Challenge Your Muse

Hi there - I'm hosting another challenge in the Mix-Abilities forum at Splitcoaststampers. This week I'm challenging you to Crack your project, then Stitch it. There are so many ways to go with this challenge!

Here are some things you can think about using when you do the crackle and stitching challenge.

Here's my process in creating the white glue crackle technique for a background piece on my card.

It's important to consider the direction you want your cracks to go in. Be sure you apply your glue in one direction, and the second coat of acrylic paint in the other direction for best results.

You can use any stamp image (or draw your own) that you want. Just stamp on the BACK of your project, and poke the holes to embroider.

This is a close up of the front of the card with my stitching. Below is the finished card. I love this look!

Below is another card I created for this challenge. The crack occurs when you apply a thick layer of Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (or multiple layers of clear embossing powder), place it in the freezer for 2-3 minutes, then bend it. I rubbed a little walnut stain in the crevices to help it show up, but you could also use metallic rubs and similar product.

The stitch part (which I'm not extremely happy with) are little French knots on all the snow dots falling around the snowman.

This piece, an Artist Trading Card, shows a strip of tulle fabric that I 'cracked' by tearing a strip off. I applied an inked stamp image from Tim Holtz's collection for the faux stitching down the left side and along the bottom. The step-by-step of this process is can be found on the Brutal Busy post.

I hope this post gives you some ideas, and I really would love to see your work. You can post it (for free) on the SplitcoastStampers' website. Be sure to use the MIX29 tag so I can see it!

Have a great day!
~ky

Dare You!

It's that fabulous time of year again. Preseason football stuff is starting, baseball is heating up, the final Major of the year is approaching for tennis... Can you tell I'm a bit into sports? Yep!

It's also a fantastic time to be a member of Splitcoast Stampers! Each year they throw a big party with oodles of cool challenges that lasts a week. All the member companies join in the fun providing prizes for those who play. It's AWESOME! It's also a little bit secretive. I can't give away the challenges, but I will be posting some of my work. You can learn about becoming a member - Click Here.

In the meantime - take a look at our unofficial mascot. Yep, that's Buddy and Tinker (left). Buddy was all over the Dare To Get Dirty. He started building an annex to the ArtLab Studio. Hee hee! I just love all that dirt, and Tinker seems to be saying she's not involved, hasn't provided any cheering, and could be whistling with a big though bubble: 'I don't see nuthin!'

Here's a little project I did last week as a warm up for DTGD. It's part of the Mix-Ability challenges hosted by Splitcoast Stampers and I'm on that team. I love working with those creative ladies, and enjoy seeing all the wonderful creations of the 'newbies' to mixed-media art.

This is a House Mouse image and I colored it up with Copic markers. The background print is an ombre application of Distress Inks through a Heidi Swapp stencil. I hope you'll come play at Splitcoast even if you aren't doing the challenges. It's a great place to meet people, learn some new stuff, get inspired, and make new friends.

See ya soon!!
~ky

Did You Dare?

I did. Splitcoast Stampers hosts an annual, week-long challenge for members of their fan club as a thank you for subscribing. It's called Dare to Get Dirty. While I have been a fan club member in the past (it's really affordable), this was the first year I participated. Let me tell you, it was VERY worthwhile.

Membership is either $14.95 for 6 months or $24.95 for a year. That's really cheap considering all that goes on in the background of this wonderful site. If you've never been part of Splitcoast, you should check it out. It is free to everyone, but you get perks when you join the fan club.

{click any image to enlarge}

There are all sorts of challenges. The card above was entered in the handmade flowers challenge. I love how soft this one turned out! There are 37 challenges to play over the week-long event.

This card was created for the masculine challenge. I love making a scene!

This pair was created for the Christmas in July category. I really like these border embossing folders. You are going to see a lot of these in my future posts. They make elegant cards quick and easy - perfect for holiday cards!

Hey - thanks for stopping by today. I hope these cards inspire your muse, and that you will give some thought to participating next year. Did I mention there are a dozen prize packs at stake? Yep - the member companies have wonderful gifts!

I hope you have a wonderful, creative week!
♥~ky

Card Recipes:
Happy Day: Gina K cardstock & stamp set (Whimsical Wishes), Basic Grey patterned paper, Memento ink, Tim Holtz/Sizzix tattered florals die, My Favorite Things flower die, Prima flowers, Gina K buttons, twine, jute ribbon.


Thinking of You: Gina K cardstock & stamp set (By The Sea), Memento and Distress inks, jute twine, Copic markers and rhinestone.


Christmas Bells: Gina K cardstock & stamp set (A Very Merry Christmas), Memento and Distress inks, rhinestones and Copic markers.