We have Secret Santas . . . Why Not Have a Secret Cupid?

I love leaving little notes and stocking stuffers for loved ones on the days before Christmas, so I thought why not do something similar for Valentines Day?   Who doesn't like chocolate and what could be better than the anticipation of a special treat?   Well, when today's Dream Scheme challenge, Love in the New Year, was announced I knew exactly what I was going to do.   There are so many beautiful Valentine's Day stencils that I haven't even scratched the surface.  The possibilities are endless.

I decided that tags would be a good way to go.  I could write a note on the back and then tuck them into the breakfast or dinner napkin, put on a pillow with a yummy chocolate, or add to a briefcase or lunch box. 

For the background papers I used Ranger distress inks and an acrylic block and applicator tool.  In both cases, I applied the ink directly to a splat mat and then spritzed it with water.  For the paper on the left, I used an acrylic block as a stamp and after dipping it into the ink, applied it directly to the paper, giving it a mottled look.  For the paper on the right, I used the alcohol ink applicator tool with a cotton pad, and applied the ink in a circular motion, leaving some areas darker than others.  

After allowing some drying time, I attached the Heart Swirls stencil (LL567) and applied metallic gold ink (Splendor by Tsukineko).

The Tole heart stencil (LL3010) reminded me of the beautiful scroll work you see on Victorian lockets so, with a bit of cutting, I made one!   First I taped the stencil to the background paper and applied metallic gold ink (Splendor by Tsukineko).  Then I carefully traced the outline of a heart and cut it out with a craft knife.    A photo was attached to the back before adhering it to the darker pink mat.

I still want to try the double glitter technique, and maybe another heart with flocking.  Then I thought I could ink the back of the stencil and run it through the BigKick for a different look.  And maybe next I could try . . . .  oh, you get the picture. 

Don't forget to visit the Dreamweaver Stencils blog, DREAM it UP, as well as the blogs of the other fabulous designers.  Then, mark your calendar and be sure to stop by next Thursday for another round of Dream Schemes.

Wishing you all the best in the New Year, and be sure to add some crafting time to your New Year's resolutions!

Liz

Thursday Dream Schemes Designer's Choice

I know it's a busy time for all of us, but thank you for stopping by and spending some time with us to see what we've created for you. 

Before you know it, the first birthdays of the year will be rolling around and, while I always have a stash of cards for the women in our family, the men are a little harder.  This one, using Dreamweaver Stencils LJ845 (Bamboo) and LL537 (Tiki God) is just right!

First, I positioned the Bamboo stencil on white card stock (cut slightly longer than the stencil) and applied Splendor ink.  On a smaller piece of card stock, I positioned the Tiki God stencil and applied black matte embossing paste.  When that was dry, I repositioned the clean stencil over the black paste and applied a layer of crackle paste, removed and cleaned the stencil and left the image to dry.    While the Tiki God was drying, I went back to the Bamboo image and applied a layer of Mudd Puddles sand paste to mimic a beach scene.  When the Tiki God had dried and crackled (a wonderful effect, almost like magic), I repositioned the clean stencil and used pastels to color him.   I then cut out the Tiki God and attached him using adhesive on the bottom and dimensional adhesive on the top to make him stand away from the bamboo.   By attaching the image to the left of the green card stock, there's enough room to stamp a greeting of your choice, be it birthday greetings, party invitation, get well, or just thinking of you. 

Be sure to visit the other designer's blogs listed on the right and don't forget to post your creation using Mr. Linky on the Dream It Up blog

Thanks for spending time with us, and we look forward to sharing more with you in the new year.

Happy Holidays,
Liz

Time Out for Thursday Dream Schemes

Good Morning Blog Friends,

I know it's only nine days until Christmas and there's more to do than there are hours in the day, but take a break and see what the Dream Team has created for you.  Today's challenge is color – blue/purple – using the glossy blue embossing paste.  The glossy blue paste is rich and regal, like a sapphire.  And there are so many ways to use it.  

Time is short these days, so I've combined this week's challenge with my nephew's birthday card.  I chose the balloon stencil (LL487) and, after taping the stencil to white card stock, applied the glossy blue embossing paste.  I then carefully removed the stencil and cleaned it.  After the paste dried, I  applied ink to the balloons.  When that dried, I used a soft cloth to remove the ink from the embossed image to restore the glossy finish.   I then cut around the balloons and attached them to the front of the card with pop dots to make the balloons stand out from the rest of the card.  I hope he likes it!

There's more to see, so be sure to click on the links in the right-hand sidebar to see the other projects the Dream Team has made. And be sure to come back next week to see what we've been working on.

Happy Holidays,
Liz

Thursday Dream Schemes

Welcome to another round of Dream Team blog posts.  There is no theme for this week, so I've chosen one of the cards  that I made for this year's holiday craft fairs. 

The snowflake stencil (LJ819) can be used so many ways, but it is very elegant on its own.  I dry embossed the paper using the BIGkick.  Then, with the stencil still in place, I added a layer of translucent paste and then sprinkled it with clear glitter, to accent the snowflakes.  The sentiment is inked with Splendor silver and blue inks, to continue the icy feeling.






Thanks for stopping by.  And don't forget to visit the rest of the Dream Team blogs listed on the right.  You'll be sure to find more great projects and ideas from the team.  See you next week, and . . . 

Happy Holidays,
Liz

It's Thursday . . .

and that means it's time for another Dreamweaver Dream Schemes post.  If you stopped by last week, you'll remember that our challenge was to do something with a Christmas theme using non-traditional colors – no red or green, no maroon or forest green.  That was a great challenge as it forced me to work outside my comfort zone.  But it also made me look at my paper stash in a different way.  Surprisingly, I found several . . . well, actually, more than several . . . papers that would work.

This week we were given a sketch challenge and I decided to carry on with the non-traditional Christmas colors.  It was a lot of fun and I hope you'll give it a try.  Thinking outside the box is a great way to get the creative juices flowing.   Here's the sketch:

And here's my take on it:

 

For the packages I used Dreamweaver Stencil LL466, which I dry embossed using a Sizzix Big Kick and Core'dinations paper.  After dry embossing, I sanded the images with fine grit sand paper and then cut them out.   The sentiment is Dreamweaver Stencil LS91, which I inked using VersaMagic Dew Drop in purple hydrangea. 

While I'm not ready to give up the traditional Christmas colors, this was a good way to get me thinking outside the box.  So now it's your turn.  Take a look at your papers collection with an eye toward the non-traditional.  You just might be surprised at what you find.   For more inspiration, check the blogs of my fellow design team members listed on the sidebar on the right, and get ready to be wowed by the projects they've created.

Thanks for stopping by.  Happy crafting,

Liz