Sneaking in One Last Challenge

I have recently discover PaperArtsy - and their line is beyond fabulous!  So realizing I had just a few short hours to play along with the December Challenge, I knew I had to get busy! 

There is so much inspiration on their blog, but I decided to try a project based on Wanda's paint/rubbing alcohol technique.

My results weren't as dramatic as hers - but I really liked the texture tip from the paper towels.  I stamped images from a Hot Picks stamp set on the background, then stamped hearts from EDY01 onto printed tissue - cut them out and decoupaged them to the tag. I went back around the hearts with some gelatos for a little more vibrancy.

May All The Joys of the Season Be Yours

I think I have finally finished working on my projects for CHA, and so now it's time to play!  I've got a frosty card to share with you today that is so full of texture, but yet quite delicate.

My background started with glitter cardstock, and then I used a Noor! Design stamp (Happy Anniversary - lace border) to randomly stamp with VersaMark ink, and then heat embossed with white powder.  I layered Noor! diecuts made with pearlescent vellum and embellished with pearls and bows.

I cut a window into the card front to allow the sentiment to show through.  The sides of the card were embellished with more die cuts. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges:

Noor! Design UK - Christmas Challenge
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
We do Doobadoo - Festive Spirit

Heartfelt Creations Alumni Blog Hop - December

 

 Welcome, to the December Edition of the Heartfelt Creations Alumni Blog hop! The hop runs now through Friday night - at midnight.  And one lucky commenter, chosen from one of the stops on the blog hop, will win a $25 gift certificate to HC.  How great is that?  You get to hop around and see some wonderful projects, plus have the chance to win some goodies of your own!  The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 3rd.

 

 Supplies

•  Heartfelt Creations Classic Rose PreCut Set HCPC 3619
• Heartfelt Creations Arianna Blooms PreCut Set HCPC 3608
• Heartfelt Creations Classic Leaf PreCut Set HCPC 3546
• Heartfelt Creations Summer Song PreCut Set HCPC 3615
• Heartfelt Creations Bold Leaf PreCut Set HCPC 3547
• Heartfelt Creations Open Leaf PreCut Set HCPC 3545
• Heartfelt Creations Arianna Blooms Die  HCD 748
• Heartfelt Creations Classic Leaf Die HCD 736
• Heartfelt Creations Luggage and Tags Die HCD 745
• Lindy's Stamp Gang Embossing Powder: Candy Cane Red Gold; Starbright Gold Green; Twilight Bronze; Tilt-a-Wheel Teal
• Lindy's Stamp Gang Flat Fabio Sprays: Tilt-a-Wheel Teal; Cafe 'au Lait
• Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Sprays: Opal Sea Oats, Alpine Ice Rose;Tainted Love Teal
• Lindy's Stamp Gang Moon Shadow Mists: Phantom Fuchsia

Blog Hop Order

Lee Ann Barrett

Amarilys Doria

Caroline Duncan 

Ujjwal Gupta

Vicki Dutcher 

Glenda Brooks 

Emilia van den Heuvel

Loretta Lock

Lisa Gregory   

Linda Loew

Gini Williams Cagle (you are here)

Giovana Smith

Sarah Miller

Alissa Wells

Lisa Allen 

Thanks for stopping by today! Have fun hopping, and good luck!

Challenges:

Lindy's Stamp Gang - December Color  Challenge  

(All products listed and linked in supply list)

The Artistic Stamper - Anything Goes
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Thank You

I am so thankful for the wonderful Christmas I had - and hope that you were blessed as well!  So after so much receiving, it's only appropriate to share a thank you card with you.

I fell in love with these stamps from Crafter's Companion (Frou Frou Line - Love Letters). I just crazy about their vintage charm.  I stenciled the art nouveau design (from Dreamweavers) onto the green cardstock using Imagine Crafts Electric Purple Neon Ink - don't let the "neon" scare you - this ink is fantastic for remaining bright and true on dark cardstocks.   I embossed the gold foil paper with Crafter's Companion folder, and distressed it a bit with Staz On ink in Ganache.   I framed the image with a chipboard wreath from Creative Embellishments.

