June Bombshell Blog Hop - Shiver Me Timbers!

Greetings Darling Bombshells!!  Yes, it's that fabulous time again!!  Bombshell HOP TIME!!! Before you get started here, please make sure you came from my darling friend Mary Anne's Blog.  If you didn't, please start here so that you get to see all of the delicious inspiration that's to be seen!! 

This month's theme is "Shiver Me Timbers!".  Which in literal "pirate" translation means the following:

"Shiver my timbers (or shiver me timbers using the possessive me) is an exclamation in the form of a mock oath usually attributed to the speech of pirates in works of fiction. It is employed as a literary device by authors to express shock, surprise or annoyance. The phrase is based on real nautical slang and is a reference to the timbers, which are the wooden support frames of a sailing ship. In heavy seas, ships would be lifted up and pounded down so hard as to "shiver" the timbers, startling the sailors. Such an exclamation was meant to convey a feeling of fear and awe, similar to, "Well Blow Me Down!", or, "May God Strike Me Dead". Shiver is also reminiscent of the splintering of a ship's timbers in battle - splinter wounds were a common form of battle injury on wooden ships ('shiver' means splinter in some English dialects)."  (thank you Wickipedia)

So with all of THAT said (your trivia lesson for today!) hehe...I took the phrase and used it entirely differently!!  I went solely with the SHIVER part and made my Bombshell a sexy and WINTERY babe!  LOL!  

 

I started with my Retro Cowgirls set.  I stamped her onto my white cardstock using Momento ink.  I stamped her again on my light blue snowflake patterned paper also using Momento.  I trimmed out her bikini bottom and ran it through my Xyron. I then colored her in entirely using my Copics and Prisma markers.  As you can see I've glittered up her bikini top and gave her some smashingly fabulous long false eyelashes!!  

 

I then trimmed my entire image out and I trimmed off her cowgirl hat.  I love her but wasn't really going for a Western vibe this time.  One of the millions of reasons I love Bombshell stamps is that regardless of the fact that they come with accessories within the image it's really easy to manipulate and change them up! 

I then added my paper pieced bikini bottom to my image.  I cut my main layer background out of white cardstock and stamped snowflakes all over it with a variety of blue inks that I have in my stash. 

I pulled out a bunch of fantastic wintery papers, embellishments, inks, etc to jazz up my card.  I used a Martha Stewart pre-punched doily, distressed with Broken China - TH distress ink.  In the center is a circle punched with blue cardstock and then white stamped with one of the smaller stamps from the Bombshell Patterns set. 

Ok Dahhhhhhhhhlingggggggs!  Now that you've oogled here enough ;)  please keep on hopping to Jennie's http://piratejennie.blogspot.com/blog to see what she's whipped up for today's awesome hop!!!

Thanks for hangin' with me today and I hope you've been inspired!!!  Enjoy the rest of the hop and thanks for leaving love!!

Tiddly Inks Challenge - Sugar and Spice

Greetings!!!  Happy Tiddly Tuesday!!!  Oh how I love Tuesdays!!!  Today's challenge was to create something Sugary or Spicy!  ;)  I went with slightly spicy and slightly snarky.  Hehehehe!  This week I chose to use Royal Proclamation as my image.  She's just so...PERFECT for this challenge style!!  

I printed RP out four times.  Once on my white cardstock then again on my patterned DP, hot orange, turquoise and hot pink cardstocks respectively.  I first colored her skin and hair.  I then I paper pieced her entire outfit.  I used my Xyron sticker machine for every piece.  It made piecing her together a snap!  Much easier than using any kind of glue pen, stick, tape, etc.  

My cardbase uses the same hot orange cardstock.  I then have a piece of heavy white stock that I ran through my gears embossing folder.  The circles vary in color and are stitched with black thread to make them pop.  I then added circles of clear rhinestones to add more dimension.  

My sentiment panel is made of three layers.  Orange, kraft and white.  They were first cut with my nesties and then zig zag stitched together.  The sentiment says "Don't tell me to relax -- stress is the glue holding me together!" .  It's from MFT and it simply cracks me up!  It's stamped in turquoise craft ink, coated in clear embossing powder, and heat set.  

I do hope you join us this week for our Sugar and Spice challenge! 

Wishing you a very creative week!

Ahoy Sailor!!

Good Morning Gorgeous Bombshells!!

My tutorial today is going to teach you how to create a card using gel.  Yes, you heard me right..straight up, old school, clear hair gel.  It will make whatever image you place behind it seem as though it's floating in water! So cool!!!  It is a fantabulous card style for a fun tag plus it can be used as a nifty gift card or cash holder if you wanted to give those as a gift!!

The first thing I did was print out the template. I then scored and trimmed my paper at the measured amounts:

I then scored vertically at 5" then at 8" leaving you with 3 sections measuring 5", 3" and 2.75".

You will then score in 1" on each side and trim the 1" pieces on both sides of the 5" section and the 2.5 " section. Leaving the 1" side tabs on either side of the 3" section. (these will be your tabs that will hold your pocket in place later.)  I then scored on all lines making sure that every line was nice and crisp.

I added my SEI brand designer paper to the larger panel that will be your background.  You want to then fold the flap inward that that it matches the back panel.  The two tabs will wrap around the back of your card securing everything in place.  You want to then decorate the front section of your card.  You will want to adhere your background and front papers at this time.

There is no window yet...don't worry.  You haven't missed a step.  =)

Your next step will be to punch out a window.  You will do this by folding the two smaller sections together.   Keep your tabs out to the sides for now.  Don't get them into the mix yet.  Choose your punch.  Make sure you use a heavy duty and good quality punch so that you can get through all layers.  The reason that it's best to do all layers at the same time is to ensure that everything lines up exactly.  After choosing your punch you will slide both pieces, so you'll have your decorated DP front panel as well as it's mate in the back, in your punch at the same time.  Ready, set, PUNCH!  =)  Now you will have two pieces punched with the exact same shape.

The next part is adding the gel. My suggestion is to use a tiny zip top bag such as the kind the extra button comes in when you buy a sweater or the ones you can buy at beading stores, etc are the best for this project.  You only need a very small amount of gel - approximately a teaspoon or so otherwise it won't fold flat and will push your paper out too much.

Next seal the bag.  Gently push the gel around a bit to make absolute sure that your bag is sealed.  It'd be a shame to have gel squish out and ruin your beautiful work!!!  In my example today I found that my zip top bag was to large for my project so I had to trim it down.  No worries...I zipped it through my sewing machine and it was sealed well.  It doesn't look too pretty but that's ok...no one will ever see it.  I also ran out of liner tape otherwise I would have sealed it up a bit easier with that.

You want to add liner tape or flat glue dots along the insides of the circular window, as well as on the small tabs to the left and right of your window. These will wrap around and hold everything in place.

Once your liner tape is in place you can adhere your gel pack to the inside of the card. You then want to fold up the front of the "pocket" and adhere.

You will then flip your card over, fold the front piece (with the gel) up and wrap the tabs around the back of the card adhering them.  You can see in the picture above, in the lower left hand corner the tab that's wrapped around and adhered to the back.

Now comes the insert!!  I measured my "tag" that is the insert to my card.  This measures roughly at 4.5" x 3.75". I chose to use my pinking shears for the corners of my tag.   Today I'm using my brandie new Ahoy Sailor set.  LOVE IT!!  There are 11 stamps in this set.  11!!  It's awesome.

When decorating my tag, I chose to use the same size punch as I did when I punched my window.  That way I was also ensuring that my image would peek through the "water" aka gel window perfectly.  I held everything in place before I actually adhered it to my tag JUST to make sure she wasn't crooked or tilted in any way.  I colored my Bombshell using my Copics, Souffle and Sakura gel pens.

I used all manner of designer papers and cardstock that were simply lying around on my workspace.  I used the knot stamp to embellish the top of my tag and added an SU! jumbo rivet to the top.  I used my very last piece of vintage (true vintage) *sniff* ribbon as the pull tie for my tag.  Even though it didn't "match" per say it fit this project perfectly. 

I added a layer of homemade ruffled ribbon around my scalloped base.

I then decorated the back of my tag using the Hold Fast sentiment banner while leaving space to write a little message to the recipient.  Now all that's left to do is slide your tag in so that your image faces outward and VOILA!!  What a cool card to receive!!!

If you have ANY questions regarding this tutorial, or need clarification on how to work this please do not hesitate to leave a question in the comment section and I will be sure to respond!!

I do want to thank the amazing gals at PTI for creating the template displayed above and having this great idea years ago!!  I borrowed this, added my own touches and can now teach you how to do it!!  =)

I hope you all have a beautiful, creative and very inspiring weekend!!

MFT - Wednesday Stamp Club - Week Four

I told you I'd be back shortly!  =)  Here I am playing along with this week's MFT sketch challenge.  Here is the sketch we were given to follow!

Cool, isn't it!??  So I set to work.  I don't have any of the doily dies (yet!) so I improvised and used my brand new Rainbow Die-Namics that I purchased during this last release.  It's AWESOME!!!  

I used the rainbow as my circular focal point in lieu of the doily.  As you can see I used seven different papers for my rainbow.  I wish I could do the rainbow justice but if you need help you MUST check out this amazing post by MFT Superstar Jody.  She simply rocks!!

