BlackCats Color Trails

Looking outward together

2012-02-19T17:59:00.000-05:00

Here's a card I made to send to my husband. He's working away from home again so we have resumed exchanging cards more often, even though he was home for the weekend and just left 5 hrs ago, lol.

Stamp quote from Quietfire Design on light pink cardstock and cut out with Spellbinders Fleur de Lis Rectangles. Stamp 1 large and 2 small Flourishing Inside Hearts on light pink scraps with Brilliance Pearlescent Orchid Dew Drop inkpad. Emboss with holographic powder and trim closely. Rub cut edges with inkpad. Cut a piece of darker pink cardstock. Cut and emboss edges with Spellbinders Edgeabilities Classic Bracket. Create side fold card with light red cardstock. Add lace and assemble with Be Creative double-sided tape.

Thanks for looking.

Queen of Hearts Challenge

2012-02-14T14:25:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all,
Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine's Day! Give someone you love a hug. Don't forget to include your furkids.

Quietfire Design is having the annual Queen of Hearts Challenge. Post a card to the Quietfire Style blog here for a chance to win one of three grabbag prizes worth $50.

Here's my submission:

Stamp and emboss love femme image on white cardstock. Color with Twinkling H2O's and trim closely. Run black marker along cut edges to cover any white that shows. Cut base card out of purple Core'dinations cardstock using Spellbinders Mega Nestabilities Curved Rectangles. Stamp Queen of and The Last Minute on lavender cardstock. Cut out with Spellbinders Fancy Tags. Assemble with Be Creative double-sided tape.

Thanks for looking. Good luck in the prize drawings.
Hugs,

Winner and Lacy Butterflies

2012-01-21T18:49:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all,
The winner of the prize for the Quietfire Design Butterfly Blog Flutter from my blog has been chosen.

But first, I have another card to share.

This is a dimensional card that didn't scan very well. It's much prettier in real life. BTW, sorry for the scans...my loving kitties decided to kill my digital camera a while back and a replacement just isn't in the budget right now. Note: the black edging on all my scans are not part of the card, just needed so that the scanner won't cut off the edges.

The butterflies are done with the Spellbinders Nested Butterflies Two on white cardstock. I smeared Crystal Stickles all over them and made a slight center fold on both butterlies. The smaller butterfly was attached to the larger with double-sided tape. Place purple Bling along body, for eyes, and on wings. The antenae are the waste from the large butterfly, attached with a bead of Stickles. Cut two layers of yellow Core'dinations cardstock with two sizes of Spellbinders Lacy Squares. Create a square card out of orange Core'dinations and assemble with double-sided tape.

Inside:

Cut another two layers of yellow with the Lacy Squares. Stamp saying from the Butterfly Circles set on white cardstock. Cut out with Spellbinder Standard Circles Large. Run a bead of Stickles around the edge and fill in the tiny butterfly. Turn small square for a sense of movement.

Now, for the winner of the $50 prize...

Karen said...
Stunning! What a lovely format to showcase the beautiful calligraphy. I love it!

Congratulations Karen. Please contact Suzanne at suzanne@quietfiredesign.com to claim your prize.

Thanks to everyone for you kind words about my creation for the Blog Flutter. They are very nice warm fuzzies.

Thanks for looking.
　

Butterfly Blog Flutter - Prizes!

2012-01-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all,

Just a reminder... Today, Friday, January 20th, is the last day to make comments on our blogs to be eligible for drawings for prizes - $50 worth of Quietfire Design rubber stamps. Names will be drawn randomly at midnight PST.

I have learned that many of you have had trouble commenting on my blog. My heartfelt apologies! A trick I have learned when having problems is to close out my web browser and reopen it. If you have had trouble, I hope you will try again.

Here are the links to everyone's blogs:

Sunday, January 15th: Yogi
http://yogiemp.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-to-quietfire-design-butterfly.html

Monday, January 16th: Suzanne http://quietfirestyle.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, January 17th: Robyn http://rainbowweaves.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, January 18th: Monica http://blackcatscolortrails.blogspot.com/

Thursday, January 19th: Wanda http://artbywanda.blogspot.com/

Thanks for looking.

Welcome to the Quietfire Design Butterfly Blog Flutter!

2012-01-18T00:40:00.000-05:00

Quietfire Design would like to introduce you to the new Butterfly Circles stamp set! Here is my project using the new Butterfly Circles.

Just comment below and you will be eligible to win a grab bag of Quietfire Design rubber stamps valued at $50! We will be giving away five grab bags in total and all the names will be drawn on Friday, January 20th at midnight PST, one name from each blog, so you have lots of time to enter! Tell your friends!

The Butterfly Circles rubber stamps will remain on special at 20% off throughout the Blog Flutter!

Here is our schedule:
Sunday, January 15th: Yogi http://yogiemp.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-to-quietfire-design-butterfly.html
Monday, January 16th: Suzanne http://quietfirestyle.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 17th: Robyn http://rainbowweaves.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 18th: Monica http://blackcatscolortrails.blogspot.com/ (You are here)
Thursday, January 19th: Wanda http://artbywanda.blogspot.com/

Each Design Team member will randomly choose a winner from their list of comments, so make sure you’ve commented on each blog.

All winners will be posted on the Quietfire Style blog on Saturday January 21st. If you are one of our lucky winners, please contact Suzanne privately with your snail mail address within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. (Her email address is in the sidebar of the Quietfire Style blog).

Happy Fluttering and good luck!!

My project is a gatefold card.

Inside of card:

The background paper is done with Alcohol Inks and Silver Mixative on Tim Holtz Glassine Stash Paper. The glassine paper is an interesting product. The waxy surface means the alcohol inks don't dry quickly, giving you more time to work. I found that the first layer ended up showing predominately the silver mixative. Once I had good coverage I waved my hand back and forth to dry it. Then I worked with just the alcohol inks (Stream and Wild Plum) and the Blending Solution for another two layers until I was happy with the look. Once I had the look I wanted I heat set it for just a few seconds. No two pieces will be the same. Here's a portion of a spare sheet I made:

Then it's simply a matter of stamping and embossing, then cutting out the elements using Spellbinders Labels Four and Standard Circles Large. The scans don't show it but the white elements are made from a decorative paper that is pearlescent with a swirl pattern. Once the white elements are stamped and cut, put the die back over each element and use a small stipple brush to lightly swirl on some of the purple ink.

Cut a piece of purple Core'dinations cardstock to 5 1/2 x 10". Use a Scor-It board to score in 2 1/2" on either long end. Fold card then cut top and bottom with Spellbinders Classic Petal Edgeabilities. Assemble using Be Creative double-sided tape.

Enabler's List:
Butterfly Circles, May the Wings, set of 5 stamps
Tim Holtz Glassine Stash Paper Pad
Alcohol Ink Products (Applicator; Felt Pads; Alcohol Inks, Stream and Wild Plum; Silver Mixative; Blending Solution)
Core'dinations Super Assortment, ROY G. BIV, (lavender and purple)
Spellbinders Nestabilities, Labels 4
Spellbinders Nestabilities, Standard Circles Large
Spellbinders Edgeabilities, Classic Petal
Brilliance Dew Drop Inkpads (Graphite Black and Pearlescent Purple)
Scor-it Board (Scor-it-All), with Stop Guide and Scoring Tool
Be Creative Tape, Double sided, 5mm, 3/16" wide roll

Thanks for looking.

The Quietfire Design Butterfly Blog Flutter

2012-01-13T20:29:00.000-05:00

Quietfire Design would like to introduce you to our new Butterfly Circles stamp set! Each day one of our designers will be posting brand new artwork they have created using this set. Visit their blog on the day of their featured project, post a comment on their Blog Flutter project post and you will be eligible to win a grab bag of Quietfire Design rubber stamps valued at $50! We will be giving away five grab bags in total and all the names will be drawn on Friday, January 20th at midnight PST, one name from each blog, so you have lots of time to enter! Tell your friends!

The Butterfly Circles rubber stamps will remain on special at 20% off throughout the Blog Flutter!

Each Design Team member will be randomly choosing a winner from their list of comments, so make sure you’ve commented on each blog.

All winners will be posted on the Quietfire Style blog on Saturday January 21st. If you are one of our lucky winners, please contact Suzanne privately with your snail mail address within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. (Her email address is in the sidebar of the Quietfire Style blog)

Here is our schedule:

Sunday, January 15th: Yogi
http://yogiemp.blogspot.com/
Monday, January 16th: Suzanne http://quietfirestyle.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 17th: Robyn http://rainbowweaves.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 18th: Monica http://blackcatscolortrails.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 19th: Wanda http://artbywanda.blogspot.com/

Happy Fluttering and good luck!!

It's snowing

2012-01-13T12:32:00.000-05:00

Good morning. It's snowing (just barely) here in northeast Tennessee this morning. Yay! We have had an unusually mild winter so far this year so cold and snow are welcome. Cold to kill the nasty bugs and snow to replenish our water spring.

This card is an abstract of what happens here when it snows. There's a lot of pushing and shoving going on as my cats try to fit as many as possible into the windows to watch the birds flocking to the feeder stations. There are 5 in the den window and another 4 in the kitchen plus others circling for an opening.

I created a mask from Spellbinder's packaging to do the snow drifts. Use a dauber to rub Brilliance Pearlescent Sky Blue on the tops of the drifts. Flip the mask and use a smaller dauber to add The Essential Glue Pad ink and snow glitter to the peaks of the drifts. Add snow at the top with Inkssentials white pen. Stamp Warm Winter Wishes at bottom with Sky Blue ink and emboss. Mount to a prepared 5x7" card base made with Bazzill Bling cardstock. Stamp and emboss cats in window Image (Magenta). Color cats with chalks and use glitter gel pen to accent the swirls.

Hoping you are warm and snug on this cold winter's day.

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T16:28:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. May this year be happy, healthy and full of creativity. Here's a quickie card made with one of my favorite Kliban cat stamps.

The background was done using VersaMagic Dew Drop inkpads (Thatched Straw, Persimmon and Red Magic) and glossy cardstock. Draw tip of lightest color first from center to edge of cardstock in a starburst. Repeat with medium and dark colors and then repeat all three colors to finish. Heat set between colors to avoid muddying your inkpads. Stamp image and heat set. Add colors to hats, etc. with gel pens and attach to prepared card.

Thanks for looking. Purrs and headbutts from all my cats to all my cat friends.

Hope, Peace and Love

2011-12-19T16:13:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all,
Happy Holidays! With only a few days left we're all trying to get those last-minute cards done. Today's card is a very quick and easy card.

Stamp and emboss May you have the gladness of Christmas rubber stamp (Quietfire Design) on Bazzill Bling cardstock. Cut out using Spellbinders Labels 15. The decorative paper is Kanban Paper, English Riviera - Pink. Cut out elements and use double-sided tape to attach to base card. This is a lovely paper and each sheet will make at least 6 cards with plenty of scraps to spare.

This card is for the Created Byhand Challenge.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

Christmas in the Heart

2011-12-05T19:10:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all,
Is everybody busy creating holiday cards? Or are you just starting? Quietfire Design has a great new collection of holiday stamps for your enjoyment. The theme for the Created Byhand Challenge this week is Dear Santa.

Stamp and emboss images on white cardstock. Color with pearlescent chalks and Sakura gel pens. Cut out with Spellbinders Labels 18. The background is done using a technique called Pounced Pearls. Use small wads of plastic wrap to pick up three colors of chalk ink and press onto glossy cardstock, then dust with Perfect Pearl. Spray with Workable Fixative to set. Cut out with Spellbinders Grand Labels 11. Mount layers on silver 5x7" card. Use pop dots to mount the saying layer for added impact.

Don't forget that Quietfire Design is now giving prizes for the Created Byhand Challenge.

Enabler's List:
Rubber Stamp, It is Christmas in the heart
Rubber Stamp, Christmas Dreams, Paula Best
VersaMagic Dew Drop Inkpads (Red Magic, Oasis Green, Purple Hydrangea)
VersaMark Inkpad
Perfect Pearls (Perfect Pearl)
Glossy Cardstock
Spellbinders Labels 18
Spellbinders Grand Labels 11

Thanks for looking.

Who is behind that mask?

2011-10-24T20:16:00.000-04:00

This week's theme for the Created Byhand Challenge is Halloween. I'm on a "use up what you have" kick right now so browsed through my background techniques box to put this card together.

The purple layer is done with Reflex Purple Pearl Ex powder and The Essential Glue Pad. The image and saying layer is the polished stone technique.

Enabler's List:
Who is behind that Mask? rubber stamp
Cat mask stamp, Rubberstamp Ave.
Spellbinders Labels 5
Spellbinders Labels 8
Alcohol Inks (Wild Plum, Cranberry, Red Pepper)
Alcohol Ink Applicator
Alcohol Ink Felt Applicator
Essential Glue Pad

Thanks for looking.

Witchy Woman

2011-10-20T20:55:00.000-04:00

It's the witchy, spooky time of year again. Here's a card that uses some images from the new Wicked Halloween plate from Quietfire Design.

The background was created using several colors of Vivid mini inkpads and a craft sheet. Press inkpads onto craft sheet, spritz with water and press glossy cardstock into inks until you have full coverage. Stamp and emboss images. Cut out front panel using Spellbinders Grand Labels Eleven. Create shaped card using Grand Labels Eleven and adhere front panel. Use silver gel pen to create faux stitching and adhere square purple bling.

Single images from the Wicked Halloween plate will be given away this week as prizes. More details can be found at the Created Byhand Challenge blog.

Thanks for looking.

The Origin of Love

2011-09-26T20:09:00.000-04:00

The theme for this week's Created Byhand Challenge is Mango Sunset or Orange and blue. This is a rather quick and easy card, except for the vellum layer.

Brayer a piece of glossy cardstock in a crosshatch pattern using Kaleidacolor Desert Heat rainbow inkpad, heat set and emboss with Tim Holtz Rays folder. Use a tiny stipple brush to add Brilliance Sunflower Yellow Dew Drop ink to the raised rays and heat set. Rub edges with Tim's Paper Distressor and Sunflower Yellow ink.

Stamp Flourished Corners and The Origin of Love (Quietfire Design) on vellum using Brilliance Graphite Black ink and clear embossing powder. I stamped the left corner, then the saying and then the right corner to get the spacing I wanted. Only took three tries, lol. Cut out on an angle with Spellbinders Labels Four. Attach to background with pieces of double-sided tape behind the Fourished Corners and attach to blue base card.

Enabler's List:
The Origin of Love rubber stamp
Flourished Corners rubber stamp, set of 3
Tim Holtz Embossing Folders, Rays
Tim Holtz Paper Distresser
Spellbinders Nestabilities, Labels 4
Brilliance Dew Drop Inkpads, Graphite Black and Sunflower Yellow

Thanks for looking.

The love we give away...

2011-09-05T20:45:00.000-04:00

Today's card was created when hurricane Irene was wrecking havoc. Rather fitting that the theme for this week's Created Byhand Challenge is Hurricane/Swirls.

The background was created using Portfolio Watersoluable Oil Pastels. Lay down light layer of Brilliance Sunflower Yellow Dew Drop inkpad on white cardstock. Draw swirls with red, oranges and yellow Portfolios and use fingertip to blend. When you're happy with your results use a waterbrush to lightly wet surface then heatset. Use Tim Holtz Paper Distresser on edges, then rub edges with yellow inkpad. Ink front edges of prepared base card with yellow inkpad and attach background. Stamp and emboss saying (Quietfire Design), cut out with Spellbinders Small Deckled Mega Rectangle, and ink with yellow. I added some Sea Oats seedheads to a round (spiral) clip and attached it to the corner. Add a dab of white glue behind each seedhead and lightly brush a bit of glue over the fronts to slow drying and preserve the color.

Enabler's List:
The love we give away... rubber stamp
Portfolio Watersoluable Oil Pastels
Spellbinders, Small Deckled Mega Rectangle
Brilliance Dew Drop Inkpads, Graphite Black and Sunflower Yellow
Sookwang double-sided tape
Tim Holtz Paper Distesser
Round paper clip, copper

Thanks for looking.

Bog Garden Encounter

2011-08-15T19:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
The other day I was working around my bog garden and paused to catch my breath. I looked up to see a brilliant turquoise dragonfly sitting on a leaf watching me. So cool and a great inspiration for this card.

This was a quick card to put together, great stamps from Quietfire Design, Perfect Pearls, VersaMark and layers. The base layer is done with Perfect Ink Refresher and a wash of turquoise Perfect Pearls. The gold accent lines are done with double-sided tape and embossing powder. A bit of bling and call it done. This card is for the Created Byhand Challenge which has the theme of triangles for this week.

Enabler's List:
Rubber Stamps, Butterflies/Dragonflies Set of 7, Quietfire Design\
Perfect Pearls, Pastels
Perfect Ink Refresher
VersaMark Inkpad
Sookwang Double-Sided Tape
Glossy cardstock, black

Thanks for looking.

Trees and the Listening Heaven

2011-07-26T00:16:00.000-04:00

Last week I read about a great tree vs. man story. An 800 year old oak tree in a village in Turkey was in the path of road construction. The villagers and environmentalists worked to get the tree declared a "monumental tree. Sometimes progress is to take a step back. One of the newest stamps from Quietfire Design couldn't be a more fitting sentiment to reflect this story. Glad the Universe was listening.

The Created Byhand Challenge this week is to use only ovals. Stamp and emboss saying on white cardstock; cut out using Spellbinders Lacey Ovals. Sponge lightly around saying with Brilliance Sunflower Yellow. Use tip of Brilliance Pearlescent Ivy Dew Drop inkpad to color edge and lace. A Q-tip helps get the tight spots. Stamp and emboss three oakleaves; trim closely and paint with Twinkling H2O's. Use a stylus to trace veins and gently crease and curl to give depth to leaves. Add a piece of decorative paper to light green 5x7" base card. Attach saying with pop-dots and leaves with strips of double-sided tape at stem and main vein. Add three pearls in upper right corner.

