Teapot Tuesday- for the birds

 This weeks Tuesday Teapot will be a card sent to each other.  The theme is for the birds!  You know I love birds...or if you did not know that, know you do!!!  I also used the Wednesday Sketch challenge at SCS for my card : )

 This image is from Technique Junkies - the sentiment is part of the image.....  How sweet- huh?  I used Memory Box stitched circle dies to cut it out and frame it.  Copics were used to color it after Tea Dye Distress ink was added to the base.  The DP is G45. \

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Play Ball!

My husband LOVES baseball, he plays in an over 55 league.  So, each year I like to create a Birthday card for him with a Baseball theme. So, here is his 2018 card:

 I used stamps from Technique Junkies, I stamped this baseball background stamp in (SU) Gray, and used the TH stamping platform- to get a nice crisp image,  The glove and sentiment are both stamped in Black Tuxedo Memento. I added just a pop of red and -perfect card for him- he loved it!

 Last year in November, he broke his ankle sliding into home, so has been working soooo hard with Physical therapy and working out to get back and play ball!  Crossing my fingers and toes for him!

Challenges:
Inspire.Create.Challenge- Masculine
Get Creative- No Patterned Paper
The Paper Girls- Masculine

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Faux Sunflower

I know, the image is really daisies, but I colored it as though it were sunflowers.  Do you think it will pass???  LOL  Day 13 of 30 days of coloring challenge

The image by Technique Junkies HERE is so easy to color in, and I am doing the daily coloring challenge for 30 days,- so very happy to get this image out and ink it up!!!
 The coloring is done with Copics, and I added just a smidge of shimmer using a Spectrum Noir Crystal Clear shimmer pen.

Challenges: TBA

Are you on Instagram?  If yes, please leave me your link.  I will look for you there- it is so much easier for me to use as I am out and running each day!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

More DTGD

I was able to make a few cards for DTGD at SCS, but have a few more started that I could not get back to.  I will finish them though as soon as I can get up into my art room!

 I made this background on glossy white cardstock and used a digi for the panda's.

 For this background, I played with acrylic paints. The giraffe's seemed an appropriate fit- this is a stamp from Technique Junkies.

 I got out the Distress Oxides for this one- they blend on the cardstock so smoothly!  I used a Cheery Lynn die as a stencil for the honeycomb shapes in the background. I could not resist adding a touch of Copic marker over the Oxide ink for a touch more depth of color in the flowers.

 And, this card started with the DP, and I found this little set of Hero Arts stamps I have never opened. I added a spider web over the DP .

Ahhh, it was so nice to get in the craft room!  My husband kept inviting me over and over to bike ride or go for a walk...not today honey : )

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Technique Junkies ATC swap

The Technique Junkies  Yahoo Group still exists- we have a group of ladies that does an ATC swap every 2 months. The only requirement is that we use a technique from any TJ newsletter or CD.

 This is called depressed stains- the embossing is flattened down after it is highlighted- I have been wanting to give this technique a go.  The image is Technique Junkies.

And, these are the ATC's  received back:

 Lt Marilyn Hughes- Technique Strips
Rt- Mitzi -Twinkling Watercolors

 Lt: Beth Cutwright- Washi Herringbone
Rt: Holly Brown Watercolor Reinker

Lt: Julie Garlit- Patchwork
Priscilla LaBranche- Chalk Lines

 and the cat/screen open shows the TJ technique

 I am still MIA a bit- My Mom is still here with me- we are both doing Physical Therapy and that takes up a bit of time. She will be heading to my sisters home 9/16, and then..... I will be getting ready for my son's wedding in Colorado the beginning of October : )

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Finale DTGD 2016

So this is the end of the cards I made for DTGD (Dare to Get Dirty) at Splitcoaststampers.

I made this card using a die from Memory Box that I just had to have (2 yrs ago maybe) and just finally am using it. The stamp is SU.  I cut the die out three times and layered some of the different colors on the flowers. 

 This is called a Bendi card, and there is a tutorial on the Splitcoaststampers site. It was not really terribly hard to create......  I will do this again!

 Here is a card using a Technique Junkies stamp and a digi by Create with TLC. I embossed the image in Black.

 I used this stamp set for the very first time.....  I made a CAS spotlight card.

   The color on this is a tiny bit wonky.  The stamp is Northwood and the sentiment is Create with TLC. I colored with Copics. The white BG is embissed with a script EF. There is a stencil I sponged on Ballet Blue to give a touch of dimension.

MIA just a touch again, I have my Mom here and we are not in my creative space making cards.....
Maybe tomorrow!

The DTGD challenge prizes were just awarded- and Wahoo!  I won a $50.00 gift certificate to Stamp-N-Store!!!  How cool is that!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

DTGD day 3 plus one

I am not sure I can keep this up, but here is one from day 2 and all of day 3 of Dare to Get Dirty (DTGD) from SCS.

