Haute Couture

Greetings Loves Fans!!  Today is my inspiration day over at the Loves Inspiration Blog and today I've chosen to create with one of my very favorite Lawn Fawn sets Sew Lovely.  Using heavy watercolor paper, I inked the dress form stamp in black Colorbox ink and heat set it with Black Embossing powder.  I then used my Distress Inks in Spun Sugar, Barn Door, and Victorian Velvet combined with pearlized water to paint the image (a very favorite technique of mine if you haven't figured that out ;) .  I went in after it was dry and highlighted the dress and the top of the form with my Copics.

I used papers, mainly from my stash, but also from MME - Madison Avenue to embellish.  I pulled out my MFT Die-namics using my Fishtail Flag STAX, Oval STAX and Oval Dainty Doily.  I cut a whole bunch of flags and varied them in size and length to accent the left side of the card.  To make the flags stick out a bit more, I edge distressed with my Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

I added a bit of stitching and was really happy with how it was so I resisted the urge that I always have to 'add more' and let it be.

I hope you've enjoyed and been inspired today!!

Thanks for coming by!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Bright and Bold!

Greetings YNS Fans!  Today brings a new challenge over at the YNS SCS Forum and Blog!  This week we are providing you a fabulous sketch for inspiration!

Here is my interpretation using Safari Snap Shot, Skateboard Dude, and Sleepover Party. 

Using watercolor paper, I lined my individual stamps onto my Fiskars Stamp Press and inked them with Versamark.  I then coated them with white embossing powder and heat set the entire panel.  I then took my Peacock Feathers and Squeezed Lemonade and sponged both halves of the panel and then generously sprayed it with pearlized water and let it dry by itself.  When I use my heat tool to quick dry pieces like this the color moves as I want it to but this time I wanted to see how it would dry if I just let it be and I LOVE the results.

Super shiny, super bright and a bit tie-dye as well!  I backed it with some fabulous aqua cardstock from Bazzill and backed it with some awesome papers from Amy Tangerine and Basic Grey for the little squares.  The entire main panel is anchored with mini silver brads.

I hope you come join us at the YNS Blog or Forum over at SCS!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

A Touch Of Vintage

Crafty Sentiments -
http://craftysentimentsdesigns.co.uk/

* Winner's Choice of 4 Images

The Paper Shelter -
http://www.thepapershelter.com/

* $20 Gift Certificate

Gecko Galz -
http://www.geckogalz.com/

*

Entire July Collection (The
Digital Paper Pack "Great Adventures", 6 different collage sets
including Vintage Travels & Wild West dominos, and a digital stamp
set "Mermaids Garden" a prize pack worth $30)

Hi DYSU Fans!!  It's another fun and fabulous week over at the DYSU challenge blog!  Lots up our sleeves today!  (or if you're in the Northeast you'd be in NO sleeves today as it's almost 100 degrees out!)  There are super fabulous sponsors today and a wonderful challenge set up.  This week's challenge theme is 'Blue Skies and Clouds'.  Pretty simple, right?  And always open to interpretation!  I'm using a vintage image from Gecko Galz - one of our great sponsors to create a gift tag.

I printed the image sheet out onto good quality cardstock.  I then used my Versamark pad to heavily coat over the image.  I then coated the image with UTEE (ultra thick embossing enamel) and heat set it.  I did this five times.  I then put the image in my freezer for a few minutes.  Once I took it out I gently moved it around back and forth to cause the cracking.  I worked the paper gently as I did not want to tear my image or rip the paper entirely.  To create the vintage patina, I took my Brushed Corduroy Distress Stain and rubbed it directly over the glossy surface getting it very inky.  I then worked the wet ink into the cracks allowing it to leak onto the surface below.  I did the same with the edges and repeated this process a few times until I achieved the exact look I wanted.

I backed my completed image with chocolate cardstock and set it aside. I used a manila tag, sponged with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and pearlized water, as my base.  I took a white paper doily and coated it with Broken China Distress Ink, spritzed it with pearlized water and zapped it with my heat gun.  I loved the scalloped edging on the doily as it reminded me of puffy clouds.  (see my interpretation here? ;)

I used a sparkly, birdcage, chipboard sticker, my MFT Fishtail Flag STAX and some vintage inspired ephemera stickers from Basic Grey as my embellishments.  I added a bit of zig zag stitching down the left hand side of my tag and removed the original string tie and replaced it with some scrumptious May Arts Chevron ribbon tied with a Basic Grey wooden button and baker's twine combination.

