And so the Magic Begins.... Caring Hearts Post #2

 

Hello my crafty friends!

Well, the postal delivery person (aka the mailman!) dropped off the first batch of cards for the Caring Hearts Card Drive today. Sooo exciting to see the beautiful handiwork of kind and talented people! I love that the cards come from as far away as Quebec and Alberta.

 Receiving them has given me the impetus to get my own card-making underway. I spent last night drafting and cutting to get some samples and kits ready to go. I hope to host a few workshop sessions in my home over the next few weeks, inviting friends to join in the fun.

Here's the first card.

I'm trying to use up existing supplies and tools as much as possible, and I'm starting with my stamps and dies from Lil' Inker Designs.  This is a pretty direct CASE from one of the samples on their website. But with the addition of a strip of black suede paper from Paper Wishes (wonderful rich texture) and a line of silver using...a Sharpie! Who knew something so ordinary could add such a nice accent? The diagonal lines were made using a REALLY OLD Texturz Plate from Sizzix. Remember those? You had to layer the black plates, rubber mat, etc, etc... So glad the world now includes embossing folders, right?

Just in case you'd like to support the Caring Hearts, here are the details on participating.

 

• The card drive will continue until November 28, 2014. We need to receive your cards by November 28, 2014.
•  Please make cards for Christmas or Holiday Wishes. Anyone can send a card, your children, church group, scout troops, etc.
• All cards need to have a seasonal message inside. This can be stamped or hand written.  
• All cards must also be signed by the maker, including your name and  and where you are from. 
• Please include an envelope for each card and please don't seal the envelope.
• Please stick to standard-sized cards:  A2 or 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"
• And please don't use any pins (for safety reasona). Glitter and bling are most welcome!
• This is totally optional, but, if you'd like to include $1 or $2 to help with shipping, it'll be much appreciated. We cover the shipping costs ourselves, with no sponsorship, so any donation toward shipping would help tremendously.
• You can mail the cards to:

          Vera Yates, 109 N. Post Oak Lane Ste. 430, Houston, TX 77024                              
          Card Drive, c/o Tina Schrof , P.O. Box 75,  Springboro, Ohio 45066 
             Linda Langes, c/o Gilston State School, 588 Worongary Road, GILSTON QLD 4211
             Piney-fine, Attn: Anita, P.O. Box 30,  Piney, MBR0A 1 K0, Canada

          Caroline Bredeson, 7 Brown Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 1L9, Canada 

So, get crafting, my friends!
Caroline

Final Call: for the Caring Hearts Card Drive

Hey there, crafty friends.

Last couple of cards to inspire you for the final week of the Caring Hearts Card Drive 2014.

There is still time to get inky and send in your cards. Check Vera's post HERE to see how the drive is going.  I've been receiving cards from some incredible paper-crafters, from all over Canada, and one from France! We'll get into distribution mode in early December, delivering the cards to nursing homes.

The "elves" that have been coming to my weekly card workshops ask where I get all my ideas...from other people, of course! Sometimes I love a design so much I shamelessly CASE it; other times it may lead to something completely different (to quote Monty Python)...

This card was inspired by Jen Mitchell's creation, HERE. Loved the use of multiple greetings in different colours.

And this one by the ever-inventive Sandy Allnock. Here's her original:

My star isn't as big, but I had fun with the embossed monotone background.

So, still time to send in some cards, to make some seniors smile, this holiday season!

Happy crafting,
Caroline

Gilding the ... card!

Still on the birthday card band-wagon...

This one was made for my SIL.  Autumn is such a beautiful time of year for a birthday. Or to get married. Or for anything, I guess. Love the leaves and colours.
Linking up to: Seize the Birthday.

I CASE'd this card from a technique shown on a Paper Wishes webisode (here's the link to the instructions, but the episode is worth watching, too).  I used the same embossing folder and Perfect Pearls Metallic powders.  I inked the raised portion of the folder with the Perfect Medium ink-pad (it works like Versamark--kinda sticky), then ran some brown card-stock through the Big-Shot. This transfers the Medium to the recessed parts of the design. Then I used a dry paint-brush to add Gold, Bronze and Copper Perfect Pearls pigment powder to the design, brushing off the excess. The powder sticks only in the recessed areas, giving a gilded, metallic look to the design. 

Since this is a technique (even if I made up the name!), I'm linking it up to Simon Says Stamp's Monday challenge: Rock the Techniques.

And also linked to a new-to-me challenge, The Mixed Media Card Challenge.  

