The little things that make me happy here on Bliss Road~~Emily Keaton

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Woodgrain Background Two Ways

Last month I won a spot in the new Stretch Your Stamps online class, and yesterday was the very first day of class. I've never participated in an online papercrafting course before so I was very curious about it and eager to try it out. And I must say, the first day was AWESOME!! I learned soooooooooooo much. The first day was all about stretching your background stamps, and I couldn't wait to try some of what I learned. So I took a little time to make these cards this morning:




Both use the Designer Woodgrain stamp from Hero Arts and sentiments from the Messages set, also from Hero Arts.

The colors I used on the first card were inspired by this Vera Bradley backpack in Lime's Up. I suppose I was also a bit influenced by the pattern, too ;).

My colors in the second card were inspired by the July Hero Arts color challenge:

I'm so excited to be able to play along with A Blog Named Hero: Challenge #7 STRETCH Your Stamps with these two cards, showing how I used the same woodgrain background stamp in two different ways in two very different projects. :D

I'm also playing along again with Kim Kesti's Crafty Month challenge--to create a card (the neon colors one) that combines at least one new item and one item from your stash (at least one year old). For this card, my new item is the Hero Arts Woodgrain stamp, and my old item from my stash is the Websters Pages Bloomers. I've got to stop hoarding that ribbon!!

I have a lot on my list today, so it's time to go tackle it. Thanks so much for checking out what I did with my little bit of "me time" today!
Emily

Stamps: Designer Woodgrain, Messages by Hero Arts
Paper: PTI cardstock, The Paper Company cardstock
Ink: Onyx Black and Vintage Sepia Versafine, TAC Bubblegum
Accessories: circle punch, sewing machine, foam tape, rhinestone, Bloomers by Websters Pages
Techniques: machine stitching

22 comments:

Marisa said...

Way to rock the wood grain, Emily :)

Pam said...

Very cool effect with the wood grain Emily!!

Anita said...

Both are gorgeous cards Emily. Thanks for giving me some new ideas on using my woodgrain stamp!

KatheD said...

Love the way you worked the colors, and what a great idea, punching circles out of your background! I gave some thought to what punches might work, since I didn't have a good die, but I didn't get as far as you did - I'll be back to the crafting table with this idea, thanks!

Bonnie said...

Wow, Emily, what a fun way to use the background stamp! Both are bright and cheerful!

Lisa Carroll said...

These are fabulous! Super creative ways to use that yummy woodgrain... love the colors you used, too. :) Thanks for playing along in the Stretch Your Stamps challenge over at A Blog Named Hero!

Annette Allen said...

wow these are TOTALLY AWESOME...i love that fun wood grain look...great cards...

Jessi Fogan said...

Wow! I love the fun colours on both - and the circle layout is super! The extended sentiment is really neat too.
And the pink/orange/yellow? Those roses are perfect for it!

Colleen Dietrich said...

These are both fabulous! I've never taken an online class either. I'll just have to learning via you, my friend. You're off to a great start!

Jennifer said...

Emily -- great cards --- two very different looks with one stamp (guess that's kinda the point, huh??) So funny -- I just yesterday bought a Vera Bradley tote in that "flavor" for my sister's birthday! Love it! :)

Kirsten Corby said...

The woodgrain stamp looks great in those bright colors! I especially like the circles. I am definitely going to have to get that stamp. It seems like you can do anything with it.

Benzi said...

Emily, how cool are these cards! Woodgrain and super colors. The cards are poppin'. Love those red Bloomers, too.

Vikki H said...

thanks for featuring the woodgrain stamp. I like your bright colors and the circles! I also won my spot in class but it's my 3rd online class this year. You will learn so much!

Melissa Shea said...

Beautiful cards! I love how bright they are! This is my first time on your blog and I love that you actually live on Bliss Rd! And smarty pants on top-you actually write the math books?? That just sounds smart! LOL! Thanks for playing with us at A Blog Named Hero!

cheiron said...

Gorgeous cards Emily. Love the totally different designs and the fabulous bright colors! Thanks for playing along with us in the Stretch Your Stamps Challenge over on A Blog Named Hero!

Marlena M. said...

I love what you learned and created Emily! ;)

Kristen said...

love these looks, great creativity that shines!

Sharing bloggy love, visiting from A Blog Named Hero
xo, Kristina
Come visit and say hello!
www.pearlgateway.com

Debbie Carriere said...

Ahm, these are GORGEOUS!!!! Love what you did and the bold colors are awesome!!! Hope you are having a great summer!!

Unknown said...

these are gorgeous. the green dots are my fave...love that gradient effect...very...woodsy!

A Blog Named Hero said...

Emily what great cards! I can't decide which I like more--that's not a bad thing :)

Thank you so much for playing along with our challenge!

Linda
A Blog Named Hero

Stephanie said...

These cards turned out great!
I love the fun bright colours mixed with the woodgrain! :-)

~Tammy~ said...

These are so pretty Emily!!! Hope your summer is going well. As u can c I am way behind, I love all your work!!