I can't wait to see what you create for our Blue Skies & Clouds challenge!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

A Pocket Full Of Love

Greetings Hambo friends and fans!!  Today is another fabulous challenge day over at the Hambo Hoedown Challenge blog!  This week's challenge is to incorporate a pocket somewhere into your creation.  Today I've created a simple interior pocket card perfect for giving a gift card, book mark, cash, picture, etc!

I've started by printing the sweet Kangaroo onto Copic X-press Blending paper.  I used my new favorite pixelation coloring to color both the Mom and Baby.   I then trimmed them out and set to working on my background which was inspired by this weeks' SCS sketch challenge.  I used my Fishtail Flag STAX dies from MFT and sponged it a bit with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  I added some stitching and a tiny Tim Holtz paper clip as an added touch.

My papers are from Webster's Pages and Bazzill.

 My interior houses one of the fabulous sentiments that comes with the set trimmed out using my Oval STAX dies from MFT. 

I can't wait to see your pocket creation!  Come on and play with us at the Hoedown right here!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Let Freedom Ring!!

Greetings Friends!  So glad to be here with you bringing you another fabulous challenge at the Loves Rubberstamps Challenge blog!  This week we are asking that you include red, white and blue into your project.  Today I've used a fantastic Kraftin' Kimmie stamp - Jeannie.  Seriously, isn't she perfect for this challenge? 

I inked her with Momento and colored her with my Copics.  I used papers from Papertrey, Bazzill and K&Co.  I kept my layout simple and sweet making the image the focal point.  I used my MFT Chat Bubble Die-namics to house the sentiment.  Since the orientation of the chat bubbles die cuts the other way (with the little tail facing to the right), I made sure to flip my designer paper wrong side up when cutting so that I could ensure proper placement.

Come along and join us and be sure to bring along your red, white and blue!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Snips, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

Greetings friends!!  Today begins a new challenge at the Paper and Such Challenge Blog!  We are challenging you to create using the theme "Snips, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails".  Lots of room for interpretation and so many possibilities!!

Today I'm using the newly released Melvin and Susie stamp set.  I inked Melvin with black Colorbox ink and heat set him with black embossing powder onto heavy watercolor paper.  I then painted him with Crushed Olive, Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint and Peacock Distress Inks.  When I was done painting I sprayed my image with three or four generous mists of pearlized water.

I then stitched and layered with a simple yet fun paper from Amy Tangerine.  I kept my design CAS adding some simple stitching, some glass-looking bubble stickers and a couple of ribbon loops. 

I do hope you join us for this fun challenge!!  Come along and visit us right here!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

For My Friend...

Happy Saturday!!!  A weekend post to bring you my interpretation of this week's MFT Wednesday Stamp Club sketch.  You know how some sketches just speak to you?  Don't get me wrong, I love all of the weekly sketches but sometimes there's one that just screams to you.  I don't know if it's the size, the elements within the sketch or simply the overall look but this week's sketch and I simply fell in love and worked very harmoniously together.  Here is the raw sketch:

And here is my interpretation using Mouse In The House - Do Not Disturb. 

The cardbase measures 5.5"x5.5" and used my very last piece of SU! Real Red paper!  Gasp!!  I've had a stock pile of it for at LEAST three years now.  YIKES!!  The rest of the papers are from Bazzill Avalon 6x6 paper pack.  The entire pack is stunning...I highly recommend you grab it up!

I colored the mouse using my Copics and paper pieced the rest of the entire scene.  I used pixelation coloring to shade and brighten up the white space all around him.  Did it take a long time you ask?  Sort of...but it was rather soothing.  Do I LOVE the way it came out?  You betcha!!

I layered and stitched and built my project to the point where I was ready for the bow element.  However, after I pulled together a rich, satin, red bow and held it up to my project, I decided that it simply wasn't right.  So I thought...and thought...and then pulled out my sticky back cork sheet and some scraps from the project.  I cut three squares - two small and one larger out of the cork.  I peeled off the contact sheet and stuck the cork squares onto the leftover scraps from the card.  I then hand cut three rolled flowers.  I intentionally used my cardstock scraps so that the bright blue, yellow and reds would peek out from the sides and interior of the flowers.  I adhered everything with hot glue to ensure the stability.

