Teacher Thank You Cards

Good morning! I don't know about you, but I appreciate my children's teachers greatly. I volunteer once a month this year for my youngest's classroom by coming in to listen to him and his classmates read to me for an hour. I have never volunteered, and I am honestly regretting not doing this sooner. I love going, and I'm so in awe of how the teachers run the classroom so smoothly. It makes me really appreciate what they do every day. 

I wanted to make his teacher and teacher's aide thank you cards to show that I appreciate them. I think I'll include a gift card inside for them. Any suggestions as to where? I'd love to give them for Valentine's Day. I think it makes them smile when you drop off little treats like this. I hope they understand how much I do appreciate what they do. 

For this, I used a cute little bushel of apples and the sentiment that it just perfect for this card! (I did make two of these cards; one for each teacher.)

I chose the lined patterned paper behind everything and added a small heart in the lower right corner.

I used a messier look to watercolor the image in with my Spectrum Noir Aqua Markers. I color a swatch onto an acrylic block and pick up the color with a water brush pen.

For the blue background around the bushel, I flicked on the color for the dots of blue. I love watercoloring so much, so plan on seeing a lot from me using this coloring method! It's just too fun.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my cards for these patient and loving women that teach 20-something 7 year olds day in and day out! I can't wait to give these to them.

SUPPLIES USED:

• Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock 
• Spectrum Noir Aqua Markers: Burgundy, Crimson, Blossom, Fawn, Sepia, Chestnut, Slate, Bud Green, Evergreen, Aquamarine
• Water Brush Pen
• Memento Luxe, Love Letter (small red heart)
• Versafine, Onyx Black 
• Lawn Fawn, Thanks a Bushel Stamp Set 

SPECTRUM NOIR

Colorista Thank You Card

Morning, everyone. Hope everyone's day has started off nicely. Today I have a very simple card with a lot of punch by simply coloring a bold image. A tip here is to color your images ahead of time and keep them on hand so that you can whip up a card or gift tag in no time at all. I usually color these when I'm at my oldest's Boy Scout meetings. While he's doing his thing, I sit at the table and color. I usually have a lot of the moms there ask what I'm doing and I'm happy to share what products I'm using. I hope to inspire others to sit down, color, and create something with them.

 

 

Visit the Crafter's Companion site and blog for more inspiration and to look around to shop. 


   S U P P L I E S   U S E D   

• Premium Ultra White Smooth Cardstock 
• Spectrum Noir Colorista EZMount Stamp Set, Elements 2
•  Bebunni EZMount Stamp Set, Special Friend 
• Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers: DG2, DG4, LG2, LG5, LY2, CT4, BP3, BP7, PP1, DR1, CR11, DR4, DR6, CR1, OR2, EB1, EB4, EB7, TN5
• Memento, Tuxedo Black
• Versafine, Onyx Black  
• Die'Sire Essentials, Scalloped Squares

Big Announcement and Monthly Challenge Card for January 2017

Good morning! I have some exciting news to share with you all today. I am now proud to announce that I'm part of the Spectrum Noir Design Team. I can't explain how thrilled I am to be a part of this team with these amazing talented artists.

If you have noticed, I use Spectrum Noir products in almost every project I've created for quite a while now. And every new product that gets introduced, I fall more in love. I've used so many different products and none compare to the ones offered by Spectrum Noir. 

They're affordable, and just amazing to color with. Check out the blog over at at Spectrum Noir to see all the products offered and get design inspiration across the board. You'll be in awe of the creations!

Spectrum Noir Website
Spectrum Noir Blog

Every month, Spectrum Noir offers a different challenge. Check out this month's challenge HERE.

• Ready for a brand new challenge? Color up ANYTHING you want using your Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Sparkle markers, blendable colored pencils, watercolor pencils, Spectrum Aqua markers, or AquaTint inks, put it on any card or project, and you can play along with us! Share your work with us, enter below and you’ll be in with a chance of being chosen for our Card of the Month or Top Three spots!
•  *PLAY ALONG WITH OUR BONUS THEME: USE A COLORING PAGE
• Want to be in with a chance of winning $30/£30 in Spectrum Noir or Spectrum Aqua products? Color a project using our bonus theme, like our Design Team did, and you’ll be entered to win loads of coloring goodies! Please remember to use only Spectrum Noir products for coloring; you may enter up to five times. Click on the above link for details on how to enter.

Here is my card for the monthly challenge. I color images in my Colorista coloring pads while I'm out, usually at my oldest's Boy Scout meetings. While he's in his meeting, I sit down and use my time to color. This way, I have images that are colored and ready to make into something like this card below! It's a great way to pass the time AND have images ready to create into a card (or other item) quicker. 

 
 This page is a part of the Colorista coloring pad called Butterfly Garden. It has gorgeous gold accents on the butterflies (not captured above) that really add elegance to these colored images. 

