Quick and Easy Backgrounds for Silhouette Images

Hello friends! Welcome to the Sweet 'n Sassy December release! This month we're showcasing two beautiful new silhouette image stamp sets. The Woodland set can be yours for FREE with any qualifying order. See this page for details. 

I have three cards to share with you today and each features a quick and easy background, created using water colors, Distress Inks, and Alcohol Inks. These fast background are perfect for showcasing any silhouette image. Keep scrolling for more photos, product links, and a demonstration video.

Happy Crafting!

Supplies:

-Woodland Stamp Set - http://bit.ly/2Bomd6B -Tall Grass Stamp Set - http://bit.ly/2B8SCd3 -Christmas Pine Stamp Set - http://bit.ly/2z64jzc -Keep in Touch Stamp Set - http://bit.ly/2ktXu6i -Watercolors - http://bit.ly/2DiXLRp -Black Archival Ink - http://bit.ly/2vA4ced -Distress Inks - http://bit.ly/2ouE7tT -Distress Oxide Inks - http://bit.ly/2uGOBgu -Blending Tool - http://bit.ly/2pmq8KG -Yupo Paper - http://bit.ly/2AGr0PM -Alcohol Inks - http://bit.ly/2Bbq3Ma -Stitched Rectangle Die - http://bit.ly/2Bb4rj5 -Stitched Hillside Die - http://bit.ly/2ks72Pd

Emboss Resist Coloring with Distress Oxide Inks

I'm back with a two card project that showcases some beautiful floral images from Sweet 'n Sassy stamps along with a quick and easy coloring technique using white embossing powder and Distress Oxide Inks. Video and full supply list below, after the give a way birthday celebration info! 

Happy Crafting!

Sweet 'n Sassy is celebrating being in business for 10 years! Woot! Woot! And you can earn the set shown above whenever you place a qualifying $50 order! Be sure to check out all the details on how to earn this set along with other giveaways and freebies HERE.

On to today's video!

Supplies:
-Scribble Flowers Stamp Set - http://bit.ly/2zR66ul -Ranger Watercolor Paper - http://bit.ly/2u7HWu8 -Distress Oxide Inks - http://bit.ly/2uGOBgu -White Embossing Powder - http://bit.ly/2zKnEdu -Blending Tool - http://bit.ly/2pmq8KG -Non-stick craft mat - http://bit.ly/2AN3FrF -Neuvo Drops - http://bit.ly/2AVKnBB -Sequins - http://bit.ly/2ioHFfY

Warmest Wishes

Hi friends! I'm sharing a card and technique over on the Sweet 'n Sassy blog today. Head on over for more photos and all of the details! Happy Crafting!

Not Finished

Hello friends! Just a quick post from me today, sharing another brand new Sweet 'n Sassy stamp set, God is for You. The new set features six encouraging sentiments that can be used to mix with any type of images or designs. The entire stamp set can be seen below:

I broke out my brand new Zig Clean Color Watercolor Brushes for this project. (Ohhh...I'm so excited about these markers...they rock!) I started by stamping and embossing a few flowers from the Lovely Lotus stamp set with white embossing powder. Once my embossing was cool, I colored the flowers and background with the Zig markers. The sentiment and dragonflies were stamped in black Archival Ink and the panel was mounted on black cardstock. Pretty simple card, but those great Zig colors pack a powerful punch. 

Be sure to head to the Sweet 'n Sassy store to check out all of the new products! I'll be back with a new card, featuring another new set, next week.

Happy Crafting!

Sweet 'n Sassy Release Day - Capture the Moment

Can this stamp set be on my list of most favorite sets ever!? Oh my, the tiny selfie frame is darling! So many possibilities!

Guess what, friends? It's Sweet 'n Sassy release day! Today we're releasing the darling new Capture the Moment set, which features camera images, the selfie frame, and a whole bunch of sweet sentiments. See the entire set below:

Since any good photo should contain a picture of something or someone, I had to include some furry (and feathery) friends from the Valentine Critters and Get Well Critters stamp sets.

I stamped the frame three times, cut it out and attached a background by coloring a piece of card stock with Distress Ink. The critters were stamped, colored with Copics, and cut out. Then all of the pieces were assembled into tiny photos. I used the little tape image (can't even stand it...too cute!) to create name labels.

Once my critters were finished I got to work on the background, which I created by stamping all of the sentiments multiple times in VersaMark and embossing with white embossing powder. A little water coloring made all of the white embossed images pop right off the page!

I assembled the card by attaching the water colored piece on to a standard 4.25" x 5.5" card base and attaching the photos with foam tape. The little flashbulb bursts were also fussy cut and attached to the photos. I added a tiny bit of shimmer with a Wink of Stella glitter pen, which is tough to see in the photo.

That's it for me today, folks! Head over to Sweet 'n Sassy and grab yourself one of these sets...who can live without it! 

Happy Crafting!

Sweet 'n Sassy Holiday Celebration - Christmas Pine and Scripture Tree

Hi all! Welcome to today's post, which features two new holiday sets from Sweet 'n Sassy! Links to the products used on today's two cards are listed at the end of this post.

Today's cards feature the Christmas Pine stamp set, below, and Scripture Tree set, above. I've also included photos of both stamp sets.

My Scripture Tree card features lots of Distress Ink and water. I started by smooshing a variety of brown Distress Inks onto a non-stick craft sheet, spritzing with water, and then placing a piece of Ranger water color paper down in the wet ink. Once the ink was completely dry, I stamped the Light of Christmas background stamp over the entire piece of water color paper.

The tree image was created in the same way, except that I white embossed the image before applying the Distress Inks. I hand cut the tree shape by simply following the shape of the words. The edges of both pieces of paper were covered with more Distress Ink, and I added a few rhinestones to finish the card.

My second card also features Distress Inks! They're so much fun! :-) I stamped the pine leaf and pine cone images in Distress Inks, and then used a water brush to move the color around and color in the tiny open spaces on the pine leaf and pine cone images. Distress Ink, in a light blue, was also added to the background. I gold embossed the sentiment, which was too hard to see on the background so I went over the letters with a black Fude ball pen...much better! I added a few paint splatters and popped the pine cones up with foam tape. The tree image was placed within a die cut circle and I dry embossed the background with a script embossing folder.

I hope you enjoyed today's cards! Be sure to visit the holiday set pages on the Sweet 'n Sassy web site...lots of great stamp sets to choose from and everything is shipping now!

Happy Crafting! (Supply links below!)

I started by Nerium career and am searching for a few people to join my team this month! Contact me at ksdm@comcast.net to learn more about how to earn free product and extra or full-time income! Visit my web site to purchase: www.kimschofield.nerium.com.

Supplies:

Christmas Pine

Scripture Tree

Light of Christmas

Distress Ink

Ranger Water Color Paper

Water Brush

Sweet 'n Sassy Christmas in July Blog Hop & SALE

I know...Christmas talk already? It's too soon! LOL! However, it's never too soon to grab some holiday themed stamps for 15% off!! Sweet 'n Sassy is holding a Christmas in July sale from now through Sunday. ALL Christmas stamp sets will be 15% off! Use code CMASJULY to receive your discount.

My card features the Joy to the World stamp set, which includes this main image, along with another image and three sentiments. (You can see a photo of the entire stamp set at the end of the post) I also used a lot of words from a number of different sets, I'll list them at the end of the post, to create the background.

The main image was created by stamping it in Antique Linen Distress Ink. This is the perfect light color of ink for creating a no-line water coloring picture as the Antique Linen pretty much vanishes when water is applied. My water coloring was done using Distress Markers. (I have a video coming up to demonstrate the technique!) 

Once my coloring was completed, I cut a mask for the image, and added the background colors using Distress Inks and a blending tool. Water and a white paint pen added clouds and stars to the night sky.

The main image includes a tiny heart on the manger, but I opted to add a Wendy Vecchi mat mini heart, colored with Distress Inks and covered with just a hint of glitter.

The background was created by stamping a whole lotta words and sentiments onto a piece of cork, which I found while digging through my stash looking for a designer paper to use on my card. I thought the cork was a fun and different element to use on a card and I loved the look of the black text on the background. Text...nothing beats different letter styles and sizes...it makes me happy. My entire piece was mounted onto a black card base. And there you have today's Christmas card! 

You will be able to find all of the team participant blogs at the end of this post. Simply click on their name and you will be taken to their blog. The list will be on each person's blog, so no need to hit the back button. Just look for the next blog in the line-up and off you go! Please be sure to leave the girls some love along the way. We will be drawing a winner from all of the blog comments and that person will receive a FREE Christmas stamp set (in stock) of their choosing from our line! And don't forget to check out the great sale at Sweet 'n Sassy!

Supplies:

Joy to the World

My Creator

Worship the Lord

Words of Life - Collection 1

Wendy Vecchi Mat Minis Hearts

All Your Heart and My Creator Stamp Sets - New Releases from Sweet 'n Sassy

Hi all, and welcome to the final Sweet 'n Sassy release for July! These two sets might just be my favorites this month as both can be used in so many ways and are also perfect for Bible journaling.

For my two cards, I confess that I have been dieting on lots of craft videos in the morning while I consume large quantities of coffee. I've been really enjoying Kristina Werner's videos, especially her water coloring ones, and both of my cards reflect some of my new found skills (thanks to Kristina!)

My first card, shown above, was created with the new My Creator stamp set. This new stamp set includes 20 images and sentiments and retails for $15.95.

I started my card by creating this night sky background, using Distress Paints. You can see Kristina's video tutorial on this technique here. Once the background was completed, I cut it down to the size I wanted and embossed the words in white. I used a few of the star stamps from the stamp set to add a short tone-on-tone design to the teal cardstock. The earth image is also part of the stamp set, but is included with a larger image. Since I wanted the earth to sit right under the word Creator I just left a spot for it when I embossed. I then stamped the earth image on a separate piece of water color paper, colored it with Distress Markers, and cut it out; attaching to the card base with foam tape. I also stamped the clouds twice, and popped them up as well. Lastly, I used a Wink of Steller pen to add a tiny bit of shimmer to each cloud. Here's a close up shot of my card...

My second card features the All Your Heart stamp set, along with some quick and easy water coloring. The stamp set is a word set and includes 11 stamps, two which are decorative images.

I started this card by water coloring a panel. I used Distress Inks for my water coloring; just use the ink pad to apply a little ink to a non-stick craft sheet, and pick up the ink with a wet brush. I also applied water to the water color paper panel before adding color. This allows the color to move more freely and blend. I applied two layers of color for this card, dying in between layers. This gives the background a little more visual interest and texture.

Once the water color panel was dry I embossed the words in white, and then used more ink to color in the open letters. Adding a bit more color to the letters helped them to pop off the background panel. I used a drier brush when adding color to the letters to keep the underneath color from running and to get a more concentrated color. Next, I added a few black and white paint splatters, and a tiny heart (from Wendy Vecchi), which I covered in glitter (using that Wink of Stella pen again), and glossy accents. The water color panel was adhered to black cardstock and attached to a white card base. A close up shot of the card is below...

I hope you enjoyed today's cards! Be sure to visit the links, listed below, to place your order for one or both of these sets!

Happy Crafting!

Direct Link to Stamp Sets:

All Your Heart

My Creator

Jumping on the Bird Crazy Bandwagon

I've finally done it..given in to the Bird Crazy craze! If you don't know about these fun bird images then where have you been for the past two years?! LOL! I fought it long and hard, but I finally found myself too drawn to these silly faces to resist any longer...

Tim Holtz introduced the Bird Crazy stamp set probably two years ago, maybe less, and the demand for them took off like mad. He then introduced coordinating dies and accessories. And now I see these birds on craft blogs all over the internet land!

When these were first released, I still owned eclectic Paperie and I honestly had a hard time keeping the stamps and dies in stock...it was madness! Once I started the closing process, I managed to tuck one stamp set and one die set into my stash...you know, just in case. Almost a year later...I finally pulled them out to create a card for my son's upcoming birthday. (I think this bird is has a slight resemblance those Angry Birds so I know my son is going to love this card!)

My card began with a healthy dose of Wendy Vecchi's embossing paste and a Dina Wakley stencil. Once the paste was dry I added some water and applied ink from Tim's Distress Markers. Adding more water made the ink from the markers run in between all of the non-paste surfaces...dreamy. (I used Ranger watercolor paper for this process)

My bird was stamped on another piece of watercolor paper and die cut. More markers, with a non-stick craft sheet and water brush, were used to color the bird. The dies, which perfectly fit around the birds eyes and beaks, were used to cut out those features and pop them up with foam tape. Bring on the dimension! To finish the card I simply added a vintage text circle and some words from a Chit Chat sticker book.

So there you have it..my introduction to this super fun stamp set! Want to give using these birds a try? Click any of the links below to go directly to the product pages. (The Funkie Junkie sells these products for 20% below retail!)

Happy Crafting!

Supplies:

Bird Crazy Stamp Set

Bird Crazy Die Set

Wendy Vecchi Embossing Paste (white)

Distress Markers

Ranger Watercolor Paper

Distress Spritzer

Watercolor Brush

Clean and Simple (CAS) Cards Featuring Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps

Hello crafty friends! I'm popping in with a few quick and simple cards that I created last week, featuring stamp sets from Sweet 'n Sassy.

Now that we're in a new state and attending a new church, I've been making cards for the few people that we've gotten to know, in an effort to connect with and make new friends. (Friendship bribery via homemade cards...perhaps, rabbit...LOL!)

