Proud as a peacock

As some of you know peacocks are my favorite bird.  Just stop by my Pinterest page which is devoted to these majestic creatures. So when Stampin' Up! came out with Perfect Peacock stamp set, I was jumping out of my skin to get my crafty little hands on it. So I did and with the help of Connie and Mary- CCMC345 Sketch challenge I was on my way.

Entering Challenge CCMC345
by: Create with Connie and Mary

This sketch was such an inspiration for this design. My card is full of detail, color, and texture which makes it so pretty. At least I think so, well, see for yourself.

Card size: 6" x 6"

This picture illustrates how the top flap opens
at an angle per the sketch.
Copper accents give the card a bit of shine.

Detail of the front flap. Adore this peacock

This card got very involved however I just love the end result.
Here is how I did it.

1. Stamped the largest Daydream Medallion and heat embossed it copper. Then die-cut the medallion using the coordinating framelits. Distressed the edges.
2. Masked off a circle to stamp the peacock then embossed it in copper as well. 
3. Found some amazing patterned paper and die-cut the same Floral Frame framelits as the Daydream medallion. Distressed the edges.
4. Colored the peacock image using water based markers. I applied the color directly to the paper with the marker. Then used a damp brush to apply water. The ink was allowed to spread within the perimeters of the embossed boundary. Let dry.
5. Cut the card base then cut front flap at an angle per the sketch. Then using a border punch punched the detailed border. Then backed the front panel with vellum, leaving a border underneath. Adhered the back panel with the same patterned paper as the front. Distressed edges.
6. Die-cut leaves; used the same water technique on leaves as I did on the peacock. Die-cut vellum leaves too.
7. Die-cut tag stamped flower background; stamped sentiment with the same color as the peacock's neck. 
8. Assembled. Then used a bit of the Stampin' Up! two way glue pen allowing it to shut without completely adhering.

Thank you for stopping by and hope to see you again!

All the best,

Shawna

Materials: All by Stampin' Up!

Blooming With Kindness Clear Stamp Set Daydream Medallions Clear Stamp Set Perfect Peacock Wood-Mount Stamp Set Floral Frames Framelits Die 2-Way Glue Pen

Color, Color, Color...

Hello again!

Okay, so I go from not a peep for a week to two posts today. I guess when it rains it pours. Speaking of weather I am noticing Spring is springing. Well, at least in the card world and I am no exception.

I had this card in my brain for awhile now when I saw the theme for Paper Players #234- Think Spring. Then I saw the sketch challenge for the Paper Craft Crew card sketch #134 (PCCCS #134).  My gears were turning with ideas! I also saw the challenge from Shopping our Stash (SOS #191) to use your oldest hardware; well, I am in. The silver clouds are flowers that I cut in half. I bought those probably 11 years ago! Just married, no kids, in our apartment with all the money in the world to spend. HA! Those were the days!

      

The stars aligned and all these wonderful challenges spawned today's card. I love the cheery and graphic nature of this design! All the patterned papers work cohesively together to form this very springy and bright card.

Clouds were bought 11 years ago! Yikes! Time to use them.
Card size: A2- 4.25" x 5.5"

The sun and cloud flap opens up
to a colorful rainbow.

Opening up again to blank space
Perfect for a personal note.

The sketch from Paper Craft Crew along with the theme from The Paper Players automatically reminded me of sunny and colorful tri-fold card. Using the sketch for an example, I used the clouds and sun for the flap which then opens up to a nice cheery rainbow. This leaves the inside of the card blank.

All the items were pieced together using a motley of papers I had laying around. The colors, I believe, are perfect for spring and sends the message of a new beginning. The sentiment is ideal for the recipient who is just getting back on her feet.. She is on her way up again and I think this card will definitely give her the encouragement she needs.

Well that is all for now. Thank you again for stopping by and please don't forget to leave me a comment. They make my day a bit more, well, cheery!

All the best,
Shawna

Whale of a Tale

Hello readers,
It has been awhile since I last posted.. I have been working on some techniques with no particular direction.  But when I saw the Color Throwdown Challenge #332 (keyword: ctd332) I was very pleased!

Awhile back I got this scrapbook kit from a discount craft outlet. The kit had paper, embellishments, and a 12x12 sticker sheet. I just fell in love with its colors, patterns and sentiments; which inspired me to create this card.. I hope you like it!

Lots of dimension without the bulk!

card size: A2- 5.5" x 4.25"

The striped background are scraps from my stash which I pieced together. The background stripes I think are perfect for our whale. He is bold and very large for the card. So large in fact, he hangs over the edges, which gives him a sense of largeness. The double matted white frame is a good anchor for the design (no pun intended.) and I just adore the whale 'swimming' through the frame. Lastly, I attached the 'you and me' banner sentiment and the seahorse stickers.  

I think this would make a wonderful not so conventional anniversary card. It is fun, bold and whimsical.  Just like the recipients.. 

Whale that is it for me today (HA! Okay bad joke). I have to go back to my craft counter and redo a card that I messed up in its last few steps.. ugh. Enjoy you day and thank you so much for stopping by. 

All the best,

Shawna 

Lucky

Hello Readers!

The challenge for today was inspired by Freshly Made Sketches-FM#175 and also Curtain Call - Lucky. St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner (along with Spring some tell me) and what better way to celebrate then with a card.

       

Entering Challenges: Freshly Made Sketches- FM#175 and Curtain Call - Lucky

I just loved these challenges because it was so open ended.. With such small perimeters it was giving me permission to just let your imagination go wild!! Love it.. So how fun was this card considering it is so near to St. Patrick's Day.. So what does it mean, to be lucky. For me, I am lucky for so many things, in fact, there are too many to list.. I think most importantly I am lucky to born into such a wonderful supportive family. Thank you for my family and thank you Freshly Made Sketches for the inspiration..

The circle of the stencil plays
against the dots in the ribbon. 

Card Size: A2- 4.25" x 5.25"

Gold brad accents the shamrock bow.. 

Making this card was more involved then I originally thought. First I stamped the word 'lucky' using the stamp set Morning Post by SU (retired). This was no small task to get all the letter straight. Then, I sponged the green below to create an ombre effect. I decided to use black acrylic paint to get a true black color for the black outline of the circles.

But the ribbon, oh the ribbon, is what spawned this entire design. I got this ribbon at a thrift shop for 69 cents and thought it was so much fun. This challenge couldn't be more perfect for this ribbon! I love the way it blends into the design below.

The card would not be finished without any gold accents. So I chose some gold enamel dots and a large brad for the bow to celebrate the season of St. Patrick's Day!

Being of Irish decent I am partially proud and honored to be the way I am.. Thank you so much for stopping by and please leave a comment as they always make my day...

All the best,
Shawna

Nature inspired..

Hello everyone,
Here we are again with another challenge! The colors and  sketch were right down my alley when I saw Always Playing with Paper - Challenge #25.

The colors remind me of the crisp season of autumn but that is not were where I went. Surprisingly, I went with a spring card featuring words of hope for someone who needs it.  I hope you like it... Remember to leave a comment they so just make my day. 

The color combo gives this card a sense of life
thriving, growing, and full of hope for the future. 

Card Size - A2: 4.25" x 5.5". It didn't need any
 shiny bling all it needed were some little critters! Can you see the ladybug?

I purposely left the branches and fern very loose.
I believe it makes it more dimensional without the bulk.

There is the ladybug! Just call me Mr. Scarey!

 The stickers I used were purchased about 10 years ago.. Well, no better time then the present to use them.. I love the little critters and the color works perfectly! I know the sketch is only a representation of the layout but I saw the butterfly and off I went.

First, I stamped the chevron oval for the background in a subtle tan color. The ferns were die-cut with vellum and green, distressed the green fern for texture. Then per the sketch added my banners and then die-cut the branches. Arranged those elements then started adding the ten year old stickers.  This card is very bright and crisp and shows just how beautiful nature is in the spring even though I used very autumn-y colors.

Well that is it for me. Time to turn in for the night. Keep warm if you are in the Northern climate. Take care all and goodnight!

All the best,

Shawna  

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