tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72930537893026437582024-03-13T15:31:54.315-04:00Simon Says Stamp and ShowA Challenge Blog Devoted to All Things Vintage.email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434376080017839583noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-18808938115245408792013-08-04T23:31:00.002-04:002013-08-04T23:31:34.675-04:00we've got a new home [reminder!]Greetings! We wanted to remind those of you who may be following along via a blog reader or other similar source that we have moved our blog. <br />
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You'll find all our challenges and posts exclusively over here: <a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/">http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/</a> - and at our new home you can sign up for email subscription if you'd like posts coming to your in-box, or you can use our new addy in your favorite blog reader/feed app and be updated that way. <br />
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We've got not just a brand new name, but a brand new vintage Simon badge that you can use on your blogs! <br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/" target="_blank"><img alt="Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog" border="0" src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/mon-challenge-badge_zps05647c53.png" /></a></div>
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<strong>New badge code:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/mon-challenge-badge_zps05647c53.png" border="0" alt="Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog"/></a><br />
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Join us every Monday for a new challenge - see you at the Monday Challenge Blog! <br />
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Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-5364745763422124602013-07-19T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-19T00:00:01.266-04:00We've moved!Simon Says Stamp has grown so much over the years, and we've got exciting changes now happening! All three of Simon's blogs have been moved to <a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/">www.simonsaysstampblog.com</a> - including this one. Our new home is here: <a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/">http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/</a><br />
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We're now being called the "Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog" - and while it is a new name and home you'll still find us creating vintage inspired goodness each week, sharing our tutorials with you, spotlighting your entries, and basically all the same stuff you've come to know and love here at Stamp and Show. <br />
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Starting Monday, you'll find all our challenges and posts exclusively over here: <a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/">http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/</a><br />
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Also new - we've got not just a brand new name, but a brand new vintage Simon badge that you can use on your blogs! <br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/" target="_blank"><img alt="Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog" border="0" src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/mon-challenge-badge_zps05647c53.png" /></a></div>
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<strong>New badge code:</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/mon-challenge-badge_zps05647c53.png" border="0" alt="Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog"/></a><br />
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Join us, and our three newest designers on Monday for a challenge to really celebrate our new home. <br />
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<strong>Note: today's winner and spotlight post can be found on our new blog home. </strong><a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/">http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/</a> </div>
Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-41484435991365037432013-07-18T05:00:00.000-04:002013-07-18T05:00:10.316-04:00Canvas Tips & Tricks with Tracy <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi all, <a href="http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com/2013/07/for-love-of-ferns.html" target="_blank">Tracy</a> here with a few tips for creating your own mixed media canvas piece.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKOskAMCuEI/UbSUVDUEORI/AAAAAAAAA4U/ICtzNJ5Pjis/s1600/anotherfern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKOskAMCuEI/UbSUVDUEORI/AAAAAAAAA4U/ICtzNJ5Pjis/s1600/anotherfern.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My canvas board for the </span><a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Says Stamp and Show</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> green challenge incorporates a mix of elements from torn paper, paper clay, recycled corrugated card and lots of texture. I would like to take this opportunity to share a few tips with you all for creating my mixed media piece.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcfkcVstSEY/UbNrsYwJ-ZI/AAAAAAAAL94/uKssiFH_Cjs/s1600/SSSSgreen22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcfkcVstSEY/UbNrsYwJ-ZI/AAAAAAAAL94/uKssiFH_Cjs/s400/SSSSgreen22.jpg" width="550" /> </span></a></div>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add dimensional pieces, embellishments, torn pages or embellishments prior to painting if you would like the pieces to blend into the canvas. Obviously you can add embellishments at the end as a contrast to the painted elements too. There are no rules!</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing that always helps me with composition is to lay the pieces out prior to painting, playing around with arrangement and taking a picture each time and then looking back on each one and then decide on which I prefer best.</span></li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you can not decide on an arrangement, place pieces on the canvas, walk away and then come back a few hours later and then make any decisions.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></ul>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1n83ZBlSKQ/UbNtd9MZuaI/AAAAAAAAL-M/yB9VkDv0Z_A/s1600/SSSSgreen23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1n83ZBlSKQ/UbNtd9MZuaI/AAAAAAAAL-M/yB9VkDv0Z_A/s400/SSSSgreen23.jpg" width="550" /> </span></a></div>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When adding texture with embossing paste I like to apply an uneven coat rather than smoothing the embossing paste as this adds so much more texture to a piece. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to apply texture in a different colour you can add acrylic paint to the embossing paste, mix together and then apply. Just ensure that whatever you are mixing with the paste is not too fluid as this will affect the consistency of the paste.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When applying embossing paste through a stencil it can be helpful to tape the stencil to the canvas to ensure no embossing paste seeps under the stencil.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpdMw-gTOO8/UbNvEmog40I/AAAAAAAAL-k/SgjMfAViK_I/s1600/SSSSgreen28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpdMw-gTOO8/UbNvEmog40I/AAAAAAAAL-k/SgjMfAViK_I/s400/SSSSgreen28.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highlighting texture really lifts the canvas, using white or gold or a contrasting colour works beautifully. On my canvas I dry brushed with a gold paint to highlight all the raised areas. To dry brush, simply use a tiny amount of paint and lightly paint over the raised areas. It is important to remove any excess paint from the brush, your brush should be virtually dry when dry brushing.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To blend the corrugated card into the background I always find a good tip is to add texture paste around the edges of the raised areas and then paint over.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you add charcoal around stamped images or around a focal image this really lifts the focal point from the backdrop. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using a white pen to highlight areas also adds dramatic results. </span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>A few other tips I would suggest are:</strong></span><br />
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<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to add texture to your canvas without using Embossing Paste try crumpled tissue paper adhered with PVA glue and then painted over with paint, looks fantastic.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always remember if you are not happy with the finished result, you can always paint over it again with Gesso and begin again.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you use a canvas board rather than a traditional canvas, stamping directly onto the canvas board is much simplified and you will achieve a crisp clear image. Otherwise stamping onto tissue and then applying to a canvas is also another option.</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Painting over a dimensional canvas with black Gesso and rubbing over with wax gives an alternative </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">finish and gives a dramatic finish </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Experiment with texture and adding a variety of recycled <br />
elements, they work fabulously when covered with a coat of paint. A few <br />
examples are metal foil, nuts and bolts, screws and nails, buttons, the <br />
list is endless. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks for joining me today! If you'd like to see the detailed step-by-step instructions for my ferns canvas board you can find them today over on my </span><a href="http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com/2013/07/for-love-of-ferns.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;">blog</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to Tracy for these great tips & tricks! Now are you feeling inspired to get green? <a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2013/07/challenge-good-to-be-green.html" target="_blank">Join us</a> in this week's challenge! <a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2013/07/challenge-good-to-be-green.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see the rest of the design team's entries and to enter your creation. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</span></div>
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Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-77175280299651868252013-07-16T05:00:00.000-04:002013-07-16T05:00:02.212-04:00Canvas tutorial with Candy Colwell <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hello everyone! <a href="http://candycreates.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Candy Colwell</a> here and I am so excited to be sharing this step by step tutorial on how to create this very sweet vintage 8x8 canvas.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our theme this week is "Good To Be Green".<br />
So many things inspired this piece. When I think of summer, I think of the lush greenery, people with "green thumbs" and the beautiful, fragrant </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">flowers that grace us with their presence in the summertime. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiRkW7NrrIA/UboeTfkwXaI/AAAAAAAAIRs/5RXyNv-nkeA/s1600/canvas+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiRkW7NrrIA/UboeTfkwXaI/AAAAAAAAIRs/5RXyNv-nkeA/s400/canvas+2.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> So, from that, "Bloom Where You Are Planted" was born. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope that this dimensional celebration of summer inspires you to be creative, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">have fun with your art and not be afraid to try something new!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 1: Begin with a plain 8x8 stretch canvas. </span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 2: Find a vintage photograph to use in the center of your canvas and <br />
size it to approximately 3"x 5". I found this sweet image on the internet a long time ago and the photo was naturally tinted green - which is perfect for this canvas!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROGlB3680cU/UbofKwvNn4I/AAAAAAAAIR4/hDiPCt21u-w/s1600/1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROGlB3680cU/UbofKwvNn4I/AAAAAAAAIR4/hDiPCt21u-w/s400/1.JPG" width="550" /></a> </div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Note: I left about a 1/4" border all the way around to more resemble an old photograph, but that is optional. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xve6KoHtWdQ/UbojcUrjY-I/AAAAAAAAISY/ZswM0WBzVKQ/s1600/2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xve6KoHtWdQ/UbojcUrjY-I/AAAAAAAAISY/ZswM0WBzVKQ/s400/2.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 3: Brush <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-12739/claudine-hellmuth-ranger-paint/Detail" target="_blank">Matte Multi Medium</a> onto the canvas in the area that you will be attaching the photograph. Then place the photograph and brush over it with Matte Multi Medium to seal it. Matte Medium dries clear and doesn't have a lot of dimension, which makes it a</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> great glue and sealer.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 4: Add <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52340/TDD36333-BUNDLED-SAGE-GREEN/Detail" target="_blank">Bundled Sage Distress Paint</a> all over the canvas, including the sides and allow to dry. On a <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-15486/ranger-inkssentials-craft-sheet/Detail" target="_blank">non-stick craft sheet</a> add a spritz of water and some <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52342/TDD36401-PEELED-PAINT-GREEN/Detail" target="_blank">Peeled Paint Distress Paint</a>. Lightly brush this onto the canvas using a paint brush to achieve that streaked effect and let it dry. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8mnmhKtAi5A/UbokU3xvAHI/AAAAAAAAISk/ryOzg5ZADs4/s1600/3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8mnmhKtAi5A/UbokU3xvAHI/AAAAAAAAISk/ryOzg5ZADs4/s400/3.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 5: Mix a few drops of <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-8714/ranger-tim-holtz-distress/Detail" target="_blank">Fired Brick Reinker</a> into <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51357/Wendy-Vecchi-WHITE-EMBOSSING/Detail" target="_blank">White Embossing Paste</a>. Mix the color until you achieve the brick color you want, and then lay the <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-48176/brick-wall-studio-490/Detail" target="_blank">brick wall stencil</a> randomly over the canvas and scrape the embossing paste onto the canvas. Be sure to allow it to dry or use</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> a <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-18508/HIT00471-usa-us-dryer/Detail" target="_blank">heat tool</a> before adding more bricks. Repeat this process until you are happy with the placement of your bricks.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Tip: After applying a couple of bricked areas, clean the stencil before applying more to be sure you are not transferring excess paste onto your canvas</b></i>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eR1FQiCqoxA/UbomEnGVjvI/AAAAAAAAIS0/EmfepGtem2k/s1600/4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eR1FQiCqoxA/UbomEnGVjvI/AAAAAAAAIS0/EmfepGtem2k/s400/4.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 6: To dull the red bricks a little and add a bit more of a shabby chic feeling, use a brush to apply some <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52356/TDD36425-PICKET-FENCE-WHITE/Detail" target="_blank">Picket Fence Distress Paint</a> that had been diluted with a little water over the bricks and around the edges of the photograph. Once dry, add some <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-50017/gathered-twigs-brown-fall/Detail" target="_blank">Gathered Twigs Distress Ink</a> to the edges and randomly on the canvas with an Ink Applicator.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now that our background is done, let's move on to the embellishments!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MV0HOLHqk1k/Ubom1wNoMhI/AAAAAAAAITA/wWf7TYDhEqs/s1600/5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MV0HOLHqk1k/Ubom1wNoMhI/AAAAAAAAITA/wWf7TYDhEqs/s400/5.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 7: Paint chipboard letters "BLOOM" with <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9621/tim-holtz-ranger-adirondack/Detail" target="_blank">Pitch Paint Dabber</a> and let dry. Then ink the letters<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-10213/VC250-Versamark-Watermark-Rubber/Detail" target="_blank"> with Vesamark</a> (or any <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-463/Embossing-Rubber-Stamp-Pad/Detail" target="_blank">clear embossing ink</a>) and cover with <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-40087/Ranger-Melt-Art-UTEE/Detail" target="_blank">clear UTEE</a> (ultra thick embossing enamel). Place the letters on your craft sheet and return the left over UTEE to the container. Heat the letters until the <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-40087/Ranger-Melt-Art-UTEE/Detail" target="_blank">Clear UTEE</a> is melted, leaving a shiny dimensional letter. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxPdP1Q2qJc/Ub8Rtd4lxvI/AAAAAAAAIX0/GGjEGFj5p4g/s1600/fence+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GxPdP1Q2qJc/Ub8Rtd4lxvI/AAAAAAAAIX0/GGjEGFj5p4g/s200/fence+1.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGEx3vhC7k4/Ub8S5zKdr0I/AAAAAAAAIYA/zh8ZZev4RYg/s1600/fence+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGEx3vhC7k4/Ub8S5zKdr0I/AAAAAAAAIYA/zh8ZZev4RYg/s200/fence+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 8: Create an 8" picket fence out of a 6" Tim Holtz On The Edge die cut titled On The Fence. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Line up one end of an 8" x 2 1/2" strip out of plain Grungeboard on the edge of the die as you normally would. Leave about 1/2" at the bottom for a good base to the fence. To extend the fence, take the uncut portion of the Grungeboard and line it up next to the last picket in the fence where they would normally join together with the next picket. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Lay the Grungeboard between the plastic sandwich pieces and cut it. You will have an extended 8" piece of fence that is barely noticeable where they were joined together.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWjkFLrdgrY/Ub8TGSN2AWI/AAAAAAAAIYI/FA25V6SdL1Q/s1600/fence+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWjkFLrdgrY/Ub8TGSN2AWI/AAAAAAAAIYI/FA25V6SdL1Q/s200/fence+3.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh-oKPAu4t8/Ub8T7PkpEvI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/688qNoI1cWk/s1600/fence+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh-oKPAu4t8/Ub8T7PkpEvI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/688qNoI1cWk/s200/fence+4.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 9: Paint the fence with a basecoat of <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9627/tim-holtz-ranger-adirondack/Detail" target="_blank">Espresso Adirondak Paint Dabber</a> and let dry. Next add a thin coat of <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-43413/Paper-Artsy-Fresco-Finish/Detail" target="_blank">Paper Artsy's Fresco Finish Crackle Glaze</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When almost dry, add a light top coat of <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-43417/Paper-Artsy-Fresco-Finish/Detail" target="_blank">Fresco Finish Snowflake</a>. Within 20 seconds (no exaggeration), the fence starts to crackle! When dry, distress the fence with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yfAQ0Pwf-Q/Ubonlnrk90I/AAAAAAAAITU/Srwafa7TFFw/s1600/7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yfAQ0Pwf-Q/Ubonlnrk90I/AAAAAAAAITU/Srwafa7TFFw/s400/7.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 10: Lightly dry brush little clay pots with the Snowflake paint. Then add a green wire for a "stem" into some moss or other filler and stuff into your pots. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To adhere the pots, use hot glue the pots onto the fence and wire them on using a dark wire.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">note: I had some tiny clay pots to decorate for this piece, if you don't have any you can always </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56297/Memory-Box-GARDEN-POTS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;">die cut</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> some from paper first.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Step 11: Create the little</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57049/658409-MINI-PETALS-SUSAN/Detail" target="_blank"> roses</a> </span>and daisies/sunflowers from the Susan's Garden Collection Sizzix dies. </span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2SXXQfb4NY/Ub8rN5UrmVI/AAAAAAAAIZg/VgYknCHCIHE/s1600/daisy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2SXXQfb4NY/Ub8rN5UrmVI/AAAAAAAAIZg/VgYknCHCIHE/s200/daisy+2.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwnU9mD6unw/Ub8q8a-uy3I/AAAAAAAAIZY/u8QUhYlrl3o/s1600/daisy+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwnU9mD6unw/Ub8q8a-uy3I/AAAAAAAAIZY/u8QUhYlrl3o/s200/daisy+1.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For this miniature sunflower, you begin by placing the die cuts (blades up) onto the platform and covering them with cardstock then the plastic cover.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Create dimension on the petals, leaves and calyx using <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57048/658437-SUSAN%27S-GARDEN-TOOL/Detail" target="_blank">Susan's Tool Kit</a>. The kit comes with everything you need to create all of her fabulous flower creations. I also used some brown <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-10383/pebbles-inc-chalk-kit/Detail" target="_blank">chalk</a> to color each petal at the base. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHyp5e-THf4/Ub8sBAxM7pI/AAAAAAAAIZs/UqaBtVzKH74/s1600/daisy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHyp5e-THf4/Ub8sBAxM7pI/AAAAAAAAIZs/UqaBtVzKH74/s400/daisy+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Glue the first row of petals onto each of the projections from the calyx. Then repeat for the second row of petals, stacking them in between each of the petals on the first row. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Glue the leaves to the underside and all that is left is adding the center. On the canvas, I cut a small white pom poms in half, sprayed them with Vintage Photo Distress Stain and glued them to the centers. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzBlXp8yEaI/Ub8sqhU5BlI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/S_j1giXUIP0/s1600/daisy+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzBlXp8yEaI/Ub8sqhU5BlI/AAAAAAAAIZ8/S_j1giXUIP0/s400/daisy+5.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">For a different look on this sunflower, I added a little glue to the center of sunflower and added small brown seed beads. Be creative with your centers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Note: <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.sizzix.com/susantierney" target="_blank">here</a></span> is also a wonderful set of videos and PDFs on Sizzix' website to help you when creating all of the Susan's Garden flowers. I found it helpful to have </strong></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57048/658437-SUSAN%27S-GARDEN-TOOL/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Susan's set of tools</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong> when creating these precious little flowers.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When you finish creating the roses, daisies and sunflowers, set the daisies and sunflowers to the side to put in place later. Hot glue the roses to the green wires coming out of the pots.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 12: Print some vintage seed packet images 1 3/4" x 2 3/4" onto a sheet of cardstock, <br />
leaving enough space between them so you can create an envelope.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Note: you could also purchase little pre-made seed packets like </strong><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-55319/MB015-MODERN-ROMANCE-SEED/Detail" target="_blank"><strong>these from Webster's Pages</strong></a><strong> or </strong><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-43759/Jenni-Bowlin-VINTAGE-Printed/Detail" target="_blank"><strong>these from Jenni Bowlin</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6RwLuoq72c/Ub8a1fxgEjI/AAAAAAAAIYk/uG-Y-vxCDzc/s1600/seed+pack+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6RwLuoq72c/Ub8a1fxgEjI/AAAAAAAAIYk/uG-Y-vxCDzc/s400/seed+pack+1.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In this case, the image of the seed packet was 1 1/2" across. Make sure that the sides, when folded behind would overlap just enough to be glued together with <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45094/1-fdsh-4%22-Scor-dsh-Tape-Crafting-Tape/Detail" target="_blank">1/4" Scor Tape</a>. The top and bottom flaps are 1/2". Fold the sides inward, using a <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-6836/Ranger-Paper-Creaser-Bone/Detail" target="_blank">Bone Folder</a> for a better crease and trim the edges slightly inward.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7HTTjL2mVY/Ub8byr0b9DI/AAAAAAAAIYw/bOKsWsVNRJg/s1600/seed+pack+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7HTTjL2mVY/Ub8byr0b9DI/AAAAAAAAIYw/bOKsWsVNRJg/s200/seed+pack+2.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yG7UhR4awzU/Ub8b9SaksII/AAAAAAAAIY4/3RQ4jdQMs7Y/s1600/seed+pack+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yG7UhR4awzU/Ub8b9SaksII/AAAAAAAAIY4/3RQ4jdQMs7Y/s200/seed+pack+3.JPG" unselectable="on" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Apply the 1/4" Scor Tape to the overlapping side of the seed packet and across the bottom tab. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Seal the pieces together, creating the little seed packet.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e_wez3Xb7o/Ub8cWNf2RPI/AAAAAAAAIZA/_d5JaaO9xq4/s1600/seed+pack+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e_wez3Xb7o/Ub8cWNf2RPI/AAAAAAAAIZA/_d5JaaO9xq4/s200/seed+pack+4.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frT-U_F1vt4/Ub8c19bbbyI/AAAAAAAAIZI/_cmmVx9z9zQ/s1600/seed+pack+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frT-U_F1vt4/Ub8c19bbbyI/AAAAAAAAIZI/_cmmVx9z9zQ/s200/seed+pack+5.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Use a <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-32968/cutter-rounder-are-radius/Detail" target="_blank">CropADile Radius Chomper </a>(in this case, I used the 1/8" side) to create the rounded edges on the top flap.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Distress the inside and outside of the flap with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink. A perfect little replica of an antique seed packet! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2gXSWafvO4/Uboyd9Rs5XI/AAAAAAAAIUE/B8wmMIG2Gf0/s1600/seed+packets.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2gXSWafvO4/Uboyd9Rs5XI/AAAAAAAAIUE/B8wmMIG2Gf0/s400/seed+packets.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Step 13: Print words onto cardstock in the font of your choice, or use small letter or word stamps or stickers to create additional words for your canvas. Mount the words onto black cardstock so that a thin border shows, then rub the edges lightly with <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-55626/Paper-Artsy-Treasure-Gold/Detail" target="_blank">gilding wax</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Note: My letters were approximately 3/8" high and anywhere between 1 1/4" (you and are), 1 1/3" (where) and 2" (planted) long. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiRkW7NrrIA/UboeTfkwXaI/AAAAAAAAIRs/5RXyNv-nkeA/s1600/canvas+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiRkW7NrrIA/UboeTfkwXaI/AAAAAAAAIRs/5RXyNv-nkeA/s400/canvas+2.JPG" width="550" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1iZmm3W6jI/UbovAc9yNRI/AAAAAAAAITk/UPLCKZb5x6Q/s1600/bloom.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now that the pieces are all made, it's time for assembly! Here are my notes for assembling this canvas:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Place your letters (bloom) onto the canvas using <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9666/ranger-inkessential-inkssentials-glossy/Detail" target="_blank">Glossy Accents</a>. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Add pop dots to the back of the words that you printed out, but don't adhere them until you've added the flowers.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Use pop dots on the fence before adhering.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Use hot glue when attaching the seed packets in place on top of the fence. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Stick random length green wire "stems" inside of the seed packets and hot glue the ends of them in place on the canvas where you want a flower to be.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Finally, to finish off the outer edge of the canvas, I ran a 1/2" inch piece of black ribbon around the perimeter of the canvas and attached it using <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45095/1-fdsh-2%22-Scor-dsh-Tape-Crafting-Tape/Detail" target="_blank">1/2" Scor Tape</a> all the way around</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. </span></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope that my "Bloom Where You Are Planted" canvas has inspired you to let your crafting bloom this week and <a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2013/07/challenge-good-to-be-green.html" target="_blank">enter our challenge</a>. </span><br />
