Paper Smooches October DT Blog Hop

Paper Smooches will be releasing a new line of products next month. Check out their Blog Hop and get a chance to win $25 worth of PS products. http://papersmooches.blogspot.com

My favorites so far are:

I can't have enough of snowman stamps. I especially love the couple. You can also build your own snowman image using some of these stamps.

I have the background stamp version of this die which is one of my two PS stamps. I did try cutting those squares out using a craft knife but I wasn't patient enough to finish it. With this die, it won't be a problem anymore.

Stitched dies are very in right now. Well, what's another one added to a collection.

Thanks for viewing my blog. Hope you join the PS blog hop. 

Maria Giselle B.

Water Colored Hello Kitty Christmas Card

One of my favorites is Hello Kitty, and it is her 40th birthday this year! As tribute to her, I made this card with her as the focal point. I cut a water color paper using the Cricut Hello Kitty Greetings Cartridge. I chose the base cut so I can be guided by the tick marks. These marks are intended as a guide to adhere the layers but I am using it as an outline for coloring. I used the picture of the finished layered die cut as a guide in coloring.

Isn't she cute? Now, I have to create the rest of the card. I went through several patterned papers but settled in making my own patterned paper after seeing Fancy Pants Timbergrove Strips patterned paper. I used the B side of the Fancy Pants Bits-n-Pieces patterned paper and stamped it using Mama Elephant Boutique Borders. I love the outcome of the plaid. I die cut this paper using Mama Elephant Peak a Frame Creative Cuts. I also created the base layer by cutting Kraft cardstock with this metal die. I stamped the sentiment with Versamark ink and heat embossed it with gold. I created the star embellishments using Mama Elephant Confetti Creative Cuts. I die cut this in white paper, then temporarily adhered it to a scrap cardstock. I applied Versamark ink to these, poured gold embossing powder and heat embossed it. I applied another coat of gold embossing powder while this is hot, then heat embossed it again. Hello Kitty was adhered to the plaid paper using foam adhesive. The plaid paper was adhered to the stitched base layer with the excess on the top scored and folded to the back.

I adhered this base layer on another kraft cardstock to complete the card.

Thanks for viewing my blog.

Maria Giselle B.

Cartridge: Cricut Hello Kitty Greetings Cartridge
Paper: Water color, Fancy Pants Timbergrove,  Kraft cardstock
Paint: Kuretake Gansai Tambi
Stamp: Fiskar Holiday Hooplah, Mama Elephant Boutique Borders
Die: Mama Elephant Confetti Creative Cuts, Mama Elephant Peek a Frame Creative Cuts
Ink: Close To My Heart Cocoa Dye Ink, Color Box Frost White Pigment Ink, My Favorite Things Kraft Hybrid Ink, Versamark
Powder: American Crafts Zing! Gold Metallic Finish Embossing Powder

I am submitting this to the following challenge:

Photo Inspiration

http://runwayinspired.blogspot.com

     

Copic Colored Jack O' Lantern Pillow Box Halloween Treat

I am finally done with my 50 Halloween classroom giveaways! I finished it just in time. Thanks to Rudy, my oldest son, who helped me form and fill up the pillow boxes.

There are several steps and cuts done to create this treat box. I have to cut a sample box first, to make sure the treat fits the box. Then I have to cut a tomb and layout the stamps that will be used. Once all of this is set, then it is time to start the project.

I first start with stamping the jack o'lantern stamp on white cardstock. I colored it with Copic markers. I die cut it using the matching die. I applied glossy accents to the eyes and mouth so I can pour glitter to it. It is a small area so I have to control the amount of glue I squeeze, then I have to spread it to the edges using a pin. I set this aside to dry.

I cut the tombs next using Cricut Simply Charmed cartridge. I cut it at 2.5 inches. I chose the base cut to keep the tick marks intact as an added accent to the tomb. I stamped the greeting 'Happy Halloween' at the base of the tomb using Versamark, then poured metallic black glitter, then heat set it. The RIP is stamped at the top of the tomb. I distressed the edges using grey ink. I adhered the jack o' lantern to the tomb using foam adhesive.