 I colored the stamped image with a mix of Spectrum Noir Alcohol Ink Markers and their new  Blendable Pencils.  This was my first attempt with the pencils, so I have a bit of practicing to do... but they are really fun to play with!

Supplies
Crafters Companion Stamps: Love Letters, Frou Frou Collection
Crafters Companion Embossing Folder: Decadent Rose
Verve: Sentiment Stamp
Stencil: Dreamweavers
Chipboard: Creative Embellishments
Ribbon: May Arts
Spectrum Noir Markers: IB1, FS1, FS4, CG2, EB7
Spectrum Noir Blendable Color Pencils: 117,119,120, 063,064, 079, 081,106, 100,101.102, 043,044,045
Inks, Embossing Powder: Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko

Challenges:
Crafters Companion: December Challenge - Thank You
Spectrum Noir: December Challenge - CAS (at least my version)
Creative Embellishments: December Inspiration Challenge +Stencilling - inspired by the wreath, and jewel tone colors
Dreamweaver's Stencils - Cute and/or Quick
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge Blog - Anything Goes

Ringing In the New Year

Can you believe that the year is almost over, and soon we will be celebrating 2015?!! I'll admit, New Year's is not a huge crafting holiday....but, this is a cute decoration that is simple, but has the right holiday flare.

   

New Year's Top Hat Supplies:

• Core Basics 12 x 12 80 lb Black Cardstock
• Glitter Silk
• White Assorted Tags
• Darice Paper Mache Top Hat
• Darice Stickerz 1219-36
• May Arts Ribbon
• Noor! Designs Gears Die
• Xyron Adhesive

This was really easy to put together. The most time consuming part was covering the form with the black paper. Adding die cuts and ribbons was a fun way to bling it up a bit. The Glitter Silk paper was perfect, because it added sparkle without the mess. A year tag was tucked into the hatband . This tag was crisp and clean, but you could easily make the tag over the top fancy, to keep as a memento. Each year, the tag could be exchanged to ring in the new.

Happy Holidays with Hampton Art

Penguins have a way of just making people smile - so of course I was thrilled to see this new addition to the Hampton Art family.  Pair him up with some of the new goodies from jillibean soup, and you are set for some fun!

Supplies for Happy Holidays

• Hampton Art Stamp/Die Set SC0665
• Hampton Art/Canvas Corp Stamp Set SC0663
• Jillibean Soup 6 x 6 Holly Berry Borscht Paper Pad jb0394
• Jillibean Soup Labels Holly Berry Borscht jb0390
• Jillibean Mix the Media Diecut Vellum Stars jb0458
• Jillibean Mix the Media Red Ephemera jb0436
• Jillibean Soup Staples Record Your Numbers Patterned paper jb04000
• May Arts Ribbon Mini PomPoms 419-16
• May Arts Ribbon Burlap String SM-28

Step 1.  Mount patterened paper panel slightly smaller than card to the front of a 6" card base.
Step 2.  Stamp the Penguin and cut with matching die. Stamp again on patterned paper, and cut the hat and scarf to paper piece.
Step 3.   Hand cut the zig-zag paper to fit on card as shown.
Step 4.  Stamp sentiment on label from ephemera pack.
Step 5.  Add vellum star to burlap tag from the ephemera pack.
Step 6.  Use the embellishments from the ephemera pack and labels to finish card as shown.

May Arts Ribbon - Creative Giftwrapping Blog Hop

So your presents are bought and now you need to figure out how to wrap them?  Not to fear, the May Arts Ribbonistas have been busy thinking of fun and creative ways to make a show of your gifts.  If you missed yesterday's lineup - please see the links at the bottom of the post.  And our Ribbon Lady is giving away a great prize on the May Arts Blog, so be sure to check it out!

