Last minute rush!

Hello stampers! Not long now until the deadline for this month's challenge! Entries close at midnight tonight!

As usual, there has been a last minute rush! I have three entries to share so far, but if I get any more before midnight I'll post them in the morning. :)

First we have a card that was sent in by Lyn Smith:

Lyn has used the lyrics from the song "Wild Thing" as the sentiment on her card.

From Lyn:

"My cream folded card and blue background layer are sponged with Tim Holtz Distress Inks, the old sheet music is torn and sponged with Distress Inks too! My psychedelic swirly piece is made using alcohol ink and foil".

"I stamped "Heart Throb" (by Stampotique) in Versamark ink and heat embossed with black embossing powder. I used 2 different font styles from Justrite Stampers alphabets to make my lyrics - stamped in black on cream card and sponged with Distress Inks. The stamped blue heart is from a Heidi Grace set, added a wooden painted flower and black brad".

Great work Lyn!

Next we have a card that was sent in by another Lyn - Lyn Quinn:

Lyn has used a very cool paper tole Elvis on the front of her gatefold card!

Lyn tells me that the cardstock is Stampin' Up "Real Red", the music paper is from "Jones", and the stamps are an unknown brand.

Lovely work Lyn!

Our third and final card for tonight comes from Joy Rumble in New Zealand:

Joy has used the shiny side of an old CD for the centrepiece of her card, which she has sponged with blue ink and stamped the words "Rock and Roll" from the Darkroom Door "Rock Star" stamp set. The guitar and records are also from the same DD stamp set.

The "Thank you for the Music" and the Haley poster are pictures that were downloaded off the internet and printed out. Joy attached them and the guitar to her card with 3D mounting foam.

Great work Joy!

Stay tuned for any last minute entries in the morning!

I'm loving all the suggestions for next month's theme so far! Can you believe I still haven't decided yet?! There are a few that I am debating over, but I haven't made up my mind. If you have a suggestion, feel free to leave a comment! :)

~Sarah~

3 More Entries!

Hello again stampers!

Thanks for all the new theme suggestions! There are some great ideas there, but I still haven't made my mind up so keep them coming! :)

I have 3 new entries to share today!

First up is this set of ATC's by Robyn Wood:

Robyn used the Kasey Chambers song "Bluebird" as the inspiration for her design.

From Robyn:

"The background was created using Ranger Distress inks which had a bit of water flicked over to give the splotchy look. I used my new set of Unity stamps - the trees are just perfectly sized for ATC's".

"I painted a bit of twinkling H2O's onto the tree and the blue wing to give some sparkle".

Great work Robyn!

Next we have this lovely Christmas card by Shirley Henry:

Shirley has used stamps from the Christmas Reindeer stamp set by Darkroom Door.

From Shirley:

"The background paper is Basic Grey (I think!) Have had it for a while and was inspired to use it. I stamped the reindeer with Aged Mahogany distress ink. Sponged the panel with Tea Dye and Antique Linen distress inks".

Great work Shirley!

Last but not least is this ATC from Rein in Germany:

Rein created the background with Tim Holtz Distress inks, and stamped her design using stamps from Heidi Swapp, Stampin' Up, and Oxford Impressions.

From Rein:

"The Jukebox stamp is an unknown brand - an unmounted flea market find!".

Great work Rein!

OK stampers, you only have until midnight tomorrow (AEST) to get your music challenge entries in! There's still plenty of time! (And don't forget to leave a comment with a suggestions for next month's theme!).

~Sarah~

Tribal Music

Happy Saturday everyone!

Only a few more days to get your entries in for the Music challenge! There are fabulous prizes to win so put aside some "you" time this weekend and get your stamps out!

Today's entry was sent in by Jenene Evans:

Jenene has created a very cool coaster using an old CD as a base!

From Jenene:

"I have used an old CD covered with old sheet music and paper from Print Blocks 'Music Quads'. Next I stamped a dancing man from 'My Stamps', and coloured with Lumiere paints".

"I printed the quote, mounted on black card and stained with shallac, and finished off with a coat of PVA".

Awesome work Jenene!

So stampers, any idea on what the next challenge will be? Well, I'll let you in on a little secret - neither do I! LMAO! So I'm taking suggestions! Leave me a comment with an idea for a challenge and if I use yours I'll send you a little something! :)

~Sarah~

Stuff to make your heart sing....

