Stampin' Celebration + Design Team Call

Yesterday a new challenge went live on Stampin' Celebration and I almost missed it!   Yikes!  I'm glad I was able to get my card submitted just under the wire because I think this sketch has so many creative possibilities.

The sketch inspired me to look for an extra large stamp in my stash for the background "circle".  I inked up my stamp with distress inks, then sprayed it with water before stamping it on a piece of cardstock.  There was still loads of ink on my stamp so I stamped it again for the piece you see in my final card.

Doesn't this technique give the stamp a unique watercolored look?  I wished I had my camera turned on for this card, but I had no idea where I was going and it would have been a 60 minute video.  I love the stark contrast of the white and the watercolor, but I needed to subdue it a bit for my sympathy card, so I sponged on a soft pink.  When I was about to adhere the vellum I realized I had no place to hide the adhesive.   Luckily I had some very thin washi tape laying next to me on my stamp table.  It worked as a perfect mask.

Stampin' Celebration is having a Design Team call and a few changes to the guidelines of the challenge to make it easier for all of us to remember.  :)  Be sure to check out this post if you have ever thought of joining a design team.

Before I go I wanted to remind you that tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of the $1 StampNation trial. If you've been curious about StampNation and want to try it out before you buy a full membership, then hop on it before it disappears.

Tomorrow is also the last day to take part in the housewarming party blog hop.  Clicky to see my post for more details.

I can't wait to see what you are inspired to create!

Stampin' Supplies
Stamps: Gathering Together (Penny Black), En Francais (SU)
Ink: Dusty Concord-Milled Lavender- Peacock Feathers- Picked Raspberry (Distress Inks), Versamark, Basic Gray (SU)
Paper: Basic Gray, Smoky Slate, Vellum, Whisper White
Accessories: In Color Sequins (SU), Clear Embossing Powder, Washi Tape, With Sympathy Die (SSS)

Penny Black Card Video

On Tuesday my card was featured on the Penny Black blog as part of a design team collaboration with StampNation.  Yesterday I was reading all the lovely comments left on their blog and realized that several people wanted to know how I created the background for my focal point.   So, I made a video for all of you showing you exactly how it was made.

***Note- If you are reading my blog in an email or blog reader you may need to click on the post title to go to my blog and watch it.



If you missed the first post with the link to P.B. clicky to go there now.

Supply List (Stampin' UP! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Gathering Together (Penny Black), Special Wishes (Penny Black)
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Basic Gray, Coastal Cabana, Crisp Canteloupe, Soft Lilac (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), Strawberry Slush, Versamark
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Basic Black
Misc: Interlocking Die (Penny Black), Black Satin Ribbon, Black Embossing Powder

StampNation Teams Up with Penny Black

UPDATE:  Video added to show how I created the focal point.  CLICKY to check it out. 

All week long the design team at StampNation will be joining with the crew of Penny Black.  Today is my day to be featured on their blog, and I cannot tell you how excited I am about it!!!

Penny Black is also the sponsor of the current challenge going on a StampNation.  Clicky to check out the sneak peek on my blog last week, and then go enter for your chance to win 3 stamp sets from the new release!

Not yet a member?  Click HERE for details.

Be sure to go to their blog and let them know I sent you.  They will be giving away 2 one month memberships from those who comment.  ;)

In honor of this special day I am showcasing a second card using my Penny Black stamps.  I chose this Cool Chicks stamp set a few months ago so that I could have a good set for practicing my Copic skills.

I have to say, the images in this set are great for those of us who love to color.   The spaces aren't too big, nor too small. The clear photo-polymer stamps gave me a crisp image every time.

Thank you Jill and the Penny Black team for allowing me to guest on your blog today.  I've fallen in love with your high quality products and awesome customer service!

Supply List (Stampin' UP! unless otherwise noted)

Card 1: Gathering Together
Stamps: Gathering Together (Penny Black), Special Wishes (Penny Black)
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Crisp Canteloupe, Soft Lilac (Hero Arts Shadow Ink), Strawberry Slush, Versamark
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Basic Black
Misc: Interlocking Die (Penny Black), Black Satin Ribbon, Black Embossing Powder

Card 2: Cool Chick
Stamps: Cool Chicks (Penny Black)
Patterned Paper: Fresh Prints DSP Stack (SU), Gingham Garden (SU)
Copics:  Sorry I don't have a list of Copics used. This was one of my earliest coloring sessions and I just kept pulling out colors to experiment.
Misc: Banner Punch (SU), Punch Pack (SU), Rhinestones, Circle Framelits (SU)

Be sure to CLICKY to see Fridays post with a video showing how to create the focal point on the first card.

Special Spring Wishes

Spring is in full swing this week at the North household.  What does that mean?  Sunny days spent working in the yard, afternoons/evenings at the baseball field, windows open to let the fresh air in, quilt guild 1 year anniversary party and graduation invitations being mailed out.  Phew, what a week, and it's only Thursday morning!  I think I need some time in the hobby room for some card making therapy.  ;)

Springtime also means the flowers are blooming, the trees have leaves and there is green everywhere.  I love this time of year, and tried to capture it in my card!  Today on the StampNation website we have an extra special treat.  The design team from Penny Black is joining us for a very special challenge.

Just look at all that sunshine goodness!  Be sure to check out this week's challenge to see what the dream team and PB DT came up with.  Then join in the fun and post your own card for your chance to win 3 Penny Black stamp sets from their brand new release!!! 

Not yet a member?  Clicky to find out more and join in the fun.   See you in the forums.


Stamps: Special Wishes (Penny Black), Gathering Together (Penny Black)
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzaz, Soft Suede
Misc: Interlocking Die (Penny Black), Labels Framelit (SU), Punch Pack (SU), Leafy Branch Die (???)