Ohio State Fun Funky Fold

Ohio State Fun Funky Fold
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I had a lot of fun making this, and I hope to give it to a Buckeye friend of mine that happens to be going through a lot right now. I may just have to make another one for myself because I like this so much.

This is made for the Try a New Technique Challenge #201, which was to make a Fun Funky Fold. Never have done such a thing before, but was quite easy to do.

The football player is from Stampington. The Buckeye leaves were computer generated. Brutus is a stamp from College Kids Stamp Kit, and I'm not telling you where I got the logo stamp (as I wouldn't want anyone to get in trouble with licensing). I stamped the football player and Brutus with Marvy Dye ink onto Neenah Solar Crest. I colored them with Tombow markers and Copic Markers. I colored directly onto the logo stamp with Tombow markers. The Go Buckeyes sentiment is a sticker.

I'm guessing that making this has totally jinxed the Buckeyes for their January 5th game. No wait a minute...they seem to enter games in a "funk" all on their own. I'm getting used to losing bowl games...and, no...I'm not over January 8, 2007 yet. I'm a different fan because of it. A bit more pessimistic.

Thank You, Sloopy Style

Thank You, Sloopy Style
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

So, I finally allowed myself the chance to ink up this adorable alphabet set from Cowtown stamps. I've had them for about six months now, at least, but am just now inking them. You know how I think..."I'm not worthy." I know I'm ridiculous.

Anyway, the Ways To Use It #198 challenge on SCS, Creative Lettering, prompted me to make this thank you card for Sloopy's babysitter. She was quite generous to Sloopy and me this Christmas. The challenge was to integrate letters from the alphabet with other images. Well, you've got to admit, this adorable set from Cowtown Stamps is doing all of the work here...so, I wanted the stamped image to not take over from the letter cuteness. So, I stamped some holly on the side. The holly leaves are from Stampabilities.

I bet you can guess how I made this. I stamped the letters with Marvy dye blank ink onto Neenah Solar Crest cardstock. I colored the letters with Copic markers. The holly was actually stamped using direct to rubber coloring with Tombow markers. The berries are red brads. Patterned paper, faux stitching with a with gell pen, and an adorable dog paw punch were also used to create this card.

I have a feeling Sloopy's babysitter will like this.

18 Carrot Dip

18 Carrot Dip
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I had a chance to play with the Inspiration Challenge #160 over on SCS. I selected the "More Peas Please" plate from MacKenzie-Childs . I was drawn to the border around the plate and the whole concept of vegetables. Being the child that used to drench her peas in Kool-Aid, I thought I'd go with carrots instead.

This image is from Inky Antics. I picked it up on clearance at some stamp store, I can't remember which one. I stamped the image using Memento Tuxedo black ink on Sterling Coated Matte paper and colored it with Copic markers. I drew the borders with Copic markers as well, as well as used the small square brads to accentuate the border.

I haven't a clue when I will ever need a card like this, but it was fun to play.

Disco Sloopy

I know, I know. You've seen this everywhere. But, I promise you it is worth the click because you haven't seen a better dancer than Sloopy.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Santa, Bear and Cookies

Santa, Bear and Cookies
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

A card, just for fun!

When I saw today's Sketch Challenge #208 I knew I wanted to play because the sketch could utilize a bigger image, and most of my images are rather large. I was in the mood for coloring, and thought I'd get out a piece of sterling matte coated paper from Arvey's, because it had been awhile since I've used such paper. I selected this very appropriate for today image from Darcie. I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo black and colored the image with Copic markers. Found the little saying by Hero Arts, and there you have it.

I'm liking this. I'm thinking what a cute card it would be for next year. And then I recall my lesson learned from this year. But, oh...wouldn't it be cute?

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Believe....

Believe~ 2008 Christmas card
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

Believe me when I say I am elated to be finished mass producing this Christmas card.

Believe me when I say I love the result because I absolutely love this Suzy Toronto image from Art Gone Wild. I bought it this summer when I was vacationing (?) in Wisconsin.

Believe me when I say the place for reinkers is Merriartist. Fabulous service, and quick, quick, quick.

Believe me when I say...I wish you all a fabulous holiday.

"Faux Silk with a Pop" Polar Bears

"Faux Silk with a Pop" Polar Bears
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

Now, don't fall over in complete and utter shock because there's an actual post from me or because there is zero coloring on this card.

I finally have some time to play. Gotta love two weeks off! I've basically finished creating 30 of my 2008 Christmas card design (which I'll post in a day or two), so it was so fun to actually work on something totally different.

This card was made in response to the Try a New Technique Challenge #200 over on Splitcoast. It was called Faux Silk with a Pop. Never have done this before, and it was quite fun. Basically all there is to it is to stamp the image on tissue paper and then stamp it again on cardstock, and there you go...faux silk with a pop.

