I wasn't thrilled with the one-layer tags I posted for the OLW challenge on Wednesday.  Since that post, I've been playing with mists, distress inks, and sprays in an effort to make a more interesting one layer tag.  I have two to show you. 

For the tag above, I misted the background with Silver Sugar Glimmer Mist.  To me, the color looks like a shimmery medium gray.  Very pretty!  The poinsettias are stamped with Papertrey Ink's Raspberry Fizz and the center of each flower has three little dots of Cotton Candy Stickles.  The "to and from" are stamped on the back of the tag.

 
The second tag was stamped with Barn Red Distress Ink on glossy card stock.  It has a nice marble effect to it, although you can't tell it by my photography skills.

The week's OLW post can be found here.  You still have time to play and just think,  you'll have a jump start on you Christmas tags.

One-Layer Wednesday ~ Christmas/Holiday Tags (OLW166)

Welcome to this week's One-Layer Wednesday challenge.  With the holidays right around the corner, let's make one-layer Christmas/Holiday Tags.

I have a few to share with you.

Santa's hat was colored with Prisma pencils and topped with a pom pom. 

For the tag above, I used a PSX stamp from 1999.  Believe it or not, I found this beauty at a garage sale last year.  I colored the image with Prisma pencils and added some bling.

If you look closely, you can see glitter on this tag.

I can't wait to see what your tags!


OLW166 Rulesl.  Create a one layer tag.  This is defined as a single layer of cardstock.  No other    
     layers allowed.

2.  Create a Christmas/Holiday tag.  Remember to keep  embellishments to a minimum and NO      ADDITIONAL layers of cardstock.
     
3.  Post your card online and link it to the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post.  If you link to 
     your blog, please link to the specific post and not your blogs main page.

4.  HAVE FUN!

OLW 164 - Play the Game

A quick post before the One-Layer Wednesday (OLW164) deadline!

This week's host is Ardyth.  Her challenge, Play the Game.  Create a one layer card inspired by a game or some form of play. 

Here's my take on Ardyth's challenge.  Playing music!

The treble clef stamp is a textured or distressed image, just in case you thought it was poor stamping.

The Details:

Stamps: Stampers Anonymous - Frame/Background Stamp, Stampabilities - Image & Sentiment -  A Muse (Retired) 

Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black & Palette Vintage Cream

Paper: Kraft

Accessories: Stamp-A-Ma-Jig & Twine



One-layer Wednesday (OLW 163), LIM & Addicted to CAS

This week, the ever so talented Karen is our One-Layer Wednesday host.  Her challenge, 'Orange' You Glad You Played Along.  How fun and easy is this? 

As luck would have it, the code word for Addicted to CAS is "One-Layer".  And, the Less is More challenge this week is "String or Twine".

I love mums.  In my opinion, the are the epitome of fall.  They are the quintessential flower of Fall.

  
Now I have to tell you, I don't think I've have ever wasted so much cardstock trying to put together a card in my life!  I tried several times to place the leaves along side the mum's with no luck.  They just didn't look right/good.  As a last resort, I masked the mums, and then I had some success.  Think about it, trying to cut a mask for these images.  Not an easy task. 

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey  Ink: Papertrey  Paper: Papertrey  Accessories: Button, & Twine, and Post It Notes For masking.

One-Layer Wednesday 162 ~ Leaves

This week, Heather is hosting our One-Layer Wednesday challenge (OLW 162).  Her challenge, leaves.  I have a feeling Heather was probably thinking fall leaves, right? 

In an ongoing effort to use stamps (that have never seen ink before), each week I pull a set or two and display them prominently on my worktable to use. This morning, as I was thinking about the OLW challenge, I saw leaves on my worktable!  Okay, so they were holly leave, but leaves all the same.

These leaves are from a Close to My Heart set (A Holiday A1115), my MIL gave me. 

I made three different OLW cards.  All very similar, but a bit different.  With the first card, I though the little pom-poms would make cute berries.

With my second card, I wanted to use sequins to bling it up a bit. A girl has to be trendy whenever possible, right?

And with my third card I just used stamps.  No bling, just some twine.

All three cards are 4 1/4 square with matching envelopes made with We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board. 

It's not often that I get really excited about a tool, but the Envelope Punch Board is awesome if you like to make matching envelopes, or just use up your scraps.

Supplies: Stamps: Close To My Heart - A Holiday  Ink: Papertrey - Pure Poppy, New Leaf, Simply Chartreuse and Memento - Tuxedo Black  Paper: Papertrey - White (Card Base), Envelopes - Paper Studios   Accessories: We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board & Twine.  

One-Layer Wednesday 161 ~ Show Me Your Colors

Welcome to another One-Layer Wednesday (OLW).  This week, Show Me Your Colors. Your fall colors.  You can choose any theme you wish.

OLW161 Rules:

 

l.  Create a one layer card.  This is defined as a single layer of cardstock folded in half.  No other layers allowed.

 

2.  Create a card using fall colors.  Add a link to your card.  Remember to keep embellishment to a 

 minimum and NO ADDITIONAL layers of cardstock.

 

3.  Post your card online and link it to the InLinkz button below.  If you link to your blog, please link 

 to the specific post and not your blogs main page.

 

4.  HAVE FUN!  I can't wait to see what you create.

 

 

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey & Memory Box  Ink: Papertrey & Memento  Paper: Kraft  Accessories:  Stamp Positioner, Score Board, & Bling

 

 

OLW 159 ~ Free For All

Karen is hosting this week's One-Layer Wednesday challenge.  Her challenge, Free For All.  You can choose any theme for your one-layer card.  Thanks Karen!

I need to send a sympathy card this week.  I don't like sympathy cards.  I don't make many sympathy cards.  In saying that, I am pleased with the way this turned out. Well, except for the shadow over the ribbon.  I may have to find a new photographer.

Pin It

I hope you'll pop over to Karen's blog and play along this week.

Supplies:  Stamps: Great Impressions & A Muse (Sentiment)  Ink: Memento Gray Flannel  Paper: Gina K. Designs: White  Accessories: Flat Pearls, Ribbon & Stamp Positioner

OLW #158

This week's One-Layer Wednesday challenge is hosted by Heather. Her challenge is to make a one layer card featuring something with wings.

Here are my wings!

You still have time to play along.

Supplies: Stamps: Papertrey  Ink: Memento Nautical Blue & Papertrey  Fine Linen  Paper: Papertrey

I thought I would post another card for this weeks One-Layer Wednesday Challenge, "It's all about the sentiment".

 

I love these big sentiment stamps from The Stamps of Life.  The background is painted with an Adirondack Paint Daubber in metallic gold. I wish you could see this shimmer.  It really is pretty.  I think it's time for a new camera, or a new photographer! 

 

You still have time to play along this week .

 

 

 

One-Layer Wednesday 157 ~ It's All About The Sentiment

Welcome to this weeks One-Layer Wednesday Challenge.  This week it's all about the sentiment.  Use your sentiment as the focal point of your card.  Any theme, any color, it's your choice. 

I've been playing around with backgrounds (paint, watercolor, and spray inks).  For this card, I used an Acrylic Paint Daubber by Adirondack. With a back and forth motion, I brushed the paint dauber over watercolor paper and let it dry before stamping my sentiment.

With my second card the background was created in the same way, however the paint was thicker and not as easy to manipulate.  I decided to add a tiny butterfly embellishment to this card.  Embellishments are acceptable with one-layer (OLW) cards if kept to a minimum.

I hope you'll have a chance to play along.

OLW157 Rules
 1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of paper allowed. 2. Make a One-Layer card using your sentiment as the focal point. Remember to keep the embellishments to a minimum.
 3. Post your card somewhere online and link back to my blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. If linking to a blog post, please be sure to link to the specific post and not your blog's home page.

Supplies:

Stamps: The Stamps of Life - Phrases2say
Paper: Watercolor Paper
Ink: Memento - Tuxedo Black and Nautical Blue
Accessories: Adirondack Acrylic Paint Daubbers - Aqua and Lettuce, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, Bling and Washi Tape

OLW 156 ~ Paint Chip

This weeks One-Layer Wednesday challenge host is Ardyth.  Her challenge is to choose one color and use as many shades of it as you can.  You can use a different/neutral color for your sentiment if you wish.

My interpretation:

I definitely have the paint chip thing going on in this background, however as I was just re-reading the rules for this challenge I realized the rules allowed you to use a different color only for the sentiment. Sorry, Ardyth!

