OK I need your help! I have to make about 50-75 Wedding Shower invitations. My SIL wedding colors are Chocolate Chip and Caribbean. SO from these 3 I need to pick ONE design. She has NO THEME, just color preference.

I KNOW these will get chucked in the trash so had to keep it simple. They are ALL easy to mass produce. So be honest! BRUTALLY HONEST. I love the sentiment by SU! Just so Sayings.

Also I am open to ideas for changes or whatever.

Thanks for your help!

ONE

 Set by Lizzie Anne Jolies Fleurs

TWO

THREE

This last one may end up being their shower gift card! LOL! We will see. I personally love #1 most.

Thanks again

Well, it seems like you all want to know the big “secret” I have for coloring with my Versamagic inks, and Fantastix brushes. So as asked here goes.

I started doing this technique BEFORE I found the Fantastix tips. I use to use SU! Craft ink, and would “donate” a blender pen for the use of this technique. So given that info you can use any craft ink, or chalk ink for this as well. The Brilliance ink is to DIE for when this technique is used. I like using these inks for coloring cause they are nice and thick , so they give good coverage, and the colors stay brilliant, and make shadowing easier.

I really like this technique with embossed images, but used both embossed and non embossed for this card.

So, here are the supplies I gathered.

Alot of people ask which tips I like best brush (left), or bullet (right). I prefer the brush tip. I like it because I can get in all the little grooves of images, and give me more control!

So here is all you do-Stick the tip of the brush lightly in the ink. These are thick so you dont want to saturate the tip and get too much in the tip. You can always add more!

Then just take the tip, and like a marker – color. If you want to shadow color over image in area again.

Now to switch colors, just keep coloring on scrap till it colors clear, or use a fresh one. You can rinse these under warm water and let dry.

So after coloring both images, here is the completed card.

It is along the lines of the Saturday Sketch for this past week. I have to say I LOVE all the shades of purple used. The stamps used in this set are by Lizzie Anne Designs. I used Jolies Fleurs (my favorite) and Simple Sentiments!

Let me know if you try this and feel free to link your card here.

Happy Wednesday!

Im am SO stoked for summer. While shopping at Michaels the other day (yes for more Martha) I got these beautiful ribbons by MS. As I stacked each one to pay, I was immediately inspired to create this card! Look at the sequence of ribbon, that is EXACTLY how it was stacked, and it totally inspired my colors for this card. I knew I had to find a way to use them all together. So this is what I came up with.

A few weeks ago I was creating for a design call (wish me luck). As I stamped this “Paisley” from Jolies Fleurs, it was originally intended to be a background. With one twist of my wrist I just starred at the image for the longest time, and realized that the paisley was a BUTTERFLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is it NOT gorgeous?

On my other card I forgoed the paisley bkgd and went for the butterfly. Hopefully you will see it IN PRINT! LOL! If its rejected I will share it here.

So, I stamped with black craft ink, and clear embossed. I then used my prismacolor markers to color it in. A bit of Heidi Swap jewels were in need for the center.

Once again my Onare template from Ellen H was in need. I think its like my favorite tool these days.

Once all the layers were configured I stamped the flower in the corner. So its flying away from it in a way.

Stamped the Sketched Sentiment. I love making it say whatever you want! I used a image from Designer Dots set to make little sun. Its all in the details! LOL!

Hope you like it!

Next we have another paisley butterfly. BECAUSE I LOVE IT!

As I said I am in a SUMMER mood. This ribbon is delicious! I love ribbon. It can totally inspire all kinds of cool color combos. It was also close to the colors above! So I went with it for my inspiration.

I just stamped the images in the bottom left corner. Wasnt sure if I would cut it out or what, but decided to leave it. Colored with my prismacolor markers. AGAIN used Onare template for another Flutter trail (love it!). I decided to keep it simple-andcuttlebugged my top layer. I tied the ribbon around, but “something” was missing.

SOOOOO, I used a Sizzix tag die (need to use those MORE). Stamped it then attached it like this.

I was quite pleased with it.

Well thats all for today!

Stay tuned tomorrow! I was asked to do a coloring tutorial with Versamagic ink pads, and the Fantasix wands. Its like my favorite way of coloring these days as I keep building my collection of those inks.

I have it all set to go! So check back.

Also please let me know what else you want me to share! I love hearing what you all want to see.

AND last but not least. If you have bought any Lizzie Anne sets, Green Grass, or My Favorite Things Id LOVE to see them! So send me a link!

HUGS!

Well I was thinking today could be like Technique day. Since I made this card and had the quickie tutorial ready to go.

I got this AMAZING paper from a PSF goody swap from my friend Laura! She is awesome. She sent me assorted papers in my favorite color-purple. This paper is to DIE for! Its got some clear embossed images with sparkle. It totally inspired my card. SO here are more of my favorite things.

Supplies for my card- Lizzie Anne Designs Daisy Dots flower, Martha Stewart purple cardstock, Martha Stewart silk ribbon, Martha Stewart Glitter (dk purple color), Bling Bling cardstock, Prima Daisy, Making Memories Boho Chic brad in Lauren (how suitable), designer cardstock (unknown) I think its DCWV. Versamark, Glue pad, heat and stick powder, heat tool.

So when I went to the expo in RI I learned this cool technique with Bling Bling paper. No big deal, easy to do, lots of WOW!

I was SO EXCITED I asked the guy if I could keep a sample! LOL! He gave me one but I saw the butterfly (you know me and my butterflies) and asked if I could have that one instead! Obviously-he said OK.

Here I am. Sorry for the blur. Also my hair was straightened that day cause we had no oil, and I couldn’t take a shower that morning-GROSS I know! But lets focus on the gorgeous butterfly shall we.

So here is what you need

Heat tool

Heat & stick powder

versamark, or other thick ink (like colored craft ink)

Bling Bling paper in choice of color ( found here www.eurekastamps.com aka rub on foil )

And then the usual-choice of image, and paper etc.

On to the Directions

Step 1- Stamp image in versamark

Step 2- Apply heat and stick powder

Step 3- Heat powder (not too much cause then it wont be “sticky”

Step 4- Apply foil (Shiny side up) and rub really hard!

Step 5- When fully rubbed, quickly rip foil off image (like a bandaid)

Step 6- If you missed a few spots-its ok, go over it again with fresh foil. OR you can sprinkle glitter or microbeads. That looked cool when he did it.

Here is my image.

Don’t throw away any of the paper you can keep using and using tll its gone.

So, OBVIOUSLY I followed the above directions using scrap purple cardstock, I then cut out my flower.

I  used my Glue Pad, and stamped the open line image of the flower, and sprinkled the purple glitter over it.

Layered the images with dimensionals, added a prima and brad for the center.

Pretty cool huh? TRUST me the photo does it NO justice!

I hope you check out the Bling Bling paper its really cool. I used the holographic one (below sample) for some Halloween images over at the Lizzie Anne Sketchbook. Seriously go check out their samples. I have a bunch in there, as well as some Christmas stuff! LOL!

Happy Haunting

So, I HAD to try the technique challenge when I saw it. Its called wet watercolor.

I have to say it takes a little practice to get the image as you want it. I did not like too runny of a look. So, I used my Petals & Paisley  patterned paper by my FAVORITE patterned paper company SEI to get me started.

I also noticed that solid images with a open line image over it, in a bold color work best. So I used my Daisy Dots set by Lizzie Anne Designs for the challenge.

I colored the solid image with Saffron, Cameo, and Turq, then misted my white cardstock with my Mini Misters by Ranger. It took a couple tries to get the colors to blend like I wanted, and get the feel for how much to spritz or NOT! Once I got the image I was happy with. I heat set my cardstock so it would dry quicker, and not warp or bow/buckle.

