Raise The Bar Challenge ...

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Are you ready for a wonderful, fun-filled weekend?

It's time for another Raise The Bar Challenge and today we are playing with STICKERS!  That's correct, Joni has asked us to use STICKERS on our cards/projects. 

I have to tell you ... with great sadness ... this will be my last creation as a DT member for Raise The Bar.  I will continue to folllow this awesome group of ladies and play in the challenges when possible but I'm had to back away from a few of my commitments to make room for other things that have popped up in my crafting life!  I want to thank Joni for ALWAYS being the kindest person to me and to all the other DT members who are so talented & so inspiring!  Good Luck to them all!!  Now onto today's card!

 

I just love these Stickopotomus irridescent butterflies ... aren't they beautiful?  This is so much prettier IRL~!!  And this Irish Blessing stamp was perfect for my farewell to the ladies of RTB!

Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs to you all!

Darlene

Two challenges ... One creation

That is correct!  This is an extremely busy week for some reason so I've had to combine two of my favorite challenges this week into ONE creation.  The Crafty Secrets forum challenge over on SCS (hosted by a very clever Marcy) is to do a Christmas in July creation.  (Just got that one in under the wire, girlfriend!! LOL)   AND ... of course my favorite sketch challenge ... Midnight Madness.  As you can see, MM has come up with yet another amazing sketch to follow.  This week I chose to use the FANCY sketch along with my Crafty Secrets image and came up with this beautiful creation.  (only my opinion of course!)

Isn't he just gorgeous??  I just love these vintage holiday images ... I'm just an "old soul" I guess!!  I've matted my image (from the Crafty Secrets Christmas booklet) with hunter green and white cardstock.  The background designer paper is from the Crafty Secrets Earthy paper pack.  The felt snowflakes & silver sparkles were in my stash from last year ... sorry, don't know the mfg.  And I've added Silver Stickles in the top & bottom corners to finish out the sketch requirements.

With my laptop still being in the hands of the Geek Squad, it actually took me longer to write up this post than it did to make this card ... and that includes drying time for the Sticles!  Uuugh, so frustrating ... I know ... deep breath and keep on typing!!  LOL!

Hugs to you all!
Darlene

THE SISTERHOOD ...

Yes, it's time once again for the challenge at The Sisterhood!!  This week we are continuing to share with you new images by a brand new digi artist ... our very own "Sistah" ... BONI.  That's correct!  You can now purchase Boni's digi images through Firecracker by Pamela ... be sure to check it out!!

I have decided to share two of her fun images with you this week!  First is this handsome, muscular baseball player ... what a hunk!!
The inside verse (my own computer generated) says:  "Glad to see you're back in the ballgame!"  My friend has been out of a job for 10 months and just finally started a new job this week ... guess where this card is headed??

And secondly, is this cutie-pie Pirate.  The inside verse (another one of my own) says:  "I'm ready for date night ... let's go??"

Please be sure to pop on over to The Sisterhood blog and check out the other creations made with this fun images!

Thanks for stopping by!  I'm at my sister's salon getting "beautiful" but I'll be around later in the day to see what everyone is up to!  I will also have my Crafty Secrets / Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge creation to share with you!!  Have a great day and stay cool ... supposed to be in the 90s AGAIN today!  Uuugh ... enough already!!!

Hugs!
Darlene

"Manly" creations ...

I had a request for a boxed set of "manly" cards from a friend, back home in Pennsylvania.  Actually they are for her mother (who happens to have been one of my teachers ... way back in my High School days)!  Very nice lady ... so I wanted to make them extra special.  Would you like to see them??

I know everyone is always looking for ideas for "guy" cards ... I find my Stampscapes stamps come in very handy and any other scene, animals, cars, hunting, fishing ... well, you know the drill!

This lady's son was actually in my class in school and if I recall, he is more into the hunting side of things, not cars ... hope I'm right!

I have tried to incorporate a few ideas ... not sure what all "men" are in her family but hoping these will work for them.

Which card is your favorite?

Don't you just love it when you can actually "be creative"?  I truly enjoyed this order ... made me think!

Sorry for the long post ... but it's mainly pictures so I'm sure you don't mind!!  Didn't give you much "reading" to do!  LOL!

Okay, that's it!  Now I'd better get dinner started ... yikes, DH is due home any moment!  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs to ya!
Darlene

Sharing the fun ...

