Bear Kisses

Aren't these bears just adorable?

This is one of the new releases from Penny Black called "nose-kiss". There are 3 new bear stamps.....all so cute!

I used Memento inks as my palette to watercolor the bears. By pressing each color of ink pad that I need onto a non-porous surface.....I use a piece of acrylic packaging or my glass work surface.....I create a palette of dyes to pick up with my waterbrush. I used watercolor paper here but I often use just a good quality paper. Watercolor paper allows more manipulation of the color without shredding the paper. With regular card stock, the color can't be reworked as much nor will it tolerate as much water.

It's a quick way to color.......at least, I think so! The longest part is waiting for the paper to dry.

The daisy background paper is from Imaginisce. I added a touch of glitter to the red mat edges. The heart has glitter glue on it.

I challenge you to get out any water based dye ink.....Memento or Ranger Adirondack inks will work....and try your hand at watercolor!

Have fun - create something!
-judy

It Snowed...

....and snowed, and snowed....

The sun finally came out today! Hooray!

We have had snow since last Wednesday, December 23. I know it's over 18"! The good thing is that it wasn't cold.....it was even above 32 on Christmas Day.

These 3 photos show the snow on our truck and car as the snow progressed. It's a little hard to see the changes....the 1st photo shows a bit of the bumper on the car near the shed, then less and finally on Saturday, the bumper wasn't visible.

Late Christmas Day I went outside to check for snow on our satelite dish......internet service was so slow. I thought perhaps the dish had snow on it......no luck, it was clear. Must have been all the other snowed in people surfing the web.....

The snow was perfect for making a snow man.....what fun!

(He does have 2 eyes....one is covered with snow)

We didn't leave home until Sunday morning when we ventured out to church. The snow plow went by so we thought it was okay. We made it out but snow was drifting into the tracks. Coming home was not so good. More drifting had filled in the tracks. We got stuck! It was only .4 mile from home. We walked home and came back with the tractor to open the road. We just got the car shoveled out when the snow plow came back.....if only he'd been a bit earlier.

We woke to more snow this morning with blowing and drifting. We hadn't had much wind all during the huge snow fall. When the wind blows, huge drifts form on our country road. Thank goodness I had today off from work (I had planned to spend time with family in northern Minnesota. So much for plans! ). At least I didn't have to try get through the snowy road.

Yeah! The snow plow went by again this afternoon! The wind and snow have stopped. It's like being set free!

As for stamping......I did some yesterday. It's not quite ready to share.

Until next time......smiles to you!

-judy

A Gift to Share

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone is enjoying this special day. Here in Minnesota, we're in the middle of a huge snowstorm. It sure changed lots of plans.

I have a gift to share.......

I made several of these to give to special people.

All stamps are from various Tim Holtz holiday stamp sets.

I created the ornament first.......

The Santa face is stamped with Espresso on white card stock. I added Distress inks for color. I stamped "Christmas" from the "Christmas Carols" stamp and embossed it with gold. I used a Ranger Memory 2x2 Frame and glass.
Then I stamped the background to look like branches of a Christmas tree using Pine Needles and Distress EP. Music lines are stamped below the branches and it's all aged with Distress inks. I also added a touch of gold embossing at the corners.
I wanted it to be on the front of a card. Okay, that's pretty dimensional for a card front so that led me to create a box type card.

I created a frame box out of card stock deep enough to hold the ornament. It didn't look right plain so I stamped music, script and "believe" over it and distressed it all. The cover is the same paper as the frame box on the outside with dark red inside. I stamped Merry Christmas embossed in gold with space to write a message. Pine branches are stamped all around the edges with Walnut Stain.
The cover is held in place with hinges from Judikins. They work so well......the cover opens completely flat. I tried paper hinges but they didn't work as well.

The back of the ornament has another Santa face with "Believe" in gold, also colored with Distress inks.

I added a gold cord hanger and a bow that's distressed a bit to tone down the color.

The ornament is held in place with removable glue dots....easily removed to hang on the tree. Some of the cord is tucked through a hole and looped behind. A simple tug on the knot will release it.

I hope you enjoyed this gift!

May you have a blessed Christmas!

Love Birds

Hello! Do you remember me?
Wow, it has been a looong time!
Believe me I've wanted to post. If only my thoughts could have loaded a photo and written something!
Tonight I have a card I created for Penny Black's newest release of Valentine's and love stamps. You can see all of them here. Check out their home page, too! One of my cards is featured! The teddy bear with a heart box is also one of my cards. How cool is that!

I used the new "the forever dream" stamp for the love birds stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa. I added just a touch of color using these Copic markers: Y32, YG03, W00, E42, YR0000, YR000, E21, 0.
Once I had them colored, I used an Eclipse mask over the birds and then sprayed the background with Pearl Glimmer Mist.
The card front was stamped with "pointelle" (dots stamp) repeatedly with Versamark ink and then embossed with Silver Pearl embossing powder.
I used 2 circle Spellbinders dies for the opening around the birds: one in the card front and second smaller one for the inner border of luster weave paper.
Just part of the verse "full of life" is stamped on the oval, the rest is stamped inside. I used the Rich Cocoa ink and embossed it with clear.
I added a sheer ribbon to complete the design.

Thanks for stopping to look! I promise to have more to share after Christmas!

In a Pear Tree

Simple stamping with lots of glitter...

I simply stamped this image with Memento Rich Cocoa on white card stock. No distressing or coloring! Hard to believe for me!!!
I added some bling with Stickles Aqua and Copper glitter glue and added a turquoise glitter mat. That paper is from American Crafts......lots of different colors and lots of glitter shine.

The stamp is from Penny Black's transparent set "in a pear tree". A fun whimsical set!

I stamped the bird a second time to cut it out. It's mounted on a foam dot.

When I trimmed the glitter mat, I ended up with a few thin strips. They were too pretty to just throw away..........so I added them for a little accent.


"Noel" is stamped and embossed with copper EP.







One more Christmas card to add to my pile. I've been scavenging through all my cards to find all of the Christmas ones. I found enough for about 1/2 my list. Thank goodness......hopefully I can get the rest put together this week. I love making Christmas cards but around this time, other things like shopping, decorating and baking eat into my stamping time.




If you click over to the Penny Black website, check out their new Valentine's release. Just click on the purple heart. I had the opportunity to work with some of those stamps before the release. I'm honored to say that all the card samples shown are my creations. Yep, even the frog! What a thrill to see them in print!

I hope you're keeping cozy and warm. We're recovering from a snowstorm....the season's first blizzard. Along with it came frigid temps.......below 0 tonight. It's not expected to warm up much tomorrow either. Brrrrrr...!

Inspired by Tag 3

I'm sure enjoying Tim's Christmas tags!

Did you see his blog today? He used alcohol inks to create plaid backgrounds for 2 Christmas tags. I had to try it tonight!

Here's my creation..........


I wanted a subtle blue plaid. My stripes are more visible than the plaid. It's a quick easy technique!

For today's tag, I decided to use a piece of glossy paper the same size as a #8 tag but without a hole or cropped corners.

I stamped the deer with Archival black ink, then embossed it with Ranger Blue Glass EP........very shiny like glass. I masked the deer to stamp the trees, again with Archival Black ink. I added the snowflakes with Distress China Blue and Polysparkle EP.

"Believe" is stamped on glossy paper with Archival Black and embossed with Blue Glass EP. I rounded the corners and added brads. Holographic string is wrapped around the brads and behind the image. I added Polysparkle EP to each brad head.

I added Blue Glass EP to the edges of the dark blue mat. It's all added to the front of an aqua card with snowflakes around the edges stamped with Broken China and embossed with Blue Polysparkle EP.





This photo shows the background before I added any stamping. I used Ranger alcohol inks: Stream, Stonewashed, Denim.


Try this technique. It's so easy!

I hope you enjoyed my take on Tim's technique!
Now, you try it!

Thanks for visiting!

Smiles to you,
-judy

A Christmas Tag

Are you following Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of Christmas?

I'm always inspired by his work, especially his Christmas tags. Tim uses such a variety of his products and supplies. His photos are a mini technique lesson! Check out his blog each day for a new tag!

This is Tim's tag from Day 2.

Tonight, I created a tag using his Tag 2 as my inspiration!

I didn't look at his blog again tonight, instead I worked from what I remembered after seeing his tag this morning. I definitely didn't follow it exactly. I didn't have the metal corners for one thing. I forgot that he added Perfect Pearls. I chose a little different color scheme, too.

Here's what I created.......

I used Aged Mahogany, Antique Linen, and Scattered Straw for my background after stamping the frame (embossed with Distress Antique Linen EP) and "Season's Greetings". I clear embossed the greeting so it's darker.

The scroll stamp I used is from Tim's Reindeer Flight set as I didn't have the one he used. I stamped it with Archival Black ink although it doesn't quite look black in the photo. I added some snowflakes (from the same set) with Faded Jeans and Broken China inks. You can see the subtle blue around the greeting. (If you click on the photo, you can see it bigger!)

I tied a bow through the tag hole and added the flower through the same hole. The dots at the top of the frame are made with Fired Brick Distress Stickles. I thought the color was a bit too red so I dusted them with black embossing powder (not heated, just let the powder stick to the Stickles) before they dried. It's just enough to darken the color yet show some red.

So, what do you think of my tag?

It's creating...my style!

I hope you get a chance to check out his other tags. You'll learn lots about using his products. He's giving away great prizes, too!

I'll be checking his blog every day for all 12!

Vintage Fleur de Lis Ornament

A different paper ornament.........


This ornament was created using Spellbinder Fleur De Lis die. I was inspired by Becca Feeken's ornament. I chose to make mine more vintage looking and this ornament is one sided having a flat back.

I started with 2 of each of the center out of dark green pearlescent paper and 2 big fleur de lis die cuts out of cream cardstock. I also cut a pearlescent dark green circle for the back. You see the color peeking through the cutouts near the edges. I used Antique Linen Distress ink on the edges before folding.

You can follow Becca's tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers for the cutting and folding directions. If you want to make it like mine, only cut 2 of each and add the circle backing.

The antique button that I found in my collection seemed made for the center. I added a touch of green with a Copic marker. The ribbon hanger is glued to the back before adding the backing circle.

I wish I had time to do a step out of all the steps..........too many other committments. Becca's directions are super! I think you'll be able to figure out the changes I made. You may even prefer her ornament. If you have any questions, please email me or leave a comment. I'll be happy to answer.

Have a super Monday!
-judy

Holly Foil Card

This is a simple Christmas card I created using a holly 5 x 7" embossing folder from Provo Craft.

I started by embossing a piece of green craft foil. I then trimmed it to this size. It could easily be cut first and placed in the folder to get just this pattern.

To remove the color, I lightly rubbed Ranger's Solvent stamp cleaner over the raised pattern. I swiped the cleaner top on a paper towel occasionally to clear off the color. A word of warning, if too much cleaner gets on the foil it will run into the debossed areas and remove color there as well. By swiping it on a paper towel, it cleans off the color as well as dries the cleaner top slightly. It's a simple technique to try on all colors of foil! There are no scratches as with sanding.

For the card front, I used Core'dinations Whitewash paper. I sanded the color off with a large emory board. I like the subtle holly pattern that accents the foil yet doesn't detract from it.

The foil is layered onto red and white cardstock. A simple knotted ribbon and greeting tag complete the card. The verse is from Hero Arts Holiday Sayings set.

..........hoping to find more time to stamp soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving greetings to you all!

I'm enjoying a day with family. We've got the food prepared and awaiting the turkey which is taking a bit longer than we anticipated. That's good....I'll be more hungry!

Can you believe it? I spent last weekend in sunny Florida! (The photo is the view out our hotel window the first morning.) My youngest daughter competed in a NPC national body building competition. It was huge, 520 athletes! I went with my other daughter to support her and take in the show. She did well finishing 4th in her class! Incredibly good for her first time.

Don't I look pale in this photo next to Sarah? She has multiple layers of spray tan for her competition! We took this photo in the hotel lobby where they had a huge Christmas tree.










I apologize for not having any stamped art to show! I haven't had any stamping time in over a week......major withdrawal. I hope to find time this weekend.

I wish each and every one of you time today to count your blessings and share this Thanksgiving day with family or friends. You are all blessings for which I'm thankful for every day!

Blessings to you!

judy

Fall Harvest

...a very simple layout for this Fall card.

The image is from JustRite's Autumn Blessings Set. I stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black and then colored it with Copic markers. I added Glossy Accents to the bow....shiny and dimensional.
I stamped the border before I cut the oval using a Spellbinders' die. The border is stamped with Versafine Black Onyx and embossed with clear. The corn image is centered in the oval and fastened to the back, then all glued to a 3 1/4"x 5 3/4" white card.

This close up shows the shine on the bow. Not visible is the dimension of the corn. I "puffed" it up by embossing from the back side with a paper stump. It's so easy to know where to emboss because the Copic markers bleed through the paper.

Happy Harvest!

-judy

OWH Blog Hop

Today, I'm participating in Operation Write Home's Blog Hop.
OWH sends handmade greeting cards overseas to our service men and women so they can send cards home to their friends and families. It's a great service! Please consider making and donating some cards!!! You'll find more information on the OWH website.

If you just happened to stop here and want to start at the beginning of the Blog Hop, click here for OWH's blog.

My first card is for Any Hero.....sent with a personal message to be given to any service person.

Stamp is from B Line

I had to dig into my stash for this card.....other things took precedence over stamping this week. I didn't have a patriotic card on hand but I know any service person will appreciate a note from "home". I will write a personal note of thanks in this card when I send it to OWH to be sent overseas.

For my Valentine's card, I started with a felt "love" by Creative Impressions.

I embossed the paper behind it with a QK Goosebumpz and over stamped with Penny Black Scrolling Along, a viny pattern with tiny hearts. The red scallop was cut with a MS punch. I added a crumpled vellum heart inked with Distress Vintage Photo. The card front is Graphic 45 paper from their Christmas line. It has lots of tiny hearts in the pattern! I added distressing around the edges. Some brads, bits of ribbon and a piece of lace finish it off.

The stop is Kalo Designs by Stacy! I checked out her website earlier this week. Love the story about her new puppy!

I sure hope you enjoyed stopping! Please stop again!

-judy

A Year of Fun

A whole year!!! Can you believe it? I've had this blog a whole year. It still seems new. That must be because I enjoy writing and posting photos. It's so fun to share my creations!

A big thanks to all of you who've followed my journey! It's been fun!

I thought I would have time to create something today in honor of this anniversary. It didn't happen. Still, I do have something special to share......

...a new paper ornament!

I've had so much fun making these with folded paper lace!

This center image is from JustRite's "Christmas Treasures". I stamped it with Midnight Blue StazOn on aqua shimmery paper. I cut it out with a Spellbinders circle and added Art Institute Crystal glitter to the stars and border. It's matted on a Petite Scalloped circle cut from deep turquoise Bazzill paper. The lace border was cut with a Martha Stewart punch. Once it was folded and glued to the backing, I sprayed it with Tattered Angels Pearl Glimmer Mist. I used another circle of shimmer paper on the back. A narrow ribbon loop forms the hanger.

Thank you for visiting! I hope you've enjoyed your stay!

Smiles to you all!

-judy

Happy Birthday, Kathy!

Here's a card in celebration of my sister's birthday....


.......no, it's not her birthday card! She doesn't have that yet. She's coming to visit so I'll give it to her then. I could hardly show all of you her card before she sees it.........actually she'd see it here, too!

She created this card and sent it to me awhile back. I've enjoyed it setting on a shelf of honor in my stamping room. Now you can enjoy it, too!

The stamps are from Tim Holtz' "Life Adventure". She added some cancelled stamps from a package that I sent her. A great embellishment! The little alphabet letters add a nice touch to the string.
The verse inside says "enjoy the journey". That stamp is from Tim's "Just Thoughts" set. The back of the card has another verse from that set:

"Learn to pause...or nothing worthwhile will catch up to you."

That's what I'm doing today...(besides blogging and creating)....as I'm off from work.

A Day to Celebrate...

......our Veterans! Happy Veterans' Day!

.......my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday Kathy!

........my 1 year blog anniversary!

WOW!!! I can hardly believe it! I remember being a bit nervous about getting this started.....mostly about learning how to use Blogger. It seems silly now! How I love writing and posting! It's been a great journey! Thanks to all of you for keeping me inspired!

I have several posts for today......first of all to honor all our veterans.

Thanks to each and every one who have fought for the freedom of this country and who continue to preserve the freedoms we so enjoy!

I created this tag to honor our Veterans using Artistic Outpost stamps from the Hero set.

I first stamped the flags which were inked with Ranger Adirondack Denim and Cranberry. I wiped any ink off the areas that I didn't want to stamp.....I didn't want the border. I gave it a light misting and stamped it on a tag.

From there, I added an Eclipse mask so I could add the background images. I picked and chose how I stamped them repeating parts of the music staffs and printing. I left the mask in

place to add distress inks starting with Antique Linen, then

Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain and Black Soot. In the first photo you

see the mask in place with the edges distressed.

The second photo shows how it looked after I removed the mask. I didn't really like the stark edges of light color around the flag. The 3rd photo shows how I added Distress inks to smooth the

transition around the flags and verse. I left some areas lighter when I distressed to highlight them. To finish it, I added 2 stars near the verse.....these were antique copper which I inked with StazOn Midnight Blue. I used a piece of vintage ribbon with stars at the top. I rubbed some Distress inks over it to "antique" the stars which were white. I tied a tiny navy ribbon around it and added another star. When I use brads in this kind of layout, I cut the fasteners off the back and just mount them with foam tape. It's so much easier to position them especially when deciding where to to put them. It seems if I punch a hole for a brad invariably I want to move it. This way I don't remove the foam backing until I'm sure of where to put them.

Please honor our Veterans today wherever you are. We are so blessed by their dedication to protecting our nation!

Another Paper Lace Ornament

Good Morning All!

I have another paper lace ornament to share today. Remember the ornaments that I posted on October 21? (just click on the date to take you there!)

This ornament uses the same technique only the edge is created with a Martha Stewart edge punch. Once the edge is punched, I accordion fold it, glue the ends together and make an ornament......with a few more steps.

The center stamp is from JustRite's "A Merry Little Christmas Set". I stamped it with Versamark and embossed with white.

I left the back side blank so I can use it as a tag for a package..... a tag that is a gift in itself!

I have another class scheduled to make the ornaments shown on my blog post of Oct. 21. It's on Tuesday, November 10th at Fond Memories. If you'd like to attend, please email FM.

Enjoy!

-judy

A Little Christmas Tree

I just posted this card on Artistic Outpost's blog.

The tree and "Merry Christmas" are from AO's Christmas Stories set. I wasn't sure if I liked this little tree....until I stamped it. It's so cute!

I used Memento Cottage Ivy, Cantalope and Rich Cocoa inks to stamp the tree on white paper. I rubbed Antique Linen and Vintage Photo Distress inks around it. Then I added dots of Gold with a Spica marker for ornaments on the tree.....a little hard to see.....as well as to the swirling star. I added tiny dots of Glossy accents over the Spica Gold.....making them dimensional ornaments!

"Merry Christmas" is stamped with Rich Cocoa and clear embossed. The label was cut with a Spellbinders' die. The loops at the ends of it are tucked behind the green dot paper. I used Distress inks and Spica Gold on it, too.

The patterned papers are from Graphic 45.

Enjoy!
-judy

A Bird in a Wreath

Here's a card I created with transparent stamps from "...in a pear tree" by Penny Black. I stamped the wreath with Memento Bamboo Leaves. I stamped another bird with Cottage Ivy to cut out and mount on foam tape. The bird is colored with Copic BG15. I added a touch of color to the ornaments, too, before adding the Stickles. I added Eucalyptus and Xmas Red Stickles to the leaves and berries. The little red bow is metallic floss. "Joy" is stamped with Rhubarb Stalk with Xmas Red Stickles over the letters. I just cut the tag shape around the word. On the red mat I stamped "joy, peace, noel" repeatedly with Versamark. The edges of the aqua mat are colored with Copic BG15 because I couldn't find a paper color that matched.........a perfect match to the bird.


Here's a closer look at the little bird and the glitter on the leaves and berries.

Enjoy!
-judy

Hurray for Sunshine

What a joy to have sunshine and warm weather!

We have had rain and clouds and below normal temps for most of September and October, even temps in the 20s.

Today, it was 62 degrees! I was almost hot as I worked outside to put some garden things away. Definitely not complaining! It was finally warm enough to roll up my garden hose!

Once I finished my winterizing chores, I grabbed my new camera to capture some of the fall colors. The barberry bushes are so bright out among the brown leaves and tree trunks!

All these photos were taken out in my shade garden usually green with hostas now all frozen and covered with leaves.

This tiny barberry seemed so bright against the old logs, rocks and leaves.

Tiny red berries of this barberry stand out against a Lamium plant (one of the few green plants left).

These purplish blue berries are from a Solomon's Seal plant. They are so striking against the bright barberry leaves.

....a bright lime heuchera still vibrant among the leaves....

Another heuchera with deep pink undersides on it's leaves, almost buried in brown tree leaves.

A few sun garden photos.........

.....late fall colors of Autumn Joy sedum. I love how this plant holds it's shape all winter.

These 2 mum flowers survived the frost next to the ground......now a flash of color in the drab surroundings.

This is a garlic chives seed head. The flowers are so pretty......very white and airy. I even like the seed heads for winter garden interest but the seeds grow everywhere. Most years I cut them back.......maybe with some nice November weather I'll get that done yet.

I hope you enjoyed this peak at the colors of my fall garden. It was so nice to be outside on this warm November 1st.

.......more stamp art next time....

smiles

-judy

P.S. Blogger wasn't cooperating with me in lining up these photos.............who knows how it will look when I publish this.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween cards for my grandchildren.......

Nothing scary.....just plain Halloween fun!

I used a Penny Black Transparent set.....spooky!.....for all 3 cards. These cats are so FUN!

I used watercolors for all of the images.

The "moon" back ground on this card is sprayed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists: Lemon Meringue, Candlelight and Dreamsicle. I masked the cat so he isn't sparkly. I added "stars" to the blue paper with Saphire Stickles.

For the next 2 cards, I stamped the cat first. Then I masked it to stamp the pumpkins. I added "stars" to the sky with a stamp from PB "crystalline" using Versamark.
I added a mask over the pumpkins leaving the mask in place over the cat, too, and then created the background with sponged on Distress inks: Brushed Corduroy, Black Soot, Broken China, Faded Jeans. The stars resisted the ink. I added Stardust Stickles to give them sparkle. I also added Stickles to the bat, pumkins, ground and the cat's hat using Black Diamond and Yellow.

This cat with his cape has the same Distress background with Stickles added for sparkle. His cape and mask are covered with Saphire and Black Diamond Stickles.

Hope your Halloween isn't too scary!

.....just plain FUN!