I then stamped the open line image with my glue pad, and added brown Martha Stewart glitter (told you Im in love). So it shimmers, quite nicely!

Once that part was complete I used my Onare piercing template which is a serious MUST HAVE! I linked the particular one that I LOVE to pieces!!! Anyway-that gave me my leaf border.

From there I punched some coordinating cardstock with my Martha Stewart butterfly punch.

Then……..(I feel like I have a run-on sentence going and am breathless) I stamped the “thanks” from the flower set, and popped it out with my 3/4 circle punch by SU! Added it to the center of a clear Foo-Fa-La button (another must have) and adhered to flower center.

The ribbon was tied at the top, and is of course by Martha Stewart! LOL! Its a pretty lightweight, silky/shimmery type of ribbon.

I was very please with the fresh colors, and the overall flow of the design.

What are some of your favorite colors?

Yeah! Im SOOOO excited cause now you can get the NEW! Summer sets by Lizzie Anne Designs!

Their new collection went on sale today. Sign up for their newsletter.

If you decide to purchase anything I’d LOVE to hear what your favorite sets are.

I was so excited to see their newsletter in my IN-BOX because it featured my Fairy card!

So I think Ill post a sample each day this week with my Lizzie Anne sets! I will also attempt to use some of my favorite products for you to see.

SO my first card is in HONOR of Memorial Day, using somewhat Patriotic colors.

Flocked Flowers

I adore red and blue together, but dont use it enough. For this particular card I used the NEW! Power Flowers bkgd, and Sketched Sentiments. I used a rectangle block image by A Muse, stamped with sky blue pearlescent ink by Brilliance.

I then stamped my flower bkgd with versamark, applied heat & stick powder, and heat set it. Once melted, I applied my Fun Flock in Chilli Pepper Red. Then heat set again.

I LOVE fun flock. I must be in a time warp. Im suddenly drawn to *old* items! LOL! I’m lovin Twinkling H2O’s and Fun Flock these days. Is that old school or is the trend reappearing? Lets hope for the latter ok.

Now to complete my project. I got these delicious felt flowers by American Crafts. They are the Green House collection. I got mine at AC Moore. Several colors and a variety of sizes are in each bottle. I feel this complimented my design. Plus I got a smudge in my upper right corner! LOL! Had to cover it up somehow.

I also LOVE Making Memories jewel brads.

I drew the stems by hand with a marker and ruler. Had to add my bling stickers to the centers-I love those muchly!

The sentiment was made using the Sketched Sentiments. Isn’t this cute?

I love the layout too.

So I hope this will encourage you to try Flocking. I’ve been using it a few months and its just so great on a card.

I love that sentiment. Its just so sweet and encouraging dont you think?

So what’s YOUR dream? If you could do ANYTHING what would it be? I would LOVE to hear your responses, so reply to this thread with them.

My fantasy dream would be to fly-like the fairy. You know just pick your feet up off the ground and float around. I think I would only hover, because I am petrified of heights! LOL! But the idea of it amazes me.

My realistic life dream- I really hope to continue to work with the design teams I’m on, and get more publications, but truly, I would LOVE to work for a magazine someday. That is my ultimate goal. My dream. one I feel is possible, but yet somewhat not. If that makes sense.

Family dream-well health for my family is definitely #1. But my dream would be to own a beautiful house by the beach. For Jason and I to just sit together, and watch the sunset. Most likely my children will be grown, but if not, watch them run along the beach building sand castles.

OK so onto my card. I got this FABULOUS paper by K & co. When I saw the flourishes I knew it would be perfect with my Fairy because it was similar to her flutter trail. The Fairy, and Fairy Sentiment is from the Simply Singles line by Lizzie Anne Designs and is ONLY $3.99! OMW! That is FABULOUS. You’d pay more for a store bought Fairy card.

Anyway-the Fairy was colored with my FAB-U-LOUS-O Twinkling H2O’s. Yes I love them. She she shimmer’s ever so perfectly-just like a Fairy should. My color spritzer was also used for a little bit of color burst here and there. Love that thing. The ribbon is May arts, and one side is shimmery as well.

