What's Up? Carousel Seahorse. Daughter Love

      I have been overwhelmed with zucchini lately and have had very little time to craft due to shredding, freezing, baking and cooking with zucchini.  Seriously-I still have about 8 large zucchini to use and 3 little ones growing on the plants plus more blossoms wanting to turn into zucchini.  (Can you say a years worth of zucchini bread, zucchini crust pizza, chinese food with zucchini, italian crescent zucchini pie, vegetable side dishes, soups, etc.  It is really saving a lot off our food budget though.

Avery Elle What's up stamp set.  (Discontinued), Burlap, Wink of Stella, 

Dimensional foam, Copics, Fussy cutting, Ribbon, Stitched Rectangles Die.

  In the last few weeks I have managed to carve out a little late night crafting time for myself though and I have three cards to show for it.  They are very different from each other but that's the way I roll.

Avery Elle Thanks a Bunch, and Avery Elle We R Family Additions (Discontinued) stamp sets,

Memento Inks,  Copics, Wink of Stella, Stitched Rectangles Die, Pearls

Whimsy Stamps Free Gift

 

Flowers for You

      I've ordered digital stamps from Whimsy Stamps before but when I ordered physical stamps from them they came with a free gift.  Oh how it makes my heart sing when I get a gift.

 Fistful of Flowers

  

        There were 4 images from Crissy Armstrong which she had hand colored then reproduced on glossy card stock and die cut in different shapes.  There were 3 of each design.  It is called the Summer Friends Collection.  Normally I enjoy the coloring process but it was really nice to be able to make such fast cards.

Follow Me

Joys Life Barnyard Puns

Sparkle and Shine Challenge 13 Any Occasion Tags

     Here is my tiny (1.5 inch by 1 inch) tag that I submitted to the Sparkle and Shine Challenge (#13).

     I'm surprised that I was able to get so much stamped on it.  (That is a small set of scissors next to it.) I used the Pretty Peonies clear stamp set by Wplus9 for the floral details and the sentiment was from Fiskars All Year Greetings. I used a pencil eraser for the dots and did first and second generation stamping on those.  The inks were dye inks from memento and color box plus one hybrid ink from color theory.  I got a small box of these tags from my local pharmacy.

My Stampafaire 2015 Results

     I have finished my submissions for Papertrey Inks Stampafaire 2015 and have a photo of everything I made.

     I have SOOOO many ideas for more cards to make.  I will definitely participate again next year.  
    Apparently there is a kit you can purchase ahead of time to have the specific supplies they recommend.  That would have been very cool but it isn't in my budget.  Thankfully they allow you to "make it your own" and even give suggestions as to how you can use what you have at home.
     I had a lot of fun and that card in the upper left is one of my all time favorites.  I never would have made it had I not taken the challenge.

Stampafaire 2015 Make it Work Challenge

 
 For the Papertrey Ink Stamp-a-faire  2015 Make It Work challenge we were suppose to take apart an early "Fail" card and make it work.  For  my "Fail" card I initially tried to use some embossing paste with a stencil to make a unique pattern, leaving the center available for a sentiment.  It was for my bridal challenge and was too shabby chic when it was finished to work for an elegant card.

I added flowers and gems, then cut it down on a diagonal and added it to a new card. It seems a little contrived to me but much better that my initial idea.

TPC Studios Faith Greetings (Discontinued)

Sizzix Swiss Dots embossing folder

Stampafaire 2015 Runway Challenge

     For the Papertrey Ink Stamp-a-faire 2015  Runway Challenge I chose this as my inspiriation piece.

 
 I liked the pink floral centerpiece surrounded by gold scrolls then framed in blue with a gold border.  Here is my take on it.

Elegant Flourishes by Autumn Leaves by Rhonna Farrer

 I had a major fail on my embossing.  I've been very disappointed in my embossing buddy and EK success powder tool but I am convinced I can get the hang of it.  I'm not pleased with my results, however, I am convinced it would have been awesome if I had managed to make it work.

