2 Crafty Girls Mid Way Point . . .

Hello Everyone!

Hope you're having a fun weekend!

Can you believe we are half way through August already?  

So, I thought it was a good time to remind you that you still have the remainder of the month

to join in the fun at the 2 Crafty Girls Challenge.

Just to refresh your memory ... here's a peek at our Mood Board.

How to play ...

Choose 1, 2 or all 3 methods from the mood board to create your project.

Photo inspiration, technique and/or sketch!

Then pop over to the 2 Crafty Girls Challenge Blog and share your blog post link!

Just as easy as that!!!

OH YEAH!  Don't forget we also have fabulous sponsorship!

For Challenge 5 we have ...

Lacy Sunshine

and Bugaboo Stamps

 

 If you need inspiration, be sure to pop over to see what the DT has created.

We are anxious to see what you have to share with us!

And please tell your friends about the 2 Crafty Girls Challenge Blog ...

let's share the fun!

Hope to see you there!!!

To Have & To Hold

Hello Friends!

Today I have a card to share that I've created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.

I've recently gotten into the habit of making a quick cut with any of the new dies I purchase, just to see what they look like cut out.  Today's card was a QUICK put together since everything on it had been cut in advance and laying on the craft table.

Dies Used:

Spellbinders - Celebrations - 'Story of Us' #SCD-027

Poppystamps - Woodland Oval  #1125

I love how this Woodland Oval die cut turned out!

Since the 'center' actually cuts out, I was careful to position the die so that half of it was on the lighter portion of the scrap piece of design paper I was using ... and the other half was on the darker shade.  Then, once cut, I simply TURNED the inner oval and glued it back inside the outside decorative oval.

Doesn't it look pretty??

Such a versatile die!  Three different uses ... both pieces together or each piece individually.  I love when you have that option with ONE die!  It gives you that opportunity to utilize different techniques as I've done using the 'turned center technique' on my card today! 

EDIT:  After writing up my post on this card, I finished the inside and would like to share it with you.
I thought the Memory Box 'Precious Wedding Rings' would be the perfect added touch!

I used a Gold Pilot Marker to color the rings, and
a little touch of Diamond Stickles on the 'diamond' added 
the needed sparkle!
 

Be sure to pop over to the Dies R Us Store and check out all the amazing dies available in one convenient location.  The selection is amazing as are the shipping costs.   And, don't forget to come join in the fun at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog.  A new challenge goes live on the 1st and 15th of each month!  YOU could be the next winner of a Dies R Us store gift voucher!!

Challenges to share in:
Art Impressions Rubber Stamps Challenge - Anything Goes
 Crafting with Attitude - Anything Goes
Cute Card Thursday Challenge - Anything Goes
Scrap & Craft Challenge - Wedding

Thanks for stopping by today and have a FABULOUS weekend ahead!

Till next time and As Always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  Medium blue cs, White cs, Heartfelt Creations dp, scrap of DCWV dp
Accessories:  SU dimensionals, Art Glitter glue

Sisterhood - RAINBOWS

Hello Dear Friends!

Today I have a card to share for the new challenge over at 

The Sisterhood of Crafters!

One of our newest sisters ... Sandi Lee ... is our hostess today

and the theme she has chosen is

RAINBOWS

Here's what she had to say on the subject:

1939 - "The Wizard of Oz" premiered in Oconomowoc, WI. 

Judy Garland became famous for the movie's song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." 

The movie premiered in Hollywood on August 15th. 

To celebrate..lets see a RAINBOW on your creation.

So, here's what I've come up with ...

To get my mojo started, I popped over to Pinterest and did a search

on Rainbows.  There were some really beautiful images

pop up before me but when I saw THIS image

I instantly thought of a Penny Black stamp I had in my stash!

 So, why not recreate something very similar, using my inks and stamps!

I began with a 4x4 piece of white cardstock,

sponged the entire piece with Tim Holtz 'tumbled glass' distress ink

then created my rainbow using various Tim Holtz

distress inks.  I stamped my Penny Black image using

Versafine Onyx ink and lastly matted both my image & sentiment with black card stock.

I also saw the sentiment used on another image and decided to 

recreate it in PhotoShop so I could have it in my files

for future use as well as for today's card.

I felt it needed 'something more' so decided to die cut

a couple Sue Wilson corners in white card stock and color them

in rainbow colors also.  LOVE how it accents my sentiment!  Perfect!

Challenges to share in:
Word Art Wednesday Challenge #196 - Anything Goes
Addicted to Stamps & More Challenge - Make Your Mark
The Crafter's Cafe Challenge #129 - The Great Outdoors
 Crafting for all Seasons Challenge - Bright & Beautiful
Creative Moments Challenge - Anything Goes/Summer Sun
Fab 'n' Funky Challenge - Things with Wings

I hope you like what you see and will come join in our fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by today.

As always ...

Recipe:

Papers:  SU Marina Mist cs base, white cs, black cs

Stamp:  Penny Black 'Winter Sky'

Ink:  Tim Holtz distress inks (tumbled glass, broken china, peeled paint, spiced marmalade, scattered straw, dusty concord, berries)

Accessories:  large & small sponge daubers, Sue Wilson Scandinavian Collection corner

Friends and Butterflies . . .

Hello Dear Friends!

Today I have a card to share which was created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog and came together quite quickly due to this beautiful Spellbinder Nestabilities 5x7 Mystical Embrace die set!

Please be sure to pop over to the Dies R Us Store and check out ALL the amazing dies available for you card creating (or scrapbooking) needs.  There are over 40 companies represented and I'm sure you'll find something you just 'can't live without'!

The butterflies I have used on today's card are currently Out of Stock ... BoBunny 'Flutter Dies'  #12839812 ... but there are several other beautiful butterfly die sets what would work just as well ... for instance, the *New* X-Cut Butterflies ... or perhaps the beautiful Sue Wilson Designs 'Magical Butterflies.

I have a friend is LOVES butterflies and I think she's really going to love this card creation!

The color isn't exactly TRUE ... it's more of a bright pink!  But for the life of me, I could NOT get my camera to photograph the true color!  I'm sure it's an adjustment of some sort on my camera but for today you'll just have to use your imagination and visualize this card is pretty pink and medium blue ribbon.  Which are the actual color hues ... sorry!  LOL!

Challenges to share in:

Dragonfly Dreams August Challenge - Flying High with Wings
Great Impressions August Challenge - Add a Sentiment
Robyn's Fetish Challenge #276 - Things with Wings

Stamping Sensations August Challenge - Anything Goes with a Stamp and a Die.
Crafting with Dragonflies Challenge - Anything Goes with Butterflies
Sweet Stampin' Challenge - Anything But Birthday

Thanks for stopping by today!

As Always . . .

Recipe:
Paper:  White cs, Bright Pink cs, Jennifer Ellory 'Floral Papers' dp (free in a Quick Cards Magazine)
Dies:   Spellbinder Nestabilities '5x7 Mystical Embrace', Bo Bunny 'Flutter Dies'
Stamps/Ink:  Inspired by Stamping/Versafine Onyx
Accessories:  Offray medium blue satin ribbon

Mojo Monday Time . . .

Happy Monday Everyone!

A new week and I'm trying to play 'catch up'!  LOL!

How about you?  Busy week ahead??

Today I took a few minutes to create something for the new Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge.  This is NOT the direction I was headed ... but where it ended up!  

I had just started gathering my thoughts for my card when hubby wanted to come down and take care of a few things on my computer!  HAPPY he wanted to do that for me but that meant I needed to move to another part of the cave to work on my card.  SO ... quickly my card went another direction ... which is okay because I like the end result.

Sitting in the area of my 'paper scraps' and die cuts, I just started die cutting some circles in different sizes to see what looked best.  This scrap piece of old 'Hot Off the Press' holiday paper was laying on the table so I did a quick cut and THAT is when I decided to make a holiday card.

Heaven knows we'll be needing them before we know it!

Then I decided since I was going with a holiday theme ... my card would be in need of a poinsettia and got busy stamping/die cutting and forming a few poinsettias from an older Heartfelt Creations stamp and die set.  I have their latest set but it was out of reach so went with this one and I think it looks great.  I used Tim Holtz 'Berries' distress ink to stamp my image then sprayed it lightly with water to give it a different look since the ink 'ran' a bit.

Challenges to share in:

Paper Creator's Crafts Challenge #41 - Dies and/or Punches

The 12 Months of Christmas Challenge #8 - Anything Goes optional theme/snowpeople

 Christmas Card Challenge #36 - Anything Goes Christmas

Thanks for stopping by today.

I hope your Monday has been a good one!

As always ...

