Monday, February 28, 2011

Sugar Creek Hollow & Gingerloft

I'm sorry ... I just can't help myself today!!!
I'll try to keep this post short & sweet!!!

I've been on a roll with completing my cards (inside & OUT) and since that's the challenge over at Sugar Creek Hollow ... I just HAD to join in!!  

(click on image to enlarge)
This beautiful butterfly is a Sugar Creek Hollow image and you can find it and more HERE.  So you can see the inside of my card, here is another photo.  Please note also that the wings on the butterfly have been cut out & popped up from the original print.
 (click on image to enlarge)
 The designer paper I have used is by Making Memories (English Garden) 12x12 pack.  While I was "doing it all" ... I decided to make a matching envelope too ... really completes the package!!  I'll be doing more of this!!

* * * * *


The other card I'd like to share with you is for the Our Furry Friends challenge over on Gingerloft.  I have had this gorgeous bear image colored and laying on my table for WEEKS and when I saw the challenge theme today ... well you understand ... here it is:


(click on image to enlarge)
My 'woodsy' dp is from DCWV and my only embellishment is Hemp.  I have used CHALK  & a makeup applicator for my coloring.  The inside reads "It's that time of year again!"
Here's a photo with it's matching envelope.  What an easy 'guy' card.  You don't need much when you start with a powerful image like this bear!


Well ... thanks again for taking a peek!  I promise ... NO MORE posts today!  In fact, I really need to go get my errands run before it's time for hubby to come home for dinner ... yikes ... you can sure loose track of time when you start creating!  Have a great day!!


Darlene

A touch of vintage . . .

Today I'd like to share with you TWO creations made using the same image  ... just two different vintage styles.

(click on image to enlarge)
This adorable image was offered up as a freebie over on the Nicecrane Designs Group of CDAC but I'm sure you can find this image and I know MANY, MANY more at his store found HERE.

(click on image to enlarge)

The background paper I have used on both of these creations is from GCD Studios (Ella Blue) and was purchased at Hobby Lobby.  For this first card ... I've kept it pretty simple and adorned the envelope to match the background of my card.

 (click on image to enlarge)
On my second card, I have made it a little more 'vintage' in style by distressing the edges of the background paper both with a distresser and distress ink by Tim Holtz (vintage photo).  I have used Spellbinder Nestabillities classic & scallop ovals to showcase my image.  The base card is craft which I have also distressed with ink.

(click on image to enlarge)
A peek at the inside of this card shows how I used the same paper and have cut out the scallop oval to position my sentiment within.  A brown round tip marker was used for the dots on the inside and a white Signo pen was used for the dots around the scallop oval on the front image.  The lace I have used for the front is from Stampin' Up.

A few challenge sites I'd like to share these cards with are:
Corrosive Challenges - Distressing
Gingerloaf - Furry Friends
I Did It Creations - Punches or Dies
Sparkles Forum - Pink, Brown & Blue


I hope you've enjoyed my vintage creations today!  This will be a busy crafting week for me ... so BE PREPARED!!  You know how much I enjoy sharing ALL my creations with you!!  I hope I don't throw you into overload this week ... but I have some exciting news to share and hopefully some inspiration for you along the way!  Have a great day!!

Hugs,
Darlene

Sunday, February 27, 2011

CDAC Challenge Creations

Happy Sunday Everyone!
I was successful in creating images for the various challenges that are offered & last two weeks over on CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center).  If you are not familiar with this network and love digis ... then you REALLY need to check 'em out!  There are a ton of AMAZING artists offering even more amazing images ... and you can even collect free ones offered to be used in the challenges.  How awesome is that!!  Okay ...here we go ...

ONE of the images offered in the Freebie Challenge is a Pyramid Sheet created by Ignacio ... Nicecrane Designs and is called "Sweet Girl"
There are other freebies offered by other artists in this challenge but I haven't yet gotten around to creating with those images ... I just printed them so I'll have them ready for you to see early in the week.

