Watercoloring With Sparkle Pens

Hello!  It's Lisa from Lisa's Creative Niche and I am so happy to be back as a Guest Designer today, and I am so thankful to Tanya and Brooke for having me!  Today I wanted to share a few tips as well as a card using Sparkle Pens for watercoloring.

Sparkle Pens are perfect for watercoloring because you are able to squeeze some of the color onto a mat and use a paintbrush and water to pick it up.  Plus as an added bonus everything sparkles!

For this card I started by heat embossing the  Crafter's Companion Colorista Aqua Stamp Set: Love with White Embossing Powder onto Watercolor Cardstock.

I then added colors from the Spectrum Noir Summer Time Sparkle Pen Set onto my Kraft Mat.  When added color to embossed images I like to lay down plain water with my brush first and then go in with a touch of color.  This can create natural shading as the water dries.  I did this for the entire image.  I finished the card by adding a few splashes of blue, before adding the vellum sentiment from the Spectrum Noir Colorista Aqua Toppers and Vellum Set.

I chose not to add any other embellishments as I feel the sparkle from the pens was enough on it's own.  A few tips I learned along the way.... A little color from these pens goes a long way.  I put more color on my kraft mat than was needed, so I suggest using a little and added as you go.  Second, you can choose to move the colors around with a clear Sparkle Pen after it has dried.  This will give you extra shine, but remember to wipe off the brush before changing colors as it will pick up each color.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope I've inspired you to use those sparkle pens as a focal point and not just as an additive.
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Supplies Used: Cardstock: Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Cardstock, Spectrum Noir Aqua Watercolor Cardstock, Crafters Companion White Embossing Powder, Versamark Ink Pad by Tsukineko, Crafter's Companion Colorista Aqua Stamp Set: Love , Spectrum Noir Summer Time Sparkle Pen Set, Spectrum Noir Colorista Aqua Toppers and Vellum Set, Paintbrush, water.

Guest Designer for CardMaker Magazine

Ahhh!!!  I'm so excited, because today I am a Guest Designer on the CardMaker Magazine Blog! Woot Woot!  I LOVE their magazine and have been a subscriber for years.  I've also had the humbling pleasure to be published several times in various issues of their Magazine.  If you are a card maker I highly recommend subscribing to their publication as there are always so many tips, techniques, and inspiring projects for you to check out quarterly.  Here is a peek at what I'm sharing today on the blog, and it's all about thinking outside of your craft room...

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

CAS-ual Fridays and CardMaker Blog Hop

Hello!!!  Happy hop day!!!  And this hop is sure to make you happy as it is all things floral!  Take a peek at my flowery project using one of the newest sets called Tutu.  (This set is sold out in the CAS-ual Fridays store, but you can still find some at SSS and 7KidsCollegeFund I believe)

To create my card I started by embossing my image and sentiment with gold embossing powder.  Next, I went over the sweet little tutu and floral hair with a white gel pen.  I layered this panel up with some floral patterned paper and another layer of polka dot patterned paper.  To finish the card off I used the CAS-ual Friday's Limited Edition Sistahood Sparkle sequins.

Thanks so much for visiting me today, and make sure you check out all of the stops on the hop for your chance to win a little something too!  Here is a complete list of participants...

CardMaker: http://www.cardmakermagazine.com/blog/
Kelly Griglione:  http://notablenest.blogspot.com/
Jen Shults: https://deconstructingjen.com/
Jeanne Jachna:  http://akeptlife.blogspot.com/
Savannah O’Gwynn: http://savannahland2.blogspot.com/
Kimberly Rendino:  http://kimpletekreativity.blogspot.com/
Teresa Kline: http://paperieblooms.blogspot.com/
Laurel Beard:  http://www.laurelbeard.org/
Clare Prezzia: http://bearydocardsinc.blogspot.com/
Lisa Lahiff:  http://lisascreativeniche.blogspot.com/   --- YOU ARE HERE
Maureen Merritt:  http://www.mamamostamps.com/ --- GO HERE NEXT
Gaylynn Martling: https://neatnook.blogspot.com/
Nora Noll:  https://acreativetouch.blogspot.com/
Nicole Coursey: https://deconstructingjen.com/
Shona Chambers:  http://twinearound.blogspot.com/
Diana Carr: http://www.secretlifeofpaper.com/
Vicki Dutcher:  http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/
CAS-ual Fridays Stamps: http://cas-ualfridaysstamps.blogspot.com/

And if you just have to have some of these goodies for yourself now then take this code to save a little money on the way...

Happy Hopping/Crafting/Shopping!
Lisa

CardMaker Magazine Blog Post

Hello!  Today I am up on the CardMaker Magazine Blog sharing a step by step photo tutorial for a trifecta of techniques including stenciling, heat embossing and watercoloring. woo hoo!  I would love if you had time to stop over there give a little hello and check my how to on this technique... as always I have a little sneak to share with you here...

