Double D Challenge: Everything is Coming Up Green

 

It's time for another Double D challenge, friends.  March is the month of green and that's what Diane is asking for in this first challenge of the month.  Check out the inspiration board she put together for us:

When I went to my room to create I was thinking of that darling kitten in the teacup.  Well, you know how inspiration works -- one thing led to another and I ended up with the following card:

It's nothing like the picture, but definitely inspired.  I never would have come up with it otherwise.  The stamping is heat embossed in white, and the dry embossed panel was brushed with white pigment ink, directly from pad to paper.  The ric rac trim is a bit of color, cut from designer paper.  It's interesting to me how much I actually like this funny little thoroughly green card.

The Double D's have a prize for a random winner, and you know the team votes on creative favorites.

Come see what the team got up to with their delightfully green samples.  I hope you can join us at Double D with your own green creation.  Have a happy day!

Stamps:  Inkadinkado Cats, Nellie's Choice Roses Corner  Paper:  SU Green Galore, black, Mintay Lovely Day designer paper  Ink:  Versamark, white pigment ink  Other:  White superfine embossing powder, Sizzix Branches with Leaves #2 embossing folder, Paper Smooches Hello Words, Taylored Expression Ric Rac Borders

Meadowlark and Sunflower

Hello again!  One last Inkadinkado card this week and now I can happily say I have no more Inkadinkado in my not-yet-used basket.  They're all tucked away in their drawers and will come out to play again another day.

This time I stamped in Memento Rich Cocoa and colored with Copics.  The Western Meadowlark is Oregon's state bird.  They're even more colorful than my rendition, but I toned down the colors so my yellows wouldn't clash.

The background (from my bag o' backgrounds) was made by rubbing yellow ink onto the inside of an embossing folder and then embossing a panel of white cardstock.  You're familiar with the technique, I'm sure.  I've had a lot of fails but this turned out rather pretty... and then I covered up most of it.

Three challenges today:

The Sisterhood of Crafters -- Sunflowers.  I'm always pleased when I can use a never been inked stamp to play along in a challenge that catches my eye.  This is one of the smaller varieties of sunflower, but a sunflower nonetheless.
Four Seasons Challenge -- Anything goes summer.  Next month they'll switch to fall, but we're still enjoying summer while we can.
NBUS Challenge #41 -- Never before used schtuff.  You can find me there quite often (ahem).

  

Thank you for sharing a portion of your day with me!  Enjoy the weekend!

Stamps:  Inkadinkado Sing Like No Other  Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Super Smooth Solar White, grocer's kraft PTI Lemon Tart  Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa, something yellow (?)  Coloring:  Copics  Other:  Kraft string, Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers embossing folder, Impression Obsession Fancy Cut Out Border

Double D Challenge: Wheels

Hooray, it's time for another Double D Challenge!  This time Darlene is asking us for Wheels.  Anything with wheels -- and we're hoping you'll be inspired by this lovely mood board:

I'd like to be in each one of those pictures.

I chose whimsical for my wheels.  I've used another of my Inkadinkado woodblock stamps, not new on the market, but relatively new to me and never been used.  I stamped on watercolor paper and colored with Copics.  After looking at many different paper pads I settled on this old BasicGrey Kioshi.  I do have a few spare paper pads in my cabinet (ahem).  Must use the old along with the new.  I opened the pad and these pieces were already cut exactly as is so there's my layout.  You can barely see the green but it's peeking there along the edges.

All the little die cut flowers were scattered on the ground as a nod to the upper right inspiration photo.

We all would love to see you play along just for fun and possibly to be one of our creative winners.  You may even be the lucky random prize winner of this very cute die:

The team has some fun cards for you to see on the Double D Challenge blog.  I hope to see your project there too.  Wishing you the best day ever!

Stamps:  Inkadinkado Frog Prince, retired Power Poppy Best Day Ever sentiment  Paper:  Fabriano Artistico Extra White 140 lb hot pressed watercolor, Neenah 80 lb card base, BasicGrey Kioshi designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black  Coloring:  Copics  Dies:  Memory Box Crossed Stitch Frame Borders, Impression Obsession Tiny Flowers, Spellbinders Standard Circles Small

Pretty Bird

Hello!  It's about time I checked in, seeing as how it's been a week.  I'm as enthusiastic as ever about this thing of ours, but summer... and housework... other stuff.  You know how it goes.

