Time for Challenge Fun

Today I decided to dive into a variety of challenges with my creations.  There are so many amazing challenges out there ... I just want to play them ALL ... but of course there's not enough time in my day for that to happen so I've combined a few in the two cards I have to share with you below.

This first creation uses the SKETCH from this week's sketch challenge at SCS, the FOCUS IMAGE which is a pyramid twist offered as a freebie over on the challenges of CDAC by Nicecrane Designs and the RECIPE is for the challenge at Joan's Gardens where were are to use striped paper, button or embellishment, heart & a bow.

(click on image to enlarge)

 I just love how this creation came together!  

A few other challenges this creation qualifies for are:

Cute Card Thursday - Monochrome

Paper Crafting Journey - Use a Digi

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes

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My second creation uses the MAIN FOCUS image from Delicious Doodles Store (two images ... Heart & Lovely Lillies) which I combined using Word 2010, the THEME is Lace for this week's challenge at Shelly's Images.

(click on image to enlarge)

A few other challenges this creation fits are:

 Pals Paper Arts - Valentine

Paper Crafting Journey - Use a Digi

Southern Girls - Lovey Dovey

Stamp Insanity - Let it all hang out! (lily hangs outside the heart)

 THANKS SO MUCH for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed my creations.  If you have ANY QUESTIONS on my cards, images, products used ... please just leave me a comment and I'll get back to you!

More SNOW coming tomorrow ... guess I'd better get my errands run today ... have a great day!  Stay Safe!!

Hugs,  Darlene

We're having fun now ...

I've been trying to spend some quality time in my crafting cave catching up on creations I've had swimming around in my head.  Today I'm playing with digi images from Wink Wink Ink!  I will have more creations to show you later in the week but right now,  I'm sharing my card titled "CONGRATULATIONS"  and the layout is for the Sketch Challenge over on SCS.

 (click on image to enlarge)

Isn't this image adorable!?!  This stamp set is called "Blossom Baby" and can be found in the *Wink *Wink Ink Store along with many more adorable images!  Please be sure to pop on over and check 'em out!!  

(click on image to enlarge)

You will find that Melanie offers a pre-colored image in most of her stamp sets.  That is what I have used today!  I simply added a little sparkle to the wings and flower with Stickles  ... Viola!  Great for those days when you need a card but just don't have the time to sit down & color.

Thanks for stopping by today and just a reminder that *Wink *Wink Ink has a new group over on CDAC and there's also a challenge going on right now through the end of the month.  Be sure to pop on over, check it out & join us!!  YOU could be the winner of free stamps!!  

Back to the cave I go (for awhile) ... I have SALSA to make & can this afternoon!!  Never a dull moment these days!!  Happy Day & Hugs to you all!!

Sketch Challenge Fun ...

Last posting for today!

Promise!!

When I saw the "sneak peek" for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge (Fancy version - using puzzle pieces) I thought "OH NO!!" so I waited until the actual challenge was posted and decided on the CAS version. Although I must say, I will be looking into some "puzzle pieces" for future use and inspiration!!

SO ... here is what I came up with for my creation today!!  I recently bought this sheet of Spring Sticker Images (Pebbles) from Hobby Lobby and decided to use one of those images for my focus panel.  I cut it into four pieces, matted them with whisper white cs then double matted with black & tempting turquoise cs.

 (click on image for larger view)

The background "grass" paper is from DCWV ... sentiment & branch are from the Crafty Secrets - Bird Lovers stamp set.  I used Prismacolor markers to color the branch & leaves.   I really like how it turned out!!  What do you think??


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The other challenge I enjoyed playing today is the SCS Sketch Challenge!  As most of you know, my favorite style of creating is VINTAGE so that is the direction I took with this sketch.  

(I have found some wonderful vintage images at a few online sites.  You can see the links to each of those sites on my "Vintage Creations & Links" page located below the header of this blog.)

(click on the image for a larger view)

The image used on this creation is from Shabby Chic papirskatter and though it was printed in B/W, I have used a ZIG photo twin marker to color in the little girls dress & hair ribbons.  The designer papers I've used are from K&Co. Ancestry and Adornit.


