She Loves To Make Art

Hang In There - and 2 Challenges

2012-03-17T17:49:00.000-05:00

Hey, I'm back with my second card for today. And this one was soooo much fun to create.

First things first, though. This card is going into 2 challenges.
CAS-ual Fridays CFC#44

The 1-2-3 is:
1. A pattern
2. An image
3. A sentiment
AND...you still have to keep the style clean & simple. I tried to do that. "Simple" sometimes isn't easy to do though!

The second challenge is Color Throwdown #183. And, you've just got to love these colors. Well...I do, anyway. Take a look for yourself...

Summer-y, huh?

Hence, my summer-y themed card :)

I've been on the search for some cloud dies for a while now. Last weekend I attended a stamping expo. And, you guessed it. I found these cute dies by A.Muse Studio. I also picked up this grass die. Love them both!
I sponged baja breeze ink onto the white card base, using a scalloped punched circle as a mask. The grass is die cut from a piece of patterned paper. I stamped the branch on kraft card stock then cut it out by hand. The swing is actually a rectangle stamp. I just curved it a little when I placed it on my acrylic block. I created the seat of the swing using a ruler and markers. As I said...fun :)
Thanks for taking a look! I've got to go make dinner.

What's in it?

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), kraft (SU)

stamps: hang ups, sentiment sampler (Paper Smooches)

dsp: in color patterned paper pack (SU)

ink: baja breeze, crumb cake, chocolate chip, really rust (SU)

other: grass die and cloud dies (A.Muse Studio), white baker's twine (SU)

Hello - CASE Study Challenge

2012-03-17T17:10:00.000-05:00

Hi, this is the first of two posts today!
You've got to see the inspiration card by Laura Bassen over at the CASE Study challenge blog. Take a look...

Wow. Laura makes the Clean & Simple style look so easy. This is CASE Study Challenge #82. You can click on my link to check out all of the details.

After some trial and error, this is what I created:

I knew I wanted to use some patterned papers for this card. Looking through my (rather large) stash, I found this Parisian Breeze DSP from Stampin' Up!. I love these colors. And, these sheets are card stock weight paper. So they're perfect for die cutting. I popped these butterflies up on dimensional adhesive. I'm really pleased with the result :)
Thanks for taking the time to stop and take a look!

What's in it?

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), baja breeze (SU)

stamps: tweet heart (A.Muse Studio)

patterned paper: parisian breeze (SU)

other: love lives here die (PTI)

A Name Change!

2012-03-17T16:50:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Yes, I do have some Irish heritage...and the red hair to prove it. :)

So. On to the reason for this post. I've been thinking, for some time, of changing the name of my blog. You should have seen the list of names I came up with. But most of them didn't seem quite right.
As you can see...I've settled on one. And I love it. It really sums up my passion for crafting!

I'll also be making some changes to the look of my blog. But that will have to wait until I've got a chunk of time to dedicate to it. Hopefully, in a few weeks ;)

Thanks so much to everyone that follows/reads my blog. It means a lot to me. And, I LOVE reading your comments. I've "met" so many kind and caring people through blogging.

P.S. Before I go, I have to share a photo of our crocus. My favorite color!


Our winter has been so mild that our crocus are blooming already. Eighty degrees in mid March, is rare in N. Illinois.

Thank You - and a Lily Pad Challenge

2012-03-11T17:10:00.000-05:00

Hello! It feels like a long time since I've posted, even though it's only been a week. I usually only have the time to create and post on the weekends, since I work full time. But watch out when I retire! Um...that's still a few years away, though :)

Anyway. I'm playing along in the Purple Onion Designs Presents Kathy's Lily Pad Palette Challenge.
Kathy's colors are so pretty.

This is what I created.

I masked the blooms before stamping the leaves, so that it would appear that the leaves are behind them. Well, hopefully it does! I used Creamy Caramel ink for the leaves. But, on my first try, that color was too strong. So I started over and stamped off onto scratch paper before stamping the image on my card panel. Much better! The matted panel is attached with dimensional adhesive to give it a little lift. The sentiment is stamped in Early Espresso.
Well...that's it from me today. It's been a very busy weekend, so only 1 card to post. It looks like all of our March weekends are filling up, so you might not hear much from me this month. But I'll try!
Thanks for taking a look,

What's in it?

card stock: stampers select white (PTI), whisper white, crumb cake (SU)

ink: pink pirouette, crumb cake, creamy caramel, early espresso (SU)

stamps: rosie posie, think big favorites (PTI)

other: kraft satin ribbon (PTI)

Smile ~ CR84FN Color Challenge

2012-03-04T15:03:00.000-06:00

Hi! I've made a card for one of our nieces today. It's a "just because" card :)
This card is going into the CR84FN color Challenge 49. I couldn't resist those wonderful colors. See what I mean...

Aren't they soft and spring-y?

Here's my card.

I had SO much fun making this card. The photo is of a family member...taken in the late 1950's. Isn't it sweet??? I chose a doily print dsp to tie in with the age of the photo. And, I used some decorative edge scissors to trim the photo (this isn't the original photo, but a copy). This edge looks similar to the ones on vintage photos of that time. Yes. I'm showing my age :) Oh, and I used a linen texture impression plate for the kraft panel. I love that texture!
Thanks so much for taking a look today,

What's in it?

card stock: daffodil delight, crumb cake (kraft), basic gray (Stampin' Up!)

stamp: wonderful words II (SU)

dsp: flirtatious (SU)

ink: onyx black (Versafine)

other: linen impression plate, heart border die, kraft satin ribbon, kraft wool felt (Papertrey Ink), photo paper (Kodak), decorative scissors (Fiskars)

A Balloon Birthday Card - Paper Players Challenge

2012-02-26T18:08:00.000-06:00

Hey, a third blog post today. I bet you're surprised. So am I :)
Well, I needed to create cards for upcoming birthdays. And, a few of the birthdays are coming up quickly, so had to get busy!
This card is for my sister's husband. I think I'm safe in assuming that he doesn't read my blog!

I'm playing along in The Paper Players Challenge #84. Take a look at the sketch that LeAnne has created for the challenge.

My card ~

I wanted to go clean and simple with this card. And I knew that wanted to extend my image through 3 panels. In looking through my stamp sets, I found this SU hostess set that hadn't seen ink in a while. I think it works well for a "guy" card. I extended my panels above the top of the card to give it the sense of a "lift". As though the balloon might float away. Is it working? I'm still undecided.
I drew the string with a Versamark marker, then heat embossed it with the same EP that I used on the balloon. As you can see, I couldn't resist adding a couple of bows to the sentiment panel. I felt it needed something to anchor it. I also drew a little silver bow just beneath the balloon.
Thanks so much for taking a look today!

What's in it?

card stock: stampers select white (PTI)

ink: Versamark pad and marker

stamps: birthday whimsy (SU)

other: saphir pearl lustre embossing powder (Stampendous), grommet tags die (Spellbinders), silver cord (Really Reasonable Ribbon), silver writer marker (EK Success)

More Candles - Color Throwdown Challenge

2012-02-26T13:16:00.000-06:00

Hi! I'm back with my second post for today. You can click HERE to see my previous post.
This card is going into the challenge at Color Throwdown 180. I like this color combo :)

As I said, I really like these colors. But...I struggled with this card. My first attempt had to put in the "use those pieces later" file! This is what I finally came up with.

My liquid pearls have been neglected, so I've been wanting to put them to use. I think they're just the right embellishment to go with some intricate die cuts. They add a soft, glimmery touch.
I'll have to finish this post and get back to lunch prep! I'll list my supplies below.
Thanks for stopping in!

What's in it?

card stock: basic gray, pumpkin pie, barely banana, bashful blue (Stampin' Up!)

ink: basic black (SU)

stamp: whimsicle words (SU)

other: classic lace (Offray), antique brads (SU), silver pearl liquid pearls (Ranger), fleur de lis die, labels six die (Spellbinders)

Happy Birthday with rolled flowers - Card Patterns Sketch

2012-02-26T12:08:00.000-06:00

Hi! I hope you're having a good weekend. Mine has been good, except for a sinus infection. But...I didn't let that keep me away from my craft table :) One of my stamping buddies came over to stamp with me yesterday, even though she's fighting an ear infection. Yes, we were quite the duo, huh Cheryl?

Okay! Back to the challenge. I'm playing along with the Card Patterns Sketch 154. You can take a look.

I created a card that measures 4 3/4" x 9". It will fit in a business size envelope - well, maybe. You see, I've added some rolled flowers. Hmmm....
Anyway, here's my take on the CP sketch.

Oh, I love the colors of Kraft and Baja Blue together. I used several pieces of dsp from Stampin' Up!'s Elegant Soiree`. I think the color of the leaves is Soft Suede. I used a piece of kraft colored felt in a PTI die for the border. So soft!
I sprayed the entire card with some Pearl glimmer mist, but I couldn't get it to show up in my photos.
Thanks so much for taking a look. I hope you'll leave a comment!

What's in it?

card stock: kraft (PTI), baja breeze (SU)

ink: early espresso (SU)

dsp: elegant soiree` (SU)

stamp: think big favorites #12 (PTI)

other: kraft wool felt (PTI), pearl glimmer mist (Tattered Angels), filigree border die (PTI), rolled flower die (MFT), leaves die (SU by Sizixx), corner rounder, glue dots

Just a note - CASE Study Challenge #78

2012-02-19T18:25:00.001-06:00

I'm back with a second post today. I managed to make 1 card this afternoon, between other tasks! The style of this card is SO much different than my previous post. I enjoy the variety of making many different styles of cards. So fun!

I'm playing along with CASE Study - Challenge #78. Karola Witczak is the February muse. This is her gorgeous inspiration card ~

What really drew me in were the scallops and twine, but I also love her use of pink and yellow together.

This is my interpretation ~

As soon as I saw Karola's card, I knew that I wanted to use this lattice rectangle die from Spellbinders. I love the scallop edge and the open airy look of it all. I did some fussy cutting for the flowers - layering on an additional layer to each with dimensional adhesive. Fussy cutting is so calming for me; I don't know why???
I did a little sponging on the tag before removing it from the die. Yeah...another favorite technique :)
I did some stitching with my sewing machine on the yellow panel. Then, I tied some linen thread around the front of the card to attach the tag. I finished off with some dots from a clear stardust glitter pen.
All in all, a fun card to make!
I hope you're having a great weekend. It's been bright and sunny here. The daffodils are poking up through the soil already. Way to early for northern Illinois. But we've had a mild winter (so far), so our plants are a little confused!
Thanks for popping in!

P.S. I'll be adding this card to my Etsy shop soon.

What's in it?

card stock: naturals ivory, barely banana (SU)

stamp: happy trails (PTI)

ink: tuxedo black (Momento), pink pirourette (SU)

patterned paper: 5 & dime 8 x 8 pad (October Afternoon)

dies: lattice rectangles, grommet tags (Spellbinders)

other: linen thread (SU), stardust clear glitter pen (Sakura), yellow thread, dimensional adhesive

lucky me - The Play Date Cafe Challenge #119

2012-02-19T11:19:00.000-06:00

It's a bright sunny Sunday, worship service was great...and I'm posting a card! I made this card late yesterday, but couldn't get a good photo without sunlight. So, I'm doing this short post before I start making lunch :)

I'm playing along in the Play Date Cafe Challenge #119. It's one of their fun color splash challenges. Take a look:

Black and white with just a splash of hot pink. I really had to dig through my older stash of card stock to find a hot pink. It's not a color that I use often. In fact, seldom! But I love the color splash challenges, so I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I need that "push" sometimes. lol

This is what I created.

I used my splash of hot pink behind this die-cut work "lucky". I popped that panel up on dimensional adhesive. I used white embossing powder for the word "me". This was such an easy card to create...except for attaching those tiny pieces of cs inside the l, k & y. Yikes. Not so easy cutting those slivers of dimensional adhesive, then using tweezers to place the pieces. It was a challenge....pun intended (but lame :) )
Thanks for looking!

What's in it?

card stock: basic black, whisper white, pink passion ? (SU)

stamp: wonderful words additions (PTI)

ink: versamark

die: wonderful words (PTI)

other: winter white embossing powder (SU), heat tool, dimensional adhesive, anti-static bag

The Paper Players - Design Team Call

2012-02-15T19:09:00.000-06:00

Hi, this isn't my usual blog post with a challenge card. I'm submitting this post in answer to a Design Team Call over at The Paper Players. So, if you are a regular reader of my blog, you may have already seen these projects.

To the DT at the Paper Players:
1) My name is Susie Wittwer
2) I work full time, but squeeze in as much crafting (and blogging) time as I can on the weekends. During the work week I also find time each evening to read my favorite blogs. I love participating in challenges and I love blogging! I enjoy sharing what I create, almost as much as I enjoy creating it. I would love to join the DT for several reasons. First, to learn and grow more as a crafter and blogger. Second, to be a part of a team that inspires others. And, third...this would be a great opportunity to "meet" even more people who have a passion for this craft.

