Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone! Today I'm going to share some cards I received. 

 

Thanks Connie

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for Mailable Monday. 

 

Thanks Kat.

Thanks Lisa

Thanks Marianne

Thanks to my SIL Lisa

Stamping trails

Karen

Playing with Canvas

Another thing I've been meaning to work with is the creative canvas in the Spring mini SU catalog. 

First I cut some pieces out using Hearts a Flutter Framlits. 

Next I sprayed the banners with Tangerine Tango, and Pacific Blue ink. The ink was mixed in misting bottles with rubbing alcohol.

To speed things up I used the heat tool to dry off the banners after they were misted. 

Frayed the edges of the banners and stamped on the images. 

Happy Birthday at the bottom was embossed with white powder. 

I like that the canvas is fabric that is thin enough to be punched using punches, or with the framlits, and Big Shot dies. 

Color Pallet: Pacific Blue, White, Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso

Stamp sets: A fitting Occasion, and Perfectly Penned. 

 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Stamping Again

So by yesterday afternoon I started to feel a bit better. I ventured down into the stamping studio and made some cards. 

This one is just plain silly. I embossed the elephant with black ink, then use white pigment ink and painted in the image. Next I used dye based ink to add color to the trunk, and body. 

Since the girls are on Spring Break now I won't be babysitting next week. Looking forward to having time off to do some things at home. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Quick Update

Sorry I have not posted in a few days. Have not been feeling well. I did visit the doctor yesterday morning. She has started the process to see if our insurance company will cover the gel shots for my right knee. She did give me a different med to help with the inflammation. Hoping it will help.

My son John re-formatted my laptop which was another reason why I have not been on the computer in a few days.

I was going to make turkey for Easter this coming Sunday but didn't get to the store to pick one up. At this point I will need to get a fresh turkey to make or change my mind again and just make a ham. Can't decide.

On the upside I lost 2.6 this week. I forgot to share that on Monday like I normally do. And on the upside again our weather is suppose to get warmer. They are calling for temps in the 40's over the weekend and dare I dream that maybe it will reach the 50's next week.

Stamping trails
Karen

Winter Wonder Land

So we woke up to a winter wonderland yesterday morning. Skip was thinking he would get a snow day, but no such luck. We got about 4 inches of snow, but by the time I snapped this picture yesterday afternoon it was already melting. I didn't have to babysit as the school where my nieces attend did close for the day. 

At least I didn't have to get out and drive. Of course Skip started to bring out Spring stuff and put away Winter stuff last weekend. If you look in the corner of this photo you will see the grill. He couldn't plow the driveway as he put the snowthrower away for the season. I told him he forgot where he lived. We can get snow into April here in Ohio.

I called the doctor yesterday, but I'm still waiting for a call back. They have to check with the insurance company to see if the gel shots will be covered. 

 Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday #4

Sometimes I forget that I own designer paper. This one I really did forget. I was looking through the SU Spring mini catalog and thinking to myself I really should get the Tea for Two designer paper. While looking through my paper wouldn't you know I had bought this paper and completely forgot that I did! I must be getting old! 

One of the papers has large circles like the ones on the card. I used a 1 3/4 circle punch to punch them out. After layering them on the card I used a paper piercing template to pierce around the larger circles. Now the paper piercing supplies that I have are very well neglected. Don't ask me why as I'm not really sure. I love the look of paper piercing so its not that. I'm going to strive to use my templates more in the future. 

They do give cards a bit of a pop without having all the layers so they are great to use for mailable cards! 

I used a thin strip of the paper to add to the bottom to highlight the greeting. Who needs ribbon? (well I do) A strip of designer paper works just as good without all the bulk. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Still Cold and Need Some Tea

Since it is still very cold here I needed the warmth of some hot tea!

Love how this card turned out! 

Base card standard A2

Next layer 4 x 5 1/4

Designer paper strips are 1 1/3 x 3 3/4

Color Pallet: Vanilla, Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Baja Breeze

Stamp sets: Morning Cup, and Blooming with Kindness

Still suffering from knee pain. I was really hoping it would get better by this point. Thinking I'll have to break down and ask the doctor for the gel shots. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Easter Crafts

Since I've been into frame art I decided to use a silver frame that I had picked up at the Goodwill a few months ago. For the background I used Natural Composition designer paper. I like that the paper is embossed. 

