Challenge #1 - Flocking

Hiya! Happy Monday!

The lovely ladies at Cornish Heritage Farms thought it would be a good way to start the week by issuing a challenge. This week is our first... plenty more on the horizon.

March 31st Challenge... FLOCKING!

I don't know about you, but flocking is a challenge in itself. I tend to get flocking where I don't want it and all over myself. Not a good look, let me tell you. But, Kristine wrote such a wonderful tutorial on how to use it that we all wanted to give it a try. And I have to say - SUCCESS! I really learned a great deal.

A Few Flocking Hints and Tips - from the Technique Forum

This card is also a sneak peek at the April Stamp of the Month: Tyson the Turtle. Isn't he darling?

Fuzzy Tyson:

I stamped Tyson and colored him with Copic markers. Using a Sakura Quickie glue pen, I added glue to the dots on his shell and then covered with Evergreen Flocking from CHF. I used Kristine's tip to let it completely dry before shaking the excess off. Who knew I'd need to be patient??? But it works!!!

Sorry for the monochromatic theme. I was racing a bit to complete several projects.

Please stop by these blogs for projects with flocking:

-Julia Stainton

-Lesley Langdon

-Kristine Reynolds

-Dawn Lusk

-Sherrie Siemens

-Lisa Strahl

-Julie Campbell

-Lori Craig

The CHF forum will also have some chat.

We'd love to see your projects using flocking. Please leave me a comment if you do... or post to the CHF Gallery using the key word FLOCKING to let us know you've participated.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see your projects!

Lisa

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Supplies:

Stamps: Tyson the Turtle, Enjoy the Day and Large Polka Dot backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms

Paper: Iced Mint Prism cardstock, Neenah Solar White cardstock from Ellen Hutson LLC

Ink: Meadow and Pitch Black Adirondack dye inks

Other: Nestabilities by Spellbinder, Dotted Ribbon from Michael's, Evergreen Flocking from Cornish Heritage Farms, Sakura Quickie Glue Pen

All Buttoned Up

Paper Craft magazine hosts monthly challenges to create to a specific theme. The March call to action was using buttons, which are so trendy right now in projects.

I love a challenge, so I came home from work and made this card Tuesday night.

Who Loves You?

Easy question... You know I love you for even visiting my blog. I could gush for days about what a great opportunity it is to get to share my love for paper crafting, but I think you come for the projects and not the mush. Right?

LOL! ;-)

The card was actually one that I dreamt of a few nights ago... in color. I woke up at 2 am and got up to jot some notes. Luckily, I didn't wake my poor husband. But, I think he's used to it now.

I stamped the owl on Solar White cardstock, colored with Copic markers, and trimmed. I also stamped the branch and trimmed it out. The ring and circles were made using my trusty Coluzzle... love that thing. Using a couple of the sentiment lines from the U R A Hoot set, I created a large visual and colored in the letters. I think it turned out fun! The last touch was the addition of the colored buttons. They are adhered with mini and pop up glue dots.

Thanks for stopping by! Hugs~
lise

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Supplies:

Stamps: U R A Hoot and Large Polka Dots Backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms
Cardstock: Papaya Puree Light and Medium by Prism, Classic Crest Solar White by Neenah from Ellen Hutson LLC
Patterned Paper: Gypsy by Basic Grey
Ink: Pitch Black, Espresso, Sunset Orange and Stream Adirondack dye inks by Ranger
Other: Coluzzle, Copic markers, Sakura Black glaze pen, Rhonna Farrer Buttons, dimensional tape

The Enveloper

I couldn't wait to share this project with you too. I love making cards that are different sizes... and rarely have the correct envelope to use with them. In fact, I almost never have square envelopes in the house.

The Enveloper by Crafter's Companion is wonderful. If you are interested in how this product works, I highly recommend viewing the tutorial videos on the Crafter's Companion website --- HERE. They were actually the reason I knew I was going to buy them. Very concise and detailed... and I know many of us crafters are visual learners, so this was just ideal for me.

