Saturday, October 30, 2010

Recessed Card

Today's card is inspired by the sketch at Stamp TV.  It's an interesting sketch because it's so simple, and yet it got me wanting to try something a little different.

Here's my card:

from this sketch:

I thought it would be quite fun to make a recessed card.  And finally, I took out my Fine Furnishings additions set which had been sitting uninked for sometime.  After placing all the pieces in the recessed box, the card looked rather plain.  Added the faux stitching in white gel pen to add some interest to the card, as well the blings on the side and some twine.

Hope you'll be inspired to try this interesting card - here's a video at Splitcoaststampers to get you started.

Have a good weekend!

Stamps : GKD Fine Furnishing Additions
Cardstock : GKD Ocean Mist + scraps patterned papers
Others : Spellbinders Large Scalloped rectangles & petite ovals, Sakura white gel pen, teal blings & PTI's baker's twine

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Going CAS

Here's another Clean and Simple (CAS) card, just one layer, no colouring at all (which is hard for me to resist).  Just straight stamping and adding a ribbon and some pearls.  The card was done in less than 10 minutes!

Here's the card:


I used the beautiful stamps from Crafty Secrets - Birds at Home and stamped direct onto the cardbase.  Then added a bow with a gluedot just above the bird cage and some pearls as shown.

Crafty Secrets have beautiful vintage clear stamps - even though they are clear stamps, I'm really pleased how well they stamp and how detailed the images are.  This is one set which I will keep reaching out for.

Thanks for visiting.

Stamps : Crafty Secrets Birds at Home
Inks : Versafine Vintage Sepia & Onyx Black
Cardstock : PTI Vintage Cream
Others : Sakura Pigma Micron Sepia (01), ribbon & pearls.

Birthday Tag

Today's project is a tag.  I've forgotten how useful tags are - they are always great with a gift when you can't find the right card on hand.  I need to make more of these... 

And, yesterday, I finally succumbed to buying copic markers.  You can imagine how excited I was to have a play with them and My Favorite Things' Pure Innocence stamps. 

Here's what I came up with... a little gift tag:



I really love the Pure Innocence range, the little girl is just so cute.  As you can see, my colouring isn't great, but I guess it's a start ;)

Enjoy your day!

Stamps : MFT PI Bunch of Blooms, PI Birthday Princess (sentiment)
Paper : GKD Ocean Mist cardstock, PTI White cardstock, October Afternoon paper
Inks : Memento Tuxedo Black, Distress Inks Tumbled Glass & Shabby Shutters
Others : Spellbinders Labels 4 & petite Ovals, Cuttlebug embossing folders, Sakura white gel pen, Copic markers

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Winner!!! from Growing in Unity week

Hi Everyone!  Here's the winner from all who commented during my GIU week.  I added up all the comments, and used Random.org to pick a number.  Here's the result:

Number 52 was the 3rd comment on Day 5, which was StampinCathy!! Congratulations!!!!

Please contact me so I can have your details and organise your prize. 

Have a great day!!

Everything handmade is "fixable"...

Have you ever made a card, and decided it didn't look right?  Well, I had one of those moments a few days ago.  I wanted to use my new Christmas stamp set from Unity, Bright & Merry Winter Wishes (I like to make good use of every stamp set I purchase).  Had a workable card idea in mind, so I started stamping... but, half way through I was not happy with the work-in-progress.  I didn't like the placement of the stamped images and also the ribbon didn't look right.  Decided then to leave it aside and perhaps I could come back and fix it later.

Well, here's the "fixed" card:

It now looks totally different from my initial idea, but I think it's pretty ok.  The focal image section was what I had problems with earlier.  I trimmed down the size of the cream cardstock, added a patterned paper which complemented the colours of the stamped images below the bauble. Then I added a tab at the left side of the cardstock, as well as a bow for the bauble & also distressed the edges.  On a kraft cardbase, I stamped the text all over, followed by some branches in green ink.  Finally added a cream satin ribbon at the bottom.  Adhered the focal image onto the kraft cardbase.  I then decided the cream ribbon was not very interesting, so I added another tied bow using a gingham red ribbon.  Added a pearl on the knot of the ribbon plus the greeting on the bottom of the cream cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!

