September 2012 Tim Holtz Tag (Faux Riveted Metal)

Hi, guys!  As you may recall, I have been participating in the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012 and for today I am sharing the one I made for September. Tim used a technique called faux riveted metal. I didn't have the foil tape he used, so I improvised and took out my Reynolds Wrap foil from my kitchen cupboard.  This tag was a total departure of my normal style as it has a more industrial look and feel. So, to make it more "me," I used a lighthearted sentiment and my favorite Mona Lisa stamp.

I figured since I was using a lot of metal and silver the "shine" sentiment would be fitting.  I had a blast making this tag, and got to use a lot of embellishments I had waiting to be used.  Alcohol inks, paint, and inks were all used on this tag.  Steel wool is not something I have on hand in my stamp room and it was needed to rough up the tag and remove some of the alcohol ink.  I had to head into the kitchen and remove all the soap from a Brillo Pad before I could use it.  It was funny.  The kitchen products sure came in handy for this tag.

If you would like to learn this technique or how to make these tags, I would suggest you give October's tag a try.  Tim will walk you though it step by step.  Then, you go and create something of your own and add your personality to it if you want.

I am off to get out my craft scrubbie by Ranger  as my hands look like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz right now!

Have a great night!

Revisiting My Faber-Castell Gelatos

Hi, guys!  I am currently taking Jennifer McGuire's online class Kick Start.  It is a blast!  One of the things we learned about this week is to shop our stash, and find things that inspire us when we get "stuck."  I decided to use my Faber-Castell Gelatos this week.  I have not used them in a while.

For this first one, I colored directly on my Anna Griffin background stamp and spritzed it with water.  I used regular card stock on this one.

Supplies:
Stamps: Anna Griffin, Papertrey Ink
Paper: Gina K
Ink: Black Archival, Distress ink
Misc.: Lady Bug Embellishments



On this next card, I used watercolor paper and colored on the Hero Art's background stamp and gave it a light spritz.  By changing up the paper and the amount of water, it gave it a more defined look.

Supplies:
Stamps: Hero Arts, Verve
Paper: Papertrey Ink, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Archival Black, Distress
Misc.: Papertrey Ink Button, Twine, Ribbon

It was fun using my Gelatos. I am glad I decided to use them for these cards. I found that I have been using the same coloring mediums lately.  I plan to use more of my coloring mediums and share them with you.  Funny how you get used to grabbing the same inks over and over.

Hope you have a great day!  I know my fingers are inky, how about yours?

Old-Time Radio Thank You

Hi, guys! You may recall that my husband acts in a company that recreates old-time radio productions. His company performed their last show in their current venue a few weeks ago. Some of their longtime regular audience members gave the cast a gift of bubbly to toast their last show.  I thought it would be a great idea to make them a thank you card. I used a Lawn Fawn set that has a great microphone like those that the company uses.

Supplies:
Stamps: Lawn Fawn, Stampin' Up (Sentiment)
Paper: Stampin' Up, Kaiser Kraft, Gina K Designs (Black)
Misc.: Bakers Twine

The last show was bittersweet. The kind gesture of the bubbly was definitely one of the "sweet" moments.

Until next time!

Free Broom Rides!

Hi, guys! One of the products I decided to use today was my glow in the dark glitter by Martha Stewart. Kristina Werner used it in class and I remembered that I had a jar of it and thought it would be fun to use. It was fun viewing the card in the dark!  The witch glows just as she should. The sentiment inside the card reads "Embrace your inner witch."  That cracks me up.

Supplies
Stamps: Papertrey Ink, Impression Obsession
Paper: Gina K, Webster's Pages
Ink: Black Archival
Misc.: Scallop Punch, Martha Stewart Glow in the dark glitter

Hope you have a great day!  Hope you have some wickedly good fun!

Home Is Where the Heart is

Hi, guys! A friend of mine has moved into a new home.  This called for a card to be made! I used one of the whimsical houses from Claudine Hellmuth.  Yes, I used more of my Scrabble tiles on this one as well.  I normally don't do round cards, but thought it would be a fun change.

Supplies:

Stamps Claudine Hellmuth

Paper: Studio G Notecard, Gina K Designs (White), Kaiser Kraft

Inks: Memento Black, Distress Ink, Distress Markers

Misc.: Mini Scrabble Tiles

Wishing Lynne all the best in her new home! 

