Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Sympathy Sentiments- No Coloring

I think the newly released Sympathy Sentiments stamp set is so beautiful and I just couldn't stop creating cards with it!

I wanted to show that you could create wonderful cards with it WITHOUT coloring so here's four ways that I did that.

For my first card I used some watercolor paper and my Zig Zag Clean Color Markers to create a simple background.

I had some alcohol backgrounds on my craft table so I thought I'd create a card with one of those. I think this is one of my favorites!! These were the newer alcohol pearl inks.

Since I love paper piecing, I thought that would be a neat way to use this stamp so that's what I did on my next card.

For my final card I did a simple emboss resist but wow, it turned out so pretty! I used the newly released Blue Bay ink for my ink blending. Love this new color!!

I really had so much fun with this stamp set and know that I'll be using it often. I'd grab yours now from the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps store and add some of the other great stamps and products while you're there! 

Have a super krafty day!

Supplies~

Kraftin' Kimmie Sympathy Sentiments Stamp Set, Kraftin' Kimmie Krafty Kolours Granite Gray, Wicked Black Ink, Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers, Watercolor Paper, SU Cardstock, Enamel Dots, Alcohol Pearls Inks, Yupo Paper, MFT Stitched Mini Scallop Rectangle STAX, Lily Bee Design Head Over Heels 6x6 Paper Pad, Kraftin' Kimmie Krafty Dots, VersaMark Ink, White Detail Embossing Powder, SU Designer Series Paper, Bristol Smooth Paper, 

Abstract Botanicals Bundle

Crafty Al is one of my best friends and I have been a huge supporter of all her products that she designs for Not 2 Shabby BUT I'm a very bad friend at using them. 

I swore I would do better when I ordered her latest collab products, the Abstract Botanicals Stamp and Stencil Bundle. I'm pleased that I was quick to use it and made 4 cards!! There are so many more ideas in my brain so hopefully I'll use it again soon!!

At the time of sharing this blog post/video there are no bundles left but you can still get the stamp set and you can still add on the extra class too!! Be sure to check out all of the cards that Crafty Al has made with this bundle too! Her playlist is here! 

Here's all the cards I created~ for more details, check out my video HERE as I found it easier to just tell about each card instead of trying to type it all out!

Have the most wonderful day!!

Supplies~

Not 2 Shabby Abstract Botanicals Stamp and Stencil Bundle, SU Garden Green Ink, SU Pacific Point Ink, SU Rich Razzleberry Ink, MFT A2 Stitched Rectangle STAX Set 1, SU Pacific Point Cardstock, SU Banners Pick a Punch, SU Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Bristol Smooth Cardstock, Distress Oxide Inks: Speckled Egg, Cracked Pistachio, SU Highland Heather Ink, SU Soft Succulent Ink, Avery Elle Clear Shimmer Spray, SU Soft Succulent Cardstock, SU Highland Heather Cardstock, SU Basic Pearls Jewels, SU Botanical Gardens Designer Series Paper, SU Cajun Craze Ink, SU Hello Honey Ink, SU Mossy Meadow Ink, MFT Stitched Mini Scallop Rectangle STAX, SU Banner Punch, SU Hello Honey Cardstock, Zig Clean Color Markers, Watercolor Paper, VersaFine Onyx Black Ink, VersaMark Ink, Detail White Embossing Powder, Bo Bunny Double Dot Jewels, 

**Some links that I share are affiliate links. I link them up for your convenience and may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. I hope you will consider using the links if you decide to purchase the products I share.**

There's a Stamp for That-May your day Bubble Over with fun!

Have you heard the news? Sweet November released two mermaid clear stamp sets!! and boy are they FABULOUS!! For my card today I used the new Merwees Set #1. I just love these little mermaids!!

This card is for the new challenge at my Facebook Challenge Group, There's a Stamp for That. Challenge #3 is mermaids or thinking of you. Easy peasy!

I started my card by making the background with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush pens and a paintbrush with some water. I basically just scribbled and then used the paintbrush with water to blend it. I really like how it turned out. 

From there I just kept adding details until I got it where I liked it. I just love these little Merwees!!

Have a wonderful day and if you're on Facebook and looking for some fun, come join my group!!

Stamps~ Sweet November~Merwees Set #1, SU Sea Street
Ink~ Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Pacific Point, VersaMark, SU Coastal Cabana,
Cardstock~ Bristol Smooth, SU Concord Crush, SU Pacific Point,
Designer Paper~
Other Goodies~ copics, Zig Clean Color Real Brush pens, Newton's Nook Frames Squared Dies, white embossing powder, glossy accents, Spectrum Noir Sparkle pen,

I also am going to be trying to do a short video with each of my cards so you can view today's video HERE!

Spring in my Step

Quite awhile ago I decided I wanted to try watercoloring digi stamps so I printed several to try on watercolor paper and then other things came up and I forgot about them. I found them recently and decided to play around.

Today I used my Zig Clean Color Watercolor markers to color the digi stamp. I love how vibrant this turned out. I was pleased that the digi stamp (printed on my laser printer) didn't bleed at all with the markers and water.

