Thank You card!

Today I am sharing a thank you card that has rainbow colors (hope you are not tired of it!) , partial use of the chevron stamp (called Zig Zag)....and a great sentiment from this set Big Ticket. Ta-da! 

It is a fun card to make! Have you been overwhelmed by the large background stamp? This is one easy way to use it! Emboss Resist and then cut it up....and now you see what happens! I am linking this up to Moxie Fab World's Thank you card Challenge while I am at it. 

I will be back tomorrow with "How I Stretch My Stamps" series #2! 

See you then!

CAS-ual Fridays #59

Hello Friends! It's CAS-ual Fridays time again!

Our Sponsor:

 Theme: Round and Round: use 2 circles in your design (a circle shaped card can count as one of the circles)

Sponsor: The Twinery

I incorporated two circles into this card. One with the masking and one with the twines. This is actually the revised version, my original design has 6 circles and that will not fit into the challenge. Thankfully I can tweak a bit and didn't have to re-make the entire card-phew!

Hope you get inspired to join the challenge! Please link up your CAS project/card to CAS-ual Fridays by noon, eastern Time,  July 5, Thursday. I can't wait to see your TWO-circle design! I will be back for "How I Stretch My Stamps" (series 2) on Sunday! 

Hello!!

 Well,  HELLO!!!! It's a hello card today,... and it's all about stamping! The latest Stamp It issue is out now. I am joining the fun over Moxie Fab World's challenge to create a Hello card with stamping as the main focus. If you have this issue, do check out the manly card on page 50---NOT to be missed (LOL)!! Honestly, I love all of my submissions for that Stamp It publication call, but that birthday card was my lucky one to get picked!!

Card stock: Bazzill Basics, kraft and white (Recollections)

Stamps: Farmer’s Market, Envelope Pattern by Hero Arts

Inks: Hero Hues (black) Dye ink, Soft Apricot Shadow Ink by Hero Arts

Accessories: SRM Press (sentiment), Perfect Pearl Dimensional Glue by Ranger

Fibers: ribbons (Sunshine, Earth, Foliage) by Hero Arts

1. Make card from card stock

2. Stamp the rooster image with apricot shadow ink. Stamp the envelope pattern with black ink and then make two stamps “kiss”

3. Then stamp the rooster onto white paper

4. Apply sentiment and dimensional glue on image, let dry

5. Add small loops of ribbons on top and bottom, adhere to card stock

So what do you think? Hope you are having a great day! Dr. John's office is going through some changes and I will be busier next week. If I don't stop by your blog in the next few days, you know I am busy slaving away at Dr. John's office...not because I am stamping (oh I wish!!). 

Here are the "How I Stretch My Stamps" challenge entries. Check them out while you here!

Hexagons--again!

After my previous card with the Runway Inspired Challenge, I am back with a different take on the challenge (more details here )! I absolutely love the colors!

I am at another hexagon kick again.....

It's shocking how little stamping was required in this card. I pop dotted the tiny hexagons (with Glossy Accent) for the extra interest.
edited note: I am linking this card to Hooked on Hexagons Challenge over Moxie Fab World. 

 I managed to stamp a little heart over the letter" i". It felt weird not to have stamping on a card (LOL)! Lastly, I have a card that is featured over Clear and Simple Stamp iPhone App today!

Here is  the sneak peek!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

hello sunshine!

Just sharing two scramble cards that I made in a Scramble Challenge over Hero Arts Flickr group (see here and here) a while ago. The 1st card's challenge was to make a card with the use pattern paper and put something over the edge! This card took about 40 min to complete. The design and ideas came fairly quickly, but the execution part took longer than expected as I had trouble lining everything up exactly. If you like to know the conversation that I had with my son David during the scramble, please click on the card ( it will take you straight to my Flickr site).

 The theme for the 2nd card was to incorporate the color combo, summery theme and Emboss Resist technique. I made this one within half hour!

With these two cards, I thought it would be fun to have some summer music to go along...I have always loved John Denver's songs while growing up in Taiwan. These two cards reminds me of his song "Sunshine on My Shoulders"! It's such an oldies, but a goodie!

 If you do not care for the oldies, here is a newer song that makes me super happy!! I am quite inspired by the colors (warm earth tones with a pop of dark red) in the beach scene!

