Bleach Butterfly

This is my second post for today.  Please scroll down one post for the 

'Inspired by a Catalog Page' card.

Hello everyone!

Blockheads is sponsoring a Bleach Technique challenge right now and if you submit your creation URL by March 21st, 2012, you could win a $25 gift certificate to the Blockheads store!   The winner will be selected by our Design Team.


I did my bleaching on an image from the amazing stamp set called 

Nature Medallions

Love this set!  (by the way, did you see my Valentine card made with one of these images?)  

The technique is very easy.  You can follow the step-by-step directions from Blockheads DT member, Leslie Turner HERE.  

On gray cardstock, I stamped the butterfly-in-medallion image with Versamark ink, sprinkled on silver embossing powder, and hit it with the heat tool.  When the embossing was cool, I used a small paintbrush to paint on bleach straight from the bottle (good old-fashioned Clorox).  

The bleached areas turned a buttery yellow; so pretty!  Then I colored in some of the areas with watercolor pencils and used a circle die cut to cut out the image.

I used some old gathered lace ribbon and adhered it behind the circle with Scor-Tape, then mounted on the card base with dimensional foam stickers.  

The base is Blush Blossom cardstock that was embossed with a Cuttlebug folder from the 'Love's In The Air' Collection, then the edges were sponged with Tattered Rose ink.

The ribbon is from the scrap bag, and just happened to fit the colors perfectly.  :)  Love when that happens.  I sewed a vintage button to the center of the bow.  A couple of Rock Fern Punches add interest to the bow, as well as a pearl/rhinestone stick pin.

If you'd like to play along with us, here is what you need to do:

Challenge Details

If you blog and would like to join our Technique Challenge Blog Hop, simply create something using this technique, post it to your blog and include the link code:

To enter this code after composing your post, simply switch to HTML editing mode (there is an HTML tab next to the compose tab on blogger above the window where you type your post) and paste the code at the bottom of the HTML code that was created by blogger when you composed your post. This code creates links to other participants. To be fair to other participants, links will be removed that don't include the code.

Finally, submit your URL here: Blockheads Challenge - Bleach Technique Blog Hop

Submit your URL by March 21st, 2012 for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate! The winner will be selected by our Design Team.

Thanks for the super comments you've all left for me lately!  I love to read each and every one, and they brighten my days.  :)



Stamps: Nature Medallions - Blockheads Paper Arts
Paper: Blush Blossom, Basic Gray - SU
Ink: Versamark Embossing ink - Tsukineko; Tattered Rose Distress - Ranger
Fibers: gathered lace; pink satin ribbon
Other: bleach; pearls - Recollections; vintage button; thread; watercolor pencils - Derwent; Big Shot; circle die - Spellbinders; heat tool - SU; silver embossing powder - SU; Rock Fern Punch - EK Success; Love's In The Air embossing folder - Cuttlebug; stick pin - Jenni Bowlin Studio
Dimensions: 5" square
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Inspired by a Catalog Page

I've been holding onto the back cover of a Grandin Road catalog for months now, because I was immediately inspired by the composition and the pretty butterfly table.  

Obviously, the butterfly table was a big inspiration....

I picked up on the colors of the ad, too, with the creamy walls and white trim, by using papers in those colors.  There's some green in the patterns, taken from the flowers in the vase.

The white flowers in the vase became lace here, and the nest on the table inspired me to choose a bird stamp.

I am entering this in the Just Us Girls sketch challenge; I flipped the sketch vertically:

A word of thanks to all of you who visit my blog.  :o)  I really appreciate your visits!



Stamps: Wishing You - Verve; Bliss - SU
Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Very Vanilla - SU; medallion print - Garden Party - DCWV; stripe - Lost & Found Two - My Mind's Eye
Ink: Crumb Cake - SU; Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap Distress - Ranger; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko
Fibers: Majesty Lace - Offray; twine - Creative Impressions; vintage satin ribbon
Other: pearls - Queen & Co.; Monarch Butterfly punch - Martha Stewart; Dotted Scallop punch - EK Success; vintage button
Dimensions:  4.25" x 5.5"
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Eiffel Tower

This is my second post for the day.  Please scroll down one post to see my Framed Butterfly card.

