Winter Coffee Lover's blog hop-part 3

Well, it's almost the very end of the day but I managed to get one more card made for the Winter Coffee Lover's blog hop!

It has been a lot of fun as always and I will look forward to the next hop.  One of these days I'll be more on the ball and get all the cards made I had planned for!

This lovely image is a digital stamp from Le Petite Market.  You can find here on Etsy here.  I'm not going to lie.  I own almost all of her digital stamps.  Yep.  I have a slight addiction to their cuteness.  I encourage you to go check out her store!

My card is pretty simple this evening as I let the image take center stage.  I printed it out on Bristol smooth paper and colored it with Zig Clean Color real brush markers and a water brush.  I added Wink of Stella to her cheeks and the mitten cuffs.  I added the sentiment and cut out the image with my favorite die from Craftin Desert Divas.  I mounted it with foam tape on to some more super cute paper from Bo Bunny.  I think this is the Fa La La collection.

Both layers were glued onto a card base.  It is one of my last few sheets of Stampin Up! Creamy Carmel cardstock.  I had a little crafing incident on my desk shortly after completing this card.  I was working on another card when I bumped this one.  It fell, face first, into an open dark green ink pad.  Yep, that was not fun at all.  When I picked it up I saw only a few major boo boos.  See those sequins??  They cover up the worst of it.  I also used my Signo white gel pen.  I think I managed to hide it pretty well!

Thanks for stopping in!
~Kristina

Winter Coffee Lover's blog hop part 2

Good evening everyone!  I'm back with my second card for the Winter Coffee Lover's blog hop!  I sure hope I will have time to get at least one more made.  It's sitting on my desk just waiting for me to finda little time to work on it.  Crossing my fingers!  So here is this evening's card.

I'm so in love with this color scheme!  It doesn't hurt that purple is my favorite color!   The snowflake paper is from a Bo Bunny 6x6 pad that I have been hoarding.  I finally let myself use some of it.  It makes my heart pitter patter.  The paper paired perfectly for with the Comfort to Go stamp set from Unity stamps.  I stamped the cup using Rich Razzleberry ink from Stampin' Up.

I stamped the sentiment from the same set onto Narwahl cardstock from Lawn Fawn.  I then heat embossed it with Liquid Platinum powder.  I cut the sentiment out with a banner die and added foam adhesived before attaching it to the white piece with the coffee cup.  As an added touch, I used a bit of Wink of Stella on the coffee lid and the white snowflakes on the cup.  The white piece was layered onto the purple paper (also from Bo Bunny) and then onto the snowflake paper.  The whole thing was then adhered to a Narwhal cardstock base. #winter2017clh

Hope you like it!
~Kristina

Winter Coffee Lovers Blog hop

I had grand plans to make lots of cards for the Winter Coffee Lovers Blog hop but life kind of got in the way!  I did get a chance to make two cards (so far) so I'm going to share one of them with you today.  I actually needed a birthday card for my sister who loves coffee so this was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone!

This bear is just the cutest thing.  He is from Darcie's Yeti to Party Stamp set that I picked up in one of my recent shopping sprees from Butterfly Reflections Ink. I colored the bear with Prismacolor colored pencils and used the plaid paper to direct my color choices.  I felt the reddish paper needed a little something so I stamped an assortment of coffee cups from the Lawn Fawn Love You a Latte set.  I just had to add the little smiley faces too!  I misplaced my notes so I don't recall which one of my many coffee sets the sentiment came from.

The stitched rectangle dies are from MFT Stamps and the banner die is from Craftin Desert  Divas. #winter2017clh

I hope you all have a great day!
~Kristina

On the mend

Popping on to share another get well card I made but this time it is for my husband's grandfather!  I always struggle with masculine cards no matter the occasion.  I figured I would share what I came up with just in case it helps someone else out with an idea!

The main image on this card is a clipart piece I found on the internet.  Long ago, my husband's grandfather owned and operated an electronics repair shop.  My husband thought his grandfather would be tickled if I used an image of a vacuum tube.  I must say this is definitely a first for me!

I printed the clipart onto a piece of Xpress it cardstock.  I used the the cool gray family of Copics to color the "silver" portions of the image.  I also added Wink of Stella to make it sparkle.  The black and plaid paper are from an old Basic Grey paper pad called Bowties.  The green cardstock is Gumball Green (retired) from Stampin Up.  I used a background stamp from MFT Stamps to add a little more detail to the green paper.

