This card probably looks familiar:
And this next one was inspired by the color scheme of the first:
Thanks for looking! And stay tuned, I'm hoping to have some exciting news to announce about my classes in the next couple of months. ;)February 28, 2011
Inspired by...classes!
Hi everyone! I thought I'd switch things up a bit this week and share some of my new, upcoming classes at my LSS. I love, love, LOVE teaching and sharing this craft each weekend and when I get home on Saturday evenings my classes leave me energized and inspired to be creative. So that being said, here is one of my newest classes to be offered at my LSS, Mementos (date not yet determined). It features lots of yummy Hero Arts, Copic markers and even a little Distress Ink.
And this next one was inspired by the color scheme of the first:Thanks for looking! And stay tuned, I'm hoping to have some exciting news to announce about my classes in the next couple of months. ;)
And this next one was inspired by the color scheme of the first:Thanks for looking! And stay tuned, I'm hoping to have some exciting news to announce about my classes in the next couple of months. ;)
February 27, 2011
Sketchbook Sunday
It's time for another sketchbook Sunday. For more details on this idea, see my first sketchbook post HERE. I am really loving this idea- it is fun to just get out lots of stamps and colors and just play! :) Here's the entire page:
I started by stamping the flowers (Hero Arts CG194 Stencil Flower) using Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I colored the flowers using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft (DMC) Stampers Big Brush Markers. Next, I drew the "frame" using different-sized points of Faber-Castell DMC black PITT Artist Pens. The outer border was colored with blue Faber-Castell DMC Stampers Big Brush Markers. The brown background was colored with Faber-Castell DMC Pastel Pencils. I colored heavily with brown and blue and blended them using my finger. I also added some brown Pastel Pencil to the yellow flowers. I cut a mask for the flowers and then stamped Hero Arts Friend Definition CG125 using a brown Stampers Big Brush Marker colored directly on the stamp. Finally, I added white highlights using a gel pen. HINT: when working with lots of layers of colors and mediums, when your paper seems to lose it's "tooth" and isn't taking the medium well, spray it lightly (in a well ventilated area) with matte finish spray. I used Kryon Matte Finish 1321.Thanks for peeking at my "doodles!" See you tomorrow!
February 25, 2011
Godelieve *Day 5*
I want to start today with some BIG thank u's. First of all, HUGE thanks to Godelieve for allowing me to share her simply incredible work this week. Her BLOG always leaves me sooo inspired and I am grateful for all she shares with the stamping community. Second, thanks to all of you, my readers. Your comments and visits have been a boost of encouragement that I really needed this week which was quite stressful for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Okay, now for some stamping! Here is our last inspiration by Godelieve: 
This ATC is magical! I love the effect of the layers on the grey background. I don't always reach for grey but Godelieve's creation has reminded me what a great neutral it can be! The green of the foliage of the plant adds an unexpected warm to her ATC. What a wonderful color combo for masculine cards.
Here is my take:
I began by coloring white cardstock with Pumice Stone Distress Ink. I stamped this background with Hero Arts Envelope Pattern S5507 using Pumice Stone Distress Ink and I also stamped Hero Arts Dictionary Greetings CL479 using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. With both stamps, I removed part of the ink from the stamp using a baby wipe before stamping. Hero Arts Sillouette Fern K5314 was stamped using Faber-Castell Big Brush Markers in two shades of green and one shade of brown. I stamped the sentiment (Hero Arts Thank You For Being My Friend CL478) with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. Finally, I added Walnut Stain Distress Ink to the edges of each piece of cardstock.
Thanks again for popping by! Wishing you all a great weekend--I'm excited to be teaching class tomorrow to a fun group of ladies at my LSS, including my mom who has just started stamping and is a total natural! :) HUGS!