Birthday Wishes - Gift card:

I was inspired by Ellen Hutson and Sharon Harnist in their Inchies artwork to make a card with one. I also loved the idea of using a magnet to adhere it to the card so the Inchie is a removable feature.

Because the card is fairly thick with all the details, I created a custom envelope (pictured beside my card) using the Enveloper. In fact, it's an envelobox (a 3-D envelope) that gives me plenty of space to accommodate all my embellishments.

Here's my card with the inchie removed: TO BE PUBLISHED

Thanks for stopping by,
Lise
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Supplies:
Stamps:
-Silhouette Blooms II stamp set (The Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Spanish Script Backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms
-"HUGS" from Classic Essential Expressions

Ink:
-Shell Pink and Pitch Black Adirondack Dye inks by Ranger

Cardstock:
-Iced Pink, Perfect Baby Pink and Prismatic White cardstocks by Prism Papers
-Curious Iridescent shimmery cardstock by CutCardStock.com

Patterned Paper:
-Sultry by Basic Grey

Tools:
-mini mister by Ranger
-isopropyl alcohol
-TopScore Multiboard and Enveloper by Crafter's Companion
-copic markers
-piercing tool and mat
-1" and 1-1/4" square punches by EK Success
-magnet by Basic Grey

Accessories:
-Dew Drops from Ellen Hutson LLC

Technique:
-sponging
-direct to stamp with copics

Wonderful New Tool

I saw an ad for a new tool (and I am a huge tool junkie!) earlier this year. Seeing the item, and more importantly, the video clip on their website, I was really compelled to order. I received the item promptly... and then had to wait to use it because of other projects I had pending. ;-)

The tool I'm writing about tonight is the Topscore Multiboard, by Crafter's Companion. I love to do intricate folded cards but detest doing the measurements manually.

The kit I purchased had the Topscore Multiboard, an instructional DVD, the pamphlet with step by step visual instructions and a another tool called the Enveloper.

My first project was a Concertina fold card. After watching the DVD, I thought I'd jump into what I considered one of the more advanced project types. I will say that the Topscore made it a breeze! So easy to fold and score the cardstock.

Bloomin' Concertina:
I following the guidance for the length of cardstock needed (so my folds would match), but shortened the width of cardstock for a shorter version.

Here's a picture of the card open: TBA
And another angle: TBA

I opted to use ribbon it keep it closed. Because of that, the other side of the card flopped open. I used magnetic closure to fix this...

Overall, I really love this scoring tool. I will post another project I used, featuring the Enveloper. This tool is AWESOME! Love it!!!

Thanks for stopping by,

lise
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Stamps:

- Bold Curls and Bloomin' Beautiful stamp sets (The Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-"Birthday Wishes" sentiment from Silhouette Blooms II (The Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Peeled Paint Distress ink
-Willow and Pitch Black Adirondack Dye inks by Ranger

Cardstock:
-Spring Willow Light cardstock by Prism Papers
-Curious Iridescent shimmery cardstock by CutCardStock.com

Patterned Paper:
-Sultry by Basic Grey

Tools:
-precision scissors
-TopScore scoring board by Crafter's Companion
-copic markers
-1-3/8" circle punch by EK Success
-sable brush and water (used to highlight bold curls and draw in stems)

Accessories:
-magnet by Basic Grey
-pink satin ribbon by May Arts

Technique:
-sponging

Welcome...

This card was such a quick card, but I loved how fun the elements are. Very simple.

I used the Kitchen Sink Playful Ovals and Never a Loss 4 Words sets for this card. Once I'd stamped the floral oval, I cut it out using my trusty Coluzzle (love that tool!!!). I also cut out an oval for the center.

Designer Tip:

To get perfect placement of the sentiment (Welcome and Little one are
separate words from the set), I placed them face down on the oval where I wanted
them to be and then pressed an acrylic block to pick them up. I then inked
the words and was able to get them aligned perfectly.

To finish the card off, I added a line of flowers on the card base, inked the edges and added white gel pen dots to the centers of all the flowers. It adds the ideal finishing touch!

