Clean & Simple Class - Stitched Image

Another day where I have some time and the right stuff to follow along with Day 4 of the Clean & Simple Class.  I was intrigued by Jennifer McGuire's video on converting a stamped image over to a stitched one.  I found a fairly simple flower (a tulip)  on PTI's stamp set "Cuppa Love", stamped it on typing paper and used that pattern to punch in the stitching holes.  Then the stitching with embroidery floss.  I used a tapestry needle for the actual sewing.  I'm glad I tried this technique!  

Clean & Simple Class

The Clean & Simple class has been going on for two days and today I finally had the inspiration and the time to try out one of the techniques - creating an inked background and adding Versamark accents. And - another opportunity to add one more to my stash of Valentine cards.  

I used two of the Distress Ink minis for the background and then stamped various sizes of hearts on the background.  The Versamark didn't seem to show up very well, so I added accents with my Wink Of Stella pen. Much much better. I also was glad to have a chance to make a partial die-cut with the large heart.  Very simple card - I like it!

Make It Monday 198 (front side)

This week's Make it Monday challenge was to make a tri- fold card.  I was looking for something to put on the front flap and thought some sort of banner might work. I used the "happy" one liner and clipped off the edges.  The flowers came from "Oopsie Daisy"; leaves from "Pretty Petals."  It still looked kinda boring so I added some pearl embellishments.  The inside is what really pulls this together.  I made a gift envelope to match and die-cut the word "Birthday" from the same Rasberry Fizz cardstock.  All PTI

I love the inside!  I finally used the "Type Strips" I made a couple of weeks ago.  The die-cut gift card envelope matches the front of the card.  

Connecting the Dots

I read an interesting article about creativity this morning on a blog called "The Unbound Spirit".  The author pointed out something that made so much sense to me because I realized that when I'm in my studio I do this all the time --but I never gave it a name.  He said that a part of the creative process is the ability to just be willing to start out and "connect the dots".  This card is a perfect example. 

I've been making Valentine cards and came across this die for the word "love".  I thought it would look pretty if it was made out of watercolored paper in shades of pink to a vibrant red. (Kuretake Gansai watercolors of course.)  I made this word one evening when I was bored and not particularly inspired and the "love" laid around on my desk for a few days, as I was not sure what I would do with it.  I happened to be thumbing through my collection of dies for another project and came across this lacy and intricate die from PTI and the dots just connected.  The delicate and elegant die-cut balanced the bold and colorful word "love" perfectly!  

This is not the most technically sophisticated card, but there's great beauty to be had in some very simple things, don't you think?  

Cardstock:  PTI Stampers Select White

Die:  "Love" Simon Says Stamp, Lace "Delicate Details" PTI

Make It Monday 196

Ahhh.  Life must be geting back to normal.  I think this is the first time I've had the time and/or focus to tackle a Make It Monday challenge since last October.  Today's challenge was to create a card with the emphasis on a corner element.  I used the leaves and flowers from PTI's Embellished Elegance, and to make them fit right, I .....actually cut them apart!  Much better.  I took the leaf element and used it as an echo effect for the background, stamping it in Soft Stone ink.  

This was my 3rd attempt. After trying to include watercolor elements and a larger stamped background I concluded that with these deliate flowers and leaves, it was best to keep things simple!  Adding too much would've made it muddy and cluttered, as in my first two attempts.

Paper:  PTI Stampers Select White, Limeade Ice

Ink: Simply Chartreuse, Limeade Ice, Hibiscus Pink, Rasberry Fizz

Images:  PTI Embellished Elegance, Think Big Favorites #22

On its way to Austria

The other day I received an elaborate Christmas card from the Austrian Student who stayed with my daughter's family for the school year in 2014.  She went to the trouble to find a very fancy card with all kinds of embellishments that really looked hand-made, and she took the time to write the sweetest note to me.  Our major adventure together was a trip to Onondonga Caves where we explored giant underground caverns with a Park Ranger.  We had the whole place toourselves because we arrived in the late afternoon and I'm sure it was the longest single walk that I'v done since the two hip replacements.

You never know how much your actions will affect another person.  I was so surprised and deeply touched by her words of appreciation --and that amidst all the social and holiday activity that would surround a 17-year old, she still took the time to get the card and write to me.

This card above is the one I'm sending to her.  Yes, watercolors again.  How I love pure color and what you can do with watercolors.  Looks perfect for a teenager!

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Aquarelle Arches watercolor paper

Ink: Ranger Archival Black

Image:  PTI Big Hugs

Kuretake Tambi watercolors