Monochromatic Challenge on PCP

Happy Sunday Everyone!! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I am hosting a NEW WEEKLY CHALLENGE over on the Crafty Secrets Group of Paper Craft Planet. If you are a member of PCP and have Crafty Secrets products, please come join in on the fun!! There will also be RAKs along the way!! On to today's challenge.



Today we are going MONOCHROMATIC. Believe it or not, I had more trouble with this idea than any of the others??? What's up with that??? You would think staying in one color family would be a breeze to create ... not for me!!!



My first thought on this card was to cut the hole in the card front (which I did) ... placing this Crafty Secrets Homemade image on the inside [reminded me so much of the commercials we used to watch growing up on our old black & white TV] of the card and make the outside look like an old time TV. Good thought but wasn't working out very well so I moved onto Plan B.




The framing is made with the Scallop Rectangles by Nestabilities and I've used Creative Memories markers to do the dots around both the frame & my sentiment panel. The ribbon is from Michael's and the dots are by Colorbok. (You can CLICK on the images for a closer view.) This image is so cute but I'm not sure who I'd send this card to since the man is saying "Thanks Honey, now I'm just another regular guy ... and she's pouring him a bowl of BRAN flakes" . Guess this is one for Dear Husband, LOL!!!




OKAY ... let's try this Monochromatic Thing one more time!!! This time I've decided to use Shades of Brown for my card. I recently received the cute Coffee & Tea set from Crafty Secrets and wanted to make a card to send to my neighbor. She is a HUGE coffee fan!! My coffee making skills have deminished lately since DH hasn't been able to drink coffee for the past year or so (due to all the aweful taste in his mouth from the chemo) ... but I figure if nothing else we can always take a run up to the local Starbucks.


I have to say again ... I'm not really happy with this card!! I've used a scrap piece of Flair Designs Inc. designer paper, chocolate chip cs, carmel cs, and light ivory cs to compose this card. I also used the coffee bean image from the Coffee & Tea set to create my lower panel designer paper. (I think it's the coffee pot cut out that I don't like ... maybe I should have just put it on the inside of the card??? Sorry, thinking out loud while posting ... must stop doing that!!) For this creation, I've used the Martha Stewart doily lace border punch, Michael's single stitched ribbon, The Paper Studio flowers and Making Memories antique brass brads. My main image has been stamped using Versafine Sepia ink and embossed using Detail Clear embossing powder. I've used my swivel craft knife to cut it out and popped it up with dimensional tape.



Well, that's it for me today. I still have more mulching to do and friends are coming for a short visit this afternoon. It will be nice to have visitors again!! Mark is still having some problems with his stomach (due to all the chemo drugs used during the transplant) but I do see improvement with each passing day! Happy Stamping my friends!!!!

It's MULCHING time again ...

NO stamping for me today ... I had 10 yards of mulch delivered this morning so I have lots of work to do. Do not fear, I will do a little bit at a time ... I don't have the energy I used to have so I do a section at a time now.

I did however make this card the other day for a Supply Challenge over on the CCEE Stampers blog and didn't get it posted. While I'm taking a lunch break, I thought I'd share it with you.

The challenge was to use 2 different designer papers and 1 gem brad ... that's it!! Pretty easy peasy, huh!! I decided to use an older (retired) Stampin' Up set called SKETCHES for my main image. My designer paper is also Stampin' Up and it is from their PARISIAN BREEZE designer paper. Using the Creative Memories decorative trimmer, I've created my wavey line divider ... that thought came because it looks like this lady might be sitting by the water front reading her book.

Well, lunch break is over ... I really must get back to my mulching for I fear if I stop too long, it will have to wait for another day! Have a fun weekend ... whatever you might be doing!!

Stamp Simply #89 - Favorite Flower

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Remembering my DAD ...

Have you been over to the SOA website yet??? It only costs you the minimum of $5.00 to join (see blinkie on my sidebar) and the proceeds go for such a wonderful cause. You have until Sunday the 31st to enter the challenges for some great fun and awesome prizes!!!

One of the challenges on the SOA site is by Kitchen Sink Stamps and they are all about "Remembering someone you love" by creating a card, project or scrapbook page ...

• remembering a loved one who is far away

• remembering someone you love depicted at a younger age

• in memory of someone you love

As soon as I saw this challenge, I immediately thought of my father ... especially with Memorial Day just passing last weekend!! My Dad has been gone for 20 years now (hard to believe) and there are so many things that I see or that happen to make him pop back into my mind!! As you can see my Dad was a military man and he served in WWII.