Have a wonderful, happy day!

Stamps~ Power Poppy~digi~Springy Step,
Ink~
Cardstock~ watercolor paper, SU Tempting Turquoise, misc. white,
Designer Paper~
Other Goodies~ Zig Clean Color watercolor markers, MFT A2 Stitched Rectangle STAX set 1, SU Decorative Dots Textured Impressions embossing folder, MFT Stitched Scallop Basic Edges, Spectrum Noir Sparkle pen,

You're pawsitively awesome!

Today's card is another one from last year when I was on the SCS Dirty Dozen team.

The July 2017 Fan Club theme was Time to Relax. Spending time with pets definitely is a stress reliever and a way to relax!

Remember that you're awesome too!! have a happy day!

Stamps~ MFT- You have my heart

Ink~ Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black,

Cardstock~ Watercolor paper, SU Island Indigo,

Other Goodies~ watercolor brush, Zig Clean Color markers in fl. Green, light blue, may green, pale green, cobalt blue- copics,

With heartfelt sympathy

Another card to share today from when I was on the SCS Dirty Dozen team. The June Fan Club theme was Sunrise/Sunset. For this card I used the other twist on the theme of making a sympathy card for an ending.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Stamps~ Stampin' Up- Simply Sketched

Ink~ Ranger Archival Sepia Ink,

Cardstock~ Watercolor paper, SU Sweet Sugarplum,

Designer Paper~ SU Botanical Gardens designer vellum,

Other Goodies~ Zig Clean Color markers, SU Basic Pearls

1 stamp 3 ways

**Warning~~ Very photo intensive post!**

For quite awhile I have wanted to take one stamp/image and color it multiple ways so I finally just took the time to do it!

I chose a stamp from the Power Poppy set, Short Stacks.

I colored the first image with prismacolor pencils which was very fun for me. Before I got copics I primarily used prismacolor pencils to color with but never shaded and layered the colors so it was fun to try new techniques.  I used a sketch from Power Poppy for this card~

The next image I colored with Zig Clean Color markers. It was such a tiny area that I was very nervous working with the watercolors but I was pleased with the results and how it really wasn't as hard as I had expected. 

The last image I colored with copics. I tried to keep the colors similar in all 3 images so it could be a fair comparison. I don't know that I have a "favorite" but it's interesting to me to see the differences. 

I'm so happy I took the time to do this as it was so much fun! 

Sorry it's been so quiet on my blog lately. I started my new job and am getting use to getting up early again on the days I work, etc. I won't be working many hours a week so once training is over I should be back to creating like crazy again!!

Have a wonderful day!

Stamps~ Power Poppy~Short Stacks,
Ink~ Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Archival Black, SU Early Espresso, SU Crisp Cantaloupe, SU Night of Navy, SU Pumpkin Pie,
Cardstock~ Copic Xpress-It, watercolor paper, SU Early Espresso, SU Night of Navy, SU Pumpkin Pie, misc. white,
Designer Paper~ Basic Grey~ Lucille, Basic Grey~ PB&J, 
Other Goodies~ copics, prismacolor pencils, Zig Clean Color markers, bakers twine, SU pearls, MFT Stitched Oval STAX, EK Success border punch, SU Sparkle Textured Expressions Embossing Folder, SU retired enamel dots,

Let It Be

I have really fallen in love with Power Poppy stamps lately. I haven't had a chance to color up many of the gorgeous stamps but I've been following their blog faithfully and playing along with their new mini challenges each week.

This week's mini challenge really is a challenge to me! It's Color Outside the Lines-Whatever that means to you! You can read about it HERE!

I'm an orderly kinda gal. I like my images all colored in and blended--every.single.part and I like things, well all put together in order. I thought about this challenge for a good while and then decided to just dive in.

I used the free download, Let It Be, for my creation today. I had originally planned on using my copics so I had printed it out on copic paper but then decided to use my Zig Clean Clear markers. They don't really blend on this paper so that just added to the challenge I feel. I just "let it be". I just started by laying down colors, not in any order and not leaf by leaf like I normally would do. It about killed me to leave the letters blank, although looking at them, I see I did go over the lines on a few of them--and look at that, I didn't fix them!

I thought about making a card out of the image when I was done but again decided to "let it be". I'm going to put it on my bulletin board in my craft room to remind myself that it's okay to color outside the lines!

Okay, I'll admit it. This was a very good exercise for me. To not worry about it being "just so". To just color, to have fun. Thanks so much, Marcella for the challenge!

Stamps~ Power Poppy-digi-Let It Be,
Ink~
Cardstock~ Copic Xpress-It, 
Designer Paper~
Other Goodies~ Zig Clean Color markers,

Oh deer!

My best friend spoiled me for my birthday and got me several cute stamp sets on my wishlist including this one from Clearly Besotted called Deer to Me. I just {love} it so much! I can't wait to create more with it!

For today's card I used my Zig Clean Color markers on it. I really enjoyed playing around with watercolor and hope to do it more!