This image is actually one stamp by Rubber Monger. I stamped it with Versafine Onyx Black onto my white tissue paper, a bright blue piece of cardstock and a white piece of cardstock. I then cut out the bears and the stars from the white cardstock and adhered them to the same image I stamped using a bright blue piece of cardstock. I crumbled the tissue paper image and lined it up with the cut up version and the bright blue version. Brads, patterned paper, ribbon and sponging of Brillance Moonlight White were also used to create this card.

Thanks for sticking with me. Hopefully more creating with my time off.

A Valentine?

WS Sniffing Dog
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

My intention wasn't to make a Valentine (as I'm never that ahead of the game), but when I tried Limited Supply Challenge #196 on SCS, that's what resulted. The challenge was to use no more than three layers of paper, one having to be pink. Also, we could use no more than three stamps, on having to be an animal. Also, we could use no more than three embellishments.

So, I was in the mood to try my hand at coloring this adorable dog image from Whipper Snapper. I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored the image with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. I then decided to paper pierce the image panel, because of the layer restraints. Patterned paper, as well a Cuttlebug embossing folder, a heart brad, and a heart punch were also used in the creation of this card.

Do you think I'm procrastinating the making of the many Christmas cards that await me?

Christmas Tree and Dog

Christmas Tree and Dog
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

It was so nice to have today off from work with nothing to do but create. I actually got to play today with Sketch Challenge #204 on SCS.

The image is a Maryse Carrier image from Stampotique. I bought it almost two years ago, when we were in Phoenix for the national championship game. So sad to learn that the store Stampotique is closed, but I'm happy to report that they still have their online store open. Love the images from Maryse Carrier!

The image is stamped with Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. I colored the image with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. I used colored cardstock and patterned paper, brads, ribbon and Stickles also in the creation of this card. I also paper pierced too.

Felt so good to have some time to create just for fun.

OSU 42 scUM 7

OSU Wins!
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

Don Henley says it best:

Kick 'em when they're up
Kick 'em when they're down


GO BUCKEYES!!!

Mirror Lake Jump

I have never done this, but commend anyone who does!
Mirror Lake Jump
Go Buckeyes!!! Beat M!ch*g@n!

Sneak Peek

Sneak Peak
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I finally decided on a design for my 2008 Christmas card. What an image I have selected....I'm going to be coloring every single free moment for the next couple of weeks. Just thought I'd do a quick post to let you know I'm still around. Keep checking back for the big reveal, or if you think you are not on my Christmas card list...go ahead and take a look in my Splitcoast gallery.

D is for Dog ATC

D is for Dog ATC
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I signed up to be an angel for an alphabet ATC swap on SCS. I think I just like saying that I'm an angel.

Anyway, I was drawn to this swap from the beginning because it called for participants to make alphabet ATCs that were geared for children just learning the alphabet. I resisted temptation initially because I just know how busy I am in the fall, but when I noticed this swap needed an angel for the letter D, I knew I had to give way to temptation and join.

As I decided on the design, my professional knowledge kicked into high gear. I wanted to make a design that highlighted the letter D on white paper...since that is what most books use. It is important for print to be on white emergent readers. I wanted the relationship between the symbol and the picture to be clear, without distraction. Yet when I had the letter D from Impression Obsession and the dog image from Penny Black, the letter and picture was competing with each other. I then added the bouncing ball stamp from Hero Arts, thus successfully implementing the rule of threes in design. I decided not to color in the ball, as I didn't want it to compete with the d/dog relationship.

The dog is colored with Copic Markers and Prismacolor pencils, stamped with Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. Versamark Black Onyx ink was also used to stamp the word and the tennis ball.

Autumn Breeze

Autumn Breeze
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

This card is definitely a take off from my usual style, that's for sure. There are actually recent challenges taking place with this particular card. Allow me to fill you in with the deets.

The card is inspired by Inspiration Challenge #150 on SCS. As I looked at Joom's art, I couldn't help but want to see something fallish. Her style reminded me of these trees from Hero Arts that I had, with all of the dotted circles. So, I stamped the trees with Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. I just started playing with colors of Copic Markers onto this image, using lots of yellows, oranges, reds, greens and browns. I just kept adding color and splotching the image with the Copic blender pen. Hmm.

Then, I simply used Beate's WSC62 for the sketch, as you all know I don't like thinking about layouts one bit.

And then, by default, I still had all of the rules in my head from the latest Limited Supplies # 190 challenge on SCS...which was to use one sheet of patterned paper, one ribbon, eyelets and a hint of blue on the card. So, I did just that.

