Retro Rubber Challenge #256 - Time to get sketchy...

Hey,

Welcome to another fun Retro Rubber challenge.

We have a sketch for you this time.

You know how much I love a sketch!

I decided to make my card a mini slim. I love Taylored Expressions cut-to-size Kraft card stock panels. I used one here and a Tim Holtz heart stencil with Festive Berries Distress Oxide ink. I splattered a bit of water over the stenciled hearts for a bit of interest. 

I knew when I saw the sketch that I would dig out the awesome Vertical Greetings set by Stampin' Up, which I've had since 2016. I cut my panel to fit the sketch and added the fun sentiment. 

Show us your interpretation of the sketch, pop over to Retro Rubber, and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends June 13th.

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge, and please only enter 5 challenges including Retro Rubber.

Cx

Retro Rubber Challenge #243.. Colour Challenge

Hey,

Welcome to another awesome Retro Rubber challenge.

Hubby and I had a totally awesome anniversary week in Mexico, and I am thrilled to have returned to a new job!

This time we want you to use all the colours on your project.

I thought these colours would look really good smooshed together to create a background. So that is exactly what I did, I used Distress Oxides and it's so pretty. I added the sentiment by Neat & Tangled from their 'Awesome' set that I have had since 2016.

I can't wait to see how you use the colours, don't forget to pop over to Retro Rubber, and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends November 15th

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge, and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber.

Cx

Unleash the Kracken...

 

Hey,

Happy Friday!

I was recently laid off from my job, so I have some time on my hands :) 

It was Hubby's 45th birthday last Sunday and I had real trouble making him a card. I made a bunch of them and finally had an idea that I liked LOL.

I started by creating the cloud background using my fave MFT Cloud stencil with distress oxides. I then die cut that panel to shape, as that shape would inform the placement of my elements.

The Kracken is a fave stamp by Avery Elle and the ship and the cake are part of the set too. 

I decided that my cloud dies by Lawn Fawn looked like sea when you use the other side. I cut them in 2 colours and stacked them using foam tape. I tucked the Kracken in and added the cake, the ship and the rest of the sentiment.

I am so happy with it and Hubby loved it too!

Cx

Retro Rubber Challenge #231 Colour challenge...

Hey,

Welcome to another awesome Retro Rubber challenge.

We have a pretty colour challenge for you.

I was very excited by these colours and then I made my card and covered the shaded spruce!!

I used two oldie but goodie sets by My Favorite Things - Flashy Florals and Large Desert Bouquet, I have both of them since 2016.

I created the background using distress oxides and flowers from both stamp sets. I added some leaves.. that are foolishy covered by my sentiment (eye roll). I like to add a piece of vellum, when I create my own backgrounds. I want to show them off as much as possible LOL. The sentiment is new to me and I think it's Mama Elephant, but I bought a cardmakers stash on eBay and some things were not labeled!

I am super happy with my card and I hope you have as much fun with the colours as I did.

How will you use the colours? Join in and show us and don't forget to pop over to Retro Rubber and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends May 31.

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber. And you don't have to have a blog, you can enter using Flickr, Instagram and Facebook.

Cx

Retro Rubber Challenge #230 Nautical Theme

Hey,

Welcome to another fun Retro Rubber challenge.

I just got back from Lemon's 50th Birthday Cruise!! More to come on that in another post ;)

This time we have a nautical theme for you.

I chose the theme for this challenge, I love all things nautical and if my hubby would let me, I can guarantee our bedroom would look like the inspiration image!

I had all kinds of ideas, but ultimately, the navy and white stripes inspired me. Which meant I got to get out my fave set ever 'Brushstrokes' by Stampin' Up, I have had it since 2015 and it is used a lot. I also wanted to incorporate a nautical icon of some sort and the anchor is perfect. It is by Pink & Main from 'The Shore' card kit 2022.

Show us your interpretation of the theme and, pop over to Retro Rubber and get inspired by the things the DT has made.

Challenge ends May 17th.

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber. And you can enter using Instagram, Facebook or Flickr, you don't have to have a blog!

Cx

Memory Pockets Monthly - April 2024 - Genuine - Cards part 1...

Hey,

Happy Good Friday to you!

My office is closed today, so I am planning on spending most of it at my craft desk.

We have a new MPM release over at The Lilypad today - 'Genuine', it's gorgeous! 

I was inspired to create cards that use journal cards as the focal point.

Journal cards are so pretty, sadly I am not a journaler, but I figured out a way to incorporate them into cards.

Main photo - I used a 4x4 journal card, die-cut using a square stitched die from my stash. I anchored the card using a strip of paper from the kit and popped it up using foam tape, the sentiment is by Ellen Hutson. I made x2 of these. I think you could easily hand-cut these out and skip the stamp or handwrite a sentiment.

