Stampin! with Jaydee

Artistic Etchings meets British Invasion for Retro Sketches

Hi Everyone.  Happy Sunday night.

I saw this great sketch across at retrosketches yesterday and, after the appearance of the awesome Bond girl in Friday's opening ceremony, I knew exactly what I wanted to do!

I pulled out My Digital Studio and opened up Artistic Etchings.  I used the crown stamp - that is normally pretty small - and I expanded it.  I printed it out on my printer and colored it using copic markers.  I rustled up some basic rhinestones, some square rhinestones and some basic pearls.  Of course, the card HAD to be red, white and blue. 

Here's my homage to THE best BOND girl evah!  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Of course, I absolutely HAD to use this particular sentiment.  Some of you may remember me using this sentiment on a different card.  In case you have forgotten - this is an English colloquialism that means - uber cool.  way more than cool.   (However, the usual saying is you are all that and a bag of crisps.... or you are all that and a packet of crackers!)  But, that's what the stamp says, and I'll take it as it is :-)

All of the elements on the card remind me of the United Kingdom. 

• Obviously the colors of the Union Jack.
• The Gingham paper.  Gingham was the fabric my summer school uniform was made of. 
• The argyle (argyll) embossed layer as a nod to the fact that HRH has been the Colonel in Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland highlanders for decades.  (Maybe that's where she learned to parachute?)
• The royal blue ribbon (although it is really Midnight Muse) a favorite color of royalty
• A button with four holes - representing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales
• The "jewels" for the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London

I must admit, I was really pleased with how the crown printed out.  Have I told you that I love my MDS! :-)

So, there you have it, my homage to HRH Queen Elizabeth II.  Of course, I have to pay homage to my old school chum and running mate.  Seb did alright as the Chairman of the Olympic Committee and his speech was just the right tone for the games.  So, I'd say that the sentiment works for him, too! :-)

Why not pop along to retrosketches and see the fabulous design team and submission cards.

On a personal note.

I woke up Saturday morning to the most AWESOME sunrise.  I couldn't believe how fabulous it was.  The wetland was steaming and there was a bright orange streak of clouds in the sky.  A single banner of orange clouds.

After a few minutes - it started to look like this - if you look carefully, you can see the orange reflected off of the mist coming off of the wetlands

A few minutes later - it looked like this

 

Don't forget - check out this post and leave a comment letting me know what you thought about the opening ceremony - or what sports you are most looking forward to.  All comments will be entered into a draw for blog candy.  Draw will be on Friday.

Warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.  Have a beautiful Monday

Jaydee

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Midnight Muse.  Real Red. Whisper White.  Gingham (amuse studio)
• Stamps:  Crown - My Digitial Studio - Artistic Etchings.  Sentiment:  British Invasion (amuse studio)
• Ribbon:  Midnight Muse
• Accessories:  Basic rhinestones, basic pearls.  Square rhinestones (ctmh)
• Tools:  Big Shot.  Argyle embossing folder.  Punch - non-SU

Paris in Pink for casestudy

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday.

I have a card inspired by a wonderful creation across at casestudy this week.   Now, it is very rare that I make pink cards, but one of the reasons I like to play along at casestudy is that they often feature cardmakers whose style is so very different from my own and that challenges me to get out of my comfort zone and think of cards differently.

I was really drawn to the soft, almost romantic feel to Joy's card.  I also loved the banner, but decided to change it out for a tag instead.   I was really tempted to add a butterfly, but wanted to take it in a different direction.  

For my card I wanted to capture the same romatic feel, the vertical lines produced by both the DSP and the embossing on the banner.

I pulled out my good old MDS again as I really needed my Eiffel Tower to be much bigger than the stamp I have.  The sentiment is also MDS - using Fantabulous You.   I love that with MDS I can do a mixed media card.

I know it's not easy to see, but I did using my scoring tool to actually create vertical scores all the way across the pink layer.   I used my Confetti hearts stamp and some Versamark to create a little more texture on that layer.

I printed the Eiffel Tower onto Blushing Bride card stock using Basic Gray as the color and then used a Sizzix tag die to create the tag.  I inked around the edges of the tag to make it pop against the background of the same color.  Stampin' Dimensionals help to elevate the tag.

The polka dots along the bottom help to ground the tower itself and the sprinkles of pearls help to keep the romantic feel going, and echo the polka dots.  The heart... I punched out a simple heart to anchor the tag.... but it just didn't work for me.  So I punched out the heart again, manipulated it a little so that I could separate the card stock and then mounted the two distressed sides onto either side of a Bitty Button.  This gave a little more "heft" to the heart and looked much better.  The only thing left to do was to tie a double bow and attach it to the top of the tag.