 

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, SU 6x6 Patterns Pack II (old),  Forest Green cs, Hot Off The Press dp

Stamps/Ink:  Heartfelt Creations 'Christmas Poinsettia' #HCPC3557 / Tim Holtz 'Berries' distress ink

Dies:  Heartfelt Creations 'Sun Kissed Fleur Die' #HCD734, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Merry Christmas' #B186, Cheery Lynn Designs 'Horizon Fishtail Banners' #DL278, Memory Box 'Stitched Circle Layers' #30036

Accessories:  Heartfelt Creations 'Prill'

A Manly Birthday . . .

Happy Weekend My Friends!

I hope you have something fun planned for today!

I'm falling behind on my DT commitments so I'll be hiding out in my crafting cave today and hopefully creating some fabulous things to inspire you with in days to come.

But for the moment, my friend brought to my attention the challenge going on over on Classy Cards 'n Such Challenge Blog where the theme is ADDING TEXTURE.

I had this image laying on my worktable and actually a card 'started' so with a few additions and a bit of 'tweaking' ... I'm pleased to say I was able to get this card created on time to join in the fun.

AND, the nice thing is ... I now have another MASCULINE birthday card to add to my stash!

You can never have enough guy cards on hand ... since they seem to be the most difficult to create!

The sailboat image was found online and I've added texture by using the Darice Cloudy Sky embossing folder as well as a couple of panels cut from a 6x6 sheet of  DCWV Burlap paper.  All items used will be listed at the end of this post.

Challenges:

Crafting with Friends Challenge #3 - Anything Goes

Fairy tale Challenge #123 - Men/Boys

Kitty Bee Designs Challenge #53 - Ocean/Water Animals (sea gulls)

DRS Designs Challenge #186 - Dry Embossing

Seize the Birthday Challenge - Embossing (+birthday)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Well ... I'd better get busy ... so much to do, so little time to get it done!

Time sure flies when you're having fun!!!   LOL!!!

As always . . .

Recipe:
Papers:  White cs, Teal cs, DCWV Burlap design paper
Image:  Online
Ink:  Tim Holtz 'Antique Linen', Ranger Adirondack 'Snow Cap'
Dies:  Impression Obsession 'Sea Birds', Poppystamps 'Classic Ribbons'
Accessories:  Large sponge daubers, SU dimensionals, the Paper Studio teal brads, Darice 'cloudy sky' embossing folder

Let It Snow!

Hello Friends!

Today I have a card to share that is created for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog!

As you know, Christmas is only four and a half months away (not putting that counter thingie on yet ... makes me nervous to see just how close it is!  LOL).  With that being said, it's not too early to start thinking about those holiday cards.

There are some amazing new holiday/winter dies available this year at the Dies R Us store and you'll want to pop over, check 'em out and get your order in ... they are flying off the shelves!

With simply THREE dies I created this card and I love the outcome!

THIS just might be this years holiday card ... but done with different color base cards.

The dies I have used are:

Memory Box - Precious Mittens #98663

Memory Box - Evergreen Trio #99240

Memory Box - Scattered Snowflake Frame #99222

I've used pop dot behind the trees to add a little dimension and freehand the sentiment across the bottom of the card.  MAN!  I need to practice my penmanship!  I didn't realize how bad this looked  ... yikes!  Guess if I'm going to use my own handwriting I need to 'take my time!'

Just a reminder that you still have time to join in the current challenge at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog ... theme is: SUMMERTIME FUN! 

Challenges to share in:

Memory Box Challenge #3/Outside the Box - Cool Thoughts for Warm Days

 Christmas Cards All Year 'Round August Challenge - Snowflakes

Die Cut Diva's Challenge - A Month of Holidays / Favorite Holiday
Jo's Scrap Shack Fun Day Friday Challenge #100 - Anything Goes
QKR Stampede Challenge - Anything Goes
Sister Act Challenge #118 - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Wishing you a FABULOUS weekend!

As always . . .

Let's Have Tea . . .

Happy Day All!

I've been busy creating some cards, etc. for a local

Tea Shoppe called Marge's Place At Portage Lakes LLC.

I shared photos with you awhile back

and I just love this adorable, quaint little shop. 

Here's a peek at a few cards I made for them today.

This first card is blank on the inside so it could be 

used for a variety of occasions.

I actually had the pink / green die cut pieces laying on my

table from when I received the die and cut

a quick sample to see what it looked like.

The design paper on this 2nd card was actually a scrap I 

had cut for a different card then changed my mind ... you know how that is!!  LOL!

The die set I'm referring to is the Spellbinder Nestablities Romantic Rose set

which was purchased for Dies R Us.  This set is currently

Out Of Stock but if you're interested, just add your 

name to the 'Waiting List' and you will be notified

as soon as it's back on the shelf.

Challenges:

Scrapy Land Challenge #23 - Anything Goes (using product sold at SL)

Addicted to Stamps & More Challenge - Anything Goes

Paper Shelter Challenge #213 - Punches or Dies

Word Art Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

Well, I have a lot more to get done today so I'd better get busy.

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a peek.

Hope you're having a great day!

As always ...

Recipe Card #1:

Paper:  Bright pink cs, White cs, 

Accessories:  Image from Internet, Wild Orchid mulberry roses/leaves, Really Reasonable Ribbon (Summer Fun Assortment-June)

Dies:  Spellbinder 'Romantic Rose', Memory Box 'Bali Corner' #98487

Recipe Card #2:

Paper:  Bright pink cs, White cs, SU Pear Pizazz cs, Prima 'Coffee Break Collection' dp

Accessories:  Image from Internet

Mojo Monday Birthday Card

Hello Friends!

Hope you're having a fabulous week!

Today I have a card to share that I made using this weeks Mojo Monday Sketch.

I was in need of a few birthday creation for the local Tea Shoppe

and thought this design would work perfectly.

What do you think? 

The sketch I worked from today is here:

I took the liberty of turning the sketch horizontally so my teapot

fit better and I like the end result.  

When using a sketch, I have a tendency to follow the sketch 'to the T'

but I'm getting better and expanding on the sketch concept

and adding a few extras or turning the orientation ... 

expanding my horizons you might say!  LOL

Inside View

I love the happy colors of this K&Co design paper!

I hope it brings a smile to the recipient.

A few other challenges to share in today are:

Cards in Envy Challenge - Birthday Party

Not Just Cards Challenge - Anything Goes

2 Creative Chicks Showcase #1 - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

As always ...

Recipe:

Papers:  White cs, Medium blue cs, K&Co design paper, scrap of red holiday paper for tea pot

Stamps/Ink:  AMuse, The Stamp Pad Co., Stamping Sensations (inside verse)/Versafine Onyx

Dies:  Spellbinder 'Tea Service' #S5-076, Poppystamps 'Classic Ribbons' #1005,  Die-namites 'Party Banner' #DN-1277, Memory Box 'Cross Stitched Frame Borders' #99124, Spellbinder Labels 17 (inside)

Accessories:  Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, pop dots, Wilton paper doily, Gold Pilot Marker

Hearts come Home for Christmas!

Hello Friends!

Today I've created a card for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog.  

I'm working on a few holiday cards so I thought I'd share one with you today!  I recently ordered some of the fabulous dies offered in the latest holiday releases by Memory Box and Poppy Stamps over at our Dies R Us Store and couldn't wait to get them die cut to see what I could come up with.  Hope you like it!!

The dies I've used are:

Memory Box 'Simple Evergreen Frame'  (MBD-99243)

Memory Box 'Evergreen Trio'  (MBD-99240) currently Out of Stock

Poppystamps 'Country House Roofs and Background'  (POPPY1256)

Poppystamps 'Country Houses'  (POPPY1252)  currently Out of Stock

Sue Wilson 'Spanish Collection'  (CED1206)

 These fabulous holiday dies are going IN and OUT of Stock so quickly, if you want it and see it is in stock I advise you to get it on order right away!

To create the sky, I simply adhered a scrap piece of blue card stock to the upper portion of my Everygreen Frame.  I've added dimensional tape to the Evergreen Trio and placed in the center of my two frame trees and again used dimensionals on my Country Houses (see dimension achieved in photo above).   Both sentiment stamps are from 'older' Stampin' Up sets.

 WOW!  My team mates have been sharing some AMAZING inspiration for you each and every day of the work week and in so many different themes/styles.  Please stop back often and be sure to scroll back to see what you may have missed.  We each have our own unique 'style' and I'm sure you'll find something that catches your eye!

Challenges to share in:
Card and Scraps Challenge - Anything Goes/Love
 Christmas Cards All Year 'Round August Challenge - Snowflakes
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge - Anything Goes
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra (August) - Anything Goes Christmas
Creative Craft Cottage Challenge - Anything Goes
Die Cut Diva's Challenge - A Month of Holidays / Favorite Holiday
Memory Box Challenge #3/Outside the Box - Cool Thoughts for Warm Days

Have you signed up for our Mailing List?

