Ellibelle's Corner

May 8, 2021

A Lavinia Stamps Monochromatic Fairy Scene

Hello and welcome! It's time already for a new theme at Allsorts challenge. This week it's Lynn's turn to host and she wants to see a "Landscape or Scene". We're having a wonderful stamp set to give away this week by Rare Earth so why not join us for a chance to win!

I love Lavinia stamps and have collected quite a few of them but unfortunately I seem to be neglecting them. However, they were my first choice for today's challenge and I created a monochromatic scene.

Although I usually struggle when I begin with these types of cards (which is the reason why I don't make them more often) they are usually quite easy once I get going. I think my problem is overthinking, something I really need to work on. And maybe watching a few Lavinia Stamps videos on YouTube would help too!!

On this card I used the Lavinia Fairy Josie along with the Lavinia stamps Moon Pods, Fern Leaf and Creeping Vine.

I started out with some torn printer paper and a circle die cut used as masks, then simply inked up the areas with the masks in place using Victorian Velvet Distress ink. After removing the masks I stamped the beautiful fairy and the sentiment (from the Penny Black set Happy Wishes - also on Amazon) using Versafine Onyx ink. I do need to use a stamp platform when stamping Lavinia (or any other solid stamps) as I never get a full impression the first time.

To add to the scene I selected a few botanical stamps from my Lavinia stamp box (all linked above), all stamped using the same ink. If you look closely you may also notice my Stampin Up French Script on parts of the background.

Exact sentiment set used:

Finally, to complete the card I thought it needed something else black in the top left corner to tie it all together, so I stamped the tiny hearts from the Penny Black set Posted with Love and at the same time used the postage and cancellation mark from the same Penny Black set in that corner. Before adhering to a white card base I ran my Victorian Velvet ink pad along the edges to darken them just a little bit.

Thanks so much for visiting!!

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May 7, 2021

What I Wore Walking in Indianapolis and Some Pictures

Happy Friday! I'm not sure that this post qualifies as an "outfit post" as we haven't really taken blog pictures while in Indianapolis, but I did find a few of photos to share so I decided to do the post anyway.

We can't take many weekend overnight trips during Spring (and Fall) as my daughter has several hours of dance lessons on most Saturdays leading up to their performances, but this past weekend the studio was closed and the forecast called for nice weather so I decided to plan a weekend trip to Indianapolis, which is just a few hours drive away from us.

While we've driven through Indianapolis on several occasions, we never actually visited the city (besides taking a few pictures at the Indy500 race track many years ago) so I looked up what there is to do and see and thought it was perfect for a quick weekend getaway. White River State Park is right there in downtown Indianapolis, so we walked along the Canal, visited the Zoo and Botanical Garden as well as walked to see the state capitol building. Yes, lots of walking!! There are also several Museums located in the area but we didn't visit any as the weather was beautiful and I wanted to enjoy the sunshine outside.

This post may include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always, this is at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting this blog!

I had planned to visit the zoo first thing in the morning the next day, so I made sure to book a hotel room very close by, and we were within walking distance of White River State Park and the zoo. We didn't stay at the Marriot, but the Fairfield Inn which you can see next to the Marriot. We had a top floor room and had a nice view of the Museums and Museum grounds across the street.

It was a warm (but windy) day so I decided to wear a navy blue tank top and a thin button down shirt over it. Everything I'm wearing has been in my closet for some time, the only thing new-ish are my AG Prima jeans.

Shirt Jackets have been a big trend here in the States this spring, while I'm personally not a huge fan of those because they all seem oversized and a bit more masculine than I like them, I do like this button down as it's cut more feminine and is not actually a jacket but just a thin shirt. There are snaps on the sleeves so you can fold them up a bit and snap into place and that's the way I like to wear it. This button down was a hand-me-down from my dear sister from Germany.

The tank top was picked up at Marshall's a couple of years ago, and one of my favorites. It's by Rachel Zoe. It's the same one I've worn hiking on this occasion.

My crossbody bag is by Baggialini, this bag is so perfect for travel with plenty of zippers and there was even room for my knit cardigan in it which I threw on the next morning when we went to the zoo (it was chilly in the morning.)

My slip-on sneakers are the Taos Rubber Soul in Charcoal Wash and I've worn these on both days. Thought I might develop a blister but did not even after all these hours of walking. That said, I kind of wished I had brought my Taos Star lace up sneakers, as I have those in the wide width and they may have been a smarter choice. I could have definitely just thrown them into the duffle bag "just in case" but ended up not bringing them along.

Above is what I had worn to the zoo the next day, same jeans, sneakers and bag, I just switched out the shirt with a linen top I had purchased from LOFT last year and (not shown) a knit cardigan which I had stuffed into the bag.

For those of you interested, I'm linking similar pieces below.

Related Products:

And here are a few more snapshots:

White River. A great place to enjoy the sunshine! This is a pedestrian/bicycle only bridge and the zoo is at the other end of it.

Lots of turtles on the river.

We did not walk down this beautiful alley, as it was in the opposite direction of the Canal Walk, and I wanted to walk along the Canal then towards to State Capitol. The building on the left side is part of the Indianapolis Zoo and on the right side is the river down below.

The beginning parts of the Canal. On the left side you can rent canoes or paddle boats and the right side houses one of the museums.

We love touring State Capitol buildings but didn't go inside this one. It was probably closed at this time on a Saturday.

I would have loved to take a closer look at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument but too much was going on with some sort of gatherings so I didn't get a chance to. Maybe that's something to visit on a weekday instead of a Saturday evening.

A pretty area in the botanical garden.

I always love visiting butterfly gardens, this one is called Butterfly Kaleidoscope. Both the botanical garden and butterfly garden are included in the price of the Zoo admission.

Note: As with most places at the moment, advance tickets are required when visiting the zoo/gardens.

Another beautiful butterfly on an equally beautiful flower.

And then a few animal photos from the zoo.

We did also see their Dolphin Show but in my opinion it wasn't comparable to the one at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago or the Chicago Brookfield Zoo. If you do plan on viewing the Dolphin show, make sure to arrive early as these tickets are gone quickly (due to a restricted amount of people allowed to be inside the building at a time). You don't have to pay extra to see the dolphins, but you do need the tickets you pick up at the desk, and those can't be purchased online.

My thoughts about the city:

We enjoyed the walk along the canal. I wasn't a fan of all the scooters driving around everywhere downtown as I almost was run over twice during the short time we were there. Sometimes it really felt like they came out of nowhere!

The zoo and botanical garden (which was the actual purpose of the visit) unfortunately left me a bit underwhelmed. They were ok, but I've visited some pretty amazing zoos and gardens in my life and these were just ok. Maybe because some parts were under some sort of construction/repair. Surely worth a visit when you are in town, but maybe not worth it for the main reason of a visit if you live 4 hours away.

Thanks so much for visiting!

I'm linking up here:

Friday: Fancy Friday hosted by Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style // Lizzie in Lace // Friday Favorites at Penny's Passion // A Little Bit of Everything // Friday Favorites // A Fireman’s Wife // Shelbee on the Edge // Fabulous Friday Link Up with Lucy // A Morning Cup of Joe

Saturday: Dare to Share

Sunday: Style Splash linkup // Sunday Showcase (first Sunday) //  You're the Star Blog Hop Link Up @ Stonecottage Adventures

Monday: Away From Blue // Glass of Glam // Inspire Me Monday // Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures // Anything Goes with Your Hosts @ My Random Musings // Beauty by Miss L

Tuesday: The Fashion Canvas // Shelbee On the Edge Spread the Kindness // I Do deClaire // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // Myriad Musings // Jenerally Informed Happy Now Blog Link // Style Splash linkup // Tuesday with a Twist @Stonecottage Adventures // I Will Wear What I Like Linkup // Randomosity - Good Random - Fun

Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday? (last wed. of month) // The Queen in Between Style Six // Straight A Style // Jersey Girl, Texan Heart // Fashion Frenzy at Seeking Sunshine and Rosy Outlook // Is This Mutton? Wow on Wednesday // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday //  Welcome Wednesdays //  Classy Flamingos

Thursday: Fashion Files at Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom // Your Own Twist Linkup with Shelbee and Monica (3rd Thursday/month) // Elegance and Mommyhood // High Latitude Style // Mummabstylish // Thirty Minus One // Mutton Style // Thursday Favorite Things //  Little Things Thursday // Traffic Jam Weekend @Being a Wordsmith // Slices of Life (Encouraging Hearts and Home)

May 5, 2021

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday: May Challenge - Blooming Beautiful

Hello and welcome to the May Crafty Wednesday Challenge right here on my blog! Thank you so much for stopping by to check out the new theme and hopefully you'll decide to join in too!

A big thank you to all of you that joined in last month, there were some gorgeous entries and you can find my top picks at the end of the post.

This Month's Theme:

I'm having flowers on the brain recently (it's that time of the year) so this month it's all about...............

Blooming Beautiful

{or Anything Goes!}

As usual the theme is optional and you may link up anything crafty - not restricted to papercrafts. All entries will be considered for a top pick, whether you followed the theme or not!

My May Creation:

I used Penny Black's collage style stamp Botanical Notes, but decided to keep the focus on the flowers instead of the full stamp.

Exact stamp used:

I stamped on Bristol Vellum paper using Versafine Onxy ink and I colored with Distress inks and Zig Clean Color brush pens (exact colors listed below) and then I fussy cut the image using my Cutterbee scissors. Yes - this did take quite some time but as long as I'm not short on time I enjoy the process very much and this was one of those days. Never mind the laundry that needed to be put away LOL. It can certainly wait!!

The background was done with the simple "splash watercolor technique" (you can see Loll's super short "how to" video here if you're not sure what technique I am talking about) and then I splattered some more ink onto the background using a toothbrush. Finally I used the same collage stamp on this background by stamping it in a light color (Tumbled Glass Distress Ink) to add some more interest to the card.

Related Products :

The script border which I also used partially on the top and the side is an oldie but goodie from Whimsy Stamps from my design team time many years ago and no longer available.

Before adhering the fussy cut image to the card with foam tape, I added some light green grosgrain ribbon (option) and a strip of white card stock. The sticky sentiment is one from Tim Holtz Quotations stickers.

Stamps: Penny Black Botanical Notes, Whimsy Stamps Border Stamp (no longer available)

Inks for Stamping and Background: Versafine Onyx, Tumbled Glass Distress Ink, Wilted Violet Distress Ink, Blueprint Sketch Distress ink, Evergreen Bough Distress Ink, Shabby Shutters Distress Ink

Coloring Medium/Inks for Coloring: Tattered Rose Distress Ink, Worn Lipstick Distress Ink, Light Carmine Zig Clean Color, Carmine Zig Clean Color, Deep Green Zig Clean Color, Mustard Zig Clean Color, Brown Zig Clean Color (Zig Colors I used are all included in the 48 Pack of Brush Pens)

Tools and Accessories: Zig Detailer Watercolor Brush, Cutterbee Scissors, Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush, Tim Holtz Quotations Sticker Set, Grosgrain Ribbon (retired SU - Option), Toothbrush for Ink Splatter, Craft Mat (Options), Foam Tape, Tombow Mono Multi Glue

I'm linking up here:

Dare 2B Artzy Challenges - Flowers // Stamping Sensations - Beautiful Blooms // Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Feminine // Do-Al(l) Kreatives - Pastel Colors and Spring Colors // The Crafting Challenge - Flowers // Penny Black Saturday Challenge - Use Penny Black Stamps //

Last Month's Top Picks:

I will continue to add my favorites to the dedicated Pinterest board, but going forward I will once again showcase the top pick's creations with links to their individual blogs, which will be removed at the start of each new month's challenge to remain in compliance with GDPR.

Choosing favorites is never easy but something that needs to be done and here are my top picks in the order of entry.

No. 17 Mandy

No. 24 Hazel

No. 26 Yasmin

Congratulations! Well deserved recognition! Your top pick logo is below. Feel free to post it to your own blogs if you like to!

To play along this month simply use the linky tool below.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

A few things to remember:

You may follow the theme or anything crafty goes.

Backlinking is allowed.

You may combine with any other challenges.
You may use any brand of stamps/digis/products (no company restriction).
No more than 3 entries per person please - no worries if you end up with more.
Please do include a link back here to my blog in your blog post.

Note: Top picks will be selected from the entries shared with the linky tool. The top pick's creations will be displayed the following month along with their blog links until the start of a new challenge. If you do not want to be featured, please do not use the linky tool.

May 1, 2021

Spring Greeting Card with Magnolia Blossoms and Distress Inks

Hello and happy May!!

It's hard to believe that it's May already, the kids both had to do virtual school again for the past two weeks but are supposed to go back in person this Monday. Hoping they can finish the school year (which only lasts until the end of May here) somewhat normal as my son is graduating from Highschool. (How did we get here this fast!!!)

A new theme starts today at Allsorts challenge, it's my turn to host and fitting for the first week of May our theme is "Spring Blossoms".

Our wonderful sponsor this week is Chocolate Baroque so hopefully you can join us for your chance to win one of the two stamps that are up for grabs. Also, in case you're interested - Lesley of Chocolate Baroque will be on Hochanda TV on Friday 7th May with two shows at 9am and 1pm (these are UK times), there will be different stamps in both shows so mark your calendars if you don't want to miss out.

My early spring flowers may be faded now but lots of new blossoms are everywhere and it looks so pretty with many trees in bloom! But sadly my Magnolia tree isn't doing too well since the squirrels chewed off the young branches last year (the tree is only a few years old) and it only has a few buds this year which I know the squirrels will get to sooner or later too :-( I don't really blame them though, Magnolia blossoms smell so sweet and wonderful!

My card today features a favorite Magnolia stamp by Penny Black - The Unfolding.

It's been inked with distress inks - markers or ink pads, I used a mix of light and dark pinks for the blossoms (I'm pretty sure I used Spun Sugar, Victorian Velvet and Worn Lipstick) and a mix of green inks (Shabby Shutters, Peeled Paint) for the leaves, and the branch was done with a Gathered Twigs Distress Marker. For a long time I've always resisted these beautiful brushstroke stamps because I had no idea how to use them. Having a Stamp Platform is definitely a game changer and they make using these stamps super easy as you can add ink and stamp several times to give it more dimension. I have the Tonic by Tim Holtz which is no longer in production, but there are several to choose from now ....

On this particular stamp I inked the flowers with ink pads because they are large (yes I did get some pink onto the branch/leaves but I simply wipe it off with the corner of a paper towel, then added a darker pink on the edges of the blossoms. A marker is helpful for inking up smaller sections like the leaves and branch, but mini inkpads work well too.

Barely visible, but I used my retired Stampin Up French Script stamp on the bottom right corner with Shabby Shutters Distress ink to add some interest to the card, but don't look too closely as I ended up stamping the script upside down. I don't know why this happens to me so often!!

Next I made a little inky puddle using Peeled Paint distress ink and with a toothbrush I splattered some ink onto the card. Inked and distress the edges, then layered the card front onto white card stock which I also distressed, and the a white card base.

As embellishments I added some dark brown gingham ribbon (options) from my stash as well as a dark brown button and some May Arts jute twine.

The sentiment is from the Penny Black set Friendship. I do wish the white distressed layer was green instead but at the time of making the card I liked the idea of white.