I decided to make a cone and cover it it ribbon, so that it looks like a Christmas tree. The present fits nicely inside, and then it can be kept and used as an ornament.

After I made a cone from cardboard, I used Scor-Tape to add my ribbon.  Untie the ribbons at the bottom to get to the goodies!

May Arts Ribbons

466-38-46  3/8"  Green Knot Edge Satin Ribbon

466-38-66  3/8" Parrot Green Knot Edge Satin Ribbon

466-38-23 Hot Pink Knot Edge Satin Ribbon

Monday

Virginia Fynes

Tracy McLennon

Rhea Weigand

Mary Brockway

Mallika Kejriwal

Lalo IK

Karen Hanson

Tuesday

Karen Baker

Jennifer Davey

Jenifer Cowles

Jen Shears

Gini Williams Cagle

Emily Lanham
Charlene Driggs

The World is But a Canvas with Video Tutorial

A few weeks back, I shared with you that I was chosen to be on the Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko Video  Artist in Residence Team.  I'm so excited!  I won't officially start posting on the blog until January, but thought I would give you a sneak peak of things to come.

The leaves and the dragonfly were made with the Vertigo film (that is one of the coolest products ever!)  If you would like to see more on how I made this, then please watch my video.  If you enjoy it - please subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Winter Woodland Card

    I've got a mixed media card to share with you today that will work for Christmas and beyond. A winter woodland scene was created using stencils, embossing folders and stamps. You could easily change the sentiment for any of your winter holidays.  
Winter Woodland Card Supplies:

• White Chalk Core A2 Cards
• Sand-It Gadgit
• Stampendous Tis the Season Perfectly Clear Stamp Set
• Dreamweaver Bare Trees Stencil
• Dreamweaver Memory Mist Blue Martini
• Distress Paint - Picket Fence
• Darice Reindeer in Corner Embossing Folder
• Spellbinders Shapeabilities or other rectangular die
• May Arts Ribbon
• Recollections Microbeads
• Versamark Ink
• Silver Embossing Powder
• Jillibean Star Sequins
• Inktense Pencils
• Xyron Adhesive

  Step 1. Use White Picket Distress paint over the area that will be covered with the stencil. Then lay stencil on top.

 Step 2. Mist with the blue spray. 

Step 3. Remove the stencil. Allow to dry.

 
Step 4. Emboss with the folder. Sand the raised image.

 Step 5. Stamp the sentiment with watermark ink. Heat emboss with silver powder. Stamp the holly leaves white white ink. Color with pencils. Die Cut the sentiment.
 Step 6. Add a bow to the sentiment panel and apply to card with foam adhesives.  
Step 7. Glue microbeads to the bottom of the card and star sequins to the sky area.

 You can create similar scenes for different seasons. The chalkboard embossing really makes a lovely design. Thanks for stopping by. ~Gini

Merry Christmas with Hampton Art

 I love retro colors - especially at Christmas time.  So the Holly Berry Borscht line from Jillibean Soup, is perfect!  And to make your Christmas card crunch go even smoother, Hampton Art has introduced some adorable stamps with matching dies- a real time saver!

Supplies for Merry Christmas

• Hampton Art Stamp and Die Set SC0664
• Hampton Art/Canvas Corp Stamp Set SC0663
• Jillibean Soup 6 x 6 Holly Berry Borscht Paper Pad jb0394
• Jillibean Glitter/Sequins Holly Berry Borscht jb0392
• May Arts Ribbon 1/4" Twill Ribbon with Chevron Stripes 382-14-94
• May Arts Ribbon Adhesive Scalloped Border A485-14-94

Step 1.  Mount blue panel slightly smaller than card to the front of a 5 1/2" card base.
Step 2.  Stamp the Christmas Tree and cut with matching die.
Step 3.   Cut a strip of the wood panel paper as shown.  Tie a bow around the bottom portion.
Step 4.  Attach the tree with foam adhesives.  Glue 5 sequin stars above the tree.
Step 5.  Cut a piece of the ornament paper and adhere to the right side of the card.
Step 6.  Stamp the sentiment on a piece of the blue cardstock.
Step 7.  Arrange the card as shown.  Add scalloped satin on the card seams.
Step 8.  Glue sequins to the bottom right side as shown.

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Gift

The smell of gingerbread always conjures up great Christmas memories. When I found this simple recipe for a Gingerbread Sugar Scrub, and knew it would make a great present to have on hand for the season. And with winter comes dry skin - so this not only smells great, it made my hands feel so smooth after using it.

 Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Gift Supplies:

• Kraft Cardstock
• Brights Core Essentials
• Tombow Mono Liquid Glue
• Tombow Mono Adhesive Power Bond
• Stampers Anonymous Gingerbread House Stamp
• Spellbinders Standard Circles Large, Scalloped Circles
• Mason Jar
• Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Versamark Ink Pad and Pen; Delicata Golden Glitz
• May Arts Ribbon: 408-05-10; 420-33
• Stampendous Embossing Powder
• Derwent Inktense Pencils
• Heat Tool
• One Recipe of Gingerbread Sugar Scrub (Recipe Later in Post)

 

Step 1. Stamp image with watermark ink onto Kraft cardstock. Heat emboss with white powder. Color highlights with pencils. Fussy Cut.
 Step 2. Die cut a scalloped circle to fit over lid of jar.  

Step 3. Use the inner part of the lid to trace around and mark on the back side of the scalloped circle.

 Step 4. Cut between each scallop, stopping at the drawn circle.

 Step 5. Put a bead of glue around the outer lid.

 Step 6. Center over the drawn circle and allow to dry. Fold each scallop down.  
Step 7. Cut nesting circles to make label for the top. Use watermark pen to write "Gingerbread Sugar Scrub" and heat emboss with gold powder.

 Step 8. Attach to the top using Mono Adhesive.

 Step 9. Tie gingerbread house onto jar with ribbons.  

Step 10. Fill with homemade sugar scrub.    

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub Recipe Mix the ingredients:

• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1 cup of white sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice

Slowly add 1/4 cup of Coconut Oil, and 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil. To Use: Apply scrub to wet skin, and massage with a circular motion - concentrating on dry areas. Rinse with warm water.

 Whether you keep this for yourself or gift it to a friend, enjoy the scents of the season! ~Gini

Flowers and Hugs

 

Ah, a four day weekend! The perfect time to play in the studio and relax.  Usually, about this time of year, I start getting burned out on Christmas cards and need to jump ahead to spring and flowers. (I know I have a long time to wait!)

Anyhow, Tracy at Noor! Design-UK is having a design team call, and I would love the opportunity to design with these elegant dies.  Anyone who follows my blog, knows that I am a die-cut addict! 

I enjoy making my own flowers, and had fun with these Fantasy Flowers.  I cut and embossed the base, shaped it, inked the flowers and added glitter.  Then I cut the small flowers, inked and shaped them and added seed bead centers.  Cutting the dies is always just the beginning for me - I really like to finish them off as well.

I think I would be a great fit for this team, because I love their products and the line fits completely with my style ( which I consider Shabby Chic meets Dolly Parton!)  Any company that I have designed for, I realize it is my responsibility to share my enthusiasm with others, to inspire and educate people on how to use the lines, to be an ambassador for the company and to do all within my power to promote them.  I achieve this by posting my projects not only to my blog, but also to Facebook, Twitter,  Pinterest.. In the past year, I have starting making video tutorials, so I am also growing a YouTube Channel. I  regularly submit to print magazines, and have been fortunate to have quite a few publications.

Thanks for letting me share this card with you today!

Winner of the Heartfelt Creations November Blog Hop

I am excited to say that the winner of the $25 gift certificate to Heartfelt Creations was chosen from my blog, and it was none other than my very sweet commenter, Donna Ellis!  Donna, you get to go shopping at HC (just in time for their beautiful new release - Romantique Garden Collection.

