Quick and Simple Impression Obsession Challenge

First of all I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year !!

Here's my entry for the IO challenge that I have had an extraordinary amount of difficulty doing! Quick and Simple is HARD !!
Sadly, I was motivated by my friend losing a family member this morning, so I quickly got this done.

I used Spellbinder's Diamond Effects which thankfully cuts beautifully without a lot of fussing. The Impression Obsession stamp I used is called Open Rose (E6014). I have a few of these stamped and coloured and finding this while cleaning up, gave me the idea to build the card around it. The sentiment is from an IO set that I just love. It has the most beautiful sayings to use inside a sympathy card. This set is called Sympathy Sentiments (CL114) and it is truly a valuable set to have. The older I get, the more sympathy cards I seem to need. :(
I know this wouldn't be quick if I didn't have the rose already coloured, but I did, so it was!

I want to thank Carmen from Papercraft Goddess for her generosity. I had managed to come the closest in guessing how many dies she has. I was only off by one! She is doing another giveaway so head on over ! Really though, the best thing about her blog is that she is really funny and I love seeing her new posts pop up on my blog reader. I'm pretty much guaranteed a laugh !

Here is where you'll find the IO challenge, and a lovely little blog hop featuring the talented IO design team! http://mitrafriant.typepad.com/impression_obsession_news/2013/12/new-io-challenge-quick-simple-cards.html

We Had Snow !

So, I was growling about the beautiful snow getting rained on, but it snowed again so we actually had snow for Christmas. In fact, it snowed Christmas Eve, and it was the most beautiful night for a walk. It was Christmas card snow if you know what I mean. We woke up to the backyard looking like a winter wonderland. Spectacular! I tried to make a blog header like Shirley's ( Paper Creations by Shirley), but I think I stretched the photo a bit much. It was my first attempt at doing anything with the header and I had a hard time as I'm not computer savvy. It still needs work.

The new IO challenge is Quick and Simple cards. It has taken me to almost the deadline to come up with anything. Quick and Simple is anything but for me! It turns out that I'll actually have two posts, the card I just did, and the quick little gift tags I did for my DH's Xmas presents, that I just remembered all done with all Impression Obsession products. YAY !

The snow looks kind of beige in the picture, but is actually iridescent white paint that I just slapped on. The sky is watercolour pencil and water. The trees are a new IO purchase from their awesome sale, Wide tree (D1296) and Small wide tree(B1297). I also used the CAC Splatter stamp(CC059) to add more snow. The deer are from IO's Small Deer die set (DIE117-C). Simple tags, made faster by the fact I love the deer so much, that I have a bunch of them pre-cut and ready to go!
Here's the link to the challenge :
http://mitrafriant.typepad.com/impression_obsession_news/2013/12/new-io-challenge-quick-simple-cards.html

Think Snow !

I love snow ! I think you can't have Christmas without it, which could explain why I'm such a huge Grinch. We often don't have snow until January here, so some years I don't even bother with a tree. This year we have some snow, actually we are having a storm right now. I'm hoping it doesn't change to rain and melt away, although that's the norm around here. If it is still here tomorrow, there's a good chance I'll haul out some Xmas stuff.
I decided to do a winter landscape card that is basically the same as the Fall landscape card I did. I used all the same Impression Obsession dies to make this card. Bare Branch (DIE022-U), Small Deer ( DIE117-C) and Lg. Window with box(DIE103-ZZ) and the same stamp set as before also (CL227).

I painted the sky with different Twinkling H2O blues, the trees and snow are painted with Gesso. I applied a very pale wash of TH Distress Ink in Evergreen Bough to the trees and then put on a clear glitter paint which is so pretty IRL. I added some Perfect Puff to the ground and bare tree for some fun texture.

Don't be surprised if you see a version of this again in the spring!

Oh Darn! It started to rain. :( What could be more fun than shoveling slush in the rain ?

I'm entering my card here:
Impression Obsession: http://mitrafriant.typepad.com/impression_obsession_news/2013/12/new-impression-obsession-challenge-think-snow.html
Simon Says Stamp: http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/simon-says-let-it-snow/
Loves RubberStamps: http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/2013/12/challenge-82-anything-goes-christmas.html
Totally Gorguss: http://www.totallygorjuss.blogspot.ca/2013/12/challenge-214-special-christmas.html

Luminary/ Gift box

I wanted to make a luminary card for a friend, but then I decided I wanted it to have chocolates in it. So I made a gift box that has a removable transparent cylinder in it that holds a battery operated light and the chocolates go in around it. The cylinder has a lid that when lifted, pulls out the light so you can turn it on and off without removing the cylinder and disturbing the chocolates.
I used SB Majestic labels Twenty Five and SB Poinsettias. The box is made from a wedding cardstock that has a subtle stripe and pretty shimmer. I used JustRite Festive Poinsettias to stamp down two sides and emboss in silver and make the tag. I use red mirror cardstock to cut all my poinsettias. They are so pretty!

