Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Sketch Time for Retro Rubber

It is hard to believe we are already at the end of July?  At any rate we have another sketch challenge over at Retro Rubber, one created by yours truly.  

 

I didn't have specific images in mind when creating this sketch, but once it was time to make a card the stamps from Hero Arts release in 2017 of Color Layering Koi and Frame Cuts were a perfect fit.  When I lived in Japan as an exchange student I would marvel at the Koi ponds and gorgeous fish.  

To maintain a sense of proportions I decided a A7 (5" x 7") would work best.  I used cool serene colors for this card because this card would be sent to my mother for my dad's birthday.  One his birthday she visits his columbarium at the Willamette National Cemetery.  I cannot be there is person, but want her to know that I am there with her.  

  • The koia, leaves, and water lily were stamped in layers with Versa Magic in Thatched Straw, Mango, Aspen Mist, See Breeze, and Night Sky.  
  • The diagonal strip is masked off, and inked in Thatched Straw and the words stamped in Mango.   
  • The light aqua card base is trimmed to 4.75" x 6.75.
  • White cardstock is trimmed to 4.5" x 6.5" and a circle is die cut to match the sketch.  
  • The bubble images are stamped inside the open area in Night Sky.
  • The base and white cardstock is layered and mounted with dimensional foam adhesive to the card front.
  • The sentiment is stamped in Night Sky and die cut with Fawn Cuts Banners and inked in Night sky as well.
  • The image layers are added to the card.
  • Nuvo Crystal Drops in Metallic Navy Blue are added to finish the card.

Crafting this card brought me peace too as I fondly remembered my Dad, it's been 3 years since his passing.  I am thankful for the parents that raised me!!!!

Please do join along with us at Retro Rubber.   We have a few simple rules.

  • We require stamps older than one year.  If we feel you are using newer stamps, you may be disqualified from the challenge without notification.
  • New papers/dies are OK – but you must use at least one stamp older than a year and describe the age in your blog post.
  • Please note that all challenges require the use of at least one stamp older than a year.
  • Post your new creation to your blog or online gallery.   Use keyword RRCB259.  No backlinking. 
  • Link back to the blog using the Linky Tools by the due date. 
  • Enter as many times as you like. 
  • Feel free to combine our challenge with a maximum of 5 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 5 challenges will be disqualified without notification.
  • If your project is posted on a private group site such as Split Coast Stampers or a photo sharing site not all DT members may be able to comment.   Thank you for understanding.
  • Turn off Word Verification.  We love to comment but word verification can make that dif

 

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Color Challenge for Retro Rubber #259

 Summer time!  We have a great color challenge for the next two weeks.  Please play along with us at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.  


Honestly my first impression was of the colors of our rival University in the state of Oregon.  BUT I decided I could work through the rivalry and go with flowers!  
 
  • The flower image is Kind Cosmos from Technique Tuesday released in 2019.  Sadly, Technique Tuesday closed their doors a few years ago.  I am thankful for the smattering of smaller floral images with matching dies.
  • The image is stamped in Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black and heat embossed with black embossing powder.  Derwent Watercour Pencils are used to create the color gradient on the flowers and leaves.  Cosmos have very feathery foliage.   The matching die is used to die cut the image.
  • The Thanks sentiment is from TT Echinacea  set, and is water colored to match the flowers.
  • Pinkfresh Studio Slim Ornate Banner is used to create the shaped background.
  • Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Retcangles created the base from patterned paper.
  • All the layers are adhered together.

This card was fairly simple to put together, and the finished product is nice and simple for a thank you for summer time.  Thank you for stopping by!  Please play along with our Retro Rubber challenge!

 

CHALLENGE GUIDELINES

  • We require stamps older than one year.  If we feel you are using newer stamps, you may be disqualified from the challenge without notification.
  • New papers/dies are OK – but you must use at least one stamp older than a year and describe the age in your blog post.
  • Please note that all challenges require the use of at least one stamp older than a year.
  • Post your new creation to your blog or online gallery.   Use keyword RRCB259.  No backlinking. 
  • Link back to the blog using the Linky Tools by the due date. 
  • Enter as many times as you like. 
  • Feel free to combine our challenge with a maximum of 5 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 5 challenges will be disqualified without notification.
  • If your project is posted on a private group site such as Split Coast Stampers or a photo sharing site not all DT members may be able to comment.   Thank you for understanding.
  • Turn off Word Verification.  We love to comment but word verification can make that difficult.

 

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Birthday theme time at Retro Rubber

 If there is one type of card everyone needs it is a birthday card, so here is a challenge to add one to your stash OR have ready to send tomorrow!  Join us at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!

 

I was inspired by the balloons in the inspiration to use a set I have had since Sept of 2017 and have played with only a time or two.  It is Concord & 9th's Happy Balloons Stamp and Die Set.  


