Mrs. Swandog's Blog

Piggy Thank You

2012-02-20T05:45:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
What a wonderful weekend I had. Windy and I spent the weekend at a dog show. Windy came home with 5 first place and finished her GRACH title and won high in trial. I have the best dog!
Today I bring you a new card Piggy Thank You ....

This was a fun card to create. The pig and saying are from clear dollar stamps. The piggy is colorized with Prisma pencil and gamsol. He is then cut and matted using a spellbinder die. The card is wrapped in twine from sew easy.

The thank you is cut with a spellbinder set. A fun and cheery thank you.
Here is a photo of from the dog show...

Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Bulldog Hello

2012-02-18T04:52:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am off to a dog show shortly here. I wanted to bring you a card before I left.
Bulldog Hello ....fitting for a dog show day...

The bulldog image is from Lindy's Stamp Gang as well as the saying. I colorized the bulldog with Prisma pencil and gamsol. He is standing on three mats cut with a spellbinders set. This sits upon a background of flocked paw prints.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Elephant Happy Spring Card

2012-02-17T05:31:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am working on a new venture that I will soon disclose. So I have been keeping my hands very busy in a good way.
Here is a card for today....
Elephant Happy Spring Card

I created this card for Joan's Challenge last week at the last minute. I did not get it posted, so I am posting it today. The elephant is a clear image from Peachy Keen. The bird is from Lindy's stamp gang. I used a prima paper from a six by six pad. The lattice is cut from silver paper with a Cheery Lynn die. The elephant and bird are colorized with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. The flowers are cut with a memory box die and wound with a quilling tool. They have liquid pearls for the centers. The leaves are cut with a spellbinder die from scraps. The Happy Spring is stamped on a die cut from a spellbinder. A happy card to usher in spring!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Country Chicken Couple

2012-02-16T06:30:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I have been having some fun creating. Yesterday I was in a corny mood. So I created this Country Chicken Couple card....

I used stamps from two different companies to create this card. The barn, sayings, and hen on the inside are from clear dollar stamps. The rooster is from Lindy's Stamp Gang. They pulled this card together nicely. The barn and rooster were colorized with Prism pencil and gamsol then hand cut. The sayings and the hen were cut by using a spellbinder die set. The hen was also colorized using Prisma pencil and Gamsol. For the finishing touch I tied a piece of string from sew easy.

The hen on the inside of the card. Corny but unique to say the least. Now to find a person who needs this card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Doggy Best Friend

2012-02-15T06:20:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I have been creating as of late. I am feeling like my sparkle is back. This makes me happy!
Here is the newest card I have created....

Doggy Best Friend I am on a blue kick since that was the color over at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ this week. This little girl and her dog image was purchased at Joan's. I colorized the image with Prisma pencil and gamsol. Then she was cut with a spellbinder die. The three flowers were created using two flower punches and liquid pearls. Two background mats frame her out. One glitter card stock because she is a girly. The ribbon is from my stash.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Blue Bike Happy Birthday Card

2012-02-14T05:48:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
My goodness it snowed again last night. Come on March!
I had a friend over to play on Sunday. You know inks, stamps, paper. This is the card I created with a little help from my friend. I call it the Blue Bike Happy Birthday Card. And here it is....

For this card I stamped a bike image from IO onto Bristol board. I then colorized it with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. I cut it out using a spellbinder. The blue mat is cut from a spellbinder in a larger size. Liquid pearls were added to the bottom mat. This is done on a 5 x 7 card that I covered in Happy Birthday paper. I then edge punched the bottom.

This is the inside of the card. I added the punched blue strip so that it would show through the front of the card to show off the punching.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Four Square Card Tim Holtz Style

2012-02-13T05:40:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I had a nice easy weekend this time around. A little too cold for my taste, but I spent my time mainly indoors.

I have a card for you today....Four Square Card Tim Holtz Style...

A very easy manly card. I never have enough masculine cards. I found this fold in an old magazine and decided to give it a try. It went quite well with Tim Holtz images.

This card is created using four 5 inch by 5 inch pieces of cardstock. They are each folded in half one way. They are then assembled to create a packing box top where you tuck one corner under. Using four Tim Holtz images I created the top tan squares. I inked the edges on all four.

This is the inside of the card when it is opened.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Joan's Challenge # 5

2012-02-11T17:14:00.000-06:00

Good Evening Ladies,
I am posting later than usual because I finished my card around noon. Then it was off to a pampered chef party at one. I'm back home and have been messing around. Then I thought hey I better post that card for Joan's Challenge # 5.
The link is http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2012/02/this-weeks-challenge.html
The challenge was as follows
A spring card
Colors of Blue and White
Some type of lattice
And a bird
Here is my card.....

For this card I used a bird stamp and saying from Lindy's Stamp Gang. This bird looks like he has had a long journey from the south and as he flies in he asks is it spring yet? He was stamped on bristol board and then colorized with prisma pencil and gamsol. I hand cut him out. My lattice die-cut is from Cheery Lynn that I purchased at Joan's. The flowers were created using punches and gel spots from Kaiser. My background paper has clouds on it. It also had sunflowers in the right bottom hand corner with blue stems and leaves. I covered the sunflowers with blue flowers. My vine with leaves is a sizzix die. I need to pick up at least one vine with leaves when I am at Joan's next. The bottom border is a Martha Stewart border punch with braid covering the bottom. The saying is stamped on a spellbinder die and accented with liquid pearls from Joan's.

A side view of my card. I used pop dots to pop up the bird, flowers, and saying.
What a wonderful challenge this is. It made me go back and use the wonderful trellis die. And now that I remember I have it there will be more cards to come using it.
Thanks again Joan and Selma!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Hopping Bunny Scene

2012-02-10T05:58:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Friday morning and I have a card for you today.... Hopping Bunny Scene...

New stamps always create fun. This is another new bunny stamp from stamps gone wild. He is just so cute and fun to work with. I decided to do a scene with him. I believe the mushrooms are from bees wax and the leaves are from stampscapes. The background matting is another Graphics 45 tablet that is just now opened an used. I used the masking technique to create this scene. This scene is colorized with prisma pencil and gamsol.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Trio Of Bunnies

2012-02-09T13:37:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon,
I know it's late, but better late than never. And I have a card for you today.
I call it Trio Of Bunnies....

Another new stamp from art gone wild. I stamped these cute bunnies on bristol board. I then colorized them with Prisma pencil and gamsol. I took the stamped image and cut it out with a spellbinder die. Paper from Graphics 45 was my choice of matting. This is from the once upon a time stack. The same sheet using both sides. The corner flourish is die cut from a cheery lynn die using textured paper. I cut away the other end of the corner and added a flower I created using a memory box die. Black and tan ribbon peaks out from behind the mat under the bunnies. I'm thinking of spring and easter. Yes I am ready!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

joansgardens.com/2012/02/fun-challenge-4 candy slide xl

2012-02-05T08:24:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
What a wonderful Sunday morning! The sun is shinning and all is at peace in my little corner of the world.
I got up this morning and did the math to make a bigger candy slide for
http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2012/02/fun-challenge-4.html
I like the king size Hershey bars...but the next size bigger was on sale 10 for 10 at my local Kroger store. So I only bought one king and several of the next size up. So here is another with that much bigger candy bar...

This next size larger also gives you more room to embellish! That I love. So to create this candy slide I pull out several dies. My memory box bird and bird cage die was perfect to create two little love birds. I used a spellbinder die to create the heart circle that sits behind my little love birds. I used my memory box spiral flower die to create some flowers and a cheery lynn die for my foliage. A heart spellbinder die gives this slide a little more love. I used a heart boarder punch for my band. Pretty pink trim dances across this candy slide.

The candy pulled up by the ribbon.

This is a close-up shot of my flowers. I gave something a try that worked out so well. My center flower is created die cutting the center of a Heartfelt creation flower I had stamped and colored. It gave it a total different look. I made too many of these flowers for another project. So I figured no loss if it didn't work out. I am so glad I tried it. I will be creating more of these in the future.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

joansgardens.com/2012/02/fun-challenge-4 candy slide

2012-02-04T07:05:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Snow on the ground again. Yuck! I guess I am just so ready for spring.
Every morning I have a little note stuck in my computer key board from my youngest. It's always to change the laundry or get up at a certain time. At the end of the note he always says Thanks. I guess I did some things right.
I have created a candy slide for the challenge over at Joan's Gardens. You can check out the challenge here....
http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2012/02/fun-challenge-4.html Come join us!
Here is what I created....

To create this candy slide I used swiss dot in red for the body. My band at the bottom was created using a heart border punch. I also added a band at the top that is plain. My hearts are cut from red swiss dot and holographic star paper. My images are by Art Gone Wild. I colorized the images with prisma pencil, gamsol, and spica metallic markers. I hand cut them and popped them up on the heart. Red braid at the top and a strand of pearls at the bottom set this candy slide off. I used sheer red ribbon for my pull. I used the King size candy bar size. Pearls top the hearts. The hearts are created using a spellbinder die.

A close-up of the love bunnies!

The candy pulled part way up.
This was a really fun challenge. Thanks again for another great one Joan and Selma!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

A Girl and her Dog Valentine

2012-02-03T06:16:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I seemed to have lost track of time this morning. Here is the new card I created for today....
A Girl and her Dog Valentine

I created this card with the main image of a girl with her dog. I thought my mom gave me the main image, but she says maybe not. So if not it must have been my friend Judy. It came off of the cricut. The bottom layer of this card is red sparkle cardstock. The next layer is gold mirror card. I then cut the heart circle shape with a spellbinder die. It did not have much pop so I added lace all the way around the edge underneath. A red velvet ribbon tops this card off.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Joan's Garden Challenge 3 2012 once more

2012-01-31T21:42:00.000-06:00

Good Evening Ladies,
I have decided to have another go round of Joan's Garden Challenge 3 2012. You can see all the entries here
http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2012/01/this-weeks-challege.html
And here it is....

For this card I used a embossing folder for my base over a white card. I sanded the embossed portion with a Tim Holtz sanding block. I then distressed the edges with a tonic distress tool. I used pierceing tool around the edge. You can see this better in the next photo. I used the Cheery Lynn olive branch die to create leaves for my flowers. A spellbinder die was used to create the center piece which I stamped Happy Birthday on. To create the flowers I used the memory box pinwheel posie. The quilling tool really helped in shaping these flowers. A sheer pink ribbon and pearls top this card off.

A view from the top of the flowers.

A side view of the flowers.
I love this flower die that I purchased at Joan's. She was out of the other two flower dies. I can tell you right now I am going to purchase them as soon as they come back in stock.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Graphic 45 Love Letter Card

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
It's Sunday morning and the house will still be quiet for a few more minutes. This is why I get up everyday at 5a.m.
I have a card for you today that I created over at the http://scrapshack.ning.com/ I am in the card group there and have fun doing Helen's challenges.
Now for the card....

This is the first time I have used a sketch to create a card. I used the Graphics 45 tablet Communique. It worked out perfect for this challenge. It was so easy. Just some cutting and gluing and I was done. This card is perfect for a Valentine or a love letter.

I found this blood red heart bead in my stash that really pulled this card together. Another out of the box project for me.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Floral Card

2012-01-28T07:35:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
It has snowed again. Windy is enjoying it. Another day of cold to move around in. I do plan on doing quite a bit of creating today. I have to go get a new glass for the shadow box I made at the crop last weekend. On the way home something in the car fell on it and broke it.
My card for today is a simple floral card. I purchased this set of stamps last weekend at the crop....