This is going to be Inkadinkado week.  I had three vintage-ish Inkadinkado stamps remaining in my not-yet-used basket and it's time for their focus.  Today's card is one of Susan Wingert's designs.  When you see the image on the wood block stamp it looks dark and almost solid, but when stamped in a light ink it works beautifully for no-line coloring.

I used my Tombow markers and homemade blender pen for coloring on watercolor paper.  The card is a petite 4 3/4" square -- one of my favorite sizes to work with.  That little rectangle is designer paper glossed with ultra-thick embossing enamel.  It covers a teensy bit of the image that stamped too lightly to deal with.  

I colored the corner die to match.  It was cut from shimmery ivory cardstock and SU inks were brushed on with sponge-tipped applicators.  Very easy and one of my new favorite coloring methods.  You can see the shimmer below:

It looks like springtime.

It's a first time use for this lovely stamp so I'll share at Darnell's NBUS Challenge #41.

More Inkadinkado will be coming this week so I'll see you again soon.  Take care till we meet again!

Stamps:  Inkadinkado Wonder Bird wood block stamp  Paper:  Fabriano Artistico Extra White 140 lb hot pressed watercolor, linen weave Bazzil creamy white card base, Cryogen (shimmery) ivory for die cut, scrap designer paper  Ink:  Ranger Archival Shadow Grey for bird image, Versamark for clear embossing DP scrap, SU Cameo Coral and Old Olive for die cut  Coloring:  Tombow markers and blender for bird image, SU inks applied with sponge-tipped applicator for die cut  Other:  Poppystamps Hampstead Corner die, flat backed self-adhesive pearls, ultra-thick embossing enamel

Christmas Mouse

Hi!  My head is in the Christmas cards as I try to make progress.  How about something a little bit vintage today?  Goodnight Mouse is an older stamp I purchased a while back just so I could lay claim to a few of these Inkadinkado wood block art pieces before they disappear.

I stamped on watercolor paper and colored with Tombow markers -- no blender pen, just blending one marker into the other, light into dark.  I stippled white acrylic paint onto the pine bows and assembled with the bow and candy cane for decoration.

A lot went into the making of this card, but I'll limit the details here.  All info is in the recipe at the end.  I do want to mention the gold plaid background.  It's an oldie SU background stamp -- Flannel Plaid.  One day I sat with it and made several embossed backgrounds with different color cardstocks and embossing powders.  When the wet embossing had thoroughly cooled and set up I dry embossed with the SU Subtle folder for some additional texture.

Since Goodnight Mouse is new to me and it's a first-time use I'm going to share in Darnell's NBUS Challenge #32.

I hope all my US friends enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving in whatever way you spent it.  Now we head forward to Christmas.  Happy Holidays!

Stamps:  Inkadinkado Goodnight Mouse, Hero Arts From Our House sentiment, SU Flannel Plaid background (retired)  Paper:  Fabriano Artistico Extra White 140 lb hot press watercolor, SU Handsome Hunter, scrap red, gold glitter cardstock, Neenah 110 lb white for candy cane  Ink:  Palette Noir for mouse & sentiment, Versamark for plaid background  Coloring:  Tombow markers - no water or blender pen, red Copic on candy cane die cut, white acrylic paint applied to pine boughs with stipple brush  Dies:  Spellbinders Scored and Pierced Rectangles for plaid background, miscellaneous rectangle for main image, Poppystamps Lovely Gift Bow, Impression Obsession Pine Pair and Christmas Icons  Other:  Ranger Princess Gold embossing powder, SU Subtle embossing folder on card base and plaid background

Peace on Earth -- A Brand New Christmas Challenge

Welcome to our first Peace On Earth Challenge!  It's a brand new Christmas challenge from Darlene and Diane, who seem to have boundless energy when it comes to creating and managing challenge blogs.  This makes their 4th challenge blog, running concurrently.  Whew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it, but I do have to say those girls know how to run a beautiful challenge.

It's an "anything goes Christmas" challenge, but an inspiration board is provided if you'd like to use it.  Today's board has a nice variety to choose from.

I think the flower-bedecked horse in the upper right corner of the board is the most beautiful thing as I do have a fondness for critter stamps of a similar nature.  Today I've used a magnificent stag against a snowy woodland.

I need more stamps like I need a hole in the head, but I recently went on a special search for this type of beautiful Inkadinkado wood block stamp, realizing I had so few in my collection and feeling an urge to add more before they get too difficult to find.  I feel better now.  This one is called Christmas Reindeer.

