Water Color Mandala Doodles

       I have fallen in love with a new technique and over the last few weeks have shared with you other ways I've used it.   I found masking fluid by chance through a video tutorial and had to purchase some to try.  I'm now on my second bottle.  Masking fluid can be used multiple ways but the purpose is to mask areas you do not wish to paint over. 

       I have been using it to zendoodle.   Here is the piece as it's drying. I used Fine Line Resist Pen 0.5.   It dries quickly and the only issue is hand control and pressure given while you draw. 

 

          Once the masking fluid is completely dry I use watercolors to fill in the open spots. You must allow the watercolors to fully dry before attempting to rub off the masking fluid.  I found that the heat gun speeds up the process.  Rubbing the masking fluid off is simple, however do it gently and not to fast.  If for some reason an area has not completely dried you are liable to have the masking fluid tear up the paper.

 

This doodle has been done for weeks but today I finally got around to coloring it.

 

I was excited about trying a bigger piece that I started and completed this one this afternoon.

 

8 Cards in 30 mins, maybe :)

At our monthly stamp club meetings there are 2 volunteers that demo a new technique, product or idea.   This month one of the Demos was 8 cards in 30 minutes.  The original idea was from Connie Stewart and you can find her tutorial here.  

 

My 30 minutes turned into 2 hours.   My fault since I stamped and embossed my images as well as water colored the backgrounds and used liquid pearls.  So drying time was a bit of a wait.  But the idea was simple and fun.   I can never make that many cards in one evening so this idea is amazing! And what a great gift!   The basic cards can become so many options that not a single one looks exactly like another and the sentiment possibilities are endless.   I can't wait to make more.

 

Reach for the Stars

I wasn't sure about my intial stars card so I created a second card to pick from.  This time I used Unity's Reach for the Stars Phyllis Harris Set.  Phyllis Harris creates the most beautiful art work.  

To make this card a bit more interesting I made it a shadow box card.   I used a Silhouette File to create the card base.   The image was stamped and embossed and water colored. 

Outta this world!

Our stamp club 1-4-1 swap in April was Stars.   I chose this adorable stamp set to use Little Outer Space and used post it notes as masks for the first time.  I wanted it to have a childish and fun flair so I made it a shaker card.  

Unity Color Challenge 4/14 - 4/21

The color challenge for this week are 2 colors I LOVE and our Dine-n-Swap group has picked next months theme of Banners, so I included both to make the two cards below. 

For the first card I used Nora Girl and for the second card I used Addison Girl.   Both were stamped, embossed, water colored and once dry I applied making fluid.   Once the masking fluid was dry I began adding droplets of color to the background allowing it to set, then patted down with paper towel and repeated until I was satisfied with the look of each one. 

I used multiple specialty papers with each card to add interest and texture.  they are larger cards than usual, but it was fun to add all the details.  

Unity Challenge 4/7 - 4/14 Photo Challenge

       The photo challenge for this week was colored water drops.  I looked through March's Monthly kit and found the heart background swap.   I used watercolor markers to color each heart, used spray bottle to mist the stamp and repeated the stamp top to bottom.  I used Bear-ly Enough to match the heart background and because he is adorable!  I water colored him and fussy cut him out.  

The black card was created using the same idea, however my water color markers are limited, so I borrowed my daughters's washable markers for the hearts and again used a spray bottle to mist them.  

Unity Sketch Challenge 3/31 thru 4/7

 Unity Stamp Co. hosts a new challenge every week on their facebook page.  This was my entry for the Unity Sketch Challenge 3/31 through 4/7.   For this card I used both Elephant Behind Set and Big Summer Bouquet. 

 

I stamped all my images in black Memento Ink and embossed using clear embossing powder.   I stamped the flowers on book sheets and colored them using water colors.   Once dry I adhered the book paper to black card stock and pierced the paper to make holes for stitching.  I stitch using a x pattern and used black embordary thread.   I then attached the piece to a purple card stock base.   I stamped the Elephant on a grey pattern paper and fussy cut him out.   I attached the Elephant using a foam dots.   The butterfly is punched using left over card stock from the base.  I used my i-rock to bling the butterfly.  This was a fun sketch to follow.

Elf Double Slider Card

      In December I participated in a card exchange with a Music Theme.  Since Christmas was only a couple weeks to go and I had just watched Elf this stamp was perfect to keep me in the spirit. I wanted to make something fun and interactive so I choose to use a Double Slider Card base. 

