Ayana *Day 3*

NOTE: If you are here for the Lily Pad Cards blog hop, click HERE for my post. (Or scroll down.)

Now, if you thought yesterday's card by Ayana was cute, check this out:

This card is a total smile-maker! Plus the design of this card is incredible. I love the way the suns rays radiate in the background. The heart filled banner is perfect with that bunny rabbit couple. And that one rounded corner on the blue panel is subtle but oh-so-effective! Here is my take: To create the main panel on this card, I began by coloring the banner (Hero Arts H5428) with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pens. I added a touch of white gel pen to the corners of the banners and then blended it with my finger before it was dry. After coloring the banners I cut them out. I stamped the main panel with the banner stamp again. Next, I distressed the background with Crushed Olive and Broken China Distress Ink. The grass (Purple Onion Designs Stems and Grass Set) was stamped with Peeled Paint Distress Ink. I adhered the banner pieces over top of the stamped banner- applying glossy accents only at the top of the banner piece and a pop dot on the bottom. Sentiment by Hero Arts (CL497).

Thanks again for your visits and encouragement, my bloggin' friends! HUGS!

Inspired by...Ayana, Day 2

NOTE: If you are here for the Lily Pad Cards blog hop, click HERE for my post. (Or scroll down.)

And thanks to ALL of the SUPER kind comments yesterday! I sincerely appreciate each and every one! Now it is time for our next inspiration card by Ayana:

Ayana's card is CUTE, CUTE, CUTE! It just makes me smile! Here's my take: I began by coloring the flowers (Hero Arts H5481) with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers. Then I cut the flowers out. I stamped the leaves (Hero Arts CG148) on white cardstock, colored them with Faber-Castell DMC Stamper's Big Brush Markers and then distressed the entire panel with Dusty Concord and Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. Before gluing the flowers down I flicked the panel with water (creating the water spots). I glued the flowers down using Glossy Accents, but I left the edges of the petals without glue for dimension. The grid background was created by coloring white cardstock with Wild Honey Distress Ink and then stamping Hero Arts Graph Background (S5435) with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. The purple background piece is Hero Hues Cardstock embossed with the Swiss Dots Embossing Folder. I added a light Layer of Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink to this as well. Finally, the green strip in the background began as white cardstock which was colored with Forest Moss Distress Stain. Sentiment by Hero Arts (CL490).

See you tomorrow with another card inspired by the wonderfully talented Ayana!

LilyPad Cards

Hi everyone! I'm taking a short time-out from our week inspired by Ayana for a fun post today about Lily Pad Cards! :) Welcome to stop #2 of Day 2 of the Lily Pad Cards blog hop!

You should be arriving here from the fabulous Sherri Thompson's blog. If your arrival here did not involve hopping from lily pad to lily pad you'll want to start your hop at Lily Pad Cards blog. The blog hop started yesterday (Monday March 28th) and will feature seven blogs per day up until Friday, April 1, when the grand opening of Lily Pad Cards will take place! Lily Pad Cards is a new challenge blog that will feature interviews, articles, videos, challenges, great prizes, and more! Although Lily Pad doesn’t officially bloom until April 1, 2011, you’ll be able to see a new sneak peek every day until then. You’ll definitely want to drop by because there are three HUGE prize packages! Go here for specific prize details and contest rules. The hop’s theme is "Welcome" because not only are we welcoming Lily Pad Cards to the neighborhood, but we’re also welcoming all of you to come in and join in all the fun. Here is my card: I began by stamping Hero Arts Wreath of Leaves (CG215) with VersaMark ink on white cardstock. Next I heat embossed with clear embossing powder. I colored this white paper (including coloring directly on top of the embossed image) using the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Gelatos shown in the photo. I blended these colors together using my fingertip, adding more color from the gelato as I was blending to darken areas. I stamped Hero Arts Friend Definition (CG125) on top of the gelato background, removing some ink from the stamp with a baby wipe before stamping. I removed the excess ink from the embossed wreath with a baby wipe. Sentiment by Papertrey Ink. Now the next stop on your hop is the blog of the talented Deirdre Horgan. Have fun hopping! :)

Inspired by...Ayana!

