Music Heals the Soul . . .

Hello my friends and Happy Sunday!

Today I'm  sharing another musical creation using dies from  the new June Release at the Tutti Designs Store.  This release is so much fun to create with and has brought back many memories of my days in the high school band!  (yes ... I can remember back THAT far! lol)

 

The dies I have used today are Trombone and Saxaphone.

My card was quick and easy to create.  By die cutting my 'instruments' from gold and bronze metallic papers, it gives the feeling of the real instruments.

And, if you are a music lover as I am, the sentiment is so true.  

I can be in an 'off' mood but put on some 'oldies' and I'm back in my youth dancing around the room and feeling much better!

Please be sure to pop over to the Tutti Designs Store and check out all of the fabulous dies in this latest release.  And, of course, you'll want to browse through the store to see what other dies you need to have on hand.

Need inspiration? 

The team has something new to share on the Tutti Designs Blog EACH and EVERY DAY!   Pop in often and see for yourself ... what a talented group of designers!!

For your convenience, here are all the Tutti Designs quick links you will need:

Tutti Designs Store

Tutti Designs Pinterest

Tutti Designs Facebook

Tutti Designs Blog

Thanks for stopping by!
As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  Ivory cs, Forrest Green cs, Gold Metallic cs, Bronze metallic cs, the Paper Studio dp

Dies:  Tutti Designs Trombone, Tutti Designs Saxaphone, Tutti Designs Nesting Stitched Rectangles, Frantic Stamper 'Spring Ivy',   

Accessories:  Prima flowers, Nuvo Copper Crystal Drops  

Birthdays!

Happy Day All!

It's a HAPPY day for me today ... it's MY birthday!

Yep ... they sure do come faster with each passing year!  LOL

So, since today's all about birthdays, I decided to join in the fun new challenge over on the Watercooler Wednesday Challenge blog where the theme is

Here's what I've created and I think it could be used for kids or adults ...

who doesn't like a puppy!  LOL

I wanted a simple background to create my relaxing scene so once again I turned to my new Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks.  I actually used a wide artist brush and a lot of water to create my watercolor background.  Using Faded Jeans and Broken China for the 'sky' portion ... then Walnut Stain and Vintage Photo for the ground.  Guess I should have used the green inks and made grass ... but my first thought was to do a 'beach' scene then switched gears when I saw this Spellbinder 'Garden Bench' in my die cut album.

Inside sentiment

A simple greeting is all that was required for the inside.

Here are a few other challenges I'd like to share in today:

A Gem of a Challenge #198 - Animals

Crafting with Friends - ATG

4 Crafty Chicks Challenge - Summer Celebrations (my birthday, lol)

Craft Rocket Challenge #39 - ATG

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Before I go, check out what hubby gave me for my birthday ...

YEP!  That's a whole CASE of Snyder's White Cheddar Puff-n-Corn! 

I'm addicted to these things and the local stores have quit carrying them ... uugh!  

So he surprised me by going on Amazon and bought me a whole case!  LOL

That should hold me for awhile!  LOL

(You know you're getting old when you buy each other FOOD items for birthday gifts!)

But that's okay ... he knew it would be something I would ENJOY ... and believe me I will!  LOL

Hope your day is a happy one!!

As Always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Carmel cs, Green cs, Black cs
Dies:  Spellbinder 'Garden Bench' #S2-085, Impression Obsession 'Split Tree' #DIE454, Frantic Stamper 'Oscar-Spot and Trixie' #FRA10076
Stamps: Stampscapes (birds), Endless Creations, Rubber Cottage (inside sentiment)
Inks:  Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Inks ... Faded Jeans, Broken China, Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo,  Versafine Onxy
Accessories:  Wide bristle artist brush, spray bottle, fine tip black marker (dogs eyes), Spectrum Noir Alcohol Marker #PP2 (dogs nose)

Sisterhood of Crafters - Where in the World!

Hello Friends!

It's time once again for a new challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters and 'Sistah' Diane is our hostess today!  She has come up with a unique and fun theme for her challenge to you this time around.  Check it out . . .

Where In The World

.... anything that represents the part of the world, country and/or state where you live...what fun!

I was born and raised in the Pittsburgh, PA area and that is where most of my family still resides.  But, it is really close to the Ohio state line and several family members have 'crossed the border' into Ohio over the years.  Including one of my sisters and my daughter.  Hubby's job brought us to Ohio (Toledo to be exact ... then Akron) so I guess we have been transplanted into Ohio too!  LOL

My card represents just a few of the 'high points' about Ohio.

Known for their 'THE Ohio State University', I have downloaded their logo paper from the internet to use as my background.  The Ohio silhouette also came from the internet.

