Peace Within

Hello everyone!  Here is my "project" for today! I am so excited about it and I really wish I could get my camera to convey what my eyes see.  Everything is always so much better in real life.   But,  I hope the pictures can convey just a little bit of the true color. 

I started off making one card.  This is it:

 I used the stamp set Peace Within and used Concord Crush DSP from the Design Patterns Hostess Set.  I didn't stamp the bird which is a part of this stamp.  I just wanted the basket.  I really loved the way it turned out.  Of course, the stamp is colored with SU markers.  I really, really liked the way  this card turned out so, I thought, hmmmm....  I could make a set and make one using each new In Color!  Genius! :)   So here is the set:

What do you think????   Here are the other colors individually. (Remember, if you would like to see the photo larger, just click on it.)

 

Blushing Bride

Peach Parfait

 

Pear Pizzazz

 

Poppy Parade

Technique Tips:
- I colored the flowers so they would complement the card base color, i.e., for the Concord Crush I used purples, for Blushing Bride I used pinks and roses.  For the Pear Pizazz, Poppy Parade, and Peach Parfait, I used similar colors, all earth tones - I actually used Poppy Parade and Peach Parfait in the flowers as well as yellow, more mustard - colors like that.
- I used Certainly Celery to "draw" the stems.  It went "outside" the lines so to speak, but it added depth and color to the inside of the basket.
- For the Poppy Parade, Blushing Bride and Pear Pizazz cards, I actually added a little bit of those colors into the basket.  If you look close, I got a little carried away with the Peach Parfait, but hey, it works, lol!

 I was going to try to make a box of some type to put them in, but I had more of those errands to run today and I would never have gotten to post these today, so maybe that will be my project/post for tomorrow. We'll just have to wait and see! ;)

Blessings to all!

Terri

Thoughts & Prayers

Hello everyone.  It is never a happy moment when I HAVE to make a sympathy card. However, this was the unfortunate occasion for me yesterday. I just found out that a good friend of my family's lost her grandson last week.  He died of an IED explosion in Afghanistan.  Just a young 23 years old.  So, it was with a heavy heart that I made this card for her. 

I have known Ms. Betty for over 30 years and know what a tragic loss this is to her and her family.  I ask that you pray along with us for God to provide a peace and comfort that we know only He can give.

Here is my card recipe:

Stamps:  Thoughts and Prayers

Paper:     Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Early Espresso,

                  Very Vanilla

Ink:         Early Espresso, More Mustard, 

               various SU markers for the leaves

Other:     Square lattice EF, Flourishes Texture Plate

Technique Tips:
- Once again, I used my SU markers instead of an ink pad.  This enabled me to color each leaf individually.
- I intentionally sponged the corners darker to give it almost a photo corner effect.

That's it for me today.  I'll be back tomorrow with more than one card.  I can't wait for you to see them.

Blessings to you all!

Terri

SC 299

Hello everyone.  It's Monday and I've got the blues.  It's raining here and I just haven't felt like doing much all day.  However, I did make a card.  I really wasn't feeling like it in the beginning, but once I got started, it moved along.  This is my submission for Split Coast Stamper's Card Challenge for September 22.  Here is the LINK for the challenge.  I really like this layout.

I tweaked mine just a little.  My image was a little bigger than the sketch so I had to downsize the sentiment, but I think it fit nicely.

Technique Tips:
- I used my SU markers on the stamp so I could add the red for the flowers.
- On the Just Believe stamp that has the flowers and block image, I just used the block.  Again, I didn't have the room.  I tried using just one side with flowers, but it didn't seem to work right.

Here is my recipe:

Stamps:  Just Believe

Paper:    Love Letters DSP, Red Riding Hood Red,

                black, very vanilla

Other:    SU markers in Black and Red Riding Hood Red

This one was simple. Eazy, peazy!  Try this sketch for yourself.  The great thing about the SC sketches is that they are true to life.  You can measure and make them as is, or tweak them if you like! 

