Black & White Flopsey

It feels so good to be back in my stamp room after our vacation. I didn't take any stamping stuff with me this time because we were moving around a lot, driving to visit both our families in Ontario, so I really wouldn't have had time to stamp anyway.

But, when we got home, my Bubble Bunny from MFT was waiting for me in the mailbox so I decided to get him inky right away. I thought it would be fun to use this Flopsey with the Black & White challenge in the MFT forum on Splitcoast.

I started by rooting through my paper collection and pulled out all the black and white patterned paper...I have way more than I thought I did! I ended up using some Bo Bunny paper along with solids of black, grey and white. The challenge says it's ok to use shades of grey and there can be some colour in the image, but everything else must be black and white.

Flopsey is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and coloured with Lyra pencils. I wanted to keep the colours on the image soft and I find it's easier to do that with pencils instead of copics. If you look closely you can see that the bubbles have a hint of light pink. I added some Hero Arts gemstones to the bath tub...shouldn't everyone have a sparkly tub?!?

The card base is 5 inches square. I ran the grey piece through my Tiny Bubbles Cuttlebug folder then added some ribbon from my stash. I layered some Primas onto a ghost flower and finished it with a black brad.

I don't often think of using only black, white and grey, but I really like how this turned out! Thanks for the challenge Joanne and Christina!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Dancing Bellarific Friday

Happy Bellarific Friday!

Paulabella created a fun sketch for this week's challenge and here's how I interpreted it.

I've been wanting to use my new-to-me Pierrette Pointy Toes image from Stamping Bella ever since it arrived a few weeks ago and this seemed like the perfect sketch for her. I chose some very girly patterned paper to go with her...I think it's Imaginisce but I'm not certain, and unfortunately I can't check because I'm writing this post as we're away on vacation...we'll be heading home by the time this post is published though.

I stamped Pierrette with Memento Tuxedo Black and coloured her with copics. I thought it would be cute to give her a polka dotted skirt so I paper pieced that part. I added a little Glamour Dust to her wings and cut her out with Octagon Nestabilities. She's layered onto a scallop octagon of pink pirouette...hey, even the name of that cardstock is about dancing...too funny!

The white card base is 5 inches square. I layered some papers then added lots of piercing both around the image and around the base layers. Instead of using a split sentiment like the sketch showed I decided on lots of girly Primas...how could I resist since I had some polka dot ones! A couple of Fuschia Bella Bonbons finish off the flowers nicely.

I can't wait to see what everyone else came up with for this sketch. We'll have to pop over to Bloggabella for a peek!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Marching Bellas

When I saw the Marching Bandabellas I just had to have them, for two reasons.........

First, they're Bellas of course! Second, they bring me back to my university days...yes, I was in the marching band at university. Sigh...I know...but it was actually quite fun and not so easy to play the french horn and march in a straight line at the same time. I remember doing the halftime shows at the football games. Ok wait, I need to redeem myself a little...I also played varsity sports...not the popular sports though, I was on the badminton team...LOL! Alright, one more while I'm at it...I was editor of the yearbook in high school. So there you have it...Geek with a capital G! LOL!!! I like to think all of that shaped me into who I am today though. :)

Enough about me...I chose the bella with the trumpet cause it's a brass instrument like the french horn. She's stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and coloured with copics, then I cut her out with oval Nestabilities. I added gold lame Smooch to the instrument to make it look more like brass.

The patterned paper is Cosmo Cricket Early Bird...LOVE it! I thought the colours kinda screamed marching band uniform. Although after I was done the card I thought I should have made it in my university colours...oh well! I ran the Prism Sunflowers Medium through my swiss dots Cuttlebug folder before layering it onto riding hood red. I thought the sentiment was just perfect for this card so I did my fave banner thing and added a sparkly blue button from my stash.

Did you play along with this week's Bellarific Challenge? Paulabella designed a fabulous sketch which you can see on Bloggabella and you have until today at 5pm to email your submission to Em, so play along!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Taylored Expressions-It's Release Day!!!

