SC209 Lucky Peek

This card was created for today's SCS sketch challenge and features the new stamp My Lucky Charm coming on January 9th to Treehouse Stamps. Look carefully at the clouds – they are 4 leaf clovers also! I'm lovin' these clouds!

I started with my usual Cut then Ink Technique. I brayered the sky in Soft Sky and then added a little Baja Breeze at the top. I sponged the grass in Kiwi Kiss (touching up the blades of grass with a blender pen). Then I stamped the clovers in Old Olive. Next I stamped the leprechaun in black and again on a scrap piece. I colored in the scap piece with my Copics and cut it out. I also masked and stamped the gold coins onto gold paper and cut that out too! I masked the pot of gold off so I had just the grass line available to stamp on the left side of the card. I stamped "Good Luck" in Old Olive and stamped the clouds lightly in Whisper White. I assembled all the parts and here we are. Ta Da!

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps My Lucky Charm
Paper: Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, gold metallic from Mike’s
Ink: Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Soft Sky, Baja Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: Copics, blender pen




Have you been wishing for just one place to go to find all the challenges for the day? Your wish has been answered with "The Daily Dare". We are working to get it updated as quickly as possible. In the meantime, please go visit The Daily Dare and add it to the list of blogs you frequent!


Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

I love my Copics!

The other day a friend was asking about Copics and what colors to blend together, etc. I said I'd send her a color chart with all my Copics and how I use them together. But before I mailed it off to her, I scanned it for ya (on my screen they are just slightly darker than IRL & you can click on them to make them bigger):







I'm really happy with browns, reds, oranges, grays. I need maybe just one color lighter in yellow and purple (don't use those often anyway). I don't think I could ever have enough green or blue! In many cases, I started with a SU color match and then found colors to blend from there.

To figure out what colors match SU colors, I went here.

To get the SU 08-09 In-Color matches, I went here (there was a similar thread on SCS for the 07-08 colors as well).

My most used colors are E00 (skin), E33 (animal fur and hair), B93 (denim jeans).

Don't forget, you can buy just a few Copics to start and blend with your Prismacolor pencils too. Here are those instructions.

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

FS99 & Back to Myself

Ah, it feels good to get all the Christmas events done and get back to my regular life! This card was created for today's Featured Stamper Challenge and also is the first card for the 2009 Christmas Card Challenge. Of course, I was just looking for an excuse to use some of my new Christmas goodies! (unfortunately my DH is gone with the camera and I had to borrow DD's so it isn't my best photography!)

I choose to case this card. I changed 1) the color scheme (adding red and blue), 2) the sketch, and 3) changed out the scene by leaving an opening in the trees to highlight the beautiful deer.

I stamped the trees first (wow, do these stamp out awesome! They are so detailed and beautiful!). Then I sponged in the sky (using a mask at the ground and going over the trees a bit at the top). I stamped the deer in black. Then I stamped a second deer on a scrap,colored him in, cut his body out (no antlers), and stuck him onto the scene. The red frame was cut using my new Cricut Storybook Cartridge. Finally, I stamped a sentiment at the bottom and added some white gel pen highlights to the antlers.

Stamps: Flourishes Forest of Trees, Flourishes Sleigh Ride
Paper: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red
Ink: Old Olive, Baja Blue
Accessories: Copics, white gel pen, Cricut Storybook

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Spoiled and I like it!

I tried to make myself stay away from the computer on Christmas (it was tough, but I did it). I hope your Christmas was as fabulous as mine!

First on Christmas eve, I received a fabulous package from my Treehouse Secret Santa, Deb. She did a fabulous job of detailing what I received on her blog so I'll just send you over there to see it (and some of her other work which is awesome!).

Then on Christmas day, my husband handed me my packages and said "I know I'm not going to see you for the next 2 months now but enjoy your gifts". This is why I love him so....He understands my craziness and even encourages me! Here's a pic of what I received (besides a home made gift card to be used at any of my favorite stamp stores - he NEVER stays in our agreed upon budget but I'm not complaining!). Didn't he do good! (Only bragging on my husband here....not "stuff" so please don't take this wrong!)


I didn't have time to stamp today but I did do something creative. I am "in charge" of cakes for our family. My niece's 4th birthday party is today so I made this cake at her request. I pulled the ideas for this cake from several different sites on the web. Just search for the name of this fairy + cakes and you'll see some amazing work!








Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

Gift Card Purses

I am fascinated with these templates that can be printed out and made into cute little boxes. I'm giving some gift cards this holiday so these are for the girls. I found the template here (although I had to enlarge it a bit). Simply print, cut, fold, and decorate!

