SUMMER DREAMS

Hey there, I've been sick all week, and yesterday was the first day I felt well enough to color.  Woohoo!  I decided to combine My Favorite Things Sketch #268 and Color Challenge #39.  Although this stamp set is retired, it's the first time I've inked it up.  I know...*gasp*!

A MISTI was used to stamp the tree twice with Tuxedo Black onto Neenah Solar White; once on the background panel and the other on a piece that was die cut with MFT's Grassy Hills.  The tree on the background panel wasn't quite tall enough, so Copic Multiliners were used to extend it to the edge of the card.  I'm really happy with how the tree turned out!  The woodgrain texture gives the card character, and it was fun to create!  The Grassy Hills panel was die cut then colored with Copics.  The tree was fussy cut out and the grass sections were glued directly to the background panel.  Warm Gray markers were used to shadow the MFT Woodgrain Fence while the Grassy Edges die completes the background.  The girl was stamped, colored, fussy cut then glued and popped up onto the background.  Pretty easy CAS card!

COPIC COLORING:
SKIN:  E11, E00, E0000, R30  HAIR:  E57, E55, E53  OVERALLS, HAT, HAIR TIES:  R85, R83, R81  SHIRT, SHOES, BUTTONS:  R24, R22, R21  TREE:  W6, W4, W2, W0  LEAVES, GRASS:  G46, G43, G40  FENCE:  W4, W2, W0  SKY:  B00, BG70

Thanks for stopping by!


SUPPLIES:
STAMPS:  MFT Birdie Brown Let's Hang Out
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White
INK:  Copic markers; Memento Tuxedo Black
ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix Big Shot; MFT Die-Namics (Woodgrain Fence, Grassy Edges, Grassy Hills); MISTI; Black .05 and .003 Copic Multiliner;  scissors; X-Acto Knife; glass cutting plate; Art Glitter glue; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Thin Foam Squares; adhesive
TECHNIQUE(S):  Fussy cutting
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:  A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

CAS337 - AHOY, MATEY!

Hey there, I'm popping in with Julie's, Waves of Color, CAS challenge through Splitcoaststampers.  She wanted us to include waves of some kind on our projects.  I had fun with Whimsy Stamps Pirate Boy since both my husband and son were "Pirates" in high school!  I'm also including this into Julie, DTGD15justwritedesigns, and Kathleen's, DTGD15KathleenCurry, Dare To Get Dirty challenges.

The little guy was stamped with Tuxedo Black onto Neenah Solar White, colored with Copic markers, fussy cut then popped up on foam.  The sky and waves were sponged with three different Memento inks then popped up for dimension.  The boat and black wave were rubbed with Cloud White VersaMark to show light reflection.  I guess that's it for me this week, stop back by next Sunday for my first attempt at hostessing a CAS challenge...I'd love for you to play along with us!

COPIC COLORING:
SKIN:  E11, E000, E0000, R30  TONGUE:  R30  MOUTH:  C4, C0, R30  HAIR, VEST, SWORD:  E37, E34, E31  PANTS:  B97, B95, B91  PATCHES:  R37, R35, R32, C4, C2, C0, 0  SHIRT, BANDANA:  R37, R35, R32, C4, C2, C0, 0  EYE PATCH, HOOK:  C6, C4, C2, C0

Thanks for stopping by!


SUPPLIES:
STAMPS:  Whimsy Stamps Pirate Boy
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White; Bazzill
INK:  Copic markers; Memento (Tuxedo Black, Summer Sky, Bahama Blue, Danube Blue); Archival Cloud White VersaMagic
ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix Big Shot; MFT Die-namics (Stitched Rectangle Stax, Sailboat); Ranger Mini Blending Tool; glass cutting plate; X-Actoknife; scissors; ScrapbookAdhesives by 3L Thin Foam Squares; Zig 2-Way Glue pen; adhesive
TECHNIQUE(S):  Fussy cutting; sponging
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:  A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

DTGD15sweetmissdaisy - HOGS & KISSES

Hey there, *squeal*...See what I did there?  Ha!  I finally get to show you this cutie pie!  I made this for Anna's (aka sweetmissdaisy) Dare To Get Dirty challenge.  Think you know what the challenge is?  Head on over to Splitcoaststampers and sign up to be a Fan Club Member to see specific challenge details.  LOVE this card!

Two tags were cut from Neenah Solar White to make up the main panel.  One was colored with Copic markers for the sky, while the other was cut with My Favorite Things Rolling Hills die before being colored and layered onto the sky tag along with that awesome fence!  The pig was stamped on the grass (so I wouldn't have to cut the tail) then two more were stamped on Neenah, colored with Copic markers then fussy cut. One was placed directly over the stamped pig and the other was adhered to the back of the tag.  The sentiment was heat embossed on black card stock.

MFT's Gingham Background stamp was used to stamp a fishtail tag then layered.  Twine and ribbon completes the card.  It doesn't get much easier than this, but it's cute, cute, cute!

COPIC COLORING:
PIGS:  R02, R00, R0000  GRASS:  G46, G43, G40  SKY:  B00, BG0000

Thanks for stopping by!


SUPPLIES:
STAMPS:  MFT (Birdie Brown The Whole Herd, Gingham Background )
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White; Bazzill
INK:  Copic markers; Memento (Tuxedo Black, Lady Bug); VersaMark
ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix Big Shot; MFT Die-Namics (Blueprints & 16, Tag Builder Blueprints 2, Rolling Hills); scissors; Embossing Buddy; Ranger White Embossing Powder; heat tool; ribbon from my stash; Creative Impressions Black Twine; Glue Dot; Zig 2-Way Glue pen;  adhesive
TECHNIQUE(S):  Heat embossing; fussy cutting
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:   A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

DTGD15justwritedesigns - SUMMER FUN

Hey there, I'm back with another Dare To Get Dirty challenge card.  Julie (aka justwritedesigns) has a super fun challenge...can you guess what it is?  You need to be a Splitcoaststampers Fan Club Member to see specific challenge details, so head on over to SCS and sign up today!

I absolutely LOVE this little girlie illustrated by Krista Heij-Barber for Whimsy Stamps!  She's so cute, and I can't wait to color up the rest of the stamps I recently purchased!  She was stamped with Tuxedo Black onto Neenah Solar White, colored with Copic markers, fussy cut then popped up on foam.  The waves were also colored with Copic markers and a white gel pen was used to create the "foam".

COPIC COLORING:
SKIN:  E11, E000, E0000, R30  HAIR:  E37, E35, YR24, YR20  DUCK FLOAT:  Y19, Y15, Y02, YR18, YR15, YR12  SWIMSUIT:  YG17, YG13, YG11, RV17, RV14, RV10  HAIR BANDS:  RV17, RV15, RV10  SAND:  E33, E30  WAVES:  B66, B93, B000, 0  SKY:  BG70

Thanks for stopping by!


SUPPLIES:
STAMPS:  Whimsy Stamps Swimmer Girl
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White
INK:  Copic markers; Memento Tuxedo Black ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix Big Shot; MFT Die-namics (Blueprints, Jumbo Peek-a-boo Circles, Making Waves); scissors; glass cutting plate; X-Acto knife; .5 Black Copic Multiliner; Signo Uni-ball White gel pen; Sakura Clear Glaze pen; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L (Foam Squares, Thin Foam Squares); adhesive
TECHNIQUE(S):  Fussy cutting
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:  A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

DTGD15TammieE - REMEMBERING MOM

Hey there, are you ready for a week of Dare To Get Dirty creations?  Splitcoaststampers Dirty Girls, past and present, have come up with some amazing challenges!  If you want to know specific challenge details, you need to become a Fan Club member if you aren't already.

I created this card as a tribute to my mom who lost her battle with cancer eight months ago.  I miss her every day, and well, this sentiment from My Favorite Things pretty much says it all!

So...this card is for my very own challenge!  I absolutely adore Susan's Gardens flower dies...they look so realistic!  The sponging and popped up frame are exactly what this card needed.  The ladybug was made using Viva paints and was the perfect finishing touch.

Here's a side view so you can really see the dimension.  So pretty!

Thanks for stopping by!


SUPPLIES:
STAMPS:  MFT Penguins in Paradise
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White; Bazzill
INK:  Copic markers; Memento (Dandelion, Cantaloupe, Rich Cocoa)
ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix Big Shot, Susan's Garden (Sunflower, Mini Daisy, tool kit); MFT Die-Namics (Blueprints 16, Rectangle Frames); PanPastel (Orange, Diarylide Yellow); Sofft sponges; Ranger Mini Blending Tool; yellow pollen (sorry, can't remember the name); Viva Paper pen Sunny Yellow; Viva Perlen-Pen (Red, Black); Crafter's Pick The Ultimate glue;  Zig 2-Way Glue pen; adhesive
TECHNIQUE(S):  3D flowers, sponging
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:  A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

CAS335 - TAKE A SELFIE

Hey there, I'm back with this week's CAS challenge.  Misti wanted us to do something beachy.  Stamping Bella's Uptown Girls Samantha and Sierra Take a Selfie is perfect for a beach scene!  The fun layout is Freshly Made Sketch #196.

The girls were stamped with Tuxedo Black onto Neenah Solar White then colored with Copic markers.  *confession time*  I knew I was going to use the Polaroid die cut so I didn't waste a whole lot of time coloring underneath...I wanted to spend my time coloring the beach scene instead.  The flower completes the card and ties it all together...and, BTW, I'm in love with the Mini Prills!  They come in tons of colors and make the perfect flower centers!

COPIC COLORING:
SKIN:  E11, E00, E0000, R30  HAIR:  E25, E23, E21 & Y19, Y15, Y02  SUNGLASSES:  C6, C4, C2, RV02. FLOWER:  R85, R83, RV02, R81  SWIMSUITS:  B95, B93, B91, YG63, YG25, YG03 & R85, R83, RV02, R81, YR24, YR21, YR20  DRINKS:  B95, B93, B91, YR24, YR21, YR20, BG70 & Y19, Y15, Y02, BG70  PHONE:  R85, R83, RV02, R81  SAND:  E33, E31, E30  OCEAN:  B45, B41, B00  SKY:  BG70

Thanks for stopping by!


SUPPLIES:
STAMPS:  SB Uptown Girls Samantha and Sierra Take a Selfie
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White; Bazzill Raven Monochromatic
INK:  Copic markers; Memento Tuxedo Black
ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix Big Shot; MFT Die-Namics (Blueprints 23, Precious Polaroid, Flower &Leaf Trio); Stamp-a-ma-jig; Sakura Clear Glaze pen; Susan's Garden Tool Kit; Orange Juice Mini Prills; Crafter's Pick The Ultimate; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Thin Foam Squares; adhesive
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:   A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

BEE MY HONEY

Hey there, WOWSERS...has it really been almost four months since my last post?  Oops!  *blushing*  With my mom's medical issues and me with my missing mojo...I just needed to take a step back for a while.  I'm here now though, and I'm excited to let you know that I have a handful of projects to share with you!

Guess what's going on over at Splitcoaststampers this week!  Dare to Get Dirty!  Woohoo...it's a fun packed week of challenges and this card is for "moi's" challenge!  Alas, I'm not able to share the details of the challenge here on my blog...and to see the details, you have to be a Fan Club Member.  Not in the Fan Club but want to be?  Learn more here.  Already in the Fan Club and want to check out all of the challenges?  Tons of info, including a link to the challenge thread, can be found here.  Oh yeah, there are prizes up for grabs too!

Enough about all that...let's get to the card!  *grin*  I stamped this sweet, little guy and his bee friends with Tuxedo Black onto Neenah Solar white then colored them with Copic markers.  I cut a couple hexagons out of Pebbles paper with TE dies.  I even sponged the edges of the yellow paper with some Wild Honey Distress Ink.  I kept it an easy peasy layout to let the Whipper Snapper image stand out.  I love WSD stamps!  I guess that's about it.

COPIC COLORING: 
BEAR:  E87, E84, E81  HONEY POT:  Y38, Y11, Y00, BG72, BG70, BG11, R46, R43, R000  BEES:  Y38, Y11, Y00, BG72, BG70  FLOWERS:  Y38, Y11, Y00, R46, R43, R000  GRASS, STEMS:  YG25, YG23  SKY:  BG72, BG70, BG11  HEART (by the hexagons):  R46, R43, R000

Thanks for stopping by! 


SUPPLIES: 
STAMPS:  WSD Bee My Honey
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White; Bazzill Raven Monochromatic; Pebbles Garden Party
INK:  Copic markers; Memento Tuxedo Black; Wild Honey Distress Ink
ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix Big Shot; TE Taylored Dies; Zig 2-way Glue Pen; Wink of Stella pen; adhesive
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:  A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

NOTEBOOK AND MATCHING CARD

Hey there, boy that Cami...she's a mean one!  She actually cracked the whip on me today, and well...I kind of liked it!  BWAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!  She told me I needed to get out of my funk and get to blogging again.  So here I am, doing what she told me to.  *grin*

Before I share mine and Cami's project, I figured I would let you know why I have been MIA and haven't been lurking in blog land.  My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in January.  We've been busy doing the doctor thing and trying to figure out her best method of treatment.  We found out she was not a candidate for surgery at this time.  That was VERY disappointing news!  Her health isn't good enough right now, so she was instructed to start chemo and blood thinners then go back in six months for another evaluation.  That was last month and she just now (yesterday) got started on the chemo!  This has NOT been a quick process to say the least!  So with that said...I haven't really been in a crafty sort of mood.  *sigh*  I'm hoping that will change very soon!

