Shimmer Gold, Cream, and Scarlet

Lovely shimmery colors for a family anniversary celebration.  I like the embossed textures and the mix of heart, star, and flower shapes.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) shimmer in gold, cream, and scarlet.
• Dies are PTI heart-2-heart #11, flower fusion #9, and sketched shapes (large circle).  
• I inlaid the gold heart into the cream flower, so that the scarlet background color would show through slightly and give more definition to the heart's edge.  In real life, it makes a difference.
• Embossing folders are The Paper Studio tiny stars and Stampin' Up petals-a-plenty (retired).
• The sentiment "anniversary wishes" is from PTI keep it simple: anniversary, stamped with PTI scarlet jewel ink cube.

(519)

Christmas Card 2015

Our 2015 Christmas card shows Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in the Bethlehem stable, with an angel, a donkey, and a sheep.  For six years now, we've been using one of my Nativity drawings to print our cards.  This drawing is from my 2014 Advent calendar.   The sentiment inside is "Wishing you all the joy of Christmas!" 

The card has a wide white border and is computer-printed on Neenah card stock.  If you'd like to see my other Christmas card drawings, click here, then scroll down.   And here on my Mostly Markers drawing blog, you'll find my 2015 Advent calendar drawing (work in progress through Christmas Day), some links to six more years of my calendars, and more of my Advent-Christmas drawings as well.  Wishing the season's blessings to all my readers ...

(523)

Turquoise Swirls with Plaid

Textures and details in blue, turquoise, and purple.  I like the straight and curvy lines together. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white, Hawaiian shores (light turquoise), tropical teal (deep turquoise), and the bitty dot print from PTI royal velvet (dark purple) pattern pack.
• I made the plaid paper with PTI plaid builder stamped in PTI Hawaiian shores, blueberry sky (medium blue), and royal velvet inks.  I edged it with Copic marker V17. 
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you, stamped with PTI tropical teal, blueberry sky, and royal velvet inks. 
• Label dies are from PTI my mother, my friend.  The banner is notched with scissors.  
• Embossing is Cuttlebug d'vine swirls.

(522)

Cardinal with Branch on Teal

One of my favorite birds, the cardinal, on a leafy (or pine) branch.  I like these colors which could work for winter, but other seasons too.  The layout didn't seem to need a sentiment.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white, spring moss (light green), and the bitty dots print from PTI ocean tides (muted teal) pattern pack.
• The bird and branch are two-step stamps from PTI winter woods, stamped with PTI pure poppy (red), smokey shadow (dark gray), dark chocolate (brown), and ripe avocado (dark green) ink cubes. 
• Dies are PTI winter woods.

(520)

Green Stripes Diagonal

Happy colors for a birthday theme.  This card started when I tried out my new stripey stamp set with no regard for good stamping.  My uneven lines looked interesting, so I kept going with it.  I like the diagonal lines with the curly die cut word. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Neenah solar white and Papertrey Ink (PTI) vintage jadeite (light green) and new leaf (medium green).
• The die is "happy" from PTI tipped tops.
• Embossing folder is Paper Studio tiny stars.
• The stripes are from PTI plaid builder, stamped with PTI new leaf and vintage jadeite ink cubes.  I used the stamp with two triple stripes.
• The sentiment "happy birthday" is from PTI keep it simple: birthday, stamped with PTI new leaf.

(517)

Big Dots - Red, White, and Blue Thank You

Bright and bold in red, white, and blue with big dots, striped ribbon, and a two-tone sentiment.

Note: the gray is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Ellen Hutson white linen, Paper Source royal blue, Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), and a print from from PTI pure poppy "+ white basics" patterned paper collection.
• Die is PTI wonderful words: thank you.
• Ribbon is Recollections 3/8" grosgrain.
• Bottom corners are rounded with Crop-a-Dile 1/2" corner chomper.