Enabler’s List:
Trees are the earth's endless effort

Tim Holtz Acrylic Grid Block Set of 9

Spellbinders Lacey Ovals

Brilliance Dew Drops Pearlescent Ivy Inkpad

Sookwang Double-Sided Tape

Green textured cardstock and decorative paper

Twinkling H2O's (Golden Jade, Olive Vine, Wild Vine)

Corner Rounder, Martha Stewart

Oak leaf stamp, Creative Images

By the way, I have so far resisted the urge to unmount my stamps. The acrylic blocks I've had for ages are uncomfortable for me so don't get much use. I spotted the Tim Holtz grid set and decided to give them a try. I am very pleased with them. They're thin, lightweight and easy on the fingertips. The grid really helps get things straight. Hmmm, I may be sliding towards umounting at least some of my stamps. Need to explore indexing and storage solutions for unmounteds.

Thanks for looking,
Hugs
Monica

The doors we open

2011-07-05T20:09:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th holiday. My husband had Friday through today off so we decided to tackle a huge project we've been discussing for some years. We started earlier this summer building a rock wall around the inside of our 2,500+ gallon earthen koi pond. This weekend we did the other 2/3rds and finished up a couple of hours ago. Whew! What a lot of work but it is well worth it. When we've filled and drained it a time or two to get the water clear we'll put our koi back in the pond. They're not happy in their temp tanks so I know will be thrilled to get back in their home. I'll take pictures once Zippy and Company are back in and things have settled a bit.

Now back to stamping...

The theme this week for the Created Byhand Challenge is fireworks or metallics. I chose to use metal for my sample.

I started out with a Pepsi can I had carefully cut apart, cut is with Spellbinders Labels Eight #4 and #6, then embossed it with Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder. Sand both inside and outside edges for safety. I used a piece of duplex cardstock, possibly Stardream, that is silver with metallic blue on the reverse. Stamp and emboss saying (Quietfire Design) on piece of silver cardstock large enough to fit behind metal frame. Attach frame to saying layer with double-sided tape. Trace around inside edge of frame with blue gel pen, then while ink is still wet use fingertip to draw color into saying layer and onto frame.

Cut a piece of cardstock to 5"x7" and another to 4 1/4"x5 1/2". Use Scor-It and Scor-It Ruler to create starburst on both pieces. A wonderful tutorial for this can be found at Indigo Inklings. Look under Scor-It Ruler. Thanks Jay! Since the two sizes of layers didn't line up exactly I added lines as needed using the Scor-It and Ruler and just eyeballing it. Add ribbon to both layers, assemble with double-sided tape and attach to 5"x7" card.

Enabler's List:
Rubber Stamp
Spellbinders Labels Eight
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Swiss Dots
Scor-It
Scor-It Sliding Ruler
Gel Extreme Pen, Blue
Sookwang Double-Sided Tape

Thanks for looking.
Hugs,

Sunlight to My Heart

2011-06-21T13:01:00.001-04:00

Hi Y'all,
Good morning and Happy Solstice. I glad to see the sun peeking through the clouds today after several days of very soggy weather. The theme this week at Created Byhand Challenges is Sun/Moon or yellow.

I started out by creating the background paper. I'm running low on colored cardstock and instead of rushing to buy more I'm using up some of my supplies to create my own background papers. This time I used Ecoline Watercolor Ink, Turquoise Blue. I used a Pipette, Shortie, to add the ink to a mini-mister, added water, then misted a piece of watercolor paper. Dry and repeat until you get the shade you want.

The sun was created by running a piece of yellow cardstock through a Cuttlebug using the D'Vine Swirl embossing folder. Cut out 4 pieces using Spellbinders Labels Three #2 and 1 piece using Spellbinders Standard Circles Large #2. Add a few drops of Brilliance Pearlescent Yellow ink to a dauber and sponge onto edges of all Labels Three pieces and all over on the circle. Stack the Labels Fifteen pieces in offset layers and put the Circle on top using double-sided tape.

Cut a Spellbinders Standard Circles Large #2 to use as a mask and use Painter's Tape to attach it to the area you want to position the sun. Use Brilliance Dew Drop inkpad, Sunflower Yellow, clear embossing powder and parts of the smaller Flourish (Quietfire Design) to create rays. Remove mask and daub Sunflower Yellow ink around center of rays, then attach sun.

Here's a closer look at the sun and rays:

Stamp and emboss saying (Quietfire Design) on white cardstock with Brilliance Graphite Black ink. Cut out using Spellbinders Labels Fifteen. While the cardstock is still in the die, daub edges with Brilliance Sunflower Yellow.

Attach Sun and background layer to 5"x7" piece of yellow cardstock, add a piece of lace and attach saying. Attach to base card.

Hop on over to Created Byhand Challenges to see what others have done with this them.

Enabler's List:
You are Sunlight
Flourishes 1
Spellbinders Labels Three
Spellbinders Labels Fifteen
Spellbinders Standard Circles Large
Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirl Embossing Folder
Ecoline Watercolor Ink
Mini Misters
Pipettes, Shorties
Brilliance Dew Drop Inkpads
Embossing Powder
Arches Watercolor Paper
Sookwang Double-Sided Tape

Thanks for looking. I wish everyone a very happy Solstice, first day of Summer.

Hugs,

New Beginning

2011-06-16T23:41:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
Circles and Dots is the theme for the Created Byhand Challenge this week.

The background is white cardstock run through a Cuttlebug with Tim's Retro Circles embossing folder. It was colored using Portfolio Pastels. I scribbled on the various colors and rubbed them in with my fingertip, then spritzed with water to blend and set. Cut out using Spellbinders Labels Seventeen. Stamp and emboss saying (Quietfire Design) on a piece of light green textured cardstock. Tip: if you have broken lines fill them in with a Sakura Glaze pen. Cut out with Spellbinders Lacey Circles. Create basecard and emboss with Cuttlebug Swiss Dots. When assembled, add tiny rhinestones to saying layer.