Check it out on the front page at the STORE.

You'll want to be sure to do that so you don't miss out on the Specials & Surprise Sales that pop up to ONLY those on our Mail List.  You don't want to miss out on these opportunities!

Remember to come join in our challenges at the Dies R Us Challenge Blog also.  A new challenge theme is offered on the 1st and 15th of each month and YOU could be a lucky winner of the Dies R Us Store Voucher.  

Please be sure to pop over and check it out!

The current challenge theme is:  SUMMERTIME FUN!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

As always . . .

2 Crafty Girls Challenge

Hello Everyone and Happy August!

Yes can you believe it ... August already!!

Today I have a card to share that was created for the new, 'revamped' challenge blog called 

2 Crafty Girls 

and I'm lucky enough to have been asked to be a member of their design team!  YAY!  Please pop over and check out this NEW team and what they have to share with you!

Today we have TWO fabulous sponsors!
 Lacy Sunshine Stamps

and

Here is the inspiration board to create from this month.

You can choose 1, 2 or all three as your inspiration!
The fun photo ... the technique ... and/or the sketch!
Today I chose to create using an adorable image from Lacy Sunshine along with the 'Watercolor Pencils' technique and Sketch.

What do you think?

I had a scrap of the beautiful Ken Oliver Watercolor Memories design paper

on my worktable and thought it was PERFECT for what I chose to be 'color' swatches in 

my sketch design.  This cute Lacy Sunshine image has been colored with

Spectrum Noir watercolor pencils and gamsol.  Then fussy cut to be popped up on

my card front.

Though difficult to see in the photo, I have used crystal effect on the

'paint' from the brush to give it a more realistic appearance.

Why is it our cards always look so much better IRL vs on the screen!  LOL!

But, you get the idea.

I kept the inside simple but wanted to add a couple more

color swatches to tie in with the card front!

I'm really happy with the outcome of this card and it

was a lot of fun to create!

Now it's time for you to come join in the fun!
Our challenge runs through AUGUST 31st ... 8 PM EST.

Part of the team is sharing inspiration today and the other half

of the team will share inspiration mid-way through our

monthly challenge!  Please pop over HERE and check it out!

Challenges to share in:
Crafting With Friends Challenge #3 - Anything Goes
Crafts 4 Eternity Challenge #237 - Anything Goes
Jo's Scrap Shack Challenge #99 - Anything Goes

I can't wait to see what you create!

Thanks for stopping by today and have a FABULOUS day!

As always . . .

Take It Easy . . .

Happy Friday Everyone!

OMG!  Can you believe it is already the END of JULY?

Where Oh Where is the time going? 

Anyways, I need to ask ... "Have you been to the Dies R Us store lately?"

There have been literally hundreds of new dies released 

and offered through out this month and you'll want to get your order in right away!

Today I've created a card for the Dies R Us Inspiration Blog and I hope to offer you a little warm weather inspiration along the way!  By using die cuts, ink & sponges, I think I've succeeded in creating a card that just by looking at it gives you a feeling of peace and tranquility!

Who doesn't enjoy sitting on a park bench just listening to the birds singing in the trees?  Well, that's what  I had in mind when creating today's card using only TWO die cuts.

The dies I've used today are:

DieNamites 'Birds on a Branch'

Impression Obsession 'Bench'

When I can't find the background design paper I want to use, I simply pull out my ink and sponges and create my own as I've done today.  Plus I wanted my dies to be the focus of my card ... not the background.

To create the various colors for my birds/butterflies, I first die cut the entire die using green card stock then used scraps of red, blue and purple card stock to run back through just those portions of the die that contained the birds/butterflies.  A little snip here & there ... a touch of white glue and VIOLA ... the birds were singing their happy tunes!

Challenges:
As You Like It Challenge - Fur or Feathers (and Why)
 I'm going with Feathers!  Who doesn't enjoy watching the birds and listening to their sweet songs.  That is one of my favorite relaxation things to do.  Sit on the deck with a cool refreshment and watch the birds come & go to our 3 different feeders.  Of course I get the advantage of the FUR element as well since where there are bird feeders there are also squirrels!  LOL!
DRS Designs Challenge #185 - Cause a Scene
 Southern Girls Challenge - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Please remember we have a NEW CHALLENGE beginning tomorrow and will last through August 13th.  The theme will be:  SUMMERTIME FUN (YOUR interpretation!)

I hope you'll come join us!

As always,

Wishing you a FABULOUS weekend ahead and . . .