Stamps: Punch Pals, Perfect Presentation, Verve Pointsettia Christmas
Paper: River Rock, SU DP, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Bazzill Green, gold from Mike’s, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Riding Hood Red,
Accessories: Copics, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, Marvy snowflake punch, gold glitter pen, brad from unknown source, snowflakes Embossing Folder, Virsamark pad, Clear embossing powder, Winter Wonderland embossing powder, circle punches, Velcro, ribbon from Mike’s and Pink Hedgehog

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Pink Penguin

I'm definately feeling better today. Even after watching my two nieces all day I had enough strength left to make a quick card.

DD still needed a Christmas card. She loves penguins and the colors pink and orange so I created this card and used Taylor's Cupcake Sketch #47. I've been wanting to do a pink winter card so this was my big chance.

This was also my first chance to use my new Angel Wings Shimmerz from my Secret Santa JenMarie (Thanks JenMarie!). Ooh, I love them and will be using them lots more! I haven't figured out how to photograph them yet but they are on the snowflakes, the ground under the penguin, and the clumps of snow on the penguin. I received this image from Blessingsx3 about a year ago (Thanks Janette!). Seems fitting that I use my Shimmerz on this image as Janette is the one who peaked my interest in Shimmerz in the first place!

Stamps: Whipper Snapper Ice Day Penguin, Merry & Bright, My Favorite Things Home for the Holidays
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, SU DP, Whisper White
Ink: Regal Rose, Whisper White
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils & babyoil, Angel Wings Shimmerz, white gel pen, icicle Stickles, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, misc snowflake punch, brad from unknown source, D’Vine Swirls Embossing Folder

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Last Minute Christmas Frenzy

Sorry I've been away. I thought I was getting better, over did it, and ended up worse. I've been to the Dr. and on meds now so I should be getting better.

Every year I check my Christmas card list to see how many I need. Every year I receive cards I wasn't expecting and end up being short. It happened again this year so I needed some cards...quick! I've created cards similar to this before (see here for details) so I new these would be quick. I created these 3 in 45 minutes or less (even when I was sick!).

I made 1/2 of my cards unique this year and did another simple mass produced card for the rest (which I apparently forgot to photograph!) I've signed up for a Christmas Card Challenge to make 5 cards a month for all of next year to help me prepare and prevent the frenzy for next year!

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Jolly Snowman
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Kraft, Bazzill, vellum
Ink: Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: Copics, White Prismacolor pencil, Martha Stewart snowflake punch

I'm watching my 6 month and 4 year old nieces all day tomorrow. I'm sure there will be no card making! I'll be back as soon as I can! While you are waiting, be sure to shop at Treehouse Stamps - you'll find a new selection of stamps (many brands), embellishments, and other goodies there!

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Field of Tulips

OOh, this card is so gorgeous in person. I wish you could see it! I created this for SCS Sketch Challenge #207 and was INSPIRED by the CCDEC1308 Color Challenge (I used a ton of green not in the challenge so I can only claim to be inspired by this challenge - Hope you don't mind Ashley!).

I'm finally feeling a little better but when I went to make this card, I felt like I was in an episode of the Three Stooges make a card! I kept loosing things and making dumb mistakes!

I cut the center square out of a piece of Whisper White Cardstock and then put it back in to place on an old sticky Cricut mat (Cut then Ink Technique). I stamped just the tulips in Virsamark and then my color before going to the paper. I used Riding Hood Red ink near the bottom, Cameo Coral in the middle, and Pirouette Pink at the top (following the rule that things are more vivid when close to you and softer as they move further away). I covered with detail embossing powder and heated.

Then I sponged Baja Blue at the top and moved downward with River Rock, Kiwi Kiss, and finally Old Olive. Wipe the ink of the embossed areas when you are done!

Next I stamped the stems in the same color ink as sponged in the area (darker in front and lighter as I moved up). At the very top, I only touched the paper very lightly. Finally, I cut those 4 little side pieces out for the sketch and inserted a layer of craft under them.

Be sure you checkout Treehouse Stamps today, as they are now showing video tutorials on Thursdays! And be sure to check out all the fabulous new items they are adding to the store too!

***PLACE AN ORDER BETWEEN DECEMBER 10TH AND JANUARY 1ST TO BE ENTERED
TO WIN A $30.00 TREEHOUSE GIFT CERTIFICATE! ***

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Single Tulip
Paper: Whisper White, Kraft
Ink: Baja Breeze, River Rock, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Cameo Coral, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: detail embossing powder, Virsamark, heat gun

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Painted Soaps

I'm in a swap where I have to send a home made gift. I often like to send stampers something I have painted (figuring they could have stamped it themselves). So, here's one of my favorite gifts to paint: soaps.

