Happy Birthday and Thinking of You Cards

Here are three cards I made this last week.   Each uses a different technique, but all were easy to create.

 The first card was made using an embossing folder and a stamp set that were included in the Tonic Cardmaking Magazine.   The magazine is now sold out.  I covered the embossed image with:
Nuvo Embellishment Mousse - Pure Platinum (color) - Nuvo.   The stained glass stamped image was colored in with Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens

 I stamped random flower pots to create this background.   This did a stripe of copper/bronze to accent each one.   The card base also had bronze silks to tie in the colors.   Hello is a die from FSJ.

The last card is layers of matching pink card stock and ribbon.    I used my Altenew Watercolor Half Pans to color the flowers and leaves.   Then covered the flower and leaves with FSJ Journey Glaze to give it shine.   Stamp set is from FSJ also.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.
Mary

Potted Plants Stamp Set Used to Create an Easter Card

Penny Black makes the most beautiful rubber stamps, and I feel blessed to have acquired a few of them.   This is the last of the Penny Black Stamp Sets that Hal gave me for my birthday last week.   I love that these stamps can be easily colored in with pencils, Zig Real Brush Pens, Copics, watercolor pans and more!   This card is a mix of the stamped image, Altenew Watercolors Half Pan Set, Zig Real Brush Pens, and some metallic watercolors I had.    I wish you could see the shine from the metallic watercolor pans.   Really shiny and bright.

Altenew Watercolor Half Pan Set

Zig Real Brush Pens

Master's Touch Metallic Watercolors Pan Set

Penny Black Stamp Set - Potted Plants

NOTE:   I separated/cut one of the butterflies from the main

stamp set.   It was too tight of a fit for an A2 card with it attached.

This way I was able to get the full design on the A2 card by

stamping it as two separate images.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Teaspoon of Fun Special Offer When Buying Art Impressions Products

Teaspoon of Fun is offering a great deal (25% off) if you purchase Art Impressions products through them for the month of April.   Full details can be found on their blog.  CLICK HERE

Art Impressions has both rubber and clear stamps.   

I got my very first Art Impressions Stamp Set recently called Spare Me.   I thought it was unique and couldn't wait to make a card with it.

 Art Impressions Spare Me

Colored with Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens

Spare Me Stamp Set

What a fun stamp set.   So useful for so many occasions.  

This stamp set is a clear stamp set.   It doesn't say photopolymer anywhere on the labeling.  It states "clear".   There was no odor to this stamp set, and I did get a crisp image when stamping.  I definitely will be buying more of the Art Impressions products.   Hope to take advantage of the Teaspoon of Fun sale this month.   Full details:  CLICK HERE

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Three Cards I Made This Weekend

My challenge this weekend was to be creative with a product I had previously purchased and not used.   I did have a few items to choose from (smiling).   I came across these pencils the other day that I had purchased from FSJ ages ago.   I actually thought they were embellishments and was surprised to realize they were post-it notes.

Each pencil had its own stack of post-its, but after removing the top one of each color I discovered the glue/adhesive had also gotten on the ones beneath.   May have been because of the heat here, don't really know.   At least I got one cute card out of the set.    The sentiment was from a grab bag set of stickers I had purchased.   Thought it was perfect to go with the pencils.

FSJ Little House Stamp Set  AT-0298

Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils

Always fun to send a card to a friend who just moved into a new home.   This stamp was just what I needed for this card.

FSJ Cottage Bouquet SS-0606

FSJ Silk Flower (don't know the item number)

I took one of the flower stamps and randomly stamped it 3 times on the page.   Then colored in with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   The center of each flower has a bit of Journey Glaze on it to make it shine.   I accented it with the silk flower.   

Whew ... I was busy this weekend.   Fun to try different mediums and ideas for cards.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Unicorn Watercolor Picture

OK,I admit it ... I think I am obsessed with the unicorn digital image from my Kit And Clowder class.   Today I decided I had to try it with the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   I am beyond pleased with the results.  