Stampafaire 2015 Threads Challenge

     I chose to use the Twine Techniques for the Papertrey Ink Stamp-a-Faire 2015 Threads challenge.

 Clearly Besotted "Sweet Rose"'
 Simon Says Stamp's "Locking Hearts" set (discontinued)

Stampafaire 2015 Patterns Challenge

Stampafair 2015 Bridal Challenge

     For the Papertrey Ink Stamp-a-faire 2015 Bridal Challenge I had to do a card using only white with a neutral colored sentiment.  I chose to use a  minor image in place of a sentiment. 

Inkadinkado Wedding

Stampafaire 2015 Machine Stitched

     For the Papertrey Ink Stamp-a-faire 2015 Machine Stitched challenge I machine stitched the ribbon and designer papers onto my card front.  I really like the look of machine stitching.  It adds more detail to the look.

Bugaboo Stamps Deacon Christmas Candy Cane

Stampafaire 2015 Unconventional Materials

     For the  Papertrey Ink Stamp-a-faire 2015 Unconventional Materials challenge I went to the hardware store for supplies as instructed.  I purchased key bands for .97, twine for .87 and an electrical wall plate for .97. We were on a very restricted budget!  (Thank goodness).   I envisioned making a window with the wall plate but it took up most of the card so I couldn't use it.  I also brought home a few paint chip samples.

Rubbernecker Tangled Kitty stamp set,  Hero Arts Merriest Christmas Wishes stamp set (retired)

Stampafaire 2015-Papertrey Ink Mix and Match

     The Papertrey Ink Stamp-a-faire 2015 Mix and Max challenge had us mix and match 3 patterned papers in 3 different scales.

     I used matching papers from a paper pack I had but selected a small pattern that reads as more of a solid, a medium pattern and a larger pattern.  I happened to have a floral die cut that matched the colors so I adhered it to a scalloped circle die that I distressed.  Then I added the Papertrey ink Birthday die cut (discontinued) and colored it to match the background
     This card will go to my Aunt soon.  One of these days I will find a better way to take photos of these cards so the details show up better.

My last box of Operation Write Home cards is almost ready to ship.

     Here is a sample of cards from the box of cards I sent to Operation Write Home.

     I will miss making cards for the troops.  Fortunately the only reason I can't send more cards is that too many of our Military are being sent home.  That's a good thing.
     I have always loved supporting them whether it was through Girl Scouts and sending cookies overseas, writing letters, or sending cards.  I have a few more to make and they have to be sent before August 1 but it looks like I will be done in plenty of time.  There might be a few duplicates from last time.  I am only allowed to send 4-5 of any similar design.  It use to be 8 so there were some I had ready to go at last shipment where I had already made 8, but was only allowed to send 4 by the time my shipment was ready.  That's ok because I can send the extras this time.  They won't go to the same units they went to last time.

High School Graduation card for a Girl

     This Graduation card is for a friend of my daughters who is graduating from High School.  She also has long blonde hair.    

Digital stamp Bugaboo Ava grad diploma

My Daughter's 17th Birthday Card

     My daughter likes black and white cards, and cats.  She loves cats.  Did I say she loves cats?

Digital Cat Love stamp by Mo's Digital Pencil
  Celebrate You Today by Hampton Arts Ki Memories Greetings

219 Cards on their way to Operation Write Home

     That is my final count.  219 cards in this shipment to Operation Write Home.  Most of them are tucked away in the box, but here are a few that I threw together at the last minute to pack that box to the brim.

Sliekje Digi Stamps-God is Just a Prayer Away

                                               

 Paper Smooches Hot Concoctions colored with Copics

 Gina K Designs Heartily Yours by Nina Brackett (discontinued).

Die cut chicken from the Silhouette Store,

 I cannot find the name of the border die.

  Joy's Life Barnyard Puns.

 TPC Studios Faith Greetings.  

