Thursday, April 12, 2012

Shelly's Images Challenge

Yep ... it's time for another fun Terrifically Thrilling Thursday 
challenge at Shelly's Images!

Today's theme is:
"Seize the Cupcake"
(use cake in some way on your project)

and, our FEATURED IMAGE ... 
available at a REDUCED PRICE ... TODAY ONLY ... is:


I needed a birthday card for a young person ... so this was perfect timing.  
Here's what I came up with.  


Not only did I use Shelly's 'Birthday Cake Chef' image for the focus ... but also her 'Cupcake' image for the sentiment panel.  I have linked you directly to the locations in Shelly's NEW STORE for easy access in purchasing. 

Recipe for my card ...
Papers:  Red, White & Hot Pink cardstock, Little Yellow Bicycle 'Cupcake Love' designer paper
Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, Spellbinder classic circle dies, Hobby Lobby wide satin ribbon, AMuse sentiment stamp, Versafine black ink,

If you are in need of more inspiration, be sure to pop over to Shelly's Images and check out the AWESOME creations by my teammates!  SUCH A CREATIVE BUNCH !!   Then come join in the fun and YOU could be a winner of some FREE Shelly's Images!  


And remember ... the 30% off coupon for our GRAND REOPENING at the NEW STORE is still good until the 15th ... be sure to take advantage of this great deal and show Shelly your support in her new store adventure.

Other qualifying challenges:
My Sheri Crafts - Birthday for child under age 5

Hope to see you & your creation at Shelly's Images!
Have a wonderful day!
Hugs,
Darlene

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Sisterhood of Crafters - Recycle, Reuse, Renew

Hey Everyone ... it's time for another fun challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafter's!

Today our challenge theme is:

RECYCLE, RENEW, REUSE
Use at least ONE recycled item on your project/card.

I happen to have made TWO projects for this challenge.

First is a RECYCLED Cricuit Cartridge Box.  I decided to decorate it and turn it into a gift for my friend who has a birthday coming up and is a TEA LOVER!!


The tea pot & tea cup were created using a new technique I recently learned using Glitter Peel by Elizabeth Craft. HERE IS A LINK TO THE ELIZABETH CRAFT SITE.  The designer paper used is from K & Co. and DCWV.  The leaves were created using the Marianne LR0156 die and aqua cardstock.  The floral circle under the teapot was cut from the same floral K & Co designer paper using the Memory Box #98189 Catalina Wreath die and sponged using Tim Holtz Dusty Concord distress ink.  The sentiment comes from a CTMH stamp set and the lace is by Wright, purchased at JoAnn's.  A few touches of purple Stickles adorn the flower centers and edges of the box. 

For my second project I decided to finally do something with the box that my husbands new wallet came in a few Christmas's ago.  When he received the wallet as a gift, he handed me the empty box and said, "I suppose you'll be wanting to do something CRAFTY with this!"  LOL 
And I finally have!

I decided this would be a good item to use for a small set of Note Cards.
Products used are:
Papers:  DCWV Mariposa designer paper, white cardstock. olive cardstock
Accessories:  Michaels green organza ribbon, K&Co. Brenda Walton Flora & Fauna Butterfly Adhesive Chipboard #30-599635, Marianne LR0157 flourish die

I have really grown to love these 'Trash to Treasure' challenges and if you haven't tried this type of challenge . . . NOW'S THE TIME!  Please come join in the fun at The Sisterhood of Crafter's!  I anxiously await being inspired by your creation!


 You will have plenty of time to come up with an idea . . . this challenge runs until 8:00 PM EST on Sunday, April 22nd.  And if you need more inspiration ... be sure to check out what my team mates have created!

Other qualifying challenges:
Anything Goes Challenge Blog - Anything Goes
Sassy Cheryl's - Anything Goes
 Use It Tuesday - Anything Goes
Always Crafting - Anything But A Card
Gingerloft Challenge - Anything But A Card


Hope you'll come join us!  Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today!  I SO appreciate your visits & comments! 