Thanks for stopping by and letting me share my creations with you!  I hope you are having a wonderful day!

SCS Sketch Challenge and more ...

As promised, I've been in the Crafting Cave creating!!  

I haven't played the Sketch Challenge #275 over on SCS for a very long time and decided to play today. 

This adorable "Teacup Chihuahua" can be purchased at the *Wink *Wink Ink Store and the matting was created using Nestabilities Labels 10.  

Recipe for this card:

Stamps:  Wink Wink Ink Digi, Wordsworth

Papers:  Pixie Press dp, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White

Inks:  Versafine Black

Accessories:  Detail clear ep, Nestabilties Labels 10, Nestabilities Ribbon Tags, Making Memories brads, Prima flowers, Offray satin ribbon, Prismacolor markers, Fiskars swivel craft knife, Creative Memories black round tip marker for edging

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While downloading some vintage images from the internet, I came across this beautiful, springy, Easter image over on the Clearly Vintage site.  After a little cropping to remove the Easter sentiment, I printed 6 images and created this adorable "Just A Note" set.

 

(If I ever reference a vintage site and forget to link it ... please click on my "Vintage Creations & Link" page of my blog ... under my blog header for that link information.)

The base cards for this set are SU very vanilla cardstock and the background designer paper is from Colorbok.  The main image has been matted using Goldenrod cardstock and the ribbon is Organza from JoAnn's.  The front "Just a Note" sentiment is by Wordsworth.

 

For the inside of this card set I have simply used goldenrod cardstock, border punched using the Stampin' Up lace punch.  The butterfly & sentiment are from Inkadinkado and inked with Versafine Black ink.  

This entire set took me less than 45 minutes to complete and will be a wonderful gift when the occasion arises.  Thanks for stopping by today!  Hope to see you back her tomorrow for the Raise The Bar Challenge.

Dream ...

Happy New Year's Day!!

It's a pretty quiet day around here, hubby's watching football so I thought I'd take the opportunity to participate in a few challenges. Actually, I think this is the first time I have created a card that fits 4 different challenges (that I know of ).

The challenges are:

The Play Date Cafe #10 - color challenge using turquoise, chocolate & pink
SCS Sketch Challenge
Stamp Simply #120 - NEW Things
Stamp Something - NEW Somethings

My something NEW is this SWEET image from the UK. Isn't she precious!! (click images for a larger view) It's from a company called Charmed Delectables. And, the "dream" sentiment is from another new set ... Inkadinkado (round frames). Of course the layout is from this week's Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenge and color scheme from Play Date Cafe color Challenge.

My card is A-6 in size and Whisper White in color. The background panel is Basic Grey Marrakech designer paper as is the paper used for the main image matting. After stamping my image with Versafine Black I have used Prismacolor Markers, Prisma Pencils and EK Success Chalk for my coloring. I've also used Spica pens and American Crafts glitter pens. For the sparkle on the wings, I have used Crystal Effects covered with DecoArt Glamour Dust. Diamond Stickles was used for the flower centers and Mermaid Glitz Stickles was used on the turquoise flowers and center squiggles between background panels. The flower centers are Stampendous Tuquoise Diamond Dots. The paper flowers were created using the Spellbinder's Shapeabilities Flower die.

As I type this post, the snow has begun to fall outside again and it's coming down pretty fast & heavy. They are only calling for 1-3 inches but it's going to be VERY cold ... high tomorrow only 16 degrees ... Brrr!

I hope you are enjoying this 1st day of the new year and that 2010 is the best year ever for you!! Thanks for stopping by and God Bless You for taking the time!!

SCS Sketch Challenge #258

Today's sketch challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers left the doors open to many things and after visiting a friend last evening and seeing some of her creations (waving "Hi" to Sandy) done using the Nestabilities tree die, I just had to give it a whirl and I'm sure glad I did! It worked perfectly for today's creation. I still don't have enough holiday cards to send to everyone I want to send too! Yikes!!

My base card is garden green cardstock and I have used "scraps" from three different holiday designer papers for my background panels. I didn't care for how the two paper designs looks butted up against each other so I threw a 1/2" strip of musial paper over top and I think that helped marry them quite nicely! My sentiment is by Paper Inspirations and the felt poinsetta/leaf are from Hero Arts.

To create the tree, I diecut FOUR trees of the same size ... cut portions of the tree off in a wavy motion using my Fiskars swivel craft knife ... then stacked them using dimensional tape. I have used gold Stickles along the edge that was cut ... that might help you visualize things a little better. I've also used Stickles to "decorate" my tree. The matting was created using aNestabilities decal rectangle die for the ivory panel and Fiskar decal scissors for the green panel.

I hope you enjoyed this little creation ... it was really fun and really very easy! Thanks so much for stopping by today! It is EXTREMELY windy here in NE Ohio today and I can see that I will be REDOING some of my outside decorations after it dies down. The garland across the front of my house is only hanging on by the ends ... the rest is just "blowing in the wind" ... NOT a good thing!! Happy Day my friends!!

SCS Sketch Challenge #254

Today's sketch over on SCS was from a card created by my friend Dawn Burnworth (flowergal36 on SCS), whom I was lucky enough to meet IRL this summer in her hometown of Mooresville, N.C. {waiving HI!!! to Dawn}

Another fun fact about this creation is that the image I used is by a BRAND NEW ARTIST ... TANYA ... who will have her very own Online Digi Shoppe where you can purchase this image and many, many more in a very short period of time ... I will have more information on TANYA'S ADVENTURE as it becomes available!!

EDIT to add new information on Tanya's Store: You can now find this image and others at Tanya's new Online Digi Shoppe. She just opened her store today, so please be patient and kind. She is VERY talented ... please show her some love ... thanks!


Recipe for my creation:
Stamps: None
Papers: Basic Black, K&Co. Holiday designer paper
Inks: Ranger Antique Linen, Pacific Point
Accessories: Image by Tanya, Prisma pencils, Gamsol, sponge, disresser, Fibercraft snowflake, Michael's gold cording, Glitz Stickles (mermaid), Stickles (diamonds)

I hope you enjoyed this little creation ... I know I sure enjoyed making it! Thanks for stopping by!!

SCS Sketch Challenge #253

Today's Splitcoast Stamper Sketch Challenge was a lot of fun to create! As soon as I saw it, I knew what stamp set I wanted to use. Last year's "A Cardinal Christmas" was just perfect!!

I couldn't find holiday designer paper that I thought would work with my cardinal panel ... so, I made my own! The greenery is another image in the set and I simply stamped it all over my card front using Garden Green ink. For my embellishments, I stamped the same image onto white cardstock and cut them out with my Fiskars swivel craft knife!

My cardinal was stamped using Versafine black ink onto white cardstock, colored with Prismacolor markers, bordered using a gold Pilot marker, then double matted with Christmas red cs and Gold Metallic. I'm really happy with the outcome! What do you think??

Thanks for poppin' in and a double thanks if you left a comment!! I do so love hearing your opinions on my work ... whether it be bad or good! Constructive criticism is always welcomed!!

SCS Sketch Challenge and Blog Candy Winnings

Boy, I hope the sun is shining where you are today ....

it is a BEAUTIFUL day here in N.E. Ohio!!!

I know you are asking yourself ... then why is she in the house and not outside ... well, I wanted to create a couple of cards to share with you all ... and THEN, I'm headed outdoors to complete my fall cleanup project!!! I'm headed to Indiana this weekend to join in on a fun GET TOGETHER with my friend Joan Fricker of Joan's Gardens has planned and I am SO EXCITED to be going. But I MUST get my chores completed first ... so I'd better be quick about it!!!

My first card was created for the Sketch Challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers. I recently purchased this sleigh image which was created by a local Ohio artist (StacyStamps) and thought it was perfect for today's layout.