Just email Emma Lou and let her know that you were the winner, and have fun shopping!

Die Cutting Extreme

I always love pushing the boundaries for die cutting, and thought this card was one of those examples.    For the fancy cut on the side of the card, I used an Over the Edge die, and then used the matching silhouette to trim the aqua panel to match.   The lace border to the left side was matched and extended to make it longer.  Finally all of the flowers and greenery were cut, colored and shaped to make a stunning bouquet.

Heartfelt Creations Alumni Blog Hop for November

Welcome to the November Edition of the Heartfelt Creations Alumni Blog Hop!This is the first chance I have had to hop with the alumni, and I'm excited to be able to continue to share my love for Heartfelt Creations with you!  The hop runs now through Friday night - at midnight.  And one lucky commenter, chosen from one of the stops on the blog hop, will win a $25 gift certificate to HC.  How great is that?  You get to hop around and see some wonderful projects, plus have the chance to win some goodies of your own!  The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 29th.

Supplies

• Heartfelt Creations Classic Sunflower Die HCD753
• Heartfelt Creations Decorative Lace Border Die HCD 713 
• Heartfelt Creations Cut Mat Create 1B Die HCD 750
• Heartfelt Creations Classic Sunflower PreCut Set HCPC 3626
• Heartfelt Creations Vintage Word Background PreCut Set HCPC 3320
• Heartfelt Creations Beautiful You PreCut Set HCPC 3532
• Heartfelt Creations Classic Sunflower Paper Collection HCDP1 247
• Crafter's Companion Indian Bouquet Embossing Folder
• Lindy's Stamp Gang Azure Sea Asters Starburst Spray
• Lindy's Stamp Gang Glory of the Seas Gold Starburst Spray
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Red Hot Poker Orange Starburst Spray
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Gag Me With a Spoon Gray Starburst Spray
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Violacious Violet Moon Shadow Mist Spray
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Pumpkin Fiesta Embossing Powder
•   Lindy's Stamp Gang Queen Sheba's Silver Embossing Powder
•  Lindy's Stamp Gang Sunrise Salmon Gold Embossing Powder
•  3D Crystal Lacquer
•  May Arts Ribbon Twine
• May Arts Crochet Ribbon
• Core'dinations Cardstock - Graphic 45 Signature Series Darks
• Core'dinations Sand-It Gadget
• Imagine Crafts: VersaMark Ink, Staz-On Ink ( Ganache)
• Spellbinders Circle Dies
• Spellbinders Grand Caliber
• Cheesecloth
• Cold Press Water Color Paper
• Xyron Mega Runner, Foam Adhesives
• Heat Tool

Directions:

1. Cut a piece of water color paper 5 3/4" square.  Color using the mists.
2. Distress the edges and dip the edges of the paper in the Moon Shadow Mist.
3. Cut another square of water color paper 4 1/4".  Stamp with watermark ink and heat emboss using a mix of the embossing powders.
4. Spray the paper with water, and lightly mist.  Use a paintbrush with the mists to achieve a water color effect.
5.   Flick droplets of mist over the stamped background.
6. Distress the edges, and dip in the Moon Shadow Mist.
7. Add layers of cheesecloth, lace and die cut borders underneath the center panel.  Glue panel in place.
8. Machine stitch around the two square panels.
9. Layer two circle dies to cut a ring.  Emboss the ring and sand the raised areas.
10. Stamp the sunflowers with Staz-On ink.  Die cut with the matching die.
11. Color the flowers with the mists.
12.   Use a VersaMark pen to add details on the flower petals and heat emboss using the Pumpkin Fiesta powder.
13.  Shape the flowers.
14. Use 3D Crystal Lacquer to glue microbeads to the flower centers.
15. Stamp and cut the sentiment.
16. Finish as shown, gluing the card front to a 5 x 6 card base.