I combined the Kitchen Sink challenge with another challenge called All In One Challenge where you are to use:

• 1 color,
• 1 stamp,
• 1 embellishment, and
• 1 ribbon

My color is green .... stamp is "Remember" (stamped on his hat) by Crafty Secrets .... embellishment is a military button and .... ribbon is old olive grosgrain by Stampin' Up.

Recipe for Card:

Stamp: Crafty Secrets (mini memories)

Paper: Very Vanilla, Olive Drab, Basic Grey (boxer) designer paper

Ink: Versafine Sepia

Accessories: Nestabilities (labels two), military button, SU grosgrain ribbon, Creative Memories letter stickers

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today!

SOA Challenge & More ...

Have you been over to the SOA website yet??? It only costs you the minimum of $5.00 to join (see blinkie on my sidebar) and the proceeds go for such a wonderful cause. You have until Sunday the 31st to enter the challenges for some great fun and awesome prizes!!!

This card covers several challenges. First the sketch is for Susana's Custom Art & Card Design Sketch Challenge. The butterfly qualifies it for the Any Winged Thing challenge as well as the Flutter By Wednesday #59 challenge over on Danni's Dreams blog.

My card is A-6 in size in order to property accommodate this over sized butterfly by Inkadinkado! The base card is SU Whisper White, background panel is from the DCWV Garden Party 12x12 paper pack and the other 3 panels are SU Porcelain Prints designer paper. The butterfly was actually stamped using Versafine Black onto a scrap piece of designer paper I had laying on my workstation. I can't even tell you who the maker is ... sorry!! My sentiment is by Impression Obsession and was also stamped with Versafine Black and embossed with detail clear embossing powder. I've used my swivel craft knife to cut out the butterfly and dimension tape to "pop it up". The only embellishments on this card are three Making Memories black brads. To obtain the "layer look" without the bulk, I have used a Creative Memories round tip black marker and went around all the panel edges.

Hope you enjoyed this posting. Please take the time & effort to check out this wonderful site. After the 31st, it will be gone ... please do your part to help cure this ugly disease!! Thanks for stopping by & Happy Stamping!!

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For those of you who are wondering how things went at Cleveland Clinic yesterday ... I am happy to tell you it was ALL GOOD NEWS!!! The doctors were very happy with Mark's recovery so far and his tests all came back normal. His blood numbers are steadily increasing and although it will take a few more months before he really starts feeling like himself again, he's doing great!! Thanks to all for your prayers and support!!

Stampin' Out Alzheimers Challenges

Have you been over to the SOA website yet??? It only costs you the minimum of $5.00 to join (see blinkie on my sidebar) and the proceeds go for such a wonderful cause. You have until Sunday the 31st to enter the challenges for some great fun and awesome prizes!!!




I created this card for the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge. I have a request for several birthday cards so this worked out perfectly. There are three parts to this challenge ... well, I could tell you but you really need to check it out for yourself!




Card Recipe:

Stamps: Studio G (sentiment), Hero Arts
Paper: SU Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Basic Black & Pink Flamingo designer paper
Ink: Versafine Black, SU Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Nestabilities, White Gelly Roll Pen, Detail clear embossing powder, JoAnn's metal dots, dimensional tape, Darice turquoise sheer ribbon, Bow Easy



Thanks for stopping by and please join in on the fun and help find a cure for this terrible disease. Happy Stamping!!

Color Throwdown #44

Well, here it is Wednesday already and time for another Color Throwdown Challenge. Today's host is my VBF Tammy Hershberger (Stamper Tammy) ... please stop over and see what she and the other girls have created. There is loads of talent with this group & I'm sure you will find inspiration!!!

I recently purchased the Basic Grey Whisperia paper pack and could not wait to use it!! Luckily, today's colors lent themselves perfectly to these papers.

I was wanting to use one of the sketches used in the challenges over on the Stampin' Out Alzheimers website but it just wasn't working so this is what I came up with. My image is from Our Daily Bread Designs and after stamping it with Elegant Eggplant onto the Barely Banana cardstock, I cut it out with Nestabilities Label Four diecuts. The edging design was created with a Martha Stewart border punch. I've added double faced satin ribbon from Hobby Lobby and Dew Drops for my embellishments and ... that's it ... complete!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!! We are headed to Cleveland Clinic today for DH's one month check up after his transplant. We are anxious to hear what they have to say about how his recouperation is progressing. Please pray we get a good report. I will let you know what we learn today!! Thanks again to all who remain praying for my sweet man ... he's getting a little better each day but it is certain a slow, tiring process. Happy Day All!!!

Midnight Madness Sketch & Flutter By Wednesday Challenges

It's time for Week #3 of the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge over on "priscillastyles" blog! If you haven't check out this blog yet ... you really should ... there are AMAZING give aways and fun-filled sketches to work with!!! Don't forget to check out the design team samples ... inspirational to say the least!!