Photo above - I used x2 different journal cards here and I let them help me choose the backgrounds. The bird card has 'hello' on it and that inspired my stamp choice. The 'go your own way' card made me think of arrows, so I used a Dyan Reaverly stencil to create the background. Also very easy. You could also use papers from the kit for the backgrounds if you prefer.

Photo above - I went with a small square card, mini square cards are very cute! Again used 4x4 journal cards. I used dies to cut the cards and the larger paper squares. The papers are from the kit. You could always cut the squares by hand. 

I used -

MPM April 2024 - Genuine Kit

https://the-lilypad.com/store/GENUINE-April-24/

From my stash - stamps, dies, stencils, Distress Oxide inks, black ink, foam tape, die-cutting machine, paper trimmer, double-sided tape.

Retro Rubber #223 - Colour Challenge - Winter Blue Ombre..

Hey,

Welcome to another fab Retro Rubber challenge.

This time we have a colour challenge for you.

I like creating ombre backgrounds. This time I did something a bit different. I stamped the rainbow (Rainbow background by Momenta 2023) onto watercolour paper and heat embossed it in white to create a resist. Then I used 3 different blue Distress Oxide inks with water to add colour to the panel, fading out to white at the bottom.

The unicorn is one of my all-time fave stamps by Pink Fresh Studio 'Unicorn Dreams' that I have had since 2018. I stamped it in blue ink here onto watercolour paper. The sentiment is from the same set.

I love how it turned out, the blues are so pretty.

I'm excited to see what you will create. Don't forget to pop over to Retro Rubber and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends February 9th

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber.

Cx

Retro Rubber Challenge #222 - Winter Theme..

Hey,

Happy New Year! And welcome to the first fun Retro Rubber challenge of 2024.

This time we have a fun winter theme for you.

I decided to use a set 'Snow Day' by Clearly Besotted, that I have not used that much until Christmas 2023. I made a bunch of Christmas cards with it, so it was front of mind.

I created the little scene by masking the house and hippos from the set and then I blended distress oxides to create the wintery background. I added some white gel pen to give it all a snowy feel.

I love how this came out.

Which wintery stamps will you use? Don't forget to pop over to Retro Rubber and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends January 26th.

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber.

Cx

Retro Rubber Challenge #221 Merry Christmas..

Hey,

Can you believe that it's that time already? Time for the last Retro Rubber challenge of 2023.

We really hope you have enjoyed playing with us this year, it has been fun to see some new faces. Don't forget you don't have to have a blog to play along, you can link up using Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, etc

This time we want you to use the photo to inspire your card - colours or imagery, or both, it is entirely up to you.

I was inspired by the musical notes and went for a hunt through my Christmas stamps and came up with this beauty by StudioLight 'Essentials: Let It Snow' I have had it since 2020. I smooshed a Christmassy background and stamped over it. I remembered why I rarely use this gorgeous stamp.. it is a beast to stamp, it took approx 8 inkings to get it to work..

But so worth it, because this card makes me so happy!

We can't wait to see what you were inspired to make and pop over to Retro Rubber and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends December 15.

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber.

Have a wonderful Christmas and we'll see you in 2024.

Cx

Retro Rubber Challenge #219 Get your sketch on...

Hey,

Welcome to another awesome Retro Rubber challenge, only 3 more left this year!

We have a sketch for you this time, you know I love sketches.

I went with a kind of one-layer card (I think to be one layer, you have to stamp onto the card blank?). I stamped 4 rows to fit the sketch. I love how it came out, it feels perfect for a guy or a teenage boy.

I used Tim Holtz Arrows & Dotted Inquisitive mini stamp set, which I have had since January 2022 and I used my fave Happy Birthday sentiment by MFT that just lives on my desk and I have had it since 2017. I stamped everything using Distress Oxides, I love the muted, kind of chalky feel they give.

Show us your interpretation of the sketch and pop over to Retro Rubber and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends November 17.

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber.

Cx

Retro Rubber Challenge #208 - Sweet Summer Colour Challenge...

Hey,

Welcome to another awesome Retro Rubber challenge.

June already!

This time we are all about sweet summer colours - we want you to use at least 3 of the following 5 colours - yellow, pink/red, green, orange or brown.

These colours are so fun! I used yellow, pink AND red, green, orange and brown. LOL.. all of them in fact.

I used an MFT wave stencil with distress oxides to create the waves for my Octopus. I added a few bubbles for a little bit of added interest.