I glued all the pieces down onto a white card base.  The vacuum tube is adhered flat on the green paper.  The sentiment (also from MFT Stamps) was stamped in Gumball Green ink and cut into a banner shape.  The black piece underneath also came from the Bowties paper pad.  This was adhered using foam tape for added dimension.  That's it.  One very simple and masculine get well card.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Toodles
Kristina

Feel better flower

I unexpectedly found myself in need of a Get Well card only to find I didn't have a single one in my stash!  What a sad state of affairs.  Apparently I need to go on a binge crafting session so I have some set aside for future need.  I've got lots of birthday cards though!

Anywho, I needed something I could throw together pretty quickly but I also wanted it to be a little bit elegant.  This is for my husband's great grandmother and I always try to send her something a bit snazzier.

I scrounged around in my stacks of sentiments and florals looking for just the right ones.  I really, REALLY need to get my organization done.  Maybe I'll have a time at Christmas to make a dent.  Ok, back on track.  Let me just go ahead and show you my finished card!

I didn't really have a plan when I sat down but that isn't unusual for me.  I heat embossed the main flower from Concord & 9th's You Are Enough stamp set in gold onto Bristol paper.  I then used the Deep Red Zig Clean Color Real Brush marker and a water brush to spread out the color.  After it was dry, I went back with one of the warmer gray Zig Clean Color markers and went all around the image.  I used the water brush to spread the color all the way out to the edges.  I used a circle die from MFT stamps to cut out the flower layer.

I used a Spellbinders scalloped circle die to cut out the gold glitter layers.  The patterned paper is from Basic Grey and was cut with one of my favorite dies from Craftin Desert Divas.  I then cut the pink layer from Stampin up Rose Romance cardstock using a scalloped die from Mama Elephant.  The sentiment comes from a MFT Stamps set and I embossed it in the same gold powder I used for the flower.  I then cut it out with a banner die from Craftin Desert Divas.  I cut a slightly longer banner with the same die from bristol paper.  I adhered all the layers to a white card base.

I do hope my husband's great grandmother likes it and brings her a little cheer!

~Toodles!

Kristina

Let's get in the mood...

As is the crafting mood!  Come check out my latest post on the Kennedy Grace Creations blog.  Today I used the mood board for inspiration and made a never ending card!  

Hope you'll stop by!

Kristina

Blossom shaker

Hi gang!  I wanted to put up a real quick post to let you know I've got a new blog post up over at the Kennedy Grace Creations Blog.  Pop on over to read all the details of the project below!

You can find their blog here

~Toodles!

Kristina

Pretty in pink

Hiya fellow crafters!  I made a card that I just had to share with all of you so I'm here with a super quick post.

Joanna Munster from Inspired by Stamping put out a call for some crafty people to color one of her digital images for her upcoming newsletter.  I was lucky enough to be one of the few to get my hands on the image early and color it up.

I encourage you to check out her blog here AND sign up for her newsletter.  She sends out a wonderful newsletter and it usually has an awesome freebie.  I have loved every one since I signed up.  Without further ado...

To be honest, I'm not 100% certain that sunflowers come in pink but I found several images when I did a Google search.  I wanted to color them up differently than the usual yellows.  I printed the image out on Bristol smooth paper and picked up my Zig Clean Color real brush markers.  I love these markers!  I achieved all of the different pink shades with just two pink markers and a water brush.  It's all about quantity and ratios.

When I got ready to do the centers, I added several dots with a sharpie.  I knew they would hold up under the waterbrush.  I then colored right over them.  For a little extra bling, I added an assortment of sequins from my stash.

I grabbed one of my favorited rectangle dies (it's from Craftin Desert Divas) and cut out the flower layer.  I cut a thin gray layer from MFT Stamps Steel grey.  Also a favorite of mine.  I popped that layer up with foam tape and attached it to a pink card base.  And yet another favorite of mine, Sweet Gelato cardstock from WPlus9.

Hope you all have a great day!
~Kristina

Friendship is a flower--KGC blog hop!

Good Morning Crafty Friends and Welcome to Kennedy Grace Creations September Blog Hop!

We are so happy you have stopped by and joined us for this very special event!

Our newest release of Stamp and Sequins is now live and available for purchase in the store!

Here is what I have created for you:

I got to work with the gorgeous Friendship Blessing stamp set.  The Crocus flower in this stamp set is amazing!  Not to mention the great sentiments to go with it.  I had a hard time choosing which one to use.  Guess I'll have to make more cards with this set!

