Saturday, May 31, 2008

Scrapblocks™ Debut Video

I am SO excited to share this video clip with you. Lisa Strahl has created a wonderful demonstration of the Scrapblocks™ product!



Thanks for stopping by,
Lisa

Sweet Sisters

I am SO excited to share this sneak peek with you. Cornish Heritage Farms is introducing a new artist and licensed line of images. The artist is Sandra Kuck and the first release is Sisters, scheduled for Friday, June 6th.

Sisters - A Moment to Remember:



I created this card in colors and detail that felt vintage and aged to me, like a faded photo and scraps from a memory book. These girls are darling, aren't they? They tug at my heart, holding hands and walking along the seashore.

The shell is from a trip I took a few years ago to the Gulf Coast. We walked along the shore in just the same manner...

Thanks for stopping by. We have so many new things going on in the coming weeks at Cornish Heritage Farms. Be sure to check in the forums next week for our Kim Hughes Blitz. There will be challenges, chat and prizes! The details are all HERE. We'd love it if you joined us... so we're giving the details in advance so everyone can work it in their schedule as they need.

Big hugs,
lise
___________________________________________________
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Sisters (the Sandra Kuck image line) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-"Moments to Remember" from the Ledger Me stamp set (the Rummage Bin) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Spanish Script backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Latte and Espresso Adirondack inks by Ranger

Paper:
-Super Smooth White, Prismatic White and Suede Brown Light by Prism

Other:
-7Gypsies mini key
-linen thread from sewing supplies
-distress tool by Tonic
-Ink blending tool,
-lace from sewing supplies
-trim from making Memories
-Pin and beads from Michael's craft store
-shell from the beach :-)

Note:
I used my sable brush to flick water on the script background panel to splatter and distress the image a bit.

Friday, May 30, 2008

I bet you think I got lost!

Sorry I've been a bad blogger... for a short work week, it was incredibly hectic! I'm SO glad it's Friday.

I wanted to share a project I created with the new Scrapblocks™ by Cornish Heritage Farms. They will release next week.

Clearly Just Because:


I created this project with a few things in mind:

1. I found this pack of embellishments at Michael's Craft Store by S.E.I. (acrylic frames pictured above with my card). I bought them to illustrate that you can easily make your own (in any size) using Scrapblocks™ and the Clear Card Sheets available at Cornish Heritage Farms. I really love the look of these clear embellishments. Just think... next time you are scrapbooking, you can make a clear frame large enough to surround your 3 x 5 picture!

2. I created a card using only one pattern. The Fine Houndstooth is a pretty pattern, not much else is needed.

3. I was able to make a square card larger than the standard background stamp allows. My finished card size is 5.5" square.

4. Scrapblocks™ provide me the same (if not more) versatility in design as 6x6 designer paper packs. I often reach for patterned design as my starting point. Scrapblocks™ will allow me to make a card in ANY color I want - and not just what the pack of paper offers. I won't run out of my favorite design in the series and need to buy another package of papers again!

Thanks for stopping by... I'll have another sneak peek for a new line of images coming to Cornish Heritage Farms. It's amazing too!

See you later,
lise
__________________________________________
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Houndstooth Scrapblock by CHF
-Nature's Silhouettes (The Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Ink:
-Jet Black and Cotton White Stazon
-Lettuce Adirondack dye ink by Ranger
-Peeled Paint Distress ink by Ranger

Paper:
-Kiwi Medium and Black Prismatic
-Classic Crest Solar White by Neenah
-Clear Card Sheets by CHF

Other:
-Velvet ribbon by May Arts
-black brads by Making Memories
-Nestabilities (to make the frame)

5.5" square card

Monday, May 26, 2008

CHF Challenge #9 - Altered Project

It's Monday!!! At least it's a holiday today. I have a ton I want to do. I hope you are enjoying your day.

Before I share about my project for today, I wanted to thank all service men and women, active or retired, for their dedication to serve and protect. What you do matters and for that, I thank you.

It's a fun challenge today... altered projects!

Practice Board:


I created this project using a new stamp line at Cornish Heritage Farms called Scrapblocks. I'm really excited about this release. Lisa Strahl is the mastermind behind these stamps, so I invite you to head to her blog to read more about the reasoning and versatility. They are larger than standard backgrounders so they are ideal for altered projects, scrapbooking and square cards!!!

I wanted to make something altered that my son could use. He has great handwriting and loves to practice... using every bit of computer printer paper in the house. LOL!!! This is the perfect solution. And it has the writing paper like he has at school! Perfect!

One thing to note, I used Vintage Photo ink to "stain" the wooden frame around the chalkboard. I used Cotton White Stazon to stamp the lines (and alphabet) and metallic paints to stamp the other images. I found that the paint likes to squidge off the sides, so I went back in after the image dried a bit to give a bit more paint. Q-tips are so helpful in adding paint to the stamps and toothpicks work wonders to remove paint in areas you don't want it or to add small areas of detail, like the doorknob.
Please check out these fine ladies at CHF who have created altered projects for the challenge!
Thanks for looking,
lise
------------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Writing Paper Scrapblocks by CHF
-Making the Grade and Quirky Alphabet (the Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Ink:
-Stazon Cotton White
-Vintage Photo Distress ink (I used the ink blending tool to "stain" the wood frame.)

Other:
-Chalkboard from Michael's craft store
-Acrylic metallic paints (Red, Yellow/gold, and Green)
-Sable brush, Q-tips and toothpicks

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Rummage Bin Challenge #2

Welcome back to Stamping Stadium! LOL!!!

The amazing Lesley Langdon (designer and stamp artist) issued another challenge.I can't pass up the opportunity to take that on from THE Iron Stamper herself!!!

Grit and determination to create the unique with a special ingredient...

Today's ingredient: Use the Ledger Me set and specifically create a project using the Book: sentiment and Book Binding stamp.

I'm just glad this isn't timed!!!

Book List Fridge Magnet:
I had this magnet file in my stamping room for awhile and this challenge was the perfect use. I made this for when we head to the library this summer. I don't always grab a reminder card at the checkout desk. If I forget, I plan to write the date on the card to remember when we need to head back to return our library books. The kids love to go and this will be a great reminder for me to keep us on track.

The inside card is stamped identically on both sides so I plenty of space for my reminders.

Thanks, Lesley, for a fun challenge. I hope this fits the bill!!!

Until next time,
lise
________________________________________________
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Ledger Me (The Rummage Bin) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Lined Paper Backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain Distress inks by Ranger

Paper:
-Poison Ivory from CutCardStock.com

Designer Paper:
-magnet file from Gartner Studios

Other:
-Cheeky board clip by making Memories
-flower by Prima Marketing
-Button from the Paper Studio
-Apricot piped nylon ribbon by EK Success
-Ink blending tool
-linen thread

Monday, May 19, 2008

CHF Challenge #8 - Transparent

Hello!!! It's Monday and this challenge was a ton of fun! I enjoyed putting this together and think it's a fairly unique take.



Hello Chica!



To make this card, I created a card base of white cardstock. An identical size of Aerial designer paper is also trimmed. I put both pieces together and ran them through my Cuttlebug with a classic rectangle Nestabilities die to create a window.


I then stamped the branch, leaves and flowers on the Clear Card Sheet in White Stazon. To color the image, I flipped the clear sheet over and colored with my Copic markers. This allows me to use Stazon (also a solvent based product - something you can't normally use with copics because it will lift it off).


The clear sheet was then sandwiched between the white card base and the designer paper (so you can't see the clear sheet edges from the inside of the card). I like the insides of my cards to be finished and clean.


To add extra oomph, I added Glossy Accent to the front of the clear card sheet over the branch, leaves and flowers. It really adds to that clear challenge!


The other clear aspect on this card is my flower. I die cut clear card sheets with my flower die / Cuttlebug. To give it some color, I used my Copic marker. Then, for added texture, I spritzed the clear flowers with Isopropanol. It's speckled and fun! The center of my flower is a white thumbtack. I clipped a bit of the tip off and bent it over to hold it together. I spruced it up a bit with glitter.

Here's a view of the clear window front:


The Clear Card Sheets at CHF are wonderful. I've used them to make cards and embellishments. Very thick and sturdy...

