Playtime

I've spent a fair amount of time in my stamping room lately, and have a few things to show you. Above is one of two similar cards I made during my first attempt at the brushless watercolor technique. The outline leaf stamp is by Posh Impressions. I used a Kaleidacolor rainbow ink pad in Fall colors. The twig is from our hibiscus bush out front, the button was probably a gift from someone, and so was the leaf-shaped brad. The word stamp is something I ordered about ten years ago, and I had such a hard time getting my order from the woman who ran the company, that I am not even going to tell you who it was! (Sigh, some things you never forget...) The brown patterned paper is by Keeping Memories Alive, but is so old that most likely it isn't available anymore. I tore two edges on this card (only one on the other) and dabbed Distress Ink in Vintage Photo on the torn edges. Then I lightly sprayed the edges with water so that the ink would run a bit.


While I was at it, I made two more cards using the brushless watercolor technique. They are more similar to the projects Tim Holtz has on his blog, except I omitted the torn edges. The solid leaf and acorn images are by Posh Impressions. The word stamp was a gift and is unmounted rubber, so I have no idea who makes it.


Then I had fun with a tag. (Anyone notice a theme here? Maybe if I stamp enough Autumn-themed cards, the weather will actually cool off.) First I traced a puzzle piece (from one of those puzzles we all have that is missing a piece or two) and created a reverse mask. I used a word stamp (Penny Black) through the mask, then removed it and put the puzzle piece in place (I put Wacky Tack glue on the back of the piece so it wouldn't move) and sprayed the tag with Adirondack color wash sprays in Cranberry and Butterscotch. I stamped three solid leaves (Close to My Heart) in Versamark Ink and embossed with clear embossing powder. I then sprayed the tag with Glitz Spritz in a copper color (I think it's called Burnished Copper). Then I stamped three more leaves, this time using copper ink and ep. I removed the puzzle piece and stamped the leaf outline image (Posh Impressions) using Distress Ink in Vintage Photo. I scraped the edges of the tag with my fingernail, then used the same ink to color the edges. The fibers don't show up well, but the ribbon exactly matches the tag, and the threads are a shimmery copper color. I'm very happy with this tag, though I can't help feeling it may need a little something (a word or two?) in the upper left corner...


And at long last, here is photo of the Shetland Shorty top I made for Liat. Really, it's more a photo of Liat wearing the top, because obviously the top doesn't really show up all that well. She was running late for a party and I didn't want to slow her down with all kinds of close-up shots. Plus I much prefer taking photos in daylight. At least you get the idea. The pattern is free at Knitty. The yarn is 100% cotton, brand name Heela - something I bought locally.

But wait! There's more (though no photos). This morning I also baked brownies for Meital's pool party. I greased a pan that turned out to be too small (fortunately I figured that out before I poured the batter into the pan), and I figured, why let a nicely greased 8 x 8" pan go to waste? So I made a spice cake after the brownies came out of the oven.

I think I'll have a little lie down now...