It's Raining Cats & Dogs ...

Good Afternoon friends . . .

It's not really raining here (YET!) ... SNOW today ... RAIN TOMORROW!  Uugh ...

Actually my title indicates the challenge theme this week over at Classy Cards n Such.

And, since I recently purchased these adorable Impression Obsession puppies from her store, I just couldn't help but create and play along.

Didn't this little scene come together adorably!!

I am LOVIN' all the new dies I've been collecting lately.  So much fun to create with.

LOVE these puppies (I also ordered the DOGS).

I have a lot of 'animal lovers' that request cards from me and I really didn't have many stamps or dies in that category (NOT being a HUGE animal lover myself).  Don't get me wrong ... my daughter & granddaughter both have animals and they are wonderful ... 

I just don't want them living at MY house!  

Been there ... done that!  LOL ... you understand I hope!

I just can't say enough about how cute these critters are ... there are 5 different puppy dies in this set.  

I will list all the dies (w/numbers) used on this card below my name at the bottom of this post.

I have created the background using two different stamps for the rain .. CC Rubber Stamps and All Nite Media.  They were stamped in SU Blue Bayou ink, and the back ground green grassy area was sponged with Memento Bamboo Leaves ink.

All my dies were cut from scraps of paper I had in my scrap bin (love when that happens).

My sentiment comes from the Crafty Secrets Words from the Heart Booklet 'Celebration & Joy', and my I/O cat dies came from Dies R Us.  For their eyes, I simply used a white gelly roll pen the on the dogs eyes place a small black dot with a fine black marker.  The outside grass is a Joy Craft die purchased through Joan's Gardens and the picket fence is from Cheery Lynn Designs.

A few other challenges to share in:

Creative Card Crew - Animals

Digi Choosday Challenge - Animals

The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge - Anything Goes
Cut It Up Challenge #41 - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you're having a great day!

I've been sick for nearly a week now (thank goodness for blogger prepost capability), and FINALLY today I'm starting to feel 'human' again!  Thanks to all who sent well wishes ... very appreciated!

Till next time ...

Recipe:

Papers:   white, black, garden green, brown card stock

Stamps:  CC Rubber Stamps, All Nite Media

Inks: Versafine Onyx, Memento 'bamboo leaves', Stampin' Up 'Blue Bayou'

Accessories: TH black marker, White Gelly Roll Pen, Crafty Secrets sentiment

Dies:  Impression Obsession Cats #DIE083, Puppies #DIE142, Joy Craft Grass #6002/0137, Cheery Lynn Designs Victorian Picket Fence #B123

Vintage Butterflies

Good Morning All!

Another snowy, treacherous day in Ohio yesterday but it's supposed to warm back up today!

Terrible 30-50 car pile ups on the Ohio Turnpike!  OMG ... come on Spring!!

Anyways, today I'd like to share a card I made for the current Joan's Touch Challenge #4.

The requirements are:

• Use a circle ... perhaps a round doily
• Colors - Peach and Teal
• Use Butterflies and layer them
• Use a product sold at Joan's Gardens

 I love, love, love Graphic45 design papers and here are a couple of my favorites ... Secret Garden and A Lady's Diary.    The image and tag are coordinating chipboard pieces that I've had since this design was released but have never used any of them ... UNTIL TODAY!!

The doily is a Wilton paper doily and the butterfly punch is Martha Stewart.  I like that Joan required you to 'layer' your butterflies!  I never think to do that and they look SO COOL!!!

I have also used the  Graphic45 Secret Garden Patterns & Solids paper pack for my butterflies.  Punched 3 times with a sheet of double sided 6x6 paper and reversed the center panel for more fun look.  A few mini Kaiser pearls (paper & pearls from Joan's Gardens) down the center give the butterflies a more 'finished' look also.

I'd like to share my card with the following challenges:
Butterfly Challenge #3 - Stitching (real or faux) and Butterfly
Hobbybook Designer Challenge #1 - Make it Girlie
Digi Choosday Challenge - All about the Girls
Tuesday Throwdown Challenge #186 - Stitching
Craft-Dee Bowz March Challenge - Anything Goes w/handmade Bow
Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge - Vintage/Retro
Crafting By Design March Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafting By Design Challenge - Things with Wings

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Hope the weather is BEAUTIFUL where you are today!
It's goes from the teens to the 60ths through out the week here in Ohio, USA!  CRAZY!!

