Cathy's Corner

Favorite Patterned Paper

2012-02-09T11:06:00.000-06:00

I love patterned paper and my craft room is probably about ready to explode from all the paper I've collected (and hoarded) the last several years. I'm actually doing a lot better about using my paper now, but when two recent challenges told me to pick my favorite, I was a bit stumped. I'm not sure I can really choose just one, but I love Graphic 45 papers and my favorite line of theirs is Once Upon a Springtime. So that's the paper I chose to make this card.

Stamps are from Fiskars.
I'm entering this card into two challenges:
GC135 Gingersnap Creations: Favorite Designer Paper
Lily Pad Cards: Simon Says Stamp presents a Patterned Paper Challenge

Altered Pages My Pick Monday-Amazing Race

2012-02-06T11:34:00.000-06:00

Using AP1603 Scrabble Tiles and various other Altered Pages collage sheets I made this Gothic Arch for a swap. I spelled out the word "race" using the scrabble tiles. I also used stamps, glaze and lace on this piece.

GC133 Use a Set of Stamps

2012-01-29T16:59:00.000-06:00

This is the birthday card I made for my daughter's 13th birthday. I used an unusual card fold from Technique Junkies and paper and stamps from Graphic 45. I'm entering it in the Gingersnap Creations Challenge to use a set of stamps.
This is how the card looks closed.

And this is how it looks open. This is where I used the Graphic 45 stamps. I also used a birthday sentiment from Hero Arts and some Thickers for the #13.

GC132 Yellow and White

2012-01-22T22:04:00.000-06:00

The color challenge over at Gingersnap Creations this month is to use soft yellow and white. This is not a color combination I would usually attempt. But here's the result.

Stamps are Technique Tuesday, Stamping Scrapping and Pink by Design.

It's not "meese"

2012-01-20T10:47:00.000-06:00

About a month ago I participated in a Canada swap. I made a card using a moose and well, so did my partner. Around the same time, my son asked me what the plural of "moose" was. I'm afraid I had to admit to him that I wasn't sure. I thought it was "moose", singular and plural, but it might have been "mooses". The only thing I knew for sure, was that it wasn't "meese".
We came home and looked it up in the dictionary. My first hunch was correct. It is moose.
I thought this was all somewhat of a coincidence, but here are the cards.
My card.

Card from Judy.

Dragonfly ATC

2012-01-10T16:51:00.000-06:00

Here's a dragonfly ATC I made for a swap. I used peel off stickers and an alcohol ink background.

Other Angel Tags

2011-12-17T15:26:00.000-06:00

These are the other two tags I made for the Angel swap at Altered Pages.

The background stamps used on these are Flourishes and Cornish Heritage Farms.

GC129 Starry Night

2011-12-17T15:22:00.000-06:00

I made this tag for a swap, but am also entering it into the Gingersnap Creations Starry Night Challenge Collage sheet is from Altered Pages and the background stamp is About Art Accents.

GC127 Livestock

2011-12-12T16:39:00.000-06:00

I was going to make this card for the Farm Fresh challenge at Gingersnap Creations, but didn't get it finished in time. So, here it is for the Livestock Challenge

All stamps are I Brake for Stamps.

Ten Two Studios 6th Annual Holiday Countdown

2011-11-27T21:23:00.000-06:00

Lisa Vollrath at Ten Two Studios is doing another Holiday Countdown. Post the info on your blog or other site and download free images. Enjoy!

Lily Pad Card Texture Challenge

2011-11-17T15:56:00.000-06:00

Simon says Stamp's challenge this month on the Lily Pad card blog

is to use texture. My birthday card has texture with dry embossing and the ribbon. I think this puppy stamp is so cute!

TSC24 Ribbons and Lace

2011-11-16T22:18:00.000-06:00

Here's my entry for the latest Stampsmith challenge. Ribbons and Lace

--right up my alley.

GC123 Ravens

2011-11-09T11:38:00.000-06:00

I made this ATC for the Raven Challenge over at Gingersnap Creations. It uses an image from Altered Pages and some stamps from Red Lead

GC122 Alcohol Inks

2011-11-06T10:25:00.000-06:00

The challenge over at Gingersnap Creations is to use alcohol inks. I made this cute giraffe card with an animal print background made with alcohol inks. I learned this technique recently in a class I'm taking over at My Creative Classroom. The giraffe stamp, which I love, is by Rubber Cottage (I think). The sentiment stamp is Pink by Design.