  * * * * *
My next creation is for the Color Challenge and is being hosted by Just Some Lines.  Check out this adorable image ... yep it's a free offering for this challenge and I had a wonderful time creating this Bee Happy Card.  

My background paper is from a Making Memories 12x12 pack and I have aged it with Tim Holtz distress ink, faux stitching and added the 'bee happy' stamping.

 * * * * *
This third creation is to satisfy the Embellishment Challenge and is hosted by Daisy Doodles.  Along with with adorable Bunny ... you were to use a maximum of THREE embellishments.  I just love the SMILE on this bunny's face ... he looks so pleased with himself for finding this egg!  LOL ...

   The designer paper is from Jo-Ann's ... I've used Prismacolor markers for my coloring and my THREE embellishments are Ribbon, Purple gems and this K&Co. purple glitter flourish.

 * * * * *
Next is my creation for the Sketch Challenge and the hostess is Stef Hughes ... better known as Glitterbabe!  Just in time for St. Patty's Day ... this shamrock is just perfect!

 Again, I have created my own background using Garden Green ink and a shamrock stamp by Hampton Art.  The other panels are various designer papers from my stash and I have used a gold Pilot marker to place a gold edge around my focus image.  Although it's difficult to see, the shamrock is bordered with green Stickles and the stars are dotted with gold Stickles.  Basic coloring was done with Prismacolor markers.

* * * * *
 Lastly is my creation for the Other Theme Challenge and is hosted by Designed2Delight Digital Stamps.  Besides this sweet birthday cupcake "free" digi image, Faith has asked us to use TWO DIFFERENT designer papers for our creations.  Here's what I've come up with.

I decided to use a paper pack that has been in my stash for quite some time.  It is Kaiser Craft (Gypsy Sisters Collection) and it is so bright & cheerful ... I thought it perfect for a birthday card!

* * * * *
So there you have it ... sorry for the long post but since there are for all the challenges over on CDAC ... I thought it would be okay to share them all at one time.  Did you notice too that for most of these cards I also made coordinating envelopes ... at least they are completed projects ... versus the PILE of cards laying on my table that need completed inside and packed with envelopes!  Maybe tomorrow .... (she said with her fingers crossed, lol).

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend and please stop back!  I will have some exciting news to share with you later in the week ... stay tuned!!

Hugs to you all!
Darlene

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Just wanting to create . . .

. . . and share!

Today I have three cards to share with you.  Not for any particular reason other than hoping to inspire you as much as you all inspire me!

First is a card I made to cheer up my artist friend, Melanie over at *Wink *Wink Ink.  She's had some trouble with her MOJO lately and I just wanted to remind her of how amazing and fun her little images are for all of us.  

On this card I have used TWO of Melanie's images ... Lucy and Spot.  I have brought them together using Word 7 and showcased them as though they were just hanging out in the livingroom waiting for their 'master' to get home.
 
* * * * *
Secondly is a creation made for a 'discussion' over on the Glitterbabe group of CDAC where you are to select ONE item from THREE different categories ... paper, embellishment & color.  The focus image is from Glitterbabe Digis and was so easy to create with.

My color choice was PURPLE ... embellishment choice was SATIN RIBBON and my paper choice is HOMEMADE using a script stamp and Tim Holtz distress inks.
 
* * * * *
Lastly is a card I made with my friend Jan (from Toledo) in mind.  Jan is fighting cancer for the SECOND time and I just wanted to create something PRETTY that would make her smile.  She is very much on my mind right now and I'm not sure at what stage of her treatment she is in and I fear she's not going to get through it as well as she did the first time around. Please say a quick prayer for my friend Jan ... God will know who you're talking about!
 