The little leaves are from a $1 stamp, as well as the sentiment. The grass was splotched in by yours truly. The dotted circle is another stamp by Hero Arts. I did a little paper piercing as well.

I'm not exactly thrilled with the outcome of the card, though I really do like the warmth of the colors.

Happy Fall, y'all.

Brutus on Parade

Dave Thomas Brutus, Sloopy and Me
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

It was a gorgeous autumn weekend. It was a quick weekend, but a gorgeous one, nonetheless.

We decided to take ourselves and Sloopy up to campus to go through the Brutus on Parade exhibition. It was really cool. Sloopy barked at the statues, as I think she thought they were real life people.

My favorites were statues of Coach Tressel, Brainy Brutus, and Statue of Liberty Brutus. Visit my Flickr photostream, or the official Brutus on Parade website to see all of the statues made by some very talented artists.

Birthday Cruisin

Birthday Cruisin
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I needed a birthday card for M, and earlier in the week he shared with me that he just bought a used scarlet convertible (I've yet to see it). So, I thought this Peanuts stamp by Stampabilities was the perfect image for a card, especially since I wasn't really in the mood to do much shading and blending.

I took a look at LSC190 on SCS, and the challenge was to use eyelets, the color blue, one sheet of patterned paper, one ribbon, no cuttlebug/punches, etc on the card.

So, I dug through my stash and found this map from a rental car company that I was given way back in 1996/97 when I went to the Rose Bowl. You can actually see Pasadena marked on the map in the upper right. The tag is not a punch, it is an actual stamped image from Rubber Soul. I used eyelets for smoke coming out of the exhaust, as well as filled in those eyelets with Tulip Puffy Paint.

I colored the image with Copic markers. Stamped with Memento ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock.

Though two days late, I gave it to M. He loved it. Wonder when I'll get to see the car?

A Classic

A Classic
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I'm glad I was able to participate a little bit in World Card Making Day, as it has been a while since I've had the chance to make a card. Seems like making a card during the week is impossible, so I was grateful to have a weekend. I was able to complete the sketch challenge, WCMDSC08, on SCS.

I decided to ink up a Stamps Happen image for this particular card. You know the drill...Memento ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock, colored with Copic Markers and Prismacolor pencils. I had a lot of false starts on this, as I just couldn't get the image to look right. I was using the suggested shading on the label, but as with all Stamps Happen stamps, patience and a little luck are required. I think I was just anxious to see a finished product.

I do like having this masculine card now in my stash, as it might serve as my dad's birthday card next month.

Speaking of a classic, how about the game last night? A thriller. I'm proud of the toughness and tenacity both teams showed during the fight (good for the conference), and I'm guessing the game will become an ESPN Instant Classic. Gotta love getting a victory in Madtown.

Inky Antics Jack-o-lantern

Inky Antics Jack-o-lantern
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I got invited to a Halloween party next month, but unfortunately I can't attend because it conflicts with a game. Can't decide which would be scarier....our team or Halloween.

Anyway, it is sad that I can't go, because it is being hosted by a lady I used to work with and it would be so good to see everyone. I thought I'd send her this card along with my regrets.

This card continues my trend of liking bright, vibrant colors. The main image is from Inky Antics. I stamped it with Momento Tuxedo black ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock and colored with Copic Markers. As you can see, I added lots of stuff...probably too much, but I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder, ribobn, brads, lots of layers...the sentiment is a Michael's $1 stamp.

Fun to make. Thanks for looking.

Happy Fall

Happy Fall
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

This week, I had the chance to play around with SC194 on Splitcoast. I've noticed that I've been drawn to the bright colors lately.

The image is from Bugawumps and is stamped with Memento Tuxedo ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. Various scraps of patterned paper were used, as well as black cardstock. The tag was made with a circle punch. Ribbon and brads were also used.

The sentiment is one of those dollar stamps from Michaels. Seemed perfect for the image. However, I'm thinking the inside sentiment is going to say "...and a Happy Birthday to you", because I'm in need of a birthday card for my neighbor.

Glitter Birthday Dog

Birthday Dog
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

Since I had the day off, I decided to participate in a Technique Challenge, TLC186 on SCS. The challenge was to make a glitter background. It was great to finally use The Essential Glue Pad, that I've had for ages, but never had touched until today. Ditto for the hot pink glitter.

Anyway, I needed to make a birthday card for the lady that watches Sloopy while I'm at work.

The main dog image is from Whipper Snapper. It is stamped with Memento Tuxedo black ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. I colored it with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. The glitter portion was created with a Penny Black background stamp, using The Essential Glue Pad with Hot Kiss Art Glitter. Ribbon, patterned paper, corner punch, and colored cardstock were also used, along with a fiber scrap on the hat. The dog is very dimensional, as I used several pop dots.

