Layers And Textures

Hello everyone,

I've really enjoyed the boy card but decided it was time to man it up a little.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on textured brown of unknown origin (likely Bazzill), and Stampin' Up Crushed Curry.  The sentiment is Impression Obsession Vertical Greeting stamped in Stampin' Up Wild Wasabi on Whisper White.  The remaining green elements are Wild Wasabi.  The embellishments are Recollections Cork Dots.

It can be rather challenging to craft masculine cards but I always have a few tricks to help the process just a bit.  I always try to find a great piece of printed paper.  I love to use layers and texture.  In this case the coloured papers coordinate well with the printed paper.  There are also multiple textures at play - the brown layer, the green strip which went through the crimper and the cork dots, which also speak to the trees in the printed paper.  I can't seem to help using the banners, especially in the sweet spot!

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

Gisèle

Another For The Boys

Hello everyone,

I so enjoyed crafting yesterday's boy card that I decided to use another sheet of paper from the Prima Forever Young pad.

The printed paper is Prima Forever Young layered on Bazzill Bitter Chocolate and Close To My Heart Crystal Blue.  The sentiment is Avery Elle Brushed stamped in Close To My Heart Sunset on a piece of vanilla of unknown origin and layered on more Crystal Blue.  The middle layer was stamped with an alphabet/number stamp set of unknown origin with Stampin' Up Close To Cocoa, Creamy Caramel,  More Mustard and Really Rust, and Close To My Heart Ruby and Sunset on a vanilla of unknown origin and layered on more Bitter Chocolate.  The ribbon is Multicrafts.  The embellishment is a button of unknown origin, likely Dress It Up.

I bought this paper a while ago to craft cards for a girlfriend who has three boys.  With two in school and one going into daycare next spring, she's going to need appropriate boy cards and I'm thinking ahead.  I also really like that these papers are great for young or old with many being quite gender neutral.  The versatility obviously appealed!

I mimicked the background using an alphabet/number set that I've no idea how it ended up in my stash.  I hesitated over the ribbon as it's not something I'd normally add to a boy card but it's not too bad in the whole scheme of things. The helicopter embellishment remains a little off theme-wise but I didn't want to replicate another punch art animal so I settled.

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

Gisèle

One For The Boys

Hello everyone,

After all the girly cards of the past few days, I figured it was only fair to see what kinds of cards I could craft for the boys.

The printed paper is Prima Forever Young layered on a vanilla of unknown origin, Close To My Heart Crystal Blue and Bazzill Bitter Chocolate.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Wacky Wishes stamped in Early Espresso on vanilla and layered on more Crystal Blue.  The punch art lion was crafted from a variety of scrap brown pieces.

I'm going to craft a few cards from this stack of Prima papers as there is quite a variety for both young and older.  Obviously, this particular card is meant for a younger boy and I think it works rather well.  I really love the whimsical characters.  It inspired the punch art lion (with the weird whiskers!).  I always seem to turn to this sentiment set when I'm working on kid cards because it just works so darn well.

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

Gisèle

Butterflies And Bling

Hello everyone,

This is the last card using up the bright coloured card bases.  Overall, I think this set of cards turned out rather well.  I'd step out of my comfort zone and use them without hesitation.

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket DeLovely layered on a white of unknown origin and Stampin' Up Mango Mambo.  The images are Close To My Heart Your Own Kind Of Wonderful stamped in Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf on more white of unknown origin and layered on more Melon Mambo.  The sentiment, also from the Your Own Kind Of Wonderful set, is stamped in Melon Mambo.  The embellishments are Crafts Rhinestone Strips.

I couldn't craft a set of cards without using butterflies somewhere and this is the one!  I decided that I'd double stamp some of the butterflies to get a somewhat mottled impression.  The actual card is better than the photo.  If you're going to acknowledge someones special day, a little bit of bling is in order.  These embellishments have an opalescent quality to them that is really lovely with the greens and pink.  The placement on the printed paper (a scrap) makes them appear to be exploding.  Just lovely!

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

Gisèle

Tree Of Thanks

Hello everyone,

I believe that any card set really should include a thank you card because you never know when you'll need one.

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket layered on Recollections White.  The background image is Stampin' Up You've Got This stamped in Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf on Recollections White and layered on Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf.  The sentiment is Hero Arts Thank You Tree stamped in Close To My Heart Twilight.  The ribbons are of unknown origin.