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</div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to Candy for this amazing tutorial! Now are you feeling inspired to make something with a bit of green yourself? Then join us in this week's challenge! <a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2013/07/challenge-good-to-be-green.html" target="_blank">Click here to see the rest of the design team's entries and to enter your creation</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"></div>Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-10435298625081626182013-07-15T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-15T00:23:43.386-04:00Challenge: Good to be GreenFrom upcycling to playing with your favorite green ink pad, this week we’re all about how good it is to be green. Whether you want to use something that would otherwise be garbage on a project and be inspired to be environmentally friendly, or if you want to play with the color we hope you’ll join us. I love combining mint green with navy blue, I also (of course) adore my Mowed Lawn distress products. What to choose? From frogs to leaves, olive to kelly - we look forward to seeing all things green this week. <br />
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Kicking things off for us this week we have a special guest- <a href="http://www.cheironbrandon.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Cheiron</a>! She is a designer for Simon's <a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/" target="_blank">Wednesday challenge blog</a>, and she creates some beautiful projects. Cheiron works in the financial district by day, and spends her nights relaxing at the craft table. She has been making cards since 2004, and has recently been exploring the world of mixed media. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WGg_S58V3Q/UeFvdZ94qBI/AAAAAAAABBI/6cVCPcxXfjM/s1600/guest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WGg_S58V3Q/UeFvdZ94qBI/AAAAAAAABBI/6cVCPcxXfjM/s1600/guest.jpg" /></a><br />
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<em>I love playing around with mixed media techniques and incorporating them into my card making, but this time I have created pages in an actual art journal. For this green challenge it was all about leaves for me. I used the Dyan Reavely <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-32613/around-the-edge-DYR34421/Detail" target="_blank">Around the Edge stamp set</a> which has great leaves and fun dots that I colored in with <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Faber-dsh-Castell/Categories" target="_blank">Faber Castell</a> Pitt Artist Pens and paper pieced some of the leaves with stenciled papers from my stash. The background of the page is subtle, made by applying some glazing medium mixed with a bit of paint first in blue, and once dried with yellow.</em> <br />
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Rather than using the green color, <a href="http://theartfulmaven.blogspot.com/2013/07/an-old-paneand-saying-good-bye.html" target="_blank">Anita</a> went green by upcycling an old window pane into a new organizational board for her last project her at Simon Says Stamp & Show. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbXwzItUdtg/UdHH4thhbYI/AAAAAAAAKsE/KV421JWnIik/s618/An+Old+Pane+007+SSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AbXwzItUdtg/UdHH4thhbYI/AAAAAAAAKsE/KV421JWnIik/s1600/An+Old+Pane+007+SSS.jpg" /></a><br />
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<em>Yes stampers, sadly this is my last project at SSSS&S. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, and I thank the crew and DT for a most wonderful experience! I am going to miss it. I had a large (24x33) old window pane leaning against the wall in my garage for some time now, so with a little elbow grease, some reinforcing, and </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9616/tim-holtz-ranger-adirondack/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Ranger's Pearl Acrylic Paint Dabber</em></a><em> it gleamed like new. After stamping on it, I filled the panes with </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41188/Darice-12-inch-corkboard/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Cork Sheet</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51272/FULL-SIZE-8.5-X/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Magnetic Paneling</em></a><em>, wire mesh, and string to hang and attach tags and things I want to display in my work area. I will later add a shelf to the bottom of it when I have more time, but I am happy with how it came upcycled out!</em><br />
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<a href="http://purplemailbox.blogspot.com/2013/07/seeing-green.html" target="_blank">Ashli's</a> project started out as just some simple creative play. One thing lead to another and she ended up with a fun little décor piece! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oFpHSJ7lVFM/UbCerp3H7SI/AAAAAAAANSg/XZDetlTcj6s/s1600/greenpict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oFpHSJ7lVFM/UbCerp3H7SI/AAAAAAAANSg/XZDetlTcj6s/s1600/greenpict.jpg" /></a><br />
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<em>When I started this, I had no idea where it would end up. Sometimes that is the best way to create! I began by simply playing with a favorite stencil from </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-38083/stencil-julie-balzer-MINI/Detail" target="_blank"><em>The Crafter's Workshop</em></a><em> and some Green mists on a few </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46969/ISM35237-%2312-MANILA-CRAFT/Detail" target="_blank"><em>oversized tags</em></a><em>. When I had three finished tags, I loved them so much that I decided to turn them into an art piece! And since we are all about green this week, I up-cycled a scrap piece of white paper and leftover piece of plywood. With all my tags mounted, I headed to my embellishment drawer. Once I found that adorable house from the </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56794/chipboard-2013-42396-lemon/Detail" target="_blank"><em>American Crafts Mayberry</em></a><em> line, I knew the direction to take this tag art in! Home Sweet Home - complete with the date we purchased our house. I love it when a little session of creative play leads to an unexpected and fun finished art piece!</em><br />
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This week I (<a href="http://mayflaum.com/2013/07/14/challenge-green/" target="_blank">May</a>) went leaf-y with the challenge.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1HbkbwhANg/UeFsz33SX3I/AAAAAAAABA4/73pnXqMWJUI/s1600/tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1HbkbwhANg/UeFsz33SX3I/AAAAAAAABA4/73pnXqMWJUI/s640/tag.jpg" width="475" /></a><br />
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Like Cheiron, I heard green challenge and grabbed for my beloved <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-32613/around-the-edge-DYR34421/Detail" target="_blank">Dylusions leaf stamps</a>! I had a lot of creative fun making this tag and layering both stamps and colors as I created so much leafy (green) goodness. Combined with my favorite Dylusions <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-32616/how-does-your-garden/Detail" target="_blank">flower stamp</a>, as well as some <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46229/pads-set-3-three/Detail" target="_blank">summer distress</a> to make my background I've now got a tag ready to place on a birthday package for someone special. <br />
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<a href="http://meihsia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Meihsia </a>chose yellowish-green to interpret her outdoor themed layout this week. <br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/9080431038_564768bc86.jpg" /> <br />
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<em>My daughter Natalie loves outdoor activities a lot so on this layout I used a photo of her and two of her favorite colors - blue and green. The background of this layout was colored using </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9628/tim-holtz-ranger-adirondack/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabber LETTUCE</em></a><em> and stamped with </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9147/113066-Colorbox-Pigment-CAT%27S/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Clearsnap ColorBox pigment ink</em></a><em> and </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-23812/VersaFine-ONYX-BLACK-Ink/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Versafine Onyx Black</em></a><em>. I made a zipper flower and had some machine sewing stitches to decorate this page. The beautiful green on this layout reminds us of the great time we had in Austin.</em><br />
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<a href="http://suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com/2013/07/it-isnt-easy-being-green.html" target="_blank">Suzz</a> decided to up-cycle a vase and use some of her leftover bits and pieces to keep it green. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmA7igECKB0/Uc8oaEfKAUI/AAAAAAAAMsw/eCc4eO-6-rU/s800/P1010865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmA7igECKB0/Uc8oaEfKAUI/AAAAAAAAMsw/eCc4eO-6-rU/s640/P1010865.JPG" width="475" /></a><br />
<em>I had this lovely glass vase that I have been wanting to up-cycle. I was thinking green and pulled out out my jar of buttons,leftover lace, and doilies to cover my shabby chic vase. I painted the entire surface using </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9619/tim-holtz-ranger-adirondack/Detail" target="_blank"><em>white acrylic paint.</em></a><em> To add color I sprayed the surface with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41561/016843-BE-MINE-VALENTINE/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Be Mine</em></a><em> and </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-31381/NEW-FORMULA-15754-SUN/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Sun Sisters</em></a><em>. I layered a mix of embellishments all painted white to coordinate. I included Tim Holtz Idea-ology </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-21863/Tim-holtz-idea-dsh-ology-ideaology/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Timepieces</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-20947/7-gypsies-altered-art/Detail" target="_blank"><em>7 Gypsies 3 Key Charm Embellishments,</em></a><em> </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53704/10522769-medium-doilies-doily/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Bo Bunny Medium Doily</em></a><em>, and a </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-28899/TIM-HOLTZ-IDEAOLOGY-IDEA-dsh-OLOGY/Detail" target="_blank"><em>little trimming</em></a><em>.</em> <br />
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<a href="http://madebysannie.blogspot.com/2013/07/green-birthday-tag.html" target="_blank">Sandra Mouwen</a> made a green birthday tag with die cuts made out of cereal boxes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PGlDctVa2Y/Uc9Nqyh5H7I/AAAAAAAAAw0/QCYl8aWl3hI/s758/IMG_2719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PGlDctVa2Y/Uc9Nqyh5H7I/AAAAAAAAAw0/QCYl8aWl3hI/s1600/IMG_2719.jpg" /></a><br />
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<em>I love to use old cereal or other food boxes for die cutting. It is really good cardboard, it's free and it's green because I recycle it. I have a big pile of ready to go recycled cardboard. For this tag I did, what I call the Metallic Marbled Stain technique, and used </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-50962/TDW36111-EVERGREEN-BOUGH-GREEN/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Evergreen Bough</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-35234/TDW31147-SHABBY-SHUTTERS-GREEN/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Shabby Shutters</em></a><em> and </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46844/TDW35190-BRUSHED-PEWTER-GREY/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Brushed Pewter</em></a><em> Distress Stain. In the background I stamped with my go to stamp</em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-27388/Kaiser-SCRIPT-Texture-Clear/Detail" target="_blank"><em> Script</em></a><em> from KaiserCraft and the number 3 with the </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-34012/7-Gypsies-Clear-Stamps/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Numero</em></a><em> stamp set from 7Gypies.</em> <br />
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<a href="http://layersofink.blogspot.com/2013/07/school-time-green-ruler-book.html" target="_blank">Anna-Karin</a> made a very green ruler binder tag book:<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcLiWGJERew/Uc8s6OQTApI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/D0jb4eYfLPA/s1600/green+ruler+book+small+-+Layers+of+ink.jpg" /><br />
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<em>When thinking about what to do this week, my eyes fell on Tim Holtz new</em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52747/th93077-ruler-binder-bind/Detail" target="_blank"><em> Ruler Binder</em></a><em> and I decided to make a tag book about my school years. I used almost only shades of green, with a little bit of </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30476/PRE-dsh-ORDER-TIM-HOLTZ-Idea-dsh-ology/Detail" target="_blank"><em>kraft </em></a><em>and gold. The</em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-26398/tim-holtz-alterations-sizzix/Detail" target="_blank"><em> tags</em></a><em> were coloured with </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52342/TDD36401-PEELED-PAINT-GREEN/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Distress Paint</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-21309/stamp-2010-Tim-Holtz/Detail" target="_blank"><em>inked </em></a><em>and stamped, mainly with</em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Tim-Holtz-ALL-Stamps/Categories" target="_blank"><em> Stamper's Anonymous stamps</em></a><em> and with four green </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Ranger-Archival-Ink/Categories" target="_blank"><em>Archival Inks</em></a><em>. </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52721/rub-th93055-rub-dsh-ons-rubons/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Tim Holtz rub-ons</em></a><em> are perfect for small spaces and pages and I used them here and there. For a recycled detail, I die cut </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42261/657837-word-play-words/Detail" target="_blank"><em>letters and numbers</em></a><em> from clear packaging and coloured with </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Ranger-Alcohol-Inks/Categories" target="_blank"><em>alcohol inks</em></a><em>.</em><br />
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This week <a href="http://dan99.blogspot.com/2013/07/role-model.html" target="_blank">Dan</a> was inspired by an article he'd read about the pressures on girls to conform to images in fashion magazines. <br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssGreen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssGreen1.jpg" width="475" /></a><br />
<em>I know, I know. It's a bit out there. I know exactly what you're thinking, but I pushed this one right out there because I was inspired by a serious topic and didn't want to pull my punches. This started out as a </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-20823/%238-Manila-Tim-Holtz/Detail" target="_blank"><em>manilla tag</em></a><em>, not that there's much evidence left of it. I cut the eye sockets out of the </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-47436/Tim-Holtz-Rubber-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><em>skull</em></a><em> and replaced them with eyes from the </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46790/SCF005-%235-5-WE/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Classics #5 stamp set</em></a><em> and the mouth is Wendy Vecchi's </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-23261/WENDY-VECCHI-STAMPERS-ANONYMOUS/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Kiss Me stamp</em></a><em>. Do you recognise the hair? It's repurposed from the David stamp in the </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-21766/tim-holtz-stampers-anonymous/Detail" target="_blank"><em>Artful Artifacts set</em></a><em>. I had a lot of fun trying the packing tape technique with the </em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57920/GelliArts-GEL-PRINTING-PLATE/Detail" target="_blank"><em>GelliArts printing plate</em></a><em> and have included a panel of that here too. Oh yeah, one last thing...green. I used lots of green!</em><br />
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If that isn't enough inspiration for you - we also have TWO fabulous posts coming later this week! <br />
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<a href="http://candycreates.blogspot.com/2013/07/its-good-to-be-green-step-by-step.html" target="_blank">Candy</a> loves the lush greenery and beautiful fragrant flowers of summertime. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPf7S-4nQso/UbpE2Tbx2oI/AAAAAAAAIWs/bAumg8g9LjY/s1600/seed+packets-475+pixels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPf7S-4nQso/UbpE2Tbx2oI/AAAAAAAAIWs/bAumg8g9LjY/s1600/seed+packets-475+pixels.jpg" /></a><br />
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<em>I hope you will check back on Tuesday for a step by step tutorial on this "Good To Be Green" very vintage, very dimensional home décor piece that I created with you in mind.</em><br />
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<a href="http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tracy</a> used a mix of recycled elements, paints and foliage in her canvas board.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6BhVLoRTnM/Ua8QSoFI99I/AAAAAAAAL0g/4-pHP92t3FQ/s1600/SSSSgreen21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6BhVLoRTnM/Ua8QSoFI99I/AAAAAAAAL0g/4-pHP92t3FQ/s1600/SSSSgreen21.jpg" /></a> <br />
<em>Pop back here on Thursday when I will have a few tips and ideas for creating my canvas and adding wonderful texture to your pieces. There will also be full step by steps for creating my canvas board on my blog.</em><br />
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For more inspiration click on our design team's blog links so you can see more photos (and full supply lists) for their projects. <br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></a>As always, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank">Simon Says Stamp</a> is giving away a $50 gift voucher that will go to a random entry chosen by Random Generator. To qualify all you need to do is create a new project that ties in (in any way!) with our theme and post it, along with a link back to this challenge, and add a link here. This challenge will end at 11:59pm on Sunday July 21 Eastern time. <br />
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We will also be choosing some of our entries to put in the spotlight - a special honor where we talk about why we loved that entry in particular and award a special badge too! <br />
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For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-32480624127924096002013-07-12T12:32:00.002-04:002013-07-12T12:32:50.181-04:00Anything goes challenge winners & spotlight entries:It's that time of the week - time to announce last week's spotlight winners as well as the winner of the $50 voucher to the shop! <br />
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A week like this, with 397 absolutely stunning, amazing, wildly creative entries well I'm REALLY glad we don't have to pick just three! Narrowing it down was a tough job - but we have seven entries to spotlight today - and lots of tutorials you'll want to check out! <br />
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Want to see "chunky ATC" taken to a whole new level? <a href="http://ellypirally.blogspot.de/2013/07/mixed-media-chunky-atc.html" target="_blank"><strong>#116 Elly</strong></a> absolutely amazed me with her creation - and she shares great photos of the process so you can see exactly how she made this. Tracy said: <em>This piece really caught my eye, the texture, embellishments and the wonderful bright cheery colours, really lifts the spirit. Such a wonderful transformation from a block of wood to create a fabulous chunky ATC</em>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/contadinak/9199593488/" target="_blank">#<strong>139 Vivian Keh</strong></a> shares an artfully splattered layout this week. Dan said: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>the splattered misted background with subtle elements of stamping integrated into it is very well done and her flowers tie in to it so beautifully colour wise but look great in their own right, I love the tissue-y petals.</em></span><br />
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<strong><a href="http://izzy-izzwizz.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/window-box-tutorial-and-card-for-sue.html" target="_blank">#148 Izzwizz</a></strong> has shared a fantastic tutorial and card this week. Anita says: <em>Her tutorial for the flower box is fabulous, and very easy to follow! It's an amazing creation that would transform any paper crafting project to the WOW factor!</em> <br />
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We love seeing Tim's clocks turned into works of art - and <strong><a href="http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.com/2013/07/altered-assemblage-clock.html" target="_blank">#149 Annette Green</a></strong> has a tutorial to go with hers! Anna-Karin says: <em>Absolutely gorgeous clock by Annette, altered with Vintaj patinas. How clever to use the Picture Wheel as a backdrop for her watch face. Love all the gears and numbers too.</em> Sandra says: <em>love the patina look she achived with the vintaj and what a clever clock face!</em> <br />
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<strong><a href="http://vonpappe2.blogspot.co.at/2013/07/simplify-simplify-iii.html" target="_blank">#160 Die Amalie</a></strong> created such texture, so much beautiful blended color and feeling to her piece I wish I could actually see it in person. I loved seeing the creative process behind the piece, and it makes me want to do some mixed media canvas work for my home soon! <br />
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When it comes to fun, <strong><a href="http://twocraftingsisters.blogspot.com/2013/07/simon-says-anything-goes-so-i-am.html" target="_blank">#166 Maura</a></strong> sure knows how to make the most of her craft time! Candy says: <em>Maura has created such fun and creative traveling themed cards. Her use of color and texture on the backgrounds really sets the tone for all of her detailed stamping and embellishing she’s done on each card. What a cool way to repurpose old playing cards!</em><br />
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Last but not least, <strong><a href="http://purplepinkypromises.blogspot.com/2013/07/patriotic-decor.html" target="_blank">#359 Donna Mack</a></strong> has a fabulous card. Dan says: <em>I love how she's pulled off a very clever trick with this card - it's beautifully distressed yet somehow manages to maintain a crisp and clean feel, not easy to do!</em><br />
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Congrats to all of our entries featured in this week's spotlight! If you'd like to display our special spotlight badge on your blog <a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank">email May</a> and she will give you the code. <br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="150" /></a>But wait, we haven't forgotten the big prize of the week! I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank">Simon Says Stamp</a> for another great chance to win a $50 voucher!! <br />
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The lucky (randomly drawn) winner for the "stripe" challenge is... <br />
<a href="http://www.punkprojects.com/2013/06/kraft-paper-washi-and-heat-embossing.html" target="_blank"><strong> </strong></a><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.laurascrafttable.blogspot.ca/2013/05/blog-post.html" target="_blank">#290 Laura Papercuts</a></strong></div>
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Please claim your prize within the next two weeks by<a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> emailing May</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the challenge as it is always a joy to see what you create. I'd also like to say thank you again to </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for their generosity - each week we give away a </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$50 gift voucher to the shop</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> that you can use to buy all kinds of fabulous stamps, inks, and paper crafting supplies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember - you just need to enter the challenge each week to be entered into the drawing! </span></div>
Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-21441607798703751262013-07-10T05:00:00.000-04:002013-07-10T05:00:02.563-04:00Bleaching Technique with Melissa Bove<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone! My name is </span><a href="http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melissa Bove</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I am so honored to have been asked to create something for the Simon Says Stamp and Show Blog! I love anything vintage and shabby! I am currently on the </span><a href="http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog DT</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and love every minute of it! So it is a nice change to come over to here and visit. Today I am going to show you how to add some highlights to your stamped images using Bleach. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9nICQCbwd0/Udg6Vw3vZnI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/phf7SEyoCfg/s1600/Dream+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9nICQCbwd0/Udg6Vw3vZnI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/phf7SEyoCfg/s1600/Dream+Pic+1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First you will have to stamp your image onto a darker colored cardstock using an Embossing Ink. Distress Ink will work too. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHuFh1ZIDSo/Udg6eV2paPI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/O5-s1z474H4/s1600/Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHuFh1ZIDSo/Udg6eV2paPI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/O5-s1z474H4/s1600/Pic+1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next you will add your embossing powder onto the image, shaking off any excess. Melt the powder using an Embossing Heat Tool.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pTGBC0Pep8/Udg6lNQoqnI/AAAAAAAAA_g/UYBws4SIpmY/s1600/Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4pTGBC0Pep8/Udg6lNQoqnI/AAAAAAAAA_g/UYBws4SIpmY/s1600/Pic+2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using household bleach and a brush, color in all parts of the image. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7DpzcjRNug/Udg6sxkradI/AAAAAAAAA_o/1lNyMXmZg64/s1600/Pic+3+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c7DpzcjRNug/Udg6sxkradI/AAAAAAAAA_o/1lNyMXmZg64/s1600/Pic+3+(2).jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When dry, color in image with Copic Markers or any coloring medium that you choose. This technique gives some subtle highlights to your image as well as an aged almost stained glass kind of look. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESrkNYplo6A/Udg635wsifI/AAAAAAAAA_w/Bp0GSIEUDv4/s1600/Dream+Closeup+Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESrkNYplo6A/Udg635wsifI/AAAAAAAAA_w/Bp0GSIEUDv4/s1600/Dream+Closeup+Pic+2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The materials I used are as follows:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kaiser Crafts True Romance<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57705/CS106-TRUE-ROMANCE-FLORAL/Detail" target="_blank"> Clear Stamp Set</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57701/PP906-TRUE-ROMANCE-PASTEL/Detail" target="_blank">Kaiser Crafts True Romance 6.5 x 6.5 Paper Pad</a>, Kaiser Crafts True Romance D<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57708/CT760-TRUE-ROMANCE-FLOWER/Detail" target="_blank">ie Cut Shapes</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-17918/Colorbox-TOP-BOSS-Tinted/Detail" target="_blank">Top Boss Tinted Embossing Pad</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25164/ranger-ink-industries-embossing/Detail" target="_blank">Ranger Clear Embossing Powder</a>, Copic Markers <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-16464/card-making-cards-scrapbooking/Detail" target="_blank">RV11</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-18534/Copic-Sketch-Marker-RV13/Detail" target="_blank">RV13</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41686/rv52-cotton-candy-pale/Detail" target="_blank">RV52</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-17551/Copic-Sketch-MARKER-G02/Detail" target="_blank">G02</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-17547/Copic-Sketch-MARKER-G14/Detail" target="_blank">G14</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-8144/SJ001-tsukineko-stazon-jet/Detail" target="_blank">Black Staz-On</a>, Spellbinders <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-29472/LF-dsh-124-Spellbinders-GRAND-SCALLOPED/Detail" target="_blank">Large Scalloped Circle Nestabilities</a>, Kraft and light pink cardstock, Circle Pop Dots, Bleach, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-18508/HIT00471-usa-us-dryer/Detail" target="_blank">Ranger Heat Tool</a>, Seam Binding</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJqxuRAoUro/Udg6_gDPE0I/AAAAAAAAA_4/DeeHMcubaCU/s1600/Butterfly+Blueprint+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJqxuRAoUro/Udg6_gDPE0I/AAAAAAAAA_4/DeeHMcubaCU/s1600/Butterfly+Blueprint+(2).jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For my second card, I decided to use some black cardstock and white embossing powder. And what I noticed with the bleaching technique on black cardstock, is that it leaves rich golds, browns and greens colors. So since I wanted earth tone colors, there was no need to even color in the image! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I first stamped the entire image with white ink onto the black die cut cardstock.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCHNlP-ycyI/Udg7-hh2TkI/AAAAAAAABAI/YNACogGpNjA/s1600/Butterfly+Pic+1+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XCHNlP-ycyI/Udg7-hh2TkI/AAAAAAAABAI/YNACogGpNjA/s1600/Butterfly+Pic+1+(2).jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then stamped it again with embossing ink onto a second piece of black cardstock, added the white embossing powder and heated until melted. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2R56gdeO9o/Udg-FemtIBI/AAAAAAAABAY/rLl6TVjf_3c/s1600/Butterfly+Pic+2+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2R56gdeO9o/Udg-FemtIBI/AAAAAAAABAY/rLl6TVjf_3c/s1600/Butterfly+Pic+2+(2).jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I did with the first card, I colored in the image with the bleach using a brush. Once done, I cut the butterfly out and adhered over the original stamped image. Once the bleach was completely dry, I added a layer a Rock Candy Distress Stickles over the image to give a subtle sparkle to it. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DLhFgUWyfs/Udg1UdtXs_I/AAAAAAAAA_E/d2DlF03amtw/s1600/melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DLhFgUWyfs/Udg1UdtXs_I/AAAAAAAAA_E/d2DlF03amtw/s1600/melissa.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Materials used:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim Holtz Easter Blueprints (<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53045/Tim-Holtz-Rubber-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank">Butterfly</a>), Tim Holtz Idea-ology Collage <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52714/th93054-collage-8x8-8/Detail" target="_blank">Mini 8x8 Paper Pad</a>, Hero Arts <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-24948/Hero-Arts-EMBOSS-WHITE/Detail" target="_blank">White Embossing Powder</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-17918/Colorbox-TOP-BOSS-Tinted/Detail" target="_blank">Top Box Tinted Embossing Ink</a>, ColorBox <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-28021/150801-inks-pads-stamps/Detail" target="_blank">Frost White Ink Pad</a>, Black Cardstock, Ranger <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-29503/2010-NEW-Ranger-WHITE/Detail" target="_blank">White Opal Liquid Pearls</a>, Martha Stewart <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-18516/283036-Martha-Stewart-CLASSIC/Detail" target="_blank">3in1 Butterfly Punch</a>, Spellbinders <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-19307/s5019-Spellbinders-Nestabilities-LABELS/Detail" target="_blank">Labels Eight Nestabilities</a>, Tim Holtz <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-19265/tim-holtz-ranger-ink/Detail" target="_blank">Rock Candy Distress Stickles</a>, Seam Binding Ribbon, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-18508/HIT00471-usa-us-dryer/Detail" target="_blank">Ranger heat tool</a>, Household Bleach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you so much to May and the rest of this fabulous team for having me this week! It was a lot of fun!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Thank YOU </strong></span><a href="http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Melissa</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> for sharing such a cool technique! I love the results and how the look varies depending on the cardstock color. This is a cool idea. I hope you've enjoyed Melissa's cards as much as I have.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> Now are you feeling inspired to get a little stamp-y yourself? Then join us in this week's challenge! </strong></span><a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2013/07/challenge-little-stamping.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Click here to see the rest of the design team's entries and to enter your creation</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>. For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</strong></span></div>
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Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-5274761883943006502013-07-08T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-08T09:34:19.624-04:00Challenge: A Little Stamping<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week we challenge you to use a small stamp, or use a stamp in some small way on your project. You could finish a project with a bit of stamping on an edge, use a tiny heart stamp, or perhaps you’ve got some small stamp on a set that you’ve yet to use. Now would be the time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to use stamps in a big way too? Well you could! Feel free to run the opposite direction and do a tiny bit of BIG stamping! It’s all good - and we can’t wait to see your stamped creations. </span></div>
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<a href="http://layersofink.blogspot.com/2013/07/tiny-stamps-and-trinkets-shadow-box.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anna-Karin</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> used tiny stamps and embellishments to make this small shadow box:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_7LfsZeNBE/UcQRKoy8nzI/AAAAAAAAKGw/9YDHLfjPN5g/s1600/tiny+stamps+shadow+box+-+anna-karin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_7LfsZeNBE/UcQRKoy8nzI/AAAAAAAAKGw/9YDHLfjPN5g/s1600/tiny+stamps+shadow+box+-+anna-karin.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I loved the idea of using tiny stamps and since they can disappear on a large project I made a small shadow box, using the packaging of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53239/LEAVES-%26-MUSHROOMS-Wood/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Prima wood icons</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. The box was dyed with a mix of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-1247/Tsukineko-WALNUT-INK-ANTIQUING/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>walnut ink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57088/ac030-my-favorite-flowers/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>tiny texture</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57086/ac028-remember-watercolor-flowers/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>word</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and</em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51867/ac022-friend-collage-2013/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> flower</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stamps were stamped on top. Small bird and house stamps from Hero Arts </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57088/ac030-my-favorite-flowers/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My Favorite set</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> were stamped with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-21242/hues-10-Hero-Arts/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Cerulean ink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and stamped with even smaller </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53755/here-%26-there-331481/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>sentiment stamps</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> The boxes were filled with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Prima-Flowers/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Prima</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> embellishments distressed with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52344/TDD36319-BROKEN-CHINA-BLUE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>paint</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-38773/Stampendous-new-2011-collection/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>embossing enamel</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-44884/331050-BUTTERFLIES-BUTTERFLY-ONLINE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>wood veneer shapes</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, and Stampendous </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57447/Stampendous-teal-ENCRUSTED-JEWEL/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>mica flakes and color fragments</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Go big or go home!", is usually </span><a href="http://theartfulmaven.blogspot.com/2013/07/1-little-2-little-3-little-stamps.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anita</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'s feeling on most things, so tiny stamping proved to be somewhat of a challenge for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I often find myself ignoring those tiny images on a stamp set, and nearly always go for the larger, so I really combed through my stash for this challenge searching for the mini stamps that really caught my eye. Finally, I ran across Tim's new </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52626/cms164-tiny-things-small/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tiny Things Stamp Set</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, and all of the images are mini, vintage, and just plain fabulous! I decided to use three of them to make the 'time flies' hanging in this altered </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52737/th93065-steampunk-assemblage-alarm/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Idea-ology Assemblage Clock</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, along with the perfect stamped saying from the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52627/cms165-way-with-words/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Way With Words Stamp Set</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em> </span></div>
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<a href="http://madebysannie.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-little-bit-of-text-stamping.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sandra Mouwen</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> played in her art journal with lots of color and with little text stamps.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIRdt_1-ZwM/Uccg82oBvzI/AAAAAAAAAwk/zxOoFLyDVrE/s1600/IMG_2721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIRdt_1-ZwM/Uccg82oBvzI/AAAAAAAAAwk/zxOoFLyDVrE/s1600/IMG_2721.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>It was such a long time ago that I played in my art journal, and I had to give my </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57920/GelliArts-GEL-PRINTING-PLATE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Gelli Plate</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> another go. It's always a surprise what you get, it's always different when you play with it. This time I used 3 colors Distress Paints, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52344/TDD36319-BROKEN-CHINA-BLUE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Broken China</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52333/TDD36418-PICKED-RASPBERRY-HOT/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Picked Raspberry</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52339/TDD36395-TIM-MUSTARD-SEED/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Mustard Seed</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. These Distress Paints work beautifully with the Gelli Plate. I used the positive and the negative of the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53725/BERT-COUTURE-FASHION-DYS37859/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Bert stencil from Dyan Reavely</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. For a little bit of stamping I used </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-27388/Kaiser-SCRIPT-Texture-Clear/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Script</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53277/CS890-DICTIONARY-MEANINGS-DEFINITION/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Dictionary Meanings</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53271/CS892-CHERISH-LOVE-ADORE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Cherish</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stamps from Kaiser Craft.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://dan99.blogspot.com/2013/07/good-things-come-in-little-packages.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> thought that Tim Holtz's "Tiny Textures" stamp set lent itself perfectly to the "little stamping" theme.</span></div>
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssLittle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssLittle1.jpg" width="475" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My first instinct with this week's theme was to use some really big background stamps and cut them down into smaller pieces. As I looked through my stamp collection I came across the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-12806/stampers-anonymous-unmounted-rubber/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tiny Textures</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> set and realised that it was perfect for this theme. As you can see, I still cut them down into smaller tiles. The dapper gent from Wendy Vecchi's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42072/Wendy-Vecchi-Cling-Rubber/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>European Art</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> set is one of my favourite stamps and I had a lot of fun chopping him up into differently coloured sections! A couple of the panels were made with the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57920/GelliArts-GEL-PRINTING-PLATE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>GelliArts printing plate</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and I also used Wendy's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-23265/WENDY-VECCHI-STAMPERS-ANONYMOUS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>All Bottled Up</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stamp.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When </span><a href="http://suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com/2013/07/just-be.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suzz </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">thinks of little stamping she thinks of stamping in small spaces. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs6irxm5ask/UceYbY7ZYXI/AAAAAAAAMqk/9_kOy-uPVtc/s1600/P1010813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs6irxm5ask/UceYbY7ZYXI/AAAAAAAAMqk/9_kOy-uPVtc/s1600/P1010813.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I love using small stamps to add texture in the background or to draw the eye different directions in my design. This time I used the frames and sections provided by the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-33194/7-Gypsies-LILLE-TAGS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>7 Gypsies Ticket Journal tags</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to frame out the images in my tags. I decided to put the tags with sweet images from Artistic Outpost </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46022/KUDZU-KAFE-CAFE-BACKGROUND/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Kudzu Kafe</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> into a tag pocket. I created the tag pocket by folding over a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-22816/clay-coat-coated-tim/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> manila tag </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and adding a few stamped rulers from the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-37679/Maya-Road-Clear-Stamps/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Measure Twice set</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em> </span></div>
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<a href="http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com/2013/07/dimensional-tag.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tracy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> created a dimensional tag this week with lots of texture and a surprise element.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydXOKMXteFE/Ua2Z2VdNUCI/AAAAAAAALzI/jaeYP37pBxs/s1600/SSSSbitofstamping.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydXOKMXteFE/Ua2Z2VdNUCI/AAAAAAAALzI/jaeYP37pBxs/s1600/SSSSbitofstamping.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>This box tag was great fun to make adding wonderful dimension using the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52599/Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-Die/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Sized Ovals</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> die to create an aperture and I added lots of texture using </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51357/Wendy-Vecchi-WHITE-EMBOSSING/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Wendy Vecchi's White Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> in conjunction with the Crafters Workshop Templates </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-47481/tcw308s-mini-letter-chaos/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Mini Letter Chaos</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-38092/MINI-tile-texture-TCW237s/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Mini Tile Texture</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> templates. I added bits of stamping using the text stamp from the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46795/SCF009-9-%239-NINE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Stampers Anonymous Classics 9</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> adding a touch of stamping to the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52746/th93076-metal-locket-book/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Locket Book</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> too. I had great fun with this piece, challenging myself to only use a bit of stamping!</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://candycreates.blogspot.com/2013/07/tims-tiny-things-domino-accordion-book.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Candy </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">really took the challenge literally this week when she created this small accordion domino book. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pvYnf5nj7g/Ua83I--X5_I/AAAAAAAAIPs/uTwt-ZFasyE/s1600/domino+book+inside-475+pixels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pvYnf5nj7g/Ua83I--X5_I/AAAAAAAAIPs/uTwt-ZFasyE/s1600/domino+book+inside-475+pixels.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I had so much fun with this small stamp challenge. What is smaller than </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52626/cms164-tiny-things-small/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz' Tiny Things</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stamp set? I created this little vintage domino accordion book; each panel bearing a different image from Tiny Things; stamped with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-33967/AIP31468-JET-BLACK-Ranger/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Jet Black Archival Ink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. They are colored using various </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Distress Ink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> colors and a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42093/TIP33080-Tim-Holtz-DETAILER/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz Detailer Water Brush</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42147/chitchat-chit-chat-stickers/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz Chit Chat</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> provide some inspirational thoughts. The edges of the dominoes are covered with embossed </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Metal Foil Sheets</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-55612/Paper-Artsy-Treasure-Gold/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Renaissance Treasure Gold</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> provides beautiful highlights to the edges of the pages and also the high areas of the embossed metal.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://purplemailbox.blogspot.com/2013/07/just-little-stamping.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashli's</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> birthday, so she used this opportunity to do a little stamping about herself.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TziJ07hghy0/UbxsT5JYFkI/AAAAAAAANdc/tKRsS3ZYT8w/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TziJ07hghy0/UbxsT5JYFkI/AAAAAAAANdc/tKRsS3ZYT8w/s1600/35.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Yep! Today is my 35th birthday. What a perfect occasion to do a layout about me and my "now." To get started, I grabbed the adorable Amy Tangerine </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-44674/draft-project-59161-clear/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Draft</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-49147/59224-hey-there-camera/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Hey There</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Stamp Sets. Using the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-54104/POWDER-BLUE-LIGHT-PASTEL/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Zing Embossing Powder in Blue</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, I placed those little images all about my page. Once I had my layers of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56614/MIN-dsh-4134-MINT-JULEP-2013/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Mint Julep 6x6 papers</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> all in place, I used those little images and prompts for my journaling. This gave me a great way to document where I am today at the big 35! To finish things off, I simply added some </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56983/683202-THE-PIER-PINK/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Crate Paper Pinwheels</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-54562/683157-maggie-holmes-butterfly/Detail" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Chipboard stickers</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. This is a fun layout now, and will be even more fun to look back on one day.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://meihsia.blogspot.com/2013/07/tell-your-story.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meihsia</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> loves to use small stamps on her project. This week she use some of them on the background of this layout. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/9051480617_39eecc5158.jpg" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Small stamps always show beautiful details so I love to use them on my projects. On this layout, I sprayed </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-49751/00795-MUSTARD-YELLOW-color/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Color Shine</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and stamped some small text and images using </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-31289/playful-journey-bike-bicycle/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz stamp</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42037/Stampendous-Clear-Stamps-CORSET/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Stamendous clear stamp</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56619/7-Gypsies-new-2013/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>7 gypsies cling stamp</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> on the background. This photo was taken on Natalie's 10th birthday so I also stamped the date using </em></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-43385/roller-date-dates-roll/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Dear Lizzy Roller Date Stamp</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> on this layout.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This week we also welcome <a href="http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Melissa Bove</a> to be our guest! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Melissa actually created two cards, and she will be sharing the how-to this Wednesday as well so be sure to tune back in! Melissa is a designer for Simon's other challenge blog (Simon Says Stamp Challenges) where she frequently creates amazing cards and projects. (<a href="http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">you can join in their challenges here</a>) and we're excited to have her crossing over here to share with us here at Stamp & Show! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more inspiration click on our design team's blog links so you can see more photos (and full supply lists) for their projects. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is giving away a $50 gift voucher that will go to a random entry chosen by Random Generator. To qualify all you need to do is create a new project that ties in (in any way!) with our theme and post it, along with a link back to this challenge, and add a link here. This challenge will end at 11:59pm on Sunday July 14 Eastern time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will also be choosing some of our entries to put in the spotlight - a special honor where we talk about why we loved that entry in particular and award a special badge too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-91811943061783268892013-07-05T12:03:00.001-04:002013-07-05T12:03:40.908-04:00Stripe challenge spotlight entries & voucher winner:It's that time of the week - time to announce last week's spotlight winners as well as the winner of the $50 voucher to the shop! <br />
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This is our second week for our new feature - and wow. The stripe challenge had so many takes, so much inspiration, and has me thinking I need to get stripe-y more often! Without further ado - here are the entries in this week's spotlight: <br />
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With bold colors and a striking design, <strong><a href="http://amanda-momentsofinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/be-unique.html" target="_blank">#8 Amanda</a> </strong>caught my eye immediately. Candy says: <em>What makes this card so striking for me is the use of the random vertical paper strips complimented with the stark black and white filmstrips. With the face also being embossed in black, this is one outstanding design!</em><br />
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A soon-to-be member of the Stamp & Show team, <strong><a href="http://michellezerull.blogspot.com/2013/06/quilt-stripes.html" target="_blank">#29 Michelle's</a></strong> creativity pops with this 6x6 paper quilted block. Anna-Karin says: <em>Love all the different patterns and colours she used. I great idea for using paper scraps too</em>. Ashli says: <em>Her creative interpretation of our stripes challenge is genius and I just love the vibrant colors of the whole piece!</em><br />
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The stripes in this piece had me picking my jaw up off the ground. <strong><a href="http://pushingtherightbuttons.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/a-happy-stripy-accident.html" target="_blank">#88 Buttons</a></strong> uses different mediums and techniques to get a soft effect that I can't stop thinking about. Anna says: <em>Jenny created a wonderful textured background using different mediums, crackle paint, distress paint and alcohol ink. Very cool! The card is beautifully embellished too.</em> Suzanne said: <em>Not only does she have beautiful stripes created with a stencil she has several crafty techniques that she shares as she goes through her creative process.</em> <br />
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Making a mixed media flag full of texture and detail, <a href="http://jessicasporn.blogspot.com/2013/06/flying-equality-flag.html" target="_blank"><strong>#99 Jessica Sporn</strong></a> embraced stripes and created a meaningful piece this week. Dan says: <em>I love all the texture she's incorporated into her stylized take on the flag and I'm in awe of her hand painted lettering on the red stripes!</em> <br />
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<strong><a href="http://yayascrap.blogspot.it/2013/06/simon-says-stripes.html" target="_blank"># 100 Barbara</a></strong> made a tiny suitcase I really just can't believe! Anita says: <em>This is grungy goodness at it's best!</em> Dan says: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>Loads of texture, I
love how she's recycled the sample grunge tag that comes on the packaging, the
tin star and the zips she's incorporated into the stripes..</em></span><br />
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Congratulations to each of you on a challenge well done! Please <a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank">email May</a> for the spotlight badge to display on your blogs. I've got to tell you guys - (and I know I've said it before!) but this was an amazing challenge. I LOVED so many entries, and I could go on and talk about a bunch more - if only I had the time and space. So inspiring - thanks for joining us! </div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="150" /></a>But wait, we haven't forgotten the big prize of the week! I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank">Simon Says Stamp</a> for another great chance to win a $50 voucher!! <br />
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The lucky (randomly drawn) winner for the "stripe" challenge is... <br />
<a href="http://www.punkprojects.com/2013/06/kraft-paper-washi-and-heat-embossing.html" target="_blank"><strong> </strong></a><br />
<a href="http://manuetal.blogspot.it/2013/06/journal-another-go.html" target="_blank"><strong>#31 Jan</strong></a></div>
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Please claim your prize within the next two weeks by<a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> emailing May</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the challenge as it is always a joy to see what you create. I'd also like to say thank you again to </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for their generosity - each week we give away a </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$50 gift voucher to the shop</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> that you can use to buy all kinds of fabulous stamps, inks, and paper crafting supplies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember - you just need to enter the challenge each week to be entered into the drawing! </span></div>
Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-2144939636569786892013-07-04T14:00:00.000-04:002013-07-04T14:00:07.277-04:00Introducing: Andrea Ockey Parr<strong>Her use of fabric and other materials, not to mention her amazing style and how much fun her projects are have made her blog a favorite for me - and I'm very excited to announce that Andrea Ockey Parr will be joining the Stamp & Show team this month! Here's Andrea to tell you a bit more about herself.</strong><br />
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My name is <a href="http://www.snappingmonsters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Andrea Ockey Parr</a> and I'm a total lit nerd, crafter and eternal librarian who gets giddy about both Shakespeare and yarn. <br />
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My artsy style is whimsical with some stringy and straggly mixed in. Though I failed to make an A-worthy 80’s floral vest in my junior high sewing class (patterns still give me hives), I do love to incorporate fabric and stitching into my projects. <br />
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Some of my creations have been featured in Cloth Paper Scissors, Stuffed, Somerset Studio, SEW Somerset and The Stampers’ Sampler. <br />
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I’m grateful to have the best family support system in the universe and a patient husband who doesn’t think I’m weird for staring at a jar of buttons for half an hour. <br />
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<strong>Please join me in welcoming Andrea to the team! For more of her work, you can <a href="http://www.snappingmonsters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">check out her blog here</a>. Also don't forget this week's challenge is "Anything goes" and you have a few more days to enter. Happy crafting!</strong> Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-13477680678662868002013-07-03T14:00:00.001-04:002013-07-03T14:00:05.458-04:00Introducing: Michelle Zerull<strong>This week the challenge is "Anything goes" here at Simon Says Stamp & Show - so be sure to enter your creations! Since anything goes, we'll be introducing our new design team members here this week - starting with the fabulous Michelle. Her use of color, inventive designs, and wonderful creative spirit will really inspire - I can't wait for her to get started with us! Here is Michelle to tell you a bit about herself.</strong> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aV94RtAr98A/UdBh1JGw5BI/AAAAAAAAA9U/y_XreYdActw/s918/2013-03-15+16+37+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aV94RtAr98A/UdBh1JGw5BI/AAAAAAAAA9U/y_XreYdActw/s200/2013-03-15+16+37+31.jpg" width="200" /></a>Hello, my name is <a href="http://michellezerull.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Zerull</a>. I craft and create in beautiful Little Rock, Arkansas, where I live with my husband, Bob. Although I currently live in the south, I was born and raised in the Midwest. It was there that I learned to craft just as my Grandmother and Mother before me. <br />
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My creative journey began with textile arts and quilting. When I was introduced to rubber stamps in the late 90’s I retired my thimble and became captivated by rubber stamps and paper crafting. Cards and scrapbook layouts are my favorite projects, but I also enjoy creating seasonal décor, mail art, journals and mini books. Often, you can see needlework influences in my stamping through geometric patterns, sewing notions, and stitches. <br />
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Distressing and glitter also appear in most of my work. I do love shiny things! Vintage elements are also prevalent, as I have a fondness for old paper and ephemera. This includes older postal elements, which I adore. <br />
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Although I love my grungy and tattered antiques, I am equally drawn to bold, graphic shapes and vibrant colors. This wonderful juxtaposition of old and new excites me and fuels my creativity. <br />
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When I am not stamping, I work as an administrator for a major department store. This environment surrounds me with current trends, as well as new textures, shapes and colors. I enjoy traveling whenever possible. Two of my grown children live out of state and it is always a pleasure to pack up the car and drive off to visit them. All of these daily experiences inspire me and influence my stamping. I consider myself privileged to be a part of the Simon Says Stamp team and I am so glad that my creative journey has brought me here.<br />
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<strong>Please join me in welcoming Michelle to the team - and for more of her work be sure to check out <a href="http://michellezerull.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2013-06-13T11:43:00-07:00&max-results=7" target="_blank">her blog</a>. Michelle will begin sharing her creations with our July 22 challenge - I don't know about you but I can't wait!</strong> Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-29227384119300675692013-07-02T14:00:00.000-04:002013-07-03T00:49:41.548-04:00Introducing: Mona Pendleton<strong>It is my pleasure to kick off our our new team member introductions this week with Mona - you're going to love her amazing attention to detail, amazing shabby chic style, and all of the cool techniques she uses in her projects. I'll let her share a bit about herself... </strong><br />
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My name is <a href="http://cupcakescreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mona Pendleton</a> and I’m honored to be a design team member of the Simon Says Stamp and Show DT. I am married to best friend Scott, I have 2 adult children, 2 teenage step children and 2 West Highland Terrier dogs. I work part-time as a Registered Nurse in the Operating Room of an Orthopedic Hospital and in my spare time, I enjoy creating just about anything including but not limited to art journal pages, scrapbook layouts, greeting cards, tags, altered art, canvases, etc.<br />
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I would describe my style as Shabby. I prefer pastels but love to adventure over to the dark side occasionally as well as adding a burst of color. I can never have too many layers on most of my projects.<br />
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I currently design a line of stamps, dies and stencils for My Favorite Things and have a passion simply to be creative in some fashion. <br />
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<strong>Please join me in welcoming Mona to the team! For more of her beautiful work you can <a href="http://cupcakescreations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">check out her blog</a>, and watch for her to join in the challenges starting July 22. </strong><br />
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<strong>And reminder: the "Anything goes" challenge is our focus this week - so be sure to enter! </strong><br />
<br />Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-15994663302905867572013-07-01T00:00:00.001-04:002013-07-01T09:26:15.375-04:00Challenge: Anything goes!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A new month, new possibilities, and a week of “anything goes” here at Simon Says Stamp and Show! That's right - you get to pick what inspires you this week and run wild. No rules, no set theme. It just has to be a new project (see rules in side-bar) that you'd like to enter for a chance to win. Want some inspiration? We've got it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To kick things off, <a href="http://inkypinkycraft.blogspot.com/2013/07/thrilled-to-be-guest-designer-for-simon.html" target="_blank">Trace Metcalf</a> is joining us as a special guest designer! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>A bit about Trace:</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>I love all things vintage and and steampunk is also a firm favourite. I also love working in monochrome, with browns and neutrals being my favourites. My huge inspiration is Tim Holtz and I don't know how I would create without distress! I love starting with a blank piece of card or board, or alterable piece and using products to create something from scratch.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>and her fabulous project...</strong> </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kI8H9J5HVUA/UcrzpR1bB6I/AAAAAAAAA7M/Tjsq8dAoTKg/s1600/t2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kI8H9J5HVUA/UcrzpR1bB6I/AAAAAAAAA7M/Tjsq8dAoTKg/s1600/t2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I went for one of my real loves to create a steampunk hanging, using lots of my favourite Tim Holtz and <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Ranger-Tim-Holtz-Distress-Ink-Pads/Categories" target="_blank">distress products</a>, lots of yummy <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Tim-Holtz-Idea-dsh-ology/Categories" target="_blank">idea-ology</a> and fab <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-22154/tim-holtz-alterations-sizzix/Detail" target="_blank">gear die cuts</a> to create this piece. I love mixed media crafting and nothing makes me happier than playing with all the yummy distress products, from inks and <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Ranger-Tim-Holtz-Distress-Stains/Categories" target="_blank">stains</a> to paints and <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Tim-Holtz-ALL-Stamps/Categories" target="_blank">stamps </a>and of course lots of idea-ology and found treasures.</em> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for playing along this week Trace! Her project is so full of textures and detail it really is incredible. Anything truly goes this week here at Simon Says Stamp & Show - let's see what our design team came up with! </span></div>
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<a href="http://purplemailbox.blogspot.com/2013/07/in-forest-with-some-puffies.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashli</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was inspired by a product she hadn't yet had the opportunity to play with this week.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2gc3YVRAHo/UaowoulKR_I/AAAAAAAANN4/CJOi08ZXT9U/s1600/anything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F2gc3YVRAHo/UaowoulKR_I/AAAAAAAANN4/CJOi08ZXT9U/s1600/anything.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>While browsing the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Simon Says Shop</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> recently, I stumbled across an adorable product - a product that had it's heyday before I was a scrapbooker... </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-template/searchresults/Page?q=puffies&x=-936&y=-150#/?filter.categories=KI%20Memories&page=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Puffies by KI Memories</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>! They are SO cute! I have never really played with them before and since there was such a wonderful selection in the Simon Shop, and anything goes this week, I decided to give them a go. Using lots of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56614/MIN-dsh-4134-MINT-JULEP-2013/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Mint Julep goodness from Basic Grey</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, I layered up photos of my girls driving through "the forest." </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>A bit of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-template/searchresults/Page?q=allison+washi&x=-936&y=-150" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Alison Kreft washi</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> along with those adorable </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-34656/KI-Memories-memory-felt/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Butterfly Puffies</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> finished off this fun and whimsical page documenting something cute my girls always say.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://meihsia.blogspot.com/2013/06/listen-to-your-heart.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meihsia</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> just let her imagination fly with this birdhouse this week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I love an anything goes challenge and let my imagination fly. I've imagined a birdhouse with wings would fly to wherever the bird family goes. This birdhouse was covered with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Crackle Paint</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and decorated with die cuts using </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30265/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-Sizzix/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz dies</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-21861/Tim-holtz-idea-dsh-ology-ideaology/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz metal embellishments</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. All the die cuts were also covered with different colors of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/Categories"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Crackle Paint</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I can't just pick one sentiment from </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-38552/Cosmo-Cricket-LIFE-Tiny/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Cosmo Cricket LIFE Tiny Text Stickers</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> because they are all so awesome.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Anything Goes" is always </span><a href="http://theartfulmaven.blogspot.com/2013/06/anything-goeseven-flying-numbers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anita</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'s favorite kind of challenge because she loves to see all the creative minds really open up for those who enter the challenge.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gS67Bfx6Sf0/Ubj2A3zQYAI/AAAAAAAAKhc/CdbzH7TFxSY/s1600/Spread+Your+Numbered+Wings+And+Fly+SSS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gS67Bfx6Sf0/Ubj2A3zQYAI/AAAAAAAAKhc/CdbzH7TFxSY/s1600/Spread+Your+Numbered+Wings+And+Fly+SSS2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>If there is one thing I love about being on the DT here at Simon Says Stamp & Show, it's that I have learned so much about different stamps that I might not have gotten the chance to before. With all the stamps they have in stock, it's been a playground for me, and I have used so many here on these 9x12 inch wooden panels, like Tim Holtz's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52623/cms161-numeric-numerals-numbers/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Numeric </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52374/cms156-worn-text-typewriter/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Worn Text</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Sets, as well as Paper Artsy's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-14612/mn22-paperartsy-cling-paper/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Mini Numbers 22 Set</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. Yes, I had to do two...one in metallics and one in bright colors using lots of Ranger Paint Dabbers and Dylusions Ink Sprays.</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For her "Anything Goes" challenge piece, </span><a href="http://candycreates.blogspot.com/2013/06/anything-goes-dimensional-nostalgic.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Candy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> decided to play with a new technique she had never experimented with before to create a nostalgic piece of home decor. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJlEtjDkiSM/UboX1MkcodI/AAAAAAAAIRU/QpVEcre8hL4/s1600/cover-475+pixels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJlEtjDkiSM/UboX1MkcodI/AAAAAAAAIRU/QpVEcre8hL4/s1600/cover-475+pixels.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I love experimenting with new techniques and different ways to use products. This week, I have taken </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-12739/claudine-hellmuth-ranger-paint/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Matte Multi Medium</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-12738/claudine-hellmuth-ranger-ink/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>White Gesso</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51357/Wendy-Vecchi-WHITE-EMBOSSING/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Wendy Vecchi's White Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and a plain paper mache book and transformed it into a vintage, nostalgic piece of home décor. The lovely girl in the portrait is my paternal grandmother. She is given life in this black and white photo through a colorizing method using </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9130/tim-holtz-distress-ink/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tattered Rose Distress Ink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and my </em></span><a href="http:///" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz Detailer Water Brush</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and a final coat of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-10112/tim-holtz-ranger-distress/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Antique Linen Distress Ink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. Prima has such gorgeous </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Roses</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42952/556747-white-pure-mariposa/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Butterflies</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I took full advantage of them on the cover of this book.</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I (<a href="http://mayflaum.com/2013/06/30/simon-says-anything-goes/" target="_blank">May</a>) went wild with color this week. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtaypmFX2mI/UdBYSlLk76I/AAAAAAAAA8c/SLt2aBE80Hs/s647/zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtaypmFX2mI/UdBYSlLk76I/AAAAAAAAA8c/SLt2aBE80Hs/s640/zoo.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What could be more fun on an anything goes week than to get wacky and layer loads of <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42484/DYRLOTOF12-LOT-OF-12/Detail" target="_blank">Dylusions ink sprays</a>? I had a blast making the background for this page, and I love how the <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52395/HSC36975-WALL-FLOWERS-WALLFLOWER/Detail" target="_blank">Claudine Hellmuth flower stencil</a> is perfect as a finishing accent, or as the base for my own custom designed background as I used it here. </span><br />
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<a href="http://madebysannie.blogspot.com/2013/07/chunky-bachelorette-party-album.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sandra Mouwen</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> made this album for her close friend of her bachelorette party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My close friend Ellen is getting married in a few days, so very exciting. I made this album of her bachelorette party as a gift. She likes bright happy colors, so I went all out. This chunky album is 8x8 inches, the exact size of the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53923/Glitz-8-x-8/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Glitz Love You Madly Paperpad</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I used the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25119/are-We-R-Memory/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>We R Memory Keepers 8x8 Chipboard</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> as covers. The big letters are cut out with the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42261/657837-word-play-words/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Word Play</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> die and painted in </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57095/paint-dauber-neon-pink/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Neon Pink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. With the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-11404/ranger-adirondack-acrylic-paint/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Pool Paint Dabber</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> I colored the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-38971/Liquitex-MODELING-PASTE-Gel/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Modeling Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and used the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-55016/SUNRISE-SUNSET-FLOWER-960162/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Prima Marketing Sunrise Sunset Stencil</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to make those little blue flowers.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com/2013/06/enjoy-simple-things.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suzz </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was feeling shabby chic this week and decided to use the </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52737/th93065-steampunk-assemblage-alarm/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Assemblage Clock</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as a base for a pretty accessory for the home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I have seen so many different beautiful projects using this clock. I decided to create a shabby chic effect and use the soft pastels on the inside and out with lots of white. The </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30472/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-Idea-dsh-ology/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Fractured Dolls</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> remind me of an old china doll my mother had and I wanted to include on inside my clock. I gave her wings by stamping the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-50235/Stampendous-Cling-Stamp-JUMBO/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Stampendous Butterfly</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> using </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-10213/VC250-Versamark-Watermark-Rubber/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Versamark</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> on tissue paper. I embossed her wings with the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-49993/regular-bold-WOW%21-cha/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>soft pink embossing powder.. </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>This will add a lovely soft and feminine touch to my nightstand.</em> </span></div>
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<a href="http://dan99.blogspot.com/2013/07/x-marks-spot.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> took advantage of the "anything goes" theme to work on some bookmarks for a swap he's taking part in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>You learn something new every week - bookmarks are as much fun to work on as tags. I will be laminating these before I give them out but I thought I'd photograph them before that stage so that there was no glare from the plastic. Not only are these the first bookmarks I've made, it's also the first time I've used my </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57920/GelliArts-GEL-PRINTING-PLATE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>GelliArts printing plate</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, and it's so much fun! One thing I didn't count on was just how quickly it wipes clean between prints, maximising the time you get to spend on the fun parts. I used </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-ALL/keyword/claudine-hellmuth-paint/s/1/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Claudine Hellmuth paints</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> for my backgrounds, combining them with a stencil and a stamp from the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46791/SCF006-%236-6-BORDER/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Classics #6</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> collection. Other stamps used included the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52619/cms157-travelers-time-brett/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Time Travelers</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> set and Stampers Anonymous </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30308/Stampers-Anonymous-Rubber-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Phrenology Head</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-47436/Tim-Holtz-Rubber-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Skull</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com/2013/07/sewing-frame.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tracy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> simply enjoyed the freedom of just playing this week and stumbled upon a frame and inspiration struck to create a sewing themed piece.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Typical we have an anything goes challenge and I am stuck for ideas so I decided to scan my room and whatever grabbed my attention I would use; in this case it was the Tim Holtz Alterations </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30165/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-Sizzix/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Sewing Room</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Die and a frame. I had no idea where I was going with this piece but I decided to give myself some freedom and just play and see where it took me! </em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>The </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52365/mini-cms150-bluprints-compass/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Mini Blueprints 3</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stamp set was an obvious choice and the scissors seemed a perfect fit. The </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-44945/Martha-Stewart-GARDEN-MOLD/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Martha Stewart Crafter's Clay Garden Molds</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> were also lying around so I thought I would bring them into my piece using in conjunction with clay to add a further texture to my piece. I have really enjoyed the experience of just allowing my creativity to just go in whatever direction I like.</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week </span><a href="http://layersofink.blogspot.com/2013/07/vintage-textured-layout.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anna-Karin</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> made a double-page layout with lots of dry embossing and die-cutting: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Anything goes challenges are sometimes hard for me, with so many options. I was inspired by my project from last week, wanting to scrap more of my dad's childhood photos. I used twelve different </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Tim-Holtz-for-Sizzix/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz Sizzix texture fades</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to emboss plain cardstock, inked and distressed all the pieces and covered the background with them. Papers from the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52714/th93054-collage-8x8-8/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Collage Mini 8 x 8 paper pad</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> were die cut with various</em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Tim-Holtz-for-Sizzix/start/100/total/272/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Tim Holtz dies</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and I also used </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52723/th93057-rub-dsh-ons-rubons-rubs/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Elements Remnant rubs</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52715/ideaology-th93068-cha-winter/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>tissue tape</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. The frames were die cut with the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52569/Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-Die/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Postage Stamp Frame</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and open to reveal more photos and journaling. The finishing touches were done with a few</em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Tim-Holtz-Idea-dsh-ology/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Idea-ology</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> pieces.</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now here's a special surprise - this week we'll be revealing the newest members to our team who will begin sharing with us later this month! Anything goes - so we'll be letting you in on the exciting news. In the meantime - it's now your turn to create for the challenge! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more inspiration click on our design team's blog links so you can see more photos (and full supply lists) for their projects. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is giving away a $50 gift voucher that will go to a random entry chosen by Random Generator. To qualify all you need to do is create a new project that ties in (in any way!) with our theme and post it, along with a link back to this challenge, and add a link here. This challenge will end at 11:59pm on Sunday July 7th Eastern time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We will also be choosing some of our entries to put in the spotlight - a special honor where we talk about why we loved that entry in particular and award a special badge too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-76448962616002998482013-06-28T05:00:00.000-04:002013-06-28T05:00:00.258-04:00Winners: Kraft challengeYou know we're always trying to mix it up here - and this week I'm excited to announce that the top three is no more. But wait - we're not just going to not honor favorite entries. Nope - we're going to do something entirely different! <br />