Today is my birthday and I have to say it's been so wonderful! It even started out with deer in my yard!!

I am just so blessed! Hope you had a wonderful day too!!

I'm entering this card into the following challenges~

• The Corrosive Challenge~ Anything Goes
• Lil Patch of Crafty Friends~ Anything Goes
• Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge~ Anything Goes
• Crafty Gals Corner~ Anything Goes
• Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge~ Anything Goes

Stamps~ Clearly Besotted-Deer to me,

Ink~ SU Archival Black, SU Early Espresso
Cardstock~ watercolor paper,
Designer Paper~
Other Goodies~ Zig Clean Color real brush pens, MFT Inside/Out Circle STAX, button twine

You mermaid to be awesome

Hello there! Happy 4th of July! 

Today I have a card using a technique I've been dying to try! I scribbled on an acrylic block with my Zig Clean Color markers, sprayed it with water and then pressed the watercolor paper on it.

I just {love} the effect it had and it was the perfect background for my little mermaid! Isn't she precious? She's from the newly released Little Mermaids set! Unfortunately the set is sold out already but I know it'll be back in stock soon!!

I'm entering this card into the following challenges~

• Crafty Gals Corner~ Anything Goes
• Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge~ Anything Goes
• Craft Your Passion~ Anything Goes
• Lil Patch of Crafty Friends~ Anything Goes

I hope to see you back here tomorrow when I'll have another mermaid card to share!! 

Stamps~ TGF- Little Mermaids,

Ink~ Memento Tuxedo Black, Kaleidacolor Birthstone,
Cardstock~ watercolor paper, Copic Xpress-It,
Designer Paper~
Other Goodies~ Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers, copics

You're a great catch!

I found more plaid paper so I could enter a second card into the plaid challenge on one of my groups.

This fun raccoon is from SugarPea Designs and the stamp set is called Great Catch. I used my Zig Clean Color markers to watercolor him. I think I'm getting a bit better with the watercolor but still have lots to learn. It sure is fun though!

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges~

• Simply Papercraft~ Anything Goes
• Craft Rocket Challenges~ Add a sentiment
• Aud Sentiments Challenge~ Anything Goes plus a sentiment
• Craft Your Passion~ Anything Goes
• Addicted-to-Stamps-Challenge~ Anything Goes

Happy Thanksgiving to my friends in the USA! I'll be at work during the day and Sam is fixing our meal for us--YUMMY!! Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps~ SugarPea Designs- Great Catch
Ink~ Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Chocolate Chip
Cardstock~ watercolor paper, SU Chocolate Chip, SU Very Vanilla
Designer Paper~ Simple Stories- Take a Hike
Other Goodies~ Zig Clean Color markers, button twine, SU button, Wink of Stella silver pen

Thinking of you today

Today's card uses one of my most favorite stamps, Gerbera Daisy, originally from The Angel Company that went out of business. Red Rubber Designs has many of the TAC stamps though and I believe this is one of them.

I have seen the technique of embossing the image in white and then watercoloring it all over blogland so I gave it a go. I think it's just so pretty! What wasn't pretty is my heat gun smoking--eek! I discovered it was cracked and broken so now I'm the owner of a new one, hehe!

Have a wonderful day!! I have a sick boy at home so while he's resting I'm hoping to be crafting!

Stamps~ TAC-Gerbera Daisy, TAC Joyful Notes,
Ink~ Embossing Ink, SU Pretty In Pink,
Cardstock~ SU Pretty In Pink,
Designer Paper~ 
Other Goodies~ Zig Clean Color Markers, nestabilities, SU pearls

Tons of Fun

For my early birthday present I got a set of 60 Zig Clean Clear Markers. These markers are really like no other! I watched a few videos about them before I got them and plan on watching more to learn as I go but I couldn't wait to try them out! 

In case you are interested in these markers, I found Jennifer McQuire's videos the most helpful: This link takes you to her first video on these! Be sure to watch all 3 though!

For my first try at these I used the adorable elephant from the SugarPea Designs set- Tons of Fun! I think I did pretty well for my first try with these markers. A little bit of a learning curve but not too bad. Fun to try other coloring techniques besides always reaching for the copic markers!

I have challenged myself to complete each sketch that SugarPea Designs has put out as well so I'm starting with Sketch 1 for this card!!

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges~

• Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge- Anything Goes
• 613 Avenue Create Challenge- Anything Goes
• Love to Scrap Challenge- Anything Goes
• Craft Your Passion Challenge- Anything Goes
• Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge- Anything Goes
• Sister Act Card Challenge- Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by! Hope it's a super, crafty, fabulous day for you!

Stamps~ SugarPea Designs- Tons of Fun.
Ink~ Ranger Archival Ink-Jet Black, SU Rich Razzleberry,
Cardstock~ watercolor paper, SU Rich Razzleberry,
Designer Paper~ My Mind's Eye-Lime Twist-Happy Go Lucky
Other Goodies~ Zig Clean Color Markers, La La Land Stitched Nested Circles, SU Banner Triple Punch, SU heart punch, flower