I absolutely LOVE how they came out.  The rustic color of the cork is just perfect with the snoozy little sweet mouse.  I used the smallest Fishtail Flag STAX Die-namics to add the flag element under the rolled flowers.  After I'd adhered everything together, I looked at my project and thought..hmmmmm...just a little something extra.  But I couldn't decide what and didn't seem to have the perfect thing in my stash.  So I decided on some white, sticky back pearls.  You don't see white pearls in my project you say??!?  Yes...that's because I custom colored them to match my palette using my Lipstick Red Copic marker.  Did you know you can do that?  Copics can color just about ANYTHING!!!  They are permanent, true in color and dry very quickly.  Just awesome.

Thanks so much for popping in today!!  I hope you've enjoyed my project as much as I enjoyed making it!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Let It Rain

Happy Friday All!!  It's been a scorcher this week here in the NE but my card is predicting otherwise!  Today I'm posting a CAS creation for Loves Rubberstamps featuring a wonderfully classic set from Lawn Fawn called Partly Cloudy. 

I've inked the cloud in grey Momento Ink and sponged all around the edges with Lemonade Distress Ink.  I inked the umbrella onto watercolor paper and trimmed it out.  I then ran it through my sewing machine to give it some extra texture and detail.  I inked the sentiment after figuring out the placement for the umbrella.

My papers are all from Bazzill with the exception of the corrugated cardboard from Gauche Alchemy and the watercolor paper which is from my local art store. 

I ran a bit of stitching on the perimeter and a big of zig zagging on the edge of the ovals which were cut using MFT's Oval STAX.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend!! 

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

A Simple...Hi!

Greetings YNS fans!!  Today is a brandie new challenge over at the YNS Challenge blog and the YNS SCS forum.  This week's challenge is always a favorite - Anything Goes!  I've used a newly released YNS stamp Jam Jar Globe in combination with the darling flower stamp from Seasonal Icons Set Two.

I started with my jam jar stamp inking it up with SU! Basic Black ink.  I then took the Seasonal Icons stamp and inked it with Momento right into the center of the jam jar.  I used my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig to ensure perfect placement.  I colored my image with my Copics.  I then coated the jar with Versamark and added four layers of clear embossing powder.  I used regular embossing powder as I wanted to crack the layers (just bending the paper back and forth a bit after it's dry) but wanted the cracks to be thin.  If I'd used UTEE I would have achieved a much more dramatic cracking and that's not quite the look I was going for. 

My card base is Hero Hues layering papers and the DP is all scrap that was on my desk.  I used some delicious chocolate stitched ribbon in combination with some American Crafts Thickers for my 'hi' sentiment.  I anchored my corners with some mini silver brads and kept this very CAS.

I can't wait to see what you come up with and I do so hope you join for this fun YNS Challenge!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

DYSU {Super Spies...}

Hi All!!  I hope you're keeping cool wherever you are!  Here in the North East USA we are experiencing a sweltering heatwave!!  But, alas, Summer is upon us and I really have nothing to complain about as I get to hang with my babies, swim, play outside, craft and just "be".  Life is good. 

And there's a fabulous new challenge starting today at the DYSU challenge blog!  This week's theme is for you to create a project based on a movie!  Our weekly sponsors rock, of course, and there's one this week that is especially near and dear to my heart - Tiddly Inks.  I am a past designer for TI and continue to play when I can and swoon over all of Christy's amazing designs.  So, naturally, this week I chose to use one of the new Wryn Images - Super Spy.  I mean, really?  Does she get any cuter!?!?  The inspiration for my card came from the classic mid-1980's film 'Spies Like Us'.  Hysterical, slapstick, Chevy Chase and Dan Ackroyd at their funniest.

Here's my project:

I printed Wryn and colored her with my Copics.  I used Glossy Accents for her glasses and set her aside to dry.  My papers are from Basic Grey and Recollections. 

I used a fantastic canvas label sticker and buttons - both from Basic Grey to embellish.  I added some basic stitching on the perimeter and some zig zag down the center but switched out my neutral thread for bright red on my sewing machine.  The center layers are cut using my MFT Fishtail Flag STAX. 

