CSSC51 - Get Creative with Clear Art Stamps

Morning Everyone!!


Today I am your hostess for the weekly Crafty Secrets challenge over on Splitcoaststampers. My first idea for today's challenge was to use "something NEW" that you received over the holidays. Then after being contacted by the lady at the helm of Crafty Secrets, Sandy Redburn, our challenge today has been "kicked up a notch" and will also be recognized on the homepage of Splitcoaststampers. HOW COOL IS THAT!!!


She will be giving away 3 prize packs and all you have to do is use at least one of the Crafty Secrets - Clear Art Stamps. You can combine them with any other Crafty Secrets products if you like. Your card or keepsake needs to be new and not previously posted. These are the 3 Gift Certificates awarded:

Most Comments - $100 Gift Certificate
2nd Most Comments - $50.00 Gift Certificate
Random Winner - $50.00 Gift Certificate


Additional information will be forthcoming as to the start and end dates. So PLEASE ... blow the dust off those Clear Art Stamps and join in ... what great fun this will be!!!


I chose to make both a card and a keepsake. My card was created using my NEW Crafty Secrets - Clear Arts Stamp set (Wine Lovers) which I received over the holidays from my very own Santa. Also NEW on this card is the background paper which was given to me by my dear friend, Linda Davis. This designer paper is by BoBunny and it is 2-sided ... both sides are beautiful!! I used Nestabilities to make my circles & ovals. The fireworks image is by Great Impressions and I've "sparkled" them up using both Black Opal & Gold Sparkle embossing powder. All images other than the fireworks are from the Wine Lovers set. I don't know if you can see it in the photo (you can click on image for larger view), but I have used the "liquid applique & chalk" technique (explained in the previous post) on the grapes hanging from the grapevine in the left corner. Looks really cool in real life!! I have cut out the wine bottle & glasses and popped them up using dimensional tape. What a fun set to play with! Being a wine lover myself, this set will come in handy I'm sure!!



Now, on to my keepsake project.


I've been wanting to make a set of coasters using marble tiles for quite some time and this gave me a good excuse to PLAY with that idea. These are 4x4 Tumbled Marble tiles that I purchased at Lowe's (in the flooring section). I chose to used the Crafty Secrets - Clear Arts Stamps (Sweet Kids) images. Aren't they adorable!!! I first stamped the images on each tile with Stazon, heat set and even let them sit for awhile (during dinner) for a little extra drying time. Using Ranger cut-n-dry pen nibs, I colored in my images with CHALK. You can also use permanent markers for brighter colored images. After coloring my images, I used a cotton ball and coordinating chalk to go around the outside parameter of the tile. When your coloring is completed, to make these coasters water resistent, you'll need to give them a few coats of your favorite Clear Acrylic Sealer. I prefer a "gloss" finish and I get mine at WalMart. Hint: be sure your first coat is VERY light and not sprayed on too closely. Make sure to let it dry thoroughly between coats.


Remember, these are rough marble tiles and you'll have to put some type of backing on them to protect your furniture from damage. I chose to use heavy duty self sticking felt pads (also purchased at Lowe's). There are other products available for this job ... just check out you local home improvement or crafting store.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Don't forget, check out this fun challenge over on SCS to win some awesome prizes!!