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!

Retro Rubber Singing in the Rain

Spring is often a time that has rain as a seasonal hallmark.  Our fun challenge for this time around is Singing in the Rain.  Come join us at Retro Rubber!

 

 

I had a sweet image in mind from 2016, that is a House Mouse design from Sampendous.  Monica with a Cling Rain Flower.  She is a cute little mouse hiding from the rain under a flower!

 

• The image is stamped on smooth cardstock with StazOn Jet Black.
• Water colored with Derwent Water Color pencils.
• To add to the rain theme I decided to make it a shaker card.  The front panel is die cut with Pinkfresh Studios Stitched rectangles and Simon Says Stamps Stitched Ovals.  Then it is pressure embossed with Cuttlebug Kaleidoscope embossing folder.
• The image has dimensional foam adhesive around it to create room for the shaker bits of Recollections glitter and Suze Weinburg's Mini Mosaics in Blue Ice.  A layer of acetate is added before adhering the front panel.

 

 

This is the card with the shaker bits showing.

 

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 RRCB270.  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.

 

 See you soon!

 

Tic tac Toe! Pick your favorites!

 Tic Tac Toe stretches your imagination, as you selected which row or column to use!  Here is this fortnight's selection from Retro Rubber.   

 One of my favorite ways to color images is to use stencils.  For me the easy peasy way works best,  I've never really enjoyed coloring with alcohol pens.  One has to know what her skill set is!  I enjoy the Pinkfresh Studio images, and their first stencil sets came out with the long stamps that could stamp, color, and die cut all in one for multiple images.  This is the first of two cards created that met the Die Cut/Stencil/Sequins diagonal.

•  Pinkfresh Studio's Sunflowers from March of 2022 is used to create the flower images.  Stamped in Memento Tuxedo Blank and colored with the stencil set in Memento Pear Tart, Bamboo Leaves, Rich Cocoa, Elderberry, Dandelion and Versafine Clair in Cheerful.  The set was released early to Support Ukraine, it was ready but not released--then the war in Ukraine began.  I love sunflowers too!
• The background is Pinkfresh's Argyle Stencil with a very feminine touch done in Memento Dandelion and Elderberry.  Several different colors of sequins are used to decorate the intersections and are adhered with wet adhesive.
• To add more interest a very old Spellbinders die, Floral Ovals from 2011 is die cut.  The center is die cut with a Spellbinders Petite Oval.  The frame is mounted to the base with dimensional foam adhesive.  The flowers are adhered to the frame, and supported with dimensional foam adhesive.
• Scrapbook.com's Happy Birthday stamp and die set is the sentiment.  The cardstock was inked with Memento Dandelion then stamped in Elderberrty to carry the color throughout the card design.

Here is the second card from the same stamping session.

 

 

• The background is Sizzix's 3D Textured Cobblestone with the edges inked in Versafine Clair Cheerful.  
• The card base edges are inked in Memento Pear Tart.
• The Sentiment is Perfect Sentiments foiled with Auro Glimmer foil. 

Do come and play with us at Retro Rubber, we would love to see your work!  There are a few 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.

Thanks for stopping by! 

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.

 

Challenge time with a Tic Tac Toe

Another two week challenge at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.  This particular board was my choice, so super fun to play along!

 

The decision to use as much of the challenge of possible was easy!  I missed stitching and Sequins/gems as the card seemed complete at this point.

•  The background is pearlized vellum pressure embossed with Darice Basket Weave embossing folder.
• The stamp is Pink Fresh Painted Peony from March 2021.  It was stamped in Delicata Silver and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  This was one of the first stamp sets I owned that stencils were available to color the image.  Memento ink in Angel Pink, Rose Bud, Lilac Posies, Dandelion, Cantaloupe, Morocco, New Sprout, and Cottage Ivy.   The set also had a dies to match the stamps.  Very fun!
• The Sentiment is Altenew Elegant Saying released in 2023 stamped in Delicata Silver and heat embossed to match the stamped focal image.
• The front of the card was pierced on each edge of the vellum that was mounted to the card base.  The twine from my stash was threaded through and tied in a bow.  

 Your turn!  Play along with us at Retro Rubber and create your own 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 RRCB253.  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.

Thanks for stopping by!  Come again soon. 

Winter Color Scheme Inspiration for Retro Rubber

Each team member contributed to the challenges for Retro Rubber this year.  This lovely color scheme was my choice, and was a great inspiration for this fun card.

 The trees in the image were also an inspiration for my stamp choice.  

• The background was created by blending Versa Magic Thatched Straw, Persimmon, Spring Pansy, Purple Hydrangea, and Pretty Petunia with an ink dauber.  Pigment based inks blend the best with sponge based ink daubers rather than small bristled blending tools.
• Pink Fresh's Through the Trees from 2019 is stamped in Versa Magic Wedding White and heat embossed with white detail embossing powder.
• Versa Fine Claire Fantasia is used to stamp the sentiment.
• The image is die cut with My Favorite Things Wonky Stitched Rectangles.
• The card base is inked with Versa Magic Persimmon, and the image is mounted to the card base.
• Spellbinders sequins are added to finish the card.  

Simple and pretty, my friend really enjoyed this card.  That is part of the joy of creating cards is when the recipient truly appreciates the little masterpiece.  