       I used the Elf Christmas Set from Unity.  I stamped and colored it with markers, then fussy cut it.  I searched for a Christmas music sheet and found jingle bells, I printed it out the size I needed.  I used picmonkey.com to create the wreath image with my favorite quote from the Elf movie. I used the print and cut feature on my Silhouette to create the cut.   That has to be my favorite feature! 

       A couple tips in case you try this card, most tutorials tell you to use a shopping bag which would be more eco friendly, however I've noticed that didn't have a smooth glide to it an was getting stuck. Also use a sturdy cardstock as it can bend under pressure for the movement. 

Christmas Cards Class

       In November a craft friends asked my Mom and I to do her Senior Center monthly class.  Mom and I searched for ideas on pinterest and came up with the two below.  These were so fun and simple.  The cards were well received and the styles can be used for anything. 

 

Just a little fortune for you.

 

Bunco Night

       I was recently added to the permanent Bunco List of a local group.  This means I host one bunco night a year in my home.   There is a bag that rotates to each host every month that includes all the bunco necessities such as dice, bell, crown, and pencils.  The bag was looking a little torn up and I was feeling crafty, so I decorated a bag to replace it. I also decorated one to use as a prize for best dressed.

 

       Have I mentioned my husband is AMAZING.  For Christmas in 2014 he gave me a Silhouette Portrait and for my birthday gave me a Silhouette Cameo.  One for home and one for travel.  I love them both.  The did however replace my Cricut.  I'm sad to see it go but it's time. 

 

       Okay back to the projects.  I found some awesome cut files to use and cut them using heat vinyl.  My amazing husband added the vinyl using a heat press.  I added bling with my I-rock.  The bags are 10" x 10".

 

      I added something special to the prize.  I found dice beads and made a bracelet. necklace, and earrings.  

Flora and Fawna

        A local group does a Dine & Swap night where once a month we all go to dinner together and swap cards.  Every month is a different theme.  February was Easter/Spring.  March was Flora & Fauna.

 

       Hobby Lobby carries a few of the House Mouse Stamps and I have been really wanting one for a while and this gave me a reason to give in.  This stamp is called "She Loves me." Plus it was a crop day at Hobby Lobby which means SHOPPING!  I had my basic tools with me but I purchased the stamp, papers and mini dollie back there and began my project. 

 

       I stamped the image with Memento Black Ink on watercolor paper and used clear embossing powder.  I then water colored my image.  I used a two piece gate fold tutorial to make my card base. Once I pieced my card together I felt like it need a bit more to the image and my dear crop friends suggested and one let me use Stickles to add to the card. 

 

       I love the look of stickles but I hate waiting for it to dry.  I'm not good at being patient. Lucky there were shelves hanging up high so I placed the image there to dry while I worked on something else.  This Double Dutch Card is cute and fun. 

 

       During our dine & swap everyone created one card with the theme and put it in a pile.  Everyone randomly gets a card as we go around the table.  Lucky Momma got my card this month!  

Odd bird

       During March I signed up for a Ribbon Themed Card Swap.  I had a hard time thinking of what I wanted until Unity Stamp Co. posted a weekly sketch challenge.  I turned the sketch and used different ribbons to make the strip of pattern paper.  For the image and sentiment I used the November Kit of the Month called Best Year Yet. 

 

       I stamped in black Memento Ink on water color paper and heat embossed using clear embossing powder.  Once I water colored and let the image dry I applied masking fluid over the stamped image and let it dry.  Drying time often takes about an hour.   I used my aqua pens to wet the paper and added purple, yellow, and teal to the background.  I did the same for a scrap piece of paper and used it for the sentiment.  I used glossy accents over the sentiment to make it pop.  This was a fun and quirky stamp to work with.   

 

 

Easter Fun

 The girls are growing so fast and are at such a fun stage right now.  Easter this year was at Nana & Papa's house and we enjoyed the company of both Nana & Papa, Nana Kay & Papa Bruce.  These little ones are so loved and received wonderful gifts from both sets of nana& papas as well as Grandpa & Grandma Lamb who helped us with items for the Easter Baskets.  Here are a few  highlights from our Easter.

O- With her new Lambie from Nana & Papa

A- With her new Lambie from Nana & Papa

The Easter Hunt begins.

A - going through her very full Easter basket.

O - With her basket.

Photos with Nana & Papa.

St. Patrick's Day T-shirts

       My Mom and I purchased St Patrick's Day items about a month before the big day and yet I forgot to get it all ready before the day.   It's a fun holiday but I very rarely make a big deal of it minus outfits.   You need to wear green! 

