Distinctive Touches

Sweets for my Sweet! CardMaker Blog Hop

Welcome to another CardMaker Blog Hop!  Today we want to share with you some SWEET cards for the upcoming holiday...  one of my favorites... Valentine's Day! 

While I try not to indulge myself... this sweet little mouse just can't help it... just look at those yummy chocolates! 

This image is Chocolate Cocoa, a digi image from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  I printed him out fairly large and colored him with my Copics.  It was a bit of a challenge getting all of those different brown tones in there, but I love how it all turned out.  Those truffles look scrumptious! 

Head on over to the other designer's blogs for even more YUMMY card ideas!

Tami Mayberry
Carolyn King
Trudy Sjolander
Kimberly Crawford
CardMaker Blog

 

I'm a Goddess!

That's right... I'm a Goddess!  At least I felt that way when my sweet friend Julianna Hudgins called me with some exciting news and a special request to participate in the Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy.

The Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy runs from January 12-20, 2012.

Each day, our fabulous designers will introduce one or more Spellbinders products.  Winners will be randomly drawn to receive all of that day’s newly revealed products! Enter from each designer’s blog, on the scheduled days, to be eligible for the Grand Prize!

Enter to win brand new Spellbinders products!

See Official Rules at Spellbinders (HERE)

Visit the Spellbinders Blog each day for links to the participating blogs.

Visit Julianna's blog and follow her specific instructions for entry.  Her post is open for entries from 12:00 am, January 13, 2012, until 11:59 pm, January 14, 2012, EST.

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Julianna recently announced her partnership with Spellbinders Paper Arts... as a licenced designer for a new line of dies that are FAN-TAB-U-LOUS!  OMG... so unlike anything that is out there... so fresh, so unique, so... Julianna!  She asked if I would like to take part in the reveal of her new line and I jumped at the chance.   

3 of Julianna's new sets: Jewel Treasures, Jewel Goddess, Jewel Stones! (Jewel Font, Jewel Keys & Jewel Fantasies will also be revealed at Winter CHA.)

Here's a quick background... I met Julianna in Puerto Rico almost 2 years ago when we were both teaching at an event there.  I was just starting out as a business person in the crafting industry and completely overwhelmed and boggled at the whole thing.  Julianna and I clicked instantly.  She generously took me under her wing and has been my mentor and friend ever since... helping me grow into the confident business woman and artist that I am today. 

Why is that story important to the release?  Well... because my favorite die set in the new line is called Jewel Goddess.  It is this amazing mix of feminine, tribal, voluptuous curves that represent woman - goddess... and there is no one in the world that represents woman power like Julianna.  She not only is a goddess herself, but she empowers other women to find and embrace their own inner goddess... just like she did for me. 

I have a few favorite "inspirational - feel good" quotes that I wanted to make into cards, and I knew this reveal was the perfect opportunity to pull them out.  I created three separate cards (with similar lines and feel) that I can send out to women in my life who need to embrace their inner goddess!

Here's a quick tutorial for making them...

1.  Supplies Needed:

• Computer printed sentiment or stamped verse
• vellum
• Jewels Goddess die
• 2-3 Copic Various Inks
• Colorless Blender (not pictured)
• Sponge or inking tool
• black cardstock (base and matting)
• white cardstock
• multiliner (black)

2.  Apply 1-2 drops of each color ink onto inking tool.

3.  Apply 1 quick squeeze of colorless blender onto inking tool. 

4.  Pounce inking tool onto surface with quote or sentiment.  (Re-ink if necessary) 

5.  Make sure enough surface is inked to cover die cut area.

6.  Die cut inked quote with Jewel Goddess. 

7.  Adhere cut goddess shape to black cardstock and trim a thin border. 

8.  Repeat steps 2 and 3 and pounce onto vellum. 

9.  Fold vellum in half and draw a wing shape.

10.  Cut out wing shape and attach it to the back of the matted quote.  

11.  Attach to the middle of a piece of white cardstock with foam tape, doodle a frame around the edges and adhere to a black card base. 

Talk about simple... and meaningful!  Here are two of the other cards in the set... using the same inking technique on both Zentangled goddess shapes and on vellum for flames. 

I want to thank Julianna and Spellbinders for this chance to join in her celebration and share my own inner goddess with you all!  (Dies can be found at your local Scrapbook, Craft & Hobby stores. Visit www.spellbinderspaperarts.com for store locations.)

Check out these other amazing designers to see what they did with Julianna's new designs. 

Tiffany Windsor

Katie Hacker

Linda Peterson

Colleen Schaan (you are here)

Suze Weinberg

Spellbinder's Blog

Missy Brozek (Crafters Home)

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 I love your comments! Unfortunately your comment does not count as an entry, so be sure to visit Julianna's Blog and follow her instuctions for an official entry.

Thank you for visiting and good luck!!

Spellbinders is a trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

Grand Calibur is a registered trademark of Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc

 

 

Last Minute Christmas CardMaker Hop

I have to admit - I haven't sent a single Christmas card yet!  I know... I know... there's little more than a week left and they need to go out NOW! 

When Brooke and Tanya challenged the CardMaker Blog team to come up with some quick to make, last minute Christmas card ideas to share I'll admit... I panicked.  I'm not much for quick cards - I mean, I do simple layouts... but my typical card takes anywhere from 2-5 hours to make.  Get one done in under 10 minutes...  are you serious? 

Well, I rolled up my sleeves and warmed up my airbrush system and here's what I came up with. 

Simple... yet somehow just right. 

1. Cut white (or cream) cardstock 3 3/4 x 5 inches. 
2. Place stencil over upper right of cardstock.
3. Using the Copic Airbrush System, apply a smooth coat of B26 with the chisel nib and some speckles of B18 with the brush nib.
4. Remove stencil.
5. Stamp sentiment with blue ink.
6. Mat airbrushed layer with dark blue cardstock.
7. Attach to light blue card base with foam tape.

This would work with a number of different stencils and a variety of colors.  Easy Peasy... and just in time!

1 down...  249 left!

Now that I've saved you some time... head on over to the other designer's blogs for even more quick and easy holiday card ideas!

Tami Mayberry
Carolyn King
Trudy Sjolander
Kimberly Crawford

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Supplies Used
Cardstock: X-Press It Blending Card, Bazzill Basics Paper
Stencil: Crafter's Workshop
Stamp: The Cat's Pajama's - Elegant Christmas
Ink: Memento - Paris Dusk
Copic Markers: B26/B18
Copic Airbrush System

 

The Sky's the Limit for Me!

If you are a regular reader, you know I've been writing Copic technique articles for each issue of CardMaker Magazine since this past March.  I'm flying high today and super excited to announce that I'm expanding my work with them and joining the very first CardMaker Blog Team! 

Brooke has put together an amazing group of designers to write and design for the new CardMaker Blog and I'm so honored to be a part of it.  The first blog team includes:

Tami Mayberry
Carolyn King
Trudy Sjolander
Colleen Schaan (that's me!)
Kimberly Crawford

We will each be posting card projects, product reviews, and technique articles to the CardMaker blog and participating in themed monthly hops. 

I hope you can join us over at the CardMaker Blog for fun, inspiration, and tips and tricks of the trade!

Fly on over and check out the rest of the team!

_________________________________________________

Supplies:
    white (X-Press It Blending Card)
    Concord Grape, Turquoise Mist, Navajo, Raven (Bazzill Basics)
    Picket Fence (Lillybee Designs)
    Away We Go (The Cat's Pajamas)
    Tuxedo Black (Memento)
    Copic Markers
        BG10/BG15/BG18
        BV11/BV13/BV17
        RV63/RV66
        RV00/W00/W1
        Y23/Y26/Y28
        B41/0
    Wonky Rectangles (Spellbinders dies)
    Black Cord
    Multiliner

 

Flipping for the Flip Pal!

Good morning readers! Today I have a fabulous post to share with some pretty cool eye candy (if I do say so myself.)  lol

As a member of the Designer Crafts Connection group, I sometimes get the opportunity to play with new (or new to me) products.  I can't tell you how excited I was when I was picked to give the Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner a try. 

When the package arrived, I thought maybe they forgot to send the scanner... it was SOOOOO light!  I opened it up to find the coolest little scanner I've ever seen - about the size and weight of an e-book. 

The directions were easy to read and the set up was quick.  I was playing within minutes! 

Yeah, its a scanner... but it's a MOBILE scanner!

You can scan in the traditional method, placing the item to be scanned face-down on the scanner, close the lid (or cover with a light cloth) and hit scan.  OR... you can remove the lid, place the scanner face-down on an object (ANY OBJECT) and hit scan.  Easy peasy! 

For me, the neatest thing was being able to scan large, non-flat objects and then stitch them together into one image.  (A seriously simply thing to do with the enclosed software.) 

Even before I got the Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner, I knew what I wanted to try.  We have this gorgeous Mayan calendar that was hand-made for us on our honeymoon that recorded the date of our wedding in stunning ancient characters.  We had the calendar matted and framed and it's hanging in a place of honor in our home. 

I love this calendar as a remembrance of our special day, and I wanted to recreate the look in a special anniversary gift set for my husband (with a little something for me too). 

Soooo, I pulled the picture off the wall, set it on the table and began scanning.  It took just 8 quick scans and I was ready to roll.  I stitched them together with a touch of a button and ended up with this beautiful scanned image.  (I've tried photographing the calendar before and I would always get the glare of the glass or the "photo" look that I really didn't want - this was perfect!)

Once I had the image I was free to get crafty!  I printed out two smaller copies and one larger and got to work.  I ripped, crinkled and inked the pieces to make them look even more authentic.  Then I mixed up some resin and created two "baubles" with the calendars as the base.  Once cured, I worked them into charms by wire wrapping them and then turning one into a necklace for me (complete with beautiful brown and blue swirled stones) and a matching key fob for Nate.  (The necklace looks amazing on a cream colored shirt or even directly against the skin as the calendar really shows up then!)

Since this is going to be a special anniversary gift to my husband (and myself), I also wanted to create a matching card.  It was super easy to take the printed calendar and again, distress it up for the focal point of my card.  I kept the colors muted with just a touch of the turquoise to match the feel of the charms and calendar itself.  A twist of Artistic Wire, a few extra beads and it's ready to give.

I have to say, I absolutely LOVE the Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner!  It was so easy to use, I was able to get super creative by using scans of something that was meaningful to me, and I am able to now share the love of my "calendar" with the love of my life. 

The possibilities are endless... with the holidays quickly approaching, it's the perfect opportunity to record and share special memories with family and friends using the Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner.  (And teachers...  just think of the possibilities for classroom use!!!  I'm giddy just considering them.)

To find out more about the Flip Pal Mobile Scanner and how they work.. check out
their websites below! They have some awesome videos.. and instructions on what you
can do with the Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner!

http://flip-pal.com/
http://flip-pal.com/blog/

How would you use a Flip-Pal™? 

Share your creative ideas and you could win a Flip-Pal™!!!!! 

 

http://bit.ly/vFLWv0

To submit your “Scan & Share” ideas, click here. 

The blog hop follower who comes up with the most creative and productive ideas using a Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner will win their very own Flip-Pal™. 