I was actually pleased with it by the time I had finished with it, even though it took a very different turn from what I had originally intended!   But that's what inspiration is supposed to be about, right? :-)

On a personal note:

It was a WARM weekend. Yesterday was 92 degrees.  Way too hot for me.  Today, however, the temperature dropped and it was almost cold.  The one thing we are really appreciating here is the wind.  I know that sounds strange, but in our old house we were in a valley and very protected from the winds.  Here, the wind comes whizzing through the trees and the wetland and I relish the sound of the leaves rustling in the trees and the feel of the wind on my face.

Every morning I am awoken by the rising sun.  Isn't that the way live is supposed to be?  It is so much more gentle than an alarm clock.  It's a little inconvenient getting woken up at 5.30 on a weekend day!  But.... I'll live with that just to be able to feel the sun on my face in the morning and see the sky.

I'll leave you with a picture of our front porch tonight.   We love sitting there when it rains, as generally it's protected.

These are the flowers that we have in the pots.   Creeping Black Eyed Susan's.  They are gorgeous!

As always, thank you so much for spending time in my little area of the stamping blogosphere.  I really do appreciate your visits - and your comments.

Warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.  May your Tuesday be filled with fun and laughter.

Hugs

Jaydee

Card recipe - all ingreidents Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:   Card Stock:  Basic Gray, Blushing Bride, Whisper White.   Inks:  Basic Gray, Versamark.  Stamps:  both My Digitial Studio:  Artistic Etchings; Fantabulous You.  Accessories:  Itty Bitty Buttons, Basic Pearls, Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon.  Tools:  Tags die - Sizzix.  Scoring Board.

Artistic Etchings for FreshlyMade

Hi Everyone.  Happy Sunday.

Quick post for  you tonight.

I saw this great sketch across at freshlymade and decided I had to play along!

I wanted to make a masculine card... something I find pretty hard to do.  I also wanted to add a love element to it, without hearts.  Mmmm.... So, I pulled out my Artistic Etchings and, together with some of my favorite Mocha Morning DSP... I think I came up with something I quite like!

Card contents - all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Early Espresso, Gold Metallic, Very Vanilla (under the vellum sentiment)
• Stamps:  Artistic Etchings.  Sentiment:  Vintage Picnic Sentiments (PTI)
• DSP:  Mocha Morning.  First Edition.
• Inks:  Early Espresso, StazOn Black, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand.  I distressed the First Edition with Tea Stain to stop it being such a bright vanilla.

So, I think it's masculine.  Lou will be pleased that there is no ribbon to be found anywhere.  He really has an issue with masculine cards and ribbon. I thought a button and a little baker's twine was OK :-)

Why don't you pop along to FreshlyMade and check out the fabulous design team and submission cards.

On a personal note:

Well... we have 7 weeks until we have to move and as of this morning we had packed no boxes, sorted nothing out and have not organized the handyman to come and do all the little fix up things.  Nor have we ordered new carpet or ANYTHING.... In fact.  NOTHING!  Aaaaaarrrrggghhh :-)  Of course, my dear hubby does what he always does when things need doing - he left town for two weeks. Mmmmmm.... 

Anyway, I was in the middle of making a card and had a panic attack and decided that I REALLY needed to go start some packing.  So, between cards I taped up some boxes and started to pack.  I promised myself that I could only make a card IF I had packed a box.  I made 4 cards... and packed 4 boxes :-)   Well, it's 4 more than I had packed this morning, right :-)  I know that I am going to have to knuckle down and start getting this stuff done.  It seems to have snuck up on us so quickly.

The house is taking shape... really taking shape.  They were sheetrocking this week and when we went there yesterday they were about 3/4 done hanging the sheetrock.    I thought you might want to see a couple photographs of the progress.

Here's a look at the shower in the master bedroom.... I really wanted a rain shower... and got one...   you can see that they haven't finished hanging sheetrock here yet

The one thing that really struck us when we went into the house yesterday is how bright it is inside.  Considering it was a pretty dull day and the windows had plastic on them - and half the window was covered up with sheetrock stacked up against it..... it was pretty light in the family room.

Sheetrocking mostly hung in this area.   They won't start on the fitted cabinets until the wooden floors are in, but it's certainly beginning to feel like a house.  

When I uploaded the photographs I noticed something.... for every picture I took of a room.... I took 3 of the view from that room!   Guess I like the view, huh?

Here's a view from one of the sunroom windows.  We will be building a patio area just in front of the plastic... we can't wait.

Well.... the view is the reason we decided to build this house..... so I suppose it's good that we are still so in love with it :-)

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend and that you have a fabulous Monday.   Warm hugs and prayers to those of you who need a little lift tonight.   As always, thank you so much for spending time in my little area of the stamping blogosphere.