Enabler's List:
Rubber Stamp
Portfolio Pastels
Tim Holtz Retro Circles
Spellbinders Labels Seventeen
Spellbinders Lacey Circles
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.
Hugs,

Beautiful Flowers

2011-06-10T14:34:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
Flowers are bursting into bloom to compliment the many shades of green of the new growth on evergreens. Fitting that the theme this week for Created Byhand Challenge is flowers.

The decorative paper is Kanban Papers, Salerno, Beige Metallic Glaze. I cropped the two flowers using Spellbinders Labels Two #5. The third flower was trimmed closely. Cut a 1 1/2"x 5" strip of the background portion of the Salerno paper. Stamp the Rumi quote on a piece of the background and cut out using Spellbinders Labels Eighteen #4. Cut layers of light Bazzill Bling cardstock using Spellbinders Labels Two #5 and #6. Use a VersaMark Pen and Ranger's Super Fine Gold embossing powder to edge the quote, background strip and Bazzill layers. Assemble on darker green Bazzill Bling cardstock.

Enabler's List:
Rubber Stamp
Kanban Papers, Salerno, Beige Metallic Glaze.
Spellbinders Labels Two
Spellbinders Labels Eighteen
Embossing Powder

Please take the time to visit the Created Byhand Challenge blog to see the other beautiful submissions.

This card will also be submitted to the Anita Be Stampin Challenge #22- Layer It On.

Thanks for stopping by today.
Hugs,

Dragonfly 6x6

2011-06-02T17:04:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
I saw several dragonflies flitting about my koi pond yesterday evening. Ah, summertime is here. They inspired me to dig out my collection of dragonfly images and make a card for a couple of challenges, Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge and Mojo Monday.

This is the sketch for Mojo Monday:

The decorative papers are from Magic Happens Collection Paper Pad. The base card is lavender Bazzill monochrom cardstock. Stamp and emboss image (KK Originals) on light lavender and blue decorative paper. Color with Sakura gel pens; bubbles were done with Sakura Stardust gel pen. Cut out with Spellbinders Labels Fifteen. Rub edges with Brilliance Pearlescent Lavender. Attach rhinestones to dragonfly body and head. Add a piece of purple gingham ribbon for a touch of country. Use popdots to attach dragonfly layer and tiny dragonfly charms.

Enabler's List:
Magic Happens Collection Paper Pad
Brilliance Pearlescent Lavender Dew Drop inkpad
Spellbinders Labels Fifteen
Gingham ribbon

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.
Hugs,

Created Byhand Challenge

2011-06-02T16:33:00.001-04:00

Hi Y'all,
This week's theme is White/Breathe. Here's my card:

Sponge Lumiere Pearl White on piece of white cardstock. Stamp and emboss saying (Quietfire Design). Cut out with Spellbinders Labels Seventeen. Emboss a piece of white cardstock using Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirl. While cardstock is still in folder tamp over raised area with Brilliance Moonlight White Dew Drop inkpad. Round corners. Create card base and sponge Lumiere Pearl While around edges. Assemble layers.
Enabler's List:
Rubber Stamp
Spellbinders Labels Seventeen
Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirl Embossing Folder
Lumiere Pearl White
Brilliance Dew Drop inkpad, Moonlight White

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.
Hugs,

Cats Rule

2011-05-24T00:17:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
The theme for this week's Created Byhand Challenge is Queen/Purple. In our house, cats rule and purple is my favorite color so this was an easy one for me.

When I started to create this card I discovered I didn't have exactly the color of purple cardstock I wanted so I went exploring in my supplies. The base layer is Lumiere Pearlescent Purple paint sponged on watercolor paper. Two pieces of Stardream Gold cardstock were cut using Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Pendant die. Mount one piece directly to base card; rotate other layer and mount with popdots. Stamp and emboss "Queen of" and "All She surveys" (Quietfire Design) on lavender Stardream text weight paper. Cut out using Spellbinders Fancy Tags dies and mount as shown with popdots. The "Queen" is from a package of Movable Parts Just Cats diecuts and is mounted with popdots. Use sections of popdots waste to attach crown charm.

Enabler's List:
Rubber stamps
Watercolor paper
Lumiere paint
Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Pendant
Spellbinders Fancy Tags
Crown Charm
Stardream cardstock
Just Cats diecuts

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Perfect Butterflies

2011-05-23T14:16:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
This weekend I decided to play with Perfect Pearls to create some background papers. The technique I used on today's card is a variation of Northern Lights from Paper Transformed by Julia Andrus. Here's my creation:

Spray two pieces of black cardstock with Perfect Ink Refresher and buff with tissue. Mix Perfect Pearls with water and brush onto first sheet of cardstock. Spritz lightly with more Perfect Ink Refresher. Press other sheet of black cardstock on top of first sheet, then pull apart from one of the corners. Allow to dry, then spray with water to set Perfect Pearls.

This technique makes the cardstock very fragile so adhere backgrounds onto another piece of cardstock before continueing. This is a good way to use up those pieces of carstock from variety packs that don't appeal or failed experiments. Useful tools for this technique are Little Bitty Scoop and Pipettes Shorties.

The base background is made using Green Patina, Blue Patina and Heirloom Gold Patina. Butterfly was stamped and embossed in the center and small butterfly was stamped repeatedly over background with Brilliance Graphite Black ink.

The frame layer used the second sheet of background created. I added a wash of Forever Green, spritzing with water to set. The frame was cut using Spellbinders Labels Twenty-One and attached with pop dots. The small and large butterflies were stamped on pieces of scrap background and embossed with gold embossing powder. Trim closely. Brilliance Pearlescent Yellow from a reinker was brushed around the edges and on antenae for highlights. Butterflies were mounted with popdots.

This card is used for the following challenges:
Created Byhand Challenge
Our Creative Corner

Enabler's List:
Stamps from Quietfire Design
Perfect Pearls Aged Patina Kit
Perfect Ink Refresher
Little Bitty Scoop
Pipettes, Shorties
Spellbinders Labels Twenty-One

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Created Byhand Challenge

2011-05-06T14:35:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
This week's theme for the Created Byhand Challenge is Mom/pearls. My mother passed away in 2007. I chose the word Memories as this week's challenge has brought even more loving memories of Mom to the forefront of my thoughts.