Have a great day!

Blessings,
Terri

Card Wallet

Happy Friday everyone.  I did not get around to posting yesterday.  I am not sure where the day went.  I had many, many errands for one thing.  I kind of let those pile up on me and then I make a day of it.  And it was a day; but productive.

I am so excited about today's posting.  This is another first for me.  I have always posted cards and this falls into the "anything but a card" category.  Let me give you some background on this project before I show it too you.  I am also going to have the tutorial for this for you.  My friend and fellow Rapid Stamper Club Member, Barbara Borthwick has been visiting family for the past two months, gasp!  Can you tell she's retired? :)  Anyway, while she was in California visiting one of her children, she went to a Stampin' Up class and made this project. I am calling it a card wallet.  I am sure it has another name, but alas, I don't know what it is.  I fell in love with it when she showed it to me.  I borrowed it from her; scrutinized it; measured it, etc., etc...  No, I did not take it apart!  And then I made one!!  I messed up the first time, forgot  something and had to start over.  Breathe, Terri!  So, I was more patient and didn't mess up this time!  I love the way it turned out!
Here is my card wallet:

Here it is opened up.

Do you like it??   I love the way it turned out.  It will hold four cards; two in each pocket.  Maybe three if they don't have a lot of layers.  It was really easy to make.  I plan on making more.  Here are the directions!

There are two sheets to this project. 
Sheet 1 - is 12 x 10
Sheet 2 - is 8 1/2 x 6 6 1/2

Sheet 1 - on the 12" side:  score at 5 3/4, 6 1/4

If you are using Scor-Pal, there is no score line for 5 3/4". There's no line for it on the Scor-Pal.  But easy enough to do.  Just move your paper over 1/4 inch (Line it up with the quarter inch marks on the far right of the Scor pal.) It will then look like you are scoring at the 5 1/2, but you are not.  There is half an inch between scores, so the second score mark will look like you are scoring at 6, but it is really 6 1/4 since you have moved your paper over 1/4 inch.  Eazy Peazy.

Rotate your paper to the 10 inch side and score at 3 1/2

Sheet 2:

On the 8 1/2 inch side score at 5 3/4 and 6 1/4.  Adjust if using the Scor-Pal (noted above). 

Fold your score lines on sheet 1.  I folded the inside lines first, then folded the bottom score line.

Tape sheet 2 to the right side of sheet. (It should be taped to the outside of the 6 1/4 score line. Fold your score lines on sheet two.  This is the flap.

Add sticky strip to the outer bottom sides and the inner bottom between the score lines. I used 1/2 inch sticky strip to fit the inside and I used 1/4 inch sticky strips on the sides so it won't take up the needed room for your cards to fit inside.

After adding your sticky strip, fold the bottom half up. Refold your score lines down the center. and fold over.  You are almost finished.  You can decorate however you would like; add ribbon or not.  Use self adhesive velcro dots for the closure.  Here's the inside picture again, so you don't have to scroll to the top.

I also used 1/2 sticky strip to adhere my ribbon to the inside of the flap.
And here is the final product again:

Here are the items I used:

Paper:   Pear Pizzaz, 12x12 sheet and 81/2 x 11 sheet

              Early Espresso CS, and Greenhouse Gala DSP

Other:   Chocolate Chip Ribbon

             self adhesive velcro dots, sticky strip

I hope I didn't confuse you too much!  If you have any questions, please fee free to email me!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Clean and Simple Anniversary

Happy Hump Day everyone.  I have a very clean and simple card for you today.  I need two anniversary cards.  One specifically for a 25th wedding anniversary.  I thought of this idea, but I'm not sure if  I am going to use it or not.

Is it too simple??? Too plain???  Please tell me what you think.

I only have two helpful techniques for you.

 - You may already be doing this, but just in case you are not...  I  used dimensionals on the numbers.  Instead of using one of the octagons to cut up (the shape the SU dimensionals come in), I used the outer remnants on the page:

I

I placed my tweezers on the outer edge. They look like a zigzag design.  These are great for cutting up in smaller pieces and using for those tiny areas, like the numbers.  This keeps you from having to mess up one of your whole pieces.   Waste not, want not, my mama always said! :)
- Secondly, I used  circle nestabilities for my "rings" ; the standard circles small and the standard circles large. I used the smallest die in each of the circle sets.   I placed the smallest into the next smallest size which created the "cut out".  Just run them through your Big Shot and you have your ring.  You have to do this twice of course for two rings. To interlock them, I cut one ring, slid the other into it and made sure I glued the cut ring behind the whole ring.  Eazy, peazy.  I guess I should have taken a picture of the nesties.  I'll try to add it in tomorrow. 

Recipe:

 Paper:  Brushed Silver, white

 Other:  Sizzix Timeless Type Alphabet Dies

           Perfect Details Texture Plates, Ptrn #1

  (this is the same pattern as the Wedding Sweet Stamp Set)

            Spellbinders Circle Nestabilities

I have already made tomorrow's post project!  Yay!  I am so excited about it.  It is actually not a card!!!! ????  You'll have to wait.  I can't wait to show you!

I hope you have a wonderful evening.  Until tomorrow...

Blessings,

Terri

Unchartered Birthday

Hello everyone!  I actually was going to use this week's Mojo sketch to make this card.   Well, it didn't go as planned.  I really, really needed a masculine birthday card for one of my nephews. His birthday is next week.  I knew I wanted to use the sailboat from Uncharted Territory.  After creating that part of the image, I just couldn't get the rest of it to fit.  I knew I was going to have to turn the pattern sideways - here's this week's sketch:   
 

Here's my card:

As you can see, It's flipped on the side, I left off the bow, left off the three embellishments and moved over the sentiment.  Not really the same, but close? :)
    Creation Tips:

 - I stamped the boat from Unchartered Territory. Then I made a mask of the boat, so that  I could sponge the water. The colors I used were Marina Mist, Pacific Point and Night of Navy.  I made the blues darker along the horizon.

 - Next I made another mask for the water, so that I could start sponging the sky.

This is a picture of the first attempt I made at the sky sponging process, so you will see the lower part of the sky is more red and there is the moon.  I had to start over and this time, I left off the moon or the sun whichever it is, so that I could make the sky whatever I wanted it to look like.  The colors I used were: Daffodil Delight, Peach Parfait, Pumpkin Pie and Rose Red.  I also, rethought my sponging process.  Instead of going straight across like I started out doing, I started in the center of the boat and made a small circular pattern then worked outward with the darker colors blending as I went. Then darkened the top corners and along the horizon.
- Oh, one thing I forgot.  I used Black Stazon and before putting stamp to paper, I used the Cherry Cobbler SU marker to mark over the smaller sections of the sail on the stamp and then stamped on paper,  as you can see in the final card.

- I used my white gel pen to mark over the waves.
- I sponged Peach Parfait and Rose Red on the sentiment, from Watercolor Trio
- The strip going across the length of the card is from retired DSP Raspberry Lemonade. It has rich razzleberry running through it which pulls out the Rose Red in the sky!   I wish you could see it in person.  It is vibrant and stunning. I keep pinching myself!  I can't believe I made this!  YAY!  I might be getting there.  Of course, this was my second attempt at the same ocean/sky.  Got to keep myself grounded;)

That's it for me!  Have a wonderful evening.  Maybe I'll attempt Mojo 157 again and hopefully it will conform more to the original sketch!

Blessings to you all!
Terri

Thankful Home

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  This card I made Sunday afternoon and I have to say, it took me awhile.  I had an idea in my head and it took some time to create.  It was actually the watercoloring that took most of the time. I am soooo trying to be like the infamous SCS watercolorer Karen Barber. Here is the card:

 Normally, I put the stamp recipe here, but I think I am going to start with the techniques first!

