Love a Good Color Challenge

Hello Crafty Friends,

Today was Spaghetti Dinner for my son's Boy Scout that he was a member of for many years. He earned Eagle Scout through the troop and they paid for his college tuition, so it was a good time to show our support. My hubby is now in the living room watching the Super Bowl and I can hear him yelling at the TV. Me...I am in the craft room enjoying some creative time. It is not always easy to find the time since I have been busy with school (setting up a STEM Lab and conducting Science lessons), going to the Y, tutoring, and shopping (found some fabulous deals at Dillard's last weekend). 

Today's project...

My friend asked me to make her a few Valentine cards for her family and I said, "of course". I wanted to use this new MFT heart stencil and after seeing the MFT color challenge I decided to blend the two together. I used Tim Holtz oxide inks (worn lipstick and wild violet) to create the background. Love the scattered hearts.

Here are the MFT colors...

LOVE is a MFT word die and the stamped sentiment underneath it is from Whimsical Designs (closed and no longer available). The scalloped circle is great as the focal point.

I cut a stitched rectangle with my Cuttlebug for this inside. I left it blank for a personal message.

Hope you have a great week.
Stay Creative,
Georgiana 

Thanks to the Mesmerizing Mandala

Hello Crafty Friends,

Thank you for coming back to Carson's Creations to see what is new.
The students head back to school today after being off for two weeks. I sent home some math packets on the last day before break, so I am looking forward to seeing how many students actually completed the work and submit it. I told the teachers I would collect, grade and provide a treat for each of the students. Hoping for a BIG pile. 

More exciting news for us Math and Science nerds...we had a gentleman, Mr. Phil, donate a Celestron Telescope. A couple 5th grade teachers and I met with him and was briefed on how to use it and we have decided to go back to school this Saturday night and put it to use. I am SUPER excited to see the night sky through a new lens. Hoping to see a planet.

Today I am sharing a pair of thank you cards I created using distress oxides, a mandala die cut, and the sentiment thanks.

First, I inked the white cardstock with distress oxides (colors listed below) and then placed a MFT snowy stencil on top. I used a mister to spray some water and then dabbed it dry (which slightly removed some of the ink). I used Blueprints #27 to cut the scalloped rectangular background. 

Once the background was completely dry, I added the white MFT mandala and scattered a few white pearls. The sentiment "thanks" is by Paper Smooches and I cut it with my Cuttlebug. 

Distress Oxide Ink colors:

Worn Lipstick

Abandoned Coral

Wilted Violet

Faded Jeans

I am really enjoying using my new Christmas goodies and I received an e-mail yesterday that another package from MFT is on its way. Now I need the weekend to get here so I have free time to create. The hardest decision will be...what should I use?!?! 

Happy New Year!
Stay Creative,
Georgiana 

My Favorite Things ~ Summer School

Hello Crafty Friends,

My daughter and I decided to go back to school last night...that is at My Favorite Things. You are never too old to learn and that is exactly what I was determined to do...learn some new techniques and tips. We read all five of the posts, watched every video, and created a card for each lesson.  Phew! I think my brain is full of LOTS of new information that will be useful for many future projects.

Here are all the completed assignments...

The idea of white space doesn’t refer to a primarily white card 

 but rather, the idea of leaving a significant portion of your design open, free from embellishment, allowing your focal point to truly shine.

 Primary colors are among the first we learn as kids and for that reason, sometimes have a bad rap as being a childish choice for projects. Really though, primary colors are essential. Not only do they provided the basis for our other colors, they also impart such a playful cheeriness (kid card or not) that they shouldn’t be overlooked.

Repetition reinforces a theme within your projects. Switching things up — either by introducing another color or including an unexpected element into a recognizable pattern, keeps the overall look interesting.

Complementary colors refer to colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel — yellow-purple, red-green, and orange-blue being the traditional complementary pairings.

