Sunday, July 18, 2010

Color Me Copic Challenge


I am an avid blog surfer. I don't think there's anything I love more about the Internet than seeing all the amazing talent that exists on the world wide web. Wait! There is shopping, but that's another post! I always see these super challenges on blogs and finally decided I should try one. Color Me Copic is a great blog I just discovered during one of my blog surfs. They ran a tutorial featuring a Black and White (or grey) challenge at the end. Here is the link for anyone interested:

I just received two new Manga stamps from Sugar Nellie and either one was perfect for the color challenge. This is the link to shop at Funky Kits. http://www.funkykits.co.uk/catalog/
Don't forget to stop by their blog for some amazing inspiration.
I pulled out the copic colors for the challenge and went to work. I ended up making 2 cards. I will post the other card separately.

The colors are C1, C3, C5. C7 and C9
I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black.

Isn't she cute? She looks a little heavy metal to me. This is my first try at a black and white image, now I am hooked! I followed the tutorial using the colors above. I did add C0 to blend a little on her skirt and for the shadow around her. I was a bit tentative of the C7 and C9 colors. I don't usually venture into those territories, but I think with some more practice, I'll feel more comfortable using them on future projects. I added some Diamond glaze on her eyes, corset and boots. It's hard to see in the photo, but it gives nice dimension to the image. I used Platinum Stickles to add some bling to her armlet, earrings, and pony tail holders. I used my new favorite embellishment, Viva Decor Pearl Pen in Anthracite to put "studs" on her armlet and pony tail holders, then for the buttons on her shoes and skirt.
To make the star shaped card, I created a two 7.85 x 6.75 Star shapes from the Hannah Montana Cartridge with my  Gypsy and welded them together.
 I used "Prima Rock On Love" Paper and created 2 more slightly smaller stars to use as the background for the card. I distressed the edges of all 4 of the stars. I inked the edges and the stars with Tim Holtz Distress Inks. The colors I used are Old Paper, Wild Honey, Pumice Stone and a touch of Weathered Wood. The dots around the star are Viva Decor Anthracite, again. I used Pop-Dots on the stars and the image to raise them on the card. For the sentiment inside the card, I cut the words "Shine On" using Color Box black glitter paper and the Hannah Montana cartridge. I also cut some more smaller stars. I used one of the smaller stars on the front of the card and added a Prima rose on top of it. I used three more Prima Roses and some glitter paper leaves to finish the card.. The leaves are a Martha Stewart. The middle rose was sprayed with Glimmer Mist, Starfish. I wanted to add a burst of color to the card, and the one red rose works well. Here is the sentiment and the back of the card.

Here is one last look at the final project.

When I entered my card into the Color Me Copic challenge, I discovered a great blog that was also featuring a Black and White challenge. Check out The Burtonesque Dolls at http://theburtonesquedolls.blogspot.com/
This blog is pure fun!The challenge was based on Ed Wood, a favorite movie of mine. Since my card has a star theme, I decided to also enter it in this fun challenge.
 I enjoyed stepping outside my comfort zone and trying something new. I  recommend it to everyone!
Thanks for looking!
Happy Crafting!
Colleen

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Awesome Candy!

Check out the great blog candy from Pink Gem. Not only does she have great stamps, but there's also a link to a free digi stamp right now! http://pinkgem-janet.blogspot.com/2010/06/free-digi.html


It's Candy Time!


ProMarker Stamping Pack 2

Two Pink Gem Stamps of your choice (subject to availability)

Pack of 6 Petaloo Wild Roses - Baby Blue

Adesive Pearl Floral & Vines

20 Mulberry Paper Flowers Grey/Black Petals

20 Mulberry Paper Flowers Soft Tan Petals

Craftime Mini Crystals - Pink

Double Sided Adesive Pads


Don't forget to check out her store!

Good Luck!

Colleen

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Easel Card Madness!

Hi Everyone!
It was a nice quiet 4th around here this year. We hung around the backyard, tried to get Danny into the pool, with no luck I should add, and grilled up some great food. I was able to squeeze some time in for crafting, too! I decided to break out the Gypsy, and explore the new Independence Day Cartridge, along with my "go to" cartridge, Stand and Salute. The Independence Day Holiday also gave me a chance to play with my High Hopes Stamps and my new CC Designs "Honey" Stamp. I decided to make an easel card for Sammy and Patriot, but my measurements went awry, and the card is HUGE!!!!  The card measures 6.5 x 5.5! It did give me lots of room to play... I used the Liberty Bell and the 1776 from Independence Day and the Let Freedom Ring and Stars are from Stand and Salute. The background paper is from Little Yellow Bicycle. I cut the stars and saying with American Crafts Foil Paper. Sammy and Patriot are colored with Copics, and popped off the page.
Here's a close up of Sammy. I just love High Hopes Stamps, they are so easy to color, and stamp so nicely. I cut the Liberty Bell with American Crafts Foil Paper, then dabbed some Ranger Adirondack Ink over it and used a Copic marker to outline the crack. I used Viva Decor for the Gold "Bolts" on the Bell.

Lucky for me, my Mom quickly claimed the card, so there was no need to try to make an envelope to match the monstrosity!

CC Designs Honey "Sailor"

For this card, I used Close To My Heart cardstock with American Crafts Glitter cardstock for the base. I used Basic Grey for the Anchor, which I cut from Stand and Salute. I cut the saying with Calligraphy on AC foil paper. I colored Honey with Copics, She is my first CC design stamp, and I really enjoyed coloring her. I added lots of three dimensional stars that I had in my "bling" box, and curled some red, blue and gold wire around the bottom stars. I hooked the anchor to the card using a Tim Holtz Swivel Clasp. Some ribbon, faux stitching and distressing finished the card. This card was much smaller, 4.5 for the card and base.


Miss Liberty and Belle

The last card I made was High Hopes Miss Liberty and Belle. I went a little different with the background colors and chose some Basic Grey paper from the Mellow collection and for the base, more American Crafts Glitter cardstock. I cut fireworks from Stand and Salute, added stickles, then layered them all around the card. I distressed the papers and rounded the corners. I cut the saying from Stand and Salute with white cardstock, then colored the letters with Copics. I added a little "bling" to her crown with Creative Charms Gradient Jewels. Some crocheted ribbon on the bottom, and buttons to give the ribbon a finished look, were the final touches.

A few months ago, the golf course close to our house was bought by Donald Trump, he renamed it The Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia, and turned it private. I mention this because, Trump, being Trump, had a great fireworks display in the evening. We are close enough, that we were able to see it from on our back deck. It was a great way to end our Holiday weekend. Thanks Mr. Trump!
Here are links for the stamps and card directions.
I ordered the stamps from Stamp and Create. The owner, Lacey is wonderful, she custom ordered Miss Liberty and Belle for me from High Hopes. Check out her store, you won't be disappointed.
I always get my Viva Decor from Susana's Custom Art and Card Design
If you stop by the store, check out her stamps, she also has a great selection.
Thanks for stopping top see the blog!
Happy Crafting!
Colleen