A Little Winter Magic

It is fun to imagine Fairy Stardust sharing his magic and adding festive sparkle to winter snowflakes….

The shape of the card was inspired by the swirling snow and all the graceful curlicues.  The scalloped card base was die cut from Madison designer paper and edged with Turquoise Gem VersaMagic.

The second circular layer of white cardstock was distressed with Oasis Green VersaMagic with the swirls stamped in Turquoise Gem.  Dimensional foam was used to attach the piece to the prepared card base.

Fairy Stardust (illustrated by Mo Manning) was stamped on a separate piece of white cardstock in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat embossed with clear powder.  After coloring and fussy cutting, a small sentiment banner was attached before the piece was applied to the card with dimensional foam.

To finish the design, “a little winter magic” (glitter) was added to the snow swirls.

Stardust wishes,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Fairy Stardust 40-180, Winter Magic 30-134

Penny Black Madison Designer Paper Pad 80-001

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch & EK Success

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Crimson Red VersaFine, Oasis Green VersaMagic Turquoise Gem VersaMagic, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Standard Circles, Classic Scalloped Circles

Winter Fairy

Here with more from Penny Black’s new Winter Wonder release.    

Winter Fairy (illustrated by Mo Manning) is full of magical cuteness! 

The design components are all within three fun and easy layers!

Layer 1 (Card Base):

Dry emboss the front of a white Les Petites card with Swiss Dots.  Trim a strip from the right front edge and replace with paper from the Madison designer pad.  Ink the edges with Peanut Brittle Memento ink. 

Layer 2:

Die cut a Label Eighteen from Madison designer paper and distress the edges with Peanut Brittle and Nautical Blue Memento inks.  Stamp the sentiment in Onyx Black VersaFine.  Attach the piece to the front of the prepared card with dimensional foam.

Layer 3:

Stamp Winter Fairy on white cardstock with Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color and trim the image.  Paint Sparkle Psst Sheer Shimmer Spritz on the snowball and the frosty ice on the fairy wings.  Attach to the card as shown with dimensional foam.

Enjoy!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Les Petites 90-001

Penny Black Madison Designer Paper Pad 80-001

Penny Black Stamps: Winter Fairy 40-179, All Is Bright 30-137

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch & EK Success

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Peanut Brittle Memento, Nautical Blue Memento, Sparkle Psst Sheer Shimmer Spritz, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder 

Provo Craft: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Spellbinders: Labels Eighteen (S4-310)

Marzipan Greetings

Hello and happy Monday!

This week I have a collection of cards using Penny Black’s new stamps from their Winter Wonder release.  A spectacular assortment of wintry delight!

Today’s card features the festive and zippy dog from Marzipan Greetings.

The card base is a white Les Petites in which the top portion was shaded with Teal Zeal Memento.  Tiny dots from a gel pen were added for a snowy effect.

Another layer was attached on top that included the tree and rolling horizon.

 

Tip/Hint: To create the greenery around the tree, place a negative circle mask around the branches and add Pistachio Memento ink.  Remove the mask and trim.

A separately stamped and colored car was fussy cut and attached with dimensional foam.

Thank you for visiting today…

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Marzipan Greetings 30-126 

Penny Black Les Petites 90-001

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001

3M Scotch Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Crimson Red VersaFine, Teal Zeal Memento, Pistachio Memento, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Judi Kins:  Eclipse Tape

Sakura: White Gel Pen

Pirate Kai

As Halloween draws closer, little ones will be dreaming of their costumes and what to wear.

This trick-or-treater called Pirate Kai is one of Penny Black’s newest Halloween stamps illustrated by Mo Manning and is so much fun to color.

For added dimension, extra layers were added to the parrot, bones and pumpkin pail.  The sky and ground elements were created with Memento inks. 

Tip/Hint:  Add diversity to large stamp images by using them for small accents.  A large leaf from Foliage Fancy was fabulous for applying textural enhancements to the grass in this design.    

Have a wonderful weekend,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Pirate Kai 40-150, Foliage Fancy 30-138, Mimi Halloween 30-077

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Dandelion Memento, Tangelo Memento, Nautical Blue Memento, Grape Jelly Memento, Pistachio Memento, Olive Grove Memento, Northern Pine Memento, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Sakura: Black Glaze Pen (for "faux" brad), Black Micron Pen (for "faux" stitching)

Spellbinders: Standard Circles Large (S4-114)

Other: Paper Piercing Tool, Dimensional Foam

A Contemporary Birthday Greeting & Tutorial

Today I have an Artist in Residence Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko project.  This contemporary "grid-block" greeting was created with autumn tones, but the color palette can easily be altered for birthday wishes any time of the year.

Below are step-by-step instructions which are also available in this printable pdf format “here”.

INSTRUCTIONS

Create a 3 7/8 x 5 ½-inch top-fold card from white cardstock and place on a protected surface.

Shake Bamboo Fireworks to mix thoroughly and unscrew the cap.  Dip a paintbrush into the bottle and “flick” the liquid onto the card for a bold, graphic splatter.  Set aside.

