A little batty here

This was a really fun card that used a design template that was going around about 6 weeks ago!  (Yeah, I'm not very quick on the uptake).  I used CTMH papers from the new catalog called Scaredy Cat, and a retired alphabet set to stamp the "Boo".  I used the end of a pencil (eraser) to stamp the eyeballs inside the "O"s.  (giggle)

I am posting a photo tutorial below of how I made the bat!  For now, here is the inside of the card:

I used the pumpkins from the Stamp of the Month set with the Owls.  Isn't this cute?!  I colored them with pencils and odorless mineral spirits, and added the "extra" facial features with a black micron pen.

Using a die, do the unthinkable and cut a black butterfly from cardstock.

I've left the original die, the first black butterfly, and have progressively changed the last image in these tutorial photos:  

here I trimmed the ears to sharp points.

Here I've cut the opposite curve into the wing (concave versus convex?).

And continued the same on the opposite side.  Note: The tail should have been pointy-er - or even cut to look like two stubby feet about to land!  I actually fixed this before I took a photo of the final card!  oops.

Using the gold gel-Uniball pen I added two shimmering eyes. 

To place it on my card front, I had just a narrow strip of adhesive in the center section and folded the wings up so they looked like they are flying right off the page.

I was thrilled that I didn't need to purchase another die or punch. Hugs!! 

My MN studio and a card

I alluded to a "remodeling" of my craft space in an earlier post. I am so proud of the way my beloved encourages my art passion.  He began encouraging me to take my "pick" of the rooms to be converted before we were even married.  Once I chose the room with North and West light from windows, he shopped for a work table. Then installed a corner cabinet . . . 

One day I saw a fabulous way to store my stamps. I mentioned it casually, and Steve started shopping for shutters for me . . . 

He installed them last summer when I was still in Arizona.  As you can see, I am getting settled!  I can't believe how good he is to me!

Now, for the card! This was easy and fun! I love using up scraps of paper packs. And the butterfly focal point is so versatile. I think this one will be a birthday card, but it could even be a sympathy card with slight changes. Well, back to work! My darling daughter and her husband are coming this weekend for a week!  Woot!!

Trying to case Vicki

This card was my attempt to case a beautiful and inspiring card designed by Vicki Wizniuk here.  I didn't have the chevron mask that she used, but I did have a chevron stamp.  The leaves are a Hero Arts stamp that finally got some ink on it!  There are other minor changes in my version . . . I like it but felt I should try again.  

This one uses one of the new stamps from Close to My Heart and I added the rounded corners. I like it better, I think.  

Temperatures got down to 34 last night!  One of Steve's Grandsons had two soccer games this morning and I think I wore everything I have in an attempt to keep warm!  I succeeded!  LOL!  The teams are beginners so it was a tie score. ;-). Very fun!

Honoring Teachers

I couldn't await to get my hands on this school-themed stamp set when it appeared in the newest Close to My Heart catalog!  Playing with CTMH  stamps, papers, and inks, and one stencil with scallops of sorts, I created this card.  The punch was a fun detail that I probably overdid, and the ribbon is a piece of silk from my stash (so soft!). 

I may be a little prejudiced, but I think my daughter is an awesome teacher - with a natural gift that she works hard to perfect.  World class!! I sent this card to her recently to let her know how I feel and in celebration that her school district chose her to represent them in a development opportunity! Woot (or should I say Hoot?)!

It is starting to feel like Autumn here.  Wow!

Playing with new stamps!

Do you buy stamps and then never use them? I have been guilty of that and I'm trying to turn over a new leaf! My trick is to leave the new stamps on my work table until at least some of them have ink on them!  LOL  

This was a new Close to My Heart B-size stamp set called Love This. I used the new ShinHan markers, olive ink on the leaves and black ink for the sentiment (another CTMH stamp).  The center of the flower was colored with a yellow pencil (only because I don't have any yellow ShinHan markers yet) and then some Sakura Clear Star gel pen over that part to make it sparkle.  It could have been a single layer card if I'd planned ahead with a mask - but instead the flowers were done on the side and cut out.  

So, it's September already?!  Wow, summer has gone fast up here in the beautiful lake country of Minnesota.  I am reluctant to see the days getting shorter and the nights cooler.  The autumn plants are the only ones left blooming . . . you sure do experience the seasons here! Having lived in Arizona (Phoenix area) most of my life this is very different and I do like it. We won't be staying for the brutal winter however.  *wink*

Hugs!

Owls!

The CTMH Stamp of The Month for August was simply fantastic!  I hope you had a chance to get this one - it has cute potential for Halloween, but there are also other fun things you can do!  I stole this idea from Vicki Wizniuk here.  Vicki inspires me every day!  

Just a note, the bottom owl (pink version) has a strip of pink glitter paper.  It looks totally purple in the photo! Strange.  These were fun!  

Happy Labor Day!