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 these sketch challenges!

Hello Dear Friends!

Let me begin by wishing you all a very 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Did your sweetie give you something sweet today??

The new challenge over at the Cardabilities Card Sketch Challenge Blog is one that I'm happy to tell you will be sponsored by Dies R Us.  Those of you who follow my blog know that I am not only one of the Dies R Us Inspiration Team Members, but also the Blog Leader over on the Dies R Us Challenge Blog ... so of course I was thrilled when asked if some of the team members wanted to play along with the Cardabilities team for this week's challenge.  It also gave me a chance to participate too ... YIPPEE!!

Here's a peek at today's sketch:

I wanted to use some sort of 'stenciled' background for the base of my card but didn't have a stencil that I felt would be fitting for what my card theme would be!  SO ... I decided to make my own stencil but simply die cutting the primary die I was using (Memory Box - Beloved Hearts #99102) on a piece of white card stock then using THAT as my stencil.  Worked PERFECTLY!!

I also used this same die cut within my design.  I wish you could really grasp the sparkle and dimension on this card ... it is SO PRETTY in real life and will work perfectly for not only Valentine's Day but for a wedding, an anniversary or just to let someone know you love them!! 
Here's the card I created for the challenge ...

If you are not familiar with this card sketch blog (they also have a scrapbooking sketch blog) or our Dies R Us Store, PLEASE do yourself a favor and take a minute to check them out.  The sketches really help give you a beautiful 'starting point' for your creations and the store has so many wonderful dies available from various Top Brand companies at a fabulous price.   

I hope you'll come join in the challenge ... maybe YOU will be the lucky Dies R Us gift voucher winner!!  Never know!!!  Certainly worth a try and so much fun!

Challenges to share in today:

The Crafter's Cafe #103 - Hearts

Crafting for all Season Challenge #95 - Have a Heart

Creative Moments Challenge #61 - Anything Goes/Love
Bloggers Challenge - Love is in the air!
 Fussy & Fancy Challenge - It's All About Love!
Jo's Scrap Shack Challenge - Valentine's Day

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hope you have a LOVELY and LOVING day!!

As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Red cs, FabScraps 'High Tea' designer paper
Dies:  Memory Box - Beloved Hearts #99102, Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Finishing Touches - Petite Vinery' #CED1418, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Gardenia Small' #B433, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Love' #B227, Spellbinder Classic Heart Dies
Accessories:  Tim Holtz Berry Distress Ink, Sponge Dauber, Diamond Stickles, Memento 'Bamboo Leaves' ink, PunchBunch Flower Making Kit, Martha Stewart Heart Border Punch, Dylusions red ink spray

Tomorrow's Valentine's Day!!!

Hello Friends!

Yep ... tomorrow is Valentine's Day!

WOW! Time is marching on isn't it!  

That's okay ... that means springtime is right around the corner (I hope!).

Today's card was created using an adorable image from Crafty Secrets 'Be My Valentine' digital set and once again I've used the Crafty Secrets 'Vintage Valentine Digital Kit' papers for the background.

I've used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for my coloring and pink/diamond Stickles for my touch of sparkle.  The red hearts were left over die cuts that were laying on my work table so of course I had to 'find a place for them' ... lol!  

My oval matting was created using the Crafter's Companion Die'sire 'Cameo Stamping Frame' which I purchased through Dies R Us. 

As I stated in a previous posting, it looks like MY VALENTINE will be receiving a week's worth of Valentine wishes since I've been 'on a roll' so to speak ... creating all these adorable cards.

I have saved THIS one to go along with his 'box of chocolates' that I created for our current Crafty Secrets Linky Party.  

Linky Party HERE

My creation posting HERE.

You still have a few days to join in ... please pop over and check it out!

Challenges to share in:
4 Crafty Chicks Challenge - Valentines
Scrap & Craft Challenge - Valentines / Love / Romance
Southern Girls Challenge - Winged Things

Have a fabulous Valentine's weekend!

Tell someone you LOVE them today ... we all need LOVE!

Till next time and as always . . .

** Doing The HAPPY Dance **

Good Morning Everyone!

I have exciting news to share with you today! 

I'm SO EXCITED and thrilled to have been asked to be a part of the new design team at the fabulous sketch challenge blog Cardabilities!