Stamps : Unity Merry & Bright Winter Wishes, Give It All Meaning, Artist In You
Inks : Versamagic Sea Breeze & Aspen Mist & Tea Leaves, Versafine Onyx Black & Distress Ink Tea Dye (Text & edges)  
Paper : PTI Kraft & Vintage Cream
Others : Ribbon, WRMK Corner Chomper, Zva Creative pearls, fine glitter

 

Monday, October 25, 2010

Unity Hip Hop Sketch HHSC30

Today let's take a break from making Christmas cards.  I haven't participated in Unity's hip hop sketch for a long while, so I thought I'd share a card inspired by this sketch:

Here's my card:

If you know a bit more about me, you'd know why I like the bird image - something about that crossword puzzle squares.  Yupe, I'm a bit of a puzzle addict and a sudoku addict!  So that's why the sentiment "happiness" is appropriate too.  I was thinking of how much contentment one could have with just a puzzle.

Enjoy your day!

Stamps : Unity KOM October 2010
Inks : Versafine Onyx Black, Distress Ink Antique Linen
Papers : October Afternoon, Making Memories, PTI cardstocks Spring Moss & Vintage Cream
Others : Colourpencils, Spellbinders large scallop circles, Labels One, satin ribbon, scor-tape

CAS Christmas card

Today I'm sharing a CAS Christmas card.  After making several cards with patterned papers, I guess you could say I needed a break.  It was time to have a clean & simple card with more stamping and no patterned papers.

Here's the card:


What I did was mask the outer edges of the card with removable scotch tape (abt 1" from the sides). Then ink up the flourish stamp (Unity's Artist In You) with red chalk ink and stamp randomly. There's room to stamp the flourish only 3 times, really. Ensure the ink has dried, then remove the tape, and use the Scor-buddy to score 1/2" from the sides as shown.

Stamp the bauble (from Unity's Bright & Merry Winter Wishes) on a white cardstock and color as shown (I used a red watercolour pencil and a blender pen to blend the colour).  Then add glitters (I used the Sakura Quickie Glue pen before thowing on the glitters) onto the centre section as well as around the coloured areas & cut out the bauble. Cut as close as you can to the outline of the bauble.  Punch a tiny hole at the top of the bauble and tie a bow with silver embroidery thread and the sentiment.  The sentiment in the set was really long so I only used the top 2 words - I inked up "merry" 1st and stamped it then inked up "christmas" and stamped below the word "merry".  Mount the bauble with foam adhesive as shown.

Then..hmmm... I felt it needed a little more interest, so I used a fine black pen and drew the frames as shown.  And added some pearls to finish off the card.

As an alternative, I guess one could use a glue pad to ink the flourish stamp & add some flocking - this would really jazz up the card base.  Maybe I'll try that and see if it works.

I hope you enjoy the card.  Have a fun week!

Stamps : Unity Artist In You (flourish), Unity Bright & Merry Winter Wishes
Inks : Versamagic Red Magic, Versafine Onyx Black
Paper : White & Ivory Cardstock (PTI)
Others : Scor-buddy, fine glitter, Sakura Quickie Glue pen, Sakura Pigma Micron black (0.1), Scotch removable tape, Silver Embroidery thread, Pearls

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Making more Christmas cards

Lately, I'm inspired to make Christmas cards.  Today's cards are made with some help form the challenges at StampTV this week.

First card:

This card was inspired by the colour challenge: to use black, red and chartreuse on a card.  I've never used black for a Christmas card before... but there's always a first time ;)

Second card:


This card was based on the sketch challenge found here.  Decided to use pinks with the Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather papers.

Hope you have a happy Sunday!!

First card:
Stamps : GKD Blessed is the Season, GKD Fanciful Tags
Papers : Pink Paislee, GKD cardstocks
Inks : Versamark, Colorbox Frost White, Versafine Smokey Gray
Others : Judi Kins Sticky Stuff Embossing Powder, Stampendous Detailed White Embossing Powder, Fine glitter, white gel pen, PTI notebook die

Second card:
Stamps : GKD Blessed is the Season (sentiment), GKD Vintage Borders (ornaments), GKD Vintage Backgrounds
Papers : Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather (6x6 pad), PTI Sweet Blush cardstock
Inks : Versamark, Versafine Onyx Black, Memento markers
Others : Sakura Clear Glitter pen, ribbons, Hero Arts poinsettias, Zva Creative crystal brad, Scor-buddy

Friday, October 22, 2010

Handmade flower

Hi, today I made a flower with tulle which I found on a trip down south recently.  I think it turned out quite well .  I wanted to make a card for the challenge at Stampin' Sisters and I thought the tulle flower would add a special touch to the card.

