Viva la Verve and Ink Isolating Tutorial

Have you had a chance to check out the last Viva la Verve sketch for this month yet? If you use all the sketches, and upload them HERE, you have an opportunity to win a $100 Verve Gift Certificate...just sayin'....:)

Well, inspired by this week's CAS (I know...I got carried away and didn't do very well in the CAS department...it happens sometimes...*grin*), I created this fun coffee card using a couple of techniques.

First of all I Emboss Resisted. I stamped the coffee stain image, from the Verve set Better with You, onto Kraft cs, with Versamark and embossed it with Clear Embossing Powder. I then inked the panel with Walnut Stain (Ranger Distress Ink) using a sponge dauber. After getting the deep color I wanted, I used my heat tool to go over the embossed coffee stains once more to get rid of the shine of the embossing powder making it look a little more rustic. The paper lines are an image from the Verve set Making a Statement.

For the background, I just stamped the "java" image all over the main panel. I wanted to use the small beautifully fonted "java" sentiment as a little banner flag so I decided to isolate it from the other fonts using repositioning tape.

Now, I'm sure someone has used this technique before, and there's probably a youtube video out on it, but I thought I'd show you how I did it here anyway.

I just taped over the areas of the image I didn't want to show,

Inked up the image with Teal Zeal (Memento),

and removed the tape to reveal the lone part that I wanted inked. If your ink has dried a bit, just "huff" on it and it should moisten the ink enough to get a good crisp image.

It's really easy.

The colored panels were created using the Modern Cube Large Edge Punch (EK Success). I just added some colored squares behind it using Ranger Distress Inks. I thought it would be fun to add some actual coffee beans too. They even smell good. :)

I want to quickly remind you that Verve is having a fabulous sale and Goody Bag offer right now too. So be sure to check that out. Just click on one of the images to the left or above, and you will be directed over to the Verve Store.

That about sums up today's card. I'm working on an Our Daily Bread Designs card for the Alumni Hop later this week, so be sure to visit again soon.

Happy Stamping!!

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Stamps: Better with You and Making a Statement(Verve)

Paper: Vintage Cream and Kraft (PTI)

Ink: French Roast (a muse), Walnut Stain (Ranger Distress), Elderberry, Teal Zeal, Pistachio, Peanut Brittle, and Toffee Crunch (Memento), Versamark

Accessories: Modern Cube Large Edge Punch and Round Binding Edge Edger Punch (EK Success), Burlap Ribbon, Memo Pins (Tim Holtz), Coffee Beans, Distrezz-it-All (Zutter), Clear Embossing Powder

Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz with Pouchmart Bags

Waltingmouse meets PouchMart. Several of the WMS Design team members are using Waltzingmouse stamps to embellish bags from Pouch Mart - a web store that sells bags made with a wide variety of fabrics and materials in all shapes, colors and sizes. The folks over at PouchMart generously sent us some bags to work with and they are also offering a $25 Pouch Mart gift certificate for one lucky commenter. See all the prize details at the bottom of my post.

I chose to alter this darling little 7" x 6" Orange Sinamay Bag. It reminded me of a mini-beach tote and I thought it would be fun to include some pampering products inside for a friend of mine who works really hard and rarely takes time for herself.

All I did was stamp the "Relax" sentiment from the Waltzingmouse set My Island, with Black Onyx Versamark, onto a rectangular piece of canvas. (I swear Claire designed this sentiment just for this little gift I wanted to give. It's PERFECT). I then spritzed the canvas with Alpine Ice Rose and Bells of Ireland Green Starburst mists from Lindy's Stamp Gang. Once the canvas was dry, I hand-stitched around the edges using a bright pink embroidery thread and frayed the edges.

Since the webbing of the bag is spread out, it would be hard to sew the canvas directly to the bag, so I hot glued the panel to the bag using a slightly smaller rectangular canvas piece inside, behind the main panel. It gives it a clean look on the inside also. It was so easy to do, and the bags from Pouchmart are so reasonably priced.

I also made a card to go with my little gift using some background images, as well as a Hawaiian "thank you" sentiment (because she's always doing so much for me). I used the Waltzingmouse sets My Island, Heirloom Patterns and Off Beat Backgrounds.

That about sums up my project for today.

