Flowerbug's Inkspot

Wicked Demo Challenge!

Can you say shocked?  Amazed?  Flabbergasted??  Well, any one of those words is how I felt when I was asked to be the Splitcoast Wicked Demo of the month for January by the Challenge Hostess, Jana.  If you're not a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, you won't be able to access this challenge, but it is pretty cool.  And just to be in the same company as many of the previous Wicked Demo's is truly
As the monthly 'Wicked' Demo, we are aksed to post 3 challenges to other SU demo's.  They are then encouraged to post their versions of my challenges. 
If you are a Demo, here is the link:

I chose to do a Color Combo Challenge, a Technique Challenge & a Sketch challenge.  Here they are:

Color Combo Challenge
 As you can see, this is also my Tag Punch Starburst  card.  And it doubles as my Color Combo Challenge too.

Colors are Baha Breeze, Cameo Coral & Blush Blossom.
I was ready for some softer colors after the bright colors traditionally used at Christmas.

Please see this post for the Tag Punch Starburst Tutorial.

Technique Challenge:
 It is very difficult to get a good picture of this technique, but take my word for it - if you like Bling, this technique is for you!

It's called Sparkly Stained Glass

Here is the link to the tutorial for it on Splitcoast.  But my real motivation is from my friends Pat & Becky - they are experts at it!  
Basically it involves stamping an outline stamp with Stazon or Embossing with Black Embossing powder onto clear Acetate (or transparency paper).  Then on the back, you add glue to fill in the spaces one color at a time & sprinkle with colored glitter.  I used SU's Crystal Effects.  After all colored areas are filled in, you use a stipple or bristle brush to remove any excess loose glitter & then paint the entire thing with more Crystal Effects & sprinkle clear glitter (I used our Dazzling Diamonds).  This part takes quite a bit of glitter!

This technique makes most people want to touch it, but It's so neat because the surface of the card is the smooth acetate, but it seems like you should be able to 'feel' the glitter. 

Sketch Challenge:

I love angles, so when I made this card, I knew it would make a great sketch.

I really like how the butterfly squares worked out.  I used the same size punch on the Baha & Cameo squares as I did on the butterflies.  When you adhere the top layer to the next, move it down or up slightly so the squares are offset.

This also works as my Color Challenge too.  I just love these colors!

Stamps - Flores Suaves (from the Spanish suppliment catalog), Sanded background

Card stock - Cameo Coral, Baha Breeze, Blush Blossom, Baha Breeze DSP

Ink - Creamy Caramel, Black Stazon, (Cameo & Baha for water-coloring)

Accessories - Aqua-painter, Vanilla Taffeta ribbon, 1 3/8" square punch, Crafter's Tool kit, sponge dauber, Crystal Effects on the bee's wings), Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals

Sketch Challenge

Where have I been?  I found this blog - Clean & Simple - it has awesome ideas & examples.  One of my co-GSG's (Becky Carafa) is a contributor.  Check it out!

 

Anyway, here is the sketch.

It's awfully close to Becky's, but how can I improve on hers??

I used the new 'Flower Fusion Too' which has the beautiful combo of Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip & Baja Breeze felt flowers.  Check it out on page 182 of the Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog.
Stamps - Upsy Daisy (verse)
CS - Baja Breeze, Choc. Chip, White, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip Prints
Ink - Chocolate Chip
Accessories - Flower Fusion Too, Pink striped grosgrain ribbon, Vintage brads, ticket corner punch

I love the flowers in the Flower Fusion tins.  There are so many in there & the tins themselves are great to decorate when you're done with them. 

Featured Swapper Challenge

Arin is this week's Featured Swapper on the Great Swaps Girls Blog seen here:

www.greatswapsgirls.blogspot.com

When I saw her card, I knew I had to CASE it.  I love the layout.  So sweet & simple.

ttp://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...p;ppuser=68201

Here's my version.

You could almost call this a one-layer card but there is a little extra embellishment on it so it isn't just 1 layer I guess.

It is made with the retiring River Rock cardstock cut at 6" square & folded in half.
I used the Baroque Motifs stamp set. 

The images are stamped using Chocolate & Teal craft ink & embossed with clear embossing powder. 
I cut out the Teal & Chocolate flower under the Teal Rhinestone circle brad & popped it up with dimentionals.  I also added a bit of Chocolate Taffeta ribbon around the Teal Taffeta bow. 

TIP:
Wonder how I got 'Teal' Taffeta ribbon???  All you need is a sponge dauber & Teal Classic ink.
Cut a length of Taffeta ribbon - white or vanilla works best to get a true color.  Place the end of the ribbon on the ink pad itself & then hold it down with a sponge dauber.  Pull the ribbon through the ink while holding it down onto the inkpad with the sponge dauber. 
You may need to do this a few times on each side of the ribbon to completely color the ribbon.  Either let it dry or slowly heat set it with your heat gun.  Be careful not to overheat it or you'll scorch or curl the ribbon.

Next on the list.........

of stamps I've sadly & mistakenly neglected is:

Bursting with Joy! 

This was one of the first sets I ordered when the new Catty came out last time.  I love the fun elements included in the stamps. 

This is also a double challenge card. 
On the Great Swap Girls site, Becky Carafa - our awesome leader, is the featured stamper.  So I cased this card from her Gallery.  Love the simple but unique layout.  It's perfect to showcase the main image.

And it is also the new Color Challenge on Splitcoaststampers - to use Taken with Teal, Wild Wasabi & White.  I have to admit, I sure never expected to even 'like' this combo.  And I actually love it!  Just goes to show how worthwhile it is to do these color challenges - you just never know what works or not until you try it.

Can you see the Ice square rhinestone brads on the main image?  I punched a 1/4" square from Wasabi CS to place behind each one.  It really pops them. 
The 'happy' word is stamped in Versamark & embossed with white Embossing Powder.
The dots are from the Polka Dot background stamp. 
It's hard to see, but the square Teal pieces are stamped with the neat spirograph stamp using Teal ink. 
 

Going, going....

Gone!  Another stamp set that will bite the dust in August. 
I cannot imagine why I haven't used this set for so long!  I absolutely LOVE the batik-type look of the stamped solid images!  They have a soft, crinkly appearance to them.  

I highly encourage you to go through your stamps sets & use some of your own neglected stamps - it's like having new toys to play with again!

I stamped the solid big flowers first using Pretty in Pink ink.  Then stamped one of these same flowers onto a post-it note & used it as a 'mask'.  Placed it over the flowers where I wanted to stamp some leaves.  I used Sage Shadow ink to add these & then added the large outline flower stamped in Burgundy. 
I did not use my Stamp-a-ma-jig since I kind of like the imperfect look of these stamps.  I just 'wung' it!  I stamped off first when stamping the small flower in Burgundy.
I used my Three for You Punch for the large flower centers, adding a Pretty in Pink brad for these centers. 
Don'tcha just love how SU's stuff matches so easily??

Did you see the little ribbon bow between the Sage & stamped piece?  I used two separate pieces of ribbon.

• I ran one long strip of pink grosgrain ribbon around the whole piece & secured it in back. 
• Then with another piece, I made one big loop or circle of ribbon with the cut ends in the middle.
• Next, wrap a very short piece around that in the middle & secure in the back.  I used double stick tape, but mini glue dots would work well too.

This would work very well with a wide ribbon too, almost like a ribbon/bow on a package. 

Triple Challenge for me!

I love Kristina's Color Challenges.  I expected this one to be a tough one.  I thought I would have trouble adding the Basic Gray, but it was very easy to work in.  I combined her Color Challenge with Splitcoast's Sketch challenge SC180 seen here. 
Love this layout!  It's easy & attractive with the center image highlighted as the focal point.

I pulled out my Take Three stamp set - I know it hasn't seen ink for at least 6 months & possibly a year!  Poor neglected thing! 

I embossed the Pretty Petals background using Versamark & Clear EP.  The 'Best Wishes' stamp was inked using Olive, Rose Red & So Saffron markers.

Stamps - Pretty Petals BG, Take Three
CS - So Saffron, Old Olive, Rose Red, Basic Gray, Whisper White
Ink - Versamark
Accessories - Markers, Clear EP, Mat Pack, EE brads, Old Olive wide Grosgrain ribbon, Quickie glue pen, DD glitter

Great Swaps 'Ways to use it' Challenge

Over on the Great Swaps Girls blog, we are challenged to pull out our crimper.

I have to admit, I actually do use my crimper fairly often.  I love the texture & dimension it gives a project.  When something needs just a little lift or a natural feel to it, I reach for my crimper.

I am fortunate to have great stamping friends who are OK with loaning stamp sets to me - Robin, thanks so much for letting me use this beautiful set!  Seaside is now on my must have list!  It is wonderfully shaded - one of those line-art stamps that makes it easy to stamp with.

The main card is Blush Blossom textured card stock & I added Pretty in Pink, Creamy Caramel & Vanilla also.  I stamped the large shell onto Watercolor paper & colored it in with a aqua-painter & re-inkers - Pink, Blush & Caramel.  I cut it out & sponged the edges with Caramel ink.  I stamped the background with Blush ink & more shells, added the crimped piece with Kraft taffeta ribbon over the paper pierced Pink square.
I love the little knots made from our hemp on the corners of the Vanilla piece.  This was stamped using the Sanded background stamp in Blush Blossom ink. 

Latest GSG Sketch Challenge

Here is my submission on the latest Sketch Challenge (GSGC07) over on the GSG Blog. 

