Cajun-Blues and White Bokeh Flora and Fauna Birthday Card

This card contains a new technique (to me)--the Bokeh effect, one that was core to a challenge held at House of Cards.  The technique seemed a little daunting; but once I watched a few YouTube tutorials by other card makers, this project held quite a bit of fun and more self discovery. 

I may actually try to apply the technique to other cards...especially Shabby Chic ones; but I must first consider how the colors can yield new ones...and hopefully not ugly combinations.  There is plenty of warning against such a thing, all over YouTube and craft blogs.  The colors I utilized were based upon a challenge over at "Inspired by Stamping."  Well, now that the card is completed, I can share (and may see) that burnt orange, rust, navy blue and medium-light blue played together nicely.  They provided the gift of a secondary color palette:  one containing hues of salmon and rose.  What a delightful discovery!  Below, please find a complete list of challenges into which I have entered this card, followed by its ingredients and construction process.

Challenges/Links
Mojo Monday Card Sketch Challenge #398
House of Cards May Challenge Bokeh Effect
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge Anything Goes, Stencil It
Inspired by Stamping Monthly Challenge #94 Stripes and Color Scheme
Seize the Birthday Anything Goes Birthday
On a Stampage Mynette Kitchen's Birthday Bash Givaway:  BLOG CANDY!!!
Penny Black and More Dies and Punches w/Hand Stamping Focus
Fantasy Stampers Challenge #37 Wings and Things
Through the Craft Room Door Anything Goes
Fab and Funky Challenges #260 Flora and Fauna
The Shabby Tea Room #252 Fun Blooms
Cuttlebug Mania Ribbon
Creatalicious Challenge #75 Butterflies and DT Call
City Crafter Challenge #262, One or More:  Smooching, Stencilling, Splattering, Sponging
Just Us Girls Challenge Week #294 (Colors Scheme)

Card Ingredients
Papers:  Cajun Craze Striped DSP(Stampin' Up! Rich Regals Patterns Pack), Whisper White (Stampin' Up!), Night of Navy (Stampin' Up!), Really Rust CS (Stampin' Up!), Night of Navy Polka Dot DSP (Stampin' Up! Regals Patterns Pack).

Inks:  Bliss Blue (Stampin' Up!), Night of Navy (Stampin' Up!), Frost White Pigment (ColorBox), Brocade Blue (Stampin' Up!), White Opaque Embossing Powder (Stamp-N Stuff), Cajun Craze (Stampin' Up!), Blush Blossom (Stampin' Up!), Really Rust (Stampin' Up!).

Stamp(s):  Daisy Field Stampin' Around (Stampin' Up!), Elementary Elegance (Stampin' Up!), Carte Postale (Stampin’ Up!), Punch Potpurri (Stampin’ Up!), Tiny Tags (Stampin’ Up!).

Punches:  1/4" Circle (Stampin' Up!), 1/2" Circle (Stampin' Up!), 1" Circle (MarvyUchida), 3 Flowers Punch (Stampin’ Up!), Boho Blossoms (Stampin’ Up!), 2-Step Owl (for circles; Stampin' Up!).

Cuttlebug/Big Shot:  Circles #2 Die (Sizzix), Square Lattice Emboss Folder (Sizzix for Stampin' Up!), Make-a-Bow Die (used for circles; Sizzix).

Stencil:  Homemade (using punched cardstock), containing a variety of circle sizes from dies and punches. 

Embellishments:  3/16” Orange Satin Ribbon (Offray), 3/16” White Satin Ribbon (Offray).

Process

Layout:  Mojo Monday #398.

Base:  Navy blue CS cut and folded to 5-1/2" x 4-1/4".

Layer 1:  5-1/4" x 4" white CS.  Bokeh effect created for challenge by using sponging techniques, using blues and oranges to satisfy color challenge requirement.  Laid homemade circles stencil on sponged CS and re-sponged inside circles using white pigment ink.  Allowed to dry; sponged edges.  Randomly stamped birds, butterflies and floral sprays.

Layer 2:  5-1/4" x 1" Cajun Craze striped DSP to satisfy "stripes" challenge.  Used spritzer with dark blue and burnt orange markers to create splatter effect.  Used same inks and their hues to randomly stamp small butterflies and miniature birds; lightly sponged edges.  Adhered along upper edge of Layer 1.

Layer 3:  Cut three strips of ribbon in two colors that were part of the aforementioned color challenge.  Adhered them in alternating patter to Layer 1, slightly overlapping Layer 2, and folder over the back. 

Layer 4:  Punched flower components and manual embossed using square lattice emboss folder.  Used pop-up dots to adhere one flower to the end of each piece of ribbon.

