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.

Shimmerz: Blingz It On

Happy Fall Y'all!!! Hello everyone. I hope this day finds you healthy and wise(r). It is a beautiful summer-like day here in Northern Virginia, but I know that fall is on the way. If you're here because you saw the  Shimmerz Vee-dio on YouTube, welcome. If not, it is the first video to the left.

Let me apologize in advance for the picture quality. I have not replaced my point and shoot camera. I will take new photos once I get it and repost them to this blog. Now, on to the Shimmerz.

I did not use any Sakura stardust or metallic pens on these projects--as a collective gasp is heard around the globe. This Shimmerz is shimmery enough and did not require further enhancement. Shimmerz comes in three ways--as a shimmering spritz (mist--now available in a mini bottle), Shimmerz paints which is more viscous than the mist, and the Blingz which is a thicker paint with lots of chunky mica. Both paints come in a pot. All three are water soluble for easy clean up and are non-toxic.

These products are highly irridescent and quick drying. I really like the versatility they provide.

One thing I discovered that was most helpful was using my paint brush to clean the ridges of the lid and the jar's neck. I returned the product to the jar. If you find bits of dried flakes on your jars, just remove them and return them back to the jar. It will reconstitute itself.

My favorite was by far the Fall scene using that incredible Autumn Flower Soft with the Spiced Cider Blingz (all of which are available at http://www.cutterscreek.com/. You will have to go back to my previous Flower Soft blog to find out how to get a freebie with your purchase.

Now to what most of you are seeking. The code to use when shopping for your Shimmerz Productz at http://www.cutterscreek.com/. Just enter Shimmerz Skittles and you will receive this beautiful mixed bag of flat back plastic gems. You will wonder how you ever lived without them.

Remember to keep inking, spritzing and blinging in the Name of Love.

Until then.

Flower Soft Day 3

If you are still here for Day 3, congrats. I hope you have had a chance to view the latest installment. If not please check the links to the left and it should be the first one. If not click Retreat Day 3 to view it at YouTube. Flower Soft is an awesome product. It is truly glue and sprinkle. I just like being able to bring my artistic side to the project. In my opinion this is what makes it great for the 'novice' or the 'pro'.

Remember that you can use the code '5 Free Bags' at http://www.cutterscreek.com/ when you place your Flower Soft order to help with keeping you organized. These come empty and you fill them up. I can highly recommend the store because the prices are good and the service is excellent. If you spend a minimum amount your shipping will be free. That will not be hard to do. If there are items not in stock just ask Kim. If she can get it, you can own it.

For all you bargain hunters here is a heads up. The orange container that I use to house my flower soft is on sale this week at Office Depot for $2.99. I ran out and picked up six more. Now I have a total of 12. They do come in a range of rainbow colors and clear. Get 'em while the getting is good. They also have some itty bitty ones that would be great for storing brads, eyelets and charms.

To reward your commitment to this retreat I have posted this decoupage card that I put together. Now this one was a ton of fun. It was like dressing up my paper dolls from when I was a young girl/ok--young-old adult (I still own some).

The photo does not do it justice. I sponged the mountains, clouds and sun to create a background. Here are a few photos to give you a better idea. I added my pop dots to the pieces prior to removing them from the sheet. I found this to be a much easier method. Then I only had to focus on the front and lifting out the correct number.

I used my tweezers to help me get the alignment right. I found these to be invaluable. The other photos are close-ups once I added the flower soft.

I started with the polar white and worked my way from light to dark colors.


I wanted to use liquid applique on the mountain tops, but mine had turned to a creamy latte color.

Maybe I can save it for my coffee stamps. This is totally off topic, but I love coffee. Black and Hot. Ok, back to the task at hand.

My dots are VERY low profile. I used some from American Crafts that I picked up at Tuesday Morning.
The card was folded to create a diorama type frame using my Scor-Pal. The quote is attached to a piece of acetate that covers the entire scene. This way I can display it and not have to worry about little fingers trying to remove the Flower Soft. I edged the side panels in the silver Peel Offs.

Since there is depth to the background it gives the appearance of a diorama with added dimension from the decoupage pieces. Here is a different view.

Hope you will experiment and play around with Flower Soft. I am sure they will be adding additional products to their line. Just ask Kim at http://www.cutterscreek.com/

Thanks for joining me on the Flower Soft Retreat---mmmm.....we could do a world cruise on another product? See how I get carried away? Before I forget, prior to adhering my pieces I used my Sakura glaze and metallic pens on portions of the images. It comes across in person, trust me.

Keep creating and inking in the name of love.
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.

Flower Soft

Hello everyone. I hope that you are taking advantage of these wanning days of summer. If you have not gotten out your camera, please do so. You will be able to document the swift changes that will take place in the next few months. How about taking a photo of yourself/your family in front of the same tree for the next four seasons. If you print them out in B/W you can color them in using chalks and a wonderful new product called Flower Soft.


If you haven't checked out my newest video on YouTube see the section to the left or go to FlowerSoftRetreatDay1 to get more background information.



Here is a Christmas card topper that I decorated using the Vintage Christmas and the super sparkly Polar White from the Diamond Glaze collection.

Attempting photographs with this product is a bit tricky but I have also tried different angles. Here it looks as if the ivy vines are floating on the page. Pretty neat. I really like the 3-D look you get when using flower soft.


The range of colors available is incredible. There is something to meet every need.
When you go to place your Flower Soft order for this incredible product at: http://www.cutterscreek.com/
and use "5 FREE BAGS" in your coupon code box; you will have the empty bags ready to fill with your Flower-Soft and be well on your way to getting and remaining organized. Use a slick writer to make sure the name is permanent on your bags. Then your 20 and 30ml containers could be used to house those hard to control brads and eyelets.


To the right is where I enhanced the bells with more Vintage Christmas and some Polar White along with a bit of white glitter. Of course I could not resist pulling out my Sakura metallic pens and also my Fiskars red glitter pen. It is those small touches that really makes your work stand out.

I am having a load of fun playing with this product. It is nothing like embossing powder. It easily pours from and back into your bag with no waste. I would suggest that you allow the product to set in between color usage and start with the Polar White first. You really want to keep this pure white. I also created a little bag of 'leftovers'. When cleaning my area any flakes that I missed go into that bag and I can use them on a wildflower topper. See, waste not whatsover.



Please keep inking in the name of love.
Until then.