 I have used Graphic45 designer paper to decorate the front & back of my card ... as well as the envelope flap.  The image is POPPY from Crafty Secrets and I've used SU watercolor pencils & blender pen for my coloring.  I wish you could see this in person ... it looks like tissue paper ... it came out so great ... I have neglected my watercolor pencils for quite a while now ... I think I'll be using them more now.  The vine panel was created using a Martha Stewart punch and I have placed a strip of matching cardstock behind the punched portions.
 
Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by today and I hope you have found inspiration in today's card!   Please remember to reach out and let those around you know how much you love them ... we never know how long we will be blessed with their presence!!

Hugs to you all,
Darlene

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Sisterhood & Crafty Secrets . . .

HAPPY WEDNESDAY EVERYONE!  
WOW, can you believe it's midweek already!  
Time's just a flyin'!!


Today I have two challenge cards to share with you.  First is my creation for the challenge over at THE SISTERHOOD.  Today our hostess is Terri and she's asked us to embellish with RIBBON & BRADS

(click on image to enlarge)
For this creation I have used one of the sweet 'Victorian Children' images from Nicecrane Designs for my focus.  Isn't she just the sweetest!!  My apricot organza wired ribbon is from Michaels and the large orange brads are Basic Grey.
Please be sure to pop over to our Challenge Blog for all the details and if you need to be inspired before joining the fun ... be sure to check out the creations shared there by my 'sistahs' ... you're sure to find inspiration from these ladies ... a very talented bunch if I do say so myself!!  LOL!!

* * * * *
My second creation today is for the Crafty Secrets Challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers.  Marcy is our hostess and she's asked us to "Go Beyond the Fold" ... what does that mean you ask ... well it means don't just finish the FRONT of your card ... do the INSIDE and even the BACK! 

   (click image to enlarge)
This was such a great challenge for me ... I'm GUILTY of leaving the inside of my cards blank until I either need one to send or need to get them ready to sell at a craft show!  My Bad!!

Here's a peek at the inside of my card.  The sentiment reads Birthday Blessings.




And, here you can see I have used the same designer paper on the back that was used as the background on the front.  The image I used today is called "POPPY" from Crafty Secrets and I have colored it with Prismacolor markers.


Since these are both Birthday cards ... I'd like to share them in a few other challenges.  

A Spoonful of Sugar - Birthday Wishes
High Hopes Stamps - Female Birthday
Scrap-Creations - Birthday cards
Stamps R Us - For the Girls
Allsorts - Inspired by Nature
Card Makin Mamas - Birthdays
Fairy Knoll - Birthday or thank you
Tallen's Place - Birthdays

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed your visit!  See you soon!  Happy crafting!
Hugs,
Darlene

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MIDNIGHT MADNESS SKETCH CHALLENGE #92

YEP ... it's time again for another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge.  Don't forget, the MMSC offers not ONE but TWO sketch styles for you to choose from t for making your creations ... CAS (clean & simple) or FANCY.  Be sure to pop over and check out today's ... these sketches are always AMAZING!


For my creation today I am using one of Priscilla's NEWEST RELEASES ... 'Stuffed Bunny' and I have printed it twice (one a little behind the other) to mimic TWINS!  This card was created for a couple expecting TWINS and I thought the bunnies would work perfectly ... what do you think??   Priscilla has several other NEW RELEASES that you'll definitely want to check out at HER STORE


I wanted to share this close up to show you that the tails are FLUFFY ... using white liquid applique and heat really gave it added dimension.  It's SO CUTE in real life!!  As soon as you see the card you have to "TOUCH" the tails ... LOL!!

CHALLENGES:
Party Time Tuesday - Anything Goes
I Did It Creations - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by today!  
Want to see what we got yesterday???

 (Looking out onto our deck in the back yard.)

(A peek out the front door ... looking over to our neighbor's house.  Notice the depth of the snow where I cleared the sidewalk!  Yikes ... thank goodness for self propelled snow blowers!!)

Okay that's it for me!!  I'm a bit behind in my crafting so I'd better GET BACK TO WORK!  Have a wonderful day and stay warm (if you're in the snowy region) ... or stay cool if you're in those sunny states!!  (you lucky dog!!)

