Perk Up!!!

Okay, okay, so I got a little frisky with this card. It's been one of those weeks, ya know! Everything happens at once and then all of a sudden, you feel like you're gonna blow your stack!! This week, I have played Super Mom..just what I imagine June Cleaver to have been but even MORE. I've been taxi driver to Vacation Bible School and Library Program. Had 6 girls at my house for two days for Josey's birthday party. Cleaned, grocery shopped and planned July 4th party for tomorrow for over 50 people. It's been raining now for days so who knows if we'll have to postpone it or not. Called, recalled and called again parents of our ball team to reschedule games and practices....four nights a week of ball! Cleaning house today because DH is bringing a co-worker over for the grand tour. Washing boxes of jars in my dishwasher non stop for my mother..she's in green bean canning mode and she doesn't own a dishwasher, can you believe that!?

So anyway, after the guests were all gone from the birthday party, I told DH that I was just going to go sit in my craft room and stare at my goodies. I started stamping and this is what I created! LOL!! As much as I love to feel like June Cleaver and be Super Mom, we all know that it isn't very realistic sometimes. Sometimes ya just gotta let it go, right! I know you all have been there, whether you're a mom or not. Life gets to you and you gotta let it all out somehow! Well, all of my frustration came out in this card and I think it's pretty cute myself.

There's lots I want so share in this post, so please be ready for some more reading. For this card, I used the new Coffee and Tea set from the Crafty Secrets Clear Art Stamps line. They are acrylic stamps and you get tons of images in one set. I am very fond of the two vintage ladies, all dolled up with fancy hair and frilly dresses. You can check them out at the Crafty Secrets website here. Stayed tuned for LOTS more stamp sets. I haven't seen what's in store yet but they are bound to be STELLAR (my new word)!! I also used a piece of pink and black patterned paper from a Heartwarming Vintage 6 x 12 paper pad collection from Crafty Secrets. There's always a fun patterned to match your mood. I was thinking 50's pink and black retro for this card.

Now for the details on this card. I am detail girl...LOVE all the little bling and accessories that make a card *over the top* WOW:

Coloring the image: I used Copic markers to color the skin, hair and dress. They blend seamlessly and dry to a nice matte finish. I am in love, can't stress that enough. Give me good markers and I'm a happy camper. Ellen Hutson will be carrying a hand picked batch of markers that she studied relentlessly..I mean this girl went to work for us on these gems. They will be available in her store soon and will be sold in sets, along with the refills. Stay tuned for more information and lots more tips on what you can do with these. You will want them ALL, I know I do!!

Other details: Perk Up! image was matted and adhered to the card with SU! dimensionals for some added depth. *dammit* (hee hee, I said dammit) was stamped with Karen Foster's mini casual alphabet. Pink card base is Memory Box in Begonia from Ellen's store. Black is Memory Box in Licorice for image mat. Neenah Solar White card stock for the white image base, also available from Ellen's store. A little pink pastel was added to the cheek for the perfect blush. It's hard to see but I also added a black glaze pen to the hair for added shine(see photo #2 above for closeup). Seems like all those vintage ladies had perfect hair and it was super shiny. It looks fantastic on this card in real life.

Decorative Pearls: This is my favorite little detail element on this card. I used white Decorative Pearls from Ellen's store. They come on a little sheet with different sizes and retail for $3.99. Ellen has 14 colors available and again, I want them ALL! It's funny how sometimes a little inexpensive item can become a favorite design element. I am just hooked on these little beauties, because they are new and different and just add an elegant feel to your projects. And don't you think this vintage gal needed some pearls? I think they tie in perfectly with this card.

Tip of the day: Again, I'm talkin' bout those Decorative Pearls. You gotta get some and try them out! I have found that the best way to adhere them is to use a pair of craft tweezers. Get a grip on the pearl (which are flat and have adhesive on the back) and gently SLIDE the pearl off of the paper(see photo #3 above). If you try to pick it straight up, you'll rip off the adhesive. Trust me, I know!

And check this out, it's SOOOOOO cool! Karen Lockhart shared a little tip with me about the Decorative Pearls. You can color them with Copic markers to match ANY color you want. I tried it and she's right! I simply colored them with a red Copic marker while the pearls were still stuck to the packaging(see photo#4 above). I'm giddy with excitement over the possibilities. If fourteen colors aren't enough from Ellen's selection, well then puchase some Copic markers when they debut and packs of white Decorative Pearls. You'll be all set.

Well, I have to get back to my domestic goddess duties so I better toddle along now. I hope you all have a stress free day......but if you're feeling low, well PERK UP!! Ta ta, ladies!