Mini Easel Cards - Halloween Style

What can I say?  I love Halloween!  And this June-uary, what with all the gray skies and rain (yes, in Oregon we've had as much rain by June as we usually get in an entire year) my thoughts turn to my favorite crafting time of year - Halloween!


I created these mini easel cards that measure 3.75" square.  You do need a larger envelope and possibly extra postage to mail them - I know because I've had them returned to me by the USPS already! 

I am absolutely in love with this new MS punch set "Cherish."  That's the tool that made the mini marquees.  And of course I wanted to do some coloring with my Spectrum Noir markers so I was on the lookout for line art stamps.  I hope you enjoy a bit of an October preview in June!

Papers:  Bazzill Basics, K&Co., Crafter's Companion, my stash.
Inks:  Distress Inks, Shabby Shutters, Wild Honey, Concord; Memento, Tuxedo Black.
Pens:  Spectrum Noir, Sakura glitter gel
Punch:  MS, Cherish
Stamps: Fiskars, A Muse Artstamps, Impress, My Creative time
Embellishments:  my stash.

Spectrum Noir Color Confidence (series)

If you came here from my YouTube channel looking for Spectrum Noir color charts and other resources, you've come to the right place!

Download the blank SN color chart from the Crafter's Companion website, or visit the .pdf file here.

To save time when coloring a project, I created color tags with the numbers of the blended colors on them.  This way I can easily find the colors in various color groups that blend well for that just-right color I'm looking for.  This saves a lot of time, and helps me avoid some of the combos that don't blend as well as others.

Example of the tags I made in several color ways. Several (brick, dress) are from the CC video ft. Lee Ann Chivers.  Others (lemon) are my own ideas.

CG1 actually works like a blender pen with the CG4 although they are in the same color group.

When there are fewer pens in the color group, its best to blend with as many colors as possible for the best finish.  There are only 4 Citrus Green pens.

There are 11 pens in the Coral range and I found they all blended wonderfully.  You could even skip some colors in order to get a richer, deeper color, but opening up fewer pens.

Here are some of my favorite color combos.

(Sorry for the gray-scale - I'm still learning photography tips and tricks to get the most accurate color.)

I'm still 24 pens shy of the total 168 that are available.  I'm missing the "Darks" set.  But if you'll notice, I use shades of gray to increase the color's intensity.

For a complete look at gaining color confidence with the Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, check out my videos.

Videos:  Color Confidence Series

 

 Spectrum Noir, Color Confidence pt 1

2012 Shamrock Run Results

It was early.  It was grey.  It was drizzly.  It was cold. 

It was GREAT!  Check out Shamrock Run 2012, Portland, Oregon.

Click through to YouTube to watch in a larger format.  Pictures were from JP's iPhone, so the quality is what it is.  Thanks to my wonderful husband for sticking around for the entire production!

Here're my stats in a nutshell:
8K = 4.97 mi.
Total Time:  41:37 min
Per Mile Time:  8:23 min
Overall Average Women's Time:  50:22
Total 8K Runners:  6442
Women 8K Runners:  3921
Men 8K Runners:  2521
Total Women 40-44: 547
My Place in Division:  33
Percent in Division:  Top 6%
My Place in All Women 8K: 310
Percent of All Women:  Top 8%
My Place Overall (Age, Women & Men):  929
My Percent Overall (Age, Women & Men): 14%

Watch out Race for the Roses!  You're next!

Thanks for checking in.  Feel free to post a comment!

Pink Princess Gatefold Pocket Tag Mini

Mini album with belly band,

Album is for, and about, my niece Sylvia.

This mini used LOTS of scraps and embellishments I've had for years.  Very cool.

This last tag was the reason I decided to call it "Pink Princess..."

Watch the short video for a closer look.

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Thanks for stopping by my blog.  You can check out more projects on my YouTube channel.

Distressed B-Day Card with Lace

My mom turns 68 this week!  I created this card with vintage in mind, but could not find the photo of her that I thought I had when she was very little.  So I had some fun putting this one together instead.

Shaped card, frame, and all cuts from Art Philosophy cart. Stamps from CTMH "Celebration" set. Paper Bazzill Basics. Ribbon, lace, and embroidery floss, various.  Sizzix TH embossing folder. Spray & Sparkle in gold from Crafter's Companion (great stuff!).  Momento black ink.  Distress Inks in Vintage Photo, Milled Lavendar,  and Spun Sugar.

Challenges

Stamp TV:  Mix It Up Monday - DISTRESSING - STV12MON5  Distress a card and include some form of a Tag.

 FCCB:  #99 – Fancy Trims   Use fabric, lace or other trims on your project  

I love how the CTMH stamps and cuts from Art Philosophy work together!

Edges are roughed up and inked - truly distressed.

All that sparkle comes from Crafter's Companion's gold Spray & Sparkle.  Cool stuff!

I also had the opportunity to try out some glass etching - a first for me.  So simple!  Again I used the Art Philosophy cart.  The glass block frame already had the "R" monogram on it.  I simply added the scroll corners. 

I used Armor Etch for the scrolls.

Tough to photograph, but here's the finished product.  Frame was a steal from Home Goods.

Original photo.  Great smile Mom!

 

 Thanks for checking out these projects on my blog.  I read and appreciate all comments!

"All My Children..."

#98 – Fun With Puns

Include a funny title or phrase on your project 

This week over at FCCB we're having so much pun!  Well my card's not so "punny," more just humorous.  I just picked up these stamps and was thrilled to use them for this challenge.  Yep, that's me!  My "kids" are all furbabies.  

I was trying to use some more interesting cuts for this card, but my beloved cricut was having (blade I think) issues and I couldn't get any more cuts.  So the one cut is the card, which I love and use all the time, and its from Art Philosophy.   The decorative edge is so elegant and invites so many fun design ideas.

 Penny Black Stamp:  Every Pet's Dream.  Sentiment from Peddlar's Pack.  Cardstock from Bazzill, and Crafter's Companion. Spectrum Noir alcohol markers. PrismaColor pencils. Momento ink.  Fibres from Michaels.

"Be Mine" Valentine's Day Banner

FCCB

#97 – Love is in the air

Include a heart on your project 

MY SHERI CRAFTS CHALLENGE #78 Love Is In The Air

My Craft Spot: Monday Challenge #43 - Valentine's Day

 

 This Valentine's Day I made my sister and her family a banner to help get them in the spirit.  I love making banners, they're so festive and charming.  And with not too many letters, this one came together quickly.  See the quick video below for a more detailed peek.

 

Carts used: Art Philosophy, Ribbons & Rosettes, Storybook

 For more details, watch the video now...

 Thanks for stopping by!