Drawing - Sepia - Tech Pen

I doodled last night with the new to me Staedtler marsmagno 2 pen with a super fine tip.

I am sticking with the 5x7 size as that will make one A7 card or two A2 cards.

I drew lines with a ruler which works well with this pen and it's metal tip.  Then I added lines in some spaces and washes with the Sepia ink diluted with water.

Then I decided it need a bit of color so I worked with the few high quality water color pencils I have in my stash.  

Then I dipped into my watercolor palette for more color. 

I did add some metallic with my new metallic colors from the dollar store. What a great buy that was.

With these small spaces I was able to achieve a smooth watercolor wash in some of them.

I filled the pen with ink and considering that it is permanent I will not get it out of the cartridge if it dries in there.

I will consult with my sister the art school girl to see if it will be okay to leave it or not.

Next time I will not put so much ink in the pen.

Card Exchange - October 2021

I made a couple of large cards for my October card exchange.  Since they are late and it Christmas time I chose to make them with a Christmas theme.  Love making Christmas cards at any time.

I chose turquoise alcohol ink background paper in 4x6 and cut ornaments with the Sizzix Bigz Die - Ornaments #4. One of each design.

I cut the hangers from copper metallic paper and glued them on top.

I added copper metallic thread.

I embossed a layer of white with a Cuttlebug folder from the Winter Bundle.  I wrapped the thread to the back and adhered the snowflake layer to the front of the Tempting Turquoise card.

The ornament was adhered with 3D foam tape.

I added a Stampin Up Modern Label greeting which was offset with a punchie from the same paper as the ornament.

On this one I added the copper star and mounted the turquoise one in the left hand corner.

These are large A7 5x7 cards.

These are on their way to my card exchange partners.

Christmas Card Challenge - March - Large Greetings Small Cards

I continued my large greeting Christmas Cards making with the aim to create A2 (4.25"x5.5") sized cards. 

I continued to use the Winter Frolic Cricut Cartridge. This greeting is 3.5" T x 3.5" W. I cut it from Champagne pearl card stock and paired it with an ivory card base.   

The acrylic ink background features royal purple color with some bright spots.

I used copper accents layers with the crown is part of the shift layer of the greeting then I cut stars with the Sizzix Star#2 die.  

These were adhered to the acrylic ink background and the large greeting was adhered with 3D foam tape.

I spattered it with copper acrylic color, a toothbrush and straight edge.

 

 This next card I chose a blue green piece of acrylic ink background on glossy photo paper.  It was trimmed from 4x6 to 3.75 x 5 inches.

It was adhered to a white card base.

The pearl white large greeting was mounted aligned to the bottom of the background with 3D foam tape.  

I added a silver star in the upper left hand corner.  It was cut with the Sizzix die.

It was spattered with an iridescent liquid acrylic.

 

 

Another ivory card with the champagne large greeting.  

I cut the crown from gold card stock and adhered with double sided tape. 

I added sequins in gold and copper adhered with Bling Zots. 

Since the copper was out this one was spattered at the same time as the other.

I added seasonal quarter inserts and white envelopes and they are ready for December 1st.

Recent Photos

I found a few open blooms on the ornamental chokecherry tree at the park this week.

It seems I have been waiting for them for a while.

Love these wonderful white flowers.  I hope to get some of the deep pink and burgundy ones as they open.










These are the birds I captured in recent days.  The top left is a female Red Winged Blackbird.  I did not know they have red on their wings as well until I saw this one spreading her wings.  Top Right: Male Red Wing Blackbird Of course, the males as always ready to strike a pose.  He was singing his heart out.
Bottom left is a Yellow Warbler.  These are so hard to spot.  I could hear it but it took me about 10 minutes to spot it in the tree now that leaves are appearing.  I swear it is the size of my thumb so it takes quiet and stillness to spot the movement way up there.  The bottom right is a Chipping Sparrow.  The birds were all in song this week. 

Working on organizing, de-cluttering and de-stashing.  I basically swapped these pieces of furniture.  The tray shelving used to hold the Cricut Machine in the craft space.  Now it holds my dry hydrangea in an olive oil bottle.  My Mom made this for me years ago.  It has not hung in this place and now it has a home.  Very useful to have a quick look before I head out the door.
I moved the tall shelving unit from the front hall to the craft space.  It now holds the Cricut as well as boxes of 12x12 paper.  Much of this will have to go because card making is no longer a product and skill I can sell in my market.

