Sparkly Anniversary and an adventure with the Gemini Jr.

Aloha!!!

You know how you really want something to work?

Recently, I gave in and bought the Gemini Jr. My wrists are pretty bad. The first machine tore up the die and plates when I tried to use it. The instructions are very simple but yikes. Exchanged it. The second one cut really well so I kept the pieces and made an anniversary card (below). But when I tried to emboss, the machine sucked in the sandwich, the lights flickered on and off, there was a loud clunk and it turned off. I couldn't get it turned back on for a while. When it did come on, it shot the whole sandwich out through the other end like a shotgun. Good thing no one was standing over there. I held my breath to try it again but while it seemed a very tight squeeze, it wasn't terrifying like the previous attempt.  👀

Trying to problem-solve the super tight squeeze of this machine, I saw a YouTube video using a glass mat someone cut into 6"X9" pieces to substitute for using the plates. Bruce cut the mat up and I will try that next time. Maybe the sandwich won't be so tight when cutting and embossing. I've been holding my hands over both openings when sending a sandwich through because I am fearful this machine is going to hurt something.

Here is the card I made from the trial pieces of the second machine. The sentiment is black on the bottom, then three layers of white on top of that. I love using a white gel pen to write on black cardstock.

No Stamp Set :D   I can seldom say that!
Couture Creations "Opulent Swirls" Dies
Hammerhill White, SMS Black
Tonic Dies "Happy Anniversary"
SU gems
Connect Glue

“The love we give away is the only love we keep.”
 Elbert Hubbard

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Flotnar! Seafaring Viking!

Aloha! or God tag!

Thar be vikings, argh! Let the voyage begin!

We have a good friend and each time I see him, I see a viking! I've always told him this and he laughs! So yesterday he stopped by for a short visit with Bruce and me and I knew it's time to get that card made for him. And here it is!

Years ago I even bought this little stamp set just to make our friend a viking card. While he does not have any facial hair, he is very muscular, fair and has light reddish hair - viking to me! He has muscles on his muscles. After a few minutes, I had to go rest and Bruce spent the rest of an hour or so with him. They had a great time talking about building things.

I looked online for old viking ships and sketched this one out with the mountains, rocks and the hill he is standing on. It's supposed to be a full, moonlit night reflecting on the water. The oars are pulled into the ship (use your imagination). And there is nothing sparkly or shiny on this whole card (yup, haven't done that in a long time).


Stamp Set: "Viking" by Avery Elle
Ink: Soft Glow by GKD
Copic Markers, color pencils, black Copic multiliner
Hammerhill Color Card 110#, GKD Black

Thank you for stopping by!

Busy City Kitty Cats

Aloha!

I love animals! Look at all these little kitty cats! This stamp set stole my heart when I first saw it. Most of the little sweet images are used on these four cards. You can't really see but there's Wink of Stella and Glossy Accents all over the place. One of these is going to Japan, all the way to my older sister's house by Mt. Fuji 🗻 !!

These are colored strictly for the fun of it, no challenges, just to smile while scribbling away with color pencils!



Stamp Set:  "Little Cat Agenda" by Mama Elephant
Cardstock: GKD, SMS and Hammerhill Color Card White
Pattern Paper: Lawn Fawn
Inks: VersaFine Onyx Black
Prismacolor Pencils w/touch of Gamsol
SSS Clear Embossing Powder
Wink of Stella
Glossy Accents
Circle and Scallop Circle Paper Punches

Mahalo for stopping by!

I hope you have a lovely rest of your week ♥

Antarctic Anniversary

Aloha!

It's nearly a miracle - I was able to finish a card for World Cardmaking Day! Yay!! I usually miss this. How about 2 sweet penguins on a heart-shaped ice sheet, floating at night in the Antarctic?

Did you know penguins live in the southern hemisphere, mostly in the Antarctic? They are not up in Alaska or other northern areas. And they only eat meat. Because of their shape, they can swim up to 15 mph!!!

Your Next Stamp is having a challenge to create an extra long card. I love making Anniversary cards for friends and for us. I also love starry night skies and penguins, so this brought me a lot of happiness to make! This is also going to be uploaded to the Simon Says Stamp Worldcardmaking Day Challenge!


Stamp Set: Penguin in Love by Your Next Stamp
Cardstock: Hammerhill Color Card 110#
Color Pencils
Distress Inks
Adhesive foam
Masking
Crystal gems from Honey Bee
White Gel Pen
Wink of Stella Clear Sparkles

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Mahalo for stopping by!

Happy World Cardmaking Day!