Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Sisterhood - Clean & Simple

Happy Wednesday Everyone!
It's time for a new challenge over at the Sisterhood of Crafters Challenge Blog
'Sistah' Nancy is our hostess today and the theme she has chosen is:

Clean & Simple (CAS)
Sadly, Nancy will be leaving the team after this challenge and I personally would like to wish her well in not only her crafting life but in her person life too.  May life hand her a multitude of happy times!!  See you around blogland Nancy!

Clean & Simple is not my usual style but I'm pretty happy with this little creation!
It was also Q & E (quick & easy)! 
This card only has two elements ... 
1.  the Paper Studio 'Josephine's Miscellany' designer paper (Hobby Lobby)
Ooops ... #3 ... I grabbed one of my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and colored in the flowers.
Viola!  
Ready for a loving message inside and out to the mailbox it goes!

Challenges to share in:
City Crafters Challenge #401 - Die Cuts
Crafty Sentiments Designs Challenge - ATG
Addicted to Stamps & More Challenge #281 - ATG
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - ATG
 
I hope you'll pop over to see what my 'sistahs' have created to inspire you ...
Then come join in the fun ... can't wait to see what you create!
Thanks so much for stopping by today and,
As always . . .

Monday, February 26, 2018

Hello . . .

Happy Monday All!
WOW can you believe we are coming to the end of February!
YAY!  Spring will be here before we know it!

Today I've created a fun card for the current challenge at the Tic Tac Toe Challenge Blog.


I've gone with the bottom row ... 'Popped Up - Twine - One Word Sentiment'
I must say, I'm very happy with the outcome!!
I hope you like it too and are inspired to come join in this fun challenge.



The papers used today are from my scrap box.
As many of you know, I've been busy creating projects for an upcoming show and sometimes that creates additional scraps.  So, I'm trying my best to use them on other projects right away ... otherwise they will be forgotten and I will make even more scraps from other papers that I want to play with!  LOL
 

Can you see the POPPED UP element of my card?  
I started by cutting a rectangle using the  Tutti Designs 'Scallop Stitched Nesting Rectangles and positioning a panel of my scrap designer paper behind it.  The I cut out a FRAME using the same dies and popped it up over top of my colorful, floral panel as well as popped up the Technique Tuesday 'Hello' sentiment using dimensional tape by Scotch.  

I had intended on wrapping my bakers twine around one end of my background panel before adhering it to the card BUT forgot until I had everything put together then saw the twine sitting there ... EEKS ... now what am I going to do?   A corner bow it is ... not much else I can think of at the moment!  LOL

Another view of my finished card.


 Challenges to share in:
Scrapy Land Challenge #84 - ATG using product carried at their store

Have a fabulous week ahead and thanks for stopping by!
As always . . .

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Inspired by our friends . . .

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Isn't it wonderful to be inspired by your friends!
I know my daughter is inspired by the friends she runs & works out with ... my mom is inspired by her church friends and I am blessed to be inspired by so many people ... especially my online crafting friends.  One in particular inspired me this week to CASE one of her recent card posts for the many cards I will be needing for an upcoming show.
Thanks Diane (Nellie's Nest) ... you can see her post HERE.

Here's my rendition of her designs ...


INSIDE VERSE BY IMPRESSION OBSESSION
 I have used the Tutti Designs Nesting Heart Dies on all four cards. 

The card above I have used a scrap of designer paper for the background and INLAID the heart die cut.  From the same scrap of paper I fussy cut a butterfly and OVERLAID it atop the butterfly on the paper for dimension.  My sentiment is from Impression Obsession - 'CL48 - Greeting Galore'.  The focus panel has been popped up using dimensional tape.

My card below uses the same Tutti Heart Dies and another panel of scrap from the same designer paper as above.  This time I simply positioned the designer paper behind my cut out and matted onto a scrap of card stock.  This is a GREAT way to use up some of my scraps.  The butterflies were punched from other scraps using the Martha Stewart 3-in-1 butterfly punch.  When I have a small panel of paper that I've either watercolored or inked in some way, I usually punch out these butterflies and put them in a jar to be used on future creations .. like today!  A few pretty sequins and this card is ready for the sale box too.


 Switching it up just a bit, I've gone with a bird theme for the next two cards but kept with the same basic design.


INSIDE VERSE BY IMPRESSION OBSESSION
 These images were both found online and I had set aside to use for cards I create for a local tea shoppe.  In fact, I might see if the owners like these cards and will create extras for them.  The upper sentiment comes from a fun Dare 2B Artzy clear stamp set called 'Cup of Cheer'.  The inside birthday verse is the same on both cards.

 The cute sentiment in the upper corner of the card below is by Art Impressions and the Ivy is a die by Elizabeth Craft called Ivy Vine.  Both cards have had the focus panel popped up using dimensional tape.


