I’ve been reading a lot of card-related blogs lately (especially Amy R’s- find her in my list of blogs to the right), trying to get the hang of this card making stuff. Last week I received some Stamping Bella stamps, and a few other things and so I grabbed my Copic markers and tried to see what I could do. I’ve had a handful of Copics for about a year now, and I’ve used them from time to time, but I haven’t practiced enough to get good at the shading. I also don’t have the colours I would need to do a nice job, but that’s another story, for another credit card statement. So this week I focussed on practicing my colouring. I coloured stamped images almost every night while watching TV, and I figured a few things out, including the fact that I need better paper (also another story for another credit card statement).

So with all these coloured images on hand, I had to make a few cards! With my new ban on 1/2 and 1/2 cards, I tried the My Favourite Things sketch for inspiration:

Here’s what I came up with:

Coffee Card (A2)

The stamp is from the “A Slice of Life” set from Stampin Up! and the patterned paper is from the Fly a Kite collection by October Afternoon.  I used two of the Labels 4 Nestabilities dies and inked the edges of both die cuts with Frayed Burlap distress ink.  I also inked the edge of the blue scalloped paper (used my Fiskars scalloped border punch) with Broken China distress ink.  All the cardstock is from my scrap drawers.  After looking at Amy R’s cards, I decided to try more matting, and it really makes a huge difference in the feel and look of the card.  I wouldn’t normally put  these colours together, but I really like the look.  I feel like this card is much nicer than my cards usually are (despite the weird bow and not great shading), so it feels good to have made some progress in cardmaking.  I took another cue from Amy R and did a little something on the inside of the card (although not nearly as elaborate as hers):

Inside of card made with scraps

Then here is another card I just made in a few minutes (it was super fast and easy!):

All the Nothing card (5.25X5.25)

Again, the image was coloured with Copics earlier this week, and is one of my new Stamping Bella stamps (PutYourFeetUpaBella).  The base is Rich Razzelberry by Stampin Up! and I double matted it with black and grey scrap cardstock.  I ran the grey cardstock through my Cuttlebug using the Dots and Spots embossing folder.  I used the Circle and Scalloped circle Nestabilities to cut out and frame the image, using Bermuda Bay (Stampin Up retired).  I stamped the sentiment that came with the image onto grey scrap paper and cut it out with the Nestabilities Labels 1 die.  I inked the edge with London Fog Memento ink (overdid it a bit- oops!).  The ribbon is one of my favourites (from Michaels)- it is purple with light blue dots.

Here are the cards I made last week, using the Poppy Seed collection by K and Company (scored for dirt cheap at Walmart) and some Making Memories embellishments:

The one on the far left has my first attempt at sewing on a card.  These were easy.  Base, mat, mat, mat, stick on an embellie, sticker letters, bow.

Mercy Tiara

Mercy Tiara

You may be wondering who is Mercy Tiara, and why the name? MercyTiara is an anagram of my first and middle names, Tracy Marie. I discovered this name in the 90's in grad school when we were all coming up with alter egos for one another in a lab one day. I've used it ever since, but you can call me Tracy or MercyTiara, or anything you want... just don't call me late for supper!

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