Praierie Papier Ponderer

Bloggers Challenge 49 - Animals

This week's Bloggers Challenge was to use an animal...and I'm kind of cheating by using a card I made last week.  My back has really been bothering me this week, and I'm barely shuffling around...and forget about bending or stooping!

Do you ever wonder why a dog doesn't like it if you blow in his face, but he will hang his head out the car window?

I love how this turned out.  My daughter took me to my favorite brick and mortar scrapbook store, the Scrap Nook, in Fargo last week, and I picked up some supplies, including some beautiful paper.  I'm not sure what type of patterned paper this black and copper is, but it's "fibery" and when torn is almost like fabric. Is it mulberry?  I don't know since I've never actually touched any.

Supplies:

Stamps:  Adventure set from Artistic Outpost

Paper:  rust and black card stock from Colormates (?), Black and copper patterned textured paper (unknown)

Ink:  Ranger Clear Embossing ink, Ranger Black Archival ink

Supplies:  sponge for aging (Ranger Black Archival was used), copper brads, black embossing powder, heat gun

I stamped the dog image with clear embossing ink and heat embossed with black embossing powder.  I lightly sponged the edges and "pounced" the image with Black Archival ink.  The black and copper patterned paper was torn.

I love how this turned out!  I love it when I start out with just a wee idea of what I want and then get carried away by the creative process. 

Thanks for looking, and be sure to check out the other bloggers challenges by using the links in the left hand column.

Hero Stamp Set - New Release from Artistic Outpost!

Artistic Outpost just released a new plate of stamps called, "Hero." 

Eight beautiful images make up this unmounted stamp plate. Many of these images can be used beyond the fourth of July. Think masculine birthday cards OR Father's Day...also, these would be perfect for scrapbook pages or other heritage art pieces, Memorial Day, or for making cards to honor the military veterans and servicemen and women in your life!

Fact:  Did you know that all of Artistic Outpost's stamp plates measure 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", and are ONLY $12 each!  They are manufactured using the best quality red rubber, and are very detailed, lending themselves to a myriad of stamping techniques.     

Chinese Proverbs - Words to Live By from Artistic Outpost

This is yet another stamp that had never seen ink until last week.  This plate is from Artistic Outpost's Chinese Proverbs.

I used Ranger's Sepia Archival Jumbo ink pad to stamp the image.  For larger stamps such as this I like to place the stamp upside down and apply ink, and then place the cardstock on top and rub with my hand...you can also use a brayer.  I made the "pagoda" side more "juicy" so that when I heat embossed the image with clear embossing powder it yielded an "almost" waxy look and texture.  The edges of the cardstock and vellum were aged with the Sepia ink and a sponge dauber.

Supplies:

Stamps:  Chinese Proverbs (Artistic Outpost)

Paper:  The Far East Stack (DCWV), gold vellum

Ink:  Ranger Sepia Archival Jumbo Pad

Accessories and Misc.:  clear embossing powder, heat gun, scrap of dark red cardstock, gold cord, leaf-patterned organdy ribbon (May Arts?), sponge dauber for aging edges of cardstock and vellum

Thanks for looking!

Happy Birthday Card - Adventure Plate from Artistic Outpost

This is another birthday card I created with the Adventure plate from Artistic Outpost (special note about this plate...the main images are a good size, about 4.25" x 3.25" and the sentiments were all sized to fit within the "white space" of the phone booth...a little something extra).

I love the colors in the patterned paper from K & Company, and used it as my inspiration.  I absolutely love using patterned paper in my creations because they, well, inspire me, and also make it possible to try color combinations I may not otherwise have thought to use.

Supplies:

Paper:

• patterned paper from K & Company
• Solid textured cardstock from the Neutrals Paper Pad from DCWV
• Whisper White cardstock

Ink:

• Sage Shadow
• Chocolate Chip
• Close to Cocoa

Accessories:

• Paper flowers from Prima
• Brass brads
• sponges and daubers for aging
• Stickles

The image was stamped with Chocolate Chips, and additional colors (Sage Shadow and Close to Cocoa) were applied with a sponge and sponge daubers.  I like to gradually build up color going from lighter to darker...I added Stickles to the star on the ball, and aged the flowers with Chocolate Chip ink.  I assembled the flowers and finished them off with brass brads.  I always like to use an odd nuimber for embellishments such as flowers and buttons, and alternate colors.  The paper flowers are fun to use and can also be stamped for more versatility.  The flowers were attached to the card front with foam tape.

