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Freshly Made Sketches #626

Freshly Made Sketches #626 published on 6 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #626

We have another fun sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches and our designer, the lovely Cécile Ribon, gave us a great one. The half circle elements are particularly fun!

This card is directly inspired by the amazing Dawn Woleslagle. She did a live one night just playing with Distress Oxide ins and this background stamp from Honey Bee Stamps called Vintage Flora. She used exactly these colors! Her reminder was that when you are feeling a little flat on creativity, just pull out the inks and play. So I did just that! This background is the result and it is super cool.

This bluebird had been sitting on my desk for a few weeks waiting for plan and the background gave me just that! I added a bit of splattering and inking on the edges to match the style and knew it was going to work. With the extra ink after stamping the background, I had stamped again a few times. I used one of those and cut out the flowers, then added just a little more ink. I thought vellum would be perfect for the split semicircles and I love the texture it adds without covering anything up. Finally a little sentiment from the Mini Messages Set.

I hope this will inspire you to get out some inks and just play around! It is good for the soul! Thanks for stopping in today. See you soon!

Freshly Made Sketches #625

Freshly Made Sketches #625 published on 3 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #625

As I was coming over to write this post, I realized I never posted last week’s FMS card here. I did over at Instagram so a good time to remind you that I’m there as well: jentimko on Instagram. With that, we have a new sketch from Jen Brum for this week at Freshly Made Sketches and it is super fun. I took a little twist on the circle with a partial die cut edge to line it up with a die cut image.

I just got this sweet image from Colorado Craft Company called Finally Spring and thought it would be fun to use for the sketch. I love that the coloring only takes a few minutes since the images are so small. I used my Copics to create what I saw as cherry blossoms. Once that was completed I pondered how to make this work best.

I brushed on some Distress Oxides in Tumbled Glass and Broken China to “split” the panel. Then I added some Saltwater Taffy to an additional panel. Using the die for the image I did a partial die cut edge so that the image could nestle up in the cutouts. I make the image stand up a bit more, I cut two extra backing pieces to stack behind the image. Finally a sweet sentiment from the set.

I hope you like my interpretation of the sketch and will come over to join us. Thanks so much for stopping in today. See you soon!

Freshly Made Sketches #607

Freshly Made Sketches #607 published on 7 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #607

We have a super interesting sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches created by the lovely Amy O’Neill. At first, I thought flowers and a large sentiment. Then, I thought stencils. And finally, I came to this plan. Well, sort of.

This started out with the plan to put a pinecone at the top and bottom of the sentiment. And for the record, a totally different sentiment (went through a few on this one). I just could not get the pinecone to look right in the opposite direction which is crazy since that is how they are on trees but… Some days are just like that. In any case, I did lots of spritzing and inking on these Lovely Layers: Winter Greenery dies. These Bitty Buzzwords: Holiday sentiment finally worked just right on a rectangle with gold heat embossing.

Again, the plan went a little sideways. I planned to add red berries to the holly but at the last minute opted to add some gold embossing to the leaves and elements. Once that was there, the red didn’t make sense. So I added some gold pearls instead! I had a little time when making this which is good because I just had to keep walking away until inspiration struck. But in the end, I had fun just playing around and that is the entire point of this, after all.

The team has all kinds of cool takes on this one and I think the gallery is going to be super fun! Oh, and as I’m typing I realized I missed the rectangle layer. Sigh. Hope Amy doesn’t fire me, lol! Have a lovely week. Stay safe and be kind. Goodness knows we need a lot of kind.

Freshly Made Sketches #606

Freshly Made Sketches #606 published on 5 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #606

I suppose I am fully committed to holiday cards now. I mean…there might be others for fall but… Not for today at least. Our sketch designer at Freshly Made Sketches this week is our lovely Narelle. Usually when I see circles, I see flowers. But today, I saw trees. I know, trees are not circles but that’s just how I’m rolling this week.

I pulled out the Lovely Layers: Trees set to take a look. On a piece of Tim Holtz Heavystock, I spritzed some Distress Spray in Pumice Stone and Lost Shadow. Once that was dry, I cut out the trees. I wanted to go with the idea of snowy trees. I started by inking the back of the trees and the one tree without a layer. I blended on some Bundled Sage and Peeled Paint Distress Inks and then added a bit of Pumice Stone. I made the single tree a bit darker to make it look more like it was in the background. I used my brand new Waffleflower Grip Mat for blending and it is a game changer. No tape, nothing hard, works great. So happy I got it!!