Today I decided to use a "garden" theme to my card. This PROPER young lady looks to be the type who would have a gorgeous rose garden in your back yard ... not that SHE would be the one tending to it mind you!! That would be the gardeners job of course!!! This lovely lady image is another one that comes from the Art Creations Friday website ... do check it out if you like vintage!!!

The musical panel was also located & printed from the internet. My background panel comes from the DCWV Garden Party 12x12 paper pack purchased from JoAnn's! Butterflies are from Martha Stewart, mauve satin ribbon from Darice and the metal ribbon brad is from The Paper Studio. I've used Fiskars decal scissors to border my image and pink pirouette matting, but left the basic black mat squared off. Basic black was also used to mat my musical panel.

I hope you enjoy my creations ... I know I sure enjoy making & sharing them!! Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you have a wonderful week!!! Happy Stamping!

Edit: I was also informed that my card qualifies for the Flutter By Wednesday challenge over on Danni's Dreams blog. Yippee ... another challenge to participate in!! Check it out!!

Pick A Pocket ...

Today's Crafty Secrets Stimulating Creativity Challenge, hosted by Marcy (kiddielitter) deals with POCKETS. Something I never think to use/do on my cards/projects. Thank goodness for challenges that help to keep sparking our creativity!!

My card today is a very simple layout/design. My designer paper is from the Crafty Secrets Earthy paper pack and my base card is 2-ply ivory/white cardstock. I've inked the edges of the base card & my pocket tag with Ranger Vintage Photo ink. My only embellishments today are my double Prima flowers with a button center and my garden green photo corners which I have over stamped using the little floral cluster from the Crafty Secrets Garden Girls set with SU rose red ink.

My tag is from Paper Reflections and I have used an image from the Crafty Secrets Garden Girl set for my focus. She has been inked twice using Ranger Vintage Photo ink. Once on the tag and once again on ivory cardstock so I could cut it out and mount it over the image on the tag in order to hang it over the pocket front. The "Hello" sentiment is from the Crafty Secrets Sweet Stuff set.

I plan on sending this to a girlfriend whom although we don't live that far away from each other ... we never seem to take (or make) the time to get together and I miss her company. I'm sure I will receive a phone call or email not long after she receives this card!! Life just gets too busy sometimes and we really need to slow it down a bit and make the time to just "sit & visit"... like family & friends used to do in the "good 'ole days".

Thanks for stopping by today! Hope you had a wonderful, relaxing weekend!!

What time's the picnic????

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!

Another beautiful day here in N.E. Ohio! Just perfect for all those parades & picnics planned for this holiday weekend!! Unfortunately we are unable to participate this year but look forward to the next holiday when Mark should be "back to normal" and can enjoy all the summertime fun. We would, however, like to wish you all a wonderful, fun-filled day!!

I find inspiration everywhere these days! While planting flowers this weekend, the feel of the sun on my face and the warm breeze inspired me to utilize this image that's been laying in my drawer for months. It's a lovely little image by Rubber Monger and my layout was inspired by Denise [The Paper Landscaper] (peanutbee on SCS). You can see her lovely creation HERE. If you've never seen Denise's work .. you really must pop over to her blog ... she's amazingly talented!!!

My card is A-6 in size and the base is SU Whisper White cardstock. My designer paper comes from the DCWV 12x12 pack called "Garden Party". I've used SU Garden Green cardstock for my matting. I didn't have green dew drops so I went through my markers until I found the right color ... dotted circles of color then placed "clear" dew drops on top ... voila' ... green dew drops!!! The narrow emerald organza ribbon was purchased at Hobby Lobby. My image was stamped using Versafine black ink ... embossed using detail clear ep ... then colored using SU watercolor pencils and a blender pen.

Thanks for stopping by today!! Hope your heart is filled with joy & laughter today!!

A NEW WEEKLY CHALLEGE ...

Loving Crafty Secrets products as I do, I have volunteered to do a weekly challenge on Sunday's over on the Crafty Secrets Group of Papercraft Planet. If you are a member of PCP and have ANY Crafty Secrets products ... please come join in on the fun! Periodically there will be an RAK attached as an extra bonus!!!

Today I've challenged everyone to a 1,2,3 challenge. That means 1-main image, 2-different papers and 3-embellishments. Fun huh!!

