I did it!

I completed all 9 of Taylor's Cupcake Challenge Sketches before the deadline! Woo Hoo! This was a big challenge for me because I spend so much time on each card. In order to make the deadline, I had to scale back on some of the designs so they aren't all my usual style but perhaps I'm just showing my versatility, eh? So, I'm going to show you FIVE cards today. In order to be brief, I'll just tell you the supplies used. If anyone has any specific questions about a card, I'll post more details.

Before we begin, I have one item of business. Treehouse Stamps is without power due to a winter storm. If you have placed any orders recently or sent any questions in, they will get back to you ASAP. If you need anything right away, just let me know and I'll get you in contact with someone.

OK, here we go with the cards you haven't seen yet.....


Card # 1 (ok, a story on just this one....)
My sister and I share a love of Asian art so this is going to her for her birthday next week. I jotted this idea in my sketch book last week after watching The Incredibles. There is a scene showing the house of the lady who makes the super hero costumes and she has a wall with a branchy plant similar to this. I used Cupcake Sketch TECC52DB.

Stamps: Whipper Snapper Asian Inspiration (Thanks Alison!), Papertrey Ink Guide Lines, Hanna Stamps Things Hanna Would Say,
Paper: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Basic Grey, Going Grey,
Ink: Versamark, Whisper White
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, Angel Wings Shimmerz (on flowers), Glossy Accents (on vase)


Card #2


Sketch: TECC52JP
Stamps: Sugar Nellie Daisy (Thanks Laura!), Short & Sweet
Paper: Soft Sky, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, GP 110
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, Cricut George, SU Ribbon, Brads from Pink Hedgehog, Spots and Dots Embossing Folder, Cosmo Cricket DP from Treehouse Stamps
Card #3

Sketch: TECC52SS

Stamps: The Greeting Farm Mermaid Anya (Thanks Tammy!) You can get this at Treehouse Stamps
Paper: Pixie Pink, Pink Passion, Whisper White, GP 110
Ink: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, Cricut George, D’Vine Swirls Embossing Folder, Angel Wingz Shimmerz (on her fin and pearls)

Card #4


Sketch: TECC52VC
Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Single Tulip & Sledding Fun (sentiment)
Paper: Basic Black, Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac
Ink: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White, Going Grey, Versafine Black
Accessories: Cricut Storybook, slit punch, ¼” circle punch, Copics, white Prismacolor pencil (I made "faux" brads with circle punches and a W1 copic on the left side and a swoosh of white Prismacolor pencil on the right side)

Card #5


Sketch: TECC52MD
Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Jolly Snowman
Paper: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Gold from Mike’s
Ink: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Garden Green
Accessories: Gold glitter pen, Cricut George & Storybook cartridges, ribbon from Pink Hedgehog

Anybody know how to make the font smaller in blogger?

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

Me and the Mushrooms Again!

What is with me and the mushrooms? I didn't even know I liked them?!?! Thanks to my friend Tammy for these images!

Anyway, here's a card for sketch challenge SC213. I intend to use this as a birthday card and write "have a wonderful birthday" inside.

First I cut that rectangle out of the center but left it in position (cut then ink technique). I stamped the tree and masked it off. Then I used torn paper masks to mark off the areas while I sponged the grass, tree, and sky. You know I have been using the same torn pieces of paper for months! It's kinda my lucky piece now! HA! I then stamped the leaves in the tree and grass onto the ground (looks like I should have gave the green a minute to dry before I stamped on it again....they kinda melted together. When all the background was done, I cut out the slice at the top and bottom. I then adhered all the pieces to my card base. Alice and my beloved mushrooms were colored my usual way, cut out, and glued into position.

Stamps: The Greeting Farm Wonderland, Kittie Kits Cause a Scene Out Door Master
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Wild Wasabi, Soft Sky, Cool Caribbean
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, ribbon from Pink Hedgehog


Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

Santa's Vacation

This was created for Cupcake Challenge TECC52TV. I'm trying to do all 9 challenges this week which will be a real stretch for me so I'm going to be brief.

