Get Inky - Challenge #7 Buttons

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!

There's a new challenge going on over at Get Inky! (Blue Moon Creation Crafting Station) using buttons . . . and I am here to give you a little inspiration.

As some of you know, I have been trying to "organize" and "clear out" my crafty space . . . well, while doing so, I came across some 1" squares I had leftover from an old project I did for CropChocolate over a year ago showing everyone how to do a whitewash technique.  So I decided to do that technique again along with using some of my Get Inky! stamps.  Thankfully, I still had my instructions for doing the white-wash technique on my hard drive since CC in no longer up for business . . . so I will post the instructions after this. :)

Here's my project:

For this project, I used "Hip To Be Square" and "Sew Sweet Cupcakes" stamp sets by Get Inky!. I embellished the canvas with flowers, buttons, and gems.  But here's instructions on how to do the whole project:

First, cut squares from patterned paper and adhere to a canvas.  My canvas was 8x8 and my squares were 1" . . . and though normally, it would take 8 squares across, I did 7 across and 7 down to give a little leaway along the edges. I used Glue 'n Seal to adhere my squares and let it dry for 48+ hours.

Next I cut out a heart from some vinyl and attached to middle of my canvas. and using "Picket Fence" Distress Stain, I applied it over the canvas . . . taking care to brush away from the vinyl in order to give a crisper image. I did this two times in order to give the look I wanted.  (In my original one, I had used 50%paint/50%water and only used one layer.)

Then I took a black bic marker and doodled around the heart.

With this next step, it can be done two ways depending on how crisp you want your stamping with bubble wrap to look.  I personally wanted my to look smeared.  You can either stamp with bubble wrap then Modge Podge to get a crisp look . . . or do like I did and apply Modge Podge first. Then stamp once the Modge Podge is dry.  I let the MP dry about 48 hours then stamped with bubble wrap and then immediately applied Modge Podge again to get the "smeared" look.

After everything was completely dry, I added my flowers, buttons, ribbon and cheese cloth to upper corner; paper pieced two cupcakes and then did the same to the bottom corner; and stamped my sentiment & adhered it to the middle.  I also took my black ink and distressed the edges of the canvas.

Voila!  It was done.  I am so happy with this canvas . . . even more so than the first one. :) I guess 2nd time round really is better. ;)  If you would like to see my first one(s), click HERE.

Now remember you still have over a week to get your projects in over at Get Inky! (BMCCS) to be eligible for the prize.

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

CIO's 3rd Anniversary Blog Hop

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!

Do you know what time it is?

It's time for Clear It Out Challenge blog's 3rd anniversay and it's time to celebrate!!!  So not only are we having our regular challenge, but we are also having a blog hop.  You should have arrived here from Emily's blog . . . and if you stumbled upon this, head on over the Clear It Out Challenge to start at the beginning.

We have 2 great sponsors for this challenge and if you comment on each of the DT posts along with posting a project,  you will be eligible for one of them . . . winner's will be announced on the CIO blog next Tuesday.  Plus, some of CIO's DT members are also giving away prizes . . . see each individual blog for their requirements for their prizes.

I will be giving away two (2) prizes myself . . . a 6x6 paper pad, some twine & bling.  To be eligible, you need be a follower or become one if not already, comment below and then head over to Clear It Out Challenge to submit your project for this challenge.  (I will announce my winners next Tuesday also.)

Okay, are you ready?

I can't hear you . . .

Are you ready?

Okay, it's challenge time . . . 

Theme:  Birthday

Stash:   Bling It Up!

Our sponsors this week are:

Winner will receive 3 digis from Scribbles Designs

Winner will receive 3 digis from Mel Jen's Designs

For this challenge, I used a cute digi image from Mel Jen's Designs called "Little Baby Dragon". Here's how my card turned out:

For this card, I used "Sweetness" paper collection by Authentique along with some bling from Recollections and some "Crystal" Stickles.  Oh, the places on the Baby Dragon where I placed some heart bling actually have printed hearts there that can be colored or decorated . . . I just wanted to use more bling on my card. :)

Remember to be eligible for my prizes, become a follower, leave a comment and, most importantly, post a project on Clear It Out Challenge's blog.

