Gothic Arches

This week's challenge over at the Paper Imagery Design yahoo group ( http://groups.yahoo.com/group/paperimagerydesign/) is Gothic Arches. I usually do ATCs, but this time I decided to try a skinny (3x5"). I created the background by inking up the inside of a Cuttlebug embossing folder before inserting the paper. After running the folder through my Big Kick I had a 3x5 that was not only embossed, but had an interesting distressed green color as well. A few sprays of Olive Vine Glimmer Mist finished it off. I stamped an architectural Beeswax Stamp image next, into which a PID arch transparency fit perfectly. Some musical notes and the large crow stamp are from Quiet Fire, and the small birds on top are from A Muse Stamps. I'm not exactly sure where the quote stamp came from.

Things With Wings

Seems like great minds do think alike. I had two challenges this week. Heidi, team leader of Gotham City Stampers, my group of crafty friends, posted a "birds" challenge, and this week's PID challenge is called "Winged Things." For Heidi's challenge I first made an ATC using background paper from PID and stamped images from Quietfire Designs, and then ,matted it and used it to decorate a notecard. For the PID challenge, my ATC uses their "pretty lady" and "houses" images, plus wing stamps from Beeswax stamps and Invoke Arts. I chalked everything in sepia tones and then gave the whole piece a few good spritzes of latte colored Glimmer Mist. Oh, the Glimmer Mist is on the first piece as well. Gotta love that shimmer.

More From Paper Imagery Designs

I just don't have the time to visit all the blogs, message boards, yahoo groups that I love, so I've narrowed it down to one that I go to daily. OK, several times a day, and that is the Paper Imagery Designs yahoo group. I love the atmosphere there, the great art work that is posted, and the weekly challenges. They are specific enough to give me a focus, but broad enough to allow for creativity. The one and only rule is that at least one PID image is used on each piece. Not a problem for me; I love their collage sheets and was a big fan of their creations way before I joined the group. This week's challenge is black & white, and July's ATC Jackpot is, appropriately enough, red white and blue. Happy 4th everyone!