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!

All the creative possiblities of a Tic Tac Toe!

We love to see all the options that happen when the challenge is a Tic Tac Toe over at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.  Here are your choices:

 

I choose die cut or punch, stripes, and my choice.  I've been playing around with Color Cubes, and this card using #98 for inspiration.

• The background on the top is Concord & 9th's In the Meadow Turn-a-bout released in 2022.  Altenew inks in Maple Yellow and Cherry Sweet, along with Memento Love Letter and Rose bud were used to ink the stamp for each successive turn.
• Christina Werner's Layered Plaid Stencil was used to create the matching stripes.  
• Die cuts from the In the Meadow set are inked with coordinating colors as are the edges of the layers. 
• A Fiskars border punch is used to punch yellow cardstock.
• Pinkfresh Studios Double Stitched Oval die cut is stamped with Scrapbook.com's Birthday sentiment. 
• The layers are adhered together.

Thanks for stopping by and we hope you play along with us at Retro Rubber!

 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 RRCB273.  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.

 

Play along with Retro Rubber and Tic Tac Toe!

 We always enjoy seeing all the wonderful combinations that this type of challenge inspires!  Join us at Retro Rubber!

 (As a side note--Retro Rubber was forced to close in the fall of 2025 due to the discontinuation of a blogger portal, so there is an option for pumpkins . . . )

 I may be late to the Postage Collage fad, but now I am totally onboard!  I knew that the ton of smaller stamps I have collected over the last three decades would come in handy someday!  The balloons, two of the sentiments, party hats, and sparkles are all from small sets acquired at Michael's and Joanns.  

 

This card is the diagonal of "purple, my choice, and square".  This actually started as a practice piece but morphed into a cute card!  I have found my new color cards to be very helpful in picking colors when I am stumped, this is inspired by Color Cube #066.

• The Waffle Flower Postage Collage Gifts stencil is used to create each of the different colored gifts.  I used the Altenew color familes of Lapis Lazuli, Shades of Purple, Bubblegum Dreams, Martian Terrain, Pocketful of Sunshine, and Frosted Foilage.   
•  Then out came to small stamps like Scrappy Cat's Birthday Wished from 2017 and Ms. Sparkle & Co Happy Birthday also from 2017.  All these images were stamped in Memento Grey Flannel.  The postmark and small envelope are from the WF Postage Collage Stamp set released 7/2023.
• Turns out I didn't like the Martian Terrain gift, so after using the WF Postage Collage die I discarded that piece and arranged the rest on grey cardstock trimmed with a WF piercing die from the A2 set.  
• The Celebrate today is from Altenew Blooms of Encouragement from 2024.
• Spellbinder's Classic Scalloped Circles was used to die cut one image, and XXXX
• Everything is mounted on an A2 size card base.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  This was fun card to create and share.

 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 RRCB265.  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.

 

 

A sketch for Retro Rubber using Taylored Expressions

Now that we are back in the groove of playing with fun challenges, we at Retro Rubber have a fun sketch challenge for you!

 

Recently I've been inspired to play more with my new Color Cubes and explore different color combinations. Creating my own backgrounds and supporting colored cardstock makes this super fun! 

• Using Color Cube #98 I started with Altenew inks in Teal Tempest, Canyon Clay, Coral Red, Amber Blaze, and Toasted Mauve.  
• The background stamp is Four Seasons by Taylored Expressions released in 9/2022 with matching stencil is stamped in Tuxedo Black.   Using Color Cube #98 I selected Altenew inks in Teal Tempest, Canyon Clay, Coral Red, Amber Blaze, and Toasted Mauve to color in the stencil.
• The focal image is part of the Whimsical Wildflowers stencil set in the Arch Nouveau collection.   
• Arch Nouvoeau dies are used to die cut the focal image and the backer.  
• Teal Tempest is used to distress the card base and backing for the focal image.
•  Canyon Clay is used to color the contrasting cardstock.
• The sentiment is from the set from Scrapbook.com and was released in 2022.  It is a staple for my birthday card creations! 

Just a few reminders about our 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 RRCB264.  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.

 

Retro Rubber is back! Anything goes challenge!

 After WordPress closed down we here at Retro Rubber took a break to regroup.  Now we are back with everyone's favorite to showcase your latest, greatest make!  Anything goes at Retro Rubber!

