The Sisterhood Challenge

Well, here we are at MID WEEK once again!  I'm telling you ... I just don't know where the time is going!?!

Anyways ... it's time for another bi-monthly challenge over at The Sisterhood of Crafters and I'm thrilled to be this weeks hostess.  Today it's all about SHINE, SPARKLE & BLING. 

 (click on image to enlarge)

 
My focus image for today is from a stamp set that I purchased at the 'Adventures in Stamping' convention held here in Akron last month.  I thought the iris would be perfect to add sparkle to.  Here is the entire recipe for this card:

Stamps:  Stamping Sensations 'Floral Stained Glass', Sentiment is by Wordsworth, overlay on dp using SU 'Embrace Life' leaf image
Papers:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Marine Mist, Lavendar, K& Co. designer paper
Inks:  Versafine black
Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, Sugarloaf Whisper Strokes markers, Stickles, Hobby Lobby organza ribbon, Martha Stewart picket fence border punch

Please come join in the fun at The Sisterhood.  You will have 2 weeks to complete & share your creation and I'm looking forward to seeing it!!

Happy Day my friends,
Dar

SO MUCH TO SHARE TODAY . . .

HELLO EVERYONE and HAPPY TUESDAY TO YOU!!

I have so much to share with you today so let's get started!!  First is the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge (#103).  Today I again went with the CAS sketch.  It was a better fit for the creation I had in mind.  I also rotated the sketch.

Today I'm using the 'priscilla styles' image POTTED FLOWERS as my focus.  And since I love the color purple ... that is my color of choice today!  I created my background paper using Versamark and Tim Holtz distress ink along with an old SU set (can't even remember the name) but the flower matched!  Coloring was done with Prismacolor markers

(click image to enlarge)

If you've never been over to the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge ... you are not only missing out on a wonderful challenge but AMAZING PRIZES ARE GIVEN AWAY ROUTINELY ... be sure to pop over and check it out ... I promise you won't be sorry!!!

* * * * *

The next challenge creation to share with you today is for the Crafty Secrets forum of Splitcoast Stampers where I am your hostess today.  I decided to have the ladies create a card using a the RECIPE of (1) image/sentiment ... (2) designer papers ... (3) embellishments.

 (click on image to enlarge)

I used the sentiment from the Crafty Secrets ROSE SM31 stamp set as my focus.  Designer paper is from K&Co. and the embellishments are MS butterfly with blue stickles, Kaiser pearls and Michaels satin ribbon (bow created using the Bow Easy).  On the 2 dp panels, I didn't want to add another layer of paper so I edged each one using a Gold Pilot Marker ... works great!

* * * * *

And the third challenge creation I have to share with you today is for the card challenge over on Joan's Gardens.  Joan's recipe for today is:

■  Colors -Blue/Green

■  Use a Lady
■  Include a Large Embellishment
■  Attach a bow

 Please be sure to pop over and check out this challenge.  Joan always comes up with wonderful ideas and beautiful samples to inspire you.  She also shares a TAG CHALLENGE on Tuesdays ... you'll want to check that out too!  Okay ... here's my card ...

I've really cheated on this one ... (NO STAMPING AT ALL).  The image is from the "Fashion" Collage Pack put out by TJ Designs.  I purchased it LAST YEAR at convention and just LOVE the vintage images and truth be told ... I hoard them  ... ssshhh don't tell .. people will think I'm crazy!  But they are so cool I hate to part with them!
The designer paper is from K&Co and the 'lace' is actually sticker lace from Mrs. Grossman. 


Well it's early morning and I hear hubby in the shower ... guess I'd better go get his breakfast ready!  Hope you all have a WONDERFUL day!  I'm headed over to PA (once again) ... this time to help a friend finish moving her household belongings back to Ohio.  The sun is going to shine ... so hopefully it will work out smoothly ... nothing worse than trying to move in the rain ... Uuuugh!


HAPPY DAY MY FRIENDS!
Darlene

Don't forget to check out my SPRINGTIME BLOG CANDY going on through Memorial Day! 

Marvelous Monday at Shelly's Images

Happy Monday Everyone!  

Time for another Marvelous Monday image featuring over at Shelly's Images.  As you can see above, today's featured image is 'T is for Trouble' and can be purchased at a 'special price' for a limited time ... please be sure to pop over to the BLOG and STORE to check out this and many other amazing images by Shelly.  I'm sure this is a 'must have' for all you cat lovers and you can relate to the title of this image as well as the image itself!

