Bee-utiful Friend

Hello Paper Crafters.  I'm just popping in with a quick post for all you bee-utiful cyber friends out there!   I am so very thankful for all of you, for your encoraging words, and support.
I hope you have a bee-utiful day!
Melisa

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Project Details
Stamps : Layers of Color "Honey Sweet" art stamp set

Patterned Paper : Echo Park "Be Mine" Love Song

Ribbon : May Arts

Label : Martha Stewart

Pearls : Prima

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Challenges

Truely Scrumptious - pink

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You can view more bee project HERE.

You can view more Layers of Color projects HERE.

You can view more Clean and Simple projects HERE.

Vintage Moth

Good Morning Paper Crafters!  I just wanted to pop in real quick today to share a card I designed using Vintage Moth cling art stamp and Sent With Love art stamp set by Layers of Color.  I just love the large cling stamps that Layers of Color has.  It makes it so easy to create a card quickly!

Patterned Paper : Lilybee Designs Picket Fence

I hope you get a chance to get crafty today!

Melisa

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You can view all of my Layers of Color projects HERE.

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Challenges

MyTime to Craft -  in full bloom
Partytime Tuesday - anything goes

The Warbler ... I love that stamp!

Good Morning!  It's going to be a fabulous day.  My friend Deb is coming over and we are going to spend the day working on techniques we learned from the She Art Class.  It is a fabulous online media class that has tons of background techniques in it.  And Christy is so funny, I really enjoyed the class.

We are also going to work on some submissions for some upcoming calls for Take Ten and Stampers Sampler.  Stampers Sampler has the cutest cupcake template to play along with this time.  We can make it any size and use it however we like.  In every issue they give us a differnet Tempting Template to create with.  You can check out all the previous Tempting Templates HERE.  They also have a call for stamping on special surfaces.  You can check out the details on the Sept. Calls page at the top of my blog.  We'd love to have you join us.  Shoot me an email and I'll send you a copy of the template.  If you play along please let me know when you post your project. 

Take Ten just released their Autumn issue and they always have a sketch challenge for their call.  I haven't had time to post that one yet, but it's not due til Oct 15.  They also have a "ink it over" challenge.  This one and all of their regular challenges are always listed in the back of the issue.  If you don't have a copy and want to play along, let me know and I'll send you the sketch.

Remember the deadlines for both Take Ten and Stampers Sampler are the dates they have to be in their office.  No email submissions.

Today I'm sharing a card I made a while back using the Warbler cling art stamp by Layers of Color.  The large cling art stamps that Layers of Color sales are so easy to design with.  And no coloring makes it easy to whip up a card in no time.  I have created many cards with this one, 7 in all!  Probably my most used Layers of Color stamp, besides those bees and butterflies!

Update on my birds ...  I now have 3 feeders up outside my studio window and tons of birds visiting every day!  I enjoy it so much ...  and so does the cat, ha!  He's STILL trying to capture them through the window, along with the Lizards.  I set him up a bed at the end of the table so he can just lay there and watch. 

You can check out all of my Warbler cards and other bird projects HERE.

Thanks for letting me share!  And I pray none of you are in the path of Irene.  Please let me know if you have prayer request and I will have the LOC DT pray for you.

big hugs,

Melisa

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Project Details

Stamps : Layers of Color Warbler cling art stamp and

Sent With Love art stamp set

Patterned Paper : K&Company

K&Company Adhesive Border

Lace : Hobby Lobby

Create card base with cream cardstock 5 ½” x 5 ½”.   Trim patterned paper slightly smaller and adhere to card base. Cut small strip of music patterned paper and adhere to left side. Mask off music patterned paper and stamp Warbler. Color branch and blooms with markers. Adhere lace vertically as shown. Adhere K&Company Adhesive Border vertically as well. Stamp Warbler on cream cardstock and cut just the bird body. Adhere over the image stamped on the patterned paper. Stamp sentiment.

Artist Trading Card / Faith Art

Artist Trading Card 2.5" x 3.5"

Good Morning Paper Crafters.  I am the hostess this morning for Faith Art Friday over on the Layers of Color blog and I wanted to share with you as well.  