Now it's time for you to head over to Jenni's blog to see what she has in store for you.  Below you will find a Blog Hop List in case you lose your spot or need/want to go back to a certain blog.  

Clear It Out Challenge - http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com

Barbara - http://barbscreativecorner.blogspot.com

Sujin - http://meine-bastelarena.blogspot.de/

Emily - http://emsmanythoughts.blogspot.ca/

Kathy - http://upinthenightwithkat.blogspot.ca/ <<<You are here

Jenni -  http://wishiwasscrappin.blogspot.ca/ <<< Go here next

Judith - http://judithsadorablecreations.blogspot.co.uk/

Erin - http://erinsowlnest.blogspot.ca/

Laura W - http://laurascraftyadventurez.blogspot.ca

Happy Hoppin'!!!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

HIMCR #138 - What's Buggin Ya?

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!

Here it is Saturday . . . 

and do you know what that means?  

It means it is once again time for a new challenge at Hiding In My Craft Room.  This week is "What's Buggin' Ya?" . . . use a bug on your project.  This week's sponsor is Alota Rubber Stamps . . . and the giveaway is a $15 gift certificate.  So get out your paper, glue, scissors  . . . and let's get craftin'.

This week we had a couple images to choose from and I chose to use bumble bees blowing bubbles because it reminded me of Spring . . . and with the weather we have been having lately, I really needed a dose of Spring. Here's how my card turned out:

I used paper from Kate & Co by MME along with my Copics . . . I also used "Crystal" Stickles on the bubbles, the wings of the bumble bees and the outline around the images. And Voila! I was done.

Remember, you have one week to get your project in over at HIMCR to be eligible for the weekly prize.  Hope to see you join us this week!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Clear It Out Challenge - Red

Does anyone know what time it is?

That's right . . . 

It's CHALLENGE time!!! 

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!! Can you believe the weather yesterday?  First, freezing rain, then a "blizzard" dumping 1-3" of snow in three (3) hours and then getting up to 41 degrees, melting most of the snow . . . what can I say?  Only in Iowa. lol

Enough about the weather because once again, it's challenge time over at Clear It Out Challenge. Time to clear away the shopping lists, put away the bills, . . . and let's get our crafty on!!!  And usual, our most amazingly G-E-N-E-R-O-U-S leader, Laura,  has come up with another amazing challenge for us - a "color" challenge . . .and it's so easy, peasy!!!  So get out your paper, scissors, glue  and . . . 

 Are you ready???

I didn't hear you . . . 

Are you ready???

Okay, it's challenge time!!!

Theme: Color challenge - Red

Stash: Red things 

You have 1 week to play (till Fe. 24th)

Our sponsor this challenge is:

 

When I saw "Love Heart 1" by DigiDarla Designs, I immediately thought it would be PERFECT for a "Red" challenge.  With this digi stamp, I felt it needed to be a CAS card as to not take away from the design. . . but yet have a little "something" to enhance it.  Here's how my card turned out:

For this card, I used some scraps I had from a paper called Mica/Metallic paper from The Paper Temptress (she has some AMAZING papers to choose from), along with some black and whit cardstock.  I colored my image with my Copics and added some red heart bling by Recollections (that I received from my Secret Sister - Thanks!). Voila! it was done.

Remember, you have one week to get your projects in . . . and next week, we will be celebrating Clear It Out Challenge's 3rd Anniversary.  So make sure to stop back by to see what we have in store for you. 

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Challenge(s) entered:

(will add at later date, if enter any)

HIMCR - #137 Designer Paper

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!  

Here it is the 3rd Saturday of the month . . . 

and do you know what that means?  

It means it is once again time for a new challenge at Hiding In My Craft Room.  This week is about "Designer Papers" . . . meaning use papers from any company like DCWV, Echo Paper, Fancy Pants, MME, 7Dots Studio, etc.  And this we have an AMAZINGLY AWESOME prize donated by DCWV . . . $100 worth of DCWV  (Die Cuts With a View) paper to 3 lucky winners!!!  So get out your paper, scissors, and glue . . . and get crafty!!!  