For my card I have use one of the Crafty Secrets "Summer" cotton scraps as my main image. In order to be able to distress it, I have scanned & printed the original cotton scrap. My two papers consist of Crafty Secrets "Earthy" designer paper and SU Old Olive cardstock. I've used the Martha Stewart Arch Trellis border punch on the edge of the old olive panel. My base card is SU Blue Bayou. And for my embellishments I've used Offray satin ribbon, Prima flowers with brad centers and Dew Drops.

Hope you enjoyed my card and please, come play the challenge with us!! Happy Stampin'!!!!

Our Creative Corner Challenge

This weeks Our Creative Corner Challenge focuses on SENTIMENTS. The ladies have come up with some wonderful samples ... please pop over and give them a look.

Here I've used one of my sentiments from the Our Daily Bread Light of the World set. I've stamped it onto a scrap piece of Crafty Secrets Classic designer paper. The floral swag was cut from the opposite side of that same scrap using a swivel craft knife. My papers are Stampin' Up Pink Pirouette and Purely Pomegranate. I used an Ornare paper piercing template to do the sunburn in the upper right corner then placed a Making Memories brad in the center. I used the Creative Memories corner rounder to round off only 3 of the 4 corners ... something a little bit different!! My double face white satin ribbon is by Darice.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! The weather here in NE Ohio is absolutely beautiful (upper 70's) and perfect picnic weather!! Hope you are having a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!!

CCEE Challenge

Now that my "Picnic" area is all planted and mulched ... I can take the time to catch up on a couple of challenges. This past week's CCEE Stampers Challenge was to use specialty type papers. I recently purchased the DCWV LaCreme matstack from JoAnn's and there are some wonderful flocked papers in this pack and that's what I decided to use today.

The feel of this luscious paper reminds me of the old wallpapers of yester year. I tried to expose as much of the designer paper as possible so I just used one focus image from the Stampin' Up Travel Sketchbook set (which I believe is retired). After stamping the image with Versafine Black, I overlayed with Versamark and 3 coats of UTEE to acquire the cracked glass technique that I thought went well with this image. After cutting my image with Fiskars decal scissors, I've double matted it with glossy black and very vanilla cardstock. I used Ranger Vintage Photo and a sponge to edge both the matting on my image and my base card. The ribbon is from May Arts and the large brad are Making Memories.

For those of you who would like a closer view of the cracked glass technique, I am adding a closer photo. You can also click on the image for an even closer look. I like this technique with old world images ... just seems they should go together. HERE is a link for those interested in learning how to do the cracked glass technique.

Hope you enjoyed this creation. Thanks CCEE ladies for the challenge and opportunity to make myself use these beautiful papers. If you're anything like me, I have TONS of designer paper that I will probably never use because it's just too pretty to cut into but of course I just "had to have it".

Hope you're having a wonderful Memorial Day Weeked!!!! Till next time ... thanks for stopping by!

The weekend is here ...

... and that means outside chores need tending to while the sun is shining! I did make a couple of cards late last evening and wanted to share them with you!

While checking out a few blogs recently I came across THIS card created by Deb Rymer and really liked the sweet simplicity of it. Please stop by Deb's blog and be inspired! My card is not nearly as refined on the scoring (need practice) as Deb's, but you get the idea. My designer paper is from a DCWV 12x12 pack called Garden Party I recently purchased at JoAnn's and the sentiment is by My Sentiment Exactly.

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This next card started out as an inspiration from yet another blogger but by the time I was done with it, the card was totally different from my original inspiration. Looks like I'll have to make another card and follow Denise's inspiration piece a little closer ... then I'll share all the deets with you about her blog & card.

But back to my creation ... the base card is of Whisper White and both designer papers are from DCWV. My 3d roses are from a website called ECSTASY CRAFTS and if you happen to live in the NE Ohio area, there is a wonderful stamp store in the town of Zoar called the 1870 Shoppe, and the owner June carries them. I've used two sizes of Nestabilities scallop rectangles to created my white frame and added the dots with a Creative Memories round tip black marker. The edge around the polka dot panel & red mat under my 3d roses was created using Fiskars decal scissors. I've also popped up the rose panel on dimensions to coincide with the 3d roses. Hope you like it!!

Well, I'd better get to those chores before the sun gets too hot. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful Memorial Day weekend here in the Good 'Ole U.S.A. Happy Holidays All!! Get out there and have a picnic!!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Stamp Simply #88

Today's Stamp Simply Challenge over on Sharon Johnson's (notimetostamp) blog is all about the RED, WHITE and BLUE! How fitting with it being Memorial Day Weekend and all! She does put a twist on it though ... well here, you can read it in her own words:

RED, WHITE AND BLUE - This being Memorial Day Weekend, patriotic colors come to mind, so let’s create today using red, white and blue; HOWEVER, you do NOT have to use the traditional flag shades of these colors - you may use ANY variation of these colors you like, as long as your creation contains some shade of red, white and blue. That’s easy enough!!! Hope you have fun!!! Can’t wait to see all your color combinations!