Hugs,
Darlene

Sunday, February 20, 2011

BUTTONS & BOWS . . .

 . . . that's the theme for the challenge this week over on Sugar Creek Hollow.  If you're not familiar with this challenge blog ... jump right over and check 'em out ... then jump to their store to see all the awesome images for purchase!

(click on image to enlarge)
The background paper used on this creation is from a K&Company pack I just purchased at JoAnne's.  I've run a 'string' of gold Stickles between the Bucket 'o Buttons to 'join' them.  White satin ribbon adorns the corner and the lavendar organza bow was made using my Bow Easy (how did I ever live without that little gizmo!!).  Today I decided to do my coloring with my SU watercolor pencils and blender pen (they've been neglected for a while now!!).  

Other Challenges are:
Card Cupids - Buttons & Bows
I Dit It Creations - Anything Goes
A Gem of a Challenge - Buttons, Brads, Beads, Bows (any or all)

That's it for me tonight!!  Now I'm headed upstairs to spend the evening with hubby (and probably fall asleep on the couch).  Hope you've had a pleasant weekend ... I sure did!  Hugs to you all and thanks for stopping by!!

Darlene

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Playing a NEW challenge (NEW TO ME THAT IS)


Happy Weekend Everyone!


First of all thanks to all of those who shared their condolences for Ruby and prayed for my safe trip to her funeral.  The trip was uneventful and the weather was sunny & warm (very uncommon for this time of the year here in N.E. Ohio) ... I thank you very much!!


Now for today's card . . . my mojo is lacking a bit so when I saw this "vintage" challenge over on A Day for Daisies listed on Feline Playful and this awesome FREEBIE to participate in the challenge ... I decided to play in hopes of sparking my creativity and IT WORKED!!


(click on image to enlarge)

What a wonderful image and I had fun playing with Tim Holtz distress ink ... paper piercing ... crystal effects ... Martha Stewart punches ... glitter ... and a wonderful new K&Co. purple/green designer paper pack to achieve my 'vintage' creation.


A few other challenges this card qualifies for are:
Cardmadfairy's Digi Days - Distress It
Mami Doodles - Flower card 
Res-Q-Challenge - Something that makes you happy (vintage & the color purple)
Totally Papercrafts - Use a Digi
4 Crafty Chicks - fairy/angel/butterfly
Cute Card Thursday - include something shiny (glitter & shiny rose)
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Anything Goes
Paper Crafting Journey - Anything Goes
Paper Play - add shine (crystal effects rose & glitter everywhere)
Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #98 - colors on cupcake are purple & green


Thanks for stopping by and I hope to have more creations to share and inspire as the week goes on.  Have a wonderful weekend and tell those you love "just how much they mean to you" ... it's certain to make them smile!!

HUGS,
Darlene

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge & *Wink *Wink Ink Fun

WOW ... where does the time go ... 2 weeks has already flown by since our last Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge and here we are again today with another challenge for you!!


Today we have a PHOTO INSPIRATION for you to create with and our sponsor is Some Odd Girl.  I have used 2 Some Odd Girl images for today's DT creation . . . 'Unicorn' and 'Star Bright Tia'.  I thought they worked perfectly as a child's birthday card along with the 'rainbow' of colors. 

(click image to enlarge)
Be sure to pop over to our challenge blog for all the details and more inspiration from my DT partners!  They are amazing and you'll love their creations.  THEN ... please join in the fun!  We've been overwhelmed with your participation and look forward to it continuing!!  ENJOY!!

* * * * *
Now for a little *Wink *Wink Ink fun!!  Melanie has created some ADORABLE NEW images for you to create with!  Please be sure to check out her NEW SITE and NEW IMAGES IN THE STORE. Here are the cards I created using these new images . . .



(click on any image to enlarge)

Aren't they just ADORABLE??  Really make you wish for SPRING time even more, huh??!!??

Now, keep in mind ... these are the PRE-COLORED images you receive with your order.  I DID NOT COLOR these images myself ... I wish I were that good but how do you think I got THREE cards made so quickly??  LOL!!!  Okay ... now hop right over to *Wink *Wink Ink and place your order ... Melanie's waiting for you!!!
  * * * * *

One last note ... I will be away from blogging for the next couple of days.  I have decided to make the drive out to Indiana for Ruby's funeral and a hugging visit with my friend, Joan.  I will have my laptop with me but won't be online much ... will be mostly driving, hugging & crying.  I promise to drive safely and will be back to blogging a.s.a.p.  Thanks everyone for your visit, kind words and support!!
Hugs,
Darlene

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Sharing creations & some SAD NEWS . . .

Hello Everyone! 
Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!  
Mine was AWESOME!  Hubby took the day off from work and spent it with ME!!  We went out for breakfast ... did a little shopping ... went to the movies ... out for dinner ... and just spent quality time together!  It doesn't get much better than that in my book!!  

Cards to share with you today are for the following ...


Isn't this image adorable??   It's from "priscillastyles" store and is called "Heart Balloon Puppy Dog".  Be sure to take a look around ... she's got some wonderful digis for you to create with and be watching in the next few weeks for a NEW RELEASE she's been working on!!  

Here's another card using a "priscillastyles" image (Sweet Pea Flowers) and I think it actually fits the sketch today fairly well too!


* * * * *
SAD NEWS!
I have more cards I could share but I think I will hold those for another time.  Right now I would like to tell you about a dear sweet lady who has gone home to be with the Lord.  Her name is Ruby Salyer and she is the Mother of Joan Fricker (Joan's Gardens).  You have heard me mention Joan's name on my blog MANY times and I'm blessed to have become a close friend with Joan, and her mom Ruby.  

For the past couple of years I've been making the 5 hour drive to Indiana to partake in the workshops Joan has at her home/store and it is during these times that I have gotten to know sweet Ruby.  This lady (in her mid 90s) was as sharp and witty as they come and I must add ... very insightful!!  We talked about gardening, home-canning, the soap operas (specifically The Young & the Restless) and many other topics.  And a heart of gold!   

At my last visit I was having some pain in my hip and even though she was in pain herself ... she was more concerned in helping me relieve MY pain.  She advised me to take a long walk out in the sunshine and say a prayer to God to help ease my pain.  And let me tell you ...the lady knew what she was talking about.  The next morning when I woke up ... the pain was gone and she & I both had a pain free day that day!!!

Sweet Ruby will be laid to rest this week and I for one will miss her sweet smile and kind words!  If you would like to send your condolences to Joan & her family ... the address is below:

Joan Fricker
25790 Stanton Road
North Liberty, IN 46554

Give a kiss & a hug to those you love today ... for we never know what tomorrow holds!  Rest in Peace sweet Ruby ... you will be missed!


See you all tomorrow ...
Hugs,
Darlene

Saturday, February 12, 2011

More LOVE fun . . .


Happy Weekend Everyone!!

Today's challenge over on Sugar Creek Hollow is "Non Traditional Valentine".  With that being said ... I chose to use a couple Nicecrane Designs 'Little Women' vintage images for my creation.  The background paper is also from Nicecrane Designs.

(click on image to enlarge)

If you haven't joined in on the challenges over at Sugar Creek Hollow ... you are missing out on not only a FUN CHALLENGE but some amazing inspiration from the design team!!  These ladies have such a wonderful style ... please pop over and check 'em out!!  You won't be sorry!!  OH ... and don't forget to check out their  
STORE .. some adorable images you'll want to get your hands on!!

 (LET ME EXPLAIN THIS CREATION!)