Would you like to have the joy, peace, and happiness that only comes from God?? Sounds like a no brainer, right??   We all want joy, peace, and happiness, right??

As my children were growing up, one of the foundational principles that I reminded them of was that we were created by God to have a relationship with Him. I told them that if that relationship was good, then all of our other relationships would be as well. What a basic principle that if followed through on, all of us would have a more abundant life. But, we are humans, with faults. Some of us weaker than others. Some of us stumbling more than others. So I would like to take a moment today to remind all of us again of this basic principle which should govern our lives.

“Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The basic foundation of our relationship with God comes first through our accepting the salvation that He has offered us through Jesus. After we have established that relationship, then the key to a successful walk with Him comes through bible study and prayer.

So basic, yet many of us stumble. I know many times in my life I have become distracted and allowed myself to stray from regular bible study and prayer. And I know there are others who have done so as well. So please be reminded and encouraged today … to pray without ceasing.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God” Phillipians 4:6

Pray regularly. Have a routine of daily prayer and bible study. But beyond that, be willing to engage in prayer anytime during the day. As soon as you are convicted of some sin, or feel the smallest amount of anxiety over a problem in your life. Pray prayers of thankfulness all day long, acknowledging all that is good in your life, and it will change your life! God wants us to be continually dependent on Him. Don’t save it up till your regular prayer time. Stop where ever you are, acknowledge Him, and pray. I have to tell you that I am a forgetful person, so if I didn’t stop and pray as things come to my mind, then there would be so many things I would miss praying about. I have even prayed walking through the parking lot of Wal-Mart before, after seeing a mother verbally abusing her child. Or driving down the road seeing someone that looks so unfortunate. I pray for my co-workers and for the supervisors that God has put over me. We shouldn’t save our prayers up for the bad times in our lives, but pray continually, including God in all aspects of our lives.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request …” Ephesians 6:18

I prayed before writing this to you. I know that there may be many of you that know this principle and have a wonderful prayer life. But for that one person out there who needs a reminder, I’m praying for you right now.

We would love to invite you to check out Faith Art Friday every week on the Layers of Color blog.

thanks for stopping by today and letting me share my heart with you!

Melisa

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Project Details

Stamps : Layers of Color "Gift's of Love"

I am working on a series of Artist Trading Cards that are what I like to call Faith Art.  And this is one of them.  The backgound was created with crackle paste and brown ink.  I stamped the image, colored with Copics and trimmed.  I popped it up off the background and added my verse. 

You can view my other Faith Art projects HERE.

You can view all of my ATC's HERE.

You can view all of my Layers of Color projects HERE.

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You can view all of my ATC's HERE

You can view more of my Faith Art HERE.

Bee Well Soon!

Good Morning Paper Crafters.  Today I am sharing a card using "Honey Sweet" art stamp set by Layers of Color.  Isn't this set just perfect for a get well card!  Colored using Copics.  I trimed the main image and layered it over to cut outs created using my Spellbinders Labels Five Nestibilities and my Grand Calibur.  The image is compatible with Labels 20.  I added shadow inside the fencing with yellow chalk and N00.  This one is clean and simple and easy to create.

I hope you have a bee-utiful day!

Melisa

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You can view more of my Layers of Color projects HERE.

You can view more of my Bee projects HERE.

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Join the Layers of Color Facebook group HERE.

The future is bright ...

Hello Paper Crafters!  Is anyone going to be stamping today??  If you are, what will you be working on??  I created this one using one of Layers of Color's new releases "Encouragement" art stamp set.  Nina Brackett has a designed this set with some beautiful sentiments and verses in it, 8 total.  I was going for a shabby / vintage feel with this one.  The patterned paper and "Victorian Frame" reminded me of something you might have seen on a wall many years ago.  I added the little flower from my "Merci Bouquet" set. I used  the last piece of one of my most favorite lace on this one.  I had found it in an antique store.  It probably wasn't antique, who knows, but it was definitely unique.  Time to hit the anitque stores for some more rare finds.

