Happy 4th of July!

In celebration of the 4th, I pulled out some 4th of July stamps to make a card using this week's sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You.

The fireworks image by Anita's stamps, is heat embossed with red and blue embossing powders. The circular sentiment, stars, and firecracker images are Inque Boutique stamps. The strip of ribbon in the top corner of the main panel is by Morex. I used the Fiskars threading water punch for the scalloped edge and I used a paper punch to cut out the stars.

Be safe and have a nice holiday!

Things You Do

Over at the Hero Arts blog, there is a challenge to use a photo on a card. I have never done this so I thought I would take the challenge.

Earlier this Spring, I took pictures of these beautiful tulips, and a few other flowers, that had bloomed in my yard. I couldn't believe how open they were and I really love this orange color with a hint of yellow.

For the card, I printed the photo and used a Marvy scalloped square paper punch to cut out just the flowers, focusing on their beauty. I used a Hero Arts sentiment stamp, ribbon I found at the $1 bin from Target, Stampin Up card stock and ink and the Fiskars threading water scalloped edge punch for the bottom edge on the card front.

WooHoo...I've been published!!!

As I was sorting through the mail yesterday, I noticed a large package with my name on it and I quickly opened it thinking who is trying to sell me something now, LOL. Well, I opened it to find a complimentary copy of Just Cards! magazine!!! My card seen here was published....Yaaaaaay!!! It's on page 61 in Volume 14, Summer 2009 issue!! I mailed this card to the magazine last year for consideration to be published and because I hadn't heard anything after several months, I thought it was a no go....well this was such a great surprise!!!

I've heard it sometimes takes time (and I can imagine with all the project submissions magazines receive) and if you're interested in getting published, check out this information posted earlier this year by Carolyn King who shares her experience with getting published.

Transformers Cakes

Here are two Transformers theme cakes I did this past Saturday for the brother of my sister's boyfriend.

These are both 12x15 frosted with buttercream icing. The picture of the character Optimus Prime, is an edible icing image. The other is the Transformer logo which I created by doing a technique called a frozen buttercream transfer.

Spiderman Cake

My most recent confection. A birthday cake for my li'l cousin who turned 6. This is a 12x15 yellow cake with buttercream icing. I used a picture I found on the net as a guide to hand draw Spiderman.

Mojo Monday 89

I finally bought myself a Verve stamp set and just in time to participate in the current Mojo Monday sketch challenge.

Here is my card using the Mojo Monday week 89 sketch.

Images are from the Miracles Blossom set.

Materials:
Card stock (Stampin Up - rose red, summer sun)
Butterflies (large - hand cut, small - mini punch)
Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye (Everyday Tango)
Martha Stewart zig zag edge punch
Prismacolor pencils (hot pink, yellowed orange, apple green)
Colorbox ink (peony, green)
Brilliance (graphite black)

Mixed Seasons winner

Last week's potluck Friday challenge at StampTV was to "mix the seasons". This was a very unique challenge. I pondered over it for a few days because I couldn't figure out how to incorporate images from different seasons into a card that I would like. Well waiting til the night before the due date, I made this card that I was pleased to post. I used the pine cones and sentiment from the Winter Foliage set to represent the Fall/Winter season. I stamped the foliage and pine cones using VersaFine vintage sepia ink. I colored the pine cones using a Prismacolor pencil and I sponged on some Spanish Olive chalk ink by Tsukineko onto the needle like leaves. I then cut out each pine cone and adhered them on top for dimension. I stamped the tulips from the A Year of Flowers set to represent Spring. I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement of the tulips, stems and leaves and after stamping them, I colored them in with Prismacolor pencils. I also hand cut out an extra red tulip and adhered for dimension.

I am so glad I took the challenge because I was selected as the winner of the challenge! Woohoo; I win a free stamp set from Gina K. Designs! Thanks Lee for a fun challenge!