Nichol Spohr LLC

You are my Sunshine (a 2peas layout) + Giveaway winner of WOJ stamp + links.

Happy Monday evening friends.

No What' I'm Using This Week today. We're going to go for the Tuesday edition that I'll post tomorrow instead. :)

I do, however, have another new layout to share. Yay!

This one went up in the gallery over at TwoPeas this a.m.

In fact, there is some exciting news on when to expect new Garden Girl layouts at TwoPeas. It's been rather random throughout the work week (Monday-Friday) but starting today and each following Monday be on the lookout for lots of new GG layouts in the gallery. I, for one, am so excited to be able to grab a cup of coffee on Monday and sit back and peruse the gallery knowing that there will be tons of inspiration.

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

This is one of those layouts that started with a title. I knew what photos I wanted to use and I saw this die cut title in the Silhouette American online store and just went with it.

I decided to only use the word "sunshine" from the die cut design and used AC letter stickers for the rest of my title.

And I thought a super big sun would be the perfect place to add my title so I used another design from the Silhouette store for it. I cut it big and then stamped each piece with my favorite Hero Arts Cling Dots background stamp and versamark and embossed each with my favorite Zing! Mustard AC embossing powder. The stamped and embossed design really helps the sun to stand out and give it some texture.

I printed my journaling on a strip of solid paper and added some cute AC Remarks fishies stickers adorned with brads for eyes around it to complete the summer/sunshine/swimming theme.

SUPPLIES

PAPER: Creamy Coconut Heat Wave Collection Paper by AC; Kahuna Kiwi Heat Wave Collection Paper by AC; Tangerine Tidal Wave Heat Wave Paper by AC; Maverick Mang Heat Wave Collection Paper by AC; Pretty Papaya Heat Wave Collection Paper by AC;

STAMPS: Hero Arts Cling Dots Cling Stamp

INKS: Versamark Ink

EMBELLISHMENTS: Photographie 97% Complete Stickers by 7gypsies; Remarks Letter Stickers by AC; Fish Remarks Stickers by AC; Brads by Stampin' Up & MM; Felt Ric Rac by AC; Mini Clips by Tim Holtz

TOOLS: Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Machine; Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile

ENABLING

Kerri has a new (absolutely AMAZING) digi die cut kit available this week HERE.

Just look at all the designs you get...for $5.

And the pieces mix and match. She thinks of everything. I am in awe of this girl's talent.

I have so much to share with you guys these next couple of weeks: pages I've used with tons of her new die shapes and designs.

Her die cut designs: make. me. happy.

Whiff of Joy Stamp Betty & Henry Winter Mice

Whiff of Joy Stamp Henry Christmas Mouse

Whiff of Joy Stamp Betty Mouse with Candy Cane

Whiff of Joy Stamp Christmas Train

Whiff of Joy Stamp Sammy's First Christmas

Whiff of Joy Sammy with Licorice

Whiff of Joy Stamp Little Witch Halloween

NEW SEPTEMBER RELEASE WHIFF OF JOY STAMPS...

are in stock at Simon Says Stamp!!!

You can see how I've used some of these new images HERE and HERE.

Plus, tomorrow and Wednesday I will have additional samples to share! :)

AND...

some of my favorite Whiff of Joy stamps are back in stock as well!

Whiff of Joy Musing Melinda

Whiff of Joy Melinda Blowing Kisses Heart Angel

Whiff of Joy Large Mushroom Stamp

New Jillibean Soup IN STOCK at Two Peas HERE.

I bought all of this that you see (and more).

What can I say? I love when CHA product starts rolling in and I love bold, bright designs and papers. ;)

GIVEAWAY WINNER

The randomly selected winner of the Whiff of Joy Henry holding the plate of cookies stamp is:

Deneen Cook!

Congratulations!!!

Deneen, please email me your mailing address and I'll get your stamp out to you!

More tomorrow! G'night!

It's a Girl Thing (a 2peas layout) + fun links.

I had a new layout go up in the Two Peas Gallery this past week.

Remember way back when when I shared some product pics HERE for butterfly dies and Dear Lizzy Fabric paper, etc.? Yeah, me neither. But that's because I have a short memory these days.

Anyhoo, I shared a sneak peek of this page and now here it is in it's entirety:

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

I die cut the butterflies from the Dear Lizzy Fabric papers using the Bigz Beautiful Butterflies Steel Rule Die (Exclusive to Stampin' Up for Sizzix). I love how steel rule dies can cut through thicker mediums, like this fabric paper.

I stamped the AC grid stamp on some yellow paper and punched circles from it to use as embellishments on my page. I layered a sticker, rub-on and fabric butterfly to tie in with the rest of the page.

I also incorporated fabric strips of paper into the design right along the other patterned papers.

I printed my journaling on vellum and used it as an overlay on the pink woodgrain patterned paper.