I found time this weekend to play with a few of the many digi images I have colored and ready to create with, laying on my work table.  I would like to share those with you this afternoon!  All of these artists can be found over on CDAC (Crafter's Digital Art Center).  You can either click on GROUPS tab to find each artist's individual group ... or you can find them on the main page ... be sure to check out that Main Page ... there are NEW things happening all the time!!!  I hope you'll become a part of this fun network ... there are some AMAZING digi artists out there and to get you started in the digi world ... there is a TON of freebies being offered.  If you have questions ... just let me (or any of the other board members) know ... we'll help you out!! 

First is a creation using the cute little Kittie by Robyn's Fetish ...
Someone over on CDAC (not saying WHO) mentioned that with the blue under the kittie's feet ... it appears maybe she had an "accident" ... please be assured that was NOT my intention!  Although she does make a valid point ... LOL!

How about this fun PURSE digi by Shelly's Images ...

It's the perfect time of the year for CHERRIES ... doesn't this cherry image by Doodle Pantry look good enough to eat!?!  Gotta love that Crystal Effects to give your creation that "real" factor!

And last by not least ... time to get started on those holiday cards and I am using this adorable digi from Angela over at Sew Many Cards called "Eris Christmas Lights".  I decided to get a little creative with my Nestabilites Nestled Tree dies.  This is actually all on the front ... the holiday wishes are on the inside.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  If by chance you have questions on any of these creations, please do not hesitate to ask!  I hope you will take a moment and pop on over to CDAC and check out some of these artists ... they are amazing!  I wish I could draw ... I'm still in the "stick figure" phase!  LOL!!

Hugs to you all!
Darlene

Squigglefly Challenge Time ...

Happy Monday Everyone!!

How was your weekend?? 

Today on the Squigglefly Challenge, we are making Tent-Topper Cards.  I must admit I've only made 1 or 2 of these in the past but it was a lot of fun and I can see more being created in my future!!!

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Please be sure to pop on over to Squigglefly and check out what my co-team members have created to inspire you!!  And, while you are there, be sure to check out this week's newest releases ... you will LOVE them!!  Here is another sample using the newly released SHY BEAR digi by Lynne Stansbery called "You Bet'cha" ...

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Well that's it for now!  I have a "VERY" busy week planned (computer problems still exist!) so I'd better get started!!  Have a wonderful week and thanks so much for stopping by! 

Hugs to you all! 

DARLENE

My first time ...

... playing the challenge over at Glitterbabe's Challenge!  Today Stef has asked us to use some sort of STITCHING along with our GLITTER/SPARKLE/BLING!! 

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I have used one of Stef's own digi images although it was not required.  She offers freebies at her STORE to help you get familiar with her line of art and to be able to quickly join in on her challenges.  She's a VERY busy lady but always has the time to say Hello and compliment you on your art work!

I have used FAUX STITCHING and I've added Stickles Waterfall Blue to the medallion for sparkle and Icicle Stickles to the birthday cake also.  It is SO MUCH prettier & more sparkly IRL ... I really need some photography lessons!!!

Awesome fun ... hope you'll come check out Stef's blogs also!  Oh nearly forgot to tell you ... you can also find her over on CDAC ... HERE's A LINK to her group.  Thanks again for stopping by today!

Stay cool!  Darlene

Joan's Gardens Challenge

Is it HOT where you are?

It's sure is here in N.E. Ohio!!

Calling for TRIPPLE DIGITS!!  Yikes!!

So with that being said, I'm staying indoors where it's cool, specifically in my "crafting cave" ... it's like a meat locker down there!!  LOL!   This week over on Joan's Gardens, our challenge is to make a BRIGHTly colored birthday card and use FLOWER(s).  Here is what I came up with.

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I've had this SU designer paper laying around for a very long time and when I flipped past it, I thought "Oh yea, that's bright!!"  I also used a Nestabilities Labels 10 scrap that was in my stash and die cut some Nestabilities Blossom panels for the sentiment.  The only addition needed were a couple of old Darice large brads and Michael's double stitched grosgrain ribbon & bow.

This is a bit "out of character" for me but I'm really happy with the outcome ... I guess that's why I enjoy challenges so much ... takes me out of my rut!!  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll come join in on the fun!!

Hugs to you all!   Darlene

Raise The Bar Challenge

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Big plans for the weekend??? 

It's going to be another scorcher

here in N.E. Ohio!!

Today's challenge at Raise The Bar is to use distressing, tearing and/or ripping on your creation!  I did more distressing than anything and I love the end result!  Be sure to pop on over to our challenge blog and be inspired by the creation my co-bar tenders have created!!  Then be sure to dazzle us with your work-of-art!! 

