Bunny Blooms

 

Just taking a little break from my Tildas and wanted to share this sooooooo adorable bunny with you!    He’s called Bunny Blooms from High Hopes ~ in stock and available at 7 Kids College Fund.   I believe he was illustrated by the very sweet Crissy Armstrong …  I seriously love everything she does!   

Did you notice his shiny white teeth?   I used some Smooch paint in moonlight to make them nice and shiny!   

 

 

The DP for this card is from Graphic 45 (my fav) the Baby 2 Bride Collection ~ Love Me Tender.   Mr. Bunny was colored with Copics, cut out and attached with dimensionals.  I colored an extra set of the tulips and attached those also with dimensionals for a little extra depth.    Here’s a quick photo showing the layers …

 

 

I used an EK Success swirl border punch for the middle section and attached that with dimensionals also.   In case you’re wondering, YES, I go through about a case of dimensionals per month!   LOL   

Thanks for visiting today ~ I hope you’re having a great weekend.    My break is over, time to get back to the Tildas.   🙂

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Copics Used:   R01, 02, 12, 20, 21, 30;  E50, 51, 53:  B60, 63;  G12;  YG11;  W1, 2, 3, 4

Luigi stamp up for grabs!!

 

 

I just found out that my dear sweet and very talented friend, Sue of Sue’s Stamping Stuff  has listed our favorite pizza boy stamp as blog candy!     Better hurry over and leave her a comment – he’ll be gone on February 6th!!   🙂

Luigi has a new home! :)

 

 

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 5 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

             2010 January 21     Vicki Sopcak

Mary,

Of course I would LOVE this card…..I LOVE everything you do!!!

Thanks for the opportunity to win.

 

Thank you ALL for your very, very kind comments!!     I really wish I had a Luigi for everyone.    Congrats Vicki!!   

Sentiment & Highlighting of Luigi Tutorial ~ Finally!

 

Please note, this is a BRAND new Luigi card, made specifically for this tutorial.

Yes, it’s true!  After almost TWO weeks I have FINALLY completed the tutorial on how I created the sentiment and applied the highlighting around Luigi!   BTW, Luigi is available here at 7 Kids College Fund.   

I’m really sorry this is being posted so much later than I had anticipated ~ please note, there are 39 photos included with this tutorial and several hours of editing!   Eeek ~ That’s a lot!   🙂    Just a warning!  This is going to be a long one ~ so grab your favorite beverage and get comfy!  

SENTIMENT:

The sentiment was made on my computer using Microsoft Office Word 2007.    The first step, in Word, is to click on INSERT at the top of your screen.

 

Then click on WORDART at the top of your next screen.

When you click on WORDART, this smaller box will appear showing all the different options available.  For this card, I chose the 3rd style on the top row ~ click on it.

You will then be taken to the text editing screen where you can choose your font, font size and whether or not you would like to add Bold or Italics for emphasis.

For this card, I chose the Harrington font, size 16 and Bold.    When finished editing, click OK at the bottom of the text editing box.

You will then see your formatted text in a blue box with a slight curve in the style you originally chose. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look exactly the same, the range of the curve can be changed.    Note, the blue box is strictly for editing purposes, it will not print.

Notice the marks in each corner and the top, bottom and side centers of the blue box?   These are what you use to either increase or decrease the range of the curve or the size.    We’ll start with the range ~  take your cursor and click on the mark at the bottom right, you can then drag (hold your cursor on the mark and move) the box down as far as you would like.   

To see how the text will fit with your stamp, you can now do one of two options ~ the first would be to print out your text to compare it with the size of your stamp and then edit, if needed; 

Or the second, to measure the width of your stamp to determine what the width of your WordArt should be.

As you can see, Luigi is about three inches wide.  

Going back to your computer, you can now use the measuring guide in Word located just above your document on the screen ~  As you can see, the text below is about four inches wide.  Since my stamp is only three inches, I would like to make it a little smaller.   

To do this, click on the right center arrow and once again drag the blue box, this time  towards the left to make the width smaller.   This will NOT affect the curve style.

My WordArt is now about 3 1/2 inches wide.

I’ve printed it out for you to see that it fits much better with my stamp.

Now, time to add the bottom section of the sentiment.   

I measure the combined length of my stamp and the WordArt text  to determine approximately where I would like the lower sentiment placed.  This appears to be about 4 1/2 inches.

 

Back to the computer, this time working with the side measuring guide in Word, shown on the left below –  I hit the ENTER key until my cursor is at the 4 1/2 inch mark on the screen guide, and type in the text.

You can now use your normal editing features to format this text.   I’ve chosen ChopinScript (downloaded from Dafont.com), size 28, Bold and red for my font color.       (Oops, I also added an exclamation point, which wasn’t included above)

Print it out and do one final check with your image to see if it is placed where you would like.   If everything looks good, I then print it on my good cardstock.       Your sentiment is now finished!  Yay.

HIGHLIGHTING:

I usually stamp the image several times.   First on the cardstock printed with the sentiment and again on another piece of cardstock for coloring ~ I cut out my colored image and attach it with dimensionals, this way the highlighting does not affect the coloring of my image.  

