Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Land of the Free

I recently purchased a stamp set from Simon Says Stamp called Brave.   It is a fundraiser for Operation Write Home.  It has some very nice sentiments, but I decided to use the image with sentiment.  It's a very solid stamp and I find them difficult to ink evenly.  I used a brayer with Kaleidacolor ink pad to ink the stamp.  Each image got stronger, but the early ones were a bit blotchy.
This was my first card.  I cut the image with a Spellbinders long oval die and framed it in red.  The background is embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder that had ink applied to one side.  This card seemed a bit plain to me, so I embellished the second card with 4 stars.
I added Glossy Accents to the stars and popped the oval image on foam tape.  I have 2 more stamped images to play with so I'm open to suggestions.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

OWH ODBD Challenge - September

The Operation Write Home challenge this month for the Our Daily Bread Designs is to create our own background, instead of using patterned paper.  I have done this many times, but was looking for some new ideas to try.  I found this idea on Facebook and decided to try it out.
I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder for this.  The first step is the prepare a piece of cardstock and have it ready.  Then, use a brayer to add ink to both inside parts of the embossing folder.  I used Kaleidacolor Autumn Leaves pad.  Immediately place the prepared cardstock inside the folder and run it though my Big Shot.  You could used any die cutting machine for this.

As the paper is embossed, the color is transferred to both sides.  I then cut the embossed paper into 2 pieces and turn one piece over to expose the debossed side.  Then adhere both pieces to the dark brown layer and adhere this to the base card.  I added a stamped greeting after card was finished.
On this card, I only used the embossed side of the folder because of the writing.  I could added more to it, but decided to allow this to stand alone.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Hedgehog anniversary

I've been making personal cards and didn't want to post them until they are in the hands of the recipient.  This is an anniversary card I made for a very special couple in my life.
The hedgehogs are an old stamp by Penny Black.  I stamped and embossed on watercolor paper, then added color with my Peerless watercolors.  The sentiment is from Art Impressions, with hearts added with a Pearl Pen.  The frame and ribbon slide are from pearlescent paper.  I had a lot of problems getting any adhesive to hold the watercolor paper to the pearlescent paper.  Then the ribbon slide wouldn't stick to the ribbon.  I used Miracle tape, which didn't hold.  I used dimensional foam tape, which didn't hold.  Finally, I drizzled some Glossy Accents under the ribbon slide and held it in place until dry.  When mailed, it appeared to be holding together.  The little hearts are stickers.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Monsoon weather

I live in the desert because I love dry, hot weather.  After lots of dry weather this year, Monsoon Season hit us in August.  We got over 2 inches of rain in August.  My joints hated the weather.  Then, September arrived.  Wow!!!
 
I hope it dries out soon.  I want my desert back.