Seahorse and Fish Congratulations Card

I'm Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group for this week, so for 5 days I'll be showing you several works using Michael Strong's stamps. I hope you'll find them inspiring.

My 3rd card for this week is a Seahorse and Fish Congratulations Card.

The red background paper is a leather textured CS.

I cut the 2 paper squares from my son's Scuba Diving license brochure, it had such a unique nautical themed pattern, I just had to re-use it.

I used Michael Strong's Cloisonné Seahorse stamp (large).

I cut the Seahorse using Michael Strong Sea Horses Metal Die Cutter, it cuts like butter.

I colored the Seahorse using ProMarkers, and added a bling for its eye.

I also used the School of Fish stamp from Designs by Ryn.

I added stamps, a used postal stamp with a colorful fish (it's a perfect match), and several pearls to add some glam.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it) 
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Wise Owl and Leaves Card

Here's another Michael Strong card in shades of green, using the Whimsical Owls stamp set.

I colored the Owl using ProMarkers, and glued it 3D to add some dimension.

The background was embossed with numbers, then colored and edged using Ranger Distress Inks.

I framed the dark green CS with faux stitches, using a white gel pen.

The leaves are a die cut.

The pearls enhance the Owl's eyes and also draw the corners, and - of course - add some glam.

I added Washi Tape with musical notes… will the Owl sing "Happy Birthday"?

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it) 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Michael Strong Sea themed Blog Hop - Canvas and Giveaway

Welcome to the Michael Strong Sea themed Blog Hop!

You must have arrived here from Shelly's Blog with her lovely artwork, showing what to do with the new release of Michael Strong Cloisonne Sea Turtle/Seaweed stamps.

As I don't have that stamp set yet, I used other sea themed Michael Strong stamps.

I created a Mixed Media canvas, using whichever sea themed supplies I had around.

Supplies used:
White canvas - 8X8 inches (20X20 cms)
Acrylic paints
Background sea themed paper - from a magazine

White paper and CS

Yellow CS
Orange CS
Manila CS
EKSuccess - Dotted Wave Edger Punch

Michael Strong Cloisonné Flower stamp (large)

Michael Strong Cloisonné Fish stamp (large)
Michael Strong Cloisonné Seastar stamp (small)

Michael Strong Cloisonné Shell stamp (small)
Washi Tape - colorful bubbles

Washi Tape - blue with white stripes and red dots
Embossing ink
Orange EP
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black
VersaFine ink - Vintage Sepia
ProMarkers
Yellow Stickles
Red Gem and golden metal large brad

White and light blue sticky back half pearls

Blings - in various colors and sizes
Diamond Glaze
3D double sided foam tape

I'm giving this canvas to my DH, and I have a very special wish for him.

The sentiment "If I had three wishes … my first would be for you" was printed on white paper, which was adhered to bright yellow CS punched using the EKSuccess - Dotted Wave Edger Punch.

I used the punched CS in 2 opposite directions.

To create the basic background, I colored the canvas using acrylic paints - black, green, light blue, red and yellow.
The coloring was meant to cover the canvas. Most of it will be covered later so the design wasn't important.

I left the edges of the canvas white on purpose, as I later covered them with Washi Tape with colorful bubbles all over it.
The bubbles fit into the sea (water) theme, and their bright colors add a vivid frame to the canvas.

Then I added the background sea themed paper, which was cut out of a magazine. It seems to fit here perfectly.

I added 2 stripes of Washi Tape - blue with white stripes and red dots, to match the sea waves and to coordinate with the other colors.
As you can see, all the stamped images were glued 3D for extra dimension.

Each stamped image was treated differently.

The Flower, which functions here as the sun, was stamped on white CS using VersaFine ink - Vintage Sepia, and was colored with ProMarkers.
I accented its inner circle using yellow Stickles, then I added a red gem and golden metal large brad to complete its hot, sunny appearance.

I stamped the Fish using Embossing ink on orange CS, then heat embossed it with orange EP.
I carefully cut it with scissors, and added a tiny turquoise bling as its eye.

I also added white sticky back half pearls, to resemble bubbles coming out of its mouth.