Layer 5:  4" x 1" Really Rust CS stamped with rolling stamp of daisies in navy ink.  Used a rust colored marker to color the center of each flower.  Manually embossed using square lattice emboss folder.  Sponged borders in burnt orange-hued ink.  Adhered to card.

Layer 6:  4-1/2" x 3/8" (approximate) Night of Navy polka dot paper; cut ends to create flag/banner look and glued it to Layer 5.

Layer 7:  Used Circles #2 die and navy CS to create outer circle; sponged rim with matching ink.

Layer 8:  Punched circle of white CS.  Re-created Bokeh Effect as in Layer 1.  Stamped small hollow circles in medium-light blue ink.  Enamel embossed sentiment.  Sponged rim and glued to Layer 7.  Used adhesive 3-dimensionals to adhere to Layers 5 and 6.

Shabby Chic Vintage Flower And Butterflies Birthday Card

How often does a finished card appear significantly different than the original plan?  It seems to be happening more often with me these days, and its an enlightening set of experiences.  A journey of discovery...one in which the true nature of who I am has been revealed in what, given my background, exists as an unlikely medium:  paper crafting.

I am naturally a "detail person," and my paper crafting is not only reflecting this core characteristic, but I am realizing that it is perfectly okay.  Finally, I have found a community of people that either share this trait or they delight in what this type of artwork contains and conveys. 

Another revelation I have had with this card is how much I like shabby chic and vintage themes...not all aspects of vintage, but most.  I like how rich, bold colors can be distressed, muted, sponged in coordinating and/or contrasting colors and embossed to convey a completely different feeling.  I love how they can have adornments that were mere scraps the moment before adding to the card and convert it to something so rich.  Its like a Cinderella story with every card or art piece that is made.

I have my own Cinderella story, but that is to be saved for another time; however, not long after I met my prince charming, the embossing technique became part of my crafting life.  At first it was solely using a corrugator, then it was embossing folders followed by emboss resist.  The use of enamels would not come with much confidence and fluency until several years later.  Embossing of all types has become my favorite family of techniques. 

My "Shabby Chic Vintage Flower...Card" has butterflies that were cut and embossed with an embosslit created by Sizzix for Stampin' Up!:  "Beautiful Wings."  I used a corrugator for the banners in the upper left corner.  The large flower was die cut and embossed using Sizzix "Flower Folds."  Then, I enamel embossed the flower petals and edges of the first layer to create a satin-finished brushed-paint look.  

If you have a chance to visit "The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge," you'll find that May is the month of flowers.  The submissions of two team members seemed to compiment my style and reflect characteristics of this card:  flowers, subsued colors, and a variety of components that keep the viewer engaged.  I am a new follower of the blog and look forward to seeing many mixed media pieces to inspire me in the future.

Please read the "Process" section further down in my post for detailed information on how I created this card.  Challenges entered and card ingredients also follow:

Challenges/Links
Petal Lu Challenges Anything Goes
The Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #12 May Flowers
Beyond Grey Challenges #68 Make Your Own Embellishment (I made the Shabby Chic Flower.)
Mojo Monday #397 (Sketch)
Inkspirational Challenge #82:  Three of Four--Distressing, Flowers, Embossing, Pearls
Fan-tastic Tuesday Chalenge #85 Anything Goes with some Flowers
Mixed Media World Challenge #3 Vintage
Wags 'n Whiskers Stamps Challenge #154 Lots of Layers
Craft for the Craic Friday Mid-Month Inspiration Wings
2 Crafty Girls Challenge Blog #3 Vintage
Cuttlebug Mania Ribbon
Creatalicious Challenges #75 Butterflies
Creative Card Crew #87 Embossing Wet or Dry
Deep Ocean Challenge Blog # 103 Flowers
City Crafter Challenge Blog Wee #261 Focus on Flower(s)
Crafting By Designs Flowers
Verge Stamps Inspiration Challenge Let it Bloom
Papertake Weekly In The Garden
The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog #116 Feminine
Pile It On Challenge #69 Not Cute
On a Stampage Mynn's Birthday Bash Giveaway Celebration! (BLOG CANDY!)

Card Ingredients
Papers: Fawn/Lt. Brown Textured CS (Bazzil Basics Christmas (Designed for My Mind's Eye Signature Christmas)), French Vanilla/White Textured CS (Bazzil Basics Christmas (Designed for My Mind's Eye Signature Christmas)), Pink Pirouette CS (Stampin' Up!), Soft Suede CS (Stampin' Up!).

Inks: Tinted Emboss (Top Boss), White Opaque Emboss Powder (Stamp-N Stuff), Creamy Caramel (Stampin' Up!), Soft Suede (Stampin' Up!), Watermark (VersaMark), Chocolate Brown Opaque Emboss Powder (Stamp-N Stuff).

