Challenge Fun!

It feels SO GOOD to be back playing the challenges!

Today I scoped out some of challenge over on Feline Playful that caught my eye and this is what I came up with.

The SKETCH comes from the challenge over at Try Stampin' On Tuesday.  Other elements of this card came from the following challenges:

Joan's Gardens - use hearts, red/pink & white, embossing, embellishment

Perfect Sentiment - Valentine Sentiment & Vellum

Color Create - Red, Cream, Sage Green

The Paper Shelter - Anything Goes

Bearly-Mine - Anything Goes

Crafty Sentiment - Love & Romance

My Time to Craft Challenge - XOXO Hugs & Kisses

Stampavie and more #159 - Hearts

Delightful Challenges - Hearts

Well, now that I've had some challenge fun, guess I should go do a little work around the house! LOL!

Laundry is starting to pile up and I promised hubby stuffed peppers for dinner!

Better get busy!

** EDIT **    My work is done and I have a few minutes and decided to create a second card for Joan's challenge.  (It just felt good to create today ... guess the mojo is fired up for 2012...LOL)

 Now I can relax with hubby for an evening of TV and conversation! 

Hugs,

Darlene

Shelly's Images Challenge

With another New Year upon us, today at Shelly's Images we are OUT with the OLD and IN with the NEW!

The challenge is to use SOMETHING NEW (less than a month old) 

on your card/project.

Our FEATURED image today is the "Snow Man Set" which can be purchased TODAY ONLY at a reduced price ... after today it will be in the STORE at the regular price.

The NEW item I have used on my card today is the Sizzix Snowflake #15 Die set.  I die cut it from white paper, distressed it with Tim Holtz Broken China distress ink then used Quickie Glue and Deco Art Glamour Dust for added snowflake sparkle!

Coloring was done with Prismacolor markers and sparkle was also added to the snowflakes in Shelly's image in the same manner as the die cut snowflake.  

I look forward to seeing what you create with your NEW stuff!  Hope Santa was good to you ... I sure love the crafting goodies he brought me!!

Other challenges this creation fits:

Cute Card Thursday - Something New

Little Miss Muffet Challenge - Something New

Dare to be Sassy - Something New ( Snowflake Die )

Digistamps4Joy - Anything Goes (Something Old - dp, Something New-snowflake die)

Fab 'n Funky Challenge - Something New

Fresh Brewed Challenge - Something New

My Mum's Craft Shop Challenge - Something New

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Something New

Scrap-Creations - Something Old (dp), Something New (snowflake die)

Ladybug Crafts, Ink TLT challenge - Anything Goes using your New Stash
Creative Belli Blog - Snowflakes
Little Darlings Challenge - Cold
Crazy Amigo Challenge - Winter
Creative Card Crew #1 - Snow Day
Digital Tuesday Challenge - Winter Wonderland
Everybody Art Challenge - Snow

Hugs,

Darlene

Vintage Kids

I recently received this Collage Sheet from Ignacio at Nicecrane Designs and couldn't wait to create with these cute images.  I haven't decided if I want to make these creations into a 'SET' for sell at my next craft show or, just show them individually.  Heck, I might just keep them for myself they are so cute!

The collage sheet is titled "Vintage Cute Kids"

 I have used the sketch from the current challenge at Perfect Sentiments Challenge and the sentiment is from a Hero Arts stamp set.  Design paper is from My Mind's Eye - Lime Twist and the border is a Martha Stewart punch.  

 The design on this card is a variation on that same challenge sketch at Perfect Sentiments Challenges.  For the challenge you need to use THANK YOU ... but I thought this Hero Arts sentiment worked better with this image.

 

The background for this card was made using the Sizzix (TH) brickwall embossing folder on white paper then sponging over it using TH Peeled Paint and Frayed Burlap distress inks.

 I'm NOT an animal lover  ...  but how cute is this little kitty!

I thought this scrap of dp matched great with the flowers on her #5.  Sorry, don't remember the mfg.  possibly K&Co.  It's a 2 sided paper.  A combination of paper flowers & prima flowers ... along with the MS leaf punch created the embellishment.

 I actually had this base card w/MS vine border laying on my worktable from sometime through the holidays.  I simply added the image, sentiment & MS butterfly.  Quick & Easy.

Last by not least ... how adorable is this little couple??

'Water' dp from JoAnn's makes the perfect backdrop for these cuties.  I just HAD to use the Morex Corp. Sweet Petites polka dot ribbon (which matches her little swim suit) as my accent.  The dolphin stickers came in a $1 beach pack from JoAnn's (had them for years) and my sentiment if from the See D's stamp set called Fun In The Sun.

There are actually eight (8) images on these collage sheets to create with and they are pre-colored (that's a time saver in itself).  Pop on over to Nicecrane Designs and check out all the fun & unique images, collage sheets, designer paper, etc. that Ignacio has available.

Qualifying Challenges:

Perfect Sentiments Challenge - Thank You w/sketch

Card Crafter's Circle Challenge - Anything Goes

Clearly iStamp - Birthday

Fairy Tale Challenge - Something Easy

Fussy and Fancy Friday - Animal - Birthday

Hugs,

Darlene

Let the 2012 FUN BEGIN . . .

