tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542584139260074652024-03-05T07:38:05.061-05:00That's MISTER Cardmaker, to you!richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-59158205701176274042021-11-01T10:49:00.002-04:002021-11-01T10:49:44.435-04:00Mr Cardmaker has Gone to Instagram!<p> If you’re arriving here from Online Card Classes, I wanted to let you know this blog has been mostly abandoned. </p><p>Come see me and my work at Instagram </p><p>I am RLBreaks there. Hope to see you!</p><p>Thanks for stopping by!</p><p>All best-</p><p>Richard</p>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-11423831777999375572020-11-19T06:00:00.036-05:002020-11-19T06:00:01.348-05:00Mr Cardmaker is Waffle(Flower)-y About the 25 Days of Christmas Tags 2020<p> It's almost time to be all jolly-like, y'all! I'm particularly jolly today, not because I put up my tree (not yet!), but because I'm taking part in Tracey McNeely's<a href="http://inmycreativeopinion.blogspot.com/search/label/25%20Days%20of%20Christmas%20Tags" target="_blank"> 25 Days of Christmas Tags </a>this year! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHUS6mi5UIi0QpXypjfaFyHCJ-g74t7qdd6F4t_eSVhgWk_RmxGMoj6qFGRNg6KvMbFfbiYOxR_MAg453zisBEINunnK5syxRI67v0WCP1yHNpjbMAD4cOrpqiM0EorX704iN4FP7xVKy/s400/xmas+tag+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHUS6mi5UIi0QpXypjfaFyHCJ-g74t7qdd6F4t_eSVhgWk_RmxGMoj6qFGRNg6KvMbFfbiYOxR_MAg453zisBEINunnK5syxRI67v0WCP1yHNpjbMAD4cOrpqiM0EorX704iN4FP7xVKy/w640-h531/xmas+tag+logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It's my first year playing along, despite my otherwise best intentions in previous years. I was asked to be a guest designer for Waffle Flower's day, today, November 19! </span></div><p>I made these--</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IE6xtj8z2ax36eC1Rz-kFAuJibl7oECnwwBrsfG0tc52JdSouyH6BogQ5jqxsj8yfU-tYVGW7g2YA10XQfSy55A2wcM5rfuIpUbHSiZACiX6P1Mlnb_rMLCKBuG0Kn3rV04QbgTOHY4l/s2048/tag2-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IE6xtj8z2ax36eC1Rz-kFAuJibl7oECnwwBrsfG0tc52JdSouyH6BogQ5jqxsj8yfU-tYVGW7g2YA10XQfSy55A2wcM5rfuIpUbHSiZACiX6P1Mlnb_rMLCKBuG0Kn3rV04QbgTOHY4l/w480-h640/tag2-4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made these tags with Waffle Flower's Poinsettia stamp set. This is a layering set, and I decided to try layering embossing powders, rather than inks to create my tags. This is a gorgeous stamp set; last year I did a dozen or so cards using it in every color combination I could think of, with amazing results.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr68cOXNdmRLAQiaZgBFPi6rx4FAbGgSWMimCeKoLxCxgT_ZLMK0ULFPiRoaQA9ejd1cTX1ycC41ojjPzmAuA-eBdAlmHNx5r0Lvdd6EffmV3sA5oev3G-KrDrB34xzU8a9XCIfRhYWBl_/s2048/tag2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr68cOXNdmRLAQiaZgBFPi6rx4FAbGgSWMimCeKoLxCxgT_ZLMK0ULFPiRoaQA9ejd1cTX1ycC41ojjPzmAuA-eBdAlmHNx5r0Lvdd6EffmV3sA5oev3G-KrDrB34xzU8a9XCIfRhYWBl_/s320/tag2-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>I used Hero Arts Soft Vanilla Shadow Ink to ink blend a soft background for both tags. Once that was dry, I used gold, silver and white embossing powders to create both my flowers and the sentiment.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWpRiBPv3PcXKaTkdNO66Tgvk01FAEaT8cBMBG7jdNcQHWXy21C_JzvHF2PVfAASeu1U3x5aAOQ0YHJmi4JZuIuFe_IWvhBOP_Ehm4Gt7GteAnwC_DtWNbfsELbImsj2H_LpcQrUlfbdl/s2048/tag2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWpRiBPv3PcXKaTkdNO66Tgvk01FAEaT8cBMBG7jdNcQHWXy21C_JzvHF2PVfAASeu1U3x5aAOQ0YHJmi4JZuIuFe_IWvhBOP_Ehm4Gt7GteAnwC_DtWNbfsELbImsj2H_LpcQrUlfbdl/s320/tag2-2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>I did the sentiment in gold on the long tag, and in silver on the circle tag, just to switch things up a bit. I also added a second tag behind the circle tag made from a soft gray cardstock in my stash, and used Simon Says Stamp Fog ink to stamp Merry Christmas on it. This gives me a place to write a message.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZQynpsXSQE5_-H_Vd072-FSmqsw1-XfqJBSxMnppjUCJcJZHn6Zffc9XcKGacn5cIQ0y0_bDRcQM96oLhD_4DV5isphUXR-wGJGEDjLL-oTfAYZqk3pCsj88irP-FWpPGSMHIy_7NnkX/s1600/1-tag2-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZQynpsXSQE5_-H_Vd072-FSmqsw1-XfqJBSxMnppjUCJcJZHn6Zffc9XcKGacn5cIQ0y0_bDRcQM96oLhD_4DV5isphUXR-wGJGEDjLL-oTfAYZqk3pCsj88irP-FWpPGSMHIy_7NnkX/s320/1-tag2-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>I added some white Nuvo drops and some clear gems to finish things off, as well as some pretty white and gold ribbon from GinaK Designs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhna8nRArcSPn4AZnycjXoyn_Xenfo0m-R_6DInVbTHhF42stAZ6VydRwIn7DgapHzKF2IJN7DVH2xzM_YSgSNylMNA1GQboLc9-vd0_NYblw9YomqQsY3tc3f1h5QqgxDKrZuXQJu9YSKm/s2048/tag2-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhna8nRArcSPn4AZnycjXoyn_Xenfo0m-R_6DInVbTHhF42stAZ6VydRwIn7DgapHzKF2IJN7DVH2xzM_YSgSNylMNA1GQboLc9-vd0_NYblw9YomqQsY3tc3f1h5QqgxDKrZuXQJu9YSKm/s320/tag2-3.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Be sure to go over to the 25 Days of Christmas Tags and check out all the other designers, and to join in on the fun. There's PRIZES, y'all!</div><div>Special thanks to Tracey McNeely for the lovely invitation to guest this year! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Holidays, and Happy Crafting!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much for stopping by!</div><div><br /></div><div>All Best--</div><div>Richard</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASHKiUigvq9WFwDib0o4Aby5p6oOimmVKodTg0bP5WXV55qvGViou0GfflgtzBMdgiTUcNvatKFfMKYoGKtw5aujFzACtAh1lWf-shB-vlY9JRwxJgQzCDuWDMwhRqGkuHsynl7afbUY0/s320/waffle+flower.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASHKiUigvq9WFwDib0o4Aby5p6oOimmVKodTg0bP5WXV55qvGViou0GfflgtzBMdgiTUcNvatKFfMKYoGKtw5aujFzACtAh1lWf-shB-vlY9JRwxJgQzCDuWDMwhRqGkuHsynl7afbUY0/s0/waffle+flower.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-54513607224952219122020-08-22T06:00:00.002-04:002020-08-22T06:00:02.493-04:00Mr Cardmaker is Very Impressed by Picket Fence Studios<p>Well, this is the last of the projects I have to share for my guest designer spot for Picket Fence Studios. I had a terrific time, and I thank PFS for having my along for this August 2020 release.</p><p>They have a new stencil, y'all! It's the Evergreen Stencil, part of this month's release, and it's this sweet, delicate tree line. I was so sure I'd end up manhandling it and balling it all up, but I didn't do that at all! It's very sturdy for its delicacy, and I had lots of fun with it.</p><p>I made this--</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNeoiNODvfr6NSMMPIeACxYlQuE_Z4YNZKo991F-IzuFBzGIe_qKfq_DhPBdJdwNQrXMdghf0nT1LAod7ii2K0Dx2BvBrJBIp9l-DmrohBIMRwokMONPNf6-14E0XgRWRVaqenRByukp4/s1600/47-IMG_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1326" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNeoiNODvfr6NSMMPIeACxYlQuE_Z4YNZKo991F-IzuFBzGIe_qKfq_DhPBdJdwNQrXMdghf0nT1LAod7ii2K0Dx2BvBrJBIp9l-DmrohBIMRwokMONPNf6-14E0XgRWRVaqenRByukp4/s640/47-IMG_4150.JPG" /></a></div>So, I really love the technique of using a stencil as an embossing tool. It's so easy to get fantastic impressions by running through your diecutting machine with an embossing mat.<div><br /></div><div>Now, this stencil is just four trees, and I knew running a previously embossed panel BACK through your machine lessens the impression, so I had to do a bit of planning to get a foreground and background effect.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I figured out was to run my background trees through first--that meant placing my stencil at a higher point on my panel and running it through my machine, then shifting t a bit further down, running that through, until I got to where I wanted my foreground trees. Those last ones had the strongest impression, and gave the distinct idea of being a foreground.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlJQBmj8XE38ZuRLDiiD1hUFfA03QCbfmn6eLoubePmhrixkeLF7U9vqy0CTGKtsZ4W8CvLeqV8ZvfwmFwgl_NfUmcPY5sqZJ0blA4zvu-qiBAtjvY1onDXdLeNbynQkVLNuR_KJJ8Sb-/s1600/50-IMG_4153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1385" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlJQBmj8XE38ZuRLDiiD1hUFfA03QCbfmn6eLoubePmhrixkeLF7U9vqy0CTGKtsZ4W8CvLeqV8ZvfwmFwgl_NfUmcPY5sqZJ0blA4zvu-qiBAtjvY1onDXdLeNbynQkVLNuR_KJJ8Sb-/s640/50-IMG_4153.JPG" /></a></div><p>Next, I ever-so-gently went over my impressions with a bit of green ink, making sure to aim only for the raised areas on my panel. That done, I went BACK (brave? cocky? stupid? You decide...) in the same way with Versamark ink, and sprinkled the surface with some holographic embossing powder.</p><p>I held my breath, and heated it up. I could NOT be happier with the results. The foreground actually looks like a foreground, and the background...well, you get it.</p><p>I inked the edges of my panel for a bit of depth. I DO NOT recommend using your best blender brush for this. I had glitter in that thing for days! The things we do for our art...</p><p>I heat embossed a gold sentiment from the Good Vibes stamp set (previously released) onto a strip of vellum and wrapped it around my panel. I added some clear sequins, and some glittery Nuvo drops, and this card was finished. I love it!</p><p><br /></p><p>But there's just one more!</p><p>I made this--</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK8c_Z8vgQaHpZTpDJuA6SEIyZDqA3N0jgc2WwXPlv7IAmw6Y4KLqfkTux1MbH8wR01dhymrl9aaBaThlictONl6hTNnSxI7SPVOCn4NQdWiRYu23FV4NjGb-brp-auKydF1c7e2xa1px/s1600/53-IMG_4156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="989" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK8c_Z8vgQaHpZTpDJuA6SEIyZDqA3N0jgc2WwXPlv7IAmw6Y4KLqfkTux1MbH8wR01dhymrl9aaBaThlictONl6hTNnSxI7SPVOCn4NQdWiRYu23FV4NjGb-brp-auKydF1c7e2xa1px/s640/53-IMG_4156.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The delicacy of this stencil kinda had me a bit intimidated, I have to be honest. I was a bit afraid to use it, because I thought I'd move it and ruin everything.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I was wrong. All I needed was a bit of repositionable spray adhesive. Lots of people are using Pixie Spray these days, but I have a can of something I bought when I was stenciling a wall a while back, and so I am using that until it's gone. It seems to do the job!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, with rainbows being such a big thing these days, I decided a Christmas rainbow was in order.</div><div>I was really happy to see how easily my Distress Oxides blended onto my slimline panel, and my stencil held on like a champ, and came off again clean as a whistle!</div><div>I offset the stencil to one side and another as I moved down the panel and changed colors, and I was pleased with the results.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijN4-8I6AcapY9mx37mAwkJ7kW5KPNr_jGDNsH-mKtMu2gMSFJHEZwuzcbbDg8ZattZx-LrYvlaAcZ7c-DZN9o3nu1afJDDccYteXCC4Fhb6zdI9z6oHcuHEdbnef2nkbem5XwQTl1Mrpz/s1600/54-IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1110" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijN4-8I6AcapY9mx37mAwkJ7kW5KPNr_jGDNsH-mKtMu2gMSFJHEZwuzcbbDg8ZattZx-LrYvlaAcZ7c-DZN9o3nu1afJDDccYteXCC4Fhb6zdI9z6oHcuHEdbnef2nkbem5XwQTl1Mrpz/s640/54-IMG_4157.JPG" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>To emphasize the Christmas feel of the card, I replaced the stencil over the green area of my panel (so easy to do) and added a much darker green ink than I started with. I liked it, but it was the addition of red and gold Nuvo drops that really brought the Christmassy feel home for me. </p><p>I gold heat embossed another sentiment from Good Vibes on a pink strip of cardstock, chopped it up, and then backed each piece with a scrap of vellum. I felt that the vellum really visually elevated the little pieces. Those were all foam mounted onto my panel, and were joined by a spray of clear sequins. Christmas is never too shiny!</p><p>So, that's it for me! Again, thanks to <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios</a> for the opportunity to experience this collection of beautiful stamps and stencil, and for asking me to share with you how much I enjoyed working with them! Everything is available now at the website, so stop by.</p><p>Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your valuable time with me!</p><p>All Best-</p><p>Richard</p></div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-90832783735619247042020-08-21T06:00:00.004-04:002020-08-21T06:00:02.320-04:00Mr Cardmaker Gets All Shook Up for Halloween and Picket Fence Studios<p> I think my Halloween cards are some of the most fun I make all year, and I tend to save them for my crafty friends, because I think many of us feel the same way!</p><p>I'm guest designing for <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios</a> this month, and the August release has a really fun stamp set for Halloween called A Spooky Day. There's a wonderfully spooky haunted looking house that I'm REALLY happy to have in my ever growing Halloween collection, as well as lots of other fun images.</p><p>I made this--</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2K4NaXxmbTDZD_2ramp9CP1PPqTL3yvqflYANME1yuWmSh27bSrRHNcfUbLdL5EJiUltZd290VjMUb9t19DHCKN60Txy6tlCbsjzmz43D55tncY7-QuKo2QHmHq-EiY7JMP7V-ya1__N/s1600/41-IMG_4143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1327" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2K4NaXxmbTDZD_2ramp9CP1PPqTL3yvqflYANME1yuWmSh27bSrRHNcfUbLdL5EJiUltZd290VjMUb9t19DHCKN60Txy6tlCbsjzmz43D55tncY7-QuKo2QHmHq-EiY7JMP7V-ya1__N/s640/41-IMG_4143.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I first laid out my stamps to decide placement on my kraft cardstock panel, and when I was satisfied I removed them and ink blended white pigment ink and gray shades of Distress Oxide Ink in various places to make a cloudy, misty background. I misted water in places, and added ink spatters to add even more effect and depth.<div> I then stamped the moon in many layers of white pigment ink, and then swirled more white around it to diffuse it. I next stamped the house and tree image in black pigment ink, and clear heat embossed it.</div><div>I colored the house by painting in shadows with Distress Ink, then came back when dry with a white pencil to draw in highlights. A little purple penciling adds a touch of color here and there.</div><div><br /></div><div>The clouds were stamped and white heat embossed, and highlighted with some white ink.</div><div>The teensy-tiny (I mean, TINY!) leaf stamps actually turned out to be some of the most fun I had with this card. They fit into so many tiny spaces, and I had total control, because they're all separate stamps. Just a smattering of them on the ground, and a handful more tossed into the wind, they're stamped in black pigment ink, and also clear heat embossed to match the look of the house and tree.</div><div><br /></div><div>I made a sentiment strip, chopped it up, and foam mounted it to my panel. I didn't find I missed any bling here, so I left it alone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1s9fkdy-4MnYhwbI4UPDDQ_hgMph6bVKx7Lwyqis7b9zITIMeL1XjT6vNNNYalGcYV0kLEFN51-XX04iTUobKxRW4cuL1662cwKMYZSjRN1oH5I9oxsU3Wu_E2hyphenhyphenqW4AMqvvarsrN6_3/s1600/42-IMG_4144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1172" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1s9fkdy-4MnYhwbI4UPDDQ_hgMph6bVKx7Lwyqis7b9zITIMeL1XjT6vNNNYalGcYV0kLEFN51-XX04iTUobKxRW4cuL1662cwKMYZSjRN1oH5I9oxsU3Wu_E2hyphenhyphenqW4AMqvvarsrN6_3/s640/42-IMG_4144.JPG" /></a></div><p>But wait, there's more!