A Dandy Lion Hello

When this cat from the Airmail set just happen to fit inside this flower made from the Sundial stamp, I immediately thought of a lion’s head.  The overall shape also reminded me of a dandelion.  But, in this case, a Dandy Lion!

You can see how the flower and stem are part of the Sundial stamp in this post here.

All those wonderful cardstocks are from Penny Black’s Mix & Match collection.  Great colors! 

Here are a few quick details for this card….

• Stamp the sentiment on a 2 5/8 x 3 ¼-inch piece of white cardstock with black ink and heat emboss with clear powder.
• Mat with a 2 ¾ x 3 ¼-inch piece of rust cardstock and mount with dimensional foam to a 3 x 3 ½-inch tan card.
• Color cat with Copics and mat with a flower colored with Fired Brick Distress and Peeled Paint Distress inks.  (Flower details linked here.)
• Adhere with dimensional foam to a 5/8 x 2-inch piece of yellow cardstock that has been edged with Scattered Straw Distress ink.
• Attach to the front of the prepared card.

Thank you for visiting.

Have a dandy day,

Elizabeth 

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Airmail 30-072, Hello Friend 30-069, Sundial 4159K

Penny Black “Mix & Match” Cardstock: Sticks & Stones 02-002, Grand Canyon 03-002, Summer Sun 17-001

Copic Markers

Tsukineko:  Onyx Black VersaFine Ink

Ranger:  Fired Brick Distress, Peeled Paint Distress, Scattered Straw Distress, Super Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder

3M Scotch:  Dimensional Foam

A Birthday Wish

Isn't it funny how sometimes it's the bits and pieces that make a card?!  

The concept for this design began with the beautiful bird from Nature’s Day.  I love coloring this image and watching it come to life.

I am always amazed at the way cards emerge.  I originally started out with a specific idea in mind, but it just wasn't flowing the way I expected.   

I had a stamped image of Words Like Flowers on my desk which kept calling to me.  Suddenly everything popped into place!  The small flower and ornate script band were just the “bits and pieces” I was looking for along with the cross-hatch pattern from the Trims transparent set.

Here is a quick outline of the card….

• Ink the edges of a 3 x 5 ½ white card with Old Paper Distress Ink.
• Stamp bird and collage on watercolor paper and heat set with clear powder.  Color the images and trim. (I pounced a bit of gold ink on the water colored band when it was dry.)
• Stamp cross-hatch pattern on a 2 ½ x 3-inch piece of tan cardstock with Vintage Sepia. (I used the lighter second impression of ink and added black dots for accent.)
• Mat with a 2 5/8 x 3-inch piece of black cardstock.  Adhere to the lower portion of the card and add the decorative band.
• Attach the bird and flower with dimensional foam.
• Add a sentiment of your choice.

To view another card using Nature's Day, click here.

I love how the card turned out and it was a good reminder for me to not force an idea, but have fun with the thought!

Happy stamping,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Nature’s Day 4157K, Words Like Flowers 4181K, Trims 30-068, Sentiments 30-025

Penny Black “Mix & Match” Cardstock:  Storm 01-001, 01-003, Sticks & Stones 02-002

Canson: 120 lb. Watercolor Paper

Tombow: Dual Brush Markers

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Vintage Sepia VersaFine, Gold Brilliance Ink

Ranger:  Old Paper Distress Ink, Super Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder

3M Scotch:  Dimensional Foam Tape

Together Always (Day 3 of 3 - Triangles)

Today’s triangle card is a bit more modern and contemporary.



Red cardstock triangles burnished with Fired Brick Distress ink lend a splash of color and highlight the stamped images.

A combination of Spellbinders Circle Nestabilities creates an elevated focal point for the sentiment and tandem bicycle.

Card Instructions:

• Score vertical lines on the front left edge of a 4 x 5 ½-inch white card.
• Cut one small and one large triangle from red cardstock and burnish with Fired Brick Distress Ink.  Stamp tire tracks with black Memento ink.  Adhere the triangles to a 3 ¾ x 4 3/8-inch piece of white cardstock with dimensional foam.
• Stamp sentiment with black ink in the lower right corner.
• Attach the mat to the front of the prepared card with dimensional foam.
• Create a dimensional circle embellishment with Circle Nestabilities and stamp the sentiment with black ink. Layer the circle components with dimensional foam.
• Ink the bicycle with black pigment ink and heat emboss with clear powder.  Trim the image and layer over the circle with dimensional foam.
• Attach the circle embellishment over the points of the triangles with dimensional foam.
• Accent card with crystal gems.