Thanks for stopping by,

lise

Aren't Babies Wonderful???

I love little ones. I have bigger kids now, but I loved it when they were little. Now I get to enjoy when friends are having little ones!!!

This project was made for a friend of mine who is having a little one (any day now, actually).

The baby's room is is yellow, pale green and I think there are black accents... so, I made this baby frame. My friends don't know if they are having a boy or a girl, so the colors are perfect. I usually prefer to make the frame with the baby's name... but that's yet to be determined. So, I'll swap out the center when the little angel is here.

I used Kitchen Sink's Playful Alphabet for these projects. I like that it's easy to line up clear alphabets and the style is really very versatile. I stamped the letters in light green and colored with brush tip markers (dye based). Very sweet in real life!

The second part of the gift was a mobile. I'd seen the design in PaperCrafts magazine - so the design concept is not mine. {reference: Paper Crafting with Photos, PaperCraft magazine, pg 57, Designer: Wendy Sue Anderson} I just loved the project and thought I'd try my hand at one too. I covered a styrofoam ring with designer paper and adhered ribbons to hang the final mobile. I added ribbon to the ring to hang clips. Attached to each clip is a covered chipboard circle or square, in which I'd stamped the letters - B-A-B-Y and flowers. I loved how it finished!

This is a close up of the clips and chipboard letters. Sorry for the blur. It was swinging!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lisa

Paint Dabbers

I had been longing to try this technique at CHF for quite some time and finally had a chance to do it:

Paint Dabbers Explored

Lori Craig - the amazing stamper that she is - outlined this use and I really enjoyed it!!!

Joyful Celebration:

I kept this card simple, because it was a first attempt. But it's certainly not the last. Once I stamped the images (with the pearl paint), I let it dry and then brayered over it with Shell Pink Adirondack dye ink. I sponged over the main image, letting the white show through a bit more for variation.

Here's a close up of the effect... the paint gives a wonderful texture too!

Thanks for stopping by,
lise
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Supplies:

Stamps:
-Dove with Branch and Modern Lily (Aimee Nugent's Easter Release 2008) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Classic Essential Expressions (Mona Lisa Moments) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Paper:
-Neenah Solar Crest white from Ellen Hutson LLC

Patterned Paper:
-Pearlized & Metallic Luxury Stack by DCWV (this is the matte behind the main image)

Ink:
-Shell pink and Slate Adirondack inks by Ranger

Tools:
-brayer
-Adirondack Pearl Metallic Acrylic Paint Dabbers by Ranger (my "inking" medium)
-Oval Nestabilities by Spellbinder from Ellen Hutson LLC

More Decorating!

Here's another project that I've made using Cornish Heritage Farms stamps - specifically Asela Hopkins' latest releases. They are PERFECT for Spring. As soon as I saw the images, I knew I'd try my hand at this! It's something I'll enjoy all season.

Spring Wreath:

I took this picture on my front door... and we actually have sunshine today in St. Louis! Shocking, isn't it??? Spring is finally HERE! Because you can't see the detail from this picture, I've included shots of each "ornament" on the wreath.



I stamped all the images, colored with Copics and then cut out with a corresponding Nestabilities die. Each image is matted on a matching scallop.

I made the six-loop bow with some wire and threaded it through the vines of the wreath. I trimmed the excess from the flower sprigs and entwined it as well (I try not to use a glue gun when putting something like this together because I usually end up with glue glops where I don't want them... and I'm messy!) ;-)

The images are really just like ornaments tied to the vine wreath. I could change them out for other seasons, but the wreath was only $4 at Michael's, so I'll just have to make more!

