Thursday 28 February 2013

The Cross at Sunset

 
 Here's a card I made for last Friday's Mix-Ability Challenge at Splitcoaststampers which Dina Kowal gave us - to use water to make your "medium" move.
I really enjoyed the response it received when a number of people shared that the scene and message  spoke to them.  Some people mentioned the purple symbolizing the majesty of Jesus as King.  Others mentioned the crimson sky echoing the "crimson" in the hymn. 
I was thinking of how as the sun set on the day Jesus was taken down from the cross and put in a grave, it must have seemed to his friends and followers that the sun had gone down forever, and darkness had won.  Yet in that sunset there was beauty, because it was in His death and resurrection that He completely destroyed the power of death and sin!  We still feel the effects daily, but the ultimate victory is won!
 To create the sunset, I brushed the whole background with water and then used broad strokes of watercolor paint which moved and blended on the water which had been laid down.
The silhouette was made using Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Calvary die and the sentiment is from the fabulous set Jesus Paid it All.
Because this is a wonderful hymn I added a musical score bg to the whole scene.
I hope the truth of the sentiment/hymn has a very personal meaning for YOU.
Supplies include:
Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Jesus Paid it All
Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Calvary die
Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps MusicaBackground
Watercolors
Watercolor paper
My Favorite Things Color Box Black Licorice ink
Dylusions ink spray

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge #209


It's my last week as Guest Designer with the fantastic Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge team - where did the month of February go? 
This week Broni has given us the challenge  All that Glitters - to add some glitter and shine to your project! (FTTC209)!
You can find out more details on the Flourishes blog HERE. 
 
 
 I have to confess I'm not very good with glitter - it tends to appear in the strangest places for weeks after I use it - such as in lunchbox sandwiches, adorning soccer/football uniforms, and on the dogs eyelashes!  So I opted for some sheer glittery ribbon and for the shine I used Clear Gloss on the jar. 
I love the Flourishes set Garden Picks because I have a thing for jars and flower images and these are BEAUTIFUL! 
I popped up the flowers against a stitched and embossed bg and then added some flourishes in white.  I had a little heart button in my stash with flowers which look exactly like the ones in the image so it just had to go on there - don't you love it when that happens?
 
Supplies include:
Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Four
Craft Concepts Christmas Vine embossing folder
My Favorite Things Framing Flourishes Die-namics
Sewing machine
Sheer glitter ribbon
Button
Tag Punch
Copics
Anita's Clear Gloss
 
Now I hope you have time to go check out what the Design team have come up with this week, I gaurantee you'll be dazzled with not only the glitter and shine, but the talent! 
Thanks again to the Flourishes TTC team for inviting me to join them this month and thank YOU for stopping by today!
 
 

  • Wednesday 20 February 2013

    Postal Butterflies

     
    Here's a card I made using the fab layout for the Sketch Challenge which Korin's given us at Splitcoaststampers today - it's such a great layout for clean and simple cards.  I love masking and sponging as a background for silhouettes and today I went for some hot colours - get out your sunglasses!  Maybe I'm just longing for some warm weather and summer sunshine.
    The background was stamped using Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Vintage Postcard, Light of Christmas script background, and New Beginnings.  I also used SNSS's New Beginnings butterfly dies for the popped up butterfly which has been coloured with copics.  The coloured inks are from Stampin Up.
    I can't praise highly enough My Favorite Things Color Box Black Licorice ink which gives such a sharp, defined, black image when stamping silhouettes like this!

    Tuesday 19 February 2013

    Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge #208



    Hello!  It's my third week as Guest Designer with the fabulous Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge Design Team and this week Denise Marzec has given us the challenge to use RED! (FTTC208) 
    I immediately thought of this fantastic bicycle image from the Flourishes set Bike Ride.

     


     
                     The set includes a number of images so that you can add different things
    inside the basket such as a dog, a picnic lunch, and a pile
    of books, but I chose to add the bunch of flowers,
    colouring them RED to match!
    I used a cloud die-cut to sponge a summery blue sky.
    This layout is one of my "go to" sketches and it gave me
    the opportunity to mix a couple of dp's in polka dots and stripes!
     
    Supplies include:
    Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles Large
    Fiskars Circle Cutter
    Twine
    Button
    Copics
    Papertrey Ink cloud die
    Memento Tuxedo Black ink
    Stampin Up Cool Caribbean ink
     
    Thanks again to the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday DT for inviting
    me to join them this month and
    thank YOU for taking the time to stop by today!
    Take some time to be inspired by what these fabulous designers have
    come up with for you this week:

    Sunday 17 February 2013

    Orange Lily Blessings


    I'm the hostess today at Splitcoaststampers for the Featured Stamper Challenge and I chose Mary Marsh, aka MaryR197 as this weeks Featured Stamper.  Mary is such a friendly and encouraging stamper and I knew everyone would love a browse through her very beautiful gallery.  I chose THIS card as my inspiration. 
    The lily is a Woodware Single stamp and the sentiment is from the just released SNSS set, Springtime Sparrows.
    I love this colour combo and dyed the seam binding with copic ink to get as close of a match as possible with the dp, using a method I learned from Tammy Hershberger - putting the seam binding in a small plastic bag, squirting in a few drops of the ink and then scrunching it up for a distressed look. 
    Orange is such a happy colour, it was fun to sit and blend the different shades from deep hues to a lighter yellowy gold. 
    I confess I'm not too fond of lilies in real life, as I find their smell overpowering, but I enjoy creating with them!
    Supplies include:
    Woodware Single Lily
    MFT Fishtail Flags STAX Die-namics
    Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles
    Lace
    Seam Binding
    Copics
    Sewing machine
    Button
    Twine
    Memento Tuxedo Black ink

    Tuesday 12 February 2013

    SNSS Mini Blog Hop Day 4

    Hello and welcome to Day 4 of our Mini Blog Hops celebrating the February releases at Sweet and Sassy Stamps!  Today we're showcasing the beautiful set Springtime Sparrows and here's the card I created:
     
     
    The set measures 6 x 4 inches and contains 1 large image and 7 sentiments, and it's illustrated by Chris Dickinson.
     
     
    I simply colored the image with copics on a Nestie circle added lace and a gingham bow, aiming to keep a lot of white space for a somewhat clean look.
    The words of this hymn are such an encouragement and remind me that Jesus watches over me - I need to keep my eyes on HIM and not on my problems! 
    Result: PEACE!
     
    Supplies include:
    Smooth White Card
    Lace
    Ribbon
    Copics
    Versafine Sepia ink
     
    Be sure to check out all of the creations by the talented Design Team
    below and don't forget to leave comments because one lucky
    commenter will be winning this fantastic set!
    The deadline for commenting with a chance to win is midnight EST, Wednesday, Feb. 13.
    The winners will be announced on the the website homepage on Thursday, Feb. 14.
    Thanks so much for stopping by today and have fun!
     
     
     
     

    Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge #207

     
    Hello and welcome to another Timeless Tuesday Challenge!
     It's my second week as Guest Designer working with this talented Design Team and
    the fabulous Flourishes products! 
    This week Maki has given the fun and timely challenge to use Hearts on Your Creation (FTTC207). 
    I used a favorite Flourishes image from the beautiful set Windows to the World!
    I love the combo of the shutters and tulips and it really puts me in the mood for spring! 
    As if the dark, gray, rainy Northern Irish weather hadn't already done that! :)
     
     
     
    Supplies include:
    Basic Gray Lucille dp
    Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles
    Stampin Up Blushing Bride ink
    Memento Tuxedo Black ink
    Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps hearts dies
    Twine
    Button
    Sewing machine
    Copics

    Thanks again to the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday DT for allowing me to join them this month and
    thank YOU for taking the time to stop by today!
    Enjoy what these fabulous designers have come up with for you this week and I hope it inspires YOU!

    Monday 11 February 2013

    SNSS February Release Mini Blog Hop Day 3

    Hello and welcome to Day 3 of our Mini Blog Hops celebrating the February Releases at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!  Today we're highlighting the set Jesus Paid it All and here's the card I created with this meaningful set:
     
     
     
     
    It measures 4 x 6 inches and includes 1 large image and 6 sentiments.  It's illustrated by Korin Sutherland.
    One of the best things about this set is the coordinating Calvary die to go with the image - it couldn't be easier to create a dramatic popped up silhouette with this set and die used together!  However, both the die and the stamp set work beautifully on their own!
     
    Supplies include:
    M-bossibilities So Trendy embossing folder
    Ranger Distress Broken China, Scattered Straw ink
    Stamping Up Blushing Bride ink
    Black embossing ink, powder
    Papertrey Ink cloud die
    Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles Small
    Black pearls
     
    Be sure to check out all of the creations by the talented Design Team
    below and don't forget to leave comments because one lucky
    commenter will be winning this fantastic set!
    The deadline for commenting with a chance to win is midnight EST, Wednesday, Feb. 13.
    The winners will be announced on the the website homepage on Thursday, Feb. 14.
    Thanks so much for stopping by today and have fun!
     
     

    Sunday 10 February 2013

    SNSS Springtime Babies Mini Blog Hop

     
    Hello and welcome to the second day of our Mini Blog Hops celebrating Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps February Releases!  Today we're highlighting the sweet set Springtime Babies!  I had so much fun making my card with this adorable set:
     
     
    The set is 6 x 4 inches and has 3 large images, 2 medium images, 5 small images and 3 sentiments.  It's illustrated by Korin Sutherland.
     
     
    For my card I used copics to color the bunny and butterflies, popping them up against a stitched background.  The frame was made using Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles.
    I added a matching die-cut flower and a sentiment banner!
    I'm besotted with bunnies at the moment.  I've banned myself from buying a real one, so I'll have to stick with indulging myself by making cards with bunnies!
    I've also entered this card for another challenge - the scene on my card was inspired by THIS beautiful card by the talented Wendy Ramlakhan, aka Nin Nin,
    who is the Featured Stamper today at Splitcoaststampers.
    Supplies include:
    Fancy Pants, DCWV, Echo Park dp
    Papertrey Ink Bloom Builders #3 flower die
    Papertrey Ink cloud die
    My Favorite Things Fishtail Flags STAX Die-namic
    Sewing machine
    Button
    Copics
    Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles Large, Small
     
    Be sure to check out all of the creations by the talented Design Team below
    and don't forget to leave comments because one lucky
    commenter will be winning this adorable set!
    The deadline for  commenting with a chance to win is midnight EST, Wednesday, Feb. 13.
    The winners will be announced on the the website homepage on Thursday, Feb. 14.
    Thanks so much for stopping by today and have fun!
     
     
     

    Saturday 9 February 2013

    SNSS February Release Mini Blog Hop Day 1

    Welcome to the first day of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps February Release Mini Blog Hops!

    Today's featured set is....



    Easter Blessings
    It's designed by Korin Sutherland and has one main image and five sentiments, it's perfect for Easter creations and cards.
    I colored this beautiful and meaningful image with copics and then popped up a double frame made using Spellbinder Nestabilities Ovals. 
    I wanted to keep a very simple, pure look so that the Cross remained the centerpiece, so I went with all white except for the seam binding, which was dyed with copic ink to match.
    Supplies include:
    Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Easter Blessings
    Smooth White card stock
    Craft Concepts Budding Vine embossing folder
    Spellbinders Nestabilities Ovals Petite Large
    Copics
    Copic ink
    Vanilla seam binding
    Check out some of the fabulous samples made by the talented DT in the thumbnails below.
    Be sure to leave a comment of each of the blogs along your journey because we're giving away this beautiful stamp set to one lucky commenter!
    The deadline to comment for a chance to win is midnight EST Wednesday, February 13th.
    The list of winners will be announced on our website homepage on Thursday, February 14th.
    Thanks so much for joining us! Enjoy the hop!



     

    Tuesday 5 February 2013

    Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge #206

     
    I'm absolutely delighted to be February's Guest Designer for the
    What a fabulous bunch of talented ladies to be working with and of course,
    it's a dream working with the gorgeous stamps and images produced by Flourishes!
    This week it's a sketch given to us by Allison Cope!
     
     

    Here's what I came up with using Allison's fab sketch:
     
     
    I used the fun and super useful set, Flourishes Mix 'n Mugs, paper piecing the mug and adding the bunch of flowers image, which has been coloured with copics. 
     I love the fact that you can mix the different mug fillers with any mug and add a little sentiment on them too if you wish! 
    But here I added the sentiment with a matching fishtail banner and added some ribbon, button and twine to embellish.  The sentiment is from the beautiful set Flourishes Magnolias.  
     
    Supplies include:
    Spellbinders Nestabilities Ovals Petite Large
    My Favorite Things Fishtail Flags STAX Die-namics
    Pebbles Seen and Noted dp
    American Crafts jute twine
    Memento Tuxedo Black ink
    Ranger Distress Scattered Straw ink
    Sewing machine
    Button
    Stampin Up Daffodil Delight ribbon
     
    Thanks to the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday DT for allowing me to join them this month and
    thank YOU for stopping by!
    Enjoy what these fabulous designers have come up with for you this week!
     

     
     
     

    Monday 4 February 2013

    Paint Chip Polka Dots

     
    It's a Trend Watch for the Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge this week and the inspiration is POLKADOTS!
     
     
     
     
    I was just at the DIY store today with my son, who is choosing some paint to redo his room, and I stood in front of all the paint chip samples, completely enamoured with the blast of beautiful colours! 
    Soooo.....I used a small round punch and two small circle Spellbinder Nesties to make up some bright polka dots in my favourite shades, adding a few buttons for dimension.  It was a quick, easy and fun card.  The sentiment is from Paper Smooches Sentiment Sampler, and other than Memento Tuxedo Black ink, there's no "supplies list" at all!

    Sunday 3 February 2013

    Spring Tulips

     
    Hi there!  Anyone else looking forward to spring?  I'm trying to learn to live more in the moment and enjoy the bright spots of each day as it comes, but I can't help looking forward to longer days, a bit more light, and the colour of new growth!
    The Featured Stamper at Splitcoaststampers today is Janette Olen, aka blessingsx3, and what a sweet and talented stamper she is!  I love her creations but I chose this lovely tulip card to inspire my card today.
    The Spring Tulips image from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps is one of my favourites EVER!  It's such a joy to colour and if you like cutting, it cuts out so easily - which is what I did here, so that I could pop it up over a dp circle. 
    The orange panel has been partially embossed with white script.
    The seam binding was scrunched up in a plastic bag and I put a squirt of copic ink (BG10) in there, before thoroughly crinkling and allowing it to dry.  It's a great way to get a near perfect match, and thanks to Tammy Hershberger for giving me this tip!
    Supplies include:
    Stampin Up French Script bg stamp
    White embossing ink
    Stampin Up Pool Party ink
    Memento Tuxedo Black ink
    Papertrey Ink Tiny Tags die
    Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles
    Copics
    Twine
    Pearls
    Sewing machine
    Pebbles Seen and Noted dp
    Stampin Up Pool Party card stock
    Stampin Up dp