Sunday, November 29, 2015

The Robyn's Fetish Challenge #292 -"USE SOME BROWN AND YELLOW" - 11/29/2015

Happy Sunday Dear Friends!
it's time for a new, fun challenge at Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog!
This week's challenge is:

USE SOME BROWN AND YELLOW
and our sponsor is
 
 A DAY FOR DAISIES
 One lucky winner will receive a $12 Gift Card to the A Day For Daisies Store!
Today I had the pleasure of creating with their image called 'Playing In the Pumpkin Patch'.
What a fun image to color and create with.  I used spectrum noir alcohol markers for my coloring today.  I used a simple design for the background because I really wanted the focus to be on this cute image.  The die cut I used is the Spellbinder 'A2 Valiant Honor' set.  My background is cinnamon card stock, an OLD piece of SU design paper and pretty ribbon from the Really Reasonable Ribbons 'Autumn Days' pack.

Challenges to share in:
Allsorts Challenge - Colors of Autumn
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge - Anything Goes with a Twist/Use a Die Cut
Crafting With Friends Challenge - Anything Goes
Creative Fingers Challenge - Anything Goes
Simply Papercraft Challenges - Anything Goes

Now it's your turn to have some fun.  I hope you'll come join in our BROWN AND YELLOW challenge

DID YOU KNOW??  A friend and I have a new challenge blog beginning in 2016.   
Please check it out.  Double D Challenges

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
As always . . .

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Blue Christmas

Hello Friends ...
Thanksgiving is over ... Black Friday shopping is done
(ssshhh I lied ... I don't go out into all that craziness!  LOL)
Now I really need to get busy on the rest of the holiday cards I need to get made & sent out!
Time just flies by ... HOW does that happen??

Anyways ... here's a fun card I designed on consignment and liked it so well I made a few for myself!


The background paper was an older, plain blue design paper that I've had for so long that I can't even tell you who made it.  But, I probably picked it up in one of those big packs at one of the box stores at holiday time.
To add a bit more texture to it, I simply stamped over it with an Impression Obsession snowflake flourish stamp (F13376) and white craft ink.  I used that same stamp and blue ink for the inside of my card (see below)

My focus image was printed from the internet and to showcase it more elegantly,  I simply die cut the Impression Obsession 'Snowflake Background' DIE211 to use as an overlay.  I must tell you that I did cut the 2 center snowflakes out of the die cut panel so you could see the faces on my image better.  I can then use those snowflakes on another project.

I just love these vintage style images and die cuts help to make such an amazing difference with little effort.


The little poinsettias were made from a different die set and were extras from another project so I added them at the corner because it just looked like it needed 'something'!  LOL

My inside sentiment kind of says it all!
This is also an Impression Obsession stamp called 'Warmest Thoughts' #C5394.

Challenges to share in today are:
Impressions Obsession Challenge - Seasons Greetings
A Snowflakes Promise #10 - Winter/Christmas
Deep Ocean Challenge - White and one other color
Always Playing with Paper - Make a Christmas Card

Thanks so much for stopping  by today!
As always . . .

P.S.  A friend and I have a new challenge blog beginning in 2016.   
Please check it out.  Double D Challenges



Friday, November 27, 2015

Dies R Us - Pretty Little Poinsettias

Today I have a beautiful holiday card in the traditional Christmas colors of Red, Green and White with a touch of Gold to share with you and it's my inspiration sample for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.  I'm very happy with how this card came together, and only TWO die sets were used.

The dies I have used today are:

Spellbinder Holiday '5x7 Holly Frame' #S6-040
and

I am SO SORRY to say that this beautiful Spellbinder Holly Frame is out of stock and I'm not sure it will be back in the store again before the holidays. 
Spellbinders - Holiday Collection - Christmas - Shapeabilities Die - 5 x 7 Holly Frame

I love it when you can pair these type of dies together to create a masterpiece such as this.  I've used dimension tape to pop up the red panel as well as in three locations under the scroll.  The little poinsettias hide the dimensional tape squares quite well!  LOL

On the holly scroll I've colored the holly leaves with a Spectrum Noir 'DG3' alcohol marker and placed gold Stickles in the center of each flower for just a TOUCH of sparkle.