Hi everyone! I am happy to report that I have survived the big craft room move and am happily crafting away in my new space. I LOVEEEEE it! I have a few finishing details to work on and then I can't wait to share it with you, my friends. Now, onto business. :) This week's featured artist has a style all her own. Her cards and coloring always impress...yes, our featured artist this week is none other than Ayana Posadas. You MUST check out her blog HERE. Here is our first inspiration card by Ayana:

Aren't Ayana's bright colors just FAB?! I love the rainbow effect of her pretty stars. The gemstones are a lovely touch! And overall this is such a simple, yet effective design. Here is my take:

The butterflies (Hero Arts CL383) were colored with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers. Next, I created the background using Distress Ink (Broken China and Peeled Paint) and then flicked it with water. The grass stamp (Purple Onion Designs Stems and Grass) was stamped with Peeled Paint Distress Ink. The yellow background was distressed with Wild Honey Distress Ink and then stamped with Walnut Stain Distress Ink (Hero Arts CG125). Sentiment by Papertrey Ink. Thanks for stopping by! I'll see ya tomorrow with a special post--get ready to hop, hop, hop. ;)

POD & Stamper's Big Brush Markers

Today's card features all Purple Onion Designs stamps including Stems and Grass Set, Vintage 2011 Calendar, and Handwritten Holiday. The colorful grass and stems on this card were stamped using Faber-Castell Stamper's Big Brush Markers. I've had a couple questions about using these markers. To get the best impression you need to work fast when coloring your stamp. I also dab my stamp lightly with a baby wipe before coloring (helps the stamp stay wet longer). You will get a gorgeous watercolor effect. If you want your stamped impression to be more solid, go back and fill in/color your stamped image on the paper with your Big Brush Marker or PITT Artist Pen (great for small details and also to add shading). Next, I stamped the calendar stamp using Pumice Stone Distress Ink, removing some portions of the ink from the stamp with a baby wipe before stamping. Finally, I added Peeled Paint Distress Ink along the bottom and edges of the stamped panel.

Thanks for popping in this weekend! Hope you are blessed with lots of time to be crafty! :)

Aga *Day 5*

I just had to end our week of inspiration with Aga with another of her beautiful butterfly cards. Thanks so much, Aga, for playing along this week. Remember, you can always see more of Aga's work on her BLOG and PHOTOSTREAM.

Here's my take: The butterflies (Hero Arts CL383) were colored with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers after being stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. The green background was created by applying Distress Stains (Peeled Paint, Wild Honey, and Vintage Photo) to my craft sheet. I pressed the paper into the ink. Once dry, I stamped this background with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink (Hero Arts CG197). Sentiment by Hero Arts (CL487).

Thanks so much for your visits this week! Wish me luck as I am moving my craft room to a new room in the house this weekend/week. I'm very excited to gain more space and organization (and SOOO thankful that my mom, dad, and hubby can help)! Maybe I'll have to give you a video tour when it is finished... ;) See you tomorrow with a Purple Onion Designs card.

Aga *Day 4*

Here's our next great card by Aga: I love the way Aga has stamped these fun flowers in the corner of the page. They look so pretty together and her arrangement is fab! The orange and purple/pink color scheme is especially eye catching. And the black pearls are a wonderful finishing touch.
Here's my take:

I began by stamping and masking Hero Arts Small Sweet Petals (CG811) and leaf (CG148) with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Copic paper. Next, I colored the flowers and leaves with Copic markers. I added a bit of distressing using Wild Honey Distress Ink to the corners of the paper that did not have flowers. Sentiment by Hero Arts (CL497).
Thanks for peeking! See you tomorrow for our last day of inspiration with Aga. (I'm bummed to see our week with Aga coming to an end... )

Aga, Day 3

Here's our next stunner by Aga: Aga's background on this card is a true beauty! I love watercolor effect and pretty stamping. The sentiment panel works perfectly with the background stamp. And how 'bout that bow? BEAUTIFUL!
Here's my take:

The red background was created by applying Fired Brick Distress Stain to my craft sheet and spritzing with water. Next I dipped the background paper into this ink. After it was dry, I applied Dusty Concord Distress Ink using an ink blending tool. The flower (Hero Arts CG303) was colored using Faber-Castell Stamper's Big Brush Markers (coloring directly on the stamp) and then was lightly spritzed with water before stamping. After cutting out the flower I applied Walnut Stain Distress Ink to the edges. Sentiment by Hero Arts (CL490).

Thanks again for stopping by and leaving such sweet comments. I also wanted to mention that I am entering this card in my good friend Joy's fun challenge. Check it out HERE.
See you tomorrow!

Aga *Day 2*

I adore this beautiful set by Aga:

And here's my take, especially inspired by Aga's beautiful colors and neutral background: I created my tag by first stamping the floral image by Hero Arts (CG287) using Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I colored the flowers using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush markers. Great technique video on the Faber-Castell site showing how to color using the Big Brush Markers- click HERE to watch. The sentiment (Papertrey Ink) was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. The tan background has been lightly stamped with Hero Arts Envelope Pattern (S5507) using Antique Linen Distress Ink. I also lightly edged this background with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

See you tomorrow with another stunning creation by Aga! HUGS!