Below is a list of the WMS Design Team Members who are also participating today's hop.

Leave a comment at each blog - one lucky commenter will win a $25.00 gift certificate to Pouch Mart - and another lucky commenter will win a Waltzingmouse Stamp set! You have until Sunday July 29th 11:59 pm EST to leave your comments!

Winners will be announced on Julia's blog Monday July 30th.

Anya Schrier

Bonnie Sharp

Julia Aston

Kelly Schirmer

Lynn Mercurio

Mona Pendleton

I hope you've enjoyed this little hop, and have been inspired.

Thanks for visiting and have a fabulous weekend!!

Happy Stamping!

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Stamps: My Island, Heirloom Patterns and Off Beat Backgrounds, (Waltzingmouse Stamps)

Paper: Kraft

Ink: Black Onyx (Versafine), Fresh Snow (PTI), Peanut Brittle and Elderberry (Memento)

Accessories: 7" x 6" Orange Sinamay Bag (PouchMart), Canvas, Embroidery Thread, Raffia Flower (Prima), Gift Products (Bath and Body)

Verve Diva Dare July 2012

Hello my friends! I'm hosting the Diva Dare challenge over at the Verve Blog today, and this is the card I made in answer to the Birthday Theme. I usually go all embellishment crazy on a card, but as I was creating this one, I ended up with a pretty clean and simple look using the Ribbon Banner die, Plain Jane Fringe Flower, and a birthday sentiment from Joyful Blooms.

I love texture, so I stamped the Fringe Flower image, using Black Stazon, onto some felt and added a button, as well as a sweet little canvas tag with the birthday sentiment on it. As a backdrop to the sentiment, I added a little banner using Verve's Ribbon Banner die.

You could win some Verve Goodies too, so be sure to stop by the Verve Blog to see how.

Thanks so much for visiting. I hope you've had an awesome week and are looking forward to a nice weekend!

Happy Stamping!

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Stamps: Plain Jane Fringe Flower, Joyful Blooms (Verve)

Paper: Country Boutique (Fancy Pants Designs), Vintage Cream (PTI)

Ink: Jet Black (Stazon), Pumice Stone (Ranger Distress)

Accessories: Ribbon Banner die (Verve), Mini Canvas Tag (Maya Road), Rhinestone Flourish (Zva Creative), Snowflake Fancy Floss (We R Memory Keepers), Button, Quickie Glue Pen, Crystal Glitter, Border Punch (EK Success), Sewing Machine, Lace (Stamp Simply Ribbon Store)

For the Love of ODBD Embossing Plates!

Welcome to Our Daily Bread Design's Alumni Team's bi-monthly For the Love Blog Hop. This week the Alumni team, along with some of the ODBD designers, are featuring a hop For the Love of ODBD Embossing Plates! Check out each link and leave a comment. If you get lost along the way, check the ODBD blog for full list of links. One of the post is a hop hot spot and a name will be drawn from that list of comments to win a $15 ODBD store gift certificate. So, all you have to do is hop along and see all the creations and leave a little love! You have until Wednesday, August 1st at 6 pm. Enjoy all the festive inspiration using For the Love of ODBD embossing plates!

If you've arrived here from Deb,s Blog, you're on the right track.

I used a sentiment from the Our Daily Bread Design's Scripture Collection 7, and the Vintage Border Embossing Plate.

I chose to use the Faux Fabric Embossing Technique found HERE.

Also, ODBD is having a CHA Show special that is running through the 20th, of this month, at Midnight EST. Here are the deets:

Orders of $100.00-$149.00 may use code CHA10 to receive 10% off the order!

Orders of $150.00-$199.00 may use code CHA15 to receive 15% off the order!

Orders over $200.00 may use code CHA25 to receive 25% off the order!!

PLEASE NOTE: Stamp set bundles and Gift Certificates are NOT included in this offer. We will not discount any of these items and your invoice will be adjusted if you purchase them.

Next on the hop is the super sweet and talented, Betty.

Hope you've been inspired!!

Happy Stamping!!

Waltzingmouse July 2012 Blog Party

I can't believe it's the middle of July already. The summer is over half over...*sniff*

Well, being as it's the 17th, I'm joining in on Waltingmouse's Blog Party and am celebrating summer with the theme "The Great Outdoors".

