CAS-ual Fridays Stamp Blog

Hello! Today is my turn to share projects with you over CAS-ual Fridays Stamp Blog.
 I have been having fun with the CAS-ual Stamps' Fri Dies and came up with more ways of using the Bubble Label Dies. Here is my previous post about using this die.

 
I used the smaller label die to create a small flower.

By utilizing pattern paper, this gift bag was so easy and fun to create. I added a strip of gold paper to give this bag an elegant feel.

The comment feature in this post has been turned off. I would really appreciate if you leave me comments over CAS-ual Fridays Stamps! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Fresh Squeezed Stamps New Release (Day 3)

Today is the last day of the new release stamps over Fresh Squeezed Stamps! This set called "Inside Scoop: Birthday" comes with 6 message/sentiment!

First, I stamped (with Soft Sand for subtle background). Then I embossed the sentiment in white on water color paper. Then I added rainbow colors with the brush pen, made die cut (Label 8), layered the image with pattern paper (Basic Grey)! Voila

I think this is such an uplifting card because of the colors! 

What do you think? You like? Please head over Fresh Squeezed Stamps to check out this new stamp set! Thanks for stopping by!  

Fresh Squeezed Stamps New Release (Day 2)

Today is the 2nd day of the new release stamps over Fresh Squeezed Stamps! The new stamp set is called Subway Series: Occasions. The three large stamps in this set are perfect for creating wedding, baby and girlfriend-themed projects!

 I played with alcohol inks again!

This card really is easy to create than it looks! I merely inked up the vellum with alcohol inks to create a splotchy background. Then I stamped and embossed the wedding sentiment in white (with detailed, white, Stampendous).To adhere the vellum to the card stock, I simple tie a bow with jute and a silver heart brad!

For more ideas and inspiration, do check out  Fresh Squeezed Stamps and see what the Design Team had created for you!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Fresh Squeezed Stamps New Release (Day 1)

Today is the first day of the new release stamps over Fresh Squeezed Stamps! The featured stamp set is called Life of the Party. Let me tell ya, if you like cute, fun sweet and whimsical images, this set is for YOU!! I honestly can't stop. playing. with. it....Today's card is one of the many that I made with this stamp set.

I chose one of the images to work with. It's a Pinata!
I copic-colored the image and chose the sequin colors to match the Pinata.  Do you love the sequins falling out from the Pinata? I do! Please check out the rest of the DT's projects with this set over Fresh Squeezed Stamps!  I think you are going to love this set! There are two more days of the new release. I can't wait to share my projects with you! 
 Thanks so much for stopping by! 

The Holiday Card Challenge!

 It is a bit early to share a holiday card....however, the Holiday Card Challenge is calling my name! I recently bought a new set of Spellbinders ( Square Swatches ) as it was on clearance at Michael's! I think it cost me around $8 US (score!!). Because it was such a good deal, I just had to buy it, but it took me a while to figure out what to do with it. I am sure you know how that goes...

Finally I decided to make it like a quilt-like design with the die cut images from pattern paper (Lawn Fawn). Here is the result.

Funny thing is, this card doesn't have any stamps on it! The sentiments are all from SRM Stickers. I hope to make more stamped cards with these new Spellbinders!
And on Sunday, we went to a farm with friends for the celebration of their daughter baby Leia. Here are the farm photos.

As you can tell, we really enjoyed the little outing and seeing the farm animals!

 Thanks for stopping by!
PS: Here is a sneak peek of Fresh Squeezed Stamps' new release tomorrow. If you like that Pinata image, you will not want to miss tomorrow's post....just saying ;)

Barb's Grey Challenge!

My sweet friend Barb Engler is having a Grey Challenge over Hero Arts Flickr (details here). It's a GREY challenge. You can pair up any colors with grey. I chose Navy Blue as I don't think I had ever done that. I also chose a stamp set (It's All Good) that I don't use often enough. This is the result.

I think this card kind of "speaks for itself", no? I will send this card to a friend that I haven't been in touch in a long while!

On the side note, I would like to share some random thoughts with you. A very sweet blog friend/follower/reader Sheila sent me an e-mail a few days ago. With her permission, I thought I would share our conversation with you...

Sheila wrote: Your blog is my very favorite of all that I visit, and I visit a lot. You know and use so many techniques. I want to start using some new techniques. I just have to do it. You are my inspiration to do so. I'm curious - did you study art in school?  How did you develop such artistic flair in your crafting?  Your work follows certain design principles - did you study them?

Virginia wrote: Hello Sheila, so nice of you to write me! I have NO artistic training or any art gene in me--not at all.  And here I am--the biggest impostor of a blogging stamper (that's how I feel sometimes--LOL)! My strengths are in the languages. I speak Mandarin and Taiwanese (two dialects in Chinese), fluent in German and English...I actually did very poorly in Arts when growing up. Perhaps the Taiwanese school system was also flawed that it didn't encourage me to pursue anything that has to do with Arts and Designs. Everything I learned about stamping are from 2009 till now. It's all self-taught. This is the beauty about card-making and stamping. In my view, as long as you are passionate about it, ANYONE can stamp and make fairly decent cards!

So there you have it! Big thanks to Sheila for her encouraging e-mail and allowing me to share! Hope our dialogue encourages you to try some thing new every time you make a card! 

David made his Lemon Meringue Pie again!! YUM! Happy Sunday!

A Rainbow Card!

Have you seen any rainbow lately? I know I haven't seen one in a long while...so I created a rainbow card, well, sort of!

Card stock: white (American Crafts), white (Recollections)

Stamps: Retro Frame, Textures and Shape by Hero Art, Everyday Expressions by Fresh Squeezed Stamps

Inks: Ocean Dye, Pool, Corn Flower, Punch, Soft Apricot, Red Royal, Soft Green by Hero Arts, VersaFine (Onyx Black) by Tsukineko 
Tool: Fiskar Corner Squeeze 
Accessories: sequins (Neat & Tangled), Glossy Accent, 3D Pop Dots by EK Success

I had a lot of fun masking and planning this card. Hope this card makes you smile!
Thanks for stopping by!

Out of Africa

To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. - Nelson Mandela, June 1999 
Here is the latest article on Nelson Mandela with his 15 Inspiring quotes.

It's hard to believe that my daughter had the chance to visit South Africa without me! But she did just that! Stephanie attended an international conference along with her supervisor/professor in Johannesburg. The trip was so short (less than a week), but Stephanie said that she would return in a heart beat! 

samples of Stephanie's souvenirs

baby girl shoes (made in Africa, of course)--aren't they adorable?

hand crafted key chains

Handmade bowl /dish

 ostrich meat pack 
(I haven't tried it yet. I was told that they taste quite gamy....certainly doesn't taste like chicken)

The gift bag from Apartheid Museum is quite amazing.

To see more of Stephanie's photos of Apartheid Museum, please click here.

Stephanie bought this hand made doll for me!! The beading and details are stunning. I am so touched and wowed by this thoughtful gift! I shall cherish this :)

Lastly, I leave you a gorgeous flower photo from Stephanie's Instagram. It was taken from outside of the souvenir shop/restaurant.
Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday Trigger!

 

Isn't this photo from Tuesday Trigger delightful? It's SO my cup of tea!

Looking through my stash, I seemed to be able to find stamps and inks that will be suitable for this Trigger. I ended up making two cards! (Yay, go me!)

Here 's card #2

 
 Stamps: Remember, Small Solid Flower by Hero Arts, sentiment is from Fresh Squeezed Stamps

 
I thoroughly enjoyed creating these two cards. Just in case you are wondering what scallop border punch I used....well, I actually used Spellbinders Nestabilities (Big Scalloped Rectangles) to create this scalloped borders. Frustrated with the limited choices I have with the border punches, I resorted to this! 

Ding----> Remember to use the die cut to create borders! It's so easy!

 

 Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Runway Inspired Challenge #42

Hello gorgeous! 
 

Welcome to the latest Runway Inspired Challenge! I absolutely love love this week's theme! When I saw the inspired runway photo, I knew that I have to play with alcohol inks again!

The color mix from the dress truly shows depth and textures! I was totally inspired (can you tell?)! After inking up some blotches of alcohol ink, I managed to mimic the colors and effect. From there, I added the flowers and layered them to show some depth and interest. Hope you like it!

Supplies: Fresh Squeezed Stamps (sentiment from Everyday Expressions ), diecut flowers from Simon Says Stamps, sequins, Sail Boat Blue, Sunshine Yellow, Sunset Orange (Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks Adirondack Ranger)

Since I mentioned depth and textures, I thought of the masterpiece from French Impressionist Claude Monet. I dig out our old Musee d' Orsay visit in 2008 and I thought it might be a good idea to share the photos.

 (photo credit: Dr. John)

 You can see more of Monet's awe-inspiring work here.  And of course, check out my DT mates inspiring projects for this challenge (see here).  

You. will. be. inspired!
Guest designer: Teri Anderson  (wow!)
  ~ Jennifer~ Laura~ Nina ~ Pamela ~Tasnim~Wida (on break)

I can't wait to see your take on this! Thanks for stopping by!

Fresh Squeezed Stamps-Monday Post!

 

Happy Monday! I want to share a simple sweet card with you today. This (almost) on layer card is really fun and easy to create. 

I simply mixed two sets of Fresh Squeezed Stamps. If you want to find out how many stamps I used for this card, do check out the details over Fresh Squeezed Stamps and leave me your comment there! The comment feature in this post has been turned off. Thanks so much for stopping by! 

PS: A heartfelt thank-you for commenting on my daughter's return from Johannesburg (see yesterday's post). Stephanie is home safe and sound!

Be Who You Are!

Even Ryan has to agree...recycling is best! 

 Just sharing a card that I made with a "Forever 21"  cloth tag (thanks, Stephanie!)

Card stock: white and light kraft paper by Recollections 
Stamps: Heart Wing Butterfly, Texture and Shape by Hero Arts
Inks: Tide Pool, Green Hills, Soft Sky Shadow Inks by Hero Arts, Versafine Onyx Black by Tsukineko
Accessories: Distress Paint (Picket Fence) by Ranger, Washi Tape by American Crafts, pearl (Recollections)
Upcycling item: clothing tag (Forever21)

Sometimes simple things like a cloth tag can inspire you to create something new and unexpected. Stephanie offered the tag to me after she bought a simple dress from Forever 21. She knew I can do something with it! The cloth tag came with the lace and strings. I covered it with some Washi Tape and white acrylic paint. I then stamped the background and sentiment...and oh...added that butterfly! Done! 

 Today I am eagerly waiting for my daughter Stephanie's return from South Africa (15 1/2 hours of flight from Johannesburg to Atlanta, then 2 more hours to Toronto). Stephanie cares about the environment and loves recycling. She is determined to go far and do well in her PhD studies (possibly doing a water sanitation project in Kenya) and she strives to be a Godly woman. Stephanie is definitely inspiring in so many ways. 

 (Stephanie in her new short hairdo)
And oh, she is not afraid to have her long hair cut just so it's easier to travel in Africa...

Happy Sunday!

CAS-ual Fridays Stamp Blog

Hey, it's my turn to share some projects with you over CAS-ual Fridays Stamp blog!
   This time I am sharing projects using all the new Fri-Dies!

  Oval Tag Fri- Dies

I also made 2 decorated gift bags to share! I used them for the gift packages for Ardyth and Tracey when they came to visit me the other day.

Loving Bloom Fri-Dies

And this one  The text flowers are made from old dictionary paper! The large button you see from the first bag is from Craftpon (Etsy)

Hope you stop by over CAS-ual Fridays!  
The comment feature in this blog has been turned off.
If you can leave me your feedback there, that will be awesome!
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Masking and Embossing

Two of my favorite stamping techniques are embossing and masking. Today I am sharing a card using both of the techniques. In case you miss it, here is the latest video from Jennifer McGuire about masking!

Paper: white (Neenah), Kraft (Recollections)
Stamps: Etched Daisy, Bill Silly from Hero Arts
Embossing Powder: Stampendous Embossing Powder (white, detailed), Zing Embossing Powder (Mustard Yellow, Orange) by American Crafts
Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Antique Linen, Vintage Photo), Hero Arts Mid Tone (Tuxedo Black)
Accessories: jute by American Crafts
Accents: Liquid Pearls (Buttercup, Platinum) by Ranger
Tools: sponges from Ink Applicators by Rangers, thin paper (for masking), Glossy Accent by Ranger

Previously I had submitted this for a publication call and unfortunately, this becomes a "reject"! However, I love this card so much that I decided to share it here today! Please join me and give this card some love :)

 Yesterday Ardyth and Tracey M. came to my house for a visit!

Can you imagine the fun chatting over stamping and blogging!? When I found out that the car trip took much longer than expected, I decided to make a quick lunch (Spring Rolls, Shrimp and pasta, Peach Pie) to save time! Then we  went to the market for some shopping --fun time! What can I say!?  Card-making friends are the best! 

Thanks for stopping by!

LIFE'S A PICNIC

 "Life is a picnic"...love that sentiment!
This applies to today's post as it is kind of fun and random...much like a picnic!


Remember my creative light bulb!?

This card has the almost water-color effect without the water-coloring...
Ding--->In my humble opinion, the "trick" is to use Distress Inks! I merely stamped the images twice or three times with different shades of colors! And it's perfectly alright that the images do not line up! You can spray a tiny bit of water after inking, but I didn't. Looks fine to me!

This is such an awesome "technique" ( if you can actually call that a "technique" !?) for a lazy stamper like me. I don't think I know more tricks and tips than any average stampers...but I absolutely love to try and experiment.
 

edited: I am linking this to CASology. The theme is picnic! Although my card doesn't have any image about picnic, the sentiment is! ( Thanks, Ardyth, for the reminder!)

Here are a few happenings that make me happy:

~ Two super talented Canadian card-making blog friends ( Ardyth and my FSS DT mate Tracey M.) are coming to my house for a day visit today!! We plan to have a lunch and hit the local Farmer's market. How FUN!

~I was told by my sister-in-law that the Gallery Idol prizes had arrived at her house in PA. (she kindly agreed to let me use her US address for this competition). I was told that there are two huge boxes (one contains the Fuse machine)!! I am excited and plan to get them at my in-laws' place around Canadian Thanksgiving! It's going to take another while...can.not.wait.

~October trip (with Dr. John) to visit Chicago is all reserved, planned and booked! I am going to meet the most amazing paper crafters of this planet! Please stay tuned!

~My daughter Stephanie is attending her week-long conference in Johannesburg (S. Africa). She really goes FAR! I am eagerly waiting for her return this Sunday!

Lastly, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for stopping by my blog, especially those who comment ever so frequently....almost daily! Please know that I do not ever take your kind comments and feedback for granted. I feel so blessed and privileged to share this little blog with you!