Creation Tips: (This is a 4 1/2 x 4 1/2) card.
  -  I knew from the start, that I wanted to make the vegetables look like they were sitting on a table.  So, when I stamped the corn/pottery, I made sure I had enough blank space to place the pumpkins and have "wall space".

   -  I stamped the corn and jug (one stamp) in Timberland StazOn and then I took my Pacific Point Blue Marker and on the stamp, I went back over the design on the pottery. 
         - I used the Basic Grey Stampin' Up marker and a blender pen to provide shadowing on the pottery.
        - I used Old Olive and Garden Green along with some Soft Suede on the husk.  I used So Saffron and Daffodil Delight on the corn.  I left some blank areas to make it look like the white kernels. 

 -I then stamped the pumpkins colored them with Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight and some Pumpkin Pie. I cut out the pumpkins.

- I cut out DSP about two inches deep for my tablecloth.

- With scissors, I had to cut out the bottom of the corn and up the sides, so that it would "sit" level on the tablecloth.  I then glued the corn/pottery and "walls" to the tablecloth.  I then glued the pumpkins next to the corn.  You can trim the sides and top to make the size card that you would like.

- The "Give Thanks" stamp, I hope looks like it may be a cross stitch piece in a frame.  I hope!!  This was actually a mistake that I think turned out pretty good.  I stamped the Give Thanks as just a sentiment and I didn't like the placement or the way it looked.  I thought of using the Sizzix labels die to make the frame and I that's when I thought it looked like a frame on a wall!  I think it turned out pretty good!  What do you think???

Here is the recipe:

  Stamps:  Harvest Home, Holiday Greetings (Retired)

  Paper:    Watercolor paper, Old Olive, 
                 Early Espresso, Autumn Spice DSP
  Ink:      Timberland Brown StazOn, 
              Various Stampin' Up Markers
  Other:    Sizzix Labels Dies

That's all for me today!  I hope everyone has a great evening.

Blessings to you all,

Terri

SC298 Anniversary

Today is a first for me.  Using pastels that is.  I have owned SU's set of pastels for.... oh, at least 18 months??  and today, I finally opened the package and tried them out.  And..... I love them!!!  I never really knew they could be so easy to use. It's easy to mix them and blend them and just everything is easy.  I am sold, sold, sold.  I like them more than the markers.  The only downside is using them on the small things.  I need to find a paintbrush of some sort to use on the very small items.  Anywho, here is my card for this week's Splitcoast's sketch challenge.

 What do you think???  I know the flower doesn't seem to match the paper in the picture, but it does in person. I really like the leaves.  I mixed Green Galore and Soft Suede.  Love the look (This set has all the retired colors in it. Now that I know I like them, I'll have to get the new colors! :))))

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Shared Happiness, Sentiment (Stampendous)

Paper:    Elegant Soiree DSP, Baja Breeze, B&W

Ink:        Black Staz On

Other:    SU Pastels! YAY!, Oval Nesties

Creation Tips:
  -  The one great thing about Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge is that all the measurements are right there for you!  So easy.  The sketch prints out to scale and all you have to do is measure the layers and tweak if necessary.
  -  Pastels.  They come with brushes that look like make up brushes. Dab in the color and paint or blend.  Add more color where you want it darker, or keep blending to take away color.  Add one or more colors and blend away. Like I said I loved the effect I got when I blended the Green Galore and they Soft Suede.
  -I know Nestabilities are not from SU, but they can't make everything.  And if there is one thing I would encourage you to buy that can make card making easier for you that would be Spellbinder's Nestabilities.  At least invest in the Ovals, Scallops, and circles.  I don't know what I would do without them! They layer so well and just make your card look smooth and well put together.  Now if they could just make some small rectangles!!!

