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

An Ocean of Fun and Adventure 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 2nd card for this week is An Ocean of Fun and Adventure Card.

I used MichaelStrong's Cloisonné Fish stamp (large).

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

My son just got his Scuba Diving license in the mail, so I simply had to recycle the lovely nautical themed paper which came with it.

I created the background by stamping over that paper, and added some Washi Tape and a postal stamp.

I stamped Michael Strong's Fish, heat embossed it and cut it, then I added a few pearls which seem like the bubbles coming out of its mouth.

Then I pearls and 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

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

Happy Spring Card

Here's a card I'm sharing as your Card Captain today for the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
I created this card in vivid, primary colors, to enhance nature and its sheer beauty.

I love the tiny Hummingbird, which is flying high above the fields.
Things must seem different from the bird's point of view.
Don't you sometimes wish you could fly?

Supplies used:

Cream CS for the card's basis
Yellow paper from a magazine
Red leather textured CS
White canvas textured CS, with Aqua painting printed on it
Turquoise paper for stamping
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Diamond Plate
Michael Strong Cloisonné Hummingbird stamp (small)
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black
Michael Strong Mini Wings Metal Die Cutter Set
Tiny clear bling
White Gel pen
Double sided foam tape

I chose this Aqua painting, printed on heavy white canvas textured CS, as the main focal point of the card.
Can you feel that spring is in the air?
I used yellow paper (recycled from a magazine) with the Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Diamond Plate - as my main background.

This embossing resembles the tracks left by a tractor plowing the field, which fits the painting (artist unknown, taken from an advertisement).

Then I layered the red leather textured CS, and then the CS with the Aqua painting.
I added faux stitches, using a white Gel pen.
I stamped Michael Strong Cloisonné small Hummingbird on turquoise paper, using VersaFine ink - Onyx Black, and cut it using Michael Strong Mini Wings Metal Die Cutters - they cut like butter!
I added a tiny bling for the Hummingbird's eye.
The Hummingbird was glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension, so when you look at the card from its lower view you can see the bird's shade - it seems to be actually flying in the air.
As long as it doesn't fly away from my card, I'm OK with it…

 

(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

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

Christmas ATCs Swap

Recently I hosted a Christmas ATCs swap at the AllThingsTim-Euro Yahoo group.
We don't celebrate Christmas, but it's a lovely holiday and I enjoy creating Christmas related items.
Here are the ATCs I created (I made 6 similar ATCs).

Supplies used:
Recycled thick CS for the ATC
Background papers - patterned paper by Crafty Individuals - Book 2 (Christmas)
Black, red, green, brown, Kraft and cream CS
Sizzix Bigz Die - Reindeer Flight by Tim Holtz
Recycled white CS for the snowflakes
Snowflake 1" punch
Round tiny clear blings
White half pearls with sticky back
3D double sided foam tape
Diamond Glaze
Snowflake stamp from my stash
Black VersaFine ink

First I cut and adhered the background papers to the ATCs.
Then I added the the Reindeer, glued 3D for extra dimension.
I glued the punched out snowflakes using Diamond Glaze.
I added tiny clear blings for the Reindeer's eyes and white half pearls on the white snowflake, for extra glam.
I added my details on the back side of the ATC and stamped the Snowflake stamp in black ink for more decoration.

Here are my 6 ATCs:

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Winter Tags Swap

Recently I hosted a Winter Tags swap at the AllThingsTim-Euro Yahoo group.
Here is the tag I created (I made 6 tags).
The winter in Israel is often very sunny, and it only rains heavily from time to time.
So along with the black Umbrella Man for rainy days, the background reflects the sunny weather.
The stamp's sentiment is a motif we should all think of.

Supplies used:
White CS for the tag
Recycled CS for stamping
Black leather textured CS
Ranger's Distress Ink - Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Rusty Hinge
Black VersaFine ink
Tim Holtz embossing folder - Rays
Sizzix Bigz Die - Umbrella Man by Tim Holtz
Tim Holtz stamp - Life is not about…
Ticket punch
Satin ribbon and fibers from my stash
Round and flower shaped blings
3D double sided foam tape

First I embossed the tag through the Cuttlebug using Tim Holtz embossing folder - Rays.
Then I used Ranger's Distress Ink (Mustard Seed and Spiced Marmalade) for the background.
I stamped the Tim Holtz stamp using Black VersaFine ink on a piece of recycled CS.
I used the Ticket punch to cut off the corners of the stamped sentiment.
The Umbrella Man and the stamped piece of CS were glued 3D for extra dimension.
I distressed the tag's edges using Ranger's Distress Ink (Rusty Hinge).
I added round and flower shaped blings for extra glam.
I added satin ribbons and fibers.
I added my details on the back side of the tag.
Here are my 6 tags.