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Graphic45 'Secret Gardens', 'Secrets Gardens patterns & Solids', Graphic45 'A Ladies Diary'

Accessories:  Wilton paper doily, Kaiser pearls, MS butterfly punch, Graphic45 'A Ladies Diary' chipboard embellishment, Peach satin ribbon, Craft-Dee Bowz bow maker, ZIP fine tip teal pen for faux stitching, pop dots,

It all about the GREEN ...

Top of the Mornin' to Ya! (AGAIN!)

I mentioned earlier that I have a couple of cards to share with you today, and they are both of the 'Irish' influence.  My hubby is Irish ... his mom (God Rest Her Soul) was 100% Irish ... her parents last names were Gallagher & McDermott ... doesn't get much more Irish than that!  LOL

Anyways ... on to my card share.

The new challenge at Joan's Gardens is to use 

Green & White, 

an Oval shape, 

an embossing folder (inked inside or not)

 and something from Joan's Gardens.

I am not a cat lover but I have several friends who are so I made this card with them in mind!  How cute is this cat family die!  It's from Cheery Lynn Designs and is #B417.  The embossing folder I used today came from Joan's Gardens and is a Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations folder (sorry don't have the number).  I did as Joan had suggested and inked up the inside of the folder (using Memento 'bamboo leaves' ink) before running it through my embossing machine.

Other elements used on this card are:

SU print pack dp, Green polka dot grosgrain ribbon, pop dots, Green ZIG pen for faux stitching

Spellbinder classic oval dies, and JustRite 'Large Fancy Sentiments' (also from Joan's Gardens).

A few challenges to share my creation with:

Scrap-Creations Challenge - Going Green

Inky Chicks Challenge - Monochromatic

Ruby's Rainbow Challenge - Shades of Green + 1 other color

Cards in Envy Challenge - Think Green

Crafting from the Heart #8 - Anything Goes/use dies

Crafty Boots Challenge - Green

Perfectly Rustics Challenge - Shades of one color
Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge - Show me the Green & Ribbon

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Have a great day!

*Hot* Pink Fashionista

A very good morning to you, my friends . . .

Hubby and I just got back from breakfast and I'd like to share with you

 another card I made for the new challenges going on over at Joan's Touch.  

We are to use Pink & Black, a lady, a bow and product carried at Joan's Gardens.

All products used will be listed at the end of this post after my signature.

I LOVE vintage style and even though I would make ALL my cards in this style, that doesn't work well for the craft shows I do in the Fall.  For that, I need a variety, but am always so happy when I get to create something in this design style.

I colored my B-Line Designs stamped image using my Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and decided to add a little sparkle to her Fashionista style.  The stamp doesn't have a 'belt' in the design of her jacket but I added one using Quickie Glue and PK Glitz 'Glitter Glitz' Burgundy glitter.  I also sparkled up the collar and put a 'band' on her hat.

One of the items I purchased through Joan's Gardens are these awesome flourish dies.  They came as a part of a die set by Joy Crafts ... #6002/0258.  It's actually a 4 piece die set and even though I hadn't used this set up till today, I can see I'll be using it a lot more ... LOVE these flourishes and the 2 oval dies are just as beautiful!  

The hot pink Kaiser pearls also came from Joan's Gardens.

A few additional challenges are:

Love to Scrap! Challenge Blog - Anything Goes

Craft Your Passion - Girlie Girl

Love to Create - Make it sparkle with Bling

Sweet Stamps - Anything Goes 

Oh La La Creations - Fashionista

 Sparkle N Sprinkle February - Anything Goes with loose glitter

Before I go ... here's a peek at the inside of today's card ...

 

 Thanks so much for stopping by today!

It's warming up outside (40s-50s next couple of days) so it appears

some of the 'white stuff' will be disappearing.

Hope you are having a fabulous day and please stop back again real soon!

 Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Black cs, the Paper Studio Kirby Teesdale Studio dp,

Stamps/Ink:  B Line Designs #LF113F 'Gina' / Memento Black Tuxedo ink

Accessories: American Crafts 'bubblegum' lace ribbon, Joy Crafts ... #6002/0258 die set, Kaiser hot pink pearls, Creative Memories corner rounder, Quickie Glue, PK Glitz 'Glitter Glitz' Burgundy glitter, pop dots, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Craft-Dee Bowz bow maker

NEW CHALLENGES at Joan's Touch

Hello blogging friends!