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

There's a NEW CHALLENGE  in town for the NEW YEAR and  Shelly's Images will be the proud sponsor of this challenge on the first Sunday of every month.  Each month a couple of the Shelly's Images DT members will help to showcase the sketch with a creation using a Bugaboo image.  Let's get started!

The challenge is called STELLA SAYS SKETCH and here is the first sketch:

Here is my creation using the Bugaboo Flower Water Cans - Flower Can digi image:

Please come join in our fun!!!

Hugs,

Darlene

Mark & I wish each of you ALL THE BEST in 2012!

Where did 2011 go???

I can hardly believe that another year is coming to a close!

2011 has it's ups & downs ... but I'm happy to say MORE UPS then DOWNS!!

One of the UPs is that Mark remains cancer-free (almost 3 years) and if all goes well with his last Pet Scan on Jan. 3rd, he will be retiring and we can hopefully do some traveling and enjoy our 'golden' years together.

One of the DOWNs was the loss of family members and friends.  

Nephew - Danny Moyer

Aunt - Glory Ostanoski

Mother-in Law - Claire Pavlick

Mother of friend Joan Fricker - Ruby Salyer

It was the thank-you note card I received from Joan Fricker (Joan's Gardens) for attending her Mom's funeral that prompted my card making today.  Joan & I have become wonderful friends through stamping and although she is a 5 hour drive away, I try to attend all her workshops and stay a few extra days to visit with her & family. 

   

The front of the notecard was a Thomas Kinkade scene and I thought it was so pretty I didn't want to throw it away ... so why not turn it into ANOTHER card creation ... and that's exactly what I've done here.

I distressed the edges, matted it in black and added an organza black ribbon.  Since I have a few TK stamps I thought it would be nice to use one on the inside as a backdrop to the sentiment.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog and leaving me such kind words!

I can't express to you how much it means to me!!

WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST IN 2012!!!

GOD BLESS YOU!

Dar

Shelly's Images Challenge

Morning Everyone!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is over and a New Year is about to begin!  WOW!  Where is the time going?  I want to THANK each and everyone one of you who stops by my blog ... it truly puts a smile on my face every time you visit!  Thanks for all your support!

NOW ... on to today's challenge at Shelly's Images!

With the New Year upon us, Shelly has created this wonderful digi image called 

SPECIAL TOAST SET and it is available at a reduced price . . . TODAY ONLY!

 

Isn't it fabulous ... this digi could be used for so many occasions!! 

AND ... Today's Challenge is:

COLORS - BLACK, SILVER & ONE OTHER COLOR + BLING

I must admit, in my haste I missed the fact that we were doing a COLOR CHALLENGE and didn't use the appropriate colors scheme ... BUT ... I did use this set in two different ways and would like to share that inspiration with you!

 Here I've created a New Years card to send to my friends in Toledo, Ohio.

 

And here I've created an Anniversary card to add to my 'Stash'.

I hope you'll come join us at SHELLY'S IMAGES for another fun challenge.

See You There!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hugs,

Darlene

The Sisterhood of Crafters Challenge

It's the LAST challenge for the year at The Sisterhood of Crafters and we'd love to have you come join in our fun!  Today's challenge is an easy one ...

BLACK / WHITE + one other color

I got very ambitious and made not just one sample card, but THREE ... using three different accent colors.

The background paper for these two creations is the Black & White Pack from GinaK.

The images on these two creations are from Nicecrane Designs.

I hope you'll come join us for this fun challenge.

Hugs,

Darlene

WOW What a FABULOUS Christmas!

Happy Day After Christmas Everyone!

I hope your Christmas was as blessed as ours was!

It started early with a drive to the kids house (1 hour away) for breakfast and gift exchange.  Although the grandkids are getting older (19 & 14) ... Christmas morning is still a LOT OF FUN!  Daughter, Carolyn always makes sure the house smells good with something yummy in the oven, Son-in-Law, Frank always has a nice cozy fire going in the fireplace and even though he wasn't feeling very well this year ... he was a real trooper and helped make Christmas morning a memorable one!

Would you like to see some of the 'highlights'?

 Morgan got lots of PINK (and black) clothes as well as her BIG gift which was a wireless printer (which will help with her college school work) from her parents.  The little doggie on her lap is something I bought her ... it reminded her of their family dog, Josie, whom they lost a couple of years ago and miss terribly!

Frank is in the process (as finances allow) of building a big garage so he can do his mechanic work for himself out of his own garage.  Mark built this 'garage' out of Home Depot gift cards to help in the project.

 As I have shared before, Mark is an EXCELLENT cook and his old Better Homes & Gardens (his favorite) cookbook is in PIECES so the kids thought it was time for a new one!

 This was one of my gifts to Mark.  NO HE'S NOT REAL!

I am not an animal lover but Mark is and this way we can have the best of both worlds.

He's called the "Perfect Pet" ... yep, no fuss no muss!