(518)

Layered Flowers in Teal and Purple

Playing with some multi-color stamping.  It was just an experiment, but I was happy to find I could make it into a nice card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white, royal velvet (dark purple), and gingham print from PTI tropical teal (deep turquoise) pattern pack.
• The two floral clusters are from PTI mini blooms.  Using the MISTI, first I stamped all the leaves and flowers with Hawaiian shores ink (medium turquoise), and then reinked just the leaves to stamp with new leaf (green) and parts of the flowers with tropical teal. Finally, with a small damp brush, I added some touches of royal velvet ink.  (All of the inks are PTI.)
• The sentiment "just because" is from PTI keep it simple: just because, stamped with royal velvet ink.

(514)

Green Truck with Trees and Birds

A detailed scene with a fall or wintry feeling.  I like the truck in its woodsy setting. 

Not shown in the picture: I stamped a small green letter T (for the recipient's name) on the circle on the truck door.

Card details:

• Sky is Stampin' Up (SU) soft sky (blue) card stock.
• Ground is Paper Source (PS) gravel (gray) card stock. 
• Clouds are Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white card stock, die cut with the smaller PTI heart-2-heart #6 cloud.
• Birds are PTI true black card stock, die cut with Impression Obsession small bird set.
• Grass is PS sage (light green) card stock, die cut with My Favorite Things (MFT) fresh cut grass.
• Narrow trees are SU soft suede (deep brown) card stock, die cut with Savvy Stamps branch.
• Thicker trees are PTI classic kraft card stock, die cut with PTI polka dot parade #6. 
• Truck is PTI pinefeather (dark green), true black, and kraft, cut with Impression Obsession classic truck.  I added a kraft circle to the door, punched with an old 1/4" hole punch.  Also I added some brown colored pencil to emphasize the embossed lines on the truck body. 

(509)

Leafy Branch with Greens and Tan

Simple and serene with tan and a few shades of green.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring moss (light green), ripe avocado (dark green), fine linen (tan), and the bitty dots print from PTI simply chartreuse (medium green) pattern pack.
• Dies are Elizabeth Craft thanks and Savvy Stamps tall branches with leaves.
• I die cut the leaves from the tan panel, colored them roughly (dabbing/ swiping in patches) with Copic markers, and then laid them back into the negative cut.  
• Copic colors are YG21, 23, and 95.
• The corners of the leaf panel are rounded with Crop-a-Dile 1/4" corner chomper.

(455)

Green Vines with Berries

Today's "all stamping" card is one of my favorites.  Twisting vines and berries frame the sentiment.  Three dotted lines emphasize the "just a note" theme and help to connect the colors.

Note: the gray is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• The ink cubes are PTI ripe avocado (green), scarlet jewel (deep burgundy), and lavender moon (light purplish pink).
• For my circle stamp for the lavender moon berries,  I cut craft foam with the PTI pencil blooms die (the flower center).
• The other stamps are all PTI, as follows: The sentiment is from botanical silhouettes.  Vines are from turning a new leaf.  Berry centers are the large and medium three-dot clusters from bigger blooms and mini blooms.  The stamp with three dotted lines is from limitless layers: labels, masked to make a shorter length.

(516)

Green and Rust Leaflets

Another "all stamping" note card.  It's been fun for me to try making some cards with no dies or layers. 

Note: the gray is background, not part of the card. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Bottom corners are rounded with Crop-a-Dile 1/2" corner chomper.
• The leaflets are from PTI turning a new leaf, stamped with PTI simply chartreuse (green) and terra cotta tile (deep rusty red) ink cubes.  Using my MISTI, I stamped the leaflets with simply chartreuse first, then inked with terra cotta tile in some areas and restamped.
• The sentiment "just a note" is from PTI botanical silhouettes, stamped with PTI terra cotta tile ink cube. 

(515)

Autumn Branches - Orange and Burgundy

Autumn branches glow against a muted sky.  These shapes and colors work well together, and the patterned paper adds a veined effect to the leaves. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) ocean tides (muted teal), fine linen (tan), and in bloom 8x8" patterned paper in scarlet jewel (burgundy) and orange zest.
• Die is PTI branching out.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI keep it simple: thank you, stamped with PTI scarlet jewel ink cube.

(513)

Blue Flowers on White

My third card with this stamp set.  See my previous two posts for the others.  I've enjoyed using these graceful lines and shapes.

