Spring's around the corner . . .

Happy Weekend Everyone!

I hope you have something fun planned for this weekend.

Not much going on around here today and since my friend (Waiving Hi to Diane [Nellie's Nest]) told me she was going to play a challenge JUST FOR FUN today I thought I'd join in.  The challenge is over at My Artistic Adventures Blog and even though you can play using any images, the prize and GD spot is only offered if you have used her images.  

SO ... that gave me a good excuse to pop over to her Etsy shop and make a purchase.  

I mean come on ... my hands were tied ... I just HAD to do it!  Right???  LOL!

And there are only a few hours left to play so I QUICKLY created this card:

The challenge theme is "THINK SPRING" (oh my gosh ... am I ever!).

The collage page I selected for today's card is called 'Vintage chic Victorian Roses ATC Backgroundss Spring Digital Collage sheet' and I just LOVE it!  Some of the imges have flowers, some have birds but each one is beautiful and vintage ... you all know I LOVE VINTAGE anything!!!

I cut each image from the sheet then decided which two I wanted to use on my card front.

Added a little of this and a little of that and VIOLA!

SPRINGTIME!

I hope you'll come check out this fun challenge.  

You probably don't have time to play the current challenge but a new one is coming and I hope to play again ... why not join me (and Diane! lol).

Challenges to share in:

Brown Sugar Challenges - Anything Goes

Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - Emboss It

Crafty Catz Challenge - Dies/Punches

Digitally Sweet Challenge - Anything Goes

Fun with Shapes Challenge - Flowers of Spring
My Sheri Crafts Challenge - Welcome Spring

Well, I'd better get this linked up before time runs out!

Stay warm and safe out there if you live in any of the areas that are expecting another snow storm over this weekend.  Here in Ohio they are calling for another 4-8" of snow (oh joy!).  

And then ... in the mid 40s come Tuesday!  

WHAT???   This weather is crazy ... no wonder everyone is sick!

Okay .. gotta go!

As always ...

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs

Images:  'Vintage chic Victorian Roses ATC Backgroundss Spring Digital Collage sheet', 

Stamp images:  Crafty Secrets

Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs 'Chrysanthemum' die #B311, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Exotic Butterfly Small' #DL112, Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Finishing Touches Classic Rose' #CED1407, Couture Creations EF, Tim Holtz 'Brushed Corduroy and Dusty Concord' distress inks, sponge daubers, Offray dotted organza ribbon

More Birthday Greetings ...

Happy Friday!

Today's card creation satisfies both my need to do a sketch challenge (this time around the Wednesday sketch at Splitcoast Stampers) and a DT commitment card for Crafty Secrets.  Love when I can combine things I enjoy together in one creation.

This adorable little girl as well as the birthday scroll sentiment are from the Birds and Blossoms Printable Sheet and the cute little kitty is from the Altered Fairies Creative Scraps.

The sketch I'm using today is from Splitcoast Stampers (need to be a member to view & play).

I have flipped the sketch vertically for my card.  And of course added a few 'extras'.

After sitting my panels in position, I realized my focus image covered the pretty flower in this design paper so quickly grabbed my Fiskars Swivel Craft Knife and did a bit of fussy cutting so I could slide the image panel behind the flower.  Awwww that's better!
Little kitty was fussy cut and popped up also to give a little added dimension.
All the COLOR panels on this card were created with ink and a sponge dauber.

A few challenge to share in today are:
DoubleClick Challenge - Use an Animal
Inspiration Destination Challenge - Anything Goes
Scrapper's Delights Challenge - Anything Goes
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by ... I hope your weekend is fabulous!
I'm looking forward to NEXT week since the temperatures are supposed to be much higher!
I sure hope so ... I'm getting tired of these frigid temperatures!
As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Black cs, Prima 'Jodie Lee designs' Nature Garden Collection design paper

Ink:  SU groovy guava, SU More Mustard

Images:  Birds and Blossoms Printable Sheet, Altered Fairies Creative Scraps

Accessories:  Pop Dots, White Liquid Pearls, Fiskars swivel craft knife, large sponge dauber

Playing with Paper . . .

Morning Everyone!

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

and "I" am honored to be your hostess today!

I discovered there were two techniques that I haven't used in a very long time so decided to make those our theme for today's challenge.  Those two techniques are:

Paper Piecing and/or Paper Piercing

(you can use one or the other ... or both).

 

I wanted to use a LARGE image stamp to give you the full effect but not sure this was a good choice ... although, I do like how it came together.  I am always in need of Sympathy cards so decided to use that as the theme for today's technique card.  AND, as you see, I chose Paper PIECING.  I was actually going to do Paper Piercing in the corner of my background paper but DUH!  FORGOT and adhered it to my card base before doing it!  Went with faux stitching instead! 

Oh well ... next time!  LOL!

I wasn't sure if you could tell in the full card photo how I had 'fussy cut' parts of my flower and stacked them with dimensional tape for extra dimensional paper piecing ... so here's a close up of that detail.

Recipe:

Papers:  Black cs, Lavender cs, Lilac cs, Colorbok 'Sorbet' dp

Stamps/Ink:  Heartfelt 'Blossoms', Versafine Onyx

Dies:  Cheery Lynn Designs 'Exotic Butterflies Small' #DL112, Spellbinder Nestabilities 'Labels 17', Elizabeth Craft 'With Sympathy' #737, Memory Box 'Geneva Vine' #98595

Accessories:  Dimensional Tape, TH fine tip black marker, Spectrum Noir alcohol marker 'LV1'

Technique:  Paper Piecing, Faux Stitching

At the last minute I decided to do a second card.
Here I've simply grabbed a sheet of Graphic45 'Sweet Sentiments' 8x8 paper (doubled sided) and a floral stamp (by Just for Fun) and make a thank you card.  Another very 'simple' card but a little special with the paper piecing.

Please pop over to the Sisterhood to see the fabulous creations my 'sistahs' have created for you then come join in the fun!  We draw such amazing inspiration from all you crafters and truly enjoy being ooohhh'd & aaahhh'd by your amazing talents!

A few challenges to share in today:
Creative Moments Challenge - Anything Goes/Paper Piecing

Cuttin and Stampin Challenge - Anything Goes

Digi Chooseday Challenge - Anything Goes

Party Time Tuesday Challenge - Anything Goes

 Thanks so much for stopping by!

Can you believe we only have a few days left in this month!  

WOW!  Time is FLYING by!!

Heart of my Heart . . .

Hello Blogging Friends!

Can you believe we are already to the end of another month!  

WOW!  As they say ... Time flies when you're having fun!!

It's Tuesday and that means that it is time once again for me to hopefully inspire you with a new card sample I've created using dies available at our Dies R Us Store and shared over on our Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.  Each day Monday through Friday the team shares a BRAND NEW sample ... please be sure to pop over and see what my teamies have been creating ... simple awesome!

I am loving all these new 'heart' dies (and have added several to my stash, lol) but today I'm using one I've had in my collection for awhile now.  I just think it's gorgeous and can certainly be used for a variety of occasions.   I think this card might be turned into a Wedding or Anniversary card.  

What are your thoughts on it?? 

SEE!  Isn't it beautiful!!

This is the Cheery Lynn Designs 'Lattice Heart with Vines' #B368 die and I've paired it with another GORGEOUS die set from the Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Spanish Collection - Cordoba #CED1206 for the background panel.  I actually die cut all three of the Sue Wilson dies at the same time then proceeded to use each panel on a different card.  How cool is that!!  And time saving too!
(peek at the inside)

Both panels have been popped up onto the background panel, Kaiser pearls added to the corners then it was time to add a few more embellishments.  I decided a touch of organza ribbon and a 'floral bouquet' were in order.  So, to accomplish my bouquet, I turned to my Cheery Lynn Designs 'Sweet William Strip' #B307 to create today's flowers.  A few sprigs of flourish from Marianne #LR0157 and a touch of sparkle to the floral centers ... VIOLA!  bouquet was complete.

Challenges to share in:
Cheery Lynn Designs - Anything Goes

Paper Creator's Crafts February Challenge - Love is in the Air

Sisters of Crafts February Challenge - Anything Goes
Come and Get It Challenge - Layer It On

Just a reminder that Dies R Us also has a challenge blog and,

a new challenge is offered on the 1st and 15th of each month!

You can get all the details here on our 

Dies R Us Challenge Blog!

There's still time to join in our current challenge ... it runs through the 26th.

Thanks so much for stopping by and as always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Pink linen cs, SU Rich Razzleberry cs
Dies:   Cheery Lynn Designs 'Lattice Heart with Vines' #B368, Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Spanish Collection - Cordoba #CED1206, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Sweet William Strip' #B307, Marianne #LR0157
Accessories:  White Liquid Pearls, Deco Art Glamour Dust, Kaiser Pearls, Dimensional Tape, White Organza Ribbon, Craft-Dee Bowz Bow maker,
INSIDE card:  Cheery Lynn Designs 'Margarita Border' #B432, Memory Box 'Stitched Circle Layers' #30036, TH Spun Sugar distress ink, Versus Rubber Stamps

Never Enough Birthday Cards . . .