 

       So on St Patrick's Day Morning the girls and I got their t-shirts ready. I made vinyl stencils using my Silhoutte Cameo and files from the Silhoutte Design Store. I attached them to the shirts and gave the girls brushes and paint and let them create.  They love paint, so this was perfect.  While they were busy painting, I worked on making them Korker bows in green and white.  I added little buttons to the centers.

 

       The girls were so proud of their new outfits and even got to show them off during dinner out. 

 

O - T-shirt says "Too Cute to Pinch"

A - T-shirt says "Pinch Proof"

Lil' Bunny Peeps

Spring is in the air and bunnies are everywhere.

In another post I mentioned  the girls and I made seed bombs for family and friends.

We put them in little strawberry cartons wrapped in clear bags. There bout 20 - 25 in each carton and we made 3 large cartons.  We have plenty more little seed balls to and filled about 10 mini favor boxes to had out to visitors and teachers.  I made tags using Lil' Bunny Peeps stamp from  Unity Stamp CO.   I stamped on pattern paper using Memento Ink and heat embossed using clear powder.   I fussy cut each pair of bunnies and put them on simple tags. 

 

On the back instructions were included that read :

 

"Please enjoy these compostable wildflower seed balls.   Planting them is such a cinch.

 

Just throw them into soil and watch them grow. For best results choose a location that receives consistent sun and rain. " 

 

       I wanted to make a few spring time cards to have on hand and used the Lil Bunny Peeps Stamp again.  I stamped on vellum paper using Memento ink and heat embossed with clear powder.   I used a foam mat under my images and used a stylus to rub on the outlines of the stamp to add more deapth and interest. Once done I made bases using the Dutch Fold Card method.   This video is easy to follow.

 

       I used pattern paper and denim paper for my layers.  I measured the inside of my mat on the top flap and cut and tore my bunnies to fit.   I then hand stitched my vellum to my top mat and adhered it to a mini doilie on the flap and back ground mat. Butterflies and flowers in scrap paper were added to give it more detail.   

 

Poppies

       I've been in love with Poppy stamps from Unity Stamp Co. and recently ordered two wonderful sets made by Donna Downey.  These stamps are beautiful and HUGE!

 

       This card was made using You Are Important.  The flower measures approximately  7 1/2" long and 5" wide.   I stamped and heat embossed the image on kraft paper.   I water colored the flower and added a bit of sparkle with a jelly pen.  I used a beautiful frame embossing folder from Darcie on both the mat and the flower image. I cut down the flower image down just enough to live a thin layer of the embossed frame.  Washi tape was added to make a belt and a bow.  I cinched the bow with a brad.   

 

 

 

       Donna Poppies is a gorgeous set! It's a two layer stamp set.  The largest poppy is about 4" x 3" and the smaller one is 3 1/2" x 2 1/4".   I stamped the flower in red ink and stamped the outline in black on kraft paper. The ink once dry was pretty but washed out.  So I stamped again and because the ink was still wet I embossed it with clear embossing powder.  It gave the red a wonderful vibrant color.  Doing double layered stamps often gives a bit of miss stamping, but it makes for a wonderful way to add interest.   In this case I used the opportunity to shadow the stamp in those missed spots with a white color pencil.   I stamped quite a few card toppers and made some simple cards as the background alone gives a card plenty of interest.   I love these stamps and can't wait to make more.

Seed Bombs/Cookies and Coffee Filter Butterflies

       The girls and I have been busy with spring time projects.  We made seed bombs/cookies to give as gifts for Easter/spring to our family and neighbors.   We set up our project outside to limit the clean up.   We used two tubs of Air Dry clay, a couple scoops of soil, and a handful or two of flower seeds.   Seeds included; sun flowers, snap dragons, marigolds, and many more.  I mixed them as much as possible and gave both girls a lump of clay to work with.   We made little balls approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches and flattened them to dry more quickly.  We set up on our table outside to dry out the seed bombs for a little over 24 hours.  The girls loved this project and it was fairly simple, inexpensive and easy to do. 

 

      We've given out a few little cartons of seed bombs to our family and neighbors.  A couple days ago we planted a couple in pots and we can't wait to see how they work out. 

 

 

       Our second big project for the week was coffee filter flowers.  These are so fun and simple.  We do them every year and attach them to the gate of the play area outside. We used large and small coffee filters and painted them with watercolors.   We let them dry and I folded them in an accordion fold and cinched the centers with mini rubber bands.  From there I added the clothes pins, pipe cleaners and googley eyes.  We put them all over our gate outside.   It so cute and colorful.

