Freshly Made Sketches for Christmas

Hello All!

Sorry to be absent last week, but the brain cells were not all firing as life got nutty!
We have a great Freshly Made Sketches sketch this week from Jen Brum; Jen is a master at using lots of color, yet keeping her cards clean.  

This is a versatile sketch to work with!

I started with a poinsettia from the Poinsettia set of 4.  It was heat already heat embossed in black as I pulled it from my unused 'stuff' pile.  I colored it with Arteza Real Brush Pens using burgundy, red, orange and pink.  Because of my poor lighting, you cannot see the variations in the color- much better irl.  Save 10% on the Poinsettia set of 4 at TJ with code TJ10LeeAnn. 
I paired the image with a print from my gel plate.  The sentiment is from Impression Obsession- Warmest Christmas Wishes- and was stamped in Versafine Black ink.  I made the mistake of letting it sit a while to dry on the acrylic paint from the print.  Instead of staying put and drying, it started to wick on the acrylic paint print.  I quickly added some clear ep to it and heat embossed it. 
That's it for me! 
Pop over to the FMS blog to see the rest of the fabulous inspiration, then paly along!  Hope to see you in the gallery! 

Lee Ann

Loose Christmas

Hello and Happy Sunday!

Today I have a Christmas card to share using some beautiful Poinsettias (code TJ10LeeAnn gets you 10% off all products) from Technique Junkies.

I started by Heat embossing the poinsettias in gold ep from Gina K.  I had to do some minimal masking with the two flowers at the bottom.
Then I pulled out my beloved Ken Oliver Colorbursts and painted a light pink wash across the card and over the images.  Colorbursts are currently as cheap as I have seen them right now at Blick's Art Supply (42% off!).
I added color to my poinsettias using the wet on wet technique with red and pink colors.  I added a bit of green to the outer petals.  Once I was satisfied with the flowers I splattered on some pink color as well as some white acrylic paint.
The sentiment was stamped in some Versafine Clair Chianti ink.  A few sequins finish the card.

I am linking up to Watercooler Wednesdays for their All about Occasions Challenge, as well as Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge- Christmas.
I am also linking up to the Just Add Ink Challenge- Just Add 'H'- where my H is Heat embossing.
I am also linking up to Addicted to Stamps and More for their Make Your Mark Challenge.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Lee Ann 

Celebrating Technique Junkies New Release!

Hello Hello!

It is October 1st and that means Technique Junkies has lots of new goodies in their October release!  New Release stamps are 15% now through October 8th.  You can take an additional 10% off of everything by using code TJ10LeeAnn when you check out.
Normally I like elegant cards, but every now and again a humorous one calls my name, lol!

This one, Santa Checks, had to come home with me, lol!
I did some no line coloring with Copics and used my MISTI to stamp the sentiment in black.  I kept things simple and finished the card off with a scalloped frame.
Too much coloring?
Well, you can make things simple and just spotlight certain parts of the image as I have done here~

In this case, I stamped the image in black and just colored her nails, lips and hat.  I masked off the image and stenciled in some holly behind her.
I have one more card using a new release stamp HERE. 
Check out the all of the other new release stamps by visiting the team's blogs~

Technique Junkies

Beth Norman‎

Ceal Pritchett 

Giovana Smith 

Holly Brown 

Janine Tinklenberg

Jeanne Streiff

Judy Jackson 

Kia Gibson-Clapper 

Lee Ann Barrett 

Lynda Pleckan 

Pat Huntoon 

Ro Donner 

Stephanie Severin

That's it for me!  Enjoy all of the inspiration!

Lee Ann  

Brazenly Black with The Rainbow Card Challenge!

Wow!  Hello to October, Everyone!

Its the first of the month and that means we have a new challenge for you at The Rainbow Card Challenge.  This month's had me stumped for a bit, so I decided to think outside the box.

This month we are looking for black and white cards!

