Lovely Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you a day filled with love, hugs and kisses.

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: For Mimi 4368J, From the Heart 30-207

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Spring Meadow 06-002

3M Scotch Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

Colorfin: Blue Phthalo PanPastel

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine

Sakura: White Gel Pen

Spellbinders: Classic Circles, Scalloped Circles

O' Little Town

O' Little Town of Bethlehem....

For this design I wanted to keep the focus on Mary, Joseph and Jesus (Penny Black's "From Bethlehem" illustrated by Mo Manning) and kept the surrounding elements very simple.  The background shading done in Danube Blue Memento was highlighted toward the top of the card with Gold PanPastel.  The sentiment is from Silent Night.  

You will notice if you link to the stamp image that I re-positioned the placement of the star.  In this instance, it helped add to the perspective of the distance between the travelers and the small town and maintained the balance among the elements.

Have a wonder-filled day,

Elizabeth

Supplies:
Penny Black:  From Bethlehem 40-268, Silent Night 30-135
3M Scotch Dimensional Foam Tape
Colorfin: Gold PanPastel
Copic Markers
Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Danube Blue Memento, Jumbo Sponge Dauber, Clear Embossing Powder

Be Jolly

More sprightly fun with the elves in the workshop...

Today Little Elf Kit (illustrated by Mo Manning/Penny Black) is visiting.  An elevated frame was created with Jolly Chant stamped in Niagara Mist.  Underneath, on the card base, is a small piece of purple cardstock to fill the window.  Elf Kit was stamped on a separate piece of white cardstock in Onyx Black VersaFine, colored with Copics, and then fussy cut.  A portion of a longer sentiment (Christmas Wishes) was used to accent the star.

Have a holly-jolly day,
Elizabeth

Supplies:
Penny Black Stamps: Little Elf Kit 40-263, Jolly Chant 40-250, Christmas Wishes 30-196
Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Fuchsia Fantasies 13-002
3M Dimensional Foam Tape
Copic Markers
Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Niagara Mist VersaMagic, Clear Embossing Powder
Sakura: White Gel Pen

HO HO HO!

With the holidays approaching, the elves are busy creating happy smiles.

I use my Spellbinders Flower Pot die cut upside down more than right side up.  It is a great shape for images that format into a triangular configuration.

Little Elf Ava (illustrated by Mo Manning) was stamped on a separate piece of white cardstock in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat embossed with clear powder.  After coloring with Copics and trimming, she was layered onto the shaped card.  A second layer of the arms holding the star were doubled up on top for additional dimension.  The background is Warm Wishes stamped in Bamboo Leaves Memento. A soft sponging of white gesso softened the edges.

Have a happy day, 

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Little Elf Ava 40-265, Warm Wishes 40-074, Whooo's Wishing 30-190 (sentiment)
Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock:  Spring Meadow 06-001
3M Scotch Dimensional Foam Tape
Copics
Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Bamboo Leaves Memento, Clear Embossing Powder
Sakura: White Gel Pen
Spellbinders: Flower Pots (S5-060)
Other: Gesso

Nevermore

While working on this card featuring Penny Black's Halloween Visit, "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe came to mind.

To set the mood, here is a short excerpt from the poem for you to enjoy...

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -

Only this, and nothing more.'

The entire poem (first published in 1845) is available to read "here".

Tip/Hint:  For alternative design ideas, use die cuts in different orientations.  In this sample, an inverted flower pot was used for the card base.

Thank you for visiting, 
Elizabeth

Supplies:
Penny Black:  Halloween Visit 40-243
3M Scotch Dimensional Foam Tape
Copic Markers
Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Pretty Petunia VersaMagic, Jumbo Sponge Dauber, Clear Embossing Powder
Spellbinders: Flower Pots (Used upside down)

Tea Time

Sharing a cup of happiness...

Smiles and hugs,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps:  T-Time 30-178 (illustrated by Mo Manning), Eloquence 30-162

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001

Copic Markers

3M Scotch Dimensional Foam Tape

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Lilac Posies Memento Ink, Jumbo Sponge Dauber, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Fleur De Lis Rectangles (S4-317) 

More Happy...

Time to celebrate with Party King!

This whole celebration takes place in a 3-inch scalloped circle die cut from coral reef cardstock.

A second elevated die cut circle stamped with Dots in Space in Aegean Blue VersaMagic adds a confetti-like background.

A fussy cut Party King and a banner with a sentiment from the Friendship transparent set top off the happy merriment.

Thank you for visiting,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Party King 4323J, Dots in Space 40-144, Friendship 30-160

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Coral Reef 15-002

3M Scotch Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Aegean Blue VersaMagic, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Classic Scalloped Circles, Standard Circles

Blooming Hearts

A fashionably fun design to share love during Valentine’s Day.

This stylish girl is part of Penny Black’s "T for Transparent" set called Love is in the Air and is paired with a field of Love Blossoms.         

Her balloon was personalized for the occasion by stamping a "love" sentiment in the center.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Create a card base from a Spellbinders Label 14 cut from Coral Reef cardstock.
• Die cut a slightly smaller Label 14 from white cardstock and stamp Love Blossoms toward the bottom with Spanish Moss VersaFine.  Use a sponge dauber to color the mound with additional Spanish Moss ink.
• Using a separate sponge dauber, apply Blue Danube Memento ink around the top portion for a bright sky.  
• Attach the finished piece to the front of the card with dimensional foam tape.
• On a separate piece of white cardstock, stamp the girl in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color and trim the image.  Stamp “love” inside the colored balloon.
• Use a small piece of black string to connect the balloon to the girl’s hand.
• Attach the finished pieces to the front to of the card with dimensional foam.

To finish... send with love!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Love is in the Air (30-144), Love Blossoms (4293F)     

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Coral Reef 15-003   

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch & EK Success

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Spanish Moss VersaFine, Blue Danube Memento, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Labels Fourteen (S4-290) 

Fun with Lulu (Day 1 of 3)

Today Penny Black is introducing a new illustrator, Alex Smith.

One of Alex’s new designs is a sweet girl called "Lulu".  Her playful adventures and her cute dog are sure to make you smile.

Lulu's Cupcake (40-222)

Lulu's Party (30-167)

Be sure to hop over to the Penny Black Blog (here) to see more of Alex’s creativity.

Lulu and I will be back again tomorrow!

Elizabeth

Penny Black Stamps: Lulu’s Cupcake 40-222, Lulu’s Party 30-167, Embellishments 30-161 (banner)

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm (White) 01-001

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Summer Sky Memento, Bahama Blue Memento, Jumbo Sponge Dauber, Clear Embossing Powder
Spellbinders:  

Just My Type

"Swinging" by today with Mimi and Miles.

 

Two 2-7/8 x 3-5/8 scalloped rectangles die cut from Rose Garden cardstock were used to create the card base.

  

For the sky background, a small rectangle was masked off and Summer Sky and Bahama Blue Memento inks were applied with a jumbo sponge dauber.  After removing the masks, the sentiment from “My Type” was stamped below with Onyx Black and Satin Red VersaFine inks.

Fussy cut images of the stamped design were used for dimensional layering.  

Tip/Hint:  Heavy-weight black thread is a great alternative to use as the rope.

Have a great day,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Swinging 4297K, My Type 40-189

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Rose Garden 14-001

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch, EK Success

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Satin Red VersaFine, Summer Sky Memento, Bahama Blue Memento, Sponge Dauber, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Classic Scalloped Rectangles

Other: Heavy-weight Black Thread 

LESS and MORE

No need to decide if a stamp is best suited for a simple design or something elaborate.  Have fun exploring the possibilities of both less and more!

 

Penny Black’s beautiful background, Bed of Roses, illustrates how one design can offer a range of variations.

