Monday, July 28, 2014

Acrylic Block Background Stamp

I decided to do another instructional video.  It's still very amature, but with more practice, I know it'll get better.  LOL

Here's a photo of the card I completed using the acrylic block to make the background.



The second shot is a closeup of the pieces of ribbon and lace and washi tape I added.

Ink:  stampin' up
White and black cardstock

The instructional video will be posted tomorrow.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Watercolor Florals

I follow another blog that has fabulous challenges, inspirations and amazing talented artists.  But, I do not own any of their products so I cannot participate in their challenges.  But that doesn't stop me from being inspired and using my own products.

This week was watercoloring project on Capture the Moment.  


The instructional video is recommending that you stamp your floral image using a soft color background that blends into the white cardstock so when you're done watercoloring the image, it looks more like a watercolored original painting than just coloring in an image.  It takes practice, but here are the two cards I played around with:



I wasn't sure if I liked them while I was "painting" but loved how they look after they started to dry.  Both floral stamps were gifts from Rubber Paws and I used an assortment of colored ink from both Stampin' Up and CTMH.  I stamped my "ooh la la" dots very lightly over the finished images to give it a little bit of something extra.  The sentiment was purchased from a yard sale years ago and hey, no enamel dots!  LOL  But I did want to add some pearls.

If you want to check out their instuctional video, go the Capture the Moment blog.  This may be my next video too so stay tuned.

More Cards More Challenges

So I'm challenging myself to use paper scraps right after I complete the main project.  In my earlier post, I made a layout using many patterned papers from a NSD kit I purchased in May.  So before adding more scraps to the scrap pile, I made this card:

The papers are all from CTMH.  The stamp from Michael's dollar bin and of course I made the enamel dots. I'm so amazed at how the colors are coordinating with everything!

I followed the sketch on the Freshly Made Sketches blog https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4x8k4hPY3mH-Nev1K_D0uZo7FiN5f-ZoW1uqisHbOKCdV-WbHdEc-37nPi2Yj9vGO4zzaE1EbumlE1mPPWX-v1hLpXIMdhAoSRxh5oNTtZYX51am_YlTF63pdtSKGk8y5gUgKdqZ_6Fl/s1600/FMS145.png


Let's Be Adventurers

I love to look at challenge sites for sketch inspirations.  The sketches and challenges on Paper Secrets are so fun because not only do they have wonderful sketches, they add a little twist.   Check out their blog http://paper-secrets.blogspot.com/2014_07_01_archive.htmlhere:

Here's their sketch:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-9YWfKvbIIrH8IGhnhUTF8LvgyZti0JDmlX4NGHHV9tcr_kAGURhsoEcDzu0bcX_n83Ul7GWcfIjuY4AIgJj6BpdR7ZBv7nCe9-y3yHaSYQ0OWVTFPbceBvd_nUjpnza47siynDYRaiK/s1600/10376031_412339628908730_518256224166805551_n.jpg


and their twist is to use items that start with each letter of the word TRAVEL.  So I used
T = torn edge
R = red patterned paper
A = arrow
V = vellum
E = enamel dots
L = label

Here's mine:

and a close up of the photo:


You can barely see Gracie at the end of the leash with Carly and Leanna.  The papers are from CTMH, the PML card is also from CTMH as well as the embellies.  And the enamel dots were made by me.  I'm using these things on everything!  LOL

Sunday, July 20, 2014

While You Were in the Hospital...

So those of you who know me, know that my oldest son, Tony has surgery every three months.  We head over th UCSF in San Francisco.  Mostly we spend the entire day (usually at least six hours or more) just waiting in the hospital lobby.  When he was having surgery in December, my sister Caroline and I decided we were going to go to the mall and shop during the three hour surgery.  That started the whole "Let's Explore SF" adventures.  Derek, Carly and I went to Japantown one time and this particular time, Caroline and I went to the Presidio.  We took these great photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and just started taking selfies.  It was so funny.  I'm not even sure why...

Even though this is not exactly your routine beach scene, I thought it still could count as a Beach challenge on the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge site.

Here's my layout:


I used the Artbooking cartridge for the title "Explore" and the "On This Day" quote.  I used the Life's A Beach cartridge for the pelican and seagulls.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

No More Scraps!

I stayed up late last night just to complete a layout and decided to make cards using the leftover scraps.  I must try to do this everytime since I have WAY too many scraps in my scrap pile.  I know, I know, I can just throw them out, but who am I kidding...I can't do it.

So here's my layout featuring Gracie:


Some close ups:


And here are three cards I made using the scraps:




The papers are from Crate and the gorgeous enamel dots are homemade by me.  *see the previous post with my instructional video.  The stamps are Stampin' Up.

The layout and card sketches/patterns are from the CTMH booklets.  They sure do make things easier when designing layouts & cards.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Homemade Enamel Dots

So, I've been thinking about making a video for awhile but you know how I LOVE to procrastinate.  So, here it is.  I'm pretty sure I don't sound like this in real life...even my daughter said so.










If anyone is interested in making their own enamel dots and don't want to buy a plethora of pony beads, let me know and I'll hook you up.  I made three trays of them, dropped a bunch (and threw out) and there's still a ton of beads in the container..

So the key is to upload into a Youtube video.  What do you think?

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Figamarole

Figamarole?  I'm sure you're thinking, what the heck is she typing now?  Well, Carly and I visited the most amazing house last night.  A house for hanging out, creating (whatever your medium) and just having a great time.

Figamarole...(click on the name to get to the website)  We heard about the place from a fellow scrapbooker friend and decided to go hang out there.  They have a regularly scheduled Craft 'n Gab night on Wednesdays from 6:00 - 9:00 for $5 so off we went.  Risse, the owner was super friendly and greeted us as we pulled up.  She gave us a quick tour of the house (adorable!) and then showed us where to set up.  After we put down our things, we took a closer look and fell in love with the place!  All through the house are samples of previous and upcoming creations made at one of their classes.  Tons of inspiration everywhere.

All of the ladies last night were sewing and we had the chance to meet a few of the "regulars".  They were all very nice and friendly and we instantly felt welcomed - didn't feel like newbies at all.  There was regular chatter throughout the house, food, drinks and laughter. 

We're going back on Saturday for their all day scrapbooking crop - we can't wait.

If you live in the area and need a spot to relax, check them out.  They are located on Roeding Road in Ceres, CA.  Go to the website (click on the link above) to get a calendar and learn more of the history of the place and instructors. 

Very, very cool!