I stamped several images of the Shell and the Seastar on Manila CS, using VersaFine ink - Onyx Black.
I covered them with Diamond Glaze to give them a shiny look, and waited for them to dry.
I added each one of them a light blue sticky back half pearl, for decoration.

Finally, I added several blings in various colors and sizes, for extra glam.

Our summer is very hot and humid.
Oh, I wish I could stay in an air conditioned room all day and get creative! How about you?
For more inspiration, please hop to my friend Hetty's Blog where you'll find an adorable creative idea along with a tutorial.

Before you hop to your next step, please take a look here.
I'm offering a small Giveaway.
 

The Giveaway includes:

12 Crafty Individuals 6x6 patterned papers - Travel in Italy

Prima clear stamps - Travel

A bag of embellishments - ribbons, lace, flowers and real vintage buttons

Purple flower stickers

White paper doilies

Old book pages in Hebrew - printed in 1950!

In order to have a chance to win, all you have to do is leave a comment to this post, including your email address (so I can contact you).

I'll draw one lucky name next weekend. I will ship worldwide.

If you're a follower of my blog, either via email, Bloglovin or any other way, please mention it in your comment for an extra chance to win.

One comment per person, please.

Challenge
Heck of a Challenge - The Sea

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Lady Owl Sitting On A Branch Card

Here's the card I created yesterday as your Card Captain for the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
I created this card using both earth tones and pastel contrasting colors, so that the green and brown are typical forest colors, yet the pastel colors enhance the Lady Owl.
She seems like a very clever and elegant lady bird to me, perched on the branch and watching around her.

Supplies used:

Cream CS for the card's basis
Forest green canvas textured CS
White CS for embossing
White CS, recycled from a box, for the branch and for stamping and heat embossing the Owl
Tim Holtz Sizzix Woodgrain Texture Fades Embossing Folder
Ranger Distress Ink - gathered twigs
Ranger Inkssentials ink blending tool applicator
Sizzix Bigz Die - Bird Branch
Michael Strong Whimsical Owls stamp
Embossing Ink
Michael Strong Weathered Copper EP
ProMarkers
White Gel pen
Clear blings
Double sided foam tape

I used white CS for embossing, using Tim Holtz Sizzix Woodgrain Texture Fades Embossing Folder.

I colored it with Ranger Distress Ink - gathered twigs, highlighting the raised parts.
I cut only the branch out of white CS, recycled from a box, using Sizzix Bigz Die - Bird Branch.
I colored the branch with ProMarkers.
Then I layered the forest green canvas textured CS, the Woodgrain embossed CS and the colored branch.
I added faux stitches, using a white Gel pen.

I stamped Michael Strong Whimsical Owls stamp on white CS, using Embossing ink, and heat embossed it using Michael Strong Weathered Copper EP - I just love its mixture of colors, it gives a result of an antique patina.
I cut the Owl with scissors, colored it with ProMarkers and added clear blings for the Owl's eyes.
The Owl was glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.
Whom do you think the Lady Owl is waiting for?

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Michael Strong Blog Hop - Owl My Love Card

Today Michael Strong Blog Hop is about Owls - smart creatures...

You're welcome to visit all 10 blogs to see the wonderful artwork.
If you want a chance to win a Michael Strong Whimsical Owls stamp set, you MUST leave comments along the way in all 10 blogs.
Hetty will announce the winner next Sunday (Feb 10th 2013) on her blog.
It is a circular blog hop, so wherever you start from, you will see them all.
This is the card I made - Owl My Love.
It was made for my DH, who's my true Valentine and the love of my life.
Today is a very important day for us.
We're ending a long, difficult journey, and hopefully we're starting a new time, more relaxed and happy.
I hope I'll have more creative moments from now on, and I plan to blog, to share, and more… stay tuned!

Ingredients:

Cream CS for the card's basis
Dark green CS, from a commercial booklet
Wood patterned CS, from a commercial booklet
Recycled tea box CS, for die cutting and stamping
Tim Holtz Die - BirdBranch
Embossing Ink pad
Ranger embossing powder - Black Sparkle
Michael Strong Whimsical Owls stamp
ProMarkers
3D double sided foam tape
Pink heart bling

First I layered the papers on the card.

I used the BirdBranch Die, and cut off the bird to use only the branch.
I colored it using ProMarkers.
Then I stamped the Owl and heat embossed it with Black Sparkle EP, to give it a shiny effect (look at its close-up photo).
I cut it with nail scissors and colored it using ProMarkers.
The sentiment "Owl My Love" was hand written by me.
Both the Owl and the sentiment were glued 3D for extra dimension.
Finally, I added the pink heart, to add some glam.
Want to see more? Hop over to Heidi's blog
I hope you get lots of inspiration and enjoy!

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Michael Strong Pink Challenge - Japanese Kimono Card

Here's a new card I created using vivid, optimistic colors - mainly shades of pink, as required by the October challenge at enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group .

I gave it to a friend as her birthday card. 

Ingredients:

Shocking pink spotted CS for the card's basis
Striped patterned paper

Shocking pink spotted CS

A recycled piece of a cereals package

Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set

Michael's Strong's Cloisonné Kimono stamp

Embossing ink

Gold EP

ProMarkers - I used shades of pink

3D foam tape

Clear and pink bling

I layered the patterned paper, and then I used the shocking pink spotted CS,

its corners punched using Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set (I used only the corner punch here).

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Kimono on a piece of cereals package (I say: reuse and recycle whenever possible!)

I heat embossed the stamped image with gold EP.

Then I carefully cut the Kimono using TH scissors. I didn't use Michael Strong's die cutters here because the cereals package was very thick.

I colored the Kimono using ProMarkers and glued it 3D for extra dimension.

I added several clear and pink blings to add some glam.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it) 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Coffee Lover Gift Box

Here is my 4th creation for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group

I'm into boxes this week (you probably noticed that… lol), because they are fun to make and they also seem very practical for little gifts.
I created this box for a lady whose birthday is coming soon.
She loves drinking coffee, therefore I intend to send her this box with several Taster's Choice coffee and ice coffee bars and a little surprise gift in it.
It's Technique Thursday so here's the link to the technique I've used to create the background piece (inspired by Judy, thanks dear!)
It's called Faux Leather with Masking Tape and it's fun - try it!

Supplies used:
Cream leather textured CS for the box
Coffee themed CS (from an advertisement)
Recycled CS
Kraft CS
Scor-Pal
1" circle punch
Michael Strong's Hetty's Coffee Cup Set
Embossing ink
Bronze EP
ProMarker - Azure
Masking tape
Ranger's Distress Ink - faded jeans
Distress Ink applicator
Clear EP
Double sided foam tape

First I created the box out of cream CS, following Michael Strong's tutorial.

My addition is a tip for an easy opening of the box.

After scoring and folding the CS, but before cutting and connecting its corners, I used a 1" circle punch to cut a HALF CIRCLE opening at the front side, where the box opens up (I simply inserted the circle punch half way and punched).

It creates a perfect notch to slide your finger in to open the box without wrinkling it.
I created the background piece according to the tutorial, using recycled CS covered by masking tape pieces, colored by Ranger's Distress Ink (faded jeans) and heat embossed with clear EP.

I stamped Michael Strong's Hetty's Coffee Cup Set Coffee Cup (large) on kraft CS using embossing ink.
I heat embossed it using bronze EP and cut it with nail scissors.
I gave it a touch of color using ProMarker - Azure.
The background piece and the Coffee Cup were glued 3D for extra dimension.
Please note that the music sheet isn't part of the design, I only use it as a background when taking photos.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Home Sweet Home Card

Here is my 5th card for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group
I decided to use the new adorable Little Houses Set - are these stamps stunning or what?
I can already think of so many ways to use them... they are a must have!
I created this card to celebrate a newly renovated house.
The colors I chose are vivid, and there's quite a lot of coloring which is fun, as there are so many creative options.
I chose the background paper with the musical notes because the people in this house love music.
I wish their home will always be filled with music and laughter!

