Which is your favorite??

Happy Thursday Everyone!

As my title suggests, I'm curious as to 'Which is your Favorite?'

By that I mean ... creating with a LOT OF COLOR or do you prefer doing more subtle or B/W creations?  Well, today I have one of each to share with you.

For the challenge over at Cheery Lynn Designs, it sounds simple enough ... EASTER is the theme ... and of course using a Cheery Lynn Designs product.  When I think of Easter, I think of Easter Morning Church Service.  The beautiful music, smell of all the Easter Lilies at the alter and of course the beautiful stain glass windows.  So that was the motivation for my creation.  Here's what I came up with . . .

I thought by using this Cheery Lynn Designs 'FRM141 Windows A Frame Die', I could create something that would resemble a stained-glass church window.  I created the 'stained glass' using alcohol inks on glossy white paper.  It was very easy and I love how it turned out.  

Recipe:

Papers:  Black cs, Deep Purple cs, Crafty Secrets 'Classic' dp, Matte finish Gold heavy weight cs

Accessories:  Adirondack Alcohol Inks -'Stream', 'Wild Plum', 'Butterscotch' and 'Eggplant', SU 'Heaven Blessed' sentiment stamp, Versafine onyx ink, Tim Holtz 'Scattered Straw' distress ink, Darice purple grosgrain ribbon, Darice metal embellishments, Cheery Lynn Designs 'B136 Anastasia Lace Border Die'

Other Challenges:

DL.ART Thankful Thursday #105 - Easter

Sincerely Yours Creations #3 - Easter

Creative Moments - Add a Sentiment

Fab 'n' Funky - Add a Sentiment

Paper Pretties - Create you own background paper (stained glass paper)

The Paper Shelter - Easter

Stampavie and More - Easter

Stamp n Doodle - Window

* * * * *

For the challenge this week at Joan's Gardens, Joan & Selma have created the most BEAUTIFUL Black & White cards ... you'll certainly want to pop over and take a peek.  Our challenge requirements this week are:

• Make a black and white card
• Use an Embossing Folder
• Add some flowers, pearls and lace 
• You must use something sold at Joan's Gardens on your card.

Since I am a huge fan of Joan's Gardens, that last requirement was NOT a problem!  LOL!

Here's my card:

 

The main basis for my card was this gorgeous embossing folder set by Sizzix.  No. 657667 'Loving Thoughts Set' which I bought at Joan's Gardens early last year after seeing a beautiful card creation by Diane Hoover (Nellie's Nest).  I hadn't taken the time to create with it yet so today was the day!

Recipe:

Papers:  Black and White cardstock

Accessories:  Sizzix EF, All Nite Media corner punch, Spellbinder oval dies, Cheery Lynn Designs B117S 'Fanciful Flourish Small' die, Prima flowers, Kaiser white pearls, Peebles Inc. 'Jewel Tones' black chalk, X-Press 1/4" Mounting Foam, Wright's white lace, Pizzazz APlenty black lace butterfly

(Items in RED were purchased at Joan's Gardens)

Other Challenges:

Chalk N Stock - Anything Goes (chalk used to color in the portrait)

Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Outlaws Twisted Thursday - Anything Goes (twist 3D)

Flutter By Wednesday - Any winged creature (butterfly)

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by my blog today!  Sorry I'm so late posting but hubby & I had a busy morning of shopping and I didn't even get my computer turned on until after lunch (very out of character for me!  LOL!)

We are expecting another blast of WINTER tomorrow with 1-3" of snow!  My poor spring flowers don't know if they are coming or going!  Some have already been frozen so I don't know what my spring blooms will look like this year!   . . .  Augh . . . Mother Nature!  You Gotta Love Her!!

Until next time my friends . . .

Going GREEN . . .

Hello everyone!

With St. Patrick's Day coming up this weekend, I thought I'd play along in some of the GREEN challenges that are out there in Blogland!  This is going to be fun!

My first creation to share today is a fun Dare to be Sassy challenge over at Sassy Studio Designs.  Their challenge is to use GREEN and for a twist, use something 'recycled' on your creation.  I have chosen to use the front of a card I received as the background on my card as the 'recycled' requirement.   The Sassy Studio digi image I chose to use today is called 'GoGoGirl2'.

Inside View

When you don't make the desired background for the inside of your card, create your own as I have done here.  Quick & Easy!  Sorry ... camera colors are weird today!  LOL!