For the top layer of the trees, I just added a little bit of Pumice Stone where I thought shadows might be. All of the layers got splatters of Hero Arts Metallic Ink (White) and Iridescent Shimmer Spray. I used a panel of the Heavystock for the base and blended on some Speckled Egg Distress Oxide Ink and added just a touch of Faded Jeans in the corner. On a scrap that had the splatters on it, I stamped the sentiment from Inside: Holiday Sentiments. As I was starting to put it together, I decided to add a bit more shimmer to the background with the Shimmer Spray and then added some gold pearls.

I had fun getting inky on this one today. These die cuts are so great and I find that I really enjoy just playing around with the ink to see what happens. Thanks so much for stopping in today. Hope you are having a great week!

Freshly Made Sketches #596

Freshly Made Sketches #596 published on 5 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #596

A cool new sketch idea at Freshly Made Sketches! Judy has us doing halfsies! Designs only on the top half of the card and the bottom is clean. I found it a bit of a challenge but happy with the final result.

Along with the new set from WPlus9 that I used last week, I ordered another set called Joyful Poinsettias. I like the background style design along with the single flower and sentiments in the set. Again with the watercoloring (because I know Dawn designs like a water colorist). I stamped the image in black then heat embossed with clear embossing powder. I colored the flowers and leaves and tried to keep to a more vintage palette. After it was dry, I added a little Vintage Photo Distress Ink with a light hand to “age” the white spaces.

I waited until I was done coloring to choose the base and I went with Artichoke by Concord and 9th. I stamped and embossed the sentiment, going with a small one to keep it on the top half of the card. Finally I added some champagne colored pearls as accents.

I hope you find a bit of inspiration in this card. I had lots of fun spending a little time on the watercoloring. Thanks so much for stopping in. See you soon!

Hand painted tree with music

Hand painted tree with music published on 2 Comments on Hand painted tree with music

One more tree. Because the live from Dawn Woleslagle taught three styles and I had to try them all. You can find the links to her page on my post from last week. I hope you will bear with me because this has brought me so much joy in finding success in painting. I may even venture into some tags if I have any time to spend on them over the next couple of weeks.

I will say that I cannot pick a favorite tree to paint but I find this one and the first one I made a little more intuitive. Again, I left the tree simple (mostly for fear of messing it up by adding container) but I like the look. A bit more stitching since I feel it adds the right touch on this.

You can see in this closeup that I also added some white and gold splatters. For the background I chose an old, really old, music print from my stash. I inked it up with Distress Inks to give it a vintage look and added stitching to it too. I knew it needed a bit more shine so I started with the sentiment being gold embossed (and the gold splatters). But it still needed something else. It it hard to see in the photos, but right under the image layer is a layer of gold glitter paper. In person it really adds so much! A button and more gold twine to finish.

Again, thank you for those of you who have left kind words. Let’s face it, trying new things can be a bit intimidating and I’m glad you encourage me with your sweet comments. I’m actually out flying today and will likely be out in the system A LOT over the next couple of weeks. If you are flying for your traveling, please get to the airport early. I mean seriously early. I have already been seeing families completely devastated by the long security lines and the extra stress of risking their flights. Well, I’m off to get ready for another day. I’ll be back tomorrow with a new sketch from FMS (and something other than a tree). See you then!

Framed: Anenomes for Honey Bee Stamps

Framed: Anenomes for Honey Bee Stamps published on 3 Comments on Framed: Anenomes for Honey Bee Stamps

Sharing today for Honey Bee Stamps! I needed a day just to “play” in the stamp room and I thought I should pull out this new Framed: Anenomes stamp set. It is a gorgeous image and one that can be colored with so many mediums. I chose a very loose watercolor look with Distress Ink.

I stamped the image using Versamark Ink onto Tim Holtz Heavystock paper. It is made for distress ink techniques. For each color, I simply “smooshed” the ink from a mini pad onto a small clear block then added water with a paint brush. I took the block direct to paper to apply the color. Using a small block help you keep a little more control on where the color goes but still leaves it loose. If you need a bit more color in a specific place, you can add it with a paint brush. This is a layering process so leave time to allow drying to happen in between adding colors or additional ink.

Because I love the look of pale anemones, I made the leaves and the background bold and kept the flowers in muted tones of Tattered Rose and Antique Linen. For the sentiment, I stamped and heat embossed it onto more of the Heavystock paper. Then I colored it with the Chipped Sapphire in the same way as I did the flower except I made sure there was a bit more solid coverage as a base.

