Easter

     I seem to have gotten stuck in trying all sorts of different colors with this layout/resist technique.  It really is a nice layout and a lovely technique…so, I guess it is okay.  I won’t bore you with the details today.  I’ll just let you know that, for the panel, I used Crumb Cake and Wisteria Wonder for the flowers and sponged over with Daffodil Delight.  Pretty Easter colors (I have a dress these exact same colors too).  The sentiment is from the Wacky Wishes hostess set. 

     Remember, Easter is next Sunday!  Get your cards in the mail :)  Thanks for stopping in today.  I’m so glad you did.

Hugs,

Leslee

Serene Watercolor

      I love to watercolor!  It is a very relaxing medium for me…although, I’m not very good at it.  So, I try to keep it simple.  This card is certainly an easy one and, literally, takes about 5 minutes to complete.  The most difficult part was making the decision as to which sentiment I wanted to place on it. 

     This is what is known as a watercolor wash.  You simply wet down your watercolor paper with a spray bottle.  Dip an aqua painter or watercolor brush in a puddle of ink.  I used Classic re-inkers in Marina Mist and Lucky Limeade to make my puddle.  Swipe the color across your paper and let it bleed and run…move it around with your brush…get the desired effect you are wanting.  Really, this was a reckless, swipe it on and be done with it kind of thought process.  Just Do It!!  Let it dry completely or hit it with the heat tool (which I did because it would have taken longer than 5 minutes if I didn’t).  The flowers, from Serene Silhouettes, were stamped in StazOn Jet Black.  I layered my image panel onto Basic Black and Lucky Limeade.  The DSP is a torn piece of First Edition Specialty paper (I’m really liking it).  The….I really don’t know what to call these….the black pieces on the opposite corners?  Anyway, they are punched using the Modern Label Punch and a silver mini brad secures them on the card.  The card base is Very Vanilla. 

     See?  Easy peasy!  Yet it looks like you would put a lot of time into it.  I’ll never tell :)  Thanks for stopping by.  I’m glad you did.  I hope you’ve been inspired to give this watercolor wash technique a try.  I promise…you don’t have to stay in the lines :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies may be purchased here.

Sympathy in Pink

      Sympathy cards are not easy cards to make.  They are even more difficult to make when it is for someone close to you.  My cousin lost his 18 year old daughter in a tragic accident.  She was a beautiful girl…inside and out.  She touched so many lives.   Mere words cannot convey our sorrow and I think that’s why it is so important to us crafters that the card is just right. 

     I had just completed the card, Serene Scene, for the PPA154 challenge.  I loved the look of the technique and wanted to try it in other colors and/or layouts (I’ll post those up later).  While talking with my mom about the arrangements for this beautiful young girl, she had mentioned that her favorite color was pink.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the sympathy card. 

     Same card, same layout…only the colors changed.  Again, I used the emboss resist technique.  This time adding Pretty In Pink and Sahara Sand flowers (Serene Silhouettes set) and sponging the panel with Pretty In Pink.  I ink distressed the edges of the panel and the Whisper White card base with Sahara Sand.  The sentiment from Loving Thoughts is stamped in Soft Suede.  I added the Pretty In Pink grosgrain ribbon along with the large scalloped edge (an edgelits die). 

     I love this card!  It’s soft and pretty and I hope that my cousin and his family know just how much I love them and wished I could be there in person.  Thanks for stopping by today.  Inspiration is everywhere.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