Life's a Ball!- Adventure stamp plate from Artistic Outpost

You can never have too many birthday cards on hand-my biggest problem though is that I so often forget to mail them!

Supplies:

Stamps:

• Adventure set by Artistic Outpost

Paper:

• Wild Saffron Die-Cut Mat Pad by K & Company
• Whisper White cardstock

Ink:

• Vintage Photo Distress Ink
• Cranberry Crisp (retired)
• Buckaroo Blue (retired)
• True Thyme (retired)
• Marigold Morning

Accessories:

• sponge daubers and sponges for distressing papers

Directions:

1.  I matted the two bottom layers with cardstock from the paper pad and distressed the edges using a sponge dauber and Vintage Photo Distress Ink. 

2.  Stamp the balls with assorted colors of ink and patterned paper; cut out and distress edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

3.  Stamp several ball images on Whisper White cardstock; lightly sponge True Thyme, Marigold Morning, Cranberry Crisp, and Buckaroo Blue over stamped images, cut out and distress edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

4.  Randomly arrange balls on background.  I used a coordinating print strip hortizontally across the card, and added the birthday greeting on top of that...

5.  The birthday greeting was stamped on Whisper White cardstock, and lightly inked with a sponge and Cranberry Crisp ink.  The edges were distressed with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

And, speaking of birthdays...mine was the 20th, and was full of fun with being invited out to eat TWICE and being able to visit with family.  My dear sister-in-law Carol invited me out to lunch and my daughter Missy joined us-we ate at my favorite Mexican restaurant and I had beef fajitas-and because it was my birthday I got to eat FREE, which is always fun.  Then my children and granddaughters took me out for dinner at Famous Dave's for some fantastic barbecue ribs and catfish followed by watching National Treasure 2 at my sons' home on their big screen TV.  Missy gave me the movie for a birthday gift.  It was a wonderfully enjoyable day except that my dear husband Chris couldn't be with me to enjoy all the festivities and family.

Don't forget about the FREE shipping available at Artistic Outpost...free domestic shipping on all orders over $50 through the month of May!  Robyn also has a large selection of Ranger products including all colors of Distress Ink!

Thanks for looking!

Bloggers Challenge 48 - Red, White, and Blue

This week's challenge is a color combo-red, white, and blue...

Supplies:

Paper:

• Patterned paper - K & Company
• Red and tan solid cardstock - Colormates

Ink:

• Vintage Photo Distress Ink (for distressing papers)
• Cranberry Crisp (retired)

Accessories:

• silver brads

I made this card to honor our servicemen and women who sacrificed so much in order that we may enjoy more freedom than any almost every other country in the world.  All three of our sons have served in the military:  Gary served in the US Army, Jacob served in the US Navy until he suffered a knee injury which as also affected his hips, and he was medically discharged; and Luke, who currently began his fifth year in the US Navy serving on a submarine. 

Thanks for looking, and be sure to check out the other Bloggers' Challenges by using the links on the left side of my blog!

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Peace & Tranquility Card

This card was created using the "Thai Buddha" stamp set from Artistic Outpost.

Materials:

Stamp Set:

• Thai Buddha

Cardstock:

• The Far East Stack (DCWV)
• Neutrals Cardstock Stack (DCWV)

Ink:

• Black pigment ink

Accessories:

• glass beads (Michael's)
• Platinum Stickles
• Pewter Perfect Pearls

After stamping the images on one of the Far East patterned papers with black pigment ink, I used a small paintbrush and lightly dusted the ink with Pewter Perfect Pearls.  I "colored" the pots with Platinum Stickles.

The strings of beads came attached to the satin ribbon, so that part was easy.  The Far East Stack is pefect for this stamp set.  I'm finding that photographing anything with sheen or sparkles is difficult, so even though the picture doesn't do justice to the card, I was pleased with the results.

Remember that Artistic Outpost is offering free domestic shipping on all orders $50 or more through May.  I placed an order on Saturday and received it on Monday-so talk about great customer service.

Today is my birthday (I'm 52!)...yesterday I was notified that the neurosurgeon I've been referred to will see me the first part of June for possible disk replacement surgery in my neck-I have five crushed disks that have caused a chronic headache for over 3 1/2 years, so I'm hoping that he will do the surgery AND that the headache will finally go away, or at least be diminished.  I'm getting kind of tired of it...so maybe next year on my birthday I won't have a headache!

