The Key To My Heart Canvas

Here's my entry to the MS Winter Challenge, using the bare tree as required.

It's a Mixed Media canvas.

I thought of the tree as a Keys tree, where one of the keys may be the key to my heart...

Materials used:

20 x20 cms (8 x8 inches) canvas

DecoArt acrylic colors

Basic Grey patterned paper

Ancient Keys die cut by All Occasion Dies

Silver CS for the keys, which was the cover of a disposable baking tray

Michael Strong Cloisonné Heart stamp

Red CS, for stamping the heart

Transparency sheet, for stamping the heart – 2^nd layer

Andy Skinner's HAVE YOUR SAY stencil

Modeling paste

Red ProMarker

Design By Ryn's Raindrop stamp

Ranger's Numbers Game stamp

VersaFine Onyx Black ink

Ranger's Fired Brick distress ink

Washi Tape

White Gel pen

Challenges

MS 2015/16 Winter Challenge

Designs By Ryn - March Customer Creation Challenge

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

Wise Owl and Leaves Card

Here's another Michael Strong card in shades of green, using the Whimsical Owls stamp set.

I colored the Owl using ProMarkers, and glued it 3D to add some dimension.

The background was embossed with numbers, then colored and edged using Ranger Distress Inks.

I framed the dark green CS with faux stitches, using a white gel pen.

The leaves are a die cut.

The pearls enhance the Owl's eyes and also draw the corners, and - of course - add some glam.

I added Washi Tape with musical notes… will the Owl sing "Happy Birthday"?

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it) 

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

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 I still have several former unpublished creations to share with you, and I also plan a little Giveaway soon.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

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

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

Not All Who Wander Are Lost.

I made 10 pages for an Art Journal Prompts Swap at AllThingsTim Yahoo Group

Here's one of my pages:

Supplies used:

White Cs
Tim Holtz embossing folders - Retro
Andy Skinner mask by Tando - Children
Inksssentials ink blending tool
Ranger Distress Ink - faded jeans
Tim Holtz stamps - Ultimate Grunge: crackle, bubble wrap, numerals
Tim Holtz stamps - Lost and found: the sentiment "Not All Who Wander Are Lost."
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black, Crimson Red
Ranger Distress Re-inkers - fired brick, pine needle
70% Alcohol in misters
Tattered Angels - Glimmer Mist - Cosmos
Tattered Angels - Glimmer Mist Chalkboard - Grape Ape
Dylusions ink spray - Lemon Zest
White Gel pen

I embossed the white CS with Tim Holtz embossing folders - Retro (2 of them), to give the paper some extra dimension.



I used Andy Skinner mask - Children, inked it and then sprayed all over it, using various colors and glimmer mists.

I stamped several images occasionally.

Then I highlighted the children and the sentiment with a white gel pen.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Decorative Corner Bookmarks

This is my 4th creation for this week as Card Captain at the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
It's Technique Thursday, so I used a tutorial I found in Hetty's blog - thank you, Hetty!

You can use any patterned paper and any flat embellishments to decorate your bookmarks.

Michael Strong's small stamps are perfect for decorating bookmarks, as well as other objects - they seem to fit everywhere!
Bookmarks are always useful (I read several books simultaneously), and a lovely addition to any gift, especially to books…

Supplies used:

ScorPal
Bone folder
Basic Grey and Making Memories 6" x 6" patterned papers
Recycled cereal box (white and kraft) and leather textured CS (red) for stamping
Ranger Distress ink - gathered twigs
Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool
Michael Strong stamps - Cloisonné Fan (small), Cloisonné Dragonfly (small), Hetty's Coffee Cup (small)
Emboss Ink
Embossing powder - black and brown
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black
Purple Sharpie marker

You can find the Tutorial here. The steps are easy to follow, and there's also a video tutorial.

For double sided CS, I used it as it is.
For patterned CS with a white back, I used Ranger Distress ink - gathered twigs to color the white part which can be seen after folding.

I folded the papers according to the instructions.

I stamped Michael Strong's stamps - the Coffee Cup and the Dragonfly - using Emboss Ink, and heat embossed it using brown and black EP.
I stamped the Fan using VersaFine ink - Onyx Black.
I cut them all with scissors and glued each stamp on a folded bookmark.

Here's how the bookmark looks on a book.
Don't forget to keep on reading…
(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed. Have a creative day! Dorly

Gold And Glitter Mingle Cards Swap

These are the cards I created for the Michael Strong Gold And Glitter Mingle Cards Swap, which took place at the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.

I made 2 very similar cards for 2 group members, one was sent to Australia and the other to the US.

I chose contrasting colors - black and gold, and the Gecko which is a symbol of good luck.

