I was challenged to create a paper related crafting project for Scrapbook Cove for the August class schedule.  I knew that using nautical navigational map was going to fit into the line up.  I created a map covered picture frame and related projects.  I created three different cards using nautical die cuts, patterned paper and a word banner.  I love the way they came out.  Check out my Instagram account #espressoexpressions for my cards and pictures.

My Favorite Things web page has another challenge and it monochromatic. I created a shaker card using shades of pink for the flowers, circles and sequins.  I added a pink stamped word banner with a glossy accent mini heart! # MFTcolorchallenge

I have been watching the teaching videos and posts about color combinations from My Favorite Things summer school tutorials.  A current challenge is using secondary colors on the color wheel- purples, oranges and greens.  I used a new squiggle flower set from Simon Says Stamp.  I stamped the flowers on watercolor paper and painted them with diluted inks and use the coordinating die cuts.  A final touch was a word banner.  Time to post it on the challenge web page!

I created a mini-shopping bag for the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Get In Shape! weekly challenge.  I used a Stampin’ Up flower stamp and flower punch that I colored  with inks that were diluted with water and painted inside each flower.  Two accent circles,  word banner and silver cording, glitter glue and white satin ribbon handles finish up the snazzy bag.   Time to put something special in the bag for a friend!

The weekly challenge from My Favorite Things  MFTWSC 236 features a circle and a rounded edge background paper.  I used a scallop embossed stamp, die cut circles and banner die cuts.  I added patterned paper, accent twine and a summer word banner. The contrasting paper finishes the layout.

This background used a technique that uses distress inks, water and a piece of clear plastic.  I inked the thank you stamp with permanent black ink on a trimmed piece of watercolor paper.  I spritzed the water color paper to moisten it.  Then I selected a few different shades of blue and green distress inks and rubber them on my craft sheet.  I used a brush to pick up colors.  Then I used the clear plastic sheet to pick up some more ink as accent colors. I touched the ink where I wanted it on the paper.  I made a final trim when it was dry and attached it to a coordinating color and tied a thin shiny cording with a bow.  The final touch was stick on gems and glitter glue for the lawnscaping.blogspot.com Sparkle and Shine No. 109 challenge.

Hero Arts has a three in a row Tic Tac Toe June card layout challenge.  I selected to design a card that used circles, background stamp and watercolors.  I used a Hero Arts script background stamp and watercolored the paper with Ranger distress inks.  The I added the dot flowers and watercolored the circles to .  A tied silver cording added the final touch.  Love the way the blues and greens blended together.

This patriotic card to celebrate July 4th uses punches to create the layered stars emblems.  A coordinating patterned background  paper completes the layout.  This layout pattern could be used with other colors  and repurposed for any occasion.

Stamp Camp for Stampin’ Up is now on summer vacation.  It was another great year with many new projects and techniques. I have been attending the same camp for about 15 years and also discovered another camp locally. I wanted to send a thank you to the two wonderful Stampin’ Up demonstrators.  I picked up this cute stamp set at a yard sale at Jan’s.  The mini sailboat and word banner were perfect. And of course I already had  coordinating paper.

 This starfish die cut from Impression Obsession was the perfect image to use inside of a shaker card.  I inked the white die cut paper with Ranger light brown dye ink and stamped the background with a under the sea image from Stampin Up.  I die cut a window and used fun foam for a backing.  Sequins and some colorful beads complete the frame.  A mini Happy Summer die cut banner finish the under the sea card.  Love it!