Friday, March 30, 2012

More cards on Friday

I need to add sympathy cards to my stash.  This image by Endless Creation is one of my go-to stamps for this kind of card.  The sentiment is CE - not sure what that stands for.
The bg is dry embossed with a Victoria folder.  I moved the bling from the original sketch - it seems to fit better here.  The card is finished with some Petaloo flowers and a bit of sheer black ribbon.
The sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Anything: http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.com/

Birthdays in Blue

This is my latest birthday card for today.  Honestly, I am not at all happy with the result, but I always try to "make do" with my cards - maybe I will be inspired to make a change for the better!
Image is by Unity.  I added some Stickles, and I think that was a mistake.  The verse I overstamped is from an older  SU set called Versatile Verses.  CS and DP are Recollections, except the metallic DCWV I used for the tiny flowers.I have teeny half pearls in the centers.  The border is a Martha Stewart punch, and the flourishes from a Cuttlebug die.  The bit of blue ribbon has a glittery edge.  The ink is Fiskars blue.



First of all, if you know this image, please let me know!

The DP is Colorbok.  I used Prismas to color, and a Cuttlebug die for the trellis strip.
This is the sketch - though as I looked at the inspiration I know I did not really get the idea LOL! - http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/
This is for the colors: http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
And For the Boys:  http://craftingwhenwecanchallenges.blogspot.com/
Another for the boys:  http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Thank you in a hurry


Today I realized I needed a thank you for a pastor - he is retired, but volunteers to do this weekly, and has the most interesting Bible classes.  So I had no time to correct mistakes or redo!
The DP is from a large pack of double sided cs I bougtht at Costco a long time ago - I like the cs, but it is kind of never ending - kwim?
The sentiment is from Unity (Faith), and the thank you is computer generated.  I stamped the cross image (Paper Inspirations) with Memento on the DP.  Without the thank you, this could be an Easter card.  The bottom strip is a Martha Stewart punch.  I used a Memory Box lavalier circle (kind of a doily type) - since it is a circle I cut it apart to make a base for the oval.  With more time I would have had a better shape.  I added tiny punched butterflies and brads.

A religious card:  http://craftuscrazy.blogspot.com/
Use Scripture:  http://clearlyistamp.typepad.com/
Show some wings:  http://hippitywithippity.blogspot.coAn
The sketch - in my hurry, I misjudged a couple of placements, so adjusted the location of the brads - http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Soaking in a tub



Once again I am using an image from my stash of colored items, and I do not have the origin.  I used this verse inside:
 "Life is like a hot bath, It feels good while you are in it, But the longer you stay in, The more wrinkled you get!"
I also used a very old scrap of DP.  a Marvy butterfly punch, an EK success swirl punch, a Paper Pretties sentiment, and Prismas to color.

A birthday challenge:  http://craftyribbonschallenge.blogspot.com/
Butterflies: http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/challenge-17-butterflies.html
The sketch - which I ended up tweaking:  http://willowsketchiechallenge.blogspot.com
The pattern of the dp reminded me of the "grid" challenge:  http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/2012/03/fabulous-friday-challenge-grids.html

Monday, March 26, 2012

Easter Cards

I hope I am able to complete several Easter cards
in the next couple of days.
(Posted Friday, March 30)

I used some DCWV Spring Garden DP and shiny cs that has been in my stash for a couple of years, I think.  The butterflies were cut from some scraps that I have also had for quite some time. The stamp came from a LSS - it has no name.  I colored with metallic gel pens - including gold highlights of the sentiment.
The sketch:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/
Easter:  http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com/
            http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
            http://paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com/

Easter, use up (!!!) pastel papers:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/




 (Posted Thursday, March 29)

The image is by Paper Inspiration, stamped on CostcoDP, and the sentiment is computer generated.  Also: Lavalier Circle by Memory Box, Petaloo flowers with a Paper Pizzazz rhinestone center.  Misc. green and white cs, and a piece of ribbon from my stash.
Sketch:  http://cardpatterns.blogspot.com/2012/03/sketch-158.html
Spring /and/or/Easter:
http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
http://lexiscreations.blogspot.com



 (Posted Mon. March 26)

For this one I created my own sentiment on the computer as my stamps seem to be in hiding.  I used a martha Stewart border punch to punch the end of the tag, and attached with pretty, shiny Amazing Aqua Dream String (twine from Pizzazz Aplenty).  This can be included in my hoarded stash, as I got some twine several months ago, and this is the first I have cut into this one.  I punched the butterflies with a Marvy punch, using a bit of CS in my stash of scraps that I save for this purpose. The bg is dry embossed with Stylized Flowers (Cuttlebug).
The sketch:  http://skippingstonesdesign.com/
Spring cleaning: http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com/
Easter:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
Monochromatic: http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Using twine: http://annabellestamps.blogspot.com/