Patterned Paper : The Girls Paperie "Kitch"
The next 2 were designed for Take Ten.  The cards are only supposed to take 10 minutes to create, so I had to keep them fairly clean and simple.  I have mailed them in and hope to see them in a future publication!

Supplies:

Stamps : Layers of Color “Pansy Corner” cling stamp set, “Flutterescent” and “Encouragement” art stamp sets

Copic Markers

Spellbinders Labels Eight and Grand Calibur

Stamp images on white cardstock. Trim sentiment using Spellbinders Labels Eight die with Grand Calibur. Ink edges. Color butterfly and pansy’s with markers and trim. Adhere all pieces to front of card. Ink edges.

Stamps : Layers of Color “RoseBlossom Frame” cling art stamp (compatible with Spellbinders Labels 16)  I did not use the Labels 16 die on this project.

and “Honey Sweet” art stamp set

Ink : Momento

Copic Markers

Ribbon unknown

Stamp rose frame on front of A2 card and color. Stamp sentiment. Stamp bee’s on separate white cardstock, color, and trim. Adhere to front of card. Tie bow and adhere.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
I am really excited to be meeting up with some new friends for a card swap tomorrow morning.
big hugs,
Melisa
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Challenges
Sentimental Sundays - flowers and a sentiment (little flower at the bottom of the frame and on the dp)
Tuesday Taggers - anything goes
Truly Scrumptious (wed) - lace
Mark's Finest Papers - distressing (lots of brown ink and frayed edges)

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You can view more of my Layers of Color projects HERE.

Time flies ....

Hello Paper Crafters!  How are you all doing??   It's been very busy the last couple of weeks and I can't believe how time has flown by since my last post.  Lots of great things that I'm so very thankful for have been keeping me very busy ...  increased work hours, my daughters visit for 10 days, getting together with a new crafty friend, and  ....  shoving my 23 year old baby bird out of the nest!!  Yep it's official, he has his own apartment.  We are all excited.  My in-laws drove all the way from Georgia to help move him and get him settled in.  What a blessing they are and we are so excited to share this special time with them!  And of course they have spoiled him with a few house warming gifts.  So, it's been a long day of lifting furnature and boxes and with this heat, I'm ready for bed.  But I wanted to get a quick post up first.  Hope you like it!

very tired hugs,

Melisa

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Project Details

Stamps : Layers of Color “Warbler” and “Nestling” cling art stamps

Patterned paper : Carolee Creations Cardstock : Bazzill

Ink : Tsukineko Brilliance Pearlescent Brown

Copic Markers, Brown Micron pen

Trim brown cardstock and adhere to front of A2 card. Trim patterned paper slightly smaller, stamp nest and color eggs. Stamp nest again on masking tape and trim along top only where bird over laps. Cover nest with mask and stamp bird. Adhere to card front and doodle around edges.
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You can view more of my Bird Projects HERE.
You can view more of my Layers of Color projects HERE.

I'm having a bee-utiful saturday!

Hello Paper Crafters.  I hope you are all having a fabulous saturday and doing something fun.  I have lots of things I "need" to do.  But I worked some extra hours this week, so I am definitely making time to play as well.  No my husband would totally have said that differently, teehee.  He would have said that I play a lot and he would like for me to make some time to work.  Next week will be very busy as well with work and then my daughter is coming for another visit on thursday!!  Yah!!  She will be here for 11 days and I"m really looking forward to it.  We are going to take a little trip to San Antonio while she's here, so that should be lots of fun.  We haven't really taken the time to explore outside of Houston since we moved here. 

So today I'm sharing an ensemble inspired by this week's Moxie Fab Trigger Tuesday.  And I couldn't resist using my "Honey Sweet" art stamp set by Layers of Color.  This is such a fun set with the cutest bee sentiments.  You can check it out HERE.

I have no idea where Cath find's all her inspirational photo's she shares, but I hope she keeps them coming!  I would not look so great in that coat, but I LOVE it.  I love the folds and the shape.  I think it would look awesome in red as well.

... and here is the matching gift bag.  I used the Square Bag 01 large, pre-cut / pre-scored from Creative Cuts and More.  I think if I had added a little black ribbon / bow at the top to tie the handles together it would look better. 

