While checking out various blogs I came across one technique that was neat.  I'm not sure what the technique is called or which blog I learned it from but I would like to pass the credit on to whom ever deserves it.  

Basically, you stamp your image in black ink (I used Staz On) and then color however you want.   I decided to color my flowers (I used a retired stamp set, Delight in Life) with the Aqua Painters and Stampin' Classic ink pads (Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, and So Saffron).  This creates a watercolor effect.  Once I was done coloring, I covered the entire image with VersaMark ink (I used the Versamarker).  I then added Clear EP and heated it with my heat too.  Once the EP is done melting, you have a glassy image.  I think this technique really makes the colors of the flowers pop.  I added some ribbon (Certainly Celery Striped grosgrain) and embossed the background (Elegant Bouquet embossing folder) and I was done. 

This card is perfect for any occasion, but I chose to use it as an anniversary card.

I hope you give this technique a try.

Kristy

Where I Surf

You can't be a blogger without blog surfing.  I do enjoy checking out other peoples blogs as well as blogging.  I love to see what others have created and how they do it.  Each blog that I visit inspires me to create and then I must share my creations.  As of late I don't get a lot of time to create, but I do spend a few minutes surfing different blogs.  So today I would like to share with you some of my favorite blogs.

• Mik Inks:   She does some cute but beautiful work.  She has something different with each post, such as quick cards, cards she's CASEd, and non-card projects.  
• Stamp n Design:  Her blog is full of different ways to use products and she has tons of tutorials.  I love her tutorials.  They are easy to read and they have pictures.
• Valita's Designs and Fresh Folds:  She does crazy awesome things with punches and is definitely worth checking out.  You really can't look at any punch the same way after you see what she has done with them.   She even gives complete instructions on how to and a video as well.
• The Stamping Studio:  She has very unique ideas.  She comes with the neatest 3D projects and they're all beautiful.
• Michelle Zindorf:  She is the brayer QUEEN.  She does absolutely stunning cards with a brayer.  She actually travels all over the US to teach this technique.
• Sunny Stampin'  This blog is by two very talented ladies.  They put so much work and effort into creating these projects and sharing how to make them.  I have used several of their tutorials and they are well worth it.

The next set of websites are not personal blogs but online communities for papercrafters.  What I love about them is all the ideas that every one has.

• Splitcoaststampers
• Stampin' Addicts

The final set of blogs that I want to share with you Challenge blogs.  These are blogs that offer you inspirations for creating any project.  The best part of these blogs is seeing all the entries.  You get to do a lot more blog surfing.

• Clean and Simple:   They offer simple layout each week. 
• colourQ: Each week a new color combo is posted.  Winners receive the colourQ badge for their own blog.
• Stampin' Royalty:  Each week they come up with new challenge that is different from the previous weeks.  Its always exciting to see how they challenge you.  

I hope you check each of these blogs out.  And don't forget to leave a comment.  Its always nice to read comments .  And hopefully you leave each blog with a little bit of inspiration.

Good Day

Kristy

It's Been Awhile

Its been a very long time since I participated in a challenge.  But today I took the time to make a card to enter into the CAS challenge #130.  I always love their layouts as they are Clean & Simple.  This card was easy to come up with.  My color inspiration came from a new sampler pack of In Color dsp  (hostess set) and the color coach.  I just love Concord Crush and it was the perfect color for today.  I wanted something bright and fun that would remind me of summer.  I paired Daffodil Delight and Pumpkin Pie with it and VOILA!!  Don't you just love the look of a simple card?

Have a great week and here's to hopin' for summer

Kristy

Mmmmmm...Birthday Cake

This is a card that I made a few months back. It's simple birthday card that is perfect for a guy, but can be given to a lady.  The stamp set used is the Hostess set Birthday Bakery.  I also used the Vintage Labels stamp set for the sentiment.  The colors are Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Soft Suede, and Early Espresso,  I colored the cakes with markers and I sponged the edges with Early Espresso for an aged look.  I used the Scallop Trim border punch to add some flair.  

Have a great day

Kristy