This ATC is magical! I love the effect of the layers on the grey background. I don't always reach for grey but Godelieve's creation has reminded me what a great neutral it can be! The green of the foliage of the plant adds an unexpected warm to her ATC. What a wonderful color combo for masculine cards.Here is my take:
I began by coloring white cardstock with Pumice Stone Distress Ink. I stamped this background with Hero Arts Envelope Pattern S5507 using Pumice Stone Distress Ink and I also stamped Hero Arts Dictionary Greetings CL479 using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. With both stamps, I removed part of the ink from the stamp using a baby wipe before stamping. Hero Arts Sillouette Fern K5314 was stamped using Faber-Castell Big Brush Markers in two shades of green and one shade of brown. I stamped the sentiment (Hero Arts Thank You For Being My Friend CL478) with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. Finally, I added Walnut Stain Distress Ink to the edges of each piece of cardstock.Thanks again for popping by! Wishing you all a great weekend--I'm excited to be teaching class tomorrow to a fun group of ladies at my LSS, including my mom who has just started stamping and is a total natural! :) HUGS!
February 24, 2011
Godelieve *Day 4*
Up next is this pretty little number by Godelieve:
The first thing that caught my attention on this card was Godelieve's bold black stamping against that pretty blue background. Next, I can't get enough of her embellishments. Aren't the ribbon, ruffle, and button just perfect?! Finally, the rounded corners at the top of the card really finish off this creation.
This card is another that began entirely as white cardstock. I began by distressing the background using Broken China and Faded Jeans Distress ink. The flower image (Hero Arts) was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I also added stickles to the flower petals after stamping. The green panel was stamped with the grid background (Hero Arts) using VersaMark ink. I heat embossed this with clear embossing powder on white cardstock. Next, I applied Crushed Olive Distress ink over the graph background.
Thanks for stopping by! HUGS!
The first thing that caught my attention on this card was Godelieve's bold black stamping against that pretty blue background. Next, I can't get enough of her embellishments. Aren't the ribbon, ruffle, and button just perfect?! Finally, the rounded corners at the top of the card really finish off this creation.Here is my take:
This card is another that began entirely as white cardstock. I began by distressing the background using Broken China and Faded Jeans Distress ink. The flower image (Hero Arts) was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I also added stickles to the flower petals after stamping. The green panel was stamped with the grid background (Hero Arts) using VersaMark ink. I heat embossed this with clear embossing powder on white cardstock. Next, I applied Crushed Olive Distress ink over the graph background.
Thanks for stopping by! HUGS!
February 23, 2011
Godelieve *Day 3*
Good morning, my friends! Running a bit behind so this post is a quickie!
Today I have a set of cards by Godelieve:
And I just had to make some blue and green flowers with a light grey text background:
All Stamps Hero Arts CG125 Friend Definition, CG271 Large Blossom, Magical Background
**Edited to add**
Today I have a set of cards by Godelieve:
And I just had to make some blue and green flowers with a light grey text background:All Stamps Hero Arts CG125 Friend Definition, CG271 Large Blossom, Magical Background**Edited to add**
Directions for making the center panel of this card:
1. Stamp CG125 Friend Definition with Pumice Stone Distress Ink on white cardstock. Make sure that this ink is completely dry (I used a heat gun to zap mine...) before going on to the next step.
2. Stamp CG271 Large Blossom directly over text using VersaMark ink. Sprinkle with clear embossing powder and heat.
3. Apply Distress Inks directly over embossed image. I used the foam applicators and Broken China and Crushed Olive Distress Ink. Wipe with a baby wipe to remove ink from embossed areas.
4. Use Ranger Cut N' Dry Nibs to add shading to the center of the flowers. I used Faded Jeans and Forest Moss Distress Ink with the nibs. Just press the tip of the nib on your ink pad and then color directly on your image.
Thanks for peeking! See you tomorrow with another beauty from Godelieve.
February 22, 2011
Godelieve *Day 2*
Check out this beauty by Godelieve:
I love the layered stamping on this! WOW! Such beautiful colors, too. The orange and yellow is especially striking to me. And the script stamped on the background of Godelieve's card finishes it off perfectly!
Here is my take. I just had to create an orange and yellow stamped image with text in the background:
I began by stamping the foliage stamp using a Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush marker in yellow. After stamping I added shading using Faber- Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist pens in red and yellow. The Earth Flowers stamp was stamped using Walnut Stain Distress Ink. Finally, I distressed the entire background using Brushed Corduroy and stamped Friends Definition using Brushed Corduroy as well, removing some ink using a baby wipe before stamping. The die cut shape is the Top Note die by Stampin' Up. All stamps Hero Arts: CG125 Friends Definition, CL428 Earth Flowers, CL477 Delicate Leaf Clusters.
