Check The Technic

Today's Blogger's Challenge was easy -- NATURE. We simply had to create something -- open to our own interpretation -- that represents nature. My take is this card using the Pierced Vellum Technique from the April 2011 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter, along with the out of the box technique from the October 2004 issue of the Newsletter. The gorgeous paper and the cute stamps are all from Mark's Finest Papers  - and don't forget -- you can get 15% off anything at Mark's Finest Papers by using the code TJMAY15. Valid through 5-15-11.

Feel free to join in the challenge today - simply enter your artwork using the links below.

Thanks for stopping by --

The month of May brings big things...first, the Technique Junkie Newsletter is sponsoring the Gingersnap Creations Cowgirls and Cowboys Challenge this month. If you have not frequented the blog, go take a look -- we are sponsoring prizes all month there! One of the items we are giving away is the Emboss or Die CD. The card above uses the Faux Tooled Leather Technique from the CD. Other techniques used include the Out of the Box technique from October 2004 and the Torn Frames Technique from December 2008.  Stamps from Oxford Impressions.

The other Big Thing -- and this is a BIG THING -- is a new announcement I will be making on Saturday. Let's just say that making this announcement on National Scrapbooking Day is not a coincidence! You may have noticed that I have been a bit MIA for a while -- especially these past few months. You will know why on Saturday!

So Saddle up, partner! Take a look at the Gingersnap Creations blog (today features the work of some of the TJ designers!) and get ready for Saturday's big news.

I am sorry I have been MIA for a while. I am working on a big project (a new Cd) and it is consuming all of my time. I will be announcing it May 7th, so stay tuned! 

In the meantime, I thought I would post this little card for today. This card uses the Tye-Dyed Texture Technique from the Emboss or Die CD. I am sorry that the scan isn't great, but since I have already sent this to someone, it is the best I can do with it now.

Hope you're having a great week!

I needed to make a card representing the letter J -- and all I could think about was Java. It was actually the only word that I could think of using the letter J! While I was making it, I was thinking of Hetty Sanders the whole time -- she loves her coffee (we are kindred souls in that regard). So this morning, while sipping my own coffee, I thought I would share this card.

The background uses the Blended Blotches Technique from the April 2011 issue of the Technique Junkie Newsletter. I layered that over a piece of Torn Paper Frames (December 2008 TJNL). That piece is layered on a piece of walnut colored paper that I LOVE. I made a wonderful discovery when I made this -- I used Paper Temptress Vintage Silver Lustre Paper and rubbed Distress Ink over it -- I have to tell you, this paper is exceptionally beautiful in real life. I will be coloring all my Lustre paper like that from now on!

Two huge announcements today! Today is the last day of the Technique Junkie Newsletter March Madness sale. Everything on my site is 10% off through the end of today.

Simply place your order and write "March Madness" in the comment section and I will refund 10% of your total order. If you can't find the comments section, don't worry -- I will automatically refund 10% of your order. It is a great time to renew, get a CD you have been thinking about, order back issues, or even subscribe! You can always send me an email with what you would like and I will send a discounted invoice to you, too.

The second announcement is that the April 2011 issue is LIVE.  Subscribers can go HERE to the Subscriber's Only Page to log in to see the new issue. There are 15 fun tutorials waiting for you!

Today's card uses one of the tutorials: Graduated Color.  Note how my Stampin' Up! surfer dude is colored -- you can learn the easy way to do this with the April issue.  Need your password? No problem -- just email me and I will get it to you. Enjoy the new issue -- and make sure to take advantage of the March Madness sale, too!