Circle It Themed Artist Trading Coins for a swap

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog! My creative mojo had a bit of a speed bump for a group April 2022 event. For the Love of Cards group in Facebook is a private group that still has a few membership spots available. The 2 admin moderators want to keep the group limited to 25 members because of swapping our projects. 

I joined in late January when the group was called Card Crafting Club. About 8 weeks ago, the CCC owner/administrator decided to stop the group. So 2 active members agreed to continue under a new name. 10-13 events are offered each month and you can make greeting cards for a few events or ATCs for most of the events. For April 2022, I signed up for 3 of the 10: black and white, circle it, and finger painting. Each of these will get their own posting.

Today's focus is "Circle It". Since we were only to do circles I switched the ATC baseball card size to a 3" diameter coin, also known as an ATC. 

For the three that I made (2 will go to my swapee and 1 will be kept to send to a relative or friend), I used a small combination of embellishments and some kind of marker/glue/paint.

Red glitter glue dots are adding extra geometric patterning on this Artist Trading Coin. The jumbo red circle sticker has been in my stash forevermore! and the light sandy color base is recycled packaging!

I didn't notice that 1 of the snowflake stickers shifted and covered a gem dot when I placed this face down on the printer scanning glass plate. sigh....light green glitter paint pen dots are creating the border design for the snowflake Artist Trading Coin=

The 'don't forget' Artist Trading Coin focal sticker started as a jumbo speech bubble odd shape that I just trimmed off the triangular point part! For the outer edge border, there are groupings of red glitter paint pen and light green glitter paint pen dots and red gem dots onto light gray cardstock 'coin'.

This blog posting will be published when the group swapee has shown that they have received her 2 ATCs in the FB group site. EDIT= It took almost 3 weeks for her to receive it from Illinois to Florida!! Crazy! She just got them on today, Cinco de mayo! Yesterday I got my May event ATCs made and have to get those mailed now! Hopefully they don't take 3 weeks!

1. already shared today in the FB group, For The Love Of Cards

2. Mixed Media Creativity group in FB

3. Mixed Media Lovers challenge blog; #13; started May 3rd; any mixed media projects

link= https://mixedmedialovers.blogspot.com/2022/05/challenge-13-mixed-media-lovers.html

4. Crafting Happiness Challenges blog; #123; May 2022; anything goes

link= https://craftinghappinesschallenges.blogspot.com/2022/05/123-may-anything-goes-always.html

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<3  *  <3  *  <3  *  <3

Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S

member of For the Love of Cards group in Facebook

and owner of 2 challenge blogs:

FarmQuest and Heart's Quest; HQCB has an extra page option challenge for Valentine's Day cards, so check that out up to the start of May 13th; FQCB will have an extra page option challenge for Thanksgiving Holiday cards from May 14th-May 27th. Check out the regular theme challenges, too. 

and design team members for these 2 challenge blogs:

My Time To Craft and My Time To Craft Christmas

Black and White ATCs and a card made for swap

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog! Back 2 months ago in February I was invited to join a small card crafting club in Facebook that makes either greeting cards or ATCs. Each month the administrator/moderators create 10 events and to stay active in the group you must participate in at least 1 event each month. I signed up for just 1 event in February then 2 events in March, and now 3 events in April!!!! The same admin prepare the swap partners' list for each event. Group ownership took a change and then a name change occurred for this private group (was Card Crafting Club and now is For the Love of Cards). 

This posting is to share the Black and White event. I first decided to tackle making an ATC and then decided because they're little that I might as well make 4. However I'm only showing 3. 1 was personalized so I'm not showing. 

The 2 with the color puffy alphas are not going to my swap partner. Haven't decided who these will be sent to, so it's nice to have something extra made and ready to mail. With the event being black and white ONLY, the ATC with black 'hi' alphas is the one being mailed to my assigned club member. 

ATCs in black and white=

Some design and vendor notes: 

a. ATC size is the 2.5" x 3.5" dimensions

b. black and white buffalo check/plaid paper is from The Paper Studio/Hobby Lobby

c. the 2 paper washi tapes are Pen + Gear

d. cording and alphas are stash items; and also the cardstocks

 and then since I like to do more, I made a black and white greeting card to also send to my assigned swap receiver --

confession: I was a bit stumped for awhile! I didn't want to use the same things used on the ATC yet I was doing some hard thinking about what do I have that can be used...

Design notes: Hot Off the Press gingham paper--it is black--really-- on the left; an adult coloring book piece is shown on the right with some areas filled in with black marker (excited about finding this in one of my paper boxes!!!); 1/4 of a doily tucked under the Heidi Swapp tag; I outlined the 'say what' that was on the tag then stamped the "Thank you". I also added a clear gem, a label sticker wrapped over the top, and a jumbo white paperclip with a sheer ribbon that started as white but I streaked black marker on to get the faded black look! So after all items came together, I'm actually pleased with the results with this large flat card. I think the black base is 5"x 7".

Hopefully my For the Love of Cards group swapee likes these. Now I have to get busy and make something with circles on it and then I get to do one with finger painting! Messy playtime! 

This swap event of black and white was a good mental challenge for me. I was having some brain scrambling trying to figure out how to have texture, layers, varying scale in the patterns, and enough visual contrast of black and white. 

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challenge blogs and other Facebook groups where I'll share the card or the ATC:

a. Make My Monday challenge blog; Use Washi Tape theme requirement; [my ATC has 2 different tapes used on an angle; NEW follower

link= http://mmmchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2022/04/172-use-washi-tape.html

b. Crafty Calendar Challenge; April 2022; Anything But Square; [rectangle= for both; will focus on ATC]; NEW follower

link= http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/2022/04/april-challenge-anything-but-square.html

c. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends challenge blog; April 17th; anything goes

link= http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2022/04/180-all-dressed-up.html

d. Paper, Paper, Paper & DT Calls group in FB; sharing site for crafters, DT members, challenge blog owners....

e. For the Love of Cards group in FB; this black and white ATC and greeting card for one of 10 events for April 2022; I've signed up for 3 of the 10....

f. Mixed Media Creativity group in FB; ink outlining around the open alphas on the tag, ink stamping, ink/marker to add black to the white ribbon, use of paperclip; on the ATC= use of cording, washi tapes, vinyl alphas

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Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S

these are not for a DT commitment or for either one of my own new challenge blogs

Owner:

personal crafting blog= Becca's Heart for Creativity

challenge blogs= FarmQuest Challenge Blog and Heart's Quest Challenge Blog

2022 MTTC April 8 #479 Springtime Insects Theme DT card

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog! The 2 featured cards I've made are showing butterflies, my favorite insects! I've heard the quote many times calling butterflies as fluttering flowers or flying flowers! The complexity of color and design in their wings and how graceful they look has always fascinated me. So when as a DT member I learned about this theme, I knew I had many to choose from out of my stash. 

My Time To Craft challenge blog #479 theme is Springtime Insects.

Released on April 8, 2022 at 12am CST/6am UK and will be open for participants until April 21, 2022 at 12am CST/6am UK.

link for #479= http://mytimetocraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2022/04/mttc-479-theme-is-springtime-insects.html

Card #1= Pink and Black It's a Beautiful Life Birthday card

Card #1 design notes:

1. base is black, top-folded, 4.25" wide x 5.5" high, Pen + Gear

2. pink background panel, Astrobrights/Neenah

3. pink and white stripe panel, pink with white Xs, and the white with pink scallops, Mint Berry paper pad from The Paper Studio (this is my 2022 selected papers to bash this year; read earlier posts made in late January and early February about this)

4. the pink tonal floral strip and the featured sentiment journal card that was trimmed down are from My Mind's Eye, a collection I bought several years ago

5. embellishments: pale pink crystal gem, message stamp, black ink pad, and the corrugated backed butterfly are all stash items; I took off the corrugated butterfly layer and stamped it black in order to disguise the kraft color since this card also fits for a Pink and Black card swap challenge that only allowed white as an additional neutral

Card #2: Hello and Happy Birthday card=

Isn't this lovely! I'm glad I kept the color combination simplified. When I started assembling items to make this, I thought I wanted the base to be a pale peach/blush pink or to go to a bold orange but the chocolate brown won the dilemma!

Design notes for Card #2=

1. brown cardstock base is about 6" wide and 4.25" high; 

2. the pale green and white floral cardstock; Mint Berry pack from The Paper Studio

3. the olive green and crinkled copper/bronze specialty paper are scraps; cut as 2" squares

4. the white hello is a 'dazzle' from Paper Wishes website

5. the butterflies, amber heart crystal gems, sentiment stamp, black ink pad; stash items

6. an aqua/teal blue marker was used to add outline contrast to the thin font lines of the stamp used to make 'happy birthday'

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other challenge blogs and FB groups for Card #1

A. Creative Moments challenge blog; theme= for a special lady; all 3 projects are/have been sent to women; the pink and black was for a card club swap with all women members....

link= https://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com/2022/03/creative-moments-challenge-232-for.html

B. Seize the Birthday challenge blog; Card 1 has some stripes in the pink and white diagonal background cardstock, so it qualifies for the topping option

link= http://seizethebirthday.blogspot.com/2022/03/seize-birthday-235-stripe-it-up.html

C. Mixed Media Creativity group in FB; 

D. 100 Pattern Papers Challenge group in FB; cardstocks from the Mint Berry pack from The Paper Studio were used for this card

E. Card Crafting Club [has closed since I started this draft; 2 moderators started "For the Love of Cards" private group] in FB; Pink and Black card swap was a Feb 2022 event; another pink and black card was made for the swap; this 2nd one shown above was made at the same time but not revealed until this MTTC challenge 

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other challenge blogs and FB groups for Card #2

a. The Four Seasons Challenge blog; April 2022 is open to the 25th; anything spring season; Card 2 has the butterflies and the pretty sage green and white field of wildflowers patterned cardstock

link= https://thefourseasonschallenge.blogspot.com/2022/04/april-spring-challenge.html

b. The Crafter's Cafe Challenges blog; current March 15 monthly challenge is still open; theme=use some flowers; Card 2 has the pretty sage green and white floral/field of wildflowers patterned cardstock

link= https://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/2022/03/15-march-283-use-some-flowers.html

c. Mixed Media Creativity group in FB

d. 100 Pattern Papers Challenge group in FB; 1 cardstock from the Mint Berry pack from The Paper Studio was used for this card; I was able to use all but about a 1/2" side strip of a full sheet that this paper pad stack with horizontal print layouts have...the remaining sheets and scraps are my 2022 goal to bash this year!

e. Paper, Paper, Paper and DT Calls group in FB

f. Passionate Paper Creations and Friends group in FB; sharing site

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ATC--"What's buzzing?"

A few design notes about the ATC/artist trading card:

1. typical ATC size of 2.5" x 3.5"; thick kraft cardstock for base

2. the white with spring green Moroccan tile patterned paper is very old Colorbok bold print photo mat paper pad

3. the green and gold chevron stripe 'tag'--what's shown is only about half; the flower and bee are stash item embellishments; I just got a bunch of tag sets and I've already forgotten who the vendor is on this...sorry

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The ATC will be shared in 2 FB groups:

a. For the Love of Cards group; private greeting card and ATC making group; this is not for an April event but will share the ATC photo to the group

b. Homemade Card Making for Beginners group in FB; sharing site

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Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S

Design team members:

My Time To Craft challenge blog

My Time To Craft Christmas challenge blog

Personal paper-crafting blog: Becca's Heart for Creativity

Owner of 2 challenge blogs:

Heart's Quest Challenge Blog; Color #2 challenge is open to the wee hours of April 13th

FarmQuest Challenge Blog; Theme #1 challenge is open to the wee hours of April 13th, too

Artist Trading Coin project for DT no 223 at TCCC blog

ATCs can be artist trading card OR artist trading coin is a theme/prompt option for #223 at TCCC. The other option is animal. My selected image from 1 of the prize sponsor is an insect (Butterflies in Mason Jar).

ATCs are typically 2.5" x 3" and the coins about 3". Mine's enlarged to show the details=

The Crafter's Café Challenge blog ID badge looks similar to my personalized one (shown above).
Link for #223 of TCCC=  https://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/2019/07/223.html

Prize sponsors who have also given images for the DT crew to feature, so make sure to look at the #223 post and see what those images are and how they were showcased!:

My image is from Scribbles Designs and the other sponsor is Eureka Stamps=

And there is a special challenge option for double participation with Double Trouble!

This fortnight we are linking up with Double Trouble
Check out the blog
https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/ 
If you also add your project to the Double Trouble Challenge you will increase your chance at a prize.


Themes

This fortnight's challenge is an easy one:

 "Animal and/or ATC"(Artist's Trading Card)

****
Some design notes:

papers 1 & 4 were used for half circle backgrounds behind the focal digital image; these papers are referenced down below for Facebook groups 100 PPC and BYSS

Some more scanned enlargements:

Facebook groups or challenge blogs where this A.T.Coin will be shared=

a. 100 Pattern Papers Challenge group= the 2 half circle background patterned papers were added in mid-June to my 2019 selection to get used (see photo up above)

b. Bash Your Scrapbook Stash group= in June they had a Paper Pad Madness challenge, so finally about midway, I pulled a partial set of cardstocks, a partial set of large scrapbook papers, and partial pads of 2 small size types to bust...and I'm slowly getting there (see the photo up above related to the 2 half circle background patterned papers)

c. Paper, Paper, Paper & Design Team Calls group= sharing site for crafting bloggers

d. Mixed Media Creativity group= this is a group I started to showcase projects with a combo of supplies/artistic mediums used. This A.T. Coin has:

*thread

*digital image

*blue cardstock and 2 patterned papers

*markers and colored pencils used for coloring and edging details

*wood die-cut of butterfly

*gem dot stick-on

*black ink pad for edges of cardstock and papers

e. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge Blog= theme= anything goes #109; sorry this expired on Sunday the 14th

link= http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2019/07/challenge-109.html

f. Use Your Stuff challenge blog = theme= birds, bees, or butterflies #366; however this challenge ended on 7/13/19...bummer...my card was ready before then but I couldn't reveal it! I like their encouragement to not hoard supplies--need to use what you have before buying more--yes! :)

g. Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog= theme #79 Slice of Summer = http://scribblesdesignschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/07/challenge-79-slice-of-summer.html

Until next time!

From the USA heartland,

Becca S for Becca's Heart for Creativity 

August 2018 copy cat kit for CKC blog used for 2 mixed format pocket pages

2 mixed format pocket pages using my copy cat or counterfeit kit based off CKC blog's August 2018 inspiration kit from Cocoa Daisy

Page #1 is featuring my high school classmate Rick LeDune and the Awesome Possum Project (band) competing at the Indiana Colgate Country Showdown many years ago.

Page #2 is featuring my husband's helicopter ride on the same day as the concert contest held at the Marion County, IN fairgrounds (Indianapolis)...one brave dude!

These next 3 photos are part of the copy cat kit I put together earlier today=

Some of these stenciled cut-outs have already found places on the pocket pages shown above.

Cocoa Daisy's July 2018 Twinkling Memories kit= this is the inspiration for the different papers, stencil shapes, stickers, etc. that I've pulled from my inventory. Go to CKC blog post to get all the details:https://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/2018/08/just-gist-of-it.html 

Hopefully this quick use after putting my version together will keep me motivated to use more of the old inventory and to get old photos scrapbooked. We shall see!?!!!

From the USA heartland, Becca S

August 2018 copy cat kit made for CKCB

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog and Facebook group sites have an August 2018 challenge full of citrus hues grounded with some grays, browns, and black which are perfect for summer theme cards and scrapbook layouts!

A CKCB master forger selected the July 2018 Twinkling Memories kit (Cocoa Daisy) to commit faux copies of (or forgeries/counterfeits) using personal inventory that needs to be used. 85% of what I've shopped through my stashes to assemble together for this is old inventory, like 6-10 years old!

Here are 2 of the photos from the CKCB post that show what is to inspire counterfeiters this month of August: link= https://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/2018/08/just-gist-of-it.html

I know I still have lots I could include for this kit--more than I first realized! It has taken many photos to showcase just small glimpses of what I've located from mostly old inventory:

I had a lot more butterscotch tone cardstocks than I thought! The black and gray patterned papers are from The Paper Studio and purchased at Hobby Lobby within the past 4-8 months, so they are the newest papers used for this kit.

A stack of pre-cut earth tone cardstock mats are in the center placed over some floral stickers and then some stencils on top and sides.

Second trip scrounging around came across some scraps, yellow clips, micro thin decorative tapes, and different stick-ons. The journal/planner/scrapbook ones if I use I will try to only use those that are green or orange or a combo of those 2 colors.

And within an hour I had already used some of the different stencils to trace and cut-out circles, sunbursts, posies, pentagons (sorry, not hexagon), 2 sizes of tags, arrows, some triangles, stacked triangle or arrow tip, and one small half circle. I hope I will be able to use these. My next step is to start pairing stuff up in groups of 3, 5, 7 elements for mini-kits for the next part of the focus. I also want to make some pocket cards because I have lots of ATC and business card layout type plastic protector pages I would like to use. I also have some summer vacation photos and souvenirs from 9 and 10 years ago I want to create layouts for and maybe even get a few thinking of you cards out of all this, too. Stay tuned to see how I use all this assembled August 2018 counterfeit kit!

Becca S

HIMCR #360 first Saturday of the month color challenge with Christmas hues

This month at HIMCR we will be having a Christmas in July focus so this 1st Saturday of the month gets us started with Christmas colors! (#360)

When someone says Christmas colors, I think of the traditional red and green. For my 2 cards and pocket page, I used variations of each accented with gold, gray, brown, and/or black.

Image is Emma the hugger and sentiment "Sending Christmas Hugs" from Fred She Said Designs...so charming and cute!

#1:

#2:

#3: I used a business card size pocket page so size-wise these are about 2 1/4" x 3.5" instead of 2.5" x 3.5" and there is a horizontal orientation instead of vertical. The FSSD image is used four times:

#360=These DT inspiration creations are for Hiding in My Craft Room (HIMCR). Get all the details for participating, the prize sponsor/DT images provider and their links, the DT creations, and much more:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/2018/07/himcr-360-christmas-colors-in-july.html

This week's prize sponsor's ID badge and link:  http://fred-she-said-store.blogspot.com/

More views of my projects for HIMCR #360=

shopping clue for the micro-thin decorative tapes shown in the photo above: I saw the top applied one that has _____ days left and just had to buy the set at Dollar Tree! Yes!!! I think the set has 7 small thin rolls and I've used three that work well for Christmas colors and a bit of gold glam!

Still crafting in the USA heartland, Becca S

Advent ATC Day 22 for 2017

We are getting closer to the day of celebration for Jesus birth some 2,000+ years ago.

I've enjoyed making these but frankly (or should I say frankincense) I'm ready for a few days of total relaxation. I haven't thought about or shopped for ingredients of what food to prepare to take to my mother's on Christmas Day. Goodness!

Without further ado, #22:

Recipe:

1. ATC size light gray cardstock base (Colorbok)

2. green and red markers were used to add details at corners and #22

3. "Joy to the World" (Unity Stamp Co.) stamped on green paper (Grafix)

4. Cut around step 3

5. 1/4 of a red with white snowflake printed doily (Christmas House/bought at Dollar Tree) was glued, pleated, and stapled in 2 spots

6. "Joy to the World" was glued on

7. iridescent gem added

This is the 2nd time I have used this new stamp for the ATC series but I just really like how this looks like it is a jingle bell or an ornament. It is a to be a festive time. Keep your spirits filled with joy. Sing carols. Give something to someone-- Hand-made items are always welcomed. Hand-baked goods are especially enjoyed. Remember the widows, orphans, and less fortunate.

Look around. It is easy to notice someone who appears to be in a worse situation or set of circumstances. But by the grace of God that could be I. Let your love of God shine.

Blessed in the heartland, Becca

 

Advent ATC for Day 21

Winter Solstice. December 21. 21st day of Advent.

Artist Trading Cards are like collector baseball cards. It has been years since I traded ATCs with other crafters but for now I'm enjoying making this set and I will be making a garland of them to have hanging until mid-January.

This one was super quick and easy. I used a recycled piece of glossy cardstock that was backing in packaging and trimmed it to the proper dimensions for ATCs (2.5" x 3.5"). I glued a metallic foil paper gift tag bought in a set of 25 (5 copies of 5 designs) for just $1 at Dollar Tree. Then 4 iridescent gems were added. Advent 21 was written with black gel pen. Oh, I also inked the edges in green which is about impossible to see but believe me, it is noticeable in person.

Done. Voila!!!!!!

Festive cheer to you and yours this Advent season and throughout the last days of December until we see 2018! Take time to read in Matthew and Luke about the Savior's birth. For those that believe in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives a person's soul a peace that surpasses human understanding. When life gets crazy and chaotic, having faith in God makes it possible to continue on. 

Blessings from the heartland & blessed to be alive,

Becca

Advent ATC for December 20

Number 20 in my quest to make an artist trading card for each day of advent:

Recipe:

1. light gray cardstock scrap measured and cut to ATC size (2.5' x 3.5")

2. pressed the gray card down on top of a 6-color ink pad (Horizon Group, Inc. bought at Wal-Mart)

3. drew a arced line to represent a hill or mound then traced over with a dark brown marker

4. Advent day 20 and Dec. 20 written in same dark brown

5. Merry Christmas written with red-orange marker

6. add pop-art style snowman sticker that had 4 of the 6 ink pad colors

Voila!

Simple to create.

Crafting in USA heartland &

Thankful to be alive,

Becca

Advent Artist Trading Card for December 19

The 19th ATC was made on the 19th of December!

Was it posted on the 19th? No, but it will be shortly after midnight when I finish typing this quick post.

The color tones of this are just about monochromatic of blues and grays/silvers. It is a huge departure from the trio of pinks, browns, and greens that were used in the past few days.

Departure is good. The colors of this ATC are very non-traditional and don't even look that wintery. More masculine than wintery. But it's good to keep challenging one's creativity.

I've been wanting to have tally marks for representing the day of the month since about the 5th day and finally used this method for showing the # day of Advent. Advent (preparing for the birthday of Christ) should be a time of laughter and joy. The angels rejoiced. The wise men rejoiced. 

As you prepare your heart in this season please share God's love with your family, friends, neighbors, and a few strangers.

Blessings, Becca