</p><p>I made this--</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybZ_HWjmpo1oKsPxRTYedFUn4EV_LV49Gopy7V5ALVQenRzAynpyoRNIrxYDG3H_n27vMBg2-0hSqGc17AUqBrfjVOzJQkfyomlt97ckx9-eog8VBftmRzFK47zT06iI84renb36kk7V-/s1600/46-IMG_4149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybZ_HWjmpo1oKsPxRTYedFUn4EV_LV49Gopy7V5ALVQenRzAynpyoRNIrxYDG3H_n27vMBg2-0hSqGc17AUqBrfjVOzJQkfyomlt97ckx9-eog8VBftmRzFK47zT06iI84renb36kk7V-/s640/46-IMG_4149.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Grabbing another panel of kraft cardstock, my next idea was to find a way to make a "neighborhood" of spooky houses. I stamped them at varying heights and cut off the tree on the left side, and I was surprised to see how they really looked pretty different, all in all. </p><p>To color things, I merely ink blended the edges of my panel, and then went back to my favorite white pencil to add some simple detailing and highlights I used a cloud stencil from my stash to create a bit of dark sky between the houses, and added ink spatters and spatters of water mixed with some perfect pearls powder to make some shine.</p><p>THEN--</p><p>SMEAR! Right at the top of my sky. A big, black, nasty smear. I hate it when that happens.</p><p>I thought, and thought about how to fix it--I thinked and I thunk. I finally decided to amputate it. I fussy cut around the images, and somehow thought that a circular span connecting the two houses was a good thing. Why not, right?</p><p>So, then, I used my stamping tool to help me curve a sentiment to fit my arc, and that got stamped and heat embossed. I added a companion sentiment in white, but I was still not sure what I was ultimately doing.</p><p>I finally was inspired to make it into a semi-frameless shaker card! I added some cloud stenciling to a panel of Halloween paper from my <strike>hoard </strike> stash, then piled a variety of sequins and glitter and mica flakes onto it and covered it all in acetate to seal it in by taping it to the back of the panel. this made my frameless shaker. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0rAeEnnXGpc2NRv1QN7gboSNqrtYAueAWkT7hCniZgheKZdyy7hqAZKy66nDUfvMKavzC8D3g_F65PVHF4_IAmblLOqdC2Tj0ady3iUvn07WQqKHz0LiR1Ag3Zd4nLEcODO_AuppAbgx/s1600/43-IMG_4146.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0rAeEnnXGpc2NRv1QN7gboSNqrtYAueAWkT7hCniZgheKZdyy7hqAZKy66nDUfvMKavzC8D3g_F65PVHF4_IAmblLOqdC2Tj0ady3iUvn07WQqKHz0LiR1Ag3Zd4nLEcODO_AuppAbgx/s640/43-IMG_4146.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>All I then had to do is glue my trimmed panel with the houses to the shaker, and add it all to a card base. I added some extra sequins and yet another sentiment to the front, and this thing turned out better than I ever planned!</p><p>All this Halloween fun can be yours, too, by visiting the <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios</a> website and seeing (and buying!) all the fun things in the August 2020 release, available NOW!</p><p>Thanks so much for stopping by!</p><p>All Best--</p><p>Richard</p></div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-14127784078597645912020-08-20T06:00:00.002-04:002020-08-20T06:00:01.341-04:00Mr Cardmaker Tries to make the Hard Stuff as Pretty as Possible<p>Well, when it comes time to make sympathy cards, it never seems like it's going to be a fun thing to do. My way around that is to make a good handful AHEAD of time, so I'm able to concentrate on the card making, rather than the sad occasion. </p><p>And PET sympathy cards...ooooh, boy. Might even be worse.</p><p>Anyway, when it came to making these particular cards, I at least had a sweet face and lovely sentiments to keep me company. </p><p>Today I'm sharing cards made with the Stella Puppy stamp set, part of the August 2020 release from <a href="https://pfstamps.com/">Picket Fence Studios.</a></p><p>I made this--</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RPbJ-OkIm2gnmV6VxIpvxTVoxxSRpWccc3XwKm5mxsgoCgfT2mc5PLxl5xzNF30uAzYFXH26udia-JMCpfIFJG9fSDpoBj6oKflrVCTu2jgu7mZ30hxHWtjaSKxD90VJ5wGW7TidNVBg/s1600/30-IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RPbJ-OkIm2gnmV6VxIpvxTVoxxSRpWccc3XwKm5mxsgoCgfT2mc5PLxl5xzNF30uAzYFXH26udia-JMCpfIFJG9fSDpoBj6oKflrVCTu2jgu7mZ30hxHWtjaSKxD90VJ5wGW7TidNVBg/s640/30-IMG_4132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The idea of the Rainbow Bridge, the place where our sweet pets wait for us to meet them until our time comes, is a lovely and hopeful one. And, there's rainbows, so how could you go wrong?</p><p>I made a panel of rainbow colors with cardstock scraps in my stash, and was THRILLED when clear embossing the puppy image on top of it worked out as well as I was hoping. Even on the yellow, things are nice and clear.</p><p>A simple white embossed sentiment from the stamp set is all that was needed, but I did add some white Nuvo drops, because I felt something was needed, and sequins and other bling didn't seem fitting.</p><p>I die cut the panel with a stitched rectangle die and foam mounted it on a white card base. Simple is best, I think.</p><p>For my next card, I wanted to keep the rainbow idea, but I went softer.</p><p>I made this--</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5IZ-9j3yyaQtFsHe8T1DePOb3Tf-wR3ow_GpdzlewXXyqk98grlEUUnl22u0cSJSme-h9qf9CCqaVQZ3MSbmbe3dyTwhdWDF_gLvRsbb1h0SGCU7RFrRRCdtqWq3dbKq-qifUNd74Zq1/s1600/26-IMG_4128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5IZ-9j3yyaQtFsHe8T1DePOb3Tf-wR3ow_GpdzlewXXyqk98grlEUUnl22u0cSJSme-h9qf9CCqaVQZ3MSbmbe3dyTwhdWDF_gLvRsbb1h0SGCU7RFrRRCdtqWq3dbKq-qifUNd74Zq1/s640/26-IMG_4128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here, I did soft washes of color with watered-down Distress Inks, in rainbow order, of course. I came back and added water droplets and ink spatters, trying to concentrate the spatters to their coordinating colors, but not terribly worried about bleed over.</p><p>Once totally dry, I stamped and gold heat embossed the puppy image and added the sentiment, which I clear embossed to give it more substance. Some tiny gold Nuvo drops finish things off.</p><p>In a bad time, it's nice to have a happy thought and some pretty colors to hang onto, as well as the support of friends and loved ones. Paper hugs, y'all. Send some.</p><p>Stella Puppy and many other new products in the August release are now available for purchase at the <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios </a>website. Check it out!</p><p>Thanks so much for stopping by!</p><p>All Best-</p><p>Richard</p><p><br /></p>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-31623353809688140472020-08-19T06:00:00.003-04:002020-08-19T06:00:02.962-04:00Mr Cardmaker is BUGGY for Picket Fence Studios<p>I'm back to help introduce the August<a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank"> Picket Fence Studios</a> release, and today I'm staying in a natural vein, and sharing projects made with the new Moths stamp. This is a background stamp, about 3 1/4" square, which seems small, right? However, this stamp is drawn in such a way that it's wicked easy to stamp them in series and easily match up the edges, creating any size image you want.</p><p>I decided to keep it on the simple side today, though, and made a card with just one stamping--well, one and a bit extra...</p><p>I made this--</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIh92qWFVq029ENiN3K838NRhmIo4Wb91uSxDgPwNnPeWBH_MhNPtXo4YHVFoSDgJQ7E5BmN1x_aCuoPYbZ2VgSq2E_X3BIz1yKaAZR7oS-swDkPldhoT4Jcc62STHFX-dJS_-4zd3Pv9/s1600/1-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1321" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIh92qWFVq029ENiN3K838NRhmIo4Wb91uSxDgPwNnPeWBH_MhNPtXo4YHVFoSDgJQ7E5BmN1x_aCuoPYbZ2VgSq2E_X3BIz1yKaAZR7oS-swDkPldhoT4Jcc62STHFX-dJS_-4zd3Pv9/s640/1-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aren't these moths just too cool? I stamped them onto a panel I made using Distress Inks and the "smooshing" technique, some water spots, and some ink spatters. This is one of my favorite techniques- always unique, and always fun to do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My moths are gold heat embossed. I like the elevated feel, using the gold. I also colored a scrap of cardstock, stamped and gold heat embossed just a portion of the image, and fussy cut one of the moths. I added it with foam tape to the bottom of my feature panel to give it just a bit of action.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb06xKBtqExeDl3lf6Jx3KFemxurPmj7fjvsSlSjXW4gG-mHiTqiPQ1mKu8cLGxfNt0ginHvR_QGhoXVmEtOPD9faZM72-sUQvTeZZU0d4CaIhq4z_QAzfmSu1UEzbR1JJ7mlFyTEeioEn/s1600/2-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1294" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb06xKBtqExeDl3lf6Jx3KFemxurPmj7fjvsSlSjXW4gG-mHiTqiPQ1mKu8cLGxfNt0ginHvR_QGhoXVmEtOPD9faZM72-sUQvTeZZU0d4CaIhq4z_QAzfmSu1UEzbR1JJ7mlFyTEeioEn/s640/2-2.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My sentiment, which is far too perfect for far too many of my friends, comes from the previously released Never Faked a Sarcasm stamp set, which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I gold heat embossed this onto a deep blue card panel.<div>I double matted my focal panel, and added it to my blue panel. A few gold Nuvo drops were the final touch before I mounted it to a white top-folding card base.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oHLg3SXhLxfRIQPBjJe403KvQKhwIINuppYHInp-StDfBb8Q3LSyl5eKh7aGAd5SmQl5OapBTOikiJh2ShicmKlHSovYUCOLHeJr9yAoFfhyrF7exN6O8BkoonrFOhRx_fpkINJXPyxd/s1600/3-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1409" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oHLg3SXhLxfRIQPBjJe403KvQKhwIINuppYHInp-StDfBb8Q3LSyl5eKh7aGAd5SmQl5OapBTOikiJh2ShicmKlHSovYUCOLHeJr9yAoFfhyrF7exN6O8BkoonrFOhRx_fpkINJXPyxd/s640/3-3.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>For my second card, I decided to use the Songbirds stamp set along with the Moths.</p><p>I made this--</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_JGoJLVeZl4rV8lIPgNCIM_cFv7XYVMHs0AjHeIEVxElftMlMeCveQIvKzY2Av0vYGawxBc5694pfz2tG2A9U0dJ_8M5IYQ0eo-3M0T-UsSdE0RogD_PlFF-2KwukYeNK_UIzpc2m7h5/s1600/01-IMG_4103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_JGoJLVeZl4rV8lIPgNCIM_cFv7XYVMHs0AjHeIEVxElftMlMeCveQIvKzY2Av0vYGawxBc5694pfz2tG2A9U0dJ_8M5IYQ0eo-3M0T-UsSdE0RogD_PlFF-2KwukYeNK_UIzpc2m7h5/s640/01-IMG_4103.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>I'm a big fan of mixing a snarky sentiment with sweet images. It makes me laugh.<p></p><p>I started with a panel ink blended with Distress Inks and sprayed with water to activate the colors. I set it aside to dry while I moved ahead elsewhere.</p><p>I ink blended several green Distress Ink shades onto another piece of white cardstock. I then stamped the Moths stamp with black ink, let dry, then offset it just slightly, and restamped in versamark ink; which I followed up with white embossing powder, and heated until melted and shiny. I then diecut the word 'hiya" with dies from my stash, and got to making an arrangement for my card.</p><p>I stamped the bird and sentiment in black pigment ink and clear embossed them. Once I knew where my letters would go, I stamped the bird's feet onto the H so he would look perched on top of it before foam mounting my letters. This is definitely easier to do BEFORE adding the letters to the project! </p><p> I decided to point up my focal panel with some striped paper and a skinny cardstock strip. I didn't have the correct color cardstock , so I used a direct to paper inking to make the proper blue for my strip. Matching makes me happy...</p><p>Just a few sequins to finish up!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz16vFNrQ2TbyUr3uaItBuCgozcs7lZ7GoU_sYz39djAwTaPYr92jljHebmLVq9Dz9snp53ub4oc0dMaGqFYXDPkacgvRBImkZOk9mSrjrecA2d0GmynRodjXoA3OpMMKkt4_fnW49qi8r/s1600/03-IMG_4105.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz16vFNrQ2TbyUr3uaItBuCgozcs7lZ7GoU_sYz39djAwTaPYr92jljHebmLVq9Dz9snp53ub4oc0dMaGqFYXDPkacgvRBImkZOk9mSrjrecA2d0GmynRodjXoA3OpMMKkt4_fnW49qi8r/s640/03-IMG_4105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The Moths and Songbirds stamp sets, along with lots of other fun things in the August release, is available right now at the <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios </a>website. Check it out!</p><p>Thanks so much for stopping by, and spending time with me.</p><p>All Best--</p><p>Richard</p></div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-44634263031617259982020-08-18T06:00:00.001-04:002020-08-18T06:00:08.024-04:00Mr Cardmaker Takes Flight with Picket Fence Studios<p style="text-align: left;">Well, I've definitely caught the slimline card bug. I love having more space to play with, and layout options certainly increase with a slimline card.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I also have a big thing for birds. We live in Florida, and we have a small pond behind us that backs into a nature preserve, so the plethora of birds we get to see every day is amazing. I also have a good number of ceramic birds throughout my house, because I can't seem to get enough.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios </a>asked me to guest design for them for this month's release, and I was so happy when I saw the Songbirds stamp set! </p><p style="text-align: left;">I made this--</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwQa7umPTHqyss3ELeKgL5okdLylov1f7LGpfU9iUd4UbS58Lc-zL2ebYUgSTRF5dnuLNkb24xGfDsFyoP-2BSfn0zrRxDy-CnfmtLLpyX00oot7oABnDd9iTXvNHThviNzFKvs3oflPN/s1600/65-IMG_4171.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwQa7umPTHqyss3ELeKgL5okdLylov1f7LGpfU9iUd4UbS58Lc-zL2ebYUgSTRF5dnuLNkb24xGfDsFyoP-2BSfn0zrRxDy-CnfmtLLpyX00oot7oABnDd9iTXvNHThviNzFKvs3oflPN/s640/65-IMG_4171.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">To start, I used washi tape to mask off stripes on a panel of 80# cardstock. This is just about as easy as it comes, and you can easily eyeball the placement of the tape. Working on a diagonal relieves the need for perfectly straight lines, too. I also decided to mask an area where my sentiment would ultimately land with a diecut I had on my desk. I ink blended several Distress Oxide inks together, sprayed the panel with water and splattered some ink on it to give it some texture (and disguise any awkward blend points) and allowed it to dry.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Once I gently removed the washi tape from the VERY dry panel (otherwise, it almost ALWAYS will tear), I decided where my birds needed to be in my design, and diecut windows for them with various sizes of circle dies. I also blended some ink into the sentiment area I had previously masked, using the mask for shadow, and the negative to add color to the banner. I then stamped my sentiment in both blue and versamark, and clear heat embossed it.</p><p style="text-align: left;">On my card front, because I'm crazy this way, I marked where my birds needed to land, and carefully ink blended and spattered these areas. If you notice the bottom bird, I actually masked a border to line up with where my striped panel would land. I then stamped my birds, and did some easy coloring with colored pencils.