Inspire Me Monday ~ Wrap it

Hello and Happy New Year!!!  Tosh here, and I'm excited to bring you some new inspiration today.  As card makers, we are used to picking out an image, deciding on a layout and how to frame it using dies, fussy cutting, or just leaving it as is on a one layer card.  We also can "chop off" part of an image with diecutting or just letting it float off of the side of our card.  

Well, today, I thought it would be fun to wrap the image around the card (or over the top) to leave a little surprise for the recipient on the back.  I started by stamping the Artistic Bouquet image on a full sheet of cardstock (you can cut yours to size before stamping if you'd like.).  

I then trimmed it to the size I wanted and folded it where I wanted the image to land on the front and back side of my card.  Here's what is going to be the front of my card:

And here is the back side. You don't have to fold it until after all your coloring is done, but I wanted to get a feel of how it was showing on both sides as I colored it.

After I finished coloring it, I diecut a border on each end and adhered two separate scored panels to the inside to hide where the Copics soaked into the cardstock.  At the top of the post, I shared the front of the card, and here is the back...

Lastly, I wanted to show you what it looks like fully opened. 

Thanks so much for visiting.  I hope you'll give this a try.  
Happy Stamping!!
Tosh

Happy New Year from Power Poppy and the Bloomies

“To affect the quality of the day — that is the highest of the arts.”

~Henry David Thoreau

Happy New Year, to our wonderful peeps! 

My hope for 2019: That you will enjoy 365 new days grounded in peace; underscored with enthusiasm. Days of supreme contentment in the present, yet on a quest fueled by curiosity. A deepening of faith; a knowing that you are loved. The flow of abundant creativity washing over you, infusing your spirit with the joy of being alive. We know that every day isn’t 100% awesome, but gosh, if we can set our minds to allow even a few of these attitudes into our daily life, each day can be that much more fulfilling. We can then share this inner joy with those we care about and care for. It’s a win-win.

These dreamy words have been on my mind as I plan out designs for our upcoming releases, along with user-friendly updates to our website, helping you find the stamps you want without soooo much wading through. And I am going to figure out how to get that newsletter pop-up to stop bugging everyone! (Sorry about that, friends, sometimes technology can be a real stinker.) 

Look for our first clear stamp release of the year arriving in March. Filled with flowers, guided by positivity, and as ever, designed with surprising touches to lend your projects that extra “something.” A brand new Instant Garden digital design will arrive on January 15, and it’s a cute one.

In the coming weeks and months, you’ll notice some fresh vibes on the Power Poppy blog, too. Better organization, new creative challenges, new partnerships, opportunities to connect.

I’ve been rather quiet the last month or so. Honestly, I believe I needed to allow myself a bit of space. Some time to just let life unfurl (much like the ferns in this photo). To think, and also not to think. Heck, I spent a good part of it perched on a stool watching the birds and squirrels in my backyard. It’s been strange to be so quiet, yet I feel somehow restored. Revved up and ready to dive in to a new year. I’m grateful, I’m grateful, I’m grateful.

AND, I’m overjoyed that the Bloom Brigade is here with gorgeous cards and projects to brighten a January day. 

Cindy Lawrence

Christine Okken

Stacy Morgan

See you soon — there’s so much to enjoy in the present, and lots more to look forward to! I am SO happy to have YOU with us on this adventure.

The Last Bit of Vibes for 2018!

Hi-dee Ho Sweet Power Poppy Fans! It's Friday and I have to tell you, it's been a few weeks since we've thrown a handful of good vibes your way. So, I think I know the answer to the question, "Are you ready?" I know I am! Did you have a beautiful holiday and are you looking forward to ringing in the New Year? At Power Poppy, we sure are! And so, let's throw this last little bit of eye candy your way for 2018 to inspire you all as we step into a brand new calendar full of creativity!

1. Candy Crush! This creation by Lori Johnson took my breath away. I mean, come on! Look at the depth she created in this little duo of candy canes? And that plaid on the bow? I mean, really! Lori, you killed it girl! If you want to give this illustration a try with your own special twist of artistry, all you need to do is click HERE to pick up and download your own Candy Cane Classic! Christmas might be over but Candy Canes are always en vogue! ;-)

2. For the Love of Foil! Kelly Rix just discovered a wonder with digi stamps and we thought her results were so awesome, we had to share! Check out THIS creation! She used the Chickadee in Barberry digital stamp and discovered that if you print using a laser printer -- you can foil it! Just in case you want to get in the know on this fabulous technique, click HERE for a whole slew of tutorials on the Power Poppy blog about adding a splash of foil a.k.a. razzle dazzle to your cards and creations!

3. An Attitude of Gratitude This time of year it seems we need an abundance of "thank you" notes to have on hand. While Kathy Jones created this thank you for the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day -- a day to reflect on the sacrifice of so many called to fight for their countries -- I thought her design was so classic and beautiful. I love the stenciled backdrop and who doesn't just find their jaws dropping with Kathy's Copic coloring? I thought it was a great bit of inspiration for the sea of thank you notes that, if you're anything like me, probably need to start making soon!

4. Fur Real! A few weeks ago, we shared some well wishes for the talented Ms. Amy Shulke, who is recovering from an arm injury. It was so bad, it sidelined her online classes for a bit! We hope she's feeling better! Thankfully, her next class is on the calendar for January 18th.You can check it out HERE using Power Poppy's digital stamp Christmas Corgi and learn some mad skills on how to color up animal fur. If you can't make the class, Amy has some AMAZING tips on how to color animals realistically in her blog post HERE. She also kindly tells us all what to look for in an animal stamp, before we buy, to get the best possible coloring results!

5. Thanks for the 2018 Memories! I know I speak for Marcella when I say "Thank You!" to all of our fabulous Power Poppy Customers. You wow us on a regular basis with the things you do with Marcella's images. I know for a fact, she is 100% giddy whenever she sees your creative takes on things! We want to thank you, our wonderful customers for making this year --- and every year for that matter -- so fulfilling for all of us! Cheers to you in 2019! We can't wait to see the creative boundaries you'll break through this coming year! Can't wait!

This is normally part of the post where I share some of the wonderful links to our beloved Bloomies so that they can show off their works of art that they whipped up during the week. I am so glad to be able to say that they are taking some time off to be with loved ones and make some memories! They will all be back soon! Promise! Just so you know -- Inspire Me Monday is taking a creative hiatus until the first full week of January and our Creative Confetti Challenge will be back January 8th! So hold tight and know we....

WISH YOU A WONDERFULLY HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Until we meet again in 2019! Blessings to you and yours!
~Julie 

Holiday Happiness

From our cozy nest to yours, I want to wish all of our peeps a very joyful and love-filled Christmas. 

Not only are we so grateful for your support of Power Poppy, but what a gift it is to get to see the creativity and color, experimentation and exuberance you share with your handmade creations. Thank you for being so wonderful!

Tosha Leyendekker

Christine Okken

Julie Koerber

In case you missed it, you can pick up a free digital download over at Kit and Clowder.... read below

Power Poppy is super excited to be a part of Kit and Clowder’s Advent Calendar of Craft Giveaways! As a part of the festivities, we are giving away a free digital stamp - a beautiful dogwood composition designed by Julie Koerber. Come join the fun -- it's open to everyone -- over on the Kit & Clowder Facebook Page HERE  and follow the steps to get your free digital download to color. 

Merriest Christmas and Happiest Holidays to everyone!

AND AN UPDATE ON The Little Drawings That Could  I think I can, I think I can... finish these new digis! Sorry for the misfire last week — thought I’d have my new café au lait illustrations finished up in time for a pre-holiday Instant Garden, but it’s looking like we’ll be moving into a post-holiday coloringfest instead. I’ll send out an email when they are ready, and thank you for your patience. xoxo

Creative Confetti: Tag You're It!

Hi Power Poppy Peeps! If you celebrate this beautiful season, are you ready? Have you made your lists and checked them twice? I have to say, I am about 2/3 of the way there. I am trying to "be still" however and realize that the real reason for the season is so much more important than if I bake cookies or get that one last gift. :-)

Having said that, we all need a "time out" to create, don't we? Well, for this week's challenge, I tried to focus on something small that you could do to 1. get in the spirit and 2. take some coloring time for yourself!

