Partial Die Cutting a Sparkle N Sprinkle Digi

Seems like every card I make with Sparkle N Sprinkle stamps, turns out to be my favorite!

This stamp set by SNS artist, Jan Mahew is one of my new favorite digital sets.

I made the flower from a soda can (or was it a beer can?) 

The details for this project are on the SNS blog.

Thanks for stopping by...have fun!

It Moves My Soul!

Monday is mine at Sparkle N Sprinkle!

I decided to make a 6x6 canvas collage using a ton of products from this awesome company.

Did you know they make their own glitters, embossing powders, glue, and stamps?

They just added 8 new SUPER THICK embossing powders to their line...perfect for Spring and the holidays.

To make it even BETTER, they are coming out with more new (secret) products soon...so cool!

Please visit the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog to see the details of this canvas; what I used and such.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to my studio.

My very first post for the new year is about new life.

This gorgeous stamp is one of the newest at Sparkle N Sprinkle, and it's called,

Early Spring Nest

I embossed it off the edge of my cardstock with Copper Peddler Embossing Powder. I embossed the sentiment with it as well. I used a die set from my stash to create some pretty corners. The entire background, as well as the die cuts are brushed with my new favorite Nuvo Mousse:

Worn Linen. It's an Expanding Mousse, and we will have it available in a couple of weeks!

It truly makes a lovely background on white...just enough shimmer to make it look extra special. I didn't expand it here. It can be used simply to add the shimmer. 

I also shimmered up the sentiment after cutting it with a die set from my stash.

I chose to only color the eggs, to create a focal point. I love our Nuvo Pens. They are awesome alcohol markers that blend effortlessly! They also have a super price point. I used the Aquamarine Set  for my eggs. 

Such an easy way to use this stamp set...Not much coloring!

Finally, I mounted the card on High Gloss Mirror Cardstock in Rose Platinum. 

Such an easy way to use this stamp...Not much coloring.

Be sure to join us for our challenges on Facebook here.

Thanks for stopping by...next week I'll have a new card with a video for you!

Have fun,

Watercolor Pencils are not just for water anymore!

Watch the Tutorial Here

Hi! Welcome to my studio!

Today I am using a beautiful stamp set just released this month at Sparkle N Sprinkle:

Violets for You

I really love the vintage "feel" of this image. Violets are an old fashioned flower.

To create this card, I used two sets of Nuvo Watercolor Pencils:

Brilliantly Vibrant 

and

Hair and Skin Tones

Instead of water, I blended with 91% rubbing alcohol, using an aquaflow brush filled with it. I wrapped a piece of washi tape around the brush, to differentiate it from my waterfilled brushes. 

First, I heat embossed the image on kraft cardstock, using white embossing powder.

I colored the images with colors from the hair and skin tone set, as they are more muted, and give that vintage look. I used Pinot Noir, Strawberry Milkshake, and Ivory Rose for the Violets. The only color I used from the Brilliantly Vibrant set was green, in two hues: Lemon Grass and Imperial Jade. I also added some Caramel Popcorn to the leaves to tone them down, and the brilliant colors were a bit too bold.

 

I stamped the sentiment using Versafine Claire Ink in Pinecone. It stamps so clear and clean. I just love it!

The bottom of the "note" is torn and brushed with Nuvo Mousse in Indian Gold.

I also used it at the top.

I layered the  note on the background, and added a twine bow. The finishing touch is Nuvo Vintage Drops in Chocolate Chip and Pioneer Green.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Craft-Dee BowZ

Dragonfly Dreams

The Corrosive Challenge

A Bit More Time to Craft

Classic Design Team

Please check out our online store, and create your own lovely palette of colors, using Vintage Drops and Nuvo Watercolor Pencils, along with your choice of our lovely stamp line.

Happy Holidays,

Retro Summer with Gecko Galz

I've never been to Hawaii, but I love pineapple...does that count?

With all that's burning there right now, I thought I would pay tribute to their

beautiful state...and the delicious fruit that comes from there.

I do have a pineapple plant I am growing from the top of a pineapple. I have actually seen pineapples growing in my neighbors' yards...so cool!

Being a transplant (like most of my friends here in our community) from the north, I am truly captivated by the flora and fauna here in Florida...the birds are amazing too!

Anyway...

the above card was created with some of the newest images from Gecko Galz. The background is from the, First Class Package paper pack. 

My gorgeous lady is from the, Aloha Digital Collage Set. She is framed in black to match the framed sentiment, which is found in the, Quotes to Live By set. 

