Mother's Day Gifts - DIY Frame & Easel

Happy Monday!

I can't believe in just a couple of weeks my kiddos will be home for the summer...I have to admit I am looking forward to the family time!

For the last couple of weeks I have been working with a classroom of 3rd graders on a Mother's Day project. Did you see the peek in yesterday's post?

I was hoping to send home a little something different, something their mom's just might want to keep around for longer than the weekend...

I know I will! I think the kids and I will be making a few more of these.

I love how this project turned out! The only things I would have liked to have done differently...allow each child more time to get messy and personalize their frame...alas, when working with 25 kids and a limited window of opportunity...well, you do the best that you can, right?

All said and done I think this class project would come to less than $10 - I paid about $4 for the photos (there were some glitches with the editing/printing and I ended up paying for two sets of prints), $2 for the rose ribbon and I had everything else on hand. I think it took all of 4 sheets of poster board - if you're using gesso feel free to recycle old poster board, chipboard, cardboard - whatever!

If you have any questions about this project, leave a comment or send me an email.

Inky hugs,
Angi

Great Impressions DT - Birthday Wishes in Blue

Hello, Thursday! This week I'm already looking forward to Friday, but at least I got to squeeze in a little card making...

The largest frame is on the outside of the card, framing the window. The others are mounted on the inside. 

Visit the Great Impressions Stamps blog to see more inspiration!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Great Impressions DT - Just Because

There's another Thursday post at the Great Impressions Stamps Blog...another attempt at CAS (clean and simple)...let me know what you think!

And a great way to use up those scraps...

Don't forget to check out the April Monthly Challenge, too! The theme is "Lots of Flowers"...

Inky hugs,
Angi

Great Impressions DT - Elegant Teacups Collage

The kids are back in school and schedules are beginning to settle down. One of Great Impressions Stamp of the Month stamps really resonated with me recently: Patience (D445)

In the daily craziness that seems to be my life lately, I could really use more patience! Thank Goodness I have time for some creative stress relief! I stopped by my LSS (Simple Pleasures) not too long ago and picked up a bottle of Stampendous Fran-tage Embossing enamels in Shabby White. This is lovely stuff...

Chunky White & Gold embossing powder + Gold Tinsel = Texture - even after you melt it!

To get the seemingly random placement on the green card stock is easy...now that I've played around with it! I love playing with products and techniques and the embossing enamel was fun!

Simply drip or dot Versamark Watermark reinker on a non porous surface (preferable without raised edges) such as a craft mat or piece of acetate and smoosh (yes, that is the technical term...) the card stock on top. Sprinkle on the powder and heat from underneath to melt. Heating from underneath allows the bottom layer to melt and kind of set the rest of the enamel and the glitter. If you want more texture, as soon as the enamel starts to melt, turn off the heat; if you want the surface to be smooth, heat until it's all melted.

The pieces vary in size and when you heat it from the bottom you have some control over the feel of the final product. Before heating, the embossing enamel has a grainy feel, kind of 'salt & pepper' texture.

After heating, there is textured and smooth areas. Notice how the gold pieces resemble flecks, having 'edges'? You can even see the uneven areas in the picture. (sorry for the glare)

Do you see the Lace Background (K97) behind the cups?

To add even more shimmer and shine to this card, I used gold embossing powder and clear glitter on the teacups, pearl mist on the tag and gold splatter on the card base.

Hmmm...next time I think I will use a kraft card base for a little more contrast...

April's Great Impressions' Monthly Challenge is open and the theme is "Lots of Flowers." Consider making something for this challenge! Check out that post for the details and to enter your project. Remember - a Great Impressions stamp is *not* required, but if you do use one you'll get 2 entries!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions Elegant Teacups (F389), **Patience (D445), Lace Background (K97)

Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks Broken China, Worn Lipstick, Shabby Shutters; Ranger Archival Ink Jet Black; Versamark Watermark; Copics

Paper: Manilla Tag, Stampin' Up! card stocks, Bo Bunny Double Dots Coral

Other: Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch; Sizzix On The Edge Plaque & Postage; Spellbinders Labels Two; clear glitter; Stampendous Fran-Tage Aged Embossing Enamel Powders Shabby White; gold paint; gold embossing powder; linen twine; Perfect Pearls Mist Pearl; Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Tiny Tabs & Tags

**Stamp of the Month Stamps

Live Class - Great Impressions Beyond the Board Cards and Box

Just a quick post today. I'm teaching on Thursday (tomorrow) at Simple Pleasures. Yay! I miss being around all that crafty goodness...if you're interested there are a few spots left and if you can't make class, you can order a kit!

