Growing In Unity - Day 1!

 I'm so excited to be the Growing In Unity Girl for the next few days!  I have been using Unity Stamps for what seems like 100 years!  The red rubber stamps they produce are second to none!  As is their customer service!

For my first day I'm sharing a card I made using a couple techniques that I learned while watching the videos shared by Whitney and all the watercolor tip videos that have been created ever!!  I have learned so much from watching these amazing ladies create away!

First, I stamped A Faithful Letter on a piece of kraft cardstock with frayed burlap distress ink.  I stamped the vase of flowers from Difficult Roads off to the side of a panel of watercolor paper (strathmore watercolor).  Using Tombow Art Markers and a water brush, I colored and blended the flowers.  The water in the jar was created with stormy sky distress ink and the same water brush to smooth it out to look like water.  Next, I used a distressing tool on the edges of the watercolor panel and the blue cardstock panel.  I then used tea dye distress ink to age or antique the watercolor paper panel.  I added some blue twine (american crafts) and some postbox red nuvo vintage drops to finish it off! 

Join me tomorrow for another fun card!  I plan on using some stamps that *gasp* still have the paper on them and have never been used!  *psst.....both of the sets used on this card were brand new too! :)

Thanks for joining me on my first day of GIU!!  Don't forget to leave a comment on this post and the others to follow (should be 4 more) for a chance to win one of two amazing prize packages filled with Unity Stamp Co. Red Rubber goodness!!

Two lucky winners will be chosen from the list of commenters.  Winners will be notified here (so be sure to check back) as well as on the Unity Stamp Company Growing in Unity Facebook page!

Let it snow!!

 White and fluffy!  The challenge at Jingle Belles is all about the white stuff!  Let's see the snow!

For this lovely wintery scene I used a torn piece of cardstock and some distress ink (stormy sky) to blend in some snow drifts.  Unity Stamp Co. for the reindeer and snow (cheerful prancing) and the sentiment (warm & cozy).  I must like this set a lot.....I use it often!  LOL

Baby it's GOLD outside!

 With a little ambition I finished the current challenge way earlier than usual!  Jingle Belles want to see GOLD (or silver, copper, metallic) on your entry!

I only found 3 gold sequins, so the next three cards will be a little different!  LOL

Kraft cardstock base, used a Heidi Swapp stencil, distress embossing ink *gently* pressed into it, then gold embossing powder.  I then took some distress ink (peacock feathers) and a blending brush to create the background.  The "spray" background stamp, the reindeer and Merry Christmas are all from Unity Stamp Co., twine from MayArts.

Because I am a perfectionist I see flaws, so I will work to perfect it, but it is definitely a favorite! 

CASE a Belle

 The current challenge at Jingle Belles is the CASE (copy and selectively edit) a Belle!  Each challenge Lauren and Stephanie create amazing samples!  Pick one and do your best to make it yours!  

Mine was somewhat easy, in June I literally screen shot one of Stephanie's cards to re-create at some point!  Little did I know at the time that it would become a challenge!!

This one is mine!  I have had this "candy" ribbon forever!  I need to absolutely look for the trucks that Stephanie had used!!  Papers used are from MyMindsEye.  What drew me to this card is the use of the decorative ribbon!

And Stephanie's version that was copied! :). Thanks Stephanie for the great idea!

Pieces cut for 3 more cards!  4 at a time is really filling up my card stash!!

Cardstock only!

 Jingle Belles is looking for cardstock only this time!  No patterned paper!  I have 3 more to make for my set of 4, but here's the first one!

So I used, plain ole white cardstock for the base.  Blue square is BoBunny's back to basics, stamped snowflake (Unity Stamp Co. Winter *which doesn't appear to be available any longer*) in white and embossed, then inked over with Stormy Sky Distress Ink.  Dots are Nuvo Jewel Drops in Sea Breeze.  Letters are about 100+ years old!  LOL Making Memories Metro Mini Shimmer!  For any of my former CropChocolate peeps, yes these are that old!  LOLOL

All about "leftovers!"

 The current challenge at Jingle Belles is to use up all the leftovers!  I used a paper pack that must be a favorite....because all I have left is scraps!

My Mind's Eye - i believe

Sentiment from Unity Stamp Co. - Cheery Christmas

Made 4 total!!

Color-filled Christmas!

The current challenge at Jingle Belles is an inspiration photo.  What I took from the photo was the bright, non-Christmasy colors.  The bright pinks and aqua blue with the white background and the green trees!

This is what I came up with!

I used Unity Stamp Co. Joy & Blessings and also cheerful prancing on this set!

I think I like the first one but my daughter likes the second!