Inspired Again...Spectrum Stamping

I have a newfound love affair with Paper Crafts magazine (shhh, don't tell my hubby).  I just can't get enough of it!  Every issue is packed with beautiful artwork...and their special additions? Be still my beating heart!!  Several of my cards lately have been inspired by cards I've seen in the magazines.  This fun little card set was inspired (ok, almost CASEd) by Jennie Harper's card in the Stamp It! Techniques special issue.

The technique used is called "spectrum stamping."  I used three shades of blue ink for my spectrum, but this technique is also beautiful when different colors are used (think rainbow on your stamp).  To create my spectrum, I first inked my stamp in the lightest blue.  Then, without stamping, I inked the bottom half in the next darker shade.  Finally, again without stamping, I inked just the very bottom in the darkest shade and then I stamped on my cardstock.  Super easy and fun!

I hope I'm able to inspire you just as Jennie inspired me.  If you give this technique a try be sure to let me know!  I'd love to see your project! :o)

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):
Paper: Black, Colonial White, Sky cardstock
Ink: Black, Dutch Blue, Moonstruck, Sky
Stamps: Aspiration (C1340), Friendship (Feb. 2011 SOTM), Say it in Style (retired)
Other: Crystal Blue buttons (retired, but a better option would be the Sky buttons in Z1371); black satin ribbon and thread from stash

Ribbon Carousel Giveaway

Is this not the coolest thing ever?!?  

Check out Katie's Blog for a chance to win this beauty (sans ribbon, of course)!

Fellow CTMH Consultant Corrina McGregor makes and sells these.  You can find her online shop HERE. 

Contrast Embossing Blog Hop

Welcome to this group's first attempt at a Technique Blog Hop!  This month there are 11 of us highlighting the "Contrast Embossing" technique on page 31 in the new Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book!  This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique.  If you would like to start at the beginning, head on over to Debi's Blog.  While there, you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way.  Let's get started!

If you are coming from Carol's Blog, you are on the right track!  This technique is highlighted with the Lucky paper packet in the Idea Book, but you will find variations for its use through this hop.

My card uses a more subtle variation of contrast embossing.  The background behind my couple is 2nd generation stamped (meaning I inked up my stamp and then stamped on a scrap piece of paper before stamping on my project) so that it is a lighter color.  I didn't want the background to overtake my embossed couple.  Here's a close-up so maybe you can see a little better:

My background is 2nd generation stamped in New England Ivy ink and the couple is embossed in Cocoa embossing powder.  I used our fabulous Kraft cardstock along with the Wings Creative Basics paper pack.

If you would like to see details on the technique or my supply list, please continue reading below.  If not,  please continue on to Melissa's Blog where you will find more gorgeous artwork highlighting this technique!  Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think of my variation and happy hopping! :o)

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):

Paper: Cocoa, Colonial White, Kraft cardstock; Wings Creative Basics B&T (X5812)

Ink: Cocoa, New England Ivy; Versamark

Stamps: Bliss (B1317) **Available EXCLUSIVELY with the Bliss WOTG (G1020)**

Other: Cocoa embossing powder (Z1246), craft heater (Z555); Labels One, Labels Eight dies (Spellbinders); Cappuccino baker's twine (The Twinery)

The steps to Contrast Embossing are:

1. Stamp background image on project.

2. Stamp additional images in Versamark ink.  Sprinkle contrasting color of embossing powder.

3. Tap off excess powder.  Set with craft heater.

Here is a visual representation of the technique: (click image to view larger)

Thanks for stopping by!  Head on over to Melissa's Blog to continue the hop!

Nothing But Blue Skies

Hi friends! It's been a while since I've posted, but truthfully the weather has been so gorgeous here in North Florida that I just haven't been able to bring myself to stay inside and craft when the sun is shining and the beach is calling my name!! (Sorry to any of my northern friends who are still dealing with snow...come visit sunny Florida for Spring Break and you, too, could be relaxing on the beach in March!)  It's supposed to be kinda rainy tomorrow, so maybe I'll get in some scrappin' then.

The challenge this week over at Heart 2 Heart Challenges is to use three different stamps to create a scene in your artwork.  I created this card a while ago, but since it was "pre-blog" I've decided to share it with you today since it fits the challenge! :o)  The B&T paper is from a WAY old CTMH paper packet called Caprice that has been retired for a couple years (I think, if not longer).  I have sooooo much paper that I really need to start using what I have before buying more! Not that that will ever happen... ;o)

Supplies used (all CTMH unless otherwise noted):

Paper: Colonial White, Crystal Blue, Honey, Pear cardstock; Caprice B&T (retired)

Ink: Crystal Blue, Honey, Tulip

Stamps: Over the Rainbow (D1426)

Other: Stickles

I made the Top Ten!

YIPPEE!!  I made the Monthly Top Ten over at the Heart 2 Heart Challenges blog!  If you've ever checked out the amazing artwork that gets submitted each week for the different challenges, then you know what an honor it is to be chosen among the Top Ten...and if you haven't checked it out, go now!  Thank you to all the DT ladies for choosing my project.  I look forward to many more challenges! :o)

To see my project, and all the other Top Ten winners, click on the image below.  You can also see my project HERE.