This is the project I worked on most of the last week.  I have a bit of a stash of fabric acquired when I was going to make aprons for Christmas last year.

As a first quilt in years it was a learning experience.  I worked on the Quilt as you Go method.  That was okay but the strips to bind was a bit of a challenge to get straight and cover the edges.

I am happy with the color combination.  This is Stampin Up fat quarters for the prints.  I was able to get a backer fabric in Crumb Cake.  The trio of small blocks was Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake and Soft Suede.

The project evolved from a jelly roll concept of strips to blocks.

I still have hand stitching to finish.  I used flannelette sheeting for a batting between layers.  It is quite stiff and heavy not sure it will do for giving to a charity that offers blankets to trauma victims.

Flickr Macro Monday Challenge this week was Copper.  I made a trip to the Antique Mall this week and found this half cup measure.  I love that you can see a finger print in the bottom right hand corner.

You can check out my Flickr photo stream for the photo I submitted this week.

Sharing with

Angie - host of Mosaic Monday #28

Mersad - host of Through My Lens 192

Thank You Cards - donated

I dropped another set of thank you cards at Compassion House as I was there to facilitate a card making session.

The women staying there for their cancer treatments are encouraged to prepare a thank you card for those who donate funds to keep this wonderful house running.

These are recycled commercial cards with additional layers added to provide more interest.

Love the gold foil ones.  I have the backs which will show up somewhere in card making on my desk.




I love these daffodils.  Watercolor always feeds my soul.  I love the border and the cute butterflies.  With a good variety to of colors I was able to coordinate them with ivory and yellow card bases. I added green layers.


These glitter cards I was able to watercolor myself.  They are very sparkly and I really enjoyed the process of applying color as I saw fit.

I added thank you circle greetings in turquoise to coordinate with the handmade flower to these copper flower cards.


I added layers to these beautiful blue stripes and marbled ones.  Adding turquoise card base on the first with a daisy punchie in the bottom left and corner.  I added black to the second one.  




I added purple silk flowers to the one on the left.  Then coordinated the card base with the flowers.


The one on the right I added to a burgundy card base to match the border around the greeting.  I added a daisy punchie from burgundy card stock and held in place with a small brad.

That is 14 cards.   I do not really know how many the house uses but I keep the box full as I can.

Exchange Cards - March - Blue and Copper

I managed to get my March exchange cards made today. 

I used a 4x6 piece of alcohol ink background that I made for this set of cards.

I cut the piece in half and layered it onto a piece of copper metallic card stock leaving a larger border on the bottom.

I then added a layer of black adding a bit more to the bottom again.  Then layered onto a turquoise card base.

I added a Stampin Up Artisan Label punchie greeting in black to the bottom right hand corner.  It is adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.


Identical supplies for the second one but laid out in the landscape or wide orientation.

This are in the mail today!

2019 Cardmaking - CH - Class 2

I taught my card making session at CH tonight.  I had few ladies participate.

This card features bright yellow striped designer paper cut to leave a small border on an golden yellow card.

The flower was cut with the Sizzix Flower, Leaves & Stem #4 from black card stock.  The stem was cut to fit the length of the card.

I poked a hole in the center of the flower with a push pin. I placed the gold sequin and Prima paper flower onto the tiny black brad and inserted into the hole I made.  I pressed the prongs apart on the inside of the card.

With no greeting it makes a great card for any occasion for a music lover.

This card makes a great one for a birthday or thinking of you.

I chose a white card and cut the bold graphic designer paper to leave a small margin and adhered it to the card front.

I wrapped the black ribbon around the card front and tied in a square knot on the front left.

The black label was cut with the Stampin Up Deco Label framelit. I printed the house and punched with 2" circle punch.  It was adhered over the ribbon with 3D foam tape.

 I started with a deep teal card.  I cut the textured  designer paper to leave a small border and adhered it to the card front.

I cut the flower from copper card stock with the Sizzix Daisy #4 die.  It was adhered to the card front.