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Starting today, each week we'll put several entries into the spotlight in our Friday winner posts! The selected entries will be linked to, we'll talk about why we loved them so much, and of course there will be a special badge that can be added to your sidebar to show that you were selected for the honor! This will let us share with you inspiring projects, outstanding tutorials, and more! We are excited to get YOU in the spotlight more here at Simon Says Stamp & Show! We'll get to sharing the winners this week, but first... <br />
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I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank">Simon Says Stamp</a> for another great chance to win a $50 voucher!! <br />
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The lucky (randomly drawn) winner for the "kraft" challenge is... <br />
<a href="http://www.punkprojects.com/2013/06/kraft-paper-washi-and-heat-embossing.html" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<a href="http://www.punkprojects.com/2013/06/kraft-paper-washi-and-heat-embossing.html" target="_blank">19 Katie - Punk Projects</a> </div>
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Please claim your prize within the next two weeks by<a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> emailing May</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><br />
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Now, let's talk about our first batch of spotlight entries!<br />
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<a href="http://www.marjiekemper.com/darkroom-door-pressed-flowers-collage-tutorial/" target="_blank"><strong>#5 Marjie Kemper</strong></a><strong> </strong>shows us a great how-to on her card with an incredible krafty corrugated background. I always love seeing the process, and her great project. Embossing powders are so much fun to use, and we love how she brought this project to life! <br />
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Happy birthday to <a href="http://morganlefaestrinkets.blogspot.nl/2013/06/krafty-birthday-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><strong>#21 Monique</strong></a> who shared an incredible book filled with krafty goodness- and she even shared a video walk-through of the project too. <strong>Ashli says:</strong> Her Paris inspired album using a variety of kraft items is so full of eclectic goodness, I just want to touch it! <strong>Sandra says:</strong> Love the messy style of her mini album. Great vintage images, lots of gorgeous stamps and so much Kraft!<br />
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Thinking you might want an accordion card die cut? Check out <a href="http://bollyanne.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/kraft-another-accordian-card.html" target="_blank"><strong>#101 Anne R</strong></a> for an amazing card crafted for our challenge this week! <strong>Tracy says:</strong> I particularly like Anne's use of corrugated card on this piece.<br />
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Tracy loves<strong> #</strong><a href="http://www.bumblebeesandbutterflies.com/2013/06/kraft-away.html" target="_blank"><strong>129 Brenda Brown</strong></a> use of gesso on this kraft and neutral piece. I can't get enough of her texture, and how awesome the punched pieces of paper layered (then coated in gesso) look, not to mention how much detail this piece has! <br />
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Be sure to visit their blogs and check out their amazing entries. So inspiring! Congratulations to each of you on a challenge well done! Please <a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank">email May</a> for the spotlight badge to display on your blogs. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the challenge as it is always a joy to see what you create. I'd also like to say thank you again to </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for their generosity - each week we give away a </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$50 gift voucher to the shop</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> that you can use to buy all kinds of fabulous stamps, inks, and paper crafting supplies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember - you just need to enter the challenge each week to be entered into the drawing! </span></div>
Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-57550856067579143432013-06-26T05:00:00.000-04:002013-06-26T05:00:00.091-04:00Exploding Card Tutorial with Tracy Evans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi everyone, </span><a href="http://www.craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tracy Evans</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> here and I am thrilled to be sharing a tutorial with you for an exploding card, inspired by our stripes challenge this week.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2j-2KpNCmk/UZPfNI4uOFI/AAAAAAAALh8/b6KwKnYMomg/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2j-2KpNCmk/UZPfNI4uOFI/AAAAAAAALh8/b6KwKnYMomg/s400/SSSSexplodingcard24.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to try something a little different this week, a card with movement and more detail so I opted for an exploding card. My front cover showcases the fabulous Wendy Vecchi So Serious handsome gent stamp (who has a striped hat!) set against an inky backdrop created with Distress Stains wild honey and walnut stain. The sentiment from Wendy <br />
Vecchi's Steampunk Art was perfect for this gent along with a top hat to embellish.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-E15TF7CoA/UatsuOxdS2I/AAAAAAAALy4/hSZFVdsD6qM/s1600/SSSSstripes8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-E15TF7CoA/UatsuOxdS2I/AAAAAAAALy4/hSZFVdsD6qM/s400/SSSSstripes8.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the added detail the water splashes add to the background. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trjVWMXdTcU/UZPhGeRkumI/AAAAAAAALiM/PNuRjV6utys/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trjVWMXdTcU/UZPhGeRkumI/AAAAAAAALiM/PNuRjV6utys/s400/SSSSexplodingcard.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To create the exploding card cut three pieces of Kraft card 8" x 8". Take the first square, score and fold in half. You can make your card any measurement as long as you begin with a square piece of card. Then f</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">old the same piece in the opposite direction.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGZbOjhxyBs/UZPh-7IfwhI/AAAAAAAALic/5IjaWv6vf3U/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGZbOjhxyBs/UZPh-7IfwhI/AAAAAAAALic/5IjaWv6vf3U/s400/SSSSexplodingcard3.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open out your card which will now have been folded to create a cross (four squares 4" x 4")</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SII6PNVIS4/UZPiSAanauI/AAAAAAAALik/Fx-0VcnzR7I/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SII6PNVIS4/UZPiSAanauI/AAAAAAAALik/Fx-0VcnzR7I/s400/SSSSexplodingcard4.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Now fold the card on the diagonal, using a bone scorer for a good clean crisp fold.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3H7kMPIMtY/UZPihbtwdgI/AAAAAAAALis/Vvp4mEi5wlY/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3H7kMPIMtY/UZPihbtwdgI/AAAAAAAALis/Vvp4mEi5wlY/s400/SSSSexplodingcard5.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn the card over and fold along the same diagonal line once again (this helps the card to fold easily into position).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMAFw4JcB7A/UZPiuqUB5AI/AAAAAAAALi0/jbJJsHm9p48/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OMAFw4JcB7A/UZPiuqUB5AI/AAAAAAAALi0/jbJJsHm9p48/s400/SSSSexplodingcard6.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Repeat this process with three 8" x 8" square pieces of card to create the fold above.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eztuU60cSKI/UZPi-Ealp0I/AAAAAAAALi8/3BoZ6G7rLAw/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eztuU60cSKI/UZPi-Ealp0I/AAAAAAAALi8/3BoZ6G7rLAw/s400/SSSSexplodingcard8.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The card folds easily as shown and as you can see we have two mountain folds in the centre.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKxAoAFBnNs/UZPjTZp2CNI/AAAAAAAALjE/zJdYBnm4OQ0/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uKxAoAFBnNs/UZPjTZp2CNI/AAAAAAAALjE/zJdYBnm4OQ0/s400/SSSSexplodingcard9.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have created three pieces for my exploding card but you could have 7 pieces or even 9.</span><br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNvarxOZMkU/UZPjz8URoHI/AAAAAAAALjU/Y0J-0yaDcjI/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNvarxOZMkU/UZPjz8URoHI/AAAAAAAALjU/Y0J-0yaDcjI/s400/SSSSexplodingcard11.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adhere all the panels together to create the exploding card as shown here. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUQFnSNJgrc/UZPj8jd3YEI/AAAAAAAALjc/WPrJ8G1ITHk/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUQFnSNJgrc/UZPj8jd3YEI/AAAAAAAALjc/WPrJ8G1ITHk/s400/SSSSexplodingcard12.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see the central panel faces the opposite way to the two side panels.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now it's time to decorate. Cut 4" x 4" squares of white cardstock (twelve total). Then take six of those, and cut them along the diagonal into triangular pieces. This will give you six squares and twelve triangles total. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaisRII1ij8/UZPjiybUIqI/AAAAAAAALjM/Id6wc6iJZ5A/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaisRII1ij8/UZPjiybUIqI/AAAAAAAALjM/Id6wc6iJZ5A/s400/SSSSexplodingcard10.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this stage it is a good idea to trim each piece very slightly for a perfect fit onto the exploding card if desired. I will be <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">distressing the edges, so I did not trim anything away. Note that I distressed the edges of these triangles and squares before coloring. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOaVumJfksM/UZPk8qnf_zI/AAAAAAAALjs/KHdWHhAd1PM/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apply Distress Stains to a non-stick craft sheet and spritz with water.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phOyfp-E-o0/UZPlPbqwWgI/AAAAAAAALj0/JvU6sGctkLs/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phOyfp-E-o0/UZPlPbqwWgI/AAAAAAAALj0/JvU6sGctkLs/s400/SSSSexplodingcard15.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mop up the beads of ink with each piece of cardstock that we cut previously.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1meBaXNfUZ8/UZPlnw55BQI/AAAAAAAALj8/pxFAVqGku1E/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1meBaXNfUZ8/UZPlnw55BQI/AAAAAAAALj8/pxFAVqGku1E/s400/SSSSexplodingcard16.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continue to mop up the ink until you are happy with the coverage, and then d</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ry the card with a heat tool (or let air dry). If desired dab the card into the remainder of the ink to add splatters of ink and dry once again.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67B0xoVdwN0/UZPn5r7h9yI/AAAAAAAALkU/By2KzLCfFho/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67B0xoVdwN0/UZPn5r7h9yI/AAAAAAAALkU/By2KzLCfFho/s400/SSSSexplodingcard18.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apply Distress Ink in a dark color such as Walnut Stain to the edges of each piece for definition.</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spritz water into the palm of your hand and then flick the water onto the coloured card.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7CaUY2Uqoo/UZPoSJrmo9I/AAAAAAAALkk/PGy_HAGB_xY/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7CaUY2Uqoo/UZPoSJrmo9I/AAAAAAAALkk/PGy_HAGB_xY/s400/SSSSexplodingcard20.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dab with kitchen towel to remove the ink, leaving bleached out areas in your background.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaxF09Zvplo/UZPogs9-7rI/AAAAAAAALks/MsGjqCtTZ70/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaxF09Zvplo/UZPogs9-7rI/AAAAAAAALks/MsGjqCtTZ70/s400/SSSSexplodingcard22.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place striped background stamp onto a flat surface and ink the stamp with black Archival Ink. Then press the triangular pieces of cardstock onto the inked stamp and remove. <br />
Repeat this process for all the triangular pieces.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2orFDee8B4/UZPpB6sKvyI/AAAAAAAALk0/iauNySZ7gEA/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D2orFDee8B4/UZPpB6sKvyI/AAAAAAAALk0/iauNySZ7gEA/s400/SSSSexplodingcard23.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adhere all the decorated triangular pieces to the exploding card. </span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before adhering the front and back covers add twine to the back of the squares of white (now colored) cardstock so that the exploding card can be tied shut. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-47aJJl5DYKU/UZPpRDq0lqI/AAAAAAAALk8/WT9tGIPwzYQ/s400/SSSSexplodingcard25.jpg" width="550" /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my front cover when fastened.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AfSLSFcjP4/UZPpjdTwBLI/AAAAAAAALlE/pGtp8Se3_4E/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AfSLSFcjP4/UZPpjdTwBLI/AAAAAAAALlE/pGtp8Se3_4E/s400/SSSSexplodingcard26.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my back cover, which I have stamped with the Moustache Sketch stamp <br />
and I have also added a moustache pin from my collection, which I have <br />
rubbed over with Treasure Gold Olive Bronze wax, applied with my finger.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ja-hmDbj4Bg/UZPqThQh0tI/AAAAAAAALlM/69KAFeV4xFU/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ja-hmDbj4Bg/UZPqThQh0tI/AAAAAAAALlM/69KAFeV4xFU/s400/SSSSexplodingcard27.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the exploding card fully opened.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNOz2pjkRGE/UZPqgsrR0rI/AAAAAAAALlU/PI-GWklxHfY/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNOz2pjkRGE/UZPqgsrR0rI/AAAAAAAALlU/PI-GWklxHfY/s400/SSSSexplodingcard28.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To decorate the inside I've added a number of stamps, accents, words, and fun details. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TjWhn5tl4A/UZPreBBSprI/AAAAAAAALlg/AIaDAi1X4xk/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TjWhn5tl4A/UZPreBBSprI/AAAAAAAALlg/AIaDAi1X4xk/s400/SSSSexplodingcard30.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have stamped the Moustache Sketch once again to the inside of the <br />
exploding card and added a few mini sprocket gears for added dimension <br />
and texture.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmr8-qaIQoY/UZPsExc2usI/AAAAAAAALlo/eZjGkve9CIg/s1600/SSSSexplodingcard31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lmr8-qaIQoY/UZPsExc2usI/AAAAAAAALlo/eZjGkve9CIg/s400/SSSSexplodingcard31.jpg" width="550" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you've enjoyed my exploding card, and that you're inspired to create your own! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><hr /><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Supply List:</b> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-27054/WENDY-VECCHI-STAMPERS-ANONYMOUS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wendy Vecchi So Serious Stamp</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30378/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Wendy-Vecchi-Cling/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wendy Vecchi Steampunk Art Stamp Set</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25884/Wendy-Vecchi-rubber-Stamps/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wendy Vecchi Art Fit For A Queen Stamp Set </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45156/Blossom-Bucket-BLACK-TOP/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wendy Vecchi Embellish Your Art Top Hat</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53208/Tim-Holtz-Rubber-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim Holtz Moustache Sketch Stamp</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim Holtz Alterations - </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52596/Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-Die/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mini Moustache and Pointed Finger Movers and Shapers Die</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim Holtz Idea-Ology - </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42152/mini-sprocket-gears-th93012/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mini Gears Sprockets</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-35680/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-KRAFT/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kraft Core Nostalgic Paper Stack</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distress Stains - </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30542/stains-wild-honey-orange/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wild Honey</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30540/stains-walnut-wood-brown/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walnut Stain</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distress Ink - </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9132/tim-holtz-distress-ink/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walnut Stain</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-33967/AIP31468-JET-BLACK-Ranger/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black Archival Ink </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9829/Distress-distressing-distressor-tim/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paper Distresser</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-15486/ranger-inkssentials-craft-sheet/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Non-Stick Craft Sheet</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-55610/paperartsy-lustrous-shimmers-Paper/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treasure Gold Olive Bronze Gilding Wax</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53495/ENGRAVER-Wood-Buttons-564964/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prima Flowers Engraver Wood Buttons</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-54748/MINI-NUMBERS-Sunrise-Sunset/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prima Flowers Mini Numbers Sunrise Sunset Vintage Trinkets </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-40337/black-halloween-spooky-dark/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twine</span></a><br />
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</div><hr><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to Tracy for this amazing tutorial! Now are you feeling inspired to make a book yourself, or perhaps you have another fabulous striped idea? Then join us in this week's challenge! Click here to see the rest of the design team's entries and to enter your creation. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;" trbidi="on"></div></div>Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-52608485890662582262013-06-24T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-24T09:43:10.016-04:00Challenge: Stripes<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-085e22de-aa29-7422-c0ca-d7a35dddc2b7" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thick to thin, multi-colored or monochromatic, stripes are all over the place in any crafter’s supply stash. You can make your own out of strips of cardstock, buy papers, or even get a background striped stamp. If you’re feeling really adventurous you could cross your stripes and create a plaid. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Design team member Dan has suggested both stripes and plaid challenges to me, and I’m going to combine them here for this week’s challenge! I do hope you’ll play along - it is easy enough. In some way be inspired by stripes or plaid, or use striped (or plaid) paper or product on your crafting project. This is going to be a fun one, and it has possibilities far beyond mere lines of color on paper. I’m thinking I may be zebra inspired, or perhaps I will go with a rainbow... who knows where the stripes will take me? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://meihsia.blogspot.com/2013/06/be-you.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meihsia</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is very excited about her first project for Simon Says Stamp and Show. She made a scrapbook layout. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I made this layout for Christopher's school open house day using </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-43240/CPW739-WEEKEND-MARKET-BOOK/Detail"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Bo Bunny Weekend Market</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> paper collection which I think is perfect for a boy layout. I first sprayed the background using the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-22154/tim-holtz-alterations-sizzix/Detail"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> gear diecuts as stencil with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-49751/00795-MUSTARD-YELLOW-color/Detail"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>ColorShine</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. After sewing and placing thread, I decorated this layout with some more </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30469/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-Idea-dsh-ology/Detail"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> metal embellishments and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Prima-Flowers/Categories"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Prima flowers</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. To make it more interesting, I stamped some text randomly on the background.</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just wait until you see all of the different stripes that </span><a href="http://candycreates.blogspot.com/2013/06/wendy-vecchi-striped-art-parts-mini-book.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Candy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> incorporated into this Wendy Vecchi Art Parts Gatefold Journal Mini Book!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu28fB8VZJw/UZpz55tCjRI/AAAAAAAAIMs/w1WDX-gFVXU/s1600/mini+book+1-475+pixels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu28fB8VZJw/UZpz55tCjRI/AAAAAAAAIMs/w1WDX-gFVXU/s1600/mini+book+1-475+pixels.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of stripes. But, Wendy Vecchi products really helped bring this project together! I love her </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42048/Wendy-Vecchi-ART-PARTS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Art Part Gatefold Journal</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. The stripes on the front are thanks to Wendy's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52830/Wendy-Vecchi-STENCILS-For/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Yikes Stripes Stencil</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51356/Wendy-Vecchi-BLACK-EMBOSSING/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Black Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. On the back, more textured stripes from Wendy's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-48176/brick-wall-studio-490/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Brick Wall Stencil</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51357/Wendy-Vecchi-WHITE-EMBOSSING/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>White Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> colored with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-8714/ranger-tim-holtz-distress/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Fired Brick Refill</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. A </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-28832/Claudine-Hellmuth-NATURAL-STICKY/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Sticky Back Canvas</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> binding on the outside and a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30467/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-Idea-dsh-ology/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz' Large Ring Binder</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> on the inside hold pocket dividers stamped in various stripe patterns and also striped with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz' Tissue Tape</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com/2013/06/domesticated-bliss.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suzz</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> thought she would make a humorous project this week around her ability to cook. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I have never been a great cook, although if I spent as much time practicing cooking as I do with my inky time I might be a bit better. I loved the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52925/Wendy-Vecchi-Cling-Rubber/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Wendy Vecchi Domestic Arts</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> set as I felt a real affinity to the sentiments. I decided to use the fun </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52830/Wendy-Vecchi-STENCILS-For/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Stampers Anonymous Vecchi Yikes Stripes Stencil </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>and apply silver stripes with the Wendy Vecchi </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53307/Wendy-Vecchi-Embossing-Paste/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Metallic Silver Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> onto a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52507/Paper-Artsy-Fresco-Finish/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>PaperArtsy Chalk Fresco Paint - Inky Pool </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>background . The sentiment was just perfect for me and I can't wait to hang it in my kitchen.</em> </span></div>
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<a href="http://purplemailbox.blogspot.com/2013/06/weaving-some-stripes.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashli</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> decided to create her own "plaid" design this week by weaving some stripes together.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1U_AkhHI9w/Uaotp5Eo92I/AAAAAAAANNs/UDdV3lLWgjA/s1600/plaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1U_AkhHI9w/Uaotp5Eo92I/AAAAAAAANNs/UDdV3lLWgjA/s1600/plaid.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I have had a ton of fun lately playing around with paper weaving. And you know what? Weaving lots of stripes together creates a bit of a "plaid" effect, don't ya think? After applying some soft </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-12858/PD101-Hero-Arts-WATERCOLOR/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>watercolors</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> in pinks, yellows, and oranges, I cut </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-26654/2010-Hero-Arts-WATERCOLOR/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>my papers</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> into strips and then wove them together to create my custom "plaid" background. I love the texture this gives, especially once it is all stitched together! Once I selected a photo that complimented this background nicely, I set about layering up bits from </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-template/searchresults/Page?q=mint+julep&x=-936&y=-150#/?filter.manufacturername=BasicGrey&page=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Basic Grey's Mint Julep</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56799/American-Crafts-PIE-Mayberry/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>American Craft's Mayberry</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-54518/680165-PARTY-DAY-BIRTHDAY/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Crate's Party Day</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, </span><a href="http://dan99.blogspot.com/2013/06/queen-of-all-she-surveys.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> let his mind go blank and sat down for a good old play.</span></div>
