Christmas With The Stamping Boutique

Last day of the challenge at Die Cut Divas.  To join in on the last day to emboss something, go here.  But the entries will close at 9:00 p.m. Pacific time (San Francisco, CA, USA).

Here is my last card, for the challenge month of October.I used the same image on the first day and thought it would be a fun way to end the challenge.  This time I truly went for the Christmas theme. I embossed the red panel and colored the image panel in red and green, wrapped a ribbon and tied it with a bow (almost tied).  And yes, after I was all done, I hadn't realized the black blotch was from a finger that somehow touched the ink pad.  When I sprayed this in red, I think it blended in.  Well, you and I will know it's there and wasn't meant to be, but NO ONE ELSE WILL..

Supplies:

The Stamping Boutique Candy Cane Corner

Elizabeth Craft Designs Sleigh Gift Card Pop-up (the little bow)

Embossing folder Spring Leaves at Elizabeth Craft Designs

Heidi Swapp Color Shine (Sweet Cherry) spray

Copic markers

Red Ribbon

Glossy Accents on the berries

A Flower Cart

The Stamping Boutique is the sponsor for Die Cut Divas this month.  It's a month for embossing.  Be sure to enter!  Check out the great prize on our opening post here.

This flower cart is so cute.  I can see coloring it in so many different colors.  I embossed the tan panel under the image.  I think this would be a fun card to give a happy greeting to someone for an extra lift.

Supplies:
The Stamping Boutique Flower Cart
Embossing folder Spring Leaves at Elizabeth Craft Designs
Cuttlebug
Copic markers

Hero Hostess Alumni Blog Hop

Welcome to the Hero Arts Hostess Hop, featuring fabulous stamps from the new 2016 release and Winter catalog.

If you’ve been following along, you’ve just arrived from Tiffany Ervin's blog! Hero Arts will be awarding 4 prizes ($25 shopping spree to Hero Arts online shop) from randomly drawn comments. For a chance to win, simply comment on ANY of the stops along the hop on Oct. 24th and 25th, including each day’s starting post at the Hero Club Blog. The more comments you leave, the better your chance of winning! If you find a broken link, you'll find a master list of the hop links at the Hero Club Blog.

WOW, Tiffany always sets the standards high, but then, so does everyone of my sistas. There's a special bond the Hero Arts hostesses have and most of us have never met.  I can remember the excitement of receiving THE email with the invitation to be a HOSTESS.  I think we tried to be everywhere and do everything.  They are still my sistas.

The Blog Hop starts at Hero Arts and our hostesses will surprise you with some Hero Arts yummy goodies.

HERO ARTS is offering one $25 shopping spree to the 
Hero Arts online shop today and one tomorrow.  

Comment by Sunday Oct 30 by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time 
for a chance to win. 

Your blog order will be:
Hero Arts
Virginia Lu
Emily Leiphart
Sue McRae
Sarah Kapteyn Moerman
Nancy Krueger
Tiffany Ervin
Arlene McClung (you are here)
Joy Taylor

Suzz Cz
Heather Doran

I love the new stamps.   My first card is actually the scrap paper on which I stamped and stenciled my way to a card, really!  I tried different colors to see what I wanted to use on a REAL card.  I didn't know I was creating a modern Holiday card.  Once I really looked at the paper... WOW I liked it, so here is my scrap paper card.

Supplies:
Hero Arts (HA) Snowy Tree Stamp (comes in a die combo too)
HA stencil Crossing Waves Stencil
HA Banners and Messages clear set (Warmest Wishes) - older HA stamp set
Distress inks on stencils
HA inks Green Hills and Field Greens for the tree (I used all three layers of the tree, first layer Green Hills and 2nd and 3rd layers Field Greens)

I went crazy with trees and my NEW dies.  I couldn't resist the new Tag Infinity Dies. They come with their own Reinforcements - how cool is that?  The largest die-cut on the left is 2 3/4" X 5".
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Supplies:
Hero Arts (HA) Snowy Tree Stamp (comes in a die combo too)
A metallic gold ink (I stamped the other layers with black).
Distress inks for grass and sky.

From trees to birds.  I used all four inks in May's Shades of Pink ink set and next time, I used black on the eye portion and started at Bubble Gum.  I couldn't help myself after I started on the birds.

This last card I stamped Raspberry Jam on the last two stamps for this set.  

I've had this background for years, so I have no idea what I stamps I used.

NOTE: Use your bird die as a template for layering your stamps.  Put the stamp in the die and use your MISTI to pick up the stamp and stamp in the exact spot.

Supplies
HA Cardinal Stamp and Die Set
HA May's Shades of Pink ink cube set (Soft Pink, Bubble Gum, Ultra Pink and Raspberry Jam.)
Black ink on the eye portion
HA Banners and Messages clear set (all sentiments - older HA stamp set
MISTI
Acetate for first card

Head on over to Joy Taylor and feast your eyes on our next hostess's work.