Sharon & her team have come up with some wonderful creations ... be sure to stop by Sharon's blog and check them out!



I stuck with the traditional colors, but a NON-patriotic theme. My base card is a duplex red/white cardstock and the background paper I created using a background stamp from the Fiskars Vintage Farmnouse clear stamp set which I inked in Baroque Burgundy then spot inked using Tempting Turquoise. My filmclip image is from Archiver's (threw away packaging so don't recall the mfg ... sorry) and my other image is from the new Crafty Secrets (Domestic Goddess) Creative Scraps. The clothes pin is by Darice, the organza ribbon is from Hobby Lobby and I've used the Martha Stewart Arch Trellis border punch for my trim work. Just in case you can't read the sentiment, it reads: A Woman's Work Is Never Done. (For a closer view ... click on the photo.)


Thanks so much for stopping by today! Here's wishing you a wonderful, creative day!!!

Two more ...

Here are two more wedding cards I completed before going to my sister's shop today to have my hair done. Yep, I've fortunate enough to have a hairdresser in the family ... infact, both of my sister's are hairdressers!!

Both cards are A-2 in size and used Cuttlebug embossing folders for the background panel. This first card used the Swirls embossing folder and the main image is by Inkadinkado. I stamped the image onto Basic Black cardstock with Versamark and embossed using Silver Pearl embossing powder. I've used a white Gelly Roll pen for the outlining dots. The mat was created using the scallop Nestabilities and a hole punch within each scallop. The ribbon is actually Holiday ribbon from Michael's.

My second card was created using the Swiss Dot Cuttlebug folder. Main image is by DeNami Designs which I've stamped using Versafine Black onto Whisper White and clear embossed. I've used a red glitter pen to color in the flowers in her hair & the bouquet. The ribbon is from May Arts and I've used the Long Rectangle Nestabilities for my main image matting. The image and sentiment used on the back flap of the envelope are from the Inkadinkado (Wedding) set .

(Click on either photo for a larger view)

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! It always thrills me to hear from you! After having my hair cut & colored today, I'd love to have somewhere to go to show it off. Too bad DH still isn't allowed to be in a crowd ... guess an evening out is "out of the question" ... another time perhaps!!

Hope you are having a wonderful day!!

Here Comes the Bride ...

While pulling together some cards to sell at my sister's beauty shop, it dawned on me that it's nearly JUNE .. Oh My Gosh ... where has the time gone?? Since June is the busiest Wedding month I thought I'd better get busy on some Blissful Creations. Here are a couple of the cards I came up with and they are both A-6 (9- 1/4 x 6- 1/4 folded in half) in size.

I wished I had the time to make several of different colors to choose from, but I don't so I decided to play it safe and go with basic Black & White.

Card Details (happy wedding day card):

Stamps: Inkadinkado (sentiment), Impression Obsession (bride)

Papers: SU Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Versafine Black

Accessories: Detail clear embossing powder, Nestabilities, May Arts ribbon, Martha Stewart dimensional pearls, Fiskars decal scissors, Cuttlebug (textile) embossing folder

Card Details:
Stamps: Inkadinkado
Papers: SU Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Versafine Black
Accessories: Detail clear embossing powder, Nestabilities, May Arts ribbon, Martha Stewart dimensional pearl, The Paper Studio pearls, Cuttlebug A-2 embossing folder

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!! Now I'd better get back to work ...

Shades of Purple ...

The Color Throwdown Challenge for today ask that you use the colors Lavender Lace, Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive. Being a PURPLE lover, I couldn't wait to play this challenge along with the SCS Sketch Challenge.

My base card is of Old Olive and is A-6 in size. The background panel was created by using the Lavendar Lace panel (matted with Elegant Eggplant) and overstamped using the Crafty Secrets Wildflower stamp set in Old Olive ink. My designer paper panel is from the Basic Grey Euphoria pack. My grosgrain ribbon is from Michael's and my main image is from the Stampin' Up Spring Song set which was colored using SU watercolor pencils/blender pen. I used the Nestabilities Labels Four diecuts. The sentiment is by AMuse and Dew Drops were use for embellishment.

Thanks for stopping by today! Hope you are having a beautiful, sunny day like we are here in NE Ohio.

Crafty Secrets "Going in Circles" Challenge

Today over on the SCS Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge , hosted by Pammyjo, we have been asked to use "CIRCLES" in our creations.