I cut the oval first, stamped the image, colored the image with Copics, and embossed it using my Virsamark pen and clear detail embossing powder. I cut an island shape from a scrap of paper and sponged the island in River Rock (letting it fade into the water area). Next I sponged the sunset from Summer Sun to Pirouette Pink to Soft Sky and then filled the remainder of the sky and ocean with Baja Blue (let it go up into the River Rock area a bit to give the appearance of shallow water). Use post its to mask the horizon line (notice it is higher up than the waterline of the "beach" so it looks like its behind) and sponge Pacific Point. Add some white gel pen highlights to the "beach" for waves. Assemble and Ta Da! Only took me about 45 minutes which is near record time for me!

Stamps: The Cat’s Pajamas Deck the Hall
Paper: Real Red, Whisper Whisper White
Ink: Soft Sky, Baja Blue, Pirouette Pink, Summer Sun, Pacific Point, River Rock
Accessories: Virsamark pen, clear detail embossing powder, heat gun, Cricut George & Storybook cartridges, white gel pen

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Twofer today

So the other day I moved my light box 2 feet down the counter. I haven't had a good pic since. Now there is no window in this area of the basement so it can't be that. I just think I messed up my photo kharma! Bare with me while I get it straightened out again!

When I saw that Vicky Gould was the featured stamper today, I just knew I had to use some Treehouse Stamps for the occasion as that is where I first heard of Vicky. I chose to case this card. The three things I changed are:

1) the sketch (and I used the sketch from Cupcake Challenge TECC52JS)
2) the color scheme - inserting red and blue and removing brown and the coral/rose color
3) the arrangement of the stamps - placing one tree in front of the fence

This card also counts as my last card for this month's Christmas card challenge to create 5. Shew! All I can really say about this card is EMBOSS RESIST!

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Jolly Snowman
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Sky, Baja Blue, Whisper White, Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Chcolate Chip
Accessories: Virsamark pad, clear detail embossing powder, heat gun, Cricut George cartridge




And my second card was made for my coffee-luvin SIL's bday. I used the sketch from Cupcake Challenge TECC52AW. The main image was a PIF last year from SF9ERFAN (Thanks Michelle!). Again, I used emboss resist for this creation. I didn't have a spoon stamp (who knew I needed one?) so again, I just drew in what I needed and added her initial. The ribbon looks coffee colored and was saved from some gift wrapping. I love the light spot in the middle of the sponging to accent the "steam".

Stamps: Impression Obsession Expresso, My Favorite Things Boundles of Bouquets
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: Virsamark pen, clear detail embossing powder, heat gun, dew drops from unknown source, recycled ribbon, fine black marker, Copics, white prismacolor penciel



When I was putting these dew drops on, I remembered this cool tool I used to use when I had to glue hundreds of rhinestones on DD's dance costumes (thank goodness we pay for that now!). That brown area is sticky and you can just place it straight down on your dew drop or rhinestone and it will pick it up. Then you can place it right down onto your piece (you'll need glue on your piece first if you are not working with self adhesive embellishments). It's nice because your hand doesn't get in the way!

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

Amanda's Birthday Room

Our friend’s daughter is turning 13 today so I made her this card. A teenager’s favorite place is there room so here I am.

I started with Clickabella which was a PIF from StampinScrapNewbie (Thanks Kim!). Now since I don’t actually own this stamp but I wanted color behind her, I used the emboss resist technique (last Saturday’s OCCC Challenge) to protect her from the pink I put on the “walls”. I then did some major modifications to Feelabella (masked off the tissue box when I stamped, drew the flowers back in on the bedspread and then added a pillow to cover up some more of her). I used this week’s Twinkling Tuesday Sketch. The tile floor is hand drawn (and I have a copy ready to turn into a digital image so you'll be seeing this floor again!).

Stamps: Stamping Bella Clickabella, Stamping Bella Feelabella, Hanna Stamps Things Hanna Would SaySweet Sentiments
Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White, Bazzill, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, SU Ribbon, Virsamark pen, clear detail embossing powder, heat gun, fine black marker

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Cupcake Challenge Anniversary!!!!