 (click on image to enlarge)

For today's creation, I really wanted to bring focus to this adorable little kitty.  I used Prismacolor markers for my coloring and SU crystal effects on the fishbowl for dimension & realism (please see close up below).  The background paper is from SU and I've made flowers using both Martha Stewart and Punch Bunch flower punches.  The leaves are also a MS punch.  Ooops nearly forgot ... the matting for my focus image was created with the Spellbinder Lacy Squares large die. 

Please remember to pop back over to Shelly's Images tomorrow for Technique Tuesday ... you won't want to miss that!  There are some wonderful technique & helpful hints being shared!  And then again on Thursday for the Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge where YOU could win a free image from Shelly!  But remember ... you have to PLAY to WIN!  Hope to see you there!!


Have a wonderful week!
Hugs to you all!
Darlene

Don't forget to check out my SPRINGTIME BLOG CANDY going on through Memorial Day! 

WOW ... what a fabulous Mother's Day!!

Did you have a wonderful Mother's Day?

(L-R .. grandson, Jon - granddaughter, Morgan, My Mom, ME, daughter, Carolyn)

I sure did!  We went to Pittsburgh yesterday for a "Tea" at the Sunrise Nursing Home where my MIL resides (it was awesome) and then I surprised my Mom and showed up at her church for services this morning.  Since my daughter & grandchildren also attend the same church, we were all able to be together and enjoy not only the wonderful word of God but a delicious lunch following the service at my Mom's house.  How blessed am I!!!  And as an extra surprise, my older sister, Linda also surprised Mom at church!  She was so thrilled to see us sitting out in the congregation!  She sings in the choir and also sang a solo today ... JUST BEAUTIFUL .. made my sister & I cry!!

(L-R ... my sister, Linda ... MOM ... ME)

 

After lunch and before going on about our crazy busy lives, we wanted to get a few photos.  Luckily my daughter remembered her camera since I forgot mine!!  And I just couldn't wait to share them with you all!!

You're never too old to act a little silly ... and we are certainly proof of that!  These two poses were my sister's idea ... can you tell who's the WILD one of the bunch??  LOL

WHAT A WONDERFUL, BLESSED DAY!!  I only pray we have many, many more years ahead to share with our precious Mom (Gram as my daughter calls her).  She is certainly the GLUE that holds us all together and knows how to enjoy life!  (She looks pretty good for 81 years old, huh!!)

Before pulling out of the driveway (and from the passenger side of the van) ... my grandson hollered over to his great grandmother to stand next to Ken (Mom's Gentleman Friend) for a quick photo.  This is what he snapped ... GOOD JOB JONNIE!!!

Thanks everyone for letting me share this wonderful day with you!  I hope you found wonderful joy in your day too!  

Hugs ... Dar

To all You Wonderful Ladies Out in Blogland

Nicecrane Designs . . . Fun with Peter Rabbit

Last evening I was instant messaging with Ignacio, the owner/artist of Nicecrane Designs in Spain and he asked me to create something using his new Peter Rabbit clipart and this is what I came up with.  First is this FUN EASEL CARD. 

Ignacio is generously giving this clipart to you FREE for a limited time.  Click the link below the preview photo and don't forget the password is 291162.

 

Click HERE to get your freebie and the password is 291162.

The second card I made is a GATE FOLD BABY CARD using another part of the clipart, Daisy D designer paper and Prima flowers.

[click on any image to enlarge] 

How happy was I when I realized I also had a few Peter Rabbit Stickers by Mrs. Grossman that fit right in with Ignacio's clipart.  I.E. the shoe inside this baby card and the 'little' mice on the easel card.

Please be sure to check out Ignacio's BLOG and his STORE.  I'm sure you will find something you just can't live without and his prices are MORE THAN FAIR!!!!

Now I'd better get my dinner started ... Mark will be home in 15 minutes ... YIKES!!  LOL!! 

It's Midnight Madness time . . .

Sakes Alive ... these week's are just 

FLYING BY!!!

It's once again time for another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge.  Today I took the EASY route ... using the Clean and Simple sketch versus the Fancy one.  I wanted to be sure and bring FULL FOCUS to this adorable image from 'priscillastyles store'.  

(click image to enlarge)

This image is called "slot mama" and since I LOVE playing the slots ... I couldn't wait to play with this image!  I found this 'chips' paper in my stash and I believe it's actually from Stampin' Up ... not sure though.  Coloring was done with Prismacolor markers and though hard to see ... gold stickles was used on the winner's light (on top of machine) as well as the coins in the pocket.