I simply buy cheap square flat soaps (cheaper has less perfumes and gunk in it so the paint will stick better). I wipe the soaps off with rubbing alcohol. I spray a coat of sealer on the soap (gives the paint something to hang onto). Next I paint my design with acrylic paints and let it dry. Finally, I put about 10 coats of gloss laquer on top of the soap. You can actually use these soaps as they will lather from the bottom and the laquered painting will stay on thru many, many washings.

I've been experimenting with stamping on soaps (used paint instead of ink, used tissue paper, stamped ink right onto soaps, etc.) but I haven't found a technique that is as beautiful as these (yet!).

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

15th Christmas Ornie & Ug, I'm sick

Ug, I'm sick. I have NO energy. Good thing I've finished a few things I haven't shown you yet.

This is the 15th year I have made Christmas ornaments for my family and friends. I make about 35 of the same ornie each year, shew! This year's ornament is on a base of angel shaped wood (bought this years ago and forced myself to use it this year....can't remember where I bought it tho). I painted the wood front and back with several coats of dark purple acrylic paint. Next I stamped this holy city with my virsamark pad (I made a "jig" by tracing the shape of the angel and the correct placement of the stamp block onto a piece of paper so I would know where to place the stamp each time without thinking). I embossed with gold embossing powder. I painted the buildings black with acrylic paint and added a little white highlight of acrylic paint on the right sides. (if you get some paint on the embossing, you can just let it dry a minute and wipe it off with a paper towel. Hit the area with the heat gun for a sec to restore the shine of the embossing) Next I painted a gold acrylic paint line around the top of the buildings and smeared it into the sky with my finger to make the city glow. To finish, I added the ribbon hanger and bow.

Stamps: City of David
Ink: Virsamark
Accessories: Acrylic paint, gold embossing powder, heat gun, ribbon from Pink Hedgehog

Enjoy!
Michelle

FS97 Swan, Secret Santa & Treehouse News

I so enjoyed looking at the Featured Stamper Gallery for today. Here's my card which was inspired by this one. I changed 1) the color scheme 2) the sketch and 3) the main image is similar but not exact and went a little more elegant and less whimsical. This beautiful swan was received thru WRAK (there were two swans but I cut one out!).


Stamps: Swans from PSX, Essence of Love
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Soft Sky, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Black
Accessories: Copics, glitter pen, white gel pen, shape templates from Mel

And now onto some more fun. Last night was the secret santa gift opening party for the Chat Box Chicks over on SCS. My secret santa was the super sweet and talented JenMarie. When I opened my package, I immediately saw these awesome boxes. I almost didn't want to open them! Inside were lots of goodies I've been hoping for. Thanks so much JenMarie!





Oh, and be sure you go checkout Treehouse Stamps! They are adding tons of goodies (additional stamp lines, punches, nesties, etc!) to their store and are accepting pre-orders NOW!

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

IC158 Tulip

2nd post today...be sure to read down.

I totally love contemporary art such as those made by today’s inspiration artist. However, I find it tough for me to pull off. Here’s my attempt which was inspired by this piece. I also used today’s Sketch For You To Try.

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”



***PLACE AN ORDER BETWEEN DECEMBER 10TH AND JANUARY 1ST TO BE ENTERED
TO WIN A $30.00 TREEHOUSE GIFT CERTIFICATE!***

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Single Tulip, Sanded background
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Bazzill Black, Very Vanilla
Ink: Basic Black, Riding Hood Read
Accessories: Clear embossing powder, heat gun, Virsamark pad, Spots & Dots embossing folder, Distressed Stripes embossing folder

TECC46 Owl Love

I made this card using Taylor's Sketch #46 to give to my DH for Christmas. These cute little owls are from the Owlentine set just released from Treehouse Stamps ! The background was made using the snow and tree stamps from the Jolly Snowman set also from Treehouse Stamps .

I wanted to "winterize" the owls just a bit more and I needed their branch to be a wee bit longer so I masked off the leaves on the stamp with tape before I inked the stamp. After stamping the image, I extended the branches with a fine black marker and drew in a couple of clumps of snow. I colored the owls my usual way with Copics and Prismacolor pencils and cut them out.