It was a 10 minute card too - quick and easy.  I only had a few minutes to post today, so this was perfect! 
Heartfelt Thanks has been calling to me lately - I haven't used it in forever!  What are the chances it will be on the retired list this year??  It is so easy to make beautiful cards with.  If you are a flower lovin' gal like me, it is a must have set. 


The colors are Regal Rose, Apricot & Certainly Celery - also one of my Terrific Trio color combos this month. 
I used my Marvy oval punches for the main image, sponging the edge of the White piece with Apricot ink before adhering to the Celery. 
I love the effect of paper piercing so I added a bit of that in a few places. 
Placed the strips of Prints paper on the top & bottom, after adding brads by the way!
Add the wide Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon & then the main image on dimentionals. 

Wallah! 


Stay tuned for another project I did a while back that was a huge hit using this same set & even the same colors!

Another Challenge!

Are you up for it?  I am challenging my friends & customers to create a card using any of the sketches pictured in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  You can switch out the stamps, embellishments, and colors but keep the same basic layout.  And please use all Stampin' Up! products. 

For those who submit a card to me during June, you'll get your name in a drawing for a Level 2 Stamp set or a Simply Scrappin' kit - your choice. 
I'll draw the winner at PMS night on June27th. 

I will be selling the cards you make at my Stampin' Rummage Sale in July &/or my Open House in August.  The proceeds will go to a local charity this fall. 

Here's mine.  It's from page 11 of the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I used one of the Die Cut Blooms as my main focus & the June Special stamp set - Think Happy Thoughts too.   Colors are Soft Sky, Celery & Real Red. 

Sharon S won the free Stamp Set - Perfect Presentation last month - the challenge cards were awesome - lets see some more of your wonderful talent! 

Blog Challenge Winner!

In early May the Great Swaps Girls issued a fun Sketch Challenge.  I added my own challenge to my customers to create a card using this sketch.  For those who submitted one I entered their name in a drawing for a Free Stamp set (Level 2) or a Simply Scrappin' kit.  Here are the beautiful cards they made. 
I was so impressed with their cards and surprisingly,  many of these gals are very new stampers.



I drew a name at PMS night on Friday, & the winner is.............. Sharon S!  Her card is the one on top using Pretty Peony.  Isn't it gorgeous?  Here's a link to her gallery on SCS. 

She has had her eye on this stamp set for awhile & I am so glad she won it! 
Congrats Sharon!

Thanks to everyone who entered a card for this challenge.  The cards will be used for Charity Fund Raising later this summer.

If you want to be a winner, be sure to watch my blog closely in the next week or so.  I'll be issuing another challenge soon! 

Casing Jimmi

Jimmi is the featured stamper on our Great Swaps Girls blog this time.  Her gallery is so full of wonderful cards I had a hard time picking one, but here is the one I finally settled on.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/851828?cat=500&ppuser=71474

Here's my case.  I didn't have the Die Cut Blooms to use like she did (can you believe I don't have everything SU sells?!), so I used the Key Tab Punch to make the 'petals' on my flower.  I also don't have the cuttlebug 'yet' so I used my Dotted Background stamp.

By the way, the definition of 'case'  is to 'Copy And Share Everything'.  But many people try to change at least 2 things from the original in a challenge. 
Thanks for looking!

















I used Pretty in Pink, Wasabi & Shimmer White on this card. 
The stamps are from Garden Whimsy.

Featured Stamper Case

Denise is our Featured Stamper on the Great Swaps Gals website this time.  Love her work - it is so clean & fresh. 
I also combined it with the Inspiration Challenge on the Great Swaps blog.  See that here.

Here is Denise's card.

Stamps - Enjoy Every Moment, One of a Kind
Cardstock - Shimmer White for the card base, Whisper White & Turquoise
Ink - Old Olive
Accessories - Markers, EE & BB brads, Crafters tool kit, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" square punches, dimentionals, Signo white gel pen

Sketch Challenge

This card is for the Great Swaps Girls sketch challenge.   If you want to see what the sketch looks like, check it out on our website here.

What a super easy sketch!  I am going to challenge my club members & customers to try this one too.

If you submit a card using this sketch & use all Stampin' Up! materials your name will go in a hat for a choice of a free Simply Scrappin kit or a Level 2 hostess set from last year.  I will be donating the cards to charity. 
This offer is only good during May tho!
This is also a challenge to see who reads my blog!

Stamps - Doodle This, One of a Kind
Cardstock - Cameo Coral, Apricot Appeal, Whisper White & Wasabi
Ink - Wasabi, Cameo Coral, Versamark & Apricot Appeal
Accessories - Wasabi stitched ribbon, white eyelets, sponge daubers, corner rounder, Fresh Favorites buttons, embroidery thread for the button, Crop-o-dile, White embossing powder, mini glue dots, 1/4" circle, 1" circle & large oval punches, dimentionals, 2-way glue & Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Signo white gel pen