HOW TO PLAY: It's just as simple as the graphic says! Create a gift tag! Now, while my little bit of inspiration below is a Christmas tag, it doesn't have to be! Make one to have on hand for birthdays or any other holiday for that matter. I just knew this was something quick and easy that would still give you some time to create! 

On to my creation! 

I decided, for my tag, to pick up a medium that I don't often gravitate toward  -- watercolor! It's soothing and I love the dreamy feel it creates when your project is all wrapped up. To get started, I picked up the Power Poppy set called Let Your Heart Be Light. I love, love, LOVE those poinsettias!

To create, I have to say I followed some of the same principles that Ally used in THIS tutorial. Now, I don't have Brusho but I did use Distress Inks to both stamp (Vintage Photo) and paint (Barn Door, Peeled Paint, Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, Antique Paper).  I started by stamping in Vintage Photo and then added a wash using Tattered Rose Distress Ink using a water brush. From there, I just added droplets of ink from my reinkers to a palette and diluting the color, gradually built up my color to where I wanted it to be. Now, I don't pretend to be an expert on watercolor. I have a lot still to learn about shading and really controlling the color but, each project is a chance to hone in on that. 

Here's a close up for you! I am kind of a "scribbler" when I watercolor and just let the ink flow where it wants to. Again, stuff I need to work on! ;-) 

Now, it's your turn! Do you have a last minute tag you'd like to create for that special gift or special someone? I hope you play along with me this week because "Tag, You're It!" After you get those fingers inky, remember to link up your creation below. If you play along, you'll be in the running for a $25 gift code to the Power Poppy Shop! 

Thanks for stopping by! I will say that Creative Confetti will be taking a 2-week break to enjoy the holidays. I will go ahead and leave this linky open, just in case you want to revisit any of the challenges we've ushered in this month. And... we'll announce the December winner when we come back January 8th! I hope you have a beautiful holiday with family and make some amazing memories to cherish for years to come!

Blessings & Peace!

~Julie

An InLinkz Link-up

Inspire Me Monday: Watercolor Tips & Tricks

Hello all! Kathy here from The Daily Marker bringing you another edition of Inspire Me Monday! Are you one of those crafters who enjoys watercoloring or are you one that tries, always wishing for better results? If you said the latter, maybe a few of these tips can work for you? 

I am the kind of crafter who loves to color when I am traveling and it just so happens I'm away for the weekend with some friends. I packed some minimal supplies to lighten my load, but I had enough to be able to share some tips and tricks with you all.

It’s no secret that I love Power Poppy’s extra large flowers so I packed this beautiful flower from the Chrysanthemum XL set. Also, did you see it's on sale right now? 

My Mini MISTI is usually always in my bag but, this time, I forgot it! So, to try to get a great impression with this large stamp, I ended up placing my paper (Fabriano 140lb. extra white cold pressed) on top of the flower to stamp it and that worked fairly well.

To prep my paints, I wet my desired colors and put some in the palette. By adding more water and really diluting the paints, you get a nice wash and I think it’s easier to paint this way. 

I love the details in this flower, but let's be real, it does take time to color this beautiful illustration! That's why using a simple watercolor was a must for me. Alternating the shades of red and purple was easy and appealing to the eye.

Creating in this way is super easy to do while you are chatting with friends. Another tip? Adding a wash of a darker color can really make these blooms pop, see?

I think the wash really works well since there is so much color variation on each petal.

Once my background was painted and dry, I used a sharpie marker to outline each and every petal. Of course, this isn’t necessary but, I believe the effort is worth it.

To give the petals just a little more pop, I decided to accent them thanks to a little white gel pen.
Outlining an image and adding white gel pen will make your colored images pop. I encourage you to stamp an image twice and practice on the spare image to see if this might work for you!

And what you see above is my final colored image. When I get home, it will be easy to add a sentiment for someone special. 

