krafty rainbow colours

This was an experiment, but I'm very happy with how it turned out, so I thought I'd share.

Jennifer McGuire got me thinking about using coloured pencils on kraft cardstock, and I've just kinda had rainbows on the brain from some reason lately, so it all lead to this card.

Hero Arts design block dots & flowers stamped in white ink, then coloured over the white flowers with Derwent Inktense pencils. Heat embossed the sentiment (Hero Arts everyday sayings) and added extra dots in the flower centers with a white gel pen. A Sassafras blossom to finish it off.

It was a little time consuming, but very therapeutic!

Fetched my first sketch

This week I did the sketch and sample for the Fetch A Sketch challenge over at Scrap.biz. Just complete a layout based the the sketch, upload it the the challenge gallery before 11:59pm AEST Wednesday 2nd Sept and you will be in the running to win one of two $5 shopping vouchers.

I really enjoyed using the Tim Holz flourish mask on this layout. I had stamped the background with white ink using Unity worn grid stamp, then sprayed over the mask with a homemade ink and perfect pearls spray. The dark colour made the grid stamping much more visible but the flourish a bit bleah. So I added some faux stitching with a white gel pen.

Cue the music...

MUSIC is the theme for August over at Inkurable stampers . Here is my entry for this month's challenge which uses just one stamp (unusual for me) Crafty Individuals CI 086.

I stamped the image several times on cream paper using the following:
antique linen distress ink
sepia versafine
versamark with gold embossing powder
versamark with gold pigment powder (like Perfect Pearls)

The various image elements were then cut out and layered over each other with adhesive foam.
The frame was cut from kraft cardstock using an EK Success trumpet flower corner punch and the edges inked with vintage photo distress ink.

Make sure you check out the challenge at Inkurable and stamp up an entry yourself- there are great PRIZES up for grabs every month and it is great to support an Aussie stamping site (although international entries are more than welcome).

Happy stamping!

Keep warm and cosy...with some simple stamping tips

These window gift boxes are my sample for this week's build-it-up challenge at Scrapz.biz.

If you are interested in the step by step instructions, head on over to the challenge and grab the pdf.

But what about those cute glitter tags on the boxes I hear you say? Where are the helpful tips about making those? Well, I couldn't fit them in without making the pdf a bit too grande, so I'll post a few photos here along with some simple stamping tips.




Supply list

• 4cm circle and matching scallop circle cut using Spellbinders dies & cuttlebug.
• Stamps: Hero Arts screen shadow, clear design joy borders, sparkle clear cute letters
• Inks: versafine sepia, Hero Arts soft pool shadow ink
• Other: adhesive, Sakura quickie glue pen, Hero Arts prisma glitter, tiny peg.

Stamp the screen shadow background on the plain circle using soft pool ink.



Line up your clear alphabet letters on your desk (stamping surface down) to spell your word. Press your mounting block onto them firmly and voila! One perfectly lined up word ready for stamping.



Stamp your sentiment in brown ink and some swirls around it with the soft pool ink.



Adding a touch of glitter to a stamped piece can really give it just the extra pop it needs. Use the glue pen to add adhesive to the swirls. I cannot sing the praises of the quickie glue pen enough for this kind of fine detail job, and the prisma glitter is great because whatever colour is underneath will still be visible. Quickly apply the loose glitter, shake off the excess and adhere to the scalloped circle piece. You're done! Now go and make someone's day by giving them some little treats inside a beautiful handmade box.

CHEERS!
Jen

Think about the profound

A layout for this challenge on The Profound Brunette (great title for a blog!)

One of the things I really wanted to think about this year was CONTENTMENT in all aspects of life. When it comes to craft I can struggle with contentment about time, space, equipment and of course, having the lastest and greatest products. I'm sure I'm not alone on this one! But as a Christian, I don't want this to distract me from being thankful and rejoicing and trusting in God. So I pray for the daily strength to CHOOSE contentment, but it is most definitely a work in progress- so I need a big note to self.

Layout details: Paper Sassafras Lass, Inque Boutique stamp, American Crafts thickers, Hambly rub on.

Enjoy a little colour

I know it doesn't have the words "dad" "father" "happy" or "day" on it, but this is actually a Father's Day card...something a little bit different.

The main panel was done by painting in the circles with water and mica powders (I used moonshadow powders, but there are others like perfect pearls etc.) It gives it a really nice shine. If you own some of these powders but aren't using them, then you should REALLY check out this video of Jennifer McGuire's- in fact, she has done a whole series of them which are all fantastic.

Card details:
Hero Arts K5231, CL177, CL127
Carolee Creations tiny alpha stickers
based on a sketch of this card by Lisa Spangler

And while you're thinking about cards for Father's Day (it is in early September in Australia) you should check out this challenge at Scrapz.Biz.

Have a great day everyone- go and light up someone's life :)

It always pays to be sorry

A big THANK YOU to Hero Arts. The winners of last week's blog challenge (tags) were announced and this card was picked as an honourable mention. The amount of seriously talented stampers who contribute to this group and enter the challenges is huge- so it is indeed an honour. If you have never visited the Hero Arts blog then you really should. It is chock full of inspirational samples, articles, videos with weekly challenges.

The Leap...

...into the world of blogging. I blame Sheree, Mel, Deb, Lydell and Heike. You can find all these wonderful creative women hanging out with me at scrapz.biz

You should definitely visit on Thursday because that is when the very first weekly challenges will begin on the site with prizes up for grabs! And while you are there, register in the forum and leave a comment here before the weekend for your chance to win the absolutely awesome AUGUST TICKLEZ kit! Couldn't be easier!