Thursday, May 14, 2009

In Remembrance and Honor

I couldn't wait to share more about the inspiration of this set with you. I hope you don't mind...

We Remember:

The images on this project have a great deal of meaning for my family.

First, the "We Remember" sentiment itself is a tribute to memorials. In the 1990's, my family had the honor of seeing the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial in St. Louis. It was not uncommon to see people looking through the names for their loved ones, pressing a piece of newsprint paper against the Wall's granite surface and taking a rubbing of the name, as though they have a piece of their family back with them again. The sentiment is a tribute to this.

The second image is in honor of my father's cousin, Lt. Harold Dale Meyerkord. Dale was the first Naval officer killed in the line of duty. Because of valor in duty, he was remembered through the naming of a frigate, the USS Meyerkord.

The emblem image is from a patch from the Navy, which you can see at this link HERE in its original form.

Thanks for stopping by and letting me share,
lise
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Supplies:
Stamps:
-We Remember (The Rummage Bin) by CHF

Ink:
-Pitch Black Adirondack dye ink by Ranger

Paper:
-Light Blue, Black and white

Other:
-Nestabilities by Spellbinder
-dimensional tape
-pale blue satin ribbon by May Arts

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Thank you...

I thought I'd share with you a little bit more about how the We Remember set came together. All the images were created from memories and mementos from our family.

Thank you for your service:


I just loved this picture. The handsome man on the left is my Grandpa. He was in the army in the early 1950's. I don't think he enjoyed any of it, because he missed his wife and wanted to be home. I can't blame him one bit (my grandma was a sweet and loving person). But, he sent pictures home that were smiling and lighthearted... with letters that told all about their minutes apart. In fact, one picture I found was of him reading a letter, and he wrote on the back of it that he's smiling because it's from his sweet little wife.

Grandpa is still just that handsome and one of my all-time favorite people in the world. I love you, Grandpa.


So... thank you for all those serving in the military. I can't thank you enough for our freedom.

Thanks for stopping by,
lise

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Supplies:
Stamps:
-We Remember (The Rummage Bin) by CHF

Ink:
-Black archival ink by Ranger

Paper:
-Kraft, light brown and Natural white watercolor paper
-khaki paper by Core'dinations

Other:
-ball chain --this was put under the Core'dinations paper and I sanded over it to give the ball chain impression on the bottom of the paper.
-waterbrush
-Derwent watercolor pencils
-twill by EK Success (Martha Stewart line at Michael's)
-Dimensional tape
-distress tool by Tonic Studios

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

We Remember...

I am really excited to share this post with you. I've been working for a long time to create this (and had much to learn). And the date is finally here!

I have been lucky enough to work with Cornish Heritage Farms for the last 2 years. In that time, I've learned a great deal. And today, I'm proud to share with you my first stamp set.

We Remember

This set is created in honor of all those that have served or are serving to preserve our freedom.

So many of the images have a great deal of meaning to me. With each project, I'll share with you the inspiration and meaning of the images.

One of my first projects is a sympathy card:

The symbolism of a single dog tag (or ID tag, as I think they are referred to now) is very significant. Each soldier is issued two tags, one secured to a shorter chain. When a soldier falls in service, one tag stays with them and the other is removed and returned to the family. It goes without saying that a loved one never wants to see a single tag come home without it's mate.



In loving memory - for those that have served and fallen in support of our freedom...

Thanks for stopping by! I'll have more projects for you with this set. And for more inspiration, please stop by the CHF Gallery for some amazing projects. Julia Stainton has been hard at work!

Thanks,
lise

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Supplies:
Stamps:
-We Remember (The Rummage Bin) by CHF

Ink:
-Pitch Black Adirondack dye ink by Ranger
-Jet Black StazOn ink by Tsukineko (to stamp on metal sheet)

Paper:
-Kraft and Natural white

Patterned Paper:
-Journal pad in black by Making Memories

Other:
-Specialty foil metal sheets by Making Memories
-precision scissors
-Copic blender pen (to remove details from the metal stamped image)
-ball chain and clasp
-silver cord by May Arts


Special note:
The dog tag image was created from my father's dog tags. Because I really didn't want to put the thought in my head about single tag, I used the Copic blender pen to remove ink and make this a generic tag without the name details.