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The image I have used on today's creation is from Priscillastyles.  She has it offered up as a freebie over on her CDAC group this week!  It's only for a limited time ... be sure to go grab it for yourself and be sure to check out other digi's Priscilla now has available.

Other ingredients used in the making of this creation are as follows:
Stamps:  Repeat Impressions
Papers:  pink cs, black cs, white cs
Inks:  Ranger Vintage Photo distress ink
Accessories:  tag (RAK), Prismacolor markers, DecoArt Glamour Dust, glue pen, Martha Stewart doily lace border punch, Offray satin ribbon, Kaiser pearls, sponge, distresser

Okay ... now it's your turn!  Can't wait to see what YOU come up with!  Have fun with it!!  I know I did!  Thanks for stopping by today ... it means the world to me!!

Be on the lookout ...

. . . for the new release, this Saturday (7-24-10) at Squigglefly.  Here's a couple "teasers" to peek your interest!!

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The "shy bears" are always a favorite and Lynne Stansbery has come up with another adorable digi with these cute guys called "You Bet 'cha".  Be sure to check out all the amazing digis Lynne has in the store for your "coloring pleasure!"  LOL!

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(click on image to enlarge)

And how about this Jacki Matthews cutie called "Hello There". Looks like 'ole Bessie the Cow we used to have back home on the farm ... and naturally, my first thought was "GOT MILK" but that's pretty well run it's course so I pulled out my very country stamp set by Close to Your Heart to add the barbed wire, milk can & sentiment on this creation.

So there you have it!  And this is just 2 of many images that are being released this weekend (and every Saturday)!  Be sure to pop over and see for yourself! 

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge & The Sisterhood

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge today is a recipe challenge ... 1 ribbon, 2 designer papers & 3 embellishments.  I have chosen to use this beautiful vintage image from the Marie's Freebies site.  (You can find additional links to vintage images on the additional tab below the header of my blog.)  I was actually able to use up more scraps from my crafting table for this creation ... and that's always a good thing!!

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AND ... Over at The Sisterhood this week, we are  honoring the Good Ole' U.S.A.  We have created cards/layouts using the colors Red, White & Blue!  And would LOVE to have you join in on our tribute!!  I have chosen this adorable Squigglefly image for my card today!  It seems like we have been "at war" forever and I for one would like to show my support to all those wonderful men & women who fight for our freedom on a daily basis!!  God Bless Them!!

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Working on a slow computer certainly keeps my postings short & sweet!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Hope your day is wonderful and filled with fun & laughter!!!

Midnight Madness & Crafty Secrets

What a day!!!  First I couldn't get my laptop to boot up this morning (it is now in the hands of the Geek Squad) ... then my car said "oil change required" ... and now I'm trying to get my cards uploaded using our "OLD, SLOW" home computer!!!  Guess I shouldn't complain ... at least I have a backup computer right!!!  Okay ... enough complaining ... time to show you what I came here to share!

The challenge over at Priscillastyles Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge was a lot of fun this week (as it is every week!).  I decided to use of of Priscilla's own digital images for today's creation. 

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You really should pop on over and check out the creations by her DT ... they are always inspiring!!!  Isn't this teapot by Priscilla vintagey delicious!!!  I just love it!!
******
I also have a creation to share with you for the SCS Crafty Secrets forum challenge today ... to use PINK & BLACK.  (pink must be the "color of the day")

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I have used an image from the Crafty Secrets Girlfriends Booklet and the designer paper is also Crafty Secrets ... the Radiant pack.  Doesn't this group look like a FUN bunch??

Well, that's it for today!  I have to get dinner ready and try to get my other cards for tomorrow's challenges pre-posted ... that should take up the rest of my day!!  LOL!!   Thanks for stopping by!

Digis, digis, digis

I took the time to create a few cards from digi's today.  The first one is a digi from "Doodle Pantry"  (their CDAC group HERE) and it's been laying on my work table all colored and ready to go for at least a week ... FInALLy today I made the card ... isn't he cute!

(click on image to enlarge)

This second card is a new digi offered by Priscilla over on her CDAC group.  As soon as I saw it, I was reminded of sewing so I combined Priscilla's image with a sentiment from Crafty Secrets.  After printing several copies of this image, I used Prismacolor Markers to color and coated with Crystal Effects.  This card looks so much better IRL!  Guess I should have used a different color for my Top Note background panel!

I have so many amazing digis to play with right now ... I'd better get busy & "step it up" a bit!  Seems I'm slowing down these days ... wonder why?  Hot weather?  OLDER since I just had a birthday?  Or just overwhelmed??  Either way, I'm having fun and hope you are too!!