Wooo Hoooo! Taylor is celebrating the one year anniversary of the Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge!

Each of the Cupcake Sketch Samplers has designed their own sketch to celebrate. As a Featured Cupcake Sampler, I was asked to feature Stephanie Hargis' sketch challenge. Hope you don't mind, I turned it upside down here. You can check out the sketch on her blog and find out about the prize you can win by participating! To get your creative juices flowing, here are some other Featured Cupcake Sampler's and their take on this sketch:


Cindy Lawrence
Sarah Anderson


Don't forget to check out Taylor's blog, the anniversary celebration headquarters, for all of the sketch challenges as well as an awesome grand prize for one random winner who participates in ALL 9 sketch challenges! We hope you'll help us celebrate this yummy occasion!

Now, how did I make that rain? I didn't have a rain stamp but I just had to have rain on this card. I get some of my best ideas when I'm desperate! Ha! So, I turned my card upside down and angled it a bit (so the corner with the "sun" was point at my right hip). I dipped my blender pen in Whisper White and touched it to the paper and held it there for a sec and then "flicked" it up towards me. No arm movement - just a "flick of the wrist". Finally, I painted a little Angel Wing Shimmerz on the rain drops and also on the pond.

Make sure you click on this pic to enlarge and really get the full effect. (And I just have to say that I could NOT get a good pic of this card no matter what I tried! You'll just have to trust me that it is much better IRL!)


Here are the instructions to sponge the clouds using a mask. I colored the images my usual way.

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Stamps: Taylored Expressions A Year of Sweets 1, Taylored Expressions A Year of Sweet Sentiments
Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White, Bazzill
Ink: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, So Safron
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, scallop circle punch, circle punch, ribbon from Pink Hedgehog, Angel Wings Shimmerz, Blender pen

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

I Love Purple...

So how come I never use it when I’m making cards? So I decided to use purple for today’s sketch challenge on SCS. I had to do the sketch in mirror image to make it work out for this image. Hope you don’t mind!

This image is a PIF from Sammysue1975. Thank you Laura!

Oh, and before I forget: Yes! The cool black frame I used on my DH's valentines card was cut from the Cricut Storybook Cartridge. I think it's called Marquee4?

I used my Cut then Ink Technique to get my layers to line up. There is a lot going on here so I kept this background simple and just sponged sky, clouds, and grass. I colored this image my usual way. Assembled and I'm done.

Stamps: Sugar Nellie Post Box
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Sky, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, Cricut George, Circle Punch

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Valentine for DH

I made this for DH for valentines day. I finished it late last night and I think I just stared at it for 30 minutes...I really like it! I used this week's MFT sketch challenge and WUW monochromatic challenges. I am also submitting this a challenge to create something about love challenge that is hosted by one of my BFF's, Joy (aka Daisyfreak) for some Shortcuts blog candy. Thanks also to Tammy for sharing these images with me!

I have been looking for ways to reduce the amount of time I spend on one card because I have a whole notebook full of ideas that I don't have time to carry out and its driving me crazy! I have drawn these wood plank floors a couple of times (they are angled and narrow at the back and wider at the front to add some depth!) so I had an idea.....I drew it out on a piece of white paper in a size and shape that would be versatile enough to use on most cards. I scanned it into my computer, and then all I have to do is print it on brown cardstock, add a little shading, and its done. I guess you could say this is the first digital stamp I have created (and I have plans for several more!).

Stamps: My Favorite Things Maid for You
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Creamy Caramel, SU DP
Ink: Regal Rose
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, Cricut Storybook and Doodlecharms, Word Window Punch

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Embossed Crystal

Shew, finally warm enough to go to my basement and stamp! I've spent the last few days in front of the fire coloring.

This was created for multiple challenges:

* High Hopes challenge # 13 to use dry embossing
* Sketch from SFYTT
* My ongoing Christmas Card Challenge

This card represents one of my favorite ways to use dry embossing. I like to emboss just the upper portion of the scene with snowflakes and then run a sponge with Whisper White ink over the embossing to make it "pop". Remember, I cut that center panel out first and then put it back into place when I embossed so that my embossing would all line up.