Now I started out intending to use some DP in the background but this card kind of evolved. I would recommend my usual Cut then Ink technique but due to my lack of planning I relied on the old Stamp-a-majig to get those trees somewhat lined up across the main layer and the background layer. I did cut the horizontal line and the little corner piece AFTER I had inked so I wasn't too far off of my usual plan. The base of the trees were sponged to give the illusion of some ground under them.

***PLACE AN ORDER BETWEEN DECEMBER 10TH AND JANUARY 1ST TO BE ENTERED
TO WIN A $30.00 TREEHOUSE GIFT CERTIFICATE! ***

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Owlentine, Treehouse Stamps Jolly Snowman
Paper: Real Red, Very Vanilla
Ink: River Rock
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils & baby oil, fine black marker, Stamp-a-majig, decorative scissors

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Lily Graduates & a New Banner

So I looked up yesterday morning and said "Hey, what are those spring flowers doing up there still?" I had 20 minutes til carpool so I rushed and painted this little scene you see here in 15 minutes including prep and cleanup! Took me longer to get it sized right and loaded on this blog later! Ha! Hope you like!

Now on to the card. A family member is graduating from college soon so I made this card for her inspired by her college's colors. I've done this crowd and stage thing before here and I loved it! So, here we go again!

The "stage" Lily is walking across was masked with sticky notes and first sponged with Creamy Caramel. Then I ran another row of sticky notes further down and sponged with Close to Cocoa. This makes the stage look like it has an area for Lily to walk on and a front (don't fall off Lily!)

For the "crowd" behind Lily, I colored some ovals with my Copics and then colored over them again with my Virsamark pen. Added clear embossing powder and a heat gun and I was ready to sponge Blue Bayou over the entire area. I don't try to be too neat here as I like the little white specks to add interest and texture to the "crowd".

Lily's tassle was made with embroidery thread I borrowed from my daughter's stash, shhhh! The shape of my main image was a template I picked up here. Lily was a PIF from NurseChrissy (Thanks Chrissy!). I colored Lily my usual way with Copics and Prismacolor pencils.

Stamps: Pink Cat Studio Dress Up Lily, Pink Cat Studio Lily & Billy Accessories
Paper: Burgundy from Mike’s, yellow from Bazzill, Whisper White
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel, Blue Bayou
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils & baby oil, ribbon from unknown source, Virsamark pen, Clear embossing powder and heat gun

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Billy's Makin' a List...

He's checking it twice.... But Billy has been nice so he's making a list of what he wants for Christmas. This was inspired by our annual trip to the toy store so my kids can make their official Christmas lists.

I colored Billy my usual way with Copics and Prismacolor pencils and cut him out. The "TOYS" sign was computer generated. The snow, footprints, and list were hand drawn in. Instructions for this easy & fun brick wall can be found here. Wished I'd have put smaller toys behind Billy's head. Maybe next time!

Stamps: Pink Cat Studio Dress Up Billy, Pink Cat Studio Lily & Billy Accessories
Paper: Real Read, Basic Black, GP110 and a dark grey from Mike’s.
Ink: Brilliance Black
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils & baby oil, glitter pen, fine black marker, word window punch

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

I'm honored! & I've refilled a Copic

First some exciting news....I was honored to be chosen as a Featured Stamper over on the Flourishes blog today. Here is the complete article. How fun to win something unexpectedly like this!

Second, I can now say I have refilled a Copic marker with great success. (E33 in case you are wondering which one went first!). I was really nervous because I'm SOOO messy. I just followed the instructions from the side bar on the I Like Markers blog and it was a breeze.

I've got some things almost done so I'll be back to show you more later.

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

Snowman Silhouette

The OCCC challenge for this week (a sketch) and today's Featured Stamper challenge are the inspirations for this piece.

Here is the Featured Stamper Piece that inspired me. I have changed the following things:
1) Changed from flowery to Christmas-y theme
2) Changed sketch
3) Changed blues from 07-08 In Colors to 08-09 In Colors

I used the Easy Sunset Technique to brayer this sky.

Stamps: Merry & Bright, Autumn Leaves Swirls V I
Paper: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Soft Sky
Accessories: Black Copic, White gel pen, Snowflakes Emossing Folder, Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch, Glitter Pen, Brad and ribbon Unknown sources

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Gift Boxes & Card

This is post #2 today so be sure to read down.

Oh my gosh, I think I'm hooked! These little boxes were so fun. The tall box instructions are here and the small box instructions are here. The overall design was based on today's Ways to Use It challenge.