I hope you enjoy this card! Let me know if this makes sense or if you would rather see a video on how to create this look. Thanks so much for dropping in today!

Newton’s Nook Designs May Release – Newton Loves Boxes and Newton’s Donut

Newton’s Nook Designs May Release – Newton Loves Boxes and Newton’s Donut published on 29 Comments on Newton’s Nook Designs May Release – Newton Loves Boxes and Newton’s Donut

Welcome to the last day of the May Release from Newton’s Nook Designs.  And for the last day we have not one but TWO adorable Newton sets for you.  YAY!!!  Yep, two of the greatest things in the world….boxes and donuts.

You Can Do It by Jen Timko | Newtons Loves Boxes Stamp Set and Dies by Newton's Nook Designs, Pawprints Stencil by Newton's Nook DesignsIf you have ever known a cat, you already know all about the phrase “if it fits, it sits”.  Well, the new Newton Loves Boxes is all about fitting and sitting!!  It is hilarious.  When Jennifer Jackson first showed the team the images, we all went just a little bit crazy!  Pretty sure that will be the reaction from all of you today too.  I created a background with the Pawprints Stencil and Distress Inks and then cut it out with the Frames and Flags Die.  I colored up out furry friend and his box and then cut him out with the coordinating die set for the stamp.  Don’t you think this sentiment is perfect for the image.  Seriously, this cracks me up.

Sprinkles by Jen Timko | Newton's Donut Stamp Set and Dies by Newton's Nook Designs, Tutti-frutti DSP by Stampin' Up, Copic ColoringFor my second card, I get to introduce Newton’s Donut.  Well, I actually colored MY donut.  That I want.  Right now.  But until I can figure out how to get it from him, it is Newtons’ donut.  *smile*  And because I am pretty sure sprinkles should always include pink and lime green, that is what I chose for the colors.

Sprinkles Closeup by Jen Timko | Newton's Donut Stamp Set and Dies by Newton's Nook Designs, Tutti-frutti DSP by Stampin' Up, Copic ColoringI made the donut into a chocolate version with vanilla frosting (a favorite of mine) and then tucked in this adorable  kitty colored with gray.  And there is something about the images with kitty “beans” (paw pads) that make me smile!  I used a base of lime patterned paper and some great (retired) pink washi tape to pull the colors from the sprinkles and then added on some sequins in the same colors.  On a technical note, I just have to tell you how well engineered this donut die is.  Look at the placement of the cut-outs…really fantastic and easy to use!  I love the time that is put into each of these sets.  It always makes me so proud when I can support Newton’s Nook Designs and their hard work!

This daily double is a real win and I know you will all be as in love with the sets as I am.  And now for a chance for free stamps!

Would you like to win the “Newtons Loves Boxes” or “Newton’s Donut” Stamp Set?

Each set will be given away to ONE lucky winner!

Here’s how to win:

Comment on the NND blog and Design Team blogs (see list below)! The winner will be chosen at random from the collective reveal posts. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday, May 17th at 9pm CST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, May 18th.

Thanks for stopping in today and during this whole week.  Make sure you stop back in tomorrow for Day 2 of the release.Supplies:

Stamp: Newtons Loves Boxes (Newton’s Nook Designs), Newton’s Donut (Newton’s Nook Designs); Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, Distress Inks (Tim Holtz), Momento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers; Paper:  Bristol Smooth (Strathmore), Calypso Coral, Thick Whisper White (SU), Tutti-frutti DSP (SU); Accessories:  Big Shot, Newton’s Loves Boxes Dies (Newton’s Nook Designs), Newton’s Donut Dies (Newton’s Nook Designs), Misti, Sequins (SU and Pretty Pink Posh), Pop of Pink Washi Tape (SU Retired), Frames and Flags Dies (Newton’s Nook Designs)

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Newton’s Nook Designs April Release – Wedding Frills and Floral Lace

Newton’s Nook Designs April Release – Wedding Frills and Floral Lace published on 29 Comments on Newton’s Nook Designs April Release – Wedding Frills and Floral Lace

Welcome back for day 2 of the April Release from Newton’s Nook Designs.  Today we have a wonderfully elegant set that is perfect for another fixture of spring…weddings.  It is called Wedding Frills and it is gorgeous.  As if that were not enough, we are showcasing a new stencil called Floral Lace as well.