Each summer we look forward to strawberry season, so I thought it would be fun to use the new Waltzingmouse set Jar Fillers ~ Jam Packed, combined with a previously released jar outline image from the set Candy Jar Christmas ~ Fillers. You can pre-order the jar by itself HERE.

Isn't this little jar the sweetest!! The outlines, lid, jar and label are all separate images, so the possibilities are limitless!! And the sentiments are just so fun and charming!!

Claire has also designed a sweet little Strawberry Template. I don't own a Cricut or Silhouette, etc., so I just used a PDF file, printed out the strawberry templates, cut them out, and stamped the Gingham & Co. images on the backside so you didn't see the lines. I then added a little button to the top with some twine.

Well, this is just a bit of what we like about summer. Be sure to stop by the Waltzingmouse Blog to see how other stampers interpret this summer theme.

Thanks for dropping by!!

Happy Stamping!!

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Stamps: Jar Fillers ~ Jam Packed, Candy Jar Christmas ~ Fillers, Candy Jar Christmas ~ Fillers, Gingham & Co (Waltzingmouse Stamps)

Paper: White (PTI)

Ink: Sky, Sage and Lichen (a muse), Love Letter (Memento), Onxy Black (Versafine)

Accessories: Strawberry Template (Waltzingmouse), Rectangle, Scalloped Rectangle and Parisian Accents dies (Spellbinders), Button (PTI), Twine, Scor-Buddy

Viva la Verve and an accident...yikes!!

I have a Viva la Verve! card to share with you today using the sketch designed by one of the sweetest Verve divas, Charmaine!! :)

I used a variety of Verve Stamps and dies on this card: Stamps ~ Words of Wisdom,Making a Statement and Blue Skies, A Cut Above Dies ~ All Aflutter, Charming Oval,Charming Banner, and Tagged Rectangle

It's all pretty straight forward.

It's Julee's birthday this month, so she's celebrating big with a super sale all month, and a fantastic goody bag!!

And what's a party without presents? Now through the end of July receive a free goody bag of papercrafting delights if your order totals at least $75 after discounts and before shipping! There's nothing to do except shop... we'll automatically add the goodies when your order ships!

On a personal note... (I rarely share personal stuff but this is just plain crazy!!)

Have you ever tried participating in activities that your mind is sure you're young enough to actually pull off, but your body says "who are you trying to kid?" Well, I did just that on Monday. I decided to tube (being pulled behind our boat) with three others. Something I haven't done in 2 years, but have never been thrown either. Well, this time I got thrown and broke my 7th rib on my left side. Are you kidding me? I've wiped out knee boarding before, and on a stand up wave runner, and have never been seriously injured. Okay, I'm 44 years old now, but jeepers, I know people a lot older who go unscathed.

Now, the physical pain is manageable with only 2 advil every 6 hours. No problem. It's the heartache that's hard to take. You see, we're taking a trip to Hawaii soon and had all kind of active excursions planned, a few of which I can no longer do. My biggest disappointment is not being able to zipline. That's the one activity I truly LOVE!! *sigh* I have to say that I'm very thankful though. I could have had a much more serious injury to my neck or legs, or something else that would keep me from even going on vacation. So I'm truly counting my blessings. I get to spend some fun quality with my family in a tropical setting!! That's a HUGE blessing!! I just can't believe I've broken a rib! How crazy is that!?!?!?!?!?!

Well, that's it from me today.

I hope ya'll are enjoying your summer and are staying injury free. LOL

Stay safe, and Happy Stamping!!

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Stamps: Words of Wisdom,Making a Statement and Blue Skies (Verve)

Paper: Songbird (Prima) and Vintage Cream (PTI)

Ink: French Roast (a muse), Gray Flannel (Memento)

Accessories: All Aflutter, Charming Oval,Charming Banner, and Tagged Rectangle (A Cut Above dies ~ Verve), Gesso, Flower (BoBunny), Lace (Melissa Frances), Buttons (PTI), Twine, Glitter, Quickie Glue Pen, Sewing Machine

For the Love of ODBD Christmas sets Blog Hop!

Welcome to Our Daily Bread Design's Alumni Team's bi~monthly For the Love Blog Hop. This week the Alumni team, along with some of the ODBD designers, are featuring a hop For the Love of ODBD Christmas sets! Check out each link and leave a comment. If you get lost along the way, check the ODBD blog for a full list of links. One of the posts is a hop hot spot and a name will be drawn from the list of comments to win a $15 ODBD store gift certificate. So, all you have to do is hop along, see all the creations, and leave a little love. You have until Wednesday, July 18th at 6 pm Eastern. Enjoy all the festive inspiration!!

For a closer look, click on the picture.

If you're hear by way of Silke's Blog, your hopping along on the right track.

Tags seem to be all the rage right now, so I thought it would be fun to use the ODBD Christmas set, Blessed Christmas, on a tag. I stamped the image with Versamark 3 times onto watercolor paper, embossed it with Black Embossing Powder, and colored each layer with Tombow Markers. The sentiment was diecut using a Fancy Tags die by Spellbinders.

Next stop, the oh so sweet and talented Betty.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Happy Stamping!!

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Stamps: Blessed Christmas (Our Daily Bread Designs)

Paper: Watercolor

Ink: Versamark and Antique Linen (Ranger Distress), Onyx Black (Versafine)

Accessories: Fancy Oval die (Sizzix), Labels 14 and Fancy Tags 2 dies (Spellbinders), Corner rounder, Tombow Markers, Silver Microbeads (Recollections), Pearl Button (Basicgrey), Pink Button (PTI), Pink Wired String, Lace and Pink Ruffle (Melissa Frances), White Sparkle Tinsel and White Chunky Glitter (American Crafts), Silver Netting (Webster's Pages)

Happy Independence Day!!

I'm a little late today, but I wanted to take a moment to wish all my American friends a Happy Independence Day, and to thank all those who serve our country so we have the opportunity to enjoy our freedom!! I feel very blessed.

I used all Waltzingmouse images for my card today: My Island (sentiment), Off Beat Backgrounds

The sentiment panel is a dark blue, even though it looks black in the photo.

Thanks for all the stamping support!!

Happy Stamping!!

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Stamps: My Island (sentiment), Off Beat Backgrounds (Waltzingmouse)

Paper: White (PTI)

Ink: Red Magic (VersaMagic), Versamark

Accessories: Star die (Spellbinders), White Embossing Powder, Crystal Glitter, Quickie Glue Pen, Sewing Machine

Waltzingmouse July 2012 Release Blog Waltz

It's finally release day at Waltzingmouse Stamps!! Woo~Hoo!!

If you've arrived from Anya's blog, you're right on step. If not, you might want to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing. That would be Claire. :) Also, Claire is offering a prize to a lucky commenter. The more blogs you comment on, the bigger chance you have of winning a Waltzingmouse Stamp set of your choice. You have until July 4 to leave comments. :) Check the Waltzingmouse blog for the comment cutoff times.

Okay, about the card. ;) Aren't these summer sets super fun!!! Today we get to share with you a set designed by Waltzingmouse's very own, uber talented Anya Schrier!! I'm in serious love with this Playful Pinwheel set. It's just super charming and oh so versatile!! Truly!!

My card is based on this week's Waltzingmouse sketch. I thought the pinwheels would be fun to place in a flower pot, so I diecut one using the Spellbinders Flower pot die using Kraft Core. I then ran it through my cuttlebug with an embossing folder, and then embossed it with clear embossing powder.

For the pinwheels, I took some watercolor paper and did a brown colorwash over it to give them a rustic feel. I then stamped the different patterns over the colorwash.

I used Bitty Banners and the Pennants die for the little sentiment banner.

That's it for my project today. Next stop is the super sweet and talented Becca.

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Stamps: Playful Pinwheel and Bitty Banners (Waltzingmouse)

Paper: Year.O.graphy (Simple Stories), Kraft (PTI)

Ink: Pistachio, Peanut Brittle and Teal Zeal (Memento), Vintage Photo (Ranger Distress), Latte (a muse), Versamark

Accessories: Oval and Pennants dies (Spellbinders), Cream Pearl Pen (Viva Decor), Crystal Glitter, Clear Embossing Powder, Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Sewing Machine, Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Lace, Distrezz~it~All (Zutter)