Thanks for looking and thanks especially for all of your sweet comments yesterday. HUGS!
I love the layered stamping on this! WOW! Such beautiful colors, too. The orange and yellow is especially striking to me. And the script stamped on the background of Godelieve's card finishes it off perfectly!Here is my take. I just had to create an orange and yellow stamped image with text in the background:
I began by stamping the foliage stamp using a Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush marker in yellow. After stamping I added shading using Faber- Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist pens in red and yellow. The Earth Flowers stamp was stamped using Walnut Stain Distress Ink. Finally, I distressed the entire background using Brushed Corduroy and stamped Friends Definition using Brushed Corduroy as well, removing some ink using a baby wipe before stamping. The die cut shape is the Top Note die by Stampin' Up. All stamps Hero Arts: CG125 Friends Definition, CL428 Earth Flowers, CL477 Delicate Leaf Clusters.Thanks for looking and thanks especially for all of your sweet comments yesterday. HUGS!
February 21, 2011
Inspired by...Godelieve
This week's featured artist is the SUPER talented Godelieve! I have admired her blog, Stamping Mathilda for quite some time. All of her creations are really stunning pieces of artwork. You can also check them out on flickr. Here is our first inspiration card by Godelieve:
Godelieve's stamping and distressing create quite an intricate scene. I also love how she has paired her scene with the bold black and white accents of the border and sentiment--very striking! Finally, I just can't get enough of this design featuring an intricate center panel, bordered by black, and the softness of the rounded corners of the white card base.
Here is my take:
I began by stamping and coloring the butterflies using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Markers. The background was colored using Distress Inks (Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, and Broken China). The foliage was then stamped using Forest Moss Distress Ink. The torn tag with the sentiment was distressed using Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. All stamps Hero Arts (CL497 Find Joy, CL428 Earth Flowers, CL383 Antique Engravings).
Thanks again for stopping by. I'll see you tomorrow with our next awesome card by Godelieve. Oh, and if you missed it, be sure to check out my Sketchbook Sunday post from yesterday by either scrolling down or clicking HERE. HUGS!
Godelieve's stamping and distressing create quite an intricate scene. I also love how she has paired her scene with the bold black and white accents of the border and sentiment--very striking! Finally, I just can't get enough of this design featuring an intricate center panel, bordered by black, and the softness of the rounded corners of the white card base.Here is my take:
I began by stamping and coloring the butterflies using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Markers. The background was colored using Distress Inks (Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, and Broken China). The foliage was then stamped using Forest Moss Distress Ink. The torn tag with the sentiment was distressed using Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. All stamps Hero Arts (CL497 Find Joy, CL428 Earth Flowers, CL383 Antique Engravings).Thanks again for stopping by. I'll see you tomorrow with our next awesome card by Godelieve. Oh, and if you missed it, be sure to check out my Sketchbook Sunday post from yesterday by either scrolling down or clicking HERE. HUGS!
February 20, 2011
Sketchbook Sunday
Hi everyone! I've decided to add a new feature here on the blog-o. I've been very inspired by the concept of keeping an inspiration journal or sketchpad. Basically, a place to play and try new techniques. SOOO...my plan is to share a page from my sketchbook on Sundays. I hope you enjoy taking a peek at my "doodles" and maybe you will be inspired to try it out too! 
This week I got out all of my Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft products to create this page. I can tell you, the more I play with these inks, markers, and pencils, the more I L-O-V-E them! One major advantage I love about the markers is that they are india ink and they are permanent, rich, bold color. You can color your image and blend with the markers and then add watercolor right over the top or for a background and your coloring doesn't bleed or fade. 
I began by stamping the flowers and leaves with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Next I colored them with the Stampers Big Brush Markers. I added some shading using the PITT Artist Pens and I also used the black PITT Artist Pens to add sketch marks to the flowers, leaves, and the border. I used the Art Grip Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils to color the blue background and the red around the outside of the page. Finally I used a white gel pen to add highlights to the images.