Have you heard?  There are new challenges starting up over at "Joan's Touch".

You remember Joan (previous owner of Joan's Gardens) ... well she's now retired  BUT not retired from crafting, creating and sharing!  This is going to be fun!! 

Here are the requirements for the 1st Joan's Touch challenge ...

Use Pink and Black

Use an image of a Lady

Use a Bow 

You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens. 

You will have a week to create & enter.  Also, you can enter as many cards as you'd like.  

With this color combination, I'm sure I'll be doing more than just one card!

But for today ... I'll show you the first card I came up with!

(Sorry about the 'eye shadow' ... seems she got a little carried away! LOL)

How about that hat ... doesn't she look dapper!

I will list all the products used on this card at the bottom of this post ... after my sign off.

I had a scrap of hot pink card stock laying on my work table so THAT was the start of this creation.  Then of course I had to pick a LADY for my card and while a friend & I were talking she mentioned B-Line stamps.  Well, I remembered I had a few in my 'vintage' stamp drawer so now I have the first two elements needed for this challenge.  The rest just fell into place.

Do you have the new Cheery Lynn Designs 'Pretty Pretty Bows (set of 2)' dies?  OMG, you just have to purchase it ... it's a set of 2 dies, and they make it so easy to create a beautiful paper bow such as the one I have used on this card.  

The number is #B422 and Terri has them available in the store!

Another FABULOUS die you'll want to have in your collection is this Memory Box butterfly die called 'Kensington Border #98743' ... also available at Terri's store.  

From tip to tip this die is about 6" long  ... a little too long for today's card.

So I simply cut what I needed and actually used one of the left over butterflies

to adorn my ribbon knot.  Added a little touch of sparkle to that butterfly also.

A couple additional challenges to enter into:

Fashionable Stamping Challenge #66 - Build it Up

Lacy Sunshine Challenge #27 - Lots of Layers

Quirky Crafts Challenge #4 - Pile it high, layer it up and try 3D
Simon Says Stamps - Cameo Appearance
Craft-Dee Bowz February Challenge -  Anything Goes with homemade bow
Oh La La Creations Challenge - Fashionista

I hope you'll come join in the challenge!

And for those of you in the path of the next storm, please be safe out there!

They're calling for freezing rain, sleet & 1-3" of snow here in Ohio!

You know where I'll be ... YEP ... right here safely crafting away in my cave!

Recipe:

Papers: Black cs, Hot Pink cs, White cs, the Paper Studio 'Harper's Boutique' dp

Stamps: B-Line Designs #BA516D - Kathleen (focus image), #TM113E - Acme (used for background on hot pink cs),

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Thistle Stickles, SU grosgrain ribbon, Pop Dots, Memory Box #98743 Kensington Border die, Cheery Lynn Designs #B422 Pretty, Pretty Bows die, Craft-Dee Bowz bow maker

Papercrafter's Corner Challenge

HELLO Everyone!  

How's your 1st day of the New Year going?

We spent the morning enjoying a quiet breakfast and watching the snow fall (so pretty)!  Then luckily the snow quit so we were able to arrange to link up with friends for lunch and exchange Christmas gifts.  What fun!

But, in the time between breakfast & lunch, I decided to see what I could come up with for the new Magazine Monday Challenge at Papercrafter's Corner.

Here's the magazine cover we are using for inspiration this time around:

The first thing that grabbed my attention was the colors ... particularly the BLUE color.  Secondly was the BURGUNDY scallop edging.

With those couple of points in mind, here's what I came up with:

This beautiful blue background was created using Elizabeth Craft Shimmer Sheetz and Sizzix Swirls embossing folder.  Once embossed, I used my Tim Holtz sanding block to make the silver/white core POP through.  This is truly BEAUTIFUL in real life!!  I bought these shimmer sheets at Joan's Gardens back in the summer and had never taken the time to play with them ... guess what!  You'll be seeing more cards like this in the future!  LOL!  