I made a flower using a soda can and alcohol ink, with the Tattered Floral and Tattered Poinsettia dies by Tim Holtz. The dry embossing folder is by Tim Holtz's Alterations. It's embossed with a polka dot folder from my stash, and has Stickles by Ranger in the center. I also put Stickles on her lei, but they are difficult to see here. They look great in real life though!

The cardstock is "vintage" CTMH...years old!

I am entering this in the following challenges:

Crafty Gals Challenge #167 Summer Colors

Little Red Wagon Challenge #449

That's Crafty Challenge Blog - All in a Summer's Day

Enjoy life today...and have fun!

Garden Time with Gecko Galz

Hello! Welcome to my studio.

Here are a couple of cards I made for this month's Gecko Galz Customer Challenge. The other card is in the previous post.

This first card I simply adore. The little girl image from the Garden Time digital collage set is irresistible. A bit of Stickles in silver adorns her hat, gloves and shoes. I paired her with a seed packet image from Pretty Seed Packs, to which I added a few Glossy Accent puddles. I also distressed the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Oxide Ink by Ranger.

The background is from the Kensington Gardens ATC set. I dirtied it up with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink. I used some old CTMH cardstock to create the card base. What I like about their cardstock is the white core. I don't know if they still make it that way, but this is "vintage cardstock," as it is about 18 years old!

The sentiment is from the Charming Words set...lots of perfect words for any mood. 

The vines were cut with a die set called, "Trailing Ivy" by Creative Expressions. I added some Distress Oxide Ink and Glossy accent drops to provide some real life texture and color. 

I hope you enjoy using these images as much as I do.  I am an artist, and illustrate stamps, paint and draw. I also enjoy making cards, junk journals and collage. Gecko Galz is my go to place for all things gorgeous, unusual and vintage. Be sure to visit the Etsy Shop.  Every Wednesday there are Dollar deals!

I am entering this card in the following challenge...
Hiding in my Craft Room # 339 4/17

Have fun,

In the Garden with Gecko Galz

Hello! Welcome to my studio.

Here are a couple of cards I made for this month's Gecko Galz Customer Challenge. The other card is in the next post.

This second card reminds me of my best friend. She loves plants. This gardener image from the How Does Your Garden Grow? digital collage set, sets the mood. A bit of Stickles adorns the flowers. I also included a butterfly from the same set. The love letters image from the Postal set, is accented with more Stickles. I also distressed all the edges of the elements with Vintage Photo Distress Oxide Ink by Ranger.

A little tag from, Tag You're It and some melted ribbon from my stash dress up the corner of this card.

The background is from the Kensington Gardens ATC set. I dirtied it up with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink. Some strategically folded patterned paper creates a sort of, clapboard siding, reminiscent of a house where this woman lives and tends her garden.

The sentiment is from the Charming Words set...lots of perfect words for any mood. 

The vines were cut with a die set called, "Trailing Ivy" by Creative Expressions. I added some Distress Oxide Ink to provide some real life color. 

I hope you enjoy using these images as much as I do.  I am an artist, and illustrate stamps, paint and draw. I also enjoy making cards, junk journals and collage. Gecko Galz is my go to place for all things gorgeous, unusual and vintage. Be sure to visit the Etsy Shop.  Every Wednesday there are Dollar deals!

Challenge entered with this card:
Hiding in My Craft Room #339

Have fun,

I Love Spring with Gecko Galz

This is one of two cards I made for this month's Gecko Galz Customer Challenge. The other one can be found in the next post.

I have been having fun with the Artsy Domino Digital Collage Sheet by Gecko Galz. So much variety and COLOR!

I also used a butterfly from Butterfly Dreams. I coated it with Glossy Accents, and attached it with the same. I used one of the Tim Holtz Alterations Die sets that I got for Christmas. I ran a piece I printed on cardstock from the Playing with Marbles ATC Collection. Behind the cutouts, I used some Marabu Mixed Media Art Spray in Cherry Red. It's an acrylic spray paint and it's so cool!

The Postmark is from the Birdie Darlings Set. I simply cut it out of one of the images. I used some Stickles to create the cancellation lines. 

Finally, I used the Charming Words set for my sentiment. 

I hope you enjoy using these images as much as I do.  I am an artist, and illustrate stamps, paint and draw. However, I enjoy making cards, junk journals and collage. Gecko Galz is my go to place for all things gorgeous, unusual and vintage. Be sure to visit the Etsy Shop. Right now Easter stuff is on sale, and every Wednesday there are Dollar deals!

