Another birthday

I really enjoy doing humorous cards.  This is a Penny Black image, colored with chalk crayons.  The red stripe is the inside of a recycled advertising envelope.  More recycling - I stamped the image on the back of another advertising card.  I might even say the ribbon is recycled - I got a dozen or so rolls for about $1 at a garage sale!

http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/  (sketch)
http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/   (recycling; PB image)

May Flowers

I just gave several thinking of you cards to a friend - she has devastating cancer, and wanted cards for friends and family members who also have cancer.  Life is just difficult some times.  At any rate, I need to replenish my stash.  This is one of my favorite go-to images for a monochromatic look. The image and sentiment are from the Our Daily Bread set called Faith.  I used the textile CB folder, Nesties, blue ink, and some odds and ends of cs.I added a tiny butterfly and flower.

http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/  (flowers)
http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/  (wings)
http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge  (sketch and ODB stamps)

Riley Anniversary

This is one of my favorite anniversary images - I see I need to straighten them up a bit LOL!  It is a Riley image, and I used a JustRite sentiment.  The flowers are from SandyLion, and the DP is BasicGrey, from a very old sheet of tags and small pieces of cs.  The coloring is by Prismas.  I embossed the word Congratulations from a full page CB folder - just embossing the edges - first one side, then reversing for the other edge. I sponged the image and tag, and distressed the edges.
http://basicgreychallenges.blogspot.com/  (anything)
http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/  (wedding, anniversary)
http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/  (sketch)
paperplaychallenges.blogspot.com/ (distressing)

Western Father's Day

This western image is an older set from Mark's Finest Papers. The sentiment is really old and has no label.  I used my brand new Vagabond die cut machine to emboss - I am afraid my cuttlebug is dying from overuse!  I have lots to learn, but I really liked the results of the Vagabond in some limited tries.  And I got a good deal at Joann's, so I am pretty satisfied.  This is the CB Argyle folder.  I completed the card with a brad and shiny brown twine.
http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/challenge-54-dad-daddy-papa.html  (Dad, Father)
http://www.marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/  (Father's Day)
http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges  (Father's Day)
http://skippingstonesdesign.com/  (sketch)
http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/   (for the boys)

Immature for a lifetime...

  

I got this image from a friend - maybe you can help with the origin.  I used AMuse dp and cs.  Coloring is with Prismas, and the flower is Petaloo,  I added glitter to her hat, the skirt, and the platform.  The bg is embossed with the Happy Birthday folder.
 A colored image:  http://amusestudiochallengeblog.blogspot.com/
The sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Glitter:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/

Going buggy

I am sure all of you can relate to having supplies that do not work for you.  This die from Cuttlebug is an example for me.  I really like most everything CB that I have, but I just cannot get this bee to work.  I did paper piece for the colors - maybe I should have done the stripes with markers  Oh, well...
I also used the lattice border die (CB), some Nesties, a Rivetting (SU) greeting, and cute Debbie Mumm dp.

Sketch:  http://hippitywithippity.blogspot.com/
Use die cut bugs:  http://paperplaytime.blogspot.com/
Wings:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/

Silver and Royal graduation

This is for the first invitation we received this year - it is out of town so there are no thoughts of attending - but it would be nice to have more than one week's notice!  I try to personalize graduation cards - it is convenient to be able to find out school colors, etc. on line.  The hat is cut from his return address sticker - ultimate recycling! I liked this sketch to allow more of the embossed piece to remain visible - but I was a bit stymied to keep the strips to a minimum, and also masculine.  The center is ribbon (from a clearance holiday set at M's), the rest is from a set of stickers by Anita.  The left is an actual sticker, and the right is a tiny strip of the "negative" - I must admit, I am happy with the result.  The sentiment is one I bought long ago (e-bay?) and I wonder if it is a very old SU stamp - no wood base.

Sketch:  http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
Graduation:  http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/

Leaping for Joy

There is not much to describe here.  I used up some scraps of cs and DP.  The Penny Black hedgie is colored with Prismas, and I added some tiny rhinestones. The leafy punch is Martha Stewart.
Shades of plum:  http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.com/
Lots of flowers in hedgie's garden:  http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
A birthday:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
The sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/

Floral greeting

http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge

I am in the midst of reorganizing my stamping room, and am at the point where I can find almost nothing!  I did have one stamped image from the Birthday set by ODB, and it worked for me to use inspiration picture #3. with the greens and touch of red, and  a circular (wreath) shape.   The bg is a CAB EF - birds and flowers, I think.  The sentiment is from a dollar bin, and the butterflies are C.C. Designs.
Sketch:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Inspiration #3:  http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge

Blanche is ready for the beach

Both the image and sentiment are by Art Impressions, colored with Prismas. I used a scallop punch as well as a butterfly punch, a bit of ribbon and tiny rhinestones.  Rounded corners were also done with a punch, and the bg is Cuttlebug bubbles.