  

 For Luigi, I have done a few extra steps – the pizza was colored and cut out separately after applying some Diamond Glaze to the cheese!  Since I like things to be authentic (and I’m a little crazy) I also stamped and cut out the pizza again on some silver foil cardstock for the pizza pan!    🙂    The oven mitts are paper pieced with a smaller check dp.  

  

  

For anyone who might be interested, here are the Copic colors used for each specific area:    T1, 3, 5 for the Hat & Jacket; E000, 00, 01, 11; R20, 30 for Luigi’s skin;  E41, 42, 44, 47 for his Hair and Mustache;  YR20, 31 Cheese;  E07, 08, 09 Pepperoni; E30, 33 Crust; C2, 5, 7 for Luigi’s pants; and W1, 3, 5 for his Shoes.

  

Oh, I almost forgot ~ Since I didn’t have any black buttons for Luigi’s Chef jacket, I colored them with Copics too!   I use stick pins to hold them so I can color a little easier.   (crazy, I know!)  LOL

  

Here are the supplies I used for the highlighting around Luigi.   I REALLY love and highly recommend these particular Copic colors, which were recently added at 7 Kids College Fund ~ T1, T3 & T5, Toner Grays; Copic 0, Colorless Blender; Distress Ink in black soot; and Inkessentials stamp pad felt.

  

My first step is to use my T5 Toner Gray marker to go around the entire outer edge of the image.

Then using T3, I go over the darker T5 line, going slightly wider.

And, then I run my T1 over both lines to blend.

Finally, lightening the edges slightly with my Colorless Blender.

For the bottom area to “ground” Luigi, I start with my T5 again directly around his shoes.

And, again, going over this and slightly expanding the area with T3.

Again, using T1 and 0 (Colorless Blender) going over it to blend.

Now, using a small section of the stamp pad felt, I apply some Distress Ink in black soot around the image.   If you’re interested, I have more specific instructions on this technique in this previous tutorial.

Here’s a picture of the Distress Ink highlighting around Luigi.

 Below is a photo showing that I’ve quickly colored the bottom image and cut the sides with my paper cutter.

I wanted the top to match the shape of my text, so I used this guide.

Voila!

One final step was to highlight around the edges of the cardstock, using Distress Ink in fired brick.    (Again, more specific instructions can be found here.)

A quick photo of the highlighed edges.

I then attach all the extra pieces to the Copic colored Luigi and attach him with dimensionals!

That’s it!!     Whew …       😀        As always, if you have ANY questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Valentine’s Day is so over-rated!

 

… and this little piggy had chocolate!

I thought this card would be perfect for any friend who might be feeling slightly anti-Valentine’s Day!    It does seem to be a bit overwhelming around this time of year for anyone who is single ~ between the commercials on TV, the store ads and of course, the CARDS!   🙂

This little piggy is from High Hopes, he’s called SOW SOO-EET PIGGY, and available now at 7 Kids College Fund.

 

 

I used Spellbinders Mega Nestabilites Labels Eight for the frame around the image.  The dp is from K&Company, Smitten Heart Stripe.  The ribbon and hearts in the corners are from my stash.  Mr. Piggy was colored with Copics.  The sentiment is computer generated.

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Copics Used:   RV25, 29, 42; R000, 30, 32, 81, 83, 85; E41, 44, 47; T1, 3, 5

Luigi … AGAIN!

 

I know you’ve seen this guy before, and I’m sorry to keep posting him.   I’ve received so many emails from people WANTING him  that the wonderful Tab from 7 Kids College Fund has now placed him in the store as a PREORDER item ~ there is no need to do the special ordering!    Yay!    

AND, the really good news is that they are being shipped to 7 Kids early next week!!     But, she did only order a limited supply, so you better get ’em while you can!     🙂         Thank you!

Here’s a direct link to both Luigi and a matching sentiment:      LUIGI

 

P.S.   I’m hoping to have some extra time this weekend to do a picture tutorial on how I did the sentiment for this card and the grey shading around Mr. Luigi.    Hope you can check back!     ♥

Breaking News! :)

 

HIGH HOPES SPECIAL ORDERS

I have just heard that Luigi from High Hopes is in HIGH demand!  (pun intended!)  hehe   

If you would like to be SURE you get this stamp ~  you can place a special order for him with 7 Kids College Fund!   Please  CLICK HERE  for instructions on placing your order.  

Unfortunately, you’d better hurry!  She will be taking special orders through Wednesday, January 6th ~ TOMORROW!     PLEASE be sure to tell her I sent you!    😀

That’s Amore!

 

 

Hi!    Sorry, I’ve been missing in action for the past week or so – I was soooo far behind in my Christmas preparations, that I just had to take a break.    But, I’m back, refreshed and ready to go!!    😀

And, now trying to get ready for that big day in February.    As soon as I saw this guy from High Hopes, I knew he would be perfect for a Valentine – It’s Luigi!     Hopefully I’m not showing my age by using a line from this song on the card, but I thought it was so perfect for Luigi …

 

 

Of course, the entire time I was working on this card – I was, unfortunately, singing this song!   Good thing I have a separate area in the house for my stamping!  

Luigi is colored with Copics, cut out and attached with dimensionals.  I used a classic Italian restaurant tablecloth design of red and white checks for the background by Karen Foster – Picnic Cloth.  I also added some Diamond Glaze to the pizza to make it look a little more authentic.   

 This stamp from High Hopes is currently out of stock at 7 Kids, but on order and should be arriving soon!   I will definitely let you know when he’s back in stock.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday with family and friends. 

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Copics Used:   E000, 00, 01, 07, 08, 09, 11, 30, 31, 33, 37, 41, 42, 44, 47, 95; R00, 20, 30; YR20, 31; W0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8;  N1, 3, 5; C5, 7, 10; T1, 3, 5

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

 

This has to be THE jolliest snowman stamp around!    It’s Daper Dan Snowman  from High Hopes Stamps, now in stock at 7 Kids College Fund  – but they’re going fast!    

I used this week’s awesome sketch from Splitcoast for my card and just flipped it.

 

 

Since this is image is named Daper Dan, I thought he should have a bit more of a formal attire!   So, I paper pieced his vest and umbrella.  All the DP used for this card is from the Little Yellow Bicycle Sharon Ann Christmas Magic Collection.

I also attached a REAL bow for his bowtie.   The holly leaves are from a string of these that I purchased from my local scrapbook store and I added some red pearls from  Kaisercraft.   The handkerchief in his pocket is the top of one of the holly leaves!   

I also added some  Stickles in gold  for the tips of his umbrella, stardust for the outer edges of Dan and icicle  for the snow on the ground.   I even used some Pumpkin orange Smooch paint  for his carrot nose.   His buttons are some black flat-back beads that I had in my stash.      Here’s a closeup view showing all the little embellishments:

 

Whew.  I think that it!    Thanks for dropping in today – I appreciate it!

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Copics Used:     B60, 63;  YG93;  G28; R000, 20, 27, 30; YR12, 15, 18;  E30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 41, 42; T1, 3, 5; W0, 1, 3, 5, 7;  C10

A Star-Studded Christmas Card! :)

 

Talk about all the major Christmas stars on one card!    It’s Santa, Rudy AND Frosty!    I really think this stamp would be a major hit with any 2, 3 or 4 year old out there.   It called Three Pane Christmas from High Hopes.

 

 

I just love their adorable little faces.   These are illustrated by my friend and AMAZINGLY talented artist Crissy Armstrong.  If you’ve not been to her blog, you REALLY need to take a peek – but you won’t want to leave! 

For my card, I used the Spellbinders Shapeabilites Ribbon Tag Trio 2 for the sentiment and the Spellbinders Nestabilites Large Scalloped Long Rectangle dies.  I’m not sure where the DP is from, it’s been in my stash for awhile, but I was looking for something a little brighter and cheery for a child’s Christmas card.

If you’re interested, I will be adding this card to my ETSY store later today.

Thanks for visiting!   Hope you’re somewhere warm and out of the path of a MAJOR snowstorm headed this way!

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Copics Used:   E000, 00, 11, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 51, 53, 55;  R000, 20, 22, 30, 35, 37, 39, 46, 89;  B000, 00, 01, 60, 63;  Y11, 17, 21, 28, 38; G3, 7, 19; YG21;  W1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8;  C1, 2, 3, 7, 10; T1, 3, 5

Santa & Rudy

 

TGIS!  I’m really enjoying my brown kraft paper a little too much!    This famous duo is from High Hopes, called Santa & Rudy.    I love High Hopes images, they really are awesome stamps to work with since they always stamp out so clearly.   I sometimes have difficulties with some of the unmounted stamps — but, maybe it’s just me, user error!!   lol

 

 

7 Kids College Fund  now carries Copic markers in the T (Toner Grays) and N (Neutral Grays) colors.  Since I didn’t have any Ts in my collection, I ordered a few and LOVE them!   They really work well for coloring blacks – I’ve always struggled to do anything black.   But, I used T1, 3 & 5 for Santa’s boots and was pretty happy with how they turned out.  

I added some button brads to Santa’s suit – they were originally blue, but I painted them with some black nail polish!  The white parts were done using Smooch paint in Moonlight – my bottle is almost empty!   And, of course, a little Christams Red Stickles for Rudy’s nose!    The falling snow is white Liquid Applique.  

 The only sentiment that kept coming to my mind when I would look at these two is BFF!   Thought this might make a cute card to send to your own BFF.      🙂  

 

 

I guess today is the official Christmas Decorating weekend.   Unfortunately, over the past few years, I’ve developed an allergic reaction to pine trees – just having one in the house gives me hives!   So there is no way I can touch the tree to decorate it.   We are thinking of buying an artificial one this year.  Ugh.   I’ll miss the smell of a freshly cut tree, but definitely not the hives!!   

 

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Copics Used:      R20, 22, 30, 35, 37, 39, 89;  G12, 21, 24, 85, 99;  E000, 00, 01, 11, 30, 33, 37, 40, 41, 42, 44, 47;  W0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8;  T1, 3, 5