Double Duty with Sending Hugs

On the 22nd of each month some friends challenge ourselves to create 2 different cards repeating the same image, sentiment, etc on each card.  We have a predetermined list of the stamp company or specific challenge for each month and then...away we go!

This month we feature any stamp set by Stampin' Up and I decided to go with Sending Hugs stamp set and matching die.  

This is the first card. The image is gold embossed and then painted with my watercolors by Yasutomo. I love the mica in these watercolors and on black card stock it really pops!

The panel is layered on a blue embossed foil paper from DCWV's pack.

The second card duplicates the black and the blue embossed foil paper using the matching die. 

The "Hugs" sentiment was die cut and layered on top of the black letters.  The whole die cut is popped off the foil panel with foam strips under the letters.

My first idea for the challenge was to paint the image similar to the first card except on white card stock. I wasn't happy with the results so my second card is Plan B.

Both of these are going to two dear friends who are grieving the recent loss of their son.  They will travel in a little box of some heartfelt things that are specific to their son.  In time, perhaps it can make them smile. It will take time. And love.

Please visit the blogs of the other Double Duty members:

Barb

Jeanette

Carol

Snowmen Creative Crew Challenge

Today's the day! Time to post our Creative Crew Challenge Card.  This month Barb provided the theme: Snowmen.  And since many of us are getting snow storms lately, it is a most appropriate theme!

Here's my card:   

I went with an A7 size for the card because I loved all of the papers that Barb included and wanted to use each of them.  Speaking of love, how about that snowman?  Isn't he the cutest guy?

The snowman image is called "Frosty Flakes" by Penny Black.  Patterned papers are from the Winter Magic series by Echo Park Paper. Gorgeous!

Barb also gave us the cute little snowflake embellishments.  I added a sentiment that is gold embossed and die cut from The "Christmas Sentiments" stamp and die set by PinkFresh Studio.

Here's a close up to show that entire card face has been shimmered up using Glimmer mist by A Muse Studio.

The image is colored with Castle Premium Soft pencils. I was going for the weathered look on his hat.

Thanks Barb for such a sweet kit and theme for this challenge!

Please drop by the blogs and galleries of the other Creative Crew members: 

Barb - Barb's Inkin' In Retirement

Carol - Lost in My Craft Room

Jeanette - Cre8tive Play

Lorraine - SCS Gallery

Terry - It's Totally Terry

Tracie - Crafty Creations by Tracie

Hot Mess January Challenge

On the 12th of the month a group of friends and I have a "Hot Mess" Challenge.  We are to make any sort of card we like, as long as a mess is made in the process. 

This month I decided to use some of Simon Hurley's amazing Lunar Pastes. These are super creamy and have a smooth texture, dry fast and are really fun to work with.

Here's my finished card.

The die is a cutting plate Called Kaleidoscope by Taylored Expressions.

The sentiment is from Fancy Phrases stamp and die set by Gina K Designs.

The white card base has been sponged with 3 colors of Lunar Paste:

• Tater Gator (green)
• Triple Berry (magenta)
• Slippery When Wet (gold)

I used domed foam daubers to apply the paste. I made a little pool onto a silicone mat, saturated the foam dauber and them applied in circular motions to the card stock. 

Here's a picture of the process.  My go-to mat for this type of thing is actually an oven liner. Easy clean up and it provides a large work surface.

The back panel of the folded card base is masked off, which also keeps it from sliding around when blending.

The Lunar Paste washed out of the foam domes rather easily with dishsoap and water.  The silicone mat wiped clean with a damp rag.

I ended up making 6 of these for a swap on Split Coast. I do think if I had used Solar Paste instead of the Lunar Paste the colors would have been more vivid behind the blue kaleidoscope panel. 

These pastes are really fun to work with and not so messy  that I get stressed out, hahahahaha.

Be sure to stop by the Hot Mess Team and admire their creations!  Here are their links:

Jeanette

Barb

Terry

Carol