This Year & Topaz Card

 Aloha!

I'm sorry for not keeping up with everyone's lives, blog posts and beautiful creations. Talk about a challenging year!

My husband, Bruce, has been having a hard time with his memory. It took me a couple of years to see it. The signs were vague and not consistent. I thought it was just forgetfulness. By the time I and the doctors put the puzzle pieces together, I was super stressed. Since March we've been busy with all sorts of new doctors, long tests, lengthy appointments and changes in his medications and how we approach day to day living. But Bruce is my favorite guy and boyfriend not to mention husband so somehow we will walk this new journey together. I hope to get cards made and out to so many of you. 

Becky (TLady) & The Teapotters at SCS have recently filled my mojo with love and encouragement. Thank you, Becky and all the friends in Teapotters group at SCS!

This card:

I made 3 of these similar cards and one of them for Becky. It's very simple, using a die cut for the front edge, adding the topaz-like bling, a little ribbon and the "friend" but it's a big step for me and feels good. 

Stamp Set (leaf) "Autumn Splendor" kit by Gina K. Designs

Ink: GKD

Cardstock: GKD and SMS

Die Cuts: "Friend" and leaf by GKD 

(I'm sorry I forgot which I used for the border. It's either SMS or Spellbinders? Oops.)

Ribbon and bling

Thank you cardmaking buddies everywhere.

Each one of you is a gem!

Autumn Leaves - Using Perfect Pearls

Aloha,

This is a favorite time of year for many people. I love it. It was our mother's favorite time of year, too. I am playing the song while typing this. You can hear it to by right clicking on the link, and choose 'open in another tab.' Enjoy!

Nat King Cole sings Autumn Leaves 

I used Fall Foliage stamp set by GKD. Ink up the largest leaf with Perfect Pearls Perfect Medium, or VersaMark, stamp the leaf all over dark brown cardstock. I used one of the brushes from the Perfect Pearls set, then stippled/dabbed the colors (gold, red, green, copper) onto different portions of the leaves. Take the larger brush and gently brush the excess pearl powder away. I rounded the corners of two layers.

Carefully measure the focal image into thirds from both directions (I like to use millimeters for this part because it is easier). Cut the image into 9 pieces and carefully adhere to your cardstock layer. I used liquid MonoAdhesive for this project as it gives you more time to rearrange pieces before drying.

If using the Perfect Medium or VersaMark, no setting spray is required. I covered my ivory cardstock with Embossing buddy to get it nice and non-static-y :) then stamped the sentiment onto ivory using VersaMark, sprinkled gold embossing powder onto it, then heat set. I cut it with a SB Fancy Tags #2. Added gold pearls to sentiment and popped onto the card.

For a dear stamping friend in Oklahoma ♥

Darice "Falling Leaves" embossing folder
Perfect Pearls: bronze, gold, red, green
Perfect Medium
Spellbinders Fancy Tags 2
Stamp Set: Fall Foliage by Gina K. Designs

Entered into: StampTV Mix It Up Monday, Use Darker Colors
                    Through The Craft Room Door "Anything Goes"

Thank you for stopping by and taking a look!!!

Aloha