Rain Puddles Design

I'm dropping a fun challenge on the blog today, because it has been a while since I've been here and I wanted to share a fun mixed media card from the challenge. I hope you are all doing well, and still getting into the crafting space more than I have been. If you are ready to jump into the challenge, here is the link. MIX633: Leprechaun Lure I wanted to use the new (to me) Crocheted Mandala embossing folder on my project so I worked around it. Ironically I ended up with only a little strip of it on my card BUT I love the details of the folder. The rest of the steps are down below in the instructions section. Hope you are inspired to try something like this card or even a technique I used. Have fun!  About supplies; Find what you have on hand for these supplies and always look for the best price for your needs, but for convenience to you, I spent the time linking products with my Amazon Affiliate account below. This means when clicked and purchased in the same session, a few p...

It's been the same amount of weeks between my last two posts. It seems my time in the studio is still being swallowed up by the other hats I wear in life, but I'm hoping I can say that will change soon! I'm posting today because, yes, I have a Mix-Ability challenge that I'm hosting, but I'm so excited to also have different news to share! First the challenge and a little bit about my card. This vibrant card, maybe a little exaggerated from my photo editing tool, is used entirely from my stash. Pretty cool when I think about it. I made a bunch of backgrounds way back when I designed for Technique Junkies using Shimmering Bliss sprays and some even more yummy products, a background stamp. The flowers were made up for my design team days with Stampendous which were extras that I couldn't use on a project. The only thing I needed to do was add a sentiment and then make it work for the challenge. Easy peasy. I chose the Stitch Effort direction and it was fun adding d...

The weather is getting cooler and while I don't drink Pumpkin Spice Latte's anymore I can certainly make a likeness to it on a card! I'm hosting the challenge again on Splitcoaststampers. While I was looking through my inspiration list for challenge options, I decided to see what may coincide around the world, or at least closely, and I found out that September 22 is 100 days from the end of the year! There are more things on my to-do list than just cardmaking, but I had decided it was far too long since I did some prioritizing of my list and put creating in my studio closer to the top. Well, I was on a deadline to host the challenge so I did have it high on my list, but I intentionally did things that were personally something I wanted to try or do. And that's how the 556th challenge was born.  My cards checkmark off my list 1) doing a video tutorial, 2) making a stamp set worth of sentiments to have handy, 3) having seasonal backgrounds ready for last minute cards, 4)...

The wonderful community of paper crafters and makers who "live" at Splitcoaststampers are the best! I don't have much time to craft this summer, really at all these past few years, but when I do and post them in my Member Gallery it makes my day! The challenges and events that go on throughout the year are widespread and have so much to offer. If you haven't stopped by there and had a look around you should go check it out! What is even more of a treat is to be a part of the challenge host in the Mix-Ability forum. I'm so tickled every time I jump in there and challenge myself and others to get in my mixed media mindset.  My last turn I completely forgot! The super sweet host MariLynn jumped in with a challenge to saved the day since I was distracted with my graduating daughter's events. Take a peek in the forum for any and all challenges here My modern twist on cyanotype is with mono-printing and die cuts! Nothing new for a paper crafter, but I did mix my own...

MIX412 Sample using Hare In A Hurry and  Celebrate Birthday MIX364 Sample using Cling Dahlia Collage and  Quest Texture Cube It's time to reveal a little more about my journey, if you're curious read on. For an explanation of the cards in this post, go to the end of the post.  In over a year I've scaled back my crafting to essentials and focused on the health of my neck, back and nutritionally everything.  Years ago I tore the cartilage in my hip, had surgery and did barely nothing to get myself back to better than before the injury. About the same time I had severe neck pain that caused reference pain and numbing down to the hand on my dominate side, the side that I use to write, draw, blowdry my hair, etc. I used all my energy and effort to take care of my family and do stamped greeting cards for the design teams I was on. It was a crazy cycle that I didn't know how to end. I just couldn't imagine leaving the hobby that I love to make my body healthier because sta...

Happy Good Friday! I’m stepping out into socials with my turn hosting in the Mix-Ability forum. I hope you’ll stay a while, indulge my seemingly high threshold for doing things the hard way, and take something to spark your creativity! I have been eyeing this traditional technique for a few months wondering if there is a way to use my paper crafting supplies to do the same thing. I came across a post by a UK artist who uses drypoint etching as the "stamp", but today I'll share how I tweaked her idea to work with a cling-mounted stamp. I'm not going to lie, it took me several passes to get the technique for this one card down, but if I had the chance I would probably make more! Here are some pros and cons, plus tips to help you decide if you want to try it! Pros: Debossed design similar to an embossing folder Spot of color technique Use your diecut machine for stamping Cons It's a process of art, not a quick project I'm sure there is another con, but it's s...

On your MARKers! What a clever title, right? It is a challenge coming up with things to start off with, but this time it was easy. The phrase is actually the title of my latest hosting gig on Splitcoaststampers. I'm currently slowly working on organizing my art supplies in the re-remodeled room from last year's water leak catastrophe. That means that I've got to go easy on pulling out my supplies. Honestly, it's still a scavenger hunt every time I need a main supply like, let's say, Mono Liquid glue.  Okay, so on to my card and link to go join in on the challenge. Play along in the challenge,  MIX524: On Your MARKers!  over on Splitcoaststampers Mix-Ability Challenge Forum . Supplies : I provide some product links that are through my Amazon Affiliate, and that means when clicked and purchased in the same session a few pennies are sent my way at no cost to you. Featured Product(s) : Crayola Markers ( AZ ) Plus : Cardstock (white - AZ and choice of 2nd color or...