Blue Bird:

Squirrel:
Butterfly:

Bunny:


Hummingbird:

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Spring!
Lise

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Stamps:
- Garden Friends (Asela Hopkin's Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
- Bird Sampler (Asela Hopkin's Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
- Small Pleasures (Asela Hopkin's Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Paper:
-Desert Coral Medium (Butterfly), Intense Yellow (Bunny), Nautical Blue Medium (Bird), Frosted Kiwi (Hummingbird), Intese Kiwi (Squirrel) cardstocks by Prism
-Poison Ivory cardstock from CutCardStock.com

Inks:
-Espresso and Latte Adirondack dye inks by Ranger

Tools:
-Eyelet setter by Provo Craft
-Copic markers from Ellen Hutson, LLC
-wire (floral supply) from Michael's

Accessories:
-Liquid applique
-Plaid ribbon by Home & More Classic Collection from Michael's
-Gold Eyelets by Making Memories
-Nestabilities (Oval and Circle - Classic and Scallop dies) by Spellbinders from Ellen Hutson LLC
-Gold Cord by May Arts
-Grape Vine wreath and Flower sprigs from Michael's craft store

Technique:
-sponging

Spring Decorating

It doesn't take much excuse at my house to find a reason to decorate for the season. I love when Spring arrives... it heralds the end of Winter, rebirth of the Earth and SUNSHINE!!!

This year, I was digging through my decorations and couldn't find my window clings... you know the ones made of see-through plastic and stick to the windows. The kids love putting these around all the windows in the house... which is probably why I couldn't find them. Being the crafty stamper, I thought I'd try my hand at MAKING my own. Why not? If the experiment didn't work, I'd run out and buy some but it was worth a shot. And I was not disappointed with my efforts.

Easter / Spring Window Clings:

I'll run through the steps here and will add the pictures later. I had this all mapped out on my laptop and then it crashed. My brother (a techie) advised me of it's untimely demise... but I was lucky enough to still have a warranty. I've sent it off for service, but in the meantime I'm desolate without all my files. Sorry for that...

1. Using Stazon ink, I stamped directly onto a transparency sheet (I used the Write-on variety from Office Depot / Max). Stazon is fast drying and perfect for this application.

For the bunny, I used White Stazon first. The next layer was Saddle Brown, then
Timber Brown and the last bit of detail was stamped with Jet Black Stazon.

2. Carefully trim around the image.

3. Apply (on the back of the stamped image) a thin layer of Aleen's Tack It Over & Over. For areas that were not stamped (for example: between the oval outline and the small bunny), you will see the repositionable glue. This didn't bother me because it gives that "frosted glass" look.

4. Allow the glue to dry.

5. Carefully stick to your window.

I will store these on wax paper, but they are so easy to make that I can see me doing this every year.

To use inks other than Stazon, I did a little experimenting. I have a limited number of colors of Stazon (and wasn't going to buy a stack of them). But, I wanted colored flowers...

So... here's the process I used for my flower:

1. Stamp the base flower / image with White Stazon on a transparency sheet. My reasoning for using White Stazon is that this is fast drying, but will give a non-slick surface for other inks to adhere to. I hope that makes sense... If not, email me.

2. Stamp the second, third, etc. color with a pigment or chalk ink. In this case, I used Mango Madness and Pumpkin Spice Versamagic chalk inks. These didn't really dry in-between stamping. I added a bit of brown pigment ink for the center.

3. Because the ink will still be wet, I sprinkled clear detail embossing powder over the image and SLOWLY heated. Take your time. It will emboss... you just have to go slow or you'll melt your transparency sheet.

4. Trim and add the Aleen's Tack It Over & Over.

Thanks for stopping by! I'd love to know if you try this!

lise

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Supplies:

Stamps:

-3-Step Honey Bunny, Playful Ovals - both by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Ink:

-White, Saddle Brown, Timber Brown, Jet Black Stazon inks

-Mango Madness, Pumpkin Spice Versamagic Chalk inks

-Brown pigment ink

Other:

-Transparency sheets from Office Depot / Max (Write-On variety)

-Clear detail embossing powder by Ranger

-Aleen's Tack It Over & Over (bought from Michael's)

Asela's Artwork

I am so thrilled to share a sneak peek of Asela Hopkins' release - scheduled for March 19th at Cornish Heritage Farms. Her images have come to life... beautiful realistic images from nature. I'm in LOVE!!! And the best part... they are sets! You'll have multiple images to work with.

Tagged Butterfly:

As I was tooling around Target over the weekend, I spied a package of tags in the most wonderful colors! I bought a package and used two of the patterns as the inspiration for the colors (as well as incorporating them into the card).

I also found (by the same company as the tags - Gartner Studios) a bucket of little paper flowers at Michael's. It was in the bridal section and labeled as confetti. The flowers are punched from shimmery cardstock and perfect for coloring with Copic markers. I'd read about using these flowers on projects on someone's blog (I think it was Ms. Lauren Meader - stamper extraordinaire!!!), but I hadn't seen them colored before - so that's my take on a found object! Copics make that an easy thing... and I had a perfect match!

Thanks for looking,

lise

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Stamps:
- Garden Friends (Asela Hopkins' Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Paper:
-Iced Teal and Curious Iridescent cardstocks from Prism

Inks:
-Espresso and Aqua Adirondack dye inks by Ranger

Pattered Paper:
-Mini Gift Tags by Gartner Studios (bought from Target with the Stationary items)

Tools:
-precision scissors by Provo Craft
-Copic markers from Ellen Hutson, LLC

Accessories:
-Bride's White Table Confetti by Gartner Studios from Michael's
-Misty Breeze Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels
-Silver cord by May Arts
-Brown Taffeta Ribbon by May Arts
-Spica glitter pens by Copic from Ellen Hutson LLC

Technique:
-sponging

Sweet Bunny Boy...

My son has always loved bunnies. He received a stuffed peach bunny from my mother-in-law when he was born and still sleeps with him. I think it's darling... until it's two in the morning and that little bunny rattles it's way to our room to get us up. Oh well.

Anyway, my little man just had a birthday and he asked for a bunny card. I was SO happy to! I'd just received this set from Kitchen Sink Stamps - 3 Step Honey Bunny set. It's darling!!!

Bunny Birthday:I used the ribbon by WeR Memory Keepers as my inspiration for the color choice (a good boy combo... teal, rust, and olive). I used my Nestabilities to cut out the image and matte. It's as simple as that! And my little birthday boy loved the card!!!

Thanks for stopping by,

lise

Release Day!

I'm so excited to share another sample of from today's release of Rummage Bin collage stamps.

Live Life Wisely:

My previous sample was a monochromatic design. I decided to use the Little People Collage stamp and color with copic markers for that old color photo look. In fact, we have a picture of my husband as a baby and it has that added-in "technicolor" appeal (you know the look... really pink cheeks and mouth).

What I really love the best is the level of detail with this stamp. The little sweetheart in the stamp has a bit of blush to her cheeks, detail on the creases in her dress and some shadows around her on the wall. The image was SUPER fun to color!

If you are looking for more inspiration, check the CHF gallery for loads of samples!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lisa
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Supplies:

Stamps:
-Little People Collage stamp (The Rummage Bin Collection by Lesley Langdon) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-"Live Life Wisely", Large Corner Clock and Medallion from the Time to Stamp Set (The Rummage Bin Collection by Lesley G_ERROR_3">Langdon) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Espresso Adirondack Dye inks by Ranger
-Faded Jeans, Vintage Photo and Old Paper Distress inks by Ranger

Cardstock:
-Suade Brown medium and Twilight Dark cardstock by Prism Papers
-Poison Ivory shimmery cardstock by CutCardStock.com

Patterned Paper:
-Boxer designer paper by Basic Grey

Tools:
-n/a

Accessories:
-Copic Markers
-Mono-Multi glue
-Weathere Wood Crackle paint by Ranger
-Grungeboard swirl chipboard by Tim Holtz/ Ranger

Technique:
-sponging

Finished Size:
-4.5" x 7"

Rummage Bin Collage Stamps

I always struggle to answer the question, "What is your stamping style?" Do you ever feel this way? I like to think I have a varied style, that I'm adaptable. I like realistic/artistic images, but also have a soft spot for cute (like the darling owls in my previous post). I'm learning more about vintage style and collage work... and loving every minute of it.

So, when I saw the latest stamp additions to The Rummage Bin Collection at Cornish Heritage Farms, I knew I'd love them. They are so different and fresh. Lesley Langdon (the creator extraordinaire) has outdone herself with her addition of collage stamps.

Little One:


I loved creating with this stamp. The sweet Little One is a larger image, making this an easy card. For that reason, I thought I'd create a larger card (this one was sized 7 x 4-1/2"), which gave me plenty of space for a flower and lace, without covering much of the girl. I stamped the girl with Vintage Photo Distress ink by Ranger and added shading with Old Paper Distress ink. It's perfect for that sepia photo-finished look. In total, I think it took me about 15 minutes to create my card. I can't wait to give this to a friend...

And I'm already thinking of the home decor that I want to make with this stamp. OK... gotta run... I must get stamping!

Thanks for stopping by,
lise

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Supplies:
Stamps:
-Sweet One Collage stamp (The Rummage Bin Collection by Lesley Langdon) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Swirls from the Beautiful Stamp Set (The Rummage Bin Collection by Lesley Langdon) by Cornish Heritage Farms--- on the envelope

Ink:
-Espresso Adirondack Dye ink by Ranger
-Vintage Photo and Old Paper Distress inks by Ranger

Cardstock:
-Suede Brown medium cardstock by Prism Papers
-Poison Ivory shimmery cardstock by CutCardStock.com

Patterned Paper:
-Foof-a-la "text print" designer paper from the Autumn Leaves Mat Pack

Tools:
-n/a

Accessories:
-flower and chipboard button by Prima Marketing
-brown taffeta ribbon by May Arts
-lace scrap from personal stash (from my grandma's collection)

Technique:
-sponging / distressing

New Kim Hughes Release

I'm SO excited about this latest Kim Hughes release at Cornish Heritage Farms. The designs are fantastic!

The two new sets are:

U R A Hoot

and

Bold Curls

Here's a card I created using U R A Hoot.

The branch for the little owls is in the set... and has the Paisley Backgrounder pattern on it (so clever!!!). I added a free form tree with the same pattern to give our owls a bit more to cling to. I used the same Paisley backgrounder for the sky. Both were originally stamped in color on white paper. It was just a little too stark for me, so I sponged ink of the same color over to soften the design.

I also used a Sakura Black Glaze pen for their eyes. I'd stamped the owls in black and colored with Copics. What I find is that copics are very vibrant, and even my best stamping leaves a bit of white showing through the black ink. To give the same vibrant look, I filled in with the black glaze... and they have a bit of shine as a side benefit.

Be sure to stop by the CHF gallery for all the other designs for these two sets. I'll share another project with you soon too.

Thanks for stopping by,
lise

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Supplies:
Stamps:
-U R A Hoot (The Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Paisley Backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Espresso, Lemonade, Denim, and Pitch Black Adirondack Dye inks by Ranger

Cardstock:
-Twilight Dark, Iced Yellow and Curious Iridescent cardstock by Prism Papers

Patterned Paper:
-n/a

Tools:
-precision scissors
-Coluzzle

Accessories:
-Copic Markers
-dimensional tape
-Sakura Black Glaze pen

Technique:
-sponging
-coloring with copics

Thank you, Flourishes!

Am I the only one shocked that the year is whizzing by us? I can't believe that it's already March!!! I feel like we just put away the Christmas tree.

But, as it's already March, my time as a guest designer with Flourishes, LLC has come to an end. I enjoyed it immensely! The team of owners, designers and artists are amazing... and I'm glad to have been counted amongst their numbers, even for a few months.

So... this card is for the Flourishes team. Thank you.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and the beautiful stamps you are creating for the last few months. It was such an honor.

Thanks for looking,

Lisa

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Supplies:

Stamps: Damask and Damask-REVERSE, and Many Sentiments by Flourishes, LLC

Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Certainly Celery and Basic Black dye inks by Stampin' Up

Paper: Purely Pomegranate and Whisper White cardstocks by Stampin' Up

Other: Celery Organdy ribbon by May Arts, flower and chipboard button by Prima Marketing