3) I'm including 3 of my favorite projects, as requested.

This card uses SU dsp, a paper doily, a heart cut out of packaging from a box of candy...and a bow made of vintage seam binding. The little rose is from SU; I colored it with a marker. Also, I added 3 vintage buttons.

I used a SU stamp set for the dress form and for the "ruler" stamped on the crumb cake seam binding. The dsp is also SU. The sentiment is computer generated. I've added some machine stitching also, to go along with the sewing theme.


I used a SU stamp for the pussy willow images, after masking and sponging the background with several colors of SU ink. I believe the sentiment is from Gina K Designs.

Thank you very much for your consideration!

Happy Birthday - Play Date Cafe Challenge

2012-02-12T16:59:00.000-06:00

Hey, I'm back for my second post today :)
This card is going into the Play Date Cafe Challenge #118. Here's the challenge!

I love those colors, don't you?
I chose to go clean and simple with my card. I love CAS, but my card is just lacking something. And I don't know what it is. But, I'll show you anyway. Maybe you can tell me!

After stamping, I added a tiny blue gem to each little bird. I think the rest is pretty easy to figure out, but if you have any questions, please ask!
Thanks for popping in for a look,

What's in it?

card stock: night of navy, daffodil delight, whisper white (SU)

stamps: birthdays by the numbers, happy trails (PTI)

ink: night of navy, pacific point, daffodil delight

other: blue gems (The Paper Studio)

You Rock! - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

2012-02-12T16:24:00.000-06:00

Hi! I've got a card for the current challenge over at CAS-ual Fridays. The challenge this week is to use paper piecing.

I love the detail work of doing paper piecing, so this challenge pulled me in right away. This is what I came up with.

I had fun with this card. Even though I kept messing up the crystal effects on the TV screen. This one is my second attempt...but it's still not as smooth as I had hoped. I applied the crystal effects to a piece of striped patterned paper. I stamped the TV on another patterned paper, cut it out (and cut out the inside of the screen with a craft knife). I placed this onto the first piece before the glaze dried, so that it would adhere...and so that the shiny glaze would be pushed up a little from the edges of the frame. Hopefully, this gives the illusion of a slightly rounded or domed screen, like one of those old televisions.
This card will be going into my Etsy shop.

Thanks so much for stopping in to take a look!

What's in it?

card stock: whisper white, not quite navy (Stampin' Up!)

ink: staz-on (Tsukineko), basic black (SU)

stamps: boob tube, sentiment sampler (Paper Smooches)

patterned papers: lost & found 6" x 6" pad (My Mind's Eye)

other: glossy accents (Ranger)

You're Not Old - Birthday card - 2 challenges

2012-02-05T13:32:00.000-06:00

Hi all! I've got another card that I made yesterday, but had to wait to photograph it today. And our weather has been so cloudy that it's difficult to get good pics. And, wouldn't you know...now that my photos are edited and I'm ready to post. The sun is out! lol

Anyway. This birthday card is going into 2 challenges.

Lily Pad Cards - Simon Says Stamp Presents a Patterned Paper Challenge.

Unscripted Sketches #144
I chose to rotate this sketch for my card.

I have a 6 x 6 pad of Modern Homemaker patterned paper that is soooo cute. I've been in the mood to pull it out and put some of those sweet papers to use. I've used 2 patterns for this card.

Isn't that retro kitchen paper sweet? I love it. Maybe because I remember those items from my childhood. Hmmm...I'm showing my age :) So. I used a Spellbinders die for the focal image. Slightly off-setting the solid yellow card stock from the striped paper. I added a little machine stitching, a banner for the sentiment and some buttons and ribbon. So fun!

I'll be putting this card in my Etsy shop soon.

Thanks for taking a look!

What's in it?

card stock: daffodil delight, basic gray (SU)

patterned paper: modern homemaker (October Afternoon)

sentiment: generated in MS Word

other: labels four die (Spellbinders), buttons (Basic Grey), ribbon (Michaels), yellow thread, sewing machine

Happy Birthday (with patterned papers) - Lily Pad Cards Challenge

2012-02-04T13:58:00.000-06:00

Hi, it's Saturday morning...so it must be time to get crafty, huh? Well, the laundry is almost done, so I gave myself permission to spend some time at my craft table :) This card is a lacy, frilly one. These cards take quite a while to make (at least for me), but I was in the mood for frills and some soft, subtle patterned papers.

I'm playing along in the Lily Pad Cards "Simon Says Stamp Presents a Patterned Paper Challenge".
We're supposed to dig out something from that stash of patterned paper that most of us crafters ~~hoard~~...ah, collect. Maybe you can relate?

My card ~

Ahhh. This is one of those times when the card turned out just as I had envisioned it. Believe me, that doesn't always happen! I used 2 patterned papers, 2 types of lace, a piece of ric-rac and a piece of that oh-so-pretty Pool Party seam binding that I bought recently. I did some stitching on the main panel and the focal panel. I also added a stick-pin, a tiny button...and as a finishing touch, a little tinsel glitter above the layers of lace. Yeah. Frilly fun. Seriously.
Anyway, thanks for looking! I hope you'll leave a comment.

P.S. I'll be putting this card in my Etsy shop soon. There's a link in my upper right sidebar that will take you to my shop.

The recipe:

card stock: white (PTI), pool party (SU)

patterned papers: basics white 6 x 6 pad (Basic Grey)

ink: onyx black (Versafine)

stamp: think big favorites #12 (PTI)

other: pool party seam binding (SU), button (Basic Grey), die-namics edge die (MFT), crystal tinsel glitter (MS), wide white lace (The Paper Studio), narrow lace (from my stash), beachfront white ric-rac (SU - discontinued), pewter stick pin (Jenny Bowlin)

Someone so special - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

2012-01-29T18:39:00.001-06:00

This is my second post this evening. I've been busy sponging and stamping this afternoon :)
As with the first card, this one is also a sympathy card AND is going into the current challenge at
CAS-ual Fridays CFC37 - here's Laura's sketch...

And, yes. I used the same techniques as on my first card. Masking, sponging and stamping.

It might be difficult to see the variation of colors in sky, in these photos. It's much easier to see IRL. I punched a piece of white card stock using a round scallop SU punch then used that as a mask for creating the clouds in the sky. I just kept moving it and sponging more color across the sky. It's really very easy. Before removing the masks, I stamped my images. Except the palm frond at the top of the panel. I removed the mask before stamping it outside the "sky" area, to add a little depth (at least I hope it does!).
Below the sentiment I added a narrow strip of card stock. That's about it :)
Thank you so much for stopping in to take a look. I appreciate it!

The recipe ~

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), night of navy (SU)

ink: bashful blue, night of navy, always artichoke (SU)

stamps: forever in our hearts (Verve)

other: sponge pads and distressing/sponging handle (Ranger)

With Sympathy, gingko leaves - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

2012-01-29T18:14:00.001-06:00

Hey, I've got 2 more cards to post today. The second will follow shortly.
Unfortunately, I've needed to use several sympathy cards from my stash lately. So, I've made 2 more to replenish my stock. I know that some stampers don't like to make sympathy cards. I'm not one of them. I like creating them, because I know how meaningful it can be to receive a hand crafted card in that situation.
Kris, someone that is now a very good friend and co-worker (and my SU demo!), gave me a hand crafted sympathy card when one of my parents passed away. At that time I barely knew Kris. When I realized that someone I barely knew had taken the time to make that card for me - well, it really warmed my heart. I still remember opening and reading that card 9 years ago. I hope that the sympathy cards that I send to others, will mean as much to them.

Well, I guess I'd better get back on track or I'll be blogging all evening, huh???

CAS-ual Fridays CFC37 has another great challenge this week...of course! Take a look at Laura's sketch.

It's been a while since I did a sponged background and I love doing them. So, I sponged! Here's the result.

Ahhh....did I mention I love sponging? Yeah? Ok.
I used 4 inks for the sponging, keeping the lightest in near the center of the panel. I stamped the gingko leaves before removing my masks...except along the right edge. I wanted a couple of leaves to extend beyond the masked area to give the illusion of some depth. The rest of the card is self explanatory, I think. But, if you have any questions, please ask!
Thanks so much for taking a look,

The recipe ~

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), always artichoke (SU)

ink: certainly celery, pear pizzazz, old olive, always artichoke (SU)

stamps: harvest berries, simple sentiments (PTI)

other: gems (Affinity by the Paper Studio), distressing handle and pads (Ranger)

Congratulations - Color Throwdown CFD176

2012-01-28T15:10:00.000-06:00

Hi there! I needed to make a card this weekend for a co-worker that will soon be starting a new job within the company. So, I wanted to make "congrats" card for her. When I looked around at the challenge blogs this morning, these colors caught my eye at The Color Throwdown Challenge #176.
Take a look ~

And...I was really wanting to use some of the Pool Party seam binding that arrived at my door on Monday. This was my chance :)
Even though this is a pretty color palette, I really struggled to work some Rose Red into my card. It seemed to overpower the other colors when I used it for one of the punched pieces. So, I ended up using it in just a few small doses. I think it works. I'm hoping the recipient thinks so!

Gotta love that Pool Party color right now, in the middle of winter. It's reminding me that spring (and warmer temps) aren't TOO far off!

The recipe ~

card stock: chocolate chip, pool party, crumb cake, rose red (Stampin' Up!)

ink: chocolate chip (SU)

stamp: petite messages (Hero Arts)

punches: decorative label, large oval (SU)

other: lace impression plate die, doily details die (Papertrey Ink), pool party seam binding (SU), vintage trinkets small pin (SU), mini key (7gypsies), gems (Recollections from Michaels)

Lovebirds - CR84FN46

2012-01-21T17:21:00.001-06:00

Hey, hey! This is my second post today. I'm trying to make up for lost time :)
This card is going into the following challenges ~
Unscripted Sketches #142 - this time it's a "piggy-back" challenge. The additional piece of the challenge is to create a pocket. Which I did!

CR84FN46 - the challenge colors are pink, yellow and a neutral (I chose ivory)

The photos in the challenge graphic are so pretty, aren't they? I thought of a pretty, girly, lacy card. So, that's what I created.

Yeah, this is one of those cards that took a very long time to create. But, I think it was worth it. I did some stitching on a couple of the pieces of patterned paper, including the tag. I sponged most of the edges with a bit of barely banana ink. The crocheted "pocket" is a piece of vintage doily that I bought at an estate auction. A few heart die cuts. A die cut tag to tuck inside the pocket. A bit of pink ribbon leftover from a previous project. A tiny key, a couple of gems. Then the two Crafty Secrets stickers - Love and Lovebirds. And, finally my card was finished! I'm planning to put this in my Etsy shop...but, it might be difficult to let go of it. lol !

Click on the name to go to my Etsy shop: My Little Bird Studio
Thanks so much for taking a look. I hope you'll leave a comment...I love reading them!

Supplies:

card stock: naturals ivory, pretty in pink, barely banana (Stampin' Up!)

dsp: flirtatious (SU)

ink: barely banana

other: love sticker and lovebirds stickers (Crafty Secrets), tag-it #5 die (Papertrey Ink), classic heart die (Spellbinders), linen thread (SU), mini key (7 gypsies), pink gems (The Paper Studio), pink ribbon from my stash

Lots of hugs - CAS-ual Fridays CFC#36

2012-01-21T16:46:00.001-06:00

Hey, I'm back. It's been a couple of weeks since I've played along in any challenges. I've sure missed it!
So. Let's go. This card is going into the CAS-ual Fridays Challenge #36 - Create a clean and simple project that is only black and white.

My card ~

I SO wanted to add a little pop of color to this card. But, I resisted!
I used a Spellbinders heart die, then attached the black panel to the white with dimensional adhesive to "lift" it above those strips of black & white ribbon. This ribbon has been in my stash for a long, long time. As soon as I saw it in the ribbon bin, it reminded me of the "O" that is used to represent a hug. You know...XOXO? Therefore, lots of hugs. I know...a little corny. But I like it :)

This card will be going into my Etsy shop soon. You can click on the name: My Little Bird Studio

Thanks for taking a look today!

Supplies;
card stock: basic black, whisper white (Stampin' Up!)
stamps: XO (Hero Arts)
other: winter white embossing powder (SU), Versamark, ribbon from my stash, heat tool, stampin dimensionals

My Little Bird Studio on Etsy

2012-01-14T19:31:00.000-06:00

Yes, I've opened an Etsy shop! It's called My Little Bird Studio. You can click HERE, or on the name to visit...and to purchase, if you want :) Since my shop is still so new, I'm doing this bit of "advertising" on my blog. Hey, where else can I get free advertising???
Also, if you click through to my blog (if you're reading from an email, there is a link at the very bottom of the email) you'll see that I have a photo link in the sidebar, to my Etsy shop.

Here are just a couple of the cards that I added to the shop today. Both are geared towards Valentine's Day, but could be used for other occasions. If you visit my shop you can see more detailed photos of these cards...and others.

The first card uses a very clean and simple design. The primary elements being textured kraft cardstock and red glimmer paper. Then...as you can see...the second card is completely different. I went for a soft, feminine, vintage feel on that card (with lots of embellishments). I really enjoy both styles!

Anyway, I hope you'll check out my shop when you have the time. Oh. And feel free to spread the word :)
Thanks!

Birthday Celebrations

2012-01-08T12:13:00.000-06:00

I'm just popping in with a quick post. I've got Oven Stew that should be done soon, so I'd better hurry.

This card is going into a new challenge. It's one I haven't played in before. And, this is only their 3rd challenge. Here's the info:

Runway Inspired Challenge #3

It's a very bold, graphic look, huh? And the card I created is bold and graphic...really not my usual style. At all. But, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. So. Here it is.

Hmmm. What do you think? I would really be interested to know. I'm still trying to decide.

Supplies:
card stock: basic black, very vanilla (SU)
ink: onyx black (Versafine)
stamp: upsy daisy (SU)
other: 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, black and vanilla (SU), brad and gems (Recollections), Scor-tape

Happy 32nd - Three Challenges

2012-01-07T14:35:00.000-06:00

It's another gorgeous day in northern Illinois. Yesterday the high temp was around 50 degrees! Today, at 1:30 p.m. it's 41 degrees...and sunny. This is so unusually for January. And I'm loving it :o)

So. On to papercrafting! The card I created this morning is going into 3 challenges. When I was browsing the challenge blogs this morning, these 3 seemed to fit together so well for the birthday card that I needed to make. Take a look.
Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger: By The Numbers

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #113

Crazy 4 Challenges #118
New year….new ‘toys’…..new techniques. Do or use something NEW on your card/project.

This is the very fun card that I created. Well...fun for ME at least! I hope my nephew likes it. Oh. And don't tell him that I told you his age. Okay?

In my most recent PTI order, I got the By The Numbers stamp set, dies and the impression plate (thanks to some Christmas gift money from my Sis - thank you!). So those items and a My Mind's Eye 8 x 8 patterned paper pad were the new items that qualify this card for the C4C#118 challenge. And then. How about those colors in the PDCC challenge photo? Love them. They're described as Juniper, Mint and Vanilla. And last, but far from least...I couldn't resist the inspiration provided by Cath, in that numbers quilt. I've included links (above) to all of the blogs, so that you can go see all of the details for each challenge.
Thanks so much for stopping by to take a look! I hope you'll leave a comment. I enjoy reading all of them :)

P.S. To all of you that read my blog posts in an email. Just in case you don't know, at the bottom of the email you will see the title of my blog in small print. If you click on that, it will open your browser and go directly to the current blog post. You'll be able to see all of the other info that I have displayed in my sidebar, and the other page of my blog. There is a Home page and a Recognition page. You can also look through the archives at older posts. And, once you're at my blog, if you click on my blog title Inspired By Nature (at the top of the screen)...it will bring up all of my recent blog posts.

Supplies:

card stock: naturals ivory (SU)

ink: tuxedo black (Momento)

patterned paper: lost & found - portabello road 8 x 8 pad (My Minds' Eye)

stamps: by the numbers (PTI)

other: by the numbers impression plate and die set (PTI)

love you - 2 Challenges

2012-01-02T16:48:00.000-06:00

I started making a few Valentine cards this weekend. It was nice to switch gears, from the Christmas cards I've worked on for months ;-) I do love making them, though!
This card is going into 2 challenges.

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #112

CASE Study Challenge #71

When I first saw the colors for the PDCC challenge...I thought Christmas, of course. So, it wasn't easy to think of how I could use these colors on a non-Christmas card. Then I saw the challenge card by Amy Sheffer, at CASE Study. That got me thinking in a different direction (finally).
This is what I came up with.

I used my new Wonderful Words die for the word "you". Instead of card stock, I used a piece of Sending Love DSP (Stampin' Up!) in the die. I like the little glimpses of the pattern in the word. I know it's difficult to see in the photo. It's much easier to see, in real life.
Thanks so much for taking a look!

Supplies:

cardstock: white (PTI), certainly celery, cherry cobbler, whisper white, crumb cake (SU)

ink: frost white (Colorbox), cherry cobbler (SU), tuxedo black (Momento)

stamp: background basics: houndstooth (PTI), tiny tags (SU)

dsp: sending love (SU)

other: linen thread (SU), wonderful words die and doily details die (PTI), heart die (Spellbinders), pinking scissors (X-acto), bracket edge punch (Fiskars), vintage green button from my stash

PPA Best Dressed List 2011

2011-12-29T19:09:00.000-06:00

Actually, I didn't make the best dressed list. lol ! But, one of my cards DID. At the end of the year Pals Paper Arts chooses 12 cards (one for each month) as the ones they deemed "best dressed". PPA is one of the card challenge blogs that I like to play along with.

This description is form the Pals Paper Arts Best Dressed blog post:

Move over Mr. Blackwell - here comes Pals Paper Arts Best Dressed List for 2011!

As the year draws to a close, we wanted to take a moment and reflect on this past year at Pals Paper Arts. We are so thankful for all of the participants who played with us over the past year!! Each design team member selected a favorite design out of the PPA Picks for each month. Winners will be given a badge to put on their blog. Enjoy the Best of the Best for 2011!

Not a bad way to start out my day, huh?

You can follow THIS LINK to see my card, and the comment by the design team member that chose my card. You'll need to scroll to the bottom of the post, as mine is the December choice.

Thanks for taking a look!

Happy Birthday - Color Q Challenge

2011-12-27T13:22:00.000-06:00

Hi! I'm back with a birthday card for a family member. It's for one of the guys...and you stampers know how difficult it can be to make masculine cards. I did use my pinking scissors. I just had to do a decorative edge, since I couldn't use bling or ribbons. Ha!

I'm playing along with the Color Q Challenge #117. Take a look at the challenge.

And here is my card...

I recently bought the Wonderful Word die set from Papertrey Ink, so this card gave me a chance to use one of those dies. These dies are so much fun to use. I did find that I needed to use a extra piece of cardstock as a shim, though. Otherwise the die didn't cut completely through my card stock. It was a very simple solution.
I heat embossed the word "birthday" in black, so that it wouldn't get lost in the background print.
Thanks so much for stopping in to take a look!

Supplies ~

cardstock: whisper white, basic black, marina mist (Stampin' Up!)

ink: basic black (SU), versamark (Tsukineko)

stamps: background basics: newsprint, wonderful words additions (Papertrey Ink)

die: wonderful words (PTI)

other: black stampin' emboss powder (SU), mono multi liquid glue (Tombow), pinking scissors (X-acto), heat tool

Gratitude

2011-12-26T20:28:00.000-06:00

I was reading Susan R.'s post on her blog today. Her blog is: Questioning My Intelligence
I really like her idea of a gratitude journal, but it's not something I've "gotten around to doing." You know what I mean, right? All those things I want to do...someday. Well, today I'll start small and do a gratitude blog post.

I'm grateful for:
* my loving and patient husband
* my quiet, patient and fun sister (we're alike in some ways, yet so different in others...right Sis?)
* all of my in-laws. I couldn't have married into a better family :)
* our nieces & nephews...the 8 here on earth and the 1 in heaven (I'm so very proud of all of them).
* my friends. The ones I've known 'forever' and the ones I've know for a few years.
They are each so different, yet all so precious to me.
* the beauty of nature
* my creativity
* my blog friends & the papercrafting community
* my church & Pastor
And, most of all...I'm grateful for God & all the blessings he's provided. As Dave Ramsey says, when someone asks him how he's doing..."better than I deserve".
Like most of you, there have been difficult times in my life. But if I stop and look around...and remind myself. Yes. I have have so much to be grateful for.

Smile...CASE Study Challenge

2011-12-26T14:08:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon. It's the day after Christmas already. This month is going so very fast!

I just had to get back to my craft table this afternoon :)
So, I'm playing along in the CASE Study Challenge #70. Amy Sheffer is the December muse...take a look at her gorgeous inspiration card.

And this is my take on the challenge:

I was so inspired by the medallion images and the pretty die cut edge on Amy's card. I pulled out my Mega Mehndi Medallions stamps for my images. I love the fine details of these stamps. I added some pearls AND gems. Yeah, I couldn't stop. I think the soft pink accents are a nice contrast to the black images. Anyway, it was great to get back to stamping and blogging. It's so good to be back :)
Thanks for looking!

What I used:

cardstock: basic black, whisper white, pretty in pink (Stampin' Up!)

ink: onyx black (Versafine)

stamps: mega mehndi medallions, signature greetings (Papertrey Ink)

other: pink twill, pearls, gems (Michaels), filigree border die (PTI)

Homespun Holiday Wishes - 3 Challenges

2011-12-11T18:05:00.002-06:00

I made this card for a friend of my sister. I thought that I had finished making Christmas cards...and was a little sad about that. Well, when my sister wondered about a handcrafted card for her friend...yeah, I jumped at the chance :o) My sister's friend "L" collects vintage aprons so I thought she might like a vintage style card.

I'm playing along in 3 challenges with this card.

Card Patterns Sketch 145

CASE Study Challenge #69

Flourishes - Feminine Flair Challenge FLLLCDED11

This is the first time I've played along at Flourishes. I had no idea what I've been missing! That graphic with the lace, pearls and ribbon really called out to me.
I loved the sketch at Card Patterns. As you can see, I turned it on it's side for my card. Hopefully they won't mind!
At CASE Study, what struck me was the beautiful layering.

Anyway...this is how I combined all 3 challenges ~

I used 2 edge punches, 2 patterned papers 2 die-cuts, a few stamps, some stitching and some "frill" here and there. Of course, it took longer than I expected (I say that a lot, don't I?), but I love the results. I just hope that "L" likes it!
Thank you for popping in!

My materials:

card stock: naturals ivory, pool party (Stampin' Up!)

patterned paper: modern homemaker 8x8 pad (October Afternoon)

ink: blushing bride, pool party (SU), onyx black (Versafine)

stamps: mehndi medallions (PTI), post card (Just for Fun), love lives here-holiday (PTI)

dies: love lives here-holiday, tag sale #5 (PTI)

punches: fleur de lis (EK), scallop trim border (SU)

other: stardust clear pen (Sakura), scallop edge lace (Wrights), narrow lace trim (The Paper Studio), champagne glass glitter, linen thread (SU), pink tulle (I won this on Vicki Chrisman's blog, I don't know who the manufacturer is), thread, sewing machine

Holiday Greetings - A center step card

2011-12-11T11:59:00.000-06:00

Hi all!
It's been more than 2 weeks since my last post. I've really missed blogging. But, I've had a lot of fun in the mean time. Lots of gatherings with friends to celebrate the holidays :o)

Anyway...this card is going into 2 challenges.
Just Us Girls #114 - A Technique Challenge (a center step fold card)

Pals Paper Arts PPA123 - Puttin' On The Ritz (and some blog candy!)

I just got my recent order from Stampin' Up! a few days ago, and couldn't wait to use some of that silver glimmer paper. It's sooooo pretty! I love the bling that it added to this card when I die cut it with a PTI word die.
Take a look.

This is the first time I've tried my hand at making a center step fold card. It was much easier than I thought and I'm pleased with the results. But...it measures 5-1/2 x 5-1/2, which means it won't fit in any of my envelopes. That's a little disappointing. Maybe I'll be creating an envelope for it.

Anyway, it was a fun card to create. The gals at JUGS provided a link to a tutorial for the center step fold card. So, take a look. You just might want to give it a try, too :)
Thanks so much for taking a look. Let me know if you have any questions.

Supplies:

card stock: night of navy (SU)

patterned paper: AG1327 (Anna Griffin)

stamps: wonderful words-holiday (PTI)

die: wonderful words-holiday (PTI)

other: sterling silver embossing powder (SU), silver pearl (Recollections), silver cord (Darice), snowflake punch (MS)

Silent Night, Holy Night - CAS-ual Fridays challenge

2011-11-23T11:58:00.000-06:00

This is my second post for today. I enjoyed the sketch challenge at CAS-ual Fridays so much that I stayed up late last night to make a second card. And now, here I am...blogging...when I should be cleaning my house. This will have to be a quick post!

Here is Karen's sketch challenge - CAS-ual Fridays CFC29

And...here is my second take on the sketch.

