Off to the Tropics

To start out our challenges for August we are going to the Tropics at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.  This is a challenge I submitted for our group, and I had a lot of fun playing with my stamps.  

 

 I choose a stamp set from Pinkfresh Studios released in 2022, Hibiscus.  At that time their stamp/stencil/die sets were designed with a matching washi tape.  I have one of two of these sets with the washi tape, and a few more of the stamp/stencil/die.  This is my favorite card of the series I made with two stampings of the main image.

•  The image is stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black.
• Altenew inks used to stencil the images: Baby Pink, Fuchsia, Magenta, Jazzberry, Eucalyptus, Forest Green, Golden Honeycomb, and Amber Blaze.
• I liked the inspiration image and copied it by using Kraft cardstock and Hero Arts Nest Wood Frame Shapes from 2019.
• Hero Arts It's Your Day from 2015 provided the sentiment stamped in Amber Blaze.

 

 

One image from the set is a large focal point.  The Sentiment is Technique Tuesday Large Birthday from 2019. 

 

Another version with Hero Arts Wood grain Fancy Die for a background.  Sentiment is Scrapbook.com from 2022, stamped in Fuchsia. 

 The final set has the same background with an oval die cut added.  The die cut is made by using Simon Says Stamp Stitched Ovals from 2015.  The sentiment is another one from the Scrapbook.com Happy Birthday set.

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 RRCB278.  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. 

Thank you so much for checking in here with me!  Please make your own Tropical Flowers project and join us at Retro Rubber!

Sketch Challenge at Retro Rubber Beach Scene

We have a clean and simple sketch for you to give a try at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.  It should be fun to see what you create!  I gave it two tries and had fun with both!

 

 

This is actually what I decided I really liked for this challenge.  It reminds me of wall art where the scene is stretched over several panels on the wall.

•  The stamp is Hero Arts Color Layering Waves from 2019.  I used Altenew inks in Sand Dunes, Rocky Shore, Iceberg, Eastern Sky, Ultramarine, Arctic, Caribbean Sky, Persian Blue, and Sapphire.  
• The sentiment is from another Hero Arts set Mountains at the Lake.  The flying bird silhouettes are also from this set.  
• The die cut Adirondack chair is Taylored Expressions and a scrap of Distress paper was used.  To get the chair to face the direction I wanted I actually cut it in reverse and them flattened the rolled edges on the die cut.    
• The background texture is a press plate by Altenew named Burlap. 
• All the edges of the image and the sentiment were inked with the Sapphire ink.  

This is my first try:

•  For color inspiration I used Color Cube card 692.
• The birds are from Technique Tuesday's Chickadees 2.0 released in 2017.  They are stamped in VeraFine Clair Nocturne and head embossed in iridescent embossing powder.   Then colored with Prisma color pencils and die cut with coordinating dies.
• The chickadees are mounted on My Favorite Things Die-Namics Wonky Stitched Rectangles which are then mounted to a pre-printed A2 card base.   
• The sentiment is stamped on a matching piece of cardstock and die cut with the coordinating die.  
• Everything is adhered together for a quick finished card!

I hope that you will share you sketch inspiration with us over at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog! 

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 RRCB268.  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.

 

  

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

 

Birthday wish for a Halloween Witch

 Sometimes you just have to embrace the day you are born, as my sister-in-law does with her October 31st birthday.  It great that I can create a handmade card just for her that celebrates her birthday in witchy style.  The next two weeks at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog we have a fun tic tac toe to play with.

I choose the diecut, ribbon or twine, patterned paper horizontal row.  I started with the patterned paper that already had a lovely oval die cut in the middle!

• The "witch foot" is stamped in Memento Luxe Black Tuxedo and Heat embossed with black embossing powder.  It is the Hero Arts Stamp and Cut released in 2016.   It is then die cut.
  
• Nuvo Crystal Drops in Bright Gold is put on the buckle and a small black pearl is placed in the center.
• The paper is DCWV Dots, the twine is American Crafts.
• The card is assembled to determine the sentiments placement.  The orange cardstock is from my stash.  The top sentiment is from the Witch Foot stamp set, the Birthday is from Technique Tuesday.  Both are stamped in Memento Luxe Black Tuxedo and Heat embossed with black embossing powder.

