Take me to the Sea

Greetings! 

Summer is my favorite time of year.    I've had this beachy embossing folder just sitting on my desk and I couldn't let the season slip by without using it.   I also wanted to try it with my favorite technique. I love the finished look of this card.    Here is how I got it...

I inked up a white panel of card stock with blueprint sketch mermaid lagoon and salty ocean and tea dye inks.  Then I ran it through the embossing folder.  I then re-inked it with the same inks.  I like how the raised sections picked up the ink differently than the flat paper.   Once the ink was dry, I used a white pigment ink pad and gently drug the pad across the paper. Only the highest point of the design caught the white ink.    To finish it all off I die cut some seashells and a sentiment to add to the card.  I wanted the background to be the star of the show, so I didn't want anything to take away from it.   

No copics today

Summer Love Letters

 Hello!

One of the most iconic things about the beach are the seashells.  There is just something about them that fills our hearts with wonder.  We all bring them home and put them in a special place.  Every time we see them the sea calls us.  They tie our hearts to a happier place.  They are love letters in the sand. 

To create my background I started wtih kraft cardstock.  I sponged two different shades of brown ink onto the kraft.  I tried to make it uneven.  I was trying to create a sandy look.   I then splattered the background with both shades of brown and then white pigment ink to add some contrast.   Then I set this aside to dry.  I used Seashell Dies to cut the shells out a variety of specialized paper.  They all have a pearl or glitter finish to them. I sponged on a touch of brown ink (just whatever was left on the brush from creating the background).   I arranged the shells and stamped the sentiment.  I hope you love this card.   I wish the camera could capture the shine.   You will just have to trust me. :) 

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Seashells

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

White gel pen:  Scrapbook or Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

Seashell Dies

no copics today

My Bucket Runneth Over

Hi!

I can remember as a kid sitting outside and watching birds fight over the french fries my dad was tossing to them at a McDonald's Play-Place.  They were like little ninjas hopping out of no where to get the prized french fry.    As an adult, I know they are probably awful for the birds, but they sure where happy.   I must not have been the only kid with that experience because  Waffle flower released this die set called Happy Seagull.   You can fill their bucket with either fish or french fries.   I love both versions. 

No copies today

Sandy Shoes

 Hello!

One of my favorite techniques it to color on kraft card stock with prismacolor colored pencils.  I feel like the pencils almost glow on the darker card stock colors.   In this case... the brown was even more appropriate because it gave the card a sandy background to go with the sentiment.  I love when things come together like that!   I hope you give this a technique a try. 

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Flip Flop Background

Sand, Seashells and FlipFlops

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

Prismacolor Pencils

White gel pen:  Scrapbook or Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

No copics today

The Answer

Hello!

I love when these large silhouette stamps.  They make for very easy cards.  But most importantly.  They make for STUNNING cards.   I experimented here with four different ways to make backgrounds.  Then I used versaclair ink to stamp the Palm Tree Paradise stamp on top for a different beachy effects.   

Backgrounds

#1- is patterned paper (yep... how easy is that!)

#2-Dye Ink Sprays (check out Technique Junkies shop she has a bunch of them in stock)

#3- Scribble Sticks.  These are really easy to use and they make fun watercolor backgrounds

#4- Floating Alcohol inks - you can see how I did this in this video

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Palm Tree Paradise

Beach Answer

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

no copics today

Glass Slipper

Happy June!  

Even though I live in NY I must have some Southern blood in me.  I love my flip flops.   As soon as the snow melts ... it is flip flop season in my opinion.  😂.   Technique Junkies has a wonderful summer release this month.  I had so much fun playing with these stamps. I can't wait to share what I made with you.  Below you will find links to all the other talented designers.  They have great samples for you to see as well.  

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Glass Slipper

Beach Answer

Sand, Seashells and FlipFlops

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

Copics used: Copic at best price

Blue: BG13, BG11, BG10

Pink: R85, R83, R81

Skin: E13, E11, E00, E000

Yellow: Y15, Y00

Sand: E30, E33

Hair: E37, E35, E33

Check out all the cards made by other members of the design team:

                                                                        Technique Junkies

Debra

Jeanette

Shalana

Pat

Pam

Patti

Michael

Darlene

Check out the whole release ...

Treasure Friendship

Hi there!  

I want you to meet Rosie and Bernie.  They are best friends and they go on all sorts of adventures together.   This is my first adventure with them... but it won't be my last.  I had so much fun, I'm excited to ink them up again.  

