Friday, January 29, 2016

Almost to Late

Happy Friday!  I have been wanting to play along with SFYTT at Reverse Confetti for the longest time and have finally had the time.  Even with that I almost waited to long...


Here's my card using Puppy Love and one of my favorite tag dies, the Tag Me Confetti Cuts.



This will be heading to Iowa in my daughter's Valentine's Day box.  She loves bright colors and puppies so this fits the bill.  I think she will love it, especially the cheeky sentiment!

I may have another post some watercolor play from the class, will see how the practice goes.  This is an excellent class, very challenging for me...

As always, thanks for dropping in. 

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps- Reverse Confetti Puppy Love
Dies- Tag Me Confetti Cuts
Paper:  Doodlebug Designs Sweet Thing and Petite Prints, Pebbles Be Mine
Accessories- Darice bling, Binney and Smith Peacock watercolors, SU! Soft Sky seam binding ribbon, Taylored Expressions embossing folder

Thursday, January 28, 2016

OCC Day 2 Attempts

If I haven't mentioned it, the Online Card Classes are well worth the price of admission.  Here are a couple of cards using day 2 techniques.  Keep in mind they are both first attempts, so cut me a little slack.


and 


Trying to stay positive, I'll say I'm am pleased with the transitions on card one and I like the colors in the upper 1/2 of card 2.  I am really heavy handed with any type of coloring and want to work this year on lightening it up.  So, I am also pleased that the color went from heavy in card 1 to lighter in card 2.  A work in process as usually.  Would love any comments or suggestions!

Thanks for dropping by.

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:

Card 1
Stamps:  Altnew Lacy Scrolls
Sentiment:  Verve Believe
Paper:  Canson Coldpress 140# watercolor, DCWV black cardstock
Ink:  VersaFine Onyx Black
Accessories:  clear embossing powder, Daler-Rowney watercolour paint (very inexpensive set)

Card 2
Stamps:  Hero Arts Looped Flower Pattern
Sentiment:  Altenew Birthday Greetings
Paper:  Canson Coldpress 140# watercolor, Mohawk Color Copy, scraps, SU!  Dazzling Diamonds glitter paper
Ink:  VersaMark
Accessories:  Hero Arts white embossing powder, Lawn Fawn happy die, Pretty Pink Posh Sparkling clear sequins, Daler-Rowney watercolor paint


Wednesday, January 27, 2016

AYLI One Layer or More?

This fortnight's challenge theme whether you prefer one or multi layer creations.  Show us your creation and don't forget to explain why it's your favorite.


This week our sponsor is:


Crafts U Love


I guess I would have to say multiple layers are my favorite because I love all the wonderful goodies we have to create them with.  Having said that, there's nothing more beautiful than a well designed CAS card in my humble opinion and actually feel they are a bit harder to create.  


I am doing a house purge, concentrating on my craft room.  I ran across this stamp had to use it.  Needless to say it makes the cut and will continue to live with me.  I got out some of the wonderful Japanese washi paper I have to create one of the layers to this card.  This sealed the deal, I definitely prefer layers (at least right now)! 

Come play along with us at the AYLI blog.  While you are there, check out the prize that's up for grabs!  

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your week is going well!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  Juju's Tiny Treasures   
Sentiment:  Dandelion Designs Teeny Weeny Garden Domo Arrigato
Ink:  VersaFine Onyx Black
Paper:  Washi Paper, ColorBok Metallics, DCWV cardstock and mulberry paper
Accessories:  Marylyn Robertson Butterfly Fan die, clear embossing powder, Copic Markers

CRAFT #348


It's time for another CRAFT Challenge!  We would love for you to join us this week in creating Valentine's.  The day of love will be upon us before you know it!

Our Sponsors this week are:




I made this card using Panda Heart by Sami Stamps.  It's he darling?  


The timing is perfect to link up your Valentine's.  For more inspiration and to find out more about the prized, head on over to theCRAFT Challenge blog.  I look forward to seeing your creations!

Heading into the weekend, pray all is well!  Thanks for stopping by.