While one might think to go 'Halloween' for an all black card, I am not a fan of Halloween.  So, I skipped it and went right on to Christmas. lol!
I have used a brand new stamp from Technique Junkies, just released today, called Poinsettia Set.  To see more of the new release, head HERE.  The new release is 15% off through Oct 8th, and you can take 10% additional off your entire purchase with code TJ10LeeAnn. 
I stamped the image in versamark ink, embossed it with black ep, then fussy cut it out. I also used the Layered Swirls Background Stamp, stamping it in black.  I did not put it on a block or in  my MISTI as I did not want to get a full impression.
I stamped my sentiment and popped that panel up.  Lastly, I used an old technique to add some bling; I put down a 1/4" piece of double sided Score Tape and then sprinkled some clear glitter over it, burnishing it into the tape.

I am linking up to Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge, 'Let's Get Ready for Christmas'.

That's it for me!  Head on over to the blog to check out the rest of the inspiration, then link your own black and white card up!

Lee Ann 

Happy Fall!

Hello Everyone!

It is a gorgeous fall like day here in st Louis.  Unfortunately we don't really have any color yet- need to wait until we are into October for that.  But one can dream, right?!

I played in a couple of challenges with this card, which uses a Technique Junkies Stamp from the Autumn Framed Sentiments Stamp Set.  Sentiment is In My Prayers.
Leaves were colored with Daniel Smith Watercolors.  Paper is Arches Hot Press Watercolor paper.   I also splattered in blue and black DS watercolors.  I used Quin Deep Gold, Pyrrol Scarlet and Mayan Dark Blue. 
I used the sketch and inspiration from Fusion-

My colors are from Inspired By -

And I used the word prompt from Inkspirational which is 'crop'.
I am also linking up to The Male Room- Autumn.

 Thanks for stopping by and have a glorious weekend!
 Lee Ann 

Mixed Media is Going to the Dogs

Hello Everyone! 

I have a quick share this evening, this one a mixed media card I threw together with a monoprint I had previously made.

 
My image is I'll Be Watching You from Technique Junkies.  Wondering about the name of the stamp?  It comes from the sentiment that is a part of the stamp.  I used the sentiment, Fur Baby, instead of what comes with the dog image.  See Below!  You can take 10% off of both of these stamps, as well as everything else at Technique Junkies with code TJ10LeeAnn!

Anywho, I used my MISTI to stamp the dog, so I could get a clean image with good coverage (I stamped the image multiple times). 

A little bit of baker's twine finishes it off. 
I am linking up to Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge, Stamp it- which I have clearly done! 

As well as Mix It Up Challenge- Anything Goes!  

Thanks for stopping in - Lee Ann 

Falling Leaves

Hello and Happy Saturday! 

I know it was a short week for us in the U.S., but I was ready for this weekend!
While the temps are still warm, things are starting to look like fall.  Leaves are on the trails when I walk and then, of course, there is the (in)famous pumpkin spice.  And can't forget Panera's squash soup that will be returning soon!! 

I am up on the Shimmerz Paints blog this morning with this card.  I have used one of the fantastic new stamps from Technique Junkies, Modern Foliage, and the sentiment, Hope is Stronger. 
This card was super easy to put together as all I did was stamp my image on watercolor paper and color with various different paints from Shimmerz Paints.  There is a wonderful mix of shimmer, which is hard to capture on the camera, but I used these products, which have varying degrees of shimmer. 

Shimmerz Key Lime

Inklingz Bahama Mama

Creameez Pining for You

Creammez Just Peachie

Creameez Witches Blue

Shimmerz Coal 

Coloringz Well Blue Me Down

Super simple card, but the shine gives you a lot of bang for your buck! 

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend! 
Should you decide to do some Shimmerz Shopping, don't forget to type my name, Lee Ann Barrett, in the comments section of your order, and you will receive a free gift from Shimmerz Paints! 

Lee Ann 

Celebrating Technique Junkies September Release

Hello and Happy September!
Technique Junkies is releasing lots of new autumn goodness today and we are celebrating with a blog hop!  New Release stamps are 15% off now through September 8.  Take an extra 10% off all stamps, including new release, with code TJ10LeeAnn!  If you are looking for my Shimmerz blog post, go HERE.
On with the release!