With a push pin I made a hole through the card front for the brad which holds the two handmade paper flowers (teal and terracotta) in the center of the flower.

The greeting was printed in a warm blue then punched with the Stampin Up Artisan Label Punch.

It was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

The weather was more seasonal this evening which was much appreciated.

R2Go Christmas Stack - Bethlehem

I first created decorative backgrounds with liquid ink and photo paper.  I inks I used are Rotring Blue Violet, FW Rowney Blue and Maya Mist Antique Copper.  I got some blue, some purple and some with the colors mixed.

I selected a white card base with a black layer leaving a small border to ensure the focal element would shine.  I cut the decorative paper with the Tim Holtz Arch Frame.  I cut the Bethlehem from 3.25 x 1.5 inch piece of copper card stock with the Taylored Expressions Bethlehem Border.  This was adhered to the decorative frame.  I cut the window frame with the Tim Holtz Arch Frame die with the large Sized Arches Mover Shaper die inside of it.  It was adhered over the copper diecut and aligned to the frame.

The star was created with the Creative Memories Sparkle punch from the same copper card stock.  It is held in place with a tiny copper star brad.  The focal element was then adhered to the card front. 

The greeting was printed black and punched with the Stampin Up Word Window punch. It was adhered to a Modern Label punchied from the same decorative paper that the Arch Frame was cut from.  This ensured color matching.   It was adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

Apron - Cross Back Daisy

Another apron today.  I tried a new design for those who do not want ties on their aprons.

I started with this warm rust floral fabric and chose a light yellow cotton for the lining.

I used my own pattern from earlier aprons and adjusted how the straps worked.

I cut two pieces of the pattern one patterned and the other solid.  I cut them at the same time so they would be a perfect match. 

I cut the patch pockets from the remnant created where the arm hole was cut. I added an accent strip to the slanted open edge of the pockets cut from the lining fabric.

The pockets were then top stitched onto the front patterned piece.

The front and the lining were sewn together, turned inside out, and top stitched to close the gap used to turn inside out. I also placed a line of stitching from the top of bib to the bottom of the apron just left of center to secure the 2 pieces together.

The straps were cut 2.5 inches wide and about 27 inches long just to make sure I had enough.  I sewed a seam with right sides together then struggled to turn the strap inside out. I like that the seam can be placed in the back center of the strap.

I securely attached the straps to the top corners of the bib.  I decided that 22 inches between the top of bib to the edge of the back worked so I cut the strap 24 with a 1 inch overlap at each connection point.  I ensured that the straps were "crossed" then securely attached the bottom end of the strap to the back edge of the apron.

I may have to do something different for turning the straps inside out.  I think I would also like to have the apron wider so there the back edges come closer together when it is one a person.

Framed Art Canvas - Owl

I created this piece of art of my niece and god daughter who celebrates a birthday this week. 

The canvas was created by another niece who produces this wonderful pour art. Xyla Creations.  I purchased this piece back in May as it had the perfect colors for my god daughter.

I added the black frame. 

I created the tree trunk and branches from ripped black card stock. 

I added the circle moon cut from copper metallic card stock.

I added the brass owl pendant in front of the moon with his feet on the branch. 

I added the sentiment with vellum tucked into the bottom of the art with out being adhered.

I used glue dots to attach all the pieces only to find a day later all the pieces had fallen down.  Attaching stuff to acrylic paint has been a challenge before.  I resorted to tiny black brads but I really did not want to make holes in the wonderful canvas. 

The owl is a piece of jewelry so I gave my god daughter the matching chain in case somewhere along the line she wants to wear it.

I was able to deliver it in person and spend a day with her.  It was a wonderful time.

Lunch out is always a nice thing.

Mosaic Monday - Brass Kaleidoscope

I found a brass and copper kaleidoscope at the thrift store yesterday!  I was over the moon because it was under $5 with the weekly discount.  There were one of the wheels had pieces missing, it was filthy and the pin was bent but that was okay. 

I brought it home and carefully gave the metal it's first polish in years.  It will need more but a little at a time will do the job.
I pulled out my container of glass gems and searched until I was able to replace the 5 missing pieces. 

I carefully used a Q-tip to clean all the glass pieces on the wheels.