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It was then merely left to the mounting of the striped panel, which I did with foam tape. A few clear sequins, and it's done!</p><p style="text-align: left;">For my second card, I decided to do a holiday card. My grandmother always had birds on her Christmas tree, and I've always had one or two in my tree because of it. I thought these birds would make pretty ornaments, so...</p><p style="text-align: left;">I made this--</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5oGAJj0pyV76_vho0-_HtOjGiJyyxlUpqJZOyTlCzICFGP0cGNbkvbid1jnvrK3bMTXQhHHcBYRLtyKZD13ZhYB3p7-Xsgq6I5-kAkhG6yqp5s4lEFFqA8omFnYJfl-5Lgo-uouNQTTX/s1600/56-IMG_4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="760" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5oGAJj0pyV76_vho0-_HtOjGiJyyxlUpqJZOyTlCzICFGP0cGNbkvbid1jnvrK3bMTXQhHHcBYRLtyKZD13ZhYB3p7-Xsgq6I5-kAkhG6yqp5s4lEFFqA8omFnYJfl-5Lgo-uouNQTTX/s640/56-IMG_4159.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p> I embossed a panel of cardstock with an embossing folder from my stash. Now, using an embossing folder on a panel for a slimline card can be tricky, but I was careful with my placement so there'd be no overlap, and in the very few imperfect places that came out, I was easily able to hide things under ornaments.</p><p>The ornaments were cut using some Spellbinders dies that have been in my stash for ages. They have a vintage-y feel to them, and I like how they work here. </p><p>Birds and feathers were heat embossed, both in gold and with clear over red ink, and I was able to get a tiny sentiment from the stamp set onto one of the ornaments. It's not a Christmas sentiment, but I can't imagine anyone would not realize the theme here...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB52sObri7SuMJe6WH6MJiQvwxN0H0zXIp1xf_W5DlAJazMZVht9uAlvPCYc5VNkwXqPZ6yQMAEzWRQBCYDeJ7Q38T_jfUSUaBrMMquA5eJIA8He0x6ctRHvg0mhObyvyfLfH1_O0nFLKc/s1600/60-IMG_4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1030" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB52sObri7SuMJe6WH6MJiQvwxN0H0zXIp1xf_W5DlAJazMZVht9uAlvPCYc5VNkwXqPZ6yQMAEzWRQBCYDeJ7Q38T_jfUSUaBrMMquA5eJIA8He0x6ctRHvg0mhObyvyfLfH1_O0nFLKc/s640/60-IMG_4163.JPG" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>To decorate the ornaments even further, I used a Versamark pen to draw on some details and dots, and heat embossed them in gold. Never too much sparkle at Christmas, I say!</p><p>The only tricky/tedious thing for me was the tying and securing of the gold thread that I used to "hang" the ornaments. It was a bit fiddly, but I succeeded at the end, and I mounted everything at various heights with liquid glue and foam tape. To fill in any bare spots, I added some dots of gold Nuvo drops.</p><p>I'm happy to have another card to add to my very slowly growing collection of holiday cards for this year.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuWyQyoASttMPwyZQvuXBeYBsYtm6UVzmDhH73gtI34-Suwgj8SXdUHzNIbFp0sM8iP7cp0X-tOvhyphenhypheno17Bs1NGLQXGRIbQDPK8ul9O3MVIFJDWLMcSTqQk9gBmpMMyy34VAhFtqc2Ukj7/s1600/58-IMG_4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="918" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuWyQyoASttMPwyZQvuXBeYBsYtm6UVzmDhH73gtI34-Suwgj8SXdUHzNIbFp0sM8iP7cp0X-tOvhyphenhypheno17Bs1NGLQXGRIbQDPK8ul9O3MVIFJDWLMcSTqQk9gBmpMMyy34VAhFtqc2Ukj7/s640/58-IMG_4161.JPG" /></a></div><p>I have another card with that sweet little chickadee on it, but it also uses another new stamp set that I will show you next time, so stay tuned! You'll be buggy about it!</p><p>Be sure to stop by the <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios </a>website and see the Songbirds stamp set and ALL the new release, available now!</p><p>Thanks for stopping by!</p><p>All Best--</p><p>Richard</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"> </p></blockquote>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-10178387477961405402020-08-17T06:00:00.003-04:002020-08-17T06:00:04.661-04:00Mr Cardmaker Colors It Up for Picket Fence Studios<p>My third entry for my guest spot for <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios</a> this month uses a happy scene in the Your Friend Dear Stamp set. This image is so much fun to color in a variety of ways, and the sentiment is sweet and snarky at the same time, so, yeah, I'm all over that one.</p><p>First, I made this--</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q9_Ony08dcTrqAl6E8Z8N5ygDzFZ0GuiZlL74qbZEcYZPzCwUWKisFaVFGRD_kF8DvwWOQLXR1FbuOIssRAHdY61k7R0W0AbT3dJX5mya8if1WPmtnprhOHccNKiJn9ZCBrzVqvttgcK/s1600/12-IMG_4114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1343" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q9_Ony08dcTrqAl6E8Z8N5ygDzFZ0GuiZlL74qbZEcYZPzCwUWKisFaVFGRD_kF8DvwWOQLXR1FbuOIssRAHdY61k7R0W0AbT3dJX5mya8if1WPmtnprhOHccNKiJn9ZCBrzVqvttgcK/s640/12-IMG_4114.JPG" /></a></div><p>I actually remembered to pull out some bristol smooth cardstock for this one--I usually default to 80# cardstock, and then hate myself when I go to color things with watercolor markers.</p><p>This is a delightful scene, with the girl suffering her companions to wear the same bows she has in her hair. They certainly don't seem to mind too much, considering how it IS for their friend.</p><p>I stamped this in Memento Tuxedo Black ink to start, using my MISTI stamping tool, and reminded myself to NOT remove the stamp. I also stamped the image on masking paper, which I trimmed out and applied to my panel over my image. I used a cloud stencil from my stash and Distress Inks to ink blend the sky for my scene, and then cut a quick homemade stencil from a die in my stash to create the grass line, which was also ink blended on. I LOVE my blender brushes from Picket Studios. They are sooo soft, and they blend beautifully.</p><p>I was then able to remove my mask and get to coloring. I used my Zig clean-color water color markers and a water brush to color everything, using a bright green to point up all the bows. Being so close to the grass, I could've used some other color for the bows, especially considering the cat's placement, but I added Ranger Glossy Accents on top to point things up, so I think it ultimately works. </p><p>To finish, I put my panel back into my MISTI, and restamped the image in Versafine Onyx Black ink, to deepen and crisp up my black outline.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfy1aU59wEhkx1HIl8ROwSmXLN1_mx-mz8qhJ-x119Zl6wtjZVznmYxL-puUWlXhzvIBpHTO-es6-z8MF8b7vo0mexaS1s88dkj9ZtD-EsiffpSEXu_ebSpsjXMoXjnl35uG0tIhlpcOW/s1600/13-IMG_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1325" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfy1aU59wEhkx1HIl8ROwSmXLN1_mx-mz8qhJ-x119Zl6wtjZVznmYxL-puUWlXhzvIBpHTO-es6-z8MF8b7vo0mexaS1s88dkj9ZtD-EsiffpSEXu_ebSpsjXMoXjnl35uG0tIhlpcOW/s640/13-IMG_4115.JPG" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>After drying, I used a white gel pen to add some bright white highlights to my scene, and added some clear sequins to add interest. I white heat embossed the sentiment onto a black strip of cardstock, added some foam tape to the back, and adhered it to the panel. </p><p>I found a great striped paper deep in my paper stash that had lots of the colors I used, and used it as a backing on my white top-folding notecard.</p><p>Cheerful, right?</p><p>Well, I had to do another, and I had to explore other options while I was at it!</p><p>I made this--</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbESmgqMoaKUcdR7uWa_QatvICIRPYOYfTVdh6Ml8zV3hqPt66AGHuL0IZ4S-Cwt_jUwEGSIg0J-t-7Nsh82QJ2H08T_wqf1vyJAZDIkVTMCPUot_X36x2tv6JhytOFKRBMrnMcFzp1Cbt/s1600/11-IMG_4113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1389" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbESmgqMoaKUcdR7uWa_QatvICIRPYOYfTVdh6Ml8zV3hqPt66AGHuL0IZ4S-Cwt_jUwEGSIg0J-t-7Nsh82QJ2H08T_wqf1vyJAZDIkVTMCPUot_X36x2tv6JhytOFKRBMrnMcFzp1Cbt/s640/11-IMG_4113.JPG" /></a></div><p>I LOVE making cards with Kraft cardstock. I think I use it about one in every five cards I make.</p><p>Here, I stamped in Versafine onyx black, and then got out my colored pencils.</p><p>My animals stayed pretty much the same--I have a friend who has a HUGE white Great Pyrenees dog, and I just love an orange cat, so...</p><p>I thought this girl's hair lent itself to work for many ethnicities, and so here I went with a dark complexion. I love this. I was worried as I colored that I was kind of spotchy and that things weren't working as I wanted, but then I remembered my VERY good friend when it comes to pencils--GAMSOL!</p><p>Gamsol is an odorless mineral spirits that allows you to soften the look of your pencils by blending them. My photographs pick up some of the reflections of the pencil strokes, but in real life things look really soft and blended. I used lots of gamsol and many blending stumps, but in the end I was really happy with my results. I definitely consider myself a super novice where coloring is concerned, so this is GREAT for me.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bN6b1RE2sk1qUcTESny1OjkqxTBGhCr1NkR9Mea6P1ZVm6QN9w9qRUfPy1JLNrv4KeAe6jwDFEvm5dNLsaHsTrT7_4Ofv1n1Zpkbd-M6gl8RuwYIT1mC_zffIUhQQ2yPTm0w5l_p4Yyf/s1600/09-IMG_4111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1342" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bN6b1RE2sk1qUcTESny1OjkqxTBGhCr1NkR9Mea6P1ZVm6QN9w9qRUfPy1JLNrv4KeAe6jwDFEvm5dNLsaHsTrT7_4Ofv1n1Zpkbd-M6gl8RuwYIT1mC_zffIUhQQ2yPTm0w5l_p4Yyf/s640/09-IMG_4111.JPG" /></a></div><p>I white heat embossed a sentiment from the previously released Good Vibes stamp set and mounted my panel to a white top-folding notecard. A few white Nuvo drops, some Glossy Accents on the dogs nose and cat's nose and bell, and I was DONE!</p><p>This is a great image to color, whether you're a novice like me, or have huge amounts of experience and talent for coloring. This and many more stamps from this release can be found at the <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios</a> web site. Be sure to check it all out!</p><p>Thanks so much for stopping by!</p><p>All Best--</p><p>Richard</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-91348749396307497972020-08-15T06:00:00.002-04:002020-08-15T06:00:02.616-04:00Mr Cardmaker Ties It Up with a Ribbon for Picket Fence StudiosToday I have some more cards to share with you, using a stamp from the August 2020 release from <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios.</a> I am guest designing for them this month, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.<div><br /></div><div>Today, I am sharing cards made with the Hope Ribbons background stamp. This stamp measures about 3 1/4" square, but it's made so it's very easy to line up and connect the image to achieve a custom size, making it easy to create a card, a tag, or even a scrapbook page.</div><div><br /></div><div>Using ribbons to show support for various causes is an everyday occurrence. Ribbons of every color of the rainbow catch our eye and remind us of ongoing struggles every day that people face, and those who work tirelessly to support them as science works to find cures.</div><div><br /></div><div>As cardmakers, we do our part, in part, to support those in need with messages of paper and ink. Paper hugs, some like to call them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, I have two such paper hugs to share.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, I made this--</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9y2dfM-6TEFZQhdNudTtNbVRXCnFaXjDtX2XW-J0TVuEmnk2J3dSayLMBR1Q9RyVtOfkVvNtYAgT7yo5eBNf8-nZJzJOfYJsTQQBPe_IntHWz5KFwoH6vSMG7N1GR3OX9NlKtModHblc/s1600/20-IMG_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1210" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9y2dfM-6TEFZQhdNudTtNbVRXCnFaXjDtX2XW-J0TVuEmnk2J3dSayLMBR1Q9RyVtOfkVvNtYAgT7yo5eBNf8-nZJzJOfYJsTQQBPe_IntHWz5KFwoH6vSMG7N1GR3OX9NlKtModHblc/s640/20-IMG_4122.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I think this is the first ribbon I recognized being worn on a large scale, to support those living with HIV.</div></div><div>I've learned that a diagnosis of any major health issue comes with myriad emotional trials--and as with all things, I work to slap a snarky face on just about all of them. This sentiment from the previously released Never Faked a Sarcasm stamp set seems perfect here to me. I leave it to you to figure out the meaning.</div><div><br /></div><div>To create this card front, I stamped the image on both white and red cardstock, then trimmed both to fit together on the card front. Notice here how I was able to almost seamlessly pair up where the image ends and another starts. It's nice to work with a stamp that gives you a variety of uses and is so easy to expand for a larger background.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjMxx3g4_rKp7U6qNvXXpwiKdIEHlcFVH7y3FloawuT-NDmqvoE4DMdOHAO6VPQwgOYEEKmpCahRxtwUQUmJ5MGkl7gQ2Ga20B5aznhhlYaOjEBxCdevyZXfB6msl20ki3QQZK3exR2fR/s1600/24-IMG_4126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjMxx3g4_rKp7U6qNvXXpwiKdIEHlcFVH7y3FloawuT-NDmqvoE4DMdOHAO6VPQwgOYEEKmpCahRxtwUQUmJ5MGkl7gQ2Ga20B5aznhhlYaOjEBxCdevyZXfB6msl20ki3QQZK3exR2fR/s640/24-IMG_4126.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I did a small amount of ink blending on the edges to soften them, and I white heat embossed the oh-so-very snarky sentiment on the red section for the most impact. I felt that blinging this one up was unnecessary, so I trimmed and foam mounted my panel onto a white top-folding card base and stepped away.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have uttered this sentiment in daily life a number of times. I will do so again when appropriate, too, I'm sure...</div><div><br /></div><div>My second card supports a cause that has been a part of my family for many years.</div><div><br /></div><div>I made this--</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0O2h0mo3stW761A0I27amX_sX2kTN9AXf6ff-SKoBDAwXdcaA6-pmObDcEszn747RpNX2a6nisjm4tWN5fQwP972OUD3DPl_DHAX3APyM0tvvpgKP0nLiUru1m2T0krhBOV1SsrBxIt8/s1600/18-IMG_4120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1355" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0O2h0mo3stW761A0I27amX_sX2kTN9AXf6ff-SKoBDAwXdcaA6-pmObDcEszn747RpNX2a6nisjm4tWN5fQwP972OUD3DPl_DHAX3APyM0tvvpgKP0nLiUru1m2T0krhBOV1SsrBxIt8/s640/18-IMG_4120.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I love how you can connect the image so easily, but here I wanted to use it in a more disjointed way, like the way cancer can shatter lives so easily. My mom has been living with breast cancer and metastases for many years now, and while she has been in several remissions, there always seems to be another shoe ready to drop at any moment.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJuEHh28tZPu8OeG2d_ot5Em6k2Ww3XpPmZ_oenAs5odP49YgaJW0NcgsEjr3mmk47qO3JwHJR-iKDnMNtoJWd4VAbqhT_US6AiOYGLZuhGcrrpg5FpG9J0HqEvRv1d5nUgwT9rqI28vU/s1600/16-IMG_4118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1313" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJuEHh28tZPu8OeG2d_ot5Em6k2Ww3XpPmZ_oenAs5odP49YgaJW0NcgsEjr3mmk47qO3JwHJR-iKDnMNtoJWd4VAbqhT_US6AiOYGLZuhGcrrpg5FpG9J0HqEvRv1d5nUgwT9rqI28vU/s640/16-IMG_4118.