Stamp(s): Victorian Lace Background (Stampin' Up!), Elementary Elegance (Stampin' Up!).

Punches: 1" Circle (Marvy Uchida), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (Stampin' Up!), 3/4" Square (Stampin' Up!), Corrugator (Stampin' Up!), 1/16" Hole (Stampin' Up!), Paper Piercer (Stampin' Up!), 1/8" Hole (Stampin' Up!), 2-Step Bird (Stampin' Up!).

Cuttlebug/Big Shot: Flower Folds Bigz XL Die (Sizzix/Stampin' Up!), Beautiful Wings Embosslit (Sizzix/Stampin' Up!), Circles #2 Die (Sizzix).

Embellishments: 1/8" Vanilla Cream Satin Ribbon (Offray), Flower Neutrals Brads (Stampin' Up!), Basic Adhesive Pearls (Stampin' Up), Antique Brads (Stampin' Up!), Gold Cord (Recollections/Michael's).

Process
Layout: Mojo Monday #397.

Base: Folded to 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".

Layer 1: 4" x 5-1/4", fawn brown CS. Stamped background, sponged, enamel embossed edges for brushed, satin-finished paint look.

Layer 2: 2-1/4" x 5-1/4", pink CS. Stamped background, sponged, distressed edges. Adhered to Layer 1.

Layer 3: Cut two solid and differing-colored pieces of CS to size; use square punch to create end of banners/flags. Sponge, adhere to layer, used corrugator. Glue unit to Layer 1 (after Layer 2 has been adhered to it) and punch two holes for brads. Apply adhesive pearls to center of flower brads; push brads through holes to back.

Layer 4: Punched CS to create dotted scallop ribbon, sponged, glued 1/8" ribbon down center. Adhere entire piece to already attached layers 1 and 2.

Layer 5: Using "Flower Folds," manual die cut 3 layers of pink CS. Sponge in Soft Suede. Adhere at center, displaying all petals. Punch circle of Soft Suede CS and glue to center; once set, punch/pierce hole in center. Enamel emboss outer parts of petals for brushed paint effect. Insert antique brad in center of flower; place a ring of adhesive pearls along brad's outer rim.

Layer 6: Vanilla white CS punched and enamel embossed sentiment in brown. Sponge rim with Soft Suede brown ink. Manually die-cut larger circle form Soft Suede CS; sponge rim with matching ink and glue sentiment piece onto center of it. Adhere to card using dimensionals.

Layer 7: Butterflies manually die-cut in two colors of CS and sponged. Gold cord double-wrapped around vertical center of largest butterfly and tied to create antennae. Attach adhesive pearls to smaller butterflies.  Add all to Layers 2 and 1. Smallest butterfly glued to inner circle of Layer 6, below sentiment.

Layer 8: Punch branches from CS, using two-step bird punch. Cut to appropriate length and glue to areas coming from beneath the large flower.

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.

Lego Mini Card for June 2012 Birthday

My youngest son was invited to the birthday party of one of his best buddies.  Both boys love Legos, so I had to add a little Lego-finesse to the birthday gift.  While this looks like a tag, it is actually a miniature card.  The cardstock was folded over and inserted in the punch all the way up to just barely below the top of the cutting area; and, VOILA--a mini-card....just perfect for adding cardstock Legos.

Card Ingredients
Papers: White CS (110#, Staples Brand), Black CS (Recollections), Real Red Textured CS, Daffodil Delight (Yellow) Textured CS.
Inks:  Real Red, Summer Sun (Note:  too dark for the Lego spots).

Punches:  1/4" Circle, Large Tag, 1/16" Circle.

All Images Copyright of Stampin’ Up! Unless Otherwise Stated.  Lego owns the copyright and patents on all of its products and likenesses.  There is no intent to create confusion, merely to honor the happiness that the Lego brand delivers.

Birthday Bakery Card: Party Invitation & Thank You

My youngest daughter and I wanted to make pink and brown "cupcake" themed cards as invitations and thank you notes for her birthday; this is what we created. 

Card Ingredients

Ink(s):  Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Early Espresso, StazOn (Brown).

Paper(s):  Pink Pirouette CS, Rose Red CS, Early Espresso CS, Whisper White CS.

Stamp(s):  Birthday Bakery, Baroque Motifs.

Punch(es):  Med. Tag, Lg. Tag, Bojo Blossoms.

Ribbon:  Non-SU! (Brand Unknown).

Hardware:  Brushed Bronze Brad (Brand Unknown).

Images copyright of Stampin' Up!