Lady Of The Harbor

Hi, guys!  Today we are celebrating Independence Day here in the States.  I thought I would share a few cards I made for the holiday.  I made them for my parents, my hubby's dad, and a friend.  I know that it is not the usual "card" holiday, but I love to send cards when I can't be with those I love.

I am entering her in the Simonsaysstampandshow challenge: Anything Goes

This stamp is one of the Blueprint stamps by Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous.  I love how it turned out.  I used Vintage Verdigris embossing powder to emboss Lady Liberty.  I love the antique copper look it gave the image.  The inside has a strip of embossed stars along the bottom. I used Core-dinations paper and sanded it.

For this next card I used another Blueprint stamp, and used my Distress Markers to watercolor it.

I decided for the next one to be a bit more whimsical.  I used this fun stamp by Riley & Company.  Riley as Lady Liberty! I used some fireworks stamps from my July Simon Says Stamp Kit, and Lily Bee patterned paper.

I thought I would share a video with you by a trio called Brother Sun.   They are three of the finest musicians and gentlemen that I have had the privilege to meet.  The song is called "Lady of the Harbor." I think it is perfect to share on this Independence Day.  As an American, and a New Yorker, she means so much to me.  I hope you enjoy it!

Wishing all those who celebrate a very happy and safe July 4th!

Until next time!

June 2013 Tim Holtz Tag (Distress Marker Fun!)

Hi, guys! Today is the last day of the month, and I am squeaking my June 2013 Tim Holtz tag in! This month Tim focused on using the Distress Markers for watercoloring and other techniques.  I had fun using them to watercolor and splatter ink as well as a few other tips he gave us. This month I decided to have some fun and use some old twill I had on hand.  I saved it from an old shopping bag as I loved the thickness and color.  I used Tim's tool to fray the edges of the twill and used ink along the edges to give it an aged look as well.

As you can see, I did two tags.  I do one for myself each month, and one for my friend Ruth, who loves them, and now visits Tim's blog as well.  Some day, I hope to get her to get her fingers inky, but until then, she can share in the fun this way.  If you haven't tried your hand at these tags, I highly recommend you give one a try! You learn some great techniques, and you have plenty of inky fun!

Hope you have some fun today, and enjoy the remainder of the weekend!

Until next time!

Easter Cards, Blueprint Style

Hi, guys!  Hope all is well!  I thought I would share some of the Easter cards I sent out this year.  I picked up the new Blueprint series of stamps by Stampers Anonymous/Tim Holtz and just love them.

The first 3 cards were all colored with Copic markers.

The next 3 cards were colored using Distress Markers to watercolor the images and I used Distress Ink to apply color to the paper edges to give them a more aged look.

As you can see, I really enjoyed using these stamps.  I am looking forward to using the other stamps in the series now that I am done with my Easter crafting! Due to the amount of cards shared in this post, I am not bothering to list all the supplies; if you have any questions, just shoot me an email and I will answer any you may have.

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter, and a BEAUTIFUL Springtime!

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!

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!

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!

Father's Day Cards, Part II

Hi, guys!  TGIF!  It is nearly Father's Day so I thought I would share a few more cards I made to celebrate various dads.

This first one I made for a friend's husband.  They are a great couple with an adorable little girl.  I thought this card would sum up her love for her husband and how great a dad he is to their daughter.

Supplies:
Stamps: Stampin' Up
Paper: Stampin' Up, Strathmore Watercolor Paper
Ink: Archival Black, Tim Holtz Distress Markers
Misc.: Ribbon, Cuttlebug Embossing Plate

I enjoyed watercoloring the focal image.  I am enjoying the Tim Holtz Distress Markers.  I used my water brush to paint the color on like watercolor.  It is so fun and relaxing to do.  I computer generated the sentiment for the cover.

The next card is one I made for my friend Erich's dad.  I decided to use chalks to apply color to the image of the old-time truck.

Supplies:
Stamps: Sweet & Sassy Stamps
Paper: Stampin' Up, Gina K Designs (White)
Ink: Stampin' Up
Misc.: Stampin' Up Chalks

I hope you have a great weekend!  Have FUN!