Life Simplified

Hello Again!

Today, I'm here with more vintage inspired goodness using a super cute stamp!

Stamp Used:

Upset Boy With Pet Pig

Above you can see all my base layers:

(1 A2 cardm a second layer of distressed black card 1/8 in smaller than base. Tim Holtz sticky back burlap (from his Textured surfaces pack) cut 1/8 in smaller than the black distressed layer.

A piece of corrugated cardboard I had laying around, ripped to add interest and cut to card width.

Stamped image colored and stitched onto black kraftstock 1/8 in larger than the 2.5 x 3.5 in image. 

I used various distress inks to watercolor this image. 

Antique linen, vintage photo, and frayed burlap were used for the general distressing.

Here is a close up of the finished piece with some Tim Holtz hardware heads, metal stars, and a  snipit sticker.

I hope this card sparks your creativity and makes you want to get grungy and inky!

Hippo Racing

Hello Again Crafty Friends!

Tera here again, and today I'm going back to my vintage and grungy roots!

(Also Hippo Racing, Why not!?!)

Stamps Used: 

Wake Me Up When I'm Famous

Hippo Racer

Start with an A2 card base.

 Cut black kraft stock to- 5 3/8in x 4 1/8 inches, a piece in 2in x 4 1/8 in, and  3 7/8in x 2 5/8in. 

The scrapbook paper layers measure- 5 1/8in x 3 7/8in, and 4 1/8 x 1 3/4in

The stamped image layer is 2.5 in x 3.5 in. 

I distressed Everything with frayed burlap and antique linen distress ink. 

When my stamped image was colored (using Zig clean color markers), I stitched around the edges. (I meant to stitch the top and bottom of the skinny piece but glued it down too soon, so I hand drew faux stitching on it. )

Finally when everything was glued down, I stamped my quote using my stamping tool. 

(Tim Holtz stamp press)

 To finish everything off, I used various rub-ons from Tim Holtz and 7 gypsies for added details. 

What do you think? 

Do you want to try hippo racing?

Something Supernatural...

Hello Crafty Friends!!!

Tera Here...Today is a super fun one for me. 

I am a HUGE Supernatural fan!

Before you ask I can not pick between Sam and Dean, they are both yummy in their own way! But Sam's car..... OK so probably Sam if he comes with the car. 

(I've always loved a men with sexy black cars... aka Batman, Sam, I'm sure there's more)

Ok, Back to business...

Stamps Used:

Plate 1520 

(you are going to want them all so just get the plate it will be cheaper)

Demon Hunter

Don't be and Idjit

Carry on My Wayward Son

Mark Of Cain

Muscle Car

Devils Trap

Angel Sigil

Police Toe Tag

Paris Address

(all but the last 2 are on that plate of rubber!!)

I just love how this card came Together!

This one is gong to live with one of may patients, She is also a huge Supernatural fan, so I am going to surprise her at her next visit.

Want to recreate it?

Start with an A2 card Base, and some scrapbook paper.

 This piece is from a park lane paper pad ( Maps, Text & Ledgers)

I distressed the edges using hickory smoke and antique linen Distress ink and oxides. 

Then, I stitched around the outer boarder for added texture. 

Next, I created 3 tags for layering. I used inks in : Tuxedo Black Archival, Shadow Grey Archival, and Watering can Archival. 

I again distressed each piece with antique linen ans hickory smoke distress ink. 

Here you can see them all layered and glued. 

Ten for the final piece I glued the tags and Demon Hunter strip down using distress collage medium. 

For the car, I used pop dots to give added depth and interest. 

I hope you enjoy this too!

So, who wold you choose? 

Sam or Dean... or someone else?

Simply Masculine

Hello Crafty Friends!

It's me, Tera here again to share with you a super simple masculine card.

(you know you always need those!)

Stamp Used:

Fabriue De Cravates

Other Supplies:

Hickory Smoke distress stain spray

black soot and frayed burlap distress ink

Park Lane papers

Tim Holtz stitched rectangle dies

Memento ink- Tuxedo Black

 Tim Holtz "snippets" pack

Voltage Die (by Tim Holtz)

I wanted to create a slightly grungy yet simple card that would be good for any occasion.  I started by picking a background paper that was simple with a light colored pattern.  (The papers I used came from the park lane packs called - Maps, text & ledgers, as well Neutrals)

I began by cutting my focal paper out with a Tim Holtz stitched rectangle die. I then stamped my Fabrique stamp in black Memento ink. To add a grungy effect I used black soot and frayed burlap distress ink lightly around the edges and a few flicks of Hickory Smoke distress stain spray. 

Next, I cut the next to layers of mats for my card. I sanded the edges of the textured card-stock for some extra texture and grunge. I also used black soot distress ink on both of these additional mats to lightly distress them.  Finally, I used the edge of my scissors to rough up the bottom mat layer. 

(the bottom layer is bigger than the biggest die, so I was unable to die cut it with the stitching. It is 4in x 5.25in)

To finish, I matted my card on a black A2 card base, and added my finishing touches.  The rusty bolts I created with my Tim Holtz voltage die, and the tiny ephemera is from the Tim Holtz "snippets" pack. 

(Just a note for the bolts- I used distess oxide sprays to color them as well as distress crayons)

I hope you enjoy this fun and easy card! 

Stay crafty!

Kicks and Cards

Hello Everyone!!

Today I want to share an easy and fun any occasion card.  

I don't normally create simple cards, but there are just some occasions that call for it. I love that this design lends itself to a variety of themes and ages.  You can easily create it in any color, and you could add any sentiment.  I love that it also works well for men and teens!  Men and teens can be difficult to create for at times.  

You card also simplify this design even more by not layering the pieces... or you can jazz it up with more embellishments!

Stamp Used: 

Star Sneaker

Thank you

Other Products:

Card-stock in black and white

Distress Oxide ink (Candied Apple)

Distress ink-Hickory Smoke (I could have left the edging off though)

Archival ink (Tuxedo Black)

Tim Holtz Layering stencil (THS003 "RAYS") 

pop-dots

Yellow marker

Wink of Stella (clear glitter)

I started by stamping my star sneaker on a separate piece of card-stock and set it aside to dry.  While that was drying I grabbed my card front (cut 1/4 in less than A4 size on each side), and added my rays stencil.  After I finished stenciling I went back and cut out my star sneaker stamp.  I decided It would pop a bit more if I matted it with a layer of black card stock, so I did. 

(This also allows it to match the card base which is matted on black as well)

After deciding I needed a tad more color, I chose to color in the star with a yellow marker, then added some clear Wink of Stella over that. 

The final step was to stamp my sentiment, and add pop-dots to adhere my card and start sneaker together. 

Thank you for stopping by! 

I hope you have found some inspiration for a fun and easy card!

Make it Manly...

Hello Everyone!

In light of fathers day coming up, I wanted to create something masculine. 

At first I thought I wanted to create a card, but then I decided something more fun would be an envelope for gift cards.

(You could of course use this base to create a card as well)

Stamps Used:

Clockface
Fabrique De Cravates Ad

Other Items Used:

Scrap book paper

Sizzix thinlet die- gift card bag (662687) 

Tim Holtz Layering stencil (THMS070)

Distress ink -gathered twigs

Archival Ink- tuxedo black

water pen
Tim Holtz Remnant rubs

I started by picking out the paper I wanted for my base.  I went with some Tim Holtz paper that had nice neutral colors and some general text.  (looks kind of like a vintage invoice).  Using my sizzix gift card holder die, and my big shot I cut my base out.

I used my distress ink around the edges before gluing everything together.  (you could probably skip this step. I ended up inking everything again at the end to deepen the color anyway). 

After my piece was folded and glued, I stamped "Fabrique De Cravates Ad" in black ink. Then, I used my distress ink to watercolor some shading on the suit. 