Don't forget to check out the Daily Dare if you are looking for some challenges!

Stamps: High Hopes Crystal Snow Lady, Merry & Bright
Paper: Real Red, Baja Blue
Ink: Whisper White,
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, glitter pen, word window punch, scallop circle punch

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

Another Fairy & Mushroom Card

As you can see, I'm stuck on fairies and mushrooms right now. Don't you love the sentiment on this one? Makes me want to say something like "Just doing a little dusting when I really want to STAMP!". Ha! I used the sketch from this week's MOJO Monday.

I thought this would be a quick card since there was no coloring but guess again. Took me a couple of tries to get the wings right. I've been working on this since Tuesday! I finally had to say enough! The first time I stamped the wings, I did them in black. But then it hid her ponytail and arm. Of course, I did this ON the project instead of testing on a scrap so I had to start over. I finally ended up stamping the wings in Going Grey (after stamping lightly on a scrap). Then I colored all of the wing area with my glitter pen. I like this effect. I also had trouble with the ground - did this in black the first time too and didn't like it. Going Grey looked a lot better.

Nuts! Just realized I forgot to put some white highlights on this like I usually do to silhouettes but I have already called "TIME" on this one. Maybe next time.

Stamps: H & M Stamps Fairy Tale
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Pirouette Pink, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Going Grey, Black
Accessories: Glitter Pen, Cricut George

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Will He Float?

For today's sketch challenge on SCS, I decided to take my favorite Foxy from Treehouse Stamps and throw him in the water and see if he'd float. You see, he's supposed to be a winter sledding Foxy but I didn't want to put him up for the summer. I think he's having fun in the water!

I'm typing this at 1:30 am so bear with me.....I sponged the water on Soft Sky cardstock and highlighted with a white gel pen and a glitter pen and smeared it with my finger. All other things were done my usual ways.

Oh,and did you hear, I won "Best of Show - Masking" (see post #95) over at My Favorite Things! Yippee!

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Sledding Fun
Paper: Real Red, Soft Sky
Ink: Whisper White, Blue Bayou
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and goo gone, white gel pen, glitter pen, Cricut George and Storybook

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Which Girl Are You?

So I've had this idea in my head a while and then I saw the Cindy's MFT Sketch #63 and thought it would be perfect (but I had to turn it upside down). While I was trying to find some time to get to it, the MFT Who's That Girl Monday Challenge to use Stripes was published....lucky me as I was already planning to use this DP!

I'm really happy with my coloring on this one - all Copics except a touch of white Prismacolor pencil. My favorite area is the arm of the chair and the pink "sky" outside.

Stamps: My Favorite Things Baby It’s Cold Outside, How Sweet It Is and Going Places (sentiment)
Paper: Pirouette Pink, Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey DP
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Copics, white Prismacolor pencil, fine black marker, white gel pen, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Nestabilities

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

PS: I'm DEFINATELY the girl inside with her feet up eating chocolate!

Fairy-ly Nice

I sent this in to Pink Cat Studio's Lily the Fairy Contest. From the start, I had a vision (stubborn) of Lily being a garden fairy (thus the flowers and vines) standing on a mushroom with fairy dust coming from her wand and being sprinkled throughout the garden. I struggled a bit to get this card finished but I refused to change course (stubborn). I didn't have a mushroom stamp (it's in the mail, ha!) so I just drew the mushroom myself (man, I'm stubborn, aren't I?)

Did all my usual techniques here. I don't think this shows my BEST coloring but I'm experimenting with colors I don't normally use like orange.

Whenever I use these flowers, I only put glue in the center so the petals will be loose and uneven giving more texture to the card. I often fold the petals up a bit with my fingers or even put tiny cuts in between petals so I can bend them even more.