The State Bird is the CARDINAL (sorry I couldn't find a cardinal die in my stash so just pretend that's what this bird is ... okay?  LOL

The State Flower is the SCARLET CARNATION ... I have used the Elizabeth Craft 'Bunch of Flowers 4' to create my cluster of carnations.

I think this will be a fun challenge to learn more about all the amazing people out in blogland that share this wonderful paper crafting / cardmaking hobby!   I hope you'll come join us!

As always . . .

A Garden Note . . .

Hello Crafty Friends!

Today I have a fun creation using a variety of dies from the Dies R Us Store to create a beautiful 'pot of flowers' to send along to a friend of mine with a few container gardening tips.   The idea for this creation started with the purchase of an Elizabeth Craft 'Garden Notes Potted' die.

I just love the look of an old patina pot so I  thought I'd try to recreate that look on my pot today by using some oxide distress inks and watercolor paper.

After creating my background (patina look) paper, I die cut my pot.  Well I actually was able to die cut THREE pots from this one 4x6 panel!  How much fun is that!  

Now it's time to 'Fill' my container with flowers.  As I said, I've chosen a variety of dies and here is the list of flower dies I used:

Impression Obsession 'Lily Trio'

 

Impression Obsession 'Lily of the Valley'

As you can see I didn't use the leaves from this die ... only the flowers.

Memory Box 'Glorious Gerber Daisies

(Remember, if Out of Stock, add your name to the Waiting List)

I added a couple little pieces of double sided tape to help hold my flowers in place during arranging.  Once I had all stems where I wanted them, I placed a few more strips of double sided tape to the back of my pot ... die cut another pot from a scrap of white paper and placed it over all the stems on the back to keep them secure.

I used foam tape behind my pot and a few of the flowers to add a little dimension.  It still needed 'something' and luckily I had JUST ENOUGH patina paper left to die cut these pretty Cheery Lynn Designs 'Lace Corner Deco E' corner decorations.  A couple little Nuvo Bronze Crystal Drops where my ivy joined and this card is ready to be mailed!
OH and did I mention I quickly created another oxide ink panel using shades of green that I used to die cut my Frantic Stamper 'Spring Ivy' ivy panels.

Challenges to share in:
A Bit More Time to Craft Challenge #47 - ATG
A Perfect Time to Craft July Challenge - ATG
Crafty Girls Creations Challenge #38 - ATG
Daisy Chain Challenge #10 - Floral
Love to Craft July Challenge - ATG

I hope you've enjoyed what I've shared today!  And, don't forget to come join in the fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  There's a new challenge theme offered on the 1st and 15th of each month and one lucky randomly drawn winner will receive a gift voucher prize to the Dies R Us Store.  For your convenience, all the important Dies R Us links are provided below.

click below for:

STORE 
 CHALLENGE BLOG
  FACEBOOK
  INSPIRATION BLOG

FRIENDS OF DIES R US PINTEREST PAGE

Thanks so much for stopping by today and as always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Watercolor paper, Dovecraft 'Bohemian' dp

Dies:  Links shared above

Accessories:  various Tim Holtz oxide distress inks (Pistachio, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, Spiced Marmalade, Iced Spruce), Nuvo bronze crystal drops

Techniques using oxide inks:  (1) smear on craft mat, spritz with water and drag watercolor paper through ... drying between drags (2) large sponge dauber (ink to paper) to create the background panel for designer paper

Birthday Flowers . . .

Hello Everyone and Welcome to the start of another week!

Where is the time going?????

My card today was created from the NEED to get inky with my Tim Holtz Distress Oxide inks.  I spotted the challenge over at "Just Us Girls' where they are looking for 'Ink Blending'.  

And, I have done a LOT of 'ink blending' on this creation.  

I also spotted the color challenge over on the Your Next Stamp Blog and so I chose my colors with that challenge in mind,  using Tim Holtz Distress Oxide inks . . . Pistachio, Spiced Marmalade, Amber and Worn Lipstick.

The stamp sets I have used are Altenew 'Adore You' and Simon Says 'Thoughtful Messages'.  There was a lot of 'fussy cutting' on this creation and I really like the end result. 

I used the same ink colors and created two different 4x6 panels.  One I used for the background and the other I used to stamp & fussy cut my flowers/leaves.  I used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers to add some definition to the edges of my floral panels and then did some 'shaping' with my stylus.

Every since I learned how to 'shape' flowers & leaves, I have a really difficult time just leaving them 'flat'!   However, I did leave my Sue Wilson 'Greek Island Collection Ivy Border' flat (and it's driving me crazy!  lol).  The fence I used in the background is from Impression Obsession ... called 'large fence'.