Since DCWV was sponsoring us this week, I decided to order some of their new paper stacks . . . but since it had not arrived by the time I wanted to do my project, I decided to use an older line "Autumn Splendor" by DCWV along with it's coordinating glitter and textured cardstock to make a "Valentine's Day" card.  I know, a fall line line for love . . . well, I was able to do it because DCWV has such AMAZING paper included in their paper stacks along with some GREAT glitter and textured paper. Here's how my card turned out:

One thing I absolutely LOVE about DCWV's glitter paper is that no glitter or sparkles end up on my hands (or anywhere else for that matter) like some many other papers do.  So if you haven't tried it, you must.  Oh, I also used a vintage valentine to go with this card along with some "Crystal" Stickles to enhance the bows and ruffles on the girl's hat and scarf.

Remember, you have one week to get your projects in to be eligible for the AMAZING prize this week . . . $100 of DCWV for three (3) winners!!!  I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Get Inky! - Challenge #7 Use Bleach

Hi, all my Get Inky! friends!!!

How are you all doing on this wonderful day of LOVE?  I'm doing pretty good here . . . my hubby surprised me with a box of my favorite chocolates today.  I haven't had them in over a year because they are imported from Europe and there are only 3 stores here in the US (2 of them in Des Moines).  So I was VERY excited . . . and now I need to find a "hiding" place so my dear daughter doesn't try to eat them :)  lol

Today over at BMC Crafting Station Challenge (aka Get Inky! Challenge), there is a new challenge starting . . . using bleach!  (But for those who don't want to use bleach, there will be an alternate challenge.)  It was so much FUN stamping with bleach . . . and there is a LOT of information out there on how to do so.  

Here's a few things I found out - not all cardstock will turn out the same and not every cardstock will work with bleach.  In fact, I tried using some Co'ordinations cardstock and it did NOTHING! Another thing is do NOT use a lot of bleach . . . put some paper towels in a flat plastic container and then add enough bleach to just dampen it.  If you think you got too much, then take another paper towel and dab it on the damp towels and use that to "ink" your stamp.  Oh, one VERY important thing - do this in a well ventilated area. If you want more information, just Google "stamping with bleach" . . . as I said, there is a LOT of information out there.

I decided to use my "Sew Sweet Cupcake" stamp set from Get Inky! by BMC Crafting Station to stamp a background for my card . . . and since it is Valentine's Day, I did a Valentine's card.  The cardstock I used was American Crafts Cardstock and the Vintage Valentine if from KP&Company. Here's how my project turned out:

I also used some "Crystal" Stickles on the hearts and bows to give the little girl a little extra something. :)

Now remember, you have till Wednesday to get your project in at BMC Crafting Station Challenge in order to be eligible for an AMAZING prize.

Now let's GET INKY!!!!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Clear It Out - Valentine/Love

Does anyone know what time it is?

That's right . . . 

It's CHALLENGE time!!! 

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!  

Once again, it's challenge time over at Clear It Out Challenge.  Time to put away the groceries and put away the bills . . .   and get your crafty on.  And usual, our AMAZINGLY fearless leader, Laura,  has come up with yet another AWESOME challenge for us . . . and it's so easy, peasy!!! So get out your paper, scissors, glue  and . . . 

 Are you ready???

I didn't hear you . . . 

Are you ready???

Okay, it's challenge time!!!

Theme:  Valentine/Love

Stash: Flower 

And you have 1 week to play (till Feb. 17th)

This week our sponsor is:

For this week's challenge, I choose an adorable digi image called "Cupid Bear" from StampArt by Kathryne. I got my inspiration from a sketch I saw on CAS(E) the Stketch and one of the cards from one of their DT members's cards (Chrissy Larson)...but instead of a card, I made a tag. Here's how it turned out:

Supplies:

"Persuasion" from A Gift of Love paper collection by Bo Bunny (blue paper)

"Blush Dots" from A Gift of Love paper collection by Bo Bunny (dark pink paper)

Vintage Valentines paper collection by Fancy Pants (light pink paper)

Vintage Silver Lustre from The Paper Temptress

"Crystal" Stickles

Helmar Scrap Dots 3D Adhesive

misc. fiber flower - cut apart

Copics - 

E21, E25 (Bear)

Y17 (halo & bow)

R35 (hearts & arrow)

R30 (diaper)

Since I didn't have any flower that would look right with my design, I decided to cut apart a fiber flower and use it as ribbon at the top of my tag. :)  And to get my big clouds at the bottom, I took the cloud that came with "Cupid Bear" and enlarged it . . . then printed it on heavy cardstock and cut it out. Then used it as a template.  All-in-all, I think it turned out pretty cute . . . and even though I got inspiration from someone else, I think it still looks different.  Same idea about the clouds but different.

So lets's get crafting!!!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Challenge(s) entered:

Brown Sugar Challenge - Valentine

Craftitude Challenge - Valentine or Anything Goes

Crafty Catz - Love is in the air

Fun with Shapes - "Valentin"

Fussy and Fancy - "Be My Valentine"

Jellypark Friends - Lots of Love

QKR Stampede - Hearts & Kisses

Red Rubber Inspirationals - Stamped Hearts

Stampin with the Dragon - Love is in the Air

Sweet Pea Stampers - Valentine's Day\Love

HIMCR #136 - Super Scraps Saturday

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!

How has everyone been this past week?  It's been a pretty good week here considering how it started out.  Last Sunday I went to take my hubby's car up to Casey's and it wouldn't start. :(  So I took my Jeep after he got his vehicle moved, but when I went to start my Jeep to head back home Casey's. guess what? . . . it would NOT start.  And could you believe that I didn't even have jumper cables with me? . . . ME, the one who is ALWAYS after my daughter and hubby to have emergency items in their vehicles. {{shaking head--laughing}}  Well, after borrowing some cables and being hooked up for over 15 minutes, my Jeep still would not start.  So my hubby came to get me with our daughter's truck . . . the only vehicle now that would start.  And guess what happened when he got there? . . . he jump started it in 30 seconds with HER truck. {{still shaking head--laughing}}  But once we got back home and he went to charge both batteries, we found out that both vehicles needed new batteries . . . well, it turned out that mine did but my husband needed a new alternator because on Monday his new battery was almost dead and not keeping a charge. So it was not a good start to the week . . . and our daughter is still teasing us that it was HER truck, the oldest vehicle, that held up to the cold weather and would start. lol

Anyway, here is it the weekend again and you know what that means . . . NO, not more broken down vehicles.  It's time for Super Scraps Saturday challenge over at Hiding In My Craft Room . . . and our sponsor this week is 2 Cute Ink.  So let's get out those scraps . . . and get our craft on!!! 

2 Cute Ink gave some adorable digi images to play with and I chose the penguin in an inter-tube. He is just 2 cute!! And was so much fun to color and create a card to use him with.  Plus, it took my mind of the frigid cold weather here and think of going to Florida.  Here's how it turned out:

For this card, I used a sketch I used last week that I found - #131 from Sketch N Stash . . . they have some GREAT sketches to use if you are having a difficult time coming up with one, which I was this past week.   For scraps, I used "Summer Days" 6x6 paper pad by Echo Park  In addition to the paper, I used two palm tree brads from Recollections (Michaels), misc. blue bling, "Hello Friend" clip from Basic Grey and Helmar Scrap Dots 3D adhesive . . . I LOVE this stuff because you can adjust your layers as thin or thick according to your taste and/or project. And once it dries, it won't come apart . . . but before it dries, I am able to still move things around for a few hours without damaging my paper.

All-in-all, I am once again VERY happy with my card this week . . . and once again, I think it may be my favorite?  But then again, I do say that every week. lol

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Challenge(s) entered:

will add to this later

Get Inky! - A Valentine

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!

Is everyone staying nice and warm during this frigid weather we have been having?  The only good that has come from it is I have had more time to craft because I refuse to go out in these cold temps . . . well, I guess it depends on who you ask on whether that is good or not. lol

Today I am here to invite you to let you know there is a new challenge up over at Get Inky! Challenge (by Blue Moon Creation Crafting Station) . . . and the theme this week is "A Valentine".  What a PERFECT time to get your sweetie a card made since Valentine's Day is right around the corner . . . just one week away.

A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you a card I did using some leftover paper from The Paper Temptress and used some Get Inky! Stamps . . . and I decided to use the same design to show you how it would look using patterned paper.  Here's how it turned out:

For this card, I used "State of the Heart" paper collection by MME and the "Sew Sweet Cupcakes" stamp set by Get Inky! Stamps.  I've said it once (or twice) . . . and I'll say it again, "I love Get Inky! stamps!"  They really are so versatile and cute . . . so go check them out.  And while there, check out the digi stamps. . . or some other the other crafting supplies that Blue Moon Creation Crafting Station is now carrying. There's something for EVERYBODY.  And coming soon . . . Lawn Fawn supplies.  So keep checking back to see when they arrive. :)

So let's GET INKY!!!

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Challenge(s) entered:
Brown Sugar Challenge - Valentine
Craftitude Challenge - Valentine or Anything Goes
Crafty Catz - Love is in the air
Fun with Shapes - "Valentin"
Fussy and Fancy - "Be My Valentine"
Jellypark Friends - Lots of Love
QKR Stampede - Hearts & Kisses
Red Rubber Inspirationals - Stamped Hearts
Stampin with the Dragon - Love is in the Air
Sweet Pea Stampers - Valentine's Day\Love

Clear It Out Challenge - Karaoke

Does anyone know what time it is?

That's right . . . 

It's CHALLENGE time!!! 

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!  Once again, it's challenge time over at Clear It Out Challenge. Time to put away the vacuum, forget about doing the dishes (they will keep till later), and get your crafty on.  And usual, our fearless leader, Laura,  has come up with another AMAZINE challenge for us . . . and it's so easy, peasy!!!  So get out your paper, scissors, glue  and . . . 

 Are you ready???

I didn't hear you . . . 

Are you ready???

Okay, it's challenge time!!!

Theme:  Karaoke (use your favorite song)

Stash: brads

You have 1 weeks to play (till Feb. 10th)

This week our sponsor is:

For this week's challenge, I chose a cute little digi image from Bugaboo, called  "Bugaboo Brat - Jesse Moon" because it reminded me of two songs I use to sing to my daughter when she was a baby --- "Hush Little Baby" and "Rock-a-bye Baby".  Here's how my card turned out:

I used a sketch #131 from Sketch N Stash Challenge . . . they have some GREAT sketches to use.  For paper, I used "It's the Sweetest Thing" 6x6 paper pad by MME for the paper because it reminded me of the color scheme I did my daughter's nursery in 17+ years ago.  I also used brads from Kate & Co by MME and some "Crystal" Stickles for the baby's wings & parts on the moon. (And, as usual, I used Helmar's Scrap Dots 3D Adhesive to the layering of my paper.)  (NOTE: If you would like to know which Copics I used, please let me know in the comments and I'll add them at the bottom. Thanks!)

As I told my husband, this is now my favorite card I have made . . . but as he said, "You say that each and every time." lol  I guess I do. :)

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Challenge(s) entered:

Craftitude - Anything goes (2/5)

Drunken Stampers - Anything goes (2/7)

HIMCR #135 - Blue without you

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!

Here it is the 1st Saturday of the month once again. . . 

and do you know what that means?  

It means it is once again time for a new "Color" challenge at Hiding In My Craft Room . . . so this week the challenge is to do a project using blue paper and the theme of "So Blue Without You".  And I am here to encourage you to get out your paper, scissors and glue so you can join us for this fun challenge. Remember, you have one week to submit your project(s) on HIMCR to be eligible for a prize from A Day for Daisies.

