Natural Sympathy

Hello everyone,

Today's card uses another, more successful, colouring technique.

The printed paper is K&Company SW Nature.  The image is Stampin' Up Simply Sketched stamped in Close To My Heart Whisper ink on Whisper White, coloured with watercolour crayons and layered on a green of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Impression Obsession also stamped in Whisper ink on Whisper White.  The ribbon is Crafts.  The embellishments are Multicrafts Keepsake Memories.

This could very well be the perfect colouring technique for me.  I first coloured the image with the watercolour crayons then blended with as dry an Aqua Painter brush as I could manage.  This allowed me to shade a little bit without overdoing it.  I'm going to keep working on it.  The ribbon is the same as I used last week.  The spool was just sitting on my desk and worked so well with this K&Company paper I couldn't resist.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Something Blue

Hello everyone,

Another wedding card today.

The printed paper is K&Company Wedding Blue Foil Paper layered on a brushed metallic blue of unknown origin.  The circle element is more brushed metallic blue die cut from Spellbinders Nestabilities Splendid Circles.  The images are Hero Arts Fancy Hearts stamped in Stampin' Up Baja Breeze on Very Vanilla.  The sentiment is Stampendous Special Messages also stamped in Baja Breeze.  Both the images and the sentiment are highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The ribbon is Michael's Special Value.

This wedding card turned out pretty nice but was so hard to craft.  Once I realized it was not going to come together easily, I should have simplified.  Fewer elements with a tried and true layout.  I kept at it though and the results are not terrible but this is not my favourite wedding card ever.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wedding Gold

Hello everyone,

Wedding season is just around the corner so time to look at something new for the card stash.

The printed paper is TPC Studio Wedding Silhouette Tapestry Stripe layered on a brushed gold and brushed vanilla of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado heat embossed in Close To My Heart gold embossing powder.  The ribbon is Michael's Special Value.  The embellishments are Dollarama glittering stickers.

This is an utterly traditional wedding card.  Very elegant and classy.  I love the brushed gold and vanilla combination.  This was actually a very quick and easy card as the colours are as straightforward as this favoured layout.  This would have also made a great 50th anniversary card too.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Line Flower

Hello everyone,

This card was inspired by the leftover Kioshi paper that I found in my leftover bin.

The printed paper is BasicGrey Kioshi layered on Close To My Heart Garden Green and Goldrush.  The image is Close To My Heart Thoughts of You stamped in Whisper and Stampin' Up More Mustard inks on Whisper White and layered on more Garden Green.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes also stamped in Whisper.  The embellishment is My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Oliver Enamel Dots.

This card takes advantage of the wonderful lines of the paper and the two-step flower stamp.  The two couldn't work any better together if they were made for each other.  I was tempted to add multiple enamel dots but realized that this one large dot was perfect!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Polka Dot Butterflies

Hello everyone,

Today's card is meant to be a Pinterest case.  It didn't quite work out how I intended.

The printed paper is Pink Paislee Bullseye layered on Stampin' Up Soft Sky.  The top layer, more Soft Sky, was textured with Craft Concepts Butterfly Kisses embossing folder.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Best Wishes stamped in Early Espresso on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Recollections.

I've seen a multitude of punched cards on Pinterest lately that I find very appealing.  Unfortunately this isn't exactly like the cards I was attempting to case.  I wanted to punch a vertical row but for the life of me, couldn't figure out how to get it to work.  I think I figured out where I went wrong and will give it another try. I think this is still a great card, these polka dots work really well with this butterfly punch, so there are no regrets!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Flourishing Flowers

Hello everyone,

Today's card uses a scrap of paper that I've always loved, until I get it on a card.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Recollections pale blue and white.  The image is Impression Obsession Large Flourishes stamped in Stampin' Up Wild Wasabi and highlighted with Pentel Sunburst Metallic Silver Gel pen and Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Sweet Essentials also stamped in Wild Wasabi.  The ribbon is Crafts.