Other challenges to share in:
Watercooler Wednesday Challenge - Fiona's Feminine ATG
 
Crafting with an Attitude Challenge #29 - ATG
 Craft Rocket Challenge #39 - ATG
Lemon Shortbread Challenge #45 - ATG
Stamping Sensations July Challenge - Anything with Flowers

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

As always . . .

A Boy and his Guitar . . .

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Today I'm sharing a creation for the Tutti Designs Blog using another die from their  June Release.  This release is filled with music related fun!

First of all let me tell you about this sweet image . . .

It was actually one of four ' chipboard coasters' send to us from a company that we send contributions to throughout the year.  When they came in the mail my mind immediately went to 'how can I use these on a card' so I put them in my crafting cave waiting for just the right time... and that time is TODAY!!

This Tutti Designs Acoustic Guitar worked with it perfectly!!

Since this chipboard coaster doesn't lay flat on my card, I knew I wanted to add dimension to my guitar,  Now, there are a few ways you can achieve that. 

First, you can simply add dimensional foam tape to the back of your die cut.

Secondly, you can die cut your guitar several times and glue them all together.

OR

you can do what I did and die cut using Fun Foam, then gluing your die cut to it.

As you can see, the guitar I originally cut is not the same as the one on my card.

Live and Learn . . .  the design paper I cut it from originally was too thin and when I went to adhere it to my fun foam cut using a spray adhesive, it literally 'fell apart'.  Everywhere my fingers touched it came apart so I simply went to Plan B and die cut another guitar using card stock and that worked better.

Please be sure to pop over to the Tutti Designs Store and check out all of the fabulous dies in this latest release.  And, of course, you'll want to browse through the store to see what other dies you need to have on hand.

Need inspiration? 

The team has something new to share on the Tutti Designs Blog EACH and EVERY DAY!   Pop in often and see for yourself ... what a talented group of designers!!

For your convenience, here are all the Tutti Designs quick links you will need:

Tutti Designs Store

Tutti Designs Pinterest

Tutti Designs Facebook

Tutti Designs Blog

Thanks for stopping by!
 As always . . .

It's Fussy and Fancy Time!

Hello Everyone!

It's time once again for a new challenge over at the 

Fussy and Fancy Challenge Blog!

 
Today's theme is:

CELEBRATION

(e.g. Birthday, New Baby, Wedding, Engagement, Christmas, etc)

For my card I decided to go 'generic' and create a card that could be used for a variety of celebratory occasions.  And I had fun playing with my Tim Holtz Oxide Distress inks in it's creation.  Here's a walk through the process . . .

I began by creating my oxide ink 4x6 panel using two of the new TH oxide distress inks ... Pistachio and Broken China. 

 I actually had one beautiful panel laying on my work station that I had cut a butterfly from for a tissue box cover I had made for a friend and when I saw this die cut tag laying on my work table I thought why not die cut the word out of the center and put another portion of that panel in behind the sentiment.  That left me with a scrap piece that could be used elsewhere within my design.

Now that meant I needed ANOTHER panel for the background so once again I used the same two ink colors and created a background panel.    Once I laid the straight strip across the middle I knew I needed something more decorative so back to the Broken China oxide ink I went and created a panel to use for my decorative die cut ... no pistachio this time. 

Now THAT's better!

As I was laying my pieces out I knew I needed a ribbon for my tag but I didn't want a solid color ... it was too 'stark' so I spotted a spool of white seam binding in my stash and was curious how it would color using these same oxide inks ... it worked perfectly as I dragged it through the broken china first then through some of the pistachio I had swiped across my craft mat and sprayed water into for a 'drag it through the puddle' technique (my words ... not any official technique lol).

 

 With the last little bit of scrap I had left, I die cut this Memory Box 'Beloved Butterfly' #99136 and laid it across the top of my tag (a few pieces are missing ... just not quite enough scrap left) ... but the extra butterflies within the die worked for the bottom portion of the tag and I'm happy with that!

 

A few Nuvo white crystal drops were added for dimension and VIOLA!

Challenges to share in:
Emerald City Crafts Challenge #1 - ATG
 Jo's Scrap Shack Challenge #196 - ATG
Making Memories Crafting Challenge #7 - ATG / Anything but Square
Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge #167 - ATG w/ribbon
Cards for Galz Challenge #51 - Butterflies

 I do hope you will come join in our challenge fun!

See you there!

Thanks so much for stopping by and as always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  Strathmore Mixed Media watercolor paper, ivory cs

Dies:   Memory Box 'Beloved Butterfly' #99136, Sue Wilson 'Ornate Oval - My Friend' #CED5420, Sue Wilson 'Pierced Tags' #CED4305

Accessories:  Nuvo White Crystal Drops, White seam binding,, dimensional tape, Tim Holtz Oxide Distress Inks