The sketch: http://cardpatterns.blogspot.com/
Wings: http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Colors - I used the best I could find - http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/
Butterflies, ribbon and punches:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.com/

Cake, Music, Flowers and Flourishes for an Anniversary

This did not turn out as well IRL as I had pictured it, but it will have to do!  The image is from my digi stash.  The EF is Allegro, and the die cut is a Cuttlebug Border.  I had the cs and dp in my stash as well.  The sentiment is computer generated.
A celebration challenge:  http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Music:  http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/%E2%97%8B%20Challenges
The sketch: http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/
Anniversary (Wed. challenge): http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/
A cake for sweets:  http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/

May Flowers

I always need thank you cards!  This uses an image from Paper and Such - what a pretty basket of spring flowers!  I added touches of color with metallic gel pens - nice and shiny. The sentiment is from a set by Recollection.   The punched border is with a Martha Steward border punch.  The DP has all been in my scrap pile for a long time!  I have also had the ribbon for a couple of years.  The Petaloo flowers and half pearls by Pizzazz Aplenty are newer.

Use a flower:  http://doyoustackup.blogspot.com/
Thank you:  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/fbc-95.html
Another thank you:  http://www.inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
May flowers:  http://www.paperandsuchonline.blogspot.com/
The sketch, which I stretched but otherwise kept the same: http://www.sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Bingo, the right column (flowers, patterned paper, bling): http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/fbc-94-may-prize-challenge.html

Fishing, Catching?

I like this guy (Rubbernecker) with his bemused look - and I will have need of fishing cards this summer!  I colored with watercolor pencils. The dp is ProvoCraft, and the bg is embossed with distressed stripes.  I used a couple of stickers t the top, and die cut with Nesties.  I laced twine to add to the rustic look. 
The layout: http://stamptacularsundaychallenge.blogspot.com/
Use something natural - the twine:  http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/
Lacing:  http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/fabulous-friday-challenge-lacing.html

For a baby

When I saw the color challenge of pink, green and blue I immediately thought of a baby card, but it turned out to be more challenging than I expected - mainly because i have little in the way of baby images.  I was also trying to keep it for either a boy or girl.  The image, label and green mat were all acquired through Wish RAK at SplitCoastStampers.  DP is from a Debbie Mumm stack.  I used a blue watercolor pencil and aqua brush, then added the drops from Robyn's Nest.
Any:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Pink, green, blue:  http://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
I no lolnger have any kids to craft with, so I created a card for a kid:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/2012/05/nsd-4-kids-craft.html
"3" - squares:  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/
Layout:  http://sundaysketchandstamp.blogspot.com/

Emerson in B&W

Not much to explain here - I do enjoy Emerson's images!  The embossing is CB's Victoria.
Anything goes:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
Black and white with one color:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/2012/05/nsd-1-black-white-1.html
Ribbon and bows:  http://ssdschallenge.blogspot.com/

Spring Thank You

Image: Penny Black, sentiment - Recollections.  Colored with  gel pens
The corner punch - Martha Stewart,  scallops - Fiskars.  Nesties circles.  Buttons and cord from my stash.

Buttons for:  http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Flowers in image:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
Spring:  http://www.dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/
NSD #5, thankful: http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/2012/05/nsd-challenge-5-im-thankful.html 
Case, with a Penny Black image: http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Flowers:  http://pixieduststudiopixiechallenge.blogspot.com/

Golden Wedding

I often need special anniversary cards for customers, so this will be good to have in my inventory.  I used a piece of a large gift bag for the gold.  The lacy circle is the Lavalier Circle by Memory Box.  I used two kinds of ribbon and a gold cord.  The embossed gold flowers are by Petaloo.  I added half pearls from Pizzazz Aplenty.  The 50 is the Olivia die cut by Cuttlebug.

