Springtime World of Dreams

During my last stamping session sponging the Irresistibly Yours DSP to reveal the lovely patterns made me think of one of my favorite techniques...emboss resist. So I pulled out one of my favorite stamp sets for this technique...World of Dreams.

The sponged on colors of Calypso Coral, Pistachio Pudding and Coastal Cabana along with the subject show that I am dreaming of spring.

I was inspired by the simple layout of a card on page 7 of the recent Stampin' Success magazine. They used a stamp set I don't have, so I swapped it out for another image that took about the same size.

Thanks for visiting.

Mossy Cajun World of Dreams

The pretty colors of Autumn are everywhere right now...so it's no surprise I found my color inspiration for todays card by simply looking out my window.

This pretty image from World of Dreams was embossed using the Offset Embossing technique...described in more detail here, and then sponged using:

•  Lost Lagoon
• Mossy Meadow
• Cajun Craze
• Early Espresso

You may recognize this card as I copied a previous card I made and just added the Cajun Craze for a totally different look.

World of Dreams Trio

In my previous two postings this week I shared cards using the same set...World of Dreams and the same technique, but with different color combos. This is the third and final card to the set, and I think perhaps it's also my favorite.

This one uses the beautiful new in color Blackberry Bliss. Check out another version using Wisteria Wonder Seam Binding Ribbon...

For this one I also added some Basic Rhinestones colored with my Medium Rich Razzleberry Blendabilities Marker. Here's the entire set of three cards.

Earlier this week we made this set at my first All Occasions Card Class using new sets. If you live local be sure to check out my calendar of events so that next time you don't miss out!

Now that you've seen all three cards in the set, which one is your favorite?

Mossy World of Dreams

Today I would like to share the second card of a set using World of Dreams. This card would be perfect for any occasion.

I used the Offset Embossing Technique and then sponged over the top of it using Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, Crumb Cake & Early Espresso inks. I describe this technique in a little more detail in my previous post...just scroll down to see the first card in this set of three.

I will share the final card on Friday...so don't forget to check back! Have a GREAT day!

World of Dreams

When first looking through the new catalog, one of the first stamp sets to catch my eye was the beautiful silhouette style set World of Dreams. It reminds me of a couple old favorites...Just Believe (retired) and Summer Silhouettes.  This is the first card I created using this pretty new set.

The sweet bird nest image was stamped twice onto the new Typeset Specialty Paper. The first time in Early Espresso and the second time it was stamped offset (using the Stamp-a-ma-jig) in VersaMark ink and then embossed in white. Offsetting the two images creates a shadow that really makes the image pop. Then I sponged Lost Lagoon, Crumb Cake & Early Espresso inks over the top of the image. The Typeset Specialty Paper is Very Vanilla with Basic Black print so you can color it any way you wish. (or leave as is).

I created my own DSP on the Crumb Cake layer by stamping the leafy image from the set all over using Crumb Cake ink. The thank you sentiment is from the Big News set. I finished off the card with a pretty bow using Lost Lagoon Stitched Satin Ribbon.

This is the first card in a set of three that I created using this set...check back to see the other two.

Embossed Morning Meadow

This is the 3rd card in a set that I created using the same layout & technique. The first two cards I shared used the Serene Silhouettes stamp set, but since this image from Morning Meadow is the same size, I chose this one for the third, and maybe my favorite, of the trio.

Stamps: Morning Meadow, En Francias, Papillon Potpourri & Simply Sketched (sentiment)
Card stock: Blushing Bride & Very Vanilla
Ink: VersaMark, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede & Blushing Bride
Accessories: Blushing Bride Pleated Ribbon, White EP, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Basic Pearls, Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder, Bitty Butterfly, Large Oval & Scallop Oval Punches

Here is the set of all three cards we made in my last All Occasions Card Class. (the anniversary card shown on the right is a stepped up version I made later) I am offering this class again on September 19th. If you live local and would like to attend please contact me.  

Which one of these three do you like best? 

If you would like more info on this technique and the other two cards, just scroll down to see my last two blog postings. 

Todays creation uses the Butterfly Bundle which is on sale this month for 15% off! Visit my demo website for more info.

Masculine Silhouettes

Thank you so much for the lovely comments on my last post...each one put a smile on my face! I guess when I wrote that post I had hit my limit of rude people...both in real life and online, and just couldn't take it anymore...so had to say something. Thanks again for listening and/or taking the time to comment.

Now, on to the real reason you stopped by...another card! This is one we made at my last card class. I always like to include at least one masculine card...and good thing I did because my Step-Father's birthday crept up on me earlier this week and I had this one all ready to give him.