The horn was done with a gold gel pen.   Then I took Silver Sparkle Silk and put it over the mane and the horn to add some sparkle and shine.  

This one I believe I will frame and keep along with the color pencil one I did using the Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils.

Each one has its own unique look.

Hope you find time to do some creating today. 
Thank you for stopping by my blog.

Mary

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?

The last time we were at the post office, we picked up some sheets of Scooby-Doo forever postage stamps.   They are so cute with Scooby-Doo holding the watering can.   I realize too that there is a large image on the side of the sheet that I could recycle into a greeting card.  

If you want to see the full sheet of stamps, click here (USPS link).

I hand drew in some areas of grass using my Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   Set the fence over the top of Scooby-Doo and the grass, then added in the die cut sentiments.

FSJ Fence Die Set DI-0485

Crafter's Companion Die-sire  Simple Sentiments

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Spring Floral Cards Using Penny Black Stamp Set: Full of Glee

Spring is just around the corner, and it was time to make some floral cards.   I used my Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens and a brand new stamp set from Penny Black called Full of Glee.   I purchased the stamp from Scrapbook.com ... Click Here if you want more information on it.

The first is a photo of all the cards I made.   Do you have a favorite?   It was so much fun deciding on which colors to use for the flowers themselves, then deciding on the card base.   These card are perfect for any occasion or to be used as a note card.

Here are photos of the individual cards and also the stamp set.  

The Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens are so easy to use.   This stamp is perfect for any type of coloring that you would like to do.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.
Mary

Clear Stamps From Fiskars - Cats Colored with Zig Real Brush Pens

With coupons in hand, we went to our local craft store the other day.  When I saw these darling cats and dogs stamp sets, I knew they had to come home with me.   Having two coupons that were each 60% off sealed the deal.

These are from Fiskars and are clear stamps.   Some of the solid images have a slight line in them from the cover sheet that does show up a bit in stamping.   I really got the stamps for the images that could be colored in and only paid $4 a set, so not a major issue for me.   Both sets though had the same issue with the small solid pets.

First I will show you what I colored in using the Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens:

I really like all the detail on the full cat.   Think both images will make cute cards.

Here are the Fiskars Stamp Sets:

Friends Furever

Barking Mad

The little Scotty dog will be on a Christmas card tomorrow here on my blog.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.

Mary

Images From Wonderful Day Stamp Set Colored with Zig Real Brush Pens

Although the Wonderful Day Stamp Set (FSJ) has retired, it is still one of my favorites to stamp and color in.   I used my Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils to do the coloring of these flowers.   I probably will fussy cut these out and use on a card.  Although, I do like them like this too ... maybe just add in a sentiment.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Coloring With Zig Real Brush Pens and Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils

This card uses both Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens (the deepest color flower) and Faber Castell Polychromos Pencils(other flowers & leaves).  It was interesting to watch the coloring of the flowers as they came to life.   The Zigs give a deep rich bold color in this instance.  I actually like the two coloring mediums together.   A nice contrast of colors and technique.

Dahlia Burst Stamp & Die Set and card stock are from Fun Stampers Journey.

This card could be used for any occasion. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Peacock Card

Crafter's Companion has a magazine** that comes out every two to three months.   I just discovered that it is sold at Barnes & Noble and JoAnn Fabrics.   What was interesting is the Barnes and Noble had the latest edition (Christmas - #20) and JoAnn Fabrics had the issue that was two back (#18) but none of the current.   Neither store had issue #19.     The peacock and leaves are from issue #18.  

This card is a single layer ... stamped images that were colored in with Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens (found the best deal on them on Amazon).   I embellished the card with FSJ Rainbow Drops.    The Zig pens worked well on the FSJ Whip Cream Card Stock.   I used the pens directly without water.   If I had used water with them or done more intense coloring, then I think  using watercolor card stock would of been a better choice.

This card was for a personal note for a friend, so I didn't put any sentiment on the front.

** Magazine is published in the UK, so measurements are not in inches.   Also contests and giveaways in the magazine are restricted to those in the UK only.   I like the magazine.  It comes with a number of freebies.   I don't think I would purchase it all the time, but it was fun to get and see all the ideas they have inside the magazine.   NOTE:   Magazine is is a box style envelope not in a clear plastic wrap like so many craft magazines.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Noel Christmas Card - Zigs Real Brush Pens and Crafter's Companion Stamp Set Used

This card was created using a stamp set that was included in the Crafter's Companion Magazine Issue #20 (Christmas Issue - I found mine at my local Barnes and Noble).  JoAnn Fabrics only had Issue #18 (coupons not allowed on magazine there).  

I am having so much fun creating with my Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens.   They are so easy to work with and blend beautifully using the Bristol Smooth Surface card stock I told you about yesterday. 

Hope you find the photo of the Zigs Real Brush Pens (colors I used) helpful.   It helps me remember what I used too if I decide to recreate the card or one similar.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Mary

Creating with Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens - Cardstock Comparison

I have been a big fan of Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens for quite a while.   About a year ago I sold my set as I was being brand loyal and building my FSJ business.   When FSJ changed their platform (no longer direct sales), I knew it was time to purchase another set of the Zigs Real Brush Pens.

On one of the message boards we were having a discussion on which card stock works best.  I used my pens a number of different ways and honestly didn't see a huge difference whether I used FSJ Whip Cream Card Stock OR FSJ Color Splash (watercolor paper) when I used the pens direct to paper.   HOWEVER if I used the pen on an acrylic block, then added water to that color and then used a paint brush to my stamped image, there was a big difference.    I do like the look and the distinct colors of the Zigs direct to card stock.

BE SURE to read all the way to the bottom as I did an additional comparison using Bristol Smoth Surface paper.  

Each person needs to decide which works best for them, and go with that.   The point is to have fun and be creative.   Stamped image is a stamp from Crafter's Companion.   Here's my samples:

These are colors I used on all of the butterflies.   I did also used a Uniball Signo White Gel Pen on the body of the butterfly.

FSJ Color Splash Paper - Used Zigs direct to paper overlapping and blending the colors.

FSJ Color Splash Paper - Used Zigs direct to paper overlapping and blending the colors.   Then I took a wet paintbrush over the areas.    It muted the colors.   Both the 1st & 2nd butterfly were colored identically except for the addition of water in the 2nd one.   Personally I like the first one better.

In this photo, I used FSJ Whip Cream Card Stock with the Zigs direct to paper overlapping and blending the colors.  For me, it was just as easy to use this paper as the watercolor paper.   Both allowed me to put the colors on smoothly and neither soaked through to the back.

I didn't stamp out the butterfly for this one.  
I used Whip Cream Card Stock.   I put some of the pen color on an acrylic block.  Using a wet brush added paper to the color and mixed.   Next added to my paper and blended two colors together.   The one on the left is the deeper tones of the butterfly .. the one on the right is the two softer tones. 

 Today, I learned about that the paper/card stock you use can really make a difference in the ability to blend smoothly.   I purchased Strathmore Bristol Smooth Surface paper pad.   It has 20 sheets, is 9 x 12 and can be found in most craft stores in the art section.  Be sure to get the "smooth surface" one.  Here's what the paper pad looks like:

For this butterfly I used the same color combinations as above.   The only difference is that this one is done on the Bristol Smooth Surface Paper. 

It really was much easier to blend the colors using the Bristol paper.   It is like the color sets on top of the paper as you blend it in.  

I decided I wanted to try it in another set of colors using the Bristol paper:

If you decide to purchase the Kuretake Zigs Clean Color Real Brush Pens, be sure to do some price comparisons before buying.   Depending on which store you decided to get them from, there can be a HUGE difference in price.   Amazon was the only one that I found the sets of 80 and 90.   If you order from them, my suggestion is to order and "double check" that Amazon is the one fulfilling the order.   With Amazon fulfills the order, you know you will get it quickly.   Some of the sellers ship from outside of the US so could take a few weeks.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.
Mary