Yippeeee! It's finally here...release day at Taylored Expressions and there are two fabulous new stamp sets, Berries and Cherries and Chillax. Today you'll find the Baker's Dozen showing samples of both sets.

I decided to use the Berries and Cherries along with the Berries and Cherries Key Ingredients for my project today. I know I say this all the time, but I truly love the Key Ingredients because everything coordinates beautifully.

I wanted to make a little gift package for some chocolate covered berries so I created a little box to hold a cello bag filled with chocolates. The little box was super quick and easy...it's just a 2-4-6-8 box, but I altered the dimensions to 3-6-9-12 so it would be a little bigger. I used my 1 3/4" circle punch to create a window in the front of the box then decorated it with a few strips of paper and some ribbon from the Berries and Cherries Key Ingredients. I stamped the row of cherries along the bottom with red ink and the sentiment with Memento Rich Cocoa. I used my 1 3/4" circle punch again to create a reverse scalloped edge along the top of the box then assembled it using Sticky Tape.

Next I created a fun tag to attach to the bag of chocolate covered berries. Did you know that the circle in Berries and Cherries coordinates with the 1 3/4" circle punch? How fabulous is that!?! Oh, and you can also use the 1 3/4" circle punch with lots of images in the Chillax set too, just take a look at my post from yesterday! Ok, back to the tag...I stamped the strawberry with Memento Rich Cocoa onto Choice Snow White, coloured it with copics, then cut it out. Taylored Expressions is now selling Copic Sketch markers and Spica Glitter Pens...wooo hoo! Check it out here! I stamped the circle onto Razzleberry Medium from the Berries and Cherries Key Ingredients and punched it out with the 1 3/4" circle punch. I used Foam Tape to pop the strawberry for dimension then attached it to the bow with a jump ring.

I moved on to creating the card after my package was all complete. I really like the layout of my card in yesterday's post so I decided to duplicate it with the cherry images from Berries and Cherries. I stamped the circle three times and punched it out with the 1 3/4" circle punch. I'm into the 'out of the box' look for images lately so I wasn't fussed when the entire bowl of cherries didn't fit into the circle...I placed it offset instead. Both cherry images are stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and coloured with copics. They're also both popped on Foam Tape for dimension then I added the sentiment to the center circle.

Here's the detail shots of the cherries.

The white card base measures 3.25 x 6.5 inches. I added a few layers of solid colours, a strip of patterned paper and some yummy ribbon to finish it off. All the supplies I used on both the card and the box are from the Berries and Cherries Key Ingredients.

Taylor is offering a fabulous Berries and Cherries Bundle full of amazing products at a great value, so be sure to check it out. And if you haven't already done so, you really should sign up for the Taylored Expressions Newsletter for all the latest and greatest! You'll find the sign up box on the TE homepage.

You can see plenty more samples using Berries and Cherries and Chillax by visiting the rest of the Baker's Dozen.

Ana Wohlfahrt

Charmaine Ikach

Dawn Easton

Denise Marzec

Donna Baker

Jen del Muro

Jodi Collins

Karen Giron

Laura Fredrickson

Laurie Schmidlin

Sankari Wegman

and Taylor Van Bruggen

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 2-Chillax

The Baker's Dozen is showcasing another super fun new set from Taylored Expressions...Chillax.

This set just screams summer fun. I picked up a four-pack of mini Margarita bottles at my local liquor store and decided to alter them using the Chillax set. My friend Joanne and I keep saying that we need to get together for margaritas...seriously, we've been saying this for months now, so one day I'm gonna show up on her doorstep with my little four-pack all decorated up and she won't be able to say no.

In keeping with the margarita colours, I reached for my Basic Grey Lime Rickey paper and paired it with some Prism Intense Kiwi and Sunflowers Medium for my colour palette. I started by wrapping the box with cardstock. Then I stamped the lime image with Versamark, embossed it with white powder and added a strip of patterned paper. Next I stamped the chillax definition with Memento Tuxedo Black onto Choice Snow White and cut it out with scissors. I highlighted the words "chillax" and "groovy" with a swipe of green and yellow marker. I stamped the lime a second time, coloured it with copics and popped it for dimension. Then I adhered the definition to some Prism Intense Kiwi which I cut out with my new-to-me Labels Nestabilities.