Now, as the time nears for me to go to bed, I'm mad at myself for not getting more things done. Oh well...a freebie day is a freebie day.

Yikes, Ike!

Gutter
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

So, Ike decided that he didn't really like the gutter on the front of my house, and thought too that it was time for me to get a new roof.

Mind you, I live in Ohio.

At least I got the day off from this wind event.

It Was Fun While It Lasted

Okay, I'm going to be cryptic, because I'm really just writing this for myself and I'm not wanting this to end up on some opposing fan's message board.

But, I think its over. We're no longer on top. Not worthy of even starting on top. It was a fun ride, my God...it was a dream come true and I'll cherish it forever...but, I guess in the college football world, it is someone else's turn.

It was a long ride too. It started in November 2001 when we somehow hung on to beat our rival...something that had only been done two times before in the past 13 years. That started it. Then, the bowl game for that season resulted in a loss, but it had in it players that never quit. Players that were playing for next year...to ride some momentum into the following year.

And yes...what a year 2002 was. I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE ITS MEMORY. Nothing, even a repeat National Championship, would ever top 2002....the close games, the lack of respect that was given for the close wins...this team showed the world and simply believed. They played for all teams past and played for the future as well.

And then...the following six years took place. We had established ourselves as a top team. Won the Big 10 more than not. And took care of our rival all but once. The glory years indeed. Games like Texas and Michigan 06 were fantastic. We were the elite and it is fun to be there. When you are on top, you expect to be there and stay there.

And then came a rout on January 8, 2007. It was bitter. Hard to watch. Memory burn. Then, another rerun of that on January 7 2008. Other teams knocking us off and succeeding. Exposing us and giving us glimpses into our future. When fallen, we'd quickly get back up and keep trying to defend our top position, but it was easy to see that the pendulum swinging.

Now, I'm afraid we're more like that old commercial..."I've fallen and I can't get up." That's where we are. It hurts and the whole thing isn't fun anymore. No longer is beating the rival enough. No longer is winning the sucky conference enough. Doing that means nothing, truly when you look at the other football talent across the country. The nation is laughing at us now, as we know most are jealous of someone that has been to the top, and has been there for a while. They'll keep laughing, I'm sure, as we continue to wilt and mourn inside.

I guess I just wanted to say... it was fun while it lasted, and just recognize that fact that we did make it to the top of the college football world and stayed there for some time. Something I dreamed of experiencing as a fan in my lifetime. And I did. I'm just not looking forward to returning to mediocrity, as it is evident we are very near that, rather than where the champions of football are. There's no fun or pride in that.

Thanks for the Flowers

Thanks- School Themed
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I actually received some flowers last week. Can you believe it? They were from the school where I taught last year and they were sent to wish me a great year this year at my new school. So very thoughtful. I was touched.

This card was made using some Paper Studio clear stamps I picked up at Hobbylobby a couple weeks ago. I stamped the apple image, the ruler image and the stars with Marvy dye black ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. I colored them with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. I made the "thanks" with an Olivia Cuttlebug die. Patterned paper, colored cardstock and ribbon were also used. I did some paper piercing and doodling too. Just a lot going on with this card, but it was fun to create nonetheless. Truth be told, I'm procrastinating getting ready for work tomorrow.

Anyway, the end result looks like something from Mary Englebreit. I guess that's good.

And the opposite of good would be my favorite team. They looked terrible yesterday, and will probably get their ***** kicked at USC on Saturday.

June, July...September Already???!!!

June ATC
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I think I was a pretty decent blogger during the months of June and July. I was creating and posting....having a great time. But, all good things kinda came to a halt in August. Back to school time hit before I was ready for it, and I found myself scrambling (and still am) to prepare for teaching again. About the only stamping I did was of some lables for my classroom library. I'll try to remember to take a picture of them, because they look pretty sweet if I say so myself.

I am very grateful to have a three day weekend, as I am overdue on a ATC swap. Way back at the the beginning of the summer, I signed up for a Months of the Year swap and had the best of intentions of creating a June ATC *during* the month of June, and a July ATC *during* the month of July, with plenty of time to get them in the mail for the end of August deadline. But I blinked, the summer was gone, and the deadline was here.

Here you see my June ATCs, stamped with a Penny Black dog, diploma from Studio G, and the sentiment stamped with Impression Obsession alphabet. I used Memento Tuxedo black onto Sterling Matte coated paper, and colored with Copic markers.