Please join us at Retro Rubber and make your own card featuring this soothing palette.  

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 RRCB247.  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.

Fall Color Challenge at Retro Rubber

 For our challenge at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog the colors are slightly non-traditional for fall.  It was really fun to come up with a design that is fallish as Dahlias are still blooming this time of year.

It is so fun to enjoy my Dahlias this time of year.  I once had a neighbor who was a Dahlia aficionado, and grew about 30 kinds of dinner plate Dahlias.   He would share his beautiful blooms.  This card uses Pinkfresh Dahlia Bunch from October 2021.  So Pinkfresh also likes Dahlias in the fall too.  I didn't want to use the entire image on one card so it is carefully trimmed to place on two cards.  Since coloring is so easy with matching stencils I actually made a set of four cards!

First card using the lower part of the image.

Second card using the upper part of the image.

• The Pinkfresh Dahlia image is stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black.
• The coordinating stencils are used to add Memento Dandelion Yellow, Cantaloupe, Morocco, Summer Sky, and Teal Zeal.
• The stamped image is die cut with the matching die, then trimmed into two pieces.  A second die cut is glued to the back to give a bit of dimension.
  
• Cuttlebug Basket Weave embossing folder is inked up in Memento Morocco and the background is pressure embossed.  The Basket Weave is highlighted by direct to paper inking in Memento Dandelion Yellow. 
• The A-2 card base is inked in Memento Teal Zeal to match the leaves.  
• All the layers are adhered together.  

This is another card that I want to wait until I send it to add the sentiment.  I have two friends battling breast cancer, and I try to send them sweet snail mail about once a month.  I may also use a few as thank you cards.

 

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.

 Thank you for stopping by and do come play with us over a Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!

Colorful Peonies Created with Ink and Stencil Birthday Card

 

See how to use a variety of inks to create a stunning card using layering stencils and Fireworks as an embellishment.  Layering stamps have been around for a few years, but recently a few companies have come out with layering stencils that match stamp sets.  It takes a bit more time, but the results are phenomenal and I find that the placement is just a tiny bit easier.  For a finishing touch The Essential Glue Pad produces the look of foil without the need for heated plates or a laminating machine, a win in my book!

 

Skill: Intermediate

 

Time: 1 hour

 

Directions:

 

Step 1:

 

Stamp Pink Fresh Painted Peony Mix in Delicata Golden Glitz and heat emboss with Iridescent Embossing Powder.  I placed the stamp at a 45 degree angle on my stamp platform, as the stamped image is longer than most platforms.  This technique creates enough images for at least three cards!

 

Step 2:

 Most Peonies are white or light pink.  I choose Memento Angel Pink and used a heavy hand with the ink dauber to ink the first stencil.  Using an ink dauber allows for a bit of shading in the process as well.  Each stencil has registration marks to allow precise placement. 

Step 3:

The next stencil in the series colors the complementary flowers in the design.  Memento Dandelion Yellow is inked with an ink dauber, again with a heavy hand.  

Step 4:

The next layer creates the leafy background.  It is inked with Memento New Sprout.  

Step 5:

To shade in the fourth layer of color I used Versa Color Orchid.  As you can see the images are coming together.

Step 6:

Each successive layer adds more dimension, so pretty! Memento Rose Bud is added in this layer.

Step 7:

Small pieces of removable tape are placed on the flowers that I preferred to accent with something other than the Memento Cottage Ivy used on the leaves.

Step 8

To finish the flowers, Memento Sweet Plum was inked through the previously covered sections of the stencil.

Step 9

 

Die cut with the matching die.  All nine pieces cut at the same time!

Step 10

Trim a section of white linen textured cardstock to 4" x 5.25".  Shake each Fireworks! and Shimmer spray until the fine shimmer particles are dispersed in the bottle.  Remove sprayer nozzle and tap gently to add color sprays around the white cardstock.  This method produces larger droplets that are not as closely placed together as compared to using the direct spray technique.  

Step 11

Stamp the sentiment on a piece of black cardstock with The Essential Glue Pad and gently place Metallic Flakes over the glue.  Use a brush to remove larger pieces of Metallic Flakes and return to the jar.  A paper towel will clean up the rest of the image.  Trim to desired shape, in this case a fishtail banner. 

Step 12

 

Trim black cardstock to 5 3/8" x 4 1/8".  Adhere layers together on a A-2 size card base with Tear It! tape.  The flower bouquet is adhere with dimensional foam adhesive. 

 

Art Supplies

 

Imagine

• Delicate Golden Glitz
• Iridescent Embossing Powder  
• Memento--Angel Pink, Dandelion, New Sprout, Rose Bud, Cottage Ivy
• Versa Color:  Orchid
• Fireworks!--Rose Bud, New Sprout
• Shimmer Spray Gold
• The Essential Glue Pad
• Tear It! Tape
• Ink Daubers
  

Other

• Pink Fresh--Painted Peony Mix Stamp, Stencil Set, Die
• Black and white cardstock
• Stamp Platform
• Heat Embossing Gun
  
• Paper Studio Fish Tail punch
• Painter’s tape
• Prima Art Ingredients Metallic Flakes Vintage
• Small paint brush
• Dimensional Foam Adhesive