Here's my card :


I bought the sentiment stamp from Verve a couple of months back - I love the verse on it because in some ways it sums up what is important for me.

Have a wonderful day!

Stamps : Verve
Ink : Versamagic Sea Breeze
Paper : Pink Paislee 365 Degrees (6x6 pad), GKD Ocean Mist cardstock
Others : Zva Creative bling, Paper ribbon, EK Success border punch, tulle, Imaginise i-rock large crystal

Growing in Unity - Day 5

Wow, I can't believe how fast the week has gone, and I've reached the end of my GIU week.  I 've really enjoyed sharing some of my favourite Unity stamps and cards with you.

Today, I'll show you some projects using stamps from various KOM sets.  I have a folder where I print off all the images of every Unity stamp sets I own for easy reference.  When it's time to make a card, I usually flip through the folder till I see a stamp I think looks great for a card I have in mind or a stamp which I've never inked before.  It's like a game for me, to find a way to ink up every stamp from the sets I own.

First, I'd like to show you a Stationery box.  I like to give away a set of my cards to friends as a present.  I've been meaning to make this box for a long time after seeing so many versions of them online.  Finally, I sat down and worked out how I would like mine to be.

Here's the box :

The box opens up to several compartments & pockets for standard sized & note cards, tags, stamps, post-it notes and a pen.  Here's the inside of the box :


The box was decorated with the apples from KOM July 2010 and sentiment from KOM August 2010.

Next, is another Christmas card (just couldn't resist it) - a clear acetate card.  This must be the most difficult card for me to photograph. Here's my best shot ;) 

I've heard a lot of good reviews on the new Stazon Metallic but had no idea how great it was till I used it. On this clear card, I used the Platinum ink - I love it!  It's a champagne-like colour and I think it's "cool-er" than the normal gold or silver.  I've left this card pretty plain on the inside, with a small frame (which matches the front greeting) on the inside for a note.

My next card is:


Sometimes I feel like making a card with several layers, and here's one of them.  The stamped image is from KOM May 2010.  I love the cute little parachute with the word "Happy".   

Finally, here's my last card for the GIU week.  I've had a blast this week and Thank YOU for taking time to visit.  I hope you'll like this card:


Another view (to show the emboss resist):

This card was made using one of my favourite Pink Paislee papers.  The background paper is from the Parisian Anthology collection, called Darling Doilies.  The paper has some resist printed patterns on it and when you ink it, the patterns show through.  The focal image is from Unity KOM October 2010, stamped on the patterned paper with Versamark and embossed with clear embossing powder. Then using markers (fine tip for the stems), colour the stems and flowers.  Sponge more ink around the image.  Mount it on a light blue cardstock and add a bow to finish up the card.

This has been an AMAZING week for me.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  Have a LOVELY weekend!! ;-)

First project:
Stamps: Unity KOM July 2010, Unity KOM August 2010 (sentiment)
Inks: Versafine Olympia Green & Onyx Black
Papers: PTI Spring Moss cardstock
Others: Zva Creative bling, white gel pen

Second - card:
Stamps: Unity KOM September 2008 (snowflake), Unity KOM May 2010 (alphabets for sentiment)
Inks: Stazon Metallic Platinum, Versamagic Sea Breeze, Versafine Spanish Moss
Papers: Imaginisce, Acetate
Others: Gold metallic ribbon, AC button, Imaginisce i-rock pearl

Third - card:
Stamps: Unity KOM May 2010
Inks: Memento Markers Lady Bug and Paris Duke, Distess Ink Tumbled Glass (inking the clouds)
Papers: Pink Paislee 365 degrees, Kraft & white cardstock
Others: MFT clouds die, MS border punch, ribbons & twine, button, Sakura white get pen


Fourth - card:
Stamps: Unity KOM October 2010
Inks: Versamark, Distress Inks Tumbled Glass, Shabby Shutters, Spun Sugar, Scattered Straw
Papers: Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology & Queen Bee, PTI Kraft cardstock, GKD Ocean Mist cardstock
Others: AC ribbon & Prima studs

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Growing in Unity - Day 4

Hello again.  Today I'm going to show you some Christmas cards.  Every year I make a lot of Christmas cards for my dad to mail out.  He loves every card I make (I think he is biased of course!).  This is probably the last year he is able to send out cards, as his memory is failing and he has problems writing.  So, this year, I'll be making some extra effort to ensure the cards will be a little more special, for him.