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

Steampunk Tags Swap

I created these tags for a Steampunk Tags Swap which took place at the AllThingsTim Yahoo group .
I made 9 similar (but not identical) tags. I've sent 7 tags and kept two - one for myself and one can be traded. If you're interested, please let me know.
I chose vintage colors and earth tones with some blue and striking red for a dramatic contrast.

Supplies used:
Manila CS
Patterned paper - commercials of a fashion designer
Shoe boxes recycled cardboard - blue (Reebok), and kraft and dark red (Saucony)
Red CS
Tim Holtz Steampunk stamp set
Tim Holtz Sizzix Bigz Die - Gadget Gears
Ranger's Distress Ink - Fired Brick, Tea dye, Weathered Wood
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black
EK Success punch - Folk Heart
Pure alcohol
Ranger's Glossy Accents
Color changing soft fibers
Satin blue ribbon
Checkered ribbon with changing colors
3D double sided foam tape

For the tag's front side I've cut Tim's #8 tags out of commercials of a fashion designer CS.
It had old machine parts printed all over it, in vintage colors, which was perfect for my tags.
I distressed the papers with Tea Dye distress ink.
I added the text "Without heart we are just machines", printed on the same CS back side, and distressed it with Fired Brick distress ink.
I sprayed alcohol on each piece to enhance the colors and to fixate them.
The folk heart was punched out of bright red CS and was glazed with several coats of Glossy Accents for a shiny look.
I stacked several Gadget Gears dies, cut out of recycled shoe boxes cardboard in various colors.

For the tag's back side I've stamped 2 different stamps from Tim Holtz Steampunk stamp set using black ink on manila CS, and then distressed it with Tea Dye distress ink.
I added a few more Gadget Gears dies, cut out of recycled shoe boxes cardboard in various colors.

All the embellishments were glued using 3D foam tape for extra dimension.
I chopped the tags' corners with TH scissors, punched holes with the Crop-A-Dile and distressed the edges using Ranger's Distress Ink (Tea Dye).
Then I added colorful soft fibers, a blue satin ribbon and a checkered ribbon from my stash.
I also added my info on each tag's back side, printed and colored with Weathered Wood distress ink.

And here are all my 9 tags:

I have an extra tag - who wants it?
(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Sailing Adventure for Hot Summer Days

I created these tags for a Summer Tags Swap which took place at the AllThingsTim-Euro Yahoo group.
I made 6 tags. I've sent 5 tags and kept one for myself.


Supplies used:
White CS
Old book's pages
White printer's paper
Recycled tea package
Tim Holtz Air travel stamp set - world map and compass
Cuttlebug embossing folder - Distressed Stripes
Ranger's Distress Ink - Scattered Straw, Rusty Hinge, Frayed Burlap, Fired Brick, Black Soot, Faded Jeans, Broken China
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black
Plastic coffee stirring spoons
Color changing soft fibers (in 2 colors)
Organza blue ribbon
Light blue half pearls with sticky back
Pure alcohol
Ranger's Glossy Accents
3D double sided foam tape
Ink blending tool
Tim Holtz scissors

I started with #8 tags, which I cut out of white CS.
The tag's front side
I used mostly stamps and distressed inks, blending several ink colors until I was satisfied with the results.
I stamped Tim Holtz Air travel stamp set - world map using black VersaFine ink, and covered it with Distress Ink - Scattered Straw and Rusty Hinge.
I stamped the compass on a piece of recycled tea package.
I colored it using other Distress Ink - Frayed Burlap and Fired Brick, and Black Soot for the edges.
The compass was cut with scissors and glued using a 3D foam tape for extra dimension.

The lower part was made of a separate piece of CS, Cuttlebug'd using the Distressed Stripes embossing folder.
I flipped it so the stripes became horizontal, to resemble sea waves.
I used Distress Ink - Faded Jeans and Broken China, and added light blue half pearls with sticky back for some glam.
I sprayed pure alcohol wherever I used the Distress Ink in order to enhance and to fixate the colors.

The boat is the main motif on this tag and it's very outstanding.
It was created from an old book's page, using an Origami folding.
It was glued using a 3D foam tape for extra dimension, and it's wider than the tag itself.
I used a brown plastic coffee stirring spoon (cut with a cutting tool) for the oar.

The tag's back side
I covered it with an old book's page, matching the one the boat was made of.
I added my details, printed and distressed with Distress Ink - Faded Jeans, to add some color to the back side.
I added an organza ribbon and fluffy fibers from my stash, in matching colors.
And here are all my 6 tags:

I hope you've had a great summer!
(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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