Call the store to register! Please bring your basic class kit (detail scissors, wet and dry adhesives and don't forget foam tape/pop dots, etc.!)

Thursday, March 22 @ 10:30am

Simple Pleasures 719.528.1338

Plus an Anything But A Card project...

By the way...this is a monthly class that features stamps from the current Great Impressions Stamps Stamp of the Month set. New stamps, new card designs, including one project that isn't a card Every. Month. Available as a kit, too!

Have a great day!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Great Impressions DT - Early Easter Greetings! Pillow Box

Can't believe it's Thursday already... Last week was crazy busy with multiple projects (stop by Friday Wednesday to see the samples for an upcoming class!), the blog hop and to top it off I was out of town with the Mister!

This week has been full of appointments, Spring Break (we have 3 this year...) and catching up with everything else.

Well, at least today I have a simple project to share...here's a peek!

There are lots of ways to cut out the pillow box: by hand, by electronic cutter or manually using dies. This time I chose the fastest - the die!

I cut this pillow box out of patterned card stock and stamped and embossed the Easter Greetings stamp onto white card stock. As with a lot of projects, you could whip out a bunch of these with a little planning and better yet, a little help!

Are you working on your entry for the Great Impressions Stamps March Challenge?

Want to know more? Read the Challenge #1 post...

Have a great day!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions Easter Greetings (E747)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark Watermark, Copics

Paper: We R Memory Keepers Cotton Tail: Easter Basket

Other: Sizzix Eclips, ribbon, clear glitter, Adirondack Embossing Powder Eggplant

Great Impressions DT - To Unpathed Waters & Undreamed Shores

This has been a crazy busy week! Wish I could play all day...been crafting for the last 2 days. My studio is a disaster...ahem...creative mess...but I have enjoyed making the mayhem!

This week the Great Impressions' Design Team had a "Not a Square" challenge and it took a bit to think outside the box...(pun intended!)

Made a rocker/wobble card. This one was fun to put together. Once I decided I needed a little something extra for this one I sent my kids on a mission hunting for 'driftwood' in the yard. Let's just say they took it to heart & I've got plenty of wood now...

Clear embossing and the Water Swirl Border...again.  :)

Love. This. Stamp.

Okay...got an early morning, so I'm off. Now if you need some creative time, consider making something new and entering something, anything handmade into Challenge #1 on the Great Impressions' blog. Check out the details in THIS POST. 

The prize is fabulous.

Seriously.

Inky hugs,

Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions To Unpathed Waters (E680), Cat Tails (H91), Water Swirl Border (H200)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Copics

Paper: vellum cardstock, Basic Grey scraps

Other: Sizzix Eclips, clear embossing powder, Tim Holtz Distress Stain Picket Fence, hot glue gun, garment pin, 7 Gypsies key charm, twine

Great Impressions Challenge March - Something Handmade

Happy Sunday! So glad you could stop by...

front of sachet

Today's feature is my project for Great Impressions' Challenge #1 - Something Handmade! This challenge is open to everyone! If you're here to see how I made my project read on...

If this is the first you've heard of the challenge, visit ** this Great Impression post ** to see all of the Design Team projects and then click on back and let me know what you think!

This has been a whirlwind week! I've changed jobs and have found myself around the house more...and I'm lovin' it! Of course, being around the house more means I find more things to do around here...like cleaning out closets and drawers. And that leads to...

Coming up with some creative projects to help make this house more of a home! My to-do list is miles long...so we're starting small.

Sachets.

There's definitely something homey about sachets - tiny pretty parcels evoking olfactory memories.

Huh?

You know...how smells can help you remember an event, something or someone? The smell of warm chocolate chip cookies reminds me of baking with my mother. The smell of Butter Rum pipe tobacco reminds me of my grandfather. Cedar reminds me of home. If I need a pick-me-up I make cookies or sachets. (You didn't think I was going to say smoke a little Butter Rum, did ya? lol)

I've usually made cedar sachets out of scraps of fabric and lace, but when this challenge project came to mind I was thinking stamped, cute and paper-based. And isn't that adorable *skunk stamp just perfect?