Memories, from the Life Journey Words set from Quietfire Design, was stamped and embossed on Waves, Silver Snow decorative paper. It was cut out using Spellbinders Labels Four #5. A frame was created using Labels Four #4 and #5. Cut and emboss cardstock using Spellbinders Contemporary Hearts. Before removing cardstock from die, trace over swirls below hearts using the gold Gel Xtreme pen. The next layer is Edera decorative paper. Assemble elements, including faux pearl flourish, on base card measuring 4 1/4x5 1/2". This scan does not do justice to the decorative papers used in this card.

Thanks for looking.
Hugs,

Created Byhand Challenge

2011-04-21T12:18:00.000-04:00

This week's challenge is to use circles. I think this is a perfect theme for this saying. I wanted to show off some new decorative papers recently received from Quietfire Design so this is a quick and easy card.

The decorative papers are from Magic Happens Collection paper pad by Kaisercraft. The saying (Quietfire Design) was stamped, embossed and cut out using Spellbinders Standard Circles Large. The next layer is Brilliance Bling cardstock cut with Spellbinders Lacey Circles. Corner elements were created with Cuttlebug Vintage die. The Brilliance Bling cardstocks matches the decorative papers better than this scan shows. The base decorative paper has a silver metallic pattern and the Bling has a sheen. Both gave my scanner fits.

Thanks for looking.
Hugs,

Butterflies Abound

2011-04-20T15:46:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
I received an order from Quietfire Design a few days ago. Among the goodies was some absolutely gorgeous Kanban decorative papers. I wanted to do something with the butterfly paper that wouldn't obscure too much of the pattern so decided on a pocket and tag card.

The base card is 5x7". I created the pocket using strips of the "waste" of a sheet of popdots and black cardstock. The layer of Kanban Sparkle Glaze Farfalla Beige was mounted at an angle for a sense of movement. The word Butterfly was stamped on white cardstock and cut out using Spellbinders Fancy Tags. The stamp actually has a lovely flourish on the bottom of the "f" but that wouldn't fit the tag so I taped over the flourish when inking the stamp to remove that portion. Brilliance Pearlescent Purple was stippled around the word.

The saying stamp (Quietfire Design) was stamped on a manilla tag using Brilliance Graphite Black ink and irridescent embossing powder. Brilliance Pearlescent Purple ink was stippled around the saying. Then the two sizes of butterflies (Quietfire Design) were added using same ink and embossing powder. The tag was edged by rubbing with Brilliance Pearlescent Purple Dew Drop inkpad. Purple eyelash and yarn fibers were added for a finishing touch.

There is a very nice selection of Kanban papers to be found at Quietfire Design so hop on over to take a look and drool a bit.

Thanks for looking. Hoping you have a day full of spring butterflies.
Hugs,

Hokey Pokey Dancer

2011-04-13T13:30:00.001-04:00

Hi Y'all,
This weeks Created Byhand Challenge is to use Dancing Shoes/Vintage. I immediately thought about my Hokey Pokey stamps. Here's what I created:

The dancer and saying (After Midnight) were stamped and embossed on white cardstock. The dancer was colored with Twinkling H2O's Baby's Breath, Jasmine and Wisteria. It was cut out using Spellbinders Labels Five. The saying was cut out using Spellbinders Labels Fifteen. Both were stippled with Brilliance Pearlescent Orchid.

The background was created using a thick restaurant napkin and Radiant Rain Pink Azalea. I spritzed the napkin with water and daubbed on the Radiant Rain. When dry I tore out the size of background needed. One of the images from Quietfire Designs Flourishes 1 was stamped all over the background with Brilliance Pearlescent Purple. A light pink top fold basecard was created using Spellbinders Labels Eight.

One of my youngest cats is named Hokey Pokey and she does the dance quite often, purring madly as I sing the song for her.

Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs,

Created Byhand Challenge

2011-04-07T00:03:00.001-04:00

The theme for this week's challenge over at Created Byhand is Spring Fever/Pastels. I just love this Anais Nin quote. Right now things are still tightly in the bud here in the northeast Tennessee mountains but it won't be long before things burst into flower.

The quote was cut out using Spellbinders Small Deckled Mega Rectangle #4. The background layer was brayered on white glossy cardstock using Kaleidacolor Bouquet inkpad. It was cut out using Spellbinders Curved Rectangles Mega #6. The flower was cut from a scrap of cream Embossed Paper. I used a Q-tip and the Kaleidacolor inkpad to color the flower. The base care measures 5x7".

Welcome Spring!
Hugs,

Cat Card

2011-04-05T16:19:00.000-04:00

Hi Y'all,
Here's a card I whipped up this afternoon for my cat card club exchange:

The image is from Michael Strong. It is stamped with Brilliance Galaxy Gold ink and embossed with Ranger Super Fine Detail Gold powder. I colored the cat with various Sakura Star and Sparkle gel pens. The image layer used Spellbinders Labels Four #6. I used a brush to add a bit of color around the image using Galaxy Gold ink. The next layer was cut using Spellbinders Labels Seventeen #6. The base card measures
4 1/4x5 1/2".

Reminder...
The Quietfire Design & Spellbinders Blog Hop continues through Thursday. Here is the rest of the schedule:
Tuesday, April 5 Yogi Grunwald
Wednesday, April 6 Robyn Josephs
Thursday, April 7 Suzanne Cannon

Hugs,

Prize Winner for the Quietfire Design & Spellbinders Blog Hop

2011-04-05T11:07:00.001-04:00

I'm sending a huge HUG and THANK YOU to all who visited and especially to those who left comments for this blog hop. I'm just over-the-moon happy at the response to my creation.

Now, on to the Winner! To be totally impartial, I used Random.org to pick the winner and the number selected was 70. That means the winner is.....

AKAGREENHOUSE

She left this comment: "What a gorgeous card! The color combination really invokes springtime!"