Here it is with Lindor chocolates!

Update : WooHoo! This was choosen to be the Grand Prize Winner at JustRite!
I am entering the JustRite challenge here:
http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2013/11/justrite-friday-challenge-111-its-in-the-bag.html

Inspired by a Quote

The Impression Obsession challenge is to create a card "inspired by a quote". I always find this very difficult. I am expecting some lovely quote type stamps from my big IO shopping binge, but I didn't have anything on hand that I wanted to use. So I printed the one I used on the computer and whipped up a  simple little card to go with it.

I used the IO Cover-A-Card Canvas ( CC073) stamp on the background and the cute IO Butterflies die (DIE046-A). Brightly coloured twine and Beautiful Life Echo Park paper make it cheery.

I hope everyone got lots of goodies from the awesome IO sale. I know that trying to keep my list within reason was so very difficult!

Here's the link to the challenge :
http://mitrafriant.typepad.com/impression_obsession_news/2013/11/new-impression-obsession-challenge-inspired-by-a-quote.html

Chickadee Gift Cards

The last card I made darn near drove me crazy ! I actually felt I owed the dog an apology for the over abundance of bad language she was exposed to. I find that pearls prefer carpet to card, and my eBosser and I are still not good friends. So, of course, when I was asked if I would do another one for my local scrapbooking store, what would I answer but, "No Problem, I'll do one for you". D'OH ! How quickly I forgot what a HUGE pain that card was.
IO's challenge is Holiday Tags, Cards or Gifts. I really had fun with these little gift cards I made. No pearls, and everything fit in my Cuttlebug. I like to think that these are simple easy cards, but I may be delusional, judging from the amount of layers on them, and the amount of die cutting involved. But I didn't use any foam tape, so that makes them qualify as clean and simple in my book! So I made a few.

The bases are SB Captivating Squares, layered with patterned papers. I used two layers of IO Pine Branches (DIE021-N) die cuts, and I coloured and hand cut IO Chickadees ( C8589). That stamp is so cute and they have a die to match, I just don't have it, yet ! I used the Small Bow die ( DIE057-AA) to cut some metallic paper. ( EVERYTHING needs a bit of shine, also found in my rule book !)
I don't have any IO Christmas stamps ( GASP !! ) yet, just great IO dies, but I do have my favourite sentiment stamp set, IO All Occasion II ( CL 307). This is THE stamp set I would recommend to someone just getting started. It's the one set I keep ON my desk. I can pretty much make it work for everything, so I used one of the stamps for my Xmas greeting. I love products that I can get a lot of use out of, essentially I'm a rather practical person.
Note : A seven inch square of paper scored at 2 5/8" makes a 4 1/2 " square envelope, perfect for cards made with these 4 1/4" dies !
You can find the Impression Obsession challenge here :
http://mitrafriant.typepad.com/impression_obsession_news/2013/11/new-io-challenge-holiday-cards-tags-gifts.html

JustRite WoW Challenge

The JustRite Challenge is to use just white on your card. Using only white wasn't a problem, but '"Holy Scrap!", photographing it sure was !! I used a gorgeous wedding cardstock that has a sheen and a subtle white on white stripe, and another with a swirly design on the poinsettias.

I cut both the front and back of the card with Spellbinders Exquisite Labels Eleven. I cut the centre of the front out with SB Majestic labels Twenty Five and used that die set to make a frame for the vellum. I embossed the vellum and ( now my crazy is going to show !! ) by cutting my candle die out many times and stacking the negatives, I was able to make the embossing folder NOT emboss in the candles. Yep ! That was just nuts!!

I stamped the gorgeous JustRite Festive Poinsettias stamps on the poinsettias using Ranger Embossing Tinsel in Bridal. If you think glitter makes a mess, this stuff is worse !! The greeting is from an old ( and much valued ) JR Christmas Nested Sentiments set.
I used Shimmer spray on the vellum panel and accented the holly leaves with a fine glitter.
The centre panel is raised up with foam tape and I put another layer of vellum behind the whole card front so that you can't really see the inside sentiment which is stamped in grey ink so it's not too bold.
I used lots of pearls and three clear gems and stamped a wedding envelope with the JR Poinsettias to match. Here's a close-up, but I still can't get all the shimmer to show. :(

Thanks to Stacy for the "push" !!
This is entered here :
http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2013/11/justrite-friday-challenge-109-its-wow.html
Yay ! The Allsorts Challenge is White Christmas and you can see it here :
http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.ca/2013/11/week-232-white-christmas.html

Hard Core Crop Project #4

Oh how I wish I had found out about the Hard Core Online Crop a lot sooner ! I am having a blast, but there are only two hours left to play :(  This challenge was to Make a Gift Bag and Matching Tag using Core'dinations. I don't own a Cricut or Silhoutte and I was too lazy to haul my printer over to the computer ( I don't use it much! ), and figured I could wing it. I wanted a purse style gift bag, I thought it might please a certain five year old. I have NEVER EVER tried anything like this before, but it worked ! Luckly, I started on computer paper as I required numerous mock-ups!

I cut all the flowers out with a TH Tattered Flower Garland die and ran them through a Swiss Dots folder. They are so cute ! Why did I never try that before ?!! The purse fit in the Ebosser ( thank heaven), so I was able to use an embossing folder on it. I sanded it to bring out the core and I think it's sweet. I used a new SSS stamp set on the tag. I love this set and it is perfect for who this is for.
This was fun, I wonder if I could get one more done in time. Can you believe that I didn't do all card challenges ? Sometimes I surprise myself !!

Hard Core Crop Project #3

This challenge for the Hard Core Online Crop is to make a Gratitude Card in Fall Colours, using Core'dinations cardstock. For this project I used an embossing folder I never used before (although I've had it a while) and my new favourite SB die, Diamond Effects.

This whole card is made using Coredinations. The branch and leaves are cut from a TH movers and shakers die. I crumpled up the leaves, sanded and swiped them with Brilliance gold ink. I edged the sentiment panel with gold as well.

Creating with Coredinations # 2

My second project for the Hard Core Online Challenge is Patchwork Inspired.

Naturally it was on this project that needs acurate cutting that my cutter BROKE !! But I still had fun , once again trying something new! The patchwork star was made from Coredinations 1" squares that I used embossing folders on. I also used a Dynamo Label Maker to create the sentiment on the coredinations. I hadn't done that in ages and it is so cool! I saw some one use loose thread on a card recently. I think it was Laura in the SSS video hop, but I'll have to check on that. Anyway, I tried it here because I thought it was the perfect touch for this card.

Core Challenge #1

I got an newsletter email on Friday and it was about  the Hard Core Online Crop ending tonight. Well, I have some Core'dinations that I've carefully hoarded for more years than I'll admit to ! I bought a package of 8 1/2x 11 in colours I love. I also had some 12x12's I got a couple of years later. It's not that easy to find around here, so I have rarely used any except my prized sheets of Black Magic for Halloween cards. I decided that I don't need to be buried with this cardstock, so starting yesterday, I went NUTS !! I did things I've never done before and used supplies I forgot I had !

The first of the challenges I decided to do is called Wine Box Challenge. You were to decorate a gift bag using Coredinations. I have NEVER decorated a gift bag, but I was inspired to give it a go.

I bought a brown paper gift bag and cut some leaves with a TH Alterations die. I embossed them with different embossing folders and ( Of Course) sanded them. I actually used a Cuttlebug Spider Web folder to do the green leaf. The turkey I cut out of paper and glued it to burlap. I cut it out following the paper pattern and then added more white glue to the edges ( stuff will fray to bits ). I used Dylusions sprays and sprayed myself and surroundings the turkey and also painted on Distress Ink.
I added feathers, a bow and I cut Bon Appetit  out of Core'dinatins with my Slice.

Brickwork

I was playing with the Molding Paste again ! That stuff is my latest love!

A little while ago I was really lucky to win some dies from Impression Obsession. This wonderful window with flower box ( DIE103-ZZ )was one of the sets I chose and I'm so glad I did. I just love all the potential in this set. This time I used it with all its components and also used some dies from another favourite set ( DIE023-X )to make the wreath and to fill the window box. I used brown cardstock and the tiniest IO Spiral Flower die ( DIE042-I ) to make pine cones. I think I use that teenie tiny die more than any other die I own ! I mixed up three Distress re-inkers to get the colour I wanted for my stamped brick background ( IO CAC Distressed Brick CC083 ). I used the same formula to colour the molding paste. I used a Crafter's Workshop stencil to apply the molding paste, but only to part of the card front.
I put a yellow designer paper (Glitz) and acetate in the window. The sentiment is from the IO All Occasion set ( CL307 ). The holly berries by the sentiment are tiny beads, and Glossy accents gave some shine to the holly leaves.

Brick colour formula : 3 drops Ripe Persimmon
                                    1 drop Fired Brick
                                    1 drop Brushed Corduroy
Please note that this is a record for my own use and results are not guaranteed, but should give a good brick colour if you try it.
I'm entering this in the following :
Impression Obsession "Favourite Technique" Challenge
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge " Anything Goes"
Allsorts "Christmas Cheer" Challenge

Deer in Winter

Do you know what your favourite technique is? When faced with this question I realized that I don't really have a favourite. I know I love die cutting seeing as my Cuttlebug has never been out of reach when I'm crafting. Stamping and embossing seem to be a part of most projects too. I'm always surprised by how much I enjoy colouring, with Copics or watercolour pencils or Twinkling H2O's. But I really don't have a favourite technique. My favourite thing about papercrafting is that there are endless new techniques to try.

