Thursday, August 29, 2013

Cardinal

Hello Friends,

I hope you are having a wonderful Thursday. I was asked to make a card using a Cardinal. (This one is for you Margaret!).  I was excited to give it a shot.  I had purchased a few Cardinal stamps after the holiday last year.  It was about time to ink one up!


This Cardinal Stamp is made by PSX and has been retired for years.  I found it on ebay.


Copic used:
Red: R05, R14, R17, R24, R29, R39, R59
I added some grey on some of the feathers to add contrast (C3, C5).
Green: G24, G28,
Beak: R05, YR12
Feet: E74, E77

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Laughter is the best Medicine: Get Well Flower

Hello Friends,

I love to travel.  If it was financially feasible, I would bounce from country to country trying different foods, languages and cultures.  I love every part of it.   Recently I was surfing the web dreaming about trips and places I'd like to visit and I found this webpage.   It is filled with the funny things travelers have found around the world.  If you have a second, check it out...you will be sure to smile.  They say that Laughter is the Best Medicine.

If laughter doesn't work... you can try a get will card.  :)








Copic colors:

Pink: R20, R22, R32
Purple: BV01,BV00, BV000
Yellow: Y11, Y15

Wishing you a day filled with many Smiles,
Chris

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Friends are so Refreshing

Hello Friends,

Just wanted to send out a reminder that August's card theme is The Beach.  If you want to participate in the card challenge.  Make a beach themed card and send me a photo.  I'll post them on the blog for all to see.

Here is another card for inspiration...

This is a new stamp from House Mouse.   I love this company. I don't think they make a bad stamp.  I love them all.   I also love the challenge they provide.  I find the mice a challenge to color.  It is difficult to get the texture right.   Each time they get a little better.




Copics:
Mice: E000, E00, E30, E31, E33, E35, R00
Sand: E50, E51, E53, E55
Orange: YR14, YR16, YR18 (on the sunblock bottle also YR20, YR21)
Blue: BG11, BG13, BG15
Green: YG11, YG25, YG17
Yellow: Y13
Sunblock: W1

Friday, August 23, 2013

Bridal Shower

Hello Stampers!

I had a special request for a bridal shower card.  I wanted to make one that didn't look like it could double as a wedding card.  I always love the challenge of a request.   Here is what I came up with.

If your are part of the card club, there are more instructions at bottom of this post.




Copics used:

His jacket: BG70, BG72, BG75, BG78
His pants: E41, E43, E44, E47
His Shoes: E47, E49
Umbrella: Y11, Y13, Y15
Her Dress: R20, R22, R24, C3, C5, C7, C9
Green: G40, G43, G46
Flowers: I can't remember.  I wasn't a fan.  I think if I would do this again I would try V12, V15, V17.  I think purple would look nice.  What do you think

Some construction notes to my card makers out there.  I used my paper trimmer to cut the slits on each side of the couple.  Then use my scissors to free hand cut around her foot, dress and umbrella.  It looks harder than it is.  YOU can do it!   Let me know if you have questions.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

You're Brillant

Happy Thursday Friends!

It has been a while since I posted a manly card.  Making cards for the men in our life can be so challenging.  The stamping world is filled with cute girly things.  When I do find a stamp that can be used for manly cards... it is a must have.   This lightbulb stamp was calling my name.

This card is so fun and fast!




Copics:
Yellow Y11, Y13, Y15, Y18

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Birthday Bee

Happy Tuesday!

Today is an exciting day.  Connor (my hubby) has recently been licensed to teach Zumba.  He has been working very hard to learn songs and choreography.   Snap Fitness (our local gym) has asked him to teach twice a week.  I'm so proud of him!  His first class is tonight.  He is probably a little nervous, but I know he will do great!   If you live in the area... come and Zumba tonight!

Today's card is one of my favorites.  I have been in love with bees lately.  They are just so darn cute!  I saw this stamp and had to have it.