Thank you so much and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Avery Elle and CardMaker Magazine Blog Hop and Giveaway!!!!

Hello, and hoorayyyyyy it's a blog hop day!!!!!  I'm so excited to be here with you today, and getting to share some cards I've made with some of the newest products too!  I was lucky to receive the Geek Love Stamp Set and Co-ordinating die set from Jamie at Avery Elle, and I was just tickled pink when I finally saw them in person.  They are seriously the cutest!  Take a peek at what I've created with them....

Isn't she just so fun, and so adorkable?!  I LOVE it!!!  What I really love is how different you can make her look with all of the fun mix and match images that are found in this set.  There is also a very handsome lad in this stamp set too, for those of you who might be in need of some masculine dorkiness, hehehe!

Now for my second card I played more with the co-ordinating die set, and had just has much fun!  From cute and fun to more elegant these dies are so versatile... take a peek...

To create the ombre heart I die cut the heart die three times in three colors all in the same family of pink.  Then while holding all three together at one time I eyeballed it and cut the heart into thirds.  Finally I arranged the cuts from lightest to darkest before gluing them inside the negative heart space.  I really love that there is stitching left around the negative cut too!

Well that is all I have for you today, but there is lots more inspiration to be had from the amazingly talented Melania's blog as well as the other hop participants.  And of course no hop is complete without a giveaway, so if you hop along you will be in the running for a $30 gc to Avery Elle... woo hoo!!!!  Make sure you go to their Blog post for full details on how to get entered.

Full Hop Order:

CardMaker: http://www.cardmakermagazine.com/blog/

Katie Gehring - www.katiegehring.blogspot.com

AJ Otto: http://thewillowgarden.blogspot.com/

Caryn Davies- www.glittermesilly.com 

Anita Mulcahey: http://happypapercrafthappenings.blogspot.com/

Yainea - http://mypaperjourney.blogspot.com/

Lisa Lahiff: http://www.lisascreativeniche.blogspot.com/ - YOU ARE HERE

Melania - melaniadeasy.blogspot.com- GO HERE NEXT

Lois Bak: http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

JJ - www.jjbolton.org

Patti Gilliam: http://cherisheachpreciousday.blogspot.com/

Karolyn - karolyns-paperkraft.blogspot.com

Sarah Ashley Posch: http://thirdsisterhandmade.blogspot.com/

Jamie - blog.averyelle.com

With that being said I would like to end this post with a HUGE thank you to Jamie from Avery Elle for the stamp and die set I was provided with for this hop. I LOVE them!!!!  Seriously!  A thank you to everyone who is in the hop and always providing such amazing inspiration.  And finally a thank you to YOU for taking the time to stop by, visit, leave a little love and all of the support you continue to show.

Happy Crafting/Hopping!

Lisa 

CardMaker Magazine Inspired and on the Blog

Hello!!!  Today I'm sharing a card on the CardMaker Magazine Blog that was inspired from a card in the Spring 2015 issue, so I would love if you could take a moment to see both cards on their blog today!
Here's a peek at mine... ok really it's just what mine looks like, but read more over there!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

CardMaker Magazine Tips and Tricks Post

Hello!  This is post #2 for me today, so if you have time I would love for you to click back and visit my Fairy Kisses Card sharing the new Alley Way Stamp Set Twinkle Toes.  You will also find me on The CardMaker Magazine Blog today sharing some tips and tricks when working with vellum...

I'd love for you to pop on over and see the full post, it makes my day to see my readers visit there too!  Thank you so much!!!!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Sizzix Blog Hop with CardMaker Magazine - HUGE Giveaway

Hello and welcome to the Sizzix and CardMaker Magazine Blog Hop, yay!!!  I had the honor to work with the Sizzix Framelits Die Set - Card, Happy Birthday Step-Ups and the Sizzix Big Shot, which I have to say was a treat I never expected!  Thank you so much Sizzix!!!  The Big Shot has won my die cutting heart, and I know it's going to get it's work out daily.  Let's move onto all of the projects I created for this hop with the same die set...

I have created 3 very different cards for you today.  I really wanted to capture how versatile these dies can be, so that you don't feel limited/stuck with making the same type of card.  My first card is similar to that shown on the cover of this die set, and uses the dies as they are intended...

It was fun to mix and match the patterned papers with this step-up card, and the fun birthday themed dies that come with it.  I really like the look of step-up cards and various other shaped cards, but I usually don't take the time to create one, or I don't think about.  This is where this die set steps in and takes all of the guess work out.  Simply die cut and fold, and ta-da!  I also created a spot on the back of my card to write a more personal/detailed message...