Have you checked out the "How I Stretch My Stamps" Challenge (on the top sidebar)? I'd love to see how you make your stamps work for you! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day with lots of sunshine! 

Runway Inspired Challenge # 14

I can't helping taking part in the Runway Inspired Challenge after seeing this lovely lovely shoe photo. Can you blame me? More details here . The DT's cards really knock my socks shoes off, to say the least!

I chose one of the shopping bag image from this set called Style is Eternal. The three images are stamped in TH Distress Inks ( Worn Lipstick, Tattered Rose) and Hero Arts (Field Greens). I used a piece shiny vellum for the backing of the images. Photographing this card was hard because of the shine/reflection! I hope your eye sights are not damaged due to the brightness! 

Lastly, I am sharing one of my favorite summer deserts--Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler.
 The colors of this photo (before baking) are close to the shoe photo, too, huh!?

 After baking (with the topping) for 50 min., this is what it looks like. Glorious!

Do you know that I started a series of posts called "How I stretch my Stamps" yesterday!? Details are here and at the top side bar. Please check it out if you have not done so already.

 Hope you are enjoying the summery day! 

How I Stretch My Stamps ( Series 1)

The new on line class "Stretch Your Stamps" has me all intrigued! For me, one of the MANY fun things about stamping is seeing the possibilities of the stamps. In the past, I mentioned the following  in my blog:  "Ask not what your stamps can do for you - ask what you can do for your stamps". I think it works both ways, don't ya think? When you look at buying a stamp, do you love it at first sight? Or you take the versatility of the stamps into the consideration more? I think I do both. First, I have to like the stamps (obviously) and if it intrigues me, then why!? YES! But to stretch your stamping dollar, we all have to choose the stamps wisely. Some stamps offer few images and it's hard to make various use out of it. Some can look unappealing, but if you look at the potential use, it is full of possibilities!

In the next few weeks, I am going to look through my cards and highlight a few ideas. You may have seen some of the cards. So this is a review if you are new to stamping or new followers to my blog. The best thing is, my posts and my ideas shared here are FREE! Yippee!

Tip #1: Use partial images--in other words, do not always use the image as it IS.

I used the partial leaf images to create banners. And you can also use only part of the background stamp to make it work for your projects.

 You do not need to flaunt it all.
 
Using part of the stamp is pretty effective, don't you think?
 
In this case, you get more mileage with your stamps. You can use part of a background stamp as a focus also.
 
So what do you think? If this inspire you, I love to see your take! Inlinkz is provided below, please link up your work and share with the fellow bloggers/stampers. It does not have to be a new creation, as long as you show how YOU stretch your stamps, you are more than welcome to link it up. There will be a prize to a randomly selected winner
 Want 2 Scrap ($25 US gift certificate)

 AND fun and inspiration! This challenge will run for a month, so it will allow us to have plenty of time to join the fun. I will be posting more ideas every Sunday (till 22nd) and keep the theme going.
Are you ready? Set? Stamp!
Edited: Please mention in your post that you are linking it to "How I Stretch My Stamps" and feel free to use the text bird logo.

Maximize the Diecut and Heros Card Drive!

 One of the versatile elements of a stamp and diecut combo is that you can re-create and re-producing them in multiples effortlessly. You can totally make your own chipboard and customize your need to suit any design. Here is my take.

You can, of course, use pop dots for this design and still achieve the similar dimensions. But the solid base of the flowers do make the flower more of a stand out.

Card stock: white (Michael’s), Bazzill Basics

Stamps: Antique Flowers and Butterflies by Hero Arts-Sizzix, (sentiment) Type by Hero Arts

Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Vintage photo, Bundled Sage, Spiced Marmalade, Fire Brick, Antique Linen, Scattered Straw) by Ranger

Tools: Tim Holtz Design Ruler, Cuttlebug by Provo Craft, Paper Piercer (Making Memories)

Accessories: gems by Hero Arts

 Make card from card stock

2.    Stamp Dogwood flowers in three colors (yellow, brown and orange) and layer 3 extra die cuts for each flower

3.    Stamp leaves in the background, adhere the flowers

4.    Paper piece holes around the borders, stamp sentiment

5.    Add gems

 Lastly, I want to mention this Heros Card Drive organized by the talented Laurel Beard. Please check out the link Heros Card Drive and see how you can help with the meaningful card drive!  Here are the guidelines of the cards that are needed: NO STORE BOUGHT CARD, ABSOLUTELY NO GLITTER,   KEEP IT RELATIVELY FLAT, LEAVE THE INSIDE BLANK, DO NOT SEAL THE ENVELOPE. 

