Crafty Secrets Color Challenge

February 15, 2010

Today the Design Team of Crafty Secrets is presenting a color challenge. We are to show you our technique in coloring the wornderful images from Crafty Secrets Clear Art Stamps.

For this challenge I have used Colored Pencils and Gamsol to color in the image. The image that I selected for today's challenge is from the Garden Girl Clear Art Stamp Set of Crafty Secrets. This is one of my favorite images and wanted to used the Gamsol magic technique with it.

I first stamped the image of the girl doing some gardening with Onyx Black Versafine ink.

Then I outlined the lines of the stamped image with different colored pencils and then just added some color lightly to the imageOnce this was done, I then dipped a blending stub into Gamsol (or Oderless Mineral Spirits) and proceeded to blend in the colors that I added with the colored pencils. Using Gamsol brings out the color and blends it all together so perfectly. I then die cut the imgae with the Labels 6 from
Spellbinders. I also die cut a bigger size using paper from the Radiant Paper Designs from the Heartwarming Vintage Collection. Background paper is from the Classic Paper Designs which is also of Heartearming Vintage Collection. Gril Friend stamp is from the Garden Girl Stamp set and the corner pieces is taken from the new Cupcake Party stamp set. All the stamps I used for this card is from Crafty Secrets. I added some pearls to the corners and then sprayed the whole card with Old Lace Glimmer Mist.

Do check out the projects the other ladies from our Design Team have prepared especially for you today.

Vicki Chrisman

Pam Hooten

Heidi Blankenship

Linda Duke

Michele Kovack

Melissa Phillips

Michelle Van Etten

Flo from France

Julie Campbell (our newest Design Member)

Don't forget to also check out the Heartwarming Vintage Blog and Crafty Secrets sight for more information and products.

Have a wonderful day,

Marisa

Craty Secret Forum Challenge and Samples of New Releases

February 2, 2010

It is time to share some cards made with stamps and images from resent releases from Crafty Secrets.

First, did you know that every Tuesday, dedicated Ladies host a challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers at the Crafty Secrets Forum. This week, Lori Lynn has a special challenge targeting the "men in your lives." For this challenge I selected images from the Wacky Animals and Calendar Creative Scraps. Background paper is from the Earthy Paper Design pad from Crafty Secrets.

Second card up also uses an image from the Wachy Animals Creative Scraps and paper from the Classic Paper Design pad. On the background paper I also stamped roses from the Baby Girl Clear Art Stamps. Added some die cuts using the Facy Tags from Spellbinders behind the main image.

Third card I am sharing with you tonight uses stamped images from the Seasonal Friends Clear Art Stamps that was just recently released at the CHA. For this card, I stamped the images on white cs with Tuxedo Black Momento Ink and the colored the image with Copic pens. Added some Flower Soft to the various flowers in the image. Background paper is from the Classic Paper Design Pad. Added die cuts from the Fleur De Lis Pendant die set of Spellbinders just behind the main image and some pink pearls to the corners.

For the final card, I used stamped images from the Alice in Wonderland Clear Art Stamp set. For this card I stamped the images on off-white cs with Tuxedo Balck Memoto Ink and colored the images with Copic markers. Background paper is from the Radiant Paper Design pad.

3D Valentine

January 19, 2010

Today, I just want to share with you another project that I made with the 3D Shadow Box frame. This time I am using the Portrait version of this die cut. These dies will be available soon thru AccuCut or you will be able to order pre-cut ones through Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage Collection.

For this project I used images from the Altered Fairies Scraps and Stickers from the Valentine Love Heartwarming Vintage Stickers.

These dies are so fun to play with. The possibilities are endless. I would encourage you to give them a try. You will not regret.

New 3D Shadow Boxes and Altered Fairy Scraps for CHA

January 14, 2010

Wow, I can't believe that this is my first blog post for the year. What better way to start it with a Crafty Secrets DT Blog hop CHA reveal.

So the secret is now out.