Another product I purchase at Joan's Gardens last summer was the Cheery Lynn Designs 'Shasta Daisy' die which was used for my flowers.  Both flowers were created with the flower panels provided with just ONE run through the Vagabond.  By conditioning and curling them in different directions, it looks like two different flowers!  LOVE THAT!!

Believe it or not, this card came together VERY QUICKLY once I got the idea jelled in my mind!  I will list all the products used at the end of this post.

A few additional challenges:

ABC Challenge - C is for Colorful

 A Little Bit Crafty - Celebrate

Card and Scrap - Use Flowers

Cards Galore Encore - Anything Goes

Fairies Challenges - Flowers and Lace

Flat Friends Challenge - Anything Goes

Heck of a Challenge - NEW (new die/shimmer paper)

The Crafting Cafe - Anything Goes

The Papercrafter's Corner challenges are SO MUCH fun to play and have really helped me THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX and become a little more 'adventurous'!   This site is not just simply a challenge site either ... Steph offers a wide range of helpful hints, giveaways, organizing tips ... well pop over and see for yourself!!

 Then,  join in the fun ... I'd love to be inspired by what YOU see in this magazine cover!!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and if you've left me a comment DOUBLE THANK YOU!!  I LOVE hearing what you think of my creations (good AND bad!) LOL!

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for some AMAZING NEWS from Shelly's Images and a new challenge!  You don't want to miss this one!!!!

Until then and as always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  Burgundy cs, white cs, pink cs,
Accessories:  Elizabeth Craft 'Blue Iridescent' Shimmer Sheetz, Sizzix 'swirls' embossing folder, Fiskars decorative scissors, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Shasta Daisy' die - B310, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Fanciful Flourish Sm' - B117S, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Anastasia Lace Border - B136, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Happy' B-226, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Birthday' B-231, Tim Holtz sanding block, Kaiser pearls

Joan's Gardens Challenge and MORE!

This week's Joan's Garden challenge is a fun one and when I saw it,
I knew exactly what I wanted to do!

This week's challenge is to:

Use Black and White Only

Christmas

Use a Frame

You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Gardens Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.atjoansgardens.com

 
During my last trip out to Joan's Gardens, I couldn't help but grab up this adorable silhouette die by Impression Obsession (DIE108-F). 
Now as you know, no one should sled ride alone ...
so I die cut it again and now this little guy has a buddy to have winter fun with! LOL!

My frame was created using the largest Spellbinder Nestabilities 'Labels Fourteen' die. 
I cut it out then actually used the 'negative' for my frame.

With the computer problems I was having last week and my FUN but busy weekend, I'm late adding my card to this challenge.  Of course you have until THURSDAY to join in the fun so PLEASE check it out and join in!

Other Challenges:
Great Impressions November Challenge - Holiday Card or Tag
Little Claire's Designs - Christmas
Christmas Cards All Year Round - Winter Wonderland
Heck of a Challenge - In The Frame

I have SO MUCH TO SHARE WITH YOU ... BUT ...
So as NOT to overwhelm you today,
tomorrow I will have a post and photos about the Friendship Tea I was a part of on Saturday
along with 10 High School Girlfriends.  What an AWESOME time!!

 

Till then, thanks for stopping by and as always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  Black cs, White cs

Stamps:  AMuse (snowflakes), Hero Arts (sentiment)

Inks:  SU 'soft sky', Versafine Onyx

Accessories:  Spellbinder Labels 14, Impression Obsession DIE108-F die, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, x-Press It Foam Mounting Tape, Flower Factory White Organza ribbon  

Joan's Gardens Challenge

Good Afternoon my friends!

Yep ... I have a second post for you today!

Today begins a new challenge over at Joan's Gardens and she's really been giving me some awesome, creative, new techniques to play with lately and I'm really thrilled with how today's card came together!  

What do you think?

Now, how cute is this!

And,  I would have never thought to use the NEGATIVE of a die cut!!!

(looks like I'd better start digging through my paper trash)

Yep ... that was one of the requirements for this week's challenge!

Here's the entire requirement list:

Use Red, white and a hint of Green

Use the negative of a die cut

Use snowflakes (any kind works)

You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Gardens Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.atjoansgardens.com

Would you believe, all the pieces to this card were pieces I had laying on my work table from other projects I was making for my craft shows that I didn't use.  

LOL ... it was like when you make dinner from whatever you have left over in the fridge!