If you are coloring along with me, the copic colors are listed below.  I drew in the sand to give the treasure chest something to sit on.  

Materials:

Stamps:

Rosie and Bernie Under the Sea

Copics used for this project:  If you are looking to shop- best price I found

Blue: B12, B14, B16, B18

Skin: E000, E00

Glass: B00

White: C3, C1, C0

Brown: E21, E23, E25, E27, E29

Yellow: Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17, Y26

Rainbow: R17, R02, YR02, YR04, Y15, YG13, B00, B01, V12

Sand: E00, E21, E53, W3, E04

Green: YG11, YG13, YG17

Orange: YR02, YR04, YR07

I used some gel pens to add sparkle to things

Making Waves

 Hello!

My scrap bins were overflowing... so it was time to revisit some scrappy techniques.  I have lots of tips that will help recreating this card really easy and fun.  Click here to watch the video. 

Materials

Stamps: Technique Junkies use code TJ10Chris to save 10%

Dance With the Waves Sentiment

Large Wave Stamp

White Gel Pen: Scrapbook or Amazon

Life is Better...

 Hello friends, 

It has been almost a month since I've posted. YIKES!   I know I've said some of this before... but here is what I've been upto:  I've definitely been busy spending as much time as possible outside.  I was going a little stir crazy in the house during quarantine.  Once summer arrived, I took every advantage of going outside.  We still have been quarantining, but we moved our family to the lake.  It has slowed my card making process down considerably, but it is a small price to pay for some sanity.   I hope you are soaking up the sun and finding ways to keep your mind and body healthy.  I will do my best to not let another month creep by without stopping in and sharing something crafty. 

I made this card about a year ago, but it was another one that slipped through the cracks.  I love summer cards. This fox has looks about as comfortable as you can get.    I used one of my favorite stamp sets to create the water in the background.  This set makes creating water scenes a breeze.

Stamps used:

Ocean and sentiment

Animals stamps

Copics used:

Fox: E99, E97, E95, E93

Coconut: E71, E74, E77, 

Towel: BV04, BV02, BV00, BV000

Red: R29, R24

Orange: YR07, YR04, YR02

Yellow: Y15, Y13, Y11

Green: YG09, YG06, YG03

Blue: B02, B01, B00

Purple: BV04, BV02, BV00

Beach Please

Hello.

Krista Smith (Saturated Canary) is hosting a coloring challenge this week on her facebook page.  I thought it would be a perfect way to welcome in summer.  The first day is themed "Summer Vibes".  I'm looking forward to this week.  Five days of my favorites images.  Thanks Krista for hosting!

This images has been on my coloring to do list for a while now.  It felt so good to see the ink bring her to life.    I had such a hard time choosing, I may have a second card to share later today!

Copics used:

Orange: YR09, YR07, YR04, YR02
Skin: E000, E00, E11, E21, E13
Yellow: FY1, Y35
Purple: V12, V15, V17
Blue: B04, B02, B00, B000
Hair: E21, E23, E25, E27, E29

Dog-gone Hot

Hello Sunshine, 

This little doggie is from the SSS card kit.  I instantly fell in love these Frenchies.  This guy just looked like he was having a great day at the beach.   I used my copics to sketch in the water, sand and sky.   This is quickly becoming one of my favorite summer copic techniques.  

Copics used
Water:  B29, B28, B26, B24, B23, B21
Sky: BG000, BG0000
Sand: E30, E31, E33, E35
Dog: E40, E42, E43, E44, E47
Red: R29, R24, R14
Green: YG17, YG13, YG11
Yellow: Y11, Y13 Y15, Y17
Chair: E70, E71, E74, E77

Aloha Summer

Aloha Friends,

In Hawaii, they use Aloha to say hello and goodbye.  I thought this card would be perfect to say a final farewell to lake season.   Our time at the lake went by way too quickly this summer.  It feels like we just opened it up for the season.  We will still be going down on most of the weekends this month, but it will start making preparations for winter (big sigh!)

 I had a lot of fun making this card.  I started off with the idea of making it look like a photograph.  In the end I'm not sure I really achieved that look, but I really like the layers.