Ahhh. This is one of those rare times when a card turns out EXACTLY as I'd pictured it in my head. lol!
Usually, when I do a sponged background, I end up creating the background 2 or 3 times until I get it right. You know, a blotch or a smudge jumps onto my card (through no fault of my own, of course.) Not this time.
Yay!
I masked off the area to be sponged, with post-it notes. I used 6 different blue inks to sponge the background, then stamped the two deer and created the "grass" with the darkest of the inks. I love using this sponging technique, so if you've followed my blog for a while you've seen it a few times, before.
Anyway, I HAVE to get my house ready for the big Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. So...gotta' go!
Thank for looking,

Supplies:

card stock: stamper select white (PTI)

ink: bashful blue, bordering blue, marina mist, pacific point, not quite navy, night of navy (Stampin' Up!)

stamps: in the meadow, Christmas blessings (PTI)

other: gems from my stash, craft sponge

A sympathy card - CAS-ual Fridays challenge

2011-11-23T11:34:00.000-06:00

Yes, I had to squeeze in some stamping time before I cleared up my crafting space for the holiday! My husband's family will be here for Thanksgiving Day, so today is cleaning and prep day. Which is what I should be doing...instead of blogging.
So. When I saw Karen's sketch on CAS-ual Fridays blog, two ideas popped into my head. This is the first one. I'll do another quick post in a few minutes, with my second card.
Here is the challenge. CAS-ual Fridays CFC29

My (first) take on the sketch:

I've used the woven ribbon technique on 2 other cards, and I enjoyed it so much. I love the dimension that this technique adds to a card. Britta Swiderski has a great tutorial for the technique on her blog. HERE is the link. Once I'd created the woven ribbon panel, I attached it to an early espresso card stock panel, using Scor-tape. This particular ribbon is somewhat stiff, so I knew it would need a strong adhesive to hold it in place.
After stamping the sentiment on my white card base, I added 2 tiny brown pearls between the 3 small sentiments.
That just about covers it. It was an easy, but fun card to create.
Thank you for taking a look!

Supplies:

card stock: select white (PTI), early espresso (SU)

ink: early espresso (SU)

stamps: simple sentiments (PTI)

other: diamond arch brown/white ribbon (Am. Crafts), Scor-tape (Sookwang), 2 brown pearls from my stash

How do you know...? Unscripted Sketches #132

2011-11-18T16:40:00.000-06:00

Hi! Just a quick post with a birthday card that I made for one of the guys I work with. I needed this card to much larger than a standard A2, so there's enough room for everyone at work to sign it. So, this was a fold that I haven't done before. I used a full sheet of card stock, scoring it twice, so it folds in thirds.

I'm playing along in the Unscripted Sketches #132 challenge. Here's the sketch:

And, here is my take on the sketch.

Since this is for one of the guys...so I didn't dare use any ribbon or bling. And that was SO difficult! lol
I did some layering over the card base. I used a border punch on a piece of Night of Navy card stock, then layered a strip of patterned paper over that. Two Spellbinder dies were used for the sentiment. Oh, and I wrapped a length of linen thread around the front of the card.
I didn't have a stamp with the type of sentiment I needed for this card. So I searched online for verses...and this one seemed just right!
Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies:

card stock: river rock, not quite navy, cajun craze, whisper white (Stampin' Up!)

dsp: well worn (SU)

other: linen thread (SU), bracket edge punch (EK), dies (long classic rectangle large & small pinking circles by Spellbinders)

Tag - you're it...again. CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

2011-11-13T20:38:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm back with a second post today! I'm posting another Christmas tag for the CAS-ual Fridays "Tag, You're It" Challenge #28. I'm really enjoying making these tags. It's a little like making a mini card, I guess.

I used the PTI Tag Sale #5 die, again for the base. Love this die :) I popped on a snowflake created with one of PTI's Damask Snowflake dies. The edges were swiped with a little Chai ink. Next, I added the tree die cut (also PTI) then created a banner, stamped my sentiment (Christmas Blessings set from PTI) and inked the edges of that, too. I added a piece of SU linen thread to the top of the tag - and done.
Well, this post has to be short. Gotta' go!
Thanks so much for stopping in!

Tag - you're it! CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

2011-11-13T11:51:00.000-06:00

Hello strangers! I've been absent from blogging lately...and I've really missed it. I kept thinking that after summer was over, our weekends would slow down. Well, not so far - lol. Tha's okay, it's all good!

Anyway, I couldn't wait to play along in a challenge. And I can always count on CAS-ual Fridays to come up with a good one. This time it's CAS-ual Fridays CFC28 - Tag You're It

I just purchased a new tag die from PTI and this was my first chance to use it. I'm really having fun with it!
Here is the first of the 2 tags I've created so far. I'll post the other one later.

This is a very clean and simple tag. I used white and island indigo cardstock. The top edge of the "hill" that the sled sits on, was heat embossed with irridescent ice embossing powder. I wrote in my "to" and "from" sentiments. Then attached the sled die-cut and the ribbon...and called it complete. I'm almost done with my Christmas cards, so I may be making a few more tags now.

Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies:

card stock: select white (PTI), island indigo (SU)

ink: basic black (SU)

dies: tag sale #5 (PTI),child on sled die from: in the meadow silhouettes die collection (PTI)

ep: irridescent ice (SU)

other: ribbon from my stash

Guest Designer at Lily Pad Cards

2011-10-27T11:15:00.000-05:00

I've been asked by Deborah to be featured as a guest designer at Lily Pad Cards! I'll give you a peek at 2 of the cards I created for my guest spot. I used a variety of techniques and styles for each of the cards.

Celebrate Your Day

This card features heat embossing, gold Stickles, edge punching and baker's twine.

Thinking of You

For this card, I sponged 4 different colors of ink for the sky. Then, stamped my daisy image over that.

I'm giving you just a peek, in this post ;o) To see my interview and more cards...along with the supplies list and instructions for all of them, click on THIS LINK to "hop" on over to the Lily Pad!
Thanks for looking,

Happy Thanksgiving - a fall themed card

2011-10-23T16:40:00.000-05:00

Just this morning, I found a challenge on the new CREATE: blog!. The current challenge is to create a fall themed card. I'm hoping that Thanksgiving is included in that category, since I want to make a few more for this holiday.
I've included a link to the 10/20/11 post on the CARDS Create blog, so that you can click through for the details. You'll need to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the post for details on how to participate in the challenge.

I started by clear embossing the tree image on my panel. Then I sponged it with More Mustard, Really Rust and Cranberry Crisp inks to get a very soft variation of colors. The sentiment is stamped in Cranberry Crisp. I stitched this panel onto a piece of Cherry Cobbler card stock, then adhered it all to a base of Creamy Caramel card stock. To finish the card, I added a few gems. That's about it! Thanks so much for taking a look.

Supplies:

card stock: creamy caramel, cherry cobbler (Stampin' Up!)

ink: more mustard, really rust, cranberry crisp (SU)

stamps: happy thanksgiving (Stampabilities), leaves of a tree (SU)

other: versamark (Tsukeniko), clear embossing powder (Stampendous), gems (The Paper Studio), sponge dauber (SU), heat tool, thread, sewing machine

Christmas Tree - C4C110

2011-10-22T17:39:00.000-05:00

Hey, I'm back with another post today :)
Yes...another Christmas card. I hope you're not getting tired of seeing holiday cards, because I'm NOT getting tired of making them...lol.
This on is going in the challenge at Crazy 4 Challenges - C4C110
This is Tammy's challenge for us: One layer CAS cards, with the base of the card as the only "layer" today. The only exception is cutting out images and/or one die-cut embellishment.

And, here is my CAS (clean and simple) card, with one die-cut embellishment.

I've used my Sizzix Christmas tree die again. It's the perfect size to use on cards. This card came together quickly. I added a few lines of Frosted Lace Stickles to the pattern on the tree, tied a bow of baker's twine to the top and stamped my sentiment. And that was it!
Thanks for looking!

Supplies:

card stock: white (PTI)

stamp: love lives here - holiday (PTI)

dsp: holly berry bouquet (SU)

other: Christmas tree die (Sizzix), white baker's twine (SU), frosted lace stickles (Ranger)

Snowman...peace * love * joy - CAS-ual Fridays CFC#25

2011-10-22T15:31:00.000-05:00

I'm adding another Christmas card to my stash today. With this card, I'm playing along in the following challenge:
CAS-ual Fridays CFC#25 is Just Add Color

My card ~

I've been wanting to use this cute Penny Black "Frosty" stamp that I bought a few weeks ago. I decided that this was the time. When you see my card, you'll see that I didn't add a lot of color...by any stretch of the imagination. But I DID add color. I pulled out my (long neglected) Prismacolor pencils and the OMS, and gave Frosty some shading along one side to give him a little dimension. I'm really pleased with the results...and I'm thinking that I need to do more coloring :)
I added a few score lines above and below my image, stamped my sentiment, then finished off with some diamond Stickles on the snowflakes.

Thanks so much for visiting. I hope you'll leave a comment; I love reading them :)

Supplies:

card stock: stampers select white (Papertrey Ink)

stamps: frosty (Penny Black), Christmas blessings (PTI)

ink: jet black StazOn (Tsukeneko), riding hood red (Stampin' Up!)

other: cloud blue & light cerulean blue pencils (Prismacolor), oderless mineral spirits (GinaK Designs), blending stumps (GinaK Designs), diamond stickles (Ranger), Scor-Pal

Autumn Colors in Northern Illinois

2011-10-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

If you've stopped in looking for a card...you'll need to look at my next post. I wandered outside with my camera, late yesterday afternoon. I love taking nature photos, especially this time of the year. I love the rich colors of autumn. The contrast of the crisp, clear blue sky against the yellow and red leaves. And even the brown leaves!
Although, we still have a number of maple trees that still have their "summery" green leaves. So there are many colors to choose from!
You'll also see that we still have a few blooms in the flower gardens. In fact, the red roses look much better now than they did this summer. During the summer, they were covered with Japanese beetles. And many of the leaves were destroyed. Once the beetles finally left...the roses thrived!

Enough talking. Here are the pics.

I love the angle of the late afternoon light on this maple leaf.

I found this leaf, all alone, on our front porch.

Ahhh...a red rose bloom in late October. What a wonderful gift from God!

Sedum...I really like the deep color of the blooms this year.

The leaves on this maple tree are just beginning to change color.

A few leaves on the same tree as above.

Yellow conflowers.

I don't know what coneflower variety this is, but I love all of the layers in these blooms.

Thanks for taking a look at my photos. I hope you enjoyed them :o)

Beware - 2 Challenges

2011-10-16T16:39:00.000-05:00

I don't usually make Halloween cards. It's not a holiday that I really get into. But, I thought I'd make a few cards to send to family. Arrgghhh. I think I should have paid attention to my instincts...and skipped Halloween.
Well, the card is finished, so I'll post it.
I'm playing along in 2 challenges with today's card.

Crazy 4 Challenges (C4C109) - The challenge is to create something for an upcoming holiday and incorporate heat embossing.

The Play Date Cafe #103
Rust, Storm & Deep Sea are the description of these colors on the PDCC blog. Don't you love those names?

My card ~

I used Stampin' Up! colors...Basic Gray, Cajun Craze and Not Quite Navy to create a tri-fold card. I started with a piece of cardstock measuring 11" x 4 1/4". I scored it at 1 1/2" and 6 1/2" for my folds. The finished card measures 5" x 4 1/4". I stamped the haunted house in gray ink onto the gray cs, then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder. After cutting out the image I added some color to the windows with a yellow glaze pen. I drew in a bat with a black marker. Then added some stars to the sky with a stardust glitter pen.
On the narrow flap of the card, I cut fringe into several pieces of gray ribbon and layered those over the "fence" punched cs. Oh, and added a fun little spiderweb sticker.
Well, I'm not sure I'll be making more Halloween cards. I'll have to give it some thought.
Thanks for taking a look!

I used:

card stock: basic gray, cajun craze, not quite navy (SU)

ink: basic gray, basic black (SU), onyx black versafine (Tsukineko), yellow glaze pen (Sakura)

stamps: halloween clear stamps (MS)

other: picket fence edge punch (MS), clear embossing powder (SU), spiderweb sticker (Recollections from Michael's)

Happy Harvest - a woven ribbon card

2011-10-13T18:43:00.000-05:00

I'm posting this card...just because it makes me smile :)

This morning I watched a video tutorial on Britta Swiderski's blog. She made a woven ribbon wedding card. It looked like it would be a fun and easy technique to try. So, I gave it a go this afternoon. Guess what? It was FUN! I want to make another one. Soon. Here's a link to Britta's video.

I didn't make this card for any challenges. Just for fun.

My embossed sentiment doesn't show up well in these photos. I'm thinking, now, that I should have embossed it in gold instead of green. That's okay. It still makes me smile :)

P.S. This cute autumn-y ribbon makes me smile, too.

The recipe ~

stamp: Happy Harvest (Verve)

card stock: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie (Stampin' Up!)

ribbon: Sage/Gold/Red Ribbon FX (Hobby Lobby)

ink: Versamark (Tsukineko)

other: Emerald EP (Stampendous), gems (Affinity by The Paper Studio)

Peace Love Joy - Lily Pad Cards Challenge

2011-10-13T13:27:00.000-05:00

You know...some days the stamping just rolls along. One card after another. Fun! Not today though.
This is the only card I've made today...so far. I'm really liking this card. But, it took SO long to create it. Oh well, it's done!

Anyway, I know you didn't come here to listen to me whine. Let's look at a challenge and a card instead. Ready? Here's the challenge from Deborah and Vicky over at Lily Pad Cards.
Simon Says Stamp Presents a Bling Challenge You can follow my link to see all of the details.