  •  What is really fun about this set Happy Balloons is that you can stamp designs or solids and create cute balloons.  I used the solid and one that creates dimension in the balloon.  The balloon image is stamped on vellum in Memento Cantaloupe, and then the texture layer is stamped over the image several times to create darker dots.  The image is die cut with the matching die. 
  • Melon colored cardstock is die cut to create the balloon outline, banner and string.
  • Birthday is stamped in Memento Morocco on the banner and then the images are adhered together.
  • The background is stamped in Memento Teal Zeal on teal cardstock.  
  • The edges of the card base are inked in Memento Morocco.
  • All the layers are adhered together, and TaaDaa a quick birthday card!  

Please do join us over at Retro Rubber and play along!  

CHALLENGE GUIDELINES

  • We require stamps older than one year.  If we feel you are using newer stamps, you may be disqualified from the challenge without notification.
  • New papers/dies are OK – but you must use at least one stamp older than a year and describe the age in your blog post.
  • Please note that all challenges require the use of at least one stamp older than a year.
  • Post your new creation to your blog or online gallery.   Use keyword RRCB256.  No backlinking. 
  • Link back to the blog using the Linky Tools by the due date. 
  • Enter as many times as you like. 
  • Feel free to combine our challenge with a maximum of 5 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 5 challenges will be disqualified without notification.
  • If your project is posted on a private group site such as Split Coast Stampers or a photo sharing site not all DT members may be able to comment.   Thank you for understanding.
  • Turn off Word Verification.  We love to comment but word verification can make that difficult.

   

 

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

A Special Birthday Card for the Tic Tac Toe

Tic Tac Toe boards are always fun, and so many different ways to for projects to be created.  Try your hand at this challenge from Retro Rubber.  

 

My mom's birthday is at the beginning of June so I created a special card for her using one of Heartfelt Creations (HC) sets released in 2018, Butterfly Dreams.  I do miss the delicate whimsical images that Heartfelt Creations was known for as they retired in 2024.  Glad I have these to play with!

  • Butterfly Dreams paper pack was used for the background and banner.  The background is spritzed with Sheer Shimmer Craft Spray in Sparkle using the The Crafter's Workshop Mini Flutterby stencil.  It is easier to see in person. The edges are inked in Brilliance Pearlescent Ivy.  
  • White cardstock was die cut the HC Regal Borders and Pocket die.
  • Butterfly Kisses Border is stamped in  Brilliance Pearlescent Ivy and heat embossed with iridescent embossing powder.  The images are watercolored with Memento Luxe dual tip pens scribbled on a work mat.  Angel Pink, Rose bud, New Sprout, Summer Sky, Danube Blue, and Tangelo are used.  The image is die cut with matching die and gently shaped with the flower shaping kit.  
  • Purrfect Posies by HC released in 2019 creates the flowers with the stamp, die, and mold combination.  The flowers are water-colored  with Memento Dual Tip markers in Lilac Posies, and the leaves are water-colored with New Sprout.  The centers of the flowers are filled with Perfect Pearls and Prills in Sweet Shoppe by Artquest.  
  • The sentiment is from the HC set and is stamped in Memento Luxe Lilac Posies and heat embossed with iridescent embossing powder.  It was hand cut and then edged in Brilliance Pearlescent Ivy.  
  • The layers are carefully adhered together using liquid adhesive, glue dots and dimensional foam.

This labor of love did take awhile to create, but I am sure my Mom really enjoyed her card.  She saves them all and eventually returns them to me.  

Please do join along with us at Retro Rubber and play along with our challenge.  We would love to see what you create!   We do have a few simple rules.

CHALLENGE GUIDELINES

  • We require stamps older than one year.  If we feel you are using newer stamps, you may be disqualified from the challenge without notification.
  • New papers/dies are OK – but you must use at least one stamp older than a year and describe the age in your blog post.
  • Please note that all challenges require the use of at least one stamp older than a year.
  • Post your new creation to your blog or online gallery.   Use keyword RRCB257.  No backlinking. 
  • Link back to the blog using the Linky Tools by the due date. 
  • Enter as many times as you like. 
  • Feel free to combine our challenge with a maximum of 5 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 5 challenges will be disqualified without notification.
  • If your project is posted on a private group site such as Split Coast Stampers or a photo sharing site not all DT members may be able to comment.   Thank you for understanding.
  • Turn off Word Verification.  We love to comment but word verification can make that difficult.

 

 

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

CAS Card sketch for Retro Rubber

 A nice clean and simple sketch to play with over at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.

 

 

This card uses several two different scraps from previous crafting sessions.

 

  • The vertical piece is created with the shaving cream method and All Purpose Inks on watercolor paper.  Thistle, Cerulean Blue, and Platinum were dropped on shaving cream and swirled with a toothpick.  Watercolor paper is kissed to the mixture and set aside to dry.
  • The pastel purple is created with a stencil and Fireworks! sprays in Lulu Lavender, Summer Sky, and Silvery Shimmer.  
  • The sentiment is Great Impressions from Jan 2015 and is stamped in Delicata Silvery Shimmer and heat embossed with iridescent embossing powder.  The edges of the sentiment are inked and heat embossed as well.  
  • Mauve cardstock is pressure embossed with Elizabeth Craft Designs Hearts Intertwined embossing folder.  
  •  The layers are adhered together to finish a very clean and simple design Sympathy card.