SUPPLIES;

PAPER: Tickled Tulip Fabric Finish Dear Lizzy Paper by AC; Magnolia Morning Fabric Finish Dear Lizzy Paper by AC; White 12x12 AC Cardstock Pack; Neutrals 12x12 AC Cardstock Pack; Rose McGrain Craft Fair Paper by American Crafts; Vellum

STAMPS: Sentiment Grid 3x3 Wood Stamp by American Crafts;

INKS: Crushed Curry Ink by Stampin' Up

EMBELLISHMENTS: Dear Lizzy Lovely Ribbon Card by American Crafts; Photo Turn by CTMH;

TOOLS: Circle Punhces; Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz; Rub-ons by American Crafts; Sticker by MM; Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine; Sizzix Bigz Beautiful Butterflies Die for Stampin' Up; Beautiful Wings Stampin' Up Embosslits Die; Tim Holtz File Tab Sizzix On The Edge Die; Sizzix On the Edge Cutting Mats; Foam Adhesive

FUN LINKS

I like to share what I find out and about on the internet. Things that I actually love myself.

Here's what I've found for you this weekend:

On September 1st, not only is Whiff of Joy releasing some fabulous new Halloween and Christmas stamps but also a 6x6 coordinating paper pad and some thin metal dies that work with the leading manual die cutting systems: Cuttlebug, Big Shot, Spellbinder's Wizard, etc.

I believe there will be 3 dies revealed on the 1st of the month: a tag, pennants & grass.

I love how die cutting works so perfectly with stamping. I am super excited about these latest additions!

You can see the tag above in use on Katharina's blog HERE.

How about some more blog candy?

Katharina is giving away the above stamp set (another new set for the September 1st release) HERE.

For all you nativity collectors and fans this set is a must. I have a small collection of nativities myself. Some of my most favorite Christmas decorations to put out each season. My mother in law has an amazing collection of nativities that she keeps out year round.

This remind me: I really should take photos of them this year.

Kerri Bradford has another amazing Friday FREEBIE on her blog HERE.

I love this shape.

Labels are so extremely versatile. From everything to adding journaling to a scrapbook page to die cutting smaller and stamping a greeting on a card, labels do it all. Imagine cutting this from vinyl and adhering to your wall or a frame with your family name or a quote inside. So fun!

Studio Calico's September Kit Back 40 is now available HERE.

I got mine ordered, did you?

I'll tell you what I love about kit scrapbooking:

1. The guesswork of picking items that match is taken out of the equation for me.

2. Everything comes to my house in a tidy and cool packaging.

3. SC has add-on kits with even more coordinating products and fun items to scrap with.

4. The SC Design Team provides loads of inspiration and ideas each month.

5. Did I mention that it saves me time in choosing coordinating products? I love that. Life is so busy that anything that saves me time is awesome.

Did you see that darling little ruler stamp in the kit? Um, yeah. LOVE.

New American Crafts Papers & More in stock at Two Peas NOW. Go HERE.

But hurry...because I am filling my cart fast! I love their paper. I love AC period. But their patterned papers...they make my heart go pitter patter. (see above layout for proof. ;))

Happiness!!!

Hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday!

Stampin' Fun Friday (Whiff of Joy Sneak Peeks 2 & 3) + WOJ Stamp GIVEAWAY

Happy Friday evening stamping friends!

I have two projects for you featuring sneak peeks of the September 1st Whiff of Joy release.

First up?

Miss Betty with Candy Cane Mouse.

I love, love, love these little WOJ mice.

Seriously.

For Little Miss Betty I created a 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" square card from kraft cardstock.

I trimmed a piece of Pure Poppy Papertrey Ink cardstock into a 4" square and stamped it with the Hero Arts Cling Dots background stamp and Versamark Ink.

I  used an edge distresser on the edges and machine stitched around the edge, then adhered it to the kraft card base.

I added an October Afternoon Christmas Wild Card to the background.

Then, it was time for Miss Betty.

I stamped her on Neenah Solar White Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.

I colored her fur with these Copic Sketch Markers:

I colored her hat, dress and bow with the red colors, the trim on her hat with the Spica Clear Glitter Pen and her necklace with the Spica Gold Glitter Pen.

Candy cane colors:

I masked Betty and stamped the background with the Hero Arts Friend Definition Cling Background stamp and Antique Linen Distress Ink. I stamped some Hero Arts snowflakes using Barn Door Distress Ink and added gemstones to the centers.

I punched it out with a 3" circle punch and die cut a scallop circle using the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine.

I finished the card with some satin ribbon and MM Christmas florals.