Happily Ever After by Jen Timko | Wedding Frills Stamp Set and Dies by Newton's Nook Designs, Frames and Flags Dies by Newton's Nook DesignsWhen I saw these gorgeous images, I immediately wanted to make them look like lace on a wedding dress.  Something about embossing white on kraft colored card stock does that!  I cut the image layer with the Frames and Flags Dies and then stamped the big flower and sentiment with Versamark Ink (I did this in steps to avoid causing smudges with the Versamark).  Using Wow! Bright White Embossing Powder, I heat embossed.  Then I stamped a few of the little flowers and did the same.  Using the coordinating Wedding Frills dies, I cut those out and popped them up.  Finally I added some pearls to go with my wedding flowers.  I love the elegant feel of this card!

Hello by Jen Timko | Floral Stencil by Newton's Nook Designs, Essential Alphabet Dies by Newton's Nook DesignsFor my second card I wanted something with a more spring-like feel.  I cannot even tell you how awesome this stencil is to use!  I taped it onto some Bristol Smooth card stock and then sponged on Distress Inks  to highlight the flowers and leaves.  I sponged a little bit more of the paper and then cut out my sentiment letters with the new Essential Alphabet Dies.  I just used a bit of foam tape to pop them up and make them stand out more.  Think of all the color combinations you can try!  I can’t wait to make more of them.

I hope you enjoy these!  What a day 2!!  I know you have lots of hopping to do so off to visit the rest of the team for you.  But first….a chance to win!!

Would you like to win the “Wedding Frills” Stamp Set?

Each set will be given away to ONE lucky winner!

Here’s how to win:

Comment on the NND blog and Design Team blogs (see list below)! The winner will be chosen at random from the collective reveal posts. Make sure to check out each of their blogs and comment for your chance to win. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning! You have until Thursday, April 19th at 9pm CST to comment  — winners will be announced on the blog post on Friday, April 20th.

Thanks for stopping in today and during this whole week.  Make sure you stop back in tomorrow for Day 3 of the release.Supplies:

Stamp: Wedding Frills (Newton’s Nook Designs); Ink:  Versamark, Tim Holtz Distress Ink; Paper:  Crumb Cake (SU), Strathmore Bristol Smooth; Accessories:  Big Shot, Wedding Frills Dies (Newton’s Nook Designs), Essential Alphabet Dies (Newton’s Nook Designs), Dimensionals (SU), Misti, Heat Tool, Wow Bright White Embossing Powder, Blending Tool (Ranger), Pearls (SU), Foam Tape,

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Freshly Made Sketches #329

Freshly Made Sketches #329 published on 9 Comments on Freshly Made Sketches #329

FMS329 by Jen Timko | Free Spirit Stamp Set by Taylored Expressions, Mandala Cutting Plate by Taylored Expressions, Tim Holtz Distress InkI’m busy, busy showing you projects this week and I have been waiting to show you this one.  I made this while I was at Stamping Away and just love it!!  It seems perfect that the wonderful Kim Singdahlsen is the sketch hostess this week at Freshly Made Sketches.  I love what she creates with Taylored Expressions products so it seems fitting that I was able to use some of those for her sketch.

I started with the Mandala Cutting Plate and what a wow it is!  I cut it out of some Bristol Smooth paper so that I could watercolor it.  I smooshed some Distress Ink onto a clear block and added some water, then used that to color the mandala.  I saved the large cut out section on the right side so that I could color it too.  So bold and super simple to do!  Another of the TE design team members, Jen Shults, brought this die (and many of its friends) to Stamping Away and she also brought a ton of TE stamps.  I was like a kid in a candy store!!  Took me a while but I finally narrowed down to the perfect sentiment from the Free Spirit stamp set.  I cut out a banner with the Double Ended Flag Stacklet and then stamped on the sentiment using my Misti.

This may be my favorite card that I have made in a while and I was clearly inspired by all the rainbows and creativity while I was at the Whatever Craft House!  I hope you enjoy this sketch as well…so many beautiful projects from our design team!!  Thanks so much for stopping in.  I’ll see you soon!

Supplies (affiliate links included):

Stamp: Free Spirit (Taylored Expressions); Paper:  Neenah Solar White #110, Strathmore Bristol Smooth; Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Broken China, Picked Raspberry, Squeezed Lemonade, Spiced Marmalade, Twisted Citron); Accessories: Misti, Big Shot, Mandala Cutting Plate (Taylored Expressions), Double Ended Flag Stacklet (Taylored Expressions

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