I like to submit my cards or crafts to crafting submissions when I can.  The photo is a card for the color challenge for My Favorite Things #64 Color Challenge- lemon chiffon, blue yonder, gray and black.  I used a die from Impression Obsession, a thanks die cut from Lawn Fawn and a background stamp from My Favorite Things.  I added a tiny twine bow to each feather, glossy accents drops to the feathers and to the die cut thanks.  Simple lay out and thank you cards are always helpful to have on hand.

Even though celebrating high school and college graduations is months away, I was asked to prepare samples for a my favorite craft store, Scrapbook Cove for a class I would teach in April.  I created several samples which include a Z fold card, a four circle gift card holder and a go to project of a mini shopping bag.  I researched local school colors so people in the class can customize their paper projects.  The background printed paper is an original designed paper.  Congrats 2017!

I like creating cards and projects using birds and nests.  I finally found this set of scribble birds at Michael’s recently and have been experimenting using a set of Derwent watercolor pencils to color the bird and background.  I used Archival permanent black ink and stamped onto watercolor paper or an old dictionary page.  The vibrant colors on the pencils create a colorful stamped image.  These happy bird cards are my welcome to spring cards.  

I first saw a similar card on interest a while ago.  I recently bought a set of stamps and coordinating die cuts so now I had at the right pieces to create a similar card.  It is a pop up card that folds flat for mailing.  I colored the images with Copic markers and either die cut or fussy cut the stamped images.  The pop up folds flat for mailing.  I even made two more.  I love the way the card finally came out.

Here is a fun way to use paint as the medium to create your card.  Find an old book page, I used an old dictionary page and took out my assortment of tubes of acrylic paints.  My paint brush today was cotton swabs. Cheap and easy to find.  Use a found object that you can use to use for the accent circle. I used the cover from a plastic tube that I had from washi tape. Squeeze out a dollop of paint from each of the colors, I used about 6 different colors.  Use a cotton swab for each color paint, and create a small circle  on the printed page.  I was symmetrical my first attempt and random the next time.  I continued to add colors around the middle and then around the next color. I stopped when I had the look I wanted.  When the circles were dry, I painted the cover of the plastic tube with black paint and stamped each painted circle, moving and overlapping each time I stamped.  I added gold and black specks for accents.  When the page was dry I cut the page to fit on a card. I experimented using hearts as well.  Give it a try.  I was inspired by a you tube clip from ‘cat hands’.  Nice to use a different medium.

I enjoy making Valentine themed cards and the I one I  created have been mailed and have arrived to their destinations!  I used a Pure Innocence stamp from My Favorite Things. I have quite a collection of these cute stamps.  I colored the image with Copic markers and added a cute out dress from printed paper.  The coordinating circles and printed banners add to the layout.  The glitter paper heart and small circle greeting complete the layout.  I kept the inside sentiment simple.  Check your mailbox, you might get a special card!

After checking the calendar and my box of completed cards, it was time to make a few birthday cards.  I used a new stamp set from Concord and 9th that had a large floral round image.  I recently ordered many new Copic markers and this was the perfect stamp to use to color the flowers.  I colored on in shades of blue and the other in purples and pinks.  I added either a birthday sentiment on the bottom or a thinking of use word tag.  I also used the new stamping tool from Hampton Arts that allowed me to restamp the image for a second time.  It worked great.  I outlined the image with a Gel sparkly pen, added some Nuvo glitter dots.  They both look great!

Shades of blue

Pinks and purples

It is this time of year when I look forward to creating Valentine cards and projects.  I picked up this pick up truck cut out for $.10 last summer and discovered it when doing some new year cleaning.  I added a few cut out hearts and heart stickers.  I cut out the ‘road’ from  printed paper using a die cut.  I even added hearts to the wheels and glittery lights.  Almost time for the mail!

I enjoy creating paper projects for Valentine’s Day.  I created this paper flower heart using a heart cut out as the base and then made mini paper flowers in two sizes.  I covered the canvas board with Tim Holtz tissue paper over a pink painted background. One of my new favorite embellishments is Nuvo soufflé cream and the glittery gold liquid glitter for the center of the flowers.  This is my submission for the “Get Square” Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge this week.  Can’t wait to share with my friends.  #SSSMChallenge Be Square

It was time to put away all of the Christmas stamps and paper and create Happy New Year and thank you cards.  I love this Pure Innocence stamp from My Favorite Things.  I included this stamp in my annual calendar project for the month of January.  i  colored the image with Copic markers and colored pencils.  I added a glittered snowy hill and Nuvo drops for accent drops.  I created a frame to set off the image.  Glitter is my favorite color!  This is my submission for the MFTWSC 314 sketch challenge.