InStyle Stamps Blog Hop!

 

Yay!   It’s time for another InStyle Stamps Blog Hop!!   Our theme this month is VALENTINE HEARTS!    For my project, I used one of the newest ISS Anime images – Valentine Ava.    Don’t forget, click on this link to receive a 5 percent discount on your entire InStyle stamps order ~   INSTYLE STAMPS. 

I made a Valentines Day treat gift/pocket card using this awesome tutorial from one of my stamping idols, Rachel Jakes.  

  

 

  

Here’s a side view …

  

 

  

and the inside  ~   Surprise!    🙂

  

 

And,  now on to all the details of this month’s Blog Hop ~  PLEASE be sure to check out ALL the awesome VALENTINE HEARTS projects from the ISS Design Team… 

We are, once again, having a contest ~ make sure you head on over to the InStyle Stamps Blog to vote for your favorite project!   The DT member who gets the most votes will win a prize … and YOU can WIN A PRIZE JUST FOR VOTING!!   The contest will remain open until 11:59pm EST on Saturday, January 30th, and winners will be announced on Sunday.  

Here’s a list of the blog hop participants in order:

Jodi S
Genevieve
Cyndi
Lana
Maylee
Virginia
Cabio
Angelique
Mary  (me!)
Linda
Joy
Janelle
Judy
Raquel
Margie
Julie
Lysa
Piali

 So, if you’re following along  …   your next stop is LINDA’S  awesome blog.    And, don’t forget to stop back at the ISS blog to vote for your favorite DT member project!    

Thanks for stopping by today!    Hope you’re having a great day.

 

 

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Copics Used:   RV00, 11, 29, 32;  R000, 01, 20, 30, 37, 39;  E00, 01, 11, 29, 31, 37, 39, 43, 47, 50, 51, 53; B23; W1, 3, 5

Special Delivery!

 

[Sorry this posted so late!   I had the wrong time scheduled!!!]

It’s time for a few sneak peeks of some new images at InStyle Stamps.   This super cutie is Kristina!   And, she will be available tomorrow at the InStyle Stamps store!   Be sure to check out the ISS blog to see all the new images and all the GORGEOUS cards from the ISSDT!    Here’s my card with Kristina and her VERY special Valentine’s Day delivery …

 

 

I have to tell you, I couldn’t bear the thought of making another RED or PINK card!!     I’m a little Valentined out.    🙂    So, I thought this new paper from Basic Grey’s Sugar Rush collection was just what I needed to take a break!      I did add some little red heart brads in the corners and used some Martha Stewart polka dot red paper which has been punched with ~ what else? ~ a Martha Stewart heart edge punch!    The sentiment is computer generated and cut with a Spellbinders tag die.

 

 

Thanks for visiting today!    Hope you’re enjoying the heat wave ~ We actually reached 30 degrees here in Wisconsin!!    Woo hoo!

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Copics Used:   RV000, 09, 29; R000, 11, 20, 30, 81, 83, 85; YR21, 23, 24, 31; Y00, 11, 21; E000, 00, 01, 11; B21, 23, 60, 63; T1, 3, 5; W4; C10

 

I just called to say … I love you! :)

 

 

Sing it with me!   I’ve been singing it the entire time I was working on this card and can’t get it out of my head   …

We had another Color Challenge today for Club Anime ~ using pink, hot pink and red

 

For my card I used Tracy, one of the newest Club Anime images from InStyle Stamps.   How could I resist this sentiment?!    Be sure to stop over at the CA blog to see all the gorgeous Color Challenge cards!

 

Tracy was colored with Copics and attached with dimensionals.  The sentiment is computer generated.   I promise to do a tutorial showing how I do this yet this weekend.  It’s really pretty easy ~ so, please stay tuned!  

Thanks for stopping in – Hope you’re having a great weekend.

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Copics Used:   RV10, 13, 14, 21, 23, 25, 29;  R11, 20, 30; E000, 00, 01, 11, 50, 51, 53; B93, 95; W0, 1, 3; T1, 3, 5

Club Anime Sketch Challenge ~ Plus two of my favorite words (Shoe Sale)!

 

Time for another Club Anime Sketch Challenge!   

