Book Mark Mania, a Giveaway and My New YouTube Channel Name

Hello my Crafty friends!
I've got a lot going on here today...
and wanted to share everything with you!

First up:
Without going into great detail...
I'd like to let you know that there's been a change to the YouTube Channel name that I have been using for my card making related videos.

For many years...Gary and I have shared a YouTube channel...
Now, with my plan to do videos more frequently  in the future
Gary has handed the channel over to me...for my use exclusively
(His Mets Musings and Brooklyn Cyclones Fevercast podcast shows have their own channels in other on line locations...as well as on YouTube)

I'm excited about the plans I've got for future video tutorials
and other card making and crafting related videos...
and...
am inviting you to SUBSCRIBE to my channel...
so that you won't miss out on a single crafty thing
and all of the things that Ive got up my crafty little sleeve!

So...My new YouTube channel name is "In the Studio with Michelle"
You can find...and subscribe to the channel HERE

and...
To celebrate...I've got a great little book mark related giveaway today
(Details at the end of this blog post)

So now...
let's get going with..
Book Mark Mania!

That's what was happening in my studio last night!

I have been hoarding some great book mark style stamps....

and coincidentally had a request to create some book marks .

So...

I whipped out the new stamps

and got busy.

(Just for the record...I have to say...I had a ball!)

I wasn't planning on blogging about them...

or sharing pics of the book marks here...

but thought that I'd share the stamp info etc etc...with you 

so that if you choose...

you can create some bookmarks of your own!

So...

Here they are...

finished..

right before I delivered them to the book shop.

They're dressed with their ribbon or twine...

and placed in cello bags for safe keeping.

*Sorry... I can't share the cellophane book mark packaging info with you...

because I can't remember where I ordered them from

*This will be a problem when I need more!

Before I begin sharing

...I have to apologize...as I did the other day with the pet sympathy card photos...

I didn't plan on sharing these photos on my blog...

they were taken for my own personal project file...

so the lighting, staging and background are not so hunky-dory.

Still...you'll be able to see the book marks...

 and I'll share the supply info with you...

and that's really what this blog post is all about!

So here we go...

18 book marks...

Some for kids..

Some for guys...

Some for gals.

They're all matted on LCI Metallic card stock

All of the stamping, painting.coloring was done on either PTI card stock 

or

Crafter's Companion Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth card Stock

The  details at the top of the tag were done using Stampin Up tag topper punches.

Ribbons and twine are from an assortment of my fave companies.

All of the stamps were purchased at 123stitch.com

So first up is....
Muzzy

Isn't he adorable?

I love the title of one of the books...

"Public Squeaking"....

haha...so cute!

Stamp info: STACK OF BOOKS ~ by Stampendous
The smaller book image and EAT SLEEP READ words are from BIBLIOPHILE
(a set that I will mention below)

By the way....Muzzy has something to do with today's GIVEAWAY
(I'm just sayin')

And...
 how about this guy...

I love his period clothing...

and his argyle socks!

Perfect for a "guy-book mark", I think.

I gave a little "splatter" on the blank upper area...

Without it...the book mark looked naked.

Wish you could see the gorgeous bronze-brown shimmering metallic card stock
that I used for matting...

it is beyond gorgeous!

Stamp: GOLFER IN KNICKERS by Deep Red Stamps

And...

while we are being all vintage-y with our book-mark-loving-selves...

How about this young lady...

She defines "prim and proper", I think...

I love her striped petticoat...

and am glad that I chose Alcohol based markers to add some color to this image.

Stamp: VICTORIAN GIRL ~ by Impression Obsession

*The "READ" word stamp is from a Taylored Expressions stamp set (that I will use on a book mark below) called: IN OTHER WORDS - READ

I've got a large collection of lighthouse stamps...

and this is one of my faves...

and.....
as luck would have it..

it's the perfect size for a book mark 

(My other lighthouse stamps are card size...too large for a book mark)

My thinking was...

This is a good book mark for someone who stops into the shop to pick up a "beach read"

and...

it's good for guys...and gals...

again...I have no clue as to who makes the quote stamp...

but 

I can tell you that the light house is  called...