Sketch challenge on Lily Pad Card blog

2011-11-03T13:52:00.000-05:00

I made this birthday card using the sketch provided over at Lily Pad Cards The stamps are Gina K.

Week #84 Pumpkin Garden

2011-10-23T15:18:00.000-05:00

I'm back with another Halloween card, this time for a challenge at the Shabby Tea room

. This is my first time participating in one of their challenges. Stamps are from Mark's Finest Papers and Third Coast.

GC120 Turquoise, Blue and Purple

2011-10-21T15:06:00.002-05:00

These are all colors I like, but not what I would normally think of for a Halloween card. However, that's what I made and I have to say, "I love it!" Of course that might be because I used one of my favorite techniques--the glitter lace technique. Stamps are Mrs. O'Leary and Mark's Finest Papers.

Gingersnap Creations Color Challenge

Kathy's Lily Pad Pallette Challenge

2011-10-19T06:29:00.000-05:00

I made this card for a good friend of mine whose first grandson was recently born. I used the colors of the Lily Pad challenge

Happy Halloween

2011-10-05T14:04:00.000-05:00

I made this card for both The Stampsmith's Challenge Blog (TSC23) and Ellen Hutson's World Card Making Challenge (EHWCMD4). The main image stamp is from The Stampsmith and the background stamp is from DRS.

Bling Challenge over at Lily Pad Cards

2011-10-04T14:45:00.000-05:00

Here's a card that I made for a swap and for the Bling Challenge over at Lily Pad Cards. The stamps are from Rubber Stamp Avenue and the bit of bling I bought at Hobby Lobby.

EHWCMD1-Color Challenge

2011-10-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

For World Card Making Day I am participating in Ellen Hutson's color challenge. We were to use red, yellow, light blue and dark gray. I made this card using the letter press technique with a Sizzix embossing folder.

Another Birthday Card

2011-09-27T11:08:00.000-05:00

This was the birthday card I made for my husband. Masculine cards are always hard for me and while this isn't exactly masculine, it's not feminine either.

GC116 Primary Colors

2011-09-25T17:19:00.003-05:00

I was in the mood to use my Graphic 45 paper and stamps when I tackled this challenge, so here is the result.

Birthday Card

2011-09-12T13:38:00.000-05:00

We have a lot of birthdays in my family in August. This is the card I made for my brother. He loves animals, so I thought he would enjoy this cute dog from Stampland.

GC114 Baby Wipes and TSC21 Fabulous Faux

2011-09-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

I'm here with another ATC that I'm entering in two challenges. The background is the faux fabric technique. It's made by taking baby wipes and spraying them with an assortment of sprays. Once they're dry, attach them to the ATC (or card) base. I then used Halloween stamps from the Stampsmith to create this fun ATC.

GC113 Babes and Tots

2011-08-26T14:34:00.000-05:00

Wow, two posts in one day. I'm on a roll! This ATC was made for a swap and I'm also entering it into Gingersnap Creations Babes and tots challenge.
I used stamps from Rogue Redhead and Tim Holtz. I also used the Tim Holtz technique of dabber resist.

TSC20 Sketchy

2011-08-26T12:16:00.000-05:00

For this Stampsmith Challenge you had to use a Stampsmith stamp and follow their sketch. I made this Get Well card using a flower from the flower plate. This is one of my favorite plates. I also used a Cheery Lynn doily die and words from Impression Obsession.

TSC19 Teal and Yellow

2011-08-10T10:41:00.000-05:00

My poor blog has been a bit neglected here lately, but hopefully with the kids back to school I will be able to post more often. I did find the time to make a Teal and Yellow card for the Stampsmith Challenge.

The stamp is from The Stampsmith. I paper pieced her dress and colored the rest of the image with Copic markers and chalks.

Summer Camp Week Four

2011-07-20T09:07:00.001-05:00

For the last week of summer camp an array of blues and greens were chosen as the colors. I made a card for a very good friend who loves to read as much as I do.

I used a technique on the background of this card that Gina K demonstrated on Stamp TV. Basically, you cover the card stock with versamark and emboss with embossing powder. Then, run the heat embossed piece through an embossing machine with an embossing folder. This gives you a piece that's both heat and dry embossed. I wasn't going for a distressed look, but I sanded the piece lightly to bring out the swirls.
The main image is a Stampland stamp. I also bought the template for this stamp making it easy to color. Sentiment is from Papertrey Ink. Flowers are Prima.