The winner will be announced on December 15th.  Good luck!

 

Get 10% off your purchase today!
 _______________________________________________

Supplies Used in Projects
Flip-Pal™ mobile scanner
Cannon Printer
Ice Resin
Resin mold - charms
Walnut Stain/Tea Dye Distress Inks by Ranger
Brown 20 and 24 gauge Artistic Wire
Various beads
Jewelry Tools by Beadalon
Cardstock by Bazzill Basics Paper

 _______________________________________________

The Legal Deets:

When scanning things that are not your own, it can be for personal use ONLY. You aren't allowed to sell them or claim them as yours. Please be aware of any copyright and design laws.

I have received a product sample for consideration in preparing to write this content.  I am not expected to return this item after my review period.  That being said, I was given leave to share my HONEST opinion of the product and have done so willingly.

 

Thank you SO much for stopping by... you can head on over and visit the other designers in the Designer Crafts Connection group by clicking on the links below. 

[ DC Connection ]
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Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop: ScoreBoard Butterfly!

Welcome... to the second week of the Sizzix Fresh Vintage Blog Hop!

Every Tuesday and Thursday between September 27-November 3, 2011 there will be a new Sizzix Fresh Vintage die featured on 6-10 of the 75 participating designers' blogs.

I'm participating this week and I'm super excited to share my project because it uses a super cute (and very versatile) die - the Score Board Butterfly by Eileen Hull!

I knew right away what I wanted to try with these adorable little butterflies... so I got right to work on this pretty little wall hanging.

Here's what I did:

Step 1 -Apply fusible webbing onto the bottom half of a 6x8 inch and a 4x6 inch canvas and prime with gesso. (let dry completely)

Step 2 - Mask off squared areas and airbrush a variety of different colors onto the surface.  Make sure to use darker shades and apply a nice thick layer of color. 

Step 3 - Drip colorless blender solution (or a light color ink) from the refill bottle onto the surface. 

Step 4 - Quickly blow the pooling and blending ink around with compressed air (using the ABS with my compressor here...)

Step 5 - Repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary.  Let dry completely.  Each canvas will be unique.

Step 6 - Cut out 3 or 4 butterflies from ScoreBoard.  Apply a thin coat of glass gel bead medium over each cut out. 

Step 7 - Airbrush the butterflies while medium is still wet. 

Step 8 - Heat with a heat tool.  This will "boil" the acrylic medium creating bubbles of texture and will consolidate the color.  It also will "warp" the ScoreBoard a bit giving nice dimension to the cut outs. 

Step 9 - Paint or stamp a sentiment or quote on the dried canvas.

Step 10 - Adhere smaller canvas to larger canvas and attach butterfly shapes.   Paint dotted trail.

 

 I was so excited about how these butterflies were turning out I started thinking about other projects I could do with them...  I just loved the glittery, bubbly, colorful dimension I was able to create with them... so I'm thinking... magnets, pins, hair clips, neckalaces, gift tags with bows... the possibilities are endless!

Thank you SO much for stopping by... you can check out what the other designers did with the ScoreBoard Butterfly Die by clicking the Hop Forward or Hop Backward links in the button below. 

 
Sizzix Fresh Vintage
[ Hop back ][ Hop forward ]

 

FAQ about the Fresh Vintage Blog Hop:
How do I hop around to see ideas using the current featured die?

Every Tuesday and Thursday between September 27-November 3, 2011 there will be a new Sizzix Fresh Vintage die featured on 6-10 of the 75 participating designers' blogs. The navigation buttons for "Hop Back" and "Hop Forward" will allow you to easily hop around and see projects featuring whatever the current die is, since those buttons are programmed to navigate only to the blogs that are participating for that die. On the next Tuesday/Thursday, the buttons will automatically reprogram themselves to navigate to the blogs that are signed up for the next featured die.

What if I start at a designer's blog that isn't one of the 6-10 signed up for that die?

No problem! Simply hit either the "Hop Forward" or "Hop Back" button on the Fresh Vintage navigation widget from any blog's sidebar and you'll automatically advance to one of the participating blogs.

Can I go back and view the ideas for a previously featured die?

Of course! Go to the "Blog Hops" link at the top of the page. It will bring up all of the blog posts where you'll find direct links to each participating blog along with a thumbnail image of the project.

Where can I buy the Sizzix Fresh Vintage dies, by Eileen Hull?

You can visit Sizzix.com to find a local and online retailers for Sizzix products. Also be sure to visit Oh My Crafts, one of this blog hop's sponsors, (between the dates of September 27-November 3, 2011) and enter for a chance to win a Flower Layers #9 die!

The Blog Hop has ended and the navigation widget is no longer in the sidebar. How can I see the ideas?

Go to the "Blog Hops" link at the top of the page. It will bring up blog posts where you'll find direct links to each participating blog along with a thumbnail image of the project.

Celebrating with Friends!

Good morning!  I'm back from my Florida "Hot Spot" book signing tour and I have to say... it was a BLAST!  I had such a great time celebrating the success of the book, chatting with friends (old and new), and sharing my love of coloring and crafting with such warm and welcoming folks. 

As you know... the first Monday of each month is Designer Crafts Blog Connection group blog hop... and today our theme is Celebrations!

Since I just got home from the trip and I haven't had any studio time so get crafty, I thought I'd share some of my favorite images from my trip. 

Everyone is concentrating SOOOO hard here at the My Favorite Things grand opening celebration event!  Thanks Kim and customers for such a warm welcome!

 

Here I'm at the beach in Naples, FL celebrating the 1/2 way point of the trip...  1,500 miles of driving...  it was nice to take a few minutes to play in the water.  Pure Bliss!

 

Here we are celebrating success!  What an amazing group (and TALENTED) of ladies here at Scrapbooks Etc. in Bonita Springs!  (Just look at those smiles!)

 

Here is a talented and attentive student at Cherry Blossoms in Coconut Creek.  Just look at those Yummy markers!

 

And here is one of the cards that we made.  Isn't he just adorable?  (Image by Mo Manning.)

 

I want to thank EVERYONE who made the book signing tour such a success!  It was GREAT to celebrate with friends.  For more celebratory posts... check out what the other designers created by clicking on the link below. 

 

[ DC Connection ]
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A Cool (or Warm) Copic Technique!

Today's post is part of the Designer Crafts Blog Connection group.  The first Monday of every month we have a topic and a number of amazing designers post projects and insight into their very own crafting world.

Today we are all sharing our favorite techniques.  Of course, mine is all about Copics!  LOL

Many people LOVE the bright, vibrant colors that are possible with Copic markers.  And while that is definitely ONE of my favorite things about them, sometimes I just don't want that super vibrancy... I want a more toned down look. 

That's where all of those grays come in!  :)

Here's a sample of an image I colored using R22/R24/R27/R29/B12/B24/B26/B28/Y08/Y23/Y35.  Notice how bright the colors are...

Well, the card stock I wanted to pair it with was NOT quite so vibrant... so I pulled out my neutral gray markers!  After adding some gray to the colors to tone down the saturation, I ended up with this...
Notice how the colors are now just a bit less vibrant...  more subtle?  That's what the grays can do! 

I've got a video showing and explaining the whole process HERE on my YouTube channel. 

And here is the image used in a project... it's one of the cards I'll be making on my Florida tour later this month! (Stamp by Stampavie, card stock by Bazzill Basics)

Thanks for stopping by... make sure to check out all of the other fabulous designer's favorite tips by clicking on the link below!

[ DC Connection ]
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Copic Coloring Guide - Winner!!!

Wow... thanks for all of the wonderful comments and the great support for our new book!  I can't wait to hear your reviews! 

I know you are all waiting to see who won the signed copy of The Copic Coloring Guide from my blog.  So without further ado, the winner is.....

Tanya Phillips!!!

Tanya commented,

"I don't own any Copics yet, but I do love the pinks. Seeing the book really makes me excited about them. Your card is colored beautifully!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!"

Well Tanya, there are lots of wonderful Copic pink combos!  Enjoy the book and your journey into the world of color. 

Please contact me at colleen.schaan@gmail.com with your mailing addy so I can get the book out to you right away!

 

For those of you who didn't win, don't worry, you can purchase the book HERE at Annie's Attic or at many local stamp and scrapbooking stores. 

For those of you who REALLY want a signed copy...  Marianne and I will be doing a book signing at the Super Show portion of CHA on Friday, July 22 from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm.  Bring your book or buy a copy there!

 

During the next few weeks, I'll be sharing some of the cards that didn't make it into the book.  It was SO difficult narrowing down the projects.  Here is one of my favorite cards that didn't make the cut. 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

The Copic Coloring Guide Designer Hop - Win a Signed Copy!

Welcome to the Copic Coloring Guide Blog Hop! 

We've got information about the new book, beautiful coloring, stunning card projects, and BLOG CANDY! 

 
The Copic Coloring Guide is the new book that I wrote with Marianne Walker.  It's the perfect resource for beginner and intermediate coloring artists alike.  The book contains information about the different styles of Copic markers, clearly explains the coloring/numbering system, details how to pick good blending groups, teaches a number of blending techniques through illustrated tutorials, and de-mystifies the colorless blender marker.  And that's just in the first 18 pages!  

The book also contains over 40 beautiful coloring card projects separated into beginner, intermediate and advanced skill level.  Each card project includes step-by-step coloring AND assembly instructions...  along with supply lists and manufacturer information to make recreating the projects simple and easy.
 
There are so many great projects in this book!  The designers who contributed are AMAZING and they were so much fun to work with.  I'd like to thank them ALL for sharing their talents with me and with our audience.  It was REALLY hard to pick my favorite project... it actually changes every time I page through the book, but today, here is MY favorite project...

 
I just LOVE all of the layers in this one... and the card itself is ALL about coloring!  LOL  The background is a digital image called Jungle and the little head-hunter guy is a rubber stamp called Chief Hambooli.  Both of the images and the sentiment are from Hambo Stamps.  It was so much fun to color this scene...and the instructions are included in the book!

 
The book is published by Annie's Attic, a division of DRG, also the publishers of the popular CardMaker magazine.  Click HERE for more information or to purchase the book (also available in PDF electronic download).  You can also find the book at many of your favorite local stamp and scrapbook stores.
 
How would you like to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy? 

Each of the contributing designers is hopping today and each one is giving away a copy of the book...  signed by both authors AND the designer.  To be eligible to win, please leave a comment on THIS post telling me what your FAVORITE Copic Color is/would be. (Each designer will be posting their own question, so make sure to read each post carefully and comment on each designer's blog for more chances to win!) 

Commenting for the Drawing is now Closed.  Thank You!

I will post my winner on Monday, July 11.  (So make sure to come back and check!)
 
Make sure to visit each of the designers blogs to see their favorite project from the book and for a chance to win your own autographed copy!
 
Jennie Black
Michele Boyer
Lori Craig
Sharon Harnist
Beate Johns
Debbie Olson
Colleen Schaan
Sherrie Siemens
Marianne Walker

 

Designer Crafts Blog Hop - Beads In A Bottle!

This month I was crazy excited to participate in a product hop for something that was completely new to me.  The Designer Crafts blog connection group was asked to get creative with Tulip Beads in a Bottle. 