BOSTON LIGHTHOUSE and it's by Stampendous.

I've had this Stampin Up Butterfly set since it first came out...
and have wanted to give it a try for a while now.

The larger butterfly stamp in this set was just too big for a book mark...

so I went with the smaller image..

This is a 3 step stamp...and I used Altenew crisp ink for  the butterflies.

(LOVE LOVE LOVE their ink)

This stamp set was fun to use.

I created 4 of these... in different colors, as you can see.

Do you have a fave?

*I do...but I wont say which it is...

because that would be equivalent to a parent choosing a favorite child...

and then publicizing it.

You just don't do certain things.

It's uncool.

(haha)

Look at this guy!

This little guy is right up there in the adorable category with Muzzy...
our little mouse friend above!

I love his oversized eyeglasses!

He...and the rest of this stamp set are ideal for book marks.

The ladies in the book shop have already asked me to create more of this one..

This stamp set is called" BIBLIOPHILE....and it's by PinkFresh Studios

(not sure where I ordered this one from)

This is a great stamp set...the images are nice and the words are great as well.

and one last book mark design....

I colored this one with alcohol based markers...

Love the image...

Love the saying...

Love that I used alcohol markers on this one.

The stamp set is from Taylored Expressions. and is called IN OTHER WORDS - READ

(same set that I mentioned above with the Victorian Girl book mark)

Creating these book marks was lots of fun.
They're kinda like a mini card-making project.
Don't you agree?

Now...
the GIVEAWAY details:
I've got a sweet little Stampendous MUZZY stamp to giveaway for those of you with crafty USA mailing addresses
(Apologies to my international friends)

(YES!..the same stamp that I used in the first  book mark, above!!)
To enter...you'll just need to do 2 things:
1. Head over to IN THE STUDIO WITH MICHELLE HERE
and subscribe to my newly named YouTube channel.
and
2. Comment below telling me which book mark is your fave

*Winner info will be posted here at the Bellissima Cards Blog
on Thursday

Thanks for visiting!
and..
Have a great Sunday!
Michelle.

SaveSave

Pet Sympathy Cards

Hi Everyone...

I shared some pet sympathy card pics on Facebook the other day 

Cards that a Vet asked me to create.

I've received LOTS of questions (on and off of Facebook) about the stamps that were used to create the cards

as well as questions about the Rainbow Bridge poem.

So...

I thought I'd put together a quick little blog post with the info about the cards...

the stamps....the poem..etc etc

The photos included below were not planned...were very impromptu..

so lighting, sharpness etc is not the best 

(I apologize)

Okay so here we go...

This guy got lots of love when I posted this photo on Facebook...

I received lots of questions about this image.

I just love this "old" dog's face...his expression...

For those of you interested in buying this stamp:

The item info is:

DOG WITH BUTTERFLY ~ Cling Rubber Stamp

Impression Obsession H1978-CLG

(*This stamp and the cat stamp, below, were both ordered at  the 123stitch.com web site)

Impression Obsession also has a Cat version of the above stamp...

similar...

but different.

I like this image because it presents the opportunity to have a focal pop of color.

Simple...

and along with the Dog and Butterfly image...

it allows me to keep true to my own personal card making style...

CAS...

(C)lean...(A)nd...(S)imple

The stamp info is:

CAT ON POST ~ Cling Rubber Stamp

Impression Obsession H1942-CLG

The 3rd pet sympathy card that I shared on Facebook  was this one...

Sweet words...and a sweet image...

I love both.

The stamps were purchased via the Sparkle N Sprinkle web site

Product info is:

The dog image: HOT DOG PUPPY ~ STAMP SET 564

The sentiment stamp: PET SYMPATHY ~ STAMP SET 472P5

The little heart was punched out with a small Stampin Up heart punch..

The opened heart space was backed with red card stock.

The Rainbow Bridge poem that this particular Vet requests is the long (full) version of the poem.

You can find multiple variations of the poem on the internet.