This week I got out all of my Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft products to create this page. I can tell you, the more I play with these inks, markers, and pencils, the more I L-O-V-E them! One major advantage I love about the markers is that they are india ink and they are permanent, rich, bold color. You can color your image and blend with the markers and then add watercolor right over the top or for a background and your coloring doesn't bleed or fade. I began by stamping the flowers and leaves with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Next I colored them with the Stampers Big Brush Markers. I added some shading using the PITT Artist Pens and I also used the black PITT Artist Pens to add sketch marks to the flowers, leaves, and the border. I used the Art Grip Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils to color the blue background and the red around the outside of the page. Finally I used a white gel pen to add highlights to the images.I've had a few folks ask me where they can purchase the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft line and it is now available online HERE.
Thanks so much for popping by--I hope you enjoyed a peek in my sketchbook!
February 19, 2011
New App, POD card, and Tiff ROCKS! :)
Hi everyone! Several weeks ago a few of the designers for Purple Onion Designs had the opportunity to make a card for a new app, Sketches 4 Cards, available for the ipod touch, iphone, and ipad. This app contains over 100 different card sketches with a card sample and supply list for each. Click on THIS LINK for more information and to download the app. Here's a peek at the card I created using one of the fun sketches from the app and using all POD stamps:
To see what the rest of the POD design team came up with go HERE.
Tiff has FUN video on the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft blog HERE.
To see what the rest of the POD design team came up with go HERE.Oh, and I just had to give a shout-out to my sweet friend Tiff! Here we are at CHA:
Tiff has FUN video on the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft blog HERE.I'm excited to announce a new feature on my blog tomorrow- I hope you'll stop by to see!
February 18, 2011
Tanya *Day 5*
Well, I'm sad to say that this is our last inspiration card by Tanya. But know that you can see lots more of her newest and cutest cards on her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM.
I am a total sucker for sunflowers and Tanya's card is sunflower PERFECTION! It is bright, happy, and fun. And aren't those cute lady bugs the perfect finishing touch? Oh, and that background paper is lovely with the bold yellow color of Tanya's flower.
Here's my take:
I began by stamping the flowers using Memento Tuxedo Black ink and coloring them with colored pencils. I then distressed the entire center panel and embossed background with a light layer of Brushed Corduroy Distress ink. All stamps Hero Arts.
Thanks so much to everyone for stopping by this week! See you tomorrow with POD card! :)
I am a total sucker for sunflowers and Tanya's card is sunflower PERFECTION! It is bright, happy, and fun. And aren't those cute lady bugs the perfect finishing touch? Oh, and that background paper is lovely with the bold yellow color of Tanya's flower.Here's my take:
I began by stamping the flowers using Memento Tuxedo Black ink and coloring them with colored pencils. I then distressed the entire center panel and embossed background with a light layer of Brushed Corduroy Distress ink. All stamps Hero Arts.Thanks so much to everyone for stopping by this week! See you tomorrow with POD card! :)
February 17, 2011
Tanya *Day 4* and TD Sneak Peek
Got lots to share today, so lets get started! Here's our GORGEOUS inspiration card by Tanya:
I love the oval with the sentiment and all those pretty purple butterflies! The text background adds to the elegance of this card. It truly is a masterpiece!
Here is my take:
All stamps on this card are by Hero Arts. I began by stamping the background with VersaMark ink on white paper and heat embossing with clear embossing powder. Next I added Crushed Olive, Peeled Paint, and Dusty Concord Distress Ink directly over the embossed image. After applying the ink, I lightly wiped the embossed areas with a baby wipe. The sentiment was stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black ink and the butterfly punch is by Fiskars.
On another note, Tiffany Doodles has some really great images releasing this week and they will be available for purchase tomorrow. Let's just say they are tweet-erific and GOBS of fun to color with Copics. More info HERE on the Tiffany Doodles blog and go HERE to purchase them tomorrow. Here's my card:
And the next two are sneak peeks at the images Eastern Bluebird Couple and Warbler with Cherry Blossoms. I haven't had time to put them on cards yet, but thought you might want a peek....
I love the oval with the sentiment and all those pretty purple butterflies! The text background adds to the elegance of this card. It truly is a masterpiece!Here is my take:
All stamps on this card are by Hero Arts. I began by stamping the background with VersaMark ink on white paper and heat embossing with clear embossing powder. Next I added Crushed Olive, Peeled Paint, and Dusty Concord Distress Ink directly over the embossed image. After applying the ink, I lightly wiped the embossed areas with a baby wipe. The sentiment was stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black ink and the butterfly punch is by Fiskars.On another note, Tiffany Doodles has some really great images releasing this week and they will be available for purchase tomorrow. Let's just say they are tweet-erific and GOBS of fun to color with Copics. More info HERE on the Tiffany Doodles blog and go HERE to purchase them tomorrow. Here's my card:
And the next two are sneak peeks at the images Eastern Bluebird Couple and Warbler with Cherry Blossoms. I haven't had time to put them on cards yet, but thought you might want a peek....