Beads in a Bottle is a self rounding paint that dries hard... like a glass bead.  It's SOOOO easy and fun.  There are tons of color collections to choose from... from metals, to pearls, to gemstones.  It's all yummy color goodness. 

I tried out one of the gemstone kits with blue, red, green and white paint.  I knew right away what I wanted to "bling" up with beads!  I've had this apron for over a year... and never used it because it was just a tad too plain.  I got a bit carried away as I added beads of color to EVERY visible surface!  LOL  I was having such a great time... it's sooooo easy!  Just hold the bottle upright and squeeze... dab the "bead" down and pull straight up. (I ended up with a few red "commas instead of beads as I pulled off to the side by mistake on some of my first beads.)  The paint actually levels to a nice rounded bead. 

You can control the size of the bead by squeezing out more or less paint.  Ohhhhhh, the possibilities! 

I am super intrigued by the white beads... and of course, I'm already thinking of ways I can use them in my mixed media class and color them up with Copics!  LOL

Of course, we can't have a hop without a give-a-way... the iLoveToCreate site is offering an AWESOME prize package for one of their blog readers.  Check out the iLoveToCreate blog HERE for details and information.

I can't wait to see what the other talented artists did with their Beads In A Bottle...  Join me by clicking the FORWARD link below.

[ DC Connection ]
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Gina K. Inspiration Blog Hop

Happy Hump Day!

I'm so excited today to bring you projects from two of the new sets from Gina K. Designs.  I think the new "Free With 3" Elegant Elements set is soooooo versatile!  Wow...  absolutely gorgeous accent stamps that can be used alone or in combination with any other set. 

I used one of the circle patterns along with some of the NEW "just peachy" card stock.  I stamped the circles in salmon adirondack ink and then used my peach Sepia glitter pen to add a touch of glam.  I stamped a sentiment from Vintage Chic and paired them all up with the new patterned paper pack.  I love how easy and elegant this card is.. and it would be so easy to change up the colors and sentiment for any occasion.

This next card is one of my favorites!!!  I don't often get attached to my cards, but this one I did! 

I have a thing lately about lighthouses and this image from Theresa Momber's new "By the Sea" set is just gorgeous!  I colored the image with my Copics (colors listed below) and then airbrushed and played with some colorless blender to create the cloud-filled sky.  I combined Kraft, Black Onyx, and Cranberry Tart card stock and some hemp twine for a nice "seaside" look.  love, love, love the earthy feel of this card. 

Copic Colors Used: C3/C5/C7/W00/W1/W3/G24/G94/R22/R24/R29/E21/E33/E25/E81/E50/E71/YR30/B0000/B41/B21/B32/B95

I am headed up to Berne, IN to do a manufacturer certification with our book publisher on Friday and then I'm going to be teaching the very first Copic Ink and Art Mixed Media Workshop in Indianapolis on Saturday.  I'll be back next week with a review and some more fun projects.

Thanks for stopping by... make sure to check out the rest of the Gina K. DT for more inspiration using the Elegant Elements and By the Sea sets!

 

• Gina K
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Suzanne Dean
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Donna Baker
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy

For Mom - Thank You

This morning and welcome to the May Designer Crafts Blog Hop!  This month our inspiration was mothers... and fathers... and graduation!  

I focused on Mother's Day since it's fast approaching.  

I want to share this lovely card... perfect for saying "Thanks for being my mom!" (or any other special lady (grandmother, aunt, MIL, sister, friend...)

I used an image from Loralie Designs called Lovely Butterflies.  It has two beautiful butterfly patterns and some flowers that match.  The cool thing about these stamps is that the company encourages you to stamp an image and then enlarge it for a project.  I stamped this lacy butterfly and enlarged it just a bit so it would fit perfectly on a standard sized card.  

I colored it with V12/V15/V17 and YG03 YG06 Copic markers.  The fun part of this project was cutting out the butterfly and popping it up on the card.  I like to bend the wings out just a bit to give it some movement and dimension.  I popped a button on the center and tied a Copic died ribbon in the middle.  The layout is simple so that the focus is on the beautiful and lacy butterfly...  although I did hand doodle a frame... just couldn't resist. 

What a perfect way to say thank you to those wonderful women in your life.  

Thank YOU my friends.. for stopping in to visit, for your friendship and support, and for sharing your creativity with me and others. 

Hop Forward using the link below to see more May Inspiration!

[ DC Connection ]
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Gina K April Release!

Another amazing release from Gina K. Designs this month.  April is my "crazy" month so I knew I would only be able to work with one set this month... and I picked What's the Dirt?  It's just so springy and fun.  I love the cute pots and the pretty flowers. 

My first card uses the wheelbarrow image...

I colored the flowers with RV63 and RV66 (new colors) with a touch of Y19 an G14.  The wheelbarrow is C1/C3 and C5 and the seed bag is E33 and E41.  I used a scallop border and lined that with some white scallop ribbon.  I had these chipboard flowers that just begged to be used since they looked so much like the flowers in the image.  I airbrushed them up and popped a button and some thread on them. 

My second sample uses the pot and flowers image...

I LOVE to color terra-cotta pots... my favorite combination is E93/E95/E97/E99 and a touch of E29.  I started by stamping the little shovel and one group of pots, and then I masked them and added the watering can and a second group of pots. 

There are so many amazing things you can do with this set!  It's perfect for any springy greeting. 

Check out the links below for more samples from the DT members.

• Gina K
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Giovana Smith
• Jennie Harper
• Jimmi Mayo
• Lee Murphy

Bunny Hop!

Welcome to April's Designer Crafts Blog Hop!  The theme this month is EASTER... and I've got an adorable little bunny to share with you today.

I absolutely LOVE this image from Stampavie...

To color the bunny and give him some fuzzy fur, I colored him with a smooth layer of E30 and let that dry completely.  Then I scribbled randomly with E33.  To add just a touch more "fur" I added even more scribbles with the Sepia multiliner. 

Talk about easy...  with this simple technique you can whip out your Easter cards in no time!

 

Click the Hop Forward link below to see more Easter Inspiration!

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Thanks for stopping by!

A Grand Thank You!

The Gina K Designs team would like to welcome to you this special Spellbinders Thank You Blog Hop!! Recently Spellbinders generously gifted each member of our Design Team with the amazing new Grand Calibur!!! What an exciting gift for sure and we are absolutely enjoying this fabulous machine!! We have made some special cards and projects to showcase the new Grand Calibur and why we are loving it so much!! Thank you so very much Spellbinders!!!

If you are hopping along... you probably just came from Carolina's Blog

WOW... talk about BIG... the new Grand Calibur dies are ginormous!  Big enough to do a full card or even a scrapbook layout.  I want to say a BIG Thank You to Spellbinders with this card.  I used the Grand Labels Four die for the card base - I love the curvy edges with the spiky pointed sides.  It was the perfect shape for this elegant Thank You.  With the Grand Calibur, cutting large dies is a snap...  and I have to tell you... my favorite thing about the machine is the embossing!  WOW...  like a dream... deep crisp embossed designs... with no fussing around and turning or rotating the dies. 

I airbrushed some E21 on the ivory cardstock while the die was still in place for a very soft frame.  Then I stamped the script background on both ivory pieces with stamped off brown ink and the flower silhouettes are stamped in cranberry ink.  The images are from my all time favorite Botanicals set from Gina K Designs. 

To create the frilly layer behind the cranberry cardstock, I added a layer of double sided tape to the back and then scrunched some tissue paper around the edges.  I trimmed it to create a small boarder and then airbrushed it with E21 to distress a bit.  The cranberry ribbon and the pearls are simple touches to finish off the card.

Check out the next designer on the list Deb Felts!

 

Check out these other Gina K. Designers who are hopping today with a great (or should I say GRAND) Thank You!  And make sure to stop in at Stamp TV for even more inspiration!

Carolina Buchting

~ Colleen Schaan

~ Deb Felts

~ Emily Giovanni

~ Giovana Smith

~ Janice Whiting

~ Jennie Harper

~ Lee Murphy

~ Melanie Muenchinger

~ Sharon Harnist

~ Suzanne Dean

~ Tami Mayberry

~ Theresa Momber

~ Tina Gilliland

~ Valerie Stangle

Shading VS. Shadows - A Copic Blog Hop (with Candy!)

*This contest is over and commenting is now closed.

Today the Copic Regional Instructors in the US and Australia are doing a Blog Hop
and offering up  a GREAT prize!!!

We are excited to announce that Marianne Walker's new book called Shadows and Shading is now available for purchase.

This book is designed for beginner artists or paper crafters who want to make their coloring look more realistic, taking it up to the next level by adding shading and shadows.  The book does not teach how to draw, rather it teaches how add shadows and shading.

This wire-bound book comes with 4 clear printed guides to help you add shadows properly on your own work.

Here the linear light guide placed over an image to be colored. 

I was so excited to get a copy of the book and read it!  I love that it discusses the differences between shading and shadows and gives detailed information on how to add both to your work.  While I've got shading down pat, I have a tendency to struggle a bit with shadows.  In the past few months, I've stepped up my coloring game by adding harder shadows (no more land of diffused light for me)... and even adding some simple cast shadows. 

My light source is coming from the upper left... just in front of his shoulder. 
Check out that shadow cast by the clipboard!!! 
 (Ignore the actual shadow above his head... I cut him out and he curled up just a bit.)

 

I've still got a ways to go on the cast shadows thing, but with this book, I know I've got the resources to maser them!  In this sample... I wanted my doctor standing in a hallway with the light casting a shadow of him on the wall.  

While I've got the general shape right (I even followed it from the floor to the wall!)
I wasn't quite able to get the whole color/look right.  I probably shouldn't have used dots.
(If you squint, it doesn't look so bad LOL.)

_____________________________________________________

Image: My Favorite Things (World's Best Doctor)
Copic Colors Used: BG70/YG61/YG63/YG67/E00/E21/E34/BV00/C3/C5/C7/E11/E15/E57 ABS E21

_____________________________________________________

You see... it's all about practicing new skills, trying new things and not being afraid to make mistakes.  Give me a few months... I'll have shadows everywhere! 

If you'd like to learn along with me, leave a comment to be entered to win a copy of Marianne's new book.  And then go visit the other instructor's blogs for even more chances.  You have until Sunday night at midnight (EST) to comment on my blog.  I will be picking a winner on Monday!

Here's the list of blogs you can comment on for your chance to win.....

Copicmarker

Marianne Walker

Lori Craig

Sharon Harnist

Jenn Balcer

Jennie Black

Colleen Schaan

Bianca Mandity

Debbie Olson

Sherrie Siemens

For our friends down unda:

CopicOz (Australia)

Kathy Jones (Australia)

Mandi-Lee Klinger (Australia)

Happy Anniversary Gina K! (Day 3)

We are still celebrating strong over at Stamp TV!  This month we are showcasing the new stamp sets AFTER the release party so that you don't have to wait to purchase your favorites! 

Today I want to share cards for three of the new sets...Lovely Labels 3, Cute as a Bug and Perfect Pennants.