Aloha,
Brenda


Supplies:
Image:  Sami Stamps Panda Heart
Sentiment:  Verve Stamps Hearts on Fire
Paper:  scraps from stash
Accessories:  Taylored Expressions stitched scallop edger die, Darice hemp twine 

OCC Watercolor Day 1

I am sharing this in the gallery for Day 1 of Watercolor for Carmakers Intermediate Techniques.  I'm thinking I need to go back to beginning techniques.  I will say I did learn from this exercise and did find it fun, just not real pleased with the outcome.  I'm still working on day 2 because I really didn't like the way my samples for turned out.  I'm finding, it's all about the water and I haven't been able to find a balance yet...anyway, here's my card.  The entire thing was inspired by the class, layout and all...


and closer up...


Thanks for taking a look.  I would love any suggestions you might have.  I definitely know I need to practice!

Have a blessed day!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Water Colours- Artists' Water Colour Cobalt blue and Alizarin Crimson, Daler-Rowney Primary Yellow
Paper- Canson coldpress 140#, cardstock scraps
Die- LawnFawn happy
Embellies- Pretty Pink Posh Moss Green sequins, Horizon Group braiding twine

Happy Birthday!




Gosh, these Wednesdays just keep rolling around faster and faster.  If it's Wednesday, it's time for another Little Red Wagon Challenge!  Today, Janice is our hostess and she is asking for birthday creations.



There are lots of things I wish I had done differently with this card.  Instead of going into all that, I will tell you I love the way the bears turned out, they just look so fuzzy and cuddly!  After they were colored, I dabbed them with terrycloth wet with Copic Various Ink.  For supplies, you can see below...for more inspiration look at the sidebar for the links to the other Girlfriends.  

I hope you'll join us for this weeks Little Red Wagon Challenge!

Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Stamps:  MFT Birthday Bears  
Sentiment:  Lawn Fawn Scripty Sayings
Ink: SU! Baked Brown Sugar, Memento Tuxedo Black 
Paper:  Paper Studio kraft cardstock, Basic Grey Hey You!
Accessories:  MFT Dienamics Ride the Wave, sewing thread, Copic markers, Copic Various Ink

Monday, January 25, 2016

Sweet Vintage #136

It's time for a new i {heart} sketches challenge at From the Heart Stamps.  This week the tWist is to give your creation a shabby chic or vintage look, so I decided to do both the sketch and the tWist.




Here's my card:


I chose to use the sweet image, Humble Anneke for this challenge.  She has a vintage look to me.  I paired her up with a doily and some vintage looking papers.  The card edges were distress just a bit and some hand stitching was added.

Remember, in this challenge, everyone is a winner.  For just linking up you will receive $1 credit for use at the From the Heart Stamp store.  You can use it as a discount or save up to get a free image.  For all the challenge details check out the blog here.  You'll also want to check out the inspiration the design team has for you this week, you'll not be disappointed.  I hope you have time to play along this week, can't wait to see your creations!


Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Image:  FtHS Humble Anneke
Sentiment:  Verve Stamps Doodled Occasions
Paper:  DCWV cardstock, October Afternoon Sidewalks
Accessories:  Copic markers, MME enamel shapes, sewing thread, Sizzix doily die

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Snow Thankful

Another quick post to share this cute little MelonHeadz image.  She is from a set called Snow Day.  I totally missed out on being able to post her at MelonHeadz Friends Challenge, but I had such fun making her it doesn't even matter.  




I needed thank-you notes so I printed the sentiment on vellum.  The background is embossed with a Taylored Expressions folder and distressed with sandpaper.  Stampendous Shabby White Embossing enamel was heat embossed for even more snow.  As I said, this was such fun to make.  It doesn't look much the view out my window...

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:
Crafty Friends Challenge - #23 ATG
Digi Design Challenge Blog - Include snow or snowflakes
Suzy Bee's Blooming' Challenge - ATG with frosty twist

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!  Thanks for stopping by.

Aloha,
Brenda

Friday, January 22, 2016

We Totally Click!

Hi everyone!  I made this little card last night for the Paper Smooches January Challenge - 4 colors.  



Looking through some of my PS stamps, I was inspired by We Totally Click.  This is what happened:


We've had some great weather, so I got to take this photo outside...so much difference!  Thanks for stopping in.  The weekend is here...have a great one!

Aloha, 
Brenda

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Beachy Watercolor




I have had some extra time on my hands this week.  I'm happy to say I am recuperating well after some eye surgery.  Now that the patch is off, I decided to make some cards just for fun...well, they are all made just for fun, but this one was made for the joy of using these darling Lawn Fawn stamps!  

The Lawnscaping Challenge this week is to incorporate watercolor into your project...right down my alley since I continue to be so enamored with watercolor.  Here's the nice sunny little beachy scene I came up with:




I used Distress Ink in Frayed Burlap, Broken China and of course Salty Ocean and did a little smooshing on watercolor paper.  I got out Lawn Fawn's Life is Good and Hello Sunshine (and matching lawn cuts) and created this darling little scene.  Makes me want to head to the beach...the only drawback is I would have to wear the very stylish (NOT!), super protective sunglasses they gave me after the surgery.

I hope you are having a wonderful week. 

Aloha, 
Brenda



Wednesday, January 20, 2016

CRAFT 347-Christmas


It's time for another CRAFT Challenge!  We would love for you to join us this week in starting your Christmas card stash!  I know for me, my goal is to make more flat cards. 

Our wonderful sponsors this week are:

Bugaboo Stamps


AND  


Oddball Art

I am using AKV Stanta-Presents by Bugaboo.  I think he might have been a Freebie Friday image from last year.  He is, popped up just a little bit and there's more of that hand stitching inspired by Kat!


We would love to have you join us this week.  For all the details on the fab prizes and to take a look at all the DT creations, head on over to the CRAFT Challenge blog

Thanks for stopping in!

Aloha,
Brenda


Supplies:
Image:  Bugaboo AKV Santa-Presents
Stamps;  SU! (chevron)
Sentiment:  Purple Onion Designs stamps
Paper:  Neenah kraft
Ink:  SU!  Gumball Green, Red Riding Hood, VersaFine Onyx Black
Accessories:  Copic markers, Signo white gel pen, Stickles, Ranger Black Enamel Accents, Sulky thread, Derwent Intense Pencils (sentiment)

Little Red Wagon #325




It's time for another Little Red Wagon Challenge.  Heather is our hostess this week and she wants to see creations with fairies.  I love fairies!  The thought of these little creatures hiding around is just so appealing to me.  



These little cuties are from A Day For Daisies.  I had them all colored up and cut out for a previous project.  I decided to go monochromatic and put a little veil of irridescent tulle underneath for a little extra shimmer.  So we have shimmery tulle, Stickles on the fairy wings and Sparkling sequins from Pretty Pink Posh.  The die cut is Storybook is also from Pretty Pink Posh.

I know you will love the Girlfriends fairy creations.  Stop by their blogs and take a peek.  Then stop by the Little Red Wagon blog to link up your own fairy creations!

Aloha,
Brenda

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:
A Day For Daisies #139 - Stitch It Up
Make My Monday - Stitching Real or Faux

Supplies:  
Image:  A Day For Daisies Bitsy Bug Dot and Bitsy Bug Rosa
Sentiment:  Su!
Ink:  VersaMark Onyx Black
Paper:  cardstock scraps
Accessories:  Pretty Pink Posh sequins, Storybook 1 die, Tulle roll from Walmart

Monday, January 18, 2016

It's A Blog Hop!


The Cat's Pajamas Release Day is finally here!  I hope you've been making your wish list.  All 4 stamp sets and 5 CutUps are available now in The Cat's Pajamas store.   


If it's Release Day, that means a blog hop.  If you arrived here from Julie's blog then you are swooning over her talent and on the right track.  If not, you'll definitely want to head to Deborah's blog to start at the beginning.  You are not going to want to miss a thing.



