Pop Up Box Card

Today at Back To Basics and Beyond
our challenge theme is 'Pop Up Box Card'
or as some may call it 'Card In A Box'.
Which ever name, it is still the same and still as fun!!

Here is an excellent tutorial and video if you want to make one of your own!

My box card was made entirely from a paper pad
(other then the card base).
I used the Mintay Papers I just purchased in a 6x6 pad called 'Kiddie'...
it is so CUTE!!

Using the papers I fussy cut all the cute little images out.

I wish you could see this IRL as it is so detailed!

It folds up totally flat to mail in a larger envelope.

The designer paper is double sided and very sturdy to hold the images well.

Make sure to visit the BBB blog to see all the fun pop up box cards
the Design Team has created...lots of cute~cute varieties!!

Happiness

Today at

Back To Basics and Beyond

the challenge is 'paper piecing'...pretty easy!

My card is a mixture of old and new!

New heart die, new stamp (sentiment).

Old (er) paper and stamp/die little Emma.

I stamped and die cut 'Emma' from Paper Sweeties.

Once I had her colored in, I stamped, hand cut, 

and paper pieced her cute little dress on her body.

Make sure to visit the challenge at BBB to see all the 

pretty creations the DT has to inspire!!

With Sympathy

Back To Basics and Beyond has a fun challenge for you

and it is the 

Salt Technique

you can find out how to do it HERE on YouTube.

I don't make many sympathy cards and decided I needed

a few in my card stash.

I started with a navy blue textured card stock

though you can't see it in the photo...

it is there!

For the background salt technique I used both table salt and a bit of kosher salt.

The watercolors used are just a cheap set I had on hand....

I did do a second base using my Peerless water colors

and it was much more vibrant,

so I decided to use the softer of the two for a sympathy card.

The die is from Cheapo Dies Cattails,

the Heron bird is from Impression Obsession Shore Birds

and the sentiment is SU Warmest Regards.

You can see ALL the beautiful DT salt technique cards by visiting the

Back to Basics and Beyond Challenge blog...thanks for visiting!

Valentine Sweater

New challenge theme is up and running at

Back To Basics and Beyond.

It's a cute theme and pretty easy too...

A Shaped Card...no squares or rectangles though.

I knew right away what shape I had in mind.

The Cutting Cafe

came out with the cutest 'ugly sweater shaped card' cut file in early December

and it is so easy to use.

I did use my Cricut to cut mine

(using my Cricut more is another of my 'creative goals' this year)

but it also comes with a PDF file.

I made mine into a 'Valentine' sweater...

I have plans for an Easter sweater later on!

Here is a side view of it.

I added a glittery heart and banner from my stash.

Make sure to visit at Back To Basics and Beyond to see all
the fun~pretty and various shaped cards to inspire you!!

Entering the following challenges:

Watercolor Wednesdays ... All About Occasions

Word Art Wednesday .... ATG

Ink Resist Technique Challenge

A new challenge begins today on
Back To Basics and Beyond
and it is 'Resist Technique'.
If you haven't ever done it,
give it a try and not only is it easy but it is FUN!

For my technique instructions,
I watched a video HERE on Splitcoast stampers for my card.

I used a sentiment stamp,( that once I find where I set it, I will let you know the name)
and used TH Distress Embossing ink which I have had forever
and just opened it, I normally use Versmark.

I also used Sparkle N Sprinkle Clear embossing powder.
The other inks I used were Distress inks Broken China,
Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint and Faded Jeans.

The tree stamp is a Shenna Douglas 'Silhouette Trees'.

Pop on over to BBB and see all the other DT beautiful creations!!

Short and sweet, I know, but I had very little time today!

Snowy Day

Our new challenge is up and running at

Back To Basics and Beyond.

I chose the challenge and it is one of my favorites

'coloring on vellum'!

There are tons of instructions on youtube

and lots of ideas on Pinterest.

But, basically. you just stamp your image with

Versamark on Vellum,

use a embossing powder

and heat set.

I used Sparkle N Sprinkles White Detail.

Once you have it heat set,

just flip it over and begin coloring with a pen/marker.

I used Copics for mine.

A little 'tip' is when you turn it over to

see your progress,

make sure to flip it back so you are coloring on the back side,

it's an easy mistake 

that can ruin your project if you color on the wrong side.

I used a stamp set from Crafter's Companion that I have had for

years and never been used.

I also added some Stickles 'Ice" for sparkle
and a few snowflakes.

Head on over to the BBB blog and see all the beautiful

designs my teamies have created....

we would love for you to join in with us!!

Entering the following Challenges:
Word Art Wednesday .... ATG
Mod Squad .... Critters
The Paper Shelter .... Snowy Days
Simon Says Wednesday .... ATG

Easy Z Fold CArd

Today at

Back To Basics and Beyond

our challenge is to make an easy 'Z' fold card.

I made mine really easy,

not only the folds but the already printed papers I used as well.

You can lots and lots of EASY Z fold card instructions on

both Pinterest and You Tube....

or even much more involved ones.

The basic sizes and scores for mine were

Base 4 1/4" x 11"

Scores 2 3/4" and 5 1/2" in that order.

Then just decorate as you want.

The papers I used are new ones from Michaels

Recollections  Christmas collection  'Northern Lights'.

I die cut several snowflakes, then coated them with SNS brushable glue and glitter.

Using the supplies I did it made it a very easy and fast card

and fold flat for mailing.

There were a few things I would do differently

(like adding card stock under the papers and such....

but all in all it turned out pretty good.

Pop on over to the Back To Basics and Beyond challenge blog

and see all the other fun 'Z' cards from our creative Design Team!!

Sketch Challenge

Today at Back To Basics and Beyond we have a 
sketch challenge using the sketch below.

For my card I reversed/flipped the sketch,
putting my embellishments (trees) on the opposite side.

I used a new (to me) paper pad from Carta Bella called
'Cabin Fever'.
This is one of those paper pads that you can't help but love each and every one!
It is full of some really neat prints that I love!

The stamps I have had a long time and have never been used.
Both are from Memory Box,
 stamped in Memento Dew Drop Inks Northern Pine and Desert Sand.
I really wanted to add some white dots to the fawn but none of my
white pens will work, so I tossed them all...
that being said 
does anyone have a recommendation for a GOOD working white pen?

I added a bit of stickles and then my embellishments are
two IO pine trees, cut from a green velvet paper.
Funny but the stickles I used is the same for both,
but the upper picked up a teal color from my craft room...
oh well, it is really white!

I hope you will join us for our sketch challenge.
Make sure and visit the  Back To Basics and Beyond blog
to see all the other fun sketches the team has created!

Plant Smiles

Time for a new challenge theme at

Back To Basics and Beyond

and this time the theme is to use

stencils or masks...FUN!!

I have lots of stencils to work with
but chose this cute, small one from Memory Box
called Florina.
It was simple enough just by using some Distress Inks
and a sponge.

I first tried to 'frame it' but none of my frames seemed to fit 'just right'
so in the end I used an oval die to die cut it
and actually like the result.

I used an embossing folder that fit pretty good with the oval
and a sentiment from Elizabeth Crafts
stamped with Dew Drop ink Lulu Lavender.

Take a peek over at Back To Basics and Beyond
and join us with some stenciling of your own...
we would love to see your creations!

Supplies:

Memory Box Stencil Florina

TH Embossing Folder Floral Fancy Frame

Elizabeth Crafts Stamp Set Little Words That Mean A Lot

Memento Dew Drop Ink Lulu Lavender

TH various  Distress Inks

SU card stock Apricot

Holiday Blessings

Happy October!!

Today at Back To Basics and Beyond Challenge blog

we have a fun new theme and it is

Water Colors!

I have so many different water colors

I was overwhelmed of which one to use.

In the end I chose my newest water colors from

Nuvo~Aqua Flow Aqua Splash.

On a Spellbinders die cut, I first ran it through my Cuttlebug,

embossing with a snowfall embossing folder.
I decided to do a 'splash' of water color rather then water coloring an image.

I spritzed my water color paper , then added my aqua color, letting it flow where it wanted.

I used my heat gun to quickly dry it

then stamped my tree image on that with Cottage Ivy ink.

I added a bit of 'sparkle' to the trees

using a Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Glitter Gloss.
(I wish you could see it)!

I die cut a little banner and stamped the sentiment on that,

then popped it up a tiny bit.

The card base is one of many I already have ready for A2

cards which I am trying my best to use up

since I tend to use mostly white card stock bases!

All my stamps were stamped using the

Tim Holtz stamp platform, my favorite 'tool' of the year!

I have all the products (and some links) for you below.

Now make sure to pop on over 

to Back To Basics and Beyond

and see all the beautiful

water colors the design team has for you!

Entering the following challenges:

Simon Says Wednesday .... Let's Get Ready For Christmas
Crop Stop .... ATG (Spellbinders~cuttlebug)
Addicted To Stamps & More .... Make Your Mark

Supplies:

Art Impressions Tree Stamp

Nuvo Aqua Shimmer Glitter Gloss

Nuvo Aqua Flow~Aqua Splash

Tim Holtz Stamp Platform

Memento Dew Drops Cottage Ivy Ink

Flourishes Country Time Christmas sentiment

Spellbinders dies

Sizzix Snowfall embossing folder

A little Bit 'Inky'

The new challenge today at

Back To Basics and Beyond is

to get A little bit 'Inky'.

I have to admit I did a pretty simple ink project

as I saw another challenge I had wanted to join in

and it was to ink up your acrylic stamp block

then stamp on card stock.

I really had planned to join in but as usual time/life

got in the way so I decided I could use that technique

for my project here.

I inked my acrylic block with TH Distress Oxide Spiced Marmalade, 

spritzed it with water then stamped it on my card stock.

The acrylic block I used was probably the first one I had ever purchased

and has a nice wavy edge to it.

Then I stamped my image (SU House of Haunts)

several times using the TH Stamp Platform.

I love that thing, so much I ordered a second one to put away

in case I do something stupid to my original one...that is how much I love it.

