Tulip Stems and Queen of Hearts…

January 30, 2014January 31, 2014 Pam Sparks23 Comments

Thank you So much – white heat embossed on vellum. So fun that vellum is new again! I die cut, embossed and colored the Tulip Stems die with Copic Sketch markers… V22, 25, 28 and YG21, 23, 25, 17.

Memory Box Distress Dot violet paper and Violet A-2 Notecard.

I’m entering this card in the CASE Study Challenge #176.

Here’s a close up…

I just had to use this Queen of Hearts die! Of course you think of black and red with Queen things! oh and Silver glitter paper is a must! haha

I dry embossed the NEW Flourish Stencil on the red heart and rubbed over it with a little Walnut Stain Distress ink and the ink blending tool.

Just a subtle look but I like that it’s delicate to go with the fine lines of the die!

This die cuts perfect and beautiful every time!

LOVE is cut with the UpperCase Classic Alphabet… love Memory Box Alphabets!

I’m linking up to Simon Says Stamp Work it Wednesday

Thanks for stopping by! Hoping to do a snowman next! It’s still Winter even though we’re working with all these new flower dies!

Supplies I used…

cards · Hero Arts · Memory Box · Stencils · Washi Tape

Prim Poppy Goes Postal…

January 28, 2014April 7, 2014 Pam Sparks18 Comments

Hello! My ‘Day 4’ card for the Stenciled Online Class.

I dry embossed using Mister Huey’s Chevron Stencil…ran it through the Big Shot like this… multi purpose platform tab 1, cutting plate, stencil, card-stock, tan mat, 3 to 5 pieces of 65# card-stock for shimming then another cutting plate on top… run it through. One thing I do if my spray bottle is right there… I spritz with water so it embosses a tad bit more. Then inked the panel with Walnut Stain Distress ink using the Ink Blending Tool.

Some Little B airmail Washi Tape, an airmail mini envelope from Impress Rubber Stamps.com, some airmail twine, Memory Box Prim Poppy die cut from green and red then pieced together and an old Hero Arts hello stamp! I used the Tiny Attacher to staple on the sentiment piece.

Linking to the Daring Cardmakers Challenge – Stripes

I hope to make some more from the inspiration shared in this class. Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies I used…

InLinkz.com

Birthday · cards · Distress Ink coloring · Magnolia · Perfect Layers Tools · rubber stamps · Tilda's Town

Distress Marker coloring video and card…

January 25, 2014February 18, 2014 Pam Sparks19 Comments

My card for Tilda’s Town Challenges today is colored with Distress Markers in a watercolor way. I used Lovelypop Tilda for a birthday card because the theme is Celebrate!

Click over to Tilda’s Town Challenges, HERE and enjoy the inspiration from the Design Team and enter the weekly challenge! We’d love to have you!

Each week there is a random winner, chosen by Inlinkz, for a $10 gift certificate to Tilda’s Town.com!

Tilda’s Town is a most magical shop specializing in Magnolia Stamps. Over 1,100 stamps in stock at all times. Tilda’s Town offers FREE worldwide shipping on every order, every day. You can also save up to an additional 20% on your purchase by using one of the famous coupon codes. Shop at Tilda’s Town.com and live the magic.

Have you tried it? Here’s a video of how I color with Distress Markers on Canson Cold Press watercolor paper. It’s very basic but if you are curious how to begin, it might be an encouragement to you.

I did make this in HD, so you can click the gear and watch it that way if you want.

Here’s a close up but remember… I was coloring standing up so it’s kinda messier than usual! : ) I think coloring on Cold Press paper has a different look than Hot Press paper for sure and definitely different than Copic coloring. I have to keep telling my self that it’s ok! lol

I’m linking my birthday card to Seize the Birthday Challenge – option this time is coloring
And just to make you laugh…how would you answer this question? huh? Did you or didn’t you? Remember that white paste??? I do! lol

Thanks for stopping by! If you color with Distress Markers, let me know so I can visit you!

