Sit back and relax ...

Hello All!

Last summer (or was it two summers ago ... geesh time goes by so fast!) while on a visit to crafting friend Diane Hover's (Nellie's Nest) house in Michigan, we took the day and drove into Shipshewana, Indiana for lunch and a little shopping.  We visited this really cool Mercantile, and while shopping around I found a pack of 6x6 Photoplay designer paper called 'Summer Daydreams' at a little shoppe called Aunt Millies Scrapyard.  And some matching fun popsicle brads by Eyelet Outlet. 

With it being SO WARM outside, I decide to create a summertime card today and when I'm done, I'm going into the kitchen and grabbing myself a Cherry Popsicle!  Yep ... hubby & I have been enjoying popsicles this summer vs ice cream lol.  Less fattening ya know .. ugh ... I do love my ice cream!

Anyways,  what fun it was creating this card.

As you can see, I did a lot of POPPING UP to add extra dimension.

 That little lower strip is actually the reverse side of this particular sheet.  Didn't want to waste any of it, hence the extra panel at the top also which I fussy cut into a scallop edge then did some faux stitching around both panels for added character.

And, how about these popsicle brads ... aren't they just the yummiest embellishment?

There is one particular challenge I spotted and kept in mind while creating today and that is the Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - Summer Sunshine.   A few other challenges I'd like to share in are:

Ike's World Challenge #92 - ATG w/twist - Relax

Crafting By Design July Challenge - ATG

Frilly and Funkie Challenge - In the Good Old Summertime

Make My Monday Challenge #49 - Summer Brights

Card Mania Challenge #94 - Summer Fun

Pile It On Challenge #132 - Primary Colors

Love to Craft July Challenge - ATG

Well here I go rambling on and on ... now it's lunchtime!!

So I will bid you ado and wish you a fabulous day & weekend ahead!!

As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Goldenrod cs,  Red cs, Lime Green cs, Turquoise cs, Photoplay 'Summertime Daydreams' dp
Dies:  Impression Obsession 'Adirondack Chairs' #DIE177, Impression Obsession 'Sunburst Background' #DIE354, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Live Laugh Love' #B564
Accessories:  Foam tape, Eyelet Outlet 'Popsicle' brads,
Technique:  Faux Stitching

Double D - Pastels

Hello Everyone!

Did you have a great July 4th weekend??

Today begins a new challenge at the Double D Challenge blog with Team Diane as host.  Their theme of choice this time around is PASTELS.

Check out this beautiful mood board Diane created for your inspiration.

I knew I had a paper pack from Crafty Secrets called 'Pastels'

so that's where it all began!

I'm not sure why my camera insists on changing my pinks to peach 

and purples to blue but I guess it has a mind of it's own.

Either way ... these beautiful side panels & sentiment matting are really

a pretty, soft pink (guess you'll have to use your imagination, lol).

Speaking of those beautiful side panels, there were created

using the Sue Wilson 'Charming Lace Trim' Die that I've had in my stash

for awhile now and had forgotten all about it!  MY BAD!

Please come join in the fun and remember, one lucky random.org drawn

entry will win an awesome prize.  

 I wonder what Diane has up her sleeve today!

Pop on over to our Double D Challenge Blog to see for yourself!

Hope to see you there!
As always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Pink cs, Crafty Secrets 'Pastels' dp

Stamps/Ink:   Penny Black 'Special Wishes' / Versafine Onyx

Dies:  Tutti Designs 'Nesting Stitched Squares',  Sue Wilson 'Charming Lace Trim' Die

Accessories:  Prima flowers, Nuvo crystal drops

Word Art Wednesday July Guest Designer

Hello dear friends!

How honored am I to have been asked to Guest Design in July for the

Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog!  Thanks so much to Karen (and the rest of the team) for this invitation!

The message they are sharing this time around is as follows:

And, here is the card I created using this beautiful passage:

 

A long time ago, a Stampin' Up rep had put together packs of 6x6 designer paper from those 12x12's she had left in her stash, and sold them at a very reasonable price.  I had totally forgotten about these papers until recently so went in search of just the right paper to go with my sentiment panel.  Of course as most SU designer papers, this was a double sided piece so I simply flipped over the strip I had cut off ... die cut a decorate edge (Spellbinder A2 Scallop Borders #S5-214) on that strip and adhered it to the bottom of my background panel.

The die cut I used to showcase my sentiment is an older Lea'bilities 'Fancy Oval Frame' die #DR458923.  The center pops out when cut so I cut it twice ... once from red for the outside design then again from my printed white panel so I could reinsert it into the red frame.  A few little white Nuvo Crystal Drops were added for texture.

I hope you'll come join in the fun at Word Art Wednesday Challenge Blog!

They same a beautiful passage with each challenge ... be sure to pop over and check it out!

Thanks for stopping by today and

As always  . . .

Recipe:  

Papers:  White cs, Red cs, Green cs, SU dp

Dies:   Lea'bilities 'Fancy Oval Frame' die #DR458923, Spellbinder A2 Scallop Borders #S5-214, Frantic Stamper 'Spring Ivy' #FRA9451, 

Accessories:  Prima flowers, Nuvo crystal drops

Honoring Our Independence!

Happy 4th of July to all my U.S.A. Friends & Family!

We don't have any big plans or cookouts to go to today but our flag is out flying proudly and I have on my favorite Red/White/Blue shirt in honor of our Independence Day!  God Bless all the men & women who continue to fight the fight that we can continue to be free!  And with that in mind, I also wanted to create a card for the occasion so here goes . . .

This was a very quick card but I love how it turned out!

I created the background panel using Tim Holtz Oxide Distress Inks ...  Faded Jeans & Fired Brick.  I simply smudged some onto my craft mat ... spritzed with water and using a wide bristle artist brush created the alternating stripes.  Dried with heat gun ... sprinkled with water & dabbed off with cloth.    PERFECT!

I've had this silhouette image in my stash for quite some time ... it's from the internet, and added the words using Word10 before printing.  Die cut using the Tutti Designs 'Nesting Stitched Rectangle' dies then matted with black card stock.  The only embellishment is Memory Box 'Beloved Stars'. 

It's SIMPLE ... but SAYS IT ALL!

Challenges to share in:
Word Art Wednesday Challenge #289 - ATG  
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge - ATG
Glitter N Sparkle Challenge #246 -  Freedom
Simon Says Monday Challenge -  Red white and/or blue
Creatalicious Challenge #118 -  ATG or red white and blue
Cards in Envy - red, white and blue

Thanks so much for stopping by!
I hope you have a FABULOUS day and God Bless!

As always . . .

Wishing You Happy Everything . . .

Hello Everyone and HAPPY 4th of JULY 

to all my USA Friends & Family!!

Today I have a card to share that was created for my beautiful, young neighbor Bethany's bridal shower.  Her wedding is July 29th and the neighborhood is all excited and so happy for her & James!  

I also had my Dies R Us Inspiration Blog DT commitment in mind when creating this card so you can find today's creation shared today on their blog.  For awesome inspiration using die cuts, you'll want to be sure to pop over to this blog often.  There's a new inspirational creation posted DAILY!!

The dies I have used on today's creation are:

Cheery Lynn Designs 'I Do'

Sue Wilson Shadow Box Collection 'Stitched Lattice Frames' 

(These are large so be sure to check the size shown at the store.)

 Cheery Lynn Deigns 'Horizon Fishtail Banners'

Penny Black 'Awesome'

Elizabeth Craft 'Wishing You A'

While die cutting my Sue Wilson 'Stitched Lattice Frames' (which i was going to keep all white), I decided on creating a color panel for the background that tied in with her wedding colors.  Plus this gave me a chance to play with my Tim Holtz oxide distress inks again lol.

Once dry, I simply 'inlaid' my colored panel and 'overlaid' the lattice panel on top.  I like the hint of color in the background ... just what I was looking for!

