was inspired by the new "Sketch" over at the "Cas(E) This Sketch" blog.  I am sharing a copy with you hear and hope you'll play along too!!

CTS #76

My Card

   This card all started with the butterfly which I had cut a couple of days ago from a background sheet that I had color washed with my new watercolors, one of those fun new techniques I learned in the fabulous Watercolor Class.  I knew that what what I wanted to use for my focal point and next I chose my other colors which are based on the purple hue in the butterfly.  I first cut a second butterfly, in lilac and then cut my SSS "Apothecary Label" from Heros' Aubergine Layering paper.   I added the lavender one glued flat first, and then added my water-colored version on top and cut a her antenna to match.  I used the same "Aubergine" cardstock for my sentiment, which I heat embossed in White.  This sentiment is from one of my older sets of Lawn Fawn stamps and I love the saying and the font. I then layered all the pieces onto a piece of Simon Says Stamp's fabulous Woodgrain cardstock (love this Stuff) which then was added to a matching Lavender card, I created with Hero's Layering Paper.   I plan to add a second sentiment "Happy Birthday" to the inside and give it to one a dear childhood friend, when we go out for her Birthday Dinner this weekend.  I the though "Forever Friends" on front, was perfect for her, since we've been friends, for over 50 years!  It's amazing!

   Next, is another challenge inspired card, this one being for the "May Color Challenge" being hosted over at Reverse Confetti.  I am sharing a copy of the current color themes below and think they are really pretty for Spring or Summer.

Reverse Confetti - May Color Challenge

My Card

   I started off this one by pulling out some of my favorite patterned papers, these ones are from Lawn Fawn and I totally LOVE the adorable stripes and polka dots.  I love that the striped paper was perfect for this challenge since it has both dark and light pink stripes.  The dark orange polka dots were also just right and I created my little orange heart, by coloring a white punched heart with my Copics and then added a layer of 3D Crystal Lacquer.  My sentiment and the white die-cut tag are both from Reverse Confetti, and they are two favorites, which I've used often.  I created also added on a little light pink bow, that I clipped to my tag with an orange mini clothespin!    I think it's a perfect card for your hubby, your children or anyone is you love...always and forever!

    And next is the last card that I finished up yesterday and this one was created for fun and also as a way to use up some of the scraps of paper that were left on my desk.  I also have a new love for funky geometric shapes and thought this card turned out to be a fun example of that.  I'm sure you'll quickly recognize the Woodgrain SSS cardstock that I used for my circle shape, along with left over pieces of the fabulous "Lets Polka" paper from Lawn Fawn.  I loved this set so much, that I bought three 6x6 Pads  to keep in my stash, hoping I'll be well stocked for a long time.   My "Hello" I'll bet you'll also now recognize as one of the fabulous stamps from Winnie and Walter and was heat embossed in that gorgeous Liquid Platinum Embossing Powder that Jennifer McGuire is always sharing on her blog.  I love it and can see why it's become her favorite, it's such a cool color...and very unique!    If you are like me and have fallen in LOVE with Winnie and Walter's BIG and BOLD stamp sets, be sure to check out their new release coming out this weekend.  I'm especially excited to add the new set and lucky because I won a gift card to the store, that I've been holding on to, just for the new release!  Yippee!!

     Did you notice the cute bling on this card, well that's all new too and the silver 'trinket" is actually from Prima and I found my set at my LSS!   The  adorable Pink and White "Flair" is from "Bossy Joscie", who's store is full of wonderful  and adorable crafting goodies.  Be sure to check out her stamps too, I have this one and this one too, which is customized with my name and blog address!   Cute or what??

     That is it for now, but I do hope to get some more cards created today and if so, I'll be back with an afternoon update.  I have a busy weekend coming up, like many others I'm sure since it's a nice long Holiday Weekend, as we celebrate "Memorial Day", which is also pretty much the first summer weekend, at least here in Massachusetts.    Hubby is also on vacation all of next week and I have a class on Tuesday, plus we'll be doing some more car shopping, this time for him.  I can tell already, that we'll be very busy and that probably won't leave me with lots of time to "create", but I know we'll have lots of fun with our friends and I'm looking forward to spending lots of time outside enjoying what I hope will be a gorgeous weekend!

Summer Fun and time for a new Challenge!!

     Happy Wednesday!!!   How are you doing today?  Are you starting to make plans for the Summer?  Do you like to travel or do prefer to stay at home and enjoy time simply relaxing in your own backyard?   If those thoughts have been on you mind lately, they you're going to love this week's challenge theme, over at Simon Says Stamp, where I am very happy to be back in the spotlight again this week!

     Today we have a fun new Challenge and if you are already thinking about Summer plans, then you can put those ideas to use and create your own project based on this week's  theme of  Travel or Vacation. The design team has some fabulous ideas which you'll find over on the Challenge blog and I hope you'll all come on over and play along.

 

      We are also showcasing "Studio Calico" this week, however that is not required to enter the challenge.  You may use any products you have, as long as you project meets the current Travel or Vacation Theme.   If you are looking to add some new "Studio Calico" products to your stash, you'll find a wonderful assortment in the store now.  And just think, you could be this week's lucky winner, and then  have a  $50 Simon Says Stamp Gift Certificate to shop with at the store.   Pretty cool, don't you agree.

       I can't wait to see what you create and will be browsing the Gallery  looking at all the fabulous challenge cards.   Once you have yours done, because to link it up over on the Challenge Blog for everyone to enjoy.

    For my card I wanted to share something that would remind me of home, and starting by looking for a cute stamp or image to color up.   That's when I quickly realized that I did not own a lot of  "Beach or Coastal" type stamps, but I knew I had lots of cute digi images, and picked out the adorable little sail boat from this cute "Bon Vogage" Digi set by DSB.    I then used my computer to print out the image in the size that I wanted and also printed out some digital backgrounds that I used to "Paper-Piece" my boat.  I love creating this style of Hybrid card, which uses a combination of traditional the digital stamping.  Once I had that part completed, I moved over to my desk to begin putting everything together.   First, I pulled out my "Studio Calico" Starburst Background Stamp along with some Distress inks and Perfect Pearls mist  which I combined together to make the perfect matching background for my card.    I inked up the stamp with Peacock Feathers and Evergreen Bough and then added a mist coating of Perfect Pearls and stamped it directly onto some of the SSS 120# White Cardstock.  I used my Heat Gun to dry that and then moved on to create my "Paper-Pieced" sailboat, which I did with all the pieces I had printed.  

   Once I had that portion did, I simple assembled my card, added some matching black twine and my "Bon Voyage" sentiment, which was also computer generated.  I chose a Hero Hues "Tide"  Notecard  added the layer on and was done!  Hope you like it and hope that has now inspired you to play along!

    Good luck to everyone who joins the challenge, I know how much I LOVE to shop for new Craft Supplies and winning a $50 Simon Say Gift Card would surely make my day.   Be sure to stop by the store often and check out all the new products coming in daily.   I am a big fan of the Simon Says Exclusives and also love the Monthly Card Kits, which I have been subscribing to since Kristina Werner first started designing them!  Check them out HERE!!!   Happy Shopping!!