 

Sometimes I just take time to sit and play with my crafting stash.  This is one of those times! I also had a huge number of birthday's coming up, so there was a purposed behind creating with some pretty images.

 

 

This is one of six cards created from this same stamped image.  All of the cards look different as the image was cut at differently and placed on the card front.

• The image is Altenew's Flourishing Garden released in 2023.  The image is stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black.  I had a small selection of Altenew Fresh Die inks and used them to stencil in the layers.  Blue Horizons, Teal Tempest, Honeydew Glow, Lemonade Stand  and Peridote. 
• This kit include an embossing folder as well.  The cardstock I had to match wasn't large enough to create a full width card panel, so being creative I inked the edges in Teal Tempest after pressure embossing the cardstock.  
• After I decided on the placement of the floral images I trimmed the edges off of the card front and adhered the layers together.
• Scrapbook.com Happy Birthday sentiment is stamped on yellow cardstock in the Teal Tempest and die cut.   

Come and have fun with us and show us what you have created that is your favorite Anything Goes!  Just a few guidelines to follow:

• 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 RRCB263.  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.

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! 

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.

 

 

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. 

Sketch Challenge Fun at Retro Rubber

 Time for a new challenge over at Retro Rubber.  Are you ready for some fun?  This sketch has several different shapes and layers to work into your card.

 A few weeks back we attended a Memorial Service for a family member.  It was important to have handmade cards for each of the cousins.  This is one of the batch I created.  Plus I was able to prep a great sample for this challenge!

 

This card is a perfect example of using previous experiments to pull together a cohesive card with many layers.

• The base layer is Imagine Creative Medium Interference.  This product is no longer available, I loved the result--but it dried out quickly in the jar.  There are other companies that are bringing similar product to market.  I used a Heidi Swap stencil from about 20 years ago.  
• The next layer is vellum stamped with Heartfelt Creations Large Elegant Word Background from about 2014.  It is stamped in Kaleidacolor Spectrum.
• Watercolor paper is spritzed with Fireworks! Lilac Posies and let to dray.  It was then pressure embossed with Concord & 9th Quilted Card Front die.  Paper Studios flag punch creates the shape.  Great Impressions sentiment from 2015 is stamped in Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black and heat embossed with iridescent embossing powder. 
  
• A scrap of variegated gold metallic cardstock is trimmed to fit the sketch.   
• The final embellishment is a wax seal that was created from items purchased from Amazon.  

Please join us and create a card with this 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 RRCB252.  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.

Enjoy!

 

Everyone's favorite challenge, Anything Goes with Retro Rubber!

 The title says it all, anything goes for a project at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog this fortnight.  

 

I have a few oversize floral images in my stash and decided to play with one for this challenge.  It is the Altenew Bellowing Peonies from just last year, so barely a year old.  For some reason I really like peony images and this is a perfect example why!

 It is almost a one layer card, and feels very sophisticated to me.

• The Bellowing Peonies image is stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento ink.  
• The matching stencils add just the right layering to the image with Memento Angel Pink, Lilac Posies, Dandelion, Cantaloupe, Bamboo Leaves, and Pear Tart.     
• Some layers are very light handed, then the subsequent layer is more heavy handed to give the subtle colored look.  
• Altenew Rustic Burlap Press Plate is used to dry emboss texture into the image. 
• The edges are distressed to give it a hand-made paper feel.  
• The sentiment is stamped in Memento Lilac Posies and die cut.  The sub-sentiment is stamped in Tuxedo Black and also die cut.  Both are mounted with two additional die cuts glued behind to create more dimension.  

This card has already been mailed to it's recipient.  It was meant to bring some encouragement!

Play along with our Anything Goes, challenge at Retro Rubber--you know you want to! 

 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 RRCB251.  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!

Tic Tac Toe, and create a fun card for Retro Rubber!

For your crafting pleasure we have a Tic Tac Toe board at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog.  Sometimes Tic Tac Toe's give me fits, because I can't narrow down my choices.  For this one zeroed in on the flowers and I was ready to go!  My cards use Die Cut, Flowers, and dry emboss row, and could also use Stencil, Metallic as my choice, and Flowers.  I threw in the dots and the sentiment is somewhat bold.  But didn't get a blackout because enamel dots didn't just fit and pink is not my favorite color. 