To create the background, I used a newer product by Ranger, Dylusions Ink Spray.  It's awesome!  The colors are vivid and gorgeous.  The green I used is "Dirty Martini" and to it I added some "White Linen" which gave the various shades of green and a pretty shine.

Here's what the Dylusions Ink Spray looks like.
 

Supplies:
Stamps: Image-Judith, Sentiment-Stampendous
Paper: Watercolor
Ink: Dylusions

One-Layer Wednesday 148 ~ A Christmas/Holiday Thank You

Welcome to this weeks One-Layer Wednesday Challenge.  In keeping with the Christmas in July theme, I thought it prudent to start on some Christmas thank you cards.  So, this weeks challenge is to make a one-layer Christmas/holiday thank you card.  I hope you'll join me.

 

Think about making sets of your Christmas/holiday thank you cards.  When packaged in a fun and festive way, they are a great hostess or teacher gift.  Of course, I like to have a few sets on hand for my daughters and me to use.

OLW148 Rules 1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of paper allowed.

2. Make a One-Layer Christmas Thank You Card. Remember to keep the embellishments to a minimum.

3. Post your card somewhere online and link back to my blog using the InLinkz button at the bottom of this post. If linking to a blog post, please be sure to link to the specific post and not your blog's home page.

4. HAVE FUN!

Supplies:

Stamps: Memory Box - Poinsettia Outline & Lattice Background, Sentiment - A Muse
Paper: Papertrey Ink
Ink: Memento - Desert Sand, Lady Bug & Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  Stamp Positioner, Bling, Tombow Makers & Sticklers - Diamond

One-Layer Wednesday 147, Use-Your-Stamps Challenge, Never Before Used Stamps (NBUS), And a Christmas Card...

*An interruption in my regularly scheduled blog post... In an effort to post my Wednesday or One-Layer Wednesday post, I ran out of time.  Time being after midnight, tomorrow, the next day.  It's now Thursday, the 4th of July.  I would be horribly remiss if I didn't wish all of you a very happy 4th of July! 

God bless our military and their families. Along with all of our veterans and retires.  Thank you for all you've done in the name of peace.
 
                                                   *************

On to today's post.  Yes, I really did say Christmas and I know, it's only the beginning of July...! I'm sure you've all heard the old "Christmas in July" saying, right?

Before I go any further, I should mention this is a rather lengthy. I'll be glad to wait if you need to grab a cup of coffee, iced tea, or sweet tea (for those of you who live in the south). 

So, this week's One-Layer Wednesday host is Susan.  Her challenge is to use glitter or something shimmery on a one-layer Christmas/holiday card.  You can see Susan's post here. 

So here's my sparkle.

Pin It

I thought I would play around with some non-traditional colors.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm all about tradition.  I love the traditional reds and greens of Christmas, but I have to admit when the Christmas displays go up, I can't wait to see what's new and trending. What do you think the trends will be this Christmas season?    

Here's a peek at the inside of my card. I like the way the gray Washi Tape coordinates so well with the silver embossing. 

Earlier I mentioned the Use-Your-Stamps Challenge.  Susan, (the creator of the OLW Challenge) recently started her Use-Your-Stamps Challenge. You can see the rules here.  Really, the rules are very simple!  Please don't let the word rules scare you off.  Just think of the gratification you'll receive in knowing that you really did use all your stamps.  Then you can purged the ones that are outdated, overused, or you just don't care for anymore.  This of course, makes room for more stamps.  Did I hear a YES?  I thought I did. After reading Susan's challenge, I knew I needed to participate!  So this is my first post using my never before used stamps. 

Now, the Never Before Used Stamps (NBUS) is another stamp challenge that the very funny, and oh so adorable, Darnell also started recently.  This is another challenge involving your neglected stamps.  I think I'm seeing a trend here.  I hope you'll visit both sites and join in.

The Stamps used in today's card all fall under the Use-Your-Stamps Challenge and the Never Before Used Stamps Challenge (NBUS). I'm still searching for an accounting system that will help me track these challenges!

And finally, Susan's Christmas card challenge falls perfectly in line with my blog plan for July.  This month, my focus is on Christmas.  I'll be featuring a different category (cards, tags, packaging, etc.) each week this month.  My hope is to motivate you to start early this year.  My personal goal is to start earlier this year.  This all falls under the category of better planning.