Supplies used:
Cream textured CS for the card's basisTurquoise CS
Crafty Individuals patterned paper - Background Papers (Book 1)
Cream CS
White recycled CS (from a tea pack)
Spellbinders Shapeabilities Dies - Fancy Tags
Martha Stewart's Gothic Arches edge punch
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black
Michael Strong's Little Houses Set - Cottage
Michael Strong's Mini Cloisonné Wings Stamp Set - Hummingbird (small)
Embossing ink
Michael Strong's Midnight black EP
ProMarkers
Tiny clear bling
Double sided foam tape

First I stamped Michael Strong's Cottage stamp from the Little Houses Set on cream CS, using VersaFine ink - Onyx Black.
I colored the stamped image using several colors of ProMarkers.
Then I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné small Hummingbird on a piece of recycled CS using Embossing ink.
I heat embossed it using Michael Strong's Midnight black EP.
I cut the small Hummingbird using scissors.
I cut and layered the background papers and added the punched fence.
The printed sentiment and stamped images were all glued 3D for extra dimension.
Finally, I added a tiny clear bling for the Hummingbird's eye.
Now take a look at the close-up to see the detailed coloring.
Can you notice the cute kitten at the window? I colored him blond with blue eyes (lol)
I just love how versatile this stamp is - it can be colored in so many ways, and it can be combined with other stamps such as the Hummingbird in flight.
Endless possibilities!

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Gecko Tag for Good Luck and Paisley Tag

Here are my 4th creations for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group

Today it's Technique Thursday, and rather than sharing a specific technique I preferred to share several useful tips.
Therefore I created two tags on which it's easier to demonstrate my tips.

I decided to use the Cloisonné Gecko Stamp and the Cloisonné Paisley large stamp.

The colors I chose are earth tones, trying to match the stamped images and the embellishments to the backgrounds.

Supplies used:
Cream CS for the tags
Beige and cream CS
Vintage book's pages
Cuttlebug embossing folder - Distressed Stripes

Spellbinders Shapeabilities Dies - Fancy Tags
Crop-A-Dile
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Gecko Stamp
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Paisley Set (large)
Ranger's Distress ink - Rusty Hinge, Pine Needle
Embossing ink
Ranger's Green EP
Versacolor metallic Ink - 3 colors - bronze, gold and silver
Promarkers - Vanilla, Mint Green
Green pen
Big spotted brads
Flower eyelets
Ribbons and fibers from my stash

Double sided foam tape
Double sided tape

First I stamped the Gecko and cut it around.
Then I stamped the Paisley, heat embossed it, colored it with ProMarkers and cut it around.
I embossed the tags using the Cuttlebug and colored them with Ranger's Distress inks.
The Ribbons and the stamped images were all glued 3D for extra dimension.
Then I added the eyelets and the brads.

Now here are my tips for a better looking creation, no matter if it's a tag, a card or any other project.
The back side of the work looks messy - holes for the eyelets, ribbon strands hanging loose, brads' legs showing.
All these make each project look unfinished and non-professional.
To avoid this, simply cover the back side of your work, and none of the above will be seen.
I used a vintage book's page to cover each tag's back side.
Then I added a satin ribbon and some colorful fibers at the top of the tags.
You must admit they look better now.

You can also cover the back side of brads and eyelets or the ribbon's attaching place with small punched out or die cut papers, and use them as decorative elements.
Do you have any tips you'd like to share?

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Love Is In The Air CD

Here's the 2nd card I made for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
It's actually my entry to this month's challenge.

Supplies used:
Clear CD
Glimmer Mist - Riptide, Pinecone
Heat gun
ProMarkers - Poppy
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart stamp (large)
Michael Strong's Punch & Spell Alphabet Stamp Set
White CS
Embossing ink
Gold EP
Oval Large Nesting Paper Punch 1.5 x 0.75 inch by EK Success
Clear and red blings

First I sprayed Glimmer Mist - Riptide and Pinecone - on a transparent CD, and dried it using a heat gun.
When heated, the 2 colors of the Glimmer Mist mix and react to create new color combinations.
Unlike the outcome achieved when using Alcohol Inks, here I achieved a colorful, pearly look without losing the transparency effect.
Surprisingly, the CD won't bend even when it's very close to the heat gun.
Then I used Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart stamp, I heat embossed it with gold EP on white CS.
I did the same with the letters L O V E using Michael Strong's Punch & Spell Alphabet Stamp Set.
Both the heart and the letters were decorated with a red ProMarker and then glued to the CD.
I added red and clear blings all over for extra glam.

Can you feel that Love Is In The Air?
(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

A Little Box Of Love

This is my 4th project this week as Card Captain of the Michael Strong's Yahoo group.
I'll fill this box up with several surprises for my beloved DH.
Ingredients:
White CS for the Box
Light blue leather textured CS
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart Stamp (large)
Michael Strong's Punch & Spell Alphabet Stamp Set
Embossing ink
Gold EP
Ranger's Distress ink - China Blue
ProMarkers - Mint Green, Pastel Blue, Vanilla
Light blue half pearls
Scor-Pal
Oval Large Nesting Paper Punch 1.5 x 0.75 inch by EK Success
Double sided foam tape

First I created the box out of white CS, following Michael Strong's tutorial.
I distressed the light blue leather textured CS using Ranger's Distress ink - China Blue.
The heart
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart on white CS, heat embossed it with gold EP and cut it out using TH scissors.
Then I colored it with ProMarkers: I used Mint Green, Pastel Blue and Vanilla.
The heart was glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.

The word LOVE
I stamped the letters L O V E from Michael Strong's Punch & Spell Alphabet Stamp Set on white CS, heat embossed them with gold EP and then punched each letter out using the Oval Large Nesting Paper Punch 1.5 x 0.75 inch by EK Success.
Then I colored the letters with ProMarkers: I used Mint Green and Vanilla.
Each letter was separately glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.
I also added a few light blue half pearls for extra glam.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Paisley & Flowers Card

This is my 3rd card this week as Card Captain of the Michael Strong's Yahoo group.
Ingredients:
Black leather textured CS for the card's basis
Basic Grey patterned paper - Pheobe
Michael's Strong's Cloisonné Paisley stamp (large)
Embossing ink
Black EP
ProMarkers - Cocoa, Pastel Pink, Coral
Making Memories Blossom flowers
Jewel brads
White half pearls
EK Success Corner Adorner
EK Success Morocco border punch

The Paisley was heat embossed with black EP and colored using ProMarkers.
The Paisley and the flowers werte glued 3D for extra dimension.
I added several white half pearls for extra glam.
(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Japanese Kimono Card #1

Here's a new card I created using vivid, happy colors.

Ingredients:
White CS for the card's basis
Red leather textured CSDovercraft patterned paper (Eastern Promise)
A recycled piece of a cereals package
Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set
Michael's Strong's Cloisonné Kimono stamp
Embossing ink
Gold EP
ProMarkers - I used Poppy, Vanilla and Cocoa
3D foam tape
Clear and red blings

I used the patterned paper, its corners punched using Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set (I used only the corner punch here).
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Kimono on a piece of cereals package (I say: reuse and recycle whenever possible!)
I heat embossed the stamped image with gold EP.
Then I carefully cut the Kimono using TH scissors. I didn't use Michael Strong's die cutters here because the cereals package was very thick.
I colored the Kimono using ProMarkers and glued it 3D for extra dimension.
I added several clear and red blings to add some glam.

Take a look at the Kimono's close-up.
Now you see why this is my Japanese Kimono Card #1 - there will definitely be more of them.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Congrats From The Heart Card

This is the 3rd card I made this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
It has a simple and loving message - Congrats From The Heart.



Ingredients:
Leather textured cream CS for the card's basis
Patterned paper from my stash
White CS
Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart stamp (large)
Embossing Ink
Gold EP
ProMarkers - I used Pastel Pink, Shale, Magenta and Cocoa
3D foam tape
A gold Congratulations rubon
Light rose blings in several sizes



I cut the patterned paper and punched its border using Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set (I used only the border punch here).
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart on white CS, heat embossed it with gold EP and colored it with ProMarkers.
I attached the stamped and colored white CS using 3D foam tape for extra dimension.
I added the gold Congratulations rubon.
I also added a few light rose blings in several sizes for extra glam.



(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly