I've made some changes. My desk is rather clear, and it's because I am re-evaluating the kind and number of challenges in which I participate. It isn't easy to pick and choose, because the challenges change weekly, bi-weekly or even monthly. I can't do them all, even though I think I could. I need to take a breather. So, the way for me to do that is to start over. Here's my desk:
This is Tangerine, Tangy for short. I still have a few thing to put away.
This is on the floor to my left while sitting. The box on the left are my collection of adhesives, and the box on the right holds some supplies I was using. Those supplies need to be put in their rightful spot.
This is on the floor to my right. On the left are paper tablets, a scoring tool and my Misti. On the right are packages of papers I need to put away. In the middle are my scraps. The more creative I am, the more and more I fill it, but I also use some scraps -- as long as they're near the top. I really need to go through that!
As I mentioned, there are things that need to be put away. That will take some time. For example, I have to organize all of the dies in order to have them all fit in their space. I think I have way too many, and I'm not sure how I can keep track of what I have. I won't be buying more anytime soon. I also have to box away some stamps, which are quite organized. I hope I don't run out of room in those boxes!
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What’s On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 540
When the squirrels begin to hide their acorns and the oak tree leaves turn brown, that is when Autumn is here in no uncertain terms. Luckily, we haven't noticed that in our neck of the woods, but it's happening further north, I'm sure. I heard someone in the Twin Cities, MN mention the "S" word. Yep! That's the forecast for the end of this week. Here in southeastern North Carolina, I think we have some time.
Along the left edge of the A2 card blank, I stamped (Hero Arts) the oak leaf in Distress Inks Gathered Twigs. I also stamped (again, Hero Arts) "Autumn" at the bottom. I placed the squirrel, whose parts were die cut (Karen Burniston), right above the sentiment.
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Addicted to CAS: Addicted to CAS Challenge #169 - Creature
Crafty Cardmakers: #242 Add A Critter
Dare 2 B Artzy: October Challenge: Cute Animals
Sweet Stampin' ~ Animals
Try it on Tuesday: Animal Magic
This is also an attempt at coloring a digital stamp. I don't like the way it came out, but I'll try it with colored pencils next time. I think I lack the skills and tools to make it stunning, so I'll settle for just okay this time.
I printed out the digital stamp and colored it in using my markers.
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Let's Craft and Create: Challenge #152 - AG + Option COLORS OF FALL
Make My Monday: Challenge #106 Autumn
DL.ART OCTOBER 2019 Linky Challenge
Inspired By.... truckload of fall
This is my first experience working with digital stamps. I don't think I color well enough, or have the correct tools, to make them look nice. Next time, instead of using markers, I'll try colored pencils. So, let's consider this an experiment.
I printed out the images making each smaller than the other. Then, I colored them using markers. Next, I stamped the sentiment (Altenew).
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Inspired By.... truckload of fall
DL.ART Thankful Thursday Challenge #248 "FALL"
DL.ART OCTOBER 2019 Linky Challenge: Anything Goes
Make My Monday: Challenge #106 Autumn
Let's Craft and Create: Challenge #152 - AG + Option COLORS OF FALL
The Male Room: Challenge #121 - Stay CAS
Freshly Made Sketches: Freshly Made Sketches #405
The challenge said to use an object from nature. I did! I used a Maple seed that I had used gold embossing powder on years ago.
This is an A-2 white card blank. I first stamped the Maple leaf (Hero Arts) using Distress Ink Dried Marigold. Then, I lined up the first part of the sentiment (Ellen Hutson) to curl around the seed. Next, I glued the seed down. Finally, I stamped the word "Sparkle" in Versafine Onyx Black.
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Modsquad Challenge Blog: Back to Nature
The Male Room: Challenge #121 - Stay CAS
DL.ART Thankful Thursday Challenge #248 "FALL"
Make My Monday: Challenge #106 Autumn
Let's Craft and Create: Challenge #152 - AG + Option COLORS OF FALL
I've had this stamp for quite awhile, and it still amuses me!
This card fits in a regular small letter envelope. First, I stamped this cute little animal (All Night Media). Then, I water colored the green part using Distress Inks Twisted Citron. Next, I used markers to color in the rest. Finally, I placed a piece of washi tape to ground the skating critter/creature.
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Crafty Cardmakers: #242 Add A Critter
Addicted to CAS Challenge #169 - Creature
The Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog: October's Creative Challenge - Music
I made this card using a prompt to follow page 12 of the current Stampin' Up! catalogue. I really appreciated the pink one in the bottom right-hand corner (see below).
Here's how I made the card:
I started by cutting the card to fit in a small letter-sized envelope, making sure to leave about 3/8" of the inside exposed at the bottom. Then, using white pigment ink, I stamped a design (The Stamp Mill) all over for the background. Next, I stamped the sentiment (Stampin' Up!) in Versafine Black Onyx ink on white paper and cut it to the appropriate dimension. After that, I tucked some crocheted lace behind and used foam tape to adhere it to the card.
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TGIF Challenges: #TGIFC231 Inspiration Challenge
The Creative Crafters: CHALLENGE #20
Addicted to Stamps and More: Challenge #361 Anything Goes
My mother, who has dementia, loves sunflowers. I'll be sending this card to her!
I stamped the image (Rubber Stampede) with Versafine Onyx Black on Bristol paper because it would accept a little dampness. I water colored the Sunflower using the appropriate Distress Inks colors: Scattered Straw, Walnut Stain, Mowed Lawn and Faded Denim.
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Just Us Girls #507 - Photo Week
Addicted to Stamps and More: Challenge #361 Anything Goes
Mix it Up Challenge Blog: MIUCB #30 - Anything Goes + Open Technique
Sunday Stamps: SSC214 Time to Get Sketchy
The Creative Crafters: CHALLENGE #20 [Anything Goes]
Not much has changed. I still haven't put away my clean stamps, and I have dirty just about the same amount. Another thing: I haven't been as productive.
The last thing I did was make the ATC for my swap group.
There are still boxes under the table, but I have added stamp sets to the top.
Same here...just getting taller.
It's time to get back to doing challenges.
Now, I'm off to see how the others in the group have done.
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Stamping Ground: What’s On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 539
I still have a bunch of stuff on my desk. I can't see that changing, as long as there are challenges to be met!
This is the top of my desk where I am surrounded by just about anything I might need.
This is underneath the desk where they have been for weeks waiting for me to put my previously-used, now-clean stamps away.
These little towers seem to be growing!
This tower has maxed out. Time to put those stamps and other supplies away. Will it happen this week? Dunno!
Thanks to my fellow deskies for checking out my mess! Now, I'm going to check out theirs.
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Stamping Ground: What’s On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 538
I another 5 weeks, fall will be in full swing, and for those who do, Halloween will be celebrated. Spooks. Ghosts. Creepy things, like screeching crows and spider webs, will decorate our homes. So, with that in mind, I made a card!
This card was simple to make. I chose an A2 card blank in orange. First, I stamped the crow (100 Proof Press). Then, I measured out the first two papers and cut them at a pleasing length. For the last one, I stamped a spider web (Inkadinkado) and cut away most of it. I adhered all three to the card.
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Addicted to Stamps and More: Challenge #359 - CAS [Clean And Simple]
Freshly Made Sketches: #403 - A Sketch by Narelle
I like making fall cards. I have some great designer paper (Bo Bunny), plenty of fall-colored card stock and embossing folders and other tools. This time is a great time of the year. Finally, we can turn off the air conditioner and open the doors and windows. And, I can make cards and other pieces of art!
How I made this card:
First, I ran some manila paper through my Big Kick with the embossing folder (Cuttlebug: Leafy Branch ). I chose to use only a portion, so I cut the paper down beforehand. I adhered that panel to a dark brown piece of card stock. Then, I cut an A2-sized card out of a golden yellow card stock. After that, I adhered the paper with leaves on it to the card blank. Next, I adhered the panel to the card blank artistically off center.
