Showing posts with label washi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label washi. Show all posts

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Circling Back

A lot of my collages are built around a particular color; but some are built around a shape... and as you can see, this is one of the latter. Dina Wakley has quite a few designs that feature circles, and the script transparencies from Pattern Play and some older Collage Paper icons that look a bit like extra large postmarks are two such, so I started with those; and then added circles of varying sizes cut from Typed Ledgers and dotty Chroma Transparencies from the Grunge Specimens pack. 


I don't always have a plan when I start a collage... (and I don't always follow the plan even when I have one, lol!) ...but in this case I had started out with the intention of combining the beautiful lady (from an older set of Transparencies that's, alas, out of print) and the multicolor butterflies from the Flutters Rub-On set, and that's exactly what I did.

I thought the collage was finished at that point, but when I came back to it later, the whole thing felt a bit "floaty" (super-precise collage term there) and so I anchored it with a few strips of Dina's Washi Tape (from an older pack; Set 2, probably) running vertically at the top of the page and horizontally at the bottom. Et Voila!  

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

SOS580: Back to School

The new challenge at Shopping Our Stash is called Back to School and I bet you can guess what we'd like to see, right?! Well, just in case you can't guess, here's the official blurb: "Make a card that features something you would see at school: pencils, paper, alphabet, lockers, playground equipment; OR a card for a teacher or student." There are lots of choices here so let's get right to it:

I raided LOTS of seriously older stash for this one, so I'm patting myself on the back a tiny bit. I've got loads of Echo Park Stickers, a few seriously old (but beautiful) washi tapes, a bunch of Eyelet Outlet school-themed brads, and... wouldja believe... that background graph paper is Love, Elsie?!

Visit SOS to see what the rest of our very inspiring Crew have made, then start planning what you'll link up with us this time! SOS580: Back to School runs until the evening of Monday, August 24th.

Monday, August 3, 2026

It's a Big, BIG, Mixed Media Mandala Monday

After two months of index cards, working in my fabulous BIG (7x12") Dina Wakley MEdia Ledger Journal is quite a leap. Luckily I had some of Dina's new colorful Chroma Transparencies (this set is called Painted Elements) and Flutters Rub-On Transfers, which I couldn't wait to break open... so I did!


I used some older Dina goodies too, including an older set of her Washi Tape, my new favorite color of Acrylic Paint (Mineral), and Gloss Sprays in Fuchsia and Marine.


I had so much fun making this! I'd write more about it, but I think I'd prefer to go back and play with more of these amazing, colorful, exuberant elements! Meanwhile, I hope your week is off to a beautiful start!

Monday, July 27, 2026

ICAD. (Again)

We've just completed the last *FULL* week of @indexcardaday (though the official wrap-up is not until Friday) so here are seven more cards from my own personal ICAD-iverse:

Day 57: Off-Prompt
(Mandala Monday)

I've had so much fun with my Posca pens this summer. One of my goals was to use them more often (check!) and... more difficult for me... NOT to outline all of the colors (also check!). This design made me think of a tagline Tammy G (aka @gypsy999 on IG) wrote for one of her mandalas early on in my ICAD participation. She called it a, "100% free-range, cruelty-free, organic mandala" and I think this fits that description pretty well!

Day 56: Board Game

When I read "Board Game" I flashed back to playing Candyland with my brother when we were very young. Something I didn't really notice or appreciate until I was much older, is the brilliance of Candyland's logistics: there's no reading; and you really don't even need to be able to count reliably, as the spinner and board direct you to advance to the next square on the board that is the correct color.  Whoever thought that up was both a genius, and a person who understood that kids will enjoy playing a board game together without adults, it's the reading and strategy that makes many games "too old" to play without a grown-up. I'm guessing a MOM invented Candyland?! 

My card is inspired by both Candyland and another game we (or possibly our neighbors) had, which I can only remember very vaguely; but I know you drew a card and then advanced to a place on the board which had the matching symbol. I have no idea what it was called... it's even possible I am retrospectively making it up, lol (But I THINK it was a real game; does anyone else remember it?!)

Day 55: Mirror(ball)

I made a nice dark inky background with three of my favorite shades of Simon Hurley's Stellar Inks, using Isopropyl Alcohol instead of water, so my flimsy index card would not get warped or pilled. When it was dry, I added slightly darker ink around the edges; then went wild with ancient white rub-on transfers. I cut that cool rose sticker into three parts for maximum coverage, then added a vintage ballerina and what I think might be the best caption ever. I generally try not to pick "favorite" ICADs based on the finished product, rather than process, but... I have to admit... I *really* like this one!

Day 54: Diagonal

Last year during ICAD, I made a bunch of pretty random backgrounds; some of which did not get used. Including this one that has skinny blue and green washi tapes arranged in a diagonal plaid pattern. Tonight I added some funky fruit illustrations and a daffodil. I feel like it needs one more thing, but since I have absolutely no idea WHAT that thing might be; for now, at least, I'm calling this (provisionally) done.