Hero Arts Past Hostesses are Hosting a Hop October 24th and 25th.

Can you tell what this is?  This is my scrap.  Do you wonder how it turned out?  Return to my blog at 4:00 a.m. Pacific time and find out.  I'm sorry, but I won't be awake yet, but I'd love to have you join me on Monday for the Hostess Hop.  What could I have made with this?

Sometimes things just work out - you'll see.

HERO ARTS will be offering one $25 shopping spree to the Hero Arts online shop, so stop on by.

Distressed Antique Poinsettia

I'm featuring The Antique Poinsettia again because it's a different take on the stamped image than my October 4th card.  I love the die cuts that go with this wood stamp.  They cut nice and close, perfect for me.  I rarely use stenciling and I'm not sure why because I have some stencils I just love.  I thought the background color was more of a modern take on green.   I also used the outer layer as leaves, where I used all the layers as flower parts before.    The background is the same color, but deepened in the two corners.   Have fun with your layering.

I thought a close-up might be nice so you can see the silver embossing and the Nuvo Crystal
Glitter Drops.  I purchased the Glitter Drops from A2Z, so she might still have some left if you'd like to try them.  You can see how cleanly the dies cut here too.  As I said, I love the close cut.

Supplies:

Hero Arts Antique Poinsettia at a2z Scrapbooking

Hero Arts Paper Layering Antique Poinsettia frame cuts at a2z Scrapbooking

Silver Embossing powder

Distress inks Candied Apple, Shabby Shutters & I think Twisted Citron

Kite Stencil - High Anxiety

Nuvo Crystal Glitter Drops in Silver Moondust

Cuttlebug

Old Hero Arts sentiment from "Holiday Sayings".

You can use code Arlene15 at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase of $25 or more (before tax and shipping).  If you need craft items that you don’t see in the store, don’t forget you can special order them here at the A2ZScrapbooking Store.  

This sample is at a2z Scrapbooking.

 Hope you’ll join in our October Challenge of "Layer It" with your Hero Arts stamps, dies and stencils. And, if you need some new supplies, don’t forget to shop at a2z Scrapbooking.

Last Week's Scramble Card with Hero Arts

I made this card for the Hero Arts for the October 10th Hero Arts Scramble.  I was going to go to sleep, couldn't find my stamps, only the dies, and just couldn't go to sleep because I had ideas bouncing around in my head.

I do really like my card, but I didn't find the stamp set I wanted and my little sentiment stamp didn't fit the bill, however, I now have a MODERN COOL CARD.  I think of it as more of an orange sherbet late spring day card because of the colors.  What do you think?

 The cup is adhered by foam mounting tape.  

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Supplies
Ripe Persimmon Distress Ink
Hero Arts Deer Stamp and Die Combo (Friend from set)t
Hero Arts Coffee Cup Stamp and Die Cuts
Hero Arts Crossing Waves Stencil - which I LOVE.
Oh, My coffee cup is a recycled Tissue Box.

Also, A2Z Scrapbooking handles Hero Arts products.

You can use code Arlene15 at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase of $25 or more (before tax and shipping).  If you need craft items that you don’t see in the store, don’t forget you can special order them here at the A2ZScrapbooking Store.  

 Hope you’ll join in our October Challenge of "Layer It" with your Hero Arts stamps, dies and stencils. And, if you need some new supplies, don’t forget to shop at a2z Scrapbooking.

Frame It

The challenge at Morgan's ArtWorld is to "Frame It" and I know most of the time we frame photos in a rectangle, but cameos come in round lockets and I just had to use some round framing for this lovely girl.  I had some Card Notes in a scallop design, so used a pre-cut note card here.

Be sure to visit Fae Entertainment for your images.

Morgan's ArtWorld image cameo 17
Die-namics Pierced Circle STAN
Copic Markers
QuicKutz cutting dies - circles
Cuttlebug

Wedding Cards

One of our co-workers is getting married.  I made one card as a pop-up card and one a size 5" X 7" card.  I've been using my cameo more often, getting used to it.  I made the top card so everyone can sign and the pop-up card as something a bit different.

The tux and dress are from a Lori Whitlock purchase at the Silhouette store.  She also sells SVG files n her own store.  I thought the background I had made for another card fit this one so much better.  My stash provided the flowers and Copic markers provided the colors. 

The card below is a box card from a Lori Whitlock purchase at the Silhouette store.  I used some of the accessory pieces, but not all.  I added colored pearls and colored the diamond in the ring in Copic marker BG0000 with tons of Diamond Stickles.  

The photos below show the depth of the box.  This fits in an A2 envelope, once folded.  I added a small die-cut to the front panel flap and signed it "Your HCD friends".

Thanks for checking this out.