Also did you know that Tonic has agreed not to sell any more of these in the states

once the ones in store are sold out?

What a shame that is.

I ordered a new Halloween paper pad

'Pink & Main' Not Too Spooky

and used that for my background.

A pretty neat one as it has no Halloween images on it, just the colors!

Make sure to visit (and join in too) the

Back To Basics and Beyond Challenge blog to

see all the beautiful and creative projects the Design Team has!!

Love You

A new challenge begins today at
Back To Basics and Beyond.
The theme this time is 
'Decoupage'.

I enjoyed it as I was able to put to good use a card from the
Anna Griffin decoupage card kit I purchased last March....
after all the kit makes 60 or so and this is my second one...'nuff' said!

The kit includes many beautiful images to work with
as well as pieces for a layered look which I love!
I also really like the acorns with the Roses and thought it  would be a good choice for
this time of the year.

Here is a little bit better picture of the layering.

I also added shimmer to the card in various places by using

my favorite 'Nuvo Glitter Gloss' pen.

I think I need to work on these cards a little more often
 being there are so many of them....
in my 'spare' time of course!

We would love to have you join us in our challenge...
pop on over to Back To Basics and Beyond challenge....
I love a good challenge, don't you?

Aperture Card

Today begins a new challenge at

Back To Basics and Beyond.

The challenge is to make an 'aperture' card.

Not sure what that is?

Here is a definition of it:

Aperture:  an opening, hole, or gap.

You can also bring up You Tube or Pinterest  for inspiration and tutorials.

But, speaking of inspiration,

the Design Team has plenty of that for you!

My card is pretty simple.

A linen embossed panel with a 'hole' in it.

I used a Tonic stamp set 'Bunched Bouquet,

stamped with Dew Drop inks Grape Jelly and Lulu Lavender.

A few gems were added for sparkle.

Ma sure to pop on over to the Back To Basics and Beyond to see

what lovely creations my team mates have in store for you!!

Hello Sunshine

Here it is time for a new FUN challenge at 

Back To Basics and Beyond.

Our challenge pick for this time is a very easy one

Use a Digi!!

I have so many digitals in my files,

but I chose one that I already had 4 of them printed.

I purchased this digi a long, long time ago,

in fact it has a date of 2009 on it.

I purchased it to use as a birthday card for my daughter

(which I did)

as she has not one, not two, but 3 chihauhaus!

I found this little guy to look a bit 'mean'

so had a bit of humor by stamping the sentiment  'hello sunshine'

as he sure doesn't look like sunshine does he..lol?

He looks a bit more of 'grrr'!

The sentiment was from Stampendous, 

stamped in Dew Drop ink Bamboo Leaves.

The paper I used are from an older My Minds Eye pad (2012).

The die is a Cheery Lynn Designs.

The image was colored in with very few Copics.

Now, make sure to visit Back To Basics and Beyond

and see all the fun digi's my teammates have to inspire you,

 plus you can read what our challenge blog is all about!!

 

Happy Fall

A new challenge today at the

Back To Basics and Beyond Challenge

and it is a SUPER easy one

'Embossing Folders'.

Now I don't know about you, but I have an over abundance of

those folders, in fact my newest is from SU and I had planned to use that,

but last fall I was messing around with some

Sizzix adhesive backed foil paper and a leaf embossing folder

and came up with this background.

The foil had a plastic 'like' back on it and it also embossed it, 

so I saved that piece for a further use.

Since I was embossing with a folder, I decided to carry on with

also embossing with a fun Stampabilities (2002) leaf block stamp

using Sparkle N Sprinkle Timber embossing powder (one of my very favorites)

and Versamark.

I encourage you to join in this super easy challenge

and also to visit and see all the beautiful creations

my teammates have created!

Simple Step Card

Hi All, enjoying your summer?

It's been pretty darn hot here but I am NOT complaining,

much better then snow/cold!!

Our challenge at Back To Basics and Beyond is to make

a simple 'step card'.

I used a video HERE for mine.

Since it is summer, I decided to go with a fun summer card.
I had a lot of fun making this card and it was very simple!

I had a piece of watercolor paper that I was messing around with
Nuvo Shimmer Mist Nebula Blue
quite awhile back and it actually is what started this card.
I used a wave die and cut it from that paper,
and it worked out pretty good, all nice and shimmery,
just like waves are!

I also added six sail boats to the step parts on the waves....
My lighthouse die fit perfectly on the front panel
and of course what is a lighthouse without seagulls?

We would love to have you join us at 
Back To Basics and Beyond.....
make sure to visit to see all the different variations the team has designed
to inspire YOU!

Entering the following challenges:
Crafaholics R Us .... Turquoise 
Simon Says Monday Challenge .... Summer Fun
International Art & Soul .... Summer Fun
Simply Create Too ... No Patterned Papers (m)
Crafty Catz .... Summer Fun
Get Creative .... Shaped Cards (m)

Dies:  Cheapo Lighthouse

Impression Obsession Lake Birds and Sailboats

Stamp:  Bo Bunny Life's A Beach