Tone on Tone with Technique Junkies

Hey, Inky Friends! So happy you are here to join me!

Today I am sharing an extremely quick and easy card using tone on tone.  Actually, this blog post took me longer to write than it did to make this beautiful card!

Using just two stamp sets, this card ended up being absolutely stunning.

I first stamped the Birches stamp (Technique Junkies #S686) onto some ivory cardstock using Versamark and my MISTI.  I heat embossed with some tan flecked embossing powder.  I then cut the piece to 3 7/8" x 5 1/8".

This background can be used for so many events. Dress it up for Christmas, darken it up for a scary Halloween background, or keep it simple like I did for this card.

I cut another piece of ivory cardstock and, using Memento Ink (Toffee Crunch), stamped the inside sentiment from the With Sympathy Set (Technique Junkies #SS049).  I have to say that this set has some of the most beautiful sentiments for bereavement cards.

On another scrap of ivory cardstock, I stamped "Our Deepest Condolences" from the With Sympathy Set (Technique Junkies #SS049) using Versamark ink. I heat embossed that with the tan embossing powder and cut it down to a banner 3/4" x 5 1/4".

Using foam mounting tape, I adhered the background to an A2 card made from the same ivory cardstock. The sentiment banner was then foam taped onto the background. The inside sentiment panel was adhered to the inside of the card.

Now this beautiful card will convey to someone how much we care about them and their loved ones.

I hope I inspired you today. If you'd like to see more of what Technique Junkies has to offer, just visit THIS LINK!

Til next time,
Keepin' It Inky!

Finding My Crafting Mojo

I Think I Found It!

Every crafting person goes through periods of time where they just don't have any mojo. No matter what you try, you think it looks like crap. Or you're not motivated. Or you just can't come up with a project.

The trick is knowing what to do to get yourself out of that crafting funk. What works for one won't necessarily work for another. But I know what works for me....Card Sketches!  

It just seems like if I pull out a challenge sketch and play along, things just come together. My mojo slowly creeps back. I find inspiration and excitement in crafting again. I'm lost without my therapy crafting sessions. And when I'm crafting...I find some peace and calm in the craziness called life.

So I decided to play along with Retro Sketches, #87 to be precise. Here is the sketch:

And here is my interpretation:

Retro Sketches #87

I used cardstock from the Bramble Rose collection from My Mind's Eye.  The paper "spoke" to me and I had to listen. I selected three pieces from the 6x6 paper pad and cut the pieces to fit my 4x6 white card base.

For each layer, I added some foam tape to the back to add some dimension. 

I also inked the edges of all pieces with some burgundy colored ink from Rubber Stampede. This helped to set off the edges. A few pearls added to the sentiment layer finished it off.

For the inside of the card, I used the same cardstock (actually, from the same pieces...no waste). The stamps used were from K Andrew Designs Art Stamps (Sympathic Sayings).

And my mojo?....well, let's just say it's working it's way back nicely.

Thanks for letting me share with you!

Til next time, keepin' it crafty!

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #175

It's a Sunday Challenge, but I did it on a Monday!

Hey, crafty people!  I got to play with another wonderful challenge.  Today it's from The Sweetest Thing...their Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #175.  The challenge was to use this sketch:

It just so happens that I got my Stamps Only Personal Shopper Kit from Paper Wishes today.  The kit is called Flower Silhouettes.  At first glance, I wasn't sure I was all that crazy about the set since I already have so many floral stamps.  But after this challenge card was completed, I was head-over-heels in love with it.  If you've never used HOTP clear stamps, they are wonderful quality stamps.  Ranting, I know. I'll get back on task now.

Here is the card I created:

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #175

I used white cardstock for the base of the card, the circle and the flower cutout.  The solid green paper was from my scrap stash.  The inks used were Old Olive and Pretty In Pink (Stampin' Up!) and Pink (Memories Direct).  The lovely rose background paper was from K&Company.  I was amazed at how well the stamps went with this paper.  The lace border is punched velum using a Martha Stewart punch. If you look closely at this next photo, you can see the double lace row at the bottom.

I have discovered just how much fun it is to get involved in these sketch challenges.  I hope you will join me and have some fun too!

Happy Crafting!

Just like Santa, I really do exist!

Life has been a little crazy lately.  Camping season ended so we had to pack up the camper and seasonal site.  Very anticlimactic.  Can't believe the season is over already.  Also been spending a lot of time with my mom helping her with her needs.  And then there's work, parenting, grandparenting, family, and a little sleep thrown in for good measure.  But I plan to be spending more time in my craft room now and doing a LOT more sharing.

Thought I would post a few of the projects I've worked on since I posted, just so you know I really do exist and haven't given up crafting altogether.  lol

 This is a birthday card I did for my boss.  I used my Cricut (surprise, surprise).  I didn't write down my paperstock use or cartridges or ANYTHING.  But at least you know I'm crafting, right?

 This is the inside of the card.  The caption reads "I hope that your birthday is as happy as a chimpanzee without pants."  Found that one on an internet search and thought it fit pretty well.  And, of course, the monkey wobbles.  :)  So I have shared another one of my silly videos.

This is a sympathy card I made for a friend of my mom's who passed away.  I really like how this one turned out.

And this one was a birthday card I was "commissioned" for.  LOL  Actually, I begged my boss to let me make a birthday card for him to give his wife.  Sorry, the bottom pic didn't get rotated before uploading.

 So, there you have it.  I really have been doing some crafty things.  Didn't post all of them...gotta save something in case I have another blog dry spell!

Til next time....keepin' my fingers inky and my Cricut chirpin'!  Happy crafting!