 I love wood slices, and all things wood really, so this background stamp was a must have!  I consider it a stamping staple for anyone who is a Joanna Gaines fan, lol! It is aptly named, Tree Rings.
I stamped it in kraft ink on kraft cardstock.
My Pumpkin is stamped on watercolor paper and colored with my beloved Ken Oliver Colorbursts.  They are as cheap as I have seen them at Dick Blick right now and you get free shipping if you spend $35!  I stamped with Memento Desert Storm ink for a no line coloring look.
The sentiment is so me- as a society, we are moving waaaay to fast!  OK, done preaching, lol.  Anyway, the sentiment is Leaves Turn.

Here is your Hop list~

Technique Junkies Blog 

Beth Norman-Roberts

Ceal Pritchett 

Giovana Smith 

Holly Brown 

Janine Tinklenberg

Jeanne Streiff

Judy Jackson

Kia Gibson-Clapper 

You Are Here-Lee Ann Barrett 

Lynda Pleckan 

Pat Huntoon 

Ro Donner 

Stephanie Severin

When you are shopping, don't forget to save some $$ by using code TJ10LeeAnn  

when you check out!  

Happy Hopping!

Lee Ann 

Prickly

Hello, Hello!

I am sneaking in card this week.  Boy, things have been busy around here and time is at a premium for all things crafting.
Today's card uses the new Prickly Stamp from Technique Junkies.

This is such a great cactus image, and a nice size, too.  I stamped it on watercolor paper and painted it with watercolors.  I die cut the panel with a circle die, mounted it on black paper and mounted it on the card base, which I added a card front die cut to.  Pretty simple!

I am linking up to Simon Says stamp Wednesday Challenge- Anything Goes
As well as The Color Throwdown~

I am also linking up to Addicted to Stamps and More- Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by and have a Fabulous Friday!

Lee Ann 

Rolling Green Hills

Hello Everyone!

Today's card is super easy and was inspired by a couple of challenges.

I used a couple of stamps from Technique Junkies.  The background is Abstract Waves.  It is one of my favorite background stamps as it can represent so many different things.  Here it is representing rolling hills going off into the distance.  The sheep is from the newest release and is called Miss Ewe.  I love this quirky sheep!  It makes a cute baby card too!
I was inspired by Pinspirational with their inspiration photo of mountains.  I don't have 'campy' stamps even though I love to camp so I put the next best thing on grassy, green hills- livestock, lol.

I used my MISTI to stamp the background as I could stamp it multiple times to get good ink coverage.
The sheep was stamped on Neenah Solar White cs, colored with Copics and fussy cut out.  Super easy!
I am also linking up to Sheepski Designs for the Animal Madness challenge.

Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann 

Blue Hues

Hello All! 

School starts tomorrow so it is a busy afternoon and evening.
  Quick post to share a retirement card~

I used a Technique Junkies Stamp, Born to Fish, and paired it with the Retirement stamp. 
For the sky, I did some emboss resist using the Marble Swirl Background Stamp.  I think it gives the sky a bit of an ethereal look or even northern light 'ish'.
I sponged various blue distres inkes to the backgound and stamped the main image.  Perfect for a MAN! 
I am linking up to Watercooler Wednesday- All about Occasions, my occasion being retirement.  I will certainly be celebrating that! 
I am also linking up to Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, Mid Summer Blues.

If you shop at Technique Junkies, be sure to use code TJ10LeeAnn for 10% off your entire purchase!  That includes the 3 stamp above that I used. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful back to school season!

Lee Ann 

Desert Sky

Hello and happy Weekend!

I am playing along in a couple of challenges using this awesome silhouette stamp from Technique Junkies.

The stamp is aptly named Desert Landscape Border.  I lightly sketched in a sun and mountains; using Ken Oliver Colorbursts, I colored these areas in.  Dick Blick currently has some of the best prices, if not the best price, on these watercolors right now.   Lastly, I stamped the Desert Landscape Border image, doing a bit of masking to place the large saguaro cactus over the sun.  I was able to do this with my MISTI.  Everything at My Sweet Petunia (MISTI maker) is 25% off now through August 5th in celebration of their 5th birthday!
 I got to see these cacti irl a couple of years back and am looking forward to traveling to Arizona again to see these kinds of landscapes again.