Please do join along and make your own project to use the tic tac toe!

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 RRCB239.  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 10 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 10 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.

The Great Outdoors for Retro Rubber

At Retro Rubber Challenge Blog we have a fun challenge for the next two weeks.  As I sit at my computer and gaze at the wonderful view out my windows of the great outdoors!

My current stamp stash does not contain camping images, but I do have more than a few of the outdoor themed stamps.  I decided to combine two different companies to create the card below.

 

 

For the background of the card I used Hero Arts Layering Mountains at the Lake released in 2020.  I live on a lake now, but do not have mountains.  The background reminds me a bit of being a Dillon Reservoir in Colorado.   The front images are from Heartfelt Creations Woodsy Wonderland release in 2017.

• Memento Toffee Crunch and Rich Cocoa were used to stamp the mountains.  
• Trees are stamped in Versa Magic Tea Leaves and Spanish Olive.
•  A mask is stamped and fussy cut to allow the sky to be sponged in Versa Magic Sea Breeze.
  
• The lake was added by mixing Versa Magic Sea Breeze and Aegean Blue with bristle blending brushes.  The reflection in the water is stamped in Memento Luxe Wedding Dress.
• Woodsy Treescape and Woodsy Wonderland is stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black.  The images were colored with Prisma Colored pencils from the 48 color set I've had since about 1998! All are die cut with the matching dies.  
• Dark brown cardstock is trimmed to A-2 card size.  The center is removed with Heartfelt Creations Cut Mat Create Die 2A.  To match the interior of the frame, Fiskars Corner Rounder was used on the card base and frame 
• The Treescape is adhered to the card front and the frame is adhered over it.
• The Woodsy Wonderland image is die cut twice more and adhered to the back of the image to create a sturdy layered image.

I've not added a sentiment yet . . . might later depending on the recipient and occasion!  I'm really pleased with the final card.  Not necessarily my typical style of card right now, but I'm glad I have these stamps in my stash! 

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 RRCB238.  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 10 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 10 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.

Please do join along and add your card or project to our gallery at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy time at Retro Rubber

 Ah, the taste of fresh homemade lemonade . . . tangy sweet summer time drink!  Our challenge for the next two weeks at Retro Rubber Blog challenge is a color challenge, with the sample incorporating lemons.  

 

I choose to stay with the lemon theme with Hero Arts "Zest Wishes" from 2020.  I don't own the die set for this stamp collection, but it was easy peasy enough to fussy cut the images!

• The images were stamped in Nocturne Versa Fine Clair and heat embossed with black embossing powder on white cardstock.
• The images were water colored with Memento Dandelion and Cantaloupe.
• The sentiment is stamped in Versa Color Cyan and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. 
• Spellbinders Standard Circles large was used to die cut the circles, one from yellow vellum.  (I like how the yellow vellum over blue gives a greenish hue!)
• The background is blue cardstock has texture from the Taylored Expressions Pierced Circles Cutting Plate.
• Two of the images were fussy cut and the entire card is adhered together.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.  We hope you play along with our challenge at Retro Rubber Blog 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 RRCB235.  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 10 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 10 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.

Retro Rubber Challenge Blog Sketch Time

 Here we are with another challenge from Retro Rubber.  It is an easy peasy sketch.  

Working with sketches often leads me to looking through my "card making kits" aka left-over paper scraps from finished scrapbook layouts or other card making adventures.  This paper is from a My Mind's Eye paper collection stack from Michael's a few years back.

This paper choice was perfect for a masculine birthday card.

• Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Rectangles die cuts the card front.
• The sentiments are 2015 Hero Arts Happy Birthday (Make a Wish), and 2014 Sizzix Birthday (it's your day and Happy Birthday).  All are stamped in Versa Fine Claire Pinecone.  
• Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Squares die cut the smaller images and Lawn Fawn Everyday Sentiment Banners the banner.  
• All layers are inked in Versa Fine Claire Pinecone and adhered together

A finished card in less than 15 minutes, and great way to use paper creatively!

Please do play along with us at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  We would enjoy seeing your creations!

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 RRCB232.  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 10 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 10 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.

