Sunday, March 29, 2015

Pastels

Pastels! A sure sign that Spring has arrived. This week, we are celebrating the softer side of the color palette for the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge.
This week, I used one of my favorite stamps. The envelope liner stamp! Isn't it authentic looking? It adds a fun touch to my handmade envelopes. I also love my watercolors and they're so fun to use with embossing powders.
Embrace the pastels and show us your colors. Link your project to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog and your project could win a $50 gift voucher to Simon Says Stamp We draw a new winner each week. Your project could also be chosen to be featured in our weekly designer spotlight.


Sunday, March 22, 2015

One Stamp....Many Ways: A Simon Says Stamp Challenge

The most wonderful thing about stamping is the endless ways that the stamps can be used. This week, The Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge is to use one stamp many ways. 
Last Summer I wrote a tutorial on the Simon Says Stamp Blog, entitled: "5 Ways to Inspire Creative Stamping". In this post, I talked about doing many of the same things that I did for this challenge: play with the image. 
One stamp, many ways.


I used the umbrella stamp from the new Simon exclusive Spring release. Mixed media, watercolor, paper piecing...so many possibilities with just one little stamp!
We would like to see what you can do with one stamp. You don't need to create four different examples, like I did. Just have fun! 

What can you do with one stamp? Link your project to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog and your project could win a $50 gift voucher to Simon Says Stamp We draw a new winner each week. Your project could also be chosen to be featured in our weekly designer spotlight.


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Eileen Hull Art With Heart Challenge: Going Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
As you know, each month I participate in the Art With Heart Challenge with Eileen Hull. This month, the theme is "Go Green".

As you can see, there's not much of the color green here. Instead, I used things from the recycling bin and made flowers with the Sizzix 3-D Wrapped Flower. This "Go Green" approach was a lot of fun. I discovered a few new things that I'd love to share with you.
I created the crate by using Sizzix Little Sizzles Mat Board, an embossing folder, and DecoArt Antiquing Cream. Below is a sample that I varnished with their Satin Varnish. Doesn't it look like real wood? I love this!
The Antiquing Cream is part of the new DecoArt line of Fluid Acrylic Paints and Mediums. 

To create my mat board crate, I used the brand-new Train Case die that's part of the Vintage Travel release. This die will be available this May. I used the bottom portion for my crate. Isn't it adorable? I can't wait!
The case is generously sized. Perfect for my flowers! The beautiful flower colors were created with the DecoArt Mists. 
So easy to use!

The Art with Heart Challenge is a monthly celebration of creativity!  Each month the Inspiration Team will be showcasing our Art with Heart created with Eileen Hull’s innovative Sizzix dies. This month, the theme is Going Green! We invite you to play along with us and share YOUR art with heart!

We want this to be a place for everyone to create, inspire and share.  We would love to see what you can do with Eileen Hull’s fabulous products but this is not a requirement.  Use what ever products your artful “heart” desires.  Art is for everyone so come along and share your Art with Heart!

We want you all to create freely there are no rules here, just a few simple guidelines…

1.Create a new project following the Art with Heart Challenge Theme (however you interpret the theme) OR if you have created something that fits the theme previously create a new post with a photo and link to the original post.
 
2.Include a link to the current Art with Heart Challenge in your post so others can play along too!

3.When linking up your project please include a direct link to your post.

4.You are not required to use Eileen Hull Products in your projects.  However, those who do use Eileen Hull products will be given two entries into the prize draw.

Going Green? There's still plenty of time to link your project. Need more inspiration? Be sure to check out Eileen's Blog. There are many projects there from whose names you will recognize. They're amazing artists!

Sunday, March 15, 2015

In like a lion out like a lamb

In Like a Lion, Out like a Lamb. We've all heard the expression.
I'm not a fan of that lion. It was way too cold. Bring on the lamb!!! While we're all waiting for warmer weather, I hope you'll join us this week for the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. The theme is "In Like a Lion, Out like a Lamb", but you can use any animal for inspiration.
This week, I repurposed a tart tin. With a bit of paint and glitter magic, I now have a new Spring fridge magnet with a watercolored bird. Yes, I've used this bird a million times...I know I should retire him, but he keeps giving me the "eye".
Link your project to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog and your project could win a $50 gift voucher to Simon Says Stamp.  We draw a new winner each week. Your project could also be chosen to be featured in our weekly designer spotlight.

http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=821072&b=199868&m=24698&afftrack=&urllink=www%2ESimonSaysStamp%2Ecom
Here are a few of the supplies that I used: