SC261 Silhouette Flowers

Well I was down at my craft table struggling on a project that just wasn't happening when I received the email notice of the sketch challenge being posted. Shew, I was so glad to put that other project away and put this beauty together!

I am featuring one of the first stamps sets from Artful INKables I fell in love with. This set is called Plant Prints and has many beautiful images.

Here I am also showing you that you do not have to be a queen of brayering to make a beautiful background sky. I used a blue DP and brayered a bit of a darker blue to the top and bottom for interest and depth. (you could also sponge this). I also sponged a bit of black around the bottom of the flowers to really ground them. Originally I had punched the butterfly out of black cardstock but it was just too harsh. So, I punched him out of the blue DP and sponged black onto him. Ah, that's better! Don't forget to add a bit of white to your silhouette images to really make them come to life!

Does my picture look any better? Remember that I stamp at night in a dark unfinished basement and have been struggling with lighting. I received an Ott light for Christmas and I used it to light this photo. I think it looks much better!

Stamps: Artful INKables Plant Prints
Paper: Basic Black, Basic Grey Urban Prairie DP
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Basic Black, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

Playing Catchup

I have a few projects I didn't have time to post during Christmas so we'll be doing a little review, k? This was made for DH for Christmas. To "get" what I am trying to say here, you have to understand that we love to lay on the floor in front of the fireplace and watch movies. We used to have time to do that a lot when we were dating.....now, not so often. Ha!

This was a really simple scene. I used DP for the "wallpaper" and my digi wood floor. The other elements are colored with Copics, cut out, and placed into position.

Stamps: CC Designs Sugarplums Christmas Scenery, CC Designs Sugarplums Apple Emma, CC Designs Sugarplums Christmas Trevor, The Cat’s Pajamas Candyland Christmas (wreath), JustPaintingAround’s Digi Wood Floor Vertical
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Basic Grey Wassail DP, GP 110
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copics, glitter pen (on flames)

Enjoy!

Michelle B.

"Queen of the Scene"

Ducky Toy for Baby

I'm back! Hope you had a good Christmas! I sure did. 4 days and 6 houses later, I am glad to have the day to relax today, visit some blogs (I am WAY behind), and play with some of my new toys.

When Pamela at Firecracker challenged us to use our Christmas sets for non-Christmas cards, the birthday candle from the Christmas tree idea came to me right away. Then it took me a while to think of this one. When I finally thought of it I said "Well duh! It was so obvious!" Ha! My daughter actually had a little duck pull toy like this that sang a little quacking song. I am sure my husband and I will never forget that song after being drilled into our heads for hours!

Be sure to visit the sale page at FireCracker Designs by Pamela as those items are now 70% off while supplies last!

Stamps: FireCracker Designs by Pamela Duck the Halls
Paper: Papertrey White, So Safron, SU DP
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copics

Enjoy!
Michelle B.

360!

Woo, hoo, this is soo cool! I'll show you both pics before I keep jabberin' on....



This Flip Flop or Swing card style is near and dear to me as this is what drove me to Split Coast Stampers. I had seen one of these at a SU party and couldn't figure out how to make one. I started searching on the internet and it wasn't long before I discovered SCS. Wow, all the things I have learned and the fabulous people I have met there are amazing! The tutorial for this type of card is HERE.

My intent was that DS could open and close this quickly and make it appear that this little snowboarder was doing a 360! (I actually made 2 of these - one for DS and one for the AI DT. )

I colored the snowboarders with Copics and cut them out. On the first (closed) pic, I just punched a little snowy hill (to place him on the ground), sponged in some dark blue at the bottom of the main blue panel, stamped on some snow flakes, and pieced everything together. For the inside, I did the same using a tree punch to give the appearance that he was up in the air.

Stamps: Artful INKables License to Chill
Paper: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Bazzill Dark Green, GP 110
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Whisper White, Blue Bayou, Always Artichoke, Soft Sky
Accessories: Copics, EK Success Dotted wave punch, Martha Stewart Pine Forest punch

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

New Years Resolution Challenge

It's my turn to host the Artful INKables Think INK Tuesday challenge. Since this challenge would be spanning the new year, I decided to ask you to be inspired by your New Year's Resolution. Complete details on this challenge can be found here. I hope you'll play along!


One thing I'd like to do this year is work at keeping my stamp area neater! So, I made this card with items that were sitting out on my stamp table and then I actually put them away when I was done. So I grabbed a few scraps of paper that were laying out, figured out a nice way to layer them, and got to work. My image is colored with Prismacolor pencils for a nice change.


