More "Stretching" and an Invite...

...Happy Saturday and is it ever a fabulous summer day here in Massachusetts.  Maybe even one of the top ten days of summer!  It's not too hot, the air is very comfy and dry, the sun is shining brightly and the skies are that gorgeous shade of blue!  Loving it and hoping we still have more days like this for the next few weeks.

    I'm playing catch up in the "Stretch Your Stamps 2" class and happy to have a few new cards to share.  I've had a busy week and having to rush around and do things, nothing fun -- has a put a limit on my class and crafting time and that's been a bummer.  The worst of it was having to go to the RMV yesterday and wait over an hour to get my license renewed.  I guess if there is ever an upside to a visit and wait at the RMV, it's not too bad when there is an A. C. Moore Store, right next door and that's where I tried to spend most of my wait.  I also did well and only picked up a few things I really needed  --- Watercolor paper (all on sale), some cutting plates for my Vagabond, some paint brushes, for watercolors techniques and then some more Poly beads to make my own enamel dots.  I even 'baked' my first batch yesterday and they came out pretty well.  I picked up some beads with a pearlescent look and some that are more translucent and also some in a smaller size, so that I can make some smaller ones too!    Kudos to my friend, Barb for sharing her "recipe" and also for linking me to a couple of videos on You Tube!  If this something you're interested in doing, you'll find lots of great videos on You Tube!   I used the "Pony Beads", but you can also use Perlier beads too!

  Today, I went to visit Alex and Acacia (my son and his soon to be fiancee), in their "new" home and had some fun hanging out with them for a couple hours this morning.  They've really accomplished quite a bit (they are painting), and making the place their own.  I like what they've done and it's looking nice.  Alex was also working with Acacia's Dad to install some fencing, so they have a nice safe fenced little area, for Acacia's dog, Mylee, who is a beautiful soft and very fluffy Keeshond.   She looks a lot like this image, that I just happened to find on Google!  They also now have Alex's ferrets living there too (Yay), I did love watching them play and they are sweet little animals, but they can be stinky and that I do not miss!

 

  After I got home, I hit my craft room to get back on task in the class and have now completed three new cards, but must admit that I'm NOT really loving the first two.   Days 3 and 4 in class focused on using Sentiments and Alphabet Stamps in some very fun and interesting new ways.  I am not a big alpha fan, so I really don't have any of those sets and while I did like what I saw in class, it's still not likely I would buy those types of stamps.  On the other hand, I LOVE sentiment stamps and those are something I still enjoy buying, especially those with very fun and unique fonts or those that have saying I really like.  This first card is one of the new "Sentiment" cards that I created and it's my favorite of the two.

  For this card I chose to use a Happy Birthday stamp (Hero Arts - It's Your Day), to create a fun background, which I did in a tone on tone look, using a lilac background and soft lilac shadow ink.  I then added that to a black notecard and used the same layering paper to create a banner to go across the the card, where I stamped on my Hero Arts - You're So Kind"  "Happy Birthday" sentiment, in black ink to match my card base.  I matted that onto my black paper and added that along with a few purple sequins to my card and it was done.  It certainly was a fast an easy card to create, but it's not a favorite!    But, I definitely like it better than the next one, where I had the idea of using a variety of Sentiments (stamps and die cuts) in what I think of as a Subway Art style to create an entire card front, all full of words. Unfortunately, it didn't come at all like I had hoped, but I may try this idea again!  This one is heading to the recycle bin!

   Moving on, I have one more card to share today and this card was created using "Outline Stamps" which are the stamp types that Day 5 and 6 in class focused on.  For a full list of the stamp types and class schedule, you can go over to the Online Card Classroom here!  And this class still has another full week, so if you have seen lots of cards around and have been hearing lots about this -- you still have time to join the fun and be part of the "Interactive Class".  Of course, these classes are lifetime classes, so you can always sign up at a later date too!  I LOVE taking them when they come out, because I love the interaction between the other students, adding cards to the Gallery and also have the Forum to ask questions.  Oh and of course, the chance of winning even ONE of the fabulous prizes that are given out in each class!   And this one is again one that I am truly enjoying.   My favorite day so far, has been today!!    I absolutely LOVE every card and video that was shared in today's class!!  Oh my -- Awesome is an understatement and the inspiration is fabulous!!  If you are one of the students, I'll bet you agree.  I would have a really hard time picking a favorite and now have so many new ideas.  I also LOVED the card that Shari Carroll shared yesterday and the best part of all is that ALL the designers are working with the same set of stamps, and that's this set called Fresh Flowers by Clearly Besotted, which I did buy, after seeing it on the class supply list!  It's a gorgeous set of floral images and just seeing what these gals have done with these wonderful stamps, is well worth taking this class!! 