Supplies I used…

InLinkz.com

cards · Memory Box · Perfect Layers Tools · rubber stamps · Stencils · Techniques · Tutorials · Washi Tape

Memory Box Garden Flora Stencil and Flower Dies…

January 24, 2014April 7, 2014 Pam Sparks29 Comments

The NEW Garden Flora Stencil from Memory Box…

On this card, I laid the stencil on top of a piece of white cardstock and taped it down with removable tape.

Using the Colorbox pigment Queue called Surfs Up, I applied the ink, all the colors, randomly, all over.

I removed the stencil and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.

Using the rubber stamp Mail Definitions, Ranger Archival Black ink and a Stamp a ma jig, I stamped the panel, starting at the top and moving down, inking and stamping three times.

Heat up your craft iron. Lay the heat embossed and stamped panel face down onto scrap paper, I use a piece of newsprint folded in half, and iron off the embossing. Be sure to protect your work surface from the heat.

I used some Antique Linen Distress ink and the ink blending tool to add some color to the white areas. The areas that were heat embossed, still pretty much resist the ink.

Mat the panel with black card-stock and the Perfect Layers Tools, add your die cuts, washi tape and mount to a Parchment notecard. I used the Kylie Stem and hello script dies.

I’m linking up my hello card to the CASology Challenge – Contrast

This next card I used the same Garden Flora Stencil and Mail Definitions stamp but the text is in the background instead of on the flowers and stems.

I taped the stencil to the white piece of card-stock.

Inked it all with Tumbled Glass Distress ink and the ink blending tool.

Stamped it three times with Ranger Archival Black ink and the Stamp a ma jig.

Then removed the stencil.

I spritzed the panel with Glimmer Mist Dazzling Diamonds Spray. I wish it showed up in the photos but it’s really pretty, shimmery IRL!

I die cut the NEW Zinnia Bouquet and Zinnia Bouquet Background dies from white cardstock. I inked the three background pieces with Tumbled Glass Distress ink and the ink blending tool.

Glue the background pieces to the Outline piece.

Adhere the flower to the card with mounting squares.

Tie on Hemp cord.

Add the sentiment ‘FLOWERS’ from the April Showers Bring May Flowers stamp by mounting it to a piece of the Contempo Circle Border die.

Mat the panel with Black card-stock, the Perfect Layers Tools and adhere it to a Kraft notecard.

There are so many techniques to try with the NEW Stencils and dies! Can’t wait to see what you all come up with too!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy stenciling! I’m linking up to the Online Card Classes Stenciled that just started today.

Supplies I used for my cards…

cards · CAS · Memory Box · Perfect Layers Tools · rubber stamps · Stencils · Winter

Memory Box cards…

January 22, 2014April 7, 2014 Pam Sparks16 Comments

Here’s the new Delicate Snowflakes Stencil from Memory Box… I tried several different ways of using it but I’m just posting two! This reminds me so much of what we’ve done for years with Brass Stencils! I need to get those back out too! For this card, I stamped a panel with Memory Box stamps, laid the stencil on the panel, applied stencil paste, then white embossing powder and heated it.

This card was a Weekly Favorite at Splitcoast Stampers! Thank you ladies!

I used the Precious Snowflakes die and several stamps…
Snowy Evergreens
Walking Winter Wonderland
Winter Collage
Washi Tape Dots

Here I used the Delicate Snowflakes stencil…laid it over a piece of watercolor paper and spritzed it with Frosty Night and Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist. My watercolor paper wasn’t the heaviest so it curled up some from the moisture causing the inks to go under the stencil a bit at here and there.

*tip* if you spritz the backside of your paper with water, it doesn’t curl up as much when you’re getting the front wet!

This card was a CAS Favorite at Splitcoast Stampers! Thank you ladies!

Frostyville Corner and Snowflake Corner cut from white glitter card-stock. Looks like snow!

I had to make one die card to post too! : ) It’s a CAS card that would be fun to make a pack of 6 or so for a gift… for a bunch of thank you cards…notecards…invitations too! Easy to change it up, this is Version 2 for me! lol

I cut the S, from the Classic Upper Alphabet die set, in the center of a piece of Memory Box Pattern paper. Then I placed it on the NEW Venita Flourish die, centering the S and taping the card-stock in place to cut. Exact placement! Love it!

