A Happy Hello

It finally feels like a touch of spring here in Ohio, yay!!!  And with that I'm celebrating on the Crafty Doodle Chick Blog today...

Hope you can stop by and check out my newest creation and the products I've used!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Emboss-abilities With Winnie & Walter (Giveaway too!)

EEEEKKK!!!!  I can not believe I am Guest Designing for the whole month of March,  on the Winnie & Walter Blog!  This is a dream come true, and I am so very grateful to Shay for this amazing opportunity.  For my posts throughout the month I've decided to go with five various themes, with the hope of inspiring you and maybe even showing you something new so that you can get your Winnie & Walter goodies out and loved! 

Today's theme is titled Emboss-abilities, and I have three specific forms of embossing to share with all of you.  The first being the most typical method of embossing: Heat Embossing.  This technique never get's old when you get to watch the magic of your image coming to life as the embossing powder melts.

For this first card I've used the For Luck Stamp Set (this set will be available soon for purchase!), and I've heat embossed the three clovers within the set.  While the smaller two clovers are embossed with Gold Embossing Powder, I chose to give the largest clover a little more interest by embossing the top in Gold and the bottom half in Rose Gold.  I also chose to emboss these clovers onto vellum rather than plain cardstock.  I knew that I would be popping these up on patterned cardstock, so the vellum was perfect for allowing the patterned paper behind it to look softer around the clover.  I also chose to emboss my sentiment strip edges with gold embossing powder by rubbing the edges with my Versamark ink pad.  Finally, I cut my background panel with the Essentials: Lana Cutaways, adhered my clover, and added a few Metallic Gold Cupped Sequins.

The second type of Embossing that I wanted to share with all of you is Embossing Paste.  Embossing paste comes in lots of various forms, including with glitter as I have used here.  This specific Embossing Paste is called Glimmer Paste by Nuvo and this stuff sure shines! (I swear you're going to think I'm a Raccoon by the end of this post with all this glitz! And you might not be wrong lol)

I really love how this card turned out.  First, I needed something to run my embossing paste over so I created my own temporary stencil of sorts by using the negative of the large Love cut from the In a Word: Love Coordinating Cutaways and masking paper.  Once my mask was cut, I covered 3/4's of the word with Tanzanite Lavender and the top most part with Golden Crystal pastes.  After I had applied both colors I then removed the masking paper to reveal my embossed word.  You do not want to wait long to remove the paper as you will run the risk of the paper sticking to the paste and not giving you the crisp lines.  Another tip is to make sure your masking paper is pressed firmly onto your background, so that no paste can get under the paper.

Various embossing pastes have different drying times.  While mine was drying I worked on the rest of my card.  I wanted to layer my sentiment, so I chose the thin script love sentiment in this set and die cut it with Gold Cardstock.  I then stamped, heat embossed, and cut some floral images from the In Bloom: Ashlee's Rosie Posies with Lydia Evans and with it's coordinating dies.  I love the whimsical look of the flowers in this set, and I went with complimentary colors.  Once everything was dry I cut the panel from the Essentials: Audrey Cutaways.

For my final card today I chose to Dry Emboss the main sentiment using the In a Phrase: Hugs & Kisses with Angelica Suarez Cutaway.  Now, I know that this almost looks like it has been in-laid rather than embossed, but I promise you it wasn't I simply used the deep emboss technique with my Gemini rather than the lighter one. You can also tell it is embossed by the impression of the dies outter edge lines.

I love the dry embossing technique as it gives your dies one more way to be used!  Along with the hugs & kisses sentiment I also chose to dry emboss some hearts from the Essentials: Audrey Cutaways, and a small border die from the Georgette Border Cutaways.  I then stamped a few words from the Sentimental: Love Stamp Set in a contrasting black ink, and adhered my panel onto some patterned paper.  Next, I stamped, colored and die cut that sweet little pup from the Dog-gone Cute with Evelin T Designs and it's coordinating cutaway set.  For a finishing touch I added a few sequins.

Thank you so much for stopping by today for my first post as a Winnie & Walter Guest Designer!  I hope I've inspired you to get crafty, try something new, or pull out an old trick.  I would love for you to stop by my blog, Lisa's Creative Niche,  for a chance to win a $30 gift card so generously donated by Shay to the Winnie & Walter Store.