I love Octopus stamps and this one is one of my faves from the 'Mr Octopus' set by Sweet Stamp Shop (who are sadly no longer in business), I have had this set since 2017. The ice cream and lolly and sentiment are all from the Avery Elle set 'Skating By' that I have had since 2016 and I love all the small elements in this set.

He's so kooky I love him!

Will you be like me and use ALL of the colours? Can't wait to see your creations, don't forget to pop over to Retro Rubber and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends June 16th.

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber.

Cx

Retro Rubber Blog Challenge #203 - Happy Birthday...

Hey,

Hello from Miami!! Well I am on the road on the way back, after a long weekend of dancing with Hubby!

Are you ready for another fun Retro Rubber challenge?

This time we are after birthday cards - easy peasy for us cardmakers.

Birthday cards are always needed and I love making them.

Recently I was on a mission to make a bunch of masculine cards.

I was gifted this wonderful Tim Holtz set 'Inquisitive, Dots and Arrows' in 2021 by a friend. It is the smaller set that he produces for Joann's so you also get a stencil.

I used the stencil and the background stamps that came with the set to create a fun background for my dude! I used Distress Oxides for the stenciling and the stamping - did you know that Oxides stamp really well? I stamped my fave dude from the set and then he was cut out using my Brother Scan n Cut (aka big sexy).

I added a small Happy Birthday stamp - this is one of x3 HB stamps that I keep in my top desk drawer, because I am always looking for a birthday stamp for a last minute make lol! So a couple of years ago I decided to pull out 3 that would suit all my needs, so I have this small one, a small scripty one and a larger more graphic one. Handy!

I can't wait to see which stamps you pull out to make your birthday card, don't forget to pop over to Retro Rubber and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends April 7th.

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber.

Cx

A trio of fun makes...

 

Hi,

I had a fun week off between Christmas and New Year.

I played at my desk a lot and here are a few of my fave makes - using mainly new things.

The main photo uses Taylored Expressions layered star stencils, Lisette gifted them to me when I was in NYC. When she was still in the hospital with Matteo, I went on a rummage through her craft room (lol) and stamped a bunch of these super cute Unicorns, also by Taylored Expressions.

My local Tuesday Morning, gave me all the goodies on a little outing - the stamp is by Ranger Letter It - I love these stamp sets, they make it look like I hand-lettered things! The amazing Hero Arts cover plate die (shown below) is also from that trip and it makes SUPER quick cards.

A super quick post just showing that I am playing and making, I keep neglecting my blog!!

Cx

Fusion Card Challenge - Front Porch...

Hey,

Welcome to another awesome Fusion Card Challenge.

This time we have 'Front Porch' for you! As always both the sketch and the inspiration image are awesome.

Which will you try?

I loved the inspiration image, as I have a front porch and I love sitting out there. But I didn't have the right stamps for the image in my head.

The weightlifting monster stamp is by Whipper Snapper Designs and is ancient and one of my all-time faves, I always smile when I use him. I used one of my many on-hand smooshed distress ink backgrounds and added a strip of glitter paper to mimic the sketch. The little sentiment banner I created using planner stickers. I think these little stickers are so handy when you want a small sentiment.

Make sure you check out all the rest of the inspiration by the DT over at the Fusion challenge blog, and play along with your own creation! When playing along you may use the sketch OR the photo to inspire your makes. OR, if you are feeling adventurous, you can fuse them together (see what I did there!).

Can't wait to see your makes. 

Challenge ends on September 27th.

Cx

Fusion Card Challenge - Colour Palette - Seagull Beach

Hey,

Welcome to another fantastic Fusion Card Challenge.

This time we have 'Colour Palette - Seagull Beach' for you! As always both the sketch and the inspiration image are awesome.

Which will you try?

I did not use the sketch, instead I was inspired by the image and the colours

I dug out an old fave by Newton's Nook 'Hey Gullfriend' and then created a background of clouds and sea using MFT cloud and wave stencils with distress ink. This sentiment always makes me laugh. I love punny cards.

SUCH an easy and fun make!

Make sure you check out all the rest of the inspiration by the DT over at the Fusion challenge blog, and play along with your own creation! When playing along you may use the sketch OR the photo to inspire your makes. OR, if you are feeling adventurous, you can fuse them together (see what I did there!).

Can't wait to see your makes. 

Challenge ends on August 30th.

Cx

Fusion Challenge - Front Porch

Hey,

Welcome to another wonderful Fusion Card Challenge.

This time we have 'Front Porch' for you! As always both the sketch and the inspiration image are awesome.

Which will you try?

I was planning on fusing the sketch and the photo, as I have a front porch and I LOVE it!!

But I couldn't find the stamp to create what I had in my head. So I went with just the sketch.