But for now, my newest favourite is playing with Molding Paste and I love my Impression Obsession dies, so I combined the two by making a stencil with the IO Birch Trees die ( DIE079-U). I masked off the bottom of a tag, then painted it with Distress Stains (Broken China & Chipped Sapphire). I painted over that using a clear paint. That worked really well because when I flicked Picket Fence Distress Stain on it, I was able to easily wipe off any big blobs and scrape off any molding paste that escaped under my stencil. YAY !!
I added a tiny bit of Gathered Twigs Distress Ink to the Molding Paste but didn't mix it together very well so it would create light and dark areas on the birch trees. I spread Molding paste on the bottom  and added Perfect Puff paint and heated it to get it to expand ( Super Cool!). The Cardinal is part of the same Birch Tree die set, and although I have IO deer dies, they were a little too small for this, so I used a chipboard deer from Michaels. The deer is covered with Creamy Brown Chalk ink with Gathered Twigs ink sponged around the edges.
I used a Martha Stewart snowflake border punch to get all the tiny little snowflakes that I tediously glued to my card and added glitter with a Quickie Glue Pen. :)
The sentiment is from the Impression Obsession All Occasion II set ( CL307).
This was so much fun to make a stencil for the Molding Paste with my dies, I can't wait to do it again !!
I'm entering this in the following challenges :
Impression Obsession Favourite Technique
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge  Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Anything Goes
The Male Room Nature Challenge
Allsorts Christmas Cheer
Totally Gorjuss Anything Goes with Snow

JstRite Challenge #108

Here's a quick and easy card using the JR sketch. I used the JR Lacey tiers dies and the JR Festive Poinsettia stamp set.

I also used Shimmer spray on the background.
Here's the link to the JR Sketch challenge .

White & Silver Poinsettia

The JustRite challenge #108 is to use a sketch designed by Sheri Holt. I usually don't use sketches, but this one is fabulous. You can keep it simple and it makes a lovely card or you can really ramp it up !

I decided to keep it fairly simple and use some of my favourite things. (To make yet another card that doesn't photograph well.) I don't buy a lot of Christmas crafting supplies, because I already have enough, but when I saw the JustRite Poinsettia stamp set matched to the Spellbinders Poinsettias, it was "Let me at it !". This is so versatile and will be a favourite of mine for years to come. A few of my other favourite things I used were Spellbinders Gold Labels Four and Labels Four, the JR Harlequin background stamp, mirror card and a fabulous fancy cardstock that has a shine an a linen like finish on it ( YUM!!). I wish that that cardstock would show up better. I took a dozen (or more) photos, but finally settled on this one.

Instead of cutting the background, I used a silvery ribbon to bisect my card creating the four quadrants like in the sketch. I also added bling and Shimmer spray, what can I say, I like shiny!
Here's the link to the JustRite Challenge #108. The entries are beyond awesome!
I also am entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge "Anything Goes"
I recently placed an order there and not only do they have everything imaginable, but the shipping to Canada was awesome!

A Spinner Easel Card

I hadn't planned on doing a card for the JustRite Challenge this time, even though I LOVE easel cards. I was trying to clean off my desk and get everything put away because I really don't need to be doing any cards and I have to stay off the computer as much as possible, which hasn't been easy ! I really miss seeing all the blogs I love, but I haven't even looked at my reading list in ages, and my email inboxes are a total nightmare.

 Anyway, cleaning my desk was, as always, an exercise in futility. I am so easily distracted ! This time it was a sheet of Anna Griffin paper that got me. It reminded me of a dresser scarf my Grandmother had with cross-stitching on it. That made me think of the old silver dresser sets with the beautiful hand mirror and brush etc.. And once again, I was drawn to the Spellbinders Gold Majesty Circles (somebody needs to take that set away from me :) ). This time, I cut out the centre to make a spinner card. I used TH Brushed Pewter Distress Stain to colour the diecut. I used Spellbinders Locking Loops instead of lace on the edge, because it has kind of a cross-stitch look to it.
I used some original JR stamps on the spinner from the "Sending You Sunshine"set and also I used stamps from the gorgeous " Grateful Heart Vintage Labels Two" set. I added blanket stitching, velvet ribbon, pearls, a butterfly and bow to keep with the feminine theme.

Here is the other side of the spinner with some tiny flowers I made ( and glued to my fingers with hot glue ).

The label on the base flips up to show a duplicate label without the sentiment so I can sign the card.

To all the Bloggers whose works I adore and you know who you are ! I miss seeing your work so much and I am dying to catch up, and I will as soon as things get a little better. 

I'm entering this in the JustRite Friday Challenge #107 Easel Cards

Embracing Imperfection !

I decided to play a little today, I got out a mask and some Molding Paste and a bunch of Distress Inks and Re-Inkers. Because I was trying something rather foreign to me, I thought the stamp I used really applied to what I was doing. This card isn't perfect, but I was happy making it.

