Red, White and Blueberry!

We have 50 guests arriving in a few hours for our annual July 4th party so I need to scoot along. We have rescheduled it three times now due to rain! It's a go for tonight, no rain in sight! Later this week, I'll post photos of some cute table topper decorations and our beautiful wild flowers!

For today's card, I used Karen Lockhart's Berry Pie Shoe as the focal point. Isn't it cute....and so perfect for summer time cards! I dearly love blueberries and would LOVE the chance to pick them fresh with my little berry picking basket in tow. Do you have fresh blueberries....okay then, I'll be right over!

The actual stamp image of the shoes is one single stamp. I used this FANTASTIC new masking tape called Eclipse Tape to mask one shoe, then I stamped the second shoe. This stuff is so much better than cutting out a mask on cardstock or a sticky note. It's super duper thin and has a lightly sticky backing that allows you to easily peel up your image and save for later uses. So when you stamp over your masked image, you do not get that halo effect because the thickness is not an issue. I highly recommend this tape and that you try some masking. You get wonderful 3-D effects to your images and it just makes your cards so much more interesting.

Images are colored with Stampin' Up! Watercolor Wonder Crayons and colored pencils. May Arts gingham ribbon stitched on with three back and forth *messy stitches*. Papertrey *for you* sentiment stamped on Martha Stewart scallop punched card stock. Blue gingham Memory Box patterned paper was cut on the diagonal and then machine stitched onto Memory Box Holly Berry card base. Memory Box Blueberry card stock for image mat. For the final finishing touch, I added some A Muse twinkle stars to the bottom right of the focal image. A perfect card for the entire month of July!!

Tips of the day: Masking a single image or a grouping of images creates visual interest on your projects. It gives a sense of depth which helps draw the eye to your images even more. You gotta try the Eclipse Tape, it's wonderful! And to add even more dimension to your cards, ruffle up the edges of your card stock after you machine stitch. You can even ink the edges with some chalk or ink for more interest.

Stamp, AMuse star sequins, solid and patterned card stock, Eclipse Tape all available at Ellen Hutson's online store. See link at right.

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!

Cupcakes, anyone?

Today is my daughter Josey's birthday party. Her actual birthday is July 4th, which is such a special day to have a birthday. There is always a celebration on her actual birthday but we decided to have her party early. I'm finishing up the last details before six little girls invade my house for two days!

For my post today, I thought these Lockhart cupcakes would be a good choice. The best thing about cupcakes is that you can decorate them for any occasion. They are the perfect little party food for any celebration. These little gems are decked out with a white glaze frosting (clear glaze pen, red AMuse sequins, a glittery outline. They are are so shiny and dimensional. The background is stamped with a SU! star mini background stamp. The light blue checked paper is Memory Box. Red gingham ribbon finsihes off the card.

Check out Ellen's store for the stamp, clear glaze pen, AMuse sequins and Memory Box paper.

Tip of the day: When you make a mistake, improvise! Can you tell where my mistake was? Nope, ya can't cuz I fixed it! The For You sentiment was originally on the first layer of the blue checked paper but I smudged the ink. So I simply stamped the sentiment on a scrap piece of the same paper, punched it out with a Martha Stewart mini scallop punch and adhered it to the card with dimensionals. Viola, my mistake is gone......and I like this little accent better than the original anyway.

Halloween Dress....

I know it's not Halloween time but I just had to show you this little Sweet Chips altered dress that I made. The Sweet Chips chipboard dress and accessories, like the bow and collar, will come in a kit from Crafty Secrets. They're coming very soon! They are fantastic to work with. The pieces just fall out of the packaging so there is no extra sanding or cutting required. The little dress apron flips up to make a giant card, photo showcase, home decor item, etc. The possibilities are endless, I tell ya! And there will be a little boy outfit and a house also.

For this little number, I used a black and white polka dot and black and orange checkered piece of 6 x 12 paper from the Earthy 6 x 12 paper pad collection and stickers from the Halloween sticker sheet. You simply trace your shape onto the back side of the paper, cut it out and adhere to the chipboard. For the collar and bow, I applied adhesive then dipped them both into Martha Stewart silver glitter from Michael's. I LOVE that look, reminds me of old vintage Halloween decorations. The finishing touches are a piece of orange velvet trim and a black button, both from my stash of goodies. I can't wait to hang this with all of my vintage inspired Halloween decorations this year.

By the way, we got a new kitty. She's ALL black and we named her Spooky, so I guess we're in Halloween mode at our house. She follows the girls everywhere and she cries just like a little baby. She's so cute and tiny!

But now we gotta get back to July 4th mode! Josey will turn 10 on July 4th and she's having a swimming/sleep over party next week. Then our gihugic July 4th party will actually be held next Saturday. We have 52 guests on the invite list,yikes!! That's why I only host outdoor parties!!

Tip of the day: I think these little dresses would be adorable to make for each holiday season for little girls (or boys using the boy outfits). Each year, add their photo on the inside for an updated little photo showcase. We love to look at our photos of Halloween costumes, etc from the year before.

