Planting time . . .

Good Afternoon my friends!

This is my second posting for today but I just didn't want to forget to share the card I made for the fun challenge over at Classy Cards N Such called 'Garden Party'.

I just love seeing all the flowers starting to take form in my flower beds and wish I had more time (and initiative) to spend planting and nurturing.  But of course, if I did THAT, it would be time away from my crafting cave and we all know how much I love being in 'my cave'!  LOL

So, I guess I just plant 'paper flowers' today ... which is so easy when you begin with the beautiful Graphic45 'Secret Gardens' design paper as I've done here. 

 

And, how about these fabulous dies ... 

Here are a few other challenges I'd like to share in today:

Die Cuttin Divas - Make it Girly

Sweet Stamps - photo inspiration below

Digi Choosday Week #17 -Wings and Things

Pause Dream Enjoy Linky Party - Flowers

Thanks for the visit!

The rain is STILL coming down but at least the winds have slowed down a little!

Prayers go out to all our southern/mid west friends who have had to deal with such devastation due to the recent storms/tornadoes.  

Till next time ...

Recipe:

Papers:  Chocolate Chip cs, Garden Green cs, Lavender cs, Graphic45 Secret Garden dp

Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs Exotic Butterflies, Joy! Craft floral die #6003/0030, Impression Obsession Wheel Barrow #DIE165H, Impression Obsession Watering Can #DIE 155A, pop dots, Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers

On the Runway ...

. . . is the theme for the current challenge at Frilly & Funkie!

Hello Everyone!

Today I'm taking off my design team hat and doing a little card making/challenge playing for ME!

A good friend of mine from Illinois (waving Hi to Bette) suggested I play along in this challenge (does she know my style favorites or what! lol) so I got busy and this is what I came up with  . . .

OMGosh I had so much fun putting this card together!

I've used some items I've rarely or NEVER used before and LOVE the outcome!

For instance:
I've just recently gotten hooked on using STENCILS ... what a fun way to create your own background or coordinating accent as I have done here with the new Memory Box 'Modern Dressmaker' Style #88562 stencil!

See the buttons?  I haven't used button's on my cards in years ... makes them difficult to mail so I shy away from them ... but they were absolutely NECESSARY on this card!  LOL!

My ribbon spool, tape measure & sewing machine tag are from the Crafty Secrets Digital Sewing Papers file.  The narrow black satin ribbon I wrapped around the spool came from a holiday blouse I bought for our last years Christmas party ... you know, those pieces they add inside your blouse to help it from falling off the hanger!

How about my background paper ... do you see what it is?  It entire sheet is corrugated on one side and flat on the other.  It comes from a 6x6 DCWV corrugated paper pack that comes in muted colors ... I thought this shade was perfect for today's creation. Though hard to see, the black border is actually self adhesive LACE that I found on one of my trips to Joan's Gardens in Indiana. 

Last but not least, my beautiful vintage focus image comes from the Graphic45 'Fashionista' Collection.  A little edge distressing and TH vintage photo sponging was all this image needed to 'fit the bill' for today's runway creation!

Here are a few other challenges I'd love to share in:

613 Avenue Create #69 - Anything Goes

Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes
Creative Card Crew #60 - Girly
Through the Craftroom Doors - Anything Goes
Aurora Wings Challenge #2 - Monochromatic
Bunny Zoe's April Challenge - Distress

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today!

It's always such a pleasure to have you visit!

Till next time ...

The Birds are Singing . . .

Hello everyone!  

Hope you're having a fabulous week so far!

Today is my day to create an inspiration piece for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog and with the sun shining (finally! lol) I'm sure the birds are SINGING their little hearts out!  Let's take a walk in the park and see!

What a fun time I had creating this little scene for you today!  The design paper I have used today is from Graph45 Secret Garden and worked perfectly with some of the new dies I found at the Dies R Us Store!  Did you see?  We have newly released Cheery Lynn Designs as well as the newly released Spellbinders available now ... come check them out!  Such a wonderful selection of companies to pick from ... I'm sure you'll find something you 'just can't live without!'  And, at a great price too ... COME ON OVER and see for yourself!

Today I thought we'd go to the park and sit a spell on this beautiful Spellbinder 'Garden Bench' (S2-085).  And, of course, with warm breezes and sunshine comes that time of year when love is in the air ... as witnessed by this adorable Wild Rose Studio 'Love Bird Tree' (WRS009).  

