Blessing of Friendship

I wanted to make a card for a friend back in PA, and I already had these Chloe's Closet papers (Making Memories) in mind for her; when I saw the sketch over at the Mojo blog today, I knew that I wanted to play!

I stamped the card base (Pretty Pattern backgrounder from CHF), and then started layering on the patterns. I framed out the sentiment panel (Inspirational Sayings from The Angel Company) just to make the pattern pop a bit more against the others - amazing what a bit of white can accomplish. I tied on some twill tape, and added two little gems (K&Co) for just a bit of sparkle.

Quilted Americana

I made this card back in early July, inspired by Donelda's Tea Party challenge to use salt. While most "salty" tutorials use glossy cardstock, I've always loved the look you get from using plain cardstock with a single dye ink - not as dramatic, but a soft, lovely design that seems a bit fabric-like. For this card, I started with some scraps of white cardstock (since I knew I was going to be punching squares out, it didn't matter what the starting shape was!) and managed to color my fingertips blue and red along with the paper... but hey, isn't that part of the fun of stamping? ;)

While the treated cardstock was drying, I randomly stamped "America" (from Stars & Stripes) onto some other scraps of white, and also got my bear ready to go. I then punched out a ton of squares from the three papers and created the quilt-like background. I played with the arrangement a bit, and then when I had them laid out like I wanted, I glued them onto some plain copy paper, then trimmed it down to the size I wanted. A bit of black cardstock sets off the bold colors, and a simple silvery bow is the final touch.

Quick Encouragement

I had to get something mailed out, and of course I couldn't just toss it in a plain old envelope... My pre-made card stash is still boxed up, but I had unearthed this pack of simple panel cards (complete with envelopes; I think it's an old SU product) and pulled this together in less than 10 minutes. The flower image and sentiment are both from the Botanicals "Cookie" Plate, which you can earn using smARTbucks.

Anytime I'm inking up an image where I want to use multiple colors, I pull out my dew drop pads. That little pointy top is so easy to use - and I love that Brilliance pads are so juicy. I used Rocket Red Gold & Pearlescent Olive here, so there's some gorgeous shimmer going on, too.

Well, I'm off again... Have a wonderful weekend!

Wandering Thoughts...

Well, here it is - the first card made in our new home. It felt soooo good to put ink to paper again!

The card is created using the Journey set. My coloring skills still leave much to be desired, but I did have fun with this. After I cut the main image, the bits of white along the edge just didn't look right, so I swiped the edges with the black pad (a freebie tip :) On the green panel, I repeatedly stamped the marble image with versamark ink - great way to add interest to solid cardstock.

I hope to stamp a few more things before the month is out - plus I just realized that I have some things photographed that I never posted. Yep, I'll be back soon!!

Sorry about the lousy picture - the battery charger for the "good" camera has gone missing...

Checking In

Can't believe it's been nearly 2 months since I posted! Just wanted to check in and let y'all know that I'm still around, just super busy. Our family has moved 1,900 miles and we're still getting settled into our new home. I have a fantastic place for all my stamping goodies, but couldn't in good conscience set that up before the kitchen, bedrooms, etc. (but I must admit that the thought did cross my mind! ;)

On a funny note, I just had to share a few things that happened with the packers dealt with my stamping supplies. I had pre-packed many items, but they ended up redoing 99% of it (to my frustration). I had one box of tins, frames, etc. labelled alterables, that somehow became "Alter Tables" when they were done with it. I also had to laugh when I came across my box of large Sizzix dies, labelled "CDs."

Back soon!