Two Old Bats Halloween Challenge and NBUS

 Hello and Welcome.

Today I'm sharing a card I created this week and decided to share it for the Two Old Bats Halloween Challenge: Anything Goes.

This was the Mood Board - It's there for inspiration.  - I'm thinking that mine is more of an, "anything goes" card rather than matching the mood board.

Which photo do you prefer? One with the background paper added or the one below?

Inside of the card.  Here I used another small circle that I cut out from panel that I cut the first circle from.  Then I just inked up the small Trick or Treat portion of the sentiment stamp with a black marker and stamped it below the ghost circle.

So for this card I used Basic Black, Basic White and Granny Apple Green card stock (SU).  The background stamp is from Unity (Boo Brigade)  I stamped the background with Memento tuxedo Ink twice. I cut one out using a Unity (Scallop and Rectangle die)  I cut a circle out from the 2nd one using the Unity (Scallop and Circle) dies.

Then I colored the smiling ghost with Copic markers and added some clear glitter (Art Institute) over it to make it sparkle.  I cut out a rectangle of Granny Apple Green card stock with another Unity(Scallop and Rectangle) die. I mounted the cut circle over the other ghost background with foam tape,  lining the ghosts up as closely as possible.

Then I stamped the Happy Halloween sentiment from (Clearly Unity - Boo to You) after masking off the small trick or treat portion with Memento Tuxedo black ink.  I removed the mask before stamping down. Then I distressed the edges with a distressing tool and some Granny Apple Green Ink.  To complete the card I added some green sequins (Picket Fence Studio).

Since it's NEW to me I'm also submitting for NBUS#67 - Stop by as there are lots of great cards there to get inspiration from.

That's it. - A fun and fairly easy Halloween card that makes me smile. I hope it does you as well.

Double D - To Spook or Not challenge and NBUS#67

Had some fun this week working on the start of my Halloween cards.

Today's card I'm submitting for the Double D Challenge:

To Spook or Not.  and NBUS#67

This was the Mood Board:

I have went with the Ghosts for my inspiration on my card and the more traditional Halloween color scheme.

So for this card I started with a base card of Basic Black (SU) card stock.  Next I die cut a layer of Pumpkin Pie (SU) card stock with a Unity Scallop & Rectangle nesting Die.  I used 2 patterns of Unity designer paper: (Haunted Hues) Which is new in my supply stack. I cut the polka dot pattern with a small banner die.  I also used a new stamp set (Unity Clear to You - Boo to You stamp set.)  Yes, Unity has a clear line of stamps now!

I colored the ghost with Copic markers (still learning how to use them) and cut out with a Unity Scallop and Circle dies.  I distressed the edge with Rusty Hinge distress ink (Tim Holtz-Ranger)  The spider web was punch out on black card stock with a Martha Stewart punch.  I added some sparkle to the ghost with a Wink of Stella brush, added some sequins (Picket Fence studio - Witches Brew)

I embossed the Boo sentiment with Bold Black (SU embossing powder)

Here is the inside of the card: Sentiment is also from the Boo to You stamp set.

A couple of pictures of the little details on the card:

There you have it.  I just love the cute little ghosts in this set (and it has a cute little cat too in the set.

Four Seasons - Anything Goes Fall Challenge

 Hi!  I hope your week has been going well. 

Today I'm sharing a card for the Four Seasons Anything Goes Fall Challenge.

This was the Inspiration/Mood Board for the challenge:

I actually had some of this card just laying around on my desk as I had previously thought to use them for another challenge but went a different route.  Instead of just putting them away I decided to see if I could create a card with them.  I think they match the colors in this mood board and of course the Fall theme.

I'll also be sharing with NBUS#67 since the Embossing Folder is new to me and also the tree dies.  I received those as a gift from another stamping friend (Leslie Miller - Running With Scissors). She had made some cards using these dies and was so kind to send me some.  I put them away in a storage container and finally decided to use one.  

So here is my card:

So the parts I had laying around were the Card Base (Cajun Craze) and Hello die (Unity), The Black circle and the embossed leaves.  The embossing folder is one I purchased from JoAnn's.

I took out the tree die (Poppy Stamps - retired die) and used Distress Inks to blend various fall colors on them.  After that was done I assembled everything, I popped up the Hello with foam tape and added some sequins to complete the card.

There you have it.  I hope you enjoy my anything goes card.