This card didn't really come together easily as I was undecided over every element.  At first I thought I'd layer with Twilight paper and use a single large sentiment but I wasn't happy with the impression (it was rather blotchy and couldn't be 'fixed' with a Sakura pen) and the Twilight layer seemed too dark.  I finally walked away for a bit - that often works for me.  I love this background stamp - it's a favourite in virtually any colour.  As I looked for a image in my wooden stamp collection, I found this thank you tree that I hadn't used in ages but really love.  The tree needed to be anchored so I pawed through the bits and pieces of leftover ribbon.  When I couldn't choose between the thin or wide I just decided to use both.  It was worth walking away because I'm really happy with the results.

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

Gisèle

Pairing Pears

Hello everyone,

I've toned the colour combination down on today's card.

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket DeLovely layered on Recollections White which was embossed with Cuttlebug's Victoria embossing folder.  The image is Stampin' Up Faith In Nature stamped to Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf on Recollections White and layered on Bazzill Basics "Two Scoops" Mint Chips.  The sentiment is also Stampin' Up Faith In Nature stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more Mint Chips.  The embellishments are Kaisercraft black Pearl Strips.

What a different a day makes.  This card is so much more zen than the past couple.  Coordination is a beautiful thing - the embossing coordinates with the pattern in the printed strip, the pear image is paired (ha! ha!) with the printed paper, and the black embellishments coordinate with the ink in the sentiment.  I suppose I could have used black on the image but I rather like the green when all is said and done.  I can't explain why the different shades of green work together - I suspect it's because they've all got yellow tones (as opposed to grey or blue).  Regardless, I think this is a wonderful result.

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

Gisèle

On A Bed Of Roses

Hello everyone,

More cheerfulness!

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket DeLovely layered on Bazzill Basics "Two Scoops" Mint Chip.  The image is Inkadinkado Garden Greetings stamped in Close To My Heart Topiary on Stampin' Up Whisper White and layered on Melon Mambo.  The image is highlighted with Raspberry Tart Stickles.  The string is of unknown origin.

It took me a while to find an image that I thought would work all right with the stylized rose graphics on the printed paper.  This one isn't perfect but it's not the worst either.  The simple line style isn't ideal with the uniformity of the background but I thought, because it isn't a really 'heavy' image, and there is lots of white space, it doesn't do too bad.  I probably could have just used a sentiment but, that just hindsight talking.

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

Gisèle

Wonderfully Whimsical

Hello everyone,

Shield your eyes!

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket DeLovely layered on Stampin' Up textured Melon Mambo and Whisper White.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Too Kind stamped in Melon Mambo on Whisper White.  The embellishments are stickers of unknown origin.

While I was on a cheerful, uplifting bent (see yesterday's card) I decided to just keep running with it.  Pink and green are a lovely colour combination but this card takes it to a neon level!  These strips of printed paper were also in the DeLovely scrap envelop.  The green background works pretty well with the green card base.  I added the white background layer with a very small reveal because the images in the paper also have that white outline.  Finding the stickers, that work pretty darn good with the printed, was just luck and I was pretty happy to find them when I was looking for embellishments to add to the layout.

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

Gisèle

Yowza Yellow

Hello everyone,

What to do with yellow!

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket DeLovely layered on Stampin' Up Whisper White that was embossed with Couture Creations Drink Me embossing folder.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up You've Got This stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Whisper White and layered on DCWV All About Girls.  The brads are of unknown origin.

I'm not a fan of yellow.  I find it very hard to use because the multitude of shades and tones can make it really challenging to coordinate.  All that said, I had this bright yellow card base to use and was so pleased that when I went into the DeLovely scrap envelop, I found this strip of yellow and white circles (and I'm not a fan of circles either!).  I decided if I was going to go all out cheerful, the sentiment had to be uplifting and bold.  I was thinking if I wanted to boost someone up, this card should certainly do it!

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

Gisèle

Bright Birthday Wishes

Hello everyone,

Today's post is the start of a set of bright and cheerful cards.

The printed paper is Cosmo Cricket DeLovely layered on Close To My Heart Twilight and Stampin' Up Whisper White.  The Whisper White layer was embossed with Spellbinders Whimsy M-Bossabilities.  The sentiment is Sweet & Sassy Script Birthdays stamped in Twilight on Whisper White and layered on Twilight.  The ribbon is American Crafts.  The embellishments are Lime Green Stickles.