This is a fun one! Invites you to get really messy... In this case, I added TEXTURE with dry embossing, DIMENSION with die-cuts & embossing powder, and that gilding TECHNIQUE with the pearl pigment powder. Oh, and the challenge this month is to use Autumn Colours.

 Here's a photo taken on more of an angle, to show that beautiful, gleaming effect.

I changed up the rest of the card from the original, adding a gold-embossed sentiment on a separate die-cut label, and then those lovely leaves (Paper Smooches dies--just the right size!) (and a BARGAIN at $4.49). They are cut from hammered gold, holographic mocha and metallic bronze papers.  I added three more leaves to the inside, too.

As the embossing folder wasn't the same size as my A2 card front, I borrowed a trick from Jennifer McGuire, and gold-embossed the top and bottom edges of my card, where the brown panel didn't cover it. Gives some extra glitz and ties in nicely to the elements on the front.

So there you have it, GILD-IT technique, and BDay card #5 of 10 for this season. Come back to see more!

Happy crafting,

Caroline

Supplies:

Products linked above, plus:

Cardstock: chocolate and colonial white card-base, CTMH; 

water color paper for label, bronze metallic paper, Michael's.

Label die and sentiment stamp: Paper Wishes LINK HERE and HERE

gold adhesive nail heads LINK HERE

Ranger gold embossing powder LINK HERE

If I forgot anything, contact me and I'll tell you more...

Love & Cherish...

Here's a fun and funky wedding card I made for our cousin's daughter, who will be getting married this coming weekend. First of the cousins of my kids' generation to "get hitched!" We're all excited to attend the celebration.

I worked three challenges:

Colour scheme from "Colour Me...#30"

Card design from Freshly Made Sketches #146

And the Wednesday challenge from Simon Says Stamp: Emboss It.

Here's the close-up:

I stamped some sweet sentiments from Paper Smooches' "We Connect" stamp set onto the card base in the challenge colours and softened that with a vellum over-lay. Some strips of washi tape in Smoothie and gold provide the horizontal elements. The black-board panel uses white heat-embossed words from the same stamp set, along with a gold die-cut ampersand. The black & gold embossed sentiment strip is from Paper Wishes.  For some final (pretty subtle) detail, I used a Heidi Swapp stencil to apply some more hearts with clear embossing paste.

Busy weekend--not sure I'm in time to link up to the challenges, but I had fun playing!

Happy crafting, 

Caroline

Watercoloring with embossing folders

I saw this totally beautiful technique on Heather Telford's blog. She includes links to examples by other crafters as well as the original YouTube tutorial. Check them out!

Anyway, the idea is to smear ink onto the raised part of an embossing folder, spray with water or glimmer mist to make the ink very runny, then slap some paper on, close the folder and simply press...

I used up quite a bit of watercolor paper experimenting. Each panel was unique and made a beautiful card, even if I didn't QUITE follow the instructions right the first time.

First up:  What happens if you run it through your die-cutting machine/embosser. Pretty, but you don't get the full effect of the white design.

Next: version #2 using some grey Smooch Spray as the mister. Pretty but puddle-y!

Version #3: Best of this color-way.

Tried some different color combinations and different embossing folders:

And my favorite:

I used a mini-mister filled with Perfect Pearls powder and water to spray these, and they have a lovely sheen in real life. I used Distress Inks which blend well with water. Final tip: the wetter, the better.

Give this technique a try; it's addictive!

Happy crafting,

Caroline

...Hope...

Happy holiday weekend, crafty friends!

I know all my American buddies will be recovering from a late night watching fireworks.

Here in Canada, we celebrated earlier this week on July 1st. In fact, I had a four-day weekend last week, as the hospital I work at mandated a "slow-down" day this past Monday. No complaints here!

So here's the current sketch from Freshly Made Sketches.

That big circle is kind of intriguing...reminded me of a sunrise or sunset.

 I cut a big orange circle from patterned paper and then stamped a beautiful sentiment from Verve. It was anchored with some arrows (strip of DP and washi tape), and a big bright feather cut from the same DP. The bird taking flight, is a piece of embossible metal, from Provocraft. I ran it through an embossing folder, then tinted it with alcohol markers.

I kind of like the collage-look!

Get out there and enjoy the weather!

Happy crafting,

Caroline

Things are looking up...FMS #141

I really liked the look of Freshly Made Sketches' design for this week. It's so nice and squared and "quilty."

 I knew I wanted to use a hot-air balloon or plane image for the focal centre and played around with some stamped clouds for the border sections. But they competed too much (they're going to end up on another card, never fear!), so I went for something more subtle.

I just bought some "amazing acetate" from Paper Wishes. You can stamp, die-cut, heat- and dry-emboss this stuff and it won't warp or shrink.  I started out running some through an embossing folder, but it was TOO subtle. Are you starting to feel like Goldilocks?

So I went with embossing the border pieces in matching card-stock, but high-lighting the embossing with a silver Staz-on ink-pad.  

Here's the "just right" version:

The hot-air balloon (Close to My Heart D1581) was coloured with Distress markers and a water-brush.

Sequins courtesy of Pretty Pink Posh.

This card could work as a graduation or other "moving-on" event.

Have a great week!

Caroline

Supplies:

Cardstock in White Daisy and Slate, CTMH

Archival black ink, CTMH

Stamp set, D1581, CTMH

Distress Markers, Ranger

Silver Staz-on, Tsuneiko

Stars embossing folder, Provocraft

Sequins, Pretty Pink Posh

Foam tape

Feeling BL♥E! Atlantic Hearts Sketch #37

Goooood Monday morning, crafty friends.

I'm not really feeling blue. Well, maybe just a little. We put two of our sons back to school on the train/plane Saturday, and a tear or two WAS shed...

This week marks a return to"our  regular programming," which means a new sketch from Atlantic Hearts. Here it is:

Intriguing, eh?

Have to admit, this one had me stumped for a while.

Then I decided to define the diagonal panel by leaving it UN-embossed. The colours and sentiment I'll get to in a minute.

I experimented with some new embossing paste, which I dyed with my Pacifica re-inker. Alas, I added WAY TOO MUCH, and it basically looks black.

Embossing paste FAILURE!

So I went back and sponged over my heart stencil with some Pacifica ink; much better.

I also wanted to participate in a BRAND NEW colour challenge, created by my friend Hayley Kew.

Its called "Colour Me...!" and the concept is quite different. This week (first week of the month) is a monochromatic challenge:

Next week there'll be two colours, the next three, and so on.

 I used CTMH's PACIFICA as a close match to Island Indigo, using that to colour my stenciled heart, and stamping the outline alphas with the same colour. They were then shaded with corresponding Copic markers.

Soooo, TWO fun challenges for you to check out! Atlantic Hearts sketch challenge runs until next Sunday--check it out HERE.  Color Me...!'s first weekly challenge ends today, but you can play all month.

Happy crafting,

Caroline

Supplies:

CTMH Cardstock in White Daisy and Pacifica

CTMH Ink in Pacifica

Copic markers: BG 72, BG75, BG10

Provocraft embossing folder

CTMH Framework Alphabet stamps E1027

Sizzix Primitive Heart#3 embossing folder

Wink of Stella glitter pen

Got Snow? Atlantic Hearts Sketch #29

Time for another sketch challenge at Atlantic Hearts!

Doesn't that glittery effect on the top section make you think of frost?

We had a couple of degrees of frost the other night--definite nip in the air now, and all the trees have lost their leaves. 

Anyway, that was my thinking as I put together this card: embossed and distressed snowflake panel, glimmer spritzing (always a gamble--ends up anywhere and everywhere!), subtle Perfect Pearls sentiment (so subtle it's hard to see!), glittery punched border, sequins and that sparkling snowflake, cut from silver holographic paper.

Get your scarf and toque out!

☃☃☃☃☃

Also your scissors and ink, so you can play along with this week's sketch, at Atlantic Hearts!
Remember, your project can be anything, not just a card. Any products are welcome and you can combine with other challenges. Make sure to link up by midnight, Sunday Nov. 17th. Can't wait to see your take on the sketch!

Happy Crafting,

Caroline

Card Recipe:
CTMH cardstock in White Daisy and Outdoor Denim
CTMH glitter paper in silver
CTMH stamp set Scandinavian Wishes (sentiment)
CTMH dye ink in Grey Flannel
Versamark ink
Smooch Spritz
Ranger Perfect Pearls powder
Sizzix border die
Lil'Inker Designs snowflake die
Provocraft snowflake embossing folder
Calico Crafts sequins
Corner rounder

  

Colour My Heart Red and GOLD

Hello crafty friends!

The challenge this week at Color My Heart is to use

CRANBERRY

and 

??ONE OTHER COLOR??

of your choice.

Here's the result of my first thought:

PINK

It is Canadian Thanksgiving here this weekend, and I'll be making a couple of pies. 

This card features an older Sizzix pie die--I spritzed, inked and crinkled a piece of Kraft paper for the crust, before die-cutting it. I couldn't find any PP with apples or pumpkins on it, so I used this cheery dotted paper from CTMH's (retired) Cherry-O. 

Then I received a parcel in the mail from Paper Wishes, which contained some metallic gold paper and new gold embossing powder and saw this red-and-gold beauty by Brenda H. Inspiration!

I've been seeing many lovely cards using CTMH's Stamp-of-the-Month, Scandinavian Wishes. 

It looks beautiful in simple red-and-white, like traditional Redwork embroidery. See HERE and HERE for some examples.

Adding GOLD gave it a big WOW-factor.

I heat embossed the image in gold on white, with matting in red & gold. A few red Jewel Dazzle stickers added a little more shine.

Inside:  the beautiful border stamp!

Then I rotated the sketch and changed the order of the matted layers:

Inside of this one needed just a strip of that gold paper:

So, which version do you prefer?

I'm wishing I'd ordered more than one sheet of gold paper...

☹☹☹☹☹

Head on over to the Color My Heart blog to see the winner's from last week's Dare, and the DT projects with CRANBERRY + ?

Then put on your Emerald City glasses, pick a colour and show us your stuff! We love to see what you create.

Happy crafting,

Caroline

Supplies:

CTMH cardstock: White Daisy and Cranberry (and Cocoa & Kraft for the pie card)

Cricut: Art Philosophy cartridge for the ornament 

Inks: VersaMark and Cranberry (and Cocoa and Cashmere)

Embossing powders: White detail and Gold

Embossing folders: Provocraft/Cuttlebug

Fibres: White collection (CTMH-retired) and Cranberry baker's twine

Doily: Paper Wishes

Doubly Irresistible how-to...

I'm back from the awesome World Card-Making Day OWH blog hop with a quick lesson on how I created the focal image for my card, posted HERE.

All credit goes to the ever-inventive Jennifer McGuire. See her post, with video tutorial, HERE.

Briefly, you want to use a stamped image with an outline, such as the True ThankYou stamp I used:

• Start with a piece of white card-stock, and using VersaMark ink, heat-emboss the message with white, fine-detail powder. 
• Colour the letters or image as desired (I used alcohol markers), filling in the outline. 
• Apply more VersaMark over your colouring, this time heat-embossing with CLEAR powder.
• Your image is now sealed & secure and you can begin sponging colour over the whole thing, to make the white really stand out. I used the Tim Holtz ink-blending tool, and my dye-based ink pad, starting in the middle of the image and working my way out.

Jennifer McGuire used a "Wink of Stella" pen to wet her image before adding the final layer of clear embossing powder. Not having that nice little item, I just used a Versamark pen.

I did add clear embossing to my little hearts, though, for some extra shine.

Have fun experimenting with this technique!

Happy crafting,

Caroline

World Blog Hop 2013

It doesn't get much bigger or better than that, my blogging friends...

What an incredible day--card-making going on all over the world! 

And why do we love making cards?

Because our recipients know the hand-made greetings convey our thoughts, love and warmest wishes. 

(and just maybe because we like our hands sticky and inky!)

I am VERY pleased to be participating in this hop, organized by 

Operation Write Home.

This is a most worthy cause--Operation Write Home collects and sends hand-crafted cards to armed forces members, stationed all over the world, so they can send wishes to their loved ones back home.  I feel an even greater connection now as my son joined the Canadian Armed Forces this year. There is no equivalent organization in Canada per se, but if you contact me I can put you in touch with the grassroots group doing the same thing.

Anyway, on to the blog hop!

The assignment:

Choose an OWH sketch.

✔Check

Create a "thank-you" card using the chosen sketch.

✔Check.

Encourage hoppers to leave some love (comments) and continue hopping.

✔Check!

Off you go--there will be HUNDREDS of cards for you to admire, CASE, and comment on. You might also want to consider supporting OWH. They are always in need of more cards and $$ for postage.

What a great day, eh?

Especially happy crafting,

Caroline

Supplies Used:

Cardstock in Sweet Leaf, Pacifica, Buttercup and White Daisy

Inks: Buttercup, Sweet Leaf,  & Versamark

Alcohol markers in blue and green

White and Clear embossing powders

Stamp sets:  CTMH's A True Thank You, One-way Borders; Paper Smooches' Many Thanks

Sizzix die

Kraft alphabet stickers

Check back Monday, Oct. 7th for details on how I created this awesome focal:

♡♡♡