Cardabilities Reveal #124

Hello Dear Friends!

It is time once again for the new Sketch Reveal 

at the Cardabilities Sketch Challenge Blog.

Here's my card and today's sketch ... I hope you'll come join us!

You will have until June 13th to join in our challenge and please be sure to review our rules.

One rule I'd like to mention is:  your entry can be shared with only 3 additional challenges in order for you to qualify for our prize. 

Our wonderful sponsor today is
Crafty City

I had such a wonderful time creating with this sketch in mind.  And, although I rarely create with the color blue (don't know why ... lol) I love how this card looks.  And I also find I get more creative when I design using these fabulous Cardabilities sketches but using things like my Tattered Angels sprays that sit in the box most of the time (lol ... yes, I've become a hoarder!)

Again, I do hope you will come join in this fabulous, fun challenge.
Need more inspiration?  Pop over and check out the amazing designs from the rest of the team!  These ladies always make my jaw drop!!!

Challenges to share in:
Seize the Birthday Challenge - Anything Goes 'Birthday'
Word Art Wednesday - Anything Goes / Family Friendly
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Anything Goes
 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I hope you'll come join in the challenge fun at Cardabilties!
As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Medium Blue cs, scrap of design paper ??

Stamp/Ink: Inkadinkado,  / Tim Holtz 'Stormy Sky', Versafine Onyx

Dies:  Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Finishing Touches - Delicate Daisy Complete Petals', Cheery Lynn Designs 'Horizontal Fishtail Banners', Spellbinder Classic Ovals, Joanna Sheen 'Isobel Lace Border', Cheery Lynn Designs 'Pair of Ferns'

Accessories:  Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist 'Moonlight' and 'Bronze', Kaiser pearls, Flower making kit and forming mat, Scotch dimensional tape

A "Splash" of Color ...

Hi everyone and happy Saturday!  
Today I am thrilled and honored to have been asked by Jo of Jo's Scrap Shack to be a guest designer on her blog!  If you're not familiar with Jo's blog, please pop over and check it out.  She has something going on all the time and a challenge too!  Doing her challenge is where I met Jo and she has been such a voice of encouragement to me!  Thanks Jo for this wonderful opportunity!!

Now, please let me show you what I have created especially for you.

I just love making homemade flowers and my favorite design style is vintage.  So, for today's card, I've combined these two favorites!  There are so many adorable vintage images available to create with and I think this sweet girl is just precious.  Since the image is in sepia tone I wanted to give her a POP of COLOR with my homemade flowers.  

This is so easy to do with all the flower making dies available.   Today I've chosen 4 different dies from Spellbinder D'lites and a variety of ink.  I'm using Spellbinder dies 'Blossom One', 'Blossom Two', 'Blossom Three' and 'Blossom Four' along with various colors of Stampin' Up and Tim Holtz distress inks.  I prefer using large sponge daubers for each of the different color shades.

  Here are the various flowers I colored and created for my card.  I've actually combined pieces from some of one die set with another die set to create a unique flower of my own.

To tie my kaleidoscope of flower colors together in my design, I used the excess on my sponge daubers to color the paper doily (behind my image), a white butterfly, as well as the outside edge of my base card which is 5x7 in size  (see photos).

By die cutting larger flourishes then cutting them into various pieces, I was able to add even more dimension to my floral cluster in just a matter of minutes.

So there you have it!  Get those floral die cuts out ... cut them in white ... then add what ever combination of color you want to them.  I like to make several different kinds and keep them in a clear box so I have them available for those times when I'm rushed.

Thanks so much to Jo for the honor of Guest Designing on her blog today!

Challenges to share in:
Addicted to Stamps Challenge - Anything Goes
Frilly and Funky Challenge - Happy, Happy, Happy (happy to make flowers & use vintage design)
Inspiration Destination Challenge - Anything Goes
Paper Shelter Challenge - Flower Power
Ruby's Rainbow Challenge - May Blossoms and Butterflies
Inky Chicks Challenge - Pearls
Simon Says Challenge - Anything Goes


Thanks for stopping by today and as always ...

Flowers, flowers and more flowers ...

Hello my friends!

Today I have a card to share that has been sitting on my work table 'in pieces' for several days!  My mojo has been really lacking lately partly due to the fact that with the nice weather I had so much outside work to do that I preferred being outdoors vs in my cave.  

BUT ... I'm happy to say that I finally got it done and would like to share it with you today.

I have had this gorgeous Ken Oliver 'Watercolored Memories' background paper for quite some time now and FINALLY decided to use a sheet of it (versus hoard it ... lol).  

My image is from the Crafty Secrets Digital Flowers Printable Sheet - DPS-11. 

Decorative (white) backing panel is Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Spanish Collection Background' purchased through Dies R Us.  As well as the BoBunny 'Flourish' and the BoBunny 'Flutter' butterfly.  The mulberry rose is from Wild Rose Studio.

Since I mentioned all the outside work I have been doing, I thought I'd share a few photos of THOSE FLOWERS with you in this post also.  I love watching the various flowers come to life around our home and property!  You just have to love Mother Nature!!!

Poppy

 

Asiatic Lilies

Poenies

Iris

 

One of my all time favorites ... Bleeding Heart

We are lucky enough to have a nice level backyard and at the back of the property a wooded area which we have little by little turned into a 'picnic' area.  I have several perennials planted around the groves of trees (i.e. Hostas, Foam Plant, Coral Bells, Bleeding Heart, Phlox) but then I add impatience around the edge of the beds for a pop of color come summer time.  I finally got those planted last weekend (and oh my the mosquito bites I got in the process ... wow!).

 So now you know my excuse reason for not sharing as many card creations lately!  LOL

We also just planted 2 pink dogwood up in the picnic area so hopefully they will do well and add another spring time pop of color.

 Speaking of those new trees ... I'd better get outside and give them a drink of water.

 Hope you have a fabulous day and thanks so much for stopping by today!

 As always ...

Take Time to Smell the Flowers!

Is your life as busy as mine?  

Hello Dear Friends!  Thanks for stopping by today!

I really need to 'take time to smell the flowers' ... 

life is just buzzin' by!

 There's a new challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters and our hostess Diane has given us a photo inspiration to create from today!  Check this out ...

 Isn't that a beautiful garden?  

I would love to be walking through there right now and I bet it smells wonderful with all the lavender and roses!  You can interpret this photo as you see it but I think Diane is looking for you to use the COLORS in this pretty picture!   I chose to go with the COLORS and the scene itself.  So pretty!

I had a lot of fun creating this garden scene. 

My husband teases me about always having to put 'birds in the sky' and 'butterflies on the flowers' ... so of course I had to finish off my flower garden with a couple little white butterflies that were laying on the work table just begging to be added.  

Here's an interesting little story for you ...

Did you know it's been said that when white butterflies follow you around, they are the spirit of loved ones just letting you know they are watching over you?  

Call me crazy!  But over the past couple of years, all summer long when I am outside mowing the lawn or working in the flower beds there are always TWO white butterflies following me around.  Since both my father and my father-in-law where avid gardeners, I'm assuming it must be them watching over what I'm doing and guiding me in the right direction.  

Call me crazy again!  But I have noticed that in these past couple of years my flowers have been SO vibrant in color and my lawn looks better than ever!  

Must be the help of our Dad's guiding hands!

Well, I will leave you with that and get back to business here in my crafting cave before it's time to get outside in those flower beds!

 I hope you'll come join in our challenge fun! 

I'd love to see what YOU create!

As always . . .

 

Recipe:
Papers:   white cs, SU pear pizazz cs, SU garden green cs, SU old olive cs, DCWV Latte matstack,
Dies:  Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Finishing Touches' Petite Vinery, Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Finishing Touches' Blossoming Branch, Heartfelt Creations 'Birds & Blooms', Impression Obsession 'Fence', Joy!Craft 'grass', Poppy Stamps 'Classic Ribbons'

Accessories:  Kaiser pearls, TH Dusty Concord distress ink, sponge applicator, Prima flowers, Stickles, Martha Stewart '3 in 1' butterfly punch

Saying "I DO"

Hello Dear Friends!
It's time once again to share an inspirational sample using die cuts for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.  If you EVER need inspiration ... especially with using die cuts, please be sure to pop over to our Inspiration Blog.  Each week day Monday through Friday one of the team members will share a NEW creation using die cuts carried & available at our Dies R Us Store.
Please check it out!!

With wedding season right around the corner, I've been receiving some requests for wedding cards and this card was created for a lady who wanted something in purple & white but not a lot of layers or fuss.  So, this is what I came up with and she loved it!

The dies I chose for this card are:

Cheery Lynn Designs 'I DO'

Spellbinder Shapabilities 'Floral Affair'

Marianne 'Tiny's Love Birds'  LR0298

The only 'fussiness' I added to my card was the 'pearl necklace' and diamond Stickles on the birds wings and the brides dress.  I used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers to color in the brides face/hair.  The pearls are actually purple though they look black in the photo.

This is a true showing of how quick & easy a wedding card can be created with just a few die cuts.  You will find dies available at the Dies R Us Store to cover a large variety of occasions.  Please be sure to pop over and have a peek.  I'm sure you'll find exactly what you're looking for!  AND at a very reasonable price!!!

Challenges:
Party Time Tuesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Artistic Inspirations Challenge - Anything Goes with a Twist of Die Cuts


A quick reminder that you still have a few days to participate in our 1st Anniversary Challenge at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  YOU could be one of our FIVE winner's ... HURRY!!

Time to get busy here in the cave!

So, until next time, have a fabulous day and as always . . .

Birds of Summer . . .

Hello dear friends!

 I hope you had a fabulous weekend! 

Ours was relatively quiet with the exception of the graduation excitement for grandson Jonathan.  If you follow me on Facebook you've already seen these photos (sorry ... family pride is overflowing) ... I am SO very proud of our 'little family' and just had to share that excitement with you all!

 This is a small country school (graduating class of 43) so they were seated more by height vs name.  

Jon is 6' 3" so he was FIRST in and LAST out!  LOL!

 CONGRATULATIONS to JONATHAN!

And to his parents for raising such a warm hearted, soft spoken, hard working young man. 

It was FIVE years ago when we stood in this very room congratulating granddaughter, Morgan on her high school graduation!

WOW ... time sure flies.  Now she is busy working for Medic Rescue ... going to school for her EMT license ... a fire-fighter and hopes to continue in her sign language.

Of course none of us know what the future holds but my wish for my grandchildren is to strive to achieve their goals ... whatever they might be ... keep their family bond as tight as it is today ... and to be HAPPY ... life is short  ... make each moment count!

Thanks for letting me share my family's joyous day with you all.

Now, onto the crafting side of my life!
LOL

Today I'd like to share a couple beautiful cards with you that I created using images and paper from Crafty Secrets!  The product I've used today are:

Digital Flowers Printable Sheet - DPS-11

Birds and Blooms Digital Paper Collection Kit - DPK-26

I just LOVE these papers and images!
They are fitting for so many occasions and the colors are beautiful!

I was in need of more birthday cards so that is the occasion I decided upon for my cards today.

Other items used on my cards:

Joanna Sheen lace dies, Sue Wilson Ivy Corner, Darice birdhouse charm, satin ribbon, baker's twine, TH distresser, MS frond punch, Prima flowers, Wild Orchid flowers, Fiskars swivel craft knife for fussy cutting

Thanks for stopping by!
It is Memorial Day and although we don't have a cookout or anything planned, I've put the holiday table cloth on the picnic table up in our picnic area where I hope we can sit and enjoy our afternoon meal.  I also need to get my annuals planted up there so hubby can sit and keep me company while I gt it done ... the last planting needing done for this year.

Happy Day All ...
As Always ...

Remember ...

Happy Memorial Day to all my U.S. friends!

Please take a moment out of your holiday fun festivities and remember those who lost their lives that we may keep our freedom!!

God please watch over our military boys & girls!

God Bless the U.S.A.

Have you missed me? LOL

Hello my friends and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Sorry I've been a bit MIA ... just so much going on outside with the weather being so nice.

But I'm pleased to say flowers are planted ... mulching is done ... deck is power washed and I'm ready to relax and enjoy summer!!!

Today's a big day for my family ... grandson, Jonathan graduates high school today.

Jonathan has gone to the career center the past 2 years taking up welding and graduated there this past Tuesday evening ... but today is graduation from his actual school ... Leetonia H.S.

Fun fact:

Leetonia H.S. is a relatively new school (K-12) and Jon's class is the 

FIRST graduating class who attended Leetonia all 12 years.

Now on a crafting note ...

I have been crafting but mostly filling orders and DT work.

I have an order for 10 tissue box covers ... would you like to see a few?

Well sorry to make this so short but it's going to be a busy day!

I promise to be back soon with some fabulous cards to inspire you with.

Till then and as always ...

My favorite color ...

Hello Dear Friends!

Today I was in the mood to just create something in my favorite color combination ... purple & green (or for that matter, purple and ANYTHING!) lol

Here's what I came up with . . .

I've actually pulled out a couple of dies that I bought and never used.  Do you ever do that?  I see a die I just HAVE to HAVE then once I get it I put it away and forget to use it ... is that considered hoarding?  LOL

Anyways, I love how this came together.  Of course I'm sure you recognize the background paper as Graphic45 'Secret Garden' and the bird image comes from the Graphic45 'Time to Flourish' 8x8 paper pack.  A short while back I spent a day making homemade flowers and this is my last purple one ... guess I'd better get busy making a few more for my stash (in purple that is ... I still have other colors).

Here's a couple of close ups ...

 

A few challenges to share in today are:

2 Crafty Girls Challenge - Vintage

2 Cute Ink Digital Stamp Challenge - Bird Theme

Artistic Inspiration Challenge #131 - Anything Goes with a Twist of Swirls

Card Mania Challenge - Pearls and Swirls

Crafty Boots Challenge - Ribbon or Lace

Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy day to stop by to see what I have to share with you today!   I hope you find inspiration in my work ... I know I find so much inspiration from all of you!

Have a fabulous day and please stop back again real soon.  Now I'd better get outside in the flower beds ... I think that's the weeds I hear 'taking over!'

As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Lavender cs, Graphic45 dp, olive cs

Inks:  TH 'Dusty Concord', Memento 'Bamboo Leaves'

Dies:  Joanne Sheen 'Isobel Lace Border', Memory Box 'Forest Hummingbirds', BoBunny 'Flourish Dies', Sue Wilson 'Classic Rose'

Accessories:  MS Frond Punch, Eva crystal swirls, Kaiser pearls, SU dimensionals, large sponge daubers