I've been asked how I formatted the poem.

I have it saved on my computer as a word document..

From there I can adjust the font...poem size...layout etc...

all from the master copy.

Each pet sympathy card that this vet requests have the poem attached to the inside of the card front.

(I print it out on heavy weight card stock)

Here's the full/long version of the poem..

So there you have it...

all of the pet sympathy card info that so many of you asked for.

Now you can gather up the supplies listed above and create some cards for your own.

(PS...The images are also wonderful for "regular" cards....not only sympathy cards)

Have a great day!

Michelle.

Christmas in July Week 4...."Christmas Cocoa" Pocket Card with Tag & Gift Card Holder

It's Wednesday!

and...

that means that it's time for me to welcome you to

Week 4 of Crafter's Companion Design Team Christmas in July

here at my blog!.

Today is the last Wednesday of the month...

which means that this is also the final week...

and final project of Christmas In July...here at my blog.

It's been lots of fun creating Christmas related projects this month..

This week, for my final holiday themed project 

I've got a great stamp set to share...

and a fun pocket card/tag/gift card holder to show you!

I had THE BEST TIME creating this Christmass-y project.

I enjoyed coloring this great image

and I enjoyed the creative process of creating the pocket card and tag.

When it was done...

I thought that I'd like to create a box for this "card" 

Mainly because it's too large for a standard envelope...

but also because if it were to be given in a box...

it would really be more gift-like.

Looking ahead to the Holidays...

I already know who I would like to give this pocket style gift card to!

I loved using the Crafter's Companion pre-cut/pre-scored pocket card

and large tag...

both are Shimmering Card Stock.

Sheena Douglass' Christmas Cocoa stamp set is wonderful.

The large main image has so many nice details...

the smaller image and sentiments are equally as nice.

I stamped the main image onto Spectrum Noir Watercolour Cardstock

with Waterproof ink

All of the coloring was done with Spectrum Noir AquaBlend Markers

and the shimmery highlights on the whipped cream 

were done with a Clear Spectrum Noir Sparkle marker.

 The pocket card...with the tag tucked inside...

...with some nice wide shimmery ribbon for an extra pop of color...

The front of the pocket...

Lots of color...

lots of great detail..

The cinnamon sticks were colored...cut out...positioned and attached with foam dimensionals.

The tag slides out of the pocket....

and doubles as a gift card holder!

All of the stamped and water collared elements

are part of the large main image that is on the front of the pocket.

I water colored each one...

cut each one out...

I then created the matted sentiment piece...

and arranged all of the pieces on the gift card pocket that I attached to the card front.

Here's a close-up...

The tag slides right into the pocket card...

and is a perfect fit!

I'm really looking forward to using this Pocket Card/Gift Card holder card 

at Christmastime!

This weeks "Christmas in July project

is a card...plus a whole lot more...

and..

was lots of fun to create!

Thanks for visiting!

I hope that you've enjoyed this month of Christmass-y projects!

Have a great day!

Michelle.

Supply List:

Stamps: Sheena A6 EZMount- Xmas Stamps - Christmas Cocoa

Card Stock: Shimmering Cardstock Pocket Card 6 pc. Package - Forest Green

                    Shimmering Tags 6 pc. Package - Pearl White

                    Shimmering Cardstock 6" x 6" 20pc package - Candy Red

                    Shimmering Cardstock 6" x 6" 20pc package - Forest Green

                    Crafter's Companion Watercolour Cardstock

Coloring: Spectrum Aqua Markers

                Colors Used for this project:Terracotta, Gold, Peach, Topaz, Desert, Burgundy, Scarlet, Crimson, Peacock Blue, Jasmine, Chestnut, Sepia, Chocolate, Fawn, Leaf Green, Evergreen, Moss, Slate

and...Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens 3pc Set - Clear Overlay

Misc: Trimmer, Scissors, Adhesives, Dimensionals, Ribbon, paint brushes, water receptacle

Blossoming Buds Take 2

I'm back with Take 2 of yesterday's blogged stamp sets...