Here's a close up of the texture, I sprayed the "brickwork" with homemade glimmer mist and it's really pretty in person.

I used stamps by Dylusions, Glitz and JustRite.
I think I'll keep this card for myself as a reminder that it's okay to play !
This was actually inspired by the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge " Say it With Stamps"

I wish for you ...

WooHoo ! My new IO dies arrived and I LOVE them !! It's so nice to use dies that I don't have to sit and pick bits out for ages, or run through a die cutter multiple times at multiple angles. It took me ages to decide which ones to get, there are so many I like !

I used three of my new dies for this card for my Stepfather's B'day and even though I finally have an IO sentiment stamp set, I went back to the IO set that has " I wish for you ...". I love this on the front of a card, it has so many possibilities. Inside could say anything from, 'a good cup of coffee' to ' a wonderful life together'. I think it's a truly brilliant saying for a stamp.
I hand painted a background scene with Twinkling H2Os and cut my leaves from scraps of alcohol inked paper ( I think it's called the Polished Stone technique), and something that had Distress inks and Distress stains. The striped paper, (which I hope looks like wallpaper ) is from the Docrafts Wellington Bear 6x6s,and I backed it with cardstock and raised it up with foam tape.
The Impression Obsession products I used are:
Bare Branch DIE022-U
Small Deer DIE117-C
Lg Window with Box   DIE103-ZZ    I only used a part of this die, because I wanted a window looking out, but I can't wait to use the whole thing for a window looking in !
I Wish For You stamps CL227

I'm entering this in the following:
Impression Obsession "Colours of Fall"
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge "Say it with Stamps"
The Male Room " Animal, Avian or Aquarian"

JustRite Colour Inspiration

Finally ! I did the card I first envisioned for the JustRite Challenge. I wanted to use the Majestic Labels Twenty-five and Spellbinders Poinsettia dies. I thought it would be fun to make the poinsettias into more of a lily -like flower.

I used the JR Grateful Heart stamp set for the sentiment. The largest size die in the Resplendent Rectangle set makes the card base.
I was very much inspired by this colour challenge. I love purple and just don't use it enough. This is the last card I'm making for this challenge though, I think I need a shovel to find my desk top!
You can find the JustRite challenge here :
http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2013/09/justrite-christmas-sale-and-justrite-friday-challenge-106-color-inspiration.html
The entries are incredible, looks like these colours inspired everyone !
I'm also entering the always fun, Allsorts Challenge , this time it's "How does Your Garden Grow"
Loves Rubber Stamps has an Anything Goes challenge

Majestic Circles ?

I had a plan. I knew exactly what I wanted to make for the JustRite Colour challenge ( Olive,Orange and Violet ), and then I got distracted by thinking a die looked like the top of a cemetery gate ( I'm blaming the migraine drugs for that!), so I made a Halloween card. So, I still had my plan. I went digging through my Spellbinders looking for the dies I needed and guess what ? I got distracted again ! This time by a die set I had a bad case of buyer's remorse for after ordering it. Then when it arrived, I was thrilled, it really is spectacular! But this time, I decided to alter it and here's what I did to Spellbinder's Gold Majesty Circles.

I cut the top half of it out twice from shiny green paper and joined them together to make it symmetrical. I cut a regular circle from a shimmery orange cardstock and then cut the circle and the embossing circle from the green again.
I can't get the b'ground paper to really photograph well. It's a textured and glimmery paper from the DCWV Boho Chic 6x6 pad.
I stamped the Irises from the JustRite Botanical Medallions and Banners set, coloured them with Copics,fussy cut them and covered them in Glossy Accents. I coloured a ribbon with my Copics too. The sentiment is heat embossed in purple and it's from the fabulous JR Grateful Hearts set. A few jewels and a cardbase of Labels Eight and it was done. And still not the card I had planned to make!
But how could I resist that gorgeous die ??!!
I'm entering this in the following:
JustRite Friday Challenge Colour Inspiration
Loves Rubber Stamps Anything Goes

Spooky Night !

JustRite has a colour challenge up this week. I love these colours !
Warning ! This is a long post because I had WAY TOO MUCH FUN with this card!
(Note to my sister, don't show the kids and don't you look either!!)
I decided to do a Halloween card, strangely because of one of my beautiful new Spellbinders dies. When I got Majestic Labels Twenty-five, I took some scrap cardstock and cut out all the pieces just to see how they looked. Today a piece I cut was sticking out from under something else and it reminded me of the fancy top on wrought iron cemetery gates. These are seriously beautiful dies, how I got cemetery gates from that I have no idea! (Sorry Spellbinders :) )
Of course then I just had to follow through and figure out how to make it work.
I used Co'ordinations cardstock for the card base and folded it to 41/2 x 61/4. I took two dies from the set and taped them to the cardstock, making sure they were centred at the top of the cardstock base. I only wanted half to cut, so I taped the base and the dies on the plate so 3/4 of the card was hanging over the edge and the edge of the plate intersected the centre of the dies. I then hand cut the window out of the front, following the curve of the die at the top.

I drew the pumpkins and cut them from patterned paper and added some Copics and Twinkling H2Os. I had to do the back of them as well, because behind the fence is acetate to support it. The spooky house and crow were cut with one of my favourite Spellbinders sets, Halloween Fence Scenes and Shapes, but the fence here was cut with a Slice. I sanded the edges of the crow, I think it makes him look ghostly.The patterned paper hill is Graphic45, and I painted over the already violet sky with Twinkling H2Os.It's so pretty IRL, sometimes it looks more blue and others, more purple, but it's hard to capture in a photo.
The moon is the same patterned paper as the pumpkins, but I added white Gelato and yellow Twinks so it looks more like a Harvest moon. I sanded the black lightly in places for a more worn look and on the inside I drew some gravestones as a place to sign the card.
Now, sadly, I don't have any of the incredible new JustRite Halloween stamps (But I did see that they are on sale !). I used great JR Fall set "Autumn Words" for the sentiment. I love Halloween stuff, but I only do one card a year, but I always have more fun with it than any other card I do!
Here are some more photos showing the set up of the dies, the interior and the painting.

So, I'm entering my card in the following :
JustRite Friday Challenge
Simon Says Stamp Anything Goes
Die Cutting Divas, Fall
Little Scrap Pieces Fun Friday Linky Party

Stamped Window, Insider Homework

So based on something I learned in the Insider class, I decided to try something completely different. They called it a Stamped Window card, it requires the same image to be stamped on the inside and outside of the card, but you only colour the inside image.

I made a hinged card using the Spellbinders A2 Floral Ribbon Threader die, and Labels Twenty-Three. The stamps are Flourish's Nasturtiums. I needed a little more colour on the front, so I added the striped Washi tape (YAY! I actually used some.), and a little butterfly.
Although this card is too plain for me, I think the technique is really interesting and fun,and I will certainly try it again, only with more layers! LOL!!
'

Red, White and Kraft

My LSS, The Cutting Garden has a challenge this month to use red, white and kraft on a card. I noticed that The Twinery had a sewing themed challenge, and together I saw the perfect opportunity to use my Impression Obsession Dogwood Dress Form yet again. This time, however, I didn't cover up the dogwood flowers with 3D flowers. Sadly, though, what I did use won't really show up in the photos with the light conditions tonight. I used Sakura glitter pens and it looks so pretty in real life.

 

I used the Spellbinders A2 Floral Ribbon Threader dies, but I hand cut around the kraft piece, so the red paper would show. I used red&white twine to sew around the inside. I stamped a ruler, added lace behind the frame and a piece of ric-rac. The daisy is actually cut from a piece of vintage trim. I tied more of the pretty twine through the button. The paper is from the MME Collectable collection and I really think I need more ! :-)
I'm entering the following challenges:
The Twinery, You're Sew Fine

Simon Says Stamp, Anything Goes

Insider Day One

I'm taking the online Insider class and the homework is to finish the inside of a card that you previously made. I decided to use this one based on Kristi's design as I was sending it to my friend for her B'Day and I really think she'll like it.
Note: This card was shown on my September 1st blog post with a link to Kristi Schurr's original.

Here's what I did:

 

I added more of the paper from the collection and die cut the centerpiece using a smaller die from the Spellbinders Locking Loops set that I used on the front. I added a piece of the same ribbon and some pearls I coloured with Copics to echo the brads that are on the front.
This is the second one of these classes I've taken, the first one was called Pattern Play. I am fascinated by how beautiful the cards are without 10 layers on them. These classes really favour the Clean and Simple style. I think I'll need to take a whole lot more to get the hang of it! LOL ! I always pick up some great tips that work no matter what style you like.

Snowy Village

I'm feeling rather guilty. I haven't had a chance to catch up on all my favourite blogs lately, and (oh horrors!) I didn't even check out the Impression Obsession's DT 's projects for the "Things That Fly" challenge. I know all my favourite card-makers have probably been posting the most fabulous cards, and as soon as I get a chance, I'll be checking out all I've missed.

I did manage to get a card made today. I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder that is one of the first I got. It is still a big favourite of mine. I used Cor'ordinations cardstock and sanded it, and then added Liquid Pearls and glitter. Normally I would have used foam tape between the layers, but I knew the pine boughs would add a lot of bulk and I'm trying to cut down on that. I used an Impression Obsession die (DIE021-N) for the main pine boughs and added little pine boughs cut with another IO die from the Twig Wreath set (DIE023-X). I used some stuff that puffs up when you heat it to make snow. The Chickadees are an IO stamp set ( C8589), and I covered them in Glossy Accents. I just used a Copic to colour a gold Peel-Off for the sentiment.
I'm excitedly waiting for the  new IO dies I won, I have so much fun with their dies because they have such cute designs! What did card-makers do before dies? It's really too horrible to think about !
I'm entering this in the following:
IO "Things That Fly" challenge
Simon Says Stamp "Anything Goes"

Autumn Splendor

I was playing with my new Spellbinders Exquisite Labels Eleven and made another Fall themed card.