Note: the gray is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Embroidery floss is DMC #703.  It's wrapped around the card front, so to keep it in place, I used a McGill 1/8" circle punch to notch the card stock.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from PTI botanical silhouettes, stamped with PTI blueberry sky (medium blue) ink cube. The flowers and stems are from the same set, stamped with PTI new leaf (green) and orange zest ink cubes.  (In real life, the orange zest ink is less red.)
• The small green dots in the flower centers are Copic marker G14.

(512)

Rusty Orange with Green and Yellow

Another simple note card, using the same stamp set as yesterday.  In real life, the flowers are less red.  The colors together have a lovely autumn glow.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) canyon clay (orangey brown card base), ripe avocado (green), and stamper's select white. 
• Embossing folder is Lifestyle Crafts diamonds and dots.
• The leaves and flowers are from PTI botanical silhouettes, stamped with PTI terra cotta tile (deep rusty orange), summer sunrise (yellow orange), and ripe avocado ink cubes.

(511)

Pink Flowers on White

Just a pretty note card.  All stamping, no layers or die cuts, which for me is very "new and different."

Note: the gray is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white.
• Bottom corners are rounded with Crop-a-Dile 1/2" corner chomper
• The sentiment "just a note" is from PTI botanical silhouettes, stamped with PTI smokey shadow (dark gray) ink cube.  The flowers, from the same stamp set, are stamped with PTI pinefeather (dark green), hibiscus burst (pink), and smokey shadow ink cubes.

(510)

Love Heart with Birds - Aqua and Red

A bright and cheerful anniversary card with red birds perched on a heart-shaped frame.

Card details:

• Card stock is Stampin' Up soft sky (light aqua), Papertrey Ink (PTI) Hawaiian shores (medium aqua), PTI pure poppy (red), stripe print from PTI soft stone (light gray) pattern pack, and hearts print from Avery Elle everyday 6x6" pack.
• Dies are My Favorite Things heart full of love, PTI heart border, and PTI heart-2-heart #9. 
• Embossing folder is Sizzix retro cirque (retiring).
• I added the birds' eyes with a black Copic multiliner pen.

(508)

Blue and White with Wreath

A lovely blue and white background, like an old ceramic tile.  The crisp embossing works beautifully with the airbrushed color.  It's finished with a royal blue banner and wreath, a soft blue ribbon and sentiment, and a thin line of royal blue embroidery floss. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source royal blue and Papertrey Ink (PTI) rustic white.
• Dies are PTI rustic wreath and cover plate: twist.  
• Technique:  I used the stencil from this card to airbrush with Copic marker B45, then embossed with the same die. Making sure to have my edges straight, I positioned the die as best I could over the airbrushed pattern.  Even with my imperfect alignment, it looks good.   
• Banners are notched with scissors. 
• Embroidery floss is DMC 825.
• Ribbon is 3/8" sheer-and-satin, colored with Copic marker B41.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from PTI keep it simple: thinking of you, stamped with PTI blueberry sky (medium blue) ink cube.

(507)

Brown and Cream Leaves on Green

Subdued colors, almost monochromatic, with details of wood grain, dots (printed and pierced), and book print.  Gracefully curving branches with a strong sentiment rectangle.  A very handsome and striking card in real life.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) rustic cream, pinefeather (dark green), the book print from PTI Dearest Jane, and the polka dot print from PTI dark chocolate pattern pack.
• Dies are PTI stitched rectangles and branching out. 
• Embossing folder is The Paper Studio woodgrain.
• The sentiment "just because" is from PTI keep it simple: just because, stamped with PTI dark chocolate ink cube.

(506)

Sunflowers on Aqua

Bright sunflowers on a soft aqua background.  A narrow band of striped paper connects the flowers and sentiment banner. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) aqua mist, stamper's select white, and the stripes print from PTI fine linen (tan) pattern pack.
• Embossing folder is Cuttlebug swiss dots.  I used the debossed side. 
• Dies are PTI double-ended banners and simple sunflower.
• The sentiment "just because" is from PTI keep it simple: just because, stamped with PTI simply chartreuse (green) ink cube.  The flowers and leaves are from PTI simple sunflower, stamped with PTI dark chocolate (brown), summer sunrise (yellow), and simply chartreuse.

