Faux Sanding with Asian Artistry

It feels like it has been forever since I completed a creative project from start to finish! Since coloring 1000 pumpkins or 2000 frogs in the CHA booth while demoing for Copic in their booth doesn't exactly count as creative work, I was itching to make something! I finally broke away from my computer screen long enough today to play in the Technostamper Sketch Challenge #82. It has been a VERY long time since I have played -- but I am committed to doing this at least twice a month, because playing in this challenge allows me to just, well, PLAY.

Here is the original sketch:And here is my interpretation....and it is very literal! I used the Faux Sanding Technique from the August issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter for the coral/orange panel in the back. The front panel was colored with Copic Markers. The stamps are from Stampin' Up!'s Asian Artistry Hostess Set. It is a little hard to see from my picture but the verse and flower are popped up from the back panels.
I love the way my card turned out -- and I am sending it to someone I know who approaches life with abundant enthusiasm, and who kept me up until 3am three nights in a row!

I hope you get creative today, too!

TSSC 58: Block Collage

Today's card is for Technostamper Sketch Challenge #58 (the sketch is below). My card features the Block Collage Technique from the February issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter on the main panel using the "Walk a Mile" full sheet from the Stampinback line by I Brake for Stamps. I love how this card turned out!

I was going to do something totally different for this challenge, but these stamps just kind of jumped into my hands. You see, I was looking for these very stamps to make ATCs with last week. I was in a swap this month with a "Hollywood/Glamour" theme... I knew I had these stamps, and had something really cool planned...and then I couldn't find them. My stamp room just swallowed them up!

This morning, though, I was back to stamping, and wouldn't you know they were right there. Just right in front of me! So I figured I better use them for this before they are swallowed again. Hmm, maybe I should put them away in the right place???

In any case, Happy Birthday, Mary Jo -- and to my son Alex, too.

TSSC 57: Faux Leafing

I haven't had the opportunity to play along with the Technostamper Sketch Challenge for weeks now. I am pleased to be a part of it today, albeit a little late in the day!

I love this sketch. It was open to so many possibilities! I decided to work outside my comfort zone with the palette I used today, too. I am always more comfortable with muted tones, not so much on the subtle side. This apricot color is one that I rarely use. Since my focal point uses the Faux Leafing Technique from the February 2009 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter, and the faux leafing mimics the apricot color so nicely, how could I NOT use it? I love the look of this technique -- so much like gold leafing (and cheaper and easier, too!). A close-up of the Faux Leafing is on the right. Have you tried this technique yet?

Go to Mary Jo's site to see the other players and the sketch, too, if you would like to play along.

Hope your Monday is happy!

All Stamps: Stampin' Up!

Blogstravaganza with a Technostamper Tag

The Technostamper Sketch Challenge this week was to create a large tag. Since we are in the midst of the Holiday Blogstravaganza, I thought I would make a gift tag for one of the larger gifts I am giving this season.

This tag uses the Burnt Edges Technique from the April 2007 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. Instead of using the traditional "burnt" colors for my creation, I chose to use the greens to match my Rubberstamp Avenue Saint Nick. The sheet of stamps that this is one is one of my favorites this holiday season!

Check out the other TJ Designers who have joined in the Blogstravaganza today:

Jane Bosi on Jane's Addiction

Lisa Somerville on Spendiferous Creations

Connie Piotter on SoDakStamping

Nancy Judd on Inkblocks

Judy Jackson on the TJ Design Team Blog

and Beth Norman on Sunflowers and Dragonflies

Holiday Blogstravaganza & TSSC #43

The Technique Junkie Blogstravaganza continues! Today's card uses the sketch from the Technostamper Sketch Challenge (TSSC#43). this was an easy sketch, and I really enjoyed making this card! I dug deep into my magic drawer of unused backgrounds until I found this gorgeous piece of Cling and Scrunch (from the June 2007 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter). The image was colored with the Gamsol Pearls Technique (June 2006 issue).
Stamps: Stampin' Up!

Stop by the blogs of the other design team members participating in the Blogstravaganza today:

Lisa Somerville at Splendiferous Creations

Kimm Bennington-Thompson at Artful Sentiments by Kimm

Connie Piotter at SoDakStamper

Judy Jackson on the Technique Junkie Blog

Nancy Judd at Inkblocks

Gerrie Johnnic at the Queen of Grunge

Remember to join us everyday through Christmas for Holiday Inspiration!

