Bird on a Bike

As you've probably noticed, I'm not much of a Halloween crafter.  We don't celebrate it in Croatia and never did celebrate it growing up in the Philippines. I do love the colors associated with it and I notice so many of the craft challenge blogs I follow have very similar challenges the last few weeks. So, I decided to take their halloween inspirations and make a springy card with them. I also want to say that I'm not a big fan of purple so I used the closest hue: blue! Here is the result.

I made a fun & cute card with a country bird on a bike for my daughter who recently celebrated a birthday.The patterned papers, bike are by Fancy Pants. I die cut the chevron paper using PTI clouds. The bird is Penny Black's Perched die that has been watercolored with orange.

The sentiments are by SRM Stickers. Buttons, twine finish the card. The different elements were adhered using SAby3L Foam squares.

Challenges: Time Out (bird), Card Mania (buttons), Color Throwdown, Just Us Girls (photo, basket, country), Seize the Birthday, Die Cut Divas (fall colors on a spring card).

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Fallish Spring Mixed Media Card

***Before I begin, please check out the stamps and dies I have for sale. They're heavily discounted (at least 40% off). The Craft's Meow, GinaK Designs, Layers of Color, Spellbinders and Other Items***

It has been a very busy week. Our family celebrated 3 birthdays and I had to finish my Christmas cards by Sunday night. I had to send them off through someone heading back to the US. It saves me a ton of money that way. :)

I have been playing around with water colors and other media. For my birthday, I got some fancy water colors by Lefranc & Bourgeois. I'm not sure yet if it's really that much better than my $10 tube set from Hobby Lobby. I have also been playing with Distress inks. So far, I think my favorite is the Distress brand. I will let you know if I change my mind. I have been eying one brand that I've seen online, but that will have to wait till Christmas, I guess. :)

I have a mixed media card today that uses watercolors, stamp inks, pigment inks, and embossing paste. The background is watercolored then stamped with the Penny Black Letter background. After that dried, I used an old favorite LOC stencil to create the raised lace design using embossing paste. I then inked the edges of the panel before adhering them with SAby3L foam squares.

The butterflies (Penny Black Social Butterfly) were stamped in coordinating colors and adhered them to the panel by stitching them through the middle. The stamped and die cut (PB Triple Banner) sentiment banner (Amazing!) is also by Penny Black. I adhered Want2Scrap pearls on the butterfly bodies. Doily by SRM Stickers and adhesives by SA by 3L.

I'm entering this to the following challenges: Runway Inspired, Die Cut Divas, SS Monday Challenge, Mixed Media Card Challenge, Fusion,

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Thanks So Much Mixed Media

I have a mixed media thank you card for you today using some of my Want2Scrap® staples.  I first took a neutral patterned paper and water colored it randomly.  I then stamped the Penny Black’s Floral Applique stamp along the bottom using Clearsnap inks.

I covered Want2Scrap’s Nestaboard Labels Eleven (using Spellbinders‘ Labels 11 dies) and Chipboard Clouds with patterned papers, then inked the edges. I painted the Chipboard Houses with DecoArt gesso, then placed a Heart Bling. I adhered them right on the seam. I glued a piece of SRM Sticker doily on the bottom. The sentiment, adorned with Want2Scrap Baby Bling white pearls, is also by SRM Sticker. Finally, I added the corduroy button stringed with burlap twine.

Challenges: Colour Me...1, Vintage Stamping.
Want2Scrap® Products for Mixed Media Thank You Card:

• Chipboard Clouds
• Chipboard Houses
• Nestaboard Labels Eleven
• Heart Bling
• Baby Bling white pearls

Other Products:

• Clearsnap inks
• Spellbinders‘ Labels 11 dies
• DecoArt gesso
• SRM Sticker doily and sentiment
• Penny Black’s Floral Applique stamps
• Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L E-Z Runner and foam squares
• Crate Paper patterned papers
• Water colors
• Corduroy button
• Burlap twine

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Copper Gear CAS Father's Day Cards

I have a busy few weeks up ahead. We are expecting about 25 guests from America to help with our annual English camp in our little town. I have some posts written that I still need to tweak. In light of the busyness of this time of the year, I may not be able to update my blog as regularly as I would like. But I should be back before the month is over! :)

I have a pair of CAS Mixed Media Cards today for Father's Day.  These are mass producible and show that Want2Scrap® bling works well with masculine cards as well. I started with embossing the white panel with Spellbinders’ Bricks and Bar M-Bossabilities, then I swiped it with two shades of brown Distress Inks, and adhered them to black card bases.

I then rubbed some DecoArt Copper Kettle Metallic Lustre on the Want2Scrap Shifting Gears Large Silhouette and cut it in half to use on 2 cards. I intentionally didn’t cover the silhouette completely to show the texture of the paper. I then embellished the round gears with the Nestabling Petite Scalloped Circle Sm Black Rhinestones and Baby Bling Pearls LeCreme pearls.

I added some SRM Stickers on the embossed panel. The sentiment is by Penny Black Hot Rod and stamped using Clearsnap inks.

I adhered the cut gears die cuts using foam squares. Here you can see the layers and many dimensions of the cards, which is made possible by Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L E-Z Runner and foam squares.

I'm entering these to the following challenges: The Pink Elephant (father's day), Crazy for Challenges (masculine), SSS Monday Challenge (use paint); CASE This Sketch; SSS Wed Challenge (masculine).

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Delicate Mixed Media Butterfly Card

I have a delicate, very feminine (perfect for my girly girls) card today. I used two kinds of media for coloring this card including Distress inks and pigment inks.

I first smeared the Worn Lipstick pad directly on the paper, brushed water over it, then when it's dry, I stamped Penny Black's text background in pigment ink to get this background effect. For the butterfly, I inked Penny Black's Soft Wings stamp with the same distress ink, spritzed it with water before stamping. The sentiment is by SRM Stickers.

The teal butterfly was die cut using Spellbinders' Wonderful Wings. To color it, I smeared Evergreen Bough on my plastic surface, spritzed it with water, then wiped my butterfly die cut through it. The pretty rose is by Want2Scrap. The sequence was a local find (yay!). Adhering them one by one would be a challenge if I didn't have my handy Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Dodz Small. They're just the perfect size for those tiny embellishments.

I'm entering this to the following challenges: Seize the Sketch (layout), The Shabby Tearoom, Card Mania, Word Art Wednesday, Altered Eclectics, and Vintage Stamping. Have a great day!

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

CAS Freehand Watercolored Flower

I have a clean and simple card for you today with a rose that I watercolored free hand. It was pretty easy to make. I was not completely happy with how the rose turned out, but I grew to love its abstract feel. :) I started with a piece of cold-press watercolor paper. Then I just started painting a big scallop circle in light pink. I then added the darker pink with a smaller brush.

I did the leaves in two shades of green. The background is a light tan color. The sentiment is by SRM Stickers. The pearls are by Want2Scrap. I added some pink lace and white twill tape.

I'm entering this to the following challenges: Addicted to Stamps (photo insp), SRM Challenge (birthday), Seize the Birthday (May flowers), Simon Monday Challenge (botanical), The Paper Players (CAS floral), Muse (colors).

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Birthday Dandelions

I have a vintage-inspired, distressed, shabby card (that's a mouthful! :)). I used an image of one of my favorite plants to photograph, stamp and pull out of my yard! This stamp is Penny Black's Sparklers. I distressed the edges of the background papers, by Prima, before stitching it in place. The sentiment is by SRM Stickers.

I did the emboss resist with various Distress Inks.I used the darkest color in the center for the greatest impact. I adhered some Want2Scrap pearls in the center. I also distressed the edges of the panel and tucked a piece of lace underneath.

I'm entering this to the following challenges: SRM Challenge (birthday), Crazy4Challenges (Distressing, Fiber and Stitching), Virginia's View Challenge (stitching), Seize the Birthday, The Paper Players (color combo).

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Water Colored Happy Birthday

Sorry for being quiet here. We had a long 4-day May Day weekend last week. Then two of my kids and our poor dog got sick this week. They are all on the mend and so I'm playing catch up with other things.

I have a card today that I watercolored. The flower is from Penny Black's Flower Gallery stamp set. The sentiment is SRM Stickers. I used quite a bit of Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L on this card: photo corners, EZ Runner and Foam Squares. The pearls are by Want2Scrap. The papers are by Graphic 45.

Here's a close up of the water colored image. I used my daughter's cheap water colors.

I'm entering this to the following challenges: ColorQ (colors), Just Us Girls (sketch), SRM Challenge (birthdays), Curtain Call (Pink & Pretty). 

And while my daughter and her friend were walking around the woods the other day, they found this little guy. He didn't seem to mind that they picked him up and I think he quite enjoyed the attention from the giddy girls.

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Get Well Soon Mixed Media Card and Winner

I have a mixed media card today that uses Distress inks, acrylic paint, embossing, markers, and of course, some lovely Want2Scrap products. I first heat embossed with white ink some Penny Black background stamps (text, music and woodgrain). I blended Distress inks in brown and blue, then squirted a little bit of water. With a pencil, I sketched a tree silhouette and colored that with Memento markers. Because the markers are water-soluble, I was able let the ink bleed a little with a water brush to make it look watercolored.

I then took 3 DecoArt acrylic paints in green blue, peach and white on a plastic palette. Using the eraser end of a pencil on the paints, I dabbed the dots on my tree as you see below. I started with the darkest green, then pink, white with a touch of peach, and finally white. I used the handle tip of a brush to get the smaller dots. I then embellished the dots with some Want2Scrap Le Creme pearls. I painted white on the outline of the Large Bird Flourish Silhouette – Card Sized (2 Pack) before adhering to the card. I then used 72 Count – Teardrop Bling – White Pearls for the wing. The sentiment is by SRM Stickers, which was mounted with Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Foam Squares.

I'm entering this card to Curtain Call's challenge. Muse Challenge (sketch), Colour Me #16, Fusion (Photo Insp), SSS Wednesday Challenge. It's been a while since I participated in challenges. And I'm now just finding out some of my favorites have closed shop. But I'm excited to see some new ones have taken their place.

Now, the winner of Monday's giveaway is...Patti P. Please email me via the Contact tab above with the subject, "Lots of Love for Lauryn Winner" so I can spot your email right away in ever-growing inbox. :) Thank you all for joining us in the hop.

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Vintage Card #5 with Printable ATCs

Here is card #5 using the Printable Spring ATCs I have on my NinaB Printables etsy shop. You can view the rest of the cards using these ATCs HERE. The papers are Graphic 45. The doily is by SRM Stickers. The pearls are by Want2Scrap.

I inked all the edges and stitched the background papers. Some seam binding, buttons, twine and a paper flower with felt leaves adorn the card. I used Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L E-Z Runner and foam squares to adhere all these embellishments..

Here are the Spring ATC's ready for you to print out and make beautiful cards with.

 

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Elegant Wedding Card

I have a very fancy and elegant card today that is perfect for a wedding or anniversary. We have many friends getting married the next few months, so I'd better stock up on these. I'm playing along SRM Sticker's new challenge blog. The theme this month is celebrations. It's no secret I love their products.

The papers and chipboard are from  Graphic 45′s Couture Collection. The doily and sentiment are by SRM Stickers. The beautiful aqua die cut peeking from under the doily is by Spellbinders.

The focal frame is also die cut with Spellbinders and embellished with its coordinating Want2Scrap’s Fancy Tags 3 Pearls. I also used Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L E-Z Runner and foam squares. 

We have a dear pastor friend visiting and teaching Biblical Counseling here right now. I was able to go to the first 4 hours while my girls were in school. It was so refreshing and am looking forward to more teaching from the Bible the rest of the week. Have a great day!

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Vintage Card #4 with Printable ATCs

Here is card #4 using the Printable Spring ATCs I have on my NinaB Printables etsy shop. The papers are Melissa Frances. The doily is by SRM Stickers. The pearl is by Want2Scrap.

A little bit of distressing, stitching and using up the huge buttons that I usually have a hard time using on my cards.

Here are the Spring ATC's ready for you to print out and make beautiful cards with.

I'm teaching a card class tomorrow, in conjunction with our monthly ladies' discipleship meeting. We're studying Biblical Worldview, or how we interpret the world around us in light of Scripture. I'm really enjoying the study and hope that I'll be able to communicate God's truth clearly. Have a great weekend, friends!

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

DIY Vintage Shabby Upcycled Jars

I'm delighted to do a guest spot today on the SRM Stickers blog. And did I mention there's also a giveaway?

I have been a fan of SRM Stickers for many years and consider the wonderful people behind the company my good friends. I have had the privilege to play with some of their vinyl on my first ever vinyl project. I have been intimidated to use vinyl because of its delicate nature. I got a Silhouette Cameo last year as a present, and I happily acquired SRM's vinyl, so then I had no more excuse. And it turned out easier than I expected.

I decided for my first ever vinyl project to upcycle some empty mayonnaise jars that I have been wanting to use for organization. My daughter is very artistic and has accumulated many supplies for her art. I made these jars (make sure they are clean and dry first) to help her organize her art supplies. She loves pink so I had to use SRM's Carnation Pink vinyl for the labels. The flowers swag was downloaded from the Silhouette store.

The fonts I used are Aphrodite for the first letter and Lobster 2 for the rest of the text. I used some SRM transfer tape to make sure the design is properly placed where I want it.

I wrapped some vintage lace around the mouth of jar. Some vintage binding and a paper flower are wrapped around the lace.

This project was so fast and easy. I think it took me no more than an hour from beginning to end.

Thank you, Susan and the SRM family, for offering so many trendy products that inspire us crafters to make quick, beautiful and useful projects like these jars. Oh, and my daughter loved them! Now my other girls want their own, too. Don't forget the giveaway on the SRM Stickers blog! Have a great weekend.

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'

Vintage Cards with Quietfire Designs Cut Files

I am guest posting for Quietfire Designs this month. Today, I am highlighting the QFD cut files that you can purchase HERE. These cut files are so delicate and I was afraid my Silhouette wouldn't cut them right, but was I wrong! I love their elegant design and they make a great focal point.

My first card uses the Friend cut file and is vintage shabby with girly pink all over.  The doily is by SRM Stickers. I also embellished with a Spellbinders Moroccan die cut, Want2Scrap pearls, paper flower and seam binding.

My second card is also vintage shabby, but milder on the girly scale (just my style). This time the focal point is the lovely Thank You cut file. I did some distressing and stitching on the edges and placed buttons to matched the strip of patterned paper (from Crate Paper's Maggie Holmes collection).

I think this is the first time in a while that I didn't do any stamping on my cards. With these stunning Quietfire Design cut files, I didn't need to. The cut files added more dimension and a different look from my usual stamped cards. And I love the results! On Friday, I have another guest post for another favorite company that offers so many different products I love.

Etsy Store * Facebook * Pinterest * Bloglovin'