I also wanted to add dimension to my  bride & groom so I die cut it 5 times (glued 2 of them together before I thought to snap a photo lol)  from scraps of white card stock and glued them together.  Turned out almost like a chipboard piece!  Looked awesome ... give it a try!

AND, how much fun is it to combine dies like I have for today's sentiment.  I'm always looking for new ways to use my dies to create something different and by combining these two word die sets I can happily say I was able to do that today!

Here's a little peek at Bride to be Bethany
with her Mom and a few of us neighbors ...

(left to right:  Mom Sheri, Christine, Bethany, Christy and me)

 I hope you've enjoyed what I've shared today!  And, don't forget to come join in the fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  There's a new challenge theme offered on the 1st and 15th of each month and one lucky randomly drawn winner will receive a gift voucher prize to the Dies R Us Store.  For your convenience, all the important Dies R Us links are provided below.

click below for:

STORE 
 CHALLENGE BLOG
  FACEBOOK
  INSPIRATION BLOG

FRIENDS OF DIES R US PINTEREST PAGE

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

Sparkle N Sprinkle fun continues ...

Welcome back for Card #2 in the Sparkle n Sprinkle FB Creative Challenge.

You can click HERE to get all the details on how you too can grab

the freebies I've been creating with and play along.

This card was created using the image called ONESIE ...

How sweet is this image and of course depending on how you color it,

you could use it for a boy or a girl.  OR if there are twins you would just need to double up!  Speaking of doubling up ... I printed out an addition 2 images and fussy cut all three. After coloring one image using Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, I used foam tape between layers for added dimension.

For this card I was actually able to use some bits & bobs that were laying around my work table (Recipe below).

I was going to wait and share Card #3 later but decided to include it here since my day is going to be a busy one!  For Card #3 I've used the image named ROSE ...

Peek at the Inside.

Once again I've kept my card relatively simple which makes it easy to mail.
And again I've used left over bits & bobs from other projects ... i.e. the circle & rectangle.
My background paper is from a very OLD 6x6 Basicgrey paper pad called SUGARED.

After printing my image, I've used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for the coloring.  After a little fussy cut, I popped it up in my design.  I've used Wink of Stella on the outer edge of the petals though it's difficult to see in the photo.

A simple creation ... but pretty none the less I feel!  And easy for mailing ... always a bonus!

I hope you'll come join in the fun!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

As always . . .

Recipe for Card #2 (Onesie):

Papers:  White cs, Baby blue cs, scrap of dp

Dies:  Tutti Designs 'Nesting Stitched Circles' #220, Sue Wilson 'New Arrival Stuffed Animals' #CED10025, Memory Box 'Baby Bottles' #98867
Accessories:   Fiskars swivel craft knife (fussy cutting), 3M foam tape, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers

Recipe for Card #3 (Rose):

Papers:  White cs, Basicgrey 'Sugared' dp

Dies:  Tutti Designs 'Nesting Stitched Circles' #220, Memory Box 'Cross Stitched Frames' #99124

Accessories: Fiskars swivel craft knife (fussy cutting), 3M foam tape, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Wink of Stella, Nuvo 'Sherbert Shimmer' crystal drops

Stamp/Ink:  Impression Obsession / Versafine Onyx

Sparkle N Sprinkle Fun

Happy Monday!

Since we're just enjoying the 4th of July holiday weekend at home, I've had a lot of time to PLAY in my CAVE!  Sparkle n Sprinkle has started a fun new Creative Challenge over on FB and I couldn't wait to play along.  They offered up some freebies to help get you started.  

My first card for their challenge uses the free image called LEO

After printing, I used Spectrum Noir alcohol markers for my coloring.

My background paper is the flip side of the Reminisce giraffe 12x12 sheet that I used on my creation posed on July 1st.  There were various squares of jungle cat patterns so even though these patterns are probably tigers, I figured at least it was in the CAT family!  LOL

Then I added a bit of bronze glitter to his mane & tail 

after all ... he is the KING ... he deserves to sparkle!  LOL

My sentiment comes from an older GinaK stamp set called Wild About You.  I've used the Tutti Designs Nesting Stitched Rectangles for both my focus image and my sentiment. 