I started designing with Nina's gorgeous Lovely Labels 3 set.  The stamps in this set coordinate with Spellbinder's labels 18, 20, and 21.  I decided to go grungy again and paired a happy birthday message and the flourish sign with Bo Bunny's new Timepiece paper collection.  I stamped on ivory with cocoa and then distressed all of the papers with walnut stain and soot distress inks.  I grunged up some twill ribbon too and scrunched that at the top. 

This next card is a 180 from the distressing, inking and grunge...

It's clean and crisp... pairing Rupa's Cute as a Bug set with Cosmo Cricket's Pixi Licious collection.  I used Wild Dandelion and Passionate Pink card stock with a card base of Pure White.  I just love the cute lady bugs...  and this card would be perfect for a new baby girl!

The last card is sort of a combination of the previous two.  Well... I took one element from the first card (the scrunched up twill) and added it to an element from the second card (color scheme and style) and came up with this...

I used Tami's Pendants set and stamped the triangle pendants in pink and yellow.  I cut them out an glued them back onto a white strip because I wasn't able to stamp them in a straight line (too lazy to get out my Stamp-a-ma-Jig).  I really liked the crisp look of the bright colors and the white space on the previous card, so I kept this one simple and added the scrunched gingham ribbon for texture. 

I hope you've enjoyed my designs.  There are quite a few other DT members sharing samples today too...so hop on over to the following blogs for more inspiration!

• Gina K  
• Nina Brackett
• Sharon Harnist
• Suzanne Dean
• Tami Mayberry
• Tina Gilliland  
• Theresa Momber
• Vicki Dutcher
• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner

Happy Anniversary Gina K!

What a Release Party that was last night!  It got so loud and crazy we crashed the site!  It was back up and running within minutes and everyone got home safely!  And at least with cyber-partying... there's no risk of hang-overs.  LOL

This morning the team is going to be sharing lots of samples for two of the new March sets:  Stenciled Silhouettes and Celebrate in Style.

My first sample uses the Stenciled set.  I created this one for Deb's challenge of "giving up" a favorite product or style.  I typically color everything and ALWAYS doodle a frame or stitching.  So that's what I gave up.

I still think it needs some tan stitching, but well...  maybe I'll just have to sneak that in! 

And my other two samples are for the Celebrate in Style set.  This is our 2 year Anniversary Set and it's FREE with your $35.00 purchase this month! 

This first one is just a quick "whip it up" kind of card... perfect for any special occasion.  The dress is paper pieced (new papers from the StampTV Kit!) and then attached over a piece of foam so it sticks out a bit.  Easy Peasy. 

This second one is for one of the two challenges over at Stamp TV this weekend.  My challenge was to use metal of some sort on a card.  I stamped the image and colored it and then made a little metal tutu out of wire screen.  I added a foil ribbon at the waist too.  Love this stamp... so simple and so MANY uses. 

You can see ALL of the new releases over at Gina's store in the What's New area... and you can hop along to the other designer's blogs for even more inspiration using Stenciled Silhouettes and Celebrate in Style.

 

• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Sharon Harnist
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher
• AJ Otto
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Emily Giovanni

 

 

Wedding Inspiration

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I wasn't able to play along, but the Designs Crafts Blog Connection groups is sharing some LOVELY inspiration today.  It's time to start thinking and planning for those spring weddings! 

Designer Crafts Blog Connection - Let's Get Inspired!

A few months ago I participated in a Blog Hop to help support three friends and their product line with Sizzix.  It was so much fun and everyone's projects were amazingly inspiring! 

We were so excited about sharing the creativity, that we decided to continue! Many of the designers formed a webring so that we could easily visit each other's blogs and websites and revel in the creative pursuits of each other.  And we don't want to be alone in that cloud of creativity...  we want to invite YOU to join in the fun of the hop. 

We are all independent designers working in a variety of creative fields and specialties.  The group consists of leading edge designers in a variety of mediums... so there's something for everyone.  Even though I'm mainly a papercrafter, I'm always inspired and intrigued by the jewelry and fabric artists in the group... it's a great way to start thinking outside-the-box and get my creative juices flowing!

We are an informal group, but we decided to have a common "theme" posting once a month or so... and today we just wanted to introduce ourselves and share some of the neat things we saw (or heard of) at CHA. 

I didn't get a lot of time to wander the floor, and when I did it was all business and making contacts... so I didn't snap a whole lot of photos, but many other's did and I'll share some of those with my thoughts on what I did see here:

 I have to give a shout out to the GORGEOUS booth that was just across from us...

DCWV - A runway of paper fashion!!!

Our booth may not have had a runway... but it did have this...  (I SO want one of these store displays!!! - I'd put in on my car and drive the CopicMobile!)   



And these aren't pics directly from the show... but they are some of my favorite NEW products that were introduced...

Denim canvases from Canvas Corp.

This new Color Me paper from Hot Off The Press... I SO want to try the glossy with our markers and ABS!

The new Gabrielle paper collection from Bo Bunny!!!  Absolute chocolately goodness!

 

I LOVE these three uber cool templates/stencils from The Crafters Workshop. ohhhh, the possibilities!

 


And one of the most exciting things I saw... well.... NEW STAMPS!  There are oodles of them out there... but these are some of my favorites!  Stampavie. 

 And one of the things I'm most excited about since I'm always looking for great patterned paper?  Bazzill Basics now has it!!!  Woot-woot...  I so love that and can't wait to see even more collections from them!

 Okay... those are my top picks... head on over to visit these fellow designers' posts or click on the web-ring logo to visit the next blog in the ring and see another side of CHA.

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JGoode Designs
Live a life Handmade
Carla Schauer Designs
Life in the Craft Lane
Life in the Craft Lane
Carol Heppner's Studio
Eileen Hull- thoughts from my studio
Debra Quartermain
Roxi's Creative Juice
Theresa Cifali: This Artist's View
The Creative Goddess
Stampin' Queen Creations
Candice Windham Designs
Scrappin' it
Lorine Mason Designs
Terry Ricioli Designs
Fat Cat Creations
Cool2Craft
Mel Designs
Roann Mathias Calligraphy
Pink Lemonade
Faerie Dust Dreams
Balzer Designs
Distinctive Touches
Art in Entertaining
Life Snippets
Something to Cherish
Just a thought Or Two
Ken Oliver's World in Progress
Megpie Designs
Creativity Stirs the Soul
katydiddys
Sandy Laipply
Something Created Everyday
365 days of crafts
T'art
Beth Watson Design Studio

Totally Distressed! (Gina K. Preview)

Welcome back to another sneak peak at sets from this month's release with Gina K. Designs! 

Today... no coloring (GASP) and something completely foreign to me... DISTRESSED!!!  Since I'm typically into cute and whimsical, the stamp sets I picked to work with today were a complete challenge for me... and I'm always up for a challenge!

My fist card sample is made with Nina Brackett's set called Christ Is Risen.  I so love the almost-tattoo style of images in this set!  And the winged cross image is HUGE!  I stamped it on white Pure Luxury paper and colored with Copics (okay... so I guess I did color a tiny bit... but nothing fancy). 

I then cut out the small die and stamped LOVE in black.  I used patterned paper from Glitz Girls Hey Dude paper pad and distressed the whole darn thing with a distress tool and tea dye and walnut stain distress inks. 

I decided to stick with the whole distressing style for the second card.  I stamped images from Tami Mayberry's Live Life Loud set with Red Pepper Ink.  I layered the dotted background, the drum set and the sentiment.  I used papers from the same patterned paper pad and brought in a tiny bit of grungy bling with some old metal flourish shapes (I'm not even sure where I got them... they were just sitting in my stash and were the perfect touch for this card.)  I made a few swipes over them with my Toner Gray marker to dirty them up a bit.  LOL

Both sets have SO many uses -  from holiday to birthday to anniversary to party to congratulations... I just love the versatility of them!

To see what each of the other designers did with these sets, check out the links below!
 

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan (you are here!)
  
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Michelle Woerner
• Nina Brackett
• Tami Mayberry
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher

 Thanks for stopping in... make sure to mark your calendars for the Gina K. Designs February Release Party... Tomorrow Night 7-10 CST. 

 

Critters and Bunnies and Chocolate... Oh MY! (Gina K. Previews)

Good morning... and what a morning it is!  The sun is out; the winds are warm; it almost feels like spring is in the air!  And what could be more fun for spring than little, cuddly bunnies and goofy, grinning toads? 

Today I'm previewing two new sets for Gina K. Designs: Little Critters and Chocolate Bunnies

My fist card uses one of the YUMMY chocolate bunnies from Asela Hopkins new set.  I wanted quick and simple... and I used one of my favorite techniques (multiple stamping) to create a bunny background.  A quick strip of Vibrant Violet with a scalloped Onyx boarder are finished off with a big black bow. 

I added a touch of violet to the bunnies by coloring their ears with BV00 and the tiny ties with BV01.  Ohhhh, as I'm sitting here looking at my card, I'm realizing I forgot to add the touch of gray to the actual bodies!!!  (I'll have to remember to do that before sending this baby out!)

My second card is another simple layout, but the coloring is much more detailed!  I used Little Critters by Theresa Momber.  I simply adore her frogs...  they have such personality! 

Anyway.. I colored the frog and toadstool just like I normally would with nice smooth blends, and then I went back in and added dots.  LOTS OF DOTS!  I dotted into the frog with darker greens, blue greens and browns to bring out the shading and add a bit of texture.  I did the same with the toadstool in shades of light yellow and brown.  And since I was on a roll, I dotted the entire background!  It's pretty light as I didn't want it to compete with the image. 

It took a long time to do it, but I love the way it looks.  If you try this technique, just have patience grasshopper... or in this case frog!  (Bwaaaaa, I'm toad-ally funny aren't I?) 

A few quick layers with Chocolate Brown, Tan Leather and Fresh Asparagus and a twill tie finishes this card off.

 I hope you've enjoyed the previews.  Make sure to visit the other designers to see more inspiration with the Little Critters and Chocolate Bunnies sets.

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan (you are here)
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Suzanne Dean
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher

Thanks for stopping by... Make sure to join us on Thursday night from 7-10 CST at Stamp TV for this month's Release Party!

Virtual Party! Happy Birthday Gina K.

Welcome to the Virtual Birthday Party for Gina K!  Each participating blog features some part of the birthday experience.  Hop around to see the amazingly creative projects the team created to honor Gina on her special day!
 
 
When: TODAY!
Where: On the design team's blogs.  The party starts at Cammie's Blog and you just follow the links at the bottom of each post to continue to the next stop on the party tour!
Why: To wish Gina K a Happy Birthday. 

After you are finished hopping along, don't forget to head on over to  Gina's Blog and wish her a Happy Birthday.  TWO lucky commenters will receive a party favor---a FREE stamp set!
 
I'm in charge of the decorations for the party... and there's nothing like a colorful bunch of balloons to kick off the fun.  Here's my birthday wish:
 
Stamps: Floral Wreath
Paper: Pure Luxury White and Wine With Everything
Colored with Copic Markers (R81/R83/R85/R89/G40/YG63/YG67
Self Adhesive Pearls

 
Party On by stopping at the next blog on the tour......DEB!....