Congratulations


This sentiment is one of several I recently won - they are Paper Pretties.  This sentiment is a fun one that I feel serves well as a congratulations (graduation, for example).  The image is one I recently found here: http://freevintagedigistamps.blogspot.com/  That makes this a hybrid card, with stamping and clip art.  I prefer stamping, but once in a while clip art adds possibilities.
 The DP, CS, and ribbon are all items I have had in my supplies for at least a couple of years.  The Martha Stewart border punch is a newer acquisition.
This is a challenge to use a congratulatory sentiment: http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
Here is the sketch I used, with a sentiment added: http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/
Riding a bicycle is definitely a sign of spring: http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Get Well Cards

I am making several get well cards requested by a friend.  This one uses a bugaboo digital image, and odds and ends of cs.and ribbon.  The sentiment is computer generated.  The flower is by Petaloo, and tiny half pearls from Pizzazz Aplenty. 
The sketch:  http://willowsketchiechallenge.blogspot.com/
Turquoise, purple and green for: http://totallystampalicious.blogspot.com/

Cute Fluffles


Image - Fluffles;  Twine, CB border die, Art Impressions sentiment, Prismas.
The sketch:  http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
"Cute":  http://www.kaboodledoodles.blogspot.com/
Animal and Birthday sentiment:  http://birthdaysundaes.blogspot.com/
Kraft:  http://thepinkelephantchallenge.blogspot.com/

Love Birds Anniversary


This cute digi from Pollycraft (I have had it quite a while) seems made for an anniversary card.  I used chalk pencils to color it.  The aqua cs is from a DCWV stack, and the ribbon is one of the nicer ones I got in a huge box from Costco some time ago.  The sentiment is from a dollar bin.  I embossed with the Argyle CB folder, and the scallop is with a Martha Stewart edging punch.
The sketch: http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/stella-says-sketch-challenge-106.html
Wings:  http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.com/
Wings again: http://www.papercreationsink.com/
spring scallops: http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/
The lovely color inspiration (aqua, butterscotch, grey, brown): http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.com/
Metal and a sentiment: http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 23, 2012

CAS


As you can see, I am totally uninspired today but I did want to try a CAS card - I always struggle with how much I can add and still qualify for cas!  Maybe you have suggestions.  I used stamps from Penny Black's Purrfect Day, with sepia ink, for a monochromatic look.  The embossed frame is a CB folder.
Anything goes:  http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
CAS:  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/2012/03/speedy-fox-and-friends-challenge-99.html

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Scripture in aqua


I needed a lot of cards so have been busy today.  This is similar to the last one I posted, but a bit more subtle.  I usually have more contrast between layers, but I am also happy with this result.
The Scripture is from Our Daily Bread.  The bg dp is K& Company - no brands for the rest.  The flowers are Prismmas, with aqua rhinestones added.  The soft aqua panel is dry embossed with textile. The border punch is Martha Stewart.  I distressed the edges, frayed the ribbon, and lightly sponged the verse with aqua chalk.
Lots of layers with the shabby look is for: http://www.sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.com/
The scripture with aqua is for: http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Here is the sketch: http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Happy Birthday, daughter


I had not forgotten our daughter's birthday, but the day is sneaking up fast!  Time to get it in the mail.  She will be 54 - I told her some time ago to stop having birthdays but she paid no attention.  I hope she likes this - when she was little green was a favorite color.
Can some one help with the origin of the image?  It has been in my "partly colored" stash for a while - easy to finish the green shutters and pots.  I used Prismas for that part, and sparkly gel pens for the flowers and leaves.  The main green bg is Paper Pizzaz, and none of the other is marked.  The sentiment is part of a JustRite birthday set.  I stamped in black and highlighted with a gold gel pen.  I had not tried that before, and I am happy with the result.  I once again used Nesties to cut it out.  I added a bit of ribbon and some Pizzazz Aplenty tear drop pearls.
The sketch, with green, http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/
Green and white: http://ssdschallenge.blogspot.com/
Spring with lots of flowers: http://phindysplacechallenge.blogspot.com/
Three in a row: http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/

A bird in cocoa


Here is the sketch:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
I used the colors - as close as I could tell on my screen-: http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/
The bird is for Feathers and Fur: http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
The image is Studio G and the sentiment is one from a dollar bin.
I used some miscellaneous green and white CS, and some double sided DP from a huge pack I bought at Costco a few years ago.  Ink is SU Close to Cocoa.  I cut the border with a Martha Steward border punch, trimmed very closely.