Priscilla has been going crazy with new images ... inspired by her design team suggestions and you'll certainly want to pop on over and check them out!  What a variety to choose from!

Have a wonderful day!
Darlene

Don't forget to check out my SPRINGTIME BLOG CANDY going on through Memorial Day! 

Marvelous Monday at Shelly's Images

 Today at Shelly's Images, our featured image is this adorable Pekingese.  Don't forget, you can get this images for a limited time at a 'special price', so be sure to pop over right now and check it out!  Here is the creation I designed using this adorable little pooch!

 (click on image to enlarge)

The recipe for this card is as follows:

Paper:  Scrap of designer paper from Prima "Madeline" A-4 collection, black cs, white cs

Ink:  Versafine black

Accessories:  Spellbinder Nestabilities classic circles, Fiskars swivel craft knife, chalk, makeup applicators, Black Prismacolor marker, JoAnn's satin flower, SU sentiment stamp

Please remember to pop back over to Shelly's Images tomorrow for Technique Tuesday ... you won't want to miss that!  There are some wonderful technique & helpful hints being shared!


Thanks for your friendship and for stopping by ... I sure appreciate it!  Have a wonderful day!


Hugs from Shelly's Images
Darlene

P.S.  Please don't forget to check out my

SPRINGTIME BLOG CANDY.

Nicecrane Design Creations

This evening  I'd like to share with you a couple creations using the 'A Child's Garden of Verses' digi images from Nicecrane Designs.  Ignacio has a fantastic sale going on right now ... be sure to check it out!  Here is a slideshow to give you a glimpse of the amazing images available and please take note that the images I am using on today's creations are now available at 50% off!

This first creation was made for a friend of mine who requested a Mother's Day card.  Her mother was a teacher ... in fact, one of MY teachers ... and was always reading to the children.  This image was just perfect for the occasion!

 (click on image to enlarge)

I used Prismacolor markers for the main coloring then Tim Holtz distress inks for the shadowing.  The flowers are homemade using vellum and the background paper is from the Prima Madeline pack.

This second card was a very easily created card.  There is so much gorgeous designer paper out there today I took advantage of that fact for this creation.  

 (click on image to enlarge)

The butterfly across the lower portion of her skirt is actually a part of the designer paper which I have cut around and positioned my focus image underneath.  Coloring was again done with Prismacolor markers.  Spellbinder classic & scallop ovals  were used to showcase this lovely pair and my only embellishments are the sheer peach colored ribbon and Kaiser half pearls.  
Ooops ... I was going on about this beautiful paper and didn't tell you who makes it!  This is from the Pinkpaislee 'Butterfly Garden' 6x6 pack No. 24 which was purchased at Joan's Gardens.


Ignacio is also in the process of putting together his very own CHALLENGE BLOG.  I will keep you informed on when that all comes together . . . it won't be long!! 


Well it's back to the crafting table for me.  I am FINALLY starting to feel much better ... with the exception of the infection in my ear ... it's still blocked & ringing ... but I hope that will be cleared up soon too!  At least I have my energy back and ready to create up a storm!!  
Have a wonderful weekend!
Dar

Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge

The challenge over at Wags 'n Whiskers today is to use Dies and/or Punches.  I chose to use both on my creation.

 (click on image to enlarge)

 Isn't this "Snuzzle Love" digi adorable?  I just couldn't wait to create with her.  You can find this image and many, many more at the Wags 'n Whiskers Store.  Digi stamps HERE and Rubber stamps HERE. 

Recipe for this creation:
Papers:  Basic Grey WISTERIA dp, Colorbok SORBET dp
Accessories:  Spellbinder Lacey Squares, Prismacolor markers, Kaiser pearls, MS frond punch, SU eyelet border punch, Fiskar swivel craft knife

Please be sure to pop over to the Challenge Blog ... check out the amazing creations by the design team ... then play along!!  I look forward to seeing your creation and leaving you some love!  

Darlene
For Wags 'n Whiskers 

P.S.  Please don't forget to check out my

SPRINGTIME BLOG CANDY.

Getting the 'ole MoJo back . . .

Hello Everyone!  For the past week, all my postings have been pre-posted.  With being under the weather with 'gunky ear and crappy throat' (my medical terms, LOL) I haven't been doing much in the way of crafting.  HOWEVER ... I'm happy to say that my mojo is starting to come back and I'm actually starting to feel a little more 'human' today ... that's a GOOD THING!!