And of course, you can't walk through the park without seeing banners flying and flowers growing.  In 'my park' I have a Poppy Stamps 'Simple Banner' (#836) and Cheery Lynn Designs 'Shasta Daisy' (B310).  These dies make it so easy to create flowers of all types.  You say you've never seen a blue daisy??  Well, you have to come to 'my secret garden' to find them! LOL!

A little distressing and sponging and this card is ready to make someone smile!   I hope I've been able to make you smile today and you're inspired to pop on over to the store to get the dies you need to create your own secret garden.

NOTE:  New Dies R Us Challenges begin Thursday ... MAY 1st.  
BE WATCHING FOR MY GIVEAWAY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS LAUNCH!

Please come join the fun and check out the AMAZING designs by the A Team!

They will 'knock your socks off'!!! 

Remember, the Dies R Us store is open 24/7 and not only are new dies added frequently, but if by chance you find that the die you are desiring is marked as 'out of stock' ... just click on the 'Put Me On The Waiting List' and you'll be notified when it's back in stock for your purchasing pleasure!  AND, we have a wish list available for you too ... come register and check out all the amazing dies available ... $35 (USA) $50 (International) gets you free shipping!  WOW! 

Here are a few challenges I'd like to share in:

The Squirrel and the Fox - Use Die Cuts or Punches
That Craft Place Challenge - Anything Goes

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Things with Wings

Thanks so much for stopping by ... hope you have a wonderful day!

Craft Hoarders Anonymous April Guest Designer

Hello my friends!

I'm thrilled once again to create as one of the April Guest Designer at  

Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge Blog! 

Thanks so much to Gloria and the amazing Craft Hoarders Anonymous team for inviting me to play along as their April Guest Designer!  It's been wonderful!!!

Challenge #6 Sketch Challenge, with a Twist

Use the sketch below as inspiration for creating your project. You can modify the sketch to create a card, scrapbook layout, altered canvas, mini book cover, and so on. Now, for the TWIST! You must search your hoard and find one item that is OLD and one item that is NEW and use them BOTH on your project. Show us how you combine older items from your stash with something recently purchased.

Please note: you may change the elements of the sketch design. The flowers can become gears, stars, or a bow. The banners can become buttons or a folded edge. Please feel to rotate or flip the sketch. The sketch is just a guide to your creativity.

One talented participant will receive this prize, donated by Hampton Art! The GoGo Crafter Rolling Tote is collapsible, allowing it to be shipped and stored flat. It comes with two wheels and a sturdy retractable handle for transporting. It also has interior dividers that are adjustable and removable, two interior pockets, three exterior side pockets for supplies, and a zippered front area. This tote can hold enough items for an evening crop or be a helpful "companion" at trade shows or expos. 

Over $100 Value  - Product is NOT included

Hampton Art, founded in 1980 in picturesque Long Island, NY, has been inspiring stampers, crafters and papercraft enthusiasts for over 20 years. One of the earliest “art stamp” companies, Hampton has transformed over the years to become a complete provider of creative products such as stamps, inks, papers, kids crafts, stationery, scrapbooking supplies, and card making accessories for crafters of every age and skill level. We focus on working together with other companies through strong, personal relationships and licensing partnerships to consistently bring fun, inspiring products to market. We have a portfolio of brands including Hampton Art™, Studio G™, Diffusion, Ditto™, and our latest addition, Ki Memories®, acquired in 2012. Our products can be found via most national craft retailers at over 5000 stores across the US and Canada. We also ship to 20 different countries across the globe. Hampton was acquired by National Spinning Co, Inc. of Washington, NC, our current home, in 2008. For more information, visit our Website. 

Here is my interpretation of the sketch:

I just love ALL paper Graphic45!  And one of my favorites is the Le' Romantique Collection.

Being a lover of vintage design, this paper pack really called out to me!

I don't have much of it left so I utilized every scrap I could from this same sheet to create this card.  Including the medallion center as well as the design panels and flowers.

The lacy medallion is actually the 'center die' in the Cheery Lynn Designs 'Polynesian Sails Oval' die set and then I die cut an extra center panel using a Spellbinder classic circles die.  Lots of gold Stickles helped to add sparkle to this beautiful dancing couple creation.