*tip* always cut the inside image first so you can position and center when you cut the surrounding shape.

Panel mat was cut with the Perfect Layers Tools…..

I’m linking up my Venita card to the NEW challenge at Addicted to CAS

Thanks for stopping by today! ‘preciate it! Hope I’ve inspired you a bit! It’s so ‘wintery’ here but I must switch gears and make some Valentines! Take care and ttul!

Stamps, Dies and Supplies I use…

cards · Distress Ink coloring · LOVE · Martha Stewart · Perfect Layers Tools · Printworks · rubber stamps · Snowman · Winter

Printworks Snowgirl…

January 14, 2014January 14, 2014 Pam Sparks31 Comments

So SWEET! I love her… her name is Twinkle Toes! Turn on the Twinkle my card says! Adorable!

I colored her up last week with Distress Ink markers on Canson Watercolor paper. I love how easy it is to color with these markers and this paper! I promised a gal that I would make a short video…so that’s on my to do list!

Broken China
Pumice Stone
Bundles Sage
Worn Lipstick
Wild Honey
Vintage Photo

I sewing machine stitched across the top, leaving long strings over on the right for the stars to hang down from. Then just stitched straight across the bottom.

See the shimmer on the stars? That’s from the Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush marker! Awesome!

I used my trusty Perfect Layers Tools… MUST HAVE tools… such a time saver! I don’t think I could mat a card without them anymore! Link over on the right or below with the other links. This is AWESOME NEWS!!!! NOW there is a set of mini rulers! oh WOW! Can’t wait to get them! Check them out HERE click on shop! Be sure to use my code to save ‘sparks5%’!

PERFECT LAYERS MINI BORDER TOOL SET (TOOLS 1 & 2)

Perfect Layers is now available in the perfect size for Card making and photo matting!

Each Perfect Layers mini tool is 7 inches in length and each has 4 different measurements per tool.

The 2 tools give you 8 different measurements for Perfectly straight, perfectly spaced perfect layers with NO MEASURING!

Perfect Layers Mini comes packed in a handy travel pouch, great for crafting on the go!

Perfect layers Mini tools work with the same patented Catch lip system as our regular sized perfect layers but they are just the perfect size for Card making and Photo Matting. Perfect Layers is a MUST if you want to create perfect borders, frames and layered effects. Using Perfect Layers, you can cut from 1/16 of an inch (very thin borders), up to 5/8 of an inch (bold borders), WITH NO MEASURING REQUIRED!!

I’m linking up to the Merry Monday Christmas Challenge – Snowman
Simon Says Stamp – Anything Goes
CASology – Dot

Hope she makes you smile! Printworks has the most adorable images and sentiments! There’s a SPECIAL going on right now! Do you receive their email newsletter? Sign up if you don’t… Printworks Collection.com

Here’s the special and if you want me to forward the email to you, click on the contact/email me tab under the header with your email address and I will!

Check out the Printworks FB page

By putting LOVE2014 into the Comments Section of your order online you will receive a special Valentine’s Day themed gift with your order!

Also, the following products will be 10% off now through Valentine’s Day!

A3869, E3191, F4217, F4217-R, G4219, G4219-R,
CP008, STP01, and #161-501

I think Twinkle Toes would be cute with a heart between her arms instead of a star! All it’d take is a few cuts and a heart! We all have hearts, that’s for sure! lol

Thanks for looking today and for all your wonderful comments! You are always so encouraging! I appreciate it!

Here’s some of the other products I used to make this card!

InLinkz.com

cards · Distress Ink coloring · Magnolia · Marianne Design · Perfect Layers Tools · rubber stamps · Tilda's Town · Winter

Magnolia, Tilda’s Town… Winter Fun!

January 11, 2014January 13, 2014 Pam Sparks18 Comments

Living in Iowa.. you know how to get ‘All Bundled Up’ to go outside for any amount of time. That’s the theme this week at Tilda’s Town Challenges!