 Blog Hop Order

Giovana Smith

Glenda Brooks

Lisa Gregory

Emilia van den Heuvel

Vicki Dutcher

Caroline Duncan

Amarilys Doria

Mary Faus

Sarah Miller

Loretta Lock

Gini Cagle - You are here

Alissa Wells

Lisa Allen

Challenges:

• Lindy's Stamp Gang November Color Challenge  (All LSG products listed and linked in the supply list)

• Cardabilities Sketch 111
• Scrapyland - Challenge 6 - Die Cuts (Heartfelt Creations) and Texture

Back to the Chalkboard - Thank You Cards

During the holiday season, it is easy to focus on getting those Christmas cards made and sent out, but this time of year, we also need a steady supply of thank you cards. This trendy chalkboard card fits the bill. Add an easy matching envelope, and you have a stunning set. 

 

Back to the Chalkboard Thank You Cards Supplies:

• Chalk Core White A2 Cards with Envelopes
• Chalk Core Colors 4 x 6 Paper
• Glitter Silk Cardstock
• Sand-It Gadget
• Darice Embossing Folder - Snowflake
• Spellbinders Dies: Snowflake Wonder; Labels 28; Decorative Labels 28
• Cuttlebug - Thanks Die
• Zva Creative Gems
• May Arts Ribbon
• Scor-Pal
• Xyron Adhesive

 

 Step 1. Score each side of the card front to create a border. Sand with the Sand-It Gadget to reveal the chalkboard effect. 

 Step 2. Die cut the label, then emboss with the folder. Sand the edges and the designs.  

Step 3. Die cut the decorative label. Mount on the card base with foam adhesives. Mount the snowflake label on top with more foam adhesives.

 Step 4. Add gems and ribbon to decorate.

 Step 5. Die cut snowflakes with Glitter Silk and layer on the card.

 Step 6. Die cut the sentiment and mount on another die cut label for the inside greeting. 

 

Envelope Directions: 

 Step 1. Emboss a piece of the colored chalkboard with the Snowflake folder.

 Step 2. Tear the edge of the embossed paper. Trim to fit the envelope and adhere.

 Step 3. Add glitter glue to the centers of the snowflakes.   

Get started crafting now! Then you can have your thank-you cards ready to go, and you can sit back and enjoy the holidays. ~Gini

Thanksgiving Tag

 

I'm all caught up on design work, so I thought it would be fun to just play around with some techniques on a tag.   And since Thanksgiving is just a few days away, this will probably be the last project that I will have for that holiday, and then, it will be all Christmas.

Challenges:

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Thanksgiving

12 Tags of 2014

Stampendous - Thanksgiving

Core'dinations and Graphic 45 Blog Event

  I love working with Graphic 45 products, and I always find that I am challenged to think outside of the box - or in this case, design around the box. I started out with the G45 ATC Book Box, and decided to turn it into a Dog House that functions as a bank. Using the Raining Cats and Dogs collection got me thinking about saving for a rainy day and inspired the idea of a piggy bank.  

 Saving For a Rainy Day Bank Supplies:

• Graphic 45 Darks Signature Series
• Tim Holtz Kraft-Core Nostalgic Collection
• Sand It Gadget
• Raining Cats and Dogs 8 x 8 Pad
• Raining Cats and Dogs Decorative Chipboard
• Raining Cats and Dogs Banners
• Hampton Art/ Graphic 45 Cling Stamp Raining Cats and Dogs 1
• ATC Book Box
• May Arts Ribbon: 420-09; 385-58-14
• Spellbinders Scalloped Circle Die, Grand Calibur Machine
• Mini-Scallop Border Punch
• Xyron Mega Runner
• Tsukineko Ink
• Hot Glue Gun
• Cardboard

 I constructed a roof to fit over the box ( and cut a hole to insert money). The dog house was decorated and finished with a paper umbrella, made from a scalloped circle. To access the money inside, simply untie the ribbon.  
Wouldn't this be a fun way to save up those pennies for more craft supplies?!! Thanks for stopping by. ~Gini