NOTE: the butterfly in the upper right corner. Isn’t is beautiful? Its a Martha Stewart punch! I got the LAST one. Yeah baby! I just punched some coordintaing paper. Isn’t it so cute? I love butterflies.

I took a trip, and got some retail therapy to help my depressed state these days.

OK So here is a small piece of visualevidence that I am addicted to cardstock! I love Martha Stewarts new line. ALL OF IT! But I am addicted to her new colors of paper, and well many lines of cardstock, and patterned paper. Its out of control! LOL! I am also a ribbon hoarder. I love patterned ribbon, if it matches the paper OMG! Im a goner. I love matchy things. Cardstock- ink- ribbon -buttons -brads WHATEVER, if it goes together I need it. Its insane.

Im also addicted to flower and shape punches. But hey WHO isnt right. Don’t get me started on jewel stickers!

Whats worse is I need to go shop again tomorrow! I held back on buying a few things and its plaguing me. Oh well. 50% off coupon here I come. Please tell me Im not alone on this insanity to have every little impulse thing I want. I think its a serious condition. It started with my grandmother….

Oh well thats it for now.

Thanks for reading. Dont forget to share your dreams! More importantly “go for them”.

OK I did it!

It wasn’t easy combining Gray in my design I must admit. After looking at that site with color combo’s I was ready to go-then it hit. My mojo was not lovin gray! No matter what I did! LOL!

So I went with Orchid as my non pink combo. Purple shades were recommended a few times, so figured why not. I will say in all, I am happy with this card. And I liked the layout. It gave a nice opportunity to create my own “patterned ” paper. I will have to try some of the other suggestions when my rut is over.

So here it is

Happy when skies are gray-

Why that title? I don’t know I love the song “You are my sunshine” and sing it when I use gray. SO that is my nifty name! LOL!

SO for this card I used my Daisy Dots  stamp set, as well as Simply Sentiments . You all know how much I love my flower images. Can’t get enough. This set will be available on Monday!!! YEAH!!! Gotta love all the New Lizzie Anne sets. On my must have list is the So Swirly and Blissful Blossoms. Dont have those yet, sigh. And a few others.

OK, back to the sketch-got a little carried away when talkin about rubbah! I stamped the large solid flower randomly in gray and orchid tone of versamagic ink. Another product I use constantly. Then used  a darker purple for the open lined flower.

The flower centers are the swirly circle done using my Glue Pad, and Martha Stewart crystal glitter.

Its really pretty IRL.

The cut out flower was colored using my NEW! Twinkling H2O’s. I know I must be a cave woman having *just* purchased them for the first time 2 weeks ago. I must say- I’m in *love* with them! They are just gorgeous. I love bling and these really rock. I got 2 sets of 6. Now I must find MORE! LOL! They are so easy to use too. So if you know where I can find some PLEASE tell me!

Anyway-the ribbon on this is 2 toned and its from Michaels. I tied it through the flower center. I must say I love doing that. I then stamped the “hello” from the same set, and punched it out with my 3/4 circle punch. Popped it in the middle of a clear Foo-fa-la button and was wicked pleased.

I added the “tabs” cause something seemed to be missing. I wont even tell you how long this card took to complete. I just let out a huge sigh of relief when I was done. Dont think you will be seeing any fabulous gray combo’s from me anytime soon.

Why I feel compelled to make things I dont really like work is beyond me. Next time I will just “get over it”. LOL!

So there is the challenge sketch! I hope you will have time to try it, and link it here. ONLY condition is you CANNOT use patterned paper in the large square panel! And you dont have to use a flower, you can try a circle or square image there in place. Have fun with it. It would make a great one to use with a OSW!

See ya tomorrow- more Lizzie Anne. Sorry I can’t help it. I really love the new sets.

I’m also gearing up for my next product review. Im having a hard time deciding- more suggestions always appreciated. maybe it will help me narrow it down.

Enjoy the holiday

Summer is near! My favorite time of year. I love the beach. But, before I get into that- I really want to thank Nancy & Tracey for responding to my cry for help in using my Wizard die cuts! Nancy gave me the correct “sandwich” for using my new dies!!! I hope to get some samples and maybe do a product review for tomorrow. Its up to the kids how much I get done!

Tracey gave me the link to a thread on SCS with lots of Wizard die cut info. Very informative.

Im still at a loss on the sandwich to get a good embossed die cut cause the sandwich info I have cuts-but doesn’t emboss well! Oh well.

I also want to thank Angel for the AMAZING link to theSU color combo site . OMW! I didn’t realize gray had so many combos! This site is WAY cool. You must check it out. It allows you to choose colors to get combos for-you can choose one or four! AMAZING! So huge thanks. I can see I will be living on there.

Today Im off and running! I hope to try one of the gray combos many have suggested. A winner will be posted later today! I have some errands to run, and told the kids we’d stop for Ice Cream! You bet I’m getting some more Martha goodies while I’m out. I feel some retail therapy is needed today.

I also want to tell you (for those who read Noah’s T-Ball nightmare story! LOL!) That Noah did an AWESOME job at t-ball last night! There is hope. I do have to admit we purchased him an XBOX game and bribed him with it! LOL! He cant get it for a few weeks. All he has to do is be a big boy and participate with the team. So, I dont know if he turned a corner or its the bribe! LOL!

Could be an expensive T Ball season 😀

In the mean time figured I’d leave you with something to look at.

Unique Seashell

Well you have heard me RAVE about all the NEW! sets coming out from Lizzie Anne Designs, and have patiently waited to see some samples. So here is ONE I can share with you.

I felt 2 views were necessary for this one.

The bummer-you really cant see the sparkle in the photo.

I really love the colors cause its a true beach feeling don’t you think?

I got this ribbon at www.ribbonsandbowsohmy.comand the second it arrived this idea popped into my head! Now I know my layout is not “original”, in fact its fairly common. A good ole’ standby even. BUT our layouts dont always have to be unique, its the details that make it stand out.

For this card I used Shore Thoughts. The seashell is gold embossed. I used my versamagic inks ( in seabreeze, aegean blue, pixie dust ) and a Fantasix brush to color the image. I have no idea why but I really think that is my most favorite way to color these days! The “sand” was done using my brilliance ink in pearlescent biege. So, in a word its very shimmery! I also stamped the sand stamp around the image. I then added some of my favorite Martha Stewart clear shimmery glitter with my glue pen the the shell.

My favorite part is the cuttlebugged bkgd. It was done using Fancy Corners and vellum cardstock. The bottom was done using the corner rounder (guard off). I think it imitates the seashell scallop.

My cardstock is SU! Whisper White, Sahara Sand, and of course Martha Stewart pastel blue (no clue of the name). I truly love her cardstock lately.

Well I hope this gives you your fix for the day!

Look forward to posting later.

Don’t forget tomorrow is the Saturday Sketch challenge!

So I was pretty excited to get some stamping done. Sadly my MOJO is gone missing. So I needed to really do warm up card, and saw the Sketch Challenge 23 on SCS.

So I needed a quick card to get the ideas flowin-and since I bought this set weeks ago, and never used it I figured it would be cute for the challenge.

 Peek-a-boo bunny

When looking at the sketch, and the images I thought this bunny peeking out of the “grass” would be cute. So I grabbed my wavy cutter by CM, and created the grassy hills. While this card is cutesy its also plain. Again, it was a warm up card. Im not lovin it. It did only take like 8 minutes to create, and that I love! LOL! I colored it with my SU markers, and sponged some “sky” Ribbon is polka dot gray from Ribbons and Bows Oh My! I dont use gray enough and so tried it out. Cute, but not my favorite color in the world. Id love to hear YOUR ideas for a color combo including gray! I will pick one and make “something” with YOUR ideas! I usually ONLY use pink & gray-BORING!

MYTIME MAIL-so here’s what I got! I dont like that set. I actually wonder why I even bought it! That is a bummer! But its the truth. Im not going to even attempt to make magic when the wand is broken! LOL! So, if YOU like it, and want it (used of course) then reply to this post. TRY to include a fun color combo using gray PLEASE!

So- By “it” I mean the stamp set. Just in case you weren’t sure what I was giving away for MYTIME MAIL. I will include this card with it. Winner will be randomly selected Friday night. A requirement will be you send me a link to ONE card you make using the set. I wish the winner best of luck. It would be a cute Stacker set. You know stack each animal on the other. I dont have the energy to even attempt it!

Now, back to the sketch. After my warm up the ideas poured out (some of which I cannot share but you will see eventually)! Trust me its kills me waiting for the Dirty Dozen reveal monthly and submissions to get published, and Lizzie Anne will soon have an Idea Book which some of my “assignments” will be published in for you all to view.

Anyway, I made this next card.

So Happy

So for this I was actually inspired by a mini catalog to advertise the purchase of CD’s. Their layout used a rainbow of colors, and featured squares with CD covers on it. Anyway-loved the strips of colors, and thought I could use it for the challenge. Just MYTIMED it, by using it for INSPIRATION not exact caseing.

So I layered strips of alternating cardstock, then just stamped my sentiment from Card Greetings in black ink, on the vellum cardstock layer. Attached the layer with 2 heart brads (retired by SU! No idea why I love them!!!) using my crop-a-dile.

So after that warm up came another card that attempted the sketch but turned WAY different. This was going to be a Sympathy card for my “boss” but I forgot to send it with her other goodies! What an idiot!

Tulips and Thoughts

So I LOVE Tulips. They are my most favorite flower! No idea why I just do. So when I got this ultra funky patterned paper by SEI called Penelope’s Potpourri I was in HEAVEN! I got the buttons, brads and ribbon to match too!

So I used the tulip pot image from Bundles of Bouquets by MFT stamps, and my acrylic frame by Making Memories. LOVE the frames. They are also self adhesive! MUST HAVE ITEM!

The senitment is also by MFT stamps and is called Lotsa Love.

HOW did this start as the sketch? Well my tulips were stamped on the left of the long panel-it then got cut and the frame was added. Then, I had the layer of tulips as you see it. Alot of maneuvering and this was the finished project. Colored the tulips with my Prismacolor markers.

The paper on this one was by Prism which is coming to All That Scraps in 8 1/2 x 11 sheets! OMG! Im so excited cause they have like EVERY shade of color imaginable! I love their cardstock. LOVE it! My supply is getting low, and I feel an order coming on! Also in case you forgot they are now selling MFT stamps too! PLUS she is getting in the Gel-A-Tins, the NEW! Gina K scalloped stamps, punches, and summer collection of stamps. Also more goodies! If you are going to order Id wait till after this weekend as most of her stuff is arriving Friday! I want you to be able to cram it all in ONE order! My basket is ready to go! FYI if you create an account you can log on and save you basket! So you can add and add till you are ready to hit SUBMIT! YEAH!!!

OK Sorry for the enablement but you know me, I need it ALL!

Now onto the last (of what I can share) samples after my “warm up”

 Get Better Blossoms

OK I know I went a little nutty with the paper! Cant help it.

So here is the last one. I thought the blooms in the paper looked like this stamp from Green Grass Card Sentiments. so I stamped them on the pink Prism paper using my awesome versamagic dew drops ink.

Now you can see the matching buttons.

I figured a Get Well card would be cool.

Its cheery to me, yet not so over the top get well. Make sense?

Well thanks for looking.

I hope to have more eye candy tomorrow.

Dont forget to reply if you want that stamp set.

Happy Spring day!