 

A white Les Petites card creates the base for this elevated platform of roses stamped in London Fog Memento ink on white cardstock.

A small heart punch offers a view of sparkly red micro-fine glitter placed behind the cut out.  Pearl beads tinted with Metallic Gold StazOn and edging done in Delicata Golden Glitz add touches of gilding. 

This miniature mixed media heart is constructed from shaped layers cut from a recycled cereal box. 

Fussy cutting a random assortment of roses from the background pattern provided a colorful applique for the design.  Interference Red and Sparkle Gold Jewelz Watercolors from USArtQuest give the flowers a dazzling iridescent flair.

Have a fabulous day,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Bed of Roses 40-190

Penny Black Les Petites 90-001

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: London Sky Memento, Onyx Black VersaFine, Jet Black StazOn, Clear Embossing Powder

Fiskars: Shape Template – Hearts 1

Offray: Ribbon

USArtQuest: Jewelz Watercolor Palette

Other: Acrylic Paints, Gesso, Crystal Glitter, Recycled Cereal Box

Snowy Holiday Greetings

Returning today with sparkly snowflakes…..

This swirling collection of wintry delight is from Penny Black's A Bright Tomorrow.  The snowflakes were stamped in VersaMark Watermark ink on a Labels Seventeen die cut from white cardstock and heat embossed with white powder. 

Nautical Blue Memento ink was sponged on top.  The excess ink resisted by the heat embossing was wiped away with a soft cloth.  The sentiment from Hello Winter was stamped with Satin Red VersaFine on a Ribbon Tag.

The snowflake panel was elevated on top of another Labels Seventeen die cut which was accented with paper piercing.  After the card was assembled, the snowflakes were accented with glitter.

Have fun collecting your snowflakes for snowballs, snowmen and holiday greeting cards!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: A Bright Tomorrow 30-130, Hello Winter 30-141

Penny Black Mix and Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001

Dimensional Foam

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Satin Red VersaFine, VersaMark Watermark Ink, Delicata Golden Glitz, Nautical Blue Memento, White Embossing Powder, Jumbo Sponge Dauber

Spellbinders: Ribbon Tag Trio (S4-323), Labels Seventeen (S5-025)
Other: Crystal Glitter

Holiday Stamp Collision - Finale

Time for the holiday stamp collision finale….

It was so much fun “colliding” these Penny Black stamps to create this card which can also be a tag.

Winter Berries 4273K

Santa's Hat 4283K

Hello Winter 30-141

Thank you for visiting this week.  Have a wonderful weekend...

Elizabeth

Supplies:
Penny Black Stamps: 4283K Santa’s Hat,  Winter Berries 4273K, Hello Winter 30-141   
Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Fern Green 05-003, Sea Breeze 08-001, Rose Garden 13-003
American Crafts: Ribbon
Copic Markers
Dimensional Foam
Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Peanut Brittle Memento, Teal Zeal Memento, Northern Pine, Delicata Golden Glitz, Sponge Daubers, InkBlushers, Clear Embossing Powder
Judi Kins – Eclipse Tape

Holiday Stamp Collision - Continued

Welcome back for another holiday stamp collision…..

These are the Penny Black stamps that “collided” for today’s card….

Christmas View 4274K
 

Hello Winter 30-141
 

Joy to the World 30-143
 

One-Scoop! 4285J

 

TIP/HINT:  Alter holiday stamps for year-round versatility as seen “here” with Christmas View.

See you on Friday with the finale collision!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: One-Scoop 4285J, Christmas View 4274K, Joy to the World 30-143, Hello Winter 30-141   
Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Purple Mountain 12-001
Copic Markers
Dimensional Foam
Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Peanut Brittle Memento, Toffee Crunch Memento, Grape Jelly Memento, Spring Pansy VersaMagic, Sponge Daubers, InkBlushers, Clear Embossing Powder
Spellbinders: Standard Circles

 

Holiday Greetings from Mimi & Miles

This week Mimi is getting ready for the holidays.

