Spring is the time of plans and projects ATB

For a very long period of time I've been engaged with family duties, unfortunately very unhappy ones.

During this time I rarely created anything, and as much as I wanted to, I couldn't find peace of mind and passion to create. My blog has also been neglected.

Now I got my MOJO back, and it feels so good!!!

I needed to share it with you. I still have several former unpublished creations to share with you, and I also plan a little Giveaway soon. Stay tuned!

But for now here's my entry to the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group Spring challenge - a Spring ATB.

I made the 3D cube myself, out of sturdy CS, and it was such fun that I guess I'll make more ATBs in the near future.

Materials used:

Sturdy 12x12 Polka Dot CS by Netanella – Hot Air Ballons  collection

Scor-Pal

Red, light blue and black leather textured CS

Cream paper

Michael Strong Honeycomb stencil

Michael Strong Stamps: Cloisonné Butterfly (small and large), Cloisonné Flower (small)

Michael Strong Metal Die Cutters: Butterfly (small and large), Flower (small)  

Ranger Distress Ink - Fired Brick

Ranger Ink Blending Tool

VersaFine Ink - Onyx Black

White and light blue EP

Polka Dot Paper Tape in 3 color patterns

Turquoise and gold Gel pens

Black pen

Jewel brads

Clear blings

Double sided clear and foam tape

First I cut the 12x12 CS for the 3D cube, which turned out about 3.8x3.8 inches (9.5x9.5 cms), and left margins to glue the parts together. Please let me know if you're interested in a step-by-step tutorial.

I added Polka Dot Paper Tape in 3 color patterns all around the cube's connections of faces, both for decoration and to strengthen them.

Then I randomly decorated 5 faces of the 3D cube, using Michael Strong Honeycomb stencil, Ranger Distress Ink - Fired Brick, and Ranger Ink Blending Tool.

I stamped and cut the large Butterfly, and added clear blings to make it glamorous.

I stamped and cut the small Butterflies, and colored them using Gel Pens.

I stamped and cut the small Flowers and heat embossed them, then I added Jewel brads to their centers.

I glued all the images, using double sided clear and foam tape.

The large Butterfly, on the top of the cube, was glued only at its center, its wings flying in the air.

I added the sentiment, hand written with a black pen, on 4 faces of the cube.

I really enjoyed making this ATB, and it felt like spring is in the air (though it feels like summer in Israel).

I'm so glad I got creative again, and I hope this passion will last and grow.

(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

Happy Birthday Flower Card

I created this birthday card for a dear friend, in vivid colors with a clean and simple look.

It is also my interpretation of May's sketch (#44) at the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group

Supplies used:
Cream CS for the card's basis
Basic Grey patterned paper - Boxer
Vintage musical notes sheet
Red leather textured CS for stamping
Michael Strong Cloisonné Flower Stamp (large)
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black
Ranger's Distress Ink - fired brick

Large metal brad with a clear bling

Red blings

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Flower using VersaFine ink - Onyx Black.
I cut it with scissors and added a huge brad at its center.
I distressed the background patterned paper and the vintage musical notes sheet using Ranger's Distress Ink - fired brick.
Then I layered the papers according to the sketch and added red blings for extra glam.

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

Spring Flowers Tea Box

Here is my 2nd creation for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group

I created this tea box for a friend.
We meet often and have tea together, so she was very pleased to receive it, and as I guessed she likes purple!
I chose spring colors as spring is in the air - can you feel it?

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.
Try it, it's simple and it works.

Supplies used:
Cream leather textured CS for the Box
Patterned paper by Crafty Individuals - Springtime (Book 3)
Light blue leather textured CS for stamping
Patterned paper for the Rosette (from a friend)
Scor-Pal
1" circle punch
Sizzix Sizzlitz Decorative Strip Die - Paper Rosette by Tim Holtz
Michael Strong Cloisonné Flower Stamp (small)
Embossing ink
Gold EP
Ranger's Distress ink - dusty concord
Large light green bling
Double sided foam tape

I distressed the patterned paper using Ranger's Distress ink - dusty concord.
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Flower using Embossing ink.
I heat embossed it using gold EP.
Then I cut it and added a large light green bling to enhance the flower's center.
The Rosette and the Flower were glued 3D for extra dimension.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Flower, Rosette and Ribbons Card

Here is my 1st card for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group

I created this card for a dear family member who has recently (finally!) retired from work.
I hope he'll have many opportunities and a lot of free time to have fun, and to travel often - especially to Israel.