SUPPLIES

PAPER: Kraft Cardstock; Pure Poppy Cardstock by Papertrey Ink; Simply Chartreuse Cardstock by Papertrey Ink; Neenah Solar White Cardstock

STAMPS: Betty with Candy Cane by Whiff of Joy; Hero Arts Friendship Definition Cling Stamp; Hero Arts Cling Dots Background Stamp; Hero Arts Holiday Sayings Christmas (snowflakes & greeting)

INKS: Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink; Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink; Tim Holtz Barn Door Distress Ink;Versamark Dazzle Frost Watermark Ink

COPICS: E50 Egg Shell, E53 Raw Silk, E55 Light Carmel, R20 Blush, R22 Light Prawn, R24 Prawn, R27 Cadmium Red, R46 Strong Red, R59 Cardinal, C00 Cool Gray; Spica Clear Glitter Pen; Spica Gold Glitter Pen; Spica Melon Glitter Pen

EMBELLISHMENTS: MM Florals & Gemstone Brad; Very Merry Wild Cards by October Afternoon; Tim Holtz Idea-ology Mini Paper Clips; Vintage Cream Satin Ribbon; Hero Arts Clear Crystal Gemstones Assorted; Hero Arts Small Accent Pearls

TOOLS: Tim Holtz Paper Distress Tool; Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine; Circles Scallop #2 Steel Rule Die by Sizzix; Foam Adhesive; Inkadinkadoo Stamping Mask Paper

Next, here is Henry Christmas Mouse:

I thought it would be fun to do something a little different with Henry and I die cut this adorable little gift bag using the Silhouette. I used paper from my scrap file to die cut the box, which gave me a starting place for Copic Marker Colors for Mr. Henry.

I die cut and embossed the oval using a Spellbinders die in the Sizzix Big Shot.

I stamped him using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and then used the following colors for his fur, nose and cheeks:

I probably didn't need all these grays. I started light and kept going darker. If I were to color him again I wouldn't use the lightest of these.

Next, I colored his sweater, hat and mouth:

Then I colored his present:

The sweater details and plate of cookies:

I masked Henry and stamped the background with Old Paper Distress Ink, then inked the edges.

I added stamped snowflakes using Hero Arts clear stamps with Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and added gemstones to the centers.

I die cut a scallop oval from a scrap of brown patterned paper and adhered the scallop label to the front of the gift bag. I stamped the matching greeting on the topper of the bag and secured the bag together with a ribbon.

SUPPLIES

PAPER: Kraft Cardstock; Neenah Solar White Cardstock; Paper Scraps from my scrap files

STAMPS: Henry Christmas Mouse by Whiff of Joy; Hero Arts Friendship Definition Cling Stamp; Hero Arts Holiday Sayings Christmas (snowflakes)

INKS: Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink; Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass Distress Ink; Tim Holtz Old Paper Distress Ink

COPICS: 0 Colorless Blender, W1 Warm Gray, W2 Warm Gray, W3 Warm Gray, W5 Warm Gray, W7 Warm Gray, R20 Blush, R22 Light Prawn, R24 Prawn, R27 Cadmium Red, BG0000 Snow Green, BG000 Pale Aqua, BG01 Aqua Blue, E55 Light Carmel, E57 Light Walnut, G24 Willow, Y35 Maize; Spica Gold Glitter Pen; Spica Olive Glitter Pen; Spica Lipstick Glitter Pen

EMBELLISHMENTS: Hero Arts Clear Crystal Gemstones Assorted; Aqua Mist Saddle Stitch Ribbon by Papertrey Ink

TOOLS: Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine; Inkadinkadoo Stamping Mask Paper; Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Classic Oval Large; Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Oval Large; Silhouette SD Digtial Craft Cutting Tool

DIGI DIE CUT DESIGN: adorable_box_15_C00591_20509 (Silhouette America)

GIVEAWAY TIME!

I have an extra Henry holding a plate of cookies stamp to give away!

Just leave me a comment on this blog post by Sunday, 12:00 p.m. CST, August 29th, 2010 for a chance to win this super cute stamp!

I will randomly select a winner and announce it here on my blog Monday!

I have another project featuring all of the September 1st release Mice stamps (there are four!) that I will share with you on release day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Have a good one!

Whiff of Joy Sneak Peek #1: Little Witch

Today, I have a special sneak peek for you: a brand new Halloween Whiff of Joy stamp for the September 1st release: Little Witch.

First of all, she is adorable.

Second, she comes with her own greeting.

Third, she is so fun to color!

I wanted my Little Witch to be a bit more muted instead of the traditionally bright purples and oranges usually associated with Halloween.

Here's how I created this card:

I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the WOJ Little Witch to get placement correct on the die cut Tim Holtz Sizzix Ornamental label:

I stamped the image on a sheet of Inkadinkadoo Stamp Mask Paper and cut it out.

Time for the fun coloring part.

These are the colors I used for the skin, cheek color and lips:

These are the colors I used for the Little Witch's hat and dress:

Time for the hair: Y11 first...

then E08...

Accent colors for ribbon on hat, patches, etc. Is she looking cute or what?!!!

Colors for her broomstick. I used some of the purples (not pictured) for the bands around the broom, too.

Time to add some color to that plain 'ol white background with my favorite Hero Arts Old Writing background stamp and some Dried Marigold Tim Holtz Distress Ink. I placed the mask I made earlier over the colored image first.

I added some more Dried Marigold Distress Ink to the edges with the Ink Blending Applicator Tool.

Next a little Black Soot Distress Ink to really accentuate the edges.

I punched a small label shape using a Stampin' Up label punch and then stamped my greeting.

The greeting needed some ink love, too. Shabby Shutters Distress Ink to be precise. :) Don't forget to mask off the little ghost!

