VIDEO: Lawnscaping Challenge #122: Watercolor

Hi guys!  Today I want to share my entry for Lawnscaping Challenge #122: Watercolor!  My dad's birthday is coming up and so I chose to create a masculine card with a camping theme for him.  He loves his RV and I thought the Happy Trails stamp set fit the bill perfectly!  


And of course, I used some watercolor since that was the challenge! I went with my Zig Clean Color Real Brush pens and experimented with some Bristol Smooth White cardstock.  I have heard that other crafters just LOVE this paper with their Zigs so I wanted to try it out!  Turns out I had some in my stash from forever ago so it was just meant to be!


Once I had colored my images I fussy cut them out and then used some Vintage Photo Distress Ink to give the whole thing a, well, vintage look!  


To create my background I colored directly on my Chevron Backgrounds stamp with the Zig markers and then stamped on my card base.  As I wiped the color off the stamp with a baby wipe my stamp got wet and I actually like the look of the last chevrons the best - they had the most water.  It really gives it that grungy, watercolor look.  More Vintage Photo and some water splashes completed the look!


Go check out the Lawnscaping Challenge (but hurry because it closes soon!) and use some adorable Lawn Fawn and watercolor!  I hope you enjoyed today's project and I'll see you all again soon with more crafty fun!  Bye!


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*Affiliate links used when possible
AZ = Amazon affiliate link


VIDEO: SSS Wednesday Challenge: Create with Critters featuring SSS & PPP

Hi all and happy Monday!  Welcome to my birthday week!  I have a few fun projects planned for this week, as well as my first destash, and a giveaway!  Woo hoo!  


For today's card I am entering the current Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Create with Critters.  I used this adorable teddy bear from the SSS Abby's Spring Showers stamp set and some dies from Pretty Pink Posh to create a soft, sweet card.


I colored the image with my Prismacolors and gamsol and then used an inlaid die cutting technique to create a one-layer card look (with a bow)!  I love how soft and sweet this card turned out!


This is the first video for this week.  I will have a another project video on Wednesday and my TupeloDesignsLLC design team project on Friday.  I'm also going to film my first destash!!  I'm super excited to try this out.  It's kind of a funky destash - all I'm purging are coordinating die sets, mostly for Lawn Fawn stamps. So if you need some dies to go with your stamps, make sure you stay tuned!!  ALSO, I am going to have a giveaway!  My plan is to post it on Thursday because Thursday is my birthday and I want to celebrate with all of you!!


Thanks so much for joining me!  I'll see you all again soon with more crafty fun!  Bye!

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*TDLLC = TupeloDesignsLLC
*SSS = Simon Says Stamp
*PPP = Pretty Pink Posh

VIDEO: TupeloDesignsLLC: Valentine's Day Inky Background featuring Newton's Nook

Hi there!  Welcome back to another project for TupeloDesignsLLC!  I've had a blast this month creating different Valentine's Day cards using the same stamp set, Sweetheart Tails from Newton's Nook.  I think it's great to challenge yourself to come up with several unique looks using the same set.  I'm also going to enter this project in the Inky Pays Challenge #28: Love Theme over on the Newton's Nook blog.  Fun!


I gotta say, I am LOVING this background!!  I created it by stamping my fox image using some VersaFine Black Onyx pigment ink and then heat embossing in clear.  I cut out a mask for the image and stuck it on top of Foxy.  I then used my TupeloDesignsLLC blending tools (only a week left to get one FREE with any order!) to add a bunch of Distress Inks over the top.  To avoid harsh lines as I blended on this Neenah cardstock I tapped off the ink on my work surface before applying it to the paper.  Once I had applied all my color I used my Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer to spritz some water all over.  It creates the coolest effect!!  A few Picket Fence Distress Spray Stain splashes and my background was complete!


I wanted the background to really stand out on the card so I used my Copic markers in gray tones to color my fox.  I was going for a black and white image - I'm not sure if that came across but either way, I love the muted image against the technicolor background!


To complete the card, I stacked up all my pieces and then decided it needed some sparkle.  Bo Bunny Glitter Paste in Sugar did the trick!  This stuff is SO SPARKLY!!!  I love how this project turned out.  The three projects I did featuring this stamp set all have a very different feel and it was super fun to stretch my imagination so they didn't all turn out the same.


If you haven't already, head over the Facebook and join the two groups for TupeloDesignsLLC.  TDLLC is where you can post any project you create using your fab products purchased at the shop and TDLLCMM is a place to share mixed media creations!  Both groups are full of inspiration and crafty kinship as well as the new monthly challenge that will be starting in February!  The theme for February is My Favorite Things Die-namics products so be sure to share photos of all your projects using MFT in February in both groups to enter to win a prize!  Also, January 25th is Tupelo's birthday!  Yay!  And if you make him a birthday card and share a photo in the TDLLC group between January 25th and February 1st you will be eligible to win a prize!!  


Whew!  So much good stuff happening over at TupeloDesignsLLC right now!!  Don't forget about the craft mat giveaway (every purchase enters you to win), free shipping, discounted international shipping, and extra bonus points for referring a friend to the shop!  Thanks so much for joining me!  I'm anticipating a busy crafting weekend so stay tuned!  Have a great evening! Bye!

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*All links are to TupeloDesignsLLC

VIDEO: TupeloDesignsLLC ~ Valentine's Day Shaped Card & Paper Piecing featuring Newton's Nook

Welcome to another Tupelo Friday!  Today I have a project featuring goodies from TupeloDesignsLLC.  If you haven't checked out the shop yet this month you should be sure to head over there and check out all of the anniversary celebrations happening in January.  There are craft mat giveaways, free blending tools with every purchase, free US shipping, discounted international shipping, and extra bonuses for referring a friend!  Too much goodness!


I have a super cute Valentine's Day card to share today featuring the uber cute Sweetheart Tails stamp set from Newton's Nook.  To create this heart shaped card I used my Cricut to cut out two large black hearts and one smaller white heart for the front panel. You could hand cut your hearts or use dies, whatever you have handy!  Creating a shaped card is really simple, just score the back panel 1/2 inch from the top and then adhere the back panel to the front panel using the 1/2 inch flaps you created.  This way the front panel stays nice and flat but the card opens.  It's a fun way to spice up your cards, especially for a special occasion like Valentine's Day that has a shape associated with it.


I used Distress Inks to create the striped background on some Neenah cardstock.  Just be sure to use minimal water since the Neenah is not meant to absorb moisture.  I like the effect you get from the watercolor sitting on top of the cardstock rather than soaking in. I chose to paper piece my cutie little raccoon for some added texture.  


White stitched lines, some Wink of Stella, and Glossy Accents added just the right amount of pizzazz to this sweet little card.  Check out the video for the full tutorial as well as a different way to use the awesome craft mat you have a chance to win over at TupeloDesignsLLC.


Starting in February TupeloDesignsLLC is going to start having a monthly challenge in both of their Facebook groups.  Every month will feature a different company that is sold in the shop.  February's featured company will be My Favorite Things!  I love them and can't wait to play along!  Go join the TDLLC Mixed Media group and the TDLLC group to get in on the fun!  Thanks so much for stopping by!  See you again soon!  Bye!

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*All links are to TupeloDesignsLLC

Create A Smile February Guest Designer Search Entry

Hi, all!  I know that I am late to the party but I have just recently discovered the adorable amazingness that is Create A Smile stamps!  I just got the new Lovely Critters stamp set and cannot wait to ink it up!  But while I was waiting for those cuties to arrive I just had to make something using these adorable images to I hopped over to the Create A Smile blog and downloaded a couple of the too cute free digis they have available and started creating!


I used this super sweet monster guy (can you even believe he is FREE???) and printed him out in two sizes.  I colored the images using my Chromatix markers from American Crafts.  I got these for Christmas and I wanted to try them out.  I'm pretty partial to my Copics but if you're looking for an affordable alcohol marker alternative, these markers just might fit the bill for you!


I used a Heidi Swapp stencil and a couple of Simon Says Stamp inks to create a fun striped background that coordinated with my monster dudes.  That sentiment from Lawn Fawn's Monster Mash stamp set was the perfect addition!  I finished the whole thing up with some enamel stickers from Create A Smile.  I love how small these dots are!  The perfect size for cards!


This project is going to be my entry for the February Guest Designer Search at Create A Smile!  If you love cute images to color, you should head over and check it out!  You can even use the FREE digis to enter if you don't currently have any Create A Smile stamp sets! I'm hoping I can find the time to create a couple more entries before the search closes!  I just love this company!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  All of the supplies I used are listed below.  See you next time!  Bye!

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SUPPLIES
  • Create A Smile Monster freebie digital stamp
  • Chromatix markers by American Craft
  • Ranger Glossy Accents
  • Signo Unibazl White Gel Pen
  • Heidi Swapp 6x6 Wide Stripe stencil
  • Simon Says Stamp Sunshine ink
  • Simon Says Stamp Maliblue ink
  • Lawn Fawn Black Licorice ink
  • Lawn Fawn Monster Mash stamp set
  • Scotch Foam Tape
  • Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangles dies
  • Neenah Solar White 110b cardstock
  • Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush Pen
  • Scotch Advanced Tape Glider
  • Create a Smile Sending Sunshine enamel stickers

VIDEO: CTMH Edition: Watercolor Resist Background

Good evening, all!  Long time, no see!  It has been a hectic (but fun) week around my house to kick off the new year.  My hubby is the drama director at one of the local high schools and his production of Bye Bye, Birdie opened last weekend.  It is his first musical and it is absolutely AMAZING!!  Everyone involved has put in so much hard work and it's really fun to watch it all pay off with a fabulous show!  But, needless to say, with me running box office and our kiddo playing a part in the show there has been little time for video editing and blog posts.  So I'm finally getting around to posting this project that I made over a week ago!


This card shows off the Close to My Heart watercolors and Diamonds Are Forever stamp set.  I really love this stamp set and was excited to ink it up for this nice and easy, yet eye-catching, card.  This design is pretty much a no-brainer.  Just stamp whatever image you'd like in some white embossing powder and then watercolor right over the top for a really fun pop of white amongst the vibrant color!


When using the CTMH watercolors be aware that these paints are thicker than a lot of the watercolor mediums I've worked with.  This is a great quality for getting really highly pigmented color and if you're after that softer, more ethereal watercolor look just add more water!  This makes the set really versatile!


Hopefully now that the play is underway I can settle into more of a crafty routine.  My goal for 2016 is a minimum of 2 to 3 videos per week, so my TupeloDesignsLLC video on Friday and then at least one additional video each week.  In addition, I am going to try and do more projects that only have a blog post.  I'm hoping this will encourage me to create more know I don't have to commit to the full video/editing/posting process each time.  I'd love to enter more challenges this year and grow my crafty friend base!  After all, the interaction with you all is a huge part of why I do this!


Also, keep your eyeballs peeled for a GIVEAWAY in the next few days.  Today is the 6 month anniversary of my YouTube channel and I have over 2,000 subscribers!  I am truly awestruck by you all and the support you give.  So to say thank you, I wanna give away some stuff!  So that is coming soon!  I hope you enjoyed today's project!  There are still all kinds of January promotions going on at TupeloDesignsLLC so make sure you check that out!  Until next time! Bye!

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*I am an independent consultant for Close to My Heart but all opinions are my own.  Links to my Close to My Heart website and TupeloDesignsLLC when possible.

VIDEO: TupeloDesignsLLC January 2016 Video Hop

Good evening and welcome to the TupeloDesignsLLC January 2016 Video Hop!  This month the shop is celebrating one year and man oh man are they throwing one heck of a party!  We're kicking off the festivities with a video hop featuring projects by each of the incredibly talented members of the design team and, of course, some GIVEAWAYS!!  All you have to do to be entered is leave a comment on each of the videos in the hop.  That's it, just let these ladies know how much you love their great work and you could be one of two winners that receives a $25 gift card to TupeloDesignsLLC! 


For my project I used a ton of stuff from my January Design Team package from TupeloDesignsLLC and created a cute little shaker card.  I made a pink owl so this might be my favorite card of all time :)  I love owls and pink.  You can't go wrong.  But if you want all the juicy details on this card you'll have to watch the video posted below.  Leave a comment to be entered to win, then keep on hopping to be entered win over and over again!


In addition to the video hop and giveaway, TupeloDesignsLLC is now offering international shipping and there will be discounted rates all month long!  Plus, free domestic shipping on all orders in the USA!  


For every order you place, you will receive a complimentary blending tool custom made by Mike from TupeloDesignsLLC!  AND your name goes into a drawing to win one of two free Non-Stick Craft Mats! And if that weren't enough motivation to get you to check it out, there is extra bonus points for referring a friend in January!  


See, I told you they were celebrating!  So head on over to TupeloDesignsLLC and check out the other projects from the very talented design team ladies.  Remember to leave comments on the VIDEOS (comments on the blog do not qualify for the giveaway) so you can have your shot at winning one of two $25 gift cards to TupeloDesignsLLC!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I listed all the supplies I used in my project below.  I'll see you next time!  Bye!


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VIDEO: TupeloDesignsLLC: Mixed Media Adventure

Good morning and welcome to 2016!  To kick off a fresh new year I have a fresh new project for you.  I am embracing the idea that anything is possible in 2016 and so for my first TupeloDesignsLLC design team project of the year, dove headfirst into my very first mixed media project last night and let me tell ya, it got very messy and super fun!!  I've been wanting to try this for awhile but could not wrap my head around all of the layers and colors and amazingness that is happening in mixed media.  Then I discovered Vicky Papaioannou and a whole world of possibilities opened up.  I watched every single video on Vicky's YouTube channel and she just made it seem so much less intimidating.  She explains the processes and supplies in a way that made sense to me and uses techniques that are simple but stunning.  I LOVE her work and everything I did on this project is 100% inspired by her.


 I started with a wooden tag from my local craft store and the idea that I wanted to create something black, white, and pink to hang in my new craft room.  That was about it.  I wanted to use an owl since I love them and that led me to one of my favorite movies of all time, Labyrinth.  So with an inspiration in mind I just dove right in!  


If you'd like to see all the messy details, check out the video cuz there are way too many layers for me to describe right now!  I love the Tim Holtz tissue paper for taking away the scary blank canvas and providing texture to the background.  I discovered that Distress Paints are pretty much the bomb.  I learned that I have the ability to loosely mimic a sketched drawing (super scary for me, I do not draw.  Like at all.) and I developed a love of Faber-Castell Big Brush pens.  Lots of Multi Medium Matte was used.  And Gesso is a girl's best friend!


I am extremely pleased with how this turned out!  This is the kind of project for me that I truly cannot believe I created.  This looks like art to me and I have never considered myself an artist.  A crafter, a cardmaker, a colorist, but this is a whole new realm of creating and I cannot wait to continue to explore it further!


Thanks so much for spending some time with me on New Year's Day!  Be sure to check out TupeloDesignsLLC this month for some fabulous giveaways and freebies. Stay tuned for more info on all that is happening at the shop this month!  I'll be posting a short video and blog post with all the details this weekend.  Enjoy this first day of the new year and I will see you all again soon! Bye!



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Links to TupeloDesignsLLC when possible.