 

I have had a set from Altenew, Create Your Life Project Hello Beautiful.  It was released in 2021, but I had not played with it yet!  I went with two cards, because I couldn't decide which image I liked better,  and knew I was going to cut the embossed image into two sections.

•  The images are stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black then stenciled with the matching layered stencils.  I don't know about you but I LOVE this method to add color to images!  Memento inks in Angel Pink, Rose Bud, Peanut Brittle, Dandelion, Pear Tart, and Pistachio are the color palate. 
  
• The images are die cut and backed with two more layers for dimension.
• The matching embossing folder is 6 x 6.  I used half of the image for one card and the other half for the second card. Denami Designs silver metallic paper is perfect for this technique.  I wanted a bit more dimension so Darice Multi Dots was used to give some dots.   The floral embossing was refreshed by embossing a third time.
• The edges of the A2 size card are inked in the matching Memento Rose Bud ink.
• The layers are adhered together.
• The sentiments are Pink Fresh Hot Foil plate Perfect Sentiments.  A black foil was used.  Just like the floral images, the sentiments are die cut and backed with two more layers.  

So much fun, two cards in the time that it takes to make one!  Please join us and make your own version from this Tic Tac Toe 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 RRCB248.  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.

Color Challenge for Retro Rubber

 Here is a fun challenge for the next two weeks at Retro Rubber.  So many great colors to play with and create your own design.

 

I have a relatively "new" to me stencil I wanted to play with, so I adapted the colors and came up with two versions using this color palette.  

Most of my inks etc are from Imagine (aka Tsukineko) so they play well together!

• The background uses Altenew Geo Triangles stencil from 2022 and Memento inks in Angel Pink, Rose Bud, Lulu Lavender, Summer Sky, and Bahama Blue.  Different colors are featured between the two cards.
• Fireworks! shimmer mists in Angel Pink, Bahama Blue, and Lulu Lavender are sprayed on water color cardstock and dried.  The panel is cut down and inked with Memento Luxe Rose Bud.
• The trial of the background had more spray applied and once dried it became the "you" die cut from the Hot of the Press You stamp and die.  
• After the cards were assembled the additional sentiment is stamped in Memento Luxe Rose Bud and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

 The stencils did take some time, but the finished product is so fun!  Please do give this color challenge a try and show us what you come up with at Retro Rubber!

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 RRCB243.  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 Thank you card for Retro Rubber

 A very fun Tic Tac Toe at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog for the next two weeks.  Honestly, sometimes I struggle with Tic Tac Toe challenges because there are too many choices.  

 

I purchased an Altenew set "Beautiful Life" from 2021, and had to play with all the elements!  I do like that it has matching Stamps, Die and Stencils, as well as an Embossing Folder.

 The vertical line of stencil, heat/dry emboss, and metallics was the inspiration for this card. 

• The image is stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.
• Stencils are used to ink the flower in Memento Dandelion and Cantaloupe, the leaves in Memento Pear Tart and Bamboo Leaves.  
• The image is die cut.
• Another Altenew set added the gold leaves.  "Leafy Splendor" from 2024.  The leaves are die cut from gold metallic paper then pressure embossed with the matching embossing folder.  
• Beautiful Life embossing folder is used to pressure emboss Color Core cardstock.  The surface is sanded to allow the shadow image to pop in orange.
• The same cardstock is used to create the matching sentiment die cut, using the reverse side.  Altenew Elegant Sayings is stamped in Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black and heat embossed with black detailed embossing powder then die cut.  Additional die cuts adhered to the back create a raised sentiment with a hint of white outline.
• The card is assembled and an A-2 card base.

 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 RRCB237.  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 come play along with us at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog!  We love to see your creations. 

Retro Rubber Challenge #233 a fun Tic Tac Toe

Time to play with a new challenge over a Retro Rubber!  At times I find a Tac Tac Toe filled with too many choices.  This time my creativity had been sparked by watching crafty card making videos. Here is my creation.

 It is inspired by the top row of ink blend, stencil and sequins.

 

The process was straight forward even though it looks like a "how did you do that" card.

• Memento ink was blended on a 4" x 5 1/4" in the following colors: Bahama Blue, Summer Sky, and Teal Zeal.  The ink was heat set.
• The Crafter's Workshop Mini Flutterby stencil was used to create the Butterfly pattern.  Versa Clair Fine in Blue Bell is inked over the top of the stencil.  The key to this technique is to use the right style of stencil and an ink darker than the background blended inks.
• To finish the card Recollections Thanks from 2019 was stamped in Delicata Silver Shimmer and heat embossed with silver embossing powder.
• Sequins are added with liquid glue so they can be moved around to the optimum position.  
• The edges of a A2 card are inked in Versa Clair Fine Blue Blue to soften the look of the contrast between the card base in the card front panel.

Please do come and play along with our challenge, let us see what you come up with this plethora of options!

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 RRCB233.  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  Verification.  We love to comment but verification can make that difficult.

 

Create a Watercolor Sunflower using stencils and Fireworks!

In today's tutorial I will share how I used layering sunflower stencils to create a water color look to my image.  Notice there is no stamp outline, that helps achieve a more organic look to the project.  I learned a few things along the way, and almost want to include a few blooper photos!  Instead I share the way that will give you the cleanest look avoiding the pit falls!

Skill:  Intermediate

Time:  2 hours

 Directions:

Step 1:

Trim white watercolor cardstock to 4 1/4" x 9 1/4",  or about 1/4" on each side larger than your stencil.  this will allow you to handle your project more cleanly.  Use reposition able painters tape or washi tape to secure stencil along left side with edges matching along the upper and left hand side.  Spritz with Fireworks! in New Sprout until color depth desired is achieved.  In this close up photo freezer paper is used underneath the stencil and paper with the plasticized side up.  This allows collection of the over spray for background papers.    Carefully lift stencil to keep excess Fireworks from leaking under the stencil and adding unwanted color. 

Step 2:

 Secure next layer of layering stencil in place and spritz with Fireworks! in Bamboo Leaves.  This photo shows a spray box that protects your work area from over spray.  It also shows the best distance of 12" to 18" to spray the stencil to avoid large droplets of Firewoks. 
 

Step 3:

Clean stencils with sections of watercolor paper after each layer.  Move the watercolor paper around on the freezer wrap to pick up excess spray.  Keep color families together, as both colors of green are used on this background paper.  Clean up excess with paper towels or baby wipes. 

Step 4:

Continue with additional layering stencils.  Here Dandelion is used for Stencil 3, and Tangelo for Stencil 4. 

Step 5:

Sometimes as a designer you discover easier methods in the process of designing a project.  I was not satisfied with the color through the stencil by just spraying with the stencils that were smaller openings.  It is recommended to use this method for the rest of the layers.  Fireworks! in Tangelo is shown here sprayed on a plastic sheet.  Using a cotton swab the color is carefully dabbed through the stencil to give better color depth.  A cotton swab also prevents leakage underneath the stencil of excess color.  A lot less of the spray was used with this method!  Stencils 5 and 6 used this method to complete the look.  Stencil 5 used Fireworks! in Lilac Posies, and Stencil 6 a mixture of Fireworks! Rich Cacoa (for shimmer) and Walnut Ink in Java for a darker color. 

Step 6:

Here are the images from the entire stencil set.

Step 7:

One "blooper" photo, all the backgrounds made with the over spray and Fireworks! left on the stencils.  To be used in future projects?  The green sheet is trimmed to 4 1/4? to 5 1/2" to cover the front of the card.

Step 8:

 

Tap drop of Fireworks! in Dandelion on white watercolor paper trimmed to 3 3/4" x 5".  Use quilted card front die to add texture to front panel.

Step 9:

Part of the remaining background section is stamped with Memento Luxe in Lilac Posies using a sentiment from the Sunflowers stamp set.  It is die cut with a Spellbinder die.

Step 10:

The Sunflower is die cut with the coordinating die.  The layers are adhered together with Tear It! Tape with dimension foam tape behind the card front.  

Art Supplies

Imagine:

Fireworks!--New Sprout, Bamboo Leaves, Dandelion, Tangelo, Lilac Posies, Rich Cocoa

Walnut Ink--Java

Memento Luxe--Lilac Posies

Embossing Powder--Iridescent

Tear It! Tape

Other:

White Watercolor Cardstock

Pink Fresh Studio Sunflowers Stencils, Coordinating Die, and Clear Stamp

Concord & 9th Quilted Card Front Die

Spellbinders Fancy Tabs

Dimension Foam adhesive

Cotton swabs

Die Cut machine

Stamp Platform

Anything Goes for Retro Rubber, Just a few Butterflies!