I was inspired by this SIMPLE Verve sketch at Viva La Verve (hooray!)...

....and the color story at CR84FN:

My new Market Street Stamps (Gingham, Grace) were calling to me, so I put them to work on this card.

I stamped "Grace" in London Fog (it's Memento ink, and isn't that the greatest ink name??), and "Gingham" in Scattered Straw Distress ink.  I am LOVING these stamps!  

See the bit of lace where the two patterns meet?

The little panel features a Hero Arts script stamp, and three images from Stampin' Up!'s Artistic Etchings set.   Behind it, I used a Parisian Motif Spellbinders die cut, made with Crumb Cake cardstock, cut in half and adhered to the panel.

I just couldn't find a home for a sentiment on this card, but I intend for it to be a sympathy card for a friend who is far away.

Thanks for popping by!



Stamps: Artistic Etchings - SU; Gingham, Grace backgrounds - Market Street Stamps; Old French Script - Hero Arts
Paper: white, Crumb Cake - SU
Ink: London Fog Memento, Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko; Scattered Straw Distress - Ranger; Crumb Cake - SU
Other: pearls - Queen & Co.; Big Shot; Parisian Motifs die - Spellbinders
Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions; white lace - Simplicity
Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.5"
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Framed Butterflies

I was playing around with my Crafter's Template this afternoon, Butterfly Meadow.

Butterfly Meadow

First, I sprayed Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist through the template onto natural cardstock.  Then I trimmed down the stenciled image to include just a few of the elements.  I mounted it onto a layer of kraft cardstock.

For the focal point, I cut a Spellbinders Fleur de Lis square in black cardstock, then layered on a plain square die like this, to create a frame:

While holding the black frame in place, I sponged different Distress inks within the frame.

Then I attached the frame to the stenciled layer with dimensional foam stickers, and added pearls.

The last step was to add this layer to a vanilla card base, off-center.

Hope you've enjoyed this simple card!  Thanks for coming by.



Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Confetti White cardstock - SU
Ink: Peeled Paint, Broken China, Antique Linen, Walnut Stain Distress - Ranger
Other: Big Shot; square, Fleur de Lis Square die - Spellbinders; pearls - Queen & Co.; Simply Khaki Glimmer Mist - Tattered Angels; Butterfly Meadow Crafter's Template
Dimensions:  4 1/2" square

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Deconstructed Sketch - Galatians 6:9

This is my second post of the day.  For the Play Date Cafe challenge, please scroll down one post.

Hello all!  I'm excited to try the Deconstructed Sketch for the first time.  My friend Andrea plays with them all the time, and I thought I'd give it a try.  I'm also combining it with the current City Crafter challenge called "Extra Extra!"  In honor of Leap Year, we are to use 9 or more words and 2 or more ribbons on the card.  With this stamp by Verve, I've definitely got the word-thing covered!

Aside from some black and vanilla cardstock, all of these patterned papers are from the Coral Couture Matstack from DCWV, which was 50% off at my local JoAnn store.  Yay!  (hey, didn't I say I wasn't going to buy more paper until I used what I had?? I am SO weak!)

Love this little twine bow --

These buttons are from my stash, covered in Crystal glitter (Martha Stewart).  I used a small paint brush to apply my glue to the buttons before glittering.  When they were dry, I sprayed them some hair spray so the glitter won't come off.

I really need this sentiment lately.  I won't go into details.  ;)

Thanks a bunch for joining me today.  I truly appreciate your visits.  :)



Stamps: Galatians 6:9 - Verve
Paper:  Coral Couture Matstack - DCWV; Basic Black, Very Vanilla - SU
Ink: Antique Linen Distress - Ranger; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko
Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions; white lace - Simplicity
Other: buttons - stash; Crystal Fine Glitter - Martha Stewart; Big Shot; oval die - Spellbinders; pearls - Queen & Co.
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Play Date Cafe 121 - Holy Matrimony

Time for a fresh palette of challenge colors from the Play Date Cafe!