Now for this next card I used softer, more feminine colors.  I also turned the scalloped rectangle dies onto their side and trimmed them to make decorative flags.  I then added a die cut cupcake in matching colors.  Finally I stamped my sentiment, and finished it all with some enamel dots...

My third card took some thinking outside the box, and I really felt like the two cupcake topper dies looked similar to clouds, so that is exactly what I turned them into!  I used the scalloped rectangles to frame and stamp my sentiment onto.

This hop will continue all week long, so I hope you will get a chance to peek at the various projects created by both the Sizzix team and the CardMaker Blog team.  From here you will visit Adrianne Surian: http://happyhourprojects.com/hello-sunshine/ tomorrow on June 3rd.  

**There is also a HUGE giveaway with this hop, so make sure you click over to the Sizzix Blog to find details on how to get yourself entered!!! Hint: Big Shot Machine, 3 die sets and a 1 year Subscription to CardMaker Magazine?! Ah-mazing!!!!

Supplies Used:

Card #1: Dies: Framelits Step-Ups (Stephanie Barnard Sizzix); Die Cutting Machine: Big Shot (Sizzix); Patterned Paper: Hootenanny 6 x 6 (My Mind's Eye); Sequins: Clear (Pretty Pink Posh), Other; Gold thread; Cardstock: Mint, Yellow and Peach; Adhesive: Multi Mono Liquid Glue (Tombow)

Card#2: Dies: Framelits Step-Ups (Stephanie Barnard Sizzix); Die Cutting Machine: Big Shot (Sizzix); Patterned Paper: Nine & Co. (Teresa Collins); Clear Stamps: Dandelion Dreams (Clearly Besotted Stamps); Ink: Versafine - Onyx Black (Tsukineko); Enamel Dots: Sweet Dots (V's Sweet Ideas), Memories (Teresa Collins)

Card#3: Dies: Framelits Step-Ups (Stephanie Barnard Sizzix); Die Cutting Machine: Big Shot (Sizzix); Patterned Paper: Cut & Paste (My Mind's Eye); Clear Stamps: All About You (The Alley Way Stamps); Ink: Versafine - Onyx Black (Tsukineko) Sequins: Evening Shoot Mix (The Ton Stamps)

Thanks so much for stopping by, happy hopping and crafting!!!

Lisa

CardMaker Magazine and Pretty Pink Posh Blog Hop!!! *Giveaway*

Hello!!!!  And eeeekkk!!!  I am so excited this day is here!  If you have just stumbled on my blog I encourage you to start from the beginning on the CardMaker Magazine Blog so you don't miss any of the inspiration you are sure to find using lots of Pretty Pink Posh goodness.

Let's move onto my project(s) for the hop...

 Supplies Used:
Dies: Square die from the Stitched Banner Duo Dies and Stitched Labels 1
Sequins: Springtime sequins mix, Clear sequins in 4 mm and 6 mm, 6 mm Silver Confetti
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper
Vellum Shapes: Crate Paper
Clear Stamp: Mama Elephant Party Kit
Glossy Accents

To create my cards I started with the square die from the Stitched Banner Duo Dies and die cut various patterned paper squares.  Next I sliced them all diagonally and matched them together.  In the third photo below you will see how I arranged them in two different patterns.  And with a few embellishments, sentiments and foam adhesive my cards are complete!

Paulina was so very kind in giving the CardMaker Magazine Designers a few of the Pretty Pink Posh dies and sequins to work with, and I want to take a moment to Thank her for her generosity!  She is also generously providing a prize pack to one of you just for hopping along!  Double Score!  And huge THANKS Paulina!!! ( She is truly one of the sweetest people I have met through blogging, if you don't know her or her products yet you are in for quite the treat! )

Prize Pack:

Includes:
Stitched Borders 1 die cuts
Stitched Banner Duo 2 die cuts
6mm Sparkling Clear sequins
6mm Marigold sequins
6mm Espresso sequins
6mm Mossy Green sequins
6mm Pink Peonies sequins
Silver Confetti
Silver Star Confetti

Now here is the full hop line up so you don't miss a stop...