Double D and Inspired By and NBUS# Challenges

 Hello and Welcome!

Today I'm sharing a card that I'll be listing for the following challenges:

Double D (Fall Leaves)

Inspired by....Fall #IB302

Here is the card that I created for these challenges:

So for this card I started with a card base of Basic Black (SU) card stock.  Then I added a piece of new designer paper (Carta Bella-Fall Fun).  I had a left over piece of embossed paper from a previous card so I added that strip. The cover plate is from (Concord and 9th)

Next up I used a stamp from Unity's (Love Never Leaves) stamp set which is the first time I've used this set. - The sentiment also new is from Unity's (August KOM-thanks in all things)

I stamped the leaf onto white card stock and used blending brushes and Distress Inks (Dried Marigold, Fired Brick, Brushed Corduroy) and a Distress Oxide Ink ( Rusty Hinge) Tim Holtz Ranger Inks.  Once I had them blended the way I wanted I spritz the image with water and sprinkled on some table salt.  The salt absorbs the water and leaves the little speckles you see after you brush it off.  I cut the image out with Scallop and Circle nesting die (Unity) - also new to me.  The sentiment was stamped with Memento Tuxedo black ink and cut with another of the nesting dies.  I also brushed on the distress inks around the edge of the circle.

I added some clear glitter (Art Institute-Crystal glitter) and a small clothes pin (I received these as a gift so I don't know where they are from.) to complete the look of the card I added a black circle offset (that die is from MFT) The focal image was mounted with foam tape.

I love fall so these challenge were especially fun to participate in.  Please check them out.

Thank you for stopping by.

Color Throwdown#811 & NBUS#66

 Wow it's been awhile since I've posted here.  The summer has been busy.  Anyway I'm back today with a card for this weeks, Color Throwdown #811

Here is the card that I created for this challenge.

This card uses a bunch of new stuff so I'm also going to include it on NBUS#66

I started with a Card Base of, Mossy Meadow.  Then I used my new cover plate (Concord and 9th) Stitched Polka Dot Die on a piece of Cajun Craze card stock.  I layered that on a piece of Basic Black cs and distressed the edges.  The bicycle image is from Unity - September KOM (Wander and Wonder).

I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored it with Prisma colored pencils and blended with gamsol.  I cut the image out with a Rectangle die also from Unity.  Then I splattered black speckles with a Black Lustre Brush from Scrapbook.com

I added some enamel dots, (Paper Studio) and another new die,

Unity (Happy Hello) die collection.

The main image and the word die were popped up with foam tape.

To complete the card I stamped a portion of the image inside the card with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and a sentiment from the kit.

This card was fun to color and put together I hope you enjoy it and thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to check out the other entries on the Color Throwdown blog.

PP698 - Card 2

 Welcome & thanks for stopping by.

Since I loved the Paper Players Color Challenge this week PP698 I decided to make a second card for the challenge.  I had some elements left over from yesterday's card that didn't work for my card idea and thought why not put them to good use.

This card is very different from the sweet little mouse card from yesterday's post.  I hope you like it just as much.

For this card I used the mushroom image from Unity's  KOM (Love and Good Vibes)   I just loved those mushrooms and the fact that they have little hearts on them makes them even cuter.  I was able to get this kit for my participation as a featured Unity GIU in June.

For this card I changed up my colors instead of Real Red I decided to use Poppy Parade card Stock for the background.  Next I layered that with a piece of textured paper from my stash.  It's hard to see the texture in the first photo so I'll include a picture at the end of the post showing the texture the black piece has.

The focal image was colored again with Prisma Premier Color Pencils and blended with Gamsol.  I then cut the image out with a new to me die from Unity (Scallops and Circles) I edged the circle with some Smoky Slate ink and a blending stump.

I already had the Smoky Slate fishtail die cut and the sentiment which is from the (Lil'Bloomer) stamp set used on yesterday's card.

I had another set of hearts punched and stapled but since I changed the red color I ended up punching new ones for this card.

That's it for the details on this card.  It's also going on NBUS#64 since I used a new die and a new stamp.

Have a great day & happy Stamping!

PP698 - Color Challenge and NBUS #

 Hello. - Thanks for stopping by.

Today I am sharing a card that I created for the Paper Players PP698.

This week was a color challenge (Black, Grey, Red and White).  This is one of my favorite color combos so I just had to play along.