I wanted this tomb to be a reusable item and hopefully, not something to be tossed with the box after getting the treat. Using the Cricut Fabulous Find, I cut the paper clip at 1.5 inches which will be attached to the back, and turn this embellishment into a bookmark.

 

To cut the pillow box, I used Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge. I cut the pillow boxes at 4.8 inches which fits a snack size Kitkat.  I was able to cut four pillow boxes using a 12 x 12 paper. I scored the tick marks to create a crisp fold. I marked one of the grooves of the score board with a marker to easily line this tick marks. I created a slot at the front of the pillow box to slide the 'tombmark' in it. After making some measurements to center the tomb, I marked this and cut it using a craft knife to create the slot. (I should have taken a photo of this but I forgot,and the boxes are now gone.)  I used a double sided tape to attach the sides of the pillow box.

It is a lot of work but I had a good time making it. Thanks for viewing my blog. I hope you have a happy and safe halloween.

Maria Giselle B.

Stamp: Lawn Fawn Spooktacular, Martha Stewart Crafts Custom Stamp Setting Kit
Die: Lawn Fawn Spooktacular Lawn Cuts
Cardstock: White, Light Gray, Dark Gray
Patterned Paper: Carta Bella All Hallow's Eve Spooked, Carta Bella Spooky Journaling Cards
Copic Markers
Glitter: Tim Holtz Distress Glitter Black Soot
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark, Hero Arts Black Dye Ink
Embossing Powder: Recollection Signature Specials Charcoal
Cartridge: Cricut Art Philosophy, Cricut Fabulous Finds, Cricut Simply Charmed

I submitted this creation to:

Challenge: treats!

Simon Says...Anything Goes

https://www.flickr.com/groups/lawnfawn/

Copic Colored Snowman Kraft Christmas Card

Back in the Philippines, as soon as we reach the 'ber months, we start to count the days before Christmas. As we start counting, I might as well start on making Christmas cards, so that when that time comes, I have a stash of cards to use and send.

My initial plan for my card is to use two mediums / techniques using a one layer card. I chose to use dry embossing and using embossing paste. I dry embossed my kraft card stock first. I used a Tim Holtz Diffuser to emboss only the sides. I then used the same embosser to mask the area while I apply embossing paste using a dot stencil. I laid the dot stencil right on top of the card stock, then I place the diffuser on top. I secured this with a non-tacky tape to keep it in place. It turned out pretty well until I decided to color in my dry embossed images. It is either I chose the wrong color and/or I should have just left it as is. Well, I have a deadline and if I re-do the area with the embossing paste, I won't be able to finish the card. So, I cut the area with the embossed paste. I dry embossed another kraft card stock, this time using the same stencil I used to apply the paste. I distressed this and spritz some diluted Perfect Pearl to it.

I had to let go of the one layer card plan. I matted the oval piece with a dark brown card stock. I traced the diffuser to a patterned paper to create the ground where the snowman is standing. The snowman, by the way, is a combination of two stamps. I created a hat mask, to which I stamped the snowman. This left a gap on the snowman's head where I stamped the hate. I used Copics to color the snowman. I fuzzy cut this being careful not to cut the twig arms off.

I applied Wink of Stella to the heart, nose and hat. I applied Glossy Accents to the heart, carrot nose and the tip of the hat. I glued sequins for added embellishment. The sentiment was heat embossed using silver powder on a patterned paper.

I enjoyed creating this. Now, I have a Christmas card I can use. 

Thanks for viewing my blog.

Maria Giselle B.

Stamp: Paper Smooches-Merry Motifs, Warm Hearts

Copic Markers

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark

Stencil: Memory Box Mini Dots

Wendi Vecchi Embossing Paste-white

Hero Arts Silver Embossing Powder

Ranger Glossy Accents

I am submitting this creation to the following challenges:

 

http://papersmoochessparks.blogspot.com/

http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge

Spider Halloween Treat Box

I am so excited that Trendy Twine is back with their challenges again. I enjoyed playing along although sometimes, I am not able to participate.

