Patchwork and Simplicity

Wow, I was able to hit two challenges yesterday after school....

The first was the technique challenge which was to use the Patchwork Paper technique. I had spotted it on someone's work a little while ago and wanted to give it a try. I'm glad I was able to wait and find out yesterday morning that it was a challenge!!!! I think I'm going to use this for my February technique workshop. I used the Rich Razzleberry Paper - which I'm going to have to corder more of because I've used it so much!

The second card is for the Clean and Simple Challenge which was to create a Valentines Card. This gave me the opportunity to use my new "I {Heart} Hearts" stamp from the New Mini - which goes into effect TODAY!!!! Woo Hoo!!!

I had fun creating this card because I haven't done the masking technique in a long time. Also I combined a whole whack of glitter colours together for the border. I stamped the "friends" heart on white paper and then punched it out with the heart punch. This created a nice white border around the edge which I covered with Tombow Glue and then added my mixture of Rose Pink Cosmo glitter, Silver Galaxy Glitter, Pink Supernova glitter AND Dazzling Diamonds. I was "introduced" to mixing glitter colours at the last SU Regional that was held in Edmonton. Something soooooo simple - but rarely considered. It's good to be reminded about things from time to time.

I hope you're having a wonderful day - It was great to see all the kids at school yesterday. A few looked very tired, but for the most part I think everyone was ready to get back into the swing of things.
Thanks for stopping by! -

Music by Design

I can hardly believe I'm awake - I was putzing around on the computer .....this morning.... and thought I check to see if, by chance, the Inspiration Challenge had been posted yet (it was 3:00am). Low and behold - it was and what a fun website - Design Spirit Studio. When I spotted the music clock I knew it was the one I'd use for the challenge and decided that I had to start right away. I created the card and then went to bed while the glitter dried. I decided to try the Van Gogh technique from last weeks Technique challenge - I think I need a bit more practice on that one. The colours are a lot more vibrant in person - but I had fun making it. Now I think I'll get a cup of coffee and do some of my puzzle before taking down the Christmas decorations.

Hope you are having a wonderful day - thanks for stopping by -

Rubberbands Snap

Today's technique Challenge on Splitcoast was the Rubberband Technique. It was great fun!!! I suppose I should have put my leaves on a completely solid colour because they're melding into the rubberband background....I also think that next time I'll do this technique on glossy paper because the colours will be a bit bolder. Live and learn. I'm copying the instructions for this technique from Lynn's challenge because there was no tutorial link for it.

What you will need:
A wood or acrylic block
Embossing ink (embossing powder is optional)
Cardstock
Inks
Sponge or daubers

• First you wrap several rubber bands around your block, criss-crossing them in various directions.
• Next, take your rubber-banded block and ink up the rubber bands with your embossing ink (I used Versamark) and stamp onto your cardstock. I went in several different directions until I had filled the cardstock with the impressions.
• Now you can either let your embossing ink dry, or if you prefer, you can apply embossing powder and heat emboss.
• Lastly, apply your ink using your sponges or daubers to add color to the cardstock. The embossing ink, or embossed images will resist the ink, leaving your with a unique design.

My second card, using the same Lexicon of Leaves set, is from the VSN weekend - the challenge was to make a card that a man would/could make and send to someone. I coloured the leaf with versa mark pen with Night of Navy Ink. I do like these leaves and the oak leaf isn't too bad to cut away from it's original image.

I think I'm into leaves right now because it's snowing again here. Oh how I long for the buds to appear on the trees and
uncurl into greeness!!!!!

I'm off to watch a video on Strauss....got to make sure it's up to par for my music classes.

Thanks for stopping by,
JOAN

Easy Gift Box

Today's Technique Challenge on Splitcoast was to create this cute little Round Top Box. The pattern was very easy. However, I had a dickens of a time decorating it. This is WAY to busy for me and I don't really do pink. I shouldn't have put the floral piece on the back of the box...it made it difficult to add the flowers. I'll approach it differently next time I make one. You should take a look at the Splitcoast Gallery to see what everyone else has done with this design - they're great!

Hope you're having a great day - thanks for stopping by. JOAN

Cut Raspberry

This past Monday's Technique Challenge was to incorporate something that has been cut into the card. Well, I absolutely love this new Raspberry Tart paper and decided this big "flower" would work well. On the paper there are dots beside the image, so I used the small punch and brads to copy that. I also decided I needed to use up some more of my rub-ons; so this card has absolutely no stamping.

Thanks for stopping by. JOAN

Tacky Glitter Challenge

Today's Technique Challenge on Splitcoast was to use Sticky Strip on our card and cover it with glitter. I love this technique 'cause you get the perfect straight line of glitter.
I based my card on the Rainbow Sherbert Designer Series Paper. I have decided that the next time I use the sock monkey, I'm going to try and remember to give him a plain body and fancy paws.
Hope you're having a wonderful day - JOAN

Getting Rid of Scraps...

Well, I haven't done two postings in one day for quite a while, but I'm pretty sure I'll be sleeping after school tomorrow - especially since I go from school right to physio - so a nap will be in order.
Anyway - as I promised myself, I used up a fair number of little pre-stamped pieces that I had tucked away in a drawer. It sort of made it easier to create the cards - but I just think I was having a lucky day!
The Haiku Friendship follows the sketch challenge over at iheart2stamp. I used the little green microbeads for the centre of the flower. The pre-stamped piece is the one with "friendship" embossed on it.
The Technique Challenge on December 24 was Faux Silk with a POP. I could not get it to work that day, but I managed to succeed today. You can't tell in the photo, but the tissue paper is wrinkled. This is also a Sketch Challenge and Colour Challenge from a couple weeks ago...and I'm submitting it for Stamp Something's Challenge this week which was to create something NEW - for me, it was this new technique.

The only things I added to this card today are the "T" and the little flower in the corner. The rest sat in my little drawer for almost a year.

The three stamped pieces for the black and white card were already cut to size and matted. I'm using this for the Ways to Use it Challenge for the New Year which was to add something silver to the card - thus the two little brads and the silver writing.
Thanks for dropping by - Hope everyone has a great Monday - JOAN

Challenge Trio

I finally got to some challenges - it's been, like, forever!
The first is today's Colour Challenge...and last weeks' Sketch Challenge. The colours are Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey and Not Quite Navy. I hadn't used this stamp set yet and thought I'd better. I love the old fashioned images.

The two star cards are for friends and I used yesterday's New Technique Challenge....using the two tag punches to create the stars. The tutorial for this can star can be found here.

Have great day - JOAN

New Stamps & New Folds

Yesterday's Technique Challenge was this cool and easy Square Spring Fold. I combined it with today's colour challenge which was to use only to soon to be gone forever In Colours. I pulled out three of the stamp sets we received in Utah - Flight of the Butterflies, Eastern Blooms and Inspired by Nature. You can't really see the beautiful grass that is created by this stamp - There will be more projects with that stamp though - I promise.
I stamped the butterflies on the Groovy Guava and Purely Pomegranate and then stamped their spots onto Vellum cardstock, cut them out and adhered them with a rolled up mini glue dot.

This fold would be awesome to use for placeholders at a dinner!!!!
Glad to be back in action - I hope everyone is enjoying summer still!!!! JOAN

Happy Birthday Monkey

Just a quick post before I move on for the day...Lots to do.

Today's Technique Challenge was to encorporate three previous challenges into one....TLC20 using the baby wipe technique, CC30 using bravo burgundy and creamy caramel and SC40 for the sketch. This was very fun and it whipped up quickly.

For the little monkey's fur I used the two re-inker colours (Bravo Burgudy and Creamy Caramel) on the baby wipe and dabbed it onto the vanilla cardstock instead of rubbing it on. Don't ya just love this little guy.....he's going to be in the new Catalogue in August. He comes with a number of fun things to put in his hand - the cupcake was the best one for today's colours.

Better go - Sun is shining, lots to do - Happy Day.
Thanks for stopping by - JOAN

No matter how busy I am though....I will be participating in this weeks "Dirty Dare 08" on Splitcoast. Check it out!

Cards and an Aged Room

I am always amazed by the colour challenges. I really ended up liking these three colours together....Almost Amythest, So Saffron and Wild Wasabi. For the floral card, I used this week's Technique Challenge which was the Grid Technique. I don't have a ScorePal, but it was quite easy to create the grid on my small paper cutter with a scoring blade. I like the effect with the white grid showing "under" the stamped image.

Today's Sketch Challenge is featured in the Star card and the colours are used again. I had to add the Birthday Wishes tab at the very last instant because somehow, from somewhere, a little black smudge appeared on the card. So, it had to be covered up.

I spent some time last night cleaning photos off of the computer and came across the ones I took of my "new" stamping room in the summer of 2006. It had been my sewing room. I took EVERYTHING out (except the rug) and redid the whole thing myself. I took pictures again today because there is definitely a difference. You can scroll down to see the photos if you like. I've tried to keep the similar angles next to one another - 2006/2008. It may not stay set up right though once I post.

Thanks for stopping by. This rainy weather has been good for one thing besides the plants....I'm cool enough to get some cleaning done. Always the summer chore. Happy Stampin' - JOAN

Catch-Up

I almost hate the first two weeks of summer. I'm beginning to move out of my laziness and get my butt in gear for things that need to be done around here....housework, yardwork, stamping.....
This first card is actually from last weeks Inspiration challenge. The quilt, from State Fair Bedding, had bold prints included so I figured the Ginormous Flowers were perfect for it. I clear embossed one flower on white glossy paper and rubbed Close to Cocoa for the background. The white "dots" around the brown edge are hole punched. I wouldn't have chosen these colours but the quilter was smart....they do go together rather well.

Next, is actually today's Inspiration Challenge from Mackintosh Enamels. I love these dishes. I used the Sketch Challenge for this week and the Technique Challenge. However, I came no where near to "pouncing" with the chalk. I was downright brutal with it. I clear embossed the leaves onto regular white cardstock. Next, I used the blender pen to colour in the leaves with Wild Wasabi (Oh yeah, this is the colour challenge too). Once that was done I took a sponge dauber and scrubbed Certainly Celery chalk into the white cardstock. The colour shows up a bit better in person. I would have kept the whole card green but I added the definition in Purely Pomegranate for the challenge.










Finally, I'd like to share this card I received from my "Devine Secret Sister" from Splitcoast. I just love it. The leaf backgrounds have turned out more yellowy in the photo. There's actually more rose in the original.


Today's chores are to clean out the garage until I can't stand the heat. Then I'll work on a few more scrapbook pages. I'm debating whether to post them or not. They are first attempts!

News of the week......the surgeon has finally agreed that I've jumped (not literally) through enough hoops for a total knee replacement. I know I want/need it but I'm now scared to death. Still waiting for the date though....3-6 months from now.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by - Happy Stampin' - JOAN

Summer....Yipeeeee!!!!

Well, I've made a copy of this previous weeks' challenges on one sheet so I can play a bit of catch-up. Slept in.....read my book on the deck with my coffee, and now I'm trying to stay cool in the basement with my stamps. What a wonderful start to my summer vacation!!!

The whole back piece of this card was made a couple of weeks ago for a sketch challenge....it didn't work for what I had planned that day, but it's been sitting on my table waiting to be used. The focus piece is suppose to be circular, but I missed that part when I put this together. I added the little bird sentiment which takes in the Technique Challenge of using re-inkers for watercolouring, and also the Ways to Use it challenge which asked for birds to be part of this weeks projects.

I know they start WAY too early in the mornings (4:00am here in central Alberta) but I love listening to the birds' songs! Hope you all have some pleasant music in your day, thanks for dropping by - Happy Stampin' - JOAN

Well, I went back to my stamping room...remembered the Try a New Technique Challenge....Embossed Watercolouring. I stamped the sunflowers onto watercolour paper, used markers and the aquapainter to colour them in. I also embossed the little butterflies, but just on regular paper and coloured them in with marker. I wasn't sure if I should have added a sky or not, but my husband liked it on the green...so there ya go.
Embossed Watercolouring Gallery
Off to bed.....Thanks for dropping by - Joan

Three in One

Today's colour challenge is: Mellow Moss, Cameo Coral, Apricot Appeal and Creamy Carmel. The only extra colour I added, besides the white bases, was Going Grey because I wanted my watering can to be "tin".

I titled this "Three in One" because I used yesterday's Technique Challenge and last Thursday's Ways to Use It Challenge....which I never got to last week (although funny thing: the card I made the day before actually used the spritzer tool so I was ahead of the game. ha ha)

I've included two pictures of the card because I thought it was cool how in the second picture the sunlight created extra shadows on the card because of the paper tole. I was wandering around the house looking for a spot of sunshine to hopefully get truer colours than I was photographing in my stamping room in the basement.

The Colour Spritzer tool was used on the base of the card where I spritzed the colour that matched the matting of that particular piece.

This was fun and I do like this set. Here are the gallery links for the different challenges.

Colour Challenge Gallery

Paper Tole Gallery

Just Spray It Gallery

Happy Stampin' - Joan

Butterfly? Moth?

Today's technique on SplitCoast was using paper tole on your card....but it couldn't be a floral image.
I decided to use the butterfly from "Touch of Nature". I stamped the butterfly with VersaMark onto the Bordering Blue background. Then I coloured the butterfly three times using Always Artichoke, Barely Banana, and Mellow Moss Markers. The three look pretty much alike.
I left the first image on the vanilla paper without cutting it out. The other two were cut out carefully with snips and then layered onto of the first using dimensionals.
I've given a side view so you can see the dimension and then also added a photo of the butterfly by itself.
I was going to add a sentiment, but decided not to. That way I could use it for anything in the future.
To see more cards from this challenge click here.

This was fun...Oh, I also sort of used Beate's weekend sketch challenge....shown here also. You can see other cards using this sketch here.


Happy Stampin' - Joan

Flap Fold Thank You

Today's technique challenge was the Flap Fold Card. I used Groovy Guava and a piece of Afternoon Tea Designer Paper from the Occasions Mini. I used the blossom from "Bloomin' Beautiful".

For a tutorial on how to create this card click here

Too look through the gallery of other Flap Fold cards click here

Hope you're having a good day - Joan

Two Challenge Cards....

Here is my entry for yesterdays colour challenge. The colours were Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate and Going Grey. I found it a bit difficult to find a stamp set that I could work with these colours. But the little elephants are okay....for the "one of a kind" I used the Faux Cloisnne' technique again from Monday. I don't have the pomegranate ink, so I used Sweet Shapes and versa mark to create the background. If you'd like to see some absolutely fantastic and elegant cards with this colour combination....check out the gallery here.





The thumbnail shows today's sketch challenge. It was requested that the circular area stay an actual circle if possible so that it was different from a previous challenge....of course you can deviate from the sketch if you have limited supplies....that's what's part of the fun. Anyway, I don't have a Coluzzle cutting system yet, but I found a piece of chipboard from the "On Board Lots of Letters that went beyond the borders of the scallop punch. The centre of the "flower" is a Build a Brad with Soft Sky paper.


I want to thank those of you who congratulated my handchime group.....to top things off we have now been asked to perform at the "Gala Festival Concert" on Sunday afternoon. Just when you think the nerves can take a rest....It would be nice to have had Festival any time other than when report cards are due, but what do ya do.....keep slogging away, one day at a time. And praying doesn't hurt either!!!!! Thanks, Joan

Reason to Celebrate...

My reason to celebrate has nothing to do with stamping.....but I must say....I am so very proud of my school handchime group. Today I took them to perform/compete in a local Music Festival. They scored 90% and took home a First Place in their class. Of course, they were the only group IN their class, but the 90% nailed the placement. They did an awesome job representing our school. A great group of kids.

Anyway, first thing this morning I checked out the challenge of the day. I was intrigued by the instructions and came thought about it through the day. The technique is Faux Cloisonne' and you can click here for the instructions. It was fun to do, looking through magazines for pictures to stamp over to get the colours. You use an outline stamp, emboss the image on the magazine page and top off with Crystal Effects. (That's the very very short version of the instructions). For the word "Celebrate" I used a marker technique where you stamp into a versa mark pad first, then colour the image (in this case letters) with marker. I chose three different colours repeated. You then stamp the image on your paper and emboss it with clear embossing powder. I was surprised to see that the letters ended up having the same sort of mottled looks as the flowers. I love this technique and can see in my mind all sorts of different ways to use it. To see other FANTASTIC cards using the Faux Cloisonne' technique, click here.

Debossing Velum

Monday's "Try a New Technique" challenge was Debossing Vellum....sort of similar to dry embossing. I used the "Infinite Goodness" stamp set. The berries were stamped on plain vellum with black Staz-On ink. Once the ink is dry, you turn the piece over and, using a stylus, mark in the areas you want accented in white, or the parts you want raised on the front side. I debossed the dragonfly on velum cardstock. Not too much difference but because of the thickness of the paper, I think the white shows up better.

Click here for Linda's tutorial on Debossing

Click here for Beate's tutorial on dry embossing

Link the gallery of cards in this challenge