Their sketches are so unique and fun to use as your starting point ... you'll be AMAZED at your finished product!  Really ... I know I was!! LOL!  There's a new sketch reveal (challenge) offered on the 15th and 30th of each month!  And, we have sponsorship prizes too!  Please stop over and check it out!

Sweethearts and Roses

Hello All!

It's the 2nd Wednesday of the Month and time for a new challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters!  Today 'Sister' Terri is our hostess and she's asked us to make something for your Sweetheart and include a Rose on it since Valentine's Day is just a few days away.

 I just LOVE some of the new 'heart' styled dies I've recently purchased at the Dies R Us Store and couldn't wait to create something with this particular die!  Isn't it pretty!  

The heart pieces actually cut out so I've saved them for use on the inside of my card and filled the heart spaces on my card front with Liquid Pearls.  I also used Liquid Pearls around the one side of my die cut Spellbinder heart panel.
OMG I've had these design papers in my stash for years (does that tell you I have too much paper?  lol)  And these red silk roses are also oldies but goodies!!

I hope you'll pop on over to the Sisterhood and see the amazing samples my 'sistah's and step-sistahs' have created for your inspiration!  THEN of course come join in the fun!

A few challenges to share in today:

Crafty Sentiments Designs Challenge - Use some Red
Digi Choosday Challenge - Love is in the Air!

Scrap Creations Challenge - Love

Papertake Weekly - Hearts and Flowers
Tuesday Throwdown - Love is in the Air!
Sentimental Sundays Challenge - Seeing Red (a little or a lot)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

I hope your week is going well!

As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  Red cs, White cs, Paper Pizazz dp

Image:  Crafty Secrets 'Love Mail' Creative Scraps

Dies:  Spellbinder Classic Hearts, Memory Box 'Loveland Corner' #99117, Impression Obsession 'Cupids' #DIE125

Accessories:  TH distresser, Kaiser pearls, Liquid Pearls, Silk Roses, Dimensional Tape,

For the Men in our Lives . . .

Hello my friends!

It's time once again to share an inspirational sample using dies from the Dies R Us Store.  

Did you know we have an Inspiration Blog?  Yep ... a new sample using die cuts is shared each day Monday through Friday by one of the five team members (of which I am one! lol).  Check it out won't you?

Today I have not one but three cards to share with you and I have used one particular die cut set on all three cards.  That die set is one of the NEW Poppy Stamp releases called 'Happy Birthday Banner Flags' #1144.

If by chance it is Out Of Stock, simply click on the Put Me On The Waiting List button, fill in the information and you'll be notified via email as soon as it's back on the shelf.  It's usually a pretty quick turn around so don't hesitate to utilize this fabulous option.

 For all three cards, I have used

• a white A6 card base
• design paper from a very old DCWV Latte matstack
• and the same image which I found available over on Pinterest.

The fun part was utilizing this one die set and a few different techniques to create quick and fun, masculine styled birthday cards.  

This first card utilizes the BANNER portion of the die with the letters popped out.  A bit of doodling with a white Gelly Roll pen creates a 'rope' effect connecting the word banners.    I've also rounded just the top corners of my image.

 

 My second card utilizes the Popped Out letters for my sentiment down both sides of my image.  I've also used two of the five blank banners available on this set as an embellishment.  

They have been colored with a Spectrum Noir alcohol marker EB2.  Faux stitching has also been added around my image with a White Gelly Roll pen.  E6000 spray adhesive was used to adhere my letters.  

 My last card uses the final three banners from the set which were also colored with the Spectrum Noir alcohol marker EB2.  Paper Piercing was done around my ship image and as an accent I have used seashells/stars from the Memory Box 'Sea Side Treasures' #99107 die set.  To add a personal touch, I have added the word Grandpa from the  Cheery Lynn Designs 'Grandpa' #B287 die set.  They have various other single word dies which are fabulous for personalizing your cards in a quick and easy way.  Be sure to check them out at the Dies R Us Store ... Cheery Lynn Design Section.

(here's a peek at the inside of all three cards)

I hope you have found inspiration in my cards today!

With a couple Spring Shows coming up in April, I figured I had better get busy with Birthday cards.  There is always a big calling for masculine birthday cards too so these will work nicely.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a fabulous week and please come back tomorrow when I'll have a creation to share for the new challenge going live over at The Sisterhood of Crafters.

Till then and as always ...

Mojo Monday Time!

Good Evening All!