Copics used:

Tilda:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, E13
Grass skirt: G20, YG41, YG45, YG63, G94, E11
Pink: RV52, RV55, RV66
Yellow: Y11, Y13, Y35
Hair: W5, W7, W9, 100, E49
gel pen for her eyes

Sand: Just put random dots of brown on cardstock
Tree: I added some brown marker to add depth to shadows on tree trunk: E47
Coconuts: also put some dots on them to add texture: E47, E49

Hey Gill Friend

Hey Gill-Friends,

I'm swimming by with another Mermaid card today.  I might be totally addicted to Mermaids.  I can't explain it, but their magic keeps drawing me back.   My husband caught me buying another Mermaid image and he asked...."You have about three Mermaid stamps now, right?"   With a huge, guilty smile on my face, I replied "Yep".    I was busted.  He promptly asked "How many do you have?".   I had to think quick..... the best I could come up with was... "There are plenty of fish in Sea". Thankfully he thought this was funny and totally distracted him.   WHOOO-HOOO!!  Situation avoided!!  

Copics used:
Water: BG0000, BG01, BG0000
Sky, B41, B00, B000
Starfish and Hair:  E97, YR27, E08E18
Sand: E50, E51, E53, dots of brown
Mermaid" BG10, BG11, BG13, BG15, BG18, BG09
Pink: RV52, RV55
Skin: E000, E00, E11, E13, R20

Sally By The Seashore

Hey friends,

It is here!  It is here! It is officially HERE!!  Summer has arrived!

I wanted to make a simple, fun card to celebrate the season.  The cute little image from A Day From Daisies was perfect.   I wanted the sand to go across the card front.  I used my copic multi-liner to continue the sandy border. I also drew in some seashells.   It isn't perfect, but I really like end result.

Happy Summer!
Chris

Hair: E30, E31, E33
Sand: E30- then random dots of brown, grey
Red: R39, R29, R24
Skin: E000, E00, E11, E13
Blue: BG11, BG13
Starfish: YR65, W3
A Day for Daises- treasure

Cali Girl

Hello friends,

This weekend is the official start to lake season.  I'm looking forward to seeing our neighbors and soaking up the sun.  My family and I have been making preparations to open the lake house for the summer months.  I was there recently raking leaves.  It was a tough job they were heavy and wet.   My feet got covered in leaf goo.  I went to wash my feet off in the water...and it was FREEZING!!!   I'm can't imagine immersing myself in that yet...but I'm looking forward to those hot summer days.

Copics used:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, E13, R20
Blue: BG10, BG11, BG13, BG15
Pink: RV10, RV11, RV13, RV14,
Yellow: Y11, Y13, Y16
Hair: E30, E31, E33, E35, E37
Eyes: G02, G05
Brown:E21, E23, E25
I airbrushed the background to create the waves.

Be Unique

Welcome friends,

I love summer.  I love the sun, warm weather, flip-flops, cook-outs..... I could list things all day long. I have been working on a few cards that capture those summer moments.   I wish we had some flamingoes in New York.  They are such interesting animals.

I can't take full credit for this card.  I found the idea on the Reverse Confetti's web page. I didn't have all of the stamps, so i improves with what I already had in my craft room.  I just love the simplicity of this card.

To create the birds I stamped off with the pink to get a lighter shade.  Then just stamped the wings on top to make them darker.  I thought this gave them some contrast...otherwise it all just blended together.

No copics today

Tropical Tilda -makeover

Happy Wednesday,

Every once in a awhile I like to remake a card to see how I've improved over time.   I went through some old cards and found this one and decided that I wanted to give her a makeover.  You can see the original card here.

Copics used:
Skin: E000, E00, E11, E13, R20
Green: YG61, YG63, YG67, G99
Red: R24, R29
Wood: E40, E41, E42, E44
Hair: E30, E31, E33, E35
White: W3, W1
Shoes: E30, E31
Added some details to the eyes with gel pen and multi-liner
Water: B01, B00, B000
I added some glitter to the butterflies

Eggs and Bacon

Hello friends,

Today's card was inspired by a friend.  Her daughter loves pigs.  She has a birthday coming up and she ordered a custom phone case for her daughter as a gift.  You can see it here.  We picked out the pig image together.  I loved how the project turned out.  It just made me smile. It inspired me to use it for a card.

I airbrushed the sky, but the rest is colored with copics.

Copics used:

Pig: R00, RV32,  RV42, R35, T7, T5, T3
Chicken: C3, C1, 0, YR04, YR07, YR09, R14, R17
Glasses: T7, T5, T3, B01, B000
Green: YG03, YG06, YG09,
Purple: BV00, BV01, BV02, BV04
Drink Glasses:B000 and RV11 for Chicken and Y11 for Pig
Sun: Y11, Y13, Y15, Y19- covered with glitter
Sand: E30.  I used random browns and grays to make dots.