The flower stamp is an outline image and I knew I could just color it up as a solid but I wanted something different.  So I used good ol' Google to look up several pictures.  So many lovely varieties out there!  The one that caught my eye was a white flower with stunning purple veins.  I knew I found what I was looking for!

To start my card I stamped it once, made a mask, and then stamped the image again on either side of the central image.  Now we all know you can't really just leave white flowers white so I reached for some C Copic markers.  I used C5 for my darkest shadows and went all the way out to C00.  I may have even used a little colorless blender.

When I was happy with the "white' shading, I had to figure out what I was going to use to make the veins.  I knew from some online classes I have taken that you can used Triplus Fineliner markers with Copics.  I happen to have a set on hand!  I pulled out a dark purple and went to it.  I'm not much for drawing but I figured I could handle drawing lines. With the lines all drawn I added green to the leaves and yellow to the center of the flowers.

I VERY carefully fussy cut out the image.  I used a stitched detail line die to add the stitching right under the flowers and at the bottom.  I took a diagonal back ground stamp and stamped purple stripes on white cardstock.  I took a solid piece of purple cardstock and ran a Versamark ink pad around the edges.  I added the silver embossing powder and used a heat gun to melt it.

I cut a white circle with another stitched edge die and stamped the Friendship sentiment.  I sponged a little bit of purple ink around the edges.  The layer underneath is cut from vellum.  I also ran Versamark around the edges and added silver embossing powder.  I adhered all layers to a purple card base and added a couple sequins from Isabelle's Dream and Lemon Sorbet.

We will be giving away a prize package to one lucky winner.

All you have to do is join us for hop and leave a comment on each project. The more you comment the more chances you have to win!! Winner will be announced on Monday.

We hope you have enjoyed this release and will hop along to see what our talented designers have made using the Stamps and Sequins from our September release.

Your next stop is the lovely and talented: Berina 

But just incase you miss some one along the way I have included the entire hop for you!

Kennedy Grace  

Jill

                                                                          Donna

Beverly

Brenda

Kristina

Berina

Martha

Erica

Rachel

Heidi

Marina

Karen

Monica

LeeAnn

Chera

Christine

Cindy

Thank you for stopping by today! 

Coffee is a hug

Hello my fellow crafters!  I know I have been absent for quite a while but I'm happy to say I'm back! I was selected to be on the Kennedy Grace Creations design team.  I can't wait to share their gorgeous stamps and sequins.  In the meantime, I wanted to create a coffee themed card so I could participate in the Fall Coffee Lovers blog hop!  Woot!!

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year so I seem to own lots (and lots) of fall themed stamps.  I really can't resist.  Let's not even talk about Simon Says Stamp and Stamptember!  Oy!  My checkbook is crying!  On to my card.

Since this fall hop is also coinciding with The Daily Marker 30 day challenge, I happened to have this lovely little coffee cup from Unity Stamps already stamped and colored.  I originally stamped it on Bristol smooth cardstock with a dark brown ink.  I then colored it using my Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers and a waterbrush.  I cut it out using a die from Lawn Fawn's Stitched Rectangles and adhered it to a piece of Cajun Craze paper from Stampin Up!

The white layer is a piece of Canson XL watercolor paper.  I put several leaves from the Autumn Flowers set by Clearly Besotted onto a block.  I carefully inked them up with several different colors of Distress Oxide inks.  I used Peeled Paint, Vintage Photo, Fired Brick, Seedless Preserves and Fossilized Amber.  Before I stamped them on the paper I very lightly misted them with water. Stamped down in place and held it there for a moment or two.  I repeated that step until I had it how I wanted.   For added interest, I ran it through my Cuttlebug with a coffee bean embossing folder.  I then used the Lawn Fawn Stiched Rectangle die to cut it out.  I did go around the edge with the lightest of touch with the Vintage Photo.  This layer was adhered onto a piece of Crumb Cake from Stampin Up which I also sponged with Vintage photo.

The bottom layer was also cut out using the Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangle die out of Rich Razzleberry from Stampin up!  This was adhered to the Crumb Cake card base which you don't see.

I dug through my many coffee sets and came up with this sentiment from Altenew.  It comes from the Coffee Love set.  One of my very favorites!  I reached for several of the Distress Oxides to ink it up and stamp it onto watercolor paper.  I wanted my browns to match so for the layer under the sentiment I sponged Vintage Photo onto watercolor paper.  I added some gold drops before adhering it to the sentiment.  Before I put the sentiment on the leaf layer, I added some flicks of gold.  Can never have too much sparkle!  