PPA154 Serene Scene

     While perusing the internet recently for some much needed inspiration, I stumbled across the March 2013 Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge (PPA154).  The colors are Calypso Coral, Raspberry Ripple and Crumb Cake.  Inspiration struck immediately and I knew just what I was going to do.  Sometimes, inspiration strikes just like that!
     Having never inked my new Serene Silhouettes set yet, that’s the set I went for.  I used the Emboss Resist Technique…stamping the flowers in VersaMark and embossing with clear powder.  Then, stamping the same flowers in Calypso Coral and Crumb Cake and stamping off a time or two as well.  This simply creates some depth to the scene.  I then sponged over the entire piece of cardstock in Calypso Coral and sponged the edges in Raspberry Ripple.  The panel was then attached to a Crumb Cake card base that had been run through the Big Shot with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.  A simple Large Scallop (Edgelits die) and 1/8” Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon adorns the bottom edge of the panel. 
     Absolutely lovely colors together!  I am very impressed!  Not colors I would have normally chosen to work together…but that’s why they call it a “challenge”…right? 
     I’m so very glad you stopping in.  I hope you find inspiration…and it strikes you in the head and you go “WOW!  What hit me?!”  Enjoy your day :)
Hugs,

Leslee
All supplies can be purchased here.   

Fabulously Phrased

     These cute little tags/bookmarkers went into my club orders this month.  Super simple to make!  I used the Two Tags die and the Big Shot to crank out a bunch of tags.  I built my words (from the Fabulous Phrases set) right onto the clear block, markered and stamped onto the tags.  Then I use my markers again to color the images from the Spring Sampler set and stamped the top of the tags.  A light bit of sponging in Crumb Cake along the edges and a piece of ribbon from last year’s SAB adorns the tag top.

     Sweet little tags that are completed in a matter of minutes :)  Gotta love that!  Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you’ve been inspired to tag a friend today.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased at my online store.

Dude, You're Welcome!

     Have a guy in your life?  Has he ever taken an interest in what you do?  For guys, it's not always easy to express themselves.  That's why we've created the Dude, You're Welcome! Kit.  For whatever reason, he can quickly build a card (cause that's what guys do...build things) that says just what he wants it to say...even if it's "#%&@!".  Of course, this would be the perfect stamp for those tough to do masculine cards too :)  So, Dude, you're welcome.  We've got your back!
     You can check it out on my online store, Dude, You’re Welcome!

Hugs,
Leslee

A Cupcake Thanks

     One of the stamp club ladies brought the yummiest homemade cupcakes to last month’s meeting.  Not only did she bring a box for us but she brought one for my boys as well.  I thought this card would make a fitting thank you.  A sweet act of kindness deserves a sweet act of kindness in return :)  Thanks Sherry!!

     Colors are Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo, Gumball Green (Print Poetry DSP) and Very Vanilla.  The stamp set is the hostess Carry On set.  I ran the card base through the Big Shot with the Framed Tulips Embossing Folder.  I paper pieced the paper cupcake cup.  Some rhinestone bling and Crystal Effects on top of the cupcake finish the card off.

     Thanks for stopping in.  It always sweet when you do.  I hope you’ve been inspired to create something sweet today.

Hugs,

Leslee

Love You Bits

     If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time now, you might remember that awhile back I did a segment using Bits and Pieces of leftovers that I had been saving.  This card is another that uses up leftovers.  The panel of pink butterflies was in that mess of bits and pieces.  I used the panel to create a simple layout.  The sentiment was leftover as well.  However, Stampin’ Up! has brought this sentiment back.  You can purchase it with the February Best of Love set.  It is part of the Best of 25 Years monthly promotion that Stampin’ Up! is hosting as part of their silver anniversary celebration.  You can still purchase the February set until March 31, 2014. 

     You can check out each of the monthly released Best of sets on my online store.  Thanks for checking in.  I hope you’ve been inspired to use up some of your leftover bits and pieces.  I know you have them :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Something New…

    Photopolymer Stamps!      We are pleased to introduce the new entirely transparent Photopolymer stamps. These completely clear stamps are of a durable photopolymer material that is designed to last, stick amazingly well to our clear blocks and they won’t yellow or cloud up over time. These new stamps will be in addition to our current wood mount and clear mount stamps and will appeal to all types of stampers. They are designed to have just enough give to create a perfect stamped image and they work super well with our new firm-foam ink pads. We are offering these on a trial basis and, depending on how well they are received, we may release more sets of this type.

     Check out the first set of photopolymer stamps, Designer Typeset. Mine is on order :)  Get yours today and we may see more photopolymer stamps in the near future.  Contact me if you should have any questions.