Challenges to share in:
The Crazy Challenge #252 - Animals
Aurora Wings Challenge #53 - ATG
Crafting From The Heart Challenge #166 - ATG

I hope you've enjoyed today's fun creation and be sure to check out 

Sparkle n Sprinkle on FB ... details HERE.

I will have TWO MORE creations to share for this challenge 

so I'll be back later with card #2.

Till then ... thanks for stopping by and as always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Black cs, Reminisce dp

Dies:  Tutti Designs 'Nesting Stitched Rectangles'

Accessories:  Bronze stickles, GinaK stamps, versafine onyx ink, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers

Tutti Designs - A Musical Release

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Today I'm sharing a new fun creation using dies from our Tutti Designs 'musical' June Release.  Please be sure to pop over to the store and check 'em out!  I'm sure you'll find something you just can't live without in this latest release (especially if you come from a musical family)!

When I spotted this the Paper Studio 'Josephine's Miscellany' paper pack at Hobby Lobby, I knew I wanted it to go along with this fun & fabulous musical die release.   So just to warn you, you'll be seeing more from this paper pack over the next month!  LOL

If you have a young musical student who takes piano lessons, this beautiful piano die cut is perfect for your congratulations card at their next recital.  I happen to have two young ladies next door who take piano and this card will be perfect for their upcoming event.

PIANO

TIP:

When you don't have the sentiment you are wanting within your stash, 

you can go out on the internet and Google a topic.  For instance in this case,

I Googled 'musical quotes' then printed the one that caught my attention

(being respectful of the copyright laws & watermarks).

Please be sure to pop over to the Tutti Designs Store and check out all of the fabulous dies in this latest release.  And, of course, you'll want to browse through the store to see what other dies you need to have on hand.

Challenges to share in:
Crafty Calendar July Challenge - ATG
Crafting with Friends Challenge #46 - ATG
Jo's Scrap Shack Fun Day Friday Challenge - ATG
Simply Papercraft Challenge #48 - ATG

Need inspiration? 

The team has something new to share on the Tutti Designs Blog EACH and EVERY DAY!   Pop in often and see for yourself ... what a talented group of designers!!

For your convenience, here are all the Tutti Designs quick links you will need:

Tutti Designs Store

Tutti Designs Pinterest

Tutti Designs Facebook

Tutti Designs Blog

Thanks for stopping by!
As Always . . .

Recipe:

Papers:  Ivory cs, the Paper Studio 'Josephine's Miscellany' dp,  Black glossy cs

Accessories:  Internet sentiment, Nuvo Copper Crystal Drops, Dimensional Tape

A Morning without Coffee . . .

Happy July 1st Everyone!

A new month means new monthly challenges out in blogland and one of my favorites these days is the challenge offered at Imagine That! Creative Playground.  If you've not checked out this challenge blog before now, you owe it to yourself to click on the link now and see what they are offering!

How cute is this guy!!  

By playing along last month using any Imagine That Digistamps, they sent me this FUN set!  How COOL is that!!

 I was short on time so I went with the PRECOLORED image

and added the sentiment (via Word10) before printing,

and creating my fun card!

I have a friend who LOVES giraffes so guess who this card is being mailed to!  LOL
She's going to be so surprised as we haven't seen each other in a couple of years.

A Tutti Designs Nesting Stitched Rectangle was used to showcase my image and FAUX stitching was done around that background matting.  A little double loop bow of black organza and my card is ready to send!

Challenges to share in:
Crafting with Dragonflies Challenge - Punches & Dies
Brown Sugar Challenge #257 - ATG
4 Crafty Chicks Challenge #357 - ATG
 The Cutie Pie Challenge #112 - All Creature Great & Small

Hope you (and she) like it!

Thanks for stopping by and as always . . .