Happy Monday my friends!

DANG is it cold here in Ohio!  Overnight temperatures below zero and the high today is only going to be 8 degrees!    Uuugh ... I think everyone is really ready for Spring this year!!!  And we've had record breaking snowfalls too!  Our extra 4 or so inches of snow on Saturday were really pretty ... BUT ... enough already!!!!!  LOL

So needless to say, I spent the weekend either in my cave crafting (when my mojo was present) ... or in front of the TV watching a few movies with my dear husband (when it wasn't)!

I have an order for a dozen Birthday cards for a friend of my mother's so decided to get started on those.  She doesn't want anything 'too fancy' ... so here's what I've created so far.

This was a quick and easy card to create, and I LOVE the outcome.

I created the background panel using various inks and sponge applicators.

Then die cut Memory Box 'Happy Birthday Extravaganza' sentiment using  white card stock

and VIOLA!!!   The butterflies were created with a Martha Stewart punch and I

sponged the edges of their wings with coordinating inks.

 

I dipped into some of my Graphic45 design papers for this card.

Simply some cutting and distressing and this card was pronounced DONE!!

Although cute, I'm not real sure this would be good for a birthday so will include it in the pack as a BONUS card.  I found this image out on Pinterest and just thought it was adorable (but a bit sad!).

I've added a touch of diamond Stickles to her wings as well as the center of the butterfly.

Well, I still have a lot of cards to create so I'd better get busy.

And, of course, with a new month approaching ... I have new DT obligations to see to as well.

You know what they say ... "Time flies when you're having Fun!"

Wishing you all a FABULOUS week ahead!

As for me ... I'm just trying to stay warm and creative!

As always . . .

Birthday Time at 613 Avenue

Hello Dear Friends!

How are you this fine Sunday??

As my title suggests, it's time for a new challenge at 613 Avenue Creates and today's theme is

ANYTHING BIRTHDAY

(card, gift, packaging, etc., etc.,)

We are thrilled once again to have these two three fabulous sponsors:

Bugaboo Stamps

Flatfriends

and a new sponsor for 613 Avenue Creates . . .
Crafty Secrets


So, today, I will not have just ONE creation to share ... but I will have TWO!

For my first card, I get to play with a fun image from Bugaboo Stamps called Frame It - Balloon Boy.   I can always use more children's birthday cards in my stash and I just thought this little guy was so darn cute!

I was right ... how cute did this card turn out!
Not a lot of fuss or fancy but perfect for any kids birthday party!

This birthday background paper has been in my paper drawer for years!  The colors worked just great with this little balloon offering fellow!  How do you like that cupcake?  Looks good enough to eat huh!  Or maybe I'm just hungry for something sweet, lol!

Recipe:

Papers:  white cs, ocean blue cs, lavender cs,birthday dp (?? too old to remember)

Accessories:  Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Elizabeth Craft #716 'Cupcake w/candle & bow die, Stickles - Lavender, Firefly, Orange Peel

Inside:  Mrs. Grossman cupcake sticker, Penny Black stamp, Versafine onyx ink, scrap of birthday dp (opposite side)

For my second card I have created a more feminine birthday card using one of the images from the Crafty Secrets 'Victorian Floral Easter Eggs' printable sheets.

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Brown cs, Graphic45 'Botanical Tea' 6x6 solids/prints, scrap of Floral dp (mfg?), 

Images/ephemera:  Crafty Secrets Digital Birds & Blossoms, Crafty Secrets 'Victorian Floral Easter Eggs'

Dies:  Elizabeth Craft 'Happy Birthday', Lea'bilities 'Fancy Oval Frames', Memory Box 'Meadowbird Branch'

If by chance you are not familiar with the 613 Avenue Creates Challenge blog, we are an ANYTHING GOES challenge WITH AN OPTIONAL TWIST.  You can enter your creation either way!  WITH or WITHOUT the twist.

Challenges to share in today:

Scrap & Craft Challenge - Birthday
Seize the Birthday Challenge - I chose 'Anything Goes Birthday'

A Gem of a Challenge - Children's Playtime (birthday party)

Thanks so much for stopping by and as always . . .

Trying something NEW . . .

Happy Weekend Everyone!

We are expecting another 3-6" of snow here in Akron, OH 

so I'm going to stay in, stay warm and get creative!  

Earlier this week I saw a gorgeous card designed by Cathrine Sandvik, one of my new DT team mates at Cardabilities.  She was kind enough to share a photo tutorial, so needless to say, I just HAD to give it a try.  (Thanks Cathrine for inspiration!)

Now as you will see if you click on Cathrine's

card, mine isn't nearly as fancy as hers ... but still unique and beautiful I think!

Some challenge's I'd like to share in are:

Fussy and Fancy Challenge - Tic Tac Toe (Sentiment, Ribbon, Lace)

Die Cut Diva's Challenge - Odd Card

4 Crafty Chicks Challenge - Things with Wings

As You Like It Challenge - CAS or Fussy (and why)  I am a vintage, lots of layers lover at heart.  It just makes me happy!  I struggle with CAS ... just not enough do-dads for me!! LOL

Crafty Ribbons Challenge - Black n White

Creative Knockouts Challenge - Spots & Dots

Simply Create Too #79 - Anything Goes

Sister Act Card Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

I hope you are having a wonderful (warm) weekend!

I have several DT creations to get done so I'd better get to work!  LOL!

As always . . .

Recipe:

Paper:  SU Very Vanilla cs, white cs, black cs, the Paper Studio 'Harper's Boutique' dp,

Image:  Nellie's Choice Vintage (Sandra Kuck photographer)

Ink:  SU More Mustard

Dies:  Spellbinder Nestabilities 'Fleur de Lis Squares', Memory Box 'Devine Butterfly', Poppy Stamps 'Ashby Corner', Elizabeth Craft 'Happy Birthday', Cheery Lynn Designs 'Anastasia Border', Cheery Lynn Designs 'Horizontal Fishtail Banner'

Accessories:  Stickles 'diamond', Offray black organza ribbon, Wild Orchid rose, Inky Impressions 'Heart charm', Paper Piercer

Birthday Forget-Me-Nots

Happy Friday Friends!

Here we are on the brink of another weekend and another week closer to Spring!

YAY!!!

I'm a bit weary from all the cold and snow this month so I thought I'd create 

with a 'happier', more colorful image in mind.

I chose one of the pretty images from the Crafty Secrets 'Victorian Floral Easter Egg' digital pages for today's card creation.  I 'thought' these flowers were 'Forget-Me-Nots', so before mis-identifying them, I did a Google search and yes in deed they are and aren't they just beautiful! 

 I fussy cut the image from the page using my Fiskars swivel craft knife (love that thing!), distressed the edges with a Tim Holtz distressing tool then adhered it to a white card stock panel and proceeded to fussy cut my mat and distress it as well.

I kept my design pretty simple since I wanted all the focus to be on this pretty image.

If you noticed, on the sheet there are also SMALLER copies of some of the images and here I've used the coordinating image for the inside of my card.  Just adds a special little 'something'!

Sorry to say the Crafty Secrets February Challenge (Linky Party) is over but please be sure to come join us the 1st Monday in March (and 1st Monday of every month) for a new challenge.

REMEMBER ... you can use ANY Crafty Secrets products on your creation ... heck, you don't even have to follow the theme if you don't want to!  AND if you don't have anything from Crafty Secrets to create with, we even supply you each challenge with a FREEBIE that you can use to join in and maybe be our LUCKY WINNER!!!   Please do check it out and come join us!!!

 Challenges I'd like to share in today:

Cute Card Thursday Challenge #361 - Floral Delight

DL.ART Thankful Thursday Challenge #150 - Use the color Blue

Little Miss Muffet Challenge #104 - Anything Goes
Scrap & Craft Challenge - Birthday
Seize the Birthday Challenge - I chose 'Anything Goes Birthday'

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by!

Those of you in the Brrrr cold states ... please be careful & try to stay warm.

Those of you in the WARM sunny states ... be thankful!  Or, come help me shovel snow!  LOL!

Either way, thanks and as always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Graphic45 'Botanical Tea' 6x6 Solids & Prints dp

Stamps/Ink:  Verses Rubber Stamps / Versafine Onyx

Dies:  Elizabeth Craft 'Happy Birthday', Memory Box 'Meadowbird Branch', Cottage Cutz Petites 'Butterfly w/Flower'

Accessories:  Tim Holtz distresser, E6000 spray adhesive, Fiskars swivel craft knife,

Thinking of You . . .

Happy Hump Day Friends!

Today I have a card to share with you for the new challenge over at the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge Blog.  When I was working on this card I was really struggling with my 'mojo levels' but then it finally kicked into gear and I'm very happy with the outcome.

(Inside)

 I just LOVE the springy paper I used on today's card!  With it being SO COLD outside, I needed to create with a happy, springtime theme and my choice is design paper was just what I needed.

This paper pack actually came free in one of my magazine subscriptions and I had it in a stack with some other 'freebies' I've received to use for blog candy but just hadn't gotten around to it yet. 

 

 I just ADORE this Memory Box butterfly die.

I wanted them to really POP so die cut them onto a scraps of card stock (top in blue/lower in ivory) and colored them myself using Tim Holtz distress inks. First with 'Salty Ocean' then  with 'Picked Raspberry' to create the purple centers.

I hand pierced the three top panels on my card front ... but then decided to distress all the panels so now some of them you don't really see the piercing.

Challenges to share in today . . .

Pile It On Challenge - Butterflies

Stamping Sensations February Challenge - Anything Goes

Allsorts Challenge - Any Occasion other than Birthday (thinking of you)

Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - Two's (2 butterflies)

Simply Create Too #79 - Anything Goes

Sister Act Card Challenge #93 - Anything Goes
Creative Craft Cottage - In the Garden

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

I hope you are having a good week and staying warm if you live in an area like I do and am dealing with these bitter cold temperatures!  We are breaking temperature records this year!!

As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  Scraps of solid color card stocks, Cardmaking & Papercraft Magazine 'April Rose Illustrations' luxury paper pack dp

Stamps/Inks:  Just Rite Stamps, Versafine Onyx, Tim Holtz distress inks

Dies:  Memory Box 'Devine Butterfly', Impression Obsession 'Watering Can', Memory Box 'Fanciful Fences', Cheery Lynn Designs 'Anastasia Border'

Accessories:  Tim Holtz distress tool, SU paper piercing pad, paper piercer, white Gelly Roll pen (faux stitching)

Inside Card:  Papers:  Cardmaking & Papercraft 'April Rose Illustrations' luxury paper pack dp     Dies:  Spellbinder Celebrations 'Pierced Rectangles'     Sentiment:  Stampingsensations.com

Butterflies & Flowers

Hello Dear Friends!

I don't know about you, but I am SO READY for butterflies and flowers!

I'm not a 'cold weather' person ... and the older I get the more I enjoy the warmth of the sun and the smell of pretty flowers in my garden!  

Geez ... I'm sounding more and more like my mother every day!  LOL

Anyways, today's card is my inspirational SHARE for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.

I've used the following dies from the Dies R Us Store on today's card creation: 

Memory Box Devine Butterfly #98265

Memory Box Sylvan Corner #99087

Memory Box Madera Corner #98237

I just love both the butterfly and the butterfly corner dies!

  Both are so delicate looking and I really love how the tiny butterflies at the top of the corner die are cut in such a manner that you can lift the wings for dimension!  I've added a touch of diamond Stickles to each little butterfly on the corner die for sparkle & texture.

The Devine Butterfly was actually cut from a scrap of the design paper used for the background on my card.   I then sponged on a bit of Tim Holtz 'salty ocean' & 'picked raspberry' distress inks to achieve the color.  And, lastly covered it with diamond Stickles.  SO PRETTY IRL!!

It's amazing how quickly (and beautifully) a card can come together with just a few die cuts!  Be sure to pop over to the store to find all the new release dies available for purchase.  And remember, if by chance it is 'Out of Stock', just click on the Put Me On The Waiting List button, add your information and you'll be notified by email when it's back in stock.  It truly doesn't take long at all!!

A few challenges to share in:

Amusing Challenge - Die Cuts

Pile It On Challenge - Butterflies

The Corrosive Challenge - Things with Wings
Crafty Calendar February Challenge - Anything Goes
ABC Challenge - D is for Die Cuts
Creative Craft Cottage - In the Garden

OH and remember to come join in our fun challenges!  

New challenge on the 1st & 15th of each month at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.

You could be our next Gift Voucher Winner!

Thanks for stopping by and as always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  SU Pink Pirouette cs, White cs, Paper Pizazz design paper

Image: Pinterest

Accessories: diamond Stickles, dies identified above, small sponge daubers, TH distress inks