Add some pizazz to the ghost on the Little Witch's hat and the one in the greeting with the Copic Spica Clear Glitter Pen.

I decided to dress up the background a bit more with some Papertrey Ink Halloween Stamps. I like to lay them out to make sure I like the placement before committing to stamping them. Commitment issues...

Oh! I like it!

I added a metal book label to the greeting and stamped the card background with the Hero Arts Cling Dots stamp. A few buttons and that was that. Easy Peasy!

SUPPLIES

PAPER: Kraft Cardstock; Orange Zest Perfect Match Cardstock by Papertrey Ink; Neenah Solar White Cardstock 25 sheet pkg. OR Ream

STAMPS: Whiff of Joy Little Witch Stamp (available September 1st); Hero Arts Old Letter Writing Design Block Stamp; Hero Arts Cling Dots Cling Background Stamp; Been Boo'd by Papertrey Ink; Friendship Jar Fall Fillers by Papertrey Ink

INKS: Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink; Tim Holtz Shabby Shutters Distress Ink ; Tim Holtz Dried Marigold Distress Ink; Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Ink; Memories White Dye Ink

COPIC SKETCH MARKERS: E000 Pale Fruit Pink, E00 Skin White, E04 Lipstick Natural, E08 Brown, E11 Bareley Beige, E47 Dark Brown, E55 Light Carmel, R20 Blush, BV20 Dull Lavender, BV23 Grayish Lavender, BV25 Grayish Violet, Y11 Pale Yellow, Y28 Lionet Gold, YG03 Yellow Green, YR61 Yellowish Skin Pink, YR65 Atoll

COPIC SPICA GLITTER PEN: Clear

EMBELLISHMENTS: Orange Zest, Simply Chartreuse, Plum Pudding Perfect Match Buttons by Papertrey Ink; Stampin' Up Buttons; Metal Book Label by Stampin' Up; Twine by Papertrey Ink

TOOLS: Inkadinkadoo Stamping Mask Paper; Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine; Tim Holtz Ornamental Sizzix Steel Rule Die; Tsukineko Tack N Peel Rubber Stamping Cling Sheet; Scallop Border Punch by Stampin' Up; Foam Adhesive

Check out the rest of the WOJ Design Team's Sneak Peaks:

Claudia (DT Coordinator)

Carole (UK)

Giò (Italy)

Inge (Netherlands)

Jane (UK)

Jeanette (CA)

Jorunn (Norway)

Magali (France)

Michele (IE)

Murielle (France)

Nichol (USA)

Paula (UK)

Sonja (Germany)

Tanja (Finland)

Debbie (UK)

Erin (USA)

Brocéliane (FR)

Barbara (USA)

Thanks for stopping by today!

 

Whiff of Joy Tutorials & Inspiration Blog (Copic Coloring Skin Tones)

Hello everyone!

Unfortunately I am still waiting on my office to be painted. (insert big frowny face here)

They started this afternoon and then the one guy lost his baby sitter for the afternoon and they had to leave. :( Sigh. AND I already unloaded and moved everything out of the way. Lovely.

Me = Not happy.

However, I have a really fun tutorial to share with you today on coloring skin tones with Copics. 

This is my first tutorial over on the Whiff of Joy Tutorials & Inspiration Blog. Check it out HERE. 

Be sure to check out the past posts as well. So many great ideas and inspiration to be found. I love the airbrushing with Copics tutorial & video HERE and the water coloring with Sparkling H2O's HERE.

I thought it would be fun to show how to color different skin tones and hair but keep everything else exactly the same. I guess I did use different sentiments on each card....but they're similar. ;)

To begin, I first stamped the Whiff of Joy Stamp Melinda Reading Book Angel on a die cut label (Tim Holtz Ornamental Die for Sizzix). Then I stamped the image again on Stamp Masking Paper and cut her out and layered her over the one on the label.

Next, I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to position and stamp the Whiff of Joy Fall Grass Stamp.

I carefully removed the mask (I will need it later) and stamped a greeting on each.

Then it was time for the fun part: adding color!

Here are the skin and hair colors used for the first girl:

The colors for the next girl:

And the skin & hair colors for the third girl:

After I colored the skin & hair, I colored the rest of the design on each the same. 

First I colored her top and her wings. For the wings I used the tip-to-tip technique to add the R22 color to the Colorless Blender Marker. I colored the wings like this to give them a bit more of a translucent look.

Next, I colored in her pants and accessories. The pants were colored with the first 3 colors shown below and the swirls on the pants with the Spica Chocolate Glitter Pen. The jewelry with the Spica Silver Glitter Pen and the detail on the top with R27 Lipstick Red.

These are the greens, yellows and oranges used for the grass and flowers:

Finally, here are the colors used for the book and dangling bookmark (colored with Spica Buttermilk Glitter Pen).

Time to add a little interest to the background. I placed the angel mask back on and also one for the background.

I used Old Paper Tim Holtz Distress Ink and the Hero Arts Friend Definition Cling Stamp to add texture to the label's background.