Paper Smooches: Blossoming Buds

and

Honey Bee: Happy Everything

I had colored a few extras of the second flower stamp in the set...

and decided to create a card variation with it...

I used a Wonky Edge Rectangle die...

a plaid print..

some bright pink card stock...

and I colored the image with Spectrum Noir (Alcohol) Markers...

I wanted to keep it bright...clean...and simple...

(What else is new!?)

and..

in the end..

this is what I wound up with...

Something bright...clean...and simple!

If it's possible to have  lengthy forever growing favorites list...

I'd like to add these 2 stamp sets to the list!

I've always liked clustered flowers...

and I'm usually creating them with individual flower images arranged in a grouping...

 on a card front.

Having one stamp that offers an image like this one is really nice...for a change!

and...

the Stamp set has 2 great things going for it, I think...

the font(s) are super...

and...
the stamps/words are very versatile.

So...

on to the "Favorites" list they go.

Question: Where is this so called "Favorite's" list you ask?

Answer: It's in my crazy crafty little head...

(Where all things crafty are filed, sorted and stored...for safe keeping.)

Have a great weekend, my crafty friends...

I hope that you find some time this weekend to create something...

Something that goes right to your "Favorites" list!

Michelle.

An Unplanned Card + an Unused Die = a Happy Card Making Ending

Sometimes...

(most times) 

I plan a card.

I circle my studio like a hungry shark...

I spot something that interests me...

 a stamp...a die...

some beautiful card stock or paper.

I check it out...

scoop it all up..
plan it out

and begin to create.

But...

sometimes...

it's all very "unplanned"

kinda spontaneous.

I'll be doing something...

open a drawer...

or look for something on a shelf.

I'll see something that catches my eye...

and in a fast minute, I have everything out on the work table..

and a new card is in the works in a flash!

The other day I was getting out a die...and saw this ornate looking frame die...

(which, by the way... I do NOT know the name of..haha..what else is new!)

but..

I immediately thought...

"I want to use it"

 to create a card that would be a mix of casual and formal...

I knew exactly which stamp sets I wanted to use.

So I got them out as well...
both were new...

(Stamp Sets: Paper Smooches...Blossoming Buds

and

Honey Bee...Happy Everything)

I grabbed an embossing folder

(name unknown)
and got out my Spectrum Noir (Alcohol) Markers..

and then...I cut..

I scored..

I stamped...

I colored..

I cut with the Scan N Cut2

I embossed

I ATG-ed

I Wink of Stella-ed
I Nuvo-dropped

and this is what I came up with..

I think that I accomplished what I wanted to do..

Combining casual and formal...

in one card.

An ornate and embossed frame...
(Which I have had, by the way for ages...and have never used)

a casual stamp set...

a casual sentiment stamp

a lightly embossed background 

some layers

some bright colors
some amazing enamel-like Nuvo drops....

and

There's a little bit of shimmery Wink of Stella ...Clear...on each the flowers

In all aspects of my life I am a planner.

(a BIG planner)

a list maker...

(a BIG list maker)
and that usually extends into my card making life as well.

But...

I often love "unplanned and unexpected" card making...

The spontaneity...

the unexpected...

the unplanned..

Putting elements together that were really never planned.

They kinda "just happened"!

and..

in the end..

they're a good thing!

Have a great day my crafty pals...

and thanks for visiting!

Michelle.

Christmas in July ~ Week 3....Welcome Home

It's Wednesday!

and...

that means that it's time for my Crafter's Companion Design Team project here at my blog...

and....

it's also Week 3 of my Christmas in July projects!

Today I am sharing a beautiful stamp set with you....

Crafter's Companion's "Welcome Home" by Sheena Douglass

I thought that this image seemed ideal for an Easel Card...

and also for some water coloring with Spectrum Noir AquaBlend Pencils.

I stamped part of the large evergreen tree on narrow strips of water color card stock 

to finish the sides of the easel card.

The main image...as well as the side panels 

are all matted with Candy Red Shimmering card stock.