So, without further ado, the supplies I used for this project (feel free to substitute with whatever you have on hand) :

Clean Filter (Can be used, just make sure to rinse well and dry flat. I used round, unbleached.)
Great Impressions Stamps: *Skunk (E751), Lacey Border (H225), Friends (E748)
Range Archival Ink: Jet Black
Tim Holtz Perfect Pearl Mist: Pearl
Copics: RV21, FV2, FYG2
Signo White Gel Pen
12-16" Ribbon

Aromatic Filler: cotton balls scented with spray, cedar shavings, dried herbs, etc.

Sewing machine & thread

Here are the simple details:

1. Spritz filters with water and let dry flat. (Or if you don't want to wait - dry 'em with a heat gun.)

filters: (l-r) Dried, Wet, Out of the Package

 2. Fold the filter into quarters (fold it in half, then half again.) Trim into a square/rectangle. (No need to be precise. I just snipped the first one. Here I've written approximate measurements.)

3. Cut the rectangle in half. Using the Archival Ink, stamp your images for the front and the back. Mist both pieces with Pearl to give a little shimmer. Color with Copics and use the Signo for white details. (I mostly dabbed on my color, waited till it finished wicking and then dabbed on more color as needed.)

4. Fold the top of both the front and back pieces to the inside about 1/2". Place ribbon between (wrong sides together) and sew across. Then sew each side. Fill and then sew closed.

5. Tie the sachet over the closet rod, a hanger or the review mirror. Enjoy your lovely bit of aromatherapy!

back of sachet ("Friends are the flowers that bloom in life's garden.")

Thanks for spending a part of your day with me. See you soon!

Inky hugs,

Angi

(The Skunk stamp is one of Great Impressions' Stamp of the Month stamps. It's only available from participating retailers until April. To order your own Skunk click HERE.)

Great Impressions DT - A Bird in Hand...Or Fancy Rose Frame

Okay, it's another late night/early morning post. Was considering waiting up for another 30 minutes so I could watch a live webcast of Phil the Groundhog. Really. Must be more tired than I thought! Gonna be a short one...so many items on the to do list lately and so little time!

I have had a lot of fun with Great Impressions' January Stamp of the Month stamps! These ones are definitely keepers...

Here's the last card I finished (click on it to see more detail)

The bird is stamped on vellum & colored with Copics. The frame's embossed. Other than that, this was a simple card to put together. Even the fussy cutting was quick and easy!

Love the ruched ribbon. Now that I've got the technique down, it's a cinch! (yep, pun intended! Must be the lack of Zs! lol)

Have a great Groundhog's Day!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions Lace Background (K97), Rose Intertwined Hearts (G450), Bird in Roses (F517), Fancy Rose Frame (H223)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black; Archival Ink Jet Black; Tim Holtz Distress Inks Vintage Photo; Copics (R24, 29, 46; B02, 04)

Tools: Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, heat gun

Other: Vellum, glue pen, glitter; American Craft Zing Black; Tim Holtz Perfect Pearls Powder Pearl

Great Impressions DT - Getting Inked!

If you're stopping by because you think it's me that's getting inked...sorry...have to disappoint you, but if you're here to see what projects got inked this week...well, pull up a chair and visit!

Happy 'Day before Friday!' It's been a crazy week around here...spent the last couple of days under the weather...on my day off no less...and still recovering, so this post will be short & sweet.

I've always been fascinated by tattoo art (not that I've ever really wanted to get inked) and how people seem to choose their designs based on some life experience (okay...there are exceptions to this...yes, lots of exceptions, but we're not going there today...) anyhoo...this week's project was based on some older, simple designs...

The Great Impressions' Rose Banner reminds of those old fashioned valentines with the hearts and swags, so I couldn't resist (pun intended!) getting my heart inked up, dressed up...embossed, crackled and popped up! This is the perfect banner stamp...I'm going to get a lot of use out of this one!

Okay, after looking at this picture while I'm typing up the post, I realized this card still needs a little something...extra ribbon, pearls, bling...so you may find another version of this card in a few days (with a few close up shots)...just saying'...

Hope you're making some time to get messy this weekend...I know I will! Don't forget to stop by the Great Impressions' blog to see the rest of the Stamp of the Month's stamps for January and leave a little comment love.