Check out the other chicas at CHF participating in the challenge:


I hope you'll join us in the challenge. Stop by the CHF forums for the chat.

Thanks for stopping by,

lise
________________________________

Supplies:
Stamps:
-The Landing Pad and Pretty Birds (the Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-swirls from Beautiful stamp set (The Rummage Bin) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Cotton white Stazon ink by Tsukineko
-Espresso Adirondack dye ink by Ranger

Paper:
-Georgia Pacific white cardstock

Designer Paper:
-Aerial by Memory Box

Other:
-Cuttlebug and Cuttlebug flower dies by Provo Craft
-Nestabilitles by Spellbinder
-copic markers
-Glossy Accents by Ranger
-Thumbtack in white from office supplies
-Barbara Trombley's Crystal Glitter from CHF
-dimensional tape
-dotted ribbon from Michael's

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Irises

I had to share the cards I created for my mom, grandma and sister-in-law for their Mother's Day. I was so excited a couple of weeks ago to receive a set from Flourishes, called Siberian Iris. It's so amazingly detailed!


I knew I'd use it to make these cards!

Mom's Card: I kept this a full panel on the front of the card with distressed edges and random stitching for a main focal point to the card.

Grandma's card: I used my Nestabilities to cut out the iris. I love the effect of the Vintage Violet scallops around the iris... reminds me of a flower in and of itself.

Sandy's card: A clear card is trendy and fresh... perfect for Sandy who is the best ever! If I could have picked a sister for myself, I would have picked her!
I used Adirondack inks to watercolor the iris. The colors remain very vibrant, which is exactly how wonderful iris are in real life - and reminds me of the irises that my grandma had growing in her backyard in their home at Aintree. I wanted to capture that on paper. I added a bit of slate around the edges to give shadow and depth.

Thanks for stopping by,
lise
-----------------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Siberian Irises by Flourishes LLC
-Spanish Script backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms



Ink:
-Stone Gray and Jet Black Stazon
-Pitch Black, Slate, Eggplant, Butterscotch, Meadow and Lettuce Adirondack inks by Ranger


Paper:
-Basic Gray, Watercolor paper, Elegant Eggplant, Vintage Violet by SU
-Clear Card Sheet


Other:
-Nestabililties by Spellbinder
-ribbon from Michael's
-sewing machine and thread
-Niji waterbrush
-dimensional tape

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Rummage Bin Release

The latest Rummage Bin Release at Cornish Heritage Farms was MADE for me! I swear!

Tell me this isn't the coolest girl set ever!




Lesley did another collage stamp for the boys, called Boys Will Be Boys. I attempted to save a picture of the image... but it was microscopic. I'll add a better picture when one is available. The link above is for the gallery.

I'll share one of my cards with you~

Pumped!

When I saw the images, I knew I'd do a grouping of these gorgeous shoes. I embossed circles on a square of cardstock with my Nestabilities and then stamped the images. I added light color on the two "swirled" pumps with Copic markers to give added interest.
I have to laugh... my Dad used to call me Imelda. I LOVE shoes! I have a ton of shoes. And yet, I'm a wimp. If I have cute shoes, my feet are killing me in minutes and I want to wimp out. I went to a trade show two years ago in Paris (I know... it was a rough one, but somebody had to do it). One of the women from our office in Lyon, France, told me that it is necessary to wear stylish shoes regardless of the pain. To quote Amanda, "One must suffer for fashion." I suppose one must. LOL!!

Be sure to check out the Rummage Bin gallery at CHF for some amazing projects and inspiration!

Thanks for looking,
lise

-----------------------------------------

Supplies:
Stamps:
-The Shoe Boutique (The Rummage Bin) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Pitch black and Cranberry Adirondack dye inks by Ranger

Paper:
-Razzleberry Dark by Prism
-Neenah Solar White

Tools:
-Nestabilities by Spellbinder from Ellen Hutson LLC - Circle and tags
-Copic markers

Other:
-flowers by Prima Marketing
-Crystal brad by Making Memories
-dimensional tape

Size: 5.25" square

Monday, May 12, 2008

CHF Challenge #7 - Designer Style

It's Monday (insert a groan here...) and we have a new challenge with the CHF girls! This one was SO much fun!

The Designer Style Challenge was to pick one member of the design team and case either 1) something from their gallery OR 2) their style. My son picked a name for me... Lori Craig!!! This was such a treat. Lori's style is wonderful and I got lost in her gallery, trying to only pick one idea.
Hello Friend - Lori Craig Inspired:

My card was based on Lori's card: WISE FRIEND. She had a few others with a similar layout, so I used her general style too. Stitching elements and button accents are a couple of her trademarks.

We invite you to join us. The gallery is chock full of fantastic ideas. Look in the gallery to find something and link back to the forums for us to see. All the designers are taking part this week. Check their blogs for their fun designs... and to see who they cased!


Thanks for stopping by,
lise
----------------------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-The Landing Pad stamp set (the Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Pretty Birds stamp set (the Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Friend Centers for the sentiments (Mona Lisa Moments) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Espresso Adirondack dye ink by Ranger
-Vintage Photo Distress ink by Ranger

Paper:
-Suede Brown Medium, Intense Orange, and Prismatic White cardstocks by Prism
Designer Paper:
-Romani by Basic Grey
Tools:
-Sewing machine and thread
-Nestabilities by Spellbinder
-Copic markers
-Dimensional tape
-precision scissors
-ink blending tool

Other:
-buttons by The Paper Studio

Friday, May 9, 2008

May Release for Kim Hughes Collection

The new sets in the Kim Hughes Collection are SO adorable! They'll both get a ton of mileage with me!

The Landing Pad

Making the Grade

I thought I'd share a project I made with the Making the Grade set.

A Kid With Class Lunchbox:
I saw this little red lunchbox at Michael's Crafts and had to have it. The Mellow Basic Grey papers just screamed school to me! My daughter has been scoping this project... but I'm not sure I can part with it! LOL! It would be a fun way to store pencils and markers at school, don't you think?

Thanks for stopping by,
lise
----------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Making the Grade (The Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Ink:
-Pitch Black, Red Pepper, Lettuce Adirondack dye inks by Ranger
-Vintage Photo Distress ink by Ranger

Paper:
-Intense Orange Prism cardstock

Designer Paper:
-Mellow by Basic Grey

Other:
-precision scissors
-ink blending tool
-Copic Markers
-Nestabilities tags by Spellbinder from Ellen Hutson LLC
-Square punch by EK Success to make photo corner
-lunch tin from Michael's
-buttons by Paper Studio

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Blogger's RAK

I was SO excited to see a card in the mail today. It's not often I get anything but a bill!

This card is darling too. I couldn't wait to share.

Nancy sent this to me and it instantly cheered me! I love anything penguin anyway, but the idea of this little guy snackin' on an orange Popsicle was incredibly awesome. The paper has an incredible shimmer to it too, that my camera didn't capture. So pretty in real life.

Check out Nancy's wonderful blog here:


I loved her projects and really enjoyed her writing. Her blog is a great read!

Thanks, Nancy, for the fantastic card. It comes at a great time right now... when I really needed a smile.
Thanks for stopping by,
lise

Centers

Birthdays are SO much fun! Two of the ladies in my group have birthdays in April. We always make a big deal of them - decorate their desks, bring in tons of snacks and pass around the cards. I made something for each of them... but they had to be fast. I had late work nights and hadn't planned well in advance for it.

I'll share one of the cards with you now. It uses a new stamp set from the Mona Lisa Moments Collection at Cornish Heritage Farms. I'm sure you know Ms. Lisa Strahl... She's a stamping rock star in my opinion and I'm in awe of her (to be perfectly honest). ;-)

Her new sets are fabulous. The sets are:

Birthday Centers

Motivational Centers

Friend Centers

The words are perfect for highlighting a sentiment as the focal point of your card (which is great if you love designer paper or backgrounders) or if you like to have a meaningful sentiment in the inside of your card. I know when I look at a card, my first instinct is to flip it open to read what's inside. These centers give you that meaning!


Birthday Dots:
This was a pretty quick card... I stamped the dots backgrounder in one piece and then split into two panels. The center was meant to be simple too... I really wanted the sentiment to be the central attraction.