For the July ATCs, I used a Peanuts image from Stampabilities. I stamped the image with Brilliance black onto Georgia Pacific cardstock and embossed. I colored the image and background with Copic Markers. I used a Versamark pen to color over the headgear and emboss. The date of July 21, 1969 was computer generated and the faint white stars in a distance are from Stamps by Judith and were stamped with Adirondack Snow Cap pigment ink. A silver star brad was also affixed to the ATC.

Whew!

I'm not so sure when the next post will come. Football season is here and I'm teaching again. I have very little extra time. When I get a routine established both in and out of my classroom, I'll be back. I promise.

Stampaway 2008

Stampaway 2008
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

Yesterday, I spent the entire day in Cincinnati....taking in Stampaway, Jungle Jim's, Stamp Your Art Out, and LaRosa's. I'd call that a pretty good day, wouldn't you?

Anyway, I thought I'd share my acquisitions from yesteday. Not as many purchases as in years past, but nonetheless, very satisfying and fun. I'm wondering if I am now becoming a smarter, more frugal stamper...now that I have finally begun to define my style, declare my mediums of choice, and look at all of the uninked stamps and unused supplies that I have acquired since 2002.

Have a great Sunday. I think I'll spend the day recovering.

Sloopy's Friend is One

Sloopy's Friend is One
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

This card was actually made for Sloopy to give to her friend, Gracie. Perhaps I have a bit more time on my hands than necessary. Hmm.

Anyway, this cute little dachshund stamp is from Cowtown Stamps. If you love dachshunds, and if you love stamping, then Cowtown Stamps is where you want to be. They have many, many, many (over 100!) dachshund images to look at and select. The owner has even started a blog: Cowtown Stamps News

This little dachshund stamp was stamped with Marvy Dye black ink and colored with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. The sentiment, which cracks me up, was stamped with Karen Foster Snap Stamps. Nestibilities, a corner punch, ribbon and brads were also used.

I don't know if Gracie liked the card or not. I think she liked the bag of Zuke's chicken treats better. Oh well, its the thought that counts...right? Woof!

A, B, Cupcake, D, E, Football....

C is for Cupcake
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

C is also for "Classroom", the classroom that I need to start thinking about what I'm going to do this year.

Earlier this summer, I signed up for an alphabet inchie swap thinking that I might be able to use these in some way in my Kindergarten classroom. I may not have a classroom ready, but I'll have inchies!

I had the fun opportunity to create inchies for the letter "C" and the letter "F". It is kinda funny how when you sign up for a swap you have ideas that never quite materialize, for one reason or another. I was going to make a "cactus" and a "fish", but ended up with a "cupcake" and a "football".

I decided on "cupcake" because as I was looking for a small cactus stamp, I stumbled upon this cupcake image from Inkadinkadoo. I've had this stamp for so long...way before cupcakes were all the rage, so I just went with it. The letter is a Snap Stamp from Karen Foster.

When I found out I would be sending this swap to California, I changed my "fish" into a "football". I thought it would be appropriate to send a little scarlet and gray out west. In just over a month, my beloved Buckeyes will be out there playing "The Game of the Year", or at least that's what the media is calling it right now. Anyway, the football image is from a College Kids Stamp Kit. The letter "F" is from a very cool collegiate alphabet stamp set from All Night Media.

Both the cupcake and the football were stamped with Marvy Dye ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. Both images were colored with Copic markers and then some highlighting done with Prismacolor pencils.

Tomorrow, I plan on returning to my "C"lassroom and begin to "F"igure out what to do.

Fall is Near

Pumpkins
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

No it isn't! As a teacher looking at the upcoming academic year, I'm saying, "No it isn't". Then why the fall card?

Well, I decided to go ahead and take this image that I colored in my hotel room in Milwaukee and turn it into a card. The interesting thing was, I only had a few of my Copic markers with me. I can't recall which ones, but I know I only had three shades of each color, as I didn't want to fly with my entire set. My point...you can do a lot with just a few markers. You don't need every single color that is made....sure, they're fun to collect...but, it is kinda an interesting exercise to limit your markers and see what you can do with them. You start to see that you can have two shades of a color just by "wet shading" with the same marker (just one orange marker). Highlights can be made with a lighter color (in this case, yellow) and shadows made with a darker color (reds, browns).

This image was an image I received to color during the certification class earlier that day. My guess is it is stamped with Memento Tuxedo black ink on Neenah Solar White paper. It is a Karen Lockhart image. I figure it is better to turn it into a card, rather than have it sit in my folder.

Though I'm not ready for fall, it was fun making this card.

Kinkade's The Rose Garden

Kinkade's The Rose Garden
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I took a very spontaneous trip to Cincinnati on Tuesday to Stamp Your Art Out. One of my purchases was this stamp from Cornish Heritage Farms, Thomas Kinkade's "The Rose Garden".