I added foam tape to most of the coffee cup layer and adhered it in place.  Ta-da!!  I had intended for this to be a quick card but it didn't work out that way.  I do really love how it turned out though!  And here's another photo from the side so you can see the embossed coffee beans.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristina

Thanks a bushel

How's everyone doing today?  I'm trying to get over the post vacation hump!  It's hard to get back into the swing of things with work and kids and the like.  Slowly things are resuming there normal schedule and I'm getting back into my craft room.

I have finally had the chance to finish the last sections of the Create with Markers Mega class!  I have been working my way through section by section.  Mindy at My Creative Scoop breaks everything down into differenct sections.  It makes it a lot easier when you don't always have a lot of time to devote in one sitting.

The last portion deals with wood/leaves/greenery.  I should have printed out the digital stamp a little bit larger but I made it work anyways.  I think it would have been easier to squeeze in some more wood grain texture but there is always next time.

I turned the completed piece into a very simple card.  After I spend all that time coloring an image I really want to keep it as the focus.  This sentiment is from the Thanks a Bushel set by Lawn Fawn.  It was the perfect sentiment!  I stamped it onto dark brown cardstock and embossed it with white embossing powder.  I cut the main piece down a little bit, adhered it to a green layer and then onto the brown card base.  It is the same dark brown that I used on the sentiments.  I gathered up a couple diffrent sequins to coordinate and called it done!

If you haven't checked out Mindy's classes yet, you can follow this link to all her current offerings. She recently added an amazing hair and skin class!  It is on my wish list but it will have to wait.  I just signed up to take her Creating Backgrounds with Markers class.  I can't wait!

~Toodles!
Kristina

Balloon coloring

Hiya my crafting friends!  I'm back today to share a card that I made out of a practice piece I colored in Mindy Baxter's Copic Create with Markers Mega class.  Check it out here.  I have been having a great time with the class.  I had to take a short break due to a family vacation but I plan to be back at it again shortly.  I think I'm down to the last couple of sections (trees, grass, etc.).  Then I hope to take her Creating with Backrgrounds class!  I love learning more and more about using my Copic markers. I am always looking to improve my skills.  I highly recommend you check her classes out. She even has a free class to try out!

The section I just completed was on coloring transparent items.  In particular, balloons.  In the past I have just colored balloons that overlapped as a solid color with no transparency.  NO MORE!  Check out my results...

I am amazed at how simple she makes it seem!  I was able to follow her instructions to achieve beautiful results the very first time I colored the image.  I just love how it turned out.  I can see myself coloring a lot more balloons in my future.

The gray layer is Going Gray cardstock from Stampin Up.  The blue layer is Pacific Point also from Stampin Up.  I used the Roses all over background stamp from MFT Stamps and embossed it with white embossing powder.  The aqua layer is Cool Caribbean from Stampin Up.  The balloon layer was cut using a die from the Fancy Frames set from Craftin Desert Divas.  I did add a little glossy accents for a little extra highlight.  The sequins are from my stash (most likely from Pretty Pink Posh). The birthday die and stamp are from Lawn Fawn.

I appreciate you stopping by!  Remember to check out Mindy's full line of classes here.

Toodles!
~Kristina

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog hop 4

I didn't realize I have to have separate blog posts in order to do the link up.  So I'll have three posts that are just the pictures.  Please see my original Summer Coffee Lovers blog hop post for full details.

~Kristina

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog hop 3

I didn't realize I have to have separate blog posts in order to do the link up.  So I'll have three posts that are just the pictures.  Please see my original Summer Coffee Lovers blog hop post for full details.

~Kristina

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog hop 2

I didn't realize I have to have separate blog posts in order to do the link up.  So I'll have three posts that are just the pictures.  Please see my original Summer Coffee Lovers blog hop post for full details.

~Kristina

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog hop

Hiya everyone!  I am so excited that the next Coffee Lovers Blog hop has arrived.  I've got a busy scheduled coming up this week so I knew I needed to make something today.  I realized I had several images that I had colored for the spring hop but never had the time to make them into cards. This was just the perfect opportunity!  Without further ado, here are my entries!

For this card I used the gorgeous Spring to Go stamp from Unity Stamps.  I need to collect all of their coffee cup stamps.  I really want the one with the cat on it!  I tried to be very light handed when I colored the image in using Zig Clean Color markers and a water brush.  The patterned papers are both from Doodlebug.

