Are You Sure it's SPRINGTIME???

They said it was coming . . . but I didn't believe it!!  

While eating my lunch around 1:00 p.m. ... everything was quiet and 'getting green' outside.  THEN ... when I came up around 4:00 p.m. to start preparing dinner . . . look what had happened while I was busy creating Tissue Box Covers down in my crafting cave!

Can you believe this??  

It's very pretty and will probably disappear over the next 24-48 hours . . . but I am really ready for warmer temperatures and GREEN grass.  I've seen enough of the 'white fluffy stuff' for one winter!

Well, while I'm here let me share with you the Tissue Box Covers I made today.  My Aunt MaryJane is coming in next week from Texas and after seeing the vintage one I made (seen here),my mother requested I make one for her to give my Aunt.

 The designer paper used is K&Company and the images are from an ATC/ACEO Background Sheet at Nicecrane Design called  "Women's Painting Vol. II".  Prima flowers, Kaiser Pearls and Wright Lace were used as embellishments.

Since I have no idea what my Aunt's color scheme is in her home, I decided to make three sets and let my mother pick out the one she thinks she'd like.

 The designer paper used on this box is also K&Company and the images are the remaining four from the same sheet of Nicecrane Design images used on the first box.  I have used Wild Orchid roses and Sizzix die created leaves to adorn the top as well as a double butterfly created using the Martha Steward lacy butterfly punch.


This third box was created using Graphic45 designer paper (Domestic Goddess).  The images are also Graphic45 ... the reverse side of one of the sheets from the paper pack called 'Fashionista Collection'.

The top is adorned with Wild Orchid flowers and Zva Creative crystal swirls.  The lace around the lid is from Stampin' Up.   I have actually used three different dp patterns on this box.  Please feel free to click on any image to enlarge the photo for a closer look.


Edited to add link to directions for these lovely Tissue Box Covers.  They are REALLY EASY ... after all, I made THREE in only a couple of hours.  Let me know when you make yours ... I'd LOVE to come take a peek!

Well, it's bedtime and I'm sure hubby is wondering where I got off to!  Hope you've had a wonderful day/evening and I look forward to hearing from you.  Please take a moment and let me know if you are enjoying my blog ... or if I am 'driving you crazy' with postings!  I appreciate your honesty!


Hugs,
Darlene

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge

WOW ... can you believe March is nearly over??  The kids will be out of school for the summer before you know it!  (Ooops probably shouldn't have brought that up!  LOL!)

Today I'd like to share with you the creations I made for Penny's Challenge.  I actually made a Boo-Boo and created from an older description sheet . . . the challenge theme had changed and I didn't catch it ... BUT ALL IS GOOD ... it turns out my creations still follow today's challenge theme which is 

RECIPE

1 image, 2 embellishments & 3 designer papers

and is being sponsored by:

STITCHY BEAR STAMPS

When I thought the challenge was to ALTER an item, I decided to make altered composition books for the two little girls next door.  Hence, my creations below . . .

(click on image to enlarge)

As I stated, it turned out okay because both books have ONE image, TWO embellishments and counting the back & inside covers, there are THREE designer papers used on each book.  (shew ... bet I couldn't do that again!  LOL)

Please be sure to pop over to our Challenge Blog and check out the inspirational creations from the Design Team and then join in the fun!!  I look forward to seeing what you create!

Have a wonderful day!  

Hugs,

Darlene

Sisterly Love and Combining Challenges

Brrrr is it cold here in NE Ohio ... I thought Spring had Sprung??  Sure doesn't feel like it ... it was only 19 degrees this morning!  My poor crocuses won't even open it's so darn cold ... Brrrr!!

Anyways, since it's too cold to do anything outdoors yet, I'm still spending lots of time in my crafting cave.  So upsetting to me you know!  NOT!!  LOL!  Today I combined the Crafty Secrets Challenge over on SCS ... which is to use different TEXTURES on your CS creation ... along with the TAG challenge at Joan's Gardens.

*Background designer paper is from the 8x8 October Afternoon 'The Thrift Store' paper pack (purchased at Joan's Gardens).  
*Images are from the Crafty Secrets 'Sew Special' ClearArt stamp set.  
*Ball fringe is from Webster's Pages (Joan's Gardens).
* Borders were created using Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch and SU Eyelet Lace punch.  
*Tim Holtz Tea Die distress ink was used to distress the edges.
* Buttons from Bucket 'O Buttons
* Gingham ribbon from Michaels
* Rub-on stitching from Michaels

* * * * *

 Recently my sister asked me if I could help her create a "Signing Board" for her fiance's daughter who will be graduating from high school this year.  Of course I was anxious to lend her a hand!  Here is what we came up with . . .

 (Some of the supplied for use consideration)

 (Sister Linda looking over supplies and getting ideas formulated)

 (Graduation Photo Collage I created in Word 

to be used as the Focus Image)

(Final Creation)

This was great fun to work on together and besides ... I 'owed' her a big favor since she was good enough to teach me how to 'cut my husband's hair'!  Since Mark's cancer treatment, his hair is very fine and very straight.  The barbers/ hairdressers all seem to want to make it look like he has more hair than he really does, so they don't cut it short enough and he's having to go get it cut every time he turns around.  My sister, Linda, is a hairdresser and showed me how to handle the clipper so I can take care of keeping it looking nice for him.  Thanks Lin!! 


I do have a few cards to share with you ... but I'm sure you've 'seen enough from me today' ... so I'll save them for another time!  Here's wishing you an wonderful day and AWESOME WEEK AHEAD!!

Hugs,
Darlene

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #97

It's time once again for another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  Can you believe we are almost to Number 100 ... WOW!  Today's sketches (fancy & cas) can be used in so many ways ... I chose to create somewhere in between the Fancy & the CAS ... (imagine that! ... LOL)  

 

I just learned how to make these awesome flowers using Sakaras Punches (purchased at Joan's Gardens) and wanted to use them here.  The leaves are created using a Sizzix die and I've curled them around a pair of tweezers for added dimension.  The designer paper I chose is from My Mind's Eye (Stella Rose) and the image was coloring with Sugarloaf Whisper Strokes markers.

(click on image to enlarge)

For the life of me I can't remember where this image is from ... I'm thinking Nicecrane Design but not sure ... sorry ... brain's not working today!  Either way, her pose is certainly one of 'thinking' so I thought the little AMuse sentiment was perfect in the corner.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and please be sure to pop over to the Challenge Blog and check out the DT's amazing creations!  What an inspirational group of designers!!  

Other challenges:

Party Time Tuesday - Anything goes & homemade flower(s)

Anything Goes Challenge - Make your own embellishments 

Clear It Out Challenge - Flowers, Flowers & More Flowers

Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT Challenge - Homemade Flowers

The Stamping Boutique - Homemade Flowers

Tuesday Throwdown - Floral

Happy Crafting!

Darlene

Glitterbabe Monday

It's time once again for Glitterbabe Monday.  That means every Monday I will be showcasing one of Stef Hughes (Glitterbabe) digi images and share the creation I have made using that particular image.

 (click on image to enlarge)

Today I am using her adorable 'Blackberry Branch' image.  Be sure to pop over to her BLOG  to see all the wonderful creations made by the team to inspire you (not always the same image used) and then pop on over to the STORE and get this/that image for yourself.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.

For Glitterbabe's Digi's
Darlene

What Did You Do Today??

What ever it was, I hope you had FUN!!  As for me, I spent ALL DAY in my crafting cave ... not creating ... but 'ORGANIZING' all my cards.  I had a table full of cards that needed finished on the inside, put into sleeves and placed in the box ready to sell.  Problem was, my boxes needed a little revamping with better labeling ... making it easier for customer's to hopefully go directly to what they might be looking for.  Here's what I mean . . .

The boxes are 'media' boxes I found at JoAnn's and they work perfectly.  The A-6 size cards are too tall to leave standing so I can put the lids on for transporting ... but I just lay the cards down and the lids fit on fine and I can stack them to carry to the car, etc.  Once I reach my destination (craft show), I merely remove the lids and stand the cards back up . . . all ready to be thumbed through!!
 

 I decided to use heavy 12x12 cardstock to make my dividers and printed the categories onto 8 1/2 x 11 shipping label paper then cut them to the size I wanted ... worked perfectly.  For the holiday sections (not shown) I even coordinated the colors on the tags to match the holiday ... hopefully it will 'catch their eye'!


Storing my cards in this manner also helps me see what categories I might be low on ... today I see I really need more GUY Birthday cards and Sympathy cards.  I learned a new 'inking' technique last week at Joan's Gardens workshop so I put it to use and made these Sympathy cards.  I think the technique was perfect for a sympathy card ... what do you think?

 (click on images to enlarge)

 Hubby has promised to help me do some modifying in my crafting cave this summer.  Since he bought me a light box (huge one) for Christmas ... I need some additional lighting and a stand to utilize it properly.  But for now, I have moved one of my worktables over on the side and have it there.  Not the best of conditions but at least I can use it.  Would you like a peek at the rest of my 'messy' crafting cave??

 (click image to enlarge - if you dare, LOL, pretty messy)

I warned you it was messy!!  LOL!!  Yes ... I am blessed with half the basement for my crafting area.  When it's all cleaned up, I can seat eight ladies for a play day ... which I really need to get scheduled! We've all been waiting for winter to be OVER so we can get together and play ... I think it's TIME!!


Well ... still a lot of clean up to do.  I kind of let things slide over the winter . . . but now it's spring cleaning time and I think I'll work from the 'bottom up'!  LOL!!  Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!  Shew ... I'm tired ... think I'll go sit with hubby & watch the ole tube for awhile!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!


Hugs,
Darlene

Sugar Creek Hollow Challenge and Blog Hop Prize Winner Announcement

I'm sad to say this will be my last posting as the March Guest Designer for Sugar Creek Hollow!  It has been a wonderful, exciting month and I want to thank all the ladies at SCH for their warm welcome & support.  A special thanks goes out to Tracy & Cec!

Before going onto today's challenge, I want to remind you of all the wonderful activities going on to celebrate the 1st Anniversary at Sugar Creek Hollow.  You'll want to pop over today and get involved in the last activity ... 'suggesting a name for a special image' ... you can see the image over on the blog.  Leave a comment with your name suggestion (don't forget to leave YOUR contact email) and you'll have until Midnight EST on March 30th to do this ... Tracy will draw a winner and make the announcement on March 31st.


Speaking of WINNER'S ... The WINNER of my Blog Hop Prize . . . {drumroll please} . . . is:

* * *  LAGENE  * * *

Lagene said...

Love your card! I'm following you! I really love SCH Insect Tiles. I would love to win your blog candy! memalagene at gmail dot com

Congratulations Lagene! An Email is On It's Way!

NOW ... onto 
Today's Challenge . . .

STITCHING

(click on image to enlarge)

I just can't get enough of this beautiful 'Ladies Frock Together Digi Stamp' and it's just perfect for paper piecing (which I've done here) and since I was having trouble with the ole 40+ year old sewing machine, I decided to do faux stitching around my card & image. The designer paper I chose to use is from the My Mind's Eye 'Stella and Rose' paper pack.  I made the flowers using Sakaras punches, gold & orange cardstock & Tim Holtz Tea Dye distress ink. Oh ... and the leaves are from a Sizzix die - #656064.

Please be sure to jump on over to the Challenge Blog and see all the amazing work done by the Design Team ... they are AMAZING!!!   

Thanks again to SCH for letting me be a part of their fun and thanks goes out to all of you who continue to honor me with your visits & comments!  I'm so blessed!!
Hugs,
Darlene

Springtime Creation Fun . . .

Here we are enjoying another Friday evening and I'd like to share a few 'springtime' creations I made today.

These two creations are from the "Flower Children" Collection at Nicecrane Designs.  Ignacio has such a WIDE VARIETY of images ... I'm sure you'll find something you'll love creating with ... be sure to check out his store.

(click on images to enlarge)

Don't these adorable Flower Children make you smile!  This is only one of several images I'll be playing with over the next few days.  I can't wait to share the others with you!  If you have ANY QUESTIONS of items used in the making of these cards, please just leave me a comment and I'll get back to you a.s.a.p.

OH and before I forget ... Ignacio is also looking for a few new designers to showcase his images.  If you are interested, leave me a comment with your email address and I will get back to you with the details.

*  *  *  *  *

Next is a fun & easy creation using the 'Rainy Day Friends' digi image from *Wink *Wink Ink.  Melanie has been having some health issue recently and has been unable to create new images but I'm sure glad I had these cuties in my stash to create today's card!  Please keep Melanie in your prayers & happy thoughts for happier, healthier days ahead.

 (click on image to enlarge)

Melanie also has a wide selection of adorable images you'll just love to create with.  If you've not been to her website, NOW'S THE TIME to check it out and get started with those happy springtime, Easter creations you know you'll need soon!

EDITED TO ADD ONE MORE *Wink *Wink Ink Creation ...

(click on image to enlarge)

After finishing my blog posting, I turned around and this little guy was sitting on my worktable just begging to be colored & created with so here's what I came up with.  A friend today showed me how to use the Martha Stewart Garden Gate punch to punch out the top & bottom of my card front ... leaving a solid panel in the center.  So I added another strip of scrap dp I had laying on the table, used the scrap butterfly border punch I had laying there and popped this cute 'Pup In Boots' image in the center.  The purple background is actually on the 'inside' of the card.

Thanks so much for stopping and I wish you all a WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!

Hugs,

Darlene

A Challenge and a Prayer Request

Hello everyone!  It's Thursday and that means it is time for the weekly card challenge over on Joan's Gardens Blog.  But before we get to my challenge card I would like to ask you to keep my husband in your prayers once again!  He got the test results back today from his Pet Scan and unfortunately it wasn't as squeeky clean as we had hoped.  There appears to be another growth in the same area as the 'contankerous' lymph node he had prior to his stem cell transplant 2 years ago.  It's very small at this point in time but with his history, the oncologist is being very cautious and will be monitoring it very closely.  Your prayers got us through the first time around and I'm asking for those additional prayers once again.  Thanks so much!

Okay ... onto that fun challenge 

at Joan's Gardens!  

Today her challenge requirements are:

*  Use the colors Peach & Teal

*  Use Butterflies

*  Use something FRILLY

 (click on image to enlarge)

So, what do you think?  I just purchased the Bo Bunny 'Gabrielle Collection' designer paper at Joan's last week and I love it.  Perfect for today's challenge!  Of course, butterflies is never a problem for me ... I have many types to choose from between stamps, punches & dies!  BUT ... frilly was a little more difficult!  Then I remembered having the Spellbinder 'Fleur De Lis' die and thought between that & the Martha Stewart border punch ... I had my 'frilly'.  (Items in BOLD print can be purchased at Joan's Gardens)

Joan also gave me a TIP on using those more intricate dies and I'd like to share that with you just in case you've had the same problem as I have had in the past!  TIP:  Placing wax paper between your cardstock & die will help in the removal ... ALSO ... after running your die back & forth through your embossing machine ... TURN the die a quarter turn and run it through again!  Worked beautifully!

Thanks my friends for stopping by and here's wishing you an AMAZING day filled with fun & laughter!!  Thanks again for those prayers ... I so appreciate each & every one!!

Hugs to ya!

Darlene

Joan's Gardens Tag Challenge & Crafty Secrets

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

I was so bummed to miss creating a tag last week for Joan's Gardens Tag Challenge but I'm happy to say I'm playing along again this week ... AND, I'm using materials & techniques I learned at Joan's last week!


The designer paper used on my tag is Basic Grey 'Curio' which I cut down to fit the tag then cut the bird image from the extra piece and after distressing / inking the edges using Tim Holtz Distress ink & distresser, popped it up on the tag front.  
     The leaf branch is from the Sizzix #656064 die, flower was created using two Sakaras Punches ... Blossom (flower) and Frilly Snowflake (stamen).
     The butterflies were created using a Martha Stewart punch ... scrap designer paper and the lace is from SU.  All items in BOLD can be purchased at Joan's Gardens.

Other Challenges:

Truly Scrumptious - Tag It

Wild Orchid - Die Cuts & Punches

The Creative Cottage - Spring has Sprung

Little Red Wagon - Butterflies

Scrap-Creations - Spring has Sprung

Tuesday Throwdown - Anything but a Card

* * * * *

For the Crafty Secrets Challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers this week, Marcy has asked us to use FANCY LAYERS along with our Crafty Secrets products for our creations.  To me that meant working the magic with my trusty Fiskars Swivel Craft Knife by paper piecing and popping up with dimensionals.

 (click on image to enlarge)

I have used the Crafty Secrets 'ROSE' Clear Art Stamp for today's creation.  If you click on the image you can see the dimension better.  The polka dot paper I used was actually a 'scrap' from the scrap drawer and the background plaid was an RAK from a friend.  I used Sugarloaf Whisper Strokes markers to color my leaves and Nestabilities Beaded Circle die for the sentiment panel.

Here's a look at the entire card.  The mat, sponging & leaves are created from SU Old Olive paper & ink.
        Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed today's creations!  Enjoy your day and hug those closest to you!!  

Let's Hear It For The Boys ...

That is the theme for our challenge at The Sisterhood today!! 

(click image to enlarge)

AND ... our sponsor today is our very own BONI of Dude Time Doodles.  How about this DUDE???  (don't tell anyone ... but he really looks like a guy I used to date  ... really!!  Sssshhhh!)

Check out more of Boni's Dude Time Doodles over on our Sisterhood Blog because all the SISTAHS are creating with them today!  


Okay ... now it's time for you to create 'one for the guys' and share it with us!!  Can't wait to see your creations!  I'm always SO INSPIRED by you all!!!  See you at The Sisterhood!!

Hugs,
Darlene

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #96 and Workshop Projects

Well, I'm back from the workshop at Joan's Garden's in Indiana and excited to show you the projects we made!  But first I'd like to share today's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge card with you.  Today I chose to use the 'fancy' sketch for my card and my focus image is the lovely 'Bird Cluster Digital Stamp' from "priscillastyles" store.

(click on image to enlarge)

I have used Prismacolor markers for the coloring of my image and the designer paper is by K&Company.  Colorbok metal dots & Martha Stewart birds (punch) were used for embellishments.

Be sure to pop over to the challenge blog and check out all the amazing creations for today's sketch and then by all means, PLAY ALONG!  You won't be sorry ...  It's great fun and there are always wonderful prizes offered!

 * * * * *

 The following are the projects I made last week at the workshop.  Selma & Joan did an amazing job of coming up with fabulous projects for us to create and I just LOVE them all!!

First is an 'explosion tea cup box' ... isn't this AMAZING and ADORABLE!!!

Secondly was a giftbox.  Selma & Joan taught us how to make these wonderful flowers to decorate our box with and I can tell you I will be making a LOT MORE of these flowers ... they are awesome!

And lastly was a watermark resist technique used to create this card.  I used a different image (Heartfelt Creations #HCPC3370) for my card than what was used in the class but it was the TECHNIQUE that was the most important to learn!  We also found that Tim Holtz Distress Inks worked beautifully for this technique.

You can read & see ALL THE  DETAILS on these projects on Joan's Gardens Blog and more instructional details over on Selma's Blog.


Sorry for the long posting but I just HAD to share these creations with you!  And when I got home look what greeted me as I came up the sidewalk . . .

Aren't they beautiful!  Made me SO HAPPY!  They are certainly the FIRST TRUE SIGN that Spring is finally here!!  Have a wonderful week everyone!  
Hugs,
Darlene

Glitterbabe Tuesday

It's time once again for Glitterbabe Tuesday.  That means every Tuesday I will be showcasing one of Stef Hughes (Glitterbabe) digi images and share the creation I have made using that particular image.

 (click on image to enlarge)

Today I am using her adorable 'Bible Lily' image.  Be sure to pop over to her BLOG  to see all the wonderful creations made by the team to inspire you (not always the same image used) and then pop on over to the STORE and get this/that image for yourself.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.

For Glitterbabe's Digi's
Darlene

FUN TIME . . .

. . . at Sugar Creek Hollow!

Today, in addition to announcing our weekly challenge, we are having a BLOG HOP as part of our 1st Anniversary Celebrations.  All the designers have a GIVEAWAY for a winner chosen randomly from the people who leave comments on their blogs.  There will be a GRAND PRIZE winner chosen from the people who leave a comment on the Sugar Creek Hollow challenge blog.

Our challenge today is 

ANYTHING GOES

... and the team is showcasing some of the wonderful NEW RELEASE images available.   Here's is my creation ...

(click on image to enlarge)

 

 The Blog Hop will run in conjunction with the challenge ... from 8:00 a.m. EST on Saturday, March 19th to 12:00 Midnight EST on Friday, March 25th.  Comments left after the deadline will not be included in any of the drawings.  Winners will be announced on each blog and the challenge blog on March 26th.

(YOU could WIN this PRIZE)

To be eligible for my giveaway, you must become a follower and then leave me a comment telling me which stamp in the Sugar Creek Hollow Shoppe is YOUR favorite.  Don't forget to leave a contact email in case YOU are my blog winner!

Hopefully you have arrived here from Cec's blog but if you are lost, here is the order of the hop . . .

Tracy

Heide

Sharon

Cec

Darlene (you are here)

Dawn

Donna

Marsha

Mary 

Nancy

Renee

Sugar Creek Hollow Challenge Blog

We look forward to hearing your comments and to seeing YOUR creation entered into our challenge.  Your next stop is DAWN's blog.  

Have a great time!
Darlene