Fist card for Copic Marker Europe blog using LOTV Little Dot

Hello everybody,
Yesterday I posted my first card on the Copic Marker Europe blog. Today I'm showing the card on my blog, for the details, materials used and Copic colors used, I'd like to send you to the CME blog though. Hope you like!

And a close up:

A side view of the Double Dutch Fold card:

And a picture of the little pieces the image was made off:

I do hope you like my card! Can't wait to read what you think.

Hugs,

Olba Glue now available in the USA!

Hi girls!!

This short post is especially for my blog followers in the USA. When you have seen one of the tutorials I did on how I 3D paper piece my images you will have noticed that I use a glue by a Dutch company named Olba. In the past I have had a lot of questions of American blog followers asking me if this product is also for sale in the USA, until now I have had to answer that question with no, and I know that some people ordered their glue in The Netherlands after that. But I have awesome news for those of you who want to try this glue either because you want to give the 3D paper piecing a go (there isn't a better product for that) or because you want a super glue to adhere all your flowers, charms or other embellishments to your cards. This is the best glue out there!!

Since yesterday Whimsy Stamps sells Olba Glue and the syringes I use to paper piece for a prize that is comparable or better then the prizes in Europe... and you don't get the overseas shipping costs or the long wait! I'll do a tutorial on the uses of this glue, the filling of the syringes and the best way to keep the glue in the February issue of the Whimsy Stamps Magazine but you can buy the glue and the syringes right now HERE.

If you have wanted to try this glue for ages you want to order fast! Just in case you want to see the tutorials I did where I use the glue, you can find a (VERY long) videotutorial HERE on the Whiff of Joy tutorials & inspiration blog, there are four videos but you'll want to watch video three (from around 4 minutes and on) and video 4, and a picture tutorial HERE on page 16 of the fifth issue of the Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Magazine.

January Rubber & Die Release Showcase- Day 7

Hi everybody!!

I know... it's been a whole week again. I have been busy crafting though. Just not things I can show you yet. But I do have a sample again!! But I do have a second card to show you with one of the newly released Whimsy Stamps. This stamp is called Bird Swing and again it's by the talented Sylvia Zet from Wee Stamps. Now when you click on that link you will probably notice that I decided not to use the top part of the stamp. Most of you will probably know how to not use parts of a stamp but for those of you who don't, you try not to ink the part you don't want to use and if you do get a bit of ink on that part of the stamp you whipe it away with a babywhipe or a damp tissue. Here is my card:

I decided to go for a different shape for once. The pretty papers are from a new paper pad by Glitz Design called Pretty in Pink. I bought two gorgeous new pads by Glitz Design from a Dutch store named Luzifi the second they hit the store, you can find them HERE. You might also want to check out the fabulous stuff they have on pre-order, amongst which the new Copic Markers (YES). Anyway, some craft and pink cardstock at the base, pretty flowers and the pearl heart (colored pink with a Copic marker) all bought at Wild Orchid Crafts. The two shades of pink pearls are by Basic Grey. The gorgeous thick ribbon my "lieve vriendinnetje" Diana bought for me on the market in Leiden (dikke kus Diaantje!!, ben er super blij mee). Behind the image is some ribbon I have no idea what it's called but I've had it for ages and I cut it into pieces. A cute little feather behind the flowers, unfortunatelly not longer for sale at the shop where I bought them, a punched edge by Martha Stewart and distressing with Frayed Burlap distress ink and picked fence crackle paint both by Tim Holtz. Here is a close up:

Aren't they pretty? And because I forgot to take a picture of the little pieces again, here is a side view so you can sort of see the layers. Everything, including the leafs and the beaks of the birds was 3D paper pieced again.

If you have been joining us on our hops this past week and have left comments with me and/or my fellow teammates you might just be a winner. Don't forget to check out the Whimsy Stamps blog today, the winners should be announced there today. We still have a mini hop for you today as well though. No prizes but a lot of eye candy. So be sure to visit my DT buddies:

Debbie

Bev

Jacque

Simonne

Heidy

Alberto

Well that's it for me for today. Tomorrow I'll have a card up on the Copic Marker Europe blog. Oh.... and almost forgot to tell you, I had a day with the Dutch girls from the Copic Marker Benelux and the Copic Marker Europe teams on Sunday and while there I became a Copic Certified Designer :). So now I can finally color properly :). Hope you like my card!!!

Huge hugs,

Mariska

Whimsy Stamps January release with Wee Bunny card

Hi everybody,

Welcome to Whimsy Stamps January rubber stamp and die RELEASE DAY!

Whimsy Stamps is releasing 16 fantastic new rubber stamps and 2 wonderful new Shapeology dies. These new goodies are available to buy right now from the Whimsy Stamps store along with all your Whimsy favourites.

From today until 25 January the Whimsy DT and Special Guests will be showcasing these fabulous new stamps and dies with a daily mini blog hop. Each mini blog hop has a new release prize hidden somewhere along the way and you will have 24hrs to enter each prize draw by leaving a comment on every blog listed for that day.

To be entered into today's mini blog hop prize draw, be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the DT's posts listed under the piece about my card by 12:00PM EST tomorrow. All winners will be announced on the Whimsy Inspirations blog after 12:00PM on 25 January.

Here is the card I have to show you on release day. It is showing the absolutely adorable Wee Bunny by my sweet friend Sylvia Zet for Wee Stamps:

Isn't that bunny just adorable? The papers I used on this card are from an old line by Bo Bunny and I matched it up with some kraft and pink cardstock and then some sugarcoated and velvet cardstock by Doodlebug. The flowers and chandeliers are all from Wild Orchid Crafts and I have added some very tiny pearls in the left corner. The papers were all handstitched.

Now if you like the layout of my card... I do to but I SO cannot take credit for it. I, with permission (thank you so much Camilla!), cased one of my favorite cards ever by Camilla S. (and this is her Magnolia blog) that was featured in a Magnolia Magazine back in 2010. That card featured Cherry Tilda and when I look through my old magazines (every evening before I go to sleep) I always stop to have a stare at this card (and many other fabulous cards by Camilla because I am a huge fan of hers). Thank you for letting me case your card Camilla!! Yours is still so much prettier though!! Here is a close up of the cute little bunny:

As always, colored with Copic Markers and 3D paper pieced. The little dots around him are platinum liquid pearls. And finally for the people who love to see the little pieces, here are the parts that make this cute little bunny:

I do hope you like my card!! To take a peek at today's fabulous new release creations by the Design Team, please click on the links below...

Debbie Eastman
Ellie Stover
Erin Bailey
Mariska van der Veer {Special Guest}
Niki Estes
Stephanne Maraver
Tammy Louise Cunliffe

Here is a full list of the wonderful new goodies released today:

3 Crissy Armstrong rubber stamps
Everything's Just Ducky ~ Heart Hugs ~ Spring Zebra


4 Kenny K rubber stamps
Bodacious Bev ~ Cool Kid ~ Mad Skillz ~ Val Ventura


3 Meljen's Designs rubber stamps
Snow Bunny ~ Yeti Cocoa ~ Cozy Winter Raccoon


3 Wee Stamps rubber stamps
Bird Swing ~ Heidi ~ Wee Bunny


3 Raindrop Echo Designs rubber stamp sets
Sympathy Notables 3 (coordinating die available below)~ Thank You Tabs (coordinating die available below) ~ Celebrations Mini Tickets (coordinates with already released Mini Ticket die)


2 Raindrop Echo Designs Shapeology dies
Notables 3 (coordinating stamp set available above) ~ Tabs (coordinating stamp set available above)

Don't forget to visit the blogs of the other members of today's DT and leave a comment on their blog posts to be entered into the draw to win a new release stamp, then pop back to the Whimsy Inspirations blog tomorrow for the next list of showcase posts!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy our new release!

New Design Team member for Copic Marker Europe

Hi everybody,

Just a quick post from me. First to wish everybody a wonderful 2012, I hope the new year brings you only good things! Don't worry... I'm not going to write every single good and bad thing that has happened this past year but I do want to thank you  all for stopping by so often and for so many of you who were already following me or started following me this year. I love making cards but I have to admit the reactions I get, may it be in comments or just people starting to follow my blog are a huge thrill as well!

Second I'm very proud to announce that, starting January 16th, I am going to be part of the Design Team for Copic Marker Europe for six months!! I had never expected to be part of this team, you all know I love working with my Copic Markers but there is a big difference between loving to color with them and to be part of a team actually showing all the wonderful results you can get with these fabulous markers. Diny and Lydia contacted me though and told me they wanted me on the team so I just decided that you only live once and offers like these don't come along that often. I'm going to try my hardest not make them regret their offer :).

That's all for me girls!! See you back soon with actual projects :).

Big hug,

Hi everybody!!
This is already my last post as December Guest Designer for Meljen's Designs and also my last post for this year! This of course had to be a happy new year's card and here it is:

For this card I used this gorgeous Meljen's digi called Patriotic Bear. This bear was officially made for the 4th of July I think but I figured that with non-American colors this cute bear with sparkles would be perfect for New Years as well. The pretty papers are by Basic Grey (Ambrosia) and My Minds Eye (Breaking Free) both from older lines, together with some orange and grey cardstock. The ribbon I bought at the Krea Doe I think, not sure what brand they are. The pearl stars are from Wild Orchid Crafts and colored orange with my Copic Markers as are the pearl parts of the Karen Foster Star Burst Brads that I bought ages ago. The star with the (computer generated) sentiment is a die by Magnolia that I actually won in the advent on the amazing Tab's blog (thank you again Tab and Magnolia!). Here is a close up of the image

As always colored with my fabulous Copic Markers and 3D paper pieced. There is some stickles on the bear and the edges were done with silver German Glass Glitter 80 grit that I bought at Wild Orchid Crafts. Here is a sort of side view:

And here are the little pieces:

Well that's it for me as Guest Designer for Meljen's Designs. I loved working with their gorgeous images this past month... but then I always do and I always will :). I guess all that's left is wish you all a safe and wonderful evening and night and just in case you read this tomorrow... a wonderful, healthy and creative 2012 filled with love!

Big hug!!

Third project as Guest designer for Meljen's Designs Party Time Cat

Hi everybody!

I'm back with another card as this months guest designer for Meljen's Designs. Today I have a card to show you that I made for my "little" brothers upcoming birthday. I used the funny little Party Time Cat by Meljen's Designs for this card:

The papers that I used are kraft colored cardstock and Maja Design, Life by the Sea. The larger stars are cut with Nestabilities, the small stars are from Hotfix. The little golden sequins I bought on the Krea Doe and I love how they shine. All the edges were distressed again with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink. Here is a close up of the cute Party Time Cat:

As always, colored with my Copic Markers and 3D paper pieced. I've added lovely stickles here and there and the balloons are nice and shiny with a little help from Paper Glaze (after the stickles were dry). Here are the little pieces:

Well hope you like!!

I want to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas. Hope you get to spend it with the people you love!

Big hugs!

New Whimsy Stamps Magazine with a 3D tutorial by me

He girls,

Sorry, no card from me for the blog hop today. If you do want to see my work though you might want to look at the new Wimsy Stamps Magazine!!! Issue 5 is out and on page 16 is a tutorial on how I 3D paper piece my images. Hope you like it, would love to hear what you think of it and if you decide to give it a try!! And if you don't like my tutorial there are more then enough other gorgeous projects by my fellow DT members that will blow your socks of! Have fun!!

Oh and almost forgot... you might just want to take a look at the Whimsy Stamps blog today to see if you are one of the winner of the Whimsy Blog Hops. One of the comments left on my blog last Monday won!
Big hug!
Mariska

Card with new Meljen's Design rubber release Lovin' Turtle

Hi Everybody,
Finally my first card for the new Whimsy Stamps rubber release. Today I'm showing you a card I made with the extremely cute Lovin' Turtle by Meljen's Designs. When I first saw this image I knew I had to use my red or pink fun flock on the hearts, I bought them together with the white fun flock but never got around to actually using any other color then white. Making this card was a lovely change to all the Christmas projects I've had lately:

Now that's some color for you :). The gorgeous papers are by Bo Bunny from an older line called Sweetie Pie. I had all these ribbons in a back that fitted perfectly with the papers... they must have been in a kit but I don't remember which one. Anyway... since all these cute ribbons fitted so perfectly I decided to use a couple of them, love how they look. The gorgeous white flowers are by Wild Orchid Crafts except for the small white ones, those are by Creative Treasures. The pearl heart is also from Wild Orchid Craft and the gorgeous shiny heart button that doesn't come accross as pretty as it is is from The Ribbon Girl. The sentiments are computer generated and then with a little help from my Stamp-a-ma-jig I stamped the blanc frame from the new Friendship Notables 2 by Raindrop Echo Designs over them. The sentiments were then cut using the new matching Notables 2 Die. The sentiments read "I'm Thinking about you" and "The power of thought" in Dutch, I send this card out to somebody who has been diagnosed with cancer and has a long difficult treatment and operation ahead. I'm hoping this card will lift her spirits. Here is a close up of the gorgeous turtle:

As always colored with my beloved Copic Markers and 3D paper pieced for extra dimension. As mentioned the hearts have been fluffed with Fun Flock and the pink shell has been given a coat of gorgeous Stickles.

Hope you like my card!! I'm working very hard to have another preview for you ready on Wednesday. In the meantime... if you leave a comment on my blog and the blogs of the other girls from the Whimsy team displaying samples today you might just win yourself a prize from this new release! The talented girls and boy you also want to be visiting and leaving some love today are:

Erin

Simonne

Lori

Beate

Debbie

Sylvia

Hope to see you guys back on Wednesday!!

Third post as a Meljen's Designs Guest designer

Hi everybody,

Already my third post as a guest designer for Meljen's Designs... boy is this month going by fast!! Today I have two projects to show you. The first I made for my dad who's birthday is today. My dad loves to fish and has done so for as long as I can remember. When I looked through the gorgeous digi's Meljen's Designs has for sale I decided that there wasn't a more perfect image to use for my dad's birthday then the Fisher Moose. Since they aren't the type to leave a birthday card standing around for forever I decided to make him a picture frame:

I know... I wanted to put a picture in the frame of my dad proudly holding a huge fish he had cought but the only pictures I had of him doing that were send to me by my parents and so small that they couldn't be printed so I decided to use this one and he can insert a better picture if he wants to. The cute fish is also a Meljen's digi and she is called Little Fish. Since it's a frame for my dad I wanted to keep it manly so the only things I added are webribbon, and a bit of fishing gear I bought at the local pet store. The wooden frame I bought at a Dutch store named "Blokker" for the Dutch ladies. Sorry for the terrible pictures by the way... I didn't finish this project until yesterday evening and by then the light was terrible and since we went to my dad early this morning I didn't have time to make a better picture. Here is a close up of the Fisher Moose though:

 As always colored with Copics and 3D paper pieced, and so is this cutie Little Fish:

 And this time I didn't forget to take a picture of the little pieces:

And I have a second project to show you this week. I made this tag for the Dutch club, Kaarten maken met Tiets. In the tradition of the fabulous Mr. Holtz we had our own seven tags of XMas and I made this tag as a sample for day three where the challenge was "Winter". Nicole from Meljen's had send me this gorgeous Cozy Winter Wolf Pup and I figured he was just perfect to use for this theme:

 The papers used are brown and white cardstock and very old design paper by My Minds Eye. I've distressed the papers with Distress Ink Walnut Stain, Aleene's Glitter Snow and Platinum Stickles. Here is a close up of the cute Wolf Pup:

Isn't he adorable? I also used my new Tim Holtz Snow Flurries die and decided to treat it as Tim Holtz treated his snowman on his (I think) third tag this year. I didn't like the result though, probably because I used to little Crackle Paint Rock Candy, so after painting it white, painting it with the Rock Candy and distressing it with stains I added Stickles and paper glaze. I love how it looked after that (you can click the picture to see it better):

The fabulous sentiment is by Ann Vento for Whimsy Stamps, the set is called Winter Letter Seals.

Hope you like my two projects!! Love to hear what you think!!

Big hug!!