As I was going through my stash of card bases and envelops a few weeks back I came across a number of these coloured card bases and envelops.  I've no idea where they're from but I suspect it was part of a batch of white and vanilla card bases I picked up at a garage sale last summer.  They're pretty bright and not something I'd normally buy.  Thank goodness for the DeLovely paper pad otherwise I'd be hard pressed to make this series.

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

Gisèle

All Coppered

Hello everyone,

Today's card is the last of the painted outline sticker cards.  It's a beauty!

The images are Peel Off's Large Flower outline stickers affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Coral Berry, Deep Coral, Dreamsicle, Ginger Peach, Mustard Green, Persimmon, Rose Gold and Spiced Pumpkin Twinkling H2Os.  The images are layered on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla, an orange of unknown origin, an embossed shimmery copper of unknown origin and Recollections Copper Foil.  The sentiment is Close To My Heart Joyful Birthday stamped in Tsukineko Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate.

From the moment I started painting these flowers I intended this card to be for my eldest sister.  She has a beautiful poppy print that has these coral tones.  Sometimes however the intentions go sideways.  I love this card.  It shimmers, it's colourful, it has great texture but it's not my sister.  I think part of it is that the sentiment should be more to the right and the orange layer is a little too bright.  I'm being much too critical because the photo doesn't do the card justice, it's really not so dark and lovely warm and happy.

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

Gisèle

Art Deco Sea

Hello everyone,

I've another painted art deco element card today.

The image is a Starform outline sticker affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Autumn Skies, Blue Zircon, Ice, Mediterranean Blue, Mystic Blue and Olive Vine Twinkling H2Os.  The image is layered on Stampin' Up Whisper White, Recollections Black, a piece of watercolour crayon smooshed watercolour paper and a shimmery green of unknown origin.  The sentiment is also of unknown origin stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishment is also of unknown origin.

As much as I wasn't totally pleased with yesterday's card, I really, really, really love today's.  These are always my 'go to' colours and they certainly worked on this card.  These blues and greens against the smooshed watercolour paper are stunning!  I hadn't originally intended to add an embellishment but when I took a 'look see', I found this perfectly coloured bit of blue bling.  It works perfectly.  I could keep going on and on about this card.  I may have to keep it in my personal stash.

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

Gisèle

More Art Deco

Hello everyone,

Today's card uses another painted art deco element.

The image is a Starform Outline Sticker affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Sage, Summer Breeze, Wild Plum and Wisteria Twinkling H20s.  The image is layered on Stampin' Up Whisper White, Recollections Black, Close To My Heart Juniper and a shimmery purple of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Sentimentally Yours Scribbled Sentiments stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The embellishment is Kaisercraft Pearl Strips.

This card was way more of a challenge than it ought to have been.  The pink petals (I thought Wisteria was actually more purple) were suppose to be more light purple and the blending didn't go as well as it has been.  I originally chose purple and green because it's a colour combination that usually works so well.  The layers just weren't working until I added the purple with the small reveal.  I knew I wanted to craft a horizontal card and it also gave me an excuse to use this longer sentiment.  It's an OK card, but certainly not a favourite.

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

Gisèle

Art Deco In Pink

Hello everyone,

I've gotten distracted by my stash of alcohol-inked papers over the past few days but I'm back on track to finish making up the last few outline stickers that I had painted.

The image is a Starform outline sticker affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Buttercup, Chiffon Pink, Green Tea, Ice, Lemongrass, Mango Mamba and Playful Peony Twinkling H2Os.  The image is layered on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla, Ranger alcohol-inked glossy paper, Basic Black and Lucky Limeade.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Wild About Flowers stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Very Vanilla.  The embellishments are Crafts.

I found a package of outline stickers with these Art Deco style design elements.  I choose a few of them because they're somewhat easier to cut out as well as to paint.  I have not totally put away the smooshed papers and liked out this one uses the pinks and greens that I used on the sticker.  I think it makes for an especially interesting layer.  I'm still not certain about the punched sentiment but my daughter says it's just fine.  All in all, I'm happy with these results.

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

Gisèle

Card and Studio

Hello everyone,

Today's post uses more of the smooshed paper I've gotten stashed away.

The image is Joy Crafts 6410/0336 stamped in Stampin' Up Always Artichoke on Recollections White and layered on Mossy Meadow, Close To My Heart Vineyard Berry, and Ranger alcohol-inked glossy paper.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.  The banners were punched from leftover Vineyard Berry.  The embellishments are Multicrafts Keepsakes Memories.