Get out the barbecue


We winter in AZ, so are less affected by weather - but reports are that much of the country has been thinking spring and maybe even summer - time for grilling, and an great excuse to use this image for a masculine card.
Red, white and blue for: http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
I make a lot of patriotic cards, but wanted something a bit different this time.
This is another challenge that has red, white, blue and pennants for inspiration: http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/
I used this sketch: http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
I did tweak it a bit - I must admit I had a little boo-boo after completing most of it so had to be innovative in covering the smudge!!!
I used edging scissors to cut the riveting circle - I find it hard to cut with my Nesties. Image and sentiment are both SU.  DP and CS are all odds and ends.  Colored with Prismas.  The little swirls are pieces from a border punch.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

New Home


I really like this window die, but need to learn how to use it if the image is not quite the right size.  This is a bit too narrow as well as too long.  So I used a bit of the Martha Stewart trellis punch to create an edging - originally I thought of it as being like a fence around the fields - after I uploaded the card I realized I should have made curtains or drapes for the window!  Then, I ask you to use some imagination as I took liberties, and put some of the grapes and leaves on the window sill. This was also kind of a last minute thought.  Let me know what you think.
A card for a new home (the inside verse is a housewarming one):
/http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Dots and Stripes: http://www.dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/
The sketch:  http://willowsketchiechallenge.blogspot.com/
And another favorite color - blue:  http://doyoustackup.blogspot.com/
Image: Stampendous
CS - blue, SU dp, DCWV light blue,
Poppy small Madison window die
Martha Stewart trellis punch
Pizzazz Aplenty teardrop pearls
Chalk pastel pencils - I have a small set and blended some green and yellow to vary the colors.
Shiny gel pen for the grapes

Circular sending you Smiles


For some reason, this was really a challenge!  I decided to combine a couple of challenges that had me a bit baffled - I hope I met the requirements!
One that was not so difficult - use gold and bling:  http://www.inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Use these colors:  teal, electric green, tangerine, and jeans:  http://theplaydatecafe.blogspot.com/
Using circleshttp://craftsandmechallenges.blogspot.com/
And the circular sketch: http://frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/

I used a QuickKutz floral die for the largest circle, and a Nestie for the other.  The teal is Core'dinations, the DP is DCWV Garden Party.  I punched a piece of the blue cs on both sides to create a lacy piece, backed with some gold from a gift bag.  I added a couple pieces of ribbon - pretty much the right colors for the challenge.  More bling - with the Petaloo glittery flowers and rhinestone centers.  The sentiment is a handy one from Dandelion Designs.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Outdoor scene


This challenge is to use a clip - my supply is pretty limited but I think it is ok here.:  http://tuesdaythrowdown.blogspot.com/
Here, an outdoor scene is requested:  I have the tree and lots of grass!  /http//freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/
I made a thank you card for: http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
And this is the sketch: http://cardpatterns.blogspot.com/
I just received the image (Stampendous) and lots of grass from a friend at SCS.  The DP is DCWV, and I added misc. cs.  The image is colored with watercolor pencils and an aqua pen.

A favorite color (floral)


Today I am combining a tough (for me) challenge and an easy one!
First, the tough one - I have trouble figuring out what to do with rows of stripes like this.  I decided to use a piece of DP (DCWV Garden Party) that I seldom can use, because I do not like to show only a tiny portion of it, and that is often the case with a background paper.  I cut the butterflies from aother paper in the same collection.  I also used the CB embossing folder (Argyle) as an anchor.
Sketch: http://skippingstonesdesign.com/
The easy one - a favorite color.  Today, it is turquoise.  It will probably be different tomorrow!  Furthermore, I do not use a lot of green, but this is a shade I really like! http://doyoustackup.blogspot.com/

The butterflies are QuickKutz, and the gem is from Pizzazz Aplenty.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Sending a smile


This should send a smile!
That is the theme of the challenge here: http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
In addition, I used some common household twine (unusual crafting item) and a bit of a gold gift bag - it did not exactly clear out my stash - actually, hardly made a dent!  But these items have been around a while.
Here is a challenge to use an animal:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/ 
A challenge to create a card for someone special- our grandson:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
The sketch is here: http://pixieduststudiopixiechallenge.blogspot.com/
The image is a digital from DeeDee - her shop has since closed.  I used brown and beige cs from a new packet - it is Coredinations, which I found at Joanne's - had not noticed it before.  The "dog" dp is from an animal print pack from BigLots. I used a diamond EF, Nesties, and some square brads.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Flowery Anniversary card


I am glad to be making something other than a green card!
I used the sketch here, together with mostly pastel blue: http://www.thepixiecottage.blogspot.com/
These challenges are to use flowers:  http://amusestudiochallengeblog.blogspot.com/
                                                        http://letsinkitup.blogspot.com/
The blue flourishes were my inspiration: http://sirstampalotchallenge.blogspot.com/
Image from ODB, dollar bin sentiment, misc. dp and cs.  The panel on the left is a scrap from DCWV Spring Garden, and has some floral flocking - hard to see here.  I used a Fiskars border punch for the punched panel, and also used this on the inside of the card.  White glittery flowers are from Petaloo.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Thank you in green


This layout does not look good but I do not know how to fix it.  Ideas, anyone:
This shows the sketch I used.
I did the left hand column for Bingo (gems, charm, and stamped image):  http://paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com/
The green is for: http://digistamps4joy.blogspot.com/
Andhttp://www.sassycherylsdigis.com/pages/Fun-Challenges!.html
Spring colors and flowers for:  http://www.whimsiedoodles.blogspot.com/
The DP is DCWV.  I used bits from a Fiskar border punch for trim.  Unknown charm and ribbon.