Copic Heaven - Stampendous Laurel Burch

I can't even begin to express how excited I am for the new Stampendous Laurel Burch stamps! I have been enamored with her whimsical, vibrant images forever.  I was so sad when she died a few years ago at a young age, but she leaves a wonderful legacy of rainbow colored fantasy images. With her stamps, a few of my  brightest copic markers and some blingy embellies I can create my very own sunshiny masterpieces. Stampendous even has this color chart to help you  with a your Laurel Burch copic pallet.  I made this card for my darling daughter's birthday next month.  She's a legit artist, with an art degree and everything, but she assures me that anyone who creates is an artist and she is wonderfully supportive of everything I do.  How blessed we are to have brilliant artists like Laurel who are willing to share their gifts with all of us in a very personal way.  Now I can't wait to get started on some of her adorable felines...with doodled butterflies.  Laurel was a zentangler before zentangle was chic! So was I.  How about you?

Thanks for visiting.

Go forth and be fabulous.

Nancy

Class-y Tuesday - Adventures in Grey

                                   

I'm definitely a fan of color in all its vibrant hues, but I have to admit, sometimes neutrals can be stunning, too.  I created these cards in a Susan Porter class and I was amazed at how the varied forms of texture we used added so much interest to this subtle pallet. Doesn't the silver floral die cut panel in the background of this card reflect the light beautifully?

I don't use my detailed  stamps as often as I'd like because I have trouble deciding how to color them. One really good answer to this dilemma is to stamp them in a neutral color.  The intricate design takes center stage without a lot of work on my part. The texture in this card is enhanced by the embossed and sanded background and the variety of pretty layered flowers.

These die cut flowers are fun to sponge or water color, but I think they look beautiful left white and layered on this grey patterned paper.  Pearl accents add to a sophisticated look.  I think both people and cards look elegant in neutrals and pearls.  Why not dress up some of your cards with classy fanciness?  

Thanks for visiting.

Go forth and be fabulous.

Nancy

Sew-y Saturday - Shabby Chic Rag Quilt

It feels like I've made about a hundred of these fun rag quilts, but  maybe scores would be more like it. The fact that they don't need to be quilted makes them such an attractive option for a baby or lap quilt.  

My favorite fabrics, even for baby quilts, are these vintage looking cotton florals and  calico prints. The shabby chic look is very popular, even with young moms. I use white cotton flannel for the batting and the three layers of cotton fabric fray beautifully.  Some people choose to use flannel for their quilts and opt for only two layers.   It works anyway you choose, as long as you use cotton fabric for the fraying. Here's a simple Beverly's tutorial on the basics of making a rag quilt. 

When I first started making these quilts, I had to hand cut the fringe in the raw edges with scissors.  It's an easy process and can go quite fast when you get in a rhythm, but it is a little tedious. My whole world changed when I got an Accuquilt Go for my birthday and found out they had actual rag quilt dies. Although it's a little tricky to sew straight on the fringed edge, it's much faster than snipping the fringe manually.  Once the fringe is cut, all that's left to do is throw the quilt in the washing machine and let the magic begin.  The seams get softer and fluffier with every wash. My husband and I each cuddle up in our own rag quilt every night in front of the TV.  Everyone needs a blankie, don't you think?  

Thanks for visiting.

Go forth and be fabulous.

Nancy

Just Keep Swimming - Hero Arts Color Layering

I love the new Hero Arts color layering stamps so much that I fear I'm in danger of collecting them all. I was so excited when I saw this Goldfish set at Joann's. I had seen this You Tube video by Jennifer McGuire and decided to give the acetate window panel a try. This technique is a little tricky at first, but after you have done it once it's easy and you can use it on many different kinds of cards.

                                           

The  beauty of these Hero Arts three-part color layering stamps is that you can use coordinating inks to build color and detail into your image without much effort. My MISTI stamp positioner helped me to line everything up easily.. 

The stamp set also includes the sea weed and the sentiment so I was able to complete the whole card with just one set.  I layered different shades and textures of blue paper (one glitter) for the "water" on the card front and added some pearls for bubbles.  I have several friends who could use this encouraging message.  How about you?

Thanks for visiting.

Go forth and be fabulous.

Nancy 

Class-y Tuesday - Water Colored Spring Flowers with Distress Markers

On my walks in the beautiful wetlands near my home, I can finally see gorgeous blossoming trees everywhere. The California drought is over and Spring is in the air.  Time to get out my embarrassingly vast array of flower stamps and make some pretty cards to match my mood.

I made these cards in a class taught by talented designer and teacher, Susan Porter. I had forgotten how fun and easy this distress marker water color technique is.  

These cards were all colored using Tim Holtz distress markers blended with a water brush on water color paper.  With a little practice, it's a fairly simple blending technique that gives amazing results. Here's a You Tube video that shows how it's done.  This technique works great with any water based markers like Tombow and Marvy, but I prefer distress markers  because they blend so easily.  If you haven't tried this technique, give it a try.  I think you'll love it!

Thanks for visiting.

Go forth and be fabulous.

Nancy 

Sew-y Saturday - Flannel Baby Quilts for a Cause

What do you do with an enormous stash of bright colored chevron flannel fabric?  I found just the project to spread some crafting joy. These fun and easy baby quilts are made with five inch squares and stitch-in-the ditch quilting. This is the way I assembled them. There are some sweet little babies in a women's shelter in my city who will love these warm soft blankets to snuggle in,

I enjoy donating handmade bibs, burp cloths and baby blankets to this women's shelter along with much needed diapers and baby wipes. It's my very favorite way to serve the women and children in my community. and they are always extremely appreciative.  Do you know a place in your area that could use some of your handmade TLC?

Thanks for visiting.

Go forth and be fabulous.

Nancy

Gorjuss Girl Meets Tonic Flip Flop

Interactive cards make me happy.  If there's something to flip, pull or pop up, it's got my attention. I find most of the dies for flip cards are for  4 1/4" x 5 1/2" (A2)  cards.  That's why I love this  larger Tonic Flip Flop Die Set which I can use in my Big Shot Pro machine. It's made in England and creates a humongous card but with a little simple paper engineering I was able to trim it down to this 5" x 7" (A7) card.  I think it fits my little Gorjuss Girl nicely.

The die cut set has two additional decorative elements for the oval along with this beautiful sentiment.

I stamped my little lady with Memento black ink and colored her with copic markers. I used white glitter paper in the background and added some shiny silver metallic flowers and a silver bow for even more glitz.  I like things sparkly.  How about you?

Thanks for visiting.

Go forth and be fabulous.

Nancy