This card is especially suitable for a man, because of its strong and masculine color combo.

It is also my interpretation of this month's sketch (#42) at the group.

Supplies used:
White CS for the card's basis
Red and cream leather textured CS
Basic Grey patterned paper - Origins (2 pages)
Patterned paper for the Rosette (from a friend)
Spellbinder Nestabilities Classic Circles
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Flower Stamp (small)
StazOn ink - Black
Tim Holtz Rosette Flower Die
Polka Dot satin ribbons in 3 colors
Sentiment - "Happy Retirement" gold rub-on
Light green blings in various sizes
Double sided foam tape

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Flower using black StazOn ink.
I cut and layered the papers according to the sketch.
Well, I had to alter it a little bit.
So I moved the circles, the rosette and stamped flower to one side of the bottom circle to create an asymmetric look.
Then I added this whole stack a bit outside of the patterned paper square.
I added the ribbons the sentiment.Most elements were glued 3D for extra dimension.Then I added several blings for extra glam (men like it too, I hope…)

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Gift Boxes for Friends

I made 2 gift boxes for friends. I filled them up with small items: a notebook and a pen, an altered domino to be used as a magnet, a bookmark and a personal note.

First I created each box out of cream CS, following Michael Strong's tutorial.
I decorated each box with recycled postcards from an art exhibition, their edges distressed for a Shabby Chic look.
I added flourishes and stacks of flowers attached with a jewel brad.
The flowers were glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.

Supplies used:
Cream leather textured CS for the Box
Papers - recycled postcards from an art exhibition
Turquoise CS
Recycled kraft cereals package
Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die
Tim Holtz Elegant Flourishes die
Jewel brads
Tim Holtz stamps (various ones)
Pigmant Inks (several colors)
Ranger's Alcohol Inks (several colors)
StazOn ink - Jet Black
Scor-Pal
Double sided foam tape

I decorated each notebook with CS stamped with Tim's stamps.
The front side was covered with a piece of CS with a collage of Tim's stamps on it.
The back side was covered with a piece of CS with a single Tim's stamp on it.

The altered dominoes and the bookmarks were made using Alcohol inks and stamping with black StazOn ink on them.

(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

Sweet Mini Butterflies Card

This is my 1st card this week as Card Captain of the Michael Strong's Yahoo group.

Every month there's a sketch challenge at the Michael Strong's Yahoo group and this is the sketch for June and July.

I used this sketch once and I loved the Birds Flight Card, so I created a similar card with mini butterflies.

Ingredients:
Cream leather textured CS for the card's basis
Recycled CS from a magazine
Basic Grey patterned paper - Pheobe
Michael Strong's Mini Cloisonné Wings stamp set - Butterfly (small)
Dark pink organza ribbon with white dots
Embossing ink
Brown ink
Black EP
Black pen
Dark pink and clear blings
Dark pink artificial flower stamens
Double sided foam tape
EK Success Corner Adorner

I used Michael Strong's Cloisonné Butterfly (small) from the Mini Cloisonné Wings stamp set.
I stamped it on a recycled CS from a magazine and heat embossed it with black EP.
Then I cut the mini Butterflies using TH scissors.
I used dark pink artificial flower stamens for each butterfly's antennas, taped on its back side.
I distressed the patterned paper pieces with brown ink to give it contrasting edges.
I glued the patterned paper and the mini Butterflies 3D, using double sided foam tape, for extra dimension.
The sentiment "Happy Birthday" was written by me on the Basic Grey patterned paper.
I added dark pink and clear blings 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

Spring Is In The Air CD

This is the 5th project I made this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
Today's project is a Spring CD with transparent motifs.
Like spring, it is light and transparent, colorful yet elusive, to remind us that flowers and butterflies are nature's masterpieces.

Ingredients:
Transparent CD, found at the top of a regular CD box
Ranger's Alcohol ink in various colors, regular and metallic
Alcohol Blending Solution
Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink Applicator
A transparency sheet
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Butterfly stamp (large)
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Flower stamp (large)
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Leaves stamp (small)
Stazon ink - Black Jet
TH scissors
Turquoise blings in various sizes
Ranger's Glossy Accents

I started by coloring the transparent CD with Ranger's Alcohol ink in various colors, regular and metallic.
You can see a tutorial demonstrating how to use Ranger's Alcohol ink here.
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Butterfly, Flower and Leaves on a transparency sheet with Black Stazon ink.
I cut them carefully using TH scissors.
I adhered the transparent stamped images on the colored CD using just a few drops of Glossy Accents.
I wanted the transparent stamped images to be in contrast with the colored CD, so I stamped them with black ink and left them uncolored, yet they seem colorful with the CD for their background.
I left the butterfly half flying in the air, not attached to anything, as a symbol of freedom - and also to remind you that some days are still colorless… spring isn't here yet.
I added turquoise blings all over for extra glam.

Transparent items are tricky when it comes to taking their photos, as they tend to reflect the light.
I hope you can still see the colors well, and even the butterfly's shade on the white background underneath it.

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

Michael Strong 15 Challenge Card & a Giveaway Alert

Here is my card for the 15 challenge at enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group
The challenge requires to create a card with exactly 15 elements - no more, no less - and to use any Michael Strong's stamp (the card's basis doesn't count as one of the 15 elements).
When I read the challenge's requirements, the idea popped into my head right away.
I just love Michael Strong's stamps, as you could have noticed.
And what's the symbol of love? A heart, of course.
So I created the main motif - a heart made of flowers.
There are 14 flowers, and the heart itself is the 15th element.
It may seem very simple but it required some work.
I like its minimalist, clean look, as it enables to focus on the main motif.
Don't forget, sometimes less is more…

Ingredients:
Light blue leather textured CS for the card's basis
Red leather textured CS
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Flower Stamp (small)
Stazon ink - Black
Double sided foam tape

The heart
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Flower on red leather textured CS with black Stazon ink, 14 times.
I cut out 14 identical flowers, using TH scissors.
I arranged the flowers in a heart shape, and glued them one by one directly onto the card's basis.
I glued them 3D, using double sided foam tape, for extra dimension.

Tomorrow, April 1st, is my birthday, so I'm having a little Giveaway for my readers. Stay tuned…

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

Gatefold Card With Inner Money Pocket

Here's the 4th card I made for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
Today is Technique Thursday, so I'm going to explain how to make this card.
When creating this card I was inspired by an Israeli scrapbooking friend from Eilat. Her name is Tal Solomons (she doesn't have a blog…yet) and the basic card was her idea. I upgraded it by adding the inner money pocket.
You can put a tag in this pocket instead of money. I left enough space inside the card for writing wishes.
This card was minimally decorated, and it's also suitable for men.
It took me more time to write the explanation than to make the card… it's easy and fun to make.
You're welcome to try it. I'd be happy to see what you created.

Ingredients:
Cream leather textured CS for the card's basis (A4 size)
Basic Grey patterned paper - Boxer
Red and cream leather textured CS
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Flower stamp (small)
Stazon ink - Black
Clear and red blings
Double sided adhesion tape

I used one A4 sheet of cream leather textured CS to make the card's basis.
I cut it to the size of 28.5x15 cms.
I made creases and folded it into 3 exactly identical panels. The folds should be at 9.5 cms and 19 cms.
I made a diagonal cut on the right panel, starting at 4.3 cms from the top and ending at 4.7 cms from the bottom (be exact, as both panels should match).
I saved the cut-out piece to be used later as the money pocket.
Then, flapping the right panel on the left panel, I used a pencil to draw the exact line for cutting the left panel.
I cut the left panel along the line and checked that both panels flap to a nice closure.
Then I used double sided adhesion tape to attach the inner pocket (left from cutting the right panel, remember?) to the inner side of the left panel.

Here the pocket was made of the same CS as the card's basis, so it seems like an integral part of the card. To make the pocket more visible, use another paper or decorate this CS as shown on the outer panels.

I decorated the card's outer panels using Basic Grey patterned paper (Boxer), which I cut diagonally and a bit smaller than the flapping panels.
I punched regular and scalloped circles in 2 sizes (2 of each) out of red and cream leather textured CS.
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Flower stamp on red leather textured CS using Stazon black ink, and cut the stamped images with scissors.
I glued the stamped flower on the circle and then on the scalloped circle twice, creating 2 identical motifs.
I attached one motif to the inner money pocket for decoration.
I attached the other motif to the outer side of the card on its right panel. It was glued in the middle of the lower diagonally cut side, only half glued to the panel and half not glued (this will close the card nicely).
Finally, I added clear and red blings 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