Here are the deets on this creation:

Papers: Basic Grey dp, DCWV dp, Whisper White cs

Inks: Versafine black

Accessories: Prismacolor Markers, Gold Pilot Marker, Prima flowers & leaves, Creative Imaginations brad, metal ruler, craft knife

The other creation I would like to share with you today uses this adorable The Character Cafe image that I was lucky enough to win on Angie Cortes Designs Blog a short while back! Isn't he just the cutest little thing!!! His name is Christmas Scamp and it sure looks like he's in for trouble!!!

Here are the deets:

Stamps: Hero Arts (sentiment)

Papers: Christmas Red, Whisper White, DCWV Indian Summer Glitter dp (gift from Vicki Parsons - thanks lady!)

Inks: computer ink, Versafine black

Accessories: Prismacolor Markers, Fiskars decal scissors, JoAnn's organdy ribbon, Liquid Applique, Ranger embossing tinsel

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... now I'm headed outside to enjoy this lovely fall day and get some work done!! Hope you are having a wonderful day whereever you are and whatever you are doing!! Happy Stamping!!!

SCS Sketch Challenge & Color Throwdown Challenge

Just wanted to share a couple creations with you and I'll try to keep it SHORT! I know ... I can get chatty sometimes!! So here we go ......

First is today's Sketch Challenge over on SCS. Here are the deets:

Stamps: ANW Crestwood

Papers: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, The Paper Patch Designer Paper

Inks: Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Martha Stewart snowflake punch, Silver Stickles, Prismacolor Marker, Metal Ruler

Technique: Faux Stitching

My second creation is for today's Color Throwdown Challenge using Baja Breeze, Black/Chocolate, and Sahara Sand. I've also added Basic Grey Periphery designer paper to my card.

Here are the deets:

Stamps: Wordsworth

Ink: Versafine Sepia

Accessories: Nestabilities (classic ovals & scallop ovals), Detail Clear ep, Kaiser half pearls, SU Chocolate Chip satin ribbon

Thanks for stopping by today ... and as always, I appreciate you taking the time to leave me a comment! I hope you're having a fun, creative day!

Sketch 248 & Color Throwdown 62

I decided to combine today's Sketch Challenge over on SCS (SC248)with today's Color Challenge over on the Color Throwdown (CTD62). Don't these colors look great together?? I can honestly say I would have NEVER thought to put them together, but I'm sure glad Broni did!!! Now mind you, it was okay to not use them ALL ... but hey, that was part of the challenge for me, LOL!!!

This should be almost like a "no brainer" challenge when you've already got your colors picked for you as well as the layout! Well, I can tell you this NO BRAINER became a little tough for me ... I am, however, happy to say with a few lost hours of laying things out .... looking at this stamp & that ... I finally came up with an idea I was happy with.

I used all four colors required for the Throwdown plus I made a panel for behind the leaves using white CS and stippled with the olive, rust & razzleberry colors. The leaves were made with really rust cs and the Spellbinder Shapeabilities Fall Leaves ... then sponged the Razzleberry & Olive on top. The "Fall Colors" stamp is by Inkadinkado and was stamped using Kaleidocolor Autumn Leaves ink. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

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DON'T FORGET ... this Friday, October 2nd is the start of the Digital-Ink Co. Falloween Blog Hop! This is going to be so much fun and the DT is so anxious to be a part of it & share inspirations along the way. There are going to be challenges, gifts & mystery!! Be sure to check out all the details on the D-IC blog highlighted above.

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AND ANOTHER REMINDER .. this Saturday, October 3rd will be the very first challenge @ Saturday Spotlight Hidden Potential Challenge Blog!!!! I am SO EXCITED and it's going to be so great!! We, the DT, are anxious to show you some great ways to find the hidden potenial in the products you already have in your craftrooms! Mark your calendars and come join us in making the most of what you have!!!! Hope to see you there!!!

SCS Sketch Challenge #247

Today's Sketch Challenge over on SCS was the perfect layout for this very fashionable lady from Rubbernecker!