Living in Wisconsin in January is NOT a lot of fun — except for all the After-Christmas Sales, of course!    There are a few things I tend to collect, Copic markers, SHOES!   🙂    So I thought this image from InStyle stamps would be perfect for any fellow shoe shopper …

 

 

This cutie is Kylah – Trying on Shoes and is available as a digital image on the InStyle Stamps webstore.   Don’t forget if you’d like to order any images from ISS – be sure to use this link to receive your discount.  

Here’s the sketch we were to follow for this challenge, which I flipped for my card …

 

The DP is from Bo Bunny and the tag is my first try with the Spellbinders Shapeabilites Fancy Tags – I love em!  

I hope you can join us for this challenge ~ all the details can be found on the Club Anime blog.   The prize for this month’s sketch challenge is a “Family” chipboard album from Bo Bunny.  (wish I could play along!)

 

 

You have until 11:59 pm PST, February 1st, 2010 to submit your card.  The winner will be announced on February 2nd.

Thanks for dropping by – hope you’re staying warm, it’s a whole SIX degrees here today!   We’re having a heat wave.    

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Copics Used:   YR00, 20, 21, 23, 24; R20, 30; YG23, 93; B01, 02; E000, 00, 01, 11, 25, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 47, 49; T1, 3, 5; W1, 3, 4

Club Anime Color Challenge

  

 

Happy Saturday!   Hope you’re having a good weekend so far.   It’s the second Saturday of the month and time for another Club Anime Color Challenge.   And what a great color combo it is this month ~  very appropriate for the season!   The colors we were to use are red, green and brown . . .   

    

   

For my card I used the adorable new fairy image ~ Sitting Kylah from InStyle Stamps What’s New section.  And, don’t forget if you click on the link above, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your entire order from ISS!!   

I really had fun coloring Kylah, I love her curly hair style.   I shouldn’t be admitting this, but I actually pulled up my own tutorial for coloring Brunette Hair ~ it’s been awhile and I couldn’t recall all the Copic colors I had used!     

    

   

  

I hope you will join us for this challenge . You have an entire month to submit your card ~ the winner will receive THREE Rubber Stamps of your choice from InStyle Stamps!! You can read all about it here and see all the other amazing Club Anime Design Team cards!   

Thanks for taking time from your day to visit today!   

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Copics Used:   R20, 30, 35, 39, 43, 59, 89;  E000, 00, 11, 20, 30, 31, 37, 39, 43, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53;  YG03;  W0, 3, 5

Club Anime Sketch Challenge

 

Yes, another challenge!   I’m your challenge gal.   This one is for the InStyle Stamps Club Anime.   This darling little Club Anime angel is called Kimi.   Don’t forget to receive a 5% discount on any InStyle Stamps order, use this link.

And, if you would like to have the chance to be a Club Anime Guest Designer for the months of December and January, be sure to hop over to the CA blog for all the details.

Here’s this months sketch …

 

And, here’s my card using Kimi …

 

Sorry the color is a little off  – I used way too much silver and kept getting a flashback on the pictures!   Unfortunately, in order to get a decent photo, I’m afraid the color is a little too bright!  

So, be sure to head over the Club Anime blog to see all the other DT cards and enter for a chance to be a Club Anime Guest Designer.

Happy Wednesday — getting closer to the weekend!    🙂

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Copics Used:   B93, 95, 97; R000, 01, 11, 20, 30; E000, 00, 11; YR24, 31;  T1, 3, 5

 

InStyle Stamps Blog Hop ~ Ornaments

 

Welcome to our monthly InStyle Stamps Blog Hop.  Glad you could stop in on this most famous shopping day! 

Our theme this month is Ornaments.    The above ornament was made using Sandy, my favorite holiday image from InStyle Stamps.   She was printed on acetate and colored with Copics and moonlight Smooch paint.   Don’t forget, click on this link to receive a 5 percent discount on your entire InStyle stamps order ~   INSTYLE STAMPS. 

 

 

 

My second project features Christmas Tree Chick.   My twin granddaughters LOVE candy canes and they include them with the ornaments on their tree each year.   So I thought it would be fun to give them a pre-holiday gift of some candy canes – for eating AND decorating!     

I used one of the holiday boxes from the dollar section at Target and added my image.

 

 

And for my final ornament project …

 

My granddaughters, who LOVE pink and purple, have a small Christmas tree that they decorate in their room.  I found some pretty pink and purple smaller sized ornaments that were perfect for their tree and added them to another box from Target, also with Christmas Tree Chick.

 

 

And,  now on to all the details of this month’s Blog Hop ~  PLEASE be sure to check out ALL the Ornament projects from the ISS Design Team… 

We are, once again, having a contest ~ make sure you head on over to the InStyle Stamps Blog to vote for your favorite project!   The DT member who gets the most votes will win a prize … and YOU can WIN A PRIZE JUST FOR VOTING!!   The contest will remain open until 11:59pm EST on Saturday, November 28th, and winners will be announced on Sunday.  

Here’s a list of the blog hop participants in order:

Cyndi  http://www.scrappychick.typepad.com/

Lana  http://sweetpeaspapercreations.blogspot.com/

Piali http://touchofcreation.blogspot.com/

Kim http://www.craftsbykim.blogspot.com/

Janelle  http://rainpuddlesdesign.blogspot.com/

Raquel http://raqode7.blogspot.com/

Melissa http://mmedesigns.blogspot.com/

Lysa http://lysaq.blogspot.com/

Joy http://daiseyfreak.blogspot.com/

Maylee http://mayleescreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Angelique  http://www.scrapping-angel.blogspot.com/

Linda  http://lindaspysselblogg.wordpress.com/

Margie  http://ohbumbleismemargie.blogspot.com/

Julie  http://www.creationsbyjulie.blogspot.com/

Jodi S.  http://jodimommyto4.blogspot.com/

me!  https://mycardz.wordpress.com

Kimmi  http://poppy-petal-designs.blogspot.com/

Genevieve  http://scrapmuscade.blogspot.com/

Virginia http://paperyumness.blogspot.com/

So, if you’re following along  …   your next stop is Kimmi‘s awesome blog.    And, don’t forget to stop back at the ISS blog to vote for your favorite DT member project!    

Thanks for stopping by today!    Hope you’re having a great BLACK FRIDAY!

Steps on how I cut out and highlight images for my cardz

I’ve been asked by several people about the steps I take to both cut out my images and how the highlighting is done behind the images and on the edges of the die cut background.    Soooo, here you go!    🙂

I’m probably including too much information, but I have this ritural I follow for most of my cardz and thought I would share each step.    Hopefully, you can just skip over the unneeded info and find what you might be interested in.   AND, I’m asking Santa for a video recorder for Christmas!!   I think it will make these tutorials VERY much easier!!   

1.   The first thing I do when creating a card is to choose my papers, so I can match the colors in the DP to the Copic markers I use.   Obviously, this isn’t a necesary step for this tutorial.  

This little cutie is Vanessa from InStyle Stamps Club Anime – already colored with Copics.   I’ve printed the image twice – once to color and the other will be the mounted background shape.  

(I generally use a Spellbinders Nestabilities die  for my background shapes, but unfortunately, I really wanted to attach Vanessa to a heart shape and she was a bit too large for the Spellbinder hearts, so this heart shape will not have any embossing on the edges.)  

2.  The other supplies needed are a good pair of scissors  (these are very cool Squishy Scissors from Marvy Uchida);  Ink for highlighting – I generally use Tim Holtz Distress inks;  a small rectangle – about 1 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch piece of  Inkssential Cut-n-Dry Stamp Pad Felt from Ranger   (This really is my FAVORITE material for a smooth, even highlight); and a permanent black marker.  (Since the marker is used for the edges of the cut image, I don’t use my Copics for this part.  I’ve found out the hard way that it can damage the tips!)

3.   To make my detailed cutting a little easier to get to, I cut roughly around the image about a  1/4 to 1/2 inch.

4.   I guess  because I’m right-handed, I always begin cutting on the right side of my image, always beginning with the most difficult cuts. 

 

5.  I cut as close to the outside of the black line as possible, moving both the scissors and image as I’m cutting.   This always reminds me of peeling apples for PIE!   I usually end up with one long connected piece –  since you are never really taking a full cut, just moving the scissors around your image.    (Yikes!   I hope that makes sense!    Once I get a video recorder, I will try to redo this to actually show you this “in motion”!)

6.  Now, time for that black permanent marker – Carefully run the side of the marker around the edges of the entire cut image.   This just makes your cutting look cleaner –  yes, there is a word for people like me!   🙂 

7.  On to uncolored background image.   My first step is to use one of the Gray Copics to add some shading around this image.   I used W3 here.

I usually take my Colorless Blender pen to soften this line so it doesn’t appear too harsh.

8.   Since I will be attaching the cut image with Pop It!  Dots, I color the outer sections so that when the card is viewed at a side angle you will see a colored image rather than the white uncolored one.   (yep, that word again!)

9.   Finally time to sponge the background of the shaped image.  

I do this in a light circular motion – I start out directly on the image – since the first touch to the paper generally is darker.  

Just keep lightly going around the image always starting from this point – always in a circular motion, until you achieve the desired level of color.   If you need to pick up more ink on your piece of felt, start again from the center of the image.     

If you look closely, you can see the darker “starter points” on the center of the image –  Don’t worry, these will be covered with your cut image!

10.  And  to add color to the edges of your shaped image –

If I’m using a different color, I just use the other end of my piece of felt.  

It’s best to have a piece of scrap paper under your image for this step. 

This time, I begin my ink actually on the scrap paper, holding my shaped image tightly with my left hand.  

Put your inked felt straight down onto the scrap paper and pull it up and over onto your shaped image, continuing around the entire shape in this same motion.   Again, always starting lightly and going over the area again if a darker color is desired.   

I always keep turning my shaped paper rather than the inked felt around the edge, so the ink impression flows in the same direction.     (Somebody REALLY needs a manicure!) 

11.   That’s it for the highlighting!   

Now, just apply those Pop It! Dots to your cut image and stick it onto your highlighted, shaped image.

12.   And she’s ready to be made into a card!!      Pretty easy, right?!    

Here’s a link to the completed card.    Thanks for stopping by for this lonnnnnnnnnnnnng tutorial!   If you have any questions – please don’t hesitate to ask.    And, hopefully, if Santa brings me a video recorder, I can redo this whole thing and it might make more sense!!    lol

Club Anime Color Challenge

 

Happy Saturday!   Hope you’re having a fun weekend.   It’s the second Saturday of the month and time for another Club Anime Color Challenge.   The colors we were to use are coral, chocolate and kiwi  . . .

 

 

For my card I used cutie Mieko from InStyle Stamps  Anime Digital Download section, and she’s ON SALE!!!    (love those two words!)  I do love this color combination, but really struggled making a card with them.   I hope her hair can be considered coral!   

 

 

I also hope you will join us in the challenge.    You have an entire month to submit your card ~  the winner will receive a $20.00 Gift Certificate to InStyle Stamps!!   You can read all about it here and see all the other amazing Club Anime Design Team cards!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

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Copics Used:   E000, 00, 01, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25, 27; R00, 01, 11, 20, 22, 30; YG03, 91, 93; W0, 1, 2, 3, 4

Club Anime Sketch Challenge

 

 

Welcome!   Yesterday was Club Anime’s monthly Sketch Challenge, held each month of the 2nd.   Here’s the Sketch we were to work with …

 

 

And here’s my card using one of Club Anime’s newest images ~ Snowman Chick!  

 

The image has been colored with Copics and cut out and attached with dimensionals.  This gorgeous flock dp is from Bo Bunny.  I also added a small piece of ribbon for Mr. Snowman’s scarf and some Kaiser half pearls in a minty blue color.    The snowflake is from Making Memories.

 

 

We hope you will join us for this challenge!    All the details can be found on the Club Anime blog.  

There’s lots of exciting changes happening over at InStyle Stamps!   

First, ISS has a new blog, as I mentioned here.  AND, Virginia has graciously changed the number from 75 to 150 FREE IMAGES!   So, I hope you will take a minute to go check it out and signup for your FREE ISS image.   

Second, Club Anime is now available to the public.   Everyone can view the blog and participate in the challenges. The exclusive images for Club Anime will be available on the 1st of each month but those that are members will get the images first.

Thanks for stopping by today!

 

Hand-picked just for you!

 

Hello!   It’s time for another Club Anime Color Challenge (2nd Saturday of each month).   Here’s our inspiration for this month:  

 

How cool is that?   I know I would LOVE to have this bedding set!    Brown and blue or brown and pink are such popular color combinations right now, which made this challenge so much fun.    I used this cute little girl from the October Club Anime images called Mayah for my card.   The gorgeous dp is from the Club Anime October kit by Bo Bunny.  

 

 

I thought this sentiment would be perfect for this little cutie –  

 

 

Hope you can join us in this great color challenge.   All the details can be found here.      Thanks for stopping by today – Hope you’re having a great weekend!