I think the Prima Notecard from Flora Fairy just made the card below.  Of course the Warbler image from Layers of Color is the shining star though. 

I LOVE birds.  I'm not sure how many times the birds on my bird feeder outside my studio window have made me smile this week.  They are just one of God's most amazing little creatures.  The ones who have been stopping by are so small.  There are a couple of different kinds.  I've been trying to catch a photo, but the fly off as I approach the window.  I need to get my zoom lense out.  I'm thinking aboutr picking up another feeder and putting sun flowers seeds in that one.  I would love to see a red bird sitting outside my window.  Luckily the cats think they have to be in the house at the window to enjoy them.  They haven't figured out that if the jumped the fence and went around to the front of the house, it might be easier to catch one. 

I hope you get a chance to enjoy some of God's wonderful creations this weekend!

hugs,

Melisa

My "Bee Mine" ensemble was chosen as a Trigger Target over at Moxie Fab!!!

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Project Details

Honey Sweet Card

Stamps : Layers of Color "Honey Sweet" art stamp set

Copic Markers

Patterned Paper : The Paper Studio, Glitz

Border Punch : Martha Stewart, Oval Punch - Paper Shapers

Deckled Scissors : Fiskars

Trim patterned paper and adhere to front of A2 card. Trim white cardstock strip and punch along bottom of strip and cut with deckled scissors along the top. Tie yellow ribbon and secure ends around back of strip. Adhere. Stamp bee’s, color, trim and adhere. Doodle flight path and antenna‘s. Stamp sentiment, punch with oval, and adhere with pop top.

Honey Sweet Gift Bag

Stamps - Layers of Color "Honey Sweet" art stamp set

Patterned Paper - The Paper Studio and Glitz

Gift bag - Creative Cuts and More

Fold and adhere Creative Cuts and More gift bag. It comes pre-cut and pre-scored. Trim patterned paper and white cardstock. Stamp sentiment. Adhere pieces together and tie yellow ribbon. Adhere panel to front of bag. Stamp images, color, and trim. Adhere to front of bag. Doodle flight path and antenna’s.

Warbler Card

Stamps : Layers of Color "Warbler" cling art stamp and "Sent With Love" art stamp set

Ink : Brilliance Peralescent Chocolate by Tsukineko

Cardstock : Bazzill     Patterned Paper : Prima Annalee Collection - Sonnet

Fiber : local craft store

Buttons : Dress It Up  (Michaels)

Copic Markers

Other : Prima Tag / Notecards Flora Fairy

Stamp image with brown ink on cream cardstock and cut out. Color branch and blooms with Copic Markers. Stamp sentiment on Prima note card.  Cut brown cardstock to 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" and adhere to front of card. Cut patterned paper 5x5" and ink edges. Adhere to brown cardstock and stitch around the edges. Adhere Prima notecard as shown. Adhere fiber / lace along top edge. Adhere Warbler image. Embellish with buttons.

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You can view more of my Creative Cuts and More projects HERE.
You can view more of my Layers of Color projects HERE.

You view more Gift Bags / Boxes HERE.

You can view more bee projects HERE

May Flower Bouquet Clean and Simple

This image is another one of the new releases from Layers of Color.  Such a pretty image!  I wanted to keep this one clean and simple.  Bright blue is not a color I use a lot, but it was one of the recent Paper Craft calls, so I decided to give it a try.  What about you??  Do you use bright blue often??

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods!

Melisa

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Project Details

Stamps : Layers of Color May Bouquet cling art stamp and Sent With Love art stamp set

Markers : Copic B24, B29, E23, G61, G24, G82

Ribbon : The Paper Studio

Tools : Spellbinders Labels Fourteen Nestibilities and Grand Calibur
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (Victoria)
Make card from cardstock, emboss, and create window with Spellbinders  

Craft Your Passion - general sentiment card

The Shabby Tea Room - flower power

Flourishes - embossing

Pixie Cottage - wrap it in ribbon

die. Stamp floral bouquet, color with markers, trim, and adhere to card

front with pop dot. Trace inside window with pencil to use as

guideline for stamping sentiment. Stamp sentiment inside card.

Tie ribbon / bow.

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Challenges

Teacup Card

Layers of Color

Summer 2011 New Release

Tea Party Blog Hop!

(If you came from LInda's blog you are in the right place.

If you have just stopped in, please start at the beginning so you can get all the goodies!)

Welcome!    I’m so glad you can join us for this wonderful celebration! We've been brewing up a super exciting party with lots of great treats! …

Don't you just LOVE that teacup image??  It's called Teacup Blessings.  It's such a fun set.  The sentiments come seperately so you can add what ever you like to your cup.

I also fell in love with these cute bee's!  This set is has lots of cute "bee" sentiments with it.


Put on your favorite tea party hat and let's check out the next blog!...

Next blog is Nina

You can view all of my Tea / Teacup related projects HERE

You can view all of my Bee themed projects HERE

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Project Details

Cards #2

Stamps : Layers of Color “Honey Sweet”

Markers : Copic RV0000, RV10,

Patterned Paper : Bo-Bunny,

Border Punch : Fiskars, Oval Punch : Paper Shapers,

Floss : DMC, Glitter Glue : Stickles

Make card from cardstock. Border punch front edge. Stamp sentiment and punch. Stamp bee images, color with markers and trim. Trim patterned paper. Plan placement of bee’s, lightly draw flight lines with pencils and sew. Erase pencil lines. Adhere bee images. Adhere sentiment with pop dot.

2 more sneak peaks and a tea-rrific invitation!

Hi Paper Crafters!  I have 2 NEW RELEASE cards to share with you today.  One more day and you get to see them all!!  The blog hop begins at 8am EST monday morning.  And as mentioned before there are lots of stamps being given away.  It's Layers of Colors 3rd birthday and we are celebrating in style.  We are going to have a tea-rrific time!!

So are you ready to win some stamps??   You can begin the hop over on the Layers of Color blog tomorrow.  HERE.  It's a circular hop, so you want miss a thing.  Comment on each designers blog for a chance to win a free stamp set.  Winners will be announced Tuesday and you will be ask to contact Laura with your mailing info so she can get your stamps in the mail to you.  Easy peasy!

You can see the glitter on the birds and around the frame on this close-up.

Masking Technique

I did wan to take a minute to explain the masking technique used in this card.  The image is a corner - triangle image.  I decided to stamp the image twice to create a square.  I wasn't brave enough to try in directly on the front of the card, so I stamped the images on a seperate piece of white cardstock, colored and then trimmed.  But with a little practice, you might be able to stamp it perfectly directly on the card and save a little time.

Stamp Pansy Corner once on cardstock and a second time on masking tape.  Trim masking tape and cover image on cardstock.  Save you mask and you can re-use it.  (I stick mine to the back of the stamp board panel that my stamp is stored on).   Stamp other corner, overlapping the edges, to create a box.  Remove masking tape and color with markers. 

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******  YOU CAN WIN Layers of Color stamps ******

 by playing along with the CR84FN Challenge HERE (deadline July 14th)  and by leaving a comment on this Moxie Fab Stamp of Approval post HERE. 

 

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Project Details

Card #1

Stamps : Layers of Color NEW RELEASE "Gifts of Love"

Patterned Paper : Lilybee Designs Picket Fence

Copics : BV31 and V15 (tip to tip around edges)

Border Punch : Fiskars

Glitter : Stampendous

Trim patterned paper and adhere to front of A2 card. Trim purple and white strips using deckled scissors and border punch as shown. Adhere lace to white strip, wrapping ends around edges. Adhere both strips to card front. Stamp image, color and trim. Embellish birds and around edges with glitter. Adhere to card front. Embellish ends with pearls.

 

Card#2

Stamps : Layers of Color NEW RELEASE "Pansy Corner", "Encouragement"(sentiment), "Butterfly Collector"(large butterfly) and  "Flutterescent"(small butterfly)

Copics : BV02, BV13, BV17, Y11, E43, YG61, G82, G24

Eclipse masking tape

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Challenges

Card #1

Fab N Funky - purple

Tuesday Taggers - flower power

Cute Card Thur - Lace

Crafty Catz - vintage

Card #2

Stamp Something - bugs and butterflies

Charisma Cardz - flowers


See ya tomorrow!
Melisa

Birds of a feather ...

Sneek Peak #3 ... check out that bird nest! I'm in love! One of the things I love about my Layers of Color stamps is that they go together so well. And that bird nest is perfect for one of my favorite LOC stamps - the Warbler. As soon as I seen this patterned paper by Pink Paislee (Gypsy Chick), I knew exactly what I was using it for. The photo doesn't show it well, but the blue in the background is more of a blue/green.

These little cuties are from "Backyard Birds". It's so easy to create your own birdhouse.

Did you know it's Layers of Color's 3rd birthday??

I am so excited to be helping Laura celebrate on monday with a fun tea themed blog hop and we would love to have you join us as well. Lots of give-aways, so you don't want to miss it!

Wanna see more sneek peaks??
Check out the other design team member blogs :

Diana

Janice

Jennie

Jessica

Linda

Nina

Wanna a chance to WIN Layers of Colors stamps today???

Then head on over to the Moxie Fab World blog.  Thursday Layers of Color was featured as the "Stamp" of Approval company!!!  We are so excited about that.  Cath is giving away stamps and you can check it out here:

http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/07/moxie-fab-stamp-of-approval-layers-of.html

I'll see you tomorrow with another sneek peak!!  2 days left til the big tea party!

Melisa

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Challenges
Card #1
Sentimental Sundays - Anything goes
Stampin' Sisters in Christ - Clean and Simple
City Crafters - birds of a feather

Card #2
Papertake Weekly - anything goes
Truely Scrumptious - Things with wings

Card #3
Stampin' for the weekend - Wings and things
Allsorts - anything goes
Card Patterns - sketch

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Project Details

Card #2

Stamps : Layers of Color “Backyard Birds” and

“Sent With Love” art stamp sets

Copic Markers : E43, E57

Patterned Paper : Making Memories (word paper) and

Pink Paislee (polka dots)

Border Punch : Martha Stewart Spellbinders die : Classic Ovals

Tear word paper and adhere across bottom of A2 card. Hand cut bird

house. Cut small oval from word paper. Punch scalloped border

and adhere to back of roof. Adhere house to card front. Stamp

sentiment. Stamp birds on card front. Stamp birds again on

white cardstock, color and cut bodies. Adhere over birds

stamped on card front.

Card #3

Stamps : Layers of Color “Backyard Birds” and “Sent With Love” art stamp sets

Copic Markers : E43, E57 Pearls : Prima

Patterned Paper : Making Memories (word paper) and Pink Paislee (polka dots)

Oval Punch : EK Success Ribbon : American Crafts

Stamp warbler and color with markers. Trim patterned paper

3” x 4.25” and adhere to front of A2 card. Adhere ribbon

and pearls. Punch oval and stamp sentiment. Adhere to card front.

Layers of Color New Releas SNEAK PEAK #2!

Good Morning. I am back today with another sneek peak as promised! Don't you just love the florals in the tea cup!! Your gonna love this set too. And I used my new Spellbinders die - Labels Twenty One with my Grand Calibur! Isn't that a cool shape?? I love it! Which Spellbinders die is your favorite??

Stamps : Layers of Color "Gifts of Love", "Sent with Love", and "Touch of Elegance" art stamp sets.

Patterned Paper : My Mind's Eye

Spellbinders : Labels Twenty One, Labels Eight, and Classic Ovals Small

Make sure you join us on Monday

when the entire release will be revealed. Laura is giving away the entire collection to one lucky winner. And each design team member will be giving away a set as well.

You can help us spread the word by sharing a Layers of Color banner on your blog. Get the code HERE.

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Challenges

Totally Paper Crafts was playing BINGO this week (flowers, die, gems-pearls)

Our Daily Bread - anything goes

ABC Challenges - a challenge from "yesterday" (I chose "2 or more images")

Flourishes - use a sentiment with the word friend in it

Stamptacular Sunday - 2 of the same thing

Have a fabulous day!