   And that brings me to my first "Outline Stamp" card and I am using one of the pretty floral stamps from that "Fresh Flowers" set.   I decided I wanted to use "watercolors" to color my image and now that I'm all stocked up with lots of Watercolor paper, it was the perfect time.   I stamped my image directly to my Watercolor Paper and then heat embossed it in white.   Then, using my Sakura Watecolor set, I colored in my flowers, drying between layers and using the water coloring skills I learned in the Watercolor for Cardmakers Class -- my ALL TIME favorite class!   Love Love Love!!   I had initially also colored by background, but then decided to cut out my image, and use it along with lots of fun layers of paper to complete my card.  I also added some "Gems" to the center of each flower and coated the entire image with a mist of Perfect Pearls for some sparkle and shine.   

  

Fresh Flowers - by Clearly Besotted

     This is my favorite card, by far --- I love the image, I used "Purple", my favorite color and I also now love all the fun things I can do with watercolors.   I am submitting this card to the following challenges --

• Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge - Make It Sparkle
• CASology Challenge  - Cue Word - Stripe
• Sharing at the Stretch Your Stamps 2 - Card Gallery

      Before I go, I want to INVITE you all to join me as I host tomorrow's 90-Minute Scramble over at the Hero Arts Flickr Group.  It will be starting at 1:30 PM EDT, and I already have a fun theme picked out.  It's OPEN to all.  If you are not currently a member of the group, it's free to join and a great place for those who love Hero Arts Products.   There will be two prizes, both chosen by Random Drawing at the end of the Scramble.   The first prize will be a $25.00 Gift Certificate to the a2z Scrapbooking Store and the second prize will be Digital prize donated by Hero Arts.

    I also want to remind you all there is still plenty of time to join our "Encouragement" Challenge this month over that the a2z Scrapbooking Blog.   You can find a wonderful variety of inspiration and has been shared by the new Design Team.   If you are heading to the a2z Store to for some shopping, please remember that you can use my Design Team Promo Code - LISAH15 - which takes 15% any order of $25 and up (excluding shipping), on any products in the store -- including our SALE goodies and the brand new Hero Arts Digital line!!  Woohoo!  

    Just think, you could be the lucky winner of two certificates, one from me if you are the lucky winner of my Scramble tomorrow and maybe a second one, if you play and win in our challenge on the a2z blog!  Just remember in both cases, you MUST use at least ONE Hero Arts stamp or digital product to be eligible to win.  More details on this can be found on the store blog and will be posted in the Scramble instructions tomorrow at 1:30 PM!    Hope you see you there!!

     Now, I'm waiting patiently for 9:30 to help my oldest dog "Scout" stay calm through the Fireworks that are being featured in our little town tonight for "Illumination Night".  As much as I love the idea, and love seeing all the lanterns all over town, it's dreadful to see my dog so scared and upset!    He absolutely hates them and with these being so close to home, it's a challenge.  I have tried him in a "Thundershirt" which does help some, used "calming spray" and find the best thing I can do is simply get down on the floor with him, try to distract him and keep on telling him, it's okay!!  It's really awful seeing him in such distress, I just HOPE he doesn't end up with a seizure, as he also has a history of them, but does take medication.  If you are dog owner and you have any tips on keeping a dog comforted during thunderstorm or fireworks, please tell me how how you do it.  Thankfully, Skye and Zeva do not mind them, but they tend to get a bit upset seeing Scout stressed.  He barks, paces, pants, shakes and just can NOT relax-- it'll be a very long 30 minutes and it's such a bummer to see him this way, especially on a night that is really a lot of fun for so many others!

  

Playing with Perfect Pearls...

....and kicking myself for not thinking of using Perfect Pearls even more in my cards.  This is yet another reason that I am also so inspired the by the Online Card Classes and seeing Jennifer use them on one of her cards yesterday, was all I needed to remind much how rich they look on dark cardstocks.

    Not to mention that I own the sets, the Perfect Medium and a wonderful arrays of add-on colors including the always popular "Pearl" white.  I learned how to first use these in a technique class I took at my LSS, ages ago.  I bought the beginner set, kept adding fun colors and after a while they ended up in a drawer and haven't been out in probably at least a year.  But, they are out today and I'm having a blast remembering how much I love the effect.