Send cards to: 

Laurel Beard

P. O. Box 15198

Jacksonville, FL 32239
I am planning to send this card along with others to Laurel for this worthy card drive. If you have cards to spare, your donations will be much appreciated!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

CAS-ual Fridays #58

Welcome to CAS-ual Fridays! I think you are going to LOVE the challenge this week!

Theme: Pretty In Pink-June 23 is National Pink Day so we're doing pink designs

Sponsor: Ribbon Carousel

 The oval frame is from this set called Sweet Threads Label . It was embossed in white on pink paper and then cut out. I created my own sentiment from different sheets of SRM Stickers. 
 May Arts Ribbons add so much pizazz into this card, don't you think?  This card is perfect for a girl, pre-teen, teenagers..or a lady of any age really!  Hope you join the fun with us! Please link up your CAS project to CAS-ual Fridays by noon on June 28, Thursday Eastern time. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Around the Clock

I woke up to some happy news this morning (see here ). Wow, am I ever surprised! I think it does pay to have a rainbow kick after all!? Heehee! Onto the card today...

I have this stamp set called Special Time (by Hero Arts) and I do not use the set nearly enough. Here is the first time it is making a debut in my little blog. This card was initially made for Paper Crafts call and was a reject. It was my last minute submission for Stamp It issue. It was like...try anything, do anything moment as the deadline was fast approaching in a few hours! Even though it was not chosen, I still kind of like it! Thankfully I do have a card picked up for that upcoming issue. I bet that issue is going to be amazing!!

I took a fast and easy approach to this card. The white-embossed clock image is very striking against the brown card stock. The zig zag line is actually from SRM Stickers.
Thank you so much for your TIME to make a visit to my blog day in and day out. Your encouraging comments always make me smile!

Teachers and Grads

It's that time of the year...Today I am sharing some SRM Tubes made for Teachers and Grads. 

And for the Teachers....

These stickers and tubes are really handy to use. With a bit of thoughts and planning, I know these will warm the teacher's hearts. I am linking up the projects to Simon Says Stamps Challenge (ANYTHING BUT A CARD). Thanks for stopping by!

Embellish Challenge

The latest Embellish challenge has HAPPY written all over it. Literally. All you do is add the word "happy" and follow the color scheme, that's it! See details here.

I got some more new alcohol inks (Yay!!) and had some fun mixing up the colors. After I made the pink/rose combination, I decided to emboss the butterfly (from Bold Pop Designs ) in white and make the diecut. I find that the hardest part of working with alcohol inks is to see the possibilities beyond the exotic mix of colors and shades. When in doubt, just stamp or emboss something, anything and everything.....often you will love the results! The butterfly was made a while ago. It was just sitting on my my craft desk....I saw the color combo and "bam"--another card was made! (sorry if I sounded like chef Emeril--LOL)!

 The background was stamped with my new Market Street stamp called Vintage Notepad .
I stamped (criss-cross) the background and made it like a grid. I love making square cards. This one was super fun to make! The staples are from Making Memories which comes in assorted colors. I got it a while ago as it was on sale for $3 ( I couldn't resist). Not sure if you can see the pink and yellow staples on! I used my go-to sentiment from SRM Stickers!
 Happy Day is.....when you make a card that you are happy with :)

City Crafter Challenge #113

 If you are stopping by for Lawnscaping Challenge (Color Splash), please go here .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 I have not been feeling particularly creative in the last few days despite the fact that I do post almost every day (LOL)! However, this little blog will have a rest in August. But before August comes along, please bear with me :)

As I was doing my usual blog surfing and visiting this morning, I saw the challenge over City Crafter Challenge, the theme is to make card/project with at least 5 buttons. All of a sudden, I felt the NEED to create a button card. So off I go....

I have been hoarding these tiny buttons for over a year now. Finally I put them into good use.

The stamp set I used is from Clear and Simple Stamp called Craft Room. At first I was going to do some masking, but the jar-pouring idea came to my mind while I was playing. I am pleased with the result. The colorful stripes are stamped with the scrap pieces that came from a different set. It's a GOOD save!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Guest Design at Lawnscaping--take 2!

This is my 2nd (and last ) guest design challenge over Lawnscaping. I have been having so much fun looking through all the entries. Well, it's time to start a new one. This new challenge is fun, fun, fun!

The theme is Color Splash. In case you wonder, what is color splash? It is actually a photography feature. You an see some images from this link and will get the idea. Fun, huh?

Here is my interpretation. Basically I created a white on white background. All you see is the textured background with the very two vibrant butterflies as the main image. I used pink and red  alcohol inks on regular card stock and left a bit of white to show the contrast of the colors. With two butterflies, I think the anniversary sentiment seems perfect for this design

I used the Ranger's Liquid Pearl Dimensional Glue to add the droplets of details on the butterflies. The SRM stickers are perfect for applying sentiment over the white embossed flower images. I hope this inspired you to get creative!

Lastly, I want to thank Lawnscaping for giving me this chance to guest design along with the super talented DT! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Happy Father's Day, Dr. John!

Hope you are having a fabulous Father's Day weekend! My father passed away two years ago. He was the one who instilled the joy of learning in me and inspired me to be the best that I can be. I miss him dearly. Today I want to give a little shout out to my hubby-  Dr. John. What can I say? He is just the best father anyone could ask for (although I might be a bit biased hehe). Dr. John is supportive, sweet, funny, loving and wise! He is the go-to person in our family for proof-reading/editing and giving sage advice. I know he definitely got some of these traits from my beloved Father-in-law Benjamin. Dr. John is gentle and never forces his views/will on the children. He guides our children with his points and is never harsh. He simply loves seeing the kids smile! And the best thing is, Dr. John and the kids "get" each others' humor. They laugh together all. the. time.  Here is a recent blog post from my daughter Stephanie on her Dad.

Crime and punishment

You know it’s time to move out when your Dad pretends to look appalled when you grab not one, but four, rolls of toilet paper from the cabinet…

Hey, that gives me an idea for Father’s Day!

Just kidding. 

I know you’re reading this.

I love you Daddy!

With that, I am sharing a card that I made for Dr. John on this very special day.

I hope Dr. John will not mind that I took his office supplies (again). (haha... I have a reputation for that). Those post-it notes are truly Washi tape in disguise! Cut off the tabs "sign here" and you've got an arrow with lots of possibilities.
 Supplies: Bazzill Basics, kraft ( Micheal's), SRM Stickers (sentiment and stars), Gina K Pattern Paper (Casual Friday), Post-It tabs,Glossy Accent (on stars), Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Past Time (Hero Arts)

A young Dad with Stephanie and David (circa 1996).

 Canoeing last summer at Lake Louise, Alberta.

Taking a sneak peek at Afternoon Tea.

Happy Father's Day, Dr. John!

Winners!!!

Thank you for entering the "Yes, Virginia...I'm Inspired Challenge". There are 54 cards entered for this rainbow-themed challenge. Each one of them is creative and inspiring. I decided to have two winners (instead of just one) for this challenge. It would have been HARD to choose a favorite, so I resorted to a random draw thanks to the wonderful InLinkz feature! (drum roll, please!)

 Winner #1

Vicky ( clips-n-cuts) 

 Winner #2 

Emily Niehaus

Congratulations! You each will receive this issue of Card Creations (Vol. 10) and two sheets of SRM Stickers

And lastly, here is prize from Moxie Fabber of the Week post.
Winner is...
Kara Lynne said...

I love the fact that you are so open about the process of card making. Seeing your first entry and your latest published card speaks volumes! It gives us all encouragement, really. I also love that you see design in everyday things, like a salad!

 Thank you so much for participating and make my blog such a fun and exciting place to hang out. Not sure if you are interested in "Yes, Virginia...I'm Inspired Challenge #2", I will definitely host another one in the future if you are gamed!

extras: A list of a few awesome blogs that I highly recommend. Pay them a visit and you will want to follow them if you haven't already. 

Stamp Fever (my sweet friend Nancy K. is one of the teachers and she has awesome stamping ideas ) 

clips-n-cuts (Vicky's weekly videos are inspiring and fun)

Laura B. ( I am her biggest fan. period.) 

Wida  ( a new and rising star in stamping blog world and she even made it to Gallery Idol Top 15) 

Gayatri and Suzanne: my two new CAS-Fridays DT friends. I love their styles!

 Thanks for stopping by!