Then I moved on to decorating the bottles. I wrapped the neck and covered the label with more Prism Sunflowers Medium then added a strip of patterned paper to coordinate with the box. I tied some fun apple polka dot ribbon around the neck of each bottle then I stamped the margarita glass onto Choice Snow White and coloured it with copics. I used my 1 3/4" circle punch to punch out the image then adhered it to the bottle. Fun, quick, and easy!

Last thing I did was make the card, and this idea came to me as I was decorating the margarita bottles. I just couldn't make a decision on which image to use so I thought it would be fun to create an equation.

I stamped the lemons, blender and margarita onto Choice Snow White and coloured them with copics. Then I cut out each image and adhered it with foam tape to three yellow circles (I used my 1 3/4" circle punch for the circles). My layout is a variation of TECC75. My card base is 3.25 x 6.5 inches. I created the + and = symbols using black cardstock and my SU slot punch.

Here's the detail shots of the three images...I used my clear glaze pen on the 'glass' of the blender.

Once all the images were in place I stamped the sentiment and pierced all around the green base. I'm really happy with how this card turned out and the layout is so fun!

This brand new Chillax set will be available at Taylored Expressions starting Wednesday, August 5th from 8am Pacific. Now let's go see what the other gals have created.

Ana Wohlfahrt

Charmaine Ikach

Dawn Easton

Denise Marzec

Donna Baker

Jen del Muro

Jodi Collins

Karen Giron

Laura Fredrickson

Laurie Schmidlin

Sankari Wegman

and Taylor Van Bruggen

I'll see you tomorrow with another fun project for release day!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 1-Berries and Cherries

I'm so happy it's time for another Taylored Expressions release...it seems like it's been so long since the last one since we skipped July because of Taylor's move.

Today is Day 1 of the sneak peeks and the Baker's Dozen is showcasing the new Berries and Cherries set and the Berries and Cherries Key Ingredients.

The images in this set are soooooooo yummy and perfect for all kinds of cards and projects. For my card today I chose to work with the basket of strawberries. I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black onto Choice Snow White (included in the key ingredients) then coloured it with copics. I cut out the image with Labels Three Nestabilities. The two berries outside of the basket are popped for dimension. I used an old Mojo Monday sketch for the layout.

The patterned papers in the Berries and Cherries Key Ingredients are so colourful and the images are just adorable! I chose to pair the sparkly dotted paper with the blue patterned paper and layered them onto light blue Prism. I added a layer of Intense Kiwi under the blue patterned paper. The Berries and Cherries Key Ingredients also includes coordinating ribbon and some sweet Doodlebug strawberry brads. I added one of the brads to my ribbon then stamped the sentiment above the red panel.

This new set and key ingredients will be available at Taylored Expressions on Wednesday, August 5th from 8am Pacific time. I'll have more to show you with this set on release day, but for now let's pop over and see what the rest of the Baker's Dozen has cooked up with this adorable Berries and Cherries set.

Ana Wohlfahrt

Charmaine Ikach

Dawn Easton

Denise Marzec

Donna Baker

Jen del Muro

Jodi Collins

Karen Giron

Laura Fredrickson

Laurie Schmidlin

Sankari Wegman

and Taylor Van Bruggen

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Ketto Kisses

Happy Bellarific Friday!

Here's my submission for this week's sketch, provided by the talented Lindabella.

Poor little Madeline Ketto has been in my collection since the Kettos were released but hasn't seen any ink yet, so this was the perfect sketch for her! First thing I did was trim my white panel to the size I wanted, then I stamped Madeline with Memento Tuxedo Black. I stamped her a second time so I could pop her dress for dimension. She's coloured with copics and I used my clear glaze pen on her wings, but then I wondered if a little glitter would stick. Well it does, and I managed to spill out a pile of glitter so her wings are completely covered...not really the look I was going for but I still like it.