Hugs

Jaydee

Artistic Etchings for Freshly Made

Hi Everyone.  Happy Sunday.

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend.  Me... its been a little more uneventful that the last three weeks.... and I am very thankful for that.  In fact, I actually managed to get two cards made today.  Not a whole lot of cards... but two more than I have made in the last three weeks!  It was good to get into my crafting space and just switch off for a little while.

I saw the sketch across at Freshly Made Sketches and decided I'd like to play along.  It's a really interesting sketch and one that lends itself to just about any style.  I decided to keep it clean and simple.  I really wanted to use the Artistic Etchings set, but the Eiffel Tower in the stamp set wasn't quite big enough... so... time to bring out My Digital Studio again!  I sized the tower as I wanted it and printed it onto Very Vanilla card stock.  I wasn't sure what to do with the back panels and realized that they would be perfect for two panels of the First Edition DSP.  That led me to a very simple Very Vanilla and Basic Black color scheme and I decided not to introduce another color - very unsual for me :-)

Here's the sketch from FMS..... and guess what?  Yep... I missed the deadline for submission :-)

I took Lesley at her word on the "any shape here" - and used a rectangle!

Here's my take on the sketch

Card supplies - all Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• Card stock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla
• Stamps:  Artistic Etchings (stamp set and MDS version).  Sentiment:  Heartfelt Basics (Papertrey Ink)
• Inks:  Basic Black
• DSP:  First Edition

I know the fabulous team across at Freshly Made would love you to pop along and check out the fabulous inspiration cards - or - play along :-)

For those of you who were asking questions about stamping on canvas - I'll have an update on that for you tomorrow, too!

On a personal note:

Well... Mr Merlin is sitting on top of the couch, in front of the fire, watching me as I type up this blog post.  He's still got a long way to go... but I am so pleased he is still here with us.   I wanted to share a picture of him sitting in his favorite place last night.  He loves sitting on top of the cushion on the couch downstairs.  He kinda makes into into a hammock and gets all warm and cozy.  He's not a bad looking cat for 17 is he :-)

Yesterday, Lou and I took a quick trip (well... it is a 2 hour drive there and a 2 hour drive back! - so hardly "quick"!) to the new house.  BOY!  What a difference four weeks makes!  I will share the upates with you tomorrow night.  We were blown away with the difference.  It really hit us that we have a new home!!!

Warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.  I hope you all have a beautiful Tuesday.

Hugs

Jaydee

 

 

 

Paper Players Challenge #69 - Artistic Etchings

Hi Everyone.  Happy Sunday

Today, I feel like the white rabbit.  I am late!  I am late!  I am late, for a very important date! :-)

I don't think I have ever not posted my Paper Players challenge card on Saturday night.  However, I only got the chance to make this card late in the afternoon yesterday and.... for some reason.... I just couldn't get this sketch to work for me.  It's not the sketch... It was just me.  Because I haven't had the chance to play with my goodies for a while, it really takes me quite a while to get back into things.  I tried 4 different cards (completed none of them), before I finally gave up and walked away for a while.

I came back and decided that I really wanted to do something with Artistic Etchings - the image shape just seemed to fit - only to find that it wasn't quite the right size.  Then, I had a brainwave.  My Digital Studio.  Yep.  AGAIN!  I logged on to Stampin' Up! and paid $3.95 and downloaded Artistic Etchings.  That allowed me to scale and print the Eiffel Tower the size that I wanted it.  You can see that it's a gorgeous quality printed image.  You would never tell that this hadn't been stamped with StazOn.

For the rest of the card, I used the physical Artistic Etchings.  You can't see it very well, but on the two layers of vellum, I stamped the crown, scroll and key images all over the first layer of vellum, and the underlying newsprint.  The second layer of vellum was left clean, and all I did was stamp the sentiment in Early Espresso.

Here's what I came up with

Isn't that image great?  I was really pleased with the quality of it.  Considering, I have always avoided MDS for cards, I certainly have made up for that this week!  I also downloaded some sentiments today.  For some reason, sentiment stamps just never seem to be the right size.  They are either too big or too small, but with MDS, I can create them any size to fit my card - within reason!

Card recipe:

• Card stock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
• Stamps:  Artistic Etchings physical and digital (Eiffel Tower digital)
• Accessories:  Basic Rhinestone (top of the Eiffel Tower), Satin flowers (retired)
• Paper:  Newsprint, Vellum

So, what do you think?  Do any of you use My Digitial Studio (or other digital software) to create hybrid cards?  What do you do about sentiments when you just don't seem to have the right one, or it's not quite the right size?