Cut a 2 x 3 ¼-inch piece of white cardstock and section off ½- inch squares using 1/8- inch wide strips of Eclipse Tape.

  

Load one end of the Ink Sweeper with the first color from the Kaleidacolor inkpad and apply the ink to the first square.  Turn the Ink Sweeper around and ink the other end with the second color from the Kaleidacolor inkpad and apply the ink to the second square.

Tip/Hint:  Using additional pieces of Eclipse Tape or scraps of paper to protect the other squares while inking is helpful.

Continue in this fashion until all the squares have been inked.  Three Ink Sweepers will be needed to for this project. 

Remove the masking strips and stamp a flower in each square using the corresponding colors from the Kaleidacolor inkpad.  Stamp one flower in Onyx Black for a contrasting design element.

Mat the geometric element with a 2 1/8 x 3 3/8-inch piece of white cardstock that has been edged with Pearlescent Rust Brilliance and an InkBlusher.  Attach the matted artwork to the front of the prepared card with dimensional foam.  Stamp the sentiment in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Add a crystal gem to the flower stamped in black.

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It is DAY 3 of Penny Black's winter sneak peeks and giveaways...don't miss out! Click "here" to join in the fun. 

Have a great day,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Sentiments 30-025

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko:  Onyx Black VersaFine, Autumn Leaves Kaleidacolor, Pearlescent Rust Brilliance, Bamboo Leaves Fireworks, Ink Sweepers, InkBlushers, Clear Embossing Powder

Judi Kins: Eclipse Tape

Other:  Dimensional Foam, Double-Sided Adhesive, Crystal Gem

"Little" Paper Art

Having fun with paper art today and sharing a few quick little projects made with Penny Black’s new Madison designer paper pad.

This mini gift bag measures a wee 2 inches!  Fancy with no fuss.  Once the bag was assembled, ribbon handles and punched borders were added.

Tip/Hint:  To create a “faux” metal charm, punch a heart from shrink plastic, coat it with silver StazOn and then heat to shrink.  After cooling, color with a red Sharpie.

Madison paper is great for envelopes.  The thickness is just right for folding and gives the finished envelope a luxurious weight.  Trace your favorite patterns, cut and fold!

With this card measuring 1 ½ inches square it can fit into the gift bag pictured above, used on a greeting card or tucked into a present.    

A flower punched from Penny Black’s Mix & Match Summer Sun cardstock (17-002) coordinates perfectly with the polka dot pattern.

This envelope is sized to fit a gift card.  The template was larger than the 6-inch square of paper, but hiding a segment attachment is easy when placed on a seam.

Tip/Hint:  To create a decorative button, paint a jumbo silver brad with white acrylic paint and while the paint is wet coat with glitter. 

The “arms” of the brad were clipped and it was attached with an adhesive tab.

I don’t want to spoil the surprise so you may want to check out the Penny Black blog “here”.  The week-long festivities are going to fabulous.

Smiles,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Madison Designer Paper Pad: 80-001

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Summer Sun 17-002

Penny Black Stamps: Sentiments 30-025

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Cantaloupe Memento, Brushstix

Making Memories: Jumbo Silver Brad

Other: White Acrylic Paint, Glitter, Heart Punch, Border Punch, Flower Punch, Ribbon, Shrink Plastic

A Cool Christmas - Cards for Kids

Today’s theme on the Penny Black Blog is “Christmas Cards for Kids”. 

I thought Extreme Mimi would be, in kids’ speak, “totally awesome and rad” to use!

 Look at Mimi “shred” that snow!

I added the little seal from Mimi’s Winter Friends and the sentiment from A Cool Christmas which are fantastic transparent sets and have images sure to bring a smile to any age!

Thanks for visiting and have a COOL day...

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Extreme Mimi 4281J, Mimi’s Winter Friends 30-133, A Cool Christmas 30-128

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Fuchsia Fantasies 13-003

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

DecoArt: White Foam Paint

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Petal Pink VersaColor, Lilac Posies Memento, Grape Jelly Memento, Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Labels One (S4-161)

Back to School

Penny Black’s Les Petites cards and envelopes are the perfect size to tuck happy thoughts in a lunchbox or send to a student studying away from home.

A Penny Black’s Les Petites (with a wild cherry envelope) was rotated in a horizontal position for the card base.

The first polka dot layer is a rectangle cut from the Madison designer paper pad.

Tip/Hint:  For extra texture, dry emboss patterned papers.  In this sample, Swiss Dots were embossed on top of the polka dots.

The next layer is comprised of Rose Garden cardstock stamped with Diamond Pattern in Love Letter Memento.  It is very faint, but it lends a design component without competing with the white polka dot pattern.

Tip/Hint:  Create your own notebook paper by drawing evenly spaced lines on white cardstock with a blue pencil.

Tip/Hint:  To create the appearance of spiral-bound paper, use a hole punch to create an evenly spaced row of holes and then use scissors to remove very tiny slits of paper.

 

Tip/Hint:  Have fun with staples and use them in place of adhesives.

Tip/Hint: For an alternative to adding a die-cut heart, punch the heart directly from the paper.  This will add visual depth and more shadows.

