There's a NEW challenge coming . . .

 Hello Friends!

 In case you hadn't heard, crafting friend Deanne is starting up another fun challenge blog on April 2nd.  This time around it's about the beverages we all love & enjoy.  It's called . . .

FIRST CUP CHALLENGES

 

 Deanne's birthday was this past Saturday so she's put up a quick fun challenge to celebrate. 
The post is called 'Brewing Up Birthday Wishes' and runs through the end of March.
AND ... your creations for this challenge don't even have to be new ... we just want to see some projects to get everyone inspired for the APRIL 2nd challenge launch!

It just so happens I purchased some new toppers from Ecstacy Crafts and one of the packs was all about tea & coffee so I just thought I'd create a card and play along.  Here's what I created . . .

 Yes, as you see by my watermark, I'm thrilled to have been asked to be a designer for Deanne's new challenge blog so you'll be seeing more of me through out the year.

The beautiful background paper I used is by Paper Rose and called 'Dear Isabella Patterns'.

 

 Ecstasy Crafts Coffee & Tea Toppers

 

 Please come check out this new fun challenge coming in APRIL and wish Deanne a Happy Birthday (even though it is belated she will LOVE IT).  See you there!

Hugs from Ohio ... Darlene 

Wood Block Wednesday Challenge

 

Hello Friends

Amy Tsuruta has her Woodblock Wednesday challenge up and running and I've been trying to join in each month as it gives me the opportunity to play with all my old wooden block stamps which don't get the love they deserve since clear stamps came about.

 

 The wood block stamps I've used today are Stampendous (focus image - bird in bush) and Stampscapes.  I created my background by sponging on blue for the sky and green for the grassy area with Tim Holtz distress oxide inks.  Then started stamping my scene by stamping the bird in the bush first.  The birds in the sky are also a Stampscapes wooden block stamp but forgot to include it in the photo.

The sentiment is a die by Sue Wilson.

 Why not pop over and check out her blog and play along ... you know you have wood block stamps that need some love just like I do!  LOL

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day ahead!!

As always . . .

 

 

 

Tag:  #Woodblockwednesday #woodblockstamps

Spring awakens . . .

 Hello and Happy Monday All!

I've been working on a few cards for a couple ladies who are coming over on Wednesday to buy cards so I thought I'd share a couple with you today since I don't have any design team cards to share at the moment.

 From the last cards they purchased, they pointed out a couple of sentiments that they liked and requested I used them again on some of these new cards.  This is one by Stampscapes.

The designer paper used is by Brutus Monroe called 'Secret Garden'.

 I have used a Sue Wilson stitched flag die for my sentiment panel and Nuvo Crystal Drops were used for added dimension.

My second card is very similar . . .

 Same designer paper pack & sentiment stamp.

 Challenges to share in:

613 Avenue Create March Challenge - ATG w/optional twist of Any Occasion



Crafty Catz Challenge #690 - ATG w/optional twist of Spring Green
Cut It Up Challenge #326 - Colors of Spring
Cardz 4 Galz Challenge #246 - Springtime
Creative Knockouts Challenge #543 - Spring is in the Air

 Hubby & I are remodeling our Guest Bathroom upstairs and I was taking a break while he was painting.  I hear him calling down to me that it's my turn to come help clean up lol.  So I'd best get movin' lol.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you like today's card shares!

 As always ...

Can You Handle the Pressure - Twist - Your Favorite Color

  Hello Friends, thanks for stopping by today!

We have a new challenge starting today over on our new Can You Handle The Pressure Challenge Blog and the TWIST theme is ...

Your Favorite Color

Remember, the twist is optional but you MUST use an embossing folder on our projects to qualify for the prize.  Heat embossing is also permitted but only in conjunction with an embossing folder.

 Here's what I've created to inspire you today.  

Anyone who knows me, is aware of the fact that my favorite color is PURPLE (any shade of) lol.

So of course, I have created a purple card for you today!
I've used one of my Hearty Crafts 3D Toppers for the floral portion and an old Cuttlebug embossing folder for the background.  The frames were extra off cuts that were hanging on my 'extras' board and the sentiment is a stamp/die set from The TON.  White Nuvo crystal drops were also used for a finishing touch!

I do hope you'll come check out our challenge blog and play along.

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by today,
I appreciate it more than you'll ever know!!

As always . . .

Spring has sprung!

 At least that's what the calendar says!!  LOL

Morning All . . .

Yesterday was a BEAUTIFUL day with sunshine warms and cool breezes ... I even did some outside racking & flower bed cleaning but today's a different day with rain & gloomy skies!  They are even predicting SNOW this evening ... Good Grief!!  BUT, that is Springtime in N.E. Ohio, USA!  LOL

I took this photo yesterday ... (before it gets beat down with snow). 

I spotted a few fun challenges that I'd like to play in so I created this card of Springtime Inspiration.

I've used an older Darice 'brick wall' embossing folder for my background.  After embossing it onto a Stampin' Up 'Wild Wasabi' card stock panel, I sponged a little TH distress oxide inks over top for added dimension.  My focus image is a 'birdhouse' topper from Ecstacy Crafts. 

My sentiment is a die from Frantic Stamper.

I have a few birdhouses that hubby has made for me though out my flower gardens and feeders closer into the wooded/picnic area.  I can't wait to see all the birds fluttering around them again this spring/summer!

Challenges to share in:

Ellibelle's Garden Party #1 - Anything IN or FROM a garden.
2 Sisters on the Blog #95 - Spring and/or Easter
Beautiful Blossoms Challenge #27 - Anything with flowers (optional insp board)

Try it on Tuesday - Spring Fling

Well, it's time for me to get to the gym!  YES, I've been going to the gym walking everyday in hopes of building up my endurance for all the walking we will be doing on our European vacation this summer.  Wish me luck!  LOL

Thanks for stopping by ...

As always,