End of the Week Technique #40 Nestled Layers - SSC #263

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Hey y'all. I hope you're having a great day! We've finally broken our All-Time Heat Wave here in the DMV and how happy are we!?! Soooo Happy. :) I'm doing this week's EWT a little early this week since it's a challenge card and I'd like to go ahead and post my card. Hope you don't mind. You don't? That's why you're the B.E.S.T.!

I've seen a couple of this type of card before done with the Labels Framelets, but I haven't seen any done with the Hearts. Yeah, yeah, this Scaredy Cat's a trailblazer all right! HAHAHAHAHA. I don't recall anyone ever really giving it a name so I'm calling it "Nested Layers" since the two layers are kind nested together. If you think of a better name let me know, kay? Kay. I'd been wanting to do this with the Labels Framelets, in fact that had been my plan for this week's EWT. Then I saw this weeks sketch over at 411 and decided to change it up just a wee bit.

Here's today's card, the tutorial will follow-

Nestled Layers Card featuring
Hearts Framelets, Bordering on Romance and Twitterpated DSP

Can you see how it's nestled? Here, let me show you-

How cool is that! Why yes, I did do the *Happy Dance* when I tried it and it worked. So exciting when that happens. Yea Shan!

Here's the sketch it was based on-

Another great sketch by the Stamping 411 ladies! I stuck pretty close to the sketch just making it a "gate-fold" card instead of a standard "flat-front" card so I could do my technique. I stepped a little out of my zone for this one. Luckily, that's coming a little easier nowadays than it used to. Gee, I guess challenging myself to a  challenge a week is paying off! : D For those of you that are new here, I'm a pretty visual person, but I'm also a pretty literal person. When I see a sketch, it really is a little hard for me to change shapes. There was a day when I would have seen this sketch and not done it because I didn't have a big "floral"/circular centerpiece. I don't have too many issues with changing the orientation, but I mostly keep all the elements of the sketch on my card, usually in pretty much the same layout. However, when I saw this sketch I thought of a big heart instead of flowers and just went with it.

I used Blushing Bride as my cardstock but only because I still had so much left and it matched the DSP I was planning on using. I began with Blushing Bride for my base and my large heart and added pieces of Twitterpated DSP to the front panels. The smaller heart is cut from Whisper White c/s. I stamped my image from Bordering on Romance twice in Black Staz-On so it wouldn't bleed when I colored it in. Surprise, Surprise, I got this right the first time. After stamping I centered my images in the heart framelet, cut it out and colored the images with Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery and Wild Wasabi Stampin Write Markers and my blender pens. I sponged the edges of both hearts, inside and outside edges, with Blushing Bride Classic Ink. I carefully adhered the outer half of the larger heart to the left panel and the outer edge of the smaller heart to the right panel with Dimensionals. Getting the inner heart positioned just right was the hardest part of the whole card and even that wasn't too bad.

Because you know I love the inside of the card to be as pretty as the outside, here it is-

Card Inside featuring
Bordering on Romance and Friendly Phrases

The sentiment is from Friendly Phrases and is stamped in Blushing Bride. I stamped a couple of the images from the Bordering on Romance set in Black Staz-On and colored them in with the same colors listed above. I then let Tink have her way  to sparkle it up a little. So pretty in real life. You can actually see a little of the sparkle here. What do you think? I'm so happy with how this card turned out. 

So for today's EWT- Here's what you're going to need-

A framelet set of your choice. I used hearts and I know it works great with the labels too. Will have to try it out with some of the newer sets once I get them home.

Dimensionals

Stamp set of your choice
Accessories as desired to decorate the rest of your card

This is a super simple technique, one I'm sure you're going to want to play with. Here's what you do-

1- Pick two adjoining framelet sizes. I think mine were #'s 3 and 4. Lay them on your piece of c/s and secure it down with either a post-it note or some painters tape so they won't move around.

Run it through your Big Shot. This will give you one thin heart piece (the Blushing Bride one on my card) and a smaller heart. Don't get rid of the inner heart you can use it in another project. (Sorry I just realized I should have taken a picture after I ran it through) :(

2- Stamp your image/s and center it within the smaller heart framelet. Run it through the Big Shot and color, decorate it however you wish.

Ok...So while I remembered to stamp with Staz-On the first time instead of classic ink, I however did not remember to stamp my images before I ran the above piece of c/s through my Big Shot. *headdesk* I now have a nice white heart though, begging to be used in some project. Hey, you know I tell and show the good as well as the bad.


3- Place Dimensionals on the outer halves of your cut pieces. I adhered my bigger heart first. However, I think it would probably be easier to mount the smaller one first and then the larger one. As you can see in the second picture below, I used the edge of the c/s to center my layers. The center point of each heart is aligned with the panel's edge. When the card is closed they will lay one inside the other and keep the card closed-

4- When you go to open the card they will separate from each other-

5- Smile when you see your finished card and smile even bigger when you think of the joy it will bring someone. Wouldn't you love getting a card like this and knowing someone took the time to make this special card for you? I know I would.


Well, that's all I have for you today. I hope you liked today's card and this week's EWT. Hopefully it will inspire you to try something new today and to make a special gift for someone who would be thrilled by a little hand-stamped love. As always, if you use this technique to create a card/project, I'd love to see it and post it for others to see as well. I love hearing from you and read all my comments and try to respond to them all as well. If you liked today's card and have a moment to drop me a line, it would totally make my day. If you'd like to +1 or Pin it, I've put the buttons here on my blog for your convenience. Friends and Followers are always welcome too! :)


Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy day to stop by. I hope you'll come back soon. I have another challenge card for you tomorrow. Wow! 3 in one week. Lol! I also have a new Scrapbook page for you still to come this week. 


Till next time-


Remember- Life is often more about the storms than the peace they seek to overwhelm. It's not about Waiting for the storms to pass, but Learning to Dance in the rain.


Be Safe,
Shan

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Bordering on Romance Pocket Card

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Hey y'all. Happy Friday! I hope you've had a great week and are getting ready for an Amazing weekend.  For those of you that follow me and sent up prayers and/or positive thoughts for my interview this morning, I feel good about how it went. I was in the top 5 candidates chosen to interview, so we'll see. Even if I don't get picked this round they will have more openings soon so... Will let you know as soon as I know. :)

I had a lot of running around to do last night and didn't get to stamp :( so I was trying to figure out what I could post today. I looked at my photos on my phone and found one that I hadn't posted yet. I actually did today's card for a team swap months ago when the Occasions Mini first came out. I think it was the first pocket card I had ever created. I have been meaning to do this as one of me "De-Constructed Card" posts where I show how it evolved but I realized this morning that I didn't have the other "failure pics" loaded on my phone. (Every once in a while I like to show how my cards came to be. You know, the ones that took two or three or more tries to get right. I hope it makes all the other Scaredy Cats out there realize they're not the only ones who struggle.) Guess I was trying to spare my self the agony. Lol! Will get those loaded and do that post another day.

Here's today's card-

Bordering on Romance Pocket Card

I don't know about you, but I'm so glad this stamp set and the DSP were carried over to the new catalog! I think the theme for the team swap that I made this card for was "Fun Folds or Something other than a standard card". I decided to try a pocket card and I knew I wanted to use this set and DSP, so it seemed like an easy idea. WRONG!!!! But in the end I was happy with how it turned out.

I started with a base of Island Indigo, even with our New In-Colors this is my all time favorite color. I don't remember whose blog I saw the angled cut on , but I thought it would make a great addition to my card. I used my edgelet to create the decorative edging and it not only cut the beautiful edge but left me an embossed look as well. *Bonus!* I used Sticky Strip to close the side and bottom. 

Here's a closer look at the pocket portion of my card-

I ran My Twitterpated DSP through my BigShot with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder and then sponged some CrumbCake lightly over the top to make the embossing stand out a little more. My pleated ribbon was  tucked underneath my DSP with SNAIL and then the entire piece was Tombowed. I really wish this pleated ribbon had made it to the new catalog. Do you have any idea how much distress pleating my own ribbon causes me? Sends my OCD into overdrive! 

Here's the pull-out piece of my card-

For my pull-out card, I stamped my image with Black Staz-On and used my blender pens and Classic Ink pads to water-color. I look at this now and compare it to my recent "Copic-Style" watercoloring on our watercolor paper and am truly amazed at the difference. I don't think the shading was too bad considering it was my first real attempt at this type watercoloring and it was on regular cardstock instead of the watercolor paper. Looking back I think maybe I should have added a few pearls to the center of the flowers for an added touch. Oh well, hindsight and all that. Guess I'll have to add them when I get home. :) Actually, looking back now I think I may have added some Dazzling Diamonds to the flowers, for my swaps, to give them a little extra pop. I used my Crop-a-Dile to punch a hole at the top of my card and used Island Indigo Bakers Twine to loop through for the pull.