Happy Crafting!

Lisa

Gerda Steiner Fishy Love...

Hi!  Today I'm popping in to share a sneak peek of a card you can find over on the Gerda Steiner Blog, hope you'll get a chance to pop in and check it out!  You can also find this new stamp set, Oh Manatee available to create with...

Happy Crafting!

Lisa

TAGplorations with STAMPlorations!!!!

Hello, and welcome to the first ever TAGplorations event hosted by the amazing Shery owner and designer of STAMPlorations, yay!!!!!!  The STAMPlorations DT and Guest Designers are hopping along sharing a plethora of tags to inspire, wow, and enable you hehehe with some of the amazing STAMPloration products.

I have created 3 very easy and quick tags that can be re-created in minutes, which is also perfect for any mass producing that may be needed.  I never have much time during the Holidays, but I LOVE being able to add simple handmade touches like tags to my presents and hopefully you will find these are easy to squeeze into your busy schedules as well...

Each tag uses a different technique too just to keep things interesting!  Here are some individual shots and a listing of techniques used...

This tag was created with the Holly Background Mini - ARTplorations stencil and Texture Luxe Paste onto a shiny red card stock.  I then die cut a second tag out of silver glitter card stock and adhered it at an angle behind it.  The sentiment was stamped from the  Oh, Christmas Tree Stamp Set trimmed and adhered at the top.  Trick: Wait until the paste is still slightly damp to add other layers or sequins, this alleviates the need for adhesive.  The top of the tag was finished with twine.

 This next tag required basic stamping, coloring and embossing before being tied off with ribbon and twine.  Both the flower and sentiment come from the Holiday Sketches: Christmas Flower Stamp Set.

And finally for my third card I played off the artsy feel of the Christmas tree.  I stamped the tree and sentiment first with a water resistant ink and then simply splattered several colors onto the background before adding some shine with stickles! :)  I added the twine this time with a small staple.  The tree image and sentiment both are from the  Oh, Christmas Tree Stamp Set .

I hope I've inspired you to create a few tags of your own, and if you do make sure you link them up for a chance to win some prizes on the STAMPlorations Blog!!! woot woot!

Here are some blog hop details....

*Commenting and linking up is from November 4 to November 25, 11:55 p.m. Pacific (3 weeks)

*Winners announced on December 9 in the November Challenges & Hops winners post

*Prizes:

10 prizes (with a value of $178+) will be distributed among randomly drawn winners:

- (3) randomly drawn winners from all comments left on the STAMP blog and participating designers blog will each receive a $15 gift certificate to the store

- (3) randomly drawn participants to the TAGplorations linky party will each receive the Luggage Tag Dies

- (3) randomly drawn participants to the TAGplorations linky party will each receive the ATC Tag Builder Dies

- (1) randomly drawn participant to the TAGplorations linky party will receive a $25 gift certificate to the store

Best of Luck and Happy Hopping!

Lisa

Sweet With You Mint Owl Studios + New Instagram Challenge

Hi!  Today I am sharing a super sweet card on the Mint Owl Studios Blog and here!  I had so much fun creating this card with the new Mixed Triangles Stencil and Sweet Treats Stamp Set...

Full details can be found on their blog on how this card came together, but I also wanted to mention that there has been a sneak of some new products coming soon by Mint Owl Studio as well as a new Instagram Challenge, so make sure you follow them there as well!

Happy Crafting and thank you for stopping by!
Lisa

Stronger Than You Think - STAMPlorations CAS Challenge

Hello again!  Scroll down if you are looking for my Mint Owl Studio Blog, it's a fun one!  I'm back again today with a card for the new monthly CAS Challenge over on the STAMPlorations Blog.  This time we are giving you the optional twist of using the color Magenta...

             

(grrr for lots of rainy days and dark photos!  Sorry!)

This card was created with the ARTplorations Stencil - Happy Flowers, white embossing paste, and the STAMPlorations Stamp Set - Fond Expressions 2.  I added my magenta with ink and a silk ribbon.  Since the florals on the stencil are so tall I didn't want to cut them down so I opted for a tall and skinny cardbase.  

Thanks so much for stopping by and I can't wait to see what you create for the challenge!

Happy Crafting!

Lisa

Hey Little Fella...

Hello!  Happy Mid of the week to ya!  Today you will find this square cutie here and on The Alley Way Stamps Blog.  My son loves sharks ( not many boys don't hehehe! ) and when I saw the shark images in the new stamp sets: Something's Fishy and Little Fellas I had to do something with them...

To create this card I started by using white embossing paste and a stencil for my background, while it was still wet I threw on some sparkly glitter.  Once this dried and spritzed with two different blues, and wiped off the excess on the embossing.  I then stamped the sharks on separate cardstock, colored them and added a layer of glossy accents for that shine you see in the second photo.  When the glossy accents were completely dried I fussy cut the sharks and adhered them with foam adhesive.  Next I stamped and diecut the sentiment banner, before stapling it to the front. Part of the sentiment came from the Gill Friend Stamp Set, which is the free set of the month with any $40 purchase.

I am entering this little guy into the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Sentimental

Make sure to stop by The Alley Way Stamps Blog for more inspiration today!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Friday and more stencil fun...

It's Friday, woot woot!  I am sharing a card today up on the SweetStamps.com Blog using some stencil fun...

Supplies Used:
Art Stencil CROSS MY FLOWER as46005
 Art Stencil STONE PATH as46014
Simple Greetings Clear Stamp Set SS4404
 Distress Ink Pad BARN DOOR
 Distress Ink Pad VINTAGE PHOTO
 Distress Ink Pad WILD HONEY
 Embossing Paste CLEAR
Shades™ Ink Spots EARTHY

To create this card I used two different stencils and two different techniques.  The first stencil, Stone Path was gone over with various distress inks for a brick look.  I then layered this with a second stencil, Cross My Flower and went over it with embossing paste.  Now this wasn't gold embossing paste, but I wanted the look of gold so I created my own!  I used clear embossing paste mixed with gold perfect pearls and viola!  I wish you could see the shine in person.  I then trimmed my sentiment and stamped it on various bricks, added some embellishments and paper layers.

I am adding this to the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Add a Little Texture

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have an amazing weekend!!!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Watercoloring on Embossing Paste

Happy Friday!  As always it is my day up on the SweetStamps.com blog, yay!!!  And today I'm also playing along with this weeks challenge: Embossing Paste...

Supplies Used:
Art Stencil GEO TRIANGLES as46020
 Simple Greetings Clear Stamp Set SS4404
 Embossing Paste CLEAR
 Peerless Water Colors Bonus Pak Small
 Flutterby #2 SweetCuts Die set of 2 sc012b

To start I used clear embossing paste with one of my SweetStamps.com Art Stencil and heat set it.  Next I went over it with watercolors and let dry.  I then layered it with some patterned paper.  I then diecut three butterflies in matching foil paper and stamped  my sentiment.  I love the texture and the mixing of the colors that I created with the embossing paste and watercolors.

I am entering this into the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Happy crafting!
Lisa

Take #2 Cure for the Monday Blues Challenge

Hello!  I'm back with a different take on the Cure for the Monday Blues Challenge #39...

This time I reversed the colors in the photo, except for the black and gold sentiment.  I started with a gold foil DCWV card for my base.  From there I embossed the stars in white, to symbolize all of the white in the photo.  Finally I tied some black twine, double embossed the sentiment in gold and black and added some gold thread.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Altenew
Stencil: Memory Box
Embossing Paste: Ranger
Embossing Powder: SweetStamps.com
Gold Foil Card: DCWV
Black Twine
Gold Thread

I am also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp: It's a Guy Thing Challenge

Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Double Embossing

Hello!  I'm up on the SweetStamps.com Blog today sharing another card I've created using double embossing on my background.  If you are unfamiliar with double embossing let me explain.  This technique for me came by simply experimenting, and double embossing is the term I've given it.  I begin by using white embossing paste over a stencil.  While the embossing paste is still white I sprinkle it with embossing powder and heat set it.  It really gives great dimension and results...

Supplies Used:
Enamel EP 24k GOLD
 Art Stencil SNOWFLOWER as46006
 Framed Handwritten Words Clear Stamp Set SS4406
 Embossing Paste WHITE

Don't forget to join us in our SweetStamps.com Challenge: Winter Blues... all supplies are welcome, but you will earn a second entry for using SweetStamps.com images/dies.