Right now, I have a real thing for grey and pink.  They just seemed to be the perfect combo for this beautiful Love Topper CutUps.  I did a little inlay of the original cut and then did some trimming from 2 more cuts to add the details to the arrow and the pink heart.  The heart needed a little something, so irredicent glitter was added along with some more of those Pretty Pink Posh sequins I love so much.

Hopefully you have enjoyed all the fun and sneak peaks from this past week.  It's not over quite yet!  Your next stop is the fabulously talented, creative Christine.  Hop on over to see what she has to share.

All the details for joining the Winter Blog hop can be found here.  Looking forward to seeing what you have to share!

Aloha,
Brenda





Beach Babe (#135)

For The Cat's Pajamas Sneak Peek, go here.

It's time for a new i {heart} sketches challenge at From the Heart Stamps.



Here's my card:



I had to use Tropical Chick to make my tWist work out.  You see, my husband LOVES to surf, mostly standup surfing.  His favorite spot is right off Waikiki.  I ran up to his van, took some of the sand from his floor mat to make a little Waikiki Beach for Ms. Chickie!  I also added a tiny shell I had.

Remember, in this challenge, everyone is a winner.  For just linking up you will receive $1 credit for use at the From the Heart Stamp store.  You can use it as a discount or save up to get a free image.  For all the challenge details check out the blog here.  You'll also want to check out the inspiration the design team has for you this week, you'll not be disappointed.  I hope you have time to play along this week, can't wait to see your creations!

Aloha,
Brenda


Supplies:
Image:  From the Heart Stamps Tropical Chick
Paper:  Kangaroo and Joey (does anyone else remember them, this is vintage for real), cardstock scraps
Accessories:  Sand from Waikiki Beach, Copic markers, Spellbinders circle die, MFT pierced circles, sewing thread, shell from stash

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Sneak Peek 7 - Love Topper and Always


Are you loving this release or what?  The Cat's Pajamas goodness continues with our day 7 sneak peek dedicated to 2 new CutUps dies, Love Topper and Always.  They will both be available for purchase on Release Day, January 19!  These CutUps are GORGEOUS!  If that's not good enough, with your purchase of $65 Always will be included as a FREEBIE!


                     
  
I LOVE these dies!  Always and the Lacy Heart CutUps just seem to made for watercolor techniques.  I got out my watercolors and painted an abstract blob, smooshed a little and then just kept adding to it until I got the look I wanted.  I added Always cut from glitter paper, some hearts from Stacked Hearts CutUps and a few sequins and that's all this elegant die needed IMO.




-The peeks are winding down, but the fun is still winding up!  Today will be your last chance to win a gift certificate to the TCP store for leaving a little love on the Kitty Cats blogs.  Be sure to check out Facebook to see if you are a winner!




-Pajama Party day is here.  No telling what kind of fun might be happening.  We sure do hope to see you later today, 8-10pm EST, 5-7pm PST and 3-5pm HST (I added the HST for all my HI buddies).   Consider yourself invited!




-And tomorrow is the day you have been waiting for...Release Day, then they can be all yours!



For more CutUps magic, visit the other Kitties, ChristineDeborahWendyNancy and our special guest designer Wanda Cullen.

Thanks so much for joining in on the sneak today!  Hope to see you tonight at the PJ Party!

Aloha,
Brenda

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:
Dies R Us Challenge #41 - Stitching Real or Faux
Happy Little Stampers CAS Challenge - Smooshing

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Sneak Peek 6 - Kitschy Kitchen



Continuing the count down for The Cat's Pajamas Sneaky Peeks!  Today is day 6 and I feel pretty sure you're going to be glad you are peeking!  I LOVE this set...look in the dictionary under fun and your are going to see Kitschy Kitchen:




This is one of those sets that when I saw it, a picture formed in my mind.  Many times the picture in my mind does't translate well to paper, but I love the way this one worked out!  This is the perfect set for the Slider CutUps.  I used papers from Cosmo Cricket that I have been hoarding because I love them, but they were part of that picture in my mind sooooo here's the result: 







The other CutUps I used for this card are the new Nested Hearts, Fancy Flip and Fancy Flip Frames.