Who Doesn't Like Copic Candy???

Edited to Add...This contest is now closed.

The Winter Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) trade show is coming up and so we want to give you a sneak peek at what new things you can find in the Copic booth this year.  Each day we will reveal something new and exciting!  Check back for more new products from Copic all weekend long!

The first new product... isn't really new... it's more like an addition!

New Ciao 36 Colors
Copic Ciao marker, the perfect beginner marker, now has 180 colors available, up from 144. The new colors are taken from some of the most popular Sketch colors and are very helpful for filling in gaps in your Ciao collection. Available individually or in the new Ciao 36 E set. These markers are now in-stock and shipping, so look for them from your favorite Copic retailer.

 


Colors include: E25, E40, E41, E59, C0, C2, W0, W2, BG13, BG72, B18, B28, B99, E000, E15, E18, YR000, YR15, Y000, Y35, YG09, YG17, G29, G82, BG000, BV000, BV25, V01, V05, RV14, RV69, R000, R14, R81.

S0... what better way to get excited about new products, than with a giveaway? Leave a comment on THIS POST (by midnight 1/9/2011) then Monday, January 10th, winners will be randomly selected. Winners will be mailed a NEW 2011 Copic Color Swatchbook to keep track of their Copic collections.   Three winners will be chosen from EACH of our designer's blogs, so after you check this blog, go visit the blogs of all the other designers. All comments are welcome, though the contest is only open to the US & Canada.

You'll see a new name on the list of designers, Bianca Mandity, an altered artist and instructor from Indiana. Bianca is joining the Copic Instructor team to help with training Fine Art stores and Art Schools, so give her a big welcome, and look for more Altered Art and Fine-art events popping up on the Copic Calendar.

Sherrie Siemens
Marianne Walker
Jennie Black
Debbie Olson
Lori Craig
Bianca Mandity
Sharon Harnist
Jenn Balcer
Colleen Schaan

Speaking of events... are YOU going to be attending CHA or do YOU live in the LA area?  Are YOU interested in being Copic certified?  If so, we would like to invite you to apply for our Intermediate Certification Class being held January 27th or our Standard Certification Class held January 28th.   You can find details and applications HERE.

Be sure to check each blog, leave a comment, visit over the weekend to see more new stuff and come back on Monday to see if you've won a prize.

Gina K. Sneak Peek (Day 4)

Pardon the dust here at my blog... it's under construction and there may be a few wonky links or glitches as I update all of my information.

Today's the last day for sneaky peaks for Gina K. Designs... stop back in tomorrow for some awesome sneaks, news and prizes from Copic!

_____________________________________________________________

We are gearing up for the release party tonight (from 7-10 CST) over at Stamp TV... stop in and join the fun... it's sure to be a hoppin' event!

I want to share one last card with you before I head out for the day.  This showcases elements from the Free With Three stamp set called Smile.  It's the perfect set for sending sweet smiles across the miles. 

I paired up Lovely Lavender and Vibrant Violet card stock with a fun yellow patterned paper from KaiserCraft Lilac collection.  I stamped the frame image and the sentiment on lavender card stock and set it off with a bit of ivory for a boarder.  I stamped and cut out three of the flower images and popped them onto the card with buttery yellow buttons for centers.  A subtle touch of lavender Spica glitter pen brightens the whole thing up!

I hope you have enjoyed our samples this week... make sure to stop at the rest of the teams blogs for more inspiration with Gleefully Yours and Smile (Free with 3). 

• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan (you are here)
• Deb Felts
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Nina Brackett
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• Latisha Yoast - Guest Designer

I'll see you tonight at StampTV!  And remember to stop back in tomorrow for the latest news about what's coming up Copic!!!

 

Gina K. Sneak Peek (Day 3)

Isn't this fun???  Are you lovin' all the sneaks for the new sets from Gina K. Designs?  Don't forget, our release party is this Thursday from 7-10 (CST) over at Stamp TV... come chat with the illustrators and designers and see even more great samples! 

Today I have a fun card to share from the Stamp TV kit!  It's called Sent With Love and it is HUGE!!!  I mean really... there are 11 adorable images and 7 cute sentiments to go with them! 

I'm really working on my CAS cards (clean and simple)... and this set is the perfect fit. 

I paired up the "heart tree" image with May Your Love Continue To Grow.  I thought it would make a great anniversary card for a guy... we tend to focus on the gal when celebrating anniversaries - so here's to you boys!

Supplies
Cardstock: Gina K. Designs Pure Luxury Lipstick Red, Chocolate Brown, and Kraft
Stamps: Gina K. Designs Sent with Love
Ink: Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa
Copic Markers: E21/E13/E25/R22/R27
Other: red gem brads and journaling pen

 

Thanks for stopping by...  now hop on over to these other designers blogs to see more samples with the Sent with Love StampTV kit

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan (you are here!)
• Deb Felts
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Latisha Yoast - Guest Designer

Gina K. Sneak Peek!!! (Day 2)

Are you ready for some sneaks???  I've got a peek at two new stamp sets that will be fully revealed on Thursday...  

This first card uses multiple pieces from Tami Mayberry's Hopeful Hearts Set.  It has some gorgeous flourishy heart images and a ton of sweet sentiments, perfect for a variety of occasions.  I went with a pink/white/black color scheme... and girlied it all up!  I used Black Onyx and White Pure Luxury card stock and added a bit of fun with patterned paper from Glitz Designs.  I stamped the square filigree heart image in black StazOn and cut it out with Spellbinders Eyelets Squares die.  I stamped the solid heart image in Pretty In Pink ink and cut it out.  It pops perfectly into the middle of the first image.  I stamped the sentiment in the circle, added the doodled frame (similar to the actual stamped image of the heart)... and then added a bling flourish from Zva Creative.  I hope it makes my friend's heart happy. 

 
The second card is super simple and SO FUN!  It's Dino-Mite... seriously.. it is! 

Some of the gals on the team were discussing how to color the adorable dinos and some confessed to being a bit intimidated... I wanted to share this card to show you just how simple it can be to color these big boys.  To make it a bit less intimidating, I stamped and colored on Kraft paper... it's a fun alternative to white or ivory.  I colored the image with just a few simple colors...  YG00/YG13/BG49/R24 

Coloring on Kraft is a bit different... when the ink saturates the paper, it turns pretty dark.  To gauge what color the image really is, you need to let it dry.  So... I added a base coat of the light color like normal and then I added flicks of the darker color.  Make sure to let each layer dry before adding more so that you can see what it really looks like.  It's pretty simple actually! 

I cut out my colored image and popped it up on a strip of Kraft paper that was matted in Red Hot and Black Onyx and attached to a Fresh Asparagus.  The button and bow give it just the right amount of Wimsey.

Check out what these FABULOUS designers did with the Dino-mite and/or Hopeful Hearts sets...

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan (you are here!)
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Vicki Dutcher
• Latisha Yoast - Guest Designer

Thanks for stopping by!  Make sure to join us on Thursday night from 7-10 CST at Stamp TV for the Release Party!

 

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 7: Valentine Tag Topper

I can't believe that this is the last week of our Triple Play Hop! The past 7 weeks have been a blast... encouraging me to be creative and put together projects that are a bit "outside" my own crafty box... I've loved every minute of it!

 
This week we worked with the XL Die - Treat Bag Toppers by Eileen Hull.  There are three separate "toppers" along with a variety of other shapes to work with.  Of course, each one makes a GREAT little topper for a treat bag... but I saw something different for this die! 

Tag Toppers!!!  LOL

I used the smallest "topper" to create the topper for this Valentine's Day tag.  (It's hard to see under that bow... but it's there!) 

I also used some of the shapes that were included and paired them up with Verve's new set Text Objects and a light pink tag. Using Ranger's Adirondack Red Pepper ink, I stamped some words across the bottom of the tag and then stamped a large sentiment on the fancy die cut shape.  I also stamped various words on the two heart cut outs.  I lined around the edges of each die cut piece with a Copic R32 marker.  I lined the edge of the tag with self-adhesive pearl strips by Kaiser Craft and then assembled the tag using X-Press It Doubled Sided tape to adhere the elements.  I finished it up with a silver satin bow.  I can't wait to wrap up some love this Valentine's Day!

Supply List
656774 Treat Bag Toppers by Eileen Hull
Bazzill Basics Paper -Tutu Pink
Ranger Adirondack Red Peper Ink
Verve Stamps - Text Objects
Copic marker R32
X-Press It Double Sided Tape
Kaiser Craft pearls
Silver satin ribbon

You can check out more "Treat Bag Topper" inspiration by going directly to the Sizzix Blog or pop over to the next blog on our hop by clicking on the Triple Play Navigation Button below.

[ back ] [ Sizzix ] [ forward ]

 

Thank you so much for following along and checking out the Triple Play Blog Hop as we shared 7 weeks of inspiration! Please visit www.tripleplay.typepad.com for more fun ideas from Brenda Pinnick, Karen Burniston, Eileen Hull and friends. If you have enjoyed seeing all of the inspiring ideas on the blog hop, please "like" Triple Play on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Triple-Play/125068950891362.

Happy Holidays!"

Gina K Sneak Peek Day 3 - Floral Wreath

It's time for another Sneak Peek!

Tonight I want to share a GORGEOUS stamp set called Floral Wreath by Gina K.  This is the Free With Three set.

This is a perfect stamp for coloring!  I used my Copics (R81/83/85/89 and G20/24/28) with very little blending to create these stunning flowers.  I stamped the Happy Birthday sentiment (there are a variety of sentiments that come with the set) and layered it on some Cranberry Tart card stock.  A layer of Innocent Pink, some light blue airbrushing and a touch of lacey ribbon finish off this feminine birthday greeting. 

Hop on over to these other blogs to see what each designer did with the Floral Wreath set.

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland

Don't forget to join me on Thursday night at Stamp TV for a fabulous Release Party!

Gina K Sneak Peek Day 2 - The Giving Tree

Welcome to Gina K Designs Sneak Peek #2!

Tonight's preview is of Theresa Momber's set called The Giving Tree and I just HAD to have it.  My all-time favorite book is Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree... the story of a tree and a young boy who grew into an old man.  This set reminded me of that story... and I couldn't wait to get it inked up!

 

I used Grass Green, Chocolate Brown and Ivory Pure Luxury card stock along with some patterned paper from Graphic 45.  I stamped the tree with brown ink and then made the leaves by coloring the leaves stamp image with various colors of Copic markers, spritzing with the colorless blender solution, and stamping.  This gave them sort of a watercolor look that I really like... sort of like they are moving in the wind. 

There are SO many images in this set that you can use to decorate the tree.  Make it spring, summer, fall or winter... add furry or feathered friends... grow fruit or flowers... it's all up to your imagination.

Check out what our other designers did with Theresa's The Giving Tree and Asela's Nesting sets.

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher

And don't forget to join us on Thursday night from 7-10 CST at Stamp TV for the Release Party!