Here is the card that I created for this challenge.  Since it uses new stamps and this was their first inking I'm also sharing with NBUS#64

Here is the card that I made:

Details:  Stamps used: Unity (Lil' Bloomer) Don't you think that little mouse is just the cutest thing? I sure do.

Before I go into further details I want to let you know that Unity stamps is also going to be selling "some" of their stamps now in Photopolymer (Clear) stamps!  I'm excited about that and I hope you will be as well.  They will continue to have their finely detailed line available only in the Red Rubber but now you will have options.

Back to the card now:  Card Stock Used, Basic Black, Basic White, Real Red, and Smoky Slate.

Dies: Unity Scallops and Rectangles, Fishtail die MFT

Punches: Retired SU heart punch and McGill Corner punch (for the tiny heart)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Prisma Color Premier Pencils, Gamsol, Blending Stubs

Staples, Foam tape, Lustre Brush (Scrapbook.com) for the splatters.

That's it for this card.  - Again I appreciate your visit and comments.

Have a wonderful day. 

GIU Winners

Hello and Welcome. 

First off a huge thank you to everyone who left comments on my blog last week during my time as the featured GIU (Growing in Unity) stamper. It meant a lot to me.

Now for the announcement of my winners:

From day #2 - Leslie Miller and from Day #5 Angy Hughes. - I used a random generator after numbering all my comments.

Here is how to claim your prize:  "please email kelli@unitystampco.com to claim your gift credit within 2 weeks"

be sure to include:  "winner from "Ida's GIU week."  in the subject line of your email.

Thanks again for stopping by.  I hope you will visiting again.

Growing in Unity - Day 5

 Welcome!  This week has went by quickly. - We are on my final day as a GIU (Growing in Unity) featured stamper.

So let's get started on today's card.

This card features the Unity stamp set,  Funny Farm.  This set is fun and great for those cards when you really don't feel the need or desire to do a lot of coloring.

The card base is, Real Red cs (SU) which I layered a panel of Daffodil Delight cs (SU) that had been embossed with a Chicken Wire embossing folder, (Cuttlebug). This particular one is retired but there are other chicken wire embossing folders out there. Plus if you'd rather use a stamp Unity has a couple of chicken wire background stamps. - I layered a piece of designer paper from Unity (Country Lovin') over the chicken wire card stock.  Next up I stamped the animal image on Crumb Cake cs with Real Red ink and used a blender brush and Crumb cake ink to distress the edges.  I cut the image out with Unity's (Scallops and Rectangles) dies. I glued the panel down and added enamel dots (Paper Studio).  The sentiment was stamped with Memento Tuxedo black in on Basic White cs and cut with an SU Stylish Die then mounted with foam tape to complete the card.

Since it's my final day and I already had the stamps and papers out I decided to create a second card with the same stamp set.

For this card I went with Crumb Cake as the card base.  Then I embossed a panel of Real Red cs with the chicken wire embossing folder and glued it over the top of the patterned paper and glued that panel down.  Next I stamped the animal image in Memento Tuxedo black ink on Daffodil delight cs and smudged on some Daffodil Delight ink.  I added just red enamel dots this time.  The sentiment was stamped with the Memento ink and distressed with a distressing tool and the ink pad.  Both the sentiment and the image panel were popped up with foam tape.

So that's the end of my time as the featured GIU stamper.  I've really enjoyed your visits and comments and had a blast creating my cards.

Don't forget to leave a comment for you chance at a $20 Unity store credit.  Winners will be drawn on Monday and posted to my blog and also on the Unity Facebook Page.

Growing in Unity - Day 4

Ho, Ho, Ho...No it's not Christmas but today's Growing in Unity card is:

I decided to use some of my stamps that had not yet been inked up.  I bought this fun snowman stamp, In the Meadow way back in December of 2021 and had yet to use it.  I know, "shame on me!"

I also wanted to use another background stamp that I had yet to ink up.  This one is, Grit and Glint Snowflake.

Some close-ups of a few of the details on this card.

Card Stock: Shaded Spruce, Basic White,  and Soft Seafoam.

The image was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and edges with the Soft Seafoam ink. I also used a small sponge blending tool to add color to the snowman's scarf and hat band.  

The background stamp was stamped with the Seafoam ink and I also stamped a section of a piece of Seafoam card stock with the same ink and cut a snowflake out (Memento snowflake dies).