Thanks for stopping by! If you haven't delved into watercolor, maybe some of these tips will help bring out the best in your watercolored images. I hope you give these tricks a try! 

Have a great week and I will see you next year! Wishing you Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! 

Hugs, Kathy

Kaleidoscope of GOOD VIBES!!

Hello sweet peeps! Are you ready for the weekend? This woman sure is! I don't know about you but if you have a job, that day job can sure get in the way of creating a little holiday cheer for others! ;-) So, I plan to make up for it over the next few days. Have you been holiday stamping? Baking? Shopping? Creating anything? If you celebrate the season, are you ready? Leave us a little comment below -- let us know what you cherish about this most magical time of year! Do you have a favorite holiday recipe? Hey! We'd love to hear!And, if you like, share the recipe in the comments for all to enjoy! 

Okay, moving on, it's been a few weeks since we've offered up some Good Vibes to let all those warm fuzzies rise to the top, so I am super excited to share a few. Psst... truth be told, I have a few more than five! ;-) 

Your Good Vibe 5  Hit List

1. Peace Painting With 13 inches of fresh snow in the Great White North where Christine resides, she's loving the winter wonderland just outside her window. And, my friends, that sparked this gorgeous painting using Power Poppy's Ultimate Poinsetta digital stamp. She blew up the image to create a watercolor wonder that she framed to get in the Christmas spirit. Click HERE to see this project in its full glory!

2. Holiday Shenanigans What happens when an off-duty firefighter dresses like Buddy the Elf, grabs two pillows and hits a public square in Boston? CLICK HERE and get ready for a case of the giggles. Who couldn't use a little laugh, right? This one is priceless! A good vibe indeed!

3. Plantin’ Fanatic! Have you been following all the folly with our Power Poppy Peep in Chief and her 2000 bulbs she planted this past week that she hopes will sprout for spring? If not, yes, she did indeed plant that many bulbs and if you look at the photo above, she even had time to create some hand-lettered plant stakes on top of the planting frenzy! Can I bottle up her energy please? Psst, if you like hand-lettering things, this might be the perfect gift for the green thumb in your life!

4. Shining a Light We just had to share this beautiful creation above that the folks at Kit & Clowder created for the Cancer Council Queensland where folks travel in for treatment. How inspiring is it to see others share their time and talent with those battling some big things in life? We were touched and honored that Alyce, the Chief over at Kit & Clowder chose Power Poppy's digital stamp set Hollyberries to create this beautiful duo!

5. Marcy’s Magic Pencil  You might think that Marcella is all aglow with the season and simply has no time to draw. Well, my friends, think again! This rough illustration above was ripped from her sketchbook this week and word on the street is, it is the inspiration for the next digital stamp that will be released TOMORROW! So, be sure to stop by and see how this little sketch above turned into a full-blown digital stamp perfection!

Before we let you go, I do have -- as I mentioned before -- just one more good vibe before we call it quits here for the day!

Power Poppy is super excited to be a part of Kit and Clowder’s Advent Calendar of Craft Giveaways! As a part of the festivities, we are giving away a free digital stamp - a beautiful dogwood composition designed by yours truly! Come join the fun -- it's open to everyone -- over on the Kit & Clowder Facebook Page HERE  and follow the steps to get your free stamp! While you're there, request to be a member of the group. It's a constant source of inspiration!

Speaking of inspiration, I know the fantabulous Bloomie Christine Okken has some artistry to share, so please stop by HERE, say "hi" and see what she whipped up for all of YOU!

Oh, and we also want to send some extra special well wishes to the amazing colorista Amy Shulke! Poor Amy has been suffering from some severe arm pain and it's so bad she's had to put her online classes on hold. Get well Ms. Amy! We are praying for a super speedy recovery for you!

And that, my friends, is it! Thanks for popping in to share in this week's Good Vibes! Kathy Racoosin will be in the house as we kick off the week for another edition of Inspire Me Monday! You'll want to swing back by for that because when it comes to coloring inspiration, that gal has a rather large bag of tricks! ;-)

Have a happy & creative weekend everyone!
~Julie