We hope that you will pop along to the Paper Players this week and join us and play along with Nance's sketch.  You can check the other design team cards, too:

Julie

Ann

Cindy

Anne Marie

LeAnne

Lesley

Nance

Tara

On a personal note:

Lou and I spent some time shopping for appliances yesterday!  One thing we decided.... we were definitely going to get another induction stove.  When we replaced our failing stove a few months ago, we opted for Induction.  I have always cooked with Gas until we moved here and love how accurate and responsive it is.  We would have had to pay to put Gas in and didn't want to do that, so we elected to try induction instead.  It gives me the same responsiveness as Gas and I love the fact that the top never really gets hot.  It cooks so beautifully and I am absolutely IN LOVE.  So, we choose an induction top instead of the standard gas top that the builder installs. 

We had great fun looking at new fridges and freezers and dishwashers and stuff.  Isn't it ridiculous to get so excited about appliances?!!!!  It's been 7 years since we replaced the refrigerator that was in the house and technology has changed a lot since then.  Our old fridge is working great still, but the newer ones certainly have some fancy features!

As this is the first weekend of our vacation, we also took the time to do "date night" on Friday.  We went to see Ides of March, with the ever handsome George! - and then stopped for a quick bite to eat before coming home.  It's great knowing that we have two whole weeks together to relax, do things around the house and just have fun.  We were supposed to be doing a cruise around the med to Turkey and Israel, but gave that up when we bought the house.  We decided to save the money and put that into things we were going to need in the new house.  Also, it has been such a very, very, long two months at work, that being at home relaxing was just what I felt like.

I did get time in my stamping space today!  YAY!  I actually made 3 cards.  Yep.  3 whole cards.  I am off to go and try and make another one.  It was great to "get crafty" again.  I have missed it a great deal over the last month.

I hope you are all having a wonderful Sunday and that you have a fabulous start to your week tomorrow.  Warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.

Hugs

Jaydee

Paper Players Challenge #53 - Artistic Etchings

Hi Everyone.  Happy Saturday night.  I hope you are all having a great weekend so far.

Tonight's card was created using the fabulous sketch from Lesley.  I really sat for a long time pondering how I was going to make this sketch clean and simple.  My original route was much less simple, but, you all know me..... I am always drawn to making a sketch clean and simple if I can.

Here's Lesley's sketch:

Isn't that a cool sketch?   So, I guess you would like to see what I did with it?  Well, your wish is my command!

I used a Stampin' Up! clear block, inked with the new Pool Party color, as the way to get three vertical panels - without adding another layer of card stock.   I love this new color, it really is incredibly fresh.  Unfortunately, it has been another very dull and rainy day here, so I was not able to get a good photograph.  If the weather gets better tomorrow, then I will try and take another pic, as this pic really doesn't do the Pool Party justice!

Card recipe:

• Card Stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Pool Party
• Inks:  Basic Black Marker (for the Eiffel Tower), Always Artichoke for the foliage, Pool Party for the background layers
• Accessories:  Black and White gingham ribbon - retired and of course, I couldn't go without a little bling from the Basic Rhinestones.
• Stamps:  Sentiment- Something to Celebrate.  Focal Image - Artistic Etchings

I needed a little more foliage around the bottom of the tower, so I took my Always Artichoke marker and, using the fine tip end, filled in some foliage at the bottom of either side.  I used light side to side movements and it added just the extra bit of foliage that I needed.  And... seriously.... what isn't there to celebrate about being in Paris!!!!   That's why I used this sentiment.  It's perfect for a birthday card, an anniversary card, or a card to celebrate an upcoming trip!

This is the last week that we will have Cindy as Guest Designer.  Cindy, you have been a fabulous addition to this team and I have really enjoyed seeing your cards as part of the Design Team challenge. 

So, it's over to you.  What will you do with Lesley's sketch?  You can pop along to the Paper Players tomorrow and check out the fabulous things the design team did with it.  I know you will find something to inspire you as everyone has taken a different path with it.  We can't wait to see your interpretation of the sketch.

On a personal note:

My hubby is out of town again.  I think I should start reporting when he is in town as that seems to be more of a rarity :-)  He has another long flight as he is back in Malaysia for three days.  So... two days to get there, two days to get back.. all for 3 days in country!

We were not really expecting more rain today.  We were lucky to get a little break in the weather to have breakfast on the deck.  It's been the first time in forever that we have been able to do that!  Looking at the flooding in North Dakota should give you an idea of just how much rain we have had.  The farmer's are way behind on planting and the corn in most of the fields is looking just a little waterlogged.