Candy Canes and Holly

My sample for Die Cut Divas. is a wonderful Stamping Boutique image that is perfect for the holidays.  Color the image in and add a sentiment and you've got it.  This was fun to color and took only a little time.  I hope you like it.

Supplies:

Stamping Boutique Candycane Corner

Embossing folder - frame

Copic markers

Cuttlebug

Hero Arts Antique Poinsettia in Full Bloom

Just when I said, "I have enough holiday stamps", Hero Arts comes out with stamp AND DIE sets I can't resist.    You can purchase this as a set too.  I couldn't believe this was a wood block stamp, but yes, it is.  I did a little white embossing on the background using the same stamp.  No chasing after additional stamps here.  

I am looking at this poinsettia now and it's quite amazing.  The red paper I used almost looks like velvet.  I keep holding back from touching it because I "know" it's not velvet.  Yes, I guess I am crazy.

I first stamped the layers in Hero Arts White Unicorn ink and my stamp pad was a bit dry, so it didn't stand out.  I then stamped the layers with Neon Pink and I love the look of texture the two stampings give. I first used Nuvo Crystal Glitter Drops in Ruby Slippers and then wondered if I'd like Nuvo Crystal Glitter Drops in Silver Moondust on top.  It looks pretty cool.

The true color is the dark red of the card above.  This photo gives you an idea of the wonderful veining on the layers.

Supplies:

Hero Arts Antique Poinsettia at a2z Scrapbooking

Hero Arts Paper Layering Antique Poinsettia frame cuts at a2z Scrapbooking

Hero Arts Neon Pink Dye Ink at a2z

Hero Arts Unicorn Pigment Ink

Hero Arts White Embossing Powder

Nuvo Crystal Glitter Drops in Silver Moondust

Red cardstock

Green cardstock

Cuttlebug

Old Hero Arts sentiment

You can use code Arlene15 at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase of $25 or more (before tax and shipping).  If you need craft items that you don’t see in the store, don’t forget you can special order them here at the A2ZScrapbooking Store.  You can find this sample at the a2z blog.

 Hope you’ll join in our October Challenge of "Layer It" with your Hero Arts stamps, dies and stencils. And, if you need some new supplies, don’t forget to shop at a2z Scrapbooking.

Antique Poinsettia - A Tag or a Card

Start of the Layer It challenge and I'm more than ready.  I have fallen in love with the Antique Poinsettia.  I had to buy it and the matching dies.  The stamp itself is beautiful and I wanted to stamp the envelope too, just the perfect accompaniment to the tag.  It's a manila pocket tag that is part of a set with numbers outside of the pocket, counting off the numbers to 25 (you could use these as little gift tags for your child).  I guess they didn't sell well at my local stamp store, because they were in a box of super discounted items..  I distressed the card and covered that number on my tag with the poinsettia..  I found a small envelope and distressed it too.

I have to tell you that I LOVE THE CLOSE CUT.  The dies look a bit confusing at first.  The only die of this set that might give you a problem is the second to the smallest. After you find the way the second smallest die sits, you're home free and it's easy to see exactly how to place it.

Another thing I like about this set is it's only ONE stamp.  No losing little pieces.

Be sure to get more inspiration and join the challenge to layer it at A2Z Scrapbooking.

You can use code Arlene15 at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase of $25 or more (before tax and shipping).  If you need craft items that you don’t see in the store, don’t forget you can special order them here at the A2ZScrapbooking Store.  You can find me at A2Z Scrapbooking.

 Hope you’ll join in our October Challenge of "Layer It" with your Hero Arts stamps, dies and stencils. And, if you need some new supplies, don’t forget to shop at a2z Scrapbooking.

Supplies
Hero Arts Antique Poinsettia at A2Z -
Hero Arts Paper Layering Antique Poinsettia dies at A2Z
Tag for 25 days of Christmas with pocket covered up by the poinsettia
Distress Inks Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Shabby Shutter
Plain white envelope

If you can't find anything just, ask at A2Z Scrapbooking to order if it's not in the store

You Warm My Heart

Die Cut Divas has a new challenge beginning October 1, 2016.  

It's all about the embossing, wet or dry.  

This month's sponsor at Die Cut Divas is Stamping Boutique

Here is my sample for Die Cut Divas. I've made note cards out of 12 in X 12 in patterned card stock and on this base, I dry embossed a picture frame.  It is difficult to see the embossing due to the paper.  I then embossed the sentiment with black embossing powder.  The boy and background are colored with Copic markers.  I used some Glitter Stickers around the right side and bottom, plus part-way up the left side.  He's a cute little kid and I thought he would warm your heart.

Supplies:
Stamping Boutique A J Playing on the Swings
Hero Arts sentiment from Coffee Cup Tags at a2Z Scrapbooking or Hero Arts
Elizabeth Craft Designs (ECD) Stitched Rectangles
ECD die Thanks
Starform Stickers - Transparent Glitter Sticker - Glitter/Gold
Copic markers
Cuttlebug