August Challenge: Beach Theme

Wow, where has the summer gone? It seems like school just ended last month! Can I honestly say that I am not excited for school to start again? Yes, I can. During the summer months I feel a bit like a retiree. Only difference is I go back to work, they continue to pursue their pleasures. My Yahoogroup has been doing a series of challenges since May. This month's challenge is to create a card, layout, tag, altered item that has a beach theme. This is my entry.

The peeloffs are from an Ecstacy crafts kit that I ordered from HSN about a year ago. The entire kit is on a nautical theme and is called Maritime Outline Stickers. The company is located in Holland. 

Once I remembered that I had them, I pulled them out and created this card based on a sample from the book. I know you are thinking why the purple card. Well...July's challenge was for a shape card and I never got my card finished and decided to use the base for this challenge. Waste not want not.

I used the Spellbinders Labels 10 for the card base and the Classic Ovals to cut my acetate and the ring for adhering the shells. Yes, that is flower soft as my sand, rocks, etc. I do realize that I put in way too much. I only used about a teaspoon. That stuff really fluffs out.

The sentiment I used is a clear epoxy one from Heidi Swapp. I achieved the effect behind the shells by using different colored pieces of card stock. Prior to affixing the peeloff, I sponged ink onto each piece for a bit of dimension. After cutting out the shell, I used my Marvy markers and a small paint brush to add more color and shading. I used my Sakura glitter pens on a few of them.

This project came together very quickly. The most difficult part was selecting which elements to use. I so love the easel cards. Just don't do what I did on this one and put adhesive on the top part of the card. I salvaged it by using some baby powder to remove the stickiness. lol. This is my prototype anyway. If I did that and was sending it to someone, I would probably cut another piece of paper to stick onto the back of the top.

You probably cannot tell from the photo, but I did spray the card and the base with Glacier Glimmer Mist so there is a nice oceany sparkle to the card. Oceany--did I just add a word to Webster's?

Thanks for stopping in to see what I have been up to during these wanning summer days. I so want them to linger. It is time to start thinking of fall and the unique beauty that it brings.

This is the card taken from a different angle and with the flash. Seems a bit over-exposed to me or maybe how it would look with the sun smiling down on it.

Remember to add a bit of ink to all of your creations. Why? Because it does make a difference. Just ask any of the Copics users.

Through the power of technology you can watch the Vee-dio on this page.

Until then.

Flower Soft Day 2

Whew. This has been a busy retreat. I am posting the Wishing Well card that I had in the video opener. I changed the background to lavender and stamped some flowers on the side and added some hand drawn elements that I covered with the lovely Flower Soft. If you have not seen the video you can watch it here. If not click FlowerSoftRetreat to view it at YouTube.

You could also create an entire field of flowers and have your Wishing Well as the focal point; place a few clouds and birds in the sky: idyllic. I kept mine pretty basic on the side panels by stamping with Versamark and then using a clear embossig powder. The stems were hand drawn. Here are a few more closeups of those panels.

Now, on to what you all have been waiting for...a sneak peek of the finished beige door card. Before I show that to you I would like to give the code again for the freebie with purchase. When you visit www.cutterscreek.com please enter "5 Free Bags" to receive your empty bags that can be filled with your new purchases and help to keep you contained and organized. Don't forget your toppers and your glue while you are there. These items will get you started and the projects are EASY. Ok. Now. Ready? TADA.......

Isn't this spectacular? When we have completed our project, this will be the end result. Again, you can glue and sprinkle, but look what happens when you dress it up a bit. STUNNING. Here are a few more views of the completed topper with the Flower Soft.

The dimension this product adds without a lot of bulk is incredible. Don't you want to take that snow and have a snow ball fight? Or, make some ice cream?

Before I forget, I also want to mention that there is a yahoo group for www.Cutterscreek.com

You will definitely want to request membership. Kim is famous for interacting with her customers and sponsoring fabulous contest, doing giveaways, providing discounts and all around fun. You can also check out her blog at http://kreativekim.blogspot.com.

It is my sincere hope that you have enjoyed this Flower Soft retreat. Please don't forget to check back for the Day 3 Vee-dio. If there are questions you have that I have left unanswered, please let me know. I enjoyed the journey and can hardly wait until the next time I can add a bit of ink to my projects.

There is a Scarecrow that I need to work on to get ready for fall. That autumn Flower Soft is sounding yummy and calling my name. I had better get busy.

Gotta find some fall ink colors, in the Name of Love of course.

Until then.