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Inspired By.... L is for
The Sisterhood of Crafters: Embossing (Wet or Dry)
Crafty Cardmakers: #241 Autumn Colours
Allsorts Challenge: Week 538 - Trees and Leaves
Katie's birthday is tomorrow. If you asked her, she would say something like 1 hour 37 minutes and 11 seconds! She would be more correct. And, it isn't any ordinary birthday. No siree! She'll be 50! And, here's the tiny card I made for her. I don't know how I'm going to sign my name, let alone the five cats. We'll do it somehow!
First, I made the tag using the tag and number dies that came with the T!m Holtz Sidekick. Then, I cut some recycled sari yard and threaded it through the hole. After that, I stamped "happy birthday" (Stampin' Up!) and glued it diagonally to the tag. Next, I adhered the tag to a small card. Finally, I stamped the sentiment (also from Stampin' Up!) inside.
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Seize the Birthday: # 174-It's Just a Number
I enjoyed making this card. For a tiny bit of work, the results are heavenly.
Obviously, I let my tools do the work for me. The tools I used are a die (Sizzix: Bird #2) and the bonus embossing folder, which was included. First, I cut the bird shape using the die, then I put the shape into the embossing folder and ran that through my Big Shot. After that, I adhered the clear gems where indented dots shown in the embossing, most notably at the neck, rear and a spot on the wing.
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International Art & Soul: Ch#67 Things With Wings
The Sisterhood of Crafters: Embossing (Wet or Dry)
The House that Stamps Built: Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge ~ S1119
The temperatures have decreased here in southeastern North Carolina. We're only in the high 70s during the day and lower than that at night. It's good lawn-mowing weather! That's the chore to take care of tomorrow. So, I guess, this is our taste of fall. I've heard that the temperatures will rise again, but for now, let's think Autumn!
This is a little bitty of a card measuring 4 1/2" square. I started with a dark brown card blank. Then, I used scraps to create the horizontal strips, stamping (Hero Arts) one with the word "Autumn". After that, I die cut (Memory Box: Scribble Leafy Branch Outline) the sprig of leaves and adhered it alongside the 3 strips of decorative paper.
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AAA Cards: CAS Game #149 - Up to One Third + Optional Twist An Inlaid Die
Cardz 4 Galz: Challenge #105 Welcome Autumn/Fall
Addicted to Stamps and More: Challenge #359 - CAS
Freshly Made Sketches: Freshly Made Sketches #403
Through the Craft Room Door: TTCRD anything goes challenge week starting the 17th September
Crafty Cardmakers: #241 Autumn Colours
What does one do when one wants to have a clean and simple (CAS) card but wants to use a huge stamp? Easy. Only stamp about half of it! Our minds fill in what's missing.
How I made this card:
First, I chose a 5"-square card blank. Then, I stamped the dragonfly (Rubber Monger) with Versafine Onyx black ink. After that, I stamped the Chinese coin (Just For Fun) in Versamark and embossed it with gold. Next, I colored in the dragonfly using Twinkling H2Os in Teal Zircon for the body and Summer Breeze for the wings. The shimmer doesn't show up in the scan, but it's there.
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Addicted to Stamps and More: Challenge #359 - CAS
International Art & Soul: Ch#67 Things With Wings
AAA Cards: CAS Game #149 - Up to One Third + Optional Twist An Inlaid Die
The House That Stamps Built: Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge ~ S1119
CASology: Week 352: DRAGONFLY
Through the Craft Room Door: TTCRD anything goes challenge week starting the 17th September
Another week has passed, and my desk is cleaner! I finally cleaned all the stamps, but they are sitting by the sink in the en suite. I have yet to put them away. That's why the many shoe boxes are still out...er...stacked and under!
All of the Distress Ink pads are still out, because I'm still using them! Look!!! I actually have space to work! That tag with the butterflies is something I finished up a couple of hours ago.
This is a stack of boxes that house some of my stamps. When I get ready to put the clean stamps away, they will go into these boxes and the boxes get put on the shelf.
These boxes are under the table. Some clean stamps will go into these, also.
I can finally breathe in my craft space. I think I'll be putting the clean stamps away tomorrow, because I'm sure my sweetie would appreciate it since I'm using "her" bathroom!
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Stamping Ground: What’s On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 537
I decided not to make this into a card. Instead, it stands as is to be used as a bookmark.
