Eiffel Tower and Floral Baroque Congrats Gold Card

This card's core was fundamentally quite basic compared to the end result.  I had made a large quantity of the original piece, in an array of colors, to send to Operation Write Home and kept some on-hand for surprise occasions.  The "core card" was originally based upon one that I had received.  You may see the other card by visiting my post:  "Sandi MacIver-Inspired: Eiffel Tower Medallion Card "

Starting with the core card, I pulled off the medallion, re-worked the entire project, and explored new ways to use Ranger Ink's "Glossy Accents," versus how I used the product in my last project.  I documented my new uses of this product in my last post:  Flying Insect Collection in the Spring Garden Card. 

Specific to this "Congrats" card, I used glossy accents even more; this are the applications and techniques for which the product was enjoyed:  adhering, sealing, coating, blending colors, creating shine, dimension, and texture, embellishing, attaching, and as an insurance policy--because, sometimes, adhesive gems lose their stickiness, and "Glossy Accents" ensures that tiny things remain attached. 

Currently, "Glossy Accents" exists as my favorite product.  It has expanded my crafting world and incrementally increased my mixed-media confidence.  This products has made me feel much more proud of the cards I have made, and the one pictured above was finished late yesterday without any particular challenge in-mind.  Late last night, as I was working on this blog post and searching for challenges, I became excited when I learned that Simon Says Stamp Blog's "Wednesday Challenge" was featuring Ranger's "Glossy Accents"--my timing could not have been more perfect--and it perfectly worked with the anniversary of the Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #13, too!  Below, please find a complete list of challenges, into which I submitted my card

CHALLENGES
Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #13 A Year of Choices and Some Changes
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Use Your Favorite Technique and/or Products
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Don't Cut, Just Paste
Crafting Muskateers #26 Shades of Summer
Addicted to Stamps Challenge #106 Summer Colours

INGREDIENTS
Papers:  White CS (Staples, 110#), More Mustard CS (Stampin' Up!), Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up!), More Mustard Patterned DSP/Regals Stack (Stampin' Up!).

Inks:  More Mustard (Stampin' Up!), Early Espresso (Stampin' Up!), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Gold Glow Spritzer (Stampin' Up!), Gold Pigment (Colorbox).
Enamels/Powders/Glitters:  Detail Gold Emboss Enamel (Personal Stamp Exchange), Gold Ultra-fine Jewel Glitter (Mark Enterprises).
Stamps:  Elements of Style (Stampin' Up!), Urban Grunge by Tim Holtz (Stamper's Anonymous), Baroque Motifs (Stampin' Up!), Artistic Etchings (Stampin' Up!), French Script (Stampin' Up!), Vintage Vogue (Stampin' Up!), Tiny Tags (Stampin' Up!), French Foliage (Stampin' Up!), Silhouette Sentiments (Stampin' Up!),

Big Shot/Cuttlebug:  Vintage Wallpaper Emboss Folder (Sizzix/Stampin' Up!).

Cricut:  Sweet Treats.

Punches:  1/16" Circle (Stampin' Up!), 1/8" Circle (Stampin' Up!), 2-step Bird (Stampin' Up!), Small Oval (Stampin' Up!).

Embellishments:  More Mustard Satin Ribbon (Stampin' Up!), Gold Cord (Recollections), Adhesive Pearls (Jewelry Essentials), Brights Candy Dots (Stampin' Up!).

June 2012 Belated Birthday Card: Elegant Lines and Butterfly

My aunt's birthday is in February. I made her a card and over "smooched" it. There was so much moisture from spray that the card warped and dried that way. Every effort I made to flatten the original card caused its components to separate/break apart. Finally I gave in to my personal desire to send her a handmade card, even if it is four-and-a-half months late (though I made sure she received a timely phone call to wish her a happy birthday). :) The old card will be sent inside of the new one, because I made it with her in mind.