Inspired by...Aga!

This week's featured artist, Aga, has a beautiful, crisp, and modern style! I just love her color choices and composition. Check out our first inspiration card by Aga:

Aga's row of butterflies is so pretty! The blue is exceptionally striking against the neutral backdrop. And isn't that doily a fun touch?!
Here is my take:

I began by coloring my tag with Distress Stains in Vintage Photo, Fired Brick, and Wild Honey. I dabbed the stains onto my craft sheet, spritzed with water, and dipped my tag in the ink. LOVE this look and it is super easy with the stains. The butterflies (Hero Arts CL383) were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers. The blue background began as white paper (Neenah Tiara White) and was distressed and stamped (Hero Arts CG125) with Broken China Distress Ink. The dark outer blue border was colored using a Stamper's Big Brush Marker. Sentiment by Hero Arts (CL 497).

Thanks for visiting! Be sure to hop on over to Aga's PHOTOSTREAM and BLOG- you'll love what you see!

Sketchbook Sunday

Welcome to another Sketchbook Sunday, my friends. To see my other sketchbook entries, click HERE. This week I continued to have lots of fun with my Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft goodies! I began by cutting a piece of white cardstock for the center panel. I stamped the Hero Arts Flower using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. The flower was then colored in using Stamper's Big Brush Markers and PITT Artist Pens. The blue background was created using Art Grip Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils--scribbling to lay down the blue color and then adding water directly over this to blend. Next, I stamped Hero Arts Friend Definition with black ink, dabbing off a few areas on the stamp with a baby wipe before stamping. I adhered this center panel to the sketchbook page. The red background was colored using Stamper's Big Brush Markers and all the black detailing and the quote were written using PITT Artist Pens.

By the way, don't you just love that quote: "Within your heart, keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go." So TRUE! Lately I have been dreaming lots and feel so blessed to see some of my BIG dreams coming true!! Can't wait to share more with you when I can. ;) (Oh, man, here I go teasing you again!! LOL) See you tomorrow with our next featured artist- her work definitely qualifies as "MUST SEE."

Giveaway Winner!

Hi folks! Just popping in here to announce that the winner of the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Mixed Media starter kit from the incredible Ellen Hutson is....
Daisydilly (Vicki) said...
Your work is great!! Can't wait to see more of it. Congrats on your tutorial!!!
Vicki, if you could please contact Ellen at customerservice@ellenhutson.com with your snail mail address she will get your goodies out to you so that you can start coloring pronto! :)

Thanks again to everyone who entered and left me such kind and touching comments and thanks to Ellen for this fun opportunity to be in your CLASSroom.

Before I go, just had to mention that I am beyond honored to see this HERE. Love ya, Joy!

Joy *Day 4*

Happy Friday! One quick note before we begin, keep your eyes peeled on the Ellen Hutson CLASSroom blog today- they will be announcing the winner of the Faber-Castell Mixed Media Starter Kit giveaway! And don't worry if you miss it, I will post the winner here tomorrow, too. :)
Today is our last day of inspiration by Joy and I've saved one of my FAVORITE pieces of Joy's stamped art for today. Check it out:

Isn't this art journal piece by Joy breathtaking? I love the soft colors and layering. And the distressed look in pastels couldn't be sweeter!
Here is my take. I was especially inspired by Joy's color scheme:

All Stamps Hero Arts. The pale blue background was created by distressing white cardstock (Neenah Tiara White) with Broken China Distress ink (very lightly) and then stamping with Hero Arts background stamp inked in Hero Hues Soft Leaf ink. The tan center panel was distressed with Antique Linen Distress ink and I also swiped the Antique Linen ink pad directly on the paper--this really adds a great "texture" to the distressing. The butterflies were inked lightly with Worn Lipstick and Antique Linen Distress Ink. The sentiment was stamped using Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

Thanks soooooo much to Joy and all of you for making this week so fun for me! See you on Sunday when I get out my Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft goodies and play in my sketchbook! HUGS!

Joy *Day 3*

*NOTE: If you have just arrived here from the Ellen Hutson CLASSroom blog, go HERE (or scroll down) to leave a comment for the giveaway!
Here is our next great card by Joy:

Joy's card is just too lovely! The oval with the scallop is the perfect centerpiece. And the plaid background suits the chair stamp beautifully. Finally, once again I can't get enough of this color scheme!
Here is my take: I began this card by stamping the sillouette stamp by Hero Arts on tan cardstock using VersaMark ink. Next, I heat embossed this image with clear embossing powder. I colored the leaves and branches with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Markers, wiping the excess where I colored outside of the lines with a baby wipe. Then I went over the entire oval panel with Walnut Stain Distress Ink. The red background was distressed with Brushed Corduroy and Fired Brick Distress Ink. Finally, I stamped the Envelope Pattern stamp from Hero Arts using Fired Brick Distress Ink.

