The Road to Independence

Hello again. When I created the background for the first card, I had several usable pieces remaining so I decided to turn it into two more cards and a border for a scrapbook page. I had someone ask what do you do with your scraps. I thought hard about it because I rarely have scraps. Any left over paper gets diecut immediately and used on a card later.

Here is the second card I created.

I used some star ribbon that I received as part of a summer/July swap. Isn't it gorgeous? I edged the white and the red mat with a goldleaf pen.

The base star is the chipboard piece that I decorated in the Naked Chipboard Vee-dio. I also edged it with gold leaf. It is ironic that it mimics the pattern on the red star. That was not planned but turned out well. Used a bit of Glossy Accents on the cupcakes.

 

Since the stamps are the same I wanted to change this one a bit so that all three had a different look. I decided to use the Fired Brick Distress Ink on the top, left the middle white and did the bottom with Faded Jeans.
I used the Cut n Dry nibs to be able to get into all of the crevices.

The epoxy sticker is from Creative Imaginations and it is also from the summer swap.

I had so much fun with this paper and deciding how to change up the card to make each one unique. Since I stamped it myself, I could place the elements where ever I chose. I decided to not create a pattern on purpose. This way each card could receive its own special treatment. I took tons of photos so here is another one.

Think about your own road to independence. When what you want is not available, create it yourself. Get out those small stamps that you purchased because collectively they can have a big presence.  Keep thinking and inking in the name of love.

 Until then.

Frog Leg Card/Diamond Fold Card

Hello crafters and welcome back to Inkallusions. I am finally getting it together by learning how to portion my time better. I become so involved in what I am doing that I lose all track of time.

I would like to share some 4th of July cards I made to decorate my home this year.


I have taken creative license and renamed the Diamond Fold card to the Frog Leg Card courtesy of my son. At first glance he exclaimed, 'It looks like a frog's legs'. I could not agree more. Thus the christening of this card. Since we were nearing the celebration of the birth of the United States of America, I chose to create something patriotic. These are the results.

I can see this design being used as place cards for the holidays or a rehearsal dinner displaying a photo of the bride/groom to be with the appropriate attendant/parent. What a wonderful keepsake which can be displayed year round. This is what the card looks like when it is flat in the envelope.

Here is a view when it is opened and displayed.

You can watch this video to see how it all came together.

Of course you can create the look of additional layers with the creative use of ink. As always keep inking in the name of love.

Until then.

Happy St. Patrick's Day --The Shamrock

What would St. Patrick's day be without the lucky four leaf clover? I recall searching endlessly for these as a young girl.

My friends and I would toil for hours in fields of green seeking the elusive clover. During my lifetime, I have been able to find 4- four-leafed clovers. They had a home in the family Bible--not sure where they are now.

This card pays homage to the shamrock. I used more of the Studio G stamps on this one. The flowers are Prima and the ribbon from Michaels. I was supposed to have written March 17th inside the box or the words everyday. Still had not made up my mind before snapping this photo. Love the shamrock stamp.

Speaking of the Shamrock.

Information from http://www.history.com/

The shamrock, which was also called the "seamroy" by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. As the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with English rule.

Talk about using color to express your beliefs is in line with Inkallusions. Nothing positive happens unless it is done with love.

Always Ink in the Name of Love.

Until then.

Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday

There is so much happening at this time of the year that it is hard to keep track of it all. In addition to this being Black History Month, we also recognize and celebrate Mardi Gras. I remember the first time I attended in New Orleans. It was spectacular. I made a point to return every year after that. I was able to attend a Mobile, Alabama, Mardi Gras. I liked the intimate feel that this one provided. Everyone knew everyone. My attendance ended when I moved to California. In honor of Mardi Gras I thought I would provide a little background on the holiday. This information came from http://www.history.com/
The image is www.totallynawlins.com


Mardi Gras (from the French words, meaning "fat Tuesday"), or Carnival (from the Latin words carn-caro levare, meaning "removal of flesh"), is a Christian festival that embodies many traditions that originated with the ancient Greeks and Romans--relating to their gods and religious festivals honoring spring fertility rites.

In the early Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was unable to abolish all of these ancient traditions after converting pagan tribes to Christianity. The Church was forced to adapt many ancient feasts and festivals, originally celebrated in honor of pagan gods, to Christian beliefs. Today, revelers on parade floats still don the regalia of the Greek god of wine, Bacchus, during Mardi Gras celebrations.

Also known as "fat Tuesday," this pre-Lenten festival is celebrated in Roman Catholic countries and communities. In a strict sense, Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated by the French as the last of the three days of Shrovetide and is a time of preparation immediately before Ash Wednesday and the start of the fast of Lent. Mardi Gras is thus the last opportunity for merrymaking and indulgence in food and drink. In practice, the festival is generally celebrated for one full week before Lent. Mardi Gras is marked by spectacular parades featuring floats, pageants, elaborate costumes, masked balls, and people dancing in the streets.

Mardi Gras originated as one of the series of carnival days held in all Roman Catholic countries between Twelfth Night, or Epiphany, and Ash Wednesday; these carnivals had their origin in pre-Christian spring fertility rites. The most famous modern Mardi Gras festivities are those held in New Orleans, La.; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Nice, France; and Cologne, Germany.

The first American Mardi Gras was celebrated near modern-day New Orleans on March 3, 1699. It wasn't until the mid-1800s did official parade organizations start to form with the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1856 and the Krewe of Rex in 1872. The tradition is still carried on in New Orleans with many other krewes represented on floats in a myriad of parades.

The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold (representing justice, faith and power). Mardi Gras celebrations can start as early as January 6, on the feast of Epiphany. The festivities end at midnight on Tuesday--the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Mardi Gras day falls on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9. Like Ash Wednesday, the date Mardi Gras falls on depends on the date of Easter--always occurring 46 days before Easter.

Is it any wonder that I LOVE celebrating Mardi Gras. It is vivid, filled with energy and passion, and every color of the rainbow. It resembles Ink come to life. Definitely qualifies for Inking in the Name of Love.

Until then.