November Tag for Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of 2012

Hi, guys!  As many of you know, I am participating in the 12 Tags of 2012 by Tim Holtz.  Each month Tim demonstrates a new tag using various techniques and products meant to inspire you to create your own.  I can't believe it is November already!  Here is my submission:

I love that I get to use so many of my supplies when I make a tag.  For this tag, distress stains were used in various colors as well as distress inks.  The image was heat embossed onto the tag.  One of my favorite parts of this tag was making the leaves by using Core-dinations kraft paper, then sanding and inking them.  Love how they came out.  I never thought to pull apart my twine before, and then inked it as Tim showed.  It was a fun touch and am so glad he shared that idea.

I hope you like this tag, and if you are interested in making one for yourself, I would suggest you check out Tim's blog at www.timholtz.com and I am sure he will inspire you.

Have a great day!  Until next time!

With Deepest Sympathy

Hi, guys! Today I am sharing a card I made for a friend of my husband who lost his mom.  I wanted to make it a nature themed card, and appropriate for a man.  I didn't want to make it too fussy, and wanted it to be calm in feel.  This is what I came up with.

Supplies:
Stamps: Rubber Stampede
Paper: Core-dinations, Gina K Designs
Ink: Stampin' Up
Misc.: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Scallop Edge Punch, Sanding Block, Gem

One of my favorite papers to use is Core-dinations as I love the different colored cores in their papers and love to sand them.  It gives the image such a fun distressed look.

Hope you have a nice day!  Until next time!

Here's The Scoop (Nephew's Birthday Wishes)

Hi, guys! Hope all is well.  Today I am sharing a card I made for my nephew Christopher's 13th birthday.  I didn't realize that I didn't blog it and so I wanted to make sure I shared it with you.

Front

Inside

Supplies:
Stamps: Inky Antics
Paper: Inky Antics Honey Pop Paper
Ink: Archival Black
Misc.: Tim Holtz Bingo Marker, Ribbon, Copic Markers

I can see I have been on a roll with this Honey Pop paper.  It is so fun to use, and the recipients of the cards seem to love the surprise inside.

I am blessed to have 10 nieces and nephews, and making cards for them is just so special to me.  I also enjoy stamping with them and creating together.  Soon I will be writing a post about a day when I had 4 of my nieces over for tea and stamping.

Here's hoping Christopher's 13th year is the beginning of many happy years ahead.  He is a joy and a blessing to all those who know him.

Until next time!

Holiday Cards & Tags Giveaway

Hi, guys! Hope you had a great holiday!  We sure did! I had dinner here with my hubby and my father-in-law followed by a trip to my sister's for another round of fun and yes, more food.

Before:

After:

I can tell you, I am done with turkey for awhile.  My hubby could continue to eat it if I gave it to him. After day 4, I feel like I am going to start gobbling.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I will begin preparing for the Christmas holiday season.  I am looking forward to making holiday cards for family and friends and plenty of decorating.  I have some fun news to share with you today.  My blogging friend Molly Jo who blogs at http://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/25/holiday-gift-basket-giveaway-winnies-inky-fingers-cards-and-tags/ is having a giveaway.  She asked if I would make some holiday cards and tags for her to raffle off.  I hope you pay her a visit for a chance to win the set of cards I donated. There are 5 cards and 5 coordinating tags.  Molly Jo is a great writer and blogger and a fine woman.  I know you will enjoy visits with her there.

Hope you have a great day! Until next time!

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Hi, guys!  Thought I would share the Thanksgiving card I made for my parents.  A little story behind this card: it was pointed out to me by my mother that I seem to have an affection for "vermin" cards.  I wasn't sure what she was talking about when she mentioned this to me, but after explaining how I make her a lot of cards with mice on them, I got her point.  I never realized how many stamps I own with various mice in various forms of dress.  So, when making my parents card I had to use this stamp set.  I am sure my mom will appreciate it.

Supplies:
Stamps: Inky Antics
Paper: Gina K Designs, Echo Park, Inky Antics
Ink: Memento Black, Stampin' Up 
Misc.: Ribbon, Copic Markers

I normally don't bother showing the inside of my cards, but since I used honey pop paper for the inside, I thought you might like to see this.  It really gives it a fun 3D look and a little surprise to the receiver.

For the leaves, instead of using a stamp for the leaves on the black paper, I used some fun leaf buttons I had in my stash.

Hope you enjoyed the card I shared today.  If you are celebrating Thanksgiving, I hope it is a joy-filled one.  I have so much to be thankful for, and I count my blogging friends and readers among them.

Until next time!

True Friends

Hi, guys! Hope all is well!  I was asked to make a special card for a friend to give to one of her best buddies.  I was asked to make it shabby chic in feel and to incorporate shades of pink and greens.  This is the card I came up with for Sheryl.