Off to get some rest...

Inky hugs,

Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions Rose Border (E744), Always Cherish Memories (E745), Rose Intertwined Hearts (G450)

Inks: Versamark Watermark

Tools: heat gun; Martha Stewart Doily Lace Punch; EK Success Heart Punch

Other: Ranger Distress Crackle Paint Rock Candy; American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder Wave, Silver; Tim Holtz Distress Ink Vintage Photo; Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist Pearl; Wild Orchid Crafts Mulberry Paper Roses

Great Impressions DT - If the Shoe Fits...

That paper clip is a DIY heart!

{edited to add: "Great Impressions - Beyond the Board" class Saturday, January 28 you'll make 3 cards using Great Impressions Stamp of the Month stamps and receive your very own flirty footwear to decorate! Call Simple Pleasures in Colorado Springs 719.528.1338 for more info!}

Welcome to another Thursday with Great Impressions! (Stop by the blog and see what else the Design Team has been up to!)

I've got a fun and flirty project using stamps from the January Stamp of the Month program...

You won't believe how easy this project is...

Start by printing out Ellen Hutson's High Heeled Shoe template onto white card stock; follow the directions to put it together.

Now make this baby a one-of-a-kind designed by you shoe!

The toe of the shoe is perfect for holding a little package of goodies...mints, chocolates, hard candies...etc. 

If you're doubting this project is as easy as I said...this is my second shoe. I made the first shoe out of printer paper just to see how it went together.

I didn't have any red roses, so out came the Glam and a little more glitter (couldn't get a good photo of the glitter!) The red and black tulle were leftovers from my Twilight project.

Thinking that I'm going to make some themed shoes in the next few weeks...stay tuned...I may have a new addiction to shoes!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Stamps: Great Impressions Lace Background (K97), Changed My Life (D41)

Inks: Versamark Watermark, Memento Tuxedo Black

Tools: heat gun, Martha Stewart Doily Punch, Tim Holtz Tiny Tags and Tabs Sizzix Die, Tiny Attacher

Other: Ellen Hutson High Heeled Shoe Template, Scor-tape, Helmar 450 Quick Dry, paperclip, assortment of fibers and mulberry rose from my stash, Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam Big Apple, black and clear embossing powders, clear glitter

WOYWW #20 (130) - after the Twilight

Hello, WOYWWers! The last one for November...catching up on blogging, so if you want to see the desk, scroll down...if you'd like to see more desks visit Julia's Stamping Ground. So much crafty goodness to see!

Another week (or so) has flown by! Thanksgiving was wonderful. Love having my kids and the Mister home all at the same time. Was so busy loving everyone I hardly took any pictures. It was a gorgeous lazy day. Too bad that was so short lived!

A Crandall Clan tradition...bathing the turkey...bwahahaha!

So, daughter came home for Turkey Day and brought a guest. Since she'll be home for Christmas she decided to leave me some fur...meow!

Goofy grin...that's what love does to you!

I wasn't real keen on having another critter in the house, but he is just so cuddly! Every time I sit down at my desk, he makes himself at home in my lap. He's quickly becoming part of the clan.

This week I'm finishing up some gifts and hopefully getting some festive decor up!

Until then, here's what is currently on ye olde desk:

Not a lot...yet! Leftovers from several weeks worth of projects. Cleaning up the studio in prep for some hardcore crafting...

Some recently finished projects:
- kits for my "Twilight Inspired Mini Album" All of the satin flowers are handmade. (This was originally a class that included a keepsake box. Loved the DCWV Immortal Love line! Gave the original mini sample to my daughter for her birthday and left it simple for her to add to.)

Can't wait for tomorrow...
♥ Great Impressions Stamp of the Month release

♥ December 1st - the beginning of December Daily & Journal Your Christmas! (I'm participating in both this year.)

I'll share my December Daily in upcoming posts. Are you participating, too? If so, make sure to leave your link!

Inky hugs,

Angi

Great Impressions, Memory Box and Vintage Tags

Happy Monday!

I can't believe how fast the weekends go! I am definitely looking forward to Turkey Day and some down time with the family...

Just wanted to share one more project from this month's Great Impressions Stamp of the Month set (if you don't have a local retailer, contact Simple Pleasures - they'll take good care of you!)