Our very talented DT leader Vicki Chrisman came up with this fantastic idea. So Crafty Secrets in partnership with AccuCut helped make this idea become a reality. Vicki's idea was 2 kinds of 3D Shadow Box Cards, which is available in a Portrait or Landscape style. And what better time to release these fantastic dies - of course in the upcoming CHA Show! Now each of these dies is designed to work great with the new Altered Fairy Scraps from Crafty Secrets. So today, our Design Team is all geared up to showcase to all of you these versatile and creative 3D Shadow Boxes!

My project for this reveal is a Photo Shadow Box. I used the Landscape style die and paper from the Classic Paper Designs of Heartwarming Vintage Collection. I assembled the various pieces and used an adorable picture of my mom taken when she was just 2 months old. Used some half pearls all around the inside frame . Edges of the die cut pieces were distressed with Vintage Photo Distressing Ink. All the printed images that I used for this project are from the Altered Fairy Scraps and stamps came from the Baby Girl Clear Art stamp set.


Each 3D die (Portrait or Landscape) has a center shadow box style 'stage' to showcase a multitude of creative themes and styles. Some of the projects you can create with them are photo keepsakes, 3D cards, shaker boxes, altered art and dioramas. Both these dies will be available from AccuCut and discouted 25% off, for orders that are placed at the CHA Show. Crafty Secrets will also be selling Kits, with or without the Fairy Scraps included.

If you would like to die cut your own paper, you can always ask your favorite store to order these dies. Many stores will let you use their dies, you simply just have to buy the paper that you want use from them. AccuCut sells to a vcariety of retail stores, teachers, kit clubs and consumers.These dies will be available for purchase online in February.

* 3D Shadow Box Portrait Die #VC101SJ $165.00 (25% off at CHA Show)
* 3D Shadow Box Landscape Die #VC102CD $165.00 (25% off at CHA Show)

To see more sample from the rest of the Design Team, simply click on their names and it will bring you to their respective blogs ...

Vicki Chrisman Team Leader

Pam Hooten

Heidi Blankenship

Michele Kovack

Michelle Van Etten

Melissa Phillips

Don't forget to also visit the Heartwarming Vintage Blog for other samples and more information of things to come.

Snowman Bottle Case

December 14, 2009

I cannot believe that Christmas is getting closer by the day. By the time you know it, it is Christmas Eve.

Today will be a quick post to show you my version of a snowman made with a bottle. My sister sent me a picture of the snowman her friend Frankie made, then she sent me a picture of her version of that snowman and so today I am posting the one I came up with.

This snowman is made with an empty bottle of Startbucks Frapuccino. I started using a glue line on the middle of the body and attaching pieces of a glittery branch for the snowmans hands. You can also use a glue gun to attach the branch pieces. Then I dabbed some Aleene Glitter Snow all over the bottle. Used an extra dabbing of snow to attached the gift and the Christmas tree. Set the bottle to the side until the snow hardens. Meanwhile cut a piece of felt, 12x3/4 inches, frey the ends to make the scarf. For the head you can either use a styrofoam ball or a Christmas ball. For this project I didn't have the right size of styrofoam ball so I used the Christmas ball instead. I once more dabbed the snow all over the ball and set it aside to dry. I proceeded to make the hat out of black foam, ribbon around the hat and a decorative piece. Once the body and head were completely dried, I placed some black studs for the eyes, foam carrot for the nose, foam circles for the mouth and buttons going down the body.

Here is the link to the ones I got inspiration from.

Have a warm cozy night everyone.

Cooking and/or Kitchen Crafty Secrets DT Blog Hop

December 7, 2009

Good Monday morning to you all. Today the Design Team of Crafty Secrets will be posting projects with a Cooking and/or Kitchen Theme. We also have a talented crafter joing us today and she is no other then Julie Campbell. It is so exciting to see what everyone comes up with. Each and every DT members has their own unique style. So I hope that you all have a grand time and get some inspiration from our projects.

My first project is a Recipe Box. For this project I used paper from the Raidiant Paper Designs, stickers from the "What's Cooking" Vintage Stickers, images from the "Homemade" Images and Journal Notes, and stamps from the "Kitchen Classic", "Little Chef" and "Wine Lovers" stamp sets of Crafty Secrets Clear Art Stamps.

My second project is Shortbread Cookies Baggies giveaway for Christmas. I stamped some Snowflakes from the "Vintage Christmas" stamp set with Opaque White Stazon Ink on the clear plastic bag. Tag was made using 2 other images from the same stamp set and it was colored with Copic markers.