I also flipped my card up on it's end as that's the orientation I preferred for this creation.  I then hit my new paper stash from Michael's.  I have to say that they have come a LONG way in terms of their designer papers and cardstock.  All papers you see on this card, except for the card base which is SU!, is from the Recollections line from Michael's.  I started with my background paper which as you can see is sponged around the edges in Poppy Red acrylic paint.  I was inspired by MFT's ongoing paint challenge here! 

After I had my background selected I worked on my rainbow.  See Jody's fabulous post as mentioned above on how to maneuver around with different papers in your rainbow die.  It's so awesome!!!   I added my flat bottomed clouds to the ends of my rainbow. 

I then started layering more and stitching and painting adding each piece like a puzzle.  That's what I love so much about sketches!  I used my Sweet Stack Die set to create my central focus layer using a sentiment from Well Worn Greetings.  I added my fun, felt embellishment using the rolled daisy die.  

A bit of ribbon, a bit more paint, some stitching and voila!!  =)

The interior is a bit simpler but still so fun!!!  I used my Well Worn Greetings set and more paint to create my background of my die stack. 

I used my jumbo scallop punch, a bit of SU! ribbon and a few staples to complete the masculine look.  I KNOW my hubby is going to love this card for Father's Day!!!

Here is a complete link list to all of the dies and stamps used in this project:

• flat bottomed cloud
• rolled daisy
• rainbow
• sweet stack
• well worn greetings
• notched tag die

I hope you all enjoy too!!  If you want to play along you can find the thread here on SCS!  

I hope you have enjoyed and been inspired!!

MFT- Wednesday Stamp Club - Week Three

Good Evening Everyone!!  I'm popping in tonight to catch up on a couple of MFT sketch challenges that I have yet to have time to post!!  =)  The challenge thread for this sketch can be found here on SCS. 

Here is the MFT sketch I was working with:

As you can see, I've flipped the sketch to make it work for the shape card I needed.  I've used DCWV mat stack papers.  I found the DP and the Cardstock stack at...get this MARSHALL'S of all places?!!  Who knew?  Well...I knew!!  LOL!  They *sometimes* carry a small amount of crafting supplies in the aisle with the frames, photo albums and journals.  Anyhoo...I was able to grab up both 8x8 packs for $3.99 each.  A total steal.  

I pulled out my favorites for this project and set to work recreating the sketch.  I very rarely don't do an image on the front of my cards but I'm branching out of my comfort zone and am loving trying new things.  So in lieu of an actual image I've gone with my sentiment from the MFT - Well Worn Greetings set.  This card is for my son's totally AHHHHHHHHHHMAZING preschool teacher.  

I purchased this set (it comes with amazing stamps!) last month with birthday money and let me tell you...it has been SOOOOOOOOOOOO well used!!  It's an MFT must have!!!  

After lots of layering, color and pattern mixing and stitching I stamped my sentiment using Colorbox ink.  I added some circular bling and an aged tag in the background for more visual interest. 

I'll be back in a bit with this week's MFT sketch!!!  And I double dipped as well with their new paint challenge!!

Hope you've been inspired and have enjoyed!!

Tiddly Inks Challenge #54 - Simplify

Good Morning Friends!!!  I'm totally LOVING this week's Tiddly Inks Challenge and I know you will too!!  Our challenge to you is to SIMPLIFY!  Create a one layer card - use or ribbon, twine or fibers is ok but no layering!!  GULP!!  I have to admit this was a challenge for me.  A serious challenge.  I've worked hard over the years to add interest, volume, and lots and lots of UMPH to my cards (LOL) so to bring it back to a single layer without all of the STUFF that I feel makes my creations mine was rather difficult.  

So as I usually do, I started with choosing an image.  I was drawn to Colorful World.  I'm finding that with school winding down and summer ramping up we're having an obvious shift in our schedules.  We are a family of artists.  My dining room has completely been converted into a full time art studio.  For all of us.  There's either coloring, puzzle making, play-doh, drawing, painting, collage making, you name it...at any given time of day and in many stages of completion.  So I wanted to start the summer off right with a creation that embodies all of our inner artists.  

I colored my image using my Copics.  I glittered and glazed up her jumbo paintbrush and flocked her floppy artists hat.  I set her aside overnight to dry.  I added a sparkly gem for a little bling.  I then carefully trimmed her out and set her aside. 

I cut my yellow card base out of Bazzill textured cardstock, using one of my Spellbinders Nestie Circles.  Using a fabulous "doily-esque" stamp from The Paper Source, Versamark ink, and clear embossing powder I created a beautiful background.  I then stitched the perimeter using a zig zag stitch in bright green thread to match her hat.  I stamped my "sentiment" over top of the background image in Momento Ink.  It says the following:

"Fear Less, Hope More
Eat Less, Chew More
Whine Less, Breathe More
Talk Less, Say More
Love More...
And All Good Things Will Be Yours.
-Swedish proverb"

After that was dry, I added my trimmed out image to the right hand side of the card.  She snuggled in just perfectly.