(This is really scary for me but...) Here is a picture of my stamp table before:


And after:



I'm proud to report that I've made several more cards since and I am still neat! Now I just need to get around to cleaning all that paint off my table and cleaning the surrounding areas!


Stamps: Artful INKables License to Chill
Paper: Papertrey Kraft, Not Quite Navy, Bazzill Dark Green, Basic Grey Wassail DP
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Nesties, Scallop Edge Punch


Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Snow Globe for DD

When I saw this Snow Globe Card Tutorial over on SCS, I knew I had to make one for my DD. She collects Snow Globes and loves penguins so this is what I came up with.


I followed the instructions pretty much to a "T". I sponged a little dark blue ink on the edges of the base to give it a round feel and also behind the tree line for depth. Everything else is punched, colored and pieced into place.


Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps Just Chillin’
Paper: GP 110, Soft Sky, a Bazzill dark green, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses DP
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Pacific Point, Soft Sky, White Stazon
Accessories: Copics, White Flower Soft, acetate, circle nesties, ribbon from Pink Hedgehog, Martha Stewart and Marvy Snowflake punches, Kaiser Kraft rhinestone, glitter pen, Martha Stewart Pine Forest Punch, EK Success Dotted Wave punch


Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

TESC95 Beautiful Mermaid

Oh, man, I am crazy about how this turned out! This is for my niece who will be turning 5. My niece has gorgeous hair like this mermaid and loves everything sparkly and princess like. She is also the fabulous girl that dubbed me "Aunt Shoe" when she was too little to say my name. As a shoe lover, I was thrilled at this choice!

I started with the sketch from TESC95. My ocean background is inspired by those in Spongebob episodes. (I love their artwork!) I clear embossed the fish and flowers onto Whisper White cardstock. Next I used the Brayered Sky Technique with Baja Breeze at the top and Not Quite Navy at the bottom. I used a rectangle Nestie to cut out the center and inserted a piece of pink cardstock before piecing the scene back together. I punched the sandy bottom out and cut to size. I sponged some additional color and a sentiment into that area. The rock and mermaid were colored with Copics, cut out, and pieced into place. I added some Liquid Pearl accents and also some green Stickles on the mermaid's tail.

Stamps: CC Designs Sugarplums Underwater Adventure, CC Designs Sugarplums Mermaid Emma,CC Designs Sugarplums Scenery, CC Designs AmyR Underwater Sentiments
Paper: Whisper White, GP 110, River Rock, Pink Passion
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, River Rock, Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Copics, Green Stickles, Liquid Pearls, Rectangle Nesties, EK Success Dotted Wave Punch, Versamark Pad, Clear Detail Embossing Powder

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

Birthday Candle

Pamela challenged the FireCracker Design Team team to use our new Christmas stamps to make non-Christmas cards. I thought that was really fun! Back when I didn't own many stamps, I had to be really creative in masking and piecing images together to get the images I really wanted. There was always a sense of triumph when I figured it out. I felt that again here!

This is really the bottom portion of the Christmas tree from the Duck the Halls set. I started with looking at the snow and thinking it looked like icing. Then I decided if I masked off the top of the tree base, it looked like a candle. Finally, I found a tiny accessory image that was perfect for my flame. All I had to do was draw in the tiny candle wick.

I colored the image with Copics and sponged some pink around the edges. I placed the main image on a pink panel with the bottom punched and tied a ribbon around it (which by the way is really more of a hot pink than red but the photo just wouldn't let me show you that!). And that's all it took for this CAS card!

Stamps: FireCracker Designs by Pamela Duck the Halls
Paper: Papertrey White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose
Accessories: Copics, EK Success Morocco Lace punch, Ribbon from Pink Hedgehog

Enjoy!
Michelle B.

Pet Picture Holder

Awww, isn't this cute! Here we have a binder clip photo holder featuring the Creature Comforts set from Artful INKables. And it was every so simple to make!

I stamped the main image and colored it with Copics. I used a Nestie Label 4 to cut the image out positioning the image on only one half of the shape. I cut the Nestie shape in half so I'd have the flat bottom and curvy top that you see here. I colored in the sky and sketched in some grass. I attached it to the black portion of the binder clip. To finish, I attached some colorful ribbons.

And here's the clip with a picture my DD took of our Boston Terrier, Fiona, hiding under the couch pillows as usual!

Stamps: Artful INKables Creature Comforts
Paper: GP 110
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copics, Nesties Label 4, Giant Binder Clip, Ribbons from Pink Hedgehog

Enjoy!
Michelle B.

