Great Impressions Stamps May Challenge - Anything Goes!

Did you have a great weekend? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo? I managed to get sunburned Friday morning, so not a lot of out and about for me! Stayed in, attempted to get caught up on emails, Facebook, projects...it seems my to-do list is just growing and to think the kids are almost out of school, so more fun there!

Well, thank Goodness this month's Great Impressions Stamps Challenge is Anything Goes! You can create anything your creative heart desires...cards, boxes, tags, scrapbook pages, etc.

There are some juicy details about bonus entries and even a 25% discount offer, so even if you've read the challenge guidelines before, I highly encourage you to read them again!

I'm still in clean and purge mode - purge mode meaning I'm working at *using* my stash - so this month for my challenge project I'm using one of my 'dirty tags' again...

Pulled bits of vellum, card stock, papers and embellishments...all from my bits and pieces...

If you haven't had a chance to see all of Great Impressions' April Stamp of the Month sets...go now to the online store...they're gorgeous! You can see how I used some of the stamps in this picture...

Beyond the Board is a monthly class I teach at a LSS using the Great Impressions Stamp of the Month sets.  Classes are available as kits, if you can't make the date.  Contact me for more info!

Alrighty...enough chit chat...go work on your challenge project - can't wait to see it!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Great Impressions DT - Chicken Soup - Not Quite Like Mom's

Another Thursday, another Great Impressions' project! Here's a peek...

Visit the Great Impressions' blog to see what's cooking'!

Stop by Friday afternoon  THIS POST for the recipe...it's good!

Inky hugs,
Angi

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 - 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

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 #17 (119) - Great Impressions Halloween

It's time for another episode of WOYWW! Happy Wednesday! Hop over to Julia's blog to see what the fuss is about...keep reading to see what projects I've been up to...

I'm in the middle of lots of creative chaos! This mess is the direct result of prepping my cards for my Great Impressions - Beyond the Board class on Saturday. This has been so much fun and quite the challenge. Since I don't get to see the stamps much before the date of my class, I have NO IDEA what we'll do until I see and play with the stamps.

So, you've seen the desk...want to see the projects? This month the theme is Halloween and we've got 2 interactive cards...a waterfall and a shadow box card...and they both fit into an A2 envelope!

(The Beyond the Board class is a class offered monthly at Simple Pleasures in CO. The class features 3 cards + 1 Anything But A Card. It's even available as a kit, if you can't make the date! There's still a few spots left for this Saturday...call Simple Pleasures to make your reservation. 719.528.1338.  Make sure to bring your basic kit!)

Pull the string and watch the pictures flip through to a surprise message at the end!

We use paint dabbers, Distress Stains and new Perfect Pearls mist to put the finishing touches on this layered card.  

Shadow box card - stands up on its own and even folds (mostly) flat to fit into an A2 envelope.

Perfect size treat box...and who doesn't love playing with Tim Holt's Rosette Dies?!


Alright...hope to see you on Saturday!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Apronista - Altered Apron - Art in Progress

(ETA: The last picture is what the apron looked liked before I washed it. After I washed it, the Adirondack Color Washes faded. A lot. I'll post an updated picture soon...)

close up of my bird on branch with color washed muslin flowers
(more photos of my apron are at the end of the post!)

I think this was my favorite class to teach to date! So much creative play going on here...acrylic paints, paint dabbers, color wash, Glimmer Glam, die cut fabric, fun foam, stamps, lace and ink...let me just show you...

Keep in mind, these aprons are a work in progress! These pictures are towards the end of class and the inspiration was still flowing! I hope The Girls have a chance to send a picture when their aprons are done! Click on the pictures to get a better look.

Here are some pictures of the aprons in class (I promised not to post pictures of the girls on the blog! Girls...if you're reading this, send me an email and I'll forward those pictures to you!)

Aren't these great colors? Love how the Adirondack Color Washes blend so beautifully and without a lot of work! Ms. C. was working on a Halloween themed apron...off to a wicked start, wouldn't you say?

Can you tell Ms. D is into nature and southwestern colors? Those sunset blends on her apron are so warm and inviting... I wish I had gotten a closer picture of those leaves...she used 3 different colors of paint to add dimension and details to the greenery!

Ms. E's apron has great color blocking and contrast...if you click the pic you'll be able to see the 'raindrop movement' behind the bird...the Adirondack Color Wash is so forgiving! Ms. E had worked a section of her apron and then decided she didn't like it...spritzed some more water, a little more color wash, a bit of flicking and you'd never know she hadn't planned that all along!