Circles is something I don't think to use with the exception of maybe the matting of my main image. I don't use a lot of polka-dots & circles so this was a true challenge for me. Here is what I've come up with.

I've used my Creative Memories cutting system to cut my base card. The overlaying designer paper is from the Crafty Secrets Pastel pack and the right side floral scroll is also on that sheet of designer paper which I have cut out with my swivel craft knife and added PKGlitz glitter to for added sparkle & dimension. I sponged the outer edge of my card using Ranger Tattered Rose ink then again using Ranger Vintage Photo ink. My sentiment circle is an image from the Crafty Secrets Bird Notes stamp set which has been stamped onto vanilla cardstock using Ranger Vintage Photo ink and clear embossed. I also sponged around the outside using Ranger Tattered Rose ink before removing it from the Nestabilities circle diecut. The Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate & Old Olive circles were also cut using Nestabilities dies. I used a round tip Creative Memories black marker to add the dots around the scalloped mat. The gems are by Bow-tique and the ribbon is Offray.

This was certainly a FUN challenge and I can't wait to see what the other ladies come up with. They always amaze & inspire me! Don't forget, if you have ANY Crafty Secrets/Heartwarming Vintage products , please come play in our challenge ... we would love to be inspired by you too!!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge

Here it is WEEK #2 of the new Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge. If you haven't checked out this blog yet ... be sure you do ... you don't want to miss this one! Not only are the sketches awesome layouts, but the giveaway is AMAZING!! You can either click on my link above ... or on the blinkie I have posted on my sidebar.



Here is this week's sketch and, I can truly say I had great fun creating this card!! It took me a while ... but it was fun and the type of card I have been wanting to create! Thanks MM ladies for the inspiration!!!




There is NO stamping on my card today. This card is all paper and lace effects. My main image is from a blog called Art Creations Friday . The images & backgrounds this lady offers for you to copy and print out are wonderful. If you like Vintage as I do, you have to pop over to this blog and check out her challenges.



My base card is ivory cardstock and the designer paper is from the Crafty Secrets Earthy pad. Although you can't see much of the background panel, the paper is 2-sided ... tablet paper & letters. My ABC's & 123's are from the Heartwarming Vintage (by Crafty Secrets) Altered booklet. My lacey panels are also made from the Crafty Secrets Earthy paper and was punched using the Martha Stewart doily lace punch. Both satin ribbons were purchased at Hobby Lobby. The actual lace side panel on my main image is by The Paper Studio and purchased at Hobby Lobby. I used Fiskars decal scissors to edge my main image and it's been popped up using ZOT 3D dots.



Thanks for stopping by today! The sun is shining here in NE Ohio and it looks like it's going to be a lovely day! I hope the sun is shining where you are today too!! Enjoy!!

Congratulation Tammy ...

My daughter's neighbor and good friend, Tammy, just completed her schooling to become a nurse. Keep in mind, Tammy is a full time Mom of 2 boys, wife of an EMT, and heaven knows what else! She and my daughter, Carolyn, have been friends for many years now and even though they live next to each other, it's difficult to find time in their busy lives to spend time together! Well, my daughter being the amazing person she is, made the extra effort to arrange to have breakfast out with Tammy this past Friday morning and spend some quality time just enjoying each others company and catching up on each others lives.

Both of these young women are VERY hard working and kind souls. When Carolyn told me that Tammy was finally graduating (a dream come true for her), I of course wanted to make a personal card to send her my best wishes and huge congratulations. I decided to keep it less formal and a little whimsical because Tammy has a bubbly personality and I think she'll like this.

I've created this card using my Crafty Secrets "Feeling Yucky" and "Party Queen" stamp sets. My designer paper is by Foof-a-la and the cardstock I have used is Whisper White and Real Red. I've used my Nestabilities (Label Four) diecuts for the main image panel and SU watercolor pencils/blender pen for the coloring. After cutting out the little ducky with my swivel craft knife, I've given him a little pop with dimensional tape. As you can see, the front of the card has the sentiment "Congrats to You ... and the inside reads "on your Crowning Achievement".

Hope you are having a wonderful day! Pretty quiet here, but it's nice to look out and see the sun shine.

A "2fer" Challenge ...

Happy Morning All!!

Today I have posted a Crafty Secrets challenge over on the Papercraft Planet website. Why not come along and play ... there's even going to be an RAK involved!!!

I've asked the ladies to create a card using this week's Sketch Challenge on PCP along with their favorite Crafty Secrets products. Here I've made my base card of Very Vanilla cardstock with a panel of Crafty Secrets Classic designer paper which was sponged on the edges using Ranger Antique Linen ink and over stamped using the floral image from the Crafty Secrets Garden Girls stamp set in Purely Pomegranate ink ... then matted with Basic Black. My main image panel is from the new Crafty Secrets Garden Creative Scraps. I've simply used the SU double stitched Purely Pomegranate grosgrain ribbon with the background panel of Purely Pomegranate cardstock. Both have been matted with Basic Black. The flowers have been punched using a 3-flower SU punch (retired) with centers of Dew Drops.

This was a Fun, Easy card to create ... I hope you like it!! Have a WONDERFUL Sunday!!

Stamp Simply #87 - For The Guys

Can you believe it's Friday again already!!!! Time for another STAMP SIMPLY challenge over on Sharon Johnson's blog. Today Sharon has given us a GUY challenge ... here it is in her words:

FOR THE GUYS - When I first started stamping I did a ton of masculine cards, living in a houseful of guys, but I slowly got away from it and now don’t do nearly enough of them. Fathers’ day is still a month away, but we have all sorts of occasions to give those guys in our lives cards — so make a card for one of those guys in your life, but there is one more stipulation — lets make sure our cards include either string, rope, cording or knots of some sort – which is what I used to include on guy cards all the time when I did them years ago. So pull out those *rugged ribbons* - LOL — and let’s create for those guys in our lives!!!

When I need a GUY card, I automatically reach for my STAMPSCAPES images. Being raised in the country, most of the guys in my life have been more into hunting and fishing vs sports. With my father and my FIL both passed on, I made a generic guy card today. Hope you like it and don't forget to stop by Sharon's blog to see her awesome creation and the inspirational cards from her design team.

Card details:

Stamps: Stampscapes

Paper: 2-sided hunter/ivory cs, tempting turquoise, baja breeze, river rock, white

Ink: Versafine black

Accessories: detail clear ep, SU watercolor pencils, blender pen, Michael's waxed cording

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... now I really must get outside and get my yard work done before the heat of the day catches up to me! Have a great day!!

Encouragement cards ...

In need of a couple of encouragement cards to get in the mail a.s.a.p., I decided to use the sketch challenge layouts offered over on 2Sketches4You as my starting points.

My first card is for a young lady in Colorado who has just been diagnosed with cancer. She, of course, is scared out of her wits. An online friend, mothermark (Cindy Motherway), has put out the call for cards to hopefully help give Kimberly strength in knowing that there are people all over the world praying for her. With having just witnessed all my DH has endured because of this ugly monster, I of course wanted to get a card out to her right away.

I've chosen to combine the 2Sketches4You sketch with the current Color Challenge going on over at Papercraft Planet. My base card is SU Real Red, 2nd panel is SU Whisper White which I have stamped with an image from the Crafty Secrets Garden Girls set using SU Summer Sun ink. My main panel is SU Certainly Celery, matted with Real Red with an overlay of designer paper from the Crafty Secrets Earthy paper pack which I've also made a decorative edge using the Martha Stewart floral border punch. The sentiment is from ExpressionsInInk.com which was stamped using Versafine black onto SU Whisper White cardstock and diecut using a Nestabilities Label Four die. My floral embellishment are Prima flowers with a Making Memories brad center. I have used SU Summer Sun cardstock for my butterflies which I've punched with the Martha Stewart butterfly punch. I've distressed the edges of a couple panels just to add some texture. My ribbon treatment is SU Certainly Celery which I have positioned over a scrap strip of SU Whisper White cardstock.

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Card No.2 is for an incredibly brave young woman who is experiencing the "fight of her life" after having a brain hemmorage shortly after giving birth to her 3rd child. Her name is Melanie and you can read all about her fight on Joan Fricker's blog (Joans Garden) found HERE.

I'm using the Bonus Sketch offered up by 2Sketches4You on my card for Melanie. I liked the simplicity of this layout and the fact that I could "send her flowers" too (in paper form of course) was a nice added touch I thought!

My base card is of SU Very Vanilla with panel #2 being of SU Sage Shadow and designer paper that I have no idea who makes because there were no markings on the back ... sorry!! I must have really liked it because I have 3-12x12 sheets of it, lol!! My sentiment is by American Art and was stamped using Versafine Black ink on SU Very Vanilla cardstock. Using my Nestabilities scallop oval diecuts, I've double matted this sentiment using gray cardstock and SU Sage Shadow cardstock. I've used a sponge to shadow around the sentiment using Ranger Antique Linen ink. The border on my designer paper was created using the SU scallop border punch. To make my flower bouquet, I've used this "stem" image from a HeidiGrace set, stamped in Versafine Black and my flowers were punched using a (retired) 3 flower punch by Stampin' Up.