I was really thrown off my day because I didn't need to rush around to do my JustRite challenge entry at the last minute, so I'm doing it anyway ! LOL!
Thank you to JustRite for giving me the beautiful Grateful Hearts stamp set I used on this. I also used the JR Ticking b'ground stamp.
Besides the Exquisite Labels Eleven ( which is perfectly named), I also used Spellbinders Curved Rectangles, a die from Botanical Swirls and Accents and Classic Ovals.
I thought it was kind of neat, how the curly bits of the Labels eleven hold the Curved Rectangle piece in place !

I'm entering this in the following :
JustRite Friday Challenge "Autumn Splendor"

Autumn Friendship

This card was inspired by a fabulous sheet of Bo Bunny paper from the Autumn Song collection.

I used Spellbinders Gold majesty Circles to make the frame for the card front. I used another die from the same set to cut out the centre of the wreath design that was on the paper in order to pop it up. I used that same circle die and the inner embossing die to cut a piece of vellum. I applied Antique Linen ink to the vellum to tone down the whiteness of it. I then heat embossed the sentiment from the JustRite Shabby Chic Autumn Leaves stamp set.
I inked up a corner stamp from the JustRite Doilies and Lace set with Perfect Medium and then applied gold Perfect Pearls to the corners.
I applied different colours of Distress inks to a white card scrap, stamped on it with leaves from the JustRite Autumn Words set and clear embossed them. I rubbed over them with Walnut Stain for two reasons, one being that I wanted to cut them out and needed to define them on the card so I could see them. The second reason was that the dark ink rubbed into the embossed leaves brings out the crackle effect the stamps have. I fussy cut them and applied Krylon gold pen to the edges.
Here's the fun part !

I covered the leaves with Versamark Dazzle in Frost and heat embossed them multiple times with UTEE. The Versamark Dazzle adds the most fabulous but subtle sparkle. I spent a ridiculous amount of time on these leaves, but they are so gorgeous in person that it was totally worth it.
I am entering this card in the following challenges :
JustRite's Autumn Splendor
Loves Rubber Stamps, Have a Sentiment on Front 
Simon Says Stamp, Emboss It
Tuesday Throwdown, Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp, Stamp on Anything but Plain Paper

All About the Dies

Impression Obsession's challenge is All About the Dies. Sometimes when I pick a challenge to focus on, I add a challenge of my own on top. This week I wanted to work with a colour scheme I am not comfortable with. I thought I would have lots of time to finish this project after Agility practice this morning, but things didn't work out well. I actually had the oh-so-brilliant idea to stop a dog from attacking another, by getting my ankle bone in the mix. ( I know my sister is reading this and nodding her head thinking, "Yep, just brilliant(insert sarcasm here), and so typical !) We don't usually have problems with the dogs, but stuff happens. Neither dog involved was mine, but I'd rather not see anyone hurt. except me, apparently. Some very hard part of the aggressor hit, NOT bit my ankle bone, and it's all swollen and hurts like blue blazes. So long story over, I didn't get a lot of time to finish this quite the way I wanted to, I always think everything needs more!

 I used some older Webster's pages paper and the following IO products :
Dogwood Dress Form E13084  ( I LOVE this!!)
C-A-C Rose Lace CC087
Small Spiral Flowers DIE042-I
Layered Floral Set DIE047-J
Butterflies DIE046-A

I also want to thank Mitra at IO for her incredible generosity. I just won three Dies or die sets of my choice on the blog hop and I am thrilled! IO has some really cute dies and I am having a hard time choosing !
I would also like to enter this is a challenge blog that I just recently found called Totally Gorjuss. Their challenge this week is Anything Goes.

A Bit of Sparkle !

Decided I should make a card I can afford to pay postage on ! I had so much fun playing with my old Sakura Glaze pens, that I dug them out again and made this!

I used Stazon ink on acetate and coloured the back with the Glaze pens. You have to do a section at a time or it will dry and the glitter won't stick. You use coloured Glaze pens and white glitter. I attached the acetate to the Prima Zephyr paper with one glue dot behind the butterfly's body where there is no glitter and it won't show. The eyelets also attach it to the paper at the bottom.
The sentiment is on a Spellbinders Vintage Lace Motifs piece that I cut out twice. The white piece I cut in half lenghtwise and glued it to the back of the blue piece, so it shadowed the blue piece.
The sentiment is a Flourishes stamp, the butterfly is from Hampton and I don't know what the flourish is.
I wish shiny cards were easier to photograph!