(505)

Gray Dots with Lavender Vine and Butterfly

A sympathy card with lavender, gray, and white.  The curves of the sentiment, vine and butterfly work well with the straight lines of the gray dotted panel and the white sentiment strip.  In real life, the lavender color is a bit softer.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white, winter wisteria (lavender), and the polka dot print from PTI soft stone (light gray) pattern pack.
• The white card stock is edged with Copic marker V17. 
• Die is Memory Box floral vine. 
• Butterfly punch is by EK Success. 
• Embossing folder is Stampin' Up square lattice (retired).
• The sentiment "deepest sympathy" is from Stampabilities card phrases, stamped with PTI winter wisteria ink cube.

(496)

Blue Circles with Stripes and Hexagons

Stripes, hexagons, circles, and a diagonal sentiment.  Quiet blues and tan with a strong orangey brown.  I like the mix of colors and shapes. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) canyon clay (orangey brown), enchanted evening (dark blue), fine linen (tan), rustic white, and the stripes print from PTI blueberry sky (medium blue) pattern pack.
• Blue striped paper is edged with Copic marker B39.
• Embossing folders are Darice honeycomb and Sizzix Tim Holtz stripes (retiring).
• Dies are the pinked circle from PTI 1-3/4" limitless layers: circles and a plain circle (1-5/8") from Spellbinders standard circles small. 
• The banner is notched with scissors.
• The circle is from PTI limitless layers: frames, stamped with PTI blueberry sky ink cube.  The sentiment "just because" is from Stampabilities everyday expressions, and the three-dot line is from PTI communique sentiments, stamped with PTI canyon clay ink cube.

(494)

Stamp-a-faire Cards 2015

For this year's Papertrey Ink Stamp-a-faire, I created 8 cards (shown above) from Sunday evening to Monday evening (today).  And tried some new things, learned some great tips and techniques, and enjoyed myself immensely!  Many thanks to PTI for all the inspiration!

Note: each card is posted individually (August 30-31) with details about the Stamp-a-faire challenges and the supplies that I used. 

Green Leaves with Raspberry Hello

A few unused "reject" pieces from my table, and a final card for the 2015 Papertrey Ink Stamp-a-faire.  This is for the "make it work" challenge.  I wouldn't have planned the stamped green leaves with the raspberry die cut word, but they do work together!  I had pulled out my scalloped edger die for a different challenge, but then didn't use it.  Here it was perfect for adding a soft frame to my leaves and word.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white, raspberry fizz (deep pink), sweet blush (light pink), and the bitty dots print from PTI new leaf (green) pattern pack.
• Dies are PTI turning a new leaf, wonderful words: hello, and edgers #3.
• The leaves are stamped with PTI turning a new leaf, using PTI new leaf ink cube.

(503)

Teal Birds in Twine Nest

Going way outside my comfort zone with a twine nest (or wreath) for Danielle's twine techniques threads challenge in Papertrey Ink's 2015 Stamp-a-faire.  It was easy to loop my twine for the nest, which I attached with a staple (hidden under the left-hand bird), and then not so easy to make it into a card!

But for my first "messy twine" attempt, I'm happy that I came up with something, and actually I kind of like it.  Now that I've tried it, I'll do this again sometime.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) aqua mist (light aqua), tropical teal (dark teal), and the polka dot print from PTI tropical teal pattern pack.
• Twine is PTI rustic jute.
• Dies are PTI heart-2-heart #9.  I added dots for eyes with a black Micron pen. 
• Corners are rounded with Crop-a-dile 1/2" and 1/4" corner chomper.
• The sentiment "sending you smiles" is from PTI simple sunflower, stamped with PTI tropical teal ink cube.

(502)

Bright Yellow with Multicolor Prints

Well, this is a bright and busy card!  But it all works together, thanks to a great tutorial in Betsy's "mixing patterns" video for the Papertrey Ink 2015 Stamp-a-faire mix and match challenge. 

I used Betsy's advice to plan for some white space (bright yellow in this case), to include a bold print accent of black and white (mine is dark gray), and to use the largest quantity of my biggest-scale print, then less of the medium-scale print, and even less of the smallest.  One of her samples also inspired my diagonally placed square.

It was fun arranging my patterned papers and just letting them be loud!  I edged all of them in red to unify and help them stand out from each other.  The bright "happy" word fits perfectly in size and theme. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) summer sunrise (bright yellow) and five papers from Basic Grey PB&J 6x6" pad, including the solid red.
• Patterned papers are edged with Copic marker R08.
• Die is PTI tipped tops.

(501)

Blue Stars on Blue

My card #3 for the Papertrey Ink 2015 Stamp-a-faire runway inspired challenge.  The runway photos and color combinations have made such great starting points for me!  This card is inspired by Betsy's photo with a blue print dress.  The intertwining shapes made me think of starry stripes.  The rounded silhouette of the dress prompted me to round my card corners.  Perfect for a masculine birthday card that I need today!

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring rain (light blue), blueberry sky (medium blue), and enchanted evening (dark blue).
• Dies are PTI super star borders.  The tiny dark blue stars are leftovers from the die.
• Outer corners are rounded with Crop-a-dile 1/2" corner chomper.
• The sentiment "Happy Birthday" is from PTI communique sentiments, stamped with PTI enchanted evening ink cube.

(500)

Wreath with Berries - Stamping with Shelf Liner

I felt a bit intimidated by the unconventional materials challenge for Papertrey Ink's 2015 Stamp-a-faire.  But looking around in the basement, I spotted some leftover beige non-adhesive shelf liner from the "home organization" section of our hardware store.  (See picture below.)

I cut an A2 size piece of the liner, taped it to a piece of scrap paper to hold it flat, and inked it with several colors of green ink, hoping for an ombre effect.  Then I carefully placed a piece of cardstock on top of it, held it in place, and pressed firmly with my brayer.

Wow!  I love the background pattern it made!  I would definitely try this again.  I can just rinse off the excess ink, let it dry, and keep using it.  I think the somewhat squishy texture of the shelf liner helped give me the good stamping results.  I'm a novice stamper and I don't know a lot of techniques, so although this was "original" to me, I would bet it's been done before by others. 

Card details:

• Papertrey Ink (PTI) rustic cream, spring moss (light green), simply chartreuse (medium green), ripe avocado (dark green), and terra cotta tile (deep rusty orange - not as red as my image). 
• Die is PTI rustic wreath.  I cut two extra sections to add to my wreath circle.
• The berries are punched with a very old 1/4" hole punch.
• The banner is notched with scissors.
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI communique sentiments, stamped with PTI terra cotta tile ink cube.  The inks for my shelf liner background are PTI spring moss, simply chartreuse, and ripe avocado.
• Shelf liner looks like this:

499

Bright Flowers with Vellum on Black

My 2nd card for the Papertrey Ink 2015 Stamp-a-faire runway inspired challenge.   For this one, I chose Ashley's inspiration photo - a striking color scheme with bright flowers on a dotted black gown.  The softly draping scarf made me think of of vellum. 

 Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) vellum, new leaf (green), sweet blush (light pink), melon berry (medium orangey pink), pure poppy (red), and the bitty dots print from PTI true black pattern pack.
• Dies are PTI eyelet lace, heart-2-heart #12 (leaflets), and heart-2-heart #7 (flowers).
• For the flower centers, I used an EK Success 5/16" circle punch.

(498)

Pastel Flowers on Cream Lattice

A soft and sweet card for the Papertrey Ink 2015 Stamp-a-faire runway inspired challenge.  My color schemes are typically bolder, but after I completed the all-white bridal challenge, Melissa's soft pastels really appealed to me.  Thinking about my design, I realized my wedding card was a perfect fit for that soft lacy netting in the inspiration photo.  I turned it to landscape instead of portrait, added flower centers, and omitted the sentiment, but otherwise kept things the same.

Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) vintage cream, classic kraft (flower centers), fine linen (tan card base), sweet blush (pink), and spring moss (light green).
• Dies are PTI cover plate: twist, turning a new leaf (B), and pencil blooms.

(497)

All White Wedding Card

An all-white wedding card for the Papertrey Ink 2015 Stamp-a-faire bridal challenge.  I popped up the leaves and trio of flowers to add more contrast to my design.

Note: the gray border is background, not part of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white. 
• Dies are PTI cover plate: twist, turning a new leaf (B), and pencil blooms.
• The sentiment "Congrats" is from PTI communique sentiments, stamped with PTI smokey shadow (dark gray) ink cube.

(497)

Aqua Prints with Brown Mat

Aqua prints with a brown mat.  Brown stars in two colors, embossed and die cut.  A simple "medallion band" layout with good contrast and texture.

Card details:

• Card stock is Hero Arts layering paper - earth - latte (medium brown), Papertrey Ink (PTI) dark chocolate (dark brown), and gingham and bitty dots prints from PTI aqua mist pattern pack.
• Embossing folder is Darice stars asst. [assorted]
• Dies are PTI mat stack 4 (regular and layerz sizes), Elizabeth Craft thank you #788, and MFT western star border (retired).

493

Leafy Green Sympathy Card

Soft green colors and leafy textures for today's sympathy card.  I like the many curves of the script word and the leaves, with a few straight lines.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) spring moss (light green), simply chartreuse (medium green), ripe avocado (dark green), and rustic white.
• Embossing folder is Elizabeth Craft spring leaves.
• Dies are WPlus9 folk art florals.
• The sentiment "with sympathy" is from PTI communique sentiments, stamped with PTI limeade ice (a light, bright yellow-green) and simply chartreuse ink cubes.  On its own, the simply chartreuse ink looked a bit too gray or olive for this card.  Using the MISTI, I was able to triple-stamp - first with limeade ice, then (lightly) with simply chartreuse, and then again with limeade ice - for the exact color I wanted.

(495)

Turquoise Damask with White Doily

Something lacy and a bit ornate, for a change.  The crisp white doily contrasts well with the tone-on-tone damask print. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) tropical teal, aqua mist, stamper's select white, and the damask print from PTI Hawaiian shores (medium turquoise) pattern pack.
• Dies are PTI Parisian lace doily, My Favorite Things stitched scallop edges (medium), and Memory Box fancy blossoms (medium).
• The sentiment banner is notched with scissors. 
• The flower center is punched with EK Success 3/16" circle punch.
• The sentiment "just because ..." is from Stampabilities card phrases, stamped with PTI Hawaiian shores ink cube.

(492)

Watercolor Hello Stencil

A bit of stenciling (hello) with watercolors, and a watercolored die cut trim.  I like how it looks with the dark purple base and silver thread accent.

Card details:

• Card stock is Ranger distress watercolor, which I chose for its bright white color and convenient A2 size, and Papertrey Ink (PTI) royal velvet (dark purple).
• Dies are PTI wonderful words: hello (for the stencil) and My Favorite Things mini double dot border (retired).  I accidentally cut into one side of my dots border, so I trimmed both sides for a kind of hexagon effect. 
• I cut my stencil from Eclipse masking tape.  (I've had the tape for a long time, and it may be discontinued.)
• Thread is DMC silver metallic.
• Watercolor is Dr. Ph. Martin's radiant concentrated watercolors - green, violet, and three shades of blue - 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, and 12A.  For more information about these watercolors, including my color chart, see this post on my Mostly Markers blog.

(491)

Blue Framed Sympathy Card

A simple layout with blue patterns and a blue-and-white frame.  The dark blue border line adds contrast, and the ribbon adds a bit of shimmer.  

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) stamper's select white and the leaf and bitty dot prints from PTI blueberry sky (medium blue) and enchanted evening (dark blue) pattern packs.
• The white rectangle is edged with Copic marker B39. 
• The sheer-and-satin (woven stripe) 5/8" white ribbon is colored with Copic marker B41.
• The sentiment "with sympathy" is from PTI communique sentiments, stamped with PTI enchanted evening ink cube. The floral frame is from PTI framed out #10, stamped with PTI blueberry sky ink cube.

(490)

Bright Flowers - Two Cards

Two cards with one of my drawings, scanned and computer-printed in black and white, then colored with Copic markers.  I love the bright tropical look of the flowers and leaves.  I will probably add a stem for the top flower, which looks a bit disconnected now. 