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Copics Used:   B000, 00, 02; G000, 00, 99; R24, 27; E11, 13, 15, 17, 25, 27, 42, 43, 44, 47

Club Anime ~ Sketch Challenge

 

TGIF!!   Welcome to InStyle Stamps 1st Club Anime Sketch Challenge.  

First off, I’m a little behind in my posting and this image is actually a September CA release.  But,  she’s just such a cutie, I couldn’t not use her on a card!    This is Mylie, from the Club Anime images.    I just love her long gown … with homecoming dances around the corner, this image could be perfect for a “first dance” card.  

Here’s the Sketch we were to follow for our card:

 

Before I show you my card, I also wanted to show a picture of what the dress looks like in a closeup photo.    I used some VERY cool paper (which is now available in the October Club Anime kit).   The paper is almost like brushed velvet.    I printed the image and then used Copics to add some highlighting and dimension.

 

 

 Unfortunately, in order to show you the texture of the paper, the color really gets washed out ~ almost to a blue color.   The actual color is a gorgeous purple, or per my crayon collection ~ periwinkle!  

The picture below shows the full card with the color being a little more similar to real-life, but the paper texture just does not come through, no matter how many times I tried!    Sigh.   Be sure to check out all the Club Anime details found here. 

 

 

Hope you have some exciting plans for the weekend!    Thank you for stopping by today.

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Copics used:   BV00, 02; R000, 11, 20; YG95, 97; E000, 00, 01, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35; W1, 4

Club Anime ~ Color Challenge

 

Over at the Club Anime  blog, we’ve begun a new monthly challenge ~ Every month on the 2nd Saturday, we will be having a Color Challenge!    You must be a member to play, but the prize being offered is well worth the membership!   The winner is being offered a stamp of their choice with some yummy papers, ribbons, brads and other embellishments!  All the details on how to join the Club can be found here.

Here’s this month’s Color Challenge sample:

 

I choose to use just the brown and pink colors for my card.   This little cutie is Violet – playing her violin!    🙂    I used papers and ribbon from this month’s CA Kit, featuring BoBunnypapers.   The brown and pink DP was actually brown and white, but I colored it pink with my Copics.   

 

 

Sooooo, did you notice the little scrunchie flower/bow??    It actually looks like a miniature shower sponge!!!   lol      I was pretty excited to show you this.  (It may not be an original idea, but it’s new to me!)    I was playing with the ribbon, which, as you may be able to see in the photo, has a white string threaded through it; I pulled the string very tightly and low and behold my bow/flower was made!    Here’s a quick picture to show you how I did it, using a small piece of the ribbon:

 

 

Pretty cool!   😀

Hope you’re having a GREAT weekend!

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Copics Used:   E000, 00, 01, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 27, 30; R000, 20, 43; RV21, 23; W0, 1, 3, 4.

InStyle Stamps ~ Method Monday

It’s my turn for InStyle Stamps Method Monday otherwise known as “How’d she do that?”  🙂

For my project I was so excited to use one of the newest Club Anime  images ~ Chef Jules.  Isn’t she just soooooo adorable??!!  And, she’s so much fun to color, I HAD to make it look as though she were making something CHOCOLATE!!   🙂 

A friend’s daughter who is just beginning to prepare meals for her family loves to cook and is having her 14th birthday this month.  I thought it would be a great idea to make a recipe card holder for her using Chef Jules  (AKA, Chef Elizabeth) !  

 

If you’re interested, my step-by-step instructions for making this recipe card box ~  using papers from the September Club Anime kit and Chef Jules ~ can be found on the InStyle Stamps blog.  

Thanks for visiting!

Exciting News ~ Club Anime!!

 

This little cutie is one of the brand new images available through the new CLUB ANIME!     All details on this exciting, members only, club can be found here.         

 This is Asia!   I just lovvvvvvvve her eyes … but especially the “look” in her eyes ~   It’s like “leave me alone and go away”  …  in a nice sort of way!!   lol

 

 

As a member of the new Club Anime, each month you will be able to purchase a  KIT, with LOTs of very cool design papers, cardstock, ribbons and some miscellaneous items at a discounted rate!     My card is made with items from the September kit.     The DP is from Bo Bunny (one of my all-time favorites)  ~ EVERYTHING in the kit is coordinated to match the DP, including the VERY COOL  ribbons!  

The sentiment, both on the actual image and below, is computer generated   … but very appropriate!!     🙂      And, that’s exactly how I feel today!!!