Other items used on this card: Circle dies, fishfail die, Green Gems, sparkly star brad.

So that's it for today's card. - Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a $20 store credit at Unity.

Tomorrow will be my final day as the featured GIU so please be sure to check back in and see what I have created.

Thanks for stopping by.

Growing in Unity - Day 3

 Howdy! - Hope you are having as much fun this week as I have been having. 

Today is Day 3 of my Growing in Unity week and I have a fun card for you today.

If you have visited my blog before you may have seen this card already. Click to enlarge:  You can view that post HERE.

But guess what?  I just couldn't resist making another card with that stinkin' cute mouse!  This set is Tiny Buckaroo.

This time I did not fussy cut the image out.  Instead I stamped it on white card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored it with Prismacolor pencils and blended with Gamsol.

Then I used a blender brush to distress the edges with blue ink and I added some black splatter using a Lustre brush.  Next I created a tag with some background paper , (Barnyard Blowout) from Unity. The sentiment was also stamped on a piece of the paper pack and cut out with a circle die from SU (Stylish Dies) I used some twine to wrap around the tag, a old retired SU star brad, and a couple of different star punches.  The tag portion was mounted on the card with foam tape.

Card stock colors, Real Red, Night of Navy and Basic White. (SU). Remember you can use any of these colors from whatever company you like.

Don't forget to leave a comment because at the end of the week I will be drawing 2 names from all comments through out the week for a chance at a $20 credit with the Unity store.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for another fun card creation.

Growing in Unity - Day 2

 Hi,  Welcome back. - Today is Day 2 of my week as a featured,

Growing in Unity stamper.

Here is today's card: Don't forget to leave a comment if you want to have a chance at the $20 store credit prize.

For this card I used a stamp from the April KOM (Kit of the Month)

Before I go into the details of how this card was created I want to say if you are not a member of the KOM you are really missing out.  What a great bargain these kits are.  So many wonderful stamps in each kit.  Click on the link and you will see just how many stamps there are. - Another wonderful thing about Unity Kit memberships is that you are no longer required to purchase every single month.  You can view the kits and go to your account and skip any month that you may not be able to purchase a kit or if the kit just isn't your style (which rarely happens to me).

Okay on to the card:

I chose to use my Copic Markers to color this image.  I'm still learning how to use them and as there is no one around who teaches a class nearby I'm just going by trial and error with them.

I also wanted to showcase one of the BOTM (Background of the Month Stamps. This one is, Woodgrain Whisper

The image was stamped with Memento Tuxedo ink on Basic White card stock and colored with Copic markers (E13, 15, 19, YG09, and YG01).  That background stamp was stamped with Pecan Pie ink on BW cs.  I cut a portion off and layered it over a piece of Unity designer paper (yes, they have awesome paper too!) This one is Rainbow Alcohol. I also used a retired SU stamp, Itty Bitty Backgrounds to lightly stamp some blue dots on the image panel.

Other items used on card: Oval Dies (MFT), Retired Apple Green grosgrain ribbon, a heart punch, Fishtail Dies, glitter and foam tape.

Growing in Unity - Day 1

 Hello and Welcome!

Today is my first day as the featured GIU stamper (Growing in Unity).

I was super excited to be given this opportunity and I hope you will enjoy the cards that I share this week.  You will be eligible to receive a $20.00 store credit by leaving a comment on my Blog post (no anonymous comments - you must leave a name to be eligible for the prize).  

So let's get started on Day #1:

For this card I used the adorable (Cheese Chat) stamp set from Unity Stamps.

I colored the images with Prismacolor Pencils and blended with Gamsol. I added some sparkle to the cheese grater using a Wink of Stella pen.  

I embossed the white panel with a Dot embossing folder and brayered ink over it. Sentiment was stamped on yellow card stock.

Images were mounted with foam tape.

Details: Card Base - Basic Black - Images stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Basic White cs. (SU) 

I used a combination of different dies for the images.  The Postage Stamp die is (Unity) Other dies are from SU and MFT.

Please note that the Dark Yellow card stock (Summer Sun) and ink are a retired SU color but you could do this card with any inks you choose.

I tried to get a decent shot of the shimmer from the Wink of Stella pen. It gave the card that little extra punch.

I hope you enjoyed your visit today and will come back to see my next card. Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance at that $20 store credit with Unity stamps.

