Picture This . . .

Hello friends!

I'm busy getting ready to head out of town on Thursday  ... on my way to Indiana to link up with some crafting friends for a few days ... but wanted to share a card with you that fits a fun new challenge over at The Shabby Tea Room called Picture This.

Image:  Sassy Studio - Pin Up Photographer Portrait
Dies:  Sue Wilson 'Festive Collection #CED3019,
Impression Obsession 'Rectangle' 6-in-1 #DIE242,
Memory Box 'Believe' #1280

The design paper used on this card probably doesn't really fit with the snowflakes ...
BUT it was laying on my worktable and since I had colored her top in purple that is what I grabbed!

Coloring was done with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers and did you notice the 'shine' of the camera lens?  Yep ... just had to put a dab of Crystal Effects there to give it a more realistic appeal.

Challenges to share in:
Crafting From The Heart - Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion Challenge - Anything Goes

Well, there you have it ...
Now I'd better keep moving ...

Thanks for stopping by!
Hope you're having a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!
As always . . .

Tea Time ...

Happy Thursday Dear Friends!

Today I have a card to share which was created as a DT Call entry

over on The Shabby Tea Room.

I actually just started designing 'tea related' cards for a local 'Tea Room' and thought it

might be fun to try out for a spot on this fabulous blog & team.

Wish me luck!

Did you know I have a tea pot collection?

Yep and over the years I've received many as gifts

and it's so much fun to look at this one or that and remember who

it came from and when.  Each and everyone holds wonderful memories for me!

I actually have one (see below) very similar to the teapot in today's card.  

And, it was one of the very first in my collection.

These are three different Royal Albert 'Old Country Rose' 

tea pots from my collection.

You will find at least one teapot in every room of my house

and of course the most are in the kitchen (above the cabinets) 

and in the dining room on the bakers rack.

I display them all year round until the holidays come around then I put them away and unpack my Santa collection (which also has some 'Santa tea pots') within the collection.

Sharing in the following challenges:
Card and Scrap Challenge - Use Dies
Country View Challenge - Shabby Chic
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge - Anything Goes
CCC Digi Creations Challenge - Layer It Up
LadyBug Crafts Challenge - Use your Dies

Okay that's it for me today!  I could go on and on (as those who know me will attest to ... lol).

Thanks so much for stopping by ... have a fabulous day!

As always ...

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, SU pear pizazz cs, Marianne Designs 'French Roses' dp, gold metallic cs, vellum

Ink/Stamp:  Versafine Onyx/Sweet Stamps

Dies:  Frantic Stamper 'Trio of Swirls' (steam), Spellbinder 'Tea Service', Creative Expression Sue Wilson 'Carribean Island Collection' Background, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Tea Rose Medium'

Accessories:  Gold Pilot Marker, Gold Stickles, Red Stickles, White Liquid Pearls, Pop Dots

For a Friend . . .

Hello Dear Friends!

It's been a crazy week around here so far but I did take this morning 

to create a card 'Just For Fun' that I think you'll enjoy.  

I know I enjoyed making it and as you'll see I'm still practicing 

making homemade flowers.  This time around using the new 

Heartfelt Creations Botanical Rose stamps and Botanical Wings (coordinating) dies.

First of all I want to point out that the SAME colors were used on everything that was colored on this card including the paper used to die cut the ribbons, the leaves as well as the main image.  BUT once again my camera has tricked you into thinking these are different colors ... grrrrr!!  LOL!

 Here you can see the card laying next to the sheet of white paper that I laid my die cuts on to color before placing them on the card.  Ooops I noticed I didn't include the GB3 (yellow) marker that was used for the flower centers.  My background paper is actually SU Pink Pirouette but looks more coral in the photo.  I really need to spend some time learning more about the settings on my camera ... but that would take away from crafting time ... oh dear, can't have that!  LOL!

Anyways,  a few challenges I'd like to share in today are:

The Shabby Tea Room challenge - Photo Inspiration

Beccy's Place March Challenge - Anything Goes using a Beccy's Image

Crafting By Design March Challenge - Anything Goes

Crafty Sentiments Challenge - Spring Colors

Retarte #37 Inspiration Challenge - Photo Inspiration (yep same photo as TSTR)

I do have a couple close ups to share with you and the list of product used will be at the end.

I'm truly enjoying making flowers again and how different they can be just by simply coloring with Spectrum Noir Markers vs Ink/Sponge.

 I did a lot of fussy cutting around the Beccy's Place image (one of her FREE images called Posey).

I think it made a beautiful focus for my card.

 

I hope you enjoyed today's card share!

Hubby wants to head to a couple stores to look for a new dishwasher so I'd better get going!

And, he's been putting slide outs in all my lower kitchen cabinets ... yahoo!!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

As always ...

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, SU Pink Pirouette cs
Dies:  Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Spanish Collection Background' #CED1201, Poppy Stamps 'Mesa Leaf Outline' #1023, Poppy Stamps 'Classic Ribbons' #1005, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Friend' #B285, Heartfelt Creations Botanical Rose stamps and Botanical Wings (coordinating) dies.
Accessories:  Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, Dimensional Tape, Fiskars swivel craft knife, Flower making mat & kit,

Note:  Most dies were purchased through Dies R Us Store

Happy Birthday in a Jar!

Good MONDAY Everyone! 

Oh my goodness ... it seems like time is flying but of course, 

I'm wishing it away these days just longing for warmer temperatures, 

and the sounds of Springtime!

Today's card was created for the new challenge at The Shabby Tea Room.

Here's the photo inspiration they are offering today.

I still do some home canning of my own ... not like I did in my growing up years but enough that it keeps me linked to my childhood memories.  Call me crazy but I love the sight of 'canning jars' and now with all the beautifully colored jars they are coming out with I think I'll be changing up a bit of my decorating here in the crafting cave. 

These beautiful mason jars are an Etsy site purchase ... I just loved their vintage flair.  

And, I've added SU Crystal Effects to them for a more realistic (glass) appearance.

However, since I hadn't used the Crystal Effects for some time I spent a lot of time

clearing the nozzle only to have it GUSH out the side in a BLOB.  Uugh!

Nearly ruined my entire card but quickly grabbed an artist brush and salvaged it as best I could.

 

The past couple of years Ball has come out with green and blue tinted jars which are safe for actual canning.  And, this year they are coming out with PURPLE jars ... oh yes, my favorite color ... so I'll be purchasing a few of those beauties!!!

Not sure if I'll use them for actual canning ... or decorative purposes ... but rest assured I will have some in my possession!

LOL!

A few challenges to share in today:

 Come and Get It Challenge - Birthdays

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge #4 - Anything Goes

Scribble and Scrap Challenge #38 - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

I hope your week is off to a great start!  

I'm running a bit slow ... but I'm forging ahead!

As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Ivory cs, SU Pattern Packs 6x6 dp, Paper Pizazz dp

Accessories:  Mason Jar images from Etsy, Die-Mensions 'Balloon Bash' sentiment die, Wild Orchid Crafts rose, Offray ribbon, Bow Easy, SU Crystal Effects, White Liquid Pearls, ZIG pen for doodling, dimensional tape

Love is in the Air ... la la la la la

Happy Hump Day Everyone!

Today I'm happy, happy ... no particular reason ... just HAPPY!  LOL!

And I'm happy to share my creation with you that was made for the newest challenge over on  

The Shabby Tea Room Challenge Blog.  

Check out this lovely photo inspiration we are to use this time around . . .

Yep ... Valentine's Day is not too far away!

I'm ready ... are you??

I've been having so much fun with some of my new 'heart' dies 

and this is what I came up with today using a couple of them! 

My card is actually a larger A7 (5x7) card and I just love how it came together.

I have been working on few 'larger' size cards for a couple upcoming private shows I'll be doing in April along with my usual A6 size cards.

The outside panel is the largest die in the Creative Expressions - Sue Wilson - Spanish Collect - Cordoba CED1206 die set.  There are 3 pieces to this set and I die cut them all at the same time on one piece of white card stock then used each panel on a separate card creation. 

Challenges to share in:
Poppy Stamps Challenge #5 - My Love

Card Mania Challenge - Add some Red

Get Creative Challenge - Bingo Board (Ribbon, Red, Bling, Die Cut, 2 Plain Papers)

Through the Purple Haze - Anything Goes (C10)

The Paper Nest Dolls Monthly Challenge - Anything Goes

The Crazy Challenge - Love

Ooh La La Creations Challenge - Love
Crafty Sentiments Designs Challenge - Include a Heart
 Digi Choosday Challenge - In the Pink

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

Recipe:
Papers:  white cs, pink cs, red cs
Dies:  Poppy Stamps 'True Love Stems' #1123, Impression Obsession 'Heart Stems' DIE 053, Impression Obsession 'Love You Heart' DIE 131, Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Spanish Collection' Cordoba CED1206
Accessories:  Red with white polka dots organza ribbon, White Kaiser pearl

Brrrrr ...

Happy Monday Dear Friends!

Brrrrrrr sure is cold here in NE Ohio but I shouldn't complain, at least we only have a few inches of snow on the ground vs FEET that some of my crafting friends are dealing with!!

The card I have to share with you today is for the current challenge over at 

The Shabby Tea Room using this photo as inspiration.  

I'm thrilled to tell you that I was the winner over there last week in the 'Baby It's Cold Outside' challenge and just couldn't wait to join in their fun challenge again this week.  Sadly I've been so busy with our bathroom remodeling project that I'm JUST NOW getting around to playing.  Whew ... just getting in under the wire!  LOL!

I've been seeing SO MANY snowmen being built in the front yards around my neighborhood this year ... brings back many wonderful childhood memories!  

Like I said ... this was a quickly made card but I really like how it came together.

Here are a couple other challenges I'd like to share it in:

Crafting From the Heart Challenge #44 - Always Anything Goes

Craft Your Passion Challenge #246 - Always Anything Goes
Classy Cards n Such Challenge - Letter It
Design Team Showcase #4 - DT Only (Jan 24 - Feb 7)

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you are staying safe & warm if you live in the areas that have been hit so hard with the latest snow storms!  

As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Garden Green cs

Dies:  Marianne 'Snowman', Impression Obsession 'Fir Trees'

Accessories:  Martha Stewart 'Branch' punch, White Liquid Pearls, Spectrum Noir Markers, Tim Holtz Black marker, ZIG Red marker, Red Gingham ribbon, Creative Memories blue sticker letters, pop dots, Tim Holtz blue distress inks, large sponge dauber

Technique:  Paper Tearing

Winter Wishes . . .

Brrrr ... It sure is Cold Outside!

Hello my friends ... thanks for stopping by!

Single digits and the teens are NOT my idea of ideal weather! SO, I decided to stay in my cave and PLAY!  No DT commitment card today ... just one for a fun challenge I don't get to play often enough.  Although I truly enjoy my design team involvement, I'd like to take a little more time to create 'just for fun' in 2015.

Today's card was created for the 

The Shabby Tea Room ..."Baby It's Cold Outside" ... 

how appropriate!  LOL!

I really had fun creating this card and actually was able to use NEW and OLD products that I had never used before.  And I even got creative and used a die for the 'steam' that isn't really meant for that!  LOVE when you find  a new purpose for your dies, etc.

I also couldn't decide what size cup I wanted to use for the front of my card so cut out two of the three smaller cups/handles from the Spellbinder 'Nested Tea Cups' #S4-350 set.  Once I decided on using the larger of the two, I figured why not adorn the inside of my card with the smaller one!  PERFECT!

AND, how about this perfect little red satin bow holding up my mittens?  I just love my Craft-Dee BowZ bow maker.  I actually was lucky enough to WIN it a few years back when they started their blog and it creates a perfect bow every time!  LOVE THAT!  Especially when you're working with these tiny little ribbons ... my fingers aren't as 'nimble' as they once were so this tool makes the job SO MUCH easier!  Another fun challenge for you to check out. 

A few additional challenges to share in today are:
Craft-Dee BowZ January Challenge - Anything Goes using a Bow
Card Mania Challenge #64 - Make It Sparkle

Crafting From the Heart #41 - Always Anything Goes

Crafty Boots Challenge - Out with the Old, In with the New (new Embossing Folder)

Eureka Stamps Challenge - Snowman or Snowflakes
Design Team Showcase

I hope you are able to stay in and play today too (love that retirement benefit! lol)!
But if you're not, please be safe out there!  I hear the roads are a mess!

Thanks again for stopping by and for your encouraging comments!
I truly appreciate you taking the time!

As always . . .

Recipe:

Paper - Red cs, White cs, American Crafts 'Hot Cocoa' design paper,
Stamp/Ink - Verve Stamp 'Winter Mittens/Versafine Onyx
Dies - Spellbinder 'Nested Tea Cups', Wild Rose Studio 'Snow Flurry' #WRS032, Marianne 'Mittens' #CR1255, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Add a Flourish' #B456
Embossing Folders - Provo Craft Cuttlebug 'Snowflakes', Crafts-too 'Frame Winter' #CTFD4025
Accessories - Tim Holtz 'Tumbled Glass' Distress Ink, Large sponge dauber, 'Diamond' Stickles, SU Dimensionals

It's Tea Time ...

Hello my friends!  

Hope your Thursday is off to a great start!

I discovered I had a 'free' blog day today, so I decided to join in one of the challenges that has always inspired my 'vintage side'!  And, that is the Shabby Tea Room Challenge Blog!

This is their photo inspiration ...

and, we are to use Pink, Black, Pearls and Flowers on our creations.

I hope you're not tired of seeing Tri-Shutter (fancy fold) cards from me because there are several I need/want to create for my upcoming Fall Craft Shows and by playing the challenges using this fold, it just helps me be that much further ahead of what I'll be needing!

MY TRI-SHUTTER PHOTO TUTORIAL CAN BE FOUND HERE!

So here ya go ... my creation for the challenge is 'another' tri shutter fold creation ... hope you like it!

I have several tri-shutter card bases cut/scored and it just so happened there was a light pink one in the stack ... so THAT was my starting point.  All product used on this card will be shared at the end of my post.  I have had this Elizabeth Craft (#714) teapot/cups die set for quite some time now and today they just screamed out for me to use them. 

They are actually an 'outline' set so once I die cut them on Pink Pirouette paper, I glued them down to a piece of black cardstock using E6000 spray adhesive and fussy cut them out with my Fiskars swivel craft knife.  There is probably a matching 'solid' die set ... I really need to look into that!  LOL!

I really like how the Eucalyptus Stickles pops on these die cuts ... so pretty IRL!

I hope you've found a fun challenge to join in today to express YOUR style!

I must have an OLD SOUL because Vintage design really speaks to me!

Hopefully I can find some other fun challenges to share my card in today ...

 City Crafter's Challenge #224 - Roses

Just Inspirational Challenge - Pearls and Lace

Card Mania Challenge - Birthday Party

Crafty Cardmakers Challenge - Fancy Folds

Whoopsi Daisy Challenge - Fussy Cutting
Little Red Wagon - Happy Birthday
Scrapper's Delight - Anything Goes with Die Cuts

Lots to get done so I'd better make this short & sweet!

Have a wonderful day and thanks SO MUCH for taking the time to stop by my blog!

As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  SU Pink Pirouette, The Paper Studio 'Harper's Boutique', Graphic45 'Botanical Tea', White cs, Black cs 
Dies:   Elizabeth Craft #714 teapot/cups, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Anastasia Border' #B136,
Accessories:  Graphic45 'Botanical Tea' chipboard accessories, Michaels gingham ribbon, Wild Orchid roses,

Tea Time . . .

Happy Monday All!

I'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon for a fun crafting get together with my Midwest friends but before I start packing up my crafting goodies I wanted to create a couple of cards for challenges I enjoy participating in. 

My first card today is for the "Tea Party" challenge at The Shabby Tea Room.

Using this beautiful photo for inspiration, we are to create INCLUDING A TEA CUP/TEA POT OR PETIT FOUR/SWEET TREAT, LACE/RIBBON and PEARLS!

 This is right up my alley since it has a 'vintage' flair to it.  Isn't this inspiration photo fabulous?!

Recipe for this card is:

Papers:  White cs, SU design paper

Accessories:  Offray pink satin ribbon, Craft-Dee Bowz bow maker tool, Pop Dots, Kaiser pearls

Dies:  Spellbinder 'Tea Set' #S5-076, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Add a Flourish' #B456 (used for steam), Cheery Lynn Designs 'Swedish Spring Oval Frame' #FRM135

A few other challenges to share in:

Challenges 4 Everybody May Challenge - Anything Goes

Dream Valley - Anything Goes

Crafting At The Weekend - Anything Goes

Krafty Hands Challenge -  Anything Goes

Open Minded Crafting - Use Some Ribbon

Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes

Just For Fun Challenge - Ribbon or Lace
Craft-Dee Bowz - Anything Goes with handmade bow

Well I'd better get busy TRYING to figure out what all to take ... I think I need a bigger car!  LOL!

Please stop back later today when I'll have a PURPLE creation for the Cards 'n Such Challenge to share.

Hope to see you then!

HAPPY DAY EVERYONE!

Butterflies and Babies

Good Morning Friends!

I've been wanting to make an altered photo frame for a good friend who's expecting her first child and FINALLY finished it last evening. 

I've used Craft Secrets digital design papers for the base and the flowers.  However, I alter the color of two of the ones I chose so I could match the baby's room decor.  All product used will be listed at the end of my post.  Be sure to pop over to Crafty Vintage Girl shoppe and check out the fabulous baby items available as well as all the other themed goodies they have.

I swear sometimes my brain just DOES NOT WORK!!

I was so excited that the challenge over at the Shabby Tea Room this week is BABY SHOWER PARTY ... I thought, GREAT!  I can play the challenge and get this project completed for my friend all at the same time!  

Well DUH ... they do have this fabulous photo inspiration and the only thing my creation has in common with it is the fact that it's for a baby and it will be party of my shower gift!  

OH WELL I hope it still qualifies!

 Here are some closeups... (click on any of these images to enlarge).

All the flowers were homemade using the same Crafty Secrets digital design papers I used to cover the frame.

Crafty Secrets a sheet of adorable baby stickers called 'Little Girls' and since the new Mom is a cat lover I think she'll enjoy these sweet little kitty sticker images.  The pink rik-rak down the upper left side as well as the 'Little Girl' poem are also from this same sticker sheet.

The sweet image I've used in the center is from the Crafty Secrets Clear Art Stamps 'Baby Girl' medium stamp set.  I've used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for the coloring.  This panel can be removed and a picture of their new little daughter can be in it's place.

Here are a few additional challenges I'd like to enter into:

 4 Crafty Chicks - Things with Wings 

Delightful Challenge - Add a Flourish

DL.ART Thankful Thursday - Vintage

MilkCoffee Challenge - Girly

The Crafter's Cafe - Vintage or Shabby Chic

Frilly and Funkie - Blooming Marvelous (homemade flowers)

Little Red Wagon - Anything But A Card/But with Paper

Crafty Your Passion - Girlie Girl
Altered Eclectics - Alter Something (wooden photo frame)

Well, there you have it!  

I hope you enjoyed my creation and found inspiration!

Take care and remember ... SPRING IS ON THE WAY!!

Recipe:

Papers:  Crafty Secrets digitals, white cs, McGill Flower Making Kit, Art Glitter Glue

Accessories:  Kaiser pearls, pop dots, Cheery Lynn Designs dies ... #B310 - Shasta Daisy, #B339 - Gardenia, #B178 Flourish leaf strip, #B117S Fanciful Flourish Sm, #B291 Fanciful Flourish Reverse, #B147 Olive Branches, #DL113 Exotic Butterfly Sm, #DL161 Small Lace Faerie Queen Butterfly,    Cottage Cutz #497 Christening Gown