Only one sneak peek left, but there is still plenty of action going on.  Here's the scoop:




-What's this IN IT TO WIN IT? Well, for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to The Cat's Pajamas store, leave a comment on each of the sneak peek posts, including The Cat's Pajamas blog. A winner will be drawn and announced on the TCP Facebook Page the following day.

-Don't forget to save the date for the Pajama Party on Monday, January 18 from 8-10pm EST, 5-7pm PST and 3-5pm HST.  Consider yourself invited!

-The release date for all these wonderful stamps and dies will be January 19, 2016, then they can be all yours!


The Cat Pack has plenty to more to show you.  Be sure to visit WendyJulieChristineNancy, Lori and our special guest designer Wanda Cullen and give them a shoutout for a chance to win!

Thanks for peeking!

Aloha,
Brenda

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:
Bunny Zoe's Crafts January Challenge:  Hearts

Friday, January 15, 2016

Sneak Peek 5 - Small Envie


We are up to day 5 of the sneaky peeks for The Cat's Pajamas newest release.  How much are you loving this collection of swanky stamp sets and dies?  Today we are featuring the Small Envie CutUps.  Not only do you get his darling, tiny envie, you also get this sweet asymmetrical heart too!





I kept things simple again today, using more Doodlebug Design papers (Sweetheart) and cardstock from Bazzill.  I used Conversation Hearts to stamp my "letter" and a heart from the Nested Heart Cutups to decorate the front of the envied.  A little hand stitching, a few Taylored Expressions heart sequins a ribbon and all done. 

I wanted the ribbon to curl a bit, so I wrapped it around a pencil and blasted it with an embossing gun for a couple minutes.  It worked really well and has held it's curl even through some humid weather.  



So, here is all the information you really need to know:





-What's this IN IT TO WIN IT? Well, for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to The Cat's Pajamas store, leave a comment on each of the sneak peek posts, including The Cat's Pajamas blog. A winner will be drawn and announced on the TCP Facebook Page the following day.

-Don't forget to save the date for the Pajama Party on Monday, January 18 from 8-10pm EST, 5-7pm PST and 3-5pm HST.  Consider yourself invited!

-The release date for all these wonderful stamps and dies will be January 19, 2016, then they can be all yours!

For more sneaks today, you will want to visit Deborah, LoriWendy, Jessie and our special guest designer Wanda Cullen.

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you have a great weekend!

Aloha,
Brenda

SOTM January Reminder

For The Cat's Pajamas Sneak Peek, go here!

Goodness, it's already the middle of January!  It's time to remind you (if you haven't already) to show us your creations using our Stamp of the Month at From the Heart Stamps!  Don't you just love this cute Cozy Kittens image! 



I colored up these cuties up with Copic markers and I used Sketch #191 from Retrosketches as my design inspiration.  



If you joined the challenge in December, you received Cozy Kittens via email. This challenge closes on the last day of the month, and a new image will be posted and emailed by the 3rd of next month.

If you missed out, you can still play along with the challenge by purchasing the image. Then you can enter the challenge and receive next month’s digi free...OR if you spend $10 in the From The Heart Stamps store this month (and believe me that's not hard), you can enter code STAY-WARM to receive Cozy Kittens as a free gift. For more information check the blog here.

Can't wait to see your pretty kitties! Thanks for stopping in! I hope you have a great weekend!


I would like to enter the following challenges:
Through The Purple Haze - #93 ATG
Crafty Gals Corner - #54 Buttons and Bows
Inspiration Destination - #68 ATG
Aloha,
Brenda

Supplies:
Image:  From the Heart Stamps Cozy Kittens
Sentiment:  Simon Says Stamps You
Ink:  VersaFine Onyx Black
Paper:  Stamps of Life Love Story Collection (stripes), The others are from my stash, not sure who designed, Bazzill cardstock 
Accessories:  button and ribbon from stash

Releasing the Inner Designer

The newest Frantic Stamper release is all about the home.  You can see the entire collection here .  The dies I've used today have allow...

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