Covered Bridge in Red, White and Black

It's time to introduce you to some of my covered bridge stamps. Why covered bridges? I'm from Ohio, & I just love to go back east & check out some of the bridges I remember & even more that I don't. My favorite memories of covered bridges are all in the fall. The fall trees back east have so many beautiful colors. We do have the beautiful golden colors of the aspens here when they turn in the fall, but nothing compares to that great spectrum of colors you see back in Ohio & other eastern states.

I saw a card challenge today that wanted you to only use the colors red, white & black. I immediately knew that I wanted to do a covered bridge scene (& a Christmas one that I just got from Impression Obsession - more on that later). I usually stamp the bridges with lots of fall colors, but I knew I could make one of these stamps seem a bit more formal with these colors. By the way, I can't remember where I saw the challenge, but I finished the card anyway.


I stamped several images before I decided on this one. I tried the white on black, but I couldn't make the red pop & then I tried red on white, but the black highlights were too much. I did stamp this combination first, but as usual, I just had to try a couple more options. I'm used to putting backgrounds & colors with the covered bridge scenes, so it was hard to stop when I did. It would've taken away from the image if I added anymore which is not something I usually do. It's really time to get a new camera so the detail shows up much better, but since I'll be getting my assistance dog on the 15th, I need to get some more items for her before I can spend money on a new camera.

Card Recipe:
Stamp: Stamp Cabana
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
EP: Ranger Super Fine Detail Black
DP: The Paper Studio
Black Card Stock: Paperabilities
Polymer Image on Black Card Stock: ????
Black Paper EP: Detail Clear
Black Mulberry Paper
Red Paper: Echizen Embossed - Papers by Catherine (love the detail & shine!)
Ribbon: The Craft Studio (black & white dots) & Michael's (red sheer)
Rhinestones: Cell phone embellishment from Target

Coming next - the Impression Obsession image,
Lee

Creating from the Heart: ♥ Let's give something(s) away.....just because! ♥

Creating from the Heart: ♥ Let's give something(s) away.....just because! ♥

Wow! Can you believe this blog candy? The best part is that this isn't all of it! Hop on over to this blog & get yourself signed up now, so you don't miss out.

Lee

Playing w/Ranger Dimensional Pearls

I've been watching a lot of videos lately on YouTube since I don't have cable TV. I used to be able to get all three major networks, FOX & PBS, but now I only get ABC, NBC & three Spanish speaking channels aaarrgh! But I digress. I was watching some of the Three Peas in a Bucket videos at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n9dzc_A82k These videos are a series that talk about the Ranger line of Distress Pearls, Stickles & Dimensional Pearls. I already love these products, but thanks to these how-tos, I now can add more uses to the list.

If you like bling & have Dimensional Pearls, just squeeze out various size dots on a piece of wax paper or other release medium & then tap them with your finger on the underside to smooth out the surface texture. Let them dry overnight & then you could use them w/your favorite glue to add bling to your cards or scrapbooks. You can also store them for later use.

I love the Twinkling H20s, but their prices were getting out of hand when everyone thought they were going to discontinue them. Well, you can make your own similar products by using your Dimensional Pearls with water. Just mix the two together & apply with an aqua pen or a watercolor brush & you will have gorgeous shine & vivid colors. I love being able to use my supplies for more than one use!

Since I've been talking about medallions, I thought I'd post another example of some more cards made w/Holly Berry House medallion stamps. Both of the following two examples are made with the same stamp, the Cautious Crocus medallion. Even though I used 4 layers on each medallion, I cut them out differently. The last two pieces are cut differently to alter the look. If you can't make as intricate as cuts, the first medallion would be easier to cut. You could even cut as many as seven or eight layers with this stamp. That's what I love so much about medallions. You can just do one layer or tons of layers, or even just change the colors & you look like you are using different stamps.

Lee

More medallions from Holly Berry House

These are two Holly Berry House medallion stamps that I used to make cards earlier this year to make cards for the nursing home. I was trying to make a few special stamps each month that I let the nurses choose who to give them to, but I decided it was time to put some more time into more of the cards. Since I love doing medallions, I thought they could use them as wall art like I do with mine.

I followed the same techniques as the butterfly medallion I made for the Rubber Stamp Chat August sketch challenge. Remeber that you need to use extra fine glitter on these medallions, or you won't get the same effects. Just think what you could do with different colors of cardstock or ink. I think I want to try some of the Fall Leaves with gold embossing & painting them with either Twinkling H20s or some Ranger Dimensional Pearls watered down & used as watercolors. I saw the last technique on YouTube & I can't wait to try it out.