      I also am loving all the fabulous ideas and inspiration that each of the designers continue to share in class and have already peaked at today's class to see what's next!   Stay tuned for tomorrow's post to see what type of Stamps, Ill be stretching then.

      For today's card, I am still working with Background Stamps and the vast majority of mine come from Hero Arts.  Today, I chose this amazing stamp which is one of the new stamps and one that I have not used nearly enough.  Its' called "Spice Market Large Petal Background" and it's can use used in so many ways!   I love that I did not have to go out any buy any special stamps for this class and still was easily able to use totally different stamps, dies and colors and make my very own cards, based on on the inspiration!

       If you are not familiar with Perfect Pearls and how they work and what you can do with them, I will first start by sharing this video, which is a great little tutorial by Ranger, who designed them!  It's a great two part video that is perfect for anyone who has never tried them.

     I chose to with a black card background and I love using Hero's Layer papers to create mine.  Especially since only there outside is black leaving the inside of the card white, perfect for sentiments or to write nice long note.   I inked up my stamp with the "Perfect Medium" and then started adding on my colors.  I chose to use "Gold" and "Berry Twist" which is actually "pink" in the pot, but once it goes on it, takes on a pretty blue shade, even more so after you "pounce" it.   I then used a bit of fine mist to set my pearls, as that was how I learned to use them at my LSS!   You can also use them with Versarmark and heat set them, but they were truly designed to work with the Perfect Medium, which you do NOT need to heat emboss.  It's also very thick and wet, so it gives you plenty of time to add your colors.  

    Next, I chose to create a cut-out on my card and chose this die set Apothecary Labels, one of the exclusives from Simon Say Stamps.  I did my best at centering it on my card and then ran it through my Vagabond.  I kept the cut out piece to use for my second card  -- another way of "Stretching" your stash!   I then decided that I did not a full window, so I added a piece of black textured cardstock (Bazzil) behind my cut out and added my sentiment, which is a fun "thanks" die cut, also from Simon Says Stamp and one of my favorites, because it was created by Kristina Werner and is her own handwriting, which I LOVE! I die cut the sentiment from gold foil paper to have it pull in the gold from the background!   I used my "Stub" Corner Chomper to cut each corner of the card to match the cut out and then added a few enamel dots to finish it off!    Hope you like it!!

Here is a close up version that shows the detail even more clearly!!

  I am submitting this card to the brand new "Make It Sparkle" challenge currently being hosted over at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog!!

  Now it was time to work on my second card using the die cut that was left over from this card.  I decide this time I wanted to try and bring out more of the "blue" from the background and started by picking out some deep turquoise paper which I adhered onto a second black card base.  I then adhered by die cut, to another piece and hand cut the design from the die to give it it's own mat.   I added a black banner down the front of the card and using foam tape, added the die cut to that banner.   I then die cut 4 blue "Thanks" sentiments and adhered them together to make it nice and strong.  To make them even strong and add some shine I heat embossed the cut with clear embossing powder.  I also often will do this with "3D Cystal Lacquer" but on this intricate shape it's really not easy to get the lacquer evenly on the die and learned this idea from one of the many videos that Jennifer shares on her You Tube Channel.  You'll find a great card where she shares how she does this in THIS video starting at about 6:15 -- Happy Viewing!!   

And again I have a close up to show the detail a bit more clearly!

  And that's it for today!   Stop by tomorrow for me idea and also have fun, if you are also a member of the class!   If you are feeling left out, you still have plenty of time to sign up and catch up!  Just go to the "Online Card Classroom" and look for Stretch Your Stamps II!    I would LOVE to see you in class and shouting out a "Happy Hello" to all the students already enrolled and sharing their awesome cards in the class Gallery!!  

Loving my new class....

...it's only Day 2 in Class, but I can tell you right now that I'm totally enjoying it and loving all the fabulous inspiration that has been shared with us by Jennifer, Kristina and the Guest Designers, in the brand new "Stretch Your Stamps 2" class!    These are by far the best online classes I have ever been a part of and I truly enjoy and look forward to each and every one.

  I love that this class has been designed to help us all think out of the box a bit, and in doing so, we learn a whole new idea or use for stamps that may have been sitting in our stash, unused for ages.  I also loved that we have the class stamp list and alternative ideas well in advance, so we could shop our own stash and that also makes this another way this class can help you save money!  Yay!! 

   I'm also excited that I have now finished two new cards, both using one of my favorite background stamps, Leafy Vines, by Hero Arts,  which is this beautiful cling stamp! 