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssStripes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssStripes1.jpg" width="475" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>What is it about tags? I find them completely addictive, I hope some of you are the same too. So often when I sit down to have a bit of creative play it's my pile of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-20823/%238-Manila-Tim-Holtz/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>blank manilla tags</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> that starts to sing it's siren song - not that I'm complaining of course, they're so much fun to work on. I knew from the outset that I wanted to have torn paper stripes on Queeny's face and I worked some into the crown too for good measure. As I'd suggested this theme, I thought I'd better make sure the stripe quotient was high enough! There are more stamp sets used here than you might at first realise, among them were </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46790/SCF005-%235-5-WE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Classics #5</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-32613/around-the-edge-DYR34421/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Around the Edge</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-11377/STAMPERS-ANONYMOUS-TIM-HOLTZ/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>World Traveler</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stripes run a muck in </span><a href="http://theartfulmaven.blogspot.com/2013/06/happy-striped-anniversary.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anita</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'s stash, be it paper or stamps, so she had a tough decision on which she would use this week. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF3AbRVNcs0/UbFpKGoz_nI/AAAAAAAAKY4/pOA5VY4dHhU/s1600/A+Striped+Anniversary+Card+SSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PF3AbRVNcs0/UbFpKGoz_nI/AAAAAAAAKY4/pOA5VY4dHhU/s400/A+Striped+Anniversary+Card+SSS.jpg" width="475" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>After having been asked to create a card for a friend's parent's special anniversary, I decided a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-43786/POSTCARD-POSTCARDS-POST-CARD/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Kaiser Craft Wooden Postcard</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> would be fun, and that finally lead me to use a stamp for this project. I ultimately went with Wendy's vintage looking striped background from her </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42167/Wendy-Vecchi-Cling-Rubber/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Quality Art</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> set. After heat embossing the stripes, I added more stamps, wooden elements, and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-23496/mini-peach-Prima-flower/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Prima's Mini Fairytale Roses</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I (<a href="http://mayflaum.com/2013/06/23/challenge-stripes/" target="_blank">May</a>) got to thinking about stars & stripes this week.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqrQgLjYbWo/UcCtisRoGCI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/xF_v_a2mECY/s1600/usa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CqrQgLjYbWo/UcCtisRoGCI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/xF_v_a2mECY/s640/usa.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">With the 4th of July next week I knew I wanted to make a special patriotic card featuring my set of <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51213/Tim-Holtz-Cling-Rubber/Detail" target="_blank">Tim Holtz blueprint stamps</a>. Thanks to some <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25164/ranger-ink-industries-embossing/Detail" target="_blank">clear</a> and <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25170/ranger-ink-industries-embossing/Detail" target="_blank">black </a>embossing powder and some creative layering I love how this card came out.</span><br />
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<a href="http://madebysannie.blogspot.com/2013/06/striped-pattern-card24.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sandra Mouwen</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> made a birthday card for her best guy friend</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIgHLqYgGtk/UbL65uPkXII/AAAAAAAAAvY/GRIt7ynXr9w/s1600/IMG_2631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIgHLqYgGtk/UbL65uPkXII/AAAAAAAAAvY/GRIt7ynXr9w/s1600/IMG_2631.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Turning 30 is a big deal and that needs to be celebrated. I love stripes and I wanted to create my own striped pattern. I used a scrap piece of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41415/pound-Stock-writing-Cardstock/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Neenah Desert Storm</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> cardstock and cut it the right size. With lots of different washi tape, like </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-48793/Queen-%26-Company-Trendy/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Vertical Stripes Teal</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-48704/Queen-%26-Company-Trendy/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Black Chevron</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-47000/Freckled-Fawn-SCATTERED-DOTS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Scattered Dots</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, I made the striped pattern background by placing them horizontally right below each other. I used the biggest numbers I could find, the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-44062/00642-london-market-number/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Jumbo Numbers</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, to make notice of the fact he's turning 30!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week,</span><a href="http://layersofink.blogspot.com/2013/06/country-life-triptych.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Anna-Karin</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was inspired to do a triptych showcasing two old family photos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>As several of my team mates, I was also inspired to use Wendy Vecchi's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52830/Wendy-Vecchi-STENCILS-For/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Yikes...Stripes</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stencil for my project, together with her </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53310/Wendy-Vecchi-Embossing-Paste/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Metallic Gold Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. It was meant to symbolize newly plowed soil on a farm. My other type of stripes are the rays from Tim Holtz </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-16109/Tim-Holtz-stampers-anonymous/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Psychedelic Grunge</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> set, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25171/ranger-ink-industries-embossing/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>gold embossed</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> as the sun above the photo. The triptych was made with Tim Holtz </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52566/Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-Die/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Arch Frame</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> die and inked with yellow and brown shades of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Ranger-Tim-Holtz-Distress-Ink-Pads/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Distress Ink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I stamped it with various </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52373/cms155-simple-sayings-sentiments/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>sentiment</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51099/Darkroom-Door-Cling-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>image </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41856/tim-holtz-cling-rubber/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>background</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stamps and embellished with a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52595/Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-Die/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>pocket watch</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> die cut from grungeboard and smeared with gold paste.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An exploding card held </span><a href="http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tracy's</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> attention this week, passing away many happy hours in her craft room and she will be sharing a tutorial on Wednesday.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl1mlqK-iyw/Uatr-lriLmI/AAAAAAAALyw/8qzlmMy8KhA/s1600/SSSSstripes8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl1mlqK-iyw/Uatr-lriLmI/AAAAAAAALyw/8qzlmMy8KhA/s1600/SSSSstripes8.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I wanted to try something a little different this week, something to add movement to my piece, what better way than an exploding card!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more inspiration click on our design team's blog links so you can see more photos (and full supply lists) for their projects. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is giving away a $50 gift voucher that will go to a random entry chosen by Random Generator. To qualify all you need to do is create a new project that ties in (in any way!) with our theme and post it, along with a link back to this challenge, and add a link here. This challenge will end at 11:59pm on Sunday June 30th EST. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-75338051592095564702013-06-21T14:00:00.000-04:002013-06-21T14:00:02.356-04:00Winners: Button Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
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THANK YOU for being such a wonderful part of our creative community, for supporting and taking part in these challenges, and making it a true blessing to share our work here with you. Each week is better than the last - so thank you! Now, let's talk winners!! I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank">Simon Says Stamp</a> for another great chance to win a $50 voucher!! </div>
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The lucky (randomly drawn) winner for the "button" challenge is... <br />
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<a href="http://jannyjager.blogspot.nl/2013/06/hihg-quality.html" target="_blank">10 Janny jager 't hooft</a><br />
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Please claim your prize within the next two weeks by<a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> emailing May</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span>Now let's talk about the top 3 projects as chosen by the Stamp & Show design team! This week the honors go to:<br />
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<a href="http://envisages1.blogspot.com/2013/06/button-love.html" target="_blank">15 Kelly Shults</a><br /><a href="http://morganlefaestrinkets.blogspot.nl/2013/06/mixed-media-book-cover-for-art-journals.html" target="_blank">21 Monique</a><br /><a href="http://yayascrap.blogspot.it/2013/06/maxi-tag-per-scrappando-e-simon-says.html" target="_blank">107 barbarayaya</a><br />
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Be sure to visit their blogs and check out their amazing entries. So inspiring! Congratulations to each of you on a challenge well done! Please <a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank">email may</a> for the top 3 blinkie. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the challenge as it is always a joy to see what you create. I'd also like to say thank you again to </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for their generosity - each week we give away a </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$50 gift voucher to the shop</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> that you can use to buy all kinds of fabulous stamps, inks, and paper crafting supplies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember - you just need to enter the challenge each week to be entered into the drawing! </span></div>
Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-91370472431162001092013-06-20T05:00:00.000-04:002013-06-20T05:00:03.080-04:00Introducing: new DT member Meihsia Liu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTiVFz9aq38/UcCZqZS2lJI/AAAAAAAAA5s/Hcm5uxperOk/s1600/Meihsia+Mixed+Media.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nTiVFz9aq38/UcCZqZS2lJI/AAAAAAAAA5s/Hcm5uxperOk/s400/Meihsia+Mixed+Media.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
<strong>It is my pleasure to introduce one of our new design team members - </strong><a href="http://meihsia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Meihsia Liu</strong></a><strong>! She has frequently entered our challenges here and her work is such a stunning mix of colors and materials. From scrapbook layouts to altered objects and anything in between - I think you're going to love the projects she brings!! </strong><br />
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<strong>Meihsia will start sharing her work as a design team member on Monday - so be sure to tune in and check it out! We're excited to have her join us, and I will let her share a bit more about herself:</strong> <br />
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I live in Texas with two children ( ages 9 and 10 ) and my husband. I started paper crafting in 2011 and love to experiment different materials, styles and techniques to make cards, scrapbook layouts, mixed media and altered projects.<br />
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When I am not creating, I love to see movies, go jogging, camping and shopping. The most important thing for me when making paper crafts is having fun.<br />
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<strong>Welcome to the team Meihsia!! For more of her work and to see even more projects you can </strong><a href="http://meihsia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><strong>check out her blog here</strong></a><strong>. Stay tuned for Monday's challenge too - it's going to be a fun one!</strong><br />
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Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-42853202787385632562013-06-19T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-19T00:00:03.322-04:00Painted Kraft tag with May Flaum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="permalink: http://mayflaum.com/2013/06/18/kraft-challenge/" target="_blank">May Flaum</a> here, and what I realy wanted was to figure out a way to have colors stand out vibrantly yet in a distress kind of way onto my kraft tag for this week's challenge. What I found is that Distress paints are perfect for this - and I made my tag into the card you see above. <br />
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Coloring is the real fun part in a project like this, and the distress paints truly were made to do things just like this! To truly explain my process I thought a video would be the way to go: <br />
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If you've got distress paints I hope you give this idea a try! I've got a second card (made from the tag you see at the end of the video) <a href="permalink: http://mayflaum.com/2013/06/18/kraft-challenge/" target="_blank">up on my blog today</a> too! <br />
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<strong>Links to supplies used:</strong> <br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-35675/6.25%22-X-3.125%22-Inkssentials/Detail" target="_blank">kraft tag</a><br />
distress paints in <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52347/TDD36340-CHIPPED-SAPPHIRE-BLUE/Detail" target="_blank">chipped sapphire</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52346/TDD36449-SALTY-OCEAN-BLUE/Detail" target="_blank">salty ocean</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-55938/TDD36487-tarnished-brass-gold/Detail" target="_blank">tarnished brass</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52349/TDD36456-SEEDLESS-PRESERVES-PURPLE/Detail" target="_blank">seedless preserves</a>, and <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52336/TDD36463-SPICED-MARMALADE-ORANGE/Detail" target="_blank">spiced marmalade</a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52619/cms157-travelers-time-brett/Detail" target="_blank">time travelers stamps</a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52364/industry-cms149-bulb-light/Detail" target="_blank">gears stamp</a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9614/tim-holtz-ranger-adirondack/Detail" target="_blank">gold paint</a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-50017/gathered-twigs-brown-fall/Detail" target="_blank">gathered twigs</a> and <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-21312/2010-Tim-Holtz-Ranger/Detail" target="_blank">chipped sapphire distress ink</a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25170/ranger-ink-industries-embossing/Detail" target="_blank">black embossing powder</a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-8780/tim-holtz-ink-refill/Detail" target="_blank">walnut ink re-inker</a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30462/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-Idea-dsh-ology/Detail" target="_blank">letters</a><br />
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52625/cms163-artful-tools-art/Detail" target="_blank">ruler stamp</a> and <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-8394/ranger-tim-holtz-distress/Detail" target="_blank">faded jeans distress ink</a> (background on card)<br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Are you ready to get Krafty? Then join us in this week's challenge! <a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2013/06/challenge-kraft.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see the rest of the design team's entries and to enter your creation. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</span></div>
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Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-74932571243378858122013-06-17T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-17T00:00:04.655-04:00Challenge: Kraft<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-085e22de-aa28-0561-1d64-a63eca3698ee" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Team member Sandra suggested a “kraft challenge”, and how fitting! As someone who uses kraft cardstock weekly, not to mention a fan of Tim’s kraft offerings, cardboard, and shopping bag brown in general- I’m in! How about you? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">From paper to paint, stickers to chipboard any loose interpretation of “kraft” is welcome here! This would be a great challenge to break out the <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-35675/6.25%22-X-3.125%22-Inkssentials/Detail" target="_blank">Ranger kraft tags</a>, some of <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42147/chitchat-chit-chat-stickers/Detail" target="_blank">Tim’s chit-chat stickers</a>, or even some plain chipboard or corrugated cardboard! A grocery bag made of kraft brown paper could work - the krafty field is wide open it is up to you to decide how - and what - you’ll make this week. </span></div>
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This week we do bid a fond farewell to two of our designers - this is the final challenge for Sarah and Trace. We're going to miss them so very much!! Let's start with their fantastic pieces. </span></div>
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<a href="http://blueboxbabe.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-crafting-curtain-call.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> created a Krafty Crafty Curtain Call with her last design piece...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Although I was kindly given total artistic freedom with my last piece, I ended up reaching for the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46975/ISC35213-KRAFT-TAGS-%2312/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Kraft tags</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> after all! Funny that. I really wanted to showcase these </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46780/favorite-simon-says-stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>wonderful stamps</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> from Tim as well as indulge in my signature style of Vintage Grunge... The tags are stamped with the lovely floral spray from </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-21772/tim-holtz-stampers-anonymous/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Urban Chic</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and the word strip from </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30404/set-lot-Tim-Holtz/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Stuff To Say</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> before I added painted scrap cardboard layers. I love Mica sheets for adding that translucent quality but you could also use acetate sheets coloured with Alcohol Ink! I raided my stash of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Tim-Holtz-Idea-dsh-ology/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Idea-ology</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to add metal accents before setting everything on a double base of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-39074/Tim-Holtz-DISTRICT-MARKET/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tissue Wrap</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and old packaging.</em> </span></div>
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<a href="http://trace44.blogspot.com/2013/06/simon-says-stamp-and-show-krafty.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trace</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> kept things simple this week with different shades of kraft for her final design team creation.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMz8smgwapk/Uau9UMF5KgI/AAAAAAAADrI/9-E__CuoXyk/s1600/kraftdt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMz8smgwapk/Uau9UMF5KgI/AAAAAAAADrI/9-E__CuoXyk/s1600/kraftdt.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>First thing I did when I heard the theme for this week was Kraft was to pull out all things that had a "kraft" colour to them, I sure had a lot to choose from! I have to say my all time favorite kraft coloured product is </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41415/pound-Stock-writing-Cardstock/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Neenah's Desert Storm paper</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, and boy oh boy it shines when stamped in </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41352/Hero-Arts-2012-Memories/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Memories Unicorn white ink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I love how this </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-40905/Hero-Arts-Cling-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Dot Flowered Patten</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> background cling stamp from Hero Arts has quite a bit of stamping area to show up the ink and design. Another good neutral/kraft paper is </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-21188/card-stock-cardstock-/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Hero Arts Layering paper</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> in colour Latte, it just seems to match everything!</em></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://candycreates.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-krafty-mini-bookgift-card-holder-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Candy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> loves little books; especially when they can also serve as a gift card holder. This week, she is sharing her "kraftiness" with this fun and easy matchbook style mini book with a butterfly theme.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLVXm0AdxKs/UZpIW4OtyVI/AAAAAAAAII4/xgdiAvaosoc/s1600/FRONT+2-475+pixels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLVXm0AdxKs/UZpIW4OtyVI/AAAAAAAAII4/xgdiAvaosoc/s1600/FRONT+2-475+pixels.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> When I saw the word "kraft-y" for this challenge, I immediately thought of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30476/PRE-dsh-ORDER-TIM-HOLTZ-Idea-dsh-ology/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz' Kraft Resist Cardstock Pad</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. How cute would that paper be on a mini book? So, with a little bit of chipboard, the kraft resist paper, some </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52723/th93057-rub-dsh-ons-rubons-rubs/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>New Tim Holtz Elements Remnants Rubs</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30398/pappillon-set-lot-Tim/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim's Papillon</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-18299/Tim-holtz-stampers-anonymous/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Fabulous Flourishes</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stamp sets, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25175/ranger-ink-industries-embossing/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Queen's Gold Embossing Powder</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and various </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Distress Inks</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, I created this vintage style mini book/gift card holder. Just wait until you see the covered coin envelopes on the inside!</em> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com/2013/06/pop-up-birthday-card.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tracy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was inspired to create a 17th birthday pop up card for her son this week.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kME8MUGVxWE/UZO2mzEIu0I/AAAAAAAALgQ/zuANnN5iYW4/s1600/SSSSkrafty.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kME8MUGVxWE/UZO2mzEIu0I/AAAAAAAALgQ/zuANnN5iYW4/s1600/SSSSkrafty.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Teenage cards are always a challenge, especially trying to decide what imagery to use, however, the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53218/Tim-Holtz-Rubber-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Birthday Cake Sketch</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stamp from Tim Holtz is perfect for either male or female cards. I used the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-35680/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-KRAFT/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Kraft Core Nostalgic Paper Stack</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to create the backdrop and to give a masculine feel when combined with black card. I used Wendy Vecchi's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-48174/studio-490-classic-word/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Stencils For Art Classic Words</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to add numbers to the background of my card using black </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51356/Wendy-Vecchi-BLACK-EMBOSSING/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to add wonderful texture. Fingers crossed now that my son likes his birthday card!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"You can't craft without Kraft", says </span><a href="http://theartfulmaven.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-krafty-manly-layout.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anita</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and she used a whole lot of it here on this layout. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha5-kpoX1QA/UaEh9v35YqI/AAAAAAAAKRw/8OJlsWi5hb4/s1600/Krafty+Manly+Layout+SSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ha5-kpoX1QA/UaEh9v35YqI/AAAAAAAAKRw/8OJlsWi5hb4/s1600/Krafty+Manly+Layout+SSS.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know you are shocked to see a layout, but since it was just Father's Day, I thought it was time to honor the special man in my family's life. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using corrugated kraft paper as the base of this 12x12 page, it was distressed, torn, </span></em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-32972/Tsukineko-GOOSEBUMPS-Clear-Texture/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Goosebump</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>ed, and stamped on. I used </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-54344/Maya-Road-Clear-cha/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Maya Road Card Sentiment Word Stamps</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to make phrases about dear old dad, and then used Dyan's Dylusions to add some color. The gents at the bottom were stamped on </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46980/ISM35244-8.5%22-X-11%22/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Inkssentials Kraft</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> as well as the sentiment from Wendy's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-48762/Wendy-Vecchi-Cling-Rubber/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>3 Cheers For Art Stamp Set</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em> </span></div>
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<a href="http://suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com/2013/06/krafty-flowers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suzz's </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Oriental poppies are in bloom which had her thinking about pulling out her flowers stamp and creating a garden on paper. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4jRIc7vfRs/UaONI7x0loI/AAAAAAAAMUA/wd-MHa8cQpI/s1600/P1010675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F4jRIc7vfRs/UaONI7x0loI/AAAAAAAAMUA/wd-MHa8cQpI/s640/P1010675.JPG" width="519" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My poppies are blooming and I wanted to make an indoor garden that will stay in bloom. I did switch up the colors to make them unique poppies. I started with a brown paper bag which was ripped into pieces and smeared with the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9619/tim-holtz-ranger-adirondack/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Snow Cap Paint Dabber</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to create a palette for my flowers. I used the beautiful Hero Arts </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25010/Hero-Arts-Clear-Stamps/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Delicate Blossoms </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>to create the main image and the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-12468/Stampendous-Clear-Stamps-BUTTERFLIES/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Butterflies </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-48676/Stampendous-Cling-Stamp-FLOWER/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Flower Path</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> from Stampendous to finish my creation. Now I have my flower garden year round and with no weeds.</em> </span></div>
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<a href="http://purplemailbox.blogspot.com/2013/06/lets-get-krafty.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashli</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> took her inspiration this week from some fabulous </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51201/PT759-KRAFT-FLAG-FLAGS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jenni Bowlin Tags</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Jr9sVLcsPY/UaoqALEhn-I/AAAAAAAANNg/VNe-BPaGNbg/s1600/kraft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Jr9sVLcsPY/UaoqALEhn-I/AAAAAAAANNg/VNe-BPaGNbg/s1600/kraft.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I love working with kraft and often start my layouts on a base of kraft card stock. For this week, I decided to take my inspiration from the fabulous set of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51201/PT759-KRAFT-FLAG-FLAGS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Kraft Tags by Jenni Bowlin</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. Once I selected my </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-template/searchresults/Page?q=crate+paper+collection&x=-936&y=-150" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Crate Paper background</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, I knew I wanted arrange those </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51201/PT759-KRAFT-FLAG-FLAGS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>tag pieces</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> along the circular pattern of the paper. To further emphasize that idea, I </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45420/331060-bubbles-bubble-circle/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>stenciled</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and misted some basic </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-47022/ISM35251-12-x-12%22/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>kraft card stock</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> that I then cut out into the large triangle shapes. Some layering with more little bits of Crate Paper goodness provided a nice spot for my photos and some Crate chipboard from </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56993/683199-THE-PIER-BEACH/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>The Pier Collection</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> finished off this fun and krafty layout.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week, kraft made </span><a href="http://layersofink.blogspot.com/2013/06/krafty-flower-gift-packaging.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anna-Karin</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> think of paper bags and gift packaging.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5pdRRXK8UI/UamkqlAWO6I/AAAAAAAAJsA/_hz-gN05jgk/s1600/kraft+gift+boxes+-+layers+of+ink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5pdRRXK8UI/UamkqlAWO6I/AAAAAAAAJsA/_hz-gN05jgk/s1600/kraft+gift+boxes+-+layers+of+ink.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I love using kraft as a base for projects, and it looks particularly good together with colourful embellishments. I die cut a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42267/SIZZIX-Tim-Holtz-in/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>gift bag</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and a</em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-56161/657726-CANDY-BOX-DRAWER/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> gift box</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> from </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30476/PRE-dsh-ORDER-TIM-HOLTZ-Idea-dsh-ology/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>kraft resist paper</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. The flowers were made with the brand new Susan's Garden dies, a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57052/658416-POPPY-POPPIES-FLOWER/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Poppy </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>and a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57051/658411-ROSE-FLOWER-FLOWERS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Rose</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. You can make wonderful flowers real easy with these dies. I used </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-32702/pound-Neenah-80-LB/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Neenah cardstock</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> inked with</em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-Ranger-Tim-Holtz-Distress-Ink-Pads/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Distress Inks</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to make these. The flowers are mounted on magnets and are removable so that the recipent can use them as ornaments. I stamped the bag and box with</em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-55412/Darkroom-Door-Cling-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Darkroom Door stamps</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, and added some </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42147/chitchat-chit-chat-stickers/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>chit chat stickers</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-44880/331001-birds-bird-swallows/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>wood veneer shapes</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://madebysannie.blogspot.com/2013/06/get-krafty.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sandra Mouwen</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> made her own album full with Kraft goodies for her Parisian trip she went on last month.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNPI4P-06FA/Uas-h8m6HNI/AAAAAAAAAvI/86vqpYLuWHk/s1600/IMG_2646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LNPI4P-06FA/Uas-h8m6HNI/AAAAAAAAAvI/86vqpYLuWHk/s1600/IMG_2646.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I so love the color of Kraft and the sort of rough texture of it. I use it in my projects all the time and can't get enough of it. It's so versatile and can easily be embedded in any kind of project. This week I got Krafty and made my own album out of canvas boards and covered them with the gorgeous </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-49279/330121-CLASSIC-VOLUME-3/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Studio Calico Classic Volume 3 Paper Pack.</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> The spine is covered with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41415/pound-Stock-writing-Cardstock/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Neenah Cardstock Dessert Storm</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and put some </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-12738/claudine-hellmuth-ranger-ink/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Studio Gesso White</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> over it to distress it a bit. I used a lot of Kraft goodies from Maya Road, like </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41139/Maya-Road-new-2012/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Time Flies Clocks</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41131/Maya-Road-new-2012/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Ticket</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45974/Maya-Road-KRAFT-MINI/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Jotter tags</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I fell in love with the beautiful </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57095/paint-dauber-neon-pink/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Hero Arts Neon Pink paint</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, and used it as my accent color.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://dan99.blogspot.com/2013/06/krafty-stained-glass.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was inspired by stained glass windows for his creation this week.</span></div>
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssKraft1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssKraft1.jpg" width="475" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend of mine has recently started to learn the art of stained glass and I had that very <em>much in mind when I started to create this. All of the segments have been created with paper from the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30476/PRE-dsh-ORDER-TIM-HOLTZ-Idea-dsh-ology/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Kraft Resist stash</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and I love how the brown of the card has made the colours even more dingy and grungey. To give a more glass-like finish I covered each piece in clear packing tape for extra shine. Among the stamp sets I used were </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-21769/tim-holtz-stampers-anonymous/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Oddities</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-11292/STAMPERS-ANONYMOUS-TIM-HOLTZ/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Classic Collages</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-18309/Tim-holtz-stampers-anonymous/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>The Big Top</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-16114/Tim-Holtz-stampers-anonymous/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Floral Tattoo</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mayflaum.com/" target="_blank">May</a> wanted to figure out a way to create a really grungy kraft tag, but still have the gentleman stand out and not get washed out in all the mess. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K0-AoZavkA/UbSQZEr5sDI/AAAAAAAAA30/igHQrnGongA/s1600/monpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3K0-AoZavkA/UbSQZEr5sDI/AAAAAAAAA30/igHQrnGongA/s1600/monpic.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To see how she distressed this tag, tune in Wednesday for a tutorial.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now it's your turn to get Kraft-y!! For more inspiration click on our design team's blog links so you can see more photos (and full supply lists) for their projects. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is giving away a $50 gift voucher that will go to a random entry chosen by Random Generator. To qualify all you need to do is create a new project that ties in (in any way!) with our theme and post it, along with a link back to this challenge, and add a link here. This challenge will end at 11:59pm on Sunday June 23rd EST. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</span></div>
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<script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=285286" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-69370126521050045032013-06-14T10:00:00.000-04:002013-06-14T10:00:03.405-04:00Winners: "S" challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank">Simon Says Stamp</a> for another great chance to win a $50 voucher!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The lucky (randomly drawn) winner for the "S" challenge is... <br />
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<a href="http://sanketij.blogspot.com/2013/06/father.html" target="_blank">89 sanketi</a><br />
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Please claim your prize within the next two weeks by<a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> emailing May</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span>Now let's talk about the top 3 projects as chosen by the Stamp & Show design team. This week the honors go to:<br />
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<a href="http://sketchingstamper.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/cherish-card-simon-says-stamp-and-show.html" target="_blank">93 Chris</a><br /><a href="http://pluckingdaisies.com/shrink-plastic-blueprint-charms/" target="_blank">140 Amy</a><br /><a href="http://alisonbomber.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/a-world-of-private-dreams.html" target="_blank">156 butterfly</a><br />
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Be sure to visit their blogs and check out their amazing entries. So inspiring! Congratulations to each of you on a challenge well done! Please <a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">email May</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for the Top 3 Blinkie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the challenge. It is always a joy to see what you create. I'd also like to say thank you again to </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for their generosity - each week we give away a </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$50 gift voucher to the shop</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> that you can use to buy all kinds of fabulous stamps, inks, and paper crafting supplies. Remember - you just need to enter the challenge each week to be entered into the drawing! </span></div>
Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-44320261506251349192013-06-12T05:00:00.000-04:002013-06-12T05:00:07.998-04:00Custom buttons with Ashli <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there! </span><a href="http://purplemailbox.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashli</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> here to share with you how I put together my layout for this week's Button Challenge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had </span><a href="http://purplemailbox.blogspot.com/2012/06/once-upon-time.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a love/hate relationship with buttons</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Yes, it's true. I am not sure why exactly. I just know that for some reason, they always seemed to be "floating" on my page. That is, until I started playing around with different mediums and altering my store-bought buttons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, let's take a look at that, shall we?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we have some </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-23644/jenni-bowlin-studio-a/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jenni Bowlin Vintage Buttons</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as well as some </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-48943/Favorite-Findings-WOOD-BUTTONS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Favorite Findings Wood Buttons</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaNGa_f4mUo/UYlxl9q3b6I/AAAAAAAAMr8/grqicanTy68/s1600/IMG_1705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaNGa_f4mUo/UYlxl9q3b6I/AAAAAAAAMr8/grqicanTy68/s1600/IMG_1705.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First up, if we just flip one of those plain wood buttons over, there is a perfectly smooth side...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLF6aA-GrIo/UYlxjCSmViI/AAAAAAAAMro/exNMECImAM4/s1600/IMG_1707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLF6aA-GrIo/UYlxjCSmViI/AAAAAAAAMro/exNMECImAM4/s1600/IMG_1707.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Perfect for stamping! A little </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-33967/AIP31468-JET-BLACK-Ranger/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Archival Ink</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and A </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45250/753129-TRAVEL-SCRIPT-CURSIVE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Script Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> does the trick:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RMcBEuF0CY/UYlxkHkJojI/AAAAAAAAMrw/-T0CGIzyb1A/s1600/IMG_1708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RMcBEuF0CY/UYlxkHkJojI/AAAAAAAAMrw/-T0CGIzyb1A/s1600/IMG_1708.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Ooooooh - pretty!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zE7D3Qg4m3Y/UYlxlm-Pi0I/AAAAAAAAMr4/eRAiiCfCx8Y/s1600/IMG_1709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zE7D3Qg4m3Y/UYlxlm-Pi0I/AAAAAAAAMr4/eRAiiCfCx8Y/s1600/IMG_1709.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And now for some embossing!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDRhM-WhB7M/UYlxon9LIJI/AAAAAAAAMsM/jk2VWxCTl9A/s1600/IMG_1712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDRhM-WhB7M/UYlxon9LIJI/AAAAAAAAMsM/jk2VWxCTl9A/s1600/IMG_1712.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> With the buttons turned right side up, a little </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-49994/regular-bold-WOW%21-cha/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow Embossing Powder</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hits in all the right places:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYDVDxBNrX4/UYlxoj7MwbI/AAAAAAAAMsI/mYl-Yquy4x0/s1600/IMG_1713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OYDVDxBNrX4/UYlxoj7MwbI/AAAAAAAAMsI/mYl-Yquy4x0/s1600/IMG_1713.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> That looks lovely, but I want to play a little more. I should mention that I am not a precision embosser. Well, you have probably figured out that I just don't do precise. So, when I heat emboss, I love to sprinkle on different colors while the powders are hot and play with blending...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWv2kRYGsos/UYlxpXmTO8I/AAAAAAAAMsY/n9EuBolDptY/s1600/IMG_1714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWv2kRYGsos/UYlxpXmTO8I/AAAAAAAAMsY/n9EuBolDptY/s1600/IMG_1714.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love that </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25177/ranger-ink-industries-embossing/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gold</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">! How about some more of that? Those Jenni Buttons are so pretty, but a little extra shine won't hurt...</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WliC0Cd--Hg/UYlxrN7u6-I/AAAAAAAAMsg/nHoHl9cwJtU/s1600/IMG_1715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WliC0Cd--Hg/UYlxrN7u6-I/AAAAAAAAMsg/nHoHl9cwJtU/s1600/IMG_1715.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Alrighty! With all that embossing done, now it's time to break out some </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-49746/00799-MINT-GREEN-MINTY/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Color Shine</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ei6_AnyKBc/UYlxrJhLB-I/AAAAAAAAMsk/L4Dm_9HrbFQ/s1600/IMG_1716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ei6_AnyKBc/UYlxrJhLB-I/AAAAAAAAMsk/L4Dm_9HrbFQ/s1600/IMG_1716.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little spritzing and splashing with some various colors as well as some </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52356/TDD36425-PICKET-FENCE-WHITE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distress Paint</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and we have this:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaxsCD-XDaY/UYlxst1qRvI/AAAAAAAAMsw/Rq5NBwG_Uss/s1600/IMG_1717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaxsCD-XDaY/UYlxst1qRvI/AAAAAAAAMsw/Rq5NBwG_Uss/s1600/IMG_1717.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Now, with my kraft matt all cleaned up, it's time to finish things off with some </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45715/FRECKLED-FAWN-Love-My/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Washi</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFLLVE2hGhQ/UYlxtCvgzbI/AAAAAAAAMs4/cPUZde3hdPg/s1600/IMG_1718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFLLVE2hGhQ/UYlxtCvgzbI/AAAAAAAAMs4/cPUZde3hdPg/s1600/IMG_1718.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After sticking that on and trimming, I simply punched the holes back in with my paper piercer and now for some distress around the edges...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rS7v3qg3hWQ/UYlxu9Rl0SI/AAAAAAAAMtA/hZFAaJdDnzU/s1600/IMG_1721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rS7v3qg3hWQ/UYlxu9Rl0SI/AAAAAAAAMtA/hZFAaJdDnzU/s1600/IMG_1721.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And there they are! Aren't they pretty?</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwV7pFGbgkQ/UYlxxAr8ZQI/AAAAAAAAMtI/-HcyF-Qk8Pg/s1600/IMG_1722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwV7pFGbgkQ/UYlxxAr8ZQI/AAAAAAAAMtI/-HcyF-Qk8Pg/s1600/IMG_1722.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, let's get those on a layout. I have a photo here with all my girlies enjoying our newly completed home library. I am thinking the vintage feel of buttons goes quite well with the vintage feel of a library. So... let's go with that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With my photo all layered up with some </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-55827/HS00961-SERENDIPITY-YELLOW-MINT/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serendipity</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-54432/331285-sundrifter-sun-drifter/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sundrifter </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">papers, it's time to place around those buttons:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k8VUv4124YE/UYlx1I8LCiI/AAAAAAAAMtU/DXzvLmM1_2o/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k8VUv4124YE/UYlx1I8LCiI/AAAAAAAAMtU/DXzvLmM1_2o/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I had them all tacked in place with some </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-12739/claudine-hellmuth-ranger-paint/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matte Medium</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, I just grabbed some basic thread and started stitching them on...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBDH7m2K0gg/UYlx0wAmEYI/AAAAAAAAMtQ/PSPI72H_JFw/s1600/IMG_1728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBDH7m2K0gg/UYlx0wAmEYI/AAAAAAAAMtQ/PSPI72H_JFw/s1600/IMG_1728.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Making sure to leave lots of extra hanging for some added texture...</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxYuNJARsp0/UYlx4AjvFtI/AAAAAAAAMto/liJ3EYvRYS8/s1600/IMG_1730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jxYuNJARsp0/UYlx4AjvFtI/AAAAAAAAMto/liJ3EYvRYS8/s1600/IMG_1730.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And after some finishing touches of a </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-55302/MB001-COLOR-AND-%26/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pocket</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for my </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-28749/ranger-industries-altered-art/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Journaling Tag</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and some </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-36400/faber-castell-faber-dsh-castell-black/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pen Lines</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and such...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we have it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtwPJzyAd7s/UYlx5pYU-wI/AAAAAAAAMtw/0BPSNh0E2WU/s1600/IMG_1774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtwPJzyAd7s/UYlx5pYU-wI/AAAAAAAAMtw/0BPSNh0E2WU/s1600/IMG_1774.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A layout full of vintage, altered, misted, washied, buttoney goodness!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuAJw1uzY6s/UYlx8O0YbJI/AAAAAAAAMt4/fLn_cvREklc/s1600/IMG_1779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UuAJw1uzY6s/UYlx8O0YbJI/AAAAAAAAMt4/fLn_cvREklc/s1600/IMG_1779.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this has inspired you to change-up some of the buttons in your stash and to get your creative play on! Have fun and see you soon!</span></div>
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Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-24137271418004018322013-06-10T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-10T00:08:28.323-04:00The Button Challenge<div dir="ltr" id="internal-source-marker_0.48383692614148543" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Years ago I was gifted a big jar of buttons. “Oh, nobody wants these old things - except maybe you” she said to me. Yes, yes indeed I would love a jar of buttons! I use them on everything from scrapbook pages to cards and I always love the variety of materials, sizes, and shapes they come in. From wood to paper, sparkly to plain, just one to a whole handful this week we challenge you to use a button on your next project. </span></div>