 I hope you have found inspiration in today's creations.  I'm very happy with them and even though I struggle with the CAS (clean & simple) design, I truly had a lot of fun creating these. 

Challenges to share in:
Crafty Catz Challenge #405 - ATG twist/Birthday
That's Crafty Challenge  - I 'Heart' You ... use a heart on your project
Just Add Ink Challenge #397 - Just Add "H" (Heart, Happy)
Seize the Birthday Challenge - Coffee or Tea (card #3)

Have a fabulous week ahead and thanks for stopping by!
As always . . .

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Tea Bag Booklets

Hello All and Happy Weekend!
We are getting another step closer to Spring and if you follow my blog, you know I have a Spring Show coming up so I'm busy, busy creating items for the ladies who attend this private show.  

I had these tea bag booklets available last spring and the ladies seemed to like them so I'd best have them available to them again this spring.  They are a nice little gift item and besides my cards, that seems to be what these ladies are looking for.


INSIDE

This is the basis for all the booklets.  
The verse inside is the same but the base color and front images change.

****   ****   ****

QUICK TUTORIAL

Card base is 6" x 7" (obviously you can get 2 from a 12x12 card stock)
On the 7" length, score at 3 3/8" and 3 5/8" to create your 'spine'
On the 6" length, score at 1 1/2" to create your pocket
I use 1/8" scor tape on the edges & center to create the pocket
Decorate as you desire.

(Ghiradelli chocolates work well in these booklets also)

****   ****   ****

Here are a few others I have ready to go.


































I will create duplicates of most of them since I've gotten to know this group of ladies over the past few years and know there are a couple who will want the same one ... best to be prepared!  LOL

I package these booklets with an envelope in a zip bag, leaving one open for display.


Another little giftie item are these Reese's Mini Pouches.
Created with springtime ribbons and papers.

Hope you've enjoyed today's share ...

Challenges to share in:
Crafting with Friends Challenge #61 - ATG
Creative Fingers Challenge #143 - ATG
 Cut It Up Challenge #142 - ATG
Scor-Pal Challenge #45 - More than one score
Die Cuttin Divas Challenge #357 - Anything But A Card 

Images used on the tea bag booklets were NON-watermarked images on Pinterest.

Have a fabulous weekend ahead and thanks for stopping by!
As always . . .


Friday, February 23, 2018

Dies R Us Inspiration - BEE HAPPY

Hello friends ...
 Today I have a card to share for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog
and I truly had fun creating this card!  I had this idea in
my head when I purchased these dies and I'm very 
happy with the outcome!  I hope you like it too!


The dies I have used are:

Memory Box - Dies - Honeycomb Square
Memory Box - Dies - Intricate Bee
Tutti Designs - Word Set - Happy
Memory Box - Dies - Classic Upper Alphabet

Remember, if you ever find the die you want is Out Of Stock ...
Click on the 'Put Me On The Waiting List', fill out the form and you will be notified as soon as that die is back in stock!

Now, here are a couple of tips on how this card was put together.
Distress Ink Pad - Fossilized Amber
I used yellow gingham designer paper as my background, but sponged the edges with Tim Holtz distress ink to add depth.  I die cut the honeycomb twice.  Leaving some of the area pieces in place and removed others, I glued (and linked them together) on my designer paper background.


I used this same paper for the wings & body of the bee.  Adding ink to only the body part of the bee ... not the sections used for the wings ... giving them more of a transparent look.


Here's another peek at the finished card . . .


I hope you've enjoyed what I've shared today! 

Challenges to share in:
Scrapy Land Challenge #84 - ATG using product carried in their store
Aud Sentiments Challenge #197 - For a Friend
 Moving Along With the Times Challenge #65 - Things from my chosen song (Things of the sky)
Southern Girls Challenge  - Nature

Please remember, each an every day of the month there's a new inspiration sample shared on the blog by this fabulous design team.  Please be sure to pop in regularly.

Also, don't forget to come join in the fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  There's a new challenge theme offered on the 1st and 15th of each month and one lucky randomly drawn winner will receive a gift voucher prize to the Dies R Us Store.

 For your convenience, all the important Dies R Us links are provided below.

click below for:

Thanks for stopping by!

It's Fussy and Fancy Time . . .

Hello Everyone!
It's time once again for a new challenge over at the 
Fussy and Fancy Challenge Blog!


Today's theme chosen by our very talented Beth is:

Your FAVORITE Color

 LOL ... anyone who knows me, knows what MY favorite color is!  
Yep ... ALL THINGS PURPLE (any shade)!
Here's what I created today . . .


Distress Oxide Ink Pad - Wilted Violet
Distress Oxide Ink Pad - Seedless PreservesI began by creating my watercolor background panel using Tim Holtz oxide distress inks.
  Distress Oxide Ink Pad - Cracked Pistachio
Next I die cut the Cheery Lynn Designs 'Daisy Lace Frame' from white card stock and adhered it over my watercolor background panel.

The image is from one of the many cards I receive in the mail from organizations we contribute to.  I used the Tutti Designs 'Dotted Nesting Rectangles' to cut the image and the purple matting frame which I created using the Tim Holtz Distress ink in the same color (Wilted Violet).  My card is A7 (5x7) in size and I also created my background purple panel using the Wilted Violet oxide ink then did the edges in the Wilted Violet distress ink.

 I have had this deep purple lace in my stash for a long time (hoarding it if you must know, lol) as well as the pretty floral daisy lace.  But I thought they went so well with this image, I just HAD to use some on today's card.  The Memory Box 'Calais Butterflies' are my only other embellishment.  And, they were die cut using the INSIDE (middle) of my purple background panel.

Challenges to share in:
Moo-Mania and More Challenge - Think Spring
The Paper Shelter Challenge #327 - Things that Fly (butterflies)
Scrapy Land Challenge #84 - ATG using product carried in their store

I do hope you will come join in our challenge fun!
See you there!

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

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Wild Birthday

Hello Friends and welcome back!
Today I thought I'd join in a couple of fun challenges and created
a card that will go in the sale box under the Men's Birthday category.  I never
seem to have enough masculine birthday cards when it comes show time
so I'm going to get a jump on it this year.



Product used in this creation:

Amy Design - Dies - Wild Animals - Wild Animals


Sentiment is from the Gina K 'Wild About You' Stamp set.
3M dimensional tape
paint brushes & Tim Holtz water spritzer bottle
Spectrum Noir alcohol markers were used to color the animals

Other challenges to share in:
2 Crafty Critter Crazies Challenge #11 - ATG with a Critter
2 Sisters on the Blog Challenge #12  - Masculine
Creatalicious Challenge #133 - ATG with optional boy/man
Tinker-Dream Challenge #62 - Birthday
Mod Squad Challenge - Animal Fun

Thanks for stopping by ... hope you've found inspiration in my designs!
As always . . .

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Double D - Woodland Creatures

Hello Friends!
It's time for a new challenge over on the Double D Challenge Blog!
Team Darlene is hosting today and the theme is:
 
Woodland Creatures

Here's the inspiration board I have created to help you get started . . 


Even though I live in the 'suburbs' we have a small wooded area
in the back that houses some critters who live there year round and some 
others (like fox, raccoons, deer) that show up from time to time.

The critters that entertain us the most are the squirrels ...
hence my choice for Woodland Creatures to focus on today.


We have gray squirrels (and a few black squirrels from time to time) that frequent our wooded area.  They love to hang out with our birds since they know there will always be sunflower seeds to be found where ever the birds are.  During the winter months I put out corn & peanuts on one end of our wooded area for the squirrels & deer but as soon as they have gobbled it up, they head to the bird houses & feeders looking for left overs. LOL
We've even named a few of our squirrels over the years ... for instance there was BOB ... he got his name because his tail was 'bobbed' ... either he had a close call with a hawk or had a fight with the wife and lost!  LOL   Then there is SPAZ ... this crazy squirrel would jump & spin for no reason at all.  Then dart from one tree to another and do a little more jumping & spinning around.  I'm thinking he may have gotten into  some fermented corn at another location! LOL

Today's card uses the adorable Karen Burniston 'Woodland Animals' die set 
(the same die set that is offered as the prize at our Double D Challenge Blog) as the focus. 

I die cut my FRAME using the Lawn Fawn Lg & Sm Cross Stitched Rectangles (LF1178 & LF1179), once from white then once from black.  Using the inside panel from the white die cut, I created my 'background scene'.  First by sponging with Tim Holtz Oxide Distress 'broken china' ink  to create the sky.  Then used the Tim Holtz 'Falling Snow' embossing folder to create the snowy weather feel.  Torn scraps of white card stock were used for the mounds of snow.

Other dies used in my scene are Poppystamps 'Carolina Birdhouse' which was cut from navy blue card stock and a white Gelly Roll pen was used to create the 'snow' on the the roof & perch.  The sentiment is from the Impression Obsession 'Everyday Top Edgers' die set.   

Of course my husband will tell you I can NOT have a sky without a bird in it so today I have used an old Martha Stewart bird punch to create my bird. LOL


I hope you'll come join in our challenge fun and YOU could win this adorable die set to create with for yourself!

Challenges to share in:
2 Crafty Critter Crazies Challenge #11 - ATG w/critter
Crafty Animals Challenge #11 - ATG w/animals
Happy Little Stampers February Challenge - ATG w/dies



Mod Squad Challenge - Animal Fun

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hope to see you at Double D!
As always . . .