I don't have much experience in using stencils and embossing paste. I think it turned out pretty well, and I hope to learn more about this technique.
How I made this bookmark:
I started with a piece of watercolor paper. It's heavy and thick, and it won't usually warp when using wet media. I used a stencil (T!m Holtz) and pushed embossing paste through it. I let it dry for a few days, not knowing what to do next. Then, I used Distress Inks Seedless Preserves and Dusty Concord as watercolor and painted the entire panel, letting it puddle in places for interest. After that was dry, I inked up the background stamp (Stampa Rosa) with Versafine Onyx and stamped it three times to cover the entire panel. Next, I adhered it to a purple panel of card stock. I used the same color of card stock to stamp the butterflies (Embossing Arts), and cut them out. Then, I glued them to the watercolored panel. Finally, I used a hole punch and threaded several lengths of yarn into it and tied it off.
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Craft Stamper: Take It Make It Challenge: September: Anything Goes
Craft Rocket Challenges: Challenge #63 - September 2019 - Monochrome
International Art & Soul: Ch#67 Things With Wings
Allsorts Challenge: Week 537 - Anything Goes with a Twist
Simon Says: Monochrome
The Funkie Junkie Boutique Blog: Terrific Tags
This is the kind of message I want to send out into the world. So many times, we keep the wrong people in our lives, be it out of love, or fear, or familiarity. Facebook has "unfriend" for a good reason.
I used Distress Ink Shaded Lilac as a water color paint and swished it onto the center of Bristol paper and let it dry for a day. Then, I stamped the sentiment (Hampton Arts) in Versafine Onyx Black. I found that Stampin' Up!'s Almost Amethyst card stock goes well with this ink, so I used it as an A2 card blank.
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AAA Cards: CAS Game #149 - Up to One Third + Optional Twist An Inlaid Die
Allsorts Challenge: Week 537 - Anything Goes with a Twist
Less is More: Challenge #404 - Typography
I am new to using stencils, both with paste and pouncing on with paint.
I scan in my cards to share, and these colors turned out wrong! The A2 card blank is a brighter orange, and the background writing (Stampa Rosa) and the featured sentiment (Studio G) are stamped in Distress Inks Ripe Persimmon, which match the card blank.
How I made this:
First, I cut a panel of water color paper. Then, I used paste and a stencil (T!m Holtz) featuring "+" signs. It sat for awhile to dry, then it sat for awhile because I didn't know what to do next. Finally, I just decided to play, and this is what I came up with. I used Picked Raspberry as a water color and painted it all over the panel. Then, it sat for awhile again. I decided to use the background stamp to see what it would look like. I liked the look and the color. But, it needed something more, so I stamped the sentiment on white card stock and adhered it to the panel. Finally, I adhered the panel to the card blank, and I am pleased with the outcome for the most part.
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AAA Birthday: Game #5 - Use A Stencil
Allsorts Challenge: Week 537 - Anything Goes with a Twist
The theme for this card is Monochrome, which matches 3 challenges.
This card is pretty self-explanatory. I snipped the corners of the sentiment (Hero Arts) panel with special scissors that I've had for some time. The embellishment is a piece of corrugated paper cut into a circle, and I cut the small black circle with a die and my die-cutting machine. I made two slits and thread in some kraft-colored twine. I glued that down to the card front.
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Simon Says: Monochrome
Rainbow Card Challenge: Challege #9: Beautiful Brown
Craft Rocket Challenges: Challenge #63 - September 2019 - Monochrome
TGIF Challenges: #TGIFC229 Sketch Challenge
I used a stencil on this birthday card. It is a small stencil by Tim Holtz and consists of small "x"s.
Here's how I made it:
First, I chose an A2-sized card blank in manila. Then, starting on the right, I used Distress Ink Tumbled Glass. After that, I changed to Picked Raspberry, and stenciled most of the body of the card. Then, on the left, I switched back to Tumbled Glass. Where the two colors overlap, it looks purple. Next, I stamped the cupcake image (Inkadinkado), cut it out and adhered it to the card front. Finally, I added Scattered Straw Stickles to the flame area of the candle and let it dry.
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AAA Birthday: Game #5 - Use A Stencil