I used a small tag with a sentiment stamped in Versamark ink and embossed with white embossing powder. I then applied a distress ink over that and flicked on some water to create a splotchy effect. I pulled a piece of orange ribbon from my stash to coordinate. 

 

I chose a purple card base to accent the colors in the butterflies. See how much punch you can pack with just coloring 2 butterflies?

 

The Colorista colored pencils blend beautifully together. You adjust the amount of color with the pressure you apply while coloring. That's where the white and light areas come in. Less pressure = less color. More pressure = more intense color. I thought I loved the markers until I used the colored pencils! Plus, they're easy to take along with you. 

I keep a few coloring pads, Colorista markers and colored pencils in my bag ready to just grab and go. I love how easy it is to relax and color. 

Have a blast entering your project into the monthly challenge, and good luck! 

SUPPLIES USED:

• Spectrum Noir Colorista 5x7 Pad with Foil, Butterfly Garden
• Spectrum Noir Colorista Colored Pencils: Set 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 
• Lawn Fawn, Hello Stamp
• Versamark Ink
• White Embossing Powder
• Distress Inks: Scattered Straw and Spiced Marmalade

All the Best

Good morning everyone! I know things have been a little delayed this month. Coming off of a big month like December is always difficult I think! But, here we are going forward with a new year, so that means new cards to create. New ideas. Fun colors. 

Let's get started on this card I created today. I wanted something bright and pretty reminding me that spring is not that far away. It's not, right? Please tell me it isn't. I am not a huge winter fan, and if you've followed my blog long enough, I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that a few times. Or a few hundred...

Today, I decided to do some embossing and then rubbing a soft blue "sky" over the embossed design to minic a sky for my colorful little butterflies. The sentiment is simple for this clean layout. Perfect for so many different occasions. 

One of my goals this year is to make or purchase a card box that I can separate by categories so I can pull one when I need one. My other goal is to purchase in bulk envelopes for all these handmade beauties. 

I hope you enjoyed my simple and clean card today. Be on the lookout over at the Crafter's Companion site and blog for more inspiration by the talented designers I am lucky to join. 

   S U P P L I E S   U S E D   

• Sheena A Little Bit Scenic, Flying Colors   
• Sheena Perfect Partners Home Life, Sown With Love   
• Premium Ultra White Smooth Cardstock 
• Spectrum Aqua Watercolour Cardstock 
• Spectrum Noir Aqua Blend Pencils: Hyacinth, Fig, Petunia, Papaya, Iris, and Rose 
• White Embossing Powder 
• Memento Luxe, Wedding Dress 
• Versafine, Onyx Black 
• Distress Ink, Tumbled Glass

Giving Thanks

I'm a little late to the party on this one, but it's still a beautiful card to give as a thank you to someone! This set was sent to anyone who placed an order from Crafter's Companion the week of Thanksgiving. I had to use it because it's simply gorgeous. And it was another chance to use my Colorista Pencils again. I'm telling you, they're amazing.

 

Aren't these flowers so pretty?? 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

SUPPLIES USED:

Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Spectrum Sparkle Pens, Pink Champagne
Downton Abbey Pearls, White & Cream
12x12 Signature Collection, English Country Garden
Spectrum Noir Markers, BG1
Spectrum Noir Colorista Pencils - Set 1, 4, 5, and 6

Merry Christmas!

IT'S HERE!!!! Christmas is here. It's a day most children will say is their most favorite day of the year. If you're Buddy the Elf, it's always your favorite and you can take it to the extremes. I like smiling. Smiling's my favorite!

I created this little Christmas card that reminds me of looking outside on Christmas Eve and seeing dark houses, snow falling (the ONLY time I want the snow), and knowing inside lay families asleep waiting to see what fun the next day brings.

 
The acetate is amazing. I love how it creates the snowy sky against my watercolored panel of a night sky. And the little houses, so so cute. I mean, some of the windows are hearts!!!

 

I hope you and yours have a wonderful, memory filled holiday season. I wish you all the best! Thank you for looking at my projects and commenting. I appreciate every one of them. Merry Christmas.

SUPPLIES USED:

Signature Collection Traditional Christmas Luxury Mirror Card
Signature Collection Contemporary Christmas Luxury Snowfall Acetate
Signature Collection Contemporary Christmas Scenic Borders
Signature Collection Contemporary Christmas 6x6 Paper Pad
Distress Ink, Tumbled Glass
Memento, Nautical Blue
Spectrum Noir Watercolor Cardstock
Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock

Lawnscaping Challenge #144: Christmas/Holiday sponsored by Lawn Fawn

Welcome back to another challenge from Lawnscaping! This challenge is CHRISTMAS, or any other holiday you celebrate.

Our sponsor for this challenge is the lovely...

 

Since it's holiday time, and we are all crazy busy (I'm like this all the time, so I'm starting to think it's just my personality!) so I shall keep it short and sweet.

I used a definite traditional color palette of red and green, but I added a pop of color with the glow of the lightbulb pulling in some yellow. It's hard to tell, but it's shimmery and so pretty in person.

 

A great way to take a look at your sentiments and try to pair up a fun out of the box idea from another set. This is how you can get so much more use out of your stamp sets!

 

I hope you enjoyed my bright greeting card! Thanks for stopping by and join in on our holiday challenge over at the Lawnscaping blog. Happy holidays!

 

SUPPLIES USED:

• Lawn Fawn Turn Me On
• Lawn Fawn Merry Messages 
• Lawn Fawn Baaah Humbug
• Lawn Fawn 6x6 Paper Pad, Snow Day
• Spectrum Noir Watercolor Cardstock
• Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens
• Versafine, Onyx Black
• StazOn, St. Valentine

Colorista Thank You

Guess what?! This isn't a holiday card. ;) I fell in love with the Colorista line of, oh, everything!!!! I think you will, too. Check out this totally simple card I created and colored with ease. And a bit of time. It is very relaxing to color.

 

I mean, come on, how gorgeous is that flower?? It begged to be colored. I used the Colorista Pencils for this one and they blend so wonderfully. They're my most favorite pencils. 

 

 Just some close ups of the coloring. It's all about pressure with these. Heavier equals more color, and you're able to flick on defining lines in the petals. Softer means less color, ability to blend. Like. Butter. Check out the entire Colorista line over at Crafter's Companion.

SUPPLIES USED:

Spectrum Noir Colorista EZMount Stamp Set - Elements 3
Spectrum Noir Colorista Pencils: Set 2, 4, and 5
Bebunni Floral Collection, Sweet As A Rose
Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock
Downton Abbey 6x6 Luxury Paper Pad
Spectrum Noir Markers, BG1
Versafine, Onyx Black

Christmas Wishes

I'm really loving using blue and white for my holiday cards this month! Here's a quick and simple card to create that looks like it took a lot more time than it actually did. Love that.

 

 It looks like a lot more because the patterned paper in the background is so busy with winter elements! I love this paper pad. lf you need anything this holiday for crafting, grab one of the many beautiful paper pads Crafter's Companion carries. They're perfect for so many projects.

SUPPLIES USED:
Signature Collection Contemporary Christmas 6x6 Paper Pad
Downtown Abbey Family Portrait Metal Die
Signature Collection Snowflake Trio Festive Wonder
Signature Collection Contemporary Christmas A4 Luxury Foiled Card Pad
5.5x8.5 Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock, Unscored
Staz-On, Midnight Blue

Vintage Holiday Greetings

I've got a more vintage looking card up today for you to enjoy. I like the subdued colors of a vintage Christmas at times, so I thought this was perfectly so!

 

I colored the rhinestones with a red Spectrum Noir Marker to make them look like holly berries. These markers are so versatile. Check them out over at Crafter's Companion and make a wish list for the items you want under your tree this year! 

SUPPLIES USED:

Signature Collection Traditional Christmas, Entwined Holly Metal Die
Signature Collection Peace & Joy Stamp Set
Shimmering Cardstock 6x6 Green Envy
Signature Colleciton Traditional Christmas 6x6 Paper Pad
Spectrum Noir Marker, DR2, DR7
Memento, Tuxedo Black
Distress Ink, Scattered Straw

Watercolor and Snowflakes

Merry, merry! It's getting festive around here on my blog! I hope you are enjoying the cards I've shared so far with you and that it's inspired you to create some of your own for giving.

My next card is one of my favorites this year. It's simple, vibrant and perfect for winter.

 

I love snowflakes...on paper! I'm not a huge fan of the snow unless I'm not going anywhere, then let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!! But around here near Chicago, we usually get a LOT of snow and cold temps, so I'm fine with seeing grass out there on my lawn in December.  But it makes for beautiful backdrops on your projects.

 I embossed the watercolor cardstock and used my Spectrum Sparkle Pens to color in the lower portion of it. You can't tell, but in person it's so sparkly! I added some pearls to the centers of the snowflakes for some fun as well. Simple sentiment and a bow, and here you have a gorgeous card to send out.

Check out Crafter's Companion for even more inspiration!

SUPPLIES USED:

Signature Collection by Sara Davies Festive Wonder 5x7 Embossing Folder, Snow Flurry
Downton Abbey Pearls, White & Cream
Signature Collection Contemporary Christmas Festive Sentiments Photopolymer Stamp Set
Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Cardstock
Signature Collection by Sara Davies Festive Wonder 6x6 Paper Pad
Spectrum Sparkle Pens, Moonstone & Starry Sky
Versafine, Onyx Black