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

Angels Christmas Card

Here is my 5th card for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
It's a Christmas card with a romantic background.

Supplies used:
Cream CS for the card's basis
Turquoise CS
Background patterned paper - Christmas book by Crafty Individuals
Shiny gold paper
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Christmas Tree Set of 3 (small and medium)
Embossing ink
Black EP
TH scissors
Martha Stewart's Gothic Arches edge punch
1" Snowflake punch
White and red half pearls with sticky back
Double sided foam tape

I punched the turquoise CS and layered the papers.
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Christmas Tree small and medium stamps on turquoise CS, heat embossed it with black EP and cut it carefully using TH scissors.
Both trees were glued 3D for extra dimension.
I added shiny gold snowflakes and several the colorful checkered ribbon, and also several white and red half pearls for extra glam.
BTW the musical notes sheet was only used as a background paper for taking photos.

(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

Here is my 1st card for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
The theme is Love Is In The Air.
I created this card for my DH, my true Valentine and the love of my life.
This card is especially suitable for a man, because of its elegant and calm color combo along with the straight and diagonal lines.

Supplies used:
Black leather textured CS for the card's basis

Shiny gold paper

Basic Grey patterned paper - Origins
Recycled white CS
EK Success Plaid edger punch
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Cranes Stamp Set (small and large)
Embossing ink
Green EP - Ranger's Evergreen
Clear blings in various sizes

Double sided foam tape

I punched the shiny gold paper using my new EK Success Plaid edger punch (I love it!)
I layered the papers straight and diagonally to create some contrast.
Both cranes were stamped, heat embossed with green EP and glued 3D for extra dimension.

Then I added several blings for extra glam (men like it too, I hope… lol)

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

Japanese Thank You Card

Here's a card I created for the Michael Strong's Yahoo group November challenge - an oblong Thank You card.

Supplies used:
Red leather textured CS for the card's basis

Japanese patterned paper
Cream CS

Pergamano Parchment (Vellum) paper
Michael's Strong's Cloisonné Dragonfly stamp (large)

Embossing ink

Hematite EP

Martha Stewart Edge Punch - Hydrangeas
Brown ink
Gold rub-on

Clear round blings and dark red square blings

I wanted to give this card a classical look, so I used a calm color combo, and made the dragonfly fly by lifting its wings in the air.
The only thing which keeps it from flying away is the weight of the blings on its wings… very light, very transparent.

Take a look at the Dragonfly's close-up.
Can you actually see the Dragonfly in flight?

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Simple Love Notes 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.
Here's my 2nd card for this week, in strong, contrasting colors.
It is a 50 years anniversary card for an overseas friend.

Ingredients:
Cream leather textured CS for the card's basis
Red leather textured CS
Black canvas textured CS
Patterned paper - Background Papers Book 1 by Crafty Individuals
EK Success Edger Punch - Morocco Lace
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart stamp (large)
Embossing Ink
Gold EP
Ranger's Distress Ink - Black Soot
Black lace
Red half pearls
3D double sided foam tape

I punched the black canvas textured CS using EK Success Edger Punch - Morocco Lace.
I distressed the patterned paper using Ranger's Distress Ink - Black Soot.
I layered the papers and added a piece of black lace for a romantic look.
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart stamp (large) on red leather textured CS, heat embossed it with gold EP, then cut it with nail scissors and glued it 3D for extra dimension
I added several red 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

Pink Pearls From The Ocean 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 1st card for this week is a Seashell card in ice cream colors (yummy!) and it is also my entry to October's pink challenge.

Ingredients:
Cream leather textured CS for the card's basis
Patterned background paper (from my stash) in pink and white
Light cream CS
Gold paper
Kraft CS
Swirl Edger Punch by EK Success
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Shell Stamp (large)
Embossing ink
Gold EP
ProMarkers - Vanilla, Cocoa and Pastel Pink
Pink half pearls
3D double sided foam tape

The main motif in this card is the Seashell, found in the ocean and related to pearls.
I used the Swirl Edger Punch by EK Success to create scraps with edges resembling waves, and stacked them on the patterned background paper.
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Seashell on a very thick white CS (used for watercolor painting), heat embossed it with gold EP and cut it out using TH scissors.

Then I colored it using ProMarkers - Vanilla, Cocoa and Pastel Pink.
The Seashell was glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.
I added several pink half pearls for extra glam.
Talking about pink…

Here's what my youngest son brought me when he came home from school.
The pink ribbon is so symbolic for this month that I had to take a photo of the Cyclamens before and after I opened my gift.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Fish Card for Rosh HaShana

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 1st card for this week is inspired by the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group monthly sketch #39, shown here:

The main motif in this card is the Fish, which is one of the symbols of Rosh HaShana (the Jewish New Year holiday).

Ingredients:
Cream leather textured CS for the card's basis
Black canvas textured CS
Gold paper
Light cream textured CS
Turquoise leather textured CS
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fish Stamp (large)
Embossing ink
Ranger's Distress Ink - Old Paper
Gold EP
Swirl Edger Punch by EK Success
EK Success Medium Corner Adorner
White and light blue half pearls

I chose these colors to create a dramatic contrast and to get an elegant color combo.
I used the edger punch to create the black and gold paper stripes to match the sketch.
I used the Swirl Edger Punch by EK Success to create scraps with edges resembling waves, and stacked them so the black waves and the gold waves were in opposite directions.
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fish on turquoise leather textured CS, heat embossed it with gold EP and cut it out using TH scissors.
The Fish was glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.
I added a piece of light cream leather textured CS, distressed with Old Paper distress ink and its corners rounded, as the background of the Fish image.
I added a white half pearl for the eye and several light blue half pearls which resemble the water bubbles.

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

Oriental Fans On Painted Background 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.
Today's card #5 is a card with a hand painted background, using yesterday's scraps of background paper.
For the technique please look at Michael Strong's tutorial.
Ingredients:
Red leather textured CS for the card's basis and for stamping
Silver CS
Black canvas textured CS
Aqua paper
Black canvas textured CS for the painted background
Acrylic paint - I used white, red, light blue and silver
Brushes, 2 sizes
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fan Stamp (small)
Black Stazon ink
Martha Stewart Quilted Edge Punch
Clear blings

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fan with black Stazon ink on red leather textured CS and cut it out using TH scissors.
I cut squares of the painted background paper and glued them on the aqua paper, adding the stamped fans on top of them.
I punched black canvas textured CS using Martha Stewart Quilted Edge Punch on both sides of the CS.
I layered all the CS and papers one on top of the other, and added clear blings for some glam.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Gecko And Fish On Painted Background Cards

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.

Today's card #4 is a card with hand painted background and it's Technique Thursday.
I painted the background myself, using the technique shown at Michael Strong's tutorial.
I sure know how to paint, yet making my own background paper is fun and always gives surprising results.
Actually, I made 2 cards in similar colors but slightly different.

Ingredients:
Red leather textured CS for the card's basis (card #1)
Black canvas textured CS for the card's basis (card #2)
Aqua leather textured CS
Black canvas textured CS for the background
Acrylic paint – I used white, red, light blue and silver
Brushes, 2 sizes
Silver CS
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Gecko Stamp (large)
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fish Stamp (large)
White and silver EP
Morocco Lace Edger Punch by EK Success
Martha Stewart Gothic Arches Edger Punch
Red blings and white half pearls

The Gecko
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Gecko on black canvas textured CS, heat embossed it with silver EP and cut it out using TH scissors.
The Gecko was glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.

I did the same with the Fish, using aqua leather textured CS and white EP
I cut stripes of the painted background paper and glued them on the silver CS. I punched scraps of black canvas textured CS using the Morocco Lace Edger Punch by EK Success and the Martha Stewart Gothic Arches Edger Punch.
I glued it all to the card's basis, and added the stamped image on top of it.
I also added a few red blings and white half pearls for some glam.


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

Seashell 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.

Today's card #3 is a summertime Seashell card, reminding me of the beach.
Actually, yesterday it was 23 degrees celsius in Israel… no wonder it felt like summer.

Ingredients:
White CS for the card's basis
Dark blue vellum paper for the background
Seaside patterned paper from my stash
Dark blue vellum, yellow and beige CS
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Shell Stamp (large)
Gold EP
ProMarkers
Morocco Lace Edger Punch by EK Success
Bright blue, light blue and light green blings in various sizes
Royal blue ric rac ribbon

The shell
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Shell on white CS, heat embossed it with gold EP and cut it out using TH scissors.
Then I colored it with ProMarkers. I used Shale, Gold, Royal Blue and Cocoa.
The shell was glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.

I punched scraps of dark blue vellum, yellow and beige CS using the Morocco Lace Edger Punch, and layered them one on top of the other gradually, to resemble the sea waves.
I added the royal blue ric rac ribbon to tie the 3 scraps together.
I also added a few bright blue, light blue and light green blings in various sizes here and there, for some glam.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Oriental Fan 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.
Today's card #2 is an Oriental Fan card, made for overseas friends.
Trying to be efficient, I made 2 similar cards with the same composition but in different colors.

Ingredients:
Black canvas textured CS for the card's basis
Pink and turquoise CS, in 2 color shades
Dovercraft Eastern Promise patterned paper
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fan Stamp
Hematite EP
ProMarkers
Brown pen
Chocolate Brown ink
Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set (I used only the border punch here)
White and light blue half pearls

The Fan
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fan twice on white CS, heat embossed it with hematite EP and cut it out using TH scissors.
Then I colored each fan with ProMarkers. I used Coral and Cocoa for one fan, and Pastel Blue and Pastel Green for the other one.
The fans were glued on dark pink and dark turquoise pieces of CS, which were cut a bit larger than the fans.

I punched both pink and turquoise CS using Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set (I used only the border punch here).
I layered one punched border under the patterned paper (at its upper side) and one punched border on top of the patterned paper (at its lower side).
I used Chocolate Brown ink to distress all possible edges, and the punched borders, too.
I added the fans and a few half pearls.
the sentiment Happy Birthday was written with a brown pen in a special font called Dorly's hand writing :-)

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

All You Need Is Love…

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.
Today's card #1 is a Valentine's Day card in non traditional colors (no red, no pink).

Ingredients:
Cream CS for the card's basis
Dark blue vellum paper for the background
Recycled cream mulberry paper with gentle embroidery on it
Brown CS
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart Stamp (large)
Michael Strong's Punch & Spell Alphabet Stamp Set
Gold EP
ProMarkers
Oval Large Nesting Paper Punch 1.5 x 0.75 inch by EK Success
Binding Edge Edger Punch by EK Success
Bright blue blings in various sizes
Narrow yellow satin ribbon.

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 Shale, Gold, Royal Blue and Cocoa.
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 Gold, Royal Blue and Cocoa.
Each letter was separately glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.

The interlacing ribbon piece
I used a dark brown CS, both its edges punched using EK Success Binding Edge Edger Punch
Then I used a narrow yellow satin ribbon, interlacing it from one side to the other all the way down, and simply tying it at the lower end.
The interlacing ribbon piece was separately glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.
I also added a few bright blue blings in various sizes for some glam.
Take a closer look at the card from its lower side, to see how attaching these 3 motifs - the heart, the letters L O V E and the interlacing ribbon piece - gives it an extra 3D look.
(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)
I hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day!
Challenges
February 2011 Card Challenge: Colors of Love for enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group (until February 28th) .
Embossing for 2 Sisters Challenge Blog (until February 25th) .
Anything Goes for Little Clare's (until March 4th) .
Love Is All Around! For Crafty Ann's (until February 24th) .
DDCC # 100-Feb 17- Sparkle/Glitter/Bling for Dutch dare (until February 23th) .
Love for The Crafty Calendar (until March 4th) .
Use punches or dies for Incy Wincy (until February 28th) .
Use dies for Crazy 4 Challenges C4C75 (until February 25th) .
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Pink Flamingo Card

I bought new ProMarkers and I just had to try them.
So I made a simple, very optimistic card in shades of pink.

Ingredients:
Striped background paper from Papermania's Capsule Collection, its edges distressed with mulberry ink
Burgundy canvas textured CS, its corners punched using Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set (I used only the corner punch here)
A Flamingo stamp by I.O., colored with ProMarkers. I used pastel Pink, Coral, Blossom and Poppy.
The colored flamingo was cut using TH scissors and glued 3D for extra dimension.
White half pearls, to add some glam.

Inside the card:
A scrap of the background paper, punched using Martha Stewart Large Punch around the Page - Double Arches set (I used only the border punch here)

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)
Challenges
Pink for Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central (until 27.2.11)

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