Handmade Greeting Card: Balmy Breezes on Distress Inked Background

Happy Monday! I recently needed a couple of masculine birthday cards and I am sharing one of them today. I used an oldie stampin up set for this card along with some distress inks for a beach inspired masculine card. Maybe it would be more appropriate for a Summer birthday, but I think we could all use a beach vacation at any time of the year, especially this year!!

Please note: some affiliate links are used in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always this is at no  cost to you.

The background was done using antique linen, tumbled glass and cracked pistachio ink with a small amount of blueprint sketch. Then I stencilled a harlequin (barely visible) and dots onto the background using Tim Holtz's Harlequin stencil and TCW Circle Explosion stencil. Image stamps are all from the retired set Balmy Breezes. While no longer available from SU, it always seems to be listed on eBay. 

By the way, if you're shopping this Cyber Monday, scrapbook. com has everything Tim Holtz listed at up to 50% off and for a limited time you get this free stickles glitter gel with your order.

 Tim Holtz Products:

 Up to 50% off for Cyber Monday at Scrapbook.com! 

 

     

The sentiment is from my only German sentiment set I picked up while on vacation a couple of years ago. Unfortunately it's not the best quality and I had a hard time lining up the words without it constantly falling off the clear block...

I added some natural jute twine from May Arts and a couple of staples for some more interest. I think staples make a great embellishment for masculine cards. 

I'm linking up with these blogs:

Inspire me Monday - linkup // Mix It Up Challenge - Make your Own Background // Sparkles Forum Challenges - Stencils // A Gem of a Challenge - Anything Goes // Crafter's Castle - Anything Goes // Just Add Ink - Just Add "S" (Seashells, Stencils), Pattie's Creations - Anything Goes // 

Thanks so much for visiting!!

You May Also Like: 

 

Black and White Plus One                      Holiday Gift Ideas for Teenagers

Jingle Friends

Happy Saturday and thanks so much for visiting! Hope you've had a good week and if you're in the US I hope you had a good Thanksgiving holiday. My husband was working like he does most years on Thanksgiving but he does get off at 3pm and we were able  to enjoy a nice turkey dinner. A whole turkey is not the easiest to deal with but once it's in  the oven bag, the hardest part is done. I do always seem to overcook my turkey but I'm paranoid about it not being done so I always leave it in a little bit longer than the recommended time. (I pretty much do that with any type of meat so it's nothing new to my family :-)

I also started my Christmas shopping  (Thanksgiving week is usually my personal start to Christmas shopping) and I was able to cross several things off the list. By the way, I posted a "Holiday Gift Idea for Teenage Boys and Girls" a few days ago, thought I'd mention it in case some of you are interested in taking a look.

Please note: some affiliate links are used in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always this is at no  cost to you.

The stamp on today's card is a new one from Penny Black's Christmas release - Jingle Friends. Stamped with  Versafine Onyx ink on Bristol Vellum paper and I colored it with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils. There is a matching die available (separately) for this stamp, but I used my Cutterbee scissors to cut it out.

 

A stitched border die was used to create the hills. Mine is old (from Whimsy Stamps) and no longer available, but I this set by Lawn Fawn would be a good alternative.

The trees were done with Penny Black die set Beneath the Birches and tucked behind one of the hill die cuts. I've had this patterned paper for a while, I think it's by Bo Bunny. The sentiment is from Penny Black's clear set Holly Jolly.  A Wink of Stella clear glitter brush was used on Santa's fur trim and Rudolph's red nose.

I added a matching strip of card stock inside and the stamp is an oldie from Stampin Up. The snowflake is part of Penny Black's Holiday Snippets set. 

You Might Also Like:

  
Gold or Silver                                              Holiday Gift Guide for Teenagers

Challenges:

CAS on Friday - Snow // Crafty Catz - Baby it's Cold Outside // Cut It Up - Christmas and Die Cuts * // Just Add Ink - Just Add "S" (Snow, Santa) // Cardz 4 Galz  - Cute Christmas // C.R.A.F.T. // Craft Rocket Challenges - Christmas or Winter // Crimbo Crackers - Christmas // Paper Shelter - Christmas // Dragonfly Dreams - Christmas // We Love Chocolate Baroque Challenge -Christmas //Daisy Chain Challenges - Christmas is coming // Sweet Stampers - Christmas // The Crafting Challenge - Add a Sentiment // Color Throwdown - color inspiration

 

Always Anything Goes Card Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft // A Perfect Time To Craft // Crafts Galore Encore // Classic Design Challenge // DL.Art Linky Challenge // Not Just Cards (F) // Lemon Shortbread // Through The Craft Room Door // Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges // Lil Patch of Crafty Friends // The Corrosive Challenges // Creative Fingers // QKR Stampede // Crafting With An Attitude // Brown Sugar (?) // Craft-Dee BowZ// 

Thanks again for taking the time out of your day to stop by my blog!

Acorns and Autumn Leaves

I recently made this fall themed "thinking of you" card for a friend and thought I'd better share it before  the winter season is here. I used a stamp from Penny Black with some pencil coloring and a sentiment from Whimsy Stamps.

Please note: some affiliate links are used in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always this is at not extra cost to you.

The image from the Penny Black set Grateful has been stamped using Versafine Onyx ink and colored with my Faber Castell Polychromos pencils. I used a this stripes stencil and distress ink (Shabby Shutters) to add stripes to the background. 

Add caption

Penny Black Grateful

The sentiment is from a retired set by Whimsy Stamps and no longer available. I received it as part of my design team products without packaging therefore I don't know the name of the set, but I think this set would be a good alternative. 

Add caption

Sentiment Option

The patterned paper is from my stash and I added some May Arts jute twine to finish off the card. This color is Parrot Green but I don't see it currently listed. 

Thanks so much for visiting!

I'm linking up here:

Lots of "Anything Goes"

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends // We Love Chocolate Baroque Challenge // A Bit More Time to Craft // A Perfect Time To Craft // Classic Design  Challenge // Craft-Dee BowZ // Crafts Galore Encore // Happy Craft Challenge // LeAnn’s World 101 // QKR Stampede // Crafter's Castle // Crafty Calendar // Creative Moments

Themed Challenges:

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - Pattern Papers // Sparkles Forum Challenges  - Stencils // The Crafting Challenge - Add a Sentiment // Penny Black Saturday Challenge  - PB Stamps // Cute Card Thursday - Sentimental // 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Hello and welcome! 

I normally would share my design team card for Allsorts challenge with you on Saturdays, but unfortunately I had to make the decision to leave the design team. There have been some technical difficulties with my card uploads and nothing I tried was of any help. When it happened again with my new card uploads I figured it must be an ongoing issue (whatever may have caused it) and I decided to step down. There is only so much research I can do about computer problems and it's been starting to frustrate me. Luckily I haven't had any issues on my personal blog so I will of course continue sharing here. 

So this card was actually made for Allsorts (before my upload issues started) for Mervi's fun theme of Santas, Angels and Elves and I had so much fun looking through my stamps to decide which Santa image to use. I actually colored up a few but haven't made them all into cards yet. 

This specific Santa stamp is from a set by Craft UK several years old. I have no idea where it was originally sold, as I found this set on eBay. I think this Santa Claus is so fun with his penguin friend. 

Please note: This post includes 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. Thanks so much for supporting this blog.

I've been re-discovering my love for colored pencils, so this image has been stamped using  Versafine Onyx ink on  Bristol Vellum paper then colored with Faber Castell Polychromos pencils. I find Versafine Onyx does not smear at all when using colored pencils on Bristol Paper, while my usual Versafine Clair needs to be heat set or clear embossed. 

I fussy cut the image to use on the design using my Cutterbee scissors. For the background I decided to use some dotted pattern paper and a stitched border die (old - similar set) was used to make a snowy hill. 

The sentiment is from an old clear Penny Black Set - Holly Jolly. I added red grosgrain ribbon and a mini strip of striped pattern paper from my stash to finish off the card. 

Products Used:

Image stamp by Craft UK // Sentiment Penny Black Holly Jolly // Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils // Similar Stitched Border Die Set // Grosgrain Ribbon Option// Pattern Papers from Stash // Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush // Cutterbee Scissors //  Versafine Onyx Ink // Tombow Mono Multi Glue // Bristol Vellum Paper

Related Products:

Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!