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here I felt freer to go more feminine, with scallops and gems, and pink-on-pink. I used one of the stamps from the It's Peopley Out There stamp set for the sentiment, and heat embossed it in gold. I love this sentiment. </div><div><br /></div><div>Fights with health issues are often long and hard. I think giving someone a smile in the midst of things is the very least we can do. Do it, early and often. </div><div>Paper hugs, y'all. Paper hugs.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have more to share over the next few days, using items from this August release from <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios.</a> Be sure to stop by the website to see much more! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much for stopping by!</div><div>All Best--</div><div>Richard</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-71650119119202720352020-08-14T06:00:00.020-04:002020-08-14T06:00:02.530-04:00Mr Cardmaker is Guesting for Picket Fence Studios!Well, the wonderful Lydia Fiedler asked me to be a guest designer for <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studio'</a>s August release, and of course I said yes! I am excited to be among the first to play with these stamps and stencil, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to introduce these products to you.<div><br /></div><div><div>Picket Fence Studios sent me a big, beautiful bunch of fun things to play with--seven new stamp sets and a stencil, to be exact (including a big handful of their WONDERFUL blender brushes), and I have to say I went kind of hog wild with them. I managed SIXTEEN cards, in total!</div><div><br /></div><div>Picket Fence Studios is sort of a "new-to-me" stamp company, and in my initial foray into their web store, I managed to find some great, both snarky and sweet sentiment stamps from previous releases that I had to have. I'm pairing those with all my new things for this release, and I had a blast making with all of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel a need to divulge to you, guest designing with brand-new, never before seen items is a more-than-fascinating experience, because you are left to your own creativity with EVERYTHING. There's no one's ideas to play with, no photos to refer to...YOU are the one to make it happen. At first it was a bit daunting, if I'm honest. But, once I got into things, I was able to just run with it, and I had TONS of fun! </div><div><br /></div><div>The first stamp set that really spoke me was the new Leaf Mandala stamp. I'm a sucker for a mandala--I love the structure, the design variations...too good. This one is perfect for fall, with its fallen leaf motif. I made two cards with this one right away, and I know I'll be making tons more for the season, because this was so easy to get big results with. </div><div><br /></div><div>I made this--
</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFkCEUkO3gUa4BoFh4bn1EHydpALq853jKu-gfk7NYQlxjrXi6kOIbRReQRnIP4hUOLcek8iJdPcB4xwm-CpcZiezPCZTqR4Mb7wI5b-rUVFFH_9LseGzxc1EClbqGhZRv-gV2s30v7_D/s1600/35-IMG_4137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1352" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFkCEUkO3gUa4BoFh4bn1EHydpALq853jKu-gfk7NYQlxjrXi6kOIbRReQRnIP4hUOLcek8iJdPcB4xwm-CpcZiezPCZTqR4Mb7wI5b-rUVFFH_9LseGzxc1EClbqGhZRv-gV2s30v7_D/s640/35-IMG_4137.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stamped the image onto the center of a panel of 80# cardstock with Versamark ink, did partial images above and below it, and heat embossed everything with copper embossing powder. These lines are pretty delicate, but they held up beautifully to the embossing process, retaining all those tiny details.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My next move was to color all the tiny leaves with my Zig clean-color watercolor brush markers. I did this super quickly, not worrying about every nook and cranny, just getting color onto the leaves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, I ink blended Blueprint Sketch Distress Oxide in around the mandalas to create a background. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At this point I was ready for the fun part.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I grabbed my water sprayer bottle and even though I was working on cardstock and not watercolor paper, I sprayed the heck out of the center of the mandalas, loosening all those watercolors and letting them spread over the front of the card panel. I kept a paper towel handy, to keep things from getting out of hand, but the important thing to me was to set those colors loose to run free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYs1DaPsVZU0nzHwPoTTgKcqixna5psK5RLs-XKTku_NXNzLBXE1ce6UnRMvICSsXV-Uni2wkfdN3giRgQpiPjjWvRunlymdJCzMSxnUL911xP6SpAYNkIWmd4m_vwzayoKO3ZWyhS8lw/s1600/34-IMG_4136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1320" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYs1DaPsVZU0nzHwPoTTgKcqixna5psK5RLs-XKTku_NXNzLBXE1ce6UnRMvICSsXV-Uni2wkfdN3giRgQpiPjjWvRunlymdJCzMSxnUL911xP6SpAYNkIWmd4m_vwzayoKO3ZWyhS8lw/s640/34-IMG_4136.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the way the reds and yellows almost explode from the center of the mandala, connecting with the one above and below. I set this all aside to dry, and when I came back to it, I recolored the leaves a bit, because they did dry back just a little too light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it came to a sentiment, I didn't want a solid sentiment strip that would hide any of the "good stuff", so I white heat embossed a sentiment from the Good Vibes stamp set onto a vellum strip. and wrapped it around my panel. After popping up the panel onto a white top-folding card base with some craft foam, I added some white Nuvo drops to the vellum, and this card was done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-0b63t38zTKbk10ySHkUBYmA6aMsqghN7fwO7rA45BuuI9YCucWmySjzB8arBuMiasq0lxx99CxTo8an1F7hZsaD4_gsp2epeE8cEdRoWe0PQj4QVzjc7WZSxZFH5CAo-BnxdVq9zNRg/s1600/33-IMG_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1457" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-0b63t38zTKbk10ySHkUBYmA6aMsqghN7fwO7rA45BuuI9YCucWmySjzB8arBuMiasq0lxx99CxTo8an1F7hZsaD4_gsp2epeE8cEdRoWe0PQj4QVzjc7WZSxZFH5CAo-BnxdVq9zNRg/s640/33-IMG_4135.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the next card, I went for a very easy to produce card that counts on bold color to make a statement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made this--</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNRCcyPJAyQn9YoBbwzjMaQxB5OiNvjYWeh5weCZQNm09ja1lO4KSy6xKK4s4k9EJ2nFNSWN-O0T2v25Jrx-DrkCLUKqcnUN4C16NJbWgECrX0IiNjyhnGSA_AKLz5IrJiip4KpjiINT6/s1600/37-IMG_4139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNRCcyPJAyQn9YoBbwzjMaQxB5OiNvjYWeh5weCZQNm09ja1lO4KSy6xKK4s4k9EJ2nFNSWN-O0T2v25Jrx-DrkCLUKqcnUN4C16NJbWgECrX0IiNjyhnGSA_AKLz5IrJiip4KpjiINT6/s640/37-IMG_4139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More mandalas = more better! Pardon the horrid grammar, but it IS true...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So again, I stamped and heat embossed mandalas onto cardstock, but this time I used both clear and gold embossing powder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After adding the gold heat embossing, I did a light ink blend with Broken China Distress Oxide ink around the mandalas to create a background. I then stamped more mandalas with Versamark ink and heat embossed those with clear embossing powder, then added more Distress ink on top of that to give a subtle mandala background that really catches the light beautifully. I made sure to leave myself room to white heat emboss another sentiment from the Good Vibes set, which I added as soon as I made sure my background was sufficiently dry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT6L6WKPoT0Q83_TEaOrDXJqRJSmY7NFFkxLQytfY2kgOKVutR8meH4yWUx3F5j-d_XRlEkCC3xF80nvLKWhuUxGfEm-Bdt0aifdCgsrzEG5IVJMCLg-aonJAKN2BCsxCauUeMs-F3joj/s1600/38-IMG_4140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT6L6WKPoT0Q83_TEaOrDXJqRJSmY7NFFkxLQytfY2kgOKVutR8meH4yWUx3F5j-d_XRlEkCC3xF80nvLKWhuUxGfEm-Bdt0aifdCgsrzEG5IVJMCLg-aonJAKN2BCsxCauUeMs-F3joj/s640/38-IMG_4140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Coloring the gold mandalas couldn't be quicker or easier. I used autumn colored Distress Oxide inks and my Picket Fence blender brushes (OMG, SO SOFT) and layered them, going back and forth from light to dark, with the darkest part at the center. I finished this one by adding just a few gems and sequins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The contrast of the bright blue with the orange and gold colors gives me the feeling of falling leaves blowing in a bright, crisp autumn sky. This is a bold statement that came together so easily--I can't wait to do more of these with different color combinations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6EDwuP371hY_dp9TN1YQ2m2R8swv5YK5YHDhxEmwDH1vFy1Nj_FVTebbrJCcKLQzRit6rbrCKvXndobUbzKbYJJ8U-8cj3_iQP_2zhxfBkymeQLVZ2gA1ylW0T_Svn8ah5GszzSnwAg1/s1600/36-IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6EDwuP371hY_dp9TN1YQ2m2R8swv5YK5YHDhxEmwDH1vFy1Nj_FVTebbrJCcKLQzRit6rbrCKvXndobUbzKbYJJ8U-8cj3_iQP_2zhxfBkymeQLVZ2gA1ylW0T_Svn8ah5GszzSnwAg1/s640/36-IMG_4138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, these are the first of the cards I came up with for this release. I hope I was able to inspire you to create some beautiful fall cards of your own with this Fall Mandala stamp. Stay tuned over the next weeks as I share more of this terrific August release from <a href="https://pfstamps.com/" target="_blank">Picket Fence Studios</a>, and be sure to go to their web site to see even more of the release, available as of TODAY, August 14, 2020!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks so much for stopping by.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All Best--</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Richard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-74886975281303394832020-07-31T08:00:00.000-04:002020-07-31T08:00:03.590-04:00Mr Cardmaker Loves Coffee on an Atomic LevelThere's something about things from the Atomic Age that I find really appealing. I love the shapes, the lines, the ordered randomness of it all.<div><br /></div><div>I made this card, and I liked it so much, I made a replica of it for my dad's Father's Day card.</div><div><br /></div><div>But this is the original.</div><div>I made this--</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti4SqBvp3-Eq64YlFGN4NH5LaCyFUhF1ECANOq-3lKh4HXvhrrea7fWOljQaP-1xaAgcDQP0blCcCyVzidffMIijb9agtOsQjM-GlYbPn2CrhoRrmtm2a6U7WocOUihNYnyfmPtVtUpMe/s640/week+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="640" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti4SqBvp3-Eq64YlFGN4NH5LaCyFUhF1ECANOq-3lKh4HXvhrrea7fWOljQaP-1xaAgcDQP0blCcCyVzidffMIijb9agtOsQjM-GlYbPn2CrhoRrmtm2a6U7WocOUihNYnyfmPtVtUpMe/w625-h325/week+5.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I loaded this thing UP! </div><div>I used Tim Holtz's Atomic Elements dies, as well as letter dies from Momenta and stamps from CASual Fridays Exclamations, which I think is now unavailable.</div><div><br /></div><div>First, I stamped jacks images on black cardstock, and heat embossed them in clear. Now I had a base to work on.</div><div><br /></div><div>I knew I wanted to do rainbow letters, so I diecut them from colored cardstock, and inked blended them to have deeper colors on the bottoms of each letter.</div><div>I then arranged them with the dies so I could see how I wanted to put things together--</div><div><br /></div><div>Like so--</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fprJ_ByA1eXa4p3CfIQZ8s_VQJH7xcE5x6SiGZNGl8eDwzInEVW_Ve4ij5jjwY7_ZHQZGqzVE75bs5avhAYd2ugu1mWJ9ZQIITY7OB1Q0HsC3KaTjMIZLNN2pMfF7u7i7b_e4n1798rv/s800/1-IMG_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="800" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fprJ_ByA1eXa4p3CfIQZ8s_VQJH7xcE5x6SiGZNGl8eDwzInEVW_Ve4ij5jjwY7_ZHQZGqzVE75bs5avhAYd2ugu1mWJ9ZQIITY7OB1Q0HsC3KaTjMIZLNN2pMfF7u7i7b_e4n1798rv/w500-h291/1-IMG_3852.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I was happy with my arrangement, I cut everything out from gold, white, and silver glitter cardstock. With all those bright colors, the metallic papers would really act as neutrals, so no fighting!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, here's my initial arrangement with pieces cut--</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qpCud6U6cE4PemMPkhWsGIE5VWIvdVd1buFtgpZtV7b8HmVUc-OnN3b9WQQJnQ5NKn9wM4RnSyHn7Ie0xmy26F5MpFarfUlkn56Kjf2oWTuHN1MmJeZfzxyYwwJ4um3WswbJ7lkTDUJ0/s800/1-IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qpCud6U6cE4PemMPkhWsGIE5VWIvdVd1buFtgpZtV7b8HmVUc-OnN3b9WQQJnQ5NKn9wM4RnSyHn7Ie0xmy26F5MpFarfUlkn56Kjf2oWTuHN1MmJeZfzxyYwwJ4um3WswbJ7lkTDUJ0/w500-h225/1-IMG_3855.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next thing was to decide where everything lay in relationship to one another--what was getting popped up? What was behind what? </div><div>I have been really enjoying doing more intricate cards here and there lately, and I had a lot of fun with the ins and outs of this one. I found I needed a few extra pieces to fill in, and I had no lack of elements to pick from in this die set.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also wanted a sub sentiment here--the letters looked incomplete, even with all the madness going on, so I added my FAVORITE sentiment stamp. That "squeal" never fails to make me happy, and it just fit in there perfectly!</div><div><br /></div><div>And so, I got this!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fTZNYXThyz1sWmY-IogApmxkkUdC7Pw5EzkUQQBZPH4WRoT_8UVUMOvaT6nNuPBGevbivFY_bz2TGN1kEf_4EJw3GIrsyTsk0NuUmrPoXXUbwRf24Ve-0d5PeSHIRXCcQ1tdUXiRQOON/s640/week+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="640" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fTZNYXThyz1sWmY-IogApmxkkUdC7Pw5EzkUQQBZPH4WRoT_8UVUMOvaT6nNuPBGevbivFY_bz2TGN1kEf_4EJw3GIrsyTsk0NuUmrPoXXUbwRf24Ve-0d5PeSHIRXCcQ1tdUXiRQOON/w625-h325/week+5.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was a good few hours work, mostly in the decision making area. I'm so happy to share it with you for my final guest designer spot for <a href="http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/">Coffee Loving Cardmakers</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much to Amy Tsuruta for asking me to guest! I had a blast, and I am looking forward to seeing what August's guest designer comes up with.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much for stopping by.</div><div>Be well, and be safe!</div><div><br /></div><div>All Best--</div><div>Richard</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-67770167861763879692020-07-24T08:00:00.001-04:002020-07-24T08:00:07.529-04:00Mr Cardmaker finds Coffee to be a Great Substitute for...well, ANYTHING, ReallyWeek FOUR of my guest designer spot at Coffee Loving Cardmakers! I'm having a great time, and I hope you're having fun, too! <div><br /></div><div>For this week, I made this--</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CUqpj9rJLruLSkUXFJVgK7JdjtbtlojqN2Se8P05GdlY6r4beMQw0IeDYaAmaZiXkx3K2kAkB0JqS_VIL54EpgbbMCWJbqT0-SM5nLsBjJN17JftS_sttVorOxA1GMPBo1SZ8B82A8xA/s800/2-IMG_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="800" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CUqpj9rJLruLSkUXFJVgK7JdjtbtlojqN2Se8P05GdlY6r4beMQw0IeDYaAmaZiXkx3K2kAkB0JqS_VIL54EpgbbMCWJbqT0-SM5nLsBjJN17JftS_sttVorOxA1GMPBo1SZ8B82A8xA/w500-h406/2-IMG_3877.