New Sketches

I found a new Sketch web site that is just starting up. It's called Card Patterns. They will be featuring weekly card sketches - this will be fun to watch!
Here's my take on their maiden sketch:


Thanks for peeking!

Refurbished

It's been a while since I mixed things up around here, so I thought some redecorating was in order. You know what they say - A change is as good as a rest, or something like that...
Hope you like the new look!

This past week was my Stampinup card exchange. I put this one together for my contribution. All supplies used are Stampinup (of course!)

It's time for CHA Winter - I love this time of year, because everyone is releasing new lines all at once. It's fun visiting all the different manufacturer's blogs and getting to see sneak peeks of it all!
A few favorites so far? (Click on the name to see the peeks)

Melissa Frances
Basic Grey (I like the Wisteria and Bittersweet lines, as well as the embellishments)
Making Memories
Queen & Co.
...and Prima

If I see anything else that I fall in love with, I'll let you know! :)
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Tim Holtz Techniques

This past week I've been trying to play on Scrapbook Doodles Scrap-a-thon. The idea was to use up all the scraps you have laying around.
One of the challenges was to lift a technique from one of the top scrapbooking masters - none other than Tim Holtz. I thought it would be fun to take pictures as I went, and share the experience! (Especially since this will probably be the only time I ever do anything this complicated! LOL!)

I chose to lift the technique from his 12 days of Christmas tag from Day 5.
Since this was a tag, I decided to use a tag my the card, rather than try to do the whole face of the card.

So, First I cut the tag (with my Quickutz Revolution)

Then, I painted the tag red with my craft paints, and let dry completely.

Next, I stamped a design on the tag, using my VersaMark ink pad.

I used a second decorative stamp to fill on the side of the tag

I sprinkled both with embossing powder - shake off the excess when finished.

Heat with a heat gun until the embossing powder melts. Let cool.

Paint the tag again with a different color. I chose a creamy Ivory. Let dry, (but not until the paint is completely set.)

Spritz a soft cloth with water, then gently rub over the embossed design, until the paint is removed from the embossed areas.

Finished tag

I aged the edges of my tag using a brush tool and Tim Holtz Tea Dye distressing ink.

My finished card - I embellished the tag with a metal eyelet, buttons, die cuts, and metalic cord. Fun project!

It's Sketch Time Again...

Lucy's new sketch is up for January, and I played along. I chose papers from Pebbles in my Pocket, chipboard from Cosmo Cricket, and Prima flowers. (Heart is Heidi Swapp, and the rub-on Making Memories)

...Still working on the technical issues, but I thought you might like a change of scene! LOL