Chicken Card

2011-07-14T08:39:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's already week three of Summer Camp Cardmaking Class. The colors this week were much more muted than the bright colors from weeks one and two. I made this chicken card using stamps from Tweety Jill and Invoke Arts.

In the Mail Card

2011-07-07T10:48:00.001-05:00

This is the card that I made for the second week of the card making class I'm taking. We had a different color palette to work with this week--lots of bright summer colors. I used card stock, ribbon, stamps and the postage die from Papertrey Ink. I also used stamps from Rubbernecker, Fancy Pants and About Art Accents.

Vintage Gentlemen

2011-07-05T10:07:00.001-05:00

I made these ATCs with images from Altered Pages. They are for a swap in the Altered Pages Yahoo group.

Lily Pad Card Contest

2011-06-30T09:17:00.000-05:00

I became a Member of Lily Pad Cards today! Go become a member for a chance to win a collection of Hero Arts stamps.

Bee Card

2011-06-29T08:39:00.000-05:00

I'm taking an on-line card class with Jennifer McGuire and Kristina Werner. For the first week our challenge was to use a color combo of pinkish/purple, red, sky blue, orange and white. Here's my entry. I used stamps from Blockheads (the bees and flower medallion), an impression plate from Papertrey Ink and a small butterfly punch from Martha Stewart. For my background I stamped the bees with orange pigment ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. I then sponged blue pigment ink over that. I find I don't use pigment ink that often, so this was a nice change. The other inks are Memento dye inks.

This is a great class and I highly recommend it.

GC108 The Color of Money and Altered Pages

2011-06-24T07:59:00.000-05:00

This week the challenge at Gingersnap Creations is to use the color of money for your country. Well, since I'm in the US, that means green. I used Altered Pages collage sheet AP-1855 Beauty in Green for my focal image. For the outer and inner sentiment, I used a stamp I've had for a long time, but have never found the right place for it. I thought it fit perfectly with the shopping/money theme.

GC107 Bags and Tags And Altered Pages

2011-06-22T09:45:00.001-05:00

This week the challenge at Gingersnap Creations is bags and tags. I chose to make a bag out of K and Co patterned paper and to decorate it with an image from Altered Pages. The image I chose is from AP-1714 Green Collage.

GC106 Packing Materials and Altered Pages

2011-06-10T11:16:00.000-05:00

Gingersnap Creations continues their month of shopping and Altered Pages is the sponsor for this challenge, which is to use packaging materials in your artwork. I used Altered Pages collage sheet #AP-1261, The Height of Fashion and did a packing tape transfer. This is a very easy type of image transfer, but I had forgotten that it won't work on ink jet prints, only laser copies. So I had to dig out one of my older Altered Pages sheets since I now order mostly digital images. So after a few failed attempts with ink jet copies, my laser image transferred beautifully. To make a packing tape transfer, simply place packing tape over your image and soak it in a bowl of water. After a few minutes, gently remove the paper from the back by rubbing it with your finger. Keep adding water as necessary. Don't rub too hard or you can damage the image.

My card also uses a polished stone background and stamps from Tim Holtz and Blockheads.

GC105 At the Mall and Altered Pages

2011-06-03T10:38:00.000-05:00

Altered Pages is sponsoring the Gingersnap Creations challenges this month. This challenge theme is At the Mall. Play along for a chance to win a prize from Altered Pages. My card uses stamps from I brake for Stamps and Stubby Stampers along with AP collage sheet #477, Ladies Who Lunch. It's a matchbook style card. I love how it turned out, but must admit I'm not really a shoe person. I live in my walking/athletic shoes and would never put on a dress shoe if I didn't have to now and then .

Asian ATCs

2011-05-28T15:31:00.000-05:00

I made these Asian ATCs for a swap. Some of the items I used I won from Trisha when she offered them up as blog candy on her blog. The newspaper, red paper and little red flowers were in the goody bag. It's fun to win so I'll have to offer up some candy myself soon. The swap is a card swap where we had to use the Queen of Clubs.

GC100 Red and Gold

2011-05-11T13:53:00.000-05:00

I made this ATC for a swap, but it also fits the color challenge over at Gingersnap Creations. I stamped the flower on acetate, filled it in with glue and sprinkled the red and gold glitters on it. The edge of the ATC is outlined with gold stickles.