So I decided to play along in the card & tag challenge over at Joan's Gardens and doubled the tag creation for the challenge over on the Crafty Secrets Forum of SCS.

My tag can also double as a bookmarker.  On the back is a To: & From: stamp to give your reader a new book ... then they can use it to mark their page.  Please click on the image for a closer look if you'd like!

The stamp is from the Crafty Secrets Small Set called 'Story of Me' and the letters are from their 'Altered Alphabet booklet'.  I used various Tim Holtz distress ink as well as Tim Holtz Tissue Tape (symphony) across the tag which was first covered with designer paper from the Prima 'Madeline' A4 pack.

*  *  *  *  *

For the Joan's Gardens Card Challenge #16 ... Joan has asked us to use the following:
*  Lime Green & Pink
* Lattice
* Leaves to create a vine on the lattice
* Butterflies

(click on image to enlarge)

The designer paper I used here is from the Basic Grey 'Sultry' pack.  The lattice and basic vine were created using a Provo Craft 'floral borders' die.  I've also punched out a few fronds with the MS frond punch, curled the leaves with a straight pair of tweezers and added to the vine.  A couple little Prima flowers were added along with my Martha Stewart 'monarch' butterflies.  I punched them from yellow cardstock then applied Versafine black ink directly to the paper.

Well, it's time for hubby to be home and I'm sure he'll be looking for dinner (which I haven't started yet!) ... so I'd better go for now and hope to see you again tomorrow.

Long Distance Hugs

Darlene 

P.S.  Please don't forget to check out my

SPRINGTIME BLOG CANDY.

The Sisterhood of Crafter's Challenge

Happy Wednesday Everyone!  It's time for another challenge at The Sisterhood and today's hostess, Diane has asked us to "Celebrate Moms".  

Time is flying and Mother's Day is right around the corner (May 8th) so it's a great time to get that card, gift or layout designed for Mom.  A friend has requested a Tea Cup Explosion Box for her Mother-in-Law so that is my project today.

 (Box Closed)

 (Box exploded open to exposed the teacup inside)

The teacup can be filled with some butter mints, Hershey kisses or just coordinating tissue paper . . . endless possibilities.  Here is a closer look at the tea cup . . .

The items used on this project are:

Paper -  pink, white, and  old olive cardstock, pink & purple vellum, designer paper for lid

Tools - Martha Stewart Lacy butterfly punch, butterfly border punch & Monarch butterfly punch, Sizzix TeaCup Die, Spellbinder classic & scallop oval Nestabilities, Sizzix Flower, Branches & Leaves dies, Punch Bunch flower punch, Cuttlebug Victoria embossing folder, Stickles (flower centers), Spellbinder Fleur de Lis Nestabilities die, Tim Holtz distresser, Glitter Art glue

I thought you might like a closer look at the lid.  OH nearly forgot, I've also used a glue pen & Deco Art Glamour Dust on the wings of the butterflies.  That little 'added sparkle' is just perfect!

Well ... I hope you like my Mother's Day project.  For more inspiration, please be sure to pop over to The Sisterhood Challenge Blog and check out what my 'Sistahs' and the Guest Designers have created ... awesome projects!

Other qualifying challenges:
Hand Stamped Sentiments - Mother's Day Theme 
Crafts and Me - Vintage and Distressed
Little Red Wagon - For Mom 
The Paper Shelter - Ode to Mom
Party Time Tuesday - Anything Goes
The Stamping Boutique - Winged Things
Lexi's Creations #38 - Anything but a Card
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
Creative Cutter Room - Mother's Day Gift

Hugs,

Darlene

P.S.  Please don't forget to check out my

SPRINGTIME BLOG CANDY.

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge

Our challenge today over at Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog is "WELCOME HOME" . . . now you can interpret that any way you like!  I took it literally and created using this adorable image from the Crafty Secrets Homemade booklet.

(click on image to enlarge)

The sponsor for today's challenge is 

Dew Drop Craftz.

Please be sure to pop over to the challenge blog and check out what the design team has created for your inspiration.  I hope you'll join in the fun ... can't wait to see YOUR creation.

For Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges
Darlene

P.S.  Please don't forget to check out my

SPRINGTIME BLOG CANDY.