The eggs are from Oh Hello. I thought that oval background stamp in this set would make perfect Easter eggs. The center egg is So Saffron while I did stamp it I turned it around and used the unstamped side so I could have a place the Happy Easter word stamp.

Bunny is made with circle, oval, and heart punch. 

Grass is Wild Wasabi. Since the picture was more 3-D I omitted the glass from the frame.

This cute little chick treat holder was made using 2 large scallop circle dies cut from Daffodil Delight.Both circles were scored at 1 inch on one side. The flaps are then overlapped to form a base to add candy.
Eyes are 1/2 circle from black, beak Tangerine Tango
Wings 1 3/4 scallop circle punch. The wings were rounded just a bit and sponged with Daffodil Delight.

In your Easter Bonnet with all the frills upon it...well you get the idea. I wanted to make a head for the dress maker form so I could top it with a Easter bonnet. The bonnet is made with parts from the Blossoms Petal builder punch. The apron on the front of the dress also uses the same punch. 

Color Pallet: Calypso Coral, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Tea for Two designer paper

Stamping trails

Karen 

Look no Greeting

I have a very hard time making cards that do not have a greeting on the front. 

This one works for me as I used French Script background, and even though there is no "greeting" I do have words on the front. 

Color Pallet: White, Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, Old Olive

I used sponge daubers to add color to the embossed flowers. 

I am trying very hard to stay positive, but its getting really hard to do when you wake up in the morning and its a cold 19 degrees. BRRRRRR. Snow was falling pretty hard yesterday evening on my way home from babysitting. I think that darn groundhog should be shot, skinned and thrown in a crockpot. Early Spring....I don't think so. 

 

Other than the cold I've been having a good week. Went on the anti inflammatory medication that the doctor gave me and that seems to be helping with the knee pain. I've been able to workout on the recumbent bike, and continue with the leg strengthening excises.  Looking forward to getting on the scale on Sunday. Wish me luck!

Stamping trails

Karen

Bottle Cap Scissor Charm

Isn't this cool! I started out with one larger size bottle cap and fattened it by using the Big Shot. 

Next I inked up the background stamp from Postage due set in Marina Mist and stamped on vanilla cardstock. I then used Jet Black StazOn ink with the scissor stamp from A Fitting Occasion stamp set. I heat set the image then used a 1" circle punch to punch out the image. 

This was then glued down to the bottle cap and covered with Crystal Effects. After it was dry I used the Crop-a-dile to make a hole then used (gasp!) a silver eyelet. I know I can't remember the last time I used an eyelet but I wanted the charm to look more finished instead of just a bare hole. I added a ball chain to hang it from my scissors. LOVE IT! 

 

I've been having great fun this week playing with bottle caps. Lets see what else can I make? 

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Thank You...its Spring!

Well I can't say thank you enough that Spring is here! Of course our weather has not been reflecting Spring like temps, but I'm hopeful they will go up soon.

Today's card features Nature Walk stamp set. Other sets used Ity Bitty Banners, and Itty Bitty Bits.

Color Pallet: Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso.

After I stamped each flower I twisted the stamp just a bit before lifting to give it a more watercolor look. 

Bird is stamped with Early Espresso ink then color added with pastel chalks. 

Used one of the little bottle caps as an embellishment on the crumb cake bow. I must say I'm getting addicted to the bottle caps. Going to have to order more. 

Also used Natural Composition designer paper, Marina Mist cardstock with Tasteful Trim die. I really like the scallop edge. 

Hope everyone is having a great week so far. I'm not babysitting today so I think I'll crochet a bit this afternoon. 

Stamping trails

Karen

On this last day of Winter....

On the last official day of Winter for this season I thought it would be a wonderful idea to post a Winter themed card.

I've been playing around with the bottle caps from SU Spring Mini catalog. Did you know you can emboss them? After flattening them out using the Big Shot put one face down in VersaMark then sprinkle with embossing powder, tap off the excess, and heat. I used Iridescent Ice powder on this one. Love the sparkle!

Stylin' Snowfolk stamp was used for this happy little guy. 

Color Pallet: Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Real Red, Basic Black, and Pumpkin Pie. 

Too cute! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday #3

I brought out the water color wonder crayons for today's Mailable Monday card. 

Started with an acrylic block. (its 3x3) and scribbled it with Pacific Point crayon. 

Next step was to spritz it with just mist bottle filled with water. You don't need a lot of water. 