I'm entering the following challenges:
Allsorts Butterflies
Loves Rubberstamps Anything Goes
LittleScrapPieces

 

                                     

 

 

 

 

Just GorJuss !

 

This A-frame card is made using one of the super cute Gorjuss stamps. This is the first time I ever tried using and colouring a stamp like this. I would normally never use this type of stamp, but never say never!
I used my fabulous Cheery Lynn Reflection die to create the card base. I only wanted it slightly larger than the aqua layer, and the next die up was a little bigger than I wanted. So (this is cool), I was able to use the exact SAME die to create both the aqua AND the white card base, and no, it's not by turning it sideways. they call this die Lace Square Heart, but I keep making it into a rectangle! :-)

I used Spellbinders Labels 23 to cut one centre panel and as a pattern for the other. I used Cherry Lynn Flourish Leaf strip and painted the leaves with Glimmer Glam, and used Cheery Lynn Miniature Rose strip to create my flowers. I watched their video and used Crepe paper which i coloured with Copics to match the girl's dress. (RV00, R81,83&85). The tiny flowers are from an Impression Obsession die. the paper is Prima.
A double loop bow, a heart and a tag finished off this card.

I'd like to enter this in:
 Cheery Lynn's Heart's a Glow
Loves Rubberstamps Anything Goes
Crafty Ribbons Anything Goes
Totally Gorjuss Anything Goes

JustRite Friday Challenge #104

The challenge for JR is a CAS sketch.

 

YIKES ! Two things I really don't do well combined! I wasn't going to try it and instead was making a type of card that I have made before and really enjoy playing with.

I wanted a bright and happy looking striped paper, but couldn't find quite what I wanted in my stash. I remembered I have the JR Ticking Stripe  and I inked it up with four pigment inks going from red through to yellow. I clear embossed the paper and cut my kite out. I use round toothpicks attached to another kite shape cut out of fun foam to shape the kite around.

I hand cut some clouds and used two to mask the b'ground and sprayed with two blue Glimmer Mists. I used a glue pen to outline the clouds and added some glitter. I used a C'Bug Divine Swirls folder to emboss a sheet of acetate, which I attached with glue dots that are hidden under the kite and the cloud that's on top. I cut and attached some tails to twine and guess what ? It looked a lot like the JR sketch. The kite and its tails looked like a banner and all the stamps I used happened to be JustRite!
The sentiments are from the Banners and Buntings set and the Grand Sentiments set.

This is such a fun card to make, but a nightmare to photograph!
You can find the JustRite Challenge here : http://justritestampers.typepad.com/justrite-inspiration/2013/08/justrite-friday-challenge-104-clean-and-simple-sketch.html

Copy Your Favourite Designer Challenge

The Kraft Journal has a challenge to copy your favourite designer. The trick is how do you choose a favourite when there are so many wonderful, talented card makers? I have lots of favourites many of whom I discovered through doing challenges.One of my all-time favourite designers is Kristi Schurr. I discovered her work when she played at the JustRite challenges, before she became one of their DT members. Kristi amazes me with the all the details and layers in her work and her ability to take a sketch and turn it into something wonderful. I copied one of her cards to create this one for the Kraft Journal's Challenge.

I used Kraft cardstock, Carta Bella Traditions paper, a Magenta stamp coloured with Copics
Spellbinders Locking Loops, Sizzix Postage frame cut from chipboard and painted, AC Sentiment stamp, jute twine and assorted ribbons and flowers.

I am entering this card in the following :
The Kraft Journal Challenge #135
Simon Says Stamp  Anything Goes
Loves RubberStamps Favourite Colour Combo
Thanks to the Kraft Journal for picking my card as one of the winneres!

Glitter and Glaze Pens

I had decided to do a challenge that required the use of acetate, something I really like using. But, as always my best laid plans fall apart when I get sick, so I ran out of time to do what I originally planned. I had been digging through my Xmas stamps and found this wonderful snowflake stamp and decided to do a technique that I hadn't done in a long time.

You first stamp the image on acetate with Stazon ink, when it dries you turn it over to work on the other side. You only need white glitter to do this, but you can make the glitter any colour you want by using different coloured Glaze pens. Just colour in the areas you want the glitter to stick to, with whatever colour Glaze pen you want. I used a light blue Sakura Glaze pen and a clear one on my snowflake. Pour glitter over the coloured  areas and let it dry completely before taking a paint brush and cleaning all the extra glitter off. Turn the acetate back over, so the smooth side faces up and attach to your card.
This card is so much prettier in person, because of all the pretty glitter, but I had to photograph it at night indoors. I'll try and add a close up tomorrow, if it shows better in natural light.
I'm entering it here:
Allsorts Challenge, Use Acetate :http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.ca/2013/08/week-221-use-acetate.html
Simon Says Stamp, Anything Goes : http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/86/