Flowers from Online Card Classes Copic Markers for Card Makers class drawn by Kristina Werner.

The digital image was free but I am unable to locate it currently.

Final Countdown for Operation Write Home donation.

     My box is basically full for my Operation Write Home donation.

Altenew Vintage Roses 

Sentiment is My Favorite Things Clearly Sentimental about Art (discontinued).

     When I went through the box to stamp the logo on the back of the cards I noticed that since I had been saving cards over several years, there were a few sets of cards where I had more than 5 of the same or similar design.  I use to be allowed to make 7 or 8 of the same design, but now I am limited to 5 since there are fewer boxes being sent to fewer troops.

Jodie Lee Designs Fairy Belle Collection Stamp (Free with a card making magazine).

Sentiment is from Fiskars Heidi Grace Greetings which appears to be discontinued.

     I had to take some cards out of the donation box and put them in a smaller donation box that I hope to have filled up by fall.  I have a lot of Christmas cards which I shouldn't send this early plus extra LOVE cards, and other miscellaneous cards.  

Image is Hero Arts Merriest Christmas Wishes (discontinued). 

Sentiment is from Fiskars All Year Greetings

Don't Throw Your Flubs Away

     I just salvaged a card front that I didn't like.  I made a background that I liked but the gold sentiment I stamped on it was crooked and ruined the card front.  I was going to throw it away but then I saw a sketch that used multiple sizes of circles.

Sketch #250 from Operation Write Home.

     I was inspired to die cut several circles from the nice part of the background.

Sentiment is from Hampton Arts Ki Memories Greeting

     I dry embossed lines every inch along the front of the card and the sentiment fit pretty nicely between the lines.  I'm not happy that the ribbon shows the circle shape underneath it.  Other than that I really like the card.

     I think there is a lesson to be learned here: salvage what you can when you mess up a card front whether it is just a terrible smudge or an idea that didn't work out.  Die cut what ever shapes you can from the salvageable parts and use them in a new way.

Bedtime Alligator

     I just love this little Alligator (according to the artist it is a crocodile, but it looks like an alligator from the side to me).  I also love coloring him with Copic markers.  It is such a fun image. I turned the teddy bear into corduroy with a Copic technique that I learned in the Online Card Classes Copics for Card Makers class..  I love that effect also.

Baby Crocodile by Beccy's Place 

     I made 6 of these cards so I could have one for my Grandnephew (I changed the sentiment to Get Well Soon because he is having outpatient surgery).  The other five are for Operation Write Home.    I've been hoarding this awesome designer paper with the raised alligator type skin for just this image.

Stamped Acrylic Block Technique

         Splitcoaststampers had a "Try a New Technique" challenge last week and they featured the Stamped Acrylic Block technique.  If you are unable to access the tutorial, you will need to get a free membership to the website.  It is worth the effort just for the tutorials.  I ended up loving this technique.

Papertrey Ink Mum's the Word

     Actually the technique isn't new and I tried it a few years ago with regular ink.  Distress Inks sprayed with water make a nice effect don't you think?  You can do multiple colors on each background too but I think it works better with re-inkers, which I don't have.  I tried it with my mini-distress inks and it came out as blocks of color which was okay, but not what I was going for.
     I tend to obsess over everything I like and I could easily play with this technique for days.  Hopefully no more than a few days though because there are challenges I would like to participate in.

WPlus9 Winter Woodland

     These are my favorite two cards so far.  I made another one that I didn't like as much so I'm not bothering to post it.  It is still a nice card and I think all three will be going to Operation Write Home.
      My donation box for Operation Write Home is almost filled!  It is huge.  I can't wait to ship it.  It makes me so happy to know that the Troops overseas have free lovely cards to encourage them to write to their loved ones.  Their family and friends cherish the lovingly made cards.

Day 2 Of I Treasure You Virtual Stamp Night at Splitcoast Stampers

     This particular challenge on Splitcoaststamper's Virtual Stamp Night asked us to make a card using a map, and extra points would be given if it was a Pirates Treasure Map.