Then carefully stamp the moist colored block onto white cardstock. Would also work well on watercolor paper but you will get a different look on the watercolor paper. 

Finished card. I used Just Believe stamp set. 

Color Pallet: White, Soft Suede, Night of Navy, and Pacific Point. 

I just added a little bow at the upper corner. I like to use either bakers twine or crochet thread. 

Here is another one I made. I like the background block on this one, but I think I got carried away with the stamping...looks busy to me.

Did my weigh in yesterday. Lost 3.1

YAY guess that bike must be helping me. 

According to everything I've been reading for every pound you lose you take 4 pounds of pressure off your knees. So that is 12 pounds of pressure off. Hopefully I can keep the momentum going.

Stamping trails

Karen

Duct Tape Again

Remember the duct tape I was using in the embossing folders? Well the 2" in wide roll that I have was just wide enough to hold the oval folder. How cool is that? 

Color Pallet: Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Marina Mist, Early Expresso

Stamp set Everything Eleanor

Word from Itty Bitty Banners

Did get the snow as predicted but we got lots of rain and gloom. Just as bad! Need the sunshine to come back and warmer temps. Maybe in another week we will see Spring like conditions. Here is hoping! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Charming!

When I was making the Oz hot air balloon card earlier in the week I had scraps of designer paper left over. At first I was going to use circles to make the balloon then decided to go with ovals instead. 

As I didn't want to waste the Mocha Morning designer paper circles I came up with this card. 

Stamp set Tea Shoppe. 

Color Pallet: Pink Pirouette, Basic Gray, Vanilla

I also got to use a new charm from the Spring catalog. Tea time trinkets also has cups and saucers, and clock faces. Too cute! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Cork Message Center

So getting back to yesterdays project. I took a yard stick that I got at Home Depot for .68 cents, and hot glued corks from wine bottles all the way down the yardstick to create a little message center for the kitchen wall.

When I think of corks and grapes I think "vintage" so I had to put up some old black and white photos along with some "vintage" recipes from my mom. 

Thanks Kat for sending me all the corks. At the rate we drink wine in our house I would have been old, grey, and sitting in a rocking chair before I had enough corks to make this!

Not babysitting today so I'm thinking about calling up MIL Katie and see if she would like a visit. Other than that I don't have much plans. Still very cold here for this time of the year. Only thing that is keeping me going is seeing the red Robins on the grass. Spring is almost here! Oh an one very important Spring thing....Here in Hinkley the turkey vultures always come back to the park on the 15th of March. I told Skip we have lived here almost all our lives and we have never went to the park to watch them come home. If he didn't work 2nd shift I'd be tempted to wake him up and go this year. Then of course suppose to be 30 tomorrow. Bit nippy for bird watching. Here is a link if you'd like to read more about this event.

Stamping trails

Karen

ACK Snow!

Well at this point I would take Spring showers to bring May flowers over 6 days till Spring and its still snowing!!!! Been in the 30's and the white stuff is falling. Thankfully its not really sticking to the ground. 

So to try to bring on Spring showers I made this card. 

Stamp set Million Dollar Moments. 

Color Pallet: Vanilla, Crumb Cake, and Midnight Muse. 

Word stamp is from Blooming with Kindness. 

And what is this? Just a little project I'm working on for my grape/wine themed kitchen. 

More on the finished project tomorrow. 

Stamping trails

Karen

OZ

My son John and I went to see Oz the Great and Powerful yesterday afternoon. 

That movie just made me feel like a kid again. 

Loved the story starting off in black in white just like the original. Also the people Oz interacted with in the beginning where the same ones he interacted with when he arrived in Oz. Of course when he got there everything was in color. There were tie ins to the first movie that I thought were wonderful. One of my favorites was the horse of a different color.

This hot air balloon card was done in black in white with the balloon being caught in the twister. 

Large oval punch for the balloon, and round tag punch for the basket. Collage alphabet using for the lettering on the balloon. 

I woke up to a little snow on the ground. Not much, but at this time of the year I know Spring is around the corner....just has to be! I'll be home today since I'm not babysitting. Going to work on some stamping projects. Did my workout on the bike already this morning. Knee is starting to feel better. Blessed for that!

Stamping trails

Karen

New Bike

Since I've been having problems with my knees due to arthritis I haven't been able to work out. 