Until next time!

No Bird Soars Too High If He Soars With His Own Wings (W. Blake)

Hi, guys!  This past Saturday I was fortunate enough to attend two classes in the city with Dina Wakley as my instructor.  She is an amazing mixed media artist and a fabulous teacher.  Last year I was lucky enough to take a few of her classes, so when I heard she was coming back to NYC to teach this weekend, I knew I had to be there. 

You know that I love stamping, and creating fun cards.  It is my passion.  I have never been comfortable drawing or painting. Flashbacks from high school art class surface and all the negative criticisms start whispering in my head and so I don't try. Dina was teaching a painting birds on canvas class that really interested in me (love her birds!) and knowing she was the teacher really spurred me to take the class and to TRY. That may sound funny to some, but when you aren't encouraged and feel like you can't, it isn't easy to take a class with others sitting all around you, etc.  I knew from experience that Dina is the most positive teacher, and makes class FUN.  No negativity allowed in class!   I learned a lot and, most importantly, had fun! Not only that, but now I am not "afraid to draw," but will continue with it for MYSELF.  I am going to share my canvas with you and believe me, I never would have, had I not taken this class.

If Dina Wakley is ever in your neck of the woods teaching, I think you should definitely enroll in a class (or two) and you will be amazed and, most importantly, will have FUN!

Have a great day, and hope you have a creative day!

Happy Birthday, Dad (Steelers Style)

Hi, guys! Today we are celebrating my dad's 72nd birthday!  As some of you may remember, he is a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan.  We kids grew up hearing the names Bradshaw, Swann, Harris and, of course, Mean Joe Greene often. Most of my family roots for them (one brother is a New York Jets fan). For dad's card, I did hardly any stamping (yeah, weird, I know!).  I decided to use the Steelers colors for the card, and to make background paper using some of dad's favorite players' names.  Thank you to my friend Bert for giving me the list of names to use!

By embossing the football, it gave it some fun texture like that of a football. 

Supplies:
Paper: Gina K
Ink: Distress Barn Door & Walnut, Versamark
Stamp: Recollections (Football)
Misc: Clear Embossing Powder


For the sentiment, I decided to write "These men were great" for the outside of the card.  For the inside: "But you are the GREATEST!"  Added a few of my own personal thoughts, and sent it on its way to dad.

This was a hoot of a card to make.  I was glad to see the Steelers win on Sunday!  Hoping they make it to the Super Bowl so I can break out my Terrible Towels and cheer for them.

Happy Birthday, Dad!  You truly are the GREATEST!

47 Years And Going Strong!

Hi, guys! Today my parents are celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary. I am blessed to have such loving parents.  They raised six children and have managed to keep all their hair intact. Mom may have wanted to pull hers out by the roots at times! 

This is the card I made for them for this occasion.  I had this adorable mouse couple that I have had for ages that I thought would be fun to use. 

Supplies:
Stamps: Town Mouse (Inkadinkado)
Paper: The Ink Pad NYC Green Apple, Stampin' Up 
Ink: Memento Black, Copics
Misc.: Cuttlebug Embossing folder, Hero Arts Gems


I wish them many more years of wedded bliss!  They are truly an inspiration on how a good marriage can stand the test of time.

Love you guys!

Hope each of you has a great day and spends some part of it with someone special in your lives.

Happy 87th Birthday, Cal!

Hi, guys! Hope all is well!  Today I will be sharing a card I made for my father-in-law Cal for his 87th birthday.  I decided to emboss the front using the Tim Holtz Alterations embossing folder. I used Core-dinations Kraft cardstock (new to me) and sanded it to reveal the kraft center.  Remember those Scrabble Tiles I have been saving? Well, they found a home on this card.  I used Distress Stains to color the ribbon and age the appearance of it.

Supplies:
Paper: Recollections Kraft Note Card, Core-dinations (Kraft Core)
Ink: Distress Ink (Vintage Photo), Distress Stain (Vintage Photo)
Misc.: Mini Scrabble Tiles, Tim Holtz Gears, Tim Holtz Ribbon, Tim Holtz Alterations Pocket Watch Embossing Folder

For the sentiment inside the card, I used a stamp by Sweet 'n Sassy that reads: Your Influence In My Life is Timeless.  Perfect to use with pocket watches, I think.

