Laughter is the best Medicine

Welcome to the First Ever Three Clover Thursday Challenge. -  Let me tell you I was more then thrilled when Kerry e-mailed me asking if I would like to be part of her Challenge Design Team. I didn't even hesitate a second before sending her a message back saying I would be delighted to be a part of her Thursday Challenge Team.

She divided us up into 2 teams so we'd be posting every other week.  She did say though that if we wanted to participate when it wasn't our week to be features we could.  I had some time this week and thought I'd give the Sketch she posted for the Design Team a try.  I love "sketches" as they really help to give me that "jump start" I ofen need when coming up with a card idea.

This card is also serving as part of another challenge (Stamp Girls Gone Wild - Mystery Image).  When I saw the Giraffe image that Pat had sent for the Mystery Image challenge I knew right away what sentiment I wanted to pair with it.  It just seemed so fitting with the expression on the Giraffe's face.

My card base is Kiwi Kiss which I layered with Good Morning Sunshine Designer Paper (SU). For the right panel I used Summer Sun cs distressed with the Cutter Kit and Chocolate Chip ink and layered with another piece of the GMS designer paper.  I also did faux stitching. I added a Yellow Flower and a Blue Brad to the upper right hand corner.

The middle panel is Old Olive cs layered with this really cool textured piece of cs that I bought a zillion years ago.  It's from The Paper Company. I also used the Scallop border punch.

I colored the Giraffe image with a So Saffron and Blush Blossom markers.  The sentiment (Hero Arts) was stamped with Pacific Point ink.  I added 3 green gems (Me and My Big Ideas) and layered this to Kiwi Kiss and Chocolate Chip cs that was also distressed with the cutter kit.  I raised this up using foam mounting tape.

Please be sure to visit Kerry's blog and those of the featured designers today and leave them some "stampin love" via the comments section.  Have a great day.

SGGW - Penguin Love

Happy Monday!  Hope you are all staying safe and warm.  It's COLD here again with only a high of 28 expected today and once again we have snow on the ground.  Believe me this is very unusual for Walla Walla to have had so much snow.  I really am looking forward to Spring.  In the mean time I had an extra image left over from the SGGW Mystery Image swap (see card here) so I thought I'd make up another card and send it to the Swap Hostess,       Sue Davis as a, "Thank You" for hosting the swap. 

I used the same exact color scheme as my previous card but went with a totally different layout.  This layout is the Mojo Monday Sketch Week 69.  My card base is Close to Cocoa layered with Bashful Blue and Barely Banana (embossed with Heart Cuttlebug Folder) and distressed with Chocolate Chip ink and the Cutter Kit. The designer paper (SU Spring Showers - retired)was layered onto Chocolate Chip and distressed.  I stamped the sentiment (SU A Happy Heart) with Chocolate Chip ink and punched the individual letters out with a 1/2" circle punch.  Then I layered them onto a 3/4" circle of Bashful Blue.  I stamped the heart again in So Saffron Ink and raised it up with foam mounting tape.  My focal image was colored with Prisma Colored Pencils and the boxer shorts were also raised up with foam mounting tape.  I also stamped some splatters (Itty Bitty Backgrounds) with Sahara Sand ink to match the splatters on the DP.  The dot on the letter (i) is a very tiny punched piece of Chocolate Chip card stock.

Enjoy the week and don't forget to STAMP YOUR ART OUT!

My Funny Valentine - BC 82

Time for another Bloggers Challenge and this time was, (Same but Different) which can be interpreted many ways.  We could use the same stamps but different layouts,  Same layout but different stamps,  different techniques, colors/papers etc...as long as something was the same on each card.    I chose to use the same layout for both my cards but different stamps, papers and embellishments. My first card is also a Mystery Image for the Stamp Girls Gone Wild group I belong too.  Since Kerry is a member of both groups she's bound to see this card before she gets it.  Sue Davis was the Hostess this time around and she sent this cute Penguin image from Memory Box.  As an added "twist" to the challenge she also sent each participant a piece of Designer Paper that we had to use somewhere on our card.  We could use all the paper or just a piece of it but somewhere on our card we had to use the paper she sent.  My piece is from the SU collection called, Spring Showers which is now retired.  I must admit to not being thrilled with the paper I received but after I got my card going it all fell into place and I really like how it turned out.