I am linking up to Cupcake Inspiration Challenge~

Just Us Girls- Summer

And to Just Add Ink~  Just Add 'C'.  I hope it is obvious I am adding Cactus!

That's it for me!  Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!

Lee Ann 

Celebrating the August Technique Junkies Release

Hello and Welcome to August 1st and the New Release Celebration with Technique Junkies!

You are going to love this release!  There is something for everyone and right now you can get 

the entire release at 15% off through August 8th!  Want an even better deal?  You can get an extra 10% off your entire order (everything except clearance items) 

with code TJ10LeeAnn.  

This first card was just good ol' fun!  I got the idea to use a thought bubble around this hysterical
sentiment, because, lets face it- who hasn't thought this?!?!?! The sentiment is Internet Browser and I
paired it with Dreaming of Wings, just stamping the top of her head.  I added a colorful strip that I had made, using the Wavy Weave A Colorful Life Stencil and some Distress Oxide inks.
The next card uses the entire image of Dreaming with Wings.

This image is such a beauty!  Absolutely loved coloring her, giving her face and hair depth as well as depth to the simple dress.  I paired her with the sentiment from the Strong, Brave and Humble Stamp Set.  I wanted to keep the card a OLC, but needed to ground her or frame her.  To do this, I used the Marvelous Masks Rectangles to trace around for a perfect rectangle.
Lastly, I have a card using the adorable Miss Ewe stamp.

I just love this forlorn looking sheep!  I paired it with the awesome Abstract Waves Background Stamp, which fills in nicely for rolling green hills!  I stamped the background with my MISTI so I could be sure to get excellent ink coverage, as it allowed me to double stamp.

That's it for me!  I hope I have inspired you!  Don't forget, you can get

 10% off everything with code TJ10LeeAnn.  

Check out what the rest of the team has for you as we celebrate this new release! 

Technique Junkies Blog 

Beth Norman-Roberts 

Ceal Pritchett 

Giovana Smith 

Holly Brown 

Janine Tinklenberg 

Jeanne Streiff

Judy Jackson

Kia Gibson-Clapper 

You Are Here~Lee Ann Barrett

Lynda Pleckan 

Pat Huntoon 

Ro Donner 

Stephanie Severin 

Nautilus

Hello, Hello!

Back with another summertime/tropical card using a new Technique Junkies background stamp, Texture Nautilus.

I used the emboss resist technique, heat embossing in white and then adding color with Ken Oliver Colorbursts (which are 40% off right now at Blitsy.com) .

I am linking up to Watercooler Wednesday-this week's challenge is 'All About Occasions'.
I am also linking up to Double D Challenges where I was inspired by the gradient colors in the sunset and the pineapple. 

And lastly, to Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge- Life on the Ocean Waves.


Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann 

Keep Swimming

Hello! 

'Tis the season for all things beach and ocean themed.  I have inked up my new Just Keep Swimming Stamp from Technique Junkies.  Can you hear the sound track?  The whole time making this card I thought of Finding Nemo, of course.  And these fish remind me of the large ugly ones at the end of the movie, lol!

I love how comedic they are!  My fish were watercolored with Ken Oliver Colorbursts on mixed media paper. SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT- If you were considering getting Colorbursts, they are 40% off at Blitsy right now!  Actually, everything is 40% off right now!  

I then fussy cut the fish out.  

 As far as the background goes, I used the Wavy Weave Stencil from A Colorful Life Designs.  I inked up the stencil itself with some Distress Oxide inks and then spritzed it with water.  I flipped the wet stencil onto my watercolor paper to get this effect.  I sponged a little bit of ink at the bottom of the card to give the sea a bit more depth.  

Once the background was complete, I stamped the image with my MISTI so I could stamp it a couple of times as I was stamping onto fairly rough watercolor paper.   Then I glued the fussy cut, colored fish onto the stamped fish on the card.  I drew in some bubbles and used Crystal Effects on the fish eyes and on the bubbles.  Everything was spritzed with some Irridescent Shimmering Bliss Topper from Technique Junkies. 