Next, I used the Old Paper Distress Ink and Ink Blending Tool to add some color to the edges of the label.

Removing the masks is my favorite part!

To create the card background, I stamped the Hero Arts Cling Flower & Leaves Background on kraft card base.

Then I stamped the Hero Arts Cling Dots Background on the Papertrey Ink Berry Sorbet Cardstock.

I trimmed the stamped Berry Sorbet paper into 1 1/4" x 4 1/4" and adhered to the bottom of the card base.

Some ribbon, twine, button and punched butterflies finished the cards:

HOW TO VIDEO     

SUPPLIES

PAPER: Berry Sorbet Cardstock by Papertrey Ink; Neenah Solar White Cardstock 25 Sheet Pkg. or Ream; Kraft Cardstock

STAMPS: Melinda Reading Book Angel by Whiff of Joy; Fall Grass Stamp by Whiff of Joy; Magical Wishes Sentiments by Whiff of Joy; Cling Dots Cling Stamp by Hero Arts; Flowers & Leaves Cling Stamp by Hero Arts; Friend Definition Cling Stamp by Hero Arts

INKS: White Memories Dye Ink Pad; Tuxedo Black Memento Dye Ink Pad by Tsukineko; COPIC Sketch Markers; COPIC Glitter Pens

EMBELLISHMENTS: Rustic Button Twin by Papertrey Ink; Vintage Cream Satin Ribbon by Papertrey Ink; Buttons by Stampin' Up; Small Accent Pearls by Hero Arts

TOOLS: Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine; Ornamental Tim Holtz Sizzix Die; Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile; Martha Stewart Classic Butterfly 3-in-1 Punch; Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz; Inkadinkadoo Stamping Mask Paper; Tsukineko Tack N Peel Rubber Stamping Cling Sheet (for used with UM Stamps)

ENABLING

Kerri Bradford has a new Digi Die Cut Kit available for purchase HERE. Love this one. I say that every time. But that tree, the cool retro modern circle leaves. So fun.

 

How about a FREE Digi Die Cut Download? 

I can see this being used over and over. Everything Kerri creates is pure magic. And she is so awesome to offer freebies!

Click HERE to get yours!

 

New Hero Arts Holiday (Halloween & Christmas stamps are in stock at Two Peas!

Get yours HERE.

   
   

Please be sure to stop by tomorrow for sneak peek's of Whiff of Joy's newest stamps (to be available for purchase on the 1st!).

Thanks for stopping by today!

What I'm Using This Week | August 23-27

Lots of new patterned paper & stamps inspiring me this week!

Without further ado, here is this week's pics in video format. 

For pics and links, see below.

One Fall Day by Bella Blvd

   

Midterm by Bella Blvd

 
Sunny Happy Skies by Bella Blvd 
 
   
Hello Beautiful by Bella Blvd 
 
     

Friendship Jar Stamp Set by Papertrey Ink 
   

Friendship Jar Fillers by Papertrey Ink

 Friendship Jar Fall Fillers by Papertrey Ink

 

Jar & Lid + Jar Toppers + Jar Label Dies To Match by Papertrey Ink
   
Small Scallop Border + RickRack Border Dies by Papertrey Ink 

 
 
  
 Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz

 New September 1st Release Whiff of Joy Stamps (photos and links to be added later): 

Sneak Peeks beginning on Wednesday with 5 new cards total. :)

 

Inkadinkadoo Masking Paper for Stamping

 Hero Arts Design Block Silhouette Grass Background Stamp

ETA: Other samples where I've used the Silhouette Grass Stamp: Hero Arts Blog Hop HERE,  Whiff of Joy Fairy Blowing Hearts card HERE and Draco the Dragon Whiff of Joy card HERE.
 
 

I hope you've enjoyed this week's product picks. 

Have a great week!

Stampin' Fun Friday (the weekend edition): Draco the Dragon

You might remember me mentioning Whiff of Joy's Draco the Dragon a couple of weeks ago in What I'm Using This Week. (In case you missed it, you can catch that post HERE.)

Here is what became of Mr. Draco:

 
I absolutely loved coloring him. 

And I used masking again. Because I am in love with masking. Masking is my life.

It takes a beautifully stamped or stamped and colored image and gives it so much depth and dimension, without the bulk. And that is important to me.

I adore cards with lots of dimension. 

The visual appeal. 

The fun of the embellishment. 

BUT...

I find myself thinking, "How will I be able to mail that without it being damaged?"

I know I could use a padded envelope and pay extra postage, etc. but I am lazy. I want to pop my cards in a regular 'ol envelope and drop them in the mail.

So masking allows me to bring stamped images to life without mush fuss. 

I wanted to add this really awesome big rhinestone button to the center of the bow and a metal bookplate with the greeting stamped inside...I even had both in place and then I realized it just wasn't feeling right to me. 

I replaced those large, bulky items and stamped the greeting directly to the background and added punched butterflies adorned with rhinestone centers. 

Super easy and the end result is still a fairly flat and easy-to-mail card. 

Love that!

