Pure Heart

Hello Crafty Friends! 

Today I want to share something fun that I was inspired to make for the
Funkie Junkie Boutique Challenge. 

The theme is "Love is all around us"

You can join or read more HERE

I wanted to create something non-traditional and vintage. 

I knew right away that I wanted to used this heart ad by Tim Holtz.

(It's from the stamps set- ECLECTIC ADVERTS - CMS372)

I stamped it in black memento ink, and colored it with a red alcohol ink marker.

I distressed the focal image with distress ink in gathered twigs, and ground espresso. 

Here you can see the mica glued on the main image using distress collage medium. I also punched the 4 corners and added Tim Holtz hex fasteners.

For the base layer I used Tim Holtz correspondence paper pad. Which I also distressed using the same 2 distress inks. I also added some cord I had on hand. 

I also used layers of Tim Holtz kraft-stock for the bases.

Here it is all finished!

I hope you all enjoy it!

All you need is Love

Hello Crafty Friends!

It's Wednesday, and that means a new challenge over on the
Stampotique Originals Challenge Blog. 

The theme is "All you need is Love".

Stamps Used: 

Make Magic Background

Bow Boy

I hope you all enjoy this card as much as I do! 

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

Simply Masculine

Hello Crafty Friends!

Today I am here again to share with you a super simple masculine card using a stamp from Viva lasVegaStamps!

(you know you always need those!)

Stamp Used:

Fabriue De Cravates

Other Supplies:

Hickory Smoke distress stain spray

black soot and frayed burlap distress ink

Park Lane papers

Tim Holtz stitched rectangle dies

Memento ink- Tuxedo Black

 Tim Holtz "snippets" pack

Voltage Die (by Tim Holtz)

I wanted to create a slightly grungy yet simple card that would be good for any occasion.  I started by picking a background paper that was simple with a light colored pattern.  (The papers I used came from the park lane packs called - Maps, text & ledgers, as well Neutrals)

I began by cutting my focal paper out with a Tim Holtz stitched rectangle die. I then stamped my Fabrique stamp in black Memento ink. To add a grungy effect I used black soot and frayed burlap distress ink lightly around the edges and a few flicks of Hickory Smoke distress stain spray. 

Next, I cut the next to layers of mats for my card. I sanded the edges of the textured card-stock for some extra texture and grunge. I also used black soot distress ink on both of these additional mats to lightly distress them.  Finally, I used the edge of my scissors to rough up the bottom mat layer. 

(the bottom layer is bigger than the biggest die, so I was unable to die cut it with the stitching. It is 4in x 5.25in)

To finish, I matted my card on a black A2 card base, and added my finishing touches.  The rusty bolts I created with my Tim Holtz voltage die, and the tiny ephemera is from the Tim Holtz "snippets" pack. 

(Just a note for the bolts- I used distess oxide sprays to color them as well as distress crayons)

I hope you enjoy this fun and easy card! 

Stay crafty!

Repost of grungy goodness

Good morning crafty friends!

If you saw this post the other day sorry I am reposting because 2 properly enter this in the craft Stamper challenge. The card has to be completely on its own. So here is my grungy goodness mushroom card.

Join the challenge HERE 

Thanks for visiting!

Have a crafty weekend 

Getting grungy

Hello again crafty friends!

Have you been watching them Tim's new release videos all week?

I definitely have I need way too many of the new stamps and other goodies.  Which means I may also need a second or even third job! lol

Anyhow, all of the creative makes by his wonderful team have totally got my mojo flowing and I have been on a super grungy kick the last 2 days.  So, I thought I  would share my makes here with you! Also, if you have not checked out his new releases you totally need to do that!

This first card I want to enter into the craft Stamper challenge. Details HERE. The theme is  anything goes. I am entering this one because it has the stamping front and center. 

Next, I have a super fun manly card. I want to enter this card in the Anything Goes challenge for "The male room" see info HERE

These next couple are just because I was feeling crafty!

I love how this tag came out! I think she is going to hang on my craft room wall for a while as a little inspiration. I broke out several of my hoarded pieces, as well as took time to get out my die-cutter!

Of course, I always enjoy a good postage person. I found this Eisenhower stamp in my stash and new he needed to become a postage person ASAP. I found the perfect paper doll seem to fit with him and the whole thing went from there.

Last,  I had a paper scrap left over from the card above. I decided it would make a perfect bookmark. I just added a little distress inking & stenciling. As well as some remanent rubs and my little butterfly cutout. It also ended up with some lovely green ribbon to match the flower. However, I did not take a picture and it is already off to live with my mom.

Thank you for stopping by to visit! I hope these pieces get you inspired like I am!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's 2020 already!

(Y2K was only yesterday wasn't it?!)

Ok, since today is January 1st it's time to share a little inspiration with the 1st release of new stamps from Stampotique Originals for 2020!

See all new stamps HERE

Let's start of with an art journal spread... I love how Arthur looks to be sneaking out the back door... HAHA

(Veggie Boo may be in over her heels here, meanwhile I think someone else may be crushing on her... what do you think?)



sneaky, sneaky...

Don't look so sad Spongul, she'll figure it out...

Next, I want to share a special card using my new robot design!!! 

(I named him "Free Hugs")

Doesn't he look so perfect with Arwen's gears?

Now for some holiday celebrations with Asian lanterns!

(You know that's needed for every goon New Years party, Right?!)

Arthur can't wait on his guest to arrive!!

Last, but not least, I have been itching to try my hand at a Kassa style ATC, and this pretty new "Agatha Kitty" looked like she would be perfect! 

(I have actually colored her 4 different ways I loved her so much... shhh.. I'll have to share the others later... hehe!)

Anyhow, I can't completely get the viberant colors and textures like Kassa, but I had a ton of fun playing! (and that's what it's really all about!)

I may try a Milo style ATC next... 

(although not sure I can pull that one off even close...)

So... do you have a favorite of the new release stamps?
I don't know if I can decide, at first with was Agatha Kitty, but Arthur grew on me with his mischief...
now that I've colored them all and played with them I love them all too much to pick!

Did you make a new years resolution?

This year I'm not doing a resolution, but I will be daydreaming of getting our home paid off so that we can buy property in North Carolina some day.

Who doesn't love to day dream?

(Dreaming of building a home with a craft studio I can teach from keeps me extra energized and looking forward to 2020)

Do you have a daydream for this year?

Quick and Easy

Hello Crafty Friends!

I cant believe how quickly this year has passed! 

Today I want to share a cute and simple cat card I made for a friend whom is a fellow cat lady. 

Stamp Used:

Tuxedo Cats

Do you ever feel like you struggle to make a quick and simple card when you need? 

Me too!

Fear not, this stamp really does all of the work for you! 

I started by stamping my tuxedo cat stamp on white card stock with black memento ink. 

To color my image, I used a variety of alcohol based markers.

(Blick, Copic, and Spectrum Noir)

I chose to do a double mat to give more visual interest. 

I hope this gives you some ideas for a quick and easy card! 

I love that this stamp can be used for any occasion, and who doesn't love cats?!

Happy New Year!!!Stay crafty my friends

Index card art

Hello Crafty Friends!

Happy Monday!

I hope you all are having a wonderful December! 

Here in Ohio we have been blessed with wonderful and unseasonable weather! 

(50's and 60's rather than the usual teens or lower!!)

Today I want to share 2 altered index cards with you.

I seem to be feeling the itch for them again... I love the size and how fun they are to flip through when you have several together.  This time I am not trying to convince myself that I will finish 1 a day (#ICAD). Rather, I am just following whatever my crafty muse tells me to do!

I am also on a kick for faux postage of late, so maybe I will share some of that in a later post.

Anyhow, lets get on with showing you these mini works of art.

Stamps Used: 
Get Cape Wear Cape Fly
Boy in Cape
Grandville Bug
Postcard - ATC

This one was fun to be able to match with my washi tape that had the quote on it!

(Background was created with Distress Oxide ink and a layering stencil)

This one is of course this one is total love for me! 

I had this piece of scrap paper cut to index card size already.  A while back I had used it to test my crackle medium, but never went any farther with it. 

I saw it the other day and I instantly knew what was missing... So along came my Grandville character and the postal marks (along with some ink distressing) and it was instant love!

Have you made any altered index cards or participated in #ICAD ?

Snark and Sass...

Hello crafty friends!

Today I want to share a fun snarky set of ATCs.

Who doesn't love a little sass? I have so many sassy stamps, and never enough time to share them! These three will be sent out to a friend. :) 

I hope you all enjoy these!

Stamps Used:

Lady looking out window

 Love your hair

Apparently I have an attitude

 Everytime I think of exercising

Housewife

Do you have a favorite snarky saying?

Designated Riot Area

Hello Again Crafty Friends!

Today, I will be sharing one of my favorite things...

Mail Art!!!

Stamps Used:
Banksy bolt cutter Rat
Banksy designated riot area
Born to be wild
Jagged chain link fence

I started by stamping the rat with bolt cutter on and A2 envelope in archival ink -Jet black.

I masked the rat off, then stamped my chain link fence in archival ink- watering can. 

Next, I used a ruler to draw my grounding line, then stamped my designated riot area stamp. 

(archival- Jet black)

I used distress ink in hickory smoke to shade the fenced area.  I also used hickory smoke distress ink sprays to add some grunge/distressed flicks.  

I used alcohol markers in red to color my base. 

I also added my born to be wild stamp for added detail. 

To finish everything off, I used distress oxide ink in black soot to edge everything. 

I also added a few finishing flicks of dylusions black ink.

I hope you enjoy this bit of Banksy goodness.