So the question is, is that a net behind the fish, or is it the sun reflecting in the water? 

I'll let you decide!  

Lastly, you can save 10% at Technique Junkies should you decide to shop there!  

Just use Code TJ10LeeAnn.  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  You are appreciated!

Lee Ann  

Technique Junkies New Release and a New Challenge with The Rainbow Card Challenge!

Hello! 

 Technique Junkies is Celebrating the new July Release!  

As with every Techique Junkies release, you can save 15% on all

new stamps through July 8th.  And, you can save an additional 

10% on  everything in the store ( except clearance) with code TJ10LeeAnn.  

Let's check out the new release!  

This is my favorite of the release, Sailing Panel.  Using my MISTI, I inked up areas with 

different colors of ink.  I colored in the boat with a Copic marker.  

Next, I used a my Currents stencil from A Colorful Life Designs and various different

Distress Inks in blues alongside the stamped image.

To give the card some dimension, I added a drop shadow using a grey Copic along the right side 

of the Sailing Panel.  Lastly, I added a banner, using the new Smooth Sailing

sentiment stamp.
I am linking Smooth Sailing up to Simon Says Stamp Wednesday
Challenge, 'Anything Goes'.  
 
Next up is the fabulous new background stamp, Ropes.  I decided to go the easy 

route and simply heat emboss it onto navy cardstock.  

Please excuse this photo.  It either was looking like black cs or over-exposed navy blue.

Anywho, as you can see I embossed the background in white.  I then stamped the Vintage

Lighthouse stamp in navy and fussy cut it out.  I made a frame using Spellbinders

A2 Matting Basics A Card Creator Dies and adhered the lighthouse to the inside of the 

frame; then popped up the frame on the card front.  

I finished it off with a the Aged to Perfection sentiment stamped on  a strip of cs.  
I am linking up to Watercooler Wednesday- All About Occasions (Birthday).

As it is the first of the month, it is also time for a new challenge at The 

Rainbow Card Challenge!  Can you guess what the color is this month??

We hope you play along with your monochromatic blue card!  

Now, how about some more Technique Junkies inspiration! 

Technique Junkies Blog 

Beth Norman-Roberts 

Ceal Pritchett 

Giovana Smith 

Holly Brown 

Janelle Stollfus 

Janine Tinklenberg 

Jeanne Streiff

Jessie Banks 

Judy Jackson 

Kia Gibson-Clapper

You are HERE--Lee Ann Barrett 

Lynda Pleckan 

Pat Huntoon 

Ro Donner

Smooth Sailing with Freshly Made Sketches

Hello and Welcome to another new challenge from Freshly Made Sketches!

Our talented Jacquie has a challenging sketch for you this week, but one that, once over my panic, I turned out loving!

I love the offset rectangle and the 3 fun strips. The 3 strips threw me off initially, but then I remembered my SSS Tiny Words Sentiments stamps.  I was also inspired by last week's colors at The Color Throwdown.  At this point, the card took shape in my head.
A background panel was created by-
Spritzing Dolphin Cove Shimmering Mist spray over my Scribble mask from A Colorful Life Design (on Neenah cs).
Using my MISTI, I over stamped the spritzed panel with a Technique Junkies Nautilus Mosaic background stamp with navy blue ink.  The panel was then cut down with a Zig Zag Stitched Rectangle die from SugarPea Designs.
The Vintage Lighthouse was stamped in Memento Tuxedo black and then sponged some WPlus9 Gala Red ink onto it.  The lighthouse panel was place back in the MISTI and stamped again with Versafine Black ink.  Finally, the lighthouse was fussy cut out.
We would love it if when you are finished checking out all of the inspiration from the rest of the team, you would get your stamping supplies out and join us at FMS!