I'm linking up here:

Always Fun Challenges - Anything Goes // Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge  - Happy Holidays // Crafty Catz - Christmas // As You Like It Challenge - Snowmen or Penguis & Why (Penguins because I find them to be such unique animals, but can't deny that I also love working with snowmen stamps) // Cardz 4 Galz - Cute Christmas // C.R.A.F.T. - Christmas // Craft Rocket Challenges - Christmas // Crimbo Crackers - Christmas // Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Christmas // Allsorts Challenge - Santas, Elves and Angels

Candles, Lights or Anything Bright for Allsorts Challenge w/ Anything Goes Option

Hello and welcome! 

It's time for a new theme already at Allsorts challenge! It's Helene's week to host and she picked the theme of Candles, Lights or Anything Bright. We also have the option of Anything Goes for those of you just wanting to share with us, so feel free to link those up if you like to. Our prize is an Ultimate Glue kit by Stix2 that will go to one lucky participant!

Please note: This post includes 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. Thanks so much for supporting this blog.

I thought this cute stamp from Lily of the Valley was perfect for the theme. While mine is a rubber stamp, LOTV does have an etsy shop now with many of their stamps converted to digis, maybe this one is one of them. 

It's been stamped with Versafine Onyx ink on Bristol Vellum paper and colored with my Faber Castell Polychromos pencils. Some time ago I purchased a pencil coloring class from Kit and Clowder but really should revisit the class as I've already forgotten some of the tips from there... 

To make the snowy background I used a mask of the same image (I had this mask from when I used the stamp previously) over the image, flicked some masking fluid over the background then, after it was dry, I inked it up using Weathered Wood Distress ink, then rubbed off the masking fluid with a paper towel.

The snowflakes were done with a Martha Stewart punch. My punch is old but there are several snowflake punches or die options. The postage sentiment and die are oldies from my design team days at Whimsy Stamps. I couldn't find anything close to this but do like this Stampers Anonymous Holiday Postmark set and there are a couple of options HERE at Scrapbook.com. 

Related Products:

I used Forest Moss distress ink to stamp the sentiment, it matches the color of my designer paper perfectly. Paper is from my stash and I don't remember which company it's by.  

A peek inside - I added another strip of patterned paper and inked the edges with Weathered Wood ink as well and I stamped a Christmas sentiment there as well (not pictured). 

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by today! Hope to see you joining us at Allsorts!

Related Products:

I'm linking up here:

Colour Crazy Challenge - Coloring // Craft Rocket Challenges - Christmas // Cute Card Thursday - Wintry // Crimbo Crackers - Christmas // Krafty Chicks - Christmas // Paper Minutes - Postage Stamps // 

Lace - Real or Faux at Allsorts Challenge with Anything Goes Option

It's Saturday again and that means it's time for a new theme at Allsorts challenge. Lynn is hosting this week and she picked the theme of "Lace - Real or Faux", but anyone is welcome to join in and share anything crafty, the theme is just a suggestion. 

Please note: This post includes 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. Thanks so much for supporting this blog.

I made a ballet themed card for today's challenge and found some lace print designer papers in my stash, thought it was a perfect addition to fit the theme. 

Using a stamp platform, I started out by stamping and heat embossing the ballerina silhouette from the Visible Image Born to Perform stamp set using Versafine Clair Nocturne ink and clear embossing powder. Next I did some stencilling around the image using both stencil designs from this Stampers Anonymous set and stamped a few words from Stampin Up's French Script over the background.  Inks used on the background are Spun Sugar and Tumbled Glass  Distress inks.

Related Products:  

As mentioned, the patterned paper is from my stash and I added some die cut stars to complete the design. My stars were done with a retired die set from Whimsy stamps but there are many star dies available at Scrapbook.com, Amazon and other retailers.The sentiment is from the Penny Black set Eloquence, also heat embossed. Dreamer of Dreams is a sticker from Tim Holtz' Quotations set. The brushed gold paper was part of a Hero Arts stamp kit - I don't remember which one, but it's also available at Scrapbook.com.

