A successful Attempt

Almost everyone in the stamping world has heard of Michelle Zindorf.  And if you haven't, you must check out her blog.  She is an amazing artist.  She works magic with a brayer and ink.  And her work inspired my to try out the brayer technique.  So I browsed through her cards and chose one that I thought would be an easy start.  I chose a card that used an old hostess stamp set, Asian Artistry.  It was one of my favorites and I used it a lot.  I do wish hostess sets would show up in future catalogues.  Here is the tutorial for the card, Farewell Asian Artisty.

It is my first attempt and I think I did a very good job.  Of course there is always room for practice, and practice I shall.  What I love about Michelle's work is that she creates scenes with just ink.  Then she adds stamped images.  I also love this color combo, very bold.  I don't usually go bold but I liked this one.  

I recommend browsing her blog and trying out this beautiful technique.  I believe she has a tutorial for all skill levels.  

Take care

Kristy

Sale-A-Bration Punch Bunch

When I first flipped through the Sale-A-Bration brochure I was immediately drawn to the Punch Bunch stamp set.  I liked the little images plus the fact that they coordinated with punches.  I immediately got it along with all the punches that I needed.  That meant I got the new Two-step Owl punch.  This punch is such fun to play with.  You can make so many different looking owl with just the punch and different papers; but now I have a little owl image to use.

With this stamp set and the coordinating punches, I was able to create 4 different cards and a pillowbox.  I also decided to use the in Colors as well.  Here is what I came up with:

The Pillowbox Bigz die is used to make the pillowbox and just used some dsp, some ribbon, and an owl to decorate it.  Along with the coordinating punches, I also used the Scallop Trim Border punch.  The cards are all very simple, but the punches add the dimensions.  

Try using your punches today to add some dimensions to your card or scrapbook page.

Take care

Kristy

Passionate about Faux Silk

I love the look and feel of this faux silk card.  I came across this technique in Stampin' Success (the Stampin' Up! demo monthly magazine) but there is also a Faux-silk tutorial on Splitcoaststampers by Beate Johns.

This technique is perfect if you want to add some elegance to a card with out a love of work.  Its super simple and quick and just requires a stamp, some ink, tissue paper, cardstock and glue.  Just stamp, crinkle, and glue.  Voila!!!

I also created a paper pierced border, which highlighted the stamped image. 

Supplies that I used include "Inspired by Nature" stamp set; Pear Pizazz, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla and More Mustard cardstock; Pear Pizazz Classic Stampin' ink; and the mat pack with piercing tool.  This card took only a few minutes to make and it turned out great.

Try out a new technique today and see how it changes the look of a card.


Take care

Kristy

Pierced Valentines

Valentine's Day is only a couple of weeks away.  So for Valentine's Day, I made a simple but elegant card. The layout is simple and plain, but what makes this card pop is the paper piercing around the circles. The large bow just finishes it off. 

I used the "I {Heart} Hearts" stamp set; the Mat Pack and a paper piercer; 1 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon (Pretty in Pink); Blushing Bride, Perfect Plum, and Sahara Sand card stock; valentine's rub-ons (I can't remember the name) from the Occasions mini;  and  Perfect Plum Classic Stampin' ink.

I found wonderful directions for piercing circles over at Splitcoaststampers.  Click here for the tutorial by Beate Johns, who does wonderful tutorials.

I hope you give paper piercing a shot, it really does add to your cards.

Have a wonderful month full of love

Kristy

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Its been a few weeks since I last posted, but its been a busy Christmas.  December was a month of relaxing and getting to know my new baby boy, Caius.  We spent our Christmas at home and took it as easy as we could  (a few sleepless nights).  I still haven't been able to get to craft room, but I'm hoping that I will be able to very soon.  However, I did have a few cards made up before my son arrived and I will share those with you.

Valentine's Day is the upcoming holiday, so I have a two love notes to show you.  Both cards were created using the Letterpress Plates from the Holiday mini.  They have carried over into the new Occasions Mini, so please check it out.  The letterpress plates require Craft Ink.  Previously you could purchase full size ink pads in all the colors, but now you can only purchase the Craft ink spots, Craft Ink refills, and a uninked craft pad.  I still have a few colors in the full size ink pads, so I used Real Red.  Before I explain any more things, I will show you the cards.

 I used the Twisted Pyramid technique on both cards.  I came across this technique on a fellow Stamper's blog, Lynn Pratt at Stamp n' Design.

She provides all the directions and a free template.  

I really enjoyed making these two cards.  I love the look of the twisted pyramid.  You can use any large stamp image, such as a background stamp or scenic stamp.  I used the letterpress plate,  Lots of Love.  

These 2 cards have lots of layers and textures.  The letterpress plates imprint the image onto card stock, therefore adding texture.  

On the first card, I used Very Vanilla satin ribbon,  and mini library clips.  The color combo is Real Red, Night of Navy, and Very Vanilla.

On this second card, I used brads from the Metallic collection and 1/8" Real Red taffeta ribbon.  The color combo s Real Red, Basic Black, and Very Vanilla.  This card is perfect to give to the Man in your life for any romantic occasion.

Since it is the new year, I have a New Year's Resolution.  My resolution is to post at least once a week, and to share a new technique each week.  I'm hoping I can keep to this promise, but with a little one around, I may get behind.  Please be patient.

All the best in 2011 and I hope you enjoy each day.


Kristy