Copics used

Grass: G40, G43, G46
Black: 100, N8, N6, N4
Yellow: Y13, Y15, Y38
Blue Green: BG10, BG11, BG13, BG15
Fire: Y13, YR14

I put Clear Stickles on the bee's wings, cupcake and grass, and candle flame.


Sunday, August 18, 2013

Sip Sliding Away

Happy Sunday!

Summer seems to be back for now.  This past week I feel like Summer, itself took a little vacation.  I didn't like wearing a sweatshirt!  I'm not ready to put my flip flops away!  Thankfully today has been beautiful and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.

Maybe this little lady has the right idea...




Copics used:
Hair: E41, E43, E44, E47
Skin: E000, E00, E11, E13
Tube: 100, T9, T7, T6, T5, T3,
Water: B000, B00, B12, B21, B24, B34, B37 plus white gel pen
Swim Suit: RV13, RV17, RV19

Stamps: Kraftin Kimmie Sip Slidin' Away
and Stampin Up's Baroque Motifs

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Vintage Tilda Wedding Card

Hello all,

The new Magnolia Special Moments stamps have finally arrived.  I love the new wedding images. My favorite is of this vintage bride.   I wanted to experiment with colors.  I was tired of coloring them in traditional white.  Maybe I have been watching too much of TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress".  I love that show.  I love hear each bride's story and see what dress she picks out.  There is such a variety in styles and prices.  Who pays $25,000 for a dress??!!   Think of all the stamps you can buy with that money!  Haha.. I'm just kidding.   

The show inspired to try something new.   I gave Tilda a rose wedding dress.  What do you think?




I like how she turned out!   There is a very soft, romantic feel to her.
inside of the card reads: "...and a lifetime of happiness."
Copics used:
Pink: RV000, RV00, RV02
Flowers: E04, R56
Green: G43, G46
Butterflies: Y13, YR14
Hair: E21, E23, E25
Skin: E000, E00, E11

I finished her off with some Stickles on her dress and Liquid Pearls in her hair. 

Special notes: Check out her veil on her face.  Love the look.  Use your Copic 4 techniques to create the translucent look.  

Happy Coloring! 


Friday, August 16, 2013

Hey Chickie

Hey Chickies!

This little chick made a simple and fun card.  The best part is it can be used for anything.  I love having card like this.  They are perfect when you need a card on short notice.




copics used:
Yellow: Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17, Y35
Orange: YR12, YR14

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Golf

I thought we could all use a mid-week laugh.  We made this card as part of last month's Card Lover's class.  I don't know anything about golf, but this little old man was just to darn cute!
I had to find some inspiration online for colors and sentiment.  One of my favorite parts in the embossed background looks like golf balls.

I hope this makes your Wednesday a bit brighter...





Copics used
Green: Y61, YG63, YG67, G40, G43, G46
Blue: B91, B93, B95
Red: R39 R29, R24
Yellow: Y11, Y13, Y15
Brown: E41, E43, E44
Grey: C1, C3

Skin: E00, E000, 
Glasses: B000

Monday, August 12, 2013

Airplanes and Idiots

I have another quirky card for you today.  This card would have to go to someone know wouldn't take offense.   I made it into a Belated Birthday Card.   I thought it was funny.  What do you think?  






I used my copic multi-liner to write Happy Birthday
Inside Sentiment
Copics used:
Mouse: C1, C3, C5, R00
Dk. Blue: B26, B37, B39
Lt. Blue: B12, B14
Black: 100, C9, C7, C5
Red: R24, R29
Banner: E50, E51, E53
Clouds: BG10, BG11, BG000

My husband (and photographer) made this video for your enjoyment.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

You Make Each Day A Little Brighter

Hello all, 

Today's card is all about friendship.  My childhood best friend is visiting from Washington DC this weekend.  I love when she visits, it feels like I'm a little kid again.  We never do anything special..but it is the same stuff we did when we where little.   Just something so special about it. Sadly, she will go back to DC tomorrow.  I'm already looking forward to her next visit.  Who knows someday we will look like these pretty ladies...




copics used: 
Pink: RV00, RV02, RV04
Orange: YR02, YR04, YR16
Yellow: Y11, Y13, Y17
Skin: E00, E000, E11, E13
Hair: E30, E31, E33 and C1, C3
Sand: E50, E51, E53

Special Notes:  None today.  This card is fairly easy and fun.  I hope you make your friend smile today. 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Needs Mommy

Happy Friday Friends.