Monday, April 27, 2009

The Cafe - New Shady Tree Studio images

It's been forever since I've created for a release.  When I saw this set, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.  The images are wonderful and multi-purpose... and if I can use a set for more than one reason, it's tops in my book!

The Cafe

I thought of this idea when in line at the grocery store last weekend.  I used a pen from my purse and the back of my receipt to jot my notes... it was just something I HAD to try.  Not everything I see in my head comes out as planned, but this project completed exactly as I envisioned.

This little cafe has all the sweets you can imagine, sitting there in the window... waiting for you to take them home or stop for a treat!

I used my Nestabilities to create the window opening and to give the awning a scalloped edge.  The images were stamped and then colored with Copic markers.  The donuts and blueberry muffins were covered with crystal glitter to look like they are sugar-coated.  To adhere the awning, I stitched the top in place and used dimensional tape to pop up the lower portion.

The release of this amazing set is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th, so be sure to check out the gallery at Cornish Heritage Farms for more inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by,
lise
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Supplies:
Stamps:
-The Cafe (Shady Tree Studio) by CHF


Ink:
-Espresso Adirondack dye ink by Ranger


Paper:
-Solar White and Kraft
-Suede Brown Dark by Prism


Patterned paper:
-Me and My Big Ideas


Other:
-Nestabilities by Spellbinder
-Copics
-Sewing machine and thread
-Coarse glitter (Martha Stewart) by EK Success

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Sweet Spring Blog Hop

The trees are in bloom, the birds are singing and the tulips are peeking out of the garden... it's SPRING!  YEAH!!  I'm so glad Winter has made way to warmer temperatures!

The Cornish Heritage Farm team has decided to celebrate the season with a little blog hop.  Be sure to stop by the CHF team's blogs for more inspiration and fun.

Becky Olsen
Joanne Allison
Julia Stainton
Kristine Reynolds
Sherrie Siemens

CHF Creative Blog - where the winners of the recent challenge are also announced!
So, here are my cards for the "Ode to Spring"!
Spring into Style:


I couldn't stop at just one card.  I created a quick set of cards, all simply made with the same style and colors.  All are made with White Prismatic cardstock that has been embossed with the Labels Four Nestabilities dies.  And I used the Sweet Spring stamp set from Cornish Heritage Farms for all of them.  I don't think it could be any simpler.  Here are each of the cards up close:



Thanks for stopping by,
Lisa

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Supplies:
Stamps:
-Sweet Spring stamp set (Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Pitch Black Adirondack ink by Ranger

Paper:
-White Prismatic cardstock by Prism

Patterned Paper:
-Urban Prairie by Basic Grey (I can't stop using this paper!!!!)

Other:
-Stickles by Ranger
-Liquid Applique by Marvy
-Nestabilities by Spellbinder
-Ribbon from www.ribbonsandbowsohmy.com

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The Ultimate Crafter's Companion - Part 2

So, I had a blast creating a few projects with my new toy, the Ultimate Crafter's Companion.  I think what I really like about the tool is how many things you can do with it.  I don't think I've tapped into half of the benefits yet... but, that's why I purchased it.  The "have-to-have" features will be used all the time and the extras will be all for fun!  And that's why I had to share.

I borrowed this image from the Ultimate Crafter's Companion website, in case you were wondering what it looks like:


Vintage GM Gift Box:


This next project was a quick gift box, created for my Grandpa's birthday.  I always like to get him gift cards and a little something to open.  And knowing how much he loves things that are made for him, I know this will be something he'll save.

I stamped the Vintage City Scrapblock on Natural White cardstock with Vintage Photo Distress ink and embossed with clear embossing powder.  I used Old Paper Distress ink and a bit of Vintage Photo ink to give the map an aged feel.  I like embossing the image first to ensure I don't lose the detail of the design.  The 1938 Suburban was also embossed and aged.  This is such a perfect look for the image, as the shine of the embossing powder really looks like the shiny finish of the car.  You have to love that!