 This was actually my FIRST card for the challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow ... but THEN I read the details ... NO RED OR PINK ... hence the words Non-Traditional in the title. But I thought I'd share it with you anyways.  The image is also Nicecrane Designs ...a cute image that Ignacio handed out as a freebie!  This is an easel card ... I have a terrible time getting photos of these types of creations!!  

So ... there you have it!!  If I would have PAID ATTENTION ... I wouldn't have to make TWO cards for ONE challenge!  LOL!!  That's okay ... I'll just add it to my stash!!


Challenges:
One Stop Craft - Love is in the Air
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle - Love is in the Air
Fabulous Friday - use the word LOVE

Thanks for stopping by today ... WOW ... I just looked at the clock ...can't believe hubby isn't hollering for his dinner!!!  Lost track of time and dinner isn't even STARTED YET!!  Yikes ... I'd better emerge from the crafting cave and take care of my duties!!  LOL!!

Happy Day Everyone!
Hugs,
Darlene

Friday, February 11, 2011

Joan's Gardens & Delicious Doodles & MY YELLOW KITCHEN

Happy Friday Everyone!
I have two challenge cards to share with you today!  

First is my card for Challenge #7 at Joan's Gardens.  This week's requirements are:

• Use designer paper for your background  (I used Webster's Pages - Postcards from Paris)
• Use no other stamping except for a sentiment and frame (such as a JustRite Stamp) (I stamped using an Impression Obsession stamp and framed using Spellbinder Lacy Squares)
• Use all the embellishments you would like to use (Prima flowers & MS front punch)
• Use some kind of dimension on the card (such as a flower)  (Martha Stewart Lacy Butterflies)

 I needed a sympathy card for a friend who unexpectedly lost her MIL last week so I used Joan's challenge as the bases for my creation.
 (click on image to enlarge)

A couple of other challenges that this card fits are:
Creative Cottage - Just Words
Top Tip Tuesday - Frame It

* * * * *
My second creation today is for the Delicious Doodles Challenge - Valentine's Day - Love Theme.  I have used not ONE but TWO of Teri's (Delicious Doodles Owner/Artist) images for today's creation and I just LOVE how it came together ... easy & I think impressive!!

(click on image to enlarge)

A few other challenges this card fits are:
Paper Pretties - inspired by Valentine's Day

 * * * * *
NOW ... would you like to see a couple photos of my newly painted kitchen??  I decided I wanted a BRIGHT - CHEERFUL color so I went with DAFFODIL YELLOW!  YEP ... it's definitely bright & cheerful ... and I love it!
This photo was taken with me standing in the livingroom looking into the kitchen and down the 'yellow' hallway towards the door that goes out to the garage. Please ignore the papers on the table ... I "JUST" now ran upstairs and took these photos so I could share them with you in this post.


And this photo was taken standing in the corner of my kitchen ... looking into the livingroom.
 I don't have the blinds back up over the sliding glass door so it was probably TOO BRIGHT to take this photo (kind of washes out the color) but as you can see ... it is YELLOW and BEAUTIFUL!!

Now I need to go shopping for some NEW yellow accessories and of course need to make a NEW YELLOW FLORAL DESIGN for on the island counter.  The RED is only for Valentine's Day ... not my usual everyday color scheme.   Isn't redecorating FUN!!!  

Thanks for taking a peek & remember ... 
if you are EVER in the AKRON, OHIO area ... you MUST STOP BY!!

Hugs to you all,
Darlene


Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Fun with a TAG & a SKETCH

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I hope you are either IN a warm place or STAYING warm because it sure is a bitter cold day here in N.E. Ohio.  So I've decided to hide out in my 'crafting cave' today.  Besides ... I have painter's here painting my kitchen so I'm better off to 'stay out of their way!'.

My first creation this afternoon is a TAG for the challenge over on Joan's Gardens.  Have you checked this challenge out yet?  It's just for fun and helps you to get those so needed gift tags ready ahead of time.  You should see some of the AMAZING creations these ladies are coming up with!!  WOW!