A Day for Daisies let us chose a digi stamp to play around with this week . . . and I chose to play with "Mermaid in a Jar" digi image.  .  Just the image of the mermaid in a jar made me think of her thinking about someone and being sad.  Here's how it turned:

Supplies:

"Splash" 6x6 paper pad by Echo Park

Sentiment stamps from Close To My Heart

"Crystal" Stickles

"Cantaloupe" Liquid Pearls

"Sand" Stone Effects Paste by Viva for Creative Imaginations

Copics:

Y28 (sand)

BG70 (water im jar)

YG63 (mermaid fins)

E00 (skin)

B93, B95 (hair)

C1, C3 (lid)

YR68 (fish)

I used the Stone Effect Paste for the sand . .  I first colored the sand and then applied the paste, making sure not to apply it too thick otherwise it will warp your paper.  I used my stickles of the mermaid's fins, hair and fish to give it a glimmery look . . . in the picture, it looks like it is wet. I still have a hard time getting a decent picture showing the glittering of Stickles and glitter.  But here's a closer look at it:

I also fussy-cut the "wave" paper . . . it is my favorite paper in the "Splash" collection because I can make it look different depending on what or how I fussy-cut.  

Once again, I did a CAS card and am pretty happy about the way it turned out.  I read on another blog where the crafter called her style "eclectic" because she went back and forth between CAS and Altered/Mixed Media depending on what she was working on.  I decided that is a description of me, too, because it all depends on the projects and what I am working with . . . though my style can also be called "Clean-Altery".  So now I have two descriptions. :)  What style are you?

Till the next time I'm up in the night.  Kathy

Challenge(s) entered:

Craftitude - Anything Goes (2/5)
Drunken Stamper - Anything Goes (2/7)

Stamping with the Dragon - Winter blues (2/5)

Made with 100% Pure Love

Hi, all my crafty friends and family!!!

How is everyone doing during this "heatwave" we seem to be having?  Well, at least it is not longer in the -digits . . . 25 degress Farenheit (with windchill of 20 degrees) acutally feels like a sauna compared to the -45 windchill we had less than a week ago.

Anyway, I am here to give you a little inspiration for the "Stamp on Felt" challenge that is going on over at Blue Moon Creation Challenge blog.  I will admit, I did play around quite a bit with this challenge . . . so much that I ended up having to use a pre-cut felt flower for my project because I used all the felt I had from trying to make sure I could do it correctly . . . Thank goodness for YouTube. :)  

I used the swirl stamp from Get Inky's "Love Bugs" stamp collection, Lagoon ink by Close To My Heart and Turquoise embossing powder by Ranger on the center of my flower which I decided to use on the following layout instead of a card:

Here's a close-up of the flower:

I used Cosmo Cricket's "Early Bird" collection paper crafting kit along with some of my oldest Kiwi Lane templates that I have had for . . . well, over 4 years or so.  What can I say? . . . . I'm trying to use us some of my stash and use some of my older tools.  :)  I also used some flair from UmWowStudio, mini clothespins from Close To My Heart,  misc. twine & thread, and some misc gems on this layout.

The pictures on the layout are of my family and I on our first family vacation.  We went to the Black Hills in South Dakota and shared a HUGE cabin (7 bedrooms) with my parents and sister & brother-in-law.  These pictures from this vacation are so precious to me for many reasons.  One because it was our first vacation and because my daughter was just a little over two years old and getting to be quite precocious.  You would tell her "No, TV" and she would say, "Okay, a video then." Or you would say, "That's blue" and she would say "No, it's navy." Semantics is what my hubby called it. Pretty cute, don't you think? Well, she is still that way to this day.  lol (Oh, and my hair had finally grown out enough that I could FINALLY use a curling iron . . . this was about 1 1/2 years after I finished chemo.)

Anyway, one think I LOVE about Get Inky! Stamps is that they are so cute and versatile.  One piece of advice on embossing on felt . . . use a slow, low heat. :) But first BEFORE you use your embossing gun, flick the BACK of your felt to remove any extra embossing powder particles from the felt.  If you don't, you will have flicks of embossing powder because felt likes to capture it.

Remember, you have till Wednesday, February 5th to get your project(s) posted for the "Stamp on Felt" challenge.

Now let's Get Inky!!!!

Till next time I'm up in the night. Kathy