Stamps: Visible Image Born to Perform // Penny Black Eloquence // Stampin Up French Script (retired)

Inks: Versafine Clair Nocturne // Distress Inks Spun Sugar and Tumbled Glass

Tools: Stampers Anonymous Stencil // Stars Die Set Options HERE and HERE // Ink Blending Tool Options // Embossing Powder 

Papers: Brushed Gold // Bristol Vellum // Stampin Up Pink Cardstock // 110 lb Heavyweight Cardstock

Related Products:

I'm linking up here:

The Library Challenge - Book Inspiration

Aud Sentiments Challenge - add a sentiment // Cardz 4 Galz - Silver or Gold // Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes // Fab n Funky - Anything but Christmas // Sisterhood of Crafters - Gold // Try It On Tuesday - Embossed (ballerina and sentiment are heat embossed) // Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper- Patterned Papers // Mix It Up Challenge - Make your own background // The Crafting Challenge - Add a Sentiment // 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

You Might Also Like:

 

Inspired by a song                                            Music

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday - November Challenge

Hello and welcome to the November Crafty Wednesday challenge right here on my blog! I'm so glad you decided to stop by and hope you'll join in too! Many thanks to everyone who shared in last month's challenge. There were some wonderful entries so be sure to scroll down to see if you were one of my top picks!

This Month's Theme

The theme I selected for this month is.............

Christmas

Can't wait to see what you'll share and remember themes are optional now and you are welcome to share anything you've been making new or old (yes, backlinking is allowed). 

Please note: This post includes 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. Thanks so much for supporting this blog.

I couldn't resist some of the Penny Black's newest release and this brushstroke stamp was one of them. This one is called Season's Tweeting.

I purchased from PB stamps (this is now out of stock there), but I did just notice it available on Amazon from an independent seller. Also Scrapbook.com is supposed to receive their Season of Hope Penny Black release soon and you can take a look at the new release HERE and be notified when available if you prefer shopping there.

As with all brushstroke stamps, I colored directly on the rubber using Distress inks and markers Mowed Lawn, Candied Apple, Seedless Preserves, Wild Honey, Faded Jeans, Old Paper, Black Soot. I wanted a bit of a watercolor look so after stamping I used my Zig Detailer Brush over the stamped image. If you are new to these brushstroke stamps, I do highly recommend using a stamp platform as you are able to re-stamp several times adding more color as you go. Here you can see I added some touches of orange to the edges of the leaves. 

To add some interest to the background I used an old Penny Black background stamp - Christmas Story (unfortunately it appears to be currently unavailable) - and stamped portions of it using Old Paper Distress ink, then flicked some diluted ink - faded jeans - onto the background. 

The sentiment is from my favorite Christmas sentiment set by Penny Black - Season's Gifts, stamped using Versafine Clair Nocturne ink. Edges were distressed and inked with Old Paper ink, then I added some Natural Jute Twine to to finish the card front. As I'm trying once again to use more of my pattern papers, I decided to frame the card front with polka dotted paper from my stash. 

Related Products:

Stamps: Penny Black Season's Tweeting // Penny Black Christmas Story// Penny Black Season's Gifts

Inks & Markers: Mowed Lawn, Candied Apple, Seedless Preserves, Wild Honey, Faded Jeans, Old Paper, Black Soot, Versafine Clair Nocturne 

Accessories and Tools: Natural Jute Twine // Stamp Platform - Options // Zig Detailer Brush 

Papers: Bristol Vellum // Designer Paper from Stash // 110lb Heavyweight Card Stock

I'm sharing with these challenges:

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - Pattern papers // Dragonfly Dreams - Christmas and Winter // Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas - something beginning with H (Holly) // Aud Sentiments Challenge - Sentiment 

Always Anything Goes Card Challenges:

A Bit More Time to Craft // A Perfect Time To Craft // Crafts Galore Encore // Classic Design Challenge // DL.Art Linky Challenge // Not Just Cards (F) // Lemon Shortbread // Through The Craft Room Door // Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenges // Lil Patch of Crafty Friends // The Corrosive Challenges // Creative Fingers // QKR Stampede // Crafting With An Attitude // Brown Sugar (?) // Craft-Dee BowZ// 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Last Month Top Picks

Selecting just 3 is never easy but something that has to be done and last month's top picks are listed in the order of entry.

No. 15 Jackie C.

No. 37 Kylie

No. 40 Inky Fingers

As always, in order to be in compliance with GDPR I am not able to post links, but I recently decided to create a Pinterest Board where my Top Picks of the month will be pinned with links back to each Top Pick's blogs.

You can see their wonderful creations HERE.

Congratulations! Your Top Pick logo is below, feel free to post it to your own blogs!

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

A few things to remember:

• You may follow the theme or anything goes

• Link up to 3 different entries.
• Backlinking is allowed.
• You may combine with any other challenges.
• You may use any brand of stamps/digis (no company restriction).
• Please do include a link back here to my blog in your blog post.