Floral Frame hello

Greetings!

Today I am sharing a card made with the new Floral Branch frame from KLM digital designs.  Actually, this file comes with four different frames including a circle and a heart.

In this case, I cut away the center of the frame to make a shaker card. I partially die-cut the frame with a stitched rectangle die, colored the flowers with Copics, and layered the rectangle on a Distress Stain and mica-sprayed background. I used an embossing ink pen around the frame and embossed it with gold detail powder. The "hello" is from Honeybee Stamps Bitty Buzz words set.

Enjoy your day,

Susan

Floral Coffee Cup

Hello there. Welcome to my little cardmaking blog.

Today's card uses the Floral Coffee Cup digital image from KLM Digital Designs.

I'm still trying to use up the piles of background papers I have in my drawer. I would like to make some new ones, but I just can't until I have used what I have.

This background was made using Distress Oxides, then spattered with a gold metallic watercolor.

The image was colored with Copic markers, fussy cut, and popped up with foam tape. I left a place open to slip in a tea bag for a friend who has a stomach bug.

Copics: Cup- BG70, N1, BV0000, BG90 

              Flowers - V01,15, 17, 09

              Leaves - YG21, 61, G94, 99

Gold detail embossing powder

Enjoy the day,

Susan

Don't Let Little things Bug You

Hello there.

Today's card is version 2 of the KLM Digital Designs November release, Sitting Gnome with bug jar.

The process is pretty much the same as the other card.

The Stitched Banner Die was from MFT stamps, but I was unable to find it to link. 

The  SU background paper is from the package of "Wood Textures".

Copic colors:

Skin - E000, E11

Hat - V12, 15, 17, 09

Beard - C1, 3, 4, Multiliner

Shirt - BG72, 75, T2  overcolor in BG24

Pants - E81, 84, 87, 89

Shoes - E81, 84

Mushroom - YR12, 23, 27, E08, Gelly Roll Pen 08 white

Jar - C1, 3, BG10  Gelly roll pen white

Grass and bug - YG23, 17

                            YG61, 13

Don't let those little things bug you! Keep creating.

Susan

Caught a Bug?

Hello all. Thanks for popping in.

Today's card is one I'm sure we'll need sooner or later, but hopefully not to receive one!

This image is from the November 2023 collection at KLM Digital Designs. The Sitting Gnome with Bug Jar image is colored with Copic markers, the background is lightly brushed with Distress Inks then die-cut with a Sizzix Oval. The green dot is an VERY old piece of SU paper.  The sentiment comes with the image and was fussy cut. The inside sentiment is "Feel better soon", also included with the image.

Copic Color Map: 

Skin- E000, E11

Hat- E41, 42, 43

Beard - C1, 3, 5 , Multiliner

Shirt - YG61, 63, 67

Pants - B37, 34, 39

Mushroom - E42,43, 44, 47  Y000 spots

Jar - C1, 3, 5, BG10 ,  Sakura Gelly Roll 08 White

Stay healthy and keep creating!

Susan

The Coffee Gnome

Hello there, happy November.

 We almost broke the record for a late first frost but missed by one day, and today, it is snowing in Vermont. I am sure the mountain is elated, but I'm not ready for the snow yet!

Tuesday first frost, Wednesday snow?  Nah, too fast!

So how about a nice cup of coffee?

Today's card has a bit of a different color combination, but it's growing on me.

The dark brown paper is from the stash in my pre-cut drawer. I have no idea how old it is! There is a subtle dot on one side and a slight texture on the back.

The coffee bean corner is a stamp from a set called Hot Stuff. I'm unsure what company produced it.

The arched layers were made with the Essential Arches dies from Spellbinders.

 The Coffee Gnome image is in the latest release from KLM Digital Designs and is colored with Copic markers.

Copic color map:

Skin- E000, 11

Beard- E39,47, Y32, Multiliner

Shirt- BV01,11, 13, V17 (tip to tip blending) T2

Pants- V12, 15 ,17, 09, T3, 100

Socks- E41,42, T2

Shoes/ Hat- Y32,26, 28, T3

Cup- E41,42,43

Coffee Bag- E42,43,44,55, T2

Stay tuned, as I have another version in the works.

Until then, enjoy this glorious day and keep creating.

Bookworm Gnome

Hello there. Welcome to my card blog!

Today's card could have my face plastered on it. My love of all things books goes back to my childhood. I was that kid whose mom had to hide my current book so I would do my chores. Then, I worked in the local library throughout high school, became a teacher, and was in book heaven all day. Now retired, I haunt the monthly library book sale. I have to be careful to not overload my shelf to the point that it sags!

I had so much fun making this card. My latest toy is a foiling machine. I am so thrilled that I can foil with my regular dies. Those stars in the background are from the Tim Holtz/ Sizzix swirling stars Thinlit. I used Copic markers to color the klmdigitaldesigns image Bookwork Gnome. The "DOCUMENTED" on the front is a sticker from Tim Holtz's metallic sticker booklet.

KLM Digital Designs image, colored with Copic marker; Sizzix star die foiled onto the background; Tim Holtz sticker sentiment	Inside sentiment, is one of 3 that accompany the image. The same star die was used to cut a paper stencil and was then used with Distress Mica Stain to add stars to the inside.

For other book nerds: The beauty that the card is photographed on is one of my library sale finds.

It is a collection of Kipling's works in one volume. It has the most delicious feeling, hand-tooled, embossed leather cover. Unfortunately, the condition is not great and the copyright page is missing. However, the inscription inside indicates it was a gift:  To Willis from Helen, Christmas 1935  Kipling lived in Vermont for a time as his wife was from here. I'm shocked someone else didn't grab this book first!

Have a wonderful day and keep creating!

Susan

Gnome rocking motorcycle

Hello there, and welcome!

Boy, time flies! I thought I would take the opportunity to work in the garden while I had a stretch of good weather. The weather and the yard work s-t-r-e-c-h-e-d on for several days. I lost track of time and my endurance level. Getting old is the pits!

Anyway, I finally took photos of the last KLM Designs cards I made. This first one reminds me of my younger days, not that long ago when hubby and I used to ride around our beautiful state on a Gold Wing, leaning into those corners. 

-The background is a smooshed Distress Ink background cut with a Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics Die.

-The cloud in the foreground is a piece of vellum colored with Copic marker and alcohol, cut with a stitched cloud die. (Marker colors B45 and C7)

- I followed the directions from one of the many online videos for interactive swing cards. 

-The sentiment was created on my ScanNCut.

- I printed the pre-colored image onto medium-weight card stock using my Epson Printer and cut it out with ScanNCut.

I hope you are having beautiful weather and find time to enjoy nature as well as create.

SPRING!!!

It's official, Spring has sprung. To celebrate I played with my gel plate again ... and I said I wasn't going to do one more thing that involved a new tool. At least they aren't expensive and I have everything else (surprise 😉).

Paper: Pen and Gear 110lb Card stock; SU Textured cardstock (retired), Basic Black; Recollections 110lb Heavy white card stock (base card)

Coloring medium - Copic markers

Stamps/Images: Simon Says Stamps- Botanical Split  background stamp; Stampendous - Spring Sentiments; MFT- BB Sunflower Sweetheart

Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangle STAX Die-namics, Stitched Scallop Edges 2

Other: Gel Press, Distress Oxide inks, Hero arts Unicorn White pigment ink, double sided foam tape

Focus on the good gnome

Hello, thanks for visiting.

Todays card is another mixed style card. Backgrounds and gnomes.The background was my first attempt using distress sprays and oxides. I was really happy with this piece. I sprayed Scattered Straw and Shabby Shutters on the mixed media paper. Then I sprayed a bit of Brushed Corduroy and Frayed Burlap on my glass media mat and spritzed lightly with water. I tapped my paper in the ink and dried it between looks. 

Always a surprise........

I cut the panel with a MFTstamps Stitched Rectangle Die and mounted it onto MFT Kraft card stock.

I used Sizzix Thinlits Tim Holtz Alterations Die to cut hello out of SU Soft Suede card stock 4 times.

I layered the words together to give the word more visual weight. I stamped the focus phrase from Stampers Anonymous Tiny Text then used a micro liner to turn the o into music notes.

The Gnome is from klmdigitaldesign.com and is colored and attached to the card with foam tape.