This card came together quite quickly once I'd settled on the alcohol-inked element.  The hardest part was the placement of the image as it's somewhat smaller than the background layers.  I didn't want to cover up too much of the alcohol-inked piece however as I find it particularly interesting.  The sentiment was also a bit challenging because it needed to be just the right size and font.  Oh the trials and tribulations of cardmaking.

While speaking with a new cardmaking friend today, she was wondering about my studio space.  I'd posted an image a number of years back but I've added a few things since then so decided an update was in order.  The wooden drawers on the left side of the photo once held my father's sandpaper in his workshop.  Since he passed away a few years ago, it's rare that I don't think of him whenever I sit down at my desk.  I really enjoy my space and regularly while away quite a lot of time here.

I hope you enjoy today's card and this small glimpse into my crafting world.  Please come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Flight of Fire

Hello everyone,

I'm shocked that today's card actually came to be as I had a hard time making choices.

The image is Memory Box Fairyland Butterflies die cut from a gold of unknown origin.  The background layers are a piece of watercolour paper smooshed with a variety of Stampin' Up Watercolour crayons, a gold of unknown origin, Close To My Heart Vineyard Berry and Stampin' Up Very Vanilla.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Bravo Burgundy.  The embellishments are Multicrafts Keepsakes Memories.

I came across this scrap of watercolour paper when I looking for a background for Sunday's Fish 2 card.  I love the warm, fiery colours and originally planned to make this a horizontal card with a single, more elaborate butterfly die cut.  Once I spied this die, I changed my mind and this card went in a pretty different direction (both figuratively and physically).  I love the results!

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

Gisèle

Sixty Years Strong

Hello everyone,

The aunt of a girlfriend is celebrating her sixtieth year as a nun so she commissioned this special card.

The background layers are a deep red and navy of unknown origin (likely Bazzill).  The background image is Impression Obsession Large Flourishes stamped in Stampin' Up Night of Navy on Whisper White, layered on more navy. and highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The focal image is Inkadinkado stamped in Cherry Cobbler on Whisper White and also layered on navy.  The sentiment is Rubbernecker Best Wishes stamped in Night of Navy on Whisper White and layered on more Navy.  The embellishments are Marianne Design Pearl Flowers.

My girlfriend's aunt is a Redemptoristine Sister (also known as Red Nuns) so I drew the colour combination from their habits.  I'm particularly fond of this red and navy together.  The images and embellishments are garden inspired because my girlfriend's aunt has an affinity for gardening.  I have to say the research I did before crafting this card was extremely interesting, hence the link to the Order.  I hope both the recipient and giver are pleased as this is a really momentous occasion.

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

Gisèle

Two Fish

Hello everyone,

And another wonderful painted fish card today!

The image is Elizabeth Craft Designs affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Dreamsicle, Ginger Peach, Mango Mamba, Mustard Green and Persimmon Twinkling H2Os.  The image is layered on watercolour paper painted with LuminArte Golden Jade, Sage, Summer Breeze and Olive Vine Twinkling H2Os, DCWV green and copper Foiled cardstock, and Bazzill Basics.  The sentiment is Verve Accent Notes stamped in Close To My Heart Sunset.  The embellishments are EK Success Shimmering Gold Dots.

I couldn't just paint one fish so decided to try a second in gold.  I really can't tell which card I like more.  This goldfish is pretty spectacular!  It took me a while to find this piece of background paper.  It's probably been in my stash for years as it was at the bottom of the pile.  It's got enough yellow to contrast beautifully with the orange in the fish.  The layering papers were also a bit of a challenge just because I had to find just the right shade and tone of green and orange.  Oh but I just love everything about it!

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

Gisèle

One Fish

Hello everyone,

The next couple of posts are more fun cards but with a totally different feel than the Cupcake Trio from yesterday's post.

The image is Elizabeth Craft Designs affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Blue Zircon, Bolivian Blue, Mustard Green, Mystic Blue and Teal Zircon Twinkling H2Os.  The image is layered on Ranger alcohol-inked glossy paper, Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver, and Stampin' Up Midnight Muse.  The sentiment is Gina K Pleasant Plurals stamped in Midnight Muse.  The embellishments are EK Success Shimmering Silver Dots.