For your convenience, the Challenge Rules are HERE.  
Make sure to link your project using the Link Tool on the Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge Blog.  Please be sure you visit the Guest Designers and the Design Team to see what they have to share!

Guest Team Links:

Anneke Bouwmeesters-de Monnink

Birgit Norton

Jaya Raghuvanshi

Marelle Jackman

Shani Thomas

Design Team Links:

AmberMilone

ChristyButters

DebbieSeyer

DonnaIdlet 

GinnyNemchak

GlendaBrooks

GloriaStengel

JanMarie Ennenga

KarenZueger

KathyClement

PamBray

TammiBennett

Well, that's it for my project today.  I hope you'll come join in the challenge fun at Craft Hoarders Anonymous.  You will have until Sunday, May 4th at midnight, PT to enter your creation.

Thanks so much for stopping by ... it's always such a thrill to have you visit!

 

 

Recipe:

Papers:  SU Very Vanilla cs, Graphic45 Le' Romantique Collection dp, 

Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs #B307 'Sweet William Strip' die, #DL153 'Polynesian Sails Oval die, Gold Stickles, Offray ivory satin ribbon, PunchBunch Flower Making Kit

 

The Beauty of Nature!

Hello friends ... 

WOW, we got off to a late start this morning and I've been running behind ALL DAY!!

But, I was able to create a card for the current challenge at Joan's Touch which is ...

Use something from Nature

Purple and white

distressed edges

You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Touch Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.joanstouch.com

With purple being my favorite color ... of course I had to join in on Joan's challenge this week!
I was inspired by her beautiful creation in which she used tulle for texture, so I decided to use 'cheese cloth' for texture on my card.  I saw this scrap piece of cheesecloth laying on the table and thought ... Why Not!

LOVE the beautiful paper I used for my background panel.  I purchased it a short while back from Classy Cards n Such.  It's a little heavier weight so it die cuts beautifully ... and the colors are GORGEOUS!  Did you notice the beautiful sheen this paper has ... love that!

Of course, one of my FAVORITE design paper companies is Graphic45!  The focus image is actually one of the floral images on the lead sheet of 12 x 12 paper in the Secrets Garden paper pack.  A little fussy cutting and matting turned it into the perfect NATURE focus on my card.

There too, what would flowers be without butterflies?  I die cut/punched  several different sizes and shapes of butterflies for my neighbors baby shower recently and these two lavender vellum butterflies were the perfect embellishment.

With using vellum for these butterflies, I thought the delicate look of pearls would be a nice accent.  But instead of using tiny pearls I created my own using Liquid Pearls for the center body section of the butterfly.

Not sure if you can see it in the photo, but there is nice dimension on this card, created by popping up the white panel as well as the floral panel.

 Well, I think I've chewed on your ear long enough ... I'm sure you didn't need all those details but just in case there's a 'newbie' out there watching, hopefully I've helped in some little way!

Here are a few other challenges I'd like to enter into:
Crafty Catz Challenge #228 - Anything Goes
Dazzling Diva Challenge #22 - Radiant Orchid or Anything Goes
Miriam's Crafting Blog's 11th Monthly Challenge - Texture


Thanks so much for stopping by!  Hope you have a FABULOUS weekend!
The Adventures in Stamping is this weekend in Akron so guess where I'll be!?!  LOL!!
Take care!

 

Recipe:

Papers:  white cs, So...Silk Fabulous Purple, Graphic45 Secret Garden dp, lavender vellum, SU lavender cs

Accessories:  Zutter Distrezzz it All, cheese cloth, white liquid pearls, Thermo web 3d foam squares, Tim Holtz tea dye distress ink, large sponge dauber, Fiskars swivel craft knife, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Spellbinder 'Fancy Lattice' Shapeability

Sending Encouragement

Happy Friday All!

Even though the weather is finally getting nicer which helps to lift your spirits after a long, cold winter, some folks are dealing with issues that even blue skies can't help ease the pain.  

So, today's card was created with that in mind.

I loved this Easter image from the Crafty Secrets 'Seasonal' booklet so I decided to do a little fussy cutting and revamping to turn it into a card of encouragement.  The background panel (house scene) is actually the journaling portion of the image but with a little 'outside the box' thinking and my trusty swivel craft knife, I was able to mesh the two imagines into one.

How wonderful that I was able to print out my background paper (Digital Garden Papers DP08) and have it match so beautifully ...both color and pattern!

To make the switch from Easter to Encouragement,  I used one of the stamps from the Grand Greetings DAS-M40 clear stamp set.  I have several 'scrap' circles/ovals that are left from other projects so that is what I used to stamp my sentiment then matted it in ivory card stock ... same as the base card.

Sharing in a few challenges:
Crafty Girls Challenge #16 - Anything Goes
Creative Knockouts #34 - Anything Goes
Crafting By Designs April Challenge - Anything Goes

I hope you've enjoyed today's card creation and I hope it will bring a little smile to the recipient!

Have a fabulous day and thanks so much for stopping by!

Other items used in today's card:

Stampendous gold diamond dots.

Starform outline corner stickers.

Darice paper flowers.

Spellbinder classic oval dies.

Martha Stewart 'branch' punch

Sisterhood - Things with Wings

Hello Everyone!

It's time once again for a fun challenge over at The Sisterhood of Crafters!

Today's challenge is Things With Wings and I had such fun creating my card for your inspiration!

Not only was I digging through my scraps of design paper for this card (love using up those scraps), but also used a die that I've had in my stash for some time now and hadn't created anything with yet.

Isn't this main die cut image pretty?

It's by Cottage Cutz ... #CCE-030 'Fancy Cattails and Butterflies'.

My yellow gingham paper has been hanging around for a l-o-n-g time and when I saw a recent creation by fellow sister Diane H., and realized I also had yellow gingham ribbon ... I knew that was where this creation was to begin!  Recently I die cut several different styles/sizes of butterflies in shades of purple, for my neighbors baby shower ... so you'll be seeing a lot of butterflies flying off my cards throughout the spring/summer months!  LOL!  OH and I nearly forgot to mention my beautiful bow (thanks Donna!).  It was so quick and easy to make using my Craft-Dee Bowz bow making tool.

A few challenges to share in:

Crafts Galore Encore Challenge - Include your favorite color (purple)

Bearly Mine April Challenge - Spring

Craft-Dee BowZ April Challenge - Anything Goes with a homemade bow

The Crafty Blogger April Challenge - Dies Cuts or Embossing

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and I hope you'll come join in our challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters.  My step sisters and sisters have created some amazing cards to share today ... come on over and take a peek! 

Having fun with stencils & dies . . .

Happy Tuesday my Friends!

It's time once again to create a little inspiration for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.  Today, I decided to play with some of the new Memory Box STENCILS I recently purchased  to create a unique background for this adorable Nellie's Choice vintage image along with dies from the Dies R Us Store.

These are the two Memory Box stencils I chose to use today.

#88514

#88574

By simply positioning your stencils (tape down with removable tape to keep them from sliding) and sponging with various colors (going from lighter shades to darker on the edges), you can come up with some of the most wonderful pattern paper.  In fact, the background paper I used was a very subtle polka dot printed paper.  I used Tim Holtz distress inks and sponge daubers to create today's fun background.

Remember ... if something happens to be 'out of stock' at the Dies R Us store, click on the PUT ME ON THE WAITING LIST tab and you will be notified when the item is returned to stock. 

I've also added a little ink sponging to my kraft colored kitties ... aren't they cute!

A few challenges to share in:
Aurora Wings Challenge - Monochromatic
Classy Cards n Such - Musical Motiff
Crafting From The Heart - Anything Goes
The Crafty Bloggers April Challenge - Anything Goes
Incy Wincy Designs - Furry Friends

Just a reminder about our new Dies R Us Challenge Blog being launched May 1st!

Why not pop over right now and meet the designers,
then come back on the 1st and 15th of each month for a new fun themed challenge. 

Thanks so much for visiting me today!
I hope you're having a fabulous week!

Recipe:

Papers:  SU Very Vanilla cs, Melissa Francis dp

Inks:  Tim Holtz distress inks: vintage rose, tea dye, vintage photo

Dies & Stencils:  Memory Box 'Bubbles' stencil #88574,

Memory Box 'Texture Ornate' stencil #88514

Impression Obsession 'Cats' #DIE083

Memory Box 'Party Music' #98757

Cheery Lynn Designs 'Lace Corner Deco E' #B165

Cheery Lynn Designs 'Anastasia Border' #B136

Flutterby - Butterfly at Squigglefly

Wow that title is kind of a tongue twister!!  LOL!

Hello friends and thanks for coming to visit me today!!!

The new challenge at Squigglefly this week is to 'Add a Butterfly' to your card.

It could be a die cut, a brad, sticker, in your image/paper ...

Well, you get the picture!!

 How cute is this image by Carmen Gamble called 'Easter Peeps'!

 I wanted to bring focus not only to my butterfly for the challenge but to this adorable image, so I tried a little different coloring/design scheme.  After printing, cutting and coloring my original image, I laid it on another large piece of white card stock and began coloring the grass and sky with my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.

Then I matted each panel with black card stock and POPPED up the focus image using pop dots.

The cute bunny on the left appeared to be looking up at 'something' so I decided it must have been a butterfly that had his attentions!  Looks like his buddy is trying to figure out exactly what is popping out of that egg!!!  What fun!

I really like how this card came together!

Even though the WHITE SPACE around the edge looked just fine ... 

it bothered me so I grabbed my TH black distress marker and started doodling!

{sigh}  that's better!!!  LOL!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and please, won't you come join in

our challenge fun at Squigglefly?  At least take a quick pop over and check out what my team mates have created to inspire you today!  They would sure appreciate it!!

Have a GREAT day!!

Easter's Past ...

HAPPY EASTER!

Yep!  That's me (on the left) with my sisters, all ready for church on

Easter Sunday 1957.

We may not have had 'a lot' when I was growing up, 

but we ALWAYS had a new dress for Easter!

I'm so blessed to be able to spend another Easter Sunday with these lovely ladies today!
Everyone is bringing food to Mom's house after church ... yum!

I hope you're enjoying the love of  family around you today also!

UPDATE:  Getting ready to head to Grandma Great's house (my mother)!
Potato salad made with my homemade picalilli (family recipe) is in the fridge and here's a peek at the colored deviled eggs Mark & I just finished to take along.  I did the coloring while Mark worked his magic on the filling.  So Yummy!  Oh ... and the idea for coloring eggs this way came from Pinterest!

 

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!

New Life Time of Year . . .

GOOD FRIDAY my Friends!

With Spring in the air, 'New Life' is all around!

The yards are turning green with new spring grass, the birds are busy making their nests in my trees and birdhouses and even our young couple neighbors are expecting 'new life' in their house next month!

So with that being said, I was in the mood to make something for a 'little one' and this is what I've come up with using Crafty Secrets Sweet Chips Chipboard 'Little Girl Outfit'.

OPEN

 I am hoping to make a series of these adorable little pinafores in different colors/papers, so I decided to use the original chipboard, trace around and cut it out of an empty Rice Krispies box for today's project.  It worked okay, but not as cleanly folded as the original chipboard panel from Crafty Secrets.

I have used the Crafty Secrets Pastel Papers (no longer available) but there are SO MANY beautiful papers available on any of their CDs that would work beautifully!  The image I have used on the front of the pinafore was actually fussy cut from one of the sheets of paper ... the remainder of that same sheet was used for the back cover.

Here are a couple close-ups showing the dimension by using pop dots and the vintage staining around the image using a sponge and Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress Ink.

  

Here's a close up of the collar (another chipboard piece in the set) that I traced and cut out of a scrap of paper in the same paper pack.  I created the little flower with the same paper and the Spellbinder Shapeabilities 'Bitty Blossoms' die.  Down in the center is a teeny tiny pearl ... hard to see in the photo.

Of course I had to add some vintage lace as well as Stickles sparkle along the top, collar and lower scallops.

A few challenges to share in:
Crafty Girls Challenge - Anything Goes
It's all about the Vintage - Shabby Chic
Addicted to Stamps n More - Anything Goes
 Crafting by Design April Challenge - Anything Goes
Creative Moments - Anything Goes/Girly
Divas by Design - Bundle of Joy
Whimsy Stamps Challenge - Anything Goes

I hope you've enjoyed today's project and have been inspired to try something 'a little different'.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you
all (here in the states) have a fabulous Easter weekend!