Don't forget that KLM is now carrying polymer stamps. For those who have been asking for them, a little birdie told me there will be a large release of them SOON.

Have a creative day,

Susan

Melding of the styles

Good day! I hope it has been a great one so far and this find you well and feeling creative.

It has been so hot here in Vermont the past few days (93-98) the only thing I've been able to do is watch Tim Holtz demos and play with all the backgrounds I've been hoarding. Too hot to work outside!!!

This first card is a combination of two of my favorite things, backgrounds and gnomes. I always have PLENTY of both around so I didn't even have to break a sweat to make this card.

The background was made with Distress Ink that was left on my glass mat. Sometimes I think these give the best results. I just spritzed the ink and dropped a piece of multimedia paper on it, literally! I then used the Sizzix/Tim Holtz Alterations Swiriling Stars die on it. The star piece was mounted on a smooth glitter paper from a Joann's brand pad (hard to see here).

I cut the layer with a Stitched Rectangle Die-namics Die from MFTStamps, and mounted it onto PTI Royal Velvet Paper. It is such a rich purple!

I finally got the Stampers Anonymous Tiny Text set in the mail and had HAD to use it. Love the positive messages in the set. I stamped the sentiment on the scrap left from the panel and layered it on the same purple.

The colored image is the wizard from KLM Digital Designs which is the first of the gnome series they had. It is now in polymer stamps. Great for all of you who have wanted to work with the gnomes but don't do the digital image thing. He is colored with Copic markers.

Have a creative day and, if in Vermont, stay cool!

Susan

Irish Gnome?

Well now, I've heard of Darby O'Gill and all manner of "little people" in Irish Lore. But, my sweet little Irish grandpa never mentioned a gnome! This little guy just speaks to me. He looks like he's hoisting his glass and saying "Slainte".                                                                                                  

Recipe:

 Gnome Image:KLM Digital Designs

Greeting stamp: MFT- Uncorked Sentiments

Paper: Stampin'UP (retired)

Copic Markers

Ink: Tsukineko Brilliance Dew Drop, Thyme

Other: Hero Arts Sparkle Embossing Powder (on greeting and shamrock)

Valentine Gnome

I must admit, Valentine's Day has always been my least favorite holiday. Not sure why... after all, my favorite color is red. Anyway, I just had to turn this image into a card ... while I wait for the impending 15 inches of snow!  I really do like working with digital images as I can size them any way I want. I print them on my Epson Printer with Epson ink. I think  the next time I use this one I will make him a little smaller.  But, this worked.  He is colored with Copics, my favorite medium to use to color.                 

 Recipe:

Image: Here Valentine Gnome

Stamp: Greeting, SU Colorful Season

Paper: Bazzil Glazed stripe/cranberry

           SU, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink

           Neenah Solar White (Gnome)

Copic Markers

Sign White gel pen

Die: MFT Stitched Dome

Punch: Martha Stewart Border Hearts

Other:Versa Mark ink, Ranger Liquid Platinum embossing      powder, Pretty Pink Posh Sparkling Clear Sequins

Companies: *SU- Stampin' Up ; *MFT- My Favorite Thing Stamps

Magical Day

It has been a dog's age since I have been able to get back to creating. Between teaching responsibilities, family illnesses and deaths and home renovations it all got away from me. Now retired, kitchen reno done and, hopefully, everyone fairy healthy, I feel like I can begin again. Hopefully you are all well and still finding the time to create.

This is my latest card. It is for my preteen granddaughter.

The wizard is a digital stamp from KLM Digital Designs

I used Distress Oxide Inks on the background and colored the wizard with Copic Markers. I LOVE coloring with Copics! The stars were cut with the Sizzix stars die and backed with glitter paper that sheds worse than my golden! If you'd like to see some of the things I've created since being away from blogging you can check out my Pinterest page.

I hope to be back soon with more fun. Stay warm, Spring is coming.

Edit: I have had so many ask where the greeting is from.
Actually it is a combination of three sets. Necessity is the mother of invention, right? "Wishing you a" is from an old PTI set called Wishing You; Magical is from MFT's Magical Dragons; Day is from and old red rubber stamp I found at a yard sale! 

