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

Thanks, Teacher

Hi friends,
Today, I have a card to share that features the no-line coloring technique with Copic markers. I have long admired the look, having first seen it with Magnolia images. Anyhoo, I decided I wanted to give it a go myself.

Here's my card:

Oh my word! Is it challenging!!! It was a long process as well. But for being my first time, I think it came out OK. *Ü*

Here's another peek:

I used the cutie Pure Innocence from the It's a sign stamp set from MFT. I used the long, long neglected fastenater stapler to attach the "teacher" staple. And look!--- No Wonky Stitches die on this card *Ü* hehe. (But it will be back!)

In the end, I think that this is one of those techniques that is worth the time & effort because the result is so, so, soooo preeeetty! *Ü* I will make it my Summer homework to keep practicing.

I used this week's MFT sketch:

I'll also be playing along in the following challenges:
Crafting from the Heart: Anything Goes
Crafty Cardmakers: #140 Stitching
Corrosive Challenge: #226 Pile it on- Layers & techniques

Thanks so much for popping in today!
Ciao... for now *Ü*


The 411
Stamps: It's a Sign-My Favorite Things
Ink: Antique Linen Distress Ink. Onyx Black-Versafine
Paper: Smarty Pants-Simple Stories. Copic maker paper. True Black cs-PTI. Whisper White cs-SU. Red cs.
Tools: Copic markers. Fishtail Flags Dienamics- MFT. Square Nestabilities -Spellbinders. Corner Chomper-We R Memory Keepers, White Signo pen, Fastenater Decorative Stapler- EK Success

Watercolor Birthday

Hello crafty friends,
**This is my SECOND post today.** Please scroll down for the MOJO400 post. Thanks!

I'm back with another watercolor card for Pretty Pink Posh...

  I went more traditional watercolor me with this card:

 I heat embossed the dogwood & butterfly images in gold embossing powder. Then I used my Distress markers to watercolor. I find this is the easiest way for me to watercolor. The panel was cut out with the Wonky Stitches die that I'm absolutely loving!!!

Here's another peek:

The flowers and butterfly got a coat of clear Wink of Stella for shimmer. I die-cut the "Happy" and adhered it to the card. To finish, I scattered a few gold sequins.

Here are the innies:

 I stamped the image in Delicata gold ink & the sentiment in Regal Rose ink. And yes... that's the Wonky Stitches die again! *Ü* I think I might be a teensy bit obsessed with this die *Ü* Finally, I used the Corner Chomper on the bottom corners.

I used sketch #126 from CAS(E) this Sketch: (rotated)

I'll also be playing along with the following challenges:
Addicted to CAS: #65 Butterfly
Crafty Catz: #282 Stitching
Sister Act Card Challenge: #109 Anything Goes
Creatalicious Challenge: #75 Butterflies  

Thanks so much for peeking today!
I'm so excited for the NBA Finals game Sunday! Can't wait to see it!!!
 Tootles,


The 411
Stamps: Dogwood stamp, Antique Flowers and Butterflies- Hero Arts.  Happy Birthday to You stamp- Hampton Arts. Wonderful Words- SU.
Paper: Watercolor paper- Ranger. Neenah Solar White cs.
Ink: Delicata gold. Regal Rose-SU
Tools: Wonky Stitches dies- Avery Elle. Die174w-IO. Gold sequins. Distress Markers: ripe persimmon, spiced marmalade, mustard seed, picked raspberry, worn lipstick, abandoned coral, tattered rose.

Mojo Monday 400 Contest!

Hello crafty friends,
I have a couple of cards to share today for a couple of fun things going on in the blog world. But so it wouldn't be a super long post I've created two posts today.

First, is The Mojo Monday 400 contest!