Though I had initial doubts that I could do this image any justice, I began to color. I had an absolute blast! The more I colored, the more details I was able to see in the image. I learned that with such a detailed image, I just need to take a deep breath, and jump right in and start. I am thrilled at the outcome.

The deets: The Cornish Heritage Farms image is stamped with Stazon Stone Gray ink, and colored with Prismacolor pencils only on Strathmore Bristol Vellum. Patterned paper from Rusty Pickle and Family Ties were also used, along with black cardstock and ribbon. The layout was kept intentionally simple, as I do believe the Kinkade's beautiful image speaks for itself and does all the work.

Vellum Northwoods Butterfly

Vellum Northwoods Butterfly
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

Ever since Copic Certification class in Milwaukee, I've wanted to try coloring on vellum. One of the Dare to Get Dirty Challenges (DTGD08Laurie) over on Splitcoast, was to use vellum in some way. This was the exact push I needed.

On this particular card, I stamped the beautiful butterfly image by Northwoods onto Neenah Solar White Cardstock and a piece of vellum with Marvy Dye ink and heat set. I then proceeded to color both images with Copic markers. On the Neenah image I used some darker shades of color to show depth and on the vellum image I used some lighter shades since this was going to be placed on top of the Neenah image. Gee, that's about as clear as vellum, right??? Below there's a picture to give you an idea of exactly what I'm trying to say.


The whole overall card didn't really meet the image I had in my mind, but I must remember this was a first try. I hope to try coloring on vellum soon.

This card also uses a layer of vellum that serves as a layer of cardstock. I like its softness and I'm reminded I need to get into my vellum stash more often.

I made this card for a former co-worker...she starts her new job as an assistant principal next week. She loves butterflies so I hope she likes this.

Ribbon Girl

Ribbon Girl
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I actually have some time to play along with the Dare to Get Dirty Challenges over on SCS. Good thing they do these challenges during the summer.

One challenge, DTGD08Jody, was to use ribbon as your inspiration for the rest of the card. This card is the result of this challenge. I've had this pink dotted on green ribbon for a long time and have never put it to use until now. I decided that the girl, one of my favorite Whipper Snapper images, would be perfect to go along with the ribbon.

The image is stamped with Marvy Dye black ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. I colored the image with Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils. Also used: Cuttlebug, paper piercer, brads, my new corner punch, pattered paper and Karen Foster Snap Stamps for the sentiment.

I hope to play some more, so stay tuned.

Hang In There WS Monkey

Hang In There WS Monkey
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

This card is symbolic in a way, as I find myself trying to "Hang In There".

Last week, I traveled to Milwaukee to attend the Copic Certification class. Though I really don't want to bash anyone's efforts, let's just say that I learned a ton more taking a Copic class from Colorin'Kate last year. I can say that on *my* blog, right? If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't go, or I'd go and just hang out a day or two with Colorin'Kate.

Coming back from Milwaukee was a treat, not. Due to storms and mechanical issues with the plane, every passenger including myself missed their connecting flight. So, I had to spend the night in Detoilet. I was given a free room by Northwest and was treated very nicely, probably because I wasn't wearing my scarlet and gray. This whole experience made me feel so fortunate to not be traveling anymore for my job. I don't miss it one bit.

And, arriving home, I brought back mementos from my trip. This monkey stamp and leaf stamp from Whipper Snapper, which I purchased at Creative Pals, and a lovely cold. I hate summer colds. I'm trying to flush it out of my system by drinking plenty of liquids and eating bananas like this monkey, but it still has a hold of me. Uugh! Right now, I'm thinking about buying stock in Advil.

Anyway, this card was made by stamping the monkey and the leaves and the Hero Arts sentiment with Marvy Dye black ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. I colored the monkey and leaves using Copic Markers and Prismacolor pencils, using nothing I learned in Milwaukee. Hehe! I drew the banana, as I have some lying around to look at.

I also need to "Hang In There" because I'm in a funky mood. This past weekend was my 20th High School class reunion. I didn't go because of three reasons: the thirty pounds I didn't lose, my pathetic relationship status, and this lovely germ I'm hosting. Occasions such as this makes one pause and think about where they are in life. Where am I?

Horsing Around with Pink ATC

Horsing Around with Pink ATC
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I was cranking out the creations last month, and then July seemed to put my creative juices to a halt. Probably had something to do with the not-potty trained dachshund I was dogsitting last week. That can get a little stressful and distracting.

I wanted to share this ATC I designed for an "Off Color" swap that I am in, hosted by the talented Flaxychick. We were to create ATCs and color the image with a color not associated with the image. I sure hope no one has seen a pink sea horse lately, if so I might get disqualified. I can't wait to see what my swapmates made for this swap.