Here are a few more detail pictures of my apron...

Lots of vintage lace. Hand dyed using Adirondack Color Washes. My new favorite liquid glue - Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive. Yep. Makes this a NO SEW project and it's washable! (Note: I made my apron with the idea that I *might* want to wash it. I only used products and items on my apron that I thought would be washer & dryer safe.)

This is my name tag with a few muslin flowers. The flowers were die cut using a Sizzix Big Shot and Tim Holtz's Tattered Floral Die (LOVE the tattered dies) and then hand dyed using the Color Wash. After I dyed the muslin tag, I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam to add a little border with a little sparkle! Then I stamped my name with paint. Notice the safety pins? Still a work in progress. Not sure if the name tag will stay here...

Did you notice there was a little quote behind the tag? I think it's my second favorite feel good stamp by...hmmm...I think it's Inkadinkadoo...but I'm not sure as I can't find it right now! The other is "It's never too late to be a rockstar!"

This is the altered apron in full. Love the drippage along the pockets. Stamped one pocket with a Claudine Hellmuth acrylic stamp. Don't feel like it's finished, yet. So, who knows...you might see another post in the near future...maybe even another apron!

Thanks for stopping by. If you've created an altered apron, leave me a comment - I'd love to come by to see it!

Inky hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #16 (117) - Fairies & the Wash

The desk. It's current. Probably the cleanest it has been in awhile! It's been a chaotic mess lately with me not being able to work on anything prior to 2100. By the time I make any progress on a project, there's not much energy left for clean up!

Want a closer look of the Outlines Rubber Stamps - Mini Fairy Circle? Go HERE to my previous post. She's darling. We're coloring this stamp in my Color Me Copics class at Simple Pleasures.

My most recent class was "Apronista" where we altered a canvas apron. I love messy art! This was a great group of creative women! Look for pictures of my apron and some of the ones made in class on Monday.

When I was putting the class together I wanted to have samples of all of the current Tim Holtz Adirondack Color Washes, so I would know what they looked like dry on muslin. Here are the fabric swatches. Loved them so much I decided they needed a prominent spot in my studio...it's a little washline of rainbow!

(This also shows a few of my most used tools: ATG 700 (spray painted metallic red!), Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, Crop-a-dile punch, Corner Chomper, Texture Hammers...these are a few of my favorite things!)

Happy dance!

Need more WOYWW? Visit Julia's blog for the full list of participants for this week (and week's past in previous posts!) Be sure to leave a little comment love for her and the blogs you visit. Would love to have you join us in this parade of creative coves!

Until next time...

Inky hugs,

Angi

A Preview of WOYWW #16 (117) - Fairies & the Wash

Wanted to actually post my WOYWW this morning, but the time has gotten away from me! So, here's a peek until tonight.

Have a great Hump Day!

Inky hugs,
Angi

Beautiful Backgrounds - Distress Workshop Series

{These are just a few of the techniques that you'll learn!}

Are you local to Colorado Springs and free Thursday morning? Want to learn more about Distress Inks and Stains (including Picket Fence - the new white stain!) and what you can do with them (besides stamp!) on your projects whether it's cards, scrapbooking or paper crafting?

Join me Thursday @10:30 in Simple Pleasures and make your own technique deck that you'll be able to use as a reference for all your projects. Call 719-528-1338 and reserve your spot.

Looking forward to getting inky!

Hugs,
Angi

WOYWW #15 (116) - Twilight Inspired

I know it's been awhile since I've participated in WOYWW. I have missed it! (Check out Julia Dunnit's Blog, if you'd like to know more.)

This shot isn't yesterday, but pretty recent. After the fiasco with my camera, I was pretty reluctant to blog without a photo, but that's since been remedied (more on that later!) I've been busy, busy, busy!

School's been in session for most of this month, been busy with work and teaching at Simple Pleasures (Apronista Class photos coming soon!) Thought I'd do a quick share of my desk and what I've been up to.

This is a peek of my desk as I was prepping my class sample for an upcoming class at Simple Pleasures - Twilight Inspired Keepsake Box and Mini Album. I'll be sure to share more photos! I have lots to share, just not enough time to share them, just yet, but hang in there with me...I've got more crafty goodness!

Enjoy this week's WOYWW and I'll see you soon!

Inky hugs,
Angi