My card base is:  Close to Cocoa that I layered with Barely Banana edged in Chocolate Chip ink.  Then I layered a piece of Bashful Blue card stock that I ran part way through the Cuttlebug with the Hearts embossing folder and layered on my piece of designer paper.  I added a piece of Chocolate Chip twill ribbon.  I colored the penguins boxer shorts with Prismacolor Pencils and cut them out and layered them on the main image.  This was then layered to a circle of Whisper White and a Scallop of Barely Banana edged in the Chocolate Chip ink and pierced.  I added 3 small circles of Close to Cocoa with 3 small hearts punched in Bashful Blue (punch source unknown).  Then I stamped the sentiment (SU Holidays and Wishes) in Close to Cocoa ink and used a stamp from Itty Bitty Backgrounds to create the spatters to match those in the paper.  The sentiment and focal image were raised with foam mounting tape.

For my second card I chose to use the adorable Skunk image from SU Pun Fun.  I stamped him in Palette Noir Black ink on Whisper White card stock and colored him with Copic Markers.  I masked the image and sponged in some grass with Kiwi Kiss ink.  Then I added a small red brad to the flower center and highlighted the petals with a Clear Spica Glitter Pen for some shimmer.  My card base is: Ridinghood Red layered with Certainly Celery and Pink Pirouette ran through the Cuttlebug with the Floral Fantasy embossing folder.  My designer paper is from Kaisercraft.  I added 3 circles of Certainly Celerty and 3 light pink heart brads.  The sentiment was stamped with Ridinghood Red ink.  I used Ridinghood Red Taffeta.

So there you have it 2 cards with the same layout but different stamps/colors - Now go check out the other members blogs and see what they created for this fun challenge.  You can do so by clicking on the Bloggers Icon on my sidebar.

 

Alien Ballerina

Doesn't this little Ballerina just make you SMILE! - This was the latest "Mystery Image" from the Stamp Girls Gone Wild group I belong to.  Kim really picked out a fun image and I wanted my card to be just that, a lot of FUN.   I started by using some really bright colors and funky patterns.                                             My card base is Pink Passion layered with Orchid Opulence.  Then I layered a piece of Gable Green and some designer paper (KI Memories)  I ran half the green card through the Cuttlebug using the Circles embossing folder and then added the DP and tied a piece of purple ribbon around that.    The stamp I believe is from (Stampotique) and the sentiment is Hero Arts.

I colored my little Alien Ballerina with Prismacolored pencils.  Her hair is highlighted with a Yellow Spica Glitter Pen and I added Candycane Glitter (Art Institute) to her Tutu for extra sparkle.  Then I added 3 colored brads and a pink pom pom for her nose.    I think she is really fun and funky and hope you do too.

BC72 Same But Different - Riley Celebrates the Holidays

HAPPY FRIDAY! - Boy am I glad this week is over (more importantly I'm glad I don't have to listen to any more Political campaigning - UGH!) Moving right along...

For our Bloggers Challenge this week we had (Same But Different). We could either make 2 cards using the same stamps but different layouts or 2 cards using the same layout but different stamps. I opted to do my cards using the same stamps but different layouts.

My cards are also part of the Mystery Image Challenge on another group (SGGW) that I belong too. The image that I'm using is Riley Moose (Isn't he adorable?)

For my first card I used Ridinghood Red Card stock for my base and then layered that to Old Olive. Next I embossed a piece of Kiwi Kiss cs with the Snowdots embossing folder and my Cuttlebug. I added to Red Brads (Queen and Co.) to the side. Then I added a strip of Ridinghood Red cs layered with designer paper by Scenic Route (Rocland Lindsey Street). I colored my Riley image with Prisma Colored Pencils and blended with Gamsol. I added some sparkle with a clear Spica Glitter pen to the Snowman and Riley's hat. It's hard to see in the scan but it really looks pretty in real life. I colored and cut out another hat and mounted it over my image with foam mounting tape for added dimension. These were cut out with Rectangle and Scalloped Rectangle Nestabilities. I added a banner of Kiwi Kiss that I stamped my sentiment (Hero Arts) with Garden Green ink, distressed the edges with Kiwi Kiss and pierced it. I also added a red button threaded with white thread. This is a neat idea for a sentiment that I learned from Anna (Sweet Miss Daisy) which you can read about here: to complete my card.

For my 2nd card I used a layout from Beate weekend sketch #64 found here . I really liked this sketch and wanted to give it a try. I am very happy with how it turned out. My card base is Chocolate Chip layered with Old Olive that I stamped the Fine Lace (SU Retired) background stamp with Old Olive ink and distressed the edges. Then I used a piece of designer paper (Ski Slope collection from the holiday mini catalog). I added scalloped pieces of Real Red card stock that I pierced and layered with strips of Chocolate Chip and a piece of Old Olive layered with the Chocolate Chip felt ribbon from the holiday mini. I love how fun that ribbon looks. I stamped my sentiment (Hero Arts) with Chocolate Chip ink. My Riley image was watercolored using and Aqua painter and colors to match the DP. I added some liquid applique to Riley's hat and the snow under the snowman. I also added frosted lace stickles to the snowman. I cute my images out with Circle Nestabilities. I punched a snowflake out of Baja Breeze card stock and embossed it using a Versa Mark pad and Iridescent Ice EP. Then I layered a smaller snowflake punched with Shimmery White cs (source unknown) and added a mini red brad (Queen and Co.) and mounted my image with foam mounting tape.

Don't forget to click on the Blogger's Icon on my sidebar to see all the other great cards/projects for this weeks Same But Different Challenge

Tis The Season - SGGW Mystery Image

The Stamp Girls Gone Wild (don't you love that name?) just finished up another round of our Mystery Image challenge.  In case you aren't familiar with the Mystery Image challenges what takes place is one member signs up to be the Hostess and she gets to pick the "Mystery" image that we all use for our cards.  Then she stamps several copies of the image and mails them to each person signed up to play in the challenge.  This way we have several to play around with (just in case we make a boo boo) or we want to layer etc..on our cards.  This time the hostess (Stephanie) chose this adorable image (Carol Singing Charlotte) from Whiff of Joy stamps.  This is a relatively new stamp company so be sure to stop by and take a peek at what they have to offer.

For my card I went with a color scheme based on my designer paper (Basic Grey Figgy Pudding - Forest).  I love all the pretty patterns and colors of the trees in this paper.  I colored Charlotee with Prisma Color pencils blended with Gamsol.  Then I cut out the hat from one image and used White Liquid Applique and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to add some sparkle.  The hat was then raised with foam mounting tape.  I also added sparkle to the musical notes and her star necklace with Frosted Lace Stickles.  (See Close-up for more detail.) I masked the lower half and sponged in the ground using an oval punch to create a template.   I mounted the image on Always Artichoke paper (Card Base is the same).  My sentiment is from a small set of Studio G Christmas stamps.  I stamped the sentiment in Always Artichoke ink, punched it out with a circle punch, layered it to a larger circle of Riding Hood Red and highlighted the dots with a Red Spica Glitter pen.  I used the Zigzag Embossing Punch (Martha Stewart) to create my border and tied a piece of Always Artichoke Grosgrain ribbon around it.  I added 3 Dew Drops to the side for embellishment to complete the card.  All images raised with foam mounting tape.

Once I receive my card from my partner I'll post it here to so you can see another idea using this adorable stamp.

Can't wait to see what the next Mystery Image will be. 

Swimmingly Fun

Well the Stamp Girls Gone Wild (SGGW) group just finished up another round of the now famous (well if it isnt it should be!) Mystery Image challenge.  This time our hostess was, Judy Huettel and she chosse this adorable little Changito image by Stampendous. 
For my card I chose to use some Designer Paper from DCWW (Die Cuts With A View) that came on one of those huge mixed packets.  I based my Color Scheme on the paper and away I went.
My card base is: Chocolate Chip layered with Cool Carribean (now retired - insert sad face) that was distressed with CC ink as well.  Then I layered the striped designer paper.  I added a piece of the Polka Dot dp that I added scalloped strips of Creamy Caramel card stock and pierced holes in the scallops.

My focal image was watercolored using the ink pads and an Aqua Painter.  Again I'm not all that great at watercoloring but I gave it the old "college try" as they say and it didn't turn to bad.
For some added fun I used Crystal Effects on the flippers and snorkle.  I also used a Clear Spica Glitter pen to add some shimmer to the polka dots on the inner tube.  The sunglasses have foil tape on them so they look pretty authentic.  I added 3 tan brads (Queen and Co.)  to the side of the cirlce as well and then mounted it to Cool Carribean and Close To Cocoa using my Nestabilities Dies and the piercing tool.  The sentiment is from one of those rolling stamps that has several sentiments on it and I picked it up at JoAnn's.  I stamped it with Chocolate Chip ink and mounted it onto the Cool Carribean.  They were punched using SU Oval punches.  I added 2 small mini brads from Queen and Company and mounted the sentiment and focal image with foam mounting tape.

The Blessing of a Friend

Oh how I enjoy these Mystery Image swaps.  In case you aren't familiar with what I am talking about a group that I belong too: Stamp Girls Gone Wild (SGGW) host what is called a, Mystery Image swap.  The Hostess of the swap picks out an image and then stamps several copies of it to send to each participant.  We are each assigned a partner and mail our card to that person.  The object of this type of a swap is to show how unique and diverse it can be seeing the same image stamped by different people.

This time around our hostess was, Rose Kerry and she chose to send out this adorable little Elzybell image.

These can also be purchased in the US at various places. -  They are just the sweetest images and make me smile whenever I see them.

The inspiration for my color scheme came from a piece of Polished Stone background paper that I had laying around in my UFO (Un-finished Objects) piles.  -  I wasn't the first to claim the UFO phrase but for the life of me I don't recall where I heard it first but I liked it so I've adopted the phrase myself.  I'm sure most of us have UFO piles in our stamp rooms just waiting to be used on a project when the right inspiration hits.

For my Polished Stone piece I believe that I used Orchid Opulence, Pretty in Pink and Bliss Blue (retired now) plus a Metallic Gold reinker (Tsukineko).

I colored my little ElzyBell girls with Copic Markers.  I am still getting the hang of using them but I like how they turned out on this card.  The colors I used are: YR24 (Pale Sepia)

E00 (Skin White), Y15 (Cadmium Yellow), YG00 (Mimosa Yellow), BG45 (Nile Blue), RV17 (Deep Magenta), BV000 (Iridescent Mauve), and V17 (Amethyst). I also used an SU Certainly Celery Marker on the flower stem as I didn't have the shade of green I wanted in my Copic set.  - I colored my image and then cut out the dress on the girl in turquoise and stamped the dots from (Itty Bitty Backgrounds) and added a few more with a Basic Black marker.  The purple dress was also cut out and then colored with a purple Spica Glitter pen.  I also colored both flowers with Spica Glitter Pens and the pink punched flower as well.

My card base is: Orchid Opulence layered with Tempting Turquoise and my Polished Stone piece.  Then I added a strip on TT and a piece of Pretty in Pink that I ran through my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dot Embossing Folder.  I cut my image out using a circle Nestabilites Die and layered it onto a scalloped circle. The sentiment was punched with a circle punch (McGill) and layered onto the Nestabilites scalloped cirle.

I used the 3 For You flower punch and punched out a Pretty In Pink flower and 3 Tempting Turquoise flowers.  I added mini brads (Queen and Company) to the centers.  My image and sentiment were mounted using foam mounting tape.

PS - How do you lik my NEW WATERMARK! - Yep, I figured it out thanks to help from Beth and Kim Howard, who recommended the GIMP program to insert my watermark with.  Thanks both of you ladies for all your help.

You Quack Me Up

I belong to this really fun group called, Stamp Girls Gone Wild (doesn't that just conjure up all kinds of fun stuff!) We're actually a group of stampers that are not dedicated to just "one" stamp company meaning that our cards can use stamps and supplies from any company we choose.

Our first 2 swaps have been Mystery Image swaps. What this means is that one person picks out an image and sends it to everyone who signed up for the swap. We are then assigned a partner and send our card to that person. All the cards are then posted in a file for everyone to see what we all did with the same image.

Our first image was a Gnome sent out by our Moderator (Kerry) and the card I did for my partner for that swap is found here: http://faithartistry.blogspot.com/2008/03/roaming-gnome.html There were some really great entries for that challenge.

I asked if I could pick out the next image for another Mystery Image swap. I had my new kitten (Callie-Jo) help me out by looking at stamps from http://www.addictedtorubberstamps.com/ and then we settled on this adorable Duck image from http://www.hambostamps.com/ . It was new and I thought it was just to cute to pass up, Callie-Jo agreed with me.

I wanted a cute saying to go with my duck and picked out the (You Quack Me Up) sentiment made by Penny Black at addictedtorubberstamps. I must say here that both places have excellent Customer Service and I highly recommend shopping with both companies.

For my card base I chose: Only Orange (SU) card stock stamped with the Sanded Background in OO ink. My color inspiration was taken from this FUN piece of Designer Paper (Oh Baby!Boy - Garic by Basic Grey) I also added a small strip of Apricot Appeal that I ran through the Cuttlebug using my Swiss Dot Embossing Folder and a piece of Orange Rickrack (JoAnn Craft Essentials). I embossed the sentiment with Bold Black EP (SU) added a cloth brad (not sure of source) and a Felt Flower (Queen and Company).

I colored the duck image with Prisma Colored Pencils blended with Gamsol. Then I added Lemonade Yellow Fun Flock (Stampendous) using a glue pen to the duck and let it dry. I also added Crystal Effects to the mud pond. I used a Scalloped Square Punch (Marvy) to punch out my image an mounted it to Green Galore(SU) card stock and Textured Lavender CS (Bazzill) and added 4 tiny green brads (Queen and Company) then mounted the image with foam dimensional tape to complete my card.

The card measures 5 1/4 by 5 1/4" - I really had fun with this card and my partner loved it so I am very happy with how this turned out.