This is a digital stamp from Jessica Lynn Original stamp company.  This was actually a freebie that I fell in love with from the Spring blog hop.  In fact, I loved it so much, I colored it up three times.  For this version I used Albrect Durer watercolor pencils.  The stitched frame is from Mama Elephant and the sequins are from my stash.  They might be from Pretty Pink Posh.  The sentiment is from Altenew's Coffee Talk set.

Take number two on the Jessica Lynn Original digital stamp.  This one I colored up using Mission Gold watercolors.  It was my first time using them and it's not perfect but I love it anyways!  The sentiment is from Altenew's Coffee Love set.  I also created the background using other stamps from the same Altenew set.

Third and final take on the Jessica Lynn Original stamp. I'm not going to lie.  This version is my favorite!  I colored it with Zig Clean Color markers.  This one is considerably more bold than the image I colored from Unity Stamps.  I couldn't find anything in my paper stash to match the vibrant colors.  I dug out some matching colors of distress inks and painted some stripes on watercolor paper. Splattered it with water to give it texture and presto!  Did I mention I love this card?  This sentiment is also from Altenew's Coffee Love.  It's hard to see but I cut the stripe layer out using a Wonky stitched rectangle from MFT Stamps.  The stiched scalloped edge is from Pretty Pink Posh if I am remembering correctly.

Whew!   A lot of pictures in this post and you can tell I had lots of fun making them.  Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristina

Turtley awesome

Hi guys!  I can't wait to get a break from the sweltering heat we have been experiencing lately! It does however make for an excellent excuse to stay inside and hide in my craft room!  I am still working my way through the Create with Markers Copic class I am taking from Mindy Baxter at My Creative Scoop.  She has several different classes (including a freebie!) and she just added a new one for hair and skin!  I have got to take that one next or maybe the background class...I just want to take them all.  Anyways, click here to check out the selection.

I colored up a fluffy cat but I haven't had a chance to make it into a card yet BUT I did finish up the turtle image.  He is just fabulous!  I think I'm a little obsessed with him.  The details Mindy shows you how to add are just amazing.  I can't get over how wonderful he looks.  Take a look and see for yourself!

The entire card is colored with Copic markers.  Well, the sentiment is stamped but everything else has been colored.  I can't believe that I made it.  The turtle is a digital stamp that is included with the class.  All the other details were freehand drawn in following Mindy's awesome instructions.  People, I can't even hardly draw stick figures.  I still came out with an amazing scene.

I can't tell you how excited I am to continue on with the class.  I'm tackling trees and greenery next. Stayed tuned for more sharing!

~Toodles!

Kristina

Tweet on you

Hiya gang!  I have a quick blog post for you today.  Life has been a bit hectic with year end stuff for my kids and just plain ol stuff!  So I didn't want to wait any longer to share this with you all.

Isn't this digital stamp just the cutest??  It is from Craftin Desert Divas and was released quite a while ago but I just finally got a chance to use it!  Totally perfect for all those upcoming summer weddings.

The stamp is called "Tweet Wedded Bliss" and can be purchased at the Craftin Desert Divas website. I used a die from their Fancy Frames set along with some of the Sweet Sixteen sequins.  I printed the stamp out on Bristol Smooth paper and got busy with my Zig Clean Color real brush markers.  I think I'm getting better at making softer colors!  It is probably hard to see in the picture but I added Wink of Stella to his bow tie and her flower crown.  Hope you like it!

~See you soon...

Kristina

P.S.  If you are looking for a link to the Create with Markers mega class, here it is! http://bit.ly/2rfk0Ro

All smiles

Happy three day weekend everyone!  I appreciate the fact that with an extra day off I can spend more time in the craft room!  I also figured this would be a really good time to type up today's quick blog post.  Last week I shared some images on Instagram of some work I am doing in the Copic Marker mega class from Mindy Baxter/My Creative Scoop. You can check out this awesome class here.  I am learning so many things including how to cover/go with your mistakes.  Like extra marker blobs or bleeding outside the lines...or dropping your marker on your work!  Mindy has given me the freedom to NOT throw away projects and I love it.

In the past, my Copic projects have been on Neenah Solar White.  Now I am a convert to Copic Xpress it and Cryogen white cardstock.  I still love my Neenah for many things but I was getting frustrated with the bleeding.  Sometimes I could control it and sometimes I couldn't.  To be honest, it could be user error but I am happy with the new papers I am using.  So if you are getting frustrated with your current paper, I suggest giving the two I have listed a try!  You might just love them.  On to my project!