The lovely new center sets are available today! Check out the wonderful phrases available in these sets. There's also plenty of inspiration in the gallery!

Thanks for stopping by,

Lisa


-------------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Silhouette Blooms I (the Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-{happy birthday} from the Birthday Centers stamp set (the Mona Lisa Moments Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Large Polka Dots backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms

Paper:
-Razzleberry Dark by Prism
-Simply Smooth White cardstock by Prism

Ink:
-Pitch Black, Raisin, Lettuce and Butterscotch Adirondack dye inks by Ranger

Other:
-sponge / ink blending tool

Note:
-I stamped the backgrounder on a portion of cardstock and then split, saving a step in stamping and ensuring alignment.

Card size:
-4-3/4" x 7" (you need it big so everyone can sign, right?)

Monday, May 5, 2008

CHF Challenge #6 - Stazon

Happy Monday again! I think this week's challenge is one most stampers can join. It's all about Stazon solvent inks. Julia has written a wonderful spotlight on Stazon inks in the CHF Forum, which you can find --> HERE.

I love using Stazon on transparencies. I've done a few cards in recent past like this and LOVE the results.
Another favorite use is for watercoloring. My card today highlights this technique. Stazon is ideal for this application because it is waterproof.

For You:


This card was simple and fast - - AND it's a sneak peek of one of the new sets from the Kim Hughes Collection called The Landing Pad (due out this week!). I stamped the Weathered Wood backgrounder on Suede Brown Dark cardstock with White Stazon. Then, I used Stazon Timber Brown to stamp the central image. I was able to use my Adirondack inks ad my Niji water brush to fill in the image without feathering the stamped lines.

I hope you'll check out the other chicas on the CHF Design team participating in this challenge:




Thanks for stopping by,

lise

----------------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-The Landing Pad (The Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms
-Weathered Wood Backgrounder by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Stazon Cotton White and Timber Brown by Tsukineko
-Pool, Latte, Espresso Adirondack dye inks

Paper:
-Super Smooth White, Suede Brown Dark, Intense Teal by Prism

Other:
-flower by Prima
-Long Rectangle Nestabilities by Spellbinder from Ellen Hutson LLC
-Brown crinkled ribbon and Velvet ribbon by May Arts
-Niji waterbrush

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Rummage Bin Challenge

Welcome to Stamping Stadium!

OK... just kidding! But that's what I thought of when I saw this challenge. The amazing Lesley Langdon (designer and stamp artist) issued a challenge. Who can pass up a challenge?

Not me!

Instead of Iron Chef, I thought of Iron Stamper. Grit and determination to create the unique with a special ingredient...

Today's ingredient:
Use the Ledger Me set and specifically create a project using the Date sentiment and the coffee stain.

You're ON, Lesley!!! I'll take that challenge!

What I Love:

I incorporated the ingredients in the challenge and think I've added a bit of my own flavor. I could easily see myself giving this card to my daughter. She's in the pre-teen / tween stage and could use extra encouragement from me to know she's loved. The colors are fun and one of the things I enjoy the most about the design.

So, what do you think? Did I have a recipe for success?

I hope this meets the mark, Lesley!

I have a challenge for Lesley now...

I could use the inspiration and ideas for another of the Rummage Bin sets. Lesley, your secret ingredients are the Great Canadian stamp set, using the Coffee Co. sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by,
lise

----------------------------------
Supplies:
Stamps:
-Coffee stain, "Date" sentiment and "What I love" sentiment from the Ledger Me stamp set (the Rummage Bin by Lesley Langdon) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Walnut stain and Vintage Photo Distress inks by Ranger

Paper:
-Island Mist Medium cardstock by Prism
-Neenah Solar White cardstock from Ellen Hutson LLC

Designer Paper:
-My Mind's Eye designer papers

Tools:
-corner rounder by EK Success
-ink blending tool by Inkssentials
-Dymo hand label maker and black tape
-handheld circle punch Fiskers (for holes in scallops)

Accessories:
-flower by Prima Marketing
-brown button by The Paper Studio
-lace from my sewing stash
-linen thread from sewing stash