   Both of the cards that I created were inspired the the amazing cards that were featured in yesterday's class. I also loved today's class, but since I have not viewed all the videos yet, I haven't decided what I will create next.   And, because all the class materials are protected only for those who take the class, you'll have to sign up and join us to see exactly what we have learned so far!!  There's still plenty of time and I'll bet, you'll really enjoy being part of the "Interactive Class"...but if you are away or on vacation, you can sign up at anytime and have forever access to the classroom, another great perk of taking any of the Online Card Classes!  Oh, and for the record, I share my delight in these classes because I truly do LOVE them and want everyone to be able to have this much fun and learn all these fabulous ideas from these awesome designers. I am not affiliated with OCC in any way, nor have I ever been asked to post about these classes.  I do so, because they ROCK and I love being one of their students!!

   This is the first card that I created and I used the "Emboss Resist" technique to create the lower section using my Leafy Vines stamp.   I chose a combination of Summery Distress Ink colors for my resist and my new Hero Arts "Ultra Fine" white embossing powder to capture all the detail of this stamp!    I then took my Avery ElleCustom Panels Die set to cut out a section of my finished background and picked out some matching cardstock to start my base.  For the top section I added Vellum and then die cut the two circles for my sentiment, which is from the set of Hero Arts Stamps "Hello Flowers" -- one of the new sets, I really love.  I used foam tape to 'pop' my sentiment circles up off the card a bit, and then finished it off by added three black sequins to match!  

   To "Stretch" this stamp even further, I kept the left over pieces to use for my second card, which I also did in the same vibrant color theme.   I started by creating a matching card base, and then using this die from Simon Says Stamp, I die cut the 9 hearts and then added the stamped background scraps behind the three center hearts.  I then used my Lil Inker Stitched die set to cut out that section die cut that piece out and layered it onto Vellum and adhered it to my card base.  This card will have a sentiment on the inside, as I really felt like it would go best there.   This one I finished off with two little enamel dots and was done!!  

  I'm really happy with how both cards turned out and will be excited to get back to class a little later and maybe even make some more cards.  For now, I need to get the Pups out and let them run off some energy.

  Before I go I have one more card to share and this was a card I created using one of the new "Hero Arts Digital Files" now being sold at the a2z Scrapbooking Store.  This one is called "Numbers" and the very first idea that came to mind was to create a birthday card!   I chose the number three and used my "slowly dying" Silhouette, along with the "Cut Files" from the set to cut the "Three" from Teal Cardstock.   I added that to a fun background layer that I had created with this fun background stamp from Obsession Impression using Soft Granite Ink.   I layered that piece onto a Pool cardbase, then added on my "Three" cut along with a "Happy Birthday" sentiment circle, I stamped using this Hero Set !    To finish off this card I added the matching black strips down each side and some sparkling party bling! 

    I'm loving these new digital files and that makes me want to get a new Silhouette even more now, but I'm determined to make mine last as long as I can and I also am saving for my trip out to San Diego, so buying a new Cameo is not in my budget, at the moment.  But, as soon as I find a great deal and have some money saved, you can bet I'll buy a new one, I love what this machine can do -- I'm just not happy that Silhouette does not have a better warranty and would not help me out with my "lemon"!!

    One more little reminder that you still have lots of time to play in our new "Hero Arts" inspired challenge over at the a2z Scrapbooking Blog, where our theme for August is Encouragement.   You can find all the details and rules about this challenge and the upload link HERE on the blog!   Be sure to check out some of the inspiration the brand new DT has shared with us too!   If you are doing some shopping at the a2z Store, please feel free to use my Design Team Promo Code - LISAH15 - which will save you 15% off any order of $25 and up (excluding shipping).  You can even use my code on the brand new digital items and even the sale section!!   Happy Shopping!!  

   PS:   I would like to say a special THANK YOU everyone at the "Addicted to CAS Challenge Blog", for adding my cards to their Wall of Fame!  I was very proud and honored to read that news over on the blog today! It's also been one of my favorite challenges and one I look forward to playing in every week!   Please be sure to stop over and see the cards they shared, as well as the other new Wall of Fame inductees!   Congratulations to ALL!!

Thoughtful....

     There is nothing sweeter than opening your mailbox and finding a card from a friend or relative that was sent simply to make you smile.   To say hello, to sent a little bit of cheer, to say I love you or to send you happy thoughts and some words of encouragement.   Those are exactly the types of cards we are featuring this month over at the a2z Scrapping Blog, where our challenge theme is Encouragement!  