I love making tags...whether it's to try a new technique or dress up a gift, they are always useful. Not to mention they are the perfect size for a quick creative fix!

This time I used a Tim Holtz Sizzix die and Distress Inks, clear embossing powder and lots of glitter! (Only the sentiments and 'pictures' are clear embossed.)

I can't seem to get enough of Memory Box's La Rue die...used it again on these tags. Die cut them and then cut them in half. Adhere and cover in glitter...it doesn't get any easier than this!

Have a great week! Hope you find some time for your creative fix.

Inky hugs,
Angi

Hello, Deer One...

Happy Friday (and Happy Breaking Dawn for you Twilight fans!)

I'm so excited for this weekend! With such busy schedules, it seems rare anymore that my family gets to spend time all together...but this weekend I get to hug each of my kiddos and Mr. Mayhem! I'm thinking family photo op...now how to convince the family that's a good thing... lol

Speaking of good things...here's another card from my monthly Great Impressions class - Beyond the Board at Simple Pleasures (Check out yesterday's post to see the center step card using the birds stamp). Love this wood grain paper and the cork accent - no ribbon here!

Makes me think of Fall, crackling fires and cider. Do you see the snowflake peeking out from behind the reindeer on the vellum?

That's the La Rue die from Memory Box. LOVE. Beautiful, right? I have a feeling you'll be seeing more of this one...if you need this die, too, call Simple Pleasures. They carry everything Memory Box and if they don't have something in stock they will order it for you!

Watch for upcoming posts:
- More Beyond the Board goodness
- Twilight Inspired Mini Album Kit
- December Daily Mini Album & Art Journal

It was so good to visit with you today! Thanks so much for stopping by.

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #19 (128) - Hello, Birdy!

Hello, WOYWWers! I've been away for a bit, being busy, of course, but made a little time this morning...and I do mean morning! It's almost 3am...to share a little fun. (If you'd like to know more about WOYWW...and we know you do! Stop by and say hi! to Julia. You'll be glad you did!

So, there's the desk. Bits and pieces from my Twilight Inspired Mini Album (kits will be available for the mini album at Simple Pleasures very soon!) 

And can you believe it? I've got another quick picture to share...this is one of the cards from my last Great Impressions - Beyond the Board class. What do you think? Click on it to see more detail. This is a center step card - love this design! If you made it just a tad larger, you could use it for the holiday photo! Frame/card/display all in one. Very handy.

There are 2 more Great Impressions cards and a lovely set of tags using Memory Box's La Rue Die to share later this week, so stop back by and see them, too!

Happy Wednesday!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Just a card...Beyond the Board (using Great Impressions Stamps)

It's way past my bedtime and with an early rise to boot, so this will be a quick post! I had made samples for my October "Beyond the Board" class, but hadn't had a chance to post any pictures. Already gave away 2 of the samples (one was a card; the other project was acrylic tags - might get around to remaking them, just to post...then again, maybe not...no promises!)

Here's one of the cards...think it was my favorite. The Holidays usually bring on the glitter!

There is a lot of glitter on this card - the reindeer, his harness, the trees, the edge of the tree layer, the snowflakes and even the edges of the tiny tab!

Love. Love. Love the tiny jingle bell. What is it about making things tiny that make them so cute?!

Okay...click on the picture if you want to see more detail...glitter is hard to photograph...especially late at night! lol

Might sneak in a late WOYWW (on Thursday) post later today.

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #13 (104) - 2nd Anniversary!

Happy 2nd Anniversary WOYWWers! This is only my 13th WOYWW post, so really this is a celebration of all those work desk post vets who have been hangin' with Mrs. Julia Dunnit, crafty lady who began these Wednesday forays into other people's creative lairs, over the last two years, inspiring and encouraging by visiting and leaving lovely comments. If you haven't already, stop by her blog Stamping Ground and see what all the fun is about!

This is what I love about the internet collective...being able to connect with those of you that share the passion of creating from the inside out...and sometimes the outside in when our muse has taken an unexpected vacation.

I've been MIA for the last couple of weeks (obviously) with birthdays, work, card swaps and family (though not in that order.) I even (ahem!) sewed a couple of hooded baby towels for a friend (pictures and tutorial coming soon! I know...I owe a few of those: paper towel flowers, plastic wrap misting...they're coming!) Just when I thought the schedule would slow down a bit with the kiddos out of school, it's like someone hit the fast forward button while I was in the ladies' room! No rest for the weary...but still here, slowly moving forward.