Isn't Nature Beautiful ...

Sorry, no cards today but I did want to share a couple of photos with you!  While grilling steaks last evening for our dinner, my husband Mark snapped this photo of what he said was the "biggest cloud he'd ever seen".  It was beautiful how the sun was shining on it from the side and really illuminating it ... what do you think!!  Isn't Nature beautiful when we take the time to look?!?

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A little later I snapped this shot of that same cloud as it started to break up and spread out across the sky.  Still beautiful but not nearly as majestic as the photo Mark captured.  

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I hope your weekend has been as wonderful as mine!  I hope it will rain tomorrow so I can retreat to the crafting cave and make a few cards to share with you!  Have a great week!

And the WINNER IS ...

Sorry to keep you dangling!

My birthday was WONDERFUL!  Thanks to all of you for the wonderful birthday wishes and comments!  It made turning 60 a little easier to swallow!  And now for the announcement!

The winning number Mark picked was:

#26 - DENISE

Congratulations Denise ... please email me to receive your gift certificate to Joan's Gardens!

Joan's Gardens Challenge #6

It's time again for a fun challenge over at Joan's Gardens!  This week we are to use a KITCHEN theme and a JUST RITE sentiment.  A friend commented recently on another one of my postings that the image I used on that creation would work great for Joan's challenge this week so I took her advice.

 (click on image to enlarge)

The image used on both creation is sweet image from the Crafty Secrets Homemade Booklet.  The sentiment is from the Just Rite stamp set called Designer Centers & Borders.  The cookie cutter images are from the Crafty Secrets Sweet Stuff Stamp Set and I have cut them out with a Fiskars swivel craft knife.  The papers used are Kraft cardstock, Navy cardstock and Creative Memories red gingham designer paper.  

I hope you enjoyed this fun creation and decide to join in on the fun at Joan's Gardens too!  Thanks for stopping by!

Raise the Bar - Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

Hi Everyone!  

Today on Raise The Bar, since June is such a huge wedding month, we are having fun with the phrase "Old", "New", "Borrowed" & "Blue".  It doesn't have to be a wedding card ... just use those 4 subjects to create with ... and, you can use "recycled" in place of borrowed if you'd like!!  

 (click on image to enlarge)

I decided to make an anniversary card for my neighbors whose anniversary was actually yesterday!  I can always remember HER anniversary and she remembers MY birthday because they are on the same day ... otherwise, it would probably just be another day passing by!  LOL!!


For the OLD & BORROWED ... I have used the retired SU Toile Blossoms stamp set.  I had borrowed this set from a friend, fell in love with it and spent weeks trying to find one on Ebay ... finally success was mine!

The NEW is the Martha Stewart Floral Vine border punch which I just purchased this week.

And of course, the BLUE is the cardstock which was purchased at Archiver's this week also ... good timing huh!!


What a fun challenge!  Why not come join in on the fun!  I'll be anxious to see what YOU come up with using this wedding time phrase!  See you at the bar!!  Tee Hee! 

*** WINNER ***

And the WINNER is ...

Hello Everyone, today is my birthday and my sweet husband has taken the day off work to spend it with me!!  Doing WHAT EVER I WANT TO DO!!  (Isn't that sweet!) 

It is now noon . . . we have already been out for breakfast and to Best Buy where we bought a wireless printer for me to use along with my laptop in my craftroom.  All this time, I was having to go up two flights to the computer that is hooked up to a printer everytime I wanted to print something ... Uuugh!!  

Now we're headed to the movies!!  Going to go see Toy Story 3 in 3d and The Grown Ups ... nothing bloody or action packed!  This is MY DAY and I don't like those types of movies ... I like FUN STUFF!!  (LOL)

We are also in the process of setting up the new printer but it will have to be in a "HOLD" pattern until after the movies!!  Mark is also making himself a bologna sandwich before we go ... he'd better hurry ... times running out!!

Oh Yea, the winner ...  well, I asked Mark to pick a number between 1 - 30 and he picked _________!  Ooops, out of time ... gotta go ... the big announcement will come later!  Tee Hee!   "My Bad" for keeping you in suspense! 

How'd I get this old? The Count Down is ON!

This post will remain on top 

until July 14th so everyone has a chance ... for today's post, 

please scroll down!

On July 15th, I will reach the milestone of SIXTY years of age!  Yikes, how'd that happen???  And to celebrate, I'd like you to come celebrate with me!  All you need to do is stop by and leave a comment on this post, that's it!! 

Feel free to share this offer with your friends!

I will be giving away a $25 gift certificate from Joan's Gardens to one lucky commenter as a thank you for celebrating my birthday!  

