Lady Slipper Orchid

Hooray, it's Friday and I colored some Power Poppy!  This is something I've had set aside to work on for quite a while.  First, I should mention the flowers -- Lady Slipper Orchid digital stamp with a sentiment from the Orchids Rock clear stamp set.  I used Gansai Tambi paints for watercoloring.

The border is the clear stamp background, Big Sexy Leaves.  I watercolored that gorgeous thing way back in 2018 (see the card here) and had this strip left over.  I always intended to use it with the orchids and finally got around to it.  Good grief, 2 years.  Can we all agree how quickly time flies?

I did my best to coordinate the colors, using the same Gansai Tambi paints.  Since I'd splattered the leaf border with white acrylic paint back in 2018, I also splattered the orchid image in 2020.  To finish, I drew a border line with a gray marker and distressed the edge. 

Christine has a wheelie great card to share today so be sure and stop over to her blog and have a look.

I'm glad you took the time to visit with me and I hope we can do this again soon.  Hugs! 

Stamps:  Power Poppy Lady Slipper Orchid digi, Orchids Rock clear stamp sentiment, Big Sexy Leaves clear stamp background  Paper:  Arches 140 lb hot press watercolor  Ink:  Printer for digi, Ranger Archival Watering Can for sentiment, Palette Landscape (green) for leaves background  Coloring:  Watercolor with Gansai Tambi, diluted white acrylic paint for splatters, gray marker for narrow line border

Zinnias in Vases

One last card this week, friends.  Fridays are for Power Poppy so I have some of Marcella's digital flowers today.  Zinnia Parade is a perky and fun set for happy coloring and I thought this one would be good for a CAS card.

I was really feeling the white space at the time.  Just a bit of polka dot designer paper 'cause that's one of my favorite things, and a sentiment from one of Power Poppy's clear stamp sets -- Vibrant Thanks.  Oh, I did a little stitching up the side, too.  Coloring was done with Copics.

Check out these beautiful cards, too:

Stacy Morgan

Broni Holcombe

Julie Koerber

I hope you have a nice weekend, whether you're staying home or getting out and about.  Whatever your plans, be safe and alert, please!  Thank you so much for your time.

Seeds of Today

Hello!  Quick Copic coloring for today's card.  One by one I'm catching up on my not-yet-colored Power Poppy digis.  This one is Seeds of Today.  Marcella initially created this digi set with graduation celebrations in mind, and it does come with the appropriate sentiment for that, but I'm seeing it in a different light today.  Whether we plant the seeds of pretty flowers, or those of bitter fruits, we all reap what we sow.

I finished with a scalloped valance and a yellow mat.  Just simple.  Minimal supplies are listed below.  Have a beautiful day!

Stamps:  Power Poppy 'Seeds of Today' digital stamp  Paper:  X-Press It Blending Card, yellow, BasicGrey Origins designer paper  Ink:  Printer  Coloring:  Copics  Dies:  Spellbinders Scored and Pierced Rectangles, Serendipity by Impression Obsession Heart Scroll Valance

Cherry Sweet Thoughts

Hello, again!  Popping in with the one other bit of coloring I accomplished this week -- a Power Poppy digital stamp from the set called Cherries and Berries.  My cherries look a little moody today, but this set really is so sweet and pretty and perky.  The thing is... this is the last of my coloring on Cryogen ivory cardstock.  For this one I applied a ripple filter to the image before printing, and then used my Copics in a smooshy manner, like smooshy pointillism.

Yes, I know... it has a weirdly stylized look.  Still not crazy about this paper for Copics.

To cheer up my moody cherries I added a sentiment from a retired clear set and accented with gingham paper and a striped faux enamel dot.  The faux enamel dot is made with two 1/4" punched circles -- one of 110 lb cardstock and one of striped designer paper.  Glued in place and coated with Glossy Accents. 

If you want to see some pretty fabulous cards, check out these by my Power Poppy teamies:

Allison Cope

Kathy Jones

Barbara Campbell

Gloria Stengel

Thanks so much for your time.  Now go forth and enjoy the rest of your day!

Dahlia Display

Welcome to Friday!  It's a Dahlia kind of day, I think.  It sure felt good to watercolor some flowers this week.  I'm sharing Power Poppy's Dazzling Display digital stamp watercolored with Tombow markers on Fabriano Artistico 140 lb extra white paper.

Keeping it simple, I matted onto SU Lovely Lilac to match the dahlia, then glued flat to a white card.  One of the sequins is covering up a smudge on the sentiment.  My printer ink is great for watercoloring IF I lighten the image first.  I printed the flowers in no-line and the sentiment full strength.  I thought I was being careful, but apparently I dripped some water on the sentiment.  I wasn't able to correct all the smudges, but the sequin helped a little.