I created this card first using a bristol board panel. I stamped the flowers, the stem, and the foliage. I then colorized them with prisma pencil and gamsol. The background was also created using prisma pencil and gamsol. I created the clouds using a torn paper towel and a make up sponge. The ink I used to create the clouds was memento grey mist. I accented the flowers with stickles. The panel is double matted with dsp and white glitter paper on a white card base. Ribbon was added across the top. Another piece of bristol board was cut with a spellbinder die and stamped with Happy Birthday. A clean look.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Joan's Garden Challenge 3 2012

2012-01-27T05:44:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Yesterday was another busy day off. Took a friend to pick up her car. I had lunch with Dave. Then off to agility training with Windy and Harley. Then back to watch Lucas. I was tired last night but I did manage to finish Joan's Garden Challenge 3 2012.
The requirements are:
card size 4 1/4 by 5 1/2
Pink, Green, and some Purple
distressed edges
piercing
Another fun challenge by Joan and Selma.
Check out the challenge and Joan's blog here http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2012/01/this-weeks-challege.html
Here is my challenge card....

To start this card off I used pink card stock for the background. I layered a piece of Bo Bunny paper from the Garden Girl Collection pad I purchased at Joan's last week. The floral leaves were cut from Tim Holtz distressed cardstock. I cut them using a leaf spellbinder die. I then distressed them with a Tim Holtz sanding block and my scissors. The flower was created using a Heartfelt Creations stamp set I purchased at Joan's. I added pop dots to make this flower 3-D. To complete the flower I added a pearl sprig. I love these pearl sprigs. They can be found at your local craft store in the wedding department. I used a spellbinder die cut from Tim Holtz card stock and stamped Happy Birthday on it. I then used my piercing tool to do a double row of piercing on the die cut. Purple polka dotted ribbon finishes this card off.

A side view of the popped flower. The petals are curved just slightly.
I love a good challenge and piercing is not something I normally do. So this sent me outside of the box. Thanks again Joan and Selma. Keep those challenges coming!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Pretty Valentine Bird Cage

2012-01-26T05:41:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
This is the last card I made at the crop last weekend. I was having way too much fun with my dies from http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ If you haven't visited her site yet it is a must.

With out delay here is my Pretty Valentine Bird Cage card ....

This simple card was created using the Memory Box bird and bird cage dies. I cut the birds out of swiss dot paper as well a punching a heart from the same paper. I cut a strip of black card stock for a perch. The wonderful bird cage is also a memory box die cut from white glitter card stock. I added a piece of floss to the top of the bird cage. My two mats were created using a Martha Stewart punch set. I punched black card stock for the bottom layer and gold glitter card stock for the top mat. A velvet ribbon tops this card off. The base of the card was created using SEI embossed card stock.

A close up of the little birds in the bird cage.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

La Blanche Wild Flowers

2012-01-25T05:16:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I just stepped outside, seems pretty chilly out there. I am waiting for spring. Winter finds me in the house way too much.
Here is a card for today.... La Blanche Wild Flowers ...

To create this card I used La Blanche paper and a La Blanche stamp. I colorized the image with Tim Holtz distressed ink and Ranger pen nibs. I then took Tim Holtz distressed ink and sponged it over the whole panel. I tore the edges and inked them as well. I took a pencil and curled the corners up and down.

A butterfly die from Cheery Lynn was cut and shaped. I then sprayed it with gold mist.

I created the stick pin with a hat pin. I added beads. I then stuck this through a Prima flower and cut the end of the hat pin off. The flower was sprayed with gold mist. The mat is from a K&Company Christmas pad.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Memory Box Love Birds

2012-01-24T06:01:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I have not been very good at keeping my blog updated as of late. I have no reason for this. But it looks like I will be getting back into the swing things.
I went to a local crop this weekend. I wasn't very productive but I did create a shadow box, three finished cards and one card panel. Maybe I was more productive than I thought.
It was good to see everyone at the crop. January can be a long month in Northern Indiana, so this crop came at just the right time.
I must confess I took a trip out to http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ before I went to the crop. And wow did I pick up some wonderful new dies by memory box. So pretty much that is what I played with. Yes also my La Blanche stamps and paper. I stocked up on the La Blanche paper while I was a Joan's too.
Here is one of the cards I made with three of my new dies....

This card features a heart tree topper die. It cuts your top layer of paper. You then just place the color of cardstock you want your hearts to be underneath. The tree trunk is it's own die. I cut this from brown cardstock and nested it in the heart tree topper. The topper comes in designs other than hearts. My two little love birds is another memory box die that I cut with sparkle paper and non sparkle paper. With birds the boys are always prettier than the girls. I haven't figured that one out yet...LOL. I had my friend cut the grass on her cricut. I now have to go and get a grass die from Joan. To finish this card off I added a ribbon to the bottom.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

new-year-first-challenge at Joan's Garden

2012-01-07T21:45:00.000-06:00

Good Evening Ladies,
As you can see I am doing exciting things on Saturday night. LOL I am doing one of the things I love creating!
Well the new-year-first-challenge at Joan's Garden is on. Yes this will be another fun year of challenges.
The requirements are...
make a card or a tag using some kind of hearts
use any kind of embellishments
use pink or red with white
do some kind of embossing
Check out all the entries at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2012/01/new-year-first-challenge.html
Here is my take on this challenge....

I started with a white glitter card base 6 inches by 6 inches. I then layered a 5 1/2 inch by 5 1/2 inch piece of glitter cardstock that I ran through my cuttlebug in an embossing folder that is swirling hearts. The flowers are stamped from a heartfelt creations stamp set that I colorized with prisma pencil and gamsol. The three heart shapes are cut from a spellbinder set. I used pink heart brads at the top of the heart die-cuts in two sizes. The saying and dog are from an inky antics clear set. The dog is colorized using prisma pencil in pink and white and a colorless blender pencil from prisma.
Thanks for the fun challenge Joan and Selma!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Double Dutch Fold

2012-01-06T05:36:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I was up a little too early this morning. Must have had enough sleep. Although I feel like this afternoon I won't be feeling that way.
I found my way over to splitcoast a few days ago and happened upon a new to me card fold. Double Dutch Fold as they call it. Well I just had to give it a whirl. The fold is easy and there will be more to come.
Here is my first Double Dutch Fold card to celebrate Valentines Day.

The card stock is all glitter. Two pinks and a gold. The hearts were die cut using a spellbinders die. I used all three sizes in the package. I won the key die from Marianne dies sometime ago at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ This was my first real chance to use this die and I love it. Thanks Joan!

This is the card semi-opened. I have not gone and found the love stamp quotes as of yet but will add one inside.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Masterpiece Of Nature

2012-01-05T06:46:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am getting back into the groove. Thinking about what I want to create and working on my mojo. My creative patterns have changed a little with the change of my corner of the world. I will look forward to creating in the evening and seeing where my muse will take me.
The card I have created for you today I call Masterpiece Of Nature ....

This card was created on a 5 by 7 card base from The Paper Cut. I layered it with three mats that draw out the colors of the inner panel. The inner panel features a La Blanche stamp. This is stamped on La Blanche paper. These stamps can be purchased along with the paper at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2012/01/wild-wednesday-sale.html And the bonus is that they are on sale this week! I colorized the image with Tim Holtz distressed ink using Ranger pen nibs and a make up sponge. To top this card off I used Cheery Lynn dies as accents. These are also can be purchased at Joan's. The quote is from fiskars.

A side view of the open work butterfly.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Squirrel And Mouse Friend La Blanche

2012-01-04T05:49:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I have been missing in action over the holidays. Too many holiday happenings going on and not being able to get messy held me back.
I bring you my first card of 2012. Squirrel And Mouse Friend La Blanche

To create this card I used a La Blanche stamp. I stamped on La Blanche paper using Tim Holtz distressed ink to colorize it. Pen nibs ran across the pads helped me colorize the details and make-up sponges to colorize the background. The card base is created using the Tim Holtz distressed and sandable cardstock. The background papers are from the Bo Bunny timepiece pad. I broke out my sew easy tool, heads and thread to create an antique look. It brought back memories of needle crafts I did as a child. Funny how things work that way. Goosebump spray was sprayed over the entire front of the card to give more texture.

This is the inside of the card. The image on the front of the card and this saying just seemed to work together. I added the panel to the inside as I felt the green was too dark to write a message on.

Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Cheery Lynn Challenge Flowers On A Card

2011-12-17T07:10:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am up and at it early today. I started laundry at 4 am. So much too do.
I have decided to join the challenge over at Cheery Lynn this week. Here is the link....
http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.com/2011/12/cheery-lynn-designs-challenge-6-flowers.html
Cheery Lynn Challenge Flowers On A Card is the challenge and here is my card....

I created this card by taking a sheet of prima paper in the size of 6 inches by 6 inches. It was attached to a white card. The prima paper was covered by vellum so the design just peeks through. My rocking horse is an image by Holly Berry House. He was stamped and embossed on white card stock in black. I then colorized him with water color markers. I added liquid pearls to his rocker. Now for the Cheery Lynn Design dies...I used B147 Olive Branches for my leafy vines. I cut these from a printed K&Company card stock. I used SF-4 Stacker Flower #4 for my flowers. I layered the blue flowers under the white flowers curling each petal. I attached these using beacon 3 in 1 glue pushing the centers down to the card. To the center of the flowers I added rhinestones. This produced a very cute baby card.

This is a side view of the flowers.
I love the Cheery Lynn dies. They have taken my art to a whole new level. Thanks Cherry Lynn!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Joan's Challenge Quick Christmas Card Leaping Reindeer

2011-12-16T17:17:00.000-06:00

Good Evening Ladies,
Christmas is coming fast. I am going to have to kick it into gear and get everything done. But not before I enter Joan's last challenge of the year. So click here to see all the talent going on over there....
http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/12/this-weeks-challenge_15.html
Here is my entry for Joan's Challenge Quick Christmas Card Leaping Reindeer....

This is a quick card for me. The reindeer and trees are stamped on La Blanche paper. No coloring needed. I sponged in the background with Tim Holtz distressed inks. Stickles under foot for the snow. A spellbinders tree with the word rejoice stamped on it and a flat back star for the topper. The Martha Stewart vine punch with stickles down the center for a little extra sparkle.
I can't wait for the new year challenges at Joan's.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Jingle Bells Santa Card Joan's Challenge

2011-12-15T00:13:00.000-06:00

Good Evening Ladies,
I am up late working on creations. Too long of a nap after work today. So I thought I would bring you one more card.
I am posting this one over at Joan's for the challenge this week...
http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/12/this-weeks-challenge.html
Here it is....
I call it Jingle Bells Santa Card

I created this card using a piece of paper from the bo bunny christmas tablet. I used crystal laquer to highlight the Jingle Bells words. I used a martha stewart punch to create the border piece at the bottom of the card. The poinsettia flower was created with shimmer card stock, gold embossing powder and a Heartfelt Creations stamp set. The santa is a La Blanche stamp. He is stamped on La Blanche paper and colorized with Tim Holtz distressed ink using pen nibs and makeup sponges. I added Tim Holtz distressed stickles in straw to the fur on his hat.

A close-up of Santa.
You can find these products at Joan's. Click on the link above to visit her shop on-line.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

La Blanche and Tim Holtz Colide

2011-12-12T06:15:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I have been posting Christmas for so long I thought I would create a different kind of card. I call this one...
La Blanche and Tim Holtz Colide....

I feel these two companies meld together well. The stamp is by La Blanche. I stamped this on La Blanche paper with archival ink. It was then colorized with Tim Holtz distressed ink. The background card stock is from the Tim Holtz resist pad. I also used Tim Holtz distressed ink to colorize this. The stamped panel is raised with pop dots. The clock is a jewelry pendant that was shiny silver. It did not match. So I used Tim Holtz metallic mixitives to turn it the color I wanted. That was much easier than I thought it would be and will be using this technique again. The black coated paper clip is from my office supplies. I left this card blank inside because I can think of many occasions to use this card for. Such as a scrooge christmas card, a father time new year's card, a birthday card, a funny card at tax time....the list goes on.
Well...off to my day job...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Old English Sheepdog Christmas Card Joan's Challenge

2011-12-11T21:12:00.000-06:00

Good Evening Ladies,
Slowly getting ready for Christmas. Today I went to get lights for my new tree. I decided my old m&m guy lights are to heavy for the new skinny tree. So we went out to get new smaller lights. Wal-Mart was our first stop. I could not believe it. Wal-Mart was out of tree lights. So off to ace I went. I found lights there on a reel. All on one string. I bought these. I will not have all those plugs going down the back of my tree this year.
Here is my card for the challenge over at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/12/this-weeks-challenge.html
Old English Sheepdog Christmas Card Joan's Challenge ....