Recipe:

Papers:  Garden Green cs, White cs, Stamp:  My Sentiments Exactly ' Irish Blessing',  Ink:  Momento 'Bamboo Leaves', Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs B231 Birthday die, Provocraft vine die, Kaiser green pearls, X-press It foam mounting tape, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers

Other challenges:

Loves Rubberstamps Challenge -  Shades of Green

Twist of Faith Card Challenge #28 - Irish Blessings 

 Melonheadz Friends - Going Green

 The Pink Elephant - St. Patrick's Day/Use Green
Creative Inspirations Paint - Go Green
Gingerloft Challenge - The color Green

Eclectic Ellapu - Birthday

Great Impressions - Use green and/or something recycled

Kenny K's Krew - Birthday

The Outlawz Monday Greeting - Use Green w/sentiment on front

My second card today is a card I made last week for the All That Stickles: Green Linky Party then I couldn't locate the challenge again ... until today that is!!  Whew!  Found it!!

I've created this cute little Easter scene in Microsoft Word by using digital images from the Crafty Secrets 'Spring Bunnies' digital download.  What a fun project this was!

Recipe:

Papers:  SU Old Olive cs, Doodlebug 'Hello Spring' 2 sided dp  Accessories:  Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Prima flowers, Lime Green Stickles, Memory Box #98438 'Big Splash Border'

Other challenges:

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Easter Egg-stravaganza

Bearly-Mine - Easter

Through The Classroom Doors - Anything Goes

Eureka Stamps - Spring has Sprung

Lexi's Creations #85 - Easter

Paper Playtime - Anything Goes

 Well I think that's it for me today!  Thanks so much for stopping by and I truly hope you find even just a 'teeny tiny' bit of inspiration from my work!  I know I certainly find GREAT inspiration from all of you!

Enjoy your day and until next time . . .

Sisterhood of Crafter's Challenge

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

WOW!  Can you believe it's the middle of MARCH already!  

YEAH! ... that means Spring is right around the corner!!  (I HOPE!)

March is a very busy month for me this year!  

St. Patty's Day on the 17th (hubby's family is of Irish decent).

Granddaughter's 21st birthday is on the 30th.

And of course, Easter is on the 31st!

Going to be a FUN month with LOTS to CELEBRATE!

Today's challenge at The Sisterhood of Crafters is based on St. Patty's Day ...

Cards or projects using

MAINLY GREEN PAPERS

Now I must admit, I went a little crazy with this challenge, but I hope you find inspiration along the way in this 'photo heavy' post ... {sorry!}  Here's what I'm talking about . . .

First is this fun St. Patty's Day card that I'm sending along to hubby's brother & family.

Stamps:  Shamrocks - Hampton Arts, Leprechaun - Inkadinkado, Irish Blessing - My Sentiments Exactly

A few challenges:

Cuttin' and Stampin Challenge - St. Patrick's Day
Loves Rubberstamps Challenge - St. Patrick's Day or Shades of Green

Party Time Tuesday - Luck of the Irish
Sweet Stamps #108 - St. Patrick's Day

Twist of Faith Card Challenge #28 - Irish Blessings (see inside sentiment)
Melonheadz Friends - Going Green
Tammy's Scrapin Corner #53 - Include a Shamrock
The Pink Elephant - St. Patrick's Day/Use Green
Creative Inspirations Paint - Go Green
Gingerloft Challenge - The color Green
Glitter n Sparkle - St. Patrick's Day/use green
Scrappy Frog - Luck 'o the Irish

I love putting purple and green together on a creation so this was my chance!

Papers:  SU Old Olive cs, SU Sage cs, K&Co. 'Madeline' dp,

Stamps:  JustRite 'Botanical Butterflies

Ink:  Momento 'Bamboo Leaves'

Accessories:  Cheery Lynn Designs 'Build a Flower 1', Cheery Lynn Designs 'DL102 French Pastry' doily die,  Cheery Lynn Designs 'DL112 Exotic Butterflies' Small,  Memory Box 'Chesapeake Scrollwork' die, Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, purple Stickles

Yes ... I needed a 'belated birthday' card so again ... this was my opportunity. 

Papers:  Basic Grey 'Origins' dp, SU old olive cs

Stamps:  Just For Fun (front), Rubber Cottage (inside)

Ink:  Versafine Onyx 

Accessories:  Offray olive satin ribbon, Spellbinder Labels 1, Provocraft vine die

 

Even though this card looks brown, it is actually an olive green shade.  The design paper is from the Basic Grey 'Sugared' paper pack.  I decided to create a gate fold card this time ... they are so easy and so much fun to create.

