Challenge Chat & More

[ohmypaper!]

F4A581 is sort of in line with our comments about not feeling Christmas cards right now. We are walking on sunshine!

The MIX is Adorn your Torn! Ohhhh, I really don't do this very often but I would love to play with torn paper!

How about you? Do you use torn paper in your card designs? Do you have a card in your gallery made with torn paper that you really love? Link it in a comment and we will admire it with you!

[JBgreendawn]

This week the Inspiration is visiting the Sara Burnet's collection of pins. ( there is a lot of wedding pretties to see)

Hmm, I cannot remember the last time I tore paper. I used to a lot a long time ago. but, the cool thing is all those things you learn they circle back around again and again over time.

[DebbieinOC]

Not sure if this is the right place, but since this is chat...The other day I saw this great card by Stacy (JBGreendawn) and ran right off and bought the sentiment stamp. Want to do some cards for my hubby's brothers as they always tell him they were mom's favorite. I was thinking it would be cool to do a postcard instead of a regular card. Lo and behold, Jennifer McGuire's post today is to make a postcard and she has a template (with her name on it, of course) for the back. If you're interested, here's the link: Postcard

EDIT: Apparently I loved Stacy's card so much I linked it twice. I have corrected the "postcard" link so it goes to the Jennifer McGuire post now. Mea Culpa.

[JBgreendawn]

oh that is neat I have a rubber stamp that makes a very vintage blank mailing side of a post card but, I think it may not be legal to mail size? ( are there rules for post card sizes?) anyone know?

hahaha they will love their cards Debbie.

[JBgreendawn]

This week's featured Stamper is Mary Ellen. aka cr8iveme.
Me I tend to do a card when I have time to play in this challenge but, some weeks all I get to are the leaving some love in their gallery when I open projects all the way from thumbnails.

[DebbieinOC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBgreendawn

oh that is neat I have a rubber stamp that makes a very vintage blank mailing side of a post card but, I think it may not be legal to mail size? ( are there rules for post card sizes?) anyone know?

hahaha they will love their cards Debbie.

In her video Jennifer McGuire said there are restrictions on the size and she made hers 4x6..

Here's the permissible dimensions from the USPS site:

"You may think that your mailpiece is a "postcard," because it is a single sheet of paper. But to qualify for mailing at the
First-Class Mail postcard price, it must be:

• Rectangular
• At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick
• No more than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick"

Here's a link to the USPS page where I found this info. It has additional info and tips if you're interested.

[Scraperwannabe]

CAS633 Silhouettes

[ohmypaper!]

Debbie, thanks so much for linking the postcard info! Great info to have on hand! That card of Stacy's is super fun!

[ohmypaper!]

The TLC is Faded Water Stenciling. It looks fun and not too hard!

[JBgreendawn]

I ended up combining both of today's challenges. ( so, its not so clean with all the bold colors I am guessing...) but, there is some white space so...

every time I think I have enough stencils someone or nobody ( peeps who shall remain nameless in this site) convince me I do not have the right kind lol...

[cdimick]

Stacy, so glad to know I'm not the only one that has that problem with stencils! Of course, my stencil collection isn't that big to begin with.

[ohmypaper!]

Stacy, your card is gorgeous! You know I would be smitten by the image. The technique is lovely too!

Stencils: Funny to think that I was satisfied for years with a Sun Rays Stencil and a Clouds stencil! All of a sudden, I have quite a few!

[ohmypaper!]

I am in love with the color combo! I want to tuck this one away for future use! CC839 - Granny's Doing a Delightful Mambo by the Bay!

The Teapot Challenge is Wonder Woman-related. The destination: Julie, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, which required a double mastectomy. Julie has always been very active. She is a runner and a spin instructor. She is an avid proponent of female empowerment and her friends have dubbed her "Wonder Woman."

[ohmypaper!]

The Sketch Challenge is a Fun Fold Challenge this week.

The Watercolor Wednesday Challenge is a 2 for 1 this week! The tutorial shows how to paint a butterfly and a dragonfly.

[ohmypaper!]

Ways to Use It is Scallops!

We have New Dirty Dozen Girls! Let's Celebrate Jeanette Cloyd and Bonnie Ratzloff! I am so excited to see Jeanette and Bonnie in the Dirt Pile! These ladies have dazzled us with their creations for many years! Congratulations!

Did you know that if you are Fan Club Member there are challenges set aside just for you? Join in the fun with the Central Theme.

[ohmypaper!]

The F4ALL is mellow Yellow!

The MIX is all about diamonds.

Happy Friday!

[JBgreendawn]

I have totally missed the last batch of releases to the dirt pile. I don't know how that happened? yikes

Congratulations Ladies!'

[JBgreendawn]

This week the Inspiration is taking a look at a little paper mache board I stumbled across once upon a time.

[Cook22]

Lovely inspiration, the penguin is especially fab. And the first birds.

[JBgreendawn]

This week we are taking a walk through Heather Freeman's gallery. ( its a more than one cup of joe price of admission ticket) For the Featured Stamper Challenge

[JBgreendawn]

The Theme for this weeks Clean and Simple is April Showers

while the try this technique is getting slim, slimline sized cards that is.

[ohmypaper!]

CC840 - A Pink Flamingo in the Cabana. Very pretty for summer cards!

The Teapot Challenge is - games/blue skies The destination is a distant online acquaintance of Jean (naturecoastcrafter). How fun to have a tea party for someone that is barely known to the one requesting! What a surprise for Laurie when she starts received cards from all over!

Is anyone working on crafty things this week?
I am. I finished a couple of cards and this afternoon, I will begin working on my card for my WCW Challenge. Nothing like last minute!

[cdimick]

I've been trying to do last week's watercolor challenge without much success, in my opinion. My butterflies just aren't turning out! The dragonfly isn't too bad but the butterflies? Yikes!

[JBgreendawn]

oh that is funny Catherine, I thought the butterfly wings were easier to do than the dragonfly.

[JBgreendawn]

Oooh Angie is sharing how to watercolor sunsets, ( I am totally excited about this, the sky in background scenes I do tends to be flat one color for the most part)

and the sketch is interesting as its a portrait with lots of little elements.

I did the color challenge last night with 2 out 3 of the real colors and then I realized I had no where to shoot the card. ( I moved all the furniture away from the wall where the window will be replaced) so, I did a flat on the table shot of it and yes, it shows off the depth and the sparkle but, I really don't like shooting things flat. So, I may have to clean off some more space so I have a better place to shoot during the hurry up and wait times.

[ohmypaper!]

Stacy, I checked it out and your card is beautiful! I don't like shooting flat at all. I really prefer viewing cards standing up but it's a trend to shoot flat. And with the new slimline trend, I almost have shoot flat. It's harder for my camera to focus sharply when I shoot flat. You did a great job, your card is in sharp focus and well lit!

[ohmypaper!]

Ways To Use It Challenge - Earth Day! Recycle for Earth day!
Even if you can't play I think you will love viewing the gallery entries!

So that brings us to a question today. Do you have a stash of recycled items to use on future projects?

I have a few things but the long-running and to be honest, overused comment in our house is: Do you want to use this for staging? I have stopped people from throwing something away because I thought I might be able to use it on a project but for some reason, they always want to know if I want an item for "photo staging". Maybe because I am always on the hunt for a cheapy item to buy for staging.

[DebbieinOC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohmypaper!

Ways To Use It Challenge - Earth Day! Recycle for Earth day!
Even if you can't play I think you will love viewing the gallery entries!

So that brings us to a question today. Do you have a stash of recycled items to use on future projects?

I have a few things but the long-running and to be honest, overused comment in our house is: Do you want to use this for staging? I have stopped people from throwing something away because I thought I might be able to use it on a project but for some reason, they always want to know if I want an item for "photo staging". Maybe because I am always on the hunt for a cheapy item to buy for staging.

I have saved a few things -- a calendar, magazine, shiny wrapping paper strips and a couple Kleenex boxes -- because I used them for one of the challenges and thought I would use them again. But I haven't. LOL. And I don't think they would work for staging either. Ooooh look at that cute kleenex box next to that card. LOL.

[ohmypaper!]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DebbieinOC

LOL. And I don't think they would work for staging either. Ooooh look at that cute kleenex box next to that card. LOL.

LOL Right? My husband loves to tease!

I have the cutest cat calendar sitting on my desk. I love it sooooo much. It's from last year. So I don't look at the dates, but I am keeping it! I flip it over each month just so I can see the kitties! They would make excellent postcards but I just can't part with it! The artwork is darling!

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohmypaper!

So that brings us to a question today. Do you have a stash of recycled items to use on future projects?

Hello, I usually lurk as I’m so bad at joining challenges these days I feel odd about posting here but I’m always interested in what you guys are up to! I try not to keep too much stuff that “might be useful” but I do have a little stash of magazine pages with images that might work for the black acrylic on a gel plate technique, and I always have several flattened out tomato paste tubes on hand! Absolutely my favourite freebie embellishment material but I know tomato paste is more commonly sold in cans on your side of the Pond. It die cuts and embosses beautifully so worth hoarding if you get the chance! (Example here if you have no idea what I’m rambling about: Snow)

[hoptownracer1]

I hope I get a chance to do this challenge! What an awesome challenge for Earth Day!

[DebbieinOC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelnorth

Hello, I usually lurk as I’m so bad at joining challenges these days I feel odd about posting here but I’m always interested in what you guys are up to! I try not to keep too much stuff that “might be useful” but I do have a little stash of magazine pages with images that might work for the black acrylic on a gel plate technique, and I always have several flattened out tomato paste tubes on hand! Absolutely my favourite freebie embellishment material but I know tomato paste is more commonly sold in cans on your side of the Pond. It die cuts and embosses beautifully so worth hoarding if you get the chance! (Example here if you have no idea what I’m rambling about: Snow)

It's funny how things go, I had not heard of using tomato paste tubes on cards until today and now you are the second person to talk about that. The other person lives in Ireland so, like you said, I guess it's more common there. I checked out the link to your card and it's stunning. That alone would make me want to save tomato paste tubes. I am so glad you joined in because know I will be looking for those in the grocery store. Thanks for the tip.