I try not to have two posts in one day 

but it's going to be a busy week so please forgive me!  

I've been playing along in a few sketch challenges lately and Mojo Monday is one of them.  Here is the sketch we are creating with today.

I must admit I struggled a bit with this sketch!  

Not bad!  But not my best work either!  And, the fact that my camera tormented me with UNTRUE colors didn't help!  The colors are teal, mauve, pink & ivory.  Really!!!  Uugh!

So what do you think??

Below is a peek at the inside of my card too.  

See ... in this picture the lower panel almost looks black ... and it's a scrap piece that was cut from the lower panel on the card front!  I guess I need to spend a little more one on one time with my camera!

Challenges to share in:

Crafting From the Heart Challenge - Anything Goes

Craft Your Passion Challenge - Anything Goes

Well that's it!  

Please stop back tomorrow when I'll have a new card to

share that I've created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.

Till then ...

And, as always ...

Birds, Birds and more Birds!

Happy Monday Everyone!

I'll try to keep this 'short and sweet' since I know I can get 'long winded' at times, lol!

Over the weekend I discovered a new (new to me) challenge blog and couldn't wait to play along.  Anyone who knows me knows that vintage is my favorite design style ... so this challenge really caught my eye.  

It's called We Love Vintage Challenge 

and their latest challenge is:

 Choose a theme from this photo-collage to make your vintage creation . . .

I chose to go with BIRDS and here's what I've come up with . . .

I must say I had SO MUCH FUN creating this card. 

It just kept growing and growing ... LOL!

Here is a close up of the floral cluster ...

I've had these the Paper Studio 'Spare Parts' metal birdhouse charms for a very long time and was so thrilled when I spotted them hanging on my embellishment board!  And the flowers were purchased from Wild Orchid Crafts and I've had those for a long time also ... so nice to start using some of the beautiful embellishments I have 'collected' in my studio!  My bird images are from the Crafty Secrets Birds & Blossoms printable sheets and I've distressed the edges using the Tim Holtz distressing tool and Tim Holtz Tea Dye distress ink. 

Here's a peek at the inside of my card . . .

I'm trying very hard to 'complete' my cards inside and out before moving on to another project.  And enjoy utilizing the coordinating elements for the inside versus just a plain white inside panel.

Challenges to share in today are:

Pile It On Challenge - Use a Bow

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge #3 - Anything Goes

The Ribbon Girl Challenge Blog - It's Charming (+ ribbon)

A Gem of a Challenge - Lots of Layers

Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge - Anything Goes with Twist/Something with Wings

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!

As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  Ivory cs, Brown cs, Teal cs, Anna Griffin dp, DCWV dp

Ink:  Tim Holtz 'Tea Dye' and 'Antique Linen' distress inks, Memento 'Bamboo Leaves' ink

Dies/Punches:  Memory Box 'Meadowbird Branch' #30004, Poppy Stamps 'Carolina Birdhouse' #928, Martha Stewart 'Branch' punch, Creative Expressions Sue Wilson 'Finishing Touches - Petite Vinery' #CED1418, 

Accessories:  TPC Studio 'Ancestral Pearl Brads', Tim Holtz distresser, gold organza ribbon, large sponge daubers

Color Bingo at 613 Avenue Creates

Hello Dear Friends!

It's time for a new FUN challenge at 613 Avenue Creates!
Today's theme is a fun one ... Color Bingo!

and our sponsors are

Inky Impressions 

and

Alicia Bel

I have the pleasure of creating with one of Inky Impressions adorable images today.  Do you know that 'Inky Mama' lives right up the road from me in Cleveland!  LOL!  Unfortunately I never get to see her except at the stamp conventions ... she is so busy!  But I'm happy to showcase one of her sweet images on my card today.  ALSO did you know that these images were created using her daughters as the 'models' ... yep and her husband is a fabulous guy!  Always have to swing by and say Hi when I get to the Adventures in Stamping Convention held here in Akron every April!
Anyways ... here's my card:

 I chose to use the colors on the bottom row for today's card (pink, purple, blue).
I started out with a white A6 card then saw the stack of tri-shutter cards I already had cut and ready to decorate on my side table and thought this pretty paper from Kaiser Craft (Violet Crush Collection) would be perfect to showcase my 'LiLi Blowing Bubbles' image.

I hope you'll come join in our challenge fun!
You will have two weeks to play and if you need inspiration, be sure to pop over and check out the awesome creations designed by my team mates!