OLW147 Rules

1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of paper allowed.

2. Make a sparkly card using glitter, glitter embossing powder, or some other shimmery substance (Brilliance, Smooch, Glimmer Mist, Twinkling H2Os, etc.). You can even use a card base of shimmer cardstock! The key is to get sparkly. Remember to keep the embellishments to a minimum.

3. Post your card somewhere online and link back to Susan's blog using the InLinkz button on the sidebar. If linking to a blog post, please be sure to link to the specific post and not your blog's home page.

4. The most important thing is to...HAVE FUN!

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Vintage Ornaments & Gina K Designs - Sentiment
Paper: Papertrey Ink
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Hibiscus Burst & VersaMark
Accessories: Silver Embossing Powder, Stamp Positioner, Silver Cording, & Washi Tape

Spice Girls...

This week's One-Layer Wednesday host is Ardyth.  Her theme "Spice Girls".  Make a one-layer feminine card inspired by a spice, condiment or flavoring. You can use your spice as color inspiration, as part of a sentiment or as a theme.

I think this was my third attempt at the challenge this week. You should see what my work table looks like, not to mention the trash can. 

So this is what I came up with.  The "Spice" is my color inspiration,  paprika and saffron.  The "Girls" are the ever-so-cute Elzybells.  I can't tell you the last time they were out of the box.  I added a bit of Washi Tape which is all over my desk right now, a burlap flower, and a bit of lace. 

I hope the OLW police won't notice it's a tag instead of a card!


Supplies:

Stamps: Elzybells Art Stamps
Paper: Premade Tag
Ink: Memento Potter's Clay and Rich Cocoa
Accessories: Washi Tape, Lace, Felt, Burlap, and a button.

"Show Your Colors" Post #2

Here's another card for this weeks One-Layer Wednesday Challenge, (Show Your Colors...Red, White, and Blue, of Course).

This 4th of July card defiantly falls into the non-traditional category, wouldn't you say?  In fact, I think I've thrown tradition to the wind and jumped right on the "trendy" train!  

If you would like to play along this week, please refer to this post to link up your creations.

Supplies:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink - Background Basics Chevron Stripes & Close to my Heart - (Sentiment) American Celebration
Ink: Memento - Nautical Blue, and Lady Bug
Paper: Stampin' Up Whisper White
Accessories: Bling, Sequins, and a Glue Pen.

One-Layer Wednesday 144 ~ Show Us Your Colors... Red, White & Blue of Course!

Welcome to another One-Layer Wednesday! 

With the 4th of July right around the corner (just two weeks), what better time to show your colors?  Of course, I'm talking about Red, White & Blue!

So this week's One-Layer Wednesday challenge (OLW144) is to create a card using red, white & blue. Choose any theme you wish, however, extra points for patriotic themes.

Here's my card:

As a military wife (of 22 years), when I think of red, white & blue, I automatically think  patriotism. I think of truth and honor, our country's flag, the heroic men and women in uniform, courage, freedom, and the 4th of July.  What do you think of when you hear "red, white, & blue"?

I hope you'll stop back by later in the week for more Washi Tape Fun and another One-Layer red, white & blue card.

OLW 144 Guidelines:
1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of card stock allowed!

2. Make a card, any theme, using the colors red, white, & blue!  Please  remember to keep embellishments to a minimum.

3. Upload your card somewhere online and link it using the InLinkz button on the bottom of this post. If you link to your blog, please make sure the link goes to the individual post, not to your blog's home page.

4.HAVE FUN! That's really what it's all about.

Supplies:

Stamps: Close to my Heart
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Memento - Nautical Blue, and Lady Bug
Paper: Stampin' Up Whisper White
Accessories: Twine, Bling, Sequins, Glitter, and a Glue Pen.

Pin It

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Happy Birthday, Ardyth!

I'm sure many of you know my blog buddy, Ardyth.  She is one of the One-Layer Wednesday hosts, and also designs for CASology and Muse.  Today is her birthday, and I wanted to wish her a very SPECIAL one...  Happy Birthday, Ardyth!

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One Layer Wednesday Challenge (OLW139) ~ Card Size

Welcome to One Layer Wednesday!  It's so good to be back.

