Partridge in a Pear Tree

Happy Holidays, Crafty Peeps! Christmas is just around the corner (yikes!) and I'm finishing off the season with one more Christmas card.

I used two stamps from Technique Junkies:  Make a Tree, Set of 12 (SS014) and Textured Newsprint (S783).  

This layered card turned out so sweet. I realize that it isn't a real partridge, nor is it a pear tree. But when you are being creative, you can overlook those things! lol

To create the card, I started with a cream CS A2 base. I added an olive green CS panel. Next I stamped the newsprint background using my MISTI and some Distress Ink in Antique Linen.

I trimmed down the panel, then began stamping the tree elements using the MISTI and Memento Inks. The tree base was stamped in Rich Cocoa. The leaves were stamped in Pistachio, and the bird in Peanut Brittle. The panel was then attached to the card base.

Using my Silhouette Cameo, I cut a few vinyl pears to add to the tree. I then used the Silhouette Markers in the Cameo to "write" the sentiment. Using a decorative die, I cut the sentiment out and attached it to the card using foam tape.

I have to say that I am loving this Make A Tree Set. There are 12 different stamps in the set: 5 Birds, 5 Sets of Leaves, and a Tree Base. The combinations are endless. You can use fall colors and several of the leaves to make an Autumn Tree, no leaves for a winter tree, bright green and several birds for Spring, or a pretend Pear Tree for Christmas like I did. That's what I call a value set of stamps!

And did you know, you can save 10% off your basket at checkout on the Technique Junkies web store by using the code below? Plus there are some great clearance stamps for as low as 50 cents! How can you go wrong?

Hope you found a little inspiration today and find some time to visit Technique Junkies. 

Til next time,

Keepin' It Inky!

BIRTHDAY PARTY - CAT STYLE

Hope everyone is having a great December. As someone with a December birthday, I never want my birthday cards to be "Christmas-y". So I always make sure I have a little stash of non-holiday birthday cards for those December birth-babies. Here is a cute card celebrating a birthday - Cat-Style!

I just love the smug pussycat grin and all the happy little mice! Such a fun card! I used two Technique Junkies stamp sets:  MOUSE BIRTHDAY PARTY (SS062) and BIRTHDAY CAT (SD860).

I started by stamping the cat on CS and creating a mask. I then stamped the most forefront mouse and masked him. I stamped the the second mouse and masked him as well. 

I stamped the birthday cake, and added a mask to that. With all four masks in place, I stamped the little mouse peeking out from the cake and the other two mice. One would never guess there are only two mice stamps used on this card. 

The images were all colored with Spectrum Noir Markers. I used a a marker with an air bulb (blows the marker ink in spatters) to add the "confetti".

For the sentiment, I stamped and embossed the "Happy Birthday" on a piece of CS and trimmed it down. I added some foam tape to the back and added it to the image panel. 

The panel was then mounted with black CS and attached to a white A2 card base.  The two stamp sets go so well together and make such a cute card!

In case you didn't know, there are some great sales going on over at Technique Junkies! And be sure to enter my special code at checkout to receive an additional 10% on your purchase!

Hope you found some inspiration and helpful ideas in this post. Happy stamping!

Til next time,
Keepin' it inky!

A LITTLE CHRISTMAS WHIMSY

I have a fun spotlight card up on the Technique Junkies Blog featuring A Little Christmas Whimsy (there is even a discount code!).  For full details, click H E R E.  Here's a little sneak peak!

Til next time,
Keepin' it inky!

SNOWFLAKE JOY

NOTE:  TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SAVE 30% ON CHRISTMAS STAMPS OVER AT TECHNIQUE JUNKIES! All Christmas stamps are 20% off, plus save an additional 10% using my special code (See bade to the right).

I just can't seem to get enough of these versatile snowflake stamps from Technique Junkies. There are two sets that I have been using over and over (and over!):  Snowflakes (Set of 9) and Snowflakes.  

I have made a LOT of cards with these sets in just the past couple of weeks. This one, though, oh! I've been trying to stay away from the traditional colors in my cards this year so I have frequently been using the color teal, and the snowflakes fit perfectly with that color! See if you agree...

I created the background using my MISTI and several of the stamps from the two sets shown above (with a little filler snowflake from the set Let It Snow), all stamped with a teal stamp pad. Then, using the Brother Scan-N-Cut, I cut out a "J" and a "Y" in the center of the panel, leaving enough space for a snowflake "O". I trimmed the panel down and attached it to a layer of teal CS, then to the A2 card base.  I then stamped one of the snowflakes on the same teal CS and trimmed it down. I added some shimmer using a Nuvo Glitter Gloss Aqua Pen. A little acrylic embellishment for the center of the snowflake, and some foam tape to pop the snowflake out a little, and this card is done!

Here is a closer glimpse...oh that shimmer!

Now, tell me, do you love those snowflakes or what! I also created a set of eight cards as part of a fund-raiser for my granddaughter's upcoming school trip. Just like snowflakes, no two backgrounds are ever the same!

I hope you enjoyed this post and found some creative inspiration. (Don't forget, you can save 10% on any of these stamp sets by using the code "TJ10Ro" -- see the badge on the upper right corner of my blog page).

Enjoy your holidays!

Til next time,
Keepin' it inky!

OH! THOSE SNOWFLAKES!

I am absolutely LOVING the snowflake sets available through Technique Junkies. One is brand new and one has been around a bit...and they both blend beautifully with each other! Bonus!  The sets are Snowflakes, Set of 9 (SS098) and Snowflakes (S235). Here are the sets:

Snowflakes, Set of 9 (SS098) - NEW

Snowflakes (S235)

Notice that no 2 snowflakes are the same in either set! All the stamps are individual (even the set on the right!) so you can mix and match however you desire. And the snow sentiments in the new set are great for all winter long! 

Hey! If you like them, I will let you in on a little deal! The ones on the left are on special for 15% off until tomorrow (11/8) - no code needed, discount taken at checkout. Plus, you can save an additional 10% off these stamps by using the code "TJ10Ro". With the discount and very reasonable shipping, you can get 25 stamps for less than $40. So each stamp is only $1.48. Now that's a deal!

I wanted to make a special card for a special friend, and I wanted it to be a little different than the typical blue and white you generally see with a snowflake theme. I had some really pretty olive green and cream polka dot paper and I thought it would make a fantastic backdrop for these snowflakes. So I created a 5.5" x 5.5" card using a cream CS with an olive green matting panel and added the elegant snowflake panel and sentiment I created with these sets.

I randomly stamped several different snowflakes from both sets and embossed them with a cream embossing powder that had a touch of light blue glitter in it. I filled in with a tiny snowflake from the set, Let It Snow (SD815). I then embossed the sentiment in black on a piece of olive CS, matted it with a piece of cream CS, then added both panels to the card base.  Here is a closer look at those gorgeous snowflakes:

I love stamps that give you your money's worth. I am making some friend cards using the sentiments included. I am also using these snowflakes to make some fun Christmas cards to send out. They would make a great background for the snowman in the Let It Snow set, too. 

Hope you got some inspiration today! I'm happy to share what I love!

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky!

NEW STAMPS FROM TECHNIQUE JUNKIES

Happy November, everybody! Christmas is fast approaching...are you ready?  I have a start on my holiday cards and, with the brand new stamps being released from Technique Junkies today, I just added a few more! And I am happy to share them with you!  We are not doing a typical hop this month. So you will definitely want to check out the TJ Blog for links to all the wonderful projects being shared by the Design Team!

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL:

All the newly released stamps are 15% OFF until November 8th. You don't need a code, the discount will automatically be applied at checkout.

PLUS...you can receive an ADDITIONAL 10% OFF (even the new releases, for a 25% SAVINGS) by entering the code "TJ10Ro" when you check out. 

Now that's some awesome savings!!  So let's jump into the cards I have for you today!

This first card features a very non-traditional color for Christmas/Winter...PINK! 

SUPPLIES AND DIRECTIONS

Stamps:  Snowflakes, Set of 9 (SS098), Delicate Snowflakes (S816)

Shimmering Bliss:  Festive Flamingo, Dazzle (Topper)

Ink:  Altenew Crisp Inks (Frosty Pink, Coral Berry, Ruby Red, Grapevine), Versamark

Everything Else* plus Little Things from Lucy's Cards (embellishment).

I stamped and embossed the Delicate Snowflakes background, then sprayed with Festive Flamingo. The panel was trimmed down and mounted to an A2 card base. For the snowflake, I stamped each layer with a different snowflake and ink color, starting the with largest flake and lightest ink, and worked my way smaller and darker. A pearl was added to the center, then it was mounted with foam adhesive. The banner was stamped and trimmed down, then mounted with foam adhesive.

This next card was not nearly as difficult as it looks. 

SUPPLIES AND DIRECTIONS

Stamps:  Fir Forest (S806), Gifts of Christmas (SS081)**

Ink:  Memento (Northern Pine, London Fog, Rhubarb Stalk)

Other Supplies:  Nuvo Crystal Drops (Autumn Red), Wink of Stella (Glitter White), Little Things from Lucy's Cards

I began with a piece of gray CS and stamped the background trees with London Fog (twice, overlapping edge of CS). the front row of tress was stamped with Norther Pine. I added Nuvo Crystal Drops and Little Things to embellish the center tree, and highlighted it with Wink of Stella. The sentiment was stamped in Rhubarb Stalk. The panel was then trimmed down. I inked the top and bottom portion of the card base with Rhubarb Stalk so I would have a perfect match, then added the decorated panel.

** Not from the new release

The third card has some really fun colors and would be perfect for many different occasions, such as New Year's, Anniversary, Birthday, Congratulations, Retirement, etc.

SUPPLIES AND DIRECTIONS

Stamps: Raise Your Glass (SDX118), Champagne Toast (S787)

Ink: Versamark

Watercolor: Kuretake Gansai Tambi

Other Supplies: Watercolor paper, Silver Black Velvet Brush (#10 Round), Aqua Shimmer Glitter Gloss, Vellum

This card was so easy to do! After stamping and embossing the glasses, I did a water wash on a piece of watercolor paper, then dropped in some bright colors and let them naturally mingle together. I added a little shimmer to the glasses with the Glitter Gloss pen. I then stamped the sentiment on a strip of Vellum and wrapped it around the watercolor panel, and taped it on the back (thus no visible glue on the vellum!). The panel was mounted to an A2 card base.

The final card I have to share with you today features a very uplifting sentiment and a stunning background.

SUPPLIES AND DIRECTIONS

Stamps:  Scribble Circles (S823), Faith in Your Dreams (SDX121)

Ink: Versamark

On a gold piece of CS, I stamped the background and embossed it with gold EP. Using the same CS, I stamped and embossed the sentiment with black EP. The piece was then trimmed and matted with black CS. I added some decorative thread behind the sentiment panel and attached it to the gold panel, then attached that to the black A2 card base.

*Most projects also include standard supplies such as: MISTI, Adhesive Tape, Foam Tape, Embossing Powder, Gina K Designs Connect Glue, Paper Trimmer, Tim Holtz Glass Mat, Various Cardstock (110 lb for card bases, 80 lb for layers)

I had so much fun doing these cards, and can't wait to get busy on some more. There are a lot of great new stamps being released this month. I hope you found some inspiration and are as excited about this release as I am. 

And don't forget....you can save up to 25% OFF the new released stamps (and 10% off everything else). Enter the code TJ10Ro at checkout and enjoy playing with some great new stamps! Easy ordering, fast shipping, great stamps....what more could you ask for!

Til next time,

Keepin' it inky!

CHRISTMAS CARD'N

I have a super fun card to share with you today. I actually made my own stencil to do the background because I wanted something plaid, but I also wanted to use the Technique Junkies Shimmering Bliss sprays. And I wanted it to be Christmas-y. And I had a new winter-y stamp I wanted to play with. Soooo....I got a little crafty and put them all together.  Here is my card.

After designing the stencil, I cut it out of a plastic report cover with my Silhouette Cameo. I took a piece of cardstock and placed the first stencil on top. I sprayed the CS with Technique Junkies Shimmering Bliss in Wine Stain. I removed the stencil and placed the other stencil on top of the CS, then sprayed with Luscious Lawn. After removing that stencil, I sprayed the whole piece with Iridescent. It gave the plaid a shimmery goodness that just can't be beat! 

For the silver paper, I took plain white CS and sprayed it with Silver Shimmering Bliss. I love that you can use these sprays to create any color (or pattern for that matter) paper using these Shimmering Bliss sprays. It opens up a whole new world of creativity.

For the last part of the card, I stamped the snowman and sentiment using Snowman Whimsy (SD880) and the words from Christmas Cactus (JT004). The snowman was colored in with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers. I cut out and assembled all the pieces, then added a few sequins (Little Things for Lucy's Cards - Ice Cube) for bling.  Here is a little closer look at the detail and shimmer:

I hope you like this card and are inspired to try creating your own background papers with the Shimmering Bliss spray.  As a little added bonus, if you order any Christmas Stamp from Technique Junkies, you will save 20%. And on top of that, save an EXTRA 10% by adding the code "TJ10Ro" at checkout. That is 30% OFF!!!! Why not take advantage of this wonderful deal and get going on those Christmas cards! And that extra 10% is good on any product from TJ (except new releases). 

Happy crafting!

Til next time,
Keepin' it inky!

30 Days: Day 3 - Technique Junkies Event

I have some Krafty creations to share with you today over at the Technique Junkies Blog!  Stop by for a visit!

BEAUTIFUL FALL

It looks so colorful outside with all the leaves changing. I love this time of year. Mother Nature sure paints a pretty picture...and I'm inspired to create cards that represent these magnificent colors.

I've created a card for you today using NO STAMPS! Can you imagine? None. What I did use was some A Colorful Life stencils and the amazing Technique Junkies Shimmering Bliss sprays. Take a look.

The layers of leaves and colors come together so beautifully. I'll bet you'd like to know how I accomplished this. To give you a better idea...check out the three stencils I used:

This actually started from a clean-up kind of situation from a card I previously created using the Big Leaves Stencil. After I sprayed the stencil for my original card, I flipped the stencil over onto another piece of cardstock which created a reverse print of shimmer.

I then masked off different areas of the Leaf Set 1 and Leaf Set 2 Stencils and sprayed with Shimmering Bliss using these colors:  Wine Stain, Golden Olivine, Imperial Yellow and Just Squeezed.  Here is a close-up of just how stunning this background turned out.

Is that not fabulous? The "hello" is a die cut using the Spellbinders Stamp of the Month (May 2018) die.

Are you as in love with these stencils and sprays as I am? Here's a treat! Save 10% on them any time by using the code below. Simply enter it at check-out, never expires!

If you want the whole kit and kaboodle of the Shimmering Bliss sprays...there is special pricing on the bundle, too! I finished up my collection of all the colors and I'm so happy with them! There are colors for every theme imaginable!

Hope you have been inspired to go create something of your own! 

Til next time,
Keepin' it inky!

OCTOBER IS HERE AND SO ARE THE TJ NEW RELEASES!

Happy Autumn, y'all! Welcome to another fabulous hop with the Technique Junkies Design Team! I am so excited to share some projects with you using the newly released stamps!

If you have arrived from the very talented Janelle Stollfus, then you are on the right path. If not, you may just want to start at the very BEGINNING so you don't miss any of the wonderful projects shared by the Design Team. Until October 8th, there is a special 15% discount on all the new releases. (And for everything else, see my special code at the end of this post to save 10%.)

Now, let's get on with the fun!!!

There are so many wonderful stamps in this release (See all the New Stamps Here)! And I am so happy to show you what I've created. I have five cards to share. Let' get started!

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This first one took a little planning. 

Stamps Used:
- Ho-Ho-Ho Doxie (SD898)
- Season of Joy (SDX137)

Also Used*:
- Nuvo Glitter Marker: Strawberry BonBon
- Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Pen
- Nuvo Crystal Drops: Blue Lagoon
- Ranger Archival Ink: Forget-Me-Not
- Memento Ink: Lady Bug
- Wink of Stella

How I Made It:
To begin, I cut out the card base, panels and snowflakes using my Cameo and purchased svg files which I altered to suit my need. On white cardstock, I stamped the sentiment in black ink, trimmed the panel and added some faux "stitching" with the Glitter Marker. On the image panel, using red ink I stamped part of the doxie, masked and stamped a ho-ho-ho section, and repeated until the section of the panel was filled. I then masked and stamped the hind end of the doxie stamp. I added the pop-up panels, snowflakes and Crystal Drops. I also stamped snowflakes (from the set, Let It Snow) on the white panels. If you would like a more detailed post about how this card was made, leave me a comment below and I will do a dedicated post to this card style.

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Just look at the shimmer on this card! The new Janine Tinklenburg stamps are amazing!

Stamps Used:
- Christmas Cactus (JT004)

Also Used*:
- Shimmering Bliss Topper: Mixed Metal
- Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium Cardstock
- Spectrum Noir Watercolor Pencils, Water Brush
- Nuvo Crystal Drops: Rhubarb Crumble

How I Made It:
I stamped the image on a piece of SN cardstock and trimmed it down. I used watercolor pencils and a waterbrush to color the image, then sprayed the entire panel with Shimmering Bliss. I added a few Nuvo Crystal Drops and mounted the panel to the card base using foam adhesive.

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This simple card would be very easy to mass-produce. Especially if you used a Misti

Stamps Used:
- Seasons Greetings, Set of 6 (SS097)

Also Used*:
- Shimmering Bliss: Iridescent
- Nuvo Crystal Drops: Morning Dew

How I Made It:
Using two of the branch stamps, I stamped the corners with Versamark and heat embossed with white EP. I stamped the sentiment with Versamark and heat embossed that with burgundy EP. I trimmed the panel down and sprayed it with Shimmering Bliss. I then adhered the panel to the card base with foam adhesive and added some random Crystal Drops across the panel.

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This background was so much fun to color! And I just love this snowman!

Stamps Used:
- Christmas Whimsy (S814)
- Snowman Whimsy (SD880)

Also Used*:
- Memento Ink: Summer Sky
- Spectrum Noir Colored Pencils
- Wink of Stella (Silver)
- Ribbon

How I Made It:
I started out by stamping the Christmas Whimsy (in blue) and Snowman Whimsy (in black) onto white CS.I colored in the images and added a silver highlight to the snowman. I trimmed the pieces down then added panels of blue and red to mat. I added a strip of coordinating ribbon and adhered the background layer to the card base. I added some foam tape to the back of the snowman panel and attached that to the card.  

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My final card is probably my most favorite of the bunch! I am in love with the new Janine Tinklenburg line!

Stamps Used:
- Wreath Sled (JT008)

Also Used*:
- Nuvo Crystal Drops: Ruby Slippers
- Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium Cardstock
- Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers

How I Made It:
The image was stamped onto the SN cardstock and colored with SN markers. I added crystal drops to the red areas of the wreath, trimmed the panel down, added a red panel, and attached it to the card base. I added some sequins and pearls for a little extra pizzazz. I love how this card turned out!!!

* Projects may include common supplies, such as: Gina K Designs Amalgam Ink, Versamark Ink, Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive, Glue Tape, Foam Adhesive, Masking Paper or Post-It Notes, Cardstock, Misti, Paper Cutter, Silhouette Cameo, SVG Files, Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Glass Mat, Sequins, and Other Embellishments.

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Phew! Now that you made it all the way through my post, your next stop along the way is the very fun and creative Judy Jackson. And don't forget about the great discounts! Here are the details:

Also, for those of you coveting the entire set of Technique Junkies Shimmering Bliss Sprays, You can purchase the Get-It-All Bundle at significant savings! And be sure to check out the other Spray and Stamp Bundles available!

Your next step along the way will be the fabulous Judy Jackson. She has some great cards to share with you!

Happy hopping!

Til next time,
Keepin' it inky!