TTTT # 20 - Mass Production Cutting

Where have the days gone? I've been hunkered down and very focused on getting all my Christmas crafting done early (early = more than 12 hours before the event I need them for! Ha!). I am glad to say I finished all 36 of my Christmas ornaments! Yippee! Here they are (there are a few already hanging on their trees):

Here's the original post with all the deets on this ornament. OK, let's get on with the Tuesday Tip! I needed to cut out a solid piece of dark blue cardstock for the back of these ornaments. The size was a little odd....a little shy of 1.5"....and I needed to cut out 36 of them. So, I use a post it note to mark the exact location my cardstock should be in on my cutter when I make my cut. Then I simply turn up my iPod real loud, bump my cardstock up to the post it, and make an accurate cut without thinking. No mistakes and I can totally loose myself in whatever song I'm listening to. Here's a pic of my setup:
So next time you have to cut several pieces to the same size, use a post it note to help you through.

Enjoy!
Michelle B.

CAS Christmas Squares

When I was cutting the images apart from the Duck the Halls set from FireCracker Designs by Pamela, I noticed that the little accessory images were soooo cute! Again, here's a case where those litte accessory images don't receive the attention they should so I decided to make this CAS card to feature them. I have take about 100 pictures of this card and can't seem to get a good shot of that red square...sorry!

For each square, I choose a medium color of cardstock. I stamped the images in a shade or two darker of ink and sponged that same ink all around the edges. I attached the squares to a white card base and added a sentiment.

Don't miss the sale over at FireCracker (now at 50% off) and get your order in by December 15th as they will be closed for the rest of the year! They have gift cards too!

Stamps: FireCracker Designs by Pamela Duck the Halls
Paper: Papertrey White, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Ruby Red
Ink: Always Artichoke, Blue Bayou, Riding Hood Red, Momento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: 1 1/2" square punch

Enjoy!
Michelle B.

Hearts

This is my SECOND post this morning so be sure to scroll down!

The current challenge at Artful INKables is to make a clean and simple card. Ya gotta enter to win! I loved the little swirl on this heart image from Artful INKables new set Creature Comforts so I decided to let that image be a feature on my CAS card.

I stamped the swirly heart and XO's on to red cardstock. I stamped the sentiment onto white cardstock. I used some coordinating embroidery floss to hang this cute little charm (also from Artful INKables!). I'm new to charms and have found that I love them!

Stamps: Artful INKables Creature Comforts

Paper: Papertrey Ink White, Real Red
Ink: Whisper White, Real Red
Accessories: Woven Heart Charm from Artful Inkables, embroidery floss

Enjoy!

Michelle B.

"Queen of the Scene"

SC258 Santa’s Pup

Several months ago my cousin was over and saw this stamp set and loved it. I knew I had to make a Christmas card for her using it. Ooh, I was so happy to see today’s sketch on SCS as it was just what I needed!

The images were colored with Copics and cut out. The wood floor is a digi I made and you can get it here (free!). I just print it on colored cardstock and add a bit of shading with my Copics. For the red layer, I stamped the sentiment dark once and then stamped off on a scrap before each of the other stampings.

Stamps: High Hopes Christmas Treat, CC Designs AmyR Christmas Sentiments, digi wood floor by me
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel, Basic Grey Wassail, GP 110
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Momento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copics, Scallop Edge Punch

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
“Queen of the Scene”

3 Trees and a Winner

First, congratulations to EFY as the winner of the Kaiser rhinestones. I don't see your email so you have 48 hours to contact me or I'll draw another winner.

Have you ever seen tiny little landscape paintings on items like buttons? I was priviledged enough to get to watch artists paint them once at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. I was fascinated because I am a BIG painter (wall murals and large canvas). I am also a BIG stamper and I feel cramped in tiny spaces. As a stretch for myself, I wanted to make a tiny little scene using these gorgeous little trees from FireCracker Designs by Pamela.

I stamped the trees and colored them with Copics. I sponged Sage Shadow almost to the line of the trees. And finally I added some Blue Bayou sponging just on the outside edge of the sky. A frame, ribbon, DP, embossing and an icicle border finished this piece.

Stamps: FireCracker Designs by Pamela Duck the Halls
Paper: Blue Bayou, Sage Shadow, Cosmo Cricket Jolly by Golly DP, GP 110
Ink: Soft Sage, Blue Bayou, Momento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copics, Nesties Labels 3, ribbon from Pink Hedgehog, Martha Stewart Icicles Punch, D’Vine Swirls embossing Folder

NOTE: Don't miss the sale over at FireCracker and be sure to get your order in by December 15th as they will be closed until the first of the year.

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

March of the Snowmen Blog Hop Time!!!

