Technique Tuesday Columbine

I've been a member of the Technique Tuesday Greenhouse Society for a long time now... receiving the club flower stamp set each month. I hoarded them for a while, then started a series on my blog, committing to using them. 

I thoroughly enjoy this series because flowers are my favorite thing to color. 

This month's Greenhouse Society stamp set is Columbine.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp Set: Technique Tuesday Columbine stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Neenah 110# Solar White

Dies: Waffle Flower Blanket Stitch Layers

Embellishments: Enamel Dots from an unknown vendor

A Sunflower Note

I {heart} SCS.

I'm pretty sure it's no secret - splitcoaststampers is my happy place. It's where friendships are made. It's where inspiration is gleaned. It's where tutorials are found. Oh, and did I mention, CHALLENGES (new ones each day of the week)! 

Each challenge has a few people who know the themes ahead of time and create cards/samples to be shared when the challenge is introduced. I was delighted when I was asked to join the Sketch Challenge design team for six months. Each Wednesday (February - July 2022) I'll share the card I made for the current week's Sketch Challenge. 

This Week's Sketch (#SC907):

Here's my card:

I didn't do any stamping on this card. The sentiment is from a Pink Fresh Foiled Sentiment packet.

I hope you'll check out the Sketch Challenge - HERE - and play along. 

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Paper: Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Granny Apple Green CS and DP from my scrap file

Sentiment: Pink Fresh Foiled Sentiments

Dies: Hello Bluebird Nesting Half Circle, Honey Bee Sentiment Strips, and MFT Stitched Rectangles

Embellishments: Paper Studio Mini Brads

Color Challenge Guest Designer Week 8

I thoroughly enjoyed being a Guest Designer for the SCS Color Challenges last month and was excited when Mary contacted me and asked me if I'd be willing to serve as a Guest Designer in May, too. Of course I quickly said "YES!!!" so every Tuesday this month you will find a Color Challenge card here on my blog. 

This week's "Pale Coral in the Bay" Color Challenge (#CC897) is Pale Papaya, Calypso Coral, and Bermuda Bay, with a Something New as the "dessert" element.

Here's my card:

There are three "new" things on this card. On both the Calypso Coral piece and the Bermuda Bay piece I added some subtle changes using a background stamp I recently purchased (Rubbernecker's Crackle) and VersaFine ink. The doodling is also from a fairly new stamp set un-inked until now (Whimsy's FaDoodles). The Hello die is also new (Whimsy's Hello Word and Shadow). Hmmmm... maybe I've done a wee bit of shopping in the past month.

I added the white "rings" to the Bermuda Bay piece using the cardboard core of some foam pieces I'd purchased from the Dollar Tree. I "stamped" it, using Ink on 3 Sharktooth White ink.

I hope you'll check out the Color Challenge - HERE - and play along.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamps: Rubbernecker Crackle Background stamped with VersaFine Ink and Whimsy FaDoodles stamped with VersaFine Clair Nocturne 

Papers: Recollections Black and SU Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, and Pale Papaya CS

Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangles and Whimsy Hello Word & Shadow

Embellishments: SU Genial Gems

Travel the World - Marshall Islands

I started a 50-week series in 2019 that I called Travel the World. Each week of the series I visited a randomly-selected country, sharing bits of information about that country. I then chose one tidbit of information about that week's country as inspiration for a card. As I explored those 50 countries in 2019, I knew I would continue on until I've visited every one of the 195 countries in the world. By the end of 2021, I'd virtually traveled to 145 countries and plan to complete my journey to all 195 countries by visiting the last 50 this year.

This week's country is...

Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands is an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean. The islands are located about halfway between Hawaii and Australia.

The Marshall Islands – or the Republic of the Marshall Islands – is a collection of 1,225 islands and atolls scattered across the Pacific Ocean. 

The islands and inlets lie in two parallel chains of coral atolls—the Ratak, or Sunrise, to the east and the Ralik, or Sunset, to the west. The chains lie about 125 miles apart and extend some 800 miles northwest to southeast.

The islands are coral caps set on the rims of submerged volcanoes rising from the ocean floor. 

Marshall Islands is the sixth smallest sovereign state in the world in terms of land area with 70 square miles.

The Marshall Islands are scattered over a vast area of ocean about 730,000 square miles; equivalent in size to Mexico.

In total, the Marshall Islands is home to just over fifty thousand people.

Most people live in urban clusters found on many of the country's islands; more than two-thirds of the population lives on the atolls of Majuro and Ebeye.

There are 29 separate atolls in the Marshalls, containing a total of 1,225 islands, 870 reef systems and 160 species of coral. It’s one of only four atoll nations in the world. 

Most of the Marshall Islands are true atolls, consisting of an irregular, oval-shaped coral reef surrounding a lagoon; the islets lie along the coral reef. 

Twenty-four of the atolls and islands are inhabited.

Annual precipitation varies from 20 to 30 inches in the north to 160 inches in the southern atolls. The wettest months are October and November. Several of the northern atolls are uninhabited owing to insufficient rainfall.

Most of the islands are so narrow that there’s just one road running the entire length of them.

There are paved roads only on the two largest atolls of the archipelago.

The average altitude above sea level for the entire country is only 7 feet.

The Marshall Islands are the most endangered nation in the world due to flooding from climate change.

Swimming, surfing, paddle boarding and diving are all popular activities in the Marshall Islands’ waters. Sailing is also a popular attraction for local residents as well as visitors to the area.

The coastline of the islands totals 230 miles in length.

Despite its deserted beaches and superb scuba diving, it’s the second-least visited country in the world.

The country only receives around 5,000 tourists a year.

The clear-blue waters, surrounding the Marshall Islands are home to over 1,000 species of fish and more than 250 species of soft and hard corals. With crystal clear visibility, dramatic drop-offs and several wrecks to explore, it’s considered one of the best places in the world to scuba dive.

The islands and islets of the Ratak chain tend to be more heavily wooded than those of the Ralik. Coconut and pandanus palms and breadfruit trees are the principal vegetation. 

Majuro is the capital and largest city of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. It is also a large coral atoll of 64 islands. Majuro has a port, shopping district, hotels, and an international airport.

American missionaries arrived in the Marshalls in the 1850s, introducing Christianity to the population. Today the Marshallese are predominantly Christian.

The Flame of the Forest is a flower that is present on all atolls, which the locals consider as symbols for blessings.

The US provides millions of dollars in aid annually and still controls the security and defense of the islands. It also rents out the Kwajalein atoll as a base and missile test range. A number of islands are off-limits due to US military presence. As a result, the Marshall Islands is one of 22 countries without a standing military.

The only indigenous land mammal in the Marshall Islands is the Polynesian rat.

The country is brimming with marine life, including more than 1,000 species of fish.

Marshall Islands is home to the world's largest shark sanctuary.

A major attraction for divers is the crystal clear water marine life and sunken ships which can be explored around the coasts. 

Copra, or dried coconut meat, is important to Marshallese economy.

A popular way of greeting long-lost or current friends is by saying; ‘iakwe’.
This translates to ‘you are a rainbow’! It is pronounced ‘yawk-way’!

The Marshall Island produces and exports tomatoes, breadfruit, shells and more!

There are only two hospitals in the entire country.

Transportation among the atolls and islands is by boat or air. 

Majuro and Kwajalein have international airports, and domestic and regional flights link some of the other atolls and islands.

Majuro and Jaluit atolls each have a public secondary school. Majuro is also the site of the College of the Marshall Islands (1993), which grants certificates and associate degrees in a variety of programs.

Males typically perform activities associated with the sea and sky (fishing, canoe building, gathering drinking coconuts, capturing birds) while females dominate activities on the land (digging arrowroot or gathering pandanus fronds). Females also control the domestic sphere and are associated with activities in the village, while men work in the bush lands away from the village and travel freely to foreign countries.

Infants are indulged, with few restrictions on their activities. They are nursed until two or three years of age, or until the birth of a younger sibling. Infants are fully integrated into daily domestic activities, and are carried on the hip by working mothers or slightly older siblings.

By the age of four or five, children become nursemaids. They assist with babies, run errands, and attend to small chores around the residence. Young boys are given freedom to explore beyond the village, and they frequently accompany older siblings, fathers, or mother's brothers on fishing and gathering expeditions. While children are given considerable freedom, they are also admonished with strict shouts of nana! (bad!) when important social boundaries have been crossed.

Recently, many Marshall Islanders have chosen to pursue higher education, usually in the United States where they are eligible for education loans.

In 2008, athletes from the Marshall Islands took part in the Olympic Games for the first time, but did not take prizes.

My inspiration for this week's card is based on this fact about Marshall Islands... A child's first birthday celebration, known as kemem, is one of the most important celebrations in the Marshall Islands. Extended family members and friends celebrate the occasion with huge feasts.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp Set: Whipper Snapper Birthday Pup stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Paper: Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Real Red CS and DP from my scrap file

Dies: Gina K Master Layouts 1, MFT Stitched Mod Rectangles, and MFT Stitched Rectangles

Embellishments: Heart-shaped Brad from an unknown vendor

Double Duty 2022 - Stamping Bella

In January of 2021, my stamping comrades Barb and Kelly and I debuted a new series/challenge. Double Duty was Barb's idea... and it is a GREAT idea! I've had so much fun with this series. Thanks for inviting me to play along, Barb!

This is Barb's description of the Double Duty concept...

Each month, we get to pick a stamp set from a predetermined company. Then, we will use that one stamp set and make two cards from the set.  Different images and sentiments from the same set can be used, or use the same image two different ways—Double Duty either way!  But, as an added challenge, one item must be used on both cards—same color cardstock, same ribbon, same stencil, same something.  Double Duty Again!  Post both cards on your blog on the same day—the 22^nd of each month.  See-Double Duty again!  Have fun getting doubly inky each month with a different stamp company.  Let’s have fun!

Over the past year, things have changed a bit in who's participating, but not in the instructions. This year's Double Duty crafters are Barb, Carol, Darlene, and me.

This month's company is Stamping Bella. I used their Mason Jar of Flowers stamp set.

Card #1

Card #2

The thing/s that are the same on both cards (as per the challenge specifications) are: the gold embellishments and washi tape and the sentiment die.

Let's check out the other Double Duty cards, too...

Barb

Carol

Darlene

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Supplies Used

Stamp/Die Set: Stamping Bella Mason Jar of Flowers stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Parakeet Party and Poppy Parade CS and Metallic Gold CS from my scrap file

Dies: Birch Press Design Big Hello, MFT Stitched Rectangles, Pink & Main Stitched Arches, and SU Scalloped Contours

Embellishments: Altenew Washi Tape and Pink Fresh Metallic Gold Pearls

Something New in '22 - May

I have a lot of stamps - from a lot of companies. When my husband walks into my Play Room, he sometimes looks around and suggests that I'm single-handedly trying to keep the stamping companies in business. Nah! I know many of you are helping that cause, too. 

So why would I start a new series this year that requires me to buy new stamps??? Because it's going to be fun.

Something New in '22

The concept is to find a new (to me) stamp company each month, to purchase a stamp/set and create a card. Once a month. Twelve companies. Twelve stamp sets. Doesn't that sound fun?!?!?!?! (I see your head nodding in agreement.)

This month's company is Stamp Market. I already owned a few dies from this company, but no stamps. I've now added one of their stamp/die sets to my collection.

Instead of coloring the flowers like I normally would do, I decided to use one of the leftover panels from my Hot Mess crafting earlier this month. Truthfully, I probably would like this card better had I colored them, but sometimes I just have to think outside of my norm.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamps/Dies: Stamp Market Cosmo Cluster and Rubbernecker Distress Frame stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and Maker Forte Splatter Square #2 stamped with Ink on 3 Sharktooth White Innk

Reinkers (for Bubble Wrap Technique): SU Real Red, Tangelo Twist, and Real Red

Sprays: AMuse Marshmallow Splash and Wink of Stella (mixed w/ Rubbing Alcohol)

Papers: Accent Opaque 120# White and SU Purely Pomegranate and Tempting Turquoise CS 

Dies: MFT Stitched Rectangles 

Embellishment: Taylored Expressions Enamel Dots

Blue Knight - Scenic Lake

Fridays are special days - who doesn't love TGIF, right? But here on my blog Fridays are also special because they are the day I get to post as a design team member for Blue Knight Rubber Stamps.

I used the new Scenic Lake stamp set today.

You can check out the stamp set in the Blue Knight Rubber Stamps store - HERE.

Card #1

This card was colored with Copic Markers.

Card #2

This card was colored with Derwent Inktense Colored Pencils

I think it's amazing to see how one stamp looks so different depending on how it's used. 

* * * * * 

You can find each of today's featured stamps HERE, at the Blue Knight Rubber Stamps web store.

And... don't forget to join us at the Fan Group and YouTube Channel:

Fans of Blue Knight Rubber Stamps (Facebook group) is HERE

and the Blue Knight Rubber Stamps YouTube Channel is HERE

Jeanette Cloyd, Design Team Member

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!