      

       **Disclaimer - We used watercolors, they are washable, they do fade, and if wet they lose the color. But it's fun while it lasts.  

Unity Girl Challenge

I missed last week's Unity challenge as I was getting a few other projects out of the way.  But this week I was determined to use my most recent order from Unity Stamp Co.  

For this challenge I choose to use Adaline Girl as my image.  I stamped using black Momento ink on water color paper.  I then used clear embossing power to add extra dimension.  This also helps keep the water colors from running.   Once colored with water colors and dry I applied a masking fluid to the colored image to protect it from the color wash I planned to do next.  It's important for the masking fluid to be completely dry before painting over it.

I wet the paper first using my aqua brush then added color and blended where needed.  Again it need to dry, but once dry I rubbed off the fluid to reveal my full image.  I then tore the right side to give it more detail and added a bit of watercolor and Wink of Stella.  I added vellum torn and shimmer twine, a button and Wink of Stella to add some more shimmer throughout.

For the backing I added denim paper for texture.  I stamped "Proud of you" on vellum, again embossing it.  The stamp set I used was Bitty Regards.  I mounted it on purple paper. And added to the card using foam dots.

I'm so excited to see this card completed.
Below is also a photo of most the products I used.

Happy Craftin'!

Calendar Easel Cards

      Last Summer was really rough when it came to friendships.  Life changes quickly especially in a military based community like ours.   I had become fast friends with another mom who's little girl was the same age as my girls.  Her husband was here only for training and we knew our time together was short and we tried our best to make the most of it. 

      

       Another friend I have known since middle school found out in early spring her partner would be moving to California to work for Disney. Although the idea still excites me as think it, I am so sad she moved.  She is like another aunt to our girls and they love her like one to.

 

      The girls of course were close to both my friends and often ask for them and I think of them often.  I wanted them to know that no matter how far they are they are most certainly in our hearts.  I figured a year long reminder might help and made them each a calendar easel card with stamps I thought represented them.

 

Stampin' Up - Simply Sketched



Unity Stamp Co - November Kit of the Month

 

 

       I purchased the easel file from Silhouette and went from there. You can find tutorials on YouTube as well.  Stamp sets are noted above.  I stamped on Kraft Card stock and used mainly white color pencils to add detail to each card with exception of the second card's flowers. 

In late February I entered the Second card into a Facebook challenge for Unity Stamp Co  and won!  Unity Stamps are amazing and always beautiful!

 

      As the year goes by I hope my sweet friends remember just how much they mean to the girls and me.

Happy Craftin'!

 



A Calming Zen...

       Zentangle & Adult Coloring are become more and more popular in crafting.   I love to color but find I have an easier time relaxing when I'm doodling and using Zentangle patterns as my main focus.

 

What is Zentangle® and what is Zendoodle?

Short answer:

“Zentangle” is a registered name for a process of drawing (hence the ® above).

There are some specific parts to it (a few  are mentioned below).

A Zendoodle is basically the same idea, but without some of the

confinements of a Zentangle (also called a tangle).

 

 

You can read more at Living the Fantastic Life or the official Zentangle site.

 

          I started doodling with patterns in 2012 and have slowly completed a little over 10 projects.  Doodling is usually done once the kids are in bed and it's time to get in some adult TV  or movie time.  More often than not I take a little clip board, my pens, a zentangle book or two and watercolor paper into the living room with me to work.  In my earliest projects I wanted to utilize the whole piece of paper.  More recently I have changed to a subject. The idea is not to be perfect but to relax and clear your mind.   I believe it works, though once the pen is down it does not take long for things to start piling up again.

 

       Below are a few of my tangles with the date completed.  Keep in mind my tangles have taken a few days or even months to complete as life often takes over.   Pinterest is a wonderful resource for learning new patterns and even getting ideas of the type of end product you would like.  



Feb 2015

March 2015

 

August 2015

September 2015
* This idea was taken from another design on Pinterest. 
Although very much like it the patterns are very different. 
I had a friend in mind while doing this project and this was a gift for her.

November 2015

November 2015

Feb 2016
* This idea was taken from another design on Pinterest.
 The tree in the circle and the straight lines were all like the
 one on Pinterest as I needed a jumping off point. 
Once I was ready I made the design my own.

March 2016

Happy Crafting Friends!