Sending Valentine cards for happy mail is one of my favorite  things to make and send.  I created these cards using Peerless water color sheets in shades of pink and purple.  A wash of water and then a splash of paint, moving the paper created the background.  The hearts were painted the same way and then die cut using My Favorite Things hearts.  I added textured embossing powder using Versamark ink.  The die cut hugs and and kisses word were from Simon Says stamps. A few Nuvo drops and a strip of Washi tape add a contrast.  I also created a spray accent with Pearl Ex powder and water. Adds a bit of sparkle.

Stamped butterfly images and watercoloring are the perfect match.  Stampendous stamps had a beautiful three piece set of butterflies and matching dies.  My challenge in preparing and completing this project was to watercolor the stamped images.  This was going to be a a February class at Scrapbook Cove and I wanted to teach the basics of using watercolors to beginners.  I bought a 8 paint pallete set from Dollar Tree to demonstrate that as a beginner there is no need to invest in an expensive set of paints.  It is about the technique of shading, blending and mixing colors.  I used a variety of techniques for each card and each image was embossed to accenutate the details in each image.

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.