Mix It Up - April 2019

Hi friends - hope you'll join this month at the Mix It Up Challenge blog where we are encouraging you to make a black and white card + 1 other color. I really enjoyed this challenge and could probably make cards like this all the time. :D I did make two; I'll have the other one a little later this month!

This one is super simple using paper piecing for the flower and leaves; I cut them out by hand and added a bit of shading with colored pencils. I embossed the sentiment and added lots of Nuvo drops and voila - quick and simple!

Hope you'll play along this month; we love seeing your creations!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: IO Open Rose, WPlus9 That is All
Ink: Gina K Amalgam Ink, Versamark

Papers: PTI True Black, MFT Black and White Basics, misc. dp

Accessories: MFT Blueprints, Nuvo drops here and here, Ranger white embossing powder

Challenges:

Make it Monday Card #3

Remember THIS and THIS card earlier this week? Here's take #3...just zoom back to the other posts to get all the deets.

The stamping on this one is identical; however, for the grid background, I used vintage cream ink - I probably should have used white as the vintage cream almost completely disappears. I layered the main panel onto a Hibiscus Burst panel stamped with IO Sketched Roses in Versarmark ink. And added some fun colorful paper to the inside and stamped a few more two-tone images.

Thanks for stopping by again!!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: WPlus9 Fabulous, PTI Farmer's Market, RAH Background Grid, IO Sketched Roses

Inks: Altenew various inks, VersaFine, Versamark

Papers: PTI Hibiscus Burst and Smokey Shadow, Neenah 110 lb. white

Accessories: MFT Blueprints, PTI A2 Scalloped Vertical Dies

Challenges:
  The Flower Challenge #24 - Anything Goes

Thank U - Pink

Same card as posted HERE and HERE; just done in pink this time!

I pulled out the little chick delivering an envelope, Reverse Confetti Cuts THANKS, the U from Verve Visual's You and I set (looks like it may be discontinued - sorry), the thin stripe background stamp from Impression Obsession, THIS and THIS die and some paper scraps - I have those galore - and set about making a few different color combos. Today I wanted to show you the blue one; next up will be the pink one - they are all identical; the green one just had a smaller piece of pattern paper for the front. ;)

Here's a group shot I shared on Instagram.

I had the toughest time finding a way to make the 'thank' part work - as you can see from the Confetti Cut, I only used a small portion of the die; I finally ended up cutting it from vellum and layered it (slightly offset) on to True Black (2 cards) and Smokey Shadow (1 card). The U was stamped with the thin striped stamp mentioned above. The chick was colored with Copics, I added a white highlight and glossy accents to the heart of each. Super fun, super simple.

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS!


WHAT'S IT TAKE?

Stamps: Stamping Bella Valentine Chicks, Impression Obession Thin Stripe Background

Inks: Versamark

Papers: Neenah 110 lb. white misc. designer paper, PTI vellum, True Black, Smokey Shadow, Hibiscus Burst, Ripe Avocado, Hawaiian Shores, Copic Marker Paper

Accessories: Confetti Cuts Thanks, Verve Visual You and I die, Valentine Chicks die, glossy accents, white gel pen, MFT Stitched Rectangle Die, PTI A2 die, Copics, washi tape (inside), MFT Blueprints, Wink of Stella clear

Challenges:

Thank U - Blue

Same card as posted HERE; just done in blue this time!

I pulled out the little chick delivering an envelope, Reverse Confetti Cuts THANKS, the U from Verve Visual's You and I set (looks like it may be discontinued - sorry), the thin stripe background stamp from Impression Obsession, THIS and THIS die and some paper scraps - I have those galore - and set about making a few different color combos. Today I wanted to show you the blue one; next up will be the pink one - they are all identical; the green one just had a smaller piece of pattern paper for the front. ;)

Here's a group shot I shared on Instagram.

I had the toughest time finding a way to make the 'thank' part work - as you can see from the Confetti Cut, I only used a small portion of the die; I finally ended up cutting it from vellum and layered it (slightly offset) on to True Black (2 cards) and Smokey Shadow (1 card). The U was stamped with the thin striped stamp mentioned above. The chick was colored with Copics, I added a white highlight and glossy accents to the heart of each. Super fun, super simple.

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS!


WHAT'S IT TAKE?

Stamps: Stamping Bella Valentine Chicks, Impression Obession Thin Stripe Background

Inks: Versamark

Papers: Neenah 110 lb. white misc. designer paper, PTI vellum, True Black, Smokey Shadow, Hibiscus Burst, Ripe Avocado, Hawaiian Shores, Copic Marker Paper

Accessories: Confetti Cuts Thanks, Verve Visual You and I die, Valentine Chicks die, glossy accents, white gel pen, MFT Stitched Rectangle Die, PTI A2 die, Copics, washi tape (inside), MFT Blueprints, Wink of Stella clear

Challenges:

Thank U - use ALL the companies

This post is all about using a zillion companies to make a card - HA!! Not really!