HUGS,
Darlene

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Playing with Flowers . . .

Hello friends!

In case you hadn't noticed, I've been on a roll playing with homemade flowers lately and today I have a simple but cute card to share with you.


I'm not sure what's going on with my camera [sigh] but the flourish & butterflies are actually a very pretty PINK color.  Looks more coral in the photo ... oh well ... I'm sure the design is of more interest to you than the color.

Here are the items I used on this A-6 size card:

Papers:  White 80# smooth cardstock, Pink 80# cardstock
Accessories:  Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Martha Stewart 'branch' punch, Cheery Lynn Designs B117 Fanciful Flourish die, Spellbinder Framabilities 'Scallop Edge Frame', PunchBunch 'kikyou' punch, Kaiser pearls, Pebbles, Inc. 'pearlescent chalk', McGill flower making kit and mat

Other qualifying challenges:

House of Gilli - Flowers
Karens Doodles - Something Spring
Make It Monday #84 - Anything Goes
Stamps & Fun = Creativity - Butterflies
The Pink Elephant - Flowers
Truly Madly Crafty - Handmade Flowers
Crafting When We Can - Things with Wings
The Squirrel and the Fox - Things with Wings
Cheery Lynn Designs - Think Spring

Well that's it for me today!  Please stop back tomorrow when I will have the latest SISTERHOOD OF CRAFTER'S creation & challenge to share with you.  Wait till you see what we're doing this time around ... you're sure to want to be a part of the fun!!

See you next time!
Hugs
Darlene

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Mark & I would like to wish you & yours ...


. . . a very Happy Easter!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

New Idea for my Dies

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Are you ready for the Easter Bunny?  Since I won't be doing any cooking this Easter, I've had some extra time in the 'cave' this week and came up with this idea for some of my 'fancy' dies.

I bought this large Dry Erase board at Target and added magnetic strips.
Not only can I now SEE my smaller, more decorative dies ... but I can write the Company and Code # next to them to I can share that information with you when I use them on a project.    Of course the board doesn't hold ALL my dies (as you can see on the shelves below my Vagabond machine) but it does help me to remember I have these fancier dies and utilize them more often.

  I've also used different colored markers to identify different companies.
If you have seen any of the photos I've shared of my 'Crafting Cave' ... you  know that I notorious for HANGING things in plain sight so I can see what I have and use it  ... NOT buy it again because I had forgotten about it in a drawer somewhere. Don't get me wrong ... I have PLENTY 'hidden away' in drawers ... but I've tried to be sure and have them clearly labelled also ... it that is mostly Designer Paper & Stamps.  I think ALL of my embellishment type items are out where I can see them.
 
Well ... I'd better get back to the birthday card I need to have with me when we go to Pittsburgh, PA tomorrow.  Just wanted to drop by and share this idea with you.  

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Hugs,
Darlene

Friday, April 6, 2012

Card #2 for Joan's Garden Challenge

Since I could get TWO cuts out of the pink 12x12 cardstock I used for my creation at Joan's Gardens current challenge, I decided to make another Tri-Fold creation.  What fun!


Here are the deets on this creation ...

Papers:  Pink 12x12 cardstock, scraps of green cardstock for matting, Prima 'Sparkling Spring' 6x6 pack designer paper
Accessories:  Pink Satin Ribbon, K&Co. 'Tim Coffee Cottage Garden Pink Floral Grand Adhesions' Code: 30-598607, K&Co. 'Susan Winget Botanical Icon Adhesive Chipboard' Code: 30-614673 (butterfly & bees), Marianne 'Decorative Elegance' LR0157 Flourishes, Spellbinder Anemone Flower Topper die, PunchBunch 'Big Skye Punch' #474224 (stamen on flower), Kaiser pearls, Zva Creative.com 'self adhesive Crystals'

Items highlighted in PINK were purchased at Joan's Gardens.


Remember, you have until next Wednesday to join in this challenge!

Hope to see you there!
Hugs,
Darlene

Joan's Gardens Challenge #13

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY EVERYONE!
Can you believe it's nearly EASTER already??

Today I'm so excited to be playing another challenge at Joan's Gardens.  I tell you ... she & Selma keep coming up with the most FABULOUS challenge ideas!!

Here's what's happening this week:
  • Make a Tri-Shutter Card
  • Used more than one design paper
  • Use something dimensional
  • Use ribbon or lace
Well, I haven't made one of these fancy fold cards is AGES and was thrilled to be able to participate today!  All products used on this creation will be listed below.
I am SO THRILLED at how this came together!!
You can find all the instructions on Selma's Blog and check out her sample card ... FABULOUS!




Recipe:
Papers - Pink 12x12  cardstock, Scraps of white, pink & olive green cs, Colorbok 'Sorbet' 8x8 designer paper, FabScraps 'High Tea' 8x8 designer paper
Stamp - Impression Obsession
Accessories - PunchBunch 'Begonia Petals' punch, Marianne LR0156 leaf die, Cheery Lynn Designs B118 Pair of Ferns die, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, Kaiser pink pearls, Satin ribbon, Bow Easy, Mauve Stickles, Green Stickles, Spellbinder classic & scallop circle dies, McGill Flower Making Kit, McGill black mat, Colorbox 'Berrylicious' ink,

Items highlighted in PINK were purchased at Joan's Gardens.

I hope you'll give Joan's challenge a try ... it's GREAT FUN and YOU could be the winner of a fabulous prize that she gives away each week!  Please be sure to CHECK IT OUT!

Other Challenges:
4 Crafty Chicks - Flowers
Digi Doodle Shop - Use something NEW  (FabScrap dp) & (Marianne leaf die)
PaperPlay Challenge - Shaped Cards
Sassy Studio Designs - At least 2 patterned papers & embellishments
Cooking It Up With Katie - Fun, Folds & Flowers
Crafts and Me Challenge - Butterflies & Bows
Divas by Design - Anything Goes (2nd entry)
Just Keep On Creating - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Now I guess I'd better get something DONE around the house or outdoors!
I could just PLAY all day!  LOL!!
Hugs
Darlene

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Shelly's Images Challenge

Time for another fun challenge at Shelly's Images.  

This week's challenge theme is:

CHECK IT OUT!
Use checks, plaid or gingham patterns on your project.

Our featured image today is so adorable ...
Click to go directly to 'Signs of Spring'
Isn't he just the cutest little thing??  Sure takes me back to my childhood when we had new lambs & calves in the spring.  Here is my creation ... hope you like it.


Recipe:
Papers:  DCWV  'Garden Party' plaid designer paper
Accessories:  Michael's B/W plaid 5/8" ribbon, MS bird punch, Prisma pencils, Gamsol

Please don't forget about the  GRAND RE-OPENING going on at Shelly's Images Store and the coupon good until April 15th.  Be sure to pop over and check it out!!
 Shelly has worked really hard to  make shopping & inspiration really easy for you!  
Thanks in advance for taking the time to check it out!

Other qualifying challenges are:
Crafty Creations - Signs of Spring
Divas by Design #29 - Anything Goes
More Than Favors: Wacky Wednesday - Easter/Spring  (spring theme)
My Mum's Craft Shop - Easter or Animals (Spring-cow)
Whimsy Stamps Challenge - Use Ribbon
Creative Card Crew #7 - Spring (2nd entry)
Paper & Such Designs - Spring or Easter Card
Ribbon Carousel Challenge - Spring is in the Air
Top Tip Tuesday - Easter and/or Animals

Thanks for stopping by!
Hope to see you again real soon!
Enjoy the sunshine!!
Hugs,
Darlene