Here she is sharing a starry stroll with her friend Miles.

These are the stamps that were used from Penny Black’s Christmas 2012 Collection.



Star Gazing 4282J



Hello Winter 30-141



Mimi will be returning soon with a furry friend!

Thank you for visiting,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Star Gazing 4282J, Hello Winter 30-141

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Cantaloupe Memento, Tangelo Memento, Lady Bug Memento, Teal Zeal Memento, Lilac Posies Memento, Grape Jelly Memento, Sponge Daubers, InkBlushers, Clear Embossing Powder

Sakura: White Gel Pen

Spellbinders: Standard Circles Large (S4-114), Classic Scallop Circles (S4-124)

World Card Making Day With Penny Black



Happy World Card Making Day

I am very excited to join Penny Black as they celebrate the occasion "here" ALL DAY LONG with prizes, giveaways and lots of card art!

Here is a little joy I created to share with the world….

Finished Size:  3-3/8 x 3-3/4



Card Details: 

• A white Les Petites card base was trimmed shorter and a decorative edge from a Labels Twenty-Two die was incorporated.
• The front of the card was covered with a matching piece of Rose Garden cardstock distressed with Love Letter Memento and stamped with Inspiring in Espresso Truffle Memento.
• The next layer is elevated and is an embossed piece of Madison paper edged in Peanut Brittle Memento and Delicata Golden Glitz inks.
• Another elevated layer contains the cute critters from Joy to the World stamped on white cardstock with Onyx Black VersaFine and heat embossed with clear powder.   The top half was fussy cut and additional stamped accents of the scarves, ear muffs and hat were added.  Tip/Hint: Silicone is a wonderful adhesive alternative.  Perfect for attaching accents and simultaneously adding a tiny bit of dimension.
• The small banner with the sentiment from Peace on Earth is highlighted with Summer Sky Memento ink and is flanked by two red beads threaded on twine.

Enjoy all the festivities,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Joy To The World (30-143), Peace On Earth (40-167), Inspiring (40-113)

Penny Black Designer Paper Pad: Madison (80-001)

Penny Black Les Petites (90-001)

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Rose Garden (14-003)

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch, EK Success

Image Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Love Letter Memento, Espresso Truffle Memento, Summer Sky Memento, Peanut Brittle Memento, Delicata Golden Glitz, Jumbo Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Provo Craft: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Spellbinders: Labels Twenty-Two (S4-346)

Other: Twine, Red Beads

A Little Winter Magic

It is fun to imagine Fairy Stardust sharing his magic and adding festive sparkle to winter snowflakes….

The shape of the card was inspired by the swirling snow and all the graceful curlicues.  The scalloped card base was die cut from Madison designer paper and edged with Turquoise Gem VersaMagic.

The second circular layer of white cardstock was distressed with Oasis Green VersaMagic with the swirls stamped in Turquoise Gem.  Dimensional foam was used to attach the piece to the prepared card base.

Fairy Stardust (illustrated by Mo Manning) was stamped on a separate piece of white cardstock in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat embossed with clear powder.  After coloring and fussy cutting, a small sentiment banner was attached before the piece was applied to the card with dimensional foam.

To finish the design, “a little winter magic” (glitter) was added to the snow swirls.

Stardust wishes,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Fairy Stardust 40-180, Winter Magic 30-134

Penny Black Madison Designer Paper Pad 80-001

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch & EK Success

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Crimson Red VersaFine, Oasis Green VersaMagic Turquoise Gem VersaMagic, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Standard Circles, Classic Scalloped Circles

Pirate Kai

As Halloween draws closer, little ones will be dreaming of their costumes and what to wear.

This trick-or-treater called Pirate Kai is one of Penny Black’s newest Halloween stamps illustrated by Mo Manning and is so much fun to color.

