Monthly Archives: August 2012

Stamped canvas

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I’ve been entering more paper-craft challenges lately, and I find that I think outside the card box and try things I’ve never done before. You’ll see more cards I’ve made for challenges in the coming weeks. While none of them won, I really enjoyed putting my crafting skills to the test.

I entered this card for two challenges on the Two Peas in a Bucket website as part a celebration for the Craft & Hobby Association‘s summer show. The challenges required the use of fabric and a pocket on the projects. I had the concept for this card already in mind, and I thought using canvas would fit well with its sewing theme. I also used a vellum envelope as a pocket.

I have canvas left over from a painting class I took in college. I used StazOn ink on the fabric because it seemed more vivid than traditional ink. When stamping on canvas, work quickly so as much ink as possible transfers to the fabric.

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Sparkle and shine

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Bling is always a good thing. I love using rhinestones, foiled and embossed cardstock and — messy as it may be — glitter.

A little glitter goes a long way. For this card, I accented the stamped image with green glitter, to make “Happy Birthday” pop. I also added a bit of shine with a green foiled cardstock, which might have been too much for this creation had I not layered a piece of solid-colored cardstock over it. I used a border punch to let some of the foiled paper peek through.

Adding glitter to something as detailed as a small, thin font requires two things: extra-fine glitter and a ballpoint glue pen. Be prepared for extra-fine glitter to get all over your workspace, like crafty fairy dust.

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Totally neon

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Neon colors are making a comeback, and it’s nostalgic for me. I loved the bright colors as a kid in the ’80s (neon blue was my favorite). When I see neon hues, I’m reminded of big pieces of jewelry, even bigger hair, shoulder pads and odd fashion all around. A-ha’s “Take on Me” plays in my mind, and I think of, like, Valleyspeak, you know?

Hero Arts held a challenge in July. The company offered three concepts for entry: a summer theme; a project featuring a technique that creates paper flowers; and a color theme of neon pink, neon orange and neon yellow. At least one Hero Arts stamp had to be used on each project.

The day I stumbled across the challenge, I had purchased a new Hero Arts stamp and really wanted to use it and neon colors for the contest. With a few days left to enter and ’80s hits running through my mind, I created this card, which also has a summer theme.

I had a lot of fun making this card, especially the “talk bubbles.” The best part? My card is one of the winning projects! I’m so excited!

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