Backgrounds From Unexpected Places

I created an scrapbook page recently where I wiped black paint off some foil tape.  I used a paper towel and realized that there were some nice areas of color transferred to the towel.   I spritzed some iridescent mists in the white spots using three colors and thought it was great for a background.  After it dried, I separated the layers and got a second background paper!  It's quite different than the first but obviously related.  Watch for both in upcoming projects - and watch for the unexpected.

Nestie Frame

I embossed this card in such a way as to keep the center flat for stamping.  The image is from a clear set by Inkadinkado.  The flowers were punched.  I added rhinestones for the flower centers. The frame is made from two Nestabilities die cuts and I adhered it with foam tape to add some dimension.  

Dream

You gotta love those stamps in the $1 bin.  There's all kinds with lots of different images.  I thought I'd do a very simple card with this one but it turned out not exactly simple.  I had already made the lacy border with a Martha Stewart corner and border punch so at least that part of it was easy!  The flowers are punched and have rhinestone centers.  The butterfly is punched and has tiny beads for the body.  I colored "Dream" with colored pencils.

Another Sign of Spring

Here's another sign of spring in our yard.  The plum tree is filling with blossoms.  We'll be harvesting plums in June if all goes well.  We had a record-breaking high of 80 yesterday but we'll be doing well to reach 60 today.  And those mighty gusts of wind returned last night.  It's all an indication that spring has arrived in the Grand Valley.

Decorative Birdhouse

When I saw the little wooden birdhouses in the $1 bin at Michaels, I said to myself, "Something cute should be made with that."  So I brought one home to play. I painted the bottom.   I made a pattern and put patterned paper on the roof.  Then I punched a bunch of flowers and layered them on the sides.  I didn't add a bird because the recipient doesn't care for birds but when she received it, she thought a butterfly would go nicely with it.  Perfect idea!  Happy birthday, Judy!

New Challenge Blog

There’s a new challenge blog in town with articles, swaps, interviews, videos, challenges, great prizes and MORE! Check out Lily Pad Cards!  http://www.lilypad.inlinkz.com/

Sidewalk Art In My Imagination

I played with the sidewalk photo posted below and came up with this.  It isn't at all where I thought my mind was taking me, but I liked it so went with it.  Sometimes I wonder where my mind goes to come up with these things, but mostly I just experiment and play.