Wishing Cal a very happy birthday!

Hope you have a great day and find a few moments in the day to do something you love!

My New Peg Board

Hi, guys!  As some of you know, I am currently working on my craft room.  I had been looking for ideas for storage, and came across a framed peg board and directions on how to make one on this great blog: http://inmyownstyle.com/2012/04/how-to-organize-your-tools.html#comment-13380
My husband was kind enough to build me my own to match my room.  The colors of my room are pink, white and black.

I love how it turned out.  It is right behind my desk, so it it easy to grab my tools as I create and I don't have to dig around in drawers to look for anything. I just love looking at it, too.

Thank you, Alan, for making this for me and for all the work you are doing in my craft room.

I look forward to sharing the room with you when it is all done.

Have a great day!

When High Tech Meets Low Tech

Hi, guys! My nephew Tom celebrated his 11th birthday last week, and I thought I would share with you the card I made for him. Tom loves all things "techie."  He loves computers, cell phones, iPods, and - of course - video games.  I saw this set of stamps by Paper Smooches and had to have it for all the lovers of these gadgets.

Supplies:
Stamps: Paper Smooches
Paper: Recollections Note Card, Husk Cardstock The Ink Pad NYC
Ink: Memento Black
Misc.: Copic Markers, Twine


While making this card, I was trying to think of a fun way to incorporate Tom's name on the card. I remembered that I have been keeping a stash of mini Scrabble tiles that a friend sent to me from Ireland years ago. I decided it would be fun to use them on his card, as not only is Tom a lover of video games, but of all kind of boardgames as well. The contrast between the high tech toys and low tech toys on one card should make him chuckle.

Since I have been saving (hoarding) this Scrabble tiles for some time, I decided to use some of them this weekend and made a few more cards using them.  I will share them later on in the week with you. Is there any supply that you are holding on to?  I hope this card will inspire you to use some of you goodies that you are saving.

I hope Tom had a birthday as special as he is!  Wishing each of you a great day, and hope you find a few moments to do something you love!

Chalkboard Love and Birthday Card For A Babysitter

Hi, guys! Hope your weekend was a good one.  Mine was very productive and very INKY!  I had a bunch of cards to work on for various people.  As I worked, the cards needed started to multiply.  Isn't it funny how that seems to happen?


First list:

List as it stands now:

So, as you can see, I still have a few cards to work on during the week. Can you tell I just love my new chalkboard?  I am sad they are phasing them out of schools. There is something about writing in chalk that I love!

How about I share one of the cards I completed with you? This card I made for a friend to give to celebrate her babysitter's birthday. It was great hearing how wonderful a person and sitter Merla is. Knowing you have a caring and special person caring for your daughter when you are working outside the home must give you such peace of mind.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stamp Camp
Paper: Grape Note Card The Ink Pad NYC, Gina K (Black)
Ink: Versafine Black, Distress Inks, Perfect Pearls Spray (Sunflower)
Misc.: Clear Embossing Powder, Gems, Oval Punches, Computer Generated Name

I love heat embossing cards. It gives such shine and texture to any piece you work on. Perfect Pearl sprays are great to use. I normally find myself just reaching for the Pearl color, but decided to use Sunflower as I thought the vibrant gold/yellow would go great with the shades of purple distress inks.

Wishing Tita Merla a very blessed birthday!  Hope your day is a great one too!

Whimsical Faerie Birthday Wishes

Hi, guys! today I want to share a birthday card I made for my friend Anna. While deciding what card to make for Anna, I came across this little sprite of a faerie.  I think she is just darling. So, I decided to use the photo tinting technique I learned from Tim Holtz while participating in his 12 Tags of 2012. In this technique you add color to selected areas of the photo.  You will notice that I used glossy cardstock for the image, and stamped with a permanent ink (Archival Black).  To add color I used various shades of distress inks.

Supplies:
Stamps:Stampsmith
Paper: Ranger Glossy Cardstock, Stampin' Up
Ink: Archival Ink (Black), Distress Inks
Misc.: Gem, rectangle punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder


This is becoming one of my favorite techniques.  I find it fun and relaxing to color the images and am busy making tags using old family photographs for family members.