ALSO WANT TO MENTION ... we are still looking for a few new designers!

If you are interested CLICK HERE for the information.

A few challenges to share in:
A Girl Who Crafts February Challenge - Anything Goes
Crafting Musketeer Challenge - CUTE
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Anything Goes using Patterned Paper
Digi Galore Challenge - Anything Goes with That Craft Place
Sisters of Craft February Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by and as always . . .

Recipe:

Paper:  Lilac cs, med blue cs, white cs, KaiserCraft dp

Accessories:  All Nite Media corner punch, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Memory Box 'Beloved Hearts' #99102, Stampendous sentiment stamp, Versafine Onyx ink

Singing my Valentine's praises ...

Hello again my friends ... so good of you to stop by!

Today I am 'singing praises to my Valentine' in the form of a 'digital' Valentine's Day card using digital papers and images from the Crafty Secrets Store.  I'm using the Crafty Secrets Digital Vintage Valentine Kit and Be My Valentine sets on today's card.  There are so many wonderful items available to create with at the Crafty Secrets Store ... please be sure to pop over and check 'em out!

 

Yep, this was all done on the computer ... the only exception are the hearts which were left over and laying on my work table from another project and I just couldn't help but add them on!

After designing my card front and printing it out, I used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for my coloring.  It appears hubby might be getting a week's worth of Valentine Day cards this year because I'm having so much fun creating them!  LOL!

Challenges to share in:
ABC Challenge - C is for Cupid
A Girl Who Crafts Challenge - Anything Goes
Card Mania Challenge #65 - Add some Red

REMINDER:  Our Monthly Linky Party/Challenge is going on through the 15th so you still have time to join in the fun!  You can use ANY Crafty Secrets products on your card and if by chance you don't have any of our fabulous papers/images yet (why not she asks! LOL) then you're in luck because we have a free image available on the blog that you can grab and use to create.  I do hope to see you there!!

Until next time ... enjoy your weekend and thanks again for stopping by!

As always . . .

Happy Birthday Greetings . . .

Happy Friday Everyone!

YAY!  Another weekend is on our doorstep!  

Do you have any exciting plans for it?

NO?  Don't feel bad ... me either!  Not with all this cold, snowy weather!  

I'm more of a 'fair weather' bird!!  If ya know what I mean ... LOL!

So since I'm 'stuck' indoors, I decided to play a few challenges.

If you're a follower of my blog (and thank you if you are), 

then you know I've been enjoying the sketch challenges lately.  

 

Today's card is created for the current Mojo Monday card sketch (above) and I couldn't help but bring focus to this adorable Fred She Said image I won recently over on the Crafting By Designs Challenge Blog.  YAY!  Thanks!    Isn't he just the cutest little guy?  His name is Nolan.

One of the nice things about card sketches is that you can a lot of times use up some of those scraps we all have a mountain of ... and I've done just that today!  Other than the SU Bermuda Bay background panel, the other panels were all created from scraps of paper in my scrap bin. 

I cropped out a portion of my card for a couple of reasons.

I wanted you to be able to see there is embossing on the yellow panel

and to point out my 'mat' panel.  See the stitch lines in it?

This is one of the new Memory Box die sets called 'Stitched Circle Layers' # 30036 and I LOVE how they cut so easily and look so great.  I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot of this die set on my cards. 

(And, if you hurry, they are back in stock over at Dies R Us)

Challenges to share in ...

Pixie's Snippets Playground #162 - Anything Goes With Snippets

Cuttin and Stampin Challenge - Masculine
Crafter's Cafe Challenge - Birthday
Crafting By Designs February Challenge - Anything Goes
Simon Says Challenge - All Things Bright and Beautiful
DoubleClick Skittles Challenge - Use a Heart (balloons)

That's it for me today!

Hope your weekend is a FABULOUS one!

What ever you are doing ... make it fun!  Life is too short to be miserable!

SMILE ... it can be contagious!

As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers - SU Bermuda Bay, scraps of dark brown cs, rust cs, goldenrod cs, designer paper

Image - Fred She Said 'precolored' Nolan with a Sign

Accessories -  Cuttlebug 'hearts' embossing folder, Spellbinder 'Classic Circle' die, Memory Box 'Stitched Circle Layer' die, Elizabeth Craft 'Balloons' die #726