Friday, February 5, 2010

Squigglefly Bubbly Baby! (and a very personal note & future blogcation plans)

On a very personal note: Well today (this week, the last couple of months....) have been interesting to say the least. After some testing & waiting in the last while..today, I heard the magical word benign! Thank You God! sniff sniff, sighhhhhhh. I'll spare you the details, but let me tell you, I did me the HAPPY dance!!! (Still doing it) :-D As you can imagine, I am ever so grateful & relieved.

Moving & Imminent Blog Vacation plans... We found out that we're moving unexpectedly for March, but it'll be more than nice to get away from the constant loud highway traffic & evil smog... BUT unfortunately, that means I'll have to schedule a short blog-vacation or two for packing (and moving) since we have WAY too much stuff. LOL.

Camera Jazz: Now, most critically for immediate blogginess, I think I fixed whatever was wrong with my camera (Canon G10). It wasn't working at all--no focus whatsoever & I only had the close shots of this card done, since it's been a week of work like crazy to catch up... Must've been a funny button I pushed. It's easy to hit funny buttons, then symbols from some lost alien civilization show up & I no speaky the language. I'm still not used to the settings--must make time to learn more and avoid future calamity...

Sorry, if that was all T.M.I. (too much information) for you, I just feel so close to y'all (I mean, with my blogmania, you're my life pretty much! heehee) and I had to shout it off rooftops (or burst!) Plus, I wanted to let you all know the blog vacation & camera scoop. All in all, Mr migraine still comes and goes as he chooses (the big ol' jerk!) ;o), but life is sooooooooh amazingly SWEET!

....And now to celebrate--with some bubbly, Baby!!!

Squigglefly Bubbly Baby Bath
(teeheehee)

Friends of ours just had their first baby: a healthy 9lb bouncin'
bundle of boy! (so I have babies on the brain.)

This cutie is a digital image from Squigglefly.
It's called Baby Bathing:

the artist is Eline Pelinkhoff.

When you buy the image, you get the image flipped both ways for you, --so that you can use either direction without any work on your part (or you could use both the mirror image & original at the same time! Imagine the cute reflection you could make with this and a watery floor!?!)

This lil' baby is heat embossed on metallic cardstock...

Squigglefly digital image Bathing Baby embossed on paper temptress quartz metallic cardstock

Heat Embossing a digital image
(on metallic cardstock):

Step 1)
Gather embossing supplies (clear embossing powder, large tray, heat gun)

Step 2) Cut a half sheet of your semi non-porous paper (For this card, I used Quartz Stardream cardstock from Paper Temptress, but many metallic papers will work & I love using vellum cardstock too.)

The cutting is done to get it to print more quickly: so that it's still 8.5 inches wide but shorter for faster print time.) You can experiment with other paper types of course, but the stardream is a fave of mine for the sparkle.

Step 3) Print the image (I find standard printing setting the best--quick enough to keep the ink wet enough to hold the embossing powder, without sacrificing too much in the way of quality.

Step 4) Sprinkle clear embossing powder on right after printing & heat set it with a heat gun.

Step 5) Colour your image (I find Copic markers have the best staying power on more non-porous papers.)


After embossing him, baby was embubbled ooops...
...I mean embellished! ;o)

Squigglefly Baby in the Bath

Making the bubbles was super easy (don't pass out on me, but there was no sewing involved!) I just glued on nice shiny clear dew drops & some wee pearlized clear seed beads (you saw the bead thing coming from a mile away, hey?) I used Crystal Lacquer to stick them on, so any overflow of adhesive just looks like water.

Of course, I had to add some stitching. The gold seed beads were sewn on:

Squigglefly Bubbly Baby Bath CLOSE

This next photo is sort of so-so, but I'd hoped it would show you the
tile texture & the shiny water:

squigglefly embossed tiles

The baby is all shiny too (so squeaky clean he sparkles!) ;o) ...since he's embossed on that metallic cardstock.

To make the shiny tiles
(and the rest of the bathroom decor):

Step 1) Punch some squares of patterned paper (This paper is from BasicGrey's Porcelain 6x6 pack fittingly enough.)

Step 2) Cut a Nestabilities label or a shape you like (this one is label 9 in white cardstock.)

Step 3) Adhere the squares onto the label shape (leaving a slight gap for tile grout.) :o) Trim off the ends of the squares that stick off the label. You could die cut it with the Nesties again, but I just used scissors...

Step 4) Stamp it with your favourite texture stamp (mine is this 2010 Vintage Calendar Stamp from Purple Onion Designs & I stamped it in pale turquoise to tie in the water colouring)

Step 5) Cover it in versamark, sprinkle with clear embossing powder & heat gun it.

Step 6) Add a floor (this one is made from more Porcelain paper coloured with a BG72 Ice Ocean Copic marker)

Step 7) Add baseboards (this one is a piece of the PT Quartz cardstock cut in a strip & scored with lines using a paper piercer & Tim Holtz ruler.


Thank You so much for taking time to visit,
& for sharing in my oh so fortunate news!

P.S. Click-able Blogger photos (to enlarge, if you like):


63 comments:

Catherine Kraft said...

I love your card, you are so creative. Thank you for sharing.....not only your cards but your joys and your trials too. I'm a dancin' with you!!

Hugs............Catherine

Barb said...

This is FANTASTIC! The tile background and those bead & bauble bubbles... freakin' awesome :)

Elaine A said...

Mel Honey -

So glad the news you received was good. Happy, Happy, Happy! We love you sweetie, you are one special gal!
And this card - oh la la! It is just the sweetest thing ever! You just never cease to amaze me with your creativity (and your willingness to share) and your attention to detail. AMAZING!!!!

Sorry you'll be away on blogcation (everyone needs to take a break every once in a while), but you've got so much to explore on your blog, I think I can manage for a bit without a Mel fix. Have a wonderful weekend Mel. And still dancing around at your good news!

Elaine Allen

Therese Travis said...

I'm so glad you got a good report. I got mine just a few months ago and I'mstill so very thankful.

Sherry Cheever said...

My heart swelled for you when I saw whatever it is is benign! How I wish I would have heard those words myself. Doing the happy dance for you!!! Great project too!

Dawn said...

well, first off...I'm doing the happy dance with you!! God be praised!!! HUGS!!!

ah, the moooove! oh boy! wish I was close enough to help you!!

9POUNDS!! OUCH! that card is just TOO DANG SWEET!! Just when I think you've outdone yourself... you OUTdo your last post!!! MyWord! THIS IS AWWWWESOME!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Ruth said...

Hi Mel,beautiful work as ever! I'm so glad for you that you got good news on the medical front,I'm sure it was an unbelievable relief, Ruth x

Mary Rose Gurica said...

hi mel nice work love lady

Shawna said...

What an adorable card!!! And isn't BENIGN the most wonderful word! We are all dancing with you!

Andi (RrlScrapGal) said...

I have to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! and a big ol' hug... 2 months is a long time holding that anxiety in...poor thing! You must be exhausted and need a nice long relaxed nap!!!


Since I follow your blog, and love your work, and you, I just had to say somethin'!!!

gorgeous baby card:)

Priscilla said...

Dancing Happy Dance for you too.
Your card is awesome. Love the tiles effect. Thanks for all your
beautiful inspiration!
Priscilla

Jenny Adams said...

I've been receiving yr blog for ages in my email and today I have to comment! I'm so happy for your good news re yr health. Good luck with yr move - sounds like you will enjoy it now! Happy thoughts to you and yr family.
Jenny in Australia

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

Congrats on your good news! I'm in the same boat, just waiting for more info. Love the little card!

Noreen said...

I love all your clever techniques. This time it's the shiny tile I admire. Glad to hear your medical news was good.

Katarina said...

So glad to hear everything is OK, whatever it may have been. This card is incredibly amazing! I mean I admire all of your fantastic creations, but this one blows me AWAY! I LOVE the tile, the bubbles are the most incredible thing I've ever seen on a card! I will definitely be trying this myself! Thank you for taking the time to share your art with all of us!

Beth Norman said...

TG your tests were benign. Hurray for the move. Maybe it is your place that is making you sick. Your card is adorable as always my friend.

Hugs,

Beth

Anonymous said...

So happy for your good news! Sounds like you're going to be busy busy with the move. Good luck with that. We'll be right here when you get back!