The challenge is a christmas card....anything goes.
To create this card I stamped an old english sheep dog on white cardstock and embossed it with black embossing powder. I colorized him using copic markers. He was cut out by hand. I took white glitter cardstock and covered my card. I tore two strips of white glitter cardstock to create layers of snow. Three Christmas trees were cut from green holly holographic foil paper using a spellbinder die set. They were added on to the card with the layering of the snow pieces. I added a flatback angel to the top of the largest tree. Pieces of a gold glitter holiday pick was added to each corner. In the very corners of each gold leaf piece I added rouge liquid pearls to create holly berries.
When I create my Christmas cards no two are alike. I am not one for repeat creations.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Christmas Wind Swept Horse Card

2011-12-09T06:16:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
It has been way too long since I posted last. I was off at a dog show for four days last week and weekend. And then there was so much to catch up on at the house. Well I'm still behind in everything.
Here is a card for you today......
Christmas Wind Swept Horse ....

This card was created using green holly leave foil paper for the background on which the horse panel sits. The horse is stamped on a panel of La Blanche paper from http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ He is colorized using Tim Holtz distressed ink applied with Range pen nibs. He is trotting through a field of snowtex sprinkled with diamond dust. The sleighs are cut from mirror card using a Cheery Lynn die from Joans. The holly is cut from gold mirror card using another cheery lynn die from Joans. It features all of the glitz of the holidays.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Santa Advent Calendar

2011-11-29T06:15:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
It's raining again. Thank Goodness it is not snow.
I have been doing a few projects that are not cards recently and having a good time creating.
Today I bring you a Santa Advent Calendar....

This advent calendar was a paper mache' blank when I started. This is the front of the advent calendar. The little drawers were colorized using the Tim Holtz distressed stain in walnut. I love these little dauber top bottles. They make applying stain a breeze. It gave the feel of an old wooden box. I then added the little picture cuts from a Graphics 45 Christmas tablet. I added crystal laquer to each of the images. Then the problem was how to add numbers. I solved that problem by using creative memories tiny letters and numbers in gold. Worked like a dream. Each little drawer opens to reveal a candy surprise.

To the top I added gold glitter branches from a floral pick. The flocked cardinals seemed to be perfect. So on they went.

This is a close up of the little drawers.

This is the back of the advent calendar. Of course we needed Santa in the picture. This is from Graphics 45 from the same Christmas tablet. You can not see it in the photo, but I sprayed the back with gold glimmer mist to give it a shimmer.
This was sitting on my table with all the pieces cut for a while. It came down to time was of the essence, so it was finished last night. What a fun way to celebrate Christmas!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Blue Reindeer Christmas Wreath

2011-11-28T05:32:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I have been MIA for a few days. Too much holiday I guess.
Today I have something different for you today. I tried my hand at wreath making and came up with this Blue Reindeer Christmas Wreath.

This is my first attempt to make a christmas wreath. I took a pre-made wreath and wired big royal blue and white bells into it. I added sparkly reindeer ornaments with hot glue. I made a large wired ribbon bow and hot glued that onto the top of the wreath. I now have a pretty wreath and the price was right, because I bought everything on sale at half off.

Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Bear Outside The Window Winter Scene

2011-11-23T06:12:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Joan's challenge really has me going this week. I feel that I should not post another card there, but you can see it here. Check out all the great entries at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/11/this-weeks-challenge_17.html
Bear Outside The Window Winter Scene is my card for today....

To create this card I used bristol board for my stamping surface. I stamped the trees from Heartfelt creations using Tim Holtz distressed ink. I then added more distressed ink using the paper towel method for the snow and the sky. To the snow I added stickles. The bear is a mostly animals image. He was stamped and embossed. Colorized with copic markers he is just so cute. A cheery lynn die was used for the window frame. Ribbon creates the curtain. Pine cone bunches and gold glittering boughs are from the christmas dept. at JoAnns and Micheals. My background paper to look like wallpaper is from a Niki Silvas tablet. This creates a 6 inch by 6 inch card. A little to bulky for a regular envelope, this will have to be mailed in a bubble envelope.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Terrier Dog By The Fire Christmas Greeting Card

2011-11-22T05:14:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
The challenge over at Joan's this week has been very inspiring for me. As you know I love animals. That is all I have been thinking about this week. Check out the challenge at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/11/this-weeks-challenge_17.html
Here is my card today....

It is a variation on Joan's theme. This card was fun to create. It's life started out as just the colorized and glittered fireplace image from Mostly Animals. An embossed glittered half oval created with a sizzix embossing folder was added to create a rug. Then along came the little terrier dog. The fireplace mantel needed some decoration. The need seemed to be the cheery lynn holly die, pine cones in gold from a floral pick, and a poinsettia embossed in gold from a heart felt creations rubber stamp set. The clock on the wall is a flat back. To spruce it up a little bit and add more christmas a gold ribbon and holly leaves with berries was added.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Joan's Weekly Challenge #11 Animal Winter Theme Tag

2011-11-21T05:50:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Another Monday morning. The weekend was great. We purchased our first Christmas gift of the season. We are a little slow this year. The children are grown and it won't take as long to do the shopping.
Joan's Weekly Challenge #11 Animal Winter Theme Tag is a two part challenge this week. Meaning you can do a card and a tag. Yesterday I posted a card at Joan's. Today I am posting my tag. Check the challenge out here.. http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/11/this-weeks-challenge_17.html
requirements are:
Make a card or tag using some kind of animal
Use a die
Use some kind of embossing
Create a winter scene
And here is my tag.....

I used a large luggage tag that measures 8 1/2 inches by 4 1/4 inches. I cover the tag in snowflake paper. My embossing is the horse and man. They are embossed in black and colorized with copic markers. I then hand cut them. They were the inspiration for this tag scene. The lamp post is a cheery lynn die from Joan's cut from silver mirror card. The country house is a memory box die from Joan's cut from white pearl embossed cardstock. The tree is a spellbinders die cut from mirror card. The bottom of the tag looks like an icy street. I created this using glossy accents and diamond dust. The top of the tag has a pearl garland. For my tag ties I used white fiber, silver fiber, and blue velvet ribbon. I make my tag ties long just because it creates a pretty finish to any tag.

This challenge has been a spring board for so many ideas. They are all floating around in my head. We'll see how many more come out in art.

Happy Scraps,

Mrs. Swandog

Joan's Weekly Challenge #11 Animal Winter Theme

2011-11-20T07:26:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I was up early as usual. Ah yes....creating in the quiet of the morning hours. Fresh eyes, fresh mind. Of course I try my hardest to always do http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/11/this-weeks-challenge_17.html
This weeks challenge is Joan's Weekly Challenge #11 Animal Winter Theme
The requirements are:
Make a card or tag using some kind of animal
Create a winter scene
Use some kind of embossing
Use a die
Here is my card take on the challenge

My use of embossing is dry embossing on the white piece, snowflakes with a sizzix embossing folder. I also gold embossed the word peace. My dies are a spellbinders die that I embossed peace on and the evergreen tree is a spellbinders die. The bear is from a cricut that someone gave to me knowing I would use it. There is a small glitter star on top of the evergreen. I created the snow using snow tex and diamond dust. The card base is from old stash. The cuts were already made in it, I just had to do the folding. I do believe there is a template somewhere for this design. Maybe paper wishes. Thanks again Joan and Selma for the fun challenge.

Oh yes, and next to work on a tag!

Happy Scraps,

Mrs. Swandog

Christmas Cross Wise Men Still Seek Him Ornament

2011-11-19T06:11:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I have a full weekend of cleaning house. But no one can clean for that many hours....so I will be creating in between. Sounds like a good idea to me.
I have created a Christmas Cross Wise Men Still Seek Him Ornament for my sister Debbie. She has been very encouraging to me in my art this Christmas creating season. So I wanted to give her a piece of my work. She ask that it not be too busy. I hope I have achieved this.
Here it is.....

This ornament started it's life as a blank cross paper mache' ornament. It was painted with white acrylic paint first. After it dried it was painted with gold metallic acrylic paint. A piece of vellum was embossed with the words "wise men still seek him". This piece was die-cut with a spellbinders die using the cuttle bug. The poinsettias were created using a Heartfelt Creations stamp set, gold embossing powder, and liquid pearls in bisque. They were attached with pop-dots. The angel is a flat back.The drop crystal is a partial ornament from hobby lobby. I used just the lower part of the ornament and added gold to drop it from the cross. I pierced a hole in the bottom of the ornament. Beacon 3 in 1 glue was added to the wire and poked up through the cross.

The other side of the ornament. It feels simple enough to me.
I have another sister that supports me in my work in many ways. I will create something special for her also.
Well off to create....
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Ice Horse Third Coast Rubber Stamps

2011-11-17T15:59:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
I seem to be posting at all times of the day here lately. I don't know what has gotten into me. I am such a creature of habit. But as my world changes so do I.
I've had quite a busy day already. I went and got my hair cut, helped wash down my mom's kitchen, and went to Wal-Mart. I am off to pick up my sister's dog after while and then off to dog training for conformation class and a private lesson. Then back to my sister's with the dog. Oh yes and I have done a bit of laundry. The never ending battle of laundry. "sigh"
Here is my card for today...
Ice Horse Third Coast Rubber Stamps

I love this ice horse image by Third Coast Rubber Stamps. They have some very unique stamps that are very fun to work with. I stamped the horse image on La Blanche paper that I purchased at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ The image was stamped in black archival ink. I then colorized it using Tim Holtz distressed inks and Ranger pen nibs. For the horse's ice mane and tail I used stickles. Liquid pearls by Ranger was used to create the snow at the bottom. Mirror card and a Martha Stewart punch was used to create the side border. A sliver glitter ribbon, a satin bow, and a beaded spray top this card off. The background paper is a pearl card stock that is embossed. A unique winter card that could be used for the winter holidays or a winter thank you.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

This Week's Challenge - Think Outside The Box At Joan's Gardens

2011-11-16T05:52:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Well it has taken me almost a week to create for Joan's challenge. My time just has been as free and open in the last few days. But now I am finished with it.
This week's challenge- http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/11/this-weeks-challenge-think-outside-box.html
The requirements are...
Think outside the box using stamp and dies
Create something to be used for Thanksgiving/Fall
Use fall colors
This is what I came up with....

First I must tell you that this is a decorated jar of jam off the wagon in front of Joan's. The farmer/farmer's wife makes the jam and jelly. It is wonderful and comes in many different flavors. It is more than worth the three dollars a jar price. The perfect gift for a hostess decorated with products from Joan's. On to the details of my jar. I stamped a stamping fools turkey turtle on a spellbinders die-cut. I colorized it with prisma pencil, gamsol, and stickles. Brown and orange ribbon is wrapped around the band of the lid and glued into place.

I created a band around the jar using brown card stock and a strip I created using a Martha Stewart punch. I then added two leaf die-cuts using Cheery Lynn large leaves dies.

I added a tag to identify the contents of the jar using a spellbinder die set. An acorn was added from the same Cheery Lynn die set as above.

This is the topper on my jar. The base is a spellbinder die. The leaves are curled and popped with pop dot material.

This is another look at the topper.
A fun way to spice up a jar of jam and give it the creative treatment it deserves. Thanks Joan and Selma for another wonderful challenge! Keep us thinking outside the box.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Australian Shepherd Winter Card

2011-11-14T16:52:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
I have missed a day or two blogging. I don't know what happened. But I do have a card for you today.
I call it Australian Shepherd Winter Card

This card features a blue merle australian shepherd sitting in front of a pine tree scene. The dog is popped up. The trees were created using a rubber stamp, prisma pencil, gamsol, stickles, and liquid pearls. The poinsettia is created using shimmer paper and silver embossing powder. Liquid pearl makes the center of the flower. A beaded spray tops this card off. All of the above sits on a around the border punched shimmer mat. The white mat is an embossed pearlized cardstock. The card base is the same shimmer cardstock as the mat.
I have left this card blank inside so that it may be used as a Christmas card or a Thank You card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Aloha Cat

2011-11-11T19:15:00.000-06:00

Good Evening Ladies,
I am posting very late in the day...or should I say early evening. It has been another long week.
So another card from the archives....
Aloha Cat....