I pray the good Lord watches over both of these lovely ladies and gives them strength and guidance through out their medical journey. I only hope my card gives them a moment of joy in their daily struggles. Thank you all for stopping by today. Hope your day if filled with sunshine and laughter!! Happy Stamping!!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge

There's a NEW sketch challenge and it was launched yesterday on the "priscillastyles" blog.

You can click on the MIDNIGHT MADNESS blinkie on the sidebar to pop over and check out the AWESOME giveaways for those who participate! You will be AMAZED!! Don't forget to check out the sample card provided by the design team ... they are fantastic!!




I've taken a few "liberties" on my card (it's allowed). One is turning the corner treatments and secondly, using a long rectangle behind my main image vs another oval.


My card is of A-6 size (9 1/4 x 6 1/4 folded in half). My matting is all of Hunter Green cardstock and the 12x12 sheet of designer paper had no markings so I'm sorry but I don't know who the maker is. My main image tulips is a 3D precut punchout by Stanzbogen. The oval panel the tulips are mounted on was Whisper White which after cutting with Nestabilities oval diecut, was sponged using More Mustard ink before removing from the die. I've used a white Gelly Roll pen for the dots on the scalloped mat.


My butterfly is actually a PSX Rub On Transfer which I have scanned and printed before cutting with a swivel craft knife and mounted using dimensional tape. The sentiment is by The Stamp Pad Co, was stamped using Versafine Black and clear embossed. Pearl embellishments are by Mark Richards and the glitter used on the butterfly is by PKGlitz. (click for closer look)



This was a fun sketch and really made me think ...
I guess that's why they call it a "CHALLENGE", lol!! Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by today!

SCS Sketch Challenge #228

My card for this week's SCS Sketch Challenge is basically made from ALL Anna Griffin designer papers. I've had this 8x8 pack of paper for a long time and use it very sparingly because it is so beautiful with all it's textures and patterns. For some reason I decided to stop "hoarding" and made a beautiful card that will make someone smile.

The sentiment is by Hero Arts and after stamping with Wild Wasabi ink onto Whisper White paper, I clear embossed it. I used my Nestabilities (Label Three) die cut for the shape and before removing from the die cut, I used a sponge applicator & Groovey Guava ink for the coloring. The "latice work" panel is actually the "flip side" of the grava panel. The satin ribbon is by Darice, pearls by Mark Richards and birds by Martha Stewart.

I wished my blog had "touch vision" so you could feel the texture of these papers. Hope you enjoyed viewing this card as much as I enjoyed making it! Thanks for stopping by ... have a wonderful day!!

Color Throwdown #42

YIPPEE ... I've been asked to be this week's Guest Designer on the Color Throwdown. How cool is that and the colors for this week are awesome. What an honor!!!! If you have not tried this challenge yet ... you really must stop over and play along ... these ladies come up with some fascinating color combos and the samples are amazing!!! You'll find inspiration for sure!!!

Now, for the details on my card. The base card is Basic Black ... 2nd panel is Tempting Turquoise with a strip of So Saffron which as been punched with the Martha Stewart Floral Border attached to the bottom. The 3rd panel is designer paper from the DCWV Old World pack which I have overstamped using one of the Crafty Secrets Flourish stamps in Versafine Black. My main image is from a Crafty Secrets Flowers Cotton Scrap which I have triple matted with today's three colors. The little sentiment on the top left corner is from Amuse and has been stamped with Versafine Black and clear embossed. My satin ribbons are fro Hobby Lobby and the black organza is by Darice. The only additional embellishments are the two buttons on he bottom right corner which I have stacked and are from Buckets of Buttons.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Hope you have found inspiration in my work!!

An AWARD ...

... from my friend Dru (Garden of Dreams). If you've never been to Dru's blog, please pop on over and show her some love ... she's an awesome stamper!!! Thank you my friend!!! I really am honored to receive this award, and honored to be able to pass it on to 5 other very deserving, talented, and inspiring women.
The meaning of this award is "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers".

They are:

Carolyn Franjko - http://carascountry.blogspot.com/
Amy Johnson - http://amyscreativepursuits.blogspot.com/
Tammy Hershberger - http://stamphappy-tammy.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Marisa - http://marisa-isa.blogspot.com/
Joan Fricker - http://joanscreations.blogspot.com/

I need to add another name to this list!!!
Heidi Blankenship - http://embellished-dreams.blogspot.com/

These are only 5 (+1) of many ladies who inspire me daily!!! Please stop by their blogs and say hello!!

These are the rules for this award:
Grab the award and post it to your blog
Link back to the person that awarded it to you
Nominate 5 others with a link to their blog
Leave a message on their blog telling them they have received an award.