9.27.2017

Best Friend

Wouldn't your bestie love to get this card in the mail?  It was created in the same way as the card I made last month.  Clicky if you missed it.  First I stamped my paisley feathers in rainbow order, then I stamped the inside feather in a lighter shade.  


After I had the focal point stamped out, I die cut it using two different cirles dies.  Then I popped it up with my card base that I stamped down the center with black stripes.  I love the contrast of rainbow, white and black, don't you? 


9.23.2017

Stamping With Aqua Markers

The summer of masterclasses at StampNation is coming to a close, but it's not over yet!  :)  This week and next we have Chrissie Tobas teaching us all about watercolor and especially how to use the Aqua painter markers from Spectrum Noir.  <3   Yesterday I shared a little sneak peek of my challenge card. My card today came from a little experiment using the aqua painters to color my stamp before I stamped. 


I should have made a video on this to show you how I did it, but I was just playing with my new markers and experimenting with different ideas.  I created the background first by scribbling the markers on my craft sheet and then adding lots of water before dipping my watercolor paper in it.  Once the background was dry I colored my stamp and lightly spritzed it with water before stamping it down.  I was THRILLED with the outcome.  It reminds me of a soft focus picture.  After stamping the greeting I die cut the panel, then decided I just couldn't throw the outer edge away, so I used the inlaid die cut technique to assemble my card.  



After that I added some heart confetti.  Not sure if I like it or not.  In real life they catch the light, and much prettier than in the picture, but this picture captures the colors of the background and birds better than the other.  ;) 


Want to see more ideas on watercoloring with Aqua markers?  Check out the current masterclass at StampNation here.



Stamps: My Sunshine (Crafter's Companion by Spectrum Noir)
Ink: Midnight (CPD)
Paper: Distress Watercolor Paper (Tim Holtz) Premium White (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Accessories: Aqua Painters in Earth and Landscape bundles (Spectrum Noir) Blueprints 20 (My Favorite Things) Clear Embossing Powder (SU) MISTI tool





9.22.2017

Aqua-inted with Aqua Markers

We are wrapping up the summer of masterclasses at StampNation with one last class from our very own Chrissie Tobas.  This might just be one of my favorites because I love the look of watercolor and I'm always on the hunt for new ideas, tips & techniques.  Of course I signed up this week's challenge at StampNation. It is to add water.  Here is a sneak peek of my card.


Stamps: My Sunshine (Crafter's Companion) Enchanted Garden (SugarPea Designs)

Ink: Midnight (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Cardstock: Midnight, White (CPD) Distress Watercolor Paper (Tim Holtz)
Accessories: Aqua Painter Bundles in Earth and Landscape (Spectrum Noir)
Clear Embossing Powder (SU)



To go along with this masterclass we also have a challenge and a HUGE prize pack from Crafter's Companion and Spectrum Noir.  Clicky to check it out.



I didn't stop here.  I have another card coming tomorrow using my new Spectrum Noir Aqua markers, so you'll want to be sure to check back with me and see it.  




9.18.2017

Puffy Heart Love You ~ CAS05

Everybody loves getting happy mail and what better mail than a note of encouragement?  That is why we bring you the Calling All Sistahs Encouragement challenge each month.  It's a fun way to build your stash of cards that will brighten someone's day.  Here is this month's inspiration photo.  You can use something from the photo OR the colors OR both.


It reminds me of the sunset we saw last week at Cannon Beach.  There is just something magnificent when God paints the sky like this!



Stamps: Puffy Heart Love (CASual Fridays Stamps)
Ink: Bellini, It's A Girl, Party Dress, Rockin' Red, Tiara, Tutti Frutti, Midnight (Catherine Pooler Desgins)
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White (Stampin' UP)
Accessories: Glitter Enamel Dots (SU)



Head on over to the Calling All Sistahs blog to see the magnificent beauties the Encouragement Squad has come up with!   Then add your own creation for a chance to win a $25 gift code to CASual Fridays Stamps.



9.17.2017

Calling All Sistahs

It's the 17th of the month.  Have your done your breast check this month?  Is it time to schedule that mammogram?  I'm here with Michele Gross from CASual Fridays Stamps and the Encouragement Squad to remind you each month.  Early detection can be the difference between cure and incurable.

Stamps: Tutu, Hope Ribbon (CASual Fridays Stamps)
Ink: Bellini, It's A Girl, Party Dress, Rockin' Red, Tiara, Tutti Frutti, Midnight (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Paper: Premium White (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Accessories: Ruffled Ribbon Fri-Die (CASual Fridays Stamps) Pink Gemstones

This month we have a special announcement.  We've added a NEW member to our Encouragement Sqaud and I am soooooo excited she is joining us.  Want to find out who it is?  Clicky to visit the Calling All Sistahs blog to find out.



See you tomorrow for a new encouragement challenge!


9.16.2017

Winners Announced

Winners have been announced for the Calling All Sistahs Challenge (CAS04).   Are you the winner?  Check it out HERE to find out.