Like many of my drawings for cards, this one started with "just a drawing" (posted here), which I then rearranged and redrew to work in a card setting.  Technique:  When coloring a complex image like this, I tend to lose track of leaf/petal/background, so I start with a very light green (G000) to outline all of my leaf shapes.  It's an easy way for me to avoid some coloring mistakes.

Card details:

• Top card: Card stock is Neenah solar white, My Favorite Things red hot (red),  Papertrey Ink (PTI) smokey shadow (dark gray), and the bitty dots print from PTI smokey shadow pattern pack.
• Bottom card: Card stock is Neenah solar white, Paper Source poppy (light orange), Papertrey Ink (PTI) new leaf (green), and the bitty dots print from PTI new leaf pattern pack.
• Both cards: Embossing folder is The Paper Studio script (retired).
• Top card: Copic colors are R02,35,39, Y08,21, YR04, YG05,61, G000,07, and E84.
• Bottom card:  Copic colors are Y21, R02, YR04,09, E84, YG61, and G07 on Y21 (marker tip-to-tip blending).  Note, the flowers are lighter and more yellowish in real life.  
• Bottom card: The white rectangle is edged with black Copic multiliner for more contrast with the green mat.  I used a Brush Small (BS) size multiliner.

(488)

Red Birds with Yellow and Turquoise

A bright and happy card.  I like the birds perching on the hello branch.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), summer sunrise (yellow), and Hawaiian shores (turquoise).  One of my favorite color combinations.
• Embossing folder is The Paper Studio chevron.
• Dies are WPlus9 folk art florals (birds), Savvy Stamps hello, and My Favorite Things vertical stitched strips.

(486)

Light Gray with Blue and Vellum - Sympathy

Today's card is based on an earlier card, posted here.   I changed the colors and patterns but kept the layout consistent.  It makes a soft and serene sympathy card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) soft stone (light gray) and blueberry sky (medium blue), bitty dot from PTI sheer basics vellum patterned paper, and leaf print from PTI spring rain (light blue) pattern pack.
• Leaf print paper is edged with Copic marker B45.
• Embossing folders are Stampin' Up square lattice (placed diagonally) (retired) and The Paper Studio script (retired).
• Die is from PTI double-ended banners.
• Corner rounder is 1/4" corner chomper by Crop-a-Dile.  The bottom A2 corners are rounded, though it doesn't show up well in my picture.
• Embroidery floss is DMC 800 (light blue - 2 strands) and 799 (medium blue).
• The sentiment "with sympathy" is from PTI fillable frames #2, and the small flower is from PTI framed out #10, both stamped with PTI blueberry sky ink cube. 

(452)

Green Twist Print Card - Two Versions

Today's card is a happy byproduct of yesterday's airbrushed stencil card.  I've found the easiest way for me to clean the airbrushed Copic ink off my stencil (plastic, metal, or magnetic masking material) is to spritz it lightly with Copic "0" colorless blender solution in a misting bottle, and then press a paper towel or piece of card stock onto it.  I typically choose card stock because often, as shown here, a beautiful one-of-a-kind print is the result.

For the card, I trimmed down my print, double matted it, and stamped it with a sentiment and pair of leaflets.  With my one and only piece of the print, I made just one card (below) but I tried another color combination (above) which was more photogenic.  In real life, the card below is richly handsome - perfect for the recipient. 

Card details:

• Card stock is Stampin' Up soft suede (brown - bottom card) and Papertrey Ink (PTI) ripe avocado (dark green - both cards), rustic cream (both cards), and spring moss (light green - top card). 
• Print is made from Copic marker YG95 airbrushed onto a PTI cover plate: twist stencil, as explained above.  See this post for more about the stencil. 
• The sentiment "Thinking of you" is from Stampabilities card phrases, and the leaflets are from PTI turning a new leaf, all stamped with PTI ripe avocado ink cube.

(485)

Green Twist with Airbrush

An elegant monochromatic green design.  The "twist" design, airbrushed and embossed, gives a sense of movement.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) ripe avocado (dark green) and spring moss (light green).
• The card front is embossed with PTI cover plate: twist.   
• The sentiment panel is airbrushed with Copic marker YG95.  
• Technique: I die cut a stencil using this art magnetic masking material from Ellen Hutson.  The detailed PTI cover plate: twist design cut beautifully and cleanly.  (I left the tiny ovals in place on my stencil, but I could have removed them with no problem.)  Airbrushing was so much easier with the Ellen Hutson craft assistant securing the magnetic stencil on my card stock. 
• Twine is honeydew stripe from The Twinery.
• The sentiment "thinking of you" is from PTI keep it simple: thinking of you, stamped with PTI ripe avocado ink cube.

(484)

Leafy Thank You - Green and Blue

Simple and bright with blue dots (printed and punched) and a large green leaflet.  I like the accent line of green and blue embroidery floss.  

This is my last card design for Operation Write Home, included in my final box.  Over the past five years, I've really enjoyed making cards for OWH.  I'm very thankful that I had such a great opportunity to support our deployed troops and their families.

For more information about Operation Write Home's closing and the "finishing strong" campaign, with all cards due by August 1, click here.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source royal blue, Papertrey Ink (PTI) new leaf (green),  and the polka dot print from PTI spring rain (light blue) pattern pack.
• Dies are PTI wonderful words: thank you and turning a new leaf.
• Dots are made with a very old 1/4" hole punch.
• Embroidery floss is DMC 825 (blue) and 703 (green).

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (482)

Red, White, and Blue with Hearts

Celebrating the Fourth of July with a red, white, and blue card for Operation Write Home.  I like the angled hearts with those bubbly dots.

Today's card is another "after" version of the cards in this post, with many of the same design elements and supplies.  It might be my favorite of the three.

Card details:

• Card stock is Paper Source lake (blue), Papertrey Ink (PTI) pure poppy (red), soft stone (pale gray), and the gingham print from PTI soft stone pattern pack.
• Embossing folder is Darice dot point.
• Die is PTI wonderful words: love.  The hearts are the cutout shape from the "o."
• I used a 3/16" EK Success circle punch for the pale gray dot.
• Twine is maraschino stripe by The Twinery.

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (481)

Red Flowers in Aqua Jar

Two bright red bouquets from one set of stamps and dies.  I drew some aqua lines (horizontal) for the jar and white stems for the leaves and flowers.   Because the dies left white around the stamped leaves and flowers, I included white borders on the jar label and the brown sentiment strip, to unify the look of the card.

Card details:

• Card stock is Papertrey Ink (PTI) rustic white, dark chocolate (brown), ocean tides (muted teal), and aqua mist (light aqua).
• The sentiment "thank you" is from PTI communique sentiments, stamped with PTI fresh snow ink cube. Flowers and leaves are PTI bigger blooms, stamped with PTI pure poppy (red) and new leaf (green). The jar label is PTI boy basics: simple circles, stamped with PTI aqua mist.
• Dies are Spellbinders standard circles small (2nd smallest, approx. 1-1/8"), PTI bigger blooms, and PTI pint jar.
• Lines are drawn with Signo Uni-ball white gel impact pen and Copic marker G000 (several layers to darken the line).

Created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (477)

Hearts Print with Banner - Before and After

After

A card with some red, white, and blue Love for Operation Write Home's June banners challenge.  With our OWH August 1 deadline coming soon, I wanted to use up the rest of this hearts print and those sweet tiny words - "Be mine, Forever and always, You make me happy" and more.

So I adapted the layout from an earlier card (shown below) while using most of the same materials.  Both cards are nice, but I think the "after" card (above) is more vibrant with the wide red banner and lively embossing pattern.

Edited July 4, 2015 to add:  See this post for another "after" version. 

Card details:

• See this post for materials used on both cards.
• The only new supplies on the "after" are - Added some red embroidery floss (DMC 347) and changed embossing folder to Sixxix retro cirque (retiring.)
• On the "after" card, I forgot to edge the hearts print with B39 Copic marker like the "before"card.  It looks better with the edging (below.)

Before

Both cards were created for Operation Write Home, "supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them." (387)