I was very happy with how pretty and full this card is considering how little is used on it!  I hope you have fun with our Simplify challenge!!  Come play with us here!!! 

Crafty Hugs!

Meredith

Vintage Bombshell Birthday

Hello Lovely Crafty Friends!!  I'm here with you today to bring you a Vintage Bombshell creation that I made as a custom order for a darling friend.  I started with Bombshell Angel.  A classic, a treasure and the most fabulous "go-to" in my Bombshell Collection.  

I started by trimming out a few different ovals using my Cricut.  I decided on the size that I needed and stamped Angel in Momento ink.  I then colored her completely using my Copics.  I decided to paper piece her bathing suit so I then stamped her onto purple embossed cardstock.  I trimmed out her suit, ran very lightly over it with a paper nail file to bring out the embossing a bit, popped it into my Xyron sticker machine to evenly apply adhesive to the back and then adhered it on.  Once I looked at it I realized that it was SCREAMING for me to glaze up the suit!  To continue on with her super glam look I took my quickie glue pen and glittered up her shoes in sparkly red SU! glitter.  I added a tiny pearl to the gorgeous purple flower in her hair and VOILA!  A gorgeous Bombshell!!!

After I assembled my background using a mixture of G45 - Fashionista paper along with some sparkly purple cardstock, lots of stitching and some super vintage embellishments I worked on my sentiments.  My Happy Birthday sentiment is from the Banner Sayings set.  I stamped it on ivory/tanish cardstock - paper that kind of looks like old pirate map paper.  I shaded and colored the corners and glazed it up.  I then trimmed the banner out and placed it just above the "bombshell" stamp so the entire sentiment says "Happy Birthday Bombshell".

I set her aside overnight for everything to dry.  I added some beautiful pearls, a vintage key and my favorite vintage white with red stitching ribbon in a big fluffy bow. 

I continued my theme for the inside  keeping it simple yet fun.  I used three different Nestie circles using matching papers from the front and dark stitching to pull in the front. 

 

 I added a stamped flower colored in the same tones to match the flower in her hair.  I added a larger pearl as an added little touch.

I hope you all enjoy my vintage creation today!!  I had so much fun especially since this was a custom order!!!  

I hope you all enjoy and have been inspired!!!  

Crafty Hugs!

Meredith

June Bombshell Sketch Challenge

Greetings!!!  It's Bombshell Sketch Time!!  And as you'll see, I had SUCH a fun time with this month's sketch.  Well, who am I kidding...I do EVERY month.  I do so love a sketch!  I find them always to be so helpful and it takes a lot of the pressure off of creating something fabulous.  It's like a great puzzle that all you have to do is put the pieces in the right place!

(click on photo for enlarged close up view)

For this month's sketch, I decided to "double dip" so to speak along with our Player's Hand - June Challenge presented by Ms. June - the fabulous Emily!  You can read all about the challenge if you click on the challenge info above.  Emily's challenge is Wild Thing.  So I combined the sketch along with this challenge and came up with my Summery Bombshell Beach Bunny!

I first started with what may very well be my favorite Bombshell set of all time - Rise and Shine.   I stamped her twice.  Once on my white cardstock and again on hot pink.  I trimmed her bathing suit out of the hot pink, ran it through my Xyron machine and set it aside.  I then colored my Bombshell with my Copics. 

I then took the backing off of her bathing suit (courtesy of the Xyron) and adhered it to my main image.  I then added individual rhinestones to her waist as a beautiful accent for her sexy one piece suit!

As you can see, I trimmed off the upper portion of the image leaving only my hottie in her hammock.

I have a digital image from TGF that has bunny ears on it.  I printed it out and trimmed off the bunny ears, colored them with my Copics and coated them with Crystal Glaze.  I set them aside for 24 hours to dry.  Once dry, I adhered them to my Bombshell's head as if she was wearing a headband.  I also trimmed out a beach ball image from my Imaginesce DP using one of my many circle punches and added it on top of her left foot as if she were casually bouncing it up and down. 

Once I had my main image set and done, I then set to work on my background.  Using LOTS of designer papers, MFT felt and flat bottomed cloud Die-namics, a large rhinestone flourish purchased from Michael's, my circle Nesties and my sewing machine I whipped up a whirly-dervish of a background IMO!  lol!  

Behind my main image, I added tiny paper bag enclosed in which is a manila tag for an extra little bit of love to the recipient.  I distressed the twine attached to it by running it through my chocolate brown ink pad a few times and smooshing it around with my fingers.

I do so hope you come and play with us and this fabulous sketch!!  Here is the link to both the forum and the Bombshell blog for all of the pertinent information!! 

I hope you all have a beautiful and crafty day!!