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 I still have several former unpublished creations to share with you, and I also plan a little Giveaway soon.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

Happy Birthday Dragonfly Card

Here's my 5th card for this week as Card Captain at the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.

It's a birthday card in contrasting colors, with a flying dragonfly.

 

Supplies used:

Cream CS for the card's basis
Chocolate brown CS
Crafty Individuals patterned paper - Book 1
Light blue CS (from the white CS pack cover)
Vellum (Parchment) paper
Cuttlebug embossing folder - Polka Dot
Michael Strong Cloisonné Dragonfly Stamp (large)
Emboss Ink
Orange embossing powder
White half pearls with sticky back
Rub-on - the sentiment
Diamond Glaze
3D double-sided foam tape

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Dragonfly stamp on Vellum (Parchment) paper, using Emboss ink and orange EP, and heat embossed it.

I cut it with scissors and glued it with Diamond Glaze only in the center, so the wings seem to be flying in the air.
I layered the papers, adhered the CS with the rub-on sentiment 3D, and added white half pearls with sticky back 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

Happy Birthday Ornate and Owl Card

This is my 2nd card this week as Card Captain at the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.

For this card I chose brown and light blue as the dominant colors, and Michael Strong Cloisonné Owl Stamp as my main motif.

Supplies used:

White leather textured CS for the card's basis
Chocolate brown CS
Light blue CS (from the white CS pack cover)
Basic Grey patterned paper
White recycled CS for stamping (from a tea pack)
Sizzix Bigz Ornate Plate Die
Michael Strong Cloisonné Owl Stamp
Emboss Ink
Michael Strong embossing powder - Weathered Copper
ProMarkers
Light blue blings in various sizes
Clear blings
3D double-sided foam tape

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Owl using Emboss Ink, and heat embossed it using Michael Strong embossing powder - Weathered Copper.

It has a unique color mixture, which gives a very special and beautiful result.
I carefully cut it with scissors, colored it using ProMarkers, and added clear blings for the Owl's eyes.
Then I layered the papers, glued the Ornate Plate die and added the Owl 3D.
Finally, I added light blue blings in various 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

Happy Birthday Butterfly and Rosette Card

 

This week it is my turn to be Card Captain at the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group (oh, how I've missed it!)

I created this birthday card for a dear friend, in warm colors and an elegant look. The main motifs are 3D and there are blings for glam.

Supplies used:

Cream CS for the card's basis

Chocolate brown CS

Basic Grey patterned paper

Black leather textured CS

Shiny gold paper

Red leather textured CS for stamping

Brown and dark beige CS for the Rosette

Michael Strong Cloisonné Butterfly Stamp (large)

VersaFine ink - Onyx Black

Spellbinders Nestabilities - Lattice Rectangles (medium)

Tim Holtz Paper Rosette Die

Red and clear blings

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Butterfly using VersaFine ink - Onyx Black.

I cut it with scissors and glued it only in the center, so the wings seem to be flying in the air.

I made a paper rosette in matching colors.

Then I layered the papers, glued the butterfly and the rosette 3D, and added red 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

Black, White and Grey Fish Card

Here's my Black, White and Grey Fish Card, which was my entry to May's challenge of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
Supplies used:
Black leather textured CS for the card's basis
Dark grey leather textured CS
White CS
Silver CS
Patterned paper - Michael Strong's printed black and white panel
DOUBLE ARCHES Martha Stewart LARGE Punch Around Combo
Michael Strong Cloisonné Fish stamp
Embossing ink
White EP
White half pearls with sticky back

The challenge included using this Grey panel by Michael Strong:

And yes, my card was chosen by Mike as one of the winners, so I got his new Hexagon stamp as a prize. It's beautiful… I can't wait to try it.

(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

Japanese Fan and Sakura Flowers Card

Here is my 5th card for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group

I created this card in a color combo which is suitable for a man or for a woman, and fits any occasion.
It has a clean and simple look to it, following the Japanese theme.

Supplies used:
White leather textured CS for the card's basis
White CS leather textured for stamping and punching
Basic Grey patterned paper - Boxer
Michael Strong Cloisonné Silhouette Fans Stamp (large)
Embossing ink
White EP
Distressed Stripes Cuttlebug embossing folder
Sakura Flower punch
Ranger's Distress Ink - faded jeans
Distress Ink applicator
Red blings
Double sided foam tape

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Silhouette Fan large stamp using Embossing ink and heat embossed it using white EP, then I cut it with scissors.
I embossed a piece of white CS using the Distressed Stripes Cuttlebug embossing folder and colored it with the ink applicator and Ranger's Distress Ink (faded jeans).
I layered it on top of the Basic Grey background paper.
The Silhouette Fan and the punched out Sakura Flowers were glued 3D for extra dimension.
I added 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

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

Like a Fish in Water Box

Here is my 3rd card for this week as Card Captain of the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group

I'm into boxes this week, because they are fun to make and they also seem very practical for little gifts.
I created this box for my swimming tutor, a great guy who actually makes me feel like a fish in the water - hence the fish and the waves motifs.
I filled it up with Taster's Choice coffee and ice coffee bars, which fit perfectly into the box.
I'll give it to him with this Beach Party Card and with a bottle of my home-made delicious coffee liquor (the guy just loves coffee!)

Supplies used:
Cream leather textured CS for the box
Basic Grey patterned paper - Archaic
Turquoise CS
Grey leather textured CS
Scor-Pal
1" circle punch
Michael Strong's Hetty's Coffee Cup Set
Michael Strong Cloisonné Fish Stamp
Embossing ink
Silver EP
White EP
Turquoise blingWhite sticky back half pearls
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 stamped Michael Strong Cloisonné Fish using Embossing ink.
I heat embossed it using silver EP and cut it with scissors.
I added a turquoise bling to enhance the eye of the fish.
I stamped the turquoise CS with Michael Strong's Hetty's Coffee Cup Set - the steam panel wonderfully resembles waves in the water - and heat embossed it using white EP.
The steam panel and the Fish were glued 3D for extra dimension.
I added the pearls to resemble water bubbles.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a 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

Happy Birthday Hummingbird and Rosette Card

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

I created this birthday card in optimistic colors with a romantic chic.

It is also my interpretation of this month's sketch (#43) at the group.

Supplies used:
Cream CS for the card's basis
Papermania patterned paper - Origins (2 pages)
Cream CS for the Ornamental die
Patterned paper for the Rosette (from a friend)
Recycled white CS (from a tea pack) for stamping
Sizzix Movers & Shapers Die - Ornamental by Tim Holtz
Sizzix Sizzlitz Decorative Strip Die - Paper Rosette by Tim Holtz
Michael Strong Cloisonné Hummingbird Stamp (small)
Embossing ink
Michael Strong Midnight Black EP
ProMarkers - Vanilla, Tulip Yellow
Ranger's Distress Ink - fired brick
Black lace
Sentiment - "Happy Birthday" gold rub-on
Tiny clear bling

Black gel pen

Double sided foam tape

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Hummingbird using Embossing ink.
I heat embossed it using Michael Strong Midnight Black EP.
Then I cut it and colored it using ProMarkers. I added a tiny clear bling for the bird's eye.
I distressed the background patterned paper and the Ornamental die using Ranger's Distress Ink - fired brick.
I used a black gel pen to draw faux stitches around the Ornamental die.
Then I layered the papers according to the sketch and added the black lace.
I added the rub-on sentiment.
The Rosette and the Hummingbird 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

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