The sketch:  http://cardpatterns.blogspot.com/
An anniversary card:  http://stamp-n-doodle.blogspot.com/
Lots of ribbon:  http://www.inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Two or more ribbons:  http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.com/
I am catching up on special cards I know I will be needing for customers this summer:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/

Flowery birthday

This is pretty self explanatory.  The DP is by Recollections; Ribbon is Offray, flowers by Petaloo, the scallop punch is Fiskars, and the sentiment is JustRite. I sprinkled a bit of glitter over the patterned paper.
Red, lime and gold:  http://dancinginpajamas.blogspot.com/
The lime and gold and leafy pattern:  http://blog.ribboncarousel.com/
The sketch:   http://skippingstonesdesign.com/
Spring flowers (gold and red and glittery IRL):  http://tsgclearstamps.blogspot.com/

Die cut butterflies

For the card full of butterflies I used AMuse papers I was lucky enough to win a few weeks ago - this is a gorgeous palette (Venetian),  I used lido and titian.  The butterflies and circles are Spellbinder die cuts - cut and embossed.  I had all the "holes" from the center butterfly still floating around on my desk, and I decided to add them along the top and bottom - kind of like the look. I used a strip of ribbon but ended up hiding most of it.

Use of die cuts, and AMuse cs:  http://amusestudiochallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Texture: http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://critterchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
"me" - things I like include butterflies, black, and die cuts: http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/2012/05/nsd-2-all-about-me.html

Honoring a wounded hero

It is so important to support our military.  I saw this on SplitCoastStampers :http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/card-requests-f202/hero-can-use-good-dose-sc-love-t553344.html  regarding a young soldier who lost all four limbs as a result of a bombing incident.  I hope some of you will check it out and join me in sending support.
The eagle and sentiment came from my stash of patriotic images.  I have lots of stars, etc., but none in the right deep red and blue, so I used one of my first Cuttlebug purchases, the asterisk die. I colored with Twinkling H2O for a bit of shine.  The stripes are Paper Pizazz, and the twine from Pizzazz Aplenty.
Sentiment and stripes:  http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
Masculine:  http://totallystampalicious.blogspot.com/
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/

A trio of flowers

The inside verse is for a sympathy card, but this is the only sentiment I had that would work in this layout.  I used Spellbinders embossed photo corners to attach it.  I have rediscovered my Twinkling H20's recently, and like the shimmer on this ivory cs. I need more practice - I was attempting to make the side panels much lighter.  Image is by Hampton Art, and the sentiment is part of a Recollection set.
The sketch:  http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/
Using texture:  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Using color:  http://simonsaysstampandshow.blogspot.com/

May means fishing!

For hubby especially, May brings thoughts of fishing.  He probably will not actually get the boat in the water until June, but preparations are well under way!
The spring and green are obvious, but the bling does not show well.  The flowers are grass green and covered with glitter (Petaloo).  I also used Twinkling H2O inks (with an aqua brush) so they sparkle IRL.  The image is by Penny Black, and the banner letters are the Cuttlebug Olivia set.  The green mat is dry embossed with the CB bubble folder.  I used twine for the bow and to hang the letters (by Pizzazz Aplenty).
The sketch:  http://cardpatterns.blogspot.com/
Bling and dry embossing:  http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge
I used a Penny Black image with a "May" theme: http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/
The trees and green are for:  http://stampinsistersinchrist.blogspot.com/
This challenge is for "Spring Bling":  http://stamptacularsundaychallenge.blogspot.com/

A tribute to past generations

There are several challenges asking us to recognize important women in our lives.  I admit, this does not represent any one I know (though there is some resemblance to a couple of aunts who passed on long ago).  So it is a tribute to those many women who bring humor and friendship to our lives.
The image is paper pieced and colored with Prismas.  The DP is from a Recollections pad.  I did the sentiment on the computer. BG is the Cuttlebug happy birthday folder.

The sketch:  http://www.thepixiecottage.blogspot.com/
I used the color (blue) and swirly look as inspiration:  http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com/
This calls for rain or shine - I think these gals are taking advantage of the sunshine:  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
For a special lady (see above):  http://www.dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/
"Blue":  http://marksfinestpapers.blogspot.com/

Caught a bug?

I hope this critter helps someone to feel better.  I think I heard that green is not a good color for get well, but I think this is kind of a cheery green.  What do you think?  A friend who is no longer stamping gave me a bunch of pre-stamped images, so I am not sure who makes this.  Any help? I used Prismas for coloring. I did a computer generated sentiment, and tied it on with twine from Pizzazz Aplenty.  The DP comes from the DCWV Garden Party stack.
A challenge to use animals - a bug counts, I hope!  http://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
This challenge is for a get well card:  http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
The sketch:  http://www.sweetsketchwednesday.blogspot.com/