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I love these warm colors, and they fit the message just perfectly. I love substituting images for letters, and a steaming coffee cup says "hot" just perfectly. I bet if I wanted to say "cool" instead, I could substitute a couple of popsicles for the Os. How fun would THAT be? So fun, and really effective.</div><div><br /></div><div>I pulled the sentiment stamps from a Concord & 9th stamp set. The glittered letters are cut with Momenta dies, and the coffee cup die is from Li'l Inker Designs, which has sadly closed up shop.</div><div>This cup die is my go to.</div><div> Here, I pulled out my <i>ancient </i>paper crimper, and gave the die cut cup some texture. If you've been crafting for some years, you probably have a crimper collecting dust somewhere. I will often crimp a panel of cardstock to use as padding for a heavily embellished card to protect it in the mail, but other than that, this may be the first project to see a crimper in many a year. I was happy to find a use for the thing!</div><div>The stencil is from Tim Holtz, and I love it. Tim's stencils are more scaled to use on a tag, but because these circles are so rough around the edges, it's super easy to extend to bigger cardstock panels, like I did here. Man, I have really become quite the fan of stencils lately. They're inexpensive, and really versatile.</div><div><br /></div><div>Putting the card together was quick and easy, until I got to the stamped sentiment strips. I did a bit of experimentation, and I was happy with what I finally landed on.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjPcKJhkOYOYupy8SdMBg4QY95oism4d6tiIFCGlabuDTad3CzZA33hyIARqCd_R_n_AfGsXGKacrcPqqzqoabQvpX7gOHyFNkAkr5hPiPTzJ2LBLfqeKq6yx1WGa2Co15DzzR_6WM8E0/s800/4-IMG_3881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTjPcKJhkOYOYupy8SdMBg4QY95oism4d6tiIFCGlabuDTad3CzZA33hyIARqCd_R_n_AfGsXGKacrcPqqzqoabQvpX7gOHyFNkAkr5hPiPTzJ2LBLfqeKq6yx1WGa2Co15DzzR_6WM8E0/w400-h400/4-IMG_3881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>This wasn't quite right. Nothing else on the card was black, and it seemed just wrong to me.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYbrtSahIXD3itne23wi-J4ztJJqwHr64wt9G6_-SetpUODONlgoF81Ef_LlgZNw6I6zJdvOfvY_QlLDGjtMTcVkHgssFgyScZsr44Rf1yz8qhsuDLLlf6q7T_bBYZ5uPhyphenhyphenypjZ268BJx/s800/3-IMG_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="800" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYbrtSahIXD3itne23wi-J4ztJJqwHr64wt9G6_-SetpUODONlgoF81Ef_LlgZNw6I6zJdvOfvY_QlLDGjtMTcVkHgssFgyScZsr44Rf1yz8qhsuDLLlf6q7T_bBYZ5uPhyphenhyphenypjZ268BJx/w500-h479/3-IMG_3880.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was closer, but just not quite there.</div><div><br /></div><div>I finally found my answer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91y_Or57-ej2n5mhwd87oaXfAnk-1xdMp3RLo5mGbC6grojSH9k-18pNLgGuGG5slVRgWTXM8Bl-xLhr7r-6uZhFIeFUPiwYLlf9meOH6oPpy5KlBE3K9K2yriR0uLPYF5RcrbmOXIasD/s800/1-IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="800" height="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91y_Or57-ej2n5mhwd87oaXfAnk-1xdMp3RLo5mGbC6grojSH9k-18pNLgGuGG5slVRgWTXM8Bl-xLhr7r-6uZhFIeFUPiwYLlf9meOH6oPpy5KlBE3K9K2yriR0uLPYF5RcrbmOXIasD/w500-h439/1-IMG_3875.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you agree with me!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much for stopping by. Now, go dig out your crimper!</div><div><br /></div><div>All Best--</div><div>Richard</div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-13163202221578953572020-07-17T08:00:00.001-04:002020-07-17T08:00:11.464-04:00Mr Cardmaker Must Be Drinking that Kona Coffee, or Something...Wow, it's already week three of my guest designer spot at<a href="http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/"> Coffeeloving Card Makers!</a> I'm glad there are FIVE Fridays in July, because I'm having a great time!<div><br /></div><div>My first decision of the day, after deciding whether or not to just stay in the dang bed, is to choose my coffee cup. I usually go for the biggest one available, whichever that may be, depending on the dishwasher has clean or dirty dishes in it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, for this weeks card, I wanted a BIG cup.</div><div>I made this--</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDP1Off-y6DBJF2Kf_macW6YZzh2Da1Xjd69GPG0bRa56fSNtIW0PlcHcsZF7xJgjhus3ivEdIyVT81bOrAZwRVIJV0hdO0I7rGEOXPyI92jCpwtqHi_PxnB2uLlgA5VkK_WkJO8TkYKC/s640/week+3-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="446" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDP1Off-y6DBJF2Kf_macW6YZzh2Da1Xjd69GPG0bRa56fSNtIW0PlcHcsZF7xJgjhus3ivEdIyVT81bOrAZwRVIJV0hdO0I7rGEOXPyI92jCpwtqHi_PxnB2uLlgA5VkK_WkJO8TkYKC/w545-h781/week+3-6.jpg" width="545" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I get a serious Hawaii vibe from this card. The background was done with an inkpad dragging technique, which was then amplified with lots of spatters and a bit of stamping. The colors of the panel, plus the brown of the kraft card front really says Hawaii or Polynesia to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>This running boy image is from Waffle Flower Crafts, and I could not love this stamp set more. Kids hightailing it to the beach? Yessir! </div><div>My kid is hightailing it to the coffee, but, I get the same feeling for both things; don't you?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY99PJKzJSpAmNLcd5tJwQrIyjXHoUgmfrlJQod4zuNdHC-Cfzp6oYG_GogeusfY56cU-MhyYhiEjXsGN9darQgcFZEjLuzQ4PTXzKoP9JAwflD440Zsa-USH3KY0LDB_Ot9xzGOr5eiXl/s640/week+3-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY99PJKzJSpAmNLcd5tJwQrIyjXHoUgmfrlJQod4zuNdHC-Cfzp6oYG_GogeusfY56cU-MhyYhiEjXsGN9darQgcFZEjLuzQ4PTXzKoP9JAwflD440Zsa-USH3KY0LDB_Ot9xzGOr5eiXl/w469-h625/week+3-3.jpg" width="469" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This guy is actually waving a shirt or towel in the stamp, but a bit of careful snipping got rid of that. I also took a fine line pen, and drew him in a shirt. I mean, it's bad enough he's losing his dang shoe...</div><div> </div><div>Getting rid of his shirt from his hand allowed me to give him an ENORMOUS coffee mug. I decorated it with a palm frond image from Stampin' Up, and used that same stamp to give my card front some tropical flair.</div><div><br /></div><div>The white heat embossed sentiment is from Honey Bee Stamps. I added that, and some white Nuvo drops, and this guy was all set!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope I gave you a bit of inspiration today.</div><div>Be safe, and be well.</div><div><br /></div><div>All Best-</div><div>Richard</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-70796014516547743992020-07-10T08:00:00.002-04:002020-07-10T08:00:01.343-04:00Mr Cardmaker Likes a FANCY Coffee Card<p style="height: 0px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm back with my second week of guest designing for <a href="http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/">Coffeeloving Card Makers</a>! So happy to be back, and I have another card to share with you</p><p class="MsoNormal">Don’t you love a hot, steamy cup of coffee? Of course you do! Simple perfection,
right? But, sometimes, isn’t something fancier a nice treat? Something with
foam, or some kind of flavor, or even CHOCOLATE??? Oh, yeahhhhhh…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Well, I thought this week's card would live in that world,
and I went for some luscious flowers from The Greetery. The Print Shop: Fresh
Florals set comes with both stamps AND stencils, and the effect you can create
with these things is just stunning.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I made this—<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M9Eqqn19PwzDDpRVmHdqGTsblrjJ9D0278k93PlVPLP2T_J-Rbd5R46jCJEO5WoKQTdHKWhSmQboiJHAML6vkt0PiIqQ-V81uujkbN3OOoVIEtFDj3qzYq4KOdLEscLQSiLuCcRLR4Dk/s800/1-IMG_3890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="740" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M9Eqqn19PwzDDpRVmHdqGTsblrjJ9D0278k93PlVPLP2T_J-Rbd5R46jCJEO5WoKQTdHKWhSmQboiJHAML6vkt0PiIqQ-V81uujkbN3OOoVIEtFDj3qzYq4KOdLEscLQSiLuCcRLR4Dk/w724-h781/1-IMG_3890.JPG" width="724" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">I reached for my Distresss Oxide inks and Unicorn white
pigment ink to work on this kraft cardstock, in order to keep as much vibrancy
and true color as possible. Distress Oxide inks are both dye AND pigment ink
hybrids, so you can definitely get the opaque qualities of pigment ink with the
vibrancy of dye inks. For instance, I created the pink petals by stamping white
ink on top of the red oxide ink. On a light cardstock with dye inks, the petals
in the back would be lighter, with a darker shade stamped on top of it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U177rS-QWZZLoH4WDaqYjYE2KrIu-8AUK280YcF_F3p8MasVf2T1rWD7gRdUf408XEjPoNs1bfYkZYrhtZ4dRokR8OMfK4K0THXsfTzbIw3VSnnuhvzPN3ABRuvmCFlkJotjRQ1vpQuI/s800/2-IMG_3889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="692" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2U177rS-QWZZLoH4WDaqYjYE2KrIu-8AUK280YcF_F3p8MasVf2T1rWD7gRdUf408XEjPoNs1bfYkZYrhtZ4dRokR8OMfK4K0THXsfTzbIw3VSnnuhvzPN3ABRuvmCFlkJotjRQ1vpQuI/w433-h500/2-IMG_3889.JPG" width="433" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My sentiments, both stamped and die cut, are from Honeybee
Stamps. I cut the black letters from cardstock that was heated with clear
embossing powder before cutting. I felt that trying to wrangle teensy letters
like that was just not going to be as successful. I think this way worked out
just fine!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LAoD2P5kGYm_OE3L7Kfj1DFpx34Qffvde1vIjdbUuN2VW5Yuh0se7sYS1UNPgwbJcrURmOfrsHagqwilZlHuB1OfLiHDQqyYHwNNMiTe8IHxvox1r9ZBB9yHkG-zbSKc04W6ZUKVX0O7/s800/3-IMG_3887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="800" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LAoD2P5kGYm_OE3L7Kfj1DFpx34Qffvde1vIjdbUuN2VW5Yuh0se7sYS1UNPgwbJcrURmOfrsHagqwilZlHuB1OfLiHDQqyYHwNNMiTe8IHxvox1r9ZBB9yHkG-zbSKc04W6ZUKVX0O7/w625-h310/3-IMG_3887.JPG" width="625" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The coffee cup die is from the sadly closed Li’l Inker
Designs. Coffee cup dies are more than plentiful, though, so finding something to work
for you should be easy.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A sprinkling of some clear sequins finishes me off!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think someone should make coffee cups in this floral
pattern. I’m thinking it’d get me into the coffee shop a little more often. Not
that I need an excuse, mind you…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks so much for stopping by. See you next week!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All Best—<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Richard<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com2Sarasota, FL, USA27.3364347 -82.53065269999999-0.97379913617884384 -117.68690269999999 55.646668536178851 -47.37440269999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-22214093116252160282020-07-03T08:05:00.001-04:002020-07-03T08:19:08.931-04:00Mr Cardmaker Loves Guesting (Almost) as Much as He Loves Coffee!I'm so happy to be guesting this month for<a href="http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/" target="_blank"> Coffee Loving Cardmakers</a>! I was so thrilled to be asked, I sat down and did all month's worth of cards in just a few days! I'm caffeined up, and ready to fly! Thanks so much for stopping in to have a look.<div><br /></div><div>For my first week, I'm sharing this card--</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wbxI6WOVVNU4-8kAqvQ9uCnp1hHtgWGFSI4Z4wIaX6oI9X0Q1HdZ5i4Ehzhhpo8yv76mQZmK0s2VbTVIFBFPl07c19QsBqb8Cs5z4aKh1qyncRzBH1j4C5ZFX-0J1kOs8Ne4X_SCZWi_/s800/5-IMG_3868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="666" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wbxI6WOVVNU4-8kAqvQ9uCnp1hHtgWGFSI4Z4wIaX6oI9X0Q1HdZ5i4Ehzhhpo8yv76mQZmK0s2VbTVIFBFPl07c19QsBqb8Cs5z4aKh1qyncRzBH1j4C5ZFX-0J1kOs8Ne4X_SCZWi_/w650-h781/5-IMG_3868.JPG" width="650" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I only had about ten coffee stamps and die sets, so of COURSE, I had to order more in order to do this guest spot! I went to Taylored Expressions and bought the Koffee Time Stamp and Die combo. This set has great sentiments and a die set that builds a KEURIG machine! (well, it's a one-cup brewer, but I kinda say Keurig in the way I say Kleenex, or Band-aid...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know about you, but my Keurig is a lifeline at about three o'clock every day. And, sometimes 4. And, sometimes at 11am...Whenever the pot runs out. You know what I'm saying...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wndYetHU2zNoZ1bkZA8o5gMk2sHTKKHx7TLoRdDX8JdFdIuG2ZumCxHrqZ4EiM6XkzOcmTpNczNBTBYwKiOpXXaG2V_VM8ZvbrVZ90Rq-8Ty983pi72Tf_z_YdTVPTMOhplc3QjYhT03/s800/2-IMG_3859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wndYetHU2zNoZ1bkZA8o5gMk2sHTKKHx7TLoRdDX8JdFdIuG2ZumCxHrqZ4EiM6XkzOcmTpNczNBTBYwKiOpXXaG2V_VM8ZvbrVZ90Rq-8Ty983pi72Tf_z_YdTVPTMOhplc3QjYhT03/w586-h781/2-IMG_3859.JPG" width="586" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many dies involved! I have to admit, I found it just a touch tricky for me, especially since I had to go search the web to get some instructions, but I persevered and finally got where I needed to be. I guess I'm just a bit slow on the uptake. I have it down, now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZCQ_dobExd6vLWcUf6JZ7XWmNY-R7YWNp9APy9Ltw5KYuXGH7Jq75emHthWN0sJo5Fh1LaVgVRGnfLl0E8wnWKj4hJYI6VqSngLlgpslJDy_zWvqRelbdDKyvZGgnS-gQ6ZUkkdNKdBq/s800/1-IMG_3857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="619" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZCQ_dobExd6vLWcUf6JZ7XWmNY-R7YWNp9APy9Ltw5KYuXGH7Jq75emHthWN0sJo5Fh1LaVgVRGnfLl0E8wnWKj4hJYI6VqSngLlgpslJDy_zWvqRelbdDKyvZGgnS-gQ6ZUkkdNKdBq/w388-h500/1-IMG_3857.JPG" width="388" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just think this thing is too stinking cute. This machine. Cute. A machine is cute. Yeah, I said it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When it came time to design the card, I decided that my Keurig would be one of the things that had to come with me to a desert island, and so the idea of a tropical setting came to mind. I mean, besides the chocolate, and a couple of dozen other earthly delights, you gotta have the coffee. And electricity, I guess...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuakQPTlteHLLaQmIENFt8TRgPABMle0IM_dFKLFIaqCK_FNJH24hKtWVM5_UzdWONMZT5C_0zWHeOKpkeq4Kg_dSyxKguQRJ0HYUQzErtH0DwktVYERyIfxtZkoJ4laj_JFY7mhpFxgy/s800/3-IMG_3862.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="552" height="976" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuakQPTlteHLLaQmIENFt8TRgPABMle0IM_dFKLFIaqCK_FNJH24hKtWVM5_UzdWONMZT5C_0zWHeOKpkeq4Kg_dSyxKguQRJ0HYUQzErtH0DwktVYERyIfxtZkoJ4laj_JFY7mhpFxgy/w674-h976/3-IMG_3862.JPG" width="674" /></a></div></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pulled out some juicy colors and some tropical stamps and dies from Stampin' Up, and got busy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I liked the sentiment here, because I figured any Monday on a tropical island was BOUND to be short, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also had to hunt through my stash to find a tiny puff of steam to add to my ombre coffee mug. I mean, that stuff comes out HOT, right??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, thanks so much to Coffee Lovers Cardmakers for having me come onboard this month. I have lots more to share, so come back next Friday! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks so much for stopping by!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All Best--</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Richard</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com7Sarasota, FL 34235, U27.3601422 -82.4742529999999927.238131917874771 -82.61158210156249 27.482152482125226 -82.33692389843749tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-49476227675934034862020-02-29T04:00:00.000-05:002020-02-29T04:00:05.938-05:00Mr Cardmaker Loves His Crafty Friends and the 12 Kits of OccasionsWell, my wonderful <a href="http://akeptlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jeanne Jachna</a> asked me once again to come and play with <a href="http://the12kitsofoccasions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the 12 Kits of Occasions</a> crew, and we're paying tribute to our crafty friends! I'm always so excited and happy to be asked, and I had a great time creating some fun things with Jeanne's clever kit.<br />
