Raise The Bar Challenge ...

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Are you ready for a wonderful, fun-filled weekend?

It's time for another Raise The Bar Challenge and today we are playing with STICKERS!  That's correct, Joni has asked us to use STICKERS on our cards/projects. 

I have to tell you ... with great sadness ... this will be my last creation as a DT member for Raise The Bar.  I will continue to folllow this awesome group of ladies and play in the challenges when possible but I'm had to back away from a few of my commitments to make room for other things that have popped up in my crafting life!  I want to thank Joni for ALWAYS being the kindest person to me and to all the other DT members who are so talented & so inspiring!  Good Luck to them all!!  Now onto today's card!

 

I just love these Stickopotomus irridescent butterflies ... aren't they beautiful?  This is so much prettier IRL~!!  And this Irish Blessing stamp was perfect for my farewell to the ladies of RTB!

Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs to you all!

Darlene

Raise The Bar Challenge

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Big plans for the weekend??? 

It's going to be another scorcher

here in N.E. Ohio!!

Today's challenge at Raise The Bar is to use distressing, tearing and/or ripping on your creation!  I did more distressing than anything and I love the end result!  Be sure to pop on over to our challenge blog and be inspired by the creation my co-bar tenders have created!!  Then be sure to dazzle us with your work-of-art!! 

(click image to enlarge)

The image I have used on today's creation is from Priscillastyles.  She has it offered up as a freebie over on her CDAC group this week!  It's only for a limited time ... be sure to go grab it for yourself and be sure to check out other digi's Priscilla now has available.

Other ingredients used in the making of this creation are as follows:
Stamps:  Repeat Impressions
Papers:  pink cs, black cs, white cs
Inks:  Ranger Vintage Photo distress ink
Accessories:  tag (RAK), Prismacolor markers, DecoArt Glamour Dust, glue pen, Martha Stewart doily lace border punch, Offray satin ribbon, Kaiser pearls, sponge, distresser

Okay ... now it's your turn!  Can't wait to see what YOU come up with!  Have fun with it!!  I know I did!  Thanks for stopping by today ... it means the world to me!!

Raise the Bar - Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

Hi Everyone!  

Today on Raise The Bar, since June is such a huge wedding month, we are having fun with the phrase "Old", "New", "Borrowed" & "Blue".  It doesn't have to be a wedding card ... just use those 4 subjects to create with ... and, you can use "recycled" in place of borrowed if you'd like!!  

 (click on image to enlarge)

I decided to make an anniversary card for my neighbors whose anniversary was actually yesterday!  I can always remember HER anniversary and she remembers MY birthday because they are on the same day ... otherwise, it would probably just be another day passing by!  LOL!!


For the OLD & BORROWED ... I have used the retired SU Toile Blossoms stamp set.  I had borrowed this set from a friend, fell in love with it and spent weeks trying to find one on Ebay ... finally success was mine!

The NEW is the Martha Stewart Floral Vine border punch which I just purchased this week.

And of course, the BLUE is the cardstock which was purchased at Archiver's this week also ... good timing huh!!


What a fun challenge!  Why not come join in on the fun!  I'll be anxious to see what YOU come up with using this wedding time phrase!  See you at the bar!!  Tee Hee! 

Bakin' Up Goodies at Raise The Bar

That's right, the challenge at Raise The Bar this week is all about those BAKED GOODIES!  The DT members have come up with some really awesome & inspiring works of art so be sure to pop over and take a look!

 (click on image to enlarge)

I decided to go with an image from the Crafty Secrets Homemade Booklet to make this Birthday creation.  Do you remember the "old" mixers??  They weren't nearly as fancy or had as many attachments as the new Kitchen-Aid style mixers but they got the job done!  And, how about this "June Cleaver" lady in her ruffled apron ... somehow I don't remember MY mom dressing like that when she was in the kitchen!  Hmmm ... maybe I'm not as old as I think I am!  LOL!

I hope you'll join in on our challenge this week!  Would be fun to see what you come up with!  Hope you have a wonderful day!  They are calling for rain today but I haven't seen any yet ... sure could use it though!  VERY muggy this morning so I'll be staying indoors again!!  Hugs to you all!  

Raise The Bar - Red, White & Blue

Happy 4th of July Weekend to all 

of my USA friends, family & followers!

Today's challenge over at Raise The Bar is to use the colors Red, White & Blue (or the colors of your flag if you're non-US).

(click image to enlarge)

I not only have used the colors required ... but have used this adorable patriotic puppy from Joni's store ... Inktegrity. Isn't he adorable and he's all ready to wave his flag at the local parade!!


Thanks to everyone who played our "Evening Themed" challenge last week ... your entries were awesome!  I hope you'll join us again this week!  Thanks for stopping by and be sure to pop over to our challenge blog and see what my Co-Bar-Tenders have created to inspire you!!

Enjoy your 4th and please be safe!!

Honoring the guys in our lives ...

Happy End of the Week everyone!!

It's time again for the Raise The Bar Challenge and today we are honoring the "Guys In Our Lives"!!  

Somewhere along the line I got OLD!!  (Don't know how or when that happened, LOL) BUT ... back in the day, this was one of the favorites to be seen in.  It is a 1957 Chevy and this turquoise blue was one of the favorite colors on this super star car!! 

Be sure to pop over to OUR BLOG and check out all the details on this fun challenge and be inspired by my co-bartenders!  Love the different interpretations on this one!!!

Recipe for this card:
Stamps:  Cornish Heritage Farms, Hero Arts, Stampscapes
Papers:  kraft, whisper white
Inks:  versafine blk, Summer sun, Ranger vintage photo
Accessories:  chalk, makeup applicators, Martha Stewart picket fence border punch, Prisma pencils, gamsol, Fiskars swivel craft knife, large sponge pod

Have a great day and if you're in "my neck of the woods" ... get that A/C cranked up ... going to be in the 90s all weekend!  Uuugh ... I'm happier in the 70s!!  Thanks for stopping by!  Hugs to you all!!

Raise The Bar - Musical Theme

WOW Friday again already and that means it's time for another Raise The Bar Challenge and today we are making MUSIC!  That's right use something MUSICAL on your card/project! 

(click image to enlarge)

This wonderful vintage image is from TJ Designs and I was intrigued by the fact that this BRAVE lady was the ONLY woman in the all man band!  YOU GO GIRL!!

Please be sure to pop on over to the challenge blog and check out the inspirational creations by my Co-Bar Tenders!  And you can find links to their personal blogs on my sidebar ... please stop over and show them some love!  

Before I forget I just wanted to thank everyone for their support in our challenge!  Your participation last week was AWESOME and the creations were AMAZING!!  Thanks so much ... hope you are enjoying Joni's challenges as much as I am!  

Happy Day ... 

 

Raise The Bar - Celebrate Summer

Hello Everyone and Happy Friday to you!!!

It's time once again for the challenge over at Raise The Bar!  Today it's all about Celebrating Summer!  As a young girl growing up, we didn't have a lot of money and my parents both worked very hard to give us girls a fun time during the summer.  Many times that just meant packing the three of us girls in the ole' station wagon and going on a day trip somewhere.  We never knew where we'd end up and that's what made it so much fun.  

It was never anything real fancy but my parents always tried to make our fun day out educational too.  I remember once when we ended up at Niagra Falls ... WOW, what a view and would you believe my parents actually set us out in the water on a rock to take our picture!!!  My mother still says she doesn't know what she was thinking ... YIKES!!!  Another time we drove to Washington, D.C. to see the monuments and the cherry trees in bloom ... fantastic memories!!  

Anyways ... here is my card ... created from my memories of those summer time trips.

Please be sure to check out the other wonderful creations by my co-bar tenders!  What a fun challenge ... why not join in!  Just hop on over to our challenge blog to check out all the details.

I'm on my way over to PA to join a group of my 1st cousins for breakfast (there are actually 42 first cousins all together) then headed to my mother's to plant some flowers for her.  Hope the rain holds off!!  Catch you later ... have a wonderful day!!

Raise The Bar - Sketch Challenge

SO SORRY for the late posting of my RAISE THE BAR creation!  Dear husband decided to take the day off and HELP me with some outside work!!  Since that rarely happens, I couldn't pass up his offer!  So while I take a quick lunch break, here is my card for today's challenge.

Joni decided to give us a SKETCH to play with today and this image from TJ Designs worked perfectly!!  I matched it up with a couple DCWV designer papers, a vintage button and some gold elastic cording.

Please be sure to pop over to our CHALLENGE BLOG and check out the other designers inspirational creations.  You will find their blog links in my sidebar.

Before I go, I just wanted to share with you my neighbor's son TONY who graduated last evening from our local high school.  He is such a delightful young man and I can only wish him the best in his future.  He wanted to be sure I got to see him in his cap & gown before heading to the ceremony.  Introducing my friend & neighbor, Tony ...

CONGRATULATIONS TONY!!

Thanks everyone for stopping by ... break time is over ... headed back outdoors for "more fun!!"

Now here's a fun challenge idea ...

Happy Friday Everyone and welcome to another Raise The Bar challenge.  Today Joni has ask us to use our favorite handbag as inspiration for our creations.  How much fun is that??  

With having shoulder problems, I recently bought a new purse at Kohl's that DIDN'T require a shoulder strap to carry and it has quickly become my favorite.  I really liked the "summer time" colors too ... well, here is a photo to show you what I mean.

Isn't it cute? 

Since the colors reminded me of those beach umbrella you see along the Carolina beaches, I decided it would be fun to take a photo and use that as my background paper & theme for my card.  

 My main image is by DMD clearstamps and after stamping with Versafine black and embossing with Detail Clear EP, I used my Nestabilities Labels 10 to diecut my shape.  I didn't like all the WHITE SPACE so I took a couple sponge pods and created my sand/sky using Creamy Carmel & Soft Sky ink.  I added a little color to the umbrella using Prismacolor markers.

My sentiment and flip-flops are from a Summertime See D's stamp set and I've achieved the curvy cut on the background panel with my Creative Memories decorative cutter.  All in all ... a very easy & FUN card to create!

Please pop over to the Raise The Bar Challenge Blog and check out the other fun creations made by my co-bartenders using their handbags for inspiration ... what fun!!! 

Here's wishing you a fun-filled weekend!  I know it's a VERY BUSY time of the year and I really appreciate you taking the time to stop by for a visit!

Raise The Bar - Color Challenge

Happy Friday Everyone!  

I am having a good time at a stamping workshop out in Indiana with Joan Fricker and this has been pre-posted so I hope it works properly.

Today challenge over on RAISE THE BAR is a color challenge to use YELLOW, GRAY & WHITE.  My card is simply paper & sentiment with a ribbon embellishment.  My designer paper is from the DCWV Mariposa pack and the sentiments are both from Impression Obsession.  A little Crystal Effects was placed on the butterfly for added dimension.

I hope you will come join us on this fun color challenge.  Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek.  Happy Weekend to you!!

Raise The Bar - MOM

Time for another Raise The Bar Challenge and today we are remembering the Mother's and/or Mother Figures in our lives.  

As you all know I love the vintage style and that is the direction I took today!  I found this touching image over on the Magic Moonlight Free Images site and just thought it was perfect!  You can find the link to this site and other vintage image sites on the "Vintage Creations & Links" page of my blog.

  (click on image to enlarge)

Here is a list of items used on this creation:
Papers:  Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey "Sugared"
Inks:  Ranger Vintage Photo
Accessories:  Image - Magic Moonlight Free Images, TPC Studio gems, Inky Impressions charm, Prima flowers, Darice antique brass brad, Wright antique lace, sponge

********
With Mother's Day being this weekend, I thought I might share a few family photos with you today.  Please forgive the long posting but I just had to do this ... you understand I'm sure!

This is my Grandma Eva (seated) Morgan's Engagement picture.  The story goes that my grandfather was very close (and I believe raising) his younger sister and that is the reason she too is in their engagement photo.

Here is Grandma Eva in later years all dressed up for church photos.  She looks pretty good for a lady who had 12 children (10 before she was 30 years old) ... yikes!!

Here's my parents with my baby sister Charlotte who is 4 years younger than myself ... so I guess that would have made me 4 & my sister, Linda 5 in this photo.

(Oh dear ... they  could have at least given me a shirt to put on before taking this photo!!)

Another photo about 3-4 years later on Easter morning before going to church.  My Mom always made sure we girls had a new dress, hat & gloves for Easter!

Now here's a treat for you ... being a Mom too ... I thought I'd show you my graduation picture!  Not bad ... other than being 40+years older and 50+ lbs heavier ... I still look the same, LOL!!  Well ... at least THIS is who I see when I look in the mirror ... WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?


I think I've shared this next photo with you before but what the heck ... maybe you missed it so here we go again!!  LOL!!  This FOUR-GENERATION photo was taken 2 years ago at Morgan's 16th birthday party.  (L-R:  Me, granddaughter Morgan, daughter Carolyn, my mother Pat)  Check out whose the tallest, LOL!!

Okay ... Last but not least, here is a photo of my red-headed, Irish Mother-In-Law, Claire Pavlick in better health days!  Isn't she just the cutest little "leprechaun"!   Claire will be 90 in June, has Alzheimer's and a little more frail ... but on a good day, you still see that "spunk" come out!  God Bless her for still trying!!

Thanks for letting me look back on fond memories ... and I hope you will take the time to do the same.  Here's wishing you a wonderful MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND!  It's going to be a very busy one for me, but that's okay ... I'm just so thrilled at age 80 ... I still have my Mom by my side!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU MOM'S OUT THERE!!!

Raise The Bar - My RETREAT

WOW ... it's the end of yet another week (and month)!  

Goodness ... the kids will be out of school before you know it and summer will be in full swing.  BUT ... before that all begins, we are really having fun over at the RAISE THE BAR challenge !!  

We are creating using our "retreat" (bedroom) colors as our inspiration.  Above is a photo of the quilt that adorns the king size bed in our "retreat".  
 

(click on image to enlarge)

The Stampin' Up "Toile Blossoms" stamp set was the perfect image to use for my creation today.  Although it is difficult to see, my base card is KRAFT which represents the tan/beige tons in the quilt.  I have used Not Quite Navy & Pacific Point cardstock as well as Whisper White for my card today.  

The image was stamped with Versafine Black then embossed with Detail Clear ep before coloring with Prismacolor markers.  I then used the Nestabilities Blossom die and the "outside the Nestie" technique which required some detail cutting with my Fiskars swivel craft knife.  Stampendous diamond dots & liquid pearls were used to accent the blossom .

This was a really fun way to choose a color for my creation.   Now it's your turn ... why not give it a try and share it with us over on the Raise The Bar challenge blog.  I look forward to seeing your creation!!     

Need more inspiration???   Please check out my co-Bar Tenders blogs ... links can be found in my sidebar!  

Raise The Bar - Color Me Happy!

"HAPPY" Friday to you ALL!!

Yes, here we are at the end of another work week again!  And that means it's time for another RAISE THE BAR CHALLENGE!!  Today our theme is "COLOR ME HAPPY!"  That's right  ... create a card/project using YOUR favorite color (one please, in different hues, plus neutrals).

Anyone who knows me knows my favorite color is PURPLE ... ANY shade of purple!!   I have loved this color since I was a little girl ... don't ask me why??    As a young adult I joined a bowling team ... guess what color my bowling ball is ... YEP ... PURPLE!    As a matter of fact, I repainted my kitchen last year ... guess what color ... YEP ... PURPLE!!  Do you remember??  I shared pictures with you, LOL!!!  Call me crazy ... but it makes me happy!

For my creation today, I have used designer paper from the Basic Grey WISTERIA collection along with Lovely Lilac cardstock for my accent shade.  Here are the deets on this card:

Stamps:  The Stamp Pad Co., Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous
Papers:  Whisper White, Lovely Lilac, Basic Grey Wisteria dp
Inks:  White craft, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories:  Nestabilities classic & scallop ovals, Offray satin ribbon, White Gelly Roll Pen
Technique:  Faux Stitching

Now it's time for you to show us YOUR FAVORITE COLOR.  Please come join in on the fun!  Don't forget to check out my co-design team members for more fun & inspiration.  You can find links to their blogs on my sidebar. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!  I am having a few stamping friends over today for a "PLAY DAY" and then this evening we are going to granddaughter, Morgan's TALENT SHOW.  She graduates from high school next month then begins college in the fall and will be studying Speech Pathology/Audiology.  For her talent in the show, she has designed a PowerPoint presentation to the song "IMAGINE" and will be "signing" the words.  I can't wait to see it ... she signs so well and it just fascinates me!! 

Raise the Bar - Movie Mania

Today's challenge at Raise The Bar is:

MOVIE MANIA!    

I have always loved the "OLD" movies with strong leading ladies like Audry Hepburn, Joan Crawford, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergmann, and of course BETTY DAVIS!  In fact I bought this Hero Arts stamp because it reminded me of Betty Davis ... don't you think so too??

 

 (click on image for larger view)

The only thing missing from the image is a "cigarette" ... yes, I know, I know ... YUCK!  But in those days, all the leading ladies & gentlemen had a cigarette  in one hand and usually a glass of burbon or something in the other.  WOW, how times have changed!!  

Here is the recipe for this card:
Stamps:  Hero Arts
Papers:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Pixie Press dp
Inks:  Versafine black, Pink Pirouette
Accessories:  Detail Clear EP, Nestabilities Labels 10, McGill ribbon punch, Darice satin ribbon, Kaiser pink half pearls, White Liquid Pearls, White Gelly Roll Pen, Sponge dauber
Technique:  Faux Stitching

Please be sure to pop over to my Co-Bar Tenders blogs and see their Movie Inspirations.  You can find links to their blogs on my sidebar.  Hope you come play along ... can't wait to see what your movie preference is!!  

See you at the movies!!!

Raise The Bar Challenge #13

Today's challenge at Raise The Bar is called "Let's Spring For It"!  When I think of spring, I always think of Lilacs.  I have two large lilac bushes outside my one living room window and when they are in bloom ... Mmmm ... what a beautiful fragrance flows through the room!!  Hence, my card theme!

I actually gave this card to my SIL for her birthday on Easter and now have to try and remember what all I used to make it.  Actually, that shouldn't be too difficult because it's basically this lovely embossed K&Co designer paper, Stickles, sentiment stamp by Impression Obsession and this "oh so soft" silk ribbon I received as an RAK from Joan Fricker (Joan's Gardens). 

Edited to add:  The "perfect" bow was achieved by using the Bow Easy.

With the unexpected warm weather (80s) we've been having in N.E. Ohio, my lilacs are all in bud and I can't wait for them to bloom!!!  I just hope we don't get a late frost and loose them!  

For further inspiration, please pop over and check out what the other Bar-Tender's have to share with you on their blogs ... links are listed below:

Anita 

Sparkle  

Suzi

 Audrey 

Joni (Head Bar Tender)

Okay ... now it's your turn!  I can only imagine what amazing creations you all will come up in using this fun theme!!  Please be sure to add your direct link to our challenge blog so we can pay you a visit and ooogle over your creation!!

Raise The Bar Challenge #12 - April Showers

HAPPY "RAISE THE BAR" FRIDAY EVERYONE!!

That's right, it's time for another Raise The Bar Challenge and today it's all about APRIL SHOWERS!  You can create a card/project using 'weather' themed images - sun, rainbows, rain, clouds, ... yes, and even snow? LOL!  How much fun is this going to be!!! 

I just love this FREEBIE image from *Wink *Wink Ink and knew it was perfect for my challenge creation. 

I've also used a "rain" stamp by C.C. Rubber Stamps off to the top right side of my image and added Crystal Effects to the rain drops (and puddle).  Here are all the items used on this creation:

Stamps:  Digi by Wink Wink Ink, Heather's Stamping Haven (sentiment), CC Rubber Stamps (rain)

Papers:  DCWV designer paper, medium blue cs, yoyo yellow cs, whisper white

Inks:  Versafine black

Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, Creative Memories corner rounder, roses by Homemade Vintage Stickers (Quebec, Canada), SU Crystal Effects

For further inspiration, please pop over and check out what the other Bar-Tender's have to share with you on their blogs ... links are listed below:

Anita 

Sparkle  

Suzi

 Audrey 

Joni (Head Bar Tender)

 

Okay ... now it's your turn!  I can only imagine what amazing creations you all will come up in using this fun theme!!  Please be sure to add your direct link to our challenge blog so we can pay you a visit and ooogle over your creation!!

Raise The Bar Challenge #11 - April Fool

Can you believe we are in the last week of March!  

April Fool's Day is next week then right around the corner EASTER!!  

Well, today on Raise The Bar, our challenge is APRIL FOOL!  No don't go playing jokes on your friends & neighbors ... instead, FOOL US by creating a card or project using a style that is NOT your usual!  

My favorite style is Vintage and I find CAS (clean & simple) creations to be my least favorite because I keep thinking the card needs SOMETHING MORE!!!  So, that is the direction I took for my challenge card today.

(click on image for larger view)

By inking up one side of the Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers embossing folder with SU Bermuda Bay ink, I have created my background panel.  After removing it from the embossing folder and cleaning the folder, I have turned it around (upside-down) and ran it through again for a double embossing.  

My sentiment is one of our notorious leader Joni's ... from her Inktegrity Store.  I cut it out using a Nestabilities long rectangle die and sponging the edges with Bermuda Bay ink before removing it from the die.  My base card is Teal Green and Liquid Pearls were used in the lower corner for embellishment.

Please be sure to check out the awesome, inspirational creations by the other Bar Tenders ... links to their blogs can be found on my sidebar!
 

Raise The Bar Challenge #10 - Fruits of Labour

Happy Friday Everyone!

As promised, here I am again with another Raise The Bar Challenge creation!!  This week it's all about the FRUITS of LABOUR ... so to speak!!   You are to use FRUIT on your creation ... whether it be in the image, designer paper, ribbon ... whatever ... it's up to you!!  Fun huh!!

Yesterday I shared with you a little "snippet" of my creation ... well here it is in it's entirety!!  I haven't used any of my House Mouse images in a very long time (don't really have THAT many) ... when I read this week's challenge, I knew exactly what direction I was headed in!!  What do you think??

 Such a fun and easy creation!  Please be sure to check out of fun creations by the other "Bar Tenders"!  Their blogs are listed/linked on my sidebar!  

Hope you're having a wonderful day!  I'm headed over to one of my favorite stamping stores in Zoar, Ohio (The Stamp Pad) today to purchase my tickets for the upcoming Adventures in Stamping held here in Akron, OH the last weekend in April!  (Guess I'd better start saving my pennies [dollars] too!!)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Please come back tomorrow for another Saturday Spotlight Challenge.  Here's a snippet for you!!  Hope you  have sunshine today ... we do here in NE Ohio and I'm going to "soak it up!"  Happy Stamping Everyone!!

Raise The Bar Challenge #9

WOW!

  Here we are at another Friday already!!!

  Yikes, this one nearly sneaked past me!!

Today over on Raise The Bar, Joni has challenged us to GO GREEN! Either a recycled item on your card or project, or the color itself.  Well, I decided to go with the color and was thrilled to be able to use one of Joni's own images available in her store, Inktegrity. 

It hard to see in this photo, but I paper pieced her outfit and hair ribbons.  Why is it you can never catch the "good" parts on your photos??   Either way, I like how it turned out and it was great fun to create!

Items used on this creation are as follows:

Stamps:  Inktegrity digi & sentiment

Papers:  basic black, whisper white, DCWV dp

Accessories:  Prima flowers, Doodlebug brad, Darice ribbon, Prismacolor markers, Fiskars swivel craft knife, Creative Memories decorative cutter

Technique:  Paper Piecing

I hope you can find the time to join in on the fun!  This is a pretty easy one and just at the right time of the year ... St. Patty's Day is next week, just in case you forgot, TeeHee!!

For further inspiration, please pop over and check out what the other Bar-Tender's have to share with you on their blogs ... links are listed below:

Anita ... Sparkle ... Suzi ... Audrey ... Joni (Head Bar Tender)

 

Thanks again for your support and your visit!!  I appreciate you & your comments ... good/bad!!