Thank you for stopping in and please do join our fun at Retro Rubber Challenge.  

CHALLENGE GUIDELINES

  • We require stamps older than one year.  If we feel you are using newer stamps, you may be disqualified from the challenge without notification.
  • New papers/dies are OK – but you must use at least one stamp older than a year and describe the age in your blog post.
  • Please note that all challenges require the use of at least one stamp older than a year.
  • Post your new creation to your blog or online gallery.   Use keyword RRCB256.  No backlinking. 
  • Link back to the blog using the Linky Tools by the due date. 
  • Enter as many times as you like. 
  • Feel free to combine our challenge with a maximum of 5 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 5 challenges will be disqualified without notification.
  • If your project is posted on a private group site such as Split Coast Stampers or a photo sharing site not all DT members may be able to comment.   Thank you for understanding.
  • Turn off Word Verification.  We love to comment but word verification can make that difficult.

 

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Muted Spring Color Challenge at Retro Rubber

 Spring has sprung!  Time for a fun color challenge over at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.  


This is a peachy orange with a touch of olive green and teal.  My choice was to use a Concord & 9th Triple Step Floral Frame stamp and die sets released in October, 2021.  


  • The base layer is stamped in Versa Color Winter Green and Versa Magic Persimmon, Mango, and Red Brick.
  • Another layer of individual flowers is stamped in Versa Color Fresh Green, and the Versa Magic colors.
  • The frame die created a lovely outline that was inked in Mango.  
  • The A2 card base is inked in Versa Color Fresh Green before assembly.
  • The individual flowers are die cut and layered over the base layer.  
  • The sentiment, from the same set is stamped in Versa Magic Red Brick.  

Thanks for stopping by and come play along!

CHALLENGE GUIDELINES

  • We require stamps older than one year.  If we feel you are using newer stamps, you may be disqualified from the challenge without notification.
  • New papers/dies are OK – but you must use at least one stamp older than a year and describe the age in your blog post.
  • Please note that all challenges require the use of at least one stamp older than a year.
  • Post your new creation to your blog or online gallery.   Use keyword RRCB255.  No backlinking. 
  • Link back to the blog using the Linky Tools by the due date. 
  • Enter as many times as you like. 
  • Feel free to combine our challenge with a maximum of 5 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 5 challenges will be disqualified without notification.
  • If your project is posted on a private group site such as Split Coast Stampers or a photo sharing site not all DT members may be able to comment.   Thank you for understanding.
  • Turn off Word Verification.  We love to comment but word verification can make that difficult.

 

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Sweet Spring Flowers for Retro Rubber

 Are there flowers blooming in your yard?  Not quite yet in mine here in Northern Minnesota--but soon.  I have starts going inside the house and visits to the Amish Greenhouses 45 minutes away are in the plans soon.  Our challenge at Retro Rubber for the next two weeks is to create a card with spring flowers.


 
I recently sat down and had a play session with a great set from Altenew in 2021, Build-a-flower Bearded Iris.  The lovely Iris comes in many colors and I experimented with several different choices.  Once I had the layering set up on my stamp platform I made eight different flowers in four different colors. 
 

  • The leaves and stems are Memento in Pistachio, Bamboo Leaves, and Olive Grove.
  • The yellow Iris is Memento in Dandelion, Cantaloupe, and Tangelo.
  • The pink Iris is Memento in Angel Pink Lilac Posies, and Rose Bud.   
  • The flowers and leaves are die cut with the matching die.
  • This background is Black-out Distressed Cardstock from Coordinations pressure embossed with Darice Damask embossing floder and then sanded to bring out the distressed green design.
  • The sentiment Happy Birthday is by Scrapbook.com from the set named the same from 2022 and is stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black on the green side of the cardstock used to make the embossed panel.  That way it matches perfectly.  BTW if you are looking for a very versatile Birthday greeting set, the one by Scrapbook.com has about any design you could want!
  • The corners are rounded on an A2 size card, and the layers are adhered together with wet glue and allowed to dry.  

One of the cards was sent to my daughter, the others are in my stash for future use!




 

CHALLENGE GUIDELINES

  • We require stamps older than one year.  If we feel you are using newer stamps, you may be disqualified from the challenge without notification.
  • New papers/dies are OK – but you must use at least one stamp older than a year and describe the age in your blog post.
  • Please note that all challenges require the use of at least one stamp older than a year.
  • Post your new creation to your blog or online gallery.   Use keyword RRCB254.  No backlinking. 
  • Link back to the blog using the Linky Tools by the due date. 
  • Enter as many times as you like. 
  • Feel free to combine our challenge with a maximum of 5 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 5 challenges will be disqualified without notification.
  • If your project is posted on a private group site such as Split Coast Stampers or a photo sharing site not all DT members may be able to comment.   Thank you for understanding.
  • Turn off Word Verification.  We love to comment but word verification can make that difficult.