Stamps:  Verve stamps 'Kind Words', Endless Creations

Accessories:  Spellbinder Labels 2, SU Photo Corner punch, Prima flower (bunched 3 small flowers together to make 1 larger/fuller flower)

Are you still with me?  Hope so!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and please come join in our challenge fun at The Sisterhood of Crafters.  I'll be looking for your creation!  I promise to come take a peek and leave you a comment!

Till next time and as always . . .

Squigglefly Challenge

Happy Monday Everyone!

It's time for another fun challenge over at Squigglefly and the team of Holley's Hobbyist (of which I am a member) have some fun creations to inspire you!  Today's challenge theme is:

SPRING IS NEAR!

(St. Patty's Day, Easter, Springtime)

I have chosen an adorable image to work with today for my DT card!  

It's one of Diane Carubia's digi images called "A Message From Mouse".  I can't wait to see my spring flowers in bloom ... sure is an uplifting feeling after those dreary winter days!  Won't be long now (YEAH!) ... here we are in March already!

 (A peek at the Inside)

Recipe:

Papers:  BasicGrey 'Porcelain' 6x6 paper pack, bright pink cs, white cs, SU pink pirouette cs

Stamps:  JustRight Fancy Sentiments

Ink:  Versafine Onyx 

Accessories:  Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, Prima flowers, Stickles, Cheery Lynn Designs B117S Fanciful Flourish Small, Paper Piercer/Pad, Spellbinder Classic Circle dies, dimensional tape
Technique:  Paper Piercing

* * * * *

Of course I couldn't stop at just ONE card, LOL ... so I used another fun image called 'Better Than A Thousand Words' by Cheryl Alger to create this card.

Here's a peek at the inside of this card:

Recipe:

Papers:  BasicGrey 'Sultry' 6x6 paper pack, bright pink cs, black cs

Stamps:  JustRite Fancy Sentiments, Verses Rubber Stamps (inside)

Inks:  Versafine Onyx 

Accessories:  Martha Stewart hearts border punch, Kaiser hot pink pearls, Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, Offray hot pink satin ribbon

Other Challenges:
Challenges 4 Everybody - Anything Goes
Hobby Cutz Challenge - Anything Goes
No Matter Which Challenges - Anything Goes

I hope you've enjoyed my cards today and found a little inspiration along the way!
I'm still practicing with my new alcohol markers and I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of this shading thingie!  However ... I know I still need MORE practice and look to you all for inspiration!  If you have any hints on coloring with Spectrum Noir please leave me a comment ... I'd love to hear it!

You'll also want to check out the wonderful creations my team mates have created to inspire you with this week.  (Charlene is having computer issues so please try again if you have trouble getting into her blog today). 

  Holley Barnhart    

Charlene Mitchell   

Tammy Hair      

Pat Martin     

Jan Marshall
Elizabeth Hart

Till next time ... enjoy your day and I hope you find some time to have fun!
As always . . .

There's still time . . .

. . . to join in the March Linky Party over at the Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage Blog!

There is no theme for this Linky Party ... as long as you create using ANYTHING Crafty Secrets / Heartwarming Vintage, you qualify for the prize!  A random.org Winner will be announced next Mon, Mar 11/13 to WIN a $50.00 Crafty Secrets Gift Certificate.  Don't be shy - come play because every person that enters will receive a $6.00 coupon code to use in our www.craftyvintagegirl.com Store!  How awesome is that!!

Here are a few things I've been working on using Crafty Secrets products ...

This was such a fun card to create!  The main image is from the Creative Scraps CS01-DS Spring - Easter sheet.  The card is a gate fold card design in which I've placed a Spellbinder die on the 'inside' (cut side up) of the front flaps in order to cut out the window pattern.  TIP:  If you are going to  use designer paper on the front flaps, you'll want to do that before you cut out your window.

Recipe:

Papers:  Bright Pink cs, Crafty Secrets HVP03 Pastel Paper Designs

Accessories:  Spellbinder Labels 9, Cheery Lynn B117S Fanciful Flourish Sm, Prima flowers, Kaiser pearls, Lime Green Stickles

Challenges:
City Crafter Challenge - Shades of Pink
 Crafty Sentiments - Pretty in Pink
Cuttin and Stampin - Use flowers
 LEJ Designs - All things Spring
Party Time Tuesday - Die Cuts
Jellypark Challenge - Bunny Hop with rabbits
 Avadares Challenge - Easter or Spring
Brown Sugar Challenge - Easter
Hotshot Craft Blog #15 - Anything But a Card (Hershey Pouch)

 
Another fun creation to share with you today is this  
Easter Hershey Bar Pouch.

 

The cute bunny & sentiment on the front are from the Bunny Hop Printable Download at the Crafty Secrets 'Crafty Vintage Girl' store.  The background paper is from my scrap box and the base paper is bright pink cardstock.  Offray satin ribbon and prima flowers were used to embellish.  

Though hard to see, so here's a close up ... I've colored my bunny using my alcohol markers and digitally placed the sentiment on his belly!  These are perfect little Easter treats and, who doesn't like a Hershey Bar!

OKAY ... now you'd better hurry ... TIME IS RUNNING OUT!!!

Hope to see you there!

Have a FABULOUS DAY!!!

as always ...

Early Easter!! Early Spring??

Hello everyone!  

I hope your weekend is off to a wonderful start!

I've been really busy creating projects (that I am paid to do) so haven't had much time to play some of my favorite challenges so I took the time this afternoon to do just that!

EASTER is really early this year (March 31st), and hopefully Spring is right around the corner!  With that in mind here is my creation to share with you today.

Earlier in the month, I told you about a combined digital challenge event going on using images from Shelly's Images and DigiStamp4Joy (read all about it here).  Well this is my 2nd card for that challenge using these adorable digi images and if you'd like, you can see my first card HERE. 

Two other challenges I really wanted to play along in (and kept in mind when creating this card) are the weekly challenge at Joan's Gardens and the Cheery Lynn Designs challenge.

I think I'm getting the hang of coloring with my new alcohol markers (finally purchased the last two sets ... have them ALL now ... YIPPEE!) and these two digi images were really fun to practice on with all the different colors that could be used for the eggs/basket & bunny!

Recipe for this card:

Papers:  White cs, Pink cs, Old Olive cs, Lemon Yellow cs, Doodlebug Designs 'Hello Spring' dp

Accessories:  Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Fiskars swivel craft knife. Prima flowers, Lime Green Stickles, Cheery Lynn Designs DL112 Exotic Butterflies Small, Cheery Lynn Designs DL103 Italian Flourish Doily die, PoppyStamps #825 Grassland Border die, dimensional tape

Challenges I'm entering this card into:

Joan's Garden - Make a Garden Scene

Cheery Lynn Designs - Doilies

Avadares Challenge - Easter or Spring

Brown Sugar - Easter

ClearlyiStamp - Die Cuts

Delicious Doodles - Die Cuts

Jellypark Challenge - Bunny Hop

Polkadoodle - Spring Flowers

4 Crafty Chicks - Die for Dies

C.R.A.F.T. - Easter or Spring

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and if you've taken time to leave me a comment, DOUBLE THANK YOU ... it truly makes my day to hear from you all!  

Time to go make dinner!  It's Friday night during Lent so ghee ... guess what's for dinner!  LOL!  

YEP ... Fish & French Fries ... yummm!

But before I go .... here's a friendly REMINDER ...

For those of you who recognize Daylight Savings time, remember to turn those clocks AHEAD Saturday night!  I know, we're all going to lose an hour of sleep but I'm sure we will be JUST FINE ... especially with these sunny days getting longer!  YEAH!

As always my friends . . .

Shelly's Images Challenge

Hello my friends!  How's your week going?  Good I hope!

It's time today for another fun TTT (Terrifically Thrilling Thursday) challenge over at Shelly's Images and our theme today is:

ROLL 'EM

Over on the sidebar of our challenge blog, you will see Random.org number generator.  You just put in the Min number of 1 and Max number of 10 and generate THREE numbers.  Those are the THREE numbers you will use to create your card from the list provided.  And, today we are featuring Shelly's Image called 'RELAX' ... isn't he (she) cute!!



The numbers I rolled were:
 (1) Die/Punch ... (3) Use 3 layers ... (8) Brads, Buttons or Bling

This is a really fun way to help get your creative juices flowing when the 'ole mojo is stalling out!  I'm also having fun learning how to color better with my new Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  Shelly has been a huge help to me on this project via Skype. 

Lots to do today so I'd better get busy!  Hope you'll come join in our fun and OH DON'T FORGET . . . Shelly has a couple other fun things going on right now ...

BONUS CHALLENGE running though out March!

and her
GET TOGETHER Event (on PCP) which is a joint effort with DigiStamps4Joy and also runs through the month of March!  Please be sure to click on the names and get involved!!  Great Fun!!

Till next time my friends,
Stay Healthy ... Stay Warm ... Stay Crafty and as always,

Crafty Secrets March Linky Party . . .

WOW!  Can you believe it is MARCH already!?!

And, since it is the 1st Monday of the Month ... that means it's time again for a Crafty Secrets Linky Party and DT Challenge at the Heartwarming Vintage Blog!   You could be the winner of some FABULOUS Crafty Secrets/Heartwarming Vintage goodies so be sure to pop over, check it out and play along!

You don't even have to follow a theme ... just create something with any of the Crafty Secrets/Heartwarming Vintage products to be eligible!  How easy is that!!

This time around the DT is creating with SPRINGTIME in mind!  And I can certainly attest to the fact that Springtime is on MY MIND!!! 

For this creation I have used a FABULOUS image from one of the 2-sheet Victorian Floral Easter Eggs digital set at the Crafty Secrets 'Crafty Vintage Girl Store'.   You get 4 fronts & backs for only $2.99! Now that's a deal!  The design I used is a 'new' Trifold Shutter Card that I spotted over at Sandy Allnock's blog.  The difference in this design vs the original Trifold Shutter card is that there is extra space to write or add a sentiment.

The light pink panels have been embossed using the Sizzix/Cuttlebug 'swirls' embossing folder.  A few little Prima flowers with Stickle centers was all the embellishment needed.

Other Challenges:
The Crafty Bloggers Network - Spring or Pastels
Creative Stamp Friends - Spring Colors
Fashionista Challenge - Pink
Forever Friends - Lots of Flowers
House of Gilli - Anything Goes + Pastels
Lexi's Creations - Easter
Victorine Stamps - Anything Goes

 * * * * *

Another fun SPRINGTIME creation I came up with also utilizes an image from that same 2-sheet Victorian Floral Easter Eggs digital set at the Crafty Secrets 'Crafty Vintage Girl Store'.   This time I chose to do a 'Window' card.

 

Recipe:

SU Groovy Guava cardstock, White cardstock, Cantaloupe Vellum, Spellbinder Classic & Scallop Oval dies, Cheery Lynn Designs B117S Fanciful Flourish Sm die, Cheery Lynn Designs DL112 Exotic Butterflies Sm, PunchBunch Cherry Blossom punch, PunchBunch 'Big Sky' punch

* * * * *

AND ... one more card today and this one is TOTALLY DIGITAL!  I have used various images/papers/sentiments from the Creating with Vintage 'Typography CD#3'.  These CD's are jam packed full of amazing images, paper, embellishments, etc., etc.!  Believe me, they are SO WORTH the money and they even offer instruction on how to use the cd's!!!

 When using digital images from a CD like this, I typically create my card front using Microsoft WORD.  Pulling in the background paper I want to use and size it to my card front size then just continue to bring in and resize each piece until I have what I want.  Really not difficult once you get going!!  
On this card I have utilized 4 different files.  I have left to inside blank so I can write a message to my girlfriend in Toledo.  She too is looking forward to Springtime!

I hope I've inspired you today, but if you are looking for even more inspiration, check out my team mates blogs listed here:

• Vicki Chrisman Team Leader
• Michele Kovack
• Melissa Bove
• Rebekah Faries

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope to will join in our March Linky Party fun! 
See you there!
And, as always . . .

WAIT ... WAIT ... there's more!!

PLUS, this month's Free Download Gift when you place an order on our CraftyVintage Girl Store is   Bouquets of Joy!

Isn't she adorable!!   Hurry on over and place your order!!

"GET TOGETHER" Challenge

sponsored by Shelly's Images and DigiStamps4Joy over Paper Craft Planet ... come check it out!

 What fun images to combine and create with!  I will be having a 2nd entry early next week but wanted to share with you the one I was able to get completed today.  

Here is my card when it's closed . . .

Here's a peek at the inside . . .

And here it is wide-open.

So ... what do you think?  Yep ... there was a bit of fussy cutting on this project but SO MUCH FUN!

This project sure has given me more practice coloring with my new Spectrum Noir alcohol markers.  And as you can see in this last photo ... I printed these images before I received the 'proper' paper to use when coloring with alcohol markers.  Still learning the ropes!

My egg shape opening was created with Spellbinder's Nestled Egg dies and the patterned paper was in my Easter stash so I'm not real sure who the maker is (sorry!).

Other challenges:

Robyn's Fetish - Easter

 Live & Love Crafts' Inspiration & Challenge Blog - Easter

Natalie & Amy Challenge - Die Cuts

Oozak - Anything Goes with Spring

Visible Image - March Challenge: Spring

Avadares - Easter or Spring

Thanks so much for stopping by and hope to see you again tomorrow!

Hope you've had as nice a weekend as I have!  

As always . . .