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Friday, April 2, 2010

Splashing with Friends and some news.....

Coffee of the Day - Vanilla Biscotti

I was able to do a bit of crafting these past 2 days - which is exactly how long it took me to finish this card! ;) but finish I did...... which makes me very happy!
Isabella's Sketchbook has started a brand new challenge blog, so I thought I would try to work up a card to submit. For the first challenge, the players are to use a sketch. This fun image, Beach Friends, is one of the very first I bought. It reminds me of my boys on the beach as they were growing up in Florida. We always lived near the beach and spent many many days there before moving to Ohio.

Check out the store for a wonderful sale going on. also as you may remember, she has a DT call-out going on through the end of April if you are interested.

The papers are from the Basic Grey Lime Rickey collection. I added a metal tag from Flair Designs, a Prima flower, shells, twill ribbon, and buttons. The little seed button reminded me of some of the neat seed beans my Dad and I used to hunt on the beaches in Texas as I was growing up. As you can tell, I have many fond memories tied to the ocean and times at the beach.

The main image has a few little deets that I want to point out to you. For starters, the inner tube, sunglasses, and swimming goggles have all been covered with crystal effects. The hat's bow was painted with pink shimmerz. I used my white gel pen to add polka dots to the tote bag as well as to go over the tummies of the penguins to give them more depth. Now I was using my ink squirty tool with caramel first to give a little more character to the main piece. it looked neat, but needed just a hint of a darker color, so I pulled out the cocoa marker. things were going grand with just a light touch until I got to the right side (the finishing portion, of course) when the marker globbed a BLOP of ink right over the head of that cute little penguin wearing the red bathing suit. awwww pooey..... now what to do? well I always told the ladies in my stamping classes that there were no mistakes, only moments of 'whimsy'. so I got heavy handed with the ink squirty tool, which I did not originally plan to do, and went to town. it ended up looking okay, but then led me to do another of my fave techniques - a water and ink distressing to the edges of the cs.

Using the Direct To Paper technique (DTP), ink the edges of the cs heavily. For the next step, I keep a little bowl of water nearby. Dip your finger into the water and then run it along the edges of the cs. This allows the water to absorb into the paper and also lets the ink soak into the paper as well. As I rub my fingers along each edge, I use my fingernail to rough up the edges some. This adds to the distressed look as the cs dries. Give it a try sometime!

now for the news portion - I had told you that I was going to be leaving my DTs because of my health. Well when I sent out the notices to the companies and challenge blogs that I represent, many of them let me know that they did not want me to leave. All that they would ask is that I submit as I was able, even if it was only once a month and even if I couldn't start until next month or so. How amazing is that?! Talk about making a person feel loved!!! I am just so very very blessed! So every once in a while you will still be seeing some company posts here. and every once in a while you will see some of my own things as I am motivated and able. God is good - so very very good. Every day! :)

Creative Card Crew -Aged/Vintge/Distressing

Charisma Cards - Animal Magic

Simon Says Stamp - Its So Distressing

For Fun Challenges - Anything Goes

Totally Papercrafts - Let's Go Digital

Pile It On - Animal-rific

24 comments:

Anne said...

So happy you've got a card made and hopefully feeling a bit better today

Hugs
Anne

Payne Holler Cards said...

oh Jennifer your card is adorable!
and we do have an awesome God dont we!!!! he knows how much enjoyment you receive from creating and has worked it out for you! double blessing!
I am so hoping we are together on Isabella's first DT - {{{hugs}}} your blog is always an encouragement!!!
Linda

Helen Dooley said...

Great card Jennifer! Im so glad you could share your card with us this week at For Fun Challenges.

Stef H said...

oh jennifer! this card is aaaaa-dorable!

and what fabulous news! you are truly loved!

a very happy easter to all of you!

Ann English said...

Yeah, Jennifer!!! Love the card and the bit of whimsy was a stroke of genius!
Yes, God is good and you are a special person!
Blessings!

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

Your card is just so cute and your coloring is wonderful. The same "blob problem" happened to me just after I got my Copics. I had spent an hour coloring an image, was almost finished and blop, right on the little girl's head. It wasn't salvagable. I wanted to cry! I learned not to hold Copics too tightly!

I love your distressed edges. You taught me a new distressing method. I have never distresed with water before - can't wait to give it a try!

IsabellasSketchbook said...

This card is adorable! I'm so glad you used this image. Everything about this card feels "beachy". Love the addition of the tiny shells!

Marlene said...

Adorable card, Miss Jennifer....and those companies were oh so wise to not let you slip away!

Holly Young said...

Wonderful card jennifer with so much detail! Just fabulous all around. I continue to pray for your health and am so glad you are continuing to craft!

Justine said...

That is super adorable Jennifer and many of us love you as our blog sister here in blog land. So glad to know your DT's are so understanding. Enjoy your Easter

Anne said...

Cute as a button Jennifer, thanks for playing along with Totally Papercrafts this week
Anne x

Sue said...

Hi Jennifer
i luv this image so cute, great card, thank you for joining us at Totally Papercrafts this week, hope to see you next week, sue,x

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

Hi again Jennifer, just dropping back by to say thank you for playing along with us at the Creative Card Crew in our vintage challenge this week! Your card is perfect for this challenge - still have to give it a try!

michele said...

fabulous card Jennifer hope you are feeling a little better hugs xx

Kelly said...

i love this image!!

Joey said...

Hi Jennifer

beautiful card, this is one gorgeous image. I am so pleased your dt posts have remained open for you :O)
Thanks for joining us at Tpc

Joey.xxx

Sara said...

Love your card Jennifer, it's too cute!!! I'm so glad all of your DT's were so nice! Feel better!

LorettaL said...

Jennifer, the scene you have created on this card is fabulous!!!

Thank-you so much for hippity hopping on the sugar creek hollow blog hop!

Jane said...

Stunning card Jennifer! love the gorgeous colours and such a lovely image! thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp, hugs, Jane xxx

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks so much for the nice comment you left on my blog for my easel card. Yes, you are right! You did already leave me a comment on that card, but the comment was on Isabella's group over at PCP. That's why you didn't see a previous one from you on my blog - LOL. Thanks again!

raindropecho said...

What a great card! Love all the details and the embellishments you've chosen are perfect. Great card and I hope you feel better soon :)
- Ann

paulssandy said...

I am so sorry to hear about you health. I know it has been a rough spring for you, I truely prya that the summer brings better days.

Your card came out so cute. I too make many mistakes and have found that the best challenge is figuring out how to incorporate it into the card. You did a wonderful job. Would never have known it was a accidental blob, LOL

{{{hugs}}}

Cat said...

Love your card Jennifer! what a great idea to use seashells! Hope you're feeling better soon, and looking forward to seeing more of your creations. Hugs

Vicki said...

Jen so good to see you back hon...your card is simply adorable...love it. Take it one day at a time Jen! Prayers are always with you hon!

HUGS!
Vicki