PTI: Make It Monday #8 Ink Blending Techniques

It has been a little rough around here lately, and I had some happy cards and sad cards to make. In the past two weeks we have had new baby births, a dear friend suffer the loss of a newborn, my husband's grandmother pass away, and my parents got in a car accident. Thankfully everyone is doing well (except my parents car) but I knew I would be a roller coaster of emotions while crafting, especially since I am 6 months pregnant with number 2. When I saw the new Make It Monday challenge over on Nichole's blog, I felt inspired by the soothing blending of colors (not only for me, but hopefully the recipients as well). The card above is for a friend's birthday this weekend and the card below is for my MIL. The funeral for her mom was yesterday, and she did amazingly well, but I know that the next few months will be hard since she lost her dad earlier this year, and will be dealing with lawyers, wills, and such. Just wanted to send her a little extra love this week.

As far as the technique goes, you must check out the FABULOUS Betsy Veldman's video. I used sponges to blend my inks, since that is what I had. On both cards, I stamped the image in Versamark on white cardstock and embossed it using clear embossing powder. All I had to do after that was add my ink. Easy peasy. Thanks for stopping by! The supplies are as follows:

Birthday Card:

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White, Sweet Blush (PTI)

Ink: Grape Jelly, Lilac Posies, Paris Dusk, Tuxedo Black (Tsudineko), Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery *retired*, Cool Caribbean *retired* (Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Year of Flowers: Violets, Signature Greetings (PTI)

Dies: Labels 4 (Nestabilites)

Ribbon: Navy Satin (Unknown)

Glitter: Diamond Stickles

Embossing Powder: Clear Filligree

Sympathy Card:

Cardstock: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Cool Carribean *retired* (Stampin' Up)

Ink: Grape Jelly, Lilace Posies, Tuxedo Black (Tsudineko), Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue, Cool Caribbean *retired* (Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Year of Flowers: Gladiolas (PTI)

Dies: Mat Stack 4 (PTI)

Ribbon: Sheer White (Unkown)

Glitter: Diamond Stickles

Embossing Powder: Clear Filligree

All Aboard The Reject Train

I am a HUGE fan of Paper Crafts Magazine and was encouraged by a friend to start submitting. Even though I knew it would probably take me a WHILE before I got in, if ever, I decided to go ahead and try. This is my second time, and I haven't gotten in yet but I am not going to give up. My goal is to get in...eventually. I am really enjoying the process (other than the submission form...YIKES) and like the experience and practice it brings. Really I am just trying to get better at my hobby, and hopefully I will get happy mail...someday.

(Apologies. I am SUPER TIRED and am listing an abbreviated supplies list. If I get a chance I will come back and fix it soon. :))

Stamps: Mindy's Zoo (Autumn Leaves) Signature Greetings (PTI)

Paper: Stamper's Select White, Kraft, Lemon Tart, Hawaiian Shores, Dark Chocolate, True Black (PTI)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Markers: Copic

Buttons: PTI

Twine: PTI

Impression Plate: PTI

Ribbon: Red & White Stripe from Michaels