February 16, 2011
Tanya *Day 3*
I can't get enough of the colors on Tanya's card today:
I love the warm oranges paired with the coral and green! And the light grey script is the perfect background for this combo, too!
Here is my take:
I began by stamping the floral stamp on Copic Express paper and coloring it with Copics. The friend definition stamp was inked with Pumice Stone Distress Ink and then before stamping it I removed some of the ink with a baby wipe. I find this sooo much faster than masking and I love the look! All stamps Hero Arts. Butterfly punch by Fiskars.
Thanks for visiting! See you tomorrow with a sneak peek at a new Tiffany Doodles image and another great card by Tanya!
I love the warm oranges paired with the coral and green! And the light grey script is the perfect background for this combo, too!Here is my take:
I began by stamping the floral stamp on Copic Express paper and coloring it with Copics. The friend definition stamp was inked with Pumice Stone Distress Ink and then before stamping it I removed some of the ink with a baby wipe. I find this sooo much faster than masking and I love the look! All stamps Hero Arts. Butterfly punch by Fiskars.Thanks for visiting! See you tomorrow with a sneak peek at a new Tiffany Doodles image and another great card by Tanya!
February 15, 2011
Tanya *Day 2*
Here is our next inspiration card by Tanya:
Tanya's big, bold, and aqua flower is simly stunning! I love the way it looks on the kraft background paper. Tanya has also done a wonderful job of combining lots of different sentiment stamps. Her card is both elegant and fun!
Here is my take. I just had to color a couple of big blue flowers, too! :)
All stamps used on my card are by Hero Arts. I began by stamping the flower image 2 times on white cardstock (Neenah Tiara White) and coloring it with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Markers and Faber Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pens. The white accents were added with a white gel pen and then I cut out each flower. The background began as white cardstock which was lightly inked with Walnut Stain Distress Ink and stamped with the same ink as well. I adhere flowers down on the background and trimmed then to fit from the back.
Thanks for looking and thanks for your wonderful and supportive comments! HUGS!
Tanya's big, bold, and aqua flower is simly stunning! I love the way it looks on the kraft background paper. Tanya has also done a wonderful job of combining lots of different sentiment stamps. Her card is both elegant and fun!Here is my take. I just had to color a couple of big blue flowers, too! :)
All stamps used on my card are by Hero Arts. I began by stamping the flower image 2 times on white cardstock (Neenah Tiara White) and coloring it with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Markers and Faber Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pens. The white accents were added with a white gel pen and then I cut out each flower. The background began as white cardstock which was lightly inked with Walnut Stain Distress Ink and stamped with the same ink as well. I adhere flowers down on the background and trimmed then to fit from the back.Thanks for looking and thanks for your wonderful and supportive comments! HUGS!
February 14, 2011
Inspired by...Tanya
Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you ALL have a lovely day! I am excited to announce that this week's featured artist is Tanya (or scatterstamper to the flickr gals)! Tanya has lots of beautiful cards in her PHOTOSTREAM and on her BLOG. You'll have to pop by and check them out. :)
Here is my take. I figured it looked a little Valentine's-ish so I am sharing it today:
I began by stamping the poppy with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and coloring the flowers and leaves with Copic markers. The background was inked with Peeled Paint Distress Ink and the Hero Arts Ledger Stamp was stamped with Pumice Stone Distress Ink. The background was inked with several Distress Ink colors (Weathered Wood, Pumice Stone, Frayed Burlap, Peeled Paint, and Walnut Stain) and then flicked with water. All Stamps Hero Arts (CL389, H5350, CG138)
Here is our first inspiration project by Tanya:
I just LOVE this cute bookmark! The poppy stamp by Hero Arts looks beautiful with the layered inking and ledger stamp. And the bold red of the poppies is charming against the more neutral background.Here is my take. I figured it looked a little Valentine's-ish so I am sharing it today:
I began by stamping the poppy with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and coloring the flowers and leaves with Copic markers. The background was inked with Peeled Paint Distress Ink and the Hero Arts Ledger Stamp was stamped with Pumice Stone Distress Ink. The background was inked with several Distress Ink colors (Weathered Wood, Pumice Stone, Frayed Burlap, Peeled Paint, and Walnut Stain) and then flicked with water. All Stamps Hero Arts (CL389, H5350, CG138)Thanks again for visiting! See you tomorrow with a stunner of a card by Tanya!
February 11, 2011
Love this girl!
Hi everyone! I am sooo excited to post today about one of the absolute sweetest bloggers out there- Kristina Proffitt. I first started talking with Kristina when she designed my blog for me and I continue to be soooo impressed with her customer service and kindness. Seriously, she is amazing and always takes good care care of me, even a year after she did my blog!
So since I love sharing the work of inspiring folks, check out these links of Kristina's. :)*First, HERE is Kristina's personal blog, filled with lots of great photography, scrapbooking, and cards.
*Check out Kristina's blog designs HERE at Two Happy Mamas Blog Design Studio. She has lots of very affordable designs to choose from, including predesigned packages, custom packages, and updates ala carte. Isn't the Sweet Summertime Stripes design cute?! Or how 'bout the Live Happily design? PERFECTION!
*And here's some of Kristina's Happy Art. Gotta love all of these---they always make me SMILE!
*And get this---Kristina even has blog design classes available online HERE.
I hope you all have enjoyed checking out Kristina's bright, fun, and inspirational designs. I know after I visit her personal blog and blog design studio I just want to get craft and make HAPPY, springy cards! And BIG thanks to Kristina for being so inspiring and wonderful to work with! :)
Hope you all have a wonderful, crafty weekend! See you next week with a new featured artist! HUGS!
February 10, 2011
Lani *Day 4*
Happy Thursday! Today's card by Lani is just so cute: 
I love these happy yellow colors! Lani's distressing on the polka dot paper makes for a charming background. And Lani's sentiment banner ties in perfectly with the white dots on the center of the flower.
Here is my take:
All Stamps Hero Arts (CL482, CL490, S5507, CG148)
And I wanted to mention that this will be our last card this week inspired by Lani! It has been such an honor to share her cards these past four days. Thanks to you, Lani, for allowing me to share your colorful and beautiful cards! And if you haven't been to Lani's blog be sure to pop over there and see more of her awesome creations ASAP. :)
I'll be back tomorrow for a special feature sharing the work of one of theeeee absolute sweetest bloggers out there-- be sure to pop by! HUGS!
I love these happy yellow colors! Lani's distressing on the polka dot paper makes for a charming background. And Lani's sentiment banner ties in perfectly with the white dots on the center of the flower. Here is my take:
All Stamps Hero Arts (CL482, CL490, S5507, CG148)
And I wanted to mention that this will be our last card this week inspired by Lani! It has been such an honor to share her cards these past four days. Thanks to you, Lani, for allowing me to share your colorful and beautiful cards! And if you haven't been to Lani's blog be sure to pop over there and see more of her awesome creations ASAP. :)
I'll be back tomorrow for a special feature sharing the work of one of theeeee absolute sweetest bloggers out there-- be sure to pop by! HUGS!
February 9, 2011
Lani *Day 3*
Hi everyone! I'm in a rush to get this posted today so this post will be quick! :) Here's our beautiful inspiration by Lani:
And here's my take. I decided to make a set of 2 cards featuring all Hero Arts stamps.
On each card, the flower, Hero Arts Classic Bloom H5481, was first colored with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Markers and then I added shading directly on top of this using the Faber-Castell Art GRIP Aquarelle watercolor pencils. LOVE that the Stampers Big Brush markers are india ink making the first layer of color completely waterproof! :) The grid panels were lightly distressed and stamped (Hero Arts Graph Background S5435) with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. The sentiment, Hero Arts Made with Love CL491, was stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black ink. The background on the blue card was colored using Broken China Distress Ink and the background on the orange card was done with Rusty Hinge Distress Ink. The small border of green is Crushed Olive Distress Ink on white paper. Yep, both of these cards began completely white. I LOVE making cards this way!