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Midnight Madness MARCH Monthly Sketch Challenge #137

Sorry for the delay but here we go with APRIL's

These challenges now last the whole month so you have lots of time to submit your creations. You are welcome to submit up to four projects using the sketches provided as a guide. We may add some fun twists with themes too. The themes are merely for inspirations and not required to play our sketch challenges. We will continue to award the Gold Star and Remarkable awards each month as well as a prize each month. We hope you will have fun working with our sketches and will be inspired by the fabulous Midnight Madness Design Teams Work. This weeks sketch...it's "YOUR PICK" Make it fancy, clean and simple, or somewhere in-between. Remember to click on the sneak peek button on the side bar for the following weeks sketch each Friday.
Enter one style or both for the next two week.
You are more than welcome to enter up to 4 cards during the whole month of APRIL
Just have fun and come play with us :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The MMSC136 Gold Star Awards goes to...
 18. MsPlum 
 Our Remarkables Awards for MMSC136 go to the following...
 7. An 
Please grab your award logos from the side bar and display them proudly :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our MMSC136 Bonus Winner is ...
 5. Croms  
Please contact Priscilla with your info to claim your Prizes!!! :) 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our MMSC137 sponsor is....
http://priscillastyles-store.blogspot.com/ 
$10 Gift Voucher redeemable for any digi images in the "priscillastyles" Store
Stop by and check out all the new images!!

GC redeemable for digis only
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here is this months fancy sketch and for an added twists we would like to challenge you to "Add a flower to it!". Break out all your flowers and get busy :) Themes are merely for inspiration and not a requirement to play.  Looking forward to seeing all the entries this month.
Here is MY creation utilizing the 'priscillastyles' butterfly digi.  
Designer paper is from the 'High Tea' collection of FabScraps 8x8 mini booklet.
Flower was created using the Spellbinder Anemone Flower Topper dies and MS punch for the leaves.
Gold Stickles was used for added glitter and Twinkling H2O was used for my coloring
 I hope you'll come join in the fun at Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge and for more inspiration be sure to pop over to see what my amazingly talented team mates have to share with you.  They are amazing ... wait till you see!!  Have fun ... hope to see you there!

Other Challenges:
 Crazy Amigo Challenge - Anything Goes

Hugs
Darlene

Monday, April 2, 2012

Supporting the Hearing Impaired ...

Happy Monday Everyone!
As you know, I was busy helping granddaughter, Morgan on Friday ... getting things together for the 'Deaf Social' she was hosting at Kent State East Liverpool, OH campus.  I'm happy to report it was a SUCCESS and although I wished MORE folks would have shown up ... they did clear a profit and had fun!  
I thought you might enjoy seeing a few photos of the event.
The theme was Red Solo Cups & Country Western.

This is the table with all the items they had donated from various companies to be raffled off.  I made all the 'ticket boxes' for the event as well as the Thank You cards that the kids will be sending out the the companies thanking them for their wonderful support.
(How happy was I to learn I had won the large floral painting ...)
 

Here's Morgan with some of her sign language classmates and her teacher.
Yes ... her teacher looks like 'one of the kids'.  She's a sweet, sweet lady!
 
 Daughter, Carolyn (left) was happy to help Morgan by selling the raffle tickets and DJ the music for the fashion show.  There were both hearing & hearing impaired participants.
Can you tell they are mother & daughter??  LOL!!  (I am SO PROUD of them both!)
 
Here's Morgan 'talking' to her teacher about the event (sign language of course) and I must say I was fascinated at how well she signs and pray that her dream of becoming an Interpreter comes true.  She is so good with people and would do a wonderful job!!

Thanks for stopping by and please come back later when I hope to share my latest Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge creation with you.  Priscilla (MMSC) has been ill so we are waiting until she is up to posting the actual challenge before sharing our creations with you.  

Hugs,
Darlene