---

Tic Tac Toe! Friendship card

Spring is inching happily towards us!  At Retro Rubber Challenge Blog we have a fun Tic Tac Toe and it happens to be my contributed challenge.  Often I have a hard time with Tic Tac Toe challenges, as I overthink the process.  But once I got going on this one I was able to check all the squares off, and complete a black out, well I guess that's a bingo term!

 

 

This is the challenge image to create your card or project. 

 

 

My card was created using the following:

•  The die cut is Stitched Ovals from Elizabeth Craft Designs.  It is die cut from white cardstock and stamped with Hero Arts 2009 Friends are Flowers in Memento Luxe Pear Tart and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  Fireworks! Bamboo leaves is gently tapped over the image to add some depth and painted into the leaves. Small die cuts from Sizzix Tim Hotlz Tattered Flowers are die cut from scraps of cardstock to put over the stamped flower.
  
• The pink shimmer card stock is first die cut with the Stitched Ovals from Elizabeth Craft Designs then pressure embossed with Darice Petal Background embossing folder.  With a white core paper, the flowers are distressed with a sanding block as well as the edges.  K & Company adhesive gems are added to a few of the flower's centers.
• The card base has Fireworks! Bamboo leaves gently tapped around the edges to pair with the focal image.
• The layers are adhered together to the card base, taking care the the oval is placed the same direction as it was die cut.  Even with symmetrical dies they are not perfect!
  
• Sheer purple ribbon is tied into a small bow and adhered to the card.

How fun is that?  Sometimes a Tic Tac Toe board can inspire the next little detail on your card!

 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 RRCB229.  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 10 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 10 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.

Do come and play along with us at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog. We would love to see what you create!

Fun Oval Floral Card for Retro Rubber

 Time for another challenge over at Retro Rubber.  This is a Tic Tac Toe board.  Give a row a try and join us at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  This is what I came up with for the Diagonal row of "Shaped Card, Embossing, Floral".  

This is one of my favorite retro stamps made by Personal Stamp Exchange, or PSX.  There was an entire series of iconic floral images.  This Pansy was released in 1993 mounted on wood.  So pretty.

• The image was stamped in Memento Luxe' Espresso Truffle, as I wanted a color softer than black.  Then heat embossed in clear embossing powder.  
• An easy way to blend inks is to color on a plastic surface with Memento Dual Tip Markers.  Colors used for the flowers are:  Cantaloupe, Danube Blue, Lulu Lavender, Grape Jelly, Cottage Ivy, and Pear Tart.  The colors can be mixed before adding a bit of water with a paint brush, then gently applied to the image.  The heat embossing keeps the coloring inside the lines.
• The image is die cut with Elizabeth Craft Designs Stitched Ovals.  
• The next larger size is die cut from card stock to serve as the card front.
• A 12" x 12" x 5" piece of cardstock was folded in half and die cut with the same size die as the card front with the fold inside a small section of the die to kept the card in one piece.
• Hero Arts "It's Your Day" released in 2015 sentiment Birthday Wishes is stamped in Memento Luxe' Espresso Truffle and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  
• The sentiment is die cut with Lawn Fawn Everyday Sentiment Banners and the edges are inked in Memento Luxe' Espresso Truffle.
• The layers are adhered together with the sentiment raised with dimensional foam adhesive. 

This is the Tic Tac Toe board used for the challenge.  Have fun!

 

In case you are wondering how the card stands up?  The Sizzix Small Easel is die cut and adhered to the back of the card.  It shows when the card is flat, but makes for a very unique Oval shaped card that can be displayed in a vertical position.

 

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 RRCB225.  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 10 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 10 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.

Until next time . . . enjoy your crafting time and make some joy in your life!

Tic Tac Toe Challenge for Retro Rubber

Tic Tac Toe boards are so much fun for creating cards, there is so much variety in the interpretations of the choices!  This is the board for Retro Rubber's Challenge:

I went with the diagonal of Stars, Pattern Paper, and Bling.  Technically I could also claim Stars, Die Cut, and Blue as well!

• The Patterned Paper is ancient, maybe over 20 years old, found in my 8.5" x 11" folders, it was made by Paper Patch.  It is trimmed to fit the front of an A7 size card 4.75" x 6.75".
• I have a favorite Spellbinders Cascading Stars die that was perfect, die cut in both white card stock and red glitter cardstock.  The red glitter covers the bling corner of the board!  It is a bit hard to see in the photo.
  