Altered Pages is getting a new website

2011-05-05T14:53:00.000-05:00

Altered Pages new website should preview sometime this week. All of us on the design team are very excited about this and all the new products that will be available once the new site goes live. Until then, Altered Pages is offering the following sale:

Place a postal order before the old website closes and open the new one opens (same name - improved service),
Receive a FREE magnetic frame kit including all materials and instructions. The Kit makes two frames. One per customer please. (colors will vary)
See them on the homepage, www.alteredpages.com.
Enjoy!

TSC 12 Spring

2011-04-29T20:47:00.000-05:00

Time for another Stampsmith Challenge. Since it's the second half of the month, you must use at least one Stampsmith stamp, but this challenge was easy since I have the beautiful Botanica sheet from the Stampsmith. The flowers were stamped on glossy paper with Rocket Red Brilliance ink. Paper and ribbon are from Papertrey ink and the dies are Spellbinders.

Trio of Tags

2011-04-26T08:01:00.000-05:00

I made these tags for a swap with Red Lead. I like how cheerful and spring-like they turned out. It does nothing except rain here lately.

GC95 Typewriters

2011-04-17T22:01:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I've had time to play along with a Gingersnap Creations challenge. This one is to use typewriters. I have this great typewriter stamp by Cherry Pie Art Stamps and decided to use it for the challenge. The background stamp is Posh and the sentiment Papertrey Ink.

Blog Candy from Crafter's Companion

2011-04-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Crafter's Companion is offering blog candy on their designers' blogs. This is Holley's candy. Check out her blog to learn how to enter.

Blog Candy up for Grabs

2011-03-08T07:27:00.000-06:00

To celebrate the launch of an E book that she contributed to, Irene Tan is offering blog candy on her blog Scrapperlicious. And check out the E book. I bought one and it has some really great stuff.

TSC8 Travel

2011-02-27T15:43:00.000-06:00

The challenge the second half of February over at the Stampsmith Challenge Blog, is travel. At least one Stampsmith stamp must be used. I used the image of the cyclist. I stamped him on acetate and layered over a base made with glimmer mists sprayed over a stencil. I think the stencil is really supposed to be a gear, but it looked like a sun to me and then the idea for this card just fell together. I attached the acetate to the card with photo corners punched out of the same background.

GC 89 and TSC7

2011-02-13T10:23:00.000-06:00

Some people are really skilled at making their creations fit multiple challenges, but this is somewhat unusual for me. But both Gingersnap Creations and The Stampsmith Challenge have challenges running to make something royal or with kings and queens. My card uses a stamp from The Stampsmith and some fabulous paper from Graphic 45. The inverted circle die cut is a Spellbinder's Nestability. I'm feeling a bit like a queen myself. My husband gave me the night off last night and took the kids away for a little camp out (indoors). Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have been able to get this done. I've been busy helping the kids make their valentine cards for school.

GC86 Coffee Filters

2011-02-04T14:44:00.001-06:00

I've been wanting to make some coffee filter flowers like I've seen elsewhere on the net and this challenge from Gingersnap Creations was the perfect incentive. For my first attempt, I kept things quite simple. I sprayed a bunch of coffee filters with a variety of inks and then cut them out using various dies. For this card, I layered up my green flowers, cut with a Spellbinder's die, and held them together with a brad in the center. Then I used the flower as the focal point of my card. I made a couple more of this same layout that I plan to share on Stamper's Quest.

Supplies: card stock (Papertrey Ink), sentiment (See-Dees), patterned paper (Memory Box), lace trim (Prima), Color Wash Sprays (Stamp Zia)

GC84: Color Challenge - Snow, Pine & Mahogany

2011-01-18T16:15:00.000-06:00

Snow, pine and mahogany are three lovely colors that go well together, so I couldn't resist making a card for this challenge at Gingersnap Creations. I made the background by spraying forest color wash onto watercolor paper and then giving it a tint of gold sparkle with glimmer mist. The pear stamp (Qwik Art) was then stamped with embossing ink and embossed with white powder. I then cut out the shape with a nestability dye. The card base is Papertrey Ink's Scarlet Jewel cardstock and the ribbon is their matching ribbon. I matted a piece of Prima designer paper onto that, and then attached my focal piece.

Stamp TV STVSKSP7 challenge

2011-01-07T13:24:00.000-06:00

This is my first time playing along with a Stamp TV challenge. This is a sketch challenge that can be seen here. I used the Gina K set Elegant Flowers and Cosmo Cricket designer paper. The flowers are colored with Copic markers. This will be my sister-in-law's birthday card.

Stamp Substitution-The CASE of the Gina K card

2011-01-06T14:34:00.000-06:00

Usually when I use a card for inspiration, I don't copy it entirely, but sometimes that's exactly what I do. I liked this card, made by Gina K for stamp TV, but didn't own this particular stamp set. I have several Gina K stamps, but not this one. However, I do own a similar stamp from Sparkle N Sprinkle. So, I made nearly an exact copy of this card, but for a few changes. I also had to find a birthday sentiment that would fit inside my frame. Fortunately, one of my favorite birthday stamps, from Hero Arts, worked perfectly. My version will be my mom's birthday card this year.

Marie Antoinette

2011-01-05T20:17:00.000-06:00

I made this ATC for a swap with a Marie Antoinette theme. Stamps are from Oxford Impressions. I made the background by spraying glimmer mist through a mask. Marie is colored with Copic markers and accented with stickles glitter glue.

GC82 White Glitter

2011-01-04T11:23:00.000-06:00

I love glitter so I knew I wanted to play in Gingersnap Creations white glitter challenge. I used a new stamp from Sweet Pea stamps. The snowflakes in the background are glittered and I also used a glitter pen on the fairy's wings.

RSC December 2010 sketch challenge

2010-12-22T16:59:00.000-06:00

Beeswax is hosting the monthly sketch challenge over at Rubberstampchat this month. This is my entry, using all Beeswax stamps.

Check out the blog candy.

2010-12-17T07:29:00.000-06:00

Erika, over at Taylored Concepts has a really large prize up for grabs. And I do mean large. You really got to see this one.

GC83 Polar Animals

2010-12-16T11:35:00.000-06:00

I'm on a roll here. This is another of the Christmas cards I did this year. Image is also from Sparkle N Sprinkle. Sentiment is from Impression Obsession. I stamped directly on the ribbon and it worked really well. My second submission in one day for Gingersnap Creations.

GC81 Snow People

2010-12-16T11:31:00.000-06:00

This is one of the Christmas cards I made this year and I knew it would be perfect for the theme of Snow People at Gingersnap Creations. This little guy, from Sparkle N Sprinkle, appears to be having a good time stringing up his Christmas lights.

Stampsmith Challenge #4

2010-11-29T15:20:00.000-06:00

The challenge for the second half of Nov is to make a gratitude card using at least one Stampsmith image. I used this sweet image of the girls along with a glitter lace background (one of my favorite background techniques) and a thank you sentiment from Papertrey Ink. You can see the details for the challenge here.

GC77 Haute Couture

2010-11-28T17:39:00.000-06:00

I haven't had time to participate in any Gingersnap creations challenges lately, so I was glad to make this card for Haute Couture. The woman stamp is from Rubbernecker and the sentiment is an old See-Dees stamp.

Lisa Vollrath at Ten Two Studios is having a Christmas countdown

2010-11-26T20:48:00.000-06:00

For a daily dose of free printable images, visit the Ten Two Studio's Christmas countdown here starting on Dec 1st.

Shades of Red

2010-11-11T15:14:00.000-06:00

I made this same card for Stamper's Quest, but in shades of blue. It can be seen here. I thought it was such a lovely sketch that I made it in a couple different colors. This card has just been mailed off to one of my swapping buddies at Inky fun Stampers. Stamps are by About Art Accents.

For the Birds

2010-11-09T07:49:00.000-06:00

I made this ATC for a swap titled For the Birds. I love bird stamps and have quite a collection. The bird stamp is from Inkadinkado and I've embossed it with PK Glitz embossing powder and colored with a glaze pen. Flowers are Prima, I used a rub on for the sun and I've used flocking powder to simulate grass in the lower left hand corner.

GC71 Inchies and Holiday Blizzard

2010-10-16T22:44:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been over a month since I posted here. Sorry about the long absence. I've been busy with projects for Stamper's Quest. The holiday blizzard posts have begun, so please check them out here. I also had the kids home for fall cycle break.

But I had time to create today and I made a birthday Inchie card. The technique I used is from the Technique Junkies Oct newsletter. I'm entering it in the Gingersnap Creations inchie challenge. Stamps are from Rubbernecker and Inkadinkado. The sentiment is Papertrey Ink.

Autumn Leaves

2010-09-13T12:19:00.000-05:00

It was miserably hot here in St. Louis all summer--and in many places throughout the country I know. I'm so glad that September ushered in some delightful fall temperatures. I made this ATC for a swap and although the leaves aren't turning here yet, they will be soon.

GC66 Spicy Supply-Paint

2010-09-03T17:57:00.000-05:00

Gingersnap Creations challenge ending this Sunday was to use paint. This card, which is a belated birthday card for my aunt, uses a TJ tech called Acrylic Emboss. Basically, you spread 2-3 colors of acrylic paint on your cardstock. Once this dries, emboss the piece with a Cuttlebug folder. Then highlight the raised areas with permanent ink. All stamps are Firecracker Designs by Pamela.

GC65 Famous Paintings or Painters

2010-08-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

I made this ATC for the Gingersnap Creations famous painters challenge. The stamp is from Cherry Pie Art stamps and I did the ATC up in a Warhol type style. The famous painter is, of course, Leonardo da Vinci.

Games People Play

2010-08-24T13:31:00.000-05:00

I made a set of these ATC's for a swap over at Collage Stuff. The theme was Games People Play. Well, I used to enjoy playing Mille Bournes as a kid, so when I saw this collage sheet over at Altered Pages, I couldn't resist it. Using some background images from the Mille Bournes sheet along with the cute little girl from a Collage Stuff sheet, I collaged these ATC's on the face of a real playing card. I even used a bingo chip, so I think I have the game theme covered.

GC64 Color Challenge-Yellow, Orange and Red

2010-08-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

Whew. Just made it for this one. The color combo is so pretty, I really didn't want to miss this challenge at Gingersnap Creations. The background is distressed ink applied direct to paper, the lady stamp is from Rubbernecker and the sentiment is a Wendy Vecchi stamp. I colored the image with Copic markers.

Something Vintage

2010-08-13T11:22:00.000-05:00

I made this ATC for a swap. I really like how it turned out, but with a them like vintage, it's hard to go wrong. Background stamp is from Onyx Xpressions and image is from Altered Pages.

GC63 Sunshine

2010-07-28T15:08:00.000-05:00

I just recently received this scenic card back from RSM. I submitted it for their Down the Rabbit Hole challenge. Well, it didn't make the cut there, but I thought it was also appropriate for the Gingersnap Creations Sunshine challenge. I still have to say that there is something about this rabbit stamp that I just love.

GC60 Shades of Blue and Free as a Bird

2010-07-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

I'm entering this card into two challenges. Gingersnap Creations shades of blue and Gauche Alchemy's Free as a Bird. The background is a TJ technique, Glitter Marbling. I then stamped that with a background stamp from CHF. The main image panel uses three stamps from Tim Holtz. I added some yarn to the edge for interest.

GC59 Fairies

2010-07-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

Now I love fairies so I couldn't resist playing in this challenge at Gingersnap Creations. We're just back from vacation. We went to the east coast-Washington DC, Delaware and Williamsburg. That's why I've been quiet. Well, actually I'm always quiet...but I try to post at least once a week.

GC57 Chestnut Theme-Wings

2010-06-21T16:22:00.000-05:00

I made these 4 by 4 fat book pages for a swap over at Collage Stuff. I haven't done many 4 by 4 swaps, but did one a few months ago over at Artchix Studio. The theme for the swap was birds and this also fits the Gingersnap Creations "Wings" challenge. I made the background by covering watercolor paper with old book pages, then applying a light layer of gesso and finally spraying dye ink sprays over masks. I'm really happy with how they turned out. I used German scrap birds and perched them on a swirly die cut. The little bird embellishment is made by layering a bird brad over a paper flower and German scrap stars. The bottom border is ribbon tape.

GC56 Burgundy, Ivory and Black

2010-06-09T19:33:00.000-05:00

I made this card for my sister in law's birthday and the color challenge on Gingersnap Creations. I think this color combo is very elegant. The background is polished stone, one of my favorite techniques, the flower stamp is from Flourishes, the sentiment is from Papertrey Ink and I'm not sure about the swirl.

GC54 Spicy Supply Challenge-Pencils

2010-06-04T14:41:00.000-05:00

I made this ATC for a swap and also the Gingersnaps Creations challenge. I don't use my pencils as much as I do my markers or H2Os. But I like how they worked on this horse ATC. Stamps are Firecracker Designs by Pamela, (horse and saying) and Impression Obsession (trees). I used a little flowersoft in the corner to mimic grass.

GC55 Quotes

2010-05-26T20:38:00.000-05:00

I made this ATC for a technique swap where I had to use vellum, but it also fits perfectly for the Gingersnap Creations Challenge which is quotes. My husband is a big fan of Albert Einstein and I like this quote as well.

Cool Color Collage

2010-05-23T13:59:00.000-05:00

This week Helga's blog challenge was to use warm or cool colors to make a collage. I chose blue and purple, two cool colors, to make mine. The background is ink pads applied direct to paper and the images and German scrap are from Artchix Studios.

Analogous Colors

2010-05-17T10:55:00.000-05:00

This week Helga, from Artchix Studios, chose Analogous colors for the challenge on her blog. These are three colors next to each other on the color wheel. I chose red, violet and red violet for mine. Although I love these colors, this challenge proved a little more difficult for me than monochromatic or complimentary. But this is what I came up with--the background is sponged distress inks and the images and German Scrap are from Artchix Studios. Last week I was the randomly drawn winner, so I won a gift certificate which I quickly spent on new goodies.

GC53 Chestnut Theme: Read

2010-05-11T16:11:00.000-05:00

Reading is one of my favorite things to do (besides stamping of course). So I couldn't resist this stamp from Stubby Stampers. I made this ATC for the Gingersnap Creations challenge and a swap. I can't hardly believe it, but I think this is my first attempt at paper piecing. I think it turned out quite well, but perhaps I shouldn't have picked a stamp with such small areas for my first try. Hope you like the card and don't forget to enjoy a good book.

Complementary Color Twinchie

2010-05-10T18:18:00.000-05:00

This week, the challenge on Helga's blog was to make a complementary color twinchie. These are colors opposite one another on the color wheel. I chose to do blue and orange. I made my background with watercolor crayons, softened with water and used artchix collage images, German scrap and some little punchies to make my twinchie. I'm enjoying these color themed challenges.

Monochromatic Twinchie-Helga's Blog Challenge

2010-05-02T12:28:00.000-05:00

This week Helga (of Artchix Studios) challenged us to make a monochromatic twinchie. At least one Artchix product had to be used. I used 3 Artchix collage sheet images and a background stamp from Hearts in Touch and some embellishments from their April Bellie pack. I chose to do green, just as Helga, did, though when I started out I was going to do pink...go figure.

GC52 Kraft

2010-04-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

This is my last card as a guest artist on the Gingersnap Creations blog. The challenge was to use kraft cardstock so I made this nature themed card. The mushroom stamp is by Onyx Xpressions and the word "nature" is part of a large scrapbooking stamp about the great outdoors. The dot background is a Papertrey Ink stamp.

GC51 Random Redhead Challenge-Botanical

2010-04-22T15:21:00.000-05:00

This is the card I made as guest designer for the Gingersnap Creations Botanical challenge. The stamp is from Magenta and I colored it with copics. The background is direct to paper with pigment ink pads.

GC48 Random Redhead Challenge-Growth

2010-04-22T15:17:00.000-05:00

This is my card for Gingersnap Creations growth challenge. The stamp of the girl planting flowers is Beeswax, colored with copics. All other stamps are Posh Impressions. The background is a TJ technique called Glimmer Mist Watercolors.

GC50 Found Objects

2010-04-18T08:44:00.000-05:00

Here is the card I created for Gingersnap Creations Found Objects challenge. I found these bottle caps while walking my dog in the park. First I flattened the bottle caps in my wizard. Then I punched out Altered Pages images, placed them in the flattened bottlecaps and then filled them with Glossy Accents.

Exciting news-GC guest artist for April

2010-04-08T15:00:00.000-05:00

Gingersnap Creations invited me to be a guest designer for the month of April. This means I will be playing along with their four monthly challenges. The first has been posted and the theme is The Good Earth. I have to admit I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do with this theme, but decided to make a scenic card. The stamp with the deer and animals is a favorite stamp of mine and I added other images to create the scene.

GC 46 Spicy Supply-Frosting

2010-04-05T10:03:00.000-05:00

As soon as I saw this challenge at Gingersnap Creations, I knew exactly what I wanted to use--my embossing icing from The Stencil Collection. I like to collect stencils as well as stamps and this heron stencil makes a very pretty Asian themed card. I used the TJ technique, Faux Velvet on the background.

Artistic Outpost Celebration and GC 45

2010-03-30T16:21:00.000-05:00

With spring break my blog has gotten rather neglected, but I wanted to make sure to post this card for the March Artistic Outpost contest and Gingersnap Creations celebration challenge. With the winter we've had this year, I certainly think it's time to celebrate spring. I used stamps from Artistic Outpost's Serenity collection. It is nearly 70 degrees here today and tomorrow it's supposed to be 80. Hooray spring!

GC43 Three Colors You Love

2010-03-08T16:55:00.000-06:00

The color challenge this month at Gingersnap Creations is to use any three colors you love. I chose purple, pink and black. I also used white as a neutral.
We've had three lovely days of spring weather here in St. Louis. Loving it!

Gingersnap Creations in 1 year old

2010-03-02T16:04:00.000-06:00

Gingersnap Creations blog is a year old. To celebrate their birthday, they are giving away a great prize package. See it here.

Prima has a secret--and some wonderful blog candy

2010-02-28T09:22:00.000-06:00

Prima is about to unveil a secret. While we wait, they are offering a fantastic prize package to a lucky winner. Check it out.

GC44 Birthday Greetings

2010-02-25T14:18:00.000-06:00

Gingersnap Creations is celebrating their 1st birthday by hosting a birthday card challenge. I had to make a card for my son's birthday anyway. Actually, I'm late, but since their dad is out of town (again!), we are celebrating the twins' birthday a bit late this year. Here's his card.

GC42 Spicy Supply Lace and/or Fibers

2010-02-24T13:51:00.000-06:00

Ooh, I love both lace and fibers so I knew this would be a really fun challenge. See the Gingersnap Creations Challenge here. I made this ATC with images from Artchix Studios and some pretty, blue yarn from my stash. It's nearly March and it's still cold here in St. Louis.

GC40 Numbers challenge

2010-02-17T21:05:00.000-06:00

Use numbers anywhere on the card--this challenge from Gingersnap Creations is as easy as that. I needed to make a birthday card for a good friend anyway, so decided to combine that with this challenge. My friend loves French things so I thought the Eiffel Tower stamp (Sweet Pea stamps) worked perfectly. The number stamp is from Artistic Outpost.

This week Twinchies

2010-02-15T09:45:00.000-06:00

This week Helga, from Artchix Studios, has challenged us to make twinchies. For those that dont' know, twinchies are like inchies, but 2 inches by 2 inches. View Helga's blog here. I used the Snowflake Kisses collage sheet from Artchix studios, some German scrap and some ribbon, brads and stamps from my stash. I found these easier to make than inchies.

More Inchies

2010-02-09T08:52:00.000-06:00

This week Helga's blog challenge once was to make inchies, but she added a twist this time. We're to only use 3 things to make the 5 inchies and one of these must be recycled. Last week I used stamps designed for inchies, this week I decided to use a background stamp, emboss and punch my inchies out of that. So, my 3 items are a background stamp from Stamp Camp, Artchix Studios collage sheet Fly Little Bird and a wrapper from a Dove chocolate. Once I decided to use the little bird faces, these came together pretty quickly. Fun challenge.

GC39 Color Challenge Metallics

2010-02-08T08:40:00.000-06:00

I made this card for a swap and the Gingersnap Creations Metallic Color challenge. It uses a Technique Junkies tech from the latest newsletter called Metallic Double Embossing. I used my new Cuttlebug Asian embossing folders and a new stamp from Onyx Xpressions. I love the rich look of the metal. The stamping is subtle, but appears darker IRL than on the scan.

Fairy Card for Gina K challenge

2010-02-04T16:25:00.000-06:00

Gina K challenged everyone to make a card using the fairy set that her daughter illustrated. I love this stamp of the fairy sleeping on the mushroom. I love fairy stamps in general. This will be my younger daughter's birthday card.

Unable to resist the lure of inchies

2010-02-02T10:27:00.000-06:00

Helga's blog challenge this week was to make 5 inchies--either one a day or all at once. I worked on mine over the weekend, but am barely getting them posted on time due to general business. My husband is out of town, in fact, he's out of the country. He's in Singapore on business which leaves lots of extra duties for me. But without further ado, here they are. It's a challenge to work on something small, but apparently a lot of people were up for the challenge since there are a lot of entries this week.

Oops, somehow the birdies got scanned upside down.