Supplies used:
Cream CS for the card's basis
Textured patterned paper - Making Memories - Metallique Floral Brocade Varn
Black CS
Shiny gold paper
Martha Stewart Deep Edger Punch - Garden Trellis
EK Success Corner Adorner
Michael Strong stamp - Gecko (large)
Embossing ink
Gold EP
Ranger's Stickles - green

Double-sided foam tape

Green envelopes

I chose a matt gold patterned paper which has a lovely texture to it, as if it's been embossed all over.
I punched both the black CS and the shiny gold paper, using Martha Stewart Deep Edger Punch - Garden Trellis.
I rounded the corners of another piece of the shiny gold paper and layered all the papers onto the crad's basis.
Then I stamped Michael Strong's Gecko on black CS, using embossing ink.
I heat embossed it with gold embossing powder and cut it with scissors.
The Gecko was glued 3D for extra dimension.
I decorated a bit here and there with some green stickles for glitter and 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 ATC Swap - Soar

This is the ATC I created for the Michael Strong ATC Swap, which took place in May 2012 at the enjoyMichaelStrongstamps Yahoo Group.
I made several ATCs, 6 for the swap and extras for myself and for 2 friends.
Some were decorated with a Hummingbird, some with a Dragonfly.

Supplies used:
Recycled Manila CS, cut to ATC size (2.5 x 3.5 inches)
White CS from a recycled box
Ranger's Distress ink - tattered rose, worn lipstick
Inkessentials Distress ink applicator
Michael Strong stamp - The Lily Set (background panel)
Michael Strong stamp - Hummingbird (small)
Michael Strong stamp - Dragonfly (small)
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black
Embossing ink
Black EP
Cream ric-rac ribbon
Tiny pink bling
Clear bling
Double-sided foam tape

To create the background, I stamped Michael Strong's Lily background panel, using VersaFine ink - Onyx Black.
I randomly applied Ranger's Distress ink - tattered rose and worn lipstick - using the Inkessentials Distress ink applicator.
Then I stamped Michael Strong's Hummingbird and Dragonfly (here you only see the ATC with the Hummingbird) on white CS from a recycled box, using embossing ink.
I heat embossed it with black embossing powder and cut it accurately with scissors.
I distressed the edges of the Soar (computer printed) label using Ranger's Distress ink - worn lipstick.
I used a cream ric-rac ribbon to enhance the bird which seems to be flying over it.
Both the Hummingbird and the Soar label were glued 3D for extra dimension.
Can you see the shade of the flying bird?
And the bird's beak is aiming into the flower center, hoping to find some honeydew… there's nothing but distress ink in there! (lol)

I added a tiny pink bling for the bird's eye, and a clear bling for the label, 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 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

Wonderful Heart Gift Box

I made this gift box for a special, wonderful woman with a very kind heart.
I think the design says it all.
I gave her this box with a tag and with a turquoise beads bracelet, hand made by me, as a gift to her.

Supplies used for the box:

Cream leather textured CS for the Box

Red leather textured CS

Basic Grey patterned paper - boxer
Ranger's Distress ink - Fired Brick
Wonderful stamp -DoCrafts
VersaFine ink - Onyx Black
Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart Stamp (large)

Embossing ink

Gold EP

Clear blings

Scor-Pal

1" circle punch

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 adhering 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 distressed the patterned paper using Ranger's Distress ink - fired brick.

I stamped Michael Strong's Cloisonné Heart using Embossing ink.

I heat embossed it using gold EP, and cut it with scissors.

Then I stamped the Wonderful stamp using VersaFine ink - Onyx Black.
I adhered both stamped images using double sided foam tape for extra dimension.
I added clear blings for a glamorous look.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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

Camouflage 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 5th card for this week, in military camouflage colors.
I made this card for my son who's a soldier. He's about to finish one of his very difficult military trainings.
I'm sure you understand why I can't give you any details (I wish I could say more, but it's all top secret), so trust me that all the elements and colors in the card perfectly match the spirit of what he's doing.
I wish him good luck in his future military service.
I miss him badly when he's away but I'm very proud of him!
As peace is rare in our country, all I can wish for is that he comes back home safe from those dangerous actions he won't tell me about.

Materials used:
Black canvas textured CS for the card's basis
White CSCuttlebug embossing folder - Distressed StripesRanger's Distress ink - Tea Dye, Crushed Olive, Forest MossA recycled piece of a cereals package Mat gold canvas textured CS
Michael Strong's Fleur De Lis Die Cutters
Camouflage colors cotton ribbonClear blings
3D double sided foam tape

I embossed the white CS through the Cuttlebug and distressed it using Ranger's Distress ink - Tea Dye, Crushed Olive and Forest Moss, trying to give it a camouflage effect.
I printed the text "I'll Be Watching You ..." on a recycled piece of a cereals package and colored it using Ranger's Distress ink - Tea Dye.
I adhered a camouflage colors cotton ribbon.
I used Michael Strong's Fleur De Lis Die Cutters to cut the shape out of mat gold canvas textured CS.
I glued all the elements 3D for extra dimension.
I added several clear blings to resemble the lights in the darkness.

(You can enlarge each photo by clicking on it)

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