I've been wanted to use my new Rich Razzleberry cardstock so today was the perfect opportunity. I also had this scrap of Tapestry Lavendar & Lace designer paper laying on my table just beggin to be used!!! I've used Rich Razzleberry ink/blender pen, Rich Razzleberry marker & Crushed Curry marker for my coloring. The other panels are Purely Pomegranate (bordered with a gold Pilot marker) & Pink Pirouette cardstock. I decided this fashionable lady deserve a little "sparkle" so I used a glue pen and PKGlitz mauve glitter to outline my pink panel. Then went crazy and squiggled some gold Stickles and added gems that I've had "forever" from Target. Of course, then I had to get out my trusty Fiskars swivel craft knife and cut out my image & pop her up with dimensionals. I'm thrilled with the outcome ... I hope you like it too!!!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you're having a wonderful day!

SCS Sketch Challenge #246

This is my creation for today's sketch challenge over on Splitcoaststampers. All pieces except the main focus image were scraps that I had laying on my worktable from other projects. How cool is that????

Recipe:

Stamps: Close to my Heart (Be Yourself)

Papers: Mellow Moss, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Daisy D's dp, Graphic45 dp

Inks: Versafine sepia, Ranger vintage photo, Melon Mambo

Accessories: Gold Pilot marker, sponge, dew drops, SU Melon Mambo ribbon

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Hope you've been having a wonderful day!!

Another COMBO card creation ...

This card was created for today's Color Throwdown Challenge and the sketch challenge over on SCS.


Here are the materials details:

Stamps: Embrace Life, Wordsworth

Papers: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Always Artichoke, Basic Grey (porcelain)

Inks: Versafine black

Accessories: Detail Clear EP, Fiskars Apron Lace Border Punch, Basic Grey Opaline Pearls, Faiser Pearls, dimensionals, Fiskars swivel craft knife





I just love how you can now find pearls in all colors and sizes! I think they make such a wonderful addition to any card! Here I've used them to accent the flower center as well as using the larger pearls for a finishing touch in the lower corner. (click on the image for a closer look)



Thanks so much for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed this creation!! Have a wonderful day in whatever you are doing!!

Combining challenges ...

I was very short on stamping time yesterday so before leaving the house in the morning I was able to combine the weekly SCS Sketch Challenge with this week's Color Throwdown Challenge. Over on the color throwdown, Broni chose to use some of the new IN-COLORS and this is what I came up with. Here are the details on this card:

Stamps: SU Fruit Stand

Papers: dusty durango, bermuda bay, soft suede, BoBunny dp, white glossy cardstock

Inks: Versafine blk, summer sun, pumpkin pie, close to cocoa

Accessories: distresser, SU soft suede grosgrain ribbon

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Here is another card which I made for the sketch challenge over on Carol's Sketch Fun #12 ... only to realize later that I had already created a card for that challenge ... that's okay, can never have enough "generic" cards ... right!!

Details for this card are:

Stamps: B-Line Designs

Papers: Mellow Moss, Colorbok (Tracey Porter) dp

Inks: Versafine black

Accessories: SU watercolor pencils, blender pen, Bazzill paper flower, Darice grosgrain ribbon, Pebbles Inc. candy dots

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I appreciate your time and kind words!

Creations to share ....

I have three cards to share with you from 4 challenges but I will try to keep the descriptions brief!! If you do have questions, don't hesitate to ask!!!

My first card was created for the Sketch Challenge over on The Fresh Batch blog ... Stamps & Smiles #27.

Details:

Stamps: Inkadinkado

Papers: Basic Black, Whisper White, Coorbok (Tracey Porter) designer paper

Inks: Versafine black

Accessories: Detail clear embossing powder, Kaiser half pearls, May Arts organza ribbon

My second card was for the SCS Crafty Secrets Forum challenge which I was fortunate enough to host this week. I asked the girls to "Frame It" ... however they chose to and so far, they've come up with some AWESOME idea ... Check It Out Here!

Details:

Stamps: Crafty Secrets (Coffee & Tea)

Papers: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Basic Black, Crafty Secrets (Radiant) designer paper

Inks: Versafine black

Accessories: Nestabilities (large labels), Nestabilities ribbon tags, Darice grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals, round tip Creative Memories black marker

My last card to share with you today is for today's SCS Sketch Challenge as well as the Stamp Something - Charm Challenge. This was a fun challenge and I've been dying to use this new Graphic45 paper I just bought! What do you think?? Very vintagy, huh ... love it!!

Details:

Stamps: Impression Obsession

Papers: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Gold Metallic, Graphic45 designer paper

Inks: versafine black, More Mustard

Accessories: Nestabilities (oval & scallop oval), Offray satin ribbon, Darice filigree gold charm, dimensionals

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

Color Throwdown #54 ...

... and the SCS Sketch Challenge all in one!!

I'm just ticked pink with how this card came together! When I saw the colors for today's Color Throwdown, I though ... oh my gosh, what can I do with that ... but of course the fact that they are the colors in the Basic Grey Ambrosia paper pack (and I just happen to have that one), things became easier. I actually thought the same thing when I first saw the Sketch Challenge for today on SCS. But once I got started ... it really all came together quite nicely! I KNEW I wanted to use this butterfly image from the Inkadinkado (garden delight) set and piece by piece it came together perfectly!

I stamped the butterfly with Versafine Black ink directly onto the designer paper and embossed it with Detail Clear embossing powder. The wings automatically lifted on both sides ... how convient was that!! My ribbon is actually a peach color from May Arts but it's not quite as colorful due to having it layered with a strip of Basic Black cardstock. My circle was cut with Nestabilities then outlined using a Creative Memories round tip black marker. The sentiment on the front of my card is from Hero Arts and for those of you who enjoy seeing the INSIDE of the cards, I have provided a little peak at this one. I've used scraps from the Basic Grey Ambrosia dp and border edged it with my Stampin' Up scallop border punch. The sentiment is from The Artful Stamper and the little butterfly is from another Inkadinkado set. Don't forget --- (click on any photo for a more detailed view).

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... I hope you find inspiration in my work.

SCS Sketch Challenge #239

One more creation to share with you today and that is for today's SCS Sketch Challenge. This card too went together rather quickly due to having "pieces" & "parts" laying around in my craftroom that worked perfectly together to create a card. It's been a very good CLEAN UP SCRAPS day ... Yippee!!

I always enjoy doing sketch challenges and those over at Splitcoaststampers were my first. Roxie always comes up with great sketches and samples. Today's sketch is relatively simple but I think it can really pack a punch!! Here's what I did.

The base card is of Whisper White cardstock and my background panel was created last week for another project then I realized the shade of green was wrong so I sat it aside. It was created by running a Whisper White panel through the Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dot Embossing Folder then sponging with Garden Green, Really Rust & Old Olive inks. I then stamped the corners with this leafy image from the Hero Arts FRIENDS set and Versafine black ink then matted with Basic Black cardstock.

Panels 2a &2b are from a scrap of DCWV Old World and my main image panels were all in my Nestabilities (scalloped rectangle) "extras" box. The sentiment comes from the SU Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set and the bird on this panel is from an Inkadinkado set.

What a fun, fun creative day for me! I hope your day was fun & interesting too! Thanks for stopping by ... hope I didn't overload you with postings today but I'm always so anxious to share with you!!! Happy Day my friends!!

Play Time ...

After being away for from my crafting room last weekend, I just couldn't wait to get caught up on a few challenges and of course I want to share these creations with you!!

First is the card I made for this week's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #11. The contents of this card are as follows:

Stamps: None

Ink: None

Paper: Garden Green, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Wild Wasabi, Graphic45 designer paper

Accessories: Crafty Secrets creative scraps, Prima flowers, Making Memories brads, Martha Stewart doily lace border punch, Creative Memories corner rounder, Michael's gold metallic cording.

If you haven't checked out this blog ... you are missing a LOT OF GOOD STUFF!! There are so many things going over there that I can't even begin to tell you ... you have to check it out for yourself. I do have some BAD NEWS!! Last week while I was traveling to link up with the Stamp Simply gals ... my name was picked for the $25 Mad Money ... sounds like GOOD NEWS huh?? Well it WAS until I saw that I had to respond within 24 hours and of course that time had already passed me by ... so even though I WON ... I LOST! BUMMER!!!

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Okay ... on to another challenge card. This one was for the Splitcoaststampers (SCS) Sketch Challenge #238. This card literally took me 10 minutes to complete! And, I love how it turned out!! My #1 panel is a background B/W paper by Doodlebug Designs, Inc. #2 panel is a strip of Whisper White cs matted with Tempting Turquoise. For my #3 panels, I chose to use a set of inchies by Inkadinkado. Using various Gelly Roll & Spica pens, I did a little coloring on the butterfly & hummingbird. To match in with these colors , I used my new Basic Grey Opaline half pearls I purchased while visiting a few new stamping stores with my good friend, Tammy Hershberger (Stamp Happy). Hope you enjoyed this creation ... certainly was an easy peasy card.

OH ... before I forget, I want to show you the inside of this card. My friend Linda Davis often comments on how much she wished the blogging ladies would show more of the inside of their creations. Well here you go Linda ... this one's for you!! LOL!!!

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ONE more card to share with you today. This card doesn't fit any challenge but I have a few new images (which I colored while in Shipshewana with the SS gals) and wanted to create something with one of them. This image comes from the new Just Rite set called "Thinking of You". I stamped this image using Joan Fricker's set (Joan's Gardens) but I have to tell you ... I now have this set in my stash because Tammy (Stamp Happy) gave this set to me for my birthday last week ... just as we were about to leave for the Shipshewana trip .... HOW COOL IS THAT!!! (Thanks Tam!)

I used my SU watercolor pencils & blender pen to color in my image. I used one of Joan's Nestabilitie sets to cut/emboss it then double matted using Lavendar Lace and Basic Black cs. My background paper is from the DCWV Luxury pack, sentiment is from SU Close As A Memory set, stamped with Versafine black and embossed with detail clear. I've used Kaiser pearls in the corners and Dotted Swiss lavendar ribbon from Hobby Lobby for my embellishments. Hopefully I won't need to send this card any time soon!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... hope you are have a WONDERFUL day. It's a bit rainy & cool here in NE Ohio but that's okay ... my poor yard is really thirsty!!!

My last posting ...

for a few days!!! I know, you're probably breathing a sigh of relief ... I can get rather windy at times!! LOL!! At the end of the posting, I will tell you what I'll be up to ... I'm SO EXCITED!!!!

This card was created for today's SCS sketch challenge (SC237). Today Roxie picked a card created by Judy (StampinQueen JAR) for her sketch example. What's really cool about Judy's card being chosen for TODAY, is that today she & I are "Birthday Buddies" ... yep, we are both having a birthday today! What a sweet birthday surprise for Judy!!! Pop on over and show her some birthday love!!!

My creation today is based around PEARS ... (I don't know why!! LOL ...) My main image is from the Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps (Garden). After double matting with More Mustard & Mellow Moss cs, I distressed the edges. I created the background paper by stamping the pear image from the SU Infinite Goodness set in three different inks ... Garden Green, More Mustard & Summer Sun. On the right side I used the Martha Stewart Arch Lattice punch and on the left side I added a strip of More Mustard cardstock which I've stamped a portion of the sentiment stamp from the same stamp set "Infinite Goodness". My base card is 2 ply hunter green/ivory cardstock.

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OKAY ... now for my exciting news!

I mentioned it in an earlier posting ... but in case you missed it ... tomorrow (A.M.) Tammy Hershberger (Stamp Happy) and myself are headed for Shipshewana, Indiana to link up with some of the ladies from Sharon Johnson's Stamp Simply Group!!! And that includes the QUEEN of STAMP SIMPLY herself ... Sharon Johnson!!! WOW ... how cool is that!!! I am SO EXCITED!!!!!

Tammy & I are leaving a day early because Joan Fricker (Joan's Garden) was generous enough to invite us to come stay with her for a day before linking up with the other ladies!! We are also taking an extra day coming back home so we can check out some (new to us) stamping stores on the way back through.

Don't worry now ... I will have my laptop with me and will be sharing photos along the way! Look out stamping stores in the Shipshewana, Indiana area ... HERE I COME!!!!!