TIME OUT Challenge #2

Hey!

It looks like a lot of you enjoyed the new TIME OUT Challenge, it was lovely to see so many entries for the first challenge. I'm still working my way through to comment but I'll be stopping by all the lovely entries :)

Anyway, it's time for a new challenge and this week it is 'Home Sweet Home' a picture inspiration challenge. 

Photo Source: House Decorating Ideas

You can probably guess which direction I went in for my card. Most of you know I'm a sucker for butterflies!

Such a fresh & clean inspiration photo I decided to interpret this onto my card. I went for a textured white card base and a smooth white panel adhered to the base using foam adhesive. I dug through my patterned paper stash and found some lovely Pink Paislee paper. I die cut three patterned paper butterflies using the Designer Dies BRIGHT Butterflies and also three matching vellum butterflies and layered them as seen below.

As much as I love pattern & patterned paper being a surface pattern designer by 'trade', sometimes they can be over powering, especially on CAS cards. Adding the vellum butterfly over the top of the patterned butterfly softens the pattern & also adds depth.

Ok, that's all from me today, but there is SO much more inspiration from the FABulous Design Team  HERE and also all the details on the challenge & entering. I can't wait to see what you create for this challenge :)

Supplies

Card Stock: White from stash

Ink: SU! Peach Parfait (Retired)

Stamps: Uniko Studio Flower Power #1

Accessories: Uniko Studio Designer Dies BRIGHT Butterflies, Pink Paislee Prairie Hill Paper Collection, SU! Vellum, Pearls & Foam Adhesive.

'Die'mensional

Hey Happy Monday!

Apologies for my tardiness with todays post, I've no fantastic excuse other than lack of sleep last night. I found myself wide awake at 2am unable to get back to sleep for hours! So today I have been lacking in energy.

Anyway, enough of my woes! I thought I would pop in and share a couple of the cards we made during the class on Saturday at The Paperlane...

Both cards are inspired by THIS card I shared last week and my new LOVE for adding dimension to die cuts. It seemed appropriate that I tried it out with the Designer Dies Graphic Flowers from Time and I have to say I am loving the results!

As you can see on this first card I went for a rainbow effect which is was also inspired by THIS card here. I added a lovely dose of glitter to the top layer as I just can't stop using the stuff! My second card is another alternative of the same technique, also inspired by Jennifer McGuire and specifically THIS card. Though Jennifer stamps the patterned panel I decided to make a tiny dent in my patterned paper stash...

I chose a patterned paper from the Bo Bunny Isabella collection and I have to say once I had watched Jennifer's video it all became clear and the technique was easy to achieve and was very therapeutic and relaxing to do. 

Like I said before this is a technique that I am sure you will be seeing more of and I look forward to trying out different versions! 

Sorry to those who saw these cards on Saturday at the class, but I thought I would share it with all my lovely followers near and far who couldn't come :) This also reminds me that I am pleased to announce that due to 'popular' demand, from next month I will be running two classes at The Paperlane, one from 9:30 - 12:30 and the usual 2 - 5, with a short demo at between the classes (all the details are HERE). 

There is also still time to hop along with the Design Team and I with this months revisited blog hop HERE and be sure to comment along the way for the chance to win the prize :)

Ok, that's all from me today, I've time to squeeze in a couple more little jobs before I start the tea! Until tomorrow, thank you for stopping by :)

Supplies

Card Stock: White from stash, SU! Real Red & Smokey Slate. PTI Hawaiian Shores, Spring Rain, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest, Hibiscus Burst & Ripe Avocado

Accessories: Uniko Studio Designer Dies Graphic Flowers from Time, Hero Arts Prisma Glitter and Bo Bunny Isabella Collection.

How Jolly, it's the Weekend!

Hey!

I'm in a JOLLY mood today, it might be because it's the weekend or it could possibly be due to the card I have to share with you today...

Yup, I've inked up Jolly Santa from Jolly Christmas and had fun with a little paper piecing. I rarely use patterned paper in my cards even though I have a HUGE stack of lovely papers! I decided to use a patterned paper from Basic Grey's Nordic Holiday. Along with using the paper for Santa I decided to add a strip down either side of the white panel he is stamped on.

I added a sentiment also from the Jolly Christmas set to a banner & some glitter to add a little sparkle & finish things off. 

That's all from me today, I'll be back tomorrow with more to share. Until then, thank you for stopping by today & have a Fabulously & Jolly day!

Supplies:
Card: PTI Kraft, White from stash
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Stamps: Uniko Studio Jolly Christmas
Accessories: PTI Banner Die, Embroider Floss, Basic Grey Nordic Holiday Paper Collection & Hero Arts Prisma Glitter

Design Team Inspiration - Stamp on Patterned Paper

 Stacey here to show off one of my very favorite Uniko Studio stamp sets and Designer Die collections, Pure Florals: Chrysanthemum!  