First card recipe:

Stamp: Holly Berry House Apples & Oranges medallion
Ink: Top Boss Embossing ink Embossing powder: CopperKate White Ultrafine Glitter: Magic Scraps Ultrafine Cardstock: Paperabilities Layered w/Pop Dots

Second card recipe:

Stamp: Holly Berry House Fall Leaves medallion stamp
Ink: Top Boss Embossing ink
Embossing powder: CopperKate White Ultrafine
Glitter: Magic Scraps Ultrafine
Cardstock: Paperabilities
Layered w/Pop Dots

Lee

Sue Coccia rubber stamps

I was blog hopping & I saw an example of Sue Coccia's rubber stamps & knew I had to see more. I went to http://www.earthartinternational.com/items.html & I couldn't believe her artistry. I just received an email from Sue Coccia about her rubber stamps. She gave me her permission to post a few examples of her amazing work. Isn't it amazing. If you look closely, she hides a ladybug in all of her work. If you're like me, I know where I'm doing my Christmas shopping for me! teehee! She also has beautiful jewelry & more!

Lee

Pictures of my Dad & Parent's Wedding

I

thought I'd share some pictures that my sister sent me the other day.

The first picture is my parent's wedding picture from 1946. Both of my parents have passed, & the maid of honor, my Aunt Thelma, just passed a couple weeks ago. Had the picture been in color, you would notice my Aunt's flaming red hair. She remained this color until her death from pneumonia. This woman was as firey as her hair. She was an administrative secretary for decades at the Cleveland Clinic. She was the first child and the first in the family to be divorced. Growing up during the Depression changed people. It made my aunt even tougher than she already was. She was one of the few family members who didn't end up with Alzheimer's Disease. Next is my dad & his twin brother. They were born on February 22, 1924. His twin died shortly after this picture from heart problems.

My mother, her mother, her first cousin & brother all were diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. When I forget things, I have to remind myself not to freak out & think I'm getting the disease early. I have enough other medical problems, so I hope I'll escape this dreaded disease.

I don't have many pictures of my childhood or family pictures because my mother lost? quite a few things due to her Alzheimer's Disease while she was still at home. Please, if you really cherish pictures, do yourself and your family a favor; make copies & label them and get them to your family members so you don't end up like my family with very little family photos.

Lee

Midnight Madness Just Because Blog Candy

Over at Midnight Madness, they are giving away 5 sets of NEW stamps! Just hop on over to Midnight Madness & follow the steps to win this fabulous blog candy! Click on the Midnight Madness logo on the sidebar to go directly to their site.

Lee

Tissue box all the way from Australia!

I just received my card from my friend, Susan, in Australia. She has a website called Paper Craft Central that you should visit. Since I'm still figuring out this blog stuff, I'm hoping you will go there if you click on the card. If not, just go to http://papercraftcentral.com/index.html I played in the found items card swap that was hosted at Rubber Stamp Chat, & fortunately Susan got me! I just love her card. I suppose you're wondering where I came up with the tissue box from Austalia. The flower & leaves were cut out from a tissue box. Next she added corrugated cardboard from a used box as well as a found button. She used kitchen twine to tie it all together as well as some foil from a candy bar wrapper that she punched for a softer touch! Don't you just love it, too!

I also wanted to mention that Tracy & Susan over at YanKiwi.com want you to know about their sale. In their own words: "YanKiwi instant discount on select stamp plates
We all need a break, so in honor of the government's efforts in the Cash for Clunkers program, YanKiwi is taking $4.50 off our Nostalgia and Wheels ect. stamp plates for ONE WEEK only. That is a whooping savings, peeps. Just like the government program, these savings won't last, no coupon needed, but sale ends Monday Aug. 24 at midnight." WOW! I love their images & wished I had TONS more! Guess this is a good time to stock up especially since they have other sales going on along with this.

Happy Stamping
Lee

Grab Bag Sale at Viva Las Vegas Stamps

Stampo wanted us to notify others about his newest sale at VLVS. Details below:

"We had a lot of unmounted rubber from other companies so have put them into Grab Bags and you can find them on our Website under Grab Bags... there are Images Only, Mixed Images and Sayings and Sayings Only. Also, we've added a large number of Unused Mounted Stamps that were overstock in our Bargain Basement at 50% off. Spread the word please!"

Click on the link to go right to the sale: http://www.stampostore.com/grab-bags/cat_7.html
Don't forget to stock up on Stampo's fabulous Miracle Tape while you're at it! Tell him Grandma Lee sent you.

Lee

Finally, a Medallion creation!

I've been working on some medallion stamp creations & decided to kill 2 birds w/one stone & enter one of the Flourishes challenge. The challenge on Rubber Stamp Chat is it's hip to be square, as pictured below. As most of us know, it costs more to send square cards over a certain size. Most of the medallions I do are very textured, so it's not wise to mail them & have the postal machines eat them up anyway. The image I choose for this card is from Holly Berry House stamps. You can purchase from them directly or through other companies online or through better rubber stamp stores. The Holly Berry House were the my first & favorite medallion images, but Outlines Stamp Co. ones are coming in a close second. I've even layered images that weren't medallions that come out beautifully. Their are some other companies like Inkadinkado & Art Rubber Stamp companies that also make medallion images. Beware! Once you get started, you may become addicted like me!

Since medallions scare most people, I thought I'd show you some of the steps. First, I stamped the image & heat embossed them several times on coordinating cardstock. I choose coordinating colors, but some people go monochromatic or even just one color. I then traced the inside lines with my finger to see where I was going to cut. The bottom layer needs to be cut about 1/8" from the edge of the embossing. The other layers need to be cut as close as possible to the embossed lines. I then stack the layers on top of each other after they are cut out to see where I will apply the ultrafine glitter. You can also paint or color the images. I prefer to use Twinkling H20s for color since they are so shimmery & very brilliant in color.

When I decide where to place the glitter, I start with the biggest layer. I apply the glue with a Zig 2 Way glue pen & then add Ultrafine glitter from Magic Scraps or Art Glitter. I also use Sailor Rolling Ball 2 in 1 Glue Pen. I just purchased some Stickles glitter glue, so I'll let you know if they work for this process. Remember, less is more especially when it comes to glitter. You can always add more later. I then add glitter to the rest of the layers & put them on top of the previous layer to see if I need to add additional bling. When I'm satisfied with my results, I use Pop Dots or any dimensional glue to layer all of the different sections.

The matting is almost as important as the image. I will use several layers of different colored squares with most of the the images, but I wanted to kick this one up a knotch so I used my decorative scissors to dress up the edges. I glue the layers together & place it on a card front.

Card recipe: Rubber - Holly Berry House, Ink - Versamark, EP - Ranger Bronze, Glitter - Magic Scraps & Art Glitter, Cardstock - Paperabilities, DP - DCWV Once Upon a Time Matstack, Brazzill textured, DCWV the Metallic Stack, Colorbok carnival pack, Adhesive- Pop Dots, Scotch taperunner & Zig 2 way glue pen & Decorative Scissors - Fiskars

I love to frame the medallion images & hang them on my walls. People don't realize I made them myself & will ask where I bought them. Beware, you will have lots of new friends when they realize that you can do this type of work.

See, it wasn't that hard to do, but it does look harder than it actually is. As you can see by my pictures, I decided not to put a fourth layer on this card. Sometimes I use one layer & others I go nuts! I still make lots of mistakes on my cuts, but I just turn it over & restamp the image or cut it up with my punches for some neat textures on the punched images. I hardly throw anything away which is more important than ever these days!

Don't forget to enter the challenge on Rubber Stamp Chat by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. There's a new one each month with some wonderful prizes!

Happy Stamping!

Lee

More Blog Candy @ Midnight Madness!

Check out some incredible Blog Candy at priscilliastyles, Home of the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge. She's going on 30,000 hits & wants to celebrate...who are we to argue! lol

Stop on in to her blog, but remember, it's MINE!!!!!!!

Grandma Lee

Best Interactive Website...with a sense of humor!

In one of my online groups, they gave a link to HEMA, which is a Dutch department store. When you check this site out, let it load & wait. Don't click on anything & you'll see why I think this site wins my award for the best interactive website.
http://producten.hema.nl/

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Grandma Lee

Blog Candy at Simon Says Stamp

I was checking out some of my normal blogs & I saw this link for some blog candy that's being offered by Simon Says Stamp. They're giving away $100 worth of new products from the CHA show in Orlando that may not be released yet! All you have to do is say something about Simon for a chance to be one of the first people to try out some wonderful new products. Hop on over to http://simonsaysstampblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/chatter-from-cha-orlando-summer-2009.html

Good luck, but thought I'd warn you that this candy has my name on it! heehee

Grandma Lee

Some New Toys to Help Me Play

I'm really hyped about all of the new toys I recently got from one of my fav sellers on eBay. I'd tell you who she is, but then I wouldn't get such good deals! teeheeheehee

As you can probably tell, I was lacking in the ink department. No more! At least until the next time. hehe Don't you just hate it when you see work done with specific ink, reinkers, paper, etc. & you don't have anything close to substitute? I usually don't have a problem drawing, painting or handcutting stuff (at least on my good days due to my Crohn's Disease & arthritis), but when you don't have the ink or pens, etc. it really makes it hard to substitute. My days as a graphic designer are over, but thanks to all of the good deals I've gotten lately I'll be playing around for quite a while!

I've been making cards each month for a local nursing home, but I think I will be changing to one of the veteran's nursing homes closer to me. Guy cards haven't been real big with me, but I'm more comfortable doing them now. With all of the great sites & blogs out there, I've picked up on a lot of techniques & ideas to help me be more confident in my masculine cards.

Well, have tons of stuff to put away now, so I better get back to work. Tomorrow I want to work on some projects that I can do now that I have the right inks!

Grandma Lee

July Sketch Challenge at RSC

I completely forgot to put the onfo & links for the card I submitted for the Rubber Stamp Chat's July Sketch Challenge. This sketch was hosted by Innovative Stamp Creations. The winner will receive one sheet of theri choice of ISC stamps! WOW! I love their stamps, so it would be nice to get a whole sheet!

You can get to their site by going to http://www.innovativestampcreations.com/ischome.html

Betsy would love it if you'd stop by & say hi!

Grandma Lee