Hello everyone!

I know I said I'd be back with another entry yesterday, however I'm just waiting to hear back with some more info.I will post it as soon as I can! :)

In the mean time, I thought I'd share some stuff with you that, whilst they may have nothing to do with stamping, are certainly music related and will make your heart sing! You can choose to be inspired by them, or just as a treat for the eyes on this lovely Friday! :)

First is a photo that I came across from a website called Worth 1000:

How cool is that?! I'm not sure whether it's a real rose that has been photoshopped with the sheet music, or if it's an actual paper rose, but I think it's just divine!

Now brace yourselves for the most exquisite art!

I was surfing the net (as you do) and came across a very talented mixed media artist called Vanessa Valencia. You may have seen her work in Somerset Studio magazine. You've absolutely gotta go and check out her blog but be warned! Grab a cuppa because you won't want to leave your chair for hours! LOL! She also has an etsy shop where she sells her artworks, as well as prints of the originals. Fabulous!

I was so gobsmacked by her gorgeous art that I emailed her straight away to ask permission to share some of her pieces here for you guys to see! Thankfully she said yes! The pieces I have chosen to show have a music theme, however as I mentioned before, there is no stamping. But I know the mixed media lovers out there will just love them!

The Girl in the Music Box:

Seriously - WOW. I absolutely LOVE this! I love how Vanessa creates the gorgeous flowing dresses in her artworks with book pages. Check out all the fabulous dimension and texture:

Now doesn't that make you want to rush out and start creating your own canvas??!

The Siren Finds her Voice:

Seriously awesome! I just can't rave enough about how much I love this piece! I'm lost for words! LOL!

Last but not least we have "La Chanson" which is kind of a mix of the 2 previous ones:

It was so hard narrowing it down to just 3 to show you! So make sure you go and check out Vanessa's websites for yourself - I promise you it is an absolute feast for the eyes! Not only does she do these mixed media canvases, but she also does some gorgeous handmade Art Dolls, jewelry, and even some awesome pottery pieces!

I hope you've enjoyed today's post!

Happy stamping!

~Sarah~

I see a new trend emerging.....

Hello again stampers!

It seems that Art Journals are becoming more and more popular these days! For those of you that don't know, an Art Journal is an illustrated diary of sorts - kind of like a creative notebook. Basically a journal of creative artistry, whatever your chosen art form. To read more about Art Journals, and to see some great examples, check out Artist Journals by Aisling.

Which brings me to today's entry! A lovely art journal page by Anita Hickson from the UK:


Anita's journal was inspired by one of her all time favourite songs "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in your Hair)".

From Anita:

"I painted the background with pale blue, some touches of pink and pale green acrylic paints.
I then used a piece of paper (German paper runner) as a stencil and pounced with a sponge using Brilliance Twilight Ink over the top, moving it around to different areas".

"I stamped using Fuchsia Pink Stazon the words "Music is Love" and some musical notes (Caroline's bolio) using Stazon Teal Blue. I also stamped some music in Versafine Black on the bottom of a piece of cardstock on which I had first done a Cuttlewax resist on coloured paper with Broken China Distress Ink and printed the words of Scott McKenzie's San Francisco".

"Then I stuck on the various elements - die cuts from the Cricut which I painted with various colours of Ranger Dabbers and Jimmy Hendrix and Butterflies from my stash".

"Finished off with lettering, both of which are curved to reflect the hippy swaying".

Great work Anita!

I'll be back again tomorrow with another entry!

~Sarah~

Timeless Music.

I'm a bit late today! LOL! Was a busy one. And WINDY! OMG we're having some wacky weather here lately!

Today's entry was sent in by Carmen Sanchez of Spain:


Carmen altered a CD sleeve for a custom made CD with her favourite timeless songs!

Carmen created a collage background using scraps, music scores, old book papers, gesso and acrylic paints.

The stamp Carmen used is from the french manufacturer "Katzelkraft", and the watch and letters are from Tim Holtz.

Carmen has a great tutorial on her blog that shows you exactly how to create this awesome mixed media piece - check it out here.

Great work Carmen!

Join me again tomorrow for another new entry! :)

~Sarah~

Three more treats for the eyes!

Hello stampers! It's great to be back again with another 3 entries to share!

Lets get straight into it!

Our first entry for today comes from Nina Patena in Taiwan:


Nina has very kindly wrote instructions so you too can make a card like hers!

From Nina:

1. For collage, tear vintage image around all sides. Alter image with colored pencils. Stamp "Queen Kat Designs" Funky Swirl Stamp on negative space. Attach "Me and My Big Ideas" sticker frame and wings.

2. Measure out then attach vintage image on Making Memories patterned paper. Measure out then attach MM patterned paper on black cardstock. Cut black cardstock with Postal edge scissors.

3. Staple Maya Road felt birds and branch onto right-hand corner of collage.

4. Staple red measuring tape and lace under vintage image.

5. Apply rub-ons onto Maya Road sheer with sentiment. Handcut heart from MM patterned paper to complete sentiment. Punch out two butterflies and adhere. Knot fibers on one end of Maya Road sheer. Adhere above measuring tape and lace.

6. Fold white cardstock into half for card base. Ink with red, black and brown. Adhere collage.

Thanks Nina!

Next we have this awesome mixed media canvas by Tania Davey:


Tania collaged a sheet music background, then added acrylic paint over the top in a random fashion. She then painted a guitar, and added some wire for guitar strings:


Tania added some music related quotes to support the theme, and stamped the stars onto her canvas using paint.

Great work Tania!

Our last entry for today come from Danielle O'Connor:


Danielle used stamps from the Darkroom Door Music Collection for her ATC.

Danielle inked the background with Tea Dye, Broken China and Fired Brick Distress inks, and gold heat embossed a cuttlebug diecut as a frame which she adhered to either side of her ATC.

The words are Darkroom Door stamps that have been inked with Antique Linen Distress ink.

A gorgeous vintage photo and butterfly wings were added to finish.

Great work Danielle!

Keep those entries rolling in! :)

~Sarah~

And so it begins.....

The downward slide to the end of the month has begun! And so has the influx of entries! LOL!

Today I have three lovely entries to share!

First up we have this heavenly card (see what I did there - because of the angels??! I'm sooo clever!! LMAO!) by Jen Sweatman (who finally has a blog! Yay! LOL!):


Jen created a multi layered collage card using a gorgeous Crafty Individual's stamp which has a music background.

Jen stamped the image several times using different inks or applications and then layered them using adhesive foam for a 3 dimensional look.

The frame was cut from kraft cardstock using an EK Success trumpet flower corner punch and the edges inked with vintage photo distress ink.

Lovely work Jen!

Next we have a Rockin' ATC (I did it again! LOL!) from Damaris in the USA:


The girl and sentiment stamps and the black polkadot paper are by "A Muse" and the star is a stamp by Hero Arts.

Damaris colored her with prisma colors, copic markers and spica glitter pens. The star was inked with various VersaColor pigment inks.

Damaris also sent in another "Fab" ATC (I'm on fire today! LMAO!!) in addition to her official entry and it is a great example of how you can interpret the "Music" theme in so many different ways!


Damaris' ATC was inspired by The Beatles' song "Yellow Submarine"! Love it!

Great work Damaris!

Last but my no means least is this striking ATC (get it - because she's striking a pose! LOL! Oh that's all I promise! LOL!) which was sent in by Jenxo:


Jenxo found a great tutorial online here (all in French - but you get the idea) which she decided to give a go for her ATC.

From Jenxo:

"I used an old opera book page as the base, gel transfer, twinklings and when they got really thick and syrupy I brushed them over the raised bits".


How gorgeous is that texture! Terrific work Jenxo!

Thanks for stopping by today to see the new entries! I'll be back tomorrow with another one. :)

~Sarah~

New Entries!

Hello everyone!

Only 11 more days to get your entry for this month's Music challenge! I think I must have scared some of you off with this month's theme? Just remember that your stamps don't have to be music related - as long as you use at least one stamp and your project is inspired by music in some way, it fits the criteria! I hope some more of you will give it a go! :)

Today I have 2 entries to share!

First up we have this ATC from Leesa Harris:


From Leesa:

"I have used a Collections bird painted with Tim Holtz tea dye Crackle Paint, rubbed over with pinecone ink to give the cracks more depth, then coated with dimension magic. I have also used some old rusty tin sheet, ran through the cuttlebug Allegro embossing folder, then inked with Alcohol Inks".

Great work Leesa!

Next up we have this card by Laurence Schmitz of Belgium:


Laurence used the nursery rhyme "1,2,3,4,5, Once I Caught A Fish Alive" as the inspiration for her mixed media fold out card.

The fish opens out to reveal the complete nursery rhyme:


Laurence made her background using distress inks and the Embosss Resist technique with her sheet music stamp.

From Laurence:

"I used distress ink and brilliance ink to add some glittering effect. The fish was cut out of a napkin and I added fibers to symbolize the tide".

Material: distress ink peeled paint, old paper, spiced marmalade, stamps by aladine, purple onions, Hampton art, clear embossing powder, embellishments.

Awesome work Laurence!

Now, if you're struggling to come up with an idea for this month's challenge, or are saying to yourself "but I don't have anything music related" then think again! You can download a FREE vintage sheet music page for use in your project (as seen in Gio's art journal - thank for the tip Gio!) from Craftstamper here. Now you have no excuse not to get an entry done! :)

I'm looking forward to seeing more entries! :)

~Sarah~

Don't Worry - Be Happy!

*Singing* Here's a little song I wrote. You might want to sing it note for note - Don't Worry! Be Happy! Oooooooooooh ooooh ooooooh ohhhhhhoooohohoohohohoohohohoooooo!

I know you're singing it along with me!! LOL! If not - don't fight it! Share the joy here. You know you want to. :P

"Don't Worry Be Happy" was the music inspiration for the title of Fiona Schultz's scrapbook page:


Fiona created her bright and colourful border by using up scraps she had in her stash! Great idea Fiona! Fiona used Kaisercraft clear flower stamps with versamark ink to make water marks on the coloured squares (look closely!) and then she scrunched up the squares, inked the raised sections, then sewed them to her layout.

Fiona used Creative Cafe ‘my thoughts’ clear stamps and Technique Tuesday ‘everyday words’ clear stamps with bamboo coloured ink to make the flower vines.

Awesome work Fiona!

Come on stampers! Lets see some more entries!

~Sarah~

An Altered Art Journal.

Hello again everyone!

It's been a bit quiet here this month! Have I lost you all to this fabulous weather? Out enjoying the sunlight instead of stamping??!! LOL!! Well, honestly, I can't blame you! The past few days have been gorgeous! Even made it down to the beach today for a little while with my son. What have you all been up to?

Today's entry is an Art Journal page by Giovanna from Italy:


Gio has started her altered art journal off with this lovely music inspired double page spread.

To create the background, Gio applied a thin layer of gesso to the book pages, as well as some sheet music, and stamped images from Technique Tuesday and Stampingback.


To embellish, Gio added some microbeads, some lace, and lots of wax from a candle which she stamped into whilst it was still wet.

Great work Giovanna!

Looking forward to seeing more entries come in! :)

~Sarah~

Music to my eyes....

Happy Saturday stampers! What a great day it is today - the weather man reckons we're heading for a top of 28 degrees here today! In winter! :-O Will have to pop down to the beach for sure. I hope you're having a lovely day wherever you are!

I have two entries to share with you today!

First up is this lovely altered slide mailer by Vicky Fernando:


From Vicky:

"I'd never worked with a slide mailer before (I received this one as part of a prize pack from Crafty Individuals & Inkurable Stampers), so I had to do a bit of research, and nowhere did I find any actual instructions on how to use the glass! The only tip I'll give is to use a little window cleaner to make sure there are no finger marks on the glass surface before you start work on your project, and I also edged my slides with Stazon ink".


"I started by painting the mailer with black acrylic paint, adding some old torn pieces of sheet music and when it was all dry, I painted it again with a specialty glaze paint (Amethyst by Making Memories). I then edged it with Vivid ink, and added the beautiful sheer ribbons in purple, hot pink & orange".


"For the actual slides, I stamped the images from one of the Darkroom Door stamp sets (Little Dreams) using Stazon ink (jet black) onto card which I had painted using Twinkling H2Os (in Ginger Peach). I then covered the image with some Dimensional Magic, spreading it evenly with my finger and pressed the glass slide on top, allowed it to dry overnight, and trimmed the card with a craft knife. I then added some double sided tape to the back of the slides, and pressed them into place". "The sentiment is also from the same set of Darkroom Door stamps, stamped onto painted card using black Versafine ink & covered with clear embossing powder, stuck onto an inked Collections tag, and attached using some chocolate-coloured cord. The butterflies are from a Non Sequitur plate (House of Belonging)".

Great work Vicky!

Next up we have this gorgeous card from Martina Fuchs from Germany:


Martina used a music themed collage for her background, which she matted onto grey cardstock and mounted onto a cold corrugated card.

The stamps is by "LaBlance" and was stamped onto white cardstock using Maroon Archival Ink.

Great work Martina!

Enjoy your weekend everyone! And don't forget to set aside a little time for some stamping! :)

~Sarah~

Our latest entry.

Hello again stampers!

Today's entry is a lovely scrapbook page which was sent in by Krissy Christie:


Krissy's gorgeous page is going to be a prezzie for her hubby for their 3 year anniversary next week, so shhhhhh don't tell him! LOL!

From Krissy:

"I stamped my background using Kaszazz music stamps and layered my rollergraph script stamp over the top to create the aged look. I used the 5th avenue stamp set from Stampin' Up! to make my paper flowers and added beads to give the flower centres texture".

"I used an Autumn leaves phrase stamp as my subtitle and stamped random words all around using my sentiment stamps from hot off the press and cre8tive".


"My little ticket was created using a stamp set from Inkadinkadoo".

Awesome work Krissy!

Come on ladies (and gentlemen if there are any of you out there!), we're almost half way through the month and only 2 entries so far! Don't you have an entry you want to send me? :)

~Sarah~

Challenge Inspiration from Darkroom Door.

Hello there stampers! Have I got a treat for you!

Today we'll be looking at Darkroom Door's Music Collection and I'll be sharing some lovely examples kindly sent in by Rachel Greig! Just the thing to get you inspired for this month's challenge!


Darkroom Door's Music Collection consists of 4 sets of rubber stamps, 4 different 12x12" patterned papers, 2 different Filmstrips, a montage sheets, Wordstrips, and a pack of Photochips.

We're going to be looking at the gorgeous stamp sets in the range! As with all of the stamp sets from Darkroom Door, these stamp sets are great for everything from ATC's, cards, and scrapbook pages, to Mixed Media artworks.

First there's Harmony:


A great collection of musical instruments, plus a lovely quote and Music definition - great for cards for the muso's in your life! :)

Here is an ATC that Rachel made with stamps from this collection:


Perfectly paired with a Tim Holtz Philosophy tag. Gorgeous!

Next we have Melody:


This is such a gorgeous set! (Argh! Now there's ANOTHER set I just have to add to my collection! This blog is sending me broke! LOL!). That flute lady is stunning. Here is another ATC that Rachel made:


How beautiful is that??! See how Rachel has very cleverly cut the larger words from the quote to use by themselves on her ATC?! great idea!

Next up we have Chorus:


A stunning set that could be used in so many ways, not just music themed projects. Check out this ATC that Rachel created:


Wow - the details in that stamp blow me away!

And last but not least we have Rockstar:


You could win this funky set of Rockstar stamps simply by sending in an entry to the Music challenge this month!

A great stamp set to use for cards or scrapbook pages for teens or musicians in your family! Here is a rockin' ATC that Rachel made:


Very cool!

You can see these examples plus many more gorgeous projects in the Darkroom Door Music Collection Gallery. Well worth a visit!

If you've made any projects using these stamp sets in the past, please leave a comment here with a link to your work so we can all check them out!

~Sarah~

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Our first Music Entry!

Hello again everyone!

I'm pleased to be back this morning with our very first Music challenge entry!

This gorgeous card was sent in by Chloe Nielsen:

From Chloe:

"The music theme made me think of birds singing - so I have made a baby card featuring a bird cut out of music paper. I have used gorgeous Grace Taylor papers for this card".

"The background stamps are from Kaisercraft and Kaszazz. Letter stickers are Carolee's Creations".

Great work Chloe! So cute!

Keep the entries coming everyone! :)

~Sarah~