The good thing is... it's cool... and you all know how I love cool weather!  It really was fabulous sitting on the deck.  The number of birds flying in and out was incredible and they were all signing.  Sadly, no sighting of our Orioles - although Brenda did have a brief visit from one in her garden.  Oh... and being just a little jealous of Brenda and her quick visit from the Oriole made me remember this comment from Linda.... now... this made me totally GREEN with envy... err.. except for the ticks that is!!!!

This is what Linda saw......."You would have loved to be with me this past Sunday. Driving home from the lake I found patches of wild flowers in the ditches.  The first one was huge yellow lady slippers. The second one of note was humungous pink lady slippers, with some wild iris thrown in for colour contrast. Back at the bush line were columbine, wild roses and (I think) dogwood. Wandering among them taking photos was worth the two ticks I picked up."  Seriously Lady Slippers, Wild Irish and Colombines, altogether, in the wild....... wow... that was SO worth the two ticks!  Thanks for sharing, Linda, reading this left me with such a fabulous image.

Talking about sharing... I am still really enjoying your stories of school.  We have just a couple more days for this question.  I will be posting a new question on Tuesday night and picking a winner for the Basic Rhinestones.   IF anyone is right about which cutie patootie is me in the photograph on the school teacher question post..... they will receive a brand new roll of the brand new, yet to be released, ribbon from the 2011/2012 Stampin' Up! catalog.

Chris R, I loved the story of your teacher and how she was still asking about you 30-40 years after you left school.  That really shows just how much our teacher's care and remember!

Linda, I love that Miss LaMoin taught you Spanish back in the 60's.  That is pretty cool!

Ruth, your story of Miss Witchhart took me back to a time and place in my distant youth.  When such manners were drilled into boys!  Oh... and we weren't let off easy, either!  I know that I am a modern woman, but there is a part of me that really misses the age of manners - we do seem to have lost some of those basics and I miss them. 

Prayers tonight for those affected by the floods, and for those of you who need a little lift tonight.

I will be back on Monday with a brand new post for you.  In fact, Monday's post is a 3D with Jaydee project, so I hope you will come back and join me on Monday.

In the meantime, don't forget to pop along to the Paper Players and join our challenge this week.

Hugs

Jaydee

Queen for a Day

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday.  I hope you all had a great weekend.

Very quick post for you tonight.... I realized half way through the day today - to my absolute horror - it was the 4th April.  Well, what's wrong with that, I can hear you ask?  Errrr..... I haven't done our taxes yet!  Nope.  Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrggggghhhh! How on earth could I have missed that?  So, guess what I am doing tonight and tomorrow tonight?  Yep.....

I managed to make two cards this weekend.  Tonight's card uses the sketch across at cleanandsimplestamping.   Here's my take on the sketch:

Card recipe - all ingredients Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

• card stock:  Whisper White, Real Red
• Stamps:  Artistic Etchings (crown), You're A Gem (sentiment)
• Inks:  Copics
• Accessories:  Basic Pearls
• Tools:  Scoring board (three scored lines between the sentiment and the crowns).  I know they are tough to see, but they are there I promise you!  Stampin' Dimensionals.  Stamp-a-ma-jig (I couldn't have done this card without it!)

Normally, I would have cut out the crowns and mounted them.  But... with my finger still not being back to normal, cutting them out wasn't an option!  I still like them though.  I have always wondered what to do with this particular sentiment, and this sketch, with the crowns, seemed the perfect marriage.

Prayers tonight for all of you who need a little lift or a warm hug.

I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday.

Hugs

Jaydee

Clean and Simple - Artistic Etchings, Define your Life, Countryside

Hi Everyone.  Happy Thursday night.

Tonight I have two more swaps from the regional for you.  These cards are so fabulous and I hope that you will appreciate them, too. 

It's 9.30 here and I have just finished work, so this will be a very quick post.  However, I did want to give you an opportunity to appreciate the wonderful creativity of your fellow crafters.

This card by MaryLou Kleveland, really showcases the simple things in life.  I loved it.  The twine added just the right touch.  The sepia colors worked so amazingly well together.

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Naturals Ivory, Early Espresso
• DSP:  Newsprint DSP
• Stamps:  Countryside, Define Your Life
• Acceessories:  Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Hemp Twine, Sponges

I loved this card from Nikki Rueth.  The black, vanilla and crumb cake really worked so well, together.  As did the bird punch.  It was just the accessory to make this card pop.

• Card stock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla
• Stamps: Artistic Etchings
• Accessories:  Grosgrain ribbon, bird punch

So thanks to Niki and Mary Lou for swapping with me.  These cards are fabulous!