Congratulations! Please send me an email using my contact information to claim your prize. You need to respond to this post within 48 hours or there will be another drawing.

Thanks again to everyone for all your kind words.

Hugs,

Quietfire Design and Spellbinders Blog Hop

2011-04-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Quietfire Design Spring Blog Hop!

Quietfire Design is celebrating the honour of being chosen as a Preferred Stamp Partner with Spellbinders™ Paper Arts!

Every day a different Quietfire Designer will post their creations combining Quietfire rubber stamps and Spellbinders products in a blog entry (days and links to each blog are below). Each day a lucky participant will win one of the Quietfire Rubber stamps used that day plus Suzanne's choice of Spellbinders™ die!

To enter, simply comment below by midnight EST and you will be eligible for a random draw.

The winner will be announced here tomorrow. If your name is announced, please claim your prize by emailing me within 48 hours or we will draw again!

Here is our list of blogs and their special Quietfire Blog Hop days

Saturday, April 2: Wanda Hentges
Sunday, April 3: Becca Feeken
Monday, April 4: Me!
Tuesday, April 5: Yogi Grunwald
Wednesday, April 6: Robyn Josephs
Thursday, April 7: Suzanne Cannon

Thanks for playing! Happy Hopping and good luck!

The background layers for this card was created with a round sponge and Lyra Aquacolors. Moisten the sponge and rub Lyra crayon on a spot, then pounce onto white cardstock in scattered areas. Mix up shades of color families to get variations. Repeat, using fresh spots of sponge for different colors. Rinse sponge as needed. I chose to suggest a twilight scene for this card with blues, lavender and purple for the "sky" and several shades of green for the "garden."

Stamp "Leave room in your garden for faeries to dance." onto piece of sky background with Brilliance Graphite Black inkpad and emboss with clear embossing powder. Cut out using Spellbinders Labels Fifteen #4.

On piece of background with sky and garden colors, use the Checkerboard Corner stamp on the garden area to give the impression of flowers. Spritz stamp with water and blot. Rub various yellow, orange, red and pink Lyra Aquacolors on the stamp and press onto background. Repeat, turning stamp as needed, sometimes only using the tips and edges. Only color areas of stamp you want to imprint. Stamp Fiddleheads along bottom with Brilliance Pearlescent Ivy Dew Drop inkpad. Cut out using Spellbinders Labels Eight #5.

Run another piece of background paper through a Wizard, etc., using the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder. Align dots in folder and run through again to get a finished piece of 4 1/4x 6 1/4".

Rub all three layers created with background paper with Brilliance Pearlescent Purple Dew Drop inkpad.

Cut two pieces of dark green textured cardstock using Spellbinders Fancy Tags. Cut in half. Ink pieces with Brilliance Pearlescent Ivy Dew Drop inkpad to match the Fiddleheads.

Ink the egg from Flourished Flight stamp set with Brilliance Sunshine Yellow Dew Drop inkpad, then use tip of Brilliance Rocket Red Gold Dew Drop inkpad on the edges. Stamp 5 times on white cardstock. Trim closely. Stack together and use needle tool to punch a hole in the smaller end. Tamp Hearts mini-brad onto Rocket Red Gold inkpad and into clear embossing powder. Hold in tweezers and heat. Repeat. Use brad and eggs to form flower. Curl edges of petals over a pencil.

Cut a layer of light green textured cardstock with Spellbinders Labels Eight #6. Create a 5x7" card and assemble card as shown. Mount saying layer and flower with popdots.

Thanks for visiting. Good luck in the drawing!

Quietfire Design and Spellbinders Blog Hop

2011-04-02T16:56:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Quietfire Design Spring Blog Hop!

Quietfire Design is celebrating the honour of being chosen as a Preferred Stamp Partner with Spellbinders™ Paper Arts!

Each day a different Quietfire Designer will post their amazing creations combining Quietfire rubber stamps and Spellbinders products in a blog entry (days and links to each blog below). Simply comment on their Quietfire Blog Hop post by midnight EST and you will be eligible to be chosen in a daily random draw. Every day a lucky participant will win one of the Quietfire Rubber stamps used that day plus Suzanne's choice of Spellbinders™ die!

The deadline for commenting on each blog post is midnight EST on the day the artwork is posted and the winner will be announced the following day on the blog you commented on. Once your name is announced in the follow-up blog post, please claim your prize by emailing the blog owner within 48 hours or we will draw again!

Here is our list of blogs and their special Quietfire Blog Hop days

Saturday, April 2: Wanda Hentges
Sunday, April 3: Becca Feeken
Monday, April 4: Monica Black
Tuesday, April 5: Yogi Grunwald
Wednesday, April 6: Robyn Josephs
Thursday, April 7: Suzanne Cannon

Thanks for playing! Happy Hopping and good luck!

Quietfire Design and Spellbinders

2011-04-01T13:54:00.003-04:00

Great news!

Quietfire Design is now a

Preferred Product Partner

with Spellbinders!

To celebrate this

Quietfire Design

is having a blog hop.

Yes, there will be prizes.

The blog hop will begin

tomorrow, April 2!

Here is the schedule:

Saturday, April 2 - Wanda Hentges

Sunday, April 3 - Becca Feeken

Monday, April 4 - Monica Black

Tuesday, April 5 - Yogi Grunwald

Wednesday, April 6 - Robyn Josephs

Thursday, April 7 - Suzanne Cannon

Check back tomorrow

for full details.

Join us for six days of creative fun!

Quietfire Design Blog Hop Winner

2009-11-24T10:21:00.003-05:00

Thanks to all who left such wonderful comments on my blog and to everyone else who visited. It is such a nice "warm fuzzy."

Congratulations to Gail O! I used Random.org to pick the winner and she had the lucky number. I will email you personally but you need to email
suzanne@quietfiredesign.com to claim your prize.

Here's what Gail had to say:
"Hi Monica. The criss cross envelope is such a good idea and sets off the "ornament" beautifully. Your detailed instructions are so helpful because they allow you to think in different directions than you might normally take. Gail O"

News Flash about the Grand Prize
If you've been following the Quietfire Design blog hop then you know that to have a chance to win the grand prize you needed to keep track of the stamps used on each blog hop blog and then go to Suzanne's blog and leave a comment listing them all.

