Keep it simple!

So our challenge for this month was to keep it simple.  Ink and paper only in one layer.  Several weeks ago I was at a craft store with my coupon... and well you know you can't leave the store without using the coupon even if you don't really need anything.  I grabbed the new Inkadinkado stamping gear.  So I decided it was just what I needed to jazz up this challenge!

I used the stamping gear with the Parallel Flourish Mirror stamp (035C).  I used two ink colors and stamped around the gear.  Then I used the Live each season stamp (1003E) in the center.  Then I cut the whole thing out in a circle.  I think this would make a great little addition to a fall scene or a centerpiece on a table.

Happy Crafty!

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog
Helen's Blog
Cathy's Blog
Pauline's Blog
Sue's Blog 

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

This weeks sale is good for 20% off the Thanksgiving category... good through November 28th here is a linky loo to the stamps...

http://www.serendipitystamps.com/category/thanksgiving.html

Winter Inspiration

For our first November challenge we were to use a winter photo as inspiration.  One of my favorite winter images is of the lamp post in Narnia.  I snagged this picture from the web, and then used the Lamp Post Cling Set (1048QCL) 

I had this 4x4 inch canvas in my stash and the idea just popped into my head.  I got out my watercolors and mixed up a nice bluish background for it.  Go ahead try it, it's not hard, painting may seem intimidating but watercolors in my experience have been super easy!  I did that and then stamped all the images from the set, colored them with my prisma pencils, and added some flair.  I added floss in place of the ribbon stamp, and put the holly leaves on top of that.  Then actually hung the sign from the post using jump rings.

 Now for the coolest part the snow.  I discovered this one day quite by accident.  I used diamond glaze to put embossing powder on something.  Well when I heated it, it bubbled up and gave this awesome look.  And I immediately thought of snow.  So I added it to the sign and post, and then did the ground. 

Happy Crafty!

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog
Helen's Blog
Cathy's Blog
Pauline's Blog
Sue's Blog 

The special is Buy 3 Items Get a 4th one free. Good Nov 7th through Nov 14th.

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

So our second challenge was to create a Thanksgiving invitation as well as some table items to go along with it.  I chose to use the Pilgrim Pets cling set (1125QCL).  

 

Here are the place cards I made.  Simple enough to put together if you need to make tons of them.  I stamped the images on craft colored cardstock in brown ink.  Then layered the images up, added a bow, and small name banners on the bottom.

 

As for the invitation I stamped the pets and colored them with colored pencils.  Added some layers and some doodads to finish it off.  When I send invites I usually make them the size of a regular card 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" but only one side so it doesn't open.  Then I just print my party info and adhere it to the back side.  

Happy Crafty!

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog
Helen's Blog
Cathy's Blog
Pauline's Blog
Sue's Blog

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

For Oct 17th, the Serendipity Special will be a 40% off coupon. Customers who enter the code 40FROMHIGH during checkout with receive 40% off their highest priced item. Good through Oct 24th. 

Score It!

It's October and time for the first Serendipity Challenge of the month!  For this challenge we needed to use a Halloween stamp of our choice, and the Scor-pal tool.  I chose to use the Candy Jar (233E), and two stamps from the Batty Cling set (1018QCL). 

From the side you can see the front stamp a little better.  I chose to color it with Halloween colors and then used diamond glaze on the jar to give it a real feel.  And now for the surprise.  Both sides of the card pull open to reveal the Halloween message inside. 

This card came together very quickly, thanks to the Scor-pal.  I cut a piece of cardstock to 12"x5".  Then I laid it across my scor-pal.  Scored at 2", 4", 8", and 10".  The best part is no marking lines, no moving the paper... you just pull the scoring tool down the line at each of these markers.  The next tricky part is to remember to just adhere your front image to one side of the card.

Happy Crafty!

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog
Helen's Blog
Cathy's Blog
Pauline's Blog
Sue's Blog

And for more fun, be sure to hop to all the blogs and leave a comment!  All comments will be entered into a drawing to win a Scor-pal!  Don't miss your chance!

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

October 3-10th is free shipping on all US orders over $10!

Fine art.

From another swap over at craftster.org!  this one was a 6x6 more art less craft swap.  I admit I rarely paint, so this swap was a challenge but I had a great time.  The background is water colored, and the tree is done in micron pen.  Then I used black acrylic around the edges to finish it off.  I sent this one off already and can't wait to see what I get in return!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Our second September challenge for Serendipity Stamps was to create a Halloween Project.  I used my favorite Halloween stamp of all time Fraidy Cat Cling Set (1119QCL).  I stamped the image cut it out, and colored it with copic markers.  I then mounted it to scalloped circles with foam tape.  Then I cut a strip of black and punched the edge with the Martha Stewart ooze edge punch.  Then scoring it I folded it into a circle.  I stamped the sentiment on an oval and tied it all up with bakers twine.

I do love to have little bits hanging around my house for the holidays.  Here is a side view to see the layers and dimension. I also gave it a little extra pizzazz with buttons, and some dots.

Hope you enjoy all the creations from the other designers....

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog
Helen's Blog
Cathy's Blog
Pauline's Blog

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.  Her trick or treat special which will run till September 28th is 20% off any stamp from the Halloween section.

That 70's Show!

For the first challenge of September we were challenged to make a card that has that 70's flair.

I chose to work with the swirly flower from the Fun Flower Cling Set (709QCL)

 I stamped the flowers in black on bright colored paper and then cut them out.  I added some yellow glitter to the centers.  Then I decided that it needed a great sentiment to go with it, so I started to dig through my stash and found this one The Sweetest Joy is Love (1082D).  It thought it fit with the theme and the flowers perfectly.  I stamped it in Versamark ink and then embossed it in black.  I love the shiney black on black look.

Hope you enjoy all the creations from the other designers....

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog
Helen's Blog
Cathy's Blog
Pauline's Blog
Sue's Blog

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

Current running special!
Buy 3 Items Get the 4th one free. Ends Sept. 12th.

Quail

 

Serendipity Stamps just had their Fall/Winter release.  And one of the new stamps is this awesome Quail (1269J).  It's a great looking stamp very detailed and yet easy to color.  I used some white out to lighten up certain areas so that I could color on top of them.  Be sure to head over to SerendipityStamps.com to see all the new stamps!  And what the other designers have been doing with them in the galleries!

Steping up!

 For our second August challenge involves making a center step card.  There is a great gallery full of these cards over on Split Coast Stampers.  I chose to take a slightly different approach, and made an accordion bottom card.

 

I used my copics to color this adorable Halloween image Goul Pets (1022F).  To make it the center focus of the card.  

 

It's time at my house to start thinking about Halloween. I used my cricut to cut out all the pieces except for the stamped images.  Attached them to an accordion bottom in different layers.  I made the moon pop off the to with some wire to give it movement. I used the Boo stamp (660C) on top of the moon.  I think it makes the best little Halloween scene card.  

Now head off to check out the other creations from the design team, which has grown by leaps and bounds.  

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog
Helen's Blog
Cathy's Blog
Pauline's Blog

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

Serendipity’s Special this week is a 40% Off coupon which gives 40% off the most expensive item in the shopping cart. The coupon code is 40FROMHIGH The coupon expires August 29th. 

Happy Retirement...

 Our first August challenge is to create a retirement card.  When I was browsing through all the great stamps at Serendipity Stamps, when I came across this Screen Door stamp (oo1k).  It spoke to me of the calm and serenity that we are all looking forward to after we retire.  I can imagine myself sitting on this front porch with the cool breeze blowing. 

I colored the image with copics and then cut it with my die cuts.  I used a big one and one smaller to create a frame on the outside of the card, and have the rest of the image on the inside of the card.  I love the 3D feel that it gives to the card.  Then for some extra oomph I added brads and wrapped twine around them.

These are the copic colors that I used to achieve my sunny front porch look.

 

 

Now on to the creation of the other amazing team members:

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog

For Serendipity's second August challenge we'll have two new designers joining the team... so look forward to that later in the month!

Special: Free shipping on orders over $10 until August 13th.

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

Heating it up...

I know isn't it hot enough?  Yes but this kind of heat is good, heat embossing. Mary wanted us to use heat embossing and Christmas themed stamps if we could bring ourselves to do it.  I chose these beautiful trees, because with embossing powder they look so beautiful. (Tree Flourish Large 1234G and Tree Flourish Small 1235C)

 

And here is the card I created!  A simple design yet I feel it still has some pop to it.

A quick view from the side so you can see the trees stand out.

Supplies:

Flourish Tree Stamps Small and Large from Serendipity Stamps

Versa Mark Ink

White embossing powder
Heat gun

Shimmer green, red, black, and polka dot cardstock

Red jewels

White star jewel

Wide red ribbon

Be sure to check out the other projects by Serendipity's Designers:

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

How does your garden grow?

Welcome to Serendipity Stamps first challenge of July.  We were challenged to use and of the garden type stamps that Serendipity has... and boy do they have a lot.  I happened to have the Pea Package Cling set(1210QCL) one of my favorites on hand.  And in keeping with my new obsession with Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), I decided to go that route again.  

I stamped the image on light green card stock and white.  I used my prisma pencils to color in the Peapods.  I then cut them out and adhered them with pop dots on top of the ones stamped on the green.  I mounted the green on yellow cardstock.  Then for the finishing touches I added this great trim that reminded me of peas, and added green gems on top of the stamped peas...

Here is a side shot so you can see how the pea pods stand up off the page.  These little ATCs are so much fun and so easy.  And I just love popping them into a card or package that I send off to someone. 

Check out the other designer's gardens:

Sue's Blog

 Miriam's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

The current special running is 20% off of your order!

So I may have mentioned it before but I love the craftster.org site... it's amazing... so much inspiration and talent over there!  And I love the swaps they have... just participated in two great ones... felt badges and disney! I had two partners for felt badges and sent two to each partner... both of my partners were perfect for me in this swap... below behold bacon, and a tiny hedgehog in a mushroom forest!

 

 And then stitch on a hawaiian flower and a kawaii apple... it's hard to see but his eyes are all glittery.  and yes stitch is all made of felt, instead of cutting out all the tiny pieces I painted on the felt!

And these are the Disney goodies I made... a simple coin purse... I'm pretty new to the sewing world, and some mickey barrets.

 And my partner collects Mr. Potato Heads, and wanted hoops so I sewed this up for her!  And I made two things out of perler beads and forgot to take pictures of them!

And I received two of my badges already aren't they fab!  Snoopy came right from my pinterest, and the little Disney guy is perfect!

So really if you haven't been over to check out Craftster... do it now!

Feeling Nutty!

So our challenge for this week was two fold.  Use one of the border or corner stamps and use the colors in the color challenge! Lately I've been quite obsessed with two things.  ATCs: Artist Trading Cards and squirrels!  So I decided that the border I had chosen would be perfect for this!

 Using the Acorn border (385D) I colored my card with copics and stamped the acorns randomly on top.  Then I printed a cute squirrel in her house dress.. and dolled it up with some flocking.  I stuck it to the card with pop dots, and added a little dream bubble full of acorns.  I hope she has sweet dreams.

And now on to see what the other designers have created:

Sue's Blog

 Miriam's Blog
 Kathie's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

The special until the 25th of June is buy three items get the 4th free!

Two new goodies...

Here are two of the projects I've been working on.  My first full sized crochet blanket.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.  The blanket is for my niece who graduated high school this year.  The colors are the colors of the college she will be attending.  I'm so proud of you Sam.

Here is a close up of the stitches.

And here is the first project I've finished in a while that I am so proud of and want to show off to everyone.  I took the bag class with the fabulous Cheryl Wiederspan.  She was a great teacher and made making this bag so easy, especially considering it's my first major sewing project. 

Here is a shot of the inside where I added lots of pockets to hold stuff.  In nice bright fabrics so I can see what I'm after.

And one of the best parts is you unbutton the buttons and flip the bag around for a totally different look.  And did you notice the outside pocket has a zipper... yes a zipper and I put it in all by myself!  Amazing.

America the beautiful!

Our Challenge for this week is to make a patriotic card, and to use glitter.  I chose the America the Beautiful stamp (318E).  I stamped the stamp on a die cut, and inked the edge in blue and added a thin black border.  Then to make it pop a bit more I colored the leaves in red, white, and blue.

For the base of the card I masked it off and inked blue and red in the patter of the American flag.  And then I brought in the glitter.  For the white stripes I used a super sparkly glitter.  I think it really makes the background pop.  Then I mounted the die cut with foam tape, and added a black card stock border to the back.  

Be sure to check out all the other amazing designs:

Sue's Blog

 Miriam's Blog
 Kathie's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

Spring Blog Hop...

Thanks for stopping by my blog on the hop.  Be sure to check out all the blogs before the 25th and leave a comment and Mary will draw a winner randomly from all the comments.  We are showcasing Serendipity's new stamp and die combos.  The beautiful butterfly and dragonfly. 

 First off I created this wonderful spring door hanger.  I used the outline die and then stamped the dragonfly on top in a rainbow pattern.  Then I attached them all to a pretty silver ribbon.

Then I used the butterfly dies and made this card.  I just love the yellow and orange of monarch butterflies and chose to use those colors on my card.

And finally I used the butterfly die and cut it out of shrink plastic.  I colored it in sort of tie dye pattern with my copics and then hit it with the heat gun.  When I went to shrink it the air from the heat gun blew the fine bits around a lot.  So not sure what I'll be doing with this little guy, but I'll be thinking about it.

Serendipity also has a guest designer for the Spring/Summer release!  

Kris Breach

Check out her blog here: Ink Something 2

And see what the other Serendipity Designers have created on their blogs:

Sue's Blog

 Miriam's Blog
 Kathie's Blog

Jeanne's Blog

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.

Stash Raiders! Spring cleaning!

This month Mary challenged us to use something in our stash.  So I began to dig... and found these tiny canvases and easels.  And thought they would make cute little art pieces.  I used two stamps from the Cupcakes cling set (1161QCL).

 I stamped the images on the canvases with staz on ink... and then colored them with random markers from my stash.  Tried to really take the challenge to heart.

 Here are some close ups of the two tiny canvases.  These will look great sitting on the counter in my kitchen. 

And see what the other Serendipity Designers have created on their blogs:

Sue's Blog

 Miriam's Blog
 Kathie's Blog
 Jenny's Blog

Jeanne's Blog

Place an order between now and May 21st and get 40% off of the most expensive item in your cart!

And as always don't forget to check out Serendipity Stamps! Mary runs a great site, has great sales, and links to the gallery and blog.