And the box... well, I love that the box itself took less than 10 minutes to create.  The scoring template in the Ultimate Crafter's Companion made it so fast and easy!

Thanks for stopping by,
lise
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Supplies:
Stamps:
-Vintage City Scrapblock, 1938 Suburban (from the GM Collection) and You're a Classic (for the Happy Birthday sentiment from the Mona Lisa Moments Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Vintage Photo, Black Ink and Old Paper Distress inks by Ranger

Paper:
-Black Prismatic by Prism Papers
-Natural White cardstock by Neenah

Other:
-The Ultimate Crafter's Companion
-Clear Embossing powder by Ranger
-Distressing tool by Tonic
-Game spinner, brad and sprocket by Tim Holtz Ideology

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Ultimate Crafter's Companion - Part 1

I admit it... I'm a gadget junkie.  I see a gadget, I need it.  And be honest, what stamper out there isn't like me?  But, I'd like to think I only get the tools I HAVE to have.

And my post tonight is all about the Ultimate Crafter's Companion.  I received this gem and was blown away!  The vast number of things you can create with just one tool is amazing!

Hello Honey Gift Set:


I started by creating an accordian fold card first and used my all-time favorite patterned paper, Urban Prairie.  It's just so perfect with the Kim Hughes / CHF stamp set The Birds and the Bees stamp set, isn't it?  The card also has the large scallop edge to it, making it a concertina.  The best part of this is the directions for creating this are included with the Ultimage Crafter's Companion.  And depending on how you learn, you can either follow the steps outlined in the pamphlet or the DVD that's included.  I was inspired to create an entire gift set.



And as long as we have confessions going (the first one that I'm a tool junkie), I am completely inept at making envelopes.  I have a minor in math and yet the entire envelope concept eludes me.  The Enveloper template is on the outside of the case, so I used a bit of patterned paper to make a matching slimline envelope... or rather an envelobox, as it's dimensional to hold  larger card.  Guess what??  It works perfectly!  No more brain cramps trying to figure out the necessary dimensions.  I will never struggle with envelope making EVER again.

Because I was on a roll, I flipped through the instruction pamphlet and found the details on making wedge boxes.  SO simple and perfect to personalize a gift.



I have another Ultimate Crafter's Companion post for later this week... I just couldn't stop once the ball started rolling!

Thanks for stopping by,
lise
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Supplies:
Stamps:
-The Birds and the Bees (Kim Hughes Collection) by Cornish Heritage Farms

Ink:
-Pitch Black, Aqua and Watermelon Adirondack inks by Ranger

Paper:
-Natural white cardstock by Neenah

Patterned Paper:
-Urban Prairie by Basic Grey

Other:
-The Ultimate Crafter's Companion
-dimensional tape
-Fabric-Tac adhesive by Beacon
-Stapler
-Velvet ribbons, grograin ribbon and cord by May Arts
-Nestabilities by Spellbinder
-Copic Markers

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Paper Tole Technique

One of my recent techniques I've posted on the Cornish Heritage Farms forum is on creating Paper Tole Flowers.  I love this technique and really loved how the project finished.

Roses for You:


The technique is a matter of repetitive stamping and forming the edges of the cardstock to give a very textural / dimensional effect.  Well... all the details are in my tutorial --> HERE.

To have a better view of how the roses look:




And there are multiple techniques listed in the Technique Talk forum for your inspiration.  I love creating them and hope if you have a favorite, a question or a technique you'd love to see, please let me know!

Thanks for stopping by,
Lise
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Supplies:
Stamps:
A Perfect Yellow Rose (Thomas Kinkade Series) by Cornish Heritage Farms
Script Essential Expressions (Mona Lisa Moments) by Cornish Heritage Farms


Ink:
Versafine Onyx Black ink by Tsukineko


Cardstock:
Natural White and Black cardstock


Patterned Paper:
My Mind's Eye


Other:
Nestabilities by Spellbinder
Prismacolor Pencils
Mineral Spirits
Blending Stumps
Precision Scissors
Wooden Skewer
Glue Dots
Black Brads by Making Memories
Spray bottle with water

Friday, February 20, 2009

TK Blitz in Full Swing

Hello!  Have you been by the CHF Forum for the Thomas Kinkade Blitz yet?  Loads of fun to be had by all!