I had a co-worker ask about thank you cards and I had just recently received these adorable chicks from Stamping Bella and I saw THIS card and ideas started running amok!

I pulled out the little chick delivering an envelope, Reverse Confetti Cuts THANKS, the U from Verve Visual's You and I set (looks like it may be discontinued - sorry), the thin stripe background stamp from Impression Obsession, THIS and THIS die and some paper scraps - I have those galore - and set about making a few different color combos. Today I'll show you the green one; then over the next few days I'll show you the blue and pink cards - they are all identical; the green just has a smaller piece of pattern paper for the front. ;)

Here's a group shot I shared on Instagram.

I had the toughest time finding a way to make the 'thank' part work - as you can see from the Confetti Cut, I only used a small portion of the die; I finally ended up cutting it from vellum and layered it (slightly offset) on to True Black (2 cards) and Smokey Shadow (1 card). The U was stamped with the thin striped stamp mentioned above. The chick was colored with Copics, I added a white highlight and glossy accents to the heart of each. Super fun, super simple.

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGS!


WHAT'S IT TAKE?

Stamps: Stamping Bella Valentine Chicks, Impression Obession Thin Stripe Background

Inks: Versamark

Papers: Neenah 110 lb. white misc. designer paper, PTI vellum, True Black, Smokey Shadow, Hibiscus Burst, Ripe Avocado, Hawaiian Shores, Copic Marker Paper

Accessories: Confetti Cuts Thanks, Verve Visual You and I die, Valentine Chicks die, glossy accents, white gel pen, MFT Stitched Rectangle Die, PTI A2 die, Copics, washi tape (inside), MFT Blueprints, Wink of Stella clear

Challenges:

Inspired by Melissa Bickford

I was recently inspired by a card Melissa posted on Instagram - love the inspiration! I stamped the Impression Obsession background rose stamp in Cracked Pistachio oxide ink on PTI Aqua Mist card stock; I then created the focal panel setting it off with some graphic black and white paper. The images were colored with Zig Clean Color Brushes and colored pencils.

I also took inspiration from Kathy and added 'eyelashes' and white polka dots and lines.

The Hero Arts 'thanks' was cut multiple times, again from aqua mist, I added some shading on the bottom for a bit of an ombre effect and also covered with glossy accents; the additional sentiment was stamped in Hero Arts Intense Black.

Thanks for stopping by; hope you are having a great week!

Hugs,

WHAT'S IT TAKE?

Stamps: SSS Floral Shapes, Impression Obsession Sketch Rose Background, Hero Arts Thanks Stamp & Cut (save 15% by using code: MicheleG15)
Papers: PTI Aqua Mist and Vintage Cream, misc. striped paper
Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black (save 15% by using code: MicheleG15), Cracked Pistacio Oxide Ink

Accessories: glossy accents, Hero Arts Thanks die, sharpie, white gel pen, PPP Clear Confetti Mix sequins (no holes!!)

Challenges:

HOPE - that's all we have...

I am completely off social media, this is a rare exception. This link will explain why - I am not seeking your financial donation, just giving you a glimpse into our living nightmare.

https://www.youcaring.com/jimgreenwoodsfamily-771178 (you may need to copy and paste)

Replacing our son's social security card

I'm confident the world stopped - even just briefly - when this occurred. There are no words to explain what we are going through, our children, Jim and I are just trying to cope day-by-day, literally putting one foot in front of the other even when we cannot see the path ahead.

We received a couple gifts in which I needed 'special' thank you cards to send. When I saw the colors at Color Throwdown #433, I knew I wanted to use the new Tim Holtz Oxide distress inks - just two colors for the background (Peeled Paint and Faded Jeans) after embossing the flowers in Hero Arts white embossing powder. Once both backgrounds were done, I used Tombow Markers and Prismacolor Pencils to add shading.

I also knew this sentiment was PERFECT for our walk right now. After the cards were finished, I added the sentiment from Stampabilities using my Misti and more Hero Arts white embossing powder.

Up first are the images using Tombow Markers for accents.

Below are the cards accented with Prismacolor pencils. 

Thanks for stopping by; hope to see you again...maybe in April? We'll just have to see where in life we are because existing is all we can claim at this point. Thank you for sending special thoughts our way (prayers if you are a praying person), we can use them...ALL. Take care.

WHAT'S IT TAKE?

Stamps: Impression Obessions 3 Roses
Papers: SSS prefolded 4-bar note cards, Canson water color
Ink: Versamark, Oxide Inks: Peeled Paint and Faded Jeans

Accessories: Hero Arts white embossing powder, Prismacolor Pencils, Tombow Markers, SSS sequins

Challenges:
  CTD433

  Flower Challenge #6 - Anything Goes

JUGS Photo Inspiration

Hi friends - welcome back to another AWESOME inspiration week from Just Us Girls (JUGS); just look at this incredible photo - so many options, go with flowers, use the colors, look - there's even snow; the possibilities are endless.

But if you know me, I'll always go for flowers; love me some flowers!

I recently purchased this gorgeous Impression Obsession rose background stamp I wanted to try two different ways of coloring the background - one uses Tombow Markers and colored pencils (just one pencil actually); the other uses Press N Seal - yep, just like what you use in your kitchen!

Up first, the Press N Seal card. For both cards, I cut the main panel using Lil Inkers Dual Stitched Die and embossed the rose background in Hero Arts white embossing powder, once heat set I used a few pieces of Press N Seal scrunched up to apply color - a deep red to the center of each flower, then two different colors of pink to the outer edges. This is so simple and gives such unique texture to your flowers. I kept the card very simple (CAS), adding a strip of aqua/white striped paper down the side with a touch of black glitter paper. The 'hello' is from Queen and Company's Heartthrob kit; it's plastic and a soft aqua color, but I used the matching die to cut some white paper to allow it to pop off the background a bit more.

Up next, is the Tombow Markers + Prismacolor Pencil background. Can I just say I LOVE this background? I want to leave it just as is, pet it and look at it all day - HA! #dorkalert I just love how it turned out.

Once complete, I cut PTI's medium scribbled circles from white card stock multiple times, glued them all together then flung on some Hero Arts and Tattered Angels mists; I then added a layer of Mother of Pearl Nuvo Mousse followed by glossy accents. Once completely dry, I mounted on a PITI doily cut from polka dot vellum and some fun green leaves.

AND...that brings us to the end of my guest design time with Just Us Girls; I have absolutely LOVED designing with this group; thank you for having me!

Hugs,

WHAT'S IT TAKE?

Stamps: Impression Obsession rose background stamp
Papers: Bristol Smooth card stock, Neenah 80 lb. white, PTI True Black and Hibiscus Burst (inside), Queen and Company Heartthrob designer paper, black glitter paper, vellum
Ink: Barn Door and Worn Lipstick distress ink, MFT Bubblegum, VersaMark

Accessories: Hero Arts white embossing powder, Prismacolor Pencils, glossy accents, PTI Doily Die, PTI Scribbled Circles Die, MFT Layered Leaves dies, Hero Arts and Tattered Angels mist, Tombow Markers, Press N Seal, washi tape, Lil Inkers Dual Stitched Die, Queen and Company Heartthrob Hello

Challenges:
  JUGS - Inspiration Photo
  SSS - Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

JUGS Color Theme - Red, Kraft and Black

Hi friends - welcome back to another fabulous challenge from Just Us Girls (JUGS)!

What a great color combo; I once again created two cards - opposite ends of the spectrum - CAS (clean and simple) and vintage!

The first card is so simple and uses a stencil as you see Kathy Racoosin do all the time for that last finishing touch...and lots of white gel details! The rose is from MFT; I cut it from the top panel, and added a sponged distress panel beneath after sprinkling with water and spraying with shimmer mist. I stamped the sentiments, outlined the left side of the 'wishes' with a gray Copic and finished it off with this super fun stencil and Broken China distress ink. My kraft is some hemp tied into a small bow; I finished the inside off with more washi tape!

For my next card, I went vintage. Have you seen this video by Gina K? I was so inspired! I stamped the flower on PTI kraft card stock and colored with Prismacolor pencils - whew - talk about a learning curve, but it was fun!! One I was happy with the details, I outlined the image with a Sharpie then fussy cut it out. I popped it up with dimensional tape and added it to the strip of embossed vellum with this delicate sentiment. The background was created just as you see Gina K do; I 'swiped' on Old Paper, Pumice Stone and Broken China. Once the main panel was done I added more Pumice Stone and Black Soot to the edges, then distressed the panel. I added a layer of red and distressed it too.

That's it; hope you'll join the fun, we love seeing what you create!

Hugs,

WHAT'S IT TAKE?

Stamps: WPlus9 That is All, Impression Obsession Open Rose, Gina K Scripty Sayings
Papers: Neenah 80 lb.  and 110 lb. PTI True Black, Kraft, SU Real Red, vellum
Ink: Various distress inks, Hero Arts black, MFT Red Hot, VersaFine

Accessories: Hero Arts clear embossing powder, Prismacolor Pencils, Butterscotch Dimensional Pearls, hemp, Hero Arts stencil, clear Wink of Stella, Heidi Swapp distressor

Challenges:
  JUGS - color theme
  The Flower Challenge
 The Card Concept - Shabby/Chic Vintage