Showcasing Romance Emma for Simply Steampunk

I'm really loving the versatility of the Steampunk Romance Digis drawn by the fabulous Abigail Larson for SBS.  Although originally release for Valentine's Day, I've done another Steampunk Christmas card using the lovely Romance Emma.  I've framed Emma using the Cuttlebug Brocade Window Embossing Plus folder, using more of the K&Co Christmas Cheer stack, then used Rub'n Buff to gild it.

Emma was enlarged in my Printmaster Platinum program to fit the window, colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped.  I've used gold peelies around the frame and for the ornate corners as well.

It wouldn't be Steampunk without some gears, these cut with Spellbinders dies and again rubbed with some gold.  The metal accents are all Tim Holtz.

The bottom little Christmas card embellie is another from K&Co.  (Told you I had a wad of this stuff!)  More gears, etc.  Those Victorian times were nothing, if not ornate, LOL.  Please stop by Simply Steampunk to see more images showcased by my teamies.  We have posts going on throughout the month.  and please come play along with our December "Anything Steampunk" challenge which runs through January 2nd.  You needn't use a Simply B Stamp to play, but you just might win some. 

Here is the photo inspiration for Addicted to Stamps and More where I'm entering my card.  The gold elements really inspired me, as well as the elegant vintage feel. 

I'm also entering this in the Cuttlebug Mania ATG Christmas Challenge, the Outlawz Monday Greeting Card "That's Entertainment" challenge (inspired by "Little Women"), and Twisted Tuesday "Cutting Corners" (Fussy Cutting with a Twist of Fancy Corners) Challenge,

Simply Steampunk December Challenge- Anything Steampunk

It's the first Friday in December and that means a new challenge at Simply Steampunk.  This month it's an easy one, Anything Steampunk.  The team is using the Steampunk Romance Collection and I'm showcasing the beautiful Grace.  It looks ike she's holding an ornament so I went with a Christmas theme.  The DP and chipboard frame and sentiment are all from the VERY old K&Co Christmas Cheer line.  I loved the vintage feel to this line so much that I bought several stacks TONS of coordinating stuff.  The line of gears was cut with my Cricut from the Gears set on Cricut Craftroom.  I'd cut them in matte silver but grunged them up with some gold Rub 'n Buff, black Distress Ink and Frantage embossing powder.  So cool!  the other single gear is a Sizzix die.  Of course I added a ton of metal mini gears from Tim Holtz.  I should buy stock in these for sure.  The metal screws are from 7 Gypsys?  (I think)

Grace is colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped.  I had a hard time finding paper for inside the frame.  Nothing looked right but leaving it open didn't either. 

 I get a boatload of catalogs this time of year and on my desk was the cover of one I'd ripped off because I thought I might use the paper.  The color seemed right so I carefully ( Ha!) cut out a piece to fit. Too dull, so I embossed it and used gold Rub 'n Buff (my new fave thing) et viola!

Here's the dimensional shot.  Quite a lot of popping going on and it's pretty heavy, too.  Guess this one's gonna be hand delivered.  Please visit Simply Steampunk and check out the fabulous work by my teamies and come play alog. this challenge will run through Jan 2nd.

I'm also entering this in the Little Miss Muffet You've Been Framed Challenge, Add a Little Dazzle Embossing Challenge, Rhedd and Rosie's Use Old Stash Challenge (DP, frame and sentiment sticker), the Outlawz Twisted Thursday Bingo Challenge (using glitter or sparkles, stamped/digi image, and patterned paper), Clear it Out Anything Goes with a Stash Item (DP, frame and sticker sentiment), Craft Room Vintage Christmas Challenge, TTRCD ATG Dec 3-9and The Corrosive Challenge Happy Holidays.

Romance Steampunks Re Release

Today at Simply Steampunk Challenges we're celebrating the re release of the fabulous Steampunk Romance Digis and I have the pleasure of showcasing Romance Jacob.  I have to say these guys make my heart go pitty pat, they're sooo handsome and perfect for those hard to make male cards.  I've used the sentiment "All the Best" here so this card could be used for many different occasions, ie. birthday, graduation, new job, retirement.  Great to have one of those in your stash.  The main card is cut from the DCWV Tattered Time stack and the layers all cut (or fussy cut) from one piece of card stock from the Tradewinds stack.  I've matted in gold foil  and a metal "game spinner" to add further shine.