I have been busy making Halloween treats for my sons' classes. I have three boys, so I have a total of 50 pieces to make. Their party is next week, that's why I have been missing the challenges in blogs. At least, I get to create one project once a week as part of blog challenges. That's good enough for me. Maybe after Halloween?...then it's Christmas. Oh, well!

My eldest son, Rudy, was very helpful in making me come up with an idea on what to create for this challenge. I am to use Trendy Twine. I only have the solid colors, in which black (Totally Black) and purple (Totally Grape) are the only Halloween colors. I don't want it to be all black, so I asked him which Halloween icon has purple on it. He answered, a spider web, and it sure gave me an idea.

I cut the box using my Cricut Imagine and Cricut Wrap It Up Cartridge, I used an old Authentique patterned paper. Then I cut the spider, which is a layer feature of the box in the cartridge. I cut it four times. I am not sure why I cut it four times at that time but might as well have it done while the machine is ready and everything is out. I cut a spider web using the Cricut Artiste cartridge and some vellum. A regular piece of card stock should be okay but I wanted to create a translucent effect when I adhere the twine to the spider web. Yeah, you read it right. Thanks, patience! I used Ranger Multi Medium Matte to make that happen.

 I adhered two spiders on top of the other. I applied Tim Holtz Distress Glitter to the spider. I used Spiced Marmalade for the eyes and tips of the legs. I only glittered the body with Black Soot. I set that aside to dry. I applied Wink of Stella in black to the non-glittered areas to add some shimmer. The web was adhered inside the flap of the box top, while the spider was adhered on top.

I thought I was done but as I was reading the Trendy Twine blog, I need a tag. I used a Marvy Uchida tag puncher to punch a cream card stock. I stamped this with My Mind's Eye Halloween stamps. First, some random words stamp which I embossed with clear powder. Then I stamped a spiderweb to keep up with the theme. I applied clear powder and heat embossed this as well. Next, I distressed the tag to allow the stamped images to pop out. I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Black Soot and Dusty Concord.

To adhere my tag to the box, I twisted the purple and black Trendy Twines to create my own baker's twine. I applied adhesive to my fingers to keep them twisted. After adhering a Martha Stewart paper tape around the box, I circled the box with the made-up baker's twine and threaded the end through the tag hole. I again applied glue on random spots to keep the twine from sliding and to keep the bow intact.

As last step, I frayed the ends of the bow for a more creepy look. Here are more photos of the finished box.

Opened lid of the box

Thanks for viewing my blog.

Maria Giselle B.

This creation is submitted to the following challenges:

http://trendytwine.blogspot.com

http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge

Watercolored Crystal Christmas Card

A part of my favorites right now is water coloring, spray mists and sequins. I am starting to enjoy water coloring, thanks to the tutorial videos. I use watercolor paper for this card. I stamped the crystals using Hero Arts Gold Shadow Ink. It stayed wet to allow me to pour some gold embossing powder over the impression, and heat set it. I painted the crystals first with yellow. After it dried, I painted some gold for some accent. After I applied glossy accents on it, I am not sure why it has a green tint. I painted the background yellow, brushing water first before applying yellow paint. I sprayed and splattered on the card, using gold on the top and black on the bottom. I masked the crystals before spritzing then realized that I left a clean yellow background to the left of the crystals. This is when I applied glossy accents to the crystals. It took overnight for it to dry up (And it's deadline day, will I make it?) I spritz the right side of the card, heat set it. I buffed the crystals to remove any stray spritz. After trimming the sides of this watercolor paper, I attached this to a Hero Arts black note card with double sided tape.

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I think I need a new bottle of glossy accents since it is hard to squeeze the glue out of the bottle. I used a pin to spread the glossy accents to the corners of the crystals. I also squeezed some glossy accent to a scrap paper to cover up any areas I missed.