 
I also think this is the fewest Copics I've used to color a project in awhile. 

 

I love these muted green colors. I have linked to them each individually today (see supplies below). I don't always do that simply because it takes forever to link to each and every one. But with this few markers (and colors that I really, really love) I thought I would. ;)

Speaking of Copics: I have had numerous requests asking which ones I recommend, etc. I am working on a post on this. I resisted at first, simply because color is such a personal choice, but I keep getting requests so I will be sharing all that information in a post soon. :)

HOW TO

SUPPLIES

PAPER: Maple Nutmeg Cardstock Paper by Cosmo Cricket (wood grain punched butterflies); Hard Candy Sweet Life Patterned Paper by KI Memories (green patt. paper); Sesame Oil Egg Drop Soup Paper by Jillibean Soup (blue patt. paper); Snow Folded Cards by Hero Arts; Neenah Solar White Cardstock 25 sheet pkg. OR Ream; Vellum

STAMPS: Whiff of Joy UM Rubber Stamp Draco the Dragon; Whiff of Joy Magical Wishes Sentiments; Hero Arts Design Block Clouds Background Stamp; Hero Arts Design Block Silhouette Grass Stamp

INKS: Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Tim Holtz Peeled Paint Distress Ink; Hero Arts Shadow Ink Soft Pool; Garden Green Ink by CTMH; Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Ink

COPICS: E40 Brick White; YG91 Putty; YG93 Grayish Yellow; YG95 Pale Olive; YG97 Spanish Olive; Y28 Lionet Gold; Spica Glitter Pen Sand

EMBELLISHMENTS: Holly Jolly Decorative Trims by MME; Earth Mixed Accents by Hero Arts

TOOLS: Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile; Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine; Tim Holtz Sizzix Die Ornamental; Martha Stewart Classic Butterflies 3-in-1 Punch; Inkadinkadoo Stamping Mask Paper; Ranger Inkssentials Ink Applicator & Blending Tool

This card is all ready to be sent to one of the kids in the Cards For Kids Card Drive. :)

Next week:

I am so excited. My office is finally getting it's new coat of paint in a beautiful shade of aqua-ish blue. (Technically the color is called Raindrop from Sherwin Williams for those who like that sort of thing. ;))

I will be offline most of Monday while my office gets beautified but hopefully all will be restored and running smoothly again on Tuesday. 

I already have Monday's picks + video all ready to go so look for that if you enjoy those posts. :)

On Wednesday, I will start sharing sneak peeks of the September 1 release of Whiff of Joy stamps. This is my first new release to work with and I am loving the new stamps. Think Halloween. Think Christmas Mice. So, so cute!

I am also working on videos requested by you, my blog readers. Cards and/or projects that I've created that you want to watch the creation of. Look for those to start being added soon. 

Oh, and once the paint is dry and I've cleaned this place I will be sharing in-depth videos + photos of my studio. Lots of organization tips and such. Fun, fun stuff planned. 

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

KP Sketchbook Class Layout Share (Sketch 3)

First, I want to give a big THANK YOU for all the lovely comments yesterday regarding the Lawn Fawn + Cards for Kids Blog Hop. I absolutely love participating in things like this that are for a great cause. :) If you missed the blog hop, click HERE to start at the beginning. Pure inspiration. :)

Today I have another layout created for Kelly Purkey's Sketchbook 2 Class at Studio Calico. I am a wee bit behind on the sketches (plus I am working out of order) but I am SO enjoying creating layouts based on Kelly's fabulous sketches. It makes me a much faster scrapbooker!

 

The basics of the sketch had room for a couple of photos near the center of the layout with the journaling next to the photos and a half circle in the upper third of the page and another half circle in the bottom half of the page. I added an additional three photos to my layout (you guys know me...I like incorporating as many photos as possible on my layouts).

I die cut the title using a Silhouette America Digi Die Cut Design. 

 

I layered the journaling with a tag and a sticker (stamped with the date). I've really been into layering tags/journaling pages lately.
 

More layered and tucked-behind-photo tags.

Photo actions for all photos are from the Pioneer Woman HERE (I used the "Old West" action). It was fitting for my photos, yes? ;)

SUPPLIES

PAPER: Farm Fresh Collection Kit by October Afternoon; South Forty Farm Fresh Paper by October Afternoon; Root Cellar Farm Fresh Paper by October Afternoon (I used the "B" side of this one, the red check); One-of-a-Kind Thrift Shop Collection Paper by October Afternoon; Maple Nutmeg Cardstock Paper by Cosmo Cricket (the brown woodgrain design); Black 12x12 AC Cardstock Pack by American Crafts; Kraft Cardstock

EMBELLISHMENTS: Clothesline Journal Tablet by Little Yellow Bicycle; Just Wonderful Journaling Pad by Creative Cafe; Farm Fresh Journaling Cards by October Afternoon; Tim Holtz Idea-ology MINI Paper Clips; Sugar Rush Bloomers by Basic Grey; Ribbon & Trim

TOOLS: Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Machine; Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile; Leave it to Weaver Border Punch by Fiskars; Doily Lace Edge Craft Punch by Martha Stewart; Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz; 3" Circle Punch

DIGITAL DIE CUT DESIGN(S): rodeo_C00465_19007

ENABLING

Kerri Bradford's new "Educationish" Digi Die Cut Kit is available HERE.

 I absolutely adore this kit. 

I will be using this over the weekend for both a back to school layout and a non-school-themed layout.

That alpha block and number block...love. I use these digi design blocks all the time. Seriously.

The alpha border...love. I use these all the time as well. And that font...perfection.

And this is totally not my idea but I'm going to pass it along because it's too brilliant to keep to myself. Kerri suggests using the print & cut feature on the Silhouette with those ruler designs on a transparency! Can you imagine?!!! I am definitely trying that.

These next two items are giveaways I've come across that I want to share with you.

First, if you love Whiff of Joy stamps (or want to try them out), Katharina is giving away the Magical Wishes Sentiment Set on her blog. Click HERE for all the details. 

I love this set. 

The greetings are just the perfect size. Not too big, not too small. Perfect. And I love the "magic" theme. Perfect for Cards for Kids Drive Cards (and so many other kinds of cards).

In fact, you will be seeing one of these in use in tomorrow's Stampin' Fun Friday video. ;)

Finally, my dear friend, Jana, has a giveaway on her blog HERE. 

Thanks for stopping by tonight. Have a good one. :)

Lawn Fawn + Cards For Kids Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the Lawn Fawn Hearts Cards for Kids Blog Hop! We have all come together today to make cards for a wonderful cause, Cards for Kids! We hope to encourage you to also make cards for this great cause and have fun along the way, too! So please hop along with us, and make sure to leave comments as there will be prizes for commenters and participants! So let's get going! Also, if you are lost in the hop, you can always start at the beginning at the Lawn Fawn blog. Thank you so much for hopping along with us today!

I created two cards to share today. :)

The first card utilizes Lawn Fawn's Critters in the 'Burbs stamp set:

 

I die cut a label from Neenah Solar White Cardstock using the Stampin' Up Sizzix Top Note Die. 

To create the cute little stamped scene, I combined the dog and tree on the Fiskars Stamp Press and stamped the images with Tuxedo Black Memento ink. Then I stamped the tire swing. Once the scene was all stamped, I was ready to add some color to the sweet little puppy with these Copic Markers:

Then I added color to the tree:

Lastly, I added some gray tones to the tire swing, aqua to the dog collar and silver glitter marker to the dog tag:

Next, I stamped each of the images on Masking Paper and cut each image out and adhered it over the colored images. I also masked off a strip at the bottom. (Mine have been used before, thus the ink on them.) 

I used the Hero Arts Clouds background stamp and CTMH Crystal Blue ink to make a bright colorful sky behind the stamped scene. 

 

I also stamped some grass along the masking paper (also from the Critters in the 'Burbs Lawn Fawn set) using Garden Green CTMH ink.

 

Is it wrong that I get such a kick out of peeling off the masking paper to reveal the colored images underneath? It's like magic. 
 

The bottom part of my label needs a little color, eh? I used Shabby Shutters Tim Holtz Distress Ink and the Ink Blending Tool to add it. I put the masks back in place so I didn't mess up my Copic Colored images.

 

The stamped greeting is from Papertrey Ink:

I like adding a little pen detail to the "stitched" border from the die cutting:

 

To complete the card, I used a Sizzix embossing folder to emboss the front of the card. I rounded the corners with the Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile and then used a sanding block to sand the embossed design.

The label is adhered with foam adhesive and I added a punched heart attached with a mini staple and some twine with a button.

 

SUPPLIES   

PAPER: Grass Folded Cards by Hero Arts; Neenah Solar White Cardstock 25 sheet pkg OR Ream

STAMPS: Critters in the 'Burbs Stamp Set by Lawn Fawn; Hero Arts Clouds Background Stamp; Up, Up & Away Sentiments by Papertrey Ink

INKS: Crystal Blue & Garden Green Inks by CTMH; Shabby Shutters Tim Holtz Distress Ink; Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink by Tsukineko; COPIC Sketch Markers: (R21 Sardonyx, E31 Brick Beige, E35 Chamois, E31 Sepia, E29 Burnt Umber, YG13 Chartreuse, YG17 Grass Green, E55 Light Carmel, E57 Light Walnut, BG15 Aqua, C3 Cool Gray No. 3, C5 Cool Gray No. 5, C7 Cool Gray No. 7); Silver COPIC Spica Glitter Pen

EMBELLISHMENTS: Button and Twine (Papertrey Ink)

TOOLS: Sizzix Big Shot Machine; Dots & Flowers Textured Impressions Embossing Folders; Top Note Die Exclusive for Stampin' Up; Fiskars Stamp Press; Ranger Inkssentials Ink Applicator & Blending Tool; Inkadinkado Stamping Mask Paper; Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile; Sanding Block; Foam Adhesive

My second card uses the Critters in the Sea Lawn Fawn Stamp Set:

 

Again, using a die cut Top Note label, I stamped several of the images on the label and created masks to stamp the whale in the ocean.
 

I used the Hero Arts Clouds background stamp to give the image a sky:

Next, I stamped the rest of the underwater scene and the greeting using all stamps from the Lawn Fawn Critters of the Sea set: 

 

I colored in the ocean water with some pale blue Copic Markers:

 

Cool Grays for the whale:
 

Some light pinks and yellows for the fishies:

 

Copic Spica Clear Glitter marker for the water coming out of the whale's blowhole and for the underwater bubbles:

 

Googly eyes to make the characters come to life:

Again, I finished the card with an embossed and sanded background, a button and some twine and a few gemstones:

SUPPLIES   

PAPER: Cerulean Hero Arts Folded Cards; Neenah Solar White Cardstock 25 sheet pkg OR Ream

STAMPS: Critters of the Sea Stamp Set by Lawn Fawn; Hero Arts Clouds Background Stamp

INKS: Crystal Blue Ink by CTMH; Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink by Tsukineko; COPIC Sketch Markers: (BG0000 Snow Green, BG000 Pale Aqua, BG01 Aqua Blue, R30 Pale Yellowish Pink, R32 Peach, Y32 Cashmere, Y35 Maize, C1 Cool Gray No. 1, C3 Cool Gray No. 3, C5 Cool Gray No. 5); Clear Spica Copic Glitter Pen

EMBELLISHMENTS: Button and Twine (Papertrey Ink); Sea Mixed Accents by Hero Arts

TOOLS: Sizzix Big Shot Machine; Tim Holtz Dot Matrix & Gridlock Textured Fades Embossing Folders; Top Note Die Exclusive for Stampin' Up; Fiskars Stamp Press;Inkadinkado Stamping Mask Paper; Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile; Sanding Block; Foam Adhesive

   
 

Your next stop on the hop is the lovely & talented...

Ayana Posadas

(be sure to check out her cards and stamped projects...amazing stuff!)

Remember if you get lost on the hop or want to start at the beginning, click HERE.

Thanks for stopping and keep on hopping...

  
 
   

 
   

 

  

 

KP Sketchbook Class Layout Share

This layout was created from a sketch from Kelly Purkey's Sketchbook 2 class over at Studio Calico. Speaking of Studio Calico...have you seen the peeks for September's kit? I have never purchased one of their kits before and I will be getting this and at least the add on with the butterfly stamps. 

Why you say? 

Because I have been wanting to purchase a kit for quite some time and this seemed like the month to do it.

AND...the aforementioned butterfly stamps coordinate with the Martha Stewart Butterfly punches. Happiness I tell you. Pure happiness. 

This layout was loosely created using Sketch 5 from the class. 

I used some older Imaginisce papers to color block my background. I punched a couple of borders using the Fiskars Upper Crest border punch. This is  one of my all-time favorite punches. 

Yes, I used cloud patterned paper again. Don't judge.  

 

I thought it would be fun to create a border with a bunch of layered tags to run the length of the page. I used tags from Creative Cafe, Little Yellow Bicycle and October Afternoon.

Those Creative Cafe tags? They are 50% off at 2peas. I adore these.

I added some stamping to one of the tags using some Ali Edwards stamps. I simply can't get enough of these stamps. The versatility is amazing.

To complete the visual triangle on the page I added a couple more tags tucked behind one of the photos.

The photo actions I used on these? 

All from the Pioneer Woman. You can get yours HERE. I used the Soft & Faded action for my photos. 

The color was bad on the originals. Bad camera back in 2002. Or maybe it was just the girl using it had no idea what she was doing? No, it had to be the camera.    

SUPPLIES

PAPER: Imaginisce Twitterpated Collection; Kraft Cardstock; White 12x12 AC Cardstock by American Crafts

STAMPS: Ali Edwars Favorite Memories Stamps by Technique Tuesday

INKS: Memories Black Dye Ink; Blush Ink by CTMH

EMBELLISHMENTS: The Details Journaling Pad by Creative Cafe; Just Wonderful Journaling Pad by Creative Cafe; Clothesline Journal Tablet by Little Yellow Bicycle; Ducks in a Row Die Cut Shapes by October Afternoon; Chipboard Heart (KI Memories); Brads (Making Memories & Imaginisce); Dear Lizzy Spring Flair Adhesive Badges by American Crafts

TOOLS: Upper Crest Border Punch by Fiskars; Slit Punch by Stampin' Up; Tim Holtz Retractable Craft Pick

I also wanted to remind you that tomorrow is the Lawn Fawn + Cards for Kids Blog Hop. 

You can read all about it HERE and be sure to stop by tomorrow for some card share blog hopping fun!

WINNERS OF THE DIGI DIE CUT KIT GIVEAWAYS

(from Friday's blog post)

Lety Kalmikov August 13, 2010 at 08:48 PM

&

Lara August 15, 2010 at 06:10 PM

Ladies, please email me your email addresses so I can have Kerri send you download links. :) 

Have fun with your new kits.

Hope everyone's Tuesday is fabulous!