The dog was cut out..and positioned with foam dimensionals

This image has lots of beautiful details...

and they were all fun to color...

and just as I thought....

and Easel Card was the perfect choice for a base card!

Sheena Douglass images are always a favorite of mine for water coloring...
The style of her sketches are...as the saying goes...
"right up my alley"!

I can now add this stamp set to my list of Sheena Douglass faves!

Thanks for checking in today for Week 3 of Christmas in July
here at my blog.
I already have next week's Christmassy project in the works...
so be sure to check in again next Wednesday
to see what I've got up my sleeve!

Have a great day , my crafty friends!
Michelle

Supply List:

Stamps: Sheena A6 EZMount- Xmas Stamps - Welcome Home

Card stock:  Crafter's Companion Watercolour Cardstock

                    Shimmering Cardstock 6" x 6" ~ Candy Red

                    Shimmering Cardstock Step Easel Card ~ Forest Green

Coloring: Spectrum Noir AquaBlend Pencils in the following colors:

                 Champagne, Wheat, Dove Grey, Gravel, Red Berry, Oregano, Clay, Cypress,

                  Cherrywood, Kiwi, Hickory, Brunette, Beeswax, Ginger, Sky Blue, Sorrel

Misc: Trimmer, Scissors, Foam Dimensionals, Memento Ink, Adhesives, paint brushes & a water

           receptacle.                        

A Floral "Centerpiece"

Yes...I am still on my Penny Black kick!

and...

I am making no promises that it will end...anytime soon.

Today I've got a gorgeous Penny Black image to share...

"Centerpiece"...

a beautiful stamp single that I just couldn't wait to color!

 I used Spectrum Noir (Alcohol) markers to color the image...and was excited to use some deep red tones...being that I don't often use them.

(I have to say...I enjoyed using the red toned markers...

and love the shading that I was able to achieve with them..
and also by adding some pink and orange-like tones)

and now...

I'm thinking that in the future..there will be more red colored flowers on my cards!

Isn't this image gorgeous?

I know that I'm a flower image lover...

but I think that you'll agree...
this image is beyond beautiful.

The print paper is from a DCWV 12 x 12 paper pad

(and...SURPRISE!!!...as always....I have no clue what the name of the paper pad is)

I hand cut a small sentiment banner...stamped a PTI Happy birthday sentiment on it...

and matted it with another banner ...using the same lacy print paper.

The image mat is Stampin Up card stock...Cherry Cobbler...a perfect match for the flower colors.

I just LOVE this image!

 Once again...

a Penny Black image has knocked my socks off!

I am now thinking...

Yellow?

Pink?

a mixture of yellow and purple?

THIS  is a stamp that I will definitely ink up ...and enjoy...again..and again.

Thanks for visiting...

now skadoodle, my crafty friends...

it's time for YOU to create a beautiful floral card of your own!

Michelle.

PS... If you've been thinking of getting a Crafter's Companion GEMINI Die Cutting Machine...

you can see it in action in this little video that I did last night....when I used the machine for the first time...You will be amazed at how beautifully it cuts very detailed and intricate dies....

I am loving my GEMINI already...after just one day!

Crafter's Companion GEMINI Die Cutting Machine ...Unboxing and First Cut!

Hello my crafty pals...

I've got a little video to share with you tonight!

Yes...a blog post from me at night!....

Who'd a thunk it!...

Being that I always blog at the crack of dawn!)

I'm not going to chat might..

instead I'm getting right to the point.

I received my Crafter's Companion GEMINI Die Cutting Machine on Friday...

I had ordered it via HSN when they did the launch of the machine 

on their all day crafting show a few weeks ago.

Isn't it a nice looking machine?

I finally had time today to open the box...

and wanted to share it with you.

So, here's a little video of the unboxing.

I'll show you all of the goodies that came with the machine...

and you'll also get to see me do my first cut.

You're gonna be amazed...I promise!

and...

when you're finished being amazed...

you're gonna want a GEMINI of your own

Okay..sit back...and enjoy..

and I wont even mind if you chuckle at me and my crazy crafty self induced lunacy and excitement

and...

my big ol' New Yawk accent.