And lastly, I would like to share with you the recipe I used for the Shortbread Cookies. It is no easy to make and tastes real good.

Shortbread Cookies

1 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 cup potato flour or potato starch
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
50 grams sliced blanched almonds

Sieve potato flour and all purpose flour together. Cream butter, add sugar and blend well. Add vanilla and mix. Graudally add in flour to butter mixture. Knead the dough for a few minutes. It it is too sticky, add a little more flour. Slightly crush sliced almonds by hand, then mix well with dough. Roll in little balls and tap with fork dipped in flour. Bake at 325 degrees oven for 20-25 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!

Now it is time to take a look at the other DT members and our guest designer to see what they have in store for you today.

Vicki Chrisman
Pam Hooten
Michele Kovack - Prize Giveaway
Michelle Van Etten
Melissa Phillips
Flo Teixteira
Julie Campbell - Guest designer

And don't forget to check out the Heartwarming Vintage Blog and Crafty Secrets Site for added inspiration.

Thanks,

Marisa

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

November 26, 2009

I would just like to great all my American friends a Happy Thanksgiving. May you all enjoy this day with family and friends.

Marisa

Crafty Secrets DT Blog Challenge Lacey Happy Holidays

November 23, 2009

Excitement is in the air as we celebrated the Holiday Season. Today the Crafty Secrets Design Team is having a Christmas Blog Challege. And to top it of we are happy to have the talented Darlene join us in this challenge as well.



Today I have prepared a Christmas card made out of stickers from the Heavenly Christmas Heartwarming Vintage Sticker collection. Lots of card markers scramble to make last minute Christmas cards as that special Holiday nears. When you are pressed for time, all you have to do is grab one of the several stickers available from Crafty Secrets. Each of these sticker sheets are loaded with different elegant and fun images to help you make that special card for that very special person.


OK on to the card. The image of Santa carry a load of toys in his sack was placed on a deep red cs. I then free hand cut just around the borders of the sticker leaving about an eight of an inch of cs showing. The edges of the cs was outlined with a gold Sakura metallic gel pen. I then die cut and embossed an off white cs with the Lace Pendant die from Spellbinders. Edges of the piece was distressed with Walnut Stain distressing ink and lined with the metallic gold gel pen. This was then matted with the deep red cs. I used double sided foam tape to adhere the setiment "Happy Holidays" to the bottom of the Lace piece. Then I proceeded to die cut the corners (used the Lace Borderabilities) and centre edges (used a flourishy lace from the pendant set) with the deep red cs. Once again I outlined all the edges with the gold pen. Then to finish this card up I added some gold half pearls in various areas of the die cut pieces.


Now let me take you to the blogs of our other DT members who have created lovely projects for you today.


Vicki
Heidi
Pam
Linda
Michele
Melissa
Michelle
Flo


and our special guest:


Darlene


HAPPY MONDAY EVERONE.

Christmas Joy Poinsettia

November 22, 2009

Today, DRS is sponsoring the sketch challenge over at Card Positioning System. It is such a fun sketch to create with. So if you like sketch challenge, come and take a shot at it.

For my card, I used the Giant Poisettia stamp from DRS Designs. This was stamped 3x on white cs with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink then colored with Copic markers. After it was colored I cut out the 3 images. The first time I used the whole image and cut all around the edges. For the second 2 images I cut the flower only and removed the leaves. I then coated all three images with stickles and let completely dry. After is was dry I assembled all three layers and just rotated the flowers a tiny bit to make it look fuller. I also curved the flowers and leaves on each of the layers to give it more dimension. I used a Holly Berry brad to hold all 3 layers together. Here is a close-up look at just the poinsettia.

For the rest of the card, I die cut a beige cs with the Labels 8 die from Spellbinders. After I cut the panel, I then proceeded to emboss it, do a little shading and then sprayed it with Old Lace Glimmer Mist. After that the sentiment (Yesteryear Christmas Greeting) was stamped onto the panel with Tuxedo Black ink. Panel was matted with deep red cs and I also added some green half pearls. Paper that I used for the background is from the Wonderland Paper Pad of Cosno Cricket.