• A Double Fish Tail banner was trimmed from 1.5" cardstock.
• The Superstar is part of a stamp that says Superstar kid.  I masked the kid portion and stamped the image in Versa Clair Fine Glamorous.  It is made by Autumn Leaves Golden Moments by Maryanne Wise from 2006.
  
• Happy Birthday is from 2013 Hero Arts "It's Your Day", also stamped in Versa Clair Fine Glamorous.  Then the image is heat embossed with clear embossing powder.
• The edges of the banner are inked with a blusher in Versa Clair Fine Blue Bell.
  
• The die cuts are adhered with liquid Zig glue, and the banner with dimension foam adhesive.

Once I made my decision to use stars and bling the card came together quickly.   Please join us at Retro Rubber and play along with this quick and easy sketch!

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 RRCB186.  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 10 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 10 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.

Thanks so much for stopping by, your comments are always appreciated!

 

Sketch Time for a Halloween Birthday

Sketches are great way to  a quick start on a card.  The challenge at  Retro Rubber for the next two weeks is to use this sketch!

My sister-in-law has a Halloween birthday, so I typically make her an appropriate themed card.  This year I used the sketch for my inspiration.

I used all scraps from my color bins to create this card, it went together really quickly!

• Darice Crackle Embossing Folder is used on yellow-orange card stock then the texture is popped with a direct inking of VersaFine Vintage Sepia.
• A mat is trimmed from darker orange card stock.  The sentiment by Hero Arts It's Your Day 3/2015 is stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black.
• The witch's hat is die cut with a Cheery Lynn Design die, Witch Hunt.  
• Pumpkins are stamped on lighter orange cardstock in Memento Tuxedo Black with Joy Clair Trick or Treat stamp set from 2016.  They are die cut using a Brother ScanNCut.
• The stems are colored with Chameleon Burnt Umber.
• The layers are adhered together with the sentiment and pumpkins with dimensional foam tape.

I also wanted to share the interior of the card:

•  The witch is from the Cheery Lynn Design Witch Hunt, die cut at the same time as the hat on the front of the card.
• Silhouette Design Store font BIC Trick or Treat Regular is the fun sentiment on the inside of the card.

I am really pleased with the final result, and it was super fun create a card I know my sister-in-law will enjoy!  Please join us at Retro Rubber and play along with this quick and easy sketch!

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 RRCB186.  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 10 challenges.  Entries linked to more than 10 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.

Thanks so much for stopping by, your comments are always appreciated!

Fourth of July Layout Made Easy with Memento inks and Fireworks!

Today I will share how easy it is to create a very cohesive layout using just two ink colors and the matching Fireworks! colors for an amazing Fourth of July scrapbook layout.  With just white cardstock, an embossing folder, a large die cut, and stamps this layout is perfect for Independence Day.

Skill:  Beginner

Time:  2 hours

 Directions:

Step 1:

Trim white cardstock to 1" on each edge larger than the photos.  Pressure emboss with Star Blanket.  Ink raised portion of embossed areas and edges with Memento Danube Blue or Lady Bug.  For my layout I trimmed two sections 5" x 7", three sections 4" x 5", and one section by 4" x 4" to back my phtotos.

Step 2:

Die cut two sets from Spellbinders Cascading Stars die and remove the stars.  Trim one outline die cut into a section of five stars, with the other being four stars.  Use Jumbo Dauber to tap Memento Danube Blue over one die cut and the smaller portion of the trimmed die cut.  Tapping the ink onto the paper keeps from damaging the die cut, which can occur if a rubbing motion is used.  The larger portion of the trimmed die cut is inked in Memento Lady Bug.  Continue to add ink until it is the desired hue. 

Step 3:

The splatter method is used with Fireworks! to add some interest to the white background.  Shake the bottle to distribute glimmer and then remove spritzer nozzle and gently tap the top to splatter ink from the outside of the spray tube.  Continue to tap until the desired amount of ink is on the paper.  I choose sections where the die cuts would be eventually placed.  I alternated the color choices from the die cut color.  This is the lower right corner of the right page.  

Step 4:

The left side of the layout shown completed with splattered Fireworks! in Memento Lady Bug and Danube Blue.