That's it for me today.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings to you all,

Terri 

Fall Dreaming

My title says it all.  I can't help but think about fall.  I get the wonderful blessing of sitting on my deck each morning, enjoying my coffee and God's beautiful handiwork.  Each day, more and more leaves are turning. Fall will be upon us faster than we think.  YAY!  I love fall.  So, here is another tribute to this season. 

I'm attempting my hand at sponging.  I have a long way to go.  I actually somewhat cased this from Theresa Momber.  You can find her design here at Crafting the Web.  She is an awesome sponger.  One day, I may be half as good as she is.   Here is the recipe for my card.  (All items are Stampin' Up unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps:   Lovely as a Tree Thankful Thoughts, 

                  Special Delivery Addition by

                  Tami Mayberry (Gina K. Designs)

Paper:     Garden Green, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie,

                 White, Naturals Ivory

Ink:         Black, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, 

                 Garden Green, Always Artichoke
Creation Tips:
   - I used a mask around the top and two sides of the "window" so that when I stamped the trees, they would not show up outside of the window.
   -  The orange was  really a mistake.  I was trying to create leaves on my trees, which didn't look right. Now, I hope that it looks like a setting sun coming through the trees. 
  - I used always artichoke on the ground below the trees to give it a shadow effect.
  - I lightly sponged Pear Pizzazz on the sentiment to keep it from looking too bright.

In my future attempts at sponging, I want it to look more misty or dream quality like.  The way it is now, you can see the circles or spots, where I first put down my sponge.  I am going to try a different kind of sponge next time.  We'll see.  I am diligently searching the web for more sponging techniques.  I need the basics.  Anyone out there have any helpful hints for me?  I would appreciate it very much!

Thanks so much for dropping by.

Blessings to you all,

Terri

Mojo 156 with Gratitude

I can't believe I didn't get this posted yesterday.  I made the card; took the photo of the card, and then didn't get around to posting.  I just let the day slip away from me.  Oh well.  It's Mojo Monday on a Tuesday.  At least it's not Friday, which I have done before lol!  Here is my submission.

Card recipe:
  Stamps:  Day of Gratitude

  Paper:     Autumn Spice DSP, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso,

                  More Mustard, Very Vanilla

  Ink:         More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso

  Other:    Scallop Punch

Technique Tips:
    -  The only tip I have for you today is that I used the Rock n' Roll technique again on the leaves.  This technique is so great for adding more than one color especially on leaves.  Always use the lighter color first, then the darker color. Using markers is a good way also, but I have found that when using markers, the lines are not as crisp as when you just stamp. They are "fuzzier".  But that can be a good thing if you are going for a Monet kind of look :).   

Here is what the DSP looks like and you can find it HERE

 You can also find the stamp set HERE

These two products are a couple of my favorites in the Mini Holiday catalog.  Also, I always use a link to the clear mount stamps, but they are available in wood also.  I just prefer the clear mount because I find them easier to use.

That's it for me today.  I hope you have a wonderful day.

Blessings to you!

Terri

Autumn Splendor

Happy Friday everyone!  I am excited to say that Inspiration is alive and well today and hopefully for a few more days to come.  For some reason, I have been totally lacking in inspiration for awhile.  Then yesterday, I was viewing a certain card magazine and it was chock full of wonderful and beautiful cards that inspired me from the top of my head to the tip of my toes.  And needless to say to my fingers which were itching to start up a card.  Here is my first CASE from this magazine.

Again with the fall.  I know.  I can't help myself.  This card sketch was created by Melanie Muenchinger.  Props to Melanie for a gorgeous sketch and card.  Here is my recipe.  All products Stampin' Up

Stamps:  Autumn Splendor

Ink:        Early Espresso

Paper:    Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso, Naturals Ivory

Other:    Square Lattice EF, SU watercolor pencils

Technique Tips:
  -  The second layer of green was stamped using the leaves from Autumn Splendor. 
  - I used the Naturals Ivory paper because it has linen like particles in it which gives it a more earthy quality versus plain ivory paper. I'm not sure if you can see that in the photo. 
  - This time I chose the watercolor pencils for my coloring medium vice the markers.  The pencils blend together easier for me.  I used an aqua painter for blending.