 

Gina K Sneak Peek Day 1 - Block Greetings

Tonight I am sharing the first sneak peek of the new stamp sets that are being released this month by Gina K Designs.  This peek shows one of the images from a set called Block Greetings by Tami Mayberry.  It's LOVELY!  There are three blocks with random flourishes that are the perfect backdrop for the pretty sentiments in the set.  Simply stamp and go!  The blocks are the perfect size (and shape) to use with the square and scalloped square Nestabilities. 

I needed some "guy type" thank you cards for my husband to take to work. I paired this gorgeous patterned paper by 7 Gypsies up with the Block Greetings set for a simple Asian-looking card.  Easy Peasy!

Check out the following designer's blogs for more sneak peeks of Tami's Block Greetings set and Melanie Muenchinger's set Mugs and Kisses.

• AJ Otto
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolina Buchting
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Colleen Schaan
• Deb Felts
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Gina K
• Giovana Smith
• Janice Whiting
• Jennie Harper
• Lee Murphy
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Michelle Woerner
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Tina Gilliland
• Valerie Stangle
• Vicki Dutcher

 

And mark your calendars for this month's Release Party over at Stamp TV!  Thursday, Dec. 2nd  7-10 CST

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 4: Flower Frame

To my readers in the United States, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!  Enjoy your family, friends and turkey!  LOL

And welcome to Week 4 of our Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop!  Have you been following along and hopping around to see the amazing projects?  It's so cool to see all of the neat artwork by the participating designers. 

This week we are showcasing Eileen Hull's Frame and Frame Back with Stand die.  There are SO many ways of using this die... I can't wait to see what everyone did with all of the pieces! 

 

Me... I went traditional.  I stamped silhouetted flowers onto a piece of white card and added a sentiment.  I layered the back of the frame in bright pink patterned paper which I then distressed a bit with purple paint.  For the frame and flowers, I wanted a bit of texture, so I slathered them with texture paste.  Once that dried, I painted them up with acrylic paints.  I attached everything to the frame with E600 for a nice hold.  My frame doesn't flip up, I actually used the hinge as a design element instead since I wanted a stationary piece.  The stand on the back holds it all up at just the right angle. 

 

Supply List

656835Sizzix® ScoreBoardsTM ProDie-Frame&FrameBackw/StandbyEileenHull
Hero Arts Sillhoute flowers stamp
Gina K. Designs sentiment stamp
Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink
Bo Bunny Press Love Shack patterned paper
Golden texture paste
Golden acrylic paint
E6000

 

You can check out more "framed" inspiration by going directly to the Sizzix Blog or pop over to the next blog on our hop by clicking on the Triple Play Navigation Button below.

[ back ] [ Sizzix ] [ forward ]

 

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 3: Live in the Sunshine!

The sun...  I love it, I cherish it, I adore it!   I'm one of those human beings who NEEDS the sun. 

It makes me happy... it fills me with energy... it gives me joy. 

I wanted to re-create that need and that feeling in a piece of art... and here's what happened. 

Joy....

Energy....

Warmth...

I used Brenda Pinnick's die Beauty Bloom to create this fiery flower.  I WISH you could see it in real life... it's totally 3-D and the petals curl out... just like they were reaching for the sun. 

I started with a blank stretched canvas, attached some fusible webbing to the bottom for texture, coated parts of it with gel medium for gloss, and then got out my Copic ink refills!  I started by dripping some Y02 and Y08 on the canvas.  As that dried, I spritzed it with rubbing alcohol and then dripped some RV14 onto it.  I sponged the colors together a bit too.  I attached the vellum statement "Live in the Sunshine" and then doodled some stems and leaves with the YG17 marker. 

I made the flower by spraying white cardstock (cut with the die) with rubbing alcohol to saturate.  I then dripped and drizzled R81/R83 and R85 onto the paper.  As it dried, I curled each petal around a pencil.  I traced the edges with R29 and layered each piece together.  The button was colored with Y08 and tied with twine.

As small way to bring the sunshine into my craft room during the dark winter hours. 

 

Supply list:

Flower, Beauty Bloom, Originals Die #655455 by Brenda Felt –
Stretched canvas
Copic Inks and Markers, Imagination International Inc.
Button, American Crafts
Vellum Quote, DCWV

 

You can check out more Beauty Bloom inspiration by going directly to the Sizzix Blog or pop over to the next blog on our hop by clicking on the Triple Play Navigation Button below.

[ back ] [ Sizzix ] [ forward ]

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 2: Portable Zen Garden

 
Fall seems to be extra busy this year with deadlines, meetings, projects, and traveling.  I was finding it hard to find the time to just relax and do something creative... just for fun. 

This week's project was the perfect opportunity! 

I recently got interested in Zentangles... a form of doodling that is supposed to be calming and centering and I decided that this week's die - the pop up 3-D twist cube by Karen Burniston was the perfect project to Zentangle.

Not only did I get to spend some time "in the zone" doodling away to create the cube, but since it is collapsible, I also get the added bonus of being able to fold it up and take it with me... making it the perfect portable Zen garden! 

Supply list:

656739 Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Cube, Twist 3-D (Pop Up) by Karen Burniston
Multiliner Pigment Pen - Imagination International Inc. (Copic)
White Cardstock - X-Press It Blending Card
Black Cardstock – Die Cuts with a View

 

You can check out more Twist Cube inpsiration by going directly to the Sizzix Blog or pop over to the next blog on our hop by clicking on the Triple Play Navigation Button below.

[ back ] [ Sizzix ] [ forward ]

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop Week 1: Vacation Home

Welcome to the first week of the Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop!  Each Thursday for the next 7 weeks over 60 designers will be sharing their crafty creations.  I'm honored to have been asked to join this amazing group.  We've got it all... paper crafters, scrapbookers, fabric artists, painters, decorators... all joining in to inspire you!

I know you've got a lot of hopping to do, so I'll keep my dialogue short. 

We were challenged to use the 3D House this week and while the winter holidays are fast approaching, I decided to create my very own tropical vacation home.  Complete with palm trees and sunshine!

Front of The House

 

Side #1

 

Fence with Tree

 

Front Door

 

Roofing

 

Bricks

 

Product and Supply List:

#65279; Sizzix Scoreboards Pro Die - House, 3D, by Eileen Hull

Sizzix 12x12 matboard, white

Sizzix Big Shot Pro die cutting machine

Sizzix eclips electronic cutting machine

Starter and Rockin' Jane eclips cartridge (sun)

Seasonal eclips cartridge (trees)

Copic Markers:

    house - E08/E15 airbrushed, Colorless Blender chisel tip for bricks

    roof/fence - W3/W5 airbrushed

    trees/bushes - E13/E18/YG21/YG23/G40

    sun - Y13/Y35

SEI patterned paper (Happy Day)

X-Press It Double Sided Tape

Small brad

 ____________________________________________________

You can check out more 3D House inpsiration by going directly to the Sizzix Blog HERE or pop over to the next blog on our hop by clicking on the Triple Play Navigation Button at the top of my right-hand sidebar.

Thanks for stopping in! 

JustRite 12 Weeks of Christmas Blog Hop #6

Welcome to JustRite Stampers’ newest Wednesday feature, 12 Weeks of Christmas Blog Hops #6!   Every Wednesday up until Thanksgiving some of your favorite designers will be joining some of the JustRite design team for a series of Christmas blog hops, showcasing JustRite’s entire Christmas Collection of stamps!  This week, it’s most of the Copic design team and Certification instructors!  So mark your calendars for Wednesdays at 9am Central for great Christmas gift, card & project ideas, starting at the JustRite Inspiration blog!

I have three cards to share today... two featuring COLORING... (since this week is Copic Week after all) and one featuring a way to custom color your bling. 

The first card uses a sentiment from the new Christmas Nested Sentiments and Verses set.  I cut the sentiment layer out using a Nestabilities frame die and doodled a quick border around it.  I layered it onto some Vintage Christmas paper from Graphic 45 and some Happy Trails paper from Cosmo Cricket.  The "bling" was clear... but I created a stark flourish by running my Copic 100 marker over it before attaching it to the card.  Easy Peasy!!!

The second card uses the nutcracker image from the new Vintage Christmas set and another beautiful sentiment from the Nested Sentiments and Verses.  I used Copics to color in the nutcracker (marker colors in photo below) and then I added just a touch of shimmer to the gold trimmings with my lemon Spica Glitter Pen. 

This last card is my favorite.  I used one of the older holiday sets called Christmas Treasures.  I absolutely love the bright Cardinal sitting on the birdhouse.  I colored the image using my Copics (again, the marker colors are shown in the photo below), and I popped up the center part of the image.  I love the simplicity of this card...  as I love to have the focal point be the colored image.  This is a card that is quick and easy and would be a GREAT holiday card for family and friends. 

I hope you have enjoyed my samples... there are LOTS more great designs left to see...

Please visit these designers’ blogs to see what fabulous Christmas projects they have for you on the hop today!

JustRite Inspiration Blog
Sharon Harnist
Debbie Olson
Kellie Fortin
Becca Feeken
Marianne Walker
Kathy Jones
Barb Schram
Lori Craig
Stephanie Kraft
Jenn Balcer
Angela Barkhouse
Sherrie Siemens
Sankari Wegman
Colleen Schaan
Regina Mangum
Jennie Black
Kazan Clark
Sally Lynn MacDonald
Michele Kovack

Hogs and Kisses!

Just a quick fly-by post tonight to share some adorable eye-candy.  The Card Kit team over at GinaK Designs is hopping again and with the Funny Farm set and I have to say, I LOVE this set...  seriously, it's got to be one of my all time favorites.  It's just too stinkin' cute! 

I'm all into the super cute piggy... with that silly grin and those googly eyes... he just makes me smile.  I figured he would be a fun way to say "I love you" to someone special. 

I used black onyx, white, and bubble gum pink card stock.  I'm totally not a pink girl, but I love this color combo!  I stamped the pig image randomly onto the pink card stock and then added just a touch of shading with my RV11 Copic marker.  I used a white gel pen to accent the eyes.  Gina's black and white gingham ribbon creates a border and actually runs off the right side of the card to create a tab.  The sentiment is adorable... and I added my own doodled X's and O's border around the white layer.

For even more samples with the Funny Farm stamp set prepared for tonight's hop, please visit these designer's blog links:

• Jessica
• Colleen
• Sankari
• Karen
• Peggy
• Tera
• Sharri
• Donna
  

Then, check out the StampTV gallery using this link: funnyfarm to see all the projects added there from our entire GinaK community.  It will continue to be filled with even more samples as new projects are being added!

For a limited time, the coordinating card kit designed by Jessica Fick is included for free with the purchase of the Funny Farm stamp set.  To view the full card kit, visit Jessica's blog post here for all the details.

E-I-E-I-O!!!

And on his farm he had some SHEEP... 

Welcome to the Funny Farm!  This month's card kit from GinaK Designs is something to SQUEAL for... seriously... it's STINKIN' cute! 

The set is called Funny Farm and it is just that... FUNNY!  There are some adorable barnyard animals, a cute little cultivating couple, and a fantastic farm with pastures.  There are just so many things you can do with this set!!!  

I created two "scene" cards today... I love the look of black and white, so both of my cards are created on black cards with white matting.  The first card is super easy... I wanted to keep the card black and white, but I decided to add a subtle touch of color by making the sheep "pretty in pink"  Isn't it sweet???  Just look at them... they look shocked, or surprised... maybe they don't like pink?  

The second card I went a little color crazy on.  I created the same "scene" but added some color and a barnyard friend!  I created a bit of texture in the field by dampening a paper towel with the colorless blender solution and dabbing it onto the tan "wheat"  See how it pulled up some of the color and gives the field some dimension?  I also colored the sky with large, looping circles and then went over it with loose circles with the blender.  While the sheep still looked a bit shocked (they are now tan and not pink), the cow looks UTTERLY bored!  LOL  And of course, you can have a farm without gingham! 

Copic Colors Used:

• card 1- R01/E41/RV17/YR15
• card 2- YR15/YR18/YR21/YR24/R11/R24/R59/Y18/RV17/YG03/YG67/YG91/YG93/YG95/E42/N0/N2/N4/colorless

This is a MUST have set... with fun images and silly sayings! 

For more samples with tonight's new stamp sets, please visit these participating designer's blog links:

• GinaK
• Jessica
• Theresa
  
• Tami
  
• Melanie
  
• Nina
• Cathy
• Lee
• Lynn 
• Asela
• Bev
• Colleen
• Sankari
• Suzanne
• Valerie
• Tera *our CenterStage Spotlight Designer* 

The entire team would like to cordially invite each of you to our release party this Thursday night, September 30.  We'll have contest questions, challenges, chatter, and lots of samples with the new stamp sets to share during the party. Please make plans to join us from 7-10 central on StampTV!

Quiet Elegance

Thanks for stopping by... I know I've been pretty quiet lately.  I've been working on some design team assignments and two REALLY BIG projects... so I haven't had much time to create just to share on my blog.  (Oh Yes... I'll share the news about the projects as soon as I can - so hang in there with me!)

Tonight I'm super excited to get to share this card I recently made.  I LOVE the way it turned out... (even if my hubby said, "It's not one of your best... but I like it!")  grrrrr, what does he know about card making right?  LOL

Anyway... I wanted a "simple looking" card that really wasn't so simple, and I hit the nail on the head with this one!  I stamped the foliage from Gina K's latest card kit "Lean On Me" set in green and then cut out a center shape with a fancy Nestability.  As you can see, some of the stems and leaves actually "grow" into the open area in the center.  That took some time to do, but I love the look! (There is a tutorial for something similar HERE on Stamp TV... I just did the reverse.)

I then created a black "inside frame" for my window and popped that whole layer off of the white card base.  The sentiment (also from the set) is stamped on the card base, so there is a bit of shadowing going on.  The bow is added for a touch of elegance.  I LOVE it and can't wait for just the right occasion to send it. 

For even more inspiration with the Lean on Me stamp set, please visit these links below:

• Jessica Fick
• Colleen Schaan
• Suzanne Dean
• Lee Murphy
• Miesje  Flach
• Sharri Seffens
• Melissa Shultz
• Melissa Cash
• Karen Knegten
• Donna Baker
  

SMILE... it's the Pearly Whites Challenge! (Kraftin' Kimmie Style)

It's the weekend and I'm having fun!!!  I'm making sure I take some time for my family and friends and, of course, myself - to relax and enjoy.  My hubby took me to see Inception last night... I thought it was amazing and I was able to totally keep up.  I loved it! 

And today I'm headed downtown to meet up with three other stamping friends.  One is my neighbor Jackie... and the other two I'm meeting for the first time!  I'm so excited to me meeting Kim and Libby...  Libby and I have been friends on-line for YEARS and Kim also lives in the Atlanta area and is sure to become a stamping pal. 

So, it's been a great weekend so far and I'm smiling big... showing my pearly whites...

Which is a GREAT lead in to this week's challenge over at Kraftin' Kimmie's Stamps!  The challenge... pearly whites. 

Here's what I did.  I didn't want to be TOO literal...so I colored this gorgeous fairy image in and created a shimmery, pearly white set of wings for her.  Instead of adding the literal glitter or shimmer, I created a translucent "white" with my cool grays and then added dots of texture by pulling color out with my colorless blender pen.  Of course, I couldn't resist coloring the fabric stripes white too...(by coloring them gray that is).  

The pearls...  yeah, you can't see them that well in this photo...but there are a line of them going across the top of the card as embellishments.  I was going to color them blue... but of course, that wouldn't be in the spirit of the challenge... or would it???  LOL

Have a wonderful weekend... make sure to stop over at the Kraftin' Kimmie Blog to see what the other designers did for this week's challenge and join on in! 

You Can Lean On Me - GinaK Previews!

Welcome back!  It's been a busy week for me... classes, creating, conference calls.  It's all good though!

When I get busy like this, it's always nice to know that I have someone to lean on.  That person is my magnificent husband!  He offers support, cheer leading, advice, hugs, and unconditional love.  I appreciate him more than he knows. 

To help express my thanks, I created this card with the products from this month's new Lean On Me Card Kit. 

I used a simple combination of white and Red Hot card stock and I stamped the hibiscus image with red ink and cut them out.  I created a "bunch" and popped some of them up for a corner bouquet.  The sentiment "Thankful for you" is the perfect statement for how I feel. 

My second card uses another pretty image from the set... I'm not sure exactly what type of flowers they are, but I thought they looked pretty stamped in yellows - so that's what I did!  LOL  I used Grass Green, Dandelion Yellow and White card stock and layered a bit of Bo Bunny Gypsy patterned paper under the image.  I'm hoping that some day I can return the favor of offering support to my husband and then I give him this card.

 

This month's kit includes Red Hot, Sweet Mango, Dandelion Yellow, Grass Green, and White card stock, a package of Silver Eyelets, and 1 yard of 5/8" yellow grosgrain ribbon.  The color combination of reds, yellows and greens is HOTLOL.)

For more samples with the stamp sets being previewed tonight, please check out these participating designer's links:

• Gina *Illustrator of Lean on Me and You are Not Alone*
• Jessica *Designer of Lean on Me card kit*
• Melanie
• Theresa -
• Tami -
• Cathy
• Lee
• Kurtis
• Suzanne
• Bev
• Colleen
• Valerie
• Sankari
• Miesje - *our CenterStage Guest Designer!*
• Nina
  

You are invited to join us for our Release party tomorrow night, August 26 from 7-10 central time for contest questions, challenges, and chatter along with tons more samples!  The party leads up to the new products featured this week on our blogs being available for purchase online through GinaK Designs at 10 pm.  See you there for all the

It's Preview Time - Fanciful Tags!

Welcome to the first day of previews for GinaK Designs new stamp sets! 

There are three BEAUTIFUL sets being shown tonight... so get ready for some major inspiration from the participating designers. 

I picked Nina's Fanciful Tags set because it was very different from most of the stamp sets I currently have.  It also has the most stunning sentiments... and I am always in need of those! 

I decided to create two "styles" for the set... both fairly simple... but one masculine and one feminine. 

For the "guy" card, I used ivory and black onyx card stock along with some striped patterned paper.  The sentiment is stamped inside of the sublet frame and two snap brads are the only embellishment.  Simple and stylish.

For my second card I wanted to go girlie all the way...  with a touch of elegance.  I ran white card stock through my Big Shot with a Sizzix texture plate (a super simple way to add dimension to a card).  I then cut out an ornate label and stamped the sentiment in black. 

I created two flowers with the hot new 3-D flowers die from Sizzix (I'll do a tutorial on how to make them soon)... and added a pretty pearl for the center.  A touch of black ribbon creates stark contrast to the all-white card.  I LOVE the way this one turned out!

For more samples with the stamp sets being previewed tonight, please check out these participating designer's links:

• Gina
• Jessica
• Melanie - *Illustrator of Wild at Heart*
• Nina - *Illustrator of Grand Damask and Fanciful Tags*
• Theresa
• Cathy
• Lee
• Lynn
• Kurtis
• Carolyn
• Colleen
• Miesje - *our CenterStage Guest Designer!*

You are invited to join us for our Release party this Thursday night, August 26 from 7-10 central time for contest questions, challenges, and chatter along with tons more samples!  The party leads up to the new products featured this week on our blogs being available for purchase online through GinaK Designs at 10 pm.  We hope you'll make plans now to be able to join us in all the fun!

Thanks for stopping in!

Sweetest Blessings!

My life really has been filled with the sweetest blessings this past year.  I couldn't be more grateful!  I've still got some exciting news to share with you and some important announcements to make... but I'm not QUITE ready yet... so you will have to wait just a bit longer. 

Tonight a few of the designers from GinaK Designs are showcasing the Sweetest Blessings Card Kit set.  I have to say... every month I'm stunned and amazed by the images and sets that Gina puts out... but this month REALLY takes the cake...  so to speak!  LOL

Since one cake is good... I thought three cakes would be even better in this festive birthday card!  I stamped the cake image (doesn't it look just delish?) three times, colored it with my Copics (C1/C3/RV000/RV10/RV13/RV14/BG11/BG13/BG15), and then punched it out and layered it with scallop circles.  The patterned paper is from the Destination Paradise collection from Me and My Big Idea. 

I also "whipped" up this yummy card for a special "sweetie" in my life.  I stamped the cupcake image four times, applied whipped texture paste to the top as the frosting, colored them each with my Copics when the paste dried (RV000/RV10/RV13/RV14/R43/R46/E31/E33/E35), and then popped them up on a white layer for impact.  I tiny bit of pink matting against the scrumptious chocolate card stock... all wrapped up in a nice pink bow...  a yummy little card if I do say so myself! 

Please check out these designer's links to see more samples with the Sweetest Blessings stamp set:

• Jessica Fick
• Bev Gerard
• Colleen Schaan
• Sankari Wegman
• Jennie Harper

Then, check out this discussion in the Idea Center to view the card kit that Jessica designed to coordinate with this adorable stamp set.  It's free with the purchase of the Sweetest Blessings stamp set until August 26!   The StampTV gallery is also filled with lots of ideas that you won't want to miss.  Here's the link: sweetestblessings

Halloween Hop... with a chance to win some ghoulishly good candy!

Today Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps is releasing their new spoooooooooky August images!  As you’ve seen over the last few days in our Krafty Peeks,  Annie Rodrigue has created some super cute and creepy designs!  There are eight images in the complete set and one of them is a very special one that we have created from Annie’s original painting, Batty Princess! 

And Steven Leary is back with Miles the Mouse and his ghoulfriend, Maisie along with some new fun characters!   They are having a lot of trick or treatin’ fun and you’ll get to check them all out in today’s August release day KRAFTY HOP!!

This month's images are hauntingly sweet and ghoulishly cute! 

Today I want to share a card that I made using my very favorite release image... Witchypoo!  How adorable is that name??? 

I have a friend who just last week was telling me about an argument she got into and she made the comment... "You don't want to get me angry... I'll jump start my broom."  I knew immediately that I needed to make her a card with Witchypoo! 

I colored her using my Copics (YG0000/G20/V12/V15/V17/BV17/Y21/YR24/E13/E25/E27/C3/C5/C7/B39)  and paired her up with some Raven and Limeade Bazzill Basics card stock. I finished it off with a few black brads across the bottom. 

If you want to start from the beginning, just head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie Challenge Blog!  As you hop from blog to blog, be sure to leave a comment at each and every stop because some lucky stampers will win packages of stamps from the new release!!  And when you’re done hoppin’, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!  OH and did we mention?  Each and every order placed this week, will be entered into a draw??  One lucky customer will win a 5x7 print of Annie’s Batty Princess!!

Also we’re doing something new this month!!  For those of you who just HAVE to have all the new images, we’ve got the perfect thing for you!  It’s called the ‘Gimme Kimmies Kit’!!!  Instead of clicking on each image that you’d like, you only have to click once to pick up a Gimme Kimmies Kit AND it’s at a discounted price!!  What could be better???

If you started on the challenge blog and following the list of designers, then you came from Jeanne's blog and your next stop will be Donna's blog!  If you didn't start at the challenge blog...  head on over and start your "trick-or-treat hopping there!

Thanks for stopping in!

Simply Hanging On!

WOW...  I never expected the amount of visitors and/or comments on my last post about my New Studio.  Your excitement and your sharing in my joy was just totally overwhelming!  Thank you all for the well wishes and blessings for my new space. Some of you asked about all of the stamps and supplies I purged as I was moving... and I do still have them all...  I'll have to set up some Super Space Blog Candy here soon - stay tuned for that!

I was finally able to get down to my new space to do some serious crafting and I wanted to share two new cards with you tonight for the GinaK Seeds of Kindness Blog Hop.

I have fond memories of my grandmother always growing violets in her kitchen... and this image reminds me of her joy in caring for them.

 

Stamp Set: Seeds of Kindness (violets and sentiment)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: GinaK Luxury White #120, Sweet Mango, Wild Dandelion, and Chocolate Brown
Designer Paper: Basic Gray (Origins)
Copic Markers: G12/G14/G16/BV01/BV04/BV08/E93/E95/E97

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With this second sample I wanted to show that Copic markers can be used on card stock that isn't white.  I use white most often, but when I want a really special look, I use something different.  Here, I've stamped the hanging basket image directly onto a Soft Sand card base and colored it in.  Since the markers are alcohol ink, the ink is translucent and the color of the card base is still visible.  I LOVE the way this turned out.  Of course, I didn't want anything too fancy or distracting to show up the subtle coloring, so I kept the layout super simple and refrained from adding layers and embellishments (although it was SO hard not to add a button or a snap or something!!! LOL)

 

Stamp Set: Seeds of Kindness (hanging basket and sentiment)
Ink: Memento brown, Craft white
Paper: GinaK Soft Sand and Chocolate Brown
Copic Markers: G40/G82/G85/N0/N2/N4/N6

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Are you a Copic Junkie?  Ready to join the Copic Crowd?  Join me over at Stamp TV in the Copic Coloring Crowd group.  It's a place to share experiences, tips and techniques, ideas, samples, and just plain "talk" color.  Everyone welcome!

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For more details on the card kit that is included with the purchase of the Seeds of Kindness stamp set, please click here.  Then, to see even more samples with this versatile stamp set, visit these designer's blog links who are participating in the hop tonight:

• Jessica Fick
• Colleen Schaan
• Suzanne Dean
• Bev Gerard
• Lee Murphy
• Melissa Shultz
• Giovana Smith
• Sharri Seffens
• Linda Payne
• Carla Suto
• Brenda Turner
• Janice Whiting
• Sankari Wegman
  

And for even MORE inspiration be sure to check out the Idea Center for all the samples that everyone has shared in the StampTV gallery.

Thanks for stopping in... let your world be colorful!

Planting Seeds of Kindness - GinaK Designs Preview Hop

I have been blessed with so many amazing people in my life... from a wonderful husband who supports and respects me, friends who share the joys and heartbreaks of life with me, and co-workers who inspire and motivate me.  

I don't always find the time to say thank you... and I know I should.  So tonight's post is in honor of all of those amazing people out there who have had an impact on my life. 

When I saw this months Card Kit from GinaK Designs, I got giddy-excited (imagine me grinning from ear-to-ear, jumping up and down doing the creepy fast clap).. yup, giddy AND excited.  I mean... how perfect could this set be for me??? 

The sentiments really spoke to me...  they worked so perfectly with the three flower/foliage images and they were a perfect way to say, "Hey... thanks friend!"  (Which is EXACTLY what I needed!)

I haven't used patterned paper is a LONG time, so I decided to break open my new Basic Gray Origins pad and paired it perfectly with Chocolate Brown, Pumpkin Spice, and Wild Dandelion.  Ohhhh.... I just love this combo!  Not too flowery or girly and not too fallish.  

Of course, I colored the images with my Copic markers - it was a fun challenge to get a variety of green shades to represent the texture for each different plant.

For even more samples with the stamp sets being previewed tonight, check out these designer's links:

• Gina Krupsky *illustrator of Seeds of Kindness
• Jessica Fick *creator of Seeds of Kindness Card Kit
• Nina Brackett *illustrator of Hugs and Prayers
• Theresa Momber
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Cathy Tidwell
• Lee Murphy
• Carolyn King
• Donna Baker
• Kurtis Amundson
• Bev Gerard
• Colleen Schaan
• Valerie Stangle
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Janice Whiting *Seeds of Kindness Guest Designer
• Sankari Wegman
• Asela Hopkins
  

We'd also like to invite you to attend our Release Party this Thursday, July 1st starting at 7 pm central on StampTV! There will be challenges, contest questions, and more samples from our designers on all the new stamp sets being released this month!  We'd love to have you join in on the fun!

Have a Colorful Day!

colleen

A Botanical Technique Hop - Copic Color Washout

Welcome! 

Tonight GinaK Designs is featuring the new Botanicals stamp set with a special technique themed blog hop event!  I'm so excited to share my technique with you... I call it the Copic Color Washout.  Really, it's very similar to bleaching... but with a colorful Copic twist!  LOL

You will need:

• Copic ABS system
• Copic Marker(s) - I'm using G63 and G67
• white card stock - I'm using GinaK Luxury #80 
• bold or solid stamp image - I'm using one of the flower images from the Botanicals set
• Copic colorless blender solution in a small spray bottle

Step 1:

Apply Copic ink onto card stock using the ABS unit.  I like to apply the ink is a mottled pattern to give it a look of texture.  You can use as many colors as you like.  Here I am using a light and a medium green.

Step 2:

Lightly spritz the stamp with the colorless blender solution.  Two quick pumps should be enough. 

Step 3:

Stamp the image onto the inked card stock.  Hold the stamp down (without rocking) for about 4-5 seconds.  When you remove the stamp, the colorless blender solution will have removed/lightened/pushed the color from the stamped image. 

Step 4:  

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to complete the final image.  (Note - you may need to wipe off the stamp in between stamping so as not to transfer any ink.)  

Finish Card...

And I had such a great time doing this simple technique that I decided to whip up a second sample using browns! 

 

I hope you enjoyed my mini-tutorial!  Please visit these designer's blogs for their project using a variety of techniques all made with the Botanicals stamp set:

• Jessica Fick
• Suzanne Dean
• Colleen Schaan
• Bev Gerard
• Jennie Harper
• Sharri Seffens
• Donna Baker
• Lee Murphy
• Nina Brackett
• Erika Martin
• Brenda Turner
• Giovana Smith
• Tina Gilliland
• Carla Suto
• Linda Payne
• Kay Simmons
• Vicki Dutcher
• Karen Knegten

For even more samples with the Botanicals stamp set, visit the StampTV gallery here: botanicals.  To view more information about the free card kit that is included with the purchase of the Botanicals stamp set, click here.

When the Stars Align...

...changes happen.  I'll be sharing those changes with you in a few days.  I need some time to process and re-organize. 

Tonight I want to share two more cards for this month's release over at GinaK Designs.  Tami Mayberry designed a new set called Stars and it has ME seeing stars...  I LOVE this set!  There are 9 funky star images which are super cool to stamp - but my favorite part of the set is the sentiments... AWESOME!  Here are two of my very favorites...

It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves - Shakespeare 

Good friends are like STARS... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. 

I wanted these cards to be fun and funky - so I whipped out some extra patterned paper from Bo Bunny's Flower Child line and it works perfectly with the new Wild Dandelion paper and Lipstick Red and Turquoise Sea card stock colors.  Of course, I had to add a tiny touch of bling with my Atyou Spica Glitter pens! 

Thanks for stopping in tonight... come by again!

For more samples with the stamp sets being previewed tonight, check out these Designer's Links:

• Gina Krupsky  *Enjoy the Sunshine StampTV kit designer
• Tami Mayberry  *Stars designer
• Jessica Fick
• Theresa Momber 
• Melanie Muenchinger 
• Nina Brackett
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Lee Murphy
• Donna Baker
• Lynn Mercurio
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Kurtis Amundson
• Colleen Schaan
• Kay Simmons *May's CenterStage Spotlight Team Member!*

Please make plans to attend our Release party this Thursday night, May 27th from 7-10 central time which will be held at StampTV.  There will be contest questions, challenges, samples from several designers and lots of chatter all leading up to 10pm central, when all the new products and stamp sets previewed this week on our blogs become available online through GinaK Designs store!

Flower Power - Sneak Peak!

I had a glorious weekend and I hope you all did too.  It was hot, hot, hot and the neighborhood pool opened - now it truly feels like summer!  

And what represents summer better than flowers?  Nothing...

This month's GinaK Designs Card Kit stamp set is called Botanicals and includes a script background, three gorgeous floral silhouettes, and five sincere sentiments.  The card kit itself includes the Botanicals stamp set; Red Hot, Fresh Asparagus, Chocolate Brown, Sweet Corn, and Heavy Base White card stock;  Gold Brads; and a printed instruction sheet with measurements. 

I was so excited to work with this stamp set this month.  Lately, I've been using only stamps that require coloring... and I've sort of gotten out of the habit of being creative with different inks and solid stamps.  I LOVE the way this card turned out!  I used two new card stock colors: Wild Dandelion and Sweet Mango and paired them with my favorite Chocolate Brown.  I used mango distress ink to stamp both the background script and the two flower silhouettes (which are cut out and popped up just slightly) and to distress the edges a bit.  I added just a splash more dandelion with the plaid ribbon and bow.  I can't wait to get this card into the mail and off to my good friend... whom I miss tremendously since our last move.

I hope you enjoy it! 

Thanks for stopping by...

For more samples with the stamp sets being previewed tonight, check out these Designer's Links:

• Gina Krupsky
• Jessica Fick
• Theresa Momber
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Nina Brackett
• Cathy Tidwell
• Lee Murphy
• Donna Baker
• Lynn Mercurio
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Kurtis Amundson
• Bev Gerard
• Colleen Schaan
• Sankari Wegman
• Suzanne Dean
• Valerie Stangle
• Kay Simmons *May's CenterStage Spotlight Team Member!*

Please make plans to attend our Release party this Thursday night, May 27th from 7-10 central time which will be held at StampTV.  There will be contest questions, challenges, samples from several designers and lots of chatter all leading up to 10pm central, when all the new products and stamp sets previewed this week on our blogs become available online through GinaK Designs store!