 

 Symmetry refers to positioning your elements mirrored across an imaginary line that divides your project into even segments. It’s a great method for achieving balance in your design and is a reliable means of laying out your card elements when you don’t have a lot of planning time to spare.

Feeling accomplished!

Now that all those assignments are complete, time to move on to another task!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana 

Thinking of You at Die Cuttin' Divas ~ It's an Embossing Challenge

Hello Everyone!

Today I am sharing the new challenge at Die Cuttin' Divas.

This Week's Challenge...

~ Embossing ~

~ Dry or Heat ~

Here is my Design Team project...

I wanted to have both types of embossing on my project today, so I had to think of how to incorporate dry and heat. It did not take long to decide and come up with an idea. I also knew I wanted to use my oxide inks with white embossing powder since they always looks great together. The key would be to find the right stamp.

The flower is an oldie by Inkadinkadoo. I prefer to use my older stamps with VersaMark ink just in case there is any residue.  I heat embossed the flower on white cardstock with white embossing powder. Then I used three shades of Tim Holtz oxides: fossilized amber, spiced marmalade, and abandoned coral to add some color. 

The yellow card stock was first cut with the stitched rectangle using my Cuttlebug (C plate) and then the circle was cut out from the center. Lastly, the cardstock was placed in the the swiss dots embossing folder and it went through the Cuttlebug (B plate) creating raised dots.

  The stamped sentiment (included with a magazine subscription) was heat embossed on vellum. As long as you move the heat gun back and forth, the vellum will not warp.

Hope you will join us at Die Cuttin' Divas this week for our "Embossing" challenge. Our sponsor this week is Leslie from our very our DCD Design Team and it is a CTMH stamp set.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Circles at PDE

Happy Wednesday! 

The challenge at Pause Dream Enjoy begins today. 

This Week's Challenge...

~ Circles ~

I do love to use circles on my projects, especially my stitched dies. They come in different sizes, so it makes it easy to chose which one you want.

Here is my Design Team project...

I went a little crazy and used circles for my background, but I love it. Since I still had my Tim Holtz oxide inks on my desk from the other day I used the same four colors: cracked pistachio, peacock feathers, broken china, and faded jeans. I colored the three critters from the MFT Polynesian Paradise stamp set and adhered them to scalloped circles. If you notice I turned the background colors the opposite direction as the critters (blue on top and green on the bottom). I thought it was a neat effect.

The stamped sentiment is by Jaded Blossom ~ Random Act of Kindness set.

Hope you will join us at Pause Dream Enjoy this week for our "Circles" challenge. Be sure to check out the other DT projects.

If you like what you see, please become a follower. Leave me your blog name and I will stop by to see what you have been making! Since I am off for summer vacation, I have plenty of time to visit.

Smile...It's Time to Announce the Winner

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for celebrating with me this past weekend. Hard to believe it has been 8 years, but I can honestly say I have enjoyed the journey. Meeting so many wonderful people and learning from each makes me want to continue for another 8 years (or more).

Welcome to all my new followers. I am looking forward to sharing lots this summer, so be sure to check back often. Also, if you haven't left your blog address be sure to. I want to visit and see what you are creating.

Today's project...

After looking back at the last couple of weeks, I realized I had a lot of projects that used my Cameo and SVG files. I decided to do something a little different...heat embossing with a MFT background stamp. I used clear VersaMark ink and white embossing powder. Then I applied 4 different colors of Tim Holtz oxide inks: cracked pistachio, peacock feathers, broken china, and faded jeans. I tested the colors on a piece of scrap paper to make sure they blended nicely first because I did not want to ruin my background. Let's just say that is a lesson learned from past experience.

I used a MFT rounded stitched edge die to create the lower portion, stamped the sentiment with Versafine Black Onyx ink, and added Smile with Tombow multi mono liquid glue (sticks well to the embossing). Then a few color coordinated sequins were scattered on the front panel. 

Challenges:
CAS on Friday ~ Embossing
Paper Craft Crew ~ Designer's Choice
4 Crafty Chicks ~ Anything Goes
Crafty Calendar ~ Three of Something

I thought this card was the perfect introduction for "Announcement Day".
Time to announce the winner...

Congratulations Connie!

Be sure to send me an e-mail at coachfans at cox dot net with your mailing address.

Until tomorrow,
Georgiana 

Birthdays are a BIG Deal

Hello Everyone,

Half the week is over and we are getting closer to the weekend again. I don't really like to rush time by as I get older, but I sure do look forward to time off to play in the craft room. It is typically too difficult during the week with school, but I did make time to create this card (and boy was it fun!).

 The challenge at Craftaholics R Us begins today. 

This Week's Challenge...

~ Birthday Cards ~

Here is my Design Team project...

I ALWAYS need birthday cards and never have enough, especially this time of year.

For this card I started with cutting the three layers...the scallop and stitched rectangle are by My Favorite Things ~ Blueprints 20 (one of my personal favorites).  Then I cut WISH with my Cuttlebug and placed it to the side so I could create my background. I used the Large Polka Dot stencil, Marble background, and Distressed Patterns stamp set along with Ranger picked raspberry and worn lipstick oxide inks. I splattered a few distressed spots in a couple shades of purple. 

Next...I stamped, colored, and die cut the MFT elephant and attached the purple Melissa Frances ribbon. Lastly, I added the MFT Happy Hippos stamped sentiment and adhered a few purple sequins using a glue pen.

Other Challenges:
Always Fun Challenges ~ Happy Birthday
Jo's Scrap Shack ~ Anything Goes

Hope you will join us at Craftaholics R Us this week for our "Birthday Cards" challenge. Be sure to check out the other craftaholics.

Stay Creative,

Die Cuttin' Diva Sketch ~ Happy Birthday with Mickey

Hello Diva Fans!

Welcome back to Carson's Creations and thanks for stopping by!

Today I am sharing the new challenge at Die Cuttin' Divas.

This Week's Challenge...

~ April's Sketch ~

Here is my Design Team project...

My daughter's birthday is next Monday and we bought her two three day Disney Park Hopper passes, so she can experience the new Avatar Land and see the night shows. She is going to take her boyfriend as her guest. 

I cut the Mickey head balloon on my Cameo. The papers are from The Stamps of Life, the supersized stamped sentiment is by Jaded Blossom, and the Wonky Oval is by My Favorite Things.

Hope you will join us at Die Cuttin' Divas this week for our "April's Sketch" challenge. 

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Thinking of You with Avery Elle Flowers

Hello Everyone and Happy Sunday!

Thanks for being here today. I have been busy in the craft room since early this morning. I saved a few sketches I thought would be fun and then I wrote the challenges for the past week to see what I might be able to join. 

Today's Project...

I decided to join Tuesday Morning Sketches and I made not one, but two cards. I noticed I have been using quite a bit of pink the last two weeks, so I switched up the color palette to blues, yellows and then orange.

This week's sketch #439 from Tuesday Morning Sketches.

I used Avery Elle's Petals and Stem stamp set and My Favorite Things Oval Scallop Edge Frame. The inks are Tim Holtz oxide inks.

For the second card I rotated the sketch and changed the colors to yellow and orange.

I used the same stamp set, but adhered orange gems around the scallop to add a little pizazz.

 Other Challenges:

Jo's Scrap Shack ~ Anything Goes

Glad you stopped by! This is going to be a busy and creative week with Valentines. Hope you will come again!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Anything Goes Challenge at Craftaholics R Us

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Wednesday! 

It's Hump Day!

Thanks for stopping by at Carson's Creations and welcome to my new crafty followers. I hope I can inspire you to create something new! Don't forget to leave your blog's name, so I can visit you. Today I am joining the challenge at Craftaholics R Us as the DT floater. 

This Week's Challenge...

~ Anything Goes ~

Here is my Design Team project...

