Sweet Wishes

 Happy (almost) Halloween,

One of my favorite things about Halloween it giver us freedom to use colors that we might normally shy away from like florescent orange, green, or yellow.   In truth, we probably don't have a lot of use for those in our everyday crafting.   I'm not going to lie... I was a little exciting to sit down and have a play with this neglected colors.   To enhance the brightness of the end result.  I went over the white background with a light grey to dull it a bit.  I think it helped make the brights look brighter. 

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Halloween Background

Paper:

card stock from stampin up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

I used watercolors to color this background

Spooky Scenes

BOO!

Did I scare you?  Yeah... probably not.  I'm more of the too cute to spook than creepy halloween type.   I thought when I started out with this card I was going to make a spooky scene.  It turns out I think the cat just likes to cuddle jack-o-lanterns in the cemetery.  It could happen, right?    

As a side note.. the Happy Halloween is supposed to be a paint stroke.  I thought I was going to do it in a festive color like orange or green.  However, It turns out I liked it in black the best.  It thought it looked a little like a tail of a shooting star or comet.  It is Halloween... so anything is possible. 

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Happy Halloween

Dies:

Pumkin/Clouds

Paper:

card stock from stampin up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

 

Bold Birthdays

Hello friends, 

Today is my MOM's birthday.  We celebrate her all year, but today we actually tell her about it.  😀  She is a good sport she puts up with all the teasing from her kids and now grandkids.   She knows it is out of love. 

I was going to make her a Fall themed birthday card, but I saw this bold birthday set and thought it would be fun to create a background for this cute little cake die cut.   Blue is her favorite color.   These sentiments are perfect for this technique because of the weight of the font.  You can read them easily, even when they are stamped tone on tone.    I think I'm going to get a lot of use out of these sentiments.  I hope this inspires you to make some birthday cards for your Fall birthdays.   

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Bold Birthday

Paper:

card stock from stampin up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

Whoop

Whoop Here It IS!

I've been waiting for this stamp for a LONG time.  Thank you to Technique Junkies for making it.   I'm ure you all remember a song by Tag Team from the early 1990's that is still loved by all.  It has worked its way into our everyday day conversations.   It is about time it made its card making debut. 

I wanted to appear as if the moon was saying "Whoop", so I used white pigment ink to sponge a grey card stock.   I added a bit of yellow and grey to give it a spooky feel.  Splattered the white ink to create some stars in the background.  All it needed was a character wish a bit of personality.   With Halloween around the corner, I chose this too cute to spook ghost.   I hope you love it.  I know this stamp is going to be a favorite in my collection.  

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Whoop

Paper:

card stock from stampin up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

No copics today

My Bones Shake

Happy Friday the 13th! 

 Do you have some spooky plans tonight?  Maybe it is put on a scary movie and make some Halloween cards?  Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  What isn't there to love? You get to dress silly, eat candy, and spend time with friends and family without having a stressful lead up. 

I used Skelly from Trinty stamps to create this skeleton card.  I thought it looked like he was dancing.  What song do you think he is listening to? 

The design team has a bunch of projects to help inspire your Halloween projects.  I hope you will take a second and see their makes.   If you are inspired to shop you can save 10% on all stamps using the code TJ10Chris

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

No copics today

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

                                                                        Technique Junkies

Debra

Jeanette

Shalana

Pat

Pam

Patti

Michael

Darlene

Beautiful Trees

Hello friends, 

You can never have too many sentiments.  That should be the first rule of stamping (or at least in the top 3 right?)  The whole point of sending a card is to send a message of love, support, encouragement,  sympathy, or joy.   Pat the owner of Technique Junkies is a master of coming clever ways of finding the perfect words.  I love this new stamp set.  There are 6 different sentiments.  Each as perfect as the last.   I hope you will stop by and take a look.  They made some really beautiful Fall cards. 

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Beautiful Trees

Paper:

card stock from Stampin' Up

Pattern paper from Hobby Lobby

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

No copics today

Trick or Treat

 Hello!

How is it possible it is September!  It is the unofficial end of lake season here. The only positive is that my favorite holiday is lurking.  It is officially now acceptable to start decorating for Halloween.   The people at Technique Junkies are here to help us start creating a spooky atmosphere.  

When I first saw this dancing skeleton background, I immediately thought of this skeleton die in my collection. I knew they would be a perfect pair.  They compliment each other perfectly. 

I hope you stop by and see all the other talented makes from the designers (links below).  If you love this card please consider using my code to let me know and save and additional 10% on top of the sale price! 

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Dancing Skeletons

Dies:

Mr. Bones

Trick or Treat- Simon Says Stamp

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

No copics today

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

                                                                        Technique Junkies

Debra

Jeanette

Shalana

Pat

Pam

Patti

Michael

Darlene

Set On Fire

Hi!   The diet wagon stamp from technique junkies has always been one of my favorites. It just makes me laugh every time. It was the first image I thought of when I read this new sentiment form TJ.   I thought this would make a fun encouragement card.  Hopefully it inspires you to do something crafty today! 

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Life on Fire

Diet Wagon

Green Tapestry

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Zig Watercolor Markers

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

No copics today-  watercolored.

Sand, Saltwater, and Sun

 Hello!

I wanted to try something a little different today.  I wanted to make a sandy background, but I wanted to break from my "norm".   I found these Paint stamps in my stash.   I thought I could use them in brown to create a sandy background.  I used three different shades of brown to create the background.  I also added spatters to add even more texture.    It isn't the traditional sandy look, but the energy it gives the card.  What do you think?    I cut the flip flops from the flip flop background (quickly becoming one of my favorite summer stamps).  

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Flip Flop Background

Sand and Saltwater

Paint

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

Copics used:

Pink: RV06, RV04, RV02

Blue: BG07, BG05, BG02

Green: YG17, YG13, YG11

Flamazing

Hi!

It seems like each summer an a new animal becomes trendy.   We've done sloths, penguins, hedgehogs, and this year it seems to be the flamingo.   Don't get me wrong, I love it.  I love seeing all the new products and creations.  It is like a celebration of that animal.  As far as I'm concerned let's make it official.  🦩🦩🦩. 

Technique Junkies is not to miss out on a trend and they have released some Flamazing Flamingo stamps of their own.   I love the sentiment because it could be used for anything.  It could be a birthday or just a general greeting on its down.  It is so versatile and I think it will get a workout in my craft room this season.  

To create the backgrounds I used Nuvo Pigment Powder.   This powder is highly pigmented powder that reacts with water.   There is a couple of ways you can use this powder, but my favorite is to sprinkle just a tiny (I stress tiny) bit of powder onto watercolor paper.  Then spray the paper with water.  You can move the paper around to move the pigment on the paper.   It isn't an exact science... but I love that you can an organic background instead of a controlled piece.     I used Spellbinders Flamingo die on the blue piece and the stamped the Flamingos on the pink.   I love them both. 

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Flamazing

Flamingos

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

White gel pen:  Scrapbook or Amazon

Copic Opaque White

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

Nuvo Pigment Powder

White Splatter

Spellbinder Flamingo

No Copics Today

Most Expensive

 Hello!

It is release day at Technique Junkies!  Pat has another batch of amazing stamps.  I'm using my favorite today.  As soon as I saw it I had to make this card.  I've had this die set in my stash from Spellbinders for a long time.  It is a 3D shopping cart (I didn't use the 3D part).  There are a bunch of accessories that you can put in the cart to customize it.   It is perfect it looks just like my cart when I go to Costco.   Just a mix of items I didn't know I needed!   

I wanted to give this card a little bit of a purpose so I turned it into a fun fold.  When the card is opened, it reveals a hidden gift card inside.  I thought this would be perfect for someone who is going off to college, moving, or just bought their first house.  I thought on the inside you could write something about how the gift card could help out.  What do you think? 

I hope you stop by and see all the other talented makes from the designers (links below).  If you love this card please consider using my code to let me know and save and additional 10% on top of the sale price! 

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Costco

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

Spellbinders Right Facing Shopping Cart Dies and Accessories

No copics today

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

                                                                        Technique Junkies

Debra

Jeanette

Shalana

Pat

Pam

Patti

Michael

Darlene

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

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 ...

Be You

Hello!

I loved this stamp as soon as I saw it.  First off... it has giraffes.  What is not to love?   The obvious of baby cards came to mind, but then I started thinking about spotlighting just one giraffe to make it stand out.   I wanted to make make it unique.  What a better way than to color it blue!   

 I thought this would be a fun reminder to someone that they are special.  There is only on you.  

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Giraffe Love

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

 

Copic

Yellow: YR20, YR21

Brown: YR24, YR27

Blue: B04

Purple: B02

Stamping Super Powers

 Hello! 

Memorial day will be here in just a few short weeks.  I know for many it marks the start of the summer season.  I'm not going to lie... I'm so excited for the BBQs, warm weather, and flip flops.    I always think it is important to remember the actual reason for the holiday as well.  It is to remember and thank all the people who have died and served our wonderful nation. I have some family and friends that are currently serving in our armed forces.  I made them some cards so they would get some happy mail in the next few weeks.  I hope this inspires you to use your crafty super powers and get out your patriotic stamps and do the same.  

Happy Crafting, 

Chris

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Patriotic Corners

Service

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

Cancer Sucks

 Hello! 

No one likes making these cards but sadly we all have friends and family that are battling cancer.   I'm always on the lookout for stamps to make cards that I can show support and most importantly make them smile.  I love this new set from Technique Junkies.   It has a little mix of everything.    I added glitter to the ribbon on the second card.  I'm not sure if I like it or not.  What do you think?  

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Cancer Sucks

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

'.

Simple Birthday

 Hello! 

Eight years ago today I became a Mom.  I can't believe he is eight already.  I know that is so cliche... but the days are the long and the years are fast.   I wanted to make a fun and colorful card that I thought he would enjoy.  Who doesn't love a shaker card?  I found some colorful paper and wrapped it with some acetate.  I filled it with some sequins and sparkle stars.   I thought it was a fun card for an eight year old to celebrate his special day!

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Simple Enjoy

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

'.

Another Year

 Hello! 

I'm been a little absent on the blog lately.  I'm so sorry.  Things here have been a crazy busy here.  We are doing some repair work on a family home.  Construction is always stressful.  Thankfully we are almost finished. We also have celebrated three birthdays in our house.  There has been a lot to celebrate.   Technique Junkies has some new birthday stamps out and I love this semi-snarky set. 

Materials:

STAMPS: use code TJ10Chris to save 10%:

Here's to another Year

Paper:

paper from Stampin' Up

Ink:

Versa clair: Amazon

Memento Ink: Amazon or Scrapbook

Other:

Bearly Art Glue:(detail glue)

Tacky Glue

Dies by My Favorite things- Bring on the Cake

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

                                                                        Technique Junkies

Debra

Jeanette

Shalana

Pat

Pam

AJ

Michael

Darlene