Here's a closeup of that handsome devil.  He's colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped.  I dare say his luscious locks remind me of an old beau.  Yummy!

I could have easily adhered all the layers flat, but I just can't resist the look of a little dimension.  Really adds interest, don'cha think?  Be sure to visit Simply Steampunk to see the rest of the team's fab examples.  You'll be amazed to see how versatile the Steampunk Romance digis can be.  And please don't forget our current Party Invitation Challenge which runs through December 5th.  Why not pop in over the Turkey Day holiday and give it a go?  Hope to see you there.

I'm also entering this in the Outlawz Monday Greetings Card Anything Goes Challenge, Come and Get it ATG w/Twist Use a Digi, A Creative Romance Vintage Style, Creative Corner Heavy Metal, Feeling Crafty Steampunk and Creative Fingers ATG w/optional use Metal.

Down the Rabbit Hole for Simply Steampunk

Here's the last of my showcase pieces this month for Simply Steampunk using the fabulous Down the Rabbit Hole digi from the Alice in Wonderland Steampunk Style release, available only at SBS.  I knew from the get go that I wanted to do this one in a dimensional style to give the impression that Alice is truly looking down the rabbit hole so I printed the image once on white cardstock to color and then resized it and printed it on kraft to fussy cut and pop the roots.

Here's a better look at the fab digi.  I've colored with Copics and cut around the hole and glued to DP by Tim Holtz.

The fussy cut roots were popped using 2 layers of foam to give more dimension.  This made the edges  fairly unattractive so I used Washi tape around the entire thing to neaten it up.  The Alice sentiments were in my stash and of course I've added a pocket watch and gears 'cause I just can't get enough of them.  LOL

It really was too thick for a card that opened, so I decided to add an easel back, cut from a Tim Holz die, to make it a standing frame.  It folds flat for storage, but for now I'm enjoying having it sit on my desk.  (Fortunately it doesn't take up too much room.  LOL)  Be sure to visit Simply Steampunk for loads of inspiration using the Alice in Wonderland Steampunk collection all month long.  And don't forget our current Party Invitation challenge that runs through December 5th.  It can be any type of party, as long as it's in the Steampunk style so I hope you can join us.

I'm also entering thhis in the Left of Center Washi Tape or Twine Challenge (I've used Washi around the edges), Fab 'n' Funky Anything Goes, Simon Says Monday It's a Mystery (What's down that Rabbit Hole?), The Outlawz Monday Greeting Card No rubber Stamps (only digi's) Challenge, 613 Avenue Creates ATG, and TTRCD Nov 19th-25th ATG.

Alice Portrait for Simply Steampunk

I'm so excited today to showcase another of the fabulous Alice in Wonderland Steampunk Style digis by Abigail Larson available exclusively at SBS.  Here I have the adorable Alice Portrait.  Isn't she the sweetest?  I can image using her for all sorts of occasions but today I'd say my card could be for ANY occasion.  I decked her out heavily in the Steampunk style using digi paper from the Steampunk Fantasy set from Bearly Mine Designs.  And speaking of HEAVY, all the metal embellies are from Tim Holtz.  There's 15 total, if you count the brads.  Guess this one should be hand delivered eh, but don't they look FAB with the DP?

Here's a closeup of the gorgeous Alice.  Of course she's colored with Copics to match the digi paper.  Remember we have inspiration going all month long at Simply Steampunk so be sure to visit often, and don't forget our current  Party Invitation Challenge that runs through December 5th.  You can use any image as long as it's in the Steampunk Style.  Hope to see you there.

I'm also entering this in the Bearly Mine Anything Goes Challenge, Divas by Design use a Digi, TTRCD Nov 5-11 ATG, Papertake Weekly ATG and 613 Avenue Create ATG.

Simply Steampunk Invitation Challenge

Happy Friday!  Hope you had a fabulous and safe Halloween. We have a new challenge at Simply Steampunk using the new Alice in Wonderland Steampunk Style release from SBS drawn by the fabulous Abigail Larson.  You must make an invitation in the Steampunk style.  I have the pleasure of showcasing Clever Little Alice.  Isn't this a wonderful scene?