Enough about all that!  Now...let me tell you about this super fun project that Cami and I will be teaching at Memories of Time on Saturday!  OMGosh...it was a blast!  We turned a mini legal pad into an adorable notepad complete with mini gel pen!  If that wasn't enough, we made a matching card and envelope in case we want to give it as a gift!

I absolutely love this notebook!  The flower pot and grass are Taylored Expressions dies and the words are from My Favorite Things.  The bumble bee is my all time favorite bee from Our Craft Lounge.  I sure do miss them!  The honeycomb stencil is from Tim Holtz.  We added some Distress Paint to Molding Paste and mixed it in then used a spatula to apply it.  Once it was dry, we sponged some matching Distress Stain over the edges.  I really love the way this notebook turned out and I can't wait to make more!

The notepad has a magnetic closure.  Once you pop it open, you see the gel pen and holder.

Here's the notebook opened up.  Don't you just LOVE that bumble bee paper!?!  And how about those mitered corners?  There's a cool tool for that!

Last but not least, here's the 4" x 4" card that we made with the matching envelope.  Cute, cute, cute!

No details to share with this one.  Mostly because I'm just too lazy to get up and get the supplies.  Ugh!  Sorry about that!  If you have specific questions, you can always email me and I'll get back to you.  Oh, I almost forgot...hurry up and get a hold of Cami to sign up for this class (MOT link above).  You will have so much fun making it, you'll want to make another...guaranteed!  Ha!

Well, thanks for stopping by! 

SUMMER FUN

Hey there, are you ready for this week's Stamping Bella challenge project?  It was an Inspiration Theme where I pulled the colors tan and yellow and came up with this summery card using Uptown Girl Sandy and her Sombrero.  Even though I live on the Oregon Coast, this is NOT something you would see someone wear walking up and down our beaches!  Even in the summer people are fully dressed including hats and jackets!  *snort*

Sandy was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black onto Neenah Solar White, colored with Copic markers then fussy cut using a combination of an Ex-Acto knife/glass cutting plate and scissors.  Her sun glasses and cocktail have Sakura Clear Glaze on them for a nice, subtle shine.  The sky was sponged with Summer Sky and the smallest cloud in the Die-Namics Jumbo Cloud STAX.  The beach and waves were layered then Sandy was popped up on foam.  I used this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch, #209, for the layout.

COPIC COLORING: 
SKIN:  E11, E01, E000, R30, BV20  HAIR:  E57, E55, E53, E51  SUN GLASSES:  C6, C4, C2, C0  BIKINI:  E35, E33, E30  HAT, THONGS, SUN:  Y38, Y11, Y00  BAG:  E35, E33, E30, Y38, Y11, Y00  COCKTAIL:  C1, C00, BG70, Y00  SHADOW:  E35, E30

Next week's Bellariffic Fridays challenge is a Sketch challenge.  Email your card to Em by Thursday, March 13, to be included on Bloggabella...you could win some Bella Bucks, but you have to use a current stamp!  Pretty sure I know which direction I'm leaning for this one...I just need to sit down and work it out!  I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with!



Thanks for stopping by! 


SUPPLIES: 
STAMPS:  SB Uptown Girl Sandy and her Sombrero
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White; Bazzill Raven Monochromatic 
INK:  Copic markers; Memento (Tuxedo Black, Summer Sky)
ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix (Big Shot, embossing folder); MFT Die-namics (Making Waves, Sunshine, Jumbo Cloud STAX); sponge; Ex-Acto knife; glass cutting plate; scissors; Sakura Clear Glaze pen; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Thin 3D Foam Squares; Zig 2-Way Glue pen; adhesive
TECHNIQUE(S):  Fussy cutting
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:  A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

HANG IN THERE!

Hey there, I made this card for my brother-in-law who has cancer.  He is a little more than half way through his chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  Although you would think that was great, I've been told the second half is worse.  I hope this card brightens his day!