The first challenge for Thursday was Monochromatic designs and the gallery is stocked with fantastic samples!

The Open Gate:

I love the soft grey color with this image.  Very dreamy!  And I always think the TK images look so elegant in monochrome.

I hope you'll join us for chat, challenges and fun this weekend!
Thanks for stopping by,
Lise

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Supplies:
Stamps:
-The Open Gate (Thomas Kinkade Series) by CHF
-Tulle Damask Scrapblock by CHF


Ink:
-Smokey Gray Versafine ink by Tsukineko
-Weathered Wood Distress ink by Ranger


Paper:
-Gray Prismatic by Prism
-Natural White by Neenah


Other:
-Flowers by Prima
-brads by Spare Parts
-Sewing machine and thread
-Distress tool by Tonic

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Thomas Kinkade Blitz

One of the product lines at Cornish Heritage Farms is the Thomas Kinkade stamps.  Highly detailed, gorgeous red rubber stamps that do the Painter of Light proud... and when I stamp with them, I feel like an artist myself!

Starting on Thursday, the crew at CHF is having a Thomas Kinkade Blitz.  Starting on Thursday, we'll have chat, giveaways, challenges and designer samples.  The details can all be found in this post on the Cornish forum: HERE.   So that everyone has plenty of time to work on the challenges, they are all posted in advance.

I hope you'll join us!  Post your creations on the challenge day and you could win!!!

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

Thursday February 19th -Challenge #1 (TKC01)-Monochromatic Challenge, simply stamp your TK image in a single color of ink for a beautiful monochromatic image

Friday Feb 20th - release day and 2 challenges to participate in

Challenge #2 (TKC02) - Spotlight Challenge - use the spotlight technique to spotlight a part of your TK stamped image

Challenge #3 (TKC03) - Multiple Inks Challenge - try using two or more colors of inks on your Thomas Kinkade image...think Spectrum pads or inking with two different inks

Saturday Feb 21st - our final challenge day

Challenge #4 (TKC04) - Embossing Challenge - whether you emboss your stamped image or try out a cracked glass technique, we'd love to see some fun embossing for this challenge

Challenge #5 (TKC05) - Methods of Coloring challenge - What's your favorite way of coloring the Thomas Kinkade Images?! They are so flexible! Do you like chalks, Copics, watercolor, colored pencils? For this challenge color in a Thomas Kinkade image with your favorite method. We can't wait to see them!

Rules:
- Use Thomas Kinkade stamps by Cornish Heritage Farms
- Upload your project to the Cornish Heritage Farms Gallery using the appropriate keyword
- Please post a link to your design back in the CHF forum thread for that day
You may double up your challenges but please submit your design to only ONE of the challenges to keep the chances fair for everyone. One project = one chance to win
- You can create as many designs as you wish for each challenge

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

To get those creative juices flowing, I thought I'd share a Thomas Kinkade card that I created at the end of last year.  To be honest, I can't remember if I've posted it already (sorry if I have... my memory is terrible lately).

Silent Night


I actually created this a long time ago and gave as a gift to someone special.  It's a simple image and project... but you don't have to spend 45 hours to make a masterpiece with a TK image.  They are truly a detailed work of art, in and of themselves.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope we'll see you in the forum later this week!

lise

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Supplies:
Stamps: Thomas Kinkade Silent Night Vignette by Cornish Heritage Farms
Paper: Prism Twilight Dark (B309-E), Twilight Medium (B471-D), Twilight Light (B471-D), and Cryogen White Shimmery cardstock by CutCardStock.com
Ink: Colorbox Queue Blue Iris and Oyster White Fluid Chalk inks
Accessories: Designer Home Accents Glass Frame by Noteworthy, Silver cord and white organdy ribbon by May Arts, Large Classic Rectangle Nestabilities, Making Memories silver eyelets, Silent Setter by Provo Craft