      I'm really excited about extending my term and thrilled to be working with our expanded new Design Team.   It's a pleasure to have Michelle as our new Design Team Coordinator and for me even more exciting, because I have had the pleasure of meeting Michelle and we have even spent a day creating together, something I hope we can do again soon.  She is super talented and has been designing for several years and is well-known in the crafting community!   I am very happy that most of the gals for the original design team have also stayed on and know it'll be extra special working with each of you again!   It's a really fun group and full of amazing talent!   Welcome once again to everyone who has joined the team, I think we are all going to have a lot of fun it'll be so fun seeing the diversity the new team will be creating!     We are also making some other fun changes and you'll see a lot more for each of us on a daily basis!   Yippee!

       Today,  I am sharing a little "sneak peak" of the card I created for today's post over at the a2z Blog. Be sure to hop on over throughout the month where the very talented new Design Team will be sharing lots of wonderful inspiration for you.

     If you are up for some shopping today, then you also may want to head over on to the a2z Scrapbooking Store, where you'll find many of the products I used in this card.   And as a special treat for my blog followers I'm sharing my Design Team Promo Code with you today too.  All you need to do is enter LISAH15, during the checkout process and it will save you 15% off of your entire order.  To qualify your order must $25.00 or higher (excluding shipping).   You may use the code as often as you want, as long as each order meets the qualifications.    

    We are also very excited to now be offering Hero Arts Digital Files.  You can find them Here in the store, be sure to check back often as we continue to add more.  Hero Arts currently has over 400 files, so it'll take a bit before you see them all!   These "downloadable" files are awesome and can be used with a variety of digital cutting machines, please check your machine's software for complete details on compatibility.  I use mine with my Silhouette Cameo and really love to combine them with my Hero Stamps.   Happy Shopping and Happy Crafting!

Geometric inspiration...

  Happy Saturday!!   Not a very nice day here, but that's okay with me, as we could use some rain and I'm very content to spend some extra time in my craftroom.

   When I started creating today, I didn't have any real ideas in mind.  I decided I simply want to start creating and see what I came up with and the first card I created all started with a piece of teal cardstock that was in my scrap bin.  I had originally used a Stampin' up border punch to punch out some chevron shapes and kept the negative piece, which is what I used to create with fun new Birthday card which may end up being for my Hubby, as I think it makes a great guy card.

  I cut the teal punched out strip down to 5 1/2 to fit on to the front of my white card base. I then cut a matching thin strip to add to the left side. and then added on my Happy Birthday sentiment which is from this Penny Black set.  I then added on the two row of black chevrons from this brand new set that I just bought from Winnie and Walter!!   I'm so happy with how this turned out, especially since I had absolutely nothing in mind when I started.  

   My second card was inspired by this month's sketch over at the Card Chain Challenge, which I have already signed up to join again for August.  I love this card exchange and am always so happy when a new card from one of the participants shows up at my door.   I don't know who will be receiving my card yet, but I hope they don't see this post!   I chose to go with this month's sketch and have copied over it over to share with you here.

Sketch Inspiration

My Card

   I also was inspired by the "Chili Pepper" red and decided to go with at Red, White and black theme.  As you can see a made a few slight changes, but basically the card is based on the sketch.   My sentiment is from one of my very first "Winnie & Walter" stamp sets and I intend to share this card, as well a my first card over on their blog!!   

   That brings me to my last card of the day and this one was created for the current challenges ver at CASology and the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Blog.    I have to admit, I started at least 4-5 different cards for this challenge and just did not like ANY of them.  For a while, I was about to give up and then just at the least minute, put this very CAS style card together!  

My Card

    This card also seemed to call out Geometric shapes to me and I created my rainbow us with the circle form this sweet set called "Love This" by Simon Says Stamp.   It took me a while to find a sentiment that I thought worked well, until I found this one from the "Anytime Messages" Clear Set by Hero Arts. I used the Roy G Biv (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet) color acronym for my "Rainbow" colors, but decided to leave out the "Indigo" for spacing and also because I my only dark blue ink, seemed too dark and did not work out in any of my other "fail" cards!!  

   And now I'm off to take the Pups out and then start thinking about what we will be doing or having for dinner.  I'm really tired today with this dreary weather and not up for cooking, (nothing new), so I think it'll be something very simple and may just have some oatmeal with blueberries.  One of my very easy dinners when I am wiped out, but want something to eat!!

   Be sure to stop by tomorrow, as I have a brand new post for our new a2z Scrapbooking Blog and to promote the very first challenge with the new Design Team.  Our theme for August is Encouragement and I hope you'll pull out some of your favorite Hero Arts products and join the fun!!   Bye bye for today!