  This is for my neighbor's daughter and SIL- who are having a baby boy in October : )  Nowadays, you can have a blood test done that tells you the sex of the baby......  I loved trying ou this new Gina Marie die- and I made 4 of the quilt backgrounds- so will make a few more in the future..... The banners are Joy Craft, the Joy-Lawn Fawn, The cap letters are Crafty Ann, Small letters Memory Box, DP is Lost and Found Breeze.

 Next, a fun card- I have been wanting to try a coffee card using distress inks and a shaker as well- used beads and glass shards glitter in blue.  The die is Memory Box and the Sentiment is SU.

Oh, I had to make an Asian card- the background is a technique I learned in Technique Junkies and gives it a metallic look, added German Scrap and fussy cut the images.  The images are embossed and colored carefully with Copics.  I swipe off the end of the marker as soon as I am done coloring to get any of the EP off the tip. Stamps are both Technique Junkies

And, I got out some more unused stamps- had to have them, and made a card for my hubby.  I tried to make this CAS... He is so sweet- made dinner last night as I was on a roll stamping : )   These stamps are Lawn Fawn.

I wanted to watercolor a bit more- love this unused image. I used Distress inks which react to water- and added some interesting green to the sky- oh well- I will know for next time! Ahhh, does't this look relaxing???  This image is from Technique Junkies.

And finally, a Birthday card for my dear friends hubby- who is 60 on Friday!  Another unused stamp- this is from Su SAB- not this tear...maybe 2 yrs ago???

I will get to blogs once I come up for air.....  Thanks for your understanding and support!
Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Dogs-love and fur : )

I made a card for a One Card a Month Swap in the Enjoy Michael Strong Yahoo Group.

and I made a punched border for the inside:

I used a tutorial for the Woodgrain background from Karen Ds blog- link HERE  I used distress inks and played around with the look I wanted. I started with Antique Linen, added Weathered WOod, used a touch of Brushed Corduroy and a tiny touch of Stormy Sky.  I scored at every 1/2" on a 4" x 5.25" piece of white Georgia Pacific cardstock which had Elmers glue painted on in up and down stripes.

Image Cloisonne Dog by Michael Strong, Sentiment Technique Junkies (Dog Quotes S137)

 Challenges:
Rubys Rainbow- Animal Magic
City Crafter- For the Love of Pets
Tuesday Throwdown- AG
 
Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Technique Junkies ATC swap

I participated in a Technique Junkies ATC Swap for Fall Colors- we use any TJ technique from Newsletters or any of the CD's.

 and

 My ATC's were made by using the Plain Technique from the Dec '10/Jan '11 newsletter. I seem to enjoy making a mess and experimenting with color : )  I love this new image from Technique Junkies and had to ink it up.....called Contemporary Floral.

Here are the ATC's I recieved back:

 Lt- Dawn Tinkham using 'That Shimmering Touch' 6/03
Rt- Beth Cutwright- Swap Hostess- Textured Tissues June /July 2014

Top- Holly Brown-Watercolor Resist 12/08 - so shimmery IRL!
Bottom- Priscilla LaBranche-  More Yellow/Green  IRL and the leaf is copper- Faux Designer Paper 12/08

 Lt -Tina Johnston- Layered Watercolors 12/14 (More orange for flower and the BG is more green)
Rt-Hewitt Hulse- Sectioned Retiform Aug/Sept 2004

Have a Fab Labor Day weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Better with Friends.....

From the very last  Technique Junkies newsletter, Gelato Drips.

 So true, isn't it?  This fun image is also from Technique Junkies line of stamps.

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Tie it Together

It is a new week...and there is snow on the ground again!

I wanted to show a fun way to use bits and pieces of left over technique pieces in your stash.  It is a Technique Junkies technique from the 12/15 (very last) newsletter called Tie it Together.

I bet you are thinking my stash bin would be all pink and blue : )  I added Gold ribbon, Gold rhinestones and a Gold embossed sentiment from the Technique Junkies stamp line. 

Hope you have a great week- Stay warm

Shelly

TJ ATC Swap

 I joined in an ATC swap with ladies from the Technique Junkies. All we have to do is use any TJ technique- could be from a newsletter or a CD.

 I used a technique from the Stencil CD called Distress removal.  Images are all from Technique Junkies Stamps.

 This was made by Willow Ciarrochi. Willow used the Stained Embossing technique.

 Dawn Tinkham used Background Gelatos using stamps by Studio 112.

Elizabeth Hulse used Pressed Stains- the color is more of a light berry red IRL.

 Holly Brown used the Gelato Drips technique. Stamps by Technique Junkies.

Priscilla LaBranche used the Glazed Embossing technique.

Finally, Swap hostess Beth Cutwright used the Venitian Blinds technique

and open

 I love having samples of techniques I may not have had an opportunity to try yet. I think this was a really
great swap!

Thanks for stopping by!
 Shelly

Kissed and Popped Hearts

I have been away- heading back tomorrow to the cold and snow : )   I wanted to post a fun card made with the 'kissing technique' which is an older technique, and I also used the Diagonal Popped Strips from the last Technique Junkies newsletter. 