The new card doesn't have all of the glitz and glitter; but, it does have butterflies...both stamped and embosslit-ed (if that is a word).  I associate butterflies with her because of our mutual love of flowers and being out in our gardens.  I enjoyed making this card so much that I'm making a few extra for Operation Write Home as well.

Card Ingredients

Papers: Ivory CS (Staples, 110-lb.), Gold CS (Recollections), Soft Suede CS, Baja Blue CS, Elegant Lines DSP.

Inks:  Soft Suede, Baja Blue, Crumb Cake

Stamp(s):  French Foliage, Elementary Elegance, French Script.

Cuttlebug/Big Shot:  Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Elegant Lines Emboss Folder.

Punch(es):  Eyelet Border.
Embellishment(s):  Gold Cord (Brand Unknown).

All Images Copyright of Stampin’ Up! Unless Otherwise Stated.

Sandi MacIver-Inspired: Eiffel Tower Medallion Card

Recently, Sandi MacIver, a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, sent me one of the most amazingly beautiful and layered cards I've ever seen.  She called it, "Notably Charming Fifth Avenue Floral."  I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out how I could make something similar, given the tools, equipment and stamp sets I had.  The card below is my blue and silver version.  Please be sure to visit Sandi's blog to see her gorgeous card; I've provided a link to the "sister card" she sent to me. 

Also, Paper Pal Arts is turning 100 (100 challenges that is)!  In honor of it, this card is being submitted to the PPA #100 Challenge.  Then, I'll work on a batch the cards without the glitter brad (because glitter causes safety issues to the soldiers under night vision) to send to Operation Write Home. 

NOTE:  A few days after posting this card, and sending a message to Sandi to share with her how she inspired me, I received an incredible surprise:  Sandi featured me as a guest artist!

Links

Sandi's Original Card:  http://stampingwithsandi.com/notably-charming-fifth-avenue-flor-and-the-retired-list/
Sandi's Featured Guest Artist Post:  http://stampingwithsandi.com/a-beautiful-card-to-share-with-you-today/
Paper Pal Arts #100:  http://www.palspaperarts.com/2011/06/ppa100-whats-your-technique-oh-and-the-ppa-is-100.html
Operation Write Home:  http://www.operationwritehome.org/

Card Ingredients

Papers:  White CS (Staples, 110#), Baja Breeze, Silver CS (Recollections).

Inks:  Baja Breeze, Tinted Emboss Ink (Tint Boss), Not Quite Navy, Silver Emboss Powder (Stampin' Affair), Frost White Shimmer Paint, Glossy Accents (Ranger).
Stamp(s):  Elements of Style, Baroque Motifs, Artistic Etchings, French Script.

Big Shot/Cuttlebug:  Vintage Wallpaper Emboss Folder.

Cricut:  Sweet Treats (for circle and scallop medallion).

Punches:  Two-step Bird Punch.

Embellishments:  Blue Ribbon (Offray Brand), Silver Eyelets (Brand Unknown), Bling/Jewel (Jewelry Essentials), Glitter Brad (Recollections), Glitter Brads (Recollections).

All Images Copyright of Stampin’ Up! Unless Otherwise Stated.

Blog Candy, PPA #94A and Lily Pad Cards: Daisies And Dots

I've won blog candy!  First I sat in shock, then I started saying "Oh my gosh!" repeatedly to my laptop.  The blog candy was a Cuttlebug and two punches (one a snowflake and one that could be a daisy or the spokes of a wheel, or whatever I imagine it to be as I have it fit into part of a card).  I'm loving the Cuttlebug and have been curious about it for easily as long as I can remember in my crafting history. 

I love that when I have to get off of my feet I can sit with my feet up, resting my back on a heating pad and still have the pleasure of occasionally being able to emboss and die cut with the Cuttlebug.  How did I live all of these years without one?!!  This generous set of gifts came from a lady by the name of Carol (a/k/a:  "Craftin' Granny")  of Craftin' Granny's Card Shack, in celebration of her "Bloggerversary."  The cards she makes are unparallelled in both their array of layers and embellishments but their color combinations.  Every time I look at one of her cards I know I have to go back and take another look, because I take notice of something that I did not see during a previous blog visit.  It's like a "Where's Waldo?" type of scenario where you keep looking because you don't want to miss a Waldo, and you won't want to miss any facet of her lovely cards.  Please be sure to visit her blog and leave a comment for her.  You'll leave her blog feeling like you've visited a special place on the web.  You may even want to become one of her followers, like I have done. 

Now...onto the card!  Tonight I used my new Cuttlebug for the first time to do all of the embossing on this card "Daisies and Dots," created two challenges this week's Paper Pal Arts Sketch Challenge #94A and then this month's Lily Pad Cards Embossing Challenge (which I found via complimenting someone else's card submission to PPA# 94A. 

The components for this embossed card have been cut and prepared for making at least 10 more units for Operation Write Home, which just met its 1,000,000 card goal--YAY! 


Card Ingredients

Papers:  Ivory CS (Staples, 110#), More Mustard CS, More Mustard DSP.

Punches:  Eyelet Border.

Big Shot/Cuttlebug:  Daisy Die (Ellison), Dot Emboss Folder, Petals-A-Plenty Emboss Folder.

All Images Copyright of Stampin’ Up! Unless Otherwise Stated.

OWH: Father's Day 2011 Neck Tie Tutorial Challenge

Yesterday I visited the Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps Challenge.  It turns out that they are in dire need of Father's Day cards for our troops to send home to their dads.  A quick and easy tutorial was provided on how to make a neck tie and dress shirt card for dad and the call to action was for everyone to please make five units and to send the cards to a local shipper right away...the overseas shipping deadline is/was rapidly approaching.  So, early last night my two youngest children wanted to know what I was working on and I got to show them how to make origami neck ties.  It was time well spent with my children.  This post contains the first finished card with a textured cardstock "shirt." 

May 15, 2011 Update:  A total of 20 cards have been completed...a little behind my desired schedule...but done nonetheless.  Adhesive pearls were placed on each of the lapels, and the idea for that came from the first person to submit her cards to this OWH challenge.  Her name is Jen and her blog is called, "The Sparkle Within."  I've included a link to her neck-tie cards, too.  Please be sure to visit the links below: 

• OWH Neck Tie Tutorial Challenge:  http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/2011/05/tutorial-necktie-card.html
• The Sparkle Within (Jen's Neck Tie Cards):  http://sparklewithin.blogspot.com/2011/05/necktie-cards.html

Card Ingredients

Papers:  Ivory CS (Staples 110#), Elegant Soiree DSP, Soft Suede (Textured) CS.

Embellishments:  Flat Head Gold Eyelets (Brand Unknown), #2 Brass Plated Fasteners (Acco, 1/2"), Adhesive Pearls (Recollections).
 

All Images Copyright of Stampin’ Up! Unless Otherwise Stated.

PPA #90--Sense of Time Elegant Soiree

This is my first submission to the Paper Pal Arts Challenge as well as the "premier" use of the clock in my "Sense of Time" stamp set.  I've already cut and stamped the components to make three more for a total of four to donate to Operation Write Home.  For more information on PPA & OWH, please visit the following links:

Paper Pal Arts #90:  http://www.palspaperarts.com/2011/04/ppa90-a-sketch-challenge.html
Operation Write Home:  http://www.operationwritehome.org/

Card Ingredients
Paper(s):  Ivory CS (Staples, 110#), Soft Suede CS, Elegant Soiree DSP, Brushed Gold CS.
Ink(s):  Soft Suede, Stampin' Emboss Gold Powder, Tinted Emboss Ink (Top Boss).
Stamp(s):  Sense of Time.
Cricut:  Plaintin Schoolbook (for circle that frames the clock face).
Embellishment(s):  Pearls (Recollections).
Tools/Other:  Corner Rounder Punch (Brand Unknown), Sponge.

All Images Copyright of Stampin' Up Unless Otherwise Stated.

OWH Challenge #63: Vintage Elegant Soiree and Espresso Flower

This card was made specifically for the Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps Challenge.  My youngest daughter has already been helping me to make a set of these for OWH as well.  Here are some links for more information:

OWH Stars and Stamps Challenge:  http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/2011/04/sketch-challenge-63.html
Operation Write Home:  http://operationwritehome.org/

Card Ingredients

Papers:  Elegant Soiree DSP, Ivory CS (110lb., Staples Brand), Brushed Gold CS, Early Espresso CS, Crumb Cake CS, Very Vanilla CS.

Inks:  Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake.

Stamp(s):  Sense of Time, Tiny Tags.

Big Shot/Cricut:  Bigz XL Flower Folds Die, Daisy Die (Ellison), Elegant Lines Emboss Folder.

Punches:  Corner Scallop Punch (Unknown Brand).

Embellishments:  Antique Brad.

Tools/Other:  Sponge, Paper Piercer, Color Spritzer.

All Images Copyright of Stampin’ Up! Unless Otherwise Stated.

Mojo Monday 183: Vintage Vogue

I submitted this card for my first-ever Mojo Monday Challenge and then decided to make a total of 10 for Operation Write Home.  For more information, please visit the following links:

Mojo Monday
Operation Write Home

Card Ingredients
Papers:  Whisper White CS, Not Quite Navy CS & DSP, Cherry Cobbler CS & DSP.
Inks:  Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Cherry Cobbler.
Stamp Set(s):  Vintage Vogue.
Punch(es):  Scallop Ribbon Punch, Corner Scallop Punch (non-SU!).
Big Shot/Cuttlebug:  Dots Emboss Folder,
Tools:  Sponges.
Hardware:  Brads, Eyelets.

All Images Copyright Stampin' Up! Unless Otherwise Stated.

Bonjour Elegant Lines

I made over 30 of these cards for Operation Write Home, so that our troops have cards to send home to their loved ones.  For more information, please visit http://www.operationwritehome.org/. 

Update:  on March 16th, 2011, this completed set of cards happened to fulfill the "Scallop With a Freebie Challenge," which you can find by visiting this link:  http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/2011/03/scallops-with-freebie.html.  

Card Ingredients
Stamp Set(s): Carte Postale (Retired).
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White.
Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette.
Big Shot/Cuttlebug:  Elegant Lines Emboss Folder.
Punches:  Scallop Punch, Small Oval Punch.
Tools/Other: Sponges, Paper Piercer, Corrogator.
Hardware:  Flower Brads.
Ribbon:  Non-SU! Pink (Brand Unknown).
All Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Button Bear: I Love You Beary Much Valentine

I made 19 of these cards for Operation Write Home, so that our troops have valentines to send home to their loved ones. 

Card Ingredients

Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White.

Paper:  Cherry Cobbler DSP.

Stampset(s):  Button Bear (Retired).

Ink(s):  Cherry Cobbler, StazOn (Timber Brown)

Markers:  Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Aqua Painter, Pink Pirouette, Blender Pen.

Big Shot/Cuttlebug:  Dots Emboss Folder (for the hearts; then they were sponged).

Tools/Misc:  Crimper, Eyelet Border Punch, Ribbon (non-SU! & Brand Unknown), Sponges.

Images Copyright of Stampin' Up!

Elements of Style in Rich Razzleberry and Eggplant

This is my first card made for Operation Write Home, so that our troops have cards to send home to their loved ones for Valentines Day.  My friend Cathie helped me put together 21 of these!

Card Ingredients
Stamp(s):  Elements of Style, French Script
Cardstock:  Elegant Eggplant, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Inks:  Rich Razzleberry, Eggplant Envy (Retired), Black StazOn
Ribbon:  Non SU!
Tools/Other:  Eyelet Border Punch, Blender Pens

Images copyright of Stampin' Up!