Step 5:

Determine placement placement of elements to add stamped sentiments.  Place on layout and remove other elements.  Use a stamp platform to stamp sentiments in proper position.

Step 6:

On the right page the stamped elements are determined, then half are removed before stamping to allow for clean stamping of correct colors.  The remaining elements are added and stamped.  It was easier to stamp all the images Memento Lady Bug at one time, then follow with images in Memento Danube Blue.

Step 7:

Spritz Fireworks! into a plastic tray or surface.  Place die cut stars from step 2 face down on the Fireworks! ink to add color.  Use tweezers to move around in the ink and add more ink to tray as needed.  About a third of the stars were inked with Fireworks! in Lady Bug the remaining in Fireworks! Danube Blue.

Step 8:

 

Determine correct placement of Fireworks! stars in the die cut.  I rotated the star until it fit properly into the die cut area.  Not all the stars are identical, so taking the time to find the right one was worth the effort for a seamless look.   

Step 9:

Adhere elements to layout.  Tear It! tape was used to adhere the photos to the textured mats.  The die cuts are adhered with On Point! glue.  The small dots around the star frames keep the layout clean and smudge free.  

Art Supplies

Imagine:

Memento--Lady Bug and Danube Blue

Fireworks!--Lady Bug and Danube Blue

Jumbo Dauber

Tear It! Tape

On Point Glue

Other:

White Cardstock

Cuttlebug Star Blanket embossing folder

Spellbinders Cascading Stars

Technique Tuesday Spectacular Memories

Hero Arts CL493 Holiday Sentiments

Tweezers

Die Cut machine

Stamp Platform

Use Creative Medium Background for a Stunning card

Use Creative Medium Background for a Stunning Card

 

 

I am always searching for new ways to use supplies and tools.  Creative Medium comes in many colors, but the Iridescent Green creates stunning results on black paper.  The use of an Embossing Folder helps the layers of the iridescent effect really shine.  A few layered stamped images and I have a beautiful sympathy card to send to a dear friend.  

 

Skill: Beginner

 

Time: 1 hour plus dry time

 

Directions:

 

Step 1:

 

Cover a section of black paper (with or without texture) with a thin layer of Creative Medium in Iridescent Green.  I used Imagine's Squeegee to spread the layer across the paper.  The rubber edge was very helpful to get a thin even layer.  Set aside to dry, possibly overnight.  After it is dry it will still have a slightly rubbery texture.

Step 2:

 

Trim a section of the paper to 4" x 5 1/4" and pressure emboss with Sizzix Tropical Paisley Embossing Folder.  You can really see the detail in this photo.

Step 3:

Layer stamp the Hero Arts Hibiscus and leaves images.  Start with the lightest ink first.  For the Hibiscus--Radiant Neon Electric Yellow, Memento Cantaloupe, Memento Tangelo, and Versa Fine Habanero.  The leaves are stamped in Memento Bamboo Leaves and Northern Pine.  The images are die cut twice more from white and layered under matching die cuts with OnPoint glue.

Step 4:

 

The sentiment from Unity Stamp Company is stamped in Versa Fine Habanero then heat embossed with Iridescent Embossing powder.  (Not shown) The image is die cut with Lawn Cuts Everyday Sentiments die.  One end is trimmed off square.  The banner is inked with an ink dauber and Radiant Neon Electric Yellow.  The edges are inked with Memento Cantaloupe. 

Step 5:

 

Ink the edges of a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" card with Radiant Neon Electric Yellow ink with an ink dauber.

 

 

 

Step 6:

 

 

The layers are adhered together with Tear It! Tape.  It adheres well with the textured layers of the card.  The two Hibiscus flower are lifted a bit with dimensional foam adhesive.

Imagine

• Creative Medium Iridescent Green
• Imagine Squeegee
• Radiant Neon Electric Yellow
• Memento--Cantaloupe, Tangelo, Bamboo Leaves, Northern Pines
• Versa Fine Habenero
• Tear It! Tape
• Ink Dauber
  

Other

• Black and white cardstock
• Sizzix Tropical Paisley Embossing Folder
• Stamp Platform
• Heat Embossing Gun
• Hero Arts Hibiscus C1868
• Unity Stamp Company "beautiful life, blessed memories"
• Lawn Cuts Die Everyday Sentiments
• Dimensional Foam Adhesive