I created this card using the kitty from Art Impressions. He is popped up on a background of flowers stamped in navy blue on white cardstock. The saying is a vellum quote from well...I don't remember where. A fast card for sure.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

One Horse Open Sleigh

2011-11-09T06:14:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
They are calling for maybe a little bit of snow today. Ugh...no way!
I bring you a card that is snow.....
One Horse Open Sleigh

This is another card from the archives. It features a Mostly Animals image just like yesterday. Colorized with copic markers and metallic pen. The image is embossed in black. Crystal laquer highlights the mane and white leg hair. Felt snowflakes top this card off.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Camel Christmas Card

2011-11-08T05:37:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I have decided to bring you some cards I have created in the past. These also deserve a spot on the blog.
Today I bring you Camel Christmas Card .....

This is a card I did for an exchange. A simple card. The camel image is by Mostly Animals. This company went out of business a few years ago. A company that I was sad to see go. I love their stamps. They are very hard to locate. Sometimes you are able to pick up one or two on E-Bay. The camel is colorized with copic markers. A rhinestone is added to his saddle. The Merry Christmas is a gold outline sticker. The edges of the camel panel is swiped with tan ink.

Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Christmas Poinsettia Ornament

2011-11-07T05:46:00.000-06:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I had a lazy kind of weekend. Sometimes we need these to recharge. It is Monday and I am ready for the world.
I'll get right down to the newest creation...
Christmas Poinsettia Ornament

This is a double sided ornament, but what ornament wouldn't be. The base of this ornament is a paper mache' ornament. I love working with these. They give you a nice flat surface to work with. Perfect for stamped images, die-cuts, well just about anything! To start I painted the whole thing with silver metallic paint. I added a country house die-cut from Memory Box cut in a white pearlized paper. It does not show well in the photograph but has just enough shine. I then added the holly leaves and berries. The poinsettias are stamped and embossed in silver. These were then hand cut. The image is from a Heartfelt Creations stamp set. To the top of the ornament I added a crystal do dad.

The other side of the ornament features a bigger size of the same stamp set.

This is a view of the edge of the ornament to which I added red glitter ribbon all the way around. This gave it a nice finished look.
The die and stamp set was purchased from http://www.atjoansgardens.com/
The other do dads came from Hobby Lobby. In fact I spent quite a bit of time at Hobby Lobby just walking around looking at things and letting my mind go wild. Check out the bridal dept. there...so many treasures.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Happy Christmas Elf

2011-11-05T06:52:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Ah...early Saturday mornings. I love them. Time to relax a little before going off to dog training.
Here is a card for you today....
Happy Christmas Elf

This happy little Christmas elf and the candy canes are clear stamps from Niki Silvis. A fun stamp set I purchased from scrapbuck. The elf is colorized with Prisma pencil and gamsol. He is accented with liquid pearls and stickles. The candy canes are the same minus the stickles. I used a martha stewart punch around the page set to create the borders. The north pole stamp is one of those clear one dollar stamps from Jo Anns. The paper is from echo park Christmas collection that I purchased at Joan's. http://www.atjoansgardens.com/

This is the inside of the card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Joan's Challenge Gift Box Mini

2011-11-04T06:05:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
It's Friday already. Boy is time flying by.
I have created for Joan's Challenge Gift Box Mini. http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/11/this-weeks-challenge.html
The challenge is
■ Use Selma's new technique for creating a box
■ Use a ban around the box
■ Use Christmas Paper (Graphic 45 if possible)
■ Decorate the pull off band.
Here is my take on the challenge....

I created my box with last year's Graphic 45 Christmas paper, Christmas Past. When I was out at Joan's I only bought the 8 by 8 pad of the new Christmas collection. This project required the 12 by 12. My band was created using a piece of matching green cardstock and red cardstock that I punched with a Martha Stewart punch. I decided on the angel tag from the same paper pad and layered her with the same green and red as the band. For my topper embellishment I created a bow using gold wired ribbon. This bow looked so bare on this box. So I took a cue from the angel on the tag and backed the bow with feathers like her wings. For the center of the bow I added a cream colored angel button with gold trim. I took the shank of the back to create a flat back.

I just love feathers. I think they dress up or add fun to any project. The angel is just divine.

Graphic 45 paper is so beautiful. I just love it. Next time I will remember to get both the 8 by 8 pad and the 12 by 12 pad.
Thanks Joan and Selma for another fun challenge. Now I can give gifts in style!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Polar Bear Aurora Borealis

2011-11-03T06:49:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Thursday has rolled around again. That means more laundry. What else would I do on Thursday. LOL
I missed Joan's challenge last week. To busy and to tired to do much of anything except work and train dogs. Not a bad week though. And my poor muse got a rest for a change.
Here is a card for you today....

Polar Bear Aurora Borealis I created this card using a polar bear rubber stamp from Magenta. This is a very detailed stamp I have never gotten good results from. This time around I am very pleased. I stamped it on La Blanche paper and archival ink in black. You can purchase the La Blanche paper at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ I colorized the bears using Tim Holtz distressed inks and range pen nibs you can also get these at Joan's. The poinsettias are rubber stamps from Heartfelt Creations. I stamped them on metallic white card stock and embossed them in silver. These were hand cut and popped. The background paper is from last year's Martha Stewart metallic pad in 12 x 12. For the finishing touch I added silver metallic ribbon. A very pretty card was the results.
Off to laundry...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Grumpy Christmas Bear

2011-11-02T05:47:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I can't believe it has been a week since my last post. Time has gotten away from me.
Windy has been sick and is feeling better now. I was worried about her.
Monday night I helped pass out trick or treat candy at my mom's house. It was fun seeing all the little kids in their costumes.
Here is a card for you today....

This is one grumpy Christmas bear. The tree and bear are colorized with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. The tree has stickles for snow and a gold glittered star on top. The bear sits on snow created with diamond dust. I have not come up with a sentiment for this card yet. It was fun to make. Something different that's for sure.

Well, off to create....

Happy Scraps,

Mrs. Swandog

New Memory Box Country House Die

2011-10-27T07:50:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Yes I missed yesterday. I don't really know what happened. Early morning flew by and I never got back in the afternoon like I had planned. So my card had to wait until today.
I purchased the new memory box country house die at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ and here is the card I created with it.....

The country house was cut from a white pearlized cardstock. The holly leaves were stamped on mirror card and embossed with silver. These are from a Heartfelt Creations stamp set. The poinsettias were stamped and embossed in silver on the same cardstock as the house. A martha stewart around the page punch set was used to create the layer that is textured metallic paper from DCWV. The base cardstock is from a martha stewart christmas collection. I curled and popped the poinsettias.

I am loving the new house die. Memory Box dies are made in the USA. How awesome is that?
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Wise Men Heartfelt Creations

2011-10-25T05:54:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I missed the sky last night. I didn't know it was happening. I guess when you never watch the news keeping up on things can be a problem.
I made dinner with success last night. Nothing was burned except my finger. But that feels better already this morning.
Today I bring you a card......

I created this card using the wise men Heartfelt Creations new stamp set. I used foil board to stamp and emboss the ornament and saying in silver by Ranger. I hand cut the ornament out. The ornament and saying sit on a Cheery Lynn die-cut. The side piece is a punch by Martha Stewart. I accented the side piece with blue glitter ribbon. This all sits on top of a field of snowflakes.

On the inside I used an inkadinkado saying silver embossed on a double layer of spellbinder die-cuts.

Sparkly and shiny the essence of Christmas.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Just Rite Holiday Trees

2011-10-24T05:43:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I spent a good portion of yesterday at the table creating. I had to work with some of my new things from Joan's. I also got somewhat caught up on laundry.
Here is a card I created using the new Just Rite Holiday Trees I purchased at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/

I started out with a base and border punched layer. The dsp is from Echo Park and the punch is an around the page by Martha Stewart. I took the tree stamps and gold embossed them on vellum. They were then cut using the spellbinders banner die. The reindeer and sleigh are cut from Marianne Dies. The reindeer is cut out of mulberry paper.

This is the inside of the card.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge Red And White

2011-10-23T07:38:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I took a trip over to Joan's yesterday and picked up so many goodies. I am loving all the new dies, Heartfelt Creations stamps, and 6x6 paper pads. Yes I am hooked like so many others. Joan is always so nice!
The requirements for the challenge this week are as follows....
use a die
use a christmas sentiment
use some kind of light...candle, christmas tree lights, snow ...etc
use red and white...
You can see all the details and entries here.... http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/10/joans-gardens-weekly-challenge_19.html
Here is my entry.....

My light source is the lampost die from Cheery Lynn Designs. I cut this out of black card stock and added yellow stickles for the light. I cut the sleigh from metallic cardstock. This is a Marianne Design die. The reindeer are also a Marianne Design die. They are cut from white glitter card stock. My sentiment is from inkadinkado. I embossed this in gold on metallic card stock and then cut it with a spellbinder die. The bottom border is created using a Martha Stewart punch. This is punched out of glitter card stock.

I purchased these dies some time ago at Joan's. I had not put them to use yet. When this challenge came up I knew they were just perfect.
The variety of very cool dies at Joan's is so great I don't think I will ever have all that I want.
While I was at Joan's yesterday I picked up my prize from the world card challenge. It is a Marianne die...the key. I can't wait to use it! Thanks Joan!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Purple Floral Yorkie Dog

2011-10-22T05:58:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am up and at it early today. Sleep was good and I am refreshed for a new day. Agility this morning will be a good start to today. But first I bring you a new card...

I don't know how I did it, but I have the inside first today. I used the dotted swiss paper for the card base. I added a mat punched with a Martha Stewart punch to the inside.

Now on to the front. The water can with flowers is a Heartfelt Creations stamp set from http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ I stamped this on bristol board. It is colorized with prisma pencil and gamsol. I used liquid pearls for the centers of the flowers. I then hand cut it out. The little yorkie dog is from Inky Antics he/she is also stamped on bristol board, colorized with prisma pencil and gamsol. He is also hand cut. The lotus die is cut from glitter paper with a spellbinder die. The light purple mat is punched with a border punch set from Martha Stewart.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Vintage Santa

2011-10-21T16:37:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
Yes I am posting late in the day today. I went to take photos this morning and my battery was dead in the camera. Now I knew it was close to being dead yesterday. But I thought I could get one more day out of it. Well I was wrong. So while I was at work today is was charging and now I have taken the photos I needed to take for the blog.
So here is my card today....

I call this card vintage Santa. Santa is a stampabitlites stamp. A new one for me. I just love him. I stamped him on La Blanche paper that I purchased at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ I stamped the image with black archival ink by ranger. I then colorized him using Tim Holtz distressed inks and pen nibs. I added stickles to the chrismas star and stickles to santa's hat. Crystal laquer creates the lenses of his glasses.

For the inside of the card I used a spellbinder die and a clear stamp sentiment from inkadinkado.
Yes still working on Christmas cards, along with other themes.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Sweet Little Bunny

2011-10-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
The rain has stayed. I think it will be gone soon though. It always seems just a little chiller when it's damp. So of course I pay Nipsco the big bucks to keep me toasty.
I have a sweet little bunny card for you today....

This card was created using a cute bunny stamp from Motivet as the focal point. I stamped him on bristol board cut with a spellbinder die. My second die-cut is glitter cardstock. I colorized him with prisma pencil and gamsol. I used stickles for the dandelion. The dotted dsp is some I had in my stash. Don't know where it is from. I still had pink flowers left over from Joan's Challenge last week and hated to see them go to waste. So I used them on this card as I felt they were a perfect match. The rhinestone and pearl flourish is from K&Company.

I popped the flowers using pop up pop dots. This gives a better view of the diamond dust in the center of the flowers also.
Well...off to do laundry...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Girl With Presents

2011-10-19T06:17:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
We are having a good rain this morning. I was commenting to my sister last night that the flowers she potted for me out by my front door look better now than they did all summer. So I figure we must be having a pretty good fall.
I am still working on Christmas cards. Here is a new one for today...

This card was created using a Cheery Lynn die and a Martha Stewart punch. The little girl with presents is an image my sister stamped out for me. So I don't know the company. I colorized her with prisma pencil, gamsol, and stickles. The sentiment is from inkadinkado. Liquid pearls accent the sentiment.
Well off to get ready for my day job...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Heartfelt Creations Poinsettia Christmas Card

2011-10-18T05:49:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
All of us that create for Christmas should be well on our way to getting our Christmas cards done. Of course I am working on it as hard as I can. Products from http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ are a tremendous help. Here is my card for today....

I created this card on Sunday but it is no longer in my possession. My oldest sister liked it so well she took it home with her. So she had some input on it. I was going to add a sentiment but she wanted it just like this with thoughts of framing it. The die is a cheery lynn in metallic cardstock. The vine leaves are also a cheery lynn die. The poinsettias are created using a Heartfelt Creations stamp set. I gold embossed them on vellum and then hand cut them out. I added liquid pearls for the centers.Glitter ribbon tops this card off. It does have plenty of glitter elements.
Off to feed Windy....
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

"Hope You Can Cling To" Challenge at Joan's Garden

2011-10-17T05:58:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I had a great time creating yesterday. Good food and family was the ticket. And I finished my challenge card. I just finished posting it to splitcoast stampers. And here I am to post it here.
Here was the challenge over at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/10/joans-gardens-weekly-challenge.html
Here is my card.....

I created this card using a glitter paper for the card base. The cheery lynn lattice die was cut from white glitter paper. My little fairy girl was colorized using prisma pencil, gamsol, stickles, and liquid pearls in pink. The image is from whismy stamps. The sunflower heads are a Heartfelt Creations stamp set colorized with pink prisma pencil and gamsol. For the centers I applied diamond dust. The side cut is from a Martha Stewart punch using the white glitter paper. On top of the punched border is sequin trim that did not photograph very well. A white ribbon bow with a stamped saying "hey girly..." finishes this card off.
Now off to find the address and get this card mailed off...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Artful Thinking

2011-10-14T06:18:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I had plenty of rest yesterday and am ready for a new day!
Here is a card for you today....

I call this creation artful thinking. Sometimes I am moved to create something that has my feelings deep inside. This is one of those cards. Our world has changed so much in recent years. Things just don't seem to be working as they used to or as many would like them to. Soul searching is needed on everyone's part in these changing times. A sort of coming together for the greater good of mother earth and her children.
This scene was created using the thinker stamp from Grey Wolf Graphics. The starry background and mother earth are from Stampland. The thinker was stamped and masked first. Then the earth was stamped and masked next. The starry background was stamped over the two. Color was added using distressed ink and prisma pencil.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Happy Birthday Turtle

2011-10-13T08:31:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I'm sorry that I have been MIA this week, but this stinkin' cold has me down. Today I am home resting and creating. I know that will make me feel better. I have many things started that just need to be finished. So I finished one up this morning and am posting it now.

This is a Happy Birthday Turtle card....

This is another stamp by Stamping Fools. Don't you just love their turtles. They are so cute and easy to work with. For this card I stamped the cupcake turtle on bristol board that I die cut with a spellbinder die. I colorized him with prisma pencil and gamsol. I added stickles to his shell. On the cupcake I added liquid pearls in blue on the sprinkles and the heart on top. I layered this on a matching die-cut. I mounted this on to a card with a piece of birthday balloon paper. Across the bottom I used a piece of handmade mint green paper. I stamped happy birthday on it in black archival ink and added two rhinestones. This birthday card is sure to delight any wee one.
Well ...back to the table...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge #5 Halloween Bag

2011-10-09T11:43:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I should be at a dog show right now...but I am home with a nasty cold. Too sick to show. I think this is the first time this has happened in all my years of showing. And the show was so close to home. So instead I am creating between sleeping, coughing, and sleeping.

Here is my entry for Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge #5 Halloween Bag....

■ Decorate a Fall or Halloween Bag
■ Create a bag with a topper on it following Selma's tutorial
■ Your bag must have leaves and a pumpkin on it
■ Use some kind of letters/words on it

This is my take on this challenge....and the link to http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/10/thursday-card-challenge.html

My bag was created using sizzix dies that I already had here at home. The leaves on the bottom portion of the bag are silk leaves. The haunted house has yellow stickles for the light in the windows and orange Tim Holtz distressed stickles to accent the roofs and the door knob. I ran the ghosts through a cuttlebug embossing folder inked with grey ink to give this bag texture. Their eyes are black stickles.

The topper of this bag has punched leaves. I added bazzil letters that I colorized with Tim Holtz distressed stains in rusty hinge, and picket fence. The cat and moon is a sizzix die. I added lime green stickles to the cat's eyes to make him a little spooky. I did not have any boarder dies so I had to settle for a Martha Stewart punch.

A side view of the bag. I scored my topper in two places on the top so as to create a nice flat sitting.
I was not going to do this challenge being sick and all, but then I knew it would be the perfect trick or treat bag for my little buddy Lucas. I also like the idea that I can take this bag challenge into christmas and make bags for all my loved ones gifts.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Warm Holiday Wishes Christmas Reindeer

2011-10-08T05:35:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am off to a dog show this morning, but had to post a card first.
Warm Holiday Wishes Christmas Reindeer ....and here it is...

I created this card using the cute reindeer from Motivet. I colorized him with Prisma pencil, Gamsol, and Spica pens. He was then hand cut. The evergreen christmas tree is a die-cut from Spellbinders. The tree is cut from Tim Holtz all seasons collection. I sat the reindeer on a splash of liquid pearls for snow. The tree has stickles and a snowflake for the star. The bottom layer is from the Tim Holtz all seasons collection. The striped layer is from My Mind's Eye. Lace and picot ribbon grace the side.

A close-up of this little cutie.

This is the inside of the card with a holiday sentiment stamped on a Spellbinder die-cut. A matching die-cut was placed on the bottom. A wee ribbon topped the inside off.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Stamping Fools Turkey Turtle Thanksgiving

2011-10-07T05:43:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
It's friday! I am taking Windy to a dog show this weekend. We are looking forward to having lots of fun.
Here is a card I created for you today.... I call it Stamping Fools Turkey Turtle Thanksgiving....

I picked this stamp up at the show in Fort Wayne along with a couple of other turtles. I thought he was just so cute. He is colorized with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. I stamped him on a spellbinder die-cut of bristol board. The second scallop I think accents him well. The two background papers are from HL. Their loose paper is half off this week so I snagged a few sheets. An orange ribbon and flat back pumpkin top this card off. He is ready for thanksgiving in his turkey feathers.
Off to create before going to my day job...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Sitting Polar Bear

2011-10-06T06:40:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Yesterday was a beautiful day and I think today is suppose to be more of the same. Good to enjoy it now as it will be gone soon. And yes I am creating many winter and Christmas cards right now. I have to or they won't be finished in time for Christmas.
The card I created for you today I call Sitting Polar Bear....and here he is...

This polar bear was stamped on bristol board in black archival ink by Ranger. The polar bear image is by Third Coast Stamps. I masked him and stamped the snowflakes. The snowflakes were then embossed with silver embossing powder by Ranger. I colorized the polar bear with a grey Prisma pencil and gamsol, just to give him depth. I used a makeup sponge to colorize the background with Tim Holtz distressed ink. Liquid pearls were used in the center of each snowflake. Three mats were used. The center mat is glitter card stock punched with a Martha Stewart around the page punch. The accents are grey buttons that I added stickles to the centers.
This polar bear image is just one out of a set of many. If you haven't checked out Third Coast Rubber Stamps you should do so. All of their stamps come unmounted which is a great savings all the way around. All images are sold singly, but also come in sets.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Autumn Days Are Here Again

2011-10-05T05:08:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Windy and I are up a little bit early today. A good way to start out a Wednesday. A little extra time to create before going to my day job.
Here is a card for you today....

I created this card using a new stamp I purchased at the stamp show in Fort Wayne last weekend. The stamp is by Motivet. For this cute little squirrel sitting on a pumpkin I used Prisma color pencil and Gamsol to colorize her. She is stamped on bristol board and inked with archival ink by Ranger. I used a spellbinder die. Her eyes and teeth are highlighted with crystal laquer. The moon is an old earring part. Going green once again. The three layers are created using an old stack I had in my stash. Using a border punch I created the base for the saying. And as the card says Autumn days are here again...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

A Fun Pocket Card

2011-10-04T05:51:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
These fall mornings are sure crisp. I do enjoy the colors of fall and the bugs going away. Fall is always a slowing down time. A time to take in nature and just enjoy it.
I have entered a contest for world card making day at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/10/world-card-making-day-lets-celebrate.html Please click on the link and go vote for a card...maybe one of mine?
I also did a pocket card for a fun challenge over at http://scrapshack.ning.com/group/cardswapforsoldiers/forum/topics/pocket-card Here is the card...

To create this card I stamped my scene on a spellbinders die-cut. The tree was stamped first. I next stamped the kids on the sled. No masking was needed. I colorized the tree with prisma pencil and gamsol. I added stickles diamond on the tree and the ground under the sled for snow. I stamped a matching die-cut with the sentiment and colorized the holly leaves and berries with prisma pencil. The pocket is created using glitter card stock. The pull-out base is also glitter card stock.

Card with the tag inserted half way.

The card with the tag inserted all the way.
What a fun way to celebrate the season. Perfect for a little extra pazzaz to that special package!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Nature Challenge At Joans Gardens

2011-10-03T06:08:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Another Monday morning in northern Indiana. It is a little chilly this morning but it has been said we will be within normal temps for this time of the year.
I have created a card for Joan's new challenge over at
http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/09/new-challenge-for-this-week.html
The requirements are:
■ Create a Card using something from nature
■ Create a card using several layers
■ Create a card using glitter
■ Created a card using a border around the card

This card was created on a glitter cardstock base in white. I used two different sets of Martha Stewart around the page punches to create three of the layers. My bunny with daffodils is a La Blanche stamp that is stamped on La Blanche. This bunny piece was hand cut and colorized using the Ranger pen nibs and Tim Holtz distressed ink. I added glitter around the edges of the daffodils. It barely shows in the photo but it is there. An old button, ribbon bow, and three rhinestones give this card the finishing touch. The punch sets, rhinestones, La Blanche paper, La Blanche stamp, pen nibs, and Tim Holtz distressed ink can all be purchased at Joans. This was another fun challenge at Joans, if you have not entered a weekly challenge yet you should come join us.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog


I took a close up of the bunny thinking you could see the glitter, but you can't.

World Card Making Day Card Two

2011-10-02T09:29:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
Here I am again. Very chilly out this morning. I am not ready for this yet. I have been goofing off on the computer way too long this morning.
I am here to post my second card from world card making day yesterday. You can win a prize over at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/10/world-card-making-day-lets-celebrate.html for posting a card. Come join us for the fun. Plus she has a great sale on adhesives. It's a buy one get one free.
Here is my card...

Now this one was fun to make. I took a spellbinders mitten die and cut it out of bristol board. I stamped the sled dog and masked him. I then stamped a tree scene behind the dog. I stamped the peace and star stamp and embossed it in silver. Tim Holtz distressed ink was sponged over the whole thing and I stamped snowflakes in the same color. I removed the mask and added liquid pearls and glitter under the dogs paws. For my layers I used dsp snowflake, glitter paper I punched with a Martha Stewart around the page set. I took hologram sticky paper and cut with a cheery lynn dollie die. The upper left hand corner has a K&Company rhinestone and pearl accent.

