A Forest Frolic

Valentine's Day Cupcake Toppers

Is it February already!?  And was it really 70 degrees here in Northern Virginia today!?

I don't know why open windows and flip-flops on my feet inspired me to make these, but this is what happened when I sat down in the studio this afternoon with no intention or direction...

I just adore the various flags and sayings and I decided to keep them super simple.

And these glittery hearts with the paper and shape I chose to match, oh my...

These are both now in the shop.  If you need more than what's listed, just let me know and I can set you up a custom listing. 

It sure doesn't 'feel' like Valentine's day is right around the corner...but I better get on it, because it's also my wedding anniversary and I have no clue what I'm going to get or make my hubs. 

Help...any ideas!?!

Jamie :)

More Ink Splat Fun: Thank you Cards

My Mum has been asking for some cards (because who doesn't love giving handmade cards?!) and I just haven't been inspired to make any.  But when I discovered this ink splat technique and decided to finally open my alcohol inks, I was!  Do you ever get like that?  Do you ever get in certain moods to make certain things sometimes and vice versa.

These cards were really fun, easy to make and turned out looking pretty neat, so hopefully this will inspire you to try this out! 

You could play around with it and use any variety of washi tape (just orderd a buch of Japanese washi tape from PrettyTape on Etsy and can't wait to get creative with it), ink/thread/background paper colors, and use any stamp that inspires you at that moment...this is the fun part!  You can make this card over and over and it'll never come out looking the same! 

These are all thank you cards but you could change the sentiment, or the placement of it to mix it up a bit, or use a zig-zag stitch, or no stictching at all.  I decided to stain the actual card edges with Tim Holtz Distress Stain to match the 'thank you' embellishment I stamped.  And you could use any color of stain because there are so many to chose from.  I also used glossy paper for the alcohol ink (because I tried regular cardstock and it just totally absorbs the ink).

See how fun these are...all blue with a little gold glimmer.  I'm so loving hot air balloons right now and I like the grey background with this one...

Let me know if you try something like this out, I'd love to see what you come up with!

Hope you all have a wonderful day,

Jamie :)

Ink Splats make me Happy

I bought some 'plain-Jane' page dividers to help organize my binder that holds all of the course materials for my Photoshop classes.  Came home, got it all organized...tabs, page dividers and such.  It should have made me happy, right? 

Nope...I wasn't feelin' it!  It needed something!  Then I remembered those Adirondack alcohol inks I got a few weeks ago and voila'...

I used Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink Splatter technique (Video Tutorial Here).  All you need to try this yourself is a somewhat glossy cardstock, alcohol ink, and compresssed air (I used our computer dust bunny cleaner).

I put down some fun strips of tape and a big funky sticker before adding ink to this one, and I used some metallic alcohol ink too.  Just look at that shimmer...

Speaking of fun things, Vanessa from A Fanciful Twist, just posted some free printable Valentine's day cards on her blog...always a treat, and they are super cute!

Now, off you go to make ink splatters and print cute cards ;) ;)

Jamie :)

 

Happy Trails

Without going into great detail and boring you with a sob story or two, I'll tell ya, we've had a rough start to 2012!  So when I was asked to make custom banner for a retirement party that said 'Happy Trails,' I was all like 'oh really, well what's so happy about it!?!'

Okay, not really ;)  I, of course jumped on it and the papers I ended up chosing to match the western romantic theme the customer asked for, really cheered me up a bit!

I just love the blue frills with the subtle hint of blue in the this paper...

And these pink roses and vintage peachy lace are soooo romantic, dontcha think?

Cream shabby roses on ledger paper to match her burlap ivory doilies in the party decor, oh my...

I mailed it off this morning in hopes that the customer thinks it's as swell as I do! 

Hugs & Happy Trails,

Jamie :)

Pinky Pie Buttercup Nutcracker & More: Shop Update

SHOP UPDATE in progress...just in time for Christmas...

All of these items are ready to roll and can ship next day, so don't delay (tee hee ;)

Haaaaaappy Holidays...

Jamie :)