Thank you for joining me this week.  Have fun using triangles in your cards!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Together Always 40-053
Penny Black "Mix & Match" Cardstock: Fall Festival 16-003
Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Tuxedo Black Memento Ink
Ranger: Fired Brick Distress Ink, Super Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder
Spellbinders: Standard Circle Nestabilities (Sm S4-116 and Lg S4-114)
3M Scotch:  Dimensional Foam Tape
Mark Richards: Crystal Sticker Elements

Happy "Triangle" Banner (Day 2 of 3)

Welcome back for my second day of “triangle” themed cards for Penny Black.  While yesterday’s post focused on the card shape, today’s card demonstrates how this geometric form can be used to create a little banner.

Thread tubes made from paper were attached to the back of each letter.  This made it easier to string the flags and space them evenly.    

A heavy-weight carpet thread distressed with ink

was used for the string.



A wrapped platform was made for the party goers.  This application hides the dimensional foam and gives the elevated artwork a finished edge.  You can see how this is done "here".

The last little touch was a small bit of yellow Stickles to the candle flame.

Here are a few quick measurements for this card:

Brown Card Base: 3 3/8 x 4 3/8

Yellow Mat: 3 ¼ x 4 ¼

Blue Mat: 3 1/8 x 4 1/8

White Mat:  3 x 4 (Distressed with Faded Jeans)

Banner Flags:  ¾ x ¾ (Distressed with Spiced Marmalade)

Dimensional Foam Under: Banner, Platform and Cute Critters

Tomorrow’s card takes a turn toward a contemporary design for my last triangular feature.   

Have a great day,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Let’s Party 4137K, Kate Text-Uppercase 20-005

Penny Black “Mix & Match” Cardstock:  Sticks & Stones 02-003, Clear Skies 10-003, Summer Sun 17-002

Canson: 120 lb. Watercolor Paper

Tsukineko:  Onyx Black VersaFine

Tombow: Dual Brush Pens, Stamp Runner Permanent Adhesive

Ranger: Faded Jeans Distress Ink, Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink, Yellow Stickles

3M Scotch:  Dimensional Foam Tape

J & P Coats Dual Duty Plus Thread (Cream)

Trio of Triangles (Day 1 of 3)

This week I am designing for Penny Black and the theme is “triangles”.  Whether it is the shape of the card or a design element - anything goes!

Today I am focusing on one stamp image, Rock and Roll, to create three triangular cards.

The triangular card bases (2 ¾ b x 3 ¼ h) were created from Penny Black’s Mix & Match Cardstock.  White mats (2 ½ b x 3 h) were lighted distressed with Faded Jeans Ink and elevated with dimensional foam on the card bases.

“Rock and Roll” was stamped on watercolor paper with black ink and heat set with clear embossing powder.  The images were then water colored and trimmed.

The “Cute as A Button” set is wonderful for embellishments.  One stamped impression gives you lots of buttons to work with.  I set the extras aside and just grab a few whenever I need them.

More details on how to enter your art in this week’s Penny Black “triangle” challenge can be seen here.

I look forward to having you visit and see the 5 triangles used in tomorrow's card!

 

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Rock and Roll 4138K, Cute As A Button 40-052, Sentiments 30-025, Salutations 30-014, Hugs 30-020

Penny Black “Mix & Match” Cardstock: Clear Skies 10-002, Coral Reef 15-003

Canson:  140 lb Watercolor Paper

Tombow: Dual Brush Pens, Stamp Runner Permanent Adhesive

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine

Ranger: Super Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder, Faded Jeans Distress Ink

3M Scotch:  Dimensional Foam Tape

Recipe Card Easel

This card is also an easel that can be used to display a recipe while cooking or baking.

The recipe card was created with a computer font and then I added the small house from the transparent Airmail set.

This bracket was inserted between the front and back panels to keep the easel sturdy, but it is still collapsible for mailing purposes.