Geraniums and Foxglove...

The last of my floral samples this week. These are geraniums and foxglove. Again, another type of flowers that have specific colors. I chose the pink varieties for these cards. Stamps are from the Lockhart collection, and paper is from these nifty little 6 x 6 Basic Grey pads that Ellen sells. I used those cute little pearls again from Ellen's store, they are such a fun change from sequins or brads. I just love 'em.

Tip of the day: Sometimes it's nice to have a stash of cards that have no specific verse stamped on the front of the card. This way, you can have cards for any occasion on hand and just stamp the sentiment on the inside when the occasion arises. Or just send out note cards to a special friend for no reason at all. Those are the BEST kinds of cards to get.

Enjoy your weekend everyone! It's supposed to be hot here in Kansas so we'll be swimming at Grandma's pool! And getting Diet Cherry Limeades from Sonic. Do you guys have a Sonic where you live. If ya don't......big BUMMER! It's like an old fashioned drive up restaurant..like on Happy Days. The kids bring out your order and you eat in your car. I SOOOOOOO need a convertible for my Sonic trips!

Whaddya know!

Susie informed me that Lavender can also be found in pink and yellow varieties! I did not know this so thanks for sharing Susie! I learn so much from my fellow stampers. Stay tuned for a few more flowers this week. And be sure to check out Ellen's blog. She's got some exciting announcements about Memory Box cardstock and COPIC markers......you are gonna love what's to come!

Lovely Lavender...

With my last post, I talked about coloring images from nature. With images like the Lockhart Lavender stamp that I used for this card, the colors need to be pretty specific....lavender colored, of course. To my knowledge, lavender is ONLY purple in color, not yellow or red, etc. So if you made a card with red lavender plants, you might lose some artistic points for not knowing your colors of nature. If you're ever questioning what color a flower is, simply google it on the Internet. Lots of links will pop up that have color photos for you to reference.

For this elegant card, I used Memory Box Meadow green card stock, Solar White card stock for the image, and an Arturo Lavender card torn in half. Image is colored with SU! Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Aqua painter. I used a new tool for the paper piercing: the Ornare small scalloped edge template and a piercing tool and mat. The beautiful swirly shapes add just the right touch to an elegant card. The little lavender pearls are fun too. They come on a sticky sheet and are adhesive backed. After my image was dry, I used a Stardust Glitter Pen to add a shimmery glow to the colored lavender image. Ribbon from Michael's.

Check out Ellen's store for these supplies: Lockhart Lavender wood mounted stamp (excellent quality!), Memory Box cards(colored on one side,white on other which I LOVE), Solar White Card stock (wonderful for coloring), Arturo Lavender cards with envelopes(a real hand made texture), Ornare templates and piercing supplies(like acupuncture for your cards!) the pearls(I want every single color), and Stardust Glitter Pens(set of two).

Tip of the day: Sometimes when you use a wet medium like the Watercolor Crayons with Aqua painter, the paper ends up warping a bit. Be sure to let the image thoroughly dry before adhering it to another piece of card stock. You may even need to place it under a heavy flat object like a book or you can also iron your images with a scrap piece of paper between the image and the ironing surface. Usually for me, I just let my image dry really good and that's enough. When adhering the image, don't skimp on the adhesive. Use a solid line of good adhesive around all four sides of the image. This way there is no buckling of the paper and it stays professional looking. Happy coloring!

Inspiration from nature......

My house is nestled in the middle of a field, so the area that surrounds our yard is all pasture, full of wild flowers, daisies and this beautiful grass that my grandpa called turkey foot grass. I see butterflies, birds, deer (and rattle snakes,yikes!)and all sorts of animals flitting by constantly. So it's only natural that a lot of my creative inspiration comes from nature.

The fun thing is that when you are creating with certain images, you can choose a color palette from all spectrum's of the rainbow. Some images are *generic* enough in nature that you can use any color and the end result looks fabulous. For example, the two Lockhart images I used in the cards above will look good with any colors you choose. The bouquet can be turned into a beautiful bundle of red roses and the butterfly could be decked out in beautiful shades of blue. Anything will work with these types of stamps. I love when you have endless possibilities with stamp images. For my cards today, I used shades of oranges and greens which was inspired by this beautiful yellowish yarrow plant that I have in my flower bed. Stay tuned later this week and I'll show you some cards made with images that have more specific colors in nature.....like lavender and geraniums.

Card Supplies: Lockhart Stamp images, Memory Box cards, Stardust glitter pen, Basic Grey 6 x6 patterned paper from Ellen Hutson's online store. Images were colored with SU! Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Aquapainter with colored pencil accents. Velvet ribbon from Michael's. Copper brands unknown. Background floral stamp from SU!.

Tip of the day: Remember flock? Well, it's back and is it ever fun! Ellen has some fun new colors in her store. I used a peachy color on my bouquet card. It's hard to see in the photo but in real life, it's so fuzzy and textural. I simply used a glue pen on the desired areas, then sprinkled on the flock. Press down a little so it sticks good, then tap off the excess. I love that stuff!!!