I love this paper but I hate working with it because I can't seem to coordinate either the images or the colours.  In this case, I think the stamped flourishes do a pretty fair job.  I wasn't at all pleased with the results until I added this dollar store ribbon.  For some reason, it brought the card together.  The ribbon's thin silver border also inspired the silver highlights on the flourishes.  I've only one or two small scraps of this paper left and now that I've figured out what to do with it, I can't wait to finally use it all up.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Oriental Inspired

Hello everyone,

Today's card was inspired by this lovely stamp.

The printed paper is origami paper of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Soft Sky and Night of Navy.  The image is Close To My Heart Japanese Blossom stamped on Whisper White, heat embossed with Close To My Heart gold embossing powder, painted with Night of Navy and layered on more Night of Navy.  The embellishments are Mark Richards 3 mm gold metals.

Those of you who follow my blog regularly know that my colouring leaves a lot to be desired.  I do know that I'm more more critical of my skills than you.  That being said, I'm determined to work on it as I'd like to reach a point where I can look at an image and actually be please with my attempt.  I'm playing with some different mediums and applicators to try to find a good fit.  Today's image uses an Aqua Painter and ink pad.  It certainly isn't bad and I like how the blues all speak to one another.  I didn't like the Aqua Painter and the ink pad as I found it challenges to load enough ink on the brush without transferring a ton of water to the image.  More to come on this...

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sweet Wedding Wishes

Hello everyone,

I've got a pretty comprehensive list of cards I'd like to replenish in my stash.  I am planning to take inspiration from all the beautiful cards I've found on Pinterest as well as some of the new stamps I've added to my collection over the past number of months.

The printed paper is BasicGrey layered on a purple of unknown origin.  The image is Memory Box Tissue Flower stamped in Stampin' Up Smoky Slate on Whisper White and painted with LuminArte Icy Iris and Sage Twinkling H2Os.  The sentiment is Verve Love Story also stamped in Smoky Slate on Whisper White and layered on more purple.  The ribbon and pearls are also of unknown origin.

I love this flower stamp.  It's is so light and delicate and offers a ton of possibilities.  With the number of elements of unknown origin used to craft this card, you can guess that I'm also going to try cleaning up some of the bits and pieces I've got lying around my studio space.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Perfect Poppies

Hello everyone,

I'm finished with my most recent commissions so I've decided to start replenishing my stash of cards.  It's the perfect opportunity to play with some of the stamps I've recently acquired.

The image is Rubbernecker Watercolor Poppies stamped in Stampin' Up Soft Suede on Whisper White and layered on Sage Shadow.  The image was coloured with Tombow markers 098, 228 and 757.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Sincere Expression stamped in Soft Suede.

This is a two-step stamp that I've become so enamored with lately.  I've used layouts that I really like and know work well.  I could craft cards like this over and over again.  One of the reasons why I like this stamping technique so much is because I use my stamp positioner to keep everything lined up.  It is one tool I just couldn't craft without.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Moroccan Sun Burst

Hello everyone,

Shield your eyes because this card is eye popping!

The printed papers are BasicGrey Marrakesh.  The bottom horizontal layers are punched with Martha Stewart Gothic Arches.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Best Wishes stamped in Stampin' Up Nigh of Navy on Whisper White.  The embellishments are Doodlebug baby girl assortment mini pearls.

Wow!  What a card!  It is bright, busy and beautiful!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

New York, New York

Hello everyone,

Today's card is suppose to invoke the impression of New York City.

The printed paper is atd Black Tie layered on DCWV Silky Smooth Neutrals.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Curly Cute stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White.  The butterfly is Memory Box Vivienne Butterfly die cut from DCWV Glitter card stock.  The embellishments are TPC Studio Wedding Silhouette pearlized brads and Prima Say It In Pearls.

This is a marvelous paper with which to craft.  It has a lovely sheen and is smooth as silk, making it lovely to cut.  I wasn't super certain about adding the butterfly, which is not evocative of New York, but it is really glittery and the intricate design works great with the background paper.  A great card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Fleur De Lis

Hello everyone,

The next few posts are for cards that were commissioned by a colleague who has three employees that are moving on to other posts.

The papers are Recollections and Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The Whisper White layer was textured with Cuttlebug Fleur de Lis embossing folder and highlighted with Royal Blue Liquid Pearls.  The sentiment is Bonnidee French Wording #1 stamped in Whisper White with Pacific Point and layered on more Recollections.

I love the striking blue and white of this card!  It is exactly what I had in my mind and I love it when cards turn out the way I envision.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Watercolour Whimsy

Hello everyone,

Today's card uses some of my favourite paper and another new stamp that I recently added to my collection.

The printed paper is NRN Designs Glorious Garden layered on Stampin' Up Pale Plum and Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf.  The image is Stampin' Up Happy Watercolour stamped in Crumbcake and Pale Plum on Whisper White and layered on more Sweet Leaf.  The image is coloured with Pale Plum, River Rock and Close To My Heart Blush.  The flowers were highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday stamped in Crumbcake and also highlighted in Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft Pearl Strips.

Isn't this card amazing!  I always seem to be shocked when I craft something so incredible!  I love how the image is just perfect with this paper.  I will confess I ordered this stamp because of all the beautiful cards that I saw on Pinterest.  I'm not at all disappointed and I can't wait to see what else I can do with it.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Spectacular Swallowtail

Hello everyone,

I've been eyeing this marvelous stamp for eons and finally caved.

The image is Stampin' Up Swallowtail stamped in More Mustard, Close To Cocoa and Close To My Heart Hollyhock.  The background stamp is Hero Arts La Lettre stamped in Crumbcake.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Close To Cocoa and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

I love, love, love this stamp!  I envision so many incredible possibilities that I can't wait to explore.  I'm amazed I waited so long to buy it.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Rockin' Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today's card is for one on my colleagues.  He has become a great friend and I wanted to craft him something very special.

The printed papers are Close To My Heart You Rock.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Happy Birthday set stamped in Close To My Heart Outdoor Denim on Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The ribbon is Michael's Craftsmart.  The brads are of unknown origin.

I love this particular set of papers.  The colours are wonderful and the pattern works so well for great masculine cards.  I'm really loving this set of Rubberneckers stamps.  Though they are red rubber, I've found that I need to condition them as I do with clear acrylic stamps.  They have a roughness to them that is easily rubbed away with an eraser.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Pretty Puppies

Hello everyone,

Today's card is for one of my dog walker friends.  These are her two pups!

The printed papers are all DCWV Pets Stack.  The bottom layer is Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Happy Birthday stamped in Sweet Leaf on Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The embellishments are TPC Studio Rockets and Rayguns jewels.

I have so much fun crafting 'doggie' cards!  This pair are a couple of real sweeties whose great photos just make beautiful cards.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Little Bits of Pretty

Hello everyone,

This is the final card in this series for my girlfriend.  I didn't use every last bit of paper but I came close!

The printed paper is Stampin' Up Spring Fling layered on Stampin' Up Tall Tales.  The embellishments are chip board shapes of unknown origin, a Prima fabric flower and a butterfly that was stamped with Stampin' Up Flight of the Butterfly in Pretty In Pink on vellum.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Say It all stamped in Close To My Heart Juniper ink.  The embellishments are Dollarama Glittering Stickers.  The card is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

For leftovers, I think this card is wonderful!  I love the yellow and pink together.  I just realized now, as I post this card, that there is a single yellow flower on the Spring Fling paper that just pops!  What a happy accident!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Leftover Lovely

Hello everyone,

Yesterday was vertical banners, today is horizontal.

The printed paper is Stampin' Up Spring Fling.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Whimsical Words stamped in Sage Shadow ink.  The embellishments are from Fabricland.

I tried to trim the printed paper so it would line up but I goofed it somewhat and I don't know where.  No matter, this card is still great.  While yesterday's card was intended for a female, today's is for a guy.  This banner strips lend really well to guys when you've got a paper like this.  There is just a hint of pink in the strips but a really man could handle it I'm sure.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Paisley Banners

Hello everyone,

I'm coming to the end of the larger paper pieces in my girlfriend's prize pack so it's time to get creative.

The printed paper is Me & My Big Ideas Mambi sheets highlighted with Crystal Ice Stickles.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Everyday Sayings stamped in Stampin' Up Dusty Durango ink.

This card really couldn't be any simpler.  I was utterly inspired by the multitude of 'banner' cards that are all the rage right now.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Snoopy Says

Hello everyone,

Today's card uses another stamped image that I found in the leftover bin.

The printed paper is of unknown origin.  The image is Stampabilities At The Beach stamped in StazOn Jet Black on Stampin' Up Whisper White and layered on My Mind's Eye.  The image is coloured with Tombow markers and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Close To My Heart Indian Corn Blue on Whisper White and layered on Recollections.

I love Snoopy and I wish I was chillin' on a beach somewhere south just about now!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Busy Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today's card just pops with this really busy paper.

The printed paper is Me & My Big Ideas Mambi Sheets layered on a printed paper of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Delightful Dozen stamped in ColorBox Aurora on Whisper White and layered on Quickutz Tropical QuickStripz.  The ribbon is of unknown origin.

Your eyes rather pop out when you first look at this card but when busy is what you've got, just run with it.  Not much else is needed when you've got this much print so the ribbon was somewhat of an after thought.  I do think it helps draw the eye to the sentiment and provide some texture to bring it all together.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Puttering

Hello everyone,

A little golf anyone?

The printed paper is of unknown origin.  The image is A Muse Art Stamps Putter stamped in StazOn Jet Black on Stampin' Up Whisper White, coloured with Tombow markers and layered on Recollections and My Mind's Eye.  The sentiment is Annabelle Hold A Candle stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White.  The embellishment is Me & My Big Ideas Soft Spoken Embellishments.

I picked up this package of embellishments in the Fall to craft this card and knew at the time that the embellishments would easily be used.  I wasn't entirely sure of this particular sticker for this card because the navy didn't fit but because all the other colours did, I went for it.  I've had this stamped and coloured image in my bin for ages and think it's perfect.  This turned into a fantastic guy card and with leftover to boot!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sugary Sweet

Hello everyone,

The only description I have for today's card is sweet.

The printed paper is Stampin' Up Spring Fling layered on Martha Stewart Playful Blue.  The image is Stampin' Up Sweet Summer stamped in Pretty In Pink, Barely Banana and Sage Shadow on Whisper White and is layered on more Pretty In Pink, Barely Banana and Sage Shadow.  The sentiment is Sweet and Sassy Birthday Greetings stamped in Sage Shadow.  The embellishments are Want 2 Scrap Say It With Pearls.  The card is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

All the little elements in this card were pulled out of my scrap bin.  The Pretty In Pink and Barely Banana layers were already textured and punched and required on a little bit of trimming to work.  I could probably use scraps until the cows come home and still craft hundreds of great cards!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Pretty Paisley

Hello everyone,

Today's card is another in the set I crafted for a girlfriend.

The printed paper is Me & My Big Ideas Mambi Sheets.  The sentiment is Magenta stamped in Stampin' Up Tangerine Tango on Whisper White and layered on Tangerine Tango.  The embellishments are Doodlebug Spring Assortment and Baby Girl Assortment mini pearls.

The purpose of this latest set of cards was to use up the goodies in my girlfriends prize pack and to keep the cards very simple.  This card couldn't be more simple, using a great piece of paper, an awesome stamp and a few embellishments.  It took only a few minutes and turned out just great!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Busy, Busy, Busy

Hello everyone,

Today's card is another very sweet and simple card.

The printed paper is Me & My Big Ideas Mambi Sheets.  The butterfly was punched with an EK Success punch from Stampin' Up Melon Mambo which was stamped with Stampin' Up Itty Bitty Buds in Melon Mambo ink and highlighted with Martha Stewart Icing White pigment ink.  The sentiment is Stampendous Retro Happy Birthday stamped in Melon Mambo on Whisper White.

I really love this card.  Crafted with a young girl in mind, this busy paper requires everything else be kept super simple.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Simply Striped

Hello everyone,

Today's card couldn't have been easier to craft.

The printed paper is of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Perfectly Penned stamped in Real Red on Whisper White and layered on more Real Red.  The embellishments are TPC Studio Transportation Stickers.

How quick and easy a card is this?  It is ideal for a youngster or even a man.  I really love the cheerful colours and of course, a super simple layout.  It is amazing how elements from different companies work so well together.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Illuminated Butterfly

Hello everyone,

This is another sweet and simple card crafted from my girlfriend's prize pack.

The printed paper is Stampin' Up Tall Tales layered on Martha Stewart Playful Blue.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Sassy Salutations stamped in Chocolate Chip on Whisper White and layered on Rose Red and more Martha Stewart.  The butterfly is punched from Rose Red and is smooshed with Illuminate ink.  The embellishment is Dollarama glittering sticker.

Another lovely card with a simple layout that draws on the printed paper.  This is not my favourite sheet in this designer series but this card turned out great!  I think this would be a great girl or teenager card.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Diagonal Wishes

Hello everyone,

One of my girlfriends took part in the beginners group at the Crop last month.  She is not a papercrafter but had a great time putting together the cards that I had designed.  Like all participants, she won a prize pack.  As a surprise, I decided to craft her a number of cards with her goodies.

The printed paper is Stampin' Up Spring Fling layered on Barely Banana.  The sentiment is Inkadinkado Caligraphy Celebration stamped in Pear Pizzazz ink on Whisper White and layered on Sage Shadow.  The sentiment is highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The embellishments are Dollarama Glittering Stickers.

I love these diagonal stripes.  They rather remind me of a man's shirt and I think that even with this little bit of bling (cuff links?) , this card could work for a man.  I crafted these cards on the spur of the moment and knew my friend wouldn't be happy if I went all out so I decided to use only leftover bits and pieces unless they came from her prize pack.  I'm so pleased with the results and so was she.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Hitting The Road

Hello everyone,

One of my colleagues is retiring and I was commissioned to craft his card.

The printed papers are BoBunny Detour, Echo Park A Boy's Life, and DCWV Pets Stack layered on Stampin' Up textured Crush Curry, a navy of unknown origin and Close To My Heart Gold Rush.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes stamped in Close To My Heart Dutch Blue on Very Vanilla and layered on more Gold Rush and navy.  The embellishments are of unknown origin.

I just couldn't resist trying another starburst card.  In particular I wanted to try a masculine card.  My idea was that he was driving away from work in his retirement.  I think it turned out perfectly!  For the brad placement I tried a technique I found on Pinterest.  I used my paper piercing template which easily showed me where to align the brad holes.  Worked wonderfully!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Vintage Elegance

Hello everyone,

This is the last of the thank you cards for all the wonderful folks who helped us with the crop.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Crumb Cake.  The sentiment is Serendipity stamped in Night of Navy on Very Vanilla and layered on Night of Navy and Crumb Cake.  The ribbon is Michael's Special Value.  The embellishments are Mark Richards 3mm Gold Metals.

This printed paper was gifted to me by one of cardmaking girlfriends.  She knows how much I love paisley!  I will admit that I have been hoarding this paper but after yesterday's creative disaster, I needed a paisley pick-me-up!  I used a tried and true layout for this card and kept it pretty straight forward not only because I needed to but because I really wanted most of the focus to be on the paper.  I'm glad I did because I just love this card!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

More Flowery Freshness

Hello everyone,

Today's thank you card was a challenge.  I think I was really running out of steam and just couldn't get all the elements to work together.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Lucky Limeade.  The image is Stampin' Up Mixed Bunch stamped in Nick Bantock Damson Plum on Whisper White and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The sentiment is Gina K Block Greeting also stamped in Damson Plum on Whisper White.  The Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 4 was stamped with Waltzingmouse Very Vintage Labels No. 4 in Damson Plum on Whisper White and layered on more Lucky Limeade.

This is one of those cards where I think I did every single element twice and still couldn't find a result that I'm completely happy with in the end.  I love all the elements separately, and the card isn't terrible, but it's not my favourite either.  I think I was just so frustrated that I'll just never be happy.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle