Stencils are such a versatile tool to use on cards and scrapbook layouts as well.  Stencils can be used with inks and or embossing pastes.  There are many wonderful resources to purchase stencils or discover stencils that you have in a drawer.  I taught a class today at Scrapbook Cove using stencils both for inking, and embossing.  Take another look at what you already have and start creating!

Tis the season to create holiday paper projects for sharing and mailing.  I created a gift card holder, a treat bag, a tag for a wine bottle and a cute holiday card.  I used a stamp and die set from Hero Arts that has critters, a pine tree, winter items like a mailbox, sled and more.  I created a background using watercolor paper using stamp pad ink and water to spray the paper and comb over the paper to create a canvas look.  Hope these projects inspire your holiday paper projects!

I made a set of new Halloween cards for my T-N-T Tips and Techniques class at Scrapbook Cove.  I used lots of different printed paper, layouts and techniques.  Trying different card sketches, techniques and color combinations.

I always like to have birthday cards planned a few months ahead as I design cards specially for each Bday person. For this card, I wanted to use a watercolor set to paint a sheet of pastel colors to then die cut butterflies.  I used a My Favorite Things set of various sizes of butterflies and the tiny butterflies were from Memory Box.  Some spatters and soft stenciling , gold thread nest and gold Nuvo drops finish the birthday card.  I also submitted this card for a MFT birthday project  CAS card challenge.  This one will be for a September bday.

August is the perfect month to a sunflower themed cards and a technique class at Scrapbook Cove. I used a new Stampendous  large sunflower stamp, some favorites from Lawn Fawn and Altenew for four different card sketches. Layering, masking, painting, vellum window and fussy cutting. Everyone who came to this class learned new tips and techniques. Time to make a few to mail.

I finished my July cards for my class at Scrapbook Cove!  I love the way they came out.  I will be teaching them for my T-N-T class- tips and techniques class. I have had sold out classes and have had to offer the class again for the month of June.  I used Dare2BArtzy stamps  and coordinating  dies again, lighthouses, beach chair, cat tails and some beautiful summer themed papers.  I hope you like them!

On. recent trip to the My Favorite Things store in Florida, I purchased many new stamps and dies and some other paper related items.  What a fabulous store! This card uses one of the new stamp sets and several dies.  This card is for the Verve Stamps April 2018 Yellow Inspiration Challenge http://www.vervestamps.blogspot.com.  I created this card for my Mother’s Day card for family and special friends.  Can’t wait to put them in the mail soon.

Sometimes my cards and mixed media projects are inspired by card challenges from crafting companies. This card was inspired by the theme  Spring by Concord and 9th Challenge #20 Spring.  I love watercoloring and this flower set was the perfect fit.  I used watercolors for the flowers, stems, twigs and background spatters. A bit of Nuvo drops for accents and clear dimensions add a bit of sparkle, shine and dimension.  The black and white stripe paper adds a bit of pop and love that paper pad from My Favorite Things.  A heartfelt greeting for a special friend.

Creating background paper is an important of creating an awesome card.  This time I tried using Distress Oxide inks.  I love the way the inked background turned out. I inked a piece of plastic with one color and spritzed water on it.  Then I dragged the inked plastic onto the watercolor paper.  When dry I added another color ink, using the same process.  I used the heat tool to dry the paper.  I used a stencil and another color Oxide ink to the paper.  I trimmed the paper to an A2 size, stamped a sentiment  using black ink.  Great colorful paper.

My new favorite stamps and die cuts from Dare2BArtzy. I used the coffee mugs, to go cup and coordinating sentiments and dies to create four beautiful cards for a class that I taught yesterday at Scrapbook Cove.  I taught everyone how to create new background papers using small plastic cups and pencil erasers and Distress inks to water color.  Here are the cards.  I created some unique card folds and sketches, too.   I colored my samples using Copic markers and Neenah paper. One of my favorites!