Stamps: Lily the Fairy digi stamp, Autumn Leaves Swirls VI, One of a Kind
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Only Orange, Bazzill
Ink: Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Pumpkin, Summer Sun, Pixie Pink
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and Goo Gone, Boho Blossoms Punch, Angel Wings Shimmerz, Dazzling Diamonds, Quickie Glue pen, Cricut George

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

2 more today

Today I'll share those other two cards I made yesterday (and I event started a 5th last night!). But first, I wanted to thank my friend Lisa for this award! Hi Lisa{{waving}}!








The first card I'll share is for the My Favorite Things Ambassador Challenge # 1 to Bling It Out! I rewarded my recent watercolor success with the purchase of some Pearlescent watercolors. I covered this entire scene in them. That's a lot of sparkle for a $7 purchase! I also added the new rhinestones I won from LimeLight to her hand, the dogs collar, and a couple below the scene. The leash is some sparkley cording from Mike's. And don't forget the glitter pen bracelet!

This card will be donated to Dallas Baptist University for the card drive and FABULOUS blog candy Jen at I{heart}2Stamp is offering...I mean this is BIG!!! Check it out!


Stamps: My Favorite Things Gone to the Dogs, My Favorite Things Bundles of Bouquets
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Watercolor
Ink: Too many to list!
Accessories: Blender pen, Aqua painter, Pearlescent watercolors, rhinestones, cord from Mike's, glitter pen, Cricut Storybook






My second card is for the Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge - a sketch challenge. I was inspired by a Christmas Card my MIL received for that looked a lot like this. This was a pretty simple card for me: stamped the branches, embossed the ornies, assemble.

Stamps: Flourishes All That Glitters, Flourishes Sleigh Ride, Stampendous Hey There Cupcake
Paper: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Whisper White, Gold from Mike's
Ink: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Gold embossing powder, Copics, Liquid Pearls, Cricut George, gold cording from Mike's

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Foxy in Blue - #2 for today so be sure to scroll down!

I've made 4 cards so far today (I'll save the other 2 for tomorrow). Can ya tell my whole family has been gone all day!?!?

This was created for multiple challenges:

1. Today's SCS inspiration challenge - inspired by this piece.
2. Today's OCCC challenge to use 2 shades of blue and one neutral. For me this was Pacific Point and Baja Breeze with brown as my neutral.
3. This counts for #3 of 5 for my January Christmas Card Challenge.

This cute guy is from Treehouse Stamps. Be sure to hop over there and check out this weekend's new releases, sale items, and all the new goodies they now carry!

I embossed the snowflakes on the top portion of the card to keep them nice and white when I applied those blue inks with my sponges!

Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Sledding Fun, Short & Sweet
Paper: Whisper White, Pacific Point
Ink: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Copics, Prismacolor pencils and Goo Gone, Cricut Storybook, Glitter Pen

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

All in 1 Layer

ETA: This card won Best of Show - Masking. You can find the announcement here.

Or maybe I should have called this Mask-o-mania?!?!?

This was created for the My Favorite Things February Guest Designer challenge to make a one layer card. I've done this style before but never with so much detail inside. Good thing I bought that Eclipse masking tape the other day!!!

So, I cut out the shape using my Cricut Storybook cartridge and that served as my masked (I used the outside of the cut, not the inside). I stamped and masked the images using Eclipse tape. I sponged the Soft Sky and Old Olive areas and used a torn piece of paper to mask between them. Finally, I removed all the masking and colored in the images with my Copics and added a bit of white Prismacolor pencil for highlights. A little Angel Wings Shimmerz on the butterfly and here we are!

Stamps: My Favorite Things Can Ya Dig It?, My Favorite Things Bundles of Bouquets
Paper: Whisper White
Ink: Soft Sky, Old Olive
Accessories: Copics, white prismacolor pencils, Angel Wings Shimmerz, Cricut Storybook, Eclipse tape, Ribbon from Pink Hedgehog

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

MOJO68 Choco Pink Winter

Seems that everything was in alignment here: great inspiration, great sketch, great stamps! This ranks as one of my most favorite cards evah.

For inspiration I recently found this card and I totally loved the elements in the background and had to have them (tired of trees in every background).