This side view shows Mimi (Teacher’s Pet) dressed and ready for school.  Extra layered elements of the apple, book bag and hat build up the design.

Design Variation:  Exchange the sentiment with a “thank you” for a teacher’s card.

The extra space below the sentiment is a great spot to add the recipient's name or some hugs and kisses!

Thank you for stopping by....
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black:  Les Petites (Wild Cherry Collection) 90-002

Penny Black Stamps: Teacher’s Pet 4216H, Diamond Pattern 40-169, Gratitude 30-105

Penny Black Designer Paper Pad: Madison 80-001

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Rose Garden 14-003

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Copic Markers

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Love Letter Memento, Teal Zeal Memento, Peanut Brittle Memento, Clear Embossing Powder, Jumbo Sponge Daubers

Provo Craft: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Other: Mini Stapler, Heart Punch

Christmas into Everyday (A Mini Card Tutorial)

Hello and happy Friday!

Today I have a mini card tutorial that shows how to take Penny Black's holiday images (Christmas View and Crystal Drops) and transform them into an everyday greeting. 

 


           
                     

                  Christmas View



Crystal Drops



                                

Instructions

Die cut a circle from white cardstock and blend with Dandelion, Pear Tart and Teal Zeal Memento inks.  Stamp the swirl portion from Crystal Drops along the left side in Teal Zeal.  Add two more impressions in Delicata Golden Glitz ink.  Add highlights with a white Prismacolor pencil.  Stamp the sentiment (Lace Delight) in Onyx Black VersaFine.

Tip/Hint:  Empty tape rings are great substitutes for dimensional foam tape.

Stamp Christmas View on white cardstock two times with Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color the images (direct-to-paper) with Memento Dual Tip Markers.  Trim portions for layering.

Position and attach the flower layers to the inside of the circular ring.

Tip/Hint:  At this point, if desired, this piece could be made into a shaker box by adding small beads and a circular piece of acetate before the next step.

Ink Christmas View first with VersaMark Watermark ink and then with Teal Zeal Memento ink.  Stamp the image on white cardstock and heat emboss with clear powder.  Add shading to the individual ring components with a Brushstix and Teal Zeal Memento ink.  Next, a sparkle gel pen was used to add a little shimmer.  

Trim the outside of the design with scissors and die cut a circle from the center.

Attach the decorative piece to the top of the ring.  Accent the flowers with copper glitter and add colored pearls.

Tip/Hint:  White pearls are easily altered by coloring them with a Sharpie.

Be sure to take a peek "here".... the Penny Black blog is featuring more mini card inspiration and a challenge!

Have a fabulous weekend,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Christmas View 4274K, Crystal Drops 4268K, Lace Delight 30-115

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, VersaMark Watermark Ink, Teal Zeal Memento, Dandelion Memento, Pear Tart Memento, Memento Dual Tip Markers, Delicata Golden Glitz, Jumbo Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Mark Richards: Pearl Sticker Accents

Martha Stewart: Copper Glitter

Sakura: Sparkle Gel Pen

Sharpie: Teal Marker

Spellbinders: Standard Circles Large (S4-114)

Other: Empty Tape Ring, Glue Pen

Role Reversal For Backgrounds

Today is about role reversal and bringing those backgrounds forward for them to take center stage.   

 

As published in Scrap & Stamp Arts, September 2012.  Complete instructions and supply list on page 35.



Brilliant colors, a touch of sparkle and Penny Black’s Circle Pattern create the round card base motif.  To accent the design, a few candles and a sentiment (Sweet Wishes) were added to a die-cut label.

Tip/Hint:  Trim a small piece from the bottom of the back panel.  This will keep the card from “rolling” when displayed.

You can also see Circle Pattern used as a background design element by scrolling down to the previous post or by clicking “here”.

Wishing you a day filled with happy surprises,

Elizabeth

Best "Witches"

Flying by to share some Halloween fun….

These are the cardstock, ink and stamp combinations for the dimensional layers:

Frame:  Scalloped Circle die cut from white cardstock inked with Crimson Red VersaFine and stamped with spider webs (Best Witches) in Elderberry Memento ink.

Background: Circle die cut from white cardstock inked in Cantaloupe, Dandelion and Tangelo Memento inks.  Circle Pattern stamped in Tangelo Memento.

Grass:  Spring Meadow cardstock stamped with the background from Warm Wishes in Pistachio Memento ink.

Witch:  Stamp witch in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color with Copics and fussy cut.

Sentiment:  Oval die cut from white cardstock and edged with Elderberry Memento ink.  Sentiment stamped in Onyx Black VersaFine.

Assemble layers with dimensional foam.

Wishing you a day filled with happy magic,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Best Witches 30-131, Warm Wishes 40-074, Circle Pattern 40-105

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Spring Meadow 06-001

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam

Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Crimson Red VersaFine, Dandelion Memento, Cantaloupe Memento, Tangelo Memento, Pistachio Memento, Elderberry Memento, Jumbo Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder

Spellbinders: Standard Circles Small (S4-116), Classic Scallop Circles Large (S4-124), Classic Ovals Large (S4-110)