My cute image is one from the Crafty Secrets Christmas Booklet that I had cut to use on Hershey Bar pouches.  The 'Merry Christmas' sentiment is from the Cheery Lynn Designs (B186) die set.  I had several cut in different colors that I've been using for various projects.   My white background panel has been embossed using the Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder.

For my NEGATIVE panel, I die cut a piece of white cardstock with the Cheery Lynn Designs (B148) Holly Flourish then glued it down to a piece of green cardstock.

How about those cute little gingerbread people ... they were actually fussy cut from a scrap piece of Martha Stewart design paper that was used for another Hershey Bar pouch and one was

popped up using x-Press It Foam Mounting Tape.

A couple other things used on this creation are green & waterfall Stickles, two different Martha Stewart snowflake punches and holiday rik-rak from Michaels.

Thanks so much for taking a peek and I hope you'll come join in on 

Joan's Gardens weekly challenges!  AND, there's a PRIZE to the winner!
(items in RED were purchased through Joan's Gardens)

A few additional challenges:

 Fab 'n' Funky Challenge - Traditional Christmas Colors

The House That Stamps Built - Snow Fun

Inky Impressions - Dies and Punches

The Paper Shelter #136 - Winter Fun (Christmas Shopping)

Stampavie & More - Die Cut Embellishment

 Holly Jolly Christmas - Traditional Colors

The Crafty Bloggers Network - Christmas

Created With Love - Christmas Reds and Greens
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #232 - Christmas

ONE MORE THING BEFORE YOU GO ...

Just wanted to share with you the first Teddy Bear purchase I made for granddaughter, Morgan's 

Christmas Teddy Bear Drive for Akron Children's Hospital and now Pittsburgh Children's Hospital.

(read more on Facebook HERE)

If you follow my blog, you know that all the proceeds from last week's craft show is going towards 'teddy bears for the kids' and this is just the first 'installment'!!  We still have $400+ to spend ... yeah! BUT, we need 700 bears so if you are able to help, please drop me an email/comment.

** Three more bears are on their way from Amazon.com purchased with my winnings over on the "A Look Through My Eyes" blog for the Angela Holt Designs Blog Hop recently.

** Sandy Redburn (owner of Crafty Secrets) has also donated money towards the purchase of teddy bears!

Thanks so much everyone!
Now I'd better get back to crafting ...
I got a call today for some 'special' creations ... I'd better put my thinking cap on for this one!
As always . . .

Joan's Gardens Challenge

Hello Blogging Friends!

I'm almost ready for Saturday's craft show and decided to take a mental break.

When I say 'mental break' that only means away from the current project and onto another one! LOL!  But before I do I just had to share this photo with you.  Trick or Treat night here in our neighborhood was last Saturday night (which was cold but at least not raining like it is today).  Once we all turned our lights out on our porches, we go around visiting each other and seeing how much 'loot' the kids brought home.  My two little neighbor girls and a friend where tired but thrilled with the candy they collected ... I snapped this photo on my way out the door ...

Of course, by the time I got around to leaving they had already eaten half of what they had and shared several pieces with their parents/grandparents/and neighbors like me!  LOL!

Today starts a new challenge at Joan's Gardens and even though I have until next Thursday to create and participate, I was in need of a few 'more elegant' Christmas cards so Joan's challenge was perfect!

This week we are to:

Use gold and white

Use an embossing folder

Use pearls

You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Gardens Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.atjoansgardens.com

So, what do you think?

 It is so difficult to get a good photo when you are using embossing and shiny papers.  So I decided to share 2 photos from opposite angles in hopes of sharing the true beauty of this card creation.

My image is from the Crafty Secrets Christmas Booklet and I have fussy cut around it as well as popped it up to showcase how the wings are 'outside' the oval.

The white panel has been embossed using a ProvoCraft (Cuttlebug) embossing folder I purchased at Joan's Gardens a few years back.  I could have simply popped the angel up in the open oval in the center of the embossed white panel, but I was looking for MORE so decided to use a gold Wilton paper doily.  The center of the doily is a circle and since my focus image is an oval, I decided to cut the center out of one of my Wilton white paper doilies and emboss it with the Swiss Dot embossing folder to help showcase the angel image.