I'm going to keep the posting simple, with not too many instructions (in case you get bored reading them :)). 

Here's the first card:



I just received my new October KOM in the mail yesterday!  There's two cute stamps perfect for Christmas cards.  Here's one of them.  I used waterbased markers to colour the image, and then added glitter to the light blue rectangle behind the ornaments. What do you think?

Here's the second card:


This is a simple card with unusual colours for Christmas.  I made the paper ribbon by cutting a strip of the Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather paper, and curled it a little with a pencil to break some of the fibres.  Then folded them at the top making pleats, and adhere it to a strip of purple cardstock.

Here's the third card, with more traditional Christmas colours:


Here, I stamped the focal image using black ink, and colour the open areas with red & green markers. Then add glitters all over the image.

One last card :


I sponged the edges of the stamped image with Distress Ink Tumbled Glass and added some fine glass glitters (hope you can see the glitter on the photo).  Then assembled the card with 3 different sizes of Spellbinders Large Scalloped Circles - 2 red ones and one mid-sized white circle.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you'll be back tomorrow for the final day of GIU.  Have a wonderful day!

First card:
Stamps : Unity KOM October 2010
Inks : Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Markers & Primacolor pencils
Papers : Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather 6x6 pad, PTI Sweet Blush cardstock, GKD Ocean Mist cardstock
Others: Fine glitter, Baker's twine, Spellbinders Large Scallop square, MS border punch

Second card:
Stamps : Unity KOM October 2010
Inks : Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Markers
Papers : Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather 6x6 pad, GKD Vibrant Violet cardstock
Others : Fine glitter, Sakura white gel pen, Imaginisce i-rocks

Third card:
Stamps : Unity KOM September 2010
Inks : Versafine Onyx Black, Memento Markers
Papers : Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather 6x6 pad, Red cardstock
Others : Fine glitter, Pearls from Zva Creative, ribbon, silver button


Fourth card:
Stamps : Unity KOM July 2010
Inks : Versafine Spanish Moss, Memento Markers Lady Bug, Colourpencils, Distress Ink Tumbled Glass
Papers : White & red cardstock
Others : Spellbinders Nestabilities Large Scallop Circles, Sakura White Gel pen, blings, Art Glass Glitter - Diamond Dust

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Growing in Unity - Day 3

Wow, today is Day 3 of GIU.  My cards today will be focusing on colouring and making your own background.  Today's stamps are mainly from Unity's Store Kit Quiet Essence, love the beautiful flowers stamps and they are perfect for colouring.

My first card is colouring with alcohol ink markers.  I have only several alcohol ink markers (I know, I love copics and just found out I can get them from an art supplies store where I live.Yay!) but even with limited supplies one can achieve pretty good results.  Here's my card:


Stamp the top half of the cardbase with a background stamp (I used the background stamp from KOM April 2010) using Versamark.  Adhere the patterned papers as shown with a teal satin ribbon wrapped around it.  On a white cardstock, stamp the flower image using Memento Tuxedo Black, and colour the image with pink and red markers.  The red marker will give the flower some shading and then use the pink marker over the red to blend the colours.  I have only one green marker hence no shading on the leaves.  Cut the stamped image, and place it on the card as shown, with a little section tucked underneath the sentiment.  Cut the sentiment piece using Spellbinders Label 16.  Here, I used a sentiment stamp from KOM May 2010, where only the "hello" was inked (not the full sentiment) and stamped on the die cut piece.  Finally make a bow with another length of the teal satin ribbon and place a button tied with double bows using baker's twine.

The second card focuses on making your own background.  Here's the card:



Stamp the flower randomly on the card with Versafine Onyx Black.  Versafine is a great ink because it captures every detail of the stamp, dries quickly and because it's oil based it won't bleed with the waterbased markers.  After stamping the images, colour using water-based markers (I used Memento New Sprout for the leaves, Lady Bug, Rose Bud, Angel Pink and Lulu Lavender for the flowers).  Stamp the sentiment with Versamark and emboss with Black Detailed embossing powder.  Use Spellbinders Label 14 to trace around the sentiment with pencil.  Stitch around it with purple thread in running stitches.  Lastly, cut a frame to fit the card and make some faux stitches around it with a white gel pen.  And to finish off the card, add some Imaginisce glam rocks using the i-rock tool (I LOVE this tool!).

My last card today is another inking technique. 



Here's a list of things required for the technique :

1. Water-based markers (I used Memento Markers)
2. Ink blending solution (I used Tsukineko's Ink Potion No 9)
3. Craft mat (teflon mat)
4. Shimmer paint (I used Tsukineko's All Purpose Ink Champagne Mist)
5. Die cut a piece of watercolour paper

First, use a sponge and lightly ink the watercolour paper with the Shimmer paint.  On the craft mat, use several colours of markers and ink up enough to cover the watercolour paper.  Spritz the ink blending solution directly onto the mat with the colours.  Then place the watercolour paper with the shimmer paint side down to pick up the inks.  You can then leave this to dry or you can heat set it.

When the paper is dry, stamp the flourish stamp (Unity's Artist In You) with Stazon Timber Brown at the corners. Next, stamp the text with Stazon Pumpkin.  Then emboss the paper with a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  To finish off, tap another shade of Stazon (or you can use Pumpkin or Timber Brown) ink on the embossed areas.

Stamp the butterfly on a white cardstock with Memento Grape Jelly. Colour the image with watercolour pencils (light green and blue), first with the green and then the blue on the outer edges, going back blending the colours with the green. Use an orange pencil to colour the butterfly centre.  Then use the sponge with the shimmer paint (you won't need to reink it) and pick up a light blue ink (I used Memento Summer Sky) and sponge around the butterfly to give it some colour and shimmer.  Then add Glossy Accents on the spots on the butterfly.  Now, everything is ready for card to be assembled.

I hope you are inspired to do some colouring today, and if you have any questions please let me know. {{Thanks}} so much for visiting.

First card:
Stamps : Unity Store Kit Quiet Essence, KOM April 2010 (background), KOM May 2010 (sentiment)
Papers : Pink Paislee 365 Degrees, GKD cardstock Ocean Mist
Inks : Memento Tuxedo Black, Alcohol markers Alpha G126 Lawn Green, R149 Crimson & R123 Pale Peach
Others : Spellbinders Label 16, Teal satin ribbon, Baker's twine (PTI), AC button

Second card:
Stamps : Unity KOM September 2010, Unity Store Kit Quiet Essence
Cardstock : PTI Spring Moss, White grainy cardstock (forgot where I got this from)
Inks : Versafine Onyx Black, Memento Markers, Versamark
Others : Spellbinders Label 14, Sakura White Gel pen, Imaginise i-rock & glam rocks mirror

Third card:
Stamps : Unity Artist In You (Background flourish), Give It All Meaning (Text background), KOM September 2008 (Butterfly), KOM June 2010 (sentiments)
Papers : PTI white cardstock, October Afternoon Ducks in a Row, Watercolour paper (300gsm)
Inks : Memento markers (Potters Clay, Rose Bud, Rhubarb Stalk, Bahama Blue, Bamboo Leaves, Paris Dusk, Cantaloupe, Tangelo), Memento Ink pad Grape Jelly & Summer Sky & Tuxedo Black, Stazon Pumpkin, Timber Brown
Others : Spellbinders Labels 8, Glossy Accents, crystal brad, Cuttlebug embossing folder

Monday, October 18, 2010

Growing in Unity - Day 2

Hi, and welcome to Day 2 of GIU.  Today I'll be using paper piecing technique on my cards.  I think paper piecing is a really great way to get colours on your card without using any paints or pencils or markers.


Here's my card:
 

The apples were stamped on 3 different patterned papers and cut out and adhered with foam squares onto a white strip of cardstock.  The cardstock was adhered to the red patterned paper as shown, and the sentiment added (a rub-on).  A stitched organza ribbon was tied just below the apples as shown. The kraft cardbase was sponged with Distress Ink Vintage Photo, with the bottom corners rounded, and a white gel pen was used to create some faux stitching around the card.

Another example of paper piecing is a card I made for the Unity challenge on splitcoaststampers.  The image and sentiment is from my 1st Unity KOM kit.  I love that kit!



First Card:
Stamps : Unity KOM July 2010
Patterned papers : Cosmo Cricket Togetherness
Cardstock : PTI Kraft
Inks : Versafine Onyx Black, Distress Ink Vintage Photo
Others : Sakura white gel pen, sentiment rub-on, ribbon, We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper


Second Card:
Stamps : Unity KOM February 2010, Unity background Worn Music
Inks : Versafine Onyx Black & Spanish Moss
Papers : Pink Paislee Queen Bee and 365 Degrees, PTI Spring Moss
Others : EK Success border punches

Thanks for looking.  I hope you have a Great day!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Growing In Unity - Day 1

I'm so happy to share with you this week of Growing in Unity.  I fell in love with stamping some 10 years ago.  A lovely lady showed me some stamps at a fair in Kentucky (when I was there for a short work visit) and the rest is history.  Stamping is so much fun & cardmaking as well - when I used to work full-time (with crazy schedules), it was a great way of having a break after a long day.  Unfortunately, none of my friends share this passion of mine, hence, I'm really thankful for all the crafters I meet online, because you inspire me and reassure me I'm not alone in my mad, mad love for stamping and cardmaking.

I LOVE Unity stamps - I discovered Unity while browsing the net oneday.  I live in Asia, and I often worry buying items online as shipping cost could be high, and more importantly if the products would arrive and not get lost!  After some thought (and really because I just could not resist Unity stamps!), I decided to join Unity's Kit of the Month club in March earlier this year.  I've not been disappointed, I love every single KOM I own.  It's great value and the images are really adorable.

Here's my first card for today, the sentiment is "Thankful" and I thought it's a great way to start off the week, as there's a lot to be thankful in life.  Especially, if one gets to stamp & express one's creativity in cardmaking... you know what I mean :)

As you probably will realise, my cardmaking style is really simple.  I love colours and I love ribbons, so I guess you will see a lot of these combinations in my cards.

This card uses 3 stamps from 2 KOM's - the focal image was stamped with the April's KOM while the sentiment is from Sep's KOM.  The focal image was stamped on an ivory cardstock, using Versafine Vintage Sepia and Versamagic Red Magic.  The flower was coloured using Memento Markers New Sprout & Dandelion.  On the outer blank area within the frame, I used Memento Marker Summer Sky to draw the lines to match one of the patterned papers used.  Some Distress Ink Scattered Straw and Tea Dye were sponged around the edges to match the distressed edges of the patterned paper.

Here's my second card:

My first attempt to make an autumn-ish card.  All stamps are from Unity's September KOM.  The sentiment was stamped with sepia ink and cut with nestabilities scalloped oval, and sponged with Distress Ink Antique Linen.  Two of the leaves were stamped on ivory cardstock and coloured with colour pencils.  The leaf on the right was stamped on watercolour paper - the stamp was inked with markers (Cantaloupe, Tangelo & Potter's Clay - with lighter colours towards the centre) and given a spritz of ink blending solution.  When dry, use a white gel pen to accentuate the leaf grains.  The cardbase was partially embossed with Cuttlebug's embossing folder.

I hope you like the cards and thanks for stopping by.  I really appreciate it.

First card:
Stamps : Unity KOM April 2010 (focal image), Unity KOM September 2010 (sentiment)
Inks : Versafine Vintage Sepia, Versamagic Red Magic, Distress Inks Tea Dye & Scattered Straw, Memento Markers New Sprout, Dandelion & Summer Sky
Papers : Cosmo Cricket Togetherness, PTI Vintage Cream cardstock
Others : Imaginisce i-rock, EK Success border punch, Scor-buddy

Second card:
Stamps : Unity KOM September 2010
Inks : Versafine Vintage Sepia, Memento Markers Cantaloupe, Tangelo and Potter's Clay, Distress Ink Antique Linen, Tsukineko's Ink Potion #9 (ink blender), Prismacolor pencils
Papers : BasicGrey Kioshi papers, GKD Pumpkin spice cardstock
Others : Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Ovals, Sakura Pigma Micron Sepia (0.5), Cuttlebug Embossing Folder 

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Cards, Cards, Cards

On Thursday evening, I decided to participate on the Unity 23 Challenges at Splitcoaststampers.  How does one make 23 cards in less than 3 days??  I didn't think I could do it, but the challenges were rather fun although some were just not in my comfort zone.  I decided to try a few to see if I could get the creativity going... and I was hooked!!  I pulled out ALL my Unity stamps (I didn't realise I had SO many!) and started.

Here are some of my favourites (I'll try to share more in the next few days) :

This card was for the Ribbon (USCWCMD09) challenge.  I decided to keep the card in black and white and added the ribbons for a pop of colour.  I guess I wanted to tell a story with this card that we should dare to dream, in colours, and extraordinary dreams.  I hope you like this.

Stamp : Unity One Precious Life
Ink : Versafine Onyx Black
Cardstock : GKD Ivory
Others : stitched ribbons, Sakura pigma micron Sepia (0.5) for the borders


This one's a really simple card.  The challenge was a card with photo in it.  This was a picture captured in Prague last year, and I loved it.  I added a simple stamped border at the bottom of the card and wrote "wish you were here" in white gel pen along the side of the photo.  I used Colorbox's Pigment Ink Frost White - I'm really pleased with it being really white against the dark cardstock, but it took a long time to dry and in the end, I used a heat gun.

Stamp : Unity KOM June 2010
Photo : Printed using HP semi-glossy paper
Cardstock : GKD Smoky Slate
Ink : Colorbox Pigment Ink Frost White, Sakura white gel pen

This card was for the Soar Challenge.  I used a background stamp with Versamark, then stamped the bird in Smokey Gray.  Then stamped the sentiment on the side in Black.  Coloured the hearts with a red marker.  Assembled the card and added a frame around the stamped images (that seems to be my favourite thing to do...lol).

Stamp : Unity Life Becoming (bird), Unity KOM April 2010 (background stamp) & Unity KOM June 2010 (sentiment)
Inks : Versafine Smoky Gray, Onyx Black, Versamark & Memento marker Lady Bug
Papers : Pink Paislee Queen Bee (6x6 pad), cardstock PTI Vintage Cream
Others : Corner Chomper (for the tabs), Sakura Pigma Micron Sepia (0.5)

Have an Amazing weekend!!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Trust in the Lord...

Today's card has one of my favourite verses - it's taken from Prov 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding". 

Some time back I posted that my father has Alzheimers - it's been 2.5 years since diagnosis and we've seen fast deterioration in his condition.  Recently, I was away for 3 months, and even during this short period, there's significant changes in his condition.  He is now having problems finishing his meals, and his memory lapses have increased.  A good friend of my dad's remarked to my mum, how could God have allowed this to happen to one who served Him faithfully.

I pondered about this, and decided that although my dad is no longer the same person he was, God walks with him.  My dad is still able to say his prayers daily and to sing praises to the God he loves.  When he prays, it's like this is not a person who has Alzheimers, but a really normal person.  I do believe with all my heart that even though my father's memory is fading, God will remain so real in his mind to the very end.  So, some things in life are beyond our comprehension, but the faithfulness and mercy of God are real, and He deserves all our trust.

Here's my card, inspired by the challenge at Mojo Monday 160.



I hope you have a great week!

Stamp : Verve
Inks : Versafine Vintage Sepia, Distress Ink Scattered Straw
Papers : Cosmo Cricket Togetherness (6x6 pad)
Cardstock : PTI Vintage Cream & Sweet Blush
Others : EK border punch, Corner Chomper, Spellbinders Label 14

Monday, October 11, 2010

Unity Addicts Challenge #21

Unity Addicts' Challenge #21 requires a card using 3 stamps from 3 different Unity kits.  That's easy I think because I have sooooo many Unity kits.  But, my favourite kits are always from the Unity KOM.  Not only are they good value kits but the images are all so very cute, and sometimes they include images that I would not normally opt for, but because they are in the kit, I have to make use of them.  So, all in all, it's also a great way to use images outside of one's usual style.

Here is my card:



The beautiful frame is from the July 2010 KOM, the sentiment is from the September 2010 KOM and the cute button is from the August 2010 KOM.  The frame was stamped using Versamark and embossed with Sparkle & Sprinkle's Peanut Butter embossing powder.  The sentiment was stamped using Versafine Onyx Black, and the button was stamped with Versamagic Red Brick and sponged with Distress Ink Tea Dye.  Thanks for looking.

Stamps : Unity KOM Kits - July 2010, August 2010 & September 2010
Inks : Versamark, Versafine Onyx Black, Versamagic Red Brick, Distress Ink Tea Dye
Cardstock : GKD PLC Ivory & White
Others : scrap patterned paper, white gel pen, ribbon, Scor-buddy (for embossing the outer edge of the card)

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Wild at Heart

This is one of my favourite stamp sets - GKD's Wild At Heart.  I'm not very keen on inky techniques, as I don't like inks on my fingers, etc but this stamp set has one large image which is perfect for an ink technique.  You'll see what I mean, here's the card:



Firstly, ink up the stamp using various Memento Markers.  Then spray an ink blender onto the stamp.  Place a watercolour paper cut to size on top of the stamp & press all around the image.  Lift up the paper carefully and dry the image with a heat gun.  When dry, stamp the sentiment using a Waterproof ink.  Mat the stamped image onto a white card, and adhere it to the card base.  Very easy!  I think the card is lovely as is.

I hope you will try this simple technique :)

Stamp set : GKD Wild at Heart
Inks : Memento Markers, Ink Blender - Tsukineko's Ink Potion No 9, Versafine Onyx Black
Cardstock : GKD PLC Wild Asparagus

Friday, October 8, 2010

Mojo Monday 159

Today's post is for the Mojo Monday contest 159.  I have been admiring the beautiful cards on Mojo Monday blog for ages, but I never had time to create & submit a card for their challenges.  Their sketches are always very inspiring.  Here's sketch no 159:

I have a few birthday cards to make this month, and what better way to create them using sketches.  So, here's the card I made using the above sketch:

It's a card for a very old dear friend of mine.  I tried to keep to the sketch but I always tend to stray a bit :)  I'm hoping the recipient of the card will like it.  Thanks for looking.

Stamps : Unity KOM July 2010, GKD Tropical Windows (sentiment)
Papers : Pink Paislee 365 degrees, PTI cardstock Spring Moss
Ink : Versafine Vintage Sepia, Memento Markers
Others : AC buttons, Tim Holtz paper clip, PTI twill spring moss ribbon

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Card Patterns Sketch #84

It's good to be back home again, back at my own desk and being able to participate in some challenges.  Here is my card for the Card Patterns challenge, Sketch #84:



Playing with colour combination that I've never used before : Orange, Navy, Cream.  Just a simple card, which I think is typical of all my cards :).

I hope you have a great day & thanks for stopping by.

Stamps : GKD You are Not Alone (I love this set!)
Papers : Pink Paislee 365 degrees, October Afternoon Report Card, digital paper scrap (can't recall which one)
Cardstock : GKD Ivory
Ink : Versafine Vintage Sepia, Memento Paris Duke
Others : i-rock crystals, PTI mat stack die, MS Border punch-loop

Monday, October 4, 2010

You are Not Alone

Today's card is inspired by the challenge at Stamp TV and also the Stampin' Sisters' blog (Challenge #59).  I love this Stamp set by Gina K, You are Not Alone - it has so many comforting sentiments.

Rebekka Reed's sharing on Gen 1:1 is so appropriate.  I think the evidence that God is the creator is so plain for us to see.  Sometimes it's easier to ignore the truth because it demands a response from us which we are not prepared to make.  The easy path is always more attractive.  If only we see how short life is, and how long eternity is, perhaps we may understand why we need to acknowledge our creator.



Stamp set : GKD You are Not Alone
Ink : Colorbox Frost White, Versamark (focal image), Versafine Vintage Sepia (sentiment)
Embossing powder : Stampendous Detail White (focal image)
Cardstock : GKD Ocean Mist & Kraft
Others : Spellbinders large scallop circle, classic scallop circle, i-rock crystals, GKD jute trim, Sakura white gel pen