The girl is a digital stamp included in the class and I printed her out onto the Cryogen white paper.  In the class, Mindy shows you how to color an ombre dress and I just had to try it out.  She had a different color scheme but I just found some colors I wanted to use and jumped right in.  I would list my colors used but I can't find my piece of paper with all of the colors.  Dang it!  I think my craft desk needs a little bit of cleaning.  If I find it I'll come back and add the information.  I know that they are from the V and BV color families.  I then used some of the same colors from the dress along with B000 and B0000 to create the little dots all over the background.

The purple gingham paper is from a Doodlebug paper pad, the dark gray cardstock is from MFT Stamps and the light gray is from Stampin Up.  I used a Tim Holtz stencil and Going Gray ink from Stampin Up to create the pattern on the gray cardstock.  I added an assortment of sparkling sequins from my stash and the sentiment is from a Mama Elephant set.  There you have it!

I highly encourage you to check out Mindy's Class.  I have learned lots and look forward to learning more.  My next section to work on is animal fur!  Have a fantastic day!

~Kristina

Zany zebra

Hi there!  We've made it to Wednesday which means we've got half of the week behind us already! Yay!  I'm here to help make the day even better by sharing my latest Craftin Desert Diva's project with you.

I'm sure you have learned by now that I'm not afraid to color my critters any color I choose.  I know they aren't naturally occuring but I just can't seem to help myself.  They practically beg me to color them in whatever zany combination I can come up with.  So today's project is no different.  I *really* intended to use black and white for this zebra but...well...you know.  A super happy, pink and gray Zebra!  I don't regret it one bit.

I actually had the current mood board/social media challenge picture up from Craftin Desert Diva's and I really wanted to use these awesome, bright colors.

Aren't they just super fun??  You've even got several days to enter the challenge.  Give yourself a treat and take time to color up a stamp or two and enter them in the challenge.  Don't forget to use #CDDMONTHLY!

I guess I should get to sharing my card with you,  Here it is!

The patterned paper piece on the left is something I created using a really cool stencil and 3 different colors of distress inks.  I inked the pink and the orange first.  Then I moved the stencil just a little and went over it very lightly with a gray distress ink.  I was attempting to give a bit of a shadow.  I'm not sure I totally succeeded but I still love it!

I used Copic markers to color in the Zebra Note digital stamp.  The sentiment comes from the Tiny Sentiments set and was a perfect fit!  I cut a scalloped circle out of watercolor paper using a die from the Stitched in Circles die set.  I used the same pink and orange distress inks to add the splatters to the watercolor paper as well as adding in some black.  I very lightly sponged around the edges with both the pink and gray distress inks to give it a little pop.The orange circle is also cut it with a die from the Stitched in Circles die set.  The orange paper is from the Gingham & Linen Doodlebug paper pad.

I adhered the zebra down with foam tape and layered up the circles.  I used a dark gray cardstock for the base.  The little pink stripe you can see in the center is also from the Gingham & Linen Doodlebug paper pad. I cut another strip of the gray cardstock and went over it with Wink of Stella to make it sparkle.  I then adhered the stenciled paper on top and added the circles.  I stood back and took a good look.  I decided it was missing something on the right side so I dug through my collection of sequins.  I pulled sequins from the Citrus Bliss mix and the Comet mix.  It seemed like the perfect finishing touch.

Thank you SO much for stopping by today.  I do hope you will go check out the challenge at the Craftin Desert Divas Gallery Facebook page!

Until next time!

~Kristina

Flying by

If you are like me, you are happy to have made it to the middle of week!  It's all down hill from here,right?  I find a little crafting always makes me stop and enjoy myself.  Even if it's only for 15 minutes!  Today I have brought back the adorable elephant from Happy Hello.  I did mention previously how much I love this little guy/gal!

I love using Zig Clean Color markers but I always seem to end up with really bright/deep colors. Sometimes that is exactly what I'm looking for but now and then I need something soft.  To that end, I have been practicing much softer coloring.  I think I managed to pull it off with today's card.

I really had to hold myself back and just lay down the barest hint of color.  Then I just used my waterbrush to pull the color out.  I'm certainly happy with the way it turned out!  I used the Inside Scalloped Circle die to cut the image out and add some detail.  I put it back together and adhered it to a light gray circle and glued it all to a gray card base.  The flowers are also from the Inside Scalloped Circle die set.  I cut them out of Bristol paper and used  a few of the Zig Clean Color markers to add color which I spread out with the waterbrush.  Easy peasy flowers that are a perfect match for my card!

