Best Dad Ever

I hosted what would be described by most people as a "crop" at my house yesterday. As much as my small group enjoys workshops and learning new techniques, they also enjoy the free time to gather together for food and fellowship, sprinkled with a side of individual creativity.

My guests projects ranged from embellishing finished projects, clipping paper doll dresses, coloring stamped images, to cutting projects for future assembly. I had a few projects planned, but was enjoy the company of my guests before I started.

Before the new Stampin Up catalog launches, I have challenged myself to use as much patterned paper as possible in cards or other gifts before I buy more. This paper was purchased with a different intention in mind, but seems to fit this masculine themed card very well. Added Bonus: I also inked a stamp that I haven't previously used before. The sentiment also can lend itself to a Father's Day or a Birthday card.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamps:
And Many More (SU Retired)
Motorcycle (Gina Marie Designs)

Paper:
Dapper Denim (SU)
Basic Gray (SU)
Whisper White (SU)
Three Piece Suit (Papertrey Ink)

Ink:
Dapper Denim (SU)

Accessories:
Modern Label Punch (SU Retired)
Word Window Punch (SU Retired)

Highlighting Your Birthday

I am a self admitted font junkie. I can either love or leave a stamp set simply by the font style chosen for the sentiments. I have several stamps that say 'Happy Birthday' just because I like the way the loops and swirls of the letters look together. I think this is the most common sentiment I own.

The background stamp used is one of my favorites, as I can make a quick and easy card using this pattern. I recently stumbled upon the technique used in this card while watching one of Jennifer McGuire's videos. It was suggested to use a background stamp to save time, and I knew this one was perfect for the job at hand. Jennifer is truly one of my favorite people to watch for ideas and inspiration. She gives great tips on how to use what I have on hand, while also adding items to my ever growing crafty wish list.

Here is the technique in a nutshell: White craft ink gets sponged around the center of the lacy image. You need to sponge, but also sweep your ink outward and remember to let dry or heat set between layers of ink. Once you achieve a satisfactory amount of white highlighting and the ink has dried, proceed with embossing the sentiment. The result creates a glow around the image that really helps it to stand out.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamps:
Something Lacy (SU)
Big Scripty Greeting (Simon Says Stamp)

Paper:
Marina Mist (SU)
Soft Sky (SU)
Brushed Silver (Recollections)

Ink:
Marina Mist (SU)
Versamark
Craft White (SU)

Accessories:
Marvy Heat Gun
Silver Embossing Powder (SU)
Sponge Dauber (SU)
Embossing Buddy (SU)

Easter Flowers

Happy Easter everyone! Today is a very relaxing day at our house. The weather is gorgeous outside, our windows are open, and we are moving at our typical Sunday pace until church later this afternoon.

This Unity stamp has been on my wish list since I first saw it. Daisies are one of my favorite flowers, as I am a lover of the simpler things in life. My day can simply be made if I have the proper sugar and cream ratio to my coffee first thing in the morning. As you can see, I am very easy to please.

Unity is quickly becoming my favorite stamp company. I felt that with their designs I would need to work on my coloring skills. Alcohol markers seemed to be too advanced for my inner perfectionist, so I tried watercolor pencils. I figured if I could learn color blending with an easier medium, when I try the markers again I will be better skilled. I'm very pleased with the outcome using the pencils and look forward to my next project.

Here are the supplies I used:

Stamps:
Everything Joyful & Beautiful (Unity)

Paper:
Mossy Meadow (SU Retired)
Cold press watercolor paper

Ink:
Archival Basic Black (SU)

Accessories:
Coloré watercolor pencils

Part of the Story

This card was created to participate in the CYCI Sketch Challenge #153. This CYCI challenge this week is a sketch challenge, using a layout template as your guide. I have fallen head over heals with Unity stamps, and looked in my stash to start my design.

I work as a librarian, so the multiple stamps sets that they have with books, went quickly either into my cart or on my wish list. I love their cook to order philosophy, so I don't mind waiting an extra day or two for my order to arrive. They have frequent sales, so I get shipments from them often.

If you haven't checked out Unity Stamp Co., head over and see their gorgeous line of red rubber stamps. They have great technique videos that make me want to call in sick to work and play in my craft room all day. Unfortunately if I did that, I wouldn't be able to buy new toys.

Here are the supplies I used:
Stamps:
Struggle is Part of It (Unity)

Paper:
Early Espresso (SU)
Real Red (SU)
Stampers Select White (PTI)
Woodgrain patterned paper (CTMH)

Ink:
Rich Cocoa (Memento)

Accessories:
Heart Punch (SU retired)
Perler beads

Peek-a-Boo bunny

This card was created to participate in the CYCI Challenge #152. This CYCI challenge was a color challenge, using the colors turquoise, lime, pink, and kraft. With Easter right around the corner, I wanted to use this adorable bunny bundle I ordered from Papertrey Ink, so I knew these colors would result in an Easter card.

This bunny bundle was a total splurge purchase for me. It was also a gamble, as there was no guarantee that it would arrive in time for Easter. I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived within 10 days of my order. It was from their March release, and I was stalking their website and planning my order days in advance. My planning paid off, as I hear that many others are still anxiously awaiting their orders from the same timeframe.

I found it easier to punch the bunny out then stamp the face on the die cut. I will making a few more of these cards to accompany the Easter boxes I send my grandsons, with just a slightly different paper color chosen. Most of the items used are from Papertrey Ink, as I simply love the weight and colors available in their cardstock.

Here are the supplies I used:
Stamps:
So Sweet (PTI)

Paper:
Stampers Select White (PTI)
Kraft (PTI)
Raspberry Fizz (PTI)
Funky Town patterned paper (PTI)

Ink:
Raspberry Fizz (PTI)
Crumb Cake (SU)
Blushing Bride (SU)

Accessories:
Sizzix Big Shot
Woodgrain EF (SU)
1-3/4" Circle Punch (SU retired)
So Sweet Die (PTI)
Triple Banner Punch (SU)