Congrats Grad

Hi ya friends,
Today I have a card I made for a friend who has completed her Master's degree in Social Work.
Here's her card:

 I used the Star Garland die in the background. It's a curved die, but the gold cardstock was pliable enough that I was able to straighten it *Ü* The numbers, mortarboard, and congrats are all MFT dies and popped up with foam tape.

Here's a different peek:

 And a peek of the innies:

 I used this week's MFT sketch #234:

 I will admit, this one had me scratching my head, but in the end, I really like the way the card came together *Ü*

I'll be playing along with the following challenges:
Sister Act Card Challenge:  #112 Anything Goes
Ladybug Crafts: Use your dies
7 Kids College Fund: #128 Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp: Wednesday Challenge Anything Goes

Thanks so much for peeking today! Hope you have a great start to the week*Ü*
Ciao,

The 411
Stamps: For the Graduate-PTI
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Paper: True Black cs-PTI. Gold cs. Very Vanilla-SU.
Tools: By the Numbers Dienamics, Graduation Accents dies, Blueprints #1-MFT, Star Garland die-Reverse Confetti, Basic Set dies-Mama Elephant

Hello, Friend

Happy Sunday, friends!
I'm sharing a card today using a stamp I've had for ages & haven't inked up :(
Here it is:

 I used the no line Copic coloring technique and OMG!!! it was so hard to color her hair! This image is called Cheeky Beach from The Greeting Farm and it's super adorbs, but that hair is the stuff of coloring nightmares! Anyhoo, I'm still very much a newbie and it proves I have a loooong way to go...lol.

Here's a peek of the innies:

 I used this week's great sketch from Mojo Monday:

That's it for now.
Tootles,

The 411 
Stamps: Cheeky Beach- The Greeting Farm. Ring Me-MFT
Ink: Memento Desert Sand. Cajun Craze-SU. 
Paper: Neenah Desert Storm cs. Neenah Solar white cs. Tahiti Beach Stack-DCWV.
Tools: Stitched Circles, Stitched Rectangles, Fishtail Flags Dienamics-MFT. Stitched Rectangles Dies-Lawn Fawn. Wonky Stitches dies-Avery Elle. Copic markers

MFT Summer School: Lesson 5: Quiet Space/White Space

Hello again, crafty friends!

I did it! I completed all 5 days of summer school! (I wonder if this is how my students feel?! Hehehe!)
This is MFT Summer School: Lesson 5: Quiet Space/White Space

Def. n. “White space” stays in the background to make the focal point or the sentiment the unabashed star of the show. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be white!

Here's my card:

 Of course, they saved my Kryptonite for last! If you've been around the blog-o, you know white space gives me crafty anxiety! I feel the need to add embossing or some kind of texture even to CAS cards! I can't just leave it quiet...I need some noise!!! *Ü* But even though I wanted to add a paw print embossing folder to the card base...I took my paws off the card & walked away...

Here's another peek:

 I just adore this stamp set! The kitties are just adorable *Ü* I colored Mr. Meow with the no-line coloring technique with Copics. I fussy cut it because I don't have the coordinating dies...yet... ;)
I added some twine behind Mr. Meow so that it looked like he unwrapped the box *Ü*  & sprinkled 3 hearts (visual triangle ;) I created the sentiment by combining 2 stamp sets. "You Had Me At" from the At the Movies stamp set & "Meow" from this set.

Thank you so much for taking the time to peek at my summer assignments. I generally don't do summer school...but this session was crafty fun!!!

Class dismissed...until next time *Ü*

The 411
Stamps: I Knead You, At the Movies-MFT
Ink: Memento Desert Sand. Close to Cocoa-SU
Paper: Crumb Cake cs-SU. pink cs
Tools: Copics, Stitched Rectangle dies- Lawn Fawn, mini hearts-SSS
Other: Twine-May Arts, Wink of Stella pen-clear

MFT Summer School: Lesson 4: Line

Hey friends,

 I'm back with the 4th installment of MFT Summer School: Lesson 4: Line

Def. n. Lines are very important in graphic design and in card making. Lines can do many things to add visually interesting content to your design. Understanding how to use lines can help you communicate a certain feeling or idea in your work.

1. Lines draw the eye to the focal point.

2. Lines can divide  space and direct the viewers’ eyes.

3. Lines direct the flow of content.

4. Lines can help give emphasis to a specific area.

  

Here's my homework card:

 This lesson was really interesting for me because the idea of "Line" isn't something I generally think about when I'm creating my cards. I decided that I would show line by tilting the edges of my top layer of cardstock to bring the eye toward the mid-bottom right corner of the card (focal point.)

Here's another peek:

 I used one of my all-time favorite MFT stamps- At the Movies -for this card. *Ü* I embossed the top layer of cardstock with the Tickets embossing folder. I used my fave Star die to showcase the popcorn. Fun!

Four down one to go!
Thanks so much for popping in for card #4!
Have a goodie!

The 411
Stamps: At the Movies-MFT.
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black. Real Red, Daffodil Delight-SU. 
Paper: Neenah Solar White cs. Yellow cs. Gold cs-SU
Tools: At the Movies Dienamics, Accent It: Rock n Roll-MFT. Flower trio punch-SU. Stitched Rectangle dies-Lawn Fawn. Tickets embossing folder- The Paper Studio
Other: white gel pen

MFT Summer School: Lesson 3: Movement/Flow

Hi ya friends,

I'm back for Day 3 of MFT Summer School! Lesson #3: Movement/Flow
Def. v. The arrangement of the elements on a card to create
 a sense of motion by using lines, shapes, forms, and textures that cause the eye to move over the design. Creating a visual triangle with sentiment, paper, and focal point is a great way to show movement as well! 

Here's my homework card:

 I achieved Movement/Flow through the flight trail from the little bee, the curved sentiment, and the scripty "happy" die cut.

Here's another peek:

 I used the Hexagon Dienamics for the hive cells. I used Distress Inks to create an ombre wash so that the top was lighter yellow than the bottom. I added little stitch marks with my white gel pen *Ü* The little bee got a dab of yellow Stickles and added a clear Dew Drop. Once dry (and set) I added little black lines with my Sharpie pen to give it a more bee-belly *Ü* The wings got Diamond Stickles and the head got a dot of black Enamel Accents.

Here's a closer peek at the cute little bee: (sorry for the bad pic :(

You are as sweet as honey for stopping by for Day 3!
Ciao for now,

The 411
Stamps: Simply Fab Sayings (Be)-MFT. Bees-Pezadoodle Designs. Flight of the Butterfly-SU.
Ink: Distress Inks: Squeezed Lemonade, Fossilized Amber, Wild Honey. Black Licorice Hybrid ink-MFT.
Paper: Ranger watercolor cs. Neenah Solar White. True Black cs-PTI
Tools: Happy die-SSS. Stitched Rectangle Dies-Lawn Fawn
Other: Stickles. Dew Drops. Enamel Accents

MFT Summer School- Lesson 2: Focal Point

Hi again friends,

 I'm back for MFT Summer School Lesson #2: Focal Point
Def: n. The Focal Point on any given project is the main area where an embellishment or image stamp is placed. Typically it works best if there is only one focal point.

Here's my homework card:

 I wanted the focal point to be right in the center- the gold foiled die cuts with the sentiment flanked by the poppies.

Here's another peek:

There are 3 layers- 3 different dies cut from gold foil. I hope this doesn't look like a hot mess because it looks really pretty in real life *Ü* I heat embossed the sentiment in cream embossing powder. The poppies were stamped with versamark + Heat & Stick powder + Prisma glitter. So it's very sparkly! I took my gold uniball pen to add details to them. I also added gold Viva pen & gold Stickles to the center of one of the poppies.

Here's a peek of the innies:

I stamped the poppy in Delicata gold and allowed some of the embossing powder from the sentiment to stick to the bottom of it giving it a really pretty two-toned ombre-ish look. *Ü*

That's it for Lesson #2. 

Thanks so much for peeking!

Tootles,

The 411
Stamps: LJD Pretty Poppies,  Simply Fab Sayings-MFT
Ink: Versamark. Delicata Gold
Paper: Vintage Cream cs-PTI. Gold Foil cs-American Crafts
Tools: Poppies & Leaves Dienamics-MFT. Stitched Rectangle STAX-MFT. Stitched Rectangle dies-Lawn Fawn. Bitty Bow- Mama Elephant. Fancy Tags 2 dies, Fancy Tags 3 dies, Ribbon Banners dies-Spellbinders.
Other: embossing powder. Stickles. Prisma Glitter. Viva Decor pen. Uniball gold pen. foam tape

MFT Summer School: Lesson 1: Rule of Thirds

Hi crafty friends,
 Summer School is in session over at My Favorite Things!
Lesson one is about The Rule of Thirds. Def: n. The Rule of Thirds is the division of your card into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. This type of design leads to an overall visual that is pleasing to the eye.

Here's my card (homework):

 I placed the sentiment & the ground on the horizontal lines and the cow & balloons on the second vertical line.

Here's another peek:

  I used The Whole Herd stamp & coordinating dies. This set is just too cute *Ü* The balloons were cut out of vellum & then got a coat of Stickles. I placed the balloon strings so that it looks like Mr. Moo is holding it with his mouth. He's colored with Copics & The background was created with Fireworks sprays.

There are five lessons for MFT Summer School (and 5 homework assignments) so I hope you can take a peek at those too! *Ü*

Thanks so much for popping in for card #1!
Tootles,

The 411
Stamps: The Whole Herd, LJD Western Backgrounds-MFT
Ink: Black Licorice Hybrid Ink-MFT. Versafine Black Onyx. Fireworks Craft Sprays
Paper: Neenah Solar White. True Black cs-PTI. Vellum cs
Tools: The Whole Herd Dienamics-MFT. Stitched Rectangle dies-Lawn Fawn. Balloon punch-Martha Stewart Crafts. Copics. Stickles-Diamond. Twine.

Make Mine a Double

Hi ya friends,
 I have a couple of cards to share with ya today. The first is for my Dad for Father's Day.
Here it is:

 My Dad is a big carnivore so I stacked up the grill with a steak, hot dog, and burger *Ü* I colored the images with Copics & then spread a little Glossy Accents on the meats to give them that juicy look! Yum!

Here's the innies with lots of room for a message:

I used this CAS sketch since I'm going to be mailing it to him, I hoped that keeping it CAS would help me stay away from my usual layers.

The next card uses a stamp set from the bat files!
Here it is:

 So if you've been stamping for a while you might recognize this is a "Who's that Girl" set from My Favorite Things. MFT doesn't carry this line anymore, but I just can't part with them... I don't play with them, but I can't part with them either... sigh...

Here are some deets & another peek:

 I colored the images with Copics. I didn't want a plain background so I used an embossing folder, that to me, looked like a basket weave pattern. I used the excess I trimmed to create the baskets. I inked the embossed paper with brown chalk ink & added them on. The strawberries and apples got a bit of glossy accents and the peaches got a teensy bit of flocking powder so they're a bit fuzzy! *Ü*
I stamped the sentiment on vellum & popped it up with a little clear foam.

I used this week's MFT sketch #232:

I almost didn't play along this week cuz I thought this was a hard sketch! But it kept bugging me so I decided to not over think it & just go with it. So I merged the square & flower element into a general one that is made up of the girl and the basket. I think I made it work *Ü*

Lots of challenges out there, so I thought I'd play along with these:
Craft You Passion: #266 Anything Goes
Crafty Boots: #266 Father's Day
Crafty Cardmakers: #141 For a man or boy
Stamps & Fun= Creativity: #254 Anything Goes
The Pink Elephant: TPE303 Father's Day
Come & Get it: It's a Guy Thing
That Craft Place: Anything Goes

Thanks so much for popping in!
That's it for now...
Tootles,


The 411
For Dad card:
Stamps: Let's BBQ-Lawn Fawn. Father's Day-Inkadinkado. Happy Every Day-Simon Says Stamp
Ink: Chocolate Brown Hybrid ink, Black Licorice Hybrid ink- MFT. Soft Granite ink-Hero Art. Night of Navy-SU. Distress Inks: Salty Ocean & Mowed Lawn.
Paper: Night of Navy cs-SU. Copic cs. Rustic White cs-PTI. Scrap green cs, blue cs
Tools: Copics, LG Stitched Rectangle Dies, Let's BBQ dies-Lawn Fawn. Square Nestabilities- Spellbinders. Glossy Accents-Ranger

You're a Peach card
Stamps: Who's that Harvesting Girl-MFT
Ink: Chocolate Brown Hybrid ink-MFT. Creamy Brown & Chestnut Roan inks-Colorbox
Paper: Kraft cs-SU. Rustic White cs-PTI. Neenah Solar White cs
Tools: Copics. LG Stitched Rectangle Dies-Lawn Fawn. Cross Stitch Rectangle Dies, Fishtail Flags Dienamics-MFT, Glossy Accents-Ranger. Flocking Powder-Martha Stewart crafts. Chain Embossing folder-Lifestyle Crafts

Happy Birthday to June?