Blog Hop List

CardMaker: http://www.cardmakermagazine.com/blog/

Lisa Lahiff: http://www.lisascreativeniche.blogspot.com/ - YOU ARE HERE

Patti Gilliam: http://cherisheachpreciousday.blogspot.com/ - GO HERE NEXT

AJ Otto: http://thewillowgarden.blogspot.com/

Sarah Ashley Posch: http://thirdsisterhandmade.blogspot.com/

Anita Mulcahey: http://happypapercrafthappenings.blogspot.com/

Lois Bak: http://clownmomcreations.blogspot.com/

Pretty Pink Posh: http://prettypinkposh.com/blog

Happy Hopping!!!
Lisa

CardMaker Magazine Blog - Scrap Treasures

Hello!  Today you will find me posting on the CardMaker Magazine Blog with a fun card I created from my scraps!  Here is a little peek, and I hope you will get a moment to visit me on their blog and leave a little love... it always means so much to me when you do!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

CardMaker Blog Post

* Scroll down for my first post of the day for SweetStamps.com! You'll love it!
Hi!  Today you will find me sharing an inside look at some of my storage on the CardMaker Magazine Blog... hint hint IKEA for the win!  Hope you will get a change to stop by and check it out!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

CardMaker Magazine Blog Day

Hello again!  Welcome to post #2 for me today, woot woot!  You will actually find this one posted on The CardMaker Magazine Blog, so if you have time I would love for you to stop by and check it out!!! :)  Here is a sneak...

Woo hoo, I see some DCWV stencils and adhesive fabric... what could I be making?  Click here to find out!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

CardMaker Magazine and Sakura Blog Hop

Hello!  So happy that you are here today, if you've just found this hop then I hope you will get a chance to start at the beginning, because the CardMaker Blog Design Team is hopping with Sakura goodies today!!!  Here is what I've created for this hop...

To create this card I started by stamping the floral images with a water resistant ink and onto water coloring cardstock. I then colored the centers of the flowers wtih distress markers and pulled the colors out and blended them with a wet paint brush. I then set this to the side to dry.  While it was drying, I die cut the word happy three times for added dimension.  This is where the Sakura quickie glue pen came in handy.  Since to tip of the glue pen is the size of a pen I was able to trace over my word die and adhere it to another word die.  I did this twice, and finally I adhered all three onto my panel. Tips when using the quickie glue pen: it does dry quick, so be fast.  At first I was trying to cover the whole word at one time, but I would find that the first part was a little dry by the time I went to adhere them together, so instead I would glue the first half and press firmly together then glue the second half and it worked fine.

Now that my water coloring was dry I decided to add some texture and highlights to my flowers by using my Glaze pen in black to the dots and centers of the flowers.  This pen gives a nice shine as well as dimension to your projects.  The black does come out fast, so make sure you have a light hand when applying.  And finally I added lines and dots with the Gelly Roll White Pen, here are a few close ups of the flowers for a better view...

Supplies Used:
Watercolor cardstock: Ranger
Stamps: Altenew (Striped Florals); Winnie and Walter ( The Big The Bold and The Happy)
Ink: Versafine by Tsukineko
Distress Markers: Dusty concord, picked raspberry, fired brick, spiced marmalade, weathered wood, stormy sky, squeezed lemonade, wild honey, mustard seed, tumbled glass, shaded lilac, spun sugar, and victorian velvet
Sakura Pens: Black Glaze, White Gel and Quickie Glue
Die: PTI
Black Cardstock: DCWV

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you've gained some inspiration to start busting out your pens the next time you are going to color or water color.  Now you are off to visit the amazing Anita Mulcahey, for more inspiration and fun!

Before I go I just want to thank Sakura for the amazing pens they sent for us to use on this hop!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa 
 

CardMaker Magazine Blog: Play with Scraps

Hello!  Today you will find me posting on the CardMaker Magazine Blog, and I'm showing where I keep my scraps, and then I go on to share a card I have created with these scraps.  Here is a little sneak, but I would be so honored if you would pop over there to see what I've made!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

CardMaker Blog

Hello beautiful people!  This is my second post for today, earlier I posted a fun CAS card for SweetStamps.com... now I am popping in to share that I have a blog post up on the CardMaker Magazine Blog today... I'm sharing four techniques for using spray mists and would be so honored if you stopped by their blog even if only to say hey!

Here is a sneak...

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Cardmaker Blog: Tattoo Inspiration

Intrigued by my title?  Good!  Stop by the Cardmaker Blog to check out all the details and how I was inspired by this photo....

(Photo credits)

Happy Crafting!

Lisa

DCWV Insta Fun Album and Cardmaker Blog Too!

Hello!!!  Today you can find me up on two different blogs today! yay!!!  Make sure you take a peek at the DCWV blog post sharing the insides and out of my latest Insta Fun project...

Let me tell you these Insta Fun Products are so easy to work with and really are like their name says, fun!  I couldn't believe how quickly this came together... full details can be found on their blog!  Psssst - photos of me and my family in a photo booth are there as well, trust me you do not want to miss that!

I am also up on The CardMaker Blog sharing some organizational tips... and maybe professing my love for baskets... but you'll never know unless you stop by and check it out!

Happy Crafting/weekend!
Lisa