Happy Crafting/Friday!!!
Lisa

A Snow Layout

Hello!  Happy New Year!!!  Today I am up on the SweetStamps.com Blog sharing a lovely snow layout...

Supplies Used:

ATC Mini Art Stencil SNOWFLOWER asm006
Crystal Snowflakes Piccolo Accents LA126
Elegant Snowflake 6 piece Piccolo Accents LA124
Happy Snowman Piccolo Accents A168
Enamel Embossing Powder Fluid
Enamel EP MERMAID TEARS
Enamel EP SIAM SILVER
Fine Detail EP BLACK
Fine Detail EP FANTASY WHITE
Fine Detail EP WHITE
Embossing Paste WHITE
(All Patterned Paper is from DCWV)

I had a lot of fun using lots of Piccolo Accents and embossing them on this layout.  I've also used one of the newer art stencils with white embossing paste on the background.  To create my sparkly Snow Title I adhered the Pure Sparkle Glitter with 3D white Enamel Gel and after it dried I added a protective layer of Glastique.  I love it!

I'm also adding this to the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes

And don't forget to play along in the newest SweetStamps.com Challenge: Food/Drink... remember ALL products are welcome and you could win a $10 shopping spree!!!

Happy Crafting!!!
Lisa

Metallic Christmas

Hello, and Happy Friday!!! yay!!!  So happy to be here today sharing this pretty new Christmas card with you all.  This card is also being featured on the SweetStamps.com blog, so be sure to stop by and check it out as well as play along in our current layers challenge for a chance to win a $10 gc to the store!

Now back to my card...

 

I used a new technique (at least to me) on this card and I'm just so excited with it's results!  To create my background I started with Geo Triangles Stencil and white embossing paste.  After removing the stencil, and while the paste was still wet, I sprinkled 24k. Gold Embossing Enamel and heat.  It sort of bubbled up at first, but then smoothed out as the embossing enamel spread.  The results are truly gorgeous, and I have a few upclose photos to show...

 

I am also entering this into the Virginia's View Challenge: Metallics

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Crafting!
Lisa

Mama Elephant and Me! Take #2

Hi!  So today I am sharing a card that I feel is a bit different than my norm, but I had so much fun thinking outside of my little box and I love the results.  This card is based on the latest Mama Elephant and Me Challenge: Paper Piecing + Thanks...

 

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Mama Elephant (sentiment: Say What, "hot air balloon": Lights Out)
Ink: Memento, Jeni Bowling
Patterned Paper: Heidi Swapp
Embossing Paste
Stencil: Studio Calico
Washi Tape
Star Sequins
Twine: Hemptique

I started this card by trimming my sun ray patterned paper.  I used chalk ink around the edges and then stamped the thanks so much off once before stamping it on to the patterned paper.  I then stamped the light bulb image onto various patterned papers and created my own hot air balloon!  After I added this to my cardbase I added my stenciling and let dry.  I then finished with the sequins, washi tape and twine.

Hope you liked my out of the box card today!
Happy Crafting!
Lisa

SweetStamps.com Embossing Challenge

Hello!  I hope you had a lovely weekend!  Today my baby is going to preschool for the first time, ahhhh!!!  Where have my babies gone?! Breathe, breathe, breathe!  Anywho, I'm popping in today to share this lovely rich, one might even say luxurious, card with you based on the SweetStamps.com Embossing Challenge this week!  SweetStamps.com has just released their first line of stencils, ekkkk!!!! And I LOVE them!  So today my card is featuring the Stone Path Stencil, and lots more SweetStamps.com goodies...

Supplies Used:

Art Stencil STONE PATH	Swirly Doodle Butterflies Clear Stamp Set	Embossing Paste WHITE	White EP	Enamel Embossing Powder Adhesive	Enamel EP VINTAGE GOLD
Copic Sketch Markers	Distress Ink Pad WALNUT STAIN	Distress Ink Pad FIRED BRICK

InLinkz.com

I have also based this on the Addicted to CAS challenge: Luxery and the Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Anything Goes!

Remember you can use anything you have to play along in our challenges at SweetStamps.com, but you do earn a double entry if you use a SweetStamps.com product!

Happy Crafting!
Lisa