A close-up of the mitten.
Well...off to do laundry..
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Card Making Challenge at Joans

2011-10-01T23:03:00.000-05:00

Good Evening Ladies,
Well I had a busy day today. I went to the stamp show in Fort Wayne and I went to see the Lion King 3-D tonight. Plus I made cards before I left this morning.
Joan is having a contest for cards made on world card making day...that's today...here is the link...
http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/10/world-card-making-day-lets-celebrate.html
Here is one of the cards I made today...

This card was fun to make and has a twist to it. I used three layers of dsp. The top one being a Tim Holtz paper from the season stack. The Merry Christmas is stamped in archival coffee ink. I stamped the La Blanche santa stamp on La Blanche paper and then ran it through the scallop spellbinder die. I colorized the santa with tim holtz distressed ink and ranger pen nibs. Here is the twist....I took an old bangle bracelet that my dad got at an auction and placed it on the santa. I then filled it with crystal lacquer and let it dry. The bracelet became adhered to the card and looks like a glass lens. So another green card.

close up of the bracelet with the crystal lacquer.
It is late so I will post the other card I made tomorrow.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Reindeer In The Forest Christmas Greeting Card

2011-09-27T15:22:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
When I got up this morning I had no internet. So I created instead. Not a bad thing. I have many pieces I must turn into cards. I need to find more time. LOL
Here is a card for you today....I call it Reindeer In The Forest Christmas Greeting Card

This card was created using the masking technique. First I stamped the reindeer in dye ink. I then masked him with eclipse tape. (I love that stuff!) Then the tree scene was stamped. I used a grey prisma pencil and gamsol to create shadows in the snow. The trees were colorized with a green prisma pencil and gamsol. I added white stickles to the trees to create the snow. For the snow on the ground I used liquid pearls in white. This works like a charm and is easy to draw lines with. I used three layers of dsp. The middle layer is punched with a Martha Stewart punch set.

For the inside of the card I used this fun saying and embossed it in silver. Two layers of dsp finish the inside.
The outdoor woodsy feel is perfect for my friends who have field dogs. At any rate I feel this is a manly card.
Off to dog training..
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

An Old Fashioned Christmas Poinsettia

2011-09-26T19:42:00.000-05:00

Good Evening Ladies,
I guess you never know when I will post these days. Could be anytime of the day or night.
I received an order from scrapbuck today. Got some cool stamps and a new die set. Can't wait to play with those. Christmas seems to be in the creating air. You know we must get those card done now or we won't have them to send out by Christmas. So I have been working on it.
Here is a new Christmas car for you. An Old Fashioned Christmas Poinsettia ...

This card was created using the poinsettia set from Heartfelt Creations. This set can be purchased at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ I stamped and embossed this stamp set in gold on maroon card stock. I hand cut the pieces out and curled the petals. I used Tim Holtz distressed stickles in straw. The vintage image is by Inkadinkado. I stamped these vintage girls on La Blanche paper that you can also get at Joans. This image is colorized with Tim Holtz distressed ink. A gold metallic pen was used to create the right hand corner. Above the window straw stickles was applied to create snow in a vintage sort of way. This panel sits on top of two layers of dsp. To finish this card off I added maroon lace to the top.

A view of the 3-D poinsettia flower.
If you are missing a color in the distressed ink pads and the store is out of the color you need....you can use a reinker in that color. Just pull the eyedropper portion out of the bottle and touch your pen nib to the shaft. It will pick up just enough color to use.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Challenge #3 at Joans Gardens Card With A Custom Box

2011-09-25T21:55:00.000-05:00

Good Evening Ladies,
I have been at a dog show this weekend. So here I am on Sunday night posting my card for the new challenge over at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/09/this-weeks-challenge.html
This was a fun and interesting challenge. That once again made me think out of the box... This was the guidelines of the challenge....
■ Create a Card using Purple
■ Create a card using something Dimensional (flower, butterfly, etc)
■ Create a Birthday Card
■ Make a box for your card using Selma's Tutorial
Here is my take on this challenge....

This is my card. The card base and lower white layer is glitter card stock. I then used my latest purchases at Joan's. I used the Mediterranean Lace Rectangle die from Cheery Lynn Designs and cut it out of silver metallic card stock. I used this as an overlay for a piece of bristol board I colorized with Tim Holtz distressed stain in dusty concord. The sentiment is stamped on a spellbinder die with dusty concord distressed ink. The flowers were created using the Cheery Lynn Designs dies, stacker flowers #6 and stacker flowers #4. I layered these dies using small white buttons in between and to raise the flowers up off of the card. The buttons offered a sturdy base and layers for these flowers. I sprayed the flowers with the goose bumps spray to stiffen them and give them shine. The little girl image is colorized with prisma pencils and gamsol. The centers for the flowers was created with the new liquid pearls. This is an image my sister had stamped off for me at an earlier date.

This is a view of my raised items.

Next was the box. This is a top view. The flowers are created the same as the card. The same die is used for the sentiment. The silver pieces on the top are the waste from the frame die on the card. A white bow accents the top of the box.

This is a view of the raised flowers on the box top.

This is the box open with the card inside.

A view with the box half opened.
I took me a bit to get kick started on this challenge. Purple is my sister's favorite color, but I have struggled with purple for a long time. So this was really out of the box for me. I also presumed that the box was going to be a problem to create. I was so wrong about that! Selma's instructions were excellent and this box was easy peasy to create.
Thanks Selma and Joan for helping me reach new heights!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Poinsettia Christmas Card With A Flourish

2011-09-23T05:49:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am posting early today. I had quite a bit of a sleepless night last night. So here I am.
Here is my card for today....

I am loving the poinsettia set I bought at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ You should really check out her site. I gold embossed the flowers and used Tim Holtz distressed stickles in straw for the centers. The background is created using bristol board , tim holtz distressed ink in vintage photo, gold embossing powder, and a holly swirl stamp set from Heartfelt Creations. The sentiment is stamped and embossed using gold embossing powder. The die is cut from a spellbinder die. The merry christmas is from viva las vegas stamps. This piece is sponged with distressed ink. My card base is 6 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches and is made from DCWV script heavy cardstock. The flourish is cut from a cheery lynn designs die.

Side view of the popped 3-D flowers.
Well...off to create...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Penny Black and Heartfelt Creations Bird Christmas Card

2011-09-22T07:35:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I got home to late last night to post anything. So here I am this morning.
Here is a card I created using the penny black holly bird stamp and the heartfelt creations poinsettia set.....

To create this card I took a piece of La Blanche paper and stamped the bird and holly. The bird and holly stamp is by Penny Black. I used a La Blanche stamp to create the background. I colorized the scene with Tim Holtz distressed ink. I die-cut a Cherry Lynn Designs flourish out of Kaiser paper and added that to the corner. I stamped the poinsettia set by heartfelt creations on heavy maroon cardstock and gold embossed the layers. I put these flowers together with pop dots for a 3-D effect. The items I used to create this card can be purchased at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/

Close-up of die-cut and poinsettia flower.

This is a side view to show the 3-D effect.
This card was fun to create. I love all the newest cutting edge products I get at Joan's. She seems to have all the cool stuff first.
Well....off to do laundry..and create..
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Merry Christmas Card Snow Scene Heartfelt Creations

2011-09-20T16:34:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
I am usually on the fly at this time on a Tuesday. But I have no training tonight. So what else would I be doing but blogging. Right?
Now the card I am showing you today was my first attempt at the challenge over at Joan's Garden. http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/09/card-challenge-2.html click there for the details on this challenge.
I finished my card and saw that I was suppose to use gold embossing and I used silver. So I started all over with a total different card. Anyway here is the first card.....

For this card my main focal point is the snow scene that I stamped on bristol board with a Heartfelt Creations stamp. The picture doesn't show it well at all. I used Prisma pencil and gamsol to colorize the image. I then added in white glaze pen and crystal laquer to give the snow a snow like look. I edged the spellbinder die-cut with Tim Holtz maghogany distressed ink. The Merry Christmas is silver embossed. The die is edged with the same ink. I took a sizzix embossing folder and ran bristol board through my cuttlebug using wild hair as my ink.The background papers are from the Christmas Lost and Found collection by My Mind's Eye. Black braid trim sits under the Merry Christmas piece. My star is an old pierced earring that I snipped the post off of. I wish I had used gold embossing powder, but it made me push even further for the challenge.
Well my muse is tapping me on the shoulder...so I'm off to create..
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Card Challenge #2 Joan's Gardens

2011-09-19T21:29:00.000-05:00

Good Evening Ladies,
Time flew away from me this weekend. But it is Monday and I am back to the week.
I am participating in Joan's Challenge this week. The requirements are
■ Create a Christmas Card
■ Create an embossed background using Selma's Technique
■ Used Striped designer paper
■ Gold emboss your sentiment
You can check out all the details here http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/09/card-challenge-2.html

Here is my take on the challenge...

I went in an unconventional way. I don't know what the true name of this La Blance stamp is but he reminds me of Ebnezer Scrooge from The Christmas Carol. With the numbers in the background...well it just gives me that feeling. I stamped him on La Blanche paper that I cut with a spellbinder die. I colorized him using the Ranger pen nibs with Tim Holtz distressed ink. The background of this was colorized using a make-up sponge and distressed ink in vintage photo. I ran the next layer through the cuttle bug using a sizzix snowflake embossing inked with distressed ink. My stripped paper and the main base paper is from the lost and found christmas pad from my mind's eye. The holly berries and leaves are from a heartfelt creations stamp set. They were stamped onto the La Blanche paper and colorized with the distressed ink. I hand cut them out and used pop dots to attach them. All the supplies above were purchased at Joan's Gardens. I didn't have a Bah humbug stamp so I had to improvise. I took a companion die and cut a smaller version for my sentiment. I used a Ranger bullet point perfect medium pen and wrote the sentiment. I then sprinkled with Ranger gold embossing powder and used my heat gun to raise it. Two colors of distressed ink were applied over the top of the die. I used distressed ink to change my braid trim from white to vintage photo. The coins are foreign coins from my stash.

Close-up of my sentiment.

side view of my popped up holly berries and leaves.
The holly berry and leaves set is a set I won in one of Joan's challenges. Thank You Joan. This is a wonderful set that I can't wait to use in a more traditional way.
This card was a blast to make!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

On A Roll With Halloween

2011-09-16T06:04:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am on a roll with Halloween. I am having fun using the halloween stamps I have purchased of late. I can't get enough of them.
Here is a witch card for you today...

This is the witch from the Tim Holtz Halloween clear set. I colorized her with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. She was stamped on bristol board cut with a Spellbinder die. The rest of the layers are cut from the DCWV Halloween stack. Rhinestones surround both die-cuts in purple and green. The cat is a flat back. Doesn't the witch always have a black cat.
My sister used to have a layer contest in her store. This is 5 layers sis! I know it is no match for what some of the ladies would do as far as layering goes.
Well...off to create...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Tim Holtz Skeleton

2011-09-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am off to a busy start today. I have two lessons and laundry all day. What a day off. LOL
My sister is having one heck of a big garage sale this saturday. If you are in the area of the fairgrounds stop by she is right across the street.
I can't get enough of my Tim Holtz Skeleton stamp. So here is another card using him....

For this card I used my guy and stamped him on bristol board cut with a spellbinder die. I gave the die a smokey look using a make-up sponge and Tim Holtz distressed ink in black soot. There are three layers of dsp underneath him. The top one is from authnitque from http://www.atjoansgardens.com/
This paper was a little to bright...no problem. I just took the black soot and sponged it lightly over the whole piece. The two papers below that are from Martha Stewart halloween pad. The bones paper was sponged with black soot also. I used black braid to give the card texture. The clock is from my old stock. I remember saving these. For what I do not know, but I felt it was perfect for this card. You have to love Halloween.
Well...off to get ready for my lesson...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Wind Swept Cactus Horse

2011-09-13T05:35:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I had a very busy day at work yesterday. Always on the first day back from time off of any kind. So I slept well last night. I am very recharged this morning.
Here is a card for you today....