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #101

I'm still under the weather (Uugh!)  ... but I did finally go to the doctor's this morning and he said I have Acute Sinusitis and an ear infection.  He wrote me a prescription for an antibiotic so I should start feeling better over the next few days.  Thanks to everyone who has sent along well wishes ... I so appreciate it!!

I was able to get my card created for today's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge and would like to share it with you.  I started out doing the CAS (clean & simple) sketch for my card today but ended up closer to the FANCY sketch.  The image used is from "priscillastyles" store.  You can find this image (which I've cut in 3 pieces to fit the sketch) HERE along with so many other awesome images. 

 (click on image to enlarge)

Today is hubby's 60th birthday and I have secretly emailed some of the neighbors and asked them to come over this evening for cake & ice cream.  Hopefully some of them can make it on such short notice.  I've already taken my meds ... so I'd better go do a little house keeping before they kick in and zap my energy.

Have a great day everyone!
Darlene

Marvelous Monday at Shelly's Images

Happy Monday everyone!  Did you have an enjoyable Easter??  We sure did ... even though the weather was very wet & soggy!!  Actually kind of fitting for today's creation.

Today the FEATURED image at Shelly's Images is this adorable Otter.  There is a little story behind it so be sure to pop over to the blog to hear all about it and while you are there, check out the amazing inspiration the DT has for you today!  

(please click on image to enlarge)

I decided to once again drag out my Stampscapes to create a 'scene' for this outdoor critter.  I don't think otter's actually live in 'lakes' but you get the idea.  The outdoor scene was colored with chalks and makeup applicators and the otter was colored with a Prismacolor marker then cut out with my Fiskars swivel craft knife.

Hubby has taken the day off work so I don't expect much crafting will get done today.  And with tomorrow being his birthday ... which I'm sure he'll try to forget! LOL (Big 60) ... who knows what we might be up to the next few days!!  What ever it is ... I'm sure it will be a fun time!

I hope you have a fun day planned as well ... and please be sure to take a moment to pop over to Shelly's Images.  What a wonderful group of inspirational ladies!  Check 'em out!   Ooops nearly forgot ... I wanted to remind you that tomorrow is Technique Tuesday over on Shelly's Images ... stop by and see what technique is being shared.

Hugs to you all,
Darlene
(Shelly's Images DT)

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Hope your day is blessed with family, food & fun!

Shelly's TTT & Joan's Gardens Challenges

Okay ... cold tablets must be working!  I'm feeling a little more 'human' so decided to do a little cleaning in my crafting cave and make a card while I was already down here! 

 (click on image to enlarge)

This creation is for today's challenges over at Shelly's Images (TTT-Terrifically Thrilling Thursday) which is to "Show Us What You Got" . . . 
and 
Joan's Gardens which is to use *White & Gold - *Embossing - *Keep it Simple - *Easter theme.

Recipe for this creation:
Image: Shelly's Images (Peter)
Papers:  White and Gold cardstock from Hollo's (Brunswick, OH)  
Accessories:  Quick Kutz-Diamond & Dots EF, Fiskars scallop border punch, Spellbinder Class & Scallop Nestabilities Ovals, Spellbinder Beaded Ovals, Prismacolor Markers

Sorry about the 'not so good' photo!  I've moved my lightbox and seem to be having trouble getting the lights to work properly.  If you click on the image you can see the detail of the embossing much better.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Now I'd better figure out dinner.  Hope you're having a wonderful day and are ready for the Easter Bunny!  (I'm not!)


Hugs,
Darlene

Crafty Secrets

Hello everyone!  I'm not feeling the best these days ... seems I've caught hubby's cold & sore throat so not doing much other then what HAS to be done.  

I did manage to create a card for the Crafty Secrets Forum challenge over on SCS yesterday.  Joanne (Angelnorth) is sweet enough to fill in for Pammyjo and has asked us to "show our pearly whites".  Here's what I created . . .

 (click on image to enlarge)

Now I really went the easy route on this one!  I used white cardstock and a 5x7 cuttlebug embossing folder for my background, added this adorable Anniversary image from the CS Joys of Life booklet . . . then embellished with this beautiful swirl of pearls and topped it off with a perfectly made (help from Bow Easy, LOL) black satin bow.  Doesn't get much easier than that!


Thanks for stopping by everyone!  Now if this weather would make up it's mind what it's going to do ... maybe I could get feeling better!  With temperatures bouncing around from 70 one day and 40 the next, it's no wonder people are ill.  Catch you later ... I'm going to go lay down now!

Hugs (from a very L-O-N-G distance ... )
Darlene