Embossing and flourishes

I have really been enjoying a set of stamps called the Bonjour stamp set from Cavallini. There is a nice selection and they look gorgeous and old worldly. And you know how much I love flourishes so I added them on the corners. Voilà - card done!

Charms are oh so charming, aren't they?

I love a three dimensional card ... I often add pop dots or layers. Lately, I have been taken by charms like this one. Sometimes I punch out a frame for it and attach it to the inside of the card and then stamp a sentiment on the front below, and other times, it's on the front of the card. How do you use three dimensional items on your cards?

Flocking ...

I know, what does that mean, right?! Well, I am looking forward to trying it out on cards ... it is almost like a crushed velvet embossing process. Here's what one of my favourite websites says (that's where I got this picture from):

Use pigment ink to stamp your image. Powder your wet stamped image with sticky powder and heat until shiny. Do not overheat! Spoon flocking over your warm sticky design and press down with fingers before you pour off extra flocking. Heat again to harden off the powder.

Can't wait for my package of sticky stuff and flocking powder to arrive! Here are the powders I ordered:

Have any of you tried this technique? Any tips?

Beads galore!

I have always loved using beads on cards ... they are great for embellishments even though they are so tiny you need tweezers to dip them in glue. But I am loving these alphabet beads I bought. They make fabulous baby cards!

How to make a quick card - my favourite GO TO designs

Ok, so as you can see from the last time I posted, I have not been posting regularly. Life simply got away from me and I haven't had a chance to write. I have made cards for friends and family as needed as per usual. But when I'm running around and need a quick card, here is one of my go to designs.

One simply layout - I'm all about ribbons as a backdrop whether it is a wide, transparent ribbon or a thin cute ribbon with some design to it. Then I add some sort of 3D object, whether it's a paint chip that I've stamped on (those are simply fabulous and the Ralph Lauren metallics don't have any printing on the coloured side so they're ready to go!) or a piece of vellum. Throw some stickles on as needed, or a pearl/bead element and you're done! Fast, quick, and easy! Give it a try!

What are some of your simple quick card ideas?

Inspiration

So when I am in a funk and can't decide on what to create next, I often check out websites for ideas. Some of my favourites are along the side (some fabulously creative spirits there!) and I also love to look at Impress Rubber Stamps. They have an ideas page with all kinds of great ideas. The thing I love best about them is that they keep their designs simple but GORGEOUS! One of their creations is here for you to view but please take a moment to check them out. Where do you go for inspiration?

Misting with markers

So I was looking on splitcoaststampers under their techniques and found this misting method with water based markers that makes the stamping look so cool. So I tried it out with some smelly markers and a sprayer and like the watercolour look I got. Try it out for yourselves and let me know how you like it!!

Blog candy I found!

If you are interested in getting some blog candy, then here are a few places to go:
The Crafting Pad and this one Bootiful Stampz .... if you'd like a glittering chandelier, try Talk of the Town ...
What fun!

Acetate and Stazon - a great combination!

This is super easy and looks so good - not something I could properly capture on film. You take acetate and stamp with permanent ink - like Stazon - and then layer paper on front and inside (covering the adhesive). Presto and you're done! I added stickles to the acetate images on the ornament images. When you do the layering of the cardstock, you have to do it on the back as well to cover the adhesive. It takes some time and lots of cutting but it's worth it. Give it a try! You can buy acetate from any office supply store. The Stazon ink is necessary otherwise the ink will just slide off. I didn't experiment with embossing the ink but I've heard it has been done. Anyone have any experience with that?

My First Colour Inspiration Challenge

Ok, so I am finally taking part in a challenge from Kristina Werner's fantabulous blog. I hemmed and hawed and tried several before settling on this card. I used a white textured card with white ribbon, a red designer paper, a cream coloured crinkly oval and then a silver Eiffel tower. I added in the Merci beaucoup mon ami with Distress Ink.