Enjoy!
-judy

Holly Christmas Card

....a simple, yet elegant Christmas card........

This card front was embossed with Spellbinders Snowflake Impressabilities.

The holly is from Penny Black's "banner of joy". I simply stamped it with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored it with Copic markers: R27, R29, YG23, YG67. I cut it out and shaped the leaves for dimension. I added a tiny dot of Ranger Glossy Accents to each berry and tied a tiny, silk bow to add to the stem. I mounted it with foam tape using a double layer under the center holly.

The verse is from Penny Black's "...in a pear tree". What a classic Christmas greeting! It's stamped with Memento Cottage Ivy, then cut out and embossed with a Spellbinders Long Rectangle die.

Hope you enjoyed your visit! Come back soon!

-judy

Supplies:

Memento Tuxedo Black, Cottage Ivy

Copic R27, R29, YG23, YG67

Red Silk Ribbon

Spellbinders Impressabilities Snowflake

Neenah Classic Crest Avon Brilliant White cardstock

Holiday Unwrap 2

I'm having fun coloring this cute Penny Black cat from "the Wonder" clear set!
I have another card featuring him on this post.

I chose a salmon palette of colors for his sweater.....again colored with my Copics.

On the green mat I stamped "Merry Christmas"(from the Wonder set) across the DP paper. I stamped the pattern on the card front using these Penny Black stamps: "...first day of Christmas" and "snow scroll". The verse is from "holly jolly" transparent set.

I hand wrote the tiny "Merry Christmas" on the little tag. I stamped and cut out another little tag and layered it over top for dimension. There's glossy accents on the holly berries across the sweater.

A fun card to create!

Enjoy!

-judy

A Little Book for Copics

Hello everyone! Can you believe I'm posting again so soon?

I had forgotten about these photos. When I loaded the ornament photos I saw them. Aha! Something to put on the blog!

This is a little notebook and gift card that I made for a special friend.

She took the Copic Certification class this month. This little book is for coloring with her Copics so she can keep notes about which colors work well together, maybe some technique notes, too. Most of the pages are Neenah Classic Crest Solar White card stock......a great paper for Copic coloring. I included a few sheets of vellum, acetate and Avon Brilliant white card stock. The cover is cut out of USArtQuest mat board. I stamped it with my JustRite Brayton alphabet using Ranger Paint Dabbers. I misted the paint lightly before stamping which is why the letters have a tie-dyed look. Once the paint was dry, I sprayed a glossy clear coat over it so the paint wouldn't rub off. It's not really apparent in the photo but the covers have a nice shiny finish.

Inside the covers is paper from Basic Grey's Lemonade 6x6 paper pad. I used the Bind-It-All to cut the holes in the covers and pages and then attach the wire coil. The ribbon bookmark is tied to the top coil.

Out of my practice stamping for the title, I cut the word "color" to put on a little gift card. I used scraps of BG Lemonade DP and bits of ribbon......a very quick card. The envelope is a library card sleeve with the top edge turned down for a flap. Elizabeth's name is another practice scrap. I stamped her name on the back cover again using JustRite Brayton. The scrap was perfect to add to the envelope.

Just a little bit about Elizabeth.......she's a very talented stamper and paper crafter. We met at Summer CHA a few years ago. She was helping in the Penny Black booth. We each felt an instant bond yet never exchanged information so we could keep in touch. A couple months later, I emailed Penny Black to ask if they could give her my email address hoping she would respond. She did and we've been friends ever since!

Watch for Elizabeth's name in stamping magazines like Scrap & Stamp and Crafts'n'Things. She has stamped cards in both December issues. In fact, she has articles in both magazines! The article in Scrap & Stamp (Dec'09) about water coloring with dye inks is really good. She also designs for Penny Black. Some of her work is on their web page and product packaging.

Elizabeth, you're the best! Smiles to you....

I'll be sure to email her so she doesn't get too surprised by my post......

Have a super Saturday!