Thanks for looking!

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge #18

I missed a couple MLSC, but I'm back this week.  I've never done a card layout like this before, so until I had it figured out it was certainly a challenge.  The top part of the card is actually the inside-took me a few minutes to realize that the top part of the front is cut off...duh...

I missed my mother's 75th birthday yesterday because I'm still staying at my daughter Missy's, so decided to make her a special card.  Besides the layout being a challenge so were the materials since I'm still pillaging my daughter's stash.  I couldn't find a birthday greeting in her stamps, so used a sentiment from a retired SU! hostess set from last year (I think) called "Blooming with Happiness."

Supplies:

Stamps:

• Blooming with Happiness (retired)

Cardstock:

• True Thyme (retired)
• Cranberry Crisp (retired)
• Marigold Morning (retired)
• K & Company Classic K Margo Mat Pad
• Whisper White

Ink:

• Tea Dye Distress Ink
• Cranberry Crisp (retired)

Accessories:

• Heidi Swapp paper distress tool
• May Arts ribbon
• Creative Impressions brads
• Prima Essentials Urban paper flowers
• sponge for distressing

I distressed all the cardstock and patterned papers with the distress tool, and inked the edges with Tea Dye Distress Ink.  I stamped the sentiment with Cranberry Crisp ink, inked the edge of the Whisper White with Cranberry Crisp ink, and then distressed all the layers of the sentiment with Tea Dye ink.

I tore circular shapes out of the patterned paper, and True Thyme and Cranberry Crisp  cardstock, inked the edges with Tea Dye ink, and layered them.  I mounted them about halfway up on the card front with Dimensionals.  I assembled the flowers, alternating the colors of the flowers and brads, and mounted them with Dimensionals as well.  I randomly stamped the seniment on the exposed part of the inside of the card (on the Marigold Morning) with Cranberry Crisp ink.  I really miss using this set of In Colors...

Be sure to check out Mary Jo's (Technostamper) blog for more inspiration and to check out the other players!  If you desire to participate in any of the Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenges you may do so by posting the link to your blog or gallery in the comment section on Mary Jo's blog!

Thanks for looking!

Bloggers Challenge 47 - Layout Challenge

Last week's (May 16) Bloggers Challenge was to use the layout from page 21 of the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I chose to use one of my favorite stamp sets, "Heartfelt Thanks" (because it also happens to be a stamp set my daughter Missy owns-I've been staying here for the past week, and have been pillaging her stash of supplies!).

I used Basic Black cardstock for the base, and layered it with a black, red, and white floral print.  On top of that is a layer of red-textured cardstock from Die Cuts with a View Neutrals Cardstock Stack, then another layer of black, red, and white floral print with butterflies, topped off with a layer of white speckled cardstock.  I stamped the heartfelt and thanks with Black Archival ink, and used SU! markers to color directly on the floral stamp, and then  "huffed" the ink and stamped the image on the cardstock.  "Huffing" moistens the ink and allows you to ink the stamp with more than one color.  I used a piece of sponge that had been lightly inked with red to ink the edges of the white cardstock and to add a little more color.  For embellishments I added a white swiss-dotted ribbon and clear rhinestone brads.  Sometimes I try to step outside my "comfort zone" and use colors and techniques that I "normally" don't use.  That's another way to make challenges, well, more challenging.

Stampin' Up! catalogs offer many project and layout ideas as well as featuring their superb products.

Be sure to check out the other fantastic Bloggers Challenges by clicking on the links in the left-hand column!  It is amazing what everyone comes up with with the same challenge!

Thanks for looking!

Bloggers Challenge 46 - Mother's Day

Bloggers Challenge 46 was a Mother's Day card.  I know, I know...Mother's Day was a week ago...and you may notice that I'm a couple weeks behind on my blogging...but I AM FINALLY catching up!

I didn't use any stamps on this card either-just some really cool stickers and patterned paper.  The base of the card is polka-dotted.  I layered with a spring-colored floral graphic pattern.  The pink cardstock is SU! and I believe it's pixie pink. The square florals are stickers, as are the "Mom's Special Day!" and the "mother" definition.

For embellishments I layered two buttons, one yellow and one pink, and tied them together with a piece of white fiber.  I attached them to the card with a foam dimensional, and added a fluffy piece of sparkly green fiber to finish the card.

My two granddaughters gave this card to their mother for a belated Mother's Day card.

Thanks for looking!