I am linking up to Die Cuttin' Divas for their masculine challenge
and Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge- 'Vacation'.
I am also linking up to The Mod Squad Challenge- Nautical

If you should decide to do some shopping (I have done a bit of that lately myself!), you can take 10% off of your Technique Junkies order with code TJ10LeeAnn.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for your kind comments!

Lee Ann 

Hydrangeas

Hello All!

I am trying out new color combos and wanted to play in the Paper Players challenge this week, with their fun colors.  I used watercolors though, and the colors ended up not so bright.  In layering the colors I lost a lot of the yellow.  But, I still love the way this turned out.

Here are the colors~

I used the new Technique Junkies Hydrangeas for my card.  It is stamped with Versafine ink on watercolor paper and colored with Daniel Smith Watercolors.  The sentiment is from the In Full Bloom stamp set and is heat embossed on vellum.  I did use a stencil on the white panel and lightly sponged on lavender ink.  The stencil is Scribble Roses.
As usual, I added a smattering of sequins and called it done!

I am also linking up to Time Out Challenges- Nature

If you do any shopping at Technique Junkies, you can use code TJ10LeeAnn to save 10% on your order.

Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed week!

Lee Ann 

Vintage Lighthouse

Hello All!

I have a quick masculine card today; was channeling my inner Karen Dunbrook!  If any of you know Karen, you will understand when you see my card!

This card is actually a bit taller than the standard A2- it is 4.25 x 6.  I masked off a rectangle
and lightly sponged some distress oxide inks. I used two different Tim Holtz stencils and
the same Distress Oxide inks to sponge on the patterns.  I stamped the Technique Junkies
Vintage Lighthouse in
a darker blue color and then stamped the sentiment, Enjoy Every Moment,  in Versafine Black using my MISTI.

I am linking up to Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge- Masculine.
I am also linking up to Addicted to CAS- Father.  My father lives in Florida, on the coast.  This will be his Father's Day card.  

You can receive 10% off any order at Technique Junkies with code TJ10LeeAnn.

Thanks for stopping by!  Lee Ann

Technique Junkies June Release!

Hello and Happy Unofficial Summer! 

And Happy New Technique Junkies Release as well!  You should be coming from Kia's Blog.  This month's stamps are all about summer!  You can save 15% on all new releases through June 8th, no code needed!

 You can take an additional 10% off with code TJ10LeeAnn.  The discount code will get you a discount on your entire order (clearance items excluded). 

 The stamps for today's cards remind me of vacationing on the coast.  

I used the new Vintage Lighthouse Stamp as well as the new Dolphin stamp.  Everything is colored with Copics.  The water spray is done with white acrylic paint.  The small compass on the banner is taken from the Learning to Sail Stamp.  I have to say, these two stamps play very well together!  

Nest up, a totally different take with the Vintage Lighthouse Stamp.  

I love this card.  I think it will make a great set of masculine note cards.  I was inspired by a crafter, Melinda Stearns, who has done amazing things in black and white.  I was specifically inspired by a tattoo art photo on Pinterest.

The circles were traced using circle dies.  The top right quadrant is the Vintage Lighthouse Stamp, the lower left quadrant is a portion of the Map Collage Stamp.  The rest was done by hand.  I have to say, this was totally fun to work up.

I am linking up to Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Anything Goes Challenge.
I am also linking up to Watercooler Wednesday- Anything Goes. 

My third card is another one using the Dolphin Stamp.  

My background is a simple one, sponged with Distress Oxide inks.  I stamped the dolphin on the background and then again on some Neenah Solar White cs and colored with Copics, then fussy cut out.  Again, the spray is done with acrylic paint.  The sentiment is Saltwater Heals.

That's it for me!  Your next blog to visit is- Lynda! 

Technique Junkies Blog 

Beth Norman-Roberts 

Ceal Pritchett 

Giovana Smith 

Janelle Stollfus 

Janine Tinklenberg ‎

Jeanne Streiff

Jessie Banks 

Judy Jackson  

Kia Gibson 

You Are Here- Lee Ann Barrett 

Lynda Pleckan 

Pat Huntoon 

Ro Donner 

Stephanie Severin 

Thanks for stopping by and thank you for your sweet comments!
Lee Ann