Hugs,

Leslee

Simple & Marvelous

     I used the same exact layout and technique as I did on this card, So Glad.  The only difference is the colors and DSP used.  For this card, I used the Sycamore Street DSP – you can get it FREE with $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration.  The same goes for the lovely Bloomin’ Marvelous stamp set.  I textured this card with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder run through the Big Shot.  I simply love using the Tea Lace Doilies from the Spring 2013 Catalog.  I’m going to miss these when they are gone :(  I’m stocking up now :) 

     Thank you for dropping in today.  I’m so glad you did!  I hope you’ve been inspired to change the colors on one of your favorite layouts.

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased here.

Your Pumpkin Awaits!

      Have you signed up for the Paper Pumpkin? Each month you’ll receive a sweet little box that will whisk you away to enjoy some paper fun. You’ll find everything you’ll need to create stuff like cards, journals, pages and more! You’ll only need to supply the adhesive. This is a new monthly kit program that anyone can enjoy! Simply sign up for the program by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get It. The first kit will arrive starting in March-if you sign up before March 10th. Paper Pumpkin membership is only $19.95 per month and that includes shipping! You can cancel anytime or skip a month if you want. The Welcome kit is the very first Paper Pumpkin you will receive in your first month of membership. It includes a free gift-a clear acrylic block!

     Sign up today and let the Paper Pumpkin take you away!

Hugs,

Leslee

Sycamore Street Rosettes

        A hostess had requested that I demonstrate paper rosettes.  Of course, I was all to happy to oblige.  Since there are a couple of ways that we can create these lovely handmade embellishments, I decided to show both the Big Shot &  Designer Rosettes  Bigz XL Die and the Simply Scored Tool. 

     The Kraft Box was given to the hostess as a thank you gift.  The rosette topper was made with the Big Shot and die.  You can’t get much more simple than that.  The downfall (if we can call it that) is that the rosette die is only one width between scored lines…1/2”.  Therefore, the rosette will be taller than you’d want to use on a card. 

     For the card, I made the rosette with the Simply Scored Tool and scored my lines every 1/4”.  Thus, creating a rosette that doesn’t stand so tall.  Of course, you wouldn’t want to mail this lovely card in a regular post envelope.

     I used the SAB Sycamore Street DSP and Sycamore Street Button & Ribbon package to create both rosettes.  It’s a breeze to put these together.  I used the Silicone Craft Sheet(item #127853) found on pg. 36 of the Spring 2013 Catalog and my handy hot glue gun.  Place a blob of hot glue center of the craft sheet and build your rosette right on top of that.  It pops right off when you’re done.  Super simple!!  A must have for all sorts of crafts!  Don’t forget a little punch of Silver Glimmer with a 7/8” Scallop Circle punch.

     Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you’ve been inspired to make rosettes…Big Shot or Simply Scored :)  However, enjoy!!

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchase by clicking on the “Shop Now” tab above.

Tulip Framed Chalkboard

     I simply love this sentiment!  It is found in the Feel Goods set in the Spring 2013 Catalog.  Once again, I have paired it with the fun chalkboard technique and the Elegant Butterfly punch.  The DSP is Tea For Two, also found in the Spring Catalog.  The black “chalkboard”, polka dot DSP and the Calypso Coral card base are gorgeous together.  The DSP is matted on Very Vanilla with a strip of Victoria Crochet Ribbon on the edge.  I used the Framed Tulip Embossing Folder to frame the main image.  Don’t forget the bling (Jewel Basic – Rhinestones). 

     I demonstrated this lovely card at a recent workshop.  It shows lots of products and techniques…Embossing – both dry and heat (I used Whisper White Craft ink & White Embossing Powder), Big Shot – framelits (Apothecary Accents) and folders (Framed Tulips), punch, Creped Filter Paper, bling and the chalkboard technique itself.  Lots of fun stuff all on one card :)  Yet, it is simple to achieve all this elegance.  Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you’ve been inspired to frame one of your favorite techniques today :)

Hugs,

Leslee

Supplies can be purchased by click “Shop Now” above.