Graduation Blimp

As I continue the online class on sponging, I move into practicing creating a sky. This sky was created sponging around a cloud template with Memories Soft Baby Blue dye ink onto cardstock panel.

Once I had my sky, I thought this blimp image from Hampton Arts would be appropriate. I stamped this very cool customizable stamp onto Georgia Pacific cardstock with Marvy dye ink and colored with Copic markers. The stamp actually comes with a template, which allowed me to do the personalized message. The image was cut and placed onto the sky panel. The graduation cap image is a $1 stamp from Michaels. It too was stamped using Marvy dye ink and colored with Copic markers. I cut the caps and placed them on the sky panel below the blimp. They were adhered with Pop-dots. I drew some dotted lines in effort to make the hats look airborne.

Obviously, a friend of mine, affectionately known as "Big Josh", is graduating. I hope he likes his card.

Best Fishes with Bubbles

Here is a card that I made as a result of masking using shapes. Our assignment was to cut cardstock using a Nestabilities die and use the negative to sponge around the shape. Also, it was suggested we use a negative from a punch also in our creation. The inks I used to sponge are Memories Soft Baby Blue dye ink and Vivid Bermuda Blue dye ink.

The fish image is from Paula Best. I stamped it onto Georgia Pacific cardstock and colored it with colored pencils, both Prismacolor pencils and Caran d'Ache. I cut the image and placed it on top of the masking assignment with a pop dot. I added Stickles to the "bubbles" for a little shimmer and shine. Colored cardstock layers are included on this card.

I'm thinking the sentiment (unknown) makes this the perfect retirement card to add to my stash.

Do Nothing

As promised yesterday, here is another example of my learning from the online sponging class from Kim Teasdale. In this example, I practiced sponging along the edges of a Nestabilities die cut. Pretty cool effect, I think.

The cute buggy image is from Bugawumps. It was stamped using Marvy dye black ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock that had been cut and embossed with a Nestabilities die. I colored the image with Copic markers, and sponged various dye inks including Sea Shells Conch Shell, Adirondack Sunshine Yellow and Adirondack Butterscotch. Patterned paper, black cardstock, an additional Nestabilities die and a white gel pen were also used to create this card.

The inside of the card has the perfect sentiment, from River City Rubber Works. I intend to send this card to a friend who recently had gall bladder surgery and is spending the next two weeks recovering.

Another sponging example is coming tomorrow. Until then...Relax!!! Do Nothing!

Distressed Classic Car

Do not attempt to adjust your monitor. There really isn't any coloring on this card. Gasp!

I made this card to practice distressing with a sponge, as I am taking an online class on sponging backgrounds from the extremely talented Kim Teasdale via My Creative Classroom. I am woefully behind on the assignments right now, but I'm certain I will catch up by the end of the week.

The car image is some blog candy I won a couple years ago from Laura at Whirlpool of Imagination. Thanks again, Laura! The image is from River City Rubber Works. I stamped it onto Georgia Pacific cardstock with Marvy dye black ink. I sponged the panel using a variety of browns such as Distressed Ink Old Paper, Bantook Charcoal Gray (it looks brown!), and Sea Shells Peach Bellini. The sentiment was taken off a portion of Stamps Happen rubberstamp using a Memento Ink pen. I randomly stamped a Magenta background stamp on one of the panels using the Bantook Charcoal Gray. Various patterned paper and black cardstock were also to create this card, along with brown brads.

Thanks for looking. More of my "learning" will be posted during the week.

Ice Cream for Two

If I had ice cream, it would mean my dachshund, Sloopy, would have ice cream too. That is just the way it goes. She has trained me well.

Isn't this the cutest image from High Hopes? It is called "Ice Cream for Two". I was in a coloring mood, and simply started coloring and this card was the result. I stamped the image onto Neenah Solar white cardstock with Marvy dye black ink and colored the image with Copic markers. I used Nestabilites to create the cirle and scallop. Black cardstock, as well as patterned paper where used to create this card, along with bone-shaped clips. The sentiment is from Rubber Stampede. It seemed to go with the image quite well.

I'm not quite sure when I would ever need a card like this, but I do like it.

All We Are Saying...

I have had this card in my mind for a few years, but for some reason, didn't get around to making it until now. It is inspired by this photo taken by Yuzu on Flickr.




When I first found this photo, I simply cracked up for days.

Being a huge fan of Peeps, I have collected some different Peeps stamps through the years. However, I didn't realize that it would be a Michael's $1 stamp that would be the one that would work for me on this particular card. I stamped the images onto Georgia Pacific cardstock and colored them with a Copic marker, Y04. I then painstakingly cut out each bunny, because to me, that is easier and more mindless than using a stamp positioner. The sentiment is computer-generated. Colored cardstock was also used to complete this card.

I hope you all found lots of Peeps in your baskets today! Happy Easter!

"Scared" Not to Try Out

It seems a little odd to posting a autumn-like card on such a gorgeous spring day. In no way am I rushing the great seasons of spring and summer. No, no, no. But, I just had to use this adorable image of Mudzie the Mouse from Squigglefly's Crissy Armstrong when I learned she is beginning a new challenge blog and is looking for some design team members. In secret, I told myself no design team tryouts until *after* the wedding, but...this is going to be the one exception. This is Crissy Armstrong. I have learned so much from studying her work...and I just know that being on her team would give me even more opportunities to learn and grow as a colorist...so, I'm throwing my hat (and Mudzie's hat) into the ring of contestants. It will be an honor to even be considered.

Like I said above, this digital image is from Squigglefly. I printed it onto Georgia Pacific cardstock and colored it with Copic markers. Patterned paper, a circle clip and straw-like ribbon were also used to complete this card.

Now, back to spring.