Have fun,

A Love for the Past

"Thoughts of Love" featuring Gecko Galz 

Gecko Galz Products I used in the above card:

Ladies of the Court Digital Collage Set

Very Vintage Junk Journal Kit

St. Peters Square Mini Paper Pack

Hello and welcome to my studio.

It's a fresh new year!  We all have a clean slate...a chance to start again. 

In my life, and here on my blog, I have found the need to spend the next year being as purposeful as possible.

As I pondered this idea, I came up with some questions for myself. Here they are:

"What am I passionate about?"

"How have I been gifted?"

"What can I share that my family, my friends, and my followers need?"

After giving these matters some thought,  I concluded the following...First, I am passionate about the past. I am drawn to historical fact and fiction. Stories of times past draw me in...causing me to explore further. Historical sites intrigue me. I realized that I also enjoy saving and repurposing items from the past...making them useful once more, if only as décor in my home.

Secondly, I am an artist. I have been told I have an innate sense of design. I am thankful for several wonderful teachers in my younger years, who have helped hone my gift. 

These two facts bring me to the final conclusion that I can share my designs and art with those who might share a love for the beauty of our past, or who are just discovering how history is reflected in our own lives. 

So here we go! My year will be focused on using historical references to create not only art, but repurposed items which have a history of their own. I will endeavor to give them new life, new purpose. 

This excites me!  My work will not be all that different from years past, but will definitely be redefined and more purposeful. I have been self-directed toward a definite purpose. 

Items I repurposed on the above card

Aluminum drink cans (flowers)

Necklace (flower centers)

Doily

If you find that you are also looking for a directed purpose, I hope you will take a few moments to ponder the questions, 

1. What is my passion?

2. What is my talent?

3. What can I share that others can use?

Let me know what you come up with!

I hope you enjoy what you experience here this year.

Cheers to 2018!

Enjoy Your Holiday with Gecko Galz

When I was a little girl, I had a muff. It was rabbit fur. I loved putting my little hands inside that silky-lined hand warmer.

I wonder what happened to it?

This image is from the, Baby It's Cold Out Here collage set by Gecko Galz. I kept the card pretty simple, since the image is so inviting. The only thing I added before printing it out, was the greeting near the bottom.

The embossed layer is from the Winter Wishes Digital Paper Pack. It's embossed with snowflakes.

I have some old CTMH cardstock in my stash. I enjoy distressing it, as it has a white core. I then used Vintage Photo Distress Ink by Ranger on all the edges, using a small sponge. 

The ribbon and brads are from my stash. I hit it with my heat tool to melt it a bit. I love doing this, and sometimes I get a few interesting, "time worn" holes.

Stickles by Ranger finish off this card.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Pile It On Challenge
Craft-Dee BowZ December Challenge
Monochrome Magic
DL.ART December Challenge

I will post one more sample tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Please be sure to join in the fun at Gecko Galz' December Challenge. More samples to inspire your creativity can be found there on the blog as well. 

Stay Creative,

Home for Christmas with Gecko Galz

Oh how I wish I lived in this little cottage at Christmastime...

Can't you just imagine the fire in the fireplace, comfy beds upstairs and a delicious meal on the table?

Snow is part of my memories and dreams of Christmas. Now, red and white lights wrapped around palm trees is what we have, and I look forward to them every year.

For this card, I used all Gecko Galz products, and created it in a photo-editing program.

The main image is from the new, Baby it's Cold Out Here Digital Collage Set. I flipped it horizontally, and erased the edges.

I then added the beauty in the upper corner from the new release, Victorian Dreamers. Once again I flipped her, and changed the color from black and white to a more vintage hue. I erased  the edges to help blend the two images.

The background pattern is from the new, Courtly Love Digital Paper Pack.

 a couple of lines of script interpret the mood of the images.

A bit of digital sponging and framing, and I am done!

I am entering this card in the following challenges:

Digi Choosday

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge

DL Art December Challenge

Thank-you for visiting. Be sure to stop by the Gecko Galz blog, where you will find our Design Teams' links to more amazing samples using the newest Gecko Galz has to offer...so many choices for holiday cards and gifts that you will enjoy making, and giving from your heart.

More to come...with Gecko Galz, tomorrow!

Stay creative!

Flourishes Hops with Imagine Crafts...Imagine That!

Happy Cyber Monday!
Welcome to my studio.

I am privileged to be included in the Imagine Crafts and Flourishes Hop!

I had so much fun experimenting with embossing powders and ink on this card.
First, I cut out a frame using Flourishes' Exclusive Classic Frames large die.
Using Delicata Pigment ink in Celestial Copper, I inked up Flourishes' Diamond Background stamp. I sprinkled half of the stamped image with Imagine Crafts' Verdigris Embossing Powder and half with Imagine Crafts' Clear Embossing Powder.

After melting the powders with my heat tool, I inked the edges of the frame with more of the copper ink, and embossed it with the clear powder.

Then I did something cool...I inked up the whole die cut
with a Brilliance Pearlescent Dew Drop Ink Pad in Beige. I heat embossed the die cut using the clear embossing powder again.

The flower image comes from the Winter Blooms stamp set by Flourishes.
The flowers are called, Paperwhites. I had never heard of them until Jan Marie asked me to illustrate this set. I researched and learned about them. Now they are one of my favorite winter flowers!

Winter Blooms

 The Paperwhites are colored with Dew Drop Pearlescent ink pads in Beige, Poppy and Crimson. I stamped the three colors on an acrylic block to create a sort of, "palette", then used my waterbrush to paint the flowers.

The sentiment is from the set entitled, Christmas Sentiments.

This set was fun to create...I even wrote a little poem for it!

 The sentiment is stamped with Brilliance Galaxy Gold ink, onto a die cut

from the same set mentioned above.

Hopefully you can see the Imagine Crafts' Shimmer Spritz Sparkle

I added to the entire surface of the card. It give it such a festive touch.

 I have another card done with Imagine Crafts and Flourishes...



You will find more info for this card HERE.

Here is the blog hop list for you to enjoy more creations made with Imagine Crafts products and Flourishes stamps, inks, papers and more.

Make sure to leave a comment on each designer’s blog

as we will be giving prizes away randomly from two of the designer’s blogs.
We have a 30% off all products sale going on in the store!  Code is cybermonday.   If you buy new stamps released since June, 2016 you will get an older one free!

 Barbara Thompson - http://cardsandpaperfun.blogspot.com/

Toni Storie - http://sweetpeasstory.blogspot.com/

Alison Heikkila - http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/

Beverly Cole - http://bevsbliss.blogspot.com/

Kren Kurts - http://afourthlife.blogspot.com/

Neva Cole - http://snippetscrafter.blogspot.com/

Roni Johnson - http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/

Linda Lucas - https://lovelylindascraftcentral.blogspot.com.au/

Davi Long - http://alstromeriaartistry.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Vanderbeek - http://www.scrapsoflife.com/

Naomi Gong - http://www.naomigong.com/

Vickie Yeakley - https://stuffbyvickie.blogspot.com/

Nadine Carlier - http://myscrapnstuff.blogspot.com/

Rebecca Ednie - http://eclecticendeavours.blogspot.com/

Gloria Hayoung Lee - http://iiroom1004.blogspot.ca/

Mark Melnick - http://latidart.blogspot.com/

Shirley Qu - http://mypinkieisinkie.blogspot.com/

Martha Lucia Gomez - http://stampartpapel.com/

Terre Fry - http://terresscraptherapy.blogspot.com/

Mary Prasad - http://artbymdp.blogspot.com/

Trisha Traxler - http://simplystamping.blogspot.com/

Monica Edwards - http://scraps2treasure.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the Journey,

My Turn to Host!

Hello and welcome to my studio.

I am so excited to be the Artist in Residence at the new Flourishes!
Every Friday our Senior Design Team is challenged by one of the designers on the team.

For today's blog hop, it's my turn!  I have challenged the team to use:

Non-traditional Colors

I have the great pleasure of using the Year of Flowers 3 set

And Christmas Sentiments

I used Patriotic Colors instead of the usual Christmas red and green, and I threw in some striped in the pieced background to add to the "theme".

Today's card images were masked and stamped with Memento Ink.
I colored them with Prismacolor Premier Pencils, blending with a blending pen.

The sentiment is framed using one of Flourishes exclusive set of dies.

a few sequins and some gold Stickles, ribbon and I'm done!

Here is the blog hop list for you to enjoy more non-traditional colored creations:

Flourishes Blog
Barbara Thompson

Beverly Cole (me)

Linda Lucas

Naomi Gong

Rebecca Ednie

Tricia Traxler

Enjoy the Journey,