Then the MOJO68 sketch came along and it made me think of this little scene and the rest is history.

The wall in the front was hand drawn on Creamy Caramel cardstock to coordinate with the bridge in the background. I then accented the wall with Prismacolor pencils and Goo Gone (still liking this better than baby oil). The bridge and lightpost were stamped and then masked with my new Eclipse tape (like a giant post it note than can be used over and over!). I hesitated in getting this because it was expensive but I'm lovin it so far! The sky was sponged in two shades of pink and white snowflakes were stamped around. I then colored the bridge and light post my usual way. Finally added some glitter pen on the snow before assembling the parts.

This is how I color. This is how I get my layers to line up (Cut then Ink Technique).

Stamps: CC Designs Gingersnaps Snow Bunnies, CC Designs Sugarplums Olivia’s Birdies, H and M Stamps Old English Accessories, Short & Sweet (there are snowflakes in the pink sky)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Whisper White
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Accessories: Copics, prismacolor pencils and Goo Gone, Marvy snowflake punch, glitter pen, fine black marker, Cricut George cartridge, Eclipse tape

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

SC210 Danny Dives

Just having some fun with today's sketch challenge. Actually I was up late last night (doing an amazing card I'll show you tomorrow) and it rolled into today, the sketch challenge, was posted, and I just kept on inking!

I colored these images my usual way with Copics and Prismacolor pencils (except I'm experimenting with Goo Gone instead of baby oil and its working great!). I used my usual Cut then Ink Technique. I masked off the sand and sponged Brilliant Blue at the bottom, then Tempting Turquoise, then Cool Caribbean. Be sure to use lots of ink and blend in circles to get this appearance. The sand was sponged in River Rock. I drew in the ocean floor. Assembled, thought it needed something more so I added some bubbles with a gel pen and some Shimmerz on the fish. Ta da!

Stamps: High Hopes Diver Dan, Findley, and Coral One
Paper: Green Galore
Ink: River Rock, Brilliant Blue, Tempting Turquoise, Cool Caribbean
Accessories: Copics, prismacolor pencils and goo gone, Shimmerz (on fish), white gel pen

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

HHC2 My First Watercolor!!!

A couple of months ago, I wanted to participate in some My Favorite Things challenges and one of them was to watercolor. I have tried several times and failed each time. I was so disappointed. I vowed I’d figure it out eventually (aka stubborn!).

Recently AmyW revealed her watercolor secrets (you can find them here) and her technique worked for me! Thanks Amy!!!!!! The big key for me here was to use the blender pen instead of an aqua pen. I just had too much water before and it made everything blotchy. I still have some work to do in learning what colors to use together for shading, etc. but I have hope (and I rewarded myself for this accomplishment with the purchase of some Pearlescent Watercolors to make my next attempt even better!)

I used tearing for this weeks High Hopes Challenge #12 ....got a little carried away here I think!

Stamps: High Hopes Gavin’ the Givin’ Dragon, High Hopes Rock Wall
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Cosmo Cricket DP available at Treehouse Stamps, watercolor paper from Mike’s
Ink: Too many!!!!
Accessories: blender pen, SU ribbon

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

FS100 & OCCC Angel Sneaky Peek

I created this for today's Featured Stamper. I choose this card to case as I was fascinated by the glitter used on something similar to kraft paper - not something I'd usually do. The three things I changed are:

1. Kept the angel theme but changed the main image to a new stamp coming from Treehouse Stamps on January 9th called Angel Wings.
2. Changed the sketch to this week's OCCC challenge sketch. Can you believe how the heart on this stamp fit perfectly onto this sketch!
3. I made my own cloud background with glitter. You can find the instructions here.



Stamps: Treehouse Stamps Angel Wings coming January 9
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Basic Grey Two Scoops DP, Bazzill Sweetheart, Kraft from Archivers
Ink: Whisper White
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils and baby oil, Glitter pen on the clouds, Martha Stewart Embossed Zigzag Punch, Shimmers (on the angel's wings)

PS: Be sure to check The Daily Dare to find all of today's challenges!

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"