<br />
I made this--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsgSyIpaN3GM06mJhwiHGXcekJayW6A-8wNBFpQX51UGDTBdiXbd2CK53eNw68B4xYNQpanWJzUWo1yNKZHNOgJJAnUXT3U6GwychN3Nk3VeeAoNwTqFnsf4GYf7GO-Al4K0gskd4pEHQ/s1600/IMG_3239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="640" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsgSyIpaN3GM06mJhwiHGXcekJayW6A-8wNBFpQX51UGDTBdiXbd2CK53eNw68B4xYNQpanWJzUWo1yNKZHNOgJJAnUXT3U6GwychN3Nk3VeeAoNwTqFnsf4GYf7GO-Al4K0gskd4pEHQ/s640/IMG_3239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jeanne's kit included some beautiful papers, die cuts and sentiments, as well as some bling.</div>
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I was excited to dive into some of the colors of the papers, because they're colors I don't reach for that often, and I was excited to do some stretching.</div>
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This card just called out for some hysteria, in spite of the call for calm. I mean, just look at any crafter's desk after a craft session. Sure looks like craziness at my house...</div>
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I even had to go for the action wobblers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLibhNL5sPbnnJP_QHF-w-NKKxMvei5wZm5knEzAv1wekqhJ9I0eeV4QiLcPtdZD9fVtuWv3Cl_UIDCq31eeNATNT2h7IlvxIc7ufShIV2civ6XfATESwYe16C6n7DqDFU4bMwuFHTtL3O/s1600/IMG_3242.mov" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: yellow;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLibhNL5sPbnnJP_QHF-w-NKKxMvei5wZm5knEzAv1wekqhJ9I0eeV4QiLcPtdZD9fVtuWv3Cl_UIDCq31eeNATNT2h7IlvxIc7ufShIV2civ6XfATESwYe16C6n7DqDFU4bMwuFHTtL3O/s640/IMG_3242.mov" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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So fun, right? I love those things. I especially love that the smoosh down enough to make it easy to mail. Anything to save a stamp...</div>
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Next, I made this--</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpLo87fS0YebZVd79pnsm_wMAcXzMDUzfSpvRDa2NaVx-mId9jTYzaovT8GHKQJ9fmz_gFhyRs5p4_2fOsukRV52tVgeJMxDbfB1eKZMwxuYFIXK0OBK9FfYG8psXmw5grK8ApQ00k_J1/s1600/IMG_3233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="479" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpLo87fS0YebZVd79pnsm_wMAcXzMDUzfSpvRDa2NaVx-mId9jTYzaovT8GHKQJ9fmz_gFhyRs5p4_2fOsukRV52tVgeJMxDbfB1eKZMwxuYFIXK0OBK9FfYG8psXmw5grK8ApQ00k_J1/s640/IMG_3233.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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This Pure Innocence girl from MFT Stamps is so cute, flexing her creative muscles. I paired it with this background stamp, thinking I'd be placing her outside the frame and painting what's inside, but I got a wild hair and switched things up, mostly thanks to the sentiment.</div>
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You color my WORLD, not my picture...get it?? anyway, I found it amusing...</div>
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Next, I made this--</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9bvSq-vgx9lsvHK8EK26c6RxcllpAgQPenlJ2U4_x-eWrQsRIaFaoQ-4J0s5VWDwkgML6T_r2nR14hOkPaPAUOE5b_toiBS7Y6SwOfpQZYyHn9gQYvspELRWM10I7O-hZ3VBYTkKFuhB/s1600/IMG_3231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="505" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9bvSq-vgx9lsvHK8EK26c6RxcllpAgQPenlJ2U4_x-eWrQsRIaFaoQ-4J0s5VWDwkgML6T_r2nR14hOkPaPAUOE5b_toiBS7Y6SwOfpQZYyHn9gQYvspELRWM10I7O-hZ3VBYTkKFuhB/s640/IMG_3231.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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I love that background paper; I had to use it! And, with so much color going on, I think it really suits here.</div>
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The white panel is actually a tag die cut. After coloring up and piling my rainbow paintbrushes in the circle, I found I could hide the hole at the top of the panel with some clever placement. I was happy to get to do this, because I didn't really have to add strings or ribbons here.</div>
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I love the images of the paint tubes, especially the oozing one. But guess what?</div>
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See the blob on the bottom right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xniHt8xeknBTOMFkufMhpn2tjB7QzRq0oqeNlUVIY17FKSaLtUETrCQ_PyKb9je_sJDGTxL7WgD2932mwKm1hNnKr5f27Ye8xE10jiJc3dcSz9YKuL9PdKBejMK18cyIAzYYFWM-SjiY/s1600/IMG_3230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="461" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xniHt8xeknBTOMFkufMhpn2tjB7QzRq0oqeNlUVIY17FKSaLtUETrCQ_PyKb9je_sJDGTxL7WgD2932mwKm1hNnKr5f27Ye8xE10jiJc3dcSz9YKuL9PdKBejMK18cyIAzYYFWM-SjiY/s640/IMG_3230.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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well, I put the card together without that, and I kinda felt that I had left myself a weird hole at the bottom of the panel. So I DREW myself a blob! By HAND! It seemed so bizarre an idea to made an image myself...but a few copics, and a .05 Micron pen, and I was in business! I figure anybody can draw a blob, for Pete's sake...</div>
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So, there you go.</div>
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Finally, I made this--</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTbQ-HpOsAS5IfUYktrUqghxxHi-DvFh12k7-lBmy9W1E4H_bbkTUL5G1LNoIvALMkQzaCsaqIURjNTG7xaA-ObCIvU7PmBEU8jM66Se_3Q_8FlrWEG1NRGye232HlP8jNDX0xY5l_7BK/s1600/IMG_3248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="446" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTbQ-HpOsAS5IfUYktrUqghxxHi-DvFh12k7-lBmy9W1E4H_bbkTUL5G1LNoIvALMkQzaCsaqIURjNTG7xaA-ObCIvU7PmBEU8jM66Se_3Q_8FlrWEG1NRGye232HlP8jNDX0xY5l_7BK/s640/IMG_3248.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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This little monkey ( or at my house, leetle minkee) was a leftover from the first card, and he was too cute to leave behind. Happily, the kit had one more tag die, and I popped this guy up on an action Wobbler, too! (Sorry, no video for this one...)</div>
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The fact that he was holding that glue bottle in an oh-so-obviously threatening way (LOL) led me to the sentiment. </div>
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I just get such a big smile from this one!</div>
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So, that's my collection. I have to say THANK YOU once again to sweet Jeanne for asking me to play along. PLEASE go to <a href="http://the12kitsofoccasions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the 12 Kits of Occasions</a> site to see all the smart and beautiful things the team has come up with. I promise it'll spark some creativity of your own...</div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by!</div>
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All Best-</div>
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Richard</div>
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richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-41567654531310269192019-05-03T14:38:00.002-04:002019-05-03T14:56:35.386-04:00Mr Cardmaker Has a Two-fer Fer For (Fer?) Coffee Lover's Blog Hop<br /><br />Back with TWO more cards!<br /><br /><br /> I'm STILL making and playing along with the <a href="http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/"><span style="color: yellow;">Coffee Lover's Blog Hop</span></a><span style="color: yellow;">.</span> This is my second post for today, and I have to say, I am awfully geeked about these two cards.<br /><br /><br /> I made these--<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivglsJp2XIAmGr3Q_07wm6s7mdyMeVFpjCzdCVJPa2XBelWl2fLBTvalrNOzsyah3UzkW3T6-YbrSHxXGS10FQLIHl3_a-KUa1Gud_rWjRd-RmKhXnGl2Cjs6XvJklLGNpUQxJsYjOpIXd/s1600/20190503_134450.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivglsJp2XIAmGr3Q_07wm6s7mdyMeVFpjCzdCVJPa2XBelWl2fLBTvalrNOzsyah3UzkW3T6-YbrSHxXGS10FQLIHl3_a-KUa1Gud_rWjRd-RmKhXnGl2Cjs6XvJklLGNpUQxJsYjOpIXd/s640/20190503_134450.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br />Are these CUTE, or what? <br /><br /><br /> So, in my last card, I stamped and die cut a huge amount of these cups from Lawn Fawn's Love You a Latte set, and I had these four left over. <br /><br /><br /> I hate to waste stuff. I do.<br /><br /><br /> I had been running across this teeny stamp set called A Little Sparkle from Lawn Fawn in my stash.<br /><br />I found the oh-so-tiny fairies to be just adorable, and while I was contemplating what to do with these cups, I got the idea to see if they might fit on the sleeve portion of this stamp...<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjRzlDVznIMacjFF-EbBPR_AggfpJdad5kUE4Ku8O21tfTr0ekRD5jQ53SYJRnRr4lIs-BbtB-FRaLolmWYpUuGVOCsztOxh_vH-BaLDHFTw4KTyk0XTBVcGedbWpIl7aUOyoLfUkbIW4/s1600/20190503_134608.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjRzlDVznIMacjFF-EbBPR_AggfpJdad5kUE4Ku8O21tfTr0ekRD5jQ53SYJRnRr4lIs-BbtB-FRaLolmWYpUuGVOCsztOxh_vH-BaLDHFTw4KTyk0XTBVcGedbWpIl7aUOyoLfUkbIW4/s640/20190503_134608.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /> <br /> They fit! I got them to fit on these little spaces, and managed to get some twinklie thing in there, too..<br /><br />I think they remind me subtly of the Starbucks mermaid....<br /><br />I think the hard part was getting just the tipity tip of my copic markers in there to give them some color!<br /><br /><br /> So, I made two four-bar card bases, and stenciled them with Lucky Clover Distress Oxide ink over two Tim Holtz Stencils. Super fast and easy!<br /><br />I mounted the cups on foam tape and added them, and then stamped more twinklie star thingys above the cups, hoping they'd read like steam rising from the hot coffee.<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt8d2Whl-H0rF0imMofqwlO5RA1ZH6w8bQiGbe3Cdfsup3f1jfxq8jCS2aGOo4g-9aa4WVnkW_Yj0lFxYV6VUjMD-1YMyAFg_ThZ-I4EF3pK3TTglfnyJvvV2gV5u27avoPa-ezAPlLOd/s1600/20190503_134620.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAt8d2Whl-H0rF0imMofqwlO5RA1ZH6w8bQiGbe3Cdfsup3f1jfxq8jCS2aGOo4g-9aa4WVnkW_Yj0lFxYV6VUjMD-1YMyAFg_ThZ-I4EF3pK3TTglfnyJvvV2gV5u27avoPa-ezAPlLOd/s640/20190503_134620.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Lastly, I stamped my sentiment, which comes from Cathy Zeilske of CZ Design. I thought it was perfect for right here.<br /><br /><br /> I really love the way they turned out.<br /><br />I hope you like them, too.<br /><br /><br /> Stop by at the blog hop! So much to see!<br /><br /><br /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjbDcGn3_4MyHk81LE36D6ozsqb0KFBWvwNI84uFLskknuLnYNxXVSkHaAdhZ5qnl3eg6aRhxWrjQoF3lhm7LdwbZW4mZsHScu8K61xoDhk9UknMO7XMlLR6j99eUG3J4-FPT6kSOfmnk_Rkd4s2NkAqjgitaNo8M8Y2eAzz9eDB4ig8xDIVcWvCIHD-c79qHRDWJMUfhbCE54fBpW9innHNGeeBdpI8nyH=" /><br /><br /><br /> Thanks so much for stopping by!<br /><br />All Best-<br /><br />Richard<br /><br /><br /> #LawnFawn<br /><br />#CZDesign<br /><br />#Timholtz<br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br />
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Well, today I am playing along with the Spring/Summer Coffee Lover's Blog Hop!</div>
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10160" src="http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/SpringSummer2019-featured-final-1024x857.jpg" height="2009" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0%; background-position-y: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: currentColor; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: currentColor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #666666; display: block; font-family: &quot; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" width="2400" />I haven't joined in a while, so I'm happy to play along this time!</div>
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I'm sharing a card I made after watching Julie Ebersole do a bokeh dots card, which got me bokeh-ing all the things for a day or so.</div>
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I made this--</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwcda7j61am528fPO9NB-qX26U39IsB-qOS8kolUKF05t0uO9wASZUJrzpZbeTm5FUoWb3_SdK802bd5nEAU5NEWeTWZjlMxVYgFxbxFxIQcSJUDJm1zmyLaRkYbp5dF8FHigTCXrhK_0/s1600/20190424_141242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="800" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwcda7j61am528fPO9NB-qX26U39IsB-qOS8kolUKF05t0uO9wASZUJrzpZbeTm5FUoWb3_SdK802bd5nEAU5NEWeTWZjlMxVYgFxbxFxIQcSJUDJm1zmyLaRkYbp5dF8FHigTCXrhK_0/s640/20190424_141242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was so much fun to make. I stamped, die cut and colored a bunch of cups from Lawn Fawn's Love you a Latte set. I stamped them both on white card stock and kraft card stock, and I fussy cut the sleeves and glued them to each cup.</div>
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To do the bokeh dots, I dragged out circle stamps from about six different stamp sets in my stash. Now none of these circles are meant to stamp solid circles, like you see them here. They all have some sort of motif on them. </div>
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How'd I get the solid circle image?</div>
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I turned the stamps OVER, and inked up the BACK of the stamp! </div>