(click image to enlarge)
I have used a Webster's Pages cotton verse (purchased at Joan's Gardens) for my focus image.  My original shipping tag was bright blue (an RAK from my friend Mary Frances - waving Hi)  so I toned it down using Tim Holtz vintage photo distress ink then stamped vines on it and embossed them (hard to see in the photo ... sorry) ... next I bordered the tag using a Gold Pilot Marker.  My flower is from an OLD floral design that I threw in the trash but salvaged a few of the flowers first.  My butterfly was created using the MS lacy butterfly punch (from Joan's Gardens) and actually I have punched TWO ... the bottom one is red and the top one if from a scrap of dp that looks like burlap.  The fronds are from another MS punch and the beautiful May Arts green satin ribbon is also a purchase from Joan's Gardens.

* * * * *

The second creation I have for you today is for the Sketch Challenge over on Sugar Creek Hollow.  This one made me THINK a bit but I'm very happy with the outcome.  I think that is what I like so much about a sketch challenge ... so many are definitely NOT a sketch I would have come up with on my own!

 (click image to enlarge)
My image if from Sugar Creek Hollow Store and I've used Prismacolor Markers for my coloring.  Don't know why I decided on blue & peach ... it just happened!  The ivy & birds in the corners are from a sticker pack I had in my scrapbooking supplies.   I tried using a rub-on (bottom right corner) ... but that didn't work out so well ... hence the addition of stickers!  Sssshhh don't tell anyone I made this boo-boo!  

Well that's it for me this afternoon!  I think I'll head back down to the crafting cave and try to get ahead of the game on my DT work.  Hopefully I don't run out of mojo!!  I'm still getting over this stupid cold and it can really drag ya down ... know what I mean!  Grrrrr!  Anyways ... THANKS SO MUCH for stopping by and I hope you found inspiration in my work.

Hugs,
Darlene

The SISTERHOOD has a challenge for you . . .

Hello Everyone!  
That's right ... today The Sisterhood has a challenge for you that is SO UNIQUE and FUN ... and it's really going to have you THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX ....

NOT!!!

Actually, our challenge is a very easy one for you  . . .


I have created an easel card for my creation today.

(click on image to enlarge)

The recipe for this card is:
Papers:  Paper Pizazz dp, Whisper White, Basic Black
Stamps:  Crafty Secrets - Birdies at Home 
"love" sentiment & vine flourish
Images:  Crafty Secrets Seasonal Booklet
Accessories:  Prima flowers, Paper roses from Inky Impressions, JoAnn's Paper Gold Heart, MS "branch" punch, Wrights lace, MS Lacy Heart Punch, Gold Pilot Marker, Kaiser red pearls

Other challenges this card qualifies for are:

Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Love is in the Air
Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes
Crazy Challenge - Lots of Love
Cupcake Craft - Seeing Red
Die Cut Dreams - Lots of Hearts - no sentiment
Paper Playtime - Use Cupid or hearts
Pink Elephant - Be my Valentine
Stamps R Us - Love/Valentines
Simply Create - give your heart away
Crafty Hos' - Love
Crafty Pad - Love is in the Air
Creative Cowgirls - Love is in the Air
Gingerloft - The Color Red
I Did It Creations - Love is in the Air
 Stamp Something - use a digi
Paper Sundaes - two or more images

Please come join in on our Valentine Challenge Fun!  Just pop over and add your LOVE FOR VALENTINE'S CREATION to the little blue froggie!!
Thanks so much for stopping by today ... I SO APPRECIATE you taking the time!!
Hugs,
Darlene

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Midnight Madness & Crafty Secrets Challenges



It's time once again for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge.  
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I have Love & Hearts on the brain!!!  So of course, I couldn't help but use one of "priscillastyles" fun digi stamps ... this particular one is called "Love Birds" and can be found HERE.  But you can see all of "priscillastyles" images in her store located  HERE.  I'm sure you'll find something you just can't do without!! 