Don't forget to leave a comment below letting me know what YOU think of the GEMINI
(Will you be getting one soon?)

FROG vs FROG

My friend John...

who is perhaps the biggest lover of my cards....

in all of mankind (!!!)

(Thank you John for always loving my cards so much)

He mentioned to me that he loved the Penny Black TOADILY HAPPY frog card  

that I shared here the other day.

So...

I whipped out the stamp...

to create a frog card for John...

and 

I decided to use Spectrum (Alcohol) Markers to color the image this time...

(last time I used regular markers and pencils, together)

The difference between the two versions is very noticeable....

and so I thought that I'd share some photos with you..

so that you can see the difference...

for no other reason other than your own personal frame of reference for the future...

when YOU might not be sure which method of coloring you would like to do

when creating a card of your own. 

This was the original card

(posted here a few days ago)

I used markers for the base layer of color...

and then shaded and highlighted with Spectrum Noir Blendable Pencils

based on lots of Facebook feedback...

In reading your Facebook comments...it seemed that you all thought it was super...

Lots of good things were said about the coloring..

and  this technique of layering marker and pencil color

He's cute....isn't he?

I was happy with the card...

and coloring technique...

No complaints from me about this card.

Layering markers and pencils was a nice look for this image, I thought.

But then....

I decided to create the second one...for John....

using Spectrum Noir (Alcohol) Markers only...

and this is the result...

Look at the difference!

The colors are so vibrant...

I have to say....

This version just might get my vote

Here they are....

side by side...

Markers only on the left...(the new version)

Pencil and marker (the original card)...on the right.

and....

 one more photo of the two versions...

*This photo has better lighting...

so I am thinking that you'll be able to see the comparison much better.

Top: The original card...Pencil and marker combo coloring

Bottom: Second version...Alcohol marker coloring only.

So what do you think?

Do you have a favorite?

John's favorite is the second version...

so that's the one that I will be sending to him.

I hope that this quickie little blog post about different coloring techniques is helpful to you...

and that you'll give both a try....to see which you prefer

Have a great day!

Michelle.

(Happily) Stuck on Coloring with Markers and Pencils

Yep...

Today's blog title says it all...

I am (happily) stuck on coloring with markers and pencils.

I have been having the best time this past week coloring with markers

and highlighting the colored images with pencils.

(Confession: I am missing my water coloring a little bit)

I fell in love with this Potter Shed image....by Penny Black ...as soon as I saw it.

and so...

it was next up for card making...

and...

I decided to color it with markers and pencils!

I stamped the image on Ultra smooth card stock with Memento ink

Card stock is PTI and Stampin Up

The banner was cut using a banner die by The Stamps of Life...

The sentiment is by Stampin Up

Coloring was done with Stampin Up Markers

and

shading and highlighting was doen wint Spectrum Noir Blendable pencils

(I have all 5 collections and WOW!!..The spectrum and assortment of colors is phenomenal)

So here were go...

Penny Black's Potter's Shed

Colored with markers and pencils...

Isn't this a great little image?

It's got SO MANY wonderful details

and was lots of fun to color and create a card with!

I read ...somewhere in my crafty on line travels....

that when coloring an image...

it's best to stick to 3 main colors...

and one additional color that is used minimally.

I''ve bene more mindful of that theory lately when creating cards...

and when coloring this image as well...

and I have to say...I kinda like it!

One word:

LOVE

I love this image.

(When have I NOT loved a Penny Black image?)

This was a fun image to create a card with...

and after a week's time...

 I am now totally hooked on marker/pencil coloring.

Thanks for visiting...

have a wonderful day...

and make sure to carve out a little piece of time today for some creativity!

Michelle.

Christmas in July.....Week 2

It's Wednesday!

My Crafter's Companion Design Team project day here at my blog!

and...

it's also Week 2 of Christmas in July!

Barkley stamps and images are so cute....

and so I chose Crafter's Companion's Barkley ~ Festive Fun stamp set for this weeks project.