     I had the perfect set of stickers for this card from the Dollar Tree and a sheet of paper with a map motif I purchased eons ago from a dollar store.
     After I posted my card, someone commented that they thought is seemed like the circle with the map in it was what the pirate saw when looking through his "Spyglass".  I hadn't planned it that way but I like looking at it that way now.  By the way, we don't really get points, it's just an expression about how happy the hostess is if you follow more specific instructions then everyone might be capable of.
     I named this card Special Birthday Treasure.  Surprisingly the only stamping I did was on the inside which was a birthday greeting.

     The instructions for the next challenge was to make a card that showcased a memory.

Joys Life Barnyard Puns

Inside sentiment from Barnyard Puns says It's Past-ure Birthday

     My brothers and I would visit our Great Uncles Farm every Saturday during the summer when we were growing up.  Our favorite thing to do was to climb into the hay loft, then jump into the very high loose straw on the ground level just below.  The mice would scurry the first time someone jumped but stayed away after that.  It was probably dangerous but we never got hurt and had a lot of fun.  I made this card to go with that memory and I call it Barn Raising Memories.  

     We were next challenged to create an Easter Card and if we could manage to place an Easter Egg on it we would get extra points.  

Joy's Life Barnyard Puns

    

      I had a plain blue egg shaped die cut that I added washi tape to in order to make it look like an Easter Egg.  I experiemented for the first time with a stencil and distress ink (boy should I practice-not a good first attempt) and I really loved the shape of the stencil for the Easter theme.  I call this Easter People.

     The next challenge of Virtual Stamp Night had us use a front door on a card and extra points would be give if we put a welcome sign on it.  

Fiskars All Year Greetings

   
     I had nothing to use for this and had to find clip art.  I love this clip art though and feel as if this should be the front door to my front door if you know what I mean.  It's called My Ideal Welcome Door.


 
      For our next challenge we were asked to use spring flowering bulbs, and if we could use tulips we got extra points.

Fiskars All Year Greetings 

      

     I kept this card simple with large block silver heat embossed letters and a tulip sticker.  I call it Simply Love.

Splitcoast Stampers Virtual Stamp Night I Treasure You

     Here are some cards I made for the Virtual Stamp Night over at Splitcoaststampers.com. The theme was I TREASURE YOU.  The first challenge was titled TREASURED HOSTESS.  I cased (used another person's card for inspiration) a card from the suggested gallery and this is what I came up with.  I don't think I am allowed to post her card though.  I am calling it "LOVE YOU BUNCHES OF BANANAS".

Mama Elephant Basic Borders
WPlus9 Winter Woodlands
Fiskars All Year Greetings

     The second challenge was titled SCAVENGER HUNT.  There were so many requirements for this card that it stifled my creativity.  I don't really like this card that much but I managed to meet all the requirements of the challenge: Distressed neutral layer, metal embellishment, soft item like a ribbon, stamped image of something found on an island, dry embossed colored layer, AND doodling.  I don't like my doodling, distressing or forcing the stamped image to go with the card, BUT here it is and it is called BEACH DRAGONFLY:

Inkadinkado Sand Dollar

     The next challenge was called TREASURED FURRY FRIENDS.  This was very easy for me and came together quickly with the supplies I had on hand.  The dog image was already colored and cut out, I had the perfect sentiment and the frame was already die cut.  I just added some low profile adhesive metal gems and it was done.  I call it THINKING DOG.

Lawn Fawn Critters in the 'burbs

Cloud 9 Designs Simple Thoughts-Dog

Basic Borders set by Mama Elephant, Birthday Card Set, and Defective Die

Defective Die

      I received a defective die set from Simon Says Stamp (the Stitched Rectangles set). and in the aqua layers of the cards below you may notice there is a spot near a corner where 2 of the stitch details did not show up.  After inspecting my die I noticed the stitch details were never put on the die to start with.  I have emailed Simon Says Stamp and I suspect they will take care of the error.    