[JBgreendawn]

I rip one side of the backing off card board boxes to expose the ribs to dry brush acrylic paint on them and save those? ( does that count?) I cut up bubble wrap envelopes that come to me with happy mail into smaller than card size to use as cushions inside envelopes with lumpy cards. but, I really don't save things to recycle for card things. I have bought incomplete old board games at yard sales to use bits and pieces as art. some days I "think" I am going to make awesome 3-d art journals but, it has never actually happened. I have used things called for in challenges like toilet paper rolls or what ever but, the thought in my head is that I can always get another one every week so, I don't actually save them to re use, I still have the first one with paint on it in a trolley. So, its more of a texture tool than a finished thing. its a huge big deal thing that I shared the watercolors I did last night without "finishing" them into something.
On the other hand, I am sentimental and have things that were saved for those reasons so, the fact that you are re enjoying your kitty calendar made me smile Angie.

[JBgreendawn]

Debbie, they do have tubes of tomato paste at Albertson's where I live so, I'd guess you can find it.

Hey Joanne, ( the more voices the merrier)

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DebbieinOC

It's funny how things go, I had not heard of using tomato paste tubes on cards until today and now you are the second person to talk about that. The other person lives in Ireland so, like you said, I guess it's more common there. I checked out the link to your card and it's stunning. That alone would make me want to save tomato paste tubes. I am so glad you joined in because know I will be looking for those in the grocery store. Thanks for the tip.

I’m going to guess that was Sabrina! Thanks for the compliment on the card. I remember way back when I first posted a card here with a tomato paste tube element I was really proud of the fact I remembered to call it “tomato paste” so you guys would know what I was talking about (it’s more typically called tomato purée here) and then got a load of confused comments because you don’t usually see it in tubes! I did a little research at that time and it looked like specialist Italian grocery stores often carried it and you could get it on Amazon. That was over a decade ago so things might well have changed. Having it in tubes is great if you only need a small quantity, you just squeeze out what you need, screw the cap back on, pop it in the fridge and it keeps for ages.

ETA: I managed to find that card here in the gallery - posted Feb 2009!

[ohmypaper!]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelnorth

Hello, I usually lurk as I’m so bad at joining challenges these days I feel odd about posting here but I’m always interested in what you guys are up to! I try not to keep too much stuff that “might be useful” but I do have a little stash of magazine pages with images that might work for the black acrylic on a gel plate technique, and I always have several flattened out tomato paste tubes on hand! Absolutely my favourite freebie embellishment material but I know tomato paste is more commonly sold in cans on your side of the Pond. It die cuts and embosses beautifully so worth hoarding if you get the chance! (Example here if you have no idea what I’m rambling about: Snow)

Feel comfortable chatting anytime! Please don't feel odd. We welcome chatter!

Your snow card and the one you linked below are gorgeous! Yes, most of our tomato paste comes in tin cans, tough to put on cards. I am soooo glad you joined the conversation because I really didn't know what Sabrina meant about using tomato paste tube on her beautiful card!

[ohmypaper!]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBgreendawn

On the other hand, I am sentimental and have things that were saved for those reasons so, the fact that you are re enjoying your kitty calendar made me smile Angie.

This is my like button!

[ohmypaper!]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DebbieinOC

It's funny how things go, I had not heard of using tomato paste tubes on cards until today and now you are the second person to talk about that. The other person lives in Ireland so, like you said, I guess it's more common there. I checked out the link to your card and it's stunning. That alone would make me want to save tomato paste tubes. I am so glad you joined in because know I will be looking for those in the grocery store. Thanks for the tip.

Same!
And I went to Joanne's blog and her card is gorgeous!

[ohmypaper!]

The F4A is to be inspired by Marvin Gaye Songs.

The Mix is Wreath Making! - the gallery is very pretty!

*****
It's been a delight this week to post challenges along with Stacy (JBGreendawn)!
I have had the pleasure of working alongside Stacy during Dare To Get Dirty events and we have been on challenges together. In the past, I have reached out to Stacy to see if she could post challenges for me in emergencies. I am excited to say that Stacy will be joining me more regularly bringing the challenges to you. We also love seeing the CAS Challenge brought to us each week by our friend Misti!

If you host a challenge and would like to link it here regularly just let me know!

Happy Crafting!

[UnderstandBlue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelnorth

I’m going to guess that was Sabrina! Thanks for the compliment on the card. I remember way back when I first posted a card here with a tomato paste tube element I was really proud of the fact I remembered to call it “tomato paste” so you guys would know what I was talking about (it’s more typically called tomato purée here) and then got a load of confused comments because you don’t usually see it in tubes! I did a little research at that time and it looked like specialist Italian grocery stores often carried it and you could get it on Amazon. That was over a decade ago so things might well have changed. Having it in tubes is great if you only need a small quantity, you just squeeze out what you need, screw the cap back on, pop it in the fridge and it keeps for ages.

ETA: I managed to find that card here in the gallery - posted Feb 2009!

I've been using the tubes for years - I especially love Mutti Verdurine. I'm off to look at the card.