My card ~

I knew that I wanted to use my new Christmas tree die with some patterned paper. So that was my starting point. I popped up the tree on foam tape, then added the rhinestone swirl. After stamping my sentiment on white card stock, I applied gray marker along the edges. Then, I curled it a bit in the center before attaching it to the tree. I finished off with a little bow of silver cord at the top of the tree. Easy peasy, huh? Ha!
Thanks for stopping by to take a look. I hope you'll leave a comment!

Supplies & such ~

card stock: stampers select white (Papertrey Ink), basic gray (Stampin' Up!)

patterned paper: O Christmas Tree (My Mind's Eye)

ink: onyx black versafine (Tsukineko), basic gray (SU)

other: rhinestone flourish (Recollections from Michaels), silver cord (Hirschberg Shultz), Christmas tree die (Sizzix), pop-up dots (SU), foam tape (Scotch)

Christmas Lodge - Card Patterns Sketch 136

2011-10-12T12:01:00.000-05:00

I've created another Christmas card today. This image is from a new Stampin' Up! set called Christmas Lodge. This set is so pretty and I really like the vintage feel of all the images and sentiments. For this card I've stamped my sentiment inside the card.

When I was browsing around looking at challenges, this sketch caught my eye.
It's Card Patterns Sketch 136. Here's the sketch:

My card ~

Along with this new stamp set, I also bought this new ribbon from SU. It's a quilted satin ribbon...and I love the look. I'm hoping SU will make it available in more colors soon!
To give the lodge a few highlights, I used a Stardust clear glitter pen on the "snowy" areas of the image. Well, I need to get back to my craft table. Thanks for taking a look :)

Supplies:
card stock: always artichoke, cherry cobbler, crumb cake (Stampin' Up!)
dsp: deck the halls (SU)
stamps: christmas lodge (SU)
ink: timber brown (StazOn)
other: cherry cobbler quilted satin ribbon (SU), red gems (want 2 scrap), clear stardust pen (Sakura)

Give Thanks - CR84FN challenge

2011-10-09T13:45:00.000-05:00

This has turned outed to be such a busy weekend! But, I just HAD to squeeze in a little bit of time to create a card. This will have to be a quick post, since we have another commitment, later this afternoon.

Anyway, I saw the colors over at CR84FN 40 and loved the fall-ish colors. Since I need to make some Thanksgiving cards, these colors fit the bill :) Take a look at the inspiration photos. Gorgeous, huh?
Also, take a minute to read the quote from Steve Jobs, just under the photos.

My card ~

I stamped the tree image onto Confetti Cream cardstock in Chocolate Chip ink. I colored some of the leaves with Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard and Creamy Caramel Stampin' Up! markers. Then, I added Glossy Accents (by Ranger) to some leaves. The sentiment was stamped in Choc. Chip. I love this new set from SU. It's called Hand Penned Holidays. I did a little machine stitching to attach the cream CS to a mat of Early Espresso, then adhered that to a piece of Real Red CS. It's all mounted onto a card base of Crumb Cake (SU's name for kraft). Oh yea, I added a length of brown & cream gingham ribbon, tied in a bow. I like the "country in the fall" look of the card. I hope the recipient likes it, too!
Thanks so much for taking a look.

Supplies:

card stock: confetti cream, real red, early espresso, crumb cake (SU)

ink: ruby red, chocolate chip, more mustard, creamy caramel (SU)

stamps: leaves of a tree, hand penned holidays (SU)

other: glossy accents (Ranger), gingham ribbon (Michaels), thread, sewing machine

Tuesday Trigger: Delightfully Random

2011-10-01T22:05:00.000-05:00

Oh my. When I saw the photo that Cath posted for the current Tuesday Trigger...I knew that I HAD to play along. I love everything about this photo. The gingham, the doily, the buttons...the thread. It just shouts "vintage"! Well, I guess you've figured out that I love alllll of these things.

Here's Cath's photo. And you can see her post at Moxie Fab World.

And, my card.

I really had fun with this card :) When I saw the inspiration pic, I knew that I wanted to use this gingham stamp from Stampin' Up! I added some stitching to give the impression of a few quilt squares. The red buttons are from a jar of buttons that I bought at an estate auction. The finished size of the card is 4" x 8 1/2".
Thanks for stopping in. It's getting late, so I've got to get away from this computer!
Toodles,

Supplies:

Card stock: certainly celery, whisper white, pool party (Stampin' Up!)

Ink: real red, pool party (SU)

Stamps: house & home (SU), sew lovely (Lawn Fawn)

Other: white ric-rack (SU beachfront originals, retired), SU edge distressing tool, sewing machine, thread, Recollections gems, paper doily from HL

Happy Birthday - CAS-ual Fridays & Lawnscaping Challenges

2011-09-24T12:11:00.000-05:00

Hey, it' fun to be blogging again! I've been stamping lately, but...I'll have to wait a few weeks before I can share those cards with you. I'll have a surprise ;o)

Anyway, I DO have a card to share with you this morning. I just HAD to get back to a few of my favorite challenges. I love participating! My card is going into the following challenges:

CAS-ual Fridays CFC #21

The challenge is to use 3 shades of a monochromatic color (our choice) + brown.

Lawnscaping Challenge #18: TEXT

I had a lot of fun combining these two challenges. I've been wanting to make a card using swipes of color across the card stock. So, once I found these two challenges...this card came together easily. Yay! That usually doesn't happen. Believe me.

I started by clear embossing the text on white cardstock. Then I swiped 3 different shades of color across the panel with a craft sponge. After wiping the excess ink off of the embossed text, I used dimensional adhesive dots to attach it to a panel of really rust CS. Then onto the card base of chocolate chip CS.

I heat embossed the sentiment with white EP, then added 3 gems. Done!

Thanks for taking a look...I hope you'll leave a comment!

Supplies:

Stamps: A to Z, Birthday Whimsy (Stampin' Up!)

Ink: Creamy Caramel, More Mustard, Really Rust (SU), Versamark (Tsukineko)

Card stock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust (SU)

Other: gems (The Paper Studio), Winter White embossing powder & Clear embossing powder (SU). foam adhesive dots, craft sponge, heat tool

Happy Birthday - PDCC99 & The Paper Players 64

2011-09-18T19:50:00.000-05:00

Hello! It's bee quite a while since my last post, and I've missed my blog sooooo much :) I miss that contact with the stamping community. Last weekend was just too busy. This weekend, busy too...but I did find time to make one card for 2 challenges.

The Play Date Cafe - PDCC 99 is a color challenge. I loooove these colors together!

The Paper Players Challenge #64 is a theme challenge.

I have to tell you. I'm not really liking my card. I've had this idea in my head for several days. I could just picture how pretty it would be. On paper though (actually card stock), not so much :(
But, I'll post it anyway. I think.

And to top it all off...the lighting is poor. I finished this card after the sun had set, so, no natural light.

So. I used PTI's stamper's select white cardstock for my one layer card. I embossed it with SU's textured impressions flower garden embossing folder. I love this image! Then I took my wisteria wonder marker and used the side of the larger end, to run along all of the raised areas of the image. [Yes, I know it appears gray in the photo, but it really isn't.] After the ink was dry, I used a jelly roll stardust clear pen on the centers of the flowers. I don't think you can see that detail in my photo, but it sparkles IRL.
Now, it's at this point that I lost my love for this card. The sentiment that I selected looks too....well...wimpy or fragile, compared to the bolder lines of the floral image. Ah well. I couldn't find a way to cover it. So. It stays.
I finished the card with a piece of knotted pale yellow ribbon (from Michael's) and a few flat-back pearls (also from Michael's).
If you've read my entire post....I applaud you! Thank you for putting up with my whining :)

I hoping for better results with my next card!

Happy Birthday, it's your day

2011-09-05T16:57:00.001-05:00

Yes, this is my second post today. Click HERE to see the first one.
I squeezed in just enough time today, to make a second card. Yay! Actually, I should have been working outdoors instead of stamping. We finally have some gorgeous COOL weather, and I love it!

Back to stamping, though...

I'm playing along with The Paper Players Challenge #62 - Birthdays

And, The Lawnscaping Challenge #17 - use heat or dry embossing

This card is sooooo different from the card in my earlier post. I have to admit that this is a style that I'm much more comfortable with. I'm really liking this card :) It has a combination of several techniques I've been seeing on other blogs.

I knew that i wanted to do these angled layers, and I thought that a combination of neutrals would give me the soft look that I wanted. I dry embossed the top layer, then gave the image a light sanding to soften it. This pleated ribbon effect is something I haven't tried before. It turned out to be easier than I thought. So glad that I gave it a try! I think the rest is self explanatory. So, that's it :)

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Supplies:

Card stock: soft suede, whisper white, basic gray, sahara sand (SU)

Ink: basic gray (SU)

Stamps: simple sentiments (PTI)

Other: textured impressions embossing folder (SU), basic gray satin ribbon (SU), sanding block, scor-tape, gray gems (Recollections)

Happy Birthday - 2 challenges

2011-09-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

I had to force myself to stamp today. Ha..just kidding :)
My stash of birthday cards was gone. So, it was time to play along in a challenge or two.

This card is going into The Paper Players Challenge #62 - Birthdays

And - The Lawnscaping Challenge #17 - Embossing Extravaganza
This is my first time playing along with them!

And, my card ~

This style is a little out of my comfort zone. I really like those "cute" cards that I see so many people create. But, they're difficult for me. So...I decided to push myself to use some of those cute stamps that haven't seen much ink. Once I finally came up with an idea, I enjoyed making this card. I sponged some Bashful Blue ink onto the white cardstock, using a scalloped oval piece of cs as a mask. For the grassy hills, I used a woodgrain embossing folder to add some texture. I wasn't sure how that would look...but I'm liking it!
The larger bird was colored with markers and popped up on dimensional adhesive. I also stamped and cut out a few extra tail feathers for him, and layered them underneath.
I think I still some practice with this style of card. But, that just gives me more excuses to stamp...doesn't it?
Thanks for popping in to take a look!

Supplies:

Ink: basic black, close to cocoa, basic gray, summer sun, marina mist, certainly celery, bashful blue (SU)

Card stock: garden green, close to cocoa, whisper white

Stamps: hang ups, sentiment sampler (Paper Smooches)

Other: woodgrain embossing folder (Tim Holtz by Sizzix), blue gem (the Paper Studio), glossy accents (Ranger), scor-tape, white signo gel pen

Happy Birthday - Number 40 !

2011-09-03T12:01:00.000-05:00

This card is going to a family friend who is celebrating her 40th birthday. Hopefully, she'll be too busy to see this blog post :)

* You can click on any photo to get a larger version.

You know that I've mentioned before, how long I sometimes spend making one card? Yea, this was one of them. At least 3 hours. Seriously. All of those decisions to make...what to put on it, where to put it. And then there were those two numbers. I ruined the first 2 sets, trying to get the color I wanted. Did I not know that glossy chip board letters will not accept color? And, that glass glitter would be overpowering? Well, I guess that old saying "the third time is a charm", has some truth to it. I'm very pleased with this third set of numbers. I used plain chipboard numbers and just laid them onto my stamp pad, pressed and swirled. Ahhh! They soaked up just the right amount of ink and have a nice soft look. In the closeup pic, the surface almost looks like felt. I think it's perfect for the vintage feel of this card.
Even though this card took soooo long to make, I'm glad that I stayed the course. I love the results. I hope the recipient does, too.
Thanks for taking a look. I love visitors!

Supplies ~

card stock: confetti cream (Stampin' Up!)

patterned paper: 5 & Dime, 8 x 8 pad (October Afternoon)

stamps: simple sentiments (PTI)

ink: pool party, early espresso, creamy caramel (SU)

other: chipboard numbers from on board, lots of letters (SU), pearls (Recollections from Michael's), buttons from my stash, linen thread (SU), thread, sewing machine

September - the color is Gold

2011-09-01T22:18:00.000-05:00

You're probably wondering what that title means. Well, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. And the ribbon color is Gold.

From the website: www.godthenewpink.net

We all know that October is breast cancer awareness month, right? We know that the ribbon is pink.
Most of you probably didn't know that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Am I right again? I'm doing whatever I can to spread the word. On previous visits to my blog, have you noticed the gold and orange ribbon in the right sidebar? There is also a photo of our nephew, Matthew.
Matthew is the reason that I feel so strongly about making people aware of childhood cancer. Matt fought ALL (a type of leukemia) for 18 months. And he fought hard. His motto was "Play Hard, Never Give Up". He never gave up, but his body couldn't fight it any longer. Matt was just 18 years old when he died in May of 2010. We miss him so very much.

Matthew was a wonderful young man! He loved any activities that involved the outdoors. Hunting, snowmobiles, 4 wheelers, water skiing. And getting dirty (or muddy) was just part of the fun. He had a dry sense of humor. And his eyes could convey so much! Here are a few pics of Matthew.

