Wishing you...

Hello everyone!
The card I have for you today is inspired by Inkspirational's photo challenge - #76. The flowers are what caught my eye.

Stamped the flower scene on a gray ombre background then lightly colored the blossoms using as little color as possible.. I just wanted a hint of light pink blossoms on top then gradually transform the flowers to white on the bottom. The word with symbol sentiment I thought very fitting for the tone of this card. Well here it is and I hope you enjoy it:

Card size - 5.25" x 4.25"

Subtle gradation of the gray and pink I feel fit
 beautifully with words of this card.

 Hummm... Well I guess that is it. Short sweet and to the point today.. Have a great day and thank you so much for stopping by.

All the best,
Shawna

Watercolor & Ampersand

Hello All,

This card was sent out as part of a card chain challenge called S.O.S. (Society of Stampaholics). There motto is very fitting 'Walking the fine line between hobby and obsession', HA! So funny because it is so true.

Then I saw the Little Tangles Challenge #53- watercolor and it all came together. The color challenge from S.O.S and watercolor from Little Tangles would make for a wonderful card. I thought the chain card challenge was a great idea so I sent this one out.

Well here it is.. I love love love the way this turned out and I hope the recipient does too.

Love the reaction from the Stickles creating little
dots to the watercolor background. Adds wonderful texture!

Showing some shine.

Both pictures showing the sparkle
that was added to the card!

The ampersand is actually a stencil which I inked up with Versamark Ink then laid it down applied pressure with my brayer so the ink would stick to the paper. Then heat embossed in white and used the resist technique to apply the watercolor. Wet the paper and apply color and let the water do the rest. They blended just beautifully but it wasn't enough, the ampersand needed to pop. So again, used resist technique and Distress Ink (Tumbled Glass, I think) and it seemed to have done the trick. Used the same ink and technique to distress edges of the card.

The single word sentiments seemed like a good fit! Done!! Well no, it still didn't look quite finished.. Hummmm... So I ask my nine year old daughter what I should do... She said to add some sparkle. OMG she is a genius!  So I got out my Stickles and colored in the word 'smile' and added just a bit of shine to the upper right and lower left of the card.. The sparkle was just enough to finish it off.

Oh my little crafter in training.. (Wiping a tear away).. So proud..

Challenges entering:

February Challenge

Well that is all for me today.. I hope everyone has an opportunity to giggle, smile, and laugh today..

All the best,
Shawna

Fusing color and sketch

Hello everyone!
Well if you could tell by your time stamp it is 2:00am..  I am going to have remind myself not to drink a grande french vanilla latte with no fat milk at 4:00pm.

So earlier today I was rummaging around looking for challenges that I may want to enter.. Well, well, well I found this gem of a challenge!! Fusion card challenge: Orange, Teal, Brown. I decided to design with both the sketch and the colors. When I saw this posting I instantly thought of a stamp set I have not used in awhile. It is by Fiskers and it features peacocks, my favorite!

Card Size: 4.25" x 6"

Watercolor on the feathers added a sketchy
feel to this card.

You can see the larger feather behind
 the 'hello' sentiment

This peacock background stamp is absolutely amazing!! I purposely wanted the plumes to be facing down, why? I don't know, I just thought it would have more interest with the diagonal going the other way from the feathers.

I stamped the background once using a very light gray, then stamped it again on a separate sheet using a darker gray and Distressed Ink. Then, used the Peacock Feathers and Tumbled Glass ink to apply more color using an aqua pen. Added some splatters using Gorgeous Grunge by SU. Embossed the dark brown banner, added orange borders and some enamel dots.

I also used a the bigger feather stamp from the set for the background behind the sentiment. I think it just tied it all together. Also I die-cut the peacock feather by Spellbinders out of vellum for some texture.

Love the way this one turned out.. It happens to be one of my favorite color combos and the sketch I found very interesting, something I would have never thought of. Thank you Fusion for the inspiration!

I am frozen because the house is an icebox this time of night. Well that is it for me and time for bed I have to get up in four hours.. eek..Thank you so much for stopping by and we will see you again..

All the best,
Shawna

Bud Vases

Hello all!

Entering Challenge

Well today we have sun but it is still 1 degree. It is just so funny to me to say that it is one outside.


Anywhoo, the card for today features the Lotus Blossom by Stampin' Up and two wooden bud vase by KaiserCraft.

The colors were inspired by The Color Throwdown #330 challenge which reminded me of spring. Cheery greens, subtle orange, and crisp white just love it! Here we are and let me know what you think?

Card Size: A2- 4.25" x 5.5"

This is showing how the border of the card is mounted
on the back panel.

These wooden embellishments coordinate
perfectly with the challenge colors.

Added just a little sparkle on the flowers.

As you can see this card is different due to how it is mounted. I decided the border of the card should be on its back panel. I love the design because it is not what you would usually expect when opening up a card.

The lotus blossoms were stamped on vellum with chalk white and subtle orange with a touch of sparkle added to the leaves. The vases are really what inspired the design. I gives it depth without giving it bulk. The wavy lines on the patterned paper I think go very will with the shape of the blossoms.  The dark green makes an optimal accent color both on the stems and the border.
The sentiment from Technique Tuesday is very fitting and cheery. Added and paper button, tied some ribbon, and added the sentiment to finish it off.

Well that is all for today... Tomorrow I am hoping to post a very humorous card.. Until then, take care and thank you for stopping by!

All the best,
Shawna

Serene Sunset..

Hello all,
Living in MI I have the pleasure of enjoying Lake Michigan's shoreline. What is most captivating about the lake-shore are by far their sunsets. The colors are vivid, true, and nothing short of incredible! My aunt sends sunset pictures every night without fail either from FL or MI. I just love them especially this time of year with the oranges and purples, it is just amazing! Here is a shot that prompted the idea for this card.

One of my Aunt's Sunsets in FL 2/19/15
My son says the sun looks an ice cream scoop.

The sunset and a couple of challenges lead me to create this card. One challenge is for The Crooked Stamper (CSSC #1), for its layout was perfect for this ombre card. The other is AAA Cards: Game 33 "Orange U Glad UR CAS" with its 'orange' color challenge. As a matter of fact, orange is one of my favorite colors, so I was thrilled to see it as a challenge!

Well here it is, I hope you enjoy it.

Wanted the color to be an extension of the
white space of the beach scene 

Beautiful Ombre effect with horizon
blending in each other.

Card Size: A2- 4.25" x 5.5"

I just love this stamp set by Inkadinkado

I blended oranges and purple using Distressed Ink and dye ink.  Created the lake by masking off the card and sponging black dye ink just on the top of the lake leaving the bottom with some color. Stamped the beach scene on white CS to make it look like an extension of the sunset. Leaving a white border just makes the beach scene pop. The sentiment is perfect for this calming card.

Entering Challenges:
AAA Cards: Game 33 "Orange U Glad UR CAS
The Crooked Stamper: CSSC #1

         

Well that is it for me tonight! Thank you for stopping by and don't forget to leave a comment. As always, I look forward to hearing from you!

All the best,
Shawna

Oh my stripes!

Hello Readers,

Very simple, quick, yet the impact is awesome and it is never too early to think about Christmas. Goodness knows it feels like it here in Michigan! Okay so back to the card, all I did was use Christmas stripe paper and divided them up and put the pieces at a 90 degree angle cut the hanging to fit the card. I then stamped a round Christmas sentiment (don't know who it is from, sorry) with Red Rhubarb Memento ink and then added a bit of sparkle around the tree which was stamped using Bamboo Leaves from Memento. I feel the round stamp softens the sharp angle of the stripes. I just love the way it turned out!! 

Dynamic design!!

Card size: 4.25" x 5.5"

 Well that was short and sweet!! Take care and we will see you again at TheGrandStampede!!

All the best!
Shawna

Owl you ready...

Okay, Okay bad joke... I am going to hurry because I am on a time crunch for
Color Throwdown #CTD329. I have a bit more time for the The Paper Players #PP232 'Feathered Friends'. I put these two challenges together because thet work perfectly together!
Oh I hope I can make the Throwdown on time.. Has anybody done this too or am I the only crafter procrastinator!! Update: Made it with 3 minutes to spare!! Phew!!

Challenges Entering:

While I was waiting to download the photos I was remembering how I loved the Color Throwdown challenge this week.. It gave me an opportunity to use a stamp I have never used before plus it went with The Paper Players #PP232 'Feathered Friends challenge.. Win! Win! 

The inspiration picture from CTD instantly reminded of this adorable Owl stamp by Stampendous.  I couldn't help myself when I saw this challenge!! I just kept seeing the owl, so why fight it and do it.  So, I took the photo quite literally when doing this challenge. I hope you like it..

Card Size: 4.25" x 5.5"

The owl reminds me of zen-tangles.. I just love the artform and if you are not familiar with it then you should check it out. Promise you will not be disappointed.

Coloring it using Prismacolor pencils in just the colors required for the challenge was just the trick for my 'feathered friend'.. I then mounted the owl on wood grain patterned paper which I then embossed in wood grain to add texture. Sponged the edges and then adhered some enamel dots for a splash of color on the brown.

Adding the sentiment by Stampin Up! Perfect Pennants was perfect to put in the 'tree knot' which was a shade (or two) darker then the wood grain.

Have a great day and hopefully next time I won't wait till the last minute (literally).
See ya,
Shawna

50 shades of what???

Gray... No, not the movie or the book series but the challenge for Less is More: Grey and Pink color challenge.  I have been throwing this around in my head since I saw the challenge. Do I want to use elephants, clouds, or our weather: No, No, and No.

Meanwhile here in the US they have been promoting the movie '50 Shades of Gray' and I thought 'Yes I got it' perfect for the color challenge and adds just enough 'heat' and it is very simple in design. So then you ask what is written in the card.... Well.... missy, that is none of your business.  LOL!

First took strips of different shades of gray paper and pieced them together to create the border.  Die cut the numbers from the border adhered them on a couple of the same number die cuts to create a 3D effect. Printed out the sentiment and added a light pink heart to complete the color challenge.. Well here it is!!

Card Size: 5.5" x 4.25"
The little pink heart perfect for the sentiment.

I have seen this techinque used all over the internet.
So I thought I would try it. 

I guess I could challenge everyone to think of 50+ reasons why you love that someone special in your life and then put it to paper, cut them into little stripes, and present these little love notes in a jar.. Simple and cheap! No need for roses..

Stay warm if you are in the north and for you all in the south please send some heat our way.. I'm FREEZING!!

Take care all,
Shawna

Blue Stash

Hello readers,

Today I am entering one card in three challenges. I got the inspiration for this card from my husband who just shaved his beard down to very short beard.  I feel so sorry for him but at the same time he looks sooooo much better...

The cards ombre effect with shades of blue were inspired by the Colour Me: Monochromatic (CMCC#57)  color challenge. By its nature blue is a very relaxing color and what better challenge to enter then CardZ 4 Guys #56 Kick back and Relax and the topping on the cake is the CAS(E) this sketch (CTS#109) !! I took this sketch quite literally, which I usually don't do with sketch challenges. In this case it had to be done.. Well here it is!! I hope you like it..  

Didn't have a stamp for 'that stash' so I
ran it through the printer on sticker paper by Avery

Card size: 4.25" x 5"

Close up of the 'stash' and the gradation of the word 'relax'

Figure ground reversal which worked out very well!

These are the amazing challenges I am entering. Please check them out you will not be disappointed!!

          

I have a sick 9 year old reading quietly so I should go and be mom.. I  hope everyone has a great day!!

All the best,
Shawna

Smackers!

Hello all!
Well as we all know Valentines Day is right around the corner.  So I was looking for card ideas for my husband of thirteen years.  Then I came across the Addicted to CAS challenge #56 with the code word 'Hugs & Kisses'.  PERFECT!!

The Story Behind the Card:
A couple of years ago grandma sent the kids sheets of lip stickers. The foamy ones, you know the kind, after constantly telling the kids the walls are not your personal palette; only to find they did exactly what you told them not to do. You try to take them off your walls and only to the outer layer comes up, you then left with a foam blob sticker which is sure to take all 50 years of paint off your walls. Yes, that kind.

Well I did what any diligent and caring mother would do, I took them away. Yes, bad, but my walls were at risk!  'I will give them back when they are older' I told myself. Well they sat for years. Then rummaging through this-n-that looking for inspiration I found these little gems!!

SMACKERS I got it!! So with the help of the Addicted to CAS code word I was on my way!! Returning the stickers to my beloved children was not an option a card however, ABSOLUTELY!!

So here we are:

The background circle dots stamp is a perfect
backdrop for the foam lips!

the 'X' and 'O' ribbon balance the card.

So in the end I finished the card and showed the kids.  They said 'Wow mom we love it!!' I said thank you so much as I handed them the extra 2 sheets of leftover stickers..

Thanks so much and we will see you sooner then later!
All the best,
Shawna

Throwdown a big thank you!!

Hello all!
I wanted to say a big thank to my Aunt for treating us to an AMAZING Disney cruise! Saying thank you in the most sincere way, I believe, is why cards were invented.

I didn't want the card to be 'in your face' Disney but also didn't want to ignore that fact either. The colors from the ColorThrowdown #328 challenge were absolutely perfect for this occasion of thanks. Thank you so much for inspiration..

Entering challenge:
Color ThrowDown Challenge #328
CTD328

Here is what I came up with:
I thought using negative space for the Mickey mouse ears was an appropriate place to put the sentiment.

Just a little bit of bling dots for some magical sparkle.

This color challenge was perfect for this card!!
very nautical'ish. Just love it!!
Size: A2- 5.5" x 4.25"

Here is a good shot of the negative space of Mickey's ear.

Using temporary adhesive, I closed the card
to avoid too many shadows.

I know she is going to love this card.  Just a special thank you for a special family that I am so grateful to be a part of.  (misting)... Thank you so much for stopping by and we will see you again..

Take care and see you soon!!
Shawna

HalographicValentine

Hello all!
I hope this message finds everyone well and warm.  Here in MI there is a windchill of -10 below zero but the sun is shining brightly on the white bright snow. Rays of sunshine are good but wow is it cold.  Which gives me more of a reason to get things a little hotter in here!! Here is the card that was inspired by CASology Cue Card: HOT.

Entering challenge for
 CASology week #132: Cue card - HOT

Card Size: A2- 5.5"x 4.25"

I placed the stencil by TCW titled Bliss over a piece of holographic paper then sprayed it with black matte paint. I die cut the hearts which created a swirl effect from the stencil.  The die-cut leaves seem to be an extension of the black swirls on the heart. The 'aged' patterned paper gives the card texture and depth.

The red waves from the holographic paper remind me of flames. Just perfect for this challenge.

The sentiment is simple and says it all... My True Love.

I just love the way this card turned out; all its dimensional qualities and the color choices I think are fantastic for the season.  I hope you enjoyed this card as much as I enjoyed making it.. Have a great day everyone and we will see you soon at TheGrandStampede!!

All the best,
Shawna