Susan

Clean and Simple Birthday

This little number id really simple. I ran some scraps through the Cuttlebug with a flourish folder. Stamped the middle piece and attached them to the front of a card. I stamped this little flower at Kate’s this weekend and colored it with Copic markers. I think she told me this set was from Verve. I used SU oval punches. The paper is Raspberry Fizz from Papertrey Inc.

Flower Tags

These cute little fellas have been sitting on my desk for a couple of weeks. They are from Michale’s ; one of their clear stamp sets. I found that they did not stamp very well though. They didn’t seem to take the ink very well and the image  was not as crisp as one would expect. They are cute though.

Every spring I thin out my perennial beds and bring them to school to share. Usually I stick a popsicle stick in the plants to mark them. I thought these would be more fun.

Still thinking spring!!

Hi tweetie!

THINK SPRING!! I woke up this morning to ANOTHER  5 inches of snow. We weren’t expecting anything until Monday morning. Now we will wait to see what that will be. There is some mention of an icy mix so-o-o . . there may be another snow day on the horizon. Good grief!  I’ll never get the curriculum delivered at this rate!

Anyway . . . I love this little stamp from Sampendous. My daughter and I went looking for some current stamps to do magazine call work with and I found him. The green paper  is Memory Box, the blue is SU’s Brilliant Blue (retired). The image is colored with Copic markers as is the ribbon. The button is from PTI.      Hope someone gets sun tomorrow!

PTI Challenge- SCALLOPS!

This month we decided to dedicate the Blog Hop to scallops!

 

 

I tried something new with my photos. My daughter gave me a quick lesson in this over the weekend. I took notes and, naturally, left them there! I muddled through PSE and hope I have done it correctly!

 

 

Here is my scallop card. All materials are PTI except the little gems from Hero Arts.

I love the Spring Moss color but it really doesn’t photograph well.

I need to play with that a little.

Colors are Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado, Lemon Tart and Simply Chartreuse. Stamp is Year of Flowers: Marigold.

Hope you all enjoy the hop!

Bookend Friends

Here is a card that uses one of my favorite techniques. I love to make my own background paper.

I own TONS of patterned paper. I use very little of it. Hummmm . . . .maybe it’s time to thin the stock.

This card uses all Papertrey Ink products unless otherwise stated.

Cardstock: Ocean Tides, Stampers Select White

Stamps: All Booked Up, Turning  a New Leaf

Ink: Tuxedo Black, Versa Mark, Ocean Tides, Brilliance

 

Dies/ Punches: Mat Stack 3, Limitless Layers, Modern Window and oval punches from SU

Crystals: Michael’s

Coloring medium: Copic markers

Other: Clear Embossing Powder

Technique: masking, sponging

Mask the Mat stack 3 shape. Stamp the leaves in Versa and emboss. Sponge the area around the mat and randomly

on the card front. Die cut the  circle with Limitless Labels. Cut a slightly larger circle, stamp image, color and adhere

to the inside of the card. Stamp and punch sentiment layers; attach to card with dimensionals. Add crystals.

Enjoy!

Series Card 2

Old is good :)

Parisian Breeze Series
Card 2– Paper: (Parisian Breeze DSP, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White ) Stampin’UP!
Ink: ( Tuxedo Black )Tsukineko;
Stamps: ( Favorite Teddy ) Stampin’UP!
Color Medium: ( markers) Copic
Fibers: ( ribbon, Blue Bayou) SU

Background Play

If you follow my work you have probably notices that I don't use much patterned paper. I love it ;I own tons of it;


I have to force myself to use it.
I just like to make my own backgrounds. I used all PTI background stamps for this. They are so easy to use.
The flower is from KLM Designs Decorative circles stamp set. I use a lot of their digitals and now they have clearstamps!

Floral Congratulations – Papers; ( Scarlet Jewel) PTI; (Always Artichoke, Kraft)SU
Stamps: (Decorative Circles) KLM Designs; (Leaves and sentiment from Delightful Dahlia, Frame from Borders and Corners: Rectangles, Basic Backgrounds: TinType, Polka Dot Basics; (Tuxedo Black) Tsukineko
Dies: (leaf from Delightful Dahlia) PTI; (Scallop circle) Nestibilities
Color Medium: (markers) Copic
Fibers: (hemp twine)
Accent: (button) PTI