how in the world… January 18, 2008

am I to use this LARGE flower stamp???  But, I had to have it due to my love for watercoloring.  And this stamp, From the Garden (hostess set level 1), yells out “color me”.

I originally wanted to use it for the wsc, but realized that the size of it just wouldn’t work for the sketch.  So, I made my mom a Mothers Day Card.

If you look closely, I wanted the leaves and flower petals to pop in and out of the frame/border of the main image.  It really added a lot of dimension to the flower. 

I started with an Old Olive CS base measuring 5″ x 8-1/4″ folded in half (I know, weird dimensions, but it’s an odd-large flower image).  Rose Red CS 3-7/8″ x 4-3/4″ adhered to card base.  Next layer is So Saffron CS 3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ and used Scor-Pal to score lattice lines (hard to see due to the flower covering up).  You can see a tutorial on Debbie Olson’s blog on how to achieve this look.  Adhered stamped flower (will talk about that in next paragraph).  Had to carefully cut a Pumpkin Pie CS that is 1/8″ wide to fit as a mini frame that would weave in and out of the flower image.  Stamped “Mother” from Everyday Flexible Phrases stamp set. 

For the ginormo-flower, I stamped it twice on Shimmery White CS with Stazon Jet Black ink (one time for the flower and one time for the leaves).  I used an Aqua-Painter for coloring.  For the flower, I used stampin’ pads Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Ruby Red inks.  For the leaves, I used stampin’ pads Old Olive and Always Artichoke inks.  I cut out the flower and set aside.  To the leaves, I added Glassy Glaze Enamel and created the cracked glass technique to them.  Sponged on some extra Always Artichoke ink to add some extra detail to the cracks.  Carefully cut out the leaves.  Adhere the flower on top of the leaves as they would appear originally.  Adhere to card weaving leaves and petals inside and out of the Pumpkin Pie CS mini frame.

  Lastly, can’t forget the last flower detail.  Adhered some new Orange Glass Beads to the middle of the flower using Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue.

I have come to the conclusion that this is a great image for scrapbooking.  Will have to play around more to see what other cards I can make this this flower:)

dedicated to my man January 18, 2008

Is it a “cutesy” & “manly” card all in one?  I think so:)

Going to ramble about the man who inspired this card, so you can just skip down to the card if you don’t want to read the following paragraph.

For the first time, I think I was able to pull off a masculine card for my husband that totally incorporates my style…so now I can’t wait for Valentine’s Day (yep, already have his card done ladies *wink* and will grab it right back off of him after he opens it).  He is a great man.  Busy with work so I try to do the little things (yucky ironing and preparing the quick semi-good meal…those things that interrupt you when you’re really into creating something and suddenly have to stop).   I see how much he is working lately and I just wanted to write my thoughts on how I’m feeling and how much I appreciate him.  One thing I can say about him is that he handles stress so well…he is stronger than me and has way more patience.  I love to watch the interaction between him and the kids.  I’m the strict one, and he’s so layed back. 

My birthday is approaching very quickly and not one bit excited…why is that?  It becomes less fun when you pass a certain number?   I was joking around saying I wanted to go to California in February and attend CHA as my b-day gift.  To my surprise, he said, “set it up and let’s go”.  I responded with a, “Shut up!!” (but wanting to jump up and down).  My strategy was to START BIG and suggest traveling, then say, “Well, how about all these Nestabilities”…it works ladies — start big and negotiate…lol.  I think he justs needs to get away and what better place than CA right?   But, I’m gonna pass, stay at home with the kiddos and save the traveling plans for the SU! Convention.

Now, the card created for Beate’s wsc#31

    

I think this is the perfect card for my man. 

Stamp sets used:  Classic Backgrounds, All In The Family, Stamp of Authenticity, and Define Your Life.

Cardstock used:  East Coast Prep DSP, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, More Mustard, Real Red, and Shimmery White.

Inks used:  Stazon Jet Black, same as CS above.  Real Red Craft, Versamark Pad.

Accessories used:  Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads, Jersey Ribbon Originals, Staples, Scallop Punch, Coluzzle Cutting System, 1/2″ and 1″ Circle Punches, Spiral Punch, Round Tab Punch.

                

You gotta love this All In The Family stamp set….It gave me really thin legs, a short hot red dress, and blonde hair with no little grays sticking up out of control:)

Now, head on over to the blogs of these extremely talented girls to see their creations for Beate’s wsc:

Cambria Turnbow

Charmaine Ikach

Jenn Balcer

Laurie Schmidlin

Lori Craig

Sharon Harnist