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Clever, right?</div>
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I stamped dots in all sorts of coffee hued brown inks, then went back in with white pigment ink to soften things up.</div>
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After stamping and white heat-embossing my sentiment, I added a frame die cut, and then added my coffee cups. </div>
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To finish things up, I added some wood veneer stars, and coated them with some clear shimmer pen.</div>
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This was so fun to make, and I'm so glad to share it with coffee lovers!</div>
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I hope you have a great time seeing all the fab entries in the hop!</div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by! </div>
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All Best--</div>
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Richard</div>
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#lawnfawn<br />
#averyelle</div>
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richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-16463854098241039722019-01-31T00:00:00.000-05:002019-01-31T00:00:00.180-05:00Mr Cardmaker is Back to Guest with the 12 Kits of Occasions <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's a party! It's a parade! It's take-out Tuesday! It's a lovely, peaceful moment...<br />
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It's your friendly, neighborhood Mr. Cardmaker, back as a guest designer for the <a href="http://the12kitsofoccasions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">12 Kits of Occasions, January 2019 edition!</a><br />
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My dear friend <a href="http://akeptlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jeanne Jachna </a>has once again honored me by asking me to play along with her kit of this year, and oh yeahhhhhh…. What a kit it is.<br />
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There's die cuts. There's papers. There's embellishments and fibers. There's stamped images galore, and sentiments to go with them. Jeanne makes an amazing kit, I gotta say. Every. Dang. Time.<br />
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This January, ASIA baby. Asia. China and Japan, to be specific.<br />
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So, I made cards. Heck yeah, I did...<br />
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I made this--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83TB-7I5i3vtjurW7vLFufyuXvFMymgxTVDR8S4WzItWovg2uj1I1JKkmpzVtQkzLfZSUsIEFAFKD-KOsD671VEPSzAfcMXdBL0rXrJy51P1XflGGpmd57Ps2_I2SbPXH1KEqBSwhqz1p/s1600/IMG_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83TB-7I5i3vtjurW7vLFufyuXvFMymgxTVDR8S4WzItWovg2uj1I1JKkmpzVtQkzLfZSUsIEFAFKD-KOsD671VEPSzAfcMXdBL0rXrJy51P1XflGGpmd57Ps2_I2SbPXH1KEqBSwhqz1p/s640/IMG_0020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Now, Jeanne provided just about everything here, with the exception of the red circle, which I cut from a scrap in my stash.<br />
I just love that detailed medallion cut from textured gold cardstock, especially paired with the similarly patterned dry embossed panel behind it.<br />
I ink blended the die cut scene in blues that complimented the background, and adhered it with foam tape to add depth.<br />
I have a real appreciation for the beauty and strength that comes from so many Japanese artworks, especially ones that draw its strength from simplicity. I struggled with the urge to add embellishments here, and in the end, I'm so glad I held back.<br />
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Next, I made this--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vn4uvnwjlPxrh3dI52vg01doRTa8CWzrLClY6WSVsJ9z6AcbDGjIDmN5phslV-FrE8FxEkaQfcBcJ6qMSyuq3D5d3PtZpBhnaUmOV2a4ULTrEXoLst20h9WeeF9yk5oG1E_sSjvRhu39/s1600/IMG_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vn4uvnwjlPxrh3dI52vg01doRTa8CWzrLClY6WSVsJ9z6AcbDGjIDmN5phslV-FrE8FxEkaQfcBcJ6qMSyuq3D5d3PtZpBhnaUmOV2a4ULTrEXoLst20h9WeeF9yk5oG1E_sSjvRhu39/s640/IMG_0012.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
Here, I couldn't help but go to town with these gorgeous papers. Just stunning.<br />
I loved these lantern die cuts so much. Behind the gold one, I added vellum colored with a bright yellow copic marker to create the idea of lamplight. It was tricky cutting, but well worth the effort.<br />
The blue lantern got some gold ink on its edges, to help marry the two. I used the gold and blue twine included in the kit to "tie" the lanterns to the top of the card. The little wood piece reminded me of the signature blocks you see on many Japanese prints, so I used it here, along with some subtle embellishments.<br />
I still say the paper is the star here, though...<br />
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Next, I made this--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMLsvi2maqDs8nMvx2XqMwh-KxIT9FoVG7RMwhQomCwKNIM7IeR9HbffVDmO-2NJDVbcEtENmf4QWgHtZ3ZltRZlFlVQyyCrsa6vkHByKmo-qTfa-EeBzTIjQHCJU2F9KHOT2zgj3EbA1/s1600/IMG_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1337" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMLsvi2maqDs8nMvx2XqMwh-KxIT9FoVG7RMwhQomCwKNIM7IeR9HbffVDmO-2NJDVbcEtENmf4QWgHtZ3ZltRZlFlVQyyCrsa6vkHByKmo-qTfa-EeBzTIjQHCJU2F9KHOT2zgj3EbA1/s640/IMG_0015.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
I couldn't stay away from all the gorgeous papers, and I'm sorry I covered up so many of the ones I used on this card. There's sushi hiding behind the take-out containers...<br />
Those take-out containers!! With the perfect labeling...so smitten. I only wish I had some noodles to come pouring out of the one with the open flaps, and believe me, I tried to find something that worked properly. I'll figure that one out one day, because I may just have to have this stamp and die set for my very own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdEmNztQWnmpkq7cP49dpTSWyjI952kf8TYAfZPnSTpX_McI59YIDtFuLOC6v5kTaF1gKHn-pGjii9mGiaKiqexBPfQBI8F9y86bualvmrpI7WBoe_EX4nOIkxAxKOoo8DZABYmo7iAsJ/s1600/IMG_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1344" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdEmNztQWnmpkq7cP49dpTSWyjI952kf8TYAfZPnSTpX_McI59YIDtFuLOC6v5kTaF1gKHn-pGjii9mGiaKiqexBPfQBI8F9y86bualvmrpI7WBoe_EX4nOIkxAxKOoo8DZABYmo7iAsJ/s640/IMG_0016.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
The fortune cookies are so much fun. I cut slits in my panel, all the way through the papers and everything, in order to be able to slide the full sized fortunes in, leaving their little tails hanging out so you can grab them. I love that Jeanne cut the cookies from a matte finish gold cardstock, too.<br />
I had gobs of fun making this one.<br />
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And FINALLY!! I took two days to make this one---<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgw-wT4VKW4sIBj5Dg9nu3827WnLreXwyXoWiUVJzOuZAbQvlLNLiFMkS7b_f_6sIg7JtUs4WN7KkHM8_s7dTc6saXRE1FGClir1LZaKFZcLk3pZtp29r2hujkbcM4e3rBJ6NmCc2rVOH/s1600/IMG_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="726" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgw-wT4VKW4sIBj5Dg9nu3827WnLreXwyXoWiUVJzOuZAbQvlLNLiFMkS7b_f_6sIg7JtUs4WN7KkHM8_s7dTc6saXRE1FGClir1LZaKFZcLk3pZtp29r2hujkbcM4e3rBJ6NmCc2rVOH/s640/IMG_0017.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
It's a PARADE! A Pan-Asian Parade!<br />
I actually used every image (but one) that was sent to me on this one #10 card. (That's the looooong one, that fits in a business sized envelope.)<br />
Now, I am NOT the world's greatest Copic colorer, by any means, and I was rather daunted at the challenge at first, but I got through it, and probably learned a couple of things along the way, too.<br />
Three things--<br />
1. Those kid images are SMALL, yo. You best take to decaf for those babies...<br />
2. It's amazing how mere dots can look like flowers.<br />
3. I AM sort of proud of my Ninjas, I have to admit...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0wNKlKxkOsuEbyO-UEtwIUNyddbDIkNiKFFNpxt24Sg1yFj3OnzV5w-rhX5YyY6RDab23r_SDt7D66x-sqj3bjjnhIYTYkLvmyU6fDg5Hs8XKdVCBOxebkgEHqhZQSE2IoAOPQK_OLyc/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0wNKlKxkOsuEbyO-UEtwIUNyddbDIkNiKFFNpxt24Sg1yFj3OnzV5w-rhX5YyY6RDab23r_SDt7D66x-sqj3bjjnhIYTYkLvmyU6fDg5Hs8XKdVCBOxebkgEHqhZQSE2IoAOPQK_OLyc/s640/IMG_0018.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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I drew in the lines on my background that make the "street" and did some bokeh-type dots to indicate a crowd. I did grab an old stamp from my stash of dollar bin stamps to make the banners on vellum with gold embossing just to add a more parade like look to my scene.</div>
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Oh yeah. Mr In-flight Ninja? On an action wobbler. 'Cause that's how I roll. (it makes him even more forward of the one behind him, too. Because, depth...)</div>
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And that's my collection for this <a href="http://the12kitsofoccasions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">12 Kits of Occasions January 2019 edition</a>!<br />
I had, as ALWAYS, a wonderful time playing with this kit, and I can't wait to see what all the other crafters come up with. I invite you to check out the 12 Kits site, as well as the linked sites that will give you all kinds of wonderful eye candy and inspiration.<br />
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Special thanks to my very special friend Jeanne Jachna, for the invitation to play, and for coming up with yet another amazing kit.<br />
Much love.<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by!<br />
All Best--<br />
Richard<br />
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richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-22350141355346118322018-06-19T14:43:00.002-04:002018-06-19T14:51:58.290-04:00Mr Cardmaker Puts it Into ReverseTime again to throw my <strike>hat</strike> CARD in for the <a href="https://blog.papertreyink.com/2018/06/make-it-monday-325-flowers-in-reverse/" target="_blank">Papertrey Ink Make It Monday challenge. </a><br />
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This week's challenge is #325 Reverse Florals. This basically means your florals are white or mostly white, and the emphasis goes to the leaves and other greenery.<br />
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I made this--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeW1ZVqX-n2f47vnPQ80d6l-h_CQyQ228kwLRbhFZXXfEwrXM4OaMr3rwBuYLLxpi6mKWAKBK9gOsCu_PvoM74Vpr1mKJ_bFAc_wkmNDrYTAxLSwBeNchRR_f1USo8EzsBKPm1x6fBihY/s1600/20180619_140424%257E3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="1600" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeW1ZVqX-n2f47vnPQ80d6l-h_CQyQ228kwLRbhFZXXfEwrXM4OaMr3rwBuYLLxpi6mKWAKBK9gOsCu_PvoM74Vpr1mKJ_bFAc_wkmNDrYTAxLSwBeNchRR_f1USo8EzsBKPm1x6fBihY/s640/20180619_140424%257E3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">I just got these fabulous Floral Squares dies from Pinkfresh Studio, and I wanted to use them-well, at least one... I did manage to use two PTI sets in my card--Funky Florals for the sentiment, and Rosie Posie for my stamped/diecut leaves. I also snuck some small leaf diecuts from Spellbinders in there, too..</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">When I was doing the inlay of the white frame and yellow surrounding pieces, I was a bit worried about all the yellow, since we were charged with keeping our flowers white. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">However, I quieted my worries by popping up some extra diecut petals on my flower. Mischief managed!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">I also have a pretty piece of floral print vellum in there as one of the layers, but the design didn't really photograph. Wop, wop...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Another view, showing off more of the dimension--</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z3CEeT1gJkSMkvlyfINk1x5HMRReU47NQH-uOqGhvDMTfFJ6y21Gi6RnszmtoWeApfc4X6o1ysh_soN-Z-6C4malc6KObkkUfTabJdi-uCv00hGE33cA4hkbB65-Od45Mqkvs1Toow4D/s1600/20180619_140452%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z3CEeT1gJkSMkvlyfINk1x5HMRReU47NQH-uOqGhvDMTfFJ6y21Gi6RnszmtoWeApfc4X6o1ysh_soN-Z-6C4malc6KObkkUfTabJdi-uCv00hGE33cA4hkbB65-Od45Mqkvs1Toow4D/s640/20180619_140452%257E2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
That YELLOW cardstock from Fun Stampers' Journey is such a juicy shade. Totally love it! It sort of reads a bit orange here, but it really is YELLOW. Or should I say yell-OW!! (oh, the puns...)<br />
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Now I'm off to link up my project, before I totally forget AGAIN...<br />
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Go make something!!<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by!<br />
All Best--<br />
Richardrichardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-80207592160943594772018-06-14T13:22:00.003-04:002018-06-17T14:00:43.886-04:00Mr Cardmaker Remembers...<br />
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Well, last week I did it again, and I forgot to post my card for the <a href="http://www.cardchallenges.com/2018/06/wednesday-sketch-challenge-sketch-389.html" target="_blank">MFT sketch challenge</a>. I've done this before, a few too many times to mention. Tsk...<br />
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Anyway this week I am on top of things, and I made and I'm posting my card!<br />
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I made this -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLS0u0c_CNdItGyKF8sugwpkLoAs4Ox68LaeYiZZQoV8fFVEk1mraxownPGAw62rB-iGI9-UufFhsrLwCuzafXQSO4ykhyphenhyphennGjn5VVrmu5gQUGIBtxcZ0jdapYs3D0slJnClJaD4ym67lF/s1600/20180614_125124%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1510" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLS0u0c_CNdItGyKF8sugwpkLoAs4Ox68LaeYiZZQoV8fFVEk1mraxownPGAw62rB-iGI9-UufFhsrLwCuzafXQSO4ykhyphenhyphennGjn5VVrmu5gQUGIBtxcZ0jdapYs3D0slJnClJaD4ym67lF/s640/20180614_125124%257E2.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
Wow, simpler is definitely better sometimes. I am using "A Phone Call Away" from the MFT Pure Innocence line. I love these little girls soooooo much...<br />
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So, here's the sketch--<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgoLvFJKL930VSgpv1E6rbf3JZ44efGkidyhASRD01T94ihga5EVForgdABqTv6aMiiGhf9V_ZHkDvU_wgtxhbvt5CgODpMQ_L-fm1j1ONATKeem-KvHax1eOND8UYio7a3w_PZVIor1e/s1600/MFT_WSC_389.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #f9b6bf; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 13.2px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="550" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgoLvFJKL930VSgpv1E6rbf3JZ44efGkidyhASRD01T94ihga5EVForgdABqTv6aMiiGhf9V_ZHkDvU_wgtxhbvt5CgODpMQ_L-fm1j1ONATKeem-KvHax1eOND8UYio7a3w_PZVIor1e/s320/MFT_WSC_389.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(249, 182, 191); box-shadow: none; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, now you have to tilt your head to the right to see how my card fits...Go ahead. I'll wait...<br />
See? You get this--<br />
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So glad I remembered to post this week!<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by!<br />
All Best--<br />
Richardrichardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-42857347179401846892018-05-29T21:23:00.001-04:002018-05-29T21:25:33.575-04:00Mr Cardmaker Takes to the Skies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, these challenges really seem to have gotten hold of me, and if they get me to do some long-forgotten blogging, then so be it. It ALSO gets me to actually READ some blog posts from other, really fantastic bloggers, so even better!</div>
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Today I am playing along with <a href="https://blog.papertreyink.com/2018/05/make-it-monday-323-cascading-die-cuts/" target="_blank">Papertrey Ink Make It Monday Challenge.</a> Cascading diecuts is the challenge this week, and I have gone to the skies with Up Up and Away stamps and dies.</div>
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I made this--</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pQfHQeXgnARo9A8QrH2DKiJ2HLc6oBrTOIiQ4uqVi31mCss0b-lw5ZujdSvfmEc8XKVN0SmpjGe5SDTsKW96XXUGHG3WOOMzGvP6kFZKAQQXf1zrCagDUljEnm8QPtp6lS7uvXrmcilW/s1600/20180529_160936%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pQfHQeXgnARo9A8QrH2DKiJ2HLc6oBrTOIiQ4uqVi31mCss0b-lw5ZujdSvfmEc8XKVN0SmpjGe5SDTsKW96XXUGHG3WOOMzGvP6kFZKAQQXf1zrCagDUljEnm8QPtp6lS7uvXrmcilW/s640/20180529_160936%257E2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also slid in my cloud dies from Amuse Studio, which I used to both cut and emboss clouds into my background. A bit of sponged white pigment ink on the blue background helps to give some depth and realism.<br />
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I kept a pretty tight color pallet here; juicy warm colors against the cool blue sky. What reads as yellow in my photos is actually a bright lime--so much for my camera this time...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdy9uG9Cw2Zm9KA2OtzvLjkd3hEk1HOCLvXJbyGGMIMdb19m3lgJtAh_6V3quahbf3mAfSL9fN2yqhhnonh9UJYFrk2y2IQZ6MHj2-EZWCV5PzuMZ2JpI8_WOc6LS6lbbe7erz1Wqx2AjD/s1600/20180529_160951%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdy9uG9Cw2Zm9KA2OtzvLjkd3hEk1HOCLvXJbyGGMIMdb19m3lgJtAh_6V3quahbf3mAfSL9fN2yqhhnonh9UJYFrk2y2IQZ6MHj2-EZWCV5PzuMZ2JpI8_WOc6LS6lbbe7erz1Wqx2AjD/s640/20180529_160951%257E2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I really had fun making the sentiment fit onto my cloud die cuts--of course the masking part took me several tries, since I couldn't seem to remember to take the TAPE off of my stamp before stamping.</div>
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I know you know to what I'm referring, if you've ever tried to mask a sentiment stamp. Sometimes, I just thing stamp surgery is much easier...</div>
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In really GOOD news, I WAS able to capture my glitter pen in action! Well, at least, mostly...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9UMeQTxokVOBJb1rM1azxoiDVeqiEsGKdSa72K3aZGQ675-uijyLK9m8PQ0g4vUsHpATPNo5YqwgSSqZ1l4A1n3H517zzCos9h8YOk9RK7lEzFzDof3w92ME4zuhhnrRnLMSAlcoJILV/s1600/20180529_161723%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1127" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9UMeQTxokVOBJb1rM1azxoiDVeqiEsGKdSa72K3aZGQ675-uijyLK9m8PQ0g4vUsHpATPNo5YqwgSSqZ1l4A1n3H517zzCos9h8YOk9RK7lEzFzDof3w92ME4zuhhnrRnLMSAlcoJILV/s640/20180529_161723%257E2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
See? I do love my sparkle, I have to say. Oh, and that green color is more evident here, too...<br />
As you can see, lots of layers with lots of foam adhesive creating levels of interest.<br />
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I want to point out the little tiny beige mat under the focal image. I really like that it gives it a bit of gravitas, and gives, especially with that hot pink in there, the feeling that this card could as easily be for a man as for a woman or child of either sex.<br />
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Lots of fun with this card! Looking forward to the weeks ahead.<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by!<br />
All Best--<br />
Richardrichardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-73067234853461461382018-05-27T09:46:00.003-04:002020-02-06T13:29:41.546-05:00Mr Cardmaker loves the Concept of CoffeeWell, it's been awhile since I played along with the <a href="http://coffeelovingcardmakers.com/2018/05/2018-spring-summer-coffee-lovers-blog-hop/" target="_blank">Coffee Lovers' Blog Hop</a>, and I finally was able to put some time and thought into it.<br />
So, I sat down at my crafting table, and thought and thought, and finally came up with this mad little idea.<br />
I pulled out my Altenew coffee stamps, and stared at them for a while. They weren't speaking to me. So I pulled out a FLORAL set, and LIGHTBULB!<br />
I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to accomplish what my mind's eye saw, but I decided to go for it and see what happens.<br />
I had a CONCEPT.<br />
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I made this -<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaolNvDB0fq3-8f0zpE37kvOC_5CwyVnFg-JP50Oie01JctWZpb1tplECxLZTI_wu8n-i1AaqVXOcZFzzuzjx05yxXjQRFsj4TaTfoQZ5o0ahz-DwdLGzKVMVttWUWHfHdpB0wzwBXXvB/s1600/20180526_172025%257E3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1353" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaolNvDB0fq3-8f0zpE37kvOC_5CwyVnFg-JP50Oie01JctWZpb1tplECxLZTI_wu8n-i1AaqVXOcZFzzuzjx05yxXjQRFsj4TaTfoQZ5o0ahz-DwdLGzKVMVttWUWHfHdpB0wzwBXXvB/s640/20180526_172025%257E3.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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See? CONCEPTUAL.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT_0u23h69n24Y0uZbOO0rfjWYi7Gb5xWTaCoSYup3tTNax0bI75DBol0H5wVxeSSWlWfuuE-igBy2vhgsGizhMBZQsSNOKMh3wX70aHHtRNbfpgkkwc4aNYFbvfir9d46mXv0LM-pABg/s1600/20180526_171904%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="1104" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT_0u23h69n24Y0uZbOO0rfjWYi7Gb5xWTaCoSYup3tTNax0bI75DBol0H5wVxeSSWlWfuuE-igBy2vhgsGizhMBZQsSNOKMh3wX70aHHtRNbfpgkkwc4aNYFbvfir9d46mXv0LM-pABg/s640/20180526_171904%257E2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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THE CONCEPT PART!</div>
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So, in the real world, when we make small mistakes on our projects, we tend to want to do some creative covering on these things. Well, I've decided to go to the nth degree on this idea, and make a huge mistake/design opportunity on a pretty panel. There would be no covering that up. But I decided that I would make it look like someone had tried to cover up a big mistake in the way that you would cover up a minor mistake, but realizing, hey, this is COFFEE, dammit, so WHY am I covering this up?</div>
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And so, INSTEAD, we DECORATE, not disguise. Get it? Because it's COFFEE. </div>
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AIN'T NOTHING WRONG WITH COFFEE. </div>
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NEVER.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgsvCPBxTBo9hdrc8XiLGVVLD4tol4d39h0_yQbA69MD15jRpZFORPHqhQ8scDC2SUD3tl1wbQyehtpgeWHBsHB6S2j6f_kxY4vflR3Mx_o1DI8k8Z2AdK6a2akma1WinjzyIQYZpNhWf/s1600/20180526_172019%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="1511" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIgsvCPBxTBo9hdrc8XiLGVVLD4tol4d39h0_yQbA69MD15jRpZFORPHqhQ8scDC2SUD3tl1wbQyehtpgeWHBsHB6S2j6f_kxY4vflR3Mx_o1DI8k8Z2AdK6a2akma1WinjzyIQYZpNhWf/s640/20180526_172019%257E2.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
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Aaaaaaand, pretty.</div>
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The 2018 Spring/Summer Coffee Lovers Bloghop. Play along, or just go see all the good stuff. Because, COFFEE.</div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by!<br />
All Best-<br />
Richard<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqm5WP1cWQlU9DU7qoEy1nLArX8f9TP0C_56t8iBIZRrnPi4gVH95Cn1_UJxnf4DEU6_9ME1Mywi_IzMUnMjOxGlsA1E0UU2AxAxy4jFl6X8qwgiiSI-TwRm_vFGf683spZ_azuVq_GQx/s1600/Summer+Hop+Graphic+with+dates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqm5WP1cWQlU9DU7qoEy1nLArX8f9TP0C_56t8iBIZRrnPi4gVH95Cn1_UJxnf4DEU6_9ME1Mywi_IzMUnMjOxGlsA1E0UU2AxAxy4jFl6X8qwgiiSI-TwRm_vFGf683spZ_azuVq_GQx/s640/Summer+Hop+Graphic+with+dates.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-24847910007914630242018-05-25T17:01:00.002-04:002018-05-25T17:01:57.755-04:00Mr Cardmaker Phones It In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have recently become interested in doing some of the challenge blogs, and today I am playing with <a href="http://www.cardchallenges.com/2018/05/wednesday-sketch-challenge-sketch-386.html?m=1" target="_blank">My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge</a>. The sketch for this week looks like this -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y8zRVfEpQNAKPhvbz5ZiEEXlMcOoFoZBaKaEz78-ZJNDtEr5cs0Wh1JMqupz0-gzOJW9LMVijt3k2uQdDWfZPSa6Qj_iBJdc8pVzVCHH-RPIwW6hRHMDe7mzsdS2fnVq9pk-tout6pjR/s1600/MFT_WSC_386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="550" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y8zRVfEpQNAKPhvbz5ZiEEXlMcOoFoZBaKaEz78-ZJNDtEr5cs0Wh1JMqupz0-gzOJW9LMVijt3k2uQdDWfZPSa6Qj_iBJdc8pVzVCHH-RPIwW6hRHMDe7mzsdS2fnVq9pk-tout6pjR/s400/MFT_WSC_386.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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Looks like a simple enough sketch to follow, and the possibilities seem pretty much endless. </div>
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I dove in with some of the Pure Innocence line, and I came up with this -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY0NvS7q9bGtMhPS0q7KLArIDUUFMj2RI2SftgC_6CtDDrxAOiube-_pll28PC0W8gEqbg6vuL1Kh8hiKlHBxL4mSU2BrhZe-3BY4HiZPuLidA_2kAVzu_ty_LR7eitSMu3frNqbnXu6B/s1600/20180525_090226%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY0NvS7q9bGtMhPS0q7KLArIDUUFMj2RI2SftgC_6CtDDrxAOiube-_pll28PC0W8gEqbg6vuL1Kh8hiKlHBxL4mSU2BrhZe-3BY4HiZPuLidA_2kAVzu_ty_LR7eitSMu3frNqbnXu6B/s640/20180525_090226%257E2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've really been pulled toward deep blues and greens lately, and I don't think I disappointed myself here. I used a stamp from Amuse Studio which created the dots, and I die cut a circle out of that panel. I then went to a smaller circle die, and cut out a map paper from Martha Stewart crafts. There's a pretty silver outline on the states in this paper. Photos do it no justice...</div>
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I then layered my image, my "hello" die cut (which is layered about four thick), and the sentiment on the velum, which was heat embossed with white embossing powder. </div>
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The center circle is popped up on foam, as is the panel around it, so it leaves an interesting channel between the two. </div>
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All in all it's pretty simple, but I think the sentiment on the velum gives it a really nice point of interest. </div>
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Simple seems to be where I am staying these days. I like it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZFKGgRlWGuqJyYMDxeG0Z-Fto4hTD1hsI8ATZqZszd6KZSuiQlpPW7YC7TdfBUV0k6PyIRBGizLLQvsDnLnfIEOSzmqUCZgb9eibtlVVcuuQWnYVDJrzXmSkmmUIw0zGeRJMJ2Kod3lR/s1600/20180525_090234%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1195" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZFKGgRlWGuqJyYMDxeG0Z-Fto4hTD1hsI8ATZqZszd6KZSuiQlpPW7YC7TdfBUV0k6PyIRBGizLLQvsDnLnfIEOSzmqUCZgb9eibtlVVcuuQWnYVDJrzXmSkmmUIw0zGeRJMJ2Kod3lR/s640/20180525_090234%257E2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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I had a lot of fun playing along with this challenge; you should try it too! </div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by!</div>
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All best - </div>
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Richard</div>
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<br />richardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-554258413926007465.post-49035422636371674092018-05-23T16:38:00.002-04:002018-05-26T09:24:30.036-04:00PTI Make it Monday #322 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Today I am joining <a href="https://blog.papertreyink.com/2018/05/make-it-monday-322-above-below/" target="_blank">Papertrey Ink</a> with their make it Monday series, Above and Below. The idea is to have a centralized sentiment, which you then feature by placing images above and below it.</div>
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I wanted to use the older (and much loved by me) stamp set Boards and Beams, and I stamped and die cut a number of images. </div>
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When I went to arrange my card however, I realized my images were way too big for an A2 size card, so I had to do a much larger size. I ended up folding an 11 x8 1/2 in cardstock in half and using the entire thing to make my card. </div>
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I made this -</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvM3wR_qz9WcpWT-mfwQzOuMSYlewijqV9r40uJglz_0FDoENILdgO9yEzkGU7OIaVhUmP_AcGA2c1r3XvWykJxqzHfV3S7bxModV313byYr40Urv7txLQJxcikm0hBFkiKLEgGSSSuEU/s1600/20180523_161526%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvM3wR_qz9WcpWT-mfwQzOuMSYlewijqV9r40uJglz_0FDoENILdgO9yEzkGU7OIaVhUmP_AcGA2c1r3XvWykJxqzHfV3S7bxModV313byYr40Urv7txLQJxcikm0hBFkiKLEgGSSSuEU/s320/20180523_161526%257E2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukQaBGc_dl1Gal0-6IRn7_-iPwrd7FO0y15JnLPb88t9uNaOUwzlq33Q_VgV8a-2-StQpA9CLo_RZaZudLQmjD3tcxDcwXydigpPgQSr9EM5L-alWxWRxD3DYsVtEr-8sWoPe0gj1yoiG/s1600/20180523_161508%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukQaBGc_dl1Gal0-6IRn7_-iPwrd7FO0y15JnLPb88t9uNaOUwzlq33Q_VgV8a-2-StQpA9CLo_RZaZudLQmjD3tcxDcwXydigpPgQSr9EM5L-alWxWRxD3DYsVtEr-8sWoPe0gj1yoiG/s320/20180523_161508%257E2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I really like all the blues and greens here, and the subtle country mouse City Mouse idea that is left to be deciphered by the recipient.<br />
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We are visiting my husband's sister and brother-in-law in June, so this card will come in very handy.<br />
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I was happy to have the opportunity to join and with this challenge for Papertrey Ink, and I look forward to joining into more of these Make it Monday challenges.<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by!<br />
All best -<br />
Richardrichardbreakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730550824009960135noreply@blogger.com6