I used the same design and technique as my last card (scroll down to read more about the offset embossing technique) but as you can see, the different colors and texture make it more masculine.

Stamps: Serene Silhouettes, Apothecary Art & Timber Wheel
Card stock: Always Artichoke & Very Vanilla
Ink: VersaMark, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Always Artichoke & Marina Mist
Accessories: Always Artichoke Seam Binding Ribbon, White EP, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Woodgrain Embossing Folder

Have a fun & safe Labor Day weekend! I cannot believe summer went by so fast!

Serene Silhouettes Anniversary

Today I am sharing a card that I basically copied off myself. I created the first card using the same technique & colors a few years back. Since this card (shown here ) using the Just Believe stamp set has been consistently a favorite, according to my stats both here and on Pinterest, I thought I would try another version using Serene Silhouettes.

To create the shadow on the image and really make it pop, it was first stamped in Soft Suede and then using my Stamp-a-ma-jig I offset the image and stamped it again in VersaMark. Then it was embossed using Winter White EP. To make the white image stand out even more on the Very Vanilla card stock, I lightly sponged it with Crumb Cake ink using a Sponge Dauber. 

This version of the card looks more distressed and antiqued than my original card by inking up the edges and also inking the Beautifully Baroque embossing folder with Crumb Cake ink before running it through the Big Shot. 

The little butterfly, from Papillon Potpourri and the Basic Pearls used to adorn the ribbon and flowers add just the right finishing details.

Do you use Pinterest? Here is something to consider when pinning:
Like I mentioned earlier in this post, I can tell if a particular blog posting is popular by checking my stats here and also on Pinterest. Before Pinterest, I used to be able to tell if a post was well liked by the comments received on the actual posting. Now it seems most people don't take the time to post comments anymore, but instead, pin something if they like it...and yes, I'm guilty of the same thing! 

I LOVE Pinterest, so I'm certainly not knocking it BUT every now and then I come across a pin where the pinner is criticizing the creation in the pin description. This just happened to me recently where someone pinned one of my cards, and said they liked the layout, but then went on to say what they didn't like. "OK...thanks for the backhanded compliment B*$%!", I thought to myself. Later, I thought more about it...and it kind of made me mad. Us bloggers take a lot of time to share our creations with others. Most, including myself, are certainly not getting compensated for the time we put into it. Should we really have to read negative comments on a very public forum like Pinterest? 

I know what I post is appealing to some and to others...not so much. I'm fine with that...everyone has different tastes. But unless the person posting is asking for opinions why would someone think it's OK to make negative remarks? For those who need to critique and criticize then maybe they should have a secret board dedicated to those pins? 

Just something to consider when you are pinning someones creation...we never know who is reading what we write and how our words can hurt others who were simply sharing something they thought was their best work. One nice comment can make someone's day...but a negative one can ruin the fun of sharing.

Thanks for stopping by and if you read the above...thanks for listening.

Just Believe Wedding

We went to a wedding over the weekend and here's the card I made for the bride & groom.

The image was first stamped in Crumb Cake and then using my Stamp-a-ma-jig I offset the image and stamped it again in VersaMark. Then it was embossed using Winter White EP. To make the white image stand out even more on the Very Vanilla cardstock, I lightly sponged it with more Crumb Cake ink using a Sponge Dauber.

Stamps: Just Believe & Tiny Tags
Card stock: Very Vanilla & Whisper White
Ink: Crumb Cake & VersaMark
Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Winter White EP, Heat Tool, Basic Pearls, Crumb Cake Seam Binding Ribbon, Jewelry Tag Punch & Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder

Thanks for stopping by today!

A Few New Favorites

Another busy, but fun weekend! I love summertime in Michigan! We did have a few rainy days this past week, so I took that time to play with some of my favorite new things, and created this card.

If I could have only picked one new stamp set from the new IB&C it would be Just Believe. I love the elegant looking floral silhouettes. I paired it up here with some of my favorite new patterned paper - Elegant Soiree and my favorite new embellishment - the gorgeous Antique Brads. I also used a bit of the Victoria Crochet Trim.

On the main image I created a shadow by stamping the image twice. The first time in Baja Breeze, the second time in VersaMark. I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to offset it just a bit from the first image to create the shadow. Then I embossed it with White Embossing Powder. The Crumb Cake (formerly known as Kraft) base was embossed using the Perfect Details Texturz Plate and the Big Shot. Then I decided to be brave and spritz it with some Log Cabin Smooch Spritz. I wasn't brave enough to try it on my main image tho, and I think that was a good move...that stuff is a little hard to control.

Thanks for stopping by to visit me today...enjoy your day!