This sweet, little guy is Pull-Up Monkey from Whipper Snapper Designs.  He was stamped with Tuxedo Black onto Neenah Solar White then colored with Copic markers.  I extended the branch he hangs on by stamping the leaves a second time then drawing in the tiny bit of branch to reach the card's edge (didn't want the branch suspended in mid air!).  One leaf in each group was stamped a second time, colored, fussy cut then popped up on foam.  The monkey's two larger fingers were also stamped, colored, fussy cut then popped up on foam to make it appear like he is really hanging onto the branch.  Really love how this turned out...fun layout and rich colors!  This card also fits into a couple challenges over at Splitcoaststampers:  Fan Club's Central Theme, You Raise Me Up, and SCS's Love Fest Challenge, Puppy Love (to use cute and cuddly critters).

COPIC COLORING: 
MONKEY:  E37, E35, E34  FACE, EARS, HANDS, FEET, BELLY:  E33, E31, E30, R30  LIMB:  E59, E57, E55, E53  LEAVES:  YG17, YG03, YG0000



Thanks for stopping by! 


SUPPLIES: 
STAMPS:  WSD Pull-Up Monkey
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White; Doodlebug Designs Flower Box collection
INK:  Copic markers; Memento Tuxedo Black 
ACCESSORIES:  Scissors; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Thin 3D Foam Squares; Zig 2-Way Glue pen; adhesive
TECHNIQUE(S):  Fussy cutting
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:   A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

HI!

Hey there, happy Friday!  Since it's Friday, you know what that means...it's time for this week's Stamping Bella Inspiration challenge!  I decided to use the colors from the photo and Senior-ita Harriet for the stamp.  She's got her sexy on!  Ha!  Seriously, I think she's adorable, and doesn't it look like she's having a blast on that inner tube?!?

Harriet was stamped with Tuxedo Black onto Neenah Solar White then colored with Copic markers.  I went with a super CAS layout...just a few My Favorite Things banners that were colored to match the main image, and a portion of the sentiment that comes with Harriet was stamped on the top banner.  Oh yeah, and Harriet's goggles have clear glaze pen on them for a subtle shine.  Love her!

COPIC COLORING: 
SKIN:  E11, E01, E00, E000, E0000, R30, BV20  SWIMSUIT, SWIM CAP:  RV69, RV66, RV63  GOGGLES:  BG72, BG70, E000, E0000  INNER TUBE:  N6, N4, N2, N0  WATER:  B18, B16, B04, B0000  SKY:  B0000, B04  BANNERS:  N6, N4, N2, N0, B18, B16, B04, B0000, RV69, RV66, RV63

Next week's Bellariffic Fridays challenge is a sketch.  Email your card to Em by Thursday, February 13, to be included on Bloggabella...you could win some Bella Bucks, but you have to use a current stamp!  I'm way ahead of the game on this sketch...I know exactly what I want to do!  I even started it already.  Whoop!  I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Thanks for stopping by! 


SUPPLIES: 
STAMPS:  SB Senior-ita Harriet
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White; Bazzill Raven Monochromatic 
INK:  Copic markers; Memento Tuxedo Black 
ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix Big Shot; MFT Die-namics (Fishtail Flag Stax, Fishtail Flags Layers Stax); Sakura Clear Glaze pen; SU Dimentionals; adhesive
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:  A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

I'D PICK YOU

Hey there, I'm sooo glad it's Friday...it's been a drama-filled week, and I'm glad to say that I made it through in one piece!  Another reason I'm glad it's Friday...it's time for the Stamping Bella challenge!  Whoop!  This week's theme is "For My Friends".  Were you able to play along with us? 

I had a couple images in mind for this challenge, but decided to go with Uptown Girl Pippa Loves to Plant.  Isn't she adorable!?!  I've used this layout with the die cut clouds before and thought it would be perfect with this image.  I kept it simple from the layout to the coloring.  I debated on if I wanted to color a sky behind Pippa and the more I looked at it, I decided she didn't need it.  Sometimes I just like the white, and this was one of those times!

The image was stamped with Tuxedo Black onto Neenah Solar white then colored with Copic markers.  The striped paper was cut to cover the card base, so when the clouds were die cut from the image panel, the stripes would show through.  Pretty clever, huh?  Gotta love Pinterest!  That's originally where I saw the idea.