I think that you'll agree that Barkley is a cutie!

and...

this sweet little image is is ideal for creating a CAS (Clean And Simple) card....

which, as you probably already know...

is right up my alley!

And as if Barkley isn't adorable enough....

He's got another cutie with him here in this image!

I stamped the image onto Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Card Stock

with Memento ink...

and used Spectrum Noir (Alcohol) Markers for coloring.
I added some red metallic cording and topped it off with
3 tiny punched Shimmering Card stock Silver Starlight snowflakes

The black mat layer and red base card are both Crafter's Companion Shimmering Card Stock.

After the image was colored and matted and the cording was in place...
 I positioned it onto the scored card base 

using foam dimensionals to add some depth and dimension.

(*A detailed supply list follows below)

Now I ask you....

Aren't Barkley and his pal simply TOO CUTE!(?)

I hope that  this sweet Barkley Christmas card

has inspired you to get started with your own Holiday card making!

Thanks for visiting today...

Don't forget to stop by next Wednesday 

for Week 3 of Crafter's Companion Christmas in July...

right here at my blog!

Have a great day!

Michelle.

Supply List:

Stamp: Barkley Rubber Stamp Christmas Set - Festive Fun

Card stock: Shimmering Cardstock 6" x 6" ~ Black Pearl

                   Shimmering Cardstock A2 Prescored Cards (10pk) - Candy Red
                   Shimmering Cardstock 8.5" x 11" - Silver Starlight

                   Ultra Smooth Premium White Cardstock Unscored 8.5" x 11"

Coloring:    Spectrum Noir (Alcohol) Markers

                    Colors used: CG2, CG3, CG4, GB8, GB9, IG1, IG2, IG5, IG6, IG8, IG9

                                          BG1, BGR2, DR2, DR3, CR3, FS1, FS2, FS9

Misc: Trimmer, scissors, foam dimensionals, adhesives, metallic cording, snowflake punch,

            

A Very Baseball-y and METS-y Thank You

If you know me in my "off-line" life...

you know that my sweetheart, Gary (aka Gary Mack) is a podcaster... 

and is involved in 3 weekly shows that he does from his home studio.

He goes solo on 2 shows...

and co-hosts with a friend...on the 3rd  show...

All 3 shows are all about.....

Baseball...

Gary's solo shows are:

METS MUSINGS...a show all about the New York Mets

CYCLONES FEVERCAST ....a show that's all about the Brooklyn Cyclones

and the 3rd show that he co-hosts is:

MLB THIS WEEK ....a show that's all about baseball...and everything baseball !

If you're a baseball fan....you'll love the shows...

so be sure to take a listen!

Yesterday, Gary received a baseball related gift yesterday...

and needed a Thank You card 

and so...

 last night...he asked me to whip up a Thank You card.

I was immediately excited...

because I knew exactly which stamp set I wanted to use....

"PLAY BALL".....by Power Poppy

I used Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers for color....

and even snuck in a little bit of NY METS color on the banner...

by adding some orange and blue

The fantastic shimmery card stock is from LCI.

I used the Scan N Cut to cut out the banner...

The image layer and the banner were both positioned using foam dimensionals.

After the card was complete.

I brought it into Gary's studio to show it to him...

and...

he LOVED IT!!

(I love it too...and will definitely be using this stamp set again....soon)

I am always on the hunt for baseball stamps...

This stamp set has some great images...and lots of nice sentiments and single words

I was able to get the colors, shading and highlighting that I wanted for each image element 

by blending Spectrum Noir colors.

and...

I LOVE the banner...

(Thank you Scan N Cut for impeccable cutting!)

I know that the recipient of this card (who is a big time baseball fan)

 will like it as much as Gary and I do...

I'm so glad that Gary asked me to create a thank you card...

because it gave me a reason to use this stamp set, for the first time...

(The "first" of what will be many times!)

Thanks for visiting...

Don't forget to visit Gary's shows to listen to an episode or two...

and...I've got one final thought...

LET'S GO METS!

Have a great day!

Michelle