I really enjoyed this sketch and am thinking of using it again soon!  I already have another card in mind!  YAY!  Love inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you found a little inspiration today!

Blessings,

Terri

Fall Breeze

You might be seeing quite a few fall cards from me.  I LOVE this time of year.  Here in northern VA, the leaves are already beginning to change.  I think this is my favorite time of the year.  I am sitting here on my deck, along with my dog Maggie, and we are enjoying the wonderful 74 degree weather.  Lovin' it!.  So... here is my card.

I think this is one of the very few clean and simple cards I have ever made.  I tend to go for lots of layers :).  I really like the way this turned out.  It looks even more wonderful in person.  Here is my recipe:
 Stamps:    Autumn Days, Baroque Motif, Every Moment

 Ink:          Early Espress, various earth tone inks

 Paper:      Very Vanilla

 Other:      Smooch Spritz in Log Cabin and Gold
Technique Tips:
   - I used the Log Cabin smooch spray first, then the gold.  I sprayed out into the air the first time and then hit the cardstock.  The first spray can have big globs in it and it's not nice and smooth.

   -Rock and Roll:  I used the Rock and Roll Technique on the leaves.  I REALLY like the way those turned out.  You can find the technique tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers HERE .
        These are the color combos I used:
              Old Olive rocked onto Cajun Craze
              So Saffron rocked onto Cajun Craze
              Pumpkin Pie rocked onto Real Red
              One lone solid Cajun Craze Leaf (I'm liking that color!)
   -  All the leaves are popped up with dimensionals
   - The sentiment was punched out with the new Decorative Label Punch
The label was lightly sponged with So Saffron and then the edges were sponged with Cajun Craze.

I thought the sentiment from Every Moment was perfect.  You can't help but think of God when you see His wonderful handiwork. It definitely reminds me of all the wonderful gifts He has blessed me with. 

And with that...

Blessings to all of you!
Terri


                

Pals Paper Arts 57 and 58

Whew!  I am so making up for lost time. I can't believe I have posted twice in one day!! I'm sure that won't happen again any time soon!   I know Pals Paper Arts 57 has already closed, but I still wanted to use the sketch.  However, PPA 58 is still open and the requirements for it is to use Pearls.... So guess what, I used pearls on the sketch for PPA57!!  Two birds with one stone!  woohoo!  I needed a get well card, so that is why I chose the get well sentiment.


Here is my recipe:
        Stamps:  Every Moment, Sincere Salutations, Fast and Fabulous

        Paper:    Blushing Bride, basic gray, vanilla

        Ink:        Black Stazon, Basic Grey, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette,

                      Melon Mambo, Regal Rose

I actually made my own background paper.  I started with the very vanilla.  Using the Fast and Fabulous two-step  stamps, I stamped the outline image in basic gray.  Then I used Pink Pirouette with the fill-in stamp.  I really, really like the Fast and Fabulous set.  I know it's a hostess set.  That is all the more reason to host a card party and get this Fabulous set.  Only $150 in sales will get you this great set! 

OK, enough with the sales pitch!  Again, I hope you are having a wonderful Labor Day!

Blessings,

Terri

MOJO 154

Hello everyone!  I'm finally getting around to submitting my Mojo for Monday!  Only about a week late.  Here is my submission:

I'm still in this "fall" mood, so I went with something for Halloween.  Here is my recipe:
        Stamps:   Wicked Cool

         Paper:     Wicked Fun Specialty DSP, Cajun Craze, B&W

         Ink:          Cajun Craze, Black

         Other:      Scallop punches, circle punches, 

                         1/8" Taffetta Ribbon in black
I really like this speciality paper.  I know you probably can't see it, but some of the dots on the paper are flocked.  There is another sheet with bats on it and they are flocked also. It is too cute!

I hope you are having a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Blessings,
Terri