This week we've got Mojito, Peony and Sand - soft, soft, soft!  It screams 'vintage' to me.
So, I broke out my new Melissa Frances 5th Avenue papers, which are perfect, though the newsprint paper looks rather dark in a photo.  It looks much softer in person.

Used my new Spellbinders Labels Thirteen and a LaBlanche English Roses stamp that I picked up on sale through JoAnn.com a few weeks ago.  Can you see the roses stamped on the die cut?  I sponged on Sahara Sand while the die was still in place, removed the die, and stamped the roses in the same ink for a tone-on-tone look.

The "Holy Matrimony" die cut is really a Melissa Frances sticker that I dusted with baby powder (to remove stickiness), then attached to the Spellbinders panel with dimensionals.  I added pearls, too (of COURSE!).

This paper rose, from Mark's Finest Papers, is the perfect shade for the challenge.  The surrounding bows are all smoke-and-mirrors, however.  I can tie my shoe REALLY well, but I just don't have the knack to do good bows on cards.  I cut a little bit of ribbon, glued the ends together, then tucked it beneath the flower with some more craft glue.  Multiply that times 9, and you have what appear to be some really nice bows!

Come and play with us this week:  show us your creations, no matter what style you choose!  Check out the details HERE at The Play Date Cafe, and you can see the Design Team's samples, too.

Thanks for joining me!



Stamps:  English Rose - LaBlanche
Paper:  white - PTI; 5th Avenue patterned papers - Melissa Frances
Ink: Sahara Sand - SU
Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions; green ribbon
Other: paper flower - Mark's Finest Papers; pearls - Queen & Co.
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Inspired by a Quilt - Part Two

If you saw my post on Monday, you'd have seen a card that was inspired by this Williamsburg quilt:

I had a piece of stamped cardstock left over, and decided to make another card with it.

I'm entering Flourishes Timeless Tuesday challenge:  Country Comfort.  I find quilts very comforting, and have lots of country charm.  And of course, I've based my stamping on the Williamsburg quilt.

The flourish and sentiment are Verve - Celebration of Thanks, on a Labels Thirteen die cut.

A peek inside the card:

That does it for me!  I've got lots of housework to do.  See you later!



Stamps: Celebration of Thanks - Verve; Elements of Style - SU
Paper: Crumb Cake, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla - SU
Ink: Riding Hood Red - SU; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko
Fibers: red sheer ribbon - Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
Other: pearls - Queen & Co; Doily Lace Trim punch - Martha Stewart; Big Shot; Labels Thirteen die - Spellbinders
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Inspired by a Williamsburg Quilt

It's been too long since I posted an "Inspired By..." card.  I miss doing them.  Today, I found the perfect reason to do one:  the Quilt challenge over at CARDS: create blog.  I combined it with a sketch from Pals Paper Arts.

My mother-in-law has the most gorgeous Williamsburg red and white quilt that I love, and maybe someday I might buy one of my own.  :)  Here's a picture of it, found online HERE.  It's called Williamsburg Brighton Red Toile:

I focused on the all-over floral pattern, the scalloped hem, and the ruffles around the pillows.

The floral spray from Elements of Style (Stampin' Up!) is one of my faves.  It creates such a beautiful background or patterned paper.

The ivory gathered ribbon is my take on the pillow ruffles, and the scalloped punched border echoes the scallops on the bottom of the quilt.

This sentiment is from Flourishes' Sleigh Ride.

Thanks for popping by!



Stamps: Elements of Style - SU; Sleigh Ride (sentiment) - Flourishes
Paper: Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake - SU
Ink: Riding Hood Red - SU; Versafine Onyx Black - Tsukineko
Fibers: twine - Creative Impressions; gathered ivory grosgrain ribbon (?); crochet lace - Spare Parts/The Paper Studio
Other: Big Shot; Ribbon Tags die - Spellbinders; paper flower - Recollections; buttons;
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Butterfly in Neutrals

Hello!  Did you all have a good weekend?  I had a happy one.  My husband planned an overnight getaway for just the two of us, at a luxury hotel in Philadelphia:  The Hyatt at The Bellevue.  We each had a massage, and he also had a facial, and for me - a detoxifying mud wrap for the body.  Oh, did my skin glow!  We had dinner at the famous Ruth's Chris Steakhouse a block away and it was so yummy.  It was very precious and special to hang out with the love of my life, all alone.

I wish I had brought my camera with me, because the Bellevue hotel (click on link for more history on the building) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and first opened its doors in 1904.  Here is some  info from the website page:

The Bellevue-Stratford opened its doors in 1904 and became known worldwide as Philadelphia’s pre-eminent hotel, nicknamed “The Grande Dame of Broad Street.” Famed hotelier George C. Boldt (he also managed the Waldorf-Astoria in New York) wanted to build the best hotel of its time—and he did.

Designed in the French Renaissance style, The Bellevue features Gilded Age architectural flourishes including a magnificent two-tiered ballroom with delicate light fixtures designed by Thomas Alva Edison, stained glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany, chandeliers by Lalique and a celebrated cast-iron circular staircase. Many of these flourishes remain and make it the marvel that it is.

Famous guests include Jacob Astor, J.P. Morgan, William Jennings Bryan, Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, and the Vanderbilt family in addition to countless socialites, luminaries and heads of state.

Every US President since Theodore Roosevelt has visited The Bellevue.

Here are some photos I found on the Internet:

The lobby, photo taken in 1976.

One of the lobbies, and this is where we checked in.
When the hotel was new back in 1904, guests checked in on the top floor (19th), then went downstairs to their rooms.  The tradition proved too cumbersome,
and the lobby was set on the ground level.

This photo of Hyatt at the Bellevue is courtesy of TripAdvisor

The Cafe on the top floor, where we had lunch and breakfast.
I wish there was a photo of the ceiling.  
It's just loaded with Gilded Age details.

This photo of Hyatt at the Bellevue is courtesy of TripAdvisor

It was a bit too cold to be on the restaurant's balcony.
This must've been taken in the summertime.

This photo of Hyatt at the Bellevue is courtesy of TripAdvisor

The famous XIX Restaurant,
so named because it is on the 19th floor.
Look at the beautiful pearl chandelier draped over the tables.
It is so gorgeous in person.

This photo of Hyatt at the Bellevue is courtesy of TripAdvisor

I do have a card to show you today, too!

This is entered in the City Crafter Challenge:  "It's All Natural" (use natural colors).

Inspiration photo from City Crafter.

I used two stamps, available through Blockheads Paper Arts:

"Shipping Ephemera"

"Butterflies" - Lost Coast Designs

Using the Shipping Ephemera stamp and Crumb Cake ink, I created my own background paper.  Then I stamped it one more time on a scrap, trimmed it, inked the edges and mounted it on a piece of Early Espresso cardstock.

The butterfly was colored with Copic markers, then trimmed and mounted onto the card.  I added three petals of a paper Prima Wildflower, which had been dyed with coffee.  Since I was unable to save the antennae when I cut out the image, I drew them on with a marker instead.

The base of the card is simple:  vanilla cardstock base, followed by an Early Espresso panel (embossed with the Textile embossing folder by Cuttlebug, then distressed the edges).

Hope you enjoyed the photos today!  It was fun looking for them so I could share them with you.



Stamps:  Shipping Ephemera - Blockheads Paper Arts; Butterflies - Lost Coast Designs
Paper:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla - Stampin' Up!; white - PTI
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso - SU; Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko
Other: Copic markers; taupe trim; pearls - Queen & Co.; coffee-dyed paper flower - Prima Wildflowers; Big Shot; Textile Embossing Folder - Cuttlebug
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