COPIC COLORING: 
SKIN:  E11, E01, E00, E000, E0000, R30, BV20  HAIR:  E59, E57, E55, E53  APRON, GLOVE:  R85, R83, R81  SHIRT:  NONE  SHORTS, BANDANNA:  BG75, BG72, BG70  WATERING CAN:  C3, C1, C00  SHOVEL:  R85, R83, R81, C3, C1, C00  BUTTERFLY:  R85, R81  FLOWER POTS:  YR12, YR02, YR00  PLANTS/FLOWERS:  YR30, Y02, Y00, Y000, R85, R81, BG72, BG70, YG67, YG23, YG03, YG0000  GROUND:  YG67, YG23, YG03, YG0000

Next week's Bellariffic Fridays challenge is a sketch.  Email your card to Em by Thursday, January 30, to be included on Bloggabella...you could win some Bella Bucks, but you have to use a current stamp!  I think I might break out a certain Senior-ita and make a Valentine's card.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

Thanks for stopping by! 


SUPPLIES: 
STAMPS:  SB Uptown Girl Pippa Loves to Plant
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White; Bazzill Raven Monochromatic; American Crafts City Park collection 
INK:  Copic markers; Memento Tuxedo Black 
ACCESSORIES:  Sizzix Big Shot; TE Taylored Dies (Cloud Duo); Stamp-a-ma-jig; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Thin Foam Squares; adhesive
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:  5 1/4" x 5 1/4"

TAYLORED EXPRESSIONS AUGUST STUDIO CHALLENGE

Hey there, it's time for the Taylored Expressions Baker's Dozen Studio Challenge (a monthly opportunity for the DT to share what makes our stamping studios hum...each month we're asked a fun, crafty question so we can share our favorite products, tips/tricks, stamping advice and more).

The question for August is:

The Sky's the Limit!  There are so many ways to create sky backgrounds for our cards and projects.  Often times, our blog readers are left staring at a beautiful sky and asking "How'd she do that?"

Show us one of your favorite ways to create a pretty sky background and make sure we know how to re-create it!

I've been trying my hand at airbrushing clouds lately, but airbrushing doesn't give you the softness of sponging.  A reusable, Cloud Border template (cut out of acetate) is my go to just about every time I sponge or airbrush clouds.  A little piece of blue painter's tape is used to keep it in place.  Love that stuff!

A circle Nestie was cut, embossed and sponged with Summer Sky while it was still in the die.  When I sponge, I start off my paper (in this case, on the cloud template) and work in circular motions.  I get a little heavier handed towards the cloud template and soften it more towards the layer above it.  My goal is a soft, gradient color.  Quick and easy!  

The image is called Zinnia Bouquet and isn't it amazing?  Seriously, so much fun to color!  To make a metal pail, I used my Toner Grays.  When I colored the handle orange, it was way too bright, so I used a couple of the Toner Grays on it too.  Did you know you could use Copic Ts over the top of other colors to tone down color and create a deeper shadow?  It's pretty awesome!  After the image was colored, it was fussy cut then popped up on foam.  The fun layout is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch #191.

COPIC COLORING: 
FLOWERS:  RV17, RV14, RV13, Y17, Y15, Y11, Y00, RV69, RV66, RV63, YR68, YR15, YR12  STEMS:  YG23, YG21, YG00  PAIL:  T6, T4, T2, T0  HANDLE:  YR68, YR15, YR12, TR, T2

SUPPLIES: 
STAMPS:  TE Zinnia Bouquet
PAPER:  Neenah Solar White (aka Bazzill Coconut Swirl Smoothies); My Mind's Eye Memorable collection 
INK:  Copic markers; Memento (Tuxedo Black, Summer Sky)
ACCESSORIES:  Spellbinders (Grand Calibur, Nestabilities Standard Circles Small); TE Taylored Dies (Banner Stacklets 1, Cloud Border); X-Acto knife; paper snips; sponge; KaiserCraft Silver rhinestones (colored with B23); Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L (3D Foam Squares, Thin 3D Foam Squares)
TECHNIQUE(S):   Fussy Cutting; sponging
SIZE OF FINISHED PROJECT:  A2 (4 1/4" x 5 1/2")

Time to see how the rest of the Baker's Dozen creates the fluffy stuff!

Charmaine Ikach
Jen Shults
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Sankari Wegman
Shannon White
Shelly Mercado
Stephanie Kraft
Tammie Edgerton - that's me!
Taylor VanBruggen
Wanda Guess

Thanks for stopping by!