Thanks again for visiting and making my day with all of your support, visits, and comments! And happy St. Patricks Day!! HUGS!

Inspired by...Joy, Day 2

*NOTE: If you have just arrived here from the Ellen Hutson CLASSroom blog, go HERE (or scroll down) to leave a comment for the giveaway!
Now for our next card from this week's featured artist, Joy: Joy's card is so pretty! I love the soft blues, teals, and greys together. So soothing and easy on the eye! Joy's overall card design- using Labels 8 with a rectangle panel in the center and bow on top- is definitely one I can see myself turning to often!
Here is my take:

All Stamps Hero Arts. I began by stamping the flower image with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. I colored the flowers using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stampers Big Brush Markers and PITT Artist Pens. The background was distressed using Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. Hero Arts Envelope Pattern was also stamped with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink.

Before I go, I just wanted to say that all of your comments yesterday were truly overwhelming (in a good way!) and touched my heart. Thank you all for taking the time to comment and visit-- you're the GREATEST!

I'm in the CLASSroom!

Well, you’ve waited an extra day for my announcement… so here it is! I am SUPER thrilled to be a guest designer over on Ellen Hutson’s fabulous blog, the CLASSroom! I have been a huge fan of the CLASSroom for quite some time and can’t believe that lil’ ol’ me actually has a tutorial over there. I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity. So with that being said, be sure to pop over HERE to see exactly how these two cards were created using products from the Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft line and Hero Arts stamps. And not only is Ellen Hutson sweet as can be, she is also very generous. She’s given me this Faber-Castell Mixed Media Starter Kit to giveaway here on my blog.

Leave a comment on this post by midnight, March 17th for a chance to win the entire kit! Ellen Hutson will then select the winner using a random number selector and post the winner both here and in the CLASSroom.

Oh, and be sure to stop by tomorrow for our next day of inspiration with Joy! HUGS!

Inspired by...Joy

Okay, soooo many of you have been calling me a BIG tease because of my post last Friday. And you are going to REALLY think I am a tease after this---I had my dates wrong and I can't make my little announcement until tomorrow! I am so SORRY! Will you forgive me if I give you another sneak?? :)

Now onto our next featured artist--Joy of dustypenny designs!! Joy is one talented lady and I can't wait to share her work this week. Check out our first inspiration card by Joy:

As soon as I saw this card that Joy created in a Jennifer McGuire class I was inspired. Don't you just love those cards that you see that make you want to RUN to your craft room and start stamping? The colors on this card are so springy and happy and of course I can't get enough of the overall design! And I just love that Joy shares what she learns in her classes on her blog and flickr photostream- you'll have to check it out!

And here's my take:

The floral panel on this card was created by coloring the beautiful Penny Black stamp, Flower Amongst Flowers (4155L), with Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft Stamper's Big Brush Markers. I then stamped it on white cardstock. After stamping, I added shading to the flowers using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pens. The background was distressed with Broken China and Crushed Olive Distress Ink. Sentiment by Hero Arts (CL487).

Thanks so much for popping by and I sure hope you believe me when I say I will have a little announcement for you tomorrow! ;) HUGS!

Inspired by...Julia, Day 5

Happy Friday, my friends! Did you all survive the week? I'm happy to report that I survived Field Day with my preschoolers. It was actually lots of fun! :)

Before I show Julia's next FABULOUS card, I just wanted to send her a BIG thanks for allowing me to share her work this week! I know you have all enjoyed seeing her beautiful vintage and embellished style. Here's our last card by Julia:

I gotta say- I can't get enough of those bold flowers against the black background. And I never would have thought to combine red, yellow, and pink but it looks amazing. This card's simplicity and bold colors just makes my heart sing!
Now, for my take. I hope you will forgive me, but I am going to be a TEASE and just share a peek at my card inspired by Julia's. To see the entire thing and also a fun little announcement, be sure to visit me here on Monday.
BIG hugs and happy stamping this weekend!

Julia *Day 4*

Quick post today! Check out Julia's charming bird card:

And here's my take:This cute, digi bird by Tiffany Doodles was colored using Faber-Castell PITT Artist pens and the bright background was created with Distress Inks on white cardstock. Sentiment by Hero Arts.

Have a great Thursday, my friends! It's track and field day for my preschoolers so that should make for an interesting afternoon. :)

Julia *Day 3*

Here's our next gorgeous card by Julia:

LOVE Julia's stamping on canvas for this beautiful card! And you just can't beat her color choices for her butterfly and patterned paper strips.
Here is my take:I began by stamping Hero Arts Butterfly (CL383) with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on Sticky Back Canvas. Next I colored the butterflies using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist pens. I added Distress Ink (Brushed Corduroy and Broken China) onto the canvas using an ink blending tool. The splatter was stamped using a splatter stamp by All Night Media and Distress Ink (Brushed Corduroy). Finally, I stamped the sentiment (Hero Arts CL146) using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.
Thanks again for visiting!! HUGS!

Julia *Day 2*

Wow! Thanks so much for all of your awesome feedback on the cards yesterday- you always know how to make a girl smile when she's feeling a bit tired and stressed! :)
Here's our next card by Julia:I can't get enough of the glittery goodness on Julia's card! Such a fun idea. This card also has that lovely vintage flair like our card yesterday from Julia. Finally, I love how she has used rustic twine with the soft flower to embellish and finish off her card!
Here is my take:

I created the center panel from white cardstock by stamping the big flower by Hero Arts using Faber-Castell Stampers Big Brush Markers. Next I added a layer of Distress Ink over this stamping using Broken China and Peeled Paint. A quick and easy card! :)

And before I go, the random winner of the digi from Monday is .... Barb! Email me and I will get your image sent to you ASAP. :) Thanks again for popping by! Hope you're having a lovely Tuesday!

Inspired by...Julia Stainton

I'm so thrilled to announce that this week's featured artist is the UBER talented Julia Stainton! I love each and every one of Julia's cards (by the way, you MUST check out her blog Belle Papier) as they are all filled with such texture, beautiful color, and balanced designs.
Here is our first inspiration card by Julia:

I love how soft and sweet this vintage card is! Julia is a master at pairing patterned papers and stamps. The soft robin egg blue looks beautiful with the light tan. And don't you love her embellishments? Perfectly placed as always!
Here is my take: I began by stamping the large Lynnwood Background stamp (J-987 by Outlines) with Versamark Ink on tan paper. I sprinkled it and embossed with clear embossing powder. Next I applied Broken China Distress over this embossed image. Finally, I stamped Hero Arts Friend Definition (CG125) using Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink, removing some of the ink with a baby wipe before stamping. The embossed areas will resist this text ink, and I removed it using a baby wipe. The sentiment (Hero Arts CL491) was stamped with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.
And since it is the 7th of the month, it's time to share another Tiffany Doodles card for the monthly challenge. This month the challenge is fun photo inspiration, so be sure to check out the details HERE. Here's my card. I channeled my inner Kathy Racoosin (one of my stamping idols) when coloring and "dotting" this Tiffany Doodles butterfly!

Thanks for visiting! See you tomorrow with another stunner from Julia!

Sketchbook Sunday

Hello friends! It's time for another Sketchbook Sunday here on the blog-o! :) Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.

I began by stamping the Hero Arts Butterflies using the Stampers Big Brush Pen in black. Next, I colored the butterflies using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft (DMC) Stampers Big Brush Markers and I added highlights with a white gel pen. All of the black doodling, including the "frame" around the butterflies was drawn using the Faber-Castell DMC PITT Artist pens. The blue/grey background behind the butterflies was done with the Faber-Castell DMC Art Grip Aquarelle watercolor pencils. The yellow background was colored by first applying a light layer of yellow using Art Grip Aquarelle watercolor pencils and then using the Stampers Big Brush Markers to add shading and details.

Thanks for peeking! See you tomorrow with our next featured stamper- she ROCKS- you won't want to miss it!

Tiffany Doodles Blog Hop

Hello, my crafty friends! If you are here for the Tiffany Doodles blog hop then you have arrived in the right place! Here is my springy card. I hope that if you are in a cold, snowy place, when you look at this card you can feel some warm Arizona sunshine! :)

This image was printed and colored using Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft PITT Artist Pens. LOVE how they FAB these pens are to color small detail images like this. I added a touch of Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink to the colored panel. Sentiment by Hero Arts.
Now, it can't be a blog hop without a prize, so leave a comment here to win this digi:

The grand prize winner, who leaves a comment at every blog, will win a $10 gift certificate for the Tiffany Doodles shop.
Here's your next stop for the hop--the talented Jodi .
And I'll see you on Monday with a card for the next Tiffany Doodles challenge AND our next featured artist (yes, next week will be a "normal" Inspired By...week). :)