On a personal note:  It was another long day, but I did get one of my projects - due for completion on Monday - completed today.  That gives me time to try to get the two projects I needed to complete, completed by Monday - oh yeah... I forgot... and then the two projects my manager added to my list today:-)  Some of you may be asking and wondering why on earth I work the hours that I do.  It's simple.  I have worked for the same company since 1982.  I work for a Fortune 30 company.  I have had 5 different roles in my company in 4 years.  The company I work for has had multiple layoffs since 1992.  In fact, thousands upon thousands of people have been laid off.  Sadly, many of those jobs have gone overseas.  As my tenure was broken, I don't have the pension cushion that many have.  I also live in a very small town, with a small number of employers.  Consequently, like so many of us, I work the hours that I need to work to keep my job, knowing that the company I work for is looking to cut more people and move more jobs overseas.  I don't tell  you this because I want to get into a discussion about politics, or the economy - or anything serious like that.  Just to let you know why I work the hours that I do.  The job that I do is seriously in jeopardy of being moved off-shore.  I know that.  All the people doing what I do know that.  Every day we are asked to train off-shore employees to do what we do.  So... I do the work to the very best of my ability!

This means it totally disrupts my compulsion to get into my stamping space and create.  Creating is one of those things that keeps me somewhat sane!!!!  It really is very cathartic, and a change from my everyday job.  Like so many of us who are juggling jobs, life, children, parents, friends - life in general, I wish I had more time to spend doing the things I love.  Crafting is one of those things.

Prayers tonight for those who need a lift or a warm hug.  My thoughts and prayers, too, are with those in New Zealand.  The decision the rescue workers had to make to decide to move into recovery instead of rescue reminded me of 9/11.  The saddest thing for me yesterday..... looking at a picture of a little white coffin carrying the remains of a 9 month old child.  A victim of the earthquake.  My heart broke for the parents.

You know... when I sit down to write my blog... I have no agenda.  I do not know what I am going to say.  The words come from somewhere inside of me.... unplanned.. unedited... unscripted.  Tonight, was obviously one of those few nights where the happy side of life obviously wasn't coming through!

To quote to words of the immortal Scarlet O'Hara - tomorrow IS another day!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone

Hugs

Jaydee

Clean and Simple Amour

Hi Everyone.  Happy Thursday night.

Tonight's card uses Artistic Etchings.  I just never seem to get tired of this set.  Once again, I tried to combine a vintage feel with clean and simple lines.  The OWH sketch challenge this week was perfect and I changed the layout just slightly.  Instead of a piece of card stock behind the central image, I used ribbon instead.  I know the team at OperationWriteHome would love you to pop along to their stie and also play along!

Here's my take on the sketch:

 

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
• Inks:  Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand (for aging), Basic Black (for the Eiffel Tower)
• Stamp:  Artistic Etchings
• Accessories:  Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Newsprint DSP
• Tools:  Oval Punches, sponges

Card instructions:

• Cut card stock to A2 (11 x 4 1/4).  Score at 5 1/5 and fold.  The fold is on the top of the card.
• Cut Newsprint DSP to 5 1/2 x 4 1/4" and age using your preferred ink.  I stamped the "key" stamp from the set on the Newsprint a few times.  Adhere to card base using snail
• Wrap Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon around the card and tie a knot
• Cut a Riding Hood Red layer to 2 13/16 x 3 1/2 and a Very Vanilla layer to 2 3/4 x 3 5/16
• Age the Very Vanilla layer with your favorite ink and stamp the Eiffel Tower in Basic Black.  Adhere to Riding Hood Red Layer using snail
• Adhere the focal layer to the card base using dimensionals.
• Stamp the Amour sentiment in Early Espresso over a piece of aged Very Vanilla.  Punch with an oval Punch.  Punch a Riding Hood Red layer to go underneath the sentiment.  Adhere to card.

Tips:

• When adhering a sentiment layer like this, you have to build it up a little if you are using dimensionals.  The focal point was adhered to the card base using dimensionals, so I "snail" the side that touches the focal layer and use dimensionals on the side which is touching the card base.  Depending on the height of my focal image I use either one layer or two layers of dimensionals.  This is the way that I ensure that the sentiment and the focal point are on the same plane. 
• Putting the focal point at an angle adds interest to a vertical image.  When the focal point was straight up, it really made the card look visually too long, so, angling it changed it and made it look more interesting.  It also gave a little more breathing room to the sentiment to put the focal point off center and at an angle.
• Don't forget, the Newsprint paper is actually Very Vanilla and is very bright, aging it tones it down and makes it blend more into the background.
• Riding Hood Red is the perfect color choice in the Red family.  Real Red is very bright and was too bright for this combo.  Cherry Cobbler made the image look too "muddy" because of the brown undertones.  So, always play around with the colors you have in the family to find the right one

On a personal note.....  its cool.... oh yes... the weather that is.   I also got to spend time in my stamping space tonight and made a card.  Oh yeah!  making cards mid-week, that is really cool!

Last night I watched a program on halogentv (my new addiction) called Noble Exchange.  It's the most amazing program that looks at people in impoverished nations in Africa and how these people are helping others.  They themselves often come from very traumatic backgrounds.  The resilience of human nature, the amazing compassion that some people have, the true leadership talent that is found in the most unexpected places brings hope to my heart.  So, 30 minutes I didn't mind spending in front of the television:-)

Tomorrow... FURNITURE arrives... Oh yeah.....  this is Jaydee doing the happy dance... can you see me... yep... you can :-)

Trish.... so good to hear from you - and so good to hear what your Dr had to say... that also makes me do the happy dance!

I'd like to dedicate tonight's card to my darling hubby.  Ti amo, Pierluigi.  I can't wait to spend time with you in Paris later this year!

As always, thank you for your support - your visits - and your comments.

Have a fabulous Thursday everyone.

Hugs

Jaydee

Notably Ornate Love Swallows

Hi Everyone.  Happy Tuesday night.

Tonight's card features the Stampin' Up! set, Notably Ornate.  I loved this set when I saw it in the catalog and really wanted to create a card featuring the swallow from the set. 

As there is a vintage feel to this set, I wanted to keep the colors darker.  So, out came Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Basic Black and just a hint of Real Red.

Here's what I came up with:

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Real Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
• Stamps:  Notably Ornate.  Sentiment is from Artistic Etchings
• Accessories:  Black and White striped grosgrain ribbon
• Designer Series paper:  Love Letters
• Tools:  Big Shot with Finial Press embossing folder, paper snips, Heart and Oval punches, dimensionals, twine

Card instructions:

• Cherry Cobbler card stock - cut to A2 (11 x 4 1/4).  I scored and folded the 11 at the 5 1/2" mark and the fold is on the side
• The DSP was cut to 4 x 3 1/2 and the Basic Black is cut at 3 3/4" x 3 1/4"
• I stamped the image from the Notably Ornate set onto Very Vanilla using Basic Black classic ink
• Once the image was dry, I took my snips and cut around the ornate edges and adhered it to the Basic Black base using snail
• I then adhered the Basic black layer to the DSP using snail
• I ran the Cherry Cobbler through my Big Shot using my Finial Press embossing folder and used the debossed side for this card
• I stamped the swallow twice - once in Real Red and once in Cherry Cobbler.  I cut them both out using my snips.  I then mounted them both to the Notably Ornate layer using dimensionals. 
• I punched out a heart and placed it between the two swallows and adhered that using snail
• I took my Crumb Cake marker and colored the white sections of the ribbon, just to tone down the color a little.  I wrapped the ribbon around the card and tied a knot on the left.
• I then mounted the focal image over the ribbon using dimensionals
• Last thing to do..... stamp the Amour sentiment from Artistic Etchings in Real Red, punch out using the Oval punch and punch a background layer using Real Red.  I made a whole using my mat pack and ran a little twine through the whole and tied it to the knot

Tips:

• Don't do what I did..... remember to condition your stamp prior to stamping for the first time - otherwise you get the little white areas that you see on both my swallows.  There are several ways you can do that but here are the two that I normally use... you can take your sanding block and very lightly sand over the top of the stamp.  You can take Stampin' Mist and give your stamp a thorough cleaning and run vigorously on your Stampin' Pad.  There is a film on the stamp when it leaves the manufacturing plant, and it is important to remove that prior to stamping.  I really didn't do a good job and ended up with splotchy swallows!
• I used the debossed side of the Finial press, but it better echoes the Notably Ornate stamp.  The embossed side was a little too over powering.  Remember, to try both sides when assembling your card, sometimes the debossed side is softer and fits better.

On a personal note:

Several things to be happy about tonight... The furniture is arriving... oh yeah.... it arrives on Thursday morning.  So, we will finally have something to put underneath the coffee table cover that arrived over two weeks ago!!!!   

I was also chosen as a winner by two design teams in the last week.  It's always such a wonderful feeling when that happens.  The two cards?  The StampinRoyalty team choose this card and the Palspaperarts team chose this card.  So, I was very honored - and very excited!!!

Trish, it was so good to hear that your oncologist is pleased with your progress.  I know this is such a tough journey - but you are tougher than you think and you are doing better than you thought :-)  Your post brought such a smile to my face this morning!

My honey gets to come home today instead of being out of the country for the next week, so we get to go to the Opera this weekend!  Oh yeah... that makes me happy :-)  Having him home - and going to the opera:-)

I'd like to give a shout out to Missy and Beth tonight.... you guys rock my world.  There is hardly a day goes by without you commenting.  You have no idea how much I appreciate that... so thank you to both of you!

I am also coming up to a major blog milestone.   Nearly 100,000 hits.  I am gobsmacked by that number.  When I began blogging at the end of August last year, I never thought that I would get anywhere near those sorts of numbers.  I cannot thank you all enough for your support.  It really means a great deal to me.  It really is your support that keeps me doing this every day.  I had originally started this journey as a way to force myself to make cards.  I never thought that it would grow to be something else entirely for me.  I have met so many amazing people through my blog and have enjoyed getting to know you through cyberspace.  SO, big hugs to you all.

Prayers as usual for Trish - chemo day today!  For T and Pri.  

Happy Hump Day, Cherie.  I know you are off on a well deserved vacation, but wanted to let you know I was thinking about you.  Brenda, I hope you had a very successful open house on Monday.

Have a fabulous Wednesday everyone.  I hope your day is filled with love and laughter.

Hugs

Jaydee

Amour

Hi Everyone.  Happy Monday evening.  I hope you all had a fabulous day.

I'm still on a high after such a great weekend and the day was made even better by the fact that it was less humid and a little cooler!

Tonight's card uses the fabulous new Artistic Etchings set.  I loved this set the minute I saw it... I mean.... I love Chic Boutique, but have always bemoaned the fact that we didn't have a realistic Eiffel Tower.  I was thrilled when the new catty preview came out - and there was the stamp I had been looking for.  I wanted to combine this with one of the new gorgeous DSPs. 

I love the new Love Letter DSP.  I love the colors and the patterns.  If that wasn't enough.... I fell in love (getting the Amour theme here????:-) ) with the Newsprint DSP when I saw it used on some swap samples I received.  It had not been on my list of wants - but when I saw some of the samples, I thought... OK... I have to give this a try.

Then..... I thought... OK.... Paris.  Amour.  Love Letters.  Old newsprint.  Ya have to go vintage, right?  But you all know that I could only go so far - so here's my vintage Amour card for your viewing tonight.
 

 

Card recipe:

• Card stock:  Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red (used as the base layer)
• DSP:  Love Letter, Newsprint
• Ink:  Sahara Sand (for aging treatment), Early Espresso (Eiffel Tower, Amour)
• Accessories:  Chocolate Chip striped grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals
• Tools: Oval punches

Card instructions.

• Cut base card stock to A2 - folded on the left vertical edge
• Cut two small pieces from the Newsprint DSP and age using Sahara Sand classic ink.  Adhere to two opposite sides of the card base using snail
• Cut Love Letter DSP to 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" and tear two opposite edges.  Color distressed edges of tear with  Sahara Sand classic ink.  Wrap ribbon around layer and tie.  Adhere over the card base and Newsprint corners.
• Stamp Eiffel Tower Image onto a piece of Very Vanilla card stock 2 5/8" x 3 1/8".  Distress Very Vanilla with a sponge and Sahara Sand ink.  Stamp Eiffel Tower image over this piece.
• Cut Early Espresso matt to 2 6/8" x 3 1/4".  Adhere Eiffel Tower layer to Early Espresso Layer using dimensionals.
• Add dimensionals behind Early Espresso layer and adhere to card base.  
• Stamp Amour in Early Espresso and punch using oval punch.  Then punch out a piece of Newsprint with an oval punch just slightly larger.  Adhere using snail on the one side and dimesionals on the side nearest the ribbon

Tips:

• The ribbon is too bright as it is White and Chocolate Chip.  So, I toned it down using my Sahara Sand marker.  I left the very outer edges White, but the rest was colored with the marker.
• The Newprint is fabulous - but it is very bright.  So, to age it use a color such as Sahara Sand and a sponge dauber, or sponge.
• Creating the matt to the sentiment in the Newsprint helps to tie the two corners and the central image together.

I hope you enjoy tonight's card.  I certainly enjoyed making it.

Talking of Amour... I would like to dedicate this to my darling hubby.  I had such a wonderful weekend - and I am alway so grateful of your support for my obsession.... errr I mean hobby!  I will miss you over the next two weeks.

As always, I do want to thank you all for spending time in my little area of the stamping blogosphere.  Your visits, your support and your comments are what keep me going.  Not only that - but all of you seem to enjoy reading each other's comments as much as I do.

Prayers for Trish (we hope you are doing OK, my friend), Germaine, glad to hear that you are improving even just a little.  To Jim/Lynn, who will continue to be in my prayers until we know what needs to be done next.  To T, Pri, Arthur, Missy - still praying for your family - and to Rach.

Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone.  Remember.... smile at a stranger - you may change their life.

Hugs

Jaydee