The gold corner treatment are from a Starform Sticker sheet from Joan's Gardens as did the beautiful gold matte finish cardstock I used for my matting.  The beautiful holiday gold ribbon came from the Flower Factory here in Canton, OH and the pearls/rhinestones are Cloud9 purchased at JoAnn Fabrics.

A few additional challenges:

Flutter By Wednesday #259 - Winged Things

Inky Impressions - Traditional Christmas

Rhedd and Rosie Challenge #18 - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamps - Anything Goes

Whimsy Stamps - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by and FYI ... if you are in the Akron, Ohio area on Saturday, the 200+ vendor craft show will be at Green H.S. on Boettler Rd. in Green, OH.  My table will be outside the cafeteria (good location, huh!) ... please stop by and say Hello!

So sorry for the long post but while I'm here I'd like to share one more thing with you.
Hubby is trying to make get me eat more veggies (and he was using up stuff in the frig at the same time) ... so here's what he made for last night's dinner ...

Quiche with broccoli, cauliflower, red onions, mushrooms, bacon, ricotta cheese, eggs, with a Parmesan cheese bottom crust.  NOW this is my idea of how we should eat veggies!  LOL!  It was really good!

UPDATE::  Hubby is working on the recipe for me to share with you!  He used bits & pieces of various recipes as well as added a few ideas of his own.
SO, once he gets it written up, I will be sharing it with you .. in a new post ... same photo but with all the yummy details!

Okay ... back to work ...

As always ...

Joan's Gardens Challenge

Hello my friends!

I have to make this quick since I'm expecting around 

200 Trick or Treaters in less than 30 minutes!  Eeeks!

So here we go!

The challenge requirements this week at Joan's Gardens are:

Use craft color and red

Use bird

Use layers

You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Gardens Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.atjoansgardens.com

Here's what I came up with:

My base card is Kraft and the background paper is a scrap I had laying on the table and thought would work perfectly.  You notice that 'mesh' looking strip ... well it is a strip of Drywall Tape ... yes you heard me correctly.  The stuff the drywall guys use to seal the seams together before mudding over on drywall.  You can get a big roll of it at any of your local DIY stores.  I've actually cut my piece in half so I still have a length the same size to use on another project.  I learned this little trick at Joan's Gardens on my last visit a few weeks back.  I've used TH distress ink to color it.

I will be back to share this creation with a few additional challenges but for now I'd better get my candy ready for the tricksters!

Well, I'm FINALLY back to share this creation with additional challenges.  We ended up with less Trick or Treaters this year than usual ... only around 140 ... but there were some very creative costumes.  Okay here we go ...
Rogue Redhead Designs - Die Cut Divas
Sugar Creek Hollow #72 - Birds of a Feather
Crafty Hands Challenge #1 - Anything Goes
Jingle Belles - Not A Creature was Stirring

Thanks for stopping by ... as always ...

Recipe:
Papers:  Kraft cs, DCWV dp, White cs
Stamp/Ink:  Hero Arts/Versafine Onyx
Accessories:  Cottage Cutz 'Bella Springtime Bird', Tim Holtz distress markers, Marianne Design Creatables 'LR0191' Sign die, Stickles 'Red', 'Holly'

Items in Bold Red are available at Joan's Gardens.

Festive Fun at Joan's Gardens

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I've been a bit lax on posting ... still trying to get caught up after my crafting trip to Indiana.  It was so much fun visiting with my friends and I was so excited to play with some new techniques and projects!  Would you believe only today was I able to get back into my cave and play!

The weather has been so beautiful earlier in the week I just had to get outside and take care of a few things.  So NOW I'm ready to PLAY!!

The current challenge (which ends today - new challenge starts tomorrow) at Joan's Gardens is to:

Use A Ribbon

Use Corners

Stocking, gloves, snowflakes...anything to do with Christmas

You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Gardens Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.atjoansgardens.com

I can't begin to tell you how much inspiration I find from doing Joan's challenges!  

Here's what I've created for you today.

My focus image comes from the Crafty Secrets Christmas Images & Journal Notes Booklet.  My base card is of red cardstock and the background panel comes from the Graphic45  Twelve Days of Christmas 6x6 Patterns & Solids paper pack which I purchased last weekend at Joan's Gardens.  A full list of products will be listed at the bottom of this post.

How I made the flower:

• I first inked an embossing folder with Delicata Golden Glitz ink and ran it through my embossing machine onto red cardstock ... then reinked and used white cardstock.  This gave my flower petals more texture and holiday sparkle.
• Next I die cut my flowers using the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die.  One set with the red cardstock and one set with the white.
• Used my PunchBunch Flower Making Kit to shaped the petals and then glued my panels together to create this 'candy cane' flower.  Gold Stickles was used in the center.

A few additional challenges:

Christmas Cards All Year Round (October) - Christmas

The Crafting Cafe - Anything Goes

Deep Ocean Challenge - Christmas is Around the Corner

Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge - Inspired by Christmas Carol (We Wish You A Merry Christmas)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

I have my first craft show of the season coming up on Saturday so I'd better get back to putting the finishing touches on my craft show projects.

As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  Christmas red cs, Winter Green cs, Graphic45 design paper, Crafty Secrets Christmas image & journal note

Ink:  Delicata Golden Glitz pigment ink, Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress Ink

Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs B178 Flourish Leaf Strip die, Cheery Lynn Designs B165 Lacey Corners Deco E die, Tim Holtz Tattered Floral die, Michaels red grosgrain ribbon, JoAnn's holiday rik-rak, gold Stickles, PunchBunch Flower Making Kit, Ranger Ink Blending Tool & Sponge Pads, xPress It Foam Mounting Tape, Art Glitter Glue

Items identified in RED where purchased at Joan's Gardens.

Joan's Gardens Challenge and More

Good Sunday Morning Everyone!

Last evening I took a break from craft show projects and concentrated on trying a new technique which was one of the requirements for this week's challenge over at Joan's Gardens.  Now I must admit, I would not have thought to do this myself, so I was happy for the insight!

This weeks challenge requirements are:

Your choice of a simple card or a more detailed card

Red and Green

Paper Piece (as shown in video that I linked - Pam Sparks Video)

You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens. Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Gardens Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.atjoansgardens.com

I decided to use the same main die image at Joan (since I purchased it on my last visit to her store in Indiana) ... Glowing Candle Die - 98661 - Memory Box.  I also used the Precious Stars Die - 98546 - Memory Box.  Other than the green, red & silver metallic cardstock, the only other item used on this creation was the Provo Craft Cuttlebug  - Grace's Frame' embossing folder (which had never been out of the package and I know I've had for over a year ... yikes!)

I find it really difficult to get a good photograph when using 'shiny' paper such as this SILVER metallic so here's a closeup in hopes of you being able to see the variation in color on the leaves.  Unfortunately, it shows the reflection of the shirt I had on (hence the bronzy color in the left side leaves).   I forgot to mention that I also added a touch of Gold Stickles for the flames on the candles.

Joan used gold metallic paper on her cards (which are gorgeous BTW) and is the typical holiday color along with the red/green ... but I didn't want to completely 'copy' her card so went with the silver and really like the outcome.  

I hope you'll give this technique a try and come join in the fun challenge at Joan's Gardens.  YOU could be the winner of a Nellie Snellen Embossing Folder.  I'm proud to say I was last week's winner --YIPPEE and thanks Joan!

A few additional challenges:
2 Sisters Challenge - Anything Goes
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge - Three Main Colors (red, green, silver)
Drunken Stampers Thing Challenge - Die Cuts
Totally Gorjuss - Traditional Christmas Colors
One Crazy Stamper - Christmas in September
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge EXTRA for September -  Christmas

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Since my title says I have MORE to share I'd better follow through, lol!

Here are a few more craft show tissue box covers I've been working on  . . .

 Someone had mentioned to me that people like to have ANIMAL themes and that monkeys were popular right now ... hence Monkey tissue box covers.

Of course we can't forget those dog & cat lovers ...

And, how about those Western lovers?

I'm still working on more Breast Cancer Awareness tissue box covers too!

Well I'm sure you're as tired of looking at these tissue box covers as I am making them!  LOL!  Not really ... they aren't difficult to make and I think they are fun!!  I do have another 'tissue related project' to share with you but I'll save it for another time!

Have a fabulous day my friends ... 

Now I think I'll go outside and do some much needed yard work (before the rain) and enjoy the beautiful sunshine / cool fall air.

As always ...

Thanks for stopping by and ...