I enjoy playing with watercolors because the colors and design is always different. You never know what you will get when the colors dry, you layer additional colors on top of each other, or you just let the colors blend naturally. I used picked raspberry and worn lipstick oxide inks for both of these backgrounds. I splattered some raspberry, white, and silver too. I then used the MFT abstract heart and cut it a few times in various colors with my Cuttlebug. 

For this one I added some embroidery floss, silver enamel dots, LOVE die-cut, and you was stamped and heat embossed with silver powder.

For the second card, the stamped sentiment is by Scrappy Moms Stamps and the ribbon is by Melissa Frances. I used micro sized Glue Dots to adhere the crinkled ribbon and bow.

Other Challenges:

Cardz TV ~ Anything Goes #30

Use Your Stuff ~ Monochromatic (Pinks)

The Paper Girls ~ Watercolours

Cuttlebug Mania ~ Valentine's Day

Through the Craft Room Door ~ Anything Goes

Allsorts ~ No Patterned Papers

Hope you will join us at Craftaholics R Us this week for our "Anything Goes" challenge. Be sure to check out the other craftaholics.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana

Celebrate with a Cover-Up

Hello Everyone,

I woke up super early this morning after hearing the dog "sleep bark" then snore. She must have been in a deep sleep because she didn't budge when I left the bedroom. I tiptoed to the other side of the house to my craft room and decided to log on to some blogs and message some crafty friends. To my surprise Theresa was up and we made plans to chat tonight since she needed to get to bed (I told you I was up early). I pulled out my oxide inks and starting thinking about what to make. I really wanted to make a birthday card using the celebrate die.

Today's project...

I applied worn lipstick and broken china to white cardstock with a round blending tool. I did mist the page and dabbed it with a paper towel. Then I found my MFT chunky chevron cover-up. I thought it would be neat to let some color pop through the cut-out pieces and a have few white chunks scattered around.  

The balloons were sitting on my desk from last week and I figured I needed to use my stash rather throw them away. I added white craft thread this time instead of black.

I took the two oxide inks and blended the colors on another piece of white cardstock. I ran the celebrate die through my Cuttlebug and adhered it to some white craft foam for dimension. There is some sparkle (Wink of Stella) that you can barely see in the photo on the letters.

Looking forward to trying some other techniques with these inks. I still have another half of the video I started to watch the other day.  Hope to find something new to try. If you can recommend a few videos, I would be very appreciative!!!

Stay Creative,

Georgiana 

Celebration Time at Craftaholics R Us

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Wednesday!

Thanks for stopping by. Today I am joining the Craftaholics R Us Design Team as a floater. This is perfect for me since I want to craft more, find guest designer spots, but still not have to worry if I miss one challenge because of a school engagement. 

This Week's Challenge...

~ Celebration Cards ~

Here is my Design Team project...

I love creating backgrounds with watercolors since every one is unique, and this one used my new Tim Holtz oxide inks (worn lipstick, wilted violet, and broken china) and a Pentel waterbrush.

I used the Freshly Made Sketches layout for my card.

I used my blending tool and added oxide inks to white cardstock. I misted a bit of water and after it dried splattered a few drops of white paint. Then, I cut out the three balloons with my Cameo.

 Sometimes I like to use craft thread since it is thin and comes in a variety of colors. The ribbon is by Melissa Frances (bought it at the Scrapbook Expo last year).

The stamped sentiment is by Scrappy Moms Stamps.

Other Challenges:
CardzTV ~ Anything Goes
Hiding in My Craft Room ~ Freestyle
Shopping Our Stash ~ Watercolor
Happy Little Stamper ~ January Watercolour
Through the Craft Room Door ~ Anything Goes
Use Your Stuff ~ Anything Goes

Hope you will join us at Craftaholics R Us this week for our "Celebration Cards" challenge. Be sure to check out the other craftaholics.

If you like what you see, please become a follower. Tomorrow I will be sharing another creation for Pause Dream Enjoy challenges. Leave your blog name, so I can stop by to see you.

Stay Creative,

Georgiana