There's more to see here:

Broni Holcombe
Lisa Johansen

That wraps up the week here, friends.  I'll be back next week if cards happen.  Take good care of yourself!

Ranunculus Under Vellum

Hello, friends!  It's been a week or so since I did much of anything in my room and that's only because other projects around home needed attention.  When I think about all the stamps and dies waiting for me...

  😢

Then I saw this post by my friend, Maria.  Seriously, you have to see how many colored or partially colored images she has in her pile.  I have two very small drawers of UFOs (unfinished objects), but only 3 colored images I've been on the fence about.  Well, I was inspired to make some very CAS cards, one of which I'm sharing today.

The UFO is the colored image already die cut with vellum glued over top.  The Thinking of You die cut was also in the drawer.  You know how it is... an idea I was playing with that I wasn't sure I liked enough to turn it into a card.  If only the vellum hadn't been cardstock weight.  Turns out I like it just fine and it's already in the mail.

So now I'm linking to the challenge:

Shopping Our Stash #422 -- UFOs (unfinished objects)

Card details are listed below.  Thank you for visiting.  Have a happy day!

Stamps:  Power Poppy Ranunculus digi set  Paper:  X-Press It for image, wood grain textured cardstock for base, cardstock weight vellum, black  Ink:  Printer  Coloring:  Prismacolor pencils  Dies:  Spellbinders Thinking of You Woodland Scene  Other:  Rhinestones, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Single Zinnia

Hello and welcome!  I'm glad you could join me today.

I've colored a big flower that I hope will inject a little cheer into your day.  It's Power Poppy Zinnia Parade digital stamp.  It struck me that this digi set is just the sort of happy coloring my heart needs right now.  Easy, cute, fun!  It's also another experiment with my Cryogen Ivory cardstock.  I used Prismacolor pencils again, but this time I blended with Gamsol odorless mineral spirits.  Sorry Cryogen, but I can't make myself love you, tsk tsk.  I have one more digi printed on this paper and I'm not sure what to try next.

Red gingham sure has a way of adding a homespun look to a card, doesn't it?  The card base with patterned paper was already made and sitting in my card parts drawer.  I have quite a variety I've made up, then changed my mind and tossed them into the drawer... now I'm trying to make a point of using them.  This old paper seemed just right for my Zinnia!

Part of the difficulty with Cryogen paper is getting an adequate photo.  It has a shimmer which reflects light aka glare.  The picture below gives you an idea of the shimmer, but it's actually barely noticeable to the naked eye.

Well, that's it from me this week.  For something really pretty have a look here:

Christine Okken

Thank you for your time today.  Wishing you peace and love.

Lilacs and Lemons

Are lilacs still blooming where you are?  Such a heady fragrance.  My Mom wore lilac cologne when I was little and you know how they say scents trigger memories... well, this time of year I'm continually reminded of her.  So, in her memory I've made this card.

I've used Power Poppy's digital stamp, Lilacs and Lemons.   The clear set that held this image is retired and sold out, but it lives on in digital.  You can find more in the French Lilac digi set.  Each are currently only $2.99.  Print large or small, your choice.

I've printed on watercolor paper and colored with Copics.  The background is stenciled.  In the original drawing this arrangement sits on a cloth napkin with only one lemon.  However, I gave it a different impression -- not digitally, but by hand.  The second lemon in the lower right is actually a corner of the napkin.  I colored it yellow, penciled in a few dimples and, voila, lemon!  I also hand drew a few florets in that corner.  I'm sure I wouldn't dare try more than that!

I don't own or use a lot of stencils, but I'm very fond of the few I have.  This one is called Tricot, by Carabelle Studio.

Thank you for spending a little bit of your day with me.  I'll wrap this up with some links for you to check out:

Christine Okken

Broni Holcombe

Barbara Campbell
Power Poppy Blog

Have a happy day!

Dazzling Display

Hello, friends!  It's Friday and I'm just now getting here for the first time this week.  I've been out in the garden and doing other things... mostly enjoying spring when the sun shines.  Three morning crafty sessions were spent coloring the image on today's card and two more mornings were spent trying to get a satisfactory photograph.  I'm calling it finished now, so here it is:  Power Poppy Dazzling Display digital stamp, colored with Prismacolor pencils on Cryogen ivory cardstock.

I've heard how Cryogen cardstock is good for Copics and pencils.  I didn't care for it with Copics, and now that I've tried pencils with it I can't say I'm a fan of that, either.  My particular Cryogen cardstock is years old and maybe it's different now.  I don't know.  I will try again with another idea.  Colorers who are far more skilled than me have recommended Cryogen, so please don't consider my judgement final.

But... isn't this is a pretty digi stamp?  I want to show you the whole set:

You can see I enlarged the smaller image quite a lot just so I could focus on these cute flowers and the berries.  Marcella says these flowers are Primroses, but they can be anything you want them to be.  My crazy dotted background is done with Copics.  Just playing around.

Well, that's it for me this week.  Let's see what my Powerhouse Teamies have been up to:

Stacy
Allison
Christine
Power Poppy Blog

I hope you're all well as we head into the weekend.  I'm retired, so it's all the same.  Today I'm enjoying a picnic day with Rich and the dogs.  Everything is closed up, but we know where to go.  A day out is just what I need.  Take care!

Wash Your Hands

Hello there!  How about something very colorful to finish up the blog week?  I had a lot of fun with this one.  It's a Power Poppy digi called Wash Your Hands.  I thought about framing it or making it into a refrigerator magnet, but instead I think I'll mail it to someone just because I care.

I colored with Copics on X-Press It Blending Card.  Added glossy accents to the bubbles, hand drew the black border, and popped it up on foam mounting tape.

Have a look here, too:

Stacy Morgan
Gloria Stengel
Christine Okken
Allison Cope
Broni Holcombe
Lisa Johansen

Pretty stuff!  Have a lovely day!

Life and Love

Hello there!  Wrapping up the blog week with some Power Poppy.  I've watercolored the Asters Abuzz digital stamp for an anniversary card.  I think it works.  I've made lots of anniversary cards for a particular friend so I'm always looking at what I have through new eyes.

I've  used my Tombow markers for the watercolor.  Poppystamps Dotted Curve and some wood grain designer paper for a little interest in the layout.  The sentiment was cut with Sizzix Fancy Tags.  These are not new things on the market, but well loved.

The massive sale is still going on at Power Poppy.  Lots of clear stamp sets are retiring.  I believe all digis are on sale, including this one.

My Power Poppy friends have a few cards to share with you, too:

Stacy Morgan
Barbara Campbell
Broni Holcombe
Nancy Sheads
Christine Okken

Thanks so much for your time.  Wishing you a beautiful day!

Let it Be

Hello, my friends!  I colored a Power Poppy digital stamp for today.  It was a freebie a few years ago and I don't think it's available now, but I thought the sentiment was quite appropriate for our current situation.  Most of you will recognize the Beatles' song which inspired the stamp.  With its comforting lyrics and soothing melody I couldn't get it out of my head for the longest time.

Edited to add:  It's back!  This free digital download is back in the shop and available here.

I colored with Copics and applied glossy accents to the letters.   Found some older designer paper that coordinated nicely, and even added a couple of brads.

I typed the word, "free", into the search field in the Power Poppy shop and these results popped up.  See the first 5 items.  There are some pretty things I'd forgotten about!

Now, I'll direct you to the Power Poppy blog where I believe you'll see more team samples -- miscellaneous this and that, and all a delight to the eyes.

You all take care of yourselves, keep on enjoying life, and let the rest of it be.  Hugs to all!

It's a Beautiful Day

I've wanted to color this digital stamp forever and it finally happened.  My particular version is watercolored and I totally made up how the orchids should be colored, but for all I know there may be orchids exactly like this.  Honestly, coloring is a lot easier when you make it up as you go along.

The stamp is a Power Poppy digital -- Perched in the Orchids -- and, yes, it's on sale right now.
Sentiment is from the retired and sold out (sad face) -- Best Day Ever.
Watercolor was done with a combination of Gansai Tambi paints and Tombow dual brush markers.

Seriously, I had to use this sentiment.

Inside is quickly finished with another sentiment from the retired set plus a stamp from the clear set -- Orchids Rock.  Love that set and its sentiments.

The massive sale is still going on at Power Poppy.  Many clear stamps and digis on sale plus there are offers on free shipping for domestic orders and discount shipping for international orders.  Some of these clear sets are retiring (sob, sniff, sad face), but Marcella needs room for the new stamps that will be coming soon (happy face).  See all SALE items here.

That's all from me, friends!  I will direct you to the Power Poppy blog where team samples will blow you away.  Gorgeous stuff!  Links will be provided there so you can leave some comment love with the designers.  These girls are somethin' else.  Really.

Have a happy and healthy day!

Hi-5! Huge Sale at Power Poppy!

Hello, there!  How about something that's fun and bright and cheerful?  It's just what the doctor ordered, I think.  I played with a Power Poppy clear stamp set that's been around for a while and I love it now as much as ever.  It's called Folk Heart.   It's on sale for 40% off... because it's retiring!  But wait...  Marcella has many stamp sets for 30%, 40%, and even 50% off, and some of those are retiring, too.  Plus there are some digital stamps up to 60% off.  Sale starts at noon CDT today.  Hi-5!

Check out more details on the sale, but for an update with even more info check the Power Poppy blog later:

The Folk Heart set is super adorable and fun to play with because there are several stamps that can be used to accessorize or enhance the 3 main images.  I colored with Copics and cut out all my pieces and arranged as shown on an embossed panel that I thought was a nice match with the stamped flowers.  Cute!  Makes me smile, and we need that, right?

I'll refer you again to the Power Poppy blog where you can see more beautiful creations and get linked up with my teamies.

Back to more coloring, I hope.  My days seem busy, but not much time in my stamp room.  There's something wrong with that picture!  Take care, friends!

Stamps:  Folk Heart  Paper:  Neenah Classic Crest Super Smooth Solar White, CTMH Dutch Blue, Bazzill yellow  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black  Coloring:  Copics  Accessories:  SU red candy dot, Sizzix 'Flowers' embossing folder, Scotch brand foam mounting tape  Dies:  Tutti Stitched Nesting Hearts, Poppystamps Stitched Mainstreet Tags

Blue Columbine

Hello again!  It's Friday Fun Day at Power Poppy, so that means I had a decision to make as to which of Marcella's pretty flower stamps I'd like to color.  There are so many to choose from!  You may remember I've been in a coloring slump lately and nothing seems to come out quite right.  Still haven't pulled out all the way, but petal by petal I'm working my way back (I hope).

Lots of blue in this one.  I think of this shade as periwinkle, but it suits these columbine blooms just fine, too.  The stamp is a digital download called Cup of Columbine.  Alternatively, there is a clear stamp version called Cheerful Columbine.

A matching blue card base, sanded to show the white core.  Sentiment from another Power Poppy clear stamp set:  Natural Beauties.  For this Cup of Columbine I printed the "no line" version on Arches 140 lb hot press watercolor paper... but... I colored with Copics.  It has somewhat of a watercolor look, but quicker to accomplish.

Stop by the Power Poppy Blog for eye candy!  I'll leave you with a link list, too.  Hope I didn't miss anyone.

Leslie (that's me)
Gloria
Nancy
Broni
Stacy
Allison
Christine
Lisa

Have a great weekend!

Mandarin Wreath

Hooray, my first Christmas card of 2020!  I hope this simple card has finally broken the ice so I can get busy and make more.  I've been lagging.

The stamp I used is a digital from Power Poppy -- Wreath:  Boxwood and Cranberry.  However, my version is neither Boxwood nor Cranberry.  I chose to make it with the little Mandarin oranges that seem to be at their yummiest best around the holidays.

Seriously, look how simple this is to color.  It took minutes.  A person could make a bunch.  I printed in full strength gray scale on X-Press It Blending Card and colored with Copics.  It's not the least bit fancy schmancy, but that's just what I need right now.  The Mandarin wreath has a nice Christmasy warmth to it, don't you think?

I'm joining up with other Power Poppy designers today, and I encourage you to drop over to the Power Poppy Blog to see a variety of samples that are just pure eye candy.  It'll be fun!

Christine
Gloria
Leslie (you are here)
Nancy
Lisa
Stacy
Barbara W.
Allison

Thank you so much for dropping in today.  I wish you all a nice weekend and hopefully I'll be back soon.  Take care!

Shimmering Flight

Hello on a Monday, friends!  Sharing a new Power Poppy digital set today -- Shimmering Flight.  Marcella has outdone herself once again, I think!  My version is cropped and enlarged, then watercolored with Tombow dual brush markers.

I'll give you a little peek at the whole set and some of its gorgeous options.

Two options on the turquoise image... I challenged myself to color it with the dragonfly, making up my own variety I'm sure, but you can do that in your own little coloring world.  I did my best to make the wings appear just a little bit transparent, even though they are not that way in the drawing.

I think I need another go at this one, but Marcella also released the beauteous digi -- Time to Fly -- on the same day and I'll want to color that one pretty soon, too.   If you haven't been there already I'll link you up with Marcella's post on the Power Poppy Blog where she tells all about her new digi releases and shows some gorgeous team samples.  Eye candy, for sure!

Thanks much for your time today!  Stay well and happy, and I'll see you again as soon as possible.