  The heart image and the background it was kissed with are both from Technique Junkies/formerly Stamp Camp, as well as the sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by!
Shelly

Fall is in the air

I had a fun time with the last Technique Junkies newsletter- and this is one of my favorite cards : )  

 The background is made using Alcohol inks. The stamps are all by Technique Junkies.

I spent the weekend in Kentucky seeing my daughter run in a Regional Cross Country meet- she runs Club running at Michigan State University where she is a Senior.  Then we were able to spend the weekend at my parents home. The angels were with us, as my Mom had a mini stroke this weekend, and we were able to be there and help out.  She has minimal deficits and is working back to recovery. We cannot talk my folks into moving closer to where we live : ( 

Life happens......  We are blessed to have them with us for all of these years- Mom is 85 and Dad is 86.

Have a great day!
Shelly

Inhale, Exhale.......

Happy Sunday!  I love this White on Watercolor technique by the Technique Junkies.  The variety of colors in the technique make it fun to choose a color to make as the theme of the card.

  The background made me think of the wheels a turning in our busy lives, and the sentiment is calming..... !
 The stamps I used are both by Technique Junkies line of stamps.

Challenges:
Addicted to CAS- Vellum
Daring Cardmakers- Sentimental
Craft-room challenge- make your own background

Thanks for stopping by!
 Shelly

Stampin on the Weekend

A fun Monochromatic fall card for the weekend.

I played around with the Wrinkle Free Distress technique by Tim Holtz- basically, you dab Distress ink on your craft mat, spritz it then run your cardstock through it. I had a bit of left over ink, so used the Technique Junkie instructions from the last newsletter to dye the ribbon to match as well. I had 2 pieces of the technique, so used a piece of the 2nd to stamp the floral image from Technique Junkies in Versamark and embossed it with white embossing powder.  I wanted a little more punch to the background, so inked up a small area of a Technique Junkies background and stamped it randomly on the background. 

 I added a dragonfly from the Sweet Stamps Picolo line and embossed it with Enamel embossing powder- which has a touch of sparkle in it.

Challenges:

Allsorts- Embossing

Hiding in My Craft Room- Embossing

Stamplorations- Stamp + Embossing

Eclectic Ellapu- Pink team/flowers

Really Reasonable Ribbon- AG w/ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!
 Shelly

Find a Song.....

 The 2nd to the last Technique Junkies Newsletter is out online today. I used a technique called Seam Binding Ribbon Dying to finish off this card.

  We are having cool weather here in Chicago, and the birds are thinking of heading South........ We love watching the birds at the bird feeder and are entertained by all of them.
  I used three different Technique Junkies stamps on this card. First off, I used Ranger Distress inks to create the background and to dye the Seam Binding to match.

Challenges:
Crafting By Designs- AG
Scrappers Delight- No DP
Stampin' Royalty- Frilly
Mixed Media Card Challenge- Vintage
Through the Craftroom Door- AG
Craft-Dee BowZ- AG with a hand made bow

Thanks for stopping by!
 Shelly

Technique Junkies- Stencil CD Blog Hop

The Technique Junkies Newsletter design team has another fabulous hop for you!  Pat and the talented design team have so many inspirational projects to share with you from the BRAND NEW CD – Sensational Stencils. This newest edition to the Technique Junkies Specialty CD

 This is a sample of the Stencil PE technique. The stamp and sentiment are by Technique Junkies Stamps. The stencil is a die cut made with an SVG from Bird's Cards. I wish the shimmer photographed better!

 The Table of Contents for the entire CD is HERE.

The CD has lots of new techniques along with some old favorites.  So break out your stencils and play along!  

Order yours now by clicking HERE

You should have arrived here from Jackie Kalchert's blog.   I always love Jackie's take on the challenges!

Your next stop is Pat Huntoons blog. 

Thanks for stopping by!
 Shelly

Peanut : )

We have been away from our dog for a few days- and have also had no internet connection either......I guess I should have pre-scheduled a post........

 Our dog-Peanut-  does not look too different from this sweet image from the Technique Junkies stamps. He is staying with our neighbor- we hope he will want to come back home tomorrow....... 

I used a technique from the Technique Junkies newsletter called Rainbow Ribbons- from the latest newsletter. Awwwwww

 I have about 500 e-mails in my inbox- and lots of blogs to visit- missed you all : )
Thanks for stopping by!
 Shelly

Look Deep.....

 Hello friends!  I have been missing my Asian style cards lately, so thought I'd share this one with you. My daughter Katie just went back to Jinan, China for her third year of teaching there, so you can see where my inspiration lies....

  This is done using a Technique Junkies technique called Resist Strips. I used images from Technique Junkies Stamps. I used colors you see in China that are very predominate.
 Do you have any flowers like this in your stash?  I have not used these for ages!

Challenges:
Allsorts- Warm Sunshiney colors
Pumpkin Spice- Children
Crafting Musketeers- 1, 2, 3  (one ribbon, 2 dies, 3 flowers)
Crafting Cafe- Insp Picture
Milk Coffee Challenge- Add stripes
Crafty Creations- Use something from your stash- flowers
Creative Card Crew- embossing (background and image)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Shelly