Now come on and take a look at what the other DRS Designs DT members have created as well as projects posted on the Card Positioning System blog.

Cathy

Jessica

Debbie

Jennifer

Jenny

Julie

Vicki

Tammie

Happy Weekend, everyone.

November 18, 2009

Here is a card for today's Sketch Challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers.



Sittin'Pretty Kitty a new release from DRS Designs was stamped 2x onto off-white cs and then colored with Copic markers. One of the images was cut and mounted on top of the other. Frame was die cut with the smaller frame from the Scalloped Edge Frame from Spellbinders. Background paper was embossed with the Snowflake embossing folder from Cuttlebug. Sentiment of Merry Christmas is also a stamp from DRS. Used ribbon for the final touch to the card.

November 17, 2009

PammyJo has a challenge going over at the Crafty Secrets Forum at Splitcoast Stampers. It is a REDand GREEN challenge -----but it's not just for Christmas......what you say?

Well I used red and green and yes my image is a Christmas image. The cute image of the little cat and dog in bed on Christmas eve is from the Christmas Creative Scraps of Crafty Secrets. This 2 page sheet contains 22 really cute Christmas images and goes so well with any project for Christmas. Especially when you are in a hurry to complete something. The sentiment is also taken from the same sheet. I used the Scalloped Edge Frame from Spellbinders to die cut both the red and green layers. Added some sparkle to the card using a Sakura Glittle pen. Background paper is from the Eskimo Kisses paper pad of Basic Grey. And to finish this card off, I added some half pearls and a decorative poinsettia button.

A Happy Thanksgiving

November 16, 2009

Here is a card made for today's Technique Lovers Challenge at Splitcoast Stampers - cutting "Outside the Box".

For today's card I used stamps from DRS Bountiful Basket and for the sentiment 2 Line Thanksgiving.

Image was stamped 2x on off-white cs with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink. First image was colored with Copic markers and cut all around the outline. For the second stamped image I used a colluzle to cut the circle shape and kept part of the image outside of the circle. Colored image was then mounted on top of this with double sided foam tape. Used the Labels 3 nestabilities for the frame. On the background paper I stamped the Sunflower/Pumpkin background stamp also from DRS with Pumpkin Spice. For the sentiment I used a stamp-a-ma-jig to align the Happy Thanksgiving which was on 2 separate lines.

November 15, 2009

Here is a card made for today's Featured Stamper over at Splitcoast Stampers, who is Dawn (TreasureOiler). Congratulations Dawn, you have a beautiful gallery full of inspiration.



Here is the card I selected to case from Dawn's Gallery.

Being that it is close to the Holidays, I change the theme of the card to match the upcoming Holiday Season.

Stamps used for this card is from the Christmas Joy and Vintage Christmas stamp set of Crafty Secrets. Paper is Eskimo Kisses from Basic Grey. Images were colored with Copic markers.

A Thanksgiving Wish

November 11, 2009

This card was made for the Tuesday challenge over at the Crafty Secrets Forum. Darlene challenge us with a technique challenge with a twist - we have to use initials and select a technique listed in the Splitcoast resources with those letters.



For this technique challenge I used the first letters of my first and last name - MG

M - Masking
G - Gamsol magic

I stamped the image of the little boy and girl holding the wishbone from the Thanksgiving Stamp set of Crafty Secrets. Image was colored with Prisma Colored pencils and then used gamsol to blend the colors. The masking was done on the background paper that I made using the leaf and acorn image from the same stamp set. I masked either the acorn or the leaf as I stamped one to top of the other. Sentiment is also from the same stamp set and was stamped in the middle of the wish bone. Main image was die cut using the Curved Rectangles from Spellbinders. To finish of the card I die cut some leaves from Cuttlebug and added a double looped ribbon.

November 11, 2009

Earlier this month I mentioned that I started a 2 month term as Guest Desinger for DRS Designs for the months of November and December. I am happy to say that today is my first day to post a card in the DRS blog.

Here is a sneak peak of the card. To get all the details please visit the DRS blog.

Enjoy your day.

2Sketches4U

November 9, 2009

Today DRS is sponsoring the sketch challenge on the 2Sketches4U blog.