This turned out to be a pretty quick card to complete.  I bet you could even make a set in assorted colors to give out as gifts!  I hope you take the time to check out these goodies at the Craftin Desert Divas store!

~Kristina

Many wishes

Welcome back to my blog!  Today I have a Craftin Desert Divas project to share with you. I'm using the May Mood Board/Social media colors as my inspiration for my card.  They are so bright and cheerful.  I can't help but smile when I use them!

We're really just at the beginning of May so you have LOTS of time to whip up a project to participate in the challenge.  Check out the CDD Gallery FB Group for further details.  Don't forget to use #cddmonthly!

Now I know peacocks don't really come in these colors but isn't it super fun?!  I created the background on watercolor paper using Kuretake Gansai watercolors.  After the colors splotches were dry, I splattered it with all the different colors from the splotches as well as adding gold and black. Once it was completely dry I cut it using one of the dies from Fancy Frames dies.  I hand cut a pink layer and a turquoise layer.  The green layer was cut out using another of the Fancy frame dies. Then I adhered all of that to a black layer and finally the white card base.  This card is heavy!

The word I cut out of black glitter paper using a die from Wishful Thoughts.  I also cut it out three more times using white paper.  I wanted it to stand out from the card but I don't have much luck using the fun foam with dies.  It always seems to end up a little bigger than the die...maybe because it gets squished?  Anywho, I glued all the layers together and adhered it to the card.  The oh so small wishes word comes from the Autumn Wishes set.  I just stamped the one word from a larger sentiment.  It happened to be the right size.  I stamped it in Versafine black and embossed it with clear embossing powder.

The two thin strips are two different shades of gray.  I used the same die from Fancy Frames so that the ends would match up perfectly and have the stitching detail.  Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that I colored the peacock using Copic markers.  I put a little bit of foam tape behind the parts of the peacock that weren't touching the gray strips.  That finishes up my project!  I do hope you like it!  It was a lot of fun to create.  I do love using my watercolors for backgrounds.

Hope to see you back soon!

~Kristina

Floral fun

I am really, REALLY excited to bring you today's post.  I signed up to take Mindy Baxter's Mother's Day coloring class.  This class is only available for purchase through May 14th but it is available for a lifetime after purchase!  It uses a gorgeous digital stamp (purchased separately) from Power Poppy.  I was thrilled to get to combine two things that I have wanted to do.  Take an in depth Copic class AND try out Power Poppy stamps.  A total win-win for me!

I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun I had taking this class.  It's like Mindy is right there in your home giving you one-on-one instructions!  She goes into a lot of detail and it's super easy to pause and catch up to whatever portion she is working on at that moment.  Not to mention you can "rewind" and watch things as many times as you need.  Awesome!  I felt her instructions were very clear and well thought out.  I mean, they must have been or there is no way I could have created such a gorgeous card!  Seriously!!  So without further delay, here is the result of taking Mindy's Mother's day class.

It is just so amazing!  I keep getting it out because I can't believe that I made that!  Yes, I am squealing here and doing a happy dance.  And it's even a no line coloring image!  And it looks fabulous!  Mindy made it so incredibly easy to create this gorgeous piece of art.  I can hardly bear to part with it but I think my Mother-in-law will be thrilled!

To create the card itself, I added just a little bit of extras.  I added a few sparkle flat sequins and a couple of clear Nuvo drops.  I used the same pink Copic marker to color the mat layer and went over it with a Spectrum Noir glitter marker because everything needs sparkle.  As the final step I adhered it all to a dark gray card base.  Done!  I couldn't bring myself to stamp a sentiment so I embossed one in silver on the inside.

If I haven't convinced you yet to run over and sign up for Mindy's class then I better share one more thing with you.  Mindy's classes aren't just for Copic markers.  You can certainly use any kind of alcohol markers.  I also wanted to show you how the same techniques she shows you can be applied using different mediums.  I brought out my Zig Clean Color markers and got busy!  Take a look.

Isn't it just as stunning as the one I did with Copics??  I am just tickled with how great this one turned out as well.  I encourage you to go check out Mindy's full line of classes which can be found right here.  I must also mention Mindy's awesome website My Creative Scoop.  She has so much to offer and a lot of it is free.  Yes, FREE!

These classes are going to become very addicting, I can just tell.  In fact, I'm off to continue working on her Create with Markers mega class.  I hope to be back soon with more lovely projects to share!