I saw what childhood cancer did to him. And, I continue to see how it has affected his family. Matthew's Mom wrote updates on a Caring Bridge site (similar to a blog) for the entire time that Matt was ill. This was a way for everyone to see what was going on. I'm including a link to the last post. Marcia describes what life is like now, without Matthew. Matt's Caring Bridge page

I'm not writing this post to depress anyone. I'm writing this because I want EVERYONE to be aware of Childhood Cancer. The more people that are aware, the more funding there will be for research. The more research, the closer we get to a cure. I know of so many children that have lost their battle with cancers. We have to do everything we can to prevent and cure these cancers. I don't want other families to go through what Matthew's family is going through. I don't want other kids to go through what Matthew did.

If you still reading this post...I appreciate it. Truly. Stay with me a little longer. I'd like to share some statistics that, I think, will shock you. Please read them.
did you know?
• Childhood cancers are the #1 disease killer of children.
• The National Cancer Institute’s federal budget=$4.6 billion. Pediatric cancers received less than 3% of it.
• Overall, one out of every five children diagnosed with cancer dies. In some forms of cancer, as few as one out of every five children will live.• Childhood Cancers are cancers that primarily affect children, teens, and young adults.
• Approximately 20% of adults with cancer show evidence the disease has spread, yet nearly 80% of children show that the cancer has spread to distant sites at the time of diagnosis.
• The cause of most childhood cancers are unknown and at present, cannot be prevented. (Most adult cancers result from lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, occupation, and other exposure to cancer-causing agents).
• Nationally, childhood cancer is 20 times more prevalent than pediatric AIDS yet pediatric AIDS receives four times the funding that childhood cancer receives.
• On the average, 12,500 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year.
• In the U.S., about 46 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every single school day.

*statistics courtesy of Team Unite

This information is from the site: GoldTheNewPink You can follow the link to visit their site.
And I want to include a link to another organization that is working toward a cure. CureSearch

So, to close...please remember that pink isn't the only ribbon color. Think GOLD. Remember GOLD. And please spread the word.

Glory to God

2011-08-28T16:48:00.000-05:00

I guess you could say that this is my favorite style card, to make. I enjoy so many different styles and techniques. Vintage, clean and simple...and sometimes a little bit of shabby chic. It all depends on my mood.
I saw the CASE Study Challenge #54 - It's a "Signature Style" Challenge
And it really had me trying to determine what "my style" is. So...of course...I had to take them up on the challenge!
Then, on Sundays, I always check The Paper Players Challenge - this one is #61. This week's sketch is by Jaydee. This sketch was just what I needed for the card I had in mind. Take a look...

My card ~

Well, I guess I figured out what my style is (at least, right now). Because this card makes me smile :)
Yea, ribbon - lace - bows - embellishments - layering. That kinda sums it up. Hmmm...it's missing some sparkle, though! I know. I'll resist the urge to add some to this card...lol !
Anyway, thank you stopping in to take a look at my blog. I SO appreciate it.

Supplies:

card stock: naturals ivory, cherry cobbler, always artichoke (SU)

dsp: deck the halls (SU)

ink: always artichoke (SU)

stamp: glory to God (Stampabilities)

other: ivory lace (spare parts by The Paper Studio), crumb cake seam binding (SU), deckled classic ovals large die (Spellbinders), pearls (Recollections), bow easy

Thinking of you

2011-08-28T08:33:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post this morning before I get ready for church! I put this card together quickly last night, for the challenge at CAS-ual Fridays.

The challenge is to use stickers, which is something I don't often use. But...guess what? I actually have a few, and I'd forgotten about these sticker strips that I've had for several months. It made for a quick and easy-to-make card. And I like the sparkle that the strips add to this card. Yes, I like sparkle :)

I stamped my sentiment on the card base. The sticker strips and gems are popped up on a separate panel. Very easy peasy! I guess that's all the explanation this card needs!

Thanks for taking a look...I hope you'll leave a comment :)

Supplies ~

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI)

ink: basic black (SU)

stamp: think big favorites #7 (PTI)

other: glittered stickers (The Paper Studio), black gems (Recollections)

Get Well Soon

2011-08-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

One of my Aunt's is recovering from a fall that resulted in a broken finger. I'm so thankful that she didn't have more serious injuries, but surgery was required. So, this card is going out to her...along with prayers for a quick recovery.

I'm playing along in the Moxie Fab World, Trigger Tuesday challenge. Take a look at this inspiration photo. The design of this room is contemporary, but I can still see feminine touches in the colors, the wall sconces and the flowers. So, that is where I drew my inspiration from.

The layout of my card came from THIS card I saw on Laura's blog at Doublestick Heaven. Don't you love that name? I knew I wanted to CASE her card eventually, and somehow this challenge card felt like the right place for it. I knew I wanted a block of pink (from that wall in the photo), with accents of black and yellow.
This is what I created.

Ekkk! This is one of those cards that turned out just as I had seen it in my mind. Don't you love when that happens? Hmmm...it would be nice if it happened more often...lol.
I created the flower from some So Saffron grosgrain ribbon, using a technique by Beate that I found on SplitCoastStampers. It was so much easier to make, than I had thought it would be. And took just a couple of minutes. I finished off my ribbon flower with a small black gem.
The sentiment is from a PTI set that I recently purchased. I'd been eyeing that set for a while now, and finally caved in and purchased it. I'm so glad I did! It's a large set and I can see that it will get a LOT of use.

Thanks so much for taking a look today!

Supplies:

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI)

stamps: simple sentiments stamp set (PTI)

patterned paper: pretty in pink print from DSP in color stack (SU), yellow print from english garden pack (Making Memories), black/white pattern from wedding pack (Making Memories)

ribbon: so saffron (SU)

other: gem (Recollectins at Michaels), scor-tape, round paper punch, thread, sewing machine

Peace, Love & Joy

2011-08-26T11:29:00.001-05:00

As I've mentioned, I'm lagging behind on making our Christmas cards. So...that's my focus for a couple of days.
The challenge at Lily Pad Cards (this one is a month long challenge) is a technique challenge. And, it happens to be a technique that I love...emboss resist. Yes! You can click on the THIS link for all of the details.

Here is my take on the challenge ~

I pulled out a piece of patterned paper that I've had for a while. It's called Orchestra (by 7 gypsies). I embossed the snowflakes with white EP. Then I started sponging with Wild Honey and Fired Brick distress inks. Then, I sponged some of the Fired Brick along all four edges of the panel. After stamping my sentiment on the white panel, I sponged those edges with the Wild Honey. A few pearls and a big bow finished off my card. This was a fun and easy card to make. If you haven't tried this technique yet...you might just want to. It's fun!
What do you think?

Thanks for taking a look!

Supplies:

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), whisper white (SU)

ink: wild honey, fired brick (Ranger), onyx black versafine (Tsukineko)

stamps: snow burst (SU), blessed be the season (GinaK)

patterned paper: orchestra (7Gypsies)

other: versamark (Tsukineko), red pearls (Recollections), ribbon from my stash

Comfort & Joy - CFC101

2011-08-21T19:47:00.000-05:00

First, I have to tell you what a FUN day I had yesterday :) I went to a large Scrapbooking/Stamping Expo yesterday with several of my (very fun) friends. I had such a good time! Friends...paper crafts shopping...lunch & laughter. What more could I ask for!

Ok. Moving on :o)

Crazy 4 Challenges is doing a bingo challenge. These challenges are a lot of fun. Here are the challenge deets:

The 3 elements that I chose from the bingo card are - embossing, die cuts and ribbon. And, since I'm waaaay behind on making my Christmas cards...I'm adding to my stash.

Take a look.

The red and white ribbon on my card, is some that I bought yesterday at the Expo. The red and white herringbone pattern reminded me of candy canes. Love that ribbon.
I don't know if you can see it, but I added some frosted lace stickles to the snow flakes. It was difficult to photograph that detail, but it shows up much better IRL. I used dry embossing and heat embossing on my card. My die cut is a little Spellbinders star die, to which I've added a red gem.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Supplies:

card stock: real red, whisper white, brushed silver (Stampin' Up!)

stamps: frosty (Penny Black), word play (SU)

ink: basic black (SU)

punch - I don't remember the name (SU)

other: frosted lace stickles (Ranger), music embossing folder (Sizzix by Tim Holtz), star die (Spellbinders), ribbon (bought unpackaged, manufacturer unknown), sterling silver EP (SU), red gem (Want 2 Scrap)

Love begins...

2011-08-14T20:06:00.000-05:00

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Well. I decided I had plenty of time to make another card today. Little did I know that it would take...hours...literally. Oh. My. Goodness. I hope I'm not the only stamper this happens to. Please tell me I'm not.
Anyway. I loved the colors at the CR84FN 36 Color Challenge. They're so very pretty. Take a look at the photos that Mona chose for this challenge.

Wow. Beautiful, huh? It's been some time since I created a vintage style card. And I thought these colors were just right for the card I wanted to make.

Here is my take on the challenge:

Even though this card took hours to create (don't ask me why), I'm so pleased with the results. I'll have to keep my post short. I have to get up VERY early tomorrow morning, so I need to get off this computer. Soon. If you have any questions, please ask! I'll be happy to provide details.
I'm so glad to stopped in to take a look!

Supplies:

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI), so saffron, kraft/crumb cake (SU)

ink: kraft/crumb cake, so saffron, barely banana, basic black (SU), frost white (Color Box)

stamps: french foliage, occasional quotes (SU)

other: crumb cake seam binding (SU), baker's twine (RRR), white floral ribbon (Hobby Lobby), eyelet border punch (MS), die (labels four by Spellbinders), mini pin (Ideology by Tim Holtz), mini key (7 Gypsies), white tag and buttons from my stash

With Sympathy - The Play Date Cafe Challenge 94

2011-08-14T15:24:00.000-05:00

Sunday, August 14, 2011

I finally have a chance to post a card this weekend. I spent some time cleaning my house and doing laundry yesterday, but finally found a little time last night to make a card. Ahhh....I love stamping :) My reward at the end of the day!
Sunday lunch is done (lasagne and corn on the cob). And, I've made to batches of zucchini bread (4 loaves). The first 2 are almost ready to remove from the oven. Mmmm....smells good.

Ok. Back to stamping. I found so many great challenges this weekend. But, the colors over at The Play Date Cafe really drew me in. Take a look at the PDCC94 challenge. SO pretty!

Several days ago I saw a gorgeous card on Kalyn Kepner's blog. I knew that I wanted to CASE her card (copy and share everything). And, these colors were just right for the card I wanted to make. You can see Kalyn's card HERE.

My card ~

* You can click on any photo to see a larger version.
I used a similar stamp for my card. I changed the colors and sentiment. Also, instead of a border, I drew 3 lines under my focal point. I added a few teal gemstones...then dotted crystal effects on each of the flower buds. This card came together quickly (that's rare for me!) and I really like these colors for a sympathy card.
Well, I have to get back to the kitchen. Gotta' get the next 2 loaves of bread ready for the oven ;- )

Thanks for taking a look!
Susie

* * * * * *

Supplies list:

card stock: not quite navy, chocolate chip, whisper white (Stampin' Up!)

ink: chocolate chip, more mustard, not quite navy (SU)

stamps: pocket silhouettes (SU), forever in our hearts (Verve)

other: gems (Affinity by The Paper Studio), glossy accents (Ranger), Stamp-a-ma-jig, ruler

Peace on Earth - CAS-ual Fridays challenge

2011-08-07T16:31:00.000-05:00

Sunday, August 7, 2011

I'm slowly adding to my box of Christmas cards for this year. Ummm...I believe this is number 3. You're really impressed right? Hmm...not so much, huh?

This card is going into the CAS-ual Fridays CFC 14 challenge. Here's the challenge:

My card:

I don't often use glitter. But hey...I'm always up for a challenge! In fact, this gave me a chance to pull out the holiday pack of Martha Stewart glitters/flakes/beads that I bought during the post-holiday sales last year. Yes. I admit it. This was the first time it's made contact with card stock. Can you say "excess stamping supplies"? I thought so :)
Well, anyway. This is a one layer card. All of the stamping was done with Versamark (except inside the card.) I heat embossed everything with silver EP. Then, got busy making "glitzy glue dots" as instructed!
This was fun...actually all of the CAS-ual Friday challenges are fun.
Thanks so much for taking a look!

Supplies:

card stock: not quite navy (Stampin' Up!)

ink: versamark

stamps: snow burst, four the season (SU)

embossing powder: detail silver (SU)

other: white gold glitter (MS), small zots, glossy accents, heat gun

Peace on Earth

2011-08-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Yes, I'm forcing myself to get back into Christmas card making. Don't get me wrong. I love creating Christmas cards. It's just a little difficult to think about the holidays when the weather is so hot and humid. Heat, humidity and bugs.

Ah well. I digress.
I saw a card on Pinterest last night, that used heat embossing followed by sponging. It was a floral theme, but I thought it would work with snowflakes, just as well. THIS is the card on Pinterest, that inspired my card.

My card:

I heat embossed the entire front of the card with white EP. Then masked the area to be sponged. I used 3 shades of blue, in different areas - varying the intensity of color. Then I stamped my earth ornament and sentiment after removing the mask. Since the surface was uneven, I filled in any "missing" areas with a black stampin' write marker. I added a tiny ribbon bow at the top of the ornament.
This will be an easy card to mail, since the only embellishment is the bow.
Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

card stock: stamper's select white (PTI)

stamps: peaceful season, serene snowflakes (SU)

ink: bashful blue, marina mist, pacific point (SU), onyx black (Versafine)

other: winter white EP (SU), black ribbon (Offray)

My First Guest Designer Spot!

2011-08-06T09:59:00.001-05:00

Saturday, August 6, 2011
I'm so excited to share with you that I'm the Guest Designer at the Card Patterns blog this week! THIS card was chosen as the winner for Sketch #124 at Card Patterns. You can click HERE to see my feature on CP this week, along with a short bio and photo.

Take a look at Card Patterns Sketch #127! You could do so much with this layout...I had several ideas right away.

And, this is my take on the sketch.

As soon as I received this sketch from the DT at Card Patterns, I knew that I wanted to use a doily die for the round panel in the layout. I used my Parisian Doily die from PTI (love it). I bought a pack of patterned paper recently, that I've been wanting to cut into. Well, that's where my swirled background panel came from. Also, I fussy cut the focal image from that same pack. There were a lot of images to choose from, but I thought she fit my card perfectly, and the colors were just right. I added a tiny gem to her earring and a bit of stickles to the bow at her waist, then popped her on the panel with some foam dots. The bit of vintage lace is some that I bought at an estate auction.

The 4th photo is a shot of the inside of the card. I just had to use another piece from that same pack of papers. I added a sentiment at the left side, using my Stamp-a-ma-jig to get it at the same angle as the images on the paper. The size of the finished card is 6 1/4" x 4 1/4".
I really had a lot of fun with this card. A big Thank You to the DT at Card Pattens for giving me the chance to be Guest Designer this week!!!

Materials:

Card stock: cajun craze, early espresso, naturals ivory (all Stampin' Up!)

Patterned paper: lady couture stack (DCWV)

Ink: early espresso (SU)

Stamps: sew lovely (Lawn Fawn), on your birthday (SU)

Dies: parisian doily (Papertrey Ink), std circles lg (Spellbinders)

Other: lace from an estate sale, glimmer brads (SU), 1 clear gem from my stash, distress stickles in scattered straw (Ranger), Stamp-a-ma-jig, scor-tape, adhesive foam dots

New blue shoes!

2011-08-03T19:58:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Hey, a mid-week post...did you notice? I usually only have the time to create/post on the weekends. But, I've been working on this project Monday and Tuesday evening and I just couldn't wait to post this. If you follow my blog (I'm hoping a few people follow it...hello...anyone there?), you probably saw THIS papercrafted shoe that I made recently. It was SO much fun to make - and embellish. Well, after I posted a pic on FB, my friend Linda (who loves shoes) asked me to make a pair for her. I jumped at the chance :)

This is what I gave to Linda today ~

These measure about 6" in length, and maybe 3 1/2" in height...I forgot to measure them. By the time I'd finished making these shoes, I'd cut down the time that it takes me. Probably 1 1/4 hours per shoe. I enjoy it so much, that I don't mind the time that it takes. If you want to make one of these shoes (or a pair!), I found the pattern and instructions on Creating Keepsakes website. Click HERE for a link to the download.
So...are you going to give it a try?
Thanks for popping in, I love visitors :)

What I used:

card stock: baja breeze (Stampin' Up!)

designer series paper: springtime vintage (SU)

trim: mettalic double E loop (Wright's)

brad: recollections - Michael's

scor-tape

crystal effects (to prevent the ends of the trim from fraying)

You are missed! CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

2011-07-31T10:29:00.002-05:00

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Wow, can you believe it's the last day of July already?

I'm playing along in this week's challenge over at CAS-ual Fridays. It's CFC #13 - The long and short of it.

The challenge is to make a 4" x 9" card...and keep it clean and simple. I like to vary the size and orientation of my cards. So, I was up for this challenge! Sometimes it's difficult for me to do "clean and simple", but I've been practicing. And, I'm loving it, too.

This is what I've created.

I sat for the longest time...staring at my work space. Waiting for an idea to pop into my brain, for this challenge. Sitting. Staring. Scanning. Finally, I decided that I would 1.) Decide who the card would be sent to. 2.) What I wanted to say. 3.) Which new stamp set I wanted to use.
Bing! From that point on, it all flowed...well, except for a little frustration with the embossing. But, I won that battle :)
I used a new stamp set from Lawn Fawn (at least it's new to me). The sentiments in this set are so cute and so versatile. They were created to be used with another Lawn Fawn set, but I already had this cute typewriter stamp from Hero Arts. I think they work together just fine.
I stamped the typewriter twice, cut out the second one after I embossed it and popped it on top of the first image. Then, I stamped the "paper" portion of the stamp 4 times and used several combinations of words to stamp those. I curled the first one around a pencil to give it some dimension before I adhered it to the typewriter with foam dots. My last step was drawing a border around the perimeter of the card with a Stampin' Write marker. This was such a fun card. I hope the recipient enjoys receiving it as much as I enjoyed making it!
Thanks for stopping in!

Supplies:

card stock: barely banana, whisper white (Stampin' Up!)

stamps: my type (Hero Arts), just m type, too (Lawn Fawn)

ink: basic black stamp pad and marker (SU)

stamin' emboss powder: black (SU)

other: versamark pad, heat gun, anti-static pad

A shoe - but no card! PDCC#91

2011-07-24T19:50:00.000-05:00

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Yes, this is something a little different for me. I don't often create 3-D projects. They used to frustrate me, maybe because cards are "my thing" - I guess I felt out of my element making projects. Well, I've decided to push myself to try other things. Um...at least today.
Actually, I didn't get frustrated making this shoe. I took my time (and it took a long time) and just enjoyed the process. You know what? It was fun. And, I'm really pleased with the results!

This shoe is going into the Play Date Cafe #91 challenge. Check it out!

Black and white with a splash of color - we get to choose the color, but use only a splash! My splash is yellow.

This is what I created ~

I found the template for this shoe at Creating Keepsakes website. They have so many great templates; you might want to check it out. The link in the previous sentence will take you to the shoe template.
I added just a few embellishments to dress up my shoe a little. What do you think?

Supplies:

patterned paper from the Black Orchid pack by s.e.i.

black woven scroll trim by Wright

yellow roses from my stash (from a long time ago, when I used to throw away the packaging.)

Aleen's paper glaze, Scor-tape

Season's Greetings - PDCC91

2011-07-23T20:07:00.001-05:00

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Yes, I know that it's July. But, since is seems to take me so long to make a card...I have to begin creating my Christmas cards now. Last year I made a total of 55. Anyway, you'll be seeing a lot of holiday cards on this blog for the next few months!

This card is going into the following challenge:

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #91

And our instructions are to use black & white with just one color, of our choice...and just a splash!
I was so happy to see this weeks challenge, because I love PDCC's color splash challenges! This is always fun!
This is what I created. I chose red as my "splash" ~

This is one of my favorite Christmas sets from Stampin' Up! It's so elegant. I think this set is just perfect for embossing. I heat embossed the trees and sentiment in white. See that tiny little red bird? After tapping my stamp onto the Versamark pad, I wiped him off...then stamped onto my cardstock. I embossed with white powder. I applied Versamark (the marker) to the tiny bird, next. Then I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig (love that tool!) to align him perfectly, stamped him, poured on a little bit of red EP...and embossed him. Fun!
Some matting and a few gems completed this card.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by. I appreciate it!

Supplies:

cardstock: basic black, real red (Stampin' Up!), stampers select white (Papertrey Ink)

stamp: senic season (SU)

emb. powder: really red, winter white (SU)

other: versamark pad and marker, stamp-a-ma-jig tool, red gems

Dream, create, inspire - CAS-ual Friday Challenge

2011-07-23T11:30:00.002-05:00

Saturday July 23, 2011

It's a beautiful Saturday, here in northern Illinois!!! It's RAINING! Yes, I love it. So much.
I can almost hear my flowers drinking in the moisture (it's been very, very dry here). We've been watering our flowers...but it just isn't the same as a good rain. I truly see a difference in the plants after we've had a soaking rain.

Anyway...back to paper crafting.

I'm playing along in the CAS-ual Fridays CFC12 today. Here's the challenge:

Yup, dig through your stash and find those rub-ons that you haven't used in a while. That's what I did. And, you know what? I've got a whole lot of great sentiments and images in those packages. Why haven't I been using them??? Thanks to the DT at CAS-ual Fridays, I'll be using a lot more of those rub-ons :)

I decided to challenge myself to use only rub-ons on my card...no stamping, no embellishments, no layers either.

I did add 3 score lines above the border of leaves. This was an easy card to make - once I decided which images to use, and where to place them. That took longer than actually making the card. Way longer.
Thanks for stopping by!

Just a few supplies ~

stampers select white card stock from PTI

summer love rub-ons (retired) from SU!

scoring board from MS (borrowed from Cheryl, when I stamped at her home yesterday!)

Summer Cookin' Thank You - PPA102 challenge

2011-07-17T15:54:00.000-05:00

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Ahh...summer. It's a beautiful sunny, bright day here in northern Illinois. But, it's 91.1 degrees and humid. Ick. Even though my flower beds need to be weeded (again), I decided to stay indoors this afternoon. And stamp :)
Good decision, don't you think?

The DT at Pals Paper Arts has given us this challenge:
PPA102 - Summertime and the Livin' Is Easy - Especially with Blog Candy!

We're told to draw inspiration from this photo...or whatever says summer to us. Well, I just bought the new DSP from Stampin' Up!, called Domestic Goddess. I think the colors look SO summery. I cut 3 images from that DSP for this card. And then, there is that cute gingham stamp in the House and Home stamp set. Love. It. I just had to ink it up! This was such a fun card to create. I know...I say that a lot. But it was.
I'm posting several photos, to try to show the details on this card. Can you see the little wisps of steam rising from the pie? That's a few lines from my clear Stardust pen.

Oh, I almost forgot. I took a piece of that DSP and used it to line my envelope, too.
Thanks for visiting...I hope you'll leave a comment. I appreciate them so much!

Supplies:

cardstock: baja breeze, tangerine tango, whisper white, so saffron (all Stampin' Up!)

ink: baja breeze, basic gray (SU)

stamps: sentiment from the pocket silhouettes set, gingham from house and home set (both are SU)

dsp: domestic goddess (SU)

other: tangerine tango striped grosgrain ribbon (SU), paper crimper, clear stardust pen (Sakura)

Hello Doily, Hello Friend - 2 challenges

2011-07-16T18:05:00.000-05:00

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Whoo hoo! Just a couple of days ago, I got some SU! goodies from the new catalog. Oh my. I love these new doily stamps. You should see my wish list of the other items I want from the new catty. Well, maybe I'll keep that to myself!

Anyway....I did a little blog surfing this morning and found several challenges that I want to do. For this card, I've narrowed it down to 2 challenges. Take a look.

Card Patterns sketch #124

Just Us Girls #93

And my card ~

Yea, I love doilies :)
Not just doily stamps. I love handcrafted doilies, especially vintage ones. I've picked up quite a few at estate auctions. I love the connection with the past, that I feel with those doilies (and depression glass, and stoneware crocks.) Yes...there are a few collections in our home!

Oh...my card ; )

I used cameo coral (a retired SU color) for my card base. It's the only coral cardstock I have. In these photos it looks much brighter than in real life. I really like these colors together. I don't know that I ever would have combined them, but I'm so glad that Andrea chose them for this color challenge! I'm sure I'll be using this combo again.
The sketch at Card Patterns really called out to me, because I enjoy creating a larger card now and then. This card will fit in a standard size business envelope. Besides...on a larger card, I can add more images, embellies, etc. I like that!
The buttons for this card came from a jar of buttons that I bought at an estate auction. I was surprised at how closely they match the ribbon.
I was almost done with my card, and felt it needed a little something more. Ah ha. I pulled out the bottle of silver pearl Liquid Pearls that I've had for a few months...and hadn't used until today. I think it's the perfect finishing touch.
Thanks so much for stopping in! I hope you'll leave a comment...I love reading them.

Supplies:

cardstock: cameo coral, pretty in pink, basic gray (Stampin' Up!)

ink: basic gray, basic black

stamps: hello, doily (SU), think big favorites #3 (PTI), delicate doiles (SU)

other: basic gray satin ribbon (SU), silver pearl liquid pearls (Ranger), buttons from my stash

My blue dress - 2 challenges

2011-07-10T20:16:00.000-05:00

Oh my...what a fun weekend this has been :) We had a chance to spend some more time with some of my relatives from Texas, today. You wouldn't believe some of the stories that were told AND some of the topics of conversation. But...I'd better not tell!

I think I'd better move on to today's card, huh?

I'm playing along in 2 challenges:

Pals Paper Arts #101 - a color challenge "chase away those summertime blues"

CAS-ual Fridays #10 - create a shaped card

It's been quite a while since I created a shaped card. And, since they're so much fun to make...of course, I had to play along. And, the color challenge at PPA really called out to me...I love those blues.
So, here is my take on the 2 challenges:

I really enjoyed making this card and it was so easy, too. I had downloaded this dress template a while back from Paper Crafts magazine's website. Kim Hughes is the designer. PC has so many cute templates. This is the first time I've used this one.
I used bashful blue card stock for the card base - or should I say dress? I stamped the palm leaves in not quite navy and marina mist inks. The bodice of the dress is made from not quite navy card stock and I sponged around the edges with a little ink, in the same color. I row of tiny clear gems finishes off my card.
Normally, I would stamp a sentiment on the front of my cards. But, I felt that even a small sentiment would be too distracting on this card. I'll add a sentiment to the inside, when I decide who the recipient will be.
I'll be using this template again. I have so many ideas for colors and prints!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you'll leave a comment.

Supplies:

card stock: bashful blue, not quite navy (Stampin' Up!)

ink: not quite navy, marina mist

stamp: the palm leaves from Forever in Our Hearts (Verve)

gems: recollections (Michaels)

And.....a few more pics from my flower gardens :)

Well, this isn't from the flower gardens. This tiny maple leaf was on the sidewalk. I thought it looked so pretty with the drops of water and the angle of the sunlight.

A mix of yellow and pink coneflowers.

These golden stargazer lilies are much taller than they've EVER grown before. I'm 5'5" tall, and they're taller than me! I included the door in this shot, so that you can see how tall they really are.

Birthday Wishes - CR84FN33 challenge

2011-07-04T10:20:00.001-05:00

Monday, July 4, 2011

I really enjoyed playing along with CR84FN33 color challenge in my previous post HERE. So, I decided to play again today.
Take a look at the inspiration provided for us!

Pretty, huh? I'm not usually a fan of pink. But...these inspiration photos really called out to me. lol

Here's my second take on the challenge.

I love this doily stamp from Hero Arts, and I decided to use pink embossing powder to give the image some texture. I'm really pleased with the look.
Well, this has to be a short post - we're off to spend time with family today! I'll add my supply list later :)

Make a Wish - 2 challenges

2011-07-03T18:59:00.001-05:00

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Ummm...I created 2 cards this afternoon. But, you'll only see one of them. I'm really pleased with how this card turned out. The other one? Not so much. In fact, not at all. Part of it ended up in the waste basket. And I rarely do that. I finished the card, but...I'm not sure if I'll ever send it.

Moving on.

Cath, over at Moxie Fab World has a really fun challenge for us. Love her challenges! I've just recently started playing along. Here current challenge is Beautiful Borders in the Moxie Fab World. We're challenged to use border strips in an innovative way.

And, CR84FN has such a pretty color pallette for their current challenge. Take a look :)

I decided to combine the 2 challenges into one card.

Here is my entry:

I used a Sizzix die to create this ric rac border. But, instead of using it as a border, I've used it as birthday candles. With a few gems for "flames". For my sentiment I used PTI's Think Big Favorites #1, and I added a tiny gem to the dot. A little baker's twine tied around the top of the card, finished it off.
I'd love to know what you think. And I love reading your comments!

Supplies:
cardstock: cherry cobbler, pretty in pink (SU) stamper's select white (PTI)

ink: cherry cobbler

clear stamp: think big favorites #1 (PTI)

other: baker's twine (RRR), clear gems (Recollections from Michaels)

Thinking of You & 2 challenges

2011-07-02T16:01:00.002-05:00

Saturday July 2, 2011
Just a short post today. Yes, it's another busy weekend. Busy...but very good! Spending time with some of my family and some of my husbands family, too.

This card is going to 2 challenges.

Just Us Girls #91 - a sketch challenge

Pals Paper Arts 100 - What's Your Technique? Oh, and the PPA is 100!

My card ~

One of my favorite techniques is sponging, so that's what I chose to do. I think the JUGS sketch was perfect for a sponged image. Yes, I love sponging. But. Sometimes it goes well. And sometimes, it doesn't. This panel is my 2nd attempt. It's still not exactly what I had in mind - but it turned out much better than the first one. So...it's staying.
This card is going to an uncle who is recuperating from surgery. We had a wonderful visit with him yesterday, but I still want to send him a card. Just a little reminder of how important he is to us!
Thanks so much for stopping in! I hope you'll leave a comment :)

Supplies:

Stamps: kind & caring thoughts, of the earth (Stampin' Up!)

Ink: basic gray, going gray, bordering blue, marina mist, not quite navy (SU)

Card Stock: basic gray, cherry cobbler (SU), select white (PTI)

Other: button (le bouton, Wal-Mart), ribbon (Offray), blending tool and foam pad

Big news!

2011-06-28T20:41:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

I'm finally allowed to post this on my blog! My card, below, was published in the current Paper Crafts Stamp It! Cards Vol. 8. Available in stores, as of today! This is a first for me, so I'm VERY excited! Can you tell???

This the photo that I submitted to the magazine, way back in early February. It looks a little dark, but the pic in the magazine looks much better!

This is the cover of the magazine. Just in case you want to rush right out and buy a copy...lol!

I just had to pop up a quick post to share the news with you! You can click on the link I included, at the beginning of this post, to visit the magazines website. If you're a paper crafter, there is a lot that will interest you on the site...believe me :)

Stampin' mojo? No go...

2011-06-26T17:05:00.001-05:00

Sunday, June 26, 2011
Well. I sat down to stamp today; it was the first chance I've had all weekend. I sat there staring at a CARDS magazine, trying to get some inspiration to jump into my brain. Uh...no jumping. Then I had a idea to use my a gold shimmer spray on a card panel, over a stencil. Yea, I liked that idea! No. Apparently, if you don't use it for a few months, the pigment dries in the sprayhead. No gold...no go. More staring. I. Give. Up.

SO. I decided to share a few more flower pics with you. The sun was shining bright today. The sky a gorgeous blue. A light breeze. One of those perfect summer days that we don't get enough of...IMHO anyway. So, after hanging the freshly washed sheets on the line this morning, I wandered with my camera. A couple of these shots are of the same plants that you saw in my last post. But...more blooms now! I love my flowers, I love nature. Hence, the name of my blog! I bet you'd already figured that out, huh? Okay, enough rambling :)

Not quite fully opened.

I was so glad to catch this one before it fully opened. It makes for an interesting shot.

These are the asiatic lilies again, but in the dappled early am light.

Black eyed susans and hostas.

Love the bi-color bloom. Not sure where this came from, since I haven't seen this before???

A "young" coneflower bloom..

Daises

Impatients

Coneflower - more blooms than in my previous post.

Hopefully, I'll have a card to show you next time. Thanks so much for taking a look! I love visitors :o)

Blooms in our flower gardens

2011-06-23T19:45:00.002-05:00

Thursday, June 23, 2011
Hi! Just a short post to share a few photos I've taken within the past week. All of these blooms are in our flower gardens, around the house. I love watching my flowers grow and bloom...and I love photographing them, especially closeups. I even tried to capture a pic of a bee on the Spirea blooms...but, he wouldn't stay in one place long enough :)

Roses

Spirea

Pink Coneflower (I love these!)

Asiatic lilies - I wish I knew what variety.

And then, this pic from Tuesday evening. I was so worried about the ominous looking clouds, that I didn't even notice this...until my husband pointed it out to me!

A double rainbow, as a severe thunderstorm passed to the East.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!

Hello Friend - 2 challenges

2011-06-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

Sunday, June 19, 2011
It's another busy weekend, but I just had to make some time to create a card. I recently ordered several of PTI's Think Big Favorites. I love the fonts and the size of these sentiments. This is my first stamp purchase from PTI...my first order was the Parisian Doily die (love it!). Anyway, I've been itching to use one of these stamps!

This card is going into 2 challenges.

Lily Pad Cards - Memory Box presents Lucy's Lovely Lines

The Color Throwndown #146

I wanted to create a card with a "summer-y" feel. And I thought the Throwdown colors were perfect for that. And of course...I love Lucy Abram's sketches, over at the Lily Pad. So...here is what I created:

To see a larger version on a photo, just click on the photo.

I stamped my flowers onto patterned paper, then cut them out. It's time consuming but, it's something I enjoy doing. I popped up just the center flower on dimensional adhesive. I did some stitching on my card stock to create my flower stems and also around the white panel, then did more stamping and cutting for the leaves. I added some stickles to the center of each flower, just to add a little "pop".

Thanks for stopping in!

Supplies:

Stamps: the flower from Fifth Avenue Floral (SU), the sentiment is from Thinking Big Favorites #3 (PTI), the leaf from Sage Advice (SU)

Card stock: daffodil delight, tangerine tango, kiwi kiss, whisper white (SU)

Ink: basic black (SU), versafine onyx black (Tsukineko)

Other: scattered straw Stickles (Ranger), dimensional adhesive, threads, sewing machine

just for you - 2 challenges

2011-06-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, June 11, 2011
Today's card is going into 2 challenges:

The Play Date Cafe #85

Lily Pad Cards - May Arts presents a ribbon challenge

My card ~

Just a short post tonight. It's another busy weekend!

I pulled out my Sizzix texture plates this evening. I haven't used them in a long time. I'd forgotten what a soft, subtle effect they add to a card. I added 3 loops of ribbon under the edge of my focal panel. This card came together quickly (I know...I was shocked!). And, I'm pleased with the results.
Thanks so much for stopping in!

Supplies:

card stock: confetti cream, not quite navy (SU)

ink: rose red, night of navy, always artichoke (SU)

stamps: just believe (SU)

other: labels four spellbinders die, flourish texture plate (SU by Sizzix), cream ribbon (Michaels), foam dots

She Loves To Make Art

Hang In There - and 2 Challenges

Hello - CASE Study Challenge

A Name Change!

Thank You - and a Lily Pad Challenge

Smile ~ CR84FN Color Challenge

A Balloon Birthday Card - Paper Players Challenge

More Candles - Color Throwdown Challenge

Happy Birthday with rolled flowers - Card Patterns Sketch

Just a note - CASE Study Challenge #78

lucky me - The Play Date Cafe Challenge #119

The Paper Players - Design Team Call

Happy Birthday - Play Date Cafe Challenge

You Rock! - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

You're Not Old - Birthday card - 2 challenges

Happy Birthday (with patterned papers) - Lily Pad Cards Challenge

Someone so special - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

With Sympathy, gingko leaves - CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

Congratulations - Color Throwdown CFD176

Lovebirds - CR84FN46

Lots of hugs - CAS-ual Fridays CFC#36

My Little Bird Studio on Etsy

Birthday Celebrations

Happy 32nd - Three Challenges

*love* you - 2 Challenges

PPA Best Dressed List 2011

Happy Birthday - Color Q Challenge

Gratitude

Smile...CASE Study Challenge

Homespun Holiday Wishes - 3 Challenges

Holiday Greetings - A center step card

Silent Night, Holy Night - CAS-ual Fridays challenge

A sympathy card - CAS-ual Fridays challenge

How do you know...? Unscripted Sketches #132

Tag - you're it...again. CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

Tag - you're it! CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

Guest Designer at Lily Pad Cards

Happy Thanksgiving - a fall themed card

Christmas Tree - C4C110

Snowman...peace * love * joy - CAS-ual Fridays CFC#25

Autumn Colors in Northern Illinois

Beware - 2 Challenges

Happy Harvest - a woven ribbon card

Peace Love Joy - Lily Pad Cards Challenge

Christmas Lodge - Card Patterns Sketch 136

Give Thanks - CR84FN challenge

Tuesday Trigger: Delightfully Random

Happy Birthday - CAS-ual Fridays & Lawnscaping Challenges

Happy Birthday - PDCC99 & The Paper Players 64

Happy Birthday, it's your day

Happy Birthday - 2 challenges

Happy Birthday - Number 40 !

September - the color is Gold

Glory to God

Thinking of you

Get Well Soon

Peace, Love & Joy

Comfort & Joy - CFC101

Love begins...

With Sympathy - The Play Date Cafe Challenge 94

Peace on Earth - CAS-ual Fridays challenge

Peace on Earth

My First Guest Designer Spot!

New blue shoes!

You are missed! CAS-ual Fridays Challenge

A shoe - but no card! PDCC#91

Season's Greetings - PDCC91

Dream, create, inspire - CAS-ual Friday Challenge

Summer Cookin' Thank You - PPA102 challenge

Hello Doily, Hello Friend - 2 challenges

My blue dress - 2 challenges

Birthday Wishes - CR84FN33 challenge

Make a Wish - 2 challenges

Thinking of You & 2 challenges

Big news!

Stampin' mojo? No go...

Blooms in our flower gardens

Hello Friend - 2 challenges

just for you - 2 challenges

love you - 2 Challenges