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<a href="http://suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com/2013/06/button-button.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suzz </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> has several mason jars full of buttons but her eyes were drawn to the </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53495/ENGRAVER-Wood-Buttons-564964/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prima Engraver Buttons</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> with their whimsical numbers and varying colors and size. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pMKJXCvXis/UYJ2qm7bRxI/AAAAAAAAL2E/AiYPq4HMlyE/s1600/P1010472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pMKJXCvXis/UYJ2qm7bRxI/AAAAAAAAL2E/AiYPq4HMlyE/s1600/P1010472.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My matchbox drawer was designed to emulate a shirt. I used the Prima Engravers Button along the right side.I used a fringe created with the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-29866/EK-Success-BINDING-EDGE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>EK Success Binding Edge punch </em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>to create the shirt edge. On the left side I stamped the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-11770/U1-dsh-1105-stampers-anonymous-tim/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>family picture</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. In the inside I added the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-8861/K3-dsh-1248-tim-holtz-stampers/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Journey Awakens</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> sentiment along with the same family portraits in the filmstrip. To bring back in a touch of color and vintage feel around the edges I added </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-44359/Cavallini-%26-Company-PARIS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Cavallini & Company - Paper Tape - Paris</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://blueboxbabe.blogspot.com/2013/06/cute-as-button.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was inspired by </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45166/Blossom-Bucket-ANTIQUE-BUTTONS/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wendy's Blossom Bucket Buttons</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and thought it would be fun to create her own custom stamped fabric and flowery friend.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNV6dRUGnuU/UaJhJ3Bw2SI/AAAAAAAAIec/7biy1N04s6g/s1600/DSC08211-WM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNV6dRUGnuU/UaJhJ3Bw2SI/AAAAAAAAIec/7biy1N04s6g/s1600/DSC08211-WM.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I seem to really be hit by the sewing bug again... Maybe because I'm already planning on making some scrummy dresses for my girl Ruby. I wanted to have a go at designing a little toy and figured a chunky owl would be a fun creature to play with. My stamped fabric is created using Tim's </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41856/tim-holtz-cling-rubber/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Mixed Media</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> dots, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-16114/Tim-Holtz-stampers-anonymous/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Floral Tattoo</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> flower and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-25890/PREORDER-Wendy-Vecchi-Stamps/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Wendy's dots</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I love the Floral Tattoo set and had forgotten just how pretty it is. I drew a pattern onto paper and went with the rustic, home made look. I just had to add a word - I always do - even to my owl. So </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-50900/december-daily-christmas-happy/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Kelly Purkey's</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> set were the perfect size for a little Twit Twoo! Girly? Yes. Fun? Absolutely!</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://theartfulmaven.blogspot.com/2013/06/button-up-and-dream-in-color.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anita</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> doesn't just have one jar of buttons, but has several, so she loved using some on this project. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na1zUKo1PAk/UaEUuB2Id9I/AAAAAAAAKPM/YXvBSusfGIo/s1600/Button+Up+and+Dream+In+Color+SSS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na1zUKo1PAk/UaEUuB2Id9I/AAAAAAAAKPM/YXvBSusfGIo/s1600/Button+Up+and+Dream+In+Color+SSS1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buttons are in every crafter's stash I think, so this challenge will be an easy one for all of you out there. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used a </span></em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52753/blank-burlap-panel-th93062/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>6x8 Burlap Canvas from Tim's District Market</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> line, and coated it with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-35679/Ranger-Claudine-Hellmuth-BLACK/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Claudine's Black Gesso</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I followed that up with Tim and Wendy stamps covered in a rainbow of Distress Paints, and then used </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30888/metallic-metallics-gold-silver/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>American Crafts Metallic Glitter Buttons</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> as Flowers. When it comes to creativity, the DREAM is the key!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I (<a href="http://mayflaum.com/2013/06/09/button-challenge/" target="_blank">May</a>) immediately thought of making a button covered frame so that I could play with loads of buttons this week. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOFEyJUQd6I/UbSGBh_dVvI/AAAAAAAAA3k/BLfS3deGuOE/s1600/sss3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mOFEyJUQd6I/UbSGBh_dVvI/AAAAAAAAA3k/BLfS3deGuOE/s1600/sss3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of my all time favorite things to play with is buttons. They remind me of the little drawers in my grandma's quilting room, and they can add just the right touch of texture, color, and detail to just about anything. To make this frame I loaded up on buttons - including some of my favorites that Simon carries includes these <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-54196/85630-wood-metallic-glitter/Detail" target="_blank">wood & sparkle buttons</a>, <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41751/EM-dsh-857-EM857-SASPARILLA-GREEN/Detail" target="_blank">October Afternoon</a>, and <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-27120/jenni-bowlin-studio-a/Detail" target="_blank">Jenni Bowlin</a>. A button covered frame is fun because it can be made as a gift, for any season or occasion, and they're a lot of fun too! </span></div>
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<a href="http://layersofink.blogspot.com/2013/06/button-cameo-frame-wall-hanging.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anna-Karin</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> loves clear elements and buttons are no exception. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAbrDZOIuhQ/UZ8j7gDbX9I/AAAAAAAAJk0/TV3TDE_0z_g/s1600/button+cameo+frame+anna-karin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAbrDZOIuhQ/UZ8j7gDbX9I/AAAAAAAAJk0/TV3TDE_0z_g/s1600/button+cameo+frame+anna-karin.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My all-time favourite buttons are the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-13925/Autumn-Leaves-CLEAR-Bag/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Autumn Leaves Foof-a-la Clear Bag-O-Buttons</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and I decided to showcase them in a wall-hanging, using a photo of my mom as a little girl.</em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52567/Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-Die/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Tim Holtz Cameo Frame</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, with an </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52599/Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-Die/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Oval</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> insert, was die cut from </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-12623/tim-holtz-ideaology-idea-dsh-ology/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>grungeboard</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, painted and stamped with a </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46795/SCF009-9-%239-NINE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>script stamp</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I coated it with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9666/ranger-inkessential-inkssentials-glossy/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Glossy Accents</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and covered the frame with clear buttons.</em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-38762/Stampendous-new-2011-PEARLIZED/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> Mica flakes</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46847/TDR35879-ROCK-CANDY-WHITE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Rock Candy Glitter</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> were sprinkled on top to fill in the gaps. The base was covered with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52713/french-industrial-shabby-chic/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>French Industrial</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> paper and the wall-hanging was embellished with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-35662/657492-tattered-pinecone-pine/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tattered Pinecone</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> roses made from </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-35680/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-KRAFT/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>kraft-core cardstock</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://dan99.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-cabin-in-woods.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan's</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> project was inspired by a couple of movies he saw recently. </span></div>
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssCabin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://sites.google.com/site/dan99crafter/photo-album/sssCabin1.jpg" width="475" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>This "cabin in the woods" was inspired by the movie of the same name, with a little bit of the witch's cottage from "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters" thrown in for good measure. My plan was to use real buttons for the shingles but they didn't look right laid side to side and they were too small to overlap successfully. Enter Martha Stewarts </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45666/Martha-Stewart-BUTTONS-Large/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>buttons punch</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to save the day - buttons punched from cardstock work so much better as roof shingles! I also used the Darkroom Door </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51572/Darkroom-Door-Cling-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Corrugated Iron</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51570/Darkroom-Door-Cling-Stamp/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Woodgrain</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> background stamps and one of Tim Holtz's idea-ology </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30469/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-Idea-dsh-ology/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>plaquettes</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A new button hair style was the key this week for </span><a href="http://craftaddicts-tracyevans.blogspot.com/2013/06/button-challenge.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tracy's</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> mixed media canvas.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KIrm4RRqXE/UWwUFkypO-I/AAAAAAAALRg/JSfYLoY54BI/s1600/SSSSbuttons2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KIrm4RRqXE/UWwUFkypO-I/AAAAAAAALRg/JSfYLoY54BI/s1600/SSSSbuttons2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>As soon as we were given this challenge I knew I wanted to use the face from the </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46790/SCF005-%235-5-WE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Stampers Anonymous Classics 5</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> stamp set and give her a new hair style created with, yes you guessed it, buttons. I used lots of buttons from my collection but I also added some extra special ones from </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42782/554491-FAIRY-BELLE-PINK/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Prima </em></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Flowers Fairy Belle Wood Buttons</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> . The background to my canvas has been given lots of textural interest using </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51357/Wendy-Vecchi-WHITE-EMBOSSING/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Wendy Vecchi's White Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51356/Wendy-Vecchi-BLACK-EMBOSSING/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Black Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-53310/Wendy-Vecchi-Embossing-Paste/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Metallic Gold Embossing Paste</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. This piece is so tactile!</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://madebysannie.blogspot.com/2013/06/moving-the-button.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sandra Mouwen</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> made this card out of an old cardboard box. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-ohdftD4I4/UZnvYShBw-I/AAAAAAAAAuY/glL34obCsH0/s1600/IMG_2571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-ohdftD4I4/UZnvYShBw-I/AAAAAAAAAuY/glL34obCsH0/s1600/IMG_2571.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My best friend just moved into her new home. She told me she moved around 250 boxes full of stuff! That sparked my creativity to make a card out of a cardboard box. After I cut out the card, I started pulling some of the top layer, so the corrugated layer would show through. I stamped with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45432/IC0155-pictures-indie-chic/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My Mind's eye Pictures Ginger</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and Simon Says Stamp Exclusive stamps </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45541/Simon-Says-Clear-Stamps/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>You Can Do Anything</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-48945/on-edge-absolutely-wafer/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>On Edge</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. The </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42261/657837-word-play-words/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Word Play</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> letters I painted with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-11404/ranger-adirondack-acrylic-paint/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Pool Paint Dabber</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and swiped </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9621/tim-holtz-ranger-adirondack/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Pitch Black Paint Dabber</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> on top in on direction and not covering everything, and topped it off with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-49755/00802-TROPICANA-TEAL-TURQUOISE/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Teal Color Shine</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. Í love using buttons on my projects, and in this case I used some </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-9737/doodlebug-embellishment-embellish-design/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Doodlebug Swimming Pool buttons</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://trace44.blogspot.com/2013/06/simon-says-stamp-and-show-challenge.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trace</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> chose a fun and easy technique to coordinate with her buttons.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12DeeilU03o/UZpJxclbHqI/AAAAAAAADqU/7xXuNgnScLo/s1600/buttonsdt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12DeeilU03o/UZpJxclbHqI/AAAAAAAADqU/7xXuNgnScLo/s1600/buttonsdt.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>I started this project with these pretty </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-29177/Doodlebug-HAPPY-HOLIDAYS-Boutique/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Doodlebug Boutique Buttons</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> in my hand and built the project around them. I wanted to showcase them, and thought they would look pretty as a flower center in </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-46701/PLENTIFUL-PETALS-PETAL-FLOWER/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>My Favorite Things Plentiful Petal Dies</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. Using </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-14721/ACETATE-FOLDED-Cards-White/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Hero Arts Acetate cards</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> I cut out my flowers and coloured them using a fun and easy technique with various colours of </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-41085/Ranger-Complete-Set-53/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Ranger Alcohol Inks</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>. I couldn't help myself, I just had to use my "go to" stamp sentiment set again! This </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-52373/cms155-simple-sayings-sentiments/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz Cling Rubber Stamp Set</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> is just so right for so many projects.</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://candycreates.blogspot.com/2013/06/well-bust-my-buttons.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Candy</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> decided to take a vintage approach to the buttons challenge this week. She has created a very feminine and dimensional vintage 8x8 canvas.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lv9Hx9na2s/UZpInx1_p-I/AAAAAAAAIJA/YkraV1QlOnw/s1600/CANVAS+3-475+PIXELS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lv9Hx9na2s/UZpInx1_p-I/AAAAAAAAIJA/YkraV1QlOnw/s1600/CANVAS+3-475+PIXELS.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-45805/4500512-A-LADIES%27-DIARY/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Graphic 45's A Ladies' Diary Papers</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> are so lovely. They are the perfect background for this vintage canvas using </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30165/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-Sizzix/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim Holtz' Sewing Room</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> dress form, dripping in tulle, white organza roses and a sash transformed into a gorgeous vintage pink with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-18875/ez-mist-mix-Tattered/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Vintage Pink</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-18879/Tattered-Angels-GLIMMER-MIST/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Vanilla Breeze Glimmer Mists</em></span></a><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter the buttons! Tim Holtz Accoutrements buttons have such a nice vintage quality about them; absolutely perfect for this piece. The </span></em><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-30470/PRE-dsh-ORDER-Tim-Holtz-SHABBY/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Shabby Collection</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> can easily be altered (as I have done on this piece) with </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Tim's New Distress Paints</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> to be any color you want them to be. The </em></span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-28411/Tim-Holtz-Idea-dsh-ology-FANCIFUL/Detail" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Fanciful Buttons Collection</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em> are a mixture of faux glass and embossed "metal" buttons. They can really "make" a vintage piece.</em> </span></div>
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<a href="http://purplemailbox.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashli</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> takes this button challenge seriously... </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inuibEKnWl8/UYls_2hh4jI/AAAAAAAAMrg/FvwA4NKbMeY/s1600/buttondetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inuibEKnWl8/UYls_2hh4jI/AAAAAAAAMrg/FvwA4NKbMeY/s1600/buttondetail.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, check back in on Wednesday for a tutorial all about how to customize and personalize store-bought buttons and to see the layout she made for this week’s challenge!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more inspiration and details about these projects click on our design team's blog links so you can see more photos (and full supply lists) for their creations. Then be sure to join in the challenge too! </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is giving away a $50 gift voucher that will go to a random entry chosen by Random Generator. To qualify all you need to do is create a new project that ties in (in any way!) with our theme and post it, along with a link back to this challenge, and add a link here. This challenge will end at 11:59pm on Sunday June 16th eastern (aka "simon") time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog.</span></div>
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<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-504988062408145182013-06-07T11:00:00.000-04:002013-06-07T11:00:06.537-04:00Winners: Into the Woods<div style="text-align: center;">
First - Simon moved the blinkies for this blog to another account- so if you would like to fix/replace yours here it is: <br />
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<a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/SimonSaysStampandShowChallengeBlinkie_zps5af93fef.gif" /></a><br />
code: <br />
<a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/SimonSaysStampandShowChallengeBlinkie_zps5af93fef.gif" /></a><br />
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THANK YOU for being such a wonderful part of our creative community, for supporting and taking part in these challenges, and making it a true blessing to share our work here with you. Each week is better than the last - so thank you! Now, let's talk winners!! I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank">Simon Says Stamp</a> for another great chance to win a $50 voucher!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The lucky (randomly drawn) winner for the "into the woods" challenge is... <br />
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<a href="http://inkup.blogspot.com/2013/05/best-year-ever.html" target="_blank">26 Cheryl Lea</a><br />
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Please claim your prize within the next two weeks by<a href="mailto:may.flaum@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> emailing May</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span>Now let's talk about the top 3 projects as chosen by the Stamp & Show design team. <strong>Note: if you've won a top three honor in the past your blinkie isn't working right now - rather than have all of you email me for the code, I will share it right here:</strong> <br />
<a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/SimonSaysStampandShowtop3Blinkie_zps77864cf0.gif" /></a><br />
<a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/SimonSaysStampandShowtop3Blinkie_zps77864cf0.gif" /></a><br />
If you've won a top 3 honor in the past, please feel free to replace the code with this one. Thank you! <br />
Ok so let's talk about this week's winners!! This week the honors go to:<br />
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<a href="http://www.laurabomber.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-delicate-angel.html" target="_blank">9 Laurart</a><br />
<a href="http://bastelmania-craftattack.blogspot.de/2013/05/in-fairy-tale-woods.html" target="_blank">28 Valerie-Jael</a><br />
<a href="http://pinkleart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/when-box-isnt-box.html" target="_blank">40 Hels Sheridan</a> </div>
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Be sure to visit their blogs and check out their amazing entries. So inspiring! Congratulations to each of you on a challenge well done! Please feel free to grab the code (listed above) for your own blog.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the challenge as it is always a joy to see what you create. I'd also like to say thank you again to </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for their generosity - each week we give away a </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$50 gift voucher to the shop</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> that you can use to buy all kinds of fabulous stamps, inks, and paper crafting supplies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember - you just need to enter the challenge each week to be entered into the drawing! </span></div>
Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7293053789302643758.post-88745348449004712962013-06-05T14:04:00.002-04:002013-06-05T14:04:22.703-04:00Six suggestions for the "S" challenge this week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey everyone! May Flaum here this week with a quick post. If you haven't joined in already - this week is a Super Sweet Special and Spectacular challenge... all about the letter S!!! </div>
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That's right you can take it any way you like from names of products to techniques to - well anything! You can <a href="http://www.simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2013/06/challenge-brought-to-you-by-letter-s.html" target="_blank">find more details and enter the challenge here</a>. Today I am sharing Six Suggestions on Spectacular combinations for the S challenge (and ok, I will stop capitalizing the letter S...) </div>
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#1: <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-8964/P1-dsh-1291-tim-holtz-stampers/Detail" target="_blank">Stamping</a> + <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-26715/ranger-industries-ink-altered/Detail" target="_blank">Sunflower Sparkle</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHnxKtKWtvw/Ua93jkepvcI/AAAAAAAAA2w/0DUB-eogCkI/s1600/215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aHnxKtKWtvw/Ua93jkepvcI/AAAAAAAAA2w/0DUB-eogCkI/s1600/215.JPG" /></a></div>
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Sunflower Sparkle = golden heaven in pearlized form. my favorite! </div>
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#2: <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42490/DYC33936-SQUEEZED-ORANGE-RANGER/Detail" target="_blank">Squeezed Orange (mist)</a> + <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-47771/TCW287S-MINI-BURST-JULIE/Detail" target="_blank">sunburst</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24Ahc48jWzg/Ua93jiciSRI/AAAAAAAAA2s/Hz1bH_C1cEM/s1600/222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-24Ahc48jWzg/Ua93jiciSRI/AAAAAAAAA2s/Hz1bH_C1cEM/s1600/222.JPG" /></a></div>
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It's bright, sunny, and ready for summer!</div>
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#3: <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-50010/95942-or-TIM35015-salty/Detail" target="_blank">Salty Ocean</a> + <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-51046/T401-DOILY-DOILIES-DELICATE/Detail" target="_blank">stencil </a></div>
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This stencil is so cool - and salty ocean is just the perfect summer blue!</div>
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#4: <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-50959/TDW36180-RIPE-PERSIMMON-ORANGE/Detail" target="_blank">(distress) stain</a> + spritz of water</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xZxUsMFUOc/Ua93kLqgRqI/AAAAAAAAA28/IGteHf8lkgQ/s1600/237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xZxUsMFUOc/Ua93kLqgRqI/AAAAAAAAA28/IGteHf8lkgQ/s1600/237.JPG" /></a></div>
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Stain + splat of water = instant background!</div>
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#5: <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-24948/Hero-Arts-EMBOSS-WHITE/Detail" target="_blank">sprinkle of embossing</a> + <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-42484/DYRLOTOF12-LOT-OF-12/Detail" target="_blank">splash of ink</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iq4aEUX2dJw/Ua93kXSFtNI/AAAAAAAAA3A/9iktPCx0E88/s1600/240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iq4aEUX2dJw/Ua93kXSFtNI/AAAAAAAAA3A/9iktPCx0E88/s1600/240.JPG" /></a></div>
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Sprinkle powder, heat from underneath and you have a random splatter! Then take the top off your ink spray and flick away!</div>
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#6:<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-57056/Freckled-Fawn-Dew-new/Detail" target="_blank"> sparkle</a> + <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/the-28691/Tim-Holtz-DISTRESS-STICKLES/Detail" target="_blank">stickles</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MubGRjcMz_o/Ua93ksfVJDI/AAAAAAAAA3I/5EkEhLw49DA/s1600/287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MubGRjcMz_o/Ua93ksfVJDI/AAAAAAAAA3I/5EkEhLw49DA/s1600/287.JPG" /></a></div>
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Ah sweet sparkly goodness. Plus, what project isn't awesome with a bit of stickles! </div>
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Of course to enter the challenge you don't need to combine your S techniques, products, or ideas - just one would do - but I thought it would be fun to share some of my combination favorites. I'd love to hear about your favorite "S" products and of course see what you create. </div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_xbn5z="4" height="199" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691224067054497378" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSoLPBgMTPE/TvtKIrXv7mI/AAAAAAAAUBg/vtuGYM3mM1Q/s200/SSS_50dollar_voucher.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, </span><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simon Says Stamp</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is giving away a $50 gift voucher that will go to a random entry chosen by Random Generator. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the full rules, read the "challenge rules" posted in the side-bar here on our blog. and to enter - just add you link to the <a href="http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/2013/06/challenge-brought-to-you-by-letter-s.html" target="_blank">challenge post here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Happy crafting!</span><br />
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Mayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03434728918158141792noreply@blogger.com4