I've colored it with Copics and used a metallic Sharpie for the mirror.  The details are amazing.  The more I colored, the more fun things I found.

The card itself is the largest of the Spellbinders Grand Labels Four folded in half. Again I've used the Tim Holtz Weathered Clock Die but cut it in half to show on both sides of the image.  I've also added a metal Steampunk Clock from 7 Gypsies.

The invitation reads "It's a party.  Don't be LATE", spelled out in Alpha stickers.  It doesn't matter what type of event or digi you choose, just please make sure it references the Steampunk style.  For more inspiration, please visit Simply Steampunk to see what my talented teamies have come up with.  This challenge runs through December 5th so there's plenty of time, but don't be late.

I'm also entering this in 613 Avenue Create Anything Goes, Simon Says Monday ATG, and Simon Says Wednesday ATG.

New Alice in Wonderland Release at Simply Steampunk

It's about time, eh?  Be still my heart!  The day has finally arrived for the Simply Steampunk Team to showcase the new Alice in Wonderland Release by the fabulously talented Abigail Larson.  They are available in the Limited Edition Digis at Simply B Stamps.  You KNOW I love me some ALICE!  Today I've the pleasure of working with The Mad Hatter and I couldn't resist another wall hanging.  They're so much fun to make!

The Hatter is colored with Copics and fussy cut and popped atop my fave Clock die from Tim Holtz.  Isn't he a dapper gent?  The Dp's are all from last year's  Halloween in Wonderland from Graphic 45, as is the sentiment.

I added a number of gears from my "go to" Tim Holtz die to further the Steampunk theme.  The basic shapes were cut with my Nesties Grand Labels Four, layered with foam for dimension and strength.  Please visit Simply Steampunk to see the rest of this fabulous release as showcased by my talented teamies and don't forget our current Monochromatic Challenge which runs through the end of the month.

I'm also entering this in Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Fussy Cutting Challenge,  TTRCD Oct 22-28 ATG, and Nutcrafter's Lots of Layers.

Showcasing Zodiac Sign Cancer for Simply Steampunk

Here's my final showcase of the second series of the Steampunk Zodiacs for Simply Steampunk Challenges.  I bring you Cancer.  I think she looks like a dreamer, longing for another place, another time, another life...  The fabulous DP's are from the Graphic 45 Steampunk Spells and I've fussy cut Cancer and the lovely floral Steampunk paper on which she sits.  The plate is also from the same Graphic 45 pad and the lettering from Authentique.

I've colored her with Copics in the same rich colors as the DP.  The metal accents are Tim Holtz and the sentiment plate reads "Live the life you've imagined".  I love that quote.  If only she had the courage...

Please remember we have inspiration throughout the month at Simply Steampunk and our current Monochromatic Challenge runs through October 31st.  Although SBS stamps are no longer a requirement, we'd love to see them if you have them, and please remember it is a Steampunk Challenge so there should be some recognizable reference in your work.

Showcasing Leo for Simply Steampunk

This month the Simply Steampunk team is working with the second half of the beautiful Steampunk Zodiac images drawn by Abigail Larson for SBS.  Today I bring you Leo.  I think the fabulous images are just perfect for birthday cards so that's what I've done here.  The Steampunk Digi papers are from Bearly Mine Designs. 

I've colored lovely Leo with Copics, fussy cut and popped her with foam.  The Zodiac references are quite subtle, which give them versatility.  I'd say the tail is sort of a giveaway here, though.  LOL

I enjoy adding Steampunk elements such as Tim Holtz tiny gears to the Prima flower centers as well as the die cut gears and a sort of tattered and distressed doily which are also Tim Holtz for Sizzix. 

To balance the design I added 3 faux screws that I made from Card Candi by scoring the centers and wiping with Guilder's Paste.  Finnally, the edges of the DP were distressed with my Zutter Distrezz It All.  All month long the DT showcases the newest featured Steampunk digi set, so please visit Simply Steampunk Challenges often. There's loads of inspiration.  Also remember our October Challenge, Monochromatic Colors runs through October 31st.  Hope to see you there.

I'm entering this in the Divas by Design 3 or More Layers, Frilly and Funky Colors of Autumn, Rhedd and Rosie's Colors of Autumn, Die Cuttin' Divas Use Brown, Inky Chicks Use 2 Different Die Cuts, TTRCD Anything Goes, Twisted Tuesdays Lots of Layers and Use Metal, Craftin' Desert Divas Anything With a Sentiment,  and Craft Your Passion, Heavy Metal.

Monochromatic at Simply Steampunk

Our new Monochomatic Challenge begins TODAY at Simply Steampunk.   The team is showcasing the second set of Steampunk Zodiacs and I have the pleasure of working with Gemini.  This fun girly image screamed PINK to me and so it is.  The color scheme seemed fitting as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so I'm thinking this may be the very first Steampunk Breast Cancer Awareness wall hanging in the world. (Didn't have an appropriate dowel to hang this from so it's lying flat at the moment.)

I've colored the twins with Copics using mainly R81-89.  They were printed right on the Printed DP from the Tim Holtz Vintage Shabby Stack and cut with Nesties Labels Twenty Five.

The dress form was cut from white card stock on my Cricut from the French Manor Cartridge and colored with Copics as well.  The wings are from the Cuttlebug Vintage Collage Emboss Plus folder and the (PINK!) gears with a Tim Holtx for Sizzix Die from textured metallic card stock.  The Pink Awareness Ribbon and heart are from JoAnn's.

It was fun trying to incorporate girly Steampunk details.  The final one, another gear topped with a flower and "hope" done in wire with beads (also from JoAnn's a bazillion years ago).  My teamies have done a wonderful job with the Monochromatic theme (ours was harder than most since were were told that skin and hair must also be monochromatic) so be sure to stop by Simply Steampunk and be inspired.

I'm also entering this in the Link Up for Pink 3rd Annual BCA Linky Party, As You Like It Favorite Not a Card Project and Why(Wall hangings because they give you more room to play and it's fun changeable decor), DLArt Thankful Thursday BCA Linky Party, Crafty Creations Winged Things,  The Paper Shelter Shabby Chic, Whimsy Stamps Shabby Chic/Vintage, Inky Chicks 2 Different Die Cuts, and Shopping Our Stash Pink or BCA.

Steampunk Zodiacs 2 Release at Simply Steampunk

It's another exciting day at Simply Steampunk Challenges.  We're celebrating the release of Steampunk Zodiacs Collection 2 and I'm thrilled to be showcasing Taurus, because that's MY sign.  I've used beautiful Fall colored DP from K&Co and framed the image using Spellbinders Labels 25.  The gears are also Spellbinders dies that I've grunged up a bit in Steampunk fashion with Distress Inks.  The fall flowers are Recollections.

The lovely Taurus is colored with Copics, fussy cut and popped for dimension.  As you will see, the images don't exactly scream Zodiac, making them very versatile.  Hey, those horns could totally mean something else. LOL

The Taurus traits were found on the net.  Strong willed and aggressive?  Moi?  Well, okay, some I agree with but "the Tramp"?  How RUDE!  Just 'cause we're good kissers (so I've been told) and love to indulge in sensual pleasures (of all kinds) DOES NOT make us Tramps.  Still, I loved the scroll, so I had to include it.  Now that all of the signs are represented, you must see the rest of my Teamies' fabulous projects at Simply Steampunk.  And don't forget, you've still got time to play in our Layers Challenge going on now.  Hope to see you there.

I'm also enering this in the LEJ Designs Lots of Layers Challenge, TTRCD Anything Goes Sept 24-30, Created with Love Fall Colors, Crafting When We Can Seasons Challenge, Dream Valley Autumn Challenge and Lexi's Creations Autumn Colors.

Showcasing Christian Count Drac for Simply Steampunk

It's my pleasure today to introduce the irresistible Christian Count Drac from the fabulous Steampunk A Robert's Halloween release by artist Abigail Larson, available only at SBS.  I've done a Halloween wall hanging in the Steampunk Style using a number of dies from Spellbinders and Tim Holtz for Sizzix.  the DP's come from the Graphic 45 Steampunk Spells 8x8 pad. 

