Sunflower Day....

Winter will be here in New York for a while yet, but I am thinking of the summer and my favorite flower, the Sunflower. I just love the bright yellows, how they stand so tall with their petals reaching towards the sun. My card reflects my mood, with sage greens, bright yellows and crisp white. My image is from Fred, She Said Designs, and it's called "Fall Flowers Digi Set & Paper Pricking Frame". You can find it HERE.

I printed the Sunflower image with Pricking pattern on Whisper White cardstock, then hand cut it out. I colored the image with Copics, and the border around the image as well. With my pricking pen, I pricked the pattern, then stitched the design using my favorite silk threads from Hand-Dyed Fibers. I have a stitching tutorial on my Paper Embroidery website, as well as additional patterns for holidays and all occasions.

I added pretty rhinestones to my stitched and colored image, then laid it aside to construct my card. My paper is from "Playful Posies", a delightful paper stack from My Mind's Eye. I love every single paper in that pad! I adhered my image to my green paper, then I tied a frilly organza yellow ribbon bow around the bottom half. I mounted that piece to soft yellow cardstock, to tie more of the yellow into the card. I punched two edges of a sage green panel with the Double Heart edge punch from Martha Stewart then glued my image piece to it. Finally, I added some gold peel-off sticker border strips, then adhered the whole panel to a white card, sized 5 3/4 x 6 inches.

Scenic Cards....

Stampscapes is probably my favorite stamp company, and I've been creating a bunch of scenes lately. Fabulous cards can be made using these scenic stamps, from simple to elaborate. So many different techniques can be used with the images. You can brayer the ink onto your cardstock, sponge, stipple, direct to paper and more. The owner of the company, Kevin Nakagawa, has created a stamp line that can take your level of stamping to a higher plain. If you are looking for something new, take a look at the Stampscapes website, the many tutorials and galleries. Once you get bitten by the scenic bug, you'll become addicted.

Check out my gallery 1 and gallery 2 on the Stampscapes website, and that's MY scene on the home page! How exciting is that!!!

"Winter Chill" uses the Colorbox Stylus for color in this scene. I covered the entire cardstock (non-glossy) with Adirondack Lights Aqua ink first, then used Ranger Archival Ink Teal from the bottom to the center of the card. Lastly, I added Adirondack Denim to the lower portion of the card to deepen the water.

For the distant shoreline, I took the straight edge of Marvy Matchables #10 Lt Blue ink pad and swiped downward, then turn the card around and swiped again. This made the shoreline, and the reflection. For the sky, I added a bit of Teal ink into the sky, leaving some light spaces for clouds. I stamped the images next, then added white highlights with a Signo White Gel Pen. Card size 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches.

This next scene, I went directly to the glossy paper with my ink pads. I used Memento inks in the following colors: Dandelion, Cantaloupe, Tangelo, Lady Bug, Rose Bud, New Sprout, Pear Tart, Rich Cocoa and Tuxedo Black. These ink pads are the little tear drop pads that you can purchase at Michael's in sets of four.

Cover the entire glossy card with Dandelion ink, then on the upper portion, deepen the Dandelion with Cantaloupe ink. I added swipes of Tangelo, Lady Bug and Rose Bud inks until I liked my sunset. On the lower portion of the card, I covered the Dandelion with New Sprout and Pear Tart. In a few areas, I went over again with Pear Tart in a sweeping motion to get my impression of the pasture.

With Rich Cocoa, I stamped the Spotted Horse from Stampscapes in the grass, then added the Gulls to the sky using Tuxedo Black. The background wheat (Inkadinkado) I stamped with Pear Tart, then added the foreground wheat (Stampabilities) with Tuxedo Black. Card size 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches.

(Click on picture to see larger version of the tags)

These next 4 tags is for a Tag Swap on my Stampscapes II Yahoo Group. I wanted to show the different ways you can use the same stamps by just changing the ink colors. I love the effect!

Here is one of the twelve new Paper Embroidery Patterns I released this week! You can see all my new patterns on my Stitching Website or on my new Etsy Store! That's right, I finally opened a store on Etsy for my Patterns, and you can also purchase custom ordered stitching cards! It will take me a bit of time to add all the patterns and cards, but keep checking back. I'm also in the process of opening another Etsy store for my Lampwork Beads and Jewelry. Stay Tuned!

Another in the series....

Here's "Gone Batty!", which is the second scene in my Halloween Series using cut outs, masking and Stampscapes stamps. The technique for this scene is similar to the one in my previous post with the Halloween Ghost. I used only Memento inks with this scene. I cut out a moon and the bat, then laid the cut outs down on glossy cardstock. I stamped the Cloud Cumulus with London Fog ink over the entire card. With the Colorbox Stylus, I added color for my night sky, using Lulu Lavender, Grape Jelly, Paris Dusk, Bahama Blue, and Dandelion inks. I removed the masks and my bat and moon were exposed.

Next, I laid down the paper I cut the moon from over the scene, and replaced the bat mask. This left just the moon exposed. I applied Dandelion, Cantaloupe, Tangelo and New Sprout inks on the moon with the Stylus. I then removed the masks again, and only my bat was left white. I laid down the paper I cut the bat from over the scene and stamped the "Eyes" from the Symmetry: Sheet 4 using Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I added Paris Dusk, Grape Jelly and Tuxedo Black inks on the bat. I tapped a touch of Dandelion ink on the eyes. Lastly, I stamped the Spooky Branch over the scene in a random manner and finished it off by adding purple rhinestones to the bat for eyes.

I was asked to make a monkey pattern for a wonderful lady who will be stitching him for charity. I think she said she had to make over 5,000 cards! WOW! I say! I think after 10 cards sewn, Dawn will think she's going bananas :)(Right click on the pattern to download it to your computer)

Here is a recent necklace I've made using my own lampworked beads, sterling components with Swarovski crystals. The floral bead in the center takes about 20 minutes alone to make at the torch, but I love how it turned out. I etched all the beads except the pinks ones for a soft effect.

ATC crazy

So, I was on Circle of Crafters and normally I stay within the "General Card Making" category where you can see beautiful cards created by those around the world. Last week, when I was sick, I started browsing the ATC section of the forum. I had forgotten where I started my love of paper crafts. Back in 2004, I went from crazy quilting with fabric, to making fabric ATC's, then onto paper ATC's. I remember loving the tiny art treasures that I had made and exchanged in yahoo groups.

Needless to say, I decided to test the waters and joined the International ATC Swap. Instantly, 6 ladies asked to trade with me, so of course, I started making them right away. Below are the fruits of my labors!


The first ATC was done with a stamped floral background from Stampin' Up (I love that stamp). I stamped it in black ink onto glossy cardstock, then with a paintbrush, I painted the flowers with ink. I punched the edges, added a glittery oval peel-off sticker from Pop Ups by Plane Class and glittered a sticker dragonfly. I mounted that piece to a shimmery soft lavender cardstock, added some pretty rhinestones on the corners and was done! All ATC's are sized 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches.

The second ATC uses a floral background that my daughter made for me (she's the true artist)! I then punched a pretty border strip, added it to the background and topped it off with a glittered peel-off butterfly sticker.

This third ATC was from an unfinished greeting card. I had punched the white background using various hand punches from a pattern I made, but never finished the card. I dug in my stash and found the floral basket sticker, and mounted that to the background card. Then I sliced it in half! I was able to make 2 ATC's from that background piece! I backed it with a pretty teal foil cardstock, added a gingham bow and some rhinestones and was pleased with the results.

ATC #4 uses the other half of the stamped image of ATC #2. I used the same techniques for that card as well.

ATC #5 uses Copic Sketch Markers, a Thomas Kinkade stamp and two Stampscapes rubber stamps. I made the early morning background by taking the markers and adding colors for the sky. I used Pale Blue (B32), Heath (V01), Powder Pink (YR00), and Mauve Shadow (BV00). I then stamped the Pine Tree with Marvy Inks in Salvia Blue, Pale Lilac, Gray, and Blue #3. I used Salvia Blue and Blue #3 ink for the birds, and Black for the sentiment.

The last ATC, I decided to do a tiny version of Paper Embroidery. This was a fun and quick card to make and you don't necessarily have to use it for just ATC's. It works perfect as a miniature to mount to a regular card. You could back it with a pretty cardstock, then adhere it to a Cuttlebug embossed background. The pattern is below for your pleasure.

On a final note, I've also been doing my glass work and below is a picture of my latest beads! I'm having a blast and learning so much! I'm making very pretty bookmarks with my beads, and if you're interested in seeing some, just drop me an email and I'll show them!

the start of a busy week....

Well, I'm starting my week out with some cards and a free pattern for you to enjoy! This pattern is a release from my book, "All Ways Stitching". I'll gradually be releasing these patterns on my website, and on Circle of Crafter's from time to time, as the book won't be printed again. Enjoy!

This next card is very versatile as it fits a lot of occasions. I made this for my mom for Mother's Day. I used the new Fiskar punches and I did a tutorial on using them in a previous post. Once I punched my card, I put it through the Swiss Dots embossing envelope and Cuttlebug.

Though it's hard to see in the picture, I used another 2x2 embossing folder and embossed the sentiment "I Love You" onto white cardstock, backed it with black cardstock, and attached it to the card. I cut strips of ribbon and framed the sentiment from punch corner to corner.

Lastly, I cut out two hearts from a red and black heart scrapbooking paper, and added red rhinestones to finish the card. Card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches.

This sweet card was fun to make, and you could choose any accent color instead of blue. I started with a blue notecard, and attached a pretty black and white scrapbook paper from Kaiser Craft.

On white Bazzill cardstock, I stamped "Melange Background" (Hampton Art) with blue ink then mounted it to the card. Next, I stamped the birds (Inkadinkado) onto another piece of white Bazzill cardstock using black Marvy ink. Below the birds, I stampd "just a note" (Stampendous) in black, then mounted that piece to black cardstock. (You can get all these stamps from Michael's.)

Lastly, here is my latest bead set! Is this too much fun? I'm also learning how to do pumpkins, cats, ghosts, ladybugs, and daisies. I'm still working on getting pictures of my bead sets up on my website. If you like this set and want a bracelet made or want to just buy the beads, feel free to email me. (The small crystals are Swarovski and I only use Sterling Silver, Bali Silver, Tibet Silver and Gold Filled findings.)

New patterns posted!

Here's a free new paper embroidery pattern I've designed for Spring! Right click on the image and save it to your computer. This pattern fits a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch note card.

I've also designed 11 other patterns that are perfect for Graduation, All Occasion and Mother's Day! My daughter will be putting them up on my website, "A Stitcher's Dream" tonight or tomorrow! I will email those on my Paper Embroidery mailing list as soon as they are up! If you'd like to be added to this list, please email me!

For those that are looking for some new pretty cotton threads, here's a great site for Sassa Lynne Perle Cotton Variegated threads! I, of course, have to have them all! You'll find them on Maureen's Vintage Acquisitions, and you'll get a glimpse of what I used to do before Paper Embroidery. Maureen makes beautiful Crazy Quilts and if you click on "My Blog" on her website, you'll see some of her work.

New cards...

I've been busy creating a lot of cards this week. I published 9 new paper embroidery patterns that you can find on my website "A Stitcher's Dream". I'm particularly pleased with the special pattern I've made for everyone as one of my free patterns.

(A Free Pattern for you! Right click on the pattern and click "save Image as...", then save it to your computer.)

This pattern is very important, as it's perfect for anyone who is currently facing a difficult battle with illness. You can stitch the ribbon in any color for whichever "illness", i.e, pink for Breast Cancer, red for AIDS, etc.

May God Bless the person you stitch this special pattern for! Remember, as long as they are living, there is always HOPE!

The next card was made using one of the new Parchment Crafting Grids on the market. You can purchase these grids at Ecstasy Crafts under the "Exclusives" portion of their website.

I taped a piece of Rainbow vellum, (also available on their site), down onto the grid and pricked and embossed one of the border patterns. What I love about these grids is the fact that you don't need a lot of fancy parchment tools to achieve the look of beautiful parchment cards. A simple stylus and one needle pricking tool is all you need to make the card above. Once the border was done, I then taped the piece onto another grid that has butterflies on it.

Once I finished my pricking and embossing of the butterfly, I attached it to a piece of white cardstock embossed with the Cuttlebug using the Swirls folder. I used pretty blue flower brads to attach the vellum then mounted the piece to a pink note card sized 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.

I used my Quickie glue pen and Art Glitter Institute Sea Shell glitter to add some glitz to the border and butterfly. A silver "Happy Birthday" peel off sticker was added to finish the card.

This card was just fun to make! I had to force myself to stop at a certain point, because I was getting heart crazy! I had all kinds of heart embellishments strewn all over my table and they were begging for a place on this card!

I started by using the Cuttlebug with the Swiss dots Folder on a piece of white cardstock. For some reason I have a fascination with pink, red and brown lately. I just love the look of it!

With this card, I began with the cute tiny heart ribbon that I bought at Michael's in their Valenine section. I glued a strip of the ribbon to the white cardstock, then tied a dark red ribbon underneath it. At that point, I stared at it for about ten minutes, going over in my mind what I had in my stash that would go with the ribbons.

Of course, that is how all the heart embellishments became strewn over my table. I found the pretty die cut heart from a box of Valentine diecuts by K & Company that I purchased last year from Michael's. I dug about and pulled out heart rhinestones from Martha Stewart that I wanted to use.

Then I had an "aha" moment and sprung up from my chair (I don't usually spring up, by the way) and searched a bit for the brown and pink ribbon with "love" on it. It fit perfectly! It was attached underneathed the dark red ribbon. I added the die cut heart and the red rhinestone hearts, but the corners was missing something.

Last week, Michael's had all their specialty papers on sale at 7 for $1, so of course, I bought tons! In particular, I purchased a very pretty rose velvet paper with pink polka dots on it. I used a Cuttlebug die and cut out two small corner frames and mounted them to the lower corners of the card, and too the waste from the cut-out and attached them to the upper corners. I was thinking of adding more rhinestones, but slapped my hands and told myself the card was finished. I think that was the hardest part of the card :)

My last stitched card for Christmas...

I just finished up this Christmas card with my latest pattern. I really love the shades I used in this one. I used Vikki Clayton's Hand-dyed Fibers silk thread in Nile Blue, Turquoise and Robin's Egg.

This is a notecard sized design, 5 x 3 3/4 inches. Most of my patterns tend to be 5 x 5 but I thought to make it smaller as this could be cut out and used for an ornament on the tree.

I punched decorative corners and added soft aqua pearls from Kaiser Crafts. I topped it with a pretty teal bow and am quite pleased with this design.

I had a nice background paper that resembled stone in a lovely pale turquoise and attached that to a darker turquoise notecard.

New patterns

I've just added ten new paper embroidery patterns to my website. You'll find a new "free" pattern as well, that would be perfect for a male oriented card. The "Starry Tree" is a fun and quick pattern to stitch. I used a pretty variegated thread from Vikki Clayton's Hand-Dyed Fibers. Her silk threads stitch up so well. I think I have almost every color she makes!

My daughter will fix the boo-boo on the Starry Tree pattern on the website before the day is over. She's the website manager, and I tried to fix it and it was all Greek to me! She'll probably take a ruler to my fingers for trying to correct it :)

Turtledove

My newest stitching pattern titled "Turtledove", and it is perfect for Christmas or Wedding cards. You can find this pattern on my website at: http://www.artbydarsie.com/stitching

The dove was stitched using gold metallic thread, then "seashell" glitter from ArtGlitter Institute was applied with a Quickie Glue Pen. I punched two corners with a new Fiskars corner punch, then added gold pearls in the opposite corners for embellishment. I finished the card with a hologram Merry Christmas peel off sticker from Pop Ups by Plane Class. I used Hunter green and white Bazzill cardstock for the card.