Your card is amazing - like the rest of your work!

Lindastamps at gmail dot com

Holly Young said...

Gosh Mel, what two great words for you to hear! I'm doing the happy dance with you and everyone else on here!

I love you card! the tiles are amazingly real looking and I was wondering from that sneak peek how you got the sudsy look in the bubbles and now I see it's the pearlized seed beads! Cool! I love your word "embubbled" too!

Chris said...

I'm doing the happy dance with you - I know you have enough worries and health issues, sorry to hear that there was one more weighing over you. Enjoy the move/vacation!!

Debby said...

Glad to hear the news. Sorry you have to move but it sounds like a good thing. So glad to see you creating and I love your little bubble bath boy. Too cute.

Snoopy said...

Praise God for your benign diagnosis! I am thrilled for you.

Hugs,
Snoopy :D

Ms. Jen said...

First and foremost Praise God for working in your life!

Second, WOWZA! You are one talented and clever girl. Reading through your directions I was amazed at the level of artistry you shared. This card "embelishing" is out of this world! Great job!!

Jane Wetzel said...

this is INSANELY cute! WOW..adorable!

CFLanger said...

This is adorable! I love all the details you add to your cards. Makes 'em fun!

maryvernau said...

Hey Mel, this card is adorable! Love the bubbles! So glad your news was good and hope your move goes smoothly too! Have a super weekend, Mary

lisa808 said...

Glad to hear the good health news. Best wishes for a smooth move.

Suzi said...

Can you say, "Thank you, Lord!"? So happy for you! Thanks for sharing with us! We'll miss you when you on blogcation, but. . .

Rufus said...

Oh yes that is DEFINITELY worthy of a HAPPY DANCE!! Congratulations! Oh, I can just imagine the relief you must be feeling.

Your card is just fantastic. Thanks so much for the step-by-step I thought I had it figured out, but it's nice to know if I'm right or wrong on how you did something! Enjoy hunting for your new home. Even packing can be fun, occasionally (you find treasures you forgot you owned!) Drop in to say Hi and tell us your progress when you can.

Thanks for the GREAT news and the super cute card
R/

Tiffany said...

Amazing!! LOVE the tile technique!!
So happy for your good news!

Christy Farneth-Kerr said...

Very Cool!!I just love the bubbles:)

Sue from Oregon said...

Congrats on your good news all around! Whew! This is just the cutest image...I love EP images! great card but I think your description was even better! You are too cute!

Debbie Pamment said...

Fabulously fun card - love the tiles and "bubbles".

Congrats too on your medical news - keep that happy dance going - you deserve it!!! Am soooo very happy for you too!

Hugs from Downunder from a huge fan
xXx

Jana Weaver said...

This is adorable! I love the bubbles the way you created them with the clear baubles!! Really cute!

KellyW said...

So glad you got the word benign! I so know that feeling, it is absolutely amazing!!

Awesome card, thanks for the step-by-steps! Takes the guess work out of the mix!

Good luck with moving! Hope it goes very smoothly for you!

Domna said...

Love to read you blog! So many amazing things! Gorgeous card!

Mary Director said...

Amazing news, what a blessing!!!!! I understand doing the "Dance of Joy" with news this GREAT.

Your card is so cute too. very creative.

Don't envy packing to move, but hope the move with bring you great joy.

Jeanette said...

I'm doing a happy dance for your good news.

OMG! This card is terrific. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

Renee G said...

This card is so so fabulous!! to darn cute! you are so talented! Adn im so happy for you on your health matters! awesome. God is good!

Cazamataz said...

I visit regularly and don't always leave a comment....your work is soooo amazing and inspiring .i am sending lots of positive vibes your way wishing you the best with your move also...don't go away for long will miss you... joining you in your happy dance
love Carol

CraftinGranny said...

Lots of new Mel and I'm so happy for you. "Benign" is the most beautiful word ever spoken! Congrats on the move. You will be sorely missed but we'll all patiently wait until you get settled again. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful talent!!!
"Hugs" Granny

MarionE, Australia said...

I'm SOOOOOO pleased for you, and this comes from one who's been there - there's no better word than "benign"!
That bubble bath baby is just too cute for words too.
Thank you for all you share.

Dotty Jo said...

Great news Mel - big, happy hugs for you! Love your card, those bubbles look so real! Jo x

Ruby said...

Absolutely beautiful. It's a mini masterpiece!! Amazing attention to detail, just gorgeous!! :o)

Cheri said...

Good heavens, Mel! Every time I see one of your cards I'm floored. You come up with some pretty ingenious stuff, girl! Thanks for inspiring me!

B : ) said...

Mel, your news is wonderful..even about moving..change is good : ) I'm not sure if I have ever commented before, but I do read your blog every day and find myself constantly amazed at how willing you are to share all your knowledge. There was one thing I wanted to share with you - my husband had debilitating migraines for years. Had all the cat scans and MRIs and all that stuff. They even put him in the hospital twice. He had a deviated septum and one side was blocked, for years, and decided to get that fixed. Asked the doc if that would help his migraines, and the doc said no. It's been almost four years now and he hasn't had a migraine since. Just thought you might like to know that in case it's an avenue you can explore. God bless.

Elena said...

What a sweet card! I love those bubbles!
Glad you received some happy news! :)
Hope that moving will go smooth. :)
Will be waiting for you from your blog vacation!

Dandelion Dreams said...

When it comes to cards, your style is recognized as uniquely you. It's inspiring, creative, and I just adore all those special little things you do by hand just to kick it up another notch. These aren't any 5 minute quickies, that's for sure.

I am glad for your news and wish you a move that is as trouble-free as possible.

faith,trust,and,faerie dust,
~Angelique

mekei said...

I am very happy for your good news! yes, happy monkey dance day.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mel,

So happy to hear your good news. Sorry to hear you are moving again. Hope all goes well. Will miss your blogs, but take your time and get settled in. Can't wait to see all of the wonderful cards, boxes and ideas you share with us. Hugs....Jan

Tracey said...

Hi Mel, what fantastic news! You must be so relieved :o)

This card is stunning!!! The tiles look soo real (& so do the bubbles) & I love the stitching & beads around the edge.

Hugs
Tracey
x

DeeAnn said...

Mel, I am so happy about the good news. No, that was not TMI. We love you and want to know these things. We worry about you when you get sick. Big congratulations on the move. Can't wait to see your new crafting space. I love the new card. That baby is completely adorable. Congratulations to your friends and their new bundle of joy.

Lana said...

This card is absolutely adorable!! Thanks for the great info! Good luck on the move!

Jennifer said...

This has got to be one of the cutest cards I've EVER seen! Great job! I'll definitely save this one for reference to techniques and the idea in general!

mary said...

Thank God for the good diagnosis! I am sorry that you suffer so much from Migraines. That must be awful! We are so fortunate that you still feel up to blogging for us. Maybe you could find a guest designer to fill in for you while you are moving. We will miss you & anxiously await your return. We hope the move is a good one for you & your family. Good Luck!
That tile technique looks like actual tile. And with the baseboard, it is so realistic. I love the bubbles. Another great job! TFS

Anonymous said...

I was so looking forward to the baby in the bath...and then when I saw the wedding card!!!! My fingers are crossed for you because you truly are talents. Best wishes on the move and I'm glad the new was good :) Your blog is truly a blessing and my very favourite!

S said...

Thank God for answered prayers! Hooray for Benign!

Mari said...

I can't possibly imagine better news! I think we'll all happy dance *with* you! :D
And I *LOVE* the bubbles!

Leonor said...

Wao! I'm so amazed about your work...!

Anita said...

On the health news, YEAH! What fantastic news. I just love seeing your amazing projects. Your bubbles are an amazing touch. Good luck with moving and hope all goes well.

Tatanky said...

Mel that's an excellent news I'm really happy for you.I love your card !

Margaret McDonald said...

gorgeous card. love the bathroom tiles.
very relieved for you
Auntie -in freakin' cold Ontario sending you white light of love

Unknown said...

I am happy for the benign news!

This is the most creatively detailed and adorable card! WOW!

Jan Hunnicutt said...

What an awesome card! Thanks for taking us step by step through your creative process. Congratulations, you get to move forward. All the best!