     

Mama Elephant Basic Borders
Avery Elle Balloons

     I had already die cut the blue card pieces though so I used them.  I just tried to cover the defective area with edges of the large balloon.  I tried the following sketch from Papertrey Ink because I wanted to play with the stamp set.  That was really fun but I needed to use my MISTI for lining up the borders.  I wouldn't have been able to do it otherwise.  Here is the sketch I used.

     I decided not to add the "dots" over the lowercase i's in some of my Birthday die cuts.  I thought the balloon strings could substitute.  I don't think it worked out too well though so if I do these again I will definitely glue the dots over the I's.  I might even glue them in before giving these cards away.

     I am trying to increase my skills.  Right now there are still three things terribly wrong with these cards that prevent them from looking professional.  The problem with the defective die (which wasn't my fault and should be easily fixed),  the fact that two of the greetings had a little too much glue on them and it is sticky on the front of the card  (I know there is a special eraser you can get for glue boo boos though so I will look for that), and one of the backgrounds that I put stripes on came out wonky.  The stripes line up with each other but they aren't straight with the rectangular piece I stamped on.  I also am not sure I am entirely happy with how well the ink stamped on the balloons.  I stamped each balloon twice because I didn't get a good image but I have excellent ink, excellent card stock, and excellent quality stamps. I did notice that initially I had to stamp the Mama Elephant border stamps twice in each spot to get a good image but by the last card I made I noticed that I was putting my ink on in a very quickly repeating pressing fashion.  Once I slowed down and gently and slowly pressed the ink into the stamp repeatedly it seemed to only require 1 stamping.  

    Here are some additional supplies I used: Perfect Match Aqua Mist card stock from Papertrey Ink,  Perfect Match Black card stock from Papertrey Ink, Neenah Solar White card stock, Perfect Match Aqua Mist dye ink from Papertrey Ink, Buttercup Creative Color pigment ink from Mama Elephant, Plumberry Creative Color pigment ink from Mama Elephant, Versafine Onyx Black ink, Stitched Rectangles wafer dies by Simon Says Stamp, Birthday Trio Die Collection from Papertrey Ink, MISTI by My Sweet Petunia.

I Have a New Baby! Her name is MISTI.

     I ordered this beautiful girl in early January and she just arrived a few days ago.  She was on back-order.  Her name is MISTI.  (Most Incredible Stamp Tool Invented).  I didn't name her.  The genius lady that developed her did and the name fits.  

MISTI

     I am not a good stamper.  I don't line my stamps up well and I don't get good images.  Being able to stamp an image twice helps.  I have used the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig stamp positioner and the Fiskars stamp press and have failed at both.  Somehow I manage to wiggle things a little bit at the last minute.  Oh how disappointing.  I also have difficulty seeing images extremely clearly in order to stamp directly over an image a second time free hand.  I wear bi-focals and I think I need a new prescription.  Maybe if I just wear those drug store reader glasses with magnifying lenses it would help?
     The MISTI should help me in several categories.  Number one-I am having extreme difficulty getting my clear stamps to leave clear images.  They are so splotchy.  I have been buying better quality inks and better quality clear stamps and I heard that you can use an emery board on the cheaper clear stamps to remove the glossy coating that resists ink.  How do the stamping Diva type ladies I follow on YouTube make stamping look so effortless?  I figure I will have to double stamp most of my images to make the ink look solid and this stamp positioner keeps your project in place so it DOES NOT MOVE in between the first and second stamping.
     Second-it is suppose to help you line up your die cuts before stamping so you stamp directly in the middle of them.  I tried it today and failed.  Oh well, at least I was able to double stamp these Christmas tags to get better images.  I even tried three different brands and thicknesses of card stock today to see if that made a difference in the way the inks stamped and there was absolutely no difference.

Hampton Arts Hot Fudge Studio Clear Stamp and die set #SC0668