 When I was satisfied with that I used the same distress ink to stamp my clock randomly on the front and back. 

To finish this off I added some stenciling details. 

I added a remnant rub with "TIME" on it for added detail

I love how this came out, and it was so simple! 

(Now I need to decide what gift card I want to give him.... Tough decisions!)

Thank you for stopping by the blog today!

I hope this inspires you!

Natures Wonder Card

Hello crafty friends! :)

I hope you are all safe and warm!

Here in Ohio it has been super cold and snowy... 

I'm a warm weather person, so I'm dreaming of spring.

 As my first post back as part of the fabulous Viva Las Vegastamps design team, I want to share something special to me....

An easy 3D entomology themed card...
(great masculine card too!)

I myself collect pinned insects, and have a cabinet of curiosities.
  Do you collect anything?

STAMPS USED:

Vlvs Miracle Tape (tape used)

Bug Specimens

OTHER PRODUCTS:

Black and cream cardstock

Scrapbook paper

Black Season ink

Zig Clean color markers

Coard/string

Tim Holtz small talk stickers

Distress oxide ink -walnut stain

Tim Holtz tiny attacher

Distress collage medium (to stiffen the raised insect and to attach fun foam to card)

Fun foam cut to make 3d areas

Ok, so let's get started...

I started by stamping my stamp twice (one to cut for layering, and one for the base)
You can also see the slices of fun foam I cut to "pop" stuff up on

Next, cut your background layers from the scrapbook paper, and cardstock. My layers measure smallest to largest- 4.25 x 5.25in, 4.5in x 5.5in, card base- 6in x 10in

I used distress ink to add some depth on my stamped base, and my cream cardstock.  The insects were colored with my zig markers.

My layers were taped together with my VLVS miracle tape. Before taping my card base to my matts,  I used my tiny attacher to add my coard.

For the final 3d layer I used distress collage medium to glue my fun foam down. (And to add some thickness to the 3d bug).

Also, in case you missed this fun envelope I shared on facebook on Monday here is a bit more Buggy goodness...

STAMP USED:
Hercules Beetle
Paris Address

(the rest is all distress inks and stencils)

I hope you have all enjoyed this card and envelope as much as I do.
 (Don't forget to comment what you collect! Just for fun :D )

Christmas Greetings for HIM

Hi all!!!  Here we are just 3 days before Christmas...wow it flew by fast!!!  Are you all ready??  How about some inspiration for a last minute card for HIM.

I have a tutorial for you today, it is picture heavy so grab a cuppa and see for yourself how I have been foiling stamped images!!

I started with a piece of white cardstock, Deer Head by Cat Kerr and some Heidi Swapp reactive screen ink.

I put a small dab on my craft mat and rolled my brayer through it.

I rolled it over my stamp which I had on the appropriate size acrylic block.

I made sure the entire image was covered with the ink.

You can see the detail you still get in the stamped image.  Let the ink dry.

After cleaning the screen ink off the stamp and while the stamped image is drying stamp in archival ink on a piece of white cardstock and on dictionary page to be used as a mask.

Cut a piece of foil the size of the stamped image.  Lay the piece on top foil side up.

I used a laminating machine which came with a folder to put your images in to run through the machine.

When the machine is heated up run the folder through.

It cools very fast, when it is ready peel the foil off.

Look at this foiled image!!!

Using the cut out mask stamped on the dictionary page cover the deer part of the image, I left the antler gold.

With the Thicker Fir Branch stamp in green archival ink at the bottom of the deer image.

I cut the deer head out of my other piece of cardstock, colored with Distress Markers and a water brush and adhered.

Aren't these golden antlers AWESOME?!!

To finish the card off I stamped the Christmas Wishes sentiment and created a banner.  I used foam bits to add some depth.
And there you have it...a quick manly card for him.

As we are wrapping up the last month of this term and 2016 I hope you have been inspired.  Thanks so much for visiting and spending time with us while we share bits of our art with you.
Merry Christmas to all and to all MAKE SOME ART!