Be sure to pop over to the Dies R Us Store to find all your holiday card making dies.  They have over 40 companies represented and don't forget to use the SEARCH block.  Just type in what you're looking for and it will show you all the dies available for that subject from all the companies represented.  I was amazed at how helpful the SEARCH feature of the store was!  

Be sure to come join in the challenge fun too at the
New themes posted on the 1st and 15th of each month with one lucky winner receiving a gift voucher to the Dies R Us Store.  Who knows ... that lucky winner could be YOU!  But, you have to play to win!!

Challenges to share in:
Aud Sentiment Challenge #145 - Anything Goes w/sentiment
Craft Rocket Challenges #4 - Add a sentiment
DRS Designs Challenge - Let the Holidays Begin

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

P.S.  A friend and I have a new challenge blog beginning in 2016.   
Please check it out.  Double D Challenges

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Inspiration . . .

Hello Dear Friends!
thanksgiving photo: Thanksgiving HappyThanksgiving.jpg

It's a little quieter than normal at my house this year since the kids are going elsewhere for their dinner ... but that's okay ... we'll make up for it on Christmas morning!  LOL

Earlier in the week I saw a card that crafting friend Glenda Brooks (Magpie's Corner) created and I just had to case her card for myself.  I thought my Mom would really like this card design for her Christmas card so I quickly pulled the pieces together and here's my finished card.  You can see Glenda's card HERE.


Unfortunately the camera didn't pick up the fact that I rubbed white ink over the background brick embossing to give it a more aged appearance (not sure why that happened) so please visualize the bricks a little more 'subtle' looking.  If you look at the closeup below you can see what I'm talking about.  Looks really cool IRL ...


This was actually so easy to create I just make a few more for other friends to receive this year.
Don't you just love the LACE 'curtains' in the window ... I would have never thought to do that!  
THANKS GLENDA!!!
Isn't it wonderful how we can inspire each other!
I just hope I have been able to inspire some folks out there as much as all of them have inspired me!!

Challenges to share in today:
Make My Monday Challenge - Oh Christmas Tree
Always Playing with Paper Challenge - Create a Christmas Card
A Snowflakes Promise Challenge - Winter/Christmas
The Shabby Tea Room Challenge - O Christmas Tree

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I hope you've had a blessed day with family!
God Bless You one and all on this Thanksgiving Day!
As always . . .


P.S.  A friend and I have a new challenge blog beginning in 2016.   
Please check it out.  Double D Challenges

Recipe:
Papers:  Red cs, White cs, Green cs
Stamps/Ink:  Red rubber tree stamp that I can not remember where it came from, Memento 'Bamboo Leaves' green ink  
Dies:  Poppystamps 'Grand Madison Window' #815, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Merry Christmas' #B186 
Accessories:  Darice 'Brick Pattern' embossing folder, Martha Stewart Branch Punch, Kaiser red pearls, Hobby Lobby Lace trim, Recollections mounting foam, Gold Stickles


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Sisterhood of Crafters - In the Meadow we can build a Snowman

Hello friends!
It's time for a new challenge at the Sisterhood of Crafters!
Vicki is our hostess today and her choice of themes is:

IN THE MEADOW WE CAN BUILD A SNOWMAN
(use a snowman on your card/project)



Isnt' this image adorable?
It's an image from a Paintbox Poppets 'Winter Pasttime' that I borrowed from my crafting friends Diane Hover (Nellie's Nest) when I was in Michigan visiting her last month.  What a fun image to color!

I used Copic markers for my coloring (thanks Diane!) while visiting then made the actual card once I got back home.  I recently saw the owner of Stampscapes use a white gelly roll pen to create 'falling snow' in the manner I did today ... but I've used white liquid pearls since my gelly roll pen was cooperating!  LOL!
Cool effect don't you think??


I hope you'll come join in our SNOWMAN CHALLENGE!
For more inspiration, be sure to pop over to see what my 'sistahs' have created!  WOWZA!!

Challenges to share in:
2 Creative Chicks Challenge #4 - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hope you're day is amazing!
As always . . .

P.S.  A friend and I have a new challenge blog beginning in 2016.   
Please check it out.  Double D Challenges

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Teal cs, Black cs, Bo Bunny 'Altitude Collection' 6x6 dp
Accessories:  Michaels holiday ric-rac, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Merry Christmas' #B477 (Snowflake), Pop Dot








Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Dies R Us 'I Love You' Holiday Card

Hello dear friends!
Today I'm sharing a holiday card I made with someone special in mind!
I've created this card as my inspiration to you via the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog ... please be sure to pop over there Monday through Friday for NEW inspiration samples from the team!

My granddaughter 'signs' and when I saw this die I just knew I had to have it for her Christmas card this year.  What a fabulous idea by the manufacturer!  She's going to love it I'm sure.  


The dies used today are:

By using the snowflake background die set, I was able to keep the design simple yet festive!  And, I like how the 'signing sentiment' really stands out ... gets the point across immediately!!!

The snowflake embellishments are actually cut from the inside of the Impression Obsession snowflake background.  I had used that particular (and beautiful) die on a different card as an overlay ... so I had cut out the center snowflakes.  I sponged them with a little Tim Holtz distress 'broken china' ink and they made fabulous embellishments for the front of today's card.  
(We NEVER waste anything do we?  lol)

Inside

This beautiful sentiment die cut is all that was needed to extend my wishes to this lovely young lady!

There are so many AMAZING dies available at our Dies R Us Store ... you really owe it to yourself to go have a look around.  The product and shipping prices are fabulous!  
And, if you have a particular themed die in mind ... just type it into the search and you'll see ALL the dies available in that category from the various companies represented.  Please ... check it out!

You still have a little time left to join in the current 'Thankful' challenge going on at our Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  Remember, one lucky winner will receive $$$ to the Dies R Us store!  That could be YOU!!

Challenges to share in:
Cheery Lynn Designs - Anything Goes (inside sentiment)
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Christmas
Christmas Card Challenge - Anything Goes (Christmas)
Quirky Crafts Challenge - Anything Christmas
Allsorts Challenge - At least 3 die cuts
My Time To Craft Challenge - Let It Snow!

Well, it's a busy week here as I'm sure it is in your house so I'd better get movin'!
Thanks so much for stopping by and as always . . .


P.S.  A friend and I have a new challenge blog beginning in 2016.   
Please check it out.  Double D Challenges


Sunday, November 22, 2015

The Robyn's Fetish Challenge #291 -"CARDS WITH AUTUMN COLORS" - 11/22/2015

Happy Sunday Dear Friends!
it's time for a new, fun challenge at Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog!
This week's challenge is:

CARDS WITH AUTUMN COLORS
and our sponsor is
 
THE CUTTING CAFE
 
 One lucky winner will receive their choice of THREE (3) sets from The Cutting Cafe Store!
 
Today I have chosen to create with their 'ACORN SHAPED CARD' Set. 


How cute is this card for Fall!!!!
I used Kraft card stock for the base acorn card and decided to use DCWV Indian Corn design paper for the topper.  A touch of sponging around the outside edge gave it that true look of an oak tree acorn.  We had TONS of these things around the property when I was growing up and we girls used to come up with all kinds of fun things to create with them.
 
 Now mind you, I don't have one of those fancy cutting machines that uses the SVG files but luckily The Cutting Cafe also provides their images in PDF form to I was able to enjoy their awesome images by simply printing and fussy cutting it myself.  How cool is that!!

Now it's your turn to share your AUTUMN COLORED CARDS with us at the Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog!
 I can't wait to see what you create!

Thanks so much for stoping by today!
As always ...

Friday, November 20, 2015

A card for Grandpa ...

Welcome Back Friends!
Today I have a 'personalized' creation to share with you.
I get requests from time to time for a card that's more PERSONAL.  Luckily, Dies R Us Store carries a variety of Cheery Lynn Designs 'word' dies that help me fulfill these requests.  Today's card demonstrates this:


The young lady who requested this card told me her Grandpa is a farmer and loves being outdoors.  So, this is what I came up and happy to say she loved it.

The dies I've used are:

The background panel was easily created by simply using a white piece of card stock and sponge inking the blue (sky), green (grass), brown (roadway) using various dye inks.  To keep the country feel, I used narrow gingham ribbon for the tag.  And of course, I don't know about you, but I can't have a SKY without putting a bird in it!  LOL  (Hubby teases me about that all the time!)

Be sure when you're looking for something in particular to use the SEARCH feature at the Dies R Us Store.  For instance, I typed in "words" and it came up with 90 matches (including the word die I've used today).

Remember to come join in our Dies R Us Challenge.
The current theme is:  Be Thankful / Thanksgiving
YOU could be our next lucky winner and I hope to see you there!

Thanks for stopping by ...
As always . . .

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Gate Fold Holiday Card

Hello my friends!
Sorry I've not been posting a lot lately ... the mojo just hasn't been cooperating lately.
Plus with the weather being SO WARM and BEAUTIFUL for November in Ohio,
I just couldn't help but get outside and do a really GOOD Fall Cleanup this year!
But today I'm making myself get some cards created!
In fact, I have Christmas Carols playing on Pandora to help get me in the mood!

While scanning through Paper Playful this morning I spotted the challenge at Little Red Wagon which is 'Technique' as well at the 'Christmas' themed challenge for Simon Says Wednesday Challenge.


This card was created entirely of pieces and parts of paper & die cuts I had laying
on the work table.  I love when I can do that ...


I had actually planned on using the reverse side of this design paper (which looks like the inside panel) that I had over-stamped in white with a beautiful Impression Obsession Snow Flourish stamp.  But when I turned it over to attach my 2-sided tape I thought this side would look really cute for this gate fold technique.  And I have SO MUCH Christmas design paper (OLD and NEW) ... this comes from my old stash and I can't even tell you who the mfg. is.  Sorry!


Do you like the Sue Wilson Festive Collection 'Winter Trees' I've placed on the inside?
(Sssshhh!  Don't tell anyone but they were put there to hide a boo-boo!)
Yep ... I didn't let the stamped sentiment dry long enough and created a smudge while
adhering tape to the back ... so ...the trees were added to hide my hasty mistake.
But I must say ... I really like it!!  
Don't you love it when that happens???

 
My front sentiment tab was created from the smallest die cut from the
Sue Wilson Spanish Collection 'Seville' and a white panel from scrap card stock.
The snowflake is a cut out from the Impression Obsession Snowflake Background die. (see below)

I used the Snowflake Background on this card and decided to cut the center
snowflakes out to showcase the background image better.  

Challenges to share in:
Ruby's Rainbow Challenge - Red, White & Blue
The Crafty Addicts Challenge #4 - Anything Goes / use die cuts
Great Impressions November Challenge - Bling On the Holidays!
Crafty Girls Creations Challenge #9 - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Don't forget to check out the new challenge blog coming in January
 that a friend and I have put together!
Going to be awesome fun!!

As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Red cs, design paper??
Stamps/Ink:  Great Impressions (front), Great Impressions (inside), Versafine Onyx
Dies:  Sue Wilson 'Winter Trees', Sue Wilson 'Seville', Impression Obsession 'Snowflake Background'
Accessories:  Stampendous Gold Diamond Dot



Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Dies R Us holiday card inspiration . . .

Hello friends!
I'm busy working on some holiday cards using die cuts from the Dies R Us Store.  
I have several 'pieces' cut and laying on the work table so let's see what develops!  LOL!
Remember to stop by the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog Monday through Friday for new and fabulous inspiration from the design team.  These ladies have some awesome ideas you won't want to miss.


The dies I have used today are:

I love the background paper ... I purchased this paper pack a couple years ago 
because I liked the non-traditional holiday colors.  It's by American Crafts and called 'Hot Cocoa'.


I die cut the 'bird' portion of the Corby Ornament die again with red cardstock
in order to showcase the bird on this pretty ornament.  
I'm thinking now that I should have die cut again in green and paper pieced a few 
of the greenery sprigs also.  Oh well ... that's an idea for next time!

Remember to come join in our challenge fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog!
YOU could be the next winner of a gift voucher to the Dies R Us Store!
New challenges go live on the 1st and 15th of each month.  
Only requirements:  Follow the Theme and use Die Cuts on your project!
Easy Peasy and a lot of fun!

Challenges to share in:
A Snowflakes Promise Challenge #10 - Anything Goes Christmas/Winter
Crafty Sentiments Challenge - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly Challenge - Let It Snow

Thanks so much for stopping by!
As always . . .

Sunday, November 15, 2015

The Robyn's Fetish Challenge #290 -"WET OR DRY EMBOSSING" - 11/15/2015

Happy Sunday Dear Friends!
it's time for a new, fun challenge at Robyn's Fetish Challenge Blog!
This week's challenge is:

WET OR DRY EMBOSSING
and our sponsor is

AURORA WINGS


One lucky winner will receive their choice of digital stamps up to $10 listed value.

I had the pleasure of creating with an image called
 'Fairy Sitting on a Toadstool'.
 What a fabulous image for a little girls birthday card!

My background 'dry' embossing was created using a
Spellbinder 3D Embossing Folder
called 'Ornamental Iron' #EL-019.
I originally embossed a white panel but wanted to pull more of the soft color
tones from the image so redid it in a lilac shade of cardstock.
The panel is 5x7 ... same as my card base so I simply adhered it to my card front.  A narrow mat of powder blue cardstock helped bring it all together!


 I've used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for my coloring today.
Once I had my image colored, I then covered the entire 'white' background
with the TB1 marker for a touch of 'sky' color ... and by
going over that surface again with the 'blending pen' I achieved
the soft 'sky' look I was going for.


I love the look of 'wet' embossing but rarely do it (don't ask me why!!).
So I decided I would do both techniques on today's card.
My sentiment covers the 'wet' embossing portion of my card.
After looking through the many containers of embossing power I have in my stash,
I realized I have this really cool 'PK Glitz purple Embossing Glitter'!
So, by simply stamped my sentiment using Versamark onto white cardstock,
sprinkling with my embossing glitter and heat setting.
This is the outcome ... and I love it!
The sparkly sentiment goes perfectly with this cute image!

Challenges to share in:
Jo's Scrap Shack FFC#114 - Anything Goes
 Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge - Anything Goes / Fairies
Brown Sugar Challenge - No Patterned Paper
Crafting with Friends - Anything Goes

Well that's my SHARE for you today ...
Now it's YOUR turn to come share with us!
I can wait to see your EMBOSSING project ...
dry / wet / or both ... choice is yours!!

 Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Hope your week ahead is FABULOUS!!
As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  Lilac cs, Powder Blue cs, White cs, Scrap of homemade decorative paper created with Ken Oliver color bursts
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, Ken Stewart color burst, Martha Stewart Butterfly Trio punch, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Horizon Fishtail Banners' #DL278, Recollections pop dots

Friday, November 13, 2015

A Snowflake Window . . .

 Hello Dear Friends!
 I'm so excited to share today's card with you!
I've created this card as my inspiration sample for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.
I saw a similar creation in blogland created by Ingrid Blackburn and immediately went in search of a die that would work for me.  The snowflake die used on Ingrid's card was no longer available but I was SURE I would find something at the Dies R Us Store that would do the job ... and I did!! YAY!~!


The snowflake die I used for today's card is Impression Obsession 'Large Snowflake' #DIE093.  Now keep in mind, I have used the NEGATIVE of this die ... here's a picture of the beautiful snowflakes this one die provides.


Aren't they beautiful!  WOW!  
My mind is in a whirl at what I can create with these beauties! 
Here's a closer look at the scene I've created behind the snowflake 'window'. .


Here's a quick step-by-step on creating a card such as this:











(Click on any image to enlarge)
I hope I've inspired you today to look at your dies in a different way.  The positive die cuts are beautiful to see on your creations ... but now maybe you'll look at that negative panel that you ALMOST threw away.  Can you use it in a manner as I have today??  Hey, give it a try ... what do you have to lose?  

Please be sure to pop over to the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog Monday through Friday for some amazing inspiration from my team mates.  From time to time we can all use inspiration and these ladies are always coming up with something new and exciting to share!

I hope you'll also come join in our challenge fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  A new theme is shared on the 1st and 15th of each month and YOU could be the next winner of a Dies R Us Store gift voucher!!  But, you need to PLAY to WIN!!

Challenges to share in:
Where the HeART is Challenge - Anything Goes/Winter Blues
Vintage Stamping Challenge - Traditional Christmas (stamps used - Inkadinkado)
Aud Sentiments Challenge - Bingo w/sentiment  (Die Cut, Glitter or Bling, Favorite Color)

C.R.A.F.T. Challenges - Christmas
Crafty Girls Challenge #8 - Anything Goes
Creative Knockouts Challenge #115 - Something to Say

Thanks so much for stopping by!
As always ...