Melisa

PS - sorry about the spacing. Blogger is acting up!

Layers of Color NEW RELEASE sneak peeks!

Good Morning Paper Crafters. I hope you all had a great 4th. We finally got our livingroom furnature ordered. I'm so relieved to have that taken care of. Now we can move on to curtains, a TV stand, and a curio. And if it takes as long to take care of these items as it did picking out the couch, chair, and recliner, then we should be done by Christmas, HA!

I have great news to share with you this morning. Layers of Color will be releasing 5 new art stamp sets and more cling art stamps as well!! The new release will be available next monday and we are celebrating with a tea party. We would "bee" delighted if you joined us for a "tea-rrific" release party! You can display a banner on your blog to let others know about it as well. Check out the "link love" page to get your banner.

The card above is just a sneak peak of new images! You don't want to miss this blog hop! Laura is giving away the entire collection to one lucky stamper! Each design team member is giving away stamps as well!

Check out more sneak peaks this week on all of the design team blogs :

Diana Janice Jennie Jessica Linda Nina

I also want to mention that we have another guest designer joining us for July. I have forgotten to mention this in the past and will do better, because Laura books some of the best designers out there to join us each month. So please check out the Layers of Color blog wednesday to check out July's guest designer!! It is someone that I think most of you know already.

I'll be back on thursday with another sneak peak.

hugs, Melisa

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Project Details

You’re So Sweet

Stamps : Layers of Color “ Honey Sweet” art stamp set

Copic Markers

Glitter Glue: Stickles

Corner Rounder -

Stamp bee’s and sentiment. Color bee’s and embellish wings

with clear stickles. Embellish with gems. Round corners.

Don't go breakin' my heart ....

Wanna know how to break my little artsy heart???  Issue a "cardboard" challenge for the summer issue, and then don't publish my little Under The Sea art piece.  :  (     I don't usually whine or complain on my blog, I save that for DH, ha!  But Stampers Sampler has broken my heart.  It's a day like this that makes you want to throw in the towel and stop submitting.  What I am more upset about is that I sent them $10 to mail this and 3 other cards back and they haven't!  I worked hard on this, and I hope it didn't end up in a trash can somewhere.

But I want give up!  I love their challenges and template challenges and they really spark my creativity so I will push on!  And I have to say that the June / July issue is OUTSTANDING!  Even if you don't want to buy it.  Stop by a nearby Michaels or Barnes and Noble and check it out.  The hot air balloon template projects are AMAZING!  What creativity!   And of course I love all the cardboard art.  I saw 1 name I recognized.  This chick is an outstanding mixed media artist.  I wanna be just like her when I grow up!

Lynn Stevens.

If this issue inspires you to create something using cardboard then I would love to have you add it to my Flickr group HERE.

Need more inspiration ??? 

You can check out more of my cardboard art HERE.

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Project Details

Stamps : Under the Sea art stamp set by Layers of Color. Sentiment - Unity.

Ink - VersaFine Onyx Black, Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate both by Tsukineko.

Spellbinders - Labels Eight  and Grand Calibur

Corrugated Cardboard.

Pumus - Golden.

Crackle Paint - Ranger

Acrylic Paint - Making Memories.

Tuelle - Bazzill.

Raffia, hemp and shell fiber - local craft store

Clear pebble embellishment - Making Memories

Cut corrugated cardboard to size and tear away some area’s to expose the ripples.

I started out applying some vintage music paper but it was eventually layered over

and now you can only see hints of it (The Etude at the top).  Apply acrylic paint (mine

is watered down so that it is a little transparent). Apply pumus (it’s this wonderful sand

like product you can find I the artist section of local craft store) with a palette knife.

Pumus is grey in color, but you can mix it with paint. I used a beige color. After dry,

apply crackle paint. Add brown ink. Stamp images and trim. Stamp sentiment and

trim with Spellbinders die, then ink edges. Cover back of project with white paper.

Wrap with fibers and adhere clear pebble to center of knot. Adhere sentiment

and images. Add a cardboard frame stand to the back so you can display it

on a table top.

Have a blessed weekend!!
Melisa