For added dimension, extra layers were added to the parrot, bones and pumpkin pail.  The sky and ground elements were created with Memento inks. 

Tip/Hint:  Add diversity to large stamp images by using them for small accents.  A large leaf from Foliage Fancy was fabulous for applying textural enhancements to the grass in this design.    

Have a wonderful weekend,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Pirate Kai 40-150, Foliage Fancy 30-138, Mimi Halloween 30-077

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Dandelion Memento, Tangelo Memento, Nautical Blue Memento, Grape Jelly Memento, Pistachio Memento, Olive Grove Memento, Northern Pine Memento, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Sakura: Black Glaze Pen (for "faux" brad), Black Micron Pen (for "faux" stitching)

Spellbinders: Standard Circles Large (S4-114)

Other: Paper Piercing Tool, Dimensional Foam

A Cool Christmas - Cards for Kids

Today’s theme on the Penny Black Blog is “Christmas Cards for Kids”. 

I thought Extreme Mimi would be, in kids’ speak, “totally awesome and rad” to use!

 Look at Mimi “shred” that snow!

I added the little seal from Mimi’s Winter Friends and the sentiment from A Cool Christmas which are fantastic transparent sets and have images sure to bring a smile to any age!

Thanks for visiting and have a COOL day...

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Extreme Mimi 4281J, Mimi’s Winter Friends 30-133, A Cool Christmas 30-128

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Fuchsia Fantasies 13-003

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

DecoArt: White Foam Paint

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Petal Pink VersaColor, Lilac Posies Memento, Grape Jelly Memento, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Labels One (S4-161)

Christmas into Everyday (A Mini Card Tutorial)

Hello and happy Friday!

Today I have a mini card tutorial that shows how to take Penny Black's holiday images (Christmas View and Crystal Drops) and transform them into an everyday greeting. 

 


           
                     

                  Christmas View



Crystal Drops



                                

Instructions

Die cut a circle from white cardstock and blend with Dandelion, Pear Tart and Teal Zeal Memento inks.  Stamp the swirl portion from Crystal Drops along the left side in Teal Zeal.  Add two more impressions in Delicata Golden Glitz ink.  Add highlights with a white Prismacolor pencil.  Stamp the sentiment (Lace Delight) in Onyx Black VersaFine.

Tip/Hint:  Empty tape rings are great substitutes for dimensional foam tape.

Stamp Christmas View on white cardstock two times with Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color the images (direct-to-paper) with Memento Dual Tip Markers.  Trim portions for layering.

Position and attach the flower layers to the inside of the circular ring.

Tip/Hint:  At this point, if desired, this piece could be made into a shaker box by adding small beads and a circular piece of acetate before the next step.

Ink Christmas View first with VersaMark Watermark ink and then with Teal Zeal Memento ink.  Stamp the image on white cardstock and heat emboss with clear powder.  Add shading to the individual ring components with a Brushstix and Teal Zeal Memento ink.  Next, a sparkle gel pen was used to add a little shimmer.  

Trim the outside of the design with scissors and die cut a circle from the center.

Attach the decorative piece to the top of the ring.  Accent the flowers with copper glitter and add colored pearls.

Tip/Hint:  White pearls are easily altered by coloring them with a Sharpie.

Be sure to take a peek "here".... the Penny Black blog is featuring more mini card inspiration and a challenge!

Have a fabulous weekend,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Christmas View 4274K, Crystal Drops 4268K, Lace Delight 30-115

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, VersaMark Watermark Ink, Teal Zeal Memento, Dandelion Memento, Pear Tart Memento, Memento Dual Tip Markers, Delicata Golden Glitz, Jumbo Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Mark Richards: Pearl Sticker Accents

Martha Stewart: Copper Glitter

Sakura: Sparkle Gel Pen

Sharpie: Teal Marker

Spellbinders: Standard Circles Large (S4-114)

Other: Empty Tape Ring, Glue Pen