I used the same Inkadinkado horse set to make this card. This time I used the wind swept horse. I used the cactus, the clouds, and grass from Third Coast rubber stamps. Third Coast stamps are fun to work with in scene stamping. There is so much to choose from. Stamps you will use over and over again. This time I matted the scene with a border and corner punch set from Martha Stewart. The next layer is torn mulberry paper in dark brown. The bottom layer is a repeat of the punched paper. That paper is from a Bo Bunny pad I purchased from http://www.atjoansgardens.com/
If you have not tried scenic stamping you should give it a whirl. The best magazine to find a lot of this type of stamping is rubberstamp madness.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Whimsy pet gang Thinking of You

2011-09-12T06:26:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
My vacation is over and I have to return to work today. We had a nice relaxing vacation at home.
I am running a little slow this morning.
So here is my card for today....

This is a simple card, but I really like it. The image is by Whismy Stamps. They have the cutest darn stamps. I stamped the image with archival ink on bristol board. It is colorized with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. The paper is from the Far East collection from DCWV. The die-cuts were created using a spellbinders die set. Gotta love those too.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Horse With Cheery Lynn Corner Die

2011-09-11T06:01:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
It was kind of a long night with Windy up panting and wanting out about every hour. I'm pretty tired this morning. Silly girl should not get in and eat things. Ah well we are up for the day.
I am so happy I purchased the Cheery Lynn Corner Die from http://www.atjoansgardens.com/search/label/Doily%20Dies
It is awesome....and here it is on a card...

This is a square 5 1/2 inch by 5 1/2 card. I cut three scallop die-cuts with a spellbinder die. The center one is cut from bristol board. I then stamped the horse in black archival ink from Ranger. I colorized the horse with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. I die cut the flourish corner die from Kaiser paper. This die cut like a breeze with all the intricate detail. I just love it! It took an ordinary card and turned it into awesome. Who would think one little die could do that.
I had a very happy surprise when the mail came yesterday. I bought 12 back issues of Rubber Stamp Madness off of e-bay. This is my first e-bay purchase in a long time. The issues date back to 1999. One of the issues is still the large format. I have only had a chance to take a quick glimpse of each issue. This was a wonderful purchase and I can't wait to dig into them.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

La Blanche Secret Garden

2011-09-10T05:48:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I spent some time creating yesterday. I pretty much had the whole day to play. I still have 3 cards sitting on the table that still need to be finished. I will get to those yet this weekend.
Here is one from yesterday....

This is another La Blanche stamp I purchased at Joan's Gardens. http://www.atjoansgardens.com/search/label/La%20Blanche

I used the La Blanche paper. I colorized using the cut-n-dry pen nibs for the scene and make-up sponges for the background. I used the Tim Holtz distressed inks. For my background paper I used plain brown cardstock and Graphics 45 paper. On the left side of the card I used a trim that I inked with the distressed ink. These stamps are fun to work with. I love all the detail they give.

Windy and I are off to a dog show today. We intend on having a lot of fun.

Happy Scraps,

Mrs. Swandog

Rearing Horse On The Mesa

2011-09-09T05:57:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I'm getting back into the swing of things. I have been on vacation this week and have accomplished a lot of relaxing. We all need to do that sometimes I think.
I have been working on some cards but have been taking my time doing it.
Here is a sample for today....

I call this card Rearing Horse On The Mesa . To create this card I started with a square of bristol board. The horse was stamped and masked. The grass was stamped next. The mesa was stamped next and then masked. The next step was to stamp the rocks. The last stamping step was to stamp the clouds. The masks were removed and then the scene was colorized using Prisma pencil and Gamsol. This scene was then layered on two mats. A black cardstock mat was first and then a textured sand mat next. This was mounted on a 5 1/2 by 5 1/2 card. I added two vintage earrings I married together. The wire was tucked in between the mat layers.
I love to scene stamp and never seem to have time to do enough of it. I purchased a set of inkadinkado horse stamps and just had to stamp some scenes. The rocks and grass images are by Sunday International. The mesa and clouds are by Third Coast Rubberstamps.
Well....off to create...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

La Blanche Stamps

2011-09-08T13:31:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
I have fallen in love with the La Blanche stamps. The La Blanche paper is a must with these stamps. Here is another sample made with these stamps...

This is a very cool vintage Santa stamp. To create this card I used the La Blanche paper and black archival ink. To colorize Santa I used Tim Holtz distressed ink and cut-n-dry pen nibs. Once Santa was colorized I used distressed ink in several colors to create the background. The edges were torn, inked, and curled. This paper curls very nicely. I mounted this panel on a printed Christmas paper that I inked with more distressed ink. This was mounted on a panel of card stock from Kaiser. This was attached to a 5 x 7 card. This vintage look was created with minimal effort.
Check out http://www.atjoansgardens.com/ to purchase the supplies in this project. She has many other awesome products.
Off to dog training...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Happy Halloween Pop-Up Card

2011-09-03T15:03:00.001-05:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
Right now I am suppose to be cleaning....but I finished a card this morning that I just have to share with you. I purchased the sizzix pop-up die at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/
Without further ado here is my card.....

This is the front of my card. The bat and skeleton are from a Tim Holtz Halloween clear set. The front dsp is from Authintque and the happy halloween is from a DCWV mat stack.

This is the inside with the pop-up. The pop-up has a witch and a cauldron from a Martha Stewart clear set. The bats are from the same set. The fence is from a Cheery Lynn die. The cat is from a Tim Holtz clear set. The papers on the top and bottom are from DCWV.

A side view of the pop-ups.

A close up of the pop-ups.
This die was fun to create with and you will see more pop-up cards in the future here on my blog.
Now back to cleaning...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Heidi Blankenship Guest Designer Challenge At Joan's Garden

2011-09-02T08:31:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I went over to Joan's shop yesterday with my mom and sister. Of course we came home with some wonderful things. My sister's grandson went with us and had a grand time sitting by the pond and looking at the fish. He is four. He was such a good kid. I'm sure he has lots to tell about the pond. I don't even think he knew he was at a stamp store. LOL
Here is my take on this challenge at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/08/heidi-blankenship-guest-designer.html
Check it out.
The challenge is to stamp on patterned paper to change the look to fit your project.

For my card I used the new paper pad from Joan's. It is Bo Bunny of et cetera collection. This is a wonderful pad of antique looking paper. I stamped this patterned paper with a La Blance stamp. To stamp with I used archival ink in the colors of sepia and coffee. Also purchased at Joan's yesterday. Below you will see the paper before it was stamped with the La blance stamp. I used my spellbinders to cut out a solid piece of cardstock and a piece of the La Blance paper. The bird stamp is also a La Blance stamp from yesterday's purchases at Joans. I stamped the bird and flowers with the coffee ink. I then colorized the image with Tim Holtz distressed ink and cut and dry pen nibs by Ranger. Make-up sponges were used with the distressed ink to colorize the background. A ribbon was applied at the bottom for a finishing touch.
Here is the paper before stamping...

This paper is cool on it's own...but with the stamping ...Wow!

Here is the paper side by side with the card. I kept this card simple to show off the technique.
Of course I picked up many other things at Joan's. You will see these used in the near future on my blog.
Thanks for the challenge Joan!
Off to create....
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Viva Las Vegas Design Team Entry

2011-08-31T22:04:00.000-05:00

Good Evening Ladies,

Tonight on my blog I will be featuring my entry for the Viva Las Vegas design team. Stampo is gathering together a new design team. I am one of the hopefuls. You can visit the on-line stamp store at http://www.vivalasvegastamps.com/ There are so many wonderful stamps there...well you can just get lost in time. You can check out their blog at http://www.vivalas.blogspot.com/ They have a new challenge on the blog for the month of September. Looks to be a whole lot of fun.
Here is my entry....

To create this entry I grabbed my grab bags of unmounted rubber stamp that I had ordered at viva las vegas stamps. I looked at these three images and decided these would be the stars of my project. Look below to see how this shadow box was created.

I took a piece of La Blanche paper and stamped the lunchbox in sepia archival ink. This lunch box is converted to a treasure chest as you continue down.

My next step was to mask the lunch box stamp. I then stamped my dolphins and fish with black archival ink.

I then removed the mask and colorized my dolphins and fish using ranger cut n' dry pen nibs and Tim Holtz distressed ink in spiced marmalade, mustard seed, faded denim, tumbled glass, and broken china. I added gold spica pen to the lunch box.

Next I colorized my background using make up sponges and Tim Holtz Distressed inks. I used broken china, tumbled glass, pine needles, bushed corudroy, and tea dye. I just kept blending the colors until I achieved the look I wanted.

I then took the scene and tore the edges here and there. Some of the edges I curled.

I then turned the lunch box into a treasure chest by adding beads, rhinestones,and faux pearls.

The background for the shadow box was created using the Tim Holtz resist paper pad.

Using the make up sponges and distressed ink I blended the colors into the paper.

This is the back piece of my shadow box.

The background paper was glued to the back of the shadow box board.

To complete this scenic shadowbox project sea glass pebbles were added by the treasure chest and the fish. Seashells, chain, an old coin, and a light house charm add the finishing touches.
I had a great time creating this project with Viva Las Vegas Stamps!
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Challenge #10: Altered CD at Stampin' Dymonz

2011-08-30T23:38:00.000-05:00

Good Evening Ladies,
I know it is late but I just finished up this challenge for over at stampin' dymonz.
The challenge for this week is to alter a CD -- both front and back, using paper. You may paint the paper if you choose; however, the CD must be covered with paper. You must also include ribbon/fibers, 3 flowers and hand stamping. Check it out
http://www.stampindymonz.com/2011/08/challenge-10-altered-cd.html
Here is my take on the challenge....

This is one side of the cd...

This is the other side of the cd....

I used a new Tim Holtz halloween clear stamp set for all of the images. The background papers are from Antique a new paper company. The witch, cat, and happy halloween are all popped.

The bat is an EKSuccess punch. I took two bat punchies and put them back to back on a ribbon.

The top tie is an art fiber. I think it is made for plastic canvas.

On this side I stamped the bat directly on the paper. The skeleton is glued on flat. The flowers are popped with black sparkle brads for the centers. I grunged the edges with Tim Holtz distress ink in black soot.
Another fun challenge from Stampin' Dymonz.
Thanks for the challenge...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Challenge #9: Tag on Tag Stampin' Dymonz

2011-08-25T08:14:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
The weather is cool here today. I shut off my air and opened the windows. I'm am so ready for a little fresh air.
I have been working hard today to finish my challenge project http://www.stampindymonz.com/2011/08/challenge-9-tag-on-tag.html .

Challenge #9: Tag on Tag

This week's challenge is a tag challenge...with a twist.

As you can see by this sketch, this tag appears to have a "folder" on the front of the tag with a piece of paper which is inside the folder on a skewed angle. This week's challenge will have you put your spin on this sketch, including the following elements -- your tag must have a functional folder on the front and the piece of paper inside of the folder must be in the shape of a tag. There should be space on the tag for a small photo and some journaling. This space can be on the inside and/or the outside of the folder and/or the inserted tag.

Here is my take on the challenge....

I used a large tag for the base tag and covered it in dsp from DCWV. I used three different papers from the same stack. I used a petaloo blank fairy doll and stamped her face with a Peachy Keen face stamp. Her wings are stained with the Tim Holtz spun sugar stain. I then added glossy ppa from US Art Quest and sprinkled the wings with diamond dust. Silk flowers from the dollar store make up her skirt, sleeves, and anklets.

For my file folder I used a library pocket that I covered in brown glitter paper. I added a pearl and rhinestone accent from K&Company. The butterflies are also from K&Comapany. I used the spun sugar stain and colorized their wings to match the color scheme. My file tab is cloth from EK Success.

My file folder contains two tags that are held on with spiral clips. The tags can be removed. The library pocket allowed me to glue only three sides leaving the top open for the access for the spiral clips. More tags can be added to this top opening if desired.

I gave her anklets using the flower petals and pearls.

