STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS' CHALLENGE 139: MASCULINE THEME

Another Wednesday and another chance to "answer" the Stampotique Designers' Challenge.  R. Marina Sabina is our beautiful hostess this week, and here's her challenge to all of us:

''How many masculine cards did you make in the last month? I personaly made zero cards. Masculine creations can be a real challenge. I challenge you to create something using the masculine theme. Keep the cuteness and blings away this time. Lock them in your drawer. Let's make men feel special at least once in a while with,  something made only for them''.

I needed a birthday gift tag, so I used a smaller tag on which I had already created some texture by hand embossing wet gesso. Once dried, I had added some festive acrylic paints, primarily blue and orange.   I picked one of my "guy" images (surprisingly, I am accumulating quite a collection of them) called Heart Shirt and stamped him on white card stock.  At the same time and on the same paper, I stamped the Banner and Happy Birthday sentiment (this last one, three times).  Heart Shirt was colored using Distress Markers, as was the banner.  I added bits of two orange washi tapes across the bottom to anchor my image, then adhered all the elements.  Since the background was already done, it took me fewer than 20 minutes to complete this tag:

I hope you will participate in this week's Stampotique Designers' Challenge.  You can read the rules and submit your work here.  At the end of the month, you will be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win one of two $30 gift certificates from Stampotique Originals for any of their products.

Cheers!

STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS' CHALLENGE 138: GREEN, GREEN, IT'S GREEN THEY SAY!

Thanks for all the great comments this past week on both the challenge itself (hosted by me) and, of course, my delightfully controversial nude!  If you missed that post, check it out here! 

Today's Stampotique Designers' Challenge is brought to us by the very creative Kristen Catalano.  Here's her challenge:

Hello there, Kristen here, and I am the host of this week’s Challenge. I am a huge fan of using Primary colors in my projects, with Red being my favorite, but since it is March, and this month is the month of the beginning of Spring and St. Paddy’s Day. I am challenging you to use GREEN as the main color in your project. I can’t wait to see what you create. Have fun and have a great week!

I must admit, my first thoughts turned to St. Patrick's Day, but then to a mushroom stamp that I recently bought and had not yet used.  From there, I immediately thought of another new stamp, this one a text stamp about a "magical place."  A smile crossed my face as I recollected the use of psychedelic mushrooms in years past to take one to a magical place!   I won't offer up a more detailed description of "trips" taken by some (not me!), but you can check any search engine for said mushrooms if you want more information.  

My project today is a card using green as my primary color.  

I used a white card base, added a piece of olive green card stock, then trimmed and added a quick and easy background by using a piece of designer scrapbook paper with some of the same green tones.  I stamped my mushroom using black Archival Ink and heat set it.  (I do this heat setting after using Archival Inks so that they are permanent and won't rub off onto my hands and transfer to unwanted areas of my project.)  I used a blending tool to add a bit of Wendy Vecchi's "Fern Green" Archival Ink (by Ranger) to the edges.

Next step is to stamp my dancer image directly onto my background paper.  Then, I stamped it again onto white card stock, where I colored it with a watercolor brush and a bit of ink pressed into the lid of my stamp pad.  Copic markers were used for the fleshtones.  I then cut out the image--minus the musical notes which will reappear when I  adhere it over the image on my card.  

I stamped the text stamp onto a scrap of background paper, then matted it with a scrap of the olive green card stock.  I popped it up on pop dots for a bit of dimension, and done! Here are the stamps I used:

Giant Shroom

Dance

World All Her Own

This card is going to my daughter Michelle who a few months ago was brave enough to change jobs after more than 16 years with the same company.  She has joined a start-up company full of energy, enthusism and electricity--a magical place, if you will!  

I hope you will participate in this week's Stampotique Designers' Challenge.  You can read the rules and submit your work here.  At the end of the month, you will be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win one of two $30 gift certificates from Stampotique Originals for any of their products.

Cheers!

STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS' CHALLENGE 137: TEXTURED BACKGROUNDS

I am proud to see the number of followers of this blog continuing to grow, and I appreciate each and every one of you and all of your supportive comments!

Today, I am pleased to host the Stampotique Designers' Challenge, and it is all about backgrounds!  Here are the details of this challenge. 

I am thrilled to be posting the challenge today!  That said, it is going to be a challenge with a bit of a twist.  This challenge is all about using texture in the background of your artful projects.  But, here’s the twist:  I am not challenging you to create a texture like mine, but challenging you to share with the rest of us through your art your “signature” or “go to” techniques for creating that texture in your backgrounds.  For example, Design Team member Coby vanWilligenburg has the ability to create amazing texture in a background by using Yupo (synthetic) paper and alcohol inks, yet her background remains as flat as a pancake!!  On the other hand, Design Team member Magda Polakow will create a textured background by building up many layers, yet it remains in the background and never overpowers her focal images.  So, share with us what YOU do to create that physical texture or just the appearance of it!  Above all, have fun!

A month or so ago, I bought some new Stampotique Originals' stamps.  Among them is the one I am using today.  OK, like so many others, I debated about buying it.  Not that it is of a nude and I am a prude, but because the nude is, shall we say, a bit "chubby"  (not unlike myself or so many of us who struggle maintaining a healthy weight).  In fact, when I posted online that I bought her, I received a few snickers and was challenged by one of my fellow Design Team members (who shall remain nameless, Coby!) to actually use it.  So, here I present "Rear View Mirror" and her companion text stamp "I'm not fat...".

Ah, but this challenge is all about backgrounds, so let me tell you how I created this one.  This past year, I attended a class led by Ranger Signature Designer Wendy Vecchi.  We learned so many techniques in this class, but one of my favorites is the "burnt edge" technique.  Here are Wendy's directions:  Ink over entire tag with Antique Linen.  Frame tag with Vintage Photo, then Walnut Stain, then Black Soot (all Ranger Distress Inks), moving further out with each darker color.  Use Tim's "distresser" on the tag edges, then add Black Soot to the edges to create a burned effect (click on the image to enlarge it and see the edge detail).  I used black Archival Ink to stamp my Stampotique image and text, and added a rub-on along the right side for both interest and balance.

Here's another quick and simple background.  I have been scrapbooking for about 15 years and have accumulated quite a collection of designer papers.  I continue to use them in other artful projects like tags, ATCs, art journaling and cards.  In this example, I have used a small strip of washi tape to ground my image, as well as two Stampotique Originals' stamps, "Bowtie" and "Clothes Text."  Everything else you see is just the paper itself.  

'

I hope you will play along with the Stampotique Design Team this week and share your favorite background techniques.  We have a lot to learn from each other!  You do not have to use Stampotique stamps in order to participate, but you do have to use clear and/or rubber stamps (no digi's).  By participating, at the end of the month you may just be the lucky winner of one of two $30 gift certificates for Stampotique products.  Come play!

Cheers!

STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS' CHALLENGE 136: MONOCHROMATIC

Welcome to all the new followers of this blog!  I appreciate your being here, as well as your comments!

Well, today brings us another Stampotique Designers' Challenge, and our uber-talented Design Team member Tanja Kewel-Neef is our challenger.  Here is what Tanja has to say:

Hello crafty fellows, today it's my turn. I selected the theme monochromatic. Well, in fact it's a big challenge to myself.  I actually prefer it a little more colorful. But restrict myself to work tone in tone? First let's see the projects from the amazing Stampotiue Design Team. And now... Come on up! I'm longing to see all your stunning monochromatic artworks. Hugs Tanja

It is not usually difficult to add color to a project, but when one is restricted to using just a single color, it does become a challenge for most of us.  Understanding the definition of monochromatic gives one a bit more leeway:  monochromatic colors are all the colors (tints, tones and shades) of a single hue.

My project is based on orange, with the interpretation of lighter orange being yellow and darker orange being red.  I began by creating a monoprint using a Gelli Plate, stencils and acrylic paints in red, orange and yellow.  Once dry, I trimmed the print to the size I wanted for my card.  I used scraps to create a bit of visual interest on the bottom left and to provide grounding for my Stampotique Originals' image Midge.  Both Midge and the Stampotique quote (by Leonardo da Vinci) were stamped using Wendy Vecchi's archival ink in Orange Blossom (Ranger Products).  The same ink was used to edge the individual words of the quote.  A bit of matting and done!

I hope you will participate in the Stampotique Designers' Challenge this week and grab a chance to win one of two monthly $30 gift certificates from Stampotique Originals toward anything on their website.  Be sure to follow the submission rules here.  

Cheers!

STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS' CHALLENGE 135: ACETATE!

The gorgeous Corrie Herriman is our hostess this week on the Stampotique Designers' Challenge, and her challenge really had me...well, challenged! Here's what she had to say:

Hello and happy Wednesday to you. Now, if you are anything like me, you will keep all wrapping paper, cardboard and of course acetate (clear plastic). We all get lots of it : packaging. I particularly like acetate to use in my projects, whether it is to stamp on or use it in any other way. I just love it. So this week I would like YOU to use a bit of acetate. Let your imagination run wild and surprise me !!

I needed a birthday card for our 14-year-old grandson, so, in addition to this challenge, that was my motivation.   I did find a piece of acetate, and, yes, Corrie, it was from packaging!!  I struggled mostly with the background, wanting it to be masculine, but not *too* grown up!  I have used "Twinkie," one of my favorite Stampotique Originals' images.  In my book, Twinkie is a fun-loving teenager, much like my grandson Justin!  

I added a bit of green "confetti" inside the raised acetate, and, when shaken, is quite festive!  Each of my grandchildren gets $50 for their birthday, but the "mode" of presentation has differed over the years as the children have grown.  One year, it was a "Know Your Family" quiz, with each right answer sending my grandson to another family members to collect another $5 bill, until he had learned something about his family--and collected a total of $50.  Another year, one of the kids received a pop-up box of facial tissues.  When the tissue was pulled out, my grandson was surprised to see a $1 bill attached, then another, and still another--for a total of 50 $1 bills!  I was stumped with the presentation part of the money this year until my husband suggested making the confetti out of a $1 bill, but telling my grandson it was his $50 bill and telling him he had to put it together.  OK, our family uses twisted humor on occasion.  Believe me, Justin is going to love this!  Here's his card:

I hope you will join me in creating something for the Stampotique Designers' Challenge each week.  The use of Stampotique Originals' stamps is not required.  You can use any rubber or clear stamps (no digital stamps) that you have to participate and gain a chance at the end of the month to win one of two $30 gift certificates for your choice of Stampotique products.  IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please read all rules on the linkz page before linking your creations!

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I love both your visits and comments!  If you have not already done so, take a minute to join as a follower of my blog, then follow by e-mail (both in the right-hand sidebar) and you won't miss an update here!

Cheers!

STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS' CHALLENGE 134: PERFECT PAIRS!

A happy day to each of you!  Wednesday is pretty much my favorite day of the week...okay, it's also the day the new Stampotique Designers' Challenge is posted.  Could that just be a happy coincidence?   Kathi Rerek is our crafty hostess this week, and here's what she has to say:

It's almost Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day makes me think of couples, so my challenge is called Perfect Pairs.  Use two (2) of an item so that things are in pairs. This can be two stamped images, two embellishments, two layers of patterned paper, two colors, etc.  See how many pairs you can use in your project. Just be sure to use at least one perfect pair and have fun!

I have to tell you that the moment I saw this fun challenge, I knew what I would do.  Of course, I think my husband and I are a perfect pair.  My husband and our dog also make a perfect pair.  But, it is my sister Sandy and I who really *are* a perfect pair.  We pretty much look alike.  We often think alike. And we love many of the same things, like Scrabble and birds! But, it is kind of funny that the thing we don't share, my love of card games, is the very element I chose for my tag today!

I have used two of Stampotique Originals' stamps today, Pigtails as Queen of Diamonds and Girl with Heart Purse as Queen of Hearts.  They certainly are not identical, but you must admit that they do look like sisters!

I hope you will join me in creating something for the Stampotique Designers' Challenge each week.  The use of Stampotique Originals' stamps is not required.  You can use any rubber or clear stamps (no digital stamps) that you have to participate and gain a chance at the end of the month to win one of two $30 gift certificates for your choice of Stampotique products.  Details for submissions are here.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Please read ALL RULES on the linkz page before linking your creation.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I love both your visits and comments!  If you have not already done so, take a minute to join as a follower of my blog, then follow by e-mail (both in the right-hand sidebar) and you won't miss an update here!

Cheers!

STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS' CHALLENGE 133: PUT A HEART IN YOUR ART

So glad you are here!  I do appreciate both your visits and your comments!  When the Camel asks, "What day is it?", you know it is Wednesday, but did you know that is the day each week when the Stampotique Designers' Challenge is posted?  Of course, you did! 

This week, my DT romantic teammate Jackie Payne is at the helm, and she is thinking about another day--Valentine's Day.  Here is a bit of history on the holiday, as well as Jackie's inspiration: 

In Ancient Rome, the 13th, 14th and 15th of February were celebrated as Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival.  By the mid 18th century, the passing of love notes had become popular in England, the precursor to the St. Valentine’s Day card as we know it today. Early cards were made of paper and lace. By the 19th century, they became so popular that factories started to mass produce them.  So, as the February 14th approaches, it's time for you to put a heart in our Art, and then show us what you have made.  I am looking forward to seeing all the different ways you add a heart to your art!