I have quite a stash of alcohol-inked glossy paper because I tend to make up a fair number at once given the messiness of the technique.  As I really liked the effect with the butterfly card from Thursday's post, I thought it would work great with the fish.  It's a pretty amazing result!  The blues and greens are pretty spectacular!

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

Gisèle

Cupcake Trio

Hello everyone,

Today's card is just fun!

The images are Elizabeth Craft Designs affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Icicles, Mango Mamba, Poppy Red, Siam White and True Blue Twinkling H2Os.  The images are layered on Stampin' Up Whisper White, a textured blue of unknown origin and Bazzill Black Prismatic.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up All Holidays stamped in Pacific Point.  The embellishments are of unknown origin.

Who knew that painted cupcake stickers would be so cheerful!  I would have liked to have more variety in the bright and bold colours of my stash of Twinkling H2Os is limited.  I could have done soft and sweet (pun-intended) but somehow these primary colours seemed more appropriate.  I think it was the daisies that first drew me to these stickers as they were such a good excuse to see how well the Siam White popped!  The brads were very much an afterthought.  I got a couple of smudges (from a dirty brayer) that needed covering.

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

Gisèle

Butterfly Wings

Hello everyone,

One of my girlfriends recently lost her sister-in-law and I thought she'd like this particular card.

The image is Elizabeth Craft Designs affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Blushing Rose, English Lavender, Ice, Mustard Green, Mystic Blue, Plum Blossom and Royal Orchid Twinkling H2Os.  The image is layered on Recollections White, Paper Accents Glossy Mirror Silver and Ranger alcohol-inked glossy paper.  The sentiment is Gina Marie All Seasons stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.

As I was painting this butterfly I thought it would make a great birthday card for a young girl with all those pinks and purples.  Once I'd settled on the layers however, I knew this was the card I'd send to my girlfriend.  It's maybe a little more cheerful than a sympathy card ought to be but there is just something about it that feels right.

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

Gisèle

Black-Eyed Beautiful

Hello everyone,

As I was going through my stash of outline stickers I found this black-eyed Susan sticker and just couldn't resist.

The image is Elizabeth Craft Designs affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Burnt Umber, Dreamsicle, Golden Jade, Ice, Mango Mamba and Olive Vine Twinkling H2Os.  The image is layered on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla, Garden Green, Early Espresso, and a gold of unknown origin.  The sentiment is Denami Design Upright Happy Birthday stamped in Early Espresso.

I'm generally not attracted to yellow and black-eyed Susans are certainly not a favourite flower, but after yesterday's less than pleasing red roses, I wanted to do something entirely different.  I'm glad I did because this card is utterly wonderful!  This photo doesn't do justice to this card.  The brown really pops and the gold layer is a wonderful highlight.

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

Gisèle

Roses Three

Hello everyone,

Today's card is not my favourite of this series.

The images are Elizabeth Craft Designs affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Poppy Red, Jasper Red, Forest Green and Moss Agate Twinkling H2Os and highlighted with Wink of Stella Clear 999.  The images are layered on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla, a gold of unknown origin, and Bravo Burgundy.  The sentiment is Joy Crafts Sayings stamped in Early Espresso.  The embellishments are Multicrafts Keepsake Memories.

Until I glued these flowers to the background layers, I didn't think the painting was all that bad but against the Very Vanilla, all the flubs come to light.  I'm not too fussy on the flower placement either.  The smallest of the three is in the wrong place.  Unfortunately, once glued, the images are very unforgiving.  All that said, this isn't the worst card I've ever crafted.

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

Gisèle

Incredible Iris

Hello everyone,

I warned that I was quite finished with the painted vellum and outline stickers.

The image are Elizabeth Craft Designs affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Buttercup, Icicles, Mango Mamba, Olive Vine, Plum Crazy and Royal Orchid Twinkling H2Os.  The image is layered on Stampin' Up Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant and Garden Green.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Bloom With Hope stamped in Elegant Eggplant.

I'm so very pleased with this card.  I just love the purple, green and white!  The way it pops is awesome.  Like yesterday's card, I kept the layout and design elements limited as I didn't want anything to detract from the flowers.  I'm not a confident about this painting effort but it's not too bad either.

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

Gisèle

Pretty Poppies

Hello everyone,

I loved yesterday's painted butterfly so much, I decided to try the same technique with some poppies.