The image might look familiar. It is that beloved sea horse from Outlines. I colored the image with Copic markers once it was stamped in Marvy Dye black ink on Georgia Pacific cardstock. Patterened paper, eyelets, ribbon and a paper piercer were also used. The sea horse was pop-dotted for dimension.

I hope to clean up desktop a bit so that I can make some of the ideas I've got floating around in my head. Until then...

Oh, Nuts! Candy Apples

Oh, Nuts! Candy Apples
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

When I took a look at the Inspiration Challenge#134 this past weekend, I just immediately took a portion of the title literally. State Fair. I couldn't get my mind off the state fair, and the food. So, in honor of the state fair (that I've oddly only been to once), I decided to use a yet-to-be-inked candy apple stamp by Hero Arts.

I decided that I wanted to do a cluster of apples, hence I masked. I colored the apples with Prismacolor pencils first. Then I put Diamond Glaze over the apples. The, I colored the dried Diamond Glaze with Copic markers so that I could get some shading and depth.

And then, like a mad woman, I had the idea of putting nuts on the candy apples. So, I stamped another apple, repeated the process. I walked up and down the aisles of Micheal's looking for something to resemble nuts. Finally, I spots crushed shells on the clearance rack. I bought a huge bag of these, that will last probably about 10 lifetimes. I then, took some Caramel Adirondack alcohol ink and blender solution and added some nutlike color to the crushed shells. I adhered these nuts, one by one, like a nut, with Diamond Glaze.

And there you have it. Sentiment is from Simply Stamped. All images and sentiment stamped with Marvy Dye ink onto Georgia Pacific cardstock. Patterned paper, black cardstock and a paper piercer also used.

Now, if only these were real.

Glory

Glory
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I had the greatest time coloring this image by Darcie. It is a rather large image, so therefore, I had to take a couple of minutes to convince myself that the simplicity of this card is okay. That really, given the image and the meaning of the image, the image can do all of the work, and I want the design of this card to not to have to compete with layers and embellishements.

The image is stamped with Marvy Dye black onto Sterling Matte Coated paper from Arvey's and colored with Copic Markers. The lone brad is placed within the image. Can you find it? This card fits the LSC174 challenge on SCS which was to use brads only, but to incorporate it into the image.

And, come to think of it, it also fits WT172 challenge, which was to use birds. This cute little penguin qualifies for that.

Polar Bear Squares

Polar Bear Squares
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I needed a break from all of my experimentation, so I thought I'd play along with Sketch Challenge #182 on SCS. I'm geometrically challenged, so let's just say I spent more time than most getting all of these squares to line up. I do like the sketch though.

I started with the patterned paper, not the image. Usually the image propels me through a card, but I thought this particular patterned paper would look very pretty. I then selected a corresponding image, the polar bear, from a company called Mostly Creatures. I stamped the image with Marvy Dye black ink onto Georgia Pacific paper. I colored the image with Copic Markers and covered the image using a Versamark pen. I then clear embossed the image. I then took a brayer and spread Big and Juicy waterfall dye ink over the panel, and then proceeded to sponge on Colorbox Wisteria chalk ink, Colorbox Ice Blue chalk ink, Brillance Pearlescent Purple Pigment ink, and Versamagic Malted Mauve chalk ink. I took a white Pen-touch pen for the dots, and added some brads and a frosty looking ribbon.

I like this. Probably the quickest card I've ever made. Please note: I'm not rushing the season by making this card. Not wanting winter to be here at all.

Splash on Georgia Pacific

Splash on Georgia Pacific
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

Wow! What a smooth "lay down" of color, compared to the othe two papers I've tested. And, to think that I get 150 sheets of Georgia Pacific cardstock for about half the cost of these specialty marker pads...a no brainer.

Thanks for putting up with my experimentation. I like not thinking about which colors to use, as I color this very fun-to-color image, yet I'm being stretched in layout along the way. It is all good for me. Maybe not so good for you. But, maybe with these results I'm posting, you'll get a feel for the paper differences and learn what to use, depending on the look you are going for.

Still got a couple more papers to experiment with, though I want to take a break from this image and this experiement for a couple of days.

Splash on Copic Marker Pad

Splash on Copic Marker Pad
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

This image from Outlines Rubber Stamps is really fun to color. So, rather than put my Copic Markers away, I decided to use the same exact marker colors on different paper....this time, I colored on Copic Marker Bleedproof Marker pad. Essentially, this paper is so soft, it almost looks and feels like tissue paper. Not sure I like it that much, but perhaps, this effect may be called for at some point.

I thought too, that this might be a neat design a new layout challenge for me, seeing as how layouts are not a bit too difficult for me...haha!

So , stay tuned for coloring on Georgia Pacific cardstock, as I still haven't picked up my markers from my workspace.

Splash on Manga

Splash on Manga
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

I went to Dick Blick yesterday and picked up a Manga artist pad that was on sale. Right on the cover of the pad it read, "Recommended For Use with Copic Markers", so I decided to give it a try.

The result...this card. I colored the image that was stamped with Marvy Dye black ink with Copic Markers. It felt very different, and I'm not sure if it was a color choice, or the paper, but there was some feathering or pillage (is that a word??) of the ink. But, I do like the softness of the colors, and I'm kinda proud of the layout I came up with, so I'll call this one a success. I'm anxious to try the "Offical Copic Paper" I bought as well. Maybe later today.

Doorway

Doorway
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

So, I felt like I needed to color with my Prismacolor pencils. When I saw today's inspiration challenge of Frank Llloyd Wright's stained glass saguaro cactus, then it was confirmed that I needed to pull out his image.

This, of course, is a Terry Medaris image. I believe it was the image that I first saw of all of his work. I used his coloring method (I'm rusty), along with his sample of this image to guide my coloring. It was good practice for me. The image was stamped with black Stazon onto Bristol Smooth paper.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I haven't even made it out of my doorway (except to take Sloopy out) to do anything. But, I'm not complaining. I enjoyed working on this very much.

Inspiration Ric Rac Cupcake

Inspiration Ric Rac Cupcake
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

When I saw Beate's current inspiration challenge #18, I knew I had to play with this patterned paper that I have. Then, when I saw that the Ways to Use It Challenge #171 was to use ric rac, well then that pushed me to make the following creation.

A definite detour from my style, but you can never have enough cards in the stash, can you?

The patterned paper is doing most of the work here. The ric rac is actually a stamp from Hero Arts, stamped Fire Brick Distress ink. The cupcake is a $1 stamp from Michaels. Colored with Copic Markers.

Okay, moving on.

"Pit"y Me

Jason Scheff of Chicago
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

Oh my. Sometimes dreams do come true.

I was fortunate enough to get tickets in "the pit" at Riverbend in Cincinnati for the Chicago/Doobie Brothers concert. I've seen Chicago concerts for 22 years now...have had some bad seats, some good seats, some average seats through the years...but never, ever, had seats like those in "the pit". It is a whole new show when you have seat like these. You see the bands facial expressions, the way they interact with eachother and the way they interact with those in front. Unbelievable!!!

I toughed Lee Loughane not once, but twice. And, I was one of the the lucky ones to get Jason Scheff's guitar pick. Didn't get to interact with Jimmy Pankow, my hero, as he was sort of on the other side of the stage and didn't travel much. But, I'm not complaining. This concert was an absolute dream come true.

Right now, I'm working on identifying and tagging my pictures that I took over on Flickr, if you'd like to take a look and drool. Some are not that good, especially when viewed in large, but oh well. I was living in the moment so to speak.

And, because I'm still singing tunes as I make my way through my day, I used Sketch Challenge#181 to make a card that I've had in my mind for sometime now. It uses a Penny Black stamp, stamped with Marvy Dye ink on Sterling Matte Coated paper. Colored with Copic markers (I'm glad I got my grove back on that paper). I used the Chicago song title "Feelin' Stronger Everyday" for the sentiment, and generated it via the computer.

One of the best nights of my life. Every now and then, a person needs one of them, don't you think?

Alphabet For Joan

Alphabet For Joan
Originally uploaded by Buckeye

This is a card I made for my mentor, friend, former colleague...Joan. She was my professor at one time, and then it became my honor to work alongside her. She's retiring this month, so I wanted a special card to celebrate her special career.

The Inspiration Challenge #132 on SCS this weekend had us looking through the Acacia website. Pretty cool things. A wall picture entitled "Alphabet for Life" caught my eye, and I began generating some words and phrases that would be meaningful to Joan. In no time at all, I had my list....and then, I had to figure out how to turn it into a card.

I eventually arrived at using my computer to generate the text. Stamping everything out was just too hard to plan. Doing the text on the computer was even challenging...as the spacing in between the featured letters became difficult at times. When I FINALLY got the text the way I wanted, I then had to become friends with my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig so that I could place the square image stamp by Simply Stamped around the feature letter....26 times. Joy!

Paper is Neenah Solar White (and you don't want to ask how many pieces of this precious stuff got used before I got it right). Marvy Dye black ink, Copic markers, colored cardstock, patterned paper and ribbon were also thrown about on my workspace to make this card.

Though I'm guessing this card might leave those not in the field of literacy education scratchy their head, I know that I really like it! And, I know that she'll like it! And that's what matters.