After doing some studying on arthritis and talking to my doctor I learned that a recumbent bike would be a good choice for me. 

Hubby found this one on Craig's list and went and picked it up for me on Saturday. 

I love it! 

Since it is in the basement (not the garage like the treadmill) I won't freeze to death when I work out, and its right in front of the TV so I can watch some programs while I petal away to a skinner me. 

It does take up a lot of space but I don't mind that. I've started out slow. Only doing 10 minutes twice a day. I'll let you know how it goes. 

Feel like I'm back in control again. Need to finish getting the rest of this weight off. 

BIG THANKS HONEY!!!

 

So Sunday was the best day ever! Got up to 65 degrees. We were able to go out on the deck and get some much needed sun!  We were thinking about going to the flower show but since it was so nice out we worked in the yard instead. Of course this being Ohio and being know for the weather to change at the drop of a hat, it poured down the rain all day yesterday. Today its back to being cold with some snow on the way. Winter it seems is not ready to release us yet.

 

Stamping trails

Karen 

Mailable Monday #2

Welcome to week #2 of Mailable Monday. 

Today I'm going to show you Double Sponging. 

Start with a piece of white cardstock. I started out using a 3 1/2 by 3 1/2 but after the stamping was finished I trimmed the piece to 3x3

You will need three colors of dye based ink and three sponges.

I used More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, and Pear Pizzazz. 

 

 

After the sponging was completed I stamped a background using a darker ink Night of Navy.

Stamp set used Postage Due. Love the large background stamp that comes in this set. Also like it because it is vintage (like me).

 

Use an embossing buddy over the stamp piece. This will keep the embossing powder from sticking where you don't want it to be. If you don't have an embossing buddy you can also use a used dryer sheet.

Next step is to get a detailed stamp. I used the Ferris Wheel from Feeling Sentimental. Ink the stamp with VersaMark and stamp where you would like the image to be. Now heat emboss that image with clear embossing powder. Tap off excess. 

Use a darker color ink on a sponge. I used Night of Navy, and sponge over the entire piece. The image that you clear embossed will begin to show. 

Here you can see my completed piece. I add a few layers before mounting it to White cardstock.

Color Pallet: White, Night of Navy, More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz, Not Quite Navy.

Word Celebrate Today is from Perfectly Penned. 

I think this card would be suitable for men or women, but even with the little flower on the lower right side that came from the background stamp I think it would be a perfect guy card. 

Stamping trails

Karen

 

Punch Bunny

I was in the mood yesterday to get silly with punches. 

The little bunny is made from:

1" circle, bird builder punch, circle from punch pack, and owl builder punch.

The inside ears I cut by hand. 

Color Pallet: White, Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Basic Gray, and Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake for the bunny.

I sponged Baja Breeze ink over a white cardstock base. Eggs were run through dot folder.

Hope everyone remembered to set there clocks ahead. Spring Forward! And speaking of Spring.....its only 10 days away!

And look what I found out in the yard.....The first true sign of Spring to see my crocus blooming. Had to pluck one and bring it inside. Happy now!!!!

Stamping trails

Karen

Crochet Kit

I found this cute little crochet kit at the Goodwill when I was out and about yesterday. 

Cost me 2.00, but it comes with a book, hook, and some yarn.

What I really thought was cool is the pattern for the cats on the trash cans. 

Too stinkin cute! 

I spent yesterday doing some light housework. I did work on some stamping projects for upcoming blog posts so I feel real good about that. Made my boys spaghetti for dinner. Pasta is off my menu right now, but I can still make it for them. 

Not sure what our plans are for this weekend. We have talked about going to the home and garden show in Medina. Suppose to be in the 50's over the weekend so that will be a tropical delight for us! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Cute Little Chicks

Working on some Easter goodies for my nieces. These cute little chicks are made using punches

Boho punch for top knot, and feet

Owl builder punch for pupils

Mini punch pack circle, and heart for eyes and wings

Scallop circle punch for body. 

It tried very hard to snow here yesterday. It was cold at 34 degrees, but I think Spring is really coming now as the birds are starting to come back, and the snow just didn't stick. We got some icy flakes off and on all day but that was it. 

 

I'll be home today and planning to camp out in the stamping studio (yes Joe that is what I call it) and work on Easter stuff and other projects. Should be a nice lazy stamping day! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Gift Giver Luck Card

Well while I've been busy making Easter stuff I forgot all about St. Patrick's Day. 