Hello and welcome to my entry for the first March of the Snowmen Blog Hop! If you love snowmen as much as I do, this is the place to be for some fabulous inspiration!

You might also want to know that many of the participants are giving away Blog Candy! I'm not telling you who or what, so you'll just have to visit everyone to find out! On Sunday I'll draw a random winner to receive a package of my favorite Kaiser rhinestones so be sure to leave a comment with your email addy. I love these rhinestones because they are self adhesive, come in a large pack of different sizes, and can be colored with Copics to change the look!

So on to the hop......Next up is MONA!!!!

Here is a list of all the participants in case you get lost:

Angella Crockett
Barb Foster
Deb Felts
Jen Carter
JenMarie Taylor
Jodi Heuser
Kelly Landers
Latisha Yoast
Laurie Unger
Laurie Willison
Linda Duke
Melisa Waldorf (our fabulous organizer!)
Michelle Bartnett <-------------You are here!!!
Mona Pendleton
Pam Imholz
Stacy Rogers

Card details: I masked the snow area and used the brayered sky technique to create the sky. Then I stamped the trees on the edge first and worked toward the middle without reinking (this creates depth). I let that dry a minute and then I stamped on the snow. I cut the circle out of the center with Nesties. The outside square was then cut apart. I attached the outside pieces to the card base. I layered a red circle behind the main panel circle and attached it to the card base. The main image was colored with Copics, cut out, embellished with glitter, and pieced into place. I drew in some squiggles for snow drifts. Although you cannot see it in the picture, there are Shimmerz highlights throughout.

Stamps: Unknown snowman I think he's a Whipper Snapper, Flourishes Forest of Trees, Itty Bitty Backgrounds
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White, GP 110
Ink: Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Copics, Nesties, Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Shimmerz Angel Wingz, Shimmerz Candlight, Fine Black Marker

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

2 Announcements

FireCracker Designs by Pamela is having an end of year blow out sale to make room for next year's rubber! As of right now, everyting on the sale page is 40% off.

Every Thursday in December the discount will increase by 10% until the month is over or the stock is gone: 40%, 50%, 60% 70%.

Most of these items are being discontinued so once they are gone, they are gone FOREVER!

NOTE: IN STOCK ITEMS ONLY, Orders will be processed first come, first serve. (quantities are limited) & don't forget FireCracker will be closed from December 15th til the first of the year so get your order in soon!

**********************************************************

And my friend Melisa had a Brilliant idea!!! She has created a March of the Snowman Blog Hop. I'm a bit of a scrooge on this whole Christmas thing but I so love snowmen! I hope you will join us Saturday morning at 8:00 am for some Snowman inspiration!

Enjoy!
Michelle B.

Finally....I can post this!

This is my second post today so be sure to scroll down!

I made this a few weeks ago and I'm finally getting to show it to you. This card features the new stamp set from Artful Inkables called License to Chill. This cute little snowboarder is my favorite image from the set as it reminds me of my 7 yo DS and the fun we had snowboarding last winter!

I stamped this little boy into position in on a piece of white CS. Then I lightly sketched a snowy hill with a pencil. I cut the hill out up to the boy. Then I cut around only the top of the boy. So the boy and the hill are all one piece....not the boy glued on top of the hill.

Normally go way over the top in adding all sorts of details to my scene and had planned to add some paper trees in the background, etc. When I had gotten this far in the design, I loved it and stopped right where I was so I didn't mess it up! The snowy edge of the hill and words are highlighted with glitter. Don't you love his little pink cheeks!

My little bro gave me a couple of camera pointers at Thanksgiving so hopefully I'll get better! (can't get any worse!)

Stamps: Artful Inkables License to Chill
Paper: GP110, Real Red, Bashful Blue DP
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Copics, Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"

SC257 Kittens from Leslie

My friend Leslie sent me these cute little kitties (Hi Leslie!) and I thought today's sketch was a perfect opportunity to use them! I was thankful for this simple sketch cause I've only had about 3 hours of sleep!

They are colored with Copics. The grass is colored with Copics and then little sprigs of grass were added. The sky is from Mother Mark's sky tutorial here. For the background, I cut a scalloped rectangle in half and put it on each edge. I also cut a circle in half for the top and bottom in the center. Lots of sponging on those pieces! Hmmm....still needed something so I stamped some polkadots on the chocolate base. Ta da!

Stamps: Whipper Snapper Triple Threat Kittens, Papertrey Polka Dot Basics II
Paper: Chocolate Chip, So Safron, Rose Red, GP 110
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Summer Sun, More Mustard, Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Copics, 1 ½” circle punch, Nesties

Enjoy!
Michelle B.