Here is the sketch that Kazan has prepared for this challenge.

And here is the card I made just for this challenge. I used the DRS Circle Lily stamp set. I stamped the lily on white cs with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink 2x. Colored the stamped image with Copic markers. For the first one, I cut around the circle going around the parts of the flower that were outside of the circle. For the second stamped image I just cut around the flower and leaves. The flower part was distressed with a distressing tool to bring more shape to the flower and the popped up onto the first flower image. This was mounted on to a yellow then black cs that was cut with the Labels 2 die from Spellbinders. Behind this panel I embossed the light blue cs with the Swiss dot embossing folder from Cuttlebug. The strips that go across the top left and bottom right were punched using a MS border punch. Added some blue dots to the strip.

For other projects using this sketch, head on over to the DRS blog and check out the other project prepared for you by the Design Team. The links to thier respective blogs are conveniently located on the side bar. There are more projeccts to look at in the 2Sketches4U blog as well.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Merry and Bright

November 8, 2009

Here is a card for Tuesday's Crafty Secrets Forum challenge.

This week Lori Lynn challenged us to use windows which either punches, chipboard frames, nesties or acetate.

Image for this card is from the Christmas Creative Scraps which was placed inside a frame from the Heart Sweet Chips. The frame was colored with Copic markers, stamped with the decorative star from the Christmas Joy stamp set all around the frame and then embossed with white embossing powder. After the frame was embossed I added some glue to the frame and sprinkled Crystal Snow glitter all over. Finishing touches to this card are ribbon, die cut snowflakes (embossed and sprinkle with Diamond Dust), red half pearls, and a panel punch with a MS border punch.

Happy Holidays

Novembere 4, 2009

Card that I am posting today was made for the Sketch challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers.

Stamped the Cutie Pie Christmas Helper from DRS onto off-white cs with Tuxedo Black Memonto ink and then colored it with Copic markers. Added some Glossy Accents to the Christmas balls on the tree and gold glitter on the star using a Gold Glitter pen from Sakura. For the sentiment I used a rub-on. Image panel was then matted onto red then brown cs. I stamped my second image which was a Fireplace (from DRS) onto another off-white cs with Rhubarb

Stalk Memento ink and used a blender pen to add more color to the bricks with the same ink that I used to stamp the image. I cut out the brick portion of the Fireplace and placed it behind my main image. Added some Dot Sparklers Class A Peel stickers to the triangle portion of the sketch layout.

Have a wonderful evening everyone.

DRS Guest Designer for November and December

November 2, 2009

Some time ago, I sent in an application for DRS Guest Designer. I received word back from Cathy that they have selected me for the November/December spot. Today it was announced in the DRS blog and I am so looking forward to playing around with their stamps for the next 2 months.

My very first card using stamps from DRS was made using the Candy Cane Cottage Stamp. The image was stamped 2x on white cs with Tuxedo Black Memnto Ink. I colored part of the image with Copic markers and for the roof top and ground I added some Aleene's Glitter snow. On the second stamped image I colored the candy canes, added Clear Glossy Accents and used some Glitter Snow once more to the ground, cut around that portion and adhered it on top of the first image with dimentionals. The image was then popped up onto a Labels 8 die from Spellbinders. On the die cut I stamped some snowflakes and embossed it with Clear Sparkle embossing powder and also added some dots with a white Signo pen. Background panels was made using the Large Original Plaid from DRS which was stamped at a slant, cut into strips and mounted on red cs. The strips were then adhered onto white cs, and then onto red cs.

Had lots of fun with with all these stamps.

And the Winner Is .............

November 1, 2009

With the help of RANDOM.ORG Integer Widget: "True Random Number Generator

The winner is comment # 54


Result:
54
Powered by RANDOM.ORG"

Rae C. said...
Stroke of midnight, huh? Cute! I got those darling vintage glam girls clear stamps not long ago, and I'm having a ball using them! So for now, that's my favorite product from CS!


Congratulations Rae, please e-mail (mlgrosson@yahoo.ca) me your mailing address so that I can forward the information to Sandy for your Gift Certificate.

Thanks to everyone who left comments

Marisa