The image is Elizabeth Craft Designs affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Cedarwood, Deep Coral, Ginger Peach, Golden Jade, Ice, Olive Vine, and Poppy Red Twinkling H2Os. The image is affixed to Recollections Vanilla and layered on Stampin' Up Garden Green, River Rock and Mossy Meadow.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Teeny Tiny Wishes stamped in Mossy Meadow on Recollections Vanilla.

Something I've learned is that when you paint on vellum, it gets rather wrinkled.  In this case, I placed the image under a book overnight and though it's not perfectly flat, there is a little bit of texture that makes this even more interesting.  I just love these poppies!  The painting isn't too bad, better than if I'd tried markers!  This is a really simple layout without any added embellishments as I didn't want anything to detract from the image.  More to come!

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

Gisèle

Layers of Leftovers

Hello everyone,

Sometimes leftovers are the absolute best!

The image is an Elizabeth Craft Designs outline sticker affixed to vellum and painted with LuminArte Green Tea, Icicles, Twilight and Wine and Roses Twinkling H2Os.  The image is layered on a piece of watercolour paper smooshed with a variety of Stampin' Up watercolour crayons and Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss and Recollections Mercury Glass.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Express Yourself stamped in Tsukineko Mediterranean Blue ink on Very Vanilla.

Today's card all started with this tiny punched sentiment.  I don't recall on which card I originally intended to use it and it's been floating around my desk for months.  I also had this scrap of watercolour paper leftover from my sister's card from a couple of days ago.  I thought the blue ink of the sentiment worked well with the scrap piece and basically just ran with it from there.  I hadn't intended to use any type of image but once I had it all together, there was this huge space that needed something but nothing on hand worked.  I decided to customize an outline sticker and couldn't be more happy with the results.  I especially love how I was able to coordinate with the background element.  This butterfly was so much fun, I just had to try the effect with a few other stickers - more to follow!

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

Gisèle

Song And Dance

Hello everyone,

As I was cleaning up my work area the other day I found a few cards that needed to be finished up or kick started a bit.

The printed paper is of unknown origin layered on a textured grey of unknown origin and Stampin' Up Real Red.  The image and sentiment are Gina K Because Of You stamped in Versafine Onyx Black on Recollections White and layered on more Real Red.  The card is highlighted with Disco Ball Stickles.

I've not used this unique stamp all that often but it's one of my favourites.  I especially love the sentiment and there is something particularly appealing about this silhouette.  While I love the colour combination, I wasn't sold that it was completely appropriate for a wedding/anniversary card so I decided the Disco Ball Stickles would add just that little bit of sparkle that would make it all alright!  It is!

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

Gisèle

A Big Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today's post is my sister's 50th birthday card.

The image is Local King Rubber Stamps - Panda Bear stamped in StazOn Jet Black on glossy paper.  The image is layered on Stampin' Up Blackberry Bliss and a watercolour paper that was painted with a variety of Stampin' Up Watercolor Crayons.  The background image is also Local King Rubber Stamps - Panda Bear stamped in Stampin' Up Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, Pear Pizzazz, and  Close To My Heart Ponderosa Pine, Sweet Leaf and Topiary.  The sentiment is Sentimentally Yours More Scribbled Sentiments stamped in Rich Razzleberry.  The embellishments are from Fabricland.

My sister has a collection of panda bears that is pretty amazing.  As she is celebrating her 50th in a couple of days, I decided to craft a card with a theme that I knew would make her feel special.  I found the background layer as I was cleaning up my crafting space.  I suspect I made it a while ago and placed it (an the others I found) between a couple of books to flatten it out.  I love those kinds of surprises.  I'm so very happy with this card and am pretty certain my sister will love it!

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

Gisèle

Golden Blossoms

Hello everyone,

Well I've finally made it to my holidays and am determined to resurrect my mojo.  I started by sorting through the latest donations from Crop A While and found some lovely leftovers that are sure to inspire.  Today's card uses one of those little gems that Carole tucked into the boxes.

The focal image is of unknown origin layered on Stampin' Up Calypso Coral and Basic Black.  The image was highlighted with Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.  The sentiment is Stampin' Up Curly Cute stamped in StazOn Jet Black.

This was the front of a card that had an accidental ink smoosh on the base and was a titch on the crooked side.  I just couldn't throw it out so I cut it down, layered it on some complimenting paper and affixed it to a gold card base (from goodness knows where).  I'm not certain which technique was being attempted though I suspect it was a type of marker.  This great outline sticker was attached to glossy paper, then coloured.  This card turned out great so it doesn't really matter!

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

Gisèle