Stamps: Snowfall, Merry & Bright
Paper: River Rock
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive
Accessories: Clear embossing powder, Virsamark, Heat Gun

The card is for a friend and I picked this frog image because I love the coordinating sentiment "Hanging with you is cool" (which is on the inside). As I was figuring out my layout, I thought the red boxed areas looked like a present and so I added a paper bow on top. The bow is just strips of paper folded (but not creased). I also punched out a circle and cut off the top and bottom for the center of the bow. Not being able to leave things alone, I added a darker red copic marker line on the left of all the bow pieces and white gel pen on the right. It's kinda funky but I think I like it! PS: The frog with the Santa hat is me!

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Hoppy Kisses, Treehouse Stamps Sledding Fun, Treehouse Stamps Jolly Snowman
Paper: Bazzill Leapfrog, Bazzill Red, SU DP, Very Vanilla
Ink: River Rock
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils & baby oil, White gel pen

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

I'll have mine with BLING!

This was created for High Hopes Challenge #10 to use metal. These little ribbon sliders are something I hoard but I forced myself to use one! My niece will be 4 in a few days and she is mesmerized by anything that sparkles so I tried to add as much bling as I reasonable could (prolly should have just dipped the whole thing in glitter!). I even added the glitter pen to the DP so it sparkled. Of course, her gift will be a box of craft supplies.....only things that sparkle!

This is how I color.

This is how I made the clouds.

Stamps: High Hopes Fairy Princess
Paper: Regal Rose, Baja Breeze, DP from Archivers (don’t know the MFG)
Ink: Whisper White
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils & baby oil, heat & stick powder, dazzling diamonds, clear glitter pen, gold glitter pen, SU ribbon slider, ribbon from Mike’s

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Santa's Sparkly City

It was one of those days where I left the house at 7 am and returned home at 9 pm. Ug. So, I went a little crazy with the embossing powder creating this card for sketch challenge SC205! You may need to click on it to get the full effect.

I then ran the edges of the pieces over the Virsamark pad and then dipped into the embossing powder. More? You bet! Then I just poured embossing powder over all the Blue Bayou pieces and heated it up. I brushed off any excess with a paper towel. It just made a very light sparkly coating. I also colored with the glitter pen onto my finger and rubbed it onto the moon. Hurting your eyes yet?

Stamps: My Favorite Things Going Places, A Muse Santa’s Silhouette
Paper: Basic Black, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: Copics, Silver embossing powder and heat gun, white gel pen, glitter pen

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Day 6 - It's a Wild Life for Foxy

Woo Hoo! Treehouse Stamps is sponsoring Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas on PaperCraftPlanet. The theme for day 6 is six geese a laying (geese, hunting, wildlife). Here's my sample featuring 2 of my favorite Treehouse Stamps Sets. I hope you'll play along! This sketch is also from PaperCraftPlanet's sketch challenge from 11/29/08.

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Jolly Snowman, Treehouse Stamps Sledding Fun
Paper: River Rock, Real Red, SU DP, Very Vanilla
Ink: River Rock, Real Red
Accessories: Copics, glitter pen, Marvy snowflake punch

And don't forget.....

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

CC195 Cafe

This was created for color challenge 195 using Basic Black, Vanilla, and Sand (I had to substitute River Rock). I usually struggle with color challenges but...immediately I was reminded of a little restaurant not too far from our house that looks very similar to this. The bricks are hand drawn.

Stamps: Flourishes Summer on the Patio
Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, River Rock
Ink: Versafine
Accessories: Copics, Word Window Punch, Score-Pal




Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Trifecta Snowman

Take it easy on me this week...I was up til 2:30 am working on cards and Christmas ornies and had to be AT work at 7. Ug. Unfortunately, I had nothing but trouble and didn't even really like half of what I made. I did LOVE this card and this sketch. I've got another idea brewing for this sketch. Thanks also to Turtlescrapper (Jaclyn) for this fab image!

Wowza – I was able to complete 3 challenges with one card:

OCCC challenge to use snowmen or snowflakes
Mytimess13 sketch challenge
FS95 Featured Stamper

For the Featured Stamper challenge I cased this card.
I changed the sketch, the embellishments, and the main image is similar but not exact.

Stamps: Whipper Snapper Hot Cocoa Snowman, Treehouse Stamps Jolly Snowman
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, SU DP in Riding Hood Red, GP 110
Ink: Whisper White
Accessories: Copics, Marvy snowflake punch, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, glitter pen, SU ribbon

OH, and in case you haven't heard....Treehouse Stamps is having a 10% off sale til the end of the year! Be sure to check out their new items like DP and glitter, oh my!

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”