We have everyone's favorite challenge for the next two weeks at Retro Rubber, Anything Goes!  So have a little fun and share your projects with us.  We have a few simple rules 1) Use at least one stamp that is more than a year old 2) Tell us how old your stamp might be 3) Enter no more than 10 challenges including ours.

I decided to play around with some of my supplies and create a butterfly themed card.

• I placed the Mini Flutterby stencil by Crafter's Workshop over a piece of white cardstock and spritzed it with Fireworks! in Lilac Posies and Lulu Lavender and let it dry.
• The edges are inked with Elderberry Memento Luxe and heat embossed with Iridescent Embossing Powder.
• To create the butterflies I stamped the Layering Butterflies by Hero Arts from 2015 in several Memento colors:  Elderberry, Sweet Plum, Lilac Posies, Angel Pink, Lulu Lavender, Grape Jelly, Bamboo Leaves, and Pear Tart.
• The images are die cut with the matching Frame Cuts.
• The outer edges of the butterflies are inked with the corresponding color to the butterfly body.
• I pounced Versa Mark ink over the images and heat embossed them with Iridescent Embossing Powder.to give the lots of shimmer and shine.
• The butterflies are adhered to the card front with glue dots under the body and dimensional foam adhesive under the wings.
• The sentiment from the same set is stamped in Elderberry Memento Luxe and heat embossed with Iridescent Embossing Powder.
• The card front is adhered to the card base with dimensional foam adhesive.

Thanks so much for stopping by and do come again soon!  Play along with our challenge at Retro Rubber, we love seeing what you create!

More Travel Fun with Quick Quotes

Hello to all our friends in blogland, Neva here to share a layout featuring a few Powder Puff Chalking Inks and Far and Away papers and quotes.  I have demolished a major part of this collection but still had a few sheets that featured the postmarks that I thought would be great for a layout from our visit to Berlin.

This layout came together rather quickly by using a clean design and a few embellishments from the Far and Away collection.

• Far and Away 105 is trimmed to get the orange postmark strip.  It is 1 1/8" x 8 1/2" on the left side and 1 1/8" x 12 on the right side of the layout.  Powder Puff Chalking Ink in Barn Board inks the edges. 
• Far and Away 105 is trimmed to 6" x 8 1/2" and 6" x 12".  Powder Puff Chalking Ink in Blue Moon inks the edges. 
• Far and Away 104 is trimmed to 2" x 8 1/2" and 2" x 12".   Powder Puff Chalking Ink in Barn Board inks the edges.  
• A little secret here, originally I had the papers extend across the entire double page layout, but decided I wanted to add the inked globe, so I trimmed the papers back a few inches. 
• Far and Away 100 is trimmed to 4 1/2" x 11".  Powder Puff Chalking Ink in Barn Board inks the edges.  
• Fiber is adhered to the back of the bottom section before it is adhered to the cardstock base. 
• The title is die cut and inked with Blue Moon Powder Puff Chalking Ink.  I debated between using the German name or the English name . . . and went with the version that we can understand!

• To add the globe, I first die cut a circle in a sheet of paper and placed as a reverse mask around the area I wanted to ink.  The opening is slightly larger than the globe stencil.
• Using Powder Puff Chalking Ink in Blue Moon I and an Ink Blusher I gently blended the ink onto the white cardstock base through the stencil.

• A saying from Far and Away 500 is trimmed and inked with Blue Moon Powder Puff Chalking Ink.
• I still had a few small scraps of Far and Away 101, so it is used to back embellishments and inked with Barn Board Powder Puff Chalking Ink.
• The same is done with the tourist card I collected while in Berlin, and with the journaling block.

•  The pennants are trimmed from Far and Away 600 and inked with Barn Board Powder Puff Chalking Ink.
•  The pennants are adhered directly below the fiber.
• Wet adhesive secures the fiber in place so it appears that the pennants are attached.

Quick Quotes Products
Far and Away Paper Pack
Far and Away Quotes and Phrases 12" x 12"
Far and Away Quotes and Phrases
Powder Puff Chalking Ink in Blue Moon and Barn Board

Other Products
White Cardstock
Globe Stencil by Stencil Girl
Ink Blusher by Tsukineko
Fiber from my stash
Just a Note--Jen Long by Sizzix   

It was a wonderful stop during our city tour of Berlin, and this layout brings back great memories.  Thank you for joining us at Quick Quotes today!  
~Neva