Last week we had two big occasions...one sad and the other joyful, such is our common experience during our lives. One woman lost her husband, after 60 years of marriage, and a new baby was born to one of the church's families. Since I don't know either family very well, I thought I'd send a card for each. (There is a folder set up in the church for each family so I can just drop a card into the correct folder...pretty neat!)

Since I needed two cards, and since this girl is short on time lately, I opted to keep both designs simple. I even used almost the same layout on each. And with any CAS card...keeping things clean, white, and bright is a great option.

My first card features an older Sweet 'n Sassy stamp set, Rose Collage. This set includes the rose collage image, along with two butterflies, and a host of sentiments that fit perfectly inside the ribbon image included in the collage. I stamped the image on watercolor paper and then used Distress Markers to color the image. This is the first time I used a deep purple for the shading...and I love it! It seems to give much more depth vs. a black or gray color. For more depth, the butterflies were stamped on a scrap piece of paper, colored, fussy cut, and attached to the main image. Then I just cut out the image, leaving a small white border, and used foam tape to attach to the front of the card.

The second card showcases the sweet Little One stamp set that includes a darling hand and feet image along with a baby carriage, a rattle, a few heart images, and a host of new baby-inspired sentiments. After cutting four small squares (1.25"), I used watered down paint to add some paint splatters, and then added the silhouette images to each square. I left the fourth square empty so I could attach the sentiment. The squares were added to layers of designer paper and attach to the card front. This card got a tiny bit of bling in the form of tiny pearls. I also added a few score lines at the bottom of the card for visual interest.

I hope you enjoyed both of today's cards and are encouraged to embrace the clean and simple design..it makes for a joyful card creating experience!

Happy Crafting!

ColorBurst and Homemade Stencils

I'm sharing a quick photo tutorial, using ColorBurst, on the Sweet 'n Sassy blog today. Head on over and check out all of the details!

You can purchase ColorBurst watercolor powders at eclectic Paperie, here.

Life Book Lesson #13

A short and sweet post today...sharing the next Life Book lesson.  Last week's lesson was on creating a field journal, or creating a project based on something found in nature.  Since it's still freezing here in New England (will it ever get warm?), I decided to grab some shells that I had on a shelf at home and draw them, while dreaming of warmer days.  I kept this entire project pretty simple as I really liked the final look of the watercolors (oh, how I love working with watercolors!), and opted to just added a quote (from Ali Edwards).  This project did make me want to create an entire journal dedicated to watercoloring...maybe something to start this summer...

Life Book - Challenge #3

 

This past week's lesson was brought to us by the lovely and talented Joanne Sharpe!  I took one of Joanne's classes a few months ago at one of our local stores.  It was a full day class where we explored all types of writing and journaling exercises.  I had a wonderful day and came home with lots of ideas.  

True confessions...I adore Joanne's work, but I struggled with this week's lesson.  I really don't like my own handwriting and find that I can't come up with more than two ways to make letters!  LOL!  I mean by that statement that it takes too much brain power for me to think of more than two "fonts!"  **giggle**  I'm a person that likes to just start flinging paint and see where it takes me...this type of art takes more thought and planning.  However, I enjoyed the process and was happy with the final result. 

  I started my piece by first using a regular pencil to lightly outline my letters and flowers.  I then started adding my watercoloring (I did really enjoy watercoloring...I love watercolors!).  I used Peerless watercolors for the coloring.  If you've never used Peerless watercolors...you NEED them!  They are watercolor papers...easy traveling, just pack up a few pieces of paper, and easy to use.

 Once all of my watercolors were dry, I went over all of my pencil lines with a Fude Ball marker.  (Yes, I did watercolor the flowers before outlining in black)  This allowed me to change some of my lines, to add thicker lines to my large faith letters, and to add more detail to my sketch.  (Most of these flower designs were taken from Joanne's book...they are not my original ideas...only the layout is my design)

The bulk of the work was in the outlining and adding of details.  I added lines to the flowers, some doodling around the letters, the black and white patterns (love that!), and the black and white dots, which I am obsessed with adding to many coloring pieces!  I also used Copics to add a hint of shading to a few of the flowers.

 The quote on my piece is also from Joanne's book...I love that she included two pages of quotes in her book that you can use on your own art...what a great idea!

Overall, I did enjoy creating this piece, even though this is not exactly my style.  I really appreciate Joanne's work and think she is wildly talented.  I'm hoping to become more comfortable with writing as I'd like to incorporate some of her lettering styles into my art journal pages.  I also really enjoy this type of high end doodling when I'm on vacation.  We tend to camp quite a bit and bringing along a sketch book and a few pens/markers is a great activity in the evenings or to do with the kids.

Now we're on to week four of our Life Book challenges...can't wait to see what's next!