I was in a total "bright colours" mood so I chose some American Crafts paper to work with. The layers are all stitched and I tucked the sentiment under the image panel before added the row of green scalloped paper. A little bright green ribbon from my stash and three Baby Blue Bella Bonbons finish the card nicely.

Don't forget to pop over to Bloggabella and see all the submissions for this week's challenge. It's always so much fun to see what everyone comes up with! Oh...and how about that release yesterday...awesome!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Sending Hugs

I made this card on the weekend and sent it to my bud Jodi after hearing that they had to put their dog down...SO sad! I knew she'd be needing some hugs and I thought this card just might brighten her day a little. I used Cindy Haffner's Dare to Get Dirty sketch for the layout.

I started by stamping Huggy Bellas with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colouring it with copics. I used my circle Nestabilities to cut them out then I pierced all around, 'cause I was making it for Jodi and she's the queen of piercing!

The patterned papers are My Mind's Eye Dazzled and I stitched around the squares to secure them in place. The sentiment is also from Stamping Bella, then I added some ribbon from my stash and five pumpkin Glitter Dots to balance the bow.

Stamping Bella is releasing new images today and Em will be posting them on Bloggabella, so be sure to pop over and have a peek and maybe do a little shopping too while you're there! AND...there's FREE SHIPPING until August 5th...use code "julyfs".

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Sweet Angel Teddy

Today I have a sweet card to share with you that I made especially for my Baker's Dozen pal Charmaine. She had a baby girl recently and this is my congratulations card for her. I hope she received it before I show it here. I used the Weekend Sketch Challenge #90 hosted by Laurie for the layout.

I knew I wanted to use my Beary Special set from Taylored Expressions (which appears to be out of stock right now) and since Charmaine had a girl I thought it would be perfect to use the angel wings with the bear. I stamped the bear first onto Choice Snow White then masked him and stamped the wings. I stamped the bear again onto papers from the Easter Key Ingredients...LOVE the colours in this Key Ingredients...so I could paper piece the bear. I coloured the wings with a very light pink copic. A little glitter was all this sweet teddy needed on her wings.

For the sentiment I used my stamp-a-majig and combined two sentiments from the set, then I cut it out with my Tags Trio and tucked it under a fabulous flower I received from Jodi (Thank Jodi!). The card base is 5 inches square. The card needed a little more bling so I added a pink rhinestone brad to the flower and five Crystal Twinkles around the image.

Congratulations again Charmaine!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Flirty Francine Flapper

Happy Monday! Isn't this image just darling?!?

I must confess, I didn't love Stamping Bella's Francine Flapper when she was first released...what!!!...how could that be...she's so cute! But she's definitely grown on me over the months, to the point where I absolutely had to add her to my Bella collection. :)

I decided she'd be perfect for Jen's Sketch For You To Try. I started by stamping Francine Flapper with Memento Tuxedo Black once onto white cardstock and again onto the plaid paper from Basic Grey's Lemonade 6x6 pack. Francine is mostly coloured with copics and I paper pieced the largest part of her dress. Her little sandals were screaming for some bling and I added a little bling to the scarf on her head too. I used my YG25 copic to colour three clear rhinestones so they'd coordinate with her outfit. I used my new-to-me Labels Nestabilities to cut her out and stitched her to a layer from the Lemonade pack.

I went a little sewing crazy and decided each layer needed stitching, but I like the look of it. I layered Rose Red onto the white card base then added another pattern from Lemonade. The two green panels are Kiwi Kiss then I stamped the sentiment "so happy we're friends" onto the plaid pattern. I thought this sentiment was perfect for her, the way her leg is kicked up and her hands in the air, she's definitely happy about something...LOL! I added two pink orchid Bella Glitter Dots on each side of the sentiment to help it stand out a little.

Stamping Bella has a new release this coming Thursday...wooo Hooo!!! Em's got a sneak peek on Bloggabella today and she says she'll be teasing us with more peeks before the release, so go check it out!

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen