Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Lady & Gentleman

As promised here are a couple more cards made through Crafty Kids (Kaszazz) which I have used a chalking technique by applying chalk directly onto the cardstock with cotton balls.

The main stamped image is using "Stamp it - Best Hat" which is a beautiful stamp featuring a very elegant lady of olden times. Ink used on this card was a Black Soot Distress Ink giving the aged look. The base of the cardstock is a black shimmer which doesn't show up to well on photographs. The white cardstock was chalked with various shades of pinks. The first layer on the black shimmer cardstock was stamped with various "Stamp it" and "Lucy's" images including lockets, dolly bag, atomiser, postcard and other small sayings.

The next layer is on black shimmer cardstock and stamped with "Stamp it - Best Hat" then chalked. Quite a simple, yet elegant card.

The following card was made similar to the one above but using "Stamp it - Distinguished Gentleman" stamp. The base card uses Cream Linen cardstock and the main stamped image is layered onto Pinecone Bazzill Basics. The chalking technique was also used on this card to give it that nice aged look.

The stamps used were a variety of "Lucy's" stamps including postcard, old cube, remember and address which were all stamped with Vintage Photo Distressed Ink.


Don't they make a lovely pair. I adore everything about the olden years. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong century!! (I think that may have to do with researching my family tree which, I might add, I have been undertaking for the last 14 years!).

Thanks for looking.


Saturday, February 21, 2009

My First Taste of Stamping

Before I was introduced to "Stampin' Up" I made cards through "Crafty Kids" (now known as Kaszazz). Over the next couple of weeks I will endeavour to post previous cards that I had made a few years ago. These were made at various classes that I had attended with friends. Although I can't quite remember all of the things used to make the cards I will try to do my best to explain them.


The first card was made using green and orange for a tropical feel. The cardstock used was Bazzill Basics (green and orange). The white cardstock was stamped with "Lines" and then stamped over with the leaf pattern. The "Frangipani" stamp was then stamped in orange twice and cut out to mount on top. Then the saying was stamped in black. The inside of the card was made as a pop-up "Aussie Thong Border" as the main feature. "Lines" and also the leaf pattern were used and another frangipani as well. The "Aussie Thong Border" was watercoloured then attached. "Just for You" was stamped in black. (Hope this all makes sense - as I said it was quite some time ago!!)



















The next one also used the "Aussie Thong Border" which was watercoloured, cut out and then mounted on the front of the card. This card was done with blue and yellow cardstock with the yellow being teared. The white cardstock was stamped with "Lines" and layered on to the blue cardstock. Two blue brads were used as well. Quite a simple but effective card.


Friday, February 20, 2009

Workshop Cards

The following 3 cards were made at a workshop with the very lovely and talented Karen. We had a wonderful afternoon of cardmaking and it was great to learn new ways of using my stamps.

This first card was made with heat embossing where we embossed the motif out of the "Boho Backgrounds" set to use as the main focal point. I have always loved embossing but sadly don't do it enough. I just love the colours of this card, very masculine.


This next card is a Valentine's card. As you can see these cards were done a couple of weeks ago and was perfect for the upcoming day. This card used a technique of resist embossing. This was a first for me as I had never attempted this one before. I must say it will definitely make me bring out my embossing gear more often!!! I never would have thought to put green, blue and red together but they have come up quite a treat. The photo doesn't really give it justice.

For our third card we used the wonderful technique of faux metal. My friend and I were both in awe of this technique. Once again will have to get into more embossing. Just loving it!! This is another card where I would have never thought of this colour combination. The "soft sky" matched perfectly with the "kraft" and "basic gray". Altogether a very elegant card.

I think all three cards are just gorgeous. They look far better IRL but we can't all be perfect photographers. Of course I can't blame the equipment, just myself!! Will endeavour to learn photography one day.

Thank you for looking.

Monday, February 16, 2009

More Eastern Blooms

Hi, I have been a bit slack on the blogging of late, hopefully as I make more cards I should be able to update regularly. The following cards were made last week and haven't had a chance to photograph them until today (thank you to my lovely daughter for the use of her camera!! I know she loves me!!!!).


I have been having quite a bit of a play with the Eastern Blooms set which has been having a bit of a workout since I bought it. It is fast becoming one of my favourites. Both of the cards were done from a couple of sketch challenges which I am finding is the best way for the inspiration to flow.





I have left the card blank as I wasn't sure what sentiment to use so it could suit any purpose.

Cardstock: Stampin' Up Elegant Eggplant; Only Orange; Taken with Teal; Whisper White

Stamps: Stampin' Up Eastern Blooms

Inks: Stampin' Up Close to Cocoa; Versa Mark; Versa Color (Violet)

Embellishments: Orange brads; Orange/White Ribbon

After I had finished the following card I decided that the colours would be perfect for a tropical feel, hence the retirement sentiment which reads "let the relaxation begin! (happy retirement) - the photo just doesn't quite bring it out properly. Although I don't know of anyone retiring just yet I had to use it.


Cardstock: Stampin' Up Whisper White; Tempting Turquoise; Unknown yellow

Paper: Unknown white, yellow & blue flowers

Stamps: Stampin' Up Eastern Blooms; Congrats

Inks: Versa Color (Cyan)

Other: Stampin' Write markers (Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow)

Embellishements: Blue brads

Saturday, February 7, 2009

A Card by Emily

Hi, everyone. I have been out of action for a while due to computer problems. Back up and running now, just have to make some more cards! Hahaha.


Here is a card that Emily made when we were having a play with the Eastern Blooms stamp set. This is turning out to be one of my favourite sets. Although, come to think of it, I have quite a few favourites!!!


Emily is getting quite clever and it is nice to have someone I can make cards with. Especially when I only have one daughter and three boys.
Cardstock: Stampin' Up Bordering Blue, Ballet Blue and Whisper White; DCWV Neutrals Pack (Blue)
Stamps: Eastern Blooms, Occasional Greetings
Inks: Stampin' Up Bordering Blue
Embellishments: Rhinestones