Hi again crafty friends,
 My friend, June, is a June baby! So thanks to her Mama, it's easy to remember "June's birthday is in June!" I just got this super cute stamp set from Mama Elephant that I was so excited to get inky *Ü*

Here's the card:

 I luuuuuuv this little astrology set from Mama Elephant called Cosmic Stars! I used the cute little twins image which corresponds with Gemini *Ü* I colored them with Copics using the No-Line coloring technique.

Here's another peek:

 SQUEAL!*Ü* They are just too cuuuute!!!

BUT, I came across a teensy problem!?!? I checked to see what day in June, June's birthday is and it's June 22...which doesn't make her a Gemini...she's a CANCER! D'oh!

That's ok, you know me, and there are NO mistakes in card-making. This little snafu just gave me another opportunity to play with this fun, fun, fun stamp set again *Ü*

HERE's June's card:

 I colored in Mr. Crab Cancer with the No-Line Copic technique again. This time I took the opportunity to make a shaker for the front panel. I used a left-over pocket that I cut away from the baseball card sleeve from the pocket letter I created a while back. It was much easier to create the shaker this way *Ü* and it's not bulky.

Here's another peek:

ETA: I will be sharing a tute showing how to make this type of shaker later this week! *Ü*
and of the innies:

Yup, that's the Wonky Stitches die back! Hehehe... I just luv this die... *Ü*

I used this Mojo Monday sketch:

Thanks so much for hanging in there for this long post! So what's a girl to do with a Gemini card? Well...it is MY birthday today so maybe I'll give it to myself! Lol...

I'll play along with the following challenges:
Aud Sentiments: #133 BINGO- (diagonal) Markers + rubber stamp + die cut
7 Kids College Fund: #127 In stitches (faux for me)
Sweet Stamps: #225 Anything Goes
Craft your Passion: #265 Anything Goes

That's it for now...go have some cake & ice cream on me! Birthday calories don't count- wink ;)
Tootles!


The 411
Stamps: Cosmic Stars stamp set & Starry Night stamp set- Mama Elephant. Swirly Birthday-Inkadinkado
Ink: Antique Linen Distress Ink-Ranger, Versamark
Paper: Neenah Solar White cs, Happy Day-My Mind's Eye. Summer Fresh-Simple Stories. Gold cs. Glitter paper-DCWV. vellum cs-SU
Tools: Stitched Rectangle Dienamics, Cross Stitch Rectangle Dienamics, Fishtail Flags Dienamics, Scribbles dienamics, Stars dienamics- My Favorite Things. Circle Nestabilities-Spellbinders, Wonky Stitches Dies-Avery Elle. Stars & hearts die- Simon Says Stamp. Tim Holtz Rays embossing folder. Copics. Wink of Stella clear pen. Detail gold embossing powder, sequins, beads

Cactus Background

Hello friends,
Today's card uses the technique of watercoloring with the Wink of Stella pen. So instead of using a traditional water & brush and then applying the Wink of Stella on top, you use the clear Wink of Stella as the means to watercolor. I saw the crafty genius, Jennifer McGuire, use this technique a while back & had to try it for myself.

Here's my card:

 I heat embossed the beautiful image in gold embossing powder on Ranger watercolor paper. Then I used my Distress markers & scribbled painted away! *Ü* I think it's so forgiving to watercolor with the markers because you scribble the colors on & blend them easily with the brush. I wish I could capture with my camera all the shimmery happiness on this card!

Here's a different peek:

I die-cut the Hello from gold cardstock so it would blend with the background. In addition to the image being sparkly, the pattern paper is glittery as is the green strip.

I used this week's Sweet Sunday sketch:

I thought the large, main panel would be a great way to showcase this beautiful & neglected background stamp I've had in my stash for too long...

I'll be playing along in the following challenges:
The Crafter's Cafe: #120 Anything Goes
Crafty Creations: #291 Embossing
Wonderful Wednesdays: Anything Goes

This is such a fun technique! I hope you give it a try *Ü*
Thanks so much for peeking!
Tootles!


The 411
Stamps: Cactus Background- Peddler's Pack
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Neenah Solar White cs. Watercolor paper-Ranger. Gold cs. Glitter paper-DCWV
Tools: Sentiment dies (DIE174W) Impression Obsession. Stitched Jumbo Fishtail Flags Dienamics-MFT. Distress Markers-Ranger. Wink of Stella brush- clear
Colors used: Cactus- Twisted Citron, peeled paint, mowed lawn. Sky- tumbled glass, salty ocean. Flowers- abandoned coral, wild honey, mustard seed. Sand- antique linen, vintage photo