Bloggers Challenge 45 - Graduation

Bloggers Challenge 45 was a graduation card.  I don't own any graduation stamps, so I improvised by using stickers and rub-ons that I pillaged from my daughter's scrapbooking stash.

I used Basic Black cardstock for the base layered with black and white patterned paper.  I applied a couple graduation stickers on that, and covered that with layer of vellum cut slightly smaller.  I applied black floral rub-ons and a "persevere" definition sticker.  I embellished with black and clear rhinestones, edged the black cardstock with a gold leaf pen (which is really cool), and finished the card off with gold cording.

Thanks for looking!

Artistic Outpost May Special - FREE Shipping!

Artistic Outpost is offering free shipping through the month of May for all domestic orders over $50!  Check out some of these wonderfully nostalgic plates, all priced at a very reasonable $12 each!  The red rubber plates come unmounted, and are of superb quality.  Robyn also sells acrylic blocks, EZ Mount Cling Foam, and Kai scissors for cutting your stamps out!

Asian art is so popular right now, and these images are just beautiful!

I'm currently staying at my daughter's home in Fargo again...I've been referred to a neurosurgeon for possible disk replacement surgery.  I was to have my initial consult visit this past week, but my medical records and recent MRI didn't show up in time...go figure.  So, the surgeon's PA is going to go over my records the beginning of next week, and if my case is deemed serious enough I'll get to go in for a consult next week as well.  I live 275 miles away, and figured it was best to stay "just in case."  The problem is, I hadn't planned on being gone for more than a week, and didn't bring any of my stamps or supplies with me.  I have so many irons in the fire, and so many projects I want to show you, so hopefully this coming week I can get some things posted.  I'm pillaging my daughter's supplies and hoping some stamp plates I just ordered will arrive the beginning of the week so I can get some stamping time in.

I did get some gorgeous Asian-themed paper this evening.  My daughter took me to Michael's to get in a supply fix and to pick up some essentials (LOL)-and I can't wait to use my Artistic Outpost stamps with these!  I'll have to take pics of some wonderful beads I'm going to use on my creations. 

So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for next week-both for the crushed disks, and to get my fingers inky again.  It's been too long...

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Mother's Day! - FREE Shipping on Domestic Orders at Artistic Outpost...Limited Time Offer

FREE Shipping on Domestic Orders...Limited Time Offer 

Enjoy FREE domestic shipping all weekend on stamp purchases only. Offer valid May 9 through May 11, 2008.  Sorry offer not valid on previous orders.

Visit the Artistic Outpost Website to view the fabulous plates!

Need some inspiration - view the Artistic Outpost Gallery and Playtime and Adventure Gallery.

And They Call It Puppy Love...

The other day I posted a birthday card for my granddaughter Kristen's birthday coming up next month.  The doglover was "finally" getting her first puppy this past Tuesday.  My daughter Missy emailed pictures of the "happy couple" last night and I just had to share them with you.  "Bubba" isn't allowed on Kristen's bed until he's housebroken, so Kristen being Kristen, improvised!

Aren't they just adorable?  Can't wait to see your new puppy on Sunday, my little sweetie pie!

Sweet dreams!

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 16 - A Birthday Card for Kristen

My youngest granddaughter, Kristen, is a dog fanatic and since she was a wee one, has amassed quite a collection of stuffed dogs.  Well, today she FINALLY gets a real puppy!  I'm sure she cannot wait for school to get out today, and for her mom to get off work so they can go to the pet store and pick up Bubba, her new Basset hound.

Her birthday is next month, so I figured I'd get a jump on making her a card-just hope I remember to mail it!

I had to alter the layout a bit because the striped pattern on the band across the front didn't line up with the stripes on the background, so I tilted the band a bit.  A little obsessive I know...

Supplies:

Stamps:

• Adventure (Artistic Outpost)

Papers:

• Creamy Caramel
• Close to Cocoa
• Tempting Turquoise
• Pumpkin Pie
• The Pet Pad (DCWV)

Ink:

• Burnt Umber Hybrid Palette
• Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink

Other:

• Dog bone twill (May Arts I think...)
• Photo Corner punch

I dyed the twill ribbon with Spiced Marmalade ink, and antiqued the edges of all the papers with Burnt Umber and a sponge.

Be sure to check out the other challenges by visiting Mary Jo's blog, Technostamper.  Anyone can play, so if you want to join the fun this week, just leave a comment on her blog with your blog address!