The weightlifting monster is one of my all-time fave stamps by Whipper Snapper and it always makes me smile when I use him. I used one of my many on hand smooshed backgrounds and added a strip of glitter paper. The little banner I made using x2 stickers that are for planners, but I like to use them as small sentiments on cards.

Make sure you check out all the rest of the inspiration by the DT over at the Fusion challenge blog, and play along with your own creation! When playing along you may use the sketch OR the photo to inspire your makes. OR, if you are feeling adventurous, you can fuse them together (see what I did there!).

Can't wait to see your makes. 

Challenge ends on September 27th.

Cx

Fusion Card Challenge - Colour Palette - Blue Butterfly..

Hey,

Welcome to another fantastic Fusion Card Challenge.

This time we have a colour palette with the image and of course a fun sketch.

Which will you try?

Surprise! No sketch for me this time. I fell in love with the colours and the butterfly, so went with that.

I used my all-time fave butterfly stamp by Stampin' Up 'Watercolor Wings' - it is a layering stamp and I am not normally into these, but this one is so fun and you get great results.

I stamped all the layers with Distress Oxides and spritzed and dried each layer before adding another one, I love all the drippy goodness. I used Salvaged Patina, Mermaid Lagoon and Blueprint Sketch.

I finished it off with a splatter of black ink and a heat embossed sentiment strip by Taylored Expressions.

Make sure you check out all the rest of the inspiration by the DT over at the Fusion challenge blog, and play along with your own creation! When playing along you may use the sketch OR the photo to inspire your makes. OR, if you are feeling adventurous, you can fuse them together (see what I did there!).

Can't wait to see your makes. 

Challenge ends on May 10.

Cx

Perfectly CAS - Make Pina Coladas...

Hey,

Well, I have been so busy being on teams and digitally scrapping that I haven't really been playing along much.

But I came across this awesome challenge over at Perfectly CAS - Tropical

I mean YAASSSS!! I just moved to Tampa in August, so I am all about feeling tropical.

I used x2 stamps - Sassy Crafting 'Feeling Fruity' and a wood Pineapple stamp by American Crafts.

I inked up the stamp with Distress Oxides - a bit of green bled into the Pineapple, but I kinda like it. I tried the sentiment a bunch of ways, until I finally settled on chopping it up and arranging it in a funky way!

I love it! SO not a Christmas card.

Cx

Retro Rubber Challenge #172 - Get your sketch on...

Hey,

Welcome to another fun Retro Rubber challenge.

We have a sketch for you this time, created by me!

You know how much I love a sketch!

I wanted to use the My Favorite Things 'Stitched Strip' dies, I got these earlier this year when I bought a fellow scrapbookers card stash. I stamped the Hero Arts 'Tiny Hearts background' stamp onto watercolour paper and spritzed it with water, so there is a teeny bit of movement. This is one of my fave stamps that I have had since 2017. I then used the MFT die to die-cut the strips.

I die-cut a heart in gold glittery paper and used a Love die-cut that my bestie sent me - she die-cut a bunch for me in all different colours. It's always nice to share kit. I stamped the sentiment using the same Kitsch Flamingo Distress Oxide that I had used for the hearts. The sentiment is a freebie that I have had since 2017, this set means a lot to me, as my bestie gave it to me when she came to visit me in NYC after the big operation complication..

Anyway, I love this card, I love making anniversary cards, celebrating love is always a nice thing to do.

Show us your interpretation of the sketch and pop over to Retro Rubber and get inspired by the things the DT have made.

Challenge ends December 3.

Don't forget to tell us the age of your stamp, that is part of the fun of our challenge and please only enter 10 challenges including Retro Rubber.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Hubby and I are heading to Sarasota to spend it with friends.

Cx

CASology #397 Type - I Like Your Face

 

Hey,

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a lovely weekend? Hubby and I had our first houseguest here in Tampa last week, which was a lot of fun.

I haven't played along with CASology in forever, but I saw so many cute typewriter cards that fit Fusion Card challenge AND my friend Jen's card made me laugh so hard I had to play along!

I mixed a bunch of sets to make this fun simple card.

The pink swoosh is a stamp from the Clearly Besotted 'Brush it Off' set and I used Kitsch Flamingo Distress Oxide. Heidi Swapp turned me on to stamping with Oxides and I am HOOKED.

The cute little typewriter and small sentiment below it, are from Lawn Fawn's 'Just My Type'  set. To add the fun sentiment, I masked off an ancient fave by Stampin' Up, so that I could have it stacked, it's actually in one straight line -

I loved this card so much I ended up making a bunch of them as a gift for a friend.

Hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving Week. We are lucky enough to be going to spend ours with a friend.

Cx