Thanks so much for popping by! HUGS!
And here's my take. I decided to make a set of 2 cards featuring all Hero Arts stamps.On each card, the flower, Hero Arts Classic Bloom H5481, was first colored with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Markers and then I added shading directly on top of this using the Faber-Castell Art GRIP Aquarelle watercolor pencils. LOVE that the Stampers Big Brush markers are india ink making the first layer of color completely waterproof! :) The grid panels were lightly distressed and stamped (Hero Arts Graph Background S5435) with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. The sentiment, Hero Arts Made with Love CL491, was stamped using Memento Tuxedo Black ink. The background on the blue card was colored using Broken China Distress Ink and the background on the orange card was done with Rusty Hinge Distress Ink. The small border of green is Crushed Olive Distress Ink on white paper. Yep, both of these cards began completely white. I LOVE making cards this way!
Thanks so much for popping by! HUGS!
February 8, 2011
Lani *Day 2*
Here is our next card by the talented Lani: 
Don't you just love the dark black sillouette image with the beautiful colors of the background? I sure do! The blueish purple, aqua, and yellow are so charming and really pop against the dark black stamping.
Here is my take. I just had to do some dark black stamping, too! And I used Lani's background color choices as the inspiration for my flower colors.
This image, Large Blossom CG271 by Hero Arts, was first stamped in black ink on white cardstock. The flowers were colored in with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pens. I also used the Faber-Castell DMC Stampers Big Brush Marker in black to go over the black stamped image to darken it and fill in any parts that did not stamp completely. The sentiment is from the Hero Arts clear set, CL487 Thank You For Being My Friend.
Thanks for visiting! See you tomorrow! :)
Don't you just love the dark black sillouette image with the beautiful colors of the background? I sure do! The blueish purple, aqua, and yellow are so charming and really pop against the dark black stamping.Here is my take. I just had to do some dark black stamping, too! And I used Lani's background color choices as the inspiration for my flower colors.
This image, Large Blossom CG271 by Hero Arts, was first stamped in black ink on white cardstock. The flowers were colored in with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pens. I also used the Faber-Castell DMC Stampers Big Brush Marker in black to go over the black stamped image to darken it and fill in any parts that did not stamp completely. The sentiment is from the Hero Arts clear set, CL487 Thank You For Being My Friend.Thanks for visiting! See you tomorrow! :)
February 7, 2011
Inspired by...Lani and Tiffany Doodles Challenge
Hi everyone! It's Monday and I think I am now caught up from my trip to CHA. I mean really, how does laundry pile up so quickly?! LOL :) This week's featured artist is SO talented, I could look at her cards for hours. You MUST go check out her BLOG. I know you will adore everything she creates. Yep, this week's featured artist is Lani Bin Haider and here's her first inspiration card:
Lani's card is so delicate and pretty! I love her red and green color combo. Her coloring has a softness that suits this stamp perfectly. And that sentiment banner adds a bright and fun touch.
Here is my take. I was especially inspired to do a center panel that features the emboss resist technique:
The center panel was created by stamping Hero Arts CG192 Floating Garden with VersaMark ink on white paper and heat embossing with clear embossing powder. Then I used Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pens to color in the image. I was able to color quickly and wipe off anything that went "outside the lines" with a baby wipe. The green background was created by embossing Hero Arts layering paper with a Sizzix embossing folder. After embossing I sanded the raised areas and then colored the sanded areas with a green Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Marker. The sentiment is Hero Arts CL351 Friends.
Today is also the kick-off of the Tiffany Doodles February challenge. Be sure to check out the Tiffany Doodles BLOG for details on the challenge and how to win a gift certificate for the new and improved digi store. Here are my samples created by coloring this great image, Stained Glass Heart, with copics and then coloring white cardstock with Distress Ink and flicking it with water for the backgrounds. The text stamp is by Hero Arts, CL479 Dictionary Greeting.
Thanks for popping by! See you tomorrow with another FANTASTIC card by Lani! HUGS!