Today I'm sharing another one of my favorite cards with you.  I love how this cutie turned out.
I have been continuing to challenge myself to use some neglected markers in my stash.  I love how this combination turned out and will be using it again.




Copics used:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, R30, (I added a couple layers of R30 until I got the cheeks red enough)
Gold: Y00, Y17, Y28, E31, E33
Blue: BG10, BG11, BG13, BG72, BG75, C1, C3
Black: 100, C9, C7, C5, C3
Hair: Y21, Y28, E31, E33

These are some challenging color combinations.  I spent a long time playing with this.  Take you time and have some fun with it.  Remember you don't have to follow mine exactly.  You can substitute some easier colors in.  Email me if you are looking for some recommendations.

Have a creative weekend,
Chris

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Hope Today is a Good Day...

I hope today is a good day for you...  and tomorrow is even better (this is what the inside of the card says).  I think this says it perfectly!




Copics used:
Blue: B14, B16, B26
Shoes: E41, E43, E44
Green: YG61, YG63, YG67
Red: R22, R24, R27 R29, R39
Gold: Y28
Skin: E000, E00, E11
Hair: E21, E23, E25, E29 ( the photos looks like I put glitter in her hair... but I didn't)

Monday, August 5, 2013

Queen of Hearts- Anniversary

Happy Monday,

Today's card is kind of silly.  I found this image of Queen of Hearts and it looked like she would be fun to color.  I didn't want to make an "Off with their Heads" card.  I wasn't sure who you would send that card too.  I thought we could turn her into a quirky anniversary card.  Scroll down to read the inside sentiment.






This is a photo of the inside sentiment.  It is good for a laugh. 

I had a lot of fun coloring her. She is a challenging image. There are lots of small spaces.  My advice, take your time!  Also, let your ink dry so it doesn't oversaturate the paper before moving onto the next area. 

Colors used: 
Red: R17, R22, R24, R27, R29, R39, R59
Blue: B12, B16, B26
Skin: E00, E000, E11, E13
Gold: Y00, Y17 Y28 (this is a hard blend)
Grey: W3, W5, W7, W9

Have fun and take your time!




Saturday, August 3, 2013

Lazy Days of Summer

Hello all,

I'm sorry I have been a little absent lately.  I have been going through a rough patch with sleeping. Despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to fall asleep at night.  I'm often lay awake past 4am. As you can imagine, I'm not worth much the next day. It has just taken me a little bit longer to conquer my 'to do' list.   I have an apt with the doctor this week.  Hopefully together we can attack this issue and get back to normal.   So thanks for your patience.

My goal this week is to catch up on some blog posts.  If you have questions, please email me. I'll do my best to get you what you need.

 Alright...moving on to sunnier topics.  I have an awesome card to share with you today.  It is one of my favorites... and in my top 10 for this year so far.  It is perfect way to announce the theme for the month.   Upon request, we will be resuming card challenges.  This month's theme is "The Beach".   If you are new to challenges...here are how they work.    There is no obligation to participate.   It is just a fun way to see what ideas people come up with.  At the end of the month, I'll post photos of all the card YOU make.  There is no winner or prize.

To kick off the challenge... here is my Beach Card...




Copics used:
Skin: E00, E000, E11, E13, E21
Hair: E30,Y21, E31
Sand: E50, E51, E53, E55, E31, E33
Blue Greens: BG10, BG11, BG23
Red Violets: RV02, RV04, RV06
Water: B21, B23, B34, B45,
Sky: BG10, BG11

I dyed the glass embellishment with copic ink.  I love how they turned out.  I can see that I'll be doing a lot more of this.