Easel Card Instructions:

• Place a 6 ¼ x 8 ½-inch piece of light forest glen cardstock horizontally and score vertical lines at ¾, 7/8 and 4 3/8.
• Before folding, stamp Zen with VersaMark ink across the front panel (between the 7/8 and 4 3/8 scored lines) and heat emboss with white powder.
• Fold on the scored lines to create the card with a small ledge.
• Stamp Sweet Home on a ¾ x 6 ¼-inch piece of dark forest glen cardstock with black ink.  Attach across the small front panel of the easel.
• Cut a 3/8 x 3 ½-inch piece of white cardstock and adhere to the right side of the easel as shown.
• Edge the top and sides of the easel with Antique Linen Distress ink.
• Stamp Flower Girl on white cardstock with black ink and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color and trim.  (Note:  In this sample the girl was colored with Copics.  To create soft, warm colors W0 and W1 markers were applied over portions of the colored image.)
• Attach the girl with dimensional foam.  (Hint:  If mailing the card, omit the adhesive under the girl’s shoes so when the card is flattened it will not “buckle” the artwork since the small ledge needs to open and close.)
• For the support bracket, cut a 2 x 4-inch piece of white cardstock and score at ½, 2 and 3 ½.  Place adhesive on the small tabs and secure between the panels toward the bottom edge.

This is also a fun design to hold a photograph or place on a writing desk for small notes.

For more inspiration using Slapstick stamps, visit the Penny Black Blog this week for great design team projects!

Next week I am the featured Penny Black design team artist and will be back on Tuesday with THREE cards for my first post.

Smiles,  
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Flower Girl 40-056, Zen 40-051, Sweet Home 40-054, Airmail 30-072 

Penny Black "Mix & Match" Cardstock:  Forest Glen 07-001 & 07-003
Tsukineko:  Onyx Black VersaFine, VersaMark Watermark Ink, White Embossing Powder
Ranger:  Antique Linen Distress Ink, Super Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder
Copic Markers

Smile

When working on last Friday’s card, my eye caught an interesting image.  In the middle of the Sundial stamp is a wonderful little flower.

The shape and design were perfect for framing with a Reverse Wonky Rectangle.

Two additional hidden finds were from the transparents sets Touch of Whimsy (flower stems used for border stamping) and Xmas Snapshots (sentiment).

To be savvy with supplies and make the most out of paper scraps, I stamped the parts of the flower I needed using a homemade mini stamp press.

I attached a scrap of white paper to an acrylic block with temporary adhesive and pressed it into the inked stamp.  This made it very easy to lift the stamped image away from the stamp and the block provided a sturdy surface to press on while making the impression.  After removing the stamped image, I cleaned the over stamped design on the acrylic block with a damp paper towel.

For quick distressing, I started with a colored piece of cardstock and added highlights to match the card.

Detailed Card Instructions:

• Die-cut three large Reverse Wonky Rectangles – two from white cardstock and one from light blue cardstock. (Note: For this sample, the 5^th largest die was traced and then cut to provide the desired size.) 
• Stamp flower stems around the perimeter of the light blue die cut with VersaMark Watermark ink and heat emboss with white powder.
• Lightly add touches of Faded Jeans and Mustard Seed Distress inks.  Adhere to one of the white rectangles.  This will conceal any ink that may be on the back of the distressed piece.
• Score a line 1 inch from the top of the second white rectangle and apply adhesive to the scored tab.  Adhere the decorative light blue cardstock to create the card base.  Add star dust stickles to the embossed design and set aside to dry.
• Using the 4th largest rectangle, die cut one white and one light blue rectangle.  Using the same die, trace the outer edge on black cardstock and trim to create a slightly larger mat.
• Die cut the center of the light blue rectangle with the 3^rd largest die to create a frame and distress with Faded Jeans and Mustard Seed Distress Inks.  Add black dots with a Micron pen for embellishment.
• Using the window as a guide for placement, stamp the sentiment on the white rectangle with black ink and heat emboss with clear powder.
• Wrap a piece of ribbon around the card base and tie in a knot on the left side.
• Mat the white rectangle with the black rectangle and adhere to the front of the card over the ribbon with dimensional foam.
• Add dimensional foam to the back of the colored frame and place into position.
• Stamp the flower and flower center with black ink and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color with Copics and trim.
• Layer the center of the flower with dimensional foam.  Add additional foam to the entire flower and insert into the frame.

I hoped you enjoyed this smile from me to you - as you always share so many with me!

Have a great day,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Sundial 4159K, Touch of Whimsy 30-073, Xmas Snapshots 30-055

Penny Black “Mix & Match” Cardstock:  Storm 01-003, Clear Skies 10-001

Ranger: Faded Jeans Distress Ink, Mustard Seed Distress Ink, Star Dust Stickles

Spellbinders: Reverse Wonky Rectangles S4-307

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, VersaMark Watermark Ink, White Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder

Copic Markers

Sakura:  Black Micron Pen

3M Scotch:  Dimensional Foam Tape

Ribbon:  ½” wide Sheer Organdy

An Inside-Out Thank You

Happy Friday!

Today’s card is an “inside-out” design.  Instead of folding the cardstock with the color on the outside, I reversed the fold so the inside would provide a splash of color for the small front flap.

The decorative flap was created by stamping the flower off the edge of the fold and trimming around the petals. 

To keep the design clean and contemporary, the flower was left uncolored and two additional layers were added for embellishment.  The cardstock that was cut away from the front of the card was large enough stamp these center pieces.  Plus, the teal on the backside of the cardstock gives a reflective glow.

The background is the Paisley Outline stamped in turquoise ink.  I ran a black marker around the card to define the edges and frame the flower.  For added accents, white gel pen dots were added.  After the ink was dry, small black dots were placed in the centers of the dots.

This is one of those card designs which I like to make a few at a time without sentiments to tuck away.  It is so easy to add a greeting when you happen to need a card at the spur of the moment.  

Have a wonderful weekend….

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Sundial 4159K, Paisley Outline 40-048, Flower Gallery 30-031

Penny Black “Mix & Match” Cardstock:  Sea Breeze 08-001

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Turquoise Gem VersaMagic

3M Scotch:  Dimensional Foam Tape

Sakura: White Gel Pen, Black Micron Pen

Inked Collage

Sometimes the random application of inks and stamping can yield a quick yet deceptively intricate card.

A few Distress Inks applied to a non-stick craft sheet and misted with water provided an instant palette of color to cover the stamped cardstock. 

To give the panels an elegant finish, they were pounced with VersaMark Watermark ink and heat embossed with clear powder.

Add an elevated sentiment with brads and you have a finished card!

Detailed Instructions

• Randomly stamp Butterfly Suite on a 3 ½ x 4 ½-inch piece of watercolor paper with Jet Black StazOn ink.
• Rub three colors of Distress Ink (Dusty Concord, Peeled Paint, Spicy Marmalade) next to each other on a non-stick craft sheet and mist with water.
• Press the stamped artwork into the inks rotating after each impression to cover the surface.  A heat tool can be used to speed the drying time and also move puddles of ink into interesting patterns.
• Cut into three panels.  Cover each panel with VersaMark Watermark Ink.   Sprinkle with clear embossing powder and heat set.  Edge each panel with Gold Metallic StazOn.
• Mounting the panels to a 3 ½ x 4 5/8-inch piece of watercolor paper helps space the panels evenly and provides a single surface to apply the sentiment banner.
• Stamp the sentiment with black pigment ink and heat emboss with clear powder.  Edge with gold ink.  Apply dimensional foam to the center of the sentiment and adhere to the panel.  Add a brad at each end through all the cardstock layers and secure.
• Attach the artwork with dimensional foam to a 3 7/8 x 5-inch card base that has been edged in Antique Linen Distress Ink.

I can’t express enough how much I appreciate the time you spend with me!!  I hope you are inspired to “smoosh” some ink today.

Thank you for visiting,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Butterfly Suite 4182K, Sentiments 30-025

Canson 140 lb. Watercolor Paper

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, VersaMark Watermark Ink, Jet Black StazOn, Gold Metallic StazOn

Ranger: Antique Linen Distress Ink, Dusty Concord Distress Ink, Peeled Paint Distress Ink, Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink, Super Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder

3M Scotch:  Dimensional Foam Tape

Creative Impressions:  2 Micro Round Fasteners

Get Well Soon

Paper piecing and Tsukineko's "GooseBumps" were the perfect combination for this card.  It was so much fun using the clear texture spray on all the “rainy” elements.