Click over to Tilda’s Town Challenges, HERE and enjoy the inspiration from the Design Team and enter the weekly challenge! We’d love to have you!

Each week there is a random winner, chosen by Inlinkz, for a $10 gift certificate to Tilda’s Town.com!

I used the new In the Snow Heart Tilda and In the Snow Scarf Tilda. I just love how they look like they are having a snowball fight! It’s been too cold here to even think of being outside…now it’s the other extreme! lol Although if a person hurried, they could build a snowman quick before it melted.

I colored these cuties with Distress Ink markers on Canson Cold Press watercolor paper. I loved Jay Jay’s card using these two…love her watercoloring with pencils! I had to have them then! Stamps are great Christmas presents! lol

Here’s the Distress marker colors I used…

Face – tattered rose/worn lipstick on the cheeks

snowballs/sky – tumbled glass

red is all Fired Brick

Green is Peeled Paint

In the Snow Scarf Tilda – Brown is Vintage Photo (hat and pants) Shoes – Walnut Stain, Hair – Mustard and Vintage Photo

In the Snow Heart Tilda – pants – Faded Jeans, Shoes – Vintage Photo, Hair – Antique Linen and Walnut Stain

Ground – Pumice Stone

The tree is a Marianne Designs die… the snowflakes are a pack of embellishments I grabbed while out shopping one day…kinda crazy purchase when you have so many punches and dies already! ugh. They came in handy today when I needed something quick!

I used the Perfect Layers Tools to mat the image and the red layer. They are so awesome! Link on the right in the sidebar.

I’m linking to the Midweek Magnolia Challenge – New Stash

Thanks for stopping by today! It was fun to do some coloring. I’ll be back soon with a Printworks snowman and more NEW Memory Box!

Birthday · cards · CAS · copics · LOVE · Memory Box · rubber stamps · Valentine

Memory Box Blog Blitz Day Two…

January 7, 2014January 22, 2014 Pam Sparks39 Comments

I have a lot to show you today! I got started on my cards for the Memory Box Blog and before I knew it, I had four cards to share today! Good thing I needed to stop and fix supper or this really would’ve been a long post!

It’s Day Two of the Memory Box 2014 Creative Elegance Collection Blog Blitz! Scroll through the posts all week…comment on all the posts for chances to win the NEW dies and stencils!

Happy Day! My tree card won Top Three at Addicted to CAS Challenge blog! Thank you ladies!

Here, I used the NEW Yorkshire Tree, Yorkshire Tree background and Library Alphabet Tags dies. The letters ‘Y’ and ‘U’ are from the tag set also and the hearts are from the Cherish Border die. I colored the trunk of the tree with a copic marker. I just love the pop of red in the green!

Next…

Here I used the NEW Piano Border and Perky Poppy dies. The sentiment is Just a Note Combo. I added the detail on the leaves with a copic marker.

LOVE this keyboard and how can you not love this Perky Poppy! I even love the name!

Next…

Here I used the NEW Party Music, Musical Motifs, Heart of Hearts, Sweet Heart, Queen of Hearts and Alphabet Soup dies. (I just used the heart cut from the center of the Queen of Hearts die) I cut the Cupid Heart out of red card-stock and it is glued on the inside of the card behind the Heart of Hearts that is cut directly in the white notecard.

Next…

Here I used the NEW Grand Happy Birthday, Norwich Corner and Lunette Butterfly dies. I cut the corner die twice, left one complete and cut one up to use here and there.

I LOVE these Grand word dies… there is also a New Grand Thank You! yep…tons of AWESOME NEW product! The dies cut wonderfully!

Believe it or not…that was my last card for today! lol Now to make some more with the NEW stencils.

Linking to the Addicted to CAS challenge blog…Die Cuts
Keep it Simple …Anything Goes
Shopping Our Stash …Something New
Papertake Weekly …Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by and letting me share with you! Makes my heart happy!