I love to stamp images on patterned paper...it's so easy, but creates a beautiful effect!  Here are a few tips to consider when stamping on patterned paper!

1. Choose papers that are muted and/or have subtle patterns.
2. Alternate contrasting colors for a "pop" of color!
3. Die cut your paper first, then line up the stamp to ink them up...don't worry if it's not perfect...it's handmade, after all!
4. Embellish with buttons, sequins, and/or twine to dress it all up!

Thanks for stopping by today!  

Stacey - Stacey's Stamping Stage

Design Team Inspiration - Stamping on Patterned Paper

Hello Uniko Studio Fans!!

Nicki here bringing you some Design Team Inspiration! The theme today is Stamping on Patterned Paper. It's really a simple technique and it can really add some interest to your cards!

Here are the supplies I used for this card....nothing out of the ordinary!

I started off by cutting a piece of patterned paper slightly smaller than the card base (width). Then, using the Wonderful Washi stamp set, I stamped directly onto the paper using two different ink colors, and three washi patterns. A thin strip of black cardstock was placed next to the paper, and both were adhered to the card base.

Not only did I stamp with ink on the patterned paper, but I also heat embossed the polka dot birthday label with glittery embossing powder. It's such a pretty look...see the image below for a close up!

I then mounted the birthday label to a piece of black cardstock, and adhered it to the card (slightly hanging off the edge) using foam tape. That's it! A simple technique can create a very interesting look!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope I have inspired you to dig out that patterned paper you've been stashing away, and put it to use! :)

Nicki

Supplies

Card Stock: PTI Rustic White, Basic Black

Patterned Paper: Stampin' Up!

Ink: SU! Purely Pomegranate. Staz-On Black.

Stamps: Uniko Studio Wonderful Washi, Label Love: Birthday

Accessories: PK Glitz EP Max Embossing Powder (Burgundy), Foam tape

Super FREE Saturday - Simple Bloom

Hey!

I'm SO glad you stopped by the blog today as I've a little Bank Holiday treat in store for you all :) Yep, it's time for another Super FREE Saturday...

This Super FREE Saturday collection is called Simple Bloom and it can be downloaded for FREE via the Uniko Studio website HERE. Simply register if you haven't already and download the file - easy! 

This digital collection contains one Simple Bloom image and one sentiment which come as a PNG file and as a Photoshop Brush. Plus 3 digital patterned papers which can be printed both A4 and US letter size.

How about a card showing you how I've used the collection...

I clustered a trio of blooms in the lower left of my document in Photoshop, added the sentiment and printed it out. I then used my Prisma Colour pencils and Gamsol to colour them in before trimming and mounting. 

If you download the collection and use it I'd LOVE to see your projects, why not upload them to the Uniko Studio Flickr Group HERE or send me a link to your project on your blog or you can even email me a photo! 

That's all from me this morning, I'll be back later today with another SFS card to share with you all. Enjoy!

Supplies

Card Stock: PTI Aqua Mist

Accessories: Uniko Studio Super FREE Saturday, Prisma Colour Pencils, Gamsol

Take Care

Happy Friday!

The weekend is nearly here and it's a holiday weekend here in the UK and dare I speak to soon, but it's set to be the hottest of the year so far which isn't hard to beat! I'm looking forward to an extra day with my hunny & hopefully some sunshine!

Anyway, I've a super CAS card to share today...

I noticed that the new CASology challenge code word HERE this week is care and so thought of the Take Care sentiment from Flower Power #1. I went on a bike ride yesterday evening to meet my guy after he finished work. The sun was out & still quite warm and I saw my first butterfly of the year which reminded me that I hadn't used my BRIGHT Butterflies dies for some time. 

The patterned paper is a left over piece from the Eclectic Mix Summer Digital Patterned Paper Collection. I've got plenty of paper scraps and this card layout is perfect for using such left overs. 

That's all from me today, thank you for stopping by.

Supplies

Card Stock: WPlus9 White

Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black

Stamps: Uniko Studio Flower Power #1

Accessories: Uniko Studio Eclectic Mix Summer Digital Patterned Paper Collection. Uniko Studio Designer Dies BRIGHT Butterflies. Embroidery Floss. Foam Adhesive

Makes My Heart Happy...

Hey!

There are many things in life that make my heart happy & one of those things is coming across customer creations using Uniko Studio products. So I thought I'd share a few of my recent finds with you all...

These first two cards are by Vicki, you can see more of Vicki's creations HERE. Both cards are so Summery and as you may know I'm a sucker for butterflies! On Vicki's second card she has paired the BRIGHT Butterflies with Background Builders: Round In Circles & a sentiment from Pure Florals: Chrysanthemum. Simply perfect sums up both these cards :)

How about some more lovely butterflies? This time from Sue, you can check out more of Sue's creations HERE.

On this first card Sue has paired BRIGHT Butterflies with the Round In Circles Digital Patterned Paper Collection & All Occasion Sentiments #1. Loving the layout & retro squares :) Continuing the circle  & butterfly theme Sue created this awesome easel card...

Loving the soft pastels on this card, reminds me of the beach :)

I have one more card to share, continuing the butterfly theme that seems to have occurred today! This one is by Gillian & you can check out more of Gillian's creations HERE.

Don't you just love the sparkle of those butterflies? Happy sigh! Well, that's all from me today, I hope to find a little inky time later today to create some projects to share with you.

I'd LOVE to see more customer creations just email me a link or photo of your creation, it would make my heart happy :)

Thanks for stopping by

Just a note...

Happy Friday!

Popping in real quick for a graphic style floral 'Just a note' card today...

I've had this card sketched out for a while now a found time yesterday to make it. Sorry to have more Chrysanthemums again, but they seem to be my go to set at the moment!

Flowers is the current Addicted to CAS challenge theme seen HERE, so I thought I'd link up to that challenge.

That's all from me today, I'll be back tomorrow with more to share. Hope you all have a lovely day & YAY! for the weekend!

Thanks for stopping by.

Supplies
Card Stock: WPlus9 White
Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black, SU! Going Grey
Stamps: Uniko Studio Pure Florals: Chrysanthemum, All Occasion Sentiments #1
Accessories: Uniko Studio Digital Patterned Paper Collection On The Grid

Hybrid Chrysanthemums

Hey!

I'm back today with a card to share that I've made using the current CAS(E) this Sketch! I had this card idea in my head as soon as I saw the sketch and had to find a little creative time to make it...

The sketch seen HERE and below certainly got my creative juices flowing & I can see me coming back to this one! 

My card is almost a one layer card, but I decided to mat the main layer with some SU! Summer Sun CS I had left in my stash. I think it helps frame the focus of the card...

I thought I'd put together a photo tutorial of how I created this card too, I'd have done a video tutorial but I am not very good at those... YET! 

I'm working in Photoshop CS5, most Photoshop & Photoshop Elements packages have similar menus.

Step 1 - Create a new document the size of your card panel. Mine is 10 cm x 13.5 cm

File - New - Custom - Enter dimensions - OK

Step 2 - Create a second new document the size that you want your patterned paper strips to be. Mine are 1cm x 5cm

File - New - Custom - Enter dimensions - OK

Step 3 - Open the digital patterned paper files you want to use. I chose a patterned paper design from Pure Florals: Chrysanthemum Digital Patterned Paper Collection.

File - Open - Locate Saved Digital Download - Open

Step 4 - As the canvas size of my card is a quarter of the size of the digital patterned paper I decided I needed to shrink the paper so that more of the design would be seen on each of the coloured/patterned strips.

Image - Image Size - Enter Dimensions - OK

Step 5 - Creating the strips. 

Using the Rectangular Marquee Tool select the top left area of the paper big enough to fit inside the second document in step 2

You now want to copy this section of the paper to paste into the second document. 

Edit - Copy

Step 6 - Go to document 2 (I named mine strip size) and paste the paper into the document.

Edit - Paste 

Step 7 - Before we can copy & paste this paper strip into our first document in Step 1 it needs to be flattened so it is just one layer. 

Layer - Flatten Image - Edit - Copy

Step 8 - Paste patterned strip into document 1 

Roughly move & place the strip where you want it to be. You can play with placement & spacing once you've all you strips on the document. 

Step 9 - You could repeat Steps 3 - 8 with each of the 4 other colours of patterned paper. 

However, I took it one step further and made the process a little more time consuming! I wanted the pattern across all the strips to match as they went across the card front which you can see in my close up photo above.

How I did this... Step 3 - 6 are the same as above. In Step 7 before I flattened my image to copy and paste into the main document I moved the paper to the left by 1cm

Step 10 - Repeat Step 7 & 8

Step 11 - Repeat Step 9 but for the 3rd colour/patterned strip you'll need to move it across to the left by 2cm and by an extra cm for each strip until you've five strips in your document. Which should look like this...

Step 12 - Adding the sentiment. Use the Type tool (T) to do this. Select & change Font & Font Size as required. 

The font I used is Disco 18pt.

Step 13 - Print document, trim to desired size

Step 14 - Stamp 'Hello' sentiment & adhere mat layer to card base

Ta Dah! 

I hope you found the photo tutorial useful?! If not I'm sorry, but I hope you liked my card :) That's all from me today - phew I hear you say after all those photos! Haha! 

I'll be back tomorrow with more to share & thank you for stopping by.

Supplies

Card Stock: SU! Retired Summer Sun, White 160 gsm Printer Paper

Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black

Stamps: Uniko Studio All Occasion Sentiments #1

Accessories: Uniko Studio Pure Florals: Chrysanthemum Digital Patterned Paper Collection