I will draw that winning name on July 15th and will make the announcement on July 16th.  Hope you come and join in!

Celebrating at The Sisterhood

Over at The Sisterhood today, we are proud to announce that our very own, Boni Boutelle-Jones of Bonibleaux Designs is designing her own line of digi stamps and they are being carried on the Firecracker Designs by Pamela site ... please be sure to check them out!!  You will need these images in your "guy" collections!!

Tanis is our hostess for today and her challenge to you is to create a "MANLY" card/project.  However you interpret that is up to you!  The DT is sharing a sneak peek at some of Boni's images ... be sure to pop on over to The Sisterhood and check them out!!  AND ... Tanis has also generously offered up a prize for this week's challenge winner ... a $5 gift certificate towards the purchase of these new, amazing digis!!  How awesome is that!!  Thanks Tanis!!

(click on image to enlarge)

I have created this manly birthday card using the image called "Hillbilly Straw".  I gave you a sneak peek at him a couple of days ago posted on my blog HERE.  On that post you can also see a few of the other adorable images Boni has created.


OKAY ... now it's your turn!  Once you have your MANLY creation completed, simply add it to Mr. Linky at the bottom of the challenge posting over at The Sisterhood!  I can't wait to see what you come up with ... and who knows, maybe you will win the gift certificate and pick out a few of these fun images for your own!!   See you at The Sisterhood!!

Crafty Secrets #128 - Things With Wings

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I have my outside work all done (before it got too hot) and now it's time to share & play!!  I have an order for a couple boxes of notecards, but before I get started on those, I would like to share with you my creation for today's SCS Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge (hosted by mwah) and the theme is "Things With Wings".  

 (click image to enlarge)

I have chosen to used images from the Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps - Altered Fairies.  I also used some scraps that were laying on my worktable for my background panels.  The moth looking butterfly in the left corner was actually cut out from a piece of Crafty Secrets Earthy designer paper and I added Crystal Effects to the top to make it a little more realistic. I'm very happy with the end result ... what do you think??

The addition of various embellishments, i.e. lace from Joan's Gardens, a paper heart, MS butterfly punched from dp and Basic Grey Opaline pearls ... helped to give it a "vintage collage" appeal.  


Thanks for stopping by again today ... it means more to me than I can express!  Happy Stamping!!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #62

Wow it's already time for another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  And my creation today also qualifies for a brand new challenge called the Wild Orchid Challenge ... the theme today is "Say It With Flowers".

Since I had the time & the sneak peek, I created using the "fancy" layout and had fun doing it!  I used the same Daisy D's designer paper for the eight background panels.


I recently placed an order through Wild Orchid and today's sketch worked perfectly to enable me to use these gorgeous flowers.

(click image to enlarge)

This adorable image is from Shabby Chic Papirkatter and fit PERFECTLY with today's theme & sketch!  I love when all the pieces come together!!

Other items used on this card are:
Papers:  Daisy D's & Karen Foster designer paper, Whisper White, Mint Green, Kraft
Accessories:  Martha Stewart leaf punch, May Arts ribbon, Kaiser pearls, Prima flowers, Wild Orchid flowers

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you are having as good a day as I am!  Remember ... only 2 more days to leave a comment on my Birthday Blog Candy posting for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from Joan's Gardens ... details are HERE.

A NEW digi artist is in our midst ....

That's right and that new digi artist is none other than my friend, Boni Boutelle-Jones of Bonibleaux Designs!  You can see her new digis at Firecracker Designs by Pamela.  Click on the "new" tab and it will take you right to them!  Boni is currently focused on those "GUY" type of images that we are always on the lookout for!
  

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She has a FREEBIE for you (until July 19th) and here is a card I have created with that freebie called "KEN". Boni offers sentiments with her images but I have used one from DRS.  

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How cute is this image called "Hillbilly Moonshine"!  Again I have used my own idea on the sentiment and the coloring was done using Prismacolor markers & Prisma pencils.

(click on image to enlarge)

Another fun image is "Lord Money Man" and I couldn't help but computer generate my own sentiment again!  He just looked like this is what he'd be saying ...  And did you notice the Crystal Effects on the eye piece ... looks so cool!!!  LOL!!

And lastly I have a "sneak peek" for you on one of the upcoming images Boni will be adding to the FCD site this week.  You will be able to see this card in it's entirety this Wednesday.


I just want to say to Boni ... "Congrats girlfriend ... YOU GO GIRL!"


You just have to go check out these new digis ... what fun!  Have a great evening!!