Well, Suzanne has decided to make it easy on everyone and all you have to do to be entered for the grand prize drawing is leave a comment. So quick, head over to Suzanne's blog to leave a comment for a chance to win.

Hugs,
Monica

Quietfire Design Blog Hop

2009-11-22T00:15:00.056-05:00

Today is the last day of the Quietfire Design Blog Hop. I'll tell you about how to win today's prize and the grand prize after I tell you about my project.

My creation is a criss cross card with a twist. The insert is made so that it can be used as an ornament. I used Bazzill cardstock from the purple monochrom pack. Create the criss cross base card. For the right side triangle stamp mini Dotted Harlequin borders repeatedly with Versamark ink and gold embossing powder. For the left side stamp the small bow flourish from Flourishes 1 repeatedly with Versamark ink and holographic embossing powder. Press reindeer charm into Versamark inkpad and apply holographic embossing powder. Cut small strips and pieces of Sookwang double-sided tape. Smush and press liberal amounts into channels on back of charm, using scissor tip to push excess into channels. Press firmly onto card.

Ornament: use Spellbinders Labels Five to cut and emboss two large layers and one smaller layer. The smaller layer should be embossed on the smooth side of the paper. Stamp Take time saying on smooth side of lavender layer with Brilliance Pearlescent Purple ink and holographic embossing powder. Use Versamark pen to trace around embossed edges of cut layers and apply holographic embossing powder. Work on small sections at a time, heat setting as you go. Sandwich a length of purple fiber between the two larger layers with several strips of double-sided tape to create hanging loop. Attach saying layer. Press snowflake charm into Versamark inkpad and apply holographic embossing powder. Attach to ornament.

Back of ornament: Press The Essential Glue Pad over Spellbinders Snowflake Impressabilities. Put cardstock textured side down on top of Impressabilities and run thru die cut machine. Pour snow glitter over cardstock and allow to sit a few minutes. Shake off excess and allow to dry. Spray with Krylon Workable Fixative to avoid shedding. Cut out with smaller Spellbinders Labels Five. Use Versamark pen and holographic embossing powder as on other layers. Attach to back of ornament with Sookwang tape.

For the daily prize, leave a comment about this post to be entered for a chance to win a $25-$30 grab bag of Quietfire Design Rubber Stamps. A name will be chosen randomly from the list of comments on this blog entry and the name of the winner will be posted on this blog tomorrow (Tuesday Nov 24). The winner must contact suzanne@quietfiredesign.com to claim their prize!!!

For the grand prize...
Tomorrow, Tuesday Nov 24th, you return to Suzanne’s fresh new blog entry and make a comment. Surprise! You don’t have to list the Quietfire Rubber stamps used by the Design Team in this blog hop! Just make a comment and Suzanne will choose a winner!

Hugs,
Monica

Another Quickie Holiday Card

2009-11-21T00:55:00.029-05:00

Here's another quickie holiday card suitable for production line assembly. The background was created using Brilliance Dewdrop (mini) inkpads applied direct-to-paper to white cardstock. Use rounded end to apply spots of Rocket Red, then add spots of Pearlescent Poppy. Use a swirling motion to apply Rocket Red Gold all over to blend colors. Heat Set. Run thru Cuttlebug using D'Vine Swirl embossing folder. Lightly rub/pat raised surface with Galaxy Gold ink. Create shaped top folded card using Bazzill medium-light red cardstock and Spellbinders Labels Eight. Cut background layer with smaller Labels Eight and attach to card. Stamp Merry Christmas Snowflake from Quietfire Design on light pink cardstock using Brilliance Rocket Red Gold inkpad. Cut out using Spellbinders Labels Three and attach to card as shown.

Stamp Season's Greetings saying from Quietfire Design on light pink cardstock using VersaMark inkpad and gold embossing powder. Cut out using Spellbinders Labels Three and attach to inside of card.

Don't forget.....

The Quietfire Design Blog Hop is still happening. Visit each day's blog for a chance to win a prize. Here is the remaining schedule:

Saturday, Nov 21st - Wanda Hentges
Sunday, Nov 22nd - Becca Feeken
Monday, Nov 23rd - Monica Black

Hugs,

Monica

Quietfire Design Blog Hop

2009-11-16T21:09:00.008-05:00

Quietfire Design is sponsoring a BLOG HOP. We hope to get you into the spirit of holiday cardmaking and to nudge your creative muse with some inspiration.

Visit a new blog each day and enter to win a grab bag of calligraphic stamps from Quietfire Design.

Please leave your comment in the comments section for a chance to win a grab bag of Quietfire Design Rubber Stamps. A name will be chosen randomly from the list of comments on this blog entry and the name of the winner will be posted on this blog tomorrow. Then hop on over to the next blog on the list the next day to be entered to win more rubber.

The winner must contact suzanne@quietfiredesign.com to claim their prize!!!

Here is the list of participating blogs:

Monday, Nov 16th - Yogi Grunwald
Tuesday, Nov 17th - Kristy Christopherson
Wednesday, Nov 18th - Kim Prince
Thursday, Nov 19th - Deborah March
Friday, Nov 20th - Suzanne Cannon
Saturday, Nov 21st - Wanda Hentges
Sunday, Nov 22nd - Becca Feeken
Monday, Nov 23rd - Monica Black

NOTE: You need to take note of all the rubber stamps used on each DT's blog. At the end of the blog hop, go back to Suzanne's blog and list all the stamps used this week on everyone's cards to win a grand prize.

Have a fun time with this blog hop.

Hugs,

Monica

Tis the Season...For Cardmaking

2009-11-16T19:31:00.006-05:00

The holiday season is just around the corner so if you haven't started making your cards yet it's time to get started. I did a class last week for Quietfire Design featuring quickie holiday cards suitable for production line assembly. To see other samples and details, click on the title to go to the Quietfire Design Gallery.

Hugs,

Monica

aka BlackCats