TSSC 42: Winter Wonder (Holiday Blogstravaganza)

Our Holiday Blogstravaganza Continues!

Today's card was made for Technostamper Challenge 42. My entry uses the Vanilla Double Technique from way back to the October 2005 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. I cheated just a teensy-tiny bit -- instead of a ribbon-style banner, I added the "snow" with torn paper, liquid applique, and glitter -- I hope it is close enough : )

The penguin and the star are stamps from The Angel Company; the snowflakes are from VAP stamps, and the Wheel in the way-background is from Stampin' Up!. I know this is a very simple card -- but it was a simple layout, and that penguin is just sooooo cute!! They kind of reminded me of a "short" film I saw a bit ago -- The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper. Enjoy!

TSSC41: Witches Brew

Boy, am I ever going to miss Halloween. I just LOVE making Halloween cards! This card was made for the Technostamper Sketch Challenge #41. I used I Brake for Stamps Halloween Plate with a Veined Marble Background from the August 2007 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter (Gosh, it was that long ago?). The Witches Brew recipe is layered on a Cuttlebug Highlight Spiderweb (October 2008 issue, TJNL). I also glittered the moon with Yellow Stickles. It just screams for that, doesn't it?

Since my photography on this was not spectacular, here is the recipe for Witches Brew (from the stamp), if you are so inclined to cook today:

Witches Brew:
Three Purple Tadpoles
Two Pinches of Ghost Dust
A dash of Creole
Frog Warts (add to taste)
A split hair from a Queen Bee
One cup of Camel Spit
Two tsp. of Frozen Rainbow
*Mix thoroughly, simmer over low heat for 4 hours. Serve Ice Cold.

Hope you enjoy your brew!

Pat

TSSC: 40: Faux Handmade Paper

I just love this Santa from Rubberstamp Avenue. It is my all-time favorite. To me, this IS Santa. I couldn't resist using him for the Technostamper Sketch Challenge (#40) this week!

I stamped my Santa in black, then colored him with chalks. i edged him in gold, layered in white, then put him on a rich piece of Faux handmade paper (August 2008 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter). That is layered on a piece of blue embossed paper, over a white card. The snowflakes are felt, and I added glitter to them.

Doesn't it just leave you wishin' for December 24th?

Technique Blitz & TSSC 31

Today, I am cheating. well, not cheating exactly, but just stretching things a bit...

First, I am stretching on my Technique Blitz card. This is what you might want to call a "Fake" Bandanna Card (August 2008 Technique Junkie Newsletter). The red area behind my sock monkey was done on plain stamped red cardstock. This Fake Bandanna card is a good way to do the technique when you are short on time....

My sock monkey was colored with the Marker Watercoloring Technique from the June 2008 issue of the Newsletter. Really. No stretch on that one!

But I am stretching the Technostamper Sketch Challenge #31 a bit. The sketch called for a circle with and three elements beneath the horizontal image. While it is a great layout...my card didn't quite fit it....the sketch is below; decide whether it accomplishes the idea or not for yourself:

Make sure to watch Mary Jo's blog for the other players, and thanks for stopping by!

All stamps: Stampin' Up!

Technique Blitz & Technostamper Sketch Challenge #30

Today's Technique Blitz card uses the Roll with the Punches Technique from the August issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. It also happens to be my submission for today's Technostamper Sketch Challenge (#30). I used a Wheel called "rough texture" -- it is a little hard to see from the picture.

The stamps, punches, paper and hardware used here are from Stampin' Up!. The ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Technique Blitz, TSSC and Blogger's Challenge!

Today is a "three-fer". As in, three things in one. Well, in two, actually! Aw heck, let me explain. Here is how I get three from all this...

First, the sketch used here was the Technostamper Sketch Challenge 29 from Monday -- which I am just a few days late on...

Second, today's Blogger's Challenge (59) is called "the same, but different" -- were we challenged with using a sketch of our choice to make two different cards with two diverse colors and stamps. I used MJ's sketch!

Finally, We are in the midst of a "Technique Blitz", so both of today's cards use techniques from the August 2008 issue of the TJ Newsletter. The first card, top, uses the Stenciled Collage Technique (8-08 TJNL) done on a Faux Denim Background (12-07 TJ). The stamps used here are from Oxford Impressions. I used an open-lined stamp over the stenciled area, and just lightly colored it in with colored pencils. I have a friend who loves horses, you see...

The second card, on the left, uses the Bandanna Technique from the 8-08 TJNL. These stamps are from Innovative Stamp Creations. Just love this stamp with that technique!

Okay, 'nuff for today... Check out the other Blogger's Challenge players by clicking on the logo in my sidebar. Have fun browsing!

Technostamper's Sketch Challenge#27

I love this week's Technostamper Sketch Challenge! Such an easy sketch to work with... I used a piece of Distress Dragging Background (February 2007 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter) for my base. I stamped butterflies and the "you're amazing" phrase over the dragging, then colored the butterflies with colored pencils and highlighted them with white. I love the "you're amazing" phrase -- who wouldn't love to receive that? All of the stamps on the cards are from Innovative Stamp Creations.

I actually "cheated" a little when making this card. The Distress Dragging uses Adirondack's Pigment Inks -- I used them for the first time while demonstrating in the ISC booth in Hartford, and I have a new love! I own hundreds of ink pads, and these are, by far, the best inks I have ever used. I just ordered a mess of them from ISC -- I can't wait to play some more! I will do an ink comparison on my blog to show what I mean when they come in.

As an aside, I want to thank all of you who stopped by the Innovative Stamp Creations booth in Hartford while I was demonstrating. It was great to meet so many of you -- I had a blast! I can't wait to do it again soon.

I hope you have an amazing week!

Technostamper Sketches 25 and 26

Um, I am a little late : )

I have two cards for this week -- both are a bit behind, but I am trying!

The first is this week's sketch (#26) from Mary Jo's Technostamper Sketch Challenge. The sketch uses arrows -- much easier than it looks once you get started! My card uses one of the humorous seniors from I Brake for Stamps. The background uses the Dry Embossed Wash Technique from the December 2007 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. This card is a little different because it flips up from the top panel. I know just who to send it to, also (*the story is below, in case you want to read it)!

The card on the left is from LAST Week's TSSC challenge (#25). I had the card finished by Friday, but I just did not have time to upload it over the weekend. I love it, though, and I am sending it to my sister-in-law who we saw last night. She is seven months pregnant and I am sure she can use some encouragement! All the materials for this are from Stampin' Up!. It is kind of sad that I JUST opened the package of felt flowers (I have had them for MONTHS). I am sure that these will retire soon, too : )

Okay, MJ, I promise to try my best to make it before noon next Monday -- now I must get off the computer to try to make the card before dinner tonight!

*I am sending the humorous senior card to my Mother-in-Law. While that might seem mean to some, I am sending it because of a story we talked about at dinner last night... You see, she has 4 grown sons, and when they get together, they talk about her in her younger years as if she were a boozin', smokin', hard-livin' broad. It is SO not true. She is a beautiful, accomplished, successful, fabulous person -- but they know how to get under her skin. She will get the joke, I assure you! I adore her : ) And no, she doesn't read my blog, either.

TSSC21: Doodle Factory Urban

Take me to your leader.....

I have to tell you that the entire time I was making this card, that was going though my head! These outrageously fun stamps are from the DoodleFactory: Urban stamp sheet from Starving Artistamps. I was at a stamp show on Saturday and got this -- I just love this sheet and couldn't wait to play with it!

I colored my robot scene using the Marker Water Coloring technique from the June 2008 edition of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. I think it is remarkably similar to the look achieved by coloring with Copic Markers (I have more of those, now, too, thanks to Saturday's shopping spree). It's alot easier, and alot less expensive, with regular markers, though!

The strips on the background were done using the Polished Rainbow technique from the April 2007 issue of the newsletter, and I did a little Rainbow Strip Flip Technique on the pieces (from the June 2005 issue of the newsletter). The spaceship is popped up, and the robot is popped higher than that -- it is very dimensional in person. It's a tiny bit glittery, too -- I added accents with a gelly glitter pen -- but they didn't up with the picture.

One last thing. The original sketch is in a different orientation. This is how I see it:

And this is how it was originally planned:

One of these days I will do them as they are intended...Check out Mary Jo Price William's site for the other players -- she updates it all week.

TSSC 20: Faux Handmade Paper

I feel so guilty! I haven't participated in a Technostamper Sketch Challenge for a few weeks and I feel like I have been letting my friend Mary Jo Price-Williams down. Now this one is late! Oh well, we all do our best, right?

I love this sketch. Very easy! It also showcases the Faux Handmade Paper background off really well, too. The Faux Handmade paper technique can be found in the newest edition of the Technique Junkie Newsletter.

All stamps used for this card are from Stampin' Up!. The medallion is from the True Friend set, and the words are from my cut-up Happiness background. If you need more info on how and why I cut up the background, and what I mounted it on, click HERE.

For information & to see this week's sketch, check out Mary Jo's BLOG.

TSSC - A bit late!

Usually I post my TSSC entry on Mondays, with everyone else -- and even though this card was done, I just had to set it on the back burner so that I could finish a few other things. This is one of those weeks I call my "creative weeks" -- a full out blitz and attack on my stamps and supplies to cook up new techniques and try techniques submitted by other people. I try not to get distracted by my computer on these weeks so that I can just pop out stuff!!!

I thought I better get this on here today, before the week slides away from me, though. I am eating my lunch (worried now, because I have over 400 emails waiting for me to look at -- how does it get so high in 24 hours?) so I thought I would post this.

I did not do the traditional rectangle from the original sketch, found on Mary Jo Price-Williams Technostamper Blog. I changed it a bit, using the diamond-shaped giraffe from Wood-'n-Paper Ink as the focal point (thanks, Dee!). The background on the chocolate paper is from Stampendous, and the circle words and background is from The Angel Company.

The giraffe was colored with Gamsol Pearls (June 2006 Newsletter). Now, I need to go get inky, so if you will excuse me....

TSSC16: Times two...

Today I made two cards for the Technostamper Sketch Challenge. Both cards are very simple. This is a great layout for quick and easy cards!

The first card, on the right, uses Stampin' Up!'s Priceless set, plus the designer paper from the hostess pack in the catalog (which, of course, I have had for almost 6 months and have not used until today!). Monochromatic cards are always in vogue, right?

The second card, on the left, uses Studio G stamps (the $1.00 ones in Michael's clearance bins!). The bottom of this card uses the Glittery Cuttlebug Technique -- directions for that technique are HERE. I am still not sold on the color combo I used -- but I am sharing it anyway!

The original sketch is below. Check out Mary Jo Price-William's blog to see the cards from all the players this week, and to find out how to play along, too!

TSSC#15 Waxy Cuttlebug

Today's Technostamper Sketch Challenge Sketch (TSSC 15) was wonderfully easy! I had so many ideas for this one and only a sliver of time to work with, so this was the one I did.

The main panel is colored with markers and glitter glue. The background uses the Waxy Cuttlebug technique from the current issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter (April 2008). I changed the sketch up a bit by using flowers across the card instead of paper or ribbons.

The original sketch can be found on Mary Jo Price Williams' blog. Why don't you play along, too?

TSSC 14 - Dry Embossed Wash

My entry for the Technostamper Sketch Challenge uses the Dry Embossed Wash Technique from the December 2007 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. I loved the birds on this folder and thought that the bird from Stampin' Up!'s Always stamp set would be perfect with it. I am pleased with the card! The word Celebrate is from a great Impression Obsession set I have that has tons of words on it.

I wonder if I can ever make a TSSC without flipping it? I flipped the original sketch again this week. You see, I wanted to use a new Cuttlebug embossing folder with a bird on it, and the only way I could do it and have it look right was to turn the sketch.

This is the original sketch. Am I close enough?

TSSC13: For my Love

I am on vacation this week and don't anticipate having internet access, so I am hoping that Blogger posts this on Monday as it is supposed to. Hope you are having a great week!

I know Mary Jo Price-Williams is going to pick on me for the card I made for her sketch challenge. This card uses no techniques (gasp). NONE {I feel faint}. ZERO [I can't breathe!]. Yes, Mary Jo, every now and then I make a card without one.

The Technostamper Sketch Challenge this week was very easy -- I hope you enjoy my version. The original sketch is below. I know it looks a little Valentine-ish - but I am leaving this card on DH's pillow this week, so I thought the colors and style was appropriate. Oh -- aren't those little heart brads just darling? I found them in my stash -- in the perfect color, no less -- what a great find!

Stamps by Stampendous.

...and don't worry, next week's card for the sketch will have a technique on it!