Supplies:
Stamps: Hero Arts
Paper: Stampin' Up, Watercolor Paper
Inks: Versafine Black, Distress Inks
Misc.: Perfect Pearl Mists, Ribbon Colored To Match, Distress Tool, Stick Pin, Heart Punch, Embossing Powder

I love using Versafine Ink for embossing with clear powder.  The image comes out very crisp and clean of any stray powders.  One of my least favorite things to do is use black embossing powder as I seem to get stray powders on my image.  They can be knocked off, or wiped off with a paint brush, but using clear powder just makes it so easy.

Making this card made my fingers very inky, so you know I had fun!

Have a great day!

Happy 40th Birthday, Sis!

Hi, guys!  This weekend was a lot of fun.  My kid sister turned 40 today, so we went out and saw a comedy show and had dinner with my other sister and some really good friends.  I can't believe my little sister is 40, but at least she is in the same decade as me now.  I thought I would share the birthday card I made for her.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampin' Up, Cornish Heritage Farms, Crafty Secrets
Paper: Recollections Note Card, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Archival Black, Distress Ink, Distress Stains
Misc.: Ribbon, Embossing Powder, Distress Markers, Perfect Pearls Mist

The sentiment inside the card reads "You're no spring chicken ... Happy Birthday!"  She got a great chuckle out of it.  I love funny cards, and can give them to my sister.  You know who you can or cannot joke with about their age.  Since I am the eldest of the six siblings, I have been on the receiving end of many funny age-related cards.

This was a lot of fun to make.  I love the use of Distress Stains on watercolor paper.  I spray them with Perfect Pearl Mists and they blend so nicely and give it a nice shine.

Hope you have a great day!  Until next time!

Thanksgiving Cards Revisited

Hi, guys!  For today, I thought I would share two Thanksgiving cards I made.  I decided I wanted to watercolor again with my gel sticks on watercolor paper.  So, I made both panels at the same time and then used embellishments to make the cards different.

For this first one, I was asked to make a card for a mutual friend, Ruth.  I used Memory Box Typewriter dies to cut out her name.

The next card is for my friend Erich's parents.  They live out of state, so I thought the "Thinking of you" sentiment would be a nice touch.

Supplies (For Both)
Stamps: Stampin' Up, Hero Arts
Paper: Watercolor Paper, Gina K, Stampin' Up
Ink: Stampin' Up, Distress Ink
Misc.: Faber-Castell Gelatos, Stampin' Up Mister, Tonic Distress Tool, Buttons, Ribbon, Memory Box Typewriter Dies

If I am doing painting, watercoloring, or other involved stamping, I really like to make more than one panel.  It is great being able to get two cards done in one sitting, and both having their own personal touches.

I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving next week after making all these cards!  Hoping you are enjoying your day!

I'm So Thankful For You (Fire Department)

Hi, guys! Hope all is well.  For today, I thought I would share a card I made at the request of a friend.  My friend Christine wanted a Thanksgiving card for her local fire department.  Christine and her husband had a fire in their home on the night her daughter was being born.  Thankfully for Christine and her husband they were both in the hospital when the fire broke out.  The firemen thought she was sick at home in bed and went in looking for her as concerned neighbors didn't know she was already at the hospital.  The fire took their home and possessions, but not them and for that we are all very grateful. What a great thought to send a personal card of thanks to celebrate Thanksgiving!  I must say, it was the first time I made a Thanksgiving card for a fire department, but I was so honored to be asked.

Supplies:
Stamps: Inkadinkado
Ink: Distress Ink, Versamark
Paper: Stampin' Up, Gina K
Misc.: Cooper Embossing Powder

I wanted to get a clean look and something not too feminine in feel as the fire department has a lot of male volunteers.  I used a copy of their shield on the front as well to personalize it.

Hoping the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department know how very much they are appreciated for all they do to keep those in their community safe.

Hope you have a great day!  Until next time!

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

Hi, guys!  I am sharing a Christmas card I made for a friend.  She requested a special card for a little boy named Benjamin who will be celebrating his first birthday. Christine asked that it be a religious card for the season.

Supplies:
Stamps Stampendous, Studio G
Paper: Recollections, Core-dinations, Gina K (White)
Ink: Distress Ink, Memento Black
Misc.: Copic Markers, Glitter Pen, Circle Punch, Sanding Block

I just love this image and thought it would be perfect for a little one.

I am a big fan of Core-dinations paper, as I love to use my sanding block to distress it, and by using a swiss dot embossing folder and sanding the paper,  it gave the card a fun snow look to me.

Hope Benjamin has a very blessed First Christmas!

Enjoy your day!  Until next time!

Embossed Wedding Wishes

Hi, guys!  I'm sharing some wedding wishes with you today. I was asked to make a card for a young couple for their wedding.  I decided to use some embossing and sanding for the focal image.  I went with some fun Authentique patterned paper for the background to give it a modern look. I used NO stamps on this card!  That does not happen very often.

Supplies:

Paper: Authentique, Core-dinations, Ink Pad NYC Notecard

Ink: Distress Ink

Misc.: Gems, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Sanding Block, Oval Punches

Sending congratulations to Ise & Marc as they begin their life together.  

Until next time!

Happy Thanksgiving Using Twinkling H2O's

Hi, guys! Today I made another Thanksgiving card. I decided to use Twinkling H2O's. If you do not know what they are, they are little pots of shimmering watercolors.  You spritz water into the pots and paint the color on.  The shine is so beautiful to see.  I haven't used them in quite some time and I plan to use them a lot more often.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampers Anonymous
Ink: Archival Black
Paper: Watercolor, Gina K Designs, Recollections
Misc.: Gold Perfect Pearl Mist, Gold Gems, Water, Scallop Punch

As you can tell, I am really enjoy this blueprint stamp set.  The images are so lovely and you can use them for many occasions, but I am loving them for Fall.

Have a great day, and hope you are enjoying your Autumn!  It is my favorite season and hope these cards are doing it justice.

Totally Nuts For You

Hi, guys!  The card I am sharing with you today is for my husband for Thanksgiving.  For this card I used my Distress Markers by Tim Holtz to apply color to the focal image as well as the background. I also used Distress Stains around the edges. Since these markers are reactive with water, they blend so nicely.  I am not sure you will be able to see the shine I got on it by using various Perfect Pearl Mists.  I used gold, bronze, and sunflower mists to get the look.

Supplies:
Ink: Archival Black Ink
Stamps: Stampers Anonymous, Studio G
Paper: Watercolor, Gina K Designs
Misc.: Distress Markers, Perfect Pearl Mists, Distress Stains, Tag Punches, Twine, Water

I am in love with this blueprint stamp set designed by Mario Rossi III.  I had to have all 3 sets (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas)! I think they are different than anything I had in my collection.

Hope your day is a good one!  Until next time!

Falling Leaves

Hi, guys! For today I thought I would share my first Thanksgiving card of  the season.  I decided to use my Faber-Castell Gel Sticks to get a watercolor look.  I used watercolor paper, and used the gel sticks to color directly on my leaf stamp.  I spritzed the stamp with water and applied it to the paper. I decided to use my Stampin' Up spritz tool to apply a light mist of color to the background as well.

Supplies:
Ink: Distress Ink
Paper: Stampin' Up, Watercolor Paper
Misc.: Faber-Castell Gel Sticks, Leaf Buttons, Twine

I love watercoloring and painting, and using the gel sticks is an easy and fast way to get the effect.  The sentiment inside is also from Stampin' Up and reads "Give thanks and in all things be grateful."

Hope you have a great day!  Hope you find a few moments to do something you love.

Sending A Big Thank You

Hi, guys!  I just finished making a card for our friend Jeff. My hubby and I lost our phone and electricity during Hurricane Sandy and had exhausted the power in our cellphones and my iPad by day 4.  Luckily Jeff had power and we were able to spend some time visiting and charging all our devices.  It was such a blessing, as I was very nervous not having a way to make a call should we have an emergency. I decided to make him a card today to express our thanks.

Supplies:

Stamps: Paper Smooches, Papertrey Ink

Ink: Versafine

Paper: Studio G Card

Misc.: ClearEmbossing Powder, White Gel Pen

Hope Jeff and his wife Lisa know how much they mean to us, and hope you take a moment to let those in your life know how important they are to you.

Have a great day!

October Tag Tim Holtz Tag 2012 - Help Me From the Grave

Just a note of thanks for all those who have been writing, emailing or commenting wishing me well during Hurricane Sandy.  We were without power for 5 days, but I am happy to report that it has been restored.  Never has a hot shower felt better! We were so fortunate.  I am keeping those who are suffering in my thoughts and prayers and would ask that you continue to do so as the devastation is so widespread.

For today I thought I would share the tag that I made for the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2012. This is my October submission. This was a lot of fun to make.  I think my fingers were more inky today than ever while making this tag.  I got to use various inks, paints, glues and lots of glitter!

The stamps I used for the focal image were from Stampers Anonymous.  I was excited to get to use my new stamp set designed by Mario Rossi III!  It is a cool one.  I used the words "help me" coming from the grave.  I thought it would be a fun and creepy touch.  I used a  Studio G stamp and stamped it on a Tim Holtz journal ticket.   The bats were all painted and glittered as shown by Tim.

I hope you like this piece.  If you want directions on how to do it, head to his blog and he gives you step-by-step directions.  You then take it in any direction you want.

Be well, my friends!