This was all adhered using pop material and beacon 3 in 1 glue.

I also used petals for the hair.

Thanks Stampin' Dymonz for the great challenge. You always keep me thinking outside of the box.

Happy Scraps,

Mrs. Swandog

Summer in the poppy field

2011-08-24T15:06:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
I am still in the midst of packing Sam for school. This is a bigger project than I first thought. I had forgotten how much stuff it takes to start up a home. Granted Sam won't use a lot of the things I am sending with him. But I have hopes he eats more than just ramen noodles while he is gone. He has decided not to iron his dress clothes. That should make for an interesting look. Well enough about that.
I have a card for you today......

This card features a little girl and her dog in the poppy field. I stamped the clear stamp image on a bristol board spellbinders die-cut with black memento ink. I colorized the image with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. For the background of the die-cut I sponged on Tim Holtz Distressed Ink. I used a Martha Stewart border punch on the top of the second mat and the border strip on the bottom of the card. The designer series paper is from DCWV which has been layered on the front of the card.
Most products used in this project I purchased at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/
Check out Joans for the latest greatest products and super fun challenges.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Hello Bird

2011-08-23T15:21:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
We seem to have received some rain from above. But it is still beautiful weather outside.
I have been scurrying around trying to get Sam ready for school. Most of the shopping has been finished. We are working on the packing and I am also creating at the same time. Soon it will be very quiet around here. We will see how that goes for me. I am entering uncharted waters as well as Sam.
Here is a sample for you today....

I call this card Hello Bird. The bird image is a one dollar clear stamp from Joann's. I just thought he was cute. I stamped him on a spellbinder die-cut with black memento ink. I then colorized him with Prisma pencil and Gamsol. I went over the wings, head, and tail feathers with a blue spica pen. I went over the body and the hello banner with a black spica pen. This gave him just a little bit of sparkle. The mats are from a DCWV stack. I used an EK Success border punch to create the border. I punched it out of a strip of paper. I did not like how it looked, so I turned it around and punched the other side. I came up with this unique border. Now I love it. The rhinestones are from a K&Company wedding pack.
Well, back to packing....
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Guest Designer Sherry Cheever new challenge at Joans Gardens

2011-08-21T18:50:00.000-05:00

Good Evening Ladies,
It is a beautiful Sunday summer evening. All is quiet here.
I did a bit of running around with Sam today to get him ready to go off to school. I can't believe my baby is flying from the nest in a few days. He did get me set up with skype though. So I will still be able to see him. What a nice boy he is.
I have my entry for the new guest designer Sherry Cheever challenge over at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/08/guest-designer.html
http://sherrycheever.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2011/08/11/at-joans-garden/ This is the link to the challenge instructions.
Here is my entry.....

I decided to make my project in a shadow box. I started out with an unfinished shadow box. I needed to stain the wood. I used Tim Holtz distressed stain in the dauber top bottle. This made the frame easy to stain as I just ran the dauber top over the entire frame. This frame has a design to it. The low areas of the frame did not fill with the dauber top. To remedy this problem I took the Tim Holtz color wash spray. I took the top off it and dipped a paint brush in. I painted the color wash into the grooves in the frame. Below I took photos of the board out of the frame. I have found no way to keep the glare off of the glass. I wanted to show a better view without the frame.

I built this piece on the wood backing of the shadow box. For the background I used a Tim Holtz resist natural paper. I took three colors of Tim Holtz distressed ink pads and shaded them in with makeup sponges. When I got the color just right I went in with a paper towel and took the color off the resist. I used a La Blance stamp inked with black archival ink and stamped it onto the La Blanche specialty paper. I then colorized the image with the same three colors of ink as I used on the background. The smaller areas of the image were colorized using the Tim Holtz stumps. My flowers are made using a set of Heartfelt Creations stamps. I stamped them on bristol board, colorized them with Tim Holtz distressed stain in the dauber top. I cut them out by hand and curled the petals. The next step to creating the flowers was to warm up my melting pot with clear utee in it. Once the utee was melted I dipped each layer by itself, stacking them as I brought them out of the melting pot. I added the pearls after they were finished being stacked. As Sherry suggested I used a hot glue gun to adhere them to the stamped panel.

The panel was attached to the backboard with of all things a cut up piece of foam from an embossing folder package. I added the foam to the back of the panel and then to the backboard. This gave me the rise I wanted for the stamped image.

The butterflies are premade by K&Company. But they were stark white. I took distress ink and a makeup sponge to give them the correct color.

I tore and curled the image panel in a few places. Where I did this I used ink on the back so nothing would show white.

Feathers were added to the artwork to give it a natural feel. These were attached with beacon 3 in 1 glue. I love this melting pot technique.
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Halloween Kitty

2011-08-18T08:02:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I am on schedule today. But as the day goes on I have a feeling I may get a little behind. I have a lot on my plate today. All the things on my to do list are moving me forward in one way, shape, or form. That is a good thing.
I have a Halloween card for you today....

Yes...It's a Halloween Kitty card. When I was on a trip last weekend I picked up a stamp set that has cute Halloween animals. So here is the kitty from the set. I colorized him with prisma pencil and gamsol. The inner two layers are cut with spellbinders dies. The black layer is done with a Martha Stewart punch set that my friend has recently purchased. She wasn't very fond of it until we punched this mat out. Then she went home and made a mat in a much smaller size and now she loves this punch set. The little pumpkin border is a punch by EK Success. The dotted paper is from http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/08/new.html
These little paper pads are wonderful.
Well....I'm off to continue on that to do list...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

never too buried....birthday card

2011-08-17T15:07:00.000-05:00

Good Afternoon Ladies,
I ran out of time early this morning to post before I had to go to work. So here I am in the afternoon.
Here is the card I have for you today....

This card features a dog diggin' in the flower bed. I stamped the dog and sentiment in black momento ink. I colorized the dog, dirt, bone, and flowers with prisma pencil and gamsol. The grass and sky was created using pan-pastels. I found out something really cool about pan-pastels and gamsol. Once you have colorized your scene with prisma pencil and gamsol you can go in and created the background with pan-pastels. If you then take a paper towel to blend in the pan-pastels the gamsol prevents the pastels to affect the colorization of your scene. It is a dream to blend without worry.

inside of card...

close-up of inside of card.....the scallops were created using a spellbinder die.
I am also happy to announce that I won the challenge over at Joan's Garden. Everyone should join in the challenges. They are fun and they get you to step outside the box.
Off to create....
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Christmas Card Time

2011-08-16T06:13:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I have been missing in action the last three days. I was gone over the weekend and just too darn tired to blog yesterday. But now I'm back
.I have a Christmas card for you today...

This is a 5 1/2 inch by 5 1/2 inch square card. The background dsp is from a DCWV Christmas stack. The red mat was created using a Martha Stewart border and corner punch set. The square scallop is a spellbinder. The little reindeer dog is an inkadinkado stamp. I believe the dog is a westie. My friend bought me the dog stamp and I just adore it. This is a simple but cute greeting card. Remember you should be well on your way creating your Christmas cards.
I have been using a lot of square cards as of late. They give you a different perspective and sometimes a little more room to stamp and embellish.
I am also loving the Martha Stewart punches. They add that extra flair I like on a card or scrapbook page.
Well....off to get ready for my day job...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Graphic 45 Once Upon A Spring Time

2011-08-12T06:26:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I had a good time yesterday. I had a friend over and we played with stamps all day. We even finished up a thing or two. It was productive to say the least. She brought over her pan-pastels. I just love the pan-pastels. Today I am posting a scrapbook page....

This is a very bulky scrapbook page. I'm thinking it would go nicely in a shadow box frame. The flowers were created using two rubber stamp sets from heartfelt creations. You can purchase these stamp sets at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/search/label/Heartfelt%20Creations The vine is from a sizzix bigz die. The paper is from a Graphics 45 tablet Once Upon A Spring Time. I love the fairies in this paper collection.

For the flowers I stamped them on bristol board. I colorized them with prisma pencil and gamsol. I then hand cut them all out. If you go to joan's gardens you can also buy the die to cut them out with. I curled each petal and then stacked them together using pop material.

Graphics 45 is awesome...I just love their paper!
Well....off to my day job...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Dino Thanks

2011-08-10T06:11:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I ran short on time yesterday. Wow ...what a busy day I had. Today should be a little slower.
I am bringing you a card I have listed for sale on my artfire studio today...

This card was fun to make. The dragon image is from Whimsy Stamps and the saying set is from tcp. I colorized the dragon with prisma pencil and gamsol. He was hand cut and popped up on the card. The card stock is from My Minds Eye and has sparkle to it. The die-cuts are spellbinders.

Inside of the card....

A side view so you can see how the dragon is popped. My studio can be seen here.... http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/mrsswandogscreations/3636891
Well....off to get ready for my day job...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Umbrella Man Tim Holtz style

2011-08-08T06:02:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
It's Monday already. Another weekend has flown by. Another week...another adventure in stamping...
I have a card for you today...It is the Umbrella Man Tim Holtz style ...

This card came about out of a mistake. I had purchased the new Tim Holtz stains at http://www.atjoansgardens.com/2011/07/new-distressed-inks-video-by-tim-holtz.html I tried to use these with a piece of foil instead of my craft mat. Well it didn't go so well. I ended up with big splotches all over my bristol board instead of the bright vibrant color I was going for. I decided that the piece was a loss anyway, so I sprayed it with the Tim Holtz spray stain in expresso. It dried very dark and ugly. So after it was dry I thought what could it hurt if I spritzed it with water. Then I thought it looked even worse. So I just walked away from it. I came back later and it was dry. To my surprise it was very cool looking and very Tim Holtz style. So I cut it up and ran it through the cuttlebug with one of the Tim Holtz embossing folders. Now I liked it even better,in fact I loved it. The bottom of the card is a martha stewart border punch. The man umbrella and the saying are from a Tim Holtz clear stamp set. Now my biggest fear is that I won't be able to recreate the mistake.
I have found that if I have a piece that I think I have ruined, if I set it aside and come back later I will see it in a whole different light.
I did a card using the under stain in the proper way. It can be seen here http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/mrsswandogscreations/3680093
Off to get ready for my day job...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

Elvis is in the house....

2011-08-07T05:49:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
I had lots of things to do yesterday, so I did not post. Today will be a much slower day to enjoy. Harley my sisters dog came to play this weekend. We are having a good time. He's such a nice boy!
Here is a card for today... Elvis is in the house...

This is more of my free rubber from Viva Las Vegas Stamps....I thought I would never have a need for an Elvis stamp, but I was wrong. This was a fun image to work with. I used the background stamp I received in my free rubber again to make more flowers. This time I used a 3-D flower and flat flower parts. Elvis was colorized using prisma color pencil and gamsol. The background paper is from GCD.

a side view of the flower

a top view of the flower.
Check out viva las vegas stamps by clicking the button on the sidebar of my blog. You never know what awaits you.
Off to create...
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog

viva las vegas stamps

2011-08-05T06:06:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Ladies,
On my side bar you will see the button for Viva Las Vegas Stamps, click on it to see their full catalog of stamps. You gotta love this place. You can buy rubber by the pound. For putting their button on my side bar they sent me free rubber. I have been stamping it out and playing with it. I bring you a card today using one of my free rubber stamps....and here it is...

One of the stamps is the patterned image you see stamped on the flower petals and leaves. I'm not sure what the stamp is but I used it as a background stamp. It was so freeing to take a stamp and not have any preconceived idea of what it is used for. It turned out to be just right for this card. What is the rest of the card created with you ask....the answer is grunge paper, spellbinder leaf die, sizzix tattered floral die, cheery lynn butterfly and angel wing die, dye sprays by ranger, brads, and dsp by DCWV.
I had been out shopping for a background stamp for this project and didn't fin what I wanted and then it arrived in the mail. Thanks Stampo!

side view to show dimension ....

another side view....

a kinda from the top view....
Waiting for the new Stampin' Dymonz challenge....
Happy Scraps,
Mrs. Swandog