This was a fun little card I made using an older Hero arts "reverse" stamp.  I first stamped the heart with Creamy Brown Clearsnap chalk ink onto a white panel, as shown.  Next I stamped the same heart using Versamark (any pigment ink would work) onto two squares of Basic Grey Life of the Party 6" x 6" paper pad and onto one white square.  Emboss each of these separate squares with Ranger Metallic Red embossing powder, place them on the front panel, and you have a fun fun card!

Can't resist it! Or can I?

This little bird (Hero Arts stamp) was one of the more popular at our Hero Arts club meeting this week.   I embossed it in Clearsnap evergreen pigment ink and with clear powder, then watercolored it using Scattered Straw, Vintage Photo, and Bundled Sage Distress Inks.  A little ribbon and a white flower complete the picture.

Since we are looking at "reverse" stamps in Hero Arts Club this month, I thought I might share this card we made in Card Factory last spring.  The peacock is a Hero Arts cling "reverse" stamp.  I inked the stamp with shades of blue and green Clearsnap pigment inks using their ink blending handle and sponges, and then stamped on white card.  I love how the white of the paper makes the peacock really pop.  After I stamped the image, I used a scallop square die to cut the image and layer it onto a larger white scallop square and over a piece of Webster's Pages vellum.  The white crinkle ribbon is from Creative Impressions, and the surrounding white flowers are from Hero Arts and Bazzill.

I decided to upload this collage I made a year or so ago.  I guess the thought of spring brought it to mind.  The picture of me is from an Easter day a long time ago.  I collaged it with Jenni Bowlin elements--bingo cards, chipboard buttons, and specialty papers.  I used my quilting iron to add melted wax to tie elements together, and the wax color is from melted crayon. I like to imagine my memories melding together like maybe wax melts in a candle, moving liquid-like through my mind, but then solidifying--always there ready to be awakened by a spark. 

This tag card uses an image transfer of scrapbook paper onto Stickyback canvas.  Consequently, the transferred image is lighter than the original image.  I backed the transferred canvas wtih black card to make it stand out.  I did this process only to show the technique--I think using the actual paper would be much more effective on the card.  It does have an interesting texture, however.  I am going to put Diamond Glaze on my little circle punches--I like this Fibermark paper punched---very cool how the pieces just fit together like a puzzle.  I wish I had colored the gear embellishment with alcohol ink first--it wouldn't have appeared so washed out against the transfer.  I think this card could be used for a "I'm late..I'm late.." for a belated birthday card.

I have wanted to use my Clearsnap foil for a long time--I just never liked the adhesive transfer choices that were available.  So I made my own adhesive image--using sticker paper and a xyron (if you are coming to Tagalicious Tuesday tomorrow I'll show you how I did it!)  I tried running red line tape through my Cuttlebug with the Tim Holtz letter die--it did not cut cleanly.  I bet the Vagabond would have worked to make a better cut.  The only thing is--that tape is so sticky I kept getting stuck to it and couldn't get loose!  However, I was successful finally in the process I chose, and I really like how the letters pop with the gold foil.  Now I know how I can make whatever image I want for foiling and not depend on manufacturer's whimsy!  Oh, the paper you ask?  The cut-outs are from Graphic 45 new Cirque paper--tres chic, no?  The background of the tag is doctored up aged mahogany distress ink. 

Steph's Card

Okay, ignore the fuzziness of the photography!  I edited the picture to get a sharper image, but the colors came out all wrong--so I will stick with this one.  This is a little card I made for my niece Stephanie's baby shower this weekend.  She is expecting her first child, a boy, in May, and she is the first of her generation in our family to have a child.  We are very excited!  She likes vintage style, so I chose the same Jenni Bowlin paper I used on her shower invitations (did I show you that one?).  I used a Martha Stewart punch for the border and stamped the little onesies in various colors of chalk ink, using the kissing and smooching technique (I will never look at a bold image the same way again!) to make patterns like cloth on the onesie.  I got the clothesline inspiration from an older Hero Arts stamp (you can't see the stamping--it's covered up by the clothesline!)  Inside the card the greeting reads "Just for You".  Now I just need to go shopping for the onesies for a gift!

Tagalicious Tuesday

Here are the two tags I will be presenting tomorrow at Tagalicious Tuesday at Stamp Antonio.  I kept with a masculine theme, as requested, although I think these would be suitable for anyone.  Some of the products used include a key die from Tim Holtz, re-inkers for the Distress Inks, Judikins Rustique Antique Iron embossing powder, and gold Perfect Pearls.   I love the look of the "inky" butterfly (Tim Holtz Urban Chic).  I also had fun with inking the key tag--thank you Stephanie for directing me to the Tim Holtz video showing his new Distress Stains.  I did not have them to use, but he gave me an idea about using the re-inkers to get a rich look to inking the tag.  Hopefully the Distress Stains will be available soon.