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

Swimming Gold Fish Card

Here's a card I'm sharing as your Card Captain today for the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.

I made this clean and simple card for my swimming tutor.
She actually made me feel like a fish in the water (and also taught me another swimming style), and she asked for a hand-made card attached to her gift.
The Fish somehow seemed most appropriate.


Supplies used:

Cream CS for the card's basis
Orange paper from a magazine
Striped patterned paper from my stash
White CS for embossing
Dark orange leather textured CS for the Fish
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Distressed Stripes
Ranger's Distress Ink - spiced marmalade, faded jeans
Michael Strong Cloisonné Fish stamp
Embossing ink
Orange EP
White and orange Baker's Twine
White half pearls with sticky back
Double sided foam tape

I chose water themed colors to go along with the main motif - the Fish, and contrasting shades of orange to accent the blue.
I used Ranger's Distress Ink - spiced marmalade, to give the striped patterned paper a more distinct look by accenting its edges.
I used white CS with the Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Distressed Stripes, and Ranger's Distress Ink - faded jeans, to create the blue background which resembles waves.
I layered the papers, tied a piece of white and orange Baker's Twine ,and then the Fish was glued 3D with foam tape for extra dimension.
I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fish on dark orange leather textured CS, heat embossed it with orange EP and cut it out using TH scissors.
I added several white 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

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

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

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

Beach Party Card

I made this card for the Michael Strong Yahoo group July Challenge.
It's a pocket card with a tag. I left some space on the tag to write a greeting.
The fish look like they're actually swimming in the water!
It's a fun card and if you're inspired to make one yourself, here's the tutorial


Supplies used:
Turquoise canvas textured CS
Cream canvas textured CS
Michael Strong Mini Cloisonné Creatures - Fish, Seastar, Shell
VersaFine ink pad - Onyx Black
Ziplock bag
Hair gel
Orange organza ribbon
Scor-Pal
EK Success Corner Adorner
EK Success 1.75 inch Circle punch

You can see how it looks like when the tag is out.
The Seastar and the Shell 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

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

Summertime Card

I made this Summertime card challenging myself not only to the summer theme (well, it's very hot and humid in Israel!) but also to overcome my natural perfectionism by tearing papers, instead of cutting them very accurately as I often do.

I managed to actually tear a few papers, and I even enjoyed it!
The background is turquoise CS, and on top of it there's a light blue canvas textured CS.
The sea waves are made of Core'dinations Whitewash CS. It's another canvas textured CS which has great colors and a white wash finish over them. The colors can be revealed when the paper is being torn or sanded.
I tore it to expose the lower blue layer underneath the white wash upper layer.
The 3 layers of seaside sand were made of delicate sanding paper, torn roughly (yes, again!)
Both the sea waves and the seaside sand were glued 3d for extra dimension.
The sun is a combination of one Michael Strong's Cloisonné Circle and 8 Michael Strong's Cloisonné small Triangle pieces. Each one of them was separately stamped with black Stazon ink on bright yellow CS, cut with scissors and glued 3d for extra dimension.
Then I added the fish showing in between the waves.
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fish was stamped and heat embossed with white EP on a blue CS, and the bubbles coming out of its mouth are half pearls.
The fish was also glued 3d. I sure used a lot of double sided foam tape on this card…

I enclosed photos of side views and closeups. You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it.

This card is being entered to the following challenge:

Michael Strong's Summer Card

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

Same Fish, Another Wish

This is the page I made in Ruthy's deco themed "Once Upon A Time".
For the water background I used bubbles stamped with sparkly white ink on blue paper, and a piece of bubble wrap attached with decorative pins.
The postcard, which fits exactly, was taken from my never-throw-anything-away stash, its side punched to resemble a page torn from a book.
I added Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fish, stamped and heat embossed with copper embossing powder on an orange CS. You can see how different the gold fish looks like when used in a different context.
The text says:
"Once upon a time there lived an old fisherman... Do grownups believe in fairy tales? If you do - make a wish... the gold fish is waiting!"
It's an homage to Alexander Pushkin's tale "The Fisherman and the Golden Fish".

If you want to know more about decos, you're welcome to read my article here

Gold Fish, Grant Me A Wish

I made this card for a friend who likes purple. I hope she likes it.
On the outside I used light purple pearly textured CS, dark purple CS with embossed whirling stars, Michael Strong's Cloisonné Fish stamp - heat embossed with copper embossing powder on an orange CS, cut and glued 3D for extra dimension, and white pearls for the water bubbles.
Inside there are several die cuts, a fish in a jar (cut from a magazine), and hand-written sentiments.
I added a few words later, on the white circle.
Make a wish… it may come true!