FTL 226/ Bloomin' Sketch

Today, I decided to try out a new sketch challenge.  I discovered the FTL sketches over on Clean &Simple Stamping yesterday and couldn't wait to try out this one.  So, I woke up early and got it mostly together before I left for work.  Sure haven't done that in a while!  Of course, I stamped the little flower about a dozen times with different color combos before I decided on this sort of batik look created with three different markers.  And, I'm still doing battle with my iphone to create super clear images...it looked great on the phone, but less so here. Bare with me while I figure out technology.  ;)

The set featured here is my very favorite from the Sale-a-bration offerings--- Bloomin' Marvelous.  Oh, and it's helped out a bit by the leaves from Very Vintage.   You'll forgive me for them being retired, right?  They are just such a perfect match!  I used some of my paper piercing mats (I now buy all that they put out) to add a little extra flare while keeping things simple.  I think the FTL sketches will be good for me.  They seem simple yet elegant.  It's good for me to remember that less really is more from time to time!

You just need to see this one in person...

I know that sort of defeats the whole purpose of a blog, but really it looks much better in person! It seems like forever since I've made a card and so I just started to play around with my Faith in Nature stamp set this morning. I'll create a few cards out of the chalked creations I made a bit later. For now though, the embossed leaf image will create an excellent addition to my Fall classes this month. Stamping the background wheel with Cajun Craze & then sponging the edges with Chocolate Chip created a sort of bronze effect on the background piece. The sponged edge of the Brushed Gold piece really makes it pop too. Then, the Chocolate Chip satin ribbon seals the deal with a rich finishing touch. Can you tell, I really like how this one turned out? I hope many of you can check it out in person at our next class. In fact, you'll be able to make one of your own!

Butterfly Facy Favor

This month's theme class is all about bags & this little cutie is the first project. I made it using the Fancy Favor die for the Big Shot. It's so fast & easy! Add a little stamping with the Very Vintage Wheel, some embossed Beautiful Wings butterflies, and a little of the new thin ribbon & we're all set! For folks not able to attend the theme class, this would be a great class to host. Everyone goes home with five gift bags of various sizes. It's a great way to get a little out of the box with something new.

Beautiful Wings Color Challenge

Have you ever looked in your closet and just couldn't find a thing to wear? I kinda felt that way when getting started on this project. I knew I wanted to use the PPC colors of the week: Cajun Craze, Rich Razleberry, Regal Rose, & Baja Breeze, but I just couldn't find a stamp set that struck my fancy. So I decided to stick mainly with the Big Shot this time around--- just added a little Versamark background with the Very Vintage Wheel for fun.

I'm very excited about the new skinny ribbons. Doesn't the Razzleberry just pop with that one? There are so many little embellishment toys from the new catalog that I still haven't gotten to play with them all. Don't worry, there will be more of them on here soon!

Blue Flower Thanks

It's a super simple one for you today. I came across a stack of note sized cards the other day and have been meaning to make one. Here's my version of a quick "I need to go back to work from lunch" card. :) Just a little work with the Big Shot & some quick roller work for the back ground along with a few special touches to make a thank you note in a hurry.

I'm really liking how Marina Mist & Baja Breeze combine. There is just so much to discover with the new colors! It's also the first time I've used my Floral Fusion die. I didn't realize how nicely they pair up with the Trio Flower punch. It's such fun when things coordinate well.

Presto Patterns Square/ Mojo Monday 145

Well, this isn't what I expected out of my post this morning! Isn't that fun? I set out to do a combo of Mojo Monday and PPC Color Challenge before heading off to work & found that I didn't quite do either. At first, I tried to force in the other two colors (Wild Wasabi & Tangerine Tango) from PPC, but it just didn't work. And there is one element from the Mojo card that I left off too because it just felt forced when added on. But that's what the challenges are for, right? To stretch us into doing different things? I was stretched, but didn't feel the need to sacrifice the card in the process.

I brought out the patterns in the paper this morning simply by sponging on the ink. I like the extra vintage look that lends. All in all, a fun adventure to start the week!

Karen's Page

I've been running a science day camp for kidos on Spring Break all week. Whew! I'm totally exhausted. Between that & commitments in the evenings, my blogging has been more like slacking. Sorry! Today's project is near & dear for me. My friend passed away last week & I wanted a way to display her smile in my studio. This little page fits in a lovely frame (that refused to photograph well) so that Karen can always be smiling with me while I work.

Vintage Vogue Marble Background

Sorry for the lack of post yesterday. Whatever bug I've picked up knocked me out for the count & I was literally in bed all day. I thought it was just going to take my voice & then be done, but it had much more fight left in it than that. So, I am hopefully on the mend now. At least I felt well enough to putz around in the studio a little bit.

Today's project uses both the Very Vintage Wheel as well as the Vintage Vogue set. The background for the flowers were made using reinkers & several marbles. A good bit of fun there. However, it did take some experimenting with the technique to get a result I was happy with. I recommend sticking with light colors for this one. I found the tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers. For the wheeled section I tried out my new cartridge which is inked with Versamark. That way you can keep using the wheel on both colors of cardstock without having to clean it. I think that will be a great help at class!