~Kristina

Elephant Hello

Hiya!  I do hope your May is off to a great start!  I'm here today to share a new project I created featuring goodies from Craftin Desert Divas.  There is a new monthly challenge over on the Craftin Desert Divas Gallery Facebook page but I still can't seem to get past last months lovely colors! They were just so darn soft and pretty.  So, you have been warned!

This elephant digi is just TOO cute for words!  I was so excited when Tara released it in the store.  I had to color it up right away using one of my favorite mediums...Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers. As per the usual, this was printed out on Bristol smooth paper.  I have yet to get my laser printer to cooperate with using heavy watercolor paper.  I like using the Zigs on regular watercolor paper as well.  Please share if you have any tips for laser printing on 140lb watercolor paper!

My card is so super simple but I think it lets the digi take front and center.  It's too cute not to make it the star!  I only used six markers and a waterbrush to blend all the colors out.  That's it.  Super duper easy.  I mounted it on a pink layer and then onto a taupe card base.  The Hello sentiment is from Simply Said stamped in black with touch of Wink of Stella on top.  I cut a small blue layer, added foam tape and adhered it to the card.  I called it done!  

Seriously, you should rush over to the store right now and get the Happy Hello digital stamp!  At .99 cents, CDD digis are an awesome value!

I'll be seeing you soon!

~Kristina

Pretty as a Princess

Happy May everyone!  I'm here today to share some news that is pretty darn exciting for me.  I have been chosen as one of the members of My Creative Scoop Creative team!!    You can see all of the fabulous members of the design team here.  I am SO jazzed!  I have always wanted to take one of Mindy's classes and now I am finally getting a chance.  I get to work on improving my coloring skills while sharing my progress with you all.

Another equally exciting piece of news is that Mindy is launching her very own line of digital stamps! Her store is launching today.  You are going to love her release.  Head on over right now! My Creative Scoop Digi shop.  To help with her launch I have a lovely card to share with you featuring her brand new Tiana digi stamp!  She is such a fun stamp to color.

Would you believe that this is my very first time using such a dark skin tone?  I've already picked up a few hints from Mindy's Create with Markers mega class.  You can check out all of her classes here.

I printed Tiana out onto Copic X-Press paper.  I generally use Neenah Solar White but Mindy highly recommends the X-Press It paper.  It worked out beautifully!  I colored everything using Copic markers.

Skin V17, E27, 25 & 23

Hair W9, E49, 47, 44

Dress and Crown YG0000, 00,03, 05, 07, 09, 21, W00

Flower RV13, RV11, G28, G24

Lips R56, 59

I do hope you take a peek at Mindy's Etsy store as well as all of her great classes!  Thanks for stopping by.

~Kristina

Fluttering by

I hope you have all recovered from the new release.  I also hope you have some of those wonderful new products in your eager hands!  I can sense lots of crafting going on!  I'm here to remind you that the April Monthly Challenge is still going on until the end of the month.  What a perfect excuse to use some of those brand new goodies!  Who needs to wash the dishes anyways??

The colors from this month's challenge are just so soft and lovely!  Let me share my newest project with you.

Today's project features the Butterfly Garden digi stamp.  She's the sweetest little butterfly and I adore the flowers that come with it.  I printed the flower base and the butterfly out on Bristol Smooth paper so that I could you use my Zig Clean Color real brush markers.  I just love these markers!  I probably say that about all of my coloring!  Oh well, I just love them all. Each have their own special qualities.

Everything was colored with only six markers and a waterbrush.  I love how you don't need a lot of colors to get beautiful results.  I just put down a little color and pulled it out with the water brush. Easy peasy!!!  The sentiment also comes with this digi and I printed it on Bristol as well.  I grabbed the same yellow marker I used on the card to color the sentiment.  Then I colored another piece of the Bristol with the purple marker to make perfectly matching layers.  I did spray the sentiment layer with some shimmer spray for that little extra.

The flower layer was cut out with the largest die from the Fancy Frames die set.  Attached that to a blue cardstock layer and onto the white card base.  For the butterfly I added foam tape to the back and adhered it.  The sentiment layers were glued directly down.  Now, do you see the little butterfly and dragonfly?  Those little lovelies come from the Window Pane dies set!  I cut them out from Bristol paper and colored them with just the barest bit of color from the Zig markers spread out with water. While they were still wet I bent them just a little.  Once they were dry they stayed bent adding to the dimension of the card.  I added a little Wink of Stella because you know they need to sparkle!

Have a lovely day!

~Kristina