Lani's card is so delicate and pretty! I love her red and green color combo. Her coloring has a softness that suits this stamp perfectly. And that sentiment banner adds a bright and fun touch.Here is my take. I was especially inspired to do a center panel that features the emboss resist technique:
The center panel was created by stamping Hero Arts CG192 Floating Garden with VersaMark ink on white paper and heat embossing with clear embossing powder. Then I used Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pens to color in the image. I was able to color quickly and wipe off anything that went "outside the lines" with a baby wipe. The green background was created by embossing Hero Arts layering paper with a Sizzix embossing folder. After embossing I sanded the raised areas and then colored the sanded areas with a green Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Marker. The sentiment is Hero Arts CL351 Friends.Today is also the kick-off of the Tiffany Doodles February challenge. Be sure to check out the Tiffany Doodles BLOG for details on the challenge and how to win a gift certificate for the new and improved digi store. Here are my samples created by coloring this great image, Stained Glass Heart, with copics and then coloring white cardstock with Distress Ink and flicking it with water for the backgrounds. The text stamp is by Hero Arts, CL479 Dictionary Greeting.
Thanks for popping by! See you tomorrow with another FANTASTIC card by Lani! HUGS!
February 4, 2011
Faber-Castell, Day 5 and CHA pics
Today, I am going to provide you a few links to check out some projects by other artists using the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft product line.
Here's the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft booth and pictures of me posing with some of my samples. It was sooo surreal to see some of my cards at the show! 
Then it was time to head to the Hero Arts booth and meet a few of my favorite crafters, Jennifer, Shari, and Lisa! Seriously, such an honor! 
Oh and what a thrill it was to meet the BEYOND sweet and designer extraordinaire Kathy!
I also got to meet my good friend, Nancy, but my picture of the two of us is on my friend's camera, not mine, so I will post as soon as I can. I hope you've enjoyed my photos (if you made it to the end of this long post)! HUGS!
*You'll LOVEEE this background that Gina K. created using the PITT Pastel Pencils. Check out her card and video HERE.
*This altered canvas by Mou Saha is sooo bright and adorable -- see it HERE.
*This altered canvas by Mou Saha is sooo bright and adorable -- see it HERE.
*THESE monochromatic ATC's are butterfly heaven!
*And if you've been wondering about the new Color Gelatos by Faber-Castell, HERE'S a great video showing a fun technique featuring these fun "color chapsticks."
And I just couldn't resist sharing a card of mine today, too! :)
And here's a peek at the gorgeous shimmer- much prettier in real life: 
This card was created using the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft gelatos in silver and gold metallics. I first stamped and embossed the script text (Purple Onion Designs) using VersaMark ink and clear embossing powder on dark blue cardstock. Then I colored directly on top of the blue cardstock using the silver and gold gelatos. I blended these colors using my fingers (the embossed script acts as a resist to the rich gelato color). I used the same technique with the butterfly stamp (Purple Onion Designs). I stamped and clear heat embossed it on orange cardstock and colored over the top using the gold metallic gelato.
And I just couldn't resist sharing a card of mine today, too! :)
And here's a peek at the gorgeous shimmer- much prettier in real life: This card was created using the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft gelatos in silver and gold metallics. I first stamped and embossed the script text (Purple Onion Designs) using VersaMark ink and clear embossing powder on dark blue cardstock. Then I colored directly on top of the blue cardstock using the silver and gold gelatos. I blended these colors using my fingers (the embossed script acts as a resist to the rich gelato color). I used the same technique with the butterfly stamp (Purple Onion Designs). I stamped and clear heat embossed it on orange cardstock and colored over the top using the gold metallic gelato. And now, time for some CHA photos! My trip to LA by train was tons of fun and filled with lots of laughter. :) Lisa (the owner of my LSS, Mementos) and Peggy (an awesome instructor at Mementos) began our journey at 3:30 AM at the small Yuma train station (i.e. a slab of concrete next to the train tracks...LOL)-- all aboard!
Here's the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft booth and pictures of me posing with some of my samples. It was sooo surreal to see some of my cards at the show! Then it was time to head to the Hero Arts booth and meet a few of my favorite crafters, Jennifer, Shari, and Lisa! Seriously, such an honor! Oh and what a thrill it was to meet the BEYOND sweet and designer extraordinaire Kathy!I also got to meet my good friend, Nancy, but my picture of the two of us is on my friend's camera, not mine, so I will post as soon as I can. I hope you've enjoyed my photos (if you made it to the end of this long post)! HUGS!