Supplies I used…

Yorkshire Tree	Yorkshire Tree background	Cherish Border	Library Alphabet Tags	twine SLS	Perky Poppy	Piano Border
Just a Note SLS	Party Music	Musical Motifs	Alphabet Soup	Sweet Heart die	Queen of Hearts	Heart of Hearts
Cupid Heart die	Grand Happy Birthday	Norwich Corner	Lunette Butterfly	2014 MB Stencils SLS	2014 MB Dies	2014 MB Stencils BM
QK Magnetic die holder	Big Shot BM	Magnetic Platform	standard cutting mats	tan embossing mat	Tuxedo Black	*Memory Box JUST A NOTE Rubber Stamp B1852
Copic Sketch Markers DB	Tombow Mono Multi Glue	adhesive pick up	ATG tool	atg refill	3d foam squares	Thin 3d foam squares
white mt squares	tweezers	stylus set	pick me up tool	stampamajig	craft sheet	ruler
fiskars trimmer	cutter bee	Mini scoreboard	SSS Teflon Bone Folder

InLinkz.com

Memory Box · Video

Memory Box Stencils and Dies Video…

January 4, 2014May 15, 2014 Pam Sparks13 Comments

A few have emailed with questions about what the NEW Memory Box stencils are like. I’m showing you what they look like out of the package in this short video… several dies at the end also! yay for new!

*****

Dies and Stencils…

TFL! Be watching…next week is the Blog Blitz on the Memory Box blog, I’ll be posting here too.

Memory Box · Video

Memory Box Delightful Peony Video…

January 3, 2014May 15, 2014 Pam Sparks26 Comments

Here’s a video for the card I posted yesterday… holler if you have any questions! TFL!

Dies and Stencil I used… Blue Moon links (Starlitstudio coming soon!)

InLinkz.com

cards · Memory Box · Spring

Memory Box… NEW, NEW, NEW!

January 2, 2014January 4, 2014 Pam Sparks32 Comments

Oh happy day! Time for the NEW Memory Box ‘Creative Elegance’ 2014 Papercrafters Collection release! So if we can’t do Christmas… let’s ‘think Spring’! lol Memory Box Blog Blitz starts next week!

Lots of flowers in this collection…you’re going to love it!

I used the Delightful Peony Outline die and Delightful Peony Background die. I need to make a video of what I did. I’m afraid my ‘word’ explanation would just be to confusing! It’s easy though and fun!

See the New MESH stencil behind the Peony?! Love it! I taped it down with Washi tape and used three Distress inks to color it in. First Wild Honey, then Worn Lipstick randomly and then Peeled Paint around the edges. Warning….too much Peeled Paint on the pink, well, it kinda makes khaki! We like khaki…ok! lol

Don’t you love the new Eva Stem though… so delicate and feminine!

And this Happy Birthday Extravaganza die is so cool! These dies cut like a dream! woohoo!

Thanks for stopping by today… so fun to share…can’t wait to see what you make with the new dies too! TFL!

Supplies I used…Blue Moon links below (Starlitstudio coming soon!)

InLinkz.com

Birthday · cards · copics · Distress Ink coloring · Fall · LOVE · Magnolia · Memory Box · Perfect Layers Tools · rubber stamps · Spring · Step card · Valentine

Some of My Favorite Creations for 2013…

January 1, 2014January 7, 2014 Pam Sparks15 Comments

Debby has a linky party for your Favorite Five creations for 2013 going on HERE… I tried to keep it to five but it didn’t work. I stopped at 12! lol

Catered Crop has a remembering 2013 linky party HERE…

AND… I started a Facebook page for my blog… click over to like it if you have time!

Welcome Winter ATC’s

_MG_6389-001
Tilda with Mittens

Love Snowman

Tilda with Heart Arrows

Tilda Hiding Heart

Meadow Bird with a Spring Song

Jasper Leaves

Mannequin in the Rain

Tilda with Lace Flag

Marvelous Bridge Step card

Just a Note

Chess Tilda

Happy New Year to you friends, kindred stampers and papercrafters! TFL! Looking forward to more in 2014! Be watching…Memory Box new designs coming soon! Blog Blitz starts the 6th!