9.15.2017

You Make Me Smile

Yesterday I showed you 3+ ways to use a background piece created with the new Tilly's Magic Garden from Catherine Pooler designs. If you missed that post and video CLICKY to see it now.  Today I am going to share yet another idea for using that background piece created with tiny stamps.


My favorite part of this card is that custom striped paper.  I used YAY Stripes and Black Jack ink on a 1/4" strip of Smoke & Mirrors cardstock.  Isn't that a fun little addition to this card?  I also cut the white panel on an angle for added interest to this otherwise Clean & Simple card.
Stamps: Tilly's Magic Garden, Wild BloomsYay Stripes (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: Black Jack, Garden Party, It's A Girl, Mint to Be, Party Dress, Tiara, Pixie Dust (CPD) Versamark
Paper: Smoke and Mirrors,  Premium Bright White (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Accessories:  Clear Embossing Powder (SU) Stencil Brushes (Clarity)


9.14.2017

Tilly's Magic Garden and Craft Room Essentials

There is a tiny little release today that is making a BIG impact at my stamp table.  One stamp set, one die a few sheets of paper and BAM 5 cards, right out of the gate.  Fun times at the North home.  The best part?  This stamp set and the craft room essentials are available NOW in the Catherine Pooler shop.


The second best part?  I have some of those cards and a video to share with you today too!

Clicky to view this video on youtube



This stamp set was created by Lydia Evans and it is her first for Catherine Pooler Designs.  I'm so excited to see a fellow card designer branch into new creative adventures.

Stamps: Tilly's Magic Garden (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: Garden Party, It's A Girl, Mint to Be, Party Dress, Tiara, Pixie Dust (CPD) Versamark
Paper: Midnight, Premium Bright White (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Accessories: Concentric Circles Dies, Dotted Circle Dies, Hello Die, Large Doily Die (CPD) Clear Embossing Powder (SU) Stencil Brushes (Clarity)



Stamps: Tilly's Magic Garden (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: Garden Party, It's A Girl, Mint to Be, Party Dress, Tiara, Pixie Dust (CPD) Versamark
Paper: Midnight, Premium Bright White (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Accessories: Concentric Circles Dies, Dotted Circle Dies, Hello Die, Large Doily Die (CPD) Clear Embossing Powder (SU) Stencil Brushes (Clarity)


Stamps: Tilly's Magic Garden (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Ink: Black Jack, Garden Party, It's A Girl, Mint to Be, Party Dress, Tiara, Pixie Dust (CPD) Versamark
Paper: Midnight, Premium Bright White (Catherine Pooler Designs)
Accessories: Concentric Circles Dies, Dotted Circle DiesLarge Doily Die (CPD) Clear Embossing Powder (SU) Stencil Brushes (Clarity)


Don't forget to check out the Craft Room Essentials category for several new goodies every stamper needs.




Want to see even more goodies created with this set?  Check out my Creative Blessings page on Facebook where I will be sharing links to other designers as I find them.  You will also want to stop by Catherine's blog and see what she has to share!



9.11.2017

Guest Blogging Best In You



Today I am guest blogging for Catherine Pooler and I have a video over her post too.  I created a second card from the ink left on the stencil from this card.



 Clicky to see my second card and leave some love over there.

Clicky to see the first card and video if you missed it.  ;)




9.10.2017

Mermaid Hope CAS04

There are still a few days to join the Calling All Sistahs Encouragement Challenge!  My love for the ocean started as a child and has only grown through the years.  The inspiration photo got my creative juices flowing, so I have a second card to show you.





Missed the first one?  Clicky to check it out. 

My parents were up visiting when I made these cards and sat watching me.  It's the first time I've had an audience when making my cards.   Here is a quickie video of my process.


Hop on over to the Calling All Sistahs blog to enter your encouragement card inspired by this fabulous picture.



Stamps: Mermaids, Word Ribbon (CASual Fridays Stamps)
Ink: Crumb Cake, Night of Navy, Soft Sky, Tempting Turquoise (Stampin' Up) Orange Twist (Catherine Pooler Designs) Versamark
Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: Merry Label Dies (CASual Fridays Stamps) Pearl (SU)

Don't forget to use our coupon code when you shop at the CASual Fridays Stamps store. 
encourage17




9.08.2017

Inspired By Masterclasses

Today I am up on the StampNation classroom with a few new cards for my Inspired By series.  All summer long we have been having amazing masterclasses and I thought it might be fun to see what I could come up with by putting those lessons into card.  Once the inspiration started flowing, I didn't want to stop.  Check out a sneak peek of the 3 cards that are featured over there.



StampNation members can watch the videos HERE.  If you are not yet a member, it is easy to become one and gain access to ALL the lessons in our classrooms!  www.thestampnation.com

9.02.2017

New Catalog Is Live

The new Stampin' Up! catalog is now live.  Didn't receive one in the mail?  Now you can check it out online and order immediately.  :)  Happy Shopping!