What do you think? I love pocket cards but so often forget about them, as well as other card types, when I sit down to create. Do you do that too?

I hope you liked today's card and that it inspires you to try something new. If you liked it, I hope you'll consider leaving a comment. I love hearing from you! Also, if you liked it and would like to +1 or Pin it, I've put the buttons on my sidebar for your convenience. Friends and Followers are always welcome too! :)

I hope you have an Amazing weekend filled with Family, Friends and of course plenty of time for creativity. I hope you'll stop back by and see me soon.

Till next time-

Remember- Life is often more about the storms than the peace they seek to overwhelm. It's not about Waiting for the storms to pass, but Learning to Dance in the rain.


Be Safe,
Shan

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End of the Week Technique #30 - Copic-Style Watercoloring / Mojo Monday 239

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Hey y'all. Happy Friday, we made it! I hope you've had an Amazing week. I have a new End of the Week Technique for you today. Can I just tell you how shocked I was to realize that this is #30? Wow! Hard for me to believe. I remember when I started this journey wondering if I was going to be able to do 5 or maybe even 10 considering the limited amount of supplies I had at the time. Luckily though, I'm still going strong and still have plenty of techniques in the waiting in the wings.

Today's technique is one I actually used on a card for a challenge last week. But I wanted to be able to do a post just for it. I've always like the look of pictures colored with Copic Markers but 5 things held me back-
1- They're not Stampin Up and I love our products and colors so much it's hard for me to look at another marker company
2- I'd seen lots of videos where they were used and it just looked sooo intimidating to try and figure out the color combos and blend them just right
3- There were so many colors
4- The cost involved with getting them
5- It seemed like it would be very time consuming and for me, I just don't have that kind of time on a regular basis

Here's what I found out-
1- I've got all the colors I need with my Stampin Write Markers
2- When I use my markers it's not intimidating at all
3- I've got 38 colors not counting in colors and that's more than enough
4- SU's markers are way cheaper (yes, that's an accurate term) :)
5- Ok I can't do anything about the time consuming but I have to think that this technique has to be at least a little quicker than the one using Copics

I have cost breakdown later in this post, so make sure you read all of it, I hate for you to miss that!

Here's today's card-

Copic-Style Watercoloring with SU Markers & Bordering on Romance Stamp

The card is fairly easy.  I actually took my color inspiration from the piece of Twitterpated DSP. I started with a base of Night of Navy & topped it with a piece of Baja Breeze. Next came the DSP that I mounted on another piece of of Night of Navy c/s. I added a piece of Baja Breeze seam binding that I tucked under the edge of these three layers and secured to the bottom with SNAIL. (Yes, I do actually use SNAIL on occasion instead of Tombow.) This portion of the card was then secured with, my dear friend, Tombow.  You didn't think it wasn't going to get used just because I had some SNAIL on my card, did you? A bow was secured with a Mini-Glue Dot. Then I added my focal point.

I used this sketch from Mojo Monday for my inspiration-

Ok, sometimes I'm an idiot. I can admit that. When I did my sketch earlier in the week I obviously sketched a rectangle instead of a square. I didn't realize it until I went to post this that I had made it wrong. *Head-desk* I hope they'll still let me play along. *SMH*

Here's a close-up of my EWT focal point-

Copic-Style Watercoloring with SU Markers

I only used 4 markers to color in my image. Night of Navy for the main flowers, Baja Breeze for the small buds, Pretty in Pink for the small flowers and Wild Wasabi for the leaves. I just love all the color variations especially the purplish colors in the main flowers. I added a few of our pearls to the center of the flowers. They weren't necessary, I think the watercoloring stands on it's own just fine, but I always forget to use them and I thought they added a nice little extra touch.

Here's all you need to do-

I'm not going to go too deep into detail because I'm adding a video (not mine) that demonstrates this technique. It's the one I found that made me realize I could do this-

***Copic-Style Watercoloring with SU Markers***

1- Stamp your image on Watercolor Paper in Staz-On ink. This step is crucial to the success of your technique. You need the watercolor paper to be able to blend your colors and if you were to use regular ink, your image would bleed and mix with the ink making a mess.

2- Using the brush-tip of your Stampin Write Marker (not the fine point, it just doesn't give the same effect), apply a small line of color where you'll want your color to be the deepest. Then using your Blender Pen in a circular motion draw blend the color out from that line. This will distribute your color and soften the line. Continue doing this in small sections until you have the depth of color and the variations that you are happy with. 

*Note*- I'm not the best at picking where the light or shadows would be, so I just kind of made it darker in the center where the petals gather and then chose the left side to be my darker edge. I think it looks pretty similar to others I've seen with shadowing, so I'm not too worried. I think it turned out pretty nice at any rate.

That's really all there is to it. You may have to occasionally wipe your pen off on a scrap piece of paper if you've picked up too much color or there won't be much variation in the color. 

3- Enjoy your beautifully colored project and think of the smile it will bring to your recipients face. :)

It's hard to see in the main picture above (I'm not sure why it's so dark, I was using my Ott light. Probably my stoopid BB. AUGH!!!) but I used my Label Framelets (#2) to make the decorative edge for focal point. If you don't have the framelets you could probably use your Decorative Label Punch and slide the edge out from under your focal point. I however love the versatility the Framelets give me. (Woot! Sounds like another EWT. lol)

Here's the inside of the card-

I kept it pretty simple. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. (How did I make it all this time without that set!?! So glad it's not retiring!) I stamped it in Night of Navy. The sweet little flower in the bottom is from the Bordering on Romance set and I simply stamped it in Basic Black Classic Ink. I then used my Baja Breeze and Wild Wasabi markers to color it in. I added a little Dazzling Diamonds to the petals, for a little bling, and my card was done.

In case you didn't see my earlier post with this technique, here's a picture-

Copic Style Watercoloring with SU Markers

Once again, all done with a single color marker for each element. You can see the post HERE.

Here's the video showing the technique. It's on you-tube and she has some great videos. Check her out, but after you're done here-

***Edited***- I just want to make sure everyone realizes this is not my video, but one I found on You-Tube. She has others too, some but not all SU related. Make sure to check her out when you get a chance. :)

Here's the SU vs Copic Markers breakdown I promised you-

I looked up Copics to do a comparison and they have 214 colors in 16 different color families. Their markers are $6.99 each and feature a wide tip and a finer pointed "nib" type tip. Theirs are refillable and you can replace the tips. The cost for a full set of Copics, a whopping $1495.86. WOW! Stampin Up's markers by comparison have 38 regular colors separated into 4 color "families", which coordinate perfectly with all of their papers and accessories. They have both a wide, brush type tip and a fine tip that's perfect for smaller areas or journaling. SU's markers are $3.50 each and you can get the entire set in a carrying case for a total cost of only $109.95, that breaks down to just $2.89 each. Both sets of markers can be refilled. The main difference in the two marker styles was that the tips on the Copic markers were replaceable. However for $3.50 with SU you can just get another marker if needed. Now after seeing that I can get the same results with SU markers for 50% less per individual marker and 1/10th (Yes, I said 1/10th) the cost for a complete set, the decision for which to get is pretty clear. Granted if I was doing graphic art or big time illustrating I might feel a little different, but for making beautiful cards, scrapbook layouts and gifts the answer seems pretty simple, at least in my mind and to my budget. *Note- This is just my opinion after doing a price and specifications comparison. You're opinion may vary.*


Well, that's all I have for you today, I know it was a little long, but I hope you will think it's worth it. I hope you liked today's EWT and the card. If you did, please feel free to leave me a comment, I love hearing from you! Also if you liked today's card and would like to +1 or Pin it, I've put the buttons on my sidebar for your convenience. Friends and Followers are always welcome too! :)


I hope to see you back here next week for more projects. I hope you weekend is as AMAZING as you all are and that you have plenty of time for Friends, Family and of course for creativity! Have a safe Cinco de Mayo if your celebrating.


Till next time-


Remember- Life is often more about the storms than the peace they seek to overwhelm. It's not about Waiting for the storms to pass, but Learning to Dance in the rain.


Be Safe,
Shan

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Bordering on Romance "Copic-type" Watercolor / OWH Challenge #118

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Hey y'all. Happy Friday! The weekend countdown is on. :) I hope you've had a great week to this point and the weekend gets even better for you!

Where do you find inspiration for your projects? It surprises me sometimes where I get mine and how things often just fall into place. Last Friday I was able to get a ride home with a commuter-friend of mine. Actually she seems like such a nice person, I hope we get to be regular friends too. Hi Michelle! She's a creative person like me and on the 30+ minute ride home we got a chance to talk about stamping and scrapbooking and products we like, love, want to know more about.

Well, she asked me if I used Copics. I told her I didn't for a couple of reasons. 1-There's just so many and to be honest the 're a little intimidating. 2- I couldn't imagine the cost of getting all of them especially when I already have all the SU ones. 3- I had seen plenty of cards using SU markers to create the same effect. I had even tried my hand with ours and had been happy with the results. 4- This process takes so long it's definitely not one I would use everyday.

Wouldn't you know it, in just the few days since that conversation, I saw a tutorial for getting "Copic" results with our markers. Let me tell you I was on that in a Hot Second! Although I had tried my hand at this achieving these results before (by blending multiple colors) I had used it on regular cardstock and while I was happy, I felt like there could be even better results. I knew it was just my lack of experience. The video showed beautiful "Copic" type results, and I knew I wanted to try it! The difference between mine and theirs, watercolor paper. Amazing what a difference in results with just a piece of paper!

Then I saw a sketch challenge over at Operation Write Home and thought it might be just perfect to try the technique again, this time with the watercolor paper.

Here's my card- (Normally I wouldn't do the picture so large, but I wanted you to really be able to see the coloring)

"Copic-type" Watercoloring with Stampin Up Markers

I was so excited with how not only the card but the technique turned out. I'll do an End of the Week Technique on this soon. Because I was doing this for a challenge I wanted to go ahead and post it.

Want to know the best part of the watercoloring? Instead of using multiple markers in varying shades of the same color, I used one marker only for each of the three colors. I used Regal Rose for the main floral image, Island Indigo, for the smaller flowers and Lucky Limeade for the leaves. That's all! No 2 or 3 colors for each image, just one. Can I just say once more, how amazing our products are!?!

What do you think? For a first effort with this, after seeing the video, I think it looks pretty awesome and like it was done with Copics and the tutorial I saw had even better results! I'm sure mine will improve with time as well.

Here's the OWH Sketch-

I stuck pretty close to it. I just extended the border some and flipped it on it's side. Truth be told the whole time I was making it I had it just like the sketch. It wasn't until I had the watercolored tiles applied that I decided to flip it on it's side and then I knew that was how it should be. Luckily I was able to remove my colored pieces from the dimensionals, without damaging them, and re-configure them.

I love the Bordering on Romance stamp set. If it's a favorite of yours too, you only have 3 more days to order it from the Occasions Mini before it retires. We have no idea if it will be carried over to the new annual catalog. 

I used a base of Blushing Bride c/s, cut at 8 1/2 x 5 1/4. The Whisper White c/s was cut at 3 x 5, to leave the 3 x 3 center section. Next I used my Edglet to create the scalloped border, by running it through my Big Shot. I love the added ruffled edge the edgelet gives. Next I used my Adorning Accents Embossing Folder to create the embossed detail. I just love how they coordinate perfectly! I really hope all of these pieces are making a return to the annual catalog! I stamped the little row of flowers using a another stamp from the Bordering on Romance set. It was made to coordinate with the edgetlet and embossing folder. Love it! Of course it makes beautiful borders all on it's own as well. :)

For the focal point I stamped the image in Staz-On, so the colors wouldn't blend with the black ink, on a 2 x 2 piece of watercolor paper. After coloring the image with my 3 markers I cut the paper into quarters and mounted them on 1 1/8 squares of Blushing Bride c/s with Tombow and then adhered them to my WW base with dimensionals. I sponged the edges of all the cardstock except the watercolor paper for added dimension. The final accent was two strips of  Blushing Bride Pleated Ribbon. All products used for this card with the exception of the inks, adhesives, and the WW and watercolor c/s could potentially be gone in just 3 days. Wow, that makes me sad!

Here's the video showing this technique-

Here's a look at the inside-

For the inside, I tried to do the same technique. While I think it looks nice, it doesn't have quite the same impact. This is due to the regular c/s used. You have to be careful with regular c/s as it can breakdown slightly if you apply the color repeatedly to a small area and then try to blend it. I didn't put a sentiment, because I'm not sure who this is going to or for what occasion just yet. It may be a Mother's day card for one of the special women in my life.

I looked up Copics to do a comparison and they have 214 colors in 16 different color families. Their markers are $6.99 each and feature a wide tip and a finer pointed "nib" type tip. Theirs are refillable and you can replace the tips. The cost for a full set of Copics, a whopping $1495.86. WOW! Stampin Up's markers by comparison have 38 regular colors separated into 4 color "families", which coordinate perfectly with all of their papers and accessories. They have both a wide, brush type tip and a fine tip that's perfect for smaller areas or journaling. SU's markers are $3.50 each and you can get the entire set in a carrying case for a total cost of only $109.95, that breaks down to just $2.89 each. Both sets of markers can be refilled. The main difference in the two marker styles was that the tips on the Copic markers were replaceable. However for $3.50 with SU you can just get another marker if needed. Now after seeing that I can get the same results with SU markers for 50% less per individual marker and 1/10th the cost for a complete set, the decision for which to get is pretty clear. Granted if I was doing graphic art or big time illustrating I might feel a little different, but for making beautiful cards, scrapbook layouts and gifts the answer seems pretty simple, at least in my mind and to my budget. *Note- This is just my opinion after doing a price and specifications comparison. You're opinion may vary.*

So what did you think about today's card? I hope you liked it! If you did, I'd love it if you left me a comment! If you liked it please feel free to +1 or Pin it. I've placed the buttons on my sidebar for your convenience. Friends and Followers are always welcome too!

If you need to buy supplies to make your own special projects, you can shop in my ONLINE STORE 24/7. Don't forget our Occasions Mini Catalog ends on April 30. Our Retired Lists are also out. The Accessories are While Supplies Last only and many are discounted up to 60 % off and they are flying off the shelves. Many items are already sold out. Our retiring stamps are only here until May 31. Make sure you don't miss your favorites!

Well, that's all I have for you today. I hope you have an Amazing Weekend filled with Family, Friends and of course lots of time for creativity!

Till next time-

Remember- Life isn't about Waiting for the storm to pass, but Learning to Dance in the rain.

Be Safe,

Shan

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You're An 11, Embossed Card

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Hey y'all. Happy humpday. :) I hope you're having a great week. I'm enjoying getting to spend time with my friend Jason. Speaking of friends, I have a sweet little card that's perfect for that special friend in your life.

Here's today's card-

I just love how this card turned out!

I started with a base of Calypso Coral, such a yummy color. Next I took a piece of Very Vanilla cut just a tad smaller to give a narrow border. I sponged it all around the edge with Calypso Coral just to give it some depth, but I love how when I matted it behind my main focal piece it gave the cardstock the appearance of being a light peachy color. Unexpected Bonus!

For my focal piece I used the "raindrop" image from the My Friend stamp set and stamped it multiple times using VersaMark onto another piece of Calypso Coral cut just a tad smaller than my Very Vanilla layer. I also stamped the sentiment from the same set in the same manner. Next I applied Gold Embossing Powder and used my Heat Tool to make the card come to life. Don't you just love heat embossing? It's just so magical! I love watching as my card magically transforms in front of my eyes. I sponged the edges of this piece of c/s as well and then Tombowed it to my Very Vanilla layer. These two layers were then adhered to my base using dimensionals.

Here's a close up of the focal layers -

 I just love the embossed detail and the way the Very Vanilla layer looks.

Here's the inside-

Sorry it's a little blurry. Didn't realize that when I took the picture

What a great sentiment! I also stamped a sweet little flower in the bottom corner, you know how I like my inside to be pretty-

I used the Bordering on Romance stamp set and just colored one of the flowers with my Stampin Write Markers. I stamped off once to lighten the image a little. Some more sponging around the edges and a little Tombow to adhere this layer and my card was done.

I hope you liked today's card and I hope it inspires you to make a little something special for that friend in your life who's an 11 to you.

If you liked today's card, I would love it if you left me a comment. It's great when I get to hear from you! Also, if you liked it, please feel free to +1 or Pin it. I've added the buttons to my side-bar for your convenience. Friends and Followers are also welcome. :)

I hope to see you back tomorrow for this week's End of the Week Technique. It's a really special card and I'm sure it's a technique you're going to want to try.

Till next time-

Remember- Life isn't about Waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to Dance in the rain.

Be Safe,
Shan

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End of The Week Technique #25 Color Wash / RHSSC #28 / My Challenge #15

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Hey y'all. Happy Thursday! Just one more day till the weekend.Woo-Hoo!

3 more days till my best friend arrives from Yuma for 2 weeks of class. I can't wait to see him! I have been a busy little bee in my stampin studio, getting lots of new cards and projects ready to go for you, because I don't imagine I'm going to have much time to stamp after Saturday.

Today's card is not the one I had originally planned to do for this weeks EWT. I was going to do my team swap card that I'm swapping tonight. However, I still needed to do a challenge card and when I saw this challenge over at Red Hot Stampers, I knew the technique I wanted to do.....Best Laid Plans and all that. So, next week you will get my swap card for the EWT. But, for today you get a Two-Fer. LOL! :)

Here's today's card-

This is way outside of my comfort zone, and it took quite a few tries to get a card I was happy with, But I have no doubt that was more me than technique driven.

Here's the sketch I was going by-

As you can see I stuck pretty close to the basic sketch. I simply moved the ribbon section over and added a stamped image. I think the concept with the sketch's "flags" was to use DSP and there would have been no need for an image, but as I used straight color instead, I felt I needed to put something else there.

I really struggle with Clean & Simple cards. No, wait, let's try that again...

I really Struggle with Clean & Simple cards!


In fact, I posted my first one layer card, just last week. This one has two layers, so I could wrap my Bakers Twine. I'm trying to do these a little more often especially since they are so hard for me.

*I'm not sure what this technique is really called, I'm calling it Color Wash, for obvious reasons. I saw it one day when I was trolling the blogs on my reader feed and thought "that's pretty cool!" I think it worked out well with this sketch. I don't remember who's blog I saw it on, but if it was yours or you know who's it is, please let me know so I can give credit.

I used Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, and Wisteria Wonder for my colors and sponged them onto my Whisper White c/s. I first masked off the edge with 2 sticky-notes using my grid paper to make sure it was straight. This gave me a crisp border. Then starting on the sticky-notes and sponging towards the other side, I sponged back and forth until I got the desired depth of color. I think this would probably be a little easier to control with daubers and you could control the lines a little bit easier too. I guess I could have used some sticky-notes to make clean edges in-between the 3 colors and make them all the same width, and maybe I will try that on another card, but I have to say that I actually kind of like the "raw" feel to this look. I wish I had bigger image to stamp so it fit more in all three colors...oh, well maybe next time.

I stamped the image from Bordering on Romance in Black Stayz-On because I wanted a crisper, cleaner image and I think that turned out to be a good move. I stamped the image a second time on one of my "Ooops" attempts to use as my little punched flower.

I "fussy-cut" it out, punched a hole with my Crop-A-Dile and then let Tink have at it. I secured it to my card with some Calypso Coral Bakers Twine that I wrapped a couple of times around my card and knotted off. I frayed the ends (something I never do) to give the look of more fullness to the ribbon layer, since I didn't add a bow.

Here's the inside-

 I used the greeting from Everyday Elegance, one of our Sale-A-Bration sets. I love the font, so elegant! Don't forget to get your set while you can. SAB ends in just 9 days so don't delay!

The border of flowers along the bottom is also from Bordering on Romance. I used my Stampin Write Markers to color it, in the same colors I used on the front.

Well, that's my card for today.  I hope you liked both the card and the technique, I know I sure enjoyed making it, once I got over my usual it has to be perfect and the oops I forgot the challenge "flags" weren't all the same length...DUUUUUHHHHH! *headdesk*

I hope I've inspired you to try something new today. As always if you do I would love to see what you create. If you liked today's card, I would love it if you left me a comment. It's great when I get to hear from you! Also, if you liked it, please feel free to +1 or Pin it. I've added the buttons to my side-bar for your convenience. Friends and Followers are also welcome. :)

Till next time-

Remember- Life isn't about Waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to Dance in the rain.

Be Safe,
Shan Pin It

Scalloped Heart Framelet Valentine

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Hey y'all. I'm baaaaack!  Ha. How many of you just flashed back to little Carol Ann and Poltergeist? Well, I have something much happier for you now. My second card of the day.

This is a card we're doing this weekend in my Valentine's Day Stampcamp. The weather is supposed to be nice. No snow or ice storms forecast for our region so it should be a go. (: I mostly had fun making this card.

Mostly. You'll see why.


*Edited*
*Spoiler Alert*
I have to tell you - we did this project this weekend for stampcamp and I can not tell you how SIMPLE this card was for my ladies to put together! The hardest part on it is ruffling the ribbon. If you're looking for a project with a lot of "WOW" read on, your clients and your card recipients will thank you!


But for now, here it is-

Sorry about the lines. I really do need to get a real camera instead of my darn BB. For some reason it occasionally gives me those wavy lines when I photograph with my OTT light. Seriously, anyone that knows how to take care of this, please leave me a comment. I would hate to actually buy a camera and have it still happen!

Isn't it pretty? Simple, but striking. Probably the worst thing about it (that most people would say) is that it won't fit in a standard envelope. It would definitely be a hand delivered or leave on the pillow type valentine.

The first thing I did was to fold a piece of Island Indigo c/s and run it through my Big Shot with my new Hearts Framelets. I used the largest one. It has the beautiful scalloped edges. I laid it just inside the edge of the left side so there were 3 or 4 scallops that didn't cut. This way my card stayed together with a hinge in the middle. Once that was cut I set it to the side for a few minutes.  (This is unfortunately a paper heavy project. You will use most of a piece of 8.5 x 11 piece of c/s for each card. I used two. One in Island Indigo and then another in Whisper White since the Island Indigo was too dark to stamp and write on inside)

For the front panel I used Whisper White c/s that I ran through my Big Shot with my the same framelet, I used the whole framelet this time because I wanted the whole heart to be cutout for the front. I also cut out a second one for the inside to use later. I also ran a piece of the floral DSP from the Twitterpated collection (Love It!) through with this framelet as well. I then stamped Love You, from the PS I Love You Stamp Set in the new Occasions Catalog, in Island Indigo (one of my all time favorite colors) on a Whisper White scrap and punched it out with the Decorative Label Punch. Once I had all these pieces ready, I sponged all the edges with Island Indigo. I used Tombow to adhere the label behind the DSP and to  adhere it to the Whisper White c/s.

Then I went to work on the inside-

Here's what it looks like opened up

I decided to use the Bordering on Romance stamp set. I love all the cards I've seen with it, but I haven't used it yet. How in the world has that happened? So I inked up the largest floral image in Classic Black and stamped it along the bottom. I used my Blender Pens and Classic Ink Pads to color it in. I used Island Indigo, Blushing Bride, and Lucky Limeade. Here's a closer Picture. I also stamped the sentiment in Island Indigo from the P.S. I love you Stamp Set.

Before I Tombowed this layer onto the base I trimmed the 3 inner scallops where the hinged section was so it wouldn't lie in that fold and this portion was done.

Remember how I said I "Mostly had fun" making this card? Well, if you noticed earlier, we didn't complete the front.  I know we have that nice pleated ribbon where the pleats are all done for you and it's all perfect, but, I had to make a choice when I was purchasing my ribbons and I chose to get that in Blushing Bride and the beautiful, soft, flowy, Seam Binding in Baja Breeze. Now, I guess I could have just put a straight strip of Seam Binding across the card and maybe a bow and it might have worked but I kinda felt like it needed the ruffles so I had to just suck it up and go for it. If you know me personally, or have followed me on here for any length of time, you know I am more than a little OCD about my cardmaking/crafting. The fact that I was about to have to bunch up ribbon in uneven and quite likely an unstraight line was not a happy thought for me. But it was what the design was dictating to me, so I Snailed that card front and the edges of the back (let me tell you SNAIL works Amazingly well with Seam Binding!) and started scrunching and as you can tell, it is not in a straight line, but I have to say, overall, once it was done and I Tombowed the panel and stuck it to the cardbase and took a look at my card, I was glad I did it.

Here's a close up view of my torture, I ah mean my finished product-

Not perfect, but I think maybe it adds to it's charm.

Do you Pinterest? I saw something in one of my reader feeds that I pinned today-

I SOOOOO Wish I Had This! I need to remind my self of this...DAILY.

Well, that's all I have for you today. I hope you liked my card. It's a new style for me. As always if it inspires you to try something new I would love to see it. If you liked it, I would love it if you left me a comment. It's great when I get to hear from you! Also, if you liked today's card, please feel free to +1 or Pin it. I've added the buttons to my side-bar for your convenience. Friends and Followers are also welcome. :)

If you need supplies to recreate this card or to make others you can visit my Online Store 24/7.
Todays Supplies-
Card Stock- Island Indigo, Whisper White, Twitterpated DSP
Ink- Classic Black, Island Indigo, Blushing Bride, Lucky Limeade Classic Ink Pads
Stamp Sets- P.S. I Love You, Bordering on Romance
Big Shot- Hearts Framelets
Decorative Label Punch
Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon
Accessories- Blender Pens, Tombow, Sponges

Don't forget Sale-A-Bration is going on through March 31. Free merchandise with every $50 in purchases and special Exclusive offers for Hostesses in addition to your regular benefits. Contact me to learn more.


I hope to see you back here soon-

Till next time-

Remember- Life isn't about waiting out the storm. It's about learning to dance in the rain

Be Safe,
Shan

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