 

Freshly Made Sketches #640 and NBUS#63

 Hello & Welcome. - Yep I'm actually posting a card today!

Thought I would share the card I made my hubby for Father's Day.  I decided to use the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches #640 for my card. - Since it also features new stamps/paper I'll be posting for NBUS#63.

Here is my card:

Details:

Stamp Set: Saddle Up (Carta Bella)

Paper: Cowboys (Carta Bella)

Sentiment Stamp: SU

Card Stock: Early Espresso, Basic White, Very Vanilla & Misty Moonlight.

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Prismacolor Pencils

Circle Die, Fishtail Die.

Be sure to stop back in tomorrow for something fun and a chance to win a prize.

PP689 - Color Challenge.

 Hello & Welcome.  Before I get to my card today,  I want to say thank you to Claire for choosing my card for last weeks challenge as A Cut Above winner.  You can see that card here.

I'm back today with a card for the Paper Players Color Challenge,

PP689

Here is the card that I created for this challenge.

This is a brand new (to me) stamp set and stencil - I received it as a gift for Mother's Day so this will also be going into NBUS#62

Card Base:  Lost Lagoon, Scallop Layer: Highland Heather.

Inks:  Highland Heather, Fresh Freesia and I added Bubble Bath. The image and sentiment were stamped with Memento Tuxedo black ink on Basic White card stock.  I used ink pads and blending brushes for the stenciled portion and a water brush and ink pads to color the flower.  Stamps and Stencil (Tim Holtz Mixed Media)

Other items used: Dies (Unity - Scallops and Rectangles)

Wink of Stella brush for the center of the flower. Enamel dots (Paper Studio) and foam tape.

This shows some of the shimmer from the Wink of Stella brush.

Thanks for stopping by.  I appreciate your visits and comments.

Have a great day.

Paper Players #688 and Freshly Made Sketches#635

 Welcome! - I've been busy stamping lately but can't show you just yet what I've been working on.  However I can show you this card that I made yesterday for a couple of the challenges this week.

PP688  Theme challenge: Animal Antics and the FMS#635

Below is the card that I made for these challenges.

I had a lot of fun with this card.  Stamps used: (Unity - Tiny Buckaroo).  Isn't that mouse so adorable.

Card Stock: Night of Navy, Real Red, Basic White (SU)

Patterned Paper (Unity - Barn Yard Blowout)

Colored Pencils (Prisma) and blended with Gamsol.

Other: Large Star Punch - retired SU

Small Star Punch - source unknown

Banner Die (SU stylish Dies)

Enamel Dot (Paper Studio)

Foam Tape.

Entered for Unity Birthday challenge. and NBUS#62

This is going to be hubby's birthday card this year.

Create Your Own Background and Color Throwdown #790

 Welcome. 

Today I'm sharing a card that I created for my monthly challenge with my friend, TK (Time 4 Kards) and the current Color Throwdown#790 

For the challenge with TK I choose,  Create Your Own background.  I went in search of some background techniques that I had never tried before.  I found several and decided on the Paper Towel background for my card.  You can find this technique on 
You Tube HERE  This was my very first time trying this technique.  While mine didn't come out exactly like the video I decided to use it anyway.

Here is the card I created.

Details:  Card Stock:  Coastal Cabana, Basic Black and Basic White.

Inks:  Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green, Coastal Cabana, Memento Tuxedo Black.

To create the background I glued a paper towel with a pattern down on to a piece of card stock.  Next I used my ink pads and blending brushes to add the color onto the white paper towel.  In the video Gina used small ink cubes lightly brushed over the paper towel which leaves some of the white from the towel still showing.  Using the blending brushes creates a bit heavier color onto the paper towel but since I don't own any small ink cubes I did the best I could with what I had on hand.

My image is from Unity Stamps (Joy and Brighter Days) which is brand new to me so I'm going to add this on to NBUS 

I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored it with Prisma colored pencils and blended it with Gamsol.  I added the sentiment for the same stamp set and some green enamel dots (Paper Studio) to complete my card.  -  I would try this technique again as I like the rainbow like effect and hopefully someday I'll have some small cubes to work with instead of full sized ink pads.

Please stop by the Color Throwdown and of course TK's wonderful blog.  You can do so by clicking on the links I've provided.

Thanks for stopping by.

NBUS#61