I stamped the stag in Versafine Onyx Black on X-Press It Blending Card and embossed with detail clear embossing powder.  I found it to be the best way to capture the detailed pattern in his body.  The DOX background was blended directly onto the card base.

I'll refer you to the Peace on Earth challenge blog for fabulous team samples and more information.  I will mention that challenges are twice a month, beginning on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.  I hope you'll join us.  Have a wonderful day!

Stamps:  Inkadinkado Christmas Reindeer  Paper:  X-Press It Blending Card, SU Ballet Blue, Neenah 110 lb white for extra layer under believe word, silvery-white glitter paper for star  Inks:  Versafine Onyx Black, DOX Chipped Sapphire  & Scattered Straw  Dies:  Memory Box Evergreen Sky Collage & Tall Fir Collage, Frantic Stamper Believe, MFT Die-Namics Star Stax

Final Twofer Challenge: Dog/Cat

I just had to put everything else aside and make time to play in Darnell's Final Twofer Challenge.  We all know how Life requires us to step back from extra responsibilities now and then, and Darnell has made the most wise decision for her.

The theme this month is Dog/Cat.  I recently searched Amazon for oldie Inkadinkado woodblock stamps and purchased a small variety.  I could not resist this Golden Retriever puppy because it looks exactly like both Wally and LuLu at that age.  I'm using it for the first time here.  I have a hugs/thinking of you card and a new puppy card.

I'm making an effort to use more of my patterned papers.  I just finished going through every bit of it, sheet by sheet, pulling out the sheets I don't care for, and keeping only what I love.  I could not believe all the fabulous papers I've been overlooking, tsk tsk.  The puppy hugs card below is a quite mix of patterns.  I used a sketch I saved on Pinterest... easy and fun and a favorite thing to do in my stamp room.

The new puppy card below is not my most favorite card ever.  I like the idea of a new puppy card, but this one is too much of a good thing.  Just saying... things happen and then no time to start over, you know?

I'm not listing supplies because the list for two cards would be forever long.  I do, however, have three things that are being used for the first time:  Inkadinkado Puppy, Amy Design Baby Carriage, and Cottage Cutz Picket Fence Mini.

Twofer Challenge #41, Final Challenge -- Dog/cat

NBUS Challenge #29

Thanks so much, Darnell, for 4 years of a unique and fun challenge, and thank you everyone else for dropping in.  It's been fun!

CAS Mix Up Challenge: Flight

Hey, there!  It's a watercolor challenge this month at CAS Mix Up, and our host, Viv, has given us the prompt of "flight".  So... show us your watercolor of any kind as long as your card illustrates flight somehow.

I reached into the oldies for a bird in flight by Inkadinkado and watercolored with Tombow markers.  Sometimes my efforts at clean and simple leave me feeling my card is lacking something.  Seems like there should be another bird, a birdhouse, flowers... something.  Maybe just a bigger sentiment.  I could go on.  Maybe you're familiar with that feeling?

 

The background piece is one I made a while back, just goofing around with no technique in particular, but I'll bet there is a name for it.  I had stamped some leaves on cardstock, but felt they were too dark so I sprayed with water and then blotted with another piece of cardstock.  This is that piece.  I'd like to do it again because it's a nice effect.  I think you could call the background a watercolor of sorts, too.

A closer look...  I love this pretty bird.  Very fun to color any which way.  Dots of Stickles Stardust glitter glue appear almost like tiny gems on the bird's body.

By all means, have a look at the gorgeous card samples by the CAS Mix Up team and our lovely guest designer, Joyce (Cards-by-the-Sea).  I know I'm going to enjoy seeing everyone's entries.  Watercolor has always had my heart.  See you again soon!  Take good care.

Stamps:  Inkadinkado Patterned Birds and Bugs, Lawn Fawn, Wavy Sayings, unknown leaf stamp  Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Super Smooth Solar White card base, Fabriano Artistico Extra White 140 lb hot press watercolor  Ink:  Various greens, Palette Noir, Tombow markers for watercolor  Other:  Spellbinders Scored and Pierced Rectangles, sequins, Stickles Stardust and Black Diamond Stickles

Winter Bird

Hello and happy Wednesday to all!  Keeping it very simple today with Inkadinkado Winter Birds set and a pretty snowflake border.  I dressed it up minimally with self-adhesive silver trim and rhinestones.  The sentiment is retired SU.

Sorry to rush, but as I write this I've got a full day ahead of me.  When I made this card (days ago) I was inspired by the CAS Christmas Card Challenge -- Birds:

The Precious Marieke Snowflake Border die is not new on the market, but it's new to me and this is a first time use, so I'm heading over to Darnell's NBUS Challenge #19:

Thanks for putting up with me.  I'll be back Friday with all new Power Poppy!  Take care...

Winter Birds

Hello, friends!  Here's the yearly question:  How are you doing with Christmas cards?  I took stock and found I'm still a few short, which means it's time for some simple cards before I get back to coloring.  Today I'm sharing two of four I made one afternoon using an old favorite Inkadinkado set called Winter Birds.  Does anyone have this set?  I do think the stamps are beautiful.

The first card was minutes quick, with pretty paper, gold trim, and a die cut snowflake.  The center of the snowflake would be a good place for a rhinestone, but keeping it lump-free and mail-friendly.  The sentiment is an oldie from Stampin' Up.

With Card #2 I figured the swooshing snowflake and slanted sentiment somewhat follow the suggested trajectory of the birds' flight.  I chanced some sequins on this one.  Hope they're still intact after the card goes through the mail.

Both cards use Spellbinders Scored and Pierced Rectangles.  Poppystamps Snowflake Ribbon on #2.  Simple!  Have a happy day!

Monday Fun Day: Birds and Blooms and Thinking of You

Welcome to Monday!  The sun came out and suddenly all activity turned to spring things such as gardening and preparing our trailer for a season of camping and travel.  I'm surprised I stamped at all, but I can't seem to stay away from it entirely.  I recently finished up a batch of two dozen cards for a friend, so now I'm back to playing with my new or not-yet-used goodies.

Today I'm using a new-to-me stamp set, recently received as a gift, and I adore it.  Perfect for fair weather stamping when I don't have much time.  The stamp set is Inkadinkado "Pattern Play Inchie".  Nine different inchie stamps to mix and match, three of which I used here.  That little tag stamp is going to come in handy!

Also new to me is the Memory Box Pinpoint Double Frame die and the gingham paper.  I know... sales... what're you gonna do?  I have to stop looking.  I bought a whole 12 x 12 pad of the gingham paper at Wal-Mart.  What was I even doing in the craft section?  I went there for dog towels, sheesh.  Well, since I now have so much gingham paper I made the whole card with it.  I lined the inside with white to make it more sturdy.  Worked like a charm and turned out pretty cute!

I added a little more designer paper with the borders and flags, plus a linen thread bow.  It all worked out to make a cheerful get well card.

Thanks for sharing time with me today.  I hope you're enjoying some pretty spring weather.  It sure is uplifting!

Flowerful Friday: Twofer Challenge -- Pets

Hello!  I have quite a few photos today, so I'll use my words sparingly.  Today is Flowerful Friday, but I was running out of time to play along in Darnell's Twofer Pets-Theme Challenge.  I couldn't pass this one up, so I combined the two -- flowers and pets.

I used dog stamps and flower dies, and many of you know I have two Golden Retrievers, so we'll imagine these dogs are Wally and LuLu.  The first is a "hello" card.  The stamps are Inkadinkado Dogs, and the die is Sue Wilson Daisy Cluster.

The die cut is colored and layered and popped up, and 1/4" punched, glittered circles added to the flower centers.

The second card is a Valentine for my Rich.  I'm about 10 months ahead!

Both cards are easy, clean, cute, and I wish I loved everything I make as much as I love these cards.  The Valentine is a 5" square, lots of white to avoid looking too busy.   A very pretty Joy! craft Square Frame die and Die-namites Rose Bouquet.

A closer peek at the Rose Bouquet which was cut from designer paper.  I colored the rose buds and leaves/stems with Copic markers, and left the bow as is.  It might be my new favorite thing to do with die cuts.

We're asked to photograph both cards together for the link, so here's my twofer together:

And the inside of each card:

Also, Darnell suggested it might be fun to show a pic of our own pets, so here's my real-life twofer, Wally and LuLu:

Guess which one's the girl.  Our son taped that flower to her head and she seemed very proud of it, even though I'm sure she didn't even realize it was there.

I'll wrap this up with the link and graphic.  I'm sure glad I made time to play along.  Thanks Darnell and Twofer Team!

Twofer Challenge -- Pets