Once everything was assembled, I added a few metallic sticky back pearls scattered throughout my project for a bit more texture. 

I do so hope you come join us over at the DYSU Challenge blog and share your movie inspired projects!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Craftiness

Greetings Hambo Friends!!

Welcome to another awesome challenge week over at the Hambo Challenge Blog!  This week we are challenging you to be inspired by the amazing talent that is available over at SCS in the resources forum.  We want you to pick a technique and give it a try!  I've always scene these amazing corner bookmarks and have really wanted to try one for myself!  So here it is using the amazingly adorable Hambo Digital Stamp - Bailey Liberty.

I have colored Bailey using my Copics and I took a different approach to my coloring and shading using a fast new favorite coloring technique what I call "pixelation shading".  Instead of coloring traditionally, I used a series of dots to color the entire image.  Did it take me more time?  Yes.  Do I love how it came out?  YES!  I then trimmed the image out and added it to a crisp red Bazzill textured cardstock oval followed by a stick-back cork oval.  Both were cut using MFT's Oval STAX.  I then followed the tutorial using all Bazzill paper. 

The tutorial was superbly written and so easy to follow.  I added some Tim Holtz Washi tape along with a few sticky back metallic pearls for a bit of shine. 

I do hope you join us for this super fun challenge right here! 

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Glitter, Sparkle, Rainbows!!

Greetings Friends!!  This week we have a super fun, bright and summery challenge over at the Loves Rubberstamps Challenge Blog.  This week we are hosting an Inspiration Challenge based on this picture.

And here is my interpretation using a fabulously classic Stamping Bella Stamp - Tinkerbella:

 

I inked her onto double sided sticky paper using a fabulous technique that I picked up right here.  She is just a genius I tell you!!  After I stamped on the microfine glitter, I colored the rest of the image with my Copics.  I used some of the leftover double sided, glittered up sticky paper to trim out some fun stars using my MFT Stacking Star Die-namics.  

I used one of my favorite sentiment sets So Wordy that is in stock at the Loves Rubberstamp store right now.  It is a must have as the sentiments are crisp, clean and very versatile.

I kept my card very CAS backing my main layer with a rich turquoise cardstock and running a straight stitch using bright red thread around the entire perimeter.

I do hope you become inspired to come and create along with us over at the Loves Rubberstamp Blog!
 

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Hit The Beach...Odd Girl Style!

Greetings Oddies!!  Posting today to show off one of Kristy's classic and fabulous digital images Beach Babe Kaylee.  I printed her out on Copic X-Press Blending paper and colored her with my Copics.  I fussy cut her out leaving about a 1/8" border around her as I love the way this looks.  Once she was all cut out and trimmed properly I took my Glossy Accents and coated her fabulous "Jackie-O" style sunglasses.  I waited for it to dry and then glazed it up again to make it extra thick and glossy. 

I dug deep into my scrap stash and pulled out some old Basic Grey scraps and some rustic red background paper.  I pulled out my Distress Inks and saturated a plain manila tag with Peacock ink and pearlized water along with a plain doily with Milled Lavender with another spritz of the pearlized water. 

I had a scrap of self-adhesive cork left and I ran it through my Grand Calibur using my MFT Stacking Star Die-namic.  As a finishing touch I did a bit of straight stitching and added metallic self-adhesive pearls to anchor the corners.

Come on by the Some Odd Girl blog and see the other girls' renditions of this fabulously fun image!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Knock, Knock

Happy Friday Friends!!  Posting a fun and twinkly card today using one of my favorite stamp sets sold at Loves Rubberstamps.  This set is from Gourmet Rubber Stamps and is called Vintage Verses. 

I inked my sentiment with Versamark Ink and heat set it with white embossing powder on watercolor paper.  I then sponged Pumice Stone Distress Ink over the entire panel giving it an aged, washed look.  I spritzed it twice with my Pearlized Water and zapped it again with my heat gun to dry everything.  IRL the panel has a lovely twinkly shine to it.

I layered the sentiment onto Bazzil cardstock trimmed out with my Spellbinders circles.  For the rest of my creation I layered more Bazzil papers, some silver Punchinella, a huge blingy, flourish and a few twists of multicolored baker's yarn (it's a little thicker than twine), tied into a fluffy bow.

I added brads to anchor my corners and did a little bit of zig zag stitching on the edge of my main panel before adhering it down.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for popping by today!!  You must go check out the newness over at the LRS store!!! 

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

To The Beach!

Greetings Oddies!!!  Oh I'm just so excited to be here with you during this week's fabulous new release!!  Today, I'm showing off the gorgeous new Beach Mae.  Seriously...is she not stunning!?!?  I just love her!! 

I've inked her with Momento and colored her with my Copics.  One of the many, many things I love about Some Odd Girl is that I can use a digital stamp in combination with a clear acrylic set as I've done here with a sentiment from Beach Day Buddies.  It really helps to add and compliment your stamp collection when you can use both mediums together.  And, I must admit, that I love the instant gratification of digital stamps.  Select, Pay, Immediately Receive = Happy Crafter. 

I used new papers from Basic Grey - Konnichiwa.  I absolutely love the corals and aquas as they simply scream summer to me!  I've kept my layout basic and crisp adding some custom embellishments that I made myself.  (I'll show you that in another post!  keep your eyes out!)

I just love the impact of this large floral grouping! 

Make sure to pop by the Odd Girl Blog to see the other stunning renditions of Beach Mae by my fellow Design Team members!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

Summertime!

Greetings YNS Fans and Friends!!  Yep!  It's another fabulous challenge day at the YNS Challenge Forum over at SCS!!  This week's challenge is anything SUMMERTIME!  Easy Peasy, right?

For my creation today, I've used the super cute Skateboard Dude set.  (psst..it's on sale right now!!)  I inked him with Momento ink onto Copic Xpress paper.  I colored him with my Copic and Prismacolor markers.  I used my Spellbinder label nesties to trim him out and have matted him with Basic Grey paper.

I've used my Chevron Stripes Die-namics to embellish the background in addition to new papers from Basic Grey - PB&J.  I also used new wooden buttons - also from BG.

I hope to see your Summertime creations over at the YNS Challenge Thread right HERE!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

I Am A Robot...

Good Morning DYSU friends and fans!!  I'm SO excited to be posting my first post as a DYSU Challenge Blog Team member!!  We'll be bringing you fun and exciting challenge each and every week at the DYSU Challenge Blog so please be sure to come by and check us out!!

My project today features a super cute and funky image from Wonderstrange Arts.  I printed my image onto X-press paper and colored it with Copics.

I cut my image out with my Spellbinders Circles and then matted it with Bazzill Licorice cardstock.  I used my MFT Fishtail Flag STAX to cut out the flag element on the bottom and used a whole bunch of metallic pearls scattered here and there. 

I added some stitching, a binder clip tied with a twine bow and a few torn bits of red and white polkadotted Washi tape.  

I wanted to add more layers, more...something but I truly loved it as CAS as it is!  So I went with my gut and called it finished!  =)

I do hope you come over to the DYSU Challenge Blog and play along for some great prizes!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith

You're A Saint!!!

Greetings Hambo Friends and Fans!!  Thanks for coming by today!!  There's a brandy new challenge over at the Hambo Hoedown Challenge blog and this week we are challenging you to use only Black and White on your projects!!  This week's image is an absolutely fabulous one.  It is called Nun.  It comes with a few very funny and slightly snarky sentiments. 

I have colored the Nun in with my Copics and Prismacolor Markers.  I used my Copic Xpress Blending paper and blended and colored and blended and colored and blended and colored some more to make the shading just how I wanted it. 

I used some fabulous new papers from Bazzill and Amy Tangerine to pull together an eclectic mix of patterns and shades.  I used some of my extra Amy Tangerine paper, a sheet of music and some white plastic mesh to create the hand rolled flower grouping in the upper left corner.  I added some black and white pearls to the center of my flowers and adhered them with hot glue.

I punched out my sentiment using an old SU! word punch.  I then coated the sentiment with Versamark ink and clear embossing powder and heat set it to give my sentiment panel a nice shine.  I did this process three times making sure it was nice and shiny. 

Apparently there was some stray glitter either on my Versamark pad or in my embossing powder because they got suspended in the shine of the sentiment panel which ended up looking very cool!

I do so hope you come join us over at the Hoedown!!  Can't wait to see your black and white creations!!

Crafty Hugs!
Meredith