Color Pallet: Gumball Green, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, White, Vanilla

Stamp set is retired now called Gift Givers. The "L is for Luck" is from Occasions Alphabet. 

Background on Daffodil Delight cardstock was made with Argyle Sizzix embossing folder. The gumball green paper was leftover I had from the Christmas designer paper. 

Painted the little coins with gold lame Smooch ink. 

The gold thread is long since retired from SU. Wish they would bring it back! I did hoard a few rolls I know I'll run out sometime. 

We were suppose to get snow the other day but it didn't happen. Thankfully! I want to push forward till Spring....and speaking of Spring it is only 13 days away! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Papaya Collage Happy Birthday

Happy Hump Day! 

Stamp set used Papaya Collage

Color Pallet: White, Baja Breeze, More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz,. Not Quite Navy

I used reverse masking for this card. The largest framelit  from Apothecary Accents was used for the mask. 

The bird was looking a little suspended in air so I grounded him (no I didn't send him to his nest) by sponging on some More Mustard ink and the using an aqua painter to define the ground line a little bit. 

Word is from Perfectly Penned. 

I was trying to decide what embellishment to use on the card and decided to root though some of my drawers and came across a ton of pearls on a string. 

At first I tried to adhere these to the card with Tombo liquid glue, but that wasn't working for me. 

I got them attached by using micro glue dots. 

 Don't have much plans for day since I'm not watching my nieces I think I'll get caught up on some housework and maybe work on a crochet project. 

Stamping trails

Karen

Creped Filter Paper Flower

I made a flower using the Blossom punch and the new Creped Filter Paper that is in the Spring Mini

 (page 6 #129393 2.95)

This paper is heavier than tissue paper will hold up to water, and is great for punches.

I filled up a mist bottle about 3/4 full of rubbing alcohol  and 4 drops of Tangerine Tango re-inker. I also added just a drop of Frost White all purpose ink. 

 

I folded up one of the rectangles that comes in the filter paper pack into eights then punched with the Blossom punch. Next I added a silver brad. I spritzed the flower with the alcohol ink mixture and scrunched it up and alternated the flower petal layers to make it more full. As you can see in this photo the flower looked really dark when wet.

 

 

But when the flower is dry the color will fade out a bit. Click on the image to see a better view of the glitz that the Frost White ink gives it. 

Here is the completed card. 

Color pallet: Sahara Sand, Rich Razzleberry, Island Indigo, and Sycamore Street designer paper. 

Thank you is from Perfectly Penned stamp set.

Stamping trails

Karen

Mailable Monday #1

I'm starting up a new feature for my blog called Mailable Monday. I'll be show casing cards with less embellishments and more stamping techniques that are easy to mail, but also a 'WOW" card. 

I've been seeing this technique going around. You first start with Crumb Cake cardstock and emboss detail stamps using VersaMark and white embossing powder. 

Next step is to add a few drops of Whisper White re-inker directly to the lid of the white ink pad. 

 

 

Using an aqua painter pick up some of the white ink and start to color in the image you stamped. I selected Secret Garden stamp set for my flowers. Continue to add the white ink until the image is colored. 

You can let the white ink dry on its own or speed up the process by using a heat gun. 

Next step is to clean the aqua painter and select a color for the image. I decided to use Cherry Cobbler. Paint right over the white ink. This creates a very nice washed out look. After all the coloring was finished I went back and added a bit more of the Cherry Cobbler ink just to define some of the petals. 

I did mask the flowers so I could stamp the leaves. 

Color pallet: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, and Wild Wasabi

Word Thank you is from Blooming with Kindness stamp set. 

I added some Cherry Cobbler seam binding at the top. Love that seam binding is so easy to work with and is very mailable! 

Stamping trails

Karen

Duct Tape

 

Well I raided my hubby's tool box again. I found this roll of tape that is used for taping duct work tubes. This roll is 2 inches wide and had adhesive on the back. 

 

Now why would I need this you might ask. Well it is a very cool thing to run though an embossing folder. 

And as you can see after running through a folder its easy to peel off the paper backing then add it to a card.

Love the bright colors in the SAB designer paper pack Sycamore Street. Reminds me of Spring. Right now I really need some bright colors in my day as Winter has been too long!!!!

 

 

Stamping trails

Karen