If you've been by my blog, you know I L-U-V Julee's sketches, and use them often for my cards---> even older ones I've got in my sketch files! I'm drawn like a moth to a flame to these sketches because there's usually lots of layers & design elements (which make me happeeee! *Ü*)

Here's the card I created in honor of 400 sketches:

 This was such a fun card to create because I got ARTSY!!! I die cut the front panel with the Wonky Stitches die from Avery Elle (Oh my word...I LUUUUV it!) on watercolor paper. I thought I would watercolor the background but then decided to use the Fireworks sprays instead. I've never used them & totally forgot I had them! I saw the very artsy Tenia Nelson use them on a card a while back & luuuved the way it looked. So I sprayed Bahama Blue & Dandelion. I took some Black Soot Distress Ink & splattered some drops with my brush.

Here's another peek:

What I didn't know (because I hoard & don't use my toys) is that the spray leaves sparkle & shine! Bonus! So the background is colorful & shimmery *Ü* I heat embossed the sentiment with black embossing powder. The butterfly is watercolored with Distress Markers using the Wink of Stella brush so it's super shimmery *Ü* Both images come from the Blue Skies Stamp set from Verve. To finish, I added a few irridescent and black sequins.

 Here are the innies:

 Yup, that's the Wonky Stitches die again *Ü* This is the larger butterfly from the set.

Here's the sketch: (the very first one!)

Congratulations to Julee and the Mojo Monday designers on 400 awesome sketches & here's to 400 more!

Thanks so much for peeking!
Until next time...


The 411
Stamps: Blue Skies- Verve Stamps
Paper: Watercolor Paper- Ranger, Neenah solar white cs, True Black cs-PTI
Ink: Onyx Black-Versafine. Black Licorice Hybrid Ink- MFT
Tools: Distress Markers: peacock feathers, cracked pistachio, evergreen bough. Wink of Stella clear and black brushes. Wonky Stitches Dies- Avery Elle. Fireworks Craft Sprays- Imagine Crafts

You're Smokin' HOT!

Hi ya friends,
Today I'm hopping along with Pretty Pink Posh for the...

I thought it would be fun to join & practice watercoloring since that is probably the hardest color medium for me--- but I do enjoy it!

Here's my watercolor piece: (Sorry, you know my photog skills are worse than my watercolor skills :(

 When I think of watercoloring, I think pretty... flowers & butterflies & such. But I decided I was going to step out of the box & watercolor something F-U-N!   I used a new set I picked up from Lawn Fawn called Let's BBQ. I luuuved the images & punny sayings in this set...however... in my neck of the woods one must specify what someone is "smokin'" because it could NOT be a nice thing... for example: "You're smokin'_____!" (Insert NOT nice thing there.) So I made sure to specify "You're smokin' HOT!" *Ü*

Here's a closer peek at that juicy T-bone on the grill:

 I should mention I used Distress Inks for the whole panel. Even though you can't tell, I used the Wink of Stella pen on the BBQ grill & flames. I mixed Barn Door & Vintage Photo to give that steak a medium cooked look. (Sorry vegetarians...)

Here's a peek of the innies:

Don't ask me why I added a mustard bottle next to the relish sentiment???  Anyhoo, I used the new Wonky Stitches die from Avery Elle to frame the inside panel-LUV!

I thought this would make a fun Father's Day card *Ü* I will list all the Distress Colors I used below.

Thanks so much for peeking today!
Have a well-done day!


The 411
Stamps: Let's BBQ Stamp set- Lawn Fawn
Paper: Ranger Watercolor paper, True Black cs-PTI, Neenah Solar White cs
Ink: Distress Inks-Ranger, Black Licorice, Chocolate Brown Hybrid Inks- MFT
Tools: Let's BBQ dies- Lawn Fawn, Wonky Stitches die-Avery Elle, Ranger watercolor brush

Distress Inks Used: Sky- Tumbled Glass.  Grass: Mowed Lawn. Grill: Stormy Sky, Chipped Sapphire, & Black Soot. Flames: Barn Door, Spiced Marmalade, Squeezed Lemonade. Steak: Barn Door & Vintage Photo. Mustard Bottle: Fossilized Amber