Maybe not so much on the studio, right? (That's why there isn't an 'after' photo, yet...)

I always notice little details after I upload my photo(s) for WOYWW...3 pairs of scissors?, tweeting while I work, I'm sure there's chocolate wrappers hiding in the picture (Lindt dark chocolate truffles)...

This is the desk a few days ago while I was taking a break from making cards for the card exchange at Simple Pleasures. The theme for May was "Cards for Him" and I decided to do something fun. At least it was fun until I had to fussy cut 10 of those cute jeeps!

Here's the finished card...

{ETA: I was inspired by Corrine's design seen HERE.}

I used a few techniques that I really enjoy...coloring with Copics, embossing and watercoloring with Distress Inks. The twill tape was a fab find at the thrift store...$1.50 for a wheel that measures 9 inches in diameter!

Thanks for stopping by today. I sure have missed you! Now I'm off to link up with Julia and add my name to the PiF list! I'll show what I made for my 'pressie' soon!

Happy June!

Angi

WOYWW #11 (100) - The Aftermath

On the desk there are remnants of April's card exchange at work, leftovers from my card class 2 weeks ago, bits and pieces of my planner pages, parts for my upcoming class at Simple Pleasures... There is quite a lot of creative herstory (yes, I know I spelled 'her' story...well, it is what it is, right?) over my desks and tables.

It has been a crazy couple of weeks. Really month. Lots of deadlines. Kids, work, school...most of my creative time has been scheduled, late at night with very little time for clean up in between.

I'm barely making WOYWW tonight. I'm just determined to stay on track here and make it to the 104th edition: 2nd Anniversary! So looking forward to participating in the PIF... (click HERE to see What's On Your Work desk Wednesday is about and leave Julia a 'hello!' when you do!) And, of course, continuing as long as Julia does.

Last week I was able to post, but never got around to commenting or even replying to the comments on my post! Remedying that this evening and tomorrow evening. (Thank you, if you commented last week...I didn't forget and appreciated you taking the time to let me know you stopped by! See you soon...)

I better get back to those chores...the laundry mountain needs tending to (it's clean - thank Goodness!) but wanted to share a little bit of fun (don't want you to think my life has been one drudgery after another...) Here's one of the cards - it's a shaped easel card. It's only a little over 4" in diameter.

She's a little reminder that sometimes things are not what they seem...hoping for brighter (and warmer!) days.

Inky hugs,

Angi

Challenges:
Magnolia Stamp Lovers Challenge (Flowers)

Postcard Swap [3] - The Finished Postcards

Wow. iHanna's 2011 Postcard Swap was great fun! It was just what I needed to help me out of my creative rut and get moving to more creative endeavors. This is a picture heavy post! (click on any of the pictures to see the postcards in detail)

The Group Shot

I thought about doing a couple of photos today, tomorrow and so on until I showed them all, but I've already been working on other projects to share, so here they are - all my postcards (and a few extras!)

The Addressees (finished the postcards with a kraft cardstock backing)

So true.

It's always the first steps that seem the hardest!

Love this quote.

Mini staples make the 'silver lining'

This one might just be my favorite...colors, texture, the quote.

Had been looking for a project to use this stamp on for awhile. Glad to have found one. If I hadn't needed to mail this, I would have left the flower whole (I was worried it would get ripped off in transit.)

I made a batch of these stamped, embossed butterflies on white cardstock & color with inks/shimmer/colorwashes when needed.

 LOVE LOVE LOVE this quote.

Picture definitely didn't do this one justice. The shimmer and color

are so much more rich and vibrant IRL.

This one spoke to me. Almost kept it!

Thinking I will recreate something similar on canvas.

The heart is crinkled and ironed vellum...the heat caused the raised (crinkled) parts of the vellum to melt and puff, when it cooled and settled it was almost like embossing.

This was an extra background. Loved the 'fire' in this one.

Another extra. Was playing around with a few more techniques. Fun colors!

Now that I have a better idea what the Post Office is willing to accept, I'll be more daring in next year's swap! I hope they all arrived a little travel worn, but still in intact!

Inky hugs,

Angi