 

 How great is this!  Carolyn's BIG gift was this new kayak & all the necessary equipment to go with it.  Her family really surprised her with this beauty!!  Now she can go kayaking in style with her friend, Theresa! 

 

 Jonathan's BIG gift was this dirt bike!  Good thing they gave it to him LAST ...

He couldn't move fast enough to get his shoes & coat on and take it for a spin around the back yard!

 CJ (Mo's boyfriend) bought all the guys Helicopters!  What fun!  They were all flying them around the livingroom at the same time ... I think it would have been safer to take them OUTDOORS!!  LOL!

And, last by not least, here are a few of MY goodies.

Mark got me the Vagabond I've been talking about all year and the kids got me a Cricut storage box and a couple new Cricut cartridges.  I love new crafting toys and I can't wait to start using these little goodies!!

What did Santa bring you??

Leave me a comment with a link to your blog post 

and I'll pop right over to see & comment!

The little girls from next door are coming over this evening!  They are age 7 & 9 and always so excited about their Christmas adventures.  I can't wait to hear what they've been up to!  I know they had tickets to the 'Polar Express' (real train) in Cleveland and I can't wait to hear all about it!

Happy Day Everyone!

HUGS

Darlene

Shelly's Images Challenge

Time is running out ... 

Are you ready?

I think I'm all ready for Christmas morning!  I sure hope so!  And ... if you are ready too then you're probably looking for something to do that is fun!  How about come join in our challenge at Shelly's Images.  

Today's challenge is:

CELEBRATE!

Show us any celebration project.

Today we are featuring Shelly's CHRISTMAS GARLAND digi image.  Remember, you can get this image TODAY ONLY at a reduced price.

Here is what I've created using this wonderful holiday image . . .

I have used non-traditional colors for my card but I LOVE how it turned out!  If you'd like to see more inspiration ... be sure to pop over to our Shelly's Images Challenge Blog and see what my team mates have created.  You'll LOVE THEM!!

Please come join in the fun!

I'll be looking for you!!!

Hugs,

Darlene

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges

This will be my last creation as a DT member for Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges.  I will be stepping down from this fabulous team at the end of the year in preparation of hubby's retirement in 2012.  I've been with this challenge blog for a long time and have been VERY HAPPY with the leadership and team support!  Thanks to Courtney & the gang for all their kindness and I wish them the best of success in future!

With that being said, here is my creation using an image from our wonderful sponsor today ...DIGI DARLA.

She has some adorable images to create with ...  so be sure to pop on over and check it out!

I hope you'll come join in the fun at Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge and if you need inspiration for our "HOLIDAY GIFTS" challenge going on now, you need not go any further that the amazing creations by the design team a the blog.

Hope to see you there!!  Happy Holiday's!

Hugs,
Dar

Christmas Concert

Happy Monday Everyone!

Last week before Christmas . . . do you have your shopping done?

Yesterday afternoon I was pleased to be able to attend my grandson, Jonathan's Leetonia High School Christmas Concert.  Jon plays the French Horn in the concert band and the mellaphone in the marching band.  You would be amazed at how well these kids play ... even the 7th & 8th grader were awesome!  Mr. Rodek, the band director, really has a way with these kids and I have enjoyed every concert I have attended at this school.  Morgan is graduated and in college now, but she too was in the band and LOVED every minute of it!!

After the concert, I treated everyone to dinner at the Stone Bridge.  Then we each went our separate ways. Frank & Carolyn went back home ... Morgan & CJ sent Christmas shopping at the mall  ...  Jon & I headed back to my house.  Jon wanted to come visit for a few days and I'm so thrilled he is!

Frank, Carolyn and Jonathan

Morgan and boyfriend, CJ

The Gang (aka my kids)

Well ... we have more shopping and crafting to do so I'd better get off the computer and get busy!!
Happy Day to you all!
HUGS,
Darlene

Quick & Easy Money Cards

My mother called this afternoon and said she needed some "money cards" ... you know, the ones you put 'green' money in ... NOT plastic money!  (She already has the last of my gift card holders LOL).  After talking to her for a few minutes I knew what she was looking for and that there were needed for ADULTS ... not children this time so to keep them more TRADITIONAL vs CUTE.

Here's what I came up with and thought I'd share the info with you ... JUST IN CASE you get that last minute call or even find a need for them yourself.  Mom needed FIVE total and I made them all in less than an hour!

Paper size:  81/2 x 6 3/4" ...  Scored at 3" and 6"

You'll need TWO pieces of designer paper for the outside & inside flaps.

One - 6 3/4" x 3"

One - 6 3/4" x 2 1/2"

Decorate the front as you wish.

I have used some adorable K&Co. Stickers

Using a 1" punch ... punch a slot to be able to get ahold of the money inside.

1/8" Scor-tape was used on the sides to make the money flap.

A scrap piece was also adhered to the inside flap for added character.

Here are a few more samples for you. 

Thanks so much for stopping by at this busy time of the year! 

Hope you enjoyed this little 'money holder' idea!

Happy Holidays!

Darlene