Thursday, April 30, 2015

Cardabilities Reveal #122

Hello Dear Friends!
It is time once again for the new Sketch Reveal 
at the Cardabilities Sketch Challenge Blog.
I can't tell you how much I am enjoying being on this team and working with these beautiful sketches!

Today's reveal is #122 and here's the sketch ...

You will have until May 13th to join in our challenge and please be sure to review our rules.
One rule I'd like to mention is:  your entry can be shared with only 3 additional challenges in order for you to qualify for our prize. 

Our wonderful sponsor this challenge is Crafty City!
Lots of goodies and great prices!  Be sure to check 'em out!



As an AFTER THOUGHT I added a bird to my card.  It was an extra one I had laying on my work table and it just called out to me!  I think the card is beautiful with or without the bird.
What do you think?


And of course I had to finish off with inside with a coordinating sentiment and color panels.

Simple ... but effective!
I hope you will come join in this fabulous, fun challenge.
Need more inspiration?  Pop over and check out the amazing designs from the rest of the team!  These ladies always make my jaw drop!!!

Challenges to share in:
2 Cute Ink Digital Stamps Challenge #128 - Anything Goes
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafting By Design (May) Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I hope you'll come join in the challenge fun at Cardabilties!
As always . . .



Recipe:
Papers:  SU Pear Pizazz cs, Medium Blue cs, White cs, Marianne Designs 'French Roses' dp
Dies:  Cheery Lynn Designs 'Horizon Fishtail Banners', Marianne Designs 'Branch Forest' LR0150, Marianne LR0157, Heartfelt Creations 'Birds and Blooms'  (INSIDE) Spellbinder Labels 17
Accessories:  Tim Holtz distress inks: Salty Ocean & Picked Raspberry, Memento 'Bamboo Leaves', Versafine Onyx, Green ZIG marker, Tattered Angels Glitter Mist 'Denim Blue & Moonlight', Diamond Stickles, Martha Stewart Branch Punch

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Butterfly Birthday . . .

Hello Dear Friends!
Wow! What  a whirlwind week/weekend I've had!  NOTE TO SELF:  Don't book two shows back to back THEN demo for a stamping company at the annual stamping convention ALL IN THE SAME WEEK AGAIN!!!   I'm getting too old for all that!  LOL! 
Okay ... now that's I've caught my breath (not really ... a stamping friend popped in here on Saturday from Illinois and we've been running all over the country side!  lol)
ANYWAYS . . .
Today's card is my inspiration card created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.
I love, love, love how this card came together!
ALL die cuts with the exception of the sentiments!  
QUICK ... EASY ... BEAUTIFUL!!


Inside

Here are the dies I used on this 5x7 card:
Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Greek Island' Corner, Border & Tag  CED5102
(sorry, no longer in stock)

Instead of using a solid card stock for my die cut background panel, I decided to use a sheet of designer paper from the Paper Studio 'Kirby Teesdale Studio' paper pack.  And so glad I did ... it looks awesome! 

The silhouette portion of my butterfly was die cut from raspberry card stock then I sponged white craft ink from the center out as well as the outer edges before overlaying with the black panel.

It truly doesn't get much easier than this card yet it looks like it took a lot of time to create!  I hope you have found inspiration in my card today and remember you can pop over to our Inspiration Blog for a new inspirational card creation from the team every day Monday through Friday!

We would love to have you come join in our Dies R Us Challenges also!  There is a new challenge posted on the 1st and 15th of each month and ONE LUCKY WINNER will received a gift voucher to the Dies R Us Store!  Plus our design team ladies choose their TOP 3 FAVORITES and those lucky three will receive a badge to display proudly on their personal blogs!  PLEASE come check us out and then join in the fun!

Thanks for stopping by today and as always . . .


Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, SU Pear Pizazz cs, Black cs, Raspberry cs, the Paper Studio 'Kirby Teesdale Studio' dp
Dies:  Listed above
Accessories:  Scotch mounting tape, Endless Creations 'Happy Birthday' stamp, Heartfelt Creations (inside) sentiment, Versafine Onyx ink

Friday, April 24, 2015

Exciting News to Share . . .

Hello Dear Friends and Happy Weekend!
Sorry I don't have any new cards to share with you this evening but I do have some EXCITING NEWS that I'd like to share!  It's been a very busy week and going to be an even busier weekend for me but I'm not complaining as I'm doing what I love ... creating my cards and meeting people.  

On Wednesday I did a private show in Wadsworth, Ohio at the Galaxy Restaurant and one of the other vendors I met at this show just so happens to have a unique and fabulous Tea Shop just 5 minutes from my home!! 
OMG and I didn't even know they were there ... 
I really need to get out of the cave from time to time!  LOL!

This darling shop is called:
Marge's Place At Portage Lakes LLC
and it's run by two of the sweetest ladies (sisters) you'd ever want to meet!


If you are from the Akron, Ohio area you really MUST take the time to stop by this shop.  They are open THURS, FRI & SAT  10-5 and if you're looking for some unique, beautiful & tasty gift ideas ... this place is for you!  I actually gasp when I walked it the door and thought OH YEA ... THIS IS MY KIND OF SHOP!   For those of you who live in my area, they are located at 4118 State Park Drive (street right across from Dietz's Landing ... off 619 Turkeyfoot Road).


Now for a peek at the inside ... are you ready??  LOL!





I KNOW ... ISN'T IT AWESOME???

okay now HERE'S MY EXCITING NEW . . .

They have asked ME (take a breath Darlene! lol) to create 'Tea Themed' cards and gift items that they can display/sell in their adorable, quaint shop.  OMG I couldn't say YES quick enough!!  LOL!  I'm honored and excited to have my creations showcased in such a beautiful shop!

So if you're in the area, please, please, please take the time to stop by this shop and be sure to tell them I sent you!  You won't be sorry!  And if when you do, be sure to look HIGH and LOW ... there is beauty to be found at every level of this shop! 

Thanks for letting me blow my own horn ... I'm just so excited I had to share it with all of you!!
I have another private show tomorrow for the Red Hat Society!  Wish me luck!
AND, it's time once again for the Adventures in Stamping Convention held at the John S. Knight Center downtown Akron all weekend.  I will be not only attending this year but also been ask to do demo's for the Heartfelt Creations booth.  If you happen to be coming to the convention on Sunday ... please stop by and say HELLO!  

Time to get out of the cave and get a little rest before this whirlwind all begins!
As always . . .

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Let Your Dreams Take Flight ...

Hello Friends!
It's time for a new challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters and I'm
happy to say I am your hostess for today!

Our theme today is:  MONOCHROMATIC

Of course, that means using various shades of one color + neutrals.
I was in a 'blue' mood today so that's the color I went with.

Plus I just purchased this new DCWV 12x12 paper pack and it had a sheet of 'blue barn siding' that just called out to me! LOL. 

Have you ever seen a blue barn?  They are really cool looking!

I thought that would work perfectly with my kites! The way the wind has been around here lately I don't think a kite would survive!

Been getting some pretty hefty gusts!!

I hope you'll come join in the fun at The Sisterhood of Crafter's Monochromatic Challenge!

My 'sistahs' have created some fabulous projects to inspire you.  Please be sure to check them out and leave some love!  We all enjoy hearing what other crafters think of our designs!

Challenges to share in:
Allsorts Challenge - Quick & Easy Does It
Crafty Calendar Challenge - Add a Sentiment
Less is More Challenge - Up! Up! and Away!
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge - Anything Goes with a Twist/use die or punch
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards Challenge - Use a Die Cut

Thanks for stopping by and as always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, SU Bermuda Bay cs, DCWV dp
Stamp/Ink:  Repeat Impressions / Versafine Onyx
Accessories:  Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Pierced Tags', Die-Versions Whispers 'Flying Kites, White satin ribbon,

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

I've got that LOVING FEELING . . .

Hello Dear Friends!
It's Tuesday, so that means it's time for another card inspiration using dies from the Dies R Us Store.  If you've not visited the Dies R Us store yet, please pop over ... lots of die companies to choose from, great prices, awesome shipping and they even offer an INSPIRATION BLOG and CHALLENGE BLOG!  What are you wait for?  Click and See for yourself!

I must be in a LOVING mood this month since all my DRU cards seem to be geared in that direction!  LOL! 


Believe it or not, this was a 10 minute card creation!
And that time was used just doing the die cutting and adhering!

Dies used:
Spellbinder D-Lites 'Victoria Corners' (S2-134)
(sorry ... no longer in stock ... but there are many other corner dies
available in the store that would work beautifully)

I choose a red card base and black/white striped design paper background to showcase these beautiful dies.  The 'Queen of Hearts' was cut twice ... once in black and once in red in order to have the red heart that could be popped up in the center.

And, just for a 'pearl' accent I decided to add White Liquid Pearls into a couple of the opening in the 'Queen of Heart' die design (see closeup below).


 TIP:  I have found that the best adhesive to use for these more intricate word dies is E6000 Spray Adhesive.  I use an old FedEx box to apply my spray while holding the word diecut with a pair of tweezers.  Works great!

Well that's about it for me today!
I hope you have found inspiration in today's creation!
Remember for more die cutting card inspiration, be sure to pop over to our Inspiration Blog where my team mates have a brand new card creation each day Monday through Friday!

Hope you'll also come join in our challenge fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog where the current challenge is "April Showers Bring May Flowers" (use homemade flowers).  There is a vast array of flower making dies available at the store ... come check it out!

As always . . .

Monday, April 20, 2015

Craft Secrets Farm Chicks Blog Hop

Hello everyone!
Today I have a fun surprise for you!


I'm taking part in the Crafty Secrets Farm Chicks Blog Hop along with the rest of the crazy creative designers on the Crafty Secrets Team.  Each design team member has used the new Farm Chicks Digital Art Stamps, or the new Digital Chicken Farm Print paper ...or both to create a fabulous chicken themed project to inspire and delight you!  If you are coming here from Kathy's blog, then you are right on track.  If not, you can go back to the Crafty Secrets Blog and follow the links. 

After printing this fabulous design paper I decided to add some extra color using my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers to the straw, hen & chick.  I also did a little stenciling, distressing and added some dimension to the basket of eggs by popping them up.


And just for fun, I have made a second card with these fabulous images/paper to share with you today.  Wouldn't this card make a fabulous Masculine Birthday Card? 

Every great blog hop needs a prize, and one lucky winner will receive their very own set of the Farm Chicks Digital Art Stamps AND the digital Chicken Farm Paper.  

To win, simply visit every blog listed below and leave a nice comment. Then, finish up this hop on the Crafty Secrets BLOG and let us know that you've visited and commented on all the designers’ blogs.   The winner will be randomly chosen from one of the blog comments on one of the designer's blogs.  How fun is that?  

From here, you should strut on over to visit Diane's fabulous blog.  She has a wonderful project to share with you, and is the next link on the hop! 

Thanks for stopping by and GOOD LUCK!
As always . . .

Friday, April 17, 2015

Gardening time of year ...

Happy Friday Everyone!
Well with the April Showers, we will soon have May Flowers, so it's time to get out in those flower beds and get busy!  

With that thought in mind, I decided to make a fun shaped card using the Gardening Boot image from the Crafty Secrets 'Garden Style DAS-117' Digital stamp set.




















I simply brought this image into a blank Word10 document and resized it to the card size I desired.  Then I proceeded to have fun coloring with it laying open so one side mirrored the other.  The bottom portion of the boot has a lighter shade background and a shine (like real garden boots) from the Crystal Effects used.  Sorry, I could seem to get a good photo but you get the idea.


Since my alcohol markers could be seen on the inside of my card (used the wrong paper when printing ... oops, lol) I simply laid my open boot on white card stock, traced the image with a pencil then fussy cut it and adhered each side panel to the inside.  

I used the 'Just Because' sentiment on the inside because I thought this card would be perfect to JUST brighten someone's day ... no special occasion necessary.

The only embellishment my 'Garden Boot Card' needed was a flower & a butterfly.
Luckily I had made up some paper flowers a few weeks back in various colors so I just grabbed one the color I wanted ... added the little Martha Stewart punched butterfly and VIOLA!  Ready to go!

Challenges to share in:
Moo Mania & More Challenge - Feelings of Spring
Whimsy Stamps Challenge - Color an Image 
As You Like It Challenge - Favorite? Alcohol markers or Distress Inks and why.
( I love my alcohol markers for coloring images ... like these boots!  I really like how they blend.  
And, I like my distress inks mainly for my sponging techniques.)
Moving Along with the Times Challenge - Anything But a Square Card

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  
I hope you've had a nice week and are looking forward to an even better weekend ahead!
As always ...

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Cardabilities Reveal #121

Hello Dear Friends!
It is time once again for the new Sketch Reveal 
Today's reveal is #121and here's the sketch ...

You will have until April 28th to join in our challenge and please be sure to review our rules.
One rule I'd like to mention is:  your entry can be shared with only 3 additional challenges in order for you to qualify for our prize. 

We have the wonderful Dies R Us as our sponsor this challenge.  
And the prize is a $20 gift voucher to the Dies R Us Store.


Website: https://www.diesrus.com/
Blog: http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diesrus

 Here are a few additional photos of my card creation:

Inside
There is a list of all product used on this card at the end of my post.
Several of the dies came from the Dies R Us Store.   Please be sure to pop over and check 'em out!







I am LOVING these sketches!
I know I've said it before but I will say it again!
If your mojo is lacking ... just try one of our sketches and you'll be amazed at how quickly your creativity will 'kick into gear' and when you're finished you will have a card creation I'm sure you'll be thrilled with!!!


A couple little helpful hints to share today!
I've used both 'purchased' pattern paper AND 'digital' (printed) pattern paper on today's card.
By modifying the color of my 'digital' paper, I could color coordinate it with my store bought paper.
Digital -  Embossed Yellow/Green Papers - DP-209
The Crafty Secrets Embossed Digital Paper I have used is actually YELLOW but by modifying the color in WORD, I was able to match it almost perfectly with the DCWV 'Coral Couture' store bought pattern paper.


Secondly, notice the 'cupping' of the leaves.
You can achieve this at least 2 different ways that I'm aware of.
1 - on a soft, molding mat, drag your stylus down each petal from the TIP of the leaf inward ... OR
2 - using a flat pair of tweezers, place your tweezers down the center of your leaf then with your thumb and forefinger, squeeze the leaves inward toward each other.
By shaping the leaves just a little, it's amazing how much life and realism it will give your creation.

Challenges to share in:
Craft-Dee Bowz April Challenge - Anything Goes using a Bow
 Crafty Catz Challenge - 2 or more patterned papers

 Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I hope you'll come join in the challenge fun at Cardabilties!
As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Crafty Secrets Embossed Digital Paper, DCWV 'Coral Couture' SU Pear Pizazz cs
Stamps:  Endless Creations, Hero Arts
Ink:  Versafine Onyx, SU Groovy Guava
Dies:  Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'California Collection' CED1102, 'Italian Collection' CED1503, Finishing Touches 'Petite Vinery' CED1418, X-Cut Leaves 'XC503194', Spellbinder Nestabilities 'Lattice Rectangles' S4-319, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Horizontal Fishtail Banners' DL278
Accessories:  Really Reasonable Ribbon 'Diamond Satin Light Coral' ribbon, Bakers Twine, Old button, Flat tweezers,

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Forever . . .

Morning Crafters!
I just received a few new dies and couldn't wait to create and share what I made with you.
So I've created a card for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog and yes ... it's another Wedding themed card.  LOL ... what do you think?


That one word ... FOREVER ...very powerful!
And, if you're lucky, you will find that one person you want to spend your life with FOREVER the first time around!  (I'm a slow learner ... 3rd time was the charm for me!  LOL!)

Inside
The dies I've used today are:
Spellbinder Classic Hearts

My main die (Sophia's Heart) was die cut on light yellow linen card stock then I clipped all the little connecting pieces to the 'inner heart circle' so I could sponge with a darker shade of yellow (SU More Mustard) ink for dimension.  I popped up a die cut heart (which was also sponged with ink) and adhered the FOREVER across the center.  PERFECT!

Challenges:
Pile It On Challenge - Fancy Frames/Beautiful Borders
Scribble and Scrap Challenge - Anything Goes
 Ink On My Fingers Challenge - Freeze Frame (inking done on the inside)

Please be sure to pop over to the Dies R Us Store and check out all the fabulous dies available for your purchase.  Dies R Us has new product coming in all the time and their shipping rates are VERY reasonable! A fabulous One-Stop-Shopping place for your die cutting needs!

And, don't forget about the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  New challenges posted on the 1st and 15th of each month.  YOU could be our next prize winner!  Check it out!

Thanks so much for stopping by ... hope you have a fun filled day!
As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, American Craft Textured 'Neutrals' cs, Prima 'Sparkling Spring' dp
Dies:  Listed above
Accessories:  Really Reasonable Ribbon Creme Binding Ribbon, SU More Mustard ink, Heartfelt Creations 'Botanical Rose' stamp/die set, Flower making kit & forming mat, JustRite 'celebration' stamp set, dimensional tape, gold Stickles