The cylinder which holds the mirrors is brass. 
The eye piece, the wheel fitting and the legs are copper and have an incised pattern on them.  The bead edge of the wheels is also copper. 

The wheels contain a variety of glass.  Glass gems, stained glass, iridescent glass, colored glass and textured glass.  The shapes are irregular which enhances the shapes of the final images produced.

It is over 9" inches long including the wheels and front pin.

I need to find it a stand to support the brass cylinder.

It is a perfect retirement gift for me.  I love it!

Sharing with Mosaic Monday #99 hosted by Maggie at Normandy Life.

R2Go All Occasion Stack Kit - Set 05

I cut the flowers from black card stock.

I selected designer paper and coordinating card stock for the base.  It was cut to leave a small border.  I adhered the DSP to the card front.

I then aligned the flower and and stem onto the card front. Once happy, I adhered the flower then the stem and trimmed it to the edge of the card.

I made a hole in the center of the flower with a push pin.  I placed the flower sequin then the handmade flower by Prima onto the tiny black brad and placed the prongs through the hole and press them apart on the inside of the card.

 This set features black and white printed elements.  The images were downloaded from Pixabay. They were printed onto white card stock then they were punched with a 2" circle punch.

I chose designer paper which would coordinated with the elements and then cards in black, white or kraft.

Once the desinger paper was adhered to the card front I wrapped a piece of black knitting ribbon around the card front and knotted it.

The element is created when the white circle is adhered to the black Stampin Up Deco Label die cut.  The label is then adhered over the ribbon with 3D foam tape.

 This card features a large metallic copper diecut daisy done with the Sizzix Daisy #4 die.

I chose designer paper and card stock combinations that worked well together.  The DSP is cut to leave a small border then adhered to the card front.

I tack the copper daisy lightly with adhesive.  This time because I have no greeting I swung the stem to the center.  I used a push pin to create a hole in the center of the flower.  I placed the teal and copper flowers onto the tiny copper brad and pressed it through the hole I made. Spread the prongs on the inside.

Check the kit tab for availability.

R2Go All Occasion Stack Kit - Set 04

I cut the flowers from black card stock.

I selected designer paper and coordinating card stock for the base.  It was cut to leave a small border.  I adhered the DSP to the card front.

I then aligned the flower and and stem onto the card front. Once happy, I adhered the flower then the stem and trimmed it to the edge of the card.

I made a hole in the center of the flower with a push pin.  I placed the flower sequin then the handmade flower by Prima onto the tiny black brad and placed the prongs through the hole and press them apart on the inside of the card.

This set features black and white printed elements.  The images were downloaded from Pixabay. They were printed onto white card stock then they were punched with a 2" circle punch.

I chose designer paper which would coordinated with the elements and then cards in black, white or kraft.

Once the desinger paper was adhered to the card front I wrapped a piece of black knitting ribbon around the card front and knotted it.

The element is created when the white circle is adhered to the black Stampin Up Deco Label die cut.  The label is then adhered over the ribbon with 3D foam tape.

This card features a large metallic copper diecut daisy done with the Sizzix Daisy #4 die.

I chose designer paper and card stock combinations that worked well together.  The DSP is cut to leave a small border then adhered to the card front.

I tack the copper daisy lightly with adhesive.  This time because I have a greeting I swung the stem to the right.  I used a push pin to create a hole in the center of the flower.  I placed the teal and copper flowers onto the tiny copper brad and pressed it through the hole I made. Spread the prongs on the inside.

The greeting was printed in teal on ivory card stock and punched out with the Stampin Up Artisan label.
Check the kit tab for availability.

Christmas Card Challenge - July - Copper Wisemen

I am catching up on my card challenge.

I started with a warm light blue card. 
I added a piece of designer paper by Imaginations - Sky.  It was cut to leave a small border.

I used the Stampin Up Come to Bethlehem set onto vellum and embossed it with copper powder.  It was trimmed to the edge of the DSP. I tacked in in place with a bit of ds tape behind the wisemen.

I then cut a piece of white card stock to complement the sand dune on the vellum.  I hand cut that and glued it onto the card front and then trimmed it to the bottom of the card. I then used a push pin for the holes for the copper brads. Two round ones in the corners and a star one in the middle of the star.

Exchange Cards

I`m sending off cards to my exchange friends today.

For this card I used Medium Outdoorsy Olive card stock as the card base. The designer paper is polka dots by Imaginesce - Kewl Stuff - Hot Spots which I cut with the Stampin Up Sunburst thinlit. I cut my designer paper before I ran it through the Big Shot so it was the exact size I needed (4.00 x 5.25 inches).  It was adhered to the card front leaving a small border.

I then punched a 2 inch circle from Dark Outdoorsy Olive and a 1.75 inch circle from the same color as the card.

I added a copper metallic butterfly with the Martha Stewart punch.  It is held in place with a tiny copper brad.

This accent was attached to the card front with 3D foam tape.

This card features Kraft as the card base.

The sunburst is by Carta Bella - Beautiful Moments by Carina Gardner - Happy Thoughts.

The paper was cut to 4.00 x 5.25 then run through the Big Shot with the Stampin Up Sunburst thinlit. It was adhered to the card front.

I punched a white 2 inch circle then a Kraft 1.75 inch circle and added a gold metallic butterfly done with the Martha Stewart punch.  It is held in place with a gold tiny brad.

This layer was adhered to the card front  with 3D foam tape.

Card Club Kit - Set 3 - Card 4

I just loved this designer paper - WeR Memory Keepers - Wildflower - Botanical. I spent way too much time finding the right image for this card but I am happy with this owl available from Pixabay.

I printed the owl in Early Espresso onto vellum and clear embossed it.  I trimmed the vellum to 3.75 x 5.00 inches.  I tacked the vellum in place leaving a small border. 

I cut a slit in the fold and ran the dark brown seam binding through and brought it around to the front.  I placed some double sided tape between the vellum and designer paper where it will be hidden by the ribbon. I knotted the ribbon and trimmed the ends.

I placed the leaf onto the ribbon and used a push pin to create a hole through the card front.  I pushed the tiny brad through a hole in the leaf, and captured it under the brad.  This works to keep the leaf and the vellum secure.

Card Club - Sept - Copper Leaves

My card is my nod to fall arriving and thanksgiving. It is a trio of copper leaves.  The leaves were cut with the Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves die.  It cuts these 3 leaves at one time.

I chose some copper metallic handmade paper I purchased a few years ago from a local business which has since closed.  I embossed the most solid one wit the Tim Holtz Cracked embossing folder to provide some texture to the card front.

The background designer paper is by BasicGrey - Pyrus - Oblate.  I loved that it had the copper tone and some wonderful green ones too. 

I added a green raffia bow held in place with a large copper brad. 

I chose not to include a greeting as the leaves fill the card front quite nicely.

Christmas Card Challenge - Aug - Copper/Square

This is my card for the Christmas Card blog challenge.  The challenge this month is Copper and Square.  I ensure that I get all my Christmas cards by November 1st.  Will you join me?

I started with the metallic copper card stock. I cut it with the Sizzix Dove die and Stitched Squares Frame.

I selected a medium purple card.

I created a star background which I printed on vellum, embossed with copper powder and trimmed it to leave a small border.

I placed the square on the angle and adhered it to the vellum and centered the dove in the middle.  I then applied adhesive behind the vellum under the same places and placed it on the card front.

I then selected 4 places to add a tiny copper star  brad to ensure all pieces stay in place, in 2 stars at the top and the 2 stars beside the greeting.

You can check this link to see the cards so far and the first post contains all the challenge. Pick the one that inspires you.   If  make a card leave me a comment. 

Joining the summer Christmas Card link up at Merry Monday.

R2Go Christmas Kit - Star of Wonder Copper

I chose this wonderful designer paper of stars by FlairDesigns - Star Bright in warm colors of chocolate, beige, rust, and caramel.  It is cut to 4.00 x 5.25 inches.

I paired it with a warm brown card.

I printed the greeting in Really Rust on vellum and clear embossed it.  I ripped the top and bottom edges. I added a strip of card stock under the words to provide the contrast.  The vellum and strip are held in place with 2 tiny copper brads.

I die cut a copper star with the Sizzix Star & Starburts die and I adhered it over the vellum greeting strip.