This handsome guy was colored with Copics in traditional Halloween colors.  I know some of you find these detailed images intimidating (trust me, I know, I collected them for a year before ever taking the plunge) but once you start, they become addictive and so very much fun!  I've rubbed the clock face (Sizzix) and wings (from a Cuttlebug Emboss Plus folder) with several colors of Gilder's paste to highlight the embossing and give a metallic sheen.

The sentiment was computer generated, cut with Nesties and inked with Distress.  I wanted to crush the clock face a bit with a hammer, but it wouldn't crack so I cut the surface with my craft knife and rubbed on black paste (and buffed the surface) to bring out the cracks.  The tiny black border is done with peel offs and I couldn't help but add more of the Tim Holtz mini gears.

The layers are popped for dimension which not only adds interest, but also strength to the hanging.  And speaking of Layers, that's the current challenge on the Simply Steampunk Blog, running through October 3rd.  SBS stamps are no longer required to win, but do keep your project in the Steampunk style.

I'm also entering this at Left of Center using the LOC theme, Tuesday Throwdown #165 Things with Wings, the All Crafts Aug/Sept Anything but a Card Challenge, Artistic Inspirations Anything Goes or Frame It,  Crafty Cardmakerss Winged Things, Lady Anne's Must Have Wings Challenge, and Desert Island Crafter's using #1,4,5 and 7.

Simply Steampunk Showcase Featuring Monster Mr. Roberts

I'm so excited to showcase the fabulous Monster Mr. Roberts from the Steampunk A Roberts Halloween range on the Simply Steampunk Challenge Blog.   It's so hard to find images for mature male projects and I think he's just perfect!

This gift bag started out as a wine bag.  I loved the dark castle image but didn't want the bottom 3rd so I cut it apart and glued it back together.  Better size anyway, as far as I'm concerned. 

 

I printed the image on kraft paper and colored him with Copics.  The gravesones are a combination of punches and dies, also out of kraft and distressed.

 

The sentiment is from the Graphic 45 Steampunk Spells.  Perfect, don'tcha think?  This was a fun one and can't wait to fill it with creepy goodies.  Be sure to visit Simply Steampunk Challenges.  We have additional inspiration all month long and our current Layers Challenge runs through Oct 3rd.  Hope to see you there.

 

I'm entering this in the Whimsy Stamps Masculine Challenge, Ruby's Rainbow It's a Male Thing, and The Squirrel and the Fox It's Raining Men challenge and the DLArt September Linky Party and Desert Island Crafters Challenge #61 using #'s 2,3,6 and possibly 8.

Simply Steampunk Layers Challenge

It's a new challenge day at Simply Steampunk Challenges and this month we want to see layers on your project.  The DT is using the new Roberts Halloween images and I have the pleasure of showcasing the gorgeous Witchy Mrs. Roberts.

I bought a whole new line of Copic greys (N's) for her clothes since most of my C's need refilling.  Wow, I forgot how much easier it is to blend with new ones. (Even with the crap card stock I use.  LOL)  I've added some of the small Steampunk gears to the bat (Cuttlebug) and spider (Jolee's).

The card is a tent card but doesn't really show in the picture.  My base is 12"x5", instead of 8 1/2"x4 1/4" like in the tutorial and I've cut my windows in the base and 1st layer with Nesties Labels (?  Hmm... they're around here somewhere), then layered the largest Timeless Rectangle (that I cut the center out with my kraft knife) and finally my new Memory Box Spiderweb behind.  The sentiment stickers are from Authentique, the Steampunk Spells book from the Graphic 45 8x8 stack.  I've stretched a Tim Holtz Mini Rosette to fit behind the oval and added another gear.  OOOh, I just LOVE those things!

Here's a better view of the depth.  The inside scene is from a DCWV stack and I've added a spooky fence (MS punch) between.  My DT sisters have done some amazing work so be sure to check them out HERE and leave them some love.  We're thrilled with the fabulous work our participants shared in our last challenge and can't wait to see how you Layer.

I'm also entering this in the Desert Island Crafters Challenge #61 using #'s 2,3,5,7,8 and 10 (spider is glittery) and Left of Center Challenge 13 (both girly and LOC).