Finished Size:  3.75 x 5.5



After coloring and trimming all the pieces, I laid them on a protective surface.  I find using old pages from an AT-A-GLANCE calendar are perfect for spraying projects.  The 22 x 16-inch size allows several items to be spread out at once with enough additional space to protect my work surface.

Here you can see the wonderful textural coating on the slicker and boots.

And some more on the hat and umbrella. 

Many of the pieces were bended before attaching them to the card to add extra dimension.  The hat is created from two layered pieces with a small bit of dimensional foam underneath.  A small slit along the bear’s ear helps to tuck the piece into place.

For the extra raindrops and puddles, I unscrewed the cap and used the wand to dab the areas I wanted extra water.

Have a great day! 

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Sunshine in the Rain 40-058, Get Well Soon 4169K

Penny Black “Mix & Match” Cardstock: Summer Sun 17-003, Blue Lagoon 09-003

Tuskineko: GooseBumps, Onyx Black VersaFine, Clear Embossing Powder

Copic Markers

Blue Chalk (sky/rain)

A "Swing" Card

This little framed card has accordion folds so it can be flattened to mail and then popped open to display a swinging design element! 

These are some additional photos and a short video showing the card swinging that you can reference throughout the detailed instructions provided below.



Side view of incremental folds.





Inside back panel.



Extensions on hammock to wrap thread to create the swinging embellishment.



Side view of completed embellishments.

Instructions:

• Cut a 3 ¾ x 8-inch piece of white cardstock, position horizontally and score vertical lines at 3 ½, 3 ¾, 4, 7 ½, 7 ¾ and 8.
• Rotate the scored piece to the vertical position.  Center and stamp Posy Petals on the first segment of the cardstock with black ink and heat emboss with clear powder.  (In this sample the ladybug was not inked.)
• Create a window by cutting out the area between the two flowers.  Note:  Be sure to leave enough at the top and bottom to join the two sides and also hide the accordion folds when assembled.
• Add Tumbled Glass and Faded Jeans Distress inks around the flowers.
• Fold on score lines to create an accordion card.  Note:  The last flap at the top will be the gluing tab, but leave it unsecured at this time so additional artwork can easily be added to the inside of the card.
• Ink a 3 ¼ x 3 ¾-inch piece of white cardstock with Tumbled Glass and Faded Jeans Distress ink.  Stamp Zen with Faded Jeans ink over the distress inks.  Accent the stamped pattern with a white gel pen.  Adhere the cardstock to the inside back panel with adhesive.
• Stamp Posy Petals multiple times on white cardstock with black ink and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color and trim individual elements to create layers for the flowers, leaves and to build the little girl in the hammock.  In this sample, three layers were combined to create a dimensional element.  Save one ladybug for an embellishment.
• When trimming the layers for the swinging hammock, be sure to leave an extended portion of cardstock on either side of the image.  This will provide an area to wrap thread around to hang the embellishment and allow it to swing.  Coat the thread wrappings with Glossy Accents.
• Align the hammock in the window so the ends match up with the bows.  Secure the threads at the top of the card and trim the ends.
• While the card is still “open”, stamp Thinking Around on white cardstock with black ink and heat emboss with clear powder.  Trim with either a circle punch or a circle Spellbinder’s die.  Distress the edges with Tumbled Glass Distress ink.  Attach to the inside of the card with dimensional foam.
• Stamp grass on white cardstock with black ink and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color and trim to fit across the bottom of the card.   Attach with dimensional foam.
• Glue the card closed.
• Accent the card with the prepared flowers, leaves and ladybug.
• Now all that is left to do is wiggle the card and see the hammock swing!

Video (without sound) showing the swinging hammock.

If you enjoy creating cards with frames and/or borders, be sure to visit the Penny Black Blog to participate in this week's reader challenge.  

Thank you so much for your visits and lovely comments.  They are greatly appreciated and enjoyed immensely!

Happy Friday,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  Posy Petals 4151K, Zen 40-051, Sweet Home 40-054, Thinking Around 3650F

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Jumbo Sponge Daubers

Ranger: Tumbled Glass Distress Ink, Faded Jeans Distress Ink, Glossy Accents, Super Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder

Copic Makers

Tombow: Stamp Runner Permanent Adhesive

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape
Spellbinders: Circle Nestability