Here is the journal page I was inspired to create.  I have used a stamp by one of Stampotique Originals' newest stamp designers, Linda Peterson.  Hazel is Linda's "signature" character and is involved in many activities, this one is called Hazel Heart!  I also used Daniel's Hearts, by a more seasoned designer Daniel Torrente.  Take a look:

I hope you will join me in creating something for the Stampotique Designers' Challenge each week.  The use of Stampotique Originals' stamps is not required.  You can use any rubber or clear stamps (no digital stamps) that you have to participate and gain a chance at the end of the month to win one of two $30 gift certificates for your choice of Stampotique products.  Details for submissions are here.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Please read ALL RULES on the linkz page before linking your creation.

Cheers!

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!

I am thrilled to announce the winner of my birthday blog candy giveaway today!  It is butterfly, aka Alison!  I had almost as many comments as years, so that was fun.  I thank each and every one of you for your comments and good wishes.  A special thank you and welcome to those who are newly following my blog!

And, for you, Alison, this is on its way to England!

Mwah!

STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS' CHALLENGE 132: WINGS

Good day, Everyone!  And it *is* a good day when it is Wednesday...yup, the Stampotique Designers' Challenge is up!  Design Team Member Arwen McCullen is our batty hostess today, and here is what she has to say to inspire us:

 Wings have something mystical for me.

Angels have wings, fairies, my favorite animal:

the bat :)

Love and positive feelings give wings.

Today I would like to see what gives you wings.

I am very curious about your creations! <3

I knew immediately the perfect stamp for the card I wanted to create!  I have an online artsy friend by the name of Wyanne.  She has a rare form of cancer, and this month has had her tongue and surrounding tissue removed, as well as some reconstructive surgery.  She is home now, but with a very long and difficult period of healing and recovery ahead of her.  While her fighting spirit has given *me* wings, I hope the love and support around her will give *her* wings!

The Stampotique Originals' stamp I used is called "Owl with Wings," and was created by stamp designer Jo Capper-Sandon. The nifty thing about this stamp is that the wings are not attached to the owl, so that you can position them any way that works for your project.  You can also use the wings separately--for instance, giving another of the images wings!  Clever!  So, here's my card for Wyanne, who was brave enough to ask her friends for help:

I hope you will join me in creating something for the Stampotique Designers' Challenge each week. The use of Stampotique Originals' stamps is not required.  You can use any rubber or clear stamps that you have (no digital stamps!) to participate in the weekly challenges, each week giving you another chance to win one of two drawings for a $30 gift certificate toward Stampotique products of your choice!  Details for submissions are here. 

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Please read ALL RULES on the linkz page before linking your creation.

Thank you for coming by today.  Both your visits and your comments are important to me!  If you have not already done so, please take a minute to join as a follower of this blog, then follow by e-mail (both in the right-hand sidebar), and you will not miss an update.

Cheers!

STAMPOTIQUE DESIGNERS' CHALLENGE 131: STARS TAKE TWO

Sam Read's STAR challenge continues for a second week!  All-new inspiration can be found on the Stampotique Designers' Challenge site.

I belong to a Facebook group called the Angel Project.  It was started by mixed media artist and my friend Jessica Sporn.  Members are invited to participate and are artists and crafters who enjoy making cards and other art projects to send to women facing medical challenges and are in need of some encouraging mail art and a few kind words of support.  Recently, Jody's name was posted, and I created this card for her.  The Stampotique Orignals' image I used is called "Single Tear," and was created by stamp design artist Amy Wilson Wellenstein.

I hope you will join me in creating something for the Stampotique Designers' Challenge each week.  The use of Stampotique Originals' stamps is not required.  You can use any rubber or clear stamps (no digital stamps) that you have to participate and gain a chance at the end of the month to win one of two $30 gift certificates for your choice of Stampotique products.  Details for submissions are here.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Please read ALL RULES on the linkz page before linking your creation.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  I love both your visits and comments!  If you have not already done so, take a minute to join as a follower of my blog, then follow by e-mail (both in the right-hand sidebar) and you won't miss an update here!

Please join my birthday giveaway this month here for a chance to win this package--including a brand new Stampotique Originals' stamp:

Cheers!