I used a black strip for the sentiment. This is attached to the card with dimensional tape. The sentiment was heat embossed  in gold. I stamped the snowflake with Versamark to create a subtle break in between the words. A couple of sequins completes the card.

Thanks for viewing my blog.

Maria Giselle B.

Paper: Watercolor, Hero Arts Black Notecard, Black Cardstock

Ink: Hero Arts Gold Shadow Ink, Versamark

Stamp: Hero Arts Christmas Crystals

Paint: Kuretake Gansai Tambi

Adhesive: Glossy Accent, Ranger Multi Matte Medium, Foam Tape, Double sided tape

Spritz: Prima Color Bloom Tea Stain, Vintage Coal

Sequin: Doodlebug 

I submitted this card to the following challenges:

http://runwayinspired.blogspot.com

Photo inspiration

Mad About Metallics

http://heroarts.com/blogs

Miss You Copic Colored Flower Card

I created another 'Miss You' card. I used my newly purchased Altenew Hennah Elements stamp. I've been wanting to purchase this after seeing a lot of cards showcasing it. I have so many ideas for its use and I am pretty sure I will enjoy coloring the images, regardless what medium I will use. I used Copics for this card. What I didn't plan to to do when I started making this card is to create a dimensional flower. I stamped the image multiple times. After stamping the full image of the flower,  I inked the inner petals well for a good impression and not minding about the outer layer. Does that make sense? Anyway, I colored each layer, then fuzzy cut it. I used foam tape in between the layers to create the dimensional flower. I applied Wink of Stella to the flower which I think, I finally captured in photo if you look at the last image.

I am so glad I am able to use the Simon Says Stamp Air Vent die which is one of the first purchases I made on that website. I used a woodgrain card stock by Ellen Hudson to die cut the air vent. I adhered a silver glitter tape to my base card where it will show through the air vent die. I spritz and splattered some Prima Color Bloom in Soft Teal and Vintage Coal. 

The sentiment is from Impression Obsession Love You Miss You clear stamp set. It is stamped using Versafine Onyx Black ink and heat embossed with clear powder. 

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Maria Giselle B.

I am submitting this creation to the following challenge:

http://thecuttingedgechallenge.blogspot.com

Miss You Watercolor Card

I was asked to make a card for a friend of mine at work. She wanted a flower on the card with a 'missing you' sentiment. I am still in this artist's block mode, and I am not enjoying it. My product orders arrived already and I haven't played with it yet. I didn't really have a plan or a sketch for this card. All I have in mind is to make a card for my friend and at the same time, try to join a blog's challenge.

I finally broke in my Kuretake Gansai Watercolor paint (one out of many products that arrived) which I used for the background of the card.

As I set the background to dry, I worked on the tags. I used Close To My Heart Art Philosophy cartridge. I cut 3 tags, a patterned paper, a vellum, and a watercolor paper. I stamped the peony on the watercolor paper. I will need practice with this stamp. I saw how this was beautifully used in WPlus9's blog that's why I got encouraged to buy it. This is my second attempt on this flower. I wanted to stamp the solid image with light ink and watercolor it but it didn't look good to me. This is the outline stamp which for now, I am more comfortable painting. I used Tim Holtz Distress Markers to color the flower. I also colored the stem and leaf with Distress Markers for stamping. Then I went back with my wet paintbrush to soften the image.  I inked the edges of this tag to make the flower pop out.  I stamped the sentiment on the vellum and heat embossed it with white powder.

I spritz some gray spray mist on my pink background paper and also created some splatters. After it has dried, I adhered the tags to the background piece using foam adhesive.

Thanks for viewing my blog.

Maria Giselle B.

Paper: Ranger Watercolor Paper, American Crafts Patterned Paper, Vellum, Bazzill Cardstock
Stamp: WPlus9 Pretty Peonies, Hampton Arts
Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Versamark
Spray: Prima Color Bloom

This creation is submitted to:

Inspiration Tag
http://tagyoureitchallenge.blogspot.ie

http://curtaincallchallenge.blogspot.com