(click on image to enlarge)

Other challenges this card qualifies for are:

Allsorts - Love, Love, Love ... Catch the Bug - Anything Goes ... Crafty Calendar - Love ... Crafty Emma - Red & Romance ... Crazy 4 Challenges - Valentines  ...  ECP Challenges - Love ... Secret Crafter - Valentine ... Card Makin' Mamas - Valentine ... Digi's with Attitude - pink/white or red/white
Do it With Digis - Romance ... Fairy Fun Fridays - For a sweetheart ... Mami Doodles - Magic of Love
Raise the Bar - Hearts ... Simply Create - give your heart away ... Stamp Something - use a digi
Stampin For The Weekend - Valentine's Day ... Tellen's Place - Hearts

* * * * *
Another fun challenge today is the Crafty Secrets Challenge over on SCS.  Today I'm honored to be your hostess and I've asked all participants to use PUNCHES along with their Crafty Secrets products for this week's card/project.

(click image to enlarge)

Even though we've been getting snow every day for WEEKS!  The birds are everywhere so I thought this cute image from the Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps collection would be appropriate for today's creation.  The punches I have used are all Martha Stewart ... Garden Trellis, Frond, Fence, & Bird.  The sentiment is also Crafty Secrets and is one of the many stamps in the "Bird Lovers Stamp Set".  My only other embellishment are a couple Prima flowers and a brad.

If you own any Crafty Secrets / Heartwarming Vintage products and are a member of SCS ... please come join in the fun!!  We rotate hostesses each week of the month and give clues the Monday before the challenge is posted on Tuesday!  Hope to see you there!!

Thanks for stopping by ... 
Hugs,
Darlene


Saturday, February 5, 2011

Joan's Gardens Challenge + More

Have you checked out the fun challenges over at Joan's Gardens?  On Thursday's she has a card challenge where she gives you a sample & the recipe to be used ... and there's a prize for one random winner ... on Tuesday's she has a TAG challenge ... no prize ... but there is recognition because the others can VOTE on your tag creation AND you get a head start on those birthday, all occasion, Christmas tags you will need for the coming year.

(click on image to enlarge)

This is my card for this week's CARD CHALLENGE and the requirements are:

1. Use Coral/pink and Green for your colors
2. A Birthday Sentiment
3. Vintage Paper
4. Handmade or Punch flower

I have used Webster's Papers, the image is for the challenge over on Picture and Scraps Challenge, homemade flowers using Heartfelt Creations Posey Patch Stamps & Dies and the butterfly accents are from the Martha Stewart Lacy Butterfly punch.  (all items were purchased from Joan's Gardens)

Other challenges for this creation are:
Picture & Scraps - use image provided
Marks Finest Papers - Self Made Flowers
Sweet Stampin - Spring Flowers
Sew Many Cards - Anything Goes
Stampin With The Dragon - Anything Goes
Craft Us Crazy - Anything Goes (new site)

* * * * *
Another project I would like to share with you today are these fun coasters I created using the new Coca Cola Ladies from Nicecrane Designs.  You can find these adorable images HERE.  I'm just over joyed with how Ignacio has showcased my work!


For this project I have used neutral colored chipboard coasters, Modge Podge, Tim Holtz 'symphony' tape, and various Tim Holtz distress inks/applicator.  For a closer look ... I have included individual photos of these coasters ... so much fun to make and what a great gift idea too!





OKAY that's it for me today ... I've been on the verge of catching a cold the past couple of days and today it seems to be more annoying that yesterday ... really makes it hard to craft & play with paper/ink when you have to get up and blow your nose a million times!  Grrrrr!  So I think I'll go curl up on the sofa with my warm blanket and take a nap!  Hubby is making homemade clam chowder for us so I don't have to worry about cooking today either!  Awww ... (other than this stupid cold) Life Is Good!!

Have a wonderful weekend . . .
Hugs (no kisses ... I'm sick!)
Darlene