This week I thought we would try a different size card.  A 3 inch square card to be exact.  Any theme or color combination you desire.   This size is perfect as a gift enclosure card.  They also make great love notes (a little note by his morning coffee, or left on the bathroom counter).  I usually try to have a few of this size on hand.  I never know when I may need one to include with a hostess gift or slip inside my daughter's backpack.

In the effort of full disclosure, we are in full graduation mode around my house!  My oldest daughter graduates from high school in just 16 days.  I'm sure you've already guessed, her school colors are black and red. I plan to use these next week leading up to her graduation!

 

I hope you'll play along this week.  These little cards are fun, fast and great to have on hand.

 

 

OLW 139 Guidelines:

1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of card stock allowed!

2. Make a 3 X 3 inch square card.  Any theme, and please  remember to keep embellishments to a minimum.

3. Upload your card somewhere online and link it using the InLinkz button on the bottom of this post. If you link to your blog, please make sure the link goes to the individual post, not to your blog's home page.

4.HAVE FUN! That's really what it's all about.


Supplies:

Stamps: Stampabilities
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Pure Poppy & Memento - Tuexedo Black
Paper: Papertrey Ink
Accessories: Ribbon, Button, Black Floss, Mister Huey's Real Red Color Mist, Reflections Die Cut Grad Cap, & Stamp-A-MA-Jig.

 

 

One-Layer Wednesday Challenge (OLW127) - Pinterest Inspiration

How many of you love Pinterest?  I don’t know about you, but I find myself “pinning” far more than anything else I do on Pinterest.  Please, tell me some of you feel the same?  So, this week I'm challenging you to use one of your own Pinterest boards as inspiration.  Let's put our Pinterest boards to good use!   Show us your inspiration.

For my inspiration, I choose my "Papertrey Love" board.  This is my inspiration card, and here is my card:

Pin It

One trend I’ve seen lately is watercolor. I love watercolor! To me, it's subtle, even tranquil (I look for peace and quiet anywhere I can find it these days…lol).  More on that in another post.

Now, if you don't have a Pinterest account, what are you waiting for?  It's fun and it's free. It really is inspiring. I should warn you, it's also very time consuming!  No, I don't work for Pinterest, I promise!  I've provided a link to get started, if you're interested.  If you don't have/or don't want a Pinterest account, please don't let that stop you from playing along this week. Find your own inspiration from wherever you wish.

Finally, I have to show you this beautiful watercolor card I found, and it's creator is our very own, Karen Dunbrook!  Isn't this a beauty?

  
OLW 127 Guidelines:

1. A one-layer card is defined as a single layer of card stock folded in half. No other layers of card stock allowed!

2. Make a card inspired by one of your own Pinterest boards.  Please show us your inspiration and  remember to keep embellishments to a minimum!

3. Upload your card somewhere online and link it using the InLinkz button on the bottom of this post. If you link to your blog, please make sure the link goes to the individual post, not to your blog's home page.

4.HAVE FUN! That's really what it's all about.


Supplies:

Stamps: Stampin' Up - Roses in Winter (retired)
Ink: Papertrey Ink - Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado & Spring Rain
Paper: Watercolor paper 90lb
Accessories: Water Brush & Stamp-A-MA-Jig.

One-Layer Wednesday 126 - Neglected Color

This weeks One-Layer Wednesday Challenge is hosted by Susan.  She's given us a great challenge;  use a "neglected color" in your ink collection.  This can be a color you really don't like, or maybe a color you've forgotten about.   Well, I didn't even have to think about this. I knew exactly which  color I was going to use.

For my card I used Autumn Rose, by Papertrey Ink.  Please... don't get me wrong, I adore Papertrey Ink. I've just not had good results with this color.  I'm sure it's just me!  You know, operator error.

So pull out some of those neglected inks and ...HAVE FUN! You may find a new favorite color.

Did you notice the handmade envelope?  There's a great tutorial on SplitcoastStampers.  You can make any size envelope you need, and it's a great way to use up some of that paper stash.

I forgot to mention, this card is 4x4 square.

Supplies
Stamps: Verve
Ink: Autumn Rose-Papertrey Ink
Paper: Papertrey Ink (card base) Envelope: Paper Studio
Accessories: Bling