Wishing Anna a very happy birthday, and a great year ahead!  May each of you have a day filled with fun and perhaps a bit of magic!

A Heart On The Mend

Hi, guys! Hope you are having a great day!  Today I am sharing a card I made for a special friend.  She is one-of-a-kind and so supportive of my crafting and was the first one to actually pay me to make her a card.  I have the first dollar she gave me framed to this day.   Well, my friend suffered a heart attack on the way to work a few weeks ago.  It was so scary to hear and it is WONDERFUL to hear she is on the mend now.  After thinking about it for a bit, this is the card I came up with for her.  I decided to stamp on an Avery mailing label to make the Band-Aid look realistic and was able to drape it across the heart that way.

Supplies:
Stamps: Vap! Scraps
Paper: G Studio Note Card, Ink Pad NYC Earth Tone, Gingham Creative Imaginations
Ink: Memento Black
Misc.: Copic Marker, Heart and Scallop Heart Spellbinders Dies, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Avery Shipping Label

I am sending this wish out to my friend for a speedy recovery! I miss you each day.

This unsettling experience has reminded me, yet again, that each day is a gift and not to be taken for granted for a minute.

Hoping you have a great day, and each moment is enjoyed to the fullest!

Good Night, America, Bye-Bye and Buy Bonds!

Hi, guys! Hope all is well. This weekend was filled with lots of emotion for me.  This Saturday was the last time my husband and Cranston & Spade Theatre Company performed at Partners & Crime Mystery Booksellers.  Partners & Crime will be closing on September 20th. It is so sad to see another independent bookstore go out of business. The company has been performing there for sixteen years and had a great run there.  The company does recreations of old-time radio shows. They are currently looking for a new venue and I know they will be in operation again soon.

For me, sentimental emotions took over on Saturday watching the final performance there.  I first went to see Alan perform there in December 2008. He invited me to see him in A Christmas Carol as he knew it was a favorite of mine.  He was playing the role of Scrooge.  This is significant to me as it was the beginning of me going out again socially after the loss of my husband Charlie.  After seeing the performance and quite a few more, we started dating and were married in 2010.  The members of the theatre company have come to mean a lot to me as well.  So, seeing this chapter come to a close was rather sad.  There was a happy moment during the performance, though. They had an audience member propose marriage! I love that there was a new beginning starting that night!   So I hope they will be as happy as my husband and I are.

Cranston & Spade Theatre Company

I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this great group of performers and, more importantly, great people!

Until next time!

Happy 5th Birthday, Isabella!

Hi, guys! Today I am sharing a card I made for a friend to give to her granddaughter for her 5th birthday. My friend emailed me Isabella's picture and I saw she loved to dress up like a princess.  I thought this fun stamp by Suzi Blu would be perfect for her.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampavie/Suzi Blu
Paper: Stampin' Up, Core-dinations
Ink: Memento Black
Misc.: Copics, Ribbon, Oval punch, Circle Punches, Gems, Dazzling Diamonds

I thought the use of the Dazzling Diamonds on the wings would be a great touch and add to the sparkle of the card.

Hope Isabella has a very happy birthday and a fun-filled 5th year!

Until next time!

How Many Peppers Did Winnie's Inky Fingers Peel?

Hi, guys!  Hope your Labor Day weekend was a great one.  My weekend was a great one filled with family, friends, and good food. Today I spent a bit of time today having a pepper roast.  I had ordered a package of Hatch peppers that were shipped to me during the week.  My hubby and I made a large charcoal fire and grilled all 5 pounds of them.  Let me tell you, the smell alone was worth the effort. After grilling and letting them steam, we peeled and prepped them for freezing.  We have 8 bags full in our freezer now.   Very happy day!

The before shots:

The end results:

I will be making Bobby Flay's Chile burgers, green chile sauces, salsas etc.  This New Yorker is very happy to have these great treasures stored in the freezer.  A very special thank you to Maggie of Maggie's Farm for sharing a great source for them with me.  I ordered from Melissa's at www.melissas.com in case you are somewhere and can't get these yummy peppers for yourself.

I will be sharing some of the other things I was up to this weekend and a card I made tomorrow.

Have a great day, and I hope you keep the holiday state of mind throughout the week!