Day 53: Unwind

I glued the car, the flower, and the foliage to a plain white index card and then got stuck and set it aside. Later I thought, "Maybe the background should be zen doodles?" I'm still not sure if that was the right idea or if these are the right doodles but they were quite relaxing and fun to do; thus I count this as "Unwinding".

Day 52: Season

I think I've used my Posca Pens more consistently in the last two months than at any time previously, and it feels really good. I had intended to add all four seasons to this... but I got carried away with Spring and Summer, and ran out of room for Fall and Winter, lol. Maybe later I'll make a Part Two?!

Day 51: Off-Prompt

Here's another collage where the three background elements (a large photo of malachite, yellow flowers with stripey leaves, and green butterflies) almost blend together too well. But whenever Alice in Wonderland joins the convo, serendipity tends to reign, right?!

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

SOS577: You're So Sweet

It's time for a new challenge at Shopping Our Stash and this fortnight we're embracing all the SWEET things in life. Thus, we'd like to see something sweet on your project: it could be a sweet treat, a cute baby card, however you interpret it. As you can see, I went with "sweet treats". Of course.

Ninety percent of this card is composed of stickers; and ninety percent of the stickers are ancient, making this especially stashy, woohoo! The cake, balloons and cupcakes are Susan Branch; I couldn't tell you exactly what age they are, but they had a price tag from a craft store that closed like fifteen years ago so... old, lol. The calendar is Echo Park's Victoria Garden... not quite as old, but still quite classic. There are three styles of washi tape (kind of old); and all of the flower stickers came from a Mambi planner sticker book, circa 2022. The ledger paper background is from Crate Paper and not very old.  

SOS577: You're So Sweet runs until the evening of Monday, July 13th. Check out the other awesome Crew cards at Shopping Our Stash, and start planning what you'll link up with us this fortnight!

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Life is Better at the Beach

Maybe you can't actually spend today at the beach, but... you can use Eyelet Outlet Shell Brads, Sea Shore Brads and Sea Gulls to make a beautifully beachy card, instead. Copper Glitter Tape makes perfectly sparkly mats and, in celebration of Earth Day, the background photo was saved from a catalog cover before recycling!


Beautiful Beachy Shopping List:

Eyelet Outlet has all the embellishments you need to make your next card a SHORE thing!

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

HERD It's Your Birthday

If farm cards are your jam, Eyelet Outlet has all the brads you could possibly wish for. This scene features the cows from our Cow and Goat set; plus Sun and Cloud Brads, not to mention a soaring Eagle and a Tractor Brad; all set inside a border of Farm Animal Washi Tape. The Old Barn and Tree are from an older Art Impressions stamp set that I painted with my Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors.


Down on the Farm Shopping List:


There are also Pig and Sheep Brads, Horse and Pony Brads, Chickens, RoostersLlamas and more. Check out the entire selection of farm animals, jungle beasts, pets, reptiles, dinosaurs and pretty much every critter you can name... all in the Eyelet Outlet Store!

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Got Maps?

Before you recycle your paper maps, you should know that they are the perfect background for Eyelet Outlet Classic Car and Driving Brads! As well as cards, old maps work brilliantly as gift wrap; which, in this case, has been adorned with some EO Road Washi Tape to continue the car theme. 


Revved Up Shopping List:

Whatever plans you have for your next card, Eyelet Outlet has the brads to drive you stylishly to the finish line!


(For map nerd only: this is a 1976 edition of Alexandria Maps' Street Maps of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; part of an astonishingly cool collection of my dad's that was recently gifted by my mom... who, when she saw this card, decided she miiiiiiiiiight want some of 'em back!!!) :)

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Hip Hop Bunnies

These adorable Eyelet Outlet Rabbit Brads are helping the Easter Bunny hide Colored Eggs in preparation for the big day. White Daisy Brads are in the mix; and while Macaron Washi Tape isn't technically holiday-related, it does have sweet treats of exactly the right colors!


Hippity Hoppity Shopping List:


The Eyelet Outlet Online Store has all the cutest cardmaking embellishments you could possibly need!

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Best Reading Quote Ever?

Building a card around Eyelet Outlet Brads and a favorite quote is a great way to make fresh, personal cards for friends and family. Stamps and journal cards abound; or format your fave in a text document, print it out and add it to your card. This card has a base of Book Washi matted with Wood Tape; and helping set the scene for a cozy day of reading, this sweet bear is surrounded by Book Brads; a cute potted Cactus; the tissues from our TP and Tissue Set; a Heart Brad; the Sun and Cloud Set; even a Mini Ladybug has joined the fun.


Cozy Reading Shopping List:

Eyelet Outlet has all the embellishments to make your next card even more delightful!

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Bunny Hugs

Eyelet Outlet Rabbit Brads, Colored Eggs and Mini Butterflies turn sweet stamps into an adorable Easter card that's sure to make some-BUNNY's day when it arrives in their mailbox!


The stamps in question are from Simon Hurley's Easter Bunnies set and have been painted with Sand Castle and Sweet Treat Archival Inks from Ranger.


Eyelet Outlet has all the embellishments you need for all the holidays you celebrate; and the EO Blog has all the inspiration you need to use them beautifully!

Friday, March 6, 2026

Deck the Halls with... More Music!

We're still celebrating Christmas Music at Jingle Belles; so we're asking you to create a card (or tag, or gift card holder, or whatever else you'll be needing for the holidays) that incorporates music, musical instruments, or even the title of a favorite Christmas Carol.

Here's my card:

I used a vertical strip of real (torn) sheet music; some horizontal music-printed washi tape; and a tiny journal card with "Deck the Halls" on it, so I think I've covered all the bases. The background paper is from 49 & Market; the ancient slide mount frame is of unknown origin; and the foliage diecuts were leftover from another project... the dies were Tim Holtz for Sizzix Christmas Greenery. I cannot tell a lie: I love how this tuned out!

JB2605: Fa-La-La-La-La runs until 6pm (Eastern) on the evening of Wednesday, March 11th. Hop over to Jingle Belles to see the fun little prize one random cardmaker will score... just for linking up with us this fortnight! ♥

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Sweet Easter Chicks

Easter is just a month away, but luckily Eyelet Outlet has all the brads you need for fast, easy, mailable Easter Cards. This one features our adorable Chick Brads, Colored Eggs, Heart Brads and Flower Washi.


EGG-cellent Easter Shopping List:

The Eyelet Outlet Online Store has embellishments for Easter, Spring, Birthdays and every other card-making occasion you celebrate! 

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Bold Bright Birthday

Birthday cards are a staple of most crafters' card stashes, it sometimes seems impossible to have too many of those! Luckily, Eyelet Outlet has LOTS of fabulous birthday-related brads; nine of which adorn this oversized sentiment, diecut from Blue Sprinkle Washi Tape. Brads include: Party Hat, Candle, the Unicorn from our Unicorn and Rainbow Set, Cupcake Swirl, Gift Brads, Star Brads and a Heart


Bold Birthday Shopping List:


Visit the Eyelet Outlet Online Store to see all of the wonderful brads and embellishments for your next card or project.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Hoppy Valentine's Day

Eyelet Outlet Frog Set Brads feature frogs (obviously) as well as cattails and waterlilies; everything you need to make a scene for Valentine's Day or any other "HOPPY" occasion. A pair of Mini Butterfly Brads have fluttered by to celebrate.


Hopping Shopping List:

Don't FROG-et to hop on over to the Eyelet Outlet Store for lots more fabulous brad styles!

hopes your day is un-FROG-getable!

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Valentine Bouquet

Nothing says, "Happy Valentine's Day" quite as well as a classic bouquet of red roses. Unlike a real bouquet, Eyelet Outlet Rose Brads will last forever... and are much easier to fit into an envelope! A sweet Mini Ladybug Brad has arrived to investigate.


Bloomin' Beautiful Shopping List:

Roses not your vibe? Visit the Eyelet Outlet Store for lots more Flower Brad Styles!

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

There's GNOME One Like You

Eyelet Outlet Gnome Brads and Girl Gnome Brads are the perfect couple for Valentines, Anniversary cards or any other happy occasion you can imagine. This punny compound sentiment is stamped, with the key word of "Gnome" in letters diecut from Gnome Mushroom Butterfly Washi. Bright Fresh Flowers, Hearts and Mini Butterfly Brads complete this happy little scene.


Gnomish Shopping List:


Visit the Eyelet Outlet Store for more brads, embellishments and inspiration! 

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Hip Hip(po) Hooray!

Nothing puts more HAPPY into "Happy Valentine's Day" than a bunch of Eyelet Outlet Hippo Brads dancing joyously across a card! Some pink Heart Brads and a mat of Pink Dot Washi Tape add a touch of seasonal color to the design.


Happy Hippo Shopping List:


The Eyelet Outlet Store has all the brads and embellishments you need for Valentine's Day... and the rest of the year, as well!

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Valentine ATCs

Eyelet Outlet Bacon, Egg and Toast Brads aren't just for breakfast anymore! Combine them with cute stamps and diabolical puns to make adorable Valentine themed Artist Trading Cards. Heart Washi and Tiny Heart Tape form the perfect seasonal background; Egg Brads, Bright Fresh Flowers and the Waffle from our Chicken and Waffles Set (the last three are on sale!) set the scene.


Handy Shopping List:

Check out all of the fabulous brads, tapes, bling, sequins and embellishments in the Eyelet Outlet Store!

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Forever in Your Heart

The loss of a beloved family pet truly is like no other; our four-legged friends leave their paw prints on our hearts. Here is a pet sympathy card featuring Eyelet Outlet Kennel Mix and Heart Brads, as well as Paw Print Brads and Washi Tape.


Shopping List:

Visit the Eyelet Outlet Store to see our full selection of brads, tape, bling, enamels, sequins and more!