SNSS New Release Friday Feature 14

Hello and welcome once again to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps 

New Release Friday Feature and Challenge!

The Design Team have some fun samples using a fab set with matching
dies which is perfect for creating cards to bring sunshine and smiles!

Happy Happy

For the first card I used Stampin Up Cool
Caribbean ink and a stencil to create a bg.  

I die-cut the clouds without using the stamp set and stamped the 

sentiment on one of them, then stamped and die-cut the kite and 

sun on polka dot dp.  It's all layered up along the lower half of the 

card and sequins are added to finish.

Happy Happy is perfect for creating scenes!  I stitched some dp hills 

(created with a kraft knife) to a red panel and then 

added a fence using SNSS Fence and Grass dies.  

The little tag was created using SNSS Mini Tags Dies.
The other elements are all paper pieced using scraps of dp.

Now take a look at the full sets and the details below:

 Set measures 4" x 6" inches.

Set includes 4 images and 8 sentiments.

 The kite measures approximately 1" x 3 3/8".

Designed by Korin Sutherland.

Stamp set priced at $15.
Coordinates with Happy Happy Dies.

Die set priced at £15.25.

The Challenge this week is Child's Play!  The first cards in the hop 

were created by the Design Team so enjoy a little inspiration 

and then create your own card using this week's theme and

 add it to the gallery using the linky tool below!

Just a few guidelines to remember as you play:

- You don't have to use a SNSS image to enter, though 

it's just great to see when you do!

- You'll have until Thursday, June 5th at midnight EST to enter.

- One winner will be drawn at random from this week's 

challenge gallery to receive a $10 credit to the SNSS store!

- Please use code SNSFFC14 when uploading 

to Splitcoaststampers or other galleries.

- Please share a link to your creation below.

Thanks for joining us today - be sure to check the SNSS blog on 

Friday, June 6th to see if you won and to check out the new releases!

Sponged Coneflower

A card for the CAS Challenge at Splitcoaststampers: May Flowers - 

what card maker doesn't love a challenge involving flowers!

I've used Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Flower Blocks 3, stamping it 

about 3 or 4 times so that various parts could be popped up.  

Each piece is sponged using Ranger Distress inks including 

Spiced Marmalade and Mustard Seed.  The background panel is 

also sponged using Ranger Distress Broken China and Stampin Up Cool Caribbean.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, hope it's a good one for you!

Feather Hello

A fun stencil card for today's Inspiration Challenge at Splitcoaststampers - 

we were given the site Design Love Fest with fab inspiration 

from Bri Emery.  HERE is the feathery photo I chose.

I used various Ranger Distress inks with a The Crafters 

Workshop stencil.  

The sentiment is Wplus9 Hand Lettered Hello in 

Color Box Black Licorice ink.

A few black sequins and it's finished! 

Thanks for stopping by today and have a great weekend!

SNSS New Release Friday Feature 13

Hello and welcome to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps New 

Release Friday Feature and Challenge! The Design Team 

have come up with some lovely samples with one of the recently 

released sets now available at the SNSS Store.

This week we're highlighting the sweet set 

Sunshine and Flowers

I'm still playing with watercolors after taking the
fabulous Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class!
To create the background,
I used watercolor paper and Distress inks, including Shabby 

Shutters, Peeled Paint, Dusty Concord, Victorian Velvet and 

Picked Raspberry.  I liberally sprayed 

the paper with water so the colors would mix slightly and the ink

 would move around.  After drying, it was then spritzed with water 

and a paper towel was used to "lift" the wet ink.  

The panel is popped up on a watercolor paper card base.

The flowers and sentiment were embossed in white on vellum, and cut 

along the top, before being attached to the background panel.

I had another card using this fabulous set "on the go" so that I could
post it today - but have you ever had a card that seemed
determined not to be made?  I smudged, spilled, cut wonky angles,
snipped wrong bits, and smudged again!  I finally had to
concede defeat! :)

Now take a look at the full Sunshine & Flowers with all the details below:

  * Stamp set measures 4" x 6".

* Set includes 8 images and 3 sentiments.

* The large flower image is approximately 2 1/2" x 3 3/4".

* Designed by Diane Zechman.

* Stamp set priced at $15.

The challenge this week is Make It Colorful - use at least 5 

colors on your card.  The first cards in the hop were 

created for your inspiration by the design team - then add 

your own colorful card using the linky took below.

Just a few guidelines as you play:

- You don't have to use a Sweet 'n Sassy image to enter, 

although it's great to see it when you do!

- You'll have until Thursday, May 29th at midnight EST to enter.

- 1 winner will be drawn from this week's challenge to 

receive a $10 credit to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

- Please use SNSSFFC13 when uploading to 

Splitcoaststampers or other galleries.

- Share a link to your creation below.

Thanks for joining us today.  Be sure to check the SNSS blog 

on Friday, May 30th to see if you won and to check 

out the next Friday Feature and Challenge!

Tea Rose

I'm still playing with watercolors and made a couple of
cards with Flourishes Old Tea Rose.
This is entered in the Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge today and
also the current Simon Says Stamp Challenge: Botanical!

 I sprayed the first layer with water so the colour would spread, then dried it. 

 I then added more watercoloring followed by a layer of stamping with a 

splatter image and some splattering with a paint brush.  

Inks used include Ranger Distress Tattered Rose, Dried Marigold, 
Crushed Olive, Mowed Lawn, and Adirondack Watermelon.  

The sentiment is another attempt at script calligraphy - I used Pelikan 4001 

black ink and a dip nib.  I found that in spite of the rough texture, the watercolor 

paper works beautifully for calligraphy and will definitely be doing it again.

Thanks so much for stopping by today to have a look!

Watercolor Sea

Well, the Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class has come to an end 

and I have to say I've really enjoyed it.  It was the first online class 

I've ever done, and I heartily recommend it!

So when it came to the Featured Stamper Challenge at Splitcoaststampers 

today, I chose THIS beautiful watercolor card from the gallery of 

Viv, aka Daizy-Mae, to inspire me.
I'm also entering this into the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Die Crazy!

The sky is watercolored with Ranger Distress Broken China, 

Tattered Rose, Picked Raspberry and Peacock Feathers inks.  

The sea is sponged with Broken China ink.

The sentiment is from Verve and the seashells were cut 

using Cuttlebug Sea Shells Dies.

The whole card is made from thick watercolour paper 

which gives a rich feel.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, 

I hope you're having a great weekend!

Butterfly Hugs

Today is the last day of the Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class - it's 

been so much fun!  It's a bonus day with more 

techniques and beautiful sample cards from the demonstrators.
I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Die Crazy.

The talented Laura Sterckx showed us how to make

 a background with textures by using scoring.  

I definitely want to try that, but for today, I used a shortcut 

with a favourite embossing folder.

The top butterfly is cut with watercolor paper, sponged and 

spritzed with water.  I sewed the vellum sentiment panel down with a 

zigzag stitch to pick up on the embossed pattern.

Inks used include Ranger Distress Crushed Olive, 

Peacock Feathers, and Mustard Seed.
The sentiment is from MFT Big Greetings.

Thanks so much for stopping by to take a quick look today -

Have a great weekend!

Here for You

Another practice card for the Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class 

using a fun technique demonstrated by Tim Holtz involving stencils and ink.
I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Die Crazy!

I used Ranger Distress Picked Raspberry, Crushed Concord and 

Peacock Feathers with a Stampasauras stencil.

The clouds are cut with MFT Cloud Die-namics and 

stenciled lightly with mesh and Stampin Up Cool Caribbean.

The sentiment is from MFT Umbrella.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look!

Playing with Leaves

Today is a "play day" at the Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class - 

we were given even more techniques to try and I love this one by 

Tim Holtz which involved inking up stencils! 

I'm also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Die Crazy!

I used Ranger Distress Spiced Marmalade, Mustard Seed, and Crushed Olive, 

then added some little "water drops".  The
leaves are cut using and X-cut leaf dies.  

The sentiment is from Paper Smooches Sentiment Sampler.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

SNSS New Release Friday Feature

Hello and welcome once again to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps

New Release Friday Feature.  The Design Team have come up 

with some fun samples using one of the new stamp sets and matching dies.

You're a Star!

I stenciled a rainbow polka dot background, aiming for a general layout 

of three groups of stars and buttons, leaving a few areas of white space.   

The cute sentiments in You're a Star can be mixed and 

matched to say "well done" in many ways!

The stamps coordinate perfectly with the Stars Dies - and I have to 

tell you this is one of my most used die sets ever!  

I use them so often they barely have time to get cold!

I used Stampin Up Real Red, Lucky Limeade, Ballet Blue, 

Yoyo Yellow, and Orchid Opulence inks.

Mini buttons in rainbow colours are the finishing touch.

Now take a look at the full set with details below:

* Set includes 5 images and 17 sentiments.

* The large star measures approximately 1 7/8" x 2".

* Designed by Korin Sutherland.

* Coordinates with Stars Die Set.

* Stamp set priced at $15.

Our challenge to you this week is to make a Congrats card.  

The first cards in the hop were created for your inspiration by the design team.  

Use the linky tool to add your own congrats card to the gallery!

Just a few guidelines to remember as you play:

- You don't have to use a Sweet 'n Sassy image to enter, although 

we love to see it when you do!

- You'll have until Thursday, May 22 at midnight EST to enter.

- We'll draw 1 winner from this week's challenge to receive 

a $10 credit to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

- Please use code SNSFFC12 when uploading 

to Splitcoaststampers or other galleries.

- Share a link to your creation below.

Thanks for joining us today!  Be sure and check back again

 at the SNSS blog on Friday, May 23, to see if you won and to 

check out the next Friday Featue Challenge!

-

Yellow Tulips

Another practice card for the Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class, 

this time trying freehand watercoloring.  I had a couple of complete failures,

 this was the only one I felt okay with, but it's all practice, right?!!

 I found a photo of some orange and yellow tulips as inspiration,

 and stenciled in a background, adding some splatters to finish. 

I confess to being a little obsessed with splatters, 

but I resisted the temptation to add sequins this time!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Splatter Meadow

Today's lesson at Watercolor for Cardmakers was all about freehand and splatters!

Jennifer Rzasa showed us how to make a fabulous tree using splatters, and
I'll definitely be trying that, but wanted to try a meadow look first.  I did the sky
first then added some wet on wet splatters for a
background as Jennifer demonstrated, then randomly added
some larger dabs of paint with the brush.
Next I brushed in some grass, dried it, and added
some black fine line marker stems and 

grass - it just seemed to pick up on the black of the sentiment.

The sentiment was done freehand - I recently got some ink and a 

few dip nibs and have been giving modern calligraphy a go.

Inks used include Ranger Distress Mowed Grass, Spiced Marmalade, 

Barn Door, Broken China, and Mustard Seed.
I sponged with Mowed Grass ink along the bottom for extra depth.
It's finished off with some random sequins.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Bright Tulips

Still having fun with watercolor backgrounds, thanks 

to the Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class!

I brushed a rectangle with water on watercolor paper and then used 

various Ranger Distress inks to blend a bit - they include Picked Raspberry, 

Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, and Mowed Lawn.

It was then spritzed with water and I let it sit for a moment or two before 

lifting some of the ink off with a paper towel.

 MFT Flower/Leaf Trio Die-namics was used to make a tulip, 

layering up three of the leaves.  I lightly sponged the edges of the
dark pink cardstock with Picked Raspberry ink as it gives just that
extra bit of definition.

The sentiment was created using WPlus9 Handlettered Hello Die 

and the matching stamp set.

The leaves and stems were cut using my paper trimmer - I'd love to 

have achieved a little more "curve" with those leaves!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Butterfly Trail

Hello!  Here's a card using some of the techniques we're seeing in the
Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class -  it's been a lot of fun learning
from the fabulous demonstrators and teachers! 

My card is also for the Featured Stamper Challenge honouring Nancy, aka NancyK, at Splitcoaststampers today, and here is Nancy's card which gave me inspiration.  I'm also entering it into the Moxie Fab World Hip on Handwriting challenge!

I sprayed the watercolor paper liberally with water and then added various watercolors, allowing them to blend a bit - in areas where the paint wasn't moving well, I sprayed a bit more water.  I then spritzed on water with a loaded paintbrush, let it sit a minute or two, then pressed on a paper towel to lift off some of the paint, as was demonstrated in the section of the class on backgrounds.
The paper is a lighter version, so it had warped a bit, I ended up adhering it to some strong cardstock for a nice smooth finish before popping it up on the white card base.  

Jennifer Maguire showed us how to watercolor with embossed images and I found it easy to do because the paint pools right inside the lines - I used various Ranger Distress inks on an acrylic block, like Jean Mannis demonstrated, with Hero Arts Antique Engraved Butterflies - they have fabulous matching dies.  The sentiment is from Wplus9 Handlettered Hello and it's embossed in white on a vellum banner which has been cut using MFT Fishtail Flags Die-namics.

Working with rainbow colors makes me happy - maybe it's
because we have gray skies and rain so frequently here in Belfast!

Whatever the weather in your area, I hope you're having a good Sunday
 and if you're celebrating Mother's Day, I hope it's special.
Thanks so much for stopping by today! 

Peonies in a Jar

My practice card for today's Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class - this is my attempt at Sanketi's beautifully loose style - I've been a follower of her blog for quite a while because I freely admit that I'm a watercolor wannabe!  I also admit I find this loose style challenging, as an "inside the lines" kinda girl!

The image is from Flourishes Garden Picks and the sentiment is from Wplus9 Fresh Cut Florals.  I tried a lot of different embellishments including sequins and black and white twine, and ended up pulling it off - it stays as it is!

Thanks for stopping by today!

SNSS New Release Friday Feature

Hello and welcome once again to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps 

New Release Friday Feature!

The Design Team have some fun samples for you today 

as we feature a set which is especially great for building backgrounds:

Lots-a-Spots

I used watercolour paper, spritzing it lightly with water after stamping the 

different sized solid dots in shades of blues and greens - I then lay a paper towel

 over it to soak up the excess water - the water softens edges and lifts a bit of 

colour to give a "bokeh" effect.  I used SNSS Number dies and a sentiment from 

Lots-a-Spots to create a 40th birthday card.
A few matching sequins were the finishing touch.  

Now take a look at the full set and details below:

Stamp set measures approximately 4" x 4".

The Happy Birthday sentiment measures approximately 2" x 1/4".

The largest circle measures approximately 3/4" x 3/4".

Designed by Korin Sutherland.

Stamp set priced at $11.

Our challenge to you this week is to use POLKA DOTS on your card.  

The first cards in the hop were created for your inspiration

 by the design team - use the linky tool to add 

your own polka dot creation to the gallery!

Just a few guidelines to remember as you play:

- You don't have to use a Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps image to enter 

(although it's fun to see it when you do!)

-You'll have until Thursday, May 15th at midnight EST to enter.

- We'll draw 1 winner from this week's challenge to receive 

a $10 credit to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

- Please use code SNSFFC11 when uploading 

to Splitcoasstampers or other galleries.

- Share a link to your creation below.

Thanks for joining us today.  Be sure to check back on the SNSS blog again on Friday, 

May 16th to see if you won and to check out the next Friday Feature & Challenge!

Wildflower Meadow

Another card for today's Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class - this time I used a fab method demonstrated by Shari Carroll - coloring silhouette type stamps with markers and then spraying with water before stamping.  

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Nature Silhouettes worked perfectly for this along with some SU markers.

The sentiment is from Verve Words of Wisdom.  I added some white sequins - I LOVE those things, they tend to pick up on a variety of colours and add such a subtle bit of sparkle!   And the big plus is that they don't add extra bulk and thickness for posting, now that Royal Mail charges more according to the thickness of the envelope!

Thanks so much for stopping by, have a wonderful day!

Bokeh Background

Here's a fun birthday card using one of the techniques demonstrated by 

Julie Ebersole for today's Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class!

Julie demonstrated a bokeh effect technique using a pencil eraser and water, 

however I wanted to try it with a Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps 

set with various sized solid dots called Lots-a-Spots.

I used various Ranger Distress inks on slightly damp watercolor

paper and in the end wanted them to run a bit more, so I spritzed with 

extra water.  The popped up numbers are created with 

SNSS Numbers Dies and it's finished off with a fishtail banner 

birthday sentiment, also from Lots-a-Spots.

I used Spellbinders M-bossibilities So Trendy embossing folder for the 

background using Stampin Up's Lucky Limeade cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by for a look!

Hope is the Thing

Another card using one of the techniques introduced in 

todays Watercolor for Cardmakers Online Class.
I'm also entering this into the Moxie Fab World Hip on Handwriting Challenge!

Jennifer Rzasa demonstrated how to do a background color wash and 

then lay a stencil over it, slightly weighted down, leaving it to dry.

 It definitely creates an interesting textural look with the paint - it was fun!  

I went with a large polka dot stencil and then added white embossed 

vellum feathers using Waltzingmouse Fine Feathers with the
 matching Fine Feathers Dies.

Thanks so much for stopping by to have a look!

I

Birds on Wires

One of my first cards on day one of the 

Watercolor for Cardmakers Class at Online Card Classes.  

I tried the technique demonstrated by Laura Bassen of 

using inks on an acrylic block and spraying with water, using a variety of 

Ranger Distress inks.  I then took a large Nestie oval and used it as a 

template to draw in the wires across the inked area before 

adding the birds (Memory Box dies).

The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink Happy Trails.  

I used 300 gm. watercolor paper, I love how rich and thick this stuff is!

Thanks for stopping by today!

SNSS New Release Friday Feature

Hello and welcome once again to the Sweet 'n Sassy 

Stamps New Release Friday Feature!

The Design Team have come up with some 

fabulous samples to inspire you today using 

some of the newly released products. 

If you'd like to see the winner of last week's challenge, 

picked randomly, check the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps blog.

This week's featured stamp set is 

Love Birds and the matching Love Birds Dies.

I used the SNSS Clouds and Raindrops Dies to make a 

negative die-cut panel, adding a hand drawn wire.  I've found 

that by making a little template with a piece of card and a 

craft knife, and then tracing the edge with a black fine line marker,
I get a more even, straight look to create the "wires".

I also sponged a little bit of ink around the edges for definition.

The love birds are coloured with copics and popped up, 

and I chose two sentiments to combine for a fun anniversary card.

All in all, a quick card, not too difficult, 

with an effort to keep a somewhat clean look!

Now check out the full sets with the details below.

Stamp set measures approximately 6" x 4".

The branch measures approximately 4 1/4" x 2".

The love birds measure approximately 2" x 1 1/4".

Both sets designed by Korin Sutherland.

Stamp set priced at $15.

Die set priced at $14.50.

Bundle price is $26.50.

Our challenge to you this week is to use a bird on your creation.  The first cards 

in the hop were created for your inspiration by the Design Team.  

As you hop along, it would be great to hear your thoughts in a comment, then 

create your own card with a bird and use the linky tool to add it to the gallery!

Just a few guidelines to remember as you play:

- You don't have to use a Sweet 'n Sassy image to enter, 

although we love it when you do!

- You'll have until Thursday, May 8th at